Platt will not run for mayor
By MELISSA DIPENTO
The Cherry Hill Sun
4/15/2011

Mayor Bernie Platt and his family moved to Cherry Hill in 1966 to the Downs Farm section of town.

At the time, Platt said, there were quite a few issues affecting the community, so neighbors encouraged him to come to a community meeting.

Platt started attending meetings, giving his thoughts and comments about issues in the community.

“If I live here, I’m going to do something,” Platt said.

Platt, who said he always had an interest in public service, later served as president of the civic association.

His position as president paved the way for a four-decade long career in public service.

And after all these years, Platt announced last week that he is not seeking reelection this November.

Platt came to the decision after speaking with his wife and family.

“I thought about running again, seriously. But it’s time to reflect and start to smell the roses,” Platt said.

Platt was elected to council in 1976. That following year, Platt also opened his family business, Platt Memorial Chapels in Cherry Hill.

In 1979, Platt was elected by council to serve as mayor, holding the post for two years.

He continued to serve on council until 1985.

From 1996 to 1998, Platt also served on Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the governing body of Camden County.

In 2002, Platt began his second stretch as mayor. Platt said he’s enjoyed every moment in office.

“It has its ups and downs. We’ve had to overcome challenges,” Platt said. “I love being mayor, it’s the highest form of service to the township.”

Platt said that his years as a resident of the township have aided in relationship building and a sense of community with neighbors.

“I’m not sitting up in an ivory tower looking down at the people,” Platt said. I can relate to the people.”

Platt said he is proud of the work he’s accomplished as mayor and said he would continue to work hard for the rest of his term.

Platt said he was pleased with what the township has accomplished over the years.

“When I became mayor in ’02, my goal was to make Cherry Hill a better place for the future,” Platt said.

Revitalizing the old racetrack, upgrading the mall, and initiating and carrying out the green initiatives are a few of the goals Platt is proud to have met.

Platt said he will miss serving the township as mayor, but has a few things to look forward to.

He and his wife Judy plan to do some traveling, including more frequent trips to their second home in Florida.

Platt isn’t planning his next move just yet, but says he wants to stay involved with the community and is interested in serving in a smaller capacity.

He said he is interested in serving on a civic association board or with another group in town.

“It’s time to let someone else do the job,” he said.

Platt said he is thankful for all the experience he’s gained on the job and for having the opportunity to serve the community he loves.

“You could do two things. Put your hand in your pocket and be done or perform a high level of service to the community where you partake and give back,” Platt said. “Cherry Hill has been very good to my family and I wanted to be good to it.”