Tamika Gilbert-Floyd. Juanita Hyman Seek to Make History in Run For Egg Harbor Township Committee
Photo courtesy of Juanita Hyman
AC JosepH Media
EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — Two longtime community leaders, Juanita Hyman and Tamika Gilbert?Floyd, are making history as they campaign together for seats on the Egg Harbor Township Committee, offering residents a choice shaped by experience, service, and a shared call for more responsive local government.
If elected, Hyman and Gilbert?Floyd would become the first Black women ever to serve on the governing body in the township’s 226?year history — a milestone both candidates say is meaningful, but not the sole purpose of their campaigns.
Gilbert-Floyd has already made history after becoming to the first Black woman to serve as president of the Egg Harbor Township school board. Gilbert-Floyd and Hyman both currently serve on the school board.
Their focus, they emphasize, is on all residents and on addressing concerns they hear repeatedly across neighborhoods: overdevelopment, infrastructure strain, crowded schools, taxes, and the need for more transparent, accessible leadership.
A Shared Call for Responsible Growth
Both candidates say the township is at a critical moment.
Gilbert?Floyd, a proud Egg Harbor Township High School graduate and career educator, said she entered the race because “Egg Harbor Township is more than just the place where I live — it is home.” She believes her decades of experience managing budgets, solving complex problems, and leading large teams have prepared her to help guide the township through smart, sustainable growth.
“Growth can bring opportunities, but it must be balanced and sustainable,” she said, noting that development decisions must consider long?term impacts on traffic, drainage, emergency services, schools, and quality of life. She stressed that residents deserve clear communication and transparency about how decisions are made.
Hyman, a retired nurse practitioner, longtime school nurse, said she is running because she believes the township is headed in the wrong direction.
“Over?development is our number one concern because it directly impacts the quality of life in our town,” Hyman said. “We can’t continue down a path of unchecked development that is leading to overcrowded schools, substantial increases in property taxes, and increased pressure on our roads and essential services.”
She added that several residents were surprised to learn that certain areas had been rezoned for development — including Patcong Farm and Timber Ridge — and that the growth was not required by the Pinelands Commission, as many had believed.
Community Response: Concern, Engagement, and a Desire to Be Heard
Both candidates say the campaign trail has revealed a community that is deeply invested in the township’s future.
Gilbert?Floyd said one of the biggest revelations has been how many residents want to be more involved but do not always feel heard. “People have ideas. They have concerns. They have questions. They simply want to know that their voices matter,” she said.
Hyman echoed that sentiment, noting that residents across neighborhoods have responded favorably to their message. Many, she said, feel the township’s long?standing leadership has become complacent and less responsive to evolving needs.
“Our opponents have been in office for 20 years,” Hyman said. “Long tenure leads to complacency, lack of new ideas, and less responsiveness. It’s time for real change.”
Priorities: Schools, Infrastructure, Taxes, and Transparency
If elected, both candidates say their priorities would center on responsible planning and protecting residents from the consequences of rapid growth.
Gilbert?Floyd emphasized responsible budgeting, long?term planning, and improved communication between the township, residents, and the school district.
“Government works best when residents feel informed, included, and comfortable asking questions,” she said.
Hyman said she would focus on preventing overcrowded schools, reducing strain on infrastructure, and ensuring future development is manageable. “Our community should not have to sacrifice its quality of life to accommodate unchecked development,” she said.
Personal Journeys Rooted in Service
Gilbert?Floyd has spent nearly 30 years in education, including more than two decades in school leadership. She describes herself as someone who values listening, collaboration, and thoughtful decision?making.
“My connection to this township is personal,” she said. “Egg Harbor Township helped shape who I am. Now, I am seeking the opportunity to give back.”
Hyman’s career spans more than 40 years in healthcare — from ICU nursing to administrative leadership to 26 years as a certified school nurse. She currently helps oversee a $210 million school district budget and chaired the policy committee during a successful $36 million school improvement referendum.
She also shared a personal detail that shapes her public service: “I grew up in a rough section of Atlantic City where I faced significant odds. That experience has motivated me to support youth and public education — and to stand up for what is right.”
A Historic Moment — and a Shared Vision
While both candidates acknowledge the significance of potentially becoming the first Black women to serve on the Township Committee, they stress that their campaigns are about representing everyone.
“As a Black woman, I understand why representation is meaningful,” Gilbert?Floyd said. “But I am not running to represent only one group. I am running to represent all of Egg Harbor Township.”
Hyman said the milestone would bring “greater attention to issues that affect all neighborhoods,” adding that diversity in leadership strengthens communities.
Looking Ahead
As Election Day approaches, Hyman and Gilbert?Floyd say they are committed to listening, learning, and working collaboratively with residents.
“Most importantly, I believe we can accomplish more when we work together,” Gilbert?Floyd said.
Hyman added, “In November, the community has the power to decide which direction is best for Egg Harbor Township. I believe it is time for real change.”
Both candidates say their campaigns are rooted in service, accountability, and a belief that Egg Harbor Township deserves leadership that puts residents first.
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