My Turn with Helen Wilson LeFrois

Hello, my name is Helen Wilson LeFrois and I’m a candidate for the Republican nomination for Sussex County Freeholder. I am a life-long member of the Republican Party.

Five years ago, I was elected to Newton town council. I had been active in the town on various committees, as chair of the regional March of Dimes campaign, and I coached Newton’s youth soccer program. I decided to run against a long-time incumbent. I campaigned hard, listened to peoples’ concerns, and they placed their faith in me with their votes.

I served as the Mayor of Newton and last year, ran on a ticket with Gail Phoebus for Freeholder. Two seats were open. In the Republican primary, Gail came in first and I narrowly missed second place.

We ran a strong grassroots campaign that featured a “listening tour” that held a dozen meetings with residents throughout the county. I spent many nights and weekends talking with people about their concerns over high property taxes and a contracting jobs market. We discussed the problems of over-regulation and how it affects businesses as well as average taxpayers.

As a member of Newton’s council, we cleaned up the regulatory process in our town, worked to attract new businesses, and made do with less revenue from property taxes. More businesses opened in Newton – everything from new main street restaurants and the historic Newton Theatre, to large corporations like Thorlabs. All brought new jobs to Sussex County.

I was a corporate executive before becoming director of development for a non-profit organization that assists women and children. I’m the daughter of a Vietnam Vet and believe in serving my fellow citizens. I’ve been an active volunteer in my community, including as president of St. Joseph Regional School’s Home and School Association, because Sussex County is the place my husband and our three children call home.

I believe that I can add a strong conservative perspective to the Sussex County Freeholder Board. In the coming weeks, I’ll be reaching out to you to ask for your support. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Helen Wilson LeFrois
Newton
Feb. 22, 2013