Meet James Melton, Burlington Co. Commissioner General Election Candidate

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — The ballot season is in full swing in the Garden State, and Patch has asked local candidates aiming to win a seat on the Burlington County Board of Commissioners to share their thoughts before the General Election on Nov. 3.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all contested candidates via the email addresses listed for their campaign. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Contact edward.callahan@patch.com with any questions regarding coverage.

Name: James Melton

Age: 58

Town of residence: Burlington City

Position sought: Burlington County Commissioner

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Husband, 3 adult children, grandfather of 2

Education: Camden City High School; Camden County Police Academy; United States Navy Basic Training

Occupation: Security Officer; Retired Camden City Police Corporal Detective; former Camden City Correctional Officer; Yeoman Petty Officer, Drill Sergeant

Previous or current elected or appointed office: None

Why are you seeking office?

Public service has been the foundation of my career. I had the privilege of serving my country in the Navy, and my community as a Camden County Correctional Officer and as a Camden City Police Officer.

Raising my family in Burlington County, I understand how important affordability and safety are to working families. I am seeking office because I want to continue to serve, this time by helping make county government more accountable and responsive to the people who depend on it.

What additional measures would you suggest to build on one or two things that are done right now within the county?

Burlington County is home to some of New Jersey’s most beautiful open spaces and family farms. I want to prioritize the protection of our natural landscapes and farmland from overdevelopment.

I also believe we should invest in our parks and recreational facilities to ensure that families can enjoy our outdoor spaces.

By balancing preservation and improving our recreational infrastructure, we can protect what makes Burlington County special while ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.

If you were to start your own board or commission, what would it be for and why? What issues would you want to address, or areas would you want to highlight?

Given my background in law enforcement, I would propose a public safety and community partnership advisory commission to bring together first responders, law enforcement, and community leaders.

Public safety is strongest when people communicate and trust one another.

The commission would review resident concerns and ensure coordination among agencies to provide better support to everyone.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My background is rooted in public service.

I have worked in a correctional facility, served as a police officer in Camden, and served in the United States Navy.

These experiences have instilled in me a sense of service and a commitment to our country. These experiences shape how I would approach the Commissioner’s Board, with responsibility at the forefront.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle this job?

Some of my proudest accomplishments have come from opportunities to lead and mentor our future generation of leaders.

As a Drill Sergeant in the United States Army, I trained our soldiers and prepared them for the responsibilities and challenges of military service. I also served as an instructor at the Camden City Police Department’s Junior Police Academy.

My passion for mentorship extended to athletics through my work coaching track at Princeton University.

These experiences, along with my career in law enforcement, have taught me the importance of patience and leading by example. Above all, they have reinforced my belief that effective leadership begins with investing in people and helping them reach their full potential.

Working with our future leaders from different backgrounds has taught me how to bring people together to work toward a common goal.

Serving as a Commissioner requires listening to residents and making decisions that serve their needs best.

What's a motto you live your life by?

“Give God the Glory.”

My faith has been a guiding light throughout my life and career. Whether in the military or law enforcement, I have always sought to live by the principles of integrity and service to others.

My faith has taught me that leadership is not about personal recognition, but about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me. It has guided me through difficult decisions and reinforced my belief that we all have a responsibility to serve something greater than ourselves.

What does it mean to you to represent Burlington County moving forward?

To represent Burlington County would mean remembering who the Board of Commissioners is supposed to serve: the families, seniors, veterans, and workers who call Burlington County home.

I would want residents to know that their Board of Commissioners are hearing their concerns - that their tax dollars are treated responsibly and their safety and quality of life are priorities.

For me, this would be another opportunity to give back to the community that raised me and Build A Better Burlington County.

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