At Cherry Hill High School East, David Fleisher (‘87) stood tall at the podium in a congested auditorium, promoting the ideas of his classmates and voicing their concerns. Now, 36 years later, Fleisher once again stands tall at a podium, promoting the ideas of Cherry Hill residents to strengthen his town as a community leader. Now, running for mayor.

Fleisher was first exposed to leading his peers as early as middle school, joining Beck Middle School’s Student Government Association (SGA) and becoming its president. Bringing his class together and expressing his voice, he gained the opportunity to influence the school experience for himself and his classmates. This early introduction to politics allowed Fleisher to uncover his passion: uniting a community.

Continuing on this trajectory, Fleisher’s peers elected him to be class president at East, allowing him to govern a larger community. Representing his peers and evaluating school policies, he developed communication, collaboration and leadership skills as a teenager. This experience inspired Fleisher to pursue politics later in life. After graduating, he attended Ithaca College where he also served as SGA President. Fleisher found these roles integral to his current position, acquiring the necessary building blocks to unify a community.

”My involvement at Beck Middle School and Cherry Hill East informed my decision to be involved later in life…It doesn’t matter what age you are, but working with people, listening and building consensus is a lifelong skill,” he said.

In 1997, after volunteering on several township committees, Fleisher jumped at the opportunity to join the Cherry Hill Township Council at only 27 years old. Feeling tied to his hometown and wanting to give back to the community that provided for him, he was eager to work permanently in Cherry Hill. He has since then become Council President. On the Council, Fleisher focuses on fiscal management, neighborhood investments and protecting the environment. He uses his knowledge of financial planning to determine where money needs to be allocated for investments.

For his mayoral candidacy, Fleisher is prioritizing safety, so he plans to invest in police departments to improve their training and hold community members accountable for their actions. By holding everyone to the highest standards, police can limit common infractions such as speeding.

In addition to enforcing safety, Fleisher highlights sustainability and preserving open space as a vital element of his campaign. As Council President, Fleisher and the Township Council have agreed in principle to buy Holly Ravine Farm to prevent companies from building a complex on the property. He also aims to reinstate Mayor Angulo’s Wellness Campaign to encourage healthy living and nutrition through Parks and Recreation programs and community activities.

Fleisher also emphasizes the importance of diversity in Cherry Hill through the Human Relations Advisory Committee (HRAC), which he co-founded. The HRAC aims to celebrate different cultures and advocate for acceptance in the community while combating bigotry.

“The Council brings together a cross-section of civic and religious leaders with township officials to build relationships and understanding an appreciation of our differences.” “It’s the job of elected officials to bring people together,” Fleisher said.

Along with campaigning, Fleisher finds time to bolster his community. He is a member of the board for Foundations, Inc., a nonprofit organization that improves children’s education and learning by supporting teachers. Moreover, Fleisher also is a booster for East soccer, a coach for the Cherry Hill Atlantic Little League, and a volunteer for the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Southern New Jersey.

“I’m one of five kids to go to Cherry Hill schools, and I was raised to believe that being part of a community is not a spectator sport,” Fleisher said.

Fleisher strives to give back to the community that ignited his passion as a student, being the genesis of his ongoing political career. SGA provided a voice for Fleisher, so Fleisher encourages current students to get involved in their community and make themselves heard.

“I want everyone to believe that they have an opportunity to make a difference,” he said.