Email interview with Surrogate Helene Reed
Christine Scott
Oral History Project (Writing Research Technology)
Email interview
Making History in Politics
Interview one with Helene Reed Gloucester County Surrogate
1. What made you decided to get involved with Politics?
Moving into a new area, my husband and I were looking for a joint project to try and help the people in Monroe Twp. It was suggested we join the Democrat Club, we did and we stayed involved.
2. When did you first run for office? Which one and did you win?
1983 – I was selected to replace the Councilperson in Ward 2. I ran in primary and won but lost in General Election.
1983 - Council Monroe Twp – Ward 2
1991 – 1998 Council at Large Monroe Twp.
1999 – 2007 Gloucester County Freeholder
2008 – Present Surrogate/Judge Gloucester County.
3. Can you give a brief run-down of your political history: give details of your career in politics (office and accomplishments)
Started out as Committeewomen in Monroe Twp.
1983- First Women to serve on Monroe Twp Council
1991-1998 Elected to full term on Monroe Twp. Council served 3 years as Council President.
1999-2007 Elected to Gloucester County Freeholder Board
2000 - Elected as delegate to Democrat National Convention
2004 - Elected again as delegate
2002 - Served as president of Committee to bring nursing program back to Gloucester County College
2002 - Women’s Club – Women of the Year award
2005 - Elected President of New Jersey Association Of Counties.
2005 - Williamstown Civic Group Honoree
2005 - Re-elected to Freeholder Board. First women serve a third term.
4. What do you believe is your biggest accomplishment during your time in office?
I take great pride in the formation of the Gloucester County Emergence Medical Services formation. A lot of work but a wonderful service to the residents of Gloucester County. Also, the expansion of the Flu shot program from below a thousand to almost 25,000.
5. You made history in Gloucester County by being the first woman to ever hold the title of Freeholder for three terms what does it mean to you to have made such an impact on the county?
I like to feel the people of Gloucester County felt the effects of my many efforts to spread the knowledge of the many programs available to the residents, if we needed to start a program, we investigated and took action. As always I hope it showed the women that we can do a good job. I am always encouraging women to take an active part in politics.
6. What made you decide to not run for a fourth term and run for Surrogate?
The party was looking for a candidate and I applied. I felt my years of experience would be valuable to the office.
7. Please describe the duties of being Freeholder
As a Freeholder, I served as liaison for the Department of Health & Public Safety which consists of the Department of Health & Senior Services, Medical Examiner, Emergency management, Emergency Management Council, Emergency Medical Services Council, Emergency Response, Fire Marshal, Adjuster's Office, Commission on Women, Mental Health Board and the Autonomous Board Oversight Committee. I was also Past-President of the New Jersey Association of Counties and is now serving on their Foundation Board
8. Please describe your job currently as Surrogate.
Surrogate – I review all the probate cases prepared by the probate clerks and rule on the validity of each case, if all is in order I sign the required papers and returned to the Probate clerks. If the case presented is in any way does not contain the required affidavits then the case is denied for Doubts and Difficulties and returned to applicant and advised of the need to be heard by the Superior court Judge.
In My office we also process Adoptions, Minor’s Accounts/Guardianship of Minors, Incapacitate hearings, Administrations of Estates.
The Surrogate also visits many venues to discuss the need for a will.
9. If you could do one thing different what do you think it would be?
There is nothing outstanding I would like to do over, a lot of little things. An overriding factor is that I would definitely go on to College before settling down to wedded bliss.
Oral History Project (Writing Research Technology)
Email interview
Making History in Politics
Interview one with Helene Reed Gloucester County Surrogate
1. What made you decided to get involved with Politics?
Moving into a new area, my husband and I were looking for a joint project to try and help the people in Monroe Twp. It was suggested we join the Democrat Club, we did and we stayed involved.
2. When did you first run for office? Which one and did you win?
1983 – I was selected to replace the Councilperson in Ward 2. I ran in primary and won but lost in General Election.
1983 - Council Monroe Twp – Ward 2
1991 – 1998 Council at Large Monroe Twp.
1999 – 2007 Gloucester County Freeholder
2008 – Present Surrogate/Judge Gloucester County.
3. Can you give a brief run-down of your political history: give details of your career in politics (office and accomplishments)
Started out as Committeewomen in Monroe Twp.
1983- First Women to serve on Monroe Twp Council
1991-1998 Elected to full term on Monroe Twp. Council served 3 years as Council President.
1999-2007 Elected to Gloucester County Freeholder Board
2000 - Elected as delegate to Democrat National Convention
2004 - Elected again as delegate
2002 - Served as president of Committee to bring nursing program back to Gloucester County College
2002 - Women’s Club – Women of the Year award
2005 - Elected President of New Jersey Association Of Counties.
2005 - Williamstown Civic Group Honoree
2005 - Re-elected to Freeholder Board. First women serve a third term.
4. What do you believe is your biggest accomplishment during your time in office?
I take great pride in the formation of the Gloucester County Emergence Medical Services formation. A lot of work but a wonderful service to the residents of Gloucester County. Also, the expansion of the Flu shot program from below a thousand to almost 25,000.
5. You made history in Gloucester County by being the first woman to ever hold the title of Freeholder for three terms what does it mean to you to have made such an impact on the county?
I like to feel the people of Gloucester County felt the effects of my many efforts to spread the knowledge of the many programs available to the residents, if we needed to start a program, we investigated and took action. As always I hope it showed the women that we can do a good job. I am always encouraging women to take an active part in politics.
6. What made you decide to not run for a fourth term and run for Surrogate?
The party was looking for a candidate and I applied. I felt my years of experience would be valuable to the office.
7. Please describe the duties of being Freeholder
As a Freeholder, I served as liaison for the Department of Health & Public Safety which consists of the Department of Health & Senior Services, Medical Examiner, Emergency management, Emergency Management Council, Emergency Medical Services Council, Emergency Response, Fire Marshal, Adjuster's Office, Commission on Women, Mental Health Board and the Autonomous Board Oversight Committee. I was also Past-President of the New Jersey Association of Counties and is now serving on their Foundation Board
8. Please describe your job currently as Surrogate.
Surrogate – I review all the probate cases prepared by the probate clerks and rule on the validity of each case, if all is in order I sign the required papers and returned to the Probate clerks. If the case presented is in any way does not contain the required affidavits then the case is denied for Doubts and Difficulties and returned to applicant and advised of the need to be heard by the Superior court Judge.
In My office we also process Adoptions, Minor’s Accounts/Guardianship of Minors, Incapacitate hearings, Administrations of Estates.
The Surrogate also visits many venues to discuss the need for a will.
9. If you could do one thing different what do you think it would be?
There is nothing outstanding I would like to do over, a lot of little things. An overriding factor is that I would definitely go on to College before settling down to wedded bliss.
