Atlantic County Commissioner Candidate Jonathan Marcellus Calls for Change, Citing Rising Costs and Lack of Opportunity

Democratic challenger says working families are struggling and proposes greater support for small businesses, affordable housing and job creation.

ATLANTIC COUNTY, N.J. — With Election Day approaching, Democratic Atlantic County commissioner candidate Jonathan Marcellus says rising living costs, a shortage of good-paying jobs and the difficulty young people face establishing themselves in South Jersey are reasons voters should consider changing the county's leadership.

Marcellus, a Galloway Township resident and small-business owner, is challenging Republican incumbents John Risley and June Byrnes for one of two at-large seats on the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners in the November 3 election.

During an October 22 appearance on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, Marcellus discussed his personal journey from Haiti to Atlantic County, his experience working in the casino industry and his belief that county government should do more to improve economic opportunities for residents.

While praising the incumbents as hardworking public servants, Marcellus questioned whether their leadership has produced enough results.

"I think they are good people who work very hard. They have done the best they can do, but I think I can do better," Marcellus said.

He later added, "They've done the best they can do, but I don't think their best is good enough."

Rising Costs at the Center of His Campaign

Marcellus repeatedly returned to the financial pressures facing working families, particularly housing, groceries and utilities.

He recalled moving into an apartment with his wife nearly three decades ago, when their monthly rent was approximately $600 to $700.

Today, he said, a comparable apartment costs more than $2,000.

Marcellus said the difference illustrates how difficult it has become for younger residents to afford housing and build their futures in Atlantic County.

He also pointed to the rising cost of groceries.

"Five years ago, you were able to go to ShopRite or Acme or whatever grocery store you chose to go to with $200 worth of groceries. You could have gotten a lot for $200," he said.

"Today, that's not the case. I myself go to ShopRite, spend $200, there's nothing in the bag for $200."

Marcellus said his experience working with clients in his accounting and consulting business has reinforced his concerns about household finances.

"The cost of living being too high. Hard-working families cannot get ahead," he said.

Although inflation, energy prices and housing costs are influenced by national and statewide economic conditions, Marcellus argued that county government has a responsibility to help create an environment where residents can succeed financially.

He said many young people who complete their education are leaving the area because they cannot find sufficient opportunities.

"My goal is to work hard, to build opportunities, to have good-paying jobs to attract our young people so we can keep our young talents while they're in Atlantic County," Marcellus said.

County Tax Debate Provides Election Backdrop

Marcellus' comments come as Atlantic County's financial performance has become an issue in the commissioner election.

Republican Chairman John Risley, appearing on the same October 22 edition of Off The Press, emphasized the county's record of lowering its property tax rate.

"And we did lower the rate, and we've been lowering the rate, the tax rate," Risley said.

However, a South Jersey NewsBeat review of Atlantic County's official financial records found that the county's general-purpose property tax levy increased from approximately $179.46 million in 2024 to $188.47 million in 2025.

That represents an increase of more than $9 million, or approximately 5%, even as the county's property tax rate declined.

The distinction is important. A lower tax rate does not necessarily mean the county is collecting less money, particularly when the overall taxable value of property increases.

It also does not automatically mean every homeowner is paying more or less.

Marcellus did not cite those specific county tax figures during his interview. Instead, he focused on the broader affordability challenges he believes residents are experiencing.

His argument is that maintaining the current leadership will not produce the changes he believes are necessary.

"So we cannot keep going in the same direction with the same leadership and hoping things will change," Marcellus said.

Small Businesses and Job Creation

One of Marcellus' primary proposals involves expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs and small-business owners.

"One of the main things that's important to me is economic opportunity," he said.

"And let's start with small business ownership. We need to find a way to make funds available for people who want to open businesses."

Marcellus said he believes small businesses are essential to the local economy and can help create employment opportunities beyond Atlantic County's traditional casino and hospitality industries.

He also wants county officials to work more aggressively with state and federal representatives to attract companies offering higher-paying jobs.

Marcellus did not identify a specific funding source, dollar amount or proposed structure for a new small-business assistance program during the interview.

Those details would need to be developed before such a proposal could be evaluated for its cost and potential impact.

Nevertheless, he described business development and job creation as central priorities if elected.

Affordable Housing and Homelessness

Marcellus also called for additional affordable housing development, saying high housing costs are contributing to the financial challenges facing residents.

He suggested working with state and federal officials to identify opportunities for constructing more homes in Atlantic County.

"We need to address that. And I guess one of the ways to do that is to build more affordable homes in our county to alleviate that," he said.

Cronick also asked Marcellus about homelessness, particularly in Atlantic City, where the issue has generated ongoing debate among municipal, county and state officials.

Marcellus said homelessness requires addressing several interconnected problems, including housing affordability, employment, mental health and substance use.

"Homelessness is a very serious issue," he said.

He argued that people who cannot afford housing or who experience serious mental health or substance-use challenges may be at greater risk of losing stable housing.

Marcellus said county government should work with other levels of government to expand housing opportunities and improve access to assistance.

He did not outline a specific county homelessness initiative or funding proposal during the interview.

A Personal Journey From Casino Worker to Business Owner

Marcellus described his background as an important part of his motivation for seeking public office.

He immigrated from Haiti and said he came to the United States determined to build a better life through education and employment.

"I came from Haiti looking for the American dream, but for me the American dream was through education and hard work," he said.

Marcellus recalled washing dishes after high school before eventually finding work in New Jersey's hospitality industry.

After moving to Atlantic County in 1997, he worked in Atlantic City's casinos, beginning in security before moving into supervisory and management positions.

He said he continued his education while working and raising a family, eventually pursuing multiple advanced degrees.

More than a decade ago, he established his own accounting and consulting business.

Marcellus said those experiences helped shape his understanding of the challenges facing workers and business owners.

He also described his longstanding involvement in his church and community.

"I would love to be able to serve in a different capacity to give back to this community," he said.

Returning to the Ballot After Close 2025 Race

This is Marcellus' second consecutive campaign for an Atlantic County commissioner seat.

In 2025, he challenged Republican incumbent Rich Dase in the county's 4th Commissioner District.

Dase won reelection, but the race was comparatively close in a district that has traditionally favored Republicans.

Marcellus received approximately 48% of the vote, compared with about 52% for Dase.

During his WOND appearance, Marcellus said he viewed the result as evidence that his message was connecting with voters, even though he was disappointed by the loss.

"I fought to win, but we came close," he said.

For 2026, Marcellus is running countywide alongside fellow Democrat Kyle Gornick.

They are challenging Risley and Byrnes for two at-large seats.

Republicans currently hold an 8-1 majority on the nine-member Atlantic County Board of Commissioners.

Pledges to Work Across Party Lines

Marcellus acknowledged that even if Democrats win the available seats, Republicans would retain control of the board.

He said that reality makes bipartisan cooperation essential.

"Yes, I'm a Democrat. But if I'm elected, I will be for the people of Atlantic County. I will not govern for the Democratic Party," Marcellus said.

He added, "I don't think we are always right. I don't think the Republicans are always wrong."

Marcellus said he would seek to work with Republican commissioners and officials from both political parties to advance economic development and address housing issues.

He emphasized that his campaign is intended to represent residents regardless of their political affiliation.

"I want to represent, I don't want to represent just the Democratic Party, I want to represent the Republicans, Independents, every person that lives in Atlantic County," he said.

A Focus on Working Families

In closing, Marcellus said his campaign is focused particularly on residents who are working hard but struggling to achieve financial security.

He said he supports people who build successful businesses and accumulate wealth through hard work, but believes government should pay particular attention to those having difficulty meeting everyday expenses.

"I'm not against any person who has worked very hard, who has become very successful, who has become rich," he said.

"That's a wonderful thing, I think that's something worth celebrating."

But Marcellus argued that families struggling to afford housing, transportation, groceries and education need greater attention from public officials.

"I think that's the people who need most help right now," he said.

With the November 3 election approaching, voters will decide whether to return Risley and Byrnes to office or elect Marcellus and Gornick to represent the county at large.

For Marcellus, the central question is whether residents believe their economic prospects are improving under the current leadership.

For the incumbents, their record includes repeated county tax-rate reductions and an emphasis on maintaining county services while controlling costs.

The competing messages give Atlantic County voters two different perspectives on the county's financial condition and the role local government should play in addressing affordability.

Jonathan Marcellus discussed his candidacy during the October 22 edition of Off The Press with Scott Cronick, airing weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND.