Steven Dicht
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
Ventnor attorney Stephen Dicht is challenging two-term incumbent James Curcio for the position of Atlantic County Surrogate.
The two candidates talked about their positions during a candidates’ forum hosted by the League of Women Voters on Sept. 30.
Dicht has been an attorney for 42 years with an “unblemished record” and is licensed to practice law in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He said he has the skills and abilities to oversee estates, wills and probate, and can provide guardianship for minors during adoptions.
Dicht said there is a lack of identity in the community about the Surrogate’s Office, which is something he would change if elected.
“When I go out and meet people, which I do everyday, the questions everybody asks me is what is a surrogate and what does a surrogate do? There’s a real problem there with a lack of identity and knowledge. That’s one of the things I would like to do,” he said.
He said the Atlantic County Surrogate website “is one of the worst in the entire state” and that information can be easily found on other county websites.
It is “seriously lacking,” he said.
He noted the NJ Supreme Court suspended his opponent for two months in 2013 following a second arrest for driving under the influence. Curcio was reinstated after completing an alcohol treatment program and has had no problems since.
He said Curcio was “slapped down” by Gov. Phil Murphy in April after he called for the immediate opening of businesses at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I will provide responsible leadership…and not comment on things outside the domain of the Surrogate’s Office,” he said.
Dicht said he would “bring integrity back to the office.
“I am not a career politician like my opponent,” he said.
Atlantic County Surrogate James Curcio is seeking re-election in 2020.
Before he was elected surrogate, Curcio practiced law in Hammonton for 25 years, served as Atlantic County District 5 Freeholder for 16 years, two of them as chairman. He is seeking his third three-year term as surrogate.
Curcio said the number one consideration for the post is selecting someone who is caring and compassionate and able to treat people with dignity and professionalism.
“I take a personal interest in every case,” he said.
While on the Freeholder Board, Curcio chaired the Budget Committee. That experience allows him to run “a very efficient office,” he said.
“Because the office is a revenue generating office, we always have to keep an eye on the bottom line,” he said.
Curcio said he is proud that the office has remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He said he upgraded the department’s technology systems, record keeping, and often speaks at nursing homes and community groups to get information into the hands of Atlantic County residents.
“Our office is the most efficient Surrogate’s Office in the State of New Jersey,” Curcio said. “I take a lot of pride in the quality of service we are able to provide to the people of this county. We have an outstanding staff. Because we are dealing with people in difficult times, we have to meet each constituent with a level of care, understanding and knowledge. I love the job and hope to continue.”
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