Candidates were asked:

What do you view as the major issue in this campaign
and how will you address it if elected?

ALLEN TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

REPUBLICAN

PAUL BALLIET

DOB: 1929

EDUCATION: HS and Tech schools

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Township supervisor – 16 years

RESPONSE: I do not think there are any major issues at this time.  We have three or four developments started.  But everything is at a stand still.  Out present board has worked well together and we have accomplished many things.  Out response time to complaints is usually swift.  While we can not hope to satisfy everyone out overall success speaks for itself.

DEMOCRAT

(Vote for One; 4-Year Term)

WILLIAM F. HOLMES

DOB: 1936

EDUCATION: Penn State Extension graduate, 1959

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Member of Allen Township Planning Commission for 25 years; currently serving as an appointed supervisor since September 2008

RESPONSE: With our current economy I feel it's important we establish a fiscal budget that meets the needs of the township without placing additional burdens on the residents.  I believe a township should be managed as one would manage a home or business.  If it's not an emergency and it's not within the budget guidelines, think twice before taking action.

BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COMMISSIONER 2nd WARD

(Vote for One – 4 Year Term)

DEMOCRAT

MICHAEL D. HUDAK

TOWNSHIP COMMISSIONER 4TH WARD

(Vote for One – 4 Year Term)

REPUBLICAN

PAUL D. WEISS

BUSHKILL TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

REPUBLICAN

BRIEN KOCHER

EAST ALLEN TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT

ROGER C. UNANGST

DOB: No response.

EDUCATION: Northampton Area School District 1987; Allentown Business School

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Secretary/accounts payable/payroll

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: East Allen Township auditor, 2 years

RESPONSE: Taxes should be able to be paid at the East Allen Township Municipal Building, by mail or by evening appointments. This gives the taxpayer three convenient options that will fit their schedule to pay their taxes. With the current tax collector, taxes are not able to be paid at the township building.

INDEPENDENT

DONALD HEINEY

FORKS TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for not more than Two; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT

JAMES WIDEMAN
 

LILLY GIOIA

REPUBLICAN

MICHELE L. ROGERS

DOB: 1960

EDUCATION: 1984, Alvernia University, BA; 2008, Moravian College, post-baccalaureate teacher certification program; 2008, PA certification in elementary education K-6

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Monitor, Forks Township Community Center, substitute teacher

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: A concerned resident of Forks Township who believes the citizens’ needs and wants should also be considered when making township changes.

RESPONSE: I see the major issues as communication barriers and keeping the needs of the residents as the reason for township changes. I will address this by being an advocate of the citizens. I will base my voting decisions on what’s best for Forks Township and its citizens, not according to my own agenda. I will also work to keep the citizens informed of proposed planning, so they will have an impact on township changes.

DAVID BILLINGS

DOB: 1958

EDUCATION: BA, Virginia Wesleyan College; MBA, Moravian College; executive education, Northwestern University

CURRENT OCCUPATION: AT&T Product Director

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: My extensive community involvement combined with my leadership experience uniquely qualifies me as an ideal candidate.  Forks Township Planning Commission; Forks Township Comprehensive Plan Committee; Easton Area School District Board committees

RESPONSE: Ever-increasing taxes and costs burden us.  We need to discuss these issues candidly so we can do something about them.  That is what my candidacy for supervisor is about.  It is my opinion that the role of local government is to work for the people, and not for personal interest or gain.  I carry the message that we cannot continue to conduct business as usual.  We need more responsive and financially responsible local government.

HANOVER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT

GLENN WALBERT

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for One; 2-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

MARK J. TANCZOS

LEHIGH TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for not more than Two; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT

SANDRA ERSCHEN HOPKINS

DOB: 1947

EDUCATION: BS 1968 Gwynedd Mercy College; M.Ed. 1972 Lehigh University

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: NLEA president 10 years; PA Leadership Committee 9 years

REPUBLICAN

KEITH A. HANTZ

DOB: 1961

EDUCATION: 1980, graduate of Northampton Senior High School

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Millwright, Keystone Cement Company

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 7th year, current Lehigh Township Supervisor; 26 years, Lehigh Township volunteer fire fighter; 12 years, currently coaching youth and young adults; 45 years, current township resident

RESPONSE: Balance township budget with little or not tax increase without cutting any services to township residents. Support township police department, volunteer fire company, and public works department, which all help keep our township safe. Support township athletic association. Keep all parks in good shape, giving all township residents some place to enjoy the outdoors and relax. Listen to all township residents. Make decisions that benefit majority of residents and not individuals or groups.

CINDY MILLER
DOB: 1959

EDUCATION: 1981, Shippensburg University, BS office administration; 1990, Wilkes University, MBA; 1997, Penn State, paralegal certification; 2003, PA Real Estate license; 2007, Dale Carnegie Training

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Business growth services, professional business adviser – advise economic development organizations such as city of Allentown, advise CEOs of small and mid-size manufacturers, advise directors of not-for-profits.///

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: No response.

RESPONSE: There are two major issues in this campaign.  One is an external issue, and the other is an internal issue.  The external issue is a potential CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations) coming into the Township.  The question that arises is, Is Lehigh Township an area for industrial farming?  In order to answer this question I have begun to conduct due diligence on the impact to the Township. 

GREEN

MARTIN BOKSENBAUM

DOB: 1939

EDUCATION:  1961, Brooklyn College, B.A.; 1971, Hunter College, M.A.; 1978, City University of New York, Ph.D.

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired teacher

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE:  Active member of community organizations: Families for a Healthy Environment; Concerned Residents of Lehigh Township; BHCWA (Watershed Association). On Steering Committees of: Alliance for Sustainable Communities-LV, Sustainable Business Network-LV, Weston A. Price Foundation-LV.

RESPONSE: Preserving our quality of life by using constitutional guarantees and township laws in Board decisions to protect people, homesteads, communities; nurturing responsible stewardship of land and water resources; demanding fair, transparent, tax-thrifty government; working toward appropriate economic development: sustainable agriculture; small businesses; eco-tourism. My fellow Green, Juanita Carra-Budzek, and I would act to protect recently achieved positive changes (new supervisors, planning commission members, township manager, zoning officer, engineering firm).

JUANITA CARRA-BUDZEK

DOB: 1948

EDUCATION:  Raritan Valley Community College, AAS Nursing; St John’s University, BA, Multiple Certifications in Holistic Modalities

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Self Employed, Holistic Nurse

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: My commitment to integrity while protecting the rights and livelihood of our residents preempts my attendance at Supervisor’s meetings, my experience as a small business owner, and involvement in civic activities.

RESPONSE: Putting right what has gone terribly wrong in the previous planning of our township. Preserving our quality of life and the rural character of our township, while supporting small businesses, sustainable agriculture, recreational programs, upholding sustainable building practices and defending the rights of our residents, And, putting the decision making power back into their hands, are of utmost importance for our township to become a balanced community again. Martin Boksenbaum and I working for you!

LOWER MT. BETHEL TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT

HOWARD KLEIN

DOB: 1944

EDUCATION: Doctor of dental surgery, West Virginia University, 1970; BS Baldwin-Wallace College, 1966

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired dentist, presently organic farmer

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Township resident (9 years) attending over 90% of supervisor meetings during past 4 years.  LMBT Vacancy Board 2008-2009, board member Martins-Jacoby Watershed Association; member Northern Chapter Delaware River Management Committee

RESPONSE: Preserving LMBT's rural, agricultural character while maintaining reasonable local taxes.    I will aggressively support: 1) farmland preservation, 2) defensible agricultural, protective zoning (CAPZO), 3) initiatives that protect our local environment and watershed while respecting property rights and land values.  Maintain current state police coverage as mandated by 2007 township-wide regional police survey.  Update zoning and plan for “smart growth.”

REPUBLICAN

KATHY DAVIS

DOB: 1954

EDUCATION: 1976, Slippery Rock University, BS health education and safety engineering; 1994, Lehigh University, M.Ed., counseling psychology.

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Senior registered environmental health specialist

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Member of new organization April 2005, the Delaware Riverside Conservancy, Inc. founded after the 2005 flood on the Delaware River. Flyash committee spokesperson for this committee.

RESPONSE: The major issue is zoning in our township. I believe it is important to adopt a fair and equitable ordinance that protects all taxpayers in our township. Another major issue is taxes and I intend to hold the line and keep them as low as possible.

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for not more than Two; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

MARTIN BOUCHER

DOB: 1973

EDUCATION: 1994, Northampton Community College, AAS Fire Technology

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Self-employed garage door company, owner

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Member of Hecktown Fire Company for 17 years. 1st assistant chief for 12 years. Work within a budget and apply for government grants. Manage daily operations of the fire company as well as emergencies.

RESPONSE: As a small business owner in the community, I have the knowledge of how to operate a business and control expenses. With this knowledge and my experience as a volunteer in the fire company, I feel I can be an asset to the management of Lower Nazareth Township. We need to have a balanced development within the township as far as residential, commercial, and industrial.

DEMOCRAT

JOSEPH LEUSER

DOB: 1945

EDUCATION: 1969, Union County Technical Institute

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Assistant plant manager, Longo Industries; Lower Nazareth Sports and Recreation Committee member; President, Lower Nazareth Lions Club; President, Consistory Dryland United Church of Christ; Coached in Lower Nazareth Girls Softball; Boy Scout Leader (Cranford, NJ)

RESPONSE: The major issue facing Lower Nazareth today is the increased building going on in the township. The question is what will the impact of this be on the township in the coming years? Taxes, sewerage possibilities, water, schools, roads, garbage collection, and many others will be big issues. We need to plan ahead now so we can have a comprehensive policy to handle these future issues.

DOB: 1950

EDUCATION: 1972, BS Lehigh; 1976, MBA Lehigh

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Manager corporate cash – PPL

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Lower Nazareth PTA Officer, 16 years; Northampton County Council PTA, 5 years; Nazareth Area School Board, 12 years; Colonial IU 20 board; Lifetime Achievement Award – Lower Nazareth PTA; Board member – PPL Credit Union

RESPONSE: I view maintaining the quality of life as the most critical issue.  The township has continued to grow over the last several decades.  Increased development, traffic and business growth have put many pressures on township resources.  Keeping a balance between the need to provide required services and appropriate level of taxation is a resulting challenge. 

LOWER SAUCON TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP COUNCIL

(Vote for not more than Two; 4 year Term)

REPUBLICAN

GLENN KERN

RON HORISZNY

MOORE TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT

LOIS KERBACHER

DOB: 1951

EDUCATION: Northampton Area High School

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired from Allentown State Hospital 25 years. Work part time at Moore Township for 5 years as administrator for planning commission, zoning hearing board, and board of supervisors.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Experience of working and retiring as a purchasing agent from the state working with budgets, buds, state contracts.

RESPONSE: My major issue is that I care for the township. I have lived here for 38 years on my husband’s grandfather’s farm of 52 acres. I care what happens to my township and how my tax monies are spent. I have children and grandchildren growing up in Moore Township and want to see it remain the beautiful township that it is.

REPUBLICAN

RICHARD GABLE

DOB: 1950

EDUCATION: Graduate – Slatington High School; Dale Carnegie School – for business

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Sales representative

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Former supervisor 1 ½ years; planning commission member 12 years; FRCA delegate for Moore Township; president, Allen Township Fire Co.; Former scout master – Minsi Trails Council; OWL Award and Award of Merit; Scoutmasters award

RESPONSE: Roads- It seems this issue has been around for the past 2 or 3 elections. I would like to set up with the other supervisors a plan in writing to repair our roads. This should be discussed at meeting to let the taxpayers know what is being done. Tax As a past supervisor I was responsible for helping to lower taxes.

INDEPENDENT

DAN PIORKOWSKI

DOB: 1952

EDUCATION: Associate of Arts General Studies; Anne Arundel Community College, MD; Certification in Transportation; Catonsville Community College, MD; Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ: Union Leadership Course;///

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired from Mack Trucks 35 years. Working part time for Miller-Keystone Blood Center

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Results-oriented Management professional with Mack Trucks for 35 years. I have a diverse background in supervision, warehousing, logistics, packaging, and labor relations.///

RESPONSE: I believe that all issues that concern the municipality are critical, but based on the voices of the people who I have talked with the list would start with Local Taxes\ Budgets, Roads, Farmland and Open Space Preservation, Police and Fire Protection. I believe that you care and I would appreciate your support, together, we can make Our Township the best Township in which to live, work, enjoy the open spaces, to raise our children.

PALMER TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for not more than Two; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

DAVID COLVER
 

ROBERT SMITH

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for not more than Two; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT

TIM FRANKENFIELD

DOB: 1966

EDUCATION: Pen Argyl High School, 1984; Nothampton Community College, AAS 1989

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Funeral director

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Plainfield Township supervisor – 6 years, chairman of board, 4 years; Plainfield Township fire chief 1989-2006; Assistant state police fire marshal 1989-2009; Awards – Plainfield Township Fire Company Man of the Year – 4 times, Kiwanis Club Volunteer of the Year, PA House of Representatives citation for bravery – 2 times

RESPONSE: During my tenure as supervisor I have found that some of our current ordinances have become outdated.  We must update these ordinances and put more teeth in them for enforcement purposes especially those pertaining to residential and commercial nuisance properties.

SAM SANGUINITO

DOB: 1946

EDUCATION: 1964, Easton Area High School; 1967, Spring Garden Institute of Automotive Technology; Numerous manufacture schools through Ford, Mercedes, Toyota, Saab

CURRENT OCCUPATION: President, owner of Chrin’s Automotive, Chrin’s Bodyshop and Rent a Wreck of Easton

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Presently serving on Plainfield Township Zoning Board; Sgt. In United States Marine Corps Serving in Vietnam

RESPONSE: As a 30 year resident of Plainfield Township it is important for me to work for the betterment of my community and those who reside here. I view a major issue in this campaign for supervisor to be preserving of community standards while keeping our tax base low during these economic times. I would work to increase township revenues without infringing on our farmlands.

REPUBLICAN

WILLIAM SCHMAUDER

DOB: 1939

EDUCATION: Pen Argyl High School graduate, Temple University teaching degree, taught school for 26 years

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired teacher, owner Schmauder Excavating

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Zoning officer 8 years Plainfield Township, Supervisor 6 years Plainfield Township, My experience as a local contractor would benefit the township. Life long resident of Plainfield Township.

RESPONSE: As a previous zoning officer and supervisor in Plainfield Township, it has given me experience. There are some issues in the township that need to be addressed. I believe I have served you well in the past and would be a benefit to the township in the future. I hope you will conclude that I have the integrity, experience, qualifications, and good sense that we need in a supervisor. Please support me in the election.

GLENN A. BORGER
DOB: 1948

EDUCATION: HS, some college

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired, US Post Office

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Township Planning Commission, 2 years; Township Recreation Board, 3 years; founder Wind Gap Youth Soccer, founder Blue Mountain Youth Soccer League; Baseball and soccer coach and official – 40 years

RESPONSE: Getting things done.  There are so many projects within the township that have people willing to be a part of.  But we lack the leadership and guidance to get them done.  We need to start moving forward on projects that benefit the residents as a whole.  This would begin with budget that is credible.

UPPER MOUNT BETHEL TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for not more than Two; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

BOB GERWIG

DOB: 1940

EDUCATION: University of Pennsylvania, BS, Civil Engineering; Professional engineers license, Pennsylvania

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 40 years experience in project management and management consulting on engineering and construction projects of up to 2,000 employees and $1.4 billion; a leader in 2007/2008 NO MarshXfield campaign; Active attendance at various UMB Township meetings since 2003

RESPONSE: Excessive school and property tax burden on homeowners, especially the elderly and those on fixed incomes.  To ease the tax burden on UMBT residents, while keeping our rural atmosphere, we must strive for a logical balance of our rural areas, residential areas, farms, and open space; with taxable, clean, professional, and industrial growth and good paying jobs.  Housing alone does not cover the cost of schools for this children, or provide employment for the families.

DEMOCRAT

LOREN RABBAT

DOB: 1961

EDUCATION: 1984, Drew University, BA; 1989, Kean University, Paralegal certification; 2008-present, East Stroudsburg University, M.Ed.

CURRENT OCCUPATION: UMBT supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Currently chairperson, board of supervisors.  Served as member of the Environmental Advisory Council and Zoning Hearing Board.  I am a past board member of my congregation and have actively served in the community for over 10 years.

RESPONSE: A need to remain fiscally prudent with our expenditures and hold the line on tax increases.  I continue to strive for a rural community, able to maintain its uniqueness.  I feel that it is equally important to seek and support not only clean business that will positively impact our tax base, but also be an opportunity to employ residents of UMBT.  Growing our recreation and environmental programs, including opportunities for senior citizens, remain a priority.

REPUBLICAN

JOE BATTILLO

DOB: 1962

EDUCATION: n/a

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Facility manager for a natural products company

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Appointed UMBT supervisor 1998-2000; elected UMBT supervisor 2002-2008; elected chairman UMBT supervisor board 2008; COG president 2003-2008; co-chairman Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Committee 2004-2007; Member UMBT environment committee 2000-2002; member UMBT volunteer fire department

RESPONSE: I believe the major issue of this campaign is taxes. I believe we need to keep our taxes low, and I believe we can do that by being fiscally responsible and by encouraging economic development. We do not want any of our residents, but especially our senior citizens, for whom this is such a great concern, to be forced out of their homes because they cannot afford to stay here.

UPPER NAZARETH TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT

ANDY M. DONELLO

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

REPUBLICAN

DAVID L. HESS

WILLIAMS TOWNSHIP

TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

(Vote for One; 6-Year Term)

DEMOCRAT

THOMAS HOUSER

DOB: 1945

EDUCATION: Bethlehem High School graduate 1963; Moravian College BA 1967; Washington and Lee University JD 1970

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Attorney 1970-present

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Williams Township resident 1973-1995, 2002-present; Williams Township solicitor 1974-1996; Williams Zoning Hearing Board solicitor 1974-1986; Williams Township Code Appeals Board chairman 2007-present; active in township affairs and familiar with residents and township issues

RESPONSE: The Chrin Landfill question is a major issue, which I believe will be determined before the final election, and I expect that an expansion to some extent, will be negotiated and finalized.  Other matters of concern are: deteriorated road and infrastructure need attention; continued open space; farmland preservation; park and recreation areas added; more realistic land development planning; and police protection issues.

REPUBLICAN

ALAN KIRBY

DOB: 1960

EDUCATION: 1982, Lafayette College, BS Engineering; 1992, Lehigh University, MBA

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Engineering manager

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Williams Township Planning Committee – 4 years; Williams Township Land Preservation Board – 5 years

RESPONSE: Williams Township residents are concerned with controlling municipal expenses to keep township taxes low and with maintaining the natural beauty and rural character of our township.  As a member of the Land Preservation Board and the Planning Committee I have worked hard to preserve lands in the township and to guide land development in an environmentally responsible way.  My professional experience allows me the business know-how to guide the township in a responsible and fiscally disciplined way.