The League of Women Voters in publishing this material neither endorses nor rejects the views of any candidate quoted, and does not assume responsibility for the content of any candidate’s reply.
MUNICIPAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 3 2009
NORTHAMPTON COUNTY BOROUGHS
Bangor;
Bath;
Chapman;
East Bangor;
Freemansburg;
Glendon;
Hellertown;
Nazareth;
Northampton;
North Catasauqua;
Pen Argyl;
Portland;
Roseto;
Stockertown;
Tatamy;
Walnutport;
West Easton;
Wilson;
Wind Gap
Candidates were asked
"What do you view as
the major issue in this campaign, and how will you address it?"
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
JOHN RIGIONE
DOB: 1970
EDUCATION: High school diploma and currently working on a degree in emergency management
CURRENT OCCUPATION: I am a stay at home dad and a planning consultant
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Former Borough council member, Current Emergency
Manger for Borough, Current officer for fire department
RESPONSE: My platform is this, Like most other small communities, Bangor has
lost its sense of pride. I plan to help restore that feeling. Many programs have
already been set in motion to help beautify Bangor. These programs need to
expand and continue so that we first address downtown, then more of the borough
until we have incorporated the entire borough. It is the function of the Mayor
to be out promoting these programs.
REPUBLICAN
JOHN ARTHUR BROWN
No response.
COUNCIL
1st WARD
(Vote for One; 4-Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
CRAIG N. ROBERTS
REPUBLICAN
No candidate.
2nd WARD
(Vote for One; 4-Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
MARCUS A. STATHAM
DOB: 1955
EDUCATION: BA, East Stroudsburg University, 1977 economics; MS, Nova Southeast University, 2004 computer science; honor graduate of Commnd and General Staff College, 1989
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Director of technology, Lehighton Area School District
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: I am a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Army (active duty, army reserve, and National Guard); been a council member of Bangor for over 2 years; been elected vice-president of council twice including my current term
RESPONSE: Economic development is the borough's biggest issue. The council must work with other municipalities and businesses to keep our current businesses thriving and attract new businesses for the betterment of the slate belt.
REPUBLICAN
CATHERINE ALLEN
DOB: 1963
EDUCATION: 1981, Belvidere HS; 1991, insurance licensing; 1998, insurance broker licensing; 2007, Certified Long Term Care (CLTC)
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Financial adviser licensed in all lines of insurance, specializing in long term care
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: I have lived in the Slate Belt for over 26 years. I have been involved in community service through the years 7 years as a Girl Scout leader, 3 years in Bangor Band Boosters and currently a Cub Scout leader (4 years). On a daily basis I interact with people, recognizing and solving their financial problems. This is my first run for public office.
RESPONSE: I feel people are not as involved in their local government as they should be. Sometimes things in local government effect us more than state and federal. People need to understand some of the issues council is considering before they are passed into ordinances/laws.
3rd WARD
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
No candidate
REPUBLICAN
HARRY E. WYANT
4th WARD
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
LINDA SINGLETON
REPUBLICAN
No candidate
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
DONALD L. WUNDERLER
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Three; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
WILLIAM HECKMAN
DOB: 1955
EDUCATION: 1973, Northampton Senior High School; 1973, Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Self employed contractor
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Borough council 15-16 years, vice president 3 years, president 5 years
RESPONSE: Fiscal responsibility we will continue to provide top level services to the community while being cost effective in all areas. We will continue to make major improvements within the borough by improving the borough parks and downtown appearance.
CAROL K. BEAR-HECKMAN
DOB: 1949
EDUCATION: 1971, Kutztown University, BS; 1973, Kutztown University, M.Ed.
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired educator; proprietor 1804 Daniel Steckel House antiques, bed and breakfast, artisan classes
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Planning Commission member, 2 years; Historical Architectural Review Board chair, 4 years; Chamber Restoration Award, 2006; Eastern PA Council Teachers of Mathematics President, 3 years; Author, Bath & Its Neighbors
RESPONSE: The borough of Bath needs change. It needs a younger, greener, more positive point of view. Bath needs to play on its strengths one of which is its historic district. I would secure funding for the HARB, take steps to refresh the value in Baths historic buildings, and renew Baths role as a central commercial hub.
JOHN D. KEARNS
DOB: 1947
EDUCATION: 1970, BSME, New Jersey Institute of Technology; various managerial training courses
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Former: Ingersoll Rand Co/Flow Serve (32 years), plant management, supply chain management (global)
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 32 years management experience; charter member 'LeBEAM' chapter GLVCC (Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce); charter member 'Bath Farmers Market' , Committee member: Bath Planning Committee
RESPONSE: Our concerns deal with the health and revitalization of our small community, specifically the historic downtown area. We, as a small community, need to become more active in the redevelopment of our small business sector. We have already gone through a visioning process and have set our goals and direction for Bath. Our challenge is to now find methods to involve our citizens and implement our vision.
REPUBLICAN
MICHAEL D. REPH
No response.
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
No candidates
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Three; 4 year Term)
No candidates
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
GAYLORD E. WEIDLICK
REPUBLICAN
ROBERT M. LANG
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Four; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
EARL J. STRUNK JR.
STEPHEN F. TOTH
RICHARD F. KERN
REPUBLICAN
SUSAN RUGGIERO
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
GERALD C. YOB
BOROUGH COUNCIL
DEMOCRAT
(Vote for not more than Three; 4 year Term)
DONALD LASSO
RUDOLPH W. GALLICH
GEORGE J. WILSON III
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Two; 2 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
RICHARD T. FLUCK
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
KENAN KANOPKA
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Two; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
MELODY McALLISTER
THOMAS HODGE Sr.
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
RICHARD T. FLUCK
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Four; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN
THOMAS J. RIEGER
www.riegerforcouncil2009.blogspot.com
DOB: 1987
EDUCATION: 2006, HS Diploma, Saucon Valley High School; 2006-2008, Northampton Community College; 2008-present, East Stroudsburg University, business management
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Sound and lighting technician, SVSD; patient transporter, LVHN
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Hellertown Halloween Parade committee member; Saucon Valley Music Department outstanding service award 2008; St. Mark Lutheran Church, former council member/youth president
RESPONSE: he major issue in this campaign is the opening of the Sands Casino and Resort in Bethlehem. It is going to create a lot of extra traffic on Main Street and some of the side streets creating bottlenecks and dangerous situations. The additional burden from in the influx of people will stress our emergency services beyond their current capabilities. We must watch this and be proactive on any changes that need to be made.
DEMOCRAT
MICHAEL McKENNA
DOB: 1963
EDUCATION: Delaware County Community College, Cabrini College, and Northampton County Community College
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Scheduling supervisor, Modern Precast Concrete (on layoff)
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Active member of Dewey Fire Co. Hellertown; Water Authority Board member; Hellertown Borough Health Board
RESPONSE: The revitalization of the borough presents several goals and issues: regional comprehensive plan, Main Street streetscape, Rails to Trails, and the casino. Paying for these projects will take a combination of fiscal management and identifying non-tax revenue streams. A review of fees and fines as they relate to services coupled with pursuing further grants will begin this process.
GAIL NOLF
DOB: No response.
EDUCATION: BS Bloomsburg; MBA Lehigh; Teacher certificate Gwynedd Mercy
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Teacher
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Council 4 years; planning commission
RESPONSE: Impact of traffic and casinos on the borough. Hellertown is taking the brunt of these impacts. We need to continue to advocate for the citizens of Hellertown to maintain positive community benefits and quality of the neighborhoods. This will benefit the entire county as well.
PHILIP J. WEBER
No response.
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN
FRED C. DAUGHERTY Jr.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
WARD 1
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
WILLIAM W. MATZ
WARD 2
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
CINDY WERNER
WARD 3
(Vote for not more than Two; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
CHARLES A. DONELLO
JACK R. HERBST
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN
WILLIAM J. MOLCHANY Jr.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Four; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN
JOHN JOSEPH YANEK
CHERIE D. GEBHARDT
DEMOCRAT
SHAWN
MCGINLEY
DOB: 1979
EDUCATION: 2000, The Restaurant School, Walnut Hill College, Associates Degree restaurant management
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Sales manager, Clark Associates DBA, The Restaurant Store
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Council member for the last 10 years, Vice president of council for the last 8 years, Captain for the North Catasauqua Fire Department; Vice president of the Charotin Hose Co #1
RESPONSE: Fiscal responsibility is the major concern. We need to maintain the highest quality of service to our residents while maintaining or decreasing our current tax rates. We need to rely on our own resources state and federal money is diminishing. We have done a great job of increasing services and quality of life in North Catasauqua while maintaining a low tax rate. We need to continue this and look at trimming expenses as income decreases.
WILLIAM MCGINLEY
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
THOMAS D. REENOCK
BOROUGH COUNCIL
WARD 1
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
ROBERT COLEMAN
WARD 2
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
SHERRY NEFF-MAIKITS
WARD 3
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
ROBERT J. McHALE
WARD 4
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
ANTHONY S. LOPSONZSKI, Jr.
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
MIKE SABATINE
BOROUGH COUNCIL
WARD 1
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
MICHAEL G. NASATKA
WARD 2
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
DANIEL N. CARRESCIA
No response.
WARD 3
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
DEAN C. MINNICH
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN
KAY BUCCI
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Four; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
STEVEN K. KNOTT
REPUBLICAN
LANCE J. PRATOR
JOHN JOSEPH McKERNAN
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
DESIREE D. DENICOLA
DOB: 1947
EDUCATION: 1969, Kutztown State College, BS in Ed.; Master's Equiv, 1992, various colleges; military service: US Army and reserves 1977-1984
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired educator
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Roseto Park Board and president, 10 years; Roseto Banner Committee chairperson; Roseto Planning Commission, 8 years; PA Adopt-a-Highway, 19 years; Adopt-a-Highway Partnership Award, 1998; Roseto Neighborhood Block Watch and chairperson, 4 years; advocate for neighborhoods concerning their borough problems
RESPONSE: Roseto's mayoral position is primarily of figurehead. The residents' issues/concerns are important to me. I would schedule monthly meetings: 10 a.m. - noon and 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. At the town hall for all residents to air their concerns. Helping people is a priority of mine. In these tough economic times and with a predominantly senior population, our residents have to be considered when fiscal decisions are presented. A listening ear and level temperament would be fair and honestly helpful.
REPUBLICAN
MICHAEL GOFFREDO
No response.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Four; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
LAWRENCE RUGGIERO
No response.
MICHAEL J. ROMANO Jr.
DOB: 1952
EDUCATION: 1974, East Stroudsburg State College, BS; 1978, ESU, M.Ed. Reading; 1983, EDU, M.Ed., Sec. Admin.
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Elementary principal
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Borough council 5 years; Present president
RESPONSE: Street condition, absentee landlords, quality police protection, maintenance of borough park, grant acquisition, 5-10 year plan. Get community input, make decisions for the good of all and not to succumb to special interest groups. Improve the quality of life for young families, protect and support out senior population, and keep our family oriented living style.
JONATHAN A. CAPONIGRO
No response.
REPUBLICAN
RICHARD A. RUCK
DOB: 1969
EDUCATION: 2007, California University of Pennsylvania, MS; 2004, Chadwick University, BS
1995, New Hampshire Technical Institute, AS
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired police officer, currently teaching criminal justice courses as adjunct faculty
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Municipal police officer, 16.5 years; US Air Force (active and reserve duty), 9 years; Bangor Area School District Economic Development Authority since 2007
RESPONSE: Being able to economically sustain Roseto and provide the best services is my goal. I desire to maintain a stable tax rate while seeking grants and other alternative means of funding. This can be accomplished by creating partnerships with our neighbors and joining services which are duplicated such as police, roads and other municipal functions. Creating economic growth and a method for offsetting school taxes is another goal.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Two; 2 year Term)
KENNETH R. TILLMAN
RICHARD A. RUCK
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
SHERMAN P. METZGAR
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Three; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
ROSEMARIE WENZELBERGER
No response.
CARL A. ZITO
DOB: 1945
EDUCATION: 1962, graduated high school
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Disabled veteran
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 5 years planning commission; Knowledge of borough
RESPONSE: Useless spending of taxpayer money. Not really working to save money.
ERIC WENZELBERGER
No response.
REPUBLICAN
PAUL J. ZABOY
DOB: 1948
EDUCATION: LCC, NCC, Moravian College all in early to late 1970s; CDP certification (information technology); Multiplicity of PSAB, FMA, PennDOT, and other borough-related training
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Computer consulting and related services
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Member of council for last 14 years; Fire Co. member 10 years; Involved in all borough fiduciary and operational areas
RESPONSE: There is no single issue. The borough councilors must address a multiplicity of interest to properly serve constituents. The borough residents need councilors addressing these areas, not just with talk but with their backs too. We need working councilors to properly guide the borough through these many challenging issues. I am one of those working councilors, and bring not only my ideas and suggestions, but my energies and involvement to accomplish needed projects and goals.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for One; 2-Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
ROSEMARIE WENZELBERGER
No response.
REPUBLICAN
A. JOSEPH GOSNELL
DOB: 1966
EDUCATION: 1984, graduate Notre Dame High School; Continuing education including HMIZG-F hazmat security awareness training, PA uniform construction code, various HVAC technical certifications
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Employed as an HVAC service manager. Duties include service, residential system design, installation.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: I joined the Stockertown Borough Planning Commission in 2008.
RESPONSE: I would have to say my main concern is the safety of the residents of Stockertown with regard to the inevitable growth of development in the Lehigh Valley. As the Lehigh Valley grows, so does traffic volume, speed, and the need to consider comprehensive pedestrian accessibility and safety. Though I realize the need for any municipality to adjust to changes in population and development, including the occasional compromise, a small borough should not be absorbed.
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
LUKE J. DUIGNAM
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Three; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
MICHAEL A. RACZ
No response.
REPUBLICAN
HAZEL E. DeREAMUS
DOB: 1936
EDUCATION: Nazareth Area School District
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Tatamy Borough Sewer Authority secretary-treasurer
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Real Estate Tax Collector 13 years; Earned Income Tax Collector 15 years; Over 25 years working for various accounting firms in the Lehigh Valley; Former officer/bookkeeper Tatamy Fire Company; Borough resident for over 45 years
RESPONSE: Would like to use my knowledge of finance to keep actual expenses in line with the budget during tough financial times.
ROBERT H. FISHER
No response.
ROBERT J. HAYES Jr.
DOB: 1958
EDUCATION: 1981, University of Tennessee, Bachelor of Architecture
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Project architect
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Tatamy Borough Planning Commission, 2 years; Tatamy Borough Council, 4 years
RESPONSE: As Tatamy Borough councilman I will endeavor to do what is right as this small borough reacts to the increasing commercial development and vehicular impact caused by our location. I will work to maintain the boroughs sense of historic community and to expand the internal operations to meet the needs of growth.
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
HENRY KLINE
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Four; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
DAVID STANKOVIC
REPUBLICAN
JOAN REHRIG
HAROLD C. GREENE
WILLIAM TURK
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
GERALD W. GROSS
DOB: 1939
EDUCATION: Wilson High School; Penn State/Allentown; Northampton Community College
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired warehouse operations manager, GP-Dixie 46 years. Owner of landscape company 40+ years. VP board director Dixie Federal Credit Union. Notre Dame Girls Basketball Coach, 11 years. Coached West Easton midget basketball, baseball, and football.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 43 years borough government experience
RESPONSE: I have always considered our most important asset is our residents. One of my issues as Mayor is, that we have a council that performs in the best interest of all our citizens. And that we provide quality services and a safe community at a reasonable cost. I will continue to encourage council to seek a developer reuse and/or redevelopment of our old industrial sites (Lehigh Foundry & Chipman).
REPUBLICAN
TERRY ACKERMAN
DOB: 1961
EDUCATION: Graduate, Wilson High School, 1979
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Wilson Borough School crossing guard, family business
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Resident of West Easton for 25 years
RESPONSE: As mayor, I intend to keep communication open, so the people's wants and needs can be heard. To be their voice in key issues in our borough as always to continue focusing on keeping our community a safe place for everyone.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Four; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
TIMOTHY L. JONES
No response.
LOUIS NIKO
DOB: 1928
EDUCATION: 1945, Easton High School; September 1945, enlisted into Navy
CURRENT OCCUPATION: retired
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Councilman 40 years. Received 30 year and 40 year award from PSAB also received CBO title from PSAB after 66 hours of special training. Council president 4 years (present).
RESPONSE: There are more than one major issues/I will address them one at a time to completion.
THOMAS NODOLINE
No response.
KARL G. HONTZ
DOB: 1954
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in education East Stroudsburg University; Master of Education Curriculum and Instruction Moravian College
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Teacher/technology coach for Wilson Area School District
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Four years as council member, chair utilities committee, member of recreation and grants committees, previous experience in manufacturing industry supervision.
RESPONSE: The biggest issue facing the borough will be containing tax increases. The borough has a limited tax base with little area to expand. The challenge is to maintain the services the people of the borough expect without unwarranted tax increases. To achieve this we must find ways to get underutilized property within the borough contributing to the tax base, form partnerships with other municipalities for access to state grants, and consider changes in borough expenditures.
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
DAVID S. PERRUSO
DOB: 1935
EDUCATION: 1955, Wilson Borough High School
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Mayor Wilson Borough, PA
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Council 24 years; council president, 20 years; mayor, 8 years; Pennsylvania State Association of Borough board member, 12 years; president of the Pennsylvania State Association of Mayors, 2 years
RESPONSE: Economy hold taxes. To have the tax dollars spent wisely.
BOROUGH COUNCIL WARD 1
(Vote for not more than Two; 4 Year Term)
REPUBLICAN
LOUIS STARNIRI
BOROUGH COUNCIL WARD 2
(Vote for not more than Two; 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
BOB REISS
REPUBLICAN
LEONARD FEINBERG
BOROUGH COUNCIL WARD 3
(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
DAVID L. JONES
MAYOR
(Vote for One 4 Year Term)
DEMOCRAT
MITCHELL D. MOGILSKI Sr.
DOB: 1957
EDUCATION: Marian High School class of 1975; Northampton Community College - General Education
CURRENT OCCUPATION: Mayor of Wind Gap Borough; Behavorial Health Technician / Certified Nurses Aide @ Pocono Medical Center
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Wind Gap Borough Councilman - 8 years; Wind Gap Mayor - 4 years
RESPONSE: No response.
REPUBLICAN
JAMES M. SHOEMAKER
No response.
BOROUGH COUNCIL
(Vote for not more than Four; 4 year Term)
DEMOCRAT
ANTHONY N. CURCIO
SCOTT PARSONS
JOHN F. MAHER
REPUBLICAN
DAVID HESS