The following unedited* responses–listed in alphabetical order by last name–were submitted by the six candidates for three four-year seats on Lower Saucon Township Council.
Pictured, clockwise from upper left are Lower Saucon Township Council candidates: Priscilla deLeon (D-I), David Willard (D-I), Donna Louder (R), Tom Maxfield (R-I), Sandra Yerger (R) and Gary Gorman (D).
All candidates were given an opportunity to respond to the same questions and to provide a closing statement to help voters better understand their views.
Candidates were also provided an opportunity to submit a photo.
Please note: Where emphasis is included in the answers below, it was added by the candidates themselves. An (I) after a name denotes an incumbent.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
*All answers were proofread for punctuation, grammar, spelling and conformity with style. If candidates declined to answer a question, provided more information than requested or gave a reason for not answering a question, that information is printed below as it was provided to Saucon Source.
PRISCILLA deLEON (I)
Age: 66
Priscilla deLeon
Party: Democrat
Experience:
- Lower Saucon Council, 28 years
- Distinguished Service Award from the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce (2006)
- Community Service Award from the Saucon Valley Community Center (2014)
- Board member of: Saucon Valley Partnership, Saucon Valley Conservancy (founding member), Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber, Historic Barn & Farm Foundation
- Have attended numerous conferences and workshops regarding township affairs. Please see website and blog for other accomplishments, etc.
Website/Facebook Page:
http://councilwomanpriscilladeleon.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/citizensforlspreservation/
1. Why are you running for Lower Saucon Township Council?
It has been a privilege to serve the residents of Lower Saucon Township. My reasons for serving have not changed. I ran for council in 1987 because of my concerns about residents’ quality of life and the environment. I feel that controlled commercial growth is important to maintaining a viable tax base, but not at the expense of the health and welfare of the entire community. I am committed to being available to listen and respond to the residents’ needs and respecting their rights when making decisions. I will continue to insist on a more responsive government. I am aggressive in the enactment of laws and policies that will protect those rights and improve quality of life. Preserving our sense of place is very important in keeping us unique. Preserving the rural characteristics of our township is a must.
2. Based on your knowledge of the most recent proposal, if you had to vote on the matter today, would you support rezoning the land to the west of IESI Bethlehem Landfill to light industrial–a zoning change that would allow the facility to implement its proposed western expansion plan? Please explain why you would vote yes or no.
NO. I oppose the landfill expansion outside the Light-Agricultural Zone into the Rural Agricultural Zone. When IESI purchased the existing landfill from Eastern Environmental most of the land to the west was already zoned RA (rural agriculture).
Please ask yourself how you would feel if a business wanted to expand a commercial or industrial business next to your home which is zoned rural agriculture. Lower Saucon Township is a zoned community and we should respect the planning and expectations of residents that live within the various zoning districts in the township.
Please ask yourself how you would feel if after moving to a part of the township that is zoned rural agriculture, a business entity wanted to expand a commercial or industrial business–such as the landfill–next to your home.
Economic development is crucial to our township so long as it serves our needs. When considering changes, I will balance your needs and expectations with those of your neighborhood and the entire community. Businesses would need to bring long-term benefits, help maintain low taxes, respect our heritage and protect our environment. We want our businesses to be neighbors we can trust and count on to serve all residents’ needs.
3. Lower Saucon Township Council has adopted a resolution opposing the proposed PennEast natural gas pipeline. Explain why you believe the pipeline would be bad for LST.
I am opposed to the PennEast Pipeline and voted in favor of Resolution #32-2015 opposing the construction of the proposed PennEast Pipeline through Lower Saucon Township. The PennEast Pipeline Company, LLC is a limited liability company which may expose property owners to consequences of pipeline damage. The township has kept all the documents sent to the township by PennEast in one location to help residents stay informed: http://www.lowersaucontownship.org/penneast/pefiling.pdf.
The proposed pipeline is approximately 108 miles in length and consists of a 36 inch diameter pipe crossing about one-and-a-half miles of Lower Saucon and includes the Hellertown Lateral, which is approximately a 2.1 mile, 24 inch diameter new pipeline. In my opinion, it will negatively impact the residents all along the route. PennEast has provided no offer of continued compensation for its ongoing use of our land. We have not received any offers by PennEast to provide training and additional equipment to our emergency personnel, who will need to respond to any emergency caused by the pipeline.
One of my concerns are property values and possible decreased taxes paid to the county, township and school district because of decreased property value. I will continue to do whatever I can to help those residents and oppose this or any pipeline.
“It is horrifying that we have to fight our own government to save the environment.” – Ansel Adams
4. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Lower Saucon Township today and why?
I always insist on a detailed budget to maximize the efficiency of your tax dollars through approved expenditures. I continue to look for ways to maintain our tax base without losing services, such as applying for private and government grants. I supported the creation of the Economic Development Task Force with a goal of increasing the township’s tax base and employment opportunities: http://www.lowersaucontownship.org/pdf/2016draft.pdf.
Silver Creek Country Club has requested a zoning change to allow townhouses on three tracts with the rest of the land deed-restricted open space in perpetuity and the rest maintained as a golf course. The proposed zoning amendments are being reviewed by the township: http://www.lowersaucontownship.org/pdf/silverland.pdf
The remaining undeveloped land in this township is very attractive to developers. We cannot jeopardize quality of life of our residents under the guise of favoring commercial development.
Progressive Waste Solutions (IESI PA Bethlehem Landfill), based in Canada, has submitted “Southeastern Realignment” (SER) expansion plans to the township and PA DEP. This does NOT include the land to the west of the landfill. The property on the southeastern side is within the zoned Light Industrial area that allows landfills. According to submitted documents for the SER expansion, the landfill will provide approximately 11 jobs. I am not opposed to the SER expansion because the area is already zoned to allow landfill use in the “Light Manufacturing” zoning district. I will not oppose the application unless it fails to meet all applicable regulations: http://www.lowersaucontownship.org/expansion.html
PennEast Pipeline – See above.
Closing Statement
I would like to ask that you vote for me on Nov. 3. You can count on me to stay on top of all the issues and continue to ask questions, insisting on a more responsive government. I have and always will make serving the township one of my top priorities. I have and will continue to make myself available to everyone who has questions and concerns. I have and will continue to spend countless hours reviewing documents and learning about the complex issues within our township. I promise to be fair.
I am very dedicated, listening to your needs and respecting your rights when making decisions. I am aggressive in the enactment of laws and policies that protect those rights and improve your quality of life. I am not afraid to speak up for our rights. I am not a rubber stamp, and I feel preserving our sense of place is very important, and keeping us unique while preserving our rural characteristics is a must.
It is very important for the residents to get involved by not only exercising their right to vote, but by attending council meetings and providing valuable information which will help your elected officials make informed decisions. Council represents the people, and I welcome and encourage community involvement. I am always available to work with the residents and to offer solutions and provide guidance through a common sense approach. In my many years on council, I have tried to make certain that residents are treated fairly and consistently and have never forgotten the feelings and questions I had sitting in the audience. Because of that, I try to be helpful to those calling seeking my help and advice. I have recently attended township meetings, sitting in the audience, watching the board members deliberate, asking questions and listening to residents speak. I feel there should be more information available to the residents regarding agenda items on all our boards and will work to make that information readily available on the website, etc.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you. No business or special interest group contributed to my campaign.
GARY GORMAN
Age: 45
Gary Gorman
Party: Democrat
Facebook Page www.facebook.com/
Experience: Lower Saucon Parks and Recreation Board Member, 3 years; County Caseworker, 15 years, with extensive experience in union contracts and negotiations; Certificate of Recognition, presented by then-County Executive (2001); Solid Community Advocate, specializing with groups and individuals needing support.
1. Why are you running for Lower Saucon Township Council?
I do not consider myself a politician and I am also a long-time Democrat. That being said, I was asked to join this race by members of the Republican Party because they recognized that I am a bi-partisan, reasonable, approachable candidate who will work cooperatively and help unify council members, the township’s staff and our neighborhoods effectively and respectfully in order to enhance our vibrant and thriving community.
2. Based on your knowledge of the most recent proposal, if you had to vote on the matter today, would you support rezoning the land to the west of IESI Bethlehem Landfill to light industrial–a zoning change that would allow the facility to implement its proposed western expansion plan? Please explain why you would vote yes or no.
Some candidates running in this election are making this a “Lower Saucon Township vs. IESI Landfill; Do or Die; David vs. Goliath, All or Nothing” campaign. This is unfortunate. I support local business and I support our hardworking laborers. I don’t support PACs and am the only candidate who has not been supported by any outside monies, despite offers–as I am running a 100 percent self-funded campaign. At this point, I do not favor rezoning the western part of IESI, but I do support their business. Some candidates have stated that their goal is to not only stop the rezoning, but to completely shut down the business. This is short-sighted and will force our township into a financial quagmire. The company has been in business for 60+ years, creates local jobs, contributes money to emergency services and sponsors local events and generates millions of dollars to our township’s budget. I would be willing to revisit the rezoning if and when IESI is able to demonstrate that the benefits to our township outweigh the disadvantages.
3. Lower Saucon Township Council has adopted a resolution opposing the proposed PennEast natural gas pipeline. Explain why you believe the pipeline would be bad for LST.
The proposed route would cross 88 waterways, many which are federally regulated C-1 blue line streams. Along with the risk to the Wild and Scenic Delaware, the project is proposed to cross 44 wetlands and 30 parks. Eighty-five percent is proposed to cross through the Delaware watershed. It risks habitat destruction to endangered species such as bald eagles, bobolinks, Harrier hawks, ospreys, cormorants, wood turtles, great blue herons, bobcats, long-tailed salamander and much, much more. Townships along the proposed route regularly host cultural and art events that attract tourism from all over the tri-state area that reflect the history and cultural aspects of the region. The Delaware Valley Region area also offers a splendid opportunity for horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, hunting, cross-country skiing, photography, bird watching…or just a lovely, restful place to get away.
4. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Lower Saucon Township today and why?
Protecting and stabilizing our quality of life; protecting and stabilizing our valuable services and our rural community; protecting and stabilizing our emergency services and respecting emergency responders–whether hired per personnel or being committed to our vast amount of township volunteers who service our township 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In order to run our township effectively and efficiently each day, 365 days per year–whether having our streets plowed of snow, having an ambulance quickly respond to an emergency medical situation or having our fire companies supplied with the resources to competently respond to crisis situations–requires the financial resources to fund these important services. Some candidates and their supporters have proposed to raises taxes significantly. I don’t believe that “tax and spend” or rather, “spend and tax our residents” is the answer.
Closing Statement
Again, some candidates are making this election out to be a “pay to play” situation and that “money talks.” I know that money talks…I have five children, my money always says, “goodbye.” I vowed at the beginning of this election that I will not be beholden to any special interest groups and will continue that pledge throughout my term. Throwing vast amounts of money at a problem is not the solution; fiscal conservatism is the answer.
DONNA LOUDER
Age: 56
Party: Republican
Experience: Lower Saucon Township Landfill Committee (3 years), Lower Saucon Township Citizens Academy graduate, Realtor (retired)
Contact:
dl*********@gm***.com
1. Why are you running for Lower Saucon Township Council?
My passion for Lower Saucon Township has led me to run for a council seat. Over the past few years a multitude of changes have occurred, many for the good, but some have caused disruption for the taxpayers in neighborhoods of the township. As a taxpaying resident, I have experienced and witnessed the loss of quality of life. But the most disheartening experience was when some of the elected officials disrespected and dismissed the concerns of the residents on multiple occasions; I feel this type of treatment is not conducive to the growth and prosperity of our township. I believe Lower Saucon Township is due for a positive change under new leadership.
2. Based on your knowledge of the most recent proposal, if you had to vote on the matter today, would you support rezoning the land to the west of IESI Bethlehem Landfill to light industrial–a zoning change that would allow the facility to implement its proposed western expansion plan? Please explain why you would vote yes or no.
NO. As a volunteer on the landfill committee for the past three years I am afforded the opportunity to attend the monthly inspections. This permanently destructive business has created a loss of quality of life for the surrounding neighborhoods. This landfill is already located within close proximity of residential areas and a western expansion would only further hardships for residents. Every taxpayer is entitled to enjoy their home without the fear of possible health issues, malodors and noise nuisances. Also, our zoning ordinances were implemented to protect and preserve land for future generations. This type of business is based on consuming our natural resources and is not a long-term revenue source.
3. Lower Saucon Township Council has adopted a resolution opposing the proposed PennEast natural gas pipeline. Explain why you believe the pipeline would be bad for LST.
When is enough–enough? Our township has always been a place of natural beauty and I would like to maintain its rural character. If we continue on this path, we will disrupt our rural neighborhoods, our quality of life, and any hope of preserving our township. I believe Pennsylvania as a whole has taken on its fair share of heavy industrialization.
4. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Lower Saucon Township today and why?
The most important issue facing Lower Saucon Township is the loss of TRUST and RESPECT. It has become quite apparent that the morals and integrity within our local government is questionable. The trust in an elected official by the taxpayer is paramount and I feel it has been compromised. My goal when elected is to restore these basic values.
Closing Statement
As a lifelong resident of Lower Saucon Township, I believe the newcomers to the township are here for the same reason I never left my hometown. Lower Saucon Township is known as a rural community within close proximity to all sorts of amenities, the school district offers a quality education to the children, and it has that small town feel. It would be appreciated if I was given the opportunity to be able to give back to all the residents of Lower Saucon. While serving on council, I would work to preserve the township to the best of my ability and bring trust and integrity to the local government through common sense leadership. I believe there is also opportunity to curtail unnecessary spending and be fiscally responsible. One example would be to revisit the regionalization of the Lower Saucon/Hellertown police departments. Being the police department is the greatest expense to the township, this could greatly reduce expenses while increasing police coverage. I believe it is time for new leadership in Lower Saucon; a leadership that will remain governed by the people and not corporate America. This township survived years without tipping fees. We don’t have to fall prey to a company that has no interest in the future of OUR HOMETOWN. On Nov. 3 make the decision that protects the future of Lower Saucon Township. Thank you for your vote.
TOM MAXFIELD (I)
Age: This is not a relevant question.
Tom Maxfield
Party: Republican
Experience: I have served on Lower Saucon Township Council, Planning Commission and Environmental Advisory Council for over 12 years. While on council, I have been involved in employee contract negotiations, the Hellertown Library Board, the acquisition of open space, park acquisition/development and enacting quality of life legislation, to name a few. I was also one of the driving forces behind hiring a Township Planner in order to build a sensible, sustainable and healthy community for current and future residents. Before retiring this year, I worked as a teacher for 28 years and as a graphic artist for 35 years.
1. Why are you running for Lower Saucon Township Council?
I am running for re-election in order to continue the policies and programs that we have put in place. I am also very concerned for the immediate financial future of the township. Any decisions need to be based on sound, professional advice and need to be made with consideration of the ENTIRE township. Self-serving opinions and rumors should not be treated with the weight of fact when making decisions, and, if elected, I intend to ensure that doesn’t happen.
2. Based on your knowledge of the most recent proposal, if you had to vote on the matter today, would you support rezoning the land to the west of IESI Bethlehem Landfill to light industrial–a zoning change that would allow the facility to implement its proposed western expansion plan? Please explain why you would vote yes or no.
There has never been a submitted proposal for a rezoning or a western expansion by IESI. If an actual plan was submitted by IESI, it would be reviewed by staff, various boards and council for potential impacts and benefits to the entire township.The current proposal before council is known as the Southeastern Realignment, which does not require rezoning. It is in its early stage, and there are many details that remain to be addressed before it is considered a feasible plan, i.e. odor, traffic, buffering and viewshed concerns.
3. Lower Saucon Township Council has adopted a resolution opposing the proposed PennEast natural gas pipeline. Explain why you believe the pipeline would be bad for LST.
No matter what the rhetoric, the pipeline offers no financial or employment benefits for LST. The pipeline reps have downplayed the disturbance and destruction of woodlands and habitat and up-played the claims of jobs and business growth. To date, none of these supposed benefits have manifested themselves in other municipalities with pipelines across the state. Additionally, the effort to install this line attempts to circumnavigate residential rights by threatening condemnation as a result of public non-cooperation. There is always give and take associated with any type of development, but this pipeline simply takes.
4. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Lower Saucon Township today and why?
In my opinion the most important issue facing LST is economic: How do we address our future while continuing to maintain a community that people are proud of and want to be a part of? Services, amenities and opportunities are at a high level in LST, and we need to devise new ways to accomplish our goals of maintaining this mode of living while ensuring that future generations will have the same. We need responsible, realistic solutions for our economic future, but these cannot come at the cost of what makes LST a special place.
Closing Statement
Care for our entire community is what motivates my request for your vote. I have found a quality of life in LST that I cherish. I have dedicated my public life to highlighting and maintaining those qualities, and I want everyone to share and enjoy them.
However, recently, this has become harder to accomplish. The atmosphere at council meetings has become poisonous. As attendees know, a very few vocal, self-interested individuals with personal agendas have repeatedly attacked the honesty, character, motivation and concerns of those they oppose in order to address their personal issues. They have attacked park development/open space, public services, the police force and fire services. Tragically, these attacks are not limited to the public side of the dais; they’re practiced by councilpersons who also have self-interest in mind. To complicate things, most of the media that attend public meetings have been lax in finding the misinformation, inconsistencies, contradictions and rewrites of history that have been publicly and shamelessly uttered by some. Instead they pursue the sensationalist tidbits, the disagreements, the one-sided attacks, i.e. the “dirt.” I reject this as good government, as well as good reporting. Truth and integrity should be ultimate in our concerns.
If I am elected, I promise you that I will give you consistency and truth, uncomfortable or not, and I will try to create comprehensive solutions for the good of the entire township. This has been my position from the start–I look forward to continuing it.
DAVID WILLARD (I)
David Willard
Age: 67
Party: Democratic
Experience: One term (2012-15) as a member of Lower Saucon Township Council. Prior to that, I had a successful 40-year career in business with experience in sales and marketing, human resources, finance, strategic planning and general management. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University. I also serve the community through nonprofit volunteering and board leadership with ArtsQuest, PBS39 and other local organizations.
Website: www.democracy.com/dave4council
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/willardworksforyou
1. Why are you running for Lower Saucon Township Council?
I originally ran for election in 2011 shortly after retiring from private industry at the urging of friends and neighbors. There is a learning curve and I have learned a lot about how local government works in my 3 1/2 years on council, including attending various training sessions for elected officials. I would like to put the knowledge and expertise I have gained to work for the residents of Lower Saucon Township for another four years. I am a self-funded candidate whose only interest is in serving the community.
2. Based on your knowledge of the most recent proposal, if you had to vote on the matter today, would you support rezoning the land to the west of IESI Bethlehem Landfill to light industrial–a zoning change that would allow the facility to implement its proposed western expansion plan? Please explain why you would vote yes or no.
I would vote no to rezoning. My position on expansion of the IESI Bethlehem Landfill is as stated on my website:
The Progressive Waste Management (IESI) Bethlehem Landfill is an operating business that provides significant revenue to Lower Saucon Township.
I opposed the rezoning of Applebutter Road in 2013 to allow the landfill to expand toward Steel City due to concerns for the residents and the environment.
I support the current Southeastern Realignment proposal in a properly zoned area, assuming that all requirements for permitting from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and Lower Saucon Township can be met by the Landfill.
3. Lower Saucon Township Council has adopted a resolution opposing the proposed PennEast natural gas pipeline. Explain why you believe the pipeline would be bad for LST.
Let me begin by quoting from the Township’s Motion to Intervene in the PennEast filing to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC):
The construction and operation of the proposed pipeline/lateral threatens to significantly damage streams, wildlife habitat, existing farm operations, and the quality of life in Lower Saucon Township. It will cut through more than one and a half miles of forest and woodland within the Township, deforesting the final permanent right of way. In addition, it will cut through more than a mile of farmland within the Township. The PennEast Project presents a threat to scenic, natural, cultural, and historic resources within the Township.
There will be no direct benefit to the Township, either in terms of energy supply or revenue. In addition, PennEast has the right of eminent domain to secure right-of-way in the event that property owners do not cooperate. For these reasons, Lower Saucon Township and most municipalities along the proposed route have passed resolutions opposing construction of the PennEast Pipeline.
4. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Lower Saucon Township today and why?
I believe the most important issue facing Lower Saucon Township today is maintaining the level of services and quality of life that township residents expect and appreciate in view of current and future challenges. This covers everything from the IESI Bethlehem Landfill and PennEast Pipeline to road maintenance, economic development, historical and open space preservation, community services and realistic budgeting and financial management. In order to do this, we need informed and engaged residents who take an interest in local government and share their opinions, needs and concerns with the council.
Closing Statement
Lower Saucon Township needs strong and committed leadership to continue to be a great place to live. I take my responsibilities to protect the health and welfare of township residents very seriously. I have listened to residents, kept myself informed and tried to always act in the best interest of our community. I am committed to honesty, integrity and transparency in government.
I have initiated and chaired economic development efforts over the past two years—with the support of council—to look for additional sources of revenue and end the township’s overreliance on a single business.
I have participated in community events such as Community Day, Spirit parades and new business openings to be actively involved with our residents. Nothing pleases me more than to see our Council Room full of citizens on a meeting night who are there to provide comments and guidance to the council. I welcome the dialogue.
I am a self-funded candidate whose only interest is to serve the community. My campaign slogan is “Willard works for YOU!” If you re-elect me on Nov. 3, you can be sure that I will.
SANDRA YERGER
Age: Not relevant
Sandra Yerger
Party: Republican
Experience: Graduate of Saucon Valley High School, B.A. in history from Moravian College, served 12 years as chairperson of Lower Saucon Township Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC), served four years on Lower Saucon Township Planning Commission, served eight years on Lower Saucon Township Council, nominated to the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Municipal Technical Assistance Advisory Panel (MTAAP) to assist with regional planning and conservation, served on Lehigh Valley Planning Commission’s panel to finalize its “Return on the Environment” publication that illustrates the economic values of conservation in the Lehigh Valley.
1. Why are you running for Lower Saucon Township Council?
If elected to council, I look forward to continuing to promote the blending of preservation of open space and protection of our natural resources with responsible development in order to preserve the economic viability of our community. This combination is the only way our township will have the financial resources to continue to provide residents with all the amenities we enjoy today. I also feel it is important to reestablish the respectability of our township government with residents and other local government organizations that has been diminished by recent actions and reactions of some of our current representatives.
2. Based on your knowledge of the most recent proposal, if you had to vote on the matter today, would you support rezoning the land to the west of IESI Bethlehem Landfill to light industrial–a zoning change that would allow the facility to implement its proposed western expansion plan? Please explain why you would vote yes or no.
The western expansion option was never formally submitted by IESI so this question is irrelevant at this point in time for Lower Saucon’s voters. It would be unprofessional for anyone to speculate on this at this time and would only serve to raise false concerns for residents on a currently non-existent issue.
3. Lower Saucon Township Council has adopted a resolution opposing the proposed PennEast natural gas pipeline. Explain why you believe the pipeline would be bad for LST.
As stated in the resolution, the pipeline would be detrimental to Lower Saucon for the following reasons: “The design, route, and construction of the proposed PennEast pipeline and Hellertown Lateral and the accompanying construction and operation of the proposed pipeline/lateral threatens to significantly damage streams, wildlife habitat, existing farm operations, and the quality of life in Lower Saucon Township.” The current proposed pipeline route also discriminates against township property owners who currently have larger properties in our rural areas.
4. What do you believe is the most important issue facing Lower Saucon Township today and why?
Of all the issues facing our township, the most important is preserving quality of life for all our residents. To accomplish this, we must work together to build a sustainable community by preserving our historic and natural heritage, while encouraging economic growth. We can accomplish this by stressing compliance of our ordinances and zoning designed for responsible growth while respecting the quality of life for all who call Lower Saucon Township home. The desire of individuals, especially those who speak louder than others, must be carefully weighed with what is best for all the residents in our community.
Closing Statement
As a lifetime resident of Lower Saucon Township I would work hard to encourage residents to work together in a proactive manner rather than reactive manner to address township problems such as storm water management, economic development, sewage problems, traffic concerns, and recreational and open space needs. The broad-based citizens’ effort that led to the township’s acquisition and recreational development of Polk Valley Park and the new Woodland Preserve, which I was proud to be an active participant in, is the type of unified community project which I will support as a council representative. I am employed by Heritage Conservancy of Doylestown, Pa., a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Bucks County’s natural and historic resources. The practical knowledge I have acquired through working at the conservancy about counteracting the ill effects of irresponsible development has proven to be very useful to me in my work on the planning commission and the EAC. I would consider it a privilege to utilize this invaluable experience to work with residents to make Lower Saucon a prosperous community for their families and future generations.
