2011municipal primaryfinal

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF PENNSYLVANIA

CITIZEN EDUCATION: FUND

NONPARTISAN VOTERS GUIDE

MUNCIPAL PRIMARY, MAY 17, 2011

(C) Copyright 2011 LWVPA - CEF

Polls open 7 A.M. to 8 P.M.

This Voters Guide may be taken into the voting booth.

FOR ELECTION INFORMATION

Contact your county Board of Elections. The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania Citizen

Information Center also provides election information. CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-692-7281

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The material in this Guide was compiled by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen

Education Fund. This material may not be altered or reprinted without the permission of the

League. Each candidate's reply has been printed as submitted, except to use standard abbreviations

and by editing from the bottom when a candidate's reply exceeded the word limit. The candidates

listed are those whose names appear on the ballot as of March 23, 2011. They are listed according

to their ballot order. Additional information about judicial candidates and voter information

including ―Polling Place Lookup‖ can be found by going to www.smartvoter.org and typing in your

address and zip code. Allegheny, Delaware and Montgomery County residents will see additional

information on local candidates at www.smartvoter.org as well.

PURPOSE AND POLICY OF THE LEAGUE

The purpose of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund is to

promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in

government. The League is nonpartisan: it does not support or oppose any political parties or

candidates. Nothing in this guide should be construed as an endorsement of any candidate by the

League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania-Citizen Education Fund.

ABSENTEE VOTING

Registered voters who are ill, disabled, or will be absent from the municipality on Election Day

may vote by absentee ballot. Completed applications for civilian absentee ballots must be received

by the county Board of Elections by 5 P.M., Tuesday, May 10. Completed civilian absentee ballots

must be received back at the Board of Elections by 5 P.M. on Friday, May 13, 2011. If an

emergency arises (unexpected illness or business trip) after the Tuesday application deadline, call

your county Board of Elections for information on emergency absentee voting. Proof of emergency

may be required. An emergency application and ballot can be obtained and voted by 5 P.M. on

Friday, May 13. Any disabled voter having questions regarding the accessibility of a polling place

should consult the county Board of Elections.

WRITE-IN VOTING

Information for write-in voting will be available at the polling place.

ELECTION DAY PROBLEMS

If your right to vote is challenged at the polls on Election Day and the problem cannot be resolved

at the polling place, the judge of elections at the polling place should telephone the county Board of

Elections. The problem could be resolved by phone if your name appears on the county records. If

it does not and you want to try to resolve the problem, then you can go in person to the county

Board of Elections where a judge from the Court of Common Pleas will be on duty to resolve

election problems. Alternatively, you can ask for and vote by provisional ballot. If it is later

http://www.smartvoter.org/

http://www.smartvoter.org/

determined that you were eligible to vote your ballot will be counted. You will be given

instructions on how to determine if your vote was counted.

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW VOTERS If you are a new voter or if you are voting at a polling place for the first time then you must bring

your voter ID card or a photo ID such as a driver's license, student ID or some other form of Federal

or State government issued ID. Some forms of non-photo ID are also acceptable such as a firearm

permit, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check. If you do not have any

acceptable ID then you must be allowed to vote by provisional ballot.

ON-LINE VOTERS GUIDE

The Voters Guide and other useful information for voters can be found on the League of Women

Voters of Pennsylvania homepage: www.palwv.org. It is also posted on the League of Women

Voters of Bucks County website, www.palwv.org/bucksco (go to the Voters Guide Page).

*CERTIFICATION NOTE*

As of the publication date of this guide, the slate of candidates listed below is accurate based upon

the Pennsylvania Department of State‘s Bureau of Elections unofficial ballot.

STATE

JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Superior Court is one of Pennsylvania's two statewide intermediate appellate courts. This court,

which was established in 1895, reviews most of the civil and criminal cases that are appealed from

the Courts of Common Pleas in the Commonwealth's 67 counties. The Superior Court consists of

15 judges who serve 10-year terms. The president judge of Superior Court is elected to a five-year

term by his or her colleagues.

A huge volume of appeals flow to Superior Court from the trial courts. Generally, appeals are heard

by panels of three judges sitting in Philadelphia, Harrisburg or Pittsburgh. The court often is the

final arbiter of legal disputes. Although the Supreme Court may grant a petition for review of a

Superior Court decision, most such petitions are denied and the ruling of the Superior Court stands.

Term: 10 years—Salary: $178,914

(Vote for one)

QUESTION: Because of some public concern about the amount of money being spent on

statewide judicial elections, would you support an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution

changing the method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process? Why or why not?

REPUBLICAN

Vic Stabile (Middlesex Carlisle)

Web site: http://stabileforjudge.com

D.O.B: 9/14/1957

EDUCATION: 1979, SUNY Stonybrook, B.A.; 1982, Dickinson School of Law, J.D.

OCCUPATION: Attorney

QUALIFICATIONS: Almost 30 years trial and appellate experience; Appellate Judicial Clerk;

Deputy Attorney General; Partner, Dilworth Paxson LLP; Recommended by PA Bar Assn. based

upon ―solid‖ appellate experience and ―strong intellect.‖

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Yes, if a true merit selection process would provide fair opportunity

for well qualified people to be considered for judicial office. At present, neither election nor merit

selection is a panacea for selecting judges.

http://www.palwv.org/

http://www.palwv.org/bucksco

http://stabileforjudge.com/

REPUBLICAN

Paula A. Patrick (Ward 34 Div. 34, Philadelphia)

Web site: www.judgepaulapatrick.com

D.O.B: 1/28/1968

EDUCATION: 1993, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, J.D.

1990, Bennett College, B.A.—Political Science Magna Cum Laude

OCCUPATION: Judge of the Court of Common Please—Philadelphia County

QUALIFICATIONS: Common Pleas Court Judge, 7 ½ years; Trial lawyer 10 years; former

adjunct faculty at LaSalle University; former instructor at the Gerry Spence‘s Trail Lawyers

College; 2009 Woman of the Year Award by Coalition of Hope Inner-City Empowerment; 2009

Partner of Peace Award, 2002 Preserve the Heritage Award Commitment to Community Service

ANSWER TO QUESTION: No I would not support it. I believe in a democracy—government by

the people and for the people. All Pennsylvanians should have the right to vote for any public

official, especially judges. If there is a ―merit-selection‖ process for choosing judges, who decides

on the judges selected? It would only be a select group of politically connected individuals with

very little interest in diversity or fairness.

DEMOCRAT

David N. Wecht, (Indiana Township, Pittsburgh)

Web site: www.wecht2011.com

D.O.B: 5/20/1962

EDUCATION: 1984, Yale B.A.; 1987 Yale J.D. Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa. National

Merit Scholar. Notes Editor, Yale Law Journal. Law Clerk, 1987-88, U.S. Court of Appeals, D.C.

Circuit.

OCCUPATION: Common Pleas Judge

QUALIFICATIONS: Judge since February 2003 (former Administrative Judge, Family Division).

―Highly Recommended‖ by Pennsylvania and Allegheny County Bar Associations. Endorsed by

Pennsylvania Democratic Party, Allegheny and Philadelphia Labor Councils, FOP Lodge 91,

Professional Firefighters Local 1. Register of Wills, Allegheny County 1998-2003.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Reasonable people disagree. On the one hand, appointment of judges

would eliminate problems posed by campaign fundraising, especially large corporate contributions

now permitted by the U.S. Supreme Court. On the other hand, our Constitution should not lightly

be amended, particularly where amendment would disenfranchise Pennsylvanians. Those who

would alter our Constitution carry a heavy burden. While I am not yet persuaded, I have an open

mind and believe the issue merits candid and thoughtful discussion.

JUDGE OF THE COMMONWEALTH COURT

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Commonwealth Court is one of Pennsylvania's two statewide intermediate appellate courts.

This court, which was established in 1968, is unlike any other state court in the nation. Its

jurisdiction generally is limited to legal matters involving state and local government and regulatory

agencies. Litigation typically focuses on such subjects as banking, insurance and utility regulation

and laws affecting taxation, land use, elections, labor practices and workers compensation.

Commonwealth Court also acts as a court of original jurisdiction, or a trial court, when lawsuits are

filed by or against the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth Court is made up of nine judges who serve 10-year terms. The president judge

is chosen by his or her colleagues for a five-year term. The court generally decides cases in three-

judge panels and sits in Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh.

Term: 10 years – Salary $178,914

(Vote for one)

http://www.judgepaulapatrick.com/

http://www.wecht2011.com/


statewide judicial elections, would you support an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution

changing the method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process? Why or why not?

REPUBLICAN

Paul P. Panepinto (Ward 34, Div. 34, Philadelphia)

Web site: www.judgepanepinto.com

D.O.B.: 6/25/1949

EDUCATION: 1971, Villanova University, B.A.; 1979 Villanova University, M.A.; 1976 Widener

University, J.D.

OCCUPATION: Judge

QUALIFICATIONS: Received the highest recommendation from the Pennsylvania Bar

Association. Served for 20 years as a judge handling all major complex litigation cases (jury and

non-jury) as well as criminal and family court matters.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Merit selection limits the involvement of the people to choose their

judges. The present system gives everyone the chance to participate. This process has problems but

I believe candidates should be able to run without raising money. They should do so on their own

and with the support of the media and a public debate to spread the message to voters who would

then be more informed about the candidates.

REPUBLICAN

Anne Covey (Upper Makefield Twp. New Hope)

www.coveyforjudge.com

D.O.B.: 11/04/1959

EDUCATION: 1981, University of Delaware, B.A. with Departmental Honors; 1984, Widener

University School of Law, J.D. Cum Laude

OCCUPATION: Attorney, Law Firm Founder

QUALIFICATIONS: Extensive Commonwealth Court experience. Clerked for President Judge

Craig. First woman Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board Member. Practice labor and employment

law. Written extensively, including book The Workplace Law Advisor.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I believe Pennsylvania residents should continue to have the right to

select appellate court judges. There is no assurance that an appointive process will not include the

kind of political negotiation and dealing most Pennsylvanians oppose. I have full confidence in the

Pennsylvania voters to carefully consider each candidate‘s qualifications and make the best

judgment. Pennsylvania need not replace elections with back-room deals, but rather rigorously

enforce a strong code of ethics and conduct.

DEMOCRAT

Kathryn Boockvar (Doylestown Twp.)

D.O.B. 10/23/1968

Web site: www.boockvar.com

EDUCATION: 1993 American University, Washington College of Law, J.D.; 1990 University of

Pennsylvania, B.A.; 1996 Lancaster Mediation Center.


QUALIFICATIONS: Advancement Project, Senior Attorney, 3 years; Boockvar & Yeager,

Partner, 11 years; Legal Services Attorney, 3 years; Only Democratic Commonwealth Court

candidate recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association; Rising Star—Super Lawyer.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Having spent the last three years working for the voters of

Pennsylvania, I believe voters deserve a say in who represents them in every branch of government,

including the judiciary. I support campaign finance reform, including limits and greater disclosure.

I would also like to see a better system for educating the public about candidates, the courts, and

why these courts matter in peoples‘ lives, and will affect the lives of their children and

grandchildren.

http://www.judgepanepinto.com/

http://www.coveyforjudge.com/

http://www.boockvar.com/

DEMOCRAT

Barbara Behrend Ernsberger (Pittsburgh)

Web Site: www.ernsbergerforjudge.com

D.O.B.: 8/16/1951

EDUCATION: 1973, University of Pittsburgh, B.A. cum laude; 1976, Duquesne University

School of Law, J.D.

OCCUPATION: Lawyer

QUALIFICATIONS: I am a practicing attorney in workers‘ compensation, consumer, election and

zoning law. (34 years). I have won landmark cases for injured workers and consumers. I was

Commissioner, Pittsburgh City Planning, 4 years

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I would not support merit selection because elections involve the

public and also educate the aspiring judge. When I ran for the Commonwealth Court in 2009, I

learned about Marcellus Shale in Clinton County, public safety issues in Philadelphia, and concerns

about bias in the Courts across the state. The participatory and educational value of the electoral

process outweighs the public concern about the money being spent on Judicial Elections.

JUDGE OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

JOB DESCRIPTION: Common Pleas Court hears civil and criminal cases in the county.

Divisions also include Orphans Court, Juvenile Court, Family Court and Dependency Court.

Term: 10 years – Salary $164,602

(Vote for one)

QUESTION: ―Because of some public concern about the amount of money being spent on

statewide judicial elections, would you support an amendment to the PA constitution changing the

method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process? Why or Why not?‖

REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

JAMES M. McMASTER (Bensalem)

D.O.B.: 12/13/1953

EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate from Rutgers Law School-Camden after receiving a Bachelors

degree from Penn State.

OCCUPATION: Currently serving as a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.

QUALIFICATIONS: After 33 years practicing as an attorney in Bucks County, I was appointed a

Judge the Governor and Pennsylvania Senate. Unanimously endorsed for a full term by both the

Republican and Democratic Committees of Bucks County.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: No. From what I have seen, many so-called merit selection methods

are just as political as a judicial election but they are just removed from input of the average person.

While direct election by the people may have its drawbacks, I believe the people deserve the right

to vote on statewide judicial candidates.

MICHAEL D. RUBIN (Upper Southampton)

D.O.B.: 5/9/1949

EDUCATION: 1975, Widner School of Law, J.D.; 1979, Temple Law School, LLM in Tax

OCCUPATION: Attorney at Law, Solo practitioner 35 years

QUALIFICATIONS: I practiced law as a litigator for 35 years and have extensive training in

civil litigation and Estate matters. I have represented thousands of clients during my career.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: No, I would not support an amendment to the PA constitution

changing the method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process. The merit selection

committee would have to be selected by someone. That would more than likely be the governor,

the legislature or the judiciary. This would give politicians a total control on the judiciary. We

have this system in place at the federal level.

http://www.ernsbergerforjudge.com/

COUNTY OFFICES

COUNTY COMMISSIONER

JOB DESCRIPTION: Three County Commissioners (no more than two elected from the same

political party) supervise: voter registration and elections; assessment of real estate property;

human services; veterans affairs/juvenile detention facilities and prisons; and land use planning.

The can establish housing and redevelopment authorities and conduct community development

programs. They maintain homes for the aged, and may support libraries and community colleges.

They set county tax rates and adopt budgets for county offices and local Courts of Common Pleas.

Term: 4 years – Salary: $89,072.72

(Vote for two)

QUESTION: What are the major issues facing the Office of Commissioner in Bucks County

today, and how would you address them?

REPUBLICAN

CHARLES H. MARTIN (Southampton)

D.O.B.: 4/11/1942

EDUCATION: Lebanon Valley College – B.A. Political Science

OCCUPATION: Bucks County Commissioner

QUALIFICATIONS: I accumulated over 30 years of professional corporate experience while

working for Philadelphia Electric Company. During this time, I also served as a supervisor in

Upper Southampton Township for 12 years. I have been serving as Bucks County Commissioner

since May 1995.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The main issue confronting all elected officials during these difficult

economic times is to control spending. We have held the line on property taxes for the last 5 years

and will continue to keep the taxpayers in mind in all governmental decisions. It will also be

important to maintain the programs that support our wonderful quality of life in Bucks County,

while seeking out new opportunities to bolster our economy and provide sustainable jobs for our

residents.

ROBERT G. LOUGHERY (Bedminster Township)

Web site: www.loughery2011.org

D.O.B.: 11/10/1969

EDUCATION: Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA – Bachelor of Arts, 1991; Policy & Management

Studies, US Army, ROTC – Commissioned May 1991

OCCUPATION: Bucks County Commissioner

QUALIFICATIONS: Successful small business owner and economic development entrepreneur.

Established Bucks County‘s Enterprise Zone Program and Brownfields Revitalization Initiative.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Maintaining a high quality of life for our residents by keeping taxes

low while providing essential services. Continue to support world class and affordable education

that our nationally recognized community college provides. Better utilize our enterprise zone and

brownfield revitalization programs to spur redevelopment of existing sites, as opposed to the

development of ‗Greenfields‘ or our remaining open spaces. Protect prime agricultural land and

natural habitats.

ANDREW L. WARREN (Middletown)

D.O.B.: 4/13/1943

EDUCATION: MA Trenton State College

OCCUPATION: Executive Director, PENJERDEL Council

http://www.loughery2011.org/

QUALIFICATIONS: 46 year public service career serving residents of Bucks County: William

Tennent High School teacher/coach, Warminster Township Supervisor, Bucks County

Commissioner, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District Executive, Tullytown Borough

Manager.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Balanced Budget – Commissioner supported/citizen implemented

Government Study Panel needs to determine if regulations created in mid-1800s are optimum way

to finance 21st century government. Justice Center Construction – Employing PENNDOT

experience overseeing multi-million dollar highway construction projects implement seasonal

construction schedule updates attended by contractor and public, personal construction site visits,

timely E-MAIL/newsletter updates. Unapproachable elected officials – Take down the closed

locked door that leads to Commissioners offices.

JAY RUSSELL (Churchville)

D.O.B.: 12/1/1960

EDUCATION: Neshaminy High School

OCCUPATION: Russell Gardens Wholesale

QUALIFICATIONS: Concerned Citizen. Candidate in 07

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The major issue on the board of commissioners is that most

decisions favor the majority party and seem to be very politically motivated. As a very Independent

Republican and not owing my nomination to party bosses. I will vote as the people of Bucks

County want. Most important as Commissioner, I will know what‘s going on in the Register of

Wills office and throughout the courthouse. I didn‘t know is no excuse.

DEMOCRAT

DET ANSINN (Doylestown)

Web site: www.bucksvictory.com

D.O.B.: 10/10/1971

EDUCATION: Drexel University, Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

OCCUPATION: Business Owner and Entrepreneur

QUALIFICATIONS: Doylestown Borough Council President, Past Board President of the Bucks

County Free Library System, Member of the Bucks County Open Space Review Board,

President/CEO of BrickSimple LLC

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Economic development has been taken for granted in Bucks County.

We must take leadership position on economic development to support private industry and

establish a roadmap with clear actions to grow our local economy. The county government has

been living beyond its means, spending more money than it takes in. We need to reduce spending

and improve transparency of the county budget process so that our officials can be held

accountable.

DIANE ELLIS-MARSEGLIA (Middletown Township)

Web site: www.bucksvictory.com

D.O.B.: 12/12/1960

EDUCATION: University Delaware: B.A. Sociology and Criminal Justice, University

Pennsylvania: Master Social Work

OCCUPATION: County Commissioner

QUALIFICATIONS: 25 year career in human services. Former member Neshaminy School

Board and Middletown Supervisor. Adjunct TCNJ Law and Justice. Volunteer/Board member

(past/present): CONTACT, Youth Aid Panel. Teen Task Force. Neshaminy Suicide Task Force.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Waste, fraud, and cronyism are rampant in Bucks County

government. If Det Ansinn and I are elected, we will return government to you, the people. Failed

policies and stale ideas will never rejuvenate our local economy. We will work to foster economic

development to attract businesses that provide high-paying jobs. Ethics and accountability will be

the standard. We pledge that your tax dollars will no longer be wasted on corruption or nepotism.

http://www.bucksvictory.com/

http://www.bucksvictory.com/

REGISTER OF WILLS

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Register of Wills probates the wills of county residents, collects state

inheritance taxes, and maintains records related to will and fiduciary accounts.


(Vote for one)

QUESTION: What do you consider the most important issues facing your office and how would

you address them?

REPUBLICAN

DONALD PETRILLE, JR. (Perkasie)

Web Site: www.donpetrille.com

D.O.B.: 8/30/1972

EDUCATION: Juris Doctor, Villanova


QUALIFICATIONS: As a small business owner and estate attorney, I bring private sector,

professional management experience with a record of both serving clients and creating a positive

work environment. I meet budgets and payrolls, manage people and advise entrepreneurs. I will

exceed taxpayers‘ expectations of integrity and efficiency.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I will restore integrity to the office by enforcing clear employee

policies that do not tolerate misusing county time for any partisan political purpose, and discipline

employees appropriately. I will improve access to the office by ensuing that certain filings are

made electronically, work to institute hours in the Levittown and Quakertown county offices, and

expand the mobile probate program. We will review preservation of our historic documents which

date back to the 1680s.

DEMOCRAT

DONNA M. CARACAPPA (Penndel)

Web Site: www.bucksdemocrats.org

D.O.B.: 3/24/1954

EDUCATION: Philadelphia University, Bachelor of Science; Major: Business/Pre MBA

OCCUPATION: Elected Tax Collector, Penndel Borough; Police and Fire Federal Credit Union

Branch Service Representative

QUALIFICATIONS: 30+ year Municipal Management Career in Bucks County including

Borough Municipal Administrator (Penndel), Finance Director (Middletown Township), Elected

Tax Collector (Penndel) and Bucks County Tax Administrator.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Recent corruption charges filed against Barbara Reilly and staff

members has created scandal and dysfunction resulting distrust and cynicism among Bucks County

residents. If elected I will work diligently to restore public trust and confidence to the office of

Register of Wills by eliminating duplicate staff to save taxpayer resources, applying internal

controls and establishing procedures for independent annual audits which will ensure that financial

checks and balances are in place to protect county assets.

TREASURER

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Treasurer receives all tax and other monies owed to the county and

maintain monthly and annual records for audit. As an agent of the state, the Treasurer issues dog,

fishing and hunting licenses.


(Vote for one)

QUESTION: Why are you the best candidate for this office?

http://www.donpetrille.com/

http://www.bucksdemocrats.org/

REPUBLICAN

WILLIAM R. SNYDER (Doylestown)

D.O.B.: 3/1/1938

EDUCATION: High School

OCCUPATION: County Treasurer

QUALIFICATIONS: Thirty-one year‘s experience in cash management, investing public funds,

cash mobilization, cash collections, cash disbursement, bank relationship management, internal

controls, customer service, remitting, reporting State mandated licenses, establishing policies and

procedures for office management and record keeping. Continual training through the Government

Finance Office Association.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: As a non-policy making office, the important issue facing the office

is maintaining the same level of service at no additional cost to the taxpayer. The workload more

than tripled over past several years; I still have the same amount of employees as I did when first

elected. I will continue the prudent cash management practices that have resulted in the county‘s

AAA bond rating, which will save millions of dollars in future borrowing.

DEMOCRAT

TOM KEARNS (Langhorne)

D.O.B.: 2.19.1948

EDUCATION: Masters of Public Administration, Arizona State University

OCCUPATION: Real Estate Tax Certification Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS: Extensive experience as administrator of fee based programs. Treasurer of

a large non-profit organization. As former Middletown Township tax collector, responsible for

collection and reconciliation of millions of dollars.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Serving the public is a sacred trust. Serving for over 30 years

creates complacency and a need to switch to new Democratic ideas, perspectives, and oversight of

county funds and investments. I will institute a bi-annual INDEPENDENT audit of all funds,

oversee investments that give the greatest return with the least risk, open all ledgers to public

review, and revise office procedures to ensure the accurate collection of taxpayer money.

CLERK OF COURTS

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Clerk of Courts is the chief clerk and record keeper for the

criminal proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas.


(Vote for one)


REPUBLICAN

MARY K. SMITHSON (Upper Makefield Township)

Web Site: www.buckscountygop.org

D.O.B.: 6/13/1950

EDUCATION: Saint Joseph‘s University Professional Liberal Studies Programs

OCCUPATION: Incumbent Clerk of Courts

QUALIFICATIONS: Executive experienced managing major County Department. Demonstrated

leadership by establishing programs giving transparency, saving taxpayers money. Instituted

technological services increasing collection of fees, strengthened communications among agencies,

streamlined methods for restitution of fines, costs.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issue facing the office is restitution and court

cost collections, as these fees fund essential county and state services and most importantly, make

victims whole. During my time in office, I contracted with a collection agency, at no cost to the

taxpayer. Delinquent accounts are referred to their agency and the results have been significant. I

will continue to utilize their services and ensure that my office creates effective payments plans and

innovative billing and collection methods.

DEMOCRAT

MARY A. WHITESELL (Springfield Township)

D.O.B.: 8/12/1955

EDUCATION: Northampton Community College, Scott-White Real Estate Institute

OCCUPATION: Paralegal; Realtor; Notary Public

QUALIFICATIONS: I provided administrative leadership to senior corporate officers, offices of

corporate services on general counsel of multi-national corporations. I held responsibilities for

implementation of and adherence to Total Quality Management and ISO-9000 Certified work

environments, employee training, and internships.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: In April 2011, the Clerk of Courts posted online its Annual Report

dated from 2008. That is not indicative of an office that is current with its responsibilities. My

expertise includes various types of litigation, legal matters, preparation and management of

department financials, reporting and audit responses. Under my stewardship, the Clerk of Courts

office would meet its statutory duties and improve its public reporting.

CORONER

JOB DESCRIPTION: The Coroner investigates deaths of a suspicious or violent nature, and

when necessary, orders autopsies and subpoenas witnesses for inquests. The Coroner is

required to issue a certificate if death occurs without medical attendance.

Term: 4 years – Salary: $ 62,680.65

(Vote for one)


REPUBLICAN

Dr. JOSEPH P. CAMPBELL

HOMETOWN: Quakertown

D.O.B.: 7/7/1963

EDUCATION: Temple University, School of Podiatric Medicine, 1989; Juniata College, 1985;

Central Bucks East High School, 1981

OCCUPATION: Incumbent Coroner; Regional VP, PA State Coroners Association; Podiatric

Surgeon, St. Luke‘s Quakertown & Grand View Hospital Staff‘s; St. Luke‘s Health Network,

Wound Management Staff

QUALIFICATIONS: Coroner/Medical knowledge, Training, and 12yrs experience, Board

Certified

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Record high numbers of unclaimed decedents has placed increasing

demands on our office. Researching and tracking down next-of-kin is challenging and requires a

lot of time and effort. Searching databases, hundreds of phone calls, and sadly, convincing

estranged family to render them a proper burial. To facilitate this we have worked with a local

newspaper to publishing our unclaimed list, which has resulted in the successful return of decedents

to their families for proper burial.

DEMOCRAT

UMAR FAROOQ, M.D., CMD

HOMETOWN: Bensalem

D.O.B.: 4/20/1958

EDUCATION: Board Certified, Internal Medicine; Diplomat, Thoracic Medicine, University of

London; Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine – Unrestricted License; Certified Medical Director;

Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, Rawalpindi Medical College.

OCCUPATION:

QUALIFICATIONS: Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor, Philadelphia College of Textiles and

Science; Clinical Preceptor, Aria Health System and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

ANSWER TO QUESTION: As a board certified doctor of internal medicine and also a certified

medical director of nursing home and rehabilitation facilities as well as a hospice, I bring a wide

range of experience to the office. Autopsy under suspicious circumstances is only one way for a

coroner to positively influence our community. By tracking health trends and causes of death the

coroner can be a vigilant proponent of public safety, proactively identifying disease and infectious

outbreaks.

MAGISTRATES

JOB DESCRIPTION: In counties other than Philadelphia, Magisterial District Justices represent

the first level of the court system. The have jurisdiction over such offenses as traffic violations,

landlord/tenant matters, and civil actions involving less than $8,000 and they preside over

arraignments and can fix and accept bail in criminal cases not involving murder or voluntary

manslaughter. Those justices who are not lawyers must complete a course of instruction and pass

an examination before taking office.


(Vote for one)


statewide judicial elections, would you support an amendment to the PA constitution changing the

method of selecting statewide judges to a merit selection process? Why or Why not?

MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT 07-1-04 Magisterial District Judge

REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

ROBERT WAGNER

(No response received)


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

JOHN I. WALTMAN (No response received)


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

JOHN J. KELLY, JR.



REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

DANIEL J. FINELLO, JR.

HOMETOWN: Warminster

Web Site: www.judgefinella.com

D.O.B.: 1/29/1951

EDUCATION: Archbishop Wood High School; LaSalle College; Continuing Education Minor

Judiciary Education Board

OCCUPATION: Magisterial District Judge

QUALIFICATIONS: I have served as Magisterial District Judge for Warminster Township and

Ivyland Borough since 2003. I have presided over thousands of cases in an efficient and cost

effective manner for the benefit of our taxpayers.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I generally would support anything that would improve the

judiciary. Merit selection of statewide judges may eliminate big spending on campaigns but it

http://www.judgefinella.com/

would not necessarily make the process devoid of politics and the candidates selected may or may

not be superior to those chosen by the electorate.


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

JAN VISLOSKY

HOMETOWN: Fallsington

D.O.B.: (Not given)

EDUCATION: Penn State degree in Business Management. Additional courses as needed or

required to enhance my position.

OCCUPATION: Magisterial District Judge for the past 18 years.

QUALIFICATIONS: Served the people of Falls Township for 30 years. Tax Collector for 12

years and 18 years as Judge. I am experienced and always strive for fairness and efficiency.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: In 2010 I handled 588 Criminal cases, 984 Non-Traffic cases, 2,293

Traffic cases and 283 Miscellaneous items ranging from minor offenses to Homicide. I also heard

1,977 Civil cases and the civil limits were just raised from $8000 to $12,000. We are extremely

busy with 5 Clerks and 4 Constables working every day. Statewide Judicial elections have not been

my focus. Without more information, I cannot answer this question.


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRATIC

JOSEPH P. FALCONE



REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

WILLIAM J. BENZ

HOMETOWN: Ivyland

D.O.B.: 11/07/1954

EDUCATION: LaSalle College High School, LaSalle University, McGeorge School of Law.

OCCUPATION: Magisterial District Judge since 2006; Benz Law Firm since 1980.

QUALIFICATIONS: Thirty years as a trial lawyer and general practitioner. Five years as the

sitting district judge. Six years as township supervisor provided understanding of the issues of our

community. Strong community service history.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I am opposed to merit selection because it would remove the voice

of the people in choosing judges and place it in the hands of an appointed committee consisting of

lawyers. While I understand the concern over judges‘ campaigns being funded by lawyers and

other interests, that issue can be resolved by restricting lawyers from contributing to judicial

campaigns. This is not an issue in local judicial campaigns which do not require millions to

finance.

LINDA DOBBINS

HOMETOWN: Upper Holland

D.O.B.: 5/27/1964

EDUCATION: Juris Doctor, Widner University School of Law

OCCUPATION: Attorney; Child Advocate

QUALIFICATIONS: I am an attorney with over 15 years of litigation experience. I work for a

regional law firm defending corporations and small businesses. As an advocate, I represent

children removed from their homes because of abuse.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Judges should be impartial and apply the law as written. Merit

selections can result in appointments based on political contributions and friendships, regardless of

merit. Elections result in political parties financially supporting candidates based on ideology and

what is popular, regardless of the law. Bottom line: both methods are flawed. Elections give

voters the ability to voice their concerns about a judge and act as a safeguard to our judiciary. The

voters should decide.


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

CHARLES W. BAUM

HOMETOWN: Perkasie

D.O.B.: 10/23/1949

EDUCATION: B.S. in journalism/printing Rochester Institute of Technology; judicial

certification by PA Minor Judiciary Education Board plus annual one-week MDJ certification

training.

OCCUPATION: Past six years as magisterial district judge. Prior to that 35 years as former

editor, publisher and owner of Perkasie News-Herald.

QUALIFICATIONS: Successfully handled over 25,000 cases since 2006 as a fair and

compassionate judge, with clean annual audits and integrity.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Yes, I would support an amendment to select statewide judges by a

merit selection process. Currently voters make uniformed selections based on a candidate‘s name,

ethnicity, ballot position or political advertising rather than one‘s qualifications, experience and

temperament.


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

C. ROBERT ROTH



REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

DONALD NASSHORN



REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

ROBERT E. GAFFNEY



REPUBLICAN/ DEMOCRAT

GARY GAMBARDELLA

HOMETOWN: Plumstead

D.O.B.: 05/08/1961

EDUCATION: Law degree


QUALIFICATIONS: Over 20 years as a trial prosecutor. Convicted thousands of violent

criminals including a cop-killer and a double-murderer, both now on death row. Siezed Springfield

Township‘s Wingait Farms from drug-dealer. Initiated program to provide free legal services to

our military families. Litigated thousands of District Judge proceedings.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: While no system is perfect, I favor the system which puts the most

power into the hands of the people to choose rather than in the hands of ―merit selection‖ panelists

who may attempt to advance their own personal and political agendas. This county was founded on

the principle of empowering our citizens to decide how government will be chosen and I believe it

remains the most prudent method of choosing statewide judges.

JOHN R. BLANCHARD

HOMETOWN: Ottsville

D.O.B.: 2/1970

EDUCATION: Graduated Central Bucks HS East. Act 120 & Act 2 diplomas from Temple.

University of Dickinson School of Law. Accredited by the PA Chiefs of Police Assoc.

OCCUPATION: Police Officer/SWAT

QUALIFICATIONS: 17 years law enforcement experience. Hundreds of appearances in District

Court combined with 8 years coaching youth sports programs.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Merits are very important in selecting a candidate. However,

potentially having the process removed from the voters and put in the hands of a panel, entity or

party to decide who has the requisite merit or not is what best for the citizens either. Perhaps a

campaign spending cap might be a better way to keep things on an equal playing field and have the

dollar play less of a role in election results.

SHANNON L. DOMAN

HOMETOWN: Upper Black Eddy

D.O.B.: 8/17/1969

EDUCATION: J.D. Franklin Pierce Law Center


QUALIFICATIONS: Attorney for 12 years, handle criminal and civil cases. Native to the

district.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The concern about a selection process is that cronyism will be a

factor in picking judges. Despite the cost of elections, at least the people decide.

SCHOOL DIRECTORS

SCHOOL DIRECTORS

JOB DESCRIPTION: The School Directors shall equip and maintain the public schools in the

district. Principal duties include appointing and/or dismissing superintendents, principals and

teachers; levying school taxes; purchasing land; locating new buildings; adopting textbooks and

courses of study; fixing salaries of teachers and other appointees of the Board.

Term: 4 years

QUESTION: What do you consider the two most important issues facing your school district and

how would you address them:

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Bensalem Twp - At Large

4-year term (Vote for five)

REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

KEVIN MCKAY

HOMETOWN: Bensalem

D.O.B.: 5/31/1978

EDUCATION: MS, Electrical Engineering, Drexel University; MBA, Temple University Fox

School; of Law; JD, Temple University Beasley School of Law

OCCUPATION: Systems Engineer, Boeing Company

QUALIFICATIONS: Chairman, Bensalem Township Impact Fee Advisory Committee

Member, Knights of Columbus

Former President Lafayette Gardens Condominium Association

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The school district must seek a responsible contract that balances

responsible and frugal use of tax dollars with attracting and retaining quality teachers. The District

must also work with our legislators to find ways to reduce the impact that the state‘s unfunded

mandates and proposed funding cuts will have on the District‘s budget

MATTHEW GRODSKY

HOMETOWN: Bensalem

D.O.B.: 2/27/1975

EDUCATION: Bachelor‘s Degree – University of the Arts

OCCUPATION: Marketing and Information Technology Director

QUALIFICATIONS: a. 10 Years of experience running the I.T. and Marketing operations for an

organization with 14 branch locations located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

b. Ability and experience to achieve value and results with minimal resources.

c. My experience in the arts, technology and business provides me with a unique

insight and respect for all aspects of the educational experience.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two most important issues right now are income and expenses.

Income has dropped due to reduced assessments and slashed State and Federal funding. The district

expenses must likewise be adjusted. Many families in Bensalem are walking a financial tight rope.

Any added burden could lead to foreclosure or worse. While the focus must always be on achieving

the best results for our students, we must seriously consider the financial realities of our residents

HEATHER NICHOLAS


WAYNE L. LEWIS


TONI MOBLEY SIMMONS


PAM STRANGE

HOMETOWN: Bensalem

D.O.B.: Not given

EDUCATION: Bucks County Community College – Working toward a Bachelor Degree in

Business Administration

OCCUPATION: Probate Clerk—County of Bucks

QUALIFICATIONS: 20 years resident of Bensalem; Mother and Grandmother; Many years

experience working with the Public; Service to the community working for Bucks County.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The School District must find new ways to save money. We must

develop good school programs for the students and do it as cost efficiently as possible. The

taxpayers cannot bear the burden of anymore tax increases. The School District and the employees

must make concessions in order to save money without having to raise taxes.

NORA JORDAN


LOLA OGUNTADE


BRISTOL BOROUGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Bristol Boro - At Large

2-year term (Vote for one)

REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

JOSEPH SAXTON

HOMETOWN: Bristol

D.O.B: 8/9/1949

EDUCATION: Bristol Jr. Sr. High School

OCCUPATION: Retired Training Manager Rohm & Haas Company and Arkema Inc.

QUALIFICATIONS: Community volunteer lifelong service as a member, officer and director of

various community organizations. Volunteer Fireman 46 years and government service as an

elected official; Councilman 1986-2001, Mayor 2002-2009, School Director 2010-2011

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Providing continued quality education to all Bristol Borough school

district students while maintaining fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers at a time when federal and

state funds are being reduced by record amounts. Accomplish this with a line by line review of the

budget with a commitment to cost reductions that will enable us to reduce or eliminate a tax

increase while maintaining current standards for a quality education.

BRISTOL BOROUGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Bristol Boro - At Large


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

ALBERT PATRICK BALCER


JOHN J. DOYLE


STEVEN J. CULLEN


JEFF PALEAFICO


MARY JANE POTENA PAGLIONE


CHARLES L GROFF

HOMETOWN: Bristol

D.O.B.: 8/27/1970

EDUCATION: Bristol Junior and Seniors High School and Pennco Tech

OCCUPATION: Disabled

QUALIFICATIONS: Active member of P.T.A. since 2009 and active member of Title 1 parents

advisory council since 2009. I have two children currently attending the district.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. BULLYING: While this is a complex national issue, I believe

locally we need stricter enforcement of current policies and procedures. There should be a zero

tolerance towards physical abuses, which I will advocate for. I would like to institute peer

mediation group to resolve differences in a constructive way. 2. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: I

believe administration costs are out of control and need to be reined in. More resources are needed

in the classrooms for students.

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Bristol Twp - At Large


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

CONSTANCE R. MOORE


HELEN M. CINI

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B: Not given

EDUCATION: West Philadelphia Catholic Girls H.S .graduate; PSBA Academy, Certification;

Bucks County Technical H.S., course participation

OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: 20 years as School Director, 10 years as Tech Board Member; 5 years as

BCIU member

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS: We are facing a very difficult budget with many decisions to make

in a short time with the lack of funds from Harrisburg and Washington for education. Education is

very important to our children with possible furloughs of personnel. We need to stop spending and

look at our budget with a fine tooth comb. Taxes are a big concern in this economic time everyone

needs to be part of the solution. We need to unite together. God Bless America

STACY B. GERLACH

HOMETOWN: Levittown

DOB: 3/8/1969

EDUCATION: Harry S. Truman High School 1987; Bucks County Technical School

OCCUPATION: Stay at home mom

QUALIFICATIONS: Having raised my 4 children through Bristol Township School District

from Special Ed to Gifted. Was a school director 2005-2009 and LOVED IT, made tons of

progress.

ANSWER TO QUESTIONS: The two issues facing all school districts in PA are the severe cut in

funding from the state, this has hurt so many and is deeper than anyone thought possible. The state

making so many mandatory policies and now not funding the majority of them but expecting the

schools to still keep up with them is ridiculous. Keeping taxes at a minimum while providing

quality education and a safe environment for ALL children to learn.

PATRICIA KOSZAREK

(No response received.)

W. EARL BRUCK


CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Region 1 - Upper Southampton Twp

4-year term (Vote for two)

REPUBLICAN

MARK B. MILLER

HOMETOWN: Southampton

D.O.B.: 60

EDUCATION: A.S., B.A.

OCCUPATION: Consultant, Publisher

QUALIFICATIONS: Area Director, PA School Boards Association; Co-Chair-Keystone State

Education Coalition; Member, Teacher/Principal Effectiveness Committee NSBA; Bucks County

Legislative Coordinator PSBA

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Close budget gap without eliminating programs. Increase revenue

(no tax increase) through grants, pilot programs and business affiliation. Cut costs not tied to

classroom.

FLEMMING GODIKSEN


DAVID SHAFTER



Region 2 - Ivyland Boro and Warminster Twp 1, 2, 5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

ANDREW M. POLLOCK


D.O.B. 11/1942

EDUCATION: Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Nova Southeastern University

OCCUPATION: Retired Educator

QUALIFICATIONS: Teacher, Coach, Secondary Principal, Superintendent of Schools, Fourth

year on Centennial School Board (second year as President)

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two most important issues facing the Centennial School District

are the budget and a stable administration. The only way to keep finances at an acceptable level

(without eliminating programs for students) is to have control over salaries and benefits for all of

the districts employees. I believe the hiring of our new superintendent is the first step in developing

a more responsible administration.

STEVEN A. ADAMS


D.O.B. 5/15/1961

EDUCATION: William Tennent and Temple

OCCUPATION: Currently a Loan Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS: Employed at a local bank for twenty-five years as an Accounting Manager

and Lender, last ten years as the Servicing Manager. Dealt with taxes and assessments. Currently

on Centennial Education Foundation Board, have volunteered for many school

committees/activities.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I feel the two largest issues facing the District are shrinking

revenues and rising costs. Through Act 1 limiting annual tax increases and so many expenditures

being fairly consistent, the challenge comes in keeping up with forecasting. The

administration recently hired a new Business Administrator who is very adept at this. Information

he provides will be key as cuts in the State budget looms. I intend to understand and work through

this important process.

MARK GREINER


D.O.B. 7/2/66

EDUCATION: Bucks County Community College, Business & Marketing classes

OCCUPATION: Self-Employed Aquatic Technician & Landscape Contractor

QUALIFICATIONS: I have 24 years of management and public relations experience in the

building industry. I currently own and operate a small business that I founded in 1994.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Declining state education budgets and lack of trust in government

must be solved. Future budgets will likely have to go to referendum. Directors must encourage

more public participation in all decisions from curriculum to financial needs affecting taxes and

property values relative to local educational institutions. Interactive give and take conversations

would do a great deal to restore the trust that has been lost by less than candid discussions over the

last few years.


Region 3 - Warminster Twp 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 15


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

CHARLES J. KLEINSCHMIDT


D.O.B. 9/20/1953

EDUCATION: B.S - Personnel and Human Resource Administration: Arcadia University

OCCUPATION: Realtor® and Retired AT&T Regional Account Manager

QUALIFICATIONS: Developed 35 million dollar budget for Regional Division, Retired High

School Technology Director, Retired Adjunct Computer Science Instructor – Somerset County

Technical Institute, served on several Executive Boards and trained negotiator.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: A smooth transition as the plan for three elementary schools is

implemented. I will encourage all families, faculty and staff to adopt positive attitudes. The students

will sense their positive attitudes and enjoy their new schools. Keeping taxes low while facing State

budget cuts. I will work closely with our new Business Administrator and monitor these potential

cuts and work through these issues. You the voter will have final say on extraordinary tax increases.

JOHN JARVIS


CENTRAL BUCKS SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Region 1 - New Britain Boro, New Britain Twp East, West 2 and Plumstead Twp 4


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

JAMES R. DUFFY

HOMETOWN: Chalfont

D.O.B.: 5/29/1967

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Business Administration, Temple University 1990

OCCUPATION: Business Systems Analyst

QUALIFICATIONS: I have been working in the private sector for over 20 years. My experience

identifying best practices and implementing changes when more efficient processes are needed

gives me the background needed to help CBSD weather the current financial realities.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issues facing Central Bucks School District are

cuts in funding from the state and remaining a premier school district in Pennsylvania in light of

these cuts. Members of the CB School Board will need to have a strong business and financial

background to be able to weather the storm of the financial downturn we face. We cannot continue

to turn to the taxpayers for more money when they are tapped out, too.

KAREN M. SMITH

HOMETOWN: Chalfont

D.O.B.: 8/4/1970

EDUCATION: I am a graduate of Syracuse University and accredited public relations

professional.

OCCUPATION: Currently a part-time Communications Consultant.

QUALIFICATIONS: I have worked in schools and have first-hand knowledge of complex issues

in education and board policy. I am a 13 year resident with 3 children in Central bucks schools

ANSWER TO QUESTION: We must control spending while protecting the outstanding

academic program. The district should continue to examine all areas of spending for potential

reductions with a particular emphasis on those outside the core academic curriculum. More

importantly, however, we should lobby legislators for a reduction in mandates and regulations that

entangle our funds and force us to spend our resources in unnecessary ways. Please review my

website: www.SmithForSchoolboard.com.

DEMOCRAT

SANDY SCHIFF



Region 2 - Buckingham Twp Upper 2 and Plumstead Twp 1, 2, 3, 5


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

KIM MCGLONE

HOMETOWN: Doylestown

D.O.B.: 6/ 12/1971

EDUCATION: BBA, University of Notre Dame

OCCUPATION: Homemaker

QUALIFICATIONS: I am actively involved in my children‘s public school, serving as Treasurer

and volunteering in numerous capacities. As a CPA with 11 years of experience, I have vast

experience with budgeting and finance. I offer a balanced view to the position.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: It is most import to continue offering a premium educational product

and to maintain fiscal responsibility. Smart decisions must be made as to how tax dollars are spent.

We should work in tandem with our legislature to develop education reform that makes sense.

With 501 districts in Pennsylvania, there are economies of scale to gain and a fairer funding

methodology. Our district is already doing more with less, and cannot support further cuts.

KELLY UNGER HOMETOWN: Doylestown

D.O.B.: July, 1968

EDUCATION: Bachelor Degree, Moravian College, Business Management and Associate

Degree, Johnson and Wales University, Culinary Arts.

OCCUPATION: Currently a stay-at-home mom

QUALIFICATIONS: Highly organized, ability to collaborate and team build, experience working

within narrow budgets, very analytical, place emphasis on communication.

http://www.smithforschoolboard.com/

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two most important issues are: decreases in state/federal

funding and decreases in tax revenue. Our community cannot afford a tax increase but we must

provide an excellent education. I will critically analyze the value of each expenditure in order to

make cuts, find ways to raise non-tax revenues and work with State Representatives and Senators to

improve support to Central bucks, done in collaboration with teachers and staff.


Region 3 - Buckingham Twp Lower 2, Middle 1, Middle 2, Upper 1, Upper 3, Upper 4


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

JOE JAGELKA


CHARLES CHUCK BAKER


EVELYNE HOPKINS


D.O.B.: 9/24/1968

EDUCATION: Masters in Education Administration with Distinction

OCCUPATION: Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS: I am a taxpayer, parent and educator. My education background (Masters

Degree and 5 PA certifications) provides me with knowledge, skills and experiences to tap when

making good decisions for our students and taxpayers. As a mother of 3 children, one at each

educational level, I understand the complete spectrum of issues.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issue is the financial crisis the district is facing

due to the budget cuts. My suggestions would be to institute a one year pay freeze to all employees,

conduct a line item audit of current spending to determine what can be cut without severely

impacting education, and finally pulling funds from its reserve fund to make up the shortfall. A

secondary issue is the search for the replacement of our retiring superintendant.


Region 4 - Warrington Twp 3, 4, 5 and Warwick Twp 2


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRACT

JEREL P. WOHL



Region 6 - Doylestown Twp 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

SHARON COLLOPY


D.O.B.: 1/20/1961

EDUCATION: B.S. Science, PSU

OCCUPATION: Bookkeeper

QUALIFICATIONS: Active in classroom, Home & School, community activities for 16 years.

Only member of Curriculum and Instruction for Strategic Planning not employed by district.

Regularly attend school board curriculum committee meetings. Testified before State Board on

math standards. 5 CB children: 3 current, two graduates.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Budget: Balance the budget how every business and family must.

Examine every line item, contract, staff position, program, and department to find ways to reduce

spending. Consider other revenue sources, for example, advertising and activity fees. Work with

state officials for real property tax and pension reform. Curriculum: Reject educational fads.

Preserve core academic and extracurricular programs to continue giving children an exceptional

education, keeping CB a desirable place to live, and protecting property values.

TYLER TOMLINSON


LESLIE CARSON HOMETOWN: Doylestown

D.O.B.: 2/22/1960

EDUCATION: B.S. in Biology and Chemistry, Fairleigh Dickinson University


QUALIFICATIONS: Commitment to Kutz, Lenape and West spanning 11 years. CB West

Wellness Committee, CB West Band Parent Association President, CB Food Service Parent

Evaluation Committee, Lenape Football Concession Coordinator, homeroom mom, Kutz Kapers

program coordinator, Lunch Investigation Committee Chair, and more.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Loss of recurring revenue and increased costs are the most

immediate critical issues. The extraordinary tactics used this year to respond to funding problems,

i.e. tapping reserve funds and program and personnel cuts, are not sustainable. It will take creative

leadership from our next superintendent and our board members to solve these problems. I intend

to help hire the right person to be our next superintendent and lobby our legislators for fair local

school funding.


Region 8 - Doylestown Boro and Doylestown Twp 6


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

PATRICIA LEE WILSON


D.O.B.: 4/12/1958

EDUCATION: BS/BA Education, Penn State University

OCCUPATION: Sales manager

QUALIFICATIONS: I taught K-12 in public schools for five years, which gives me an

understanding of what goes on in the classroom from a teacher‘s point of view. My two

undergraduate degrees from Penn State and 14 years of management experience assist me in

understanding financial and personnel management, which are some of my concerns for spending

issues.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Issue One: Balance the budget despite shrinking revenues from local

real estate taxes and from the Commonwealth. 75% of the school budget goes to salaries and

benefits, so these need to be addressed. Issue Two: We need to create accountability in our schools

to taxpayers, parents and students by shrinking the disparity between academic achievement

objectives and results. Senate Bill 1 empowers the parent, employing free market principles by

encouraging failing schools to improve.

GERI MCMULLEN HOMETOWN: Doylestown

D.O.B.: 10/18/1943

EDUCATION: Pennsylvania State University; Russian/French major

OCCUPATION: Keystone Tree Experts, co-owner

QUALIFICATIONS: Twenty-eight years of experience on CB School Board, many in leadership

positions. Also 50 years involved in local community service has enabled me to stay in touch with

constituents assuring responsive and quality representation.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Declining revenues and a significant loss in state funding have

created a major budget crisis. We must move away from ―business as usual‖ and find creative

ways to continue to provide a quality education at a much lower cost to taxpayers. Options include:

negotiating realistic and reasonable contracts which reflect the current economic climate;

contracting out services; restructuring debt; exploring regionalized health care; implementing

energy efficiency projects; and reducing programs and staff.

DEMOCRAT

JOSEPH FREDERICK HOMETOWN: Doylestown

D.O.B.: 9/17/1950

EDUCATION: Associates Degree Education

OCCUPATION: Explosive Engineer, BPI Certified Energy Auditor

QUALIFICATIONS: I have owned my own business for over 32 years. I have worked with

officials from State and local Governments to Federal Agencies such as the FBI, ATF and

Homeland Security.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. Provide the highest quality education for all children, providing

them with the tools needed to succeed in their lives. 2. With impending budget cuts at state and

federal levels we have a serious challenge ahead of us. Teachers and staff deserve to be

remunerated at a level that is commensurate with their experience and position, but this has to be

balanced with the constraints of the budget and the ability of the taxpayers to fund any additional

costs.

COUNCIL ROCK SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Region 1 - Newtown Boro and Newtown Twp 4, 5, 6


REPUBLICAN

J. DENNIS McMENAMIN HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 9/14/1948

EDUCATION: Case Western Reserve University

OCCUPATION: Financial Business Consultant

QUALIFICATIONS: Currently I serve as Region #1 School Board Director for Council Rock

School District. My duties include being Finance Committee Chairman for both Council Rock and

Middle Bucks Institute of Technology. I have experience with budgets and negotiating in the

private sector.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Teacher and Support Staff contracts plus tax reform are the most

important issues. We must negotiate a fair contract not only with the teachers and support staff, and

also keep in mind the needs of our students and our taxpayers. I have the experience to handle the

issues that confront us. We need comprehensive tax reform in how we fund our schools statewide.

With this, we need the help of our state legislators in Harrisburg.

REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

BILL FOSTER HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 10/12/1962

EDUCATION: Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania

OCCUPATION: Pharmaceutical Researcher

QUALIFICATIONS: Business experience in a family owned manufacturing company (sales,

legal agreements, safety), high school science teacher for 2 years as Peace Corps volunteer,

advanced engineering and science degrees; community and family focused; young children in

CRSD, classes of 2024 and 2026.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: For Council Rock to provide education that prepares students for the

future while giving the community the best value for its tax dollars. I will achieve this with long

term financial planning for renovations, reserve balances, programs, hiring and technology to

balance budgets. State budget surprises, like the reduced social security matching, hinder planning

and hurt the entire district. I will reach out to state legislators to explain the challenges presented

by unexpected budget cuts.


Region 2 - Newtown Twp 3, 7, 8


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

RICHARD J. ABRAMSON HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 2/2/1952

EDUCATION: B.A., Temple University; J.D., Temple University Law School


QUALIFICATIONS: I have been a school director since 1999 and was elected President and

Vice-President of the board. My dedicated service to Council Rock and practicing law since 1981

prepared me for the many challenges facing a school board director.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Maintaining (and improving) educational excellence and adopting

fiscally responsible budgets amid a decline in revenues and funding are interrelated and our greatest

challenges. I will thoroughly analyze the administration‘s proposed budgets guided by many

factors including balancing fiscal responsibility with continuous improvement for the educational

program and with maintaining Council Rock as a high quality school district. It is imperative that

budget cuts are made carefully to ensure fiscal responsibility while maintaining a quality education.

BRANDON R. WIND HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 3/26/71

EDUCATION: J.D., Hofstra University


QUALIFICATIONS: As a business owner I‘m familiar with difficult decisions for budget

priorities. As an attorney I understand the laws and their impact. As a father of two young

students, I understand the desire to ensure the best possible education for our children.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two most important issues we face include challenging our

students and ensuring the finances of the District. Students going through our schools today will

compete against students from around the globe in their careers. We must prepare them for those

challenges with a more rigorous education. We must also make difficult decisions on budgetary

priorities as sacrifices will be required throughout the budget to ensure the future of public

education.


Region 4 - Northampton Twp 2, 6, 7, 12


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

CHARLES QUASTE HOMETOWN: Richboro

D.O.B.: 2/14/1942

EDUCATION: B.S. Human Services

OCCUPATION: Retired Police Sergeant, Northampton Township

QUALIFICATIONS: Caring about the quality of education our students deserve and the fiscal

responsibility the taxpayers deserve. Bring to the Board my experience in New Construction

Project management/Security issues.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. Budget: I intend to vote based on what is best for the District as a

whole; fully understanding that it will be impossible to please everyone, especially when it comes

to taxation. Saving jobs is a priority to me because it has the most traumatic effect on families. 2.

―R‖ rated movie policy: I became a candidate because I expressed to various people my opposition

to the ―R‖ rated movie policy.

WENDI THOMAS HOMETOWN: Richboro

D.O.B.: 8/16/1961

EDUCATION: B.A., Gettysburg College

OCCUPATION: Senior Vice President, Account Management – Health Advocate, Inc.

QUALIFICATIONS: Community: For 13 years held leadership positions in PTOs, Community

Education groups. District: 3 years on School Board Member of a variety of District committees

including the Growth Committee. Professional: Extensive professional experience in employee

health benefits.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. Balancing the budget – Cost/benefit analysis are crucial. As chair

of the Academic Standards Committee, I will work to improve the caliber and cost efficiency of the

Academic programs. 2. Contracts – Negotiating fair and affordable agreements are critical. The

recent change to cost saving self-funded health care plan and a precedent-setting non retroactive

contract have laid the groundwork for goodwill and further cost containment in employee

agreements.


Region 5 - Northampton Twp 9, 14, 16


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

JEROLD S. GRUPP

HOMETOWN: Holland

D.O.B.: 4/18/1958

EDUCATION: B S Economics, The Pennsylvania State University

OCCUPATION: Sr. Director, Clinical Project; Management

QUALIFICATIONS: Board member 2000 to present; past School District Chair for Finance,

Facilities, and Technology Committees; past Board Vice President; Class Size Committee member

(1998-1999); School Safety Committee member (1990-2000); MBIT alternate representative; 30

yrs. Corp. experience; former EMT (Newtown Ambulance).

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Continuing the quality of the education for our students is my #1

priority. As a School Board Director, I have been working closely with the Administration and

Directors to reduce staff, eliminate underutilized programs, optimize existing resources, and

improve the purchasing procedures of the district, all while minimizing the potential negative

impact on the students. #2 is continuing to protect the investment of our community in the school

buildings themselves through rejuvenation and renewal.

ELAINE ROVNER

HOMETOWN: Holland

D.O.B.: 5/10/1968

EDUCATION: B.A. University of Florida, Political Science (1990); Florida International

University (1990-1992) MIS

OCCUPATION: Home maker/volunteer

QUALIFICATIONS: As a parent of three and taxpayer, I am vested in our schools. PTO

leadership gives me experience working with teachers, administrators, and parents. Since I do not

work outside the home, I have time and energy to give full commitment to this position.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two most important issues Council Rock School district faces

today are budgetary concerns with completing the currently scheduled capital projects and

balancing the operating budget annually without drawing from our funding cuts reserves. This year

the proposed statewide funding cuts add additional challenges. To keep our school district

appealing for future residents, we must follow through with scheduled and required maintenance

and proposed renovations ensuring the next 30 year lifecycle of our schools.


Region 7 - Northampton Twp 3, 5, 10, 17


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

PATRICIA C. VACCARO-SEXTON

HOMETOWN: Holland

D.O.B.: Not given

EDUCATION: M.Ed Temple University

OCCUPATION: Teacher, School District of Philadelphia

QUALIFICATIONS: It has been an honor to serve on the Council Rock School Board the past

seven years. I have served on the Facilities and Finance Committees as well as Board President.

These experiences have prepared me to deal with the difficult issues ahead.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issues facing the board are maximizing our

resources and avoiding raising taxes. Council Rock is a district rich in creativity and innovative

spirit. We need to enhance the quality of the programs we offer while respecting the need for fiscal

responsibility. While cuts in spending must be made I believe it is important to make those cuts

away from our core programs. Together our community will weather these difficult times.

MORRISVILLE BOROUGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Morrisville Boro - At Large


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

ALINA C. MARONE

HOMETOWN: Morrisville Borough

D.O.B.: 5/26/1973

EDUCATION: B.A. (Politics, Art History), Ursinus College, 1995

OCCUPATION: Presently, I am a full-time Mother of two & Wife.

QUALIFICATIONS: I am an eight-year resident and homeowner in Morrisville Borough. My

education, volunteerism and professional employment experiences enable me to be a responsible,

reliable, trustworthy candidate for school director.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I believe Morrisville SD needs a true, attainable, and creative plan

for its future. I want to help build the vision for the best educational experience possible. Second,

citizens of Morrisville Borough need to dissolve stale and hostile ―sides‖ that deeply divide our

citizens. I will lead by example and encourage great citizens, of all generations and from ALL

wards to come forward to achieve the common GOAL of promoting overall community excellence

for Morrisville.

MORRISVILLE BOROUGH SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Morrisville Boro - At Large


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

MARLYS MIHOK

HOMETOWN: Morrisville

D.O.B.: 4/11/1953

EDUCATION: College

OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: Member of the STOP THE SCHOOL platform elected 4 years ago to stop

construction of an unnecessary 30+million dollar K-12 school that our community could not afford.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The Morrisville School Board must be fiscally responsible to our

taxpayers. We will continue to control costs without eliminating music, sports, performing arts or

any other educational programs. I am proud to say that test scores have improved while taxes have

actually been reduced over the past three years. The Stay on Course team will continue to work

hard to best serve the students and taxpayers of Morrisville.

STEPHEN WOROB

HOMETOWN: Morrisville Borough

D.O.B.: 9/28/1958

EDUCATION: Morrisville High School, 1978

OCCUPATION: (No response)

QUALIFICATIONS: I‘ve lived in Morrisville for 49 years. I am employed at PSE&G and have

served as a union shop steward. I was a member of the Morrisville Borough Vacant Property

Review Board, Planning Commission and I am now serving on the Morrisville School Board.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: All school districts today are facing test scores that all too often fall

off as students approach their teenage years. Educational underachievement is a universal problem.

Schools are competing with multiple outside stimuli that draw their attention away from anything

traditionally educational. The challenge is not to compete with that, but for our teachers to continue

to incorporate those new technologies into our curriculum through more contemporary and

inventive methods.

TED PARKER


D.O.B.: 10/26/1965

EDUCATION: New York City Technical College

OCCUPATION: EVT, Jersey City Medical Center

QUALIFICATIONS: Former small business owner dealing with management, budgets and labor

contract negotiations as well as two children currently enrolled in district and Tech school.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. State education cuts: It‘s more important than ever to get the

highest value for every tax dollar. We need to concentrate on alternative income sources and put

our current vacant properties to use generating long term funds. 2. Tech school: The Tech school is

an important career and educational option for our students. We need to work together to keep the

current option available yet make it more affordable for the district.

YVONNE RUTHRAUFF


D.O.B.: 6/14/1953

EDUCATION: ADEPT Inc. Stratford Institute

OCCUPATION: Before/After school care assistant

QUALIFICATIONS: Wachovia Regional Foundation steering committee volunteer. Morrisville

Taxpayers QSRE volunteer.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: a. The majority of high schoolers don‘t seem to be engaged in the

true value of education. There‘s a lack in creativity and motivation to learn. I‘d like to see a

performance base analysis of our teachers. b. Our district is not unique. We‘re all faced with

funding cuts and declines in tax revenue due to lack of employment nationwide. Our current board

continues to take a renewed approach with each financial issue. Overall solution: reverse NAFTA!

ALFRED RADOSTI


D.O.B.: 6/8/1941

EDUCATION: I graduated from Morrisville High School in 1960.

OCCUPATION: Retired after 35 years of service in law enforcement as a decorated police

officer.

QUALIFICATIONS: I have contributed to our community in many ways. I am currently serving

on Morrisville‘s school board as Vice President.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The largest challenge all school districts are facing is to provide a

better and more comprehensive education considering higher costs and limited funding. As Vice

President of Morrisville school board I‘m pleased that we‘ve lowered school taxes in 2008 and

2009 and have not raised school taxes since then. We are making the balance of maintaining

educational programs, music, and sports while finding new and better ways to make every

Morrisville school tax dollar count.

DAVID STONEBURNER


D.O.B.: 12/12/1958

EDUCATION: 2 years college – Business Major

OCCUPATION: Tractor trailer driver for Fedex

QUALIFICATIONS: 10 years in a middle management position within a production

environment. Business owner for over 30 years. My daughters have been in Morrisville schools a

combined 18 years, all of which I have been closely involved with the schools.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: (No response)

BILL HELLMANN


D.O.B.: 5/24/1954

EDUCATION: (No response)

OCCUPATION: CPA

QUALIFICATIONS: I moved to Morrisville with my family in 1980, opening my CPA firm here

in 1982. I was Morrisville‘s Controller for 16 years. As school board president since 2007, board

members and I lowered school taxes in 2008 and 2009 without cutting programs or raising school

taxes in successive years.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Considering Morrisville‘s limited tax base consisting of average

income families, many senior citizens, others living on fixed incomes, limited number of

businesses, less financial support from the state, rising costs for education and falling revenues, our

challenge is to do more with less. We need to keep searching for more cost efficient measures that

allow us to continue to provide successful educational programs for Morrisville students without

increasing the burden on our already stressed taxpayers.

WANDA KARTAL


D.O.B.: 12/1/1964

EDUCATION: Villanova University – Certificate in Human Resources

OCCUPATION: Human Resource Manager/Nurse Recruiter

QUALIFICATIONS: Two children enrolled in district and vested in the educational opportunities

and quality of programs. Over 20 years‘ in Management, Budgeting and Negotiations.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. State Funding cuts: Current board cuts quick without knowing

long term effects of missing programs and opportunities. Use creative resources for funding (more

grant writing, sport sponsors, rental of usable facilities, etc.). 2. District Reputation is at all-time

low: Bad Reputation = Families exiting, property values decreasing. Engage community and

seniors, add clubs & volunteers, put PR to good use with constant exposure…winning teams,

school pride, Graduate updates, etc.

DAMON MILLER


NESHAMINY SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Region 1 - Lower Southampton Twp and Middletown Twp Upper 2


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

ELLEN BUDMAN

HOMETOWN: Feasterville

D.O.B.: 5/19/1953

EDUCATION: I have a Masters degree in special Education and hold a Superintendent‘s Letter of

Eligibility. I retired in September 2010 from my position as a school superintendent.

OCCUPATION: (not given)

QUALIFICATIONS: My qualifications include extensive experience with contract negotiations,

budget development, improving student achievement and an overall understanding of the

management of a school district.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two most important issues facing Neshaminy School district are:

The development of a sound budget and student achievement. Both of these issues are impacted by

the lack of a CBA with the NFT. In regard to the budget, our district must seek to limit spending,

reduce unnecessary staff and support essential programs. A clear focus on data, student progress,

alignment of curriculum and professional development for teachers will have a positive effect upon

student achievement.

SUSAN CUMMINGS

HOMETOWN: Lower Southampton

D.O.B.: (not given)

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Business Administration from Temple University

OCCUPATION: Probate Clerk

QUALIFICATIONS: Presently serve as a Neshaminy School Board Director – 2003 to the

present. Policy Committee, Education Development and the Intermediate Unit Board of Directors.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: We are in a critical time for our district. We need to reduce our

spending that is not directly resulting in educational outcomes and keep as many educational

programs as we can in place. We must do this by standing up to the unreasonable demands of the

NFT. The governor‘s budget also complicates an already challenging budget situation. We have

lowered costs through labor contracts and unnecessary expenditures while maintaining programs.

KIM KOUTSOURADIS

HOMETOWN: Feasterville

D.O.B.: 5/18/1971

EDUCATION: Graduated from Neshaminy School District

OCCUPATION: Self-employed, Restaurant business

QUALIFICATIONS: Growing up here, running my own business, and currently being on the

board keeps me in touch with the concerns of the public.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: First make sure the level of education our students receive keeps

rising, status quo is not a option. No parent wants mediocre for their child. And ongoing contract

disputes have been the biggest topic in our District for a long time. With the economy being what it

is with no signs of improvement we must deliver on financially sound contracts that stop the

bleeding of our community and help keep our educational programs in place.

DEMOCRAT

SEAN HOFFMANN



Region 2 - Middletown Twp Lower 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

ANTHONY SPOSATO

HOMETOWN: Middletown Township

D.O.B.: 12/24/1951

EDUCATION: Some college, studied Fine Art, History, Rhetoric & Composition and Applied

Economics

OCCUPATION: Own a commercial cleaning business. I wrote a book (Rachel and the Artist)

published, June 2008.

QUALIFICATIONS: Retail manager for over 25 years also I have been involved with my wife‘s

business and my own business. We have had to make business decisions daily.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Main problems facing Neshaminy School District. 1. The current

contract disputes. Create a dialog between the teacher and the school board, promote understanding

of both positions and find a fair resolution. 2. Cut backs in funding. Look for alternative sources of

revenue, corporate cooperation, fund raising, concessions, finding waste and cutting it out. We

cannot raise taxes. I will never vote for a tax increase.

RITCHIE WEBB



Region 3 - Middletown Twp Lower 1, 13, Upper 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and

Hulmeville, Langhorne, Langhorne Manor and Penndel Boros


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

MARK SHUBIN


DEMOCRAT

STEVE RODOS

HOMETOWN: Langhorne

D.O.B.: 12/28/1936

EDUCATION: Temple University School of Law

OCCUPATION: Retired Attorney

QUALIFICATIONS: My career as a practicing attorney with an undergraduate degree in

accounting enables me to understand and engage in the budget process, contract negotiations and

settlements. I have been exposed to both sides of issues, learned to listen and to solve problems.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Two most important issues facing Neshaminy and how I would

address them: Free health care for all teachers both current and retired, and their families, is no

longer an affordable benefit. To afford increases in salary, I urge meetings to encourage both sides

to step back from entrenched positions and work together towards a solution under Act 1. I would

meet with local state representatives to convince them there are acceptable methods of raising

revenue which would easily offset proposed cuts.

NEW HOPE - SOLEBURY SCHOOL DIRECTOR

New Hope Boro and Solebury Twp - At Large


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

ALISON KINGSLEY

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: 5/5/48

EDUCATION: West Chester University, BS 1969. College of New Jersey, graduate studies.

OCCUPATION: Realtor

QUALIFICATIONS: Educator, Entrepreneur, Real Estate Licensee NJ/PA, Budget, Operations

and Management Experience

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Financial management and academic excellence are most pressing in

NHS. Although we are in a better position than most districts in Bucks, the challenge is to provide

improved academic opportunities and increased performance, while holding costs and taxes in line

with a challenging economic environment. This will require prioritizing needs, placing academics

first, continuing to monitor facilities maintenance and development by asking, prior to all decisions,

―how does this decision improve the students‘ education.‖

NEW HOPE - SOLEBURY SCHOOL DIRECTOR

New Hope Boro and Solebury Twp - At Large


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

JONATHAN ADAR

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: 4/22/69

EDUCATION: MBA, Finance

OCCUPATION: Sr. Director, Global Technical Development Outsourcing

QUALIFICATIONS: Thirteen year resident of Solebury Township. Two children attending

public schools. Experience sitting on the board of non-profits. In my work, I negotiate contracts,

manage strategic projects, create and manage budgets, and influence external partners. My

experience would be valuable to assist the district in making critical decisions regarding: Education,

Facilities Planning and Fiscal Responsibility.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Critical evaluation of current education choices and practices that

position our students for the future. The status quo cannot be the guiding force in our academic

vision. What skills will our students need in the new global economic framework? Next year NHS

is planning to take from the fund balance to offset deficit spending. Studies to determine the

optimal use of: our facilities, grounds, and administrative expenses. Hard decisions to support or

not to support projects need to be made.

GLORIA CARLINEO


D.O.B.: 9/69

EDUCATION: University of Cincinnati College of Law, J.D. (law degree)

OCCUPATION: Stay-at-home mom

QUALIFICATIONS: Aside from the obvious fact that I myself attended school, I am also a

taxpayer and, more importantly, the mother of two school-aged children who has been intrinsically

involved in their education.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: First, the bloated budget places a burden on distressed taxpayers.

We must trim expenses that don‘t actually advance education. Sports facilities, for example, are

nice, but not essential to a good education. Second, we must refocus educational priorities and do

more than teach kids how to succeed on standardized tests. We must teach history and civics, as

well as efforts to curb bullying. Teachers should be free to teach, not just administer a curriculum.

PETER MALAMIS

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: 5/31/62

EDUCATION: University of Richmond, BA; George Washington University, MBA

OCCUPATION: Clinical Research Management

QUALIFICATIONS: As a businessman, husband, father of a son in NHS schools, and active

community member, I am committed to continuous improvement through thoughtful, data-driven,

collaborative dialogue and solutions. I love NHS schools and want to help make them even better.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. Maintaining our ranking as the least taxed, highest performing

school district in Bucks County. Board actions should be measured against these two critical

benchmarks along with an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement in the performance

of all personnel, systems, and processes. 2. Understanding and responding to the globalization of

business and culture. The country and world are changing rapidly. We must strive to find ways to

help our students excel in that new environment.

SUSAN COPELAND ATKINSON

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: 9/24/72

EDUCATION: B.A. Political Science/English, William & Mary; J.D., Fordham University, School

of Law.

OCCUPATION: Homemaker/Volunteer

QUALIFICATIONS: Corporate Attorney, Hunton & Williams, LLP, New York, 1997-2003;

Community Volunteer (serving local hospital and preschool), 2004-2008; District Volunteer

(Education Fund, School Board liaison, in-class program leader, kindergarten project facilitator,

events volunteer), 2008 to present.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The challenging economic environment and the need to enhance

students‘ overall academic experience are the most critical issues facing our district. We need to

further reduce waste and work to develop innovative solutions to protect the foundation and future

of our schools, while also protecting our taxpayers, who ultimately make this exceptional district

possible. We also need to serve our students more effectively by encouraging and cultivating

instructional excellence and innovation.

KURT A. ZANDER

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: 2/27/65

EDUCATION: MBA and MS in Management of Information Systems, University of Pittsburgh

OCCUPATION: Life Sciences Information Technology Professional

QUALIFICATIONS: 20 years corporate experience in program, project, resource, and budget

management. Parent of a NHSD fifth-grade student.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Our biggest challenge is preserving the quality of our children's

educational experience in today's very challenging financial environment. We need to think

creatively about how to reduce our operating and administration costs, so that we can focus a higher

portion of our resources directly on our students. Secondly, our student curriculum must remain

our core focus, and we currently have significant weakness in the early grade curriculum in science,

arts, and humanities that must be addressed.

JOSEPH G. HARRAKA, JR.


D.O.B.: 11/26/60

EDUCATION: BA Degree, JD Law Degree, and MBA Finance Degree


QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent interpersonal skills, trained mediator with the ability of

facilitating a productive dialogue between parties even under the most challenging circumstances,

familiarity with a wide variety of legal issues, and strong business and financial oriented experience

and background.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The School District faces a critical test during the next few years in

(1) balancing the desire of the community in maintaining a top caliber school system for its students

with (2) the need to meet the financial needs and desires of the community‘s residents to not

see significant tax increases during a post-recessionary time period when jobs are scarce, they are

―tightening their belts,‖ and they are focused on reducing their own personal expenditures.

JANICE SOLKOV KAUFMAN

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: 12/24/

EDUCATION: Doctorate in Education, Temple University

OCCUPATION: Educational Consultant, Graduate School Education Instructor; Case Manager,

Big Brother Big Sisters Bucks County

QUALIFICATIONS: Current NH-S School Board Member. Highly accomplished principal and

teacher, retired, 35+ years experience. Fiscal conservative committed to Act 1 Index. Dedicated to

academic and behavioral excellence.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: How do we provide a quality education when the disparity between

expenses and revenue keeps increasing? Prioritizing is key. We must separate needs from wants

and reallocate existing funds to maximize the educational program. Expecting high achievement is

essential for our K-12 program. This includes focusing on Common Core Standards, using data to

inform instructional decisions, incorporating 21st century skills and technology across the

curriculum, and supporting the new high school principal to ensure excellence.

AMY PARKER

HOMETOWN: Lumberville

D.O.B.: 2/24/70

EDUCATION: I hold MAs in Music Education and School Counseling

OCCUPATION: I have been an educator 18 years.

QUALIFICATIONS: I have been an educator 18 years, having taught music and basic skills math

and reading. I am an elementary school counselor and hold the Nationally Certified Counselor

credential. Currently, I am a doctoral student in Conflict Analysis and Peace Studies

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Preserving educational values while maintaining fiscal responsibility

is of one of the challenges facing the New Hope Solebury School District. In order to decrease

district spending while creating a possible revenue option, the creation of in district special

education programs should be considered. Not only will these in district programs increase

educational opportunities for NH-S students, but they will reduce the cost of out of district

placements and create a potential source of revenue.

JOEL M. TEALER


D.O.B.: 6/11/61

EDUCATION: BBA, Marketing, University of Texas, Austin

OCCUPATION: Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Worldwide Strategic Business Units

QUALIFICATIONS: My business experience in the areas of resource management, budget

preparation, compensation administration, policy development, influence management, coaching. I

am president of the Chubb Foundation Board and member of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship

Fund Corporate Advisory Board. All of these skills provide me with the ability to effectively serve

our community as a School Board Director.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. Financial Accountability: In these difficult economic times, it is

important to work collaboratively with both the school district and the taxpayers to ensure that

sound fiscal policies are in place. 2. Culture: We must create a culture within NHS that provides

every student with an environment in which they can be successful and feel safe. This includes the

classroom, the buses, and the playground. Creating an overall positive learning experience is

essential.

VALERIE MITCHELL


PALISADES SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Region 1 - Bridgeton Twp and Tinicum Twp


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

JASON C. MARTIN

HOMETOWN: Ottsville

D.O.B.: 6/30/70

EDUCATION: 60+ Core Credits in Criminal Justice

OCCUPATION: Licensed Financial Consultant

QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in Business, Budget Management, Knowledge Purchase Order,

Accounting Principles, Facility Management, and with contracts and unions. Political Experience.

Father of two students in the Palisades District both with special needs so I have first hand

understanding of what IEP is and the inner workings of the IU and the School District.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Budget: Understand what the shortfall is and know what tough

decision are needed to keep as much of the operations intact. Enrollment: PSD operates three

elementary schools. They are currently self-sustaining by enrollment. Long range planning has

suggested the closing of Durham-Nockamixon. This process normally takes 3-5 years. Depending

on the population growth, fueled by land development, this may not even be necessary.

STEPHEN KUNKEL


D.O.B.: not given

EDUCATION: MBA, Purdue University, Finance/Marketing. BA, Ithaca College,

Philosophy/Computer Science

OCCUPATION: Technical Consultant, AT&T Hosting/Cloud Services

QUALIFICATIONS: Seven years board experience. Board President 2010. Committees:

Educational Programs and Services, Athletic; Policy. PSBA Liaison. PSBA Assistant Regional

Director, Legislative Policy Council. 125+ hours PSBA training/conferences on school

governance; extensive contacts on Boards throughout PA.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Flat revenues, increasing expenses, and decreasing funding from

PDE make it difficult to improve programs. Technologies like smart boards/projectors and one-to-

one computing fundamentally change how learning takes place and prepare students for 21st century

jobs. We must accelerate investments in this area, especially teacher training. Accountability

requirements are not keeping up with the rapid changes in how kids learn using new technology,

constraining its creative use. Assessments should track student performance and target learning.


Region 2 - Durham Twp, Nockamixon Twp and Riegelsville A


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

BERNADETTE E. DECKER


D.O.B.: 4/17/54


OCCUPATION: Sales/Plumbing

QUALIFICATIONS: General Securities #7, General Securities Principal #24, Registered Options

Principal #4, 1996-2006. Certified Estate Planner, Life and Fixed Annuities, Accident and Health

Variable Life/Variable Annuities, 1996-Present.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Palisades taxpayers have a choice this election. Keep the same

people in office and continue to get yearly tax increases or vote new people who will try to keep the

budget balanced without tax increases. When times get tough everyone should have to tighten their

belts, not just taxpayers. Our second challenge is to use new technology to bring our schools into

the 21st century.

JUDY LOVEKIN

HOMETOWN: Kintnersville

D.O.B.: 11/5/40


OCCUPATION: Realtor (PA) retired

QUALIFICATIONS: Over 20 years Nockamixon home owner, taxpayer, mother and

grandmother.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issues facing Palisades is a balanced budget and

meeting the educational needs of the students. The two go hand in hand. The school directors can

accomplish this by being more creative, responsible and accountable to the schools needs and its

taxpayers. As a senior citizen of Nockamixon township, I say every child should be given the

opportunity of a good education and no tax should have the power to leave anyone homeless.

JAMES B. BEERER, JR.

HOMETOWN: Durham

D.O.B.: 2/24/48

EDUCATION: BS – Pennsylvania State University, Med – Pennsylvania State University,

Superintendents Letter of Eligibility- Lehigh University

OCCUPATION: Adjunct Instructor – Wilkes University

QUALIFICATIONS: 42 years of experience in Education. Current President of Palisades Board

of School Directors.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Palisades School District continues to suffer the effects of reduced

revenues from local, state, and federal sources. In response, the Board and Staff have taken

measures to reduce spending, pay down bonds, and re-purpose staff assets to shrink the expenditure

side of the budget. Palisades‘ mission is to produce graduates who are prepared for further

education and career opportunities. We accept that challenge with enthusiasm and dedication.


Region 3 - Springfield Twp


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

BRUCE WHITESELL

HOMETOWN: Springfield Township

D.O.B.: 10/4/49

EDUCATION: Palisades High School, 1967. Pratt Institute. Schleicher-Kratz Real Estate Institute

OCCUPATION: Real Estate Broker. Director UBCDO.

QUALIFICATIONS: Realty background has provided me with the ability to make pragmatic

assessments of the effects of taxes and quality of education on Community. Three generations of

my family have attended the PSD since 1955.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The ability to provide a quality education for ALL of our children at

a price we can afford; the impact on our School District of a growing private-sector educational

system which parallels the Public School System. Public focus today is on teachers‘ contracts and

cutting costs. Longer term, I believe we need to look at what enrollment changes may do to our

district and costs as we move toward ―School of Choice‖ for many families.

CHARLES MEASE

HOMETOWN: Richlandtown

D.O.B.: 2/20/28

EDUCATION: 12th grade

OCCUPATION: Excavating Contractor

QUALIFICATIONS: Ran my own business for 56 years. Ex-township supervisor.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Most important issues are accountability and responsibility.

Enrollment down, operating costs up. Address them by running the school system like a business.

Operate within your means. Millage has gone up every year for past ten years. Meanwhile, there is

double digit unemployment, people losing their home, seniors had no cost of living increase in two

years. Seniors are paying taxes on their social security monies, as well as having monthly

deductions for Medicare.

BOB MUSANTRY


CAROL M. CLEMENS

HOMETOWN: Coopersburg

D.O.B.: 12/28/39

EDUCATION: Masters Degree from Kutztown University

OCCUPATION: First/second grade teacher at United Friends School, Quakertown

QUALIFICATIONS: I have been a Palisades School Director for 24 years. I always try to

balance the taxpayers‘ ability to pay taxes with the students‘ need for an excellent education.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: This is a time of less revenue and more expenditure. During these

difficult financial times Palisades needs to wisely use the resources within the school, maintain the

quality of the academic programs, and hold the line on raising taxes. Palisades will have a new

Superintendent in June. The School Board will need to guide this person to be creative in solving

problems, to continue the growth of student achievement, to motivate and evaluate staff, and to be

mindful of saving money.

PENNRIDGE SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Bedminster, East Rockhill, Hilltown and West Rockhill Twps

and Dublin, Perkasie, Sellersville and Silverdale Boros - At Large


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

RICHARD F. DAVIES


CHRISTINE YARDLEY

HOMETOWN: Sellersville

D.O.B.: 9/17/67

EDUCATION: B.A-Harvard University; M.Ed.-Temple University; Principal Certification-

University of Pennsylvania

OCCUPATION: Homemaker; Former Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS: 4 years as School Director; Certified Educator; Committed to Quality

Education, a Thriving Community and Fiscal Responsibility; Volunteer in Schools and Pennridge

Community Education Foundation.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: School districts must deal with declining revenues. I‘ll continue to

cut operational costs, keep taxes low, and improve education. I‘m part of the current board that is

the only one in Bucks that will have no tax increase this year and will maintain education and

extracurricular programs. Another important issue is electing experienced directors who can handle

increased challenges, including tighter budgets and open contracts, and who will keep education as

the main focus.

ROBERT E. PALMER

HOMETOWN: Perkasie

D.O.B.: 12/2/54

EDUCATION: Masters in Aerospace Engineering

OCCUPATION: Systems Engineering Manager

QUALIFICATIONS: Pennridge School Board member for 9 years, the last 3+ as Vice President.

Currently serving as Chairman of the Personnel Committee and leading the contract negotiations

for the District with the PEA (teachers) and PESPA (support personnel). Member of Technology

and Vo-Tech Committees.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Keeping budgets within Act 1 guidelines while maintaining class

size/programs and contract negotiations. We must continue to implement long term savings

programs to reduce costs and review current District processes to identify ways to become more

efficient. Contract settlements must recognize current economic constraints on our taxpayers and

we need to work with the PEA/PESPA to find a solution that is fair and affordable. Keeping

contract costs down now will ensure long term stability.

PETER A. YARNELL


D.O.B.: 1945

EDUCATION: S.B. in Physical Chemistry, M.I.T., Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, University of

California, Berkeley

OCCUPATION: Research Chemist

QUALIFICATIONS: Pennridge School Board (1991-present). President 7 years including

currently, Chair of Curriculum Committee 13 years, Chair of the UBAVTS Joint Operating

Committee 2 years.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. Budgetary Resources: Declining revenues including State and

Federal monies, mandated expenditures (e.g., pension costs), and Act 1 tax limitations. The

Pennridge Board will pass a 2011-2012 budget with no property tax increase and no loss of

academic programs. 2. Contract Settlements: Achieving fair and reasonable settlements of both the

Teachers and Support Staff contracts currently under negotiation. These negotiations require an

ongoing, civil dialogue with due consideration of budgetary constraints and academic goals.

WILLIAM CRANFORD

HOMETOWN: Perkasie

D.O.B.: 5/2/69

EDUCATION: B.S. (Finance), La Salle University, M.G.A., The University of Pennsylvania

OCCUPATION: Chief Fiscal Officer, N.J. State Parole Board

QUALIFICATIONS: I have had extensive experience in government budgeting and fiscal

problem solving through out my career with the State of New Jersey. Prior to the Parole Board I

served in the Department of Treasury.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issue facing our school district today is funding

stability. With declining tax revenues, it will be increasingly difficult to maintain quality schools

without significantly raising taxes. The District should be looking into ways to save funding that

will allow for investments in education without levying a heavy tax burden. Better investments in

new technologies for example will reduce costs over the long term.

JOSEPH F. MACK


ADA D. MILLER


D.O.B.: 1/18/52

EDUCATION: AS Harcum and continuing course work

OCCUPATION: Occupational Therapy Assistant

QUALIFICATIONS: Parent of two PSD graduates: Special Ed and Gifted. Currently working as a

school district OT Assistant, maintaining working relationships with teachers, administrators and

parents. Previous Board Member of Therapeutic Riding Program.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Controlling operating costs while improving the educational

standards of our district. We should focus expenditures to better serve our students while providing

a sound curriculum for all PSD programs. All programs should have measurable results which can

be evaluated and modified to improve and align our test scores with our surrounding districts. I

will diligently scrutinize all purchases and comply with board policy and state law for major

purchases and services.

SUZETTE SCHMIDT

HOMETOWN: Perkasie

D.O.B.: 2/27/64

EDUCATION: BA in Liberal Arts/Marketing from Penn State University

OCCUPATION: Homemaker/Former small business owner

QUALIFICATIONS: Experience and involvement in schools as a volunteer and parent including

parent group president at the elementary and middle school level. This experience has given me

knowledge of what is actually happening within the schools.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two most important issues facing the school district would be:

1.How to maintain the quality of education that has been provided to students and continue to

provide programs including sports and arts at all grade levels. 2. To operate the school district in a

fiscally sound manner and make decisions in the best interest of the students of Pennridge and the

community.

DUANE E. DEMING

HOMETOWN: Pipersville

D.O.B.: 11/18/34

EDUCATION: BS Mechanical Engineering Trine University

OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: I have been actively involved in public school systems in eight (8) states. I

have seen high and lower quality systems, differing funding approaches, teacher/student sizing,

special needs and advanced placement. I used good business sense to resolve personnel and budget

issues.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: #1. Assure the Pennridge district provides the entire spectrum of

students with an education providing a basis for continuing into adult life with a skill set to enable a

productive work life in an increasingly competitive world, and an awareness of responsible

citizenship. #2. The district‘s financial demands, which includes the looming pension underfunding

problem. Both are long term problems, with no easy solutions. Openness in the board‘s work, and

heightened taxpayer awareness are crucial to resolution.

J. DAVID THOMPSON


D.O.B.: 2/12/42

EDUCATION: BA-1963; BSEE-1964 Notre Dame

OCCUPATION: Career CEO Laminators Incorporated, Hatfield, PA, 1965-2008

QUALIFICATIONS: First employee and career CEO. Responsible for vision and annual business

plans, with growth over career to $30+ million in sales employing 80+. Responsible for products,

budgets, financing, employee contracts and evaluations, medical and pension plans.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Improve results and Reduce costs. Keep students first. Research and

choose world class standards as education goals. Listen to all stakeholders (parents, students,

teachers, unions, administrators, tax payers, governments) concerning issues, roadblocks, and

possible solutions. Research best practices for cutting costs and improving results, including use of

best available technology and methods to hold teachers and administrators accountable and to

reward outstanding performance. Determine and acquire needed resources and work to remove

roadblocks to implementation.

LAURA RIVERA


PENNSBURY SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Region 1 - Lower Makefield Twp North 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, South 1, 4, 5, 8, 9 and Yardley Boro


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

STEVE KOSMORSKY


GENE D. DOLNICK



Region 2 - Falls Twp 1-1, 1-4, 1-7, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7 and Tullytown Boro

4-year term (Vote for three)

REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

MATTHEW ARLEN

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 10/26/66

EDUCATION: 1984 Graduate of Neshaminy High School. Additional classes taken at Lycoming

College and Bucks County Community College. I do not have a degree.

OCCUPATION: Police Officer with the SEPTA Transit Police Department in Philadelphia for

the last 21 years. Assigned to the K9 unit as an Explosive Detection Team with my partner

HHynes.

QUALIFICATIONS: 21 years of law enforcement experience. Father of two school age children.

Taxpayer of the Pennsbury School District where I live. I am willing to put the needs of the

students above all, and their right to a quality education, and I have a profound sense of duty to the

taxpayers of the region.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issue at hand is the financial crisis that all

school districts in Pennsylvania are having to face. In the wake of state funding cuts, lower tax

assessments, and loss of jobs, we are at a crossroads. The district must be fiscally responsible to

the taxpayers while maintaining quality education for the students. Secondly, we must realize the

problems that drugs and alcohol present to our children and their safety.

GALLUS J. OBERT, JR.

HOMETOWN: Fairless Hills

D.O.B.: 7/22/30

EDUCATION: Trenton Junior College, Trenton NJ

OCCUPATION: Retired, Nuclear Power Piping Designer, Pharmaceutical and Chemical plant

design.

QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in estimating Nuclear, Pharmaceutical and Chemical plants that

required material and manpower take offs for construction of facilities to be completed on time and

within budget.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two issues of most importance to the Pennsbury School District

are: The Financial Crisis to be solved with cost cutting measures that include teacher union give-

backs in contract negotiations. And, Improving Education with a discussion of merit pay for

teachers and upgrading of curriculum and technology.

JOHN PALMER


D.O.B.: 5/15/71

EDUCATION: Attended Mercer County Community College and studied Criminal Justice.

Certification in Educational Facilities Technology from the College of New Jersey & Rutgers

University Building & Grounds Association.

OCCUPATION: Operations Manager

QUALIFICATIONS: With 15 years of experience as an Operations Manager, I feel that will be a

big asset for the taxpayers.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I feel the most pressing issue is our budget deficit which is close to

$6 million. The board needs to start with salary and benefits, then look at line items for cost saving

measures, as well as reducing our energy consumption. We need to generate additional revenues

not from taxpayers.

MIKE GIOSA

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 10/13/61

EDUCATION: Associates Degree in Business Management

OCCUPATION: Project Manager for Tyco International Corporation

QUALIFICATIONS: Real life experience as a project manager in bringing various stakeholders

together with competing interest for a common goal, which would be ensuring students a quality

education without bankrupting the community.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Issue 1-Budget shortfall. The district needs to look at all cost saving

available by reviewing all policy and procedures for potential savings as well as renegotiate current

contracts in place before going after student programs and taxpayers to fill the budget short fall.

Issue 2: Lack of community involvement. Create groups at each one of our schools made up of

taxpayers, parents and students then brings these groups together as one to represent the

community.

GARY SANDERSON

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 4/28/58

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science, State University of New York, College of Environmental

Science and Forestry, Syracuse NY. Major: Resource Management/Forest Biology

OCCUPATION: Environmental Specialist, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

QUALIFICATIONS: Over 26 years of experience in state government. 15 years experience in

supervisory and managerial positions. Over three years experience serving on the School Board.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two most important issues facing the school district are our

present economic condition and the expired teacher and staff contracts. I believe the school board

needs to more actively engage the many stakeholders within our community, including businesses,

residents, parents and teachers, to collectively seek solutions that will have the least impact on the

taxpayers and our children‘s education. With regard to expired contracts, I will seek a solution that

does not increase taxes.

JACQUELINE REDNER



Region 3 - Falls Twp 1-2, 1-3, 1-5, 1-6, 2-1, 2-2, 3-1, 3-2 and Lower Makefield Twp South 2,

3, 6, 7


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

CHRIS CRIDGE

HOMETOWN: Yardley

D.O.B.: 12/1944

EDUCATION: 1968, B.S. Civil Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA

OCCUPATION: 2006, Retired from business

QUALIFICATIONS: 40 year owner and operator of a successful manufacturing business that had

factory locations in Fallsington and Morrisville with seasonal employment of between 60-150

employees.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: A major issue facing the District is loss of revenue due to reduction

of State subsidies in 2011-12, lower real estate tax revenues and diminished earned interest income.

The solution and challenge is to provide education at a lower cost. A second issue is the ongoing

contract negotiations with the teacher‘s union and rising PSERS contributions. The solution and

challenge is to negotiate wisely so as to protect the educational programs for our students.

LINDA L. PALSKY

HOMETOWN: Yardley

D.O.B.: 7/16/53

EDUCATION: RN, Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany NY. SUNY Adirondack, Glens

Falls, NY

OCCUPATION: Safety/OSHA Compliance Director, Delaware Valley Pediatric Association

QUALIFICATIONS: I have served on the Pennsbury Board for 12 years, including Board

Presidency. I have been involved in all aspects of School Administration i.e. Budget, Facilities and

Union negotiation.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The District is facing unprecedented financial challenges. In order to

maintain a high level of education, we must look into other sources of revenue, such as corporate

advertising. The Board recently organized the Board Revenue Development committee. A strong

district requires excellent teachers and support staff. Therefore, when negotiating

contracts, it is necessary to communicate an accurate economic reality resulting in open

dialogue and a fair settlement for the employees and community.

QUAKERTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Region 1 - Haycock Twp, Richland Twp 1, 2, 3 and Richlandtown Boro


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

PATRICK McCANDLESS


DWIGHT M. ANDERSON



Region 2 - Milford Twp and Trumbauersville Boro


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

FERN M. STRUNK


D.O.B.: 11/16/46

EDUCATION: Gettysburg College, BA. DeSales University, BSN and MSN

OCCUPATION: Retired nurse practitioner

QUALIFICATIONS: Former director of a college health center with budget, staffing,

programming responsibilities. Experience in educational setting. Lifelong fiscal conservative.

Lifelong belief in the need for academically strong public schools that produce well educated

citizens with a love of country.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two biggest issues are high taxes/spending and poor quality of

education. I would make every attempt to balance the budget without tax increases. All areas

would need to be part of the solution, especially administration. To improve quality of education, a

proven core curriculum stressing basics must be implemented. Experimenting with our children‘s

education must stop. Dumbing down tests and throwing money at the problem must stop.

JOYCE KING


D.O.B.: 3/19/61

EDUCATION: Drexel University - MS

OCCUPATION: Senior Regulatory Agency Liaison

QUALIFICATIONS: Trained in Sigma methodology. District Communication Committee

(strategic plan). Millersville University Alumni Association Board of Directors (Past President,

Representative-Council of Trustees, Selection Committee-University President). Parent of children

at the high school.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two most important issues facing QCSD are funding and

continuing to create an environment for 21st century learning. To solve the first, alternate and

creative sources of funding must be investigated and different approaches to contractual obligations

need to be considered. As for the second, our students must receive a quality, affordable education

in order to be competitive in a global workforce. Technology plays a key role in this goal.

JAMES P. WALSH

HOMETOWN: Pennsburg

D.O.B.: 8/16/44

EDUCATION: PhD, Physiology & Biophysics

OCCUPATION: Consultant in Biomedical Computing

QUALIFICATIONS: Twenty-eight year resident of district; active in township and community

affairs; well-versed in science, technology, education and public policy.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. Balancing QCSD budget – The governor‘s cuts confront school

directors with a dilemma: either cut vital components of public schools, or increase taxes on already

financially strapped residents. I will advocate both for high quality public education, and sensitivity

to the needs of taxpayers. Cuts must do the least amount of damage possible. Tax increases must be

minimized. 2. Intellectually rigorous curricula –Prepare students for the 21st century. There is no

place for ideologically driven misinformation.

KEVIN S. FARNSWORTH

HOMETOWN: Green Lane

D.O.B.: 7/28/54

EDUCATION: Eastern College, three years, no degree

OCCUPATION: Business owner – Green Lane Design LLC (Data Center Design Consulting

Firm)

QUALIFICATIONS: Raised two children (graduates of University of Penn & Oberlin), business

owner and concerned citizen.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. Preparing students for higher education, and providing skills to

manage careers and finance after graduation. 2. Working to reduce the extreme cuts to educations

by the state, and developing ways to work with the administration and teachers to limit spending.

This needs to be done in a pragmatic, constructive atmosphere that will incorporate varied

perspectives. Identifying a need to cut spending without suggesting a path forward to meet the

objective has not constructive.

MANUEL ALFONSO


D.O.B.: 8/1932

EDUCATION: B.S. Accounting, University of Havana. Certified Internal Auditor.

OCCUPATION: Retired (Auditor)

QUALIFICATIONS: My career in public accounting and internal auditing. • Since 2001, gave

periodic alerts to school board that professional salaries were untenable. It became obvious in

2008. • My experience as a board member from 2006 to 2009. • My support for letting teachers

communicate directly with the board.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The about $3 million annual excess salaries paid to administrators

and teachers. The district can‘t keep paying the tenth highest teacher salary in Pennsylvania. The

lack of board independence. Rubber-stamping the superintendent‘s decisions led to the current

financial crisis at QCSD. We, citizens need to do our part. Years of apathy and failure to vote for

board candidates have given free rein to the current board and the current administration.

Community involvement is essential for good government.


Region 3 - Quakertown Boro and Richland Twp 4


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

KATHY MOSLEY


ANNA CATTIE


D.O.B.: 8/4/71

EDUCATION: Bachelor degree in education from West Chester University.

OCCUPATION: When I was working outside the home it was in early intervention as a home

base teacher.

QUALIFICATIONS: I am a stay a home mom who has been an active volunteer in my children‘s

schools. Currently I am the TPO Chair for Trumbauersville Elementary.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Due to our current financial situation our budget will be a very

important topic for the school board. The best outcome from budget cuts that are made will need to

affect both students and taxpayers in a positive way. Another issue is collaboration. Bringing a

positive cooperative attitude to the board and willingness to listen to all opinions will be best for

our students and community.

GARY LANDES


D.O.B.: 9/12/80

EDUCATION: Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering, Villanova University

OCCUPATION: Senior Applications Engineer

QUALIFICATIONS: As an applications engineer it is my daily job to analyze and solve complex

problems. I believe my background is well suited to help with the difficult decisions facing our

school district.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Rampant tax increases have continued for many years now. We

must be more conservative in our tax policy while continuing to strive for excellence in our

students‘ education. Over the years several fad programs have been introduced into the school

district. Some of these programs have had dire consequences on the future performance of our

students. We need to return to proven curriculum that will prepare our students to compete in a

global market.

SOUDERTON AREA SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Telford Boro - At Large


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

NICHOLAS BRACCIO


SCOTT JELINSK


KEN R. KEITH


THOMAS KWIATKOWSKI


DONNA M. SCHEUREN

HOMETOWN: Harleysville

D.O.B.: 11-20-68

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science – Business Administration, Minor in Psychology

OCCUPATION: Manufacturer‘s Representative, Business Owner & Partner

QUALIFICATIONS: 20 years experience in the corporate world soliciting new business

contracts and annual renewals yielding job growth, profit and stability to industry.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Deficits in the budget affecting popular programs and activities,

increasing tax rates, the renewal of the teacher‘s contract and minimizing the impact of any

shortfall in the fund balance. It is imperative for board members to recognize that living within our

tax base and within our budget is vital to maintain the support of the residents. Past history shows

that when difficult decisions go unaddressed, it‘s usually the kids and the taxpayers that end up

getting hurt.

EASTON AREA SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Region 2 - Riegelsville Boro


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

FRANK PINTABONE

HOMETOWN: Easton

D.O.B.: 6-7-79

EDUCATION: Some college, Northampton Community College, Criminal Justice. Plan on

going back for my associates. Attended Easton Area School District.

OCCUPATION: Insurance Broker, Licensed in Property and Casualty, Licensed Notary in PA

QUALIFICATIONS: After school program Director, (Southside Easton). Volunteer in the

Easton community with at risk children.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Fiscal responsibility. We need to focus on OUR future while

budgeting today. Education – We REALLY need to make sure that our children are learning. Not

just for a test but for knowledge. And we need to ensure that our student athletes are performing in

the classroom BEFORE the field. Diversity - We need to ensure diversity in our hiring practices. I

will be vigilant and transparent for my community.

RONNIE DelBACCO

HOMETOWN: Easton

D.O.B.: 9-12-68

EDUCATION: 1987 Graduate of EAHS

OCCUPATION: Warehouse Manager for Electronics Design Group, Inc.

QUALIFICATIONS: I have served in leadership positions on a handful of local governing and

oversight boards for both political and non-political organizations.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I believe there needs to be more focus on providing the right tools

for our children to succeed at each grade level with input from not only teachers and administrators,

but also parents and other community leaders. Balancing educational needs while identifying and

cutting wasteful spending in every part of the budget to ensure fiscal responsibility for all taxpayers

is the most important combination of issues we face.

BILL E. TIMMANN


DEMOCRAT

MICHAEL BRETT


NORTH PENN SCHOOL DIRECTOR

At Large - Line Lexington part of Hilltown Twp Fairhill 2A and New Britain Twp West 2A


REPUBLICAN

PAUL UNGER


REPUBLICAN/DEMOCRAT

DONALD E. HILL

HOMETOWN: Lansdale

D.O.B.: Not Given

EDUCATION: BS Electrical Engineering, MBA

OCCUPATION: Retired – Employed as VP of Engineering and Programming

QUALIFICATIONS: School Board Director for over 25 years – lived in district over 50 years –

active in community affairs, i.e., Board of Symphony Orchestra, Lion‘s Club, Rotary Club

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Maintaining educational quality while addressing the fiscal

challenges we face. To do this, we will continue to focus spending on the classroom while finding

further efficiencies and savings in non-educational areas, work with state officials for mandate

relief, and continue to fight for changes to the pension system that is costing taxpayers tens of

millions of dollars. We will also encourage partnership between teachers, parents and

administration to face tough economic times.

AHSANUR RAHMAN


JOHN T. SCHILLING


STEPHEN M. HLADIK


RICK MINISCALCO


SUZAN G. LEONARD

HOMETOWN: North Wales

D.O.B.: 9-27-54

EDUCATION: Quinnipiac University School of Law


QUALIFICATIONS: VP Home and School Association, Treasurer NP Coordinating Council

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issues facing the community are how to provide

a world class education with reduced funding and revenue. This is a multi-faceted issue and there

is not a one answer resolution. Every avenue must be explored to raise income and reduce

spending, while keeping the quality of education first rate. Working with our local and state

legislators would be a priority. I would be visible and approachable to any community member

who has comments and suggestions.

CAROLYN MURPHY

HOMETOWN: Lansdale

D.O.B.: 10-15-45

EDUCATION: BA University of Colorado, German; M.EQ. Linguistics, West Chester University

OCCUPATION: Retired teacher from the North Penn School District

QUALIFICATIONS: 30 years of curriculum development workshops, Act 48 courses, teaching

experience at both the Middle School and High School levels give me a unique educational insight

into the needs of students and teachers.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The financial crisis in education is the most pressing issue today.

Local lawmakers need to know what they have done to the children in Pennsylvania. Budget must

be studied; a additional funding be found - the shale tax or use a fraud tax as other states have

done. The local income tax might have to be raised for important programs. Schools must be kept

safe, the academic program should not be altered.

PAUL E. EDELMAN, JR.

D.O.B.: 12-19-65

HOMETOWN: Lansdale

EDUCATION: William Allen High School in Allentown, PA - 1983

OCCUPATION: Merck, Inc., West Point, as an Assistant Laboratory Technician

QUALIFICATIONS: Simply, I care. I have 2 small children in the NP School District, that I

want to have a world-class education.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The loss of revenue in our district is serious and from many sources:

state cuts, income tax revenue, lower property values to name some. Our representatives in

Harrisburg and beyond need to assist us in finding available revenues.

JOSIE CHARNOCK


DEMOCRAT

ALEX RYABIN


MUNICIPAL OFFICES

QUESTION: What do you consider the most important issues facing your community, and how

would you address them?

BEDMINSTER TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

MARK W. SCHMIDT

HOMETOWN: Bedminster

D.O.B.: 8-21-55

EDUCATION: 1974 Pennridge Graduate

OCCUPATION: Crop Farmer of 1500 acres

QUALIFICATIONS: Previously participated on the Bucks County Planning Commission County

Agricultural Advisory Board. Currently serves on the Bedminster Township Agricultural Security

Board.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I feel the most important issue facing our community is the

disappearing of our farm land heritage. I would like to promote the option of preserving ground

versus selling to developers and streamline the process where possible.

ERIC P. SCHAFFHAUSEN


BENSALEM TOWNSHIP COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

ED KISSELBACK, JR.

HOMETOWN: Bensalem

D.O.B.: 6-22-48

EDUCATION: Father Judge High School; Temple University; Allentown of St. Francis

University

OCCUPATION: Professional Photographer

QUALIFICATIONS: 16 Years as Elected Councilman

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The budget is the most important issue facing Council, and all

options must be considered to help our citizens and taxpayers. We must review the compensation,

healthcare payments, and benefits of all of our government employees. Contemplate the restructure

of the Home Improvement Grant, ask for a 2% decrease in the budget of all departments. And,

analyze our real estate millage. Public safety is also very important; that‘s why I initiated the

Fireman‘s Incentive and Retention Experiment Ordinance.

JOSEPH C. KNOWLES


DEMOCRAT

MARY JEFFERY

HOMETOWN: Bensalem

D.O.B.: 2-13-50


OCCUPATION: Business Owner/Instructor American Driving School

QUALIFICATIONS: I ran for Mayor of Bensalem in 2006 and received 42% of the vote.

Progressive Majority worked with me in 2008. I took political training classes in PA and

Washington, DC. Most importantly, I knocked on doors for over two (2) years and got to meet with

the voters and discuss all the pertinent issues.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Cut line items that are not being funded. Council should enact

former councilman Bryan Allen‘s proposal to provide health insurance to veteran volunteer fire

fighters. The police department should restore its accreditation. We need a HOTEL/MOTEL crime

task force to cut down on drug trafficking and prostitution on the Route 1 corridor. Review

township hiring and appointment practices to eliminate nepotism and cronyism.

ROBERT HELLER

HOMETOWN: Bensalem

D.O.B.: 1-21-52

EDUCATION: Temple University, Bachelor of Science in Education

OCCUPATION: Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS: While living in Bensalem for 59 years, I have seen many good and not so

good changes within the community. When elected, I will approach the Council office with an

open-mind and with its residents and their needs as my primary concern.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Yes, economic advancement is necessary and of course I would not

impede any worthy business from entering Bensalem. But most would agree that the congestion

and traffic in the township is horrendous. Further building and better planning must be well

thought out. Frivolous spending on unnecessary projects by the present political administration is

uncalled for fundamentals. To repress crime, our ―Route One Corridor‖ must be better managed

with possibly a police task force assigned to that area.

BRIDGETON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

GARD HOLBY


BRISTOL BOROUGH NORTH WARD BOROUGH COUNCIL


DEMOCRAT

ANTHONY MUCCIE


TONY DEVINE

HOMETOWN: Bristol

D.O.B.: 8-1-71

EDUCATION: Bachelor‘s Degree in Education, Millersville University

OCCUPATION: Special Education Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS: Lifelong Bristol Borough resident, currently elected North Ward

Democratic Committee member, and former Bristol Borough School Board Member.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The free spending of Borough funds to beautify the town without

any regard for future ramifications. The Borough looks great, but at what cost? I will give the

people of my ward and Bristol Borough a vote that is based on research and what is best for the

future of our town. Currently this vote is based on research done by a selected few and simply

accepted as being the best choice.

BRISTOL BOROUGH EAST WARD BOROUGH COUNCIL


DEMOCRAT

GREG T. PEZZA

HOMETOWN: Bristol

D.O.B.: 4-20-78

EDUCATION: MA, Temple University; 2nd

Master‘s from Gwynedd Mercy College

OCCUPATION: Teacher/Administrator Middle School Asst. Principal

QUALIFICATIONS: Current member of the Zoning Board, proven leader in my occupation and

educational pursuits, consensus building approach to problem solving, highly motivated with a

positive vision for Bristol‘s future.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The biggest challenge will be to continue the noticeable progress the

town has made in a climate of shrinking revenues. We need to be aggressive in seeking federal and

state grants for projects, especially along the riverfront, our greatest asset. To accomplish this we

need to cultivate a united and professional posture with grant decision makers. I believe in zero-

based budgeting to ensure that we are making maximum use of every tax dollar.

JIM LUTZ

HOMETOWN: Bristol

D.O.B.: 2-20-48

EDUCATION: Masters Degree – Educational Administration and Supervision Cert.

OCCUPATION: Retired School Teacher – 35 years in the Morrisville School District

QUALIFICATIONS: Served on Council – 5 (4 yr.) terms; founded and directed the T-Ball

League for 20 years; involved in over 40 years of community service.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: ―Economy‖, Taxpayers are struggling to make ends meet. We must

be mindful of their ability to meet financial obligations. Progress in townwide projects should be

done in moderation without incurring additional debt, e.g. we can all agree that a new borough

garage is needed, but $2.3 million is excessive. It needs to be toned down. Accountability /

Management, clearly put, live within your means, e.g. the infamous limo ride to Harrisburg. Need I

say more!

BRISTOL BOROUGH WEST WARD BOROUGH COUNCIL


DEMOCRAT

ROBYN TRUNELL

HOMETOWN: Bristol Borough

D.O.B.: 7-11-47

EDUCATION: Bucks County Community College

OCCUPATION: Real Estate Agent for 27 years

QUALIFICATIONS: I am seeking a third term as Councilwoman in the West Ward and my

reputation as a ―Hands On‖ public servant with a favorable record for constituent service speaks for

itself. It is my honor to serve Bristol Borough!

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Although much progress can be seen in Bristol over the past eight

years with newly paved streets, new traffic signals and new Municipal and Police Buildings, we are

still with no public works department. With the former one falling down and the ground with some

contamination, we are at a loss. We have been successful in the past in securing grant money to

fund needed projects; it is imperative to our taxpayers that we are able to do this again.

BRISTOL BOROUGH SOUTH WARD BOROUGH COUNCIL


DEMOCRAT

LEO M. PLENSKI, JR.

HOMETOWN: Bristol

D.O.B.: 2-8-63

EDUCATION: No Response

OCCUPATION: Supervisor for DRJTBC

QUALIFICATIONS: I have been a Councilman for 4 years in South Ward.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: ―Not Raising Taxes‖ - We have a lot of senior citizens in Bristol

who are hurting. We as a Council have not raised taxes in 4 years. If I am elected I would monitor

all Borough expenditures and explore additional revenue sources in hope Borough taxes will not

increase in the future.

ANTHONT PAUL PINTO

HOMETOWN: Bristol

D.O.B.: 11-3-82

EDUCATION: Pennsylvania State University, BA History

OCCUPATION: Realtor with Re/Max Advantage

QUALIFICATIONS: I worked on several campaigns for Congressman Patrick Murphy,

Governor Ed Rendall, and Presidential Nominee John Kerry. I was President of Penn State‘s Italian

Club and Senator in the Student Government.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The biggest issue is the perception Bristol receives. Lack of

businesses and not so desirable housing discourage visitors into town. My plan is to attract more

businesses into our town and go after absentee landlords that lower the standards of living in

Bristol. Our town has history and charm and if we bring more people in to shop and live, our local

economy will strive and the attitudes of outsiders will change.

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

GALLUS OBERT

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 5-9-53

EDUCATION: Pennsbury HS Class of ‘71; Bucks County Community College Courses

OCCUPATION: Manufacturing Engineer Trane / Ingersoll Rand; Six Sigma Green Belt.

QUALIFICATIONS: Previous member of Bristol Township‘s Finance and Road Committees

Attendance at over 200 Council meetings across ten years.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Taxes, Emergency Fund, Roads, and Waste are the top four issues

facing our community. One way to lower taxes is to reduce or eliminate wasteful spending. The

sins of the past and current administrations have let our emergency fund levels drop too far below

State recommended levels. Funds can be moved to this area as waste is eliminated. Our

infrastructure is in poor shape. Our snow removal program is in disarray and needs fixing with

responsible direction.

TONY BOLGER

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 9-26-81

EDUCATION: BA, History, LaSalle University

OCCUPATION: Pest Control Technician at a Firm in Lawrenceville, NJ

QUALIFICATIONS: I am an Eagle Scout, and as such I have public service as the heart of

everything I do. I am a fresh, outside voice working for the PEOPLE of Bristol Township.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Bristol Township has been struggling with a number of issues, such

as crime, weak business base, and image problems. In reality though, when speaking to neighbors,

what the greatest problem that holding Bristol Township back is the simple fact that its government

is not responsive to the people. I will be a cheerleader for my neighbors and my town, and make

sure that the community knows that I hear them, but will act as well.

BARBARA D’EMIDIO

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 12-26-54

EDUCATION: Saint Hubert‘s High School, Philadelphia, PA

OCCUPATION: Casino Dealer

QUALIFICATIONS: Trained and experienced in management, accounting, computer and

customer service.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Our community does NOT have enough tax revenue. To ensure our

services are not reduced and we meet our budget, with no increase in property taxes, we must

pursue businesses to occupy Bristol Township.

JOHN J. MARNIEN, JR.

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 5-26-43

EDUCATION: MS, University of Utah; Certified Public Manager, Rutgers University

OCCUPATION: Retired, currently engaged in writing

QUALIFICATIONS: I served in a supervisory position in state government for 32 years.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The primary issues facing local government include the ability to

attract businesses to locate and/or expand operations to increase the number of meaningful jobs in

the township. Also, we must face the reality of continuing essential services within budgetary

constraints. This must be accomplished regardless of any decrease in monies from Federal and

State sources and without any increase in taxation.

DEMOCRAT

RAYMOND BLALOCK

HOMETOWN: Bristol

D.O.B.: 9-2-66

EDUCATION: Truman High School, Bucks County Technical School – Automotive

OCCUPATION: Township Business Owner – Blalock‘s Auto Service

QUALIFICATIONS: Lifelong Township Resident, Current Member-Bristol Township Civil

Service Commission and Councilman

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The tax burden of township homeowners needs to be reduced by

increasing the amount of businesses within the township. This would help absorb the tax burden

faced by resident homeowners. Practically, the township needs to make itself more appealing to

larger businesses. Improvements to the sewer system and L&I are essential in lifting the current

sewer moratorium allowing business construction. Growing existing and new businesses within the

township will greatly improve the township‘s financial situation.

CRAIG BOWEN

HOMETOWN: Newportville

D.O.B.: No response

EDUCATION: Delhaas High graduate, Pennco Tech, G.M. Tech, Management Success courses

OCCUPATION: Business Owner – Founder of two businesses, sees the hurdles to establishing a

company here. Will use that knowledge in streamlining L & I Department to encourage commerce.

Also relevant experience in employee management and road, home and industrial construction.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Township government must adapt to treating taxpayers like

customers, not cash cows. Our township must be run more like a business instead of allowing costs

to rise unchecked. Business owners and managers know that a company will collapse if expenses

exceed revenue. Council members must make hard choices and stick to them. For example, we

cannot continue duplicating costs by paying contractors for paving work on top of paying the

township‘s fully-staffed Roads Department.

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

BARBARA D’EMIDIO

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 12-26-54

EDUCATION: Saint Hubert‘s High School, Philadelphia, PA

OCCUPATION: Casino Dealer

QUALIFICATIONS: Trained and experienced in management, accounting, computer and

customer service.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Our community does NOT have enough tax revenue. To ensure our

services are not reduced and we meet our budget, with no increase in property taxes, we must

pursue businesses to occupy Bristol Township.

GALLUS OBERT

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 5-9-53

EDUCATION: Pennsbury HS Class of ‘71; Bucks County Community College Courses

OCCUPATION: Manufacturing Engineer Trane / Ingersoll Rand; Six Sigma Green Belt.

QUALIFICATIONS: Previous member of Bristol Township‘s Finance and Road Committees

Attendance at over 200 Council meetings across ten years.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Taxes, Emergency Fund, Roads, and Waste are the top four issues

facing our community. One way to lower taxes is to reduce or eliminate wasteful spending. The

sins of the past and current administrations have let our emergency fund levels drop too far below

State recommended levels. Funds can be moved to this area as waste is eliminated. Our

infrastructure is in poor shape. Our snow removal program is in disarray and needs fixing with

responsible direction.

WAYNE TURNER

(No Response Received)

JOHN J. MARNIEN, JR.

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 5-26-43

EDUCATION: MS, University of Utah; Certified Public Manager, Rutgers University

OCCUPATION: Retired, currently engaged in writing

QUALIFICATIONS: I served in a supervisory position in state government for 32 years.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The primary issues facing local government include the ability to

attract businesses to locate and/or expand operations to increase the number of meaningful jobs in

the township. Also, we must face the reality of continuing essential services within budgetary

constraints. This must be accomplished regardless of any decrease in monies from Federal and

State sources and without any increase in taxation.

TONY BOLGER

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 9-26-81

EDUCATION: BA, History, LaSalle University

OCCUPATION: Pest Control Technician at a Firm in Lawrenceville, NJ

QUALIFICATIONS: I am an Eagle Scout, and as such I have public service as the heart of

everything I do. I am a fresh, outside voice working for the PEOPLE of Bristol Township.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Bristol Township has been struggling with a number of issues, such

as crime, weak business base, and image problems. In reality though, when speaking to neighbors,

what the greatest problem that holding Bristol Township back is the simple fact that its government

is not responsive to the people. I will be a cheerleader for my neighbors and my town, and make

sure that the community knows that I hear them, but will act as well.

DEMOCRAT

TROY BRENNAN

HOMETOWN: Croyden

D.O.B.: 3-10-72

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science Degree – Business Admin. And Public Affairs

OCCUPATION: President of Iron Horse Excavating Inc.

QUALIFICATIONS: Experience relevant to controlling costs and providing municipal services

includes bidding processes, supervising employees, controlling equipment purchasing, organizing

site prep, finance, property management, rehab and construction. Served on Bristol Township

Budget Advisory Board, 1996-98.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Bristol Township suffers from a tax base that is too heavily

dependent on residences. For our size, we have a relative lack of businesses. We must market our

prime location between I-95 and the Turnpike, but we first need to transform L & I from hostile and

obstructive to business-friendly—even if that means privatizing some of its functions. L & I can

enforce basic, rational safety rules without driving commerce to other townships.

LINDA TARLINI

HOMETOWN: Bristol

D.O.B.: 1-24-51

EDUCATION: Neshaminy Hiigh, BCCC Business Administration

OCCUPATION: Schiller and Kratz Realestate

QUALIFICATIONS: Current Council Vice President, 39 year township resident, former

township business owner, Democrat Committee secretary and past treasurer, treasurer for State

Representative, property management owner, past employment administrative assistant and

customer service supervisor.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Decreasing the tax burden of resident homeowners has always been

a priority and the township should strive toward that goal. Working toward lifting the current sewer

moratorium and developing the town center and waterfront. Controlling the township‘s own

destiny. Marketing the township as prime location is essential. Business growth is the most

effective way for the township to financially improve and bring the tax ratio of residential versus

business to a more compatible number.

JOE GLASSON

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: No response

EDUCATION: High School, Bucks County Tech, Certificate from New England Waterworks

Assoc.

OCCUPATION: Plumbing, heating tradesman. Volunteer Fireman

QUALIFICATIONS: Expertise in residential and commercial mechanical systems, fire

protection, electronic controls, backflow inspection, sewage injection, and troubleshooting will help

stop wasteful spending at municipal facilities. Fully understands operation of township sewer plant.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Township expenditures are skyrocketing. Council has nearly

emptied the emergency Contingency Fund and borrowed $9 million last year for the sewage plant

without any plan for lifting its moratorium. My running mates and I will re-examine the plant‘s

real requirements before allowing another dime of the loan to be spent, and we‘ll formulate a solid

plan for expansion to generate revenue from other towns. I support restoration of the independent

Sewer Authority.

SHEILA BEEMAN


WAYNE PERKARSKI

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 1-10-68

EDUCATION: Truman High School/Ignite Academy, King of Prussia

OCCUPATION: Managing Director with Ignite Independent Associate

QUALIFICATIONS: Born and raised Bristol Twp. Current Democrat Committeeman for 141st

for 6-3 Ward.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I would like to get the moratorium lifted and see more jobs and have

more business come into Bristol Township, and stop the burden of taxes to residents. We could

create more jobs and stabilize taxes. Also like to see a Recreation Center for Children dedicated to

improving the quality of life for all area residents. This could provide recreation programs,

―wellness‖ activities and special events for our children.

AMBER LONGHITANO

HOMETOWN: Croydon

D.O.B.: No Response

EDUCATION: Delhaas High graduate, Real Estate Institute-Broker Program, law courses

OCCUPATION: Realtor, Real Estate Excel

QUALIFICATIONS: Earning top-performance awards in a tough real estate market demonstrates

communication, networking and negotiating skills, while maintaining a professional demeanor in

high-pressure situations—all vital assets in working with others to turn our township around.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: High taxes, yearly fee increases and poor services are symptoms of

the root problem, which is bad government. Some politicians seem mainly concerned with power

and what they can get for themselves, their relatives and friends. A prime example is Council‘s

seizure and mismanagement of the sewer plant, followed by the reckless borrowing of millions. I

will insist on strict ethics rules for township government, performance standards for employees, and

rethinking of all expenditures.

BUCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

JON FOREST

HOMETOWN: Buckingham

D.O.B.: 12-31-61

EDUCATION: LaSalle University, Bachelor of Science Business Administration and Economics

OCCUPATION: Owner Buckingham Valley Vineyard and Winery; Pennsylvania State Constable

QUALIFICATIONS: Chairman of the board of supervisors, responsible for all aspects of

township government including administration, finance, police, and water and sewer departments.

Reduced spending and have kept Township taxes among the lowest in Bucks County.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Open space preservation is one of the most important issues facing

our township. In 2008 our Township adopted a new open space referendum that passed by over

80%. Taxes for land preservation cost far less than school taxes if the same land was developed,

keeping taxes low and increasing quality of life. We have preserved over 500 acres since 2006,

saving taxpayers over 2 million dollars every year in school taxes.

DEMOCRAT

KATHY SUGARMAN

HOMETOWN: Furlong

D.O.B.: 12-30-56

EDUCATION: Ocean County College, Bucks County Community College


QUALIFICATIONS: As a widowed mom of a 12-year-old, I understand the importance of fiscal

responsibility, and planning for future generations. Working for Sugarman & Associates, my

husband, Robert J. Sugarman, as lead attorney, we stopped the Heritage Development. Fought the

Victoria Park development, and stopped quarry truck traffic in Wycomb.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Keep taxes low. Energy efficiency. Seek funding for renewable

energy alternatives. Open Space – Enact innovative zoning ordinances to curb unwanted

development to protect residents from additional tax burden. Protect our natural resources from the

unregulated fracking for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale. Infrastructure – we must become

proactive in dealing with our crumbling bridges and roadways. Civility – I will resolve conflicts

and ensure our residents are treated respectfully and civilly in all matters relating to the township.

CHALFONT BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

JOHN L. ABBOTT

HOMETOWN: Chalfont

D.O.B.: 8-25-50

EDUCATION: MBA

OCCUPATION: Distribution Strategy Manager for Alkali Chemicals Group of FMC Corporation

QUALIFICATIONS: Two term Councilman

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The borough needs a new, modernized police station. To save

money, we rejected police regionalization and are renovating the present public works building to

accommodate a new police

headquarters.

ERIC RAFFLE

HOMETOWN: Chalfont

D.O.B.: 5-3-59

EDUCATION: BA Economics, Ursinus College

OCCUPATION: Mortgage Originator

QUALIFICATIONS: Business Experience and Business Ownership. Past service on Central

Bucks School Board, Middle Bucks Vocational School Board, Lenape Valley Little League Board.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Community Friendly Growth, including Commercial District

Revitalization; Preserve and expand Chalfont ‗LIVABILITY‘ addressing Parks, Open Space,

Traffic; Transparency and Trust in Local Government.

WILLIAM R. KUDER, JR.

HOMETOWN: Chalfont

D.O.B.: 3-25-62

EDUCATION: Penn State, Control Data Institute

OCCUPATION: Computer Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS: Local business owner since 1993, incumbent Councilman, resident of

Chalfont for 18 years – Central Bucks for 39 years. Community volunteer: Doylestown Lions

Club (current), Doylestown Rotary Club (previously), and numerous other groups.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: High Taxes – the tax & spend mentality is alive and well; Traffic

Gridlock – unhealthy for residents – a death sentence for businesses. Blighted Businesses – poor

economy, traffic access, parking, and local government response. RESULT: An unwelcoming

slum-like reputation. SOLUTIONS: Replace the 202 Whitehall Bridge and reconstruct the

202+152 intersections (beginning Summer 2011), create the Chalfont Business Revitalization

Committee (March 2011), stop overspending! Reduce the tax rate to 10 mils and live within that

budget. Limit government.

DEMOCRAT

MITCHELL MEYERSON

HOMETOWN: Chalfont

D.O.B.: 11-18-61

EDUCATION: Attended 1 ½ years community college in NYC, majored in Architecture

OCCUPATION: Handyman; owner operator of Handyman Mitch, LLC HIC PA 70484

QUALIFICATIONS: Former Councilman for Chalfont Borough; served 4 year term. Built

Bluejay Playground with Chalfont volunteers.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: For years Chalfont has been experiencing urban style decay. The

blame goes to the burned out car wash and Council‘s lack of action. The car wash is a cancer in

town. Property values and town life have suffered. Legal action should have been taken. The

Borough‘s lack of spending control and yearly tax increases. The Borough has embarked on an

over-ambitious $1.8 million police station and ignored declining income. Two words - fiscal

responsibility.

MICHAEL KELLY

HOMETOWN: Chalfont

D.O.B.: 6-21-75

EDUCATION: Bachelors of Architecture from Syracuse University

OCCUPATION: Architect

QUALIFICATIONS: As current chair of the Chalfont Planning Commission, I helped develop

our Comprehensive Plan. This plan provided a blueprint for housing, land use, community

facilities, and transportation improvements. I was also the architect for the recent renovations at

Lenape Valley Presbyterian Church.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I‘d like to help enact the improvements outlined in the

comprehensive plan. Specifically, I would use my expertise in facility development to oversee the

reduction of traffic congestion on Butler Avenue and revitalization of our historic buildings. I‘m

confident these changes will attract new businesses to the area and promote our community‘s

vitality. I‘d also like to support the terrific initiatives already in place to improve our parks and

recreational spaces while conserving natural resources.

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH 1ST

WARD BOROUGH COUNCIL


DEMOCRAT

MARLENE PRAY


D.O.B.: 11-29-68

EDUCATION: Med + PhD Candidate, Human Sexuality Education, Widener University, BA,

Community Studies, UC Santa Cruz

OCCUPATION: Education & Training Consultant, Sexuality Education, Volunteer, Parent

QUALIFICATIONS: Over 20 years of professional, community and board leadership plus

extensive training in education, community organizing, health & wellness, environmental

education, human rights, governance and social justice.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Marlene is dedicated to helping Borough Council set the highest

standards of public integrity; provide the greatest value for tax dollars; demonstrate transparency,

inclusivity; and earn the highest levels of confidence from residents and businesses. She will apply

her expertise as an advocate for improving communities and people‘s lives, protecting human rights

and building bridges between diverse groups. Doylestown is an historic peaceful community, and

Marlene will build on Council‘s strong record of pro-active decision-making.

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH 2ND



REPUBLICAN

WILLIAM H. STEVENS


D.O.B.: No Response

EDUCATION: B.S. in Accounting, Pennsylvania Military College

OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: Served as Doylestown Borough Councilman for 14 years (1989-2001) and

2010); chaired Finance and Administration and Police Committees. Employed as commercial

banker and credit officer for several Philadelphia-area institutions for over 30 years. Vietnam-era

Army Military Police officer (Captain).

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Continued preservation of Doylestown as ―just beyond‖ being a

suburb, as well as somewhat of a tourist attraction, is paramount. My years on Council have shown

me that Doylestown‘s leadership is totally non-partisan, and its staff and police forces second to

none. Maintaining our $7 million-plus strategic Reserve Fund has enabled us to continue to

provide exceptional service while keeping taxes to reasonable levels. Regionalizing our police

force is an important step in this process.

DEMOCRAT

KEVIN M. KELLY


DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH 2ND



DEMOCRAT

JOAN D. DOYLE


D.O.B.: 3-29-42

EDUCATION: Cambridge School of Business

OCCUPATION: Councilwoman; Realtor; Marketing Consultant

QUALIFICATIONS: Completing 4-year term on Borough Council; chaired Public Safety and

Zoning & Planning Committees; serve/d on Finance, Public Works & Administration, Recreation &

Environment Committees; 5-year member Doylestown Revitalization Board, chaired Economic

Development Committee; 2-term elected officer, NYS.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Oversight and long-range financial planning to achieve budgets

matching revenue and expenses; careful use of reserve funds; ensuring least disruption to borough

residents and businesses during courthouse construction; careful consideration of police

regionalization plan; obtaining police accreditation and better physical plant; safeguarding residents

quality of life, addressing public safety perceptions/concerns. Common sense approach based on

municipal experience and knowledge; thoughtful consideration of all aspects of issues; ability to

make tough decisions; advocate for people.

DOYLESTOWN BOROUGH 3RD



DEMOCRAT

DON BERK


D.O.B.: 8-9-45

EDUCATION: NYU MA

OCCUPATION: Communications Consultant, Speaker Coach

QUALIFICATIONS: In work, I regularly facilitate cooperation among divergent groups.

Speaker workshops often include defensive participants. I defuse their armor with humor and get

everyone working together in a collaborative and supportive manner. I‘ve used this skill on

Council to soften hardened positions on committees.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Completion of the Justice Center, an enormous project that will

impact the borough during construction and in the years to follow, needs voices on Council to

protect our resident‘s interests. Support consolidation of the Doylestown police force with

neighboring municipalities, which shows fiscal responsibility and better use of limited resources.

Implementation and success of our anti-discrimination ordinance and HRC, which I championed, is

essential, especially since ours is a model for other municipalities.

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

RICK COLELLO


D.O.B.: 7-17-50

EDUCATION: Graduate, St. Joseph‘s University; Graduate, College for Financial Planning

OCCUPATION: Owner-Founder, Doylestown Financial Advisors; Certified Financial Planner

(CFP)

QUALIFICATIONS: Current Township Supervisor; 40 years in the private sector as a business

manager and owner dealing with fiscal issues, planning and budgeting.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: From listening to residents, it is clear the most important issue

facing Doylestown is the need to protect taxpayers while still delivering essential services. I voted

against the 41% tax increase in 2011. By focusing on priorities, increasing efficiency and utilizing

short- and long-range forecasting we can protect taxpayers and our quality-of-life. I have done this

in the business world and, as Supervisor, have continued to follow fiscally responsible policies.

DEMOCRAT

BARBARA EISENHARDT, RN


D.O.B.: Not given

EDUCATION: Associate Degree – Nursing

OCCUPATION: Incumbent Doylestown Township Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS: Township Supervisor – 12 years; Founder/President – Pebble Hill Property

Owners Group; President – Allison Court Condominium Association; Liaison – Doylestown

Township: Planning Commission; Public Water / Sewer Advisory Committee; Central Bucks

Regional Aging Task Force; Park / Recreation Board; Agricultural Security Advisory Council.

Member – Sewer Advisory Committee.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Due to the indictment and resignation of one of Doylestown‘s

supervisors, three openings are on the ballot. The public can elect a new majority by voting for the

Eisenhardt/Philo/Harrison team. A new majority can break the current gridlock, increase

transparency, identify and vote for actual budget cuts, and open the appointment process to all our

residents. And we will never support Water and Sewer Authority plans to force residents to hook-

up against their will.

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

SHAWN TOUHILL


D.O.B.: 8-2-74

EDUCATION: Delaware Valley College

OCCUPATION: Owner and Operator of small businesses in Doylestown Township

QUALIFICATIONS: As a lifelong citizen of central Bucks, 22 year resident and successful small

businessman within Doylestown, and an active community leader, I believe I know our town and

neighbor‘s needs well.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Part 1, Raising a family and operation small businesses in this

community, I have a responsibility to maintain an affordable, safe, bucolic, and healthy community

for my family, to hand over to my children, and yours, what has been entrusted and what I have

enjoyed. Part 11, By continuing to be out in the community, listening to and talking with

neighbors, and by utilizing my strengths as an organizer, delegator and implementer of good ideas

into tangible results.

RYAN MANION


D.O.B.: 8-2-79

EDUCATION: BA in English, Cabrini College

OCCUPATION: Executive Director, Travis Manion Foundation

QUALIFICATIONS: I‘ve successfully run two small businesses, managed payroll, and met a

budget. Today, I operate a nationwide charity, manage a diverse team and speak to groups and the

media. I understand first-hand the needs of young families and taxpayers.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Providing strong fiscal discipline that protects taxpayers while still

delivering essential services is the issue residents tell me they care about most. This can be

accomplished through enhanced budget planning, thorough review of the budget, zero-based

budgeting, and the use of new business management techniques. This strong fiscal oversight can

ensure we preserve our quality of life, provide essential services that protect the public, and

continue successful efforts in areas like parks and recreation.

DEMOCRAT

MARDI HARRISON


D.O.B.: 7-21-48

EDUCATION: M.S. Columbia University; J.D. Temple Law School


QUALIFICATIONS: Business owner for 33 years, attorney for 17 years, resident of Doylestown

9 years. Chair of Doylestown Performing Arts Council – 5 years. Experienced with management,

budget development and implementation, vendor research, and strategic planning. Comfortable

with managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The budget is, and will be the most important issue – struggling to

keep taxes down while maintaining the services that make Doylestown Township a special place to

live. The current majority refused to seek competitive bids for township services. The extreme

partisanship that has existed on the Board for so long must end, so that every cost saving initiative –

no matter which Supervisor suggests it – can be implemented to keep taxes down and services up.

CYNTHIA M. PHILO


D.O.B.: 9-13-65

EDUCATION: Cooley Law School, JD; Millersville University, BA

OCCUPATION: Doylestown Township Supervisor; Licensed Attorney

QUALIFICATIONS: A decade-long record of job creation and business expansion. Former

President, Old City District, Philadelphia, Former Chair of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center,

Executive Board of the Citizens Crime Commission, Liaison Doylestown Twp. Traffic Committee.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: As a supervisor and municipal district leader, I have always

understood the criticality of balancing budgets. When I and my fellow supervisor Barb Eisenhardt

called for competitive bids on township services, the Republican majority rejected this

commonsense approach. Fiscal responsibility demands a higher standard of accountability and a

new majority will open our boards and commissions to all residents who wish to serve so that we

can find creative solutions to our ongoing funding challenges.

DUBLIN BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

ROBERT P. PAVLEK, JR.


JAMIE H. PRIESTER


DEMOCRAT

MATTHEW S. MAYES


DURHAM TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

RICHARD M. JOHNSON


DEMOCRAT

(No candidates)

EAST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

DAVID R. NYMAN

HOMETOWN: Perkasie

D.O.B.: 4/29/46

EDUCATION: Advanced degrees in education & administration

OCCUPATION: Municipal management consultant

QUALIFICATIONS: Experience, Caring, Integrity – Eighteen years as an elected official and

twelve years managing municipalities, building positive relationships, giving ERT opportunities for

outside dollars. A fiscal conservative who is working to protect our rural character while exploring

novel ways to strengthen our tax base.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Budget and development pressures. Prioritizing expenditures and

exploring funding opportunities to maximize revenues, using my experience and access to valuable

resources from the State and County. Development must meet legal demands for zoning

requirements and be stringently reviewed for compliance. As a municipal managing consultant,

member of the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce Board and member of the Bucks County Planning

Commission, I am able to stay abreast of financial and planning opportunities and to leverage our

local tax dollars.

DEMOCRAT

(No candidates)

FALLS TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

MIKE FALKEVITZ


ANDREW DELL

HOMETOWN: Fairless Hills

D.O.B.: 7/68

EDUCATION: 1986 Graduate of Pennsbury High School

OCCUPATION: Owner and CEO of Dell Lawn and Landscape

QUALIFICATIONS: Strong business experience associated with starting and growing my

landscape enterprise into a substantial operation focused on commercial accounts. Also active in

community affairs.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I would like to bring in more businesses to Falls Township to

improve our tax base and employment opportunities for our residents. I want to cut out the

wasteful spending of our general fund money. I want to lower the cost of building and construction

permits for residential and commercial properties.

DEMOCRAT

ALLEN B. WILSON


D.O.B.: 8/8/47

EDUCATION: High School Grad

OCCUPATION: Plumber

QUALIFICATIONS: Board of Supervisors (2 term): 6 years (1st), 2 years, (2

nd)--appointed to fill

2-year vacancy); Zoning Hearing Board; Planning Commission, Commemorative Park; Police

Pension Board; Water & Sewer Authority (Chairman); Negotiated 1995 Waste Management

Contract.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The way our Host Community dollars are being spent. People in our

community are facing financially tough times and I feel as though we should share some of our

Host Community fees with our residents, as Tullytown does with theirs. Not just a $100 rebate

gimmick at election time.

JEFF ROCCO


BRIAN M. GALLOWAY


DOROTHY VISLOSKY


HAYCOCK TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

KATHLEEN M. BABB


DEMOCRAT

(No candidates)

HILLTOWN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

JACK MCILHINNEY

HOMETOWN: Perkasie

D.O.B.: 4/21/44

EDUCATION: Liberal Arts, St. Joseph‘s College, 2 years; Architecture, Temple University, 3

years, Associate Degree

OCCUPATION: Current Township Supervisor. Retired Architect/Construction Administrator

QUALIFICATIONS: Thirty-five years of design, planning, specification writing and construction

administration in the architectural field as a business and profession that interacts with government

rules, regulations and codes; five years as a township supervisor; one year as a planning

commission member.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Ethics--Conflicts abound regarding legal decisions and directives

being made by the majority of the current Board which are outside the required State procedures for

Second Class Townships. Committing the Township to long term real estate leases without

discussion and withholding formation to which the Public is entitled is illegal, yet it appears to be

the norm. I will continue to be the public voice for open and transparent government and oppose

these practices. Financial problems are also a main consideration.

KEITH D. WEISS

HOMETOWN: Hilltown

D.O.B.: 12/16/47

EDUCATION: B.A., Sociology, East Stroudsburg; M.S., Administration (Specialty in Health

Care Services, West Chester University

OCCUPATION: Retired hospital administrator

QUALIFICATIONS: Experienced in managing people and budgets; longtime community

member.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Maintaining a reasonable tax rate while continuing to provide

essential services that protect the health, safety and welfare of our citizens is the biggest challenge

facing Hilltown Township. This can be accomplished by closely evaluating every expenditure and

by examining the way we deliver those essential services to ensure maximum efficiency. One step

we can take is to encourage responsible commercial and industrial development in those areas

designated by our Comprehensive Plan.

DEMOCRAT

(No candidates)

HULMEVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

DEBBIE MAHON

HOMETOWN: Hulmeville

D.O.B.: 10/17/69

EDUCATION: Certified Horticulturist, Longwood Gardens, 1990; Certified teacher of

Agriculture, Rutgers University, 2001

OCCUPATION: Vocational Teacher of Landscape/Horticulture for New Jersey Department of

Corrections

QUALIFICATIONS: Served on Hulmeville Borough Council for the past five years; Resident of

Hulmeville Borough for 15 years; Founder and President of the Hulmeville Garden Club

ANSWER TO QUESTION: As always, I encourage more residents to become involved within

our community. We have many committees and groups that help to keep our town functioning; we

should all do our part and volunteer where we are needed. Additional issues of concern are:

communication with the Bucks County Planning Commission to keep our residents informed of the

upcoming updated floodplain maps from FEMA; encourage residents and local businesses to show

continual community support; improve environmental concerns within our community.

FRANK J. LEWIS


DEMOCRAT

DANIEL N. MANDOLESI


IVYLAND BOROUGH COUNCIL

4-year term (Vote for four)

REPUBLICAN

ALBERT A. DeGIDEO


SALVATORE J. DiPAOLO


ROBERT K. SEVERN

HOMETOWN: Ivyland

D.O.B.: 11/15/41

EDUCATION: Philadelphia College of Art

OCCUPATION: Graphic Designer

QUALIFICATIONS: Borough Council 1996-2011. President 1998-2006, 2008-2011. Zoning

Hearing Board 1984-1996

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Preserving the unique qualities of a small, historic, cohesive

community. Carefully using taxpayer dollars. Making as many people as possible delighted to live

in Ivyland. Many issues are currently being resolved, including traffic congestion on Jacksonville

Road, Navy housing, also on Jacksonville Road, and improvements to parks and open space.

DEIRDRE McGLYNN


WILLIAM LINWOOD


DEMOCRAT

(No candidates)

LANGHORNE BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

KATHLEEN HORWATT

HOMETOWN: Langhorne

D.O.B.: 8/3/49

EDUCATION: B.A., Allegheny College; Temple University, M. ED in Counseling & M. ED in

Curriculum & Instruction; C.A.G.S.—Secondary Administration

OCCUPATION: Volunteer; Retired Counseling Psychologist

QUALIFICATIONS: Langhorne Borough Council—1983 to present—Council secretary,

President, Councilperson and grant writer/project manager/Rec board, EAC, transportation. I have

brought over 10 million dollars in grant funding to the Borough of Langhorne.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Depleted funding sources is the most important issue: The Borough

of Langhorne operates on a budget that is one third or less of local boroughs due to the current

property tax structure. Langhorne has maintained a high quality of life owing to volunteers. The

Neshaminy School District and the six municipalities within need to examine ways of reducing

property taxes while stabilizing funding sources. The current structure is regressive to retirees and

our working families.

JOHN SCHEETZ


DEMOCRAT

WILLIAM GILMORE


LANGHORNE MANOR BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

NICHOLAS PIZZOLA


STEVE YOURTEE

HOMETOWN: Langhorne Manor

D.O.B.: 1959

EDUCATION: B.S., Landscape Architecture, Penn State University

OCCUPATION: Creations Landscape Design and Construction

QUALIFICATIONS: Common sense, energy, motivation, 24 year Boro resident, 3rd

term on

Council

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Continue to find innovative ways to make community

improvements/repairs without raising taxes.

SHARON GIMPEL


DEMOCRAT

(No candidates)

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

JEFFREY BENEDETTO

HOMETOWN: Yardley

D.O.B.: 8/8/69

EDUCATION: Tulane University, B.A., Cum Laude, Double Major: Political Science and

Sociology; Villanova School of Law, Juris Doctorate

OCCUPATION: Senior Customer Representative, Merck & Company, Inc.

QUALIFICATIONS: In addition to my legal training, which provided me with the analytical

skills to assess and subsequently resolve complicated issues, I also have greater than ten years

managerial experience overseeing a large geography that generates in excess of $5 Million in sales.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: We must keep our taxes low so that the quality of life remains high

in LMT. We cannot spend more than we take in, as in 2011. Last year, our revenue was $94,000

below our spending. This year, we have an estimated deficit of $185,000. A 37% township tax

increase since 2005 is excessive when you compare the school (10.9%) and county (7.1%) tax

increases. I pledge to institute zero-based budgeting to bring spending in-line with revenue.

DOBBY J. DOBSON


DEMOCRAT

RON SCHMID

HOMETOWN: Yardley

D.O.B.: 2/3/47

EDUCATION: B.A., Fordham University; MPA, New York University (Public Administration)

OCCUPATION: President & CEO, R.E. Schmid and Associates, specializing in Strategic

Marketing, Communications and Issues Management.

QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrated leadership skills and creativity to chart the future for LMT.

More than 30 years of experience providing leadership to Communications, Government Affairs

and Policy Development in the world‘s leading pharmaceutical companies (J&J, Pfizer and

Novartis) and state legislatures (New York, Connecticut and managing a nine state demonstration

project.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issues facing Lower Makefield Township are:

the need for leadership; vision and fiscal responsibility. I will provide pro-active leadership to the

complex local issues facing our community that will result in making LMT a better place to live

and work. I will provide a vision for LMT that is based upon the residents‘ vision and dreams for

LMT. I will be a guardian of my neighbors‘ tax dollars while providing leadership to setting fiscal

priorities.

KEN SEDA

HOMETOWN: Yardley

D.O.B.: 6/4/70

EDUCATION: B.A., Political Science—SUNY Albany

OCCUPATION: Manager Civic Affairs and Assistant Director of the CIGNA Foundation

QUALIFICATIONS: 15 years of professional experience in Public Affairs and Communications.

While the majority of my experience is corporate, I began my career in the New York City Council

and also led my own consulting business. I majored in Political Science and have always been

interested in politics.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The primary issue is ensuring the quality of life our residents have

come to enjoy. At a high level, our local government needs to be fiscally sound and able to deliver

basic services but also forward looking to limit a reactive only mindset. We need to listen

carefully, engage respectfully and act responsibly toward finding as many win-win situations as

possible. I would support a feedback model of government that considers every option.

LOWER SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

JOSEPH McFADDEN

HOMETOWN: Trevose

D.O.B.: 4/20/60

EDUCATION: Master of Arts, Training and Development

OCCUPATION: Regulatory Software Trainer

QUALIFICATIONS: Township Auditor. Served twenty-six years as a United States Air Force

leader. Organizational manager with experience in personnel development and financial and

resource management. Seven-plus years training business leaders. Trained and qualified firefighter

and emergency responder; 1 year-volunteer fire department president.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The two most important issues facing our community: aging

infrastructure and increasingly limited resources for services.

My job: find ways to maintain/improve the infrastructure and provide the services needed/expected

by our residents. The solution is to develop and support policies that encourage reclamation of

existing residential housing and business locations; encourage employment opportunities for our

residents; and allow growth that doesn‘t sacrifice open space. This would provide the needed funds

without further burdening tax-paying residents.

DEMOCRAT

(No candidates)

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

TOM GALLAGHER

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 10/15/53

EDUCATION: Bishop Egan High School; Bucks County Community College; Penn State

University

OCCUPATION: President/CEO: Tom Gallagher Systems Consulting

QUALIFICATIONS: Middletown Board of Supervisors (served as Chairman); successful small

business owner; Middletown Township Zoning Hearing Board (served as Chairman, Vice

Chairman, and Secretary); Middletown Township Planning Commission

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Providing essential services without raising taxes continues to be the

most important issue. Township employee and equipment costs continue to increase annually,

while Township revenues continue to decrease. Last year my fellow Republican Supervisors and I

improved public safety by putting more police on our streets. At the same time, we passed a budget

that maintained all of our essential public services without raising Township taxes on Middletown

residents. This must continue to be our goal.

DEMOCRAT

JULIE SMITH

HOMETOWN: Langhorne

D.O.B.: 6/12/74

EDUCATION: High Point University (1996); Summa cum laude, B.A., Spanish, B.S., Computer

Information Systems

OCCUPATION: Business Owner

QUALIFICATIONS: Lifelong Middletown resident, homeowner, and business owner with

extensive experience in planning, budgeting, and solving complex problems. I have years of board

experience in professional organizations, and am currently vice-chair of Middletown‘s Financial

Advisory Committee.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issues are financial—budgeting, long-term

planning, taxes. A consistent proactive approach to cutting expenses and finding creative cost-

savings opportunities is essential. We cannot continue waiting until year-end to create an

unrealistic budget that relies on almost depleted contingency accounts. Township revenue is down;

therefore we must reduce non-essential spending and eliminate unbudgeted expenses. Middletown

owes taxpayers fiscal restraint and foresight. Active participation and promotion of Middletown‘s

business community will be important.

MILFORD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

ROBERT B. MANSFIELD


D.O.B.: 5/24/56

EDUCATION: Grade 12 Pennridge H.S.

OCCUPATION: Owner of company specializing in the design and installation of warehouse

storage systems.

QUALIFICATIONS: Member of Milford Township BOS since 1991. Served as chairman for the

last 4 years.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: In the present economic conditions one of the most important

issues we have to deal with is maintaining services with decreasing revenues and without

raising taxes. This can be accomplished through careful budgeting where we utilize a very

conservative estimate of revenues. Maintaining a Capital Expenditure program that

identifies project and equipment upgrades allows us to be proactive rather than reactive in

our fiscal planning.

DEMOCRAT

SCOTT A. HENDRICKS


D.O.B.: 6/24/59

EDUCATION: Graduated Quakertown School District/Upper Bucks Vo-tech School—

cabinetmaking, 1977

OCCUPATION: Head Custodian, Richland Elementary at QCDS, 13 years. Previous—J.G.

Furniture Company, 17+ years, R&D department

QUALIFICATIONS: Involved in major debates aver developments such as radiator and village

overlay—663.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Currently facing our community is over development due to limited

resources such as water, increased traffic on highways. I would propose more reasonable growth of

our township to preserve as much rural character as possible. I would propose an open relationship

to discuss issues without making individuals feel disrespected and value all opinion during a

meeting regarding issues. Disclose to the public information regarding current bidding procedures;

budget be available on township‘s website.

MORRISVILLE BOROUGH CONTROLLER


REPUBLICAN

ERIC HELLMAN


DEMOCRAT

(No candidates)

MORRISVILLE BOROUGH 2ND



REPUBLICAN

(No candidates)

DEMOCRAT

NANCY SHERLOCK


D.O.B.: 3/19/52

EDUCATION: High School, Bishop Conwell

OCCUPATION: Hotel Management for 20 years

QUALIFICATIONS: A desire to continue to work as a public servant, privileged to have served

four previous terms, which affords me the knowledge of the issues and challenges, and my

experience in Management addressing budgets, employees and prioritizing.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. Lack of Economic Development, with few or no opportunities to

grow. We should remain open minded and look for non-traditional opportunities while we continue

to pursue businesses that we believe may be a good fit. 2. Aging equipment and streets with no

additional source of revenue to replace them. We must be vigilant about maintenance in order to

utilize what we have, and be realistic about the services we can provide when faced with lack of

revenue.

JEFFREY S. JOHNSON


GRAEME THOMSON


D.O.B.: 9/13/71

EDUCATION: Trenton State College

OCCUPATION: Computer Technician

QUALIFICATIONS: I strongly believe all elected officials should be honest, fair and open and

decisions must be made with citizen input and in public. My private industry experience would help

me seek out methods to make our local government operate in the most efficient and cost-effective

way.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: 1. Strengthening the business climate and attracting new business.

Council needs to show its support to local business organizations and promote itself as a business-

friendly community. Council must work with the business community, as well as economic

development agencies in a real partnership. 2. Maintaining essential services without increasing

the tax burden on property owners is a challenge. A consistent review of expenses is mandatory, as

well as diligence in seeking more cost efficiencies.

MORRISVILLE BOROUGH 3RD



REPUBLICAN

(No candidates)

DEMOCRAT

RHONDA DAVIS


MORRISVILLE BOROUGH 4TH



DEMOCRAT

DAVID T. RIVELLA


D.O.B.: 03/11/1969

EDUCATION: High School Apprenticeship Program

OCCUPATION: Electrician, Council Person

QUALIFICATIONS: Currently Morrisville Borough Council President

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Taxes, Economic Redevelopment, Public Safety. I will continue

working proactively with council, emergency services and the community to keep taxes as low as

possible while providing the best services Morrisville can afford. Continue creating a business

friendly atmosphere. Continue to enact cost saving measures. Continue seeking grants to save

taxpayer money. Continue seeking environmentally responsible cost saving technology. Continue

being the best possible steward I can be to the entire Morrisville community.

NEW BRITAIN BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

JOSEPH CANGELOSI

HOMETOWN: New Britain

D.O.B.: 04/11/51

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Drexel University 1974

OCCUPATION: Self Employed repairing home audio equipment under the name of Joe C Service

QUALIFICATIONS: I am an involved resident, a member of the New Britain Civic Association

and Covered Bridge Society, a local merchant and regularly attend Borough Council Meetings.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: My overriding concern is quality of life in the Borough. We have

managed to maintain a comfortable, small-town feel while keeping up with modern times and I

would like to play a part in making sure that continues.

JEFFREY M. GILMORE


D.O.B.: 04/04/1961

EDUCATION: Alright College, Bachelor of Science, Accounting – 1983; LaSalle University,

Masters, Management Information Systems - 2000

OCCUPATION: Business Consultant

QUALIFICATIONS: New Britain Borough Zoning Hearing Board – 8 years, 25 years of

experience as a business executive, 46 years of living in New Britain Borough

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issues: Consolidation of the borough police

department with Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township, and Warwick Township. Managing

the borough‘s finances, preserving what open space we have, continuing the implementation of the

community bike and hike path, maintaining our roads, and protecting rural atmosphere of our small

community.

CRAIG A. STURZA


D.O.B.: Not provided

EDUCATION: Penn State University, B.A. in Advertising, 1981

OCCUPATION: Insurance

QUALIFICATIONS: Past President of the Doylestown Area Jaycees, and current member of Boro

Council. Involvement with other community service groups – like the Boy Scouts of America.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The regionalization of our police force, which will save New Britain

Boro a great deal of money and will give us better overall coverage for our community. We need to

continue to pursue this option by continuing the process of discussions, which are being held by the

police chiefs and the local government, i.e. – Boro Council and Twp. Supervisors.

Controlling the amount of commercial growth along Rt. 202 in the residential sections of New

Britain Boro. We need to continue to pursue zoning that will protect the current residential

neighborhoods.

DEMOCRAT

PETER LA MONTAGNE


DOB: 02/10/1945

EDUCATION: BS Degree in Chemical Engineering

OCCUPATION: Consulting Engineer in Wastewater Treatment

QUALIFICATIONS: Past President of the New Britain Civic Association, currently on Boro

Council.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Government must both plan for the future and be efficient. Merging

the police department will do both. Planning for the future, I organized volunteers to plan and write

the Bike and Hike plan, at no cost to the Boro. As Council Representative on the Nature Preserve

we are expanding the Nature Preserve and connecting to other preserved ground by foot paths along

the Neshaminy Creek without using any Boro tax money.

NEW BRITAIN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

ROBERT V. COTTON

HOMETOWN: New Britain Township

D.O.B.: 03/22/1929

EDUCATION: BSEE, University of Connecticut

OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: Current Supervisor, Past Chairman; Planning Commission, Past Chairman;

Emergency Management Coordinator; Representative 202 Parkway Task Force, 202 Executive

Committee; Current Director and Past President of Bucks County Association of Township

Supervisors; Active Chalfont firefighter over 40 years

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Diminished Economy: Reduce Operating Expenses

Traffic Congestion: Push Legislature and PA DOT to build Bristol Road extension

Bridge Replacements: Consider repair instead of replacement

Maintain Fire, EMS, Police, and Public Works: Assist in recruitment where needed

Urge PA DOT to improve state highways: Routes 152, 313, New Galena, Ferry

Future park and recreation facilities: Initiate work on Vertis tract

Informing residents: Initiate periodic town hall meetings

JOHN A. BODDEN, SR.


D.O.B.: 03/28/47

EDUCATION: Various and continuing profession related courses

OCCUPATION: Associate Broker – Real Estate

QUALIFICATIONS: As a current Supervisor I have served as Chairman, Vice Chairman and

Police and Special Projects Liaisons. I served on the township Zoning Hearing Board and Planning

Commission, and the Bucks County Agricultural Land Preservation Board. Township resident

since 1973.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: My vision for New Britain Township has not changed. Maintain

NBT as an outstanding community to live in. Ensure essential Emergency Services for residents‘

safety and welfare. Maintain safe roads and promote traffic safety. Demonstrate fiscal

responsibility with taxpayers‘ money. Provide quality Park and Recreation facilities. Recruit

quality organizations and business to locate in NBT such as Children‘s Hospital, New Seasons

Assisted Living and Byer‘s Choice to relieve pressure on the residential tax base.

NEW HOPE BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

NICK GIALIAS

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: 06/15/73

EDUCATION: M.S. Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University

OCCUPATION: Restaurateur

QUALIFICATIONS: Vice President, New Hope Chamber of Commerce. Nick Gialias is an

organizer of the Friday Night Fireworks and owner of the Logan Inn. He‘s worked with two

borough governments, local businesses, emergency services, and state/national commissions to

implement a spectacular community event.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I want to reestablish New Hope as a special town where people

choose to live, raise families, work, and play. My goal is to create stronger community relations by

increasing the level of partnership and balance between everyone within our village. To compete

for business in our region, we need to make our downtown more enjoyable to residents and visitors

by ensuring business development, more accessible parking, better pedestrian/bicycle access and

community events.

DEMOCRAT

GERALDINE DELEVICH

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: 08/13/1949

EDUCATION: Masters Degree + 30 credits

OCCUPATION: Retired Teacher

QUALIFICATIONS: Loves New Hope with its diverse population and historic charm. Borough

Council member, 14 years: Chairperson of Community Affairs; Recipient of New Hope –

Lambertville Rotary Club Community Achievement Award; Board member of Bucks County

Boroughs Association

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Continue working to preserve the historic, cultural and natural beauty

of our town. Support a vibrant downtown commercial area. Maintain fiscal responsibility and a

balanced budget. Continue to support equality and welcoming environment for the LGBT

community. Begin to implement the new 2011 Comprehensive Plan in a fiscally responsible

manner. Work to revitalize the Bucks County Playhouse and adjacent riverfront property as a vital

artistic and cultural center of our town.

REY VELASCO

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: 01/11/1957

EDUCATION: Pediatric Residency, Thomas Jefferson University

OCCUPATION: Physician M.D.

QUALIFICATIONS: Have been on New Hope Borough Council since 2003. Worked in the

community on multiple fund raisers, registered voters over the years since 1999.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: New Hope Borough is an elegant, charming town that must maintain

its small town appeal including its historical preservation and architectural excellence. We need to

keep a balance that coexists between the residential and business community. The diverse

population that incorporates New Hope as a unique place to live is like no other in Bucks County.

We are truly the ―diamond in the rust‖ community on the Delaware River. We need to maintain,

preserve this holistic charm and beauty with its diverse population.

CARL GLASSMAN

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: 03/25/53

EDUCATION: Masters Degree, Rutgers University

OCCUPATION: Self-Employed

QUALIFICATIONS: Government employment at the county and state level; American

government studies in policy and planning in graduate school; Private sector work in evaluation

research re: government programs; 30 year resident of New Hope; 29 year businessman in New

Hope

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Financial responsibility to the taxpayers in uncertain economic times.

NEWTOWN BOROUGH 1ST



REPUBLICAN

PAUL SALVATORE

HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 07/07/1956

EDUCATION: Graduated Neshaminy High School, 1975; Attended Bucks County Community

College; Graduate of Rotary Leadership Institute

OCCUPATION: Realtor

QUALIFICATIONS: As a 32 year resident of the Newtown area, I have served on numerous

boards and commissions on the county and local levels in a leadership position of which I served on

the budgeting committees.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The budget: I would work with neighboring communities and local

organizations on how to find grants and share expenses. Land Development: Work on finding

responsible and sensible answers to The Stocking Works II development as traffic and parking from

this project will have a major impact on local streets and residents and will change the face of the

Borough forever. Eliminate personal and political agendas and do what is best for all of the

residents.

DEMOCRAT

GERARD J. O’MALLEY

HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 12/08/1959

EDUCATION: PhD, University of Pennsylvania; MBA, Rider University; BS, College of New

Jersey

OCCUPATION: Pharmaceutical Marketing

QUALIFICATIONS: Currently Newtown Borough Council member; past member of Newtown

Borough Planning Commission

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Keep Newtown a great place to live, visit and do business. Continue

to closely control how we spend taxpayers‘ dollars and make our local government more efficient

during tight economic times. Borough Council is improving the quality of life in areas such as

pedestrian safety and parking in a fiscally responsible manner. I will lead with pragmatism and will

work together with other five members of council to find the best solutions for Newtown.

NEWTOWN BOROUGH 2ND



REPUBLICAN

LAWRENCE H. AUERWECK

HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 06/15/1932

EDUCATION: Master of Education plus

OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: Served on the Newtown Borough Planning Commission, Parking

Committee, member of Newtown Borough Council (four plus years). Served on the Board of

Directors of Bucks County Association for the Visually Handicapped, Bucks County Council on

Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and owned and operated own business.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Borough expenditures – be financial prudent and aware of any

pending money concerns that need to monitored. I want what is best for Newtown Borough;

keeping its charm, history and above all its safety. Serious study of implications in Newtown

Borough as our surrounding areas have grown and changed. Maintaining recreation areas for our

youth.

TONY BLANCATO

HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 04/25/70

EDUCATION: Two teaching degrees in Business and Elementary Education, Rider University

OCCUPATION: Realtor with Prudential Fox & Roach, The Jack Lacey Office

QUALIFICATIONS: 29 year resident/business owner, Retail Association, Little League Coach,

Reliance Company

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The community needs a Council that will truly strip away personal

and political agendas and focus on resolving the variety of real issues that Newtown Borough

currently faces and will have a need to face in the future in order to continue to be a wonderful

place to live, work and visit. This must be done by embracing, not only the future, but the

Borough‘s historical past as well.

DEMOCRAT

MICHAEL T. SELLERS

HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 08/16/1951

EDUCATION: JD Widener Law School, BA La Salle University


QUALIFICATIONS: Current Newtown Borough Council member; past Chair of Newtown

Borough Planning commission; Co-Founder, Newtown Creek Coalition; municipal solicitor

ANSWER TO QUESTION: To maintain its finest qualities, we need to imagine what can be

done now to plan for the future of Newtown. Making the two more walkable will reduce cars on

the roads, and keep that small town feeling. Solving the historic parking problem will help

residents and nonresidents, who will visit our vibrant business district as a destination.

Development must always be reviewed with the goal of making Newtown a better place to live and

work.

JULIA W. WOLDORF

HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 03/27/1950

EDUCATION: BA Biology, Swarthmore College, Certificate of Proficiency in Physical Therapy,

University of Pennsylvania, Master in Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

OCCUPATION: Pediatric Physical Therapist

QUALIFICATIONS: Current President, Newtown Borough Council: former chair of

Environmental Advisory Council; member, Newtown Creek Coalition; member board of directors

Bucks County Association of Boroughs

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Newtown Borough must continue to be a vital and viable

community with an eye to the future, even during hard economic times. With sound planning and

vision, the Borough will attract new businesses, new residents, and new revenues. We need to

maintain and upgrade our infrastructure, while preserving our beautiful historic town. I will

continue to work effectively with our boards and committees, as well as pursue grant funding

aggressively, to achieve these goals.

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

ROBERT WHARTENBY

HOMETOWN: Newtown

DOB: 07/07/1966

EDUCATION: Rutgers University – Master in City and Regional Planning

OCCUPATION: Program and Construction Management

QUALIFICATIONS: As Newtown Planning Commission‘s co-chair, I have gained significant

insight to operational and administrative functions of the Township. My knowledge of economic

development and land development will assist the Township in maintaining our economic vitality

and strength while preserving our quality of life we have come to expect.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Newtown Township is faced with several issues. They are;

preserving our quality of life for the future, preserving our open space to act as a transition zone

between municipal borders, the continued promotion of economic development and redevelopment

and finally, the need for long term fiscal planning. Addressing these issues will come through

fiscal prudence and restraint, understanding that bigger is not better, and where resources and assets

already exist, maximize them.

RYAN W. GALLAGHER

HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 01/24/1977

EDUCATION: I graduated from Widener University School of Law in 1996, where I received my

Juris Doctorate as well as a degree from the school‘s Law & Government Institute.

OCCUPATION: I am an Attorney by trade, as well as the Executive Director of a real estate

company. My practice focuses primarily on real estate and property law, as well as administrative

and municipal law.

QUALIFICATIONS: As an Attorney, I understand the legal complexities of the various issues

that the Township faces, and will be able to use my legal background to do what is right for both

the Township and our residents. I also have over 20 years experience in the Real Estate industry.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I believe the most important issues facing Newtown today revolve

around maintaining a fiscally responsible budget, while preserving our low taxes and Newtown

quality of life. I believe we also need to protect our reserve funds and implement long-term

financial planning so that we are prepared for economic fluctuations. I think it‘s also imperative

that we manage our traffic and roads effectively, and try to preserve more open space.

DEMOCRAT

PHIL CALABRO


MARK JOSEPH


NOCKAMIXON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

EDMUND KEMBLE



EDUCATION: Trenton Technical Institute

OCCUPATION: Retired Custom Home Builder

QUALIFICATIONS: Personal Business Owner for 45 Years, Historical Society Member, Attends

Township and Planning Board Meetings when possible, Retired, Experienced and Time

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Our recent tax increase in 2010 of 550% in one year. We must

reduce township spending at every level. We must reduce township taxes by 300%. We must

reduce drastically our excessive spending to our township legal firm and refrain from entering into

anymore law suits where our legal costs are exorbitant. Well Water Contamination – Have all well

tested and have the Bucks County Health Dept. continue to seek and correct the cause.

NANCY C. JANYSEZESKI

HOMETOWN: Revere

D.O.B.: 09/12/1942

EDUCATION: Microsoft Master Certified Instructor, Senior Instructional Design International IT

Certification

OCCUPATION: Application Instructor Upper Bucks County Area Vocational Technical School

QUALIFICATIONS: Chair Board of Supervisors; Township Auditor;, Lighting ordinance,

preserving our ―Dark Skies‖ and need for the walking path at Veterans Park; UBREMS and

BCATO board member

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The biggest hurdle that we have in Nockamixon is communicating to

our residents the importance of having their well water tested. As co-chair of the Lower Delaware

Wild Scenic I worked towards 2, $25,000 baseline water testing grants. Ongoing DEP water testing

and work sessions continue to emphasize the concerns. We need to continue the public outreach

and find funding for additional testing. Keep Nockamixon rural through responsible development

and acquiring property for public use.

CHRISTOPHER HALL


DEMOCRAT

STEVE SEARS


NANCY ALLESSI


NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

BILL O’NEILL


JAY RUSSELL


VINCENT J. DEON

HOMETOWN: Northampton

D.O.B.: 08/09/1963

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science – St. Joseph‘s University, Philadelphia, PA - Marketing

OCCUPATION: Executive Recruiter at PROFILE CONSULTANTS, LLC

QUALIFICATIONS: Current Northampton Township Supervisor, County Republican Executive,

Northampton Township Republican Committee Person

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The long term future for Northampton Township is always my top

priority. Transparency, Enterprise, Health, Safety, and Welfare of our residents. Continuously

control our expenses relating to; keeping our community affordable to our senior citizens, maintain

our parks and keep our streets paved and plowed. Police, Fire, Emergency services and trash

pickup are my current responsibilities as supervisor liaison. Northampton Township is a great place

to live, raise our families and worship. Northampton recycles!

DEMOCRAT

KIMBERLY ROSE

HOMETOWN: Richboro

D.O.B.: 12/16/1959

EDUCATION: Doctor of Chiropractic

OCCUPATION: Chiropractor/Instructor ―Seniorcize ― Northampton Senior Center

QUALIFICATIONS: Honest, hardworking wife, mother, successful small business owner.

Former PTO Mom and team doctor Northampton Indians. My professional experience and life-

long volunteer work give me combined focus on watching the ―bottom line‖ but with commitment

to cooperation and listening to the community.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: We must focus on revitalizing our local businesses. Too many

vacant storefronts. Encourage smart, community friendly development. Regarding water

contamination in Northampton‘s western end must first be honest and inform public of all know

contamination. Widen testing areas of know poisoned wells. Aggressively remediate and monitor

to ensure clean drinking water for our families. Be frugal with our residents‘ hard-earned tax

dollars. Competitively bid all projects even when not required under PA law.

PENNDEL BOROUGH COUNCIL


(No candidates)

PENNDEL BOROUGH COUNCIL


DEMOCRAT

SUSAN L. ANDERSON


SEAN WECKERLY

HOMETOWN: Penndel

D.O.B.: Not Provided

EDUCATION: Associates Degree in Biomedical Instrumentation – Penn State University

OCCUPATION: Biomedical Instrumentation Specialist @ Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

QUALIFICATIONS: 9+ years experience in Penndel Borough politics as a Councilman. I also

serve(d) on multiple Borough committees and have attended multiple training seminars associated

with Bucks County government.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Selection of Police Chief: Chief can set the tone for the town; The

right person can make all the difference in keeping crime down and residents and businesses

involved and safe. Fixing the Sewer Problems: The sewer system was not a priority in the past.

Problems need to be addressed and fixed while working within the budgetary constraints. It‘s a

monumental task and I‘ve been working hard on it and will continue to do so.

ARLENE HARMS

HOMETOWN: Penndel

D.O.B.: 12/06/1944

EDUCATION: High school graduate with some business courses

OCCUPATION: Retired U.S. Steel accounting

QUALIFICATIONS: 15 years former council person

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issues facing our community are to continue the

progress in the downtown business area with trying to bring in new businesses, continuing to

upgrade our sewer system and to provide our police department with the best possible equipment

and training that is available.

PERKASIE BOROUGH 1ST



REPUBLICAN

MARY E. ANTCZAK


STEVEN PIZZOLO

HOMETOWN: Perkasie

D.O.B.: 03/29/53


OCCUPATION: 2nd

Deputy Recorder of Deeds

QUALIFICATIONS: 12 years Township Supervisor in Lower Southampton, PA

ANSWER TO QUESTION: We all know that the government is running out of money and is

cutting funding to counties, cities, boroughs etc. The residents of Perkasie Borough most likely do

not want their services cut. As a resident we all need the borough to be there in our time of need. I

think giving the services that our residents expect without hesitation in a timely manner with the

budget constraints will be the most difficult challenge.

CARIN FROEHLICH


PERKASIE BOROUGH 2ND



REPUBLICAN

JIM PURCELL


DEMOCRAT

CHRIS NICOLOSI


PERKASIE BOROUGH 3RD



REPUBLICAN

SUZANNE KRAVITZ


PERKASIE BOROUGH 3RD



REPUBLICAN

SUZANNE KRAVITZ


PLUMSTEAD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

FRANK FROIO


QUAKERTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

L. JAMES ROBERTS, JR


DOUGLAS PROPST


D.O.B.: 09/19/1967

EDUCATION: B.S. in Business Administration – Accounting – Bloomsburg University; MBA –

Finance – Temple University

OCCUPATION: Chief Financial Officer – Kwik Goal Ltd.

QUALIFICATIONS: Life-long resident of the Quakertown area. Currently serving as the

Chairman of the Quakertown Planning Commission and my education and job experience are suited

to be an asset to the Borough Council.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Borough Council must find a way to maintain competitive utility

and property tax rates while offering residents a similar level of programs to what has been

available in the past. This can only be done by thoroughly reviewing all budget items to uncover

any available savings. At the same time, Borough Council must work to stabilize electric rates by

continued blending of long term contracts as well as investing in lower cost alternative energy

sources.

MICHAEL J. JOHNSON


D.O.B.: 10/28/1956

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts Degree, Criminal Justice 1978, Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, PA

OCCUPATION: Police Officer, Plumstead Township Police

QUALIFICATIONS: I have completed one term and I felt that I have learned a great deal about

the way the borough is run and the direction that the borough will be heading in the future.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I consider the two most important issues facing the borough energy

costs and bringing in new businesses into the borough. We currently have extended our electric

contract to 2015, which will provide a stable base for the cost of electricity for the residents. We

are also looking at alternative energy like solar and land-fill gas. To bring businesses into the

borough we have begun a long-term marketing program and are re-vitalizing the downtown area.

EDWARD SCHOLL


DEMOCRAT

MICHELE SCARBOROUGH


D.O.B.: 05/25/1961


OCCUPATION: Senior Demo Logistics Coordinator

QUALIFICATIONS: I‘ve learned from experience that it takes time, dedication and research to

ensure you are knowledgeable on what is presented to council. I‘ve taken advantage of training

courses on local government and attended meetings on various topics concerning our community.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: With rising energy costs council will be reviewing a power supply

purchasing strategy on developing a diversified portfolio which includes methane (landfill), wind

and solar energy. This energy plan encompasses a blue print for long-term future costs and

feasibility analyses. In the coming year council will be addressing how adding these alternative

sources of energy will be beneficial to our community. I realize this is a high priority for residents

and businesses on future cost management.

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

CRAIG STAATS

HOMETOWN: Richland

D.O.B.: 02/04/1961

EDUCATION: Johnson & Wales University, Bachelor of Science Degree

OCCUPATION: Regional Director of Operations

QUALIFICATIONS: Current Richland Township Supervisor; Preservation Board, Past Chairman;

Planning Commission, Past Member; Sweetbriar Homeowner‘s Association, Past President

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Future development, fiscal responsibility, and quality of life are

issues Richland Township will need to address. In my current term as Supervisor, I delivered on

what was called ―The Staats Plan‖. The key concept was to update Richland‘s outdated

Comprehensive Development Plan, with a view toward preserving open space, and encourage

development, especially commercial, where best located. Commercial development helps keep

residential taxes lower. That plan is now policy in Richland Township. Promise made, promise

kept. We now need to manage development accordingly.

DEMOCRAT

KATHLEEN WOLKE


RICHLANDTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

BRIAN DOYLE


D.O.B.: 10/30/71

EDUCATION: B.S. in Accounting/Business Management

OCCUPATION: Accountant for Univest Corporation, Souderton, PA

QUALIFICATIONS: Board member of two non-profit organizations. Experience with financial

statements, and fund raising.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Bring the community together. Working together to make the Boro

beautiful. Understanding the residents needs. I would listen to our residents and try to work

together where both sides can agree. Having community events to help bring the community

together.

RICHLANDTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

ROBERT SHINN


D.O.B.: 05/03/48


OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: Church Councilman

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Improve roads, sidewalks, curbs and Benner Hall Park

JOHN M. WASSMER


DAVID R. WILLIAMS


D.O.B.: 09/06/1945

EDUCATION: Masters in Education

OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: 30+ yrs military – 30+ yrs Deputy Sheriff (Phila)

ANSWER TO QUESTION: No tax increase – Improving Boro Infrastructure

RIEGELSVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL


DEMOCRAT

THOMAS E. STINNETT

HOMETOWN: Riegelsville

D.O.B.: 07/27/45

EDUCATION: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

OCCUPATION: Engineer

QUALIFICATIONS: I have served on Borough Council since 1984 and have been elected by my

fellow council members as President for many of those years.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I consider uncontrolled growth to be a major concern for the borough

as well as the county and I will try to make sure any development that might happen within the

borough makes sense and is what the residents of the borough want. I am also concerned with

recreation possibilities available for the borough and have been working to provide a trail for

walking and biking throughout the borough.

KATHLEEN A. WEISS

HOMETOWN: Riegelsville

D.O.B.: 10/18/47


OCCUPATION: Office Clerk

QUALIFICATIONS: None provided

ANSWER TO QUESTION: None provided

SELLERSVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

ALEX POTOCZNY


DEMOCRAT

JAMES HULL


D.O.B.: 9/7/45

EDUCATION: 2 year Business College – degree in Business Administration.

OCCUPATION: Retired, formally employed by USA Today as District Manager, Circulation

Department for 27 years.

QUALIFICATIONS: Graduate of Business School with degree in Business Administration;

Responsible for Sales, Service and collections of USA Today. Maintained positive relations with

14 distributors; Past President of Sellersville Fire Co.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The needs of a small borough are to maintain the standard of living

for its citizens. I understand and will work to maintain the tax level. I will work to improve the

business atmosphere in our community.

SILVERDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

CLAIR L. BLACK

HOMETOWN: Silverdale

D.O.B.: 11/10/43

EDUCATION: High School Grad.

OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: Have served on council for 23 years

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Keep spending under control to maintain our low tax rate.

BRETT MOYER


STANLEY F. KROTOWSKI


SOLEBURY TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

STANLEY A. MARCUS

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: 4/4/39

EDUCATION: B.S., Brooklyn College; J.D., American University Law School; Master of Laws,

New York University School of Law; MBA, Wharton School

OCCUPATION: Retired (Patent Attorney)

QUALIFICATIONS: My formal education and experience with major industrial corporations

provide a solid business orientation that I can bring to the management of Solebury Township.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Taxes – The overall approach to the budget process has to be

changed. We cannot hope to attack future costs and control taxes by starting with the previous

year‘s expenditures. Rather, we have to employ zero-based budgeting, asking whether each and

every expenditure is necessary – without granting special status to programs, personnel, facilities or

equipment. We have to start the annual budgeting process with a clean sheet of paper; our tax

dollars need to be protected as scarce resources.

DEMOCRAT

PAUL COSDON

HOMETOWN: New Hope

D.O.B.: Not given

EDUCATION: University of Maryland

OCCUPATION: Retired Marketing Executive

QUALIFICATIONS: Current Chair, Solebury Township Planning Commission. A member since

2008, Involved in recommending to the Board of Supervisors diverse issues as cell towers,

stormwater management, and examining zoning in the township villages. Community service also

includes scouts, athletics and the Central Bucks Youth Aid Panel

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issue is keeping Solebury, ―Solebury.‖ This can

only be accomplished with continuous proper planning, a periodic review of the Comprehensive

Plan, and dedication to it. Development is inevitable. With proper application of our zoning and

land development ordinances, the result should be acceptable to all. With managed development,

our tax base will increase and the continuous raising of our property taxes can be eliminated.

Township expenses can always be scrutinized.

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

JOHN OEHLER


D.O.B.: 2/24/64

EDUCATION: BA in Political Economy, University of Hartford

OCCUPATION: Underwriting Officer

QUALIFICATIONS: 20 years experience analyzing business management and financial risk;

underwrites a $10+ million book of insurance business; served on several church boards.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: In order to ensure the quality of family life we desire, we must

safeguard township resources, provide safe communities and support local businesses. Fiscal

responsibility is essential in order to strengthen and preserve our township for future generations. I

believe that the current level of taxation is sufficient to maintain essential township services.

VOLKER OAKEY


D.O.B.: 9/25/30

EDUCATION: MBA University of Penna.

OCCUPATION: Business Manager

QUALIFICATIONS: As township supervisor for past three years, held budget to no tax increase

while meeting administrative and road maintenance requirements and maintaining police, fire and

ambulance support.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The primary issue continues to be a balancing of the desire for

governmental services with the decrease in revenues caused by the downturn in the economy. I

strongly believe that it is inappropriate to ask our voters for higher taxes, when our economy has

yet to turn around. I believe that our township personnel will work diligently with us to control

costs to meet current tax receipts.

DEMOCRAT

DANA P. BAKER


KAREN MARIE BEDICS


D.O.B.: 6/22/55

EDUCATION: Associate Degree in Liberal Arts/Psychology

OCCUPATION: Education assistant/Palisades School District

QUALIFICATIONS: currently serving as township supervisor (since 2006)

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issues facing our township are promoting

sustainable job growth in our township, along with maintaining fiscal responsibility to our residents

and protecting our natural resources. My goals for the next six years will be to work with residents

to review our local laws in order to encourage growth of small businesses; continue to foster

protection of our land and water resources; and to encourage community building through

educational and public service events.

SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

DAVE LONG

HOMETOWN: Springtown

D.O.B.: 3/27/54

EDUCATION: MS Chemistry, Marshall University 1979

OCCUPATION: Businessman: Retired from Merck after 29 years, currently an independent

consultant to the pharmaceutical industry.

QUALIFICATIONS: Prior public service on the Township‘s Open Space Committee (4 years, 2

years as Chair). Appointed to the Springfield Township Board of Supervisors, December 2010.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Local government has limited fiscal resources struggling to deal

with unfunded mandates imposed by County/State/Federal agencies. As a township we must

maintain good fiscal policy and live within our means, while continuing to provide essential

services. I oppose tax increases unless there is no other alternative. I support continuation of the

Open Space program as it provides long term benefits to all residents.

DEMOCRAT

CYNTHIA LOFTON


TELFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

CAROLYN A. CROUTHAMEL


JEFFREY D. MAXWELL


STANLEY R. NYCE


JAMES S. SCHAEFFER

HOMETOWN: Telford

D.O.B.: 12/7/41

EDUCATION: 12 Grades

OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: Member of Telford Planning Committee; small business owner

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Most important issues. Quality upgrading our community

and keeping rising taxes in check: answer: Prudent spending and finding new creative ways to

hold taxes and spending in check in the future.

TINICUM TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

VINCENT DOTTI

HOMETOWN: Pipersville

DOB: 1/19/58

EDUCATION: Princeton University (three years)

OCCUPATION: Financial Consultant

QUALIFICATIONS: 20 years experience in watershed preservation, groundwater, stormwater,

and land use planning; currently serving on the Tinicum Planning Commission, Joint Groundwater

Committee, and the Comprehensive Plan Subcommittee; past Board Member South Branch

Watershed and Franklin Township Planning Board and Board of Adjustment.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: We need to ensure that unprecedented development which now faces

Tinicum, more than 500 apartments alone, can be sustained by our limited natural resources. The

recent Court decision on agricultural soils does not alter our responsibility to examine carefully in

public hearings the crucial water issues: groundwater, stormwater, wetlands and stream discharge

permits. Unsustainable development, which does not pay in taxes what it costs in municipal

services, inevitably leads to unsustainable budgets.

JERRY BECKER


TRUMBAUERSVILLE BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

HARCOURT N. TRIMBLE, III


EDWARD A. CHILD, JR.


MICHAEL A. GEORGE, SR.


TULLYTOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL


DEMOCRAT

EDMUND ARMSTRONG


GEORGE E. FOX, JR.


MAY KUCHER


JAMES POWELL


EDWARD T. CZYZYK

HOMETOWN: Levittown

D.O.B.: 4/8/38

EDUCATION: 1 yr. college

OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: 28 yrs. as a Councilman

ANSWER TO QUESTION: To preserve our $52 million surplus, cut costs, while continue to

provide the best services in Bucks County.

HOLLY A. KETTLER


UPPER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

LARRY BREEDEN

HOMETOWN: Washington Crossing

D.O.B.: 6/27/40

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Finance, Accounting and

Management

OCCUPATION: Retired/currently a Real Estate Sales Agent

QUALIFICATIONS: Currently Republican Committeeman for District 1 UMT. I have a strong

background of over 40 years in fiscal affairs, management and negotiation, all of which are sorely

needed on the Upper Makefield Board of Supervisors.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issue is the lack of stewardship by the current

office holders in managing the resources of the Township. This entails fiscal irresponsibility

regarding budgetary items, land preservation, monitoring township personnel and subsidiary board

practices. When elected I will initiate a review of these areas and make all findings public in a

return to fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability.

DAVE KULIG

HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 1/11/48

EDUCATION: BS Chemical Engineering, ‘69 Penn State, Maxima cum Laud

OCCUPATION: Retired; Grandfather (2 grown children with families); Widower (‘10)

QUALIFICATIONS: Upper Makefield Township Supervisor and Member of Newtown Area

Joint Zoning Council Jan ‘05 to May ‘10 & Jan ‘11 to present; 30+ years of international business

& project experience

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Our important issues are declining revenues, controlling

development, and protecting our environment, investment in open space, and historical resources.

If re-elected, I will continue the current, stringent cost control efforts to balance our budget without

decreasing services and will ensure our zoning and other ordinances are enforced and improved

where necessary to control development and protect all the resources that we are blessed with –

while at all times reaching out for and considering community input.

UPPER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

GUY POLHEMUS

HOMETOWN: Upper Makefield

D.O.B.: 11/23/54

EDUCATION: Penn Center Academy, Philadelphia 1973

Emerson College Mass. Comm., Boston, Mass. 1977

OCCUPATION: President, One Light Productions NYC-PA

Founder, Crossing Legacy Foundation

QUALIFICATIONS: Republican State Committee 2 terms 2000 2006

Upper Makefield Committee Chairman; Upper Makefield Elected Auditor 2 terms 2002-present

Crains Business Leader Award Recipient; David Rockefeller Brooke Russell Astor Award

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Upper Makefield is in jeopardy! Lack of transparency has led to

unbridled spending and an arrogance of power that has to be reigned in. As Auditor I see

outrageous amounts of wasted tax dollars. When I‘ve seen wrongdoing I‘ve protested. As

Supervisor I will fight for each taxpayer dollar to insure no Parks are given away…our zoning

ordinances are protected and what we love about Upper Makefield is preserved for the future.

ERNEST SASSO

HOMETOWN: Upper Makefield

D.O.B.: 10/4/49

EDUCATION: B.A., Stony Brook University (Magna Cum Laude); M.A., Columbia University;

J.D., Brooklyn Law School

OCCUPATION: Attorney; Private Practice in Washington Crossing; AV Rating from Martindale-

Hubbell

QUALIFICATIONS: My background in the private sector—advising and representing corporate

entities both internally, and as outside counsel for more than 30 years—provides a unique vantage

point from which to apply much needed corporate governance tools to the municipal sector.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The spendthrift days of the past are over: as raising taxes is no

longer an option, our township must learn to do more with less, and be managed as a successful

business.

DANIEL F. RATTIGAN

HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 7/9/62

EDUCATION: Certified Financial Planner™, attended Delaware Valley College majoring in

Business with a minor in Marketing.

OCCUPATION: Vice President of Investments, CFP, UBS Financial Services.

QUALIFICATIONS: Upper Makefield Township Supervisor

Bucks County Association of Township Officials Board Member

Newtown Area Joint Zoning Council, Vice Chairman

Regional Traffic Planning Task Force, Board Member

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The issues we are facing are: balancing our budget, protecting our

open space, prohibiting public sewer and water and not regionalizing our police department. We

must continue to reduce our budget while protecting our most prized environment. As a supervisor,

I will continue to protect our resources by providing fiscal responsibility and leadership. My

actions will reflect the examination of all facts, the views of all constituent groups and the best

interest of the township.

DEMOCRAT

MARY RYAN

HOMETOWN: Washington Crossing

D.O.B.: 9/24/57

EDUCATION: BS Textile Design, Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science

OCCUPATION: Self-employed publisher, Honored wife of John Paul and Proud mother of John

and Sam.

QUALIFICATIONS: Currently Upper Makefield Township (UMT) Supervisor, Chairman UMT

Planning Commission, UMT Capital Oversight (Streetscape Committee), 2010 Citation from PA

senate/House of Representatives for Exemplary Public Service

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Fiscal concerns continue to be a big priority for our residents. The

challenge is: continue to provide the services and way of life our residents enjoy, protect property

values, and control taxes through cost control measures, prudent fiscal planning and proven

innovative programs such as The Open Space Program. I will represent my community and let all

voices be heard. Health, safety and welfare are my number one concern, followed equally by

economic prudence and quality of life.

UPPER SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

STEPHEN A. WALLING


UPPER SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

MARGUERITE C. GENESIO


WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

MARK E. McKEE


D.O.B.: 8/12/65

EDUCATION: Moon Valley High School, Glendale, AZ

OCCUPATION: Field Superintendant, A&J Builders, Feasterville, PA

QUALIFICATIONS: Warminster Resident – 12 years

Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation-board member; Tricentennial Executive

Committee-Warminster; Warminster Rotary‘s Safety Town Project-sales coordinator

Middle Bucks Institute of Technology-Occupational Advisory Committee; Former Trustee to the

General Fund-L.U.1955,DC#21,IUPAT-12 yrs.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Budget and Finance; Warminster Township is facing severe budget

difficulties. Short term fixes have been applied. For example, borrowing from funds and pushing

employee raises into the future. Possible Solutions: Ask for more efficiency from our department

heads; Demand more accountability from our paid professionals; Require 3 and 5 year plans from

professionals (Township manager, Engineer, Solicitor); Encourage new businesses to move into

Warminster by creating a more friendly environment.

DEMOCRAT

JAMES J. SCOTT


D.O.B.: 5/28/81

EDUCATION: Villanova Law School, Juris Doctor, Villanova, PA

Drew University, Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude, Madison, NJ

OCCUPATION: Attorney, Hill Wallack LLP, Princeton, NJ

QUALIFICATIONS: Chair, Warminster Township Zoning Hearing Board 2011 (previously

served as Vice-Chair in 2010); Member – Warminster‘s Environmental Advisory Council 2009-

Present; and Member – Warminster‘s Finance & Budget Advisory Board 2010-Present.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: In trying economic times it is essential that the services which

ensure the health and safety of our community are provided without the burden of unnecessary

taxes. If elected, I will work tirelessly to eliminate unproductive Township spending. A healthy

and safe Township attracts business, prevents overdevelopment and generates sustainable growth.

As such, I will ensure that we maintain a strong police force and

provide those services necessary to guarantee the enduring prosperity of Warminster.

WARRINGTON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

SHIRLEY YANNICH

HOMETOWN: Warrington

D.O.B.: 4/6/37

EDUCATION: Master of Public Administration, Rutgers University

OCCUPATION: Retired, Consulting Land Use Planner

QUALIFICATIONS: Provided expert planning advice to a New Jersey Township Planning Board

for 17 years. Offered budget control recommendations to eight NJ municipalities working for the

NJ Treasurer; Currently on the Warrington Planning Commission since 2006.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Warrington Township is the place where people want to live. First

rate emergency services, public safety, good schools, recreational opportunities for young and old

and open space form the backbone of our quality of life. Township support for all these services

requires good financial planning. We need to continue strengthening our economic base, offer

more job opportunities and encourage appropriate development along Easton Road. As a land use

planner I will work towards that goal.

DEMOCRAT

PAUL H. PLOTNICK


D.O.B.: 12/5/40

EDUCATION: BS in Civil Engineering – Drexel University

OCCUPATION: Former President and CEO of computer software firm serving business,

government and non-profit firms including many Fortune 500 organizations

Currently serving as a Warrington Township Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS: Experience in engineering, management, finance and computer technology

coupled with my knowledge of my community and Bucks County

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Issues that need attention include eroding infrastructure, technology

demands, balanced development, traffic congestion, enhancement of parks and trails, and the eye

appeal of Easton Road. Current economic conditions are restricting Warrington‘s ability to carry

out many programs designed to improve the quality of life and safety of our community. Only

good management practices and cost controls will provide optimal results. This will be the focus of

my continuing contribution to this community.

WARRINGTON TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

MATT HALLOWELL


D.O.B.: 2/3/47

EDUCATION: BS Mechanical Engineering Temple University

OCCUPATION: Civil Engineering, Construction Management

QUALIFICATIONS: I have been involved in a wide range of project management, engineering

project development and construction management. Municipal Board Positions Held

are Warrington Township Building Code, Appeals Board, Bucks County Planning Commission,

Warrington Township Planning Commission and Warrington Township Youth Aid Panel.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Important Issues: The Budget during this financially challenging

era. Land development which will both improve the landscape of the township and increase its

value, especially in the main corridor of Route 611 which runs through the middle of the township.

GERALD B. ANDERSON

HOMETOWN: Not provided


EDUCATION: Grade level 14

OCCUPATION: Retired, from 38 years from Tyco International

Present, director of Operations Bucks County

QUALIFICATIONS: Served 17 years on the Warrington Board of Supervisors.

Proven manager and directing the Bucks County General Services Department. Started first open

space plan in Bucks located in Warrington Township.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Provide high quality of life standards for all Warrington Township

residents. Complete the closed loop traffic control system for Rt 611. Improve level of financial

planning to insure top quality services while holding the line on taxes.

DEMOCRAT

FRANCIS J. LALLY


MICHAEL W. LAMOND, JR.


D.O.B.: 9/25/70

EDUCATION: Graduate of Upper Moreland High School and Drexel University, associate

degree; diplomas from Thomson Education Direct, EMCO Tec School, A.F.S.A. and N.F.S.A.

OCCUPATION: Fire sprinkler fitter

QUALIFICATIONS: Currently serving as a Warrington Township Supervisor

Certification includes (7) FEMA, (4) OSHA, Philly fire suppression and many Fire Fighting

Certifications

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Issues include eroding infrastructure, traffic congestion, flooding

and eye appeal of Easton Road. Also important the balance between development, and

enhancement of parks. Also bringing the township in to the 21 century with technology demands.

Handling of issues: I have weathered the worst recession that Warrington has ever encountered.

Current economic conditions are restricting Warrington‘s ability to carry out many programs

designed to improve the quality of our community. Only good management and cost controls will

provide results.

WARWICK TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

EDWARD THOMPSON

HOMETOWN: Jamison

D.O.B.: 5/23/52

EDUCATION: Not given

OCCUPATION: I am the Director of Operations for a major construction company.

QUALIFICATIONS: In the past 36 years I have gained extensive knowledge and experience in

commercial development and construction. I have served as a Warwick Supervisor for 13 years

and have been a Warwick Water & Sewer Member for 3 years.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: I feel the most important issue facing Warwick Township is

maintaining a municipal government that understands the needs of the residents and that constantly

works to better the community. We are striving to maintain the level of services provided by the

township to the community even in the wake of declining revenue.

WEST ROCKHILL TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

JAY KEYSER


DEMOCRAT

CHERYL COGOSSI HOMETOWN: West Rockhill, Sellersville D.O.B.: 7/19/55 EDUCATION: Graduated from Pennridge High School in 1974.

OCCUPATION: Retired from Mack Trucks Inc. after 30 years of service. Working part time at a

local business.

QUALIFICATIONS: Long time resident of West Rockhill.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Our sewage. I would have a public meeting to discuss this issue with

the residents of the township to get their view point on this matter. I would contact our joining

towns/boroughs to see how we could hook up with them so we wouldn't have this environmental

issue.

WRIGHTSTOWN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR


REPUBLICAN

ROBERT LLOYD

HOMETOWN: Wrightstown,

D.O.B.: 4/26/64

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science, Carnegie-Mellon University; Master of Engineering,

Widener University

OCCUPATION: Manager at a large telecommunications company

QUALIFICATIONS: I have served for the last five years as Treasurer of the Wrightstown

Township Board of Supervisors. Before that, I served on the Wrightstown Township Planning

Commission and the Newtown Area Planning Commission.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: Our community's greatest concerns are saving our beautiful natural

resources from over-development, preserving agricultural open space and controlling government

spending and taxation. I will continue to enforce and enhance our tough zoning and subdivision

ordinances. I will look for additional opportunities to preserve open space as we did during my first

term. I will continue to push back against tax increases and maintain fiscal discipline. I will strive

to keep Wrightstown beautiful and rural.

DEMOCRAT

PAUL HARAR

HOMETOWN: Newtown

D.O.B.: 8/25/53

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science, U.S. Naval Academy; MBA, Kellogg School of

Management, Northwestern University

OCCUPATION: Marketing and sales consultant in the support of telecommunication markets

QUALIFICATIONS: Retired US Naval Officer (Captain) with over 20 years of continuous

service. Corporate Officer and Director in both large and small businesses serving the utility and

telecommunication markets.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issues facing Wrightstown Township are: 1).

Better management of community growth to maintain the township character; 2) the encouragement

of more active and diverse participants in forums and meetings; 3) the fostering of more senior

community events; and 4) the development of a more effective recycling program. I have the

professional experience and leadership skills to listen, collaborate, coordinate, communicate and

lead our township during these economically challenging times to serve our citizens in a timely

manner.

YARDLEY BOROUGH COUNCIL


REPUBLICAN

LAUREN MOORE


SEAN VLIET


TIM MARTIN


DEMOCRAT

BRYON MARSHALL

HOMETOWN: Yardley

D.O.B.: 12/4/55

EDUCATION: Juris Doctorate - Law

OCCUPATION: Director of Facilities and College Safety; Attorney at Law

QUALIFICATIONS: Masters Degree in Public Administration; Planning Board, Currently serve

as Chairperson; retired Chief of Police; Fire Service Volunteer and EMS Officer; Active participant

in Yardley Borough events, projects and initiatives

ANSWER TO QUESTION: An important issue facing our Borough is flooding. While flooding

takes a direct toll on a specific segment of our community, the related hardships and expenses are

felt by all. As with flooding, all challenges facing the Borough are best handled through an

efficient and effective application of revenue and resources. Revenue and resource management

must yield safe outcomes while maintaining the overall vibrancy and prosperity of Yardley

Borough. I support a zero tax increase.

MIKE RUTTLE

HOMETOWN: Yardley

D.O.B.: 3/20/50

EDUCATION: Juris Doctor

OCCUPATION: Attorney at Law

QUALIFICATIONS: Law Practice from 1977 to the present. Served as councilman for the past 6

years.

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The recent death of our Borough Manager has placed an even

greater premium on experience. There are several civic improvement projects that require even

more attention from Council to replace the attention and expertise of our late manager. These

projects include the environmental cleanup and redevelopment of the U.S. Magnet site, the

improvements to Lake Afton and the Afton Avenue Streetscape, open space acquisition in the flood

zone, and the parking task force.

JOE HUNTER

HOMETOWN: Yardley

D.O.B.: 12/2/47

EDUCATION: Delhaas High School

OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS: 10 years on Council

ANSWER TO QUESTION: The most important issue facing our community is flooding. I

support the policy o/f pursuing grant funding for home elevations and flood mitigation projects in

the floodplain. Secondly, a third of the Borough‘s budget is allocated for the Police Department. I

support Council‘s forming of a committee to research the options and report back to them their

recommendations pertaining to the structure of the Police Department. I support holding the line on

Borough taxes.

2011municipal primaryfinal

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