Mosesso faces challenge on primary ballot
Voters in Towamencin will see three names on the ballot for township supervisor this month, with all three vying for one spot on the board.
Incumbent Supervisor David Mosesso, who was elected in 2011 to a six-year term, is being challenged in the May primary by resident and fellow Republican Richard Marino for the right to face off against Democrat Peter Murphy in the fall.
Both Mosesso and Marino were sent the following questions, and here are their answers:
Mosesso • Describe your personal back-
ground and biography
Having lived in Pennsylvania my entire life, I grew up in a small town near Pittsburgh where we lived as a traditional family with conservative family values. During my “teen” years, my parents moved the family to Montgomery County,
In the early 1960s I attended the Norristown Area public schools. Upon graduation I began a career that spanned many years in Information Technology. My education continued part time as I always worked full time from the day I graduated from high school. Details concerning my additional studies are listed below under “professional and political background.” I served in the United States Army while stationed in Vietnam.
• Your professional and political background
As an information technology professional, I worked for several of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the area, as both an employee and consultant and worked for one of the largest PBM’s (Pharmacy Benefit Management Companies) in the country. During this time and subsequently I enrolled in many Information Technology and business related courses. It has been important to me to keep abreast of changes and improvements in technology as well as other business developments. One of my personal interests is history, and my reading has included many biographies of our founding fathers and other great patriots.
As I approached my retirement
and became increasingly involved in local government, I continued my education, studying Community Planning, Zoning and Land Development and Subdivision. Upon my election I attended several PSATS, (Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors), supervisor
training courses. I am currently an elected Towamencin Township Supervisor. In conjunction with the other four members of the elected board, I am responsible for deciding issues of public safety, spending, growth management, zoning, roads and streets, code enforcement, environment and cost benefit analysis.
• Why are you running for another term on Towamencin’s board of supervisors?
The position of Township Supervisor is a fulfilling way of contributing to the community. It is rewarding to have some ability to be a positive influence regarding decisions and activities that can improve the lives of Towamencin citizens. I’ve enjoyed living here and love the township. It’s a great place to live. Having the honor of participating in township government is very meaningful to me.
• What do you think is the biggest ongoing issue or problem in the township? How would you fix or address it?
A huge challenge is managing development and its effect on traffic congestion. We need to get the hourglass or choke point section of Forty Foot road widened. The Wambold Road-PA309 (Connector) project needs to be completed, the intersection at Sumneytown Pike and Valley Forge Road needs to be widened. This is important to the quality of life for many of the Towamencin citizens that I’ve had an opportunity to talk with.
Marino • Describe your personal background and biography
I grew up in the area; graduating from Lansdale Catholic in 1980 and from Villanova in 1984. I was commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1984 and served as an Infantry Officer and Armored Reconnaissance Officer on Active Duty until 1989 and in the Reserves until 1995. I participated in numerous overseas deployments to the Far East, Mediterranean and Northern Europe. I served as an Armored Reconnaissance Company Commander during Operation Desert Storm and was honored to be awarded a Bronze Star for actions on 23-24 February 1991.
I met my wife Margrit (a math teacher at North Penn High School) at Villanova. We married in 1986 and have been blessed with 4 children (Mike, age 28; Sam, 26; Katie, 22; Matt, 18). Margrit I have lived in Towamencin since 1997 and we are members of Corpus Christi Parish. My children have all played sports. I was once active in youth wrestling and have been very active in Towamencin Baseball since 1998. I coached baseball from 1998 until 2014 and I am still active in the program and serve on the board of Towamencin Youth Association. I am a big Philadelphia sports fan. My wife and I enjoy attending sports, plays and other events at North Penn HS. I love to read and lastly, as my Twitter account says — I am always on the lookout for a good breakfast place.
• Describe your professional and political background
Since leaving active duty I have worked in my family road construction business. Currently I am the vice president of Marino Corporation; a family-owned road construction firm based in Skippack. I have worked in various capacities to include field supervision, estimating, equipment management, sales and marketing as well as project management. My company works in three market segments; PennDOT/Municipal road work, site work and athletic field/running track construction. My firm completed the Wood Vine Connector in Lansdale and more recently, the reconstruction of the running track at historic Franklin Field.
I became active in the township in 2005 when I was appointed to the Open Space and Parks Advisory Committee (OSPAC). My construction background proved useful here as I was able to advise on active rec--
reation needs, budgeting and construction methods. I served on the OSPAC until appointed to the Planning Commission in 2014. Again, my construction experience proved useful in evaluating proposed developments within the township. In 2015 I was appointed to the newly formed Towamencin Municipal Authority (TMA) where again, I have been able to assist and advise on matters related to construction and maintenance. I am happy that I am able to lend the experience I have gained in the military, in business and in construction to advise our township how best to maximize our resources and our tax dollars.
• Why are you running for a term on Towamencin’s board of supervisors?
To me, when you run for local office; it is all about adding value. A board member should bring something to the table that will make their presence on a board worthwhile. The value you add can be intangible (i.e. passion, vision), tangible (business experience, construction / maintenance experience), or a combination of both.
I have always been interested in making a positive contribution to my country and my community. As a student of history, I understand how unique this country is and I feel extremely fortunate to have been born here and to live in this community. I firmly believe that “to whom much has been given – much will be required.” I joined the Marine Corps and have volunteered in this community for this reason. It is my hope that the knowledge I have acquired over my life will allow me to make a positive contribution to my community. While I do not pretend to know all the details of local government, it is my hope that my experiences in the Marine Corps, in business, and serving on the OSPAC, Planning Commission, TMA and TYA Boards will allow me to add value to my community as a member of the Board of Supervisors. Towamencin is a great place to live and raise a family. I want to work keep it that way.
• What do you think is the biggest ongoing issue or problem in the township? How would you fix or address it?
To me, the major problem in Towamencin is our debt load. As of the end of 2015, the township debt load was in excess of $20 million with an annual debt service of over $1.6 million. This debt did not accumulate overnight and the current board of supervisors has done a good job whittling down that debt. Our annual debt service will rise to a little over $1.8 million in 2021 and hold there until 2025. Unfortunately this will constrain the township in what it is able to do. That being said, fiscal discipline must be maintained to keep the annual debt service manageable.
While we want to reduce debt, we must be cautious about raising taxes. The cost of everything goes up and it puts tremendous pressure on our municipal budget. Yet while I can afford a modest tax increase — not everyone can. Then there is the temptation to pursue development. I think most people are fine with the current state of development in the township and would be happy if everything was left as is. Yet property owners do have a right to develop their property in conformance with our local codes. We have to work with any developer to ensure that the character of the township is maintained and the effects to existing residents are thoroughly considered.