4 running for 2 supervisor seats in Union Twp.
UNION TWP. >> Four candidates are competing for two seats on the Union Township Board of Supervisors.
The 23-square-mile rural township in southern Berks County features French Creek State Park, a 7,730-acre park, and the Hopewell Furnace, an early American iron plantation.
Two candidates are running for a four-year term that opened as a result of the July 24 death of longtime Supervisor Donald E. Basile. One of them, Andrew Basile, did not respond to MediaNews Group inquiries for information about his candidacy.
Two other candidates are seeking a full six-year term.
All four candidates were asked two questions and given 100 words to answer each.
Four-year term
(Vote for one) Name: Andrew Basile Party: Republican Name: Anthony Bohara Party: Democratic Age: 66 Occupation: Retired engineer who works parttime as a senior project manager for HDR Inc.
What issues, besides taxes, concerns you most, and how would you suggest addressing it?
Bohara: Union Township residents have expressed concern that their problems are not adequately addressed. Fact-based, transparent decision-making can help build this climate. Equally important is being a champion of fiscal responsibility and treating every Union Township dollar as precious and not to be wasted. Ultimately, the most important roles of a supervisor are to enforce land use regulations (zoning) and identify future land use zoning revisions in order to maintain property values, provide a stable tax base, and minimize the growth of township expenses.
What do you like best about Union Township, and what will you do as a supervisor to maintain that quality?
Bohara: Union Township is fortunate. We encompass French Creek State Park, enjoy open farmlands, and are also easily accessible via Route 422 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Our town holds an attractive balance for people who value the opportunity to experience our open space and natural environment, yet have a reasonable commute to work as well as good access to health and business services and education. Maintaining and preserving this balance is important to the values of this community. As a township supervisor, I will provide careful review/evaluation of plans for future land use as these plans are key to maintaining and strengthening the character of Union Township.
Six-year term
(Vote for one) Name: Isaac J. Jones Party: Republican Age: 30 Occupation: HVAC technician, business owner
Name: L. Terry Kennedy Party: Democratic Age: 70 Occupation: Retired Note: Currently serves on the board of supervisors
What issues, besides taxes, concerns you most, and how would you suggest addressing it?
Jones: I feel my top priority as a supervisor will be to continue to address the future of Union Township, which includes township planning, budget, and the surrounding community. To accomplish this, I believe in being proactive, becoming educated, communicating clearly with residents and involving myself with all of the township’s responsibilities, while also considering potential growth opportunities.
Kennedy: To provide for the welfare and safety of the residents of our community and maintain our rural atmosphere.
What do you like best about Union Township and what will you do as supervisor to maintain that quality?
Jones: My favorite quality of the township is the potential future it offers to me and the residents. I will continually be looking ahead, trying to enhance what makes this township an already great place to live.
Kennedy: Union Township is approximately 55% parks and woodland. It is difficult to maintain this rural atmosphere with the increased cost of almost every aspect of keeping this area as it is. This is the major issue for me as a supervisor.