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Muhlenberg Comm 4 yr {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Township Commissioner 4 yrJob Description: Creates and passes laws, programs, and policies for the municipality. Adopts the operational budget.

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    Mike Merkel
    (Dem)

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    William J Stoyer
    (Dem)

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    Kevin S Lerch
    (Dem)

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    Craig Storrs Jr
    (Rep)

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    S Wayne Hardy
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

1. What skills, knowledge, and experience do you have to help you be an effective Township Commissioner?

2. What are your top 3 priorities should you be elected Township Commissioner?

3. Fluoridation in public water supplies has been studied by many agencies over many years. In Oct 2024, a federal court ruled that fluoride exposure poses a hazard to human health and ordered the EPA to respond. In Pennsylvania, decisions about fluoride in the water supplies are assigned to local government. What are your thoughts about the best way to manage this at the local level?

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Education, Experience Reading High School graduate, Dale Carnegie Leadership Training, Process of Management Certification
Qualifications Ten-years’ experience as a commissioner; forty-year business career including management positions. Current board member Berks Planning Commission, Pagoda Foundation, Pagoda-Skyline Group, and Berks Municipal Partnership. Former member Reading Area Transportation Study. Recipient of the Richard C. Trostle Intergovernmental Cooperation Award. Leadership training through Dale Carnegie; PA Municipal League; Albright Center for Excellence in Local Government. Forty-year Boy Scout leader volunteer.
Campaign Phone 6104687598
Ten-years’ experience as a commissioner; forty-year business career including management positions. Current board member Berks Planning Commission, Pagoda Foundation, Pagoda-Skyline Group, and Berks Municipal Partnership. Former member Reading Area Transportation Study. Recipient of the Richard C. Trostle Intergovernmental Cooperation Award. Leadership training through Dale Carnegie; PA Municipal League; Albright Center for Excellence in Local Government. Forty-year Boy Scout leader volunteer.
1) Public safety through implementation of our Police Chief’s 5-Year Plan, hiring additional career fire-fighters, and continued financial support of Muhlenberg Ambulance Assoc. 2) Easing tax burdens on residents by continued financial growth via redevelopment of our business corridors, and continued community improvement via stricter codes enforcement. 3) Market Muhlenberg as a destination to live, work, and play via support for community programs like RiverFest and improvements to our roads.
Recent studies regarding the ill effects of fluoridation have provided mixed, not conclusive, results, while fluoridation’s benefits are proven. So, despite the ruling, more research is needed before an unbiased decision can be reached. For now, the balanced approached is to minimize the amount added to ensure good oral health. Should conclusive results prove ill effects outweigh the benefits, I would favor removal. For clarity’s sake, water supply is overseen by the Muhlenberg Twp Authority.
Education, Experience Bachelor of Science - Paralegal Studies (2008) & Master of Arts - Public Policy (2015): Liberty University
Qualifications 4+ years as a corrections officer, numerous work experiences in county government, current legislative and lobbying experience in Harrisburg
Campaign Phone 717-209-6010
I am committed to providing the best, top-quality, services that the residents of Muhlenberg Township need - all without straining the budget. With a Masters in Public Policy combined with years of experience in government service, I have the knowledge and experience to examine our budget status and provide real solutions without straining the pockets of Muhlenberg Township residents.
1. Public Safety - sustainable funding for our police department, fire department, and EMS services. 2. Smart Community Development & Infrastructure - Muhlenberg Township is growing, however - as even the school district has noted with their recent tax increase, it is putting strains on our services. We need a comprehensive approach to community development moving forward. 3. Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency - we need a zero-based budgeting approach with every dept justifying their budgets.
My understanding is that the court cited concerns, especially regarding the potential reduction in children's IQ. As a father of two, that's concerning and we need to take a closer look at this. It is my understanding that this decision would ultimately rest with the Muhlenberg Township Authority (which the Commissioners appoint) - but I would be a vocal advocate for any concerns regarding fluoride in drinking water and explore further options if those concerns went unresolved.
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