Newton Twp. Republican voters will choose between two men to be their candidates in the November general election.
Robert Naegele and John J. Shaffer are facing off in the primary May 21 for a spot on the general election ballot as Newton supervisor. With no Democrat in the competition, the primary victor is likely to succeed in the general election to serve on the three-person board overseeing the township noted for rolling hills and agriculture. The post pays $1,500 annually.
Mr. Naegele, 38, an engineer and member of the planning commission, said a supervisor's post is a natural extension of his involvement in the community. His Clarks Summit firm is not looking for work from the township. Nevertheless, he said his background allows him to make a contribution as a board member. He wants to continue to shepherd the township natural gas ordinance and road improvements.
A retired logistics worker, Mr. Shaffer, 58, hopes to reclaim a supervisor's post from which he resigned in 2003 for health issues. Those issues resolved, he wants to continue to contribute. He's concerned about the financial commitment the township has made to the recreation center, which he said has taken money away from needed road work and put the township in debt.
"I supported the center when I was on the board, and I support it now, but now we are spending too much money on it to the ruin of the roads," he said. "Everyone uses the roads, but not everyone uses the rec center."
Mr. Shaffer thinks the township should work to improve fire and emergency protection and reinstitute spring cleanup.
Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.comRobert Naegele
Age: 38
Family: married to Katie, with two elementary-aged children.
Education: Bachelor's in civil and environmental engineering from Lafayette, licensed professional engineer
Employment: Principal, Colwell-Naegele Engineering, Clarks Summit.
Experience: Township planning commission for a year.
Top issue: The natural gas ordinance and road improvements.
John J. Shaffer
Age: 58
Family: Two grown children
Education: Abington Heights
Employment: retired from International Correspondence Schools, logistics
Experience: Newton supervisor from 1999-2002, eight years on planning commission, for a time as chairman. Oversaw recycling program and spring cleanup; currently a township auditor.
Top issue: Prioritize spending with focus on roads.