Meet Upper Saucon Supervisor Candidate Gerard Anthony

 

Gerard Anthony

Age: 54

Family: Married for 30 years with 2 daughters attending Southern Lehigh High School

Political party affiliation: Republican

Did you change parties to run in this election? If so, please explain: No

(Related story: Candidate Says He Didn't Change Parties to Run in Upper Saucon Race)

Tell us about your educational background: BA from Kutztown State College

Tell us about your professional/business background: Owner of G-Tech Solutions, an IT company specializing in small business services since 1995.

Why are you running for the board of supervisors? My goal is to help shape the future of Upper Saucon Township by serving on the Board of Supervisors where tough decisions will need to be made to control spending and to balance the preservation of open space with future development.

What qualifies you to serve on the board? I am a 30 year resident of Upper Saucon Township, have served on the township Planning Commission for 10 years and on the Environmental Action Council for two years.  As a successful small business owner for 18 years I have the experience and ability to balance a budget, manage complex issues and make tough decisions for the long term viability of our township.

What do you see as the board's primary role and responsibilities?

Be charged with the general governance of the township and the execution of legislative, executive and administrative powers in order to ensure sound fiscal management and to secure the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the township.  In Upper Saucon Township this currently includes the supervision and administration of the police department, road construction and maintenance, public water and sewer operations, and recreational facilities and public parks.  It also includes administration and enforcement of the township’s building and zoning codes, evaluation of requests for subdivision of land, and the enforcement of ordinances intended to prevent unlawful interference with the use and enjoyment of a person's land.  Upper Saucon Township also provides significant funding and ultimate oversight, by law, of the public library, the fire and rescue department and the ambulance corps.

Tell us about 3 major challenges facing the township and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible).

Challenge 1: We need to hold the line on spending and taxes.  Existing township tax rates are high enough to provide excellent levels of service to our residents.

Challenge 2:  We should maintain the existing character and environment of Upper Saucon Township in the face of forces driving ever-higher housing density.  The challenge is to find a balance between open space preservation and any future development.

Challenge 3:  We should embrace and expand our parks and recreation areas.  I will continue efforts to manage our primary township park in a fiscally responsible way, and would like to see the proposed township park near Hopewell Elementary School become a reality.  I am pleased that the Rail Trail will be completed in the near future, utilizing grants and fees that do not directly use Upper Saucon Township real estate taxes or EIT revenue.

How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded? I believe my campaign will cost approximately $3000.00 and is being funded by township residents’ donations to Committee to Elect Gerard Anthony.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?  Steve Wagner, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and Samantha Falcone, Chair of the Planning Commission, Patrick Leonard, Board of Supervisors and Doris Clegg, Vice Chairwoman Environmental Action Council.

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.  My website is http://gerryanthony.com