Cranberry Township

May 09, 2009 Last Updated: May 09, 2009 12:37 PM Local News

Four Republicans and three Democrats are competing for their respective party's nominations for two, 6-year seats on the township board of supervisors in the May 19 primary.

Bill Ambrass (Dem)160 McDonald DriveOccupation: Stay at home dadFamily: Married, with two adult daughters and a 3-year-old son.Government experience: I previously served 18 years on the Cranberry Township board of supervisors. During that time I served as both chairman and vice chairman. I also served on the Butler County Council of Governments. I was a member of two committees for The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors: The Townships with a Population Over 10,000 Committee, and a special committee formed to solicit input from township supervisors on issues facing police and township emergency services.Jim Bazzy (rep)102 Hazelwood DriveOccupation: Territory managerFamily: MarriedGovernment experience: NoneDick Hadley (rep)124 Crossing Ridge TrailOccupation: Municipal manager of Reserve Township, Allegheny CountyFamily: Married, with three sonsGovernment Experience: Cranberry Township supervisor — chairman; chairman of the managers committee of the North Hills Council of Governments; immediate past president of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors; secretary of the Cranberry Township Water and Sewer Authority; selected by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate as a member of the Municipal Police Officers Training and Education Commission, manager of Reserve Township, Allegheny County.Mike Manipole (rep)529 Ten Point LaneOccupation: Health and physical education teacher, Seneca Valley School DistrictFamily: No responseGovernment Experience: I have had the privilege to work within several township departments as both an employee and volunteer to serve our community. Served as the program director for the Parks and Recreation Department as the program began to grow and dealt with budgets, capital improvements and intergovernmental issues.Daniel Page (dem)1184 Freedom RoadOccupation: Truck driver/studentFamily: No responseGovernment experience: Cranberry Township Citizen advisory panel member (CAP), Cranberry Township Freedom Road corridor master growth plan member.Jason Rich (rep)306 Mossy Oak DriveOccupation: BankerFamily: Married, with a daughterGovernment experience: NoneJim Wood1156 Freedom RoadDid not respond

QUESTION: Why are you running for a seat?AMBRASS: I am running for the seat currently held by John Milius. John has served this township honorably and I would never run against him or any of the incumbent supervisors, they are doing a superb job! As a former board member and 30-year resident of the township, I would like to return to public service to share my perspective and expertise, and help ensure that the township continues to grow in the right direction.BAZZY: As a Cranberry resident, I have concerns about the integrity of our local government. The spending is excessive. I think we need some "fresh blood" from political outsiders.HADLEY: I have a real passion for local government and what it can accomplish. As the closest form of government to the taxpayer, local government is the most responsive, effective and accountable form of government. As a taxpayer, I am inspired to serve in office to maintain our low taxes, protect property values, and enhance the quality of life Cranberry Township offers. I believe strongly in a proactive approach to governing — dealing with issues today before they become the problems of tomorrow.MANIPOLE: Over the past 15 years as a Cranberry resident, I have had the opportunity to work with many people in our community. I worked along with many of them in charitable work, family and community events and in many other capacities. I have watched as children and families have grown into successful community partners and leaders. I want to give back to the many people that have made my life within the township so successful. I want Cranberry to be a strong, cohesive community with opportunities for ages.PAGE: My interest in government issues began with the Citizens Advisory Panel. This involvement has expanded into a deep drive to protect private property rights with an eye on needed improvements to our roads.RICH: The modern political field is dominated by professional politicians. A government for the people, by the people requires people with private sector experience to step off the sidelines and serve. I want to ensure that the low taxes and high quality of life that drew my family, and so many others, to Cranberry remain that way.QUESTION: What are the top three issues facing your municipality?AMBRASS: Growth, quality of life and fiscal responsibility. With the use of the tools provided by the Pennsylvania Legislature we need to keep Cranberry growing in a way that benefits the residents. This means carefully planning for public safety, parks and recreation, infrastructure, and public works. I have experience in all of these areas. By putting all of this together Cranberry Township will then continue to be a great place to live and raise a family.BAZZY: Accountability in government; fiscal responsibility; improving our roads.HADLEY: It is imperative that as we grow we implement solid planning initiatives which are the most important ingredient to healthy sustainable growth. Traffic is a visible issue that requires proper planning to secure adequate funding to eliminate bottlenecks. To adequately address future capacity requirements we need to build partnerships by working with our neighboring communities who share the same traffic corridors. As we grow we need to continue to enhance our public safety and be sure our support for police, fire, and EMS services address the needs of this growing community.MANIPOLE: Traffic/road improvement is a major concern. I believe strong partnership of government entities and residents can help solve these issues. Public safety is a concern. We have one of the best and well trained police departments in the state, a progressive fire department that continues to grow with dedicated volunteers, we need to further support these groups and EMS. Last, maintaining property values and providing opportunities for all in a fiscally responsible manner.PAGE: Traffic, growth, integrity in governmentRICH: Fiscal responsibility and accountability in government; improving our roads and traffic; integrity.