Three Republican candidates are vying for one, 4-year seat on the board of supervisors in the May 19 primary. There are no Democratic candidates on the ballot.

<B>Bernie Baker </B>407 Upper Harmony Road<B>Occupation</B>: Retired, 39 years with power company as equipment mechanic leader<B>Family</B>: Married<B>Government Experience</B>: None<B>Sherry Lokhaiser</B>108 Lokhaiser Lane<B>Occupation</B>: Sales representative<B>Family</B>: Married, with daughter<B>Government experience</B>: 10 years on Connoquenessing Township Planning Commission<B>Stephen Misko </B>340 Fassinger Road<B>Occupation</B>: Attorney<B>Family</B>: Married, with two children<B>Government experience</B>: Agent, U.S. Treasury Department; agent, Department of Defense, Inspector General; Allegheny County Assistant District Attorney; Connoquenessing Township Planning Commission (1999-2002); Connoquenessing Township supervisor, 2003-present)

<B>QUESTION: Why are you running for a seat?BAKER</B>: Having attended monthly supervisors' meetings on a regular basis, I have witnessed continual friction among the supervisors and unprofessional behavior by the township solicitor. Residents have the right to present their concerns. Responses from the board should be appropriate and respectful, and meetings should be conducted in a professional and cooperative manner.<B>LOKHAISER</B>: I am running because I feel the township is at a crossroads. We all (residents and board members) need to work together to repair past mistakes and intelligently control the future.<B>MISKO</B>: I am running for re-election to return integrity and public confidence to the board of supervisors, based on the recent history of discord. I also want to extend the comprehensive plan, passed in 2007 by the Board, to the zoning process, which will allow us to capture developer impact fees to improve our roads without utilizing tax dollars. I also want to apply for grant money and assist in raising private money to build a new fire station for the Connoquenessing Volunteer Fire Department on township property, with an EMS substation and helipad.<B>QUESTION: What are the top three issues facing your municipality?BAKER</B>: 1. Lack of communication between supervisors, employees and township residents2. Questionable township expenses without proper justification3. Rapid growth of businesses and housing plans along the Route 68 corridor and resulting traffic concerns<B>LOKHAISER</B>: 1. Growth and development of the township2. Wasteful spending3. Poor road maintenance<B>MISKO</B>: 1. Development: Route 68 continues to be the principal area or focus of commercial development. We need a zoning plan to address this concern and to improve our roads and infrastructure via developer impact fees, grant money and stimulus money.2. Spend tax dollars responsibly: Needless litigation and lawsuits as a result of the irresponsible actions of the other two supervisors has cost and will cost thousands of taxpayer dollars.3. Restoring public confidence in our board based on recent events frivolous spending. We need to get back to serve the community.<B>QUESTION: Contentiousness among supervisors in recent months has strained the board's reputation before the community. What would you do to improve communications between board members and repair the board's reputation?BAKER</B>: 1. All three supervisors must work toward a common goal — that being for the good of the township.Information must he distributed to "all" supervisors. Discussion about controversial issues should take place with resolution reached. It must be a "group" effort if it is to succeed.2. Decorum must be re-established at township meetings. Personal agendas must be put aside.3. Vacant positions within the township should be advertised and subsequently filled with qualified individuals. Supervisors should serve as supervisors — other positions should be filled accordingly.4. Residents should be kept informed on a regular basis (perhaps by the creation of a quarterly newsletter) as to issues concerning the township.<B>LOKHAISER</B>: I will be openminded to all problems and concerns of the residents and board. I will calmly discuss matters in a professional manner while reminding all that we, the supervisors, work for the residents and not for our own agendas. We help guide the residents, new and existing alike, not rule over them. In essence, give this township back to the residence.<B>MISKO</B>: I will continue to be the voice of reason, and attempt to steer our township away from needless lawsuits. I will continue to press for zoning to lessen reliance on tax dollars for major roads and infrastructure. If the current conduct of the board continues, I will ask for the chairman's resignation, so that we can better focus on community projects and updating our vehicles and equipment.