Voters on Nov. 5 will elect one Summit Township supervisor from two candidates on the ballot: Rodney Scott, a Democrat, and Richard Green, a Republican.

The candidates answered questions posed by the Butler Eagle.

Question: Why are you running for election?

SCOTT: Through 18 years of public service as township supervisor, I have the experience and ability to aid Summit Township. I will work hard at controlling spending to reduce the need for future tax increases. Many residents in this township are on fixed incomes and any increases affect the living expenses for all residents.

GREEN: Summit Township has historically been held back by indecisions, conflict and paralysis by analysis. The supervisors in the last 2 years have started to make progress in some key areas, primarily public water and sewage. There needs to be continuing progress in road infrastructure and maintenance, equipment storage, maintenance and replacement. There also needs to be plans for business development and more resident involvement. I would like to apply my 30 years of manufacturing management to continue the forward progress so Summit Township does not regress into its old habits.

Question: What are your top three priorities if you win election?

SCOTT: After reviewing the financial situation of the township and having many discussions with taxpayers, I feel the three most challenging issues are road maintenance, water and sewage, with the plant being on the old Franklin Ball Field on the Herman Road, and land development.

GREEN: My top three priorities would be:

1. Complete the public sewage project that has entered the planning and permitting stage;

2. Expand the road infrastructure and maintenance program with better storage protection of the township’s equipment assets;

3. Work with the current supervisors, planning commission and township residents on 5 year and 10 year comprehensive plans

Question: What part should local government play in overseeing natural gas drilling activity in your municipality, including how impact fee money should be spent?

SCOTT: Safety to the residents of the community is the key factor in natural gas drilling.

GREEN: Local government needs to work with and encourage all business activity within the township while protecting the residents, their private property and the integrity of the township. There are 13 ways impact fee money may be spent. The first priority would be to address road infrastructure, followed by water, stormwater, and sewage expansion, with any remaining funds held in the Capital Reserve Fund to address areas highlighted in the 5 year and 10 year comprehensive plans, while preventing future tax increases.