ADAMS TWP — Supervisors will see at least one newcomer to the board this year as five candidates vie for two open seats with just one incumbent running for reelection.

Supervisor Russ Ford is hoping to extend his 10-year tenure on the board, facing challengers Thomas Dover, Ian Floyd, Frank Haustovich and Clay Morrow.

Both open seats are for six-year terms, with the winners of this May's election joining supervisors Linda Lees, Edward Vogel and Ron Shemela. Noticeably absent from the race is Supervisor Thomas Franceschina, board chairman, who decided not to run for re-election.

The primary election is May 21.

The issue on every candidates' mind is growth.

Adams is one of the fastest growing townships in the county, with development applications routinely going before the board for approval. It has added several housing and commercial developments in recent years, increasing the township's population and tax base.

The rapid growth has brought increased traffic and a need for infrastructural improvements. PennDOT has already begun widening the Route 228 corridor. The township is also working to take Three Degree Road from state control and bring it up to code.

Growth also has brought about the formation of community groups, such as Saving Rural Adams and Trail Adams Township, that are committed to growth management in the township. Each group has representation among the candidates.

Meanwhile, the board has worked to tighten some restrictions on development, encouraging the township planning commission to get stricter with developers on modification requests and last-minute alterations.

Recently, the board and planning commission have been working on the formation of a new ordinance that would require developers to obtain a permit before disturbing township slopes. The planning commission plans to vote on recommending the ordinance this month.

Education: Studied computer science and computer networking at ICM School of Business; studied environmental resource management at Colorado Mountain CollegeOccupation: Stay-at-home dadFamily: Married with a daughterIssue: “I think the main issue is keeping the aesthetics and following the township comprehensive plan. Those are really the big issues right now. I know the township has been working on that, but I think everything can be improved. I think it's time to take it to the next level.”

Education: Ph.D. in computer science from Warren University in MontanaOccupation: Senior information security specialist for a local health care company. Adjunct professor at Butler County Community CollegeFamily: Married with three childrenIssue: “While I'm not opposed to growth, I think it should be measured growth. On Route 228, (drivers) won't even get on it at certain points because traffic has gotten so heavy. My position now is: Give the township a rest. The township is a great place to live in for families and to raise your children. The township is not going to go away. Moving here's going to be a good thing for a lot of folks, but I think the township needs a rest and to get some time for infrastructure to catch up. I think everybody is saying the same thing, that there's so much growth going on and so much development.”

Education: Bachelor's degree in finance from Clarion UniversityOccupation: Mortgage loan officer for Howard Hanna, Adams Township supervisorFamily: Spouse Sharon, daughter Nicole, son Brandon and dog Meg, cocker spanielIssue: “I think there are a couple big issues. We obviously need to continue to control the growth for infrastructure, housing, roads and continuing to stay on top of the ways to expand (Route) 228 to its capacity. With that, a big challenge to the township is making sure our emergency services are in order, trained, up to speed and well equipped to protect the community, both in the township and in our schools.”

Education: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State UniversityOccupation: Veterinarian, owner of Mars Animal DepotFamily: A partner and two dogsIssue: “The biggest issue facing Adams Township is its continued identity as a rural, family-oriented community. Growth and change are inevitable, but the outcome of such growth could rapidly change the face of Adams Township from rural open space environment to congested suburban sprawl. To use an emergency care term, it's time to 'stop the bleeding' of uncontrolled growth. To do this, most importantly, the township must define its 'saturation point,' the point where we say more green space than gray concrete. This requires a comprehensive plan that addresses controlled growth with emphasis on a rural environment.”

Education: B.A. from University of Pittsburgh. J.D. from Northern Ohio University College of Law.Occupation: Consumer attorney; adjunct professor at Duquesne UniversityFamily: Wife Karen, four children Zach, Megan, Patrick and Michael, English springer Maggie and tabby cat PumpkinIssue: “Adams Township is growing at a rapid pace. We need to manage this growth to keep our community a beautiful, safe and desirable place to live and raise a family. We need our future to include green spaces, trails and traffic planning, and we must maintain a safe environment. We should have appropriate impact fees that can be used to fund roads, parks and trails. We should limit slope grading. This growth should benefit both the current residents and future residents as well as the developers. My priority is positive growth, not just growth.”