Cypher challenged for Jefferson Township supervisor spot
The seat of longtime Jefferson Township Supervisor L. John Cypher, who has served on the township’s board of supervisors for decades, is up for reelection once again. This year, Cypher’s position is being challenged by Republican candidate Ford M. Stepp.
Both candidates are vying for a six-year term on the three-person board. As both candidates are running as Republicans, the winner of the primary will most likely be unopposed in the general election.
Cypher, the incumbent, has been a fixture on Jefferson Township’s board of supervisors since the mid-1990s. Aside from his role as a township supervisor, Cypher is retired, but previously spent 35 years working for State Farm Insurance.
“Civil service is what a citizen should be doing in some way, shape or form for their own community,” Cypher said. “I’m from this community, so I feel ties always. This is where I was born. I’ve always felt tied to it. It’s obviously not for the pay.”
When the position was last up for election in 2019, Cypher won in an unopposed race.
Stepp was born and raised in Jefferson Township and is raising a family of his own there. He says he felt the need to run for township supervisor to make his home a better place for families like his.
“I want to ensure that our local government works for the people it represents,” Stepp said. “As a husband and father of five, I care deeply about preserving the values and rural character of Jefferson Township for future generations. I believe our township deserves leadership that will protect those values and operate with transparency and accountability.”
Stepp works as a department manager at Allegheny Health Network, which he says has provided him with the skills necessary to perform the tasks of a township supervisor.
“I oversee a multimillion-dollar budget and lead a large team. I make strategic decisions daily that require accountability, efficiency and leadership under pressure,” Stepp said. “While I have not held elected office before, my leadership background has given me the skills needed to navigate complex systems, work with diverse teams and make sound decisions.”
Cypher: “As it’s always been, supervisors vote on how the funds are spent. The township’s goals are to maintain it as we see it now and keep the township to be a most desirable place to live.”
Stepp: “My goals are to promote responsible financial management, protect the township’s rural nature, strengthen communication between residents and leadership, and respect individual property rights. I believe township leadership should foster a spirit of trust and cooperation with residents, allowing individuals reasonable freedom to manage their own properties while ensuring the best interests of the community are upheld.”
Cypher: “Unfunded mandates are perhaps the largest challenge out there. We are at the bottom end of government. We have to comply with federal, state and county regulations. Every new law that's handed down to us at the municipal level needs to be applied by the township and enforced by the township, but without the funding from the higher-ups in the government to do so.”
Stepp: “1: Residents should be able to enjoy and manage their property without excessive government interference. I would work to protect these rights and ensure decisions made at the township level respect personal freedoms.
“2: Open, transparent communication is essential for fostering trust between township leadership and residents. I would prioritize listening to the community and keeping everyone informed about key decisions.
“3: Jefferson Township’s rural identity is vital to the character of our community. I would focus on preserving this unique quality while also being mindful of responsible spending and maintaining a fiscally sound approach to township operations.”
Cypher: “We've maintained the lowest possible property tax that there is, at 1%. And we have maintained the township as a rural, farm community. We are simple. We don’t have zoning. We have rules we have to follow, rules that all the residents must follow. All we ask for is compliance with those rules. It's a friendly atmosphere, it's a country atmosphere, and it's pretty simple just to follow rules and live with your neighbors.”
Stepp: “Jefferson Township offers a strong sense of community, open spaces and shared values. I will work to maintain that by protecting our rural character, encouraging responsible decision-making and keeping government focused on serving the people.”
Cypher: “The farms we have, thank goodness, are remaining here, whether they be dairy farms, cattle farms or grain farms. We have been able to maintain those farms. In the places where more housing is going in are where there are appropriate utilities in concentrated areas. The land mass in Jefferson Township predominantly remains farm, but the concentration of population centers are in little pockets where proper utilities are available in an organized manner.”
Stepp: “Development should be thoughtful and measured, ensuring it meets true community needs without compromising the township’s rural character. Each situation should be evaluated carefully and with consideration for the unique circumstances, with a strong focus on preserving open land, respecting residents’ wishes and maintaining the identity of our township.”
More election coverage can be found here.
