QUESTION: Why are you running for election?

SHOCKEY: I enjoy participating in government decision making at the local level.

ZURZULO: Butler Township is currently a well run township. I am running to ascertain that the services provided continue while looking to provide additional services. I want to be a voice for the residents of Butler Township.

NEDZ: Being a candidate for public office is a privilege bestowed upon those who are dedicated to improving the quality of life for others. In my case, I have been a long term resident of Butler Township and deeply care about my community and its future. I have raised my family in Butler Township. I wanted to ensure that my fellow residents have a candidate that will manage the township’s affairs, its finances, and its future growth. As an accomplished attorney of 21 years, I believe that my life experiences will ensure that the township has quality governance.

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

SHOCKEY: 1. Improving roads; 2. Upgrading Butler Township stormwater management; 3. Using common sense in the decision making process for Butler Township.

ZURZULO: 1. VA Medical Center — Work with the Veterans Administration to ensure that the new center be located in Butler Township. The loss of this center in the township could be devastating.

2. Public Safety — Ensure the continued performances provided by our police and volunteer firemen, which includes staffing and equipment.

3. Fiscal Responsibility — Controlling spending while providing our residents with high level services, including the maintenance of our roads and parks as well as recreation.

NEDZ: 1. Maintain the township’s fiscal affairs without further increases in tax revenues;

2. Ensure efficient operations within township government and maintain its services to residents;

3. Work to ensure future economic growth while preserving the township’s quality of life and its beautiful public facilities and parks.

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

SHOCKEY: I think the (state) Department of Environmental Protection should be solely responsible for overseeing natural gas drilling in our area.

Impact fee money should be spent on maintenance of our roads and storm sewers.

ZURZULO: Currently, there are federal and state requirements in place. Butler Township has an ordinance in place consistent with Act 13, which mandates the overseeing of drilling. The township ordinance controls set backs, noise, etc. Impact monies should be spent on the maintenance of our roads, and to offset costs incurred due to gas drilling activities.

NEDZ: In the calendar reporting year 2012, Butler Township received just under $50,000 in impact fees from natural gas drilling activity. If elected, I would work to ensure that such monies are utilized in a manner which mitigates impacts to the township’s environment and roadways which may need repaired due to increased activity. Such monies could also be used to offset drilling activities with improvements to public parks or emergency services necessary to respond to any unforeseen emergencies.