2 compete for Jackson Township supervisor seat in general election
One seat on the Jackson Township Board of Supervisors will be contested in the upcoming general election slated for Nov. 4.
That six-year term will be filled by either incumbent Republican Marianne Hall or Democrat Chris Arnold, who is seeking his first term on the board.
Hall grew up in New Sewickley Township and after getting married in 1997, she and her husband lived in Cranberry, Zelienople and elsewhere before settling in Jackson Township in 2014.
She started her time in public service by serving on the Jackson Township Community Development Corporation for several years before moving on to the township’s planning commission.
When a previous supervisor moved away, however, she finished his term. She’s been a supervisor now since fall 2020.
During that time, she reported seeing the police department grow, road improvements throughout the township, water projects completed, parks developed and trails extended throughout the township.
She also noted the development of residential areas as well as commercial with the opening of Aldi, Starbucks, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Aircomm Credit Union before also noting how the township recently acquired the former Evans City reservoir property for a future park and recreation area for the township.
If elected again, she sees a need to address “the growing pains” in the form of traffic and road conditions, access to public water in several areas of the township, and the need for community gathering spaces.
“We will need to continue to address speeding, increased traffic on all roads and the condition of our roads if they were not designed for increased traffic,” she said.
On gathering spaces, she said, “As we grow, a community center and gathering place becomes more of a need. In addition to our parks and trails, we need to have a structure where the community can come together for events.”
If elected, she said she would work with other leadership to accomplish the comprehensive plan put in place for our township, continue the relationship with adjacent boroughs.
She said she will aim to be a good steward of budgeted funds, actively pursuing grants and matching funds for projects.
“We have not increased taxes, and we have no intention of doing so,” she said.
She obtained my real estate license in 2010, and has been with Howard Hanna since. In 2023, she started The Marianne Hall Group.
“Being a resident of over 10 years and my real estate background has given me an understanding and vested interest in how our township is run and developed,” she said.
Chris Arnold is running for Jackson Township supervisor with a focus on balanced growth, environmental preservation and community engagement.
Arnold touted his successful career in supermarket management and sales before he shifted his attention to community service and local issues. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Jackson Community Foundation and is a past vice president of the Jackson Township Community Development Corporation.
He also volunteers with organizations including the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, Zelienople Meals on Wheels and the Connoquenessing Creek Cleanup.
Citing Jackson Township’s rapid growth, Arnold said he wants to ensure development keeps pace with residents’ needs while maintaining the township’s rural character. His priorities include expanding recreational opportunities, promoting responsible housing and supporting business development that strengthens the tax base and creates jobs.
“I want to build a better Jackson Township future,” Arnold said. “That means encouraging smart growth, preserving our rural lifestyle, and protecting the environment while creating opportunities for families and businesses alike.”
Arnold said he also hopes to work closely with the Seneca Valley School District to expand environmental education programs and connect students with local parks and green spaces.
A native of Canton, Ohio, Arnold graduated from Kent State University and later settled in Jackson Township with his wife, Susan Meyers. The couple raised two children, both graduates of Seneca Valley High School.
