How have your personal and professional experiences prepared you for public office?
I’m a lifelong resident of Northampton County and grew up on a family-owned dairy farm in Plainfield Township. My husband of 45 years and I raised our daughters here and have a long history of involvement in our community, such as, working in the kitchen at the Plainfield Farmer’s Fair, teaching youth groups, and Sunday School classes.
I have served as an elected official and as an employee in municipal government for over thirty years. This has given me firsthand experience in the day-to-day operations and challenges that face elected officials and administrators. I worked as a municipal Secretary/Treasurer and various other capacities. During that time, I balanced budgets, was involved in building and recreation projects, dealt with employee issues, contracts, road projects, grants, subdivisions and all other areas of administration.
My experience in Plainfield Township started in 1986 as a volunteer implementing a recycling program and Township newsletter. I then served as an elected Supervisor starting in 1989. As an active Township Supervisor I helped acquire land adjacent to Achenbach’s Grove, home of the Plainfield Farmers Fair, to preserve for future generations, worked to bring the Grand Central landfill into zoning compliance, was involved in the rails to trails project, worked on a five year plan which included increasing police services to provide 24 hour protection, and held taxes stable. I held positions on many committees and was involved in a Joint Comprehensive Plan, Open Space Preservation Plan, and Long-Range Planning. I developed regional experience through my past volunteer service as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Slate Belt Municipalities Association which is now a Council of Governments.
What is the most critical issue facing Plainfield Township?
Right now, a critical issue for the residents near the WM/GCSL landfill is the uncertainty of whether the current Board and the candidates running will rezone for another Solid Waste Processing and Disposal District. This has been very stressful for many of the residents near the area. There are several other critical issues facing the Township. The Board voted in a 2-mill tax increase for 2025. In reviewing the budget, the increase should not have been necessary. The Comprehensive Plan needs to be updated, the Township needs to have a more positive vision for the future, Economic Development needs to be addressed, etc.
If elected, what would you do to keep property taxes in check?
I would work with the administration to review all areas of spending. Work toward a a five year financial plan and long range planning. The Township should go back to having a Finance Committee.
If elected to the Township, how would you address fighting along party lines?
The residents cast their votes in good faith believing elected officials will focus on the job at hand and work in their best interest. All members must keep that in mind and work together.
Did you attend Township meetings before you considered running? Why or why not?
Yes, I attended the Board of Supervisors meetings and Planning Commission meetings before I considered running. I wanted to make an informed decision and keep up on the issues facing the municipality.
