Jane Mellert for Plainfield Township Supervisor

I'm running for Supervisor because I believe in....

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- Public service and open government
- Fiscally conservative government with controlled spending
- Preserving valuable resources for future generations
- Respect and support for emergency services
- In budgeting adequate funds toward maintaining the Township roads
- Reserve Accounts must be maintained
- A common sense approach to government

Municipal Government Experience

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1986
Started the Plainfield Township Newsletter and Volunteer Recycling Program

1987-1993
Served on the Plainfield Township Solid Waste Committee

1989-1993
Plainfield Township
Supervisor and Treasurer
Chairperson of the Finance Committee
Long Range Planning Committee (and in the years 2005-2006)
Solid Waste Committee
Recreation Board Liaison
Plainfield Recreation Trail Project - Rails to Trails
Slate Belt Municipalities Association Secretary/Treasurer
Regional Police Study Committee with the SBMA

1994-2000
Alternate on the Plainfield Township Zoning Hearing Board

2000-2003
Plainfield Township Supervisor
Plainfield Twp, Pen Argyl, & Wind Gap Joint Comprehensive Plan Committee

1994-2004
Washington Township
Secretary/Treasurer
Subdivision Administrator 1994-1995
Co Subdivision Administrator
Planning Commission Secretary 1994 -1995

2007-2011
Plainfield Township Open Space/Farmland Preservation Committee
Plainfield Township Environmental Advisory Council

4/89 - 5/02
Dept of Community and Economic Development Training
Basic Budget Preparation
Lincoln on Leadership
Municipal Accounting
PA Recycling Act
Financing Capital Projects
The Courage to Lead
Effective Budgeting
Fundamentals of Leadership
Subdivision Administration
Dealing with Difficult Employees
Tax Collection and Tax Procedures
Conflict Management
Pensions and Liquid Fuels
Dealing with the Public
Secretarial Administration
QuickBooks Pro 2000
Posted by Jane Mellert - May 2011

Campaign Questions

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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 32 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 twenty 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 from 1994-2004. During that time I balanced budgets, was involved in building and recreation projects, dealt with employee issues, 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?
There are several critical issues facing the Township. I believe keeping real estate taxes down, while working within the constraint of a budget, is crucial for the residents in this economy. The Township has less money coming in from the Waste Management landfill and has to implement a plan so that taxes will not continue to increase in order to fill in the void. Additional funds need to be set aside for road reconstruction and repair.

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.

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 before I considered running. I wanted to make an informed decision, and keep up on the issues facing the municipality.

Lehigh Valley Voter Guide Responses

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What is the most critical issue facing the county?
There are several critical issues facing the county. I believe keeping real estate taxes down, while working within the constraint of a budget, is crucial for the residents in this economy.

If elected what would you do to keep property taxes in check?
I would work with the administration to review all areas of spending. Support proven programs to decrease the 69% return rate of repeat offenders into the prison system, which will in turn help reduce the cost of sixty-five cents of every tax dollar being paid to administer the court and jail system. Support long range planning.

What is one council issue you would like to explore if elected and why?
I have more than one issue I would like to explore. The first would be proven programs for reducing the return rate of repeat offenders back into the prison system. Effective rehab will have many benefits for the people in the programs, their families, the municipalities where they reside, as well as the taxpayer. Successful programs will have a positive impact on all areas of government dealing with social service issues.

If elected to council 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 county council meetings before you considered running? Why or why not?
Yes, I attended council meetings for four months before I considered running. I wanted to make an informed decision, keep up on the issues facing county council and learn how council functions. I have been volunteering in the Easton area over the past three years and it has helped give me insight into the social service end of county government.

Jane's Municipal Government Experience

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1986
Started the Plainfield Township Newsletter and Volunteer Recycling Program

1987-1993
Served on the Plainfield Township Solid Waste Committee

1989-1993
Plainfield Township
Supervisor and Treasurer
Chairperson of the Finance Committee
Long Range Planning Committee (and in the years 2005-2006)
Solid Waste Committee
Recreation Board Liaison
Plainfield Recreation Trail Project - Rails to Trails
Slate Belt Municipalities Association Secretary/Treasurer
Regional Police Study Committee with the SBMA

1994-2000
Alternate on the Plainfield Township Zoning Hearing Board

2000-2003
Plainfield Township Supervisor
Plainfield Twp, Pen Argyl, & Wind Gap Joint Comprehensive Plan Committee

1994-2004
Washington Township
Secretary/Treasurer
Subdivision Administrator 1994-1995
Co Subdivision Administrator
Planning Commission Secretary 1994 -1995

2007-2009
Plainfield Township Environmental Advisory Council

4/89 - 5/02
Dept of Community and Economic Development Training
Basic Budget Preparation
Lincoln on Leadership
Municipal Accounting
PA Recycling Act
Financing Capital Projects
The Courage to Lead
Effective Budgeting
Fundamentals of Leadership
Subdivision Administration
Dealing with Difficult Employees
Tax Collection and Tax Procedures
Conflict Management
Pensions and Liquid Fuels
Dealing with the Public
Secretarial Administration
QuickBooks Pro 2000

Jane Mellert announces her Candidacy

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Jane Mellert of Plainfield Township has announced her candidacy for Northampton County Council. Mellert, a lifelong resident of Northampton County, stated that she is running because she sees a need for someone with experience in all areas of government and fiscal management. "I believe that my 20 plus years involvement in municipal and regional government and civic matters has made me a viable candidate for County Council".

Mellert has been a Plainfield Township Supervisor, and has served on the financial committee, environmental boards, police study committee, long range planning committee, recycling boards, open space preservation committee, and has been involved with various recreation projects. Mellert has worked professionally building governmental budgets, administering subdivision plans and has been employed by municipalities in these capacities.

Mellert, a Republican also believes that her extensive history in this area gives her a strong understanding of the people and growth in our area." I was raised on a dairy farm in Plainfield Township, my husband of 30 years and I have raised our daughters here and I have a long history of involvement in our community. I think that between my personal history and professional experience I will bring an insightful, mature and fiscally responsible outlook to County Government."

Jane Mellert joins five other Republicans vying for five open seats for County Council at Large in the May 19 Primary.