Three are competing for the open supervisor seat in Earl Township. The candidates include incumbent John Hetrick, Boyertown school board incumbent Paul Stengle, and firefighter Brian Filby.
Hetrick, a Republican with 11 years serving as an Earl Township Supervisor, also has experience serving on the Township Zoning Hearing Board, the Township Planning Commission, and Berks County Hazard Mitigation Committee. He has 30 years of experience with Earl Township Emergency Management. He worked for Bell Atlantic for more than 30 years and served in the United States Army Reserve for six. In addition to serving as a supervisor, he is the Earl Township Emergency Management Coordinator and a grandfather.
Hetrick is running to look out for the best interest of the township residents, particularly in regards to the proposed truck traffic on Manatawny Road and expansion issues. When asked what he’ll do if reelected, Hetrick says “When I ran for my first term, my only campaign promise was to do the best job I can and to always be truthful, even if they didn’t like the answer. Nothing has changed. I have no personal agenda to push.” He says a supervisor needs to flexible and have the ability to think of their feet.
Paul Stengle, a Republican currently serving on the Boyertown Board of School Directors, is looking to bring his managerial and leadership skills to Earl Township Board of Supervisors. He wants to put these skills to use by serving his community. His term on the school board expires in 2017 and he is not seeking reelection.
A 30-year veteran Chief Executive Officer of a service agency, Stengle’s platform includes addressing the township’s funds in its treasury.” I will do everything I can to see that this money is put to use in ways that better benefit township residents. Specifically, I want to see what we can do to alleviate our citizens’ tax burdens.” He proposes distributing the excess funds in a way that is legal and will help residents.
Brian Filby, a Democrat, works as an Senior Systems Engineer and has also served as a volunteer firefighter for Earl Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 for more than 12 years. He also has experience as treasurer of the fire company, an auditor, a member of the historical society, and a member/chairman of the township Planning Commission.
Filby says he is running to ensure the continuation of resident focused government, policies and leadership within the township. If elected, he says he will “Support the continuation of existing, and offering additional, resident benefits that are equitable and fair.”
