NEW HANOVER >> The race for two open seats on the board of supervisors features three candidates, one of whom is an incumbent.
Kurt D. Zebrowski is unopposed for his bid to complete the two years remaining on the seat he was appointed to last year. He won both the Republican and Democratic lines in the spring primary.
He is running on a team with Republican William “Ross” Snook and fellow incumbent Marie Livelsberger, who was bounced off the Republican primary ballot in the spring after a complaint by opponent Republican Shawn Malloy.
The complaint had to do with Livelsberger missing on an elections filing deadline, a violation that Malloy himself also committed, but for which no formal challenge was made.
Livelsberger earned a spot on the Democratic ballot in the primary through a write-in campaign.
In his candidate response, Snook, 65, wrote that he is running because “I wanted the opportunity to help educate the Township and its administration about hazardous waste and how it should be properly handled. After the past two years of actually working for the Township in this capacity, I have seen the need for my work to continue. I am running for Supervisor to enable my work to continue, but to actually have a “true vote” in how the waste should be handled.”
Snook added, ” I also believe the supervisors need to take a very hard look at the future development of the township in regards to new construction. A proper balance needs to be maintained between the old and the new, and a look into the future needs to be done soon, before there isn’t any open space left to enjoy a little ‘elbow room.'”
A retired geologist with a degree in earth science from Penn State, Snook wrote that if elected, his goal is “to always do the right thing and only vote on an item after I have studied and reviewed the “whole Picture” as to what is being voted on and it’s future effects on the township and to be honest and trustworthy.”
In her response, Livelsberger, 53, wrote that “I seek election to retain my position as supervisor because it is important that the residents of New Hanover Township have representation they can trust. Someone who acts without personal or political agenda, who will make decisions based on objectivity and who will serve the community with honor and integrity.”
A benefits specialist with more than 30 years experience in accounting, payroll, human resources and employee benefits, Livelsberger is “an administrative volunteer with New Hanover Volunteer Fire and Rescue, currently serving as the chair of the trustees.”
Livelsberger wrote that “my goals are to continue to provide transparent communication with the residents, help to continue to make responsible financial decisions, ensure land use ordinances are properly followed, and to do my part to assure the township is managed as efficiently and effectively as possible.”
In his response, Malloy, 40, wrote “I chose to seek office to be a true advocate for the township residents and taxpayers. As the township grows, it is imperative to conservatively control the tax revenue of the township to prevent tax increases.”
A police officer who previously served as a New Hanover Township Auditor, Malloy wrote “if elected I would ensure complete transparency. Without conflicts of interest which have plagued the Township for years, I have the ability to be a true advocate for all residents. Over-development of the Township is of great concern which would detrimentally impact the environment, township infrastructure, and further burden the school district, leading to additional tax increases.”
