2 on ballot for Middlesex seat
Two candidates are vying for a seat at the Middlesex Township supervisor table May 18.
Incumbent Donald Marshall and newcomer David McMaster are both filed as Republicans.
Perhaps, newcomer isn't the best description of McMaster, who lives in the township with his wife, Beth.
McMaster, 69, is a past chairman of both the township zoning hearing board and board of supervisors, which he served on for six years.He said he also chaired efforts on the Middlesex Township comprehensive plan and is a former member of the Saxonburg sewer authority board.“A supervisor should never forget that they work for the people,” McMaster said.The role of a township supervisor is simple, according to McMaster.The elected official should listen to residents and understand their vision for their township.Once they understand that, McMaster said a supervisor should work toward developing the according community.That's why McMaster decided to run again for the supervisor board.“After attending many meetings, it became obvious the citizens of the township had lost their voice and were being ignored,” McMaster said.The township's comprehensive plan is the “voice of the people,” according to McMaster,He said when the township moves in a direction incongruent with the plan, there's a problem.“We need to stop giving our township away and ignoring the residents,” McMaster said. “A supervisor should work for the residents and not let any outside influence alter that direction.”McMaster, who said he's not related to anyone who works for the township or is a developer or contractor, detailed the top three issues he'd like to address if elected.This includes updating the comprehensive plan and bringing township zoning into accordance with it.McMaster said he also wants to promote transparency.“(We can) utilize the expertise of the residents to preserve open space, farmland and our vital natural resources like Glade Run Lake,” McMaster said.McMaster said he's also running as a write-in candidate on the Democratic ticket as “David J. McMaster.”Marshall did not respond to candidate questions from the Eagle as of press time.
