Three Republican candidates are vying for two seats on the Adams Township board of supervisors in the May 16 primary election.

Two six-year terms are available in the municipality, which candidates agree is wrestling with rapid expansion.

Supervisor board vice chairman Ronald Shemela and newcomers Bridget K. Miller and David Goodworth are running.

The seats of Shemela and longtime supervisor Ed Vogel are open. Vogel is not seeking reelection.

The two who receive the most votes during the primary will proceed to the November ballot. No Democratic candidates are running for the seats.

David Goodworth has lived in Adams Township since 2005 and has taught in the Mars Area School District since 1994.

For the last 13 years, he has served on the township’s parks and recreation board.

“The last two terms of that — we serve five-year terms — I’ve been the chairman,” Goodworth said. “I learned a lot about how municipal government works.”

As chairman of the parks and recreation board, Goodworth helped developed a park master plan as well as establish a nonprofit called Friends of Adams Township Park.

“Our mission is to raise funds for park amenities,” Goodworth said. “We’ve had several events to raise funds as part of that organization, which will go to some of the amenities that are going to be installed at the splash pad that is due to open up this year.”

Goodworth said he feels the township’s growth is a “big, big issue.”

“With growth comes some growing pains,” he said. “So maintaining public safety, the condition of roads and things of that nature are all things I think are important as a member of the board of supervisors.”

As a member of the parks and recreation board, Goodworth also said it is important to maintain and provide recreational opportunities and amenities in the township.

Bridget K. Miller, a graduate of Mars Area School District, has been a township resident for 62 years.

Miller works as a customer success manager with MSA and is a member of the vacancy board of the township supervisors.

Having watched the region’s rapid expansion firsthand, Miller said safety would be her chief priority.

“Really, the first thing is safety, because with the expansion of (Route) 228; I don’t want it to become a raceway,” Miller said.

She also emphasized a need for transparency between the board of supervisors and its constituents. Having attended township meetings for more than a year, she feels that residents are often not adequately informed or involved in the board’s decision-making process.

Additionally, she plans to promote youth involvement in the township as the next generation of decision-makers.

Infrastructure and litter also are major concerns as the township expands, according to Miller.

“There’s a lot of things we can do to keep Adams Township rural; you just have to make sure you do it the right way,” Miller said.

She promoted further discussions with residents and communities in the municipality as development continues to outpace infrastructure.

“I think we can do a lot more for the people here,” Miller said.

Incumbent Ronald Shemela is vice chairman of the board of supervisors and a resident of Mars.

“I’m currently finishing up my first six-year term, currently vice chairman, and I’m also the supervisor in charge of the police,” Shemela said.

Shemela is a retired business owner and corporate sales executive. He initially was motivated to run for office as a way of giving back to the community he had lived in for over 45 years.

“My goals are: continue to be part of a five-person team that effectively uses its talents and skills for the betterment of Adams Township,” Shemela said. “One of the things with our group, and I truly mean this, we’ve got five people on that board with various talents who really get along good as a team.”

With former supervisor Ed Vogel stepping down, maintaining the “balance” will be a major part of the coming election, Shemela said.

“So to replace him and still maintain the consistency of the board, that’s a little bit of a challenge,” Shemela said. “So hopefully Dave Goodworth, who I endorse, will be a good fit there.”

Maintaining growth within established ordinances and regulations, Shemela said, was one of the foremost issues faced by the township.

“Secondly, we have to be concerned about our staffing because of the growth of the township,” Shemela said.

Finally, as the supervisor in charge of the police, Shemela said it is important to maintain the quality and professionalism of township police, fire response and EMS.