2 compete for seat in Jackson Township
A Republican and a Democratic candidate are competing for a seat on the Jackson Township board of supervisors in the Nov. 7 general election.
One six-year term is available. Newcomer Christopher C. Arnold, Democrat, is running against incumbent Jay Grinnell, Republican, for the seat.
Arnold grew up in Canton, Ohio, and is a graduate of Kent State University. Alongside his wife, Susan Meyers, he raised his son and daughter, who are graduates of Seneca Valley High School.
Turning his attention to local issues after a career in supermarket management and sales, Arnold is also a volunteer with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, Meals on Wheels and the Allegheny Aquatic Alliance’s Connoquenessing Creek Clean Up.
“Currently vice president of the Jackson Township Community Development Corporation, I am focused on parks development and business development in Jackson Township,” Arnold said. “I know and have worked closely with the staff of Jackson Township in that capacity.”
The township’s proximity to Interstate 79 and the Turnpike has made it “one of the fastest growing communities in western Pennsylvania,” according to Arnold.
“Much the same as Cranberry Township, our growth depends on what we have to offer to residents and businesses looking at our area,” he said. “Affordable housing, easy access, strong infrastructure and a pleasant environment are our strong points.”
He said local demand for more dining and grocery options as well as the preservation of the township’s “rural lifestyle” were key issues to be addressed.
If elected, Arnold said he would work to promote retail and industrial growth in the township.
“That increases our tax base and creates more jobs,” he said.
Additionally, he plans to provide more outdoor recreation options in the township’s parks program as well as promote environmental education through the Seneca Valley School District’s Community GrOWN Program, “using it in our parks to teach our students that they can make a difference in how our world evolves.”
Arnold said the three biggest issues facing the municipality were environmental protection, growth and preserving the township’s “way of life.”
“Housing is important, but it must make sense,” he said. “Rural living is important, and it must be preserved.”
A Jackson Township resident for 38 years, Grinnell said he has been serving the local community for four decades.
“I’m the founder and director of Harmony EMS,” he said. “I’m the manager of Napleton Chrysler in Ellwood City, and I’ve been a township supervisor for 13 years now.”
Grinnell additionally serves on the board of directors for EMS West and Western Regional EMS — and has spent 20 years on the Butler County 911 Council.
“As far as Jackson Township, I served in the past as the auditor,” he said. “I served on the planning commission and I served as the Jackson Township EMA coordinator.”
In addition to his role as chairman of the township supervisors, Grinnell is chairman of the township’s municipal authority and has served as a paramedic in the region for over 30 years.
In his role as supervisor, Grinnell said he lead the merger of the Harmony and Zelienople fire departments as well as an investigation into an embezzlement scheme his first year, bringing the township back from “the brink of bankruptcy.”
“We came out of bankruptcy and built roads, a police department, parks and everything else without any tax increases,” he said. “I’m really proud of that fact.”
If elected, Grinnell said he would continue working for financial stability in the township, focus on public safety and encourage business while preserving the land.
Despite lacking the commercial property or population to experience an “explosion” like Cranberry Township, Grinnell said, the township has been working on increasing retail options and recreational amenities.
“We do have enough residents to get an Aldi, and we do have one more grocery store we’re working with that could very well come,” he said.
In addition to expanding the township’s reservoir park, Grinnell also said the board was in the process of acquiring a new 40-acre park.
“It’s about listening to the people and taking care of the problems and getting what they want,” he said. “I’ve said that several times: It’s not about what I want.”
