One of three positions on the Connoquenessing Township Board of Supervisors is up for election in the upcoming May 20 primary.

That seat will be filled by either Mark Williams or Rick Grecco, two Republicans who are both running for public office for the first time. Neither of the candidates cross-filed, meaning they will most likely run unopposed in the general election set for Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Rick Grecco

Grecco has been a Connoquenessing Township resident for more than 20 years.

In his professional life, he has worked for 30 years in electrical construction, maintenance and project management. He said he has experience as both a project manager and a supervisor in that field.

Mark Williams

Williams, who has been a township resident for more than 10 years, said he is a concerned citizen who has regularly attended both supervisors and sewer authority meetings for the past five years.

In his professional life, Williams has worked in operations engineering in the transportation industry for close to 35 years. He focuses on operational efficiency and quality improvement initiatives at one of the largest less-than-truckload carriers in the nation.

Williams: “My interest in running for Connoquenessing Township supervisor was initially spurred from the financially questionable Connoquenessing Township Sewer Project.

“(It) increased when hearing of other growing concerns in the township, like the condition and handling of the township road equipment and what seem to be the never-ending personnel issues and legal matters as stated for the reasoning for most all of the township supervisor executive session meetings. (We’re) experiencing a consistent lack of transparency from the township officials.”

Grecco: “I feel that the current sewer issue facing the township and the desire to give the people of the township their voice back are not the only issues on the agenda but the most paramount at this time.”

Williams: “Working with the other supervisors and community on township concerns. Determining and working on what is important to the community. Determining and working on what can benefit the community. Promoting transparency and responding to the tough questions.”

Grecco: “To aid in the development of an affordable sewer plan on time and within budget. To work with my fellow supervisors to develop a plan to begin to upgrade and replace township equipment that is currently in a constant need of repairs.

“Help to develop a plan to protect and expand the growing infrastructure of our community while also ensuring the preservation of our rural community and natural resources.”

Williams: “Public sewers — work with engineers and the community on a reduced scope plan that addresses the issues while maintaining fiscal and environmental responsibility.

“Road Equipment — create a plan to update needed equipment and get the equipment on a staggered replacement schedule. Transparency — get the community more involved in what is happening and what needs done.”

Grecco: “First and foremost the pending sewer plan, Act 537. Secondly, the aging equipment that will need upgraded to ensure the safety of the road crew and to maintain our roads. Third, giving the people of Connoquenessing Township their voice back and restoring their trust in their elected officials.”

Williams: “The population is growing slowly, but we are at a point where we need to evaluate an initial level of zoning to protect the community from unconstrained development.”

Grecco: “While we want our township to develop and expand (by) welcoming in new business and job opportunities, we still need to ensure that we protect our natural resources. In addition, we need to ensure that any sewer plan that is put in place will be able to handle new developments and businesses.”

Williams: “We need to look at a reduced scope, the current plan tries to blanket the southeast corner of the township way out of the commercial district. Pennsylvania American Water, which services area borders and part of the township, needs further review.”

Grecco: “I would research and explore more options and take into consideration the long-term benefits or consequences of those options.”