JACKSON TWP - There will be a new face on the township's board of supervisors next year as two new Republican candidates will face off on May 14 to take over the post being vacated by current supervisors' chairman Ralph DiLuigi.

DiLuigi, who had served eight years and two terms, has decided not to seek re-election. Two new Republican candidates, Gary Goehring and Trent Geis will be vying for the GOP nod in the primaries. No Democratic candidates have filed for the seat.

DiLuigi said when he first ran for office, he intended to only serve one term, but the political circumstances of the time, including a failed annexation bid by Harmony several years ago to take a portion of the Creekside Manor housing plan, pushed him to run for a second term.

Some of the township's accomplishments during his tenure include advances in public safety, including the hiring of police Chief Len Keller.

DiLuigi is also happy that, during his tenure, the township streamlined its zoning and land development ordinances, brought public water to many areas, reduced property taxes and secured land for potential future recreational opportunities.

Both of the new candidates will look to bring their own skills to the board of supervisors that will include current supervisors Bob Goetz and Tom West.

Goehring, 59, graduated from Evans City High School in 1964 and has lived in the community all of his life. He currently works in the construction field. His father, Ray Goehring, was a supervisor for the township in the 1960s and 1970s.

Goehring is running for the post because he believes the township needs to take better care of its roads.

"They are not fixing them right, and they are not holding up. They're spending township money to do this," he said.

He also feels the township is spending money on items, such as the new park property, that the township shouldn't be spending.

"We need to get the roads fixed, cut spending and treat everybody equal. Nothing seems to be the same for everybody," said Goehring.

Geis, 39, who is married and has three young children, grew up in Zelienople and moved to Jackson Township eight years ago. He is a graduate of the Seneca Valley School District and Clarion University with a degree in marketing. Geis currently work in sales.

Geis wants the township to manage future growth while preserving the rural feel and charm of the community.

"My main focus is growth. We know it's something that is going to happen, but we need to maintain the rural quality of the township. I think that is very important to people," said Geis. "I would like to maintain the rural quality of life. I don't want development to overrun the township."

Geis also would like to keep property taxes low, continue bringing public utilities into the township and improve township roadwork.