In Monroe County’s Polk Township, two positions are open for supervisor. Democrat Mike Hurley is the incumbent for the six-year term, challenged by Republican Robert Butler. Democrat Joan McKinsey is challenging incumbent Carl Heckman for the two-year position.

The League of Women Voters of Monroe County asked candidates the following question: Do you have a specific suggestion for improving the administration of the office for which you are a candidate? Here are their answers:

Six-year term

Robert Butler

Republican

Address: Effort

http://www.voteRobertButler.com

D.O.B.: 12/17/1980

Education: 2003, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Bachelor of Science; 2007, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Master of Science Occupation: CEO of United Alliance Limited; project manager/senior programmer at Hi-Tech Health; Hazmat Responder at UPS.

Qualifications: Vice president of West End Republican Club; member of the Monroe County GOP Audit Committee, Young Republicans of Monroe County and the Frederick Douglass Inclusion Council of Monroe County

Answer: In the Information Age, what people are doing for you and where your money goes to should be transparent. The government at every level should be the leaders in this as the government is built and funded by the people and for the people. Improving communications by modernizing information systems and having information readily available and well organized will help improve transparency while educating the public, in turn raising community awareness and promoting community involvement.

Michael Hurley

Democrat

Address: Kunkletown

D.O.B.: 10/06/1959

Education: Pleasant Valley High School; Lincoln Technical Institute Occupation: director of security systems, Blue Ridge Communications

Qualifications: Polk Township Supervisor, eight years; Polk Township Planning Commission, 14 years; Polk Township Zoning Hearing Board, two years; Chestnuthill, Jackson, Eldred, Ross, Polk Regional Planning Committee, West End Relay for Life, 18 years.

Answer: As a current supervisor of Polk Township, it has been my focus and my desire to continue with the types of changes that foster good communication between the office and the residents. This involves different avenues of reaching out including being available to listen, answer questions, or connecting citizens with services. I will continue to take on the responsibility of making decisions for the betterment of the township that also protect rights and property.

Two-year term

Carl Heckman

Republican

Address: Kresgeville

D.O.B.: 07/14/1960

Education: 1978, Pleasant Valley High School

Occupation: Self-employed at Edgewood Service Center

Qualifications: Polk Township Planning Commission, 23 years; Polk Township Supervisor, 2 years; Monroe County Agricultural Land Preservation Board, 2 years; Western Pocono Memorial Park, treasurer, current; West End Fair Director, current

Joan McKinsey

Democrat

Address: Effort

D.O.B.: 07/15/1957

Education: Boston University, Bachelor of Science in business administration; The Evergreen State College, Bachelor of Arts in systems.

Occupation: Recruitment Specialist, Devereux Pocono

Qualifications: Polk Township Tree Lighting Committee and Keynote; Polk Township Veterans/Memorial Day Committee and Emcee; Trained Pennsylvania Ombudsman; AAUW “Rising Star”; Salem-St. Paul Church Council Vice President.

Answer: The role of supervisor needs to become more proactive rather than reactive. As I talk to people in Polk Township, they are concerned about the number of vacant buildings and properties in decline along Route 209. These folks are concerned about how this could be affecting their property values. As supervisor I will encourage feedback and participation from community members to address the issues that face the families of Polk Township today.