3. The most pressing issue is dealing with our growth. With my leadership, the county can work as a facilitator with local government to work together on this issue. I am excited about the new direction we are taking with our corrections. New ideas and programs to really make a difference. Continue quality senior services to take care of our parents and neighbors. Make sure social services gives a lending hand, not just a hand out. I want to promote programs to make sure our children have a good start in life here in Franklin County.
Carl W. Helman
Age: 46
Address: 1308 Springview Drive, Chambersburg, Pa.
Party: Republican
Employment: Director of Facilities Design for Country Meadows Retirement Community
1. For the first time in 12 years, there will be a new Board of Commissioners elected in November. At the same time, the county faces mounting budget concerns and other growth-related challenges. At this critical time, county government needs proven leadership that is full-time, hands-on and unafraid, guided by sound conservative principles. I will provide that leadership. I have several years' experience in elected office and have a heart for public service. In addition, I possess the personal attributes and core principles that serve the public well in the role of an elected official.
2. I served eight years in elected office as Councilman, Borough of Chambersburg (1996-2004). Two of those years, I was vice president. I also served the same eight years on the Chambersburg Planning and Zoning Commission. I have 22 years' experience in commercial architectural design (1985 to present), including the past seven years as director of facilities design for Country Meadows Retirement Communities, responsible for developing architectural designs for assisted living facilities. The key to a successful design requires combining vision with creativity to provide architectural solutions for the client - skills which translate directly to government service.
3. Specific issues vary, but the constant challenge remains the same - holding government accountable to the people it serves while controlling its size and scope. Government must be responsible and effective, while being as inexpensive as possible in delivering essential services. Proper balance between the role of government and the role of individuals in the community must be maintained. Government shouldn't be a replacement for personal responsibility and cannot be all things to everyone; when it tries to be, it becomes too large, too expensive and ineffective. I will consider these overarching principles in every decision I make as commissioner.
David S. Keller
Age: 37
Address: 169 Theodore Drive, Chambersburg, Pa.
Party: Republican
Employment: Computer Network Consultant (self-employed)
1. From an early age, I was encouraged through school, church and Boy Scouts to be of service to my community, and it's something I have tried to do throughout my life. Through my work as a computer network consultant and as a board member of several community organizations, I have enjoyed working to improve the lives of others. As county commissioner, I will have the ability to improve the lives of thousands of people, and there is nothing I would rather do more.
2. My work experience, education and service to the community have prepared me to serve the people of Franklin County as county commissioner. I am a 37-year-old native of Chambersburg with a bachelor's degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College, and I will earn my law degree later this month from Widener University. In addition, I have 14 years experience as a computer network consultant and have continued to work while earning my law degree in the evenings. I have also served in the U.S. Navy Reserve since May 2001, and have served on the board of three community organizations.
