2. I have been a resident of Franklin County for 35 years, so I know the area. I have been a father and a grandfather so I can relate to people of all ages. As a manufacturing engineer, I have a business background and I am well aware of what companies have had to do to survive and the problems they face. I am a trained problem solver. I have been actively involved politically so I have a good knowledge of the issues that we face.
3. Growth is our No. 1 problem. That is what is driving up our taxes, increasing demands for services and fueling increases in crime. I would work to obtain impact fees to force the developers to share part of the burden and have more open space set aside for recreational uses. Seek alternatives to the property tax. Support increased funding for our volunteer fire companies and ambulance squads. Investigate giving police powers to the sheriff's department. I promise to save at least double my salary in cost savings by making county government more lean and efficient.
Ben Statler
Age: 56
Address: 546 Philadelphia Ave., Chambersburg, Pa.
Party: Republican
Employment: Franklin Co. maintenance department
1. I want to be a county commissioner because I feel I can best serve the residents of the county in this position. The county faces many different challenges and I feel that my diversified experience will help the county deal with these challenges.
2. I am a graduate of Penn State with more than 20 years of management experience. As a manager, I've worked with engineers, developers, contractors, plumbers, excavators, and township, state and local officials. And I've also assisted a multitude of citizens with their concerns.
3. The county's rapid growth would be our most pressing issue. It is important that all our local officials work together to guide our growth. I would encourage the use of the tools we currently have in place and also promote new tools to manage our growth.
Cheryl Stearn
Age: 60
Address: 3870 Ricklyn Drive, Chambersburg, Pa.
Party: Democrat
Employment: Manager of Sunrise Electronics and Computers. If elected, I will be a full-time commissioner.
1. County government has benefited by having a woman as commissioner for the last 12 years. Of the 12 candidates, I am the only woman. I will promote openness and transparency in county government. Franklin County's public information needs to be open and available for all citizens. Other counties post much more information online, such as budgets, approved meeting minutes and forms. I believe I have the background, training, energy and desire to be a great, full-time public servant.
2. I've had 34 years of financial and management experience. I know how important it is to manage money well and to make payroll for 80-plus employees. I serve on the Chambersburg Hospital Board and am head of the Trinity Episcopal Church Vestry. I know what it means to work in a nonprofit. I will be a full-time commissioner who brings creativity and cooperation to the job. I also am technically knowledgeable and bring my training in business and technology to the commissioner's position. I consider myself a problem solver with the critical thinking skills needed to solve county problems.
3. Franklin County is under tremendous growth pressure. We are in danger of losing the quality of life we cherish. I would expand the county planning department and improve their geographic information system (GIS) so that the county planning department could offer some significant recommendations on land-use planning and development proposals. I would encourage townships and boroughs to work together to solve growth issues through multi-municipal planning. I would make sure the county comprehensive plan is up to date and relevant. Other pressing issues are social service issues - mental health and transportation - that need study.
Douglas Tengler
Age: 37
Address: 20 E. Second St., Waynesboro, Pa.
Party: Republican
