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Two seek Dem nod for Perry Township supervisor

By Erin Hayes for The 2 min read

Two candidates are seeking the six-year term of supervisor in Perry Township in the May 19 primary.

Clarence M. Johnson and Thomas E. Martinak Jr., both Democrats, have filed to fill the seat. Johnson currently serves as a supervisor.

Clarence Morris, a Democrat, was the lone person to file paperwork for the 4-year term. Morris was appointed in September to fill the remaining balance of the term left vacant when Janet Gallo resigned as supervisor.

Johnson said he recently started serving as a full-time roadmaster as part of his supervisor post. As such, he has the responsibility of maintaining 28 miles of roadway, three parks, the municipal facilities and equipment.

“I think the experience gained in working closely with two very effective, active and community-oriented public servants as (longtime supervisor A.J.) Boni and Galla has given me a greater understanding of the meaning of public service,” Johnson said. “They brought Perry Township forward with a lot of personal sacrifice.”

A retired electrician, Johnson still works as an electrician and gas line installer through his private business, ABC Construction, and also serves on the Perry Township Municipal Authority.

“There are immense challenges going forward with deteriorating bridges, the need to upgrade important dirt roads and ever present drainage issues. Again, I think I can serve the township well in obtaining improved results with these issues,” he said.

Martinak has no prior public service experience, but said he would bring 35 years worth of experience in the construction field, involving maintaining highways and buildings. He currently works as a construction foreman for Chapman Corporation, based in Washington, Pa.

“Throughout my years in construction, I have operated heavy equipment, installed piping and blacktop roads, and poured concrete. I would consider leadership, dependability, integrity, and judgment and decision making as my greatest strengths. I have managed up to 20 people at a time in my current job,” he said.

“Some of the challenges I see today would be road and equipment maintenance, keeping taxes at a minimum, and figuring out a solution for the sewage system. I feel with the right personnel in place, the above challenges will no longer be challenges,” he added.

If elected, Marinak said: “I would like the township to be more self-efficient, to take on more responsibility rather than subbing the work off to other contractors.”

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