Two vie for North Union seat
While neither candidate for North Union Township supervisor has held office before, both men said they can bring life experience to the job to help meet the township’s needs. And Democratic candidate Curtis Matthews and Republican candidate Carmen Galderisi III both said they will work as full-time supervisors to continue the projects that are necessary to promote economic growth and community development in the township.
The two men will square off Tuesday for a six-year seat as a supervisor.
Galderisi, who earned a spot on the Republican ballot through a write-in campaign, said the little things are what make a good supervisor, including meeting with township residents individually and meeting their needs.
“I want to help all the people of North Union Township, regardless of party affiliation,” Galderisi said.
The self-employed, 50-year-old Laurel Highlands graduate said he is committed to keeping the tax rate steady by making the proper investments. He said he hopes to keep the financial burden on the township down by working hard to secure grant money for township projects.
While Galderisi has never held public office, he said he is confident he can accomplish his goals, which include a recreation center and a walking path.
“We need something for the elderly to be able to convene. We need to recognize them as well as the youth, who are the future,” he said.
Matthews agrees that a recreation center is a need for the township, not only for the residents but also to attract new business.
“It will provide a place for children to play, and it will attract new businesses to the area because it is a place for their kids to play,” he said.
The Democratic candidate and Laurel Highlands graduate said he has lived in the area his entire 48 years and that his work as a mason will bring perspective to the job.
“I have owned my own business for years, and being in the construction business, I’ve been around about everything a supervisor does,” Matthews said.
Matthews said his experience with contractors of all types of work will help him succeed as a supervisor.
He said that working as a full-time supervisor he will continue regular road maintenance and work to secure grants for water and sewer projects in the township. He said that in addition, he is committed to updating the code enforcement laws to help keep the township clean and that he will support the fire departments in any way he can.