Election hopefuls outline platform
REDSTONE TWP. – Roadmasters and police officers are issues at the heart of this year’s campaign for Redstone Township supervisor. Republican nominee Tom Zimmerlink is running on a platform that the township doesn’t need three roadmasters to supervise the three workers on the township road crew.
“Each has his own employee to look after,” Zimmerlink said.
At present, two of the three supervisors are roadmasters. The third, Ray Paris, stepped down this year as roadmaster to become the executive director of the Southwest Regional Tax Bureau. Paris lost his bid for re-election in the primary, with George Matis winning the Democratic nomination.
Zimmerlink said he would like to see the township hold evening meetings so working residents can attend.
Zimmerlink said he intends to continue to operate his Charleroi business if he is elected to the board of supervisors.
“I just look at the job as managing the township. It could be a big savings to the township to go to two roadmasters,” Zimmerlink said. “I’d be there in the mornings and evenings as need be, and during the day when necessary.”
Zimmerlink said the supervisor’s job is to set priorities and manage the staff to make sure the priorities are carried out.
“You don’t need to be there eight hours a day to do that if you have good employees,” Zimmerlink said.
Matis is running on a campaign that the township needs a few more good employees, specifically police officers. The township disbanded the police department earlier this year, with the supervisors saying they were unable to obtain insurance for the department.
“I realize the financial pinch we’re in, but we’ve got to do something about the police department. Everyone I talk to wants a local police department. That’s my number one priority,” Matis said. “You just have to figure out different ways to see if there are any grants, talk to other police departments and see how they’re doing it.”
Like Zimmerlink, Matis also runs his own business, Matis Supply, selling industrial janitorial supplies and doing automotive work.
“I have provisions in place for employees to take over,” Matis said, saying he would devote himself full-time to the township.
Both Matis and Zimmerlink have degrees in business. Matis also attended Vale Technical Institute, getting a background in mechanics.
He also holds a commercial drivers license and is the second assistant chief with the Republic Volunteer Fire Department, where he has been a member for 25 years. He has been married to the former Lois Thomas of Adah for 12 years.
Zimmerlink is a member of the Allison Volunteer Fire Department, where he serves as the treasurer of the relief association.
Zimmerlink has been married to his wife, Angela, for the past 22 years.