Two challenging incumbent for Springfield seat
SPRINGFIELD TWP. – Democrats Ron Friend and Henry Whipkey are challenging incumbent Supervisor Ross Miner, a Republican, in the May primary election for a six-year term. Miner, who previously worked for the township as a laborer for 11 years before he was elected to his first term as a supervisor, stressed the importance of taking pride in the recreation facilities in place for the youth.
“We strive for the kids,” said Miner, who resides in Mill Run with his wife Kelly and two children, Nathan and Nolan.
While Miner said he was not making any campaign promises he would continue to do his job effectively.
Miner is also a member of the Mill Run Volunteer Fire Co. and its recreation board.
“Money is tight in this area, and while the winter went pretty well it still takes up your budget,” said Miner.
Whipkey, on the other hand, is putting his energy in holding the line on taxes following, what he said was a hefty increase by the current board of supervisors several years ago. He is also concerned about road maintenance.
“We don’t really have infrastructure in this township and our property taxes were doubled,” said Whipkey, who resides in Normalville with his wife Jennifer and five children.
Whipkey noted that he ran for supervisor in 2000 and missed being elected to the post by three votes.
With more than 20 years of experience in construction, including the last 17 as a heavy equipment operator, Whipkey said some of the township’s roads are barely maintained while others could have been built better.
“I don’t want to run a negative campaign but some of this is just past practices of all the township supervisors…the roads just aren’t built,” said Whipkey, a 12-year member of the Operating Engineers Local 66.
In addition, Whipkey said he was opposed to the property tax increase stating the supervisors could have chose other options such as raising the wage tax to generate the income.
“A large portion of the money goes to (Fayette) County and the township itself doesn’t receive as much money now… it hurt the residents,” said Whipkey.
Whipkey also disagrees with the need for three working supervisors since they also serve as road masters. “It’s supposed to be about what you can do for the township,” said Whipkey.
Friend could not be reached for comment.