Nov 2, 2009 By Rebekah Sungala 4 min read

German Township Supervisor Bob Belch and challenger Floyd “Buster” Gladman will square off for a second time in Tuesday’s general election. Belch, a registered Democrat who is seeking his third term in office, was unable to capture the Democratic Party’s nomination in the May primary but gathered enough write-in votes to garner the Republican nomination. Gladman’s name will appear on the Democratic ballot.

Belch said he’s done a lot to “clean up” German Township during his 12 years as supervisor and said he and his fellow supervisors, Bob Croushore and Dan Shimshock, work well together.

Saying that he’s confident his supporters will show up to vote for him on Tuesday, Belch said that he looks forward to helping move the township forward.

Belch said that about 65 percent of the township has public water and that only a small percentage has sewerage. The township plans to install more waterlines and wants to extend sewerage to several more communities.

“We’re working to acquire grants and will be moving forward very, very soon,” he said.

Belch said that the supervisors work closely with state Sen. Richard Kasunic, D-Dunbar; state Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-South Union Twp; and state Rep. Bill DeWeese, D-Waynesburg. Supervisors also are working closely with U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, in regards to funding for sewerage projects.

Belch said he and his fellow supervisors are also working closely with officials in hopes of bringing a state prison to the township. The prison would employ 700 people and help improve the township’s infrastructure, he said.

“I’ve always been a proud German Township supervisor, and I try to do what I feel is best for the residents. People know that if they ever have a problem that they can call me, and I’ll try to do what I can for them,” he said.

When Belch became a supervisor 12 years ago, he said the township’s equipment was in bad shape and revenue was low. During his tenure, the township’s equipment, including buildings and vehicles, has been upgraded. The township has also seen an increase in revenue from ongoing development, he said.

Belch said he is responsible for overseeing snow removal during the winter and that he takes the job seriously, adding that he is committed to the safety and well-being of township residents.

Belch said he initiated the “Proud to be German Township” T-shirt campaign and the annual spring cleanup.

“I am a full-time township supervisor. I live and breath German Township, and I want the township to grow and prosper,” he said.

Gladman, who has been employed by the township for 16 years, said he thinks it’s time for a change.

“As my primary election victory shows, people want a supervisor who will serve with integrity and honesty, and who they know is trustworthy,” he said.

Gladman, a heavy machine operator and a truck driver with a commercial drivers license, said his experience as a township employee gives him an intimidate knowledge of the township, its people and its needs.

According to Gladman, residents want improved roads, better police protection, more efficient water and drainage systems, sewerage and a safe and fun environment to raise their children.

Saying that he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty, Gladman said that he will, if elected, be out working and not sitting behind a desk as supervisor.

Gladman has 24 years of service with the U.S. Army Reserve and is a decorated Iraq War veteran, having earned a Bronze Star, and currently holding the rank of master sergeant.

During his time overseas, Gladman said he was an advisor to 800 Iraqi troops learning to protect their newly Democratic country. He also trained thousands of U.S. troops inside military bases as they prepared for Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The people I’ve talked to are eager for a change, and as their elected Democrat supervisor, I will work tirelessly to make sure we keep moving forward,” Gladman said, noting that his victory over Belch in the May primary is “proof positive that the residents of German Township want change.”

Both candidates accused their opponent of running dirty campaigns, saying election signs have gone missing and/or been damaged.

Conflict between supporters of both men was reported near the township building as the election neared, with tensions running high. Both candidates said they expect the race to be close but trust that their supporters will pull them through.

If elected, Gladman will be one of two men to become Fayette County’s first black township supervisors. If victorious, he and Clarence “Clu” Johnson, who is running unopposed in Perry Township, will make history.

Both men downplayed race and attributed their success to hard work and strong supporters.