Politics & Government

Republican Candidate Jim Brunell: 'Residents Ready for Change'

Republican Upper Macungie Supervisor candidate Jim Brunell said the township is currently being taken in a long-term negative direction

Jim Brunell, the Republican candidate for Upper Macungie Supervisor, says township residents are ready for change.

Brunell made the remarks in response to Patch's request for comment following incumbent Edward Earley's Monday announcement that he is seeking re-election to the Upper Macungie Board of Supervisors via a write-in campaign, after losing the Republican primary to Brunell in May.

"I have gone door-to-door and I can tell you from that experience that the township residents are ready for a change.  This township is being taken in a direction that I think will have a long term negative impact to the community as well as our  financial stability," Brunell said in a release.

Brunell took issue with the township's recent newsletter, which is mailed to all residents.

"The recent newsletter was one big campaign statement that the township is 'strong.'  The July numbers were used instead of August numbers because they show the 'best' snapshot. It was just that, a snapshot.  The voters are smarter than that," Brunell said.

Brunell was referring to the township's financial status and fund balances that were quoted in the township newsletter.

"My door-to-door experience has taught me that our residents are smart educated people.  They know what is happening in our community.  You don't have to be in emergency services to serve as a supervisor.  In fact, the opposite case can be made that perhaps the current members are too close to the police and fire departments," Brunell wrote in his statement, citing Earley's involvement in emergency services and as the chairman of the Berks-Lehigh Police Commission.
 
"We answer to the people, not just during the election year, but for every decision we make.  I was recently at a meeting held at South Whitehall Township where the command vehicle was discussed.  Several of the attendees asked for a 'FAQ' sheet to be prepared to justify the purchase of the vehicle, which in turn, sparked another discussion.  It was verbalized by a few of the current supervisors that each decision does not need explanation to the public.

"I agree that each and every minor decision made by the supervisors may not need a complete explanation.  However, a decision where over $500,000  is being spent between the two municipalities requires an explanation to the taxpayers.  That FAQ document was never prepared, a power point was presented instead," Brunell said.

Brunell was referring to the planned purchase of an emergency response vehicle that will be shared between Upper Macungie Township and South Whitehall Township at a cost of approximately $450,000.

Brunell said he will responsibly support the fire and police departments.

"My wife and I are currently raising our two daughters in this community. Community safety, quality of life, responsible development, roads, sewer, and recreation are all a priority," he said.   


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