Meet Your Candidates: Mark Joseph

Name: Mark Joseph

Occupation: Insurance agency owner

Length of time living in Newtown Township: 10 years; Newtown Borough resident for 10 years

What organizations and activities are you involved with locally?

I have been an active member of the community coaching Council Rock softball for 16 years, Newtown Little League for five years, and also as a member of St. Andrew's Church.

Taxes are always of interest to residents, especially in these tough economic times. What suggestions do you have to improve the efficiency of the township to save tax dollars?

I will hold the line on taxes. To create savings for the township, I will streamline fire and emergency services, while maintaining the highest level of protection for our citizens.  Additionally, our current Supervisors' majority has incited unnecessary litigation that wastes taxpayers' money.  I will stop the township from entering into such wasteful litigation.

Sycamore Street is the focus of Newtown Township’s downtown shopping district. However, the Acme site remains an eyesore and some residents say the street is not as pedestrian friendly as it should be. What suggestions do you have for improving this key shopping and business district in Newtown Township?

The Acme site is a privately-owned property and is in the development phase.  I would like to see that property developed wisely with consideration for pedestrians and traffic flow.  As Supervisor, I would make Sycamore Street more pedestrian friendly by adding additional signs at crosswalks and through better enforcement of posted speed limits.   

What other issues would you like to see come to the forefront if you are elected to the Board of Supervisors?

As a Supervisor, I would force a decision to be made with regards to Veterans Park.  The taxpayers of the Township have already spent over $3 million on this project and there is still a no trespassing sign at the park entrance which keeps people from using the park they paid for.  This park was to be opened already, yet it may not be ready for next year.  Our current supervisors' majority has mismanaged this project and refuses to make decisions about how to move forward.  I will make sure that the taxpayers' money is not wasted on this project and that it is opened for the residents to use.

In 50 words or less, why should residents vote for you?

I would be the only business owner on the board.  I understand the needs of our community and I am passionate about improving the quality of life in Newtown. I see the need for both fiscal prudence and the need for community services.  I have the experience to provide both.