Marple Newtown Voters: Who Will You Vote For in 2013?

The calendar has once again turned from December to January and with the new year comes another election cycle in Pennsylvania. The excitement and drama of a high-stakes presidential contest is over for another four years. But voters in Marple Newtown have very important decisions to make in both the 2013 Primary and General Election. So what's on the ballot this year?

Marple Newtown School Board

Voters in both Marple and Newtown townships will elect 4 members of the school board in November. The school board sets property tax rates, makes personnel decisions including selecting the school superintendent, makes decisions on technology, sports and music programs, curriculum and other important educational matters for the public school system. The position is a four-year term.

Newtown Township Supervisor

Newtown voters will elect 2 members of the Board of Supervisors in 2013. Supervisors are elected to six-year terms and make decisions on municipal tax rates, parks and recreation, zoning and development issues, and other public services such as roads, refuse and recycling programs.

Marple Township Commissioner 

Marple voters will elect 3 members of the Board of Commissioners in 2013. Voters in wards 2, 4, and 6 will select commissioners to serve a four-year term. Commissioners and make decisions on municipal tax rates, parks and recreation, zoning and development issues, and other public services such as roads, refuse and recycling programs.

Marple Township Treasurer and Controller

Voters in Marple will also elect a township treasurer and controller. The treasurer is responsible for tax collections for both the township and the school district, while the controller performs critical functions pertaining to the review of township expenses and invoices and insuring the accuracy and legality of township spending. The term of office for treasurer and controller is four years.

In addition to the above offices, both townships will elect members of the Precinct Election Boards - these Judges and Inspectors of Elections work each election day operating the polling places and voting machines to insure a fair and accurate election. 

All of these offices are critical to local good government and require committed citizens who want to serve our community. If you're interested in possibly pursuing one of these positions, and are interested in running on the Democratic ballot, please contact me at chairman@mndems.com as soon as possible.

Candidates must file to run in the Primary Election by the first week in March. Other elections this year include statewide and county judges, county council, and county row offices.