Meet Upper Milford Supervisor Candidate James R. Krippe

Age:   63  Retired

Family:  Married 22 years to wife Michele, children Jonathon age 11 and adult son James

Political party:  Republican

Education: 

Certification of Construction Management from Thomas Nelson College in Virginia   

Certification for International Building Codes

Master Fire Science Certification from Pennsylvania State University

Certifications in Fire Science from Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Master Preplanning, Emergency Vehicle Operation, Fire Investigation,

Certifications from Pennsylvania Department of Health for Crash Victim Extrication, Emergency Medical Technician

Certification from Federal Emergency Management Agency for Disaster Incident Command

CERT Training (Community Emergency Response Team) affiliated with both Federal and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agencies (FEMA & PEMA)

Over 40 years in the construction industry as Superintendent and Construction   Manager

Professional / Business Background:
My experience in construction gave me the opportunity to deal with the financial, planning, scheduling, problem solving, expediting, and economical means for completion of projects with strict budgets. Most of which were for school districts that required achieving their needs with limited funding and still meeting quality of construction.

My experience in the fire service gave me the opportunity to meet the immediate needs of the public while in emergency situations requiring the knowledge to resolve the emergency conditions while keeping both the public and emergency personal safe.

I have experience in several volunteer community committees, such as Chairman of Zoning Board, West Hazleton, PA

Why are you running for Upper Milford Supervisors?
I am running for the position of Upper Milford Township Supervisor because I have attend 90% of the meetings over the past 3 years and have seen how some of the workings can be adjusted in both finance and preplanning to better meet the needs of the Township.   Many times property taxes had to be increased because of poor decisions in spending due to unnecessary land purchases, replacing equipment instead of repairing, and creating a new administrative position at a high wage are a few areas of wasted spending.

What qualifies you to serve on Upper Milford Supervisors?
The qualifications I have that best meet the requirements for a Township Supervisor are my ability to do my own thinking, gather all the facts on an issue in order to make a decision that would best meet the needs of the taxpayer, my proven experience on how to stretch the funds when given a limited budget, and from my construction experience, I developed the means of solving problems by thinking outside of the box in order to save money. My life experience has given me the ability to handle and treat people with the respect they deserve.

What do you see as the Upper Milford Supervisors’ primary role and responsibilities?
The primary role of a supervisor is to use all necessary means available to keep the public safe; roads, streets and bridges in best repair for safe travel; have resources available in order to prepare and plan in times of a township wide or localized emergency; and stretch all revenues to best meet the needs of the township. Work within the means so not to create BIG GOVERNMENT. Work with and listen to what the public wants. Keep transparency and use public media such as the web page to keep the public aware of the issues facing the Township.  

Tell us about three major challenges facing Upper Milford Township and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible):
The question was for three challenges I feel there are four facing the township at this time appear to be financial, public safety, and growth within the township and surrounding communities and the fourth is the volunteers as I mention for without them the supervisors job would be even harder.

1. Public safety I feel is the top priority.  Constant monitoring of resources and needs of the fire departments in equipment, personnel and training are required so they are prepared and ready for any type of emergency that may arise. Plans need to be ready should a township wide disaster, or even a localized emergency, occur so the public knows who to call for non emergency assistance but also includes having immediate plans for short duration  housing of the public in time of emergency. Plans should also be prepared in the event of public evacuation and routes, when and if, needed along with places of extended stay.

Also, in recent years there has been an increase of crime in the township. As the area grows, it is a fact crime will increase. Although presently the State Police are doing an exceptional job but through economics will the state continue this policy of municipality protection or will the state only be a back up to a municipal police force?  The township should have a plan when and if additional police coverage is needed.

2. Financial: Revenues will always be problem for municipalities. Financial expenditures or budgets need to be planned not only for the present needs but plan for future projects, maintenance, upgrading of equipment and growth.  Each department should be held accountable to meet the budget.  Presently there is no one designated to research grant money from the state or federal government. I realize that although the grants are still taxpayer’s money the funds are pulled from a larger population and resources. By getting grants it lessens the total burden on Upper Milford Taxpayers. This has been proven by the grants received for the sewer project lowered the burden on the individual land owners.

3.   Along with the continuous need for street maintenance. The township needs to begin a plan on how the infrastructure of the streets and highways need to be changed to meet the traffic growth in the area. It has been witnessed that depending on the surrounding communities to help is not the answer. Presently there is a development in planning that is going to greatly impact traffic in an area where speeding has already been an issue and traffic congestion exists. Although the development may have a revenue impact, someone needs to be stern on approval so the safety needs of the public are first and most important. Many of the changes may be required from the state. The township officials should be in constant contact with state officials and representatives so they know the hazards and how they can help solve them.

4.  Although the supervisors have the responsibility to govern, Upper Milford Township would not be one of the best communities to live in without the dedication of the volunteers who serve in the emergency services and those who unselfishly give many hours serving on the different committees. It is a challenge of the supervisors to find these people, but showing their appreciation for the work they do should not be.

How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded?
Expenditures for the campaign are based on election boards limits and spending will be limited accordingly. I have not solicited funding because solicitation usually requires the return of favors and that is not how I wish to fund my campaign.  Any funds received were not solicited.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?
The only endorsement I am looking for is from the general public to vote for me and trust in me to govern the township to best serve and meet the needs of the taxpayers.

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.
For this campaign I have not used any social media.