Candidates stress preserving Eldred’s lifestyle during forum

By David Pierce
Pocono Record Writer

Preservation of Eldred Township’s quiet, rural lifestyle was a theme addressed repeatedly Wednesday during a supervisor campaign forum at the township’s new community center.

Joann Bush and Cathy Martinelli are competing in Tuesday’s primary for the Republican nomination for township supervisor. The winner will face unopposed Democrat Kevin Silliman in the fall general election for a six-year term.

The three fielded about two dozen questions submitted by residents through social media and read at the forum. About 30 people watched the event at the former Eldred Elementary School, which the township acquired early this year for special programs and events and for office rentals.

There is a community room, art room and music room in the former school. The YMCA also is offering classes and events there.

“It’s very important to keep this thing up and running,” Bush said in response to a question about the candidates’ vision for the center. She said it will take hard work and grant applications to maintain the momentum.

Silliman said “core revenue” is needed for the center. Perhaps free classes can be held there someday, he added.

Martinelli agreed the center needs consistent revenue. She said the center could serve as a place for senior citizens to take classes and attend luncheons.

“It’s off to a great start with the music room and the art,” she said.

The candidates also were asked about their vision for the township.

“I’d like to see it remain the way it is,” said Silliman, pointing to advantages his children have had growing up in Eldred. “It’s quiet. It’s safe. I enjoy it.

“I love the rural area of the township, the quaintness, the charm of it,” Martinelli said. “I’d love to see it grow but still maintain the country charm, the farming.”

“I’d love to keep it in the fashion I have grown to love,” Bush said. “My goal would be to see if we can keep it that way.”

Martinelli has worked in township government in nearby Chestnuthill for 25 years. She previously worked with Chestnuthill’s planning and zoning hearing boards, was part of its emergency management team and has written grant applications. Martinelli currently serves as the township’s secretary/treasurer and office manager.

“I absolutely love it,” Martinelli said of the job. “It’s never a dull moment.”

Bush and her husband started Mrs. Bush’s Personal Care Home in 1986. She pointed to her involvement in training staff, administrating the nursing home and working with the state Department of Public Welfare in obtaining and maintaining required licenses.

Bush said she initially got involved in township matters over concerns about a proposed ordinance change for a shooting range. Then Bush found she has the time to be a township supervisor.

Silliman serves on the Eldred Township Planning Commission, represents Eldred on a West End regional zoning and planning board called CJERP and is active on the local fire department. He is employed as a phone company supervisor.

All three candidates expressed deep reservations about the shooting range.

“In my opinion that’s one of the reasons regional zoning was put into place,” Silliman said.

Martinelli noted shooting ranges were eliminated as a permitted use in Eldred because Chestnuthill and Ross townships already allow them under the regional zoning.

Bush said Eldred was incorporated into the CJERP regional zoning plan during a three-year period before the Eldred shooting range proposal was submitted.