Voters in Brecknock Township will choose two people to represent them on the board of supervisors in the Nov. 4 election.
There are two candidates competing for a six-year term on the board. Those candidates are Ron McClure, a Democrat, and Annette Baker, a Republican.
There are also two candidates seeking a two-year term on the board. Those candidates are Jason Coyle, a Democrat, and Mary Kozak, a Republican.
McClure and Coyle are incumbents.
The candidates were asked to respond to the following questions.
Question 1: What makes you an ideal representative of this area?
Question 2: What needs improvement in your municipality?
Annette Baker
Annette Baker
Party: Republican.
Age: 58.
Occupation: Baker is an author and speaker.
Response 1: As a longtime resident of Brecknock Township, this community is where my family has grown and thrived. Brecknock is special: offering the peace of rural living with convenient access to major highways and opportunities. My background in public policy, ecology and certification in public administration provide me with the knowledge and practical experience to make balanced, informed decisions that protect our quality of life while promoting responsible growth.
Response 2: Our township faces challenging times ahead. The current supervisors approved spending over $1.5 million on a new maintenance shed, funded through a bond and partial grants. While some additional grants may help offset the costs, taxpayers still bear the ultimate responsibility. As supervisor, I will prioritize pursuing every available grant opportunity to reduce that burden.
Another concern is the growing pressure to approve warehouse developments. I do not support turning Brecknock into a warehouse corridor. I believe in responsible, well-planned growth that reflects the wishes of our residents and preserves our township’s character. Regular town halls, transparency and open dialogue with our neighbors are essential to making sure future development aligns with community values, not outside interests.
Mary Kozak
Mary Kozak
Party: Republican.
Age: 68.
Occupation: Kozak is a caregiver and advocate.
Response 1: I am an ideal representative for Brecknock Township because I am willing to serve my constituents well and do everything necessary, in that capacity, to meet the needs of my voters. I promise to listen to their concerns and to do all necessary research, allowing me accuracy and timeliness in my responses, and I will offer complete disclosure regarding all inquiries. I promise to give the residents a truthful answer, taking full responsibility for my actions, and I will not pass on to others any responsibility that is solely mine.
As supervisor I will lead with humility and strength, and acknowledge the residents with truthful answers and allow complete respect for their concerns. We are stronger together. I look forward to serving our Brecknock neighbors, as their supervisor, to bring about responsible growth to our community, all while maintaining our rural lifestyle, which does not include building warehouses and strip malls. As a former Berks County elected official, I have knowledge and contacts with other officials from the other 67 counties throughout the commonwealth.
Response 2: Improvements in our township should include full transparency between our township supervisors and all residents within the township. When a resident asks a question, it should be answered thoroughly and truthfully and not deflected and left as someone else’s problem. It is up to the supervisors to research the question and deliver an accurate answer to the inquiring constituent; our constituents should be able to have complete trust in us and have the confidence that we will make the best-informed decisions for the betterment of our township.
Ron McClure could not be reached for response.
Jason Coyle did not provide a response.