Republican voters in Exeter Township will choose three candidates in the upcoming primary election as their nominees for three open seats for supervisor.
In the May 16 primary election, six Republican candidates are vying for their party’s nomination for the two six-year terms.
Four of the hopefuls have also put in bids for the remaining two years of a partial term to be decided in the November general election.
Incumbent Supervisors George Bell and David L. Vollmer Jr. face primary challenges from Larry Logo, Fred Whitehawk, Michael Kennedy and John “Jack” Piho for the six-year seat.
Vollmer, Drogo, Whitehawk and Piho also appear on the GOP ballot for the two-year term.
Incumbents are noted with an asterisk. We asked each candidate to response to two questions:
Question 1: Why do you believe you are the right person for this position?
Question 2: What are the most important issues facing the township right now, and how do you plan to address them?
John (Jack) Piho
Age: Not provided
Background: Registered professional engineer and owner of Piho Engineering, a construction and engineering firm. Former Exeter Township supervisor, having been appointed in March 2021 to serve the remainder of the term that year.
Website: https://makingexeterbetter.com
Response 1: My professional qualifications that are unique to the position of Exeter Township supervisor. As owner of my own engineer and construction firm I have vast knowledge of codes, ordinances and business practices. Proven track record of being able to work with others on a collaborative approach.
Response 2: Promoting transparency with residents by bringing back the newsletter on a monthly basis. This will allow the Exeter residents to continue to know what is happening and being planned in Exeter. Also, completion of a comprehensive short- and long-range plan for the township.
Larry Drogo
Age: 71
Background: Retired project engineer overseeing large industrial projects across the country. Formerly owned a small manufacturing business. Former chairman of Exeter Township Sewer Authority.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/larryd215
Response 1: I am retired, having lived 40 years in Exeter and have the time to address the many issues facing Exeter. I have been involved in many aspects of the township and served 25 years as sewer board chairman. I’ve been a member and leader of numerous committees and organizations, including past president of Pagoda Pacers and Daniel Boone Associates. I will bring back civility to our meetings and resident interactions. I have the experience and ability to bring people together for the good of all. We have lost most of our long-time management staff; I will reverse this.
Response 2: My immediate priority would be to stop the new apartment complex. We bought the Reading Country Club to stop just this type of development. Another priority would be to renegotiate the contract with RHM (Reading Hospitality Management, LLC) for the benefit of Exeter.
George Bell*
Age: 51
Background: Financial adviser. Current chairman of the Exeter Township supervisors.
Website: facebook.com/georgebellexeter
Response 1: As one of the two incumbent supervisors on the Bell-Vollmer team and the only incumbents running for election, we feel it’s important to maintain focus on several key areas: maintaining the township’s excellent police department; implementing a long-term facility plan that meets the needs of the personnel of the Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department; optimizing use of existing properties in support of the public works department; seeking additional grant funds for park improvements and maintenance; and collaborating with our planning commission and partner municipalities to update our comprehensive plan. Also, we want to continue our valuable partnership with Reading Hospitality LLC in order to restore the Reading Country Club to her former glory.
Response 2: I consider the need to develop a long-term solution for our fire department facilities to be chief among the many challenges Exeter Township faces. Our community is extremely fortunate to have a team of dedicated and well-trained firefighters. The fire department facilities on the other hand are aging and no longer meet the department’s needs. In partnership with the fire department, the Fire Advisory Board and our community, it is imperative that we advance plans for a new fire station for Exeter Township. A new facility will likely help attract firefighters and volunteer firefighters alike. We will accomplish this in a way that maximizes grant funds and private sector contribution so as to not burden our taxpayers.
Fred Whitehawk
Age: 67
Background: Air Force veteran, worked in the automobile industry for 27 years, now retired.
Response 1: I decided to run for township supervisor after I saw how the current board attacked community members’ First Amendment rights.
Response 2: I hope to bring a sense of compromise and common sense to our local government.
David L. Vollmer Jr.*
No response provided
Michael Kennedy
No response provided
Source: Berkshire mont
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