(Editor’s note: Recently, The Daily Herald sent out letters to individuals listed in our coverage area who have filed for candidacy in the May 15 primary election. Individuals were asked to send back the information so that the Herald could spotlight each candidate to the public. The Daily Herald compiled the information on the candidates and is currently running the spotlight articles to provide complete coverage of the election to our readers. It should be noted that if a candidate did not provide information to the Herald, then no information will be printed about them for the upcoming election.)
Charles W. Taylor has recently announced his candidacy for the office of Antis Township Supervisor in the upcoming Republican Primary Election on May 15.
Taylor currently serves as Vice Chairman of the board and is looking to be re-elected for another six-year term.
First elected to serve on the Board of Supervisors in 2001, Taylor also served as Chairman of the Antis Township Planning Commission, Chairman of the Antis Township Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee and as a member of the Northern I-99 Enterprise Zone Committee.
Taylor said, “During my term on the Board of Supervisors, the Township has faced many challenges.
“Shortly after my election to the Board of Supervisors, the Township was forced to replace its first Township Manager, due to the sudden and untimely death of Manager Bill Hughes. I led the effort, with the assistance of an independent professional consultant, to establish a systematic process to identify and select the best candidate for Township Manager. The individual selected, Jeff Ziegler, has served the township successfully for over three years, administering the daily functions of township government efficiently and effectively.”
He continued, sharing another big issue the board dealt with during his term, “Also in 2003, the Board of Supervisors received notice of the first of two proposals for the establishment of a methadone clinic in Antis Township. Both proposed locations, in Bellemeade and later in the Tipton area, were grossly inappropriate for this type of establishment, which, it is generally agreed, should be sited in a population center, with access to public transportation and medical support resources. I supported the efforts of concerned citizens in the community by assisting them in making their concerns known to decision-makers in Harrisburg. Ultimately both clinic proposals were abandoned.”
As Chairman of the Antis Township Planning Commission, Taylor explained his responsibilities, “I conduct the monthly meetings in an organized and deliberate manner, ensuring that recommendations to the Board of Supervisors are based upon careful review and consistent application of the Township\’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.
“As a result, the Board of Supervisors has greater confidence in, and places greater reliance on, the recommendations of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission recently completed a comprehensive review and update of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and developed an Industrial Wind Turbine Ordinance, both of which were adopted by the Board of Supervisors.”
Taylor has been employed at C&G Savings Bank in Altoona for the past 15 years. As Chief Financial Officer for the Bank, he directs all accounting, financial reporting and analysis, financial planning and regulatory reporting for the bank. He also serves as the bank\’s Investment Officer.
“I am grateful to the Board of Directors and the President and CEO of the bank for recognizing the value of this type of community service and for granting me the necessary flexibility in scheduling to effectively perform my duties as Supervisor,” said Taylor.
A graduate of Bellwood-Antis High School, Taylor attended the Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Bachelor\’s Degree in Accounting, with highest distinction. He is a member of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, the Financial Managers Society, the Pennsylvania Association of Community Bankers, the Tyrone Elks Lodge and a life member of the National Rifle Association.
“Many candidates for public office seem to be interested primarily in one or two ‘big issues’ on which their candidacy is based. In my case, I am interested in forging alliances in local, state and federal government, as well as private interests, to extend safe, dependable and affordable water and sanitary sewer service to the hundreds of families in the township that lack this basic public service. I think that this is an achievable long-term goal, and the township is making progress toward that goal.”
He continued, saying, “I believe that what most residents want from their township government is to live their lives with minimum government interference. When it is necessary for residents to interact with their township government, they have a right to expect that their Board of Supervisors will apply the necessary laws and regulations fairly and consistently.
“In my first term as Supervisor, I have established a consistent record of advocating for limited government and equal application of laws and regulations for all, and I look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Antis Township as Supervisor.”
