(Editor’s note: The following is an editorial submission, courtesy of Annette Long for Montgomery Township Supervisor. The views expressed in this editorial are her own. To submit an editorial, send your Word document and a photo to [email protected].)
My name is Annette Long, and I am a candidate for Montgomery Township Supervisor. I was born and raised in the Feltonville section of Philadelphia. My father was a Korean War Veteran and union factory worker. My mother is from Puerto Rico and moved to Philadelphia in the early 1960’s. I attended public schools and graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls. In 1985, I moved to Montgomery County and raised three children. Each of my children graduated from North Penn High School and are now serving their communities in public education and law enforcement. A paralegal since 1994, I have been a dedicated volunteer working with non-profits which host legal clinics and serve first responders, victims of domestic violence, the multi-cultural community, children, and society’s most vulnerable.
I am running for Montgomery Township Supervisor because I believe the township should be run as a business. With a township budget of over $25M, qualified individuals should be elected to serve as supervisors. Local government plays a role enacting and enforcing ordinances, adopting budgets, authorizing expenditures, and hiring employees. I will work to carry out these roles as well as continue the effort of maintaining roads, parks and trails; ensuring public safety, assessing environmental protections, and providing exceptional services and facilities for our township residents. I would like to be a part of the board to assure our economic development, the safety and security of our citizens, and to safeguard our quality of life. This position is about ensuring that policies reflect our community values and desires; it requires business experience, knowledge, and understanding—all of which I possess and will use to benefit Montgomery Township.
My experience in the fields of law, finance, and construction brings a level of expertise that other candidates simply do not have. My training, education and experience as a Pennsylvania Certified Paralegal and office manager have provided me with problem solving skills as well as multi- tasking, administrative, advocacy, and organizational skills. Having served as a financial administrator for a non-profit and graduating magna cum laude with a B.S. in Legal Studies in Business from Peirce College, I am accustomed to dealing with budgets, balance sheets, and Income and expense statements. This knowledge will assist in making informed decisions regarding the use and management of township funds and how they will impact the residents of our township. Working in the construction industry has afforded me special insight in reading contracts, site plans, requests for proposals, and bid documents. As a bilingual, Spanish speaking Latina with experience on various boards, I will also work to promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities in our local government.
I believe government should operate with transparency, while being fiscally responsible, and maintaining the highest ethical standards. Responding to our resident’s concerns is a top priority. I believe that it is the role of a supervisor to serve the best interest of all residents. My goal is to provide regular outreach, office hours, and improved constituent services. Ensuring that we maintain a balance of sensible and sustainable growth, proper planning and repair of infrastructure, preserving open space, and foresight for long-term growth are important to continue the progress and vitality in Montgomery Township. Remaining fiscally responsible and budget minded are essential. I will support policies that reflect our community values and diversity. I am committed to responsibly and efficiently represent the needs and desires of our residents, businesses, and taxpayers. I will bring my experience and passion to ensure transparent, common-sense government in Montgomery Township.
For more information, please visit Annette’s website or email her directly to discuss your concerns. Campaign Website: http://alongforchange.org/ Email: [email protected].
See also:
Letter to the Editor: Laura Smith and Chuck Wilson, for Towamencin Supervisors
Letter to the Editor: Joyce Snyder and Peter Murphy, for Towamencin Supervisor
Letter to the Editor: North Penn Neighbors for Progress, School Board Candidates
Letter to the Editor: Denton Burnell, for Lansdale Borough Council
Letter to the Editor: John Waldenberger, for Montgomery County Commissioner
