Six Candidates Make Case for Three Seats on Upper Gwynedd’s Board of Commissioners

Dan Sokil | The Reporter•

Upper Gwynedd will see at least two new commissioners come 2024, and five new names in the running for three seats on the ballot in November.

A total of six candidates are on the ballot for four-year terms, and incumbent Democrat commissioner Katherine Carter is running alongside newcomers Greg Moll and Rebecca Moodie, against Republicans George Cressman, Tim Feltis and Fred Hencken, for the seats currently held by Carter and current Democrat commissioners Ruth Damsker and Martha Simelaro.

All candidates were asked the same questions, and below are their answers:

Katherine Carter (Submitted photo)

Describe your background and qualifications for a position on Upper Gwynedd’s board of commissioners.

Carter: My familial roots in Upper Gwynedd were planted over fifty years ago. I am a former teacher, and retired principal from the School District of Philadelphia. I am a Trustee for Montgomery County Community College. I earned my B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Chestnut Hill College, my M.S. in Educational Administration and Principal Certification from Cheyney University and my Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from St. Joseph’s University. I am the wife of a US Navy veteran and mother
to two beautiful children.

I am ready to continue the challenge of leading constituents as an Upper Gwynedd Township Commissioner. I bring a wealth of information and experience to the position.
Throughout my career, I have served and continue to serve in many capacities which include mentoring and coaching school administrators. I am on the Bereavement
Committee for the retired CASA, (Commonwealth Association of School Administrators), Teamster Union. I also serve on Victim Services Center MC, Inc., RSVP MC, and Because of Them Foundation Non-Profit boards.

Additionally, over the past four years, I have spent many hours in professional development to educate myself in the countless areas that a commissioner navigates. My
training and education in leadership, budgeting, and management experience with community agencies, governmental agencies, unions, facilities, and staff are formidable
attributes that are needed to be a commissioner worthy of serving the citizens of Upper Gwynedd Township.

Greg Moll (Submitted photo)

Moll: For nearly 20 years, I have offered responsible and pragmatic representation to individuals, municipalities, public authorities, and school districts. As an attorney, I was a member of public finance teams that represented issuers and underwriters on a variety of capital improvement projects.

Currently, I have the honor of representing the hard-working teachers and support staff professionals of various school districts across Bucks and Montgomery counties. My background not only allows me to understand how functioning government operates at a local, county and state level, it also provides an appreciation for the massive responsibility inherent in the position I seek.

If elected, I will offer measured leadership with decisions rooted in evidence-based facts devoid of political expedience. I believe it will be my responsibility to listen to the legitimate concerns of all residents, regardless of whether you voted for me or identify with a different political party. I will enter each vote and every discussion with an open mind because I believe the purpose of argument is to further an understanding of a position, not to talk loud and declare victory. If we are able to respectfully show each other alternative perspectives, it allows us to better understand our neighbors.

Rebecca Moodie (Submitted photo)

Moodie: I graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with an emphasis in local township government. I also interned at a local township during my time at West Chester University. I am currently on the Zoning Hearing Board for Upper Gwynedd Township, and I have been since 2020. I work as a Senior Project Manager for Henkels & McCoy, Inc. where I manage multi-million-dollar utility construction projects that improve the overall infrastructure for our customers. I am lucky to work for an organization that supports the continuous improvement of our local infrastructure as well as our community at large. My time with Henkels and McCoy has allowed me to gain experience managing challenging projects and I have been effective in working with different people to support the overall goal of a successful project.

George Cressman (Submitted photo)

Cressman: My wife (Terri) and I have lived in Upper Gwynedd Township (UGT) for over 30 years and we love this community dearly. One of the ways we demonstrate that is that we help run a charity (Our Community Salutes of Montgomery County) that recognizes all of the high school graduates who enlist into the military in the county. We raise a bunch of money each year to hold the ceremony at Pine Crest Country Club for the enlistees and their parents to attend free of charge.

I am a proven leader having served nearly 33 years in the Army, retiring from the Reserves in 2016 at the rank of Colonel. I experienced two combat tours to the Middle East with the most dangerous and challenging being a year in Iraq from 2005/2006. I was also deployed to Haiti in 1994/1995 to restore democracy plus went on many exercises to a total of 22 countries. I was blessed to successfully pass countless military education and training courses such as Airborne, SERE Training Course, Command & General Staff College, Environmental Officer Course, Combat Life Savers Course, and countless others.

I received my BS and MS in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering from Drexel University and was asked to come back and be an Adjunct Professor. I have experience in civil, environmental, and geotechnical design, land development, traffic calming, and overseeing a wide range of design and construction projects all over the world. My love for my community, leadership abilities, engineering knowledge, and ability to build teams and work with a diverse group of individuals will all aid me in performing my commissioner duties.

Tim Feltis (Submitted photo)

Feltis: I am well-qualified because of my military and educational background. With a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Drexel University and a Master of Arts in Military Studies from the American Military University, my educational achievements equip me with the necessary analytical and problem-solving skills. Additionally, I completed several professional military education programs including the US Army Command and General Staff College, the US Air Force Air Command and Staff College, and Squadron Officer School, which helped develop my leadership skills.

Retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after over 20 years of service, including active duty in the United States Air Force and the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, demonstrates my leadership and management abilities. I’ve deployed eight times to the Afghanistan and Iraq theatres in various roles, including Aircraft Commander, Air Mobility Liaison Officer, and Mission Commander, which honed my skills in planning, coordination, execution, and teamwork. Furthermore, my experience as a Director of Wing Plans and Programs, Squadron Assistant Director of Operations, Pilot Flight Commander, Squadron Chief of Safety, Mobility Air Advisor, and C-130 E/H Instructor Pilot showcases my ability to lead, manage resources, and prioritize safety.

Fred Hencken (Submitted photo)

Hencken: I have a B.S. in Finance from Lehigh University and received an MBA from St Joseph’s University in Finance. I have almost 40 years of business experience, including capital budgeting, project and financial management, strategic planning, contract negotiations, and real estate. I’ve been a full-time licensed realtor for 13+ years. I’m also a 35+ year resident of Upper Gwynedd Township and have been heavily involved in multiple volunteer organizations. Within Upper Gwynedd Township (UGT), I coached girls’ softball at Nor Gwyn Baseball and Softball for over 20 years. I eventually took on the responsibility of Softball Commissioner, where with other parent volunteers I helped develop vibrant recreation and Select programs. I was an active volunteer on the Parkside Playground project. I’m currently a member of AMBUCS, which provides assistance for children and adults with physical disabilities. I’m currently the Treasurer of the UGT Industrial Development Authority. I serve on the Executive Board of a $850M asset community-based credit union. I serve on the Finance Council at St Rose of Lima Parish and I’m a proud member of the Knights of Columbus #9715 having previously served as Deputy Grand Knight.

Why are you running for a position on Upper Gwynedd’s board of commissioners?

Carter: I am running for re-election for Upper Gwynedd Township Commissioner to be a voice for all the citizens of Upper Gwynedd. I will continue to listen to our community, and to hear and respond to the concerns of our residents. My goal is to understand their concerns and to distill those differing viewpoints into a thoughtful, visionary direction for our township. We need to listen to each other and agree or disagree respectfully. I want the residents to be able to speak at the meetings and have honest conversations
with the Upper Gwynedd Team members. My overall goal is to keep the community up to date with accurate information and engaged in everything happening in Upper Gwynedd. Consensus is only built on a strong foundation of truth. I want to continue the work of creating multicultural events and more walkability so everyone can come
together. My mission is open communication, and for that to happen a genuine, honest relationship needs to continue to be developed.

Moll: I am running to be a member of Upper Gwynedd Township’s Board of Commissioners because I believe that every resident has a responsibility to their community to volunteer in a meaningful way. I view this opportunity not only as an obligation to give back to my community and set a positive example of good citizenship for my children, but also as a chance to use my experience working with municipalities and governmental entities and representing individuals of various political ideologies to help continue moving Upper Gwynedd forward. I believe my background and experience make me uniquely qualified to represent the interests and needs of our community in an apolitical manner.

My family knows how fortunate we are to live in Upper Gwynedd and enjoy many of the benefits our Township has to offer such as: Park-Sci Playground, the Nor-Gwyn Pool, and our Concert in the Park series. However, as many parents know, there are neighborhoods whose roadways lack sidewalks, making it impossible for residents to walk their neighborhood or access the Parkside Place complex without walking in the road for significant distances.

I’m running because I believe it is important for the Township to explore ways we can improve the safety and walkability of our community by continuing to invest in our first responder departments and identifying areas in need of sidewalks, bike lanes and safety crossing features so that we can enable our residents, particularly our young people, to live in a safe community that provides walkable access to our parks and the local trail systems.

As a candidate, I take seriously my responsibility to listen to the concerns of all residents of Upper Gwynedd, not just the voices of people that vote for me. I am running to be a public servant for Upper Gwynedd, not a politician.

Moodie: I am running for a position on the Board of Commissioners so I can be a part of what makes our community the best place to live. My educational background is in political science, and I have always been interested in local government. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Zoning Hearing Board, but I wanted a way to get more involved. I will work hard to engage all community residents; we have a lot of great community services and resources in our township, and I want to ensure all residents are using these benefits to their full advantage. I am excited to continue the vital work our Commissioners have done by strengthening our communities’ public safety and looking for ways to improve our local infrastructure. It’s important to me to enhance the walkability of our community, and to expand upon our trail network. I love living in Upper Gwynedd! I think we are served well by our current Board of Commissioners. I am looking forward to continuing that success by serving the public and ensuring all residents, businesses, and visitors are afforded equal opportunities while within our township.

Cressman: Having lived in UGT for over 30 years, plus always wanting to give back to my community, it pains me to see and hear the community’s growing distrust with their elected officials. The current board of commissioners are moving forward with their own agendas pushed down from the state and national politicians instead of what the majority of the residents have voiced to them at public meetings and by other means. The current commissioners have lost their focus that their main responsibilities are to do what is in the best interest of all of the current residents, not just one party, and not take on issues from other municipalities that will have a negative impact on our current residents.

Throughout my military and professional careers, I have been asked to lead a diverse group of individuals to work well together as a Team and accomplish the Mission or Project successfully. I believe all of the challenging situations I have experienced will allow me to be a valued commissioner to our community. In addition, I have presented in front of countless municipality boards for hundreds of engineering projects over my 32 years as a civil engineer so I understand how the various township boards should operate.

Feltis: I am running because I believe in the fundamental importance of community service and ensuring that our local government remains representative, transparent, depoliticized, but most importantly focused on the best interests of our residents.

My decision to become a write-in candidate during the 2023 local election primaries was driven by several key factors. First, I recognized a critical need for balanced representation on the Board. All five current Commissioners are affiliated with the Democratic Party, resulting in a political atmosphere that does not accurately represent the demographics of our Township. I firmly believe that a diverse range of perspectives is essential for making well-rounded decisions that benefit the entire community.

Secondly, my experience of over 20 years in military service instilled in me a commitment to the USAF core values such as selfless service and integrity first. I intend to carry the core values I learned into my role as a Commissioner, ensuring that the well-being of Upper Gwynedd Township and its residents is always the top priority.

At the local government level, politics should never overshadow the needs of the community. Our nation is founded on the principle that elected officials represent the people they serve, and I will take that oath seriously. My litmus test for issues and proposals brought before us is simple: "How does this decision serve the best interests of Upper Gwynedd Township and its residents?”. I will not support anything that can’t answer that essential question.

In summary, I was fortunate enough to serve our great Nation and State during my military career and feel strongly it is time for me to serve my local community. I will use the core values I coveted to make a positive contribution to our Township, ensuring it thrives and genuinely represents the interests of all its residents.

Hencken: Many residents of Upper Gwynedd Township (UGT) feel they don’t have a voice in local government. It’s critical that there is political diversity on the Board of Commissioners where differences in policy and direction of the future of UGT is discussed. Unfortunately, there is a lack of true transparency in Upper Gwynedd Township (UGT) at this time. I want to return to Upper Gwynedd’s past practice of allowing residents to speak fully at public meetings without the imposition of arbitrary time limits, and to answer their questions during these meetings whenever possible. This past practice brings greater transparency to the deliberative process. I would ensure that all executive meetings are in full compliance with the legally prescribed public meeting exclusions.

Over the last four years the current board has become increasingly politicized and is more interested in serving political interests outside of our township. Examples of this are the prior attempt in September 2021 to seize the Martin Property located on South Broad Street and Allentown Rd via eminent domain and the recent adoption of two ordinances to change zoning at 1500 Parkway to allow for high density subsidized housing. It’s worth noting that the Board of Commissioners will need to hold another hearing regarding the 1500 Parkway Project because the current board failed to vote on the second ordinance to amend the zoning map.

I would always put the interest of Upper Gwynedd first rather than the compliance with the political agendas dictated by the Montgomery County political machine. In doing so I would place a high priority on public safety, road maintenance, waste wastewater treatment, quality park and recreation programs and facilities and above all continuance of low municipal taxes

Residents of UGT need to elect new Commissioners who are highly competent and do not have hidden political agendas.

Residents and the commissioners have discussed a proposed development on Pennbrook Parkway and the township’s housing mix and development priorities for much of 2023. How would you approach the topic of development versus preserving the township as-is?

Carter: I believe there is room for both preserving the township as-is and room for growth. My family has lived in Upper Gwynedd and the North Penn area since the 1970’s. My aunt always tells me about the growth of the community. I think about her and what if she hadn’t seen growth, she wouldn’t have the neighbors, stores, or restaurants that she has grown to love and enjoy. Change is the hardest part of life; my goal as an Upper Gwynedd resident and Commissioner is to continue to listen, observe and gather data so I can make a data informed decision for what is best for Upper Gwynedd. I can’t please everyone but for our township to keep moving forward, we must compromise with each other. As my dad always told me, all you can do is your best, and I plan to always give the residents of Upper Gwynedd Township my best.

Moll: Admittedly, when I first heard of the Pennbrook Parkway project, I shared a few of the same concerns expressed by some members of our community. I wanted to learn more about the project and had plenty of questions: how does the financing work, who owns the property, are there any studies regarding the community impact of similar projects? After a small amount of diligence, I learned this project is not a Section 8 housing project nor is there any burden on the local tax base to fund this project, regardless of how many times those claims have been and will continue to be repeated. The upfront costs to build are a result of federal tax credits the developer sells to financial institutions.

Initially, I heard concerns that this project would lead to an increase in crime in the Township. Despite that fearful rhetoric, I was pleased to learn that has not been the case in any community where the developer has completed similar projects.

It is important to understand, at this point, the only thing the developer has demonstrated is an ability to meet the requirements to move to the next stage in a lengthy approval process. Independent of whether this group has secured a zoning change for this proposed project, they will still need to go through the Land Development application process. That will entail more public meetings before the Township Planning Board and the Board of Commissioners where we have an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification when necessary. If elected, I will enter into a review of that process with an open mind. I will not be an automatic "yes” vote on this project. The developer will need to meet the requirements of every step along the way. This is by no means a slam dunk.

Moodie: The land in question meets precise requirements needed to become a Transit-Oriented Development in Upper Gwynedd Township, which includes being in the LI district, being vacant and undeveloped, sized between 4 and 8 acres, and within a half mile of the Pennbrook train station. TOD are meant to help a community by making walking, bicycling, and transit use a viable alternative for those living in the area. The proposed use by the Walters Group is a great opportunity for revitalization of this land and would help stimulate our local economy. I believe affordable housing in Upper Gwynedd Township is a necessity, and I am looking forward to seeing additional information about the development opportunity on Pennbrook Parkway as their plan progresses. According to the Upper Gwynedd Township 2040 Comprehensive Plan, approximately 18 percent of our township’s land area is open space. I believe it’s important to preserve our open space in order to support the needs of the township, while continuing to find ways to serve our community by supporting our residents in allowing them to live, work and play in the same area.

Cressman: Having 32 years of experience in civil engineering, and the majority of it in land development, I am pro-development if done in the best interest of the community. I have stated that I would be for the Pennbrook Parkway project if the intent was to help our current residents who need a helping hand and would benefit from this type of housing. However, the commissioners have stated they are allowing the New Jersey Developer to dictate who obtains housing in this development and it is NOT intended for
our current residents. The developer’s representative stated at multiple meetings that "this housing is intended for individuals from various urban areas since we need to understand it is the redistribution of poverty to the suburbs”.

It is unfortunate that the current commissioners are bringing politics into every decision they make and not making them in the best interest of all. I have had many residents complain about struggling to pay their bills, etc., increased traffic, stormwater issues, increasing crime, but I see very little being done to address all of these public concerns.

I believe we should try to retain as much open space as possible since the township is currently 97 percent developed. We could address the housing issue for current residents by working with developers, realtors, residents, and other interested parties to evaluate redeveloping some areas to create equitable housing for all.

Feltis: This topic is important because it has the potential to dramatically alter the character of our Township. My approach would be to prioritize responsible and sustainable growth while safeguarding the existing zoning which created the community environment that drew us all to live here.

First and foremost, I believe in preserving areas zoned for light industrial (LI). These zones play a crucial role in promoting business growth, creating job opportunities, and generating tax revenue. Sacrificing light industrial zones for any reason could jeopardize our Township’s financial stability by creating a tax revenue gap. We must carefully consider the long-term impact on our budget and infrastructure.

We also need to be cautious about overdevelopment because our Township is already developed at approximately 97 percent of its capacity. I would advocate for a balanced approach that considers the needs of our community while ensuring responsible land use. Overdevelopment can strain our public works, public safety, and schools.

I would never condone under any circumstances "spot zoning”, which is generally considered illegal, in an area not specifically zoned for its intended purpose. If the current Board of Commissioners believe they can approve spot zoning in a light industrial zone on Pennbrook Parkway, what is to stop them from doing the same in another area, such as approving light industrial in a residential neighborhood? Approving spot zoning in an area not specifically designated for its intended purpose sets a dangerous precedent that can unhinge our community’s stability.

In conclusion, I favor a balanced approach that involves fiscal responsibility, prudent land management, and protecting light industrial zones for business growth to safeguard the integrity of Upper Gwynedd Township. It’s critical to consider the long-term consequences of development decisions on our finances, infrastructure, and overall quality of life.

Hencken: First and foremost, whether you are in favor of subsidized housing or not in UGT, the voters of the Township need to know that I and many others including an attorney hired by a group of concerned residents believe that the ordinance recently adopted by the current Board is illegal and unconstitutional. The commissioners adopted an amendment that many believe is a classic example of illegal SPOT ZONING. Consider this; if the current Commissioners are willing to spot zone in one neighborhood, where else might they be willing to allow spot zoning? This is particularly true if the current Commissioners are acquiescing to agendas from higher political powers. The willingness to spot zone should be a huge concern to all property owners within UGT.

Per the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, over 90 percent of township residents said that UGT was a good or excellent place to live. This approval is based on the fact that the UGT zoning code that was adopted years ago was closely followed which resulted in a strong mix of housing alternatives for UGT residents as well as locations for commercial and light industrial uses. Why does this current board feel it’s necessary to adopt changes to the zoning code that has resulted in UGT being viewed by many as a desirable place to live?

Upper Gwynedd has always been a desirable destination community for people of all races, persuasions and identities. This desirability is largely the result of the Township’s current Zoning Code. Since the Township is estimated to be 95 percent built out, I would be very careful about making Zoning Code amendments to address issues that the Township does not have. Based on data from the Multiple Listing Service, Upper Gwynedd Township continues to be a more desirable place to live than many other areas of the county.

Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.

Carter, Moll and Moodie: Each submitted the following – Website: www.UGForward.com/

Facebook: UGForward

Instagram: UGForwardDems/

Cressman: I do not use Facebook, Twitter (X), etc.

Feltis: Website: www.UpperGwyneddRC.com/candidates, I don’t use social media

Hencken: Website: UGRC.us/

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