Vote (Credit: Element5 Digital / Unsplash.com)
Incumbent Wilson has held seat since 2002, former supervisor's seat also on ballot
Voters in Towamencin will have plenty of choices to make this year, with the first round of decisions coming on May 20.
Republican voters will see a total of four candidates on their primary election ballot, running for two six-year terms on the township’s board of supervisors. One of those two seats has been held by Republican Chuck Wilson since 2002, and the other was held by now-former supervisor Laura Smith from 2014 until her resignation in February.
Wilson, Dr. Christina Eppolito, Angela Illingworth, and Donald Litman are all facing off in the primary election, and the two who win the most votes in the primary will advance to the general election and square off against Democrats Vanessa Gaynor and Courtney Morgan on November 4.
All candidates were asked the same questions, and below are their answers.
Eppolito
Dr. Christina Eppolito (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position of Towamencin supervisor.
For 13 years, I’ve proudly called Towamencin home, raising my four children here alongside my husband and parents. I’m running for Township Supervisor not as a politician, but as a neighbor and homeowner committed to preserving our community’s values.
With a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, I spent years as a mental health clinician and now work as a medical writer, managing junior staff and collaborating with research clients. My background has honed my ability to listen, lead, and make informed decisions.
My leadership experience includes directing a graduate research team studying mental health in Mexican American families, volunteering with children with autism, and teaching Sunday school classes. As Supervisor, I’ll prioritize smart growth, fiscal responsibility, safe roads, recreation, and truly listening to residents. My goal is straightforward: fresh, community-focused leadership that puts Towamencin families first.
What would your main goals or priorities be as a supervisor?
As Supervisor, my main priorities are smart growth, fiscal responsibility, safe infrastructure, and responsive leadership. I’ll focus on revitalizing vacant commercial spaces and managing growth to protect Towamencin’s suburban charm and open spaces. Fiscal responsibility means carefully overseeing budgets, controlling spending, and ensuring transparency in decision-making to reduce taxpayer burdens. Maintaining safe, accessible roads and recreation areas, such as parks and community sports facilities, is essential to our quality of life.
Most importantly, I’ll prioritize listening to residents’ concerns, ensuring community voices guide township decisions rather than outside interests. My goal is simple: fresh leadership that puts Towamencin residents first.
What do you see as the biggest issues the board must address in the next six years?
The Board must focus on responsible growth, infrastructure upgrades, and stronger community engagement. We should prioritize repurposing vacant commercial properties and push back against development that strains roads, schools, and public services. Well-maintained parks and safe infrastructure are essential for families and kids. Public safety must remain a top priority.
I will work closely with our police and fire departments to ensure they have the tools and funding needed to continue delivering the high level of service they’ve provided for decades. Stronger partnerships between first responders enhance safety and response times.
I also support regular community forums to give residents a voice in shaping Towamencin’s future. Finally, we must act with fiscal responsibility, limiting unnecessary spending while expanding homestead tax relief to protect homeowners.
The township’s sewer sale has long been a topic of discussion in the community – summarize your thoughts on the prior sale debate, and how the township should maintain and upgrade infrastructure such as the sewer system going forward?
The 2020–2024 sewer sale generated tension and public frustration in the community, with concerns over rate hikes under private ownership versus the township’s need to fund critical upgrades. Regardless of position, the process lacked transparency and trust.
Going forward, we must focus on cost-effective, community-first solutions. That means maintaining public control, budgeting wisely, exploring state grants, and avoiding unnecessary tax hikes. Regular community input through public forums will ensure resident priorities are heard and reflected in decisions.
My experience managing teams and listening to diverse communities equips me to lead with transparency, fiscal discipline, and long-term planning while keeping Towamencin’s infrastructure reliable, affordable, and family-focused.
This spring has also brought news of the pending closure of Freddy Hill Farm and discussions about what could happen there and on nearby properties. How would you approach and balance a property owner’s right to develop their land, against what the community would like to see happen?
The closure of Freddy Hill Farm is meaningful to many in our community. I understand the deep nostalgia for this 53-year landmark and also respect the Seipt family’s right to decide what’s next for their land. As Towamencin moves forward, we must strike a balance between property rights and thoughtful development.
If elected, I’ll promote open dialogue between residents, the Seipts, and potential developers to ensure any plans reflect our community’s values. I support exploring incentives, such as conservation easements or tax credits, to preserve green space, and I welcome proposals that maintain family-friendly uses on the site through public-private partnerships.
Towamencin deserves leadership that listens, respects the law, and brings people together. With the right approach, we can honor Freddy Hill’s legacy while guiding responsible growth that protects the character of our township.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
Facebook: Christina Eppolito Ph.D. Republican Candidate for Towamencin Township Supervisor
Illingworth
Angela Illingworth (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position of Towamencin supervisor.
This community has been my lifelong home, where I’ve raised my family, built strong relationships, and dedicated myself to serving others. As a small business owner and former front desk manager at the area’s largest pediatric dental office, I’ve developed the ability to lead, listen, and build trust which are essential skills for working closely with residents and representing our community well.
I’m known for being honest, empathetic, and resourceful, with the ability to delegate tasks, communicate clearly, and work efficiently as part of a team. I’ve also led international mission trips through my local church, reflecting my dedication to serving others.
If elected, I will advocate for transparent, resident-focused governance, ensure that our township grows responsibly, and protect the family-friendly character that makes Towamencin so special. I believe in thoughtful decisions that reflects the true needs of our community.
I am ready to bring fresh energy and accountable leadership to the Board of Supervisors.
What would your main goals or priorities be as a supervisor?
As Township Supervisor, my top priorities would be to provide fiscally responsible leadership that keeps taxes low while preserving Towamencin’s distinctive beauty, history, and character. I recognize the need for additional housing, but I support responsible development that takes into account our infrastructure, roads, and the long-term well-being of the community. Growth should reflect the vision of residents, not just the interests of outside developers.
I’m committed to preserving open space, encouraging strategic, community-driven planning, and promoting transparent, inclusive leadership that values every resident’s voice.
What do you see as the biggest issues the board must address in the next six years?
Over the next six years, the Board must focus on managing rapid growth driven by new residents and increased development pressure. A central challenge will be shaping a unified vision for the township’s future that reflects the priorities residents voiced during the 2023 Comprehensive Plan. Growth is already placing strain on infrastructure and emergency services, and increasing traffic congestion, particularly along key roads like Forty Foot. Our school district is also feeling the impact, with enrollment growth creating capacity concerns.
To address these challenges, the Board must collaborate closely with fire, EMS, and school leaders, ensuring services grow in step with demand. At the same time, we must remain fiscally responsible by planning carefully and avoiding unnecessary tax increases.
The township’s sewer sale has long been a topic of discussion in the community – summarize your thoughts on the prior sale debate, and how the township should maintain and upgrade infrastructure such as the sewer system going forward?
The sewer sale deeply divided our community and brought significant tension to local government. Regardless of where anyone stood on the issue, it’s clear that the process left many residents feeling unheard. Now, we must focus on healing as a community and restoring trust in our local leadership.
As I’ve mentioned in previous responses, all infrastructure, including the sewer system, must be evaluated and addressed responsibly, with a long-term, community-first perspective. Going forward, the township must prioritize transparent communication, clear financial planning, and public input when considering maintenance or upgrades.
We must also ensure that any decisions about infrastructure, whether related to sewers, roads, or development, align with residents’ needs, preserve fiscal responsibility, and support sustainable growth.
This spring has also brought news of the pending closure of Freddy Hill Farm and discussions about what could happen there and on nearby properties. How would you approach and balance a property owner’s right to develop their land, against what the community would like to see happen?
The news of Freddy Hill’s potential closure is emotional for many in our community. While the farm is not permanently preserved, and the family, who has farmed the land for generations, has the legal right to sell and develop within zoning laws, any future development should also reflect community values.
Zoning options, like allowing smaller lots in exchange for preserved green space, can help maintain Towamencin’s suburban character. This is also a chance to advocate for recreation space, such as well-lit basketball courts for youth and pickleball courts for all ages.
I encourage residents to attend Supervisor meetings and help shape the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. Transparent collaboration between the township, planning officials, and residents is essential to balancing private property rights with responsible, community-centered planning.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you
Facebook: Angela Illingworth For Supervisor
Litman
Donald Litman (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position of Towamencin supervisor.
As a practicing lawyer in five jurisdictions for over 40 years I have handled many problems relating to intergovernmental relations between federal, state, and local governments. Pennsylvania is unique nationally by having township government, so that local control exists over its basic needs – police and fire to protect our roads, businesses and homes, and to develop improvements to the community to improve the quality of life in Towamencin.
Having served as a Deputy Attorney General of Pennsylvania, I have experience working with various state and local agencies of government to solve problems, and my formal training in legislative drafting while practicing in Washington DC, after having graduated law school with a doctorate in jurisprudence and a masters in forensic sciences, is essential to having our board of supervisors write good laws for our community to promote healthy living for everyone in our township and surrounding communities.
What would your main goals or priorities be as a supervisor?
To encourage public engagement in the topics discussed at public meetings and in the decisions that are rendered.
End the board of supervisors discussions and actions taken outside of the public.
To treat everyone in the community with respect and allow those in attendance their questions while topics are discussed at board of supervisor meetings.
To complete a comprehensive development plan for the township that features its central role in the development and progress of this area of the county and the state.
What do you see as the biggest issues the board must address in the next six years?
Roadway improvements to handle the projected growth in the region, so that Towamencin Township is not a parking lot of vehicular traffic every morning and evening at rush hours, polluting our air and making noise that permeates our neighborhoods.
Planned development of affordable housing for people of all economic levels, that includes mass transit, home health needs, pedestrian safety, and a welcoming environment for all people especially those with special needs.
The township’s sewer sale has long been a topic of discussion in the community – summarize your thoughts on the prior sale debate, and how the township should maintain and upgrade infrastructure such as the sewer system going forward?
Having handled many court matters in this area of the state where the sewage systems have deteriorated, this included artificial sink holes and water springs in roads, the historical diversity of materials over the centuries compel the need to conduct regular maintenance, but our board of supervisors decided long ago to delay these repairs.
Upgrade to today’s materials that are stronger and more resistant to decay and have electronic monitoring to improve the flow is reasonable, and the areas of most concern developed as a strategy prioritizing the repairs and the schedule of costs associated with it.
This spring has also brought news of the pending closure of Freddy Hill Farm and discussions about what could happen there and on nearby properties. How would you approach and balance a property owner’s right to develop their land, against what the community would like to see happen?
The community needs for a traffic pattern that allows vehicular traffic unimpeded is foremost. The proximity to the high school and vocational school, as well as the commuter traffic to and from the drug company, requires PennDOT to be involved, as Sumneytown Pike is a state designated highway.
Commercial development has been allowed at this location, and the complete design of this property for housing and other uses are protected rights under the township code for the property owners to seek, and at public meetings for the public to see and ask questions regarding how it will affect Towamencin Township, today and tomorrow.
To increase population living here and not plan how people will come and go is not how government should operate, and planned obsolescence will cause years of traffic congestion we see in many parts of this county. Just consider Sumneytown Pike going east to the turnpike in the morning with miles of cars all the way back to Hennings Market.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
None provided
Wilson
Towamencin supervisor Chuck Wilson (Submitted photo)Describe your background and qualifications for the position of Towamencin supervisor.
I am a retired CPA with over 40 years of experience in accounting and financial management, including roles as Corporate Controller, Finance Director, and Township Supervisor. Extensive background in budget preparation, financial reporting, and strategic oversight for both public and private entities.
Leadership roles include serving on Finance, Public Works, Pension, Sewer and Police Contract Negotiation committees, as well as Board Member and Treasurer positions with the Towamencin Municipal Authority, Montgomery County Library Board, and Montgomery County Tax Collection Management Committee.
Currently Finance Committee Chair for the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors and Board Member for the North Penn YMCA and Morgan Log House. I hold a BS in Commerce from the University of Virginia.
What would your main goals or priorities be as a supervisor?
Maintain focus on public safety, protect the character of our community, maintain and improve our services at a reasonable cost to taxpayer, preserve more open space, improve our parks and complete Veterans Park, implement the connectivity plan where it makes common sense, encourage faster retail development to serve our needs, oppose overdevelopment and higher density which brings increased traffic congestion and a lower quality of life.
What do you see as the biggest issues the board must address in the next six years?
The push toward higher density and higher buildings, ever increasing MS4 and stormwater regulations, traffic congestion, aging infrastructure, and capital funding.
The township’s sewer sale has long been a topic of discussion in the community – summarize your thoughts on the prior sale debate, and how the township should maintain and upgrade infrastructure such as the sewer system going forward?
The sewer sale agreement was cancelled after a lengthy ongoing review by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission staff and the OCA. The buyer’s application raised ongoing questions about how much of the $100 million purchase price, nearly double our system’s estimated value, they could recover through rate increases.
The Township only considered the offer due to its unusually high amount. I put forward the motion to cancel the agreement after months of back-and-forth with the PUC, which raised serious concerns about the long-term impact on residents.
Our sewer system is in solid condition, but we must continue to plan for future regulations. We have rebuilt two of three major interceptors and are rebuilding the Skippack Creek Interceptor in phases seeking grants towards each. Listening to the community, we have adopted quarterly billing, and a presentation will be made to the community shortly on moving from fixed to consumption billing.
This spring has also brought news of the pending closure of Freddy Hill Farm and discussions about what could happen there and on nearby properties. How would you approach and balance a property owner’s right to develop their land, against what the community would like to see happen?
I was as surprised and disappointed as the rest of our community upon reading the announcement that they would be closing and then, subsequently, finding out that an agreement of sale was reached on the property with residential development proposed.
Last year, in connection with the update of our comprehensive plan, our Township Manager and Planning Consultant met with the family to discuss the future and presented programs and options for preserving some or all the open space. Nothing came from that.
Ultimately, it is up to the property owner to decide what they want to do with their land. That is their right. For any land conservation programs to more forward, it starts with a willing seller.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
None provided.
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