Elections (Credit: MediaNews Group)
Republican candidates did not respond to Q-and-A
Two familiar names are back on the ballot in Upper Gwynedd, with two Republican newcomers challenging them.
Democrats Denise Hull and Liz McNaney, both elected in 2017 and reelected in 2021, are being opposed on the ballot by Republican candidates Dennis Darr and Viraf Jacob for four-year terms on the board.
All four candidates were asked the same questions, and below are their answers:
Hull
Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.
I’m proud to be serving my eighth year as an Upper Gwynedd Township Commissioner.
During that time, I had the pleasure of serving as Vice-President, President, and Finance/Personnel/Administration Liaison, as well as Planning & Zoning Liaison, overseeing the Zoning Hearing Board, Planning Commission, Code Enforcement, and Plan Review Committee.
I currently have the privilege of serving as the Public Safety Liaison overseeing the Police, Fire, Fire Marshall, and Ambulance. I have also served as the Commissioner’s Representative to the Environmental Advisory Council, the Pool Commission, the Police Pension Board, and the Upper Gwynedd 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
All these positions have helped me better understand the role of local government in our community. I have a greater insight into how policies are implemented, budgets are managed, and services are delivered.
Holding a wide variety of roles has taught me how all these areas connect and how decisions in one area affect another. This exposure to different perspectives helps me weigh issues more fairly and make balanced decisions that serve the entire township.
My path to serving as a Township Commissioner has been shaped by a lifetime of roles centered on people, service, and the arts. I’ve worked with children of all ages as a teacher, a tutor, and a Girls on the Run coach/5K organizer.
I also worked as an actor, a server, and my favorite leadership role in a non-profit, being the Vice-President & President of Gwynedd Square’s Home and School. These experiences have shaped me into a commissioner who leads with empathy, collaboration, and a deep commitment to serving others.
What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?
Safety is always a priority for our community. We have worked to improve the culture of the police department to truly be community partners with our residents. Increasing our force to 25 officers, as well as creating a traffic safety unit to address traffic concerns, are two recent initiatives we are proud to report.
We will continue to improve pedestrian crosswalks and fix existing trails, while building two new trails to increase safe walkability and improve accessibility to the businesses and neighborhoods in our township.
Excessive groundwater/flooding plagues so many of our residents. As both our climate and the landscaping continue to change, so do the stormwater needs of our community. Since becoming a commissioner, we have prioritized capital projects that allow us to improve drainage for neighborhoods with the greatest need.
We have also implemented a program in which, upon a resident’s request, our township engineer will visit their site, analyze the issues and suggest improvements.
Fiscal responsibility is an important focus of our Board of Commissioners. We will continue to develop strategic financial plans that address immediate needs while preparing for long-term investments and improvements.
Since 2020, we have secured $3.9 million in grants for township projects (in five years), up from $1.8 million from 2012-2020 (eight years).
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
My campaign website is at UGdemocrats.org and my Facebook page is Denise Hull’s Doggies for Democracy
McNaney
Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.
I’ve proudly called Upper Gwynedd home since 1993 and have had the honor of serving on the Board of Commissioners since 2018. Over the years, I’ve worked to make our local government more open and accessible by launching new ways to share township information, setting up “office hours” so residents can meet with me at convenient times, and introducing programs that keep everyone informed and involved in township happenings.
Recently, I was sworn in as the 2nd Vice President of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Commissioners (PSATC). In this new role, I’ll have the opportunity to amplify our community’s voice by working with other first-class townships across Pennsylvania.
Together, we can push for meaningful changes that strengthen and support our communities statewide.
Upper Gwynedd has always been a special place to live, and I’m committed to continuing the work that keeps it transparent, connected, and forward-thinking.
What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?
Two of the most common concerns I hear from residents are traffic and speeding, and keeping taxes low while supporting the high-quality services that make Upper Gwynedd such a great place to live.
To help address traffic and speeding issues, our Police Department recently launched a Traffic Safety Patrol. This team not only focuses on enforcement but also takes part in community outreach, collaborating directly with residents and coordinating patrol efforts to make our neighborhoods safer.
When it comes to finances, I’m committed to being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars.
My approach strikes a balance between addressing today’s priorities and preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. Through careful planning and smart budgeting, I ensure that every tax dollar is used effectively, supporting essential services, improving infrastructure, and investing in our township’s future without placing an extra burden on residents.
My goal is simple: to keep Upper Gwynedd safe, strong, and financially sound for years to come.
Your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.
In the spirit of transparency and community engagement, I encourage you to stay informed and connected. For updates and information regarding my re-election campaign, visit my Facebook page, “Liz in UG,” or email me at [email protected]
Regular updates about township activities, local events, and opportunities to get involved are shared through my Facebook page and our website, UGdemocrats.org, which also features all the Democratic candidates UG residents will see on the ballot.
I believe that open communication helps strengthen the partnership between residents and local leadership, ensuring that questions, ideas, and concerns are heard and addressed effectively.
Darr
Dennis Darr did not respond to multiple requests from The Reporter for answers to our Q-and-A.
Jacob
Viraf Jacob did not respond to multiple requests from The Reporter for answers to our Q-and-A.
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