GOP Endorses Candidate For Doylestown Twp. Supervisor

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The Doylestown Township Republican Committee has unanimously endorsed Republican Colleen Brophy Brennan to fill a vacancy on the November ballot for township supervisor.

Colleen is joining Joe Van Houten on the Republican ballot in the race against Democrats Dan Wood and Christina Maida for two open six year seats on the board of supervisors.

Van Houten and Brennan said they are committed to returning fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability to Doylestown Township, calling out incumbent Democrat Dan Wood for voting to raise township property taxes 77 percent.

“Doylestown Township is a wonderful place to live but is quickly becoming unaffordable under the failed leadership of Democrats," said Ed Sheppard, communication chair for the Doylestown Township Republican Committee. "Property tax increases are driving seniors out of their homes, and with our school district enrollment down 15 percent, residents are pained to see their children and grandchildren leave Doylestown because they can't afford to live where they were raised anymore. Doylestown Township needs leaders like Joe Van Houten and Colleen Brophy Brennan who will focus on fiscal responsibility, sound and open decision making, and engage and listen to the needs of community members. Doylestown can't afford Dan Woods and Christina Maida raising property taxes another 77 percent."

Joe Van Houton and Colleen Brophy Brennan, GOP candidates for Doylestown Township Supervisor.

Colleen Brophy Brennan

Brennan is an experienced proposal manager in sales operations for a global eClinical Technology software company. She graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor of Science degree in communications and the Main Line Paralegal Institute. Following graduation, Colleen worked as a corporate paralegal.

After staying home for a few years following the birth of her son, Colleen returned to corporate law for a local biotechnology company, where she earned promotions to a business development role followed by a sales operations role within the clinical research industry. Fiscally responsible, Colleen said she is committed to delivering results to meet the needs of township residents.

Colleen said her extensive experience in managing global complex, deadline-driven projects, as well as handling multi-million-dollar contracts and partnerships, makes her well-equipped to serve as a Doylestown Township Supervisor.

Colleen said she plans to use her leadership skills to engage stakeholders, ensure transparency, and focus on key priorities, starting with a commitment to not raising taxes, while working collaboratively to address the most pressing issues facing the community.

Colleen and her husband settled into their home in Doylestown Township more than 20 years ago, raising one son who is now pursuing an engineering degree. Colleen describes herself as flexible, passionate and the kind of person who will work well with the current supervisors ensuring that Doylestown Township remains a welcoming, safe, and financially thriving place for all residents.

She has always been deeply involved in the community, volunteering her time for various causes, including her son’s activities and local initiatives. She believes transparency is essential to building trust with the community.

"As supervisor, I will work tirelessly to ensure that Doylestown Township residents are informed about how their tax dollars are spent," said Brophy Brennan. "I will prioritize the safety and well-being of our community, and work to make Doylestown a place where all residents can work together in a positive manner."

Joe Van Houten

Van Houten is president and CEO of HKS Global Resources; an international company providing import agent services for clients lacking a foreign buying office

After graduating from Rutgers University with honors, Joe launched his career in retail management. That eventually led to a position as vice president of product development and marketing with a prominent consumer products company manufacturing and importing products from Asia. In this position he became experienced in manufacturing processes throughout the United States, Asia and Europe; while working with factories to increase efficiencies and overall productivity. Joseph then went on to run an import buying agency with offices throughout Asia, with clients including Fortune 500 companies and the United States military. He then founded his own consumer products company with a partner in Hong Kong and in 2017 acquired the import buying agency he ran from 2003-07.

Joe said he believes in serving his community, being socially responsible, and making a positive impact. He served on an advisory committee to the National Sanitary Foundation, where he helped develop protocols establishing manufacturing standards for consumer products. He also served on the iIndustry affairs committee for the International Housewares Association, a not-for-profit, full-service trade organization promoting the sales and marketing of housewares since 1938.

In addition, Joe was selected to represent the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong during 2016 meetings with members of the United States Congress, Departments of State and Commerce. He is also active in his community holding senior positions on several boards.

“I have over 25 years of experience working on township boards and committees, which provides valuable first-hand knowledge of the day-to-day details that will help me hit the ground running on day one as your supervisor. This is especially true when being responsible for managing our hard-earned tax dollars,” said Van Houten. “As your township supervisor, I will stress fiscal responsibility when reviewing capital projects and budgets, properly maintain roads and infrastructure, support our first responders, and ensure all residents have valued input before any decisions are made.”