Meet Joe Canale, Seeking Reelection To The Lower Moreland Township Board Of Commissioners

LOWER MORELAND, PA — Patch continues its pre-election coverage with a profile on Lower Moreland Township Ward 4 Commissioners Joe Canale, who is seeking reelection to his post.

Below, see Canale's responses to a Patch questionnaire.

Age (as of Election Day)

38

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Wife Daria and 2 School age Children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Masters, Public Safety Administration, Saint Joe's 2008. B.S. Emergency Medical Service, Drexel University 2005. National Registry Paramedic 2003, PA State Firefighter 2000

Occupation

EMS Assistant Chief, Paramedic and Firefighter for Lower Moreland Township and Bryn Athyn Boro, with 22+ years of dedicated service as a First Responder. Managing Partner of a local Real Estate business 9+ years, Pa Licensed Realtor.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Commissioner Ward 4 Lower Moreland Township

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/Commi...

Why are you seeking elective office?

As a father and community member, I am seeking to remain as your commissioner, to further unite, protect and grow our community for generations to come. Currently we are living in a divided country that has become politized and polarized. This is not how our community or society should be. Two years ago I was proud to be unanimously endorsed by the Board of Commissioners to complete the term of the late Commissioner Ferdie Gonzales. That unanimous vote included democrats, republicans and independents. This was earned to due to my proven track record in our community. The Commissioner's knew I would serve our community diligently with integrity and fidelity and this has been proven thus far.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our board and community is increasing taxes (Mostly school). On the township level as a commissioner I have needed to balance the increase cost to provide key services such as Police, Fire, EMS, Public works and Trash with the cost to the community. (The Township tax is less than 20% of your overall tax bill, the school tax is the balance). The annual township tax increases in my 2 years in office have been about $35 - less than $3 dollars a month. As a lifelong resident of Lower Moreland, I think that is reasonable considering all the services we receive, and I hope you do too. This increase was mostly due to substantial increases from our trash hauler. This year we are currently projecting a Zero percent increase (2022 Budget).

The long term solution to minimize tax increases, help the community with storm water management, traffic and school funding is actually sensible development. This is especially true on the Philmont corridor where we have blighted properties that are now being transformed into new 55+ communities. These communities will increase the overall taxes generated to the school and Township with minimal needs for increases in services; thus decreasing the need for substantial increases from current property owners. Additionally, these projects come with strong storm water management requirements and will help to improve the Philmont corridor. Further more, the typical occupant of 55+ communities avoids peak travel hours and will have little impact on additional traffic in the area. Penn Dot also to implement improved traffic patterns with these projects.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The critical difference between myself and the other candidate I am facing is knowing our community inside and out. I was born, raised and choose to raise my family here. I am community member of 38 years, My two children attend Pine Road and I value our schools and community. My wife and I are local business owners. I have been a public servant for 22+ years. I continue to serve as a volunteer Assistant Chief of EMS and firefighter for the community. I have seen the best and worst in our community. I have literally brought new life, into our community on multiple occasions, aided in saving lives and have seen life fade as well. I refuse to attack my opponent personally as she has done to me. I believe family and community come first. Promote what you have done and/or plan to do, positive action speak louder than nasty words. We need to come together as a community and not allow further division. As a Commissioner, I will continue to lead and embrace the positive, while further strengthening our community by providing transparency and sensible growth.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Current Commissioner

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I am transparent and love to listen. If you have a question please ask. I believe in unity and not division to form a stronger community. I am staunch supporter of public safety and strong schools. I understand Real Estate development and the positive impacts it can have on a community if implemented correctly. I understand the consequences of of the past failed storm water planning . I will work to increase green space and support project's that strengthen storm water management. I understand the issues with traffic in our area and will work with our engineers to attempt to improve this.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

For the past 20 years I have been a decorated Officer of Bryn Athyn Fire Co. holding every rank from lieutenant to Deputy Chief of EMS. Routinely I faced life and death situations that required intense focus and critical decision making ability. I hold Masters in Public Safety administration from Saint's Joe's University, along with numerous national and federal certifications.

At the onset of COVID-19, former Commissioner McQueen and I used our public safety experience to guide the Township response to this pandemic. Despite having our resources stretched thin as responders and business providers, we actively served on the COVID Taskforce to keep our community as safe as possible. I served as an active field provider and witnessed the devastation this disease has caused in our community firsthand.

Finally, with my wife, we run a thriving local business, which we have managed and grown substantially since the passing of my mother (Sue Canale) in 2012.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

No one in this world owes you anything. Work hard and earn it. (This was from my Parents)

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Enjoy Life, let the little stuff go. Let those you love know. I love my family and would not be able to be a commissioner without their support. I love them and our community and will stand to protect both. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. Please come out on November 2nd and vote for our community, vote for Joe Canale.