Candidate Questionnaire: Patrick T. Duffy

Your Name: Patrick T. Duffy

Running For (and which year will the term end?): Lower Providence Supervisor with term ending in 2020.

Party Affiliation: Republican.

Positions Held Previously (both in and out of politics): No prior political office; Former Board Member and former Secretary of Audubon Recreation Association; Current Secretary of the Santoro Foundation; Current Board Member of the Education Foundation for the Methacton Community; Active Member of Visitation BVM Parish. 

Why are you running for office: As a life-long resident of the township, I want to give back to the community which has provided me with a wealth of opportunity.  I believe I have the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to continue to keep Lower Providence strong while pursuing smart growth and development while maintaining the unique culture which defines our community.

What do you think are the biggest issues you would face in office: The biggest issue facing Lower Providence Township is how to continue to provide the first rate services our residents expect and deserve without raising taxes. The two contracts for our police officers and for our Township workers are expiring in 2014. It is vital that the next Supervisor be able to understand the complexities of this situation and be able to work with the Township Manager and the other Supervisors to negotiate contracts which are fair to our valuable officers and workers while not further burdening the residents with new taxes.

If elected, what would you aim to accomplish:

I plan to: 

·      Preserve and expand the Township’s open spaces;

·      Maintain the beauty of the Perkiomen Creek and ensure it remains a viable recreational area;

·      Revitalize our business corridors along Ridge Pike and in the Park Point Business Park thereby increasing the corporate tax base and lessen the burden on the residents;

·      Work with Local, County and State Officials to develop plans which improve our transportation infrastructure and alleviates the increasing traffic congestion on our streets;

·      Ensure that there are no special interests;

·      Create civil atmosphere where all viewpoints are respected and the best interests of the residents are paramount;

·      Clean up and re-purpose deteriorating properties.

What else would you like residents to know about you?

I am uniquely qualified to serve as Supervisor as I am a lifelong resident of Lower Providence, having graduated from St. Teresa of Avila Elementary School (1991) and Methacton High School (1995).  My wife Heather and our two children, PJ and Michaela, are members of Visitation BVM Parish.  I am a graduate of both Villanova University and the Villanova University School of Law.  I am an attorney in the Blue Bell-based firm of Stewart Bernstiel Rebar & Smith, where my practice focuses on professional liability defense and my firm is not engaged in any business dealings with the township.  I am actively involved in several local charitable and civic organizations as I have served as a Board Member and secretary of the  Audubon Recreation Association (ARA)  and as the secretary of the Santoro Foundation, a non-profit organization which raises money and awareness in the battle against prostate cancer.  I am also a Board Member of the Education Foundation for the Methacton Community.

I am committed to the fundamental ideal that a Supervisor represents all the residents of the township.  Neither special interests, nor partisan politics, should influence how our community is governed.  I am not running simply to protect my own back yard but instead intend to work tirelessly putting the residents first.   Lower Providence is an incredible place to live, work, play and raise a family.  I hope, as Supervisor, to help enhance these wonderful aspects of Lower Providence.