Meet Palmer Township Supervisor Candidate Jeffrey Young

Jeffrey A Young is running as a Democratic candidate for Palmer Township Supervisor in Tuesday's primary election.
He is one of three candidates running for two open seats in November's general election.

Meet Jeffrey Young:

Family: Married to the former Debra A.Callanan for 21 years. Children are Rachel 17, Scott 14 and Katie 13. Rachel and Scott attend Easton Area High School and Katie attends Easton Area Middle School. Parents are Jim & Helen Young and Vince & Rose Callanan who are long time Palmer Township residents. Jeanne Swinsburg and Jim Young III are my sister and brother.

Political party affiliation: Democrat

Education: I am a 1976 graduate of Easton Area High School, a 1978 graduate of Northampton Community College with an associates degree in business administration and a 1980 graduate of Bloomsburg State with a bachelors of science in accounting.

Tell us about your professional/business background: I am a self employed accountant since 1983 with my office in Palmer Township. I also have been Director of Finance for Suburban EMS since 1992., I am also co-owner of Palmer Trophy and Awards located in Palmer Township siince 1983.

Why are you running for supervisor? As a past member of the Board of Supervisors in Palmer Township from 1988-2000, I enjoyed working with many people in the Township on many different issues. There will continue to be many opportunties and issues the Township will face and I would like to continue to make Palmer a great place to live, work, and play. 

What qualifies you to serve on the board again? I believe I am qualified to serve as a member of the Palmer Township Board of Supervisors because I am willing to listen and make decisions that will positively affect Palmer Township and it's residents. The 12 years I served as a past member of the Board of Supervisors, as well as many years as a member of the Palmer Township Planning Commission, the Palmer Township Recreation Board, the Palmer Township Athletic Association has allowed me to learn about various facets of our Township.

I am currently a board member of the Business, Industrial and Professional Association of Palmer(BIP) and I have been a past board member of the Children's Home of Easton.  My family members are extremely active with the Miracle League of Northampton County and I am very proud of everyone who has helped bring this unbelievable facility to our Township.

What do you see as the board's/commission's primary role and responsibilities?  The Palmer Township Board of Supervisors primary role is to set policy and has responsibility to represent all residents and business in the many issues the Township faces.

Tell us about three major challenges facing Palmer Township and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible):

The three major issues facing Palmer Township are growth, budget, and quality of life for the residents.  1. Growth.  Palmer Township must continue to plan and be prepared for controlled growth.  Palmer has implemented a zoning code that allows for orderly development of our Township.  As with any zoning or planning, those ordinances have to be monitored to find weaknesses or opportunities for change. 2. Budget.  Palmer Township need to be fiscally prudent and stable in these challenging economic times. I believe my accounting and business experiences make me a stong fiscal steward.  3.  Quality of Life.  Palmer Township has always been a great municipality to live in and raise a family.  Our park system, bike trails, and recreation programs offer residents various ways to enjoy their lives.  Palmer Township needs leaders like myself, who will work to ensure the character of Palmer Township is retained as we grow.  

How much will you spend on your campaign?: My campaign is self funded and for the primary, I may spend around $500-600. No endorsements have been received.

Are you involved in social media?: No social media at this time.