If you'd asked me three years ago if I was interested in running for Shohola Township supervisor, I would have answered with an emphatic "no." But I believe when you see a bad situation, you need to step up to the plate and do something about it.

We need a pro-active, effective board of supervisors for Shohola, one with a vision for the future based on more than a push for "development" and the statement, "I should be able to do whatever I want to with my land.”

Shohola can use the newest innovations and technology, like 100% emissions-free woody biomass boilers, to lower our fuel costs and bring us into the 21st century while retaining and protecting our township’s beauty and rural character. Although I’m not against development, smart growth is essential and our home and property values come first. Gas drilling, compressor stations and drilling wastewater treatment facilities all loom on the horizon, and construction of the Tennessee Pipeline is already in progress. We need to be prepared, and although I've worked with our township supervisors on the gas drilling issue for over a year now, I have yet to see progress on specific protections for Shohola. “Monitoring the situation” is not good enough. We need updates to our zoning ordinance now.

Our township needs transparency, cooperation, balance, and all three supervisors working together so that every resident feels welcome, respected and represented by our local government. A good township is a united one, but in order to rebuild that unity, we need some common sense and to find our common ground.

This is a crucial election year, and each one of us can make the difference towards taking Shohola in the right direction. I hope every eligible resident will take the time to vote.

Shirley Masuo

Shohola, PA