Candidate: Clownish Behavior A Big Obstacle For Bristol Township

It's tough to be the new kid on the block when it comes to politics.

Troy Brennan, a Bristol Township businessman turned politician, has been on the campaign trail every day for almost two months, knocking on every door he can find and talking to anybody willing to listen.

“People have been really responsive to my campaign. I've had people shake my hand and say, 'Thank God you are running,'" Brennan said.

Brennan, along with Craig Bowen and Amber Longhitano, are members of what they call the “Pro Team” -- a group of like-minded business owners who are taking up the challenge of running against a current administration they feel does not have the interest of small business at heart.

Levittown Patch talked to the members of the Pro Team about their campaigns and their plans if elected. The following is preview of what they had to say.

Craig Bowen, the former president of the Bristol Township Business Coalition, said his goal, if elected, is to ensure accountability of public workers.

“There are many obstacles, but the worst is the poor return in services for tax dollars paid. The answer is for Council is to hold all employees accountable, from the top down -- township manager, department heads," Bowen said. "I‘ve managed 17 employees and I won’t tolerate lack of performance.”

To succeed, Bowen said he believes the township needs to be run more like a business.

“The township government must be compelled to treat taxpayers like customers, not cash cows," Bowen said.

Troy Brennan said he feels that his former experience on the Bristol Township Budget Advisory Board has helped qualify him for town council.

"(The advisory board) has given me experience relevant to controlling costs and providing municipal services, including bidding processes, supervising employees, controlling equipment purchasing,” Brennan said.

In addition to being the proprietor of Iron Horse Excavating, Brennan holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from West Chester University.

Brennan said the biggest obstacle facing the township is “clownish behavior,” waste, and corruption on the part of the local government.

Local real estate agent Amber Longhitano said she sees the fees and red tape from the municipality as an obstacle to the township's success.

“When fees and requirements drive businesses elsewhere, they actually hurt revenues and are counter productive. The key to relief is in expanding the tax base,” Longhitano said.

If elected, all three of the candidates said they are promising to donate any pay received from the position on council back to the township. Based on the township's 2011 budget, the current salary for a council member is about $3,500.

The primary's voting booths will open Tuesday, May 17.