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Montgomery County, PA May 19, 2009 Election
Smart Voter Political Philosophy for Thomas C. "Tom" Zipfel

Candidate for
Commissioner; Township of Hatfield; Ward 4

This information is provided by the candidate

http://www.zipfel09.com

Dear Hatfield Resident:

I am running for Commissioner in the 4th Ward for Hatfield Township. This year's primary race will be held on May 19, 2009, and voting will take place at Pennfield Middle School.

I believe that local government should be simple - residents should elect a candidate who is a good person, has the Township's best interest at heart, and has the leadership skills for the position. Those traits are not just the foundation for good government, but great government. So, let me simply and directly explain how I meet this standard.

Am I good person? Many of you already know me from my involvement on the Hatfield Park Commission and the Hatfield Civil Service Commission and because I have coached numerous youth athletic teams in the Hatfield area. More recently, I have knocked on more than 300 residents' doors to discuss your concerns. While I will make every effort to meet as many residents as possible, I also established a website that you can visit in order to determine if I meet this standard. The website is http://www.zipfel09.com.

Do I have the Township's best interest at heart? Clearly a person who volunteers his/her time has the community's best interest at heart. I have lived in Hatfield for almost 14 years and have been involved in various forms of community service such as:

  • Support Center for Child Advocates
  • Winners on Wheels
  • Hatfield Civil Service Commission
  • Hatfield Park Commission
  • Hatfield Baseball
  • CYO Basketball Coach
  • St. Maria Goretti Finance Committee
  • St. Maria Goretti CYO Board
  • Assistant Soccer Coach
  • Assistant Softball Coach
  • Upward Basketball Coach

Do I have the leadership skills for the position? My background as General Counsel and Human Resource Director for a company of more than 430 employees with annual revenue in excess of $120 million gives me the leadership skills and practical experience that are needed for the Commissioner's position. As I see it, the primary role of a Commissioner is to carefully consider issues and make decisions that will affect the lives of Hatfield residents; and, work with the Township staff to implement those decisions. These responsibilities are exactly what I do in my current professional position, and what I have done as an attorney for the last fourteen years.

I leave to you to determine if I meet the standard to be your next Commissioner. I truly appreciate your considering me for the position, and I encourage you to vote on May 19.

Next Page: Position Paper 1

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 3, 2009 21:27
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