Dexter appointed to Damascus board

New supervisor has experience in growth issues

By TOM KANE

DAMASCUS, PA ¾ Jeff Dexter, a retired director of construction for the Arizona State Park System, has returned to his native Damascus and agreed to fill the supervisor position vacated by Fred Haase.

Dexter, the son of Bob and Helen Dexter, will serve until December 31, 2007.

“If I wish to run for the office, I must make up my mind by May 2007, at the time of the primary,” Dexter said.

Dexter will also be a part-time disaster-housing inspector for Parr Inspections, Inc. of Fairfax, VA, who is contracted with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for disaster-relief projects. The job could necessitate his traveling throughout the United States and the territories in response to a disaster situation.

“This need not be a conflict with being a township supervisor,” he said. “I checked with my company, FEMA and the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, and there is not conflict. There are provisions for circumstances like this where a supervisor can communicate by phone and computer to have input into township affairs.”

Dexter’s background will be a plus for the township, he said.

“Since I won’t be a road master, I can concentrate on the growth issues that are coming before the township more and more. I saw enormous growth in Arizona around Phoenix and had to deal with many of these issues. The township will need to give growth some direction as it occurs. I will focus on this.”

Dexter said he approves of the move in the township to develop a multi-municipal comprehensive plan with two of its township neighbors.

“Things don’t start and stop at political boundaries,” he said. “No one municipality can stand alone. Issues cross township lines and must be dealt with in new ways as new changes occur.”

“Jeff is going to be very good for the township,” said township board chair Bill Gager.