In a recent Letter to the Editor, my opponent in the race for Shohola Township Supervisor, George C. Fluhr, alleged that “my repackaged agenda is the former administration [sic] elitist, high tax and intolerant policies that would destroy the wonderful Shohola we know.”

This is a remarkable statement, since I’ve not yet formally presented an agenda to the voters of Shohola, which I will do over the coming weeks. The tone of Mr. Fluhr’s letter is also one of the reasons I’m running for supervisor at this time. I have been disappointed by his use of negativity as a political tool, and I intend to conduct my campaign in a positive way because I believe that every minute spent on negative campaigning is time lost in addressing the issues and getting something constructive accomplished.

I hope Mr. Fluhr will join me in talking about substance. I firmly believe it’s time to change how we govern in the township. Citizens should be involved in local government. It belongs to them. Among many other things, I want to work collaboratively with the Shohola Fire & Rescue to ensure that our citizens receive the best services possible, get direct citizen input to budget priorities and find a way to make sure that more local contractors can be informed of township projects open for bids.

Governing should be a collaborative process between citizens and their elected officials; something that has been absent in our government. I would rather govern by listening than gaveling citizens into silence.

I am running an ethical, issue-focused campaign as a write-in candidate for Shohola Supervisor and will focus on what we, as a community, can do to better life in Shohola. I look forward to going door to door, getting to know each and every resident and learning what’s on their minds. Together, we can make positive changes to improve the quality of life in Shohola.

Shirley Masuo

Shohola, PA