Message from the candidate

I’m running because the residents matter...  JANE MELLERT for PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR 6 Year Term

• Live broadcast of Township meetings need to be available for the public to view as well as online Treasurer Reports.

• On August 27th the Supervisors voted to approve the rezoning of 212 acres from Farm and Forest to Solid Waste Processing and Disposal as requested by WM/GCSL. Ken Field, Nolan Kemmerer and Jonathan Itterly voted YES and Glenn Borger and Ken Fairchild voted NO. In September 2025, an appeal was filed in Commonwealth Court. 

In addition an application was submitted for the Plainfield Twp Zoning Hearing Board to hear the case. A Zoning Hearing is being scheduled for December 3, 2025.                            

• I believe in planning financially to limit real estate tax increases. A Finance Committee should review and make recommendations. The Trust Fund is currently at $16.4 million, the Open Space Fund over $6 million.

• The Long Range Planning Committee needs to be brought back. This committee should be part of the process of developing an updated Comprehensive Plan, and reviewing Zoning and Economic Development. 

• Meetings for farmers and landowners to discuss ways to transition should be organized. Too many farms are being sold to large business interests when there are men and women wanting to farm but they can’t financially compete to purchase the land. I don’t have all of the answers to this complex problem, but let’s explore solutions together. 

• In the past I have supported Recreation Development, Police Services, and the Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Company. 

Message from the candidate

My name is Paul Levits and I am running for the 2 year supervisor seat in this November election. I am requesting support for this upcoming election. Allow me to outline my background, both personal and professional. We need to consider current and long range plans for our township. 

I have been a resident of Plainfield Twp for over 33 years. Married with 2 adult sons that went through the PASD programs. Self employed for 41 years and owning 2 businesses in the Borough of Wind Gap. 

Served on the WGMA for 25 years, most of them as Vice Chairman. When first appointed to the authority it had large debts and was basically broke. Along with the other members we gradually reversed the fortunes of the authority till it was stable and in good financial condition. 

I have been serving on Plainfield Twp. Planning Committee for over 15 years, vice chairman and then chairman for many of those years. With the planning commission team, we have guided many projects both mundane and controversial through the process. Always looking out for the entire community, not for the 20% that several supervisors feel is best for the twp., and the rest can get in line. 

As Waste Management proceeds with the application of this new landfill and if it is successful, we need supervisors and a planning commission (who are appointed by the supervisors) who will protect the residents' health and welfare with vigor and maximize the financial return for the current residents as well as those in the future. I will commit to being that supervisor for you. 

Moving forward we need to reestablish the long range planning committee. Setting goals to review all of the twp., assets and future possibilities to increase our ratables that coordinate with the objective to maintain our rural character. 

MY BACKGROUND: 

2 Bachelor of Science Degrees - one in education and the other in engineering. 

15 plus years on Plainfield Twp. Planning 

25 years on Wind Gap Municipal Authority 

41 years self-employed 

I view the major issue of this campaign: is the will of the citizens have been ignored. We have to restore respect, dignity and transparency, of which I demonstrated the ability to do as chairman of the Planning Commission. On the economic front, we need to recreate the Long-Range Planning Committee with goals set by the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Zoning Board, LRPC and input from our citizens.

In summary: 

1. I have decades of public experience 

2. I understand budgeting and money management 

3. Prioritize our health and well being 

4. Seeking a bright and healthy future for our community 

Message from the candidate

Hello, Neighbor.

My name is Joseph Colosi. 

I am a candidate for the 2-year term for Plainfield Township Supervisor.

My wife and I have been residents of Plainfield Township for about eight years. We were drawn to this area because of its space and beauty and rural nature. The reason I am running for Supervisor is that I am strongly opposed to Waste Management creating a new landfill on farmland. You may have seen me at Plainfield Township meetings where I, along with other concerned citizens, have spoken out against rezoning farmland to landfill use. Regrettably, the current Board of Supervisors voted to rezone the land, allowing Waste Management to build a new landfill that will accept garbage – not just from Northampton County but other states – for the next 20 years. This decision will not only compromise the safety and condition of our township roads because of truck traffic; it will also add further health risks to the residents of Plainfield Township. 

NO ONE WANTS HIGHER PROPERTY TAXES. Plainfield Township has banked more than $16 million, which would make it possible to avoid a property tax increase for at least 13 years. If elected, I would work to bring in clean businesses – such as wineries and garden centers – to increase the tax base so that we would never have to increase real estate taxes. Wouldn’t it be better to replace a dirty industry with clean industries to help with Township finances?

I am also genuinely concerned with sewage sludge spread on farmland in our Township. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found more than 700 non-natural chemicals in sewage sludge - including PFAS, the “forever chemicals” – associated with cancer and other health issues. It would be my top priority to stop the spread of sewage sludge on our farmland - again, for the safety of our residents.                                                                          

I have lived in many places, and Plainfield Township is my favorite. Previous Boards of Supervisors have done an excellent job of preserving farms and protecting the natural beauty of our community. Keeping the rural character of our township and protecting the quality of the land, water, air, is another of my priorities.

I intend to restore the Environmental Advisory Committee. The EAC, staffed by knowledgeable volunteer Plainfield Township residents, provided expert advice to the Board of Supervisors on environmental issues. Without explanation, four members of the current Board of Supervisors eliminated the Committee.

I have experience in township government, having served on the Township Council of Lower Saucon Township. During my tenure on Council, we did not raise taxes. I am frugal and work to find the least expensive way to do what needs to be done.

In addition to my service on Lower Saucon Township Council, I have served on the Plainfield Township Environmental Advisory Committee and the Wildlands Conservancy Board. I have taken the course for Township Supervisors at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. For 38 years, I taught Biology and Environmental Science at DeSales University. I was named as the university's first Professor Emeritus and remain active in university committees and student tutoring.

In my free time, I enjoy raising vegetables and native plants, photography, stained glass, hiking, live theater, traveling, and spending time with my twelve grandchildren.

I humbly ask you to vote for me for the 2-year term for Plainfield Township Board of Supervisors. Please also vote for Jane Mellert for the 6-year term for Plainfield Township Board of Supervisors. Jane and I share a common vision for Plainfield Township.