Meet Upper Nazareth Twp. Supervisor James Augustine

Upper Nazareth Township Supervisor James Augustine is running for one of two seats on the GOP ticket in the May 21 primary election.

Upper Nazareth Township Supervisor Mike Rinker and newcomer Steve Ytkin are the other candidates seeking the Republican nomination.

Meet Jim Augustine:

Age:  37

Family:  married, one child

Political party affiliation:  Republican  

Tell us about your educational background:  Central York H.S. 1994; B.A. Economics, Lycoming College 1998; J.D. Widener Univ. 2006 

Tell us about your professional/business background:   Worked at Mallinckrodt Baker, Phillipsburg NJ for four years in customer services and logistics.  I attended the evening program at Widener Law School in Harrisburg for four years while working at a law firm in Phillipsburg, NJ.  Following law school, I practiced law in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.  For the past four years, I have served the community as an Assistant District Attorney - most recently as the chief prosecutor of the white collar crime unit.

Why are you running?

To continue to implement the township-wide recycling program by overseeing the spending of the $237,000 in grant monies I secured from the state for the township.  Also, I believe I have been instrumental in monitoring the township's spending in the wake of the 2012 tax increase. 

What qualifies you to serve? 
My legal background and my experience as an incumbent. 

What do you see as the board's/commission's primary role and responsibilities?
To maintain the fiscal health of the township and oversee the operation of the various departments providing services to the residents such as the police, the road department, etc.

Tell us about three major challenges facing Upper Nazareth and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible):
Three issues facing our township are these:  First, I will help to implement a state-mandated township-wide recycling program.  Second, I will work with the appropriate state and local agencies and elected officials to solve the traffic problems at the intersection of Route 191 and Friedenstahl Avenue.  Third, I will continue my efforts to maintain a fiscally responsible budget.  

How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded? 
My campaign is self-funded  

What, if any, endorsements have you received?  

None