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April 11, 2025
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Martha and Marjorie are running for Upper Allen Township Commissioner in the Republican primary on May 20, 2025.
They are both long time Republicans who are running for public office for the first time.
Each has their own Facebook page per the link below.
Below are their responses for the PennLive Primary Election Voters Guide.
The Sentinel Election Preview was published on May 10, 2025 and is shown under voter information.
Martha Judy Bailey
What is your occupation?
Retired Nurse Anesthetist
What experiences qualify you to hold this office?
Although my family has been part of this township since 1962, I’ve also lived and worked in communities across the U.S. and Europe-experiences that deepened my appreciation for thoughtful community development. I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of planning can erase history and beauty. In our own township, we’re losing historic markers and scenic views to unchecked warehouse and housing developments. Enough is enough. It’s time to balance progress, beauty, and services through responsible planning and effective ordinances. Save it before they pave it.
My dedication to community service started young, as a Girl Scout and member of a conservation work crew. I’ve volunteered for local theater, led trash cleanups, and for 40 years, l’ve been active in my professional association, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. For the past six years, I’ve served on the Cumberland Valley Rails-to-Trails Council, representing the group at municipal meetings and coordinating the 2024 Fall Festival. It was such a fun community event.
Professionally, I managed an anesthesia department with 43 anesthesiologists, 20 nurse anesthetists, and 16 aides. I’m known for being resourceful to a fault—I work through problems carefully, then call in experts and invite their critique. I don’t give up on projects. Ever.
People say I’m approachable, resourceful, a good listener, and a practical problem solver. I care deeply about this township – its past, present, and future-and I’m ready to bring both heart and experience to the role of township supervisor.
What makes you the best candidate for this position?
I’m the kind of person who works well with others-and genuinely enjoys it. I like hearing different opinions because they challenge my thinking and help me see new angles. I believe that good decisions come from diverse voices and shared effort.
As a conservationist and communicator, I bring skills that are especially needed right now. Our township has forgotten about many of the resources available to us – grant opportunities, community partnerships, and the quiet but busy neighborhoods that don’t always speak up but deserve to be heard. I want to help bring those voices and opportunities back into the conversation.
I also see business as an underused resource in our township. I know how to collaborate with local business owners to support both economic growth and community values.
I bring energy, organization, and follow-through. I’m a list-maker who keeps track of details so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
And most of all, I love being part of a team that divides the work and gets things done. That kind of shared momentum is fun for me—and it’s the kind of leadership that keeps a township running well.
I’m not running to be in charge. I’m running to be part of a functional, forward-looking team that listens. I have a running mate, my trusted friend Marjorie Taylor.
What issues are priorities for you?
Smart, Fair Use of Taxes
Our tax millage has increased eleven-fold in the last twenty years. We are looking at building parks and maintaining alot of infrastructure. That’s not sustainable. I support responsible budgeting and careful spending that respects residents and ensures our township can maintain services without overburdening families. My property taxes are my largest expense and I want to be able to stay in my home in my retirement years.
Land Preservation – Now, Not Later
I believe the time is now to help landowners understand their options beyond selling to developers. The county and local conservation groups offer strong preservation programs, but many residents don’t know they exist. I want the township to actively share these options so we can preserve our open space, not just pave it.
Communication With Residents
I love the new video coverage of meetings-it’s a great step. But let’s go further. Our website could be more user-friendly, and I’d like to see tools like “Request Tracker,” a system that keeps resident concerns from falling through the cracks. I also commit to personally visit residents I see are affected by issues on the agenda-sometimes a simple note or knock on the door can make all the difference.
Building Community Through Events
We have beautiful parks—let’s use them! I want to support community events that create lasting memories and foster connections right here, close to home.
Multimodal Transportation and Trails
I see trails connecting our neighborhoods, parks, and businesses-giving people safe, healthy ways to walk or bike and strengthening mental health, mobility, and community bonds. Neighborliness grows when we’re out of our cars and moving together. Building trails will require conservative spending.
mjudybailey@aol.com
Phone Number
Campaign Website
SAVEUPPERALLEN.COM
Campaign Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575046711493
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Marjorie A. Taylor
What is your occupation?
Visual Artist/Financial Services Marketing
What experiences qualify you to hold this office?
I have lived in Upper Allen Township for 14 years and raised three daughters in Mechanicsburg schools. In addition to being a professional artist, I have assisted in marketing our family’s financial services and retirement planning company. These experiences have shaped my perspective on a community’s needs and how best to listen and find effective solutions.
What makes you the best candidate for this position?
People say I am a good listener, level-headed, and a problem solver. I believe it’s essential to find common ground with people with different points of view.
What issues are priorities for you?
Preserving the natural beauty and character of our township is a top priority for me. I believe in responsible fiscal management, and I recognize that strategic land preservation can help control taxation by reducing the demand for municipal services. I support planned economic development that balances growth with conservation, and I advocate for protecting our township’s historical heritage. Transparency is essential, and I am dedicated to ensuring that residents are informed whenever township decisions impact them. My approach will be issue-focused and bipartisan, asking the right questions and seeking expert guidance to make the best decisions for our community.
I also want to express my strong support for my running mate, M. Judy Bailey, on the Republican primary ticket. Judy is a dedicated advocate for transparency and a resident-first approach to local government. With extensive experience in conservation, land use, grants, and municipal planning, she brings a wealth of knowledge, integrity, and a strong bipartisan, issue-focused perspective.
vivamataylor@gmail.com
Phone Number
Campaign Website
SAVEUPPERALLEN.COM
Campaign Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574590307464
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Save Upper Allen 