Mike Discusses Re-Election Campaign with The River Reporter

Liam Mayo: Why did you decide to run for re-election?

Mike: Serving as Supervisor has been incredibly rewarding. Unlike at the state or federal level, local government offers the opportunity to create real, meaningful change and to see the positive impact of that change firsthand. Jeff, John, and I have developed a strong, collaborative partnership built on a shared commitment to selfless service. Together, we’ve made decisions that genuinely benefit every resident of Lackawaxen Township. I’m running for re-election because I want to continue serving our community and building on the achievements we’ve made.

Liam Mayo: What accomplishments from your previous terms on the board would you like to highlight?

Mike: Fiscal responsibility has been the cornerstone of my service since I began as Supervisor in 2014. From the beginning, I was committed to achieving 100% fiscal transparency, even when that commitment met resistance from my fellow supervisors at that time. Equally important to me was ensuring 100% policy transparency. Through consistent promotion of our monthly meetings, increased use of social media, and direct community outreach, we made it a priority that every resident has access to clear, accurate information about what’s happening in our township. These goals took time, but we achieved them and have continued to uphold them. Today, no one can say that the Lackawaxen Township Board of Supervisors makes decisions without public awareness.

Another major area of accomplishment is our road infrastructure. Over the past eight years, the township has launched and executed the most ambitious road improvement plan in its history. Our strong working relationship with PennDOT has also helped us secure significant upgrades to key state roads in our area, including Greeley Lake Road, Market Road, Rowland Road, Towpath Road, Route 590, Route 434, and Welcome Lake Road. These investments have improved safety, accessibility, and quality of life for all residents.

Liam Mayo: What are the biggest issues facing the township at present, in your opinion?

Mike: Emergency services are among the most pressing challenges we face today. Our Fire Departments and EMS are essential to the safety and well-being of every resident. While our ambulance service is considered the gold standard in Pike County, the costs of recruiting and retaining certified staff, along with the overall expenses of maintaining 24/7 coverage, have steadily increased.

Thankfully, our residents recognized the importance of sustaining this vital service and overwhelmingly supported a 2.5 mil ambulance tax increase. That funding has allowed us to secure operations for the next 10–12 years without the need for another referendum.

We’re also fortunate to have four Fire Departments staffed by experienced, dedicated volunteers whose focus is always on residents, not egos. Their commitment to public safety is unwavering. However, keeping pace with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, including up to date gear, equipment, and vehicles require continued investment. As our township’s full-time population grows, so does our responsibility to ensure that emergency services remain strong, responsive, and well-equipped.

Liam Mayo: What would be your top priority for your coming term were you to be re-elected on the board?

Mike: As this will likely be my final term if elected, I remain fully committed to making Emergency Services a top priority. The safety and well-being of our residents depend on reliable, well-funded, and well-staffed EMS and fire departments, and I will continue to support the resources and partnerships needed to keep these services strong.

At the same time, I’m excited to focus on quality of life improvements that benefit our entire community. With the recent creation of our new Parks and Recreation Board, we now have a dedicated team to help guide the enhancement of our parks, hiking trails, and public spaces. One key initiative will be the development of our new riverside park. This project reflects our commitment to preserving natural beauty while promoting health, wellness, and community connection.

The science is clear: access to safe, well maintained outdoor spaces has a direct, positive impact on physical and mental health. I believe investing in recreation is not just about beautification; it’s about building a stronger, more vibrant township where families thrive and residents of all ages feel a deeper sense of belonging.

Liam Mayo: Can you say a little about your background outside of elected office, and about the experience and perspective you bring to the role of township supervisor?

Mike: I often think of my life in terms of “before and after” settling in Lackawaxen Township. Before moving here 15 years ago, I had the privilege of owning and managing an international supply chain business. My work regularly took me across Eastern and Western Europe, where I built strong, long-term relationships with clients and vendors involved in board-level manufacturing. Although I didn’t travel as frequently to Asia, I developed deep partnerships there as well as connections that were both professionally and personally rewarding.

Those years gave me the opportunity to work with people from a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. I learned how to listen, how to collaborate across differences, and how to build trust, skills that continue to serve me well in public service. Many of those relationships remain strong to this day, and they’ve shaped how I approach both leadership and community engagement.

At my core, I believe people are inherently good. I try to approach every interaction by looking for kindness, integrity, and shared purpose. That mindset has guided me not only in business, but throughout my time as a Township Supervisor. It’s helped me build consensus, make thoughtful decisions, and always put the best interests of our residents first.