2006 News

August 16, 2006

Bucks County Commissioners Introduce Members of
Open Space Task Force II

Following a month-long application process during which citizens were invited to forward letters of interest to join the reconvened “Open Space Task Force,” 24 newly selected members were introduced today at the Middletown Grange Fair in Wrightstown.

“We are extremely pleased to take this significant step in continuing to provide for the future of open space preservation efforts in Bucks County,” said commissioners’ Chairman James F. Cawley, Esq. “This group will be instrumental in advising county leaders how to maximize the next phase of our initiative.” During the selection process, the commissioners were committed to achieving a balance of interest, with all regions ultimately being represented.

In addition to the open-space issues addressed by the original Open Space Task Force – formed by the commissioners in 1996 – Open Space Task Force II will examine ways to shepherd historical preservation, create bike paths and other recreational venues, and continue plotting greenways and conservation easements.

Throughout July, Chief Operating Officer David M. Sanko fielded the 51 letters of interest from Bucks County citizens. “We are extremely grateful for the response to this very important volunteer project,” Sanko said. “We can all use the successes of the first phase of the initiative as motivation, as we begin ramping up efforts for the next phase.”

New members are as follows:

Kenneth Beer, Hilltown Tony Belfield, Bensalem (chairman) Peter Boor, Doylestown Susanne Curran, Yardley Darren Eppley, Southampton Jim Ewing, Bensalem Nicholas Forte, Erwinna Mike Fournier, Doylestown Frank Froio, Plumsteadville Fred Groshens, New Britian Susan Hewitt, Newtown Marilyn Jacobson, Chalfont

Nancy Keenan, Perkasie George Kirakidi, Hartsville Jorden Krauss, Pipersville Barbara Lyons, Doylestown Norman MacArthur, Erwinna Jane Magne, Penn’s Park Jeffrey Marshall, Doylestown Hon. William Rufe, Perkasie (vice-chairman) Michelle Smyser, Lahaska James Walsh, Milford Hon. Katharine Watson, Warrington William Wert, Newtown

Ex officio members of the task force will include Lynn Bush, Bill Mitchell, Rich Harvey and Kris Kern, who serve by virtue of their county position while maintaining non-voting status.