Armstrong, Conley seek Upper Burrell supervisor seat

An incumbent and a newcomer are seeking a seat on Upper Burrell’s board of supervisors.

Cari Armstrong, 40, and Mike Conley, 60, are running for township supervisor in the Nov. 7 election.

The position is a six-year term.

Armstrong, a Democrat, works as an end-of-life doula. An end-of-life doula is a person who assists a dying person and their family through the dying process. This is her first time running for public office.

“I’m running to be proactive about planning and preserving Upper Burrell Township, and living in the township for seven years now, I love it here. I want to serve our community, increase transparency of what’s happening in the township and foster a stronger sense of community here in Upper Burrell,” Armstrong said.

Conley, a Republican, is employed by the township as its roadmaster. A lifelong Upper Burrell resident, Conley first served on the board from 1991 to 2005 and was elected to his current term on the board in 2017. He touted his experience on the board and his reputation in the township.

“With my previous tenure of 20 years on the board, I think I’ve learned a few things over the years,” Conley said. “And I’m still learning every day.”

Since getting back on the board six years ago, there has been progress in fixing some of the township’s roads, he said. If elected, he would like to see that road maintenance continue and also rebuild the police department, including hiring more officers.

“I think I treat everybody fairly. I go out of my way to help people. That’s what I’m elected for, to help people,” Conley said.

Armstrong said that if she’s elected, one of her immediate goals would be to modify the municipal building with improved audio. She said it is not easy to hear what is happening during meetings, and that she would prioritize addressing the issue and making meetings more accessible to residents.

She also said she would like to see the township establish a park space.

Since she moved to Upper Burrell, Armstrong said she has been active in township meetings and events and that, if on the board, she would bring the ability to understand all sides of a problem and communicate with all sides to come to a solution.

“I bring a fresh perspective, and I’m committed to this community. This is where we’ve chosen to settle, chosen to raise our family here, and I’m very committed to keeping Upper Burrell a wonderful place to live,” Armstrong said.