Republican James R. Krippe has announced he is running to become an Upper Milford Township supervisor.

Krippe has been a resident of Upper Milford Township for over 22 years. He retired two years ago after working over 40 years in the construction industry.

Krippe said he has attended 90 percent of the Upper Milford Township Supervisor meetings in the past three years and has voiced concerns several times on issues and expenditures.

He said his work experience in all factions of the construction industry combined with experience in fire science, fire fighting, automotive industry and municipal government gives him a rounded knowledge of what is required to get the job done.

He not only has practical experience but has received formal education as can be demonstrated by certificates from Thomas Nelson Community College in Virginia for construction project management; Pennsylvania State University in areas related to fire service, emergency planning, hazardous material handling, vehicle rescue and emergency medical technician training; PPL Fire Training School for electrical emergencies. He has had formal training in the interpretation of American Disabilities Act compliance and International Construction Codes. He has gained automotive and mechanical knowledge while working for several racing divisions and teams in NASCAR.

Before moving to the Lehigh Valley he served as chairman for the West Hazleton Borough Zoning Board, Deputy Fire Chief, and also worked for the street department during emergency weather conditions.

He said the financial responsibility for the municipality is a huge task but a supervisor should have the ability to problem solve, think outside the box and find economical ways to give the residents of Upper Milford Township as much as possible for their tax dollars through planning and proper management.

Krippe was appointed by the Upper Milford Supervisors to update Upper Milford Township's emergency management operations.

He has been happily married to Michele for 22 years and is the father of an active 11-year-old son, Jonathon.