Delaware's Hernandez announces bid for Pike County Commissioner

DINGMANS FERRY - Ileana Hernandez, Supervisor in Delaware Township, has announced her intention to seek the post of Pike County Commissioner. Her name will appear on the Democratic ballot in the May primary. A twenty year resident of Pike County, Hernandez began work for Delaware Township almost eighteen years ago when she was appointed secretary to the township planning commission. In 1990, she was appointed township secretary, and four years later was appointed township treasurer. When a vacancy became available on the board of supervisors in 1995, she was a natural choice to fill the vacancy. Hernandez won reelection to the board in her own right in 1999, and again in 2005, despite the lopsided Republican advantage in voter registration. “At the township level, bi-partisan cooperation is everything,” said Hernandez, “I have been fortunate to have served with some wonderful people on Delaware’s board, and to have had the generous support of the township’s residents.” When asked why she is seeking the office of County Commissioner, Hernandez said, “My twelve years of service to one of the fastest growing townships in Pennsylvania’s fastest growing county has given me the insight and experience to meet the challenges facing Pike.” Hernandez went on to say that some areas experiencing explosive growth have been underrepresented at the county level. “Areas in the southern and western part of the county have witnessed changes unimaginable just ten years ago,” she added, “I feel that I can provide a voice for those residents, because I’ve seen and worked with it firsthand.” The direction of Pike’s economic development is one of paramount concern to Hernandez. “We need to define what Pike County will be in the next five years, as well as the next fifteen. We need to provide jobs now. We need to provide emergency services now. Will we continue to be a bedroom community for New York and New Jersey business, or will we provide jobs and an environment where our children will want to return and raise their families and create their future?” Hernandez is quick to point out that her commitment to job creation is not an abandonment of her demonstrated commitment to Pike County’s environmental and natural resources. “I am proud to have been instrumental in the creation of the township’s environmental advisory council, which was a first anywhere in Pike County.” Hernandez is particularly proud of Delaware Township’s recent purchase of Camp Akenac, which will be turned into a recreational park for the benefit of all township residents. “It is a beautiful property which should be kept green,” she explained, “not just for our enjoyment today, but for the generations who come after us.” Besides her tenure on the Board of Supervisors, Hernandez has served as past President of the Pike County Association of Township Officials. Currently, she serves as Treasurer of Pike County Advanced Life Support, a member of Pennsylvania Local Governmental Secretaries Association, and a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. In 1995, she graduated from the Institute for Municipal Secretaries and Clerks at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania. Hernandez has also served on the board of Survivors’ Resources. “I look forward to this campaign,” said Hernandez, “and I look forward to reaching out to all parts of Pike County with my running mate, Karl Wagner.” Hernandez has three children, two grandchildren, and lives in the gated community of Marcel Lakes Estates.