Two candidates battle in supervisor’s race

Incumbent Amy Cline is being challenged by farmer & business owner Thomas Prentice Jr.

Forward Township residents will head to the polls Nov. 4 to decide who will fill a six-year term on the board of supervisors.

Voters will choose between Democrat Thomas D. Prentice Jr., a longtime farmer and business owner, and Republican Amy L. Cline, who was appointed to the board in April and is now seeking a full term.

Here’s a look at what each candidate is bringing to the table.

Cline (R) Cline was appointed to the board earlier this year and is aiming to turn that temporary role into a longterm leadership position.

Cline has a background in communications, public service and nonprofit work.

She spent 16 years as a professional fundraiser and volunteer coordinator for The Cleveland Orchestra, managing more than 3,000 volunteers.

She holds a communications degree and studied abroad in Cambridge, England. In 2020, she completed the Local Government Academy’s NEOC program for municipal leaders. For the past 13 years, Cline has represented Forward Township on the Steel Rivers Council of Governments and currently serves on its executive board. She also sits on the board of the Allegheny County Conservation District, which oversees the Farmland Preservation Program.

Cline has made her stances on local issues clear, opposing the proposed Coronado coal mine, founding the township’s “Concerts in the Park” series and serving on its oil and gas committee.

If elected, her priorities are focused and pragmatic.

Her first priority would be fiscal responsibility.

“For the last several years, our township has maintained one of the lowest municipal tax rates in the commonwealth, and I am committed to keeping that tax rate low and affordable,” she said. “Our residents work hard for their money and we, as leaders, need to respect that. We must develop a budget with anticipated expenses and balance it with the necessary revenue to cover those costs.”

Cline wants to ensure the preservation of the rural character Forward Township has.

“Half of the Allegheny County farms enrolled in Farmland Preservation are located here in Forward Township, preserving our rural landscape for future generations,” she said. “We have blankets of wildflowers on our rolling hillsides and I am committed to protecting them.”

Cline said her interest in conservation started early and continues through her current service on the Allegheny County Conservation District board, where she helps oversee the protection of natural resources.

Communication is also key. “I believe in an informed constituency,” she said. Since joining the board, she’s added a “Did You Know?” section to township meeting agendas and regularly shares updates online to keep residents engaged.

Prentice Jr. (D)

Prentice has called Forward Township home for nearly 50 years.

He grew up on his family’s farm and still lives and works there today, running Prentice Farm LLC — the first farm in Allegheny County accepted into the Farmland Preservation Program.

An Elizabeth Forward graduate and longtime heavy equipment operator, Prentice touts 30 years in site development — digging, grading, repairing sewer and water lines for major utilities — and supervising large crews.

He also co-owned a 40-bed personal care home for 27 years, helping manage operations and finances. He said that leadership experience, combined with decades of field work, makes him confident in his ability to serve effectively.

“I feel my work experience in these areas would be an asset to the position of Township supervisor,” Prentice said. “If elected, I would like to bring transparency, open dialogue and make decisions based on what is best for the whole community.”

Prentice said his focus is on collaboration, not division.

“I truly believe that we all want the same thing for our township,” he said. “I am committed to working together with residents and listening to their concerns and trying to address the issues.

“What I would like for our township is for it to be a unified community prioritizing transparency, honest and open dialog, and working together with residents and supervisors for the good of the township. I hope everyone can appreciate what unique appeal, charm and camaraderie we have in this township. I hope we can work together to preserve and improve Forward Township.”

Both candidates have deep roots in the community and clear visions for Forward Township’s future — Prentice through infrastructure know-how and hands-on management, and Cline through public policy, conservation and civic engagement.

Voters will decide which path to take when they cast their ballots Nov. 4.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.