LOGAN TWP. ÊIt's experience versus youth vying for one seat on township council here as incumbent Democrat Bernadine Jackson looks to retain her seat against Republican Jason Dougherty, making his first run for public office.

Bernadine Jackson, 61, is at the end of her first term as councilperson and sees tax stability, services and safety as the big issues facing residents in the township today.

"Logan continues to be a great place to live," Jackson said.

The township has been among the towns with the lowest municipal tax rates in the county for the past few years. She wants to keep municipal taxes low by attracting eco-friendly projects and new ratables to the community.

Recently, council approved installing solar panels on the municipal building and is expected to reduce energy costs. A preventive road maintenance program has been established to keep ahead of costly highway repairs. As such, several roads have been resurfaced over the past few years.

"Council is always looking to save, this is evident with our recently implemented trash recycling program," Jackson said. "With this project we are expecting great savings in the future."

Shared services are another avenue being explored with other communities to help reduce the budget.

"Along with low taxes and municipal services, we want a safe place in which to live," Jackson said. "A safe community is important to all residents, therefore, having our police department and fire company up-to-date with current technologies is a priority."

The transportation coordinator for the Logan Township School District has participated in a number of boards and committees in Logan. She also has been a part of various sports groups, as well as the local Girl Scout troop.

Newcomer Jason Dougherty makes his run for office running on a platform of restoring a sense of community, improving safety and managing spending.

"The people of Logan need to be represented within the council," Dougherty, a 34-year-old who has lived for the past five years in town. "I will utilize my already established Web site, develop a blog or personally contact those who wish to know about upcoming council votes."

By doing that, Dougherty hopes to keep residents informed and to allow them to have a say in how their tax dollars are spent.

"Our residents in Nortonville, Bridgeport, Repaupo, Center Square and Beckett need to feel that they are each represented in Logan Township," he added.

A teacher at Delaware Technical and Community College with a wife and two young daughters, Dougherty noted safety for pedestrians as a priority on his list.

"There have already been multiple accidents in Logan Township that involved Ôlow light situations,'" he stated. "Maybe we could direct resources to help to better light our roads and build sidewalks for our children to utilize."

Dougherty also sees cutting out excessive spending of taxpayer dollars on litigation as a way to cut costs.

"We spend thousands of dollars on lawyers fees each month with no explanation as to why," Dougherty said. "Wouldn't that be better spent on recruitment and equipment for our fire stations?"

He currently is a graduate student at the University of Delaware. Dougherty also has volunteered for various hospitals, the American Heart Association, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.