September 09, 2009 8:28 AM CDT

A Mason Contractor’s Role in Politics

By Jennifer Morrell

Have you ever thought about running for a public office in your community? If you could directly apply your experience as a mason contractor and business person to positively affect your community, would you?

Ed Stevens wasn’t so sure he wanted to run for Township Supervisor in New Castle, Pa., but dozens of his supporters convinced him. The president and co-owner of Stevens Masonry Construction Co., he ran for and was elected to the position. Now, he’s working full-steam ahead to make his township a fair and honest place, operated in a transparent manner.

“I want to make Neshannock Township a better place,” says Stevens. “My goal is to run the township the way I have run my business for 23 years: fairly and honestly, and on behalf of the people of the township. I want to use my experience as a mason and contractor to handle affairs and tighten the bond in our local community.”

Stevens Masonry Construction is a third-generation company started by Stevens’ grandfather. “I want to get rid of agendas and politics as usual,” he says. “I want to help bring new businesses in, lower taxes and increase jobs – constructive progress and constructive change.”

Stevens says he’d like to create more opportunities for young people and families, like biking trails and expanded physical fitness facilities.

“I don’t want people to be afraid of local government,” he says. “They should understand that they own their government.”

Although Stevens is green in his elected, unpaid position, he has had a smooth transition into his new role. He has plenty of support from his company staff, so there aren’t concerns regarding the time that his Supervisor position will consume. Stevens’ main focus is on running his business ethically and not crossing any political lines. He promises to serve his township in a way that works with his new role as he continues to grow his business.

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About the Author

Jennifer Morrell is the editor of Masonry magazine. She has several years of experience in the publishing industry as a writer and editor, covering such topics as real estate and development, health care, relationships and sports. A graduate of The University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in magazines and is an award-winning columnist.