The 48-year-old geologist and environmental project manager is taking his second stab at gaining a seat on the board, after capturing 45 percent of the vote when he ran in 2007.

After losing to James Scanzillo by about 100 votes, Mihalich said, "that told me there was a desire for change. I thought that was significant."

He's up against Republican incumbents Helen Haun, who has been a supervisor since 1998 and Bill Jones, running for his second six-year term.

"I feel I have something to offer," said Jones. "I'm very good with finances and keeping rates down." He cited his many years in property management as giving him the needed experience to help run the township.

Haun, 69, also backs up her run for another term with experience. In The Intelligencer's 2009 voter's guide, she said there have been only two tax increases in her 12 years on the board.

"We've preserved thousands of acres, are one of the slowest growing municipalities in the area and provide great services and parkland for our residents," Haun said. She also noted that she was involved in zoning to protect the township's watershed.

With no new developments on the horizon, New Britain will "continue pushing to preserve land where we can," said Jones.

The township is looking at a couple of properties, but there is nothing definite, he said. New Britain has about $1.8 million in its land preservation fund and another $500,000 it can draw on from the Bucks County open space program.

Despite the weak economy, Jones, 61, said next year's budget looks "fairly good." He said there will be no tax increase, as has been the case for the past four years.

Mihalich, who discounted his opposition's claim that he lacks experience, saying his more than 20 years as a project manager has given him a broad background in preparing budgets and managing contracts, said the board needs another perspective.

"The current board operates under the radar + decisions are made behind closed doors," said Mihalich. "They are not reaching the vibrant, changing community we have.

"I'd like to see more transparency and public involvement before decisions are made."

The Democrat also questioned why neighboring towns are getting grant money and New Britain Township is not.

"I don't see our board stepping outside their comfort zone. There are probably funding opportunities out there to make improvements," said Mihalich.

Freda R. Savana can be reached at 215-345-3061 or fsavana@phillyBurbs.com.

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