When Chris Slaymaker of Gap applied for the position of Leacock Township manager, the board of supervisors members who interviewed him saw leadership qualities, but they also saw something they were specifically seeking. "We wanted someone who understands the area," said Frank Howe, retiring secretary and treasurer for the township and a member of the board for nearly 40 years. "It's hard to teach the culture."

Slaymaker grew up in the area, and he attended Pequea Valley schools, graduating from Pequea Valley High School and immediately going to work for Lancaster County-Wide Communications, the county's 911 call center. Slaymaker worked his way up to supervisor at the call center, taking part in leadership training and earning certifications along the way. "I can manage stress and make decisions under pressure," he noted. Moving to the township position gives Slaymaker a chance to work closer to home and utilize the skills he has developed over 21 years. "I wanted a job where I could impact my local community more," he said. "I wanted to help make decisions that are impactful to the region, and having the opportunity to interact with local people was a big plus for me," explained Slaymaker, who told the board during his interview, "I would love to blend the culture and heritage with new horizons. Changes will happen, but trying to manage that change with our local heritage and history in mind (is important)."

For Howe, bringing in a township manager has given him the chance to retire gradually. When Slaymaker started at the office in late April, Howe took him into the community to meet area leaders. Since then, Howe has been working with him a few days a week and teaching budget fine points and other essential concepts as those tasks arise. Howe's long career with the township has given him the experience needed to train the new manager. Howe's employment with the township began when he worked with contractors on the construction of the Leacock Township building at 3545 W. Newport Road, Ronks, in 1996. He also oversaw the arrival of the original sewer system implementation and the expansion of the system later on, working with a consultant. The installation of a water system and the development of the park system occurred under Howe's watch. "When I came here, there was one park with a pavilion and a ballfield owned by the Intercourse Civic Association, which had agreed to let the Intercourse Lions Club run it," recalled Howe, who worked with the Civic Association to turn the park over to the township. Howe designed and oversaw the building of the Intercourse Community Park, which was dedicated in 2004. "That was my big thing. I'm proud of that park. It's a beautiful place," said Howe.

Looking ahead, Slaymaker knows that in this position, he will have to grapple with change, which is not always popular with community members. He is thankful for Howe's continued presence when considering the future of the area. "You do it for the community and what makes it better to live here," said Howe of the position.

More information about the township is available at http://www.leacocktwp.com.