VALUES
I am running a values-based campaign, and it is these values that lay out the guiding principles to define my position on issues that will come before the township. My positions are completely transparent and over the last four years my votes have been consistent. Commissioners should not be influenced by knowing the applicant or wanting to curry favor in their respective ward. Government should work for the people and never play favorites. It is important that voters know where candidates stand on issues when they head to the polls on November 2nd.
Transparency in Government
Transparency is the key to earning the community’s trust. We started a conversation four years ago and have been able to bring forth incredible, positive changes in our neighborhood because there is always an open line of communication. In my mind, a commissioner serves as a bridge between the community and the township, and I have always reached out to request your input to help frame a project.
Even my opponent has alluded to our strong relationship when she referred to me as the “well-known” incumbent. I will take that as the highest compliment to my community outreach and constituent services. Regular newsletters, emails, phone calls, walking the streets, townhall meetings, conversations in the parking lot, coffees in the park, and this is just a typical Monday.
I know that a community works best when the people are engaged and informed. It is not a coincidence that Ward 6 has been so active over the last four years. During the renovations at Bo Connor Park, neighbors on Morningside and Lanmore asked for a gate on the South Devon entrance for safety reasons. Another neighbor on Arbordale was concerned with the traffic at the intersection by Filipone Park and the neighborhood worked together to add a crosswalk to allow pedestrians to cross safely. On Morris Road, we came together to save the canopy for future generations, as well as replacing dangerous sidewalks that had been uplifted by oversized trees. This is what is possible when you value transparency over partisanship.
Four years ago, I asked for your vote and promised to work every day on your behalf. I have loved every minute and I thank you for taking the chance. I am now coming back and hoping to earn your trust to serve another four-years. I know the amount of work it takes to provide the superior constituent services you deserve and I am ready and willing to partner with you again.
Protecting Our Parks
Ward 6 has the most parks of any area in Radnor Township and I have spent many hours over the last four years working to protect the jewels of the township and ensure they are clean and protected for our families, and future generations, to enjoy.
Making sure our parks are accessible and safe for neighbors has never been more important as our parks have served as safety zones for people to access and engage in socially distant activities. I will never forget the first Little League baseball game after COVID restrictions were relaxed and scores of neighbors living around Filipone Park, some who did not even have kids playing, walked over to watch because they heard children out playing. This shows the importance parks has on our community.
- Joined PA program for Young Lung’s at Play initiative making all Radnor parks tobacco free
- Partnered with Radnor Conservancy to install new recycling containers at Bo Connor and Filipone Parks
- Secured $125,000 towards upgrades at Odorisio Park
- Approved resurfacing of basketball court at Odorisio Park
- Set up a Little Red Library at Filipone Park (served as food/essentials pantry during COVID)
- Led effort to save trees in our parks and enact tree replacement schedule
There is still much to do. If re-elected, I will work to ensure Odorisio Park is moved to the top of the list for park renovations. In addition, the new recycling containers have been a success at Filipone/Bo Connor parks and I will coordinate to expand these programs to all parks in the ward.
Fiscal Stewardship
The welcoming sign as you enter the township from the east reads: “The Best Place to Live, Work and Do Business on the Main Line”. However, as I walk around the neighborhoods in the ward, I am hearing from many lifelong neighbors who they feel they are being pushed out of their community and can no longer afford to live here.
Four years ago, I called out the Board for irresponsible spending and the majority continue to disregard their responsibility to practice fiscal responsibility. The path the current Board of Commissioners has led us down ends with one of two options – higher taxes or selling the underground water lines. Both scenarios will result in neighbors paying more in taxes. This is unthinkable.
The challenges facing the township were never more apparent than during budget discussions at the end of 2020. At a time when the township was forecasting record revenue shortfalls due to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the business community, the majority of commissioners voted in support of a bloated budget that hired new staff and funded 501C3 organizations, including organizations that do not reside in the township. They were unwilling finding areas of the budget to cut.
The Board was able to avoid raising taxes this year by drawing from the general reserve, which I have proposed doing the past two years but was told it was unthinkable. However, this “tax and spend” approach to government is not sustainable. How much longer are we going to allow this irresponsible governance to take place without saying enough already.
Here is my promise to neighbors if re-elected:
- I will not support tax increases for Radnor neighbors
- To seek working with a city planner to better understand best practices for zoning the business district to ensure long-term longevity
- Continue to fight for the modernizing our township services
The Board cannot continue on this spending spiral. My commitment remains to work hard on a budget that benefits all tax paying residents. I want to make sure families who have built their homes in Radnor are confident that they will be able to live here as long as they choose to be in the community and are not forced out through year-on-year tax increases.
Public Safety
Immediately following the August 18, 2018 storm that caused flooding across Radnor Township, I called for the Public Safety Sub-committee to convene to allow the township to discuss options to help protect neighbors and first responders in future storms. I was taken aback by the pictures I saw from that day where heroic first responders were entering flooded areas in shorts and tennis shoes – this was unacceptable and I led the efforts to ensure changes were made.
While the community has discussed storm water projects for years, it is important for neighbors to understand that any project undertaken will not stop flooding from occurring during these major storms. Storm water projects will help reduce or slow the amount of water dispersed in smaller storms but neighborhoods are still likely to see some level of flooding during these “major” storms.
Instead, I have called for the township to look at ways to increase flood safety – low cost options to help protect lives and property during these major storms. We know the flood-prone areas in the township and should be looking for ways to protect our residents and first responders.
During the August meeting, I proposed several initiatives and am happy to report all of them have been accepted by the township, and most have been acted on, including:
- Ensuring first responders have necessary equipment and training to respond to flood events
- Providing residents in flood-prone areas with access to public parking areas during major storms
- Acquiring a rescue vehicle so Radnor police vehicles are not driving in high water areas
- Installing gates on flood-prone streets to prevent vehicles from driving through high waters
If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for these low cost options to help make Radnor safer and to protect the brave men and women who serve our community. It is a tremendous responsibility ensuring the health and safety of every Radnor resident, and one I do not take lightly.