In the 2005 local elections, Nether Providence voters turned out in force to send a message: they wanted change from a Republican majority that more concerned with politics than improving the Township.
As a result of that election, a new majority took charge of the Township Board of Commissioners. That majority is delivering on the promises it made to address issues of concern to Township residents. Lin Floyd, Deena Beard, Sallie Anderson, and Frank Noyes tackled problems that had been allowed to develop over the prior years of Republican majority. In less than two years, they have made remarkable progress.
They took action to require responsible development, including:
- Adopting tighter restrictions on flag lot developments and curbing development on steep slopes.
- Increasing the minimum residential lot size for new construction.
- Enacting a height limit for buildings in residential neighborhoods.
- Revising township code to discourage placement of cell towers in residential neighborhoods.
In addition, the Democratic majority of the Board worked on a variety of other important issues:
- They reversed a serious staffing and morale problem by listening to Township employees, and restoring the needed position of Assistant Township Manager.
- The continue to battle the FAA’s plan for increased air traffic in conjunction with county, state, and federal representatives. They also provided testimony in support of a regional airport authority.
- The created a township website on schedule and at no cost to taxpayers.
- The established a volunteer Recycling Task Force to examine our recycling program and suggest ways to bring NPT into compliance with Pennsylvania requirements. The Task Force obtained a state grant to evaluate our current system, surveyed residents to solicit their views and concerns, and presented options for residents to consider. They held a Public Forum in October, inviting an open hearing of the issues involved.
- The enacted a responsible 2007 Township budget that began to address serious infrastructure, maintenance, and staffing issues ignored byt he previous Republican board while controlling taxes.
- They filled long-standing vacancies on Township boards and committees and created several new committees to address needs and concerns in the Township. Never before have so many residents volunteered their talents and energy in such areas as communications, recycling, parks and recreation, safe walkways, historic preservation, energy conservation, and shade tree protection.
On November 6th, Nether Providence voters again have a chance to make a difference!
Four seats on the Board of Commissioners are up for grabs. Democrats must win at least two of these seats to retain control of the Board. If we are successful, we will be in a position to keep local government open and forward-looking. If the Republicans regain control, then we are likely to return to the days of no-bid contracts, cronyism, and undue influence from the County machine.
Democrats are also mounting a serious challenge for County Council for the first time in decades. Nether Providence’s own David Landau is running for one of three open Council seats, along with Ann O’Keefe and John Innelli. They can win!
The Nether Providence Democratic committee also supports a bi-partisan roster of School Director candidates whose focus is on responsibly managed, high-quality education. Incumbent Magisterial District Judge Stephanie Klein won both the Democratic and Republican primaries and will continue her respected service on the bench.
These candidates all need your support. This is an important eleciton. Your vote counts, but only if you cast it.
