Last night, a crowd of local citizens was treated to an evening of getting to know their candidates for the position of township commissioner, well, getting to know some of them, anyway. The only incumbent to grace the table was Ward 1 commissioner and candidate, Drew Sharkey.
What was more important to the other current commissioners than meeting with their constituents, I couldn’t say, but I’m sure I am not alone in believing that they had a duty to turn up.
Alongside Drew were newcomers to the field of politics: Melanie Vallerio, the Ward 3 Republican candidate, Daniel Norris, Ward 5 Democratic candidate, Mark Sirinides, Ward 5 Republican candidate and Heidi Morein, Ward 7 Democratic candidate. The event was jointly sponsored by the Cheltenham Chamber of Citizens, We The People of Cheltenham, Melrose Park Neighbor’s Association, Wyncote Civic Association and Transition Cheltenham in conjunction with the League of Women Voters. Thanks also to Linda Jean’s who donated some excellent coffee and wonder desserts.
After a brief opening statement, the questions began. Some of the topics discussed included such issues as what they would do about the recent flooding problems and the change in the 911 calling system along with how the township website description meshes with what is actually in the township and how to make the township sustainable and more business friendly.
I’ll give you a brief summary of some of the positions but first I’d like to say I was glad to see at least one incumbent at the table. Drew has been part of the commissioners for a term now; his understanding of the issues, and the commissioner process, threw an interesting light on the proceedings and highlighted the fact that everyone else at the table was definitely new to politics.
Summary: (Not every candidate answered every question)
Term Limits: Mark – No, decided by voting; Melanie – Term limits across the board.
Jenkintown Septa Parking Garage: Daniel, Melanie and Heidi were all against the current design of 600 spaces.
Raise taxes to help budget shortfall: Melanie – No, taxes are a problem here, people can’t qualify for mortgages; Daniel – As a CPA, he would review the budget and the expenses, see what services we are getting for our tax dollars; Mark – need to reduce taxes on our senior citizens so they can stay in the township; Heidi – there is perception that we have very high taxes, she found that Cheltenham twp was the best bang for her dollars when she moved here; Drew – the shortfall in the budget is in three areas – $490,000 in health insurance benefits, $477,000 in wages, $390,000 sewer costs. Two bargaining units are up for contracts in 2013, can start the discussions there.
Apparent contempt for citizens at Commissioner meetings: Mark – vote for people who will listen to you; Daniel – responsiveness to residents is one of the most important tasks of a commissioner; Melanie – all people should be treated with respect, everyone has a right to speak even if they are repeating what someone else has said; Drew – people behind the table sometimes feel they don’t belong to the same community, but the “audience” needs to be civil; Heidi – has seen this firsthand.
If elected, what would be your top priorities: Heidi – Environmental impacts of proposed developments, sewage and stormwater management, anti-discrimination legislation; Mark – revenues, creating a sustainable and vibrant community; Daniel – balanced budget, transparency and responsiveness to constituents; Melanie – Sensible development of open spaces, encouraging businesses, balanced budget; Drew – reduce spending, sewer system and redoubling efforts to the township.
