Visit our online community forum here for more information on these topics or read the 2009 Community Newsletter here  or the prior year Community Newsletter here .

The 2009 Operating and Capital Budget concluded in December of 2008 with the caveat that the Board would review budget to actuals on a month-to-month basis. In short, our revenues are falling short of projections due to the global economic downturn. Out Act511 business taxes and Realty Transfer taxes are coming in much lower than anticipated which may lead the Board to make substantive cuts in spending in our operating budget by mid year.

John has been heavily involved in the investigation and subsequent action by the Board to remove the Township Manager.  In 2008, John began reviewing past and current practices of the Township Administration. The review has included the financial reports, audit management letters and audit management Representation Letters from 2000 until 2008. The results of this review are many and have already lead to significant policy changes, removal of the Township Manager and other personnel changes in 2009.

The first half of 2009 has been challenging.  The Board of Commissioners have made sweeping changes to long-standing personnel policies concerning vacation, sick and comp time carryover by employees of the township.  These changes were necessary to comply with our Administrative code, to ensure fiscal responsibility and to eliminate unfunded liabilities that could cause significant long-term financial shortfalls for the Township.

The departure of our Township Manager has led the Board to a national search for a talented and confident person who will help our Township government maintain the high level of services that we have come to enjoy.

In addition, our Township management is likely to undergo process and organizational changes as a result of the financial pressures from the steep downtown in the economy.  We are optimistic the Township Government will evolve to a stronger service-oriented organization that will deliver services at peak efficiency.  John will continue to work on several initiatives as your Commissioner. Some of these initiatives include The Garrett Hill Master Plan (overlay district zoning), pedestrian safety, community policing, student housing issues and the spillway beautification project.

The Garrett Hill Coalitionhas completed the planning process for Garrett Hill. Their Master Plan was unanimously aproved by the Board of Commissioners and the Zoning and SALDO Code was been referred to the Delaware County Planning Commission and the Radnor Township Planning Commission for further review.

John is working on pedestrian safety. He helped residents in getting a much needed speed reduction (35 to 25MPH) from the State on Lancaster Avenue and regularly attends police staff traffic meetings to support resident requests.

In September of 2007, John hosted a town hall meeting concerning the sharp increase in crime in the area and had representatives from Radnor police attend. In 2008 the crime rate in the 7th Ward is dramatically lower with only 1 burglary on record. Much thanks to the Radnor Township Police and the residents for their vital role in community policing.

John has also worked on and resolved specific issues for residents concerning municipal services which include shade trees and Parks and Recreation Services.

Finance and Budget are two areas that John is concerned about with the current township debt at $50M.  This debt plus the School District's $115M put our township residents at risk of rising taxes during an economic down-turn like we are seeing in 2008.  With township fuel prices increasing 50% and property transfer tax revenues down 60% in July 2008 over prior year we need to be very responsible in our spending.  We did see an increase in Act 511 (Business Privilege Tax) due to improved compliance which is helping stave off any shortfalls.

John pushed for and voted for the new township Fund Balance Policy (August 18, 2008) and Pay-As-You-Go funding.  Both policies will create reserves in the general fund and reduce long-term bond funding for capital assets with relatively short life spans like cars and light trucks.  This saves taxpayers $1.20 for every $1 spent on vehicles and prevents vehicle funding from continuing for decades beyond the vehicle life.   No more paying for that 2008 Police car in 2038!

Last year, the Willows Cottage was slated for demolition.  John voiced his opposition to this demolition and since that time the Friends of the Willows Cottage was formed by like minded volunteers (Thank you for your efforts!).  John continues to support that cause and hopes the Cottage can be restored to its original splendor with little or no cost to taxpayers.

For a more detailed list of issues, please visit the Radnorward7 online community forum here.