In coming weeks, the Board of Commissioners will consider a range of issues, some of which have been debated for years. Below is a brief summary of the topics being addressed. I urge you to contact your Commissioner if you have an interest in or are concerned with any of the topics described.

Parking Near Septa Stations

One topic that continues to generate debate and controversy is the limited parking available near some of the Route 100 stations in the Township. Some commissioners and residents have supported banning parking near the impacted stations, while others, including me, have sought a more global solution. Fran Kelly of Septa is scheduled to appear at the work session on September 4th (public comment is not permitted at work sessions), and I continue to suggest that the Township hire a consultant to provide a template for addressing these concerns Township-wide. Regardless of your view, please let your elected officials know your concerns, so that any solution will include all impacted parties.

Police Dogs

The Board of Commissioners has discussed the issue of our Police Department using canines for many years. The issue is likely to be voted on at the September 10, 2012 meeting, and possibly discussed at our September 4, 2012 work session.

While police dogs, like any other public safety tool, clearly can be beneficial, I have concerns about the costs of purchasing the dogs, as well as the long-term costs to the Township. As a result, I intend to raise a number of questions so that I can be fully informed before I decide whether this is expense is necessary, particularly at a time when many people continue to be impacted by the economy, and the Township has other significant financial issues to confront. 

Discrimination

This month the Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution that states our opposition to discrimination based upon gender, race, religious creed, color, ancestry, national origin, age, disability or veterans status. Unlike the ordinance that created our Human Relations Commission, this Resolution only addresses the classes of people generally protected by anti-discrimination laws, and also states that the Township shall not involve, participate in or support the activities or businesses, institutions or organizations that discriminate against any individual or group for one of these reasons. As the proponent of this Resolution, I seek to assure that the Township only patronize and associate with those businesses that honor these policies.