How We’ll Make A Better Newtown

Day 1:
On Day 1, we will ask for a full review of the township budget, outstanding projects and priorities, to understand where we are and where we need to go.

Development:
We need smart development not over development. There are areas and parts of the town that, if done properly, could be a net benefit to the town. There are other ideas and areas that would be a negative. We always need to develop smartly, with an eye on conservation and not get into the pattern of development till you can’t see the grass anymore.

Plastic Bags:
We’re sure all of us have gone to the store, forget our bag in the car – have a basket of groceries – and with today’s food prices – are irritated when offered a bag you have to pay for. It would be better to incentive “bring your own” bag use with a discount – vs penalizing people with the high cost of groceries and bag fees.

Fiscal Responsibility:
Like a household, all governments should operate with the money they have – not money they don’t. We should also keep an eye on taking care of local priorities – public safety and infrastructure – before anything else. We all have a large tax burden here and our township always needs to be mindful of that. We should also be on the lookout for other funding sources and leverage state and federal funding where we can.

Taxes:
As residents we pay local, state and federal income taxes as well sales and other taxes. Tax increases can be necessary at times but should be a last resort after all options are accounted for. We don’t want to tax people out of the township but we also have an obligation to make sure the priorities of local government are funded and operating properly.