One of my campaign ideas is the concept of participating in regional planning (cooperative planning). Just to be clear, the concept of regional planning does not mean we give up local decision making or governance boards, but it does recognize the fact that we live and work in the Greater Lehigh Valley. It does build trust between communities and improves communication on critical issues like emergency services, traffic management, farmland preservation, and promoting open space.
Our development plans have a direct impact on our neighbors. How well we work together to solve common problems will dictate whether we prosper as a community.
Right now, House Resolution 180 is pending in the PA Senate. The resolution calls for the study of governance and promotes regional collaboration in the delivery of municipal services and the execution of local governance. This resolution is based upon the 2007 Brookings Institute Report, Committing to Prosperity, and similar reports that contain recommendations to improve regional collaboration among municipalities. This bill would create a commission that would address the following issues:
1. A study of the current system of local governance and state programs impacting local governments.
2. Recommendation of changes to remove barriers to regional cooperation.
3. Recommendation of measures to ensure municipal fiscal stability.
4. Recommendation of changes to improve incentives to regional cooperation
The Commission must file a report by November 30, 2008. House Resolution 180 passed unanimously in the House in September 2007. The PA Senate should consider this resolution this session.
I am very supportive of this bill and I will be reaching out to Senator Wonderling to express my opinion. I urge you to do the same.
These are the types of forward thinking ideas I will bring to the Forks Township Board of Supervisors. Forks Township can no longer afford to be dependent upon historical thinking when deciding land use issues. We need new forward thinking elected officials that will fight to preserve our farmland and create green spaces.
If you have any ideas or comments about critical issues facing Forks Township, please share your ideas via our blog or email at billings2007@att.net.
Get Involved – Every Vote Counts!
Sincerely,
David Billings
No comments:
Post a Comment