In 2009 - Yes we can!

Since 2009 is a local government election year, I would like to share what I believe should be accomplished in the upcoming year. So, here it is, my own Forks Township 2009 wish list.

1. Lean Township Spending
-- It is very hard to understand how the township could cut only $49,000 in costs, while raising taxes by .5 mills (10%). Forks should suspend all '09 capital spending and take a another look at the '09 budget to reduce costs. It is time to act!
2. Clean Government
-- In my mind, Clean Government has three basic components. First, candidates for public office should have the highest level of integrity. Second, Forks needs to have an open access policy to documents and officials. Finally, Township elected officials should proactively reach out to the public on critical issues and seek diverse ideas while formulating public policy. It is time to act!
3. Go Green
-- Too many times, innovative energy saving solutions are just talk and nothing more. Forks needs to implement forward thinking ideas. In terms of open space, it is clear that the decision about whether to fund an open space initiative should be up to the voters. A private citizen (or group) should take the lead in crafting and leading a winnable Open Space Referendum. Forks' farm acreage is shrinking fast, and it is critical that a decision be made ASAP. It is time to act!
4. Create a truly transparent government
-- The good folks of Forks Township deserve easy and consistent access to public township records. The 2009 budget with all accounting notes, all 2009 department plans, all five-year plans, all developer plans, all final legal decisions from the Zoning Hearing Board, all drafts of the Comprehensive Plan (including maps/exhibits), and all public testimony on any topic - should be easily available. I have a simple and easy solution: Reduce the per copy price from 25 cents to 10 cents and put these documents on-line. It is time to act!
5. Create a robust and active Business Relations organization
-- This is critical to figuring out why so many businesses in this township fail. It is disturbing that Forks Township does not collect data on business failures in order to determine the root cause and help to prevent it in the first place. It is time to act!
6. Proactive Community Planning
-- We need to proactively identify businesses we want in Forks Township. So let's start with this idea: Ask Home Goods to occupy the old Laneco building! I do not want to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Laneco store closing. I prefer to celebrate its newest tenant! It is time to act!

In the New Year - Get Involved. Every Voice Counts!