Candidates' Forum
WRO hosted a Board of Supervisors candidates' forum on October 10th, 2007, which was attended by 110 people. All three candidates answered a series of questions concerning land development issues in Whitpain. Each question was answered by all of the candidates with the first, second and third position rotating among them. Below each question are links to video clips of each candidate's response in the order in which they answered. No matter which candidates you support, please remember to vote on Tuesday, November 6th! The questions and answers: Tell us about yourself and why you want to serve as a Township Supervisor.
What does the phrase "responsible development" mean to you?
Some people believe new commercial development should be encouraged in the Township as a way of keeping taxes from rising. What do you think of this approach?
Residents often expect zoning to protect their property rights by maintaining the status quo, while property developers often seek to change zoning in order to increase the number and type of units that can be built. Should residents expect zoning to remain unchanged?
The residents of Whitpain's West Ambler neighborhood seek new park and recreation opportunities, including the reclamation of the asbestos-contaminated Whitpain Park. What should the Township do?
The Township is developing a Master Plan for Trails. How would you respond to neighbors who oppose the idea of a trail or pathway in their neighborhood?
What do you pledge to do to promote more open communications with the public on important Township discussions and decisions?
Although Wings Field has been in operation for almost 70 years, some residents strongly object to the current level of operations, especially by jet aircraft. Please explain your perspective and what you will do to reconcile the ongoing disagreements.
There are about 1000 acres of unprotected open space in Whitpain Township. Some nearby communities have adopted "Growing Greener" provisions into their land development ordinances. What will you pledge to do to encourage open space protection and preservation?
Many neighborhoods are concerned about dangerous cut-through traffic. What can be done?
The developers of the Phipps Station housing development on Penllyn Blue Bell Pike were recently granted relief from the 55 and over age restriction without any reduction in housing density. What is your reaction to this?
The Whitpain Comprehensive Plan identifies 193 historic buildings. How active should the Township be regarding historic preservation?
Some see Center Square as Whitpain's town center, while others want to encourage shops and restaurants to locate all along Skippack Pike. What would you like to see?
Closing Statements.