Liberi Positionsstatement

Positions Statement Dominic S. Liberi Candidate for Lower Merion Township Commissioner, Ward 4

Sensible Fiscal Policies/Prudent Budgeting Lower Merion Township will face a multi-million dollar gap between projected spending and projected revenue for 2010. Inevitably, the township’s pattern of spending and borrowing will result in greater taxes and fees to the residents of Lower Merion. I believe that in order to be fiscally responsible, the township should not tax more than necessary and should not spend more than is received in tax revenue. I will join other township commissioners in supporting policies that limit the amount of debt the township can incur and reduce excessive spending while encouraging more efficient government systems.

Revitalization of Our Retail/Business Districts I know that the nature of the revitalization of the Lower Merion Township business districts has been an ongoing concern of its residents. I believe that the township must demonstrate leadership as development moves forward, not only by expediting what has been a lengthy, cumbersome process already, but also by encouraging decision-making that looks beyond short-term goals and takes a long-term planning approach to the economic development of Lower Merion Township. There are far too many empty store fronts on Lancaster Avenue, and there is a lack of cohesiveness among the retail establishments, especially in Ardmore. While there have been a number of new and successful retail openings in recent years, I believe we

should consider some fresh ideas such as fostering a “restaurant row” on Lancaster Avenue and explore other creative approaches to bring an even more interesting and attractive mix of retail businesses to Ardmore. Additionally, to foster and stimulate enhancing the appearance of the streetscape, we can encourage business owners to utilize the Façade Improvement Program administered by the Ardmore Initiative and Lower Merion Township. By making use of this program, it can incentivize merchants to make better use of the streetscape and to create a more harmonious frontage for business districts. I believe we should find ways to take fuller advantage of the large built-in population of the many local colleges and universities nearby including students, administration, faculty, and personnel as they can be an even greater source of revenue to our present and future local residents. Lastly, we also should reach out to build and expand a local jobs bank website, similar to, but perhaps more extensive than that of the Main Line Chamber of Commerce site to cover a wide variety of job openings from retail to office to light industrial. This job marketplace would provide a high level of usefulness to local residents and businesses by linking them at a single source. Local hiring is good for cutting down on commuting times and benefits local businesses by having nearby residents as employees who are familiar with the area and it enhances the local economy as well.

Conscientious, Forward-Thinking Development The Mixed-Use Special Transit (MUST) zoning ordinance permits larger buildings to be built in close proximity to major transit stations, like the R-5 station in Ardmore, but it does not provide any safeguards to ensure that such development will maintain the

character and integrity of Lower Merion Township. I will support development that is conscientious of the residents and the historic nature of the area. I believe we should reevaluate MUST with an eye towards the impact such development will have on residents, local businesses and the environment, both now and in the future.

Better Traffic Control Systems The volume of traffic on major streets in Lower Merion Township, most notably Lancaster Avenue and Montgomery Avenue, causes excessive congestion and unsafe driving patterns. The congestion spills over onto smaller side streets, some of which do not have sufficient traffic control systems. It is not uncommon to see cars traveling at speeds of more than double the designated speed limit. As a way to relieve traffic and hazardous conditions, I plan to propose a shuttle system that would run between major hotspots in Lower Merion Township. Such a system would not only be environmentallyfriendly, but would also support local businesses. Additionally, I will encourage the township to examine those areas in Lower Merion where the traffic control systems do not protect against dangerous conditions and facilitate the attention and action of county and state agencies to address them where necessary.

Improved Stormwater Management Impervious surfaces (such as parking lots and roads) have caused an increasingly severe problem with stormwater that overwhelms the drainage systems, causes increased flooding and pollutes local streams. I believe that the township must take whatever steps necessary to preserve our local environment. I would like to further educate residents of the consequences of stormwater and methods of prevention. I will also investigate possible tax credits for households that take remediation steps, such as the installation of rain barrels. Over the long term, encouraging developers and residents to install cisterns could reduce runoff through the township’s heavily paved and other impervious surfaces, and thereby provide another weapon to combat what appears to be an increasing problem of flooding in the township. I would propose consideration of tax credits for those taking advantage of installing rain barrels and cisterns. More Responsive Township Services Many residents of Lower Merion Township have expressed concern as to whether their voices are being heard by their local government and whether their government is working for them. I know that the township’s very purpose is to support the Lower Merion community and, to that end, each department within the township exists to serve the residents of Lower Merion. As commissioner, I will work for the residents first. I will propose programs to maximize the efficiency of township services

and promote a customer service-oriented standard within local government. Additionally, I will work with the township residents to advance the Sunshine Laws, because I believe all meetings of elected township officials at which the public’s business is discussed should be open to the community.

Safer Communities I believe that the township must take residents’ safety concerns very seriously, whether those concerns arise from traffic conditions, crime or otherwise. In connection with my views on customer service-based township services, I will strongly support policies that ensure residents of Lower Merion never feel that the township is neglecting their safety needs and that the safety and security concerns of all our neighborhoods are promptly addressed.