I am not a politician. I do not believe Political party is an issue in this race. This position is about serving the people, ALL the people! While there are no prerequisites for holding the position, qualifications do make a difference.
I have been a Pocono Township resident since 2005 and have lived in Monroe County since 1986. My two daughters grew up here and graduated from Pocono Mountain School District in 1994 and 1998. I started my government experience in Paradise Township as an elected auditor in 1994. Today, I still serve Paradise Township as their appointed CPA Auditor. I also continue to serve Polk Township as their accountant, since 2003. Long term relationships are important to me. I am a Certified Public Accountant, with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and the only candidate with extensive knowledge in local government finances, rules and regulations.
I will continue to fight for your rights and will not seek to regulate every little thing you do. I want to hear your public comments throughout the meeting because I recognize that you have valuable insights.
What have I done for you in the past? I served as a Pocono Township Commissioner in Pocono Township in 2016 through 2017. During that time I approved a balanced budget with no tax increase; enacted a de-minimis sewer policy to reduce or eliminate costs to ratepayers with minimal use (Current board subsequently repealed this policy); prepared projections to support lowering the sewer rate 15%; supported the addition of new police officers and new equipment; served as liaison between Park Board and Board of Commissioners (2 entire Park boards have resigned over the last 2 years. We currently have none.)
I have saved taxpayer dollars by, monitoring finances, correcting improper procurement procedures; discovering and correcting payroll and billing errors resulting in refunds; paying down debt early to reduce future interest costs; supported higher deductible health insurance; relentless questioning and re-negotiating of $1.5 million sewer contract at half the cost.
What have I been doing the last year and a half?
· I have attended almost every Regular Meeting of Pocono Township Commissioners.
· Advocated for the publics’ right to provide p***c comment during the meeting, not just before discussion and after decisions. (Current board changed our right to comment throughout the meeting to only commenting at beginning and end, not during discussion or just before voting. The ONLY Township in Monroe County that believes this is proper.)
· Publicly objected to perceived violations of the sunshine law
· Challenged an unconstitutional ordinance
· Pointed out discrepancies in township practice versus law
· Questioned the lawfulness of passing a budget with a deficit
· Questioned expenditures and continue to remind the Board of bidding requirements
· Directed the board to First- Class Township Code that requires budget appropriations prior to approving expenditures.
· Reviewed quarterly financial reports.
What would I do regarding our current issues?
· Advocate to enact the Amusement tax at a reasonable rate, immediately (The tax is not on business but passed through to visitors’ tickets), and reduce millage by same, lowering taxpayer burden. The township has the same operating budget but the burden is shifted away from the taxpayer. Pursue other non-resident taxing opportunities to increase operating revenues.
Major discretionary plans that effect a majority of residents with significant costs should not be prepared without first getting public input:
· Manage and monitor finances to avoid tax increase. Prepare balanced budget that allows for building capital reserves for future projects; enforce Amusement tax ordinance; implement other non-resident taxing options. Strive to reduce the taxpayer’s burden.
· Openly discuss the idea of a Master Sidewalk Plan with the public for feedback prior to preparing an ordinance and having a hearing.
· Limit government oversight to only that necessary to provide for health, safety and welfare of its citizens.
· I believe Property Maintenance is a government overreach and we do not need this at all. Regardless, first I would identify perceived problem areas and review current ordinances to see if they have already been addressed. Second, I would openly discuss the Property Maintenance idea for public feedback prior to preparing an Ordinance and holding a public hearing.
Negotiating a purchase of a specific building is allowed to be done behind closed doors. The public should be included in the brainstorming process of a long-range assessment of the needs of the community. Do we just need more space, or should we be thinking about a Community Center? Research needs to be done on funding options. Costs need to be estimated. Once you know where you are headed and how much space you need, what you can afford, then you’re ready to purchase or build.
