In the 2009 election, Citizens for a Better Lansdale (CBL) supported a bipartisan set of candidates committed to bringing prosperity and long-term economic development to Lansdale. That agenda included:
In the election, the majority of Lansdale voters identified with this agenda, and all five candidates for Borough Council were elected.
In just seven months since taking office, this new Council has aggressively pursued this agenda:
This progress has not been easy, and the opponents of these positive changes have definitely been vocal. But it's important to take a moment and recognize that these individuals campaigned with a clear agenda, and immediately upon taking office went about the business of accomplishing it. This bipartisan -- in truth, non-partisan -- approach to Borough goverment is refreshing and gives us hope that the next seven months will be just as productive, because there is still much more work to be done.
CBL is excited by what has been accomplished thus far, and we intend to continue to use this forum to offer our perspective on where Lansdale Borough Council is headed. And we'll be looking for your perspective as well! From the beginning the CBL movement has been about local people taking their municipal government back. We will continue to solicit your ideas and opinions to take Lansdale forward, and ensure that our elected officials hear our voice.
Please stay tuned for updates as well as opportunities to provide feedback and input in the near future!
Thank you!
- End the "Old Boy's Club" mentality at Borough Hall. Our candidates will actively work for the town, not just rubberstamp the same old ideas of long-time administrators. Our candidates will set the agenda and take responsibility for it.
- Audit the Borough's books to see how we spent $15 million from our savings over the past 6 years. Borough residents should be aware of how our limited reserves are spent!
- Cut red tape to encourage businesses to locate in Lansdale. Over the last 30 years our Borough earned the reputation as a tough place to do business. Again, successfully revitalized communities make an effort to welcome businesses that improve the look and feel of their downtown.
In the election, the majority of Lansdale voters identified with this agenda, and all five candidates for Borough Council were elected.
In just seven months since taking office, this new Council has aggressively pursued this agenda:
- The former Borough Manager has been replaced with a new, highly qualified manager who is committed to open and transparent government, and who is already working actively to improve the operational efficiency of the Borough administration. It's important to note that the new manager's contract is favorable in every way to the previous manager's, with no golden parachutes or free perks.
- A forensic audit is currently underway, and initial feedback from the auditor has certainly identified areas of concern. Moreover, this Council has taken steps to further improve its financial position, further reducing the budget deficit they were handed, consolidating and improving its overall debt service, and making pricing changes to ensure key utility services are not operating at a loss.
- Since January, Virago Bakery, Molly Maguire's and Montella's have all opened brand new or refurbished businesses in Lansdale. Based on new electric service incentives developed by the Economic Development Committee, Tyco made a decision to retain its business location in Lansdale. The Economic Development Team continues to investigate and pursue new opportunities.
This progress has not been easy, and the opponents of these positive changes have definitely been vocal. But it's important to take a moment and recognize that these individuals campaigned with a clear agenda, and immediately upon taking office went about the business of accomplishing it. This bipartisan -- in truth, non-partisan -- approach to Borough goverment is refreshing and gives us hope that the next seven months will be just as productive, because there is still much more work to be done.
CBL is excited by what has been accomplished thus far, and we intend to continue to use this forum to offer our perspective on where Lansdale Borough Council is headed. And we'll be looking for your perspective as well! From the beginning the CBL movement has been about local people taking their municipal government back. We will continue to solicit your ideas and opinions to take Lansdale forward, and ensure that our elected officials hear our voice.
Please stay tuned for updates as well as opportunities to provide feedback and input in the near future!
Thank you!