Township Growth - Growth is tied to our tax base increase. Growth level should be equal to our operating cost increase. If growth is allowed to stagnate and operating cost increase, we will see taxes increase. We currently have a large amount of housing units approved for development. We don't need to solicit more developments. When new developments are proposed, we need to insure we get what is
best for the township.
2. Harris Township Life Style - We need to preserve our rural life style. We are blessed with a lot of open space. When zoning changes are requested by landlords, we need to insure open space requirements are strictly meet. Preference should be given to developers who preserve open space and the environment. The more restrictions we can put on open space development, the more chance we have of preserving open space.
3. Bike Paths for Residents. The current proposed Centre Region Bike Plan is a good step in the right direction. However we need to do more. The current plan meets the requirements going forward as part of our Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community designation. But we still have holes in the program. One major concern is the safety of our current paths for our youth. I feel crossing major highways is inherently unsafe for our children. When I see bike paths crossing these highways I see youth being restricted from parts of the path. We also have several State Forest land accesses in the township. Currently they are not connected to the bike path. Residents would see a benefit for having a bike path access to these areas.
4. Term limits is an area I am in contrast with my opponents. I believe as our founding fathers did. Citizens should take time out of their career and serve as government officials and then return to their careers. Long Term Politicians are a major part of our problems in our country today. One of my opponents has been in office for 16 years and if reelected will be there 22 years. That is a career politician. The other candidates disagree with my position right along their party's line. At the local level, we should be serving the people oh Harris Township, not the party line.
5. My top priority when elected will be to serve the people of Harris Township. Elected officials must remember who they work for. The longer a politician serves the more they seem to forget this. I will listen to the people and respond to their requests. I believe this is more important than expressing party talking points.
