Pattye Benson

Community Matters

Tredyffrin Township

Do Political Campaign Signs influence your vote? How About in the Drucker vs Kampf election?

October 13, 2010
14 Comments

Do political campaign signs make a difference in in election results? Do they influence individual voter decisions? Do how many signs a candidate has, or conversely a perceived lack of signs by individual candidates have any effect on voters?

In driving around the township yesterday, there certainly is a plethora of political signage. At least now, the leftover campaign signs of former Republican Lieutenant Governor Candidate Daryl Metcalfe are no longer alone. Metcalfe came in a distant third in the May primary but his red and white signs remain ever-present in our community 5 months later! Which begs the question, which is responsible for removal of the signs post-election . . . the candidate, the political party, volunteers?

Political signs display grassroots support. When voters display your political campaign signs in their yards, it shows neighbors that they believe in you enough to temporarily alter the landscape of their property. Recognizing the power of that association, does that influence other voters?

Among the traditional campaign signs, I noted a new political sign, ‘Republican for Paul Drucker’. As a Democrat and incumbent State House Representative Candidate, Paul is looking to gather support from the registered voters of the opposing party. Do we expect that the Warren Kampf campaign will likewise use signage touting registered democrat voter support? With the growing ‘Independent’ party affiliation among voters, is there signage claiming ‘Independent for Drucker’ or ‘Independent for Kampf’ on the horizon from either candidate?

Voter turnout was very low in the primary and historically Tredyffrin Township has not fared much differently in the general election (especially non-presidential election years). However, with the Governor’s race at stake this year, can we hope for a better than average turnout. Low voter turnouts make is easier for single-issue candidates and candidates with narrow but deep support make a good showing. If you are one of those folks, than you probably don’t want to tell the public when the election is. However, if you are a serious candidate with broad appeal than why not tell the public when to vote.

To inform the voters, and build interest in the fact that there’s an election date coming, why not some signs stating Election Day November 2 or at least on Tuesday, November 2, signs that say “Today’s the day”.

As a registered voter hoping for greater voter turnout, Election Day signage is something that I could support! I’d like to make a suggestion that the township as a public service could set-up those temporary sign boards to notify the public of the upcoming election.

Tredyffrin-Easttown School District’s Finance Committee . . . Notes from Ray Clarke

October 12, 2010
3 Comments

Last night’s TESD Finance Committee Meeting was important. We learned through the following notes of Ray Clarke that the district is facing as much as an $8.5 million funding gap for 2011-12. Much discussion on how to prepare for this looming budget gap . . . imposing an Earned Income Tax, increase in property taxes, educational program and staffing cuts? The meeting last night was the precursor to next week’s independent, public discussion of Earned Income Tax, what is it, how would it work, who will it affect – there is much misinformation on the subject of EIT and looking forward to the presentation of October 18.

I agree with Ray, wouldn’t we all like to know how our state house candidates would suggest funding the school district’s looming muli-million dollar funding gap? My guess is that Paul Drucker and Warren Kampf will remain mum on the subject . . . viewing that any ‘discussion’ of imposing an Earned Income Tax, an increase property taxes or cutting of programs would be the kiss of death 3 weeks before Election Day!

Here are Ray’s notes from last night – thank you Ray!

Update from last night’s TESD Finance Committee Meeting:

My own selection of highlights.

Next year’s $7 million gap looms large (this year seems under control). Expenses are pretty much locked in: contracted salary increases and no option to save costs through program changes unless through staff attrition. Administration is revisiting the strategies from last year, of course. On the Revenue side, there are a couple of built-in threats:

  • $1 million of investment earnings based on a 2% return when the current investments are earning less than 0.5%. Gap at least $0.5 million
  • $2.7 million of transfer taxes based on the rolling average formula, but the estimate for this year is $1 million less than that.

So, how to fill a gap that may be as high as $8.5 million? The Act 1 property tax increase is set at 1.4% ($1.2 million), and exceptions if approved would be roughly $1.6 million – a total property tax increase (unless a higher one was approved by voters) of 3.2%. Still $4 million short of today’s base projected expenses.

Key questions:

  • How much of the gap can be closed through another round of expense reductions? The administration believes that the well is running dry. A young teacher corps (no built in halving of salaries or program changes as older teachers retire), and items like supplies already cut back to 2008/9 levels.
  • Is an EIT an alternative on the revenue side? Bring back to T/E the $4 million (my guess) being paid to other townships? Maybe link that with a cap on property taxes?

There are many questions about the EIT, of course. Hopefully next Monday’s meeting (at Conestoga HS) will help answer them. The Finance Committee (rightly in my opinion) is designing this as an information session – with presentations about the tax, the financial impacts and the process – NOT an advocacy session. The place for that will be the Board Meeting the following week when the decision is made on whether to give non-binding notice to the Townships of the intention to put an EIT on next year’s ballot. Hopefully the process at the meeting will allow for questions of data clarification, but not opinions.

So if the EIT does get all the way to the ballot, the choices would get complicated. (That is hopefully what the session will explain). For example, voters may have to approve/reject a property tax increase of say 8%, approve/reject an EIT of say 1%, or if neither then we’ll get a property tax increase of 3.2% and withdrawal from the Fund Balance. As I have stated here before, I’m an advocate of the EIT solution (after rigorous examination of expense options), for many reasons.

For those who believe that these choices represent too little say on what is actually spent to educate our children, it was suggested that our state representatives have an important role to play.

  • Should a local district be able to adjust expenses to levels it can afford? How many state mandates are appropriate?
  • How can the pension problem be resolved?
  • Wouldn’t it be nice if Drucker and Kampf could debate these issues?

PA State Representative 157 Race – Candidate Question #4 and Response

October 11, 2010
34 Comments

This is the Candidate Question & Response Forum for the Pennsylvania State House 157 candidates. As previously stated, candidate Warren Kampf declined to participate in the question and response forum. Candidate Paul Drucker’s response follows the question. Each Monday for six weeks, a new question and response will be posted. The candidate forum will end the week before the election.

Question #4: Looking past the 2011 state budget, what are your recommendations to close future budget gaps and still meet the needs of the residents? Until the national economy improves, where do you propose making cuts in future state budgets?

Paul Drucker’s Response

I look at the state budget the same way I look at my family budget. It’s a matter of setting priorities and making difficult decisions.

While the 2010-2011 budget included some very painful cuts, I felt it was important to pass a responsible, balanced and timely budget. I will continue to feel the same way as long as the voters of the 157th district send me back to Harrisburg.

While the volatility of the economic climate makes future revenue estimates unreliable, there is no doubt that some very difficult decisions remain ahead of us. It is my hope that we can put aside partisanship and work together to produce a budget that is in the best interests of our constituents.

Important Tredyffrin-Easttown School District Meetings . . . Includes Earned Income Tax (EIT) Discussion

October 10, 2010
12 Comments

For many residents, the upcoming election on November 2nd has captured your attention but there is interesting news from the T/E School Board that should not be missed. A couple of important School Board meetings — tomorrow’s Finance Committee Meeting at 7:30 PM at the high school and the following Monday, October 18, an EIT Information session.

Topics included on the agenda for the Finance Committee Meeting:

  • Projection Model
  • Capital Sources and Uses
  • 2011-2012 Budget Calendar
  • Earned Income Tax
  • Print Shop and Printing Costs
  • Fund Balance Designation – information about the $6M accrual for untaken sick/vacation entitlement

The Finance Committee will be setting the stage for the following week’s special presentation on the EIT.

I applaud those School Board members responsible for the October 18th public Earned Income Tax presentation. The School Board is bringing in a third-party, a representative from the Pennsylvania Economy League to provide information about the implementation and effect of an EIT.

This is an important meeting because the School Board will make a decision at its October 25th meeting about whether to advise the Townships of its intent to place an EIT on next May’s ballot as a voter referendum. This notice is non-binding, and would allow the Board, the Townships and community time to fully consider the matter.

We understand that the School Board represents us, the residents. If you do not want the School Board members to make decisions in a vacuum, than I think more of the community needs to be engaged. There are hard decisions facing the school district in the 2011-12 school year. How do you want the Board to fund the ever-increasing deficit and the ballooning pension situation . . . increase your property taxes, cut educational programs in the district, impose an EIT? Leaving the situation as a ‘status quo’ is not an option. I am 100% supportive of exploring all options and democratically deciding on the best option. Before anyone jumps in and says no one wants an EIT — and that previously the public was overwhelmingly opposed to it, we need to recognize that our options are becoming increasingly more limited. Would you prefer a large property tax increase? If you take an EIT and property tax increase off the table, . . . what’s left? Educational program and staffing cuts? Is this the answer?

We may be seeing the tip of the iceberg as more and more of the school districts are facing similar economic challenges. Methacton School District is set to go on strike Friday, October 15. Teachers in that Montgomery County school district have been working without a contract for over a year (contract expired June 2009). Although wages is the main issue, other contract differences include medical premiums, the length of the work year, and the payment of postretirement medical benefits. Methacton’s School Board accepted the findings of a nonbinding fact-finder’s report this fall; but the Methacton Education Association, the teachers union, rejected it.

I think that the TESD teachers contract is up in 2012. (Please correct me if I’m wrong). It is going to be interesting to see if the teacher contract negotiations of Lower Merion, Radnor and Great Valley will influence our district. The current TESD teachers contract allows for a 5% yearly increase in wages, correct? With several School Board members terms up in 2011, it is going to be interesting to see who will decide to stay and seek re-election. With teacher contract negotiations and the pension situation, could be a challenging 2012 for School Board members.

Inquirer Writer Asks About Genuardi’s & Wegmans . . . Bottom Dollar Food Opens Today . . . Wonder if There’s a Connection

October 8, 2010
13 Comments

Some people are going to start claiming that I have a fetish for grocery stores but I am fascinated by the closing and opening of supermarkets . . . particularly with today’s economy.

Yesterday, a writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer contacted me in regards to the closing of Genuardi’s and my fascination with Wegmans. She is writing an article for the Sunday edition of the newspaper and had tracked me down through Community Matters, having read my posts on Genuardi’s and Wegmans. We had an interesting conversation and I will be curious to see how much of our discussion ultimately ends up in Sunday’s article. The writer asked a variety of questions, including why I thought that Genuardi’s had failed. I gave a degree of credit on that topic to the Safeway people. In my opinion, the store was never maintained properly nor updated. (Chesterbrook residents will be pleased that the focus of the article will not be on whether the closing of the Genuardi’s will affect real estate values).

I wonder if the Inquirer’s article on supermarkets has a connection to the opening today of the discount supermarket, Bottom Dollar Food, this morning in King of Prussia. When I called to verify that the store had opened and find out where it was located, a very enthusiastic customer service representative greeted me. She didn’t know exactly where on Rt. 202 it was located, stating that she was from Virginia and had moved with Bottom Dollar to King of Prussia. I think that we figured it was on the right side of 202 North – she says that there is a Petco and Staples in the shopping center with Bottom Dollar Food.

The president of Bottom Dollar Food, Meg Ham, explains the concept of her discount supermarket saying, “We call ourselves a soft discount chain and what that means is that we’re discount, but with a full shop experience and we offer national brands as well as private brands, which is a little bit different and we have full shop, which includes fresh departments.”

The store cites examples of savings – they sell Breyers Ice Cream for $3.38 but their own “Hannaford” brand is $2.68 and a “Smart Option” bargain brand is $1.98. Another example – You can buy Charmin bath tissue for $2.85, Bottom Dollar Food’s “Home 360” brand for $2.50, or the “Smart Option” for $.98 for four rolls.

Bottom Dollar has some interesting ways to cut waste and save energy. They keep the fresh produce in a giant walk-in cooler section which gives it a longer shelf life. Since they are not throwing away as much spoiled produce, they can keep the produce prices lower (and hope to undercut the competition). The store is utilizing doors on the dairy cases to keep cold air in and reduce energy usage. The King of Prussia store has 19,000 square-feet and will offer more than 6,800 items.

In addition to bargain grocery shopping, the Bottom Dollar Food chain claims that each store will require the hiring of 30-35 employees. (This is interesting, considering that Wegmans claimed to have hired 500 people with their store’s opening). The King of Prussia store is the first of 15-20 Bottom Dollar Food stores scheduled for the Philadelphia area.

As part of the grand opening festivities, Bottom Dollar Food donated $10,000 to the Philabundance Food Bank, and donated $500 to the Upper Merion Township Police Department and Fire Department. In addition, $500 donations were made to the Upper Merion Township Emergency Fund and Lafayette Ambulance and Rescue Squad.

Wonder what it would take for Bottom Dollar Food to get interested in the Genuardi’s site in Chesterbrook? It will be curious to see if Bottom Dollar Food gets mentioned in Sunday’s Philadelphia Inquirer article on local supermarkets. I’m also curious to see if Community Matters gets a mention in the article . . . my guess, probably not.

Upcoming Special Events on Saturday: Barn Sale of Antiques in the Great Valley & Native Plant Sale at DuPortail House

October 8, 2010
Comments

Twice a year, in the Fall and Spring, my friend holds a special ‘Barn Sale’ at her beautiful historic home on Yellow Springs Road in Malvern. Tomorrow on Saturday, October 9, 9 AM – 4 PM is the Fall Barn Sale . . . You don’t want to miss this opportunity.

There’s nothing better on a beautiful autumn day than some good old-fashioned antiquing and this Barn Sale has something for everyone . . . antiques, quilts, benches, primitives, garden and patio items, including herbs, . . . even some ‘yard sale’ goodies.

This opportunity only comes twice a year, so don’t miss it! Everything from primitive to traditional – all with a country feel. For the best ‘pickins’ be there early in the day! And the prices are fantastic!

Location: 2205 Yellow Springs Road, Malvern, PA – located 1 mile west of N. Valley Road and 1 mile east of Route 29, adjacent to the PA Turnpike. Look for the ‘Barn Sale’ signs.

_________________________________________________________________

A Native Plant Sale is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, October 9, 10 AM – 2 PM at the Duportail House at Chesterbrook. Yellow Springs Farm Native Plants Nursery, www.yellowspringsfarm.com will be providing an array of local native plants for sale, including ferns, shrubs, trees, wildflowers, etc. Yellow Springs Farm will also have available its Artisanal Goat Cheese made from the exceptional milk of its goats.

The sale is sponsored by the township’s Environmental Advisory Council and the board of directors of DuPortail House. Yellow Springs Farm will contribute 10% of the proceeds to the EAC and DuPortail House.

Dr. Ana Negron, a Tredyffrin resident and family physician, will present a compost workshop during the plant sale at 12 Noon. Ana is a master composter who has been composting for over 20 years and teaching for 2 years.

Location: DuPortail House, 297 Adams Drive, Wayne, PA 19087.

Public Meeting Tonight — Sidewalks Subcommittee

October 7, 2010
Comments

Tonight at 7 PM is a public meeting of the Sidewalks Subcommittee.

Do you remember Tredyffrin’s Board of Supervisors meeting back on February 22? If you recall, there was much debate about the St. Davids Golf Club sidewalk requirement in their land development plan. First, the supervisors voted to return the $25K sidewalk escrow to St. Davids and then, based on public opinion, opted to reverse the decision in February 2010.

As a result of the St. Davids escrow debate, a Sidewalks Subcommittee was formed to review (with public input) the future construction of sidewalks and bike lanes in the township. The township continues to hold St. Davids sidewalk escrow pending the outcome of the Sidewalk Subcommittee’s recommendation and then ultimate vote of the Board of Supervisors relative to sidewalk requirements in the township. Understanding the open liability issues on land development projects, the sidewalk subcommittee was presented with an end-of-the-year timeline to present the supervisors with their recommendations.

As part of the Sidewalk Subcommittee’s public input process, a public hearing was held in August which I attended. As a result of that meeting, the subcommittee designed a public survey which is available at the township building and online. The subcommittee will receive responses from the survey until November 7.

It is expected that tonight’s public meeting will continue the public discussion of sidewalks and bike lanes in the township. If you are interested in offering your input to the subcommittee, I would encourage you to attend tonight’s meeting.

PA State House 157 Race — No further comments accepted for candidate question #3!

October 7, 2010
4 Comments

No further comments will be accepted in response to candidate question #3.

In August, when I approached State House 157 candidates about a candidate forum, I envisioned a much different outcome than has evolved. I designed thoughtful, engaging questions that I thought would be representative of important issues to this community. I stated that I would not edit the candidate’s responses, and as moderator, I would not weigh in with my opinion. Presumably seeing no value in this process, candidate Warren Kampf chose not to participate. However, incumbent candidate Paul Drucker returned his responses to my questions. At the time, I questioned whether I should go forward with the Candidate Question and Response forum with Paul’s responses (without Kampf’s participation). Ultimately, I moved ahead with the forum, deciding that Paul Drucker should not be penalized because Warren Kampf declined to participate.

I now recognize that my vision for this candidate forum was naïve. Rather than tolerant, respectful dialogue that discussed the questions and candidate response, I had the task of reading and uploading some of the most negative partisan, personal attacks than I could have imagined. Many comments were not on topic and some remarks lacked civility and respect. It is my opinion that the partisan, negative remarks were evenly distributed between both sides.

Having a strong opinion (from personal experience) on political misinformation and campaign negativity, I have chosen to accept no further comments on candidate question #3. I view negative campaign remarks in a negative light. These comments do not focus on substantive issues or policies but rather tend to focus on personality. This type of negative approach may motivate the base of support of each of the candidates but I think it could also alienate centrist and undecided voters from participating on Election Day – and possibly reduce the low voter turnout even lower.

On Monday, October 11, I will post candidate question #4 and will accept comments. If the comments remain on the question’s topic, I will continue to accept comments until the following Monday.

Thank you.

Jake’s Frozen Custard in Paoli . . . Not the Same as Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt!

October 5, 2010
3 Comments

Have you tried the recently opened Jake’s Frozen Custard in Paoli (located at the Paoli Village Shoppes)? I was invited to Jake’s a couple of weeks ago to a pre-opening by owner Missy Shaw. Not knowing the difference between frozen custard and ice cream my first question to Missy was,“What is frozen custard?”

Frozen custard is not the same as ice cream or frozen yogurt. For one thing, it’s creamier. It is also smoother and thicker. Served warmer than ice cream, frozen custard has a smooth, velvety texture. It contains very little air (10-20% verses 50-90% in ice cream) but an outrageously huge flavor. A true custard mix must contain a minimum of 10% butterfat and a minimum of 1.4% egg yolk (Pasteurized). High butterfat + egg yolk + low overrun = Wisconsin Style Frozen Custard.

The menu at Jake’s is more than just frozen custard. Missy has taken her mid-western childhood roots and transplanted an array of Wisconsin favorites for local residents to enjoy. Specialties include Grilled Bratwurst, Chili Cheese Dogs, Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Curds. Understanding the importance of offering children their favorites, Jake’s kids menu includes Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches!

Jake’s Frozen Custard respects its traditional Wisconsin roots. Owner Missy Shaw is clinging tenaciously to her commitment to quality and authentic preparation. At Jake’s a bit of yesterday is packed with love into every delightful dessert. And what a fun place to dine and to work! The bright colors pop from the walls in such a fun way . . . makes you happy, even on a gloomy rainy day! Missy is employing local high school students (Conestoga, Great Valley, Haverford, etc) after school and weekends; and adults are helping out during the lunch-time period.

What’s the saying, “baptism by fire?” After being open only days, Jake’s was front and center for Saturday’s 2nd Annual Blues Fest. With a location next to the main stage, outdoor seating at Jake’s was at a premium. The restaurant was busy inside and outside but the young employees met the challenge. When I stopped in for my frozen custard ‘fix’, I was impressed by the efficiency and calmness — surviving the Annual Blues Fest, Jake’s is ready for anything!

Outside Jake's at the Blues Fest

Support this new local business and stop by for lunch or dinner . . . you will not be disappointed! Begin a new tradition with your family at Jake’s in Paoli! www.jakesfrozencustard.com

Rainy Season for Old Lancaster Rd. Bump-Outs

October 4, 2010
1 Comment

If you recall, Old Lancaster Road has new bump-outs. Back on August 8, I wrote about the bump-outs and the burden placed on some of the residents. To review, here is the link:

https://pattyebenson.org/2010/08/08/stormwater-bump-outs-burden-on-old-lancaster-road-residents/

Old Lancaster Road residents were looking forward to the completion of the sidewalk project, replanting of trees, shrubs, etc on their property and seeding of the bump-outs.

Tonight I was watching the Board of Supervisor meeting and a resident from Old Lancaster Road spoke to the board under ‘new business’. During the summer, 3 houses located close to the middle school were taken down at the direction of the school administration in conjunction with the sidewalk project.

The resident described the empty house lots have not had their stormwater management plan completed as previously scheduled. Due to the slope of the property there has been major mud run-off issues on to the sidewalks and on to private property. Mud is also overflowing from the bump-outs on the road and sidewalks. The resident described her neighbors are now shoveling mud off the sidewalks and she wants to know who is responsible . . . is it the township or the school district? There seems a vagueness as to who is responsible.

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