editorials

Where We’ve Been and Where We Should Go Chestnuthill Township is a great place to live, but it is time to examine how our government functions and consider a path toward better representation and government and in the end a better place to live. Understanding Our Township Chestnuthill Township is classified as a second-class township, a designation based on population density rather than prestige. If the population density exceeds 300 people per square mile, residents can petition for a referendum to transition to a first-class township—a change that we both can and should pursue. The population was 16,708 at the 2020 census The total area is 37.6 miles with a population density of 384.9 as of 2020. Most of the Pennsylvania population lives in just 13 of the 67 counties. The rest of Pennsylvania’s 54 Counties are rural and are comprised of small townships. There are 1454 Townships. The legislature statutory scheme was to have rural townships be governed by three supervisors elected by township registered voters. Chestnuthill Township when first incorporated had about 1500 residents which stayed relatively the same until the 1970s when our neighbors to the east (NY and NJ) started to migrate from the crowed cities to rural PA. Pennsylvania township supervisors receive an annual stipend of $3,200 per year. Some towns operate under a direct democracy, where residents vote on budgets and ordinances directly. Chestnuthill Township, however, follows a republic model, electing three supervisors to make decisions on behalf of residents. Zoning and Regulations: The Increasing Complexity The township regulations are available on the township website or in print for $650, a stark contrast to Hamilton Township’s zoning regulations, which cost just $25 for a paperback version. The zoning code is extensive and often challenging to navigate, particularly for those seeking business permits. While township administrators attempt to assist applicants, the process is often long, expensive, and frustrating. Many projects stall due to excessive regulatory requirements, making it nearly impossible for small businesses to succeed. Only large national corporations with significant resources can navigate the township’s bureaucracy effectively, but even they look here but do not move forward. Soft costs (costs for civil engineers, legal, soil scientists, architects, inspectors, accounting, permit fees, highway engineers, etc.) can be upwards of $250,000 for a local business. This does not include land and building costs. To address this concentration of power and over regulations, voters should consider dissolving the current board and appointing a new five-member board through a petition to the Court of Common Pleas and the Monroe County Board of Elections. This board would then transition into an elected body with staggered municipal elections, ensuring a broader and more democratic representation. The Present and the Future Public meetings in Chestnuthill are often uneventful, with little discussion on significant matters. Ordinances of which there have been approximately 75 changes in 22 years—are passed with minimal public awareness or input. The lack of transparency leads to a disengaged electorate, unaware of the true workings of township government. While rumors circulate about intimidation and retaliation for opposing Gould, these remain unconfirmed. However, the township’s government structure makes it difficult for new voices to emerge and effect change. Moving Toward First-Class Township Status Once a township surpasses 300 people per square mile, the law allows voters to expand their representation by electing a five-member board of commissioners. This shift would bring several benefits: Increased Representation: Five commissioners would provide more balanced leadership compared to the current three-person board, where one individual wields significant influence. Increased State and Federal funding and grants More Frequent Elections: Similar to the U.S. House of Representatives, Chestnuthill residents could vote on leadership every two years, rather than the current six-year terms for supervisors. Better Fiscal Management: Increased oversight could lead to lower taxes by expanding the commercial tax base, allowing businesses to share the tax burden. Economic Growth: A thriving business community could attract more restaurants, retail stores, and services, improving quality of life for residents. Improved Infrastructure: With more commercial tax revenue, we could enhance schools, roads, and essential services without overburdening homeowners. The Cost of Better Government The shift to a first-class township would allow one board member for each of the voting districts in Chestnuthill Township and two members at Large. The Court of Common Pleas would determine the 5 new members and it would extinguish the existing board. Thereafter elections would be every two-year cycle of Municipal elections. There is hardly any cost relative to the nearly 22 Million Dollar Budget the Township carried in 2024. More representation, better government, and a stronger economy will lead to lower taxes and improved services—making Chestnuthill Township an even better place to live and work. It’s time to move forward. Let’s work toward a first-class future for Chestnuthill Township. Contributing Writer: Anonymous