Lower Allen Web Log

As published in The Patriot-News last Monday:

Lower Allen burden
Monday, December 22, 2008

I'm angered in reading of a proposed 25 percent tax increase in Lower Allen Twp. (news article, Dec. 9), but also looking for some additional explanations from our commissioners regarding the ill-timed spending affiliated with our new township building.

In visiting the blog page of Commissioner Dan Crist, he does a good job of giving a breakdown of exactly what areas of revenue have lagged behind, even giving us 2007 vs. 2008 figures.

What he does not address is what areas of spending have increased in 2008. I think had he done that, we may see that our multimillion-dollar, fancy new municipal building which sits on Gettysburg Road has actually added to severe increases in spending that township residents really could not afford. This project was conceived, begun, and completed during a time of economic downturn.

Of course, in the spirit of engaging in scare tactics, Mr. Crist immediately tells us that the only way to prevent this tax increase is for the township to cut services, including taking two officers off the street. I am sure that there are some unnecessary services that Lower Allen could pare prior to making the drastic move to cut our police force.

-- STEPHANIE HERR, Lower Allen Twp.

Thank you, Stephanie, for caring enough to share your thoughts. Please remember you are always welcome at a Township meeting, or to call me directly if you have questions or concerns about LAT issues.

That said, I do want to respond to some of your statements, but the hour is late this evening. More to come soon.