Governing an Inner-ring Municipality

By Thomas A. "Tom" Broido

The proper role and responsibilities of those governing a municipality like Haverford Township

Like many inner-ring municipalities Haverford faces pressures that present challenges for those in elected positions as well as the professional staff. Among these challenges are public safety, quality of schools, aging infrastructure, business development and retention, recreation and township services. The key to meeting these challenges successfully is long-range planning.

When I joined the Board of Commissioners of Haverford Township four years ago it quickly became apparent to me that the most important job of the Commissioners had been neglected for more than two decades. I had been calling for a master plan for two years as a critic of the Board and continued to call for one as a member. We have finally begun the process which is a complicated, multi-faceted one but our ability to meet the challenges and create a plan that can be accomplished has been complicated by the worst financial crisis in this country since the Great Depression.

As stewards of this community we must have our eyes on the future, leaving the day-to-day running of the Township to the Township Manager and his professional staff. In making plans and choices for the future we must balance needs against the ability of the tax-paying public to bear tax increases, especially during difficult financial times when many residents have lost jobs or taken cuts in income. Yet we cannot simply suspend planning, nor can we just start cutting services and infrastructure spending. As a community and individually we have an investment to protect.

The key is for the Board to prioritize the immediate needs of the Township and the future needs so that the Township assumes debt (through long-term financing) in a manner that does not put a huge burden on today's taxpayer to pay for benefits that will be enjoyed by taxpayers for years to come.

It is determining the solution to this riddle that is at the core of what the Board of Commissioners is commissioned by the voters to do. It has been my privilege and responsibility as Finance Chairman of the Board to have a leadership role in this effort. With intelligence, participation and input from taxpayers and professionals I am confident that this Board (Republicans and Democrats) can ensure that Haverford continues to be one of the premier communities in the Delaware Valley.