Introductory Letter to Ward 13 Residents

By Brian McGuire

Delivered to residents on March 27. Includes background information, my orientation toward the position, my general positions on budget, taxes and services; development and historic preservation; and environment and conservation.

I very much appreciate the confidence I've been given by the Board and many neighbors. That said, I realize that I have a long way to go to earn your confidence in my ability to represent you on the many issues that come before the Township and the Board. I want you to know that I am taking this challenge very seriously, and that I hope to have the chance to discuss any issues of concern or interest to you in the coming weeks.

A BRIEF BACKGROUND + My family moved to Bala Cynwyd four years ago + after my wife, Susan, was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help found the new law school at Drexel University as an Associate Dean. Our son, Sam is now eight years old and attends Cynwyd Elementary. I work as a regional manager for a national non-profit group representing the interests of older Americans, and have extensive federal and state-level policy experience in health care, social services and consumer protections through previous positions in the U.S. Senate and non-profit advocacy organizations. I hold a master's degree in Cell Biology from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor's degree from Coe College in Biology and Environmental Studies.

As we considered where in the area we should live, my wife and I quickly zeroed in on Bala Cynwyd. Needless to say we love it here, and look forward to enjoying our neighborhood for years and hopefully decades to come! After arriving, I very quickly became involved in the local community as an active member of The Neighborhood Club of Bala Cynwyd, Lower Merion Conservancy, and Friends of the Cynwyd Heritage Trail. Our family recently became affiliated with the Mishkan Shalom Congregation, where Sam attends Sunday school and we participate in family activities. I have been closely involved in Township issues, and participated in many Board meetings prior to becoming a Commissioner.

MY ORIENTATION TOWARDS THE JOB OF COMMISSIONER + I have found most Township residents + especially those in and around Ward 13 + to be very knowledgeable and engaged in the range of matters the Board considers. My approach to the position is simple: to listen to residents' views and concerns, and to make policy decisions based on the broad public good and a set of values that I think the vast majority of us share.

Lower Merion is a fantastic place to live in every sense + a rich history, very good transportation (I ride the Cynwyd Line to my office!), great academic and religious institutions, nice parks and open spaces, a world-class library system, and top-notch municipal services. My main objective is to do what I can to help preserve + and when possible enhance + what we have in all these respects. I also serve an important role in helping solve problems residents bring to my attention + things like traffic, storm water, snow removal, zoning, and other Township-related issues.

BUDGET, TAXES AND SERVICES + Because of my involvement with these key issues in recent years, I was recently named Co-Vice Chair of the Board's Finance Committee, and Vice Chair of the Administration and Human Resource Committee. I believe the vast majority of residents understand that it costs money to provide services, and we must find an appropriate balance between revenue and expenditures. We are very fortunate in Lower Merion to have a large business and commercial tax base that allows our residential tax burden to be relatively low as compared with surrounding municipalities. My focus is mainly on enhancing resident input on budget priorities, and finding ways to improve efficiencies in providing vital services.

DEVELOPMENT AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION + Stated simply, I support neighborhood-appropriate development, and preservation of our historic buildings and other structures. I will do whatever I can to protect our communities and protect invaluable historic assets. I believe economic revitalization, historic preservation, and protection of residential neighborhoods can work together in synergy. The Bala Avenue business district is an excellent example of such an opportunity. The Township is doing a lot to enhance the "streetscape" there, and is developing new zoning laws that will ensure only appropriate development is allowed. I believe we must take an additional step + to consider a Historic Village designation that will protect the Bala Theatre and the other magnificent 80-100 year old structures in that small corridor that is so critical to the character of Bala Cynwyd and the entire Township.

ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION + I am fortunate to have been appointed Vice Chair of the Board's Open Space Committee. With my background in environmental studies, I know a lot can be done at the local level to improve the quality of our air and water, reduce noise, minimize our carbon footprint, and protect open space. I have already provided leadership in a new initiative to clean up our most polluted streams, and am working to help our local businesses find ways to reduce energy costs by implementing cost-effective investments.

YOUR ROLE +Lower Merion didn't become a great place to live by accident. Generations of citizens, taxpayers, and neighbors have worked together through civic associations, community groups, HSAs, congregations + and yes, their local government + to make this a "First-Class" Township, both in name and reality. I do not know of another municipality where a tradition of community involvement and civic participation is so broad, deep and vital, and I believe Bala Cynwyd and Merion Park demonstrate these attributes as clearly as anywhere. As your Commissioner, I need your perspective and advice if I am to appropriately represent you as Township policies are considered. I will be spending a great deal of time seeking input at the grocery store, community events, civic meetings, and in residents' homes.

PLEASE DON'T WAIT FOR ME TO FIND YOU! + I would appreciate the opportunity to schedule a meeting with you or with a group of neighbors. My home phone number is 484-270-8505. My email address is cbrianmcguire@comcast.net. Please also let me know if you would like to receive periodic email updates on significant neighborhood and Township matters (e.g. serious crimes, important meetings, neighborhood events).

Finally, let me say that it is an honor to serve as your Commissioner, and I consider it a solemn duty to do the best job I possibly can in representing the residents of Ward 13. After ten weeks on the job, I can report that I truly enjoy serving the community in this role.

I look forward to meeting you soon!