Get to Know Melissa Murphy Weber, Candidate for Whitpain Supervisor

Ambler Patch: in Whitpain is up, what do you suggest the township does to remedy this?

Melissa Murphy Weber: It is important to clarify and stress that serious crimes such as burglaries, assaults, robberies are DOWN in Whitpain as are other "quality of life" crimes.  And that is because Whitpain Police are proactive--not just reactive.  However, there are the "nuisance crimes" that did peak this summer which included thefts from vehicles and then more recently from the community college.  These are almost always preventable with residents/students taking simple steps to lock their vehicles and not leave valuables like laptops, iPhones, navigation devices, money, etc. out in the open on a front or back seat or other open places.  The residents are the most effective partners to Whitpain Police and residents need to be vigilant.

AP: Whitpain Township residents have been affected heavily by flooding this summer, how would you help those residents in flood prone areas?

MMW: As a member of the Zoning Hearing Board and as a resident in an area that sees poor drainage, I understand and appreciate what residents have had to endure.  This summer we saw Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee dump 6.5" and 7" of rain on already saturated ground within one week.  Despite these record-setting events, much of the township's infrastructure was able to handle it.  I have recently learned that the township is currently working on a plan of action for West Ambler which was hit particularly hard by these events as well as others in the past and look forward to learning more about that plan and ways the township can help.

AP: Whitpain Township is in the direct line of affect for the turnpike expansion, with erosion, traffic tie-ups and more, what ways can and should the township get more involved in the expansion and communication with residents?

MMW: The PA Turnpike Commission sends out a weekly email notifying the subscribers of the work Walsh Construction will be doing in the next week.  I encourage interested residents to sign up for that informative email by contacting Mimi Doyle at 610-239-4117 or by email at mdoyle@paturpike.com.  Recognizing that the Township has no authority over any activity on Turnpike Commission property, the Township can continue to be vigilant in ensuring the contractor complies with its obligations and is responsive to the Township's inquiries and concerns.

AP: Residents frequently complain about the township’s communication with its residents. How and do you plan to remedy this if elected?

MMW: Communication is key to good government as it is one of the most significant means by which elected officials are informed.  I think the Township's website is very informative with timely updates and easy to use.  In my legal practice, I am often called upon to represent municipalities and to visit municipalities' websites and I can say Whitpain's website is one of the best.  I also think the email blasts and Twitter are excellent ways to keep residents informed and encourage people to sign on to these.  I also find the printed newsletter to be useful and easy to read with a good layout and clear text.  I would like to know more information regarding the complaints to see what resources they are trying to use but finding unsatisfactory and then from there work on an appropriate remedy.

AP: Residents often cite overdevelopment issues in the township, how do you feel about this concern?

MMW: I think it is fair to describe Whitpain as being built-out which means that most development (or redevelopment) will be in-fill development having little to no effect on traffic and services.  Given its location in the middle of the county with access to major arteries flanking us or coming right through here, the Board must continue efforts to prevent Skippack Pike from becoming a collection of strip malls or unoccupied commercial buildings.  The Supervisors as well as members of other appointed Boards and Commissions need to continue to encourage preservation of open space and work with landowners and/or developers to protect the charm of this community.  Whitpain has a Comprehensive Plan Update which needs to serve as our compass of sorts.  I have recently learned that PennDOT has once again postponed the traffic improvements around the Routes 202/73 area and I would work with my colleagues to apply pressure to PennDOT to make sure the improvements at this intersection are completed in the near-term so that we can move forward in realizing the long-term goals of Whitpain's Centre Square/Towne Square.