Former CEO Sweeney Has More Creative Solutions than Wysocki

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Debates are important aspects of elections; they help voters get to know candidates and learn about their proposed policies. Unfortunately, this election season in Tredyffrin Township, the community will not have an opportunity to evaluate firsthand each candidate’s knowledge of issues and leadership qualities.

It is well-documented that the incumbent supervisors in Tredyffrin Township do not want to debate on stormwater management. Sean Sweeney, candidate for Supervisor-at-Large, is well-versed and knowledgeable about the issue of previous and current stormwater mismanagement in the township. While the focus to date has been primarily on stormwater problems, there are other important issues facing the overall well-being of our township. The following are some of the more pressing additional issues, questions, and potential solutions that voters should consider before casting their vote on November 2nd.

Lack of Diversity and Inclusion in Tredyffrin Township

Why is there limited diversity in the Tredyffrin Township municipal employee census? Why in the last 15 years has there been no “minority” leadership? Employee census facts would indicate the incumbent board has no plan for diversity and inclusion.

Over a decade ago, a group of local business leaders—including Sweeney—came together to create solutions for inner city youth from crime-ridden and economically disadvantaged areas in Philadelphia. They wanted to provide these children a college preparatory high school education on par with the great public and private schools in the suburbs. The innovative concept called for students to work one day a week and attend school four days a week with their employer paying tuition. This was the beginning of Cristo Rey High School. Today, Cristo Rey has an enrollment of over 600 students and over 110 college-graduate alumni with degrees in civil engineering, criminal justice, business, and public administration. These are qualified, potential employees who happen to have a diverse background.

As a township, we can make a commitment to diversity and inclusion in municipal employees. Our goal should be 15% “minority” representation in the township employee census. When the township has employee performance problems and high employee turnover, we can make a commitment to offer the opportunity to fill the positions with qualified, experienced, and diverse candidates. Providing solutions that address racism, social injustice, poverty, and income inequality is good for the 32,000 residents who live in our 20 square miles.

Government Accountability and Transparency

Citizens have complained that there is no oversight regarding decisions made by the planning commission. Additionally, there have been planning commission decisions that local residents would like to have the elected board to have final decision-making authority. For almost two years, the Board of Supervisors has said they would bring back control and have the planning committee report back to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.

Why hasn’t this happened? In fact, at the Board of Supervisors meeting on October 18, 2021, apologies were made stating that they would work on it for the next meeting; this continues to appear as another delay tactic and classic election ploy. Let us not forget that the Board of Supervisors are elected and the planning commission is appointed.

Another issue regarding accountability and transparency is in regard to VRBOs (vacation rentals by owner). What is the incumbent board’s position on VRBOs? The township has no regulations regarding VRBOs yet some residents are receiving citations to cease operations while others are allowed to continue operations. Notwithstanding VRBO as an outstanding way to bring new revenue sources to our township—with licensing and regulatory requirements—we need to be more transparent for our residents in what is required for short-term rentals.

Historic Preservation Balanced with Environmental Protections

How do we balance the issues of Historic Preservation with Environmental Protections? Both issues require dedicated funding and proactive oversight. Why did the incumbent supervisors allow historic homes to be demolished and replaced with “McMansions”? What’s the difference between an old home and a historic home? When an old home is ridden with asbestos, lead pipes, and a buried underground oil tank with no stormwater system and the runoff directed toward an elementary school playground, how should this type of situation be managed? The onus to determine the historical significance or lack thereof should not belong to the property owner.

Tredyffrin Township is blessed with its close proximity to Valley Forge Historical National Park. Protecting the historical resources of the township, along with the environment, is a key objective for Sean Sweeney. Currently, our historical organizations have very little influence in preserving properties they deem historical. Nor do they have the funds to clean-up historical sites that present a threat to the environment. An endowment fund created with innovative strategies will enable action and advocacy for important historical properties in our township.

Non-Partisanship

The political climate nationally has become so divisive and polarizing—it is also hurting our community locally. Whether Republican or Democrat, in Tredyffrin Township we are neighbors with a common goal to make our township the best it can be. Whether Republican or Democrat, we must work together to create meaningful solutions to these and many other issues. Allegiance to one party or another has forced our government into a stalemate of inactivity. Working together will provide a multitude of benefits for all residents of Tredyffrin Township.

Leadership in local government matters. As an elected Supervisor, Sweeney will focus on problem solving—not party blaming. His goal is to listen to the citizens of Tredyffrin and represent them on the Board of Supervisors. These sentiments were echoed in a recent meeting with Sweeney and residents from the Mt. Pleasant section of Tredyffrin; the resounding feedback was the desire to vote for the candidate who will have the most positive impact on our community regardless of his/her party affiliation. More than ever, we need people who will work together and make compromises for the common good—this is a significant reason why Sweeney is running for public office.

Throughout his life, Sean Sweeney has a proven record of commitment and success by taking action. His ideas, plans, and solutions will have the most positive impact for Tredyffrin. Sweeney is happy to answer and clarify any questions voters may have regarding his positions. All are welcome to email him through his website at sweeneyforsupervisor.com.

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