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January 2011 we
welcomed Michael LeFevre as our new
manager. By March, people were asking,
"How's he doing?" My answer?
"Let's see what happens with the
budget." Challenging economic
times cause stress and disappointment.
Nevertheless, Michael soon learned that township
personnel were willing and able to follow his
lead and make some tough but necessary financial
decisions. Particularly notable was the
cooperative spirit of all township employees to
voluntarily accept a wage freeze for 2012.
Consequently, a budget for commissioner review
was readied in October and passed in
December. The 2012 budget protects
township assets, maintains valued services, and
includes debt service for a $3,000,000 bond to
fund several more much-needed flood abatement
projects, all done for a very modest property
tax increase. Michael and staff are to be
highly commended.
Also in December, four commissioners, Michael
O'Connor, Ward 3; Ernie Peacock, Ward 7; William
Lynott, Ward 11; and John Carlin, Ward 15; all
stepped down after a combined forty years of
service to their respective wards and Abington
Township. Their leadership and dedication
will be greatly missed and remembered with
gratitude. Four new commissioners joined
the board in January.
Looking forward to 2012-2013, emphasis on
economic development is imperative to ensure our
continued success as a premiere community.
New businesses are opening in the Baederwood
Shopping Center and Willow Grove Park.
Other enterprises are springing up along Old
York Road, Easton Road, and elsewhere.
Challenging times often bring opportunities.
All in all, we are doing well.
According to the 2010 census figures, there are
55,130 residents in Abington Township.
Southeastern Pennsylvania has seen a population
shift to the west, with Abington losing 793
residents. Those 793 people made a
mistake.
Carol T. DiJoseph
President
Board of Commissioners |
