(The following is a submission from the Towamencin Government Study Commission, who are attempting to stop the sale of their municipal sewer system by establishing a Home Rule Charter. The views expressed are their own.)
On Tuesday, May 16, Towamencin Township voters will be asked the following question on the ballot:
“Shall the Home Rule Charter contained in the report, dated March 9, 2023, of the government study commission, prepared in accordance with the Home Rule Charter and Optional Plans Law, be adopted by the Second-Class Township of Towamencin?”
If the majority of voters choose “Yes,” a new Home Rule Charter would be adopted by Towamencin Township on July 1, 2023. Should the majority of voters choose “No,” the existing second-class township code and all its existing provisions will remain in effect. As a reminder, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents may vote on this ballot question.
For Democrats and Republicans, the question will appear on the back of your ballot. For unaffiliated/independent you will see a ballot with only the question.
More information on how to vote can be found here. Please make a plan to vote!
The Towamencin Government Study Commission developed this proposed Home Rule Charter with input from the community and with the following purpose:
The purpose of our commission is to explore the ways home rule could change the outcome of the pending sewer sale, add citizen participation through referenda, and add transparency to Towamencin’s operations.
A new Home Rule Charter adds provisions that will:
The proposed Home Rule Charter will default its remaining provisions to the Class 2 Township code; that is to say there will be no changes in elected offices, no changes to financial procedures, no changes to the limitations on the rates of taxation, and no changes in general operating procedures.
The proposed charter and corresponding report were mailed to residents. If you didn’t receive a copy, you can obtain a digital copy by visiting www.towamencingsc.org.
