Commissioner Mark Taylor Continues to Miss the Mark

June 7, 2007
LETTER TO THE EDITOR (Main Line Times)

To the Editor:
Lower Merion Ward 1 Commissioner Mark Taylor understandably does not want to discuss or acknowledge the realities of the "shared use" agreement that allowed a bus depot on Croyle. His letter last week about Ward boundaries and the requirements of Commissioners was long and contentious, but ignored the serious concerns of bad precedent, poor land use, escalating litigation and improvement, costs, safety, zoning integrity and Board promises to residents. Notwithstanding Mr. Taylor's protests, the fact remains that his vote on Croyle had a number of negative implications for Township residents in general, and Ward I residents in particular.

Most important, Taylor's Croyle vote increased the likelihood that the buses will ultimately end up at Welsh Valley Middle School, contrary to the interests of his own ward.

As has been pointed out numerous times, if the Croyle neighbors win either of their appeals, the School District may then very quickly need to find an alternative location for the Croyle buses. Any guess where the easiest and quickest place will likely be? That's right - Welsh Valley Middle School, which Mr. Taylor admits will be "contrary to the interests" of Ward 1, and the Ward 1 Commissioner will have little power to stop it.

It has been, and remains, my position to require the School District to locate buses at properly zoned non-residential areas. If Welsh Valley ultimately becomes the site of a bus depot, with its corresponding effects on Ward 1, Ward 1 voters will have Mr. Taylor to thank and his loyalty to his party to blame.

I look forward to a campaign based on the real issues that matter to Ward 1 residents, and to a continued discussion about principles and governing philosophy.

Greg Cirillo
Candidate for Commissioner
Lower Merion- Ward 1