Cirillo Supports the Release of Township Budget Projections

September 27, 2007
LETTER TO THE EDITOR (Main Line Times)

To the Editor:
As a candidate for Lower Merion Township Commissioner (Ward 1), I followed the Board of Commissioners' vote last week to increase the transparency of the Township's budget. The Township will now provide the public with the long-term financial projections it has been providing to our elected Commissioners. Financial projections show the effect that our current spending levels will have on our future property taxes. Releasing those projections will result in increased transparency and public dialogue on taxing and spending priorities in Lower Merion. Certainly, this is a good thing.

Most of the Commissioners, including my opponent Mark Taylor, acknowledged that this issue was driven by a budget watchdog group. While I completely support the release of the projections, it is disappointing that leadership on budget transparency had to come from a group of citizens. Citizen involvement is essential to effective government; however, Ward 1 voters should be able to expect that leadership on issues of fiscal responsibility and transparency will come from the Ward 1 Commissioner. Unfortunately, since his appointment to the Board, Mr. Taylor has not provided the leadership that Ward 1 needs. He should have led the way on increasing transparency and public dialogue, rather than being shown the way by a citizen's group.

On fiscal matters, Ward l's Commissioner should be its primary watchdog and advocate. Unfortunately, my opponent has not been fighting for Ward 1 taxpayers. For example, when my opponent had an opportunity to demonstrate leadership on fiscal discipline, he voted to raise property taxes 2%, although a tax increase was clearly not needed in the 2007 Budget. Ward 1 voters deserve better.

If elected to the Board, I will advocate for Ward 1 taxpayers. I will provide the leadership that my opponent has not. I will fight to increase budget transparency and public awareness of the Township's spending on future property taxes, and most importantly, to bring fiscal discipline to the Township's budget.

Greg Cirillo
Candidate for Commissioner
Lower Merion – Ward 1