Referendum approaches

[davidk]

The referendum on reducing the number of supervisors is quickly approaching. It is time to start getting the word about it out.
The easiest and most effective way is by word of mouth. Just talk to as many township residents as possible and expalin to them that the issue will be on the ballot. As well as why we need to pass it.
Another easy way to spread the word is via letters to the editor.
I plan on doing letters to the Tribune, Suburban and Abington Journal.
I hope others will do the same. If you want help with a letter contact me.
Also, I will be contacting reporters from each in hopes of drumming up publicity as the election nears.
In the meantime we need to make sure everyone who is eligable to vote is registered. The last day to do so is October 4.
Next we have to make sure people get out and vote.
If necessary have them apply for an absentee ballot. They can vote absentee if they are homebound or will be outside the township from 7 am til 8 pm that entire day. If they are unsure about their schedule have them apply and send the ballot in anyway. Worst case scenaio they are eligable and go to the polls in person. They just have to announce that thye have an absentee and it has to be voided. It's a simple process.
The last day to apply is October 26 and the completed ballot has to be in the Voter Registraton Office by October 29.
If anyone neeeds either a voter registration form or absentee application email me at politicalgadfly@aol.com and put Newton Referendum in the subject. I will get the forms out ASAP. I carry both types in my car at all times.
On election day we will need volunteers to work the poll. Any amount of time you can spare will be appreciated. I will be there almost all day but I am committed to another race and cannot handle the referndum.
This is a great way to meet new people and see friends you may not have  had the chance to talk to in a while.
All you basically need do is advise people that the issue is on the ballot and where to find it.
Any ideas or suggestions anyone has will be greatly appreciated.
We need to pass this in November or the next chance will be years away.
Any questions concerning the referendum or other races in November can be directed to me at the above email address. I will do my best to answer them.
David

[davidk]

Below is a link to a letter in the Scranton Times supporting the five person board. I could not copy and paste the letter due to an online ad that blocks the text when I try to do so.
I have written a response which I will add next.Anyone who wishes to add a letter can email it to; letters@timesshamrock.com
Be sure to include your name, address and phone number.


http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?news ... 8216&rfi=6

[davidk]

Editor Times,
I must respond to the comments made by Ron Imdorf in the October 12 edition concerning the Newton Township referendum.
Mr. Imdorf states that he initiated the original petition to increase the number of supervisors from three to five to " ... remove an unfair and controlling position held by two related supervisors". Yet he fails to mention several key facts.
One: The officials in question were distant relatives via marriage.
Two: Both men were duly elected by the voters despite having opponents.
Three: One of the men has since passed away after serving a shortened term to fulfill a vacancy on the board. He did not run for reelection for a six year term.
Mr. Imdorf also states that the referendum passed easily. Yet the issue was not well publicized and many voters had no idea it was even on the ballot. I became aware of it on election day via an article in the Tribune which I happened to read prior to going to the polls.
In the previous months I had inquired about the issue and was told it was not going to appear on the ballot. Others were told the same.
The increased board has little to do with the rec centers park or other related projects. Of the current four members (there is an open seat due to a resignation) only one voices opposition to the activities at the center.
Nor is the expanded board relevant to the garbage/recycling contract which was initiated by a longtime member and was passed unanimously.
The overall improvements in the township would have happened with just three supervisors.
There is no reason to continue with the expanded board, any more than there was sufficient reason to increase it initially.
In fact, if it were not for the expanded board there would not be the problem concerning the currently open seat, as the vacancy is one of those from the expansion.
Because the remaining supervisors have not been able to agree on a new member, and the chair of the Vacancy Board is an applicant for the position, the matter must now go to county court.
This means that taxpayer dollars are being wasted to fill an unnecessary position.
Newton Township needs to return to a three member board, and can do so by the residents voting to do so on November 2.
David Kveragas
Newton Township
587 3429
politicalgadfly@aol.com

[Sal]

I think it was good that you responded to Mr. Imdorf’s letter.  

People have had over six months to state good reasons why we should have five supervisors on this website and it did not happen.   Clearly the posts show that the people do not want five supervisors.  In addition, when the petition was circulated, the vast majority of the people wanted to return to a three-member board.

In the past when we had three supervisors, the township building was not a revolving door as it is now.  Since we went to five, people walk in there unopposed and become supervisors.  Now we are going to have a judge tell us who will be our supervisor.  If there is anyone that thinks having five supervisors is a good idea, think again.

On Election Day, Vote Yes to return to a three-member board.

[susie]

Hi davidk,  Great job!!!   You have argued all the points made by Ron Imdorf in a short and complete style!

[davidk]

Thanks Sal and Susie.
The letter was in this mornings Tribune and I sent similar letters to the Suburban and Journal. They should be in next week.
I am thinking about having some cards made up to hand out on election day in support of the referndum. Also a sign made up so people see it as they approach the building.
Does anyone have any ideas as to designs or slogans?

[Sal]

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, but I am all for signs and posters.  You can count me in on covering the cost too.  

If you can make something that would let people know where to look on the ballot and what to look for, I think that would be helpful.

[JoeP]

My son voted today via absentee ballot (he is away in college) and he called to say he had no trouble finding the referendum question on the ballot.

But we do need something to have the voters take with them as they enter the voting booth.  Everyone's head going to be clogged up with the tons of last minute bullets from the presidential campaigns.

How about "More supervisors is not better" or "Too many cooks spoil the broth" or "Too many chiefs, not enough Indians".

Well there's my nickel for tonight.

Joe

[Sal]

Okay, here’s a few...

Smaller government saves money.

When it comes to government, less is better.

Less government less taxes.

Leaner government has less fat.  

[Sal]

The Sunday Times will have another story this weekend about Newton and the referendum.

Here is my letter to the Abington Journal and I will send one to the Times.

Dear Editor,

A few years ago, a referendum was on the ballot to increase the Newton township board of supervisor to five.  It was a bad idea and the referendum was legally invalid because it did not comply with the election laws.  However, not many people new about it and so it slipped though the cracks.  It is time for the people of Newton to set things right.

It costs us more money to have five supervisors and the people have less say.  We do not need bigger government.  There are no townships anywhere around here with five supervisors and they are managed better.  South Abington is much larger than Newton and they only have three supervisors.  The South Abington supervisors convinced Newton supervisors to pay them for part-time police at a cost of three times more then if Newton simply employed a part-time officer.  South Abington is making out on this deal at the expense of Newton taxpayers but I do not blame them.  Those three supervisors are a lot smarter than the Newton five.

Since we went to a five-member board, three people slipped in unopposed and became supervisors.  One of them quit and now a judge will appoint our next supervisor.  That will give us four unopposed supervisors in just two years.  We never had these types of problems when we had three supervisors.

If the people of Newton vote yes to return to a three-member board, next year three seats will become available and we will have a real election.

Most people want less government and more say.  However, there are those that want more government and for people to have no say.  Whenever people have a chance to reduce government, they should do so.  I encourage everyone in Newton to vote yes to return to a three-member board.  Keep government in check and save tax dollars.  Protect your rights and you will have more say.  

More information is available on the towns website at www.NewtonPA.com

[susie]

Sal, I overheard you on the phone the other night talking about the referendum.  I heard you say something that would make a good sign, but now I can't really remember it.  It went something like

We need quality not quantity.  

I don't think those were your exact words, but maybe if I post this it will jog your memory or help make a slogan for a sign along those lines.