A Letter From Commissioner Jeff Harbison

Last night, I concluded my four years as President of the Board of Commissioners as the Republicans took back control of the Board.  The Democrats took control six years ago when I was first elected.  Below is a list of accomplishments during the six years of Democratic control.  I am proud of our record.  Many of the accomplishments were bi-partisan and I am also proud of that fact.

I am in the middle of my second four-year term and will continue as a Commissioner.  This email distribution list will not change and hopefully the Board will continue its good stewardship.

Jeff

Accomplishments from the past six years...

  • Provided excellent services without raising taxes.

  • Passed an Anti-Discrimination Ordinance establishing a volunteer panel of Springfield residents to protect people from discrimination due to race, religion, age, handicap, sexual orientation and other categories.

  • Secured an exceptional tenant for the Flourtown Country Club bringing major capital improvements, positive cash-flow and increased public availability.

  • Managed through the difficult situation created by a shooting and death at the High School.

  • Stabilized the Black Horse Inn with the majority of the funding coming from government grants and not from local funds. The first tenant is in place with another to follow.

  • Spent over $1 million in stormwater management projects, nearly completing all projects from the Stormwater Management Plan.

  • Left the Township with only $455,000 in total debt and $4.3 million in capital reserve.

  • Increased the number of playing fields in the Township.

  • Created the soon to be opened Sandy Run Park to supplement our woefully inadequate passive parks.

  • Oversaw exemplary snow removal through some of the worst single and seasonal snowfalls ever experienced.

  • Resisted overdevelopment of open space to preserve our quality of life and avoid further stormwater problems.

  • Completed streetscape projects in Flourtown and Oreland.

  • Commenced filming and televising meetings of the Board of Commissioners. Made such meetings available on demand on the website.

  • Amended the zoning code to allow sidewalk cafes.

  • Facilitated the introduction of Cable TV competition by entering into a franchise agreement with Verizon FIOS including a commitment from Verizon to offer service to all residents of the Township.

  • Passed an ordinance requiring utilities to reimburse the Township for damages to recently repaved streets from utility digging.

  • Upgraded the Township website and added email blasts to our capabilities.

  • Advocated for multi-purpose trails as safe corridors for residents to travel more safely.

  • Kept an open mind and listened to all voices before making decisions.

  • Treated our citizenry with respect when they came out to be heard at our meetings.