Chester County Commissioner
Candidate
1. Do you consider over-development to be an issue in Uwchlan Township and, if so, what would you do to minimize it?
I consider over-development to be a serious issue for all of Chester County, including Uwchlan Township. Our quality of life has been greatly affected especially over the past few years. Our infrastructure cannot handle the increasing level of traffic. Our environment cannot support the increase in population and the development that comes with it as witnessed through recent flooding. Although most of the planning and development in a township is approved by the township supervisors, as a county commissioner, I would support redevelopment and smart development programs. Additionally, I would appoint members of County Planning Commission that hold my values in this area. I would always be a public advocate for green space, our county parks and trails system, and historic preservation in Chester County.
2. Do you believe that Uwchlan Township should require open space and, if so, how would you protect it?
Yes, I believe all municipalities, including Uwchlan Township, should require open space. However, that decision is up to the residents and local leaders. There are many municipalities that no longer have open space because their residents and leaders did not protect it. That has changed the bucolic nature of our county. I would encourage local governments to require open space be included in any development proposals in order to be considered. At the county level, we could potentially tie grants or funding to a required percentage of open space for new projects.
3. Do you believe that Uwchlan Township should protect its remaining farm land and, if so, how would you protect it?
Yes, I do believe remaining farm land should be protected throughout the county. Our agriculture industry provides a tremendous economic impact on Chester County. We can support our local farmers through county support, tax policies, and working with the state and federal governments accordingly. The “Shop Local” concept is one that I would support and one that could have exponential benefits throughout county. Shopping local would help our local farmers to become prosperous and thereby reduce the need for them to sell their land to developers. Expanding that concept would also minimize dependence on online shopping and the need for their warehouses in our communities.
4. If the current Agreement of Sale for Lionville Station Farm is canceled, would you facilitate a referendum for Uwchlan Township to purchase the property? If so, how do you envision the property being preserved and/or used in a way that enhances the character of Uwchlan Township and Chester County?
If the Agreement of Sale for Lionville Station Farm is canceled, I would support a referendum for the voters to decide if the township should purchase the property. I would encourage a similar approach to that taken with the Crebilly Farm property located in Westtown Township, which held a referendum in 2022. I believe local government agencies, the county, and non-governmental agencies should work in partnership on large efforts such as this. If the farm is preserved, then the Uwchlan community should be included in determining the plans for property. In order to enhance the character of the township and Chester County, I would hope that the community considers making it a nature preserve or a passive park. Perhaps there could be a mix of recreational features including walking trails and rain gardens. These elements would complement the history and aesthetics that we love about our county.
5. What measures, if any, will you take to prioritize the general physical health and general well being of the residents of Uwchlan Township and Chester Country?
Mental and physical health are important issues facing residents of Chester County. As commissioner, I would utilize, promote, and fund our county park system to provide opportunities for residents to be outdoors and active. Additionally, I plan to work with our Chester County Health Department to improve the Chesco On The Move program.
6. What measures, if any, will you take to protect the environment and its effect on the residents of Uwchlan Township and Chester Country?
As a county commissioner, I would support and implement the following groups and
measures to protect our environment:
7. What measures, if any, will you take to facilitate the proactive coordination of development between neighboring townships in Chester County?
Working with our neighbors is the heart of community. As such, I plan to maintain a good dialog and conversation with local elected leaders. We must facilitate public meetings to engage community participation throughout any development process. Because maintaining the beautiful landscapes that we have in Chester County is so important, I will support local elected leaders’ decisions to protect our open space. Finally, I will consider tying grant money to smart development and redevelopment plans.
8. What local, state and national Conservation Programs do you support that can benefit the general well-being of the residents of Uwchlan Township and Chester County?
Anyone can say they support Conservation Programs to benefit residents’ wellbeing, but actively working to clean and protect our environment is another story. I have worked with America250 Day of Service, Republican Committee of Chester County Charis Community Outreach Earth Day Clean Up in Modena Borough and PA Adopt-A-Highway Litter Control programs in Tredyffrin Township. Additional groups I have been associated with include: Litter Lifters of West Vincent Township, Green Valleys Watershed Association, Save The Schuylkill, Save Rock Hill
Farm Organization, Keep Chester County Beautiful, and Clean Energy 101.
David Sommers
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