Last week we celebrated Arbor day with the planting of a tree at a high visibility location on the municipal campus. In addition to the Arbor day tree we also planted a very nice Tri-Color Beech that was generously donated by Citizens for Change. Recently the group made the decision to disband after having been dormant for several years.

Citizens for Change (CFC) is best known for a successful campaign to change the classification and operation of the twp. from 2nd class to the more appropriate 1st class designation. The right move for a very large and (still) rapidly growing suburban community. With ten years hindsight it’s even more clear. I was honored to help commemorate the group who spearheaded this effort.

CFC began the effort in 2007 with the daunting task of gathering the required number of signatures (10% of registered voters) to place the question on the ballot. They had to do this since Supervisors at the time were resistant to a change. After having succeeded with the petition they then went on to launch a successful campaign resulting in 61% (4,487) voting in favor of conversion in the November 6, 2007 election. A huge victory. This was the first conversion in 40 years in Pennsylvania.

The biggest difference with first class designation is the introduction of more checks and balances on township finances. Structurally, the biggest problem with the second class arrangement is that supervisors also can work as township employees. The 2nd class form of government was designed for relatively small and often rural townships with minimal resources. The lack of oversight, checks and balances and inherent conflicts of interest almost certainly played a role in the embezzlements that took place between 1999 and 2006. A supervisor who was also employed by the township was charged but passed away before prosecution. The time was right for the residents to hit the “reset button”.

In contrast larger, first-class townships elect five commissioners for four-year terms, and they are prohibited from taking paid employee positions. 4 year terms as opposed to 6 increases accountability to residents. In the 1st class arrangement Commissioners develop policies, set direction and conduct oversight while a professional staff undertakes the day-to-day operations under the direction of our township manager.

This was a big step forward. A clean sweep after a major scandal. Next year, an appropriate commemorative plaque will be placed in the future at the tree location to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the township’s conversion to first class and CFC’s role. This was an important moment in township history. Even though CFC is now disbanding they played a big role in creating the culture of resident oversight that exists today.

Following in the footsteps of Lower Mac, last year Pocono Township made the conversion to 1st class.