Howell's Broken Promises

Below is a letter Supervisor, then candidate, C. David Howell issued just prior to the election in 2005. After his vote to approve the Weis Market plan earlier this week we are wondering how he can justify this vote. In his letter, among other things, he talks about "open roads", "open space" and "open government".

As for the road point, how can a project that will raise traffic 100 times, or 10,000% make for more "open roads"? With respect to "open space", how does a 70,000 square foot (approx.) "Big Box/Grocery" center create more open space? "Open Government" would be a great thing. Unfortunately for us, so far under his watch we went through a second township manager, who like the first one prior to his election also received a very generous severance package, we bought a $3,000 decorative table for the foyer of the Municipal Building and Mr. Howell never once publicly denounced the 60% pay increase recently given to fellow Supervisor Donald "Don" Miller nor called for Mr. Miller to reject it.

Mr. Howell did correctly state one point in his letter regarding it being a critical election as Forks entered the final phase of development that would have a long lasting impact on the future quality of life for the residents. Sadly, for all of us, instead of leading the charge to find less traffic producing businesses such as a hotel, office buildings or light manufacturing, C. David Howell took the easy route that will deliver long term challenges and detriment to our community.

As bad as C. David Howell's performance was in year one, we fear what else he will do to the township with 5 more years to go.....gulp :-(


A before-the-election letter from Howell:
November 1, 2005

Together, we can do better in Forks.

During the past months, I have taken my campaign for Forks Supervisor directly to the people, door-to-door, face-to-face. My message: Open Space. Open Roads. Open Government. Honest Change. My message was tested at each doorstep, listening, spending as much time as each resident required.

Whatever the election’s outcome -- win or lose -- I will never forget the people I met along the way. My wife and I were grateful for all the glasses of water, offers to rest in a kitchen and for all the tours of homes and gardens. These were touching, moments with wonderful glimpses into the proud people of Forks. My thanks to all who met us with kindness and encouragement and who made this campaign so memorable.

This is a critical election as Forks enters the final decade of its development. The decisions made in the election booth Nov. 8th will have a lasting impact on our future quality of life.

I’m a fourth generation resident of the Township. My great grandfather could never imagine the Forks of today. Longer-term residents think fondly of the past while new arrivals love what they find today. Yet, both groups are deeply concerned for the future and what it may hold for them and their children.

I speak for honesty in Forks. Am I in this alone? Or are we in this together? Good people of Forks, I believe that together, we can do better.

C. David Howell
Candidate for Forks Supervisor