Happy Holidays, suckers.....

As we read this article in the Morning Call, we would not be surprised if this is what the Board of Supervisors was thinking when they passed a tax increase.

Granted, the housing market in Forks Township has slowed considerably, though we warned of this years ago, and contractual expenses do go up, but why are salaries of non contract employees being raised right now and what capital expenditures have been cut or reduced?

Seems to us that the Board continues to spend OUR money (residents) and incur debt with reckless abandon.

While the actual increase to the average homeowner is relatively small, we believe that the worst is yet to come.

In the meantime, preliminary congratulations to Forks Township Supervisor 60% (a.k.a. Donald "Don" Miller) who is slated to get another increase just one year after getting a 60% pay raise. All this and the Community Center still is not profitable. Will he refuse the increase if offered? Don't hold your breath!

Forks EMS, decide

When most of us see an injured or sick animal we do everything in our power to see that it is healed. When this is not possible, we painfully agree to make certain that the creature is destroyed humanely.

If we do this for animals, why aren't we doing this for the Forks Township EMS? The Township has put their $20,000.00 budget money on hold. This move is debilitating to this troubled organization.

While we are not saying that the Board of Supervisors actions are not justified, it seems to us that it is time for the Board to either fully, and unquestionably support Forks EMS, or, discontinue their association with Forks Township completely.

When Stockertown Fire Department got in trouble, we rushed in. We are their fire department and even though they pay us a stipend, we taxpayers are bearing the brunt of the expense associated with this. The Board of Supervisors has a fiduciary responsibility to us, the citizens of Forks Township to make sure that we have a well trained and financially secure emergency medical service.

Forks EMS has gone through some tough times. Whether they can fully recover or not is still up for debate. What should not be up for discussion however is the health and welfare of those who live, work and travel through our town.

A new day

Last night marked the end of an era. THANK GOD!

In the last twelve years, this, and the previous Board of Supervisors have managed to dramatically reduce the quality of life for the residents of Forks Township.

Some of their deeds included-

• Weakening our infrastructure
• Ushering in uncontrolled and poorly planned residential growth
• Saddling us with substantial debt during high development years
• Failing to put in place long term adequate plans for storm water and sinkhole management
• Lack of foresight as it related to economic development
• A failure to install meaningful spending controls and fiscal responsibility
• Promoting divisive relationships with the public and each other

As for the future, will Erik Chuss and Robert Egolf really bring fresh and new ideas to the office? Will they rise above, and work with all of the other board members? Will they be independent and thoughtful of resident feedback when they vote on issues?

All we can do is hope, and pray that they do. Their first 100 days are critical and will set the tone, pro or con, for the next 6 years.

May God Bless them as the mountain that they have chose to climb is both steep and treacherous.

Another one bites the dust

Garlic Jims' doors are closed. According to their phone message as of this date; effectively immediately, December 6th, we are temporarily closed due to poor store performance and management. We look forward to reopening in the Spring......

Will they re-open in the Spring? We hope so as we hate to see any legal and legitimate business fail, and we certainly do not need any more empty storefronts in Forks Township!

Once again we are reminded that the Hoff lead Board of Supervisors has done NOTHING MEANINGFUL to retain and maintain current businesses. While many of the candidates spoke about filling the old Giant/Laneco building, what about the other empty retail establishments in our community? And by the way, since to our knowledge Giant does not own the former building, does ANYONE know when those deed restrictions expire on that building?

An economic development commission, sans the usual suspects, is desperately needed. Before the latest township manager was hired we urged the Board of Supervisors to make economic development a key part of his job responsibilities. This was not done. One wonders why? This sure isn't progress for our future!

More accolades for Lower Macungie!

Must read article in today's Morning Call about the form of government changes brought to Lower Macungie by The Lower Macungie Township Citizens for Change!

We have already been in contact with the leaders of The Lower Macungie Township Citizens for Change and look forward to meeting with them soon.

Should Forks Township work to become a First Class Township? We'll give you our thoughts after our committee meets with this fine citizens Group.

Stay tuned......

Way to go Bethlehem

With all of the active and retired FBI, Secret Service, DEA as well as other Federal Law Enforcement agents living in Forks Township, combined with all of the active and retired NYC & NJ EMS and Fire personnel living here, quite some time ago, we suggested a very similar plan as to what Bethlehem is installing.

In addition to emergency resources, why aren't we surveying our residents to see what skills (doctors, cfo's, auditors, cpa's, lawyers, engineers, etc.) they have which may benefit the township in both emergency and non-emergency situations?

Our township must set ego aside, especially during our financially tough times, and call to action the vast amount of talent living within our borders.