Starting at Home

I’m passionate about the founding principles which have always made our nation successful. I believe that principles of fiscal prudence, limited government, and personal responsibility are important at all levels of government. If we hope to carry our country to long-term prosperity, we’ll need to fight hard to maintain our unique American identity of liberty and self-reliance. That’s why I decided to run for Supervisor of Newtown Township–I believe leadership starts at the local level. As I’m out on the campaign trail, here are some excerpts from my campaign blog, my vision for Newtown:

For more information visit www.Benchener09.com

1. Imagine a Newtown where government treated taxpayer money as if it were their families’. There would never be wasteful spending. There would never be projects for political purposes. There would never be a dollar spent recklessly.

A wise family constantly reviews its budget, focuses on long-term goals, and controls its consumption. It does not spend more than it has, and it approaches each purchase with prudence. Families all across the country are evaluating every dollar they spend, working to save in a difficult economic environment. We need leaders who will do the same.

In Newtown, this means saving during times of prosperity to prepare for times of scarcity. There should always be a budget surplus, wisely invested, and aggressively protected. This also means evaluating each budget item or project to ensure all money is being used efficiently. If we treat every dollar as if it is our own, then waste will not be tolerated. A $10,000 “oversight” is unacceptable. A $10,000 savings is celebrated.

Taxpayers entrust their hard earned money to government every day. They deserve to have that money used wisely. That is my commitment to you.

2. Imagine a Newtown where we celebrated our township’s distinct character and beauty. Newtown has always been known for its historic roots, small town charm, and natural landscape. We should embrace that legacy.

That means we aggressively pursue open space, holding on to the natural beauty that defines our region. That also means we limit high-density housing, helping stave off overcrowding, booming traffic, and the growing burden on our schools.

All townships must embrace progress, but progress must always respect precedent. For Newtown, that means we can renew Sycamore Street, partnering with State Street to create a thriving downtown environment. It’s time we take action on the Acme site, and create a vision for a core part of our township. Perhaps we invite in cafes, high-end retail, or an organic food store. No matter what, it should all be done with an eye toward the make-up, character, and design of our historic township.

People often tell me that, in many ways, they love Newtown for it’s not: Big city; overdeveloped; crowded. We should preserve what’s best about our township, and fight to hold onto our unique identity. That is my commitment to you.

3. Imagine a Newtown where long-term financial prosperity was a driver of decision making, not simply an outcome. Sustained financial security does not happen by accident, it requires careful planning and foresight.

Our township faces significant strains to the budget over the next few years. Pension payouts, road resurfacing, and costs for some big ticket spending items (Woll Tract; Municipal Complex) will weigh heavily on the township books. Combined with declining revenues from the battered economy, this is a critical time for our budget and community. It requires swift and prudent action.

If we hope to keep taxes low, we’ll need to remake our budgetary process based on proven financial principles. We need strict budget prioritization – every dollar spent must be justified and weighed appropriately. We need financial forecasting – accurate projections of where we are headed will allow us to prepare for the tough times. We need accountability – if a department or project is coming in over budget, we need to hear from those responsible. “Oversight” should be removed from our vocabulary.

Most of all, we need to remember whose money we are spending. Taxpayers work hard for each dollar they give to government, and the prosperity of the community depends on careful use of that money. That is my commitment to you.

-Matt Benchener is the founder of TruPolitics.net and the Republican candidate for Newtown Township Supervisor.