Meet Upper Providence Candidate: David Daniel

Name: David S. Daniel

Municipality: Upper Providence Township

Party: Republican

Running for: First District—Upper Providence Township Council

Positions Held Previously/Years in Office: Member Upper Providence Township Zoning Heard Board 2009, elected Zoning Hearing Board Chairman in 2013

What are the larger issues facing the municipality and how would you like to see them resolved?

Many current issues facing the township arise from the fact that the Media area and Upper Providence Township are no longer the end of the suburbs as opposed to the current situation where the township is in the middle of the suburbs. The challenge is to manage growth effectively through comprehensive planning, and trying to preserve the small town feeling while capturing the advantages of being part of a dynamic, geographic region. By far, property taxes on single family homes are the township’s largest revenue source, so an overriding concern has to be making sure this is a desirable area to live, so as to maintain home values.

The Mineral Hill Development project adjacent to Scott Park presents a unique opportunity to preserve a large section of open space that was purchased by the township, and allow it to be used in a manner that benefits the township. I would like to see council work with Middletown Township and Delaware County to ensure it is used in a manner consistent with what the residents of Upper Providence want. We need to maintain existing infrastructure, and work towards the re-opening of the 3rd Street Bridge. It is a useful secondary road and re-opening it would benefit Upper Providence Township residents and, in my opinion, Media Borough residents, too. There was cooperation with Media Borough on the Houtman Park improvements so there is no reason there cannot be cooperation on this. 

I think the current council has done a good job as to the obvious functions of local government (police, fire, trash collection, street maintenance), and believe we have an outstanding Township Manager in Greg Lebold. Going into the future, we need to address the needs of these departments so that they can continue to provide the residents with the level of services to which they are accustomed.  This includes planning for future needs now, so that the tax rate can remain stable.

Would you welcome more transparency with the taxpayers? How could you make that possible?

Government should always be transparent. An involved citizenry is the best transparency. I agree with Bette Alburger’s comment in “Town Talk” a week or so ago where she commented that so few people attend local meetings just to listen. The meetings are advertised and the agendas are published in advance. At the meetings, people are free to comment and ask questions. The Upper Providence Township meetings are broadcast on Comcast. The minutes of the meetings are posted online. There is a wide range of information online if one is willing to look. 

The problem is that many of the local issues are not exciting, and many people don’t get involved unless there is something that directly affects them. Although plenty of people with an interest in a case attend Zoning Hearing meetings, I don’t think in five years on the board that anyone has come just to see what goes on and what the Zoning Board does, and to me, that’s a shame. That’s also part of the problem. My colleagues on the board and I take public comment seriously. When many are saying that there is no opportunity for public input on issues, in many cases it is because there was no public input. When people get involved, government has responded. For example, in 2009, council abandoned plans to sell parts of Scott Park due to overwhelming public opinion against it.

If elected, what changes would you like to see in the municipality or what is working well and you'd like to continue?

One of the biggest trends I see that must be halted is that the lack of civility and basic courtesy in national politics is beginning to flow down to the local level.  Rather than have respectful debate, national politics has devolved in a series of shrill sound bites. This should have no place at the local level. Running a township is not a Republican or Democratic endeavor; it is a neighborhood endeavor. When I attended almost all of the 3rd Street Bridge CAC meetings, there were plenty of people with whom I respectfully disagreed. Unfortunately, there were also plenty who seemed to think that the best way to make a point was to be the loudest.  

Why should residents give you their vote?

I’m 47, and fortunate to be at a stage in life where I’m settled in with my career, family life, and with where I want to be. I have the time and motivation to work hard for my constituents. I have put my e-mail and cell phone number on every piece of literature I’ve handed out, and I mean it: I want to hear from you. I can’t promise I’ll agree with everyone about everything, but I can promise that I will look every voter in the eye and tell them my position and why.

I’ve worked hard on the Zoning Board to consider every argument and make sure all parties are treated fairly and professionally. I’ve taken the time to educate myself and attend meetings on issues such as the 3rd Street Bridge so that when I make a decision or form an opinion, it's an educated decision or opinion. I see election as councilman as a continuation of my commitment and service to the community and not a starting point.  

I’ve worked hard to achieve my career goals and in many ways my work as an attorney is good preparation for the job of councilman. My career has been dedicated to assisting ordinary people and small business with their legal needs.  People come to me as an attorney with a problem and I try to provide a solution.  I believe I’ve earned the respect of my colleagues and supporters and hope to earn yours.