To the Editor:

So I paid $500 to go before the township board of commissioners asking for a variance for a pool set back.

My request? One foot. One ... measly ... foot.

Despite arming myself with letters from all my neighbors attesting their approval, not 30 seconds into my presentation, the commissioners objected and denied the variance outright.

Let’s juxtapose this with the recent enthusiasm for approving every “ask” of major developers.

What, exactly, is the role of a commissioner?

Is it to benefit the residents or is it to benefit big developers seeking to profit from the residents?

Over the last several years, it seems more the latter.

Monica Hodges and David Kennedy would complement the most recent additions to the board in restoring the commissioners mission back to the people.

No other competing agenda.

Instead of voting for every waiver the Ridge Farm developer asked, we would have some opposition.

I believe with their leadership, we would have had a resolution to the township public works strike more quickly.

In sum, Monica Hodges and David Kennedy will fight for moderate development, enhance neighborhoods, seek transparency in government, and be a voice for the people.

They are here to serve.

Steven Silvonek

South Whitehall