No News is Good News?
I recently came across an East Cocalico Township Newsletter from April 2003 (see first two pages below). I was surprised to see that it contained something that is missing from the Township's more recent newsletters - NEWS!!! This old issue included details on the Cocalico Regional Comprehensive Plan that was being worked on at that time, and actually solicited input from the residents!
Another feature in that issue that hasn't been seen in the Newsletter in years is a list entitled "Works in Progress by Township Staff." That has long since vanished. In recent years, the Newsletter has had no mention of any "Works in Progress." A typical example of this is the development project with the largest potential impact on the residents of the Township ever to be approved - Benderson Development's Cocalico Commons nearly half million square foot shopping center. This project was brought to the Township in May 2005, but wasn't revealed to the residents until April 2006 (its existence was even denied before it was formally announced). The project worked it way through a variety of hearings and meetings and was finally approved in June 2009. THIS PROJECT WAS NEVER MENTIONED IN THEIR NEWSLETTER DURING THAT FOUR YEAR PERIOD. Even after receiving final approval it hasn't been mentioned.
Keeping the public informed on current issues is an obligation of any true democracy. Providing the citizens with information on proposed new regulations, changes in existing ones, and on development project that will significantly affect their lives gives them a chance to participate in the decision making process. These regulations will impact both our lives and our finances through changes in tax rates. If the residents are kept unaware of the Township's activities, there is no opportunity for their voices to be heard. In my opinion, the "democracy" in this Township is closer to the kind of democracy found in the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea," commonly known as North Korea. The people we elect to be our leaders must keep us informed if they are truly to represent us and our interests
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© Ken McCrea 2009