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WEST
PIKELAND — West Pikeland Township residents have
rejected adopting a home-rule charter by a vote of 1,319
to 1,057.
Under
a home-rule charter, the municipality would have been
governed by a local constitution, amendable by township
residents, instead of the state’s Second Class Township
Code.
The
charter was drafted over 18 months by a seven-member
volunteer government study commission that was empowered
by a 2006 ballot measure.
The
charter would have changed the way the township adopts
ordinances, levies and raises taxes, and takes on debt.
It would have also changed the rules governing
supervisors by establishing shorter terms, setting term
limits and prohibiting supervisors from serving on
township commissions.
The
home-rule charter faced opposition from a citizens’
group, Vote No HRC, that argued the new procedures would
enlarge the government, make it more cumbersome and
result in higher legal costs for the township.
The
organization was particularly concerned that a
government organized under the charter would offer
further impediment to the construction of fields for the
township’s children who play for the Lionville Youth
Association.
Proponents of home rule said the new form of government
would have made officials more accountable to citizens.
To
contact staff writer Joe Langdon, send an e-mail to
jlangdon@dailylocal.com. |
