Lower Merion Citizens for Responsible Budgeting
2009 Budget Hawk Awards
The Budget Hawk Award recognizes Lower Merion Township Commissioners who not only demonstrate a commitment to spending restraint and low taxes, but also act in a manner consistent with that concern. Of fourteen commissioners, only six voted against raising taxes and the proposed 2009 budget. We are very proud of the commissioners selected, and this is our first year to recognize Six. 2008 we had five, and 2007 we had four. Each commissioner recognized will be mentioned in our press release and presented with a Budget Hawk Lapel Pin.
The following commissioners have been recognized with a 2009 "Budget Hawk"
 |
Commissioner Jenny Brown (Ward 2), whose repeated and persistent efforts to reduce spending increases rather than increase taxes in the current economic climate define responsible fiscal policy. "We need to be clear, it is this board's role to set policy." Commissioner Brown is a third time recipient |
 |
Commissioner Cheryl Gelber (Ward 5), who said that she belived that LMT does not need a tax increase in the 2009 budget. "Elected officials need to lead the way in figuring out how to provide services more efficiently. We should lead the way in tightening our belts." Commissioner Gelber is a first time recipient |
 |
Commissioner Lewis Gould (Ward 11), who belives we have just scratched the surface on spending reduction in terms of where we need to be. Mr. Gould stated that The government gets everything it wants, and we have to pay for it. "LMT needs to recognize the world in which we live." Commissioner Gould is a third time recipient |
 |
Commissioner Lance Rogers (Ward 14), who noted that it was not merely a 2% real estate tax increase needed to fund the proposed spending, but effectively a 7% increase, given the $1,200,000 drawdown of reserves that was also required to fund the proposed spending. Commissioner Rogers is a third time recipient |
 |
Commissioner Phil Rosenzweig (Ward 6), who believes the tax burden LM residents face is too great and the Township must do it's part to ease that burden. "I have not had one constituent voice support for a budget with a tax increase." Commissioner Rosenzweig is a second time recipient |
 |
Commissioner Scott Zelov (Ward 10), who supported a 0% tax increase and requested a reduction in the increase of spending. Mr. Zelov stated that the systemic spending problem is defined by the forecasted 5.5% spending increases in 2010 and 2011. Commissioner Zelov is a second time recipient |