Better to have run and lost than never to have run at all.

Thanks to all residents who voted for me in the November 8 election.  Unfortunately, we fell short of the number of votes needed for victory.  While I am disappointed in the results, I am thankful to many people who supported my candidacy as well as the campaign and kept me going through what I knew would be a challenging race.

By going door-to-door during the campaign, I was reminded of the great folks we have in Ward 1 as well of the great neighborhood we have in Abington.   I am proud of the work we did during the campaign and I hope to be given the opportunity to serve again in the future.

Thanks again for your support.

Jim

Making a Difference in Abington Township

Video of Jim’s Interview with Abington News & Views – click to play

 

Here are some of the issues Jim plans to address when elected:

• First and foremost, the biggest issue facing the Ward is timely communication between the commissioners and the residents.  Too often, information trickles out to residents just as a vote is pending yet the decision is 99% made at that stage.  It is too convenient to withhold information by declaring committee meetings as “having no minutes” or by indicating that the premature release of information is not of value.  Furthermore, it is an insult to the residents of Ward 1 to justify the posting of notices only in the Times Chronicle as sufficient communications.

• In the not-too-distant past, only mail was the typical communications method.  The incumbent has been very effective in sending out news; however, truly effective communication techniques have evolved into more than monthly Constant Contact emails or an occasional Facebook posting.  More effective use of the Internet (in addition to email blasts) coupled with area meetings and actually conversing with more than a few individuals are keys to gaining residents’ ideas and concerns.   I have the site www.abingtonward1.com under development to be a cener of communication exchange.  The goal is to distribute information AND gather citizens’ input and ideas.

• A majority of residents are opposed to the addition of 240+ apartments allowed in the Baederwood Shopping Center, yet the Fairway Transit District ordinance passed as the commissioners bulldozed the issue (fueled by the developer) over the residents of the area.   We must use every legal maneuver possible to prevent these apartments from becoming reality and preserve the area by preventing FTD-like zoning changes from permeating the Township, and I will fight for responsible progress.

• Everyone feels the pain of the increased traffic in the area.  Everyone also realizes Valley Road has become a speedway and that speed limits in neighborhood areas are ignored (except during the PSU-funded “Traffic Blitz.”)  We must work with Harrisburg to gain more control over usage of stop signs and traffic calming techniques.  Our lives depend upon it.  I will work with our state reps to enact laws allowing more local control.

As the commissioner, this will be my only and full-time job, I will have the time to make the commitments needed to SERVE the residents of Ward 1.

If you agree with me on these issues, then I urge you to vote for James R Reeves on November 8.

Jim Reeves is committed to the Abington community. After winning the election, he plans to retire so that he can serve full time as Township Commissioner.

A vote for Jim Reeves is a vote for change in your community.

Thanks in advance for your support!