DETAILED PLATFORM

Rick Gordon: Focused on Willistown's Future

Open space and rural character

Protect what we have, add more where it makes sense, and be transparent about costs and selection.

Support existing conservation-minded zoning.
Prioritize stewardship and maintenance of current open space.
Pursue grants and land trust partnerships to stretch taxpayer dollars.
Consider additional acquisitions only through a public process with independent appraisals and clear protections for residents.

Modernize communication & access to public information

Residents shouldn’t need a Right-to-Know request to understand how their government is operating.

Modernize township communications by making budgets, financial reports, and meeting materials readily accessible online.
Adopt common practices already used by other well-run municipalities across the country (e.g., dashboards, searchable archives, open data portals).
Provide regular updates through multiple channels (website, email, social media, and community meetings).
Enhance transparency by ensuring residents can see not just outcomes, but also the reasoning and data behind township decisions.

Earned Income Tax (EIT) Review

Tax policy should reflect both strong fiscal stewardship and respect for taxpayers.

Review the possibility of a modest EIT reduction to return surplus revenues to residents.
Balance any reduction with continued investment in open space, infrastructure, and township services.
Ensure tax changes are transparent, data-driven, and clearly communicated to residents.

Support local business & economic vitality

Willistown is a place where local businesses thrive under a sensible approach to economic growth.

Create a local business roundtable to maintain open dialogue between township leadership and business owners.
Review township permitting, signage, and zoning policies to ensure they are business-friendly while protecting community values.
Encourage “shop local” campaigns and partnerships that highlight Willistown businesses.
Support small-scale, community-oriented businesses that align with our rural character and provide services to residents.

Fiscal responsibility & budget transparency

Residents deserve open, honest, and participatory financial management.

Advocate for earlier and more meaningful public engagement in the budget process.
Ensure clearer, more accessible financial reporting.
Explore a finance committee model that leverages local expertise and subject matter leaders.
Require open forums for residents to question assumptions before final numbers are adopted.

Long-term planning & township priorities

Willistown deserves a clear roadmap for the future.

Develop a transparent, long-term capital and project plan with clear priorities.
Align township projects with resident needs, conservation values, and fiscal realities.
Regularly update and share progress with the community to maintain accountability.
Ensure that planning looks beyond year-to-year budgets and focuses on sustainable growth and preservation.

*** While Willistown has a thoughtful Comprehensive Plan setting broad goals, it currently lacks a structured long-term capital plan. Township decisions appear on a year-by-year basis with no clear multi-year roadmap. We can strengthen planning by coordinating capital priorities into a transparent, long-term plan with timelines and funding clarity.

Governance and public trust

Township government must be accountable, transparent, and resident-driven.

Adopt “best practices” in financial management and citizen engagement.
Maintain fairness and transparency in decision-making.
Build trust by inviting residents into the process, not just presenting decisions after the fact.

Stormwater management & infrastructure

Protecting homes, roads, and open spaces from flooding and runoff requires clear priorities and long-term investment.

Develop and publish a ranked list of stormwater projects based on risk, cost-effectiveness, and community impact.
Pursue state and federal grants to supplement local funding.
Partner with residents, watershed associations, and conservation groups to implement sustainable, environmentally sound solutions.
Ensure that stormwater planning is integrated into the township’s long-term capital plan.