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Public service is defined as service provided by the government to the people within its jurisdiction. Simple enough, but perhaps our elected officials, on every level, need a reminder especially during election season.
Public office was never intended to be a lifelong career focused on personal gain or self-serving agendas. Our founding fathers envisioned citizens with a patriotic spirit serving their communities before returning to their own livelihoods. Public service should mean putting people first, listening to concerns and finding solutions.
Unfortunately, the Frankstown Board of Supervisors needs to recognize these principles when addressing residents' concerns.
For more than 25 years, I have lived in this township and unsuccessfully tried to resolve a stormwater runoff/erosion problem on my property created by the township. My situation isn't isolated. Runoff affects properties throughout the community, yet residents continue to struggle to find meaningful solutions.
The apparent attitude seems to be there are too many runoff problems to address, so they are simply ignored, Meanwhile, building permits continue to be issued, worsening existing flooding problems. Isn't that putting the cart before the horse? Drainage issues should be addressed before approving additional development, which makes matters worse.
Township residents deserve answers, transparency, accountability and a Board of Supervisors willing to listen with an open mind. Public service means working with residents, not dismissing concerns or allowing longstanding problems to remain unresolved.
Our community deserves leadership that understands one simple principle: Serving the public means serving the people.
Judy Roberts
Hollidaysburg