So what does a Commissioner do?

I’m currently running for one of three seats on the 2021 ballot for the Hampden Township Board of Commissioners and looking for your vote. While campaigning, I am frequently asked, “So what exactly does the Board of Commissioners do and why is it important to me?” Well, the day-to-day operations that are necessary for our community to function are not dictated and run by politicians in Washington, D.C. Rather, they fall to local offices such as the township commissioners, who maintain compliance with state and federal regulations, set direction and tax rates, enforce or waive compliance, and make many other decisions that will affect the community’s identity for years to come.

Services that fall under the responsibility of a township’s Board of Commissioners include zoning and housing codes, community parks, trash removal, recycling, sewer and water service, taxes, and keeping the roads cleared and safe after a heavy winter storm. From streets and parks to emergency operations and libraries, the quality of our daily life is actually shaped by our local community government.

When something is not working in the local level, the first place to call or email is the Township office. Through the work of the township staff, it is the members of the Board of Commissioners who have the responsibility for listening to and learning from residents while making the decisions to correct those issues and maintaining cost-effective operations for all members of the community. A more formal description of township government and the Commissioners’ responsibilities are found on the Department of Community and Economic Development’s website.

As one who is invested in the long-term health and sustainability of our community, with concern for traffic congestion, over-development, and township economic conditions, I believe the township must communicate with residents and neighbors before community altering decisions are made. Decisions to allow increased development or approve waivers to environmental protections should only be made after timely and appropriate two-way communication with residents, giving the community members opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns. As our Board of Commissioners looks to the Plant Hampden’s Future, I believe we must work collaboratively to support residents of varying backgrounds and experiences including those of diverse national origins, military experience, religions, races, colors, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background or differently abled status. For these reasons and more, I am working to join the Hampden Township’s Board of Commissioners and would appreciate your vote.

Sincerely,

Ryan Argot, Ed.D.