Letter: Council Candidate Willi Warns of Repeating Mistakes of the Past

My name is Robert Willi and I am running for Borough Council in Ward 3.  I decided last year that I wanted to run because I felt that Lansdale was finally moving in the right direction, and I want to help keep that momentum going.  We do not need to repeat the mistakes of the past—lots of promises with no results, or failed projects that cost Lansdale residents money.

State Representative Godshall was quoted as saying, "Lansdale is doing more than any Montgomery County municipality as far as revitalizing the town."  Main Street has more businesses now than it did four years ago.  Going down Main Street, it is hard to find an empty building, yet my opponents (Leon Angelicio and Liz Troy) would have you believe that there are tumbleweeds rolling down the street.  It is this type of idea that I would expect from my opponents.  

When they cannot find something wrong with the way Council is doing things, they make something up.

Another example of what my opponents want you to believe is that Council voted "no" on having their meetings televised for free on a local government access channel.  This is inaccurate.  First, Council has never even voted on it—it is still in committee. And second, it would not be entirely free. The only free part of the venture is the channel on which the meetings would be broadcast.  The Borough would have to pay for cameras and any other necessary equipment. My opponents are quick to cast aspersions, but don't seem to have anything new to offer.  

If elected, I would like to concentrate on public safety and crime reduction.  I have met with the Chief of Police and discussed having neighborhood watch programs implemented in Lansdale. Chief McDyre agreed that neighborhood watch programs would not only be beneficial to residents in regards to reducing crime, but also help foster a relationship between the residents and the police.  Studies have shown that in urban, as well as suburban areas where neighborhood watch programs are in place, crime rates drop significantly.

Also, with the many year round events that take place in Lansdale, I want to make sure that we have protocols in place to keep the residents and visitors safe. With Lansdale becoming a thriving town again, we must not overlook safety. Public safety would be at the top of my agenda as a Council member.  

Another goal of mine is to keep the Town Hall meetings going. I think it is important that there continue to be an open dialogue between residents and Council.  Not everyone can make it to Council meetings, so a Town Hall gives residents another option.

I have lived here for over 18 years, and consider Lansdale my home. I want what's best for this town and would be honored to serve on Borough Council.  I know that, as voters, you have a choice to make.  

Hopefully, I've helped that choice be clearer, and that you will vote for me on Tuesday, May 21st.  Together, we can make Lansdale a great place to live and work!

Robert Willi
Candidate for Borough Council Ward 3