Newtown Supervisor Candidate Discusses Last Year's Taxes, Funding

Correction: an earlier version of this article implied that the information contained was about an upcoming tax plan; no such plan has been initiated, and all the information is just the opinion of the candidate. A correction, as well as the full press release, has been published. We regret the mistake.

Correction: the earlier version also mentioned that candidate Elen Snyder was involved in the talks on taxes; Ms. Snyder was not involved in any such discussions. A correction, as well as a full press release, has been published. We regret the mistake.

NEWTOWN, PA — David Oxley, a current member of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors, has sent out a statement on his thoughts for tax initiatives in Newtown.

If elected, Oxley will oversee much of the township's finances. He says his financial plan is needed after, according to him, former board members and Republican counterparts ignored losses in revenue and brought the township near bankruptcy.

"Newtown Township elected officials must be good stewards not only of financial resources, but also the unique and vibrant community," Oxley said in a press release.

Oxley mentions how the 2015 departure of Lockheed Martin from the area had a negative economic impact on the township.

"Their departure created a $700,000 deficit PER YEAR in Township revenue; over 7 years, that’s nearly $5 million in lost tax dollars," Oxley said.

With a background as a wealth advisor, Oxley says his knowledge of finances and economics will be of great help in any plans he has for creating reasonable taxes for township residents.

"The fact is that Newtown Township residents pay less than $370/year in municipal taxes, among the lowest tax rates among townships in Bucks County," Oxley said. "The additional revenue from the increase will be used to hire new police officers, replace the Township Assistant Manager (a position which has been vacant for 3 years under Republicans), purchase a new dump truck and other capital projects."