Vision Statement
In conversations, meetings, surveys and studies, Harris Township residents overwhelmingly indicate a desire for a high quality of life. Residents prefer a small-town atmosphere with ties to our historic past. Residents are generally satisfied with our current police services and fire protection, low crime rate, charming scenery, clean air, proximity to farmland and open space, and controlled development.
Public transportation, well-maintained local roads and efficient municipal services are important. Responsible and effective spending of tax dollars to maintain these services is equally important to Township residents. Harris Township's strengths will continue to be a mix of old and new, continuing strong community spirit, and neighborhoods that are connected. I support these values and will continue to work to preserve and strengthen them.
Much positive action has occurred in Harris Township during the six years of my second term as Supervisor. Examples include passage of the Riparian Buffer Ordinance (#292) in 2011, passage of the Ridge Overlay District (#277) in 2008, and ongoing review of all rural zoning districts to make them compatible. Harris Township has a strengthened ability to plan for capital projects, a strong financial and daily operating relationship with the Boalsburg Fire Department, and preliminary discussions for purchase of property for construction of a badly needed public works facility.
From an environmental and land-use planning perspective, a new Regional Growth Boundary and Sewer Service Area have been identified and a Sewage Management Ordinance is in place to protect sensitive areas served by on-lot sewer systems. Our Official Map Ordinance will aid in future land development decisions, provide for interconnectivity between our many neighborhoods, and assist in maintaining and protecting current open space.
Harris Township government is not big government. It is resident-responsive government providing good services at a very reasonable cost.
Public transportation, well-maintained local roads and efficient municipal services are important. Responsible and effective spending of tax dollars to maintain these services is equally important to Township residents. Harris Township's strengths will continue to be a mix of old and new, continuing strong community spirit, and neighborhoods that are connected. I support these values and will continue to work to preserve and strengthen them.
Much positive action has occurred in Harris Township during the six years of my second term as Supervisor. Examples include passage of the Riparian Buffer Ordinance (#292) in 2011, passage of the Ridge Overlay District (#277) in 2008, and ongoing review of all rural zoning districts to make them compatible. Harris Township has a strengthened ability to plan for capital projects, a strong financial and daily operating relationship with the Boalsburg Fire Department, and preliminary discussions for purchase of property for construction of a badly needed public works facility.
From an environmental and land-use planning perspective, a new Regional Growth Boundary and Sewer Service Area have been identified and a Sewage Management Ordinance is in place to protect sensitive areas served by on-lot sewer systems. Our Official Map Ordinance will aid in future land development decisions, provide for interconnectivity between our many neighborhoods, and assist in maintaining and protecting current open space.
Harris Township government is not big government. It is resident-responsive government providing good services at a very reasonable cost.