Dear 6th Ward Neighbors, My name is Charlie Sammartino I was the former 6th Ward Commissioner in Marple Township from 2005 to 2009.  I live here in the Township with my wife Karen and my two sons.  I work for Main Line Health as a Systems Analyst.  I do not make a living from doing business in Marple Township.  I am a fiscal conservative when it comes to spending the people’s money.  I believe we all need to live within our means and that includes our local government. I believe in keeping our residents informed about what activities the Board is engaged in. I do believe that what you don’t know can hurt you.   I am running again for Commissioner not as a politician seeking power or control but as a resident of Marple who cares about good honest open government.  During my time as Commissioner I was fair and objective I worked in earnest with my fellow Republicans on issues that would benefit Marple and I refused to go along when I felt the issue benefited special interest over the residents interest. I fought successfully to oppose Billboards, I fought to have the Goodhill Center torn down using the UPC Code that I introduced through the Ordinance Committee and helped to convince my fellow Commissioners to pass it.  When the Township wanted to spend millions on new Government buildings I communicated that to you, I asked how you felt and what you wanted.  We the residents have to pay the tax bill so we should have a say in multi-million dollar spending plans.    I also insisted that the spending plan go on the ballot for the voters to approve or reject and those Commissioners in favor of it backed off.  The plan was then tabled, now it’s back again but being done quietly without your knowledge. A Special Meeting was held in July; yes July when most people are on vacation. That’s no way to conduct the peoples business.   Why hasn’t this plan been communicated to you?   I truly don’t like the political games that get played as we have witnessed these past few months from our Washington politicians.  It’s sad to say but it goes on here in Marple too you just don’t see it as easily because we don’t have a press that can report on it.  Do you ever notice how things seem to get fixed around the Township before election time? It’s no coincidence, funny how responsive government can be around November.  We get the best government 2 months before the election out of the 4 years they hold office.       In closing I want to say that I like my opponent Mr. Molinaro personally and my intent is not to do harm but to point out our differences in governing.  I also have made a commitment to donate my first years Commissioners salary to the Broomall Fire Company to contribute to any of their future building plans.     If you agree with me that government has to work for everyone not just the well connected I ask that you give me the chance to be your Commissioner again, I will do my best to serve our residents and not special interests and give you a voice on this Board again.  I ask for your vote. Thank You, Charles Sammartino Candidate for 6th Ward Commissioner

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REMEMBER THIS ISSUE WELL ITS BACK IN 2013

New Marple Township Goverment Building Update: Updated September 09

Due to the downturn in our economy any plans for the new Government Center will need to be put on hold.  As many of our residents have had to tighten their belts we will need to do the same here at the Township.  The proposed project estimated to be in the area of $20 million dollars would create the need to increase taxes on our residents.  This should be the last thing we need to do at this time when so many are struggling to make ends meet.  That will be my recommendation to the Board of Commissioners.  When we can see some progress in our countrys economy I can see revisiting the idea.