Putting Community Ideas into Action
Reflecting on my journey since being elected Easttown Supervisor in November 2019 (and taking office in January 2020), I remember feeling a mix of excitement and responsibility. How could I best serve all 10,000 residents? While I'd had the privilege of meeting about 1,000 of you during my campaign, there were still so many voices to hear.
To truly understand the community's needs and aspirations, I reached out to our invaluable local institutions – churches, synagogues, mosques, and civic groups. The open and insightful discussions that followed were truly enlightening. One particularly memorable moment was when a congregation turned the tables and asked, "How can we serve Easttown?" It was a powerful reminder of the community spirit that defines our township.
These conversations led to several key initiatives, but one stands out: the creation of Easttown's Environmental Advisory Council (EAC). I must admit, I was unfamiliar with the concept until a member of Tredyffrin's EAC, active in one of our churches, shared their impactful work. Learning that Easttown was among the few townships without one sparked a desire to change that.
Betsy Fadem and I visited the Tredyffrin EAC, and we were immediately impressed. We initiated the legislation to establish our own EAC, and the response was overwhelming. Jim Oram and I worked diligently to select the best candidates from a pool of passionate applicants. Jim's thoughtful approach to the interview process was instrumental in building a strong team.
As a firm believer in the power of teamwork, I prioritized establishing a solid foundation for the EAC. Rather than immediately assigning tasks, we focused on team dynamics and self-direction. This approach has proven incredibly effective.
And what an incredible team they've become! The EAC's achievements are nothing short of remarkable: educational programs, a seed library, plastic recycling initiatives, street tree planting, rain garden projects, and stream cleanups, to name just a few. Their dedication and hard work are truly inspiring.
The creation of Easttown's EAC was a collaborative effort, and I'm deeply grateful to everyone who played a part. While I'm proud to have initiated the process, the real credit belongs to the dedicated individuals who have poured their hearts into making our township a better place. Thank you to all the current and past EAC members for your incredible service! #EasttownPA #CommunityService #EnvironmentalAction #LocalGovernment #Teamwork