Lewis Gould Runs for Reelection in Ward 11

Republican Commissioner Lewis Gould is running unopposed in Ward 11 in this year's election. Gould has served as commissioner of Ward 11, which represents Bryn Mawr, Gladwyne and Rosemont, for 16 years. (A ward-by-ward map of the township is attached to this article.)

To learn more about Gould ahead of Tuesday's election, Patch asked him a few questions via email. His answers, edited only for Patch editorial style, are below.

PERSONAL

- Lewis Gould, 71, of Lafayette Road in Bryn Mawr

OCCUPATION

- Attorney at Duane Morris LLP in Philadelphia

What’s the most important issue that is specific to your ward?

Storm water management

What’s your opinion of the township’s current financial situation?

The [township] manager and board leadership are not at all restrained in spending, particularly for salaries and benefits for the already highly paid township employees, especially the senior management (manager and assistant manager).

What is the township funding too much or too little?

Funding too much—Salaries and benefits for all employees, especially management. Certain building projects like Ardmore and libraries, are being funded without regard to reality, and there is precious little oversight of building projects which very likely will lead to big cost overruns at Ludington, in addition to the great delay in completion of the project.

Proper attention by the board leadership and management to infrastructure and the priority it should receive could result in perhaps greater  spending for this vital need. 

How would you approach your job in the upcoming term, if elected?

In the same manner as I have for the past 16 years: committed to open government, providing our residents at all times with the context in which the board leadership and manager are attempting to take the board, and with vigilance on all spending so as to reduce or not increase real estate taxation. 

Contrast the job performances of the board’s Democratic and Republican blocs in the past couple years. 

The board leadership and majority are committed to tax and spend, and do not appreciate that our residents and taxpayers are struggling to maintain their homes. The minority commissioners are always devoted to open government (and have had success in the past few years in dragging the board leadership and manager to accept the right of the public to know). The minority commissioners have not supported big borrowing, big tax increases, and big spending which are the hallmarks of the board leadership and manager.

What’s the most positive aspect of Lower Merion Township?

Its great residents.