Politics & Government

Who Gets Your Vote in Ward 1: Daniel Bernheim or A.J. Kait?

Residents of Gladwyne, Merion Park, Penn Valley and Wynnewood are represented.

The voters of Lower Merion's Ward 1, which encompasses Gladwyne, Merion Park, Penn Valley and Wynnewood, will choose their Board of Commissioners representative on Tuesday: either Democratic incumbent Daniel Bernheim, who was appointed to the seat in February, or Republican challenger A.J. Kait.

To learn more about the candidates ahead of Tuesday's election, Patch asked both the same questions, via email.

Bernheim's and Kait's answers, edited only for Patch editorial style, are below.

Find out what's happening in Bryn Mawr-Gladwynewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Editor's note: Kait responded late Sunday night, after this article originally appeared. His answers are now included.

Bernheim and Kait Oct. 13.

Find out what's happening in Bryn Mawr-Gladwynewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tell us in the comments for whom you plan to cast your vote.

PERSONAL

- Daniel Bernheim, 56, of Righters Mill Road in Penn Valley

- A.J. Kait, 48, of Black Rock Road in Gladwyne

OCCUPATION

BERNHEIM: Attorney, managing partner at the Philadelphia Office of Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer P.A.

- KAIT: Business consultant

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

BERNHEIM: Ward 1 is over 90% residential and sits centerfold of the township. The most common issues presented to me by the residents, while not unique to Ward 1, but of major concern, is maintaining our services. Our road repair is still in catch-up mode and expediting the process will, in the long run, save costs as the price of materials increase. As the recent hurricane and rains established, we must address storm water management as a preventative measure. Our township crews need to be at proper levels to pick up refuse and clear the streets of ice and snow. While we preserve our basic infrastructure, we should also maintain our parks (General Wayne and Mill Creek) which are a vital asset to our community.

KAIT: The ongoing and unsustainable increases in taxes and debt driven by excessive township spending and borrowing.

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

BERNHEIM: The township’s current financial situation is sound. In 2012 there is no projected real estate property tax increase due to last year’s course correction and this year’s cost containments. Since 2007, including last year’s 10.8% increase, we have only seen an average 3.6% tax increase. Our expenditures in 2012 will be 1.6% more than last year which is due to health insurance increases and debt service. Expenditures have been contained through employee attrition. The work force has been trimmed 10% since 2008 and only two full time positions have been filled (parking attendant and human resource generalist). There was no new borrowing in 2011 although approximately $11 million in debt was refinanced which, due to our AAA rating, lowered our debt service by $0.5 million. This does not mean that we do not have serious issues on the horizon. We must eliminate deficit spending (which will be about 3.5% (200,000) of this year's revenue). Further, we need to cut the debt service which will require other refinancing and maintaining those attributes of our budgeting which the rating agencies find so attractive. We will also need to re-examine which of the capital improvement projects we can currently afford as well as re-examine our equipment replacement policy so that we extend the shelf life of items financed through the equipment fund.

KAIT: Thanks to the solid tax base provided by our hardworking citizens, our township has managed to maintain a firmer financial posture than many other entities at all levels of government. However, the ability to fund critical services in a time of economic hardship is being squeezed out by excessive and ill-timed spending on overly ambitious projects, as well as township employee benefit packages that have become far too expensive. Continuing down this spend-tax-borrow path is jeopardizing the long term financial health of the township. This is particularly important in that the same taxpayers who carry the lion's share of the township's tax burden are the same individuals who bear the brunt of school district, county, state and federal taxes as well.

What is the township funding too much or too little?

BERNHEIM: Most of the major capital needs have already been budgeted. To take advantage of unprecedented low interest rates, $24 million was borrowed primarily to fund and the Bala libraries renovation projects. This plan was established before I came to the board and I was only able to vote that we renovate Bala to a lesser scale. On the books are renovations to our other libraries. Uniquely, we have six township libraries and not one community willing to sacrifice its own. Thus, if we are to maintain this luxury, we may need to curtail some of the renovations or, at least spread out the timing. On the other hand, we cannot allow the mantra “do more with less,” be the universal trump card for every decision. Our police force is short 13 officers and we are operating without a Deputy Fire Chief. The function of the Deputy Fire Chief is to inspect for Fire Code violations with the goal of preventing fires on the front end. We do not have this service. The cost associated with one fire far eclipse the $78,000 cost for a deputy. We need to be frugal—not foolish.

KAIT: Too Much: Employee benefits and "Taj Mahal" projects like the Ludington expansion (behind schedule and over the cost estimate) and the Ardmore fountain. Too Little: Solid front-end strategy work with broad citizen input to define an agreed upon direction on how we want Lower Merion to evolve over the next 10+ years.

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

BERNHEIM: I was appointed to the board on the heels of the senseless shooting of Congresswoman [Gabrielle] Giffords while the country was in a national debate whether legislative civility, or lack thereof, was to blame. I have made it a cornerstone of my service to stop the bickering which has plagued the board and place policy over politics. It is necessary to recognize that the board is a legislative body. Unlike the judiciary which has rules built upon an adversary system, the legislative process is to adhere to Robert’s Rules of Order which are designed to foster academic debate. Repeatedly, I have sought to enforce those rules which in turn will enhance the quality of public discussion. In conjunction to my commitment to procedural improvement, I approach the role of serving as a commissioner similar to that of a trial. I never walk into the board without having researched each side of each issue so that it may be thoroughly and objectively explored. As part of my ”homework” I reach out to each of the other commissioners to solicit their views and draw upon their proper experiences. This has been a useful, educational tool which also fosters team building. First and foremost we must remember we are neighbors all seeking to preserve and improve our community.

KAIT: I would approach it by applying the same analytical, strategy, planning, marketing, and business process improvement methods that I have used throughout my business career. First and foremost, I would ensure that I had a firm understanding of the current situation facing the township, starting with listening closely to constituents to understand their core needs and priorities. I would also seek to ensure that we develop a firm idea of what Lower Merion's "competitive advantage" is as a place to live and work, and drive to a shared vision of how we want to evolve the township over the next decade, embodied in a comprehensive plan. I would then insist that all spending decisions, particularly those around major capital programs, are prioritized and executed in alignment with the comprehensive plan to drive us always in the direction we have agreed we want to go in. 

What makes you a better choice than your opponent?

BERNHEIM: The task of a commissioner is that of a legislator. While it is nice to state that one wants to tinker with the legislative process by introducing business concepts, it is first necessary to have an in-depth knowledge of the laws that apply to the township. I possess that body of knowledge. In 30 years of commercial litigation, I have confronted the ordinances, regulations and statutes by which we are governed. I have been asked to draft rules and statutes. Combined with a strong financial background from representing the lending industry, my skills do not require assistance on how to direct or implement policy, I can provide it. Plus, I have a proventrack record of professional and civic accomplishments. Not every commissioner need be a lawyer, but, at the risk of sounding flippant, if you required a medical operation, would you prefer a seasoned surgeon or an administrative consultant? Respectfully, I offer a uniquely different set of skills which has proven to be of value in, among other things, analyzing zoning variance requests, awarding township contracts, response to litigation and providing immediate answers to the problems of residents that I field on a daily basis. In short, I offer the expertise in the specific job for which I seek to be elected.

KAIT: I believe the skills honed through my business experience, in terms of expertise in disciplines like strategy, finance, innovation, and business process improvement, are better aligned to the needs of the township at this time than those of my opponent. I also believe that as a political outsider, with no business interests directly related to township activities, I bring a greater degree of independence as a representative of the taxpayer than my opponent, who has proudly advertised that as an attorney he has represented many of the real estate developers and commercial banks doing business in the township. Finally, I believe I have demonstrated through my personal outreach during the campaign both my accessibility and my ability to listen to our citizens and understand their concerns. 

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

BERNHEIM: This question fosters the exact paradigm we need to break. We should not look at ourselves as Ds and Rs, majority and minority, Red Team and Blue Team. That is simply counter-productive. The fact of the matter is that most decisions cross party lines and credit for our current financial strength, as evidenced by our AAA bond rating, can be equally shared. Almost 40 years ago, we implemented an Equipment Fund to set aside funding for repair and replacement of over 1000 pieces of township equipment. This was implemented when the board was comprised of more Republicans than Democrats. Later, the need to correct depletion of the General Fund and set a policy of maintaining a 15%-18% year-end balance was approved when more Democrats sat on the board. Both of these policies have been cited by rating agencies as strengths of Lower Merion finances. The current 2012 Projected Budget, which projects no tax increase, was the result of a bi-partisan request to the Township Manager to present such a proposal and a combination of the increased revenues from the 2010 tax increase and further cost containments. Both parties may claim credit. Sometimes, if the wine is good, you need not focus upon who stamped the grapes. Rather, I submit it is preferable to latch onto the policies that are working and, in unity, move forward.

KAIT: The board's controlling Democratic bloc has consistently demonstrated a desire to increase the size and scope of government with ever growing project expenditures, an inability to negotiate firmly with township employees as representatives of the taxpayers, an unwillingness to provide firm direction to the township staff, and an attitude that it is the taxpayers' solemn duty to fund whatever levels of spending they desire, and a clear disdain for opposing points of view and public scrutiny. By contrast, the small Republican contingent has fought an admirable rear guard action to try to achieve some level of openness and fiscal restraint.    

What is the most positive aspect of Lower Merion Township?

BERNHEIM: We live in a wonderful community with some spectacular homes, first rate schools, magnificent parks, first class services and the list goes on. It is impossible, however, after having the privilege of serving as a commissioner for 8 months not to conclude that our greatest asset is our residents. The number of highly talented people who volunteer for the betterment of the community is startling. One small example was the pool of applicants for the newly-formed Human Relations Committee. Twenty people with remarkable credentials stepped forward. Deciding who to pick was impossible, but no wrong choice could be made. Time and again this happens. While not everybody agrees on every issue, my experience is that our residents are a reservoir of useful information. I have been invited to meet at people’s homes, have a morning cup of coffee, received phone calls and emails and have been educated by many with something of significance to state. We have many high achievers and a township with a “Type-A ”personality. Our volunteer residents are the driving force who may take credit for our success.

KAIT: The most positive aspect is, in a word, balance. Lower Merion has historically been able to achieve a "just right" combination of great quality of life at a reasonable cost. It would be a shame to see that price/value ratio erode to the point that we were just another average township, but that is the direction we seem to be going in.


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