Strength in fewer numbers

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Tradition and continuity are a great part of our American heritage, but as time passes, and communities change, there is no shame in tailoring our government to fit the needs of people today.
Such is the case in New Bethlehem Borough, where the seven-member borough council has likely outlived its usefulness. The six present members of council find themselves with an open seat on the board, and with no one willing to step forward to claim the position. Resignations of elected officials have plagued the town in recent years, forcing members to beg residents to fill the terms. Other positions have been filled by write-in votes after enough residents failed to run for office.
These difficulties in finding seven borough residents to lead the town prompted officials last week to talk about reducing the size of the council from seven to five or three members. In order for this to happen, residents of the borough would first need to petition the courts.
We think there is certainly merit in reducing the size of the council. Over the years, not only has the community's population shrunk, but its demographics have also changed. We are an older town, whose younger residents mainly work outside of the community. As people commute distances to work, and others work two jobs or juggle other family and community commitments, they have less and less time to dedicate to public service. Many also experience a disconnect with their home community when they spend so much time away, basically only coming home to sleep at night.
A borough council position here is not a full-time job, but to do it right, it does involve much more than showing up for a meeting once a month. It would be wonderful if New Bethlehem could find seven active, community oriented residents willing to devote the time and energy needed to do the job. But even if one more member can be found to fill the open seat, this problem will continue to persist as time passes.
New Bethlehem's council should look into what it would take to begin the process of reducing the size of its council. Local townships operate well with three elected supervisors; counties govern with three commissioners; and other boroughs in the state have already shrunk their councils to more realistic numbers.
In the meantime, we urge any eligible New Bethlehem residents to step forward to fill the vacant term on the borough council, as well as other appointed positions the borough has available. The community will grow stronger with every person who gets involved.