Candidate Questionnaire: John Fisher

Name: John Fisher

Party affiliation: Democrat

Previous political experience (elective and appointed positions): 7th Ward Commissioner 2007-2011

Education: Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering,

Villanova University.

Masters of Science, Management of Technology, University of Pennsylvania,

School of Engineering and Applied Science and The Wharton School of Business.

Career: Business Owner 

What are the most critical issues in your ward and how would you address them?

1)Impact of colleges and the student population on our quality of life.

In the past year I worked to pass a new zoning ordinance governing student rental housing licenses.  With this new ordinance we should see the number of student rentals decrease over time.  I hope to add staffing resources by adding a rental housing inspector whose sole responsibility is enforcement of our current health, safety and rental housing ordinances.

What are the most critical issues township-wide and how would you address them?

1) Stormwater Management

We can look at studies or just look out our window - we have Stormwater issues and need a comprehensive authority to address the issues in a fiscally responsible and common-sense manner.  I will not support a new tax but will consider a fee based system that gives credits to those who do their part to reduce their impact (like rain barrels, rain gardens and pervious pavement) and use fees to incentivize others to do the same. 

What skills do you have that you think would be an asset to the board?

My financial, business and analytical skills help.

When the sale of Ardrossan moves forward, what type of development would you advocate for? Would you support the township’s purchase of any part of the estate? If so, how would you propose the township pay for it?

I support preservation of open-space.  Density modification could help preserve a large view-shed with no cost to the taxpayer.  Deed restrictions and conservation easements between users and sellers need to be encouraged and incentivized. These strategies cost tax payers nothing and allow grantors to get tax benefit.   I don't believe we should incur any more debt at this time to acquire more open space because it can only mean one thing -a tax increase.  If the economic situation improves and our open space funding from the real estate transfer tax returns to high enough levels to offset the increased debt service, I will support the purchase.

What do you think the township is doing right and what does it need to improve? How would you improve it?

Radnor Township is doing many things right but like any large organization it is slow to change.  Our Township departments continue to deliver more with less money and staff.  We have already and are continuing to end some long standing practices.  For example, using bond money to cover the cost of operational expenses,  sick and  vacation carry over, and man others that are costly and inefficient.   I feel good about the future of our town because we have many dedicated employees and volunteers who care.

A number of Radnor police officers have left the force over the past few years. Would you support hiring more officers? Why or why not?

Our Police Department is most costly element of our budget in terms of function. I would support hiring more police but only if we can demonstrate qualitatively and quantitatively that we need to hire more police.  Did crime rates go up since attrition occurred?  Are the operations working smoothly or are we at risk of officer burnout due to understaffing?  These are the big questions for 2012!

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.

I play drums and played in a Philadelphia based punk rock band until my 2007 election.