Dear
Friends,
Good morning. A few weeks ago, I
stopped in to see Bucks County’s newest Republican commissioner, Jim Cawley. At
35, he’s one of the youngest county commissioners ever appointed. The Court of
Common Pleas of 13 judges selected him unanimously to succeed
“I believe the property tax is
archaic,” Cawley began. “Its time has past. For example, Levittown owners live
in fear of July when the school tax bill arrives. Local governments should not
be depriving those of the American dream. We need to look clearly for
alternatives…but here’s the problem. The property tax burden is isolated in
suburban southeast and southwest Pennsylvania suburbs.
“Other parts of the state are
perfectly happy with it,” he continued. “So it’s frustrating. We haven’t been
able to show legislators how onerous the property tax is.”
Cawley is of the pro-life persuasion
but believes that abortion is OK in cases of rape, incest or danger to the life
of the mother. But what about family planning and the role Planned Parenthood
plays? Could he support Planned Parenthood if tax money was not spent on
providing abortion services? “I would be open to discussions about family
planning," Cawley said. “Yes, I’d meet with them, if there’s a compelling
argument and I think that there is. It’s true that Planned Parenthood is a
private organization but they perform a valuable service.”
At his first commissioner meeting,
Cawley drew sparks from the lone Democrat on the board. Sandra Miller felt that
she should have been elected Vice Chairman instead of Cawley because she’s
served for 14 years. Miller complained that Cawley was betraying his promise to
govern in a bipartisan manner. Cawley disagrees, to the surprise of no one.
Several of the 67
Cawley describes himself as a
progressive. “My political hero is Theodore Roosevelt,” Cawley said. “T.R.
didn’t court labels. I’m somebody that doesn’t fit any particular label. I try
not to pre judge. Everyone has biases because of up bringing and his
environment. I don’t follow the traditional methods. I find creative ways to
solve problems. Moderate is closer to what I am.”
A proponent of open space, Cawley
acknowledges that the $59 million bond issue for open space is nearly spent. “
I want desperately to continue open space initiatives,” he said, “But the [cost
of the new] Justice Center’s a major factor. We’ll continue open space programs
as best we can.”
Cawley will work for economic
development, particularly in redeveloping former industrial sites. “We’re
looking for good clean industry with clean jobs,” he added.
He’ll be tested often along the way.
Miller will be vigilant. Cawley plans to stay in local government. “I’m a home
body,” he concluded. We’ll see.
Sincerely,
Charles Meredith