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Health & Fitness

Ron Beitler Addresses Two Items From LMT Candidates' Forum

Two overtones from last night I wanted to address. Specifically statements by Reis, Eichenberg and Conrad. www.ronbeitler.com

Two overtones from last night I wanted to address head on. Specifically statements by Reis, Eichenberg and Conrad designed to deflect from the real issues.

1. First the overtone that the 'end all' with zoning matters is "private property rights." I put it in quotations because never has Conrad defined how it applies to any township issue. Of course I believe in private property rights. What I also believe in is that they don't supercede 100 years of zoning laws and the intent of zoning.

If you want to argue that we shouldn't have zoning laws in the United States, that we should have land use anarchy then make that argument. 

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If Ryan Conrad or any incumbent thinks everyone should be able to build anything wherever they want then make that argument. If a neighbor decides they want to "create jobs" and "help the economy" by building a strip club next to your home and your ok with that, then make that argument.

Zoning protects our property values by protecting the rights of you and your neighbors. It's a two way street. And it's a fundamental American Value.

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Let's put this in the framework of Jaindl: Jaindl bought approximately half the land in question when it was already zoned agriculture protection. The land where the bulk of the warehouses are going was never downzoned or devalued in any way. (look it up for yourself at the courthouse). Was he entitled to a zoning change that affected neighbors?

If you or I purchase property with certain zoning in place we can't just expect to be able to change it. You and I can't do that. Apparently though in Lower Macungie under Reis, Eichenberg and Conrad influential or wealthy landowners can. That is wrong. Does Conrad advocate for a double standard? 

Let's talk about this. Is that fair? Let me know in the comments.

2. Party affiliation. Let's put this to bed. Every second I spend talking about it instead of township issues the incumbents strategy succeeds. So let's end it.

I am a Republican. Yup, I've changed parties. I was a Republican then a Democrat then a Republican again. Frankly, I'm an independant and unlike Conrad I haven't spent the last decade jockeying for favor with one political party because I have ambitions to run for higher office. I just want to serve my community and I will not use Lower Macungie Township as a stepping stone. I will think for myself and I will say what I think. My track record proves that.

So here is my challenge to Reis, Eichenberg and Conrad. Let's put this issue to bed. I will take the project smart vote political courage test if any of the 3 also do so. My stances on national issues are very publicly out there since I blog. For example I'm Pro-life, I'm fiercely states rights and I've advocated on occasion for physical barriers on the border. I also support HB 1776 as a starting point for discussions on real property tax reform. I've written state reps about entitlement reform and addressing the pension crisis.

Yes, there are issues I'm more moderate on. For example, I was a vocal supporter of Marco Rubio's Dreamact, and yes I'm concerned about environmental issues and believe the EPA serves a purpose since air and water flow across state lines.

Of course none of these issues have anything to do with Lower Macungie Township, but the incumbents are hell bent on making party affiliation an issue. Ask me any question in the comments about my ideology or my stance on national issues and I'll answer them.

So let's do this. Let's put our cards on the table. Conrad, Reis and Eichenberg want to spend precious time talking about party affiliation I say let's put it to bed. Let's all take the project smart vote political courage test and let's all out our cards on the table. You will see I'm more conservative then at least 2 of the incumbents. The other I'm doubtful will really get into details since he remains purposely vague cause he's gearing up to run for higher offices. 

I'll wait for their responses.

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