As a township official, you understand the importance of preparedness.
In this month’s DaveTalk, PSATS Executive Director David Sanko discusses broadband issues and the importance of getting – and staying – ready.
Dave, a former director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), is a strong supporter of preparedness. He believes that staying ready is crucial for township officials, as their neighbors rely on them for a safe community and a high quality of life at an affordable price.
Township taxes are the lowest tax bill most people pay. However, there are seemingly unlimited demands for these funds. Federal and state agencies often create programs with catchy phrases like “storm ready” and “broadband ready,” but these programs can sometimes be unfunded mandates passed down to townships.
While these programs are well-intentioned and voluntary, there can be hidden strings attached. Some programs require townships to spend money documenting and proving their readiness to qualify for future support. These “seals of approval” can come in different tiers (bronze, silver, gold), each costing more to implement than the last.
Local government works best because officials can make judgments that fit their communities’ specific needs. Take broadband for example. Broadband access is a major issue, and the federal broadband money should be used to connect unconnected areas first. We shouldn’t waste money on studies to figure this out.
Broadband availability is also an issue in underserved areas with limited capacity. There are many Wi-Fi devices competing for bandwidth, so getting it right the first time is crucial. Townships should use common sense and analysis to determine the best solutions for their communities.
Dave concludes by expressing his excitement for the upcoming PSATS conference in Hershey. He mentions the workshops, exhibitors, speakers, networking opportunities, and encourages everyone to attend.
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