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Take Action and VOTE Tomorrow

November 1, 2021

Democracy is an amazing gift to the citizens of the United States. Our political system works on the local level and tomorrow, November 2nd, the residents of Tredyffrin Township will have their voices heard!

Like you, I am a resident of Tredyffrin. Like you, I am a citizen. I got involved to represent you!

If action matters to you on issues related to:

• Stormwater Master Plan, Climate Change, and Protecting the Environment

• Diversity and Inclusion and Social Justice

• Fiscal Responsibility and Accountability

• Bike-Friendly Township and Historic Preservation

• Non-Partisanship and Government Transparency

… then VOTE SWEENEY FOR SUPERVISOR tomorrow, November 2nd!

Stormwater Town Hall a Success

October 31, 2021

The Stormwater Town Hall event was a great success. Forty-two Tredyffrin residents attended and all political affiliations were well-represented—Democrats, Independents, and Republicans. A case-study on how the township handled on stormwater issue was presented followed by two residents discussing the township issues that have caused them pain and frustration. Finally, a presentation with proposed solutions to the ongoing problem was made.

As expected, the discussion session following the presentation with the attendees centered on why the township has ignored the stormwater problem for so long. The event concluded with light refreshments and socializing.

Make the right choice for Tredyffrin Township. Vote for Sean Sweeney on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

Where’s the Diversity in Tredyffrin Township?

October 27, 2021

Why is there limited diversity in the Tredyffrin Township municipal employee census? Just as with the township’s stormwater mismanagement, there is a lack of creative solutions regarding diversity. Diversity is beneficial by providing a different perspective on problem-solving.

As a township, we can make a commitment to diversity and inclusion in municipal employees. Our goal should be 15% qualified “minority” representation in the township employee census. When the township has employee performance problems and high employee turnover, we can make a commitment to offer the opportunity to fill the positions with qualified, experienced, and diverse candidates.

Providing solutions that address racism, social injustice, poverty, and income inequality is good for the 32,000 residents who live in our 20 square miles. 

When you cast your vote on November 2nd, ask “What’s the moral compass in our community?” and vote for Sean Sweeney for Supervisor-at-Large.

Former CEO Sweeney Has More Creative Solutions to Tredyffrin Issues Than Wysocki

October 22, 2021

Debates are important aspects of elections; they help voters get to know candidates and learn about their proposed policies. Unfortunately, this election season in Tredyffrin Township, the community will not have an opportunity to evaluate firsthand each candidate’s knowledge of issues and leadership qualities.

It is well-documented that the incumbent supervisors in Tredyffrin Township do not want to debate on stormwater management. Sean Sweeney, candidate for Supervisor-at-Large, is well-versed and knowledgeable about the issue of previous and current stormwater mismanagement in the township. While the focus to date has been primarily on stormwater problems, there are other important issues facing the overall well-being of our township. The following are some of the more pressing additional issues, questions, and potential solutions that voters should consider before casting their vote on November 2nd.

Lack of Diversity and Inclusion in Tredyffrin Township

Why is there limited diversity in the Tredyffrin Township municipal employee census? Why in the last 15 years has there been no “minority” leadership? Employee census facts would indicate the incumbent board has no plan for diversity and inclusion. 

Over a decade ago, a group of local business leaders—-including Sweeney-—came together to create solutions for inner-city youth from crime-ridden and economically disadvantaged areas in Philadelphia. They wanted to provide these children a college preparatory high school education on par with the great public and private schools in the suburbs. The innovative concept called for students to work one day a week and attend school four days a week with their employer paying tuition. This was the beginning of Cristo Rey High School. Today, Cristo Rey has an enrollment of over 600 students and over 110 college-graduate alumni with degrees in civil engineering, criminal justice, business, and public administration. These are qualified, potential employees who happen to have a diverse background. 

As a township, we can make a commitment to diversity and inclusion in municipal employees. Our goal should be 15% qualified “minority” representation in the township employee census. When the township has employee performance problems and high employee turnover, we can make a commitment to offer the opportunity to fill the positions with qualified, experienced, and diverse candidates. Providing solutions that address racism, social injustice, poverty, and income inequality is good for the 32,000 residents who live in our 20 square miles. 

Government Accountability and Transparency

Citizens have complained that there is no oversight regarding decisions made by the planning commission. Additionally, there have been planning commission decisions that local residents would like to have the elected board to have final decision-making authority. For almost two years, the Board of Supervisors has said they would bring back control and have the planning committee report back to the Board of Supervisors for final approval.  

Why hasn’t this happened? In fact, at the Board of Supervisors meeting on October 18, 2021, apologies were made stating that they would work on it for the next meeting; this continues to appear as another delay tactic and classic election ploy. Let us not forget that the Board of Supervisors are elected and the planning commission is appointed. 

Another issue regarding accountability and transparency is in regard to VRBOs (vacation rentals by owner). What is the incumbent board’s position on VRBOs? The township has no regulations regarding VRBOs yet some residents are receiving citations to cease operations while others are allowed to continue operations. Notwithstanding VRBO as an outstanding way to bring new revenue sources to our township—with licensing and regulatory requirements—we need to be more transparent for our residents in what is required for short-term rentals. 

Historic Preservation Balanced with Environmental Protections

How do we balance the issues of Historic Preservation with Environmental Protections? Both issues require dedicated funding and proactive oversight. Why did the incumbent supervisors allow historic homes to be demolished and replaced with “McMansions”? What’s the difference between an old home and a historic home? When an old home is ridden with asbestos, lead pipes, and a buried underground oil tank with no stormwater system and the runoff directed toward an elementary school playground, how should this type of situation be managed? The onus to determine the historical significance or lack thereof should not belong to the property owner.

Tredyffrin Township is blessed with its close proximity to Valley Forge Historical National Park.  Protecting the historical resources of the township, along with the environment, is a key objective for Sean Sweeney. Currently, our historical organizations have very little influence in preserving properties they deem historical. Nor do they have the funds to clean-up historical sites that present a threat to the environment. An endowment fund created with innovative strategies will enable action and advocacy for important historical properties in our township. 

Non-Partisanship

The political climate nationally has become so divisive and polarizing—-it is also hurting our community locally. Whether Republican or Democrat, in Tredyffrin Township we are neighbors with a common goal to make our township the best it can be. Whether Republican or Democrat, we must work together to create meaningful solutions to these and many other issues. Allegiance to one party or another has forced our government into a stalemate of inactivity. Working together will provide a multitude of benefits for all residents of Tredyffrin Township.

Leadership in local government matters. As an elected Supervisor, Sweeney will focus on problem solving—-not party blaming. His goal is to listen to the citizens of Tredyffrin and represent them on the Board of Supervisors. These sentiments were echoed in a recent meeting with Sweeney and residents from the Mt. Pleasant section of Tredyffrin; the resounding feedback was the desire to vote for the candidate who will have the most positive impact on our community regardless of his/her party affiliation. More than ever, we need people who will work together and make compromises for the common good—-this is a significant reason why Sweeney is running for public office.

Throughout his life, Sean Sweeney has a proven record of commitment and success by taking action. His ideas, plans, and solutions will have the most positive impact for Tredyffrin. Sweeney is happy to answer and clarify any questions voters may have regarding his positions. All are welcome to email him at info@sweeneyforsupervisor.com or use this contact form.

Stormwater Problems Affect Many Residents

October 13, 2021

Stormwater problems remain a critical issue for Tredyffrin residents. I’ve been knocking on lots of doors and speaking to many residents who are frustrated with the indifferent (at best) response from the township to stormwater complaints and requests for help.

These videos are just two more examples of the problems being ignored. As one resident explained, “What used to be an unbelievably rare thing is now commonplace.”

With the changing climate, the township more than ever needs an effective master plan to address the stormwater problems that cannot continue to be mismanaged as they have in the past.

Facts Not Fiction: Wysocki Denies Community Opportunity for Stormwater Debate

October 12, 2021

On October 8, 2021, The Tredyffrin Democrats accused Tredyffrin Township Supervisor-at-Large candidate Sean Sweeney of “fake news” and lying.

FACT: At the Tredyffrin Township Community Day on September 18, 2021, I approached Murph inviting him to a debate on the stormwater issue. Murph looked me in the eye, shook my hand, and agreed to a debate.

FACT: I then approached the representatives of the League of Women Voters asking them to sponsor the debate. Both representatives replied in the affirmative, requesting for details to be provided.

FACT: On September 27, 2021, a video and information about the debate were posted on my website and Facebook pages.

FACT: On September 29, 2021, Murph and I participated in the CAPA-T/E Meet and Greet event. I approached him to discuss the specifics about the debate at which point he stated that he had changed his mind and he would not debate me on stormwater.

FACT: On October 1, 2021, I spoke with and emailed the League of Women Voters informing them that the debate was off and that Murph had changed his mind and would not debate.

CONCLUSION: If Murph Wysocki refuses to accommodate the community’s desire for a real debate on stormwater, he should step aside and recognize that the community deserves a new approach to stormwater.

I will not resort to name-calling or false accusations. It is very unfortunate that an effort to inform the community was turned into an opportunity to split an already bipartisan community further. The issues I am running on are not about whether you believe in the red or the blue, but how we can better a community for our residents and future residents in a nonpartisan manner.

I have presented the facts. Make your choice on November 2, 2021 and vote for Sean Sweeney for Supervisor-at-Large. I will work for you and represent your interests to make a better Tredyffrin.

Stark Differences in Stormwater Solutions

October 1, 2021

Last night, on Thursday, September 30, 2021, all the candidates for T/E School Board and Township Supervisors attended a Meet and Greet sponsored by CAPA-T/E at Conestoga High School. One of the most pressing and important issues for Tredyffrin Township residents—stormwater—was discussed.

In these videos, you can see for yourself the stark differences between Sean and incumbent Murph Wysocki who responded after Sean. Each candidate is shown here responding to the question posed: "In recent years, stormwater has become more and more problematic in our area. What should the township’s standard procedure be when a resident’s property is damaged by stormwater? Is there a metrics [sic] that can measure work efficiency to residents' complaints and inquiries? What is the long-term solution to this issue that you can propose?"

This election is about what’s best for the residents of Tredyffrin Township. This election is not about Democrat vs. Republican. This election is about who will get the job done? This election matters.

Vote for Sean Sweeney for Supervisor-at-Large on November 2, 2021 — I will work for you and represent your interests to make a better Tredyffrin.

Stormwater Master Plan for Tredyffrin

September 20, 2021

How can Tredyffrin Township address our stormwater problems? We present the beginning stages of a solution with a general outline for a master plan. This Potential Roadmap was formulated by concerned citizens and Sean Sweeney featuring a compilation of perspectives from:

• Citizen’s Stormwater Taskforce (CSWTF)

• Sean’s campaign platform

• Other interested residents

• Public Meeting of the CSWTF on June 23, 2021

Vote for Sean Sweeney for Supervisor-at-Large on November 2, 2021 — I will work for you and represent your interests to make a better Tredyffrin.

No Excuses for Stormwater Mismanagement

September 2, 2021

Our township received heavy rainfall yesterday due to Tropical Storm Ida. We received many photos and videos of properties being flooded and damaged. A small sampling of which are posted here.

Our neighbors are desperately looking for help. With each storm, they are suffering from flooding and water damage to their properties due to poor stormwater management systems. Or, what I call “stormwater mismanagement.” Development has kept up at a rapid pace without the attention needed for the negative effects on stormwater.

Time and time again I continue to hear that residents have been dealing with the township about their water problems for over a decade. The same frustrations are shared by many:

• “The township does nothing and does not care.”

• “The township has come out to assess stormwater runoff from the street, but have done nothing to help.”

• The township “kept approving construction and building with poor planning and weak impervious surface plans. Now we are left to clean up their mess.”

Poor planning and lack of attention to effects of projects also create new issues. Township resident Gwen Ponder states, “Tredyffrin repaved our road, and now water from the neighborhood runs down driveways instead of being channeled into the storm drains.”

Tredyffrin Township is at a crisis point.

Tredyffrin deserves Township Supervisors who CARE. We need leaders who will take ACTION.

John Rooney, who serves on the non-profit Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School board with Sean, knows Sean cares and will take action. “Although I am an Easttown resident, the issues that affect Tredyffrin—in particular, stormwater—affect me. I can assure you he is a ‘get stuff done’ guy.”

Vote for Sean Sweeney on November 2, 2021 for Supervisor at Large.

Effects of Stormwater Mismanagement

August 19, 2021

These photos were taken today after the storm last yesterday on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. These are just a small sampling of the effects of stormwater mismanagement in Tredyffrin Township.

Though the storm may have been one of the more significant ones to hit the area recently, the outcomes of intense flooding and damage caused to properties in Tredyffrin Township are a direct result of continued stormwater mismanagement over many years by the current and previous Board of Supervisors.

The fact is that Tredyffrin Township has not kept up with the rapid pace of development in our township. Proper identification of, management of, and solutions for known issues would have mitigated the damage experienced by many residents and businesses in our township.

Tredyffrin deserves a strong and competent leader with smart solutions to tackle this important problem in our community.

Vote for Sean Sweeney on November 2, 2021 for Supervisor at Large.