Why I Am Running
I Care About Our Community
I'm Bill England and I'm running to be the Township Commissioner in Cheltenham, Ward 5.
During the time I have lived in Elkins Park, I have been deeply invested in our community, but I’m concerned about our future and am concerned with some of the recent decisions made by our Township Commissioners.
A lot has changed since my family moved here 18 years ago. When we bought our home, we were drawn to the parks and the recreational activities offered through the Township. Many of those activities are no longer available to young families or our senior citizens.
We wanted a community that strives to live green and in sustainable ways – I worry that priority has fallen to the wayside. When we moved here our library system was top-notch, meeting the needs of all Cheltenham residents. The same cannot be said of our library system today.
I believe we can and should preserve what makes Cheltenham so special. Learn why I think change is needed.
My Priorities
I have decided to run because I believe we need a representative who will work on difficult and challenging issues, communicate with the residents and respond to them when contacted, and find creative solutions to our challenges. My priorities are straightforward and drawn from the many conversations I have had with so many of you. I believe Cheltenham needs:
- A representative of the people who listens and offers regular two-way communication.
- Up-to-date and modern community centers and a high-quality library system for all to enjoy and use.
- Municipal services that provide high quality, responsive and community-focused services - fire and police, roads, traffic safety.
- Open space, parks, and recreational opportunities that serve families, seniors - all our residents.
- Someone who will act as a steward of the township with input from the residents of the community.
- A budget that balances responsibility with the values and needs of residents and not based upon simply cutting costs.
- A focus on sustainability and the environment as we map out our shared future.
About Me
Since moving to Cheltenham in 2005, I have been an active and engaged and member of our community:
- Professionally, I've focused my career on improving access to healthcare and supporting efforts to strengthen the social safety net
- I proudly served as a Cheltenham School Board Director from 2013- 2021, connecting with parents, teachers and administrators
- Member of the Board of Directors for the Montgomery County Community College Foundation
- I serve on the board of Cheltenham Communities that Care
- Active member of the Cheltenham Branch of the NAACP
- For seven years I served as a volunteer coach for Cheltenham’s Soccer program
- For more than 15 years I have been actively involved in the Cheltenham Democratic committee and was named Cheltenham Democrat of the Year in 2017
We fought the good fight but ultimately, we were not successful in the Township Commissioner race. While the outcome may not have aligned with my hopes and aspirations, I want to express my congratulations to Dan Norris on his victory.
I want to also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Cheltenham Township who placed their trust in me and supported my campaign. Your belief in my vision for our community has been humbling and inspiring. My dedication to Cheltenham Township remains steadfast, and I will continue working towards the betterment of our community.