Elwood Taylor for Upper Pottsgrove Township Commissioner

14/11/2025

Selections and highlights from the judge’s 11/14/2025 decision that prohibits Upper Pottsgrove Township from building a municipal complex on the Gilbertsville Road Open Space.

The Proposed Municipal Complex Would Violate the Open Space Act.

(Building) the proposed municipal complex on the Gilbertsville Road Property would violate the restrictions on the use of open-space tax revenue imposed by the Act. …. In this case, the Township acknowledges that it acquired the Gilbertsville Road Property with open-space tax revenues.

The fact that the Township later reimbursed the Open Space Fund with general revenues through an "adjusting fund entry" does not change this conclusion.

In short, the Act does not permit open-space tax revenues to serve as a line of credit to fund purposes not authorized by the Act.

(The Township Commissioners) argue that the Plaintiffs are guilty of undue delay in commencing this lawsuit,.. (and) waited until after construction contracts were awarded. …In response, Plaintiffs assert that in the Smola Case, a motion for preliminary injunction was denied on the ground that the commencement of construction was not imminent, and they did not want to make the same mistake in seeking an injunction too soon. They further argue that the Court's Decision in the Smola Case was sufficient notice to the Township of a potential claim to prevent construction on the Gilbertsville Road Property.

(The Judge concludes that the Plaintiffs are not guilty of “undue delay” in filing the injunction, since courts have previously decided that delay) is not measured from the date that the Township announced that "it intended to build" on the Gilbertsville Road Property, but rather is "measured from the date construction started."

Under that measuring point, where construction has not yet even started, the “undue delay” defense must fail.

The Township has argued that an injunction would subject it to significant liability for breach of the construction contracts that it has entered. That argument, however, cannot be tested, as the contracts were not offered in evidence. Perhaps the contracts have a provision that exculpates the Township from liability if the construction is enjoined by a court. If there is no such provision, perhaps the Township should have insisted that it be included in the contracts, in view of the Decision in the Smola Case.

The Court takes no pleasure in concluding, for a second time, that the Township's proposed construction should not proceed, especially in view of the demonstrated need for a new municipal complex. In view of that need, and in view of the Smola Case, it is perplexing why the Commissioners chose the reckless path of purchasing the Gilbertsville Road Property with open-space tax revenues.

DECISION

AND NOW, this 14th day of November, 2025, on the basis of the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, a Decision is hereby rendered in favor of Plaintiffs Elwood Taylor, Albert Leach, and Tyrone Robinson for an injunction against Defendant Upper Pottsgrove Township ("the Township") and all persons acting under the authority of the Township, including its Commissioners, from proceeding with the construction or installation of the proposed municipal complex on the property in the Township located at 2290 Gilbertsville Road.

14/11/2025

JUDGE SALTZ - "The Court takes no pleasure in concluding, for a second time, that the Township’s proposed construction should not proceed, especially in view of the demonstrated need for a new municipal complex. In view of that need, and in view of the Smola Case, it is perplexing why the Commissioners chose the reckless path of purchasing the Gilbertsville Road Property with open-space tax revenues."

05/11/2025

The unofficial results show that Tyrone Robinson, Al Leach, and I received the most votes from our residents to serve on the Board of Commissioners. I sincerely thank everyone who mailed in their ballots and those who took the time to come out on this beautiful day to cast their votes in person. It was a pleasure to greet and speak with so many of you—both supporters and those who were still considering their options.

Starting this January, we will face a challenging and vital responsibility. A core part of our mission will be to ensure transparency in our actions and to provide opportunities for you to offer input, ask questions, and stay informed. We are committed to working collaboratively with all five commissioners to serve our community with integrity and openness.

03/11/2025

Responding to – “GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT AGAINST TAYLOR AND LEACH EMERGES”

The same government officials who made UNETHICAL and ILLEGAL use of taxpayer money to mass-mail our residents a politically charged letter have now followed up with a social media post urging residents AGAINST our election.

Just some very quick observations for discerning voters.

1 - Please consider the source.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1514248216406848&set

2 - They claim that I’m a party flipper.

GUILTY – but I have the support of my party while their party won’t touch them with a ten-foot poll and have disavowed them stating - “no one is saying they’ve performed adequately” as Commissioners. My party affiliation has nothing to do with the way I've conducted Township affairs.

3 - They blame me for a POLITICALLY MOTIVATED lawsuit about protecting Open Space.

INNOCENT - They obstinately failed to listen to the will of the people and their own fellow Commissioners who told them it would be ILLEGAL to build on Open Space. So regrettably, the ONLY way to enforce the law was to ask a judge to step in. I filed the lawsuit along with Al Leach and Tyrone Robinson as the representatives of a grassroots movement – and not for my own personal gain.

WE LED THE ‘GRASSROOTS’ TO PROTECT THE GRASSROOTS BENEATH OUR FEET!

4 – They blame me for carrying an $8,000,000 debt while in office.

GUILTY – But they got their facts wrong, I actually once had to manage an $18,000,000 debt while in office!

They try to scare you with a big, seemingly unreasonable number, but don’t tell you what that debt was for.

Just like homeowners must take on hundreds of thousands of dollars in personal debt to buy their homes and cars, or others who need to pay for a college education – Townships must borrow millions of dollars in public debt to build the massive sewer systems that carry and treat the waste from your homes - and millions more to purchase the Open Spaces that help manage overdevelopment and protect the rural character of our community.

(Noteworthy - property taxes were not raised to pay this debt – in stead - user fees paid the sewer portion of the debt while an income tax APPROVED BY THE WAGE EARNERS paid the Open Space debt.)

WITHOUT THAT DEBT, MY CRITICS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ENJOY OVER 300 ACRES OF TOWNSHIP-OWNED OPEN SPACE – AND MORE IMPORTANTLY – NOT EVEN BE ABLE TO FLUSH THEIR OWN TOILETS!

5 – They blame me for approving the POTTSGROVE HUNT retirement community.

GUILTY – They describe the Pottsgrove Hunt retirement community as an example of “overdevelopment.” They proudly crow that they voted against it, while pandering to affected homeowners. The problem is that it would have been AGAINST THE LAW to vote against this development.

The property in question was in a zoning district that permitted exactly the sort of development that was proposed – and part of the approved Township and Regional COMPREHENSIVE PLAN that manages all community development.

The zoning laws that Commissioners are required to enforce were not created in some smoke-filled room away from the eyes of the public. Zoning enforcement is the most transparent of governing functions. Anybody can reference the zoning map that’s prominently posted on the walls of the Township building or more conveniently online - and then choose where they wish to live.

It’s no secret what can be built anywhere in the Township. When any changes are made to the map, both the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners conduct public meetings. Public notice is published in the newspaper and even physical signs and notices are posted on all the property lines. A public hearing must be advertised and take place. Even letters are mailed to all the residents in the surrounding neighborhoods before any changes are made.

In the case of Pottsgrove Hunt, the zoning that allowed it had been in place for 10 years and BEFORE the completion of the nearby Summer Grove housing development.

The alternative to “overdevelopment” cannot be NO development. While it’s clearly unlawful to deprive any landowners of the approved use of their properties, it’s entirely appropriate to plan for and enforce balanced development.

02/11/2025

Every election season, we’re reminded how crucial each vote is—and Tyrone Robinson’s experience proves exactly why that’s true.

I’ve lost elections myself, but when my running mate ran for Commissioner before, his supporters celebrated on election night, believing he had won by just 2 votes out of 1,100 cast. But, when the final certified count was announced, they were devastated to learn that the results had flipped, and he had actually lost by a mere 2 votes.

This close call shows us all: every single vote truly matters. Your participation can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Don’t sit this one out.

Make your voice heard.

LET'S DO BETTER! — because every vote counts.

01/11/2025

In case we missed your mailbox -✉️- here's the Facebook version.

31/10/2025

Still fighting to - S A V E - S M O L A - F A R M - after 17 years.

30/10/2025

“TOOTING MY OWN HORN”

Since critics are now using their BOOMING BULLHORN to blast “Elwood Taylor’s dismal record” - please allow me (with apologies) to “toot my own horn.” I'm confident that most everyone's mind is made up by now, but here's part of the record you may have missed!

After honorably serving in the US Marine Corps and while then teaching US History in the Pottsgrove Middle School - (yes – that’s where the 13-year-olds are!) – I was asked to take a position on the Upper Pottsgrove Planning Commission where I served for over 25 years. I was also elected to a seat on the Board of Commissioners which I held for over 20 years – most of the time as its President.

Highlights from my “dismal record” of service and leadership follow-

- REDUCED PERMITTED HOUSING DENSITIES IN THE TOWNSHIP BY HALF,

(while overseeing the complete overhaul and rewriting of the Township’s Zoning Code and Land Development standards. Before this, developers were scattering 200-house subdivisions willy-nilly throughout the Township without regard for Open Space, along with multiple, private, stand-alone sewage treatment plants – ticking timebombs that eventually failed and became the Township’s burden.)

- WAS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE POTTSTOWN REGIONAL PLANNING COMMITTEE.

(With coordinated planning, Upper Pottsgrove’s legal requirement to allow the densest types of housing was limited to areas adjacent to Pottstown, further protecting our rural character.)

- STOPPED THE EXPANSION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT’S TRASH DUMP

(onto our most rural Open Spaces and instead, facilitated the building of the PAL ATHLECTIC FIELDS.)

- SPEARHEADED THE TOWNSHIP’S OPEN SPACE CAMPAIGN,
(that has now preserved over 300 acres.)

- MANAGED THE COMPLETION OF THE CODDINGTON VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD,

(after the original developer went bankrupt.)

- RECOMMENDED USING THE EXTRA SOIL FROM CODDINGTON VIEW FOR THE CREATION OF LEVEL PLAYING FIELDS ON HOLLENBACK OPEN SPACE AT NO EXPENSE.

- ESTABLISHED 24/7 LOCAL POLICE PROTECTON IN THE TOWNSHIP.

- COORDINATED THE CONNECTION OF CLEAN DRINKING WATER INFRASTRUCTURE TO HUNDREDS OF HOMES

(where private wells were contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals. Residents didn’t need to pay for any of the plumbing costs.)

- OVERSAW THE EXTENSION OF SEWER SERVICE TO HUNDREDS OF HOMES,

(where septic systems were failing and making properties both unlivable and unsellable.)

- COORDINATED THE CLOSURE OF FOUR FAILING COMMUNITY SEWER PLANTS,

(that had been abandoned by their private developers – and connected the Heather Place, Cherry Tree, Regal Oaks, and Gary Heights neighborhoods to the Township system.)

- COORDINATED WITH FIREFIGHTERS TO REORGANIZE AND REOPEN THEIR FIRE COMPANY AFTER YEARS OF FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES.

- MAINTAINED CRITICAL TOWNSHIP SERVICES DURING THE GREAT NATIONAL RECESSION,

(without needing to raise general fund taxes during the last 10 years of my administration.)

- SPOKE OUT AGAINST SELLING THE TOWNSHIP SEWER SYSTEM,

(warning that we would lose control to a profit-driven corporation and be helpless in the face of spiraling costs.)

- IMPROVED AMBULANCE RESPONSE TIMES WITHIN THE TOWNSHIP,

(by coordinating with the Pottstown and Boyertown emergency services.)

- CRAFTED AND ENACTED A SPECIAL RETIREMENT COMMUNITY ZONING DISTRICT THAT REDUCES TAXES FOR THE REST OF THE TOWNSHIP,

(Now - the residents of Pottsgrove Hunt contribute an extra $2 million dollars YEARLY into the school district budget without enrolling any children or adding any cost, as well as $2 hundred thousand dollars into the Township budget without needing to have their private roads plowed or maintained.)

- ARRANGED WITH THE DEVELOPER TO SAVE PROUT FARM AS OPEN SPACE,

(instead of developing it with 30 more homes.)

- NEGOTIATED THE AGREEMENT THAT CREATED THE ALTHOUSE ARBORETUM,

(a unique public/private relationship with the Green Allies that was recently awarded the prestigious Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence.)

- NEGOTIATED SPECIAL BENEFITS FROM WEST POTTSGROVE’S UPLAND SQUARE SHOPPING COMPLEX,

(protecting residents in Upper Pottsgrove by prohibiting through-traffic on State Street and requiring $50,000 annual payments to support traffic light maintenance for the signal at Rt #100.)

- ENVISIONED AND AUTHORIZED THE COMMUNITY VEGETABLE GARDEN AT PROUT FARM.

- SERVED AS ACTING TOWNSHIP MANAGER FOR 6 MONTHS WITHOUT PAY.

My decades of dedicated public service have been driven by a genuine commitment to preserving our community’s character, improving public safety, and ensuring responsible growth. If elected, I will continue to work tirelessly for the residents of Upper Pottsgrove Township.

(And again – my apologies for tooting my own horn!)

28/10/2025

24/10/2025

Recent political campaign attacks in UPPER POTTSGROVE highlight the need to carefully CONSIDER THE SOURCE when evaluating the validity of the complaints.

Three of the Upper Pottsgrove Commissioners recently mass-mailed a letter to residents on official Township letterhead, warning them to “vote wisely” in the upcoming election. (The other two Commissioners were not even aware of it!) Using taxpayer dollars to influence an election is both unethical and illegal, and their spin for the delay of the municipal building project is not supported by official records.

They blame me, Albert Leach, and Tyrone Robinson—candidates for Commissioner—for “putting the Township at serious financial risk.” They don’t want to admit that by violating a judge’s earlier ruling, they are the ones responsible for wasting taxpayer money and jeopardizing the construction of the municipal complex.

I’ve maintained a positive, fact-based campaign, avoiding personal attacks. But given their recent promises made at a public meeting-

- that “the sh.. will hit the fan"

– "wait till you see what’s coming"

– "it’s going to be a bloodbath,”

I feel compelled to ask you to consider the source of these accusations.

Remember, while trying to demonize and lay all the blame at our feet, many other residents, officials, and judges also oppose the Commissioners’ misuse of open space.

For example – with building on Smola Farm being the primary issue

- They failed to get their handpicked candidate elected in the last election.

- Their own political party did not endorse them for re-election this year and –

- when they complained, they were rebuffed by the county political party as well.

- Despite dismissing the few outspoken people who attend public meetings, hundreds of residents have displayed “Save Smola Farm” signs in their yards.

- Over 275 residents signed a petition urging the Commissioners NOT to build on land purchased with Open Space funds.

- They lost a $1 million State grant after our legislators – State Senator Pennycuick and State Representative Scheuren - refused to support their building plan, citing the importance of preserving open space.

- The Regional Planning Commission, representing Pottstown and its seven surrounding communities, unanimously rejected their request to change zoning to allow building on Open Space, citing distrust of their motives.

- A judge has ruled against the Commissioners' argument for building on Township Open Space by saying that “it would (also) permit the installation of, say, a JUNKYARD on OPEN SPACE” and be “inconsistent with the intent under which the property was acquired.”

- Another judge has ruled that the Commissioners may not limit a resident’s right to submit multiple RIGHT TO KNOW requests about their plans to build on Open Space.

- Yet another judge ruled against the Commissioners, deciding that the defamation lawsuit they filed against a resident was actually in retaliation for the lawsuits he had brought to prevent the township from building the proposed municipal complex on the Smola Farm Open Space.

- Two fellow Commissioners have consistently opposed using the Smola Farm Open Space for the municipal complex and even voted against purchasing the Gilbertsville parcel with Open Space funds, as it would hinder their plans to build the complex there.

By now focusing their attack on me, Al, and Tyrone for successfully standing up against them, these three Commissioners hope to distract you from remembering that many others have stood up against them as well.

I believe we’re standing in pretty good company.

CONSIDER THE SOURCE.

LET’S DO BETTER!

22/10/2025

DOING SOMETHING ELSE – TUTORING AT RINGING ROCKS ELEMENTARY

Lately, I’ve been pretty busy running for election – talking to residents, knocking on doors, putting up campaign signs, writing letters, chatting on Facebook, attending meetings, and more.

But I also make a point to spend time with non-voters – or, more importantly, future voters. Throughout my career and personal life, I’ve always believed in the importance of connecting with kids and young people. From summer camp director, to Big Brothers, to Green Allies at the Arboretum, to teaching American History at Pottsgrove Middle School – I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference it makes.

That’s why I set aside a few days each week — along with my wife Paula, a retired kindergarten teacher — to tutor kindergarteners at Ringing Rocks Elementary. Working with kids, helping them with their ABCs and counting to 100, and seeing their excitement when they “get it” — that’s what it’s all about.

I truly enjoy giving them the tools and confidence they need to succeed and become responsible citizens who will carry our community forward.

29/07/2025

JUDGE SAYS – SMOLA FARM IS NO PLACE FOR A JUNKYARD

But if Township Officials win their appeal of the judge’s order later this year, that’s exactly what Judge Saltz warns could happen. He wrote that if the Township’s argument is to be believed - “it would permit the installation of, say, a JUNKYARD on OPEN SPACE” and be “inconsistent with the intent under which the property was acquired.”

But some Township Officials believe that the judge got it wrong and have said - “It’s a big case and it needs to go forward.”

In court they stated that “if (the judge's) decision is allowed to stand, municipalities will be hamstrung in deciding how to best use land acquired for the benefit of the public.” Township officials insisted that building a municipal complex on “permanently protected land” would be “consistent with the Open Space benefits” that taxpayers had voted for.

But the judge said - “The power of the Commissioners does not extend to overriding the action of the Township’s voters” who paid for the Open Space.