Forks Resident to Supervisors: Act Like Elected Officials

Forks Township resident Tracie Stump is tired of suffering during storms.

Stump said that when a snowstorm hit in October 2011, she went without power for four days. She didn't have power or water and had to fend for two kids. When she inquired to township officials about getting help, Stump said she was told nothing.

When Hurricane Sandy struck,  she went without power for six days. Again, she asked for help and received nothing.

"Shame on me," Stump told the Board of Supervisors at last Thursday night's meeting in complaining how a lack of communication and services is crippling residents with every storm.

"I don't mean any disrespect. But I elected you. That should mean having services afforded to you as a resident," the nine-year resident stated.

Stump said she heard little communication to residents about what they could do and what services were available. She said she didn't find out that hot showers were available until several days after the storm.

"I went without a shower for four days," she said. "That was nasty."

Stump wondered why township officials didn't alert residents about services such as showers and where to hook up and charge their gadgets.

She said residents deserve information -- like a storm checklist or reference sheet -- since they pay a lot in taxes.

"If I'm electing you, what can you do for me?" she asked. "I'm just sitting on the top of the hill waiting for the lights to go on. What are people going to do?"

"I'm nicely demanding that we need to do something for residents of the township," Stump said. "I'm asking you to fight for my vote the next time the elections come up."

Township officials tried to tell her that they couldn't communicate because of the power outages, which knocked out the township's website and billboards, where information is posted.

Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said the communications issues were addressed at the supervisors recent work session and that officials know they need to do a better job.

Chuss said a review will take place at the township's December work session.

"It's a learning experience," Supervisor John O'Neil said. "We learn from it and move forward. We take this seriously."