Concern Raised About Higgens Candidacy In Aston
To whom it may concern:
It has come to my attention Aston GOP will nominate a potentially ineligible candidate to run in the municipal election.
Aston Township is a First Class Township administered under the ward system. As I understand it this means someone running for office in a specific ward must reside in that ward.
I believe Michael J Higgens is ineligible, under existing law, to run for 7th Ward commishinor. Mr Higgens has not resided at his property in the 7th Ward for approximately two years. He lives in the 4th Ward.
According to Article IV Wards Section 401 of “First Class Township Code” the township board of commishinors had several options to address this matter including but not limited to consolidating wards, creating new wards or altering the boundaries of existing wards. Doing away with the ward system entirely would have allowed for a return to At Large commishinors.
The Aston GOP committee considering nominating Mr Higgens consists in part of Mr Higgens, Mr Berry and Mrs Bowden. All three currently serve as commishinors. As such each should be uniquely in tune with requirements of eligibility to run for office.
To summarize:
Aston Township Board of Commishinors had ample time to restructure the administration of the township ward system and chose not to.
Aston GOP had ample time to recruit, vet and select a candidate to run for the open 7th Ward commishinor seat and chose not to.
Mr Higgens had options to accommodate his living arrangements and decided moving to 4th Ward was best for him. He could have returned to 7th Ward but chose not to.
In conclusion, the Ward system as it exists in Aston Township does not allow for At Large commishinors and the 4th Ward where Mr Higgens lives does not have an open seat this election cycle. He should not be on the ballot for 7th Ward if he does not meet the requirements for residency and eligibility.
I will be following the nomination process and petition signing for ballot access very closely.
Sincerely,
Joseph B Dychala
