State Rep. Brendan Boyle believes there is too much “hyper partisanship” in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.
Boyle (D-170th dist.) represents a district that is based in Somerton, Bustleton and Burholme, but also includes Rockledge and a portion of Abington.
In the last year, he and Rep. Tom Murt (R-152nd dist.) have discussed ways of partnering to aid the Northeast and Eastern Montgomery County.
Northeast neighborhoods and suburban communities share concerns about issues such as roads, jobs and economic development, according to Boyle.
Arteries such as Route 232, Byberry Road, County Line Road and Philmont Avenue connect the city and suburbs.
Recently, the men formed the Eastern Montgomery County/Northeast Philadelphia Legislative Alliance.
Boyle, as chairman, and Murt, as vice chairman, want to be able to work as a region and in a bipartisan fashion.
“We want to make sure we’re able to weigh in and speak with one strong voice,” Boyle said.
Boyle and Murt announced formation of the alliance last Friday at Pine Road School in Huntingdon Valley. Boyle’s wife, Jenny, is a kindergarten teacher at the school.
Lower Moreland School District Superintendent Marykay Feeley and a fifth-grade class attended.
Other members of the alliance are City Councilman Denny O’Brien (R-at-large) and Reps. Steve McCarter and Madeleine Dean. McCarter represents a Jenkintown-based district that includes one division in Burholme.
Murt, who represents a portion of Somerton, cited heavy traffic, more funding for education and mass transportation, flood control, open space preservation and new recreational activities as possible areas of agreement.
“Those are the kind of issues we want to work on,” he said.
Kevin Boyle believes that many Northeast residents do not feel City Hall addresses their concerns and senses that some people in Eastern Montgomery County feel distant from the county seat in Norristown. “We need to come together to effectively lobby for what our districts need,” he said.
Stephens said schools, roads and parks are not partisan issues.
“It’s not about party. It’s about serving the people,” he said. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215–354–3034 or twaring@bsmphilly.com
