To The Editor:

I have met many inspirational residents as a smart growth advocate.

On June 7, I witnessed one resident attend an Upper Macungie Zoning Hearing Board concerning a proposed truck stop behind his home.

He spoke passionately wearing an oxygen mask and carrying an oxygen tank on an arm sling.

Most at-risk 74-year-olds with COPD and double pneumonia from COVID-19 would not have stayed for the four-hour meeting, much less participated to the point where the oxygen was depleted from his tank.

Nor should they.

While most townships are keeping both online and in person township meeting formats, Upper Macungie chose to immediately revert to in person meetings.

The decision prevents many residents from continuing to participate in municipal government.

According to the CDC, one in seven U.S. adults have mobility disabilities.

Additionally, two in five work nonstandard shifts, leaving less time to participate in activities many take for granted.

Ninety percent of residents polled on the Facebook group “Upper Macungie Residents for Smart Growth” wanted to keep an online meeting option citing time constraints and a desire to stay informed.

Upper Macungie should be more responsive by expanding online opportunities by accepting questions and comments instead of eliminating online meetings entirely.

Sunny Ghai

Upper Macungie

***

Editor’s note: Sunny Ghai is a candidate for Upper Macungie Township supervisor.