RADNOR COMMISSIONERS SHUT DOWN WILLIAMS' CONSTITUENT OUTREACH

RADNOR, March 26, 2002 -- State Sen. Constance H. Williams today said she was dismayed that Radnor Township Commissioners will shut down a successful constituent outreach operation in the township.

"I had believed that the commissioners shared my deep commitment to serve the citizens of Radnor Township," Williams (D-Montgomery/Delaware) said. "So this decision is not only disappointing but also baffling."

The commissioners called Williams' operation - in which staff members help constituents access a variety of state-related services and programs - "politicking."

"I hardly see how doing the job I was elected to do and helping my constituents qualifies as 'politicking,'" Williams said. "I just don't understand why the commissioners wouldn't want to allow Radnor residents easy access to the government services to which they are entitled."

Many of the Radnor residents who have taken advantage of the outreach operation are senior citizens seeking help with the property tax/rent rebate or PACE applications.

"It's often difficult and sometimes impossible for senior citizens to make their way to my district offices," Williams said. "They are the ones who will be hurt the most by the commissioners' bewildering decision."

Williams said she would make every effort to find another location convenient for Radnor residents.

"Our intention was to provide 'one-stop shopping' for government services but the commissioners have thrown a wrench into that plan," she said.