The state of Pennsylvania is known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and diverse cities. One city that stands out in Central Pennsylvania is Hershey, home to the famous Hershey's chocolate factory. But beyond its sweet treats, Hershey also has a unique government structure that sets it apart from other cities in the region.
The History of Hershey
Hershey was founded in 1903 by Milton S. Hershey, the founder of the Hershey Chocolate Company.He envisioned a model industrial town where his employees could live, work, and play. He built schools, parks, and affordable housing for his workers, creating a sense of community and loyalty among them. As the town grew, so did its government. In 1909, Hershey was incorporated as a borough with a mayor and council form of government. This structure remained in place until 1963 when it was reorganized into a home rule charter.
The Home Rule Charter
The home rule charter is a form of government that allows municipalities to create their own governing structure and laws.It gives local governments more control over their affairs and allows them to tailor their government to the specific needs of their community. In Hershey's case, the home rule charter created a unique form of government known as the "Hershey Plan." This plan combines elements of both the mayor-council and council-manager forms of government. Under this plan, the mayor is elected by popular vote and serves as the ceremonial head of the borough. The council is made up of eight members who are also elected by popular vote. They serve as the legislative body and are responsible for passing ordinances and setting policies for the borough. The borough manager is appointed by the council and serves as the chief administrative officer. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the borough and implementing the policies set by the council.
The Benefits of the Hershey Plan
The Hershey Plan has several benefits that have made it successful in governing the city of Hershey.One of the main advantages is that it allows for a balance of power between elected officials and professional administrators. Having a mayor and council elected by popular vote ensures that the voices of the community are heard and represented in the government. At the same time, having a professional borough manager with expertise in managing municipal affairs ensures that the borough is run efficiently and effectively. Another benefit of the Hershey Plan is that it promotes collaboration and teamwork among elected officials and borough staff. This has led to a more cohesive and unified government, resulting in better decision-making and problem-solving for the community.
The Role of Government in Hershey
The government in Hershey plays a crucial role in maintaining the high quality of life that residents have come to expect. The borough provides essential services such as police and fire protection, road maintenance, and trash collection. But beyond these basic services, the government also plays a significant role in promoting economic development and tourism in Hershey.The Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, which owns many of the town's attractions, works closely with the government to ensure that Hershey remains a top tourist destination. The government also works closely with local businesses to support economic growth and job creation. This has resulted in a thriving business community, with many companies choosing to locate their headquarters or operations in Hershey.
The Future of Government in Hershey
As Hershey continues to grow and evolve, so does its government. In recent years, there have been discussions about changing the Hershey Plan to a council-manager form of government. This would eliminate the position of mayor and give more power to the borough manager. However, this proposal has faced opposition from residents who value the balance of power and community involvement that the Hershey Plan provides.Ultimately, any changes to the government structure will require a vote by the residents of Hershey.
