Opinion vs. Evaluation

The recent survey sent out by Springfield Township Supervisor, Ric Davis, on evaluating possible environmental consulting firms to review the BMC/Levy SLUP permit application has been framed as a way to ‘give residents a voice in this process’. That narrative is echoed by Davis supporters as a way for residents to provide their ‘opinions & personal insight’. But this survey is not asking for your opinion or personal insight.

What would a survey for personal opinions & insights look like?

A personal opinion survey asks about values, perceptions, comfort, and priorities. It is designed to understand how people feel, what they value, and what they prefer. It does not ask people to judge technical work or make expert determinations. There are no right or wrong answers, just personal priorities. It is subjective and cannot be measured scientifically. A true ‘personal opinion’ survey focuses on 4 things:

1. Values – What matters most.
   • Examples:
     • How important is protecting natural resources to you?
     • How important is economic development in your community?
2. Perceptions – How a situation is perceived.
   • Examples:
     • Do you feel you have received enough information to follow what is happening?
     • Do you feel the process has been easy or difficult to follow?
3. Trust & Comfort – How people feel
   • Examples:
     • How comfortable do you feel asking questions at public meetings?
     • Do you feel your concerns are being heard & taken seriously?
4. Priorities & Preference – What people would like to see.
   • Examples:
     • What types of information help you understand complex topics best?
     • How would you prefer technical information be shared with the public?
     • What issues would you like decisions-makers to focus on the most?

Please read the following questions that have been pulled directly from the ‘survey’:

1. Which firm appears to be better positioned to provide an independent and objective review for the Township?
2. Which firm demonstrates stronger experience reviewing mining, aggregate, or extractive operations similar in scale, complexity, or public sensitivity?
3. Which firm appears better able to provide or coordinate the range of technical expertise required under the Township Scope of Work, including environmental, hydrogeological, engineering, and regulatory review?
4. Based on the personnel proposed to perform the work, which firm appears to offer stronger individual qualifications, depth of experience, and appropriateness of assigned roles?
5. Which proposal more clearly aligns with the Township’s Scope of Work and demonstrates an understanding of the Township’s review needs?
6. Which firm appears better positioned to produce written analyses, reports, and findings that are thorough, well-documented, and defensible for Township decision-making?
7. Which firm demonstrates stronger familiarity with local ordinances, zoning considerations, and regulatory frameworks relevant to the Township’s review?
8. Which firm appears better suited to provide ongoing monitoring, follow-up analysis, or support beyond an initial report, if required by the Township?
9. Which proposal demonstrates a clearer, more manageable cost structure and approach to scope control consistent with Township oversight?
10. Based on experience, reputation, and prior work, which firm appears likely to bring the highest level of professional credibility to this review?
11. Which firm appears better able to present complex and scientific information in a clear, understandable manner for Township officials and residents without technical backgrounds?
    

Do you see the difference between the Township asking for your input on how the process feels to you, and asking you to professionally evaluate the qualifications, expertise, and performance of consulting firms?

One is personal.
The other is professional.

One reflects values, comfort, and experience.
The other requires technical judgment and specialized knowledge.

So ask yourself this:
Is the Township asking for your personal perspective?… Or asking you to assess professional qualifications?

Transparency isn’t just about asking for input. It’s about asking the right kind of input in the right way. Recognizing this difference is not about limiting public involvement — it’s about protecting the integrity of the process itself.

Once you see the difference, it’s hard to unsee it.