A Welcome from the Township Manager

Welcome to Lawrence Park Township and thank you for being part of our community. Whether you have lived here for many years or are just settling into a new home, I am thrilled to welcome you.

Serving as Township Manager is both a professional responsibility and a personal commitment. Lawrence Park is a place that matters. It is not only important to the people who live here today, but also as part of a larger story about how communities in the Erie region were intentionally planned, built, and sustained. I have spoken publicly about Lawrence Park’s history because it reflects something deliberate: a community designed around neighborhoods, shared spaces, and working families as something intentional and unique.

My role as Township Manager is to oversee the day-to-day administration of the Township and to carry out the policies and priorities established by the Board of Commissioners. That includes managing Township operations, coordinating staff and contractors, overseeing finances and projects, and making sure residents receive clear and honest communication about how their local government works. While policy decisions rest with the elected Board, my responsibility is to implement those decisions carefully, lawfully, and with an eye toward long-term stability.

My background is rooted in public service, municipal administration, and community-focused problem solving. I bring experience in federal government operations, budgeting and finance, planning, and intergovernmental coordination, and public relations that inform how I approach accountability, risk management, and public stewardship.

What matters most to me in this role is trust. Local government functions best when residents understand what their Township does, why decisions are made, and who is responsible for carrying them out. I believe strongly in transparency, fiscal discipline, and follow-through. That means being honest about constraints, clear about priorities, and committed to doing what we say we will do. It also means listening, even when issues are complex or opinions differ.

Lawrence Park’s size is one of its greatest strengths. It allows local government to be personal, responsive, and grounded in relationships. My goal is to help preserve that character while ensuring the Township is positioned to meet today’s challenges and to plan responsibly for the future.

Residents are welcome to contact the Township Office during regular business hours with questions or concerns. Email is often the most efficient way to ensure issues are routed appropriately and addressed in a timely manner. Emergencies should always be directed to 911.

I look forward to continuing to work with residents, staff, and elected officials to keep Lawrence Park a well-run, welcoming, and resilient community that we are proud to call home.

Spencer Cadden
Township Manager
Lawrence Park Township, Pennsylvania

Township Manager FAQ

What is a Township Manager?

A Township Manager is the Township’s chief administrative officer. The Manager is a professional public administrator hired by the elected Board of Commissioners to run the day-to-day operations of the Township.

In simple terms, the Board sets policy and direction, and the Township Manager makes sure those decisions are carried out effectively.

What is the Township Manager responsible for?

The Township Manager is responsible for:

  • Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Township

  • Implementing policies and priorities set by the Board of Commissioners

  • Managing Township departments, staff, and contracted services

  • Preparing and administering the Township budget

  • Overseeing Township finances and financial controls

  • Coordinating public services such as streets, parks, and administration

  • Managing major projects, grants, and intergovernmental coordination

  • Serving as a point of contact for residents, businesses, and partner agencies

  • Ensuring compliance with state law, Township ordinances, and adopted policies

  • Providing clear communication and follow-through on Township matters

What does the Township Manager not do?

The Township Manager does not:

  • Set Township policy

  • Vote on ordinances or resolutions

  • Act independently of the Board of Commissioners

  • Replace the role of elected officials

All policy decisions, legislation, and major direction are set by the elected Board of Commissioners.

How does the Township Manager work with the Board of Commissioners?

The Board of Commissioners establishes policy, adopts the budget, and sets Township priorities. The Township Manager is responsible for carrying out those decisions, advising the Board on operational and financial impacts, and ensuring the Township functions smoothly and lawfully.

Township Manager Responsibilities & Resources

Below are links to key areas overseen or administered by the Township Manager. These pages provide transparency into how the Township operates and how public resources are managed.

Township Budget & Finance

Ordinances, Policies & Administration

Public Services & Operations

  • Streets, Parks, and Public Works

  • Parks & Recreation

Transparency & Public Information