Nelson would be a breath of fresh air to help rein-in the bureaucratic bullies that continue to run roughshod over the residents of Manheim Township. MT Commissioner President Carol Simpson and her commissioner partner Larry Downing are a BIG part of this leadership problem and help perpetuate the elitist culture that sticks their noses into areas inappropriate for local government intrusion (such as the first amendment rights of this Pastor and followers).

It appears that Simpson and Downing have even alienated township manager Jim Martin who obviously orchastrated this soviet union era type anti-Chuch attack into public view only days before the general election. This is not a vote getting issue for these two Republican (and in Simpson's case - Democrat) incumbant commissioners, even in socialist leaning MT;

isn't it about time Jim Martin retired?

In Lancaster City, similar zoning laws are consistently enforced. For example, Mulberry Art Studios has had to apply for a special exception to allow a church to lease space.

I don't know why a church wouldn't be allowed by right in a commercial district. But if it isn't, zoning laws must be enforced. Certainly a special exception for a church leasing space from a movie theater should be a no-brainer, since there is practically zero chance the church would take over the building full-time.

Zoning laws are in place for a reason. One need to look no further than the attempt by Dale High to rewrite zoning laws for his mega-shopping-center across from Long's Park to see why they are so important.

Perhaps if church is held in a building that pays taxes, the church income will become taxable?
If churches paid property taxes on their holdings - maybe the working person could get a break.

Would that not violate the 'separation of church and state' that Americans hold so dear to their heart?