Just the other day a young reality star and his passenger were killed when the Porche they were in jumped a guard rail, hit several trees and burst into flames on impact on the 322 Bypass. This young man was Ryan Dunn and his passenger Zachary Hartwell. I was saddened to hear that two young men were cut down in the prime of their lives, but yet was puzzled by the over the top reaction from the media and local residents. Later that day I had to travel to West Chester to my parents' house and I take that route to get there. At first I thought there had been another accident as I saw flashing lights and people milling around near the intersection of the bypass and the Route 100 on ramp. What I did see sickened me. There was not another accident....the police were there because there were so many gawkers and lookee lou's that police presence was needed. People were taking pictures and videos from the side of the road and the overpass. Two people died and it was like a paparazzi frenzy! When I returned home that night and the next day Facebook posts, videos and pictures abounded lamenting the loss of Mr. Dunn and very little about his passenger Mr. Hartwell. Listening to the news it was said that people were taking whatever they could salvage from the wreck site and selling it on eBay. I don't think there have been many other times that I have been this appalled, sickened and completely disgusted at the attitudes, actions and downright disrespect for the dead in my life.
Ryan Dunn gained fame as part of the crew from the Jackass films. I was never a fan of this kind of foolishness and I fail to see the humor in completely idiotic stunts that these men performed. But I do know that Mr. Dunn and some of his associates created a bit of havoc around the surrounding area of West Chester, driving too fast, riding their skateboards without care, and dropping various objects and crude materials off of rooftops. Shortly before the accident Ryan tweeted photos of him partaking of alcohol at a local pub in West Chester. Although tox screens will not be available for weeks accident reconstruction has said that is is very possible that Mr. Dunn was driving in access of 130 miles per hour. The stretch of road Mr. Dunn was on is a fairly straight stretch of road with no twist and turns in which over correction could be a huge factor in the car jumping the guard rail
Bam Margera was taken to the crash site yesterday and showed great emotion at the loss of his friend for which I am truly sorry, but he then proceeded to give an interview to Fox News at the scene. Maybe I am cynical but if my best friend had died the last thing I would want to do is give an interview to a news station especially if I was broken up and crying. I think that is part of the reason I am appalled at the reactions and actions of "fans" and friends. So called friends wanting video of the crash site, fans looking to make a buck on a dead person, gawkers who have to travel to a site of tragedy to maybe get their 15 minutes of fame, and close friends giving interviews while breaking down emotionally.
Ryan Dunn was a reality star and I am sorry that his life was cut short, but his death is all over the news and Internet, Zachary Hartwell served his country and fought for the right for Mr. Dunn and his associates to create the kind of dreck that they did and he is just a footnote.....how immensely sad is that?
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Try To Remember
So many times in the hustle and bustle to get "down the shore" the whole reason for the weekend that ushers in the summer season is forgotten. Memorial Day is a time to remember those men and women who have fought, are fighting and will continue to fight for the freedoms we all have. I will never take any thing away from those brave men and women, but a small group of people, I feel, need to have some recognition on this day........the families. We get so wrapped up in supporting our troops that we sometimes forget that those young men and women are someones child, someones parent or someones spouse and while they go proudly off into the night those left behind to keep the home fire's burning live through things that we can only imagine. Think of the father who is brought to his knees when the commanding officer and the chaplin are at his door, or the children who will never know their father, or the wife who is three months pregnant and was just waiting for the love of her life to come home and share the news. Just as the soldier transcends the sands of time so do the families who proudly watch as their loved one rides off on the family horse, climbs aboard a huge ship to take them across the sea or boards a plane to take them to destinations we have only heard of. So this weekend when you are saluting the brave men and women who have served, are serving, and will serve please remember to say a little prayer for those they leave behind for without the steadfast family these young people could not do what they do with a clear conscience, knowing that they have a home full of love to come back to.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Results Are In
It was quite interesting and quite nice to be more informed when I went into the privacy booth to place my vote in Tuesday's primary. Most of the primaries went as they should have and party lines were followed. The contentious race between Don Skomsky and Rita Arnold came down to Rita edging out Mr. Skomsky even though there had been a nasty muckraking letter that had been sent out to approximately 4,000 voters by someone who obviously had a severely misplaced idea that the kind of verbiage that was used to denigrate Rita Arnold and many republican constituents would actually help Dom Skomsky. When it came time to count the ballots that letter had backfired and Rita Arnold won.
The race that I was most interested in was for the three seats that will be vacated in 2011 on Downingtown Borough Council. On the West End Nick Winkler was facing the write in candidate Elizabeth Shingle, but in the end Nick placed on both ballots and Ms. Shingle will not be considered unless she mounts another write in campaign which, in my opinion, would be fruitless and a waste of money. While Betty has some very strong supporters, they are of what I think of as the "Old Guard" and with four candidates running who are under 30, more people are looking for progress not the same old same old. Nick, while known in D'town quite well, he is fresh blood and new ideas which is what we sorely need at this end of town.
The East End was a hard fought ballot. Alex Rakoff won the Democratic vote and Matt Zaun came out on top on the Republican side. Cara DeStefano ran a well thought out write in campaign to crush the hopes of former Mayor and Council member Heather Bruno. This end of town should produce an interesting year since it will come down to the final vote in November. I do not live on the East End of town, but am acquainted with all of the candidates, except I know Alex's wife a bit better. Out of all of them I feel Matt would be the most beneficial for the borough. While a really quiet gentleman he has a concise vision for what he feels the borough needs to move along at a pace that will keep D'town vital yet not have it lose it's historical feel.
I will be watching closely as this all unfolds because I may be a transplant but Downingtown is my home.
The race that I was most interested in was for the three seats that will be vacated in 2011 on Downingtown Borough Council. On the West End Nick Winkler was facing the write in candidate Elizabeth Shingle, but in the end Nick placed on both ballots and Ms. Shingle will not be considered unless she mounts another write in campaign which, in my opinion, would be fruitless and a waste of money. While Betty has some very strong supporters, they are of what I think of as the "Old Guard" and with four candidates running who are under 30, more people are looking for progress not the same old same old. Nick, while known in D'town quite well, he is fresh blood and new ideas which is what we sorely need at this end of town.
The East End was a hard fought ballot. Alex Rakoff won the Democratic vote and Matt Zaun came out on top on the Republican side. Cara DeStefano ran a well thought out write in campaign to crush the hopes of former Mayor and Council member Heather Bruno. This end of town should produce an interesting year since it will come down to the final vote in November. I do not live on the East End of town, but am acquainted with all of the candidates, except I know Alex's wife a bit better. Out of all of them I feel Matt would be the most beneficial for the borough. While a really quiet gentleman he has a concise vision for what he feels the borough needs to move along at a pace that will keep D'town vital yet not have it lose it's historical feel.
I will be watching closely as this all unfolds because I may be a transplant but Downingtown is my home.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Elizabeth aka Betty Shingle
I presented each of the candidates (excluding Heather Bruno as I could not get in touch with her by any means so far) with the opportunity to answer three questions that would give the voters a better idea of where they stood, what they hoped to accomplish and what skills they possessed that would help Borough Council if they were elected. As of this morning there were only two candidates left that I had not heard from. Both of them happen to be the women, one from each end of town, I had figured like most women they just had trouble deciding "which dress to wear to the party" so I sent a gentle reminder and even wished them both luck if they declined. What I did not expect is what one candidate did and that was hijack the questions that I had sent her, put them on her website where it said, "This person stated they would only edit my response for size. I chose to anaswer the questions on my website so that they would not be edited in anyway. I want everyone I will be representing to be able to read what my representation means to them."(taken verbatim from the website) What I had told Ms. Shingle and all the other candidates that I would edit for space not content, because as we all know politicians tend to be a little long winded at times. Her response was that she answered the questions, but chose to put them on her website and I could link to them there.
Betty is running as Elizabeth Shingle, and I am not sure why as almost everyone who knows her, knows her as Betty. Her friends, neighbors and acquaintances also know that Betty only recently became a Democrat. She switched parties on or about March 3, 2011 approximately four days before the petitions for candidacy had to be turned in completed. I have known Betty to be a lifelong Republican and conservative as well. That should give one pause to begin with as to why a person would suddenly switch their party to run for something that she had previously shown no interest in.
Ms. Shingle also states plainly, "I believe that the parks we currently have need to be protected from development. If there is a way to continue the growth but protect our existing parks I am all for it." That is a noble cause as there are quite a few parks here in Downingtown. However, what Ms. Shingle doesn't tell you is that she is well acquainted with the ad hoc group IDEAL which in the past has gone head to head with Friends of Kardon Park on the issue of whether the area west of the Ponds should be developed. I fail to see how that translates to being in favor of protecting our parks.
As for the KOZ, I will give Ms. Shingle credit as to knowing about landlord and property upkeep issues. However, not only does Ms. Shingle live in the KOZ, but she has several properties that are within this zone, so of course she wants it extended. The KOZ was originally intended to bring business into the Johnsontwon area specifically to spruce up the rail yard which now sits in disrepair and to help the homeowners by giving them tax money to put back into the home for repairs and upkeep to present a more inviting atmosphere to this area. While most of the homeowners and landlords appear to be keeping to the letter of the KOZ I do not see many businesses clamoring to build in Johnsontown. In fact there have been new businesses built around J'town, but not in it.
Betty has every right to run for any office that she deems herself qualified for, but I ask you, the voting residents, this....do you really want a council member that is only occupying a seat that will, when it suits her take what is given in good faith and use it only to her benefit? Yes, they were only questions, but what else is Ms. Shingle willing to hijack at your cost?
Betty is running as Elizabeth Shingle, and I am not sure why as almost everyone who knows her, knows her as Betty. Her friends, neighbors and acquaintances also know that Betty only recently became a Democrat. She switched parties on or about March 3, 2011 approximately four days before the petitions for candidacy had to be turned in completed. I have known Betty to be a lifelong Republican and conservative as well. That should give one pause to begin with as to why a person would suddenly switch their party to run for something that she had previously shown no interest in.
Ms. Shingle also states plainly, "I believe that the parks we currently have need to be protected from development. If there is a way to continue the growth but protect our existing parks I am all for it." That is a noble cause as there are quite a few parks here in Downingtown. However, what Ms. Shingle doesn't tell you is that she is well acquainted with the ad hoc group IDEAL which in the past has gone head to head with Friends of Kardon Park on the issue of whether the area west of the Ponds should be developed. I fail to see how that translates to being in favor of protecting our parks.
As for the KOZ, I will give Ms. Shingle credit as to knowing about landlord and property upkeep issues. However, not only does Ms. Shingle live in the KOZ, but she has several properties that are within this zone, so of course she wants it extended. The KOZ was originally intended to bring business into the Johnsontwon area specifically to spruce up the rail yard which now sits in disrepair and to help the homeowners by giving them tax money to put back into the home for repairs and upkeep to present a more inviting atmosphere to this area. While most of the homeowners and landlords appear to be keeping to the letter of the KOZ I do not see many businesses clamoring to build in Johnsontown. In fact there have been new businesses built around J'town, but not in it.
Betty has every right to run for any office that she deems herself qualified for, but I ask you, the voting residents, this....do you really want a council member that is only occupying a seat that will, when it suits her take what is given in good faith and use it only to her benefit? Yes, they were only questions, but what else is Ms. Shingle willing to hijack at your cost?
Contender Cara DeStefano
Cara is a very busy young woman. She is the founder of the ad hoc group IDEAL, works tirelessly within the borough on many committees and groups and is an up and coming professional. She is also known around her area of town by the company she keeps, Rufus her dog. Here are Cara's answers to my questions.
Q:You have been voted in to take over the position that will be vacated by Josh Maxwell on the planning commission, you are the founder of IDEAL and you have a full time position in the workforce, how do you propose to juggle all that along with a position on Borough Council?
A:It is my wide range of education and experience, as well as skill in managing my time and efforts that makes me a strong candidate. I would not have made the decision to run for Borough Council if I did not feel that I could give it my full attention and be fully committed to helping Downingtown and its residents grow and thrive.
Q:IDEAL has gone head to head with Friends of Kardon Park. Ann Feldman is the founder and president of FOKP and will be a council member until 2013. Do you foresee a potential contention between the two of you when an issue or ordinance that pertains to growth in the borough is brought before council?
A:Not at all. I feel that the members of Borough Council should make every effort to make Downingtown’s Council a forum where citizens as well as council members can voice their opinions on critical issues. That is why we have a council – to discuss items that face the Borough and to vote on them. It is one of the things that makes our town so successful – a group of people coming together to do what is best for their residents and business owners.
Q:What is your best skill/asset that you will bring to Borough Council?
A:Open mindedness and my interest in what is best for the Downingtown and its residents and businesses. My many years of experience in the work force has helped me to be able to evaluate both sides of an argument, and make a decision based on the facts, not based on emotions. This kind of decision-making is critical if we are to keep moving Downingtown forward in a thoughtful manner.
There you have it, Cara's bid to be your next Borough Council member. We have one candidate to go and for the interest of time I shall be putting up that one very soon as the polls are open tomorrow at 7AM. So exercise your right and VOTE.
Q:You have been voted in to take over the position that will be vacated by Josh Maxwell on the planning commission, you are the founder of IDEAL and you have a full time position in the workforce, how do you propose to juggle all that along with a position on Borough Council?
A:It is my wide range of education and experience, as well as skill in managing my time and efforts that makes me a strong candidate. I would not have made the decision to run for Borough Council if I did not feel that I could give it my full attention and be fully committed to helping Downingtown and its residents grow and thrive.
Q:IDEAL has gone head to head with Friends of Kardon Park. Ann Feldman is the founder and president of FOKP and will be a council member until 2013. Do you foresee a potential contention between the two of you when an issue or ordinance that pertains to growth in the borough is brought before council?
A:Not at all. I feel that the members of Borough Council should make every effort to make Downingtown’s Council a forum where citizens as well as council members can voice their opinions on critical issues. That is why we have a council – to discuss items that face the Borough and to vote on them. It is one of the things that makes our town so successful – a group of people coming together to do what is best for their residents and business owners.
Q:What is your best skill/asset that you will bring to Borough Council?
A:Open mindedness and my interest in what is best for the Downingtown and its residents and businesses. My many years of experience in the work force has helped me to be able to evaluate both sides of an argument, and make a decision based on the facts, not based on emotions. This kind of decision-making is critical if we are to keep moving Downingtown forward in a thoughtful manner.
There you have it, Cara's bid to be your next Borough Council member. We have one candidate to go and for the interest of time I shall be putting up that one very soon as the polls are open tomorrow at 7AM. So exercise your right and VOTE.
The Quiet Gentleman
Matt Zaun is running for one of the two seats that will be vacant on the East Endof the borough. He is a very quiet, but well spoken young man and has a true heart to serve Downingtown. So without further ado I shall let Matt speak for himself.
Q:One of the goals that you mentioned as part of your campaign is that you want to if possible not raise taxes or keep them low. How do you think this can be accomplished when all the other municipalities are raising taxes at alarming rates?
A:I know that we can keep taxes low in Downingtown. The reason why many municipalities fall into the trap of raising taxes year after year is fear. They are afraid to make challenging decisions and to make cuts when needed. It's amazing to me how many elected officials lack common sense when it comes to proper budgeting. So, my plan is simple. I will step in and support the discussion and application of the hard decisions that are necessary to keep our budget balanced. I will aim to create a business friendly environment in our borough, in the interest of boosting our revenue. Additionally, I will take advantage of many state and national grants available to Downingtown, catching and pursuing opportunities that may have otherwise passed us by. Keeping taxes low in Downingtown is important, and it will remain a high priority for me while in office.
Q:Another goal you mentioned is smart growth. What do you or would you consider smart growth and where could Downingtown best benefit from it?
A:Living in an area that is beautiful, safe, affordable, and easy to get around in is a goal for all residents in Downingtown. Smart growth means promoting a business friendly Borough while preserving the great historical elements of Downingtown. It creates a healthier Borough with strong local businesses. Smart growth encourages local shops to move into Downingtown, creating jobs and adding to the foundation of our economy. Smart growth makes sure that revitalization and new businesses are brought into our Borough in a way that does not take away from our historical charm. I wholeheartedly believe in smart growth - celebrating our history while ushering in opportunity.
Q:What is the best asset/skill that you could bring to Borough Council?
A:I have a business background, I've helped non-profit organizations with budget issues, and I currently serve on the Historical and Parks Commission. The skills I've gained in these roles will be helpful for me in office. However, what I believe to be my best asset is my desire to be in constant communication with Borough residents, because I do care. Credentials are great, but why does that matter if you don't listen to the residents? The whole reason that I am running lies within my strong desire to see a positive impact on the Borough. I realize that this can only happen when the residents are involved and we as council members make decisions that will improve their quality of life.
Thank you Matt for participating and good luck at the polls tomorrow.
Q:One of the goals that you mentioned as part of your campaign is that you want to if possible not raise taxes or keep them low. How do you think this can be accomplished when all the other municipalities are raising taxes at alarming rates?
A:I know that we can keep taxes low in Downingtown. The reason why many municipalities fall into the trap of raising taxes year after year is fear. They are afraid to make challenging decisions and to make cuts when needed. It's amazing to me how many elected officials lack common sense when it comes to proper budgeting. So, my plan is simple. I will step in and support the discussion and application of the hard decisions that are necessary to keep our budget balanced. I will aim to create a business friendly environment in our borough, in the interest of boosting our revenue. Additionally, I will take advantage of many state and national grants available to Downingtown, catching and pursuing opportunities that may have otherwise passed us by. Keeping taxes low in Downingtown is important, and it will remain a high priority for me while in office.
Q:Another goal you mentioned is smart growth. What do you or would you consider smart growth and where could Downingtown best benefit from it?
A:Living in an area that is beautiful, safe, affordable, and easy to get around in is a goal for all residents in Downingtown. Smart growth means promoting a business friendly Borough while preserving the great historical elements of Downingtown. It creates a healthier Borough with strong local businesses. Smart growth encourages local shops to move into Downingtown, creating jobs and adding to the foundation of our economy. Smart growth makes sure that revitalization and new businesses are brought into our Borough in a way that does not take away from our historical charm. I wholeheartedly believe in smart growth - celebrating our history while ushering in opportunity.
Q:What is the best asset/skill that you could bring to Borough Council?
A:I have a business background, I've helped non-profit organizations with budget issues, and I currently serve on the Historical and Parks Commission. The skills I've gained in these roles will be helpful for me in office. However, what I believe to be my best asset is my desire to be in constant communication with Borough residents, because I do care. Credentials are great, but why does that matter if you don't listen to the residents? The whole reason that I am running lies within my strong desire to see a positive impact on the Borough. I realize that this can only happen when the residents are involved and we as council members make decisions that will improve their quality of life.
Thank you Matt for participating and good luck at the polls tomorrow.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
An Old Aquaintance
Nick Winkler ran for mayor in 2009 and we come to meet him again as a candidate for council on the West End of the borough. Nick is presently the President of Johnsontown Community Group and is well known in Downingtown, so I feel no introduction is needed, here are his answers to the three questions.
Q:What is the best skill/asset that you will bring to borough council.
A:Strategic planning. I believe that we have qualified and dedicated individuals working for Downingtown. They understand the specific details in what it takes to manage the borough and they carry out their role as good as, if not better, than any other municipality in the area.
However, I believe that it is the role of the council to assist in the overall vision of the of the borough, and then assist in accomplishing that plan. My background in consulting for local small businesses, campaign management, or more recently public relations for the Governor, all require an aspect of strategic planning.
Q:With your volunteer work with Johnsontown Community Group and your new position in Harrisburg, how do you propose to juggle those with being on borough council?
A: The answer is a simple one, time management. Being successful in any endeavor requires the productive use of each day we were given. Again, my background has helped pave my ability to not only multi-task, but be productive within those 24 hours.
Like most people, working in Harrisburg at first sounded like it would pose a challenge to serving on borough council. However, when I realized that the train ride west to Harrisburg was more or less equivalent to the typical morning commute East to Philadelphia (that many in Downingtown make on a daily basis), I realized the opportunity that exists. With the additional commute time on the train I now can work on many different things that I was not able to do when I had to drive to work.
Q:What do you see as the most pressing issue in the borough that you feel needs more attention and possibly has not been given the spotlight it deserves.
A:I am not sure it has not been given the proper spotlight, but the pressing issue is clearly borough economics. Now there are many issues that factor in to our economics; low taxes, controlled spending, debt management, new business, etc., but in short, in today's climate, the answer is hands down economic sustainability.
The borough was able to hold the line on a tax increase last year by making some difficult decisions. Compare that to a neighboring municipality that increased their borough tax 20%. We are going to have to make some tough decisions again with the upcoming budget, and we are going to need people that understand that reality. We are going to need a borough council in touch with the residents that understands that with a large elderly population on a fixed income, who are struggling as it is, we are going to have to do what is necessary to hold the line again.
Thank you Nick and I hope this gives everyone a better insight into what Nick hopes to do if elected. Good luck in the polls.
Q:What is the best skill/asset that you will bring to borough council.
A:Strategic planning. I believe that we have qualified and dedicated individuals working for Downingtown. They understand the specific details in what it takes to manage the borough and they carry out their role as good as, if not better, than any other municipality in the area.
However, I believe that it is the role of the council to assist in the overall vision of the of the borough, and then assist in accomplishing that plan. My background in consulting for local small businesses, campaign management, or more recently public relations for the Governor, all require an aspect of strategic planning.
Q:With your volunteer work with Johnsontown Community Group and your new position in Harrisburg, how do you propose to juggle those with being on borough council?
A: The answer is a simple one, time management. Being successful in any endeavor requires the productive use of each day we were given. Again, my background has helped pave my ability to not only multi-task, but be productive within those 24 hours.
Like most people, working in Harrisburg at first sounded like it would pose a challenge to serving on borough council. However, when I realized that the train ride west to Harrisburg was more or less equivalent to the typical morning commute East to Philadelphia (that many in Downingtown make on a daily basis), I realized the opportunity that exists. With the additional commute time on the train I now can work on many different things that I was not able to do when I had to drive to work.
Q:What do you see as the most pressing issue in the borough that you feel needs more attention and possibly has not been given the spotlight it deserves.
A:I am not sure it has not been given the proper spotlight, but the pressing issue is clearly borough economics. Now there are many issues that factor in to our economics; low taxes, controlled spending, debt management, new business, etc., but in short, in today's climate, the answer is hands down economic sustainability.
The borough was able to hold the line on a tax increase last year by making some difficult decisions. Compare that to a neighboring municipality that increased their borough tax 20%. We are going to have to make some tough decisions again with the upcoming budget, and we are going to need people that understand that reality. We are going to need a borough council in touch with the residents that understands that with a large elderly population on a fixed income, who are struggling as it is, we are going to have to do what is necessary to hold the line again.
Thank you Nick and I hope this gives everyone a better insight into what Nick hopes to do if elected. Good luck in the polls.
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