Modius Operandi

This is a condensed version of the events that occurred in council this morning.


  After the behavior that was displayed this morning at the "special council meeting" a question cannot even be asked other than What the Heck? Millie Dixon applied for the newly formed Historic Committee and the Parks Committee. In fact she was the first applicant. She was then told that interviews would be scheduled and she notified council that she would need to be out of town to tend to her ill mother. When were the interviews conducted? The week that Ms. Dixon was away. Normally this would not be considered iniquitous, but this council is known for this type of thing. All other applicants were then voted on and approved except for Ms. Dixon. Ms. Dixon then became aggravated and while her attitude was not exactly friendly one would be hard pressed to not understand why. Ms. Dixon then called for a vote on her application. Last Wednesday the 18th of March a vote was cast that ended in a 3-3 tie for which the Mayor is called to break. Mayor Maxwell declined to vote and the meeting was adjourned. When Ms. Dixon did not let this go the mayor then had a private meeting with Ms. Dixon where he told her that she could volunteer and then in 6 months possibly be a voting member, otherwise her application was going to be vetoed. A special meeting had to be called due to the incomplete vote, however, the meeting was called for Friday March 27th at 9am. The meeting did not start at the proper time because the mayor was in NYC and the borough manager was trying to conference call him in. He was not needed at this meeting since the meeting was called when at least one council member that voted FOR Ms. Dixon was not going to be present and council president knew this. Then Council president along with others complained during the meeting that they needed to be at work. President Gazzerro if you had started the meeting promptly at 9am this may not have happened. Council needed to be reminded that this needed to be conducted like other meetings so citizens to be heard needed to happen. Ms. Dixon spoke along with Councilor Feldman. Gazzerro was rude to both ladies and most especially to Ms. Feldman. Councilor Feldman walked out in protest and had Councilor Winkler done the same a quorum would not have existed. Unfortunately Mr. Winkler brought the motion to the floor to have his say. He did make the point that there are many people that he does not like on committees yet he will work with them. The Council dissolved the previous H&P and complained it was due in partly to not having enough volunteers and yet here is someone who was begging to be part of the newly formed committees and they were turning her away was Mr. Winkler's point. The vote was taken and as was expected Ms. Dixon was voted down. Regardless of who the person was that was to be voted on Ms. Dixon was NOT treated fairly in the slightest and that is the M.O for this sitting council in its majority. Shame on you all.

Travesty Of Injustice

It's been a long time since anything has made me mad enough to post things here.  I have become complacent that council and the mayor will do what they want when they want and even if it seems illegal there will be a way for them to sneak it past the residents.  I was taking my morning jaunt around Facebook and what do I see?  This post.  Now, please be aware when you are reading this post that the meeting that is scheduled for tomorrow Friday March 27th was so scheduled so that the 3 voting members of council that voted for Ms. Dixon will not be able to attend......Councilors Winkler, Rakoff and Feldman as these people have jobs that prohibit their attendance.   This is some of the worst backroom political maneuvering I have seen, but not the worst from this council.  From this council it is normal operating procedure.

Do you know that borough council is doing another end run around the rules so that they can get their way? Shortly after council abolished the Historic and Parks Commission they divided the authority and then asked for volunteers. Millie Dixon put in her resume and awaited the vote. If you will refer to the post on Feb 15th it can explain what occurred then. 
 
Last borough council meeting a vote was taken to either accept or decline Ms. Dixon's application. The vote was tied 3-3 for which the Mayor should have cast the deciding vote. Borough Council adjourned the meeting without the Mayor taking a vote. Ms. Dixon filed a complaint with the solicitor. The Mayor then contacted Ms. Dixon to discuss the situation and I was told that the mayor suggested that Ms. Dixon volunteer without being a voting member and then try again next time. Ms. Dixon then filed another complaint. Without contacting Ms. Dixon Borough Council advertised a meeting for tomorrow morning at 9am to finish the vote.

Downingtown Borough Council walks a fine line on a consistent basis just this side of legal. Had it been worth it they could have been brought up on charges for a statement made by Borough Council President that "they talked about it" when dissolving the original commission a year ago which was outside of any council meetings executive or public? Now they are looking to keep a woman who has given back to this community because she dared to call Mayor Maxwell out on his political stances and behavior. Millie Dixon was a staunch supporter of Mayor Maxwell, however when she discovered that Maxwell is not what he purports himself to be and is not above lying to get his way she became a dissenter. 
 
This is how borough council and Mayor Maxwell treat those who do not agree with them. Be it on small issues or big. I imagine that Councilors Winkler and Feldman at times feel like they are trying to empty the ocean with a teaspoon when they attempt to listen to their constituents and do what is right and in the best interest of the people instead of their own personal agendas, and I feel for Councilor Rakoff that they are negating his point of view on this vote.




While it is great to have people on commissions and committees that agree with you it is not right to stack the deck with robots who will do your bidding.  I wonder when someone is going to take these people to task for their behavior or when the justice system will catch up with their manipulation of the rules.

Let It Go

I do not seem to have the time nor the inclination to continue writing this blog.  It's not worth the energy anymore.  If you want to know what is going on in Downingtown I urge you to check out this Facebook Page   Do You Know? Downingtown Politics 

I love Downingtown, just wish the people that run it would be more honest and it wouldn't be all about the good old boys club, but about what is best for the residents.

Blood on the Badge

Just the other day I saw the names on this plaque and understood that many more names can and will be added.  My heart began to break because the names that might be added in the very near future would not be there if it were not for those who feel that social justice means open season on law enforcement.

     I cannot begin to fathom the depth of the heart wrenching pain that the families feel when the knock comes at the door and they know before anyone speaks that their son/daughter/husband/wife/mother/father are not coming home.  These men and women know the moment that they walk out the door that they go into a battle with evil.  They do it freely so that we can safely lay our heads down at night and know that if we call they will be there, and yet we are the very ones that are bringing about their demise.

     All those who have participated in "die ins" who have walked around with your hands in the air, have stirred up rancour, the Sharptons, Jacksons, the President and the like, you cannot fan the flames of hatred and not expect the fire to spread.  Your excuses that you do not condone the violence no longer hold water.  We are bombarded with images and told consistently that our words matter; your words incite violence.  Your words caused children to now live without a parent, your words caused a business to flounder and be destroyed, your words have broken hearts and created a hatred far greater than the one you said you were fighting.

     If you want hate to stop you do not fight it with the same, you fight it with kindness.  Officers stand in the cold so that we can be safe at a parade celebrating a holiday, they bring the lost home and the evil to justice.  They stand in a gap that many cannot and yet we treat them with disdain, call them names and work to bring about their extinction.  They are the soldiers here at home and fight an enemy that is sometimes far less defined, yet we treat them with less respect than we do the soldier that fights in a foreign land.

     No one exists under the illusion that all men and women are good and that wickedness does not exist within the ranks, but the safety that is provided by those who care balances the scales.  The actions under the guise of civil disobedience have shown who the true racists and hate mangers are and who are the true villains.

     Make no mistake if you are not part of the real solution you are part of the problem and if you stir the hearts of men to do wrong then those officers who have and will die according to your commands, their blood is on your hands and the stain of evil is forever your legacy.

Opinionated

I will never be called meek and I certainly have strong opinions, but I would like to address one person and the ignorant comments and nasty attitude that I was on the receiving end.

If you live in the borough then you have a right to complain, agree with or have an issue with how things are done, but if you don't live in the borough keep your opinions to yourself.  Show up at a council meeting before an issue becomes a dire situation or keep your mouth shut.

You don't want lights on a field that you live behind, show up and be present.  If you want sidewalks to be taken care of, show up and be present.  If you want borough codes to change or ordinances to be revisited to adjust them, show up and be present.  If you are having an issue with a borough contracted employee, show up and be present.  I could go on with all the other instances that can arise living in a 2 mile square borough, but I think you get the picture.

I can never be accused of not caring what goes on in the place I live whether you agreed with me or not.  However if you don't live in the borough have not been in attendance at council meetings and only read newspapers and transcripts to get your information A) keep your opinions to yourself and B) get over your self importance and learn that unless you have a pony in the race you have no right to be nasty, condescending or even involved in the process of what goes on in a borough that you don't even live in.

What It Costs

What does it really cost to care?  A lot.  Even if you did not agree with me or anyone else that truly tried to change the tide of complacency at least we were willing to step out and try, but at this point the cost is too high.

What is really the worst part of the cost is being lied about and lied to.  I want to address one particularly egregious lie that was told by a prominent employee of the borough.  None of the volunteers of the former Historic and Parks Commission EVER called any council members or the mayor, assholes PERIOD.  First of all I cringed when I typed that word, but it was what was said in a meeting about us and it is simply, unequivocally, a flat out LIE.  Have I said that members of council were BEING buttheads?  Yep sure have, but I have NEVER called them a name as mentioned.

One other thing that has been bothering me is the duplicitous attitude and actions of a certain former member.  This person does not need to be named, but the actions need to be addressed.   Your resignation was nothing more than a smoke screen so that you could wiggle your way back into the good graces of those whom you called names and could not believe that they would "be that way".  YOU were the one who suggested how we approach council and sometimes had to be talked into tempering what was said.  I hope you are happy with how you have betrayed and treated those whom you called friends.  I hope that the new group of people that you will work with are aware that nothing can be done by anyone but those that you deem qualified nor can any money be spent for anything that it was intended for unless the work is done in house by under staffed overworked borough employees.

What is done is done.  Do I care anymore?  Nope not in the slightest.  Are any of us slinking away with our tails between our legs?  Hardly it's just that the cost is too high and most of us are unwilling to pay it anymore.

Prove It

I did not publish a comment here because as I said it's my playground.   You either play nice or leave.  However, I will address it.  The comment was something to the effect that  I was making things up.  So what am I making up?  Do you think the messages from Mayor Maxwell were made up?  I have them and I can show you anytime you like.  You can ask several people about the behavior that Mayor Maxwell displayed in an H&P meeting.  He is the one who lies.  He lied about me, he lied about his involvement in the Ghost Walk issue with the minor and he lied about contacting the solicitor about an ordinance.  But that is ok if you want to believe him.  It's hard to see past smoke and mirrors and I don't blame you.  I wish all the residents well as you will reap what you sow.  I have heard residents complain and groan, but are unwilling to do anything to stop whatever they feel is being done wrong.  I hope one day that those corrupt enough to think that no one is watching get caught and get caught big.  But I will sit back and let it all self destruct because I just don't care anymore.

Cannon Fodder

Check out the podcast from WCHE Frankly Speaking. 

http://wche.podomatic.com/entry/2014-04-10T11_02_56-07_00

I then call all those officials of the borough that are gossiping and telling untruths to stop it, you are walking a fine line where defamation of character can be called into play and it makes you look incompetent.

You are vilifying individuals to justify your rotten treatment of them and in the meantime making yourselves look more and more ill equipped to handle the offices and positions that you hold.  Either get your story straight or stop with the hearsay.

Airing Dirty Laundry

Up till now I have kept quiet about the treatment that the mayor of Downingtown dishes out on a frequent basis in private, but since he is running for public office, maybe it's time for it to become public.

Mayor Maxwell was arrested for DUI Aug 20, 2011.  The Wednesday before he taunted me stating that I wanted to see him gone from politics.  I told him to be careful what he wished for, but that it wouldn't be at my hand.  The story hit the papers and comments abounded how Mr. Maxwell had made a mistake and that many others as young as he had made mistakes etc.  Admittedly I do not tolerate people who drink and drive at all.  We have all seen and been made aware of the consequences of even one beer or glass of wine being consumed, so no one can plead ignorance.  However, that is exactly what a mistake is.  It is creating or acting in a situation without prior knowledge of the consequences that could follow.  Therefore, Mr. Maxwell did NOT make a mistake he made a choice of which I pointed out to many whom commented that he was a good guy and made a mistake.  Comments also were made that the young man that Maxwell had run against in the prior election probably would have made the same mistake.  My rebuttal was that the opponent was mature, had a stable job, a wife and was living in his own home.  None of which Mr. Maxwell was doing at the time in fact he was living with his mother.  I also stated that there were great people in AA too, but that did not excuse their behavior.

Mr. Maxwell became incensed that his "mistake" was called into question and he felt that he could use his "mistake" to impugn my character.  Mayor Maxwell then used my comments as a way to gain leverage against me insinuating to me on the phone that H&P's budget was conditional on my remarks about his behavior and that council members had questioned why he would want to help me when I said he should be in AA and he was an alcoholic.  I still cannot seem to find that comment of mine anywhere!

Fast forward to January of the next year when Mr. Maxwell decided that he would make a run for the state rep seat against Becky Corbin.  A point to remember here is that Mr. Maxwell had entered the ARD program for "first offenders of DUI".  I happened to see a photograph of Mr. Maxwell on a then friend's wall that showed Mr. Maxwell at his fundraiser at Victory Brewery just 2 months after negotiating to enter the ARD program and I commented that it was a bit ironic his choice for a place to hold his fundraiser.  That most certainly did not sit well with Mr. Maxwell as he then decided to not only try and cast aspersions on me in Facebook messages, but also in a public meeting of the H&P Commission.  This is what he sent me on FB......"I supported you getting on H&P, it would not have happened without my support, and it was incredibly hurtful to see you criticize me for having a fundraiser at Victory, even tho i didn't or don't' drink"  He then proceeded to send the chairperson at that time numerous emails telling her to "do something with me."  When none of those tactics worked he showed up at a public meeting and proceeded to paint me in a light that he thought would get me kicked off the commission.  He lied and stated that MANY people had come to him and said that they wanted to volunteer, but that my presence made it impossible and that I had said things about all of them.  I offered to apologize to them personally face to face if indeed I had said something that hurt them if he would tell me who they were, but he tap danced around it saying that there were "just people"  sound familiar? http://eyeondowningtown.blogspot.com/2014/01/listen-for-yourself.html

Mr. Maxwell was then called on the carpet by a fellow commission member and an apology was requested from him in an open council meeting.  Mr. Maxwell then decided to lie again and state that I had disrespected his mother at a time when there had been a crisis in their family and that he was sorry, BUT.  Mr. Maxwell I NEVER once did that.  I do not know your mother nor do I know your family history, nor do I care to.  I called you out on your DUI period, but since to you it's a mistake and you would rather sweep it under the carpet my comments became about anything, but what I really said.  This is all the tip of the iceberg Mr. Maxwell and there is just not enough blog space to account for your many machinations.

I do have to say congratulations Mr. Maxwell you managed to convince everyone that the H&P Commission members who actually care about the borough and do not like to be bullied by you or anyone else on council that we were evil incarnate and you never overstepped your bounds or lied to get what you wanted and the lies continue to this day, even though no one has said ANYTHING about you or council members that could be considered detrimental.  The residents of D'town may be fooled by your "Aw shucks, I'm just trying to help" attitude, but let's hope that the rest of the residents of the 74th district see right through you.

But We Can't Enforce It

To begin with let's put all feelings aside about race, religion, sexual preference and all other things that a person can be discriminated for.  With that said, moving right along with tonight's council meeting.

Ordinance 2014-05 Borough ofDowningtown Human Relations Commission  was brought before council tonight and before discussion could ensue there had to be a motion made of Advertising with intent to adopt which did happen, then discussion became a focal point and compromise was not.

The ordinance would offer up to the citizens of Downingtown the backing of council where no one in our borough should be discriminated against for any reason.  Most reasonable citizens can agree with that, what no one agreed on is that a commission was included in this ordinance that would have Orwellian power without any way to enforce the power, but will create costs to the borough that need not be accrued.

First of all this is who the commission is comprised of:

B.     The Downingtown Human Relations Commission shall consist of no fewer than three and no more than five voting members, who shall serve overlapping terms of four years each. At all times there shall be an odd number of members. The Commission members shall be appointed by and with the approval of Borough Council. The Commission may elect up to three nonvoting, ex officio members to broaden the diversity that serves on the Commission. Members shall be residents of the Borough or business owners who operate within the Borough or own property that dwells within the Borough limits. No voting member of the Downingtown Human Relations Commission shall hold any office in any political party. Members of the Downingtown Human Relations Commission shall serve without salary but may be paid expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, as approved by Borough Council.

Which sounds good on paper right?  Who would not want their municipality, township or borough to have a recourse for discrimination and mediation if necessary and resources to take any complaint that cannot be mediated to the state level if they so choose?  The one thing that the PA Human Relations Act does not address is the LGBT community.  Keeping personal opinions aside this is just something to remember.  (you can read the PA Act here)  Now in the next portion of the D'town ordinance after election of chair etc is this:

D.    Borough Council hereby grants to the Downingtown Human Relations Commission all of the powers necessary to the execution of its duties (as set forth below), provided that those powers shall not exceed those exercised by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.

Which means that no matter how much anyone would like to have the something addressed or have legal recourse against the issue, if the state does not have such an avenue then the commission’s findings are not enforceable.  However in tonight's meeting that was the whole issue and the only issue that came up.  Councilor Winkler and Councilor Feldman both were in favor of adopting the ordinance up to section 90-6.  But both Mayor Maxwell and Councilor Rakoff would not bend.  Their argument was that the state of PA does not have any recourse for LGBT people when they are discriminated against, which is true, but adopting an ordinance in D'town with the veneer that they do have recourse UNTIL they get to the state level in my eyes is irresponsible.  If there is no place to take this other than "sending a message to the state" that we in Downingtown don't agree with state law what is the point of having a commission with the potential to cost the residents money that we don't have?  It is also illegal to adopt an ordinance with consequences that do not fall within state guidelines, just because it's a good idea.  What kind of message are we sending the LGBT community if we adopt an ordinance that has no more recourse than the paper that it's written on?  We don't want to help, but we want you to feel good while we are failing you. 

Councilor Winkler tried valiantly to get council to compromise.  Over and over again he stated that we really do want to be a community that does not discriminate and why not create a committee that can mediate contentious issues and can be a resource for issues beyond the scope of what can be done, but both Mayor Maxwell and Councilor Rakoff wanted no compromise. Councilor Winkler wanted a unanimous council to come up with a way to stay within the scope of what can actually be done even as far as the state level so that we as a borough would not be disenfranchising anyone.  Mayor Maxwell's statement was that he did not want an 80% effort. Mr. Mayor you weren't even putting forth that much effort.  For you it was all or nothing and you knew that it would not be a nothing vote.  You also knew that this will be a great talking point for your campaign.  However, I really want you to bring up discrimination while in the company of or in a debate with the Republican endorsed candidate since he happens to be African American.

Councilor Feldman even brought to the table that council send a letter to legislators (you know Mr. Mayor the ones who can actually change the laws) stating that the WHOLE council supports changing the Human Rights Act in PA.  Mr. Mayor you were condescending and glib in your response to Councilor Feldman and I would think that someone who was so adamant about an anti discrimination ordinance would have more respect for ALL people even ones you don't like, but then again we all know what happens to people you don't like or dares to call you on bad behavior.

 I do not understand the immovable stance that was taken by Rakoff and the mayor when a compromise was offered.  It's like throwing the baby out with the bathwater.  You all can be found to be legally liable for any activity that goes beyond the scope of the state laws and you will be costing the borough money that they don't have.  Our Public Works is stretched thin, the police cannot afford the officers that they do have, the fire companies are operating trucks and materials that are sometimes so old that I wonder how they make it work and yet we can afford a commission that has no real power but that you are willing to give the ability to hear complaints accept hearsay evidence and offer punishment on the say so of one individual against another. 

I can't wait to see who is appointed to this commission because I want to know how you are going to make sure that every race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, renter, landlord etc. is represented on a commission of 5 people

 

From Now On

I am all for free speech, but if you wish to post a comment on this blog and you malign my character you better have proof.  I am not small minded enough not to apologize if I am wrong, but everything I say here is my opinion on what I have observed directly.  Not some ill conceived notion of persecution or non attendance at a meeting.  This is my blog and either you play nice or your comment will be deleted.

Enough!!!

Whomever accused me of helping the crier for Downingtown DOES write the article about the council meeting needs to re-evaluate whom they accuse of what and make sure that you have your facts correct.  The crier for that site is a capable individual with fantastic writing skills.

I attended that meeting as a citizen and as a waiting to be ousted commissioner.  Let's be perfectly clear on a few things.  Whatever is written on Downingtown DOES has nothing to do with me what so ever.  What is written HERE is what my thoughts and feelings are on the corrupt council that now sits.

I am NOT under anyone's thumb and if you had your facts straight then you would know that for the longest time I was against Ann Feldman and her group and in fact filleted her several times in this blog.  However, my ego does not get in the way when I need to work with someone for the good of everyone like it does with council members.  Do I wish to see Kardon Park developed now.  No not really because we have spent way too much time and effort on something that now would not bring in as much money as was promised has caused several money issues for the borough and is now setting a bad precedent for the parks in the area.

As for Ginny.  While I worked with her she was a dedicated and delightful woman.  However, she did a 180 when she resigned from her position as Vice Chair.  She let many people know about her displeasure (and that is a nice way to say it) over the things that Josh had been doing and she was just as irate when council would blow past us, over us or around us for things done in the borough.  Unless she was an extraordinary actress that is how she conducted herself in our meetings.  Then the Ghost Walk issue with the mayor happened and while we had a major in house issue with several commission members it was resolved and the Ghost Walk went on and was successful despite the mayor.  When Ginny resigned she NEVER informed ANY commission member that she was doing that and even spoke about commission business with me before the meeting.  SHE made it personal and I now wonder what was on the back burner with this council as I look back on what she stated in her resignation letter about being brought back on at another time if the council would have her.  Really?  Sounds to me like some council members and the mayor were not the only ones making plans.  I do not doubt Ginny's dedication to the Log House and she has worked tirelessly for it, but we also deferred to her on many issues when we were apt to spend money on projects such as the Log House walkway (PW needed to do it according to Ginny) or "council wouldn't approve it" therefore many projects did not get off the ground or done.

I am tired of being blamed for downfalls or dissention.  Do I like most of council?  NO.  Do I respect the mayor?  Not in the least.  His reasoning for dissolving the H&P was the same unfounded, unproven accusations that he brought to an H&P meeting in June of 2012.  He hasn't changed his tune one bit.  He has never forgiven me for calling him out on his DUI and the fact that it was completely irresponsible for him to have driven once having a few drinks.  You decide when you see him in town next.  As for the others on council.  Cara DeStefano was friendly with me until I called her on her behavior over the election in which her campaign produced a flyer that basically called her opponent an uneducated dolt.  It was completely wrong on her part and she got into office under false pretenses as far as I am concerned.  She originally told people she was running so that Heather Bruno would not have a chance and get into office.  Ask her how much did Sara Peck donate to the campaign?  Chip Gazzerro just doesn't like anyone who sees through his "good ol' boy" routine and calls him out on his bullying and mean attitude in a council meeting.  He also doesn't like it when he is called on the fact that he will say and do one thing and then conveniently forget it when someone mentions his bad behavior.

I am relieved that I do not have to spend as many hours making sure that we please council and the mayor.  All I wanted to do was to help preserve the historic beauty of this town and to help create and work events in this town that could be attended by everyone for enjoyment and entertainment.  THEY made it the nasty business that it is, not I.  Backroom deals and walking the line of legality is not my idea of a person who wants to serve the residents, but then again maybe I am wrong and if I am then I will certainly be glad if I am not around in 10 years to see the trashy two bit tourist trap that could very well happen if what has been heard occurs.

Listen For Yourself

Many people have asked what the reasons for dissolving the Downingtown Historic and Parks Commission were. None of the ex-commission members could give a clear answer not even the ones who were in attendance at the meeting other than it is political retribution at it's finest.  Since many residents do not attend council meetings you really deserve to hear what went on in the meeting the evening that Council President Gazzerro along with DiStefano, Rakoff and McGlone pulled a fast one on council members Winkler and Feldman, and let it slip that they had meetings outside of council chambers and executive sessions.

Reading the brief recount of council meeting minutes does not reflect half of what is actually said in meetings and it's a true shame that residents don't let themselves be informed of what goes on.  I can read a police report of an accident but it does not give me an idea of the fear and horror that goes with it if I have not been in the accident itself.

Pat McGlone stated in the DLN that listening to the discussions shoe voted to split the commission, but if you truly listen to what is being said that is NOT what is discussed and there were no reasons given to split the commission.  Also in the 5 years that I have attended council meetings I have NEVER seen Ms. McGlone attend a council meeting.  If she did it was a meeting that I missed, but that is something I truly doubt so how would she be privy to any discussions about anything?

Listen to the recording and make up your own mind. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAjB7uRdoKQ&feature=youtu.be

To Be Perfectly Clear

To be perfectly clear there is a very big difference between holding an elected official to the standards that are set forth by their election to their post as a citizen and keeping quite as a volunteer for the legislative body that both your positions are contained in.

As citizens we are called to keep our elected officials honest and above board.  To accomplish this goal there are many methods to do this; by blogging, speaking at meetings, and asking for documents in a right to know request.

None of the commissioners that were part of the now dissolved Historic and Parks Commission ever bashed council members as commissioners.  The mayor was asked to apologize to a commissioner by another commissioner when he brought his bias and issues to a public meeting of said commission.

Even council members have spoken as citizens and they have that right.  We are guaranteed by the First Amendment the right to free speech.  However, only people who do not have the best interests of the residents and the borough are not able to set personal issues aside to serve those whom they were elected by or volunteer for.

Do not mistake personality conflicts as a refusal to work with others for the benefit of all.  At least not for me personally.

Do You Really Know How Corrupt They Are?

Normally I love this town, but right now I am ashamed to the nth degree of the people that live in this town.  You back a corrupt local government who is afraid of a few citizens who actually call them on their crap. 

Chip Gazzerro, Pat McGlone, Cara DeStephano, Alex Rakoff et al. I am calling you out for your deplorable behavior.  When called on the carpet for dissolving the ONLY money making enterprise in the borough Chip Gazerro did the most impressive tap dance I have ever seen.  He admitted in an open council meeting that he and other council members conspired to get rid of the Historic and Parks Commission because you cannot make us bend to your crooked ways.  We adhered to the ordinances and asked for the council's help when the Mayor overstepped his bounds and this is what we get? 

Chip then said that the Shade Tree Commission was the same as the Historic and Parks and that it was talked about in meetings and OUTSIDE of meetings to dissolve H&P you hung yourself with your own words.

Then Mayor Maxwell who has delusions of grandeur turned beet red when Councilor Feldman asked him who would replace H&P, Main Street.  He couldn't even lie well about that one.  I knew that government was corrupt and I knew you all were as crooked as the day is long, but now you have proven it and ethics is certainly not your strong suit.

Oh by the way having the LT. there was not necessary unless he was there to protect Councilor Feldman from Chip Gazerro from his ongoing harassment of her.  See Mr. Gazerro we know how to conduct ourselves in public unlike you.

Inaugral Fraud

So tonight several council members and the mayor will be sworn in and it's a shame that only one person will honestly be doing it because she truly feels the residents need a voice.

Mayor Maxwell will be sworn into an office that means nothing to him other than to help him abandon his position again in Nov.  He does not want to be mayor he wants a bigger seat in Harrisburg, but he ran again in Downingtown to hedge his bets.  Maxwell will have to run against Josh Young from Caln and while they are both young and have been on the political scene for generally the same amount of time people in Harrisburg don't scoff or laugh when they hear Young's name.

You the residents voted back in a mayor that laughs at his constituents, won't vote for something he KNOWS is right, but because his name is involved won't break the tie the way it truly should go, takes credit for things that would have occurred whether he was in office or not, creates problems where there should be none and scoffs at the laws that apply to everyone else in and around town, but him.

So if you go to watch Maxwell being sworn in remember that he is going to be campaigning all this year.  He doesn't' care if he gets things done for you because you are a member of this community, he cares so that he can beef up his resume and hopes that no one looks to closely and sees that the emperor has no clothes.

Abandoning His Post

Wow two blogs in one day I guess you can call me Blabcock.

However, today is a special day since the mayor of Downingtown has announced that he will pursue the new State Representative Seat for the 74th District.  This new district encompasses Caln, Coatesville, Downingtown, East Caln, East Fallowfield, Modena, Parksburg, South Coatesville, Sadsbury and Valley.  Josh Young who also was newly elected to his office in Caln is slated to run.

I wonder how they each feel about abandoning their constituents that they said they would represent before they have even taken the oath of office.

So Mr. Mayor how inflated will your resume become?  What will it indeed include.  Heading minor league projects in a small borough is not exactly working at the state level.  Heck with Downingtown being as small as it is it's barely working at a local level.

I am wondering if you will try and deceive the voters into believing that you can balance a budget because you sat on council while they did all the hard work and you sat up there and alternately smirked and laughed at inappropriate moments.  I wonder if those who live here in D'town who think they are your best buds will support you IF you get a bigger office since you will most likely drop them like a hot potato unless they have at least an MBA.  I wonder if being in charge of a police department and not learning to let those who know best lead looks good on a how will I help this state statement.

Admittedly the local Republican party does not have their ducks in a row let alone want to get their fingers dirty to put up a candidate that has a prayer against your down home aw shucks appearance, but really I am wondering how a candidate who thinks and is above the local law in a lot of instances can make it in the big time.  Oh wait that would just be politics as usual wouldn't it?

I feel bad for those who worked so hard to get you elected as mayor again.  You in a sense duped them.  They thought that they were getting another four years of Josh Maxwell as mayor and what they were really getting is your duplicity along with the rest of the residents of Downingtown.  See not even some of your "friends" knew that you would have to announce your intentions so fast.  Even I had guessed late and I knew what was coming.

But this should be par for the course shouldn't it since you seem to thrive on disenfranchising residents and voters at a rapid pace.  Challenge me on this and we can just go ask the residents on Washington Ave. behind Molly McGuire's which opened for all intents and purposes for your fundraising to do on October 8th WAY before they were ready to handle patrons.  Better yet go ask some of them personally yourself I am sure they would like to know that you plan to make it to Harrisburg on their backs. 

 

 

A Man To Honor

This man was my social studies teacher during my time at Columbine. We moved back to PA shortly after graduation. I never thought that the next time I would hear of Columbine would be in the news. Any innocence I had left, I lost that day in April, but this man managed to bring back respect and honor to a place that by all intents and purpose should have been forever tagged as a violent example of what not to do. Good for you Mr. D! And while some friendships have faded and others gone completely, I am and always will be a Columbine Rebel and still proud to say it because of this man!

http://www.5280.com/magazine/2013/11/final-bell
Final Bell

Frank DeAngelis has been in charge of Columbine High School since the mass shooting there nearly 15 years ago. That’s about to change.

  

Just Sad Today

Why am I just sad today?  Because I gave someone the benefit of the doubt and thought they were smarter than what has been shown.  Who did I give the benefit of the doubt?  The voters and residents of Downingtown.

Now before you say or think it's just sour grapes.....I will admit I don't understand why more people did not see what I see in my husband and yes I am sad that this election went the way that it did, but I like the rest of you, will have to live with this salmagundi that was created yesterday.

What I don't quite get is how voters don't see past the smarmy smiles and the prevaricating laughter.  The gentleman that will again be mayor creates abilities in his job and himself that he has no control over.  The Mayor of Downingtown has no say in a business coming to town, he cannot fix a situation with a bus route or bus service as a voter was lead to believe yesterday at the polls, and he most certainly has no more "work to do" in the borough.  That is unless he wishes to clean up some of the messes he has left behind by overstepping his boundaries?  Would he like to apologize to businesses and residents alike for going to the Liquor Control Board hearings to force Molly Maguire's liquor license through under the KOEZ at the expense of several other businesses? Or help the residents personally who are now not able to park on their own street because of a new business being opened before they were ready?  Oh wait he can't do that because he can't seem to move his own car out of  a two hour parking zone with only one ticket on it before it was towed.  Would he like to explain why he had to put one of two violations accrued in Coatesville on the payment plan, but could be out looking for a new vehicle in September?  Would he like to personally apologize to the young people whom he disenfranchised during the last Ghost Walk because a supporter asked him to put his daughter in a program for years that was running smoothly when an age limit was placed on it for participants to be 16 and costumed characters to be 18 and he arrogantly side stepped the Commission putting on the walk and had a 12 year old in costume and then flat out denied his culpability in the action?

And then we get to council president.  I am not sure how the voters could in good conscience vote back in a man who has been seen by many harassing other council members and others who attend meetings.  How does one reconcile placing a bully back on a presiding council that decides your future?  A bully who will only let a person speak or an idea to be heard if he agrees with it and interrupts, talks down to and is plain nasty when he doesn't?  Who was heard making fun of the people of Downingtown at the polls when they ask questions and want things done, but are not part of his crowd of cronies. 

I am sad today because honor and integrity are not part of my home towns make up.  That people still vote in others that they know are doing things that are either illegal or walk a fine line between legal and criminal and sleep soundly at night.  I am sad today because so many voices did not make themselves heard and a good man lost an election and a borough lost their chance to be redeemed just a bit and given back some honor, dignity and virtue.

When To Shut Your Mouth

When is it time for borough officials to own up to their mistakes?  When they have made them.  When is it time for them to shut their mouths?  When others are speaking.  When is it time to vote out officials from their office?  NOW!

Chip Gazzerro as council president needs to understand that he cannot bully people because his council seat is not his own personal bully pulpit, but that is what he uses it for, to bully people.  Tonight for the first time several council members stood up to him and called him on the carpet for using Downingtown Borough as his own little fiefdom.  Nick Winkler made it perfectly clear that council listens to other arms of the borough sometimes without even talking about it, but when it comes to the Historic and Parks Commission Chip Gazzerro has been heard saying if he doesn't like that commissions recommendation he will just change the ordinance.

Mayor Josh Maxwell's job is very limited in scope yet he constantly oversteps his bounds.  He would like to residents to think that he has nothing but the good of the borough in his thoughts and actions, however he ran against Becky Corbin for State Rep and we will be redistricted in 2014 and it is well known that he will campaign to fill that State position.  He will be campaigning at a crucial time in our borough and he will not be interested in the residents unless he can count on their votes for Harrisburg.

So on Tuesday when it comes time to vote you as the voter and resident need to consider these things.  Do wish for a Mayor who is only using you as a stepping stone or one that really cares about you and has no aspirations for higher office so dedication will not be an issue?  Do you also want a council member who feels it is within his rights to speak down to and bully other council members because he has a gavel and a title.  Twelve years is long enough.  Even diapers need to be changed to avoid the smell.