| Back Letter
to Yenta 10/29/00
Dear Yenta:
In the infinite words of my husband "Another fine Mess." The Gazette 10/26/00.
He wrote: IN THE WORDS OF STAN LAUREL AND OLIVER HARDY "THIS IS ANOTHER FINE MESS
YOU'VE GOTTEN US INTO."
In their infinite wisdom our borough council (newly elected officials excluded) have left
us without a Chief of Police.
I suggest to you that we have an excellent candidate for the job in our midst.
I think we have to look no further than Runnemede, Village 2
I would like to enter into consideration Mr. Robert Brobson.
It is the morally correct thing to do.
Roger E. Butler
I would like to second this consideration of Chief Bob Brobson.
Hats off to the both of you. We love you.
Judy C. Butler
Letter to Yenta 10/20/00
Dear Yenta,
I noticed that you made a reference to a sky cam in your last post.
That got me to thinking. Why don't you sponsor New Hope's very own web cam. It could be
aimed at the cannon or some other notable New Hope landmark. It could be fascinating!
BTW My two cents is to keep your policy of printing anonymous posts. I find it quite
entertaining to read the ravings of some of your more demented contributors and requiring
a signature would deprive me of this interesting look into their paranoia.
Apolitical
Letter to Yenta 10/19/00
Dear Yenta,
A few deluded New Hope residents possessing outlandish imaginations seem to enjoy
scripting original scenarios inspired by each twist of New Hope’s convoluted
political scene. Their purpose is ugly and mean spirited, and they do not allow truth to
get in the way of their mission. This isn’t new; the “herd around town”
mentality has apparently returned from a prolonged grazing period and is back in business
again, training for the next election.
New Hope has more than its rightful share of adherents to a political philosophy of
intimidation and harassment. Unfortunately, this behavior continues to progress unchecked,
which gives it tacit approval. The obvious victim is open, non-threatened democratic
dialogue with unhindered participation. New Hope does not possess a healthy atmosphere for
honest, vigorous political debate where all residents are comfortable in airing opposing
views on the important issues that our community faces in an atmosphere of good will and
respect. We’ve heard more than one complaint that for some, it is a frightening
prospect to speak out at a borough council meeting on certain issues, fearing the same
consequences metered out to others who had spoken their minds. Remaining nameless when
writing one’s views in the Yenta has become a controversial issue, but why would one
seriously question those who prefer to remain anonymous? The possibilities are real that
being identified could bode retaliation to the writer, even as “tame” as being
harassed by rude remarks yelled from a passing car, or receiving nasty phone calls.
It cannot be a coincidence that Bob Gerenser, (an acknowledged outspoken council member)
has been singled out repeatedly, to destroy valuable personal property of his which now
threatens his livelihood. Where is the community outcry on these criminal acts? A mere
trickle. Disagreeing with Bob is one thing, which I often do as well, but a community must
be able to differentiate between one being “uncooperative” (as Bob has been
labeled) versus one who commits illegal and destructive acts. Unfortunately, more passion
is expressed about how disruptive Bob is at council meetings than alarm is shown that
criminal hooliganism is increasingly resorted to for political retaliation. The result is
that we’ve become desensitized to Bob being an accepted target for abuse, which has
reached a frightening level, where it is now common to hear even those who are generally
fair minded people say that “he brought it on himself”. Am I missing something,
or do others think as I do but they themselves are afraid to speak out? Can we possibly be
proud of this complacency?
Jan and I concentrate on being“ issue” oriented to avoid group against group
conflicts, so we are not on any “local political side”. We’re concerned
about consistent injustices. We don’t avoid controversy by remaining anonymous,
because without open debate, change is not likely to occur. If we have questions or
concerns, we communicate with the appropriate public official. Richard Hirschfield knows
that we have written him and met with him several times to share our concerns, and we have
gotten satisfactory answers even when we had respectful disagreements. In other words, we
make a serious attempt to be fair-minded. I would never write anonymous letters to or
about anyone.
This is not the first time recently that we have been falsely accused. Several months ago,
such accusations and New Hope’s overcharged political scene prompted Jan and me to
disengage considerably from New Hope politics and to focus on local civic projects and
non-profit commitments outside of New Hope.
Of course the letter signed, “D.P.” (Deranged Personality?), was disturbing. We
are not the source of the Sharyn Keiser letter. It is not at all our style. Steve Stahl at
least made himself known. His Yenta letter adheres to his typical style and is yet another
one of his “deductive bubbles” that will ultimately burst in his face.
Here’s our “propaganda”, Steve: enough of your conspiracy theories,
including your outlandish presumption that Jan and I are connected to the Yenta. We resent
having to respond to this kind of small town sludge that oozes from D.P.’s and
Stahl’s minds, and who both decry “negative stuff” and then write contrived
“negative stuff” about someone they conjure up as the culprit. If B.S. were a
dollar a pound, New Hope would never have another budget problem. I suspect that they may
have given Sharyn reason to be very depressed with the knowledge that among her many
welcome supporters, there are people like them. But there is a certain satisfaction in
knowing that the mysterious D.P. is overcome by a feeling of “revulsion” at a
mere encounter with us. And we do get around a lot. I’d be more entertained, however,
if I were aware of it each time that it occurs.
For those who are hell-bent on second-guessing our motives or our associations with fellow
New Hope residents, this is where we stand: we believe that all 7 Council members are
doing what they believe represents their constituents, and what they think is in New
Hope’s best interests. In that framework each voter has the right to support,
challenge, disagree, and commend them- and to vote them in or out! Period. You are
absolutely right, Mr. Séance (?) - NO MORE. Stop the nonsense. If more people spent their
energy volunteering for good causes, the Yenta would be transformed into a local newsy and
informative column, not a forum for malicious gossip.
Thank you,
Paul Witte
Yenta Column 10/17/00
As we approach Halloween, it's a great time
to remind everyone of what an exceptional place our little hamlet really is. Imagine, how
many towns have Halloween costume contests stretched out over a full week, moving from
straight bars to gay bars, all in good fun and in the spirit of acceptance and friendship.
Not too many the Yenta would venture to guess. Congratulations residents, friends and
visitors on making Halloween and the rest of the year a great time.
Condolences to Jimmy Martin on losing "Little Guy" -- maybe someone out there
knows of another little guy needing a good "father".Little Guy will be
remembered for his amorous assaults on Phil Powell's leg as well as his attraction to
women. Oh that's Jim!
The Street Fair was a booming success this year, not quite as large as last, but certainly
high quality art and crafts. With the wonderful fall weather and the spectacular foliage,
town was hopping with tourists of all kinds.
Hello Pismo Beach -- we're working on the Yenta Skycam!!
The Yenta
.
Yenta Column 10/17/00
Well loyal fans, it is time that the old
Yenta stepped in to referee. It seems that the positive and negative opinions have really
started flying of late. Seven positive and seven negative if you happen to be keeping
score. This brings up an interesting point -- if the people with all the venom are
silenced, they will not be able to be identified and neutralized. By the same token, if
those who have creative and positive input are silenced, there will be no harmony and no
growth. Even more importantly, the good people among us will become intimidated and afraid
to express themselves. Not everyone has great courage or the self-confidence to stand up
at a public meeting for fear of ridicule or embarrassment. Maybe their fears are
unfounded, but they are certainly real to them.
What is the value of the Yenta? For anyone
that has been following the column for the past several years, the Yenta represents the
opportunity for all to speak, and encourages everyone to participate on a positive level
for the well-being of the community. Part of the well-being of a community is to help to
identify the destructive divisive elements that exist, make the members of the community
aware of them, and help them through the decision making process on how best to deal with
the negative.
To the person who started this latest go
around - my hat's off to you! Anyone who knows any of the people you maligned knows you
are way off base, from Sharon Keiser to the Witte's, to Bert Johnson, to assigning them
the power to create all of the problems of New Hope is overreach. I'm sure they'd be
flattered. I'm sure even the three of them wish they were the cause of all the
problems. It would make them easier to remedy.
Keep those cards and letters coming - good,
bad or ugly -- the Yenta prints all (almost)!! This is every town USA.
The Yenta
.
Letter to Yenta 10/16/00
I wonder why you allow such political dribble in your column
without the authors name attached. You couldn't possibly believe that this will help New
Hope's image. I hope in the future that you will only print letters that are signed.
Signed,
Fran Kayne
Adrienne Royden
Letter to Yenta 10/16/00
It is amazing that the people that are screaming about paying taxes
and the people who are worried about paying taxes are the people who don't pay ANY
taxes!!!!!
If you want to cry about the problems in New Hope, Please be involved in the paying end.
It is easy to complain and criticize if you are not responsible for any money involved.
Maybe you can contribute a small amount of your money, to help the taxpayers through all
this corruption.
It is interesting that all the problems are created by three people, Bob Gerenser, Paul
& Jan Witte, and Bert Johnson. How amazing the power these three have.!!!!!!!!!!!!
This whole Political amosphere is soooo boring and soooo unproductive.
What happened to all the creativity in New Hope.
When did bullies and losers become important????????????
Letter to Yenta 10/15/00
Politicians: The voters either hate or love a politician (often
depending on whether they have voted favorably to a particular voter's pocketbook). These
allegiances can change as quickly as the issues. Likewise, politicians can be susceptible
to voting for issues that might benefit them personally (even if it's wrong for the
community).
New Hope is still a very special spot, despite the area's population growth and small
cadre of negative people. Maybe it's time to start voting for the resurrection of the
town's spirit, and make sure the representatives voted in have a good soul and conscience.
The town has given allot of people "new hope" (in the past), because of it's
warm and inclusive nature. Maybe some of the negative & deceptive folks could start
treating the town's spirit with a little care, before the town loses this attribute!
I for one don't want to see New Hope lose its warmth! I'm glad the good and the crap are
being published. The crap highlight's what has been happening in a private & insidious
fashion for a number of years. My personal take on the current lot of council members -
(if they were the choices): Hirschfield and Keiser would stay and Mr. Gerenser (all due
respect) should not. Thanks!
VW
Letter to Yenta 10/15/00
To The Yenta:
It is amazing to me that time and again you allow people to voice strong political
opinions which hurt, slur, and damage reputations by giving incorrect information, and
untruths.
If you ," The Yenta", had true concern for the citizens of New Hope and the
reputation of this town, you would not permit anonymous deceitful people on your Webb
page.
It is time you demand that all correspondence be signed. After all , there is no other
publication; newspaper, magazine, or even " Howard Stern", that allows people to
voice opinion, no matter how sick, without giving their name.
Congratulations to Jan and Paul Witte, for continuing their propaganda through this media.
There are No Fools like OLD fools.
Sincerely,
Stephen Stahl
11 North Main St.
New Hope
Letter to Yenta 10/15/00
To Unsigned:
To the person who lacks the intestinal fortitude to sign the insulting remarks made
against Ms. Sharyon Keiser, let me tell you this. I, for one , will not stand by while you
attempt to destroy another person's reputation, without speaking out. This occurred in the
past, but NO MORE.
The people who supported Ms. Keiser in the past are now against her. They thought she
would continue to support their corrupt personal agenda, and do things their way :
( WHICH DID NOT BENIFIT NEW HOPE).
Only their agenda, " to Hell with the TAX PAYERS" of New Hope.
Speaking about Morals, isn't it morally wrong to ruin another person' s life because of
your own personal agenda.
NO MORE, NO MORE.
Robert Seneca
New Hope, Pa.
Letter to Yenta 10/14/00
To all the Citizens of New Hope,
It is with much regret that I am writing this letter. It is my duty to make it known to
you that I gave my resignation for personal reasons.
I have attempted to sell my home in New Jersey, and to relocate to the area. However, I
was not successful in doing so.
Also, my wife and daughter are having a very difficult time with relocating since she is
fourteen and is involved with friends and school. She is at a very fragile period of life,
having had me away with my previous job, and she does not want to lose her present friends
or have to change schools at this time. My wife was willing to try. However, after giving
it much thought, she too feels that it would be very difficult to make the transition,
having family and friends in this area.
I was offered a job near our home. After much contemplation, I felt that I had to address
my family's concerns. It is a period of my life where I have to look to my family's
feelings before my own.
I will miss being Chief of Police in New Hope. I have enjoyed working with you all very
much. You are truly a great bunch of people who showed me respect and support throughout
my tenure. I highly respect all of you including the officers who make up your police
department. I will miss all the residents of this community. You have all made me feel a
part of this beautiful town.
Thank you again for everything anything I can do in the future for any of you please call
me at my office (201) 678-3302
Warmest regards,
Jerry Speziale
Thank you for the opportunity to be your Chief of Police. I hope that I can come back to
visit you in the near future.
Very truly yours,
Jerry Speziale
Chief of Police
Letter to Yenta 10/14/00
To the person who signed their letter as D.P. First off the Wittes
didn't write the letter on Sharyn Keiser. This is neither their style in personality or
verbage. Secondly, it's folks with your type of backhanded meanness that exemplifies one
of the problems that
has been affecting the character of our community (for a number of years now). Thanks for
showing your hand publicly. You're likely one of the small group that has been doing this
privately for some years now. In trying to pull this in a public format, you unfortuntely
expose yourself to many long time residents who know better. Again, thanks for coming out
of the alley and letting us see what you've been up to in private.
VW
Letter to Yenta 10/14/00
Oh how clever! Turning Keiser into Kaiser. Fourth Grade humor,
maybe third. “Kissy Kissy”? Sharyn’s intelligence was the reason she got my
vote. I felt she would do a good job and she has not disappointed me. Thank goodness
clever, hardworking people have been elected to borough council.
Have local reporters investigate the departure of Jerry Speziale? Indeed! Why would he
accept a more prestigious higher paying position with no family relocation?
No one need encourage the negative atmosphere surrounding Bob Gerenser. He leads that
effort by himself.
When you sign your name, I’ll do the same.
Give me a break!!!
Letter to Yenta 10/13/00
Re: The Yenta Column -
There are certainly many letters in this column that contain personal agenda's, falsehoods
and axes to grind - as their primary backdrop. There are also many which appear to be
honest attempts to improve the community. The good, the bad and the in-between! Likely a
fair depiction of our community and most others. I frequent this forum because it has
always appeared to allow the mix of viewpoints, personalities (good and bad) and
falsehoods that comprise our community. The poster who asked - "What use the Yenta
Column is to the community?" My opinion: If you can't get the good, bad and
in-between out in the open, then how can the character of our community ever be improved
upon? Your column is far from perfect, but then neither is our community.
A loyal viewer
Letter to Yenta 10/12/00
TO THE YENTA
" WHAT GOOD TO THE COMMUNITY DO YOU SERVE"
The anonymous letter of 10/12/00 regarding Sharyn Keiser was an insult. Apparently the
YENTA abusers have formed their own regime. Fascism succeeds when anonymous people can
attack others with impunity. Letters that point fingers and make unfounded accusations,
and are unsigned and unidentified should have NO validity. The coward writing these
accusations is just that - A COWARD!! People of New Hope should be very proud and Happy to
have Sharyn Keiser as a Borough Council person. Does anyone remember the distrust and
disharmony in our small town before the New Council persons arrived. Let me remind you:
Fact: Law suits that have already cost us the tax payers more than $ 400,000.00
Fact: A council that named it self judge, jury and executioner.
Fact: Loss of more than $ 500,000.00 in Federal Grant money.
Fact: Dismissal of highly qualified employees for a political purpose.
Fact: Extravagant and unnecessary spending of Borough Funds resulting in a Financial
crisis.
Fact: New Hope has been the laughing stock in the area because of Personal agendas, that
had been driven by Borough government.
When the Yenta allows a person's reputation and honor to be assaulted by Nameless
partisans attempting to destroy this community, it starts again.
I personally did not support or vote for Sharyn and Richard. However, I now recognize that
they are doing a great job, while still being confronted by the old regime who led us down
the path of division and destruction.
Now they come again ----this time it's for Sharyn ---be careful, they may come for you
next.
YENTA---If you are really interested in our community, stop these outrageous attacks on
good citizens.
Kathleen Brown
New Hope, Pa.
Letter to Yenta 10/12/00
Welcome back Paul & Jan Witte. Summer's over and the Witte's
are back on the Yenta with the same old negative stuff. They just can't stand that the
"very" large majority of residents are pleased with the direction this council
is going, and they are not part of it. Now they are attacking Sharyn Keiser because they
can't find anything or anyone else to start trouble with. Fireworks, Sharyn Keiser and
Gerensor??? Blaming Sharyn Keiser for the Chief's departure? How about Gerenser and
Johnson...and that they were part of the reason the chief left. The chief has always been
clear about his appreciation for the support he receives from the majority on council.
Paul and Jan, when it comes to the Emperor's clothes...just look at each other. And maybe
you feel the same revulsion many of us feel when we see your two "kissy faces"!
I'm tired of "Kissy Face" Wittes, signed,
D.P.
Letter to Yenta 10/12/00
To the Yenta-
Is it Sharyn Keiser or Kaiser Sharyn?
One would think she prefers the latter. Her Hollywood "Kissy Kissy" manner might
enable her to fool most of the people most of the time, but she's wearing out her welcome
among at least some of her former supporters. And their numbers are growing. They see her
put on her act and they feel a mix of revulsion and sadness.
Oh, but I forgot, she won most popular council member at the Arty awards. That makes it
all the more scary. Machiavelli would be proud. For example, he would love the overkill
used in opposing Bob Gerenser's support for July 4th fireworks at a council meeting prior
to the holiday (even granted that fireworks would probably be a bad idea). Given all the
firemen and rescue
people and police officers at that meeting, one is left wondering, "Where was the
fire?"
Ms. Keiser and her allies have created an atmosphere that encourages acting out against
Mr. Gerenser and other people who get in her way. Of course, chickens do come home to
roost, so sooner or later New Hopers will finally realize what's going on behind the
scenes. Right now "Kissy Kissy" is winning. But New Hope will eventually
prevail, despite clever people who might periodically gain control of the town.
I wonder if any local reporters will investigate the real reasons why the latest police
chief felt a sudden urge to leave New Hope. Do you think certain members of borough
council might have played a role in his decision? After all, his career had earned him a
deserved reputation as a true professional and "straight shooter." Perhaps he
felt uncomfortable working with people who did not share those qualities.
For those who blindly support Ms. Keiser and are taken in by her manner, please recall the
story of the Emperor's New Clothes.
Letter to Yenta 10/10/00
Since the Logan Inn is being renovated, let's return the
weathervane of Chief Logan, on loan to the Parry Mansion, to it's rightful place - the
Logan Inn. It is acknowledged that the Chief was rescued and renovated by the Historical
Soc. but in all the old pictures and photographs it reigns squarely over the Logan Inn. He
deserves to go home. An old admirer.
Letter to Yenta 10/04/00
Congratulations to the owners of the two houses on South Main being
renovated. They look great! Not so great is the departure of our police chief. Most of us
are feeling betrayed, unless there is something going on which has not been reported
fairly.
An observer
Letter to Yenta 10/04/00
On behalf of the committee I would like to sincerely thank all
those who participated in the recent New Hope Golf Classic at Jericho National Golf
Club; the golfers, who had a great day, the contributors and sponsors, whose gifts were
greatly appreciated and my committee for all the work they did. Special thanks to the
Wittes for the signs, to the McGinniss' for the great sculpture, to Fred Beans
Lincoln-Mercury for the Lincoln Navigator and to
Chuck Tarr who stood at hole #15 all afternoon in the heat waiting for the winner of the
Navigator to put the ball in the hole. (It never happened)
The event benefited the renovation of the New Hope Information Center which greets 40,000
visitors and l0,000 callers a year. The next money-raising event will take place on Dec. 6
at Hotel du Village. Call 215.862.2102 for details of this next exciting event.
Sincerely yours, Earl Bierman
Letter to Yenta 08/27/00
Dear Yenta:
A Promise Fulfilled
When I first started the campaign to save the Red Canal Barn in New Hope, I was
given until August 1st, and then later an extra week, by the owner George Michael, to
raise funds to purchase
the building, preserve its original state, and to find an interested 501c3 non-profit
organization willing to accept ownership.
Though I have been ill on and off throughout the summer, I continued to diligently lobby,
even from my hospital bed, to interest local and state officials and organizations all the
way to
Harrisburg in the saving of this historic barn. No matter how difficult the task seemed at
times, I never gave up.
I would like to thank state representative chuck Mciihinney and members of his staff for
helping me and making phone calls on my behalf. I would also like to thank those who
visited me in the hospital and those who came up to me on the street and those who offered
advice and encouragement. And thanks to the Yenta for their kind works. Thank You.
At the eleventh hour a 501c3 group called the Children’s Cultural Center from
Doylestown, put their name on a grant at Rep. Mciihinney’s office and it seemed the
barn would finally be saved. And contingent upon the interest of a 501c3 organization, the
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor was willing to offer their help in
securing additional funding for restoration. And then
another group of individuals with an interest in creating an artists studio on the site,
while totally preserving the structure of the building, also came forward. I had achieved
my goals in saving this historic barn for new hope. The work I had promised that I would
do was finished, or so I thought.
Yet at this monent the fate of the Red Barn is still in as much doubt as before I began my
campaign. It is now up to the owner Mr. Michael. In my last conversation with Mr. Michael
he showed
no interest in either the 501c3 or the artists who came forward. I hope my hard work of
many months will not be in vain. The red canal barn is unique to the parcel of buildings
that Mr. Michael owns off Bridge Street. It is the oldest structure dating from the
1830’s, the other buildings date from approximately 1861 and then 1880. For the sake
of style certainly these buildings could be homogenized to make then uniform, while still
preserving some small aspects of their history, but why change somethings as
perfect and unique as the Red Canal Barn. The structure is secure and solid as is, and
with some accurate historical restoration and preservation the building would be a perfect
time capsule into
the past. I have done what i promised myself and the residents of New Hope. We have a real
chance now to save and preserve the Red Canal Barn, but it ‘s destiny still hangs in
the palm of Mr. Michael’s hand.
Let us hope that history will prevail!
Respectfully,
R. Iain Haight-Ashton
New Hope, PA
Letter to Yenta 8/08/00
My response to Mr. Gerenser's factually misleading letter will be
relatively brief. Any person who disagrees with Mr. G., is soon labeled by him as being no
good. He now attacks Richard Hirschfield and Sharon Keiser regularly, claiming their votes
on council are negative politics. I attended many Borough Council meetings during the past
few years because of the negative
actions taken by the last council's majority. I was not alone. Many others also felt the
need to be present because of their antics. Isn't it odd that Richard and Sharon were
"good people," according to Mr. G., when he thought they agreed with him and his
policies? After spending many long and difficult hours to identify the problems, they
embarked upon a course to correct the mess they inherited from the previous council. Since
they do not agree with Mr. G., he accuses them of negative politics. Mr. G. wants us to
believe only his "facts", and question any statements to the contrary. He
insists the firing of the borough manager was political and without cause. I was present
the night of the firing. President Hirschfield listed several reasons why he favored the
motion to dismiss. He stated, the borough manager recommended a Budget for the year 2000
that authorized spending $700,000,00 more than the borough received in revenue. She relied
on the transfer of $700,000.00 from borough savings to balance the budget, thus nearly
bankrupting the borough. She failed to stop the cancellation of insurance policies for a
former borough employee, even though council had approved the continuation of the
policies. This resulted in another lawsuit being filed against the borough, and additional
legal expense. She continued to authorize payment for long distance telephone calls at a
cost of $.30 per minute. She failed to shop for the more favorable rate available at $.05
per minute. Mr. H. emphasized these examples of mismanagement of borough funds were not
the only reasons for her termination. However, following the opinion of the Borough
Solicitor, he did not discuss what he said were numerous other reasons for the dismissal.
Why did Mr. G. and other members of council disregard a petition signed by 226 borough
residents demanding Chief Brobson not be fired? If he believes what he says, wasn't he
ignoring the voice of the people? The answer is
clear -- He has his own agenda that is not in the best interest of the borough. He claims
the police "department will only improve "when the recommendations made by the
police study, HE wanted, are implemented. Why then did he want to fire Chief Brobson even
though there was NO recommendation to do so in the study? The study authors stated they
found no evidence of illegal conduct. He ignored his own study, and again did what HE
wanted. Personally, I will be very glad to see Chief Brobson have his day in court. Mr.
Gerenser's council ordered him not to hold a scheduled public meeting to discuss the
police study. They then proceeded to fire him before the next scheduled public meeting.
Mr. G. -- If you want us to believe that you have the best interest of the borough in
mind, why don't you start by paying the real estate taxes you owe for 1998, 1999 and 2000?
What do you think would happen to this borough if all property owners followed his
example? Would we be bankrupt? I think so, both morally and financially. In conclusion, I
do not question Mr. G's right to show his support for a friend who happens to be A drunk
driver -- I question his judgment.
Kathleen Brown
29 Runnemede Dr.
New Hope, Pa. 18938
215 862 9376
Back
|