Letter to Yenta 11/19/99

Dear Yenta,
The art students at New Hope-Solebury High School are
desperately seeking scholarships. Many of the students need scholarships to continue thier education after high school. I was wondering if you could help us in any way?

Thank You!

Letter to Yenta 11/10/99

Dearest Yenta:
Congratulations to Sandy, Richard, Geri, and Sharyn for their fine victory in the New Hope Borough Council Election. I am proud to be a member of New Hope Residents for Positive Change, and I hope that I contributed in my own small way to their success. I am very optimistic about our future and I give these newly elected
people and the current Council my full support. The recent election's results have given New Hope a long awaited rebirth.
We must put aside all party differences and hostilities and move
forward in unity, for a better community.

Respectfully,
R. Iain Haight-Ashton
New Hope

Letter to Yenta 11/04/99

Dear Yenta,
I just wanted to add my congratulations to Sharyn, Richard, Sandra and Geraldine on the overdue victory on Tuesday night. I hope their victory translates into a victory (and a political cease-fire ) for the residents of  New Hope.
All the best, Greg and Judy Gehres

Letter to Yenta 11/03/99

Chris and Rick, thanks for your kind words. It's time for all of
us to pull the wagon in the same direction now. I hope I can count on your assistance in turning things around.

Richard Hirschfield

Letter to Yenta 11/03/99

I would like to add my congratulations to the Democrats for their
sweeping victory in yesterday's Borough Council elections. They
and their army of supporters did an outstanding job of running a great campaign. They devoted countless person-hours and no doubt a considerable amount of money to getting their message out and identifying their voters. Then, they did an absolutely superb job of getting their voters to the polls. All in all, a textbook version of how to "do it right". I now look forward to seeing them fulfill their campaign promises. If they do, it is New Hope that really won the election.

Best wishes to all,
Rick Swanson

Letter to Yenta 11/03/99

"A slate of four Democrats swept into office Tuesday promising
to put New Hope on a positive course and heal divisions that have scarred our small community." The results are as follows, for anyone who doesn't know:

Two Year Term
Sharyn Keiser (D) 440
Hepburn Duncan(R) 322

Four Year Term
Richard Hirschfield (D) 455
Geraldine Delevich (D) 437
Sandra Trappen (D) 424
Richard Swanson (R) 343
Chris Bollenbacher (R) 342
Mark Harrison (R) 341

"As for the controversial firing of the borough's former police
chief that has dominated the town's politics for nearly a year,
one newly elected council member said, "That's in the past."

"Voters also sent a clear message they "are tired of the old
boys," said Keiser. "The town is ready to move forward.

"Delevich said the results of the election are a clear sign,
"people are tired of this...they want New Hope to be fun again!"

Yahoo!!!
(Taken from the Intelligencer Record)

Letter to Yenta 11/03/99

Thanks to everyone throughout the community who supported my candidacy for New Hope Borough Council. My victory and that of my fellow Democrats was a clear message that our community is one of inclusion and diversity. It was also a strong statement that our residents want a return to civility and respect for others.

Our council will be open and we will work very hard to get New
Hope moving forward. We are not bound by past grievances, nor tied to old alliances. Our only agenda is to do our best for the entire community. I hope our opponents will join us in that effort.

Special thanks must go to the New Hope Residents for Positive
Change, a grass roots group that represents a cross section of borough residents. Their support was invaluable. What a terrific group of people!

Lastly, thanks to my fellow candidates, Geri Delevich, Sharyn
Keiser, and Sandy Trappen. They ran a spirited and positive campaign of which we can be proud. The positive message we offered will hopefully set the tone for the future of our borough.

Richard Hirschfield

Letter to Yenta 11/02/99

Congratulations to Sharyn, Richard, Geri and Sandra. Best of luck
to you all. You have your work cut out for you. It will be a big job,
however you are capable and I am sure you will be successful.

Chris Bollenbacher

The Yenta Column 11/02/99

The Yenta is pleased to see that our new neighbors in Riverwoods
have located the Yenta and are sharing their views on our convoluted politics and other subjects of interest. To respond to several of the points you make will hopefully put you at ease in some areas at least.

When the NHR was still an idea with a lot of enthusiasm and very few people with serious concerns, they ran several appeals in the Gazette and on this website for people of all political persuasions to join and express their opinion. A hundred plus have -- you may, in all fairness have not yet moved into Riverwoods when that appeal was made, however, the Yenta feels sure that this group will continue to function and will continue to welcome all members of the community, new and old.

Also, to the Yenta it appears that there is only one current
member of council up for election, Ms. Trappen. Her tenure on council is about nine months, barely enough time to have a baby, let alone make positive change or influence the likes of the existing council members. The only other person to make your statement of "plural" somewhat accurate would be Mr. Bollenbacher, but he already resigned.

In regard to Mr. Bollenbacher providing only written facts . . .
the only "written facts" are those in the court record, and that is
yet to be released to the public. The Yenta suggests that we all let the court record speak to the facts, until then enough said.

Moving on. . . the election is nearly at an end. It's been a long
haul for the candidates and for the public who has had to sift through all of the campaign gobblety=gook. But, by eight o'clock tonight, it will all be over but the shouting. So let all of us resolve to support the winners in a positive and constructive manner and move on to the business of solving the town's real problems . . . as a cohesive, truly caring community.

The Yenta

Letter to Yenta 11/01/99

Dear neighbors,

I am amazed by all the hypocrisy being posted in the Yenta these
days. Those who ask us not to believe the lies and mud-slinging remarks, are the very same people who are dishing out most of it.

Mrs. Hirschfield, you doubt my honesty when I say I'm a resident
of Riverwoods. What could I possibly gain by lying about that?. You also say that I should have accepted the invitation of the NHR for a coffee and discussions on the current political situation in New Hope. Why didn't this organization seek my opinion BEFORE their decision to back a political party was made?. According to you, the candidates could have benefited from my opinion or point of view. If that is the case, then the NHR should have sponsored a truly "open" forum with representatives from all political affiliations present, who could have answered our
questions and enlightened us with their views. Then, it would have been non-partisan "grass roots politics" at its best, not a one sided melee. You don't invite people to a buffet when you are serving only one course.

Also, I am still perplexed as to how current members of Council
are running for office under the slogan of "positive change". I say
I'm perplexed because it seems to me that if these individuals had
performed their duty during the time they were in office, there wouldn't be a need for a "change". If Bill Clinton had ran for a second term under the slogan "Let's end corruption at the White House", wouldn't you have been puzzled too?.

You also suggest that letters, no, opinions from writers such as
"concerned" and "resident" should be suppressed. Why?. Is it
because they, like myself, don't feel like signing our names?. If this is the case, then the biggest anonymous mud-slinger of them all, "The Yenta" herself should be banned from this post as well.

And speaking of "The Yenta". In case you don't know, the signs you speak of that are posted around town are NOT qualified to vote. So the fact that there are twice as many Democratic signs as there are Republicans, does not a sweep make. Also, you keep bashing Mr. Bollenbacher even though he continues to back up his comments with actual written facts. The same cannot be said for many of the insults and comments being said by other residents.

The Yenta also suggests that we read all the literature published
before voting on Tuesday. Thanks for the advice. I was wondering what to do with all this stuff.

Moving on to another subject. I wasn't aware that not being a life
long resident of a community was an impediment for running for office. Has anyone informed Mrs. Clinton?. Some people are really reaching for one last gasp to find something to complaint about.

I, like most people I have spoken with, do not hate any of the
candidates from either side, like someone suggests. We are all
concerned about this borough and hope that the elected council members, regardless of political affiliation, really do have New Hope's best interest at heart.

Best regards,
"Concerned" republican "resident" of "Riverwoods". (That's for
you, Mrs. H) New Hope.

Letter to Yenta 11/01/99

Yenta,

Thanks to the New Hope Residents for positive change for their
support. And thanks for keeping our campaign positive. Let's get out the vote for a Democratic sweep tomorrow.

If you know anyone who needs a ride please contact them or have
them call me or Ruth at 862-9175.

Richard Hirschfield

Letter to Yenta 10/31/99

Dear Yenta:

A New Beginning for New Hope
The strength of New Hope lies with the individual who is
willing to participate, roll up their sleeves and work hard
for the good of the community. It is an individual thinker
who can and will work hard together successfully with others
to build a better New Hope. What we need is proven performance,
those who have an understanding and a history of participation in
community projects, committees and events. We need people to get involved from the inception to the reality. Recently, I have
been reading letters in the editorial pages from the Democratic
candidates for Borough Council in New Hope. I am impresssed with their focus, accomplishments, commitment, and their clear vision.  As a Republican, I endorse them. Some of their accomplishments include: Members of Parners in Progress, the Library Board, Planning Commission, Union Camp Study, Police Study, and The Comprehensive Plan and Open Space Study. The old way of doing  politics is KILLING THIS TOWN! We have a choice and a chance with  the upcoming Borough Council election to make a statement against  the Republicans, backed by Jay Snyder and Fred Williamson, and to put into office Democratic candidates who we can trust!!!
We need Council members who will honestly represent the interests of all the residents and Businesses, through postive change.  This election is our opportunity as Republicans, Democrats and Independents to vote for the hardworking progressive Democratic Candidates. Do not blindly pull the lever simply for the party.
The Town must vote Rain or Shine.

Respectfully,
R. Iain Haight-Ashton
New Hope, Pa. 215-862-3747

Letter to Yenta 10/31/99

TRICK OR TREAT IN NEW HOPE
Trick, would be if Chris would Respond
Treat, would be if Chris would tell the Truth
Mr. Bollenbacher has been afraid to answer my letter to the
Yenta, on 5-8-99, regarding facts pertaining to his paricipation
in the Civil Service examination FIASCO. This is my third letter
asking why you do not answer the questions in the contents of
that letter. If you feel you can back them up with the truth,
or your interpretation of the truth, then lets hear it!
Come on Chris, the fact is truth, and the fact is documented
and will eventually be understood by the public in its entirety,
as well as the truth regarding your distortion of it.
Please Respond!

William D. Brooke (former New Hope Police Chief)

The Yenta Column 10/31/99

PS Chris, the Yenta wishes to apologize for the minor editing (a person's name to Mr. B) in your letter of  10/30/99. However, the Yenta's 16 year old assistant  exercised good judgment in protecting the identity of someone with regard to an issue with no bearing on the current election. She did what I would have done. All other postings of the Yenta are posted unedited or are not posted at all based on the volume of venom contained therein.

The Yenta

Letter to Yenta 10/30/99

Dear Yenta,

P.S. if someone should like to write about me in the future please feel free to use my name. I think it is extremely silly that you edit letters to avoid using a name.

Letter to Yenta 10/30/99

Dear Yenta’s Assistant,

Chris Bollenbacher

Letter to Yenta 10/30/99

Seems to me, Mr Bollenbacher, that everybody from both sides is given an opportunity to voice their thoughts in this column. Concerning your letter about Mr B.; it was not published because it in part dealt with a private citizens personal problems. This column is not in existence to embarrase or publicize anyones  personal problems (which, by the way, we all have at one time or another).

The Yenta's Assistant

Letter to Yenta 10/30/99

Dear Yenta,

Bias I expect and accept in New Hope. Now that your name has appeared in the Democrats ad I guess I can expect it from you also. It is unfortunate that New Hope has lost another avenue to post an opinion without bias by the media.

I expect bias but loathe ignorance of fact.

Hepburn Duncan is retired. There is no relocation in the picture.

Mark Harrison lived one mile outside of New Hope for many years. He shopped in New Hope stores, read New Hope papers, and was a part of New Hope as are all Solebury residents. He also served on the Solebury planning commission for 6 years, so he has experience in the area as well as in service to the community.

Sandra Trappen, Please show me an instance where she and Bob Gerenser were on opposite sides on an issue, any issue. I don't think you can.

I am truly sorry that you feel that you are informed enough, considering you hold no office and have no access to facts, to say that the republicans are twisting the truth.

I challenge you to dispute anything I have ever written. I can document every position I have taken.

The Yenta is a dissapointment.

I guess the last one I wrote about Mr B.... and Mr. Gerenser was a little too much reality for you to print. I doubt you'll print this one.

Goodbye
Chris Bollenbacher

Letter to Yenta 10/30/99

Please note that the source of my information is the County Board of Elections and the Court of Common Pleas. If you have any questions regarding this or any other issues, I may be reached at 215-862-2157. - Hepburn Duncan

The Yenta Column 10/29/99

Oh noble reader, the Yenta has far from left the scene. This
exercise by the Yenta simply illustrates several points quite clearly. First, some fires continue to fuel themselves, and that the attitudes people adopt, rarely change. As the election is now upon us, the Yenta feels strongly that a summary of the comments is in order.

As Iain and Ruth so clearly pointed out, the submissions to the
Yenta are generally by the same people. Those signed in cryptic are also, good bet, from the same people. The attitude of the Republican submissions has generally been inflammatory, with little or no reference to bringing the town to homeostasis. To be blunt -- they have been nothing but finger pointing and a twisting of the truth.

The submissions by the Democrats and of the New Hope Residents for Positive Change have called for responsible decision making based on facts. The make up of the group is almost a perfect 50-50 split of Republicans and Democrats. The endorsement of the candidates was based on their response to issues - not hearsay. And. . . this group would have backed a bi-partisan slate if there had been any Republicans worth
supporting.

After 35+ years in the borough, the Yenta really feels the need to
make a clear statement politically. This time around, the Democratic slate is the way to vote.

The issues which need to be addressed by the candidates with
answers of substance relate to water, sewer, taxes, the school system, Union Camp and the budget. Any other subject, ANY other subject, should have no bearing on this election.

Let's review the candidates --

Hepburn Duncan -- is he still going to be living in New Hope
after the election?? Or is he moving due to relocation?
Mark Harrison and Rick Swanson -- how long have you lived in
town? A year +/-? And all you need to know about New Hope you learned from Jay.
Chris Bollenbacher -- didn't you already resign from council
once? And you didn't check the Chief's addition?

Sandy Trappen -- former US Army Captain, votes her conscience
based on reading the court transcript in spite of personal threats.
Hardly someone to be accused of riding on Bob Gerenser's coat tails.
Sharon Keiser -- long standing member of PIP and NHR and
planning commission. Seasoned administrator, now retired with the time to give the borough.
Richard Hirschfield -- company president, also a seasoned
admistrator with financial skills to evaluate the budget.
Geri Delevich -- long history of community involvement.

What have you read that's negative coming from the last four? Not a thing. When over a hundred members of the community get together and form a bi-partisan group in a town that has historically always voted Republican, that should tell you something about who to vote for in this election. Yes, it is crucial to the future of the town -- all facets of the town. Read the literature carefully -- is it fact or opinion?
Vote and vote responsibly and vote democratic! Tough times require tough decisions! So much for the Yenta's impartiality!!

The Yenta

Letter to the Yenta 10/29/99

I'm sure by now that everyone in New Hope is overwhelmed by all of the campaign literature greeting them at their doors. New residents, especially, have a lot to sift through and consider before going to the polls on Tuesday. All eight of the candidates for Borough Council have had to address some very tough questions, and all are trying to get their message out in the little time allotted them after work requirements, and personal and family responsibilities. I have to commend them for their enthusiasm.

One thing plaguing me, however, is the "bashing" dished out to Sandra Trappen; the only incumbent running in the campaign. Since she was sitting on Council at the time of Chief Brobson's termination, she has taken a number of hits and libelous remarks from some of her opponents. I have never experienced such broad-brushing tactics in my life, especially from the chairman of the Republican Committee. It's gone beyond politics to downright slime.

I have known Sandy for several years, and I find her to be a straightforward, no-nonsense professional person. As a Councilperson, she has always voted after careful
consideration of what she's presented; AND ONE CAN ALWAYS
COUNT ON HER TO EXPLAIN TO THE PUBLIC HER REASONS FOR VOTING THE WAY SHE DID. She "takes orders" from NO ONE on how to vote. One may not always agree with her, but at least one can be assured that her vote is the result of reason, not emotion or politics. Sandy is anything but a blind follower. She
has listed her e-mail address ever since the primaries, for anyone to contact her if they have questions or concerns about policies or decisions made by Borough Council. She brings fresh ideas to Council meetings, not "bad blood", as has been implied. And, 11
months of service on Borough Council hardly qualifies her as part of the "Old Guard". The ringleader of the Old Guard is the very chairman of the Republican Party who is trying to implicate Sandy in every negative issue effecting New Hope. IT HAS TO STOP.

Since the most frequently-asked question is whether Chief Brobson should have been fired, Sandy is the only candidate who can legitimately back up her answer with reams of documentation; since she was there; reading through every word of it.

After hearing and reading her explanation (which I wish more people would take the time to do), I concluded that the majority of members on Borough Council (6 members to be exact) made the decision to terminate Chief Brobson with documentation, legal
assistance, and proper notification. He was considered by Council to be an at-will, managerial employee, and was terminated because of Council's dissatisfaction with his job performance. The "deed is done" now, therefore the question of the propriety of Brobson's termination is moot. No more Monday-morning quarterbacking...The main issue now is where our town goes from here.

The new Borough Council, however it is comprised, will have to sit down and work this out carefully, rationally and professionally; not by buckling to threats, power plays and intimidation. But my hope is that in the final hours before the big VOTE, everyone will take a deep breath and respond to FACTS; not political theatrics.

Thank you,

Janine Witte

Letter to Yenta 10/29/99

Whoa! I agree with what that "outside looking in" dude said. Bet
he's a cool dude, and bet the chicks all dig him too. So, then Ruth, why do you read this?

Joel still Loves what's left of you folks. Keep the faith. hee hee

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