Letter to Yenta 10/28/99

Thanks for mentioning the sign, I couldn't imagine it not being brought up before election day.  It seems that so many Republicans are afraid to address the real truthful and underlying issues facing our town. The same 5 or 6 Republicans spend a lot of time building up a smoke screen to hide behind. Excuse me, but when does illness equal taking down an illegal sign. One sign, let me repeat, one sign, taken down from a utility poll, where it was illegally hanging! (Refer to the public record - letter from Peco Energy, dated April 30th 1999 - Pennsylvania Law Crimes Code, Section 2905, prohibiting the attachment of any sign to a pole used by electric utilities, telephone, and cable TV companies, will be subject to a fine and possible jail) Shame on you fellow Republicans and Dream Team for hanging that and other illegal signs all around town! Signs that you fellow Republicans had to remove or face penalties!
Ms. Till, how can you mention my illness and the illegal sign in the same paragraph. This old tale of the illegal sign does not stand up against a total of 5 days in the hospital (with three visits to the emergency room) and 5 weeks out of work. Obviously, your judgment of situations is confused, and you must have never been sick a day in your life, or you wouldn't equate these two incidents together. And don't underestimate the severity of my illness and situation, you nor anyone else is in a position to judge. Just perhaps, if Frank DeLuca was on duty that day, with his experience and 18 years of service, things might have been different.
Why can't we uncover the real issues. No matter what anyone says, the facts are the facts. Chris Bollenbacher cost this town at least $80,000.00 because of his refusal to accept the Borough Solicitors legal opinion regarding the former police chief, and remarkably, Chris is touted as a good Republican. Let's uncover the fact that none of the other 3 Republican candidates have been involved in the community of  New Hope, hardly if ever, volunteering in any grass roots community activities. I was on my hands and knees, with my clothes soaked and dirty, joined with the Democratic candidates, cleaning the canal. Where were the Republican  candidates, at another fund-raiser?
Sandi Trappen replaced Chris Bollenbacher, who everyone knows had quit his Borough Council seat. Her job has been a tough one, inheriting past administration's dilemmas. To date, her focus, commitment, and clear understanding of New Hope's problems makes her a top choice for 2000.
What are you Republicans afraid of, or is it the fear of those behind you, who are hoping to retain some of their past and fleeting power. Let's move on, the future of New Hope is in our hands as voters.

Respectfully,
R. Iain Haight-Ashton
New Hope

Letter to Yenta 10/26/99

What fills the newspapers and the Yenta are letters signed by the usual names - with a few additions from time to time, including this one. We usually know from the name of the writer what the content will be. In essence they are preaching to the choir. The writers endlessly re-argue the same points (police study, shoving incident, et. al.).

A suggestion: I think a positive (I'm almost afraid to use the word) step would be for Suburban Cable to televise the borough council meetings on the public access channel. This will enlarge the audience by those unable, or unwilling, to attend in person. An informed public is a good thing.

Another suggestion for Yenta; don't print letters from "resident"or "concerned", etc. If "curious no more" is truly a Riverwood's resident it's a shame that he or she did not feel free to take advantage of a neighbor's invitation to ask questions of the candidates. No one gives a coffee unless they are supportive of the candidates. It's grass roots politics at its best. It's an opportunity to question or disagree. It's a two-way exchange, or should be. You might have learned something or perhaps the candidate would have benefited from your viewpoint.

Since some attention has been paid to our open house hot dog gathering I must say I was pleased to open my home to welcome people such as Hep Duncan, a relatively new neighbor, Mayor Larry Keller, a long time neighbor, and Chris Bollenbacher and his bride Ellen. It was nice to see people from all sides in a non-political setting so I am sorry that even the lowly "wiener" has come to be maligned. Such sharing may not solve all our problems but it certainly doesn't add to them.

There seems to be a desire to prove the New Hope Residents for Positive Change is a Democratic Party organization in disguise. Is it really so hard to believe that there are members of the group that have lifetime affiliations with the Republican Party? I challenge anyone to dispute the Republican credentials of Earl and June Bierman or those of Joanne and David Baer.

Sometimes I lose heart because of the continuing polarization. I pray for honest discourse and the burying of ancient and new antagonisms. I trust I do not pray alone.

Ruth Hirschfield

Letter to Yenta 10/26/99

This letter is in response to R. Velasco's letters and Mr.
Gerenser's statement in the press, as well as the other supporters of Cpl. Frank DeLuca who have made false accusations regarding the incident which resulted in his suspension. Just as Mr. Haight-Ashton and his friends were upset about accusations his medical situation may have been "contrived" or "embellished"
(perhaps speculation about him was based on his past behavior with the illegal removal of the opposition's political campaign signs), I am just as annoyed about distortions and lies concerning the incident with Bill Brooks. I hope all the same self-righteous, indignant people (who felt it was unfair of some to judge Mr. Haight-Ashton without having all the facts) are just as outraged that unsubstantiated, inflammatory statements are being repeated to them as fact in this case. Supposedly responsible individuals have acted irresponsibly by repeating lies and distortions as fact without investigation.

No one has ever approached me for details of the incident, nor has Mr. Brooks ever offered an apology. I was a witness (actually an innocent victim) of Mr. Brooks' attack on Robert Seneca. We were leaving the bldg. after a Council Meeting talking amongst ourselves. Bill Brooks was walking ahead of us (no one was speaking to or at him, much less provoking him), and he exited the building. While we were still in the hall talking, for some unknown reason, Mr. Brooks came back through the glass doors like a raging bull. He appeared totally out of control emotionally, swearing and yelling about Chief Brobson and the dismissal hearings. He then shoved Robert Seneca several times. I was standing behind Robert and was pushed against the wall. Finally, Cpl DeLuca arrived and was only able to restrain Mr. Brooks by blocking the door with his arm and leg to keep him away from us.
We asked several times for the Cpl. to take a statement, but he refused. At no time did we ask for an arrest as someone stated to the press. The only request we made to Cpl. DeLuca was that he take our statements and file an Incident Report.

Once he had Mr. Brooks under control, we left the building tospeak with Mayor Keller about the incident and request his intercession with Cpl. DeLuca. The Mayor spoke with Cpl. DeLuca twice that evening, while we waited, and asked him to take our statements, but Cpl. DeLuca refused (which was the cause for his one-day suspension). The Mayor then told us he would handle the situation as an internal matter. I assured both the
Mayor and Mr. Seneca that I would be available if anyone needed my statement, whether at an internal hearing or in Court. Personally, I have a serious concern about Bill Brooks or anyone else who has such little self-control over his temper and behavior being allowed to remain in the position of Constable. No one was hurt that night, but Mr. Brooks created a situation which had potential for serious injury to someone.

We had confidence that Mayor Keller, an honorable man, would handle the situation according to department policy and discreetly (which he did). We also felt it would be inappropriate for those of us involved to make any statements while this was being handled, so we did not. But now I find it outrageous that individuals who were not there (I also was never contacted by anyone including the Police Committee for a statement) are saying this was a contrived situation. We were the innocent victims, not Cpl.
DeLuca or Bill Brooks. They are only the victims of the consequences of their own actions. I also feel the police should perform their duties in an unbiased manner for all (citizens, taxpayers, visitors, etc.). Unfortunately, Cpl. DeLuca did not extend the same courtesy to taxpayers that night as he later
did to a woman who took a risk kayaking on the river during Hurricane Floyd and ended up clinging to a tree. Her deliberate act could have jeopardized the lives of rescue volunteers, at the same time making them and their equipment unavailable for rescues not caused by someone's lack of common sense and good judgement. But, she got a follow-up call the next day - I never did. I hope Cpl. DeLuca didn't yell up the tree to find out her political affiliation before he decided to stay and chat with her while waiting for the true rescue volunteers to arrive. He didn't follow-up with me after the attack, but he felt the need to call this woman, who was responsible for her own situation. It appears whatever conversation transpired during his "follow-up call" led her to write a biased letter of support for his small contribution to her emotional comfort during her self-imposed ordeal. We received no support from him.

Jane Till

Letter to Yenta 10/25/99

To concerned voters who have heard remarks that the New Hope Residents for Positive Change (a non-partisan political action group) is really a "front" for the Democratic Party: the dictionary definition of "non-partisan" is, "not connected with any single political party." I do not speak for the NHR - I'm only a member - but I can tell you that the group consists of and is funded by donations from REPUBLICANS, INDEPENDENTS and DEMOCRATS alike. They support candidates who want to move New Hope forward, and address issues based on facts - not rumor and negative "sound bytes." Their literature speaks for itself.

I believe that New Hope will once again become a cohesive, functioning community again with the election of the Democrat candidates supported by the NHR.

Thank you-
Jan Witte

Letter to Yenta 10/24/99

Hmm.... I see a lot of nasty letters on here. I see people attacking Sandra Trappen. Why? She has done nothing to warrent this kind of hatred. She has shown a lot of courage on Council. We need someone like her on Council. It is time for this town to go forward. WE NEED TO GO FORWARD. I am tired of the fighting. I am tired of being accosted on the street every time I go by a certain few people who don,t agree with me. I am tired of all the people who are trying to destroy this town for their own polictical ends. I am tired of people attacking Frank Deluca, a fine and decent man.. I am tired of hearing about Jay Snyder,s hateful letter. I am tired of it all. The time has come to tell Jay and his follower's that this town will go forward. With you, or without you. I hope that everybody will go out and vote this November. Its time take New hope back for us, the citizen,s of New Hope!!......

Elaine J McNeely

Letter to Yenta 10/23/99

Dear New Hope Friends:

$ 179,115.59 billed to New Hope by Attorney Joe Rudolf for legal
Services up to June 30, 1999, because of firing the prior Chief
Of Police. The study of the police department completed by Stone
And Kelly, investigators picked by Borough Council, and paid
$ 5,000.00, stated: " It is important to note that No reports of
Illegal or totally improper conduct could be substantiated by our
Investigation. In fact, most of those stories we heard were
either totally unsubstantiated or were disproved." (Pages 12 & 13
Of the Stone-Kelly report.)

Stone and Kelly did NOT recommend firing the Chief.

Combining Rudolf's bill with other legal fees, including $14,898.00 Billed by Don Williams, Esq., Borough Attorney, and other related expense, more than $ 200,000.00 of taxpayer money has been spent to date. The bills are still climbing.

Outrageous !!!!

Your Friend and Neighbor
Ellen Balderston
North Main Street
New Hope

Letter to Yenta 10/23/99

Olga Pitcairn recently asked the question: " Has anybody any idea why New Hope Borough by passed the State of Pennsylvania not asking for a free police department investigation (Sept 30th edition of the Gazette)?". In the October 14th edition of the Gazette, Councilwoman Sandra Trappen tries to explain her reasons for voting to have Stone and Kelly complete the study at a cost to the taxpayer of $5,000.00. (Note: Council voted to hire Stone and Kelly to conduct the police audit in July 1998 - Ms. Trappen was not appointed to Borough Council until November, 1998)

Ms. Trappen claims the representative from the Pennsylvania Department of  Community and Economic Development (DCED), Mr. Ron Stern, said: "they didn't want any input from the citizens of New Hope". She further states: "that didn't sound right". CORRECT, that isn't right! I was present at the meeting when Mr. Stern made his presentation to Borough Council at Mayor Keller's request. He never said they "didn't want any input from the citizens of New Hope". He did say that the Police Chief(s) assigned to conduct the study would speak to representative of the citizenry, if Borough Council desired. If you would care to confirm this, Mr. Stern can be contacted at the Harrisburg office of the DCED, telephone #1-888-223-6837.

Ms. Trappen also says they brought in Stone & Kelly to: "evaluate the department and talk to ALL of the townspeople who expressed a desire to have input". As it turned out, not everyone was interviewed. Stone and Kelly stated: "It is unfortunate that we were unable to interview everyone who indicated an interest in speaking with us or who was referred to us by others...". (Page 14 of the report)

Borough Council stated that Stone and Kelly had been highly recommended, but they never said by whom. Could it have been Mr. Joe Rudolf's recommendation? After all, Rudolf worked for Abington Township, where Kelly is Chief of Police, and Norristown Borough, where Stone was Chief until he was fired a short time before borough council commissioned him to complete the study. Coincidence? I wonder. Could other towns where they had  completed similar studies have recommended them? The DCED produced a number of studies they had completed in other municipalities in Pennsylvania, so council could review their work product. Stone & Kelly did not supply any sample of their work product. As of June 30, Rudolf has submitted bills to the Borough totaling more than $179,000.00, for his legal advice. Stone & Kelly have their $5,000.

If the reason for not retaining the services of DCED, an impartial state agency, to study the operation of the police department, was council's desire to have "ALL" citizens input, why didn't they take advantage of the free study offered by the State. If they felt more citizens should be interviewed, then hire someone else to do the additional interviews? This could have saved the Borough thousands of dollars.

Don't be fooled. The hiring of Stone & Kelly speaks for itself. Ms. Trappen described the firing of Chief Brobson as "Unfortunate". She was a member of council less than two months when she voted to fire a police chief with more than 37 years of experience in police work, who served 26 years with the Pennsylvania State Police and retired at the rank of Lieutenant, has a Master's degree in Criminal Justice Administration, has taught undergraduate courses at two colleges in Pennsylvania, has taught police training courses at three police academies certified by the Pennsylvania State Municipal Police Training Commission, and has a record of performance,   dedication and devotion to duty second to none. Chief Brobson's response to the Stone-Kelly report was delivered on December 10, 1998. Apparently Ms. Trappen attached no significance to his response. Who was she listening to, and why? Why would she take the recommendation of a Chief who had been fired for mismanagement, over Chief Brobson's? Could it have been political? I think so. The only outside unbiased person to review the reasons why council terminated Chief Brobson was Referee (Judge) Phyllis M. Wolfson, referee for the Pa. Unemployment Compensation  Board. In her decision to grant Chief Brobson unemployment compensation, Ms. Wolfson stated: "The Referee has carefully considered all of the competent testimony and evidence of record and has concluded that the employer has not met the burden of demonstrating this", when referring to the Borough's claim that Brobson had intentionally approved materially incorrect  time sheets for part time officers. She also concluded: "There is no competent testimony to support the allegation" that Chief Brobson made unauthorized alterations to Civil Service test scores. She further determined that the Chief "did not misinform the Board or the Police Committee as to their ability to terminate the privilege of take-home vehicles", noting that months after the Chief's "discharge the board has continued to allow officers to take home their vehicles". A copy of Ms. Wolfson's decision was filed at the New Hope Public Library for public viewing.

Paul H. Balderston
North Main Street
New Hope, PA

Letter to Yenta 10/23/99

Dear Friends,

After reading Rey Velasco's letter published in the Gazette and Beacon on October 7, 1999, I decided I must respond. I can understand Rey's need to defend his significant other, but his distortion of the truth is unacceptable.

Rey's description of the events, which ultimately resulted in Corporal Frank DeLuca's suspension, is inaccurate. I know because I was there - Rey wasn't! This incident occurred at the High School after a Council Meeting. Bill Brooke, a Borough meter maid, shoved Robert Seneca. Several Borough residents witnessed the assault. Immediately after it occurred, I reported it to Corporal DeLuca. HE REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE. I then approached Mayor Keller, who was also still at the High School. I informed him of the assault and DeLuca's refusal to investigate. The Mayor then spoke to DeLuca, but Frank still refused to investigate. We remained at the High School for some time, hoping that Frank would change his mind. He did not. NO ATTEMPT WAS MADE THAT EVENING TO INTERVIEW ROBERT SENECA, THE WITNESSES, OR ME by DeLuca or any other member of the police department.

The next day, I received a telephone call from Corporal DeLuca requesting that I prepare a written statement regarding the assault. Still no interview. By the time I was contacted by DeLuca, we had already begun the process of filing charges against Mr. Brooke at District Court.

I have known Frank DeLuca for several years, and I considered him a friend. I take no joy in his suspension, but he could have avoided it if he had taken the complaint and done his job. In this instance, he did not.

Your neighbor,
Stephen Stahl
North Main Street,
New Hope, Pa.

Letter to Yenta 10/23/99

Brobson issue VS Deluca issue

New Hope Council claims that Chief Brobson was hired as an at will employee and therefore is not entitled to a hearing before the New Hope Civil Service Commission.

From the minutes of the Borough Council meeting of February 1, 1999.

Councilman Gerenser put forth a motion to appoint Frank Deluca as Acting Chief of Police of New Hope as an at will employee. Motion seconded by Sandra Trappen. Solicitor Baldi recommended that the motion put forth above by Councilman Gerenser include these points as well as that Corporal Deluca would not take the position of Acting Chief of Police until such time he signs off on a document prepared by the solicitor’s office outlining these issues so that there is no dispute in the future. Councilman Gerenser agreed to include these points in the motion, seconded by Council member Trappen.

Council has spent $200,000.00, to prevent Chief Brobson from having a hearing before Civil Service.

It is my understanding that the Police Committee and Council member Trappen are supportive of Mr. Deluca having a hearing before Civil Service regarding his suspension.

So, Chief Brobson shouldn’t have a hearing but Mr. Deluca should? How does Mr. Gerenser explain this?

If my information is incorrect, and borough council feels that Mr. Deluca is not entitled, will we be spending another $200,000.00 to have Mr. Rudolf attempt to prevent another civil service hearing?

Does anyone know why the last public meeting of council before the upcomming election was cancelled ? No one at boro hall seems to know!

Chris Bollenbacher

Letter to Yenta 10/23/99

Rey Velasco's description of a "small but obnoxious and vocal
minority" raising "the council meeting to such a vile, vulgar screaming match", as published by the New Hope Gazette (Thursday, Oct-7, 1999) and the Beacon (Thursday, Oct-7, 1999 Edition), indicated to me that he disapproved of that type of behavior at Borough Council Meetings. I DO TOO! But after watching his behavior, and that of Mrs. Ethel Aschenbrenner and Ms. Elaine McNeely, when they verbally attacked the Mayor at the Oct-12th Council Meeting, I can only wonder why Rey decided to join that small group.

Sincerely,
Ken Apgar
New Hope

Letter to Yenta 10/23/99

Interesting reading in the Gazette last week. Sharyn Keiser is correct in her comments about the proposed boat ramp. I am sorry that Sharyn feels that I am trying to mislead people by not giving all the facts. My feeling about the boat ramp is that the entire idea is a bad one and a total waste of money. Grant or no grant New Hope does not need to spend any money on anything until we have our financial house in order. Then I believe that a park should be built in Riverwoods. We also have a plan for a park down town that is big enough for residents to actually use which would include an amphitheater, an ice skating rink, public
restrooms, a small concession stand, access to and parking at a park costing the taxpayers nothing…Zero. I agree with the person who wrote to the Yenta on 10/15/99 who thinks a park on Randolph Street will not necessarily benefit the residents as expected, and will create parking problems. All Sharyn's facts about the comprehensive plan and the open study are correct and not in dispute nor am I trying to mislead anyone. I simply believe the current council and my Democratic opposition are taking the wrong approach to the preservation of our limited open space.

Last week at the public meeting our boro manager gave a glowing report claiming we have a million dollars in the bank. Then Mr. Gerenser said because of the budget crunch, we must compromise on the Chamber of Commerce's request to bag the meters at Christmas. Other communities surrounding us bag meters at Christmas without a giving it a thought. Then Mr. Hirschfield spoke and I derived from his comments he was not as optimistic about the financial status of New Hope as the boro manager is.

Since May of 1998, I have been saying there is a money problem in New Hope. My running mates believe we have a money problem. I think the Democrats believe we have money concerns. Why are we considering spending $100,000.00 on anything regardless of where the money came from before stabilizing our budget?

Mr. Hirschfield believes in stating our position we were inferring the democrats supported a wage tax. Our only position is with the current fiscal situation we want residents to know we believe a wage tax is not an option.

Mr. Hirschfield thinks we should not replace republicans with republicans. I think in New Hope party does not matter. Mr. Gerenser was a republican but ran as a democrat to get elected then he reregistered as a republican again. Mr. Harrison was a democrat and registered as a republican so he could run with people whom he believed qualified. In New Hope it is hard to find two people in the same party who agree with each other. On council I have many times witnessed bipartisan co-operation.

Sandra Trappen is mildly confused. She claims to have voted for the police study. Sandra was not a council member when that vote took place. She believes the men who did the study were professional and qualified. One of the gentlemen was under suspension and awaiting a civil service hearing while he was studying our department. He was subsequently fired on charges more serious than anything even alluded to much less proven regarding Mr. Brobson. The council chose the $5000.00 dollar study over the free one from the state. This state agency is good enough to supply How To manuals on all other aspects of boro
government, good enough to grade the police tests, good enough to give grants, good enough for countless other municipalities to seek police studies, but Sandra believes it was better to spend $5000.00 in order to get the residents opinion?? That's council's job! Besides, what does the average resident know about police work? The study should have been done by the state for free. Council would rather make decisions regarding Chief Brobson's job based on a $5000.00 popularity contest from which there to date has not generated any legitimate charges against Chief Brobson.

Sandra believes there has been significant progress in the police dept recently. Since Mr. Brobson's termination numerous policemen have quit. One was hired and made three arrests before it was learned e was uncertified. Then after getting his proper certification he was told by the DA that he could not be a police officer and work as an attorney at the same time. There were complaints about the number police cars that Mr. Brobson had in the fleet. Now that the dept has lost a couple there is a lot of scrambling going on and Mr. Deluca wants to give a report next week to illustrate the hardship of being short of cars. Police cars
due to the nature of their use sometimes end up out of service. It seems that Mr. Brobson was showing some of his years of experience while managing the cars. Now there is a supposedly an officer taken off the duty schedule for unacceptable behavior with a 19 year old girl while on duty. A history of this behavior was known to council and Sandra Trappen when this officer was hired.

The suspension of Mr. Deluca during the storm would never have happened if Mr. Gerenser had not again taken authority which was not his to take when overturning the Mayor's first suspension. Even though Mr. Williams the solicitor advised that Mr. Gerenser did not have the authority to overturn the suspension, Mr. Gerenser still claims as recently as the last council meeting that he does. This is why the suspension was reissued.

At the last council meeting there was a discussion about hiring new part time police officers. Mr. Gerenser said one of the potential candidates was getting a Pennsylvania driver's license because it was required for the job. Ms. Trappen is not concerned that this gentleman does not live in Pa. and is not moving to Pa. It is illegal to use a driver's license from a state in which you do not live. It is illegal to be a police officer in Pa. if you live in N.J. Mr. Gerenser has previously been very concerned about following residency requirements as it applies to his political opponents, but is ignoring the law in this case, and
we are not hearing any concerns from Ms. Trappen.

Now Ms. Trappen is having election strategy meetings with Mr. Gerenser. If you believe what New Hope needs is more influence by Mr. Gerenser, by all means vote for Sandra Trappen. If you check her voting record you'll find it looks a lot like Mr. Gerenser's. Council is still moving forward with hiring a permanent replacement for Chief Brobson before the appeals. Will we now have two Chiefs if Mr. Brobson is successful in his efforts? What will it cost to get rid of one of them? Council is now entertaining the possibility of a contract for our boro manager to protect her job before the new council arrives. If they do this, what sort of problem will this cause? I'm sure all employees of the boro would like a contract. Is this being considered also? Sandra is involved in these issues. Want to know how she'll vote? With Mr. Gerenser like she always does.

After one year on the job, Sandra still prefaces her comments with " I'm still new at this" and then votes with Mr. Gerenser.

Chris Bollenbacher

Letter to Yenta 10/23/99

Dear neighbors:

I'm a little curious. Last week I received an invitation by a
Riverwoods neighbor to attend a "get-together" at their house to look for alternatives to the current political situation in New Hope. GREAT I thought. This New Hope Residents for Positive Change "seemed" to be just what the doctor ordered. The invitation seemed honest enough since it was asking all of us to become involved in making New Hope a great community. What I discovered later that day was that, as I drove past the house whose residents had sent out this invitation, I noticed a red
Democratic candidate sign on their front lawn. Hmmm!. I looked into this organization a little more and found out that they claimed to be non-partisan. Why then, if they are truly non-partisan, are they endorsing a party and then asking us to participate in an "open" discussion when a decision has already been made. Wouldn't my opinion count in any way if I thought that their choice was a poor one?. Riverwoods is comprised for the most part of educated professionals. Don't they realize that we are intelligent enough to make up our own minds, that we are not easily manipulated by disguised propaganda?. Why is this group endorsing candidates under the motto "Positive Change" when part of its candidates are an integral part of the current situation. Why hasn't Ms. Trappen done anything to "change" the current situation while an active member of Borough Council?. Why did she allow Mr. Gerenser to oppress this council into the "circus", as someone said, it is now?. Better yet, why do we need change with her involved when she is a part of what needs changing?. Why didn't she stand up for the citizens of this town when we needed it the most?. Did she not have the opportunity to do so?. Was she afraid of Mr. Gerenser or was she not well informed or courageous enough to make conscientious decisions?. Now she is suddenly going to be part of a "change". The only way to change this mess is to replace it in its entirety. The Democratic ticket is full of contradictions. One candidate says that we will have a deficit next year and another says that we will be right on target. Which is it?. If these people cannot agree within their ranks, how can they agree with the rest of us?. The handling of the Police Chief situation was a complete shame. The proposal of a park for the residents in an already congested tourist area is ridiculous. Why not build it in an area not frequented or known to weekend tourists?. The NO WAGE Tax promise appears to be a desperate "jump on the bandwagon" tactic. etc. etc. etc.

It appears to me that this "New Hope Residents for Positive Change" is a really a Democratic Club in disguise with "Trick or Treat" on their mind. If they can't be honest about themselves, how can we expect them to be honest with us?. Unfortunately, probably not all the candidates in the Democratic ticket are the same, but the good candidates are being dragged into this fiasco by their "friends" and if they are not speaking out now, they will not do so later.

I have made it a point to get informed in all, or most, of what has happened in this town in the last couple of years before we vote on the Nov. 2nd elections. If I was undecided as to which way to vote, I'm no longer. Reading the Democratic literature and observing their actions taught me everything I needed to know. The Republican candidates don't need to spend any advertising money on this campaign because the Democrats continue to stick their collective foot in their mouth. Mr/Mrs Concerned2 was asking for an outline of what has happened to this town. Well the outline is everywhere you look.

The Republican candidates may or may not be perfect but one thing is for sure, the Democrats have had their chance and now we are all paying for what they've done to this town. IT REALLY IS "TIME FOR CHANGE"!.

Curious no more.
New Hope.

Letter to Yenta 10/23/99

Dear Yenta:
"A Response to an Angry Man"
In response to Jay Snyder's letter to the editor appearing in the Gazette and the Beacon, I would like to ask, "Who made you King?" You break new ground, Sir, with your manipulation of the truth. We are entering a new age, and you are still stuck in the past and the past didn't work! Let us remember you lost an election once and thus couldn't regain your Council seat, maybe that should tell you something! Let me clarify once again, as you well know, there was never anything but praise given to the New Hope and Lambertville Rescue Squad. I am really getting tired of your deliberate inability to read, listen and to report the facts correctly.  Let's move on. Let's turn the table, information runs rampant where you are concerned. I've repeatedly heard from many reliable sources that during your tenure on Council, accountability and financial reports hardly existed. When they did appear, many times they were simply unintelligible scribbles. I've heard say that Councilmen wrote checks without ever knowing why, or if indeed goods were ever delivered. I've heard that on more than one occasion, during your Council years, when someone stood up to voice a serious concern, your reply was often "Sit down and shut up!" Our current Borough Manager has done a stellar job, despite all the obstacles, you and your gang have thrust in her path. Hepburn Duncan argues over one check at a council meeting, and even though offered a meeting with the Borough Manager, he would rather cancel then follow up on his concern. Chris Bollenbacher, has had proven conflicts of interest between his short lived stint on Borough Council, his undying stint on the Civil Service Commission, and his other short stint on the Council Financial Committee. The information about his comings and goings is confusing and legendary. To add more fuel to this fire, is exhausting and Where does one begin?
His actions, his friendships, his about faces, have cost this town dearly. Where is the honesty??
Mr. Snyder, please stop slandering people without correct facts. The pen is a mighty weapon, but in the hands of some people like yourself, you only do damage to yourself. Give it up, your
anger is clouding the truth.  Who gives you the right to cast judgment on who is a good Republican. Your group of 5 or 6 followers are Hell Bent on brain washing New Hope Republicans, on how to think, what to say and how to vote. So much for Democracy. I believe that as an intelligent Republican, I have a right to make my own decisions based on accurate information and facts, and many many of my neighbors agree.
Where will it end???

Respectfully,
R. Iain Haight-Ashton
New Hope

Letter to Yenta 10/23/99

To the Yenta:
I would be more than happy to fully respond to Chris Bollenbacher's letter of 6-30-99, regarding his distortion of the incident at the last Boro Meeting, but first I would like to know why Mr. Bollenbacher has been afraid to answer my letter to the Yenta, on 5-8-99, regarding facts pertaining to his participation in the Civil Service examination fiasco, referred to in that letter.  You had and still have the right to dispute and answer the questions in the contents of that letter. If you feel you can  back them up with the truth not your interpretation of the truth. Come on Chris, the truth what is fact is documented and will eventually be released to the public in its entirety, as well as the truth regarding your distortion of your current letter.
Please don't be cowardly.

William D. Brooke (former New Hope Police Chief)

Letter to Yenta 10/22/99

To the Yenta:

In response to some recent political trash circulating around town: Shame on you, Jay Snyder!

And Congratulations! YOU have just PROVEN that New Hope desperately needs a group to counteract the vile, angry, inflammatory, LIBELOUS remarks you constantly make about our town's Council candidates, residents, and business owners. Your many years here does not give you the right or privilege to rattle off innuendoes and half-truths about the many hard-working, caring people that give New Hope its character and flavor. WE HAVE A WONDERFUL COMMUNITY, and we have MANY great new neighbors in Riverwoods who are eager and excited to become a part of New Hope. Comments such as yours will only discourage them from getting involved. Is that in the town's best interest?

Check your personal videotape of the most recent Borough Council meeting. THERE WAS NOT ONE COMPLAINT UTTERED about the New Hope/Lambertville Rescue Squad. In fact, there were many COMPLIMENTS expressed about the squad and the work they did. We have the best squad in the state!!! There were legitimate complaints about the Mayor's decision to suspend a well-trained, able-bodied police officer on the day of Hurricane Floyd. There were legitimate complaints voiced about the 911 dispatcher, who hung up without letting a caller know whether he was going to dispatch an ambulance during a very frightening medical emergency. Hence, the second call to 911 (NOT to the rescue squad). Mayor Keller even said that we have every right to complain, even though he may not agree with us. So what's YOUR problem?

And…. now you have to attack the New Hope Residents neighborhood "wiener roast"? How bizarre can you get? This summer, the Hirschfields opened their own home for an evening of old-fashioned, get-to-know-your-neighbor fun. MANY of the 100 people in attendance expressed their thanks (and relief) that FINALLY, something positive was being hosted for the benefit of the town. I never thought a lowly hot dog would be a trigger point for negativity. What are you so threatened by?

If you choose to be a bully, Jay, so be it. But at least, get your facts straight. Don't insult the Intelligence, Dedication and Experience of the four Democrat candidates for Borough Council. And especially don't insult the voters who are trying to weigh all of the facts and make an informed decision at the polls.

Janine Witte

Letter to Yenta 10/22/99

Dear "Resident":

Let me address you comments.

First. I did not judge anyone. I simply stated an opinion. Many politicians have other interests outside politics and New Hope is no exception. From the things that I've heard, it is very possible that this is the case with this proposed "park". Who is pulling these strings?.

Second. I did read the letter from Janine Witte, but it seems to me that this park is not going to be so much for THE COMMUNITY but for THE TOURISTS. After all, where are we THE COMMUNITY, going TO PARK?. Are the tourist going to be responsible for maintaining this park and for providing the extra security it will need?. NO.

Third. A builder is a builder is a builder. We did research ours before we bought but apparently some other people's ideas of quality differ from ours. The difference from one builder and the next, depends on how they are governed by the municipality in which they are building.

Fourth. You said that the Borough is putting pressure on PENNDOT. Well, what is PENNDOT's reply?.

Fifth. I will not go to a Council meeting until "the Circus" leaves town and we will volunteer when we figure out where everybody stands. I was trying to get some insights into the political atmosphere of New Hope from a non-partisan resident. You, apparently, are not it.

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