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Letter to Yenta 1/30/99
Dear Yenta,
I just can't believe all the bologna in our small town. So far they have fired Bob Rynk
and the chief. Who's next ?
Bob G. is losing control, or should I say out of control. Has boro council lost their
minds ? The latest attack comes on the officers of the boro. Wait until you hear this one.
No uniformed officers are permitted in any business or residence unless their has been a
call from the radio room. When and where do they make these decsions ? Possibly at their
closed door meetings at the golden pump ? I feel sorry for the staff there. What's next.
Sincerely, Concerned and Angry
Letter to Yenta 1/19/99
Congratulations to The Yenta. You were right on in your column
regarding "Where were we?" If the community is to spring forward the members of
the community particularly the residents must get involved. Yes thats right the residents
have to come out to the council meetings and participate in the hirings and the firings
and the budgets and all the other business the council
conducts. The residents also have to attend to follow up on what council has done. I
stated back in 1983 that the boys in blue needed a detective to follow up on crime
reports, however after reading the report I don't believe the boro supervised the
detective properly which helped result in the current situation. Secret meetings and
political pooling are not going to resolve
anything. What the boro needs is for its citizens to come together and have a meeting of
the minds and make their wishes known to council. Also you folks need a committe of both
residents and merchants to listen and recognize the needs of one another. Sounds fancy and
complicated and it is but once it gets under way it works trust me. I happen to know lots
of people well qualified and trained people who are interested in the Chiefs posistion.
Even I have submitted my resume to a certain member of the business community in the boro.
But I must admit I'm having a great time in my current posistion and I would rather stay
in the "big city". I'm sorry to hear about Walt and Kathy Bair. I
hope people respond to your posting about them. Well New Hope God Bless, Take
Care and Have Fun
Yenta Column 1/11/99
There are now meetings going on all over town. The
"Chief" supporters are rallying behind Carol Reynolds and holding court at
Porches. The ousted politicos of Fred and Jay are starting to reassemble and ready
themselves for the next election. Meanwhile, a third faction, supporting the change is
holding "secret" meetings and preparing to launch their own assault on the
media. Meanwhile, all of the other problems just keep getting pushed to the back burner.
Stay tuned -- this town is just starting to heat up.
If you're a past student or friend of Kathryn Bair, you might want to stop and pay her a
visit. She is alone in the house and could use your support. Walt is now in a nursing home
in Doylestown and not doing well. Kathryn is getting a little disoriented. She is also in
need of a ride over to see Walt. As you know they have never been apart -- so this is real
tough. Also, her ability to prepare meals is not real good and having enough food on hand
is also a problem. If you can help -- do it!! Kathryn served our community for many years
-- it's time for
a payback. We owe her a great deal.
Yenta Column 1/7/99
Well, New Hope has managed to do it once again. In the headlines --
and it sure doesn't smack of a high end PR piece. You got it! They've fired the Chief of
Police. Happy New Year! To really evaluate what has happened the Yenta thinks that maybe
council should go back seven or so years ago. Who brought the chief to town? What was the
original arrangement? Who was the mayor? Who else was on council? How many of those
council members are still on council? Was the mayor capable or interested in overseeing
the police? Was that situation knowingly taken
advantage of? What guidelines were in place for the chief to follow? Who is supposed to
establish those guidelines? Might it be borough council? Who is supposed to enforce those
guidelines? Might it be the mayor? Which council members have personal agendas with regard
to the police? Are people with DUI's and with drinking issues part of the personal agenda
scene?
What's going on here? Is the police report -- offered as a place to
start to mend fences and move forward -- being turned into a tool for a few? It certainly
is not being used in the light that the original call for the study was profered.
Recalling the council meeting where it was presented -- Councilman Gerenser stated very
clearly and firmly that the intent was not to go after any individual, but to look at the
ways the department could improve. Is that how it turned out?
Well, the Yenta feels that council has as much blame in this as the
Chief -- if there is any blame to cast. And by the way, we as a
community are as much, if not more to blame for letting it all happen. Shame on us!! Where
were we when the Chief was hired? Where were we when the police budgets were approved?
Where were we when police cars were purchased? Where were we when the decision to hire a
detective was made? Where were we -- wait a minute!! Where are we? They, council, are
still doing it. Making decisions and where are we? If council is as much to blame as the
Chief -- then maybe they should all resign.
Then we can start over.
Do you know that people from all over the world are reading this
column. Imagine what they're thinking?
By the way, to the "One who knows better than to offer community involvement,"
what is happening is because the people who are qualified and professional, with the
skills to make it better ,(and I know you and know you possess just those skills) have all
chosen not to get involved. So -- we reap what we chose to sow.
Think about it and get involved.
Letter to Yenta 1/6/99
Dear Yenta,
I lived in New Hope for several years before thankfully moving to
Solebury about a year ago. I have watched our community fire school superintendents,
principals, the zoning officer, oust members of the town council, the police chief, and
other community oriented people. I am unclear whether this instability is due to the
ineptitude of the people who serve in these positions or because of the ineptitude of the
people who hire them. In any case, isn't it is time for stability in our communities where
loyalty and longevity once again make people proud to serve and reside here. Think about
it.
Sincerely,
One Who Knows Better Than To Offer Community Involvement
Letter to the Yenta 11/29/98
As a former boro police officer I read with interest "the
report". It is apparent that the boro has undergone some changes within the last
fifteen years. An amazing number for on page 4 the report states "the Police Dept has
been a subject of controversy for the past fifteen years". I've been gone fifteen
years. Mere coincidence or a miscalculation. Miscalculation wins out on this point. The
Police Dept had been a subject of controversy even before I
was hired there (1980). However I must self indulge myself here for when I departed for
"the big city" in 1983 I made suggestions concerning the department to my
superiors. I now see my suggestions listed in this report as "Recommendations".
I guess those folks just didn't listen or maybe they had a hearing problem. Hindsight is
always 20/20 so lets move on (both literally and
fiqurativley). Page 13 alludes to "folk lore" (which if you go back far enough
I'm probably a part of it) I'm glad to see that the community has been told what it has
needed to hear for years. That unsubstantiated accusations, insinuations, and innuendos
must be treated as untrue unless clear and convincing proof is brought forward. This not
only applies to the Police Dept but to everyone in town. For my three years in service to
the boro I was
amazed at how "rumor ruled the roost, while fact went down the drain". Nowhere
else but New Hope. I also agree that the Dept should supply and standardize weapons and
leather gear and make available all training for said weapons. And I agree that the dept
should adopt a problem oriented policing philosophy
backed up with a community policing deployment method. It's time for the twentieth and
twenty first century, and the dept has got to catch up. In closing I do have some very
important questions. Pgs. 69 thru 72 deal with citizens complaints and Internal
Investigations citing a lack of procedure and policies on both issues. My question is
"What happened to the policies and
procedures that were in place concerning these two areas when I was employed there? Yes we
had them back in the early 80's when Chief Donadio was in command. And they were "in
the manual". Were they removed and/or deleted for another set of procedures? Hope
everyone has a nice holiday.
Letter to the Yenta 11/28/98
DearYenta- My name is Donna Hammerstone,wife of one of the finest
police officers in New Hope. Terry has also voluntarily handed over his policevehicle
approx 3 months ago, although you left him out,along with the 150 supporters who showed up
in favor of the police and the super police chief. Chief Brobson worked Thanksgiving so
others could spend time at home. All I can say about my husband is that he is the most
honest,and hardworking police officer that New Hope will probably ever see in this
millenium. IN NO WAY has he Ever taken any money without being legally deserving of it. To
the people who apparently have a vendetta against my husband- I pray for you. Leave my
husband alone and let him do his job. Let him continue to help the elderly in the
blizzards, and the suicidal on the bridge. Let him continue to ward off burglars at the
fine shops(you know who!) and drive home the people that have had one too many. I support
my wonderful husband who is loved by many in New Hope. I believe that the truth will set
New Hope free, however, the real truth has not even begun. Only when we hear from Chief
Brobson-THAT IS
WHEN THE TRUTH SHALL BE REVEALED!!! I hope all of you in New Hope have a prosperous and
healthy holiday and New Year!
Donna Hammerstone
Wife of New Hope Police Officer
Yenta Column 11/26/98
The Yenta has been informed by a citizen who wishes to be kept
anonymous that the Borough Council has plans afoot to remove the Chief from his position.
The Yenta isn't sure that was the intent of the report, but if Council in their wisdom has
a better plan, or a better man (or woman) for the job, we'd like to hear about it. We're
still waiting to hear about the missing computers from the police department. Is that what
has prompted this move? Council -- the Yenta would love to hear from you.
Meanwhile, Charlie is making out with his new dog, "Miss B." For those readers
now spread out across the country, Charlie's old dog (Benji) was hit by a car and killed a
few weeks back. The local Priest took Charlie to the SPCA and after interviewing all of
the canine candidates selected "Miss B," named for Aunt B on the Andy Griffith
show. They visited the vet and had Miss B checked out and given all of the appropriate
shots so you'll not have to worry about stopping to greet the little darling on your daily
walk. You also won't have to worry about your dog greeting
Miss B -- Charlie took care of that too. The Yenta hasn't quite gotten the connection
between this part beagle and something else to Aunt B --but I/we will keep working on it.
The Yenta is still overwhelmed with all of the response coming in from all over North
America. The news media is clammering for interviews, but to date the Yenta has graciously
declined. The idea of being catapulted into my/our fifteen minutes of fame (perhaps
notoriety in this case) is really tintillating the Yenta's imagination. Imagine
--yesterday it was the local paper, then the regional, then the USA and Canada. Tune in to
the daily saga of what's going on in New Hope -- any town USA. It's like a live soap
opera. It would boost tourism. People come here now for the Ghost Tour. Imagine them
coming for the Yenta Tour. Thousands searching high and low through the back streets
(actually there are only about a dozen streets in town anyway) in search of the mystery
identity of the Yenta. In and out of night club after
night club, restaurant after restaurant, store after store (you
retailers will just love it) in the quest for the identity of the
Yenta! Imagine!! Hats, T-shirts -- Official Yenta-approved Yenta
wear-- people all dressed in their fan club wardrobes. You better write in and let me/us
know if you want one before the Yenta places the first order for 3 million hats!! Better
yet -- a book, a just for TV movie --no, better yet, a series. Look out Seinfeld. This
live soap opera is gonna be a hit!
The Yenta is going to hold out for Andy Rooney!!
Til next time. . .
Yenta Column 11/23/98
Well, the borough council has acted in a timely manner to respond
to several of the recommendations in the boro police report. The first was to eliminate
one unmarked car.
The second was to put the detective on a Tuesday through Saturday 12 to 8 PM shift and the
Chief is out from behind the desk and on the beat, Monday through Friday. All sounds good
so far. (Not that any of these items weren't suggested long ago-but it's great that it's
undrway at last!) Zimmerman and Leedom have voluntarily turned their cars -- hat's off to
you gentlemen! There are still many issues to be addressed. But
this is clearly headed in the right direction.
Next big question -- when is the "sheriff's sale" for the rest of the
unneeded cars?
Next bigger question -- what happened to the computers? Do Bert and Bob know?
Larry, Mark is right. We Love You! But you need to question everything before you support
or reject it publicly. Look behind the charts and graphs. Everyone may not like what you
always tell them as a result -- but you can't lose in the long run with the truth.
It always works.
Perhaps there can be some clarification on the Keystone grant. It's
wonderful to think that there will be a boat dock at the end of Randolph Street. But how
will people feel about the smell of sewer gas that wafts obnoxiously in the air as they
launch their kayak? Or is this ramp for bigger boats? Where's the parking going to be? How
do you turn your trailer around? Maybe Grover S. will lease the borough his parking places
and then turn his apartment into a hamburger joint overlooking the Delaware with George
Washington manning his river boat (currently on the wounded list with a damaged pontoon)
right outside at the dock. Hopefully the quasi river steamboat will be back in action next
spring.
Everyone is buzzing that Victoria will have a budget ready for
presentation in late November. That's impressive. Now we'll get to
comment before the 11th hour on December 31st!! Another welcome change.
On the art scene --Vince Ceglia's opening on Sunday at the Porkyard (across the river in
Lambertville) was a delight. Vince is a long time area resident who spends his summer's in
a small village on Lake Como in Italy. This year he was invited along with twenty other
artists, to paint murals on buildings in one of the villages. Quite an honor. We love you
Vincenzo!
More later. . .
Yenta Column 11/16/98
Dear No Hope for New Hope --give it up!! Perhaps its time everyone
laid down their weapons. Why don't you just ask Bob G. directly why he charged $5.00 a
copy or get it back. But I think Kelly made a great point-- now that the problems have
been clearly delineated, both with regard to the police and some
overlapping management and communication issues-- we can work cohesively with council to
resolve issues. As he said -- no one is without blame here. And that includes the public.
We are the ones who did not demand more answers sooner. The manifestation of years of
mismanagement and small town
nepotism is what we are now left to handle. We as a town have a choice as to which
direction we will choose. We can continue to bicker over minute details or we can look at
the evaluation with an even hand and work constructively to fix the problems.
Okay -- now all of you who have been to council meetings railing that something needs to
be done need to be at council meetings to support council in their efforts to rectify
existing problems. See you there!!
Mr. Rotator -- you must be quite pleased at the results of the
police study. After criticizing the cost, the Yenta is sure you will agree that if we
follow the recommendations, we will save the cost of the study and more. Perhaps you would
like to purchase one of our police cars.
Trolleys -- what a great idea. Did you know that years ago (early 1900's) New Hope did
have an active trolley system? Well now you do. And yes, I agree that it could serve as a
tourist attraction and possible partial solution to managing both parking and traffic.
Hats off to you. Maybe you should bring it up at council.
As far as festivals -- well, as much as no one wants to hear it, New Hope needs to take a
lesson from Earl Jamison. Peddler's Village isn't shrinking.
As far as your wish for good luck for Victoria -- hopefully council will not repeat
history and in spite of all of the information or misinformation with regard to the
borough manager, will work with her to provide her the tools she needs to be successful
and not make her a scapegoat as they have done in the past.
Letter to the Yenta 11/15/98
After reading the police study that has been prepared, why would
anyone bicker about the cost? If the boro had to make payments into the future it would be
worth it to have such information brought out into the public's eyes. Unfortunatly, I was
unable to attend the open meeting on Wed. , Nov. 11th. I would like to have heard what
response the chief had concerning his arrangement with officer H.. I'd also like to know
how many overtime hours went into the big $66. bribery case this year. I'm sure it took
many hours to try and prove why a guy who does not even own a tow truck would break the
law to get a towing deal. I know that when questioned about that case I had answered with
several varying explanations that did not add up ( pages 79+80 in the study ) I would be
in jail. One other item, I attended a meeting this summer where Mayor Keller ( whom I
consider a friend ) told the people of this town vehemently that there were 45 open cases
being investigated when in fact there were only 6. That is quite a differance. I expect to
know that when he says something
of that importance that he has checked the facts before telling the town with such vigor.
I can recall just how mad the mayor was that day defending the detectives posistion. I
love ya Larry, but come on. To me the thing that made the most sense in the study is the
fact that yes, I did come to New Hope to live because I love this town. I find it hard to
accept the facts of the study but really believe that we should all try and put the past
behind us and make this community as pleasurable as possible for all who live and come
play here.
Mark Melchiondo
Letter to the Yenta 11/12/98
I attended Wednesday nights meeting at the New Hope-Solebury Middle
School. The turn out was less than I expected. Upon entering, Bob G was
"selling" copies of the Police Study for $5.00. I decided to purchase one to see
for myself what was actually going on. As soon as the session began, I noticed at least 4
people go up and grab copies of the same study that I just purchased for $5.00. I'm sure
Bob saw them picking up copies since he was sitting in the first row next to the table and
am very curious as to why he did not approach them for their $5.00 contribution. Were they
friends of his? Perhaps they were Borough Council supporters and not the NHPD supporters?
I find this very amusing to say the least. Here you have a town complaining they are out
of money, and within a matter of two minutes - he let $20 walk away, just like that. I'm
also curious as to where exactly the money proceeds from this police study is going. The
meeting was pretty much what I expected. But,one more bit of information I heard that was
even funnier than me losing my $5 was that when the 1992 records of the Borough Council
were checked, no where could they find the missing documents and/or council minutes on
when Mr. Brobson was hired as the
full-time Police Chief of New Hope. Finally, the real story came out. It took 4-6
weeks of investigating only to find out the "minutes" in question were sent out
to be bound into a book. Now, that's quite a coincidence. Why not wait until this whole
thing blows more out of proportion than it already is and lose their minutes when it comes
time for them to be turned over as evidence in a court of law? Now, let me get this
straight. The town has no money, they collected money from patrons
purchasing their police study when they felt like it. They have a police department that
has been going under renovations for the past few years and have no money to finish the
job, but yet the council of New Hope has the money to get their minutes bound into books?
I think they all need to take a "common sense" test to see if they can pass it.
They should try and learn to use the towns money more wisely, perhaps on a Borough Council
investigation.
"No Hope for New Hope"
Wanda Foy
Letter to the Yenta 11/09/98
From:"Michael S. Hennessey"
<mhennessey@earthlink.net>
Yenta just a note to let you know how "famous" you are. I am from Chenango Forks
NY, this is near Binghamton,NY. I read about your column in our local paper Press &
Sun Bulletin and thought I'd check out your site,its quite entertaining.. S.H.
Letter to the Yenta 11/09/98
The word is out!
From: "Kevin Johnson" <kevin.johnson@tfn.com>
I just read an article on the train coming to work today about the
popularity of your column. It was in a local Connecticut paper and was picked up off of
The Associated Press.
Not that it means anything to you, but my curiosity was peaked and I had to bookmark it
for further viewing. Keep up the good work!
Letter to the Yenta 11/08/98
California Loves Yenta!
From: DOCROME@aol.com
Imagie Yenta in Hollywood with a Talk Show, a book, a political office, an LA Times
column, a magazine, even "Yenta, The Movie"! You're big! out here!
We've discovered YOU! Its about time. You're a refreshing change of pace! Talk to us.
We'll do lunch!
Sincerely,
Your West Coast Fans
Letter to the Yenta 11/08/98
From: Joyaaron@aol.com
Thanks to an article in today's Philadelphia Inquirer, I found your web-site. Now I do not
know what has been happening in New Hope all these many years. Obviously, from the reading
I did in your columns and letters to you, there are many on-going problems.
I just want to give you my perspective, if I may.
I had been driving up to New Hope for many, many years from Montgomery Co.We liked to
shop, go to the playhouse and on a nice day have some lunch or dinner at one of the
wonderful out-door restaurants lining Main St. However, this preferred past time for two
"post-middle agers" (as I like to call us) and our
friends has all but ceased . The incessent revving up of the many, many motorcycles parked
on Main St. caused us to go elsewhere to spend out time and money.
What a shame. I am sure you have lost many other day-trippers like us because the
atmosphere has changed so.
Nothing wrong with the motorcyclists coming to town, but they sure should be parked in the
parking lots and far away from Main Street.
A town that was once unique, has turned tawdry.
Joyaaron
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