For the Guest Opinion by Janet that answers Deon’s earlier one. You know, the one Albano sent to township employees including the police.
Here’s what was sent to the Courier:
I preface this letter by stating that I am and have long been a registered Republican. That does not translate to always voting for a Republican candidate. Obeying party endorsements can put some pretty lousy candidates in office. I make these statements because I take great exception to a letter written by a sour grapes defeated Republican candidate against the two Democrat candidates for supervisor in Northampton Township. It’s audacious that a person with his political record should be condemning anyone.
The letter written by Vincent A. Deon states, “Rothermel and Cunningham in my view have only fought for their supporters, not all Northampton residents.” That statement is incorrect. Frank Rothermel found and exposed the 537 sewer plan which was hidden by previous board members. He fought against the tower companies and stopped cell towers in a landmark ordinance that has helped communities all across America.
Deon writes, “Rothermel and Cunningham have destroyed the neighborly feel of our community.” Realistically, is there a community anywhere where everyone is in agreement? In that same issue of the paper, there are disagreements among residents of Upper Makefield, Lower Makefield and Bensalem. In what utopian community is everyone in agreement or accord about every issue?
Deon also states, “They successfully pushed their way into our community…” Yes, they were elected by a majority of residents who were sick and tired of the “good ole boy” status quo politics that had endured much too long. The tone of his remark suggests a closed society, which was what the board of supervisors remained for many years. What did Deon mean by “our community”? Mr. Rothermel and Mr. Cunningham are residents of Northampton. Are they and their families not considered part of the community? Does Northampton belong exclusively to Deon and those he deems worthy?
Deon’s accusations state they “incited public unrest.” I watched, from beginning to end, the five-hour televised supervisor meeting on Sept. 25, and if anyone was guilty of inciting it was the Republicans who showed up to deliberately fling accusations, exaggerations and downright lies at Democrat board members. It was obvious that this mud-slinging crowd was in concert because the election is approaching. Their desperate aim is to denigrate and malign Mr. Rothermel and Mr. Cunningham.
According to Deon, “They are claiming credit for actions put in place by previous boards.” The truth is they are being blamed for the actions of previous boards, including problems incurred during Deon’s tenure. I thought the word twister referred to tornadoes.
Deon complains, “Frank and Jim did not reduce traffic.” Living in Northampton for 37 years, I can attest to the fact that traffic was a serious problem long before Frank Rothermel and Jim Cunningham were ever elected supervisors. When Mr. Deon was a supervisor the same traffic problems were in existence. He didn’t fix them.
It was disgusting enough to watch the aforementioned meeting and hear the comments by miscreant Republicans against Democrat board members without the concocted rubbish of Mr. Deon’s letter. He wants the candidates to “…defend their record in open debate.” I wonder how he could defend his record in open debate. He claims, “Political trickery is not what Northampton is all about.” Well, I don’t know about that. He still lives here.
All of the above is why it is critical to know the candidates, the issues and recognize the deceptions that are perpetrated without any shame. Just showing up and pushing buttons you are told to push is not doing your duty. A zombie could do that much.
Janet O’Neill, Northampton, is a writer and advocate of human rights.
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