Should Citizens' Views Count?

Some may have noticed that I was not in attendance at the Council Meeting on Tuesday August 8,2017.  It was my Anniversary and to me family takes precedence over political activities unless there is some state of emergency.

At September's meeting I moved that Pam Simpson fill the vacancy created by Karl Boyd's resignation.  Before I proceed with my views on the outcome it is important for all Citizens of Delmont to know that the Borough Code only states time frames that vacancies are filled and does not have have any procedure that must be followed.  Council is free to choose whatever method they wish in filling the vacancy as long as it is accomplished by the time frames established.  The second point I need to make is when I nominated Pam to fill the post I was basing it on results that were printed in the Newspaper.  After Council decided to to wait thirty days I looked up the election results on the Official Westmoreland County website.  I found there that Mike Marx actually had more votes when the write ins for both parties were added together.  So, technically my motion should have been for Mike to fill the vacancy.  I apologize for this error.

This vacancy offered a unique opportunity for Council to use the views of the Citizens to fill the position.  I often have referred to the Citizens' of Delmont's votes to represent " the will of the people".  It is my opinion that when a vacancy occurs before terms expire that Council ought to try and fill the position with the candidate that would best represent the people.  When I applied for vacancies prior to winning the election I included with my materials a petition, not required or expected, when filling a position.  I thought this would let the Council of the time that I had enough people that thought I could adequately represent their interests.  This made absolutely no difference to that Council of which two will remain after this election with one being up for re-election this November.  It was my opinion that that Council did not take into consideration the will of the people.

During my push to have Pam fill the vacancy I was told, "The will of the people has nothing to do with filling vacancies."  It is my opinion that the will of the people is the heart of Democracy and especially in a Commonwealth where power is derived from the people that their views must count.  In every decision I make the will of the people is fundamental in my decision masking process.  Please keep in mind that their are always conflicting views and I strive to do what is best for the community.  I realize that not all citizens will feel that I acted in accordance with their will, but I do consider all possibilities.

In my opinion, Council totally disregarded the will of the people by appointing Stan by the results at the Primary Polls.  I have nothing against Stan and told him that.  If you agree with my position, you do have the power to ensure that the Will of the people is taken into account by Council in the future on Election day.

An Apology to Delmont Salem Rotary

Delmont-Salem Rotary Club

 Delmont Salem Rotary does many great things for our Borough.  When I attended the Rotary meeting following their annual Steak-Fry, I was appalled to hear the condition of the kitchen at New House Park.  Evidently there was ice left that melted and produced mold and the kitchen sink was backed up.

I realized it was not the money as much as the stress of a small group of volunteers trying to pull off a successful event.  Delmont has two public works employees who do an amazing amount of work all around the Borough.  One of the employees was off the day before the event.  I know that just prior to the event they were very busy with some sewage repairs.  

I am not trying to make excuses for the conditions of the Park.  Perhaps this is a wake up call that the Borough ought to hire another Public Works worker at least in the summer to adequately care for Shield's Farm, New House Park, The Wigfield parklet, Borough Building property, Sewage Issues and other duties.

I am deeply sorry for all the inconveniences you suffered, because we did not have the Kitchen ready for your event.  I hope you will continue to hold Delmont Community events within our Borough.  I realize that there are other venues that could accommodate this event, and appreciate you choosing to keep it here.    

Why Blogs have not being made

It has been a very long time since I posted an entry.  There are many reasons: 1)  I was working diligently on the promise I made after being elected to office.  The above picture is the completion of that promise were I invested approximately $3,000 of my own money to earn the Certified Borough Official designation.  The photograph is of PSAB President Chuck Mummert presenting me the award of completion on June 9th at the PSAB annual conference.  Unfortunately, I had to leave the conference early because of pregnancy complications: which leads 2) Caring for Children and Pregnant wife occupied a lot of time. 3) There were no overly pressing issues that demanded Blog space based on other priorities.

Well, all that has changed and I am going to restart blogging efforts to keep you all informed.