Mister Tredyffrin and Friends

Fellow blogger, Act Local, recently urged readers to use some of that focus and energy we’re expending on the national election to work for change right here in Tredyffrin. Locally, the issues we face not only impact our daily lives but affect the future of this township- like protecting Tredyffrin’s last undeveloped spaces, evaluating redevelopment plans along Lancaster Avenue and their impact on the community, dealing with planned roadway expansions that will encroach on our quality of life, lcoal traffic problems, stormwater issues, school funding etc. All of these affect us where we live.

Just imagine how our community would benefit if more people stepped up and got involved.

For years, one political party has controlled appointments to every board and commission in Tredyffrin. If you weren’t “one of them", you felt marginalized. But times are-a-changin’. Tredyffrin’s diverse mix of well-educated, community-oriented people is a resource many towns would love to attract. As a group, we have a wealth of talent and experience to offer. But as individuals we assume someone else is stepping up.

It turns out that a pretty small group of people are running things around here. Too small. Those who currently serve as supervisors, school board directors, members of the planning commission, zoning board, environmental advisory committee, library board, historical preservation committee,etc., or who are active in a civic or school group, are all investing in our community. And don’t get me wrong - I appreciate the fact that they bring with them dedication and a willingness to work hard on behalf of others. But they also bring their own beliefs, biases and personal agendas. That’s why we need balance and some new blood - to avoid the kind of partisan groupthink that has operated pretty much unchecked in Tredyffrin.

Heres’s a perfect example: this past January, Tredyffrin’s Library Board held a public hearing to respond to a complaint. In their capacity as co-chairs of the Library’s Capital Campaign, Anne Mc Collum, Rod Ross and Paul Olson publicly denounced two Supervisors - the only Democrats on the Board of Supervisors- for not contributing to the library’s Capital Campaign. Mc Collum and Ross wrote a sharply-worded letter to the editors of the local papers, and co-chair and Supervisor candidate Paul Olson placed his own campaign ad containing their letter in the same newspapers - all within days of the November election. The gist of the letter- those who didn’t contribute to Tredyffrin Library’s Capital Campaign were unworthy of public office.

Aside from the questionable ethics of using proprietary knowledge of contributors - including anonymous donors, as the basis for this charge, Olson, McCollum and Ross breached IRS rules that specifically prohibit tax-exempt organizations and those who represent them, from influencing elections. Not to mention, the arrogance of suggesting which charitable organizations are required giving for public officials.

When confronted with these facts, members of the Library Board backed away from their responsibility to repudiate such conduct. Though one Library Board member viewed the actions of the Capital Campaign chairs as protected free speech, others found fault with the chairs’ conduct but would not support taking any punitive action.

My point here? This board lacked the independence and courage to act in the public’s best interest, as is its obligation. Perhaps because each member been appointed by a Republican Board of Supervisors. Or maybe because of a bullying presence at the meeting. TTGOP chair John Alexander and Supervisors Warren Kampf and Bob Lamina were there to speak in defense of McCollum’s, Ross’s and Olson’s actions. All characterized the complaint as partisan whining. Mr. Lamina actually pre-empted the public comments portion of the meeting to warn the Library Board that any policy determination they might make should first be brought up “with the Board {of Supervisors} at whose pleasure you serve.” An amusing little joke, or a veiled threat? You decide. (More on Mr. Lamina’s questionable ethics in a future post….)

So it was no surprise that the Library Board folded under pressure. Their only decision? To form a subcommittee on “information in fundraising” to set policy for future fundraising efforts. Personally, I’m not holding my breath on that one.

…I am struck sometimes by the reality that many of our elected and appointed officals are so tied by partisan loyalties that they simply cannot represent the township’s best interests. Don’t you agree that we need more independent thinkers who have our whole community in mind?

Please add your voice to the public discourse. Write letters to the local newspapers. Attend township meetings (find dates and times at www.tredyffrin.org) and be heard on issues that concern you. Consider serving on a committee, seeking a municipal board appointment, or running for office if you have the stomach for it. At least give it some serious thought in this season of hope, change and a “different kind of politics".