Free
Press –
Dear
Friends,
Good morning. Four surprises in
local politics got me thinking. They involve State Senator Joe Conti and State
Representative Paul Clymer. And at the end of today’s letter, I’ll share my
opinions about what I think Quakertown Boro should do for the Upper Bucks
YMCA…plus my thoughts on current events.
But first, a few weeks ago, I walked
into the James Michener library in Quakertown. I heard voices coming from
behind the front counter but couldn’t see anyone. On closer examination, I
peered over the desk and spied Gail (Ely) Luma. Now it’s true that my
Quakertown classmate is only four feet ten and one half inches tall. Still, she
wasn’t the only staffer whom I couldn’t see.
My bet is that during the
construction of the new library, the contractors built the counters about a
foot taller than they should have. Why the employees don’t get pains in their
backs and shoulders is anyone’s guess. But if the county built a 12-inch high
platform for them to stand upon, that would probably do the trick. So, County
Commissioners…Jim Cawley, Charley Martin, and Sandy Miller, if you read this
piece, maybe you could fix the problem…easily.
And now to business.
Joe Conti surprised me three times
in six months. First, he was one of the few Bucks legislators who voted for the
illegal pay hike. As I understand it, Harry Fawkes, the Bucks Republican Party
Chairman, advised Bucks legislators to oppose it. Conti didn’t listen. Second,
after the public furor, Conti was slow to return the money and too glib when
asked about it.
Last, he opted to retire from the
senate when his term expires this year. Conti told the world that he wouldn’t
seek reelection. That really surprised me because Harry Fawkes explained to
reporters that his informal poll indicated that Conti would win if he chose to
run. Conti has been an effective legislator and until last July, was very
popular. But he’s history.
The fourth surprise was Paul
Clymer’s response to my questions about his availability to take Conti’s place.
“I was shocked to hear about Joe’s
decision,” Clymer began. “He’s an able and talented person. We’re losing an
excellent legislator.”
Will you seek his senate seat? I
asked?
“No, I won’t throw my hat in the
ring,” Clymer answered. “I’m very happy with my committee assignments in the
House [of Representatives]. Clymer is the chairman of the Local Government and
Capital Preservation Committees. Would he accept a draft? After all, Clymer is
the ranking Bucks legislator.
“I’d be honored,” he responded, “but
there are many qualified and talented men and women who could represent the
district better than I. We should help her or him to ride to victory.” Paul’s a
loyal party man. “We [Republicans] have good people all over the district, all
over the county, who will make good legislators and congressmen,” Clymer
concluded.
You have to hand it to him. The
Bucks GOP owes Clymer plenty. Fawkes understands, appreciates, and rewards
loyalty. If Paul wanted to become “Senator Clymer,” he’d get the opportunity, I
have no doubt. But Paul’s a very happy public servant in his present position.
Besides, he’s unbeatable in the 145th legislative district.
Sincerely,
Charles Meredith
PS.
Here are several items: First, I don’t understand why Quakertown Borough
doesn’t give the land, which they own next to the Michener library to the
YMCA…absolutely free. The Y’s presence in downtown Quakertown would improve the
quality of living as well as property values, which the borough is happy to
tax. The Y is one of Upper Bucks’ best assets. Its programs affect all
residents…rich, poor, educated and not, men and women, all ages, black and
white, every religious persuasion. If residents need economic help, the Y will
give free memberships. In the meantime, the Borough sits on millions in the
bank. What’s wrong here?
Item.
Did you see that the federal Environmental
Protection Agency is asking manufactures to stop making Teflon products?
Personally, I don’t have much faith in any governmental agency…fed or state…and
I trust the Congress and 50 state legislatures even less…most especially, the
President.
I’ll never forget what happened to
my college about 20 years ago. The athletic department ordered a freight car
full of Gatorade for the Penn teams. Shortly after, the FDA issued a warning
that Gatorade was dangerous. To be safe, Penn destroyed the entire shipment.
And, you guessed it, several days later, the FDA
changed its mind.
Item.
Has anyone figured out how the
Republican Party of the 21st Century traded places with the
Democratic Party of 50 years ago? Under this Republican administration, America
has seen the evolution of the largest government in history…with the largest
debt…with red ink budgets flowing…and building a larger federal government
which is opposing state rights (in matters of health, education)…in just six
years.
I thought that the Republican Party
stood for smaller government, black ink, decisions made at the local and state
levels…and the good sense to keep the government out of our personal lives.
What am I missing? Unfortunately, George W. failed to explain this in his state
of the union address.
As my friend Phil Miller often says,
“It makes me weak!”