Free Press –
Scott McElree
Rotary Speech, Quakertown Alive, BCCC Open Space, Clymer Morning After
Dear Friends,
Good
morning. A few weeks ago, I attended a Quakertown Rotary meeting and heard
Scott McElree give an impressive talk about his dual roles. I’ll give a report
about the Quakertown Borough Manager and Police Chief in a moment. He’s a very
busy person.
But first, here’s an item or three.
First, Quakertown Alive is recognizing property owners who maintain
their homes and businesses in an outstanding fashion. Everyone in the town is
invited to attend an awards reception on Thursday, October 18 from
Second, Deanna Mindler sent a note to
the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce in response to my critical observation.
Deanna is the Chamber’s Executive Director. Last week, I wrote that I couldn’t
understand why the chamber chose to sit on its hands instead of supporting the
November 6 referendum on open space.
In sharp
contrast, the Pennridge Chamber of Commerce and the Lower Bucks Chamber of
Commerce support a “Vote Yes” stance. I hear that Central Bucks will also.
I serve on
the “Vote Yes” Committee for the $87 million bond issue, which you’ll see on
the ballot. The Bucks County Democratic and Republican parties, plus all the
county commissioner candidates are in favor of efforts to slow down
macadamizing
But in
Deanna’s letter to chamber members, she wrote, “The Upper Bucks Chamber of
Commerce is a bipartisan organization, and does not weigh in on political
issues. The Upper Bucks Chamber does support Open Space as well as smart and
planned growth and development.”
Well, if
that were true, why wouldn’t it be in favor of the open space referendum? Who
knows, I’ll chalk it up to one of life’s unsolved mysteries.
Third, what was Paul Clymer thinking?
According to the Associated Press (Oct. 4), “A bill to ensure that rape victims
have access to emergency contraception when they are treated in Pennsylvania
hospitals stalled in the state House after a heated debate.” Our State
Representative was one of the 109 who voted to push back consideration of the
bill until later in October. Eighty-six supported the legislation.
While it’s
true that Paul’s an opponent of abortion, what does that have to do with rape
victims? Paul’s a bachelor so he has no wife and no daughters. If he did, he
might think differently.
And now to something more pleasant.
“We’re the
hole in the donut,” Scott McElree laughed as he told the Quakertown Rotarians
about the teasing he took from his police force a few years ago. When Scott
became Chief a few years ago, he accurately described Quakertown, which is
surrounded by
It’s true. Quakertown is the hub of
the six municipalities, which comprise the
McElree came to Quakertown as its
police chief. The Borough Council added to his duties when it named him Borough
Manager. “How long can you do both jobs,” I asked? “When will Quakertown wear
you out?”
“I’ll plow snow too if it’s
needed,” McElree cheerfully responded.
He spent the first part of his
Rotary talk with an update about the police department. There are 20 in the
department, 17 policemen and three civilians. Every policeman has a college
degree…four of them have masters degrees.
A Quakertown policeman’s salary
starts at $70,000 per year, which helps to attract a very motivated young
person. Still, it’s a hazardous occupation. Domestic abuse cases are the most
dangerous.
Because McElree has two jobs, he
plans to advance one of the police sergeants to lieutenant, which will spread
the workload. But he doesn’t expect to enlarge the number of borough employees.
“Smaller is better,” he says, “Less is more.”
The department had 14,500 police
calls last year. “There’s been a decrease in Part 1 cases (murder, rape,
robbery, arson, and aggravated assault),” McElree continued. “In 2005, there
were close to 600 [cases]. Last year there were 385. And, car accidents and
injuries are down,” he said. “People are still bumping into each other, but at
slower speeds.”
McElree spoke about new tools for
the department. In April 2006, Tasers were added. The devise immobilizes
suspects but does not injure them. “In 2005, before the department received
Tasers, 18 of our officers landed in the emergency ward at the hospital,” he
observed. “Since the advent of Tasers, no one has gone to the ER.” There’ve
been 36 Taser uses since April of ’06.
Adding a Harley Davidson motorcycle
has been a big success, the Chief said. “It’s a great public relation’s tool
because younger people will talk with our officers,” he continued. “And it
patrols traffic better. Our officers can get to an accident faster and provide
aid to the injured faster.”
Next week,
I’ll continue my report about McElree with his observations about his role as
Borough Manager. And you’ll be interested to hear his ideas about starting a
canine corps to slow down Quakertown’s drug scene.
What continues to impress me is
McElree’s energy and enthusiasm. “I’m the cheerleader for Quakertown,” McElree
said, “especially the police department.
Sincerely,
Charles
Meredith