…….Last week’s column unleashed pretty vitriolic comments about my thinking on Freedom of the Press as it related to Jimmy Kimmel’s removal from late night television. I expected negative comments, but I expected those comments to be aimed at my words and the content of the column rather than at me personally. The writers accused me of being biased. Of course I’m biased. That’s why you’ll find my those comments representative of my political beliefs in my column or in an editorial rather than a general news article. I know that those articles need to be straight down the middle and not attempt to sway anyone.
……….I was called a Fascist Democrat and am still trying to figure that one out. My favorite was when I was called a powerful Democrat. I delighted in that because I haven’t been called powerful since I was in the Legislature and Democratic Executive Committee Chair. But, perhaps the power is in the platform to express my views. I fear for the direction we are going and will fight to ensure that everyone, not only me, but those expressing opposite views have the opportunity to speak out. Letters to the editors and OP EDs are always printed in the paper. Our only prohibition is that the writer does not sink to hate mail.
……….It was a breath of fresh air this morning, when we received a comment from Tracy Gee-Lederman. Many of you will remember Tracy when she went to Oak Glen. I believe she is now in New Jersey. Tracy wrote, “If holding an opinion you dislike makes her (Tamara) hateful, then maybe the mirror you keep mentioning is where you should start. You don’t get to cry “hate” just because someone calls out your side. Blaming her for tragedies is confused and unhinged. That’s not strength that’s fragility. It’s clear you don’t understand the difference between free speech and harassment/intimidation/bullying, If you’re blocked, HIB is the reason – NOT free speech. Tracy Gee-Lederman.
……I appreciate the comments and they reinforce my commitment to bringing you my views and the whole story on issues, no matter whose toes they may be stepping on.
……….Kudos to the Andrea Everly and the New Cumberland Park Board who took the initiative to decorate the Huff & Bloom building windows for fall. Together with the Graham building windows decorated by Leslie Fields and Diane Wells, New Cumberland’s main street looks great. While I pray for the day when both buildings are home to businesses, I give thanks to the volunteers who donate their time and talent to keep New Cumberland looking good.
………The Hancock County Commission and the Board of Education took action on the PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) fee agreement with Current Hydro. LLC to be initiated instead of property taxes at the Thursday meeting. While Commission Attorney Mike Lucas commented after the vote on the issue, that the City of New Cumberland has work to do, I’ve yet to hear a response to my question as to why we’re hearing nothing on New Cumberland negotiating a PILOT Agreement from Mayor Will White and City Solicitor Kevin Pearl. Often cities negotiating these agreements turn to law firms with hydro experience, but I remember that as City Attorney Carl N. Frankovitch was involved in the hydro bill in 1994 so Pearl’s firm has the resource of that knowledge. Council meets the first of the month, so let’s hope that both White and Pearl have an update for Council, the media and the people of New Cumberland.
…….The weather was looking out for New Cumberland’s Riverfest yesterday and tomorrow. Mayor White said it best when he said this wonderful event is made possible with volunteers with “huge hearts”. That’s what make small towns so special and what a great way to usher in Fall.
……..At Shannon’s request, we ushered in Fall with a big pot of vegetable soup. The Steelers won. I have mums and fall decorations in front of the house and today all is right with the world!
