Questioning the integrity of borough council
To the Editor,
It was not reported in The Swarthmorean, but there were shocking scenes about an hour (see included YouTube video) into the July 26 Swarthmore Borough Council meeting, as a discussion of a towing contract descended into chaos, and a recess was called to attempt to restore order.
I don’t presume to speak for any other resident, but I cannot imagine that this is the type of behavior that Swarthmore voters want to see from their elected officials. Questioning the integrity of the council, stating that council members are telling lies, and suggesting that facts are concealed from the public goes way beyond robust debate. It is also not the first time in which allegations of improper behavior have been given an airing in council meetings.
This situation is damaging the borough in many ways. First, the borough council’s resolution to attempt to persuade the elected officials of Delaware County and Chester to stop their apparent support for trash incineration attracted much discussion in the Swarthmorean. Whatever one’s opinion on the topic, why should any other elected body listen to the views of Swarthmore when its own politicians behave as they do?
Second, we face a substantial hole in the borough’s operating budget, and consistently hear discussion of a new wage tax. It is reasonable to ask why a borough which cannot award a towing contract without controversy should be trusted with even more taxpayer cash.
Finally, and most depressing of all, is the effect these repeated allegations have on our police. To hear that our police department was reluctant to involve itself in something as trivial as arranging a towing service because of the allegations made in council should disturb anyone who values our uniformed public servants.
Officials whose actions cause material harm to their community should reflect upon their choice of language, withdraw their remarks, and make the required public apologies. Remaining officials who witness words and actions which are causing harm have a responsibility to formally censure this behavior. Not as a means to settle scores or out of personal animosity but because public confidence in local government requires it. Swarthmore deserves better.
Yours,
Neil J. Young
Swarthmore
