The article's also note that Councilman Davis had four tires slashed in March and that Councilman Herbst had a tire slashed two year's ago.
Before reading either article, it seemed to me, like those in the article, that the slashing was related to the meeting. It also seems to me, however, that the individual who did this was not very aware of what was happening and how government worked, because if the person was, he/she would have selected Council Members who voted to keep the plan alive. Paul Kokolus is visible at meetings, but he is the secretary. He doesn't vote, he doesn't give opinions, he records what happens and oftentimes is able to provide past history given his extensive knowledge of Council. I feel particularly bad that he was singled out.
Mayor Keller on the other hand, refused to say he supported the proposed building being built as an addition to the Chambers. He only said he was interested in the health of the employees. As the Mayor, I believe he should speak up and take a position one way or the other, but he hasn't, and by doing so you can only assume he is in favor of the proposal as it exists.
The point being, whoever did this, probably did so as a result of what is happening, but is not very aware or has another axe to grind and took the opportunity.
To blame this act on all those who have opposed the project is wrong on the part of the accusers.
Other points of interest from these articles:
"I just think that's the lowest class of criminal who doesn't have the guts or fortitude to come to your face to tell you what is going on," Keller said.
- I agree. Now, what about the Committee meeting without public notice (read more)?
Another supporter of the proposal, Councilman J. Michael Davis, had all four tires on his car slashed in March, not long after discussion of the building plans began to escalate.
- To attribute his slashing to the proposal is a stretch because the proposal was not made public until May 25. That is not to say it wasn't related to Council Business, but since no one was allowed to attend his committee's meetings, they couldn't have known what was being planned, and therefore would not have reason to have done anything.
Davis said Thursday. ''I'm very puzzled the dark side has emerged from all this protesting.''
- Has this emerged from the protesting, or from the actions Davis' committee and Council have taken?
2 comments:
Ross, The "slashing" incidents, in my view, is totally unrelated. But Nazareth officials will make hay out of this to villify those who oppose a municipal bldg expansion at Nazareth Hall Park.
First, as you yourself note, Davis' tires were slashed in March, well before the proposed expansion was commin knowledge. The suggestion of a connection is a big stretch.
Second, Mayor Keller experienced a puncture, not a slash, on one tire. This tire was kept in a garage on the night after the meeting. The tire could not have ben flat while the Mayor was driving home from the meeting, or he would have noticed. So it had a slow leak. That could be caused by vandalism, but it's equally likely it could be caused by running over a nail.
Third, Paul Kokolus did experience vandalism, but it occurred in Lower Nazareth Tp, and Kokolus is reputed to have told people that he though the damage was inflicted by saome kids in his neighborhood, with whom he had been having trouble.
Now how do the police and borough officials react? They start talking about the "dark side," improving security at meetings (i.e. police intimidation), putting two and two together, saying the connection is obvious, etc. These officials are quick tyo open their m,ouths to the press and blame people who are just looking out for their kids.
But these same people were mysteriously silent when a girl was raped in Nazareth a few months ago. The police said nothing, and were very upset when the Express Times found. At that time, they were vilifying the press.
And while they do this, they are ignoring the Sunshine Act based on very bad advice. As you yourself established in the last meetings, committees were meeting behind closed doors. And some council members think they'll get nothing done if they meet publicly. They ned a serious attitude adjustment.
Ross, Mike Davis says that the "dark side" emerged fron the protests, but didn't it rather emerge from not opening the committees to the public?
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