Why Comment?

The purpose of this site was rather simple and straightforward - give people a place where they can find out what is happening in the community or to tell people what is happening in the community - so we can all benefit.

Clearly there are less people participating in civic organizations today than there were many years ago and it is increasingly difficult to find people with the time and willingness to serve in public positions be they elected or appointed. Our time is more consumed with work, commuting, kids, family, you name it. That is not to say people aren't interested, people do want to attend meetings, they simply can't find the time or do so all the time.

The internet gives us an opportunity to keep one another informed without having to attend everything.

Like every community we face challenges in many areas and we don't agree on everything. Unlike every community, we have a historic central borough with a rich history in addition to a growing suburban area with many new residents.

For some, change is always bad, while others see opportunity. Regardless of which approach you take, tough choices need to be made. Not everyone will be happy about every decision.

In my opinion making these choices should be done based on information that takes all aspects into account. This includes fiscal as well as emotional.

The making of these choices should also be well known and understood. The more informed the people of a community, the better able they are able to meet challenges and take advantage of opportunities.

All of which brings me back to this site, the posts, and comments. People have complained (apparently including the Mayor during his State of the Borough address Monday) about allowing anonymous comments, and most sites with corporate backing don't allow them at all. I think it is important, because I know some people who make very good points, have good insight, and knowledge, wouldn't post if they had to create an account or name themself. Does that make them bad? Not at all. Most people would rather not speak up for a variety of reasons, but an anonymous post makes it easier for them.

Anonymous posts also allow individuals to more easily make comments that are inappropriate, incorrect, or simply not wanted. Mostly these come in the way of attacks on individuals instead of arguments of those individual's ideas or plans. Some of these, though very few, include the use of language that is not appropriate. And a few of these are made by individuals who either like to intentionally upset people (pray for these folks) or attempt to get a pat on the back for a good one-liner.

I understand that many forums and chat rooms are filled with this latter type of post and that sarcasm and cursing are commonplace along with negative attacks in many places, but it is not welcome here.

This may make the site too plain and boring for some and that is alright. For the purpose is to help, not hurt, one another.

The discussion that ensues ought to be constructive. I respect passion for certain topics and issues, but try to be open to the points others make. If you see something that is wrong or doesn't seem right, by all means bring it to the attention of others, but do it in the right way.

There are a lot of people who are involved in the community, but many more could be. My hope is that by reading the posts and comments on this site people will be more aware of what is happening and when issues arise that are of particular concern to them they will be better able to participate.

So to everyone who has been reading and commenting, thank you, and please continue to do so and help keep this a positive and constructive place for the community to gather online.