1/3/06 Borough Meeting- Gene's Speech
At the town meeting held by the Gettysburg Action Coalition on Dec. 8, we discussed a few options in dealing with what we perceive to be mismanagement of the Borough of Gettysburg.
Evidently the Council took offense to the information that we presented, and the conclusions that we made.
As a result of that, Mr. Monahan decided to attack me personally at the last Council meeting. While I may understand that emotions may run high in situations like this, I would hope that the Council would act more professionally than to allow a public thrashing of a constituent in a public meeting without so much as allowing a rebuttal. It was uncalled for and not appreciated. Shame on you!
If resorting to a lawsuit is your first defense, then we all have a lot of work to do. If shutting down the lines of communication is a means of defense, then I am very concerned for this town's future.
With that said, it brings me to another matter that was brought up at our GAC meeting. As you are aware, one of our options was to ask for the help of the Attorney General, because we expect that may be necessary. Another was to ask for a recall of the Borough Government. We are still working on those options, and we assume it will be a lengthy process.
In the meantime, we wish to go forward with a more timely, less costly, and potentially more productive option which could actually preclude the other options.
All we ask of the Borough is an honest and open means of communication and a fair means of dealing with inconsistencies and unlawful enforcement of the ordinances. To this date we have been talking AT EACH OTHER, only through the media and at a few public meetings. It's time to sit down and talk!
Today, the GAC is officially inviting the Borough Council to a Public Dialogue to discuss an array of issues with the citizens, property owners and businesses of Gettysburg. We are in the process of finding a neutral location for that meeting. We are looking for a person or group that is willing to facilitate such a meeting. They must be a neutral entity.
Any assistance the Borough can give us in finding the place and person would be appreciated.
We need a “facilitator” who would basically run the meeting and act as an intermediary between the two sides. Their role is to make notations throughout the meeting that will help to show the positions of the two sides. They will also have the responsibility of maintaining a fair and balanced meeting so that neither side controls the meeting. They will need to provide a synopsis of the meeting, and follow up with any outstanding issues that were addressed, but not answered. A follow-up meeting could be planned to discuss those unanswered questions, or at least a written response could be expected.
In a meeting like this, in a controlled environment, a lot of good can be accomplished. We don't intend to have a screaming match, and we would expect likewise. This needs to be a professional dialogue.
We have looked at, and continue to look at college faculty or staff members, television news persons or professionals who may be willing and able to perform those functions.
We feel this measure has become necessary because of the many problems that have cropped up in the recent past, and the refusal of the Borough to deal with them in a timely and responsible manner.
A meeting as described would be of benefit to all. The Borough should not be afraid to speak directly to its constituency, and the people should not fear their elected officials.
There is an underlying fear of this Borough by its citizens and businesses. I intend to uncover the reasons for this dread of dealing with the Borough. Fear is no way to contain a town. What are the Borough officials afraid of when all we are doing is questioning the laws? Laws are made for men, by men. Nothing we ask for will destroy the fabric of this town, yet you fear the questions and attack the people who dare to question you.
Five minutes per citizen, one time a month, is not a means of communication. At this pace nothing can be done and nothing is progressing. We have brought many issues before you: whether it is the Constitutionality of your sign codes, or the selective enforcement of the Borough Ordinances, or the abuse of power by Walt Powell and asking for his resignation.
You as a Council still continue to do business as usual, even though you yourselves are in violation of your own Ordinance and your vows to uphold the Constitution of the State of Pennsylvania and the United States.
We intend to continue to monitor the situation closely and we sincerely hope that you join us in our effort to open up a dialogue that will be to the benefit of the entire town of Gettysburg, and not just a select few.
Gene Golden
334-0200