Morroney Apologizes, Clarifies Racism Statement

Blogger's Note: The following is Limerick Supervisor Patrick Morrorney's response to the statement published here yesterday by the other four supervisors. Like theirs, it is presented here in its entirety.

In response to their letter dated July 24, 2020, I thank my Republican colleagues for the opportunity to further clarify my position on this matter. While tempers may have flared on both sides of the discussion at the township meeting, I will take this opportunity to apologize for referring to my colleagues as racist. I cannot speak to what is in their hearts personally. What I should have said is that in my opinion I feel their thought process and actions do not appear to be inclusive and some of my constituents consider their inaction to be racist. However, it does appear that my comments have caused my colleagues to take a painful look at their lack of courage on the Joe Gale issue.

Further, my opinion is that we as a board owe an apology to the residents of Limerick

Patrick Morroney

Township for our continued failure to conduct the township’s business in a manner that doesn’t put our residents health at risk. I urge my Republican colleagues, let’s be smart about this. If you insist on in person meetings - wear a mask, and ask your supporters to do the same. It is the law, and it is the least we can do to protect each other. While we as a board may sit 6’ from attendees at these meetings, we have a responsibility to set an example for safe gathering. That is not political. It promotes the safety of our residents, which is my primary concern.

My Republican colleagues cannot hide years of actively resisting diversifying Limerick township appointed committees and staff by presenting one letter and stating that is proof they are promoting inclusivity. Their actions speak otherwise, such as the recent appointment of a "questionably" qualified white male to the planning committee, this after rejecting twice, a highly qualified African-American (Ivy League educated) applicant to the same planning committee. The demographics of Limerick have been steadily changing. It is my hope that our committees and hopefully even our board of supervisors will eventually reflect diverse representation.

Further, any inference that my Democrat constituents have some agenda, other than that which they have clearly stated at the BOS meetings, is both off base and offensive. At both BOS meetings these residents have presented their concerns as wanting to have “live streamed” public access to the meetings, compliance with state mandate mask wearing and other requirements at in person meetings, and a Limerick BOS public statement condemning the racist statement from Joe Gale. That is why they were there! My comment about the November 3rd election at the end of the July 21st meeting was a reaction to the board ignoring my request, and was in no way connected to why residents were at the meeting.

Further, Joe Gale's comments affect my constituent's in Limerick, some of whom are black and exercised their right to peacefully protest in the Black Lives Matter movement. His statement was received as racist and should be denounced. Limerick is located in Montgomery County and is affected by what happens in MontCo, just like every other municipality. I stand with "all" of my Limerick constituents, Black and White, Democrat and Republican. I can say without hesitation that "Black lives matter" and "Black people matter" without feeling that this statement needs to be followed up with another statement about how I support our local police and other first responders. That goes without saying. But recent racial unrest and violence against black citizens apparently does not, so I stand with them in their fight for equal justice under the law. I encourage my fellow Republican Limerick BOS colleagues to give this some thought and stand in unity with me to serve all of our constituents. We are stronger together.