Saturday, July 25, 2020

Republican Limerick Supervisors Respond to 'Racism' Accusation by Democratic Supervisor

Blogger's Note:
The following was submitted by the four Republican supervisors of Limerick Township in response to the accusation by Democrat Patrick Morroney and the Digital Notebook blog post that followed. It is included here in it's entirety, as they requested. Mr. Morroney was provided with a copy of this statement and invited to comment. As of 2:30 p.m. Saturday he has not done so.
We are writing to address a statement by Limerick Supervisor Patrick Morroney made during the July 21st public Board meeting, at which he called each of us “Racists”.
Mr. Morroney’s statement can be viewed online on the Digital Notebook Blog of local news reporter Evan Brandt.
In response to Mr. Morroney’s offensive and false statement, it is important to note that on
June 1st, all five members of the Limerick Board of Supervisors placed our names on a statement to the community documenting actions required by the Township Police Department to answer criminal activity that arose during the time of peaceful protests ongoing due to the tragic death of George Floyd.
Kenneth Sperring
Mr. Morroney’s false accusation is in complete contrast to this statement, which specifically stated “Equal and unbiased protection for all is not an issue that needs to be debated”.
In spite of this unifying and positive message, Mr. Morroney now seeks to divide the
Board with the racism claim because we will not support his request to condemn County
Commissioner Joe Gale for comments he made relating to Black Lives Matter.
The June 1st board statement was issued to alert our community of Limerick police activity as a result of criminal threats we felt should be understood by the public we serve, as is our duty as the Limerick Board of Supervisors. In answering Mr. Morroney’s request we have stated that Mr. Gale’s statements have nothing to do with Limerick, is not a topic for Township public meetings, and concerns should be addressed directly to Mr. Gale and the County Commissioners at their public meetings.
We invite everyone to view the June 1st Board’s statement reprinted at the end of this letter
Michael McCloskey
and determine for yourself how off base Mr. Morroney’s false accusation really is.
Political operatives who control Mr. Morroney, many of whom have never found it necessary to attend Board meetings in the past, have now attended our two recent public meetings to support Mr. Morroney in his efforts to achieve a letter of condemnation against Mr. Gale.
Mr. Morroney and his supporters have attempted to overt meeting rules and have incorporated shouting and bullying tactics along with foul language to force their will and political viewpoints on this Limerick community. They even attempted to interrupt the opening Pledge of Allegiance at the meeting this past Tuesday.
They have expanded their complaints to include that we were not wearing masks during the meeting even though we were all properly distanced per CDC Guidelines. Their tactics are plainly visible on meeting videos they themselves have posted on several online venues.
Kara Shuler
It is important to remind the entire community that public meetings are a time to conduct the important businesses of the Township and political issues do not have a place.
Open and respectful dialogue while following meeting rules and proper decorum have been the standard of this community for the past several decades. Mr. Morroney fails to understand these basic premises and during the brief time he has served since January of 2018, continues to demonstrate a desire to advance his political ideology instead of educating himself on issues of importance he was sworn to uphold.
This political effort of Mr. Morroney and his controlling allies is clearly noted in a statement by news reporter Evan Brandt in which he states the following on his Digital Blog:
I should note here that I have also now been to in-person meetings in New Hanover and Lower Pottsgrove townships since Montgomery County moved to the green phase, and no one has raised the mask issue at all in either of those two places.

Therefore, I think it’s fair to consider the possibility that perhaps this drama -- which happens to be coming from a whole bunch of Democrats -- is connected to the fact that Neafcy is running for the 146th state House of Representatives seat, hoping to unseat one-term incumbent Democrat Joe Ciresi.
This is not far leap when you consider that Morroney told the crowd "you know what to do in November."
Over the past 20 years, regardless of political affiliation, Limerick Township Supervisors
Thomas Neafcy
have understood the importance of working together to focus on important issues and needs of the community.
This unified effort has led to many positive results for Limerick Township including: increased police public safety, strengthening of the volunteer fire department, expansion of the park, trail and open space system, elimination of all township debt, and achieving an AAA Bond Rating all while maintaining below average real estate tax rates.
We remain committed to maintaining the focus that has resulted in these achievements and will not be deterred by the political sideshow tactics of Mr. Morroney and his supporters who control his actions. Our commitment remains to the betterment of this community and to ensure equal and unbiased township wide services to all who call this Township home.
We demand that Mr. Morroney immediately retract his statement that we are racist and offer a public apology to us all so our names can be properly cleared from this unfounded and completely false accusation.

Limerick Supervisors
Michael J. McCloskey
Thomas J. Neafcy Jr.
Kara Shuler
Kennneth W. Sperring Jr.

6/1 Message from the Limerick

Dear Limerick Community,

The Board of Supervisors stand united in condemning the actions of the Minneapolis Police officers that caused the tragic death of George Floyd. In a single instance, these rogue officers have diminished the positive police reforms arising from similar tragic incidents that have occurred across this nation over the past several years. Equal and unbiased protection for all is not an issue that needs to be debated. The Board works closely with the entire Township Police Department to ensure this basic constitutional right is demonstrated at all times, as they work to protect our Limerick community. Limerick is proud of our team of highly trained and professional officers who demonstrate on a daily basis, and under increasingly difficult situations, that equal protection under the law is a mantra embedded in the fabric of the entire department.

Peaceful protests that have taken place since Mr. Floyd’s death properly reflect the outrage of so many, and put all on notice that so much still needs to be done. But the message of those who chose to protest in a peaceful way is now lost by those who now take to the streets to riot, damage property, loot, and cause civil unrest. These law breakers arrived in Limerick on Saturday night on the grounds of the Philadelphia Premium Outlet Mall. Not content with the damage they inflicted throughout the day in Philadelphia, they felt the need to expand their crime wave. Thanks to a sufficient show of force by Limerick and surrounding police departments, these criminals were thwarted in their efforts. On Sunday evening, FBI reports noted that social media posts were encouraging their members to take to the streets and Limerick was noted again as a potential target. In cooperation with county and regional police departments, a force of over 40 officers were on patrol within our community to answer any criminal activity that may have occurred.

The Limerick Board thanks all our men and women in blue who helped protect our community, homes, businesses and lives not only over the past few days but each and every day. We will stay diligent in our efforts to protect Limerick and pledge to help our neighbors as well who may need similar support. In doing so, as one united voice, we will stand up to the criminals who wish to destroy and divide, and support all others who peacefully seek to bring us all together.

Sincerely,

Limerick Township Board of Supervisors

Thomas J. Neafcy, Jr., Chairman
Kara Shuler, Vice-Chair
Michael J. McCloskey, III, Supervisor
Patrick M. Morroney, Supervisor
Kenneth W. Sperring, Jr., Supervisor

15 comments:

  1. Very well said and thought out thank you for all you do. Mr. Morroney needs to do his job he was elected to do period or resign.

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  2. I was at that meeting 7/22/20, and in my opinion Mr. Morroney is doing exactly what he was elected by the people to do! That is to Stand up against any racist opinions, acts and otherwise for ALL Limerick residents. If it ruffled a few feathers, then maybe one should take a long hard look at what they truly stand for regarding All residents of Limerick. I applaud Mr. Morroney's courage and heart felt stand against the racial comments made by the commissioner of Norristown Joseph C. Gale.

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    1. Again not Township business....peddle your politics somewhere else. Kudos to the board to stick to township business. You must be one of the Limerick democrat committee that have started to come and disrupt township business.

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    2. Anonymous, as a tax paying Limerick resident I have as much of a right to have my issues and concerns heard and addressed by Limerick Township elected officials as do you or anyone else. As much as you might think you do, you do not have any special entitlement. I have also attended Limerick Board of Supervisor meetings since 2015 and my wife and I have been residents of Limerick for over 25 years. So Mr or Mrs Anonymous, who ever you are, before you even think about questioning my credibility or truthfulness, read this: https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/limerick-resident-wants-diversity-on-committees/article_d04503cd-6cd7-5f42-9c3d-32502a7fb925.html

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    3. We are diverse and well adjusted town push that leftist crap somewhere else that is what is dividing people shoving that stuff in people's faces and making them choose one side or the other.....you make people racist with that rhetoric don't bring that national play book to Limerick.

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    4. Wow, anonymous. Thank you for that! Your comments clearly expose who you "really are". Wouldn't want to put anything in your face that could make you turn racist! Lol!

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    5. Anonymous..... you wouldn't happen to be Republican Limerick Township supervisor, would you? The chairperson, maybe?

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    6. No sorry to disappoint but I'm someone who has been here longer than you all.

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  3. Being Immunocompromised, I did not attend the BOS meeting last week in person, but I was fortunate to watch it online being livestreaned. Personally, I don't believe that an apology is needed. This is not a Political response, even though I am an active Democrat. In fact, I served as an Elected Board of Supervisors Member back in the 90's & for 2 years as it's Chairman.

    It seems that whenever Pat Morroney Raises a controversial issue, the 4 Majority Supervisors get their dander up, and its like if He says stand, they ALL in Lockstep say Sit !!!

    I understand where Pat is coming from,especially on the Mask issue. It's not a Political Statement, but one of Safety and concerns. Regarding the Joe Gale issue, is something else. There almost 100,000 signatures on a Petition requesting that Mr. Gale should resign. His actions are abhorrent in my mind.

    The fact that not one of the 4 Board members would not even 2nd his motion, for discussion, shows that they are all afraid politically to to have a public opinion.

    Dozens of Municipalities, including Boroughs, and individual elected officials have publically denounced the Commissioners' statements. Not even waying in, so they wouldn't have to publically vote, seems to warrant Mr. Morroney's Charge, not any different if they Voted No, in Support of Commissioner Gale.

    Anonymous to me, indicates that you don't want your opinion Broadcast as your own. Making it a Political issue, is exactly what they want.

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  4. The Previous post was from Frank S. Burstein

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  5. What happen to all the previous post.....30 plus?

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    1. Sorry looking at the wrong story

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  6. Moroney should not only apologize, he should resign immediately!!! There is no place in our Township to arbitrarily accuse a group of people of being racist. If you have an issue with Joe Gale, I suggest you take it up with him. Moroney had a golden opportunity to talk about live streaming the BoS meetings, social distancing concerns or any other topics on the agenda. Instead he squandered his opportunity and made himself look like a fool. He is a disgrace not only to the Board, but to our beautiful township!! Resign Now Moroney, Resign Now Moroney!!! There's a new chant for you!!

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  7. My words are lost on some, but perhaps the words of the Honorable John Lewis written from his deathbed may reach others and explain why it's important that "Black Lives Matter".

    By John Lewis
    Lewis, a civil rights leader and a member of the US congress who died on July 17, wrote this essay shortly before his death, to be published upon the day of his funeral. July 30, 2020.

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  8. While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society. Millions of people motivated simply by human compassion laid down the burdens of division. Around the country and the world you set aside race, class, age, language and nationality to demand respect for human dignity.
    That is why I had to visit Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, though I was admitted to the hospital the following day. I just had to see and feel it for myself that, after many years of silent witness, the truth is still marching on.
    Emmett Till was my George Floyd. He was my Rayshard Brooks, Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor. He was 14 when he was killed, and I was only 15 years old at the time. I will never ever forget the moment when it became so clear that he could easily have been me. In those days, fear constrained us like an imaginary prison, and troubling thoughts of potential brutality committed for no understandable reason were the bars.
    Though I was surrounded by two loving parents, plenty of brothers, sisters and cousins, their love could not protect me from the unholy oppression waiting just outside that family circle. Unchecked, unrestrained violence and government-sanctioned terror had the power to turn a simple stroll to the store for some Skittles or an innocent morning jog down a lonesome country road into a nightmare. If we are to survive as one unified nation, we must discover what so readily takes root in our hearts that could rob Mother Emanuel Church in South Carolina of her brightest and best, shoot unwitting concertgoers in Las Vegas and choke to death the hopes and dreams of a gifted violinist like Elijah McClain.
    Like so many young people today, I was searching for a way out, or some might say a way in, and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on an old radio. He was talking about the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence. He said we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice. He said it is not enough to say it will get better by and by. He said each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself.
    Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble. Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it.
    You must also study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time. People on every continent have stood in your shoes, through decades and centuries before you. The truth does not change, and that is why the answers worked out long ago can help you find solutions to the challenges of our time. Continue to build union between movements stretching across the globe because we must put away our willingness to profit from the exploitation of others.
    Though I'm not here with you, I urge you to answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe. In my life I have done all I can to demonstrate that the way of peace, the way of love and nonviolence is the more excellent way. Now it is your turn to let freedom ring.
    When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war. So I say to you, walk with the wind, brothers and sisters, and let the spirit of peace and the power of everlasting love be your guide.

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