Know Your Mayor

On Tuesday November 5th, 2013, the voters of the Phoenixville will choose their next mayor. One of the duties of the Phoenixville Mayor under [Ord. 946, 9/17/1963, § 1] is to “be in charge of the police force and have supervision over its members, in the exercise of their powers, duties and authority.” That’s a pretty tall order.

A Mayor with this authority should be someone who respects authority. As the Police Department is a law enforcement agency, the Mayor in charge of it should also have a healthy respect for the law. A candidate with a respect for the law and for lawful authority is a candidate that I would support. For this reason, candidate Michael Speck does not get my support.

As an Election Judge, it is my duty to maintain the peace at the polling place and to ensure that voting can take place unimpeded and without disruption. One of the rules I must enforce is that all poll watchers are to be at least 6 feet from the voter-processing table. Several years ago, poll watcher Michael Speck sat too close and I very politely asked him to remain 6 feet away. He refused, argued with me, and then moved his chair but not enough to comply. I drew a line around the table at the proper distance and then repeated my request at which point Michael Speck moved his chair again. However, in a show of defiance, he made sure that one leg of the chair was over the line. At that point I let it go, as there was an election to run.

I have met Kendrick Buckwalter on a few occasions and can tell you that he is a true gentleman. I recently brought to his attention some problems with the storm sewers in the West End and he was quick to respond and promptly presented the information to Council. Kendrick Buckwalter is the type of person who will put the Borough of Phoenixville ahead of his own ego.

Phoenixville has a rich legacy and has seen both good times and bad. Big Blue is now gone but true to its name, Phoenixville has risen from the ashes and is soaring high. Though we should focus on the future, let us not forget our legacy dating back to the Revolutionary War (the furthest point west that the British advanced) and remember that free elections are a part of our future as much as they are a part of the past.

Phoenixville, and all towns and cities, need leaders who, though in authority of a powerfully pivotal and duly supported part of our society (the police), respect the true authority of we, the people.