Response to a comment. about the Park

A reader noted that the "dedication tree" was still there but had been moved over to the entrance. Gee, I guess that makes everything fine?

By the way, the Park is lovely and the entrance ramp will help the folks gain easy access to Bryn Mawr Ave.

Election Results

Update: A minor edit was made at the recommendation of a reader. Deleted the last word of the first paragraph.

Well folks, I lost by a mere 2 or 3 votes. I am extremely disappointed but not for myself. I am disappointed for my wife and daughter and all my supporters. More however, I am disappointed for Radnor. Can my Ward take 4 more years of this?

On the bright side, out of seven races, the Democratic Candidates won 3 and missed one by a hair.

Have you seen the new "park" at the end of Brook Street? When I was canvassing on the street, telling the folks about the park, which apparently they had not heard before, I had great feed back from one elderly gent. He observed that the dedication was just before the primary and now the park was being constructed just in time for the Election. What a coincidence, he observed. And speaking of the dedication: How many of you remember the story of the tree that was planted for the dedication? That a tree was planted but had to be replaced late on the evening before the dedication because it was deciduous and had no leaves. Well, go visit the Park and find that evergreen that was used for the dedication, if you can. Again, a waste of tax dollars.

Broadsides- October 31

Article in this weeks Main Line Life. I am humbled.
Letter of endorsement to John Nagle from Joe Sestak, Member of Congress
“Your tireless work within the community represents your heartfelt dedication to the residents of Radnor. As a member of the Township Parks ad Recreation Board and a founding Board member and the Secretary-Treasurer of the Radnor Conservancy you have consistently looked for ways to protect the local environment. I was also very pleased to see that the $20 million open space referendum you worked for was approved by the residents of Radnor in last fall’s election. This certainly would not have occurred without the dedicated efforts of yourself and the rest of the Radnor Conservancy. I know that each of these opportunities, in addition to your passion for issues, such as preserving our environment, open space, and land use, as well as zoning and planning will enable you to serve the residents of Radnor and the community at large in the manner in which it deserves.”

“Again, I am very happy to endorse your candidacy for Radnor Township Commissioner for the Fifth Ward.”

“John will bring a strong, independent voice to the Radnor Board of Commissioners. His engineering and business experience will enhance the decision-making powers of your board. His commitment to Radnor through his involvement on the Parks and Recreation Board and the Conservancy is well proven…” (Letter to residents of Radnor’s 5^th Ward, Connie Williams, State Senator)

It’s not unusual for one successful public servant to support the election of another-in fact, it’s often expected when they emerge from the same political party. In the case of John Nagle, candidate for Radnor’s 5^th Ward, however, the endorsements are enthusiastic and genuine because they’re backed by years of service that occurred long before Nagle had any intention of running for commissioner in Radnor Township.

To begin with, Nagle’s no public service neophyte. He’s been a concerned resident for over twenty years and has been engaged in local leadership for thirteen years as a member of the Parks and Recreation Board. One of the most important issues he confronted there was the use of pesticides and herbicides on our township’s playing fields. Since hundreds of our kids enroll in soccer, Little League, and other sports that are played outdoors, the elimination of those “cides” is a tremendous health plus. Ask any parent who has a son or daughter suffering from asthma or allergies.

In addition, he’s one of the founders of the Radnor Conservancy and is currently its treasurer. Years ago, he fought for the creation of the Radnor Trail- a topic that was divisive, controversial, and not easily understood when it was initially presented. Furthermore, he became the first Chair of the Environmental Advisory Committee, a sub-committee of the Board of Health.

Once you’ve spoken to John, you see why he was chosen by his mostly Republicans peers-to lead them as Chair of the Park and Recreation Board. You’ll find a man who believes that running for public office is part of his long term commitment to community well-being. It’s just the “natural thing to do”-a progression from one sort of involvement to another.

His background’s in engineering, (licensing and regulatory work in the nuclear power field) but he’s also earned an MBA, bringing a broad spectrum of skills to the table. Yes, he served his country; he was a member of the US Air Force. Why’s he running? “Actually, I’m not interested in politics, per se but I’m a firm believer in community service and the saying, “If you aren’t happy with the situation either change it or shut up!” Last time this incredibly active Democrat ran for commissioner he missed by a handful of votes. Don’t allow that to happen again. Make sure you get to the polls-for him, for all of us.

So this is how your tax dollars get spent

Funny incident today that points out how we waste tax dollars. As you may know there are a ton of political signs on Conestoga Ave, in front of Radcliff House apartments. Interesting in that the residents aren't allowed to put up signs so these ostensibly represent the views of the owners... but that is another story. Apparently someone put up signs for the Dem School Board Candidates. (funny thing, they weren't the new signs but rather the ones from the primary) So what happens? A Township codes enforcement type shows up and takes the signs down! Shouldn't the signs be removed by the property owner?? What total crap.

Here is a letter to Editor about the sign issue:

I am writing as a resident of Radcliff House Apartments and on behalf of other Democratic and Independent residents supporting John Nagle for Radnor Township Commissioner in the Fifth Ward, who are offended and appalled at the excessive display of political signs for Lisa Paolino which has been strewn across the face of the building in which we live.

Our leases prohibit us from displaying political signs, while the absentee landlord reserves the right to post signs for the Republican candidate.Why should a landlord have the right to impose his political views on tenants by virtue of a rental lease agreement? Residents, who are more than 50% registered Democrats or Independents, are being forced daily to endure the sight of eight Paolino signs while, at the same time, our rights to free speech are being denied. If the landlord can put up signs on a property where he does not even reside, and has no participation in local issues, tenants who are affected by such issues should have the right to express their concerns and support candidates whom they feel will address those concerns, including displaying political signs. Otherwise, all such signs should be prohibited.

Elizabeth Tapera