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01/18/2005: "Council Discards More Experience"

In another stunning move, Perkasie Borough Council Monday night refused to reappoint Perkasie Borough Authority board member Jim Algeo to another five year term on the PBA board. Algeo has served PBA and PWTA (Pennridge Wastewater Treatment Authority) for 28 years as a board member, and is one of the most knowledgeable persons in Perkasie. Instead Council appointed Brian Triplett, who currently serves on the PWTA board.

As usual, Councilman Bill Hettel (photo above right) led the charge against experience. His sole reason for not appointing Algeo to another term was a sexual harrassment suit brought against PBA Manager Gary Winton several years ago, saying Winton should have been fired by the PBA board, and he would not vote to reappoint Algeo because Algeo supposedly didn't do anything about it. (It should be noted the suit was settled out of court.) Most of the PBA Board, along with Assistant PBA Manager Ray Conville, were present at the Council meeting in support of Algeo, but that made no difference as Hettel led the charge against Algeo.

Interestingly, there may be a small chink in the Hettel-led Council, as councilpersons Jim Liebenow and Nancy Keenan sided with Rich Hendricks in supporting Algeo rather than follow Hettel's direction. However that left Council a vote short as Hettel cohorts Handy, McGonigal, Boyer, and Burke followed Hettel's lead.

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As a former Perkasie Borough Authority (PBA) Board Member I was asked by the current chairman to attend the January 17th Perkasie Borough Council meeting in support of the re-appointment of Mr. James Algeo to the PBA board. A request I was honored to oblige. I had the privilege to serve with Mr. Algeo, for whom I have the highest respect due to his professionalism and commitment to the residents of Perkasie. He has offered 28 years of volunteer service to our community, the definition of a point of light. With inter-municipal conflicts that tend to overshadow technical issues, Mr. Algeo would always rise above the politics and act with the best interest of all rate payers and for the integrity of system.

Unfortunately, a majority of Council voted not to re-appoint Mr. Alego, which is their right. However, the way in which it was handled during the meeting and the public justification offered was a disgrace to the years of dedicated service that Mr. Algeo offered to our community. Some members of council did not have the courage to look Mr. Algeo in the eye when voting against him, but had no issue talking to reporters about their tabloid rationale.

It would seem that an item of new business should have been to draft a resolution offering the Borough’s appreciation for the example Mr. Algeo set for all those who choose to volunteer for public service.

I would venture to say that Mr. Hettel would not receive Mr. Algeo’s vote next election, and Mrs. Handy will certainly not receive mine.