The Covered Bridge in Lenape Park (12k image) Perkasie, Bucks County, Pennsylvania 18944


The Perkasie Opinion Blog

Friday, November 21st

40 Years Ago ... Where Were You?


Memorial at Kennedy's Grave (33k image)

Tomorrow marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It was one of those life-changing events in the history of our country that no one can forget who lived through it. JFK's Grave (7k image)I was in sixth grade, on a swing at recess in elementary school in Upper Strasburg, PA, when I heard the news. Everyone immediately ran into the school cafeteria to watch the one and only black & white TV our school had.

I took the photos above and to the right just last month when I visited JFK's grave at Arlington National Cemetery for the first time. I was a bit surprised that it's still one of the most visited sites in the US. I was there on a Friday morning, and it was fairly crowded -- it took some patience to get these photos without a crowd of other people in them. The memorial, engraved with many of his best known quotes, is directly behind the eternal flame that burns at Kennedy's grave. It looks out over Washinton, DC; you can dimly see the Washington Monument at the top center of the photo.

If you are old enough to have lived at the time of Kennedy's assassination, where were you? Click the "comments" link just below this paragraph and add your thoughts.
Bob Bergey on 11.21.03 @ 05:14 PM EST [link]


Thursday, November 20th

Credit Union Taking Shape


American Heritage Federal Credit Union (11k image)The American Heritage Federal Credit Union building is really taking shape at the corner of Constitution Avenue and Walnut Street in Perkasie. The building, which over the last several years has been home in turn to a restaurant, used car dealership, and an insurance company office, is being completely renovated and refurbished from top to bottom.
Bob Bergey on 11.20.03 @ 11:56 PM EST [link]


Tuesday, November 18th

2004 Preliminary Budget Adopted


It took some effort, but after some serious discussion and three different motions, Perkasie Borough Council adopted the 2004 Preliminary Budget on Monday evening by a 5-3 vote (Hettel, Burke, and Moser opposing). The budget now becomes a public document for public discussion and comments, and will be officially adopted as the 2004 budget at the December 15th Council meeting, along with any final changes made at that time.

The preliminary budget shows total revenues of $9,221,926 and expenses of $9,287,664. The revenue shortfall of $65,738 will be taken from Perkasie's $4.1 million accumulated fund reserves. The budget is available for inspection at the Borough Hall, and will be available on Perkasie Borough's official Web site (I'll post a link here, directly to the budget, when I know it's online). By law, the preliminary budget must be available for inspection and comment at least ten days before a final budget can be adopted. In addition, the new Borough Council in January will have the option of reopening budget discussions and making any additional changes they wish.

In other Council action Monday evening, the Borough will ask Pennsylvania DOT to lower the speed limit on Market Street between Ridge Road and the railroad tracks to 25 MPH, in keeping with the Police Chief's recommendation and following a number of complaints of speeding in that area. Council passed the motion 6-2, with Hettel and Burke opposing.
Bob Bergey on 11.18.03 @ 12:57 AM EST [link]


Councilwoman Maria Slowik Announces Resignation


Councilwoman Maria Slowik, representing Ward 3 for the past six years in Perkasie Borough Council, announced Monday evening that she will resign her position on Council effective December 31, 2003. Council will then have 30 days to appoint someone from Ward 3 to fill in her position for the balance of her four-year term ending in December 2005.

I'm really sorry to see Maria leave. While we haven't seen eye to eye on every issue, we've generally worked in the same direction for Perkasie's best interests. She was one of Council's hardest working members, and leaves big shoes to fill. She plans to spend more time with her family, plus a change in her employment makes it very difficult for her to attend meetings and give the citizens of Perkasie the time she believes is required of the position.

Come January, Council will have five new faces -- a majority of Council will be new to the position. Three of the future Councilpersons attended the meeting Monday evening: Jim Liebenow, Joan Handy, and Lee Metzger. Harry McGonigal has yet to attend his first meeting this year.
Bob Bergey on 11.18.03 @ 12:34 AM EST [link]


Monday, November 17th

The Easy Story


Reporters at Hettel's/Burke's Beck and Call (13k image)"The Easy Story," or, "Why You Aren't Getting a Balanced, Objective Report of What Happens in Perkasie Borough Council."

The photo at the right shows a typical scene immediately after nearly every Perkasie Borough Council meeting. Seated at bottom left are councilpersons Bill Hettel and Eadie Burke, surrounded by newspaper reporters for their semi-monthly hand-feeding of the world as Bill and Eadie see it. Standing, from left to right, are Ryan Phillips of the News-Herald, Pervaiz Shallwani of the Morning Call, and Patrick Lester of The Intelligencer.

It's hard to blame the reporters; covering borough council meetings isn't exactly a plum assignment. It's a job typically given to young, new and inexperienced reporters. They don't have the context to put things in perspective, nor do they have the time to do so. They just want to get an entertaining and readable story to their editors as quickly and easily as possible. Council meetings often go late, to the detriment of interviewing and getting all the facts and viewpoints on an issue. Hettel and Burke know better than any how to play to them, and they do it expertly and consistently, to the point the reporters have been "trained" on just where to go immediately after the meeting. They've already been baited by remarks made publicly during the meeting by Hettel (Burke almost never speaks out at meetings, except to vote "no" anytime Hettel does so on an issue). Hettel and Burke are typically the two "no" votes on any given issue -- they rarely have any alternatives to propose; they just oppose whatever the rest of Council wishes to do. It's so predictable it's sad. But it's an easy story, and it's the one you'll read about in tomorrow's papers.
Bob Bergey on 11.17.03 @ 11:59 PM EST [link]


Your Tax Dollars at Work: $15,000 for the Senior Center


Senior Center Donation Presentation (11k image)Mayor J. Robert Hunsicker (left) presented a check for $15,000 from the Borough of Perkasie for the building fund of the planned Pennridge Senior Center in Silverdale. Accepting the check at tonight's Borough Council Meeting, on behalf of the Senior Center, are Marge Bryant Mason, center, and Nancy Keenan.

I'm glad to see the Senior Center making progress toward funding their new building. I want to see them reach their goal of building in Silverdale. However, I voted against the $15,000 when it came up in budget considerations last year, and I'm still opposed to the donation. Not because it isn't a worthy project -- it is -- but I don't think it's an appropriate use of tax funds. The building they currently own, and the new one that will replace it, are owned by a private organization, not by the seniors or the public. So our tax dollars are going to help a private organization build a building. This is one of the reasons they've had such difficulty raising funds -- others have the same problem I do. But my view is that of a minority on Council, and even though there was some sympathy with my position, it isn't "politically correct" to appear to oppose the seniors on this (my opposition wasn't against the seniors, just to the private organization who will own the building), so the funds were appropriated. So be it. What do you think? Add a comment below.
Bob Bergey on 11.17.03 @ 10:32 PM EST [link]


Saturday, November 15th

Borough Council Meeting Monday, Nov. 17


Perkasie Borough Council will meet Monday evening, 7 PM, at the Borough Hall at 7th & Chestnut. The public is welcome to attend the meeting. The agenda includes adoption of the Preliminary Budget for 2004, which includes a 5% increase in electric rates and a budget shortfall of about $65,000 to be taken from Perkasie's $4.1 million reserves.

Also on the agenda is a request to the state for approval to lower the speed limit to 25 MPH on Market Street between the railroad tracks and Ridge Road (S.R. 0563). Market Street is a state road (S.R. 4039), so the Borough cannot change the speed limit without the state's approval.
Bob Bergey on 11.15.03 @ 04:27 PM EST [link]


New Council Members Have Some Homework to Do


Come January 2004, Perkasie Borough Council will have four new Council persons -- one of the biggest changes ever. One has to wonder how serious they are about their new positions, however; three of the four have attended almost no meetings of Council at all the last few years, and one (Harry McGonigal, Ward 2) has not attended any meetings at all this year. Three of the four are almost completely out of touch with how Council operates and what's been going on the last few years, but the voters elected them despite that, so now these future Council persons are obligated on behalf of Perkasie's citizens to do some homework. The one exception is Lee Metzger (Ward 1); he has been attending recent meetings fairly regularly, and as a former Councilman has a good understanding of what Council does and how it operates. He will, I hope, play a leadership role of some kind on the new Council.

The future Council members have begun receiving weekly information packets from the Borough to prepare them for their positions. One can only hope they are reading them and will begin attending Council meetings now. Council membership is not a position one can fall into and instantly serve the Borough citizens effectively. I hope we'll see the future Council members at this Monday's meeting.
Bob Bergey on 11.15.03 @ 04:16 PM EST [link]


Thursday, November 13th

Perkasie Road Improvements Underway


Several Perkasie Borough streets are scheduled for milling and paving beginning today and tomorrow, weather permitting, by Blooming Glen Contractors, Inc. They include:

  - W. Market Street from 2nd to 6th Streets
  - W. Chestnut Street from 2nd to 5th Streets
  - Callowhill Street from 5th to 7th Streets
  - W. Park Avenue from 3rd to 5th Streets
  - N. 7th Street from Buttonwood to 800 N. 7th Street

Blooming Glen will remove and replace 1-1/2 inches of asphalt on each road segment. New traffic loop detectors will then be installed at Market & 5th, and Callowhill & 5th. Paving of the new material will follow next week (again, weather permitting). During construction, no street parking in those areas will be allowed; signs will be posted.
Bob Bergey on 11.13.03 @ 06:12 AM EST [link]


Saturday, November 8th

Total Lunar Eclipse Tonight


Lunar Eclipse (3k image)A total lunar eclipse was visible from Perkasie this evening. This photo was taken about 9:25 PM. The eclipse was total at 8:06 PM, and will end soon after 11 PM. It was the second (and last) total lunar eclipse visible in this area this year; the first was in May.

A lunar eclipse is caused by the earth's shadow passing across the moon as the earth passes between the sun and the moon. Unlike a solar eclipse, it's perfectly safe to view a lunar eclipse with the naked eye.
Bob Bergey on 11.08.03 @ 10:14 PM EST [link]


Wednesday, November 5th

New Police Sergeant


russcloss (10k image)Detective Russ Closs of the Perkasie Police Department was sworn in at Council's most recent regular meeting on October 20th as Perkasie Police's fourth Sergeant. Even though this happened two weeks ago, I thought it was worth a mention on the new site; Sergeant Closs is one of Perkasie's top cops, well deserving of this promotion. Photo, left to right: Perkasie Mayor J. Robert Hunsicker, Sergeant Closs, Sellersville Mayor Howard Eckert, and Perkasie Police Chief Paul T. Dickinson
Bob Bergey on 11.05.03 @ 10:39 PM EST [link]


Tuesday, November 4th

Borough Council Election Results (Unofficial)


Below are the Perkasie Borough election results from today's election. These numbers are UNOFFICIAL and will no doubt change slightly, but the outcomes are unlikely to change. Winners are indicated with a • (bullet).

William Hettel, Harry McGonigal (12k image)Ward 1 -- Borough Council:

  • C. Lee Metzger, Jr. 439
  • James Liebenow 436
   Marty Gahman 52
   John Moser 46

Ward 2 -- Borough Council:

  • Harry McGonigal 236
  • William Hettel 228
   Bob Bergey 34

Ward 3 -- Borough Council:

  • Joan Handy 212
   Nancy S. Keenan 156
   Joe Schiaffino 77

Photo: Ward 2 Council race winners Bill Hettel and Flamin' Harry McGonigal.

Bob Bergey on 11.04.03 @ 11:46 PM EST [link]


VOTE TODAY!


Don't forget to let your voice be heard in local government -- vote today! Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM in Perkasie. Ward 1 votes at the Perkasie Firehouse; Ward 2 at the Pennridge Senior Center; and Ward 3 at St. Andrews Lutheran Church.

I urge you to read through my post yesterday regarding write-in votes for the incumbents -- scroll down, or click here. Many races were decided in May by just a handful of voters; it's not too late to change the outcome if you choose to do so today!

Check back here late tonight; I expect to post results of the Borough Council races as soon as I know them.
Bob Bergey on 11.04.03 @ 12:26 AM EST [link]


Monday, November 3rd

New Police Officer Sworn In


thomasbrun (11k image)Thomas Brun was sworn in as Perkasie's newest police officer during a special Borough Council Meeting tonight at the Borough Hall. Officer Brun fills one of two vacancies in the expanded Perkasie Police Department which covers both the Borough of Sellersville and the Borough of Perkasie. From left to right: Chief of Police Paul T. Dickinson, Perkasie Mayor J. Robert Hunsicker, Officer Brun with his wife and young son, and Sellersville Mayor Howard Eckert.
Bob Bergey on 11.03.03 @ 11:56 PM EST [link]


VOTE tomorrow -- but bring a pencil!


Tomorrow is election day, and Perkasie voters have a final opportunity to make up for their lack of participation in the Primary last May, when a small faction of voters were manipulated by an out-of-control Republican machine in Perkasie to remove four dedicated incumbents from office. The majority did not have a say in the outcome because they failed to participate -- for whatever reasons, I won't go into that here. But it's not too late -- it will just take a bit more work, requiring write-in votes to keep Perkasie headed in the right direction!

If you are pleased with the overall progress and positive direction the Borough has taken in recent years, you must go to the polls on Tuesday, and WRITE IN the four Borough Council incumbents who were instrumental in the much-acclaimed renaissance of Perkasie:

    Ward 1: Marty Gahman and John Moser
    Ward 2: Bob Bergey
    Ward 3: Joe Schiaffino

Because of apathy in the May Primary, these forward-looking Council members are not on the ballot in the General Election. To continue the fine accomplishments such as the new Borough Hall, renovated state-of-the-art Police Station, Lenape Park Expansion, Economic Revitalization that brought new business to Perkasie, 8th Street and Walnut Street parking lots, and the 2001 Commonwealth "Townie" Award for the Main Street Program, you must return these progressive incumbents to office.

Even with all these accomplishments and improvements, Perkasie's General Fund Surplus has grown from $1.8 million in 1996 to $4.1 million today. Now that's responsible fiscal management.

In the First Ward, vote at the Firehouse and WRITE IN Marty Gahman and John Moser on ballot positions 21 and 22.

In the Second Ward, vote at the Senior Center and WRITE IN Bob Bergey on ballot position 21.

In the Third Ward, vote at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church and WRITE IN Joe Schiaffino on ballot position 21.

Pencils and instructions will be available at the polls. Let your voice be heard -- VOTE!

Bob Bergey on 11.03.03 @ 05:25 PM EST [link]


How do we pay for electric rate increases in Perkasie?


The big debate in preparing the 2004 budget in Perkasie Borough Council right now is over how to handle the increased electric costs resulting from the new electric contract. As everyone knows, electric rates have increased substantially over the last several years across the country. Perkasie was successful at negotiating a very good, new five-year contract for our electric needs over the next five years, but it still means a substantial increase -- approximately 25% -- over what we paid during the previous contract. To maintain the current revenue stream from electricity sales under the new contract, it means the current retail electric rates would need to increase about 17% (numbers here are approximate). The proposed budget presented by borough staff reduced that increase to about 9% by cutting capital budget projects and trimming the operating budget a bit where possible. But the 9%, while giving us a balanced budget, is still a big pill to swallow.

Perkasie has a very healthy amount of money in the bank -- $4.1 million -- thanks to very responsible fiscal management over the last eight years (it has grown from 1.8 million in 1996). My original proposal to Council was to limit the increase in electric rates to a more palatable 5%, and take $200,000 from reserves to balance the budget. Other proposals have included taking as much as $1 million from reserves so there is no increase in rates for 2004, or cutting services and capital expenditures by as much as $700,000 to avoid any electric rate increases (but they won't say what services or capital expenditures they're going to cut, and I don't see how it's possible without a LOT of pain for citizens in the form of greatly increased costs in other areas).

What do you think? Click the "Comments" link below and add your thougths to the debate. What are you willing to do without to cover the increased costs? Or are you ready to bite the bullet and pay the increase? How much should Perkasie keep in reserves -- do we have enough at $4.1 million? Too much? Not enough? It's your money!
Bob Bergey on 11.03.03 @ 05:02 PM EST [link]


Notes and Comments


Perkasie residents and business owners are welcome to add comments to entries below. The site owner reserves the right to edit or remove posts, which, in his sole opinion, are off-topic, inappropriate, offensive, or anonymous. Own your opinion; if it's worth sharing, it's worth owning -- so identify yourself (name, and/or email address, and/or personal Web site). Additional contributors to the home page may be added in the near future; check back regularly! All photographs ©2003-2004 Bob Bergey.
Bob Bergey on 11.03.03 @ 03:51 PM EST [link]


Borough Council Committees Meet Tonight


Perkasie's Borough Council Committees meet tonight, immediately following a Special Council Meeting at 7 PM to appoint a new police officer, at the Borough Hall, 7th and Chestnut Streets. Perkasie citizens are welcome and encouraged to attend; find out first hand how Council operates -- don't rely on newspaper articles which give you a very narrow and often warped view of what goes on!

budgethearings (9k image)The hot item, of course, is the 2004 budget. Unresolved issues include the capital budget expenditures, possible additional operating budget reductions, the economic development program budget, and the proposed electric rate increase. It could be an interesting meeting! (Photo at right is from the Finance Committee meeting of 10/13/03; testifying before Council, from left to right: Neil Fosbenner, Superintendent of Public Works; Maureen Doyle, Assistant Borough Manager; Phil Ivins, Public Utility Superintendent; and Paul T. Dickinson, Perkasie Police Chief.)
Bob Bergey on 11.03.03 @ 10:47 AM EST [link]


Welcome to the new Perkasie Opinion


Perkasie Opinion has been updated with a new look and new features! A few of old features remain -- the Perkasie Carousel page, the Pennridge Alumni directory -- and some will be back soon -- Community Links, Community Bulletin Board, possibly others. But the primary new feature is the blog -- short for Weblog -- an online journal to which I expect to post to regularly. It will be more personal than the old news features I used to try and include on this site. And it will include photos, lots of photos. I love digital photography, and the software I've installed on the server to create this blog also makes it a snap to include my digital photos along with my commentary when and where appropriate. I won't post to the blog every day, but probably at least a few times a week. So there will regularly be something new here; stop back often!

The other big difference in this new format is that anyone can add comments to my posts, just by clicking the "Add a comment" (or the link showing the number of comments if others have been added already) at the bottom of each post on the home page. (Comments cannot be added to the posts in the Archives). I encourage you to add your comments. It's fast and easy, no registering necessary. I do reserve the right to edit or remove any comments that are, in my sole opinion, inappropriate or in bad taste, and IP addresses of posters are recorded so repeat offenders will be blocked. But your comment won't be removed just because you have a differing opinion -- I value other responsible opinions and encourage you to voice yours. I also encourage you to identify yourself if you value your opinion, as I have, but the site doesn't force you to do so.
Bob on 11.03.03 @ 10:30 AM EST [Perkasie Opinion">link]


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