As we near the end of another election cycle, we should all make an effort to remain civil in the public forums. This includes avoiding the vitriol that can be the result of innuendoes and inaccurate statements that may mislead or needlessly inflame the reader. In that vein I would like to mention several errors as they regard the recall of two members of the borough assembly. First, borough code 2.10.250, the 30-day rule, clearly does not conflict with the borough charter. The charter is a foundation document while the code is a living document that changes with the needs of the government and the people it serves. Second, when addressing the recall, be factual and do your research online by reading the code. You will find assembly members Scott Rossman and Jerry Lapp were ineligible to be recalled. Third, if one believes Karen Hess had anything to do with the recall, you should call and ask me. The recall was my idea and my responsibility following a great deal of research and soul searching from the beginning. I have asked Mrs. Hess about her lawsuit and obtained a memo from her. That has been the sum and total of her involvement. The recall effort has been a necessary but difficult and uncomfortable process, as it should be. I hope I will never find the need to chair another.
Jim Shook