Chester’s Facebook friends got the message and came out strong last night to City Hall. For many, they didn’t know they were going to attend a City Council meeting but understood the Facebook post as a stop the violence rally. Either way, it worked to bring the folks out.
Based on the Daily Times article the major revelation is that there is another standing disagreement between the Mayor and some on council. The mayor has been asked to find a new chief of police (commissioner) but it appears that he won’t budge on that request.
Yet, the new chief has put more police on the streets, collaborated with other agencies who bring their resources to the city, started a ‘Old School Policing’ policy showing increased police presence and engagement with residents in the bad areas.
It seems a number of residents want to be under a State of Emergency. Isn’t that like putting yourself in ‘timeout’? That shouldn’t be something you wish for yourself. Who want’s to live under Marshall Law? But, for some, they believe it can’t be any worse than living under the current situation.
Through the magic of cyberspace, Councilman Nichols addressed the City Council throng confirming the existence of major issues with the police department while reminding folks that it take community effort to make a change. (I think that he was preaching to the choir on that one).
Nichols said there were sign-up sheets available for residents that want to get involved in various community programs, and that they should take advantage of the opportunity to take part in those efforts.
“Sign up and step up or shut up,” he said.
If anyone knows what these programs are, please share it with our readers.
The disparity is politicians always say things like "educate yourself", get involved. do something...but they really don't make it easy to do any of these. There's not enough information transparency. We have a website that doesn't get updated. There's no stream of information. How do you find out how the city works and what the city is up to other than sporadic Daily Times and Chester Spirit articles? Please tell me. -Chris R.
ReplyDeleteI've been preaching that for years. This issue is not unique to this administration.
DeleteSo they can Skype but can't find a way to broadcast city council meetings on the public access channel. One of the things that would improve the city is better communication with the public.
ReplyDeletePublic relations and reputation management is not a priority. I hate bringing the bad news but hardly any good news comes out of City Hall to counter it and there are a lot of good things going on.
DeleteWe at Anna's Place, a Franciscan hospitality center in Chester, didn't know there was a gathering at City Hall. We are members of "Heeding God's Call" to prevent gun violence". We have distributed flyers to many of he churches in Chester containing following information: flyers listing schedule for vigiling outside Miller's Sporting Good's Store in Linwood,PA; celebration in remembrance of 32 people who were victims of gun violence in Delaware County and community meetings for strategizing. we meet monthly to plan further actions. I am surprised and disappointed by the lack of all denominational churches in Chester with a few exception, that have not responded to any invitation to collaborate around the violence that we seem to feel is not being addressed. Anyone interested in being part of a group of people who are acting to prevent gun violence and to make Chester safer for all, especially the children, please contact Shara Dunham at sharaheeding@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteSr.Jean Rupertus, OSF , Director
Thank you. Finally I found someone else who is not on the list. If you don't live and die Facebook, you'll miss a lot of what folks want you to know about around Chester.
DeleteDon't be disappointed with Chester participation. We prefer to challenge personalities, not policy.