Reaction to Malvern Boro Council Meeting re: Police

Several weeks ago, many Malvern residents met to discuss our Borough Council’s consideration of subcontracting our police department services to East Whiteland.  If this takes place, it is my understanding that our police department would be summarily fired, all property of said department brought to public auction thus making it almost impossible to reestablish a Malvern Police Department if and when the contract with East Whiteland fails.

While the obvious goal of the citizenry who attended and spoke at that meeting (myself included) was simply to share our support of the constabulary, seek clarity as to what prompted council’s consideration of this contract and express our concerns for actions already taken by boro council on this issue, my focus has since broadened to include apprehension with regards to the ability of some members of council and the mayor to govern Malvern moving forward; stemming from the demonstrated behaviors of some of the members during that meeting. 

I feel it is the responsibility of those of us who vote to “hold our politicians feet to the fire” while they are in office.  Further, we must ensure they are truly representing our interests, not just theirs.  Conversely, it is the elected officials’ job to honor their post, and be open to hear the voices of their constituency.  It appeared that several council members were visibly bothered, vehemently angry and annoyed that many do not agree with their decision re: consideration of subcontracting our police department or the direction they are trying to take the town they represent. Perhaps the question needs to be asked, “…Are we best governed by those who do not have the emotional maturity to move their egos aside and keep personal reactions out of public debate”?  Don’t elected officials who embrace townspeople who come out to share their thoughts, concerns, support or lack thereof better serve us?  This is what constitutes a “governed body” and this is what our council and mayor signed up for, volunteer positions or not!

I was considering asking that the council membership make a public apology for what I feel was abhorrent behavior lodged toward those of us at the meeting.  I thought the current Borough President was particularly rude to a gentleman who spoke at the end of the meeting.  But after careful consideration, it is my contention that any apology worth hearing would need to be sincere and unsolicited; neither of which would be the case here.  Rather, I simply ask that members of our community continue to attend borough council meetings regardless of how this police department issue plays out; keeping a continuous “finger on the pulse” of what these elected persons are doing “on our behalf”…we cannot afford to be complacent.  Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings and dates/times are listed on the borough website.  No, I don’t make all of the meetings but do attend several per year when I am not traveling, and I do read the borough minutes.  I plan on making more meetings and hope to see you there!

Respectfully, Joyce P.