"Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow."

 ~Douglas Pagels, These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You
 

The Township has survived Hurricane Irene, although it will certainly be remembered as the storm that caused significant power and other utility outages, with some of our neighbors suffering without power for almost a week. As Commissioner, I dealt with the storm on many fronts. I fielded roughly 100 emails from residents about the storm, as well as numerous phone calls and text messages -- all with the same message: Why can't we receive any information, better information, or more timely information from Peco? In addition, my house was without power for four days; a 200 year old crashed down at my in-laws' home in Havertown, but did not cause as much damage as it could have (see the picture above); they also had 2-1/2 feet of water in their basement; I had to travel out of town on business during the storm, with major re-routing; and, my son was stranded in Canada for days without any way to return home.

While we all recognize the severity of the storm, I certainly hope that Peco will improve its communications with residents. I outlined my concerns in prior newsletters and at a press conference last week. Fortunately, Peco received copies of my e-newsletters and has offered to meet with 4th Ward residents to discuss the issues that arose and to try to avoid them in the future. I will notify you in my print and e-newsletters as soon as the date and time of the meeting are confirmed.

Finally, we owe thanks to the Township Manager (Larry Gentile), his staff, the Police Department, our extraordinary volunteer firefighters, our EMTs, and everyone else who lent a hand to try to help all of us survive the storm. We are fortunate to live in a community in which neighbors not only know each other, but also do what they can in times of need.