I was saddened to hear that Richard Harris died on Sunday morning May 16, 2010 after a long illness.
Richard showed several admirable traits. He was extremely courageous in facing his illness. He continued to contribute to the Township no matter how ill he was. While I may have disagreed with some of the ways he was handling the Township, I never doubted that he loved the Lower Milford, and that he acted in what he believed to be in the best interest of the residents of Lower Milford Township. He was dedicated to making the Township a great place to live. Lower Milford has lost a great asset.
I offer my sympathy to his family.
I received a phone call with a simple offer – I give him my money and he invests and spends it for my benefit. Normally, I hang up; but I need to get I life so I probed further. Turns out the caller is a 23 year old whose job was working in the office of a guy who did the same thing but quit because he was not too good at it. Now he is unemployed, but if he gets enough people to go with him, he will be hired. He is a “Mama’s boy” whose sole means of support seems to be his mother. He hangs out with bad people who propose “get rich schemes” at the expense of the average guy. How dumb does he think I am? What nut would actually think of going with this snot-nosed kid with no experience?
Well, the call never happened! But if it did, it would not have come from an investment advisor but from a politician– Justin Simmons. He is challenging Karen Beyers for the Republican nomination as PA State Representative for the 131st district. Looking at the number of signs along the highway, either his Mom is rich and dumb or he is being financed by bad people who want to take away the few benefits that the government gives me. If Karen Beyers is to be challenged, at least it should be someone better than a snot-nosed kid. Ironically, he criticized Karen Beyers for taking a per diem when she goes to Harrisburg. I can’t imagine him going to Harrisburg with taking the per diem or will his Mom drive him to Harrisburg and wait while he flounders among the sharks before taking him home?. This is a new low for the right wing. The Party of No has no candidate that is a creditable challenge to Karen Beyers. Shame!
Karen Beyers has helped the Township. She has secured funding using stimulus funding that Charlie Dent voted against for our sewer project. This helped many people in the Township. She has been an ally – albeit an ineffective one—in fighting the quarry (Something Simmon’s handlers favor). Why on earth would anyone vote for this snot-nosed kid? But, I bet, there are some in the Township that are dumb enough to do so. Hopefully, the snot-nosed kid will learn a valuable lesson—he should getsome experience before listening to bad people convince him that his delusions of grandeur are valid. We will see how many dumb Republicans there are in Lower Milford Township on Tuesday.
Tags: Dumb Republican, Lower-Milford-Township, Republicans, State Representative
It is hard to imagine that 6 years have passed since Arland Schantz was elected to Lower Milford Township Supervisor by a write in ballot. But times passes on and Bill Roy has replaced Arland with little fanfare.
Let me say that Arland’s and my politics differ widely. We differ on the many policies for the Township. However, I can have absolute confidence that Arland always acted in what he thought was best for the Township. He was elected and served admirably. We owe him a word of appreciation for spending significant time running the Township.
Thank you Arland. Best wishes for your life after public service to Lower Milford Township
Recently, various local news sources have reported new and interesting activities planned for Lower Milford Township. Stories have abounded involving futuristic adventures stemming from supposed digging, blasting, and crushing of stone. In addition, residents have expressed the unnatural fear that their water supplies may be affected. And would you believe that the constant smell of asphalt may be unpleasant to some people in the area?
After making inquiries at the township building, the source of these rumors was revealed. Evidently, a company called ‘Geryville Materials’ (GM) has been promising the citizenry a stone quarry, asphalt plant, and concrete batch factory. I wanted to learn more about GM, so I did some research. First, I tried asking people in the stone crushing industry, but they hadn’t heard of them. Next, I looked up GM on the internet. Hmm…nothing, except the local hearings. I assumed they probably had a long history of successful mining projects – no, nothing of the sort.
Then I began reviewing transcripts of the hearings. I was surprised to learn that the quarry applicant admitted he has no experience in managing such a venture. His background revealed jobs in real estate and vehicle sales, instead. Well, I thought, is he learning new skills in this tough economy? How complicated can running a quarry be? I just hope he’s a quick learner.
More transcript reading showed that one witness has been testifying in favor of GM’s venture for the past 4+ years. First, he explained GM’s plans for their 600+ acre tract. He educated the audience in great detail for over 2 yrs. I almost began to swallow his testimony hook, line, & asphalt. In one hearing, he said that he disagreed with conservation agencies that have deemed Geryville’s property part of an ‘environmentally sensitive’ zone.
When this ‘expert witness’ was asked if he was getting compensated for his appearances, he replied, “I hope so.” A feeble attempt at humor, I concluded, but showing little comedic background. The attorney pressed on, revealing that although Geryville’s witness has spent the past 20+ years testifying at quarry-related hearings, he has only appeared on behalf of quarries. In other words, he has never represented a township or citizens’ group to oppose a quarry.
How ‘expert’ can a person be who only ever looks at one side of the picture? Is presenting such a lopsided view of GM’s venture meant to show us we have nothing to be concerned about? Or is GM perpetrating a simple hoax? Kind of like sending up a trial balloon, getting the locals upset and following its every move, and finally revealing its empty contents?
President Obama was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. This is a great day for Americans because it shows that people who evaluate such things think he can change the American direction.
There are those who are jealous and criticize the award. Those who will never achieve greatness and resent that those who can see greatness would recognize an American President.
There are those who look to the past and say he lacks achievement to merit the award. Those who evaluate such things have recognized that he has changed America’s attitude to one that wishes to have peace through freedom of man recognizing the value of man rather than by bullying.
There are those who look to the present and say he is overseeing two wars and it hypocritical to award such a man the Prize for Peace. Those who evaluate those things see that the desire of the man is to have the world live in peace and has moved significantly to have the world people to join him in denouncing violence.
There are those who look to the future and resent that President Obama has a vision that they cannot imagine.
I look to the past and see that America is once again seen by the world as a partner for peace rather than a bully to be feared and resisted. I look to the present and see a man who persists in advancing the cause for peace even if many citizens want to feel better by using force so their cowardice would not be exposed. I see the future as bright if President Obama‘s vision for America can be advanced.
President Obama has altered the direction of the world in its pursuit for peace that was not present for at least the last decade. I do not know if history will show that this was a pivotal point that will make President Obama great because he advanced the cause of peace significantly. But I swear that the fifty stars on the flag are shinging brighter today. Congratulations President Obama.
Tags: Nobel Prize, President Obama
At the last Curative Amendment Meeting, Lower Milford Township‘s lawyer asked Geryville Materials‘ consultant what the harms and benefits for the quarry project were. Unfortunately, the consultant seemed to have a speech impediment — he could not pronounce harm. But he could make up benefits — but not quantify them. For several hours, the lawyer asked if there were any harms, the consultant compensated for his affliction by stating that they would comply with the State’s requirements. Benefits– they would pay taxes, create jobs, and provide much needed aggregate. Comply -pay taxes for two hours!
Of course, this parrying was meant to to elicit that there may be serious harm to the community and the prime benefit would be to make the quarry operator rich. To admit that would clearly indicate that Geryville Materials was honest and could be depended upon dealing forthrightly with the community. The sneaky, unresponsive, avoidance of the issues indicates what the community can expect from Geryville Materials. If Geryville Materials cannot admit that there is harm, how can they be expected to mitigate any harm? This truly shows the character of the company.
The testimony puts forward two of my pet peeves when dealing with questionable issues:
1. Regulations protect the community from harm. Garbage! It may be harder to see the fallacy when a quarry is in question, but looking at it using a more familiar situation– smoking.
Lawyer: “Sir, are there any harms to smoking?”
Consultant: ” We comply with all State and Federal laws and regulations”
Lawyer: ” But will people be harmed if they smoke?”
Consultant: “We will not do anything that is against the law that would harm anyone.”
Is this any different from the questions and answers that the quarry consultant gave? Laws and regulations do not stop harm; at best, the mitigate the damage. A quarry — cigarettes same thing. One can only ask what the situation would be if there were no regulations. Clearly we have seen more deaths when tobacco was not regulated. But no harm because it is regulated?
2. Unquantified benefits– Listing benefits without idea if significant is garbage also. One can always list a benefit. Whether it outweighs the harm or whether it is even a factor can only be assessed if there is a value attached. Not doing so is only a way of hiding the danger. Beware:
Lawyer: Are there benefits to smoking?
Consultant: Sure– taxes, jobs, public good.
Lawyer: Are these taxes you pay more than money lost through illness, death, and medical costs?
Consultant: We pay all taxes required by law
Lawyer: Are jobs created in the area where smokers are? And are they more than those lost by sickness or death?
Consultant: We create jobs wherever we can maximize our profit – we are allowed by the constitution to do that.
Lawyer: What public good? Doesn’t smoking harm the public?
Consultant: It provides relaxation to those who choose to smoke. Primary smoke is the byproduct of a beneficial act. Secondary smoke is only a factor if people choose to be near smokers. We do not break the law in allowing smokers their given right to benefit from cigarettes.
Nowhere is the amount of money mentioned. If it were then maybe the lack of benefits would be more clear. It is a matter of the character of the industry to be honest about their business. The quarry business, like the tobacco industry, seems to have all the character required of them by law. Whether they have any significant benefit is illustrated by the character they show. Misrepresentation and obfuscation is not character. It is being a quarry operator.
Lower Milford Township has multiple personalities. It is a farming community AND it is also a bedroom community. Both personalities share the Township. Kids go to the same schools; the rural environment is enjoyed by both; intrusions into the community endanger all. Sometimes it is hard to realize that we have become what we are by our predecesors deeds many years ago. We should realize that 50 years from now, this community will mirror our activies and accomplishments. Because of this we need to be reminded that we are not just farmers and residents but citizens of the Township with common goals. We need a booster shot — and we get that here every fall. We have our Lower Milford Township Festival.
On September 26, 2009, we again had our Festival on the Township Building grounds. Again, it was great. We had farmers displaying and selling their produce, we had the Fire Dept Women’s Auxiliary and local stores selling food and crafts; the Historical Society, our Churches, the Residents Association, politicians all exhibiting their contributions to our Township. We had unique horse rides, exhibits of farm equipment, Lehigh Valley Medical Helicopter, tractor races for kids, auctions — all volunteered by people of our community to entertain others in the community. It was a great time had by all!
This is what community spirit is meant to be. However, it is the behind the scenes hours of work put in by volunteers that make it a success. Arranging stands, get stuff for auctions, endless phone calls, panic moments when a vendor pulls out at the last moment — are all in a day’s work for these selfless volunteers. Each year, the Festival Committee plans and executes the Festival perfectly. Donna Wright, Betty Jo Harris, Township Staff, and the many volunteers should know they did a great job. We appreciate it! We thank You! Now, get to work on next year’s Festival–
Tags: festival, Lower-Milford-Township
In a great show of insensitivity, a lawyer for Geryville Materials, tried to list some devlopments that are worse than a quarry — something Geryville Materials is trying to impose on Lower Milford Township. “..a landfill and a sewage plant “ were two examples. Damn! We are getting a sewage plant in Limeport. We become unique in we could have two of three of the worst developments in this lawyer’s mind anchoring the Township. It must be tough going through life working supporting causes that are in the worst category. How do you sleep at night? To help out, we have listed the top ten vocations or avocations that are at least as bad as being a lawyer for a quarry operator:
10. A septic tank diver — hold your nose when doing job just as a quarry lawyer
9. A cesspool snorkeler — hard to hold breath for a long time
8. Pedophile — not loved back just as a quarrry lawyer
7. Flatulence analyzer — for science; someone has to do it
6. Press Secretary for a Politician — Who believes you? (Just like a quarry lawyer)
5. Bed pan cleaner — shovels sh** just as a quarry lawyer
4. Telemarketer — try to sell crap to someone you know hates you just like a quarry lawyer
3. Crash dummy — painful but you only have to do it once a month for a client (like a quarry lawyer?)
2. Landfill scavenger — finds garbage to use just as a quarry lawyer
and the top job at least as bad as a quarry lawyer
1. Quarry Operator — No explanation necessary
I am sure you can think of others. Help the Geryville Materials’ lawyer live with himself by submitting your own lousy jobs ideas.
Tags: Gerryville-Materials, jobs, lawyer
A couple of months ago, I attended a meeting of the Lower Milford Township Zoning Hearing Board. At that meeting, Geryville Materials (GM) forwarded a Special Exception application to build a stone quarry, asphalt plant, and concrete factory on 600+ acres in Hosensack. When GM’s attorney was asked to clarify the company’s reason for the application, I was somewhat surprised at his answer. He simply replied that he had to apply to develop his client’s land as a reaction to the new zoning ordinance that was recently adopted by the township.
Lower Milford Township officials have the wisdom and good judgment to try to protect their pastoral community from intrusive development. And they showed their willingness to spend the time, effort, and money to adopt a new, more protective zoning ordinance. They deserve high praise for what is often a thankless job. Well done!
However, the ever watchful Geryville Materials applied for a Special Exception permit to build a quarry under the guidelines of the old ordinance, just before the new one took effect. What an eagle eye they must have. But I wonder if this is what they really want. Since the new ordinance offers more protective measures than the old one, does GM care about the community as much as the township?
Somewhat confused now, I returned to original question: Why was this new application submitted? Answer: As a reaction to the new ordinance. What a cavalier response to a serious question! It led me to wonder if GM is genuine in their quarry-quest. Who knows what someone may do or say that may trigger another unpredictable reaction.
I think Ben Franklin was on to something when he said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Both the Township and its residents are placing tons of prevention in place, but someone insists on a different Cure…..”
Tags: Gerryville-Materials, Lower-Milford-Township, quarry, Zoning Hearing Board
It is finished! It is complete! The results are official! My survey of stripes across roads in Northeastern Pennsylvania irrefutably shows that the stretch of Limeport Pike from beginning of Limeport Village to Pine Tree Road has the more stripes per mile than any other road in a Class 2 Township. (Philly, Allentown, even Hellertown has those pesky crosswalks that skew results preventing making this a universal statement.)
The question arises “why all the stripes”? It can’t be for speed control, can it? We only have 3 officers. Most of the lines can be seen only from private property. That would mean that the police would have to break the law, trespassing, to catch speeders. (I know they didn’t get permission from property owners to use their property.) So the issue is why the stripes? Let’s surmise:
Possibility 1: Lower Milford Township wants to be a Class 1 Township.
That leads to a couple of possibilities.
- The stripes are cross walks mimicking ones seen in Allentown. However, their width suggests that our Supervisors think our residents are obese needing the extra width to present their well rounded protuberances from crossing the line into danger. I am not an example to contradict this premise. However, I can assure you that our fair female denizens of the community all can easily cross Allentown streets without fear of harm that a portion of their anatomy will cross the line.
- Class 1 Townships sometimes impose “Head-on” parking in their village centers. Can it be this is a first attempt at head on parking in Limeport? The lines are a little wide for cars, but they may be just right for quarry trucks. Could this be a first hint that the Curative amendment will be granted and Limeport will be a place for staging truck for the quarry? Our Supervisors are considerate if nothing else. These drivers could pick up a quick sandwich at Ye Old Kountry Kupboard or a hamburger at the Limeport Inn – something not possible anywhere else in the Township. Who says Republicans are not interested in stimulating the economy?
Possibility 2: Showing the Township’s “Inner Self”.
- Stripes across the road indicate the Township’s ability to take one side and jump instantaneously to the other side when challenged.
- Stripes not completely crossing the road show the Township’s propensity to not do today what can be put off to tomorrow. It is like a sign in one of the bars I frequented that said “Free Beer – Tomorrow”.
- At Briar Hill Lane, two lines start out at one point and diverge just as our Township Supervisors who mostly vote 2 to 1 on critical issues.
Possibility 3: Parks and Recreations First Project
- It is a fartlek training course. Residents run quickly between two measured lines and recover until the next line. For advanced runners, they run on side where lines are not always completely across the road, giving them more running opportunities. The newbies run on the the side giving them more chance to recover – brilliant! At Briar Hill Lane one can select the distance. This helps motivation.
Whatever the actual reason, it affords an opportunity to resolve a pet peeve of mine. Village Centers are a focal point of the community; just as Limeport could be. I find it sad that the main road through most village centers have nondescript names, e.g., Main St., Broad St. Limeport Pike is a highway that does not recognize the uniqueness of Limeport. Motorists speed through it without appreciation of its history or character. The Zebra is distinct, brave, and unique. This describes Limeport exactly. We have the stripes to show. It is up to the Township to take action, keep the lines freshly painted, and rename the section of Limeport Pike from the Village boundary to Pine Tree Rd to Zebra Drive. We owe it to the residents of Limeport!
Tags: Limeport, Limeport Pike, Supervisors
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