Media's Election

To the Editor:

Freedom of speech is one of our most treasured Constitutional rights. The free press is one vehicle through which that speech is often expressed.  In this age of social media, however, we walk a fine line in exercising speech rights. Posts in blogs and tweets make it possible to anonymously sensationalize, glorify or destroy any person, place or thing as partisan political sport. People who anonymously plant stories and then run away are cowards.   And those who permit such posts to appear on their blog sites are just as cowardly. If you follow the Media Republican partisan blog, you’ll agree.  

 Jim Cunningham and Bill Tyson, Republican Party politicians on the “Media First” ticket, are looking to hijack the Media Democratic Primary on May 21st. By filing for the Democratic primary and then getting a “who’s who” list of Republicans to change party registration they may succeed in their efforts. An examination of this list includes, former Republican party candidates, council members, Broomall’s Lake members and those associated with Media Real Estate and the Super Wawa application This well financed slate has campaigned by writing a series of letters, raising a handful of “issues” that will be resolved by the next sitting Council.  But the key question that we, as voters, must ask ourselves is: "Do we want a Media Borough Council that patiently adheres to the public process, listens, negotiates, compromises, and resolves issues OR do we want a Council that takes marching orders from the County Republican Party?”

The results of this election will impact our community well into our future.

What the Media Republicans (aka “Media First”) fail to mention is that some of their candidates originally opposed the Super Wawa proposal and Hampton Inn. Now, they are part of the group who pumped up these issues to have something to base their candidacy upon.  As “Media First” candidates, they have reversed earlier positions in order to argue that both projects will now be positive for the Borough. They make no effort to deal with actual facts or to fairly discuss the impact either project will have on our town.

 Former Republican Council candidates are now the President and legal counsel for Broomall's Lake Country Club, which, despite their candidates’ effort to blame Council, is the single entity now challenging last year’s agreement regarding Broomall’s Dam - and the single entity delaying a reasonable resolution.  

 Tossing accusations concerning serious borough issues, without discussing the real facts, is not responsible leadership. This was the very reason Media’s voters soundly rejected the Republicans the last time they ran for office in 2011. 

 While the “Media First” group loudly (and with apparent pride) speaks about Broomall’s Dam and the Super Wawa proposal, they do us a disservice when they dismiss the burdens their positions would place on the people of Media.  Their allegiance is to the County Republican machine that has sought to control Media, the County Seat, since 1982 when the people of Media elected a majority of Democrats to Council.  Prior to then, Borough jobs were open only to County-controlled Republican patronage; Media streets were closed for their expansion; the County’s impact on Media parking needs ignored; and the costs of such impositions were foisted upon the backs of Borough residents. 

 So far, the “Media First” ticket has shown us that Broomall’s Country Club and Wawa are first; and the needs of the people of Media, our environment, and our tax burden fall further down the line - after they have satisfied their County Machine handlers.

Joan Hagan                                                                Gail Whitaker

Former Media Council President                              Former Media Council Vice President