Abington Democrats and Commissioner Wayne Luker

 As the Chairman of the Abington-Rockledge Democratic Committee, I was very disturbed by the somewhat reckless article recently published on this website about Commissioner Wayne Luker.   First, since no affiliations were disclosed by the author within the article I must start by pointing out that presenting comments as facts about the local Democratic party by a republican committee person and self-proclaimed leader of the local teabaggers is strange to say the least.  That being said, let me state this plainly, Commissioner Wayne Luker has served Abington for 19 years and personally I am amazed by his service.   The truth is that Commissioner Luker and his primary opponent, Donna Brewer, both agreed to an open primary.  The full Democratic Committee voted for an open primary as suggested by Wayne and Donna and that is as they say that.  The citizens of Ward 5 will decide in the primary election, a concept that apparently seems so foreign to the local "republican machine" it must mean that something is wrong.   

Speaking of the local R machine, what really happened to the public library mentioned in the blog?   Conspicuously missing from the former article was one key point, originally four (yes four) Republican Commissioners voted in favor of the public library.   It was the right thing to do for Abington, for Roslyn, and for our public library system.   In fact, the Abington library board composed of prominent Republicans and Democrats, spoke out in favor of the plan many times.  So, what happened - or what changed?  Well, that's when it got "political" as they say and I'm not talking about on the Democratic side....   I understand there was quite an uproar about the library at the local Republican's meeting directed at the Republican Commissioners that voted in favor of the library.   Approving such a big project so beneficial to the community in a Democratic Commissioner's ward is apparently forboden.   Next thing you know, the litigation over the library was dragged out by the township solicitor, thereby jeopardizing the hundreds of thousands of dollars set to come into Abington from the state and the county that would make the public library possible.   And that was as they say that, all four Republicans changed their vote.   Don't take my word for it, see Commissioner Schreiber's words regarding the public library and Commissioner Michael O'Conner's cogent comments about the Abington Solicitor's handling of the litigation here   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6DNozmLWWc

But lets really "get real" here.   You see, for over six or seven months now there has been a debate over a non-discrimination ordinance here in Abington.   Simply stated, this is an ordinance that would protect all residents of Abington equally.  Also simply stated it has now become clear that the current makeup of the board will not see through the passing of this ordinance. To really know what is going on right here in your Township, I urge you to listen to Commissioner Schreiber's words on the issue here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyoXuEp4S3M

 In closing, I ask you all "what do you want for Abington?"   The Abington Township board currently stands at 9 Republicans and 6 Democrats.   I believe it is time for more independent voices on the board to add to our sitting Democratic Commissioners, a new solicitor and a new direction.  I believe this will only occur this November when YOU can vote in a Democratic majority on the board so that decisions are not made behind the scenes by a few unelected individuals that run the Republican leadership.   Choice is yours, republicans, democrats, or whatever your affiliations, I'd like to see all of you come out on May 17th for the Primary elections and let your voices also be heard on General Election day, Nov. 8th.  Oh, and feel free to stop by our website to check out our candidates and incumbents at www.abingtondemocrats.com .  

Thank you for your attention.