It Simply Isn't So

I’m Richard Strahm, and I’m running for a seat on Lansdale’s borough council.  

And now that I’m doing it, I understand why so many people say, “I can’t stand politics.”

I can’t stand it either!  And mostly,because some people will say whatever it takes to win.  Even if it’s not true.

Let’s look at the most recent mailer from Liz Troy & Leon Angelichio.  Their mailers have cost thousands of dollars – but their quest for “open and honest” government falls flat when you find out that the PAC that sent them has failed – many times over the years – to file the required campaign finance reports.  Think about that for a second.  If they’ll willfully break the rules to get into office – what will they do once they get it?  A leopard can’t change its spots.

But back to the mailer.  What scare tactics they use!  That just aren’t true.

“Council just hasn’t delivered.”  Really?  Ended deficit spending.  Balanced the budget.  Two years with no tax increases.  $7 million from Merck for the sewage project with $1.5 million annually thereafter.  Reinstated the library hours.  Brought over 140 new businesses to town.  Millions in new grants.  30% drop in crime (thanks to restored police service), and so much more.  Hasn’t delivered?  Hogwash.

They go on to complain about tax increases.  Without pointing out that Lansdale Borough enjoys one of the lowest local tax rates around.  Remember, a nearby and similar borough, Ambler, has local tax rates that are TWICE ours!  And don’t forget, taxes were raised even more under the previous administration.  Liz and Leon enjoy the same low local taxes that the rest of us do.  They just want to scare you.  

“Expensive consultants” is their next gripe.  What they fail to point out is this – all local governments hire consultants to assist in complex issues where the limited government staff does not have the depth of expertise.  Would you rather pay a consultant $40,000 for a needed project, or hire a $100,000 employee to do the same thing?

“Poorly planned programs that have failed to bring new business or visitors to town.”  What town are these guys talking about??  Again, over 140 new businesses have come to Lansdale.  Events like Discover Lansdale’s First Fridays and Founders Day bring thousands of visitors to town.  Just today, Molly Maguire’s Celtic Fest and the Lansdale Farmer’s Market had our downtown packed!  On June 1st, the Rotary will have thousands of visitors for Lansdale Day.  And on June 22nd, expect the L.A.F.S. annual Beer Tasting Festival to be the magnet that draws huge crowds to our borough.  

“Council meetings away from the public eye.”  Now this one is truly crazy.  They know very well that the first Wednesday of every month is for committee meetings and the council work sessions.  And the third Wednesday is the council business meeting.  In borough hall.  In front of any resident who would like to attend or participate.  Neither Liz not Leon was at last Wednesday’s meeting.  Perhaps they just don’t know where to go.

“Refusing to televise meetings” comes next.  Really?  How could they refuse if it’s never come up for a vote?  Liz and Leon tell you it would be “free,” but that’s far from the truth.  It would cost more than a consultant, that’s for sure!  And have there been many requests?  The answer is no.  And don’t forget, anyone who wants to listen to a previous meeting can get a CD for a buck.  Or listen to it at borough hall. 

They then admonish, “Something has to change.”  Yes, something definitely has to change.  The way some people will say anything to win has to change.  The way that some people twist the truth or outright lie has to change.  And the way that some people put politics before Lansdale has to change.

Liz and Leon don’t even have their own voice.  Just look at the mailers for Joe Wolf and Jeff Howard in Ward One – the exact same thing.  Do you want council members who can think and speak for themselves, or people that are scripted by the political machine?  You’ve been hearing my voice and my words this entire campaign.  But ask yourself this – have you really heard Liz or Leon at all?

When you hear Liz and Leon with their scary sounding doom and gloom, remember this.  It simply isn’t so.

Vote for Richard Strahm on May 21st if you want an independent councilman who will tell it like it is.