Why I Don't Trust 'Trappe's Trusted Team' And Neither Should You

As Chairman of the Trappe Republican Committee, we have taken very seriously the task of evaluating our council candidates and endorsing those we feel best represent our values and vision for the future of the Borough.

Council members Fred Schuetz, Lew Diprete, and Paul Edwards were elected two years ago without our endorsement because we do not believe they share those values or vision.

Recently I was contacted by a woman who is a member of the family that owns property in Perkiomen Township. Signs supporting Marshall Stomel for Trappe Council appeared without permission on her property. Mr. Stomel was appointed by the three aforementioned Council members last year. His political signs ask voters to “Re-elect” Stomel, however in order to be re-elected one must first be elected. Voters never elected him. This in itself is misleading.

The woman asked Mr. Stomel to remove his signs and he assured her they would be removed quickly. Subsequently they were not removed - so then Lew Diprete began sending her alarming and disconcerting emails which she regarded as a threat. 

She was kind enough to share this email thread, pasted below.  Finally DiPrete or Stomel removed the signs; but then they phoned another family member unaware of this email exchange, going around her, and secured his permission to put up their signs without her knowledge, sowing discord among family members. 

I must say I am appalled at DiPrete’s behavior and I am especially concerned that he promised to engage the Borough solicitor and engineer in his political dispute. As Republicans we believe in a government that functions efficiently and effectively to serve the people. It should never be used to intimidate those whose opinions differ; and the Borough's resources, paid for by the taxpayers, should never be used to advance a political agenda.

Marshall Stomel and the Trusted Team members are on record saying they prefer imposing tax increases on a regular basis, quoted by Patch reporters within Trappe Council meeting write-ups (search by name in Government). Elected Council Member Cathy Johnson helped stop Stomel’s momentum by saying, “I don't want to see the [tax] jumps every year just because.” Elected Council Member Nevin Scholl asked him, “Why tax people for no good reason?”

These are not Republican values. This isn't even sound fiscal policy. We were right not to endorse these men two years ago as they do not represent the Borough of Trappe or the Trappe Republican Committee's values or vision. Their support and actions on behalf of Marshall Stomel should make it evident to all Trappe residents that he is the wrong man for the job. That is why we did not endorse his candidacy and that is why voters should reject him and the “Trusted Team’s” bully tactics on May 21st.

Sincerely,

Jack Minster
Trappe Republican Committee Chairman

On May 4, 2013, at 9:39 AM, Lewis DiPrete < > wrote:

Hello Michelle this is Lew DiPrete Trappe Borough Councilman. I was asked by my colleague Marshall Stomel who's running for reelection to please take down some signs at ____. I just want to confirm that and want to make sure that I'm taking down the right signs because we have a number of signs on the intersection of ____ and ____. I will swing by this morning and remove those signs thank you very much for your time.

On May 4, 2013, at 1:25 PM, Michelle < > wrote:

Yes please remove his signs from the Corner and down the road . Thank you

On May 4, 2013, at 1:34 PM, Lewis DiPrete < > wrote:

Which corner? Are you supporting Nevin and company? Lastly, are you aware that Marshall is endorsed by Fred Schuetz and Mayor Connie Peck? Thank you for your time.

On May 4, 2013, at 6:34 PM, Michelle < > wrote:

I am the corner that has _____ road mailbox n who I support is my concern. Please have these down today.

On May 4, 2013, at 6:52 PM, Lewis DiPrete < > wrote:

What is your address please?

On May 5, 2013, at 10:13 AM, Michelle < > wrote:

I am not happy the signs r still up I have removed them and they r lying in the grass, please have removed today.

On May 5, 2013, at 2:55 PM, Lewis DiPrete < > wrote:

Michelle the property on the corner of ____ and ____ the northwest corner is public property I believe and I'm verifying this with my town solicitor and engineer. going forward I think if that is public property and you remove the signs for Marshall Stomel you may be in violation of Marshall's First Amendment rights.

On May 5, 2013, 3:22 PM, Michelle < > wrote:

This is my private property owned by me n my family and I want them removed. I will be throwing them out this evening and I am reporting this as I have asked nicely more than once.