CHADDS FORD POST 11/28/2002

When did the Civic Association of Chadds Ford Township turn from watchdog to guard dog?

Those of you who did not attend the Civic Association of Chadds Ford Township’s Fall Forum missed a performance worthy of review. It featured an orchestrated effort by the minority of board members aided by local political factions to undermine the non-political character and goals of the Civic Association.

For almost a decade the objectives as stated by the bylaws of this community organization are to maintain the rural character of the township as a healthful, safe, pleasant residential community and to promote the solution of problems affecting the community on a friendly, cooperative and completely non-partisan basis.

These are certainly worthy goals, but after the meeting on Nov. 12 nobody can say those goals are being met -- at least that cannot be said with a straight face.

The majority of the board was denied the opportunity to be aware of and review the credentials of five applicants interested in elected office within the association. Clearly, the decision to withhold applicant credentials and the meeting agenda from directors prior to the meeting was irregular and not responsive to the president’s request.

A suggestion to delay the selection of directors until the January reorganization meeting fell on deaf ears, and the sweep was complete. Never did the undersigned expect to be taken advantage of by our fellow board members.

For the past nine years the practice of this normally friendly, cooperative group was to appoint officers at the January reorganization meeting. The bylaws are ambiguous to the election and appointment issues and have been acknowledged by all directors, past and present, as needing correction.

At the fall forum a slate of new officers was presented and hurriedly approved. The majority of board members were denied an opportunity to appoint a nominating committee and discuss nominations.

What, you ask, does watchdog or guard dog have to do with anything? Well, we always prided ourselves on being non-partisan and on being a watchdog of the Board of Supervisors, a bit of checks and balances or, as was stated in our January 3, 2002 Minutes, the loyal opposition to the Board of Supervisors. So, is the Civic Association now changing from watchdog “of” the Board to guard dog “for” the Board of Supervisors?

How can a non-partisan profile continue to be a goal of this group?

Al Elko, out-going president

Jack Tobin, past president

Clara Todd, treasurer

Louise Varney, membership director

Samantha Reiner, out-going editor

Chadds Ford Civic Association