Mayor says a tree once interfered with the flying flag
By: Scott Morgan
BORDENTOWN CITY It has been several years, but Old Glory is back in front of City Hall.
The flagpole that stood in front of City Hall on Farnsworth Avenue had gone bare for a number of years, mainly because of a tree that grew beside the pole and often interfered with the flying flag, Mayor John Collom said.
Last week, after years of questions and a small amount of flap raised amid the installation of a new flagpole on Bordentown Beach, the flag was again hoisted up the pole in front of City Hall.
Mayor Collom said some advocates for flying the flag in front of City Hall had requested the tree be trimmed to allow the flag to fly freely. The mayor said, however, that trimming the tree would destroy it, so the flagpole was moved (under Commissioner John Wehrman’s direction) a few feet to the side.
"I give great credit to John Wehrman," the mayor said. "This was done on his initiative."
The $1,800 project was paid for through private donations, Mr. Wehrman said.
Farnsworth Avenue resident Al Csapo, who lobbied the city to raise the flag again, said he was glad officials could find a way to fly the Stars and Stripes without harming the tree. Though he wishes the flag were larger (and though he hopes to soon see the POW/MIA flag flying below the American flag at City Hall), Mr. Csapo said he is mostly happy with things.
"It looks good and they saved the tree," he said. "They did a good job."
Mr. Wehrman said no one has mentioned the POW/MIA flag, but also that he will "explore the possibility" of getting one.

