I feel compelled to write this because of the ongoing prolific letter-writing efforts by a few Democratic operatives lending their names to numerous articles appearing in multiple publications. Specifically, I’m responding to the defense of Democratic Committeeman Patrick Short’s attack on the Middletown Municipal Alliance for Alcohol and Drug abuse, or Crossroads. I’m sure if they knew all the facts, they would not embrace Mr. Short’s tactics so readily.
The bill list that Mr. Short questioned is sent to every member of the committee. Each of us reviews and in the event of questions, we ask before going to the media. The research can range from asking fellow colleagues – which Mr. Short has clearly chosen not to do – contacting the township administrator, responsible department head or someone in the clerk’s office or finance area. This is routine and commonplace among all committee persons.
Prior to the meeting Feb. 20, Mr. Short e-mailed the administrator for an explanation of the Alliance’s electronic purchase, which he was promptly given. Yet, Mr. Short still felt it necessary to raise the same question in public and even brought along a prop of TV advertisements waived in the air for the media, claiming he found the same or comparable TV cheaper. This stunt was not only flat-out dishonest, it was patently unfair for the following reasons:
First, the director of the alliance was not given an opportunity to explain. If he was, he would have related that he went to five different vendors and bought the cheapest one, which was well below list price.
Second, the TV and other accessories were the type that could be transported to schools and other venues, rather that stationary use in a single location, creating an inaccurate comparison of equipment. Third, the store that sold the TV is a respected local merchant that has no shipping or delivery charges, saving the township substantially.
Fourth, the township uses purchase orders with approved vendors, paying for them at a later date. Mr. Short’s rush to judgment (shoot first, question later) and failure to examine all the issues is both reckless and demeaning to all who contribute so much to the township.
In closing, no one is disputing the need to examine bill lists in detail and question any charges. In fact, Mr. Short would be remiss in his duties if he did not. However, to make wild, unfounded accusations and cast aspersions on decent, honest and hard-working individuals is grossly unfair, counterproductive and wasteful of township resources – not to mention a clumsy attempt at dramatics at the expense of others’ reputations. The sad reality is that Mr. Short has thus far chosen to be an isolationist and obstructionist by virtue of his own self-aggrandizing letter-writing efforts at the expense of meaningful dialogue. Once again, Mr. Short, I implore you to stop the grandstanding and work with us.
Thomas Hall
committeeman
Middletown Township