Dear Editor:
In my letter to the editor, dated October 23, I predicted “an avalanche of misinformation, innuendo and false “facts” asserted by a few.” Now that I’ve dug my way free from a load of snow, ice and rock, I’d like to reply to Mr. Weidenbacher’s letter, posted online Oct. 28.
In my letter I never “suggested that residents who question certain aspects of a school bond proposal are demonizing our elected officials” and I didn’t say [people who dissent] are casting such officials as evil-doers.”
In fact, I’m a businessperson, who has rarely met a process, policy or procedure that can’t be improved upon. I delight in debate, editing and revision.
In fact, my printed words were: “I hope that those who disagree with the proposals will offer constructive, detailed and realistic alternatives.” Those words did not criticize dissent. On the contrary, those words: (a) invited dissent and (b) invited problem solving ideas from citizens within our community.
I did not say “our neighbors cannot be trusted [to make known their two-cents worth]…and…be trusted to do so seriously, respectfully and responsibly.” The author states that I am “attempting to demonize anyone who dares question such public proposals.”
In fact, my printed words were: “I hope we will listen and learn, and take care to distinguish between authoritative, reliable information and unfounded allegations and inflammatory rhetoric…These are serious matters. We must treat them seriously, respectfully and responsibly.”
The point of those sentences was to caution people against getting “news” and “facts” from “a few members in the community who seem to delight in fomenting dissent.” The word “fomenting” was purposely chosen to refer to a small few, who seem to agitate, fan the flames, and appear uninterested in solutions — see my part (b) above.
There are reliable places to get facts. For example, attend a meeting. Never be afraid to ask questions or comment. If you can’t attend a meeting, the Civic Association records all Borough meetings and posts them online. Obtain the prepared materials, and decide for yourself. That’s what I call treating the issues “seriously, respectfully and responsibly.”
I’ve been delighted by the number of people who have stopped me in town, or on a field, or by message, who have thanked me for my letter. Several of our elected officials have personally thanked me for the tone, spirit and message in the letter. One elected official confided in me this week saying, “Thank you for what you wrote. Some people actually think we’re evil. We’re not evil.” They want our ideas. They want participation from more people in the community who have ideas. How else does one lead, if he or she doesn’t hear from citizens?
I thought of another hope. I hope that more people, who care deeply about our town’s future continue to come forward, speak their minds and offer thoughtful ideas and solutions that will lead to a better Haddonfield.
One of Haddonfield’s greatest natural resources is our citizenry. In our small town, we have leaders in every discipline, industry and walk of life. We need more of those precious resources to weigh in now, as we grapple with generational challenges that will shape our borough for the next 100 years.
Jeff Tucker
