Polk resigns from borough council

Ward 7 Councilwoman Denise Polk has abruptly resigned from Borough Council.

As part of a June 28 letter to Council, Borough Manager Mike Perrone and Mayor Dianne Herrin, with her resignation effective June 28, Polk wrote that it had been her “privilege to serve our community.”

Polk gave no specific reason for why she quit, but wrote at length about her opposition to borough plans to shut down Gay Street for four blocks to allow restaurants and merchants to set up tables and merchandise displays in the street and to allow for social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Gay Street, also known as PA Route 3, is a state-controlled roadway and permission to close the street is pending though

PennDOT after council voted to allow for the closure.

“I understand that commerce opening up to ‘green’ was the decision of the governor,” Polk wrote in the letter. “I’ve also been keeping a close watch on what is happening regarding COVID-19.

“The growing numbers, and recent shutdowns of re-openings suggest we are not making the right decision.”

Polk holds the rank of full professor in the Department of Communications

Studies at West Chester University.

“This is not the time to shut down Gay Street, regardless of ‘getting back to normal’ or economics because we’re talking about human lives,” Polk wrote.

Polk quoted the Washington Post: “A record surge in new cases is the clearest sign of the historic failure in the U.S. to control the virus – exposing a crisis in governance extending from the Oval Office to state capitals to city councils.”

Polk wrote that some profits should be diverted.

“I recommend immediate discussion of how businesses that reopen will contribute to solutions of COVID-19,” she wrote in the letter. “They should contribute

10% of their profits toward PPE.” Merriam Webster defines PPE as “Personal Protective Equipment.”

The former councilwoman gave a warning.

“Mathematically speaking, our numbers will spike. Watch,” she wrote.

Polk signed the letter, “In sobering sincerity.”

Council Chairman Michael Galey responded to Polk.

“I am sorry to hear this,” Galey wrote. “I have very much enjoyed working with you over the past several years.

““Your insights have been a great benefit to council and the borough, and you will be missed.”

On an interim basis, Polk was nabbed to fill the seat of Councilwoman Ellen B. Koopman who announced her intention to resign in November 2016. Ward 7 voters then reaffirmed the decision and selected Polk to continue as a member of council.

Council has 30 days to pick an interim replacement and will likely interview candidates at the

July 14 work session and then vote to replace Polk at the July 15 voting session. Ward 7 voters will decide who serves at the polls in November.

Candidates must live in the 7th Ward, be registered to vote and be a resident of the ward for a year prior to the council vote. Instructions to apply are available online at www.west-chester.com.

Polk