Candidate asks for statement condemning Charlottesville violence

Board members say they agree with initiative

An Upper Gwynedd resident has asked the township’s commissioners to consider passing a public statement condemning violence like that in Charlottesville, Virginia last month, and consider drafting a mission statement saying something similar.

“I would like to ask the board to propose a resolution relating to rights and liberties, and what has been happening around the country,” said resident Liz McNaney.

McNaney, who is running in November’s election as a Democrat for a position on the all-Republican board, said she had followed the violent protest in Virginia Aug. 12 and the subsequent national discussion, and said she thought Upper Gwynedd should make a similar statement.

“I was talking to people in Whitpain Township, and theirs was approved unanimously, and I think I would encourage Upper Gwynedd to do one as well,” she said.

Whitpain’s resolution was passed on Aug. 15 and states that the township “affirms its commitment to continue efficiently, responsibly, and creatively providing the essential services that build value, enhance the quality of life, and protect the health, safety, and rights for all who live in, work in, and enjoy Whitpain.”

A draft version McNaney gave to the board copies the Whitpain language nearly word-for-word, and states that recent events in Charlottesville and beyond “have caused many Upper Gwynedd residents to reflect on our nation’s immortal declaration that all people are created equal, and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

McNaney’s draft also refers to township residents who have fought in wars “to defend the nation against forces that threatened our rights and liberty,” and mentions the death of a woman and two police officers during the Charlottesville event. Her draft resolution included a reference to a township mission statement, but McNaney said she could not find a formal mission statement, and asked the board if one exists.

“Stay out of trouble,” Commissioner Jim Santi joked, and commissioners President Ken Kroberger gave a more serious answer.

“I don’t know that we have a mission statement. I think our mission is what everybody’s responsibilities and desires are up here, and that’s to do the best for all the residents in the township. That’s our mission,” he said.

McNaney said she had heard residents say they hoped Upper Gwynedd pass a formal statement condemning the violence, and Kroberger said “it’s about time” he and she agreed on something.

“I have absolutely no problem with doing that, because I think that’s basically the underlying desire of everybody on this board, the township employees, and everyone in the township,” he said.

“I don’t think any of us really condone, in any way, shape or form, what went on down there,” he said.

Kroberger and Township Manager Len Perrone then took the copy of the draft, and said they would continue discussions at future board meetings. Upper Gwynedd’s commissioners next meet at 7 p.m. on Sept. 19 at the township administration building, 1 Parkside Place; for more information or meeting agendas and materials visit www.UpperGwynedd.org.