[Sandbagger]

Springfield learns bullying plague spreads quickly online
Published: Sunday, October 17, 2010
By SUSAN L. SERBIN
Times Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD — Bullying used to be a shove in the schoolyard or teasing in the lunch room. Today, technology has changed all that.

Name-calling can spread throughout a neighborhood or virtually around the world in a matter of seconds.

The Springfield School District, and E. T. Richardson Middle School in particular, is not waiting for problems. There is a pro-active effort to discuss, inform and prevent bullying in any form, including what is done through the technology of cell phones and the Internet.

Recently assemblies were held for each of grades six through eight with guest speaker Claude Thomas, Senior Supervisory Special Agent of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office.

Thomas also held a session for parents with much of the same information as well as an important extra message: parents are already at a disadvantage since youngsters generally know much more about the technology they use daily.

“Children think the computer is just a tool to have fun. The Internet is a means to talk to each other, and they cannot imagine begin without it. But the people we use to watch for as dangerous strangers are now on line—because that’s where the children are,” said Thomas.

“We used to share ‘stranger danger’ with children,” Thomas said, referring to people on the street or in a public place, “but it hasn’t been translated to the Internet. Children cannot distinguish between friends in the physical world from someone in cyberspace.”

Thomas’ information for parents included a video clip with the story of Jeff, a teen whose classmates first bullied him in school and then on the Internet. Not knowing how to solve the problem, Jeff took his life.

“There is always an answer. But these are children and they aren’t expected to know what to do,” Thomas said.

Cyber problems include everything from inappropriate postings on social networking sites and sexting — sending sexually explicit pictures over cell phones or computers. These practices have negative if not tragic consequences.

Ultimately, one parent asked, “What will the school do about bullying?”

ETR Principal Dan Tracy said the response is case-specific, but all situations involve communication with the victim, perpetrator and parents. The district is still working on policies and procedures that involve events taking place outside of schools, but they will be addressed.

Individual children react in a wide variety of ways to teasing and name calling, Tracy noted. One child may shrug off comments that would trouble another. “But we tell the children if something makes you feel uncomfortable, get an adult.”

[Sandbagger]

Bethel approves full-times status to top cop
Published: Monday, October 18, 2010
By LORETTA RODGERS, Times Correspondent

BETHEL — Supervisors voted 2-1 to change the status of township Police Chief John Cairo from part time to full time, effective immediately.

Cairo’s compensation was not discussed, but residents were told the salary will be disclosed during tonight’s budget hearing scheduled for 7 at the John Meyers Township Building on Bethel Road.

Supervisor Ed Miles cast the opposing vote, saying his decision was not personal in nature, but rather because he has concerns about the financial ramifications to the township.

“I was not provided anything in writing prior to this recommendation being made,” said Miles. “The term ‘full time’ brings in other things labor-wise, which have not been taken into financial consideration. No matter how we may choose to define it at this point or how you perceive to define it at this point, we could very well have some sort of representation brought to this township and have conditions placed on us that we are not prepared to deal with — and it’s going to be: ‘Oh, well, the horse has already left the barn.’ I am just not comfortable with what I perceive to be an open-ended situation that we will not have control over once we start down this road.”

In making the recommendation, Supervisors Chairwoman Sharon Hannum said Cairo has been with the department for 18 years, has been dedicated and has done a very good job.

“I believe the chief needs to be in a role to serve the township as a leader full time,” said Hannum. “We have 35 part-time officers and crime is getting worse. He is directly responsible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has been doing it as a part-time chief.”

Hannum said the change in status will not have an impact on the 2010 budget, however, several residents in attendance expressed opposition to the move, commenting on the ramifications of the promotion and impact on the 2011 budget.

Residents in attendance raised questions ranging from why the position was not advertised and how it is possible to promote an individual to full time with an unknown salary to the potential impact on the 2011 budget and actual need for a full-time chief.

Kim Champagne, who serves as a volunteer on the township finance committee, described the police department as being a “hot-button topic” since last year.

She added that promises were made to provide the volunteer committee members with information and statistics that were never produced.

“Before any changes are made, you should be presenting the residents with the criteria as to why the changes are being made,” said Champagne. “As a resident, I don’t see the need to make anybody full time until we see the rationale.”

Supervisor Al Groer agreed with Hannum that Cairo deserved to be elevated to full-time status.

“Getting a full-time chief is good step,” said Groer. “It’s time to move forward.”

Speaking on his own behalf, Cairo said the township has experienced a 23 percent increase in call volume and 93 percent increase in juvenile incidents.

“I am 100 percent responsible 24 hours a day 365 days a year, without any other compensation than what I am now being paid part time,” said Cairo. “Whether I’m in Hawaii on vacation or at home, I am still responsible. I deserve to be full time — I’m doing it already.”

[Sandbagger]

Phila. Daily News
MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010
Chester Twp. police chief guilty of theft, forgery

Former Chester Township Police Chief Booker T. Wilson, previously known as a “good dude” with a cool name, has joined the crowded list of esteemed Delaware Countians to make the transition from public servant to felon.

Wilson, who was scheduled to go on trial today, instead pleaded guilty to felony charges of forgery and receiving stolen property, according to state prosecutors.

He was charged (nearly two years ago) with “allegedly stealing an insurance check from a halfway-house resident and using it as a down payment on a Cadillac Escalade,” my colleague Stephanie Farr reported at the time of his arrest.

It was an open plea today, meaning Wilson’s sentence will be determined by the court. No sentencing date has been scheduled. We’ll have more in tomorrow’s Daily News.



Posted by William Bender @ 12:25 PM Permalink

[Sandbagger]

Ex-Chester Township police chief pleads guilty in forgery, resigns
Published: Tuesday, October 19, 2010
By ROSE QUINN
rquinn@delcotimes.com

WEST CHESTER – Former Chester Township Police Chief Booker “Tim” Wilson, who was scheduled to go on trial in Chester County today, instead pleaded guilty to one count each of forgery and related offenses.

Senior Deputy Attorney General John Flannery said the move came as a surprise.

“We were all set to go,” Flannery said Monday afternoon.

Wilson’s immediate resignation from the Chester Township Police Department was part of the plea, Flannery said.

Forgery, a second-degree felony, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. Receiving stolen property, a third-degree felony offense, carries a maximum sentence of seven years.

Flannery said Chester County Common Pleas Court Judge William P. Mahon requested a pre-sentencing report within the next 60 days. The judge will then re-list the case for sentencing.

Wilson remains free on bail.

Wilson was charged nearly two years ago with stealing a $6,657 workers’ compensation check from a state prison inmate who lived at a halfway house where Wilson was employed as a part-time security officer.

The case against Wilson was brought to the attention of the investigative grand jury in January 2008, when the Pennsylvania Department of Treasury reported that a $6,657.26 State Workers’ Insurance Fund check had been given to Hoskins Ford in Chester County as a partial down payment on a Cadillac Escalade.

According to the grand jury presentment, the check, issued June 1, 2007, was mailed to Vaughn Moore, a client of the MinSec halfway house in Chester.

Flannery previously said that Moore did not give Wilson permission to use the check, and was instead “clear on the other side of the state” when the check was endorsed and used to purchase the SUV.

At the preliminary hearing in April 2009, Moore testified that he had been a client at the MinSec halfway house from September 2005 until March 2006, when he was released.

He testified he did not know Wilson, who had worked at MinSec part-time since around 2001, driving clients to and from their jobs in the community.

Additionally, he testified that while he was at MinSec, he was injured while working at a deli in Brookhaven. He started a workers' compensation claim days before he was released from MinSec. The claim was being processed when he violated his parole and was sent back to state prison.

“I never received this check,” Moore told the court at the time. He also said he did not give Wilson permission to cash or use the check.

The man who sold the Escalade to Wilson also took the stand. David Spriggs said he had known Wilson for more than a decade and had sold about 10 cars to Wilson during that time. He said he and Wilson were personal friends.

Spriggs said when he sold the 2007 Cadillac Escalade to Wilson, he accepted the workers' compensation check, made payable to Moore, as a down payment.

According to Sprigg’s testimony, Wilson did not sign the check, which was already endorsed with what appeared to be Moore’s signature.

When Spriggs asked Wilson where he got the checks, Spriggs testified Wilson told him he cashed it for one of his guys.

Wilson’s attorneys, John and Anthony List, had argued all along that their client had been duped. They said Wilson thought he was helping out a MinSec client, he believed to be Moore, who was unable to get to the bank.

A message left with Lists’ answering service Monday afternoon was not immediately returned.

Flannery said he was pleased with the outcome, especially that his witnesses did not have to endure a lengthy trial.

“But it’s never a happy day in law enforcement when somebody tarnishes the job,” Flannery said.

[Sandbagger]

Aston sets temporary curfew
Published: Tuesday, October 26, 2010
By LORETTA RODGERS, Times Correspondent

ASTON — Commissioners voted unanimously to set a temporary curfew for individuals under the age of 18 years old, from 9 p.m. to sunrise, effective Oct. 28-31.

Commissioners said over the years, the temporary curfew at Halloween has proven to reduce reported mischief offenses.

[Sandbagger]

Aston OKs audit proposal
Published: Thursday, October 28, 2010

ASTON — Commissioners unanimously approved a proposal totaling $11,000 from the auditing firm of Leitzell and Economidis PC to perform the township’s 2010 audit.

— LORETTA RODGERS

[Sandbagger]

Bethel staring at big tax hike
Published: Thursday, October 28, 2010
By LORETTA RODGERS
Times Correspondent

BETHEL — If the proposed 2011 operating budget figures do not change by the time of final adoption in December, residents will be facing an unprecedented 1.2-mill increase in township taxes.

Currently, the millage rate is 0.85 mills, and if adopted as proposed, millage will total 2.05 mills.

The projected 2011 budget totals $2.65 million, which reflects an increase of $304,308 over the 2010 proposed budget. It was announced that the township is projecting a $710,000 deficit in 2011.

A homeowner with a property assessed at $200,000 currently pays $170 per year in township tax and, if applicable, an additional $160 in trash collection fees. If the tax increase is adopted, the same resident in 2011 will pay $410 annually, plus the $160 trash fee, indicating an overall increase of $240.

Supervisors Chairwoman Sharon Hannum explained that throughout the years, township taxes have been among the lowest in the county, but the population has grown to nearly 12,000 residents and that growth has required additional services. In addition, the construction boom that took place in the township has fallen drastically, and with that, so have real estate transfer taxes and other construction fees.

“For a number of years, because of the construction boom, we had several million dollars in the bank, so township taxes were not raised,” said Hannum. “Regardless of the amount of the rainy day fund we had, township taxes should have been raised in small increments to avoid what we are now facing. Unfortunately, the residents who attended budget workshops and supervisors meetings were up in arms anytime raising taxes were mentioned. There was major opposition.”

Hannum also mentioned that the township was groomed as a “bedroom community,” and has minimal commercial property.

“Therefore, the majority of the tax burden falls on the residents,” she said.

Director of Operations/Secretary/Treasurer Michael George said the township’s official tax assessment, due to be released in mid-November, is expected to total $672 million, which is more than $3 million less than last year. To date, the assessed value of 127 homes has dropped by an average of $30,000 each.

“We can’t assume there will be any building next year,” said George. “We have seen very little movement this past year. Realistically, we will need a huge tax increase.”

During the 2009 budget planning process, George proposed a 0.57 millage increase, but the suggestion was met with vocal opposition.

“There was an outcry from those in attendance at meetings,” said George. “People were screaming about a proposed township tax increase and insisted the reserves should be used. A finance committee was formed to figure out a way to stop an increase. So, in addition to the imposition of a $160 per household trash fee, we ended up using $500,000 in reserves to balance the 2010 budget.”

Upon hearing the 2011 proposed figures, residents in attendance at Monday’s budget workshop were not pleased and expressed opinions ranging from anger and disgust to questioning the competency of not only the current board of supervisors and George, but of past boards as well.

“Is there no fat we can trim from this budget?” asked Kim Champagne. “Are there ways we can trim the costs?”

The trash fee of $160 per household was discussed and George said thus far in 2010, $312,560 has been collected, but 480 homeowners have not paid, totaling $76,800. Suggestions were made in reference to fines and penalties.

Township Solicitor Stephen Durham said he will be writing a letter to the delinquent parties based on the ordinance and second-class township code.

Resident Lynn Brooks expressed concerns about the future.

“You mentioned checks and balances,” she said. “Where are they? Are they going to be put in so we are not sitting here next year looking at another 1.2-mill increase? Are line items going to be watched carefully and made sure they are not exceeded?”

The township’s search for a treasurer was also a detailed item of discussion. Currently, George has the duties, but supervisors decided because of the increased population and added responsibilities, it is necessary to hire an individual who possesses additional skills and financial knowledge to serve as treasurer.

George will remain as director of operations and secretary once a new treasurer is hired. A revision to George’s salary was also mentioned and will be discussed by the board in executive session.

Residents will vote on a referendum Nov. 2 that could change the composition of the board of supervisors from its current number of three to five.

Supervisors earn $125 per meeting, not to exceed $2,500 per year.

The next budget workshop will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at a location to be determined.

Due to the potential number of residents that may be in attendance, supervisors are attempting to secure Bethel Springs Elementary School for the meeting.

[Sandbagger]

Bethel finance committee volunteers tender resignations
Published: Thursday, October 28, 2010
By LORETTA RODGERS
Times Correspondent

BETHEL — Citing a lack of support and transparency, members of the township’s voluntary finance committee submitted a letter of resignation to the board of supervisors during Monday’s budget hearing.

“We have concluded that you (supervisors) were using the existence of the committee for inappropriate purposes, namely, referencing in public the committee’s work and suggesting that you were adopting our recommendations for reform,” said Todd Apple on behalf of members Deb Miles, Kim Champagne and Greg Downes. “This simply is not true and we will not allow our committee’s existence to be used for false pretenses.”

Resident volunteers have been working with township officials on the 2011 proposed operating budget for the past year and at each budget hearing, concerns have been raised in reference to the financial budgeting process, clarity, lack of response for requested items, and the overall financial management of the township.

“Over the past 12 months we have attempted to bring clarity, transparency, and improved financial controls to the financial budgeting process and on-going financial management of the township,” the resignation letter states. “Our efforts have been in large part resisted and information provided reluctantly. In fact, a right-to-know request was ultimately required to obtain information crucial to the work; evidence that our efforts to assist the township were not supported by the board of supervisors.”

Apple said the committee members remain committed as private citizens in making the township a better place to live, work and raise a family, but stated great disappointment about the lack of support provided to the committee.

“The citizens of Bethel Township deserve better,” said Apple.

Supervisors Chairwoman Sharon Hannum expressed appreciation to the members of the committee and stated that all recommendations made were considered.

“I’m sorry that the volunteer finance committee feels that way,” said Hannum. “You did bring a lot of clarity on points and I think this is the best budget Bethel has ever had. We as supervisors tried to do the right thing. We might not have not accepted every suggestion, but I can tell you that from my standpoint, everything was considered and I appreciate all the work you have done.”

Supervisor Ed Miles, whose wife Deb served on the volunteer committee, said he was “very disappointed” about the resignations.

“I certainly cannot give any explanation as to why it has been so difficult to provide information,” said Miles. “To the best of my knowledge, and unless someone is able to correct me at this point, I am still under the belief that everything that was even put into the right-to-know request has not been fulfilled at this point. We are months and months from when that request was put in and it’s a shame that it even had to be put in the first place.”

Township Director of Operations Mike George, to whom the right-to-know request was submitted, contended that everything that was requested had been supplied to the volunteer committee.

Apple said more importantly, in addition to the request, the resignations are a result of not accepting the recommendations made or embracing the work done, lack of recognition for the need for financial controls, and checks and balances for payment authorizations.

[Sandbagger]

Cop Shop: Being prepared could help in an emergency
Published: Thursday, October 28, 2010
By Rose Quinn and Cindy Scharr, Of the Times Staff

Eleven years ago, Hurricane Floyd roared up the East Coast and slammed into Delaware County.

Darby, Chester, Media, Upper Darby and residents across the county were hit hard by the massive storm. In Darby Borough, some 130 people were left homeless. One man died — pizza shop owner/delivery man Ioannis Xenidis was found dead near the swollen Darby Creek.

“We definitely don’t have the frequency of (emergencies) of places such as Florida, but we don’t have to go too far back to look at the flooding during Floyd or the events at Scully in Collingdale,” said Edwin C. Kline, referring to the five-alarm fire that consumed Scully Welding Supply Corp. in September.

Kline, a Swarthmore police officer and deputy fire marshal in Nether Providence, is also program coordinator for Intercommunity Health that is sponsoring free Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Seminars for Delaware County residents.

“Having people prepared will make or break an incident,” said Kline. “We’re creating the opportunity for people to expand their own capabilities.”

Many people believe that if disaster strikes, governmental agencies, such as FEMA, will take care of them during the emergency. Not so fast, said Kline.

“Local responders are great in Delaware County, but if every county resident called 911 at the same time, things are going to be overwhelmed,” he said, adding that it could take up to 72 hours for federal and state agencies to arrive on the scene.

“Katrina proved this point,” Kline said. “People know that fire, police, ambulance service is good and rely on it on an individual basis, but may also have the same expectation during an emergency or disaster. When the requests for assistance outweigh the available resources, there’s going to be a gap.”

That gap is what Kline hopes the emergency preparedness classes will help close.

“We need to prepare our community so individuals, families, friends and neighbors can take care of themselves at the onset of an emergency,” said Kline. “If we can train people how to handle little emergencies at the onset of a disaster, it’s less of a burden on the emergency services and they can then handle the more dangerous issues.”

The classes will cover issues such as what do to when ordered to “shelter in place” during an emergency.

Emergency Preparedness Awareness classes were held this week in Radnor and Brookhaven. The two remaining classes will take place Nov. 8 at the Collingdale Community Center and Nov. 9 at the Upper Darby Municipal Building.

Two 16-hour CERT Operation Courses are also being offered: Nov. 13 and 14 and Dec. 4 and 5 at Delaware County Community College. The two-day course runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information or to register, call 610-723-2008 or visit dccc.edu/emergencyinstitute.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is open, free of charge, to all county residents. The programs are being funded by a grant from Delaware County Community College’s Institute for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, in cooperation with Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Local Emergency Planning Council.

Cop Shop appears Thursday. To contact Rose Quinn or Cindy Scharr, e-mail rquinn@delcotimes.com or cscharr@delcotimes.com