November 4, 2013

Today I read Ms. Klein’s letter in Chadds Ford Live regarding a mailer that questions whether she would excuse incompetence in exchange for a favor. I received the mail from the Chadds Ford Republican Party that Klein refers to, and have since read the original Chadds Ford Live article referenced in the mailer. I must say that I think Ms. Klein is missing the point.

As I read the mailer, it questions obvious inconsistencies between these two points made by Klein in the CF Live Article:  1) frustration with the incompetence of the current Board of Supervisors (in her words) is a reason Klein decided to run — but, 2) Klein would not have run against current Supervisor Love, because Love helped her with a personal matter.

I applaud Ms. Love for helping a neighbor, as anyone would, regardless of political differences. The nature of the help Klein received from Supervisor Love is not the point. Does Klein think the board is incompetent as she states? If so, is incompetence acceptable to Klein because of help with a personal matter?  This is a valid question.

Betsy Grosskopf
Chadds Ford Township

I am responding to Rhona Klein’s letter to the editor dated Nov. 3.  The Republican Party literature, to which Ms. Klein refers, clearly states that Deborah Love helped Ms. Klein with a personal matter. I’m glad that Ms. Love and Ms. Klein made that connection. As community members, we should help one another regardless of political affiliation.

However, in many of her communications, Ms. Klein has consistently described the current supervisors as incompetent and has noted her frustration with their performance. By stating that she would not run against Ms. Love, the current chairperson of the supervisors because Ms. Love performed a personal favor, Ms. Klein fails to separate her personal and political feelings. In doing so, she is participating in the same cronyism of which she is accusing the Republican Party.

The citizens of Chadds Ford Township deserve to be represented by a Supervisor whose positions are clear and consistent.   That is why I am supporting Frank Murphy for Supervisor.

Patricia Foell
Chadds Ford Township

As a resident and former council member of Painters Crossing, I am concerned about proposed development in Chadds Ford that could negatively affect our quality of life. Most notably are the YMCA (proposed for Hillman Drive), Hovnanian townhomes (across from Hannum Harley Davidson on Brandywine Drive) and the completion of the southwest portion of the loop road.

Completion of the loop road could be forced with either of the developments I mention above, or any number of other developments in our Township or neighboring Concord Township. This loop road — and all of the traffic that will come with these developments — will be approximately 100 feet from our homes in Painters Crossing.

If you’ve attended township meetings in the last several years, you’ve seen that questions about development or the loop road are often met with hostility. There is a lack of proper consideration for the impact this road or other development will have on residents. This must change.

I believe we need a township supervisor who will listen to — and encourage — input from all residents. At this critical time, I believe it is crucial that the right person be elected to the board of supervisors. So, this anti-politics, independent thinker did my homework. I have met both candidates, read their letters, viewed their Web sites and carefully listened at organized meet and greets.

I also attended what I thought would be an unscripted public debate — a chance to see the candidates side by side: how do they react to tough questions, do they seem honest, do they really know the issues? Unfortunately, only speeches were offered. No debate. No Q&A. At first I felt duped, but then it hit me: there was a clear winner — even if there wasn’t a debate.

One candidate stood out as having a clear and complete understanding of the situations facing our township. Well thought out, common-sense ideas were offered. It wasn’t politician-speak. It was straightforward, public servant, I love this stuff-speak. And I thought, finally, “Someone else sees it, too.” He sees what’s broken. He sees how to fix it. He is Frank Murphy. He is the only candidate who has real governing experience and is passionate about governing for the people. This is something we need.

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, I will be voting for a breath of fresh air for Chadds Ford. If you want peace of mind about the direction our township is heading, you’ll vote for Frank Murphy too. I truly believe he’ll do his best to protect our interests here in Painters Crossing and throughout the community.

Vicki Hoxter
Chadds Ford Township

I would like to thank the many people that I have either spoken to or met over the last few months and also to all of those that I have known for the 20 years since we moved to Chadds Ford. It has been my pleasure to get to know you and learn what is important to you. I understand that excellent schools, maintaining strong property values and knowing where your money is being spent matters to you. If elected as a Region C Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board director, I will work diligently in representing you, as this is who I am and what I have been doing long before I was asked to run for this very important role in our community. With the support from my friends and family, I accepted the nomination. At this critical time, it is important to have a fresh and independent voice on our school board. I am hoping that together, we can utilize my experience along with open, honest and direct communication to make the best decisions for all in our community.

I bring the experience of being a long-time resident, taxpayer, corporate financial officer, spouse of a small business owner, and mother to four children educated in our district schools.  I am an involved parent who can represent you, not just from independent research and analysis, but from drawing upon the experience of participating in all of the critical stages of our students’ education.  During my time as a parent, my children have been under six principals and three superintendents, experienced two building renovations, one elementary school redistricting. As a parent and taxpayer, I have experienced complex budget discussions, referendums and concerned voters. Old math, new math, compacted math, Singapore math — our students have been through many curriculum changes; I am committed to perform the correct analyses before we make changes to the curriculum that will affect our children and budget. My four children have completed elementary school, middle school and three currently attend Unionville High School, with my oldest having just graduated in 2013. I have been involved in a myriad of my children’s school activities including band, academic clubs and teams, service organizations and athletics, just to name a few. Having the ability to see the entire picture from elementary school to college applications, I believe I am the choice to represent ALL students and their families.

The school board director position is a natural extension of my proven record of service in our schools and community. I have worked with students, teachers, principals, administrators, superintendents and parents in many positions including six years on the PTO executive board of three schools. I am serving in my second year as co-vice president for Unionville High School and my fourth year on the curriculum council where we examine different components of the K through 12 curriculum alongside the administration, teachers, parents and students. This involvement has given me an excellent perspective of the many components that go into the decision making process before changes in our curriculum occur. I have participated in numerous focus groups and task forces including transportation outsourcing, Honors classes, bullying, principal and superintendent searches, and technology. Additionally, I am on the board of my community, The Ridings, and on the Alumni Council for the University of Delaware.

I do believe that serving on the school board is a privilege and responsibility, and answering difficult questions is part of the job. However, I also believe that asking difficult questions is also part of that responsibility. I will be informed on critical matters and follow through with complete answers for our community.

There is no substitute for experience; experience in the corporate world, experience as a parent of four children educated in the district from kindergarten through high school, experience as an involved community member, and the experience of being a 20-year Unionville-Chadds Ford School District resident and taxpayer. Please support me on Nov. 5 and vote for Carolyn Daniels school board director and please visit my Web site http://www.daniels4schoolboard.com for additional information.  Thank you and hope to see you on Tuesday.

Carolyn Daniels
Chadds Ford Township