The controversy over the anonymous donation given to the Upper Perkiomen Police Officers Association just won't go away.  A simple stroke of a pen could have remedied the issue months ago, but personalities and egos clouded the issue. 

        People on all sides of the argument need to remember it's "what's right that matters - not who's right."

        Some folks like to make issues a public spectacle hoping that someone else will take up the battle in their place.  Others prefer to hide in bushes and whisper tales of misdoings knowing that you're gullible enough to do their dirty work for them.

        On the other side of the aisle we have elected, appointed and hired government representatives who have the ability, no, the responsibility to resolve problems quickly and effectively.  But, sadly, there are those who feel that bowing to a compromise that would satisfy "their enemy" is a sign of weakness.  Right, wrong or indifferent, all Montgomery County taxpayers share in the expenses of the Montgomery County Detectives.  Trust and honesty up front may have kept that money in the county treasury.

        If there is a current legal case that could be affected, then you have the right to have your attorney subpoena the proper paperwork.  Might work, might not, but it will keep the expense out of the public coffers.

        If you feel the public has a right to know then, file a "Right to Know Request" under the Freedom of Information Act to obtain that information.  Might work, might not, but it will be your request; signed, sealed and delivered.

        On the other hand, if one of the borough's attorneys felt that there was a possible liability exposure to the taxpayers they represent, they have a responsibility to seek a remedy.  A simple document that clearly identifies who is and isn't culpable would probably satisfy that fear.  And, you don't have to disclose the names of any anonymous donors to do that. 

        Blowing off your neighbor's concern and the advice of his attorney will not endear them to you. But, then again, some people feed off of inciting others.

        For the betterment of the residents of East Greenville and Pennsburg this cat and mouse show needs to review what happened back in 1973 when two of the finest local leaders who ever served in the Upper Perkiomen Valley shook hands.

        Republican Mayor Roland Spaar of East Greenville and Democratic Mayor James Mullen of Pennsuburg set aside their mayoral rights, granted to them by the Pennsylvania Borough Code, and along with their respective council presidents, Jacques Kline and Clarence Bechtel, became the first administrating body of the East Greenville-Pennsburg Police Department.  Each borough had their own police departments prior to the merger.

        They had a common desire to provide better service to the residents.  They brought their department strengths to the table and left their weakness by the door.

        For them, as elected officials, it was the people first.  With that mantra they were able to do something that, up to that time, was only done once in Pennsylvania. 

        Work together and find more ways to agree, compromise and otherwise satisfy the concerns of others.  Understand that sometimes "no" is the only answer – but make sure you're right; not spiteful, hateful or lazy.

Back in 1983 a reporter wrote that "prior to the formation of the East-Greenville-Pennsburg police force, the Upper Perkiomen Valley was a fragmented, non-harmonious place."

        Let's not go back to that place.