The debate over hybrid Newtown Board of Supervisors (BOS) meetings, which would allow residents the option to attend and participate via Zoom or other technology, continued at the September 8, 2021, BOS meeting.
NOTE: I was not able to attend this in-person meeting because I was quarantined with COVID! The doctor said this is the first case he's seen of someone who received the Moderna vaccinations! I was able to attend virtually via speaker phone.
Meanwhile, residents still are not able to attend virtually and must put themselves in harm's way by attending in person. In fact, I may have unwittingly infected a resident at the August 25, 2021, meeting before I was tested positive for COVID on Monday, August 30. This underscores the need to have hybrid BOS meetings that give residents - not just supervisors - the OPTION to attend and participate virtually.
In a comment to the BOS at the meeting, Newtown Grant resident John D’Aprile was of the opinion that the township should not spend money on hybrid meetings so that “lazy” residents can attend. “Why should we cater to someone who is lazy and does not want to come to meetings?,” quipped Mr. D’Aprile.
View Mr. D'Aprile's Comments on Youtube.
In my opinion, Mr. D’Aprile’s comments are an insult to residents who are NOT lazy such as the elderly, young families with children, the handicapped, and anyone susceptible to COVID infections.
Meanwhile, at the August 25, 2021, BOS meeting, resident Terry Christensen, Chairman of the Board of Friends Village, said that he supports the hybrid option, as many of the Friends Village residents are not able to attend meetings in person anymore, but are still very eager to participate in local government matters.
In response to my questions, Mr. Christensen said that he is visually impaired and unable to drive and has taken Ubers to recent meetings. He cannot stay late as it becomes difficult to arrange for a ride later in the evening; he has also been refused a ride because he has a guide dog.
View Mr. Christensen's Comments on Youtube.
It is hoped that Newtown Supervisors will approve the implementation of Hybrid Board of Supervisors meeting at the September 22, 2021, public meeting.
THANKS AGAIN FOR SIGNING THE PETITION. PLEASE ASK YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS TO SIGN AS WELL!