June 5, 2008 Issue                                       

©2007 The Chestnut Hill Local

From our readers

A violation of trust

The destruction of the ballots cast in the recent CHCA election is very disturbing. Legitimate concerns had been raised by the Local and by board members regarding the legitimacy of votes cast in association with the 65 new memberships purchased just prior to the election.

Unfortunately, the Vardakis/Hitchcock administration and the election judges saw fit to hide the ballots rather than keep them in the CHCA office, prevent them from being scrutinized by other board members or the Local, and then destroy the evidence. The intent of the election procedures could not have been to permit the destruction of ballots after keeping those of questionable validity hidden from scrutiny.

Now we will never know if this election was legitimate. But we do know this: a cover-up was perpetrated by Tolis Vardakis, Dina Hitchcock, and the election judges. This is a violation of our trust of the highest magnitude. We must now:

1. Impeach the President and Vice President of Operations.

2. Replace the election judges.

3. Hold new elections for the board of directors, followed by a new election of officers.

Ballotgate is reminiscent of the original scandal with a “gate” suffix in many ways: a president with an authoritarian bent, in an effort to cover up allegations that illegal activities undermined the electoral process, destroys the evidence. Just as journalists brought the Watergate scandal to light, the Local is enlightening us with news of our local scandal. We are grateful that a previous CHCA administration was unsuccessful in its attempt to rid the Local of its editorial freedom. Certainly such a story would not have been permitted had the Local turned into a newsletter of feel-good stories to be censored by the CHCA President. Long live free elections and freedom of the press.

Robert Koller
Chestnut Hill

CHCA has no credibility

I have been a resident of Chestnut Hill for the past seven years and a member of CHCA even longer. Today I was so moved by Jim Albrecht’s opinion piece in the Local, that I am writing for the first time.  Jim phrased his piece much better than I will, but I join him in his outrage over the recent election.

I give a little bit more than a hoot in hell about the CHCA.  I generally have read about the proceedings of the organization for pure amusement. While I care greatly about my community, I have not worried too much about the damage the CHCA may be causing to it.  High school level politics and petty bickering are not unique to local politics. It is par for the course and one hopes that the good outweighs the bad.

When I first became a CHCA member, I was surprised at the apparent self-interest of the board.  The people at the Local sure seemed to get a bad deal.  When the SOC won the election on a reform platform, things seemed to turn around. Briefly. Then we heard about more and more financial irregularities only to see them swept under the rug, in spite of the best efforts of people like Jim Foster and Ed Feldman trying to raise red flags.

Now we have this very stinky election and apparent cover up.  An all time low for the CHCA.  I feel compelled to speak out. 

I suggest that it is time for a new election.  Declare the previous one fraudulent. Replace every one of the election judges.  Re-write the bylaws if necessary. Call in Jimmy Carter.  It is time to clean house or just disband the CHCA.  They have zero creditability.

Jim Black
Chestnut Hill

Residence should be a requirement to vote

While in the middle of “DCED Grant”-gate, I was informed by a knowledgeable source that the BIG story is “Electiongate” — basically the bulk buying of memberships to an unknown end. Somebody apparently did, what anybody could have done, and everybody is upset because nobody saw this coming. This is like the old canard, “you can’t vote for yourself.” Sure you can, early and often.

Some say that the crime is a felony — signing someone’s name. But the CHCA doesn’t verify signatures  because there are no criteria. The dead vote in Philadelphia, but at least they did live here. The silliest thing about the CHCA is that some members probably think they are quasi-residents of an elite Boston suburb.

Maybe our problem is that it’s hard to tell the supposed founder, Mr. Wells (for example), that he can no longer vote in his creation’s elections. Fifty years ago he directed the first edition of the Local to be sent to every resident.  But now, he doesn’t live here, he doesn’t pay taxes here and his vote should not count. Chestnut Hill is no longer a quasi-government experiment; it is a real place, with real problems. While there is intelligent life in other zip codes, they need not be part of local problems or solutions.

Why should the association limit membership and have a zip code determine eligibility? Because the CHCA purports to be representative of a geographic entity. It has “standing” with the ZBA, at least as long as no one discloses its diverse membership.

Yes, I am suggesting that residence in 19118 is a prerequisite for determining what happens here. Those who only “own” but do not live here are, by definition, operating a business and therefore should only find voice through the Business Association. Let the “interlocking” representatives work things out.

The CHCA is a community association and a valid 19118 address should be a requirement to vote in this community.

Ed Budnick
Former CHCA board member
and community manager
Chestnut Hill

Support for Dina or cover up?

Subject: Response to Stewart Graham, Kathy Jones, Jane Becker, Bob Rossman, Tolis Vardakis, Ned Mitinger, Jane Piotrowski, Kris Sullivan, Ed Berg, Tom Fleming, Ann McNally, Bob Bacino, Carol Cope, Mark Keintz, Marie Lachat, Chris Padova and Marianne Dwyer, CHCA board members.

Facts:

1. Your assertion that my facts were a “purely personal attack on Dina Hitchcock, an attack which casts doubt on both her honesty and her respect for our rules,” is totally without merit. By not disputing the facts you obviously agreed with them.

2. My letter had no personal motive. All I’m interested in is accountability and transparency. Obviously we are not on the same page.

3. Practically all of you voted to disband the Oversight Committee, which my administration had put into effect for two years — no oversight, no accountability.

4. All of you contend that the rules of election were followed despite conclusive evidence otherwise.

5. One of you was overpaid by $24,000 while serving as community manager.

6. Several of you serve on the board for self-enrichment and continue to maintain that conflicts of interest are okay as long as they are self-evident.

7. Practically all of you voted not to accept my recommendation to audit CHCA’s financial statements of March 31, 2005, at no cost to the CHCA.

Opinion: Your decision to disband the Oversight Committee prematurely and voting not to accept my recommendation of the audit amounts to nothing more than a cover up.

Conclusion: Look at the facts. They are indisputable. Without transparency and accountability you are going in the wrong direction. However, you are finally assuming a semblance of transparency by signing the letter in support of Dina.

Ron Recko,
Immediate Past President
and Chair of the Nominating Committee

We’ll be pleased with new Caruso’s

I was one of those persons shocked at Caruso’s takeover. I followed it every day. I did not buy anything, then I saw things changing for the better. I talked to all or most of the new people and was impressed they really wanted to make it work. I do not have all their names but I know Mr. and Mrs. Jensen. Gary works in the meat department (it came alive). Peter and he worked well. I really think people are going to be pleased with the new Caruso’s. Congratulations to the new owner and the new staff.

Rose Connally
Manayunk

The $2,600 question

And now for the fourth and last time in these pages, the story of Sanjiv, Lou and the $2,600. Sanjiv Jain was the CHCA’s Property Manager for the property the association owned at 8431 Germantown Avenue. He was paid $75 a month. During his tenure, he ignored a city building code violation for three months, resulting in a $2,600 fine. Confronted on this matter at a board meeting, he resigned this position during a board vote on whether to retain him as such. He never again responded to questions concerning the fine or his responsibility.

Subsequently, Lou Aiello, as a member of the Second Opinion Caucus along with me, ran on a platform promising financial transparency. Lou, as SOC Vice President of Operations, knew about the fine and Sanjiv’s role in the matter. As a board member and a member of the Oversight Committee, I told Lou all of this. Lou said that he would fight the fine. I told Lou I would try to get Sanjiv to pay the fine. Lou then paid the fine with money from the Community Fund.

He never discussed this action at an Executive Committee or board meeting, or with any one I have asked about the matter. As Lou says, he was hired to help renovate the building that houses Penzey’s Spices. Sanjiv Jain’s company, Legacy Real Estate, owns that building. There are the dots. Go get a pencil – I’ll wait. Lou, the amazing part is that even your largesse couldn’t get you re-elected, even with all those votes bought by…(headlines to come). And Lou, your syntax doesn’t offend me, it delights me. Your actions offend me.

This Thursday night, the return of Sanjiv’s Mommybar™ at the LUPZ meeting (Baptist Church, across from Borders, 8 p.m.). It’s free, it’s fun, it’s Mommylicious.

Ed Feldman
Chestnut Hill

Cameron has short memory

I am writing in response to Don Cameron’s letter to Ken Weinstein. Mr. Cameron must have a short memory. Before the Trolley Car Diner, that site was an abandoned, dilapidated, eye-sore at the gateway to Mt. Airy. The Weinstein’s, along with my husband and I, spent a small fortune to purchase and renovate the site, and with our third partner, Robert Mazaleski, established an affordable restaurant and neighborhood meeting place. We put our heart and soul into the diner and survived the initial years, unlike many restaurants, which close within the first year. All restaurants have to deal with rising gas and food prices and a slow economy. But most don’t have the added burden of a major, year-long construction project at their doorstep with limited access, utility shut-offs and many other related difficulties. Although I am no longer an owner, I have continued to support the diner and it has been a challenge. Contrary to your comments, Mr. Cameron, the diner’s location right in the middle of the construction path has often made access quite difficult and time consuming — the kiss of death for restaurants. It is only because of Ken’s perseverance that access has not been cut off completely. It is ridiculous to compare Mr. Weinstein to “every other business owner” — his situation is unique. This is a state project running WAY behind and Governor Rendell is the head of the state — who else do you suggest that Ken contact? Instead of being critical, why don’t you join the many others who have waded through the chaos to support the diner and the other Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill businesses struggling to survive this construction?

Nancy Elfant
Laverock

Volunteers!

It’s time we have a Chestnut Hill Volunteer Appreciation Week! For the beauty of Chestnut Hill’s Germantown Avenue is breathtaking, thanks to the varied groups who have volunteered their time to various planting projects.

The many members of the Random Garden Club spent a sunny Saturday up and down the Avenue, filling planters and window boxes with flowers, while a small group of friends cared for the Fire Station planters on the same day. The following Tuesday, members of the Garden District Fund, led by Emily Daeschler and Dottie Sheffield, braved the almost-rainy morning to plant the hanging baskets for the length of the Hill. And the next Saturday found Jane Piotrowski and a few friends weeding and tidying up our charming Buckley Park. The Fountain at the Top of the Hill is now running and the Memorial Garden at the foot of the hill is quietly ready for visitors.

Not to be out-done, the new owner of the Chestnut Hill Hotel, Ron Pete, helped to completely transform the land around the hotel, Post Office and Jonathan’s Best with new plantings, a fountain and a number of lovely trees.

No wonder Chestnut Hill has been designated by Forbes as “One of the Seven Best Neighborhoods in the USA.” Let us all take time to enjoy our good fortune in living here, and be grateful to those of the past, present and future, working with the CHBA and the CHCA for giving us such a beautiful place called Chestnut Hill.

Caroline Haussermann
Chestnut Hill

“The Music Man”

Having reached the tender age of 90, I was determined to both sell and dispose of many of my personal possessions. Thus, many were sold, while I also donated many to a charity agency.

But I still had my mandolin! Bought a number of years ago, I had only played it three times, in front of large audiences in Florida. But now arthritis had stiffened my hands and I was no longer able to play. But where could I find someone to purchase this instrument? Then, one day walking along Germantown Avenue, I saw a sign hanging in front of the newly opened ¡Cuba! The sign suggested that there was a music studio in the rear entrance. It also indicated the owner purchased musical instruments.

I waited one day for the shop to open. Finally, the owner, Jim Dragoni appeared. I asked him if he would be interested in purchasing my mandolin. He indicated he would. So, several days later I brought the instrument to him. A quick exam and he asked me what I was asking for it. Hearing the price, he immediately wrote a check for same.

But beyond this, I was interested to see the variety of musical instruments in his shop. Also, there was a young person playing a keyboard, I might add, quite well.

Mr. Dragoni told me about his work with students. He seemed to be able to play many instruments himself.

Surely, here in Chestnut Hill, a place where young people could learn to play instruments should be a boon to the area. Indeed, in many cases young people may not be aware of the talents they possess.

In my own case, learning to play a mandolin led me to become part of a large orchestra.

Thus I would hope that we will see these young residents also learn about The Music Studio which is located at 8611 Germantown Avenue (rear entrance).

Gerald Samkofsky
Chestnut Hill