Regular readers of Life in Phoenixville will remember Joe Rooney, former writer for the Phoenix, who has also contributed to this blog.
Tonight, Joe sends the announcement of his latest endeavor, Phoenixville Focus, our town's newest blog!
http://phoenixvillefocus.com/
Joe brings with him an insatiable curiosity about the Phoenixville community, and has a passion for examining the politics and inner workings of the administration in our local governing bodies.
Not at all shy, Joe's style and demeanor in approaching issues as well as the people who make the decisions which affect our daily lives, will provide some very interesting reading at his website.
Here are a few examples of Joe's work:
http://karenjohns4phoenixvilleboroughcouncil.blogspot.com/search?q=Joe+Rooney
Welcome, Joe, to the world of citizen journalism, and good luck!
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Joe Rooney. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Joe Rooney. Sort by date Show all posts
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Joe Rooney on Watching Phoenixville
Blog alert for a must read!
Joe Rooney has an excellent Op-Ed piece on the Phoenixville Parking Authority at Ken Buckwalter's blog.
http://www.watchingphoenixville.com
Joe Rooney has an excellent Op-Ed piece on the Phoenixville Parking Authority at Ken Buckwalter's blog.
http://www.watchingphoenixville.com
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
JOE ROONEY
To the residents of Phoenixville,
I began writing for the Phoenix as a freelance contributor in January of this past year. Recently I’ve had the fortune of stepping into the role of political columnist and have been very sincere in my efforts to write truthfully about what I hear the various people I encounter want to know about.
In a short time I’ve developed a healthy list of critics.
A few days ago management at the Phoenix buckled under the pressure applied by the phone calls and emails of my critics and censored my reporting by pulling my story about library expansion from its internet archive.
Not the editor, Leann Pettit, or the general manager of the Phoenix, Alexander Gould, called me to explain that there were some prominent people in town that had a problem with my reporting. I discovered the truth I’d reported had been censored only on my own. When I called to speak with Alexander to find out why, I never received a return call.
The actions by the Phoenix—censoring credible news when prominent individuals take issue with the reporting, and their lack of respect for me as loyal partner for the past 6 months—show that the organization is missing professionalism and backbone.
I write to encourage anyone who appreciates my political contributions to the Phoenix to call and write Alexander Gould and Leann Pettit and express your dissatisfaction with their suspect censorship. Let them know you appreciate news even when it doesn’t give you a warm fuzzy feeling. Demand from them an apology for censoring truthful political reporting.
I don't know if my reporting is exactly one sided, but if anyone takes issues with any of my reporting I can only share with them that I have very limited resources and time to gather facts and can only report on what I am able to get my hands on. I can't help that one side seems to be willing to share information and opinion more than the other.
You all deserve an apology from the Phoenix. So write and call and express you outrage over their censorship. After you get the apology you deserve, find a new place for real news and real reporting—I promise you without me it won’t be there.
Sincerely,
Joe Rooney
joerooney@comcast.net
I began writing for the Phoenix as a freelance contributor in January of this past year. Recently I’ve had the fortune of stepping into the role of political columnist and have been very sincere in my efforts to write truthfully about what I hear the various people I encounter want to know about.
In a short time I’ve developed a healthy list of critics.
A few days ago management at the Phoenix buckled under the pressure applied by the phone calls and emails of my critics and censored my reporting by pulling my story about library expansion from its internet archive.
Not the editor, Leann Pettit, or the general manager of the Phoenix, Alexander Gould, called me to explain that there were some prominent people in town that had a problem with my reporting. I discovered the truth I’d reported had been censored only on my own. When I called to speak with Alexander to find out why, I never received a return call.
The actions by the Phoenix—censoring credible news when prominent individuals take issue with the reporting, and their lack of respect for me as loyal partner for the past 6 months—show that the organization is missing professionalism and backbone.
I write to encourage anyone who appreciates my political contributions to the Phoenix to call and write Alexander Gould and Leann Pettit and express your dissatisfaction with their suspect censorship. Let them know you appreciate news even when it doesn’t give you a warm fuzzy feeling. Demand from them an apology for censoring truthful political reporting.
I don't know if my reporting is exactly one sided, but if anyone takes issues with any of my reporting I can only share with them that I have very limited resources and time to gather facts and can only report on what I am able to get my hands on. I can't help that one side seems to be willing to share information and opinion more than the other.
You all deserve an apology from the Phoenix. So write and call and express you outrage over their censorship. After you get the apology you deserve, find a new place for real news and real reporting—I promise you without me it won’t be there.
Sincerely,
Joe Rooney
joerooney@comcast.net
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The next steps in library expansion
The next steps in library expansion
Saturday, July 4, 2009
By JOE ROONEY
For The Phoenix
PHOENIXVILLE—The Library Board and Library Foundation, as expressed by Maureen Ash, Phoenixville Public Library Foundation President, in an April 11th letter to the Phoenix, "believes in community building and…providing the best possible library services to the local Phoenixville community," and that, "to accomplish this goal, we need to expand."
In the two years since library expansion became a topic around Phoenixville it is difficult—if not impossible—to find an area resident that is opposed to library expansion. Those in opposition to the expansion "concept" and the current course down which the Library Board wishes to proceed have stated clearly that they agree more library is need to accommodate the growing Phoenixville community.
In the same letter, Ash states, "To accomplish this goal [providing the best possible library services], the addition [expansion] needs to extend out to the property line of Reeves Park between Park Alley and Main Street."
To say that the Library "needs" to build onto 2nd Avenue is to assert that the Library Board has explored and can find no other options. Need is a strong word with a clear meaning, and the current Library Expansion concept is an expensive one—estimated at about 6.5 million dollars. In the end tax payers could be responsible for those dollars. Because tax payers could be held financially responsible for the expansion, some believe that Ash and the Library Board should explain and prove their needs.
When asked to comment about the Library Board's "need" to expand onto 2nd Avenue, borough resident Michael Kammerdiener said, "I've investigated other options for the Library Board. The old Moose Lodge, a three story building on Main Street, near Church Street, is currently on up for sale for $1,050,000. I've also talked to the agents representing a building on Main Street that used to be a Sovereign Bank and they hinted that they might entertain an offer in the $700,000 to $800,000 range. Both buildings would provide ample square footage, presumable lower the cost of the project, and not require the variances that will be needed to build over a causeway."
"I wish they [the Library Board] would just be truthful," said one borough resident, "that this is the expansion project they want, not the project they or the citizens need."
Three years ago the Library Board turned down an opportunity to purchase the property immediately north of the library, temporarily shelving any chance of expanding northward on Main Street. And earlier this year the Library Board accepted an anonymous donation of $500,000 in support of the concept to build onto 2nd Avenue, adding 500,000 reasons to stick to their concept are frame a picture of need. Some say the need to expand onto 2nd Avenue—if a need does exists—is self created by the Library Board.
The Library Board has said that if they did move the Library to another location within the Borough and out of the Carnegie building it would lose the yearly contractual funding (some $400,000) they receive from the Phoenixville Area School District. But there is argument as to whether or not the School District is required to financially support the Library, and there have been talks at School Board meetings about ending such support.
Despite the opposition of some residents, Borough Council has approved the Library Board's efforts with their concept by a vote of 5-2. Some say that Council's majority support is as unsubstantiated as the Library Board's self proclaimed need to build over 2nd Avenue.
"The current plan…is 'the only plan' because that is the way it has been orchestrated to appear," said Anthony DiGirolomo, Phoenixville resident and former Borough Council President. "The entire process was back-doored to those who represent the residents of the borough and are entrusted to govern, on our behalf, with the best interest of the community in mind."
Another resident said, "The Library and Reeves Park do not belong to the Library Board. They belong to the citizens of Phoenixville. There are deeds, laws and ordinances in place that should be protecting us from this, but those in charge of protecting us from special interests that would devalue our neighborhoods and property are letting this happen and I just don't see the logic in council not asking the library to show they really have explored all other options."
One of the hurdles the Library board has to overcome to continue on with their concept involves a Pennsylvania state law that splits the land of vacated causeways between the adjacent property owners. This means, by law, that the Library could only be expanded to the middle of 2nd Avenue—a law that if upheld would thwart the current Library Expansion concept.
Planning Committee Solicitor Kim Venzie stated in meetings that the Borough could disregard the law if it chooses. And if unchallenged in court or by residents, they absolutely can.
It is believed that the Library Board is in the process of applying for variances on zoning ordinances regarding issues like reducing the recommended number of 80-92 parking spaces their concept would require. This would take about 2 weeks to complete, and then the Planning Committee would consider the plan presented by the Library Board.
It is expected that the Planning Committee will approve the plan with a few recommendations attached as they pass it on to Borough Council for final approval. By the time the final plan reaches council, 2 ½ months will have elapsed. At that point it is likely the Library Board's plan will become reality.
Those in favor of the concept can continue supporting the Library Board and encouraging their Council representatives to approve the plan they receive when they receive it.
Those in opposition can only continue to make their voices heard. Or they can hope.
One thing they can hope is for the School Board to change their minds and not accept the parcel of 2nd Avenue they recently voted to take ownership of. It is an unlikely possibility, but a possibility nonetheless.
The Mayor could also formally step in as guardian of Reeves Park and, if nothing else, put the breaks on the speed with which the plan has passed though Council thus far and extend the approval process into next year for a new Borough Council to hear. This is more of a possibility considering what seems to be the Mayor's position against the current concept.
To follow proceedings as they happen, or to stand before Borough representatives to voice your opinion, you can attend the next Planning Committee meeting scheduled for July 9th at 7pm in the Municipal Building.
http://www.phoenixvillenews.com/articles/2009/07/04/online/
srv0000005758998.txt
Saturday, July 4, 2009
By JOE ROONEY
For The Phoenix
PHOENIXVILLE—The Library Board and Library Foundation, as expressed by Maureen Ash, Phoenixville Public Library Foundation President, in an April 11th letter to the Phoenix, "believes in community building and…providing the best possible library services to the local Phoenixville community," and that, "to accomplish this goal, we need to expand."
In the two years since library expansion became a topic around Phoenixville it is difficult—if not impossible—to find an area resident that is opposed to library expansion. Those in opposition to the expansion "concept" and the current course down which the Library Board wishes to proceed have stated clearly that they agree more library is need to accommodate the growing Phoenixville community.
In the same letter, Ash states, "To accomplish this goal [providing the best possible library services], the addition [expansion] needs to extend out to the property line of Reeves Park between Park Alley and Main Street."
To say that the Library "needs" to build onto 2nd Avenue is to assert that the Library Board has explored and can find no other options. Need is a strong word with a clear meaning, and the current Library Expansion concept is an expensive one—estimated at about 6.5 million dollars. In the end tax payers could be responsible for those dollars. Because tax payers could be held financially responsible for the expansion, some believe that Ash and the Library Board should explain and prove their needs.
When asked to comment about the Library Board's "need" to expand onto 2nd Avenue, borough resident Michael Kammerdiener said, "I've investigated other options for the Library Board. The old Moose Lodge, a three story building on Main Street, near Church Street, is currently on up for sale for $1,050,000. I've also talked to the agents representing a building on Main Street that used to be a Sovereign Bank and they hinted that they might entertain an offer in the $700,000 to $800,000 range. Both buildings would provide ample square footage, presumable lower the cost of the project, and not require the variances that will be needed to build over a causeway."
"I wish they [the Library Board] would just be truthful," said one borough resident, "that this is the expansion project they want, not the project they or the citizens need."
Three years ago the Library Board turned down an opportunity to purchase the property immediately north of the library, temporarily shelving any chance of expanding northward on Main Street. And earlier this year the Library Board accepted an anonymous donation of $500,000 in support of the concept to build onto 2nd Avenue, adding 500,000 reasons to stick to their concept are frame a picture of need. Some say the need to expand onto 2nd Avenue—if a need does exists—is self created by the Library Board.
The Library Board has said that if they did move the Library to another location within the Borough and out of the Carnegie building it would lose the yearly contractual funding (some $400,000) they receive from the Phoenixville Area School District. But there is argument as to whether or not the School District is required to financially support the Library, and there have been talks at School Board meetings about ending such support.
Despite the opposition of some residents, Borough Council has approved the Library Board's efforts with their concept by a vote of 5-2. Some say that Council's majority support is as unsubstantiated as the Library Board's self proclaimed need to build over 2nd Avenue.
"The current plan…is 'the only plan' because that is the way it has been orchestrated to appear," said Anthony DiGirolomo, Phoenixville resident and former Borough Council President. "The entire process was back-doored to those who represent the residents of the borough and are entrusted to govern, on our behalf, with the best interest of the community in mind."
Another resident said, "The Library and Reeves Park do not belong to the Library Board. They belong to the citizens of Phoenixville. There are deeds, laws and ordinances in place that should be protecting us from this, but those in charge of protecting us from special interests that would devalue our neighborhoods and property are letting this happen and I just don't see the logic in council not asking the library to show they really have explored all other options."
One of the hurdles the Library board has to overcome to continue on with their concept involves a Pennsylvania state law that splits the land of vacated causeways between the adjacent property owners. This means, by law, that the Library could only be expanded to the middle of 2nd Avenue—a law that if upheld would thwart the current Library Expansion concept.
Planning Committee Solicitor Kim Venzie stated in meetings that the Borough could disregard the law if it chooses. And if unchallenged in court or by residents, they absolutely can.
It is believed that the Library Board is in the process of applying for variances on zoning ordinances regarding issues like reducing the recommended number of 80-92 parking spaces their concept would require. This would take about 2 weeks to complete, and then the Planning Committee would consider the plan presented by the Library Board.
It is expected that the Planning Committee will approve the plan with a few recommendations attached as they pass it on to Borough Council for final approval. By the time the final plan reaches council, 2 ½ months will have elapsed. At that point it is likely the Library Board's plan will become reality.
Those in favor of the concept can continue supporting the Library Board and encouraging their Council representatives to approve the plan they receive when they receive it.
Those in opposition can only continue to make their voices heard. Or they can hope.
One thing they can hope is for the School Board to change their minds and not accept the parcel of 2nd Avenue they recently voted to take ownership of. It is an unlikely possibility, but a possibility nonetheless.
The Mayor could also formally step in as guardian of Reeves Park and, if nothing else, put the breaks on the speed with which the plan has passed though Council thus far and extend the approval process into next year for a new Borough Council to hear. This is more of a possibility considering what seems to be the Mayor's position against the current concept.
To follow proceedings as they happen, or to stand before Borough representatives to voice your opinion, you can attend the next Planning Committee meeting scheduled for July 9th at 7pm in the Municipal Building.
http://www.phoenixvillenews.com/articles/2009/07/04/online/
srv0000005758998.txt
Monday, July 6, 2009
Receipt of FOIA requested documents and Phoenixville Borough Council's oversight process with CDC prompts resident's outrage
Orignially posted to the recent library expansion article.
Edited only to create breaks for easier reading.
****
Anonymous said...
Joe Rooney, freelance journalist for the residents of Phoenixville--I am in recipt of documents recieved from the Borough in response to my application of a right-to-know.
My request included all CDC reports to Borough, CDC contract with Borough, CDC accounting, and CDC grant applications and results...the documents I recieved have put me in to a rage.
It is evident, in the construction of the Borough's contract with the CDC and the documents I recieved as a result of my request of a right to know that there is absolutely no oversight in regard to the Borough ensuring the 125,00 tax payer dollars it invests in the services of the CDC are spent in accordance to the best interests of the Borough residents.
I requested all monthly reports(and only recieved 6 reports dating back to 5-13-08--where are the rest?), and what I recieved, if handed in by a student to a teacher would not only qualify the student for a failing grade, but prompt the teacher the contact the parents.
The reports are laughable in composition--spelling errors (granted I have spelling errors in my articles from time to time and probably some here but no one is paying me 125,000 to be an advovate to the Borough), thin explinations progress, actions, and no follow through in anything.
I will be persuing this issue of lack of over sight not becuase of any personal vendeta against the CDC, but because as a resident I want and and believe my fellow residents also want to get the best return on the investment we've put into the borough as property owners.
What I recieved today is the best my local government can do to help me understand the progress of our redevelopment, somethings got to change.
The CDC has accomplished many things, but when it comes to finding out why they didn't accomplish what they said they would unless we demand thourough and detailed reporting, and the same detail in oversight.
July 6, 2009 10:41:00 PM EDT
Edited only to create breaks for easier reading.
****
Anonymous said...
Joe Rooney, freelance journalist for the residents of Phoenixville--I am in recipt of documents recieved from the Borough in response to my application of a right-to-know.
My request included all CDC reports to Borough, CDC contract with Borough, CDC accounting, and CDC grant applications and results...the documents I recieved have put me in to a rage.
It is evident, in the construction of the Borough's contract with the CDC and the documents I recieved as a result of my request of a right to know that there is absolutely no oversight in regard to the Borough ensuring the 125,00 tax payer dollars it invests in the services of the CDC are spent in accordance to the best interests of the Borough residents.
I requested all monthly reports(and only recieved 6 reports dating back to 5-13-08--where are the rest?), and what I recieved, if handed in by a student to a teacher would not only qualify the student for a failing grade, but prompt the teacher the contact the parents.
The reports are laughable in composition--spelling errors (granted I have spelling errors in my articles from time to time and probably some here but no one is paying me 125,000 to be an advovate to the Borough), thin explinations progress, actions, and no follow through in anything.
I will be persuing this issue of lack of over sight not becuase of any personal vendeta against the CDC, but because as a resident I want and and believe my fellow residents also want to get the best return on the investment we've put into the borough as property owners.
What I recieved today is the best my local government can do to help me understand the progress of our redevelopment, somethings got to change.
The CDC has accomplished many things, but when it comes to finding out why they didn't accomplish what they said they would unless we demand thourough and detailed reporting, and the same detail in oversight.
July 6, 2009 10:41:00 PM EDT
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Joe Rooney - Local Journalist Held Accountable
No need to be alarmed—yet—but I’m nearly positive I’m being followed.
This is a small Borough and I guess that it is possible this is just a matter of coincidence, but how many times does the same grey Ford Focus need to “show up,” whether I’m driving, walking or running with my dog, or sitting on my back porch, before it’s seemingly coincidental presence no longer qualifies as coincidence? When can I stop guessing and be certain I’m being followed?
No doubt this scare has had a strong emotional impact. If it’s not a coincidence and there is someone following me what are they following me for, and who they hell are they?
I first caught on someone might be following me when I was sitting on my back deck. I lifted my eyes off the book I was reading, looked over the railing, and noticed the car in question parked, facing downhill, on Fairview Street. It was the same car that had become very familiar to my routine of late, that followed me from Main and Bridge out of the Borough on my way to work that morning, the same car that twice drove past my dog and I walking after I got home from working that evening, and it appeared again, parked facing my house. Being the third time the grey Focus was coincidentally in my immediate presence I shot up from my lounge chair and walked across my deck to the railing staring the car down. Just as I did the driver started the car and reversed up the hill and turned into Needles Street and disappeared.
That all happened on Wednesday last week and since I’ve seen the car here and there—not nearly with the same frequency as on Wednesday and the week or so before then, but I still see it enough that the thought of its possible presence has been enough to really affect how I go about my day.
For instance:
I’ve not only been on time, but I’ve most days since Wednesday arrived early to work. Before work when I run with my dog I find myself running without the rest I would sometimes allow myself for fear someone would find out I wasn’t quite running the distances I’d purported. And driving along Township Line Road with my wife over the weekend I stopped her from throwing a banana peel from the car window, “You don’t know who’s watching,” I told her.
When you think about it, whether this grey Ford Focus is following me or not, I’ve actually made some really simple changes in my life in the event someone is following me. If I am being watched, I’m not going to let them catch me doing anything even remotely wrong.
After I stopped my wife from throwing the banana peel from the car Saturday, she asked, “What’s the big deal? It’s not hurting anyone if I throw a banana peel into onto the grass. It might actually help the grass a little bit.”
I didn’t tell her—and haven’t yet because hopefully it is merely coincidence—that I wanted her to hold onto the banana peel until we got to a trash can because I thought someone was following me, but found myself speaking to her as though I was some sort of moral authority, when I said, “When it comes to discarding refuse, either a piece of paper or a quickly biodegrading banana peel, we have to follow the law. Discretion in this case is out of our hands. As citizens here we’ve agreed to follow the law and the law says no littering of any kind. We can’t decide what constitutes litter. Anything thrown from a car or dropped on the ground—no matter what you think—is litter.”
After this see looked at me with wide, astonished eyes and a slightly opened mouth and, without looking, threw the banana peel from the car while we waited for the light at Township Line and Nutt Roads.
It’s the end of the day now and the grey Focus hasn’t appeared, so I’m hoping, coincidence or not, this car stays out of my life.
And even if I don’t see the Focus ever again I’m happy it pushed me back on the straight and narrow in little and seemingly insignificant ways that make me a little bit of a better person. It was paranoia that got me this time. And that’s ok. Even though it was the grey Focus I thought was following me when I slacked off on my morning run, I ran harder afraid of it. And just because I was extra careful to show up to work on time fearing (as unlikely as it is) my boss was following me, I became a better employee. And the banana peel…well, I’ve learned to choose my battles wisely in marriage, and I’ve learned enough not to take the banana peel issue any further.
Accountability.
If not to a strange car that might be following you through Phoenixville, make yourself accountable to you, for the sake of living to your fullest potential, for the sake of your neighbors that trust you to follow the rules.
Be accountable for your actions in the jobs you perform too. Whether your boss is defined by his pay grade or your boss is a small municipal electorate that has charged you with protecting their best interests, never let them down, never put the comfortable move over the right move, never take off when you know they’re not looking, because I’m sure that final breath can be a difficult one to let go of if in the end you never realized it wasn’t ever your thoughts, opinions and beliefs that mattered, but those agreed upon by everyone else around you that mattered more.
This is a small Borough and I guess that it is possible this is just a matter of coincidence, but how many times does the same grey Ford Focus need to “show up,” whether I’m driving, walking or running with my dog, or sitting on my back porch, before it’s seemingly coincidental presence no longer qualifies as coincidence? When can I stop guessing and be certain I’m being followed?
No doubt this scare has had a strong emotional impact. If it’s not a coincidence and there is someone following me what are they following me for, and who they hell are they?
I first caught on someone might be following me when I was sitting on my back deck. I lifted my eyes off the book I was reading, looked over the railing, and noticed the car in question parked, facing downhill, on Fairview Street. It was the same car that had become very familiar to my routine of late, that followed me from Main and Bridge out of the Borough on my way to work that morning, the same car that twice drove past my dog and I walking after I got home from working that evening, and it appeared again, parked facing my house. Being the third time the grey Focus was coincidentally in my immediate presence I shot up from my lounge chair and walked across my deck to the railing staring the car down. Just as I did the driver started the car and reversed up the hill and turned into Needles Street and disappeared.
That all happened on Wednesday last week and since I’ve seen the car here and there—not nearly with the same frequency as on Wednesday and the week or so before then, but I still see it enough that the thought of its possible presence has been enough to really affect how I go about my day.
For instance:
I’ve not only been on time, but I’ve most days since Wednesday arrived early to work. Before work when I run with my dog I find myself running without the rest I would sometimes allow myself for fear someone would find out I wasn’t quite running the distances I’d purported. And driving along Township Line Road with my wife over the weekend I stopped her from throwing a banana peel from the car window, “You don’t know who’s watching,” I told her.
When you think about it, whether this grey Ford Focus is following me or not, I’ve actually made some really simple changes in my life in the event someone is following me. If I am being watched, I’m not going to let them catch me doing anything even remotely wrong.
After I stopped my wife from throwing the banana peel from the car Saturday, she asked, “What’s the big deal? It’s not hurting anyone if I throw a banana peel into onto the grass. It might actually help the grass a little bit.”
I didn’t tell her—and haven’t yet because hopefully it is merely coincidence—that I wanted her to hold onto the banana peel until we got to a trash can because I thought someone was following me, but found myself speaking to her as though I was some sort of moral authority, when I said, “When it comes to discarding refuse, either a piece of paper or a quickly biodegrading banana peel, we have to follow the law. Discretion in this case is out of our hands. As citizens here we’ve agreed to follow the law and the law says no littering of any kind. We can’t decide what constitutes litter. Anything thrown from a car or dropped on the ground—no matter what you think—is litter.”
After this see looked at me with wide, astonished eyes and a slightly opened mouth and, without looking, threw the banana peel from the car while we waited for the light at Township Line and Nutt Roads.
It’s the end of the day now and the grey Focus hasn’t appeared, so I’m hoping, coincidence or not, this car stays out of my life.
And even if I don’t see the Focus ever again I’m happy it pushed me back on the straight and narrow in little and seemingly insignificant ways that make me a little bit of a better person. It was paranoia that got me this time. And that’s ok. Even though it was the grey Focus I thought was following me when I slacked off on my morning run, I ran harder afraid of it. And just because I was extra careful to show up to work on time fearing (as unlikely as it is) my boss was following me, I became a better employee. And the banana peel…well, I’ve learned to choose my battles wisely in marriage, and I’ve learned enough not to take the banana peel issue any further.
Accountability.
If not to a strange car that might be following you through Phoenixville, make yourself accountable to you, for the sake of living to your fullest potential, for the sake of your neighbors that trust you to follow the rules.
Be accountable for your actions in the jobs you perform too. Whether your boss is defined by his pay grade or your boss is a small municipal electorate that has charged you with protecting their best interests, never let them down, never put the comfortable move over the right move, never take off when you know they’re not looking, because I’m sure that final breath can be a difficult one to let go of if in the end you never realized it wasn’t ever your thoughts, opinions and beliefs that mattered, but those agreed upon by everyone else around you that mattered more.
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