Opinion: Township Dems "Appalled" by Shehady's Stance With JCP&L

Over the last few days, Springfield's mayor has made local headlines by calling JCP&L "blatant liars."  As a township committee member, and representative of Springfield, I am appalled at the lack of professionalism and respect shown in such a statement. Rich Huber and I want to publicly state that we do not condone our fellow committee member's words in this case.

The past week has certainly been trying and stressful for all of Springfield's residents. With most or all of us lacking in heat, electricity, and in some cases, hot water, we believe our local elected officials should be doing their best to find positive solutions. Taking a combative and hostile stance with the company that is clearly working hard to help us get back to normal is the last thing we should be doing.

I believe Mr. Shehady's message was not only hostile to the JCP&L management, but it was also extremely disrespectful to the incredibly dedicated crew members who have been working tirelessly on our behalf and who I and other residents have been meeting and speaking with over the last few days.  We have met crew members who have traveled to our town from places like Illinois, Kansas, California and as far as Nova Scotia.  These workers deserve better than to have their company and their efforts disparaged.

I would think that if our mayor is the skilled politician he claims to be, he would understand that in circumstances like this, one gets more flies with honey than with vinegar.

While many of us share Mr. Shehady's frustration with the avenues of communication between JCP&L representatives and us, Rich Huber and I believe that it is far more effective to work positively with others, especially in the midst of this trying situation. Name-calling is a juvenile and ineffectual method to obtain what you need.

Rich Huber and I want to take the time to thank the people in charge of our office of emergency management, led by Scott Seidel and Wally Schultz, who have led the relief efforts in town and who have accomplished so much during this past week. We owe you a great debt.  I believe all Springfield residents can be very proud of the way we came together as a community and continue to work together to get our town and our lives back to normal.

David Amlen
Springfield Township Committeeman