Opinion: Warminster Democrat Plays Partisan Politics Card

The following opinion piece was submitted Tuesday morning by Vice Chairperson of the Warminster Board of Supervisors Tom Panzer.

This letter is in response to Frank Feinberg’s recent “”.  Mr. Feinberg laments that Warminster is “headed down the wrong road,” following the recent defeat of his Democrat Supervisor candidate, followed by the resignation of his other Democrat colleague.  In high-handed, self-righteous tones Mr. Feinberg accuses his fellow Board of Supervisors members, all of whom are Republican, of “partisan politics” and “abuse of power”. 

Mr. Feinberg, where is the civility?  Where is this magnanimous spirit you speak of?  Politics as usual? 

Let’s review recent facts.  More to the point, let’s review the very public process Warminster Township just exercised in appointing its newest Board member.  This was the process that led Mr. Feinberg to accuse his fellow Board members of “abuse of power” and “partisan politics”. 

The vacancy was created when Mr. Feinberg’s Democrat colleague quit.  In order to fill the vacancy, the Board unanimously agreed – including Mr. Feinberg - to a process for selecting the new member. We advertised for interested applicants. Thirteen residents applied. Thirteen residents were interviewed – by all four of the remaining Board members – including Mr. Feinberg. The interviews took place at a meeting open to the public. 

After the interviews, the four remaining Board members – including Mr. Feinberg - sat at a public meeting and discussed the interviewees.  All four of us agreed – including Mr. Feinberg – to the same top three prospects.  We all agreed.  At a public meeting. 

Mr. Feinberg insists that his Democrat colleague should have been appointed - because he is a Democrat. That assertion smacks of political arrogance and partisan politics. The people, the voters, just finished telling us that Mr. Feinberg’s friend was not their choice.  Is that “politics”?  Is that “business as usual”? 

Mr. Feinberg claims that the recent Board vacancy is a “Democrat” seat. Wrong. The seat belongs to the people of Warminster Township. It’s not a Republican seat. It’s not a Democrat seat. The fact that Mr. Feinberg considers it a “Democrat” seat is partisan. Notice the hypocrisy? 

The appointee – the one Mr. Feinberg accuses of being a political appointee – has a resume full of community service, is a lifelong resident, and a hard working volunteer in the community.  Mr. Feinberg disparages him, his fellow Board member, and our community by writing an opinion piece which prioritizes party politics over the needs of the community. 

Mr. Feinberg, your fellow Board members look forward to continuing to make decisions in the best interest of Warminster Township and its residents.  The Board of Supervisors has publicly outlined a clear vision of positive change for our community.  We embrace this vision despite you, our fellow Board member, jamming your thumb squarely in our collective eye.  

We continue to invite you, Mr. Feinberg, to participate with your fellow Board members, in the civil discourse regarding Township decision making, without resort to personal and politically motivated attacks.  

Tom Panzer,

Vice Chair, Warminster Township Board of Supervisors