SILENCE IS FAR FROM GOLDEN

Asphodel-Norwood officials' silence regarding the drug-related
charges laid last week against the township's fire chief is disturbing.

Fire Chief Paul Bitten faces drug possession charges in relation to
cocaine and marijuana allegedly found in his Norwood home.

While recognizing that Mr. Bitten will have his day in court and is
innocent of any wrongdoing until otherwise is proven, the question of
how the Township will react to the allegations, if at all, is one
that should be asked and needs to be answered.

The former is exactly what This Week attempted to do Tuesday when it
placed calls to Township CAO Shelley Eliopoulos and to Reeve Doug
Pearcy -- find out whether the charges will affect Chief Bitten's
position and, if so, how?

Asphodel-Norwood taxpayers have a right to know if the man they pay
to ensure their safety will remain in that position while the matter plays out.

This is also a public safety issue. The responsible thing to do is
assure township residents that fire protection services won't be
compromised in any way.

And let's not forget that Mr. Bitten is paid from the public purse.
For that reason alone, Township officials are obligated to comment on
the matter instead of offering a stern "No comment." Doing the latter
creates the perception that this is a case of the Township protecting
one of its own instead of demonstrating the responsible governance
that taxpayers should demand. That taxpayers deserve.

When contacted, Reeve Pearcy outright refused to comment and, when
pressed, his tone sharpened as he reiterated his position.

The CAO, on the other hand, didn't return repeated calls Monday and
Tuesday. Township staff confirmed she was in the office.

Now Township residents are left playing the guessing game.

Is it business as usual or is Chief Bitten going to be suspended
until the allegations against him are dealt with in court?

If so, who will take over running the township's fire protection
services to ensure the safety of Asphodel-Norwood residents?

One would think, in this day and age, municipal officials and
politicians alike would understand the importance of informing the
public on such matters, especially where the level of public safety
is involved. One would think that but, in this case, not necessarily expect it.

Silence is often golden. In this case, it's raising a lot more
questions than the simple one we tried to get an answer to.