So, I heard recently that some folks in South Ardmore wanted a Town Watch for Ardmore? I thought that a fine idea, right? I do not see these folks as potential vigilantes, just people who care about the community.

But what did I hear today? That they are having a hard time getting one started? That Ardmore Progressive isn't interested or doesn't want these residents to have it and which is it so we are straight on this? Ardmore Progressive, how are you "progressive" if you can't listen to new ideas? And why was a guy who is a resident of the township, but happens to be a candidate for ward 4 kind of told he couldn't come to some town or community watch meeting to learn if they are open to the public? If he is a resident and he is coming as a resident to learn, and not to politick, why doesn't he have a right to be at the meeting? After all, he's not the only resident who is a candidate going to meetings in Lower Merion, is he? Just trying to be fair.

If Ardmore Progressive Civic Association is NOT against a town watch, I would like to know right away to correct the record, or better explain the situation.

A little shout out now to Steve Lindner because as a candidate for the 4th Ward and President of Ardmore Progressive Civic Association that covers South Ardmore and elsewhere, he should support the neighbors who want a town watch, don't you? Maybe he should listen to their concerns?

I have to tell you I have always had a slight issue with the fact that Ardmore Progressive isn't part of the Federation of Civics. I honestly applaud their independence, but I think they do have to belong to that group to get the most bang for their buck in trying to enact change. I think Ardmore Progressive Civic Association should join the Federation of Civics, don't you? They seem to have much to offer and I think it would be good, and it might help South Ardmore to have representation at the Federation of Civics, right?

And if what I have heard is true that Ardmore Progressive is against these residents forming a Town Watch, and these residents getting cooperation and guidance from that National Night Out/Town Watch guy Matt Peskin , that Houston we have a problem, can't you agree? I mean it is bad enough Matt Peskin seems to feel that he can use his non profit staus to take such a disgraceful salary, right? Is this a form of discrimination?

After all if these residents of South Ardmore who may be justified in feeling they are underserved and perhaps even victims of discrimination are willing to do the work for a Town Watch, why would any of us want to say no? Doesn't it sound like a great idea?

For more blogs and other info on National Night Out see things like:

Officer.com Home > On the Street
A National Night Out For Who?
Avoiding The Hangover After National Night Out
Posted: Thursday, August 14, 2008
Updated: August 13th, 2008 08:40 AM EDT

Where Most Needed
The Charity Industry Observer Probing the Deeper Links & Linkages: National Night Out Founder Thinks He's Worth a Quarter Million

(And you can Google for more)

So there you have it, and I am just asking reasonable questions at this point.

UPDATE: I do not know if it's town watch or community watch, all I know is they want a watch. I did look at Lower Merion Community watch and noticed the following:

Contact Lower Merion Community Watch
LM Police Department
Crime Prevention Unit
71 East Lancaster Ave
Ardmore, PA 19003
610-645-6240

Matt Peskin
President of LMCW
610-649-7055

Matt Peskin is President. So Matt, why is it these folks can't have what they want? Feel free to write in.