Larry Holmes Apologizes — Larry Holmes apologized at last night’s (Nov. 12) Haverford Commissioner’s meeting for the Facebook screed he posted two days after the Nov. 5 election concerning Donald Trump’s historic victory.
Holmes represents the 6th Ward and is board president.
He used the phrase “insubstantial minions” that was taken by most to mean Trump voters and “autocrat” to refer to the Donald.
In the longest meeting in memory, township residents Bob Dell and Sharon Devaney stayed until 10:30 p.m. — about a three-and-a-half hour wait — to call Holmes out.
It was a few minutes later during commssioner comments when Holmes made the apology, and it appeared sincere.
He noted he had taken down the post.
Holmes said the phrase “insubstantial minions” was not directed at the voters but about the people around Trump.
He did not apologize for using “autocrat” though.
Dell and Ms. Devaney both accepted the apology.
And while sincere, Holmes’ explanation illustrates that the divide in this country is less about values and goals but about perceptions.
Leaving aside why would would think Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, Bobby Kennedy Jr., Vivek Ramaswamy and JD Vance are either “insubstantial” or “minions”, how could one even think Trump is an “autocrat”?
Did he twist the law to throw an opponent in jail during his first term or shut down dissenting media? Did he start any wars?
Seriously, Larry, consider getting a new source of information.
The vast majority of Trump voters are not bad people. They are rather good people, actually.
Other Matters
The board also unanimously passed a commitment to the long-discussed “Safe Streets for All” program which will use the Safe Systems Approach for a township wide safety action plan. Several citizens including Dory Dowdy and Mike Lee expressed concerns among which were that consultants were taking precedence over residents, and that state roads were not being considered.
The commissioners noted that passing the resolution provides flexibility and doesn’t negate the concerns expressed.
That the township has a problem with safety was not denied.
Ms. Devaney described the accident at Ellis and Lawrence roads seven years ago that left her with permanent injuries. The driver of the striking car was going 70 mph.
Tevin Nix noted that drivers routinely ignore the “do not enter” signs at Darby Road and West Chester Pike.
Victor Cortez, Chris Peter and Beverly, a crossing guard for Manoa School, cited the Manoa and Eagle road intersection at the school as particularly dangerous. Cortez said he, his wife and daughter were hit by a vehicle there while crossing the street with the girl in a stroller. Fortunately, no serious injuries resulted.
As we passed the intersection, this morning we noticed a Haverford police vehicle stationed on a side street, and got a fright when a student crossed Eagle against the light and way outside a crosswalk.
In another matter, the board voted 5-4 to pass the first reading of an amendment to township’s storm water management ordinance concerning a limit to impervious surface.
The board unanimously passed to much praise the Skatium renovation project. This improves locker room facilities for girls participating in sports.
The board heard from several angry residents about poor response to noise complaints concerning pickleball games at Paddock Park.
A man expressed concern about abandoned cars on County Line Road.
Unfortunately it is about control (or lack of it) instead of contributing toward solid leadership and good governance.