Former mayor criticizes North Wales mayor’s newsletter remarks on federal policing

Former Mayor Gregory D’Angelo criticized Mayor Neil McDevitt’s "Message from the Mayor" in the North Wales Spring/Summer newsletter, saying the mayor singled out federal law enforcement in a way that was "inappropriate and self-serving" and that the phrasing was "beneath the dignity of the Office of Mayor." D’Angelo, who identified himself as the father of two sons in law enforcement, spoke during the public-comment portion of the March 10 council meeting.

D’Angelo said the sentence was placed apart from the paragraph for political effect and argued the wording should have been more general or omitted: "Frankly, as the former Mayor, and the father of two sons in law enforcement, I find it absolutely appalling that you would use your officers, and their successful accreditation, to add credibility to your political rhetoric. It is beneath the dignity of your elected office." He added that while he will "continue to support" the mayor when he can, he would not allow the mayor "Carte Blanche to say and do whatever you want politically."

Mayor Neil McDevitt responded to the public comments by thanking D’Angelo for speaking at the meeting. Council took no formal action on D’Angelo’s remarks during the session; the mayor’s message remains part of the published newsletter. The exchange illustrated local sensitivity about the boundary between civic communications and political expression, a theme D’Angelo said should guide future Borough messaging.

No motion or resolution regarding the newsletter or Borough communications was introduced at the meeting. Council members did not vote on or otherwise amend the newsletter content at this session. The meeting proceeded to agenda items including plan approvals, fee requests, and committee reports; the Council adjourned at 7:52 P.M.