Below please find a letter from Commissioner Don Read to Republican Upper Pottsgrove Committee members Cathy Paretti and Dave Waldt. In 2023, Waldt took the Republican Area 2 Chairman role with no competition and promptly appointed Paretti to the second Upper Pottsgrove committee position. The County Republican Committee divides the county into areas for better management. The political units in Area 2 are: Lower Pottsgrove Township, Upper Pottsgrove Township, West Pottsgrove Township, New Hanover Township, and Pottstown Borough. The Upper Pottsgrove Committee consists of two members—Paretti and Waldt (Waldt is both area chairman and committee member). Each voting precinct in each political unit is allowed two committee members; Upper Pottsgrove Township has one voting precinct so there are two Republican committee members and two Democratic members.
To Upper Pottsgrove Republican Committee Members Paretti and Waldt
Over the past few days, I have received inquiries from Evan Brandt regarding why none of the incumbent commissioners received an endorsement from the local party—that’s you two. I provided him with a thoughtful response, and we will see how he chooses to present it. While I am neither seeking nor concerned with an endorsement, I do have a question:
Why were no incumbents even asked whether they intended to seek reelection? Would it not be in the Township’s best interest to ensure that the strongest, most electable Republican candidates are on the ticket for the general election?
It is clear that a small but vocal group is determined to see the current majority removed. While that is part of the democratic process, our primary obligation should always be to serve the best interests of the majority of residents, rather than a select few who seem to wield significant influence over your decisions. Others outside of the Board have referred to these select few as handlers and this term certainly seems to have merit.
I am increasingly concerned that the Democrats may soon gain the majority or, at the very least, secure the presidency of the board—potentially the same Democrat you supported for the Planning Commission. We have spent years correcting the financial mismanagement that preceded us. After inheriting significant debt, we have eliminated it entirely. Our pension funds and finances are now in great shape, and we have between $9–10 million in cash reserves to address long-standing infrastructure issues. Additionally, we have resolved or made progress on numerous other challenges facing the Township.
As area committee members, your role is to communicate with all Republicans to develop a cohesive strategy moving forward. Instead, what has emerged is a Republican infighting scenario—a “circular firing squad”—that the Democrats will undoubtedly use to their advantage. As far as I can see, the only place where the communication of the Area 2 petition signing function was on the Area 2’s Facebook page—a page rarely used—and a page hosted by a former commissioner who has a history of flipping parties.
Finally, I urge you not to underestimate the reach and influence of the Upper Pottsgrove Journal. The number of engaged readers and the following that the site has cultivated are remarkable. We utilize this platform to provide residents with factual information, rather than the editorialized perspective often presented by other local publications. Voters should have access to objective facts so they can make independent, informed decisions—something that, for some reason, seems to be a novel concept.
I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further tonight or anytime.
Commissioner Don Read