U.D. residents weigh in on Keffer’s DUI, some forgiving while others not

UPPER DARBY — The arrest of Mayor Barbarann ​​Keffer on suspicion of driving under the influence provoked a flurry of comment from the public during Wednesday night’s Upper Darby Township Council meeting, but little was said by council members.

A lot has changed in the weeks since the last council meeting.

On January 25, Chief Administrative Officer Vincent Rongione, whom six council members had tried to fire, abruptly resigned and less than 48 hours later Keffer was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Upper Chichester.

With the mayor in rehab, nearly two dozen residents spoke about their arrest. Just over half asked that they not be judged on their worst day but on what they have done for the community.

“I send all my love, thoughts and support to Mayor Barbarann ​​Keffer and her family. I’m so proud of her for taking this step and seeking help,” said Kyle McIntyre. “We should all show her the empathy and compassion that we would all deserve if we were struggling with addiction ourselves.”

Resident Peggy Wilson agreed, speaking about growing up in a self-medicated Irish Catholic family and speaking of a genetic predisposition.

“I’ve learned to show mercy to people who abuse alcohol,” Wilson said. “I beg you to give her mercy and support.

Not everyone was so forgiving.

“The statement the mayor released Monday started on the right foot until she blamed personal attacks by those who don’t share her personal vision for this community,” said John Vizzarri. “Let’s not ignore her lack of judgment as a leader when she refused a blood alcohol concentration test without having her mug shot and fingerprints taken.”

Vizzarri asked Keffer to resign.

A resident called the troubles with Keffer and Rongione’s resignation just days before a collapsing house of cards.

“The mayor must step down immediately,” Joanne Nammavong said. “She has no regard for human life. She put every other driver on the road in danger that night. She does not represent the values ​​and morals that we expect from our elected officials in Upper Darby Township.”

The council members themselves did not discuss Keffer’s problems.

other business

On other matters, the council discussed an ordinance to conduct an internal audit and a financial audit with comparison from 2017, 2018 and 2019 versus 2020, 2021 and 2022 for all parking meter department revenue as well as for reimbursement from the district courts.

This comes as CBS 3 aired an investigation into complaints about the community’s handling of parking tickets. According to the report, the municipality had a backlog of over 18 months with 18,000 parking violations that were not addressed by local courts.

“We’re talking about 18,000. That’s absurd to me,” said Councilwoman Meaghan Wagner, who also said it was unusual for those tickets to go directly to Harrisburg rather than to local courts.

Councilwoman Danyelle Blackwell said the scrutiny should be opened up to all departments so the community can avoid opening itself up to a lawsuit. She said the audit appeared to target the only department overseen by a black woman. No progress was made with this amendment to the application.

The council also presented plans to promulgate an ordinance that would amend the community’s zoning plan to create a historic overlay district to provide a list of historic resources that would review procedures and requirements for demolition and modification of historic resources in the community .

The evening began on an inspirational note as Upper Darby Marine Corps League Post 884 took the floor to honor officers. It named Detective Kevin Finnegan Police Officer of the Year, Glenn Baker Firefighter of the Year, and Mike Swindt Marine of the Year.

Post representative William Todd said Finnegan embodied the Navy values ​​of honor, courage and commitment.

“In 2022, Detective Finnegan was instrumental in many notable investigations,” Todd said. He noted Finnegan’s involvement in solving the robbery of a postal worker that led to the pursuit of numerous suspects. “He has a recognized commitment to public safety and the Upper Darby Police Department … he consistently puts others before himself.”

Todd paid tribute to Baker for his efforts to save another firefighter in a house fire on Maypole Road in October. That day, firefighters arrived and found a resident with burn injuries in front of the home. Captain Mike Jernigan and Baker went inside to search for other residents in the home and to find the source of the fire.

During the search, heat and fire exploded and Jernigan’s breathing mask began to fail.

“Regardless of his own safety, Fireman Baker recognized the danger Captain Jnigan was in and immediately escorted him to safety outside the home,” Todd said. “Without the actions of Fireman Glenn Baker, Capt. Jernigan likely suffered more serious injuries…it should be noted that Capt. Jernigan sustained second and third degree burns to his arms and back.”

Swindt’s award covered his efforts with the post, helping whenever and wherever it was needed, including as a member of the color guard.