For a guy with a very tough job, Wendell Butler is very much a gentle man.
And every inch a gentleman.
The mayor, along with Chester Police Chief Darren Alston, was our guest last night on our 'Live From the Newsroom' live-stream Internet broadcast.
I got the distinct feeling when the mayor first got here that he was not especially thrilled about doing the show. But once we got rolling he certainly warmed to the task.
If you missed the replay, you can watch it here.
We pressed the mayor on his plans for the city this summer in light of recent shooting incidents. While there will be a curfew in effect starting June 1 from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. for those 17 and under, the mayor made clear he does not envision another state of emergency as was put into effect last summer.
Butler got emotional when he spoke of the series of shootings that led to his decision last summer to enact a strict curfew for all residents in five crime-plagued sections of the city, as well as a ban on public gatherings. A lifelong friend was wounded in one of the shootings.
The city is not without its success stories, and Butler is quick to point them out. When I asked him if the city's image issues are created by the way it is often presented in this newspaper, he just smiled and again stressed the good things that are going on in the city.
Always the gentleman.
Thanks again to the mayor and chief. By the way, there is an open invitation for other public officials in the county. If you want to join us for a future 'Live From the Newsroom,' give me a call at 610-622-8818 or email me at editor@delcotimes.com.
We're also working on a plan for some live town hall style meetings. If you'd like your town to host us, let me know.
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