Dear readers,
I recently had to do something I try never to do here in Norristown Patch. I deleted a comment. We have pretty comprehensive terms of use that give me wide latitude in determining what is and isn't appropriate on my site and I take that responsibility seriously.
I'm not in the business of censoring anyone and I regularly allow all manner of ignorance and bile to be posted in the comment section so it can be discussed and hopefully give the more enlightened and intelligent readers an opportunity to answer. I'd rather we address the bigots, racists and malcontents with thoughtful arguments and intelligent discourse than let them hide their opinions and never be challenged.
A commenter recently made some hurtful and bigoted statements about the subject of this post. While I may have left those up to give folks an opportunity to answer the rather hateful speech, the commenter also made several accusations of criminal activity. Had the commenter chosen to make those accusations using his real identity I may have even let those stand to be challenged, but this person hid behind a pseudonym.
Here's my final thought on the matter – I believe in free speech. I believe in it so much that I'm willing to allow all manner of unpleasant language that I might not agree with because I'd rather drag such matters into the light and face them down than let them fester in the darkness of some bigot's mind. I hope my readers feel the same way.

Big John,
First...
Take a good look at your calendar, it's 2012 not 1950.

Next,
".I personally know she took money, I think a campaign contribution of one of my neighbors to help them in a matter that also involved police "

So you personally KNOW yet you say you THINK?

Reading your post is more disturbing than witnessing Paris Hilton compete in a spelling bee.

To Big Jon and others that may be reading this post. I have divided this post into two parts so that I can state my case fully.
I don’t normally respond to public comments posted on line but I feel that I must correct any false statements made by the person named “Big Jon”.
Part 1
1. I have never asked for campaign contributions personally for my political campaign. All campaign contributions have been made to “Citizens for Norristown’s Future” a political action committee that supports multiple political candidates in Norristown. Any contributions over $25 are public knowledge and that information can be obtained through the Montgomery County Election Board.
2. I have been an out lesbian for over 25 years of my life. I am out to my family, friends, my church and my job. I am also out on my page on the Norristown.org website in my biography for my municipal council position. I do not apologize nor am I ashamed. Nor do I believe that my sexual orientation has any bearing on my ability to conduct my duties as an elected official.
3. I am respectful of the police and take a very hard line on crime. I have always encouraged residents that they need to contact the police for any suspicious activity.

To Big Jon and others that may be reading this post. I have divided this post into two parts.
I don’t normally respond to public comments posted on line but I feel that I must correct any false statements made by the person named “Big Jon”.

Part 2.
4. In my role as a municipal elected official people contact me for all matter of business. I get calls to help resolve disputes about dogs defecating on neighbor’s lawns, children hanging out in alleyways at night, code violations, elder issues, social security and veteran’s benefits, pot holes in streets and alleys, parades and festivals. Some of these issues I can help provide solutions, some I cannot. I have always been respectful and listened to every complaint. I have not ever promised anyone that they will get preferential treatment.

I would like to state that anyone who believes I have not conducted myself appropriately should contact me directly to voice their opinion. My email is mdesouza@norristown.org and my cell phone number is (610) 721-1053. This information is public and I have always shared this with residents. I challenge “Big Jon” to respond back to this post with their real name and contact information (at this point I will not assume that this is a male that is even posting). Choosing to hide behind a fictitious name usually means that the posting is full of lies.

I only came to know Mimi DeSouza over the last year. She has spent countless hours to support the community. Her attention has not only been with the homeowners but with businesses and investors to make Norristown all it can be. Much of her time, unpaid, has been towards "cleaning up" the town. I commend her for being in a position to contribute financially to organizations in the town, when we are in one of the worst economies ever.

As a child we lived on the 500 block of Kohn Street. Seeing what is has transpired into today only shows we all need to take action to revitalize our town. Most importantly, one person alone can't accomplish this task, but with combined efforts, Norristown can be better than it was once.

Most residents, property owners, neighborhood groups, business owners will put forth their efforts for the betterment, but some will sit in front of a computer and sling mud, chat on facebook or watch TV rather than being part of the solution to make Norristown a community with family values, safe streets, entertainment and more.

Big Jon, I can't help but to think that your comments are driven by pure ignorance and hatred. I've the priviledge of knowing Ms. Desouza since before she was into politics. Ms. Desouza is a wonderful human being who's always ready to help everybody. She has always being concerned was best for the community. It doesn't matter what you are or who you are; she listens and she acts. Her sexual orientation has nothing to do with anything. Her personal life is her business and noone else's.
I doubt you have any proofs against Ms. Desouza; if you had you woldn't be hiding behind a fictitious name.

Big John:

Dr. King once said that we should be judged by the our character rather than the color of our skin and his quote really applies here as well. I read your comment this morning and frankly my jaw dropped and felt I really had to respond, not something I normally do. I thought this kind of behavior only happened in Middle School. The kind of things being bantered about are really quite sophomoric and silly. Whether Ms. DeSouza is a lesbian or not has no relavance to her job as a councilmember, or for that matter as a person.

My husband, Craig, and I know both Mimi and her partner personally and both of them are solid, caring, people, whose main interest is helping the town they live in. We have lived across the street from them for many years and since that time have gotten to know them pretty well. They never hid the fact they were a lesbian couple; after all there is a gay flag hanging from their front porch. Nor have we had any reason to think that either of them would ever be involved in any kind of shady business deal. Ms. DeSouza has a great relationship with the police and all manner of law enforcement, and as far as we are concerned she is qute qualified to be a council person.

So Big John, your comments make no impression on me negatively toward Ms. DeSouza, rather they make me sad that such bigorty and narrow mindedness exisits today. I wish you well and I pray that one day you will grow up to becme a better person

Unbelievable ! They are always out there, ready to incite the town for a lynching! Get the ropes boys, don't forget your moonshine we're gonna have a hangin tonight. Let's party! When you see pictures of a lynch mob there's always a group of ignorant white folks laughing an enjoyin this despiicable act. It must be something that has passed through the ages, because when they crucified Jesus they did the same thing, they partied around the cross and took bets on who would get his clothes. So today they want to lynch Dr Desouza. This is so sad. I met Dr. DeSouza several years ago when they were organizing WE. I was impressed because so many people who have come to Norristown are looking for a hand out. Mimi and Kim said, "We are new here, how can we help?"

part two
Civilized people want the area where they live to be clean and safe, so why wouldn't they want to clean up their block and around their neighborhood? It is such a sick distorted thinking that sets the tone of your letter. I don't care if they were purple, they are helping to improve the town which has become filthy. Dr. DeSouza is not on Council for money. One of the reasons the people like you don't run is because the stipend paid to Municipal Council is not worth the trouble, so you just sit back and complain. (you probably didn't vote). This woman probably earns more money in a month then you've made in your lifetime. Think about it she didn't donate her money to national charities. She donated them locally. She is trying to make a positive difference in this town. You don't appreciate a good thing went you see it. Please crawl back under your rock and stay there. Your kind are not needed here!

Big Jon, Does the verse - judge NOT or you will be judged - sound familiar? In the eyes of God we are all imperfect and have sinned - so with your logic, no one should be a councilperson. But God clearly says that "if you have no love, you are nothing" - yet there were no expressions of love in anything you said. Maybe you should be looking at the "2x4 in your eye" Big Jon.

However, this "debate" is really taking us away from the wonderful article about Dr. Desouza. CONGRATULATIONS Councilwoman Desouza on your amazing award. You truly deserve it. You have been a beacon of light for Norristown for a while now and I am so happy to hear that you are getting some recognition for it. Your committment astounds me - I am not even in your district and yet you have gone above and beyond to help me navigate the municipality process. It always seems like you are working on 100 projects simultaneously to improve Norristown. I don't know how you do it. You are amazing!!

Thanks to Councilwoman DeSouza for all your efforts. All you do is not unappreciated. Your plate is always full but you manage to always to put something else on it. There aren't many who would give so much of themselves to assist and help others. A quote from Henry Ford is appropriate. Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.

We all have the right to free speech, but to do it on the expense of a council person that represents Norritown, like it or Not.. Outside media also reads theses commentaries, and this is why Norristown gets such negative representation. This stops alot of business and development from coming here.
If Dr. DeSouza is corrupt, and has Norristown police in her pocket, then the DA office needs to look into this..But the bashing and deframing of Council DeSouza, personal life and all she does for this community is down right Wrong!... Big John, when you has something real to report on, by all means report it other wise......Keep your jealousy to yourself !!!

Arlene

Speaking as one of the non-profits that is a beneficiary of this donation, I'd just like to thank Mimi DeSouza for her generosity and dedication to making Norristown a better place. As a young non-profit that established itself during the economic downturn, Mimi's contribution was the largest individual monetary donation we have ever received. In addition to her contribution, she also gave us a mention on her community E-blast, which had a huge impact on awareness of our organization in town. Honestly, I was surprised that she even knew about our initiative to bring an outdoor independent movie screening series to Norristown; I assumed we were too small to even be on a busy councilwoman's radar. We never received this type of support when we were based in Philadelphia! This award is well-deserved and I'm so delighted to be a part of a community that cares.

I'd liken to invite you all out to the launch of the free Norristown "Movies from the Hill" screenings on Dekalb & Mt. Airy Street (The Old Prison Parking lot) on June 8 and July 13 (rain dates June 29 & July 20). I'm hoping that Mimi can attend so you can meet her because after all, without Mimi's contribution, this program would not be possible. Additional information is available on www.ProjectTwenty1.org.

-Stephanie

to Dis Honest in Norristown, Have you ever seen a picture of a lynching? Go to the library or look one upon the internet. Have you ever read the Bible story of how Jesus was crucified? Read it! That is what big Jon is trying to do to Mimi. Are you offended by those statements... then the truth offends you. True facts offend judgemental people like yourself. How do you know the boy with the custom rims has no job? Did you ask him? How do you know the blaring rap music is not coming from the the car of a white kid? Almost all American youth today like rap music regardless of their ethnic background. And it is a fact that white kids buy more rap music than any other demographic. You sound like the days of rock & roll that was Black music, too. Judgemental folk like yourself, usually white folks tried to stop their daughters from lstening to Elvis. Are you GOD? How can you call somone a sinner? The Bible says let him without sin cast the first stone. I bet your sin is a whopper! But I bet you won't meet Mimi in hell because she is a good person who is trying to help others.

Big Jon: Seriously? Are you 4? Did you just walk out from under a rock? Are you truly as ignorant as your writing leads us to believe? Next time you open your "BIG" mouth have something worth while to say or keep it shut, a noble trait your mother forgot to teach you!

You are exactly what is wrong with Norristown and together we will rid this beautiful town of people like you, and allow compasion, love, understanding and truth to prevail.

You make me sick "Big John" You BIG idiot!

Now thats freedom of speech!!!

Dr. DeSouza: You should be so proud, your are what I hope Norristown becomes, your generosity and true care for the community will shine through. Please keep up this amazing work, and stand true to yourself. Thank you for all you do in Norristown.

This thread has me confused. I believe these are the folks who are paid to incite. They probably are paid spin masters Paid to mix up the statements others make to incite hatred and anger. Big Jon and Honest are probably a couple or they are the same person. One thing you are right about is you have a right to your opinion as do I. I definitely would never try to convince you of something. An old saying says, "Convince a fool against his will and he'll remain a fool still. It is futile to try to convince you of anything. On the other hand... I don't have to compromise to be recognized and neither does Dr. DeSouza. She stated unashamedly who she is and where she stands as a homeowner, taxpayer councilperson and resident of Norristown, Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, U.S.A. The church I attend teaches us to tithe and give offerings. Most people give their offerings to 3rd World countries, my mom said charity begins at home. This is the part that has me confused. Are you trying to destroy her character because she gives her offering or because you can't afford to, never thought to or just don't want to help out non-profits. Or perhaps it's the ones she has chosen? There are so many churches and non-profits in Norristown, you can do the same thing...pick one. It will make you feel so much better, less hateful. I pray that both of you have enjoyed your 15 minutes, you have enlightened so manyPatch readers to the love that still exists here. Now both of you please "Have a Day"

Talk about putting a spin on things! First of all, I never once said anything negative about Mimi, besides my not caring for her. That is simply my opinion. I never mentioned her character....... so to say I am trying to destroy it??? Is well.... pardon the pun, but come on be honest I believe you call it a SPIN.... I would love to continue this conversation, however, I would ask that you come prepared next time. I don't like having a battle of wits, with someone who is unarmed. You may gain some insight from this saying, I will recite this and think of you… "it is better to remain silent and have others believe you are an idiot, rather than to open your mouth and remove all doubt" And by the way, your mom is correct charity does begin at home but don't forget, “ should you want to start cleaning out closets, you should start with your own”... If you want to know if I am in a relationship with Big Jon, just ask. The answer is “No, I have no clue who he is” – I just believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, whether we agree with it or not. Can I ask you a question? Are you Mimi’s lover? You are very passionate when you speak of her. I wish you both the best in the future.

Touched a nerve did I?