Editorial
note: In the interest of truth and transparency, it must be noted that Hank
Clarke is the solicitor for his mother-in-law, Theresa Santai Gaffney.
Dear Truth Squad,
I was dismayed to be informed that
your blog, which I only discovered today, has linked me to a series of emails
sent by the Schuylkill County Patriots over the past few weeks, specifically,
the email entitled "District Attorney Avenger", regarding Christine
Holman. Although you claim to be a truth seeker, at no time did you ever
attempt to contact me and inquire as to whether I am in any way associated with
the Schuylkill County Patriots or that email. Yet, you found fit to mention me
in your inaugural post as one of the authors.
Since you keep your identity a
secret, I cannot say for certain, but I assume that you are or have been
involved in Schuylkill County Republican Party politics long enough to know who
I am, what my history is, and what my current involvement in politics are. If I
am mistaken, please let me summarize: I entered local politics seven (7) years
ago by authoring a self-titled blog (The Clarke Report) similar to yours. I
became infamous within the party for exposing "inside baseball" and
making public that which had only existed in smoke filled back rooms. In doing
so, I made many enemies, but also quite a few friends. In all of my time doing the
Clarke Report, posting on internet message boards, and writing letters to the
editor, I ALWAYS signed my name to my words. I have never been anonymous. I
don't talk behind people's back. I say what I feel to people's faces and/or I
publish my works under my own name. Even those who despise me will admit
that.
About a year ago, I left the world
of politics and resigned my position within the GOP. Since that time, I have
remained outside any spheres of influence. I don't attend political fundraisers
or functions, unless Theresa Gaffney, our Republican County Register of Wills,
drags me there. I maintain friendships with some individuals who remain
embedded in the political culture and I remain informed about the local
goings-on, but I do not participate in anything, sometimes to my own detriment.
That is why I am shocked to discover that you and other individuals have been
using my name in connection with both the Patriots' emails and this
website.
For the record, I did NOT write,
collaborate, inspire, or in any way participate in the publication of the the
emails sent out by the Schuylkill County Patriots. I do not know who the author
is. I have attended a few of the Patriots meetings, as I believe they put on
informative presentations on certain topics, but am in no way associated with
the emails. Christine Holman is a friend of mine. I helped her with research
and speechwriting on her first campaign for DA and gave her my full throated
support in the last campaign. Unfortunately, because of your website and the
gossip mill within the party, I had to take time out of my day to meet with her
today and convince her that I had nothing to do with it. I don't have many
friends, especially in politics, so I would like to keep the ones I have.
Therefore, I would appreciate if you
would remove my name from your inaugural post and print this email in your
mailbag, so that I may go back to the business of offering exceptional legal
services, coaching my kids' sports teams, and enjoying my life outside of the cesspool
of Schuylkill County politics. In the future, if you have a question as to
whether I authored something you can either look for my signature at the bottom
of the page or please feel free to contact me directly.
Hank J. Clarke, Esquire
Law Office of Hank J. Clarke, LLC
102 One Norwegian Plaza
Pottsville, PA 17901
Phone: (570)
622-2288
Fax: (570)
622-2298
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