I carefully reviewed the mayor’s article published in the Sun-Gazette recently. It starts with somewhat of a lecture stating that “emotions and misinformation has clouded discussion regarding the City Hall.” His conclusion is that it’s entirely a financial concern that should be grounded in facts and a realistic assessment. At first glance one could agree with this somewhat polished article. Here are the glowing problems that the mayor continues to ignore:

1. The mayor has been in office for three and a half years. Any CEO will tell you that after that amount of time, you need to stop blaming past administrations. It’s your responsibility Mr. Mayor.

2. The mayor points the finger at city council for not approving monies in the past for upkeep of City Hall. The mayor didn’t point out that he was on council when requests were made by the previous mayor to repair and maintain the building. My understanding is that council has repeatedly pushed the mayor for a longer term plan. Stating that previous budgets have not been audited does not excuse the lack of public discussion and seeking out ways to adaptively reuse the building rather than selling it.

In conclusion, it has not been identified or at least shared with the public as to how the future plan will address customer service for the citizenry or how it will be more cost effective to move elsewhere. What is the plan and how much will it cost? It continues to be a disservice to this community to sell City Hall without satisfying basic questions. It is just as “emotional” to make broad statements about City Hall being dangerous and more expensive without looking at the both sides of this situation from a factual and financial standpoint.

BOB KANE

Williamsport

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