Scranton Mayor: City Solid, Getting Stronger

In his first “State of the City” address since taking office 16 months ago, Scranton Mayor Bill Courtright delivered a hopeful, optimistic speech Friday at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

Describing the state of the city as “solid and getting stronger every day,” Mr. Courtright said initiatives he, his administration and council are pursuing have the city turning the corner on decades of financial distress, mistakes and “embarrassments” of the past.

“In just over a year, we’ve been able to tell a different story about Scranton. A story of hope and optimism, backed up by real progress,” Mr. Courtright said.

For example, plans to unload the Scranton Parking Authority’s high-debt and under-used garages are advancing and going better than expected, he said, as the city met this week with six firms interested in acquiring them. The goal is to complete a transaction by the end of the year. Another goal is “responsible monetization” of the Scranton Sewer Authority through a sale or lease that this agency is pursuing.

Read more: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-mayor-city-solid-getting-stronger-1.1873948

Pottsville Mayor Describes City’s Challenge To Fix Streets

View of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

While giving his first State of the City address Thursday night, Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney deviated from his 11-page speech only once.

Before giving the crowd of more than 75 in council chambers an update on streets and public improvements, Muldowney, 56, said: “My wife told me I should ad lib a little bit. So, God bless you, Ron. And you too, Dan.”

He was referring to Councilman Ronald J. Moser, who heads up the city’s streets and public improvements department, and the challenge Moser and city officials, including Superintendent of Streets Daniel E. Kelly, will face as a result of the wicked winter.

“Dan Kelly and the men that work in this department have the skills and determination to help our residents brave the worst of weather,” Muldowney said.

Read more: http://republicanherald.com/news/mayor-describes-city-s-challenge-to-fix-streets-1.1638282

Reading Mayor Outlines Progress Made During 1st Year In Office

A 1947 topographic map of the Reading, Pennsylvania area. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mayor Vaughn D. Spencer not only used his annual “State of the City” speech Thursday to outline the progress he made his first year in office in 2012, but also to criticize City Council for what he called its obstructionism.

Spencer said he had a bold vision, and promised to hit the ground running on the first day to implement it.

“Then, something went wrong,” he said.

Spencer did not say what went wrong, but said the early disputes were resolved.

Read more:  http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=448697