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Saturday, February 04, 1995 Page: 7A
Build some goodwill among local workers along with the arena
I understand the politics of unionism and the trade-off of favors. However,
I
appeal to U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, D-Nanticoke, and state Rep. Kevin
Blaum,
D-Wilkes-Barre, to remember the little people of Wilkes-Barre who are on
welfare and want to work, but cannot find a decent job or even a temporary
oneI say to those politicians who have influence in Harrisburg: Please don’t
forget the unemployed in your districts. When political projects or major
construction takes place in our area, like the $40 million arena, it should be
made clear that a certain percentage of our residents will be guaranteed jobs
in its construction, whether it be as general laborers or craftsmen. Such
projects give our politicians the tools to create jobs for our residents who
put them in office. And we are a town full of small contractors who need work.
Rep. Kanjorski, who just received a loan of $500,000 from our city council
for his pet project, should think of our city a little more often.
Can you imagine how it would feel to be out of work in Wilkes-Barre,
standing near the construction site with hands in empty pockets, watching work
crews from New Jersey or wherever build our arena?
Stipulate, gentlemen, that 40 percent of the jobs will go to our
unemployed, and the money our residents earn will stay in our town. Remember
Wilkes-Barre, please.
Roberto Mazzeo
Wilkes-Barre