Tired of ads? Subscribers enjoy a distraction-free reading experience.
Click here to subscribe today or Login.

I would like to respond to Linda Stets’ comments in a recent article written by The Times Leader’s Bill O’Boyle. Stets made accusations about my administration’s lack of presence in Wilkes-Barre’s Parsons section. I hope that the following facts will correct the misconceptions in the article.
In three years, my administration, in cooperation with Wilkes-Barre City Council, has made significant improvements in Parsons and Miners Mills. Millions of dollars have been invested to increase public safety, improve the quality of life, modernize aging infrastructure and recover from and prevent flooding.
Our residents’ safety has been my administration’s priority. Last summer, the Parsons/Miners Mills area saw a $1.2 million investment in fire protection with the construction of the fire station at Hollenback Park, equipped with a new engine and ambulance.
The city has also made $300,000 in recreational improvements to Hollenback Golf Course, which features a community center open to all city residents.
Pine Ridge Estates has transformed this area’s landscape, replacing blackened culm banks with new homes for about 150 families. On Mill Street, two single-family homes will be built on the site of the former S&S School.
Upon taking office, my administration listened to citizens’ concerns about deteriorating infrastructure. In just the Parsons/Miners Mills sections, we have spent $650,000 on paving projects. Nearly $360,000 was invested in storm and sanitary work.
Since flood waters devastated areas of Parsons/Miners Mills in November 2006, the city has invested $3.2 million in bank stabilization projects along Laurel Run and Mill creeks. Combined with annual sand bar and debris removal and creek wall repairs, this endeavor will protect residents and their properties from flooding.
At the crux of Stets’ argument lies the future of the former Parsons No. 9 Fire Station. There are many issues to be resolved regarding this aging building. We are working on a plan to determine its best use, without creating a financial burden for taxpayers.
Let me assure you that I take my role as mayor seriously. Each day, I respond to residents’ needs by making difficult decisions to benefit the city.
I will continue to lead my administration with the residents’ best interests in mind.