Troy offers several suggestions to City Council and mayor

WILKES-BARRE — At an unusually dull Wilkes-Barre City Council meeting Thursday, persistent council antagonist Sam Troy used his full five minute allotment to shine.

With no items on council’s agenda, public input was all that mattered and Troy rose to the occasion.

“I’m shocked that there are no agenda items tonight,” Troy began. “Actually, I’m more appalled and frustrated.”

Then in a somewhat enlightening manner, Troy added, “There are a lot of problems that need to be addressed in this city.”

Troy then told council and Mayor George Brown that there have been recent cuts in the food stamp program and in Medicaid. He also noted the ongoing high inflation and the increase in interest rates.

“So what can we do,” Troy asked. “We should use the Taxpayer Relief Fund — I believe there is about $18 million in it — and do another round of $300 payments to residents. That would stimulate the local economy.”

Troy also suggested that the city increase the minimum wage, citing Pennsylvania’s low $7.25 per hour rate.

“People are struggling,” Troy said. “Let’s face it, the overall economic picture is very bleak in this area. And maybe next year we could look at offering a break on property taxes.”

Council members and the mayor did not respond to Troy’s suggestions. Council Chairman Mike Belusko did offer that he felt that having no agenda items to consider was a good thing.

“The mayor has to come to us whenever he wants to spend more than $20,000,” Belusko said. “So I guess it’s a good thing that he didn’t present anything tonight.”

Troy chuckled and said, “Well, you’re entitled to your opinion, Mike.”

Other than Troy’s presentation, council members had few issues to discuss.

Council member Bill Barrett asked Brown to have his administration evaluate the intersection of Pearl and Kidder streets, where a recent motor vehicle accident occurred. Barrett said vehicles tend to travel straight through the intersection, rather than bear to the right.

Brown said he would look into it and consider an engineering study to see what would be the best solution.

Resident Mark Ferry asked council to consider developing a vacant lot near City Hall, suggesting it be converted to green space. Council member Tony Brooks said he would like the city’s Planning Commission to look at all vacant spaces in the city and offer a plan or program to improve them.