General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Mayor abruptly slashes wages to minimum for Scranton City Workers [View all]sweetapogee
(1,168 posts)Last edited Wed Jul 11, 2012, 02:26 PM - Edit history (1)
but I have read in numerous places that most likely Harrisburg will try again. This issue isn't settled and the problems are not fixed.
But really the chapter 9 issue really isn't the main event with respect to Scranton. Neither the Mayor or the Council are asking for or considering ch 9. The reason it comes up is because at least on paper it gives the city a chance to step back and come up with a unified plan of action.
Again, the problems are immense and complicated but the city has a huge liability on bonds issued by city commission and funding for salary, pensions and benifits. Thats on the payable side, on the receivable end the city does not have a fiscal plan going forward that is workable. There are around 70K people living in the city that has a budget and workforce more in line with a 150K population. I hate to say it, really, but I think before this is over, the political SWHTF with the citizens of Scranton and it might not be to our advantage.
I love Scranton, always have but parts of it are quite ragged, almost shocking actually. If the city wants to attract businesses for those who want to work there it is going to have to re-think it's policies. I personally would not buy a home today in the city, or any city for that matter where just one mile outside the limits property taxes are half, the streets are safer and there are actually places to work. I've become spoiled living in Carbon and really don't want to relocate right now so it's a moot point.
Simply driving through the city of Scranton will cause a emotional reaction out of anyone who goes there. There is so much good there but you cannot shake the subtle hint of despair right there on the perimeter. A lot of that negativity goes away when you consider nearby Wilkes-Barre which is slightly smaller than Scranton. My daughter goes to Wilkes Univ. and we just love that city. She wanted to live on campus and we have really no fear for her safety. That city has it's issues but you get a sense that it is looking more toward the future than Scranton which is currently in hunker down mode.
Enough for now, take care friend, enjoy chatting with you about NE PA Coal Country! It is really a unique place. lots of history, beautiful landscape. It is the birthplace of the industrial revolution and the labor movement. We are close to NYC but 180 degrees opposite in many ways. If you ever get a chance to visit you will have a great time!