In a couple of weeks, we will be voting in what the national media has dubbed “an historic election” but, more importantly, Manville residents will be voting in a local election that will impact our daily lives much more than any presidential election could.
Knowing this, I have a question for the voters of Manville. Are you tired of the Republican rhetoric that floods our mailboxes and doorsteps year in and year out?
Last year, we were sent a flyer that had a letter from candidate Lillian Zuza promising she “will work on solutions to problems quickly and decisively.” This letter listed three specific areas she and the Republicans wanted to address. To my knowledge, the owner of the South Main Street property is sill not paying taxes, the parking spaces removed from Main St. have not been reinstated and there have been no new developments on flood control.
We also received a separate mailing in 2007 with a “6 Point Plan for Manville…” On this flyer, the Republican team promised us regular Progress and Development meetings, the exploration of an independent Progress and Development Advisory Committee, accountability from borough departments regarding their budgets and expenditures, a proactive not reactive approach to the borough’s needs, an open flow of information and communication, and to “Be competent and fiscally responsible stewards of the public trust.”
Again, where are the updates, the independent committee, the accountability of departments? Who are the fiscally responsible stewards? Where is the accountability of this council?
What we have received from this Republican-controlled council is, the elimination of Community Day, a two-year delay in the development of the Rustic Mall property and a tax increase equivalent to 20 percent of the municipal budget (11.8 cents per $100) the highest municipal tax increase in Manville’s history.
So much for their proactive approach.
While I have not received any campaign rhetoric yet this year, I do not believe the incumbent Republican candidates should be re-elected, regardless of what their 2008 promises are. They have not helped to deliver on any of their party’s promises.
I do know that Lou Fischer and Ron Skirkanish are very deserving of your vote. Both are lifelong borough residents with business ownership (a.k.a. budgeting) experience.
They are ready and willing to work with the state and federal governments to find alternate funding for our municipal budget and projects.
They are anxious to find a developer for the Rustic Mall property to offer enhanced shopping to the south side of Main Street and to increase the tax revenue on that property. Mr. Fischer and Mr. Skirkanish want to speak with the public regarding their concerns of the railroad traffic and all other issues important to our residents.
I ask you to thoughtfully consider what the incumbents have delivered to this borough. Ask yourself if you would be able to hold on to your job with that performance review.
It will then be very easy for you to join me in voting for Mr. Fischer and Mr. Skirkanish.
Dominic Street

