Connellsville councilman defends actions during tenure
The magnitude of Connellsville’s first Landlord/Tenant Ordinance required the additional code enforcement contribution offered by Police Chief McSheffery and his staff. It was an admirable task for six officers to undertake. The fees stated in that ordinance were to offset the cost of the enforcement. Mr. (Charles) Matthews felt, as he expressed at a recent council meeting, police involvement in code was not only cost prohibitive, but unlawful.
This statement, to me, indicated that a new administration directed by him would not have the police officers doing code. At the last council meeting, we voted to replace the original Landlord/Tenant Ordinance with a more lenient Land-lord/Tenant Ordinance.
It is wise to know who, where, and how many people make their home in our city. It is prudent to know who owns what city property and how to easily contact that party on an emergency basis or with official business. Mr. Matthews voted “no” to both.
Mr. Currey was hired on an as-needed-basis health officer earlier this year. He reorganized and revamped the existing office and records. Qualified and certified, Mr. Currey has presented to the City of Connellsville Health Board and to me a very impressive body of work.
He has been complimented by his peers, lauded by Chief McSheffery and endorsed by the City of Connellsville Health Board President Dr. Dale Cadwallader.
Even Mr. Matthews acknowledged his good work at a recent city council meeting. Most employers would consider it a luxury to give a potential employee a six-month trial before hiring him full-time.
When additional monies are being sought by city officials, you find that those who control the purse strings, from state agencies to private foundations, want to see increased code enforcement in Connellsville before investing therein. The invited Cumberland, Md. officials emphasized that successful revitalization starts with vigorous code enforcement. New council members will also find that the continuation and fruition of the revitalization foundation now in place will require much attendance to many meetings and workshops.
The City of Connellsville Fire Department’s history speaks for itself. They were awarded a generous contract settled by arbitration. Though it was criticized by Mr. Matthews, it was no more generous than the previous contract negotiated by my predecessor.
When I issued directives to remove the reclining chairs and cable-fed color television, to conduct only city business on the city-owned computers, to initiate an elementary exercise program, and to seek state and federal grant money, their intentions became clear.
Our city solicitor was warned by the fire department’s union attorney that if I pressed for the aforementioned, the city would face a lawsuit. If you can’t get them to turn off the television, how much can you expect in “code enforcement?”
As far as adding to the deficit by hiring Mr. Currey, I would point out that his salary is thousands less than what was budgeted for the previous health/code officer when the $15,000 health benefit package is subtracted from the cost. Under the new firemen’s contract, I eliminated one position saving the city $50,000 to $60,000 a year.
With that, I did not, as in previous years, promote every fireman up a rank. Much to their chagrin, I felt promotions should be based on merit. This also has saved the city thousands of dollars.
When it comes to the progress and prosperity of Connellsville, the importance of code enforcement should not be underestimated.
I did not profit or benefit personally in any way by holding my current council office.
I did what I felt best served the city I love. Members of council should not be self-serving. “To do good and be good is all that can be expected” said John Adams, the second President of the United States.
In closing, I encourage Connellsville residents to remove the intrigue from City Hall by voting Home Rule to replace the antiquated government now handicapping the City of Connellsville.
This would mean having a city manager with the education and background to supervise the business of running a city.
David L. McIntire is a Connellsville City councilman.