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CDC gets five years
Borough Council Tuesday night approved the proposed five-year, $125,000 per year professional services agreement with the Main Street-Community Development Corporation. But not without objection, and only by a 4-3 vote.
As recounted elsewhere here, the agreement faced stiff opposition from Richard Mark Kirkner (D-North), who argued once again that for the Borough to take on a substantial obligation prior to 2009 budget discussions – not due to begin in earnest until October – and in a difficult economy – “people are struggling” – was, in short, “fiscally irresponsible.” Kendrick Buckwalter joined Kirkner in objection.
Public comment was radically divided as well. Buchanan Street’s Bill Martin did the math: ($125,000 X 5) + ($111,111 X 3) – the first the total of future payments, the latter money already spent – and repeated the total: “One million dollars. One million dollars. For this?” and accused the CDC’s director of “a total lack of professionalism.”
The CDC’s Mary Foote said “None of you can deny the fun, excitement and significance” of economic revitalization. “This [contract] is about organizations collaborating. Barry Cassidy is our [the CDC’s] employee, and he serves at will. If you have concerns about our employee, come see us.”
Mike Handwerk (D-Middle), who voted to approve the contract when it came to vote in the Community Development Committee he chairs, reversed course; Handwerk’s was the third “no” in the 4-3 tally.
Posted by
G.E. “Skip” Lawrence
As recounted elsewhere here, the agreement faced stiff opposition from Richard Mark Kirkner (D-North), who argued once again that for the Borough to take on a substantial obligation prior to 2009 budget discussions – not due to begin in earnest until October – and in a difficult economy – “people are struggling” – was, in short, “fiscally irresponsible.” Kendrick Buckwalter joined Kirkner in objection.
Public comment was radically divided as well. Buchanan Street’s Bill Martin did the math: ($125,000 X 5) + ($111,111 X 3) – the first the total of future payments, the latter money already spent – and repeated the total: “One million dollars. One million dollars. For this?” and accused the CDC’s director of “a total lack of professionalism.”
The CDC’s Mary Foote said “None of you can deny the fun, excitement and significance” of economic revitalization. “This [contract] is about organizations collaborating. Barry Cassidy is our [the CDC’s] employee, and he serves at will. If you have concerns about our employee, come see us.”
Mike Handwerk (D-Middle), who voted to approve the contract when it came to vote in the Community Development Committee he chairs, reversed course; Handwerk’s was the third “no” in the 4-3 tally.
Posted by
G.E. “Skip” Lawrence
posted by The Phoenix Files at
11:28 AM
2 Comments:
I commend Mr. Handwerk for his vote on Tuesday evening.
It shows that he realizes that general public sentiment is not in favor of the property taxpayers funding the CDC for the next 5 years under the current terms.
And, Mr. Senley, perhaps with some sudafed, advil, and the like - YOU too could have been there - at least for the vote.
A convenient absence perhaps?
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