Multi million dollar investment -- using Lackawanna Co Taxpayer's $ -- to completely change (and deface) a building which, for more than 120 years, has been a structure of significant historical significance in the heart of downtown Scranton...
O K Fine wrote: Multi million dollar investment -- using Lackawanna Co Taxpayer's $ -- to completely change (and deface) a building which, for more than 120 years, has been a structure of significant historical significance in the heart of downtown Scranton... Comments?
The problem I have is that the Co commissioners complain that anything less than total restructuring of the courthouse is a band aid. And they cite the last majority for putting band aids all the time. However, a band aid is all we can afford right now. If I'm in debt I don't eat out every night, party and jack up my credit card. Why put so much into a courthouse? Lackawanna County taxes are oppressive. This is bad timing and I’m sure the political reasons for the courthouse work will surface soon.
Has a study been done to determine the needs for new office space for the courts or other county agencies? has such study determined that there is no more affordable space in the market? has public comment or input been solicited to 1) justify the reliance on County taxpayer dollars to support or pay the debt service likely to be incurred for this project? and 2) to assure that those taxpayers making this project possible embrace the planned improvements? has a nationwide RFP been issued by the county commissioners to assure the highest level of credentials and experience by the architect doing the design -- that is, assuring excellence in design -- as this project involves major additions to a 125 year old and significant historical asset in the heart of Lackawanna County most important urban center...downtown Scranton? what percentage of the total project cost is being paid as fees to the selected architect? (note the federal gov't mandates no more than 6% on any projects that involve the procurement of architectural services).
These are the questions that deserve answers from elected officials who are supposed to be making decisions for the common good, not for thier own political security or their own political agendas.
Common sense and the public good prevailed over arbitrary and arrogant public policy.
Thanks to the diligent few who spoke up on this and let's give some credit where it's due, the majority finally made the right decision, lets hope its not the last time they do so.
Common sense and the public good prevailed over arbitrary and arrogant public policy. Thanks to the diligent few who spoke up on this and let's give some credit where it's due, the majority finally made the right decision, lets hope its not the last time they do so.
You are right. And common sense and the public good shall prevail again when we vote those 2 bozo commissioners out of office in a landslide. Let's just hope they don't do much more damage before then.
