Dear Members of the Gettysburg Community:
Our community is suffering. We condemn the alleged acts of abuse by the former mayor. While he served in several positions of influence, including as an elected official, he violated our trust. He is not and should not be considered representative of our community. All people should be held accountable for their actions. Those in positions of power are not exempt from responsibility and have a duty to serve their communities with integrity.
We acknowledge the deep pain and suffering that this betrayal has caused. We acknowledge the trauma that has been inflicted on victims and survivors of abuse. We also recognize the trauma and the negative impact that this has had on our LGBTQ+ community. We stand with all survivors of child abuse. As a community, Gettysburg supports the importance of speaking up against abuse and recognizes the courage it takes to speak up.
In the three weeks since I was appointed mayor, I have witnessed that the Gettysburg community is about speaking out and stepping up. While legal accountability plays out in the justice system, the work of healing will take place directly in our community.
As Mayor, I have started the process of meeting with and responding to constituents’ concerns. I have begun to attend community events, and I look forward to continuing to show up for our community.
The Borough has awarded its $126,000 in annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support the renovation of the Adams County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) so that it can expand its services to child victims of abuse and their families. The Gettysburg Community Theater has appointed a new Executive Director and Artistic Director that is stewarding its mission of providing access to cultural enrichment, theater arts and education. Gettysburg Pride, Inc. has been re-constituted through community organizers who understand the importance of celebrating diversity, visibility, and authenticity. We also look forward to welcoming a new Chief of Police who is committed to continuing to provide a high quality of professional public safety for our residents and visitors alike.
This is a painful moment in our shared history. We cannot and should not ignore it. And yet, our history should not define us but inspire us to continue to work towards a community that is safe and welcoming for all people.
Respectfully,
Alison Lintal
Mayor, Gettysburg Borough