I write as a former mayor of Gettysburg to support the re-election of Rita Frealing.
I have known Chad-Alan Carr for a number of years. I consider him a personable, highly competent individual who is capable of handling almost any position. But in this case, not that of mayor. And here’s why.
Consider why the local Democratic establishment has chosen to “primary” one Democrat against another. I believe it is because Rita is a strong, independent woman who does what she believes to be right and acts independently of the council as the mayor should. Some council members want the mayor to be a tool, follow the council’s lead, and do as it wishes. That, in my opinion, would be Chad-Alan. The specific issue in question is, I believe, management of the Gettysburg Police Department and the apparent obsession of some council members to assume complete control.
The website www.lgc.state.pa.us lays out the relationship, established by the state legislature, between the council and the mayor regarding the police for a non-home rule borough. It has worked well and has, I believe, been validated by the courts.
I have always been told that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. It ain’t broke! If this is the sole issue between the candidates, I urge voters to allow Rita Frealing to continue her work. She has opened new doors in Harrisburg and Washington, and has brought welcome changes to the Office of Mayor. She deserves four more years.
Ted Streeter
Gettysburg
Let me start off by clearly stating that I have endorsed Chad Allan for Mayor and will continue to support him, so long as it does not come into conflict with my duties as an elected official. Here is my rebuttal. I served on Borough council with Ted, when he was a councilperson. I did not serve when he was Mayor. He was a nice enough guy, but its been a few years, since he served. Times have changed and it is time to change with them. Since Mr. Streeter decided to include reference to the PA Borough Code, I… Read more »