I am writing to express my utmost support for Chad-Alan Carr for Mayor of Gettysburg. I know both candidates, Mayor Frealing and Mr. Carr, and have much respect for them both. However, respect and suitability for an elected position are not the same. I agree with the five Borough Council members who have endorsed Chad-Alan Carr – he will bring the changes to the borough that we need.
Chad-Alan has a proven track record in Gettysburg – his accomplishments include two non-profits, a pivotal role in the passage of the non-discrimination ordinance, and his duties as Council Member at Large. Council Member at Large, like the Mayor, is elected by all the residents of the borough, unlike the other representatives who are chosen by constituents in their respective wards. Over the past few years, I’ve had reason to call upon both the Mayor and my Borough Council Representatives, and I have found all my Council Members to be extremely responsive, professional, and helpful in their communications. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for Mayor Frealing.
When Chad-Alan Carr and Rita Frealing both ran for mayor in 2021, I hosted a zoom candidate forum for all three candidates (there was a third Democratic candidate in that primary) and was thoroughly impressed with Chad-Alan’s knowledge of the role and his earnestness in doing what is right for the residents of the Borough. Mayor Frealing ultimately won that election and has been given the opportunity to show constituents what she brings to this role. Her understanding of the scope and function of the Mayor still seems to be blurry, even after serving a full term. The recent Borough newsletter contained a disclaimer over her letter, stating that some of her statements may not be in accordance with current statutes or case law. I find this to be unacceptable, both in her capacity as an elected leader and her direct communications to the public.
I am convinced that Chad-Alan will fulfill his duties as mayor and continue to be transparent, responsive, and truthful to the residents of the Borough. I hope my neighbors, both Democrats and Republicans, will join me in voting for Chad-Alan, either by selecting his name on the Democratic ballot or writing him in on the Republican ballot.
Respectfully,
Jenny Dumont, Gettysburg
Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.
And what I find to be “unacceptable” is (1) the Republican editor of the newsletter, adding a “disclaimer” that what our Democratic Mayor was writing might not be accurate — no facts, just insinuation, and (2) a Democratic council member repeating that insinuation as if it was fact. And the reality is that what Mayor Frealing wrote was nothing but the truth.
Sorry – I meant to say a Democrat repeating the insinuation. The point is: it was a “disclaimer” that wasn’t true and shouldn’t have been added and it resulted in Ms. Dumont repeating it as if it was an established fact and implying Mayor Frealing was less than truthful.