You may recall that Rita Frealing narrowly lost the Democratic primary, but overwhelming won the write-in Republican vote, which qualifies her to run on the Republican ticket. She could have quit at that point, but Rita is not a person who backs down in the face of adversity or challenge. Regardless of ticket, Rita has been, and will be a mayor for all of Gettysburg. She believes, as do I, that she possesses the common sense and reason that make her the better mayoral candidate.
The area of police management provides an excellent example. I understand that Rita’s opponent wants to concede management of the police from the mayor to the council and/or the borough manager, reasoning that eight managers (i.e., the council/manager) are better than one (i.e, the mayor).
Really? I can’t imagine anyone who would like eight bosses, none of whom know anything about police operations, peering over one’s shoulder. The Pennsylvania Municipal Code explicitly gives the mayor oversight of the police department. Rita, who possesses a law degree, understands that and will fight to keep the status quo.
I have known Chad-Alan Carr for some time. He has contributed significantly to the arts as well as to other aspects of the Gettysburg community. However, I do not believe he has the fortitude necessary to keep the mayor’s office separate from the council/manager. Rita, on the other hand, has demonstrated for four years her ability to maintain the office of the mayor as an entity separate and apart,
The upcoming election is crucial. It will determine whether the borough continues to follow the guidelines of the Pennsylvania Municipal Code, which have worked so well for so long, or whether the borough consolidates power in one body thereby destroying the separation of powers. That, in my opinion, would be an extremely unhealthy move. Rita Frealing, an attorney, understands this and will fight for the status quo. I urge voters to endorse Rita’s strong leadership, and vote for her on November 4.
Ted Streeter, Gettysburg Former Mayor