Part 1
Sunday, December 24, 2000
Charting a New Course-The Search for
Efficiency In Scranton Government
By Lynne Slack Shedlock
About 25 years ago, the city of Scranton attempted to wrench the
business of municipal government away from political patronage and toward decisions based
on taxpayers' best interests.
 Cities Abandoning
Scranton's Form of Government Part 2
Monday, December 25, 2000
W-B also pondering change
By Kevin Donlin
A growing sense of dissatisfaction among Wilkes-Barre City Council
members over their relationship with Mayor Tom McGroarty has led to open discussion about
forming a charter study commission, which could ultimately lead to a change in the way the
city is run.
Been there, done
that- W-B tried 5 managers
Part 3
Tuesday, December 26, 2000
After five years, Reading awash in suits
By Kevin Donlin
Sidney Bratt served as chairman of Reading's charter commission in
1995. He said it was the third time a referendum to change the charter was presented to
voters, with previous attempts made in 1956 and 1963.
RELATED STORIES IN THE NEWS:
Sheridan faces opposition to vote switch
Part 4
Wednesday, December 27, 2000
Lancaster overcomes deficit, cuts taxes
By Gina Thackara
As the chief executive of a city with a strong-mayor form of
government, Mayor Charlie Smithgal takes on most of the responsibility for the city's
financial workings.
Part 5
Thursday, December 28, 2000
Johnstown found way to solvency
By Vince Coveleskie
Emerging from the financial quagmire sounded almost too easy, as
explained by officials: A city manager manages, while city council and a part-time mayor
stay out of his way.
RELATED STORIES IN THE NEWS:
Charter panel
reverses, backs strong mayor
Part 6
Friday, December 29, 2000
Erie recovery provides hope
By Fran Calpin
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the financial conditions of
Scranton and Erie were remarkably similar.
RELATED STORIES IN THE NEWS:
'Politics' cited for
tarnishing panel's image
Home Rule
commissioners say member pressured
Part 7
Saturday, December 30, 2000
Strong mayor best option in some cities
By Melissa Janoski
Last year, faced with some of the same complaints heard in
Scranton, Spokane, Wash., threw out a city-manager form of government and adopted a
strong-mayor style.
Government expert
downplays proposal to boot inadequate officials from office
RELATED STORIES IN THE NEWS:
Home Rule panel's
strong-mayor forces say attacks are unfair
Chris Kelly column: Home Rule's resolution dooms city to repeat past
Most recent coverage on the Home Rule Charter Study
Commission:
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