If you’ve read the Time Leader this morning then you have a pretty good idea of just how the Mayor, City Administrators, Officials, and even City Council members with the exception of one Mike Merritt are wasting taxpayers’ funds jet setting around the nation soaking up the SUN, oh sorry I mean Valuable Information, that can only be obtained at these conferences, and never online, RIGHT?
If you missed the Times Leader Click the Links below
Now let’s take a closer look at the spin city officials put on this in their own defense.
What they said (Black) VS What they meant (Red):
Council Chairman Mike Merritt has never taken any trips, but said he believes the conferences are worthwhile. Council members have brought back information that has saved the city money, he said. But Merritt said he understands concerns that are being raised, and suggested it may be time for council to revisit how many people should attend.
Although I wouldn’t do it, I can’t say it’s wrong if others do it, because I still haven’t opened, and installed my gift from Santa.
“I’m not saying cut it altogether, but does it need to be three? Maybe two is the number. Times are tough. We need to watch spending where we can,” Merritt said.
Please don’t ask me for my opinion until I have had the opportunity to get it from my fellow council members.
Barrett said he also understands the concerns, but he thinks it would be a mistake to eliminate the conferences
We wouldn’t have an excuse for FREE vacations.
“A lot of people picture these as if we are going on some sort of vacation. It is not like that,” Barrett said.
It is exactly like that.
Told of the policies of other cities, Barrett said that’s their prerogative. He remains convinced that Wilkes-Barre is getting its value out its membership to the National League of Cities and the conferences the organization sponsors.
“There are lots of cities that don’t belong (to the NLC). I think they are missing something,” Barrett said.
They are missing FREE vacations! How Stupid are they?
“I can understand why it would be questioned, but to not take advantage of these opportunities, I think we would be remiss. The alternative is to stay in Wilkes-Barre, don’t belong to organizations, don’t learn anything new or bring anything back and stay stagnant,” Barrett said.
This is Wilkes Barre City our Officials are just too Stupid to navigate that internet "that is just a phase BTW", use Go to Meeting, and utilize Distance Learning. You expect us to learn something without the benefit of a free vacation, where’s the fun in that?
Thomas defended his decision to attend the convention. Although he’s no longer on council, he continues to live in the city and plans to volunteer his time to help council members and other city officials in any way he can, he said.
Thomas said he brought back valuable information on several important issues, including towing contracts, centralizing police department records and alternative fuel sources for city vehicles.
“The information I brought back (from the convention) and the knowledge I have, I can share with new council members. It’s not like I’m a ghost. I’m not leaving.”
I moved out of The City while still serving, and collecting a paycheck, and now you expect me to share the Sunrays you paid for! HA Get a Clue will Ya!!!
Wake Up Wilkes Barre
There are people who earn Masters Degrees from colleges and Universities that have Online Classrooms. Many major corporations because of the high cost of airfares have resorted to Online Conferencing. But then again, they don't a the key to the general fund that is kept full with tax dollars............
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