counted ontoc Wednesday, June 26, 1996 4 -' The Dallas Post Dallas, PA ERAN ed EDITORIALS Citizens showing real concern for community There's a renewed spirit of community activism in the air. The most visible example — because the Wilkes-Barre papers are falling all over one another in a race to canonize their mayor — is the “Neighborhood Impact Team” organized by Mayor Tom McGroarty. A loose definition of its job is to go where no city employees have gone before, to improve the “quality of life” in troubled neighborhoods. Whether they actually accomplish their goal, they're sprucing up downtrodden sections of the city, and there's no harm in that. ‘Harveys Lake has its own “NIT,” but we like it [ar better than Wilkes-Barre's, even if it doesn't gel as much ink. A group of citizens at the lake has identified problem areas, and brought them to the attention of the zoning officer and the borough council. Their goal ismuch the same as in the city; to stop blight before it gets out of hand, at least in part by embarrassing the owners of unsightly or unsale properties. ' We're impressed by the ellort at Harveys Lake because it springs from ordinary citizens’ concern for their community and not a desire for political gain. The good mayor of Wilkes- Barre may be genuinely troubled by the city’s run-down blocks, but he’s also an astute politician who realizes there's plenty of political hay to be made by being a champion of safe and sound neighborhoods._So, the political leadership is driving the ram. At oa it's the other way around, and that ait for government (o take action. When was the last ‘time you corrected the misbehavior of a child who wasn't your own, or called the local town hall to report a danger or other violation of law or common sense? Most of us could be more active in our town’s life, and the [olks at Harveys Lake are showing one way to do it. Publisher's notebook _ From this vantage point, nearly [ive months before the presidential election, voters can be forgiven if they lack enthu- siasm for either of the major candidates. Bob Dole and Bill Clinton each have enough skeletons in their closet to keep a chiropractor busy until retirement, and the long campaign assures that we'll hear them all in gory detail before November. One poll asked — I hope tongue-in-cheek — which man voters would prefer to babysit their child. The only thing more laughable than the question is that anyone would take it ie seriously. Is the American voter so impaired that he or.she would place the qualities of a good babysitter at the top of their 5 list for presideni? I don’t think so. While I've often been guilty i of 1 1 underestimating the savvy and sophistication of the general pu lic, I have nearly always been proven wrong. There are plenty of single issue voters out there, and they can’t be oose the best person [or the job, even on their own terms given the speed in which politicians’ principles change with voter sentiment. But most people, I think, will vote for the person they think most qualified for the job at hand. not the one usually delegated to a teenager. «That s where the question becomes more complicated, be- ok 3 cause both men, for all their faults, have much to recommend them. ‘So this election will be a real test, and not just for Dole and Clinton. We voters will be asked {0 pick someone about whom we know more than candidates in any past election, and much of what we hear won't be {lattering. That old excuse — they’ re both bums so I won't vote for anyone — is likely to be trolted out often, but let's not accept it. Whether or not Bob Dole and Bill Clinton are saints isn't the question; it’s who is best equipped to lead the nation, or at least the executive Rd 5 into the new coniuty, I'm not ready to answer thai for aiwtn EES Eat $$ 333 & oF A Letters, columns and editorials {Fhe Dallas Post attempts to publish opinions on a in many forms. hd {_ Editorials, which are the opinion of the managment of The Post, appear on the editorial page and are written by the editor unless otherwise indicated. Any artwork represents the opinion of the cartoonist. and columns are the opinion of the author. i Letters to the editor are welcome and will be published, subject to (hie. ‘following guidelines: o Letters should not exceed 500 words. “No writer may have more than one letter published during a 30-day period, except as a reply to another letter. + Letters must be signed and include the writer's home town and a {elephone number for verification. «Names will be withheld only if there exists a clear threat {o the writer. “The Post retains the right to accepl or reject any letter, and to edit iétters for grammar and spelling, as well as to eliminate any libel, slander or objectionable wording. .» In addition to letters, we welcome longer pieces thal may run as columns. The author or subject's relevance to the Back Mountain will be the prime consideration when selecting material for publication. Xn 2 variety of topics - SRN Sprucing up for the auction, Joe Stager swept cobwebs from the auction barn. Photo by Charlotte Bartizek. The Dallas Post i Be 2 § oi Published Weekly By Bartsen Media, Inc. 3 BE P.O. Box 366, Dallas PA 18612 1 He 717-675-5211 i "Ronald A. Bartizek Charlotte E. Bartizek tf PUBLISHER ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER [3 Ros i ¢ 5% Fe Peggy Young Grace R. Dove ; -1- ADVERTISING ACCT. EXEC REPORTER by Hr of | Sy Paul Rismiller PRODUCTION MANAGER Olga Kostrobala CLASSIFIED/TYPESETTING Jill Gruver OFFICE MANAGER Nl nu PENNSYLVANIA $a skgesi dere ge oe of +3 Et y F 2 % * Aa PRINTED WITH SOY INK|_ “nous. SHE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION AAW ERENT 8 SS ED The economic viewpoint Howard Grossman Urban American and rural America, and therefore suburban America, are all in trouble. They are troubled in a human sense; they are troubled in a physical sense, and they are troubled in a fiscal sense. As the mayor of Kansas City stated in an interview on National Public Radio, what we need is a “Domestic Storm” modeled on the impact which Desert Storm had in the Persian Gulfin early 1991. Something as powerful, something as invasive) something as com- prehensive as the Desert Storm military strategic plan is needed for domestic America. To accom- plish this requires a vision; a dose of strategic planning, and a view that the status quo no longer is acceptable. The nation is in trouble, but it is not what might be labeled a malaise. Despite a federal deficit of significant proportion and de- spite a debt level which has changed the nation from being a creditor to a debtor nation, the United States has resources al- most unparalleled in the world. These resources are not just the natural evolution of minerals and other resources which pro- vide wealth; they are not only the creative ingenuity of technology which has run rampant across the nation; they include the hu- man and spiritual talents which have rolled across the nation gen- eration after generation. It is a nation seeking and thrusting for leadership and for an ultimate design for envisioning the future and creating a renewal of hope and inspiration for all Americans, no matter race, religion, income or gender. While a sense of desperation hovers over the heads and minds of minority America, the very foun- dation of the nation was built upon a critical mass of diversity which has come across the shores LIBRARY The display case at the Back Mountain Memorial Library is fea- turing an exciting collection of items to announce the ninth sea- son of ‘Theatre on The Green’. The presentation this year will be Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream”. Performances will be held on July 12, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m., College Misericordia and the Theatre-on-the-Green com- mittee of community volunteers have a commitment to quality the- atre. A company of professional actors, directed by Jim Petosa, artistic director of the Olney The- ater in Olney, Maryland. brings the master playwright's works to life. The display includes two busts Suburbs must share in solution to urban woes of the nation, wave after wave after wave. It creates excitement and controversy; it empowers and invents; it focuses and stretches the definition of the American dream. Unless domestic issues affect- ing all Americans are corrected, this nation will not be able to compete within the global economy which currently domi- nates and is expected to increas- ingly impact the economic base of this country. This is why a clarion call for a “Domestic Storm” make greal sense despite the deficit laden base which hangs like a noose around the necks of America’s public sector, private sector and non-profit sector. If funds could be found for Desert Storm, then the funds can be found to initiate “Domestic Storm.” The nation should not and can- not tolerate the ‘decay of urban America, neglect of rural America, and forget the almost inexplicable problems facing the growth and urbanization of suburban America. One of the problems with identifying infrastructure needs in the country designed to improve the economy is that we tend to catalog and categorize is- sues according to type of place. Therefore, when a so-called com- mitment is made to solve the prob- lems of “urban America”, the prob- lems and neglect of other parts of the country are left untouched for the most part. Joel Garreu’s pioneering book about edge cities, gives further pause to the need to resolve ways to regionalize issues in order to attack the root cause of problems which cross municipal boundary lines in what has traditionally been identified as “urban America”. Growth areas have different kinds of problems and are often ne- glected when discussions take place as to how to assist economi- cally distressed areas or commu- nities. Problems which are attributed to central cities often divorce them- selves [rom discussions which would better take place if a re- gional approach was discussed and a structured process adopted for the betterment of these types of community-regioned areas. In all of these discussions, it is often the case that rural America is completely forgotten. If rural issues are discussed it is only in the context of agricultural or farm- ing subsidy policies and not the concept of or thematic need for rural development. What all of this seems to say is that there has not been nor is there the likelihood of a national domestic policy with sufficient fi- nancial teeth to meet all of the unmet needs of the nation. Even when a President announces that a policy does exist, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to de- velop the strategies and tactics: necessary to carry out a national framework policy. If the term, “Domestic Storm”, a military connotation is meant, then so be it. The nation is at war with itself, struggling with how it can compete in a world quite dif- ferent than what was left after World War II. In less than 50 years, the legacy of leadership which the United States held on all fronts has deteriorated and in its place little substance has been offered except fragmented, pro- gram-oriented scraps of projects and functions which have not been directed toward a strategic pro- cess. The nation therefore, may re- quire a military approach such as “Domestic Storm” which orga- nizes a domestic strategic plan with a focused mission and goals for the betterment of the nation’s future. Its future lies in the utili- zation of the best tactics and ac- tivities which can refocus atten- tion on the responsibilities of “do- mestic tranquility” which have been written into the historical pages of this nation’s history. A Domestic Storm should be pre- ceded by a domestic vision to guide and shape the growth and devel- opment of this nation well into the 21st Century. Howard Grossman is Executive Director of the Economic Develop- ment Council of Northeastern Penn- sylvania. He lives in Dallas. Library display complements Theatre-on-the-Green show of William Shakespeare and a set of arches. The display also shows the programs and information about the performance. The col- ors and the display set-up are exquisite. Joan John, as chair of the committee, has made an in- viting welcome to the performance. The public is invited to join in a perfect evening in the open air, surrounded by cool country breezes. [lickering candles, and College Misericordia’s beautiful campus. Performances are held rain or shine. Walsh Auditorium is available for a quick move, if necessary. Order forms are avail- able at the library or at the col- lege. New books at the library: “A Fine Balance” by Rohinton Mistry takes place in 1975 in an un- named Indian city by the sea. The government has just declared a State of Emergency. The days that follow bring new forms of degradation and misery to vie with resilience and stubborn hope. “Mount Dragon” by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is an enigmatic research complex hid- den in the vast desert of New Mexico. Its scientists are drawn from the best minds in the world. They are secretly working on a medical breakthrough to bring incalculable benefits to the hu- man race. “Operation Solo” by John Barron is America's greatest spy story. For 27 years, Morris Childs, code named “Agent 58" provided the United States with the Kremlin's innermost secrets. Re- peatedly risking his life," Agent 58 made 52 clandestine missions into the Soviet Union, China, Eastern Europe, and Cuba. They never knew he was working for the FBI in the United States. A ro ONLY et YESTERDAY [Eis a Ry = 52 = * Ba TR a on 5. bs = - SURF BOARDS ON HARVEYS LAKE A high tribute to Daniel C. Rob- erts of Brooklyn, NY and Harveys Lake who gave Lake Township its handsome community building and powerful LaFrance pumper has been paid by Wyoming Valley Motor Club, Wilkes-Barre, which recently dedicated an issue of: its monthly magazine, “The Motor: ist” to Mr. Roberts, a member eh the club. Prominent citizens; of. Wyoming Valley joined in the hls 3, thusiastic praise for Mr. Robegt’s | numerous philanthropies. "+ = ok The first aquatic sports eventof the season at Harveys Lake will be held Sunday, when at least four persons will compete in a surf board riding contest. Amore satisfactory schedulgaf . bus service between Dallas and’ Harveys Lake was inaugurated this week by Wilkes-Barre Rail- way Corp. Under the new ar- rangement buses will carry. pas-. sengers until midnight. : 50 Years Ago - July 5, 1046 434 EXPLOSION AT GARAGE INJURES WESTERMAN Explosion of an alcohol en, Friday afternoon at Oliver's Ga- rage shook Dallas and seriously Tie, ) ))) injured Richard Westerman, ar’ _ employee who was cutting ‘the. +, empty sheet metal tank with an «, acetylene blow torch. He is in : Nesbitt suffering from shock and’ - second degree burns. Also treated’ was Emery Kleatby, another em- ployee who suffered [rom shock and James Klug, Harveys Lake. owner of the drum. The Dallas Post plant on Lehman Avenue is closed this week from July 1-6 inclusive so that all our employees may have. . an annual vacation, the first sine’ before the war for some of (heat ofl oad nd ry, 40 Years Ago - June 29, 1956 COMMITTEE REVIEWS % : HIGH SCHOOL SITES Eight possible sites for ce on: struction of the new Dallas Area’ Senior High School were viewed on Friday by members ofthe build: ing and grounds committee, with? four gaining unqualified approval’: by the committee as eminently suitable. The committee is mak: ing no statement at this time as to.’ exact location, withholding for - various reason the pin pointing of any special locality until decision has been reached. : Back Mountain residents with anumberofoutstanding men and women of Polish descent among them will be thrilled with the Pol- ish exhibit and dancing schedule for Friday and Saturday of this week al [rem Temple Country Club as part of the Sesquicentennial | program for greater Wyoming Val ley. You could get - Lancaster smoked whole hams, 59¢ |b.; can- | taloupe, 19¢ ea.; 7, 16-oz. cans, Ideal applesauce $1; sandwich bread, 2 Ig. lvs., 29¢; Ideal pork and beans. 4. 16-0z, cans 49¢ 30 Years Ago - June 30, 1966 SCHOOL SUPER GETS . RAISETO $18,500 Dallas School Board voted Tuesday evening to place the su- perintendent on a salary sched- ule with a maximum of $18,500. Dr. Mellman who is at present, receiving a salary of $15,000 will receive an increase of $1,000 this year and next and a $500 in- crease yearly after that until he ol! maximum is reached. : 20 Years Ago - July 1, 1976 : MAJEWSKI WINS STATE HIGH JUMPTITLE parade and a gigantic fireworks display will highlight the July 4" Bicentennial activities at Hatveys. Lake. The traditional Labor Day boal regatta has been moved to : the July 4 weekend to celebrate. the nation's 200th birthday, = ~ I Dallas Area Letierman Booster | Club honored John Majewski, Dallas Senior High School! who took the state title in the high jump this year. the first Back Mountain athlete to do so. He was presented with luggage. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gosarl _ Sr., Main St., Shavertown, ob-’ served their 60th wedding anni-" versary June 26. The date also’, marked Mr. Gosart's 81st birth: day. They have two sons, four grandchildren and one great, grandchild. ££ OI { < La ) A two and one half hour ‘hoa 2 , i % > i e ‘a
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers