Life-long Pottstown resident, Dave Garner, is a former councilman, a community volunteer, a homeowner, a local businessman. Dave has made consistent efforts to communicate with Mark Flanders from the day he became the borough manager in November, 2012.
At first, like most people I know in Pottstown, Dave made the choice to give Flanders the benefit of the doubt.
For nearly three years, Dave has requested meetings and has met with Mark Flanders to discuss the state of the borough. Dave also communicates with him by email and letter, providing Flanders with information or updates and to offer suggestions or ideas. Dave’s availed himself to serve on committees in local government and to open the door for the rest of the community by encouraging Mark Flanders to invite the participation of residents and other stakeholders.
While Dave speaks for himself, in the following letter that he sent to Mark Flanders on March 11, 2015, he also reflects the disappointment and lost confidence in Mark Flanders that so many citizens, employees and former employees are voicing, with growing urgency. As conditions in our neighborhoods decline, at lightening pace, we are more and more preoccupied with violence and drug crimes that plaque the downtown areas and threaten better neighborhoods.
Like Dave, I believe Pottstown would benefit from a change in leadership at this time. I believe that the kind of leader that will positively benefit this community is one, that among many other attributes, values and works effectively with the community, public employees and all stakeholders in a shared decision making environment.
I believe that Mark Flanders can do the greatest service to Pottstown by stepping down to grant Pottstown a much needed opportunity to seek a qualified manager. Our challenges will not be met with inexperience and on-the-job-training.
Ideally, a manager who could best serve Pottstown would possess the experience to put an end to the conflict, to unite residents and public employees, council, managers…unite the borough, in a shared community vision, first and foremost.
A manager who will make Pottstown their home is non-negotiable.
DAVID G. GARNER
339 Grandview Rd.
Pottstown, PA 19464
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E-mail-dggarner1@comcast.net
March 11, 2015
Pottstown Borough Hall
Attn: Mark Flanders, Borough Manager
100 E. High Street
Pottstown, PA 19464
RE: Strategic Planning
Dear Mark:
I am responding to your letter dated January 30, 2015 concerning the above referenced subject.
Please note that I took your advice and went to the Borough’s website. Unfortunately, the only comprehensive plans listed are for the Metropolitan Regional Planning Committee (draft) and Montgomery County. Perhaps the Pottstown Plan has not yet been posted to the website.
While your letter suggests that the Borough’s Comprehensive Plan outlines “major goals and objectives with the intent of a community vision and a strategic plan”, I wonder when and if that will come to pass. Since setting a community vision has never been discussed by Council in a public meeting, I question your commitment in that regard. For the past two and half years I have written to you to encourage a process to formulate a community vision and I have offered to participate. Your general response is a courteous letter putting me off in some fashion.
Engaging with the community is not something you welcomed when you were police chief and you continue to resist the efforts of the residents to participate since you became Manager. This style of managing is not productive for a town that is trying to define itself so that a focused, community-supported revitalization can be pursued. Instead of Council establishing policy which you implement, you are setting the direction and asking them to endorse your actions.
Pottstown needs a functional government where everyone understands and fulfills their roles; I do not think that can happen with you as the Manager. Pottstown needs leadership which will strive to improve the community through defined initiatives that are geared toward accomplishing specific objectives while engaging the residents, businesses and organizations. It is time for a Manager with the proper experience, qualifications and proven success in a municipality that employed the appropriate model for governance. It is time for a Manager who will demonstrate commitment to Pottstown by choosing to reside here. It is time for you to go.
Very truly yours,
David G. Garner
