While we realize that the Borough of Greenville is under the state’s Act 47 recovery plan for “distressed” municipalities, we didn’t know that included the installation of an all-powerful king.
But that appears to be the opinion of Mayor Richard Miller — the man who would be king — after some recent maneuverings to wear a crown.
While we understand that trying times call for strong leadership, there still needs to be give-and-take concerning actions the borough takes in its economic-recovery process. It’s not a one-man show.
First, as chairman of the Greenville Water Authority board, he criticized directors Joanne Price and Sarah Eutsey, who both came on the board last year, for asking too many questions. Too many questions? We never heard of a board where you weren’t allowed to ask questions. In fact, isn’t that what you are supposed to do?
Off with their heads.
If you are going to be in charge of the oft-troubled water system that so many residents rely on, shouldn’t you be as informed as possible? Or maybe Mr. Miller would just like to make all the decisions himself and not allow anyone else to express an opinion.
However, on another issue concerning the two women visiting the water plant and talking with an employee, Miller was right. They should go through proper channels and talk to plant superintendent William Brady about any concerns they may have.
Throw them in the dungeon.
Another disturbing issue concerning Miller came when he announced that he and Councilman Brian Shipley are banning certain people from an informational meeting they’re hosting for people interested in running for office in the May 19 primary.
According to a story in The Herald last week, among the people not welcome at the meeting are: anyone who’s just curious; members of the media; anyone looking for a place to spend the evening; critics of local office holders; and anyone who has no plans to run in this year’s election.
That fact that Democrat Miller and Republican Shipley have teamed up certainly makes everyone wonder why the meeting is so secretive.
While it’s not a violation of the state Sunshine Law to exclude media in this case, saying the media aren’t welcome raises the question, “Why? What are you trying to cover up?”
Excluding anyone who’s just curious cuts out people who may want to run for office but simply need more details.
This meeting smacks of a brain-washing session to boost candidates who are favorable to Miller and Shipley. Excluding critics of local office holders makes it seem that the Miller-Shipley duo want to hand-pick people who will bow down and do their bidding.
And since this apparently is the case, anyone thinking of running for office who attends this meeting may be ending a political career before it even begins. Voters today want people who can think on their own, not puppets of a particular political faction.
While we’ve supported the mayor on some issues in the past, secret meetings are pure folly for political candidates unless they plan on being just a court jester.
Only kings demand that kind of adulation.
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