Interesting letter to the editor the other day from Dunmore councilman Gerard Hart, regarding Marywood and Penn State refusing to contribute any payments in lieu of taxes to Dunmore borough. And seeing Marywood's flat out refusal to pay anything to Dunmore, and Marywood also sits in the city of Scranton, it's probably safe to say that they don't contribute anything to Scranton either. So why, then, is the DD/LOD crew always up in arms over the University of Scranton, which contributes over $100,000 to the city, but they don't say anything about Marywood, which seems to refuse to pay anything?
I'm not a fan of "Da U" either, but its more out of a dislike for some of the Jesuits' liberal beliefs than it is from any "ICN conspiracy." And Penn State has more than a half-million a year to pay theirgeriatric football coach, but they can't throw a measly 12 grand to a municipality that hosts one of their campuses and provides public safety to their students and faculty?
Here's the letter:
Follow U of Ss lead
Editor: Your recent editorials supporting in lieu of contributions by the University of Scranton prompted me to ask Dunmore borough manager Joe Loftus to contact Marywood University and Penn State Worthington Scranton campus with such a request. Unfortunately, both institutions rejected the requests outright.
Dunmores request was simple: Would each institution provide an annual $12,500 ($25,000 total) in lieu of taxes to assist in financing the latest firetruck purchase? The request equals six months of payments on our latest fire apparatus acquisition. The term of the loan is 120 months.
The reasoning was simple. Both universities have large buildings and large temporary populations. To protect these institutions, Dunmore needs to have large firefighting equipment. So if both institutions shared the cost, it did not seem so burdensome. In addition, Mr. Loftus offered each institution the right to audit the use of the funds to make sure that the money was used as intended. It seemed to be a fair request.
The Penn State response was prompt and delivered verbally from a staff member. Penn State does not make such contributions except for a very small donation of less than $100 per year at one campus. There have been some follow-up discussions that have not proven fruitful. But the request was acknowledged promptly and a dialogue ensued. That dialogue continues.
It took two letters to get a response from Marywood. Joseph X. Garvey, vice president of business affairs and treasurer, responded with a letter in which he states in no circumstances will this university make payments to any municipality or other governmental organization in lieu of tax.
It is an interesting contrast between these two institutions and the behavior of the University of Scranton. Knowing that host municipality financial stability is vital to attracting students, the University of Scranton contributes in excess of $100,000 to the city. Clearly, Penn State and Marywood feel that their host community neighbors should solely bear the financial burden of protecting the institutions. It is a poor, unenlightened attitude.
Be assured that there will be no change in the excellent public safety services provided to Marywood and Penn State. However, both institutions should compare their organizational philosophies to the University of Scranton. It may help them to understand why they should contribute to the cost of essential services.
GERARD C. HART
DUNMORE BOROUGH COUNCIL
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Remember, next Friday is Hawaiian shirt day. So, if you want to, go ahead and wear a Hawaiian shirt...and jeans.
I saw that letter...Gerry is a great guy and was spot on in asking for the contribution. The fact that Penn State and Marywood have decided not to contribute anything isn't unheard of...in fact they don't have to contribute anything. But as the old saying goes, it didn't hurt to ask.
I'm also not a fan of the University of Scranton, but that has more to do with growing up near there and working in the U Student Center cafteria when I was in high school. Personal feeling aside, I recognize that the University is, on a net-net basis, a positive for our community. Back in the 1970's, they really were the only ones buidling anything in Scranton. The fact that they do contribute in lieu of taxes is a positive thing, even if someone thinks it's not enough. That is one of the underlying points that I think Gerry's letter makes.
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Free Speech does't require a multi-paragrah disclaimer Mr. Pilchesky.
Joseph X. Garvey the ex School Director???? That's a very interesting viewpoint if it is the Same Garvey ... hmmm very interesting.
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I want everyone to stop and think about one thing ... Joe Pilchesky is not a lawyer ... he's just a guy playing a lawyer on the internet. Please don't trust your legal needs to this man.
