VOTING YES FOR A BETTER READING: BALLOT QUESTIONS ON ELECTION DAY

Election Day is just around the corner, and when you walk in to your voting booth to elect strong Democrats like Tom Wolf for Governor, and other Democratic Candidates, you will be asked to vote on several questions that will make a better City government.

Most of these Ballot Questions have been added to change the City Charter to allow more efficient and fiscally responsible operations in City Hall.  Some help to clarify the duties of the Mayor while others allow greater input from leaders in the Community.

Please vote YES on:

Ballot Question 1:  Qualifications of City Auditor

Ballot Question 2:  Review of City Charter

Ballot Question 3:  The Separation of Powers between the Mayor and City Council

Ballot Question 4:  Members of Boards and Commissions

Ballot Question 5:  Duplicate Language for Mayor and Managing Director

Ballot Question 7:  Public Asset Protection

 

Please Vote NO on:

Ballot Question 6:  Position Ordinance

The administration should have full flexibility in the number and positions of personnel managed within the approved budget in order to keep residents safe and more efficiently and effectively run the City of Reading.

 

Please remember that Election Day is November 4^th, and that the right to vote has been fought for by several groups in our community.  Do not waste the opportunity to choose the right candidates that will move Berks County forward and make a better Berks for us all.  Remember to Vote Yes on questions 1 through 5 and #7, and NO on #6, for a better Reading.

A MORE LIVABLE READING AND BERKS COUNTY: 2015 HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN

The City of Reading and Berks County adopted an action plan that addresses housing and community development needs in the City and County for 2015.  The plan presents budgeted amounts for various Berks County and City of Reading projects.

The City of Reading proposes to adopt the 2015 Action Plan which will be funded by anticipated grants from numerous federal programs and a previously funded homeownership program.  The grants will be used for a variety of programs designed to improve the livability and promote economic development and job creation within the City.  Some of the proposed City activities include demolition of blighted properties, code enforcement, special economic development job creation grant and loan programs, commercial and residential façade improvement programs, historic preservation, homelessness prevention and services for the homeless.

The City estimates 87.5% of the programs will benefit low and moderate-income residents, and expects no displacement of families, individuals, or businesses to occur as a result of the activities.

Citizens can submit comments about the plan to Lenin Agudo, The Director of Community Development for the City of by November 3, 2014 by writing him at the Community Development Department, City Hall – 3rd Floor, 815 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601.

Citizen Summaries of the City’s Action Plan is available for public review and comment at the Community Development Office (Room 3-06) and the Office of the City Clerk (Room 2-24) in City Hall.

 

SUSTAINABITLY SUCCESS: READING RECEIVES SUSTAINABLE PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNITY GOLD CERTIFICATION

The City of Reading achieved Gold Certification from the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community program.  The program recognizes local governments in Pennsylvania for developing policies and practices that contribute to the prosperity of cities, towns and boroughs.

Earning the Gold certification rewards Reading for its progress in areas such as diversity, energy efficiency, healthy communities, green spaces, mitigating blight, intergovernmental cooperation, recycling and waste reduction, and fiscal controls.  These factors have been determined to promote sustainability for cities such as Reading.

“Reading is proud to be recognized as a Gold Certified Community” said Mayor Spencer.  “Through this certification effort we are demonstrating our commitment to saving taxpayer dollars, using resources efficiently, and applying best practices in municipal government and community development.  We are pleased to be recognized, and be part of the regional community of good government.”

The Certified Community by the Sustainable Pennsylvania Community Certification is intended to bring recognition to municipalities in the region that are applying the policy and practice of sustainability as their way of operating in order to advance community prosperity. It measures 131 factors that contribute to developing and sustaining healthy communities. It also serves as a mechanism for sharing best practices for creating a more sustainable Pennsylvania.  The City will continue to work towards Platinum Certification, which is the highest level.

In addition to the state certification, Reading announced it has just adopted the STAR Communities effort, a national sustainability certification program. Its goal is to become a Five Star community in five years, beginning with a targeted Three Star certification early next year. A team from Reading was recently trained in the STAR framework along with a cohort of other cities from across the country, including Las Vegas, Houston, Los Angeles, and Blue Island, IL. Starting this week, it will begin an ambitious effort to become the first nationally certified municipality in Pennsylvania.

Details about Reading’s certification performance can be found by linking to www.sustainablepacommunitycertification.org andwww.starcommunities.org.

A BIG ASSIST IN CLEANING UP READING: ALBRIGHT MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM CLEANS UP 6TH WARD

Members of the Albright Men’s Basketball team gave back to the community by picking up garbage and debris in the 6^th Ward neighborhood bordered by Buttonwood, Gordon and Tulpehocken Street.

The group of players, coaches and staff filled about 30 bags with litter and debris collected from streets in the neighborhood.  Mayor Spencer’s Clean City Initiative provided bags, gloves, brooms, shovels and rakes for the project.  The Clean City Initiative has supported 50 similar projects this year.

“I’m happy to see the Albright community giving back to Reading again” said Mayor Vaughn Spencer.  “This type of community service is important to the City of Reading, and gives citizens pride in their neighborhood and city.”

The team kicks off its 2014/2015 season on November 11^th against Muhlenberg College in Glenside, PA as part of the MAC-Centennial Challenge.

For more information contact The Mayor’s Clean City Initiative Coordinator, Steve Harrity, at

610-587-3090 or at steven.harrity@readingpa.org

SPREADING LOVE AROUND READING: 5TH ANNUAL PEACE AND LOVE MARCH

The Reading Area Peace Kitchen recently hosted a Peace and Love March to bring awareness to how we as people interact with the world around us.  The event also provided an opportunity for participates to donate nonperishable food items and clothing for those in need within the city.

The festivities started with a peace march from the Reading Area Community College campus to the Rose Garden in City Park.  The celebration included live music, poetry readings, and food and drinks.  Attendees also participated in educational skill sharing and wellness activities.

“These types of events bring awareness of how each of us in the community is connected to our neighbor” said Mayor Vaughn Spencer.  “Love and peace are key elements in building a city where everyone feels safe, and we understand our actions impact those around us.”

Find out more information about Reading Area Peace Kitchen at http://www.peaceinreading.org, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ReadingAreaPeaceKitchen?fref=ts.