Mayor-Elect promises Pottsville change
By Caleb Brown (News Director)
Professional Picture Credit: Sarah Malis Photography
Moving to Pottsville in 1986, Tom Smith began city life working as a manager at the Kinney
Shoe Store at the Fairlane Mall. Thirty-nine years later, he is now the Mayor-Elect of Pottsville.
Coming out of Retirement
Smith ended his career as a financial planner a few years ago, but still managed a few properties.
However, Smith opted to come out of retirement to run for mayor as a member of the Republican
Party. “I didn’t like what was going on in Pottsville, just escalating further and further down,”
Smith said. “We’re the county seat, which needs to be the shining star, but we’re the other way.”
Concerns on the trail
Throughout the contentious election, CRIZ and grants were often a focus in the news. However,
while Smith was out on the trail, he heard concerns from the citizens of Pottsville.“I learned a
great deal,” he said. Blight was a common concern he heard, but it wasn’t all he heard. Public
safety was another.
Smith claimed, “City Council and the Mayor decided to raise taxes, the largest tax increase in
Pottsville’s history, but then you had to reduce the police force down by three.”
Going further, Smith expressed his goal to work with the police. That includes working in closer
connection with the department and a desire to add more officers.
One of the biggest concerns he was met with was the issue of code enforcement. Smith said
residents “call and call and call,” before claiming that the city doesn’t respond. He then said,
“That’s going to change.”
Talking about his victory Tuesday night, he stated, “I think what I spoke about, the truth,
transparency, and being forthright with the problems are. I think that spoke volumes to the
citizens.” He expressed that the people wanted change, and that he and his team would give it.
Message to Pottsville
Speaking with CC Broadcasting staff, he shared a message to Pottsville. “They’re going to
expect immediate action in January once we’re in,” he stated, but Smith doesn’t plan to wait until
January. Smith revealed that he, along with his team, running mates, and advisors, are planning a
meeting on Thursday to organize their plans.
Continuing, Smith said, “You’re going to be seeing immediate action. There’s going to be
transparency where we’re going to keep the citizens updated, and we’re going to be
approachable. They’re going to have their questions answered, not yelled at, at City Hall.”
He would then offer his thanks to Pottsville, stating, “I can’t thank the citizens enough of
Pottsville. They proved it that they want change and we’re doing it.”