2007 represented another year of financial stability for Lackawanna County. Gone are the days of possible bankruptcy, unpaid vendors and deteriorating infrastructure. Our financial ship has been “righted” signified by the County’s first investment grade rating from Moody’s Investment Service. The new rating enabled us to refinance debt and save almost $8,000,000 over a ten year period in insurance and service fees without extending the period of payments.

This past year also saw a continued story of promises made and promises kept by our Administration. As mentioned, we continued to pay utilities and vendors on time. We got out of the entertainment business by selling Montage and getting it back on the tax rolls. Sno Mountain will invest almost $25 million for equipment and renovations including a water park which will open next year.

We promised to clean up the scandals at the prison and improve operations. Together, a new administrative staff and our union officers helped the Lackawanna County Prison attain a 100% compliance rating, the first in County history. We have gone from one of the worst prisons in the State to one of the best in three short years.

Just a few years ago, our County Healthcare Center could not accept residents. In 2007, with new consultants and a dedicated staff it received its highest rating ever from the PA Department of Health.

We brought the Yankees to town which will result in a single year profit of $500,000 compared to years of losses which had been borne by the taxpayers of Lackawanna County. Our operating partners have committed to $150 million in real estate development over the coming years, including exciting Yankee-themed attractions. They are here to stay.

We promised to upgrade the 911 Center and this year saw us go from worst to first in the state with the opening of the Center for Public Safety in Jessup. Our state of the art building and its operations are being touted across Pennsylvania as a model for other Counties to duplicate.

We promised to fix our infrastructure. We undertook this effort three years ago before bridges became a national issue with the collapse in Minnesota. We opened four bridges this year and have four more scheduled within the next year. We have increased inspections and repaired an additional ten bridges.

We invested in our County parks. McDade Park will soon have a new soccer field. Merli/Sarnoski Park will add a new boat launch to go with the new handicap fishing dock and beach upgrades. Aylesworth Park in Archbald was added in 2007. New facilities, fishing and beach enhancements will be completed for next year. Shortly, we will announce plans for another new County park in Covington Township.

We promised to protect the environment. We purchased more than 5,000 acres of land throughout the County to help ensure there will be green space for generations to come. Last month, we joined with citizen groups and the Natural Lands Trust to save Glenburn Pond. When tests confirm the earth and water are safe, the dam will be restored, the pond filled and public recreation will return to Glenburn Township.

As a part of our continuing promise to foster arts and culture, various sections of Lackawanna County and the City of Scranton have been beautified by our Mural Arts Program. This coupled with the new Coal Mine Interpretive Center, Lackawanna Wonderful Campaign and our innovative grant programs enabled the County to retain its national standing as one of the most prestigious programs in the nation for arts and culture. Continued support of the County Library System, Scranton Cultural Center and Everhart Museum allowed those venues to work together and grow.

The jewel of center city Scranton will be completed very soon. Renovations to the Lackawanna County Courthouse are ongoing. Opening of the Veteran’s Plaza and the Piazza dell’ Arte will take place shortly. The old annex will be taken down and green and open space will increase dramatically, enhancing the downtown.

Our 2008 budget will allow for all of the above to continue. It will also allow for us to expand our Family Business Initiative which has created or retained over 500 jobs in our County through $36 million in financing given to 27 firms. In addition, our First Time Homebuyers Program which saw 38 successful closings, will also expand.

2008 will see a three year investment of time and taxpayer monies reap the fruits of a brand new industry in our area, the film industry. Our administration, in cooperation with private investors and the State is working to create a new film production studio to be located in Benton Township. High paying jobs and international recognition will result.

Security is of high concern. Our budget provides for increased training for all local police and fire departments at the Center for Public Safety. New equipment for the County SWAT team and development of a County wide Homeland Security Plan are high priorities. We have funded an Intelligence/Security Threat Group officer at the prison to coordinate efforts to address the rise of gangs in our County.

Aid to seniors and social services will continue in the face of declining funding from the state and federal governments. Our Councils on Diversity and Human Needs will address the integration of our growing foreign born and minority populations. Recently, we created liaisons for the African American and Hispanic American communities.

A new revenue source to help reduce taxes will be announced by the end of the month. This new energy plan will be develop through the Authority for Innovative Renewable Energy (AIRE). When implemented, the economy of Lackawanna County and Northeastern Pennsylvania will forever be transformed by offering low cost options for heating homes and industries.

The Munchak-Cordaro Administration will continue to be an accountable and open administration. We have provided funding for expansion of the County website. Audits, budgets, real estate taxes and soon Commissioner’s meetings will be available for the public to see how their government functions. All public records will be linked for inspection by the taxpayer. We will do our part as we have in the past, to fund Channel 61.

In 2003, we promised to improve the quality of life in our County. Since then, we have made the hard decisions, and the right decisions without regard to fleeting political concerns. You, the taxpayers, have responded. We have come a long way from those dark times. Together with the total efforts of our experienced team, the 2008 budget provides for even more brighter days ahead.