Petition Update: Transparency and Ethics Concerns in Stroudsburg Borough


Petition Update: Transparency and Ethics Concerns in Stroudsburg Borough
The Issue
Thank you to everyone who has signed and supported this petition. Your engagement continues to matter.
Since this petition began, serious concerns have emerged regarding transparency, ethics, and governance within the Borough of Stroudsburg. These concerns include questions about potential conflicts of interest, incompatible offices, revolving-door employment, and compliance with the Pennsylvania Borough Code and the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act.
In particular, issues have been raised surrounding the sequence of events involving the Mayor being sworn in, subsequently resigning, and then accepting a paid Borough position, as well as publicly circulated audio that references election-related decision-making. While no conclusions have been made, these circumstances raise legitimate questions that warrant review.
Updates will continue to be shared as information becomes available. Continued civic engagement, respectful dialogue, and public participation in Borough meetings remain essential.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 7pm, 700 Sarah Street, Stroudsburg, PA.
Thank you for standing up for transparency and responsible local government.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2127628454737392
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While the Borough provides a Zoom option for attending meetings, recorded meetings are not consistently made available for residents to view afterward. This raises concerns regarding public access and transparency under the Sunshine Act.
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Standing up for responsible Governance: At our last Borough meeting, the council tabled a proposed 16% salary increase for our Borough Manager, pending legal review. This decision has raised significant concerns within our community, as it appears to prioritize financial incentives over prudent and accountable management of our local resources.
The council has justified this substantial raise by citing repeated $15,000 headhunter fees, claims of strong leadership and grant success, and the need to match a larger municipality’s offer to retain talent. While attracting and retaining competent leadership is important, it must not come at the cost of transparency and fiscal responsibility, especially when these costs are borne by taxpayers.
Our Borough, like many others across the nation, faces financial constraints. These limitations require careful consideration of every expenditure, and exceptional justification for any increase in spending. A 16% salary hike, based on the reasons provided, seems excessive. By addressing issues with leadership through hefty salary increases, we set a precedent that might encourage similar demands from other officials, potentially leading to a financial strain on our resources.
Furthermore, in these times, when many residents are facing economic hardships, it is crucial for our decision-makers to embody the values of responsibility and equity. Public service is a noble calling, and those who hold public office should be willing to set an example through financial moderation, particularly when the entire community is watching them closely.
I urge the council to reconsider this decision and explore alternative strategies that do not place an undue burden on the taxpayers. These might include evaluating long-term performance before offering such raises, considering or developing a structured and transparent performance review system.
The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs promotes collaboration and integrity among local governments. Actively seeking to lure employees from other boroughs, especially without transparency or proper communication undermines the mutual respect and cooperation that our municipalities rely on. While this may not constitute a formal violation of PSAB guidelines, it does raise important ethical and professional considerations.
Let your voice be heard that we call for careful consideration and ethical stewardship from those in power. Together, we can prioritize the community's needs over disproportionate salary increases.
Sign this petition to demand responsible governance and ensure that taxpayer money is used wisely in the Borough of Stroudsburg.

668
The Issue
Thank you to everyone who has signed and supported this petition. Your engagement continues to matter.
Since this petition began, serious concerns have emerged regarding transparency, ethics, and governance within the Borough of Stroudsburg. These concerns include questions about potential conflicts of interest, incompatible offices, revolving-door employment, and compliance with the Pennsylvania Borough Code and the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act.
In particular, issues have been raised surrounding the sequence of events involving the Mayor being sworn in, subsequently resigning, and then accepting a paid Borough position, as well as publicly circulated audio that references election-related decision-making. While no conclusions have been made, these circumstances raise legitimate questions that warrant review.
Updates will continue to be shared as information becomes available. Continued civic engagement, respectful dialogue, and public participation in Borough meetings remain essential.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 7pm, 700 Sarah Street, Stroudsburg, PA.
Thank you for standing up for transparency and responsible local government.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/2127628454737392
BRC News 13: Stroudsburg Hires Downtown Manager
Update on Stroudsburg Downtown Manager Hiring – Blue Ridge 13
Hot mic convo stirs up more mayor controversy | 28/22 News
While the Borough provides a Zoom option for attending meetings, recorded meetings are not consistently made available for residents to view afterward. This raises concerns regarding public access and transparency under the Sunshine Act.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Standing up for responsible Governance: At our last Borough meeting, the council tabled a proposed 16% salary increase for our Borough Manager, pending legal review. This decision has raised significant concerns within our community, as it appears to prioritize financial incentives over prudent and accountable management of our local resources.
The council has justified this substantial raise by citing repeated $15,000 headhunter fees, claims of strong leadership and grant success, and the need to match a larger municipality’s offer to retain talent. While attracting and retaining competent leadership is important, it must not come at the cost of transparency and fiscal responsibility, especially when these costs are borne by taxpayers.
Our Borough, like many others across the nation, faces financial constraints. These limitations require careful consideration of every expenditure, and exceptional justification for any increase in spending. A 16% salary hike, based on the reasons provided, seems excessive. By addressing issues with leadership through hefty salary increases, we set a precedent that might encourage similar demands from other officials, potentially leading to a financial strain on our resources.
Furthermore, in these times, when many residents are facing economic hardships, it is crucial for our decision-makers to embody the values of responsibility and equity. Public service is a noble calling, and those who hold public office should be willing to set an example through financial moderation, particularly when the entire community is watching them closely.
I urge the council to reconsider this decision and explore alternative strategies that do not place an undue burden on the taxpayers. These might include evaluating long-term performance before offering such raises, considering or developing a structured and transparent performance review system.
The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs promotes collaboration and integrity among local governments. Actively seeking to lure employees from other boroughs, especially without transparency or proper communication undermines the mutual respect and cooperation that our municipalities rely on. While this may not constitute a formal violation of PSAB guidelines, it does raise important ethical and professional considerations.
Let your voice be heard that we call for careful consideration and ethical stewardship from those in power. Together, we can prioritize the community's needs over disproportionate salary increases.
Sign this petition to demand responsible governance and ensure that taxpayer money is used wisely in the Borough of Stroudsburg.

668
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Petition created on June 5, 2025