HAZLETON – In an interview Thursday with Local News 13, Congressman Paul Kanjorski said the following:

“I brought into Hazleton City millions of dollars of federal grants that have never been used, and I find it incredible that, over all these years, with millions of dollars of grants, we have some of the conditions that I see on Main Street [sic] in Hazleton. … Instead, nothing’s been done in eight years. I can’t understand it. … Federal grants for Downtown Hazleton to be fixed are pending out there and have never been used. Instead of people in Hazleton saying, ‘Woe, be damned,’ they ought to think where are they." (Interview with Local News 13, Hazleton, March 20, 2008)

Kanjorski said the money was so Hazleton could be “made to be beautiful like many of the other cities in Northeastern Pennsylvania.” He claimed money was to repave and install new sidewalks on “Main Street,” and suggested people of Hazleton “start looking at cities like Scranton (and) start looking at cities like Wilkes-Barre.” 

Mayor Barletta responded, “I am surprised that Congressman Kanjorski chose to not only attack me but also insult the City of Hazleton, its business owners and developers, and its citizens. I cannot let his statements go unanswered.

 “The fact that Congressman Kanjorski is unaware of the development projects – past and present – here in Hazleton is further evidence he has spent too much time in Washington and has lost touch with his district.”

Barletta noted:

– Downtown Hazleton has a 90-percent street-level occupancy rate, according to the city’s development office

– More than 250 new businesses have come to Hazleton in the last eight years.

– Hazleton used federal funds for the Pine Street Neighborhood project that turned a blighted section of the city into an energy-efficient community for mostly first-time homeowners. The Pine Street Neighborhood has won state and national awards.

– The Markle Building was ready to close its doors forever and be torn down, but we were able to save the structure, and today, the Markle is thriving.

– The mineland reclamation project is capping in a former city landfill and filling in stripping pits. It will return the land to productive use, and it will bring new economic opportunities to the entire city and the surrounding area.

– Mr. Kanjorski said the money was to repave and install new sidewalks on “Main Street.” To what Main Street is he referring? Does he mean Broad Street?

“The reasons why Broad Street has not been paved is called PennDOT’s Broad Street Corridor Project,” Barletta continued. “This project will not only repave one of Hazleton’s main arteries, but will also add new sidewalks, new crossing lanes, new synchronized traffic lights, and more. The fact that the congressman didn’t even know what street he’s on while criticizing its condition speaks volumes about how out of touch he is. Our Intermodal Center project needed federal help, and we received it from Sen. Arlen Specter.

“I realize that it is campaign season and Mr. Kanjorski and his D.C. attack team will be throwing all kinds of accusations my way. That’s fine. I can take it, but for him to insult Hazleton’s citizens, taxpayers, small business owners, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, CAN DO, and other economic development organizations is inexcusable. He should promptly apologize to them for his remarks.

“Wilkes-Barre and Scranton are wonderful cities. In fact, I spent last weekend marching in parades and visiting local establishments in each city. Those cities should be commended for the fines job they are doing. However, I believe that Hazleton is equally as great as our neighbors to the north. I am shocked that our congressman would make such comments about Hazleton.”

Mayor Barletta added, “I’m also surprised that Mr. Kanjorski chose Holy Thursday to not only attack me but also degrade the City of Hazleton and its citizens.”