Economic Development Easton's Highest Priority, Panto Says

Furthering local economic development, especially attracting new residents and job-creating businesses that will help grow Easton's tax base, is at the top of the city's to-do list, said Mayor Sal Panto, presenting the annual state of the city address to Wednesday evening.

"Economic development – the retention of jobs, the creation of jobs and expansion of the tax base must be the highest priority of the City. We must be a best place to do business," Panto said.

Panto kept the tone of the address positive and noted the number of improvements, completed projects and ongoing initiatives that have taken place during his administration, saying that  "clean and safe," a platform he campaigned on four and a half years ago, is still an ongoing priority.

While Panto mentioned both West Ward and Southside, Downtown's were clearly in the forefront of that vision.

“A vibrant downtown is vital to any city,” he said, noting that both businesses and residents contribute to the local economy, and Easton is seeking more of both.

Panto again reiterated his support for continuing successful programs that support the 'clean and safe' vision as well as businesses.

"Despite a tough budget, we are committed to fully funding our Main Street, programs," he said.

Despite an 11.4 percent overall decrease in crime in the city and a police department that has grown to 63 members with the lowest overtime level since 1992, Panto said more must be done, particularly when it comes to illegal weapons.

"I will continue to fight against and the violent criminals who use them,” Panto said.

"With mayors across the country, we will urge the state legislature to pass our Lost and Stolen Guns Bill and urge the Federal government to increase the standards for background checks. We are not talking about Second Amendment rights; we are talking about guns that are no longer in the hands of their legal owner."

Though Easton's finances are healthy despite the recession, continuing to improve the to keep it in good stead and planning for the future are also on the mayor's radar, he said.

Between the number of projects and ongoing city improvements, along with the difficulties of a sluggish economy, however is not easy, Panto said.

“I certainly agree with the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland, 'it takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at at least twice as fast as that,'” he said, promising, “Our staff is up to the challenge.”