Council urged to revive July 4th

Former councilman says borough should help stage events

POTTSTOWN >> In order to prevent another year in which Pottstown has no Fourth of July parade or fireworks, borough council must take a leadership role in raising money and moving things forward.

That’s what former councilman David Miller told council during its July 6 work session.

In the public comment portion of the meeting, Miller read from a prepared statement and told council it was missing an opportunity to help promote Pottstown.

“Unfortunately, this council has missed an opportunity and in addition, has failed to give any indication they’re willing to seize upon an opportunity to promote Pottstown by way of an Independence Day celebration,” he said.

Pottstown’s July 4th Celebration once included a variety of activities, including a parade,

hot air balloons, a 5K race and, most significant to area residents, free fireworks.

They were, of course, anything but free.

And, as the former Fourth of July Committee broke up in recent years, attempts to stage the celebration have been taken over by a non-profit organization called Independence Day Ltd., represented by brother and sister William “Chip” Smale and Marcia Levengood and a board of undetermined number or identity.

Results have been mixed, with both Smale and Levengood saying there are simply not enough donations to pay for the activities.

Last month, Council President Dan Weand reiterated that tax money has never been and should not be used to supplement Fourth of July activities after Levengood announced that insufficient funds had been raised to mount either a parade or fireworks this year.

A last-minute attempt headed by Council Vice President Sheryl Miller collapsed within 48 hours of its launch.

David Miller said he believes council should be more involved, not less.

“As the elected leadership of this community, Council has a responsibility to, when called upon, to step up, take charge and lead this community,” he said. “Staging a Fourth of July/Independence Day celebration and extravaganza is an ideal opportunity to market and promote Pottstown.”

“Many of the reasons for the lack of an Independence Day celebration relate directly back to the borough,” David Miller said. “The borough has requested payment in advance for police services. The borough has stated that they were unable to transfer a permit to the appropriate organization.”

But because the primary obstacle is fundraising, he said, “I call upon council to leverage their organizational structure and resources to assist in providing the support and leadership necessary to have an Independence Day celebra-

tion on July 4, 2017,” he said.

David Miller suggested that in addition to getting support from inside and outside of the borough, 500 individuals or entities be identified “willing to contribute $100 in order to reach a fundraising goal of $50,000.”

Council’s involvement could also help donors feel secure.

“People need to feel secure that if they contribute to an event, it’s going to happen and their money, donations will see tangible results,” he said.

He praised council for its role in providing police and fire protection, but added “your job doesn’t end there however. Local government is also responsible for facilitating recreational activities for local residents,” he said. “Are you willing to take the challenge?”

No one on council responded to the comments.