Residents unsure about Sharon home rule plan

SHARON, Pa. — Lisa Kimpan went with an open mind to listen to the drafters of the proposed changes in Sharon’s city government.

“I’m not real happy with the mayor of Sharon. I don’t think things are working out very well. I want to know about taxes for lower- and middle-class residents,” she said before the meeting, one of several held by the commission that drafted the proposed home- rule charter.

She left that meeting still unsure of which way her vote will be cast Nov. 6 when city residents decide if they want to abandon the current government that includes a mayor and city council, along with an elected treasurer and controller.

Sarah Dowthit also left unsure of the proposed changes but was leaning toward voting for the charter.

“The city of Sharon is in a terrible situation. People are moving out left and right. I think the biggest thing is they need to bring in new business. They need to try something,” Dowthit said.

A study commission of seven people drafted the 31-page home-rule charter that residents will consider.

William McConnell Jr., commission chairman, argues that the current form of government is outdated and ineffective in today’s world.

For more, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com