Johnstown, PA City Govt. (Bethlehem, Penn: how much, college, activities)

[brigance86]

I'm writing a college term paper for my Metropolitan Politics class on Johnstown. Im having a hard time finding any sources for a description or information on the city government, which is a vital part of my paper. Does anyone have any information that could help me out?? Thank!

[mams1559]

Well, you could start at City of Johnstown I don't know how much that will help though. You can also check out Johnstown Pennsylvania Information Source Online under the "Historial Info" button at the top of the page.

Right now we have a strong-council/weak-mayor form of government with a city manager that really runs everything. There are 8 council members + 1 seat on council that is titled "mayor". They are elected from the various wards of the city. The city manager is not elected, but is hired by council & mayor and under contract. There's also an assistant city manager.

The city used to have a strong-mayor/weak council form until we entered Act 47 (distressed) status about 10, maybe close to 15 years ago.

Let me know if there's anything specific you need and I'll try to help point you in the right direction.

[brigance86]

Thanks for that information, it's really helpful. Are you aware of the city government's role in city economics in the late 80's early 90's when the last of the steel industry left town and what attempts were taken for recovery following that economic collapse?

Also, I'm looking for where the real power in the town lies. In some cities, especially those with strong industrial ties, the power to make policy goes beyond those that write and pass it. Where does Johnstown's lie?

[mams1559]

Originally Posted by brigance86

Thanks for that information, it's really helpful. Are you aware of the city government's role in city economics in the late 80's early 90's when the last of the steel industry left town and what attempts were taken for recovery following that economic collapse?

Actually, the steel industry began collapsing as early as 1975. The 1977 flood almost caused it to leave town then, but they didn't. Bethlehem finally pulled out completely in 1989-1990. The city government has tried to refocus the economy on health fields, bio-tech industry and tourism. The strongest of those so far is tourism. They're capitalizing on our history of 3 floods, Thunder in the Valley and our outdoors activities. We still have a couple steel producing industries in town (JWF, Johnstown Wire Tech), just not as large as Bethlehem in its heyday.

Also, the city leaders have been looking towards regionalization of services. There are many smaller boroughs and twps surrounding the city, so they try to get everyone to work together to share services to reduce costs.

Originally Posted by brigance86

Also, I'm looking for where the real power in the town lies. In some cities, especially those with strong industrial ties, the power to make policy goes beyond those that write and pass it. Where does Johnstown's lie?

It may be fair to say it used to be with Bethlehem probably until the '70s. However, lately the power is with politicians (Murtha esp) who pull in money and contracts for various developments. Some may be with Conemaugh Health Systems, the city's largest employer. They are seen at times to be given carte blanche to do as they please. Really, though, this town is nothing like it used to be and currently it's struggling economically, so it's probably not fair to say anyone is pulling strings because who would want to be responsible for the current situation?