The controversy surrounding Columbia Borough officials' decision to contact a public relations agency that council had voted against using, and spending $4,000 on a press release was reignited at the April 4 meeting when a resident questioned those actions. Officials were on the defensive, and it was evident that tensions were running high.
[Columbia Spy file photo]
"I want to revisit the discrepancies that became apparent last week with the unauthorized use of the Gavin PR firm,” Brad Chambers told council. He noted that it was stated at the March 28, 2023 meeting that Borough Manager Stivers contacted Gavin under the direction of Mayor Lutz immediately after a tragic incident in which a 12-year-old girl was murdered. Stivers responded that he had contacted Gavin immediately. Chambers noted, however, that LNP reported that Stivers approached Gavin a month after the incident occurred. “Can you comment on that inconsistency with your previous statement? Are you stating that LNP misquoted you?” Chambers asked, at which point Council President Heather Zink interjected that the information can be viewed on Crime Watch and that the issue does not need to be rehashed nor is it an appropriate topic to be discussed at the meeting.
Chambers countered that the issue is a non agenda item and he has the right bring it forward. “You don't have to comment, but I believe that taxpaying citizens need an explanation,” he told Zink.
“Why would you continue to use the Gavin PR firm if it was decided in a 5-2 vote by this council that they provided a subpar service?” Chambers continued. [NOTE: The vote was taken at the May 10, 2022 meeting. Councilwoman Sharon Lintner questioned the expense at the March 28, 2023 meeting. At the 2023 meeting, Lintner noted that council had not been informed of the decision to use Gavin. Lintner asked Zink if she had been informed of the decision. “No,” Zink replied.]
Chambers said it was hard to believe that no other suitable PR firm could be found in the year since council’s vote. “This would lead me to conclude that either this is an issue of negligence and no other PR firm was sought, or there is a reason that has yet to be revealed for purchase of Gavin's services against the borough council's wishes?”
Mayor Leo Lutz responded, “We used Gavin because they were the best for the job. We had a prior relationship with them and they were the only ones who could get this taken care of quickly.”
“I don't think this was the right thing to do,” Lintner said, to which Lutz responded, “You don't need to think it was the right thing to do; it had to be done.”
“The mayor is elected to a four year term and is responsible to act as Council's ceremonial representative at public events and functions, for overseeing the police department, and performing ceremonial duties such as weddings. The mayor casts votes at Borough Council meetings only in the instance of a tie.”
Clearly, the mayor does not have the authority to override a council vote or command the borough manager.
Borough officials still have not adequately explained their actions. Using the Gavin firm not only went against the council's wishes but also raises questions about judgment and transparency. It is the responsibility of public officials to act in the best interests of the community and to be accountable for their actions.
Council must take steps to ensure that such actions do not occur again. It's time for those in positions of authority to accept responsibility and act in the best interests of the citizens they serve. If accurate answers are not forthcoming in the future, borough citizens will continue to question their government’s motives and actions.
[Brad Chambers is a 2023 Democratic candidate for Columbia Borough Council.]
