Latest news with #Erieites
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Daria Devlin: Erie, it's time for change and real solutions to serious problems
Running for public office is tough. The sharp elbows of politics cut across gender, race, reality and political party, leaving good people discouraged and afraid to run. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself in the political arena — and I'm running against one of the good guys. Joe Schember is a nice man with a lot to be proud of, and I wish him the best. But over the past year, I've spoken with thousands of Erieites — from every ward, every neighborhood, every walk of life — and the message I've heard is clear: People love this city, but they're worried about the direction we're headed. There is a growing belief that it's time for change — for new energy, new ideas and a new chapter of leadership at City Hall. Erie deserves a mayor who will lead with the urgency that this moment demands — and with the vision to seize our full potential. Someone who won't just manage decline, but who will fight for our collective future and chart a path forward that includes all of us. This means facing our challenges head-on. Erie is confronting a structurally unsound city budget that, without swift and significant intervention, will lead us down the path to state takeover within five years. We're in the midst of a housing crisis that demands a long-term strategy, not band-aid solutions and summer projects. We have the highest child poverty rate in Pennsylvania and a shrinking population, with no clear plan to reverse these trends. These aren't just data points — they're signs of a city in need of bold, responsive and forward-thinking leadership. If elected, I will be a mayor who shows up — in a crisis, at community events and at every table where decisions are made. I will be a mayor who listens deeply, leads decisively and always acts in the best interest of our people. I'll fight for Erie not just here at home, but in the halls of power in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. I'll be a champion for our neighborhoods, our youth, our businesses and our shared future. As our team heads into the closing days of this race, I'm proud that my run for Mayor of Erie has been a respectful, real and honest campaign that has been filled with the hope and promise of what Erie can be. It has been a campaign that reflects who I am, how I'll lead, and the set of values that I'll bring to City Hall. I'm proud of the grassroots support that our campaign has built over the last six months. We've welcomed business owners, community leaders, college students, new voters, retirees, former elected officials, Erie natives, New Americans, renters, landlords, homeowners and transplants into our coalition. Together, our team has talked to thousands of Erie residents who have shared their concerns — and their dreams — for our city. And regardless of which ward or which neighborhood we visited, we've found a universal connection around our love of Erie and our desire to see it thrive, not settle for sustained mediocrity. We've found a shared belief that Erie can, and must, do better. From my early days growing up in a rectory in Erie's historic bayfront, I was instilled with a deep commitment to service and a sense of responsibility to give back to the community that shaped me. My husband Neal and I chose to make Erie our home, to raise our three sons here, and to invest our lives in helping this city thrive — for them, and for every family who calls Erie home. Now I want to make Erie a city my boys will choose to return to, like I did — a place where they can build a life, a career and a future of their own. For the past 15 years, I've worked to strengthen this city — from raising funds and public awareness on key issues to leading investment on Erie's east side. I'm proud to serve as an elected director on the Erie School Board and as an appointed member of the Erie Port Authority and the newly formed City Revitalization & Improvement Zone (CRIZ) Authority. I've overseen multi-million dollar budgets in both municipal and nonprofit sectors, led complex development projects, managed teams of people, and led with conviction and integrity. I've dedicated my career to service, and I'm ready to bring that experience to the mayor's office. But more than a résumé, what drives me is love — deep, enduring love for this city. I love Erie's rich history and resilient spirit. I love its diverse neighborhoods and the people who call them home. I love our quirks and our character. I love the rebirth that's just beginning — and I believe in the bright future we can build together. I know this work won't be easy. Erie's financial realities and old-school politics will continue to challenge us. But we can do hard things — if we do them together. If we remain committed to collaboration, transparency and bold determination. If we're willing to shake loose the status quo and pursue real solutions: a long-term financial plan, a comprehensive housing strategy, investment in youth and workforce development, and policies that truly center equity and opportunity for all. More: 'It's time for change' - why Daria Devlin entered the Erie mayor's race now | Opinion Now is the time for change. The kind of change that doesn't just promise to do better — but actually delivers. If you've met me, you've likely heard me say it — but for every reader across Erie, I'll say it again: This city has given me so much. If you elect me as your next mayor, I will give it everything I have. Every decision, every effort, every day — I will lead with love, with vision, and with the fierce belief that Erie's best days are still ahead. Let's build that future together. Daria Devlin is seeking the Democratic nomination in the May 20th Erie mayoral primary. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Devlin: Erie's best days are still ahead | Opinion
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
FBI, USMS urges Erie residents to report scam calls
(WJET/WFXP) – Two major law enforcement agencies are asking Erieites to share when they receive a scam call. On Thursday, April 24, the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the FBI came together to urge Erie residents to report phone scams. FBI reports increase in Pennsylvania cyber crimes According to their news release, the City of Erie area has recently received an increasing number of scam phone calls. The most recent type of scam call on the USMS and FBI's radar includes the scammer telling a potential victim they must pay a fine for things such as 'failing to report for jury duty,' even going so far as threatening the victim with an arrest or jail time. PA sees increase in cyber crimes — Here's how you can avoid getting scammed U.S. Marshal Stephen Eberle reminds residents that most services, including the U.S. Marshals Service and/or federal courts, will never ask you for credit, debit or gift card numbers. They also will not ask you for bank routing numbers or to make a wire transfer or cryptocurrency transaction. Eberle also said to never give out personal or financial information over the phone to someone you don't know. If you believe you were the victim of a scam, you can report the incident to the Erie FBI Office or the FTC. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Erie Port Authority strikes new water taxi deal. When does service start?
The Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority is reviving its long-dormant water taxi service. The Port Authority on Wednesday announced a five-year contract with Galveston, Texas-based JettyLight to operate the water taxi service, starting May 23. The company has nationwide experience regarding consulting, maritime operations management and business acquisition, according to its website. It operates commercial maritime passenger services, such as ferries, in Philadelphia, Oregon, Maryland and other locations. Financial details of the agreement were not immediately available. Additional details about scheduling and fares will be made available on the Port Authority website in May, authority officials said. The water taxi service, which shuttles people across Presque Isle Bay, has not operated since 2019. JettyLight recently responded to the Port Authority's request for bids from potential water taxi operators, hoping to find one who will agree to resuscitate the service. "We are excited to work with JettyLight on this important community service for Erieites and visitors to our community," said Julie Slomski, the Port Authority's executive director. "With their considerable expertise in maritime service and their interest in working with us to develop local partnerships, we are confident that JettyLight will grow and strengthen water taxi operations over the coming years." Water taxi service began in 2000 as a way for tourists and residents to travel between the city and Presque Isle State Park. The service typically started each June and ran through October. In the past the water taxi ran seven days a week, weather permitting. It usually departed on the hour from Dobbins Landing with stops at Liberty Park and Presque Isle State Park's Waterworks area before returning to Dobbins Landing. Slomski said the Port Authority will work with JettyLight "in the upcoming weeks" to create a new schedule. The Port Authority owns two water taxis. The authority has struggled to find a private operator for the service in recent years primarily because operators are required to hold a U.S. Coast Guard-issued captain's license. Capt. Norman Schlosser, who retired in 2016 and held such a license, operated the service on behalf of the Port Authority for 17 years. According to JettyLight's website, the company's owner, James Andrews, is a 20-year U.S. Coast Guard veteran who graduated from the Coast Guard Academy. He holds an active Coast Guard captain's license. 'We at JettyLight are beyond excited to help the incredible team at the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority reconstitute the Presque Isle water taxi this summer," Andrews said in a statement. "Our company was built around delivering exceptional value at the intersection of entertainment and water transportation. This new incarnation of the Presque Isle water taxi is the ideal project for us to partner with the vibrant lakefront community of Erie. We can't wait to get started.' Each of the two Port Authority-owned water taxis that JettyLight will operate can carry 35 passengers. They are also accessible to people with disabilities and can accommodate bicycles and strollers. The water taxi did not operate in 2020 and 2021 primarily because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Port Authority has solicited bids over the years for new operators, but has drawn little interest. The Port Authority's agreement with the taxi service's last operator, Presque Isle Boat tours, expired in 2019 and the company was not interested in a renewal. JettyLight will work with partners, including Presque Isle State Park, to promote and connect the water taxi service with other transportation services such as the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority's Presque Isle Express shuttle service to and from Presque Isle. 'One of the best things about Pennsylvania state parks is that they are free and open to all visitors," Matt Greene, the state park's operations manager. "What our partners at the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority are doing, by bringing back the water taxi, is removing barriers to access for not only out of town tourists, but our communities in and around the downtown area.' Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@ Follow him on X at @ETNflowers. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie's water taxi service across Presque Isle Bay gets a new operator
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Crowds line up early to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Erie bars
The party got started early in downtown Erie Monday morning with local bars holding special events to kick off St. Patrick's Day. Community members that we spoke with said the only right way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is to get the day started as soon as possible. Downtown Erie goes green for annual St. Patrick's Day parade St. Patrick's Day brought community members to downtown Erie to celebrate Irish heritage. Sullivan's Pub and Eatery began the day with their annual green eggs and ham breakfast that one manager said was a success kicking off a busy start to their morning. 'It's our 120th St. Paddy's so it's just like really cool to have all the community here especially this morning when I got here at 6:20 am to see there was already a line at our door it's so cool,' said Andrew Schultz, manager of Sullivan's Pub and Eatery. Patrons of Calimari's Squid Row also enjoyed a breakfast buffet at 7 a.m. and had the chance to enjoy their traditional Irish lunch specials. Erieites get an early start to St. Patrick's Day at kegs and eggs A co-owner said they were completely full with a couple hundred people between 7 and 10 a.m. 'We have been here since about five am cooking actually been cooking corn beef and corned beef hash and brisket all week long,' said Marci Honard, co-owner of Calimari's Squid Row. But for those looking to take to the dance floor a little early, Bigbar began their festivities with a bash beginning at 9 a.m. offering giveaways for the first 250 people. 'We love it it brings out a mixture of everybody from the young folk to the older folk and we just love seeing everybody together to come out and celebrate,' said David Freeman, owner of Bigbar. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Patrons reacted to the fun and tell us why they began their festivities early. 'Sullivan's is like a historic place in Erie, especially for like the Irish part of Erie and I feel like coming here this early it kind of helps start the tradition off right,' said David Duffalo, a patron at Sullivan's Pub and Eatery. Managers and owners said they're seeing green in more than one way as this is their busiest holiday of the year. 'It's always one of our biggest days this day and there's a few other random Saturdays and then the night before Thanksgiving we gear up for quite a while for them,' Honard said. Wells installed to help clean up LORD-Shope superfund site 'St. Patrick's Day is always the biggest day of the year,' Freeman said. 'About 600 so far and we expect over 5,000 for the day.' Representatives of these bars said they expected Monday to bring hundreds and even thousands into their doors as the festivities continue. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
