Leadership isn’t about titles or politics; it’s about accountability, honesty, and results. Unfortunately, Pottsville’s current leadership has fallen short in all three areas. Our city is not moving in the right direction, and it’s time for that to change.
True leaders don’t shy away from accountability; they welcome it. Accountability represents a chance to learn, to grow, and to improve. True leaders don’t deflect or blame others for shortcomings. They understand that the current state of things is a direct result of their actions—or in this case, inaction. And most importantly, leaders don’t lie. They don’t mislead the public to shift blame, especially not toward organizations that have gone out of their way to help our city in the past.
Drive around Pottsville, and it’s clear: our streets are in disrepair, our downtown has too many vacant buildings, our police department continues to shrink, and our local businesses face unnecessary barriers that stifle growth. These are symptoms of leadership problems, not a lack of potential.
I’m not a politician. I’m your neighbor. I see the same things you do, and I share the same frustrations. But I also see incredible opportunities. We need community-minded leaders with real-world business experience—people who know how to plan, execute, and take ownership of results.
One of the biggest turning points for me came when I learned that Pottsville failed to secure the CRIZ designation; a missed opportunity that could have brought millions in revitalization funding and investment to our city. To me, that failure represented more than just a lost program; it was a sign that our city’s leadership didn’t understand how critical this was for our future.
In the military, we conduct what’s called an “After Action Review” after every mission—successful or not—to learn and improve. To date, nothing like that has been done here to ensure that if this opportunity comes again, we’ll be ready.
One of my favorite quotes is: “Success is when opportunity meets preparation.” Pottsville must be prepared. Right now, we’re not.
My wife was born and raised here. We’ve built our home and our business here. But more importantly, we’re raising our two young children here. I want them to grow up in a Pottsville that’s vibrant, safe, and full of opportunity—a city that lives up to its potential.
That’s why I’m running for Pottsville City Council. But real change won’t come from one person alone. It takes a team that shares the same commitment to accountability, transparency, and progress. That’s why I’m asking you to vote for myself and Scott Price for City Council and Tom Smith for Mayor. Together, we bring the experience, integrity, and drive that Pottsville needs right now.
This election will decide the direction of our city for years to come. If you believe, as I do, that Pottsville deserves better—that it deserves honest leadership and a clear plan for growth—then I’m asking for your vote.
On Election Day, vote for Jon Marsh and Scott Price for City Council, and Tom Smith for Mayor.
Let’s put Pottsville back on the path to progress.
Thank you.
Jonathan Marsh is a Republican candidate for Pottsville City Council in the 2025 Schuylkill County Municipal General Election.
Editor’s Note: Coal Region Canary does not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office. All opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the candidate. Any candidate appearing on the ballot in the 2025 Schuylkill County Municipal Election is invited to submit an editorial for publication. Details are available by contacting newscanary@gmail.com or by visiting this link.
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