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On Monday, at the end of his annual state of the city address, consisting of a review of departmental accomplishments and a short listing of challenges, Mayor Matt Pacifico told the "starfish story" about a boy who saves those creatures stranded on the beach by throwing them into the ocean, after which a condescending observer says there are too many dying there to make a difference.
The boy listens, thinks a minute, then picks up another and sends it back into the water, saying, "Well, it made a difference for that one."
Pacifico didn't tell the cheery version on "The Starfish Foundation" website, which goes on to say the boy's action inspires everyone on the beach to join him, so that "all the starfish were saved" -- but Pacifico's less expansive version is still hopeful.
"It underscores what we're trying to do," said City Councilman Dave Ellis afterward.
It's particularly fitting as a metaphor for efforts in struggling neighborhoods, where the city has created partnerships with volunteer groups to make minor repairs for property owners who can't afford to hire professional help, Ellis said.
The idea embodied in the many-times-told story that originated with a 1969 essay by Loren Eiseley connects with an experience as manager of a state funded health insurance program for uninsured women in Pittsburgh, said Bonnie DeLozier, the mayor's legislative aide, whom Pacifico credited with including the starfish tale.
"Achievements don't have to be big," DeLozier said after the meeting. "(As long as) they make a difference for somebody."
In his address, Pacifico highlighted 2023 and 2024 projects and statistics for all the major departments: Fire, Police, Community Development, Public Works and Codes and Inspections, as well as for the Central Blair Recreation and Parks Commission -- a joint venture with Logan Township and the Altoona Area School District.
For Fire, he cited training, community events and fire prevention work; for Police, a recently formed special traffic unit, establishment of a K9 drug dog unit and charitable activities; for Community Development, ongoing work on a new comprehensive plan, demolition of blighted houses and programs to rehabilitate owner-
occupied and rental dwellings; for Public Works, park improvement projects, construction of curb ramps and other street features in the downtown and stormwater projects; for Codes and Inspections, issuance of building permits, a lead role in Operation Safe Space, in which tenants are rehoused out of condemned buildings and slumlords' rental licenses are revoked, and a new welcome letter policy that provides families who've just bought a home contact information for services they're likely to need.
For the CBRC, Pacifico cited its Community Classic fundraising dinner, the care it provides for 25 parks and recreational facilities and its establishment of a new park on Sixth Avenue at 23rd Street.
The city's challenges include the "war" on drug abuse and trafficking, efforts to ameliorate homelessness and contending with irresponsible landlords, Pacifico said.
In almost every situation, the need is greater than available funds, Pacifico said -- without explicitly making a connection with the starfish story.
Those funds are inadequate for all the city would like to do with housing rehabilitation and with staffing, the mayor said.
That makes prioritization critical, which can be tough, according to the mayor.
Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.