Contained in a recent Times Herald article on Friday, Dec. 22, regarding the wonderful downtown Port Huron lighting project, I was very surprised to see that the city manager made very mis-characterizing statements about me regarding the lighting project.
The following is what I experienced: The project was presented to me that all the building owners from McMorran Boulevard south over the Military Street Bridge to Pine Street would be given the invitation to participate, no obligation, it would be “great” if they do and “OK” if they don’t.
Let me put this into perspective. On Nov. 13, the city manager gave a presentation to City Council and stated the city’s DDA would have about a week and half to get any building owners to sign an agreement. A week and a half is a short window of time. I reviewed and gave thoughtful consideration to the multi-year commitment agreement invitation. On Nov. 21, I respectfully drafted a letter to the DDA Director Watson thanking her for the invitation and said — due to potential liability exposures and potential damage to the building both from installation and into the future from wear and tear — that I had to respectfully not participate at this time. My experience with the DDA director was friendly and respectful.
I am not sure what the motivation is for the city manager to make such mis-characterization statements in the newspaper almost a month after my respectful letter declining the invitation was received.
I would like to say to all of the building owners, businesses and residents that I think the lights look great and I appreciated the invitation for the 240-250 Huron Ave. building. As many of you know, I have been continually working on the building with several small projects in progress and do plan for additional treatments and applications to the roofs and the exterior over the next three years. I hope the rest of the building owners will be respected for their decisions regarding their properties. As a City Council member, I believe in thanking those who accepted the invitation and thanking those who took the time to consider the invitation.
Scott Richard Worden
Port Huron, Dec. 26