Jeff Hawkes writes a weekly column in the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era; on Thursday his column entitled, “It’s time to work to save Pa.’s cities,” pointed out the difficulties that many of the Commonwealth’s communities have become “fiscal basket cases.” The column also introduced the programs that have been born to change things. One of those organizations pushing for reform is Building One Pennsylvania.

On August 5 a Building One Pennsylvania regional assembly will be hosted at the Columbia United Methodist Church, 501 Walnut Street, Columbia at 8:oo am. “The public is invited to the 90-minute forum.”

“Too many of our municipalities are at a financial crossroads where their prosperity and success is threatened and they face the prospect of diminishing tax bases, escalating property taxes, declining schools and municipal services, and deteriorating infrastructure.

“Building One Pennsylvania is an emerging statewide coalition of community leaders from diverse sectors – including municipal, school, faith, business, labor and civic – who are joining together to stabilize and revitalize their communities, reinvigorate local economies, and promote regional opportunity and sustainability.

“At the Issues Assembly, local leaders will report on the results of a statewide listening campaign and introduce an agenda for reform.

“Please don’t just join us but step in and become a leader in challenges ahead! We look forward to see you there!”