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WILKES-BARRE — He’s not gone yet, but supporters and friends of Mayor Tom Leighton are holding a gala tribute to him on Nov. 28 at the exclusive Westmoreland Club.
“They asked me if they could have a party in my honor and I said, ‘Yes,’” he said Friday, confirming the event.
A Democrat who served 12 years each on city council and as mayor, Leighton, 55, will leave office in January after three terms. Councilman and former police chief Tony George, 64, a fellow Democrat will replace him.
Leighton has said he’s left the city in better shape than when he took office in 2004. Back then, it had $10.8 million in unfunded debt and no credit rating.
He has credited his administration with turning things around, developing the downtown, improving the neighborhoods and securing an A-minus, positive outlook rating from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services.
He has proposed a $51.5 million balanced budget for 2016 that does not contain a property tax hike. It’s the second consecutive budget he’s submitted without a tax increase. The city council, which has approval power over the budget, set a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.
Leighton said he is not involved in the planning of the party, but was aware of some of the details. It’s black-tie optional. The cost per ticket is $50, all to be sold in advance. None will be available at the door. Guests are being contacted by “word of mouth” and no invitations were sent out.
He disputed a claim made by a tipster that the party is being put on by contractors who do business with the city. Some of the contractors likely will attend, he said.