WILKES-BARRE -- Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tony George has been on the job for just a few days, but on Wednesday, he fulfilled his first campaign promise: he restored the city's help line.
Many people we talked to in Wilkes-Barre are happy to hear Mayor George is keeping his word about the help line.
We talked to the person on the other end of the phone taking the calls, and trying to resolve concerns.
Carol Smith has worked at City Hall in Wilkes-Barre for three decades, filling different roles in different departments. Now, she'll add help line operator to her resume.
Smith is the voice behind Wilkes-Barre's new mayor's help line. The number is posted prominently on the city's website. When people call, Smith is responsible for resolving their concerns or connecting them to resources within City Hall.
"The most important thing is they understand that it's going to be taken care of, whatever their issues are," Smith explained.
The city designed the help line to make it user-friendly. The number to call is 570-821-1111.
"That's a very easy number."
Jennifer Dorish is glad the help line is now restored. The help line was disconnected more than a decade ago when Mayor Leighton was in office.
"As long as something's done, I mean, it's great to have the number. I mean, you can say here's a number, but some action has to be done," Dorish said.
"The most important part is if they followed up on," said Tom Gernhart.
"I think it's a good idea if they have a hot line for the city," said Charles Sokolas.
He thinks the help line will work best if the city really listens to concerns.
"This way, the potholes and everything else, the dilapidated houses can get fixed up and everything else."
Blight is an issue on Ross Street. A homeowner says he may call the help line, and hopes others do, too.
"If people would call and get involved with their local area, it would be very helpful. It would make the area better," said Mike Haze.
The help line in no way replaces dialing 911 if you need help.
Again, the number to the help line is 570-821-1111.