Piccolo optimistic about Price future

Despite several setbacks during the past year, Price Mayor Joe Piccolo declared that the city is in good shape and he remains optimistic about the future. Piccolo was speaking in his annual State of the City address Friday afternoon in the Civic Auditorium.
The disappointments of the local economy included the closures of Kmart and J.C. Penney. However, the mayor said citizens have found their strength through the adversity they faced. “We make the best out of a bad situation,” Piccolo continued, noting that there have been businesses that have expressed interest in the area. Some of the new sites include the Instacare clinic and new district courthouse construction now under way.
The year may be brighter not only because of the businesses looking to move into the area, but also because of the national election. 2016 may have been a pivotal turning point, the mayor noted by saying, “The war on fossil fuels is temporarily over.” With the election of President Donald Trump, the coal industry sees a hopeful future as the president has repeatedly promised to “have the coal miners’ backs” during the campaign.
The start of the rolling back of the regulations started last Thursday when the Senate passed a rule that would eliminate the Stream Protection rule. According to the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the rule provides mine operators with a regulatory framework to avoid water pollution and the long term cost associated with water treatment. Mining companies and miners celebrated the move on Thursday as they hope it signals that the president is serious about keeping his promises.
Piccolo also delivered the Employee of the Year Award to Fermin Gutierrez, who was chosen by a vote of 70 percent by his peers. The mayor described Gutierrez as someone who was hard working,extremely helpful and someone who never complained. Another award that was given out included the Vision Service Leader Award to Janey Campbellm, who is described as being honest and inspiring young people. “Janey Campbell is a superstar in this arena,” Piccolo said.