Burns: Imhoff resignation is telling
Rep. Frank Burns April 30, 2024 | 11:54 AM
Another piece on the Johnstown elites’ chess board is on the move, with other moves certain to follow, with the unexpected resignation of city manager Ethan Imhoff, who turned in his resignation 27 months after being handed the job – and just three months after being awarded a second two-year contract with a yearly salary increase to $137,500.
Considering the great lengths Johnstown powers-that-be went to in paving the way for the much-hyped hiring of Imhoff in January 2022, promoting and financing a campaign and referendum that eliminated the city manager residency requirement, Imhoff’s exit shocked his most ardent supporters.
“We were caught off-guard completely with Ethan’s resignation,” said Mayor Frank Janakovic, who upon Imhoff’s hiring had judged that, “He’s very familiar with the issues facing the city” and possessed the skills “necessary to shepherd the many projects Johnstown is doing now and in the future.”
When hired, Imhoff himself told the Tribune-Democrat, “I’m ready to hit the ground running and continue with all the positive things that are going on.” When his contract was renewed, he said, “I appreciate council’s commitment to me, and certainly looking forward to continuing our work together.”
Three months later, Inhoff walked away from all those “positive things” and “commitment,” opting to take a more desirable job near his Blair County home as Hollidaysburg Borough manager.
Word to the wise: When it comes to the pieces moved around on Johnstown elites’ chess board, it’s always about what’s best for them, never what’s best for you.