David Wenzel

David Wenzel served as the 27th mayor of Scranton, Pennsylvania from 1986-1990. Notable events during his administration included: In conjunction with the Steamtown National Historic Site, he committed the city to the concept of a Lackawanna Valley Historical Park a concept that continues to strive to preserve and promote the history of the area. In the aftermath of Hurricane Gloria, his administration started the lengthy process of getting flood control projects for the Albright Avenue area and Plot section of Scranton. The Schultzville Airport, formerly the Scranton Municipal Airport, was sold by the city for $401,000. The curb cut program was completed in downtown Scranton and expanded into the neighborhoods. The Mayor's 504 Task Force dealing with disabilities was revitalized, the fine for handicapped parking violations was raised to $50, and the Albright Memorial Library was made wheelchair accessible. Scranton received the designation Tree City for its committment to spending thousands of dollars to plant trees in the urban environment. Money magazine ranked Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as the 9th best place to live in the U.S. based on good schools, low taxes, and low crime rates. Mayor Wenzel was profiled on the CBS Sunday Morning News, which presented a positive image of Scranton. The theme was: A man who is the rehabilitator of his body wants to be the rehabilitator of his city. Of the 75,000 Vietnam veterans who were permanately disabled, only 52, including Wenzel, lost more than two limbs in the conflict. In 2000, he spoke on behalf of the nation's disabled community as a delegate at the Republican National Convention. He also received an appointment to the National Council of Disability by President George W. Bush. He held the position from December 2002-August 2006. Currently, Wenzel teaches part-time at the University of Scranton. Together with Major Frank Paris (USA-Ret) he teaches a course entitled The Vietnam Experience.