In a stunning reversal of its longstanding policy, The Park Finance Office has given businesses the green light to remain open late on Groundhog Eve and into the early afternoon on Groundhog Day.
The news was announced simultaneously this morning by PFO head Valentina Abeja and by Wellington Whistlepig, president of the Park Association of Shops and Services (PASS).
In a separate announcement, Whistlepig praised Abeja for her willingness to listen and for her “forward thinking.”
“We are extremely pleased that the PFO has listened to our concerns and shifted its position on this issue. Groundhog Eve and Groundhog Day are not just a time for us to come together and celebrate. They hold enormous economic potential and we are grateful to the PFO’s forward thinking head for the opportunity to demonstrate that fact,” Whistlepig wrote.
In a radio interview this morning, Abeja said her decision to change the policy was based on practicality.
“In the past, we believed that if we allowed our shops to stay open, it would somehow take something away from the celebration of Groundhog Day. But after significant study of the issue, we came to the conclusion that that would not be the case,” she said.
Abeja also stressed the need for the PFO to view economic issues through the eyes of those on “the front lines of business.”
“It is our job to support Park business, not to stand in the way of opportunity.”
