Politics

Bernstine: PA House Democrats Destruct Democracy in the Dark

While many Pennsylvanians were tuned into the dysfunction in Washington D.C. last week, Democrats in the state House were one-upping Congress and leading one of the most destructive assaults on democracy I’ve seen in my time in Harrisburg. The week was full of shady last-minute legislation, the silencing of debate when anyone objected to their ideas, and passage of a bill that spends $800 million more of your tax dollars. But by far the worst and most concerning action happened while most Pennsylvanians were sleeping. House Democrats bypassed a chamber rule that prevents voting after 11 p.m. and rammed through…


Bernstine: Harrisburg Politicians Continue to Attack Small Businesses

When I first started out in politics, I naively believed that anyone getting into public service must want to help others. As lawmakers, we are tasked with putting forth policies that support the average Pennsylvanian and building a Commonwealth where anyone can thrive. I have since learned that this is just not the case. Too many of my peers in Harrisburg have made it their mission to jeopardize small businesses – the backbone of our economy – and threaten the livelihoods of their own constituents. Even worse, some of those same politicians have put the wishes of big, internationally owned…


Mayor Anthony Court Recognized by Association of Mayors of the Boroughs of Pennsylvania

Ellwood City’s Mayor Anthony J. Court was recently recognized for his service through the Association of Mayors of the Boroughs of Pennsylvania. During the August 14 Borough Council meeting, Court was presented the prestigious award by Zelienople Mayor Tom Oliverio who was representing the organization. Oliverio and the Association noted Court’s outstanding and excellent service as President of the Association of Mayors of the Boroughs of Pennsylvania in his two-year term. Court said he was honored and both proud and grateful for his time as president. “My dedication to the state was challenging and rewarding,” he said. Court was also…


Borough Teaming Up with Kitchen Cabinet to Provide Welcome Signs

Ellwood City Borough Council approved a quote from locally owned Signs by Sam for the purchase of two Ellwood City Welcome Signs that will be placed at “entrances” to the city. The signs will cost a total of $7,000. Local nonprofit organization The Kitchen Cabinet will provide $3,500 of the amount in cooperation with the borough that will provide the other $3,500 from the L&N fund. The placement locations of the signs will be announced at a later date. Mayor Anthony Court commented after the meeting that he was thrilled to see the project go to a local Ellwood City…


Brown Appointed to House Finance Committee

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) was appointed to serve on the House Finance Committee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 2023-24 Legislative Session. “As a businessperson, I understand how important it is to provide financial analysis, advice and oversight,” said Brown. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the Commonwealth is operating with the financial resources it needs to provide programs and services to our citizens and communities.” The House Finance Committee oversees matters relating to taxation and fiscal policy, investment of the Commonwealth’s money and regulations of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. In…


Borough Manager Announces Projects During Council Voting Meeting

During Monday’s Borough Council Meeting, Borough Manager Kevin Swogger said many projects are planned across the borough of Ellwood City including the addition of a handicapped bathroom at Ewing Park. He also said the borough is working on getting quotes for signs to be placed at the entrances to town at 488 in Ellport and Route 65 from New Castle. The Ellwood City Kitchen Cabinet is partnering with the borough to provide a portion of funding for the project. Councilwoman Judith Dici was presented a certificate of appreciation by Mayor Tony Court on behalf of Governor Shapiro and the DCED…


Bernstine Announces PHARE Funding for Butler, Lawrence Counties

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced the awarding of $800,000 to Butler and Lawrence counties through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Program (PHARE) to help with homelessness, household modifications and safety challenges. “Rehabilitating existing properties to meet current market demands is an excellent way to invest our resources,” said Bernstine. “Renovating existing properties has some important benefits. You don’t need as many materials, can make good use of existing structures and usually spend less money. In addition, one of the most efficient ways to make money in real estate is to rehabilitate existing properties.” The funding…


2023 Primary Election Unofficial Results: Ellwood City Borough Council; Ellwood City and Riverside School Boards

Unofficial results from yesterday’s May 16, 2023 primary have been posted. Lawrence County According Lawrence County’s website, there were 13,266 ballots cast in Lawrence County. Of those, 6,434 were Democratic and 6,832 were Republican. The total voter turnout was 27.27% with 30.17% being Democratic and 25% being Republican. Click here for full unofficial results. Six candidates will be on the ballot for Ellwood City Council in the November 7, 2023 Municipal Election: Republican: William Weller 225 John Fraser 222 George J Celli 202 Democrat: Caleb Cragle 386 Jimmy Johnson 362 Judith Dici 320 Five candidates will be on the ballot…


Election Q&A: Riverside Beaver County School Board Candidates

The Municipal Primary Election will take place on May 16. We caught up with the candidates for Riverside Beaver County School District’s Board of Directors. Where Do I Vote? The Polling Place Search tool will help you locate a polling place for Election day: Find your polling place. Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nikolas Donlin Employment:  Project Manager- Mascaro Construction Former Experience, Roles, and Years Serving on Riverside Beaver County School District Board: 0 years served. Why are you running for School Board? I currently have two children attending Riverside and two more that will attend in the near future. I feel my involvement in the School…


2023 General Primary Elections Are Next Tuesday!

The General Primary Election is Tuesday May 16, 2023. Polls will be open on Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Mail ballots must be received by your county board of elections by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Last day to request an absentee or mail-in ballot: May, 9, 2023. Area polling locations are as follows: ELLPORT BORO: Ellport Community Building, 313 Burns Ave., Ellwood City ELLWOOD CITY BOROUGH: [Election Q&A Series] FIRST WARD: 1st Dist Community Action; 926 Crescent Ave. SECOND WARD: 1st Dist First Methodist Church; 416 Crescent Ave. & Fifth Street THIRD WARD: 1st Dist Christ Presbyterian…