Yesterday, House Bill 2030, which modifies the Ellwood City borough electric department, passed in a 106-89 vote. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-10, New Beaver, will now pass to the state senate.
The bill will prevent the borough from transferring funds from the electric department to the General Fund and includes additional provisions for consumer protection.
The bill’s language limits its impact to boroughs providing electric to more than one county. Out of the 35 boroughs in Pennsylvania that supply electric, only Ellwood City is located in more than one county.
PA State Representative Aaron Bernstine
“We are asking the borough of Ellwood City to operate like the other 98.6 percent of boroughs across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and providing the same consumer protections that those residents enjoy,” Bersnstine said in a statement to Ellwoodcity.org.
At its meeting on Monday, the borough council adopted a resolution opposing House Bills 1405 and 2030. House Bill 1405 was similar to 2030 but applied to other boroughs with municipal electric and was subsequently replaced by 2030.
The resolution passed 4-2, with Rob Brough and Lisa Guerrera dissenting and council president Judi Dici absent.
In addition, council adopted a motion submitted by Marilyn Mancini to hire Robert A. Vescio of Cohen & Grigsby to lobby in opposition of the bill. This motion also passed 4-2 with Brough and Guerrera dissenting. Vescio will be paid a rate of $7,500 for three months.
This action was met with a round of applause from visitors, many of whom spoke against the bill.
Visitor Mary Ann Viccari accused the bill of discriminating against Ellwood City. She also estimated that the loss of general fund revenue would result in either a 14.64 mil tax increase or the elimination of borough services, such as the entire public works department or two-thirds of the police department.
Former borough manager Dom Viccari accused Bernstine of failing to negotiate with the borough and suggested council gradually lower expenses and invest excess money from the electric department.
“Bernstine has a two-edged sword,” Vicarri said,” to cut off our finances and our ability to offer services.”
Visitor Earla Marshall criticized Bernstine and his supporters as people who “have no solutions, only complaints.”
On the other hand, visitor Brian Bush criticized the way the borough relies on electric fund revenue and council’s decision to hire Vescio as an additional cost. However, he clarified he had no overall problem with Ellwood electric, only the way it is managed.
There was also controversy over whether or not the Ellwood City Electric Department complies with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. In a memo sent to council, Bernstine claimed his bill will bring Ellwood City in line with PUC regulations. However, borough solicitor Ed Leymarie claims Ellwood City is already in compliance. EllwoodCity.org has not verified either claim.
AJ and the two fail to explain how they will make up for the shortfall of revenues. It’s becoming more clear that this is the reason they were intentionally absent at the pre-election town hall meetings. AJ’s intent is to destroy Ellwood.
Q. What has AJ done for Ellwood?
A. Nothing but borrow $1.5 TRILLION to balance the state budget.
It’s simple economics. Cheaper electric with higher taxes and massive cuts to services. Should this legislation pass, I will require the two to drive the snow plows, clean the swimming pool, patch the pot holes, and run the street sweeper. In addition, we can expect the state police from Butler or Beaver to respond to 911 calls.
This ill-conceived and empty headed legislation makes for good theatre and nothing else.
Not willing to assume anything… Who might this AJ be that you continue to refer to?
Aaron Joseph Bernstine is the representative for the 10th District of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
What’s very interesting to note is that AJ did NOT win the election from one single ward in Ellwood City. Not one single ward.
AJ’s opponent carried all of Ellwood City wards.
And AJ claims that he is doing the will of Ellwood citizens? HA!
Mary Louise have you ever heard the term “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”?
From the information I can find, Mr Gibbons received 11,224 votes while Mr Bernstine received 15,807. The population of Ellwood City in 2016 was 7,535. I admire and respect Mr Gibbons tremendously, but even if every single resident, let me repeat that.. Every Single Resident in Ellwood City had voted for him, ward or no ward, clearly that is not near enough votes to win an election now is it?
So maybe you are saying that wasn’t your point. Ok. I will add this. Just prior to the 2016 election, you could not go a day without hearing of the “problems and corruption” of Ellwood Electric. The Ledger was FULL of articles and letters to the editor about it. So what has changed? They don’t show up on Friday afternoon and shut your electric off? They now accept payments? Don’t you wonder why the Electric Dept has become a kinder gentler place? I do!
I can only assume by “the two” you are referring to the two newly elected Republicans, Mr Brough and Ms Guerrera on council. Shame on you for being so childish and disrespectful. I was quite vocal with my stance against the four running as a team, I hate that our council is never anything more than a “clique”, but their large amount of facebook followers (which btw was something to the effect of stop Ellwood Electric) and message of fixing the Electric department got two of the four elected. I’m sorry you didn’t understand they were serious or that they would do more than fall in line. “The two” have proven me wrong, and are actually doing what we elected them to do I applaud their efforts!
“Every Single Resident in Ellwood City had voted for him, ward or no ward, clearly that is not near enough votes to win an election now is it?”
• Correct, that is not enough to win an election for the district. However, AJ is pushing a targeted agenda effecting every ward in Ellwood.
Every ward in Ellwood did not consider AJ the best candidate and voted for his opponent. The undisputed numbers are there.
• If this hoodwinking was done in Slippery Rock, we would not be as concerned. According to the voting results, AJ is not Ellwood’s preferred candidate.
“So what has changed? They don’t show up on Friday afternoon and shut your electric off? They now accept payments? Don’t you wonder why the Electric Dept has become a kinder gentler place? I do!”
• Sherri, have you ever heard the term, ‘don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.’ Changes were made and as you admit, progress is being made. Again, you still don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.
• The two continue to fail to explain how they will make up for the revenue shortfall. Slash and burn is not the answer and that’s’ where they’re taking Ellwood.
I will hold them responsible for either tax hikes or reduction of services.
• Town hall meetings are a cornerstone of democracy. The two intentionally failed to attend the meetings. They did not want to answer as to where the revenue shortfalls will be made up. They continue to not answer.
• What is omitted in this entire discussion are the multiple-month delinquent accounts. There’s always someone who doesn’t want to pay for what they use. Then they seek publicity and boo hoo about getting shut off.
“Shame on you for being so childish and disrespectful.”
• You’re kidding, right? As a resident I have the right to have answers to my questions about making up the revenue shortfall.
• Disrespectful? You’re kidding again, right? What’s disrespectful is a candidate intentionally not attending the town hall meetings.
Sherri,
I think you giving credit to a few for the action and initiative of many.
There were many people at the August 1, 2016 special meeting. I was there, I wrote letters and I spoke with members of council personally. I was not alone in this effort as many residents did the same approaching from many directions.
My issues with Ellwood Electric were not about rates. I like that all who live in Ellwood and receive the benefits of services contribute financially. That’s it – the comment that had me removed from Standing Up to Ellwood Electric. It is interesting that other comments I made in that post and I am sure other made after me, became a part of the platform used and mentioned above. I am sure I was not the only one, but cannot verify that because – I was blocked, posts were deleted. To give that group full credit for the changes is a disservice to the MANY that represented the interest of our fellow residents. Another platform issue is to remove or at least reduce landlord responsibility for paying unpaid electric account balances. Who would pay the unpaid balance from electric accounts at rental properties in the borough – really, just thinking of the residents of Ellwood City?
In looking at all of the facts about the election, we cannot ignore the fact that candidates are only permitted to spend $1,000 or that two for Ellwood Electric and two opposed to Ellwood Electric were elected. The two opposed to Ellwood Electric had a campaign fund of $4,000 dollars and received 81 more votes than the two candidates with only $1,000 each. I am not sure anyone can clearly say their platform is what won them the election. As of today, their facebook page has only 474 likes and only 497 followers. Now if you were talking about Aaron Bernstine, it is a different story. He joined the group once they began to receive media coverage. He effectively used the issue of Ellwood Electric to gain recognition. I think that is what got him elected in the district as well as being the reason he did not receive the majority of votes from within Ellwood City yet. Now he claims to have a referendum from the Ellwood voters to pursue action against Ellwood Electric.
I personally have found it difficult not to be disrespectful when speaking of Brough and Guerrera. It takes great energy and strength and I am not always successful. They talked about representing the people and listening to the residents of Ellwood City, but they did not do that prior to election and have not changed since being elected. They did not have enough respect for Ellwood citizens to participate in candidate forums for the primary or general election. They are who they said they were fighting against – politicians who do not listen to the constituents.
Seriously, they have their own agenda and are not listening to or voting in line with the opinions and wishes of the majority of Ellwood voters. This is exactly what I expected of them.
For anyone interested, there is a new group on Facebook. Ellwood City Facts Matter. It is a public forum and promises to be open to all views.
Mary Louise, a friend did some research on this issue after Aaron Bernstine claimed being elected to the office was his referendum by the people of Ellwood City to take action against Ellwood Electric. He in fact did not receive the majority of votes cast by Ellwood residents. Jared Gibbons was Ellwood’s choice. He did however win 4th ward by 1 vote but lost in all others:
Ward1 District 1 Gibbons 217** Bernstine 214
Ward 2 District 1 Gibbons 204** Bernstine 188
Ward 3 District 1 Gibbons 207** Bernstine 165
Ward 4 District 1 Gibbons 233** Bernstine 228
Ward 4 District 2 Gibbons 237 Bernstine 243**
Ward 5 District 1 Gibbons 235** Bernstine 198
Ward 5 District 2 Gibbons 337** Bernstine 312
I wish there were a way to contact you. I think you would be interested in a group that is forming.
Including absentee votes, Gibbons won in EVERY Ellwood City ward.
AJ does not have an Ellwood City mandate.
He does however, have a mandate in Plain Grove.
My source was the county board of elections.
Ward 1-Gibbons 227, AJ 222
Ward 2-Gibbons 215, AJ 193
Ward 3-Gibbons 215, AJ 168
Ward 4-Gibbons 484, AJ 478
Ward 5-Gibbons 595, AJ 524
I predict the margins will be much greater in the next election. People are watching what is done and ignoring what is said. I would be interested in joining the group.
Note to moderator: You have my permission to provide my email to El.l.
Mary Louise, I have not heard from the moderator so perhaps they do not share that information even with permission. I too give permission for my email to be shared with Mary Louise if that is possible. I humbly yield to your statistics on the election results. I enjoy reading your comments and find your knowledge and ability to communicate that we others like myself refreshing. Are you interested in Representing the 10th District?
It’s a very compelling offer. Thank you!
I don’t know how I would get to meet with your group.
Mary Louise, please consider joining Ellwood City Facts Matter, a new group that got off the ground today. It is not a public group as I previously said, it is a private group although all have been graciously welcomed thus far. In 1 day 300 people have joined. The promise is to welcome the opinions of all.
Mary Louise – Can you please provide a link to show those election results by ward? I’m not saying you’re incorrect, I just cannot find anything online showing those stats.
Search for past election results in the general or primary tabulation according to cycle.
Anthony go to Lawrence County Government Center 2016 election results by precincts – not the summary. It is an 86 page print out. Ellwood City results for District 10 begins on page 22. Hope this helps! I have listed the results above.
Who the heck is AJ?
Mary Louise I could not agree with you more. Ellwood Electric is a decision that should be made by the residents of Ellwood City, not people elected from around the state, NONE of which reside in Ellwood City. Put this issue on the Ballot for Ellwood residents to vote on. Aaron Bernstein, withdraw HB2030 and allow the people of Ellwood City to speak!
Sherri, Unfortunately the Standing Up for Ellwood page for the most part only reflected opinions in favor of the change and only showed complaints. Yes, they do have a large number of followers, but there are many followers, myself included, who were accepted as followers but are not allowed to post or even view posts because we dared to express a different opinion. If a group is so afraid to allow differing opinions then the group itself becomes bogus. Taking the page seriously was a given; it’s a shame they wanted followers but then banned those same followers from expressing a differing point of view. The message of fixing the Electric department that got two of the four elected was manipulated by the deletions and blocking of followers. I also disagree that the “two” are doing what we elected them to do. Their promise to slash salaries and benefits has not been done. Not giving raises to most employees does not count towards slashing salaries already in place when they made that promise. Putting the police department on notice Jan. 1st that they would be disbanded has also not been done. Those were two of the promises communicated to me at my house prior to the election. Those were the promises of change they said would open the door to making changes to the electric. Saving nickles and dimes is not what they promised, they promised over a million in cuts. In their words making those huge cuts would allow for the change in the electric. I am in no way saying I supported those promises or changes, but before any change to our electric occurs those promised cuts would have to happen. The cart is before the horse now and the potential to financially destroy our city is on the horizon. And as stated before, we the people of Ellwood City, did not elect AB. We spoke loudly and clearly that we did not want him as our State Representative.
According to the roll call, CHRISTIANA (R PA-15), MARSHALL (R PA-14), METCALFE (R PA-12), MUSTIO (R PA-44), SACCONE (R PA-39), SAINATO (D PA-9), TURZAI (R PA-28) plus 101 other legislators voted for AJ’s HB 2030.
The spotlight is now on VOGEL. I suspect VOGEL will not answer to us. After all, VOGEL has yet to set foot in Ellwood City.
Follow up eyes will be watching AJ’s reciprocity vote favoring CHRISTIANA, MARSHALL, METCALFE, MUSTIO, SACCONE, and TURZAI. SAINATO was left off the list because AJ has yet to demonstrate any bipartisanship.
I sent a letter to all representatives yesterday, thanking those that voted against the bill and chastising in as strong words as possible those that voted for the bill. I am still astounded that representatives would vote for a bill that only affects one city in the state simply because it didn’t affect them. I remember AB strongly talking about bringing much needed integrity to Harrisburg; we obviously have a different definition of the word. Time to start emailing and calling Senators especially Vogel’s office.
All of you property owners along with some of Ellwood cities finest landlords better get ready for a big tax hike! This entire issue is fueled by people with a distaste for the police department and others that actually have a job! All of those complaining contribute very little to Ellwood city in any way! I have never once seen any of the local businesses complaining or the decent landlords of ellwood that rent to responsible people.
AJ + 2 have a problem with Ellwood police but conveniently ignore the salaries and benefits of the PSP.
Don’t get distracted when AJ +2 bloviate about this shiny object over here while over there, AJ +2 are doing that.
From patrooper.com, the PSP starting salary is $ 59,567 with overtime pay and shift differential.
• Troopers are granted an annual clothing allowance of $600.
• Troopers earn 10 vacation days during their first year of employment and then 15 days of vacation beginning with their second year of employment.
• Troopers earn 15 sick days per calendar year.
• Troopers receive 12 paid holidays per calendar year.
• Troopers receive 4 personal days per calendar year.
Upon graduation, Troopers and their dependents are eligible for Health Care Program, Dental Care Program, Vision Care Plan, Prescription Drug Program, and a Health Reimbursement Account.
The Commonwealth pays the entire cost of all coverage for the Trooper and their eligible family members. REPEAT: The Commonwealth pays the ENTIRE cost of ALL coverage.
CONCLUSION: It’s good for them but not for you.
Even If HB2030 makes it to law, Ellwood City Electric could just stop providing to the Beaver County portion of the borough. HB2030 would no longer apply to Ellwood City and the people living in the southern 1 and a half blocks of town can pay for a new connection fee, a security deposit to their new provider, and have strangers knocking on their doors asking to see their electric bills…..
This is not right..It fails to remedy other small monopolistic boroughs who are being fleeced by the commingling of egregious surcharged rate & fees with an unregulated general capital spending account (hidden taxation).Its not fair that only Ellwood City gets justice while we in Ephrata (Lancaster Co ) for example suffer from this abhorrent fiscal misfeasance.HB 1405 was such a “godsend ” as it included the other 1% citizens who have no right of “legislated ” choice & get fleeced without warning or accountability by upwards of 10 – 20+ % surcharged electric rates each month & the borough might only commingle 10% of utility revenue in lieu of Ellwood Cities abusive percentage.HB2030 addresses only the biggest abuser & betrays & sells out us other Pennsylvanians being held in Bondage.HB 1405 is the “true” solution as it provides equal justice & protection for all other taxpayers & residents subjected to these few oligarchic monopolies… HB 1405 needs brought back or HB2030 amended to include others being financially abused & having their “legislated ” right of choice suppressed. I am saddened by what appears to be a sellout. This action implies that as long as you only take from & abuse a taxpayer a little it’s tolerated.Just don’t get too greedy…. Not buying that deal…HB 2030 ” Smells “
Its just a ploy to let corporation’s take over the entire grid in PA, and they will then charge whatever they want. The Property taxes go up, rent goes up, and the actual problem? People with limited budgets are in the same place they are now. A Good state rep would be fighting to raise wages/income or for helping people on fixed low budgets, so they could pay their electric bill in the first place. Shifting the Profit to a corporation solves nothing other then keeping Arron in line for job he wants in the Private sector after he serves his 2 terms.
Robert, I wish Aaron was doing this for you – he is certainly not doing this for me. He is not doing this for the majority of Ellwood residents, he is definitely not doing it for the majority of Ellwood voters as he DID NOT carry Ellwood’s votes – not even Ward 4 as I erroneously reported earlier.
Thank you for your service to our county, I read another post your wrote speaking of what you fought for in 1969. I believe you fought, in part, for the right of family, friends, neighbors, community and myself to have a voice in how we are governed. That is not happening here. I do not know about your town, I can only speak of mine. Ellwood electric was not secret taxation – it was very well known by older citizens in Ellwood. It has not been hidden in the financial documents – it is clearly stated in the audits, it is in the budgets all of which can easily be found on the borough website. I found that not to be true for most municipalities as I researched this issue. Some how we now blame local government for our own lack of initiative, interest and participation in knowing how our local government operates.
I grew up in a family where my parents became active in local government as a result of our drinking water being contaminated. They were not people of “importance” nor did they yield any power in government. My dad was a mill worker, my mom, only completed the 7th grade as she had to go to work to help support her family. Ellwood drinking water was contaminated. I do not recall if it was all of Ellwood or just areas, but I remember so vividly the gallon jars of water samples on the shelves in our basement and the sediment at the bottom of the jars. I remember the look on my mom’s face after receiving phone calls which we later found were threatening our safety and well being if they continued to pursue the issue. Once my parents passed, I found anonymous letters that were written that were so hateful and threatening. I understand corruption and what it breeds. I understand why it is important not to allow one’s voice to be taken away regardless of how they are trying to do it. HB2030 removes my voice and the voice of Ellwood City residents.
It was started by a group of people who blocked people and removed their posts when they were dissenting views or wanted to discuss facts not allegations. The group contained many who were not residents of Ellwood City. They gained some media attention at the time Aaron Bernstine was running for Representative. And now has a bill going to the senate that takes away authority from those I and all Ellwood residents have had the opportunity to vote for to govern my city. A bill that does that to my municipality alone because the only homework he did on this entire issue was look at a map.
Option #1. Pennsylvania Constitution ARTICLE VI, Section 7, § 6
The Governor and all other civil officers shall be liable to impeachment for any misbehavior in office, but judgment in such cases shall not extend further than to removal from office and disqualification to hold any office of trust or profit under this Commonwealth. The person accused, whether convicted or acquitted, shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment according to law. (May 17, 1966, 1965 P.L.1928, J.R.10)
Option #2. Election Day November 6, 2018 register.votespa.com
Resist every day for 28 weeks and 3 days. District 10th will be known for Pennsylvania’s only one term representative.
Mary Louise you are right, the sun will come out tomorrow. I had invited you to the new group Ellwood City Facts Matter, I am wondering if you joined. I have never considered my self a paranoid person, but with the current climate, fake accounts, etc. I am a bit weary of just trusting on Facebook.
This entire issue comes down to a simple question. Why should we give profits on the sale of Electricity to Penn Power when it could stay in Ellwood?
If this passes, then electric rates could go down but then the Boro is operating a utility for no gain which is dumb. So they sell off to Penn Power and our rates go back up to Penn Power levels which are close to where ours are now. Plus taxes are raised to cover the shortfall because we no longer keep the proceeds of the electric co.
I’m all for smaller government and smaller budgets but taking away a revenue stream and forcing massive cuts or tax increases without a plan is foolish and reckless. The only option the council would have to balance the budget would be to disband the police force. But we’d probably still be on the hook for the pensions that the State mandates we provide.