Local News

Republican State House candidate Aaron Bernstine today signed a “No Perks Pledge,” vowing to turn down the costly extras which members of the general assembly have charged taxpayers as a way to pad their incomes. Bernstine said he won’t accept a taxpayer-leased automobile, will reject the lavish defined-benefits state pension career lawmakers enjoy, and will turn down the no-receipt expense accounts called per diems that pay lawmakers an extra $159 for each day the legislature is in session. Incumbent State Rep. Jaret Gibbons was recently identified in a news report as the second-costliest user of per diems in the entire…

Ellwood City residents may expect to be paying higher taxes in the new year after council voted to pass a bond during their regular meeting on Monday. The exact wording of the motion was, “a motion would be in order to authorize a bond issue in the amount of $9 million for the purpose of building a new public works facility, electric facility, purchase a new fire truck, the Borough’s match for a Multi-modal Grant and the installation/maintenance of streets/infrastructure.” Council discussed the motion before deciding to pass it; David DeCaria, the council Vice President, reminded that although the Borough…

The monthly regular meeting was held last night; many things were voted on and discussed. The meeting started with a call to order followed by the roll call, Major Court was absent. There were two commendations, Jim Spielvogel was awarded the Operator Ingenuity Award, and Christ Presbyterian Church was recognized for 125 years of service. The commedations were followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and then visitors were asked to present any comments or questions they may have. Dave Gulish, a previous resident of Ellwood, was the first of several visitors to voice their concerns. He asked Bob Villella, the…

Dave Gulish, a previous resident of Ellwood and activist against the current Ellwood Electric situation, attended last nights council meeting in order to publicly state his concerns. Gulish was the first of the visitors to speak, he started by asking Bob Villella, the borough manager, what changes have been made to the electric bills and the electric company window hours; he gave the example that he received a late fee on his most recent bill, however, he never got it in the mail, and he claims that the electric company was fully aware of him never receiving the bill. Villella…