Politics

There was plenty of discussion at Ellwood’s regular meeting last night: The Post family, owners of T&M Hardware, were invited to formally receive a commendation for 25 years of service, presented by council president Connie MacDonald. Dr. Nanjunda was also recognized for his performance as a local physician for 34 years. Aaron Bernstine publicly announced that his office is secured to be in the same location as the previous State Representatives’ office. He also thanked council for their continued support and cooperation in his endeavors to find an appropriate office location. Judy Dici asked if Bernstine will be employing Gibbon’s…

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that effective November 12, 2016, it will no longer enforce the Stage II vapor recovery requirement for new or modified gasoline dispensing equipment. Senate Bill 1386, a measure introduced by Senator Elder Vogel Jr. and signed into law as Act 135 of 2012, eliminated the requirement that gas stations in the Pittsburgh region install Stage II vapor recovery systems on fuel pumps. Since 2000, all passenger cars and light trucks have been required to include onboard refueling emissions controls, rendering the costly Stage II vapor recovery systems on fuel pumps redundant….

HARRISBURG, Nov. 14  – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said he was delighted that animal rights supporters from across Pennsylvania held a rally at the state Capitol today urging passage of his legislation that would include stricter penalties and requirements so animals are not returned to their abusers. Also included in Bizzarro’s bill is anti-tethering provisions and language to protect horses. The bill remains in the Rules Committee awaiting a House vote. Bizzarro said he continues to work with the House and Senate leadership to advance the legislation. “I will continue to push for this bill and, if need be,…

Yesterday evening held the first of two monthly reoccurring council meetings; the first one is for the council committee to discuss what will be voted on at the next meeting. According to Lisa Guerrera, a member of the community and activist for the Standing Up to Ellwood Electric group on Facebook, there were several visitors at the meeting who brought comments, concerns, and questions to the meeting for discussion: Her post states, “…Dan Franus, Architectural Engineer, spoke first and showed drawings of the proposed new Borough Building and Electric Building. It has been decided not to change locations, and to…

HARRISBURG – State Rep.-elect Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence) is anxiously preparing to begin his first term in office representing the 10th Legislative District. Bernstine will establish a full-time local office when his term officially begins next month. Until that time, to ensure residents of the 10th Legislative District can access assistance with state government concerns or questions, Bernstine has established a toll-free number to call for help: 1-855-282-0615. “It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to represent our communities at the state Capitol,” Bernstine said. “I look forward to getting to work to advance policies that will support job…

Senator Vogel announced today that he will host a veterans’ specialist in his New Castle District Office to assist constituents with various issues related to their military service. Stephanie Bengoa of the American Legion Veterans Assistance Program will be available on Wednesday, November 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Senator Vogel’s New Castle Office (1905 W. State St. New Castle, PA 16101). No appointment is necessary. Ms. Bengoa can assist veterans and their families understand the benefits they have earned, enroll in the V.A. health care system, assist with the appeals process, and much more. Please bring any…

ELLWOOD CITY, Nov. 10 –The offices of state Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, will be closing permanently on Friday, Nov. 11. Gibbons said that all documents and state Transportation Department paperwork currently being processed by his offices will be mailed directly to the individual’s home. Constituents who need assistance with a state-related matter should contact their local state senator: Beaver County – Sen. Elder Vogel, 724-774-0444 Butler County – Sen. Scott Hutchinson, 724-282-1234. Lawrence County – Sen. Elder Vogel, 724-654-1444.