Politics

HARRISBURG, Sept. 21 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, announced that two rural fire companies in the 10th Legislative District are receiving $5,667 in state grants to aid their operations. Local fire companies in rural areas or communities with fewer than 10,000 residents qualify for the aid. “I am happy that our fire companies are being awarded this financial boost so they can continue providing needed life-saving services in order to protect citizens living in rural areas,” Gibbons said. Fire companies in the 10th Legislative District receiving grants are: New Beaver Borough Volunteer Fire Department, Wampum, $2,900; Volant Volunteer Fire…

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…

Senator Vogel announced yesterday 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, September 21 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…

Yesterday held the agenda meeting for the month, the following was discussed and will be voted on at the next meeting on Monday the 19th: Christopher Brant asked council for approval on his proposed community project for Boy Scouts, (read the full story here). A visitor asked council about a previous 90 minute parking proposal due claims of students taking up parking spaces in front of homes, that had yet to be resolved. Connie MacDonald, the council president, said it will be discussed in the meeting but it won’t be voted on until next week. Another visitor expressed his concerns…