Politics

At Monday’s agenda setting meeting on November 9, the Ellwood City borough council discussed adopting amended civil service regulations at its regular meeting next Monday, Nov. 16. Borough solicitor Ed Leymarie mentioned that a specific requirement in the regulations could cause legal issues. The regulations, as they stand to be adopted, require prospective police officers to live within 25 miles of the borough. Leymarie said that council does not have authority to unilaterally make that a requirement and must first negotiate with the police union. He said there is substantial case law supporting a negotiation. Council responded by asking Leymarie…

Ellwood City Borough council will reform in December with two new, but old, faces. Former council members Judi Dici, Democrat, and George Celli, Republican won, returning to council after losing an election in 2013. Incumbent Marilyn Mancini, Democrat, won re-election and will now serve a third term. Two candidates lost: incumbent John Todorich, Democrat, who was also seeking a third term, and newcomer Suzanne Bleakney, Republican. In the race for county commissioner, incumbents Dan Volger, Republican, Steve Craig, Democrat, and Robert DelSignore, Republican, won. Defense Attorney David Acker, Republican, claimed county judge win, defeating District Judge Melissa Amodie, Democrat. County…

The Ellwood City Borough Council may travel back a few years pending Tuesday’s election results. Five candidates are running for three positions. As two candidates are incumbents and two are former council members, it is likely the council will reorganize in December with an old composition. Incumbent Ralph Chiappetta sought reelection but lost in the primaries. A full list of candidates running for Lawrence County and local positions can be found here. Candidate bios are primarily from Kitchen Cabinet’s Meet the Candidates held before the primary elections in May. Suzanne Bleakney Republican Suzanne Bleakney is the only newcomer on the…

Council voted to purchase a new police cruiser at Monday’s council meeting on October 19. However, the vote was not unanimous. Council members Ralph Chiapetta and David DeCaria voted no. Chiappetta said that due to low patrol hours in the police department (about 2.4/man hour), he couldn’t justify purchasing a new cruiser. “The police department has been focusing on drug activity while other crimes, such as vandalism, are on the rise,” Chiappetta said. David DeCaria joined Chiappetta in the dissenting vote, adding that the decision “won’t affect the safety of officers or the public.” However, the other five members of…