Politics

At Monday’s borough council meeting, council unanimously voted to re-affirm the borough’s position on the Uniform Policy on Body Armor. The policy requires police officers to wear bulletproof vests as part of their uniform and was originally adopted by council in a unanimous vote on Nov. 18, 2013. According to council, two police officers do not always wear their vests, and council intends on enforcing the policy. Council member John Todorich said the policy should be amended to say punishment is up to and including termination. “Taxpayers pay for those vests, and they cost $1000 each,” Todorich said. “They should…

Two motions, spontaneously suggested by outgoing council members at Monday’s council meeting, caused some stir among council. The first motion, a proposal by council member Ralph Chiappetta to appoint two part time patrol offices to full time, ultimately failed 5-2. The second motion, suggested by council member John Todorich, to install gates at the Ewing Park swimming pool parking lot passed 4-3. For Chiappetta and Todorich, Monday was their penultimate meeting. Chiappetta lost in the May primaries and Todorich was defeated in the general election on Nov. 3. Both seconded each others’ motions. During the new business segment of the…

The following is a brief summary of the council meeting on held on Monday, Nov. 16: Announcements There will be a public hearing today at 2 p.m. to discuss storm water management systems. Visitors Three visitors spoke regarding the Inmetco fire on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 8 and 9. Overall, residents wanted to know if the borough has any system in place to the community of an emergency and expressed concerns about the environmental effect. On Nov. 9, the Ellwoodcity.org staff spoke to Fire Chief Rick Myers who stated that the DEP officer on the scene advised nearby residents to…

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…