There is a lot going on with an issue that I am in and researching. It has given me a few more gray hairs, if that is possible. Not much I can discuss at this time, but I am planning on making the rest of the council aware of it at February meeting.
The training has not been rescheduled as of yet. I have read over all the materials and it has given me some ideas of things to look into as far as our local volunteer fire department is concerned.
There is suppose to be a meeting of the sewer committee soon. I will try to contain my excitement.
Sorry there is not a lot to talk about. It is important to keep you informed. It is my understanding that February's Council Meeting, still in the Borough Building, will be moved to the area where the Insurance Agency vacated. This should be stated in the printed notice, but in case it is over-looked I thought I would mention it here. There will be signs posted to guide you to the proper location.
Remember you can always contact me at (724) 552-9531 or by e-mail: david4delmont@gmail.com
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Training Day 2
I was up at 3:30 AM shoveling out to attend the second day of New Borough Official Training. One of the Instructors stayed at the training location and the other lives real close. The way they were acting we would more than likely have training today. I checked the website there was no update. It wasn't until I arrived at the training site that I learned that Harrisburg cancelled the training at about 7;00 AM. Too bad I was already on the road. This training was extremely important to me so I wanted to make sure that I got it. They will be rescheduling a make-up.
I did make many good contacts yesterday, including someone that I have asked to join my personal advisory group. He is a nuclear expert. It was interesting to learn that there are some boroughs that are worse off than we are. It was even more surprising to learn that some councils were engaged in practices that aren't congruent with the way things should work in local governments. That is why this training is so important.
I have learned a lot about funding fire departments and local governments responsibilities. I want to check into more about pass through funding were the State gives the Borough X number of dollars specifically to be passed directly to the local Fire Department. I don't remember seeing any mention of this on the budget sheets.
So much to learn.
I did make many good contacts yesterday, including someone that I have asked to join my personal advisory group. He is a nuclear expert. It was interesting to learn that there are some boroughs that are worse off than we are. It was even more surprising to learn that some councils were engaged in practices that aren't congruent with the way things should work in local governments. That is why this training is so important.
I have learned a lot about funding fire departments and local governments responsibilities. I want to check into more about pass through funding were the State gives the Borough X number of dollars specifically to be passed directly to the local Fire Department. I don't remember seeing any mention of this on the budget sheets.
So much to learn.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
This is a Big Weekend
I am very excited as Basic Training for newly elected borough officials, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs, starts tomorrow. I am very grateful to my lovely wife who is taking a personal day to care for the kids. I am hopeful to learn many things that will help me serve you better to the extent possible in the current Borough political climate. I may have some exciting news to share about my personal association with the PA Association of Boroughs, but I will wait to see how that possibility plays out before saying more.
The training will take place tomorrow and Saturday in Greensburg. One of the things that excites me the most is will not be two days of sewage. This might come as a slight disappointment to those who wish to keep me sewers of Delmont, but they will just have to adjust. I am sure the information will help me with other crap that I have to deal with.
The training will take place tomorrow and Saturday in Greensburg. One of the things that excites me the most is will not be two days of sewage. This might come as a slight disappointment to those who wish to keep me sewers of Delmont, but they will just have to adjust. I am sure the information will help me with other crap that I have to deal with.
Sunday, January 17, 2016
On The Streets of Delmont
There were two areas I wanted to visit today. The first was up to the Borough Garage property. I wanted to see the recycling area as well as the "storm drain" entrance that the "illicit discharges" from recycling would enter. I also wanted to visit the work site on Christy Road were the stream bank work was completed.
It is amazing what one can learn while buying hoagies from the Boy Scouts on the street corner. Actually, today it was buying from the mothers of the Boy Scouts as they had some rock climbing outing and yesterday was the only time they could get out. I would strongly encourage all residents to support our local Scout Troop. The service the render for Apple Festival, Pilgrimage, other special community days, serving at some local church functions, and providing service projects to the community is an asset to us all. Sorry, for the slight excursion from the main point. I talked to a resident of the Community for 48 years. She asked me about the Bus Stop in Delmont. Apparently, she is an elder in one of the local churches and after discussions were willing to let bus commuters use the church parking lot and alleviate the street parking concerns of last year. She was told she would need to contact the attorney of Westmoreland Transit Authority to make the offer to them. She has and has not heard anything back. Before, I was elected to Council I attended many meetings. At one of those meetings I remember the Council talking about trying to move the bus stop out of Delmont and to Export. In all honesty, I am not a bus user and their is so much other stuff going on in this town that I put a personal higher priority on. Briefly my position is the Residents of Delmont deserve to have a local bus stop. A early morning commuter population offers income potential for local business who would choose to capitalize on it, or entry of a local entrepreneur to fill the current void. Secondly, it is always easier to forfeit public services than to get them back once lost. Too bad the same can't be said for taxes. It seems that temporary taxes have a way of never going away. I am not referring to any local taxes I know of, but rather to taxes in general. If a bus stop in Delmont is important to you please let me know. Your concerns will cause me to re prioritize the issues that I believe are important.
The information that I gathered from the visit to the borough property and recycling area is as follows so far. Please keep in mind that I have only read about 200 of the 800 pages plus I found so far is I have not found anyway that the recycling is impacted by MS4 at its current location. There were some things that appeared to me to be a bigger concern than the possible contamination of rain water ruin-off by the recycling. This is preliminary and I want to do more research as well as talk to our engineer about his interpretation.
The area where the stream bank project was completed looks pretty good. The Engineers must have chosen a very good excavator as the resident of the property hired the excavator to fix-up his property after the Borough project was complete. There are many sewer and water issues in this area that will require more attention at a different time.
Finally, I would ask all residents to try to work out differences amongst themselves. If the Borough Ordinance Officer pays you a visit, it does not necessarily mean that someone has reported you to the Borough. Our Ordinance Officer does drive around town and make his own observations. If your neighbor's activities is adversely affecting your enjoyment of property or living conditions talk to them and tell them your concerns. If it is a known ordinance violation tell them and give them a chance to abate the problem, and if they don't tell them that you will report them and tell them the ordinance in question. This should prevent any hard feelings and it lies the whole situation wide upon and on the table. Try to resolve your own issues, believe me you wouldn't want the current sitting council to mediate differences. Life is too short and our town is too small not to get along.
It is amazing what one can learn while buying hoagies from the Boy Scouts on the street corner. Actually, today it was buying from the mothers of the Boy Scouts as they had some rock climbing outing and yesterday was the only time they could get out. I would strongly encourage all residents to support our local Scout Troop. The service the render for Apple Festival, Pilgrimage, other special community days, serving at some local church functions, and providing service projects to the community is an asset to us all. Sorry, for the slight excursion from the main point. I talked to a resident of the Community for 48 years. She asked me about the Bus Stop in Delmont. Apparently, she is an elder in one of the local churches and after discussions were willing to let bus commuters use the church parking lot and alleviate the street parking concerns of last year. She was told she would need to contact the attorney of Westmoreland Transit Authority to make the offer to them. She has and has not heard anything back. Before, I was elected to Council I attended many meetings. At one of those meetings I remember the Council talking about trying to move the bus stop out of Delmont and to Export. In all honesty, I am not a bus user and their is so much other stuff going on in this town that I put a personal higher priority on. Briefly my position is the Residents of Delmont deserve to have a local bus stop. A early morning commuter population offers income potential for local business who would choose to capitalize on it, or entry of a local entrepreneur to fill the current void. Secondly, it is always easier to forfeit public services than to get them back once lost. Too bad the same can't be said for taxes. It seems that temporary taxes have a way of never going away. I am not referring to any local taxes I know of, but rather to taxes in general. If a bus stop in Delmont is important to you please let me know. Your concerns will cause me to re prioritize the issues that I believe are important.
The information that I gathered from the visit to the borough property and recycling area is as follows so far. Please keep in mind that I have only read about 200 of the 800 pages plus I found so far is I have not found anyway that the recycling is impacted by MS4 at its current location. There were some things that appeared to me to be a bigger concern than the possible contamination of rain water ruin-off by the recycling. This is preliminary and I want to do more research as well as talk to our engineer about his interpretation.
The area where the stream bank project was completed looks pretty good. The Engineers must have chosen a very good excavator as the resident of the property hired the excavator to fix-up his property after the Borough project was complete. There are many sewer and water issues in this area that will require more attention at a different time.
Finally, I would ask all residents to try to work out differences amongst themselves. If the Borough Ordinance Officer pays you a visit, it does not necessarily mean that someone has reported you to the Borough. Our Ordinance Officer does drive around town and make his own observations. If your neighbor's activities is adversely affecting your enjoyment of property or living conditions talk to them and tell them your concerns. If it is a known ordinance violation tell them and give them a chance to abate the problem, and if they don't tell them that you will report them and tell them the ordinance in question. This should prevent any hard feelings and it lies the whole situation wide upon and on the table. Try to resolve your own issues, believe me you wouldn't want the current sitting council to mediate differences. Life is too short and our town is too small not to get along.
Thursday, January 14, 2016
My Personal Advisory Group
I had dinner with a gentlemen tonight who has agreed to help me in my efforts. At this time he wishes to remain anonymous. He has given me a new energy and hope with ideas to approach issues such as Speedway, Shield's Farm, and the Policies and Procedures currently in place within our Borough. I am not sure how many others I will be able to get to help. I am thinking no more than six. They will have the option to be introduced on the Blog or to remain confidential. I promise if I report in this blog that a person has joined my advisory board that a person exists in fact. I am not going to make things up for effect or to exaggerate the capabilities that I am building through others' expertise. The proof in their existence will become known through my actions in service to you. I mean after all I have been deemed appropriate for Sewage duty only.
One more quick comment about the enthusiasm I received from tonight's meeting. It expired a slogan I may adopt for any political activities I may wish to engage in. 6 to 1 I might be unable to get anything officially done, but boy will I have fun! What does this mean for those of you that have elected me to this office? 1) I will do anything possible to help you that is moral, ethical, and legal that 6 to 1 can achieve. 2) You will know more about the issue and actions of Borough activities in the last 10 years.3) I will give a whole new meaning to games in politics. I do not mean the underhanded political maneuvering that phrase could imply, but rather more fun and uplifting activities like "Pin the tail on the Jackass". No, I am not referring to mascot of the Democratic Party, but rather the bipartisan beasts that can affect any political organization.
One more quick comment about the enthusiasm I received from tonight's meeting. It expired a slogan I may adopt for any political activities I may wish to engage in. 6 to 1 I might be unable to get anything officially done, but boy will I have fun! What does this mean for those of you that have elected me to this office? 1) I will do anything possible to help you that is moral, ethical, and legal that 6 to 1 can achieve. 2) You will know more about the issue and actions of Borough activities in the last 10 years.3) I will give a whole new meaning to games in politics. I do not mean the underhanded political maneuvering that phrase could imply, but rather more fun and uplifting activities like "Pin the tail on the Jackass". No, I am not referring to mascot of the Democratic Party, but rather the bipartisan beasts that can affect any political organization.
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Meeting January 12, 2016
Tonight's meeting ran very well. The meeting was actually conducted by a council member Andrew Shissler. The Solicitor and President were absent.
I passed out the 20 year old lost agreement from Shield's Farm. I was not interrupted; yet, I am still going to make a post a video about the Farm on You tube and run it through this blog spot. I wanted to have it done before I passed out the document, but my voice is not cooperating fully this week. It is imperative that town take back control of this valuable asset. I will have a lot more to say about all the properties the Borough owns.
It is funny but council is still entertaining the idea of renovating the borough garage building. I had thought the issue was dead when it was decided that the borough building would not be sold. What caught my attention was a drawing of the proposed renovation that is part of the building. The drawing was made by official looking software. I did not recognize the name of the drawer, or the checker. My concern was the credentials of the "architect" and the checker. I recognized the checker as TJ the chief of police. In the 5 years I spent in the engineering department of an aircraft instrument manufacturer and the 2 years as an Environmental Safety Inspector on construction sites I learned that only licensed architects or structural building engineers could draw plans and usually the person checking the plan had to have the same credential. I was assured by Carl Boyd that the drawing was only for rough conceptual ideas. TJ wanted to make sure that I realized that he was asked to provide the drawing to council and he did not generate the idea. For some strange reason he thought I would spread rumors that he wanted a new office. I am not in the business of spreading rumors. One of the reasons I have decided to Blog my impressions, and positions is so rumors aren't started about me. You can come right to the source read it first hand and don't even to make a Sun Shine Act request.
Bills I questioned: 1) Grate Repair $779.08 to EJ USA. 2) $1014.44 to Muray Auto Electric for repair to Borough Truck. That seems a bit high to me I may still ask to see the actual bill.
To the Constituent that wanted to know total costs of the Stream bank on Christy Road $290.28 Engineering. Material $10,000 and the wall was $13,850. Another note worthy event was the $5100 hoist from pump station sewer contract to put a hoist on a borough truck. It will be interesting to see if the total cost will be more or less than the $5100 reduction.
One of my biggest concerns is recycling in Delmont may have to end under the MS4 protocol and the location of borough property to a stream. The Lions club is a very importany organization within our community and recycling is a big fund raiser for them. More needs to be determined about this regulation. No alternatives were given at this time.
I passed out the 20 year old lost agreement from Shield's Farm. I was not interrupted; yet, I am still going to make a post a video about the Farm on You tube and run it through this blog spot. I wanted to have it done before I passed out the document, but my voice is not cooperating fully this week. It is imperative that town take back control of this valuable asset. I will have a lot more to say about all the properties the Borough owns.
It is funny but council is still entertaining the idea of renovating the borough garage building. I had thought the issue was dead when it was decided that the borough building would not be sold. What caught my attention was a drawing of the proposed renovation that is part of the building. The drawing was made by official looking software. I did not recognize the name of the drawer, or the checker. My concern was the credentials of the "architect" and the checker. I recognized the checker as TJ the chief of police. In the 5 years I spent in the engineering department of an aircraft instrument manufacturer and the 2 years as an Environmental Safety Inspector on construction sites I learned that only licensed architects or structural building engineers could draw plans and usually the person checking the plan had to have the same credential. I was assured by Carl Boyd that the drawing was only for rough conceptual ideas. TJ wanted to make sure that I realized that he was asked to provide the drawing to council and he did not generate the idea. For some strange reason he thought I would spread rumors that he wanted a new office. I am not in the business of spreading rumors. One of the reasons I have decided to Blog my impressions, and positions is so rumors aren't started about me. You can come right to the source read it first hand and don't even to make a Sun Shine Act request.
Bills I questioned: 1) Grate Repair $779.08 to EJ USA. 2) $1014.44 to Muray Auto Electric for repair to Borough Truck. That seems a bit high to me I may still ask to see the actual bill.
To the Constituent that wanted to know total costs of the Stream bank on Christy Road $290.28 Engineering. Material $10,000 and the wall was $13,850. Another note worthy event was the $5100 hoist from pump station sewer contract to put a hoist on a borough truck. It will be interesting to see if the total cost will be more or less than the $5100 reduction.
One of my biggest concerns is recycling in Delmont may have to end under the MS4 protocol and the location of borough property to a stream. The Lions club is a very importany organization within our community and recycling is a big fund raiser for them. More needs to be determined about this regulation. No alternatives were given at this time.
Why so adversarial?
I am sorry it took so long to respond to these questions asked to me a couple of days ago. I was asked, "Why are you being openly adversarial with the rest of council? Are you just trying to make a name for yourself."
These questions really hit me hard, but if these impressions of me exist in the community the must be addressed. My nature is one of cooperation in achieving worthwhile goals. I learned and exercised this value when I was appointed by Governor of Kansas to Serve on a technical review committee, spending three years working for Environmental Protection Agency subcontractor ironing out issues between Federal and state agencies, serving as President of Delmont Rotary Club serving as President of Greensburg Toastmaster's Club, and leading to the Distinguished President Award. I have a very long history of relationship building with diverse groups. The adversarial position was thrown at me and I will explain the short history in a minute.
In fact it is my goal to borrow Rotary International's Four Way Test and apply it to the most practical extent possible.
These questions really hit me hard, but if these impressions of me exist in the community the must be addressed. My nature is one of cooperation in achieving worthwhile goals. I learned and exercised this value when I was appointed by Governor of Kansas to Serve on a technical review committee, spending three years working for Environmental Protection Agency subcontractor ironing out issues between Federal and state agencies, serving as President of Delmont Rotary Club serving as President of Greensburg Toastmaster's Club, and leading to the Distinguished President Award. I have a very long history of relationship building with diverse groups. The adversarial position was thrown at me and I will explain the short history in a minute.
In fact it is my goal to borrow Rotary International's Four Way Test and apply it to the most practical extent possible.
THE FOUR-WAY TEST
Of the things we think, say or do
* Is it the Truth?
* Is it fair to all concerned?
* Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
* Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
Clearly an Adversarial position violates point two. At least on the surface. So how did we get there? It all started before I took office. I had an interest in filling the Mayor's seat when Gail Senchez left our town. I consulted Jim Davis a former councilman and Mayor of Delmont. He told me that the council wouldn't appoint me to mayor, but should start out on council to see if I liked it. I had another friend tell me that in a borough setting that Mayor was sort of the public persona of the community and that real legislation and borough operations where via Council. I confided in the President of the council my interest, he lead me to believe that it was a democratic process and there was nothing he could do. In other words he lied to me. I mentioned in another post how there was no candidate of interest for the longest time and all of a sudden at the meeting where I thought they were going to interview and hear from interested persons they already had a person present with affidavit in hand to be sworn in. Then there was the primary election where they used every means possible to keep me out of office. There was all day campaigning and even a magnet was made who to vote for, obviously I wasn't on it. In the 35 years that I have lived in this area I never witnessed such a thing, but everyone has the right to express their opinions. You the public voted me in anyways. These actions did not encourage my adversarial approach it just taught me that my chances of getting anything down are slim and none.
So what actions have ignited my emotion and passion to confront the issues head on?
1) In council meeting before I was elected I observed how citizens with concerns were treated. In my opinion there concerns were not even validated much less listened to. I am basing this on body language I observed: a) not making eye contact b) leaning back instead of forward. c) arms clasped behind head while sucking on a lollipop. The majority of council members looking at each other instead of speaker.
2) Talking to citizens to feel that it is a waste of time to attend meetings because the representatives that they elected will no longer listen to them anyway.
3) Individual citizens loosing property materially and/or aesthetically by highly questionable processes. These three points go against everything I believe in as to what a democratic society should be.and how a government of the people, by the people, and for the people ought to function. And this fellow Delmontians is what gets the patriotic part of my blood boiling thus producing what may be perceived as a frontal aggressive (adversarial) attack on fellow members of council.
Believe it or not there is one benefit in using an adversarial tone with any individual that may have narcissistic tendencies wherever you may find one. A perceived adversarial attack is interpreted as a direct threat to power and the response will be more emotive than logical and the responses will not be filtered. Consequently, information intended to kept may accidentally be released.
The short answer is an adversarial environment is not one that I chose to be in but is what is presented to me so I will make the best use of it I can for the good of the borough, and I have no desire in making a name for myself. I just want a community where all the citizens can enjoy the Rights and Duties of a democratic society equally. I place where my kids can grow up safe and participate as active citizens in the governmental process.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Pay for Service Education Etc...
Long before I was elected to office I talked to a friend who has been involved with politics on the municipal level for many years. A suggestion he made to me was to donate any pay for the position to local charities to enforce the idea that you are giving your time to your community and you are not interested in any financial benefits the office may hold. In other words show your constituents that the only reason you took the office was to serve and make the community a better place to live. This was my original intent: in fact, I am going to donate a portion to the 200 club that Delmont Library is using for the building project. I am going to donate something to our Fire Department as well because they are an often overlooked major asset in our community.
I have since learned of an educational program for local officials through the Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs. I have decided to complete a program that ends with a designation as a Certified Borough Official (CBO). I believe that completing this program is the least that I can do to serve you to the best of my ability and truly serve with knowledge in addition to fidelity. I estimate this will cost $1250 in fees and approximately $700 in traveling. I want the citizens of the borough to know that this money is going to come from my personal funds and no requests for reimbursement will be made of council although local governments often pay for these types of activities. The reason I made this decision is as follows: 1) This investment is small compared to the duties the citizens of Delmont have entrusted to me. 2) Opponents may try to twist my wanting to attend these classes and conferences as being a fiscally irresponsible spend thrift. 3) I will have totally control over what activities I attend. 4) Ignorance enjoys company so even if I should have considered seeking reimbursement the vote would be 6-0 since I would have to abstain from voting since this would be perceived as benefiting me only.
The overall effectiveness of training and education depends on mindset of those who attending them. When a person pays to attend these activities they have 100% of their own skin in the game. You will be able to judge the effectiveness of the training based on my performance in office. You will have to judge leniently for the first year as I am starting my term as a lame-duck because I will vote and act with fidelity toward the people of Delmont and not the "ruling cliche".
An interesting note for those of you who missed October 2015 Council meeting. The total amount that I am willing to personally invest is still less than the $2500 you paid to have exhaust systems fixed on police vehicles because some officers find it inconvenient to drive around to a road where the cars will not scrape bottom.
I have since learned of an educational program for local officials through the Pennsylvania Association of Boroughs. I have decided to complete a program that ends with a designation as a Certified Borough Official (CBO). I believe that completing this program is the least that I can do to serve you to the best of my ability and truly serve with knowledge in addition to fidelity. I estimate this will cost $1250 in fees and approximately $700 in traveling. I want the citizens of the borough to know that this money is going to come from my personal funds and no requests for reimbursement will be made of council although local governments often pay for these types of activities. The reason I made this decision is as follows: 1) This investment is small compared to the duties the citizens of Delmont have entrusted to me. 2) Opponents may try to twist my wanting to attend these classes and conferences as being a fiscally irresponsible spend thrift. 3) I will have totally control over what activities I attend. 4) Ignorance enjoys company so even if I should have considered seeking reimbursement the vote would be 6-0 since I would have to abstain from voting since this would be perceived as benefiting me only.
The overall effectiveness of training and education depends on mindset of those who attending them. When a person pays to attend these activities they have 100% of their own skin in the game. You will be able to judge the effectiveness of the training based on my performance in office. You will have to judge leniently for the first year as I am starting my term as a lame-duck because I will vote and act with fidelity toward the people of Delmont and not the "ruling cliche".
An interesting note for those of you who missed October 2015 Council meeting. The total amount that I am willing to personally invest is still less than the $2500 you paid to have exhaust systems fixed on police vehicles because some officers find it inconvenient to drive around to a road where the cars will not scrape bottom.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
I was telling a constituent today about what could be considered in the vernacular "the dog and pony" show of the reorganization meeting last night. I told her that the first thing that I did after being sworn in was nominated a set of people that I believe would be better for our town to the office of President and Vice President of Council. She was surprised because the current President has been around so long that she didn't know the position was open to any type of change.
If you want more information on how local governments are suppose to work in PA, including our borough, you can download a citizens guide at https://www.dropbox.com/s/zlpc42cyrjnc2sv/Citizens_Guide_2010.pdf?dl=0
I went to the planning commission meeting tonight to meet the commissioners and try to get an idea about how this process is working in our borough. There are many challenges, but I have enough to learn by concentrating on what I need for borough governance.
If you want more information on how local governments are suppose to work in PA, including our borough, you can download a citizens guide at https://www.dropbox.com/s/zlpc42cyrjnc2sv/Citizens_Guide_2010.pdf?dl=0
I went to the planning commission meeting tonight to meet the commissioners and try to get an idea about how this process is working in our borough. There are many challenges, but I have enough to learn by concentrating on what I need for borough governance.
Monday, January 4, 2016
It was a very interesting swearing in ceremony. Originally, a local District Magistrate was going to perform the ceremony. He did not show up, but we were fortunate enough to have newly elected Judge Tim Krieger swear in the Mayor and the members needing to take the oath of office. It was very late until we got around to the reorganization part of the council.
I was extremely disappointed by the turn out at the meeting. There were no citizens present. I feel in a sense that I left the town down, but at least you the voting public will know what is happening and will be able to take appropriate action on election day.
The idea of vote, at least at this organizational meeting, is a total shame. It reminds me of a council meeting I attended as a citizen. The accusation was made that minds are already made up before issues are even voted on. That was absolutely the case in this organizational meeting were part of the tasks was to elect a President and Vice President of Council. Going in I had the feeling that the die was already cast for who would be appointed. I used a parliamentary procedure to inject the nomination of Andrew Shissler as Council President and Ann Lantz as Council Vice President. It is interesting to note that last years council President James Bortz, III already had committees picked out . He was the one that chose the seating arrangement, and perhaps in the most amazing twist our Mayor asked him when to start the meeting. It broke my heart when Andrew declined first, but he was actually contemplating for a few seconds, than Ann withdrew her nomination immediately after. So, the council "leadership" is the same as it was last year. I had to rethink part of my strategy because no public was present.I will start this at the next meeting. It is ironic that the Council President, but I had already planned this before I knew that fact. When there was no public in the audience I knew the time was not right. I think that part of the issue is that elected members take the oath to serve but don't understand what "fidelity" truly means.
An interesting point is I was told by the "president of the council" before he was elected that I couldn't do something in the way I made nominations. I sited parliamentary procedure and he said, "let the solicitor" handle this part of the meeting. The solicitor remained silent because he knew what I was saying was correct.
I will now discuss my votes. I was the sole person to vote against James Bortz. I was the sole person to vote against Andrew as Vice President only because he would make a better president. I abstained from voting on solicitor and Engineering services. The only reason that I did is because I want to review products delivered against monies spent. Honestly, if there are individuals or business within the Borough that are interested in performing the services and have comparable or better fee structure I think they should at least be given a chance to bid. At this time I have no ties or knowledge of persons who may be qualified. If you are interested contact me. Within the next 6 months I will do my own evaluation and publish a report of my findings and make it available to all interested citizens. Please note that this activity is not sanctioned by the council or would even muster its support. The only reason that I am interested in taking on such a project is the people of this town deserve to have an unbiased as possible report on services that cost the Borough $100,000 in 2014.
I was extremely disappointed by the turn out at the meeting. There were no citizens present. I feel in a sense that I left the town down, but at least you the voting public will know what is happening and will be able to take appropriate action on election day.
The idea of vote, at least at this organizational meeting, is a total shame. It reminds me of a council meeting I attended as a citizen. The accusation was made that minds are already made up before issues are even voted on. That was absolutely the case in this organizational meeting were part of the tasks was to elect a President and Vice President of Council. Going in I had the feeling that the die was already cast for who would be appointed. I used a parliamentary procedure to inject the nomination of Andrew Shissler as Council President and Ann Lantz as Council Vice President. It is interesting to note that last years council President James Bortz, III already had committees picked out . He was the one that chose the seating arrangement, and perhaps in the most amazing twist our Mayor asked him when to start the meeting. It broke my heart when Andrew declined first, but he was actually contemplating for a few seconds, than Ann withdrew her nomination immediately after. So, the council "leadership" is the same as it was last year. I had to rethink part of my strategy because no public was present.I will start this at the next meeting. It is ironic that the Council President, but I had already planned this before I knew that fact. When there was no public in the audience I knew the time was not right. I think that part of the issue is that elected members take the oath to serve but don't understand what "fidelity" truly means.
An interesting point is I was told by the "president of the council" before he was elected that I couldn't do something in the way I made nominations. I sited parliamentary procedure and he said, "let the solicitor" handle this part of the meeting. The solicitor remained silent because he knew what I was saying was correct.
I will now discuss my votes. I was the sole person to vote against James Bortz. I was the sole person to vote against Andrew as Vice President only because he would make a better president. I abstained from voting on solicitor and Engineering services. The only reason that I did is because I want to review products delivered against monies spent. Honestly, if there are individuals or business within the Borough that are interested in performing the services and have comparable or better fee structure I think they should at least be given a chance to bid. At this time I have no ties or knowledge of persons who may be qualified. If you are interested contact me. Within the next 6 months I will do my own evaluation and publish a report of my findings and make it available to all interested citizens. Please note that this activity is not sanctioned by the council or would even muster its support. The only reason that I am interested in taking on such a project is the people of this town deserve to have an unbiased as possible report on services that cost the Borough $100,000 in 2014.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
January 4, 2016 I will be sworn in as a councilmen in Delmont, PA. I am creating this blog to keep the residents of Delmont informed about issues facing our Borough and my views concerning those issues. It will also served as medium through which residents can input their thoughts concerning the issues. The views expressed are mine and do not necessarily reflect opinions of fellow council members or the mayor of Delmont. The views are my opinion, or based on information believed to be factual at the time of posting. Any comments about fellow council members are based on my understanding of views expressed at the time. This is politics so it is always possible that someone may not recall saying something that I comment on here, or deny saying it outright. My only defense to such an accusation is life is too short to create situations that spark emotion to comment on things that never existed, so I wouldn't do that.
As I am a firm believer in the individual's right to free speech anyone is welcome to comment on anything that I post. The ground rule is please be respectful to all members of the local government and citizens of our Borough and beyond. It isn't only possible but preferred that opinions are expressed without profanity and disrespect to others. I am not responsible for any of the comments made in response to my posts. However, if any comments could be interpreted as slanderous, malicious, or outrageously disrespectful they will be removed. Rantings without a point should be avoided. Challenges with possible solutions are greatly appreciated.
In an effort to be more accessible to the citizens of Delmont, I set up a phone number specifically for council business. That number is (724) 552-9531. Thank you for trusting me to serve you the next four years.
As I am a firm believer in the individual's right to free speech anyone is welcome to comment on anything that I post. The ground rule is please be respectful to all members of the local government and citizens of our Borough and beyond. It isn't only possible but preferred that opinions are expressed without profanity and disrespect to others. I am not responsible for any of the comments made in response to my posts. However, if any comments could be interpreted as slanderous, malicious, or outrageously disrespectful they will be removed. Rantings without a point should be avoided. Challenges with possible solutions are greatly appreciated.
In an effort to be more accessible to the citizens of Delmont, I set up a phone number specifically for council business. That number is (724) 552-9531. Thank you for trusting me to serve you the next four years.
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