November's Meeting: Ah the Budget

It was great seeing all the newly elected council members at the meeting and there was a fairly large turn out. 

Budget

I voted to advertise the Budget but I am not going to vote for the Budget.  It is not sustainable.  I am going to briefly describe what I mean by Sustainability.  As an aside I am currently working on three potential webinars for PSAB to introduce three aspects of this term.  The great thing for politicians is this buzzword is flexible and it can mean anything or nothing and being used without a firm context can make the user of the word appear like they are in the political know.  Here is how I mean the word when I use it:

Sustainability is using today's resources to satisfy all basic needs and reasonable wants without depriving future generations the same opportunities to meet their basic needs and reasonable wants while considering the three main pillars of Social, Environmental, and Economic factors and maintaining no net loss of those resources.

I have no idea what other council members have in mind when they use the term.  

After all essentials were budgeted we were approximately $10,000 over expected income.  As an aside remember even doubling the per capita tax to the maximum allowable by law would only yield approximately $9,000.  We made the $10,000 disappear by reducing amounts for gas for vehicles, electricity, building maintenance, tool expenditures, and vehicle maintenance.  Any unexpected expenses in these areas or exceedances in the cushion amount for public safety and we are in for some real issues.  This is the icing on the cake on my views of why the budget is unsustainable but the key factors prior to this realization where:

• No budgeting for Planning.
• No budgeting for Council Education and Training.
• No Budgeting for Community Development
• No Budgeting for Economic Development
• There is no budget for Grant acquisitions- By this I mean money set aside to meet any necessary matches for funding opportunities.

Sewage

Yes, I made the proposal to raise the sewage rate $4.00 and I was removed from the Sewage committee for bad behavior.  Did, I want to raise it?  Heck, No!!  I don't want to pay more!!!  By ignoring or not taking initiative will not make problems go away.  Ignoring them will compound the issue, weaken the infrastructure and make Delmont less desireable.  For anyone that wants to write to me and complain feel free.  Nothing that could be said to me would be worse than when I told my wife what I did.  I have to live with her and still do.

I would also like to comment on a point made by Ms. Rebitch about the issue on the Rock Springs Trust Property.  She made a comment about the inconsistency of inspections of the area being made at the property after a substantial rain event by Borough employees that was made by a former Sewer Committee Chairman a number of years ago.  In all honesty, I was never aware of that requirement when I served in the position either.  In my view this pointed out a much larger issue that transcends Borough operations.  That is a need for a Policy, Procedure, or Operations manual of some sort to remind everyone of things that have been said or down by previous Council members that are still current although Council has changed.  If I had $1 for every time I heard Phrases like: "Did we do that?"  "Where we suppose to do that?", "We did what?", "Wasn't that how it was always done?", "Who was responsible for that before?", and put that $1 in the General Fund I doubt we would have had to shave off that $10,000.  More writing and documentation may not always be fun and can add a bit of administrative burden and maybe slight cost, but it would be the right thing to do in all areas of Borough Administration and not just with sewage practices.  

Zoning Ordinance Adoption 

I know it is not necessary for me to explain my reasons for proposing or voting the way I do on certain issues, well any issue.  I have been involved with this project from the very beginning ( I view it a vital piece of the planning process.  Many would argue that the Plan should come before the Zoning Ordinance.  Any progress is welcome and beneficial to Delmont as a whole).  I have spent many hours reading and thinking about the consequences of this Ordinance from all perspectives.  I was a bit taken back when Becky Matsesevac implied I was giving special consideration to Kelley's Auto over Thompson Machinery's request.  1) The request of Thompson was the same as another stipulation that Kelley's and Manordale Tire would have liked to see as well.  I thought the slight modifications that were made to address the C-1 and C-2 Designations were more than reasonable for the initial Ordinance.  2) The request made by Kelly's service has been going on for decades and is part of present day use.  3)  The C-1 and C-2 controversy are  based on future as yet undetermined impact on sale of property and consideration of other uses.  When I studied the various uses in the categories and available land for use it seemed highly unlikely, in my judgement, that the designation difference would not substantially reduce the property owner's ability to make money on the sale of the property. 4) The Thompson request directly affects three properties that are being used as primary residence.  5)  Nothing is in stone and land uses can be challenged at any time.  It is always easier to have stricter standards to start a process, then to have less strict initial requirements and try to stop an activity after it started.  6)  There is no standard that everyone would find 100% acceptable, a lot of time, money, and energy went into this project it was time to move forward.

I took the time to explain my reasoning because it is important to me that you the people I have the pleasure of representing spend a lot of time researching and studying important issues.  I like to have a solid base of information to base my decisions and votes upon.  I will make mistakes because I am human but I will always strive to serve your interests the best I can.

Resolution Roulette 

To me this was the most comical part of the whole meeting.  Serving on the Policy and Resolutions Committee for Westmoreland County's representation at PSAB I have been aware of the push to allow local governments (aka: Delmont Council and others) more say so over the ability of utility companies to place small antennas and cellular signal boosting devices on utility poles.  

Before I go on explaining more about this particular issue, I want to make a comment about the irony of deciding not to support this resolution by highlighting a citizen's comment, who was once on Borough Council, about the Municipal Planing Code.  I am paraphrasing the sentiment of the remark the best my memory allows me.  If I miss the sentiment in the meaning of the question, I hope this citizen will contact me and tell me I screwed up.  It goes something like this, "Why do we have to allow areas for those kinds of businesses or structures when we don't want them in Delmont?"  One reason is because people, even local officials, do not always know what is going on in higher levels of government, nor how it could effect them.  Furthermore, they may have information, but for whatever reason do no act on it.  The result is legislation is passed, and we like the citizen paraphrased above are asking How? or Why did that happen?

I did not make any reports to counsel because: 1)I didn't think there was any interest.  This is not to imply that Counsel necessarily lacks interest in what is happening at the State level, but the reality is that it is difficult to keep abreast of developments within the Borough. 2) I really didn't think Counsel would be interested in what I had to say. 3) In all honesty I viewed passage of the Resolution as symbolic only and not having a chance to succeed based on the strength of utility lobby.  On a personal note, I feel that utilities become monopolies, they don't really have to worry about customer service, they provided services deemed necessary so they can do almost anything they want with little recourse.  Some utility companies do try to provide good service and have good relations with customers, but if there are any issues with their delivery systems and property rights.  They don't care about the property rights so that the least costly option for them is exploited.  Communications seem to me to be the worst offenders of not caring on multiple levels.  Consequently, I believe strongly that local authorities ought to have say in where and how the placement of these antennas is accomplished within it jurisdiction.

Now the part I find amusing.   I was ecstatic that Becky had the Solicitor draft a Resolution, my best guest is this action cost between $150-$175 unless it is included somewhere else to support this activity, and when I moved to pass it she didn't even support, by seconding, the resolution she drafted.  When I called her on this at the meeting the Solicitor responded something like, " That is ok, she wanted to see what it looked like in a Resolution."  I would say get the facts and decide how you feel about an issue before having the Solicitor draft it.  I will have  to say that Dave Weber made some interesting points that I was ignorant of, but like most people didn't necessarily process he said something like, " Coming from the Telecommunications Industry......"  This statement has two very important points to keep in mind 1) He is a subject matter expert and has more knowledge on the subject then I do, and 2)  His subconscious bias could be arguing for the industry he served for so many years.  Right or wrong by bias is for autonomy in local governance as much as practicable.  Another possible issue and I studied this when I worked for a cellular carrier is the radiation associated with cellular phone use.  I believe the research that indicates that cancer could develop from use of this technology, but weighing all the evidence and probabilities of it happening to me, I choose to still use my phone.  Would I like these antani devices close to schools and playgrounds? No!, but that is my opinion based on my interpretation of the data I have read.

Recreational Survey

It was ironic that our Solicitor asked Stan if an informal recreational survey would be comprehensive enough to obtain funding.  Why am I even mentioning this in my blog?  Simple this information could be part of the Master plan of how we want Delmont to grow and develop.

Conclusion

One ting that concerned me was when I had some constituents ask me why it appeared that members of Counsel are afraid to talk and lead discussions on issues.  I told them that I wasn't sure but that I would have no problem presenting the concerns that citizens ask me to present, or discussing any issues that I think will make Delmont a better place.

As always if you have any feedback feel free to contact me at david4delmont@gmail.com.

     

Veterans' Day

I am a little late in posting my deep heart thanks to all the Women and Men who have fought for the ideals of America represented by the picture of the first flag above.  It is amazing how much the weapons of war have changed and the flag has changed in 241 years since our Country was founded.  To me, Veterans Day is like Thanksgiving Day for the men and women who enlisted to serve our Country.  Words seem to fail to express my personal gratitude 

Every Memorial day we honor all those who lost their lives defending our Country, and since my youth I heard this was the greatest sacrifice one could make for our Country.  However, modern medical technologies have allowed many to survive who would have been lost.  This has been a true blessing for many, but there has also been a huge increase in mental injuries, termed PTSD in 1980, have been plaguing many veterans.  In early conflicts terms like, "shell-shock" and "battle fatigue" were used.   Having never served, nor losing a family member in battle I am totally unqualified to suggest "what the greatest sacrifice is?"  I am only suggesting that some surviving veterans living daily with psychological effects of their service may feel they made the ultimate sacrifice.  We should accept this possible paradigm shift and as a Nation support and offer physical and psychological support to all of our Veterans.  

To all members of all Branches    Thank You!!!!!

Thoughts on the Election November 2017

I am fairly happy with the outcome and congratulate all winners in the election.  From an analysis the scenario that won was #2 on the the list of possibilities with the combination of winners coming off at #3 for the benefit of the community.  I have high hopes that this combination will be adequate to restore respectability, integrity, and leadership to our Council.  I am looking forward to working with all members to build a better future for Delmont.

David and Pam put up a good fight and worked very hard and many talents that they could have added will be missed.  I was asked if I was 100% satisfied with the results?  I don't believe anyone is 100% but the mix shows that Democracy is working in Delmont.  I was also asked about anyone trying to influence the outcome.  I have no first hand knowledge of any attempts.

I really wish that we could get this type of citizen participation in the planning of Delmont's future.  There was a fair amount of participation in the Zoning ordinance update but nothing like the election results.
I sincerely hope that the turnout was not inspired FEAR (False Expectations Appearing Real) or because there was only one issue of interest, that is not really an issue.  I have personal experience with the regret of voting based on one issue.  Of course the issue was part of my core beliefs of Freedoms we enjoy as American Citizens.  However, the sense of security and safety is a core necessity for basic human needs and being.  When anyone politicians or people perceived to be in power start playing with FEAR on the human psyche it is very troublesome.  When people become afraid enough they exchange their Liberty to gain a feeling of security, which is usually false anyway.  As Benjamin Franklin Said,"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."   This can be the effect when FEAR is introduced to our thoughts.  Some examples to think about on how fear has been used:  1)  After 9/11 President Bush told the Country to go out and shop.  He didn't want Fear to paralyze the economy.  2) The Patriot Act- Portions of this have been up for reauthorization, but has it made America Safe?  3) The drug crises, yes it is real and needs to be addressed, and has collateral effects that can harm first responders. Fear is such a strong emotion, I would argue that no problems could be solved from a stance of fear.  Awareness and a healthy respect for possible consequences is much more beneficial.  4)  Nuclear weapons, the Arms Race, and current situation in North Korea have the ability to produce heightened amounts of fear for good reason.  What extents will the World go to in order to feel safe?  Consider this very important quote:

“The means of defence agst. foreign danger, have been always the instruments of tyranny at home.” 

― James Madison 

I would propose that we put this context into a state or local context by thinking of it this way: " The means of defense and protection against other National events can be the instruments of tyranny at home.  The home in this context is the locality we wish to live.

Concluding Remarks

Terroristic acts are becoming more prevalent in this great Country of ours.  After attempts to stop and limit these events continue to take place from obscure small Texas towns to major metropolitan cities. Using fear as a tool to influence any type of out come from increasing productivity in a factory to electing someone to the Presidency of the United States is, in my opinion, morally reprehensible because it has the potential of making people sacrifice their Liberty for an illusion.  It is a much more dangerous tactic than smear campaigns should it ever be employed in the electoral process. 

“When one with honeyed words but evil mind
Persuades the mob, great woes befall the state.” 
― Euripides, Orestes

And Justice for????????????? : Final Pre-Election 2017 Post

Justice is a very complex and there have been volumes written as to what it actually means and how to apply it in society.  One of the best known works is Rawls' A Theory of Justice.  In common usage most people think about justice as fairness, or equally opportunities and protections under the law.  Ironically, Rawls wrote another book Justice as Fairness.  In this last post before the election  I wish to remind or inform you have some incidents to think about when voting on November 7.  And please remember the meet and Greet at Delmont Public Library.

Before we get into the more of the nitty gritty let me try to explain the political climate in Delmont. This is a rough guesstimate way that I believe will be fairly accurate.  I took the biggest number of votes cast in each party and am assuming that to be the total number of voters for the party.  These numbers are on the 2017 Primary Results.

Democrats	136
Republicans	140
Total	276

I will use the population numbers from 2016 for the comparison.  I am using the Per Capita tax paying population to put this into perspective.  In 2016 943 residents paid per capita taxes which is roughly 35% of the population at that time.  In Delmont politics roughly 276 people voted which is only 29.3 % of the tax paying base or 10.5% of the total population. I believe using the per capita tax figure gives us a better idea of who is voting and the results are fairly close to the pareto principal of 20/80.  Hopefully, the size of these numbers will encourage you to go the polls.

The quote that follows is part of a letter that was submitted to Delmont Council by a Citizen.  I am not going to list the author's name because I did not seek permission to quote this eloquently written passage.  Since this letter was written to Council it is a matter of public record.  My disclosure of this does not violate any laws to my knowledge.  Most of this would be available under the Sunshine Act.  Please really think about what this says it was from a citizen on the outside critiquing the functioning of Delmont Council.  I for one wish more citizens would hold us accountable for our actions.

No one should have to goad you into doing the right thing. This same statement applies to all members of Borough council. We are ever hopeful that eventually the right combination of Delmont Borough residents will be elected to Borough council such that the Borough’s elected officials, individually and collectively, will simply commit to doing the right thing—not the convenient thing, not the easy thing, not the self-serving thing, but the right thing—to the best of their ability in all circumstances, for the benefit of the community.

We are not yet at that point in history. 

Now I will cover a few topics that concern me very much going into the New Year with the yet to be elected Council.  In many of my posts I have harped on Lack of Leadership.  Most of my concerns in this area were narrowly focused on leadership from the Visioning perspective and the attempt to move Delmont ahead in a positive way.  However, as I was reminded by a letter that one of the reasons that I became involved in local politics is I thought that Council at the time was disrespectful to residents at times and treated them like idiots.  This appalled me.  To a certain extent I may have been entangled in similar situation and not paying enough attention to the most important aspect of Leadership Relationship Building, not only within the Council itself but with the relationship we as a Council have with the Community of Delmont.  

Regardless of who wins the Election the Council is going to have to deal in some way with the second most senior council member.  They are not up for reelection on Tuesday and their conduct at a recent meeting is in my opinion, and some others I have talked to, an embarrassment to what many would consider acceptable behavior by an elected official. I don't believe the Council as it currently stands has the leadership or the guts to do what ought to be done.

Justice as fairness or Equality

The first really minor part that effects me personally and that I explained in great detail in my blog post Catch-22 how I was effectively removed from Council allegedly for causing some unnecessary discussion on sewage issues.  I stated it as removed from Council, because I was removed from the only legitimate Committee to which I was assigned.   Well the incident that inspired me to write the immediately preceding paragraph dwarfs what I did by many magnitude. Since I might be biased, I would gladly submit to asking the potentially offended parties which actions they considered most repulse and worthy of punishment.  

Letters Forwarded to Police Department

I want to start off by saying that I am not 100% sure that this incident was not an e-mail mistake of some sort. I had a major e-mail debacle of my own this year and no first hand strange and embarrassing things can happen.  If this was not an email mistake than I think we have a huge problem in a small town.  It needs to be pointed out that there have not been that many letters by members of the public sent to the Borough Secretary to be forwarded the two years that I have been serving on Council.  Consequently, there was not enough of a sampling to lead conclusively to one practice or another.  I will now describe the situation. 

The above mentioned letter was sent to the Borough Office with a list of people to forward it to (Council, Mayor, Engineers, and Solicitor).  I was shocked to notice that it was also sent to the Police Department.  This letter was not threatening or violent in any way.   Here are my thoughts:

1. It should be given to the police if there is an overt threat.
2. It is the responsibility of a recipient if they feel threatened to involve the police if they wish.  It is possible if parties know each other well that there could be threatening nuances that wouldn't be recognized as threats by third parties.
3. Who authorized the forwarding of the letter?
4. If a certain level of privacy is going to be violated there better be written procedures governing the process and the public needs to be made aware that copies of letters are being forwarded to law enforcement.
5. This type of surveillance needs to be applied equally across the board. 
6. Annoyance by an eloquently written letter by a citizen exercising this First Amendment Rights does not constitute a threat.   
7. Citizens do not communicate enough with government in local municipalities, then should not feel threatened that there may be some recourse for taking an active part in government.

I appologize but I do have a tendency to get emotional when I feel that basic Rights that so many brave men and women died for are being infringed upon.  In my opinion the phrase "Make America Great Again" is Bogus.  America never stopped being great, and if we don't pay attention to potential infringements of  liberty and personal freedom at the local level, we are at risk of loosing more as it moves up through the levels of Government.  

If this happening was a mistake no harm no foul.  It will then show that I am watching out for the citizens of Delmont and am continuing to push for transparency of Borough actions.  If it was intentional then we need to find out who? what?, and Why? they felt it was necessary to copy law enforcement.

Barriers to Information

There is not a consistent procedure for obtaining information for Council people in Delmont.  Many people are familiar with the Sunshine Act.  It is the State's version of FOIA (Freedom of Information Act).  Council members who go through training get a very good understanding of the types of information that should be readily available and that which could be problematic and need solicitor input.  One thing about Right to Know requests is municipalities have to act within 30 days.   Well, if you are a Council person you may need the information a lot quicker.

I was told that I had to fill out a RTKF Right to know form to get copies of the audit reports from the last 10 years for the budget preparation.  I was dumbfounded by this ridiculous request.  I am a Councilmember and I am asking for budget information.  I made a phone call to the Right to Know Office in Harrisburg.  I was told very few Boroughs require such a thing of their Counsel People.  The ones that do have written ordinances, resolutions, or procedures.  They are usually applied if you are from the wrong political party.  Incidentally, the  Information Officer for the Borough told me no Counsel member ever filled out paperwork for information.  Where is the justice in the application of these ideas?

Conclusion

Delmont is not only at a "Crossroads" for business, economic development, and identity but also at a crossroads for leadership.  I thought it important to share these incongruities in how things are being done so you can decide if this is the business as usual you wish to keep, or if you want to grow and change Delmont.  Here is the thing, Delmont is going to change and Grow.  We need to decide if we want a Council that is going to watch what happens and reacting to those events, or do we want a Counsel that is going to create and as far as practicable manage the future?  May God Bless Delmont in the challenges ahead. 

Impressions from Second Budget Meeting..........WOW !!!!!!!!!

There were only four Council members, Secretary and the Mayor in attendance from the Governing Body of the Borough perspective.  It is deeply troubling to me to write this analysis because there is enough divisions in our small Community, but since, in my active experience in local politics, that the Elected body fully reflects the will of the population is at Election time to let some of these statements go unnoticed and comment free would amount to me being dereliction of my sworn oath to the People of Delmont.  Some may view this position as melodramatic or grossly exaggerated, and to them I would reply, "Judgements of my personal feelings are only valid to the one making the Judgement."

I deeply respect the Mayor for all of the hard work she has done in this Community especially the activities to build up the community through Delmont Daze and the Delmont Farmer's Market.  In fact I was going to submit her name for 2016 Mayor of the Year Award through Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs.  There was a discrepancy in the years of Service for the award and she ended up not being eligible.  The impressions she left me with after some of her comments seemed so contrary to what I have come to know and respect.

Anti-Business or Better Use of Monies?

I did try to speak my mind more last night, but the same attitude from session 1 prevaled.  The topic of  Road Paving came to the table.  Cupp Way is used by 1) Delmont Sports Shop, 2) Premiere Pizza, 3) Thompson Machinery, and 4) Teri's Place Salon.  In addition, residents on the "alley" commented about the poor condition.  Cupps Way was rate 7 out of 10 being worse by the Engineers some time ago.  It would cost in the neighborhood of $11,000 to pave.  The Mayor, who is free to state her opinion but has no statutory authority over the budgeting process said, "We don't pave alleys !"  The argument that I used is how beneficial this would be to the businesses listed and that We should take care of our businesses.  It is my opinion that Delmont does not have many businesses and that we should take care of them.  They do provide jobs, tax money, and some are strong financial supporters of our fine Police Department.  The Engineers' reply was it has never been a concern of the Street Committee, there may be issues with some of the property owners, and Garbage trucks rip it up. In her defense of wanting to do something the Mayor said something like, " Couldn't we just put stones down, and even it out?"  The Engineers reminded her that the alley was paved before and had a base already built.  In efforts of full disclosure, I do use that piece of roadway quite a bit, but not near as much as the business and they were my primary concern.

Anti-Fire Department ?

In most smaller communities Emergency Services, especially Fire and Police, work very closely together and even share Station space.  Most people have an equally high regard for the dedication and willingness that Police Officers and Firefighters have to serve their Community, and Delmont is blessed with both. There seems to be tensions in the relationship between Police and Fire, and relationships with Council.  I think it should be a priority to identify the sources of conflict and smooth them over.  Someday at some incident their lives may become mutually dependant on eachother.  

The question of making an annual donation to the Fire Company came up again.  Per usual most other Council members thought that paying their worker's compensation, keep in mind this is what is required by law, was enough.  The Mayor said, "Well. that is all they deserve." They brought that we didn't give them any money because they didn't complete an audit.  I know that an audit is required for the pass through money that we receive, but I don't believe that an audit is necessary to receive a donation from Council, but I would have to double check with solicitor.

Good and Bad

To part from the quotes that really got me thinking about the agenda or view the mayor may have, there are other things that deserve consideration.  A good thing that was mentioned is the idea to budget money for Scouting projects, both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.  The projects that have occurred since I have been on Council have been amazing, and the one that stands out the most in my mind as I write is the Veteran Monument at East View Union Cemetery by Rebecca Shissler.  This was an amazingly complex project that gave credit to our Veterans.  The remembrance of this project foremost in my mind should not be meant to belittle the Bat Boxes, Building and Sign Painting, Picnic table or Flag Pole Projects.  It is an excellent idea.  However, it was suggested that the money to support these projects and funding come from the Shield's Farm Account.  If the projects are specifically for Shield's Farm I would be ok with money coming from this account.    The reality is if Delmont had a Master Plan a wish list of projects with potential Grant funding could already be established.  I have no doubt that we could find Grants to support a much larger amount of projects then could be supported by the Shield's Farm Account.  Furthermore, funding of any projects not related to Shield's Farm may be contrary to the original intent  of the funds. 

BiCentennial Fund

As I mentioned in my "Secret Agenda" Blog, I wholeheartedly support community activities that will build Community Spirit.  I just think we shouldn't just wait for the Bicentennial.

Sewage Issues

Sewage rates are going to be increasing again as well as Engineering costs.  The first rate increase will probably be around $4.00 and it will go up in increments there.  The Engineers have said, we shouldn't be surprised if there fees in the next 3-10 years will exceed $100,000.00.  Please note the did not give a year range like I did but based it on potentialities of Consent Agreement in the works.

Some may try to blame the expenses on the sewage issues that have been plaguing our community.  The only factor that these issues have done, in my opinion, is accelerate the time frame when the monies are going to need to be spent.  It is important to remember that the expenses were there and any actions by persons or organizations might have only added to the root expenses slightly, and might actually lead to some savings in the future. Any present Borough official, or future Borough official who tries to point to certain individuals or organizations and saying, "It is their fault, we are spending so much money and sewage rates are increasing." are playing the political blame game and don't deserve to be in office.  When we choose to serve our communities the good, the bad, and the ugly become ours.

One thing I believe should be done is Delmont get a total understanding on how FTSM determines the base rate that they charge us for sewage may include considerations for infrastructure that we own and shouldn't be getting assessed for what we have to pay to maintain.  I am not saying that this in fact is what is happening but we should know because Murrysville customers seem to have a lower rate.   What I think would be a fair way is to calculate the actual cost per gallon to treat including the extra cost for BOD, grease, and other special considerations types of treatments, and a fair calculation of infrastructure considerations.  Take that figure and multiply it by that amount of waste water we put into the system.

Interesting Exchange

A member of the public brought out the inappropriateness of comments by a member of Council.  I wish more members of the public would tell us when they think our behavior, speech, or actions are out of line.  We were voted in to represent the people of Delmont and we need to be held accountable if we are not meeting voter expectations.

Election Thoughts

I pointed out some remarks from the Mayor that have me pondering her position on the issues covered above.  If there are citizens who may be bothered by these or other issues with the Mayor's actions in other areas you need to pay special attention to the "Who to Vote For" propaganda being distributed.  I believe it goes something like this under the American Flag.  1) Mayor- Alyce Urban, Council:  Andrew Shissler, David Weber, Stan Cheyne, and Pam Simpson.  I love all of these people as human beings, appreciate and understand their opinions and views.  Some of them, those that I believe are open to the multifaceted changes that Delmont faces will have my support on Election Day.  Some not on this list, Pamela Loughner and William Marx who also have some great qualities that would add to Delmont's possibilities also have qualities that may cause some concern.  The condition that is produced by these opposing poles is called being human.  I can understand fully why Pam L is not on the Mayor's list she is one of them there Democrats.  Why is David Weber, a Democrat preferred over William Marx a Republican?  Personally, I don't care what party a person belongs to I look at the qualities they bring to the table.  From what I know of them both William and Pam seem to care less about going with the flow than fighting for what they believe is best for the people of Delmont.  Perhaps that is why the current Council, for the most part, is afraid of these two candidates and talked negatively about them openly before the meeting started. 

I wrote in great detail how it is my view the actions of Council totally disregarded the will of the people by appoint Stan who was next to the last place by voters.  The other thing that Becky did when she made the motion to appoint Stan was create a political debt of Stan to her.  If Stan should get elected and retain the seat to which he was appointed it could be said that the only reason you got elected is we gave you a chance to prove yourself before the election.  I sincerely hope that Stan will be able to vote his mind if it is better for Delmont, but contrary to the views of those who appointed him.

One of the worse things about this Election is there is only one choice for Mayor.  If there is any reason you may be against the Mayor's policy, or you just want a change there is no choice.  Ironically, in some elections even when there is more than one candidate, we may feel that there is no choice.  In my opinion, there is nothing worse than living in a Democratic Society and not being able to exercise your Right to vote because there is no choice.  I am saying this tongue and check, and not officially running, but if anyone out there actually wants a choice go ahead and write me in for mayor.  If nothing else it would show that there is some opposition and frustration.  If there would be such opposition and frustration that I would by a "snowball's chance" win on a write-in, I would accept the will of the people.

There is a meet the candidates on November 6th at Delmont Library 

The Budget Debacle

In many articles Patrick Varine, our local Trib-Live reporter who does an excellent job of covering local political issues, reported on Delmont's Budget Workshops and the possibility of "hot topics of debate."  The problem is to have any type of useful discussions there is a prerequisite of having an open mind and willingness to engage in discourse. I felt that any points I tried to raise would fall on deaf ears.  Consequently,  it didn't seem like a viable use of life energies to engage in discourse, so I remained relatively silent deciding to bring my impressions and my concerns to you, the Citizens of Delmont.  You will have the opportunity to vote on November 7 and decide the future of our community.

I knew the meeting was off to a poor start when the meeting opened with, "Okay, let's see how much money we have coming in and where we are going to spend it."  This approach to the changing dynamics of Delmont is going to allow the continued decline in population and further reduction of amenities that might aid in stopping this alarming trend.  It was stated at the October Council Meeting, "Our police force is a major reason people are coming to Delmont."   The reality is people aren't coming to Delmont for any reason.  Delmont is not alone Westmoreland County is hurting and that is why our Commissioners are working so hard on the ReImaging Our Westmoreland  project.  One of the things that I would like to do is try to piggyback onto the County's efforts and do the same for Delmont.

A governmental body that was interested in better serving the community might start the budgeting meeting with something like this.  Well it is budget time again.  Are there any areas that aren't working? Are there any new areas that we should budget for? Does our budget adequately provide for the services that Delmont citizens expect from us?  Last year we had to borrow $50,000 through a tax anticipation loan.  Why did this happen?  What is fundamentally wrong with our cash flow that allowed this to happen?  Was this an outlier, or is there a fundamental problem that will cause this to happen again?  What is happening in our population? 

Insights from Budget Work

• The only consistent revenue source for a Borough is tax that is based on property. Consequently, a sustainable budget would be based on that amount.
• I use to think that the idea of a quota for Traffic Violations was a joke, but local authorities can budget any amount of revenue that they want from that source.  The caveat being enough police to get it done.
• One of our largest sources of Revenue is in the from liquid fuels which is based on gas taxes.  So the more pollution we cause from auto emissions the more money we get.  The more liquor establishments we have the more money we get.  The more we allow our Environment to be degradigregated by fracking the we receive a minute amount for undeterminable length of time.

Seriously?

Here is a list of areas that Delmont has not Budgeted any money for since at least 2010.  

• Community Development-  Here is a point that needs to be remembered "Development" does not only mean creating buildings, but also progress and growth.  Sub-categories include: 1) Conservation of Natural Resources, 2) Housing, 3) Economic Development and Oportunity
• Parks, Shade trees, sidewalks, Trails Recreation      

What they didn't want to hear or believe

I thought it might be interesting to see what the population of Delmont has been doing since 2010.  Most municipalities use population data to determine levels of emergency services necessary.  Delmont's population has decreased 2.3% since 2010.  I wanted to look at it through a different perspective.  Delmont's per capita tax is for residents over 18 and under 65.  The rate is $5.00 a person.  I am excluding any discounts.  I took the amount of per capita tax collected as reported in audits from 2010-2016.  The chart below represents my findings. There could be slight discrepancies in numbers of residents based on delinquencies and out right failure to pay.

	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016
Population	2,683	2,672	2,661	2,659	2,651	2,639	2,622
Population paying Per Cap	993	983	945	993	995	974	973
% of Population Paying	37%	36.7%	35.5%	37.3%	37.5%	36.9%	37.1%

For whatever reason an average of 36.86% of the Delmont Population is paying the per capita tax.  I think it may be safe to assume that this is that this is close to the amount of population that is paying Earned income takes as well.  A question we might ask, " Should we use the number of population paying for the services or the total population number to calculate number of emergency service personnel?"  Yes, emergency services are potentially used by all citizens, but what happens when the cost is too much to be absorbed by the paying segments taxes?  The average number of the paying population is 980.

Another point that I did not mention at the budget meeting but that is related to this point is by the year 2050 approximately 67% of the world's population will be living in cities.  What effects will this have on Delmont?  What can Delmont do attract and hold residents?  Will Pittsburgh be that city, or might Murrysville become the epicenter?  These are issues that Delmont Leaders must start thinking about.  Every year, since I have been in office, there has been one Councilwoman vehemently opposed to paying Westmoreland County Transit Authority to maintain a bus stop here.  The Delmont Bus Stop is a vital link to Pittsburgh, albeit not a favorite way to commute in from the East Side of Pittsburgh.  Any transportation by motor vehicle from Delmont to Pittsburgh is not ideal.

Will the "Real" Actual Spent figures Please stand up

I was very distracted when I looked at the budget worksheets that we were presented with to make financial decisions.  I believe that the actual amount of money spent in one year ought to be equal in the yearly audit, reports generated from the ledger, and the worksheet.  The chart below shows the various amounts in those three areas.

There are two philosophies one can have for determining the amount of money spent. 1) Money spent in one budget category is money spent.  It doesn't matter if the money is from state sources, federal sources, county sources, fines collected, donations, grants, alien benevolence.  The point is it doesn't matter where they money comes from, it is still being spent. 2)  One can employ fuzzy math to make it appear that not so much money is being spent.

The chart below has audit values from 10 years ago, the budget figures presented on the worksheet, and four years worth of ledgers.  When I first started reading over the financial information I thought five years would be enough.  the figures in the charts speak for themselves.  I didn't think it necessary to acquire the actual ledger amounts five years more back.  In one of my blogs,  someone said that they didn't agree with my figures.DECD Audit Reports simply fill in the fields and you look at any audit in the State.  All the figures that I use can be verified.

	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016
Audit Actual	$274,815	$295,016	$266,875	$278,412	$333,042	$324,591	$293,118
Budget Sheet Actual	$297,234	$278,236	$266,321	$263,722	$306,619	$304,729	$281,483
Ledger Actual	N/A	N/A	N/A	$272,551	$300,573	$321,596	$299,212
Difference Audit- Budget Sheet	Higher $22,419	Lower $16,780	Lower $554	Lower $14,690	Lower $26,423	Lower $19,862	Lower $11,635
Difference Audit-Ledger	N/A	N/a	N/A	Lower $5,861	Lower $32,469	Lower $2,995	Higher $6,094

How to Spend the "Blood Money"?

Blood money is what I call the money that the Borough receives for Fracking that occurs in Pennsylvania courtesy of  Act 58 later superseded by Act 13.  The monies that are distributed don't come close to reflecting the permanent damage done  to the Pennsylvania  environment that citizens will be plagued with for eons.  

I am not going to debate or discuss the basic questions "To Frack or Not to Frack?" "How long or how much environmental damage is acceptable?" "Is fracking worth the damage?" But look at this decreasing "Free" money that has been given to us since 2012.

It is my opinion that lack of a plan, poor leadership, lack of vision, and fiduciary negligence have lead to the squandering of the $29,342.00 the Borough received from this fund since 2012.  This may seem like a very harsh thing to say but the question "How should we spend the $3,507.17 Marcellus funds? " The answer agreed on by most of the Council Members....."Let's give it to the Police towards the New Vehicle Lease."  

Why I am against this idea.

1. There are over thirteen allowable areas where the money could be used including; Roads,sewage, Stormwater, housing, worker training, Economic development, Parks, a Capital savings fund to be used in these areas, and planning.
2. The intent of the fund is to address long term Fracking consequences a leased car will not even last until I have grandchildren.
3. The vehicle lost more than $3,507.17 when it was driven off the dealer lot.
4. We are more than likely going to have to take out a tax anticipation loan and the interest and fees will be greater than this number.
5. It is inane to poor money in an "asset" that is rapidly depreciating in value.
6. If the money must go to the Police Department why not put it into a capital building fund.  At least a building will last longer than a vehicle.

Year	Act 13 Funds Distributed
2012	$6,840
2013	$6,161
2014	$6,505
2015	$5,774
2016	$4,062
2017	$3,507

Please note in the Audit Reports for 2015 and 2016 the Marcellus figure is mistakenly entered in the row corresponding to “Local Share Assessment/Gaming Proceeds”.  Kind of makes one wonder if anyone is reading the Audit Reports 

If you want to see how much money is being distributed click on Blood Money Distribution Statewide.  Fill in the year click on report.  You can then search the report for County or Municipality of interest in Pennsylvania.

Areas I believe deserve Budget Consideration

• There was some concern and disappointment expressed over Code Enforcement revenues and the length of time that it is required to collect fines.  Hire a Public works person to free up time for Supervisor to engage in more activities, or hire another person and consider other options for code enforcement.
• Our Borough Secretary is currently doing the work of a Secretary, Treasurer, and Borough Manager.  Give her some  at least part time help.  I have thought about this since I attended a Secretary/Manager training last year.
• Consider hiring a Police Secretary and perhaps reduce some part time positions.  This may save money and allow the officers more time to patrol and not have to worry about paperwork.
• Money to train attend training for Council Members.
• Money to Develop a Plan for Delmont
• Money for Economic Development
• Fund for Flooding and other disasters that might not be subject to FEMA
• Either getting Rid of the Per Capita Tax or Doubling it

Delmont is facing some big challenges.  We need an innovative Council who will make the tough decisions that "Honor/Preserve our Past, Live with Vitality in the Present, and Create Our Future."

Questions comments always welcome. david4delmont@gmail.com

Piper's Hidden Agenda for Delmont

"If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear."

George Orwell

It may seem like a very strange time to talk about "my agenda" for Delmont, but it is Election time, no my term isn't up yet, and I have feeling that some may be out there trying to use fabricated stories about what I believe to try and discredit candidates of which I have positive impressions.  I have positive impressions and minor concerns for all of the new candidates.  I have positive impressions and concerns for the incumbents that seek to hold power.  The way I will vote is based solely on my beliefs of those who truly care and represent the people of Delmont and act according to their will as much as practicable; and, the candidates who have some vision of what our Community can become.

Anyone, including people associated with the Borough, past or present who would say anything that is inconsistent with what I write here is a bold face liar.    Furthermore,  I believe that anyone that would misconstrue my positions and spread them has an agenda of their own.  If you want to know my position just ask.  I always try to make myself available and I provide my e-mail address, david4delmont@gmail.com, in most of my public postings.  Warning, I am human and as I learn more and circumstances change my positions will change as well maintaining the People of Delmont and the future of our Community as guiding principles.

What is the crux of my Agenda?  

To develop a plan that would embrace the phrase "Preserving/respecting our past, vibrantly living the present, and creating a sustainable future."  I have ideas but this is something that all citizens of Delmont must discuss.  What legacy do we want to leave our progeny.    This is extremely complex and difficult to engage citizens as recently demonstrated by 1) Delmont Zoning Ordinance update, and 2) The County's efforts to re Image Westmoreland.  I have been to several of these workshops and meetings and the attendance has declined.  What I find most interesting is many of the people that came to the final public commenting meeting were absent from the actual planning process where their concerns could have been considered and possibly built into the final product.

1. To make Delmont a reasonably safe, and secure Community with many amenities that enhance economic vitality, provide for various forms of recreational activities, educational enhancement activities, environmentally sustainable living area  that all lead to a happy and healthy population. This might mean putting some Sacred Fat cows on a diet, but it doesn't mean killing the cow.  Or if the cow is to remain so fat, that would necessitate increasing revenue generating techniques in order to provide a more balanced diet to the rest of the animals on the farm.  My use of "reasonably safe" may make some nervous, and some may argue that you can never be too safe.  Ben Franklin said it best when he said, They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty, nor safety."  It is so important that Patriotic Americans remember "fear" and "terrorism"  are the primary tools of those who wish to become Tyrants, and they helped Hitler secure power in 1933.
2. Create the atmosphere where all citizens of Delmont feel respected and motivated to participate in local government to the extent that they wish.
3. To encourage a sense of Leadership in Delmont that is willing to accept responsibility, and  accountability for their actions and hold a firm line on the division of powers and areas of responsibility.  I have not seen any signs of strong leadership since I started following local politics closely six years ago.

Why do I blog?

1. I want to be as transparent as the law will allow,  explain the issues as I understand them, and encourage you, the citizens of Delmont, to share with me your concerns so that I can represent you to the best of my ability.
2. There have been actions by Council that have insulted my intelligence, my view of how a Democracy is supposed to function, and my understanding of what it means to be a Patriotic American.  Please understand that not all of these feelings are currently being felt but this is an overview of why I got involved in Delmont Politics in the first place.  Also, please note I stressed "me" and "my" not because I wish to be egocentric but because it is my opinion of how I am viewing the situation through my biased half century of life.  Everyone has their own views based on their biases and life situations.
3. Since I have been elected I have felt isolated from my fellow Council people.  Some of this I am sure is my fault, but nobody has approached me and I feel that over-all I am talking to a close minded group of individuals. From my perspective there are some that may be semi open to ideas but for what ever reason feel safer going with the status quo. Consequently, I appeal to you the electorate to voice your opinions on different issues based on what I write.  I know that they will listen to you at least around election time.
4. Sometimes I blog certain things just  just to spark discussions.  In a democracy it is important to get as many individuals as possible involved.