PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Sure, religion and politics are volatile issues. In Union Township, add yard work and garbage to the list.
Punctuated by shouts, accusations and trash talk, Dec. 20's public hearing on a proposed property maintenance code ended abruptly. That's when a former township school board member raised a finger at outgoing Supervisor Steve Galizia.
Apparently, Galizia wasn't No. 1 in Arwood Pinkerton Jr.'s eyes.
"He's supposed to be a leader of the children's community," Galizia said. "He's flippin' the bird in a public meeting."
After the offensive salute, Galizia adjourned the session and called for police to remove Pinkerton from the meeting. While awaiting their arrival, Supervisor Kevin Guinaugh walked Pinkerton out of the meeting room.
Pinkerton could not be reached for comment Dec. 21.
Personality conflicts aside, residents questioned several portions of the code. Their overall concern was the code's enforceability and constitutionality.
"The code, as it is written, passed the solicitor and conforms to all laws," Galizia said.
Attorney Richard Harper is the district's solicitor.
One clarification dealt with the township's right of entry on a resident's or business' property. Verbal or written consent is required before a township police officer or code enforcement officer may go on the property. Barring that, a court order is required.
The use of garbage bags versus trash cans also was raised. Some audience members questioned wording that suggested a leak-proof, covered garbage container was the only acceptable form of trash receptacle.
"What about garbage bags?" resident and former township secretary Sally Byler asked.
Supervisor Pat Angiolelli said he interpreted the wording to apply to businesses.
Guinaugh raised concern over the police's role in enforcement efforts. He sought additional discussion between the supervisors and police before passing the ordinance.
"There's items in this that are not enforceable," he said. "I would not rush into judgment."
The ordinance was approved during the township's regular session, which took place after the public hearing.
"It's a necessity, and it's going to be done," Galizia said. "It's been cleared 100 percent by our solicitor."
The meeting remained contentious throughout and ended as Galizia and Byler exchanged comments.
"OK, I've had enough," Angiolelli said. "I make a motion to adjourn.
"When voices get loud, that's enough. We've already had one problem tonight. We're not having another one. I move to adjourn.
"Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Union officials: Housing agency didn't follow through
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
A nonprofit group pictured Union Township as home for its first housing project. That vision remains unrealized.
Affordable Housing of Lawrence County announced plans in August 2004 to build Dale Country Estates. The proposed $2.5 million project, to be located on Dale Road, featured 30 housing units for low-income senior citizens.
To assist with the project, the Federal Home Loan Bank's Affordable Housing Program awarded a $168,000 grant. First Commonwealth Bank was lined up to be the local lending institution. Those financial arrangements were announced at the same time.
Township supervisors Steve Galizia, Pat Angiolelli and Kevin Guinaugh agreed that Affordable Housing - and not the township - failed to follow through on the plan.
"There was never even a (formal) discussion," Guinaugh said after Dec. 20's supervisors meeting.
Galizia recalled the lone meeting on the project, saying he met with Robert Evanick, Angelo Burelli and Roger Smith.
"We sat around the cafeteria table, and they had an idea what they would like to do," Galizia said. "I said you would have to go through the stages. They didn't follow me. Period."
Evanick, who heads the Lawrence County Housing Authority, was Affordable Housing's board chairman. He resigned from the board this month. Burelli is retired from the housing authority, where he had been the maintenance supervisor. Smith, a consultant for Affordable Housing, leads New Visions for New Castle, a nonprofit group.
Donald "Ducky" Conti, Affordable Housing's secretary and housing authority board member, said Dec. 21 that community response kept the group from moving forward with the development.
Conti and the Union supervisors agreed this week that Smith's announcement of the project last year had generated a negative reaction.
Conti said that Evanick's name is synonymous with public housing. Instead of seeing the development as a good opportunity, the community rejected it as a another housing project.
"We got bombarded by a bunch of people," Galizia said.
"I called back to Evanick and said, 'What the hell is he saying something like that for?' And he said, 'Well, he should have never spoke out like that.' Talk about shooting yourself in the foot before you get started."
Affordable Housing officials were told they would need to seek a zoning variance and then meet with Union's sewer authority. If the project had received those approvals, the supervisors would have scheduled a public hearing.
Noting it had sounded like a good project, Galizia recalled, "I said, 'Guys, it doesn't matter what we think right now. You have to go through the procedures.'
"At that juncture, they knew the avenue, they just didn't take it."
Conti said Affordable Housing still wants to move forward with that development. He said that in March, Union's zoning inspector and supervisors were invited to a meeting in New Castle, but no one from Union appeared.
Galizia said Affordable Housing is welcome to resubmit the idea.
"That would be fantastic," Conti said. "It's a fantastic location."
The group, created in 2003 by the Lawrence County Housing Authority, purchased eight properties this year. Instead of building new homes, they are rehabilitating old ones.
"That's one of the reasons I resigned," Evanick said last week. "I was just excited about building something new."
Conti said Affordable Housing will have to reapply for federal funding. The deadline to tap into the money was Dec. 18.
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
A nonprofit group pictured Union Township as home for its first housing project. That vision remains unrealized.
Affordable Housing of Lawrence County announced plans in August 2004 to build Dale Country Estates. The proposed $2.5 million project, to be located on Dale Road, featured 30 housing units for low-income senior citizens.
To assist with the project, the Federal Home Loan Bank's Affordable Housing Program awarded a $168,000 grant. First Commonwealth Bank was lined up to be the local lending institution. Those financial arrangements were announced at the same time.
Township supervisors Steve Galizia, Pat Angiolelli and Kevin Guinaugh agreed that Affordable Housing - and not the township - failed to follow through on the plan.
"There was never even a (formal) discussion," Guinaugh said after Dec. 20's supervisors meeting.
Galizia recalled the lone meeting on the project, saying he met with Robert Evanick, Angelo Burelli and Roger Smith.
"We sat around the cafeteria table, and they had an idea what they would like to do," Galizia said. "I said you would have to go through the stages. They didn't follow me. Period."
Evanick, who heads the Lawrence County Housing Authority, was Affordable Housing's board chairman. He resigned from the board this month. Burelli is retired from the housing authority, where he had been the maintenance supervisor. Smith, a consultant for Affordable Housing, leads New Visions for New Castle, a nonprofit group.
Donald "Ducky" Conti, Affordable Housing's secretary and housing authority board member, said Dec. 21 that community response kept the group from moving forward with the development.
Conti and the Union supervisors agreed this week that Smith's announcement of the project last year had generated a negative reaction.
Conti said that Evanick's name is synonymous with public housing. Instead of seeing the development as a good opportunity, the community rejected it as a another housing project.
"We got bombarded by a bunch of people," Galizia said.
"I called back to Evanick and said, 'What the hell is he saying something like that for?' And he said, 'Well, he should have never spoke out like that.' Talk about shooting yourself in the foot before you get started."
Affordable Housing officials were told they would need to seek a zoning variance and then meet with Union's sewer authority. If the project had received those approvals, the supervisors would have scheduled a public hearing.
Noting it had sounded like a good project, Galizia recalled, "I said, 'Guys, it doesn't matter what we think right now. You have to go through the procedures.'
"At that juncture, they knew the avenue, they just didn't take it."
Conti said Affordable Housing still wants to move forward with that development. He said that in March, Union's zoning inspector and supervisors were invited to a meeting in New Castle, but no one from Union appeared.
Galizia said Affordable Housing is welcome to resubmit the idea.
"That would be fantastic," Conti said. "It's a fantastic location."
The group, created in 2003 by the Lawrence County Housing Authority, purchased eight properties this year. Instead of building new homes, they are rehabilitating old ones.
"That's one of the reasons I resigned," Evanick said last week. "I was just excited about building something new."
Conti said Affordable Housing will have to reapply for federal funding. The deadline to tap into the money was Dec. 18.
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Housing group loses another board member
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Affordable Housing of Lawrence County has lost its second board member in as many weeks.
In addition, a Shenango Township resident said he probably will turn down an invitation to join the New Castle-based, nonprofit organization.
Citing time constraints, attorney Frank A. Natale II submitted his resignation Dec. 20. Former Affordable Housing board member and chairman Robert Evanick, who is the executive director of the Lawrence County Housing Authority, resigned earlier this month.
"I don't feel it's appropriate to take up a board space if I can't go," explained Natale, who said he had attended two meetings during six months on the board.
"I feel that would be more fair to them if somebody else can come. They schedule the meetings during business hours, and I have a very active practice."
Created by the Lawrence County Housing Authority in 2003, the organization's initial objective was to build housing for low-income families and/or the handicapped. Instead of building housing, the group has purchased eight properties in New Castle with the intent to rehabilitate them.
"I don't want to get involved in anything that didn't have some purpose for hopefully furthering the benefit of the community," Natale said Dec. 19. "That's what I thought it was. I don't think anything different now.
"I want to see New Castle revitalized. I want to see that happen."
The departures of Natale and Evanick leave the board with four members: Donald "Ducky" Conti, Karen DeCarlo, Bill Bonner and the Rev. James Blackwell.
Conti, who is the board secretary, also serves on the housing authority board. DeCarlo is a New Castle city councilwoman, and Bonner is an official at First Commonwealth Bank.
Conti was unavailable for comment Dec. 19.
Brian Tanner, Shenango Township secretary and Shenango school district's athletic director, said he will decide by Jan. 1 if he will join the board.
"At this time, I'm probably leaning against doing it, only because of the time factor," he said Dec. 19.
"I really have very little time right now."
Tanner was expected to replace real estate developer Jon Librandi, who died in October.
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Affordable Housing of Lawrence County has lost its second board member in as many weeks.
In addition, a Shenango Township resident said he probably will turn down an invitation to join the New Castle-based, nonprofit organization.
Citing time constraints, attorney Frank A. Natale II submitted his resignation Dec. 20. Former Affordable Housing board member and chairman Robert Evanick, who is the executive director of the Lawrence County Housing Authority, resigned earlier this month.
"I don't feel it's appropriate to take up a board space if I can't go," explained Natale, who said he had attended two meetings during six months on the board.
"I feel that would be more fair to them if somebody else can come. They schedule the meetings during business hours, and I have a very active practice."
Created by the Lawrence County Housing Authority in 2003, the organization's initial objective was to build housing for low-income families and/or the handicapped. Instead of building housing, the group has purchased eight properties in New Castle with the intent to rehabilitate them.
"I don't want to get involved in anything that didn't have some purpose for hopefully furthering the benefit of the community," Natale said Dec. 19. "That's what I thought it was. I don't think anything different now.
"I want to see New Castle revitalized. I want to see that happen."
The departures of Natale and Evanick leave the board with four members: Donald "Ducky" Conti, Karen DeCarlo, Bill Bonner and the Rev. James Blackwell.
Conti, who is the board secretary, also serves on the housing authority board. DeCarlo is a New Castle city councilwoman, and Bonner is an official at First Commonwealth Bank.
Conti was unavailable for comment Dec. 19.
Brian Tanner, Shenango Township secretary and Shenango school district's athletic director, said he will decide by Jan. 1 if he will join the board.
"At this time, I'm probably leaning against doing it, only because of the time factor," he said Dec. 19.
"I really have very little time right now."
Tanner was expected to replace real estate developer Jon Librandi, who died in October.
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Monday, December 19, 2005
Housing buys raise questions
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Uncertainty is a cornerstone of the real estate market.
Activities by Affordable Housing of Lawrence County illustrate that point. Created by the Lawrence County Housing Authority, which provided a $200,000 no-interest loan in 2003, the nonprofit organization purchased eight properties this year totaling $340,000.
County property records confirm that much.
However, from the properties' value to who ordered the purchases, the current and former principals involved with Affordable Housing take differing views on strategy and responsibility.
Affordable Housing's initial objective was to build housing for low-income families and/or the handicapped. That course changed on March 8, when the group purchased a house at 1114 Cunningham Ave. in a sheriff's sale for $12,500. The county assessor's office values the property today at $26,700.
That investment is the group's best showing to date. On Dec. 7, seven more homes were purchased. Three of the properties are near or below county and state market values.
The four others were either owned or co-owned by Nick DeRosa and John A. Orlando. Valued by the county at a total of $135,100, houses on Frank, East Wallace, Highland and Florence avenues sold for $214,500.
DeRosa is the assistant superintendent of the New Castle Area School District. Orlando is retired from the Pennsylvania-American Water Co. Attempts to reach both men were unsuccessful.
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?
Donald "Ducky" Conti, a housing authority board member who also serves on the board of Affordable Housing and is its secretary, said the board agreed to the purchases. However, he said, former board member Robert Evanick was ultimately responsible.
"He's the chairman," Conti said Dec. 18 of Evanick, who is executive director of the county housing authority. "He's the one who signs off on it."
At first, Evanick didn't wish to discuss the inner workings of Affordable Housing.
"I'm out of it now," he said last week, noting he had resigned from Affordable Housing's board. "You'll have to address those questions to Mr. Conti."
When Evanick was asked the same question later, his response changed.
"Mr. Conti arranged for those purchases through the organization."
Although Evanick resigned from the Affordable Housing board, it was not before he co-signed a $250,000 loan with First Commonwealth Bank on Dec. 6. Conti was the other signer on that loan.
Overall, Affordable Housing paid $327,500 for the seven houses, which were Section 8 properties. Officially known as Housing Choice Vouchers, the Section 8 program allows renters to pay for housing through government vouchers.
Grants totaling $77,500 paid what the loan did not cover, Conti said.
THE VALUE
Property value is in the eye of the purchaser, noted Bill Bonner, also an Affordable Housing board member.
An official with First Commonwealth Bank, Bonner has served on the board for a year. He said he refrained from business dealings Affordable Housing had with the bank.
"I've abstained from that transaction because of the bank's involvement and my relationship with the board," he said last week.
To date, Affordable Housing has two mortgages with First Commonwealth Bank. The first one, for $40,000, was signed June 29. The loan involved the Cunningham Avenue property.
Board member Karen DeCarlo, also a New Castle City councilwoman, and Conti signed those loan documents. Calls were made to DeCarlo to ask about the loan and why she was listed as Affordable Housing's director at the time. She could not be reached for comment. Conti said he did not recall that particular loan.
"I believed they just offered to talk to one of our lenders," Bonner said of his bank's involvement with Affordable Housing. "I kind of stepped aside when it came to financing that project."
Real estate values fluctuate. As Bonner explained, what one person may consider a reasonable price, another may balk at.
ASKING PRICE
About 3,000 people questioned their property assessment in 2003 after the county had set new values through a reassessment, but by this year, the number of challenges had returned to normal with approximately 120.
In addition to a countywide reassessment, building improvements or a change in zoned use will create a change in assessed value.
The State Tax Equalization Board offers another method to validate property values. Each year, the board compares county-assessed values to current sales prices and comes up with what is a ratio or common level ratio. For Lawrence County, that number is 0.912.
When a county-assessed property is divided by 0.912, the state's value on a property is created.
For example, Affordable Housing purchased 1806 Highland Ave. for $72,000. The county assessed the property at $49,400 and the state at $54,167.
"All I can tell you is that it's a triplex," Conti said. "I have no clue on how they assess. Apparently it must be OK because the bank had no problem with it."
He then added, "I'm not into that real estate stuff."
APPRAISALS
Castle Realty conducted the appraisals for the seven properties purchased on Dec. 7. Neither Castle Realty nor First Commonwealth Bank would release those figures. Conti said Affordable Housing would review the request for the appraisals.
Conti said Affordable Housing provided no public announcement that it was looking to purchase houses. In addition to Orlando and DeRosa, properties were purchased from Harry L. DeRosa and David L. Defibaugh.
The DeRosas are first cousins, Conti said. County records show that Nick DeRosa and Defibaugh were involved in real estate transactions.
"They wanted to sell," Conti said, adding all the buildings had tenants in them.
Harry L. DeRosa and Defibaugh could not be reached for comment.
Conti said Affordable Housing plans to purchase six more houses.
"They don't belong to Harry DeRosa or Nick DeRosa," he said. "There's other people involved.
"We went to the bank (First Commonwealth) and told them what we want to do. The bank was well aware what our goal is."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Uncertainty is a cornerstone of the real estate market.
Activities by Affordable Housing of Lawrence County illustrate that point. Created by the Lawrence County Housing Authority, which provided a $200,000 no-interest loan in 2003, the nonprofit organization purchased eight properties this year totaling $340,000.
County property records confirm that much.
However, from the properties' value to who ordered the purchases, the current and former principals involved with Affordable Housing take differing views on strategy and responsibility.
Affordable Housing's initial objective was to build housing for low-income families and/or the handicapped. That course changed on March 8, when the group purchased a house at 1114 Cunningham Ave. in a sheriff's sale for $12,500. The county assessor's office values the property today at $26,700.
That investment is the group's best showing to date. On Dec. 7, seven more homes were purchased. Three of the properties are near or below county and state market values.
The four others were either owned or co-owned by Nick DeRosa and John A. Orlando. Valued by the county at a total of $135,100, houses on Frank, East Wallace, Highland and Florence avenues sold for $214,500.
DeRosa is the assistant superintendent of the New Castle Area School District. Orlando is retired from the Pennsylvania-American Water Co. Attempts to reach both men were unsuccessful.
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE?
Donald "Ducky" Conti, a housing authority board member who also serves on the board of Affordable Housing and is its secretary, said the board agreed to the purchases. However, he said, former board member Robert Evanick was ultimately responsible.
"He's the chairman," Conti said Dec. 18 of Evanick, who is executive director of the county housing authority. "He's the one who signs off on it."
At first, Evanick didn't wish to discuss the inner workings of Affordable Housing.
"I'm out of it now," he said last week, noting he had resigned from Affordable Housing's board. "You'll have to address those questions to Mr. Conti."
When Evanick was asked the same question later, his response changed.
"Mr. Conti arranged for those purchases through the organization."
Although Evanick resigned from the Affordable Housing board, it was not before he co-signed a $250,000 loan with First Commonwealth Bank on Dec. 6. Conti was the other signer on that loan.
Overall, Affordable Housing paid $327,500 for the seven houses, which were Section 8 properties. Officially known as Housing Choice Vouchers, the Section 8 program allows renters to pay for housing through government vouchers.
Grants totaling $77,500 paid what the loan did not cover, Conti said.
THE VALUE
Property value is in the eye of the purchaser, noted Bill Bonner, also an Affordable Housing board member.
An official with First Commonwealth Bank, Bonner has served on the board for a year. He said he refrained from business dealings Affordable Housing had with the bank.
"I've abstained from that transaction because of the bank's involvement and my relationship with the board," he said last week.
To date, Affordable Housing has two mortgages with First Commonwealth Bank. The first one, for $40,000, was signed June 29. The loan involved the Cunningham Avenue property.
Board member Karen DeCarlo, also a New Castle City councilwoman, and Conti signed those loan documents. Calls were made to DeCarlo to ask about the loan and why she was listed as Affordable Housing's director at the time. She could not be reached for comment. Conti said he did not recall that particular loan.
"I believed they just offered to talk to one of our lenders," Bonner said of his bank's involvement with Affordable Housing. "I kind of stepped aside when it came to financing that project."
Real estate values fluctuate. As Bonner explained, what one person may consider a reasonable price, another may balk at.
ASKING PRICE
About 3,000 people questioned their property assessment in 2003 after the county had set new values through a reassessment, but by this year, the number of challenges had returned to normal with approximately 120.
In addition to a countywide reassessment, building improvements or a change in zoned use will create a change in assessed value.
The State Tax Equalization Board offers another method to validate property values. Each year, the board compares county-assessed values to current sales prices and comes up with what is a ratio or common level ratio. For Lawrence County, that number is 0.912.
When a county-assessed property is divided by 0.912, the state's value on a property is created.
For example, Affordable Housing purchased 1806 Highland Ave. for $72,000. The county assessed the property at $49,400 and the state at $54,167.
"All I can tell you is that it's a triplex," Conti said. "I have no clue on how they assess. Apparently it must be OK because the bank had no problem with it."
He then added, "I'm not into that real estate stuff."
APPRAISALS
Castle Realty conducted the appraisals for the seven properties purchased on Dec. 7. Neither Castle Realty nor First Commonwealth Bank would release those figures. Conti said Affordable Housing would review the request for the appraisals.
Conti said Affordable Housing provided no public announcement that it was looking to purchase houses. In addition to Orlando and DeRosa, properties were purchased from Harry L. DeRosa and David L. Defibaugh.
The DeRosas are first cousins, Conti said. County records show that Nick DeRosa and Defibaugh were involved in real estate transactions.
"They wanted to sell," Conti said, adding all the buildings had tenants in them.
Harry L. DeRosa and Defibaugh could not be reached for comment.
Conti said Affordable Housing plans to purchase six more houses.
"They don't belong to Harry DeRosa or Nick DeRosa," he said. "There's other people involved.
"We went to the bank (First Commonwealth) and told them what we want to do. The bank was well aware what our goal is."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Felasco fate varies by jurisdiction
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
A Lawrence County commissioner and a federal housing official acknowledge the angst county residents have toward Gary F. Felasco.
Neither Dan Vogler nor Guy Ciarrocchi want Felasco handling public funds after state charges of theft emerged.
Yet, Vogler has had no success in booting the county treasurer from his office.
Conversely, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suspended Felasco in late November as a Lawrence County Housing Authority board member.
One man. Same charges. Different responses.
"It's all based on the law," Vogler said Thursday. "Everything we do here has to be based on what the law allows us to do and doesn't allow us to do.
"Evidently the law allows HUD to suspend board members because that's where the money's coming from."
Backed by rulings from District Judge Samuel A. Battaglia and visiting common pleas Judge Michael J. Wherry, Felasco has remained in office with pay.
"I understand citizens may be frustrated with the process locally," Ciarrocchi said yesterday.
Ciarrocchi serves as HUD's Region III director in Philadelphia. His office oversees housing authorities in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Noting that county and federal laws are in play, Ciarrocchi said he is not surprised by the apparent contradiction taking place.
"We have an obligation to make sure money is spent wisely," he said. "People must be capable but ethical."
Vogler hopes HUD's action opens the way for the county to make another case for Felasco's removal as county treasurer.
"In the light of the suspension against Felasco, does that gives us enough evidence (to) ask the courts to rule on a removal request? (County solicitor Thomas Leslie) is still looking into that."
Ciarrocchi said his office learned through a number of sources about the controversy and charges involving Felasco. U.S. Rep Melissa Hart and state Rep. Frank LaGrotta took the lead on the legislative level to advise HUD. Private citizens also offered input.
Last week, housing authority board member Donald "Ducky" Conti claimed someone had tipped off HUD about Felasco's charges. Ciarrocchi questioned Conti's assertion.
"I'm surprised why Mr. Conti is surprised," he said. "He's surprised that HUD took an interest in the Lawrence County Housing Authority and Mr. Felasco?
"We read the newspapers, too. We were aware of the criminal charges because of the media."
Like Felasco, Conti is facing his own legal issues. In 2004, the state charged Conti on counts involving illegal gambling devices and liquor. He is awaiting trial.
"HUD is aware of the charges against him," Ciarrocchi said.
He declined to say if Conti would be removed from the housing authority board.
Unlike HUD, the county has a limited role involving the housing authority.
"Somewhere in the law, it states the county commissioners will appoint the five members of a housing authority," Vogler said. "And then there's a big period at that point."
The law, and not passion, will determine Felasco's fate, Vogler said.
"That's why we have a solicitor to tell us to research the law," he said. "That prevents us from basing our decisions strictly on emotion.
"If I could base my decision on emotion and not adhere to the law, he'd have been gone 18 months ago."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
A Lawrence County commissioner and a federal housing official acknowledge the angst county residents have toward Gary F. Felasco.
Neither Dan Vogler nor Guy Ciarrocchi want Felasco handling public funds after state charges of theft emerged.
Yet, Vogler has had no success in booting the county treasurer from his office.
Conversely, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suspended Felasco in late November as a Lawrence County Housing Authority board member.
One man. Same charges. Different responses.
"It's all based on the law," Vogler said Thursday. "Everything we do here has to be based on what the law allows us to do and doesn't allow us to do.
"Evidently the law allows HUD to suspend board members because that's where the money's coming from."
Backed by rulings from District Judge Samuel A. Battaglia and visiting common pleas Judge Michael J. Wherry, Felasco has remained in office with pay.
"I understand citizens may be frustrated with the process locally," Ciarrocchi said yesterday.
Ciarrocchi serves as HUD's Region III director in Philadelphia. His office oversees housing authorities in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
Noting that county and federal laws are in play, Ciarrocchi said he is not surprised by the apparent contradiction taking place.
"We have an obligation to make sure money is spent wisely," he said. "People must be capable but ethical."
Vogler hopes HUD's action opens the way for the county to make another case for Felasco's removal as county treasurer.
"In the light of the suspension against Felasco, does that gives us enough evidence (to) ask the courts to rule on a removal request? (County solicitor Thomas Leslie) is still looking into that."
Ciarrocchi said his office learned through a number of sources about the controversy and charges involving Felasco. U.S. Rep Melissa Hart and state Rep. Frank LaGrotta took the lead on the legislative level to advise HUD. Private citizens also offered input.
Last week, housing authority board member Donald "Ducky" Conti claimed someone had tipped off HUD about Felasco's charges. Ciarrocchi questioned Conti's assertion.
"I'm surprised why Mr. Conti is surprised," he said. "He's surprised that HUD took an interest in the Lawrence County Housing Authority and Mr. Felasco?
"We read the newspapers, too. We were aware of the criminal charges because of the media."
Like Felasco, Conti is facing his own legal issues. In 2004, the state charged Conti on counts involving illegal gambling devices and liquor. He is awaiting trial.
"HUD is aware of the charges against him," Ciarrocchi said.
He declined to say if Conti would be removed from the housing authority board.
Unlike HUD, the county has a limited role involving the housing authority.
"Somewhere in the law, it states the county commissioners will appoint the five members of a housing authority," Vogler said. "And then there's a big period at that point."
The law, and not passion, will determine Felasco's fate, Vogler said.
"That's why we have a solicitor to tell us to research the law," he said. "That prevents us from basing our decisions strictly on emotion.
"If I could base my decision on emotion and not adhere to the law, he'd have been gone 18 months ago."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Friday, December 16, 2005
Evanick says no to buyout
By PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The Lawrence County Housing Authority's executive director rejected an early retirement package last week.
The announcement surprised two of the board's four members, who had not approved the proposal made to Robert Evanick.
"I don't know how they can offer him a buyout without consulting the board first," Ernestine Wise said last night.
"I don't know anything about it."
Chairman Robert Heath also expressed his frustration.
"I wasn't really told a dollar amount," he said. "They asked me if I was for a buyout and I said no.
"For one reason, we couldn't afford a buyout. And I don't think Mr. Evanick wanted to leave."
When contacted yesterday, Evanick downplayed the controversy.
"They wanted to give me an incentive to take an early retirement, and I decided that I just wanted to continue working."
The question of who authorized talks with Evanick is not clear. Board member Donald "Ducky" Conti said Evanick was "pondering on retiring." Other than denying Evanick was offered $200,000 to leave, Conti provided no additional information.
"That number is too large," he said.
Board member Jeffrey Scrim, who is on vacation, and suspended board member Gary F. Felasco could not be reached for comment.
Although Evanick is a civil service employee, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development does not have a say on his buyout package. HUD provides the authority with its funding.
"They had offered me a cash incentive and paying for my sick time and vacation time," Evanick said. "I told them I just wasn't interested. I want to work for five more years until I'm 65."
The question of where Evanick will work during that time also is being raised. A source familiar with housing authority issues, who requested anonymity, said Evanick was relocating to Pittsburgh once mayor-elect Bob O'Connor takes office.
The source said Evanick was expected to be hired by Pittsburgh's housing authority.
Dick Skrinjar, O'Connor communications director, quickly rejected that as rumor.
"I know nothing about it," he said yesterday. "The chief of staff will sit in on all the hirings that we do here. It's premature to have announcements about other people's positions."
Evanick said he could not comment on that report.
The housing authority has been mired in controversy. Along with Felasco's notoriety, issues involving the cost of the agency's cars and the combining of contracts for painting and grass-cutting plagued the authority last year. HUD suspended Felasco - who is the county treasurer and facing criminal charges involving theft - from his board seat on Nov. 29.
Evanick has disassociated himself from another agency, Affordable Housing of Lawrence County. Formed in August 2003 by the housing authority, the objective of the nonprofit group was to build housing for low-income families.
"We originally decided we were going to build new housing for the disabled," said Evanick, who last week left the board he was serving as chairman. "Once (the organization) decided to go the route of buying individual houses and fixing them up, then I lost interest in it."
Addressing Evanick's departure from Affordable Housing, Conti speculated that events surrounding the housing authority had made Evanick "gun shy."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The Lawrence County Housing Authority's executive director rejected an early retirement package last week.
The announcement surprised two of the board's four members, who had not approved the proposal made to Robert Evanick.
"I don't know how they can offer him a buyout without consulting the board first," Ernestine Wise said last night.
"I don't know anything about it."
Chairman Robert Heath also expressed his frustration.
"I wasn't really told a dollar amount," he said. "They asked me if I was for a buyout and I said no.
"For one reason, we couldn't afford a buyout. And I don't think Mr. Evanick wanted to leave."
When contacted yesterday, Evanick downplayed the controversy.
"They wanted to give me an incentive to take an early retirement, and I decided that I just wanted to continue working."
The question of who authorized talks with Evanick is not clear. Board member Donald "Ducky" Conti said Evanick was "pondering on retiring." Other than denying Evanick was offered $200,000 to leave, Conti provided no additional information.
"That number is too large," he said.
Board member Jeffrey Scrim, who is on vacation, and suspended board member Gary F. Felasco could not be reached for comment.
Although Evanick is a civil service employee, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development does not have a say on his buyout package. HUD provides the authority with its funding.
"They had offered me a cash incentive and paying for my sick time and vacation time," Evanick said. "I told them I just wasn't interested. I want to work for five more years until I'm 65."
The question of where Evanick will work during that time also is being raised. A source familiar with housing authority issues, who requested anonymity, said Evanick was relocating to Pittsburgh once mayor-elect Bob O'Connor takes office.
The source said Evanick was expected to be hired by Pittsburgh's housing authority.
Dick Skrinjar, O'Connor communications director, quickly rejected that as rumor.
"I know nothing about it," he said yesterday. "The chief of staff will sit in on all the hirings that we do here. It's premature to have announcements about other people's positions."
Evanick said he could not comment on that report.
The housing authority has been mired in controversy. Along with Felasco's notoriety, issues involving the cost of the agency's cars and the combining of contracts for painting and grass-cutting plagued the authority last year. HUD suspended Felasco - who is the county treasurer and facing criminal charges involving theft - from his board seat on Nov. 29.
Evanick has disassociated himself from another agency, Affordable Housing of Lawrence County. Formed in August 2003 by the housing authority, the objective of the nonprofit group was to build housing for low-income families.
"We originally decided we were going to build new housing for the disabled," said Evanick, who last week left the board he was serving as chairman. "Once (the organization) decided to go the route of buying individual houses and fixing them up, then I lost interest in it."
Addressing Evanick's departure from Affordable Housing, Conti speculated that events surrounding the housing authority had made Evanick "gun shy."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Thursday, December 8, 2005
Board meets without Felasco
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Jeffrey Scrim's casual comment came across like a death announcement.
"Mr. Felasco is no longer with us."
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Nov. 29 ruling prevented Gary F. Felasco from attending yesterday's Lawrence County Housing Authority board meeting and its work session earlier in the week.
Citing Felasco's state charges involving his role as county treasurer, the federal housing agency issued a temporary suspension against the authority board member. Because the authority receives its entire funding from the federal government, HUD said it was required to protect the public's interest and maintain integrity.
"I didn't know if (Felasco) was going to show up or not," authority executive director Robert J. Evanick said yesterday.
Scrim and fellow board members Robert Heath and Donald "Ducky" Conti expressed concern over HUD's ruling.
"I believe they have to have just cause," said Scrim, whose term expires Dec. 31. "They shouldn't be able to come in and do something to our employees."
Conti has a particular interest in HUD's action.
"Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?" Conti asked. "If they can do this to him, they can do this to us."
An officer of the Vita Nuovo Club on East Washington Street, Conti faces criminal charges after a state police investigation into illegal gambling devices and illegal liquor sales. Conti, who rejected a plea offer, awaits trial.
"Mine's a slap on the hand," Conti said of his charges. "The worst-case scenario, I get probation."
Conti said he has not been contacted by HUD officials regarding his charges.
Stating that this is a local matter, Conti said Felasco's standing on the board should be determined by the county housing authority.
"This thing has been going on for a year and a half," Conti said. "All of the sudden Washington comes down on us.
"Somebody had to tip them off."
He also noted that the county's judicial system ruled Felasco may serve as treasurer pending the outcome of his trial.
"Nobody can remove him unless he was found guilty of the crime."
The board ordered authority solicitor Lou Perrotta to continue researching HUD's ruling. He was also told not to appeal or seek an injunction on Felasco's behalf.
In its letter, HUD stated that as of Nov. 29 Felasco "may not influence or control the use of HUD funds." Based on that language, Perrotta may not be permitted to represent Felasco as the authority solicitor if Felasco appeals.
"I don't know the answer to that," Perrotta said. "I have not talked to him at all."
Authority board members are not paid for their services. However, they are reimbursed for expenses related to authority business, such as mileage and conferences.
Conti said he spoke to Felasco since learning of the suspension, but the treasurer did not reveal his legal strategy. Neither Felasco nor his attorney Ed Leymarie were available for comment.
"This has never happened at the authority," Evanick said of HUD's action. "This is a whole, new ballgame."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Jeffrey Scrim's casual comment came across like a death announcement.
"Mr. Felasco is no longer with us."
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Nov. 29 ruling prevented Gary F. Felasco from attending yesterday's Lawrence County Housing Authority board meeting and its work session earlier in the week.
Citing Felasco's state charges involving his role as county treasurer, the federal housing agency issued a temporary suspension against the authority board member. Because the authority receives its entire funding from the federal government, HUD said it was required to protect the public's interest and maintain integrity.
"I didn't know if (Felasco) was going to show up or not," authority executive director Robert J. Evanick said yesterday.
Scrim and fellow board members Robert Heath and Donald "Ducky" Conti expressed concern over HUD's ruling.
"I believe they have to have just cause," said Scrim, whose term expires Dec. 31. "They shouldn't be able to come in and do something to our employees."
Conti has a particular interest in HUD's action.
"Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?" Conti asked. "If they can do this to him, they can do this to us."
An officer of the Vita Nuovo Club on East Washington Street, Conti faces criminal charges after a state police investigation into illegal gambling devices and illegal liquor sales. Conti, who rejected a plea offer, awaits trial.
"Mine's a slap on the hand," Conti said of his charges. "The worst-case scenario, I get probation."
Conti said he has not been contacted by HUD officials regarding his charges.
Stating that this is a local matter, Conti said Felasco's standing on the board should be determined by the county housing authority.
"This thing has been going on for a year and a half," Conti said. "All of the sudden Washington comes down on us.
"Somebody had to tip them off."
He also noted that the county's judicial system ruled Felasco may serve as treasurer pending the outcome of his trial.
"Nobody can remove him unless he was found guilty of the crime."
The board ordered authority solicitor Lou Perrotta to continue researching HUD's ruling. He was also told not to appeal or seek an injunction on Felasco's behalf.
In its letter, HUD stated that as of Nov. 29 Felasco "may not influence or control the use of HUD funds." Based on that language, Perrotta may not be permitted to represent Felasco as the authority solicitor if Felasco appeals.
"I don't know the answer to that," Perrotta said. "I have not talked to him at all."
Authority board members are not paid for their services. However, they are reimbursed for expenses related to authority business, such as mileage and conferences.
Conti said he spoke to Felasco since learning of the suspension, but the treasurer did not reveal his legal strategy. Neither Felasco nor his attorney Ed Leymarie were available for comment.
"This has never happened at the authority," Evanick said of HUD's action. "This is a whole, new ballgame."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
BACK TO THE FUTURE
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The white walnut tree sprouted along the creek's bank more than 50 years ago.
As Shenango Township developed, nearby swamp lands were filled and a shopping center constructed. With trees and fields of wildflowers leveled, schools, a football stadium and ball fields rose in their stead.
The creek lost its simple elegance and slowly transformed into a watery waste pit. The tapestry of nature was coming undone.
Somehow, the white walnut tree avoided the bulldozer, weathered disease and co-existed with the trash. The tree not only survived, it thrived.
A coalition of Shenango teachers, community volunteers and a local botanist are working to restore the creek to its original state. The area, behind Shenango's football field, will become the district's environmental classroom and a nature reserve for township residents.
"If you work with it, nature will heal," said Paul Skuta, a botanist advising seventh-grade science teacher Al Dorsch on the project.
The white walnut tree was one of the treasures Skuta uncovered while walking Dorsch and his colleagues through the area.
"I was astounded to see this tree there, which is actually one of the largest specimens that I've seen in many, many years," Skuta said. It's the kind of plant that grows in those kind of places - low, wet areas.
"And a lot of these kind of areas get drained, bulldozed."
State-mandating testing - not environmental activism - led Dorsch and fellow science teachers to target the creek for cleanup and rebirth.
Starting in 2007, students in grades four, eight and 11 will be tested in science. Dorsch said state education officials are emphasizing that students be taught ecology.
"We knew we were heading in that direction about three years ago," said Dorsch, the high school's science department chairman.
"That's when we started looking at the changes that needed to be made. We asked 'How can we change the program to fit that need?'"
A hike to the rear of the school's property offered the answer.
"I took kids down there to show them the characteristics of the stream and the plant life that exists in Pennsylvania," Dorsch said. "But the banks were so steep, I really couldn't take them down there safely."
Last year, the district received a $2,000 grant from the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. The funds are earmarked to develop elementary and high school learning classrooms.
"Even though we did receive the grants, it's still not enough money for them to do what they want to do," said parent volunteer Angel Rogers of Station Road.
Serving as a fundraiser, Rogers will visit township businesses in an effort to secure building materials and free labor.
"We need a lot of help from the community."
The district and volunteers are working on the initial phase of the project - cleanup and construction.
Hamilton Street resident Tammy Waters has pitched in with the cleanup and planning sessions.
"I know that I have a healthy respect for nature," she said, "and that I thought that it was a great opportunity for my children to learn hands-on and have this experience."
Outdoor classrooms give the district an advantage, Dorsch said. Science theory is taught in the classroom, while the hands-on learning takes place outside.
"The things that we think are just weeds ... have such purpose that we don't see as human beings," he said.
"I can't wait to see what else we find."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The white walnut tree sprouted along the creek's bank more than 50 years ago.
As Shenango Township developed, nearby swamp lands were filled and a shopping center constructed. With trees and fields of wildflowers leveled, schools, a football stadium and ball fields rose in their stead.
The creek lost its simple elegance and slowly transformed into a watery waste pit. The tapestry of nature was coming undone.
Somehow, the white walnut tree avoided the bulldozer, weathered disease and co-existed with the trash. The tree not only survived, it thrived.
A coalition of Shenango teachers, community volunteers and a local botanist are working to restore the creek to its original state. The area, behind Shenango's football field, will become the district's environmental classroom and a nature reserve for township residents.
"If you work with it, nature will heal," said Paul Skuta, a botanist advising seventh-grade science teacher Al Dorsch on the project.
The white walnut tree was one of the treasures Skuta uncovered while walking Dorsch and his colleagues through the area.
"I was astounded to see this tree there, which is actually one of the largest specimens that I've seen in many, many years," Skuta said. It's the kind of plant that grows in those kind of places - low, wet areas.
"And a lot of these kind of areas get drained, bulldozed."
State-mandating testing - not environmental activism - led Dorsch and fellow science teachers to target the creek for cleanup and rebirth.
Starting in 2007, students in grades four, eight and 11 will be tested in science. Dorsch said state education officials are emphasizing that students be taught ecology.
"We knew we were heading in that direction about three years ago," said Dorsch, the high school's science department chairman.
"That's when we started looking at the changes that needed to be made. We asked 'How can we change the program to fit that need?'"
A hike to the rear of the school's property offered the answer.
"I took kids down there to show them the characteristics of the stream and the plant life that exists in Pennsylvania," Dorsch said. "But the banks were so steep, I really couldn't take them down there safely."
Last year, the district received a $2,000 grant from the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. The funds are earmarked to develop elementary and high school learning classrooms.
"Even though we did receive the grants, it's still not enough money for them to do what they want to do," said parent volunteer Angel Rogers of Station Road.
Serving as a fundraiser, Rogers will visit township businesses in an effort to secure building materials and free labor.
"We need a lot of help from the community."
The district and volunteers are working on the initial phase of the project - cleanup and construction.
Hamilton Street resident Tammy Waters has pitched in with the cleanup and planning sessions.
"I know that I have a healthy respect for nature," she said, "and that I thought that it was a great opportunity for my children to learn hands-on and have this experience."
Outdoor classrooms give the district an advantage, Dorsch said. Science theory is taught in the classroom, while the hands-on learning takes place outside.
"The things that we think are just weeds ... have such purpose that we don't see as human beings," he said.
"I can't wait to see what else we find."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Newly elected supervisor threatens lawsuit
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
A new contract puts Union Township's police department in the crossfire of two warring politicians.
Outgoing supervisor Steve Galizia calls the six-year pact a fair agreement.
"Those wage increases are consistent with the last three contracts," Galizia said at Nov. 15's supervisors meeting.
Incoming supervisor Clair Damon sees the move as a vendetta.
"There is case law that this is illegal," Damon responded. "I have a problem being locked in for six years."
During a special meeting Nov. 14 morning, the supervisors extended the police department's contract through 2011. Galizia and Supervisor Pat Angiolelli voted yes; Supervisor Kevin Guinaugh, no.
"We can't even negotiate and change," Guinaugh said. "We're here to defend the citizens and their money."
Damon is threatening to file a lawsuit against the township over the vote. He argued that when the new board -- he, Angiolelli and Guinaugh -- is installed, it will be bound by a last-minute contract. That action goes against public policy, he said.
"Obviously you didn't talk to your solicitor before voting."
Damon and audience members pelted Galizia with questions ranging from the contract's origin to the amount of the raises.
Galizia said he had received the police union's contract offer on Oct. 14. He then forwarded the proposal to Angiolelli and Guinaugh.
"It was a pretty cut-and-dried request," Galizia said.
Chief Joseph Lombardo's pay increases also came under scrutiny. Lombardo is the department's lone full-time employee. There are four part-time officers.
Lombardo, whose 2005 salary is $36,000, will see consecutive increases of $2,000 a year or 96 cents an hour through 2011. In the last year of the contract, he will earn $48,000. Overall, the contract increases Lombardo's earnings by approximately 33 percent.
When contacted Nov. 15, Lombardo declined comment.
On Nov. 14, Galizia and Angiolelli said raises over the life of the contract will average 50 cents per hour each year. All other terms, they added, remain the same.
Guinaugh argued the new board should have reviewed and approved the contract extension. He expressed frustration over the matter.
"I don't understand how it came about," he said. "I think it's ridiculous."
Ultimately, the contract dispute highlights the contentious issue involving the handling of Union finances.
"He's going to have this township broke," an audience member said of Galizia. "I'm not stupid."
Galizia countered that the supervisors have acted fiscally responsibly.
"I'm not going to sit there and listen to (Damon) tell me that I don't know how to manage a township," he said after the meeting.
Saying the 2006 budget will be passed with no tax increase, he explained, "There's money budgeted for everything we've done and everything that we will do 'til the end of the year.
"If (the budget is) properly managed, it will do fine."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
A new contract puts Union Township's police department in the crossfire of two warring politicians.
Outgoing supervisor Steve Galizia calls the six-year pact a fair agreement.
"Those wage increases are consistent with the last three contracts," Galizia said at Nov. 15's supervisors meeting.
Incoming supervisor Clair Damon sees the move as a vendetta.
"There is case law that this is illegal," Damon responded. "I have a problem being locked in for six years."
During a special meeting Nov. 14 morning, the supervisors extended the police department's contract through 2011. Galizia and Supervisor Pat Angiolelli voted yes; Supervisor Kevin Guinaugh, no.
"We can't even negotiate and change," Guinaugh said. "We're here to defend the citizens and their money."
Damon is threatening to file a lawsuit against the township over the vote. He argued that when the new board -- he, Angiolelli and Guinaugh -- is installed, it will be bound by a last-minute contract. That action goes against public policy, he said.
"Obviously you didn't talk to your solicitor before voting."
Damon and audience members pelted Galizia with questions ranging from the contract's origin to the amount of the raises.
Galizia said he had received the police union's contract offer on Oct. 14. He then forwarded the proposal to Angiolelli and Guinaugh.
"It was a pretty cut-and-dried request," Galizia said.
Chief Joseph Lombardo's pay increases also came under scrutiny. Lombardo is the department's lone full-time employee. There are four part-time officers.
Lombardo, whose 2005 salary is $36,000, will see consecutive increases of $2,000 a year or 96 cents an hour through 2011. In the last year of the contract, he will earn $48,000. Overall, the contract increases Lombardo's earnings by approximately 33 percent.
When contacted Nov. 15, Lombardo declined comment.
On Nov. 14, Galizia and Angiolelli said raises over the life of the contract will average 50 cents per hour each year. All other terms, they added, remain the same.
Guinaugh argued the new board should have reviewed and approved the contract extension. He expressed frustration over the matter.
"I don't understand how it came about," he said. "I think it's ridiculous."
Ultimately, the contract dispute highlights the contentious issue involving the handling of Union finances.
"He's going to have this township broke," an audience member said of Galizia. "I'm not stupid."
Galizia countered that the supervisors have acted fiscally responsibly.
"I'm not going to sit there and listen to (Damon) tell me that I don't know how to manage a township," he said after the meeting.
Saying the 2006 budget will be passed with no tax increase, he explained, "There's money budgeted for everything we've done and everything that we will do 'til the end of the year.
"If (the budget is) properly managed, it will do fine."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Shenango reworking Web site
WHERE'S MY SCHOOL?
On the Web
Ellwood City - https://www.edline.net/pages/Ellwood_CASD
Laurel - http://www.laurel.k12.pa.us/
Midwest Intermediate Unit IV - http://www.miu4.k12.pa.us/
Mohawk - http://www.mohawk.k12.pa.us/
Neshannock - http://www.neshannock.k12.pa.us/
New Castle - http://ncasd.com/
Union - http://www.union.k12.pa.us/
Vo-tech - http://www.lcvt.tec.pa.us/lcvt/site/default.asp
Wilmington - http://www.wilmington.k12.pa.us/
TECHNOLOGY The "under construction" sign will soon be coming down from the Shenango Area School District's Web site.
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Shenango High seniors Brittany Flynn and Stevie Crisci regularly navigate the Internet to complete homework assignments.
But ask them to find their school district's Web site.
"I didn't know we had a Web page," Brittany said.
They do, sort of.
"I think I heard about it before, but it's not a big thing," Stevie added.
It's not. Visit www.shenango.k12.pa.us, and you'll discover the site is under construction.
While Lawrence County's seven other school districts have a presence on the Internet, Shenango exited the Information Superhighway earlier this year.
"The old one was so bad," Superintendent Dr. Lawrence Connelly said after last night's school board meeting. "We felt it was better not to have one. It was so outdated."
The district's original Web site was created approximately six years ago, according to ninth-grade computer applications teacher Vicky Rozanski.
"When we originally started it, it was student-produced," Rozanski said. "We learned the basic codes.
"So much of the software nowadays does everything for them, plugging in the information. The students will pick it up in a minute."
School districts such as Union and Mohawk offer extensive information, ranging from lunch menus to a calendar of events, on their sites. Shenango wasn't able to match that quality.
"It's disappointing at this point, but we feel we're heading in the right direction," Connelly said.
That's not to suggest that students are at a disadvantage when it involves the Internet.
The Web site, edline.com, provides a place where Shenango teachers, students and parents can interact. The educational Web-hosting service allows students to see their grades, permits teachers to list weekly plans and notes, and gives parents the opportunity to see what their children are doing at school.
Shenango's Web site will return online soon. A committee made up of parents, teachers and a tech person are working on the project. Beth Barber, the district's tech coordinator, will manage the Web pages.
"At this point, we're in the design phase," Connelly said. "We're very anxious to get it up."
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Daniel Bell said it will be approximately four weeks before the "under construction" home page comes down.
"It's going to be in stages," he said. "We're going to put the framework up first and then add on the links for the different buildings."
The importance of the revamped site extends beyond the district, Connelly said. The community - locally and worldwide - can see what's taking place.
"It's nice to be communicating to people where Shenango is, what Shenango's like," he said. "That's the missing link."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
On the Web
Ellwood City - https://www.edline.net/pages/Ellwood_CASD
Laurel - http://www.laurel.k12.pa.us/
Midwest Intermediate Unit IV - http://www.miu4.k12.pa.us/
Mohawk - http://www.mohawk.k12.pa.us/
Neshannock - http://www.neshannock.k12.pa.us/
New Castle - http://ncasd.com/
Union - http://www.union.k12.pa.us/
Vo-tech - http://www.lcvt.tec.pa.us/lcvt/site/default.asp
Wilmington - http://www.wilmington.k12.pa.us/
TECHNOLOGY The "under construction" sign will soon be coming down from the Shenango Area School District's Web site.
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Shenango High seniors Brittany Flynn and Stevie Crisci regularly navigate the Internet to complete homework assignments.
But ask them to find their school district's Web site.
"I didn't know we had a Web page," Brittany said.
They do, sort of.
"I think I heard about it before, but it's not a big thing," Stevie added.
It's not. Visit www.shenango.k12.pa.us, and you'll discover the site is under construction.
While Lawrence County's seven other school districts have a presence on the Internet, Shenango exited the Information Superhighway earlier this year.
"The old one was so bad," Superintendent Dr. Lawrence Connelly said after last night's school board meeting. "We felt it was better not to have one. It was so outdated."
The district's original Web site was created approximately six years ago, according to ninth-grade computer applications teacher Vicky Rozanski.
"When we originally started it, it was student-produced," Rozanski said. "We learned the basic codes.
"So much of the software nowadays does everything for them, plugging in the information. The students will pick it up in a minute."
School districts such as Union and Mohawk offer extensive information, ranging from lunch menus to a calendar of events, on their sites. Shenango wasn't able to match that quality.
"It's disappointing at this point, but we feel we're heading in the right direction," Connelly said.
That's not to suggest that students are at a disadvantage when it involves the Internet.
The Web site, edline.com, provides a place where Shenango teachers, students and parents can interact. The educational Web-hosting service allows students to see their grades, permits teachers to list weekly plans and notes, and gives parents the opportunity to see what their children are doing at school.
Shenango's Web site will return online soon. A committee made up of parents, teachers and a tech person are working on the project. Beth Barber, the district's tech coordinator, will manage the Web pages.
"At this point, we're in the design phase," Connelly said. "We're very anxious to get it up."
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Daniel Bell said it will be approximately four weeks before the "under construction" home page comes down.
"It's going to be in stages," he said. "We're going to put the framework up first and then add on the links for the different buildings."
The importance of the revamped site extends beyond the district, Connelly said. The community - locally and worldwide - can see what's taking place.
"It's nice to be communicating to people where Shenango is, what Shenango's like," he said. "That's the missing link."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Legislators' votes can be tricky to obtain
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The New Castle News asked Lawrence County's legislators in Harrisburg to produce their voting records from January 2005 to present. The request was simple enough.
However, aides to the five lawmakers- state Rep. Chris Sainato, state Rep. Frank LaGrotta, state Rep. Rod Wilt, state Sen. Bob Robbins and state Sen. Gerald LaValle - had similar puzzled reactions.
"You want what?"
Four of the five legislators contacted provided the records sought in some form, either through e-mail, mailed reports or a handwritten list faxed to The News.
An aide forRobbins advised The News it would cost $20.30 for the information.
The exercise provides insight into the manner in which lawmakers themselves must obtain vote data.
Among their duties, lawmakers' staffs respond to constituent requests for voting records - an infrequent situation.
"It is rare that they actually ask for a roll-call vote on a matter," said Nathan Silcox, Robbins' legislative director.
Tony Rigano, chief of staff for LaValle, echoed that view.
"We may get three or four calls per day when it's slow," he said. "Twenty, thirty calls on something of interest."
Someone seeking voting records must be specific in what they want. Legislators cast votes while in committee; for bills, resolutions and amendments; and during master roll call, procedural matters and executive nominations.
The number of yeas and nays cast in a legislative session is considerable.
Pennsylvania lawmakers have access to a private network or intranet. Commonly referred to as the LDPC, the site shares legislative data with members, staff and agencies of the state's General Assembly.
"Basically, it's a tool we use everyday to help us," Rigano said. "It's been an invaluable service."
Information appearing on the LDPC is approved by the House and Senate through the House Bipartisan Management Committee and Senate Committee on Management Operations.
Bills and amendments are featured on the site. House members votes are available, while Senate votes are not.
"It's more of an inconvenience than anything," observed state Rep. Lynn Herman (R-Centre County), who chairs the Legislative Data Processing Committee.
"That information can easily be obtained. Pick up the telephone and call. Or march your (expletive) over (to the Senate) and get it."
The public, though, cannot access the LDPC. To obtain official roll-call votes, a person must contact the roll-call clerk in the House or Senate.
A third option is to visit a county library that receives the Legislative Journal, which documents the daily activities of the General Assembly. There's no guarantee, though, the library will have current information.
For example, at Lawrence County's law library the last issues of the journal were received on June 27.
The law library is the only county facility to possess copies of the journal.
An overwhelming majority of states address the issue of access by placing legislator votes on the Internet. Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Mississippi and New Mexico are the only states that do not.
"I would be absolutely in favor of it," LaGrotta noted. "It would make my life easier. I think it is just a matter of common sense."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
The New Castle News asked Lawrence County's legislators in Harrisburg to produce their voting records from January 2005 to present. The request was simple enough.
However, aides to the five lawmakers- state Rep. Chris Sainato, state Rep. Frank LaGrotta, state Rep. Rod Wilt, state Sen. Bob Robbins and state Sen. Gerald LaValle - had similar puzzled reactions.
"You want what?"
Four of the five legislators contacted provided the records sought in some form, either through e-mail, mailed reports or a handwritten list faxed to The News.
An aide forRobbins advised The News it would cost $20.30 for the information.
The exercise provides insight into the manner in which lawmakers themselves must obtain vote data.
Among their duties, lawmakers' staffs respond to constituent requests for voting records - an infrequent situation.
"It is rare that they actually ask for a roll-call vote on a matter," said Nathan Silcox, Robbins' legislative director.
Tony Rigano, chief of staff for LaValle, echoed that view.
"We may get three or four calls per day when it's slow," he said. "Twenty, thirty calls on something of interest."
Someone seeking voting records must be specific in what they want. Legislators cast votes while in committee; for bills, resolutions and amendments; and during master roll call, procedural matters and executive nominations.
The number of yeas and nays cast in a legislative session is considerable.
Pennsylvania lawmakers have access to a private network or intranet. Commonly referred to as the LDPC, the site shares legislative data with members, staff and agencies of the state's General Assembly.
"Basically, it's a tool we use everyday to help us," Rigano said. "It's been an invaluable service."
Information appearing on the LDPC is approved by the House and Senate through the House Bipartisan Management Committee and Senate Committee on Management Operations.
Bills and amendments are featured on the site. House members votes are available, while Senate votes are not.
"It's more of an inconvenience than anything," observed state Rep. Lynn Herman (R-Centre County), who chairs the Legislative Data Processing Committee.
"That information can easily be obtained. Pick up the telephone and call. Or march your (expletive) over (to the Senate) and get it."
The public, though, cannot access the LDPC. To obtain official roll-call votes, a person must contact the roll-call clerk in the House or Senate.
A third option is to visit a county library that receives the Legislative Journal, which documents the daily activities of the General Assembly. There's no guarantee, though, the library will have current information.
For example, at Lawrence County's law library the last issues of the journal were received on June 27.
The law library is the only county facility to possess copies of the journal.
An overwhelming majority of states address the issue of access by placing legislator votes on the Internet. Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Mississippi and New Mexico are the only states that do not.
"I would be absolutely in favor of it," LaGrotta noted. "It would make my life easier. I think it is just a matter of common sense."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Monday, August 29, 2005
Records cache: The answer is out there
On the Web
State of New Jersey -ftp://www.njleg.state.nj.us
State of New Hampshire - http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ns/
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - http://www.mass.gov/legis/legis.htm
U.S. House of Representatives - http://www.house.gov/
U.S. Senate - http://www.senate.gov/
VOTE, PLEASE
How to search
Here are a few tips to locate voting records on the Internet.
·To find a particular state, type that state's name into a search engine (Google or Yahoo). When the results appear, select the state's home page.
·Once there, access the site's legislature page.
·If voting records are not immediately noticeable, then find the "faqs" section (frequently asked questions). Search for a section on voting records.
·Know what legislation and legislative session you want. Most sites allow visitors to search by bill number or use of a key word.
·Still lost? Locate the site's "contact" page. Send an e-mail to its Webmaster or call the support staff for assistance.
NATION: States differ in providing legislators' individual voting records online.
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
New Hampshire's officials once opposed the move, while Massachusetts made the journey taxing.
New Jersey? Atlantic City's slot machines give better odds.
The three states are among the 46 nationwide that offer legislators' individual voting records online. Lacking a national standard, states employ varied approaches in presenting voting records to Web users.
Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Mississippi and New Mexico do not offer roll-call votes online.
Of the 46 states' Web sites reviewed, New Hampshire deserves notice for the pro-public manner in which open records are exhibited. A trip to the Granite State's home page followed by a link to a legislator's site gets you started.
In other words, two clicks and you're in.
"We get good comments from people," said Dave Nadeau, assistant manager and senior software engineer for New Hampshire's general court information systems. "People seem to think it's friendly."
A change in attitude allowed voting records to be offered on the Web in 1999.
"There was some opposition to it for quite a while as far as being allowed to show the votes on the 'Net," Nadeau said. "(Legislators) were a little bit protective ... in the past."
New Hampshire shows votes two ways: by legislation and by legislator. Web sites from the U.S. House and Senate are equally user-friendly.
Massachusetts joins a number of states such as Ohio and West Virginia that present individual votes of lawmakers through online journals. The journals serve as the official record for a state's legislative bodies - and add more steps to the search process.
In addition to knowing the bill number, some state Web sites require the date the legislation was voted on and the journal page number. Once located, the site visitor heads to the state's online journal and continues the search.
New Jersey's site reflects the efforts of its counterparts. Visitors can easily access bill information, state laws and a legislator seating chart among the items listed.
Yes, roll-call votes also are given. Just one problem - there's nowhere on the site that directs visitors to them.
"I think we should have something in the faqs (frequently asked questions section)," noted Harold Berkowitz, chief technology officer of the state's Data Management Unit.
Actually -no.
The votes are found in the state's download section, which is on the New Jersey Legislature's home page. After they are located, the user must "unzip" the file that holds them.
"We take the votes straight off the voting machine," Berkowitz said.
"The programming to put it on the legislators' site itself isn't that daunting. It's just very time consuming."
As for better location promotion, Berkowitz said an addition to the faqs will appear soon.
"We should put that in there."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
State of New Jersey -ftp://www.njleg.state.nj.us
State of New Hampshire - http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ns/
Commonwealth of Massachusetts - http://www.mass.gov/legis/legis.htm
U.S. House of Representatives - http://www.house.gov/
U.S. Senate - http://www.senate.gov/
VOTE, PLEASE
How to search
Here are a few tips to locate voting records on the Internet.
·To find a particular state, type that state's name into a search engine (Google or Yahoo). When the results appear, select the state's home page.
·Once there, access the site's legislature page.
·If voting records are not immediately noticeable, then find the "faqs" section (frequently asked questions). Search for a section on voting records.
·Know what legislation and legislative session you want. Most sites allow visitors to search by bill number or use of a key word.
·Still lost? Locate the site's "contact" page. Send an e-mail to its Webmaster or call the support staff for assistance.
NATION: States differ in providing legislators' individual voting records online.
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
New Hampshire's officials once opposed the move, while Massachusetts made the journey taxing.
New Jersey? Atlantic City's slot machines give better odds.
The three states are among the 46 nationwide that offer legislators' individual voting records online. Lacking a national standard, states employ varied approaches in presenting voting records to Web users.
Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Mississippi and New Mexico do not offer roll-call votes online.
Of the 46 states' Web sites reviewed, New Hampshire deserves notice for the pro-public manner in which open records are exhibited. A trip to the Granite State's home page followed by a link to a legislator's site gets you started.
In other words, two clicks and you're in.
"We get good comments from people," said Dave Nadeau, assistant manager and senior software engineer for New Hampshire's general court information systems. "People seem to think it's friendly."
A change in attitude allowed voting records to be offered on the Web in 1999.
"There was some opposition to it for quite a while as far as being allowed to show the votes on the 'Net," Nadeau said. "(Legislators) were a little bit protective ... in the past."
New Hampshire shows votes two ways: by legislation and by legislator. Web sites from the U.S. House and Senate are equally user-friendly.
Massachusetts joins a number of states such as Ohio and West Virginia that present individual votes of lawmakers through online journals. The journals serve as the official record for a state's legislative bodies - and add more steps to the search process.
In addition to knowing the bill number, some state Web sites require the date the legislation was voted on and the journal page number. Once located, the site visitor heads to the state's online journal and continues the search.
New Jersey's site reflects the efforts of its counterparts. Visitors can easily access bill information, state laws and a legislator seating chart among the items listed.
Yes, roll-call votes also are given. Just one problem - there's nowhere on the site that directs visitors to them.
"I think we should have something in the faqs (frequently asked questions section)," noted Harold Berkowitz, chief technology officer of the state's Data Management Unit.
Actually -no.
The votes are found in the state's download section, which is on the New Jersey Legislature's home page. After they are located, the user must "unzip" the file that holds them.
"We take the votes straight off the voting machine," Berkowitz said.
"The programming to put it on the legislators' site itself isn't that daunting. It's just very time consuming."
As for better location promotion, Berkowitz said an addition to the faqs will appear soon.
"We should put that in there."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
'Lack of interest' keeps votes offline
On the Web: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/
WEB SENSE: Pennsylvania joins Kentucky, Mississippi and New Mexico as the only states that do not provide individual legislator votes online.
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
When state representatives tackle controversial legislation, Randee Dechesne responds with letters, faxes and e-mails.
Dechesne, a roll-call clerk for the House of Representatives, fields requests on how representatives vote. House Bill 1521 boosted lawmakers' salaries and Dechesne's workload - if just momentarily.
"It's been a popular one," she said of the pay-raise legislation passed on July 7.
Few bills generate significant interest from the public and media, Dechesne said. Even smaller is the number of resources to track the complete and official voting records of Pennsylvania's representatives and senators.
The House and Senate roll-call clerks are one option. The other is the state's Legislative Journal, which serves as the official record of the House and Senate.
There is no argument that legislator votes are public record. But in the most public of places - the Internet - Pennsylvania fails to register a hit.
Pennsylvania joins Kentucky, Mississippi and New Mexico as the only states that do not provide individual legislator votes online, a New Castle News study finds.
A polling of state lawmakers and officials shows support for placing votes on the Internet. But don't expect immediate change.
"We're in the information-technology environment," said state Rep. Lynn Herman (R-Centre County), who chairs the Legislative Data Processing Committee.
"More and more things are getting on the Internet. I foresee a progression toward that. How fast it will be? I don't know."
BROWSING
The Pennsylvania General Assembly Web site, http://www.legis.state.pa.us/, generally mirrors that of its counterparts nationwide. Information features biographical data on representatives and senators to a virtual tour of the state Capitol.
The difference is in the state's bill tracking system.
The state Web site projects a user-friendly atmosphere. Several methods are offered to obtain bill information, from bill number or keyword searches to indexes.
Users also can track the progression of a bill and view legislation from current and past sessions.
Want to know who voted for what? Log off and start making phone calls or find a library that carries the Legislative Journal.
PUBLIC IS PUBLIC
"I can't think of a more important public record than how your legislators have stood on a bill," said Ed Goppelt, the founder of Philadelphia-based Hallwatch.org, a good government group.
Goppelt argues that residents are better informed when a state's Web site contains the same information that lawmakers receive.
As of now, that's not taking place.
House and Senate members have access to a private network (or intranet) called the LDPC. On it, they can track a bill and see which amendments are being proposed or are in place. The votes of House members are available. The Senate does not provide individual votes.
The public, meanwhile, has access to amendments that have already been approved in addition to bills.
"In Pennsylvania, much to our great discredit, a lot of important legislation is passed by last-minute amendments," Goppelt said. "The amendments are not available on the public Web site."
LOCAL SUPPORT
Don Bowden prefers the personal approach when it comes to politics. The Hickory Township resident wants to see his legislators in person.
That's the time to discuss his representative's voting record.
But Bowden believes there should be no barrier in obtaining the votes of lawmakers. The Internet meets that need.
"They should be available through any kind of a resource," the former Laurel School Board member said. "It's public information. It's a public vote. It should absolutely be available."
Bowden's state rep, Chris Sainato (D-Beaver and Lawrence counties), agrees.
"I have no problem putting (votes) on the state Web site. Actually, it's a good idea. People should know how we vote."
THE PROBLEM
Two forces are stalling the effort to place votes on the Internet. While the concept is embraced in the House, the Senate dismisses the idea.
W. Russell Faber, chief clerk of the Senate said an Internet vote record "was discussed at some point in the past and never went anywhere."
The bigger problem involves Pennsylvania residents themselves. Lawmakers and state officials note a lack of interest among the populace in following the direction of House and Senate bills.
"There isn't that much interest in (roll-call votes)," Dechesne said. "Of course, something like the pay raise or a tax vote - anything that generates more interest - I get requests for."
Tony Rigano, chief of staff for Sen. Gerald J. LaValle (D-Lawrence, Beaver and Allegheny counties), observed that most calls arrive prior to votes.
"They'll call in and ask that (LaValle) vote a particular way on a bill. Once a vote is taken we don't get a lot of calls."
WHAT NEXT?
Bipartisan committees in the House and Senate ultimately decide what information is placed on the Internet. By law, the House Bipartisan Management Committee and the Senate Committee on Management Operations must approve changes to the state Web site.
According to Herman, the two committees meet infrequently.
The site itself is run by the Legislative Data Processing Center. Calls and e-mails to its executive director, Kathy A. Sullivan, were not returned.
"If you want to find something on the state Web site you have to be very motivated," Goppelt noted. "It's not as easy as it could be.
"The question is why?"
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
WEB SENSE: Pennsylvania joins Kentucky, Mississippi and New Mexico as the only states that do not provide individual legislator votes online.
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
When state representatives tackle controversial legislation, Randee Dechesne responds with letters, faxes and e-mails.
Dechesne, a roll-call clerk for the House of Representatives, fields requests on how representatives vote. House Bill 1521 boosted lawmakers' salaries and Dechesne's workload - if just momentarily.
"It's been a popular one," she said of the pay-raise legislation passed on July 7.
Few bills generate significant interest from the public and media, Dechesne said. Even smaller is the number of resources to track the complete and official voting records of Pennsylvania's representatives and senators.
The House and Senate roll-call clerks are one option. The other is the state's Legislative Journal, which serves as the official record of the House and Senate.
There is no argument that legislator votes are public record. But in the most public of places - the Internet - Pennsylvania fails to register a hit.
Pennsylvania joins Kentucky, Mississippi and New Mexico as the only states that do not provide individual legislator votes online, a New Castle News study finds.
A polling of state lawmakers and officials shows support for placing votes on the Internet. But don't expect immediate change.
"We're in the information-technology environment," said state Rep. Lynn Herman (R-Centre County), who chairs the Legislative Data Processing Committee.
"More and more things are getting on the Internet. I foresee a progression toward that. How fast it will be? I don't know."
BROWSING
The Pennsylvania General Assembly Web site, http://www.legis.state.pa.us/, generally mirrors that of its counterparts nationwide. Information features biographical data on representatives and senators to a virtual tour of the state Capitol.
The difference is in the state's bill tracking system.
The state Web site projects a user-friendly atmosphere. Several methods are offered to obtain bill information, from bill number or keyword searches to indexes.
Users also can track the progression of a bill and view legislation from current and past sessions.
Want to know who voted for what? Log off and start making phone calls or find a library that carries the Legislative Journal.
PUBLIC IS PUBLIC
"I can't think of a more important public record than how your legislators have stood on a bill," said Ed Goppelt, the founder of Philadelphia-based Hallwatch.org, a good government group.
Goppelt argues that residents are better informed when a state's Web site contains the same information that lawmakers receive.
As of now, that's not taking place.
House and Senate members have access to a private network (or intranet) called the LDPC. On it, they can track a bill and see which amendments are being proposed or are in place. The votes of House members are available. The Senate does not provide individual votes.
The public, meanwhile, has access to amendments that have already been approved in addition to bills.
"In Pennsylvania, much to our great discredit, a lot of important legislation is passed by last-minute amendments," Goppelt said. "The amendments are not available on the public Web site."
LOCAL SUPPORT
Don Bowden prefers the personal approach when it comes to politics. The Hickory Township resident wants to see his legislators in person.
That's the time to discuss his representative's voting record.
But Bowden believes there should be no barrier in obtaining the votes of lawmakers. The Internet meets that need.
"They should be available through any kind of a resource," the former Laurel School Board member said. "It's public information. It's a public vote. It should absolutely be available."
Bowden's state rep, Chris Sainato (D-Beaver and Lawrence counties), agrees.
"I have no problem putting (votes) on the state Web site. Actually, it's a good idea. People should know how we vote."
THE PROBLEM
Two forces are stalling the effort to place votes on the Internet. While the concept is embraced in the House, the Senate dismisses the idea.
W. Russell Faber, chief clerk of the Senate said an Internet vote record "was discussed at some point in the past and never went anywhere."
The bigger problem involves Pennsylvania residents themselves. Lawmakers and state officials note a lack of interest among the populace in following the direction of House and Senate bills.
"There isn't that much interest in (roll-call votes)," Dechesne said. "Of course, something like the pay raise or a tax vote - anything that generates more interest - I get requests for."
Tony Rigano, chief of staff for Sen. Gerald J. LaValle (D-Lawrence, Beaver and Allegheny counties), observed that most calls arrive prior to votes.
"They'll call in and ask that (LaValle) vote a particular way on a bill. Once a vote is taken we don't get a lot of calls."
WHAT NEXT?
Bipartisan committees in the House and Senate ultimately decide what information is placed on the Internet. By law, the House Bipartisan Management Committee and the Senate Committee on Management Operations must approve changes to the state Web site.
According to Herman, the two committees meet infrequently.
The site itself is run by the Legislative Data Processing Center. Calls and e-mails to its executive director, Kathy A. Sullivan, were not returned.
"If you want to find something on the state Web site you have to be very motivated," Goppelt noted. "It's not as easy as it could be.
"The question is why?"
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Monday, August 1, 2005
Sainato's demotion surprises LaGrotta
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
First, a colleague is demoted. Then, a second committee leadership assignment is awarded.
Frank LaGrotta knows the cynics and watchdogs see a conspiracy in the making.
"The timing of this whole thing was not ideal," the Democratic state representative from Ellwood City observed yesterday. "It caused a lot of people to be suspicious."
Passage of pay raise legislation on July 7 boosted the salaries of state lawmakers, county and state judges, the governor and state row officers.
The base pay for legislators went from $69,647 to $81,050. Subcommittee chairs and committee vice chairs, who previously received the same pay as rank-and-file members, gained an additional $4,050.
"In an area like (Lawrence County), people are upset," state Rep. Chris Sainato said last week after voting against the bill. "They are upset about the percentages. Getting a raise is one thing, but getting 16 to (34) percent is awful high.
"We're not a wealthy area here."
For 15 House Democrats, including Sainato, the negative vote also meant the loss of leadership posts. In Sainato's case, he is no longer minority subcommittee chairman on recreation.
"These things happen every once in a while," Sainato said last week. "I have to vote my district. You can't worry about upsetting leadership."
The loss of $4,050 as subcommittee chairman isn't a concern for him.
"I'm not complaining about my salary," he said. "I make a good salary for where I'm at."
One possible reason for that: According to Associated Press, Sainato has decided to accept the pay raise, despite voting against the bill. The increase is to be paid out in "unvouchered expenses," special pay that effectively allows legislators to begin collecting their raises at least 16 months before the Pennsylvania Constitution permits.
While Sainato expected some type of retribution for his vote, the House Democratic leadership's action caught LaGrotta off guard.
"I was very surprised," he said. "Chris is a very good legislator. He is very effective."
Like Sainato, LaGrotta said he casts votes that are contrary to the wishes of the Democratic leadership.
But in the instance of the pay raise bill, LaGrotta supported the majority. In the midst of the mid-term shake-up, the Ellwood City resident was elevated to vice chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
LaGrotta rejects suggestions that he received the post in exchange for backing the pay raise.
LaGrotta said he never asked for the post and wonders how he received the vice chairmanship.
"I am not privy to leadership and how they make their decisions," he said.
LaGrotta expects the pay raise vote to become an issue among voters and potential rivals. He wants residents to judge him by his performance and accomplishments.
"That's how I'm going to approach re-election."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
First, a colleague is demoted. Then, a second committee leadership assignment is awarded.
Frank LaGrotta knows the cynics and watchdogs see a conspiracy in the making.
"The timing of this whole thing was not ideal," the Democratic state representative from Ellwood City observed yesterday. "It caused a lot of people to be suspicious."
Passage of pay raise legislation on July 7 boosted the salaries of state lawmakers, county and state judges, the governor and state row officers.
The base pay for legislators went from $69,647 to $81,050. Subcommittee chairs and committee vice chairs, who previously received the same pay as rank-and-file members, gained an additional $4,050.
"In an area like (Lawrence County), people are upset," state Rep. Chris Sainato said last week after voting against the bill. "They are upset about the percentages. Getting a raise is one thing, but getting 16 to (34) percent is awful high.
"We're not a wealthy area here."
For 15 House Democrats, including Sainato, the negative vote also meant the loss of leadership posts. In Sainato's case, he is no longer minority subcommittee chairman on recreation.
"These things happen every once in a while," Sainato said last week. "I have to vote my district. You can't worry about upsetting leadership."
The loss of $4,050 as subcommittee chairman isn't a concern for him.
"I'm not complaining about my salary," he said. "I make a good salary for where I'm at."
One possible reason for that: According to Associated Press, Sainato has decided to accept the pay raise, despite voting against the bill. The increase is to be paid out in "unvouchered expenses," special pay that effectively allows legislators to begin collecting their raises at least 16 months before the Pennsylvania Constitution permits.
While Sainato expected some type of retribution for his vote, the House Democratic leadership's action caught LaGrotta off guard.
"I was very surprised," he said. "Chris is a very good legislator. He is very effective."
Like Sainato, LaGrotta said he casts votes that are contrary to the wishes of the Democratic leadership.
But in the instance of the pay raise bill, LaGrotta supported the majority. In the midst of the mid-term shake-up, the Ellwood City resident was elevated to vice chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.
LaGrotta rejects suggestions that he received the post in exchange for backing the pay raise.
LaGrotta said he never asked for the post and wonders how he received the vice chairmanship.
"I am not privy to leadership and how they make their decisions," he said.
LaGrotta expects the pay raise vote to become an issue among voters and potential rivals. He wants residents to judge him by his performance and accomplishments.
"That's how I'm going to approach re-election."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Friday, July 15, 2005
Up in flames
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Geysers of fire ignited the night skies throughout Union Township's Scotland Meadows Park yesterday.
The concentrated plumes of flames, rising more than 30 feet high, generated a glow of delight among the visitors to the 2005 Western Pennsylvania BalloonQuest.
Five hot-air balloons with colorful names - Kaleidoscope, Indecision, Aida, Stairway to Heaven and Spohn-taneous - helped to open the annual four-day event. The event is presented by the Union Township Volunteer Fire Department, with corporate sponsorship from The New Honda City and Hot 101.
Patrons directed their cameras - video, digital, manual and phone - at the objects of their glee within the roped-off launch field.
"Do we need to get another Kodak moment tonight?" the event announcer asked the crowd.
Plenty of opportunities presented themselves. With direction from the announcer, the balloons lighted in varied sequences. The glow is what generated excitement among those present.
Sharon residents Tony and Judi Brozovich attended BalloonQuest for the first time. As they watched the crews work with their balloons, they expressed admiration for what the festival had to offer.
"I think this is a lot nicer than (other festivals)," Tony Brozovich said.
While he prefers to watch the balloonists, Brozovich's wife recalled the joy of traveling in a hot-air balloon. Her lone trip was a one-hour excursion in Virginia.
"It's wonderful," Judi Brozovich said. "It's very relaxing. It's very quiet."
Her only fear?
"Just when we landed," she said, laughing.
While the overall attitude was one of enjoyment, Union's volunteer fire department patrolled the grounds for potential safety problems. Firefighters were also stationed along the perimeter of the launch field.
"The balloons are powered by propane," said Union fire Chief Randy Conti. "Propane is the type of gas where it doesn't go up like other gases. It stays low.
"We basically monitor the area to keep people out and to make sure people aren't smoking in the area."
A balloonist himself, Conti has been involved with BalloonQuest since its inception in 1989.
"Balloonists in general are very, very nice people," he said. "It's just a lot of fun."
With more than 15 years' experience, Conti has served on balloon crews for company's such as Korbel Champagne, TBS and Planters. For the past seven years, he has been crew chief for Louis Merryman's Stairway to Heaven.
Although admittance and parking to the event are free, Conti said the festival helps raise money for department needs, such as fire equipment, insurance and utility costs. As the crowds grow larger throughout the weekend, Union firefighters will be passing along a fire boot to collect contributions.
Despite reports of rain, Conti plans on clear skies for the 20-plus balloons that will be at the festival.
"I think we're going to have a beautiful weekend," he said. "I think positive. I don't turn the weather report on."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Geysers of fire ignited the night skies throughout Union Township's Scotland Meadows Park yesterday.
The concentrated plumes of flames, rising more than 30 feet high, generated a glow of delight among the visitors to the 2005 Western Pennsylvania BalloonQuest.
Five hot-air balloons with colorful names - Kaleidoscope, Indecision, Aida, Stairway to Heaven and Spohn-taneous - helped to open the annual four-day event. The event is presented by the Union Township Volunteer Fire Department, with corporate sponsorship from The New Honda City and Hot 101.
Patrons directed their cameras - video, digital, manual and phone - at the objects of their glee within the roped-off launch field.
"Do we need to get another Kodak moment tonight?" the event announcer asked the crowd.
Plenty of opportunities presented themselves. With direction from the announcer, the balloons lighted in varied sequences. The glow is what generated excitement among those present.
Sharon residents Tony and Judi Brozovich attended BalloonQuest for the first time. As they watched the crews work with their balloons, they expressed admiration for what the festival had to offer.
"I think this is a lot nicer than (other festivals)," Tony Brozovich said.
While he prefers to watch the balloonists, Brozovich's wife recalled the joy of traveling in a hot-air balloon. Her lone trip was a one-hour excursion in Virginia.
"It's wonderful," Judi Brozovich said. "It's very relaxing. It's very quiet."
Her only fear?
"Just when we landed," she said, laughing.
While the overall attitude was one of enjoyment, Union's volunteer fire department patrolled the grounds for potential safety problems. Firefighters were also stationed along the perimeter of the launch field.
"The balloons are powered by propane," said Union fire Chief Randy Conti. "Propane is the type of gas where it doesn't go up like other gases. It stays low.
"We basically monitor the area to keep people out and to make sure people aren't smoking in the area."
A balloonist himself, Conti has been involved with BalloonQuest since its inception in 1989.
"Balloonists in general are very, very nice people," he said. "It's just a lot of fun."
With more than 15 years' experience, Conti has served on balloon crews for company's such as Korbel Champagne, TBS and Planters. For the past seven years, he has been crew chief for Louis Merryman's Stairway to Heaven.
Although admittance and parking to the event are free, Conti said the festival helps raise money for department needs, such as fire equipment, insurance and utility costs. As the crowds grow larger throughout the weekend, Union firefighters will be passing along a fire boot to collect contributions.
Despite reports of rain, Conti plans on clear skies for the 20-plus balloons that will be at the festival.
"I think we're going to have a beautiful weekend," he said. "I think positive. I don't turn the weather report on."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
Friday, April 8, 2005
Dodgeball tournament inspires local athletes
PAT LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Tomorrow, charity hurts.
More than 100 adults will relive their childhoods in the Springfest 2005 Dodgeball Tournament at Neshannock's Community YMCA Sports Zone. Chances are, the players will have lost a step ... or two ... or three.
"My body reaction time is not going to be good," said 33-year-old Kelly Laughlin, who manages the Washington Centre branch of National City Bank of Pennsylvania.
Laughlin represents the three-man, three-woman National City squad, one of 18 adult teams taking part.
"The joke is that we'll all be in the hospital the next day."
More than 20 years have passed since the Mercer resident grabbed a ball and rifled it at a grade-school opponent.
"I remember having a good time," Laughlin said.
It may be a comfort to know that shots to the head are prohibited.
Tournament director John P. Hughes points to "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" as the inspiration for the event.
The film, released last year and starring Ben Stiller, featured an ensemble of athletic losers trying to save a neighborhood gymnasium. A dodgeball tournament allows them to accomplish their goals.
The movie became an immediate favorite of Hughes and his two children, Tayler and Alaina.
Unlike the big-screen version, a number of winners will emerge. The first-place team receives $3,000, or $500 per team member. The second-place finishers garner $1,500, and the third-place squad claims $600.
Lawrence County charities and schools capture the bigger winnings, however.
Each of the 18 adult teams secured a $2,000 corporate sponsor. Those entry fees allow $28,000 to be earmarked for charity.
The New Castle Community Y gets $10,000. Two $5,000 grants are going to the Lawrence Unit of the American Cancer Society and the Rich Center for Autism. The Children's Advocacy Center of Lawrence County will be given $4,000.
Neshannock and New Castle high schools collect $2,000 each.
"It is a way to get the community together," said the 41-year-old Hughes, who is administrator of Avalon Nursing Center.
Hughes wanted a way to help local charities, but sought to forgo the traditional fundraisers. Admittedly, a dodgeball tournament was difficult to sell.
"At first, they looked funny at me," Hughes said.
The concept was simple enough. Teams are made up of six players, at least one has to be a woman. All the players, except for the two high school squads, have to be 30 years or older.
"After further discussion, they started to buy into it."
Community business leaders such as Dale Perelman and attorney Rick Morelli supported Hughes. Bill Lutz, executive director of the Community Y, and Bob McCracken, executive vice president of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, backed Hughes along with area high school principals John Sarandrea and Maynard Harvey.
"This dodgeball event is going to be a good time," Laughlin said. "It's something fun and something different.
"Everybody understands the concept. It takes you back to childhood."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Tomorrow, charity hurts.
More than 100 adults will relive their childhoods in the Springfest 2005 Dodgeball Tournament at Neshannock's Community YMCA Sports Zone. Chances are, the players will have lost a step ... or two ... or three.
"My body reaction time is not going to be good," said 33-year-old Kelly Laughlin, who manages the Washington Centre branch of National City Bank of Pennsylvania.
Laughlin represents the three-man, three-woman National City squad, one of 18 adult teams taking part.
"The joke is that we'll all be in the hospital the next day."
More than 20 years have passed since the Mercer resident grabbed a ball and rifled it at a grade-school opponent.
"I remember having a good time," Laughlin said.
It may be a comfort to know that shots to the head are prohibited.
Tournament director John P. Hughes points to "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" as the inspiration for the event.
The film, released last year and starring Ben Stiller, featured an ensemble of athletic losers trying to save a neighborhood gymnasium. A dodgeball tournament allows them to accomplish their goals.
The movie became an immediate favorite of Hughes and his two children, Tayler and Alaina.
Unlike the big-screen version, a number of winners will emerge. The first-place team receives $3,000, or $500 per team member. The second-place finishers garner $1,500, and the third-place squad claims $600.
Lawrence County charities and schools capture the bigger winnings, however.
Each of the 18 adult teams secured a $2,000 corporate sponsor. Those entry fees allow $28,000 to be earmarked for charity.
The New Castle Community Y gets $10,000. Two $5,000 grants are going to the Lawrence Unit of the American Cancer Society and the Rich Center for Autism. The Children's Advocacy Center of Lawrence County will be given $4,000.
Neshannock and New Castle high schools collect $2,000 each.
"It is a way to get the community together," said the 41-year-old Hughes, who is administrator of Avalon Nursing Center.
Hughes wanted a way to help local charities, but sought to forgo the traditional fundraisers. Admittedly, a dodgeball tournament was difficult to sell.
"At first, they looked funny at me," Hughes said.
The concept was simple enough. Teams are made up of six players, at least one has to be a woman. All the players, except for the two high school squads, have to be 30 years or older.
"After further discussion, they started to buy into it."
Community business leaders such as Dale Perelman and attorney Rick Morelli supported Hughes. Bill Lutz, executive director of the Community Y, and Bob McCracken, executive vice president of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, backed Hughes along with area high school principals John Sarandrea and Maynard Harvey.
"This dodgeball event is going to be a good time," Laughlin said. "It's something fun and something different.
"Everybody understands the concept. It takes you back to childhood."
Copyright (c) 2005, New Castle News
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