Thank you, voters of Potter County. It's time to get back to work. Remember that our doors are open and your input is welcome. Our three-member team remains intact and we look forward to continuing to address the challeges and obstacles that Potter County faces for another four years.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
VOTE TODAY UNTIL 8 P.M.
If you are undecided about how to cast your two votes, read through all of the posts on this blog (all 48 of them!) to learn more about the accomplishments of the Potter County Commissioners who have been at the helm for the past eight years.
Cast your votes for Doug Morley and Paul Heimel.
Sample ballots for all of Potter County are available on the County's award-winning website: pottercountypa.net.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Important Water Quality Meeting Nov. 10
This Board of Commissioners
have stepped up when it comes to
environmental stewardship. Here's just one
example.
A group of public water system stewards in Potter County
has a jam-packed agenda for its next public meeting. Triple Divide Watershed
Coalition (TDWC), comprised of all public water systems in Potter County, will
convene at 9 am Wednesday, Nov. 10, at the Potter County Education Center on
Water Street in Coudersport, across from the Gunzburger Building.
Guest speaker
will be Peter Wulfhorst (shown here), an environmental pollution control
educator at Penn State University, who will be discussing the latest options
for protection of public drinking water source/recharge areas. TDWC Chairman
John McLaughlin said the Sept. 18 chemical release at a Sweden Township gas
well site was the impetus for inviting Wulfhorst to address the topic.
Other
agenda items for the Nov. 10 meeting will include a review of the response to
the release by a JKLM Energy Inc. crew on Sept. 18, as well as updates on some
far-reaching groundwater mapping and characterization studies that are being
proposed.
TWDC was formed by the Commissioners, Potter County Education
Council, Potter County Planning Department, and other partners to assure safe
drinking water for the 8,500 residents served by nine public water suppliers.
The organization was presented the Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Local
Government Excellence. It recognized that Potter County was the first in the
state to have a source water protection plans in place for 100 percent of its
public water systems. Meanwhile, a Potter County Water Quality Work Group
continues to pursue a number of initiatives, involving regional watershed
protection organizations, volunteer surface water monitors and other partners,
including the Potter County Conservation District. Also, the Conservation
District has in place a Water Development and Water Resources Committee
comprised of Trout Unlimited’s Pete Ryan and David Saulter, Commissioner Doug
Morley, and Conservation District representatives Jason Childs, Earl Brown and
Leroy White.
Keep 'Dedicated Pair' In Office
"Voters in Potter County, I strongly encourage you to
keep
a very dedicated and wise pair of Commissioners
in office for Potter County.
Doug Morley and Paul Heimel are two professionals
who are people of integrity.
Do the best thing and re-elect these good men."
a very dedicated and wise pair of Commissioners
in office for Potter County.
Doug Morley and Paul Heimel are two professionals
who are people of integrity.
Do the best thing and re-elect these good men."
--Pete Smeltz,
Commissioner, Clinton County
Future of Denton Hill State Park?
Two state-hired consultants (at left) discuss four-season use options with PCVA executive director David Brooks and others at a recent meeting at the ski lodge. |
Just about every week, we've been conferring with those
who are in the know about the future of Denton Hill State Park to get answers
about its future. It's an asset with great potential, not only for winter
recreation, but all-season use in conjunction with other regional assets. We
will continue to stay on top of this in representing Potter County before DCNR,
members of the legislature and others who can affect the future of this
700-acre park in Potter County's epicenter.
Specialty Courts Addressing Drug & DUI
Sessions of the Potter County DUI Court and Drug Treatment
Court were held this past week.
It's hard to measure the true positive impact
-- such as the difference between a substance abuser whose behavior affects his
family and society in general, versus a sober adult behaving responsibly,
working and supporting his family.
All signs suggest these award-winning court
systems are working (both financially and in lives turned around or even
saved). Diverting some of those with alcohol and/or drug problems to this
intensive-supervision court has prevented almost 6,000 "jail days"
and counting. Savings for that alone are in the ballpark of $250,000.
Studies
show that 80 percent of defendants with addiction or behavioral disorders who
go through the traditional criminal justice system end up back in jail,
compared to just over 20 percent of those whose cases are handled through
specialty courts.
Staying The Course
Why have we been dogging this issue with such
determination and leading this state coalition? Because if we succeed, we're
looking at an influx of millions of dollars over the years to Potter County's
school districts, townships and the county government.
That would lessen the
real estate tax burden on local property owners. That's why!
We've held
face-to-face meetings in Harrisburg with dozens of influential members of the
Senate and House. Many have pledged their support and are pushing to have the
payments-in-lieu-of-taxes for state land raised during the negotiations on the
long-overdue state budget and taxation policies.
Riding Out The State Budget Impasse
We've been fortunate to be able to ride out the
four-month-long state budget impasse and avoid any substantial borrowing, cuts
in vital services or layoffs.
How? With prudent fiscal management over the past
8 years.
Services for senior citizens, the developmentally disabled, vulnerable
children and others in need have been uninterrupted. That's not the case in
some other counties.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
We Need Your Votes!
As we head down the stretch to Tuesday's election, it's
important to point out the importance of one vote (or, in this case, TWO
votes!). We urge you to exercise your right to vote. If you believe the
contents of this site represent the things that are important to you, then we
humbly ask for your support.
Another First!
Triple Divide Watershed Coalition is comprised of all
public water systems in Potter County – and it’s another “first” for Potter
County. Its formation was supported by the Potter County Commissioners, Potter
County Education Council, Potter County Planning Department, and other partners
to assure safe drinking water for the 8,500 Potter County residents served by
nine public water suppliers. When the coalition was chosen for the prestigious
Pennsylvania Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence, the presenter
said. “A tradition of careful stewardship is nothing new to Potter County.
Potter is the first and only county in Pennsylvania to have a 100-percent
participation rate with source water protection plans in place for all of its
public water systems.”
Planning For Emergencies
Potter County Department of Emergency Services builds
teams of local residents who are trained to react to disasters and other public
emergencies, so that they can assist fire, ambulance, and other personnel.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training educates people about fire
safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical
operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises,
CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace. Each local
CERT has a leader and a designated meeting area. For more information, call
274-8900 or see the FEMA/CERT website.
Women's Residential Center Updates
We just attended another impressive meeting of the Potter
County’s Women’s Residential Rehabilitation Center Advisory Board.
Directors
reported on another eventful month at the facility on the Northern Tier
Children's Home campus. Ten women have completed the treatment program and
successfully re-entered society. Population is now at 11 residents, with
another expected soon.
A project of the Commissioners and Human Services, it's
the only center of its kind in the state and is being studied as a model for
other county-based criminal justice alternatives. It houses non-violent
offenders, many of whom are in need of substance abuse and/or mental health
treatment, employability support, educational assistance and other services.
They're
housed in a residential setting, where families are able to visit and
participate in structured counseling sessions. Judge Stephen Minor and District
Attorney Andy Watson, along with defense lawyers, confer to determine if a
woman offender is eligible for admission.
State funding is covering the
majority of costs. Additional operating revenue is coming from the admission of
a limited number of out-of-county women. "Cost avoidance" is also
part of the funding package. Potter County currently pays approximately $65 per
day to send its female offenders to out-of-county jails.
"Parcel Viewer" Application Available
Chalk up another one for our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department, which is less than a year old. Aerial photography and GIS technology are combined in a modern “parcel viewer,” which is a free web map application provided by the Potter County GIS Department and Assessment Office. From the website pottercountypa.net (click on GIS Department), internet users have 24/7 instant access to basic assessment information and a visual representation of property lines within Potter County. Check it out!
A Future For Denton Hill Ski Area?
There's still no date set for a public meeting the Pa.
Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources has agreed to call on the future of
Denton Hill State Park. A tentative date of Nov. 16 has been scrapped and we're
encouraging DCNR to stay on top of this. People want answers. Results of the
state-commissioned study of the park and ski area, as well as prospects for a
four-season regional attraction, will be shared and input solicited.
Export Opportunities?
Potter County has signed on for a comprehensive marketing
program with an international reach. Through the county’s affiliation with
Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission, local
industries, businesses and individuals are eligible to participate in the North
Central Export Program. Current activities include marketing of products for
the oil, gas, mining and construction industries; webinars to help anyone
seeking to develop sales in Europe using online resources; and trade shows for
local companies seeking export opportunities.
Veterans Discount Program Up & Running
At long last -- it's a go! This took a lot of work and
General Rod Rudduck, a commissioner from Indiana County, guided us along. You
never know what can happen when you're networking with colleagues. Thanks to
the many businesses and orofessional service providers showing their support
for our veterans. Here's the news release:
Potter County’s military veterans may now sign up to
receive discounts on products and services from more than two dozen local
businesses participating in the first-ever Potter County Veterans Discount
Program.
To register, veterans should provide full name, mailing
address, contact information (telephone and email, if possible) to the county’s
Office of Veterans Affairs.
There are three ways to apply: 1.) send required
information by an email addressed to wworthington@pottercountypa.net; 2.) send
regular mail to Veterans Affairs, Gunzburger Building, 1 N. Main St.,
Coudersport PA 16915; or 3.) call 814-274-8290, extension 210, to schedule an
appointment or obtain additional information. Office hours are 8:30 to 4:30 on
Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Each veteran who registers for the program will receive a
membership card that must be shown at participating businesses to qualify for a
discount. Veterans will also receive a brochure that identifies participating
businesses by name and address, along with the particulars of their discount
offer.
Under the program, merchants and professional service
providers extend discounts – typically 10 percent or more – to Potter County
veterans. Certain restrictions may apply. Businesses wishing to sign up or
learn more about the program should call 814-274-8290, extension 207, or send
email to dwooster@pottercountypa.net.
The program is being administered by the Potter County
Veterans Service Committee. Members are Veterans Affairs Director Will
Worthington, Commissioner Paul Heimel, and Executive Secretary Dawn Wooster.
Public Meeting To Be Scheduled
We are regularly communicating with Pa. Dept. of
Environmental Protection (DEP) and encouraging the department to hold a public
meeting in Potter County to discuss findings from the JKLM Energy LLC chemical
release into an aquifer at a shale gas drilling site in Sweden Township on
Sept. 18. DEP (the organization which has the enforcement responsibility and
authority) is continuing its investigation and awaiting test results before
scheduling the meeting.
There was discussion with three concerned citizens at
the commissioners’ meeting of Oct. 29 about developing a list of questions and
issues for DEP in advance of the meeting, so department personnel will be
better prepared to address local concerns. Seems like we're all on the same
page. That was a good, healthy dialogue.
North Fork Dam Improvements
Potter
is one of the few Pennsylvania counties that own a dam. Combining grant funds
and local resources, the commissioners were able to meet federal mandates to
rehabilitate the North Fork Flood Control Dam in northeastern Potter County by
stabilizing its earthen core and building a new spillway, control gates and
piping. Most recently, Dominion Resources donated money for pavilion
improvements, horseshoe pits, playground equipment and a paved walkway in the
small park developed next to the impoundment, which is open to fishing and
boating. The park has great potential for expansion into an even more popular
recreation area.
Valuable After-School Program
Painting Pumpkins At Boys and Girls Club |
We were able to give helping hand to the Potter County
Boys and Girls Club, allowing it to avoid shutting down in mid-October. The
commissioners advanced $5,000 to the after-school center. Funds will be
returned to the county’s coffers once the state budget impasse has been
resolved. Action came in response to a plea from club administrator Sherry Page
and board president George Dubots, who revealed that the organization was on
the brink of closing the doors at its headquarters
in north Coudersport. The temporary infusion should keep the club operating at
least until Thanksgiving. Boys and Girls Club provides help with homework, arts
and crafts, cooking, healthy snacks and physical activities to kids in grades
K-8. Membership for the current school year has more than doubled from 2014-15,
to 15 children. Officials continue to plan for establishment of local clubs in
other Potter County communities.
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Morley For Commissioner
Potter
County Commissioner Douglas Morley is seeking a third term.
Board
chairman since 2008, Morley said Potter County has been positioned to meet the
challenges of today and those on the horizon as a result of the current board’s
work.
“The burden being placed on counties,
municipalities and school districts due to funding shortfalls from federal and
state budgets requires a strong coalition at county level,” he said. “I pledge
to continue working with townships, boroughs and school districts to strengthen
partnerships, which are a critical part of county strategic planning.”
He
and his wife Patty have lived in Gold (Allegany Township) for the past 38
years. They have two grown children and two grandchildren.
Morley
has worked in manufacturing, was a business owner, and had a 23-year banking
career. He has served on numerous county boards and local organizations and has
taken leadership roles in community improvement projects, economic development
partnerships, and educational/training programs.
Under
the current leadership, Potter County developed a strong IT Department, GIS
Department and Maintenance Department, among others. These have allowed the
county government to attend to critical functions through in-house resources,
saving money and improving service. Examples of projects recently initiated
include the Potter County Education Center, the Potter County Veterans
Center/VA Medical Clinic, and the Women’s Residential Rehabilitation Center.
“We
are also involved with the Denton Hill State Park study and the integrated
promotion of state parks and other attractions,” Morley said. “We are
continuing to maintain and upgrade the 911 system to guarantee first responders
have the needed communication network to provide emergency services to Potter
County. These are just a few examples of the important issues this board of
commissioners is focused on.”
Morley
said he is optimistic about the future of Potter County:
“The
decisions made over the past seven-plus years, as well as the far-reaching
elements of our long-range strategic plan will prove to be a path of success.
Leadership is the key, and that is what I will continue to commit to the
citizens of Potter County.”
Heimel For Commissioner
Paul
W. Heimel of Coudersport is running for re-election as a member of the Potter
County Board of Commissioners, subject to the May 19 Republican Primary
Election.
“I’ve
been proud to be part of a board that has established a solid record and would
like to continue that momentum,” he said. “We work as a team, and the record
reflects that.”
A
lifelong resident of Potter County, Heimel became familiar with the county and
its citizens during a 20-year career with the local newspaper. He broadened his
experience over the next decade in the business world as a corporate
communications manager.
He
was most recently elected chairman of the Pennsylvania State Land Tax Fairness
Coalition. That organization is fighting for school district, county and
township real estate tax relief through higher state reimbursements for state-owned
land.
Soon
after becoming a Potter County Commissioner in 2008, Heimel spearheaded a
concerted effort to improve communications, streamline operations, and save the
county money through websites and newsletters.
In
response to shale gas developments, he has worked with his colleagues to
organize a countywide water protection work group. He has also engaged with
industry leaders, environmental groups, business owners and regulatory agencies
for a broad-based perspective.
Heimel
is vice chairman of the Potter County Criminal Justice Advisory Board. That
organization was singled out last month for the Statewide Best Practices Award,
recognizing the county’s new DUI/Drug Specialty Courts, the innovative new
Women’s Residential Rehabilitation Center, and Re-Entry Services for men who
are nearing their release from the Potter County Jail.
“I
would like the opportunity to continue work on those and some other ongoing
initiatives that our board believes are important to Potter County,” he said.
Among
them are a new program to train local job-seekers with the specific skills that
local employers are looking for; further development of the new Potter County
Veterans Center and Potter County Education Center; innovative approaches to
boost tourism at local and regional levels; stronger partnerships with township
and borough leaders for community development activities, and continued support
of traditional and alternative agriculture.
Heimel
is active in policy development and advocacy for the County Commissioners
Association of Pennsylvania and is the first commissioner from Potter County to
be appointed to a leadership position with the National Association of
Counties, where he’s involved in advocacy for veterans, military service
members, and their families.
After
attending Penn State, he returned home to join the family-owned local
newspaper, where he served as a reporter and editor before being hired as
Adelphia’s corporate communications manager.
“This
unique combination of public advocacy as a journalist, an understanding of the
business world through a corporate management position, and most importantly
more than seven years of experience in the commissioners’ office has prepared
me for another term of service,” Heimel said.
As
for volunteer service, he served for six years as a member of the Coudersport
Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is a member of several civic
organizations and serves on the governing board of the First Presbyterian
Church of Coudersport.
He
and his wife, Lugene, have five grown sons and five grandchildren.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Advocating For Potter County
Commissioner
Paul Heimel is advocating for Potter County at statewide and national levels.
He was appointed to the National Veterans and Military Service Committee, a
branch of the National Association of Counties (NACo), and is now the
committee's vice chairman.
He is also a member of three leadership committees
for the County Commissioners Assn. of Pa. (CCAP) -- Veterans/ Military Service,
Assessment and Taxation, and Natural Gas Task Force. Commissioner Heimel has
also presented at both NACo and CCAP training conferences on issues affecting
military veterans, as well as county leadership on shale gas and environmental
initiatives. Here, he receives a CCAP Excellence Award for the quarterly
publication, Potter County Veterans News, which CCAP called “an effective
communications tool for sharing information on available benefits and services
for veterans, while raising public awareness of veterans’ issues and special
events."
Impressive Public Service Record
Commissioner
Doug Morley has a history of leadership roles at local and regional levels to
advocate for the people of Potter County. Today, Commissioner Morley serves on
the executive board of Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development
Commission and is a former chairman. That organization plays an important role
in local economic develelopment, job training and community improvement
initiatives. He is also on the board of trustees for the Rural Regional
Community College, and he's a board member for the Potter County Education
Council and Potter County Conservation District.
This follows two decades of
volunteer service prior to beginning his first term as a county commissioner in
2008.
Doug is shown with his wife, Pat, during a recent E. O. Austin Historical
Society fundraising dinner at American Legion Post 192 in Coudersport.
Sample Ballots Available Online
Want
to see the ballot for the Nov. 3 election in your township or borough? Just
click on Departments and go to Elections/Voter Registration. We're proud of our
award-winning county website!
Tax Incentives Encourage Economic Development
Potter
County Commissioners offer two programs that can benefit private-sector
employers seeking to locate and/or grow their businesses in the county. One is
the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) program. Qualifying
businesses receive a real estate tax abatement for the first year, a
partial-abatement in later years, and are eventually returned to full tax
status. Buckler Transport in Roulette, for example, completed the LERTA program
and is now at full tax status. Potter County is also a participant in the
Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zone programs that has offered tax incentives
to encourage economic development.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Public Meeting With DEP?
We've
been conferring regularly with the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP),
JKLM Energy LLC and others involved in the response to the chemical spill at a
shale gas drilling site in Sweden Township on Sept. 18. We've asked DEP -- the
organization which has the enforcement responsibility and authority -- to
schedule a public meeting in Potter County to discuss its investigation and
address local concerns.
Potter County Maple Products In Spotlight
Multiple
efforts are underway to market Pennsylvania's "liquid gold -- maple syrup.
Earlier this year, the Commissioners joined other industry supporters at
Hamilton's Maple Products near Ulysses for a Pennsylvania Maple Producers Week
observance and tour.
Remote Access To County Records
Potter
County is one of about 30 Pennsylvania counties which can accommodate remote
access through the internet to certain property records in the office of the
Register of Wills/Recorder of Deeds. The service is made possible through a
partnership signed between the Commissioners and a vendor, Landex. Register and
Recorder Gary Kelsey spearheaded the new service. User fees cover the cost and
the public has given the service excellent reviews. Check it out on the county
website (click on Register/Recorder): www.pottercountypa.net
New Life For Courthouse Gazebo
After
the New Century Club turned over the wonderful courthouse square gazebo to the
county, maintenance staffers (bottom photo, from left) Joe Kurtz, Chris Ianson
and Terry Sturdevant got right to work repairing and renovating it. Very small
investment for a big return. Thanks to the NCC and to our guys! Shown in the
donation photo with the commissioners are Donna Lehman and Ilene Altenhein from
the NCC.
Potter Home To Moon Tree
Coudersport
Area Lions Club and Commissioner Heimel teamed up to bring recognition to the
"Moon Tree" at Coudersport Area Recreation Park and the woman who
assured its survival. Yes, it flew to the moon as a seedling and was planted at
CARP in honor of Carol Groves Patterson, who nursed the struggling sycamore
back to health. District Forester Bob Lewis (back row, fourth from right), who
arranged for Potter County to receive the tree, returned to town to attend the
ceremony. Carol (seated) was in declining health at the time. She died in July
2012.
Korean War Veterans' Recognition
Potter
County's Korean War Veterans Appreciation Dinner and Memorial Ceremony earned
us a commendation from the U.S. Defense Department. Potter County’s ceremony
was used as a model for other counties across the nation holding similar Korean
War veterans’ recognition events. As part of this commemoration of "the
forgotten war," there's a public display of mementos at the Gunzburger
Building. Among its features is a series of photographs depicting the eight
Potter County men who were killed in action: Paul M. Brown, Edward W. Duston,
Lewis A. Guilds, John Goery, Donald T. Johnson, Robert I. Roberts, Gerald
Lattin and Fred J. VanWhy.
First In Pennsylvania
Potter
was the first Pennsylvania county to form a Conservation District. The
professionalism and breadth of services provided by the Potter County
Conservation District today are better than ever, serving the agricultural
community, municipal leaders, schools, watershed associations, and many other
partners. Commissioner Doug Morley serves on the PCCD Board of Directors. Shown
here are Chris Mitterer (right), district manager, and John McLaughlin,
chairman of the Potter County Planning Commission and Triple Divide Watershed
Coalition, who serves on the PCCD Quality Assurance Board.
Tackling Unemployment Through Education
This multi-faceted approach has vast potential to improve Potter County's unemployment situation and boost economic development. |
Residents
in Potter and eight other northwestern Pennsylvania counties will be able to
earn two-year college degrees or receive other specialized training and
education through the Rural Regional Community College. A 15-member board of
trustees is meeting regularly to direct the community college’s development and
administration, in consultation with local educators, industrial leaders and
business owners. Goal is to tailor curriculum to the needs of employers in the
region. Local residents, including high school students, will also be able to
earn college credits that can be transferred to a four-year university at a
fraction of their on-campus cost. Representing Potter County on the board are
Commissioner Doug Morley and Ed Pitchford, chief executive officer of Charles
Cole Memorial Hospital.
It's
part of a broader effort, coordinated locally by the Potter County Education
Council and the Potter County Commissioners, to give local job-seekers the
skills and training they need to secure local jobs. Former Oswayo Valley School
Superintendent Bob Wicker has been spearheading that initiative. He has been
meeting with local employers large and small to assess their needs and craft
training programs that prepare local residents to fill their jobs. Contrary to
popular belief, Wicker said, many Potter County employers have job openings and
others would be willing to hire locally if they could find qualified
applicants.
A
recent economic/employment profile of Potter, Cameron and five other counties
reinforced the point. Susan Snelick, executive director of the North Central
Workforce Investment Board, said the study showed that employers are frustrated
by the lack of qualified job applicants. Employee turnover is a chronic
problem. Many lack basic educational qualifications and skills. Absenteeism,
tardiness and an inability to stay drug-free are chronic problems, Snelick
noted. Many of the jobless who possess skills and work ethic do not apply for
work because they’re getting by on unemployment compensation benefits.
The
100-page Workforce Investment Area Five-Year Plan was compiled to better direct
government resources to address the economic and social challenges. It found
that manufacturing jobs have been declining and are expected to fall even more.
Decreases are also expected in the information sector, company management,
government, retail, agriculture and utilities. Employment opportunities will
grow in the oil and gas industries, finance, administrative support, waste
management, real estate, tourism, health care and social assistance. Some 8.7
percent of the region’s adults hold bachelor degrees, compared to 16.1 percent
statewide. It’s estimated that 63 percent of local jobs will require at least
some college education by 2018.
On The Lighter Side . . .
Time for fun -- Doug plucks the bass with "The
Singing Morleys" on the Channel 4 (Buffalo TV) program, Meet the Millers. Paul
sings lead for the one-night-stand "Steve Sevinsky All-Star Band"
during Barb Heimel's 80th birthday bash.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)