Thank You For Your Support

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.

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.

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."

 

--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

http://pastatelandtaxfairness.com/  

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.

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.

Remember -- even though three seats on the Board of Commissioners will be filled, you only get two votes.

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.

Excellent Fiscal Condition

Your tax dollars are in good hands.

From The Bradford Era

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.

Women’s Center director Melissa Gee (left)
confers with Phil Vaughn, chairman of the Northern Tier
Children’s Home Board of Directors,
and Deb Rudy, a district representative
for State Senator Joe Scarnati

"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.