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HEADLINES: Candidates Face The Public There must be something about the job. Maybe it's the pay, at nearly $50,000 per year, with benefits. Or the power: they oversee about half a mile of roads, some 35 bridges, the county social welfare system, about 240 employees, and all the criminals. The prestige? There are only three of them in the whole county.
Pictured (l-r) at the League of Women Voters public forum are county commissioner candidates Jeff Loomis, Tom Jurista, Mary Ann Warren, (Moderator) Mary Woestman, Mike Giangrieco, Roberta Kelly, Leon Allen. Whatever it is, there are seven people who want it badly enough to go door to door, face to face with voters – more of them than for any similar election in recent memory. Of these, three will be chosen on November 6 to the privilege of serving for four years as Susquehanna County Commissioners. They include two official Republicans (Jeff Loomis and Mike Giangrieco), two Democrats (Mary Ann Warren and Leon Allen), an Independent (Tom Jurista) and two write-ins, both of the Republican persuasion (Roberta Kelly and Fred Baker). Three are incumbents, Loomis, Warren and Kelly. They all showed up for a "Public Forum" superbly organized and presented by the League of Women Voters of Susquehanna County to answer questions from the public on the balmy evening of October 17 at the Courthouse in Montrose. All but Mr. Baker were on the formal program; Mr. Baker threw his hat into the ring after the agenda and arrangements were already decided. The program was introduced by the League's current President, Shirley Masters. Most of the action was moderated by League member Mary Woestman. Two Blue Ridge High School student "interns," Nicole Keklak and Lynnea Brush, collected audience questions and generally helped to keep order in the ruly crowd of some 60 interested citizens. Not strictly a debate, the format was nevertheless rigidly enforced: each of the six candidates in the program were expected to prepare answers to each of six questions pre-selected by the League from among those submitted by county residents in advance. The two students, since they can't vote yet and were thus presumed without bias, pulled names from an envelope to select the order in which the candidates would make their opening presentations. In that order, each selected from among the questions, and they each had two minutes to answer a question; the others each were given up to a minute to respond on the same question. Jeff Loomis went first with a question about vision for the county. Mr. Jurista then chose a question on leadership, Ms. Warren one on standard of living and economic development, Mr. Giangrieco on financial management, and Mr. Allen was then left with the size of county government. After about an hour, and following a short break during which Ms. Keklak and Ms. Brush collected questions from the audience, there was time for Ms. Woestman to pose 13 of them to the slate, some to individual candidates, some to the entire group, and one specifically to the incumbents. Each was given a minute or so to respond, or to respond to a response. During the two hours a few themes stood out: economic development, particularly with respect to the I-81 and U.S. Route 11 corridor; management of county government and finances (read, taxes); and environmental and energy conservation. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT All of the candidates saw economic development focusing around the highway corridor centered on New Milford. Several cited plans to extend the Montrose sewer system to Heart Lake, and Mr. Loomis even suggested a partnership with the New Milford area to eventually connect the two sewer systems along Route 706 as a way to bring the Montrose region into the highway corridor development area. Leon Allen proposed a "sewer authority" for the I-81 corridor. There was considerable discussion of the county's abandonment of its own development office in favor of making use of the services of the Central Bradford Progress Authority (CBPA). Most of the candidates supported the work of the CBPA, to the extent that, according to Mr. Loomis, it has helped bring dollars to Susquehanna County to support widening of Route 706 east of Montrose and the building of a new hospital and a new library, both in that area, and helping to bring Lackawanna College to New Milford. Mr. Loomis warned that "economic development is not an overnight deal." And Ms. Warren noted how much time and effort development takes, remembering her six years as a director of the Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Kelly said that the decision to close the county's own development office was just "dollars and cents." The two employees were costing about $120,000 per year, including benefits. She noted that the state is encouraging partnerships between local governments and counties. On the other hand, she said that a new board of Commissioners would "have the opportunity to change [the arrangement with the CBPA]." Mr. Jurista's opinion is that sewers are the responsibility of local municipalities and citizens, citing the two systems in his Silver Lake Township. He also said that he had been frustrated in his efforts as a township supervisor to get help from the Northern Tier Coalition of Townships by the interference of the county Commissioners. He would prefer to develop natural resources and perhaps some areas for technology companies. He would like to see the old Bendix plant refurbished and turned into a business "incubator," and would promote the development of the proposed rail transfer facility in New Milford. Mr. Giangrieco said that he was "not convinced" that the results of the CBPA justify the expense of $300,000 - $400,000 per year. He lamented the lack of jobs for young people in the county. He said that he was fortunate enough to be able to bring his law degree back to the county. But, "will my 8-year-old son be able to come back to Susquehanna County? There's no place for them to work here any more. I have a vested interest in the economic development of this county." He cited figures showing that Susquehanna County has nearly the highest age profile in the state, saying that our senior citizens are "trying to maintain the homes they raised their children in," in the face of high property taxes. Mr. Allen simply said, "I don't see the results" of the collaboration with the CBPA. "They never give a direct answer" to a direct question, said he. Mr. Allen said that "the only thing [Susquehanna County] is on top of is unemployment." He is concerned about young people in the county who don't go to college, suggesting that the county needs "low-tech jobs," too. He foresees a "great influx of residents" over the next 10-15 years, and sees a need to plan for the growth. Ms. Warren reminded listeners of a session scheduled by the Penn State Extension Service at the Blue Ridge School auditorium on October 22 on zoning. Most of the candidates conceded that zoning "will be coming, and people need to be aware of it," said Mr. Loomis. Ms. Warren added that "Zoning is not a bad word. It's been a long time coming for the Route 11 corridor." Allowing that it is a "complicated process," Mr. Giangrieco similarly said, "Zoning ordinances will eventually come to this county." And Mr. Allen reiterated his concern about a coming influx of new residents. For his part, Mr. Jurista thinks that zoning should be up to the individual municipalities to decide for themselves. COUNTY MANAGEMENT Tom Jurista wasn't willing to comment on the number of county employees until he is elected and has a chance to evaluate the situation. All of the others seemed satisfied with the current staffing of the county offices. Mr. Loomis said the head count was about the same as it was in 1996. He noted that more than 50% of the county budget is absorbed by salaries and benefits, which rise between four and six percent each year. Over the period he has served as Commissioner, some staff have been cut (for example, the Economic Development Department), while others have grown, like the county jail. Ms. Warren noted a cooperative effort with the Penn State Extension service, and characterized the county government as "well-staffed with good services [and] good employees." Mr. Giangrieco, who has served as county solicitor in the past, said he saw a "tremendous brain drain" 4-6 years ago, and wants to ensure that the county is not crippled by the loss of "all [its] very good employees." On taking office, Mr. Allen would "inventory" each department to determine its "right size." Incumbent Roberta Kelly noted that many county employees are organized in six different unions, "brought on by a previous administration," but thinks that now "we're on the right track." Naturally, all the incumbents were well satisfied with the fiscal management of the county government. Mr. Loomis particularly emphasized the "tremendous rise" in property values of some $13 million over the past few years that should allow the county to balance its budget through a corresponding increase in assessments without an increase in tax rates. Mr. Giangrieco said he would "run the county in a conservative manner," so as to "ease the burden financially on our elderly." After all, said he, "we're all getting older." Mr. Jurista said that he would institute quarterly budget reviews. And Ms. Kelly claimed that "[the Commissioners have] been fiscally conservative" over the past four years of her incumbency. She said that "millions of dollars [had come] in" from federal and state sources as a result of the tragic flooding in the summer of 2006. She said that the "infrastructure problems in this county are multi-faceted." Mr. Loomis also remarked on the consequences of the recent flooding, as a result of which the county hired a consultant to deal specifically with FEMA and PEMA and developed a county-wide hazard mitigation plan that he claimed is second to none in the state. One questioner remarked on the "deplorable" condition of county roads, "especially on the eastern edge." Leon Allen agreed that this is "one of the biggest problems in Susquehanna County." In his opinion, he said (as a Democrat), "we have too many Republicans," which provoked considerable laughter. Mr. Loomis said (as a Republican) that the Democratic Governor has a "huge say" in the distribution of state transportation funds, largess "diverted to the Philadelphia Transit Authority" leaving all of us north of I-80 with "crumbs." Another Republican, Mr. Giangrieco said, "we have to establish some clout" at election time. Of course, with few roads of its own to deal with, the question became one of leadership from the county, which Mr. Giangrieco conceded by noting that the "Commissioners are limited in what they can do." On the other hand, local governments "can't do it [all] alone.. It's just too expensive." Mr. Loomis again pointed to the county-wide "multi- municipal" hazard mitigation plan that should allow disaster remediation to be "funded more fully" from the state and federal governments. Ms. Kelly pointed out that the state is encouraging more cooperation among municipalities, and would take the Northern Tier Coalition as an example. Ms. Warren reported that in her past experience as a New Milford Borough Council member she found cooperation with the county difficult, but now reports (as a county incumbent, of course) that it is better. Mr. Jurista seemed a trifle cynical about cooperation between the county and his township of Silver Lake in their dealings with the Northern Tier Coalition. Specifically, one question asked Mr. Loomis directly how he would improve his ability to "deal with people." There was a lot of laughter at that one. And Mr. Loomis claimed "tremendous improvement." He said that "reasonable people have a right to disagree reasonably" and noted his ability to have funds reinstated for things like the 911 center and Salt Springs park. Mr. Giangrieco responded to that one by reminding listeners that "Susquehanna County is not Washington, DC," and that the Commissioners had to avoid the majority/minority, Republican/Democrat – and even Independent (with a nod to Mr. Jurista) – divisions. "We can't care whether we're Democrat or Republican," he said. Ms. Warren simply remarked on her own "minority" status, as the only Democrat Commissioner. And Tom Jurista said, "If you can't work with other people, we'll find somebody who can." And finally, the sour note of the night came from Ms. Kelly who said that she would not "bow down into being bullied." ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY CONSERVATION The management of the county jail came in for some criticism when the poor performance of the original "geo-thermal" energy pump led to the installation of an oil-fired furnace, which, according to Mr. Jurista is also not performing as intended, leading to reliance on expensive electric backup heating at the facility, resulting in electric bills of as much as $8,000 per month. Mr. Loomis conceded the problems with the heating and cooling systems at the prison. "Every administration has tried to get it fixed," he said. "We're still working on it." Mr. Jurista would have the county purchase low-mileage compact vehicles, replace lighting with long-life bulbs, and – sure to be a winner in historically-conscious Montrose – replace the courthouse windows. All of the candidates agreed that "energy conservation is very important." That was Mr. Giangrieco's contribution, who added that dealing with global warming must "begin at the local level." Ms. Kelly would create a "non-partisan task force" to work on energy conservation, and build an energy component into a five- and 10-year plan. She noted that there are times when both the furnace and the air conditioning systems in the courthouse were operating simultaneously. To which Mr. Allen added, "all the heat's up there," pointing to the high courtroom ceiling and noting the absence of fans, even on this balmy night in mid-October. A question about quarrying in the county evoked a titter in the big room, when the questioner limned a difference between gravel production and bluestone quarrying. All, including the candidates, immediately thought of the many "No Gravel Pit!" signs in New Milford Township, and the big B & S operation there. Jeff Loomis said simply, "I support all bluestone and aggregate quarries," adding "as long as they follow the rules." Which seemed to be the consensus among the members of the panel. Roberta Kelly allowed as how the issue had "gotten a little bit out of hand." She described stone quarrying as "one of the largest economic generators in our county," employing as many as 500 workers, and generating some $245 million per year in revenue. Mike Giangrieco warned, "Don't count on DEP [the state Department of Environmental Protection] to protect your interests." As with the roads, he said that local governments can't handle this kind of thing themselves. Everyone was for the small stone operator. Leon Allen declared that "large companies don't always play fair." And finally, there was a question about the development of wind-energy in Susquehanna County; specifically, what are the requirements for installing windmills. No one knew much about the requirements for building modern windmills, but all were for it. Mr. Loomis honestly admitted that he was "not familiar with the regulations," but he wasn't agin it. Tom Jurista was concerned about the huge propellers killing birds, and heaving monstrous ice chunks "hundreds of feet" in the winter. Leon Allen seemed to be the most knowledgeable, estimating the tax revenue from the big modern whirligigs at about $7,000 per year per megawatt. He said that each machine can produce about a megawatt. He noted, however, that "we're not going to benefit directly from it," except perhaps from the tax revenue. Most of the power goes onto the grid. So economic development, one way or another, whether with respect to windmills, quarries, sewers or courthouse staffing and taxes, was at the bottom of each of the candidates' arguments this night less than three weeks from the election. Each of them seemed to have a slightly different take on the specifics, but they all could probably have agreed with Mike Giangrieco when he remembered his youth along the river in Hallstead. Speaking of the great hopes placed on the I-81/Route 11 axis, he said, "that corridor has the Susquehanna River running through it. It is one of the most beautiful float trips in the eastern United States." Whatever your preference, however you feel about the candidates and the issues, the League of Women Voters urges you to vote on November 6.
Elk Lake Gets Collegiate Elk Lake secondary students are thinking in college terms, or at least they now have opportunities that may lead them to do so. The October 16 school board meeting not only highlighted these forays into advanced academia, but several other issues as well. There are 64 students taking the placement exam for possible low-cost college credits through the high school's dual-enrollment program, run in conjunction with Luzerne County Community College. This is the program, discussed at prior meetings, which allows students to earn three college credits for each dual-enrollment class they take. Grant money has the potential to make these courses very inexpensive for the students. The classes are held on the Elk Lake campus, with Elk Lake faculty, and count as high school credit towards graduation as well. The program had been run for the last two years with only French, but this year will expand to include Trigonometry, Principles of Technology, AP Physics, and Physics. Extending the higher education incentives even lower (so to speak) it was announced that the district was presented with an opportunity for ninth graders to earn college money early, in conjunction with Keystone college. The program would allow students to earn a certificate worth $1000 if they maintain a grade point average of 77 their freshman year. The grade requirements and money increase through their school career; by the time they start college they may have earned a $5,500 scholarship for the first year. This scholarship would also continue to be available in subsequent years. If students failed to reach the GPA for a year while in high school, they would not be eliminated from the program, but could try again the following year. The money would only be available, however, if the students chose to attend Keystone; it is not a universal scholarship. It is hoped that this program will help prompt student achievement. The new scoreboard bid, to provide one new main and one new supplemental scoreboard in each gym, was awarded at the meeting to Degler Whiting (the company that also did the bleachers). There was some discussion about the benefits of utilizing a wireless system for these boards, and it is hoped that the purchase will allow for multiple events to be monitored in the gyms at the same time. The school board agreed to donate the old boards, after learning that they would not be able to be used outside at the school very well, to a non-profit. A letter was read out loud on the topic of score boards as well. The author asked the board to consider adding a soccer-field scoreboard to the list of proposed improvements. Though the school board agreed to consider the idea, the argument was made that indoor scoreboards can be used for multiple events. This is not the case for many outdoor sports, however. It would not be fair to provide the soccer field with a new scoreboard and not to do so for the baseball team, etc. Four new staff members were officially added to the district that night. Claudine Damm-Pasquali was appointed to a part-time cafeteria position, Frank Tribendis was hired as an aquatic consultant (for a maximum of three hours a month), Kevin Noldy is to fill the Auto Technician instructor spot, and Rebekkah Evans was appointed as the IDEA associate in the SCCTC. The board also passed a resolution in support of the Pride and Promise program. This is a public outreach campaign run by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association. The project aims to increase public awareness of the importance, value, role, and funding of public education. It includes notification to the community of student achievement. On October 5 the district held a hostage shooter drill, to which all fully employed professional and support staff were invited. The drill received very positive feedback from various people at the meeting. Two scenarios were run and the overall experience, by accounts, was very realistic. It was run in conjunction with law enforcement, and the school was assured that if such a call ever really came in they (local police, state police, etc.) were “all coming.” The district now has various suggestions and matters to consider, and wants to update their safety plan for such contingencies. Finally, at the very end of the meeting, one member suggested that the board enter into discussions to keep Dr. Bush as superintendent for another five years.
Following is the Susquehanna County sentencing report for October, 2007 as submitted by the county District Attorney’s office. Jason Michael Delong, 24, of Silver Lake, PA to one month to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay a $250 fine, pay an additional $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, pay $10 EMS, pay $30 CAT surcharge, perform 25 hours community service, pay cost of prosecution receive intensive supervision for the first four months of supervision for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police Officer in Silver Lake on July 7, 2007. He also received a $25 fine, $30 CAT surcharge, $10 EMS and cost of prosecution for Careless Driving in Silver Lake on July 7, 2007. Finally, he received a $25 fine, $30 CAT surcharge, $10 EMS and pay cost of prosecution for Stop Signs & Yield Signs in Silver Lake on July 7, 2007. Darl Robert Ellis, 41, Binghamton, NY to four and a half months to two years in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim, not to possess firearms for Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds in New Milford Township on October 31, 2005. He also received two months to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $250 fine and cost of prosecution for Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds in Great Bend Township on April 10, 2006. Finally, the defendant received two months to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentences, pay $250 fine and cost of prosecution for Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Funds in Gibson Township on February 8, 2006. Richard W Ramey, 46, of Dimock, PA to 12 months probation, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim, perform 25 hours community service for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Bridgewater Township on July 1, 2006. John William Geyer, 19, of Uniondale, PA to five months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, credit for any in-patient treatment, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, pay restitution to victim, not to possess any weapons, 25 hours community service, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to have contact with codefendants for Burglary in Harford on November 8, 2006. The defendant also received one month to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentence, credit for in-patient treatment, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim, not to have contact with the victim or codefendants in this case for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Clifford on October 27, 2006. The defendant received one month to 23½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent to the above sentences, credit for in-patient treatment, pay $250 fine, pay restitution to the victim, no contact with victim or co defendants, no contact with anyone on supervision for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Gibson on October 1, 2006. Lastly, the defendant received five years probation to run consecutive to the above cases, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to have contact with the codefendants in this case for Criminal Trespass in Clifford on October 24, 2006. Richard Bruce Himko, 49, of South Montrose, PA to 14 months to six years in a State Correctional Facility to run concurrent to any current sentence, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to be within two miles of schools, daycares or parks, not to have contact with minors for Incest in Bridgewater Township on October 11, 2004. James Nicholas Higgins, 57, of Montrose, PA to three months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility followed by two years consecutive probation, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with the victim in this case, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample for Criminal Trespass in Forest Lake on April 30, 2007. Demarieo Marcel Hames, 19, of Buffalo, NY to two years to five years in a State Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, not to possess firearms, intensive supervision for first six months of parole, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, perform 50 hours community service for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver in New Milford Township on June 25, 2007. David Richard Duane III, 17, of New Milford, PA to 15 months probation, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution for Simple Assault in New Milford on April 19, 2007. The defendant also received 15 months probation to run concurrent to the above sentence, receive drug and alcohol screenings, obtain GED, 11 p.m. curfew, receive mental health treatment, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution for Resisting Arrest in New Milford on April 18, 2007. Finally, the defendant received 15 months probation to run concurrent to the above sentences, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, perform 25 hours community service, 11 p.m. curfew, obtain GED for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in New Milford on April 18, 2007. Michele Ann Goga, 37, Binghamton, NY to six months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, attend alcohol highway safe driving school program, pay $100 ACT 198, pay $50 CAT surcharge, pay $10 EMS, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to possess transport or consume alcohol, 50 hours community service for DUI in Forest Lake Township on January 24, 2007. The defendant also received a $25 fine, $10 EMS, $30 CAT, and cost of prosecution for Careless Driving in Forest Lake Township on January 24, 2007. Finally, the defendant received a $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $10 EMS, pay $30 CAT surcharge for Trespass by Motor Vehicle in Forest Lake Township on January 24, 2007.
SCSD Off To A Successful Year As they often do, the Susquehanna Community School Board heard positive reports on a number of topics at their October 17 meeting. The after school reading program is underway and will cover a period of 15 weeks. The vocational ed. program at Elk Lake School currently has a number of district students enrolled. The program is looking into expanding the program to include more technological subjects, such as robotics. The first district newsletter is set to go out at the end of the week. Staff members will be meeting with the local fire department and an architect with the intent of creating a helicopter landing area. A number of legislative proposals being considered by the state are being watched, as they will have both positive and negative impacts on public education. One issue of concern is the skyrocketing costs of cyber charter schools. Outgoing board members Johnine Barnes and Jim Bucci were thanked for their many years of dedicated service. An initiative is underway that will provide on-line report cards so that parents can access information on grades as well as homework assignments for students in grades 4-12. Parents had been sent a mailer requesting data, such as e-mail addresses, so that they could be entered into the database. In response to a question from a board member about the availability of Internet access on the parents’ part, it was noted that, four years ago, a survey showed that 86% of students’ households had computers and Internet access; it is almost a certainty that that number is higher now. A number of Veterans’ Day activities are in the works. Students will be participating in a letter-writing activity, to send letters to our troops. A one-act play about Gino Merli, a Medal of Honor recipient from Peckville, will be presented on campus on November 7. Members of both local American Legions will be invited to attend. An after-school program is being held by Big Brothers/Big Sisters, in cooperation with students from Davis College. Staff training for the “Fast Forward” program will be taking place on October 31. The elementary school will once again be participating in Red Ribbon Week, as it does every year. Themed activities will be held throughout the week, all with a “don’t use drugs” message. After school PSSA tutoring is underway, with 35 eligible students. Preliminary data on the 2006-2007 audit is favorable, and shows an increased fund balance. Transportation was said to be going well. Most 2007-08 contracts have been completed, and work on next year’s budget is ongoing. The Parent Involvement Committee is planning a Harvest Fest for Saturday, November 10. The Education Association’s annual car show went well, and plans are in progress for next year’s, which will again be held in the Fall. The board was thanked for allowing a St. Jude’s Walk-A-Thon to be held on the track; it netted about $2,300. Thanks were also given for the board’s support of a nighttime football game. Required revisions to the policies for nondiscrimination practices, health examinations and screenings, student wellness, and federal fiscal compliance were approved. Approval was given for a list of per capita tax exonerations; no discussion was required for this item, as all of the individuals on the list are deceased. Approval was reluctantly given for the intent to retire of George Moore, High School guidance, as of February 1. Several requests for medical leave were approved, as were a list of substitute personnel. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 5, which will be the board’s reorganization meeting.
Courthouse Report DEEDS Joseph J. Scott to Larry Holder, in Susquehanna for $30,000.00. Shane T. and Margaret Lewis to Joan Bezdziecki, in Susquehanna for $4,500.00. Grace Reynolds Rifenbury (By Atty) to Harry W., Jr. and Angela S. Marvin, in Great Bend Township for $4,700.00. William G. Oehler and Linda O. Miller to The Oehler Family Cottage Trust Agreement, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Sherry Upright to Kevin and Anne M. Fenescey, in Great Bend Township for $2,000.00. Martin H. and Kathy M. Brown to Bryan A. and Melissa A. Glasgow, in Hallstead Borough for $90,000.00. Bryan Paul Vogel to Darsey Lynn Vogel, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Kurt and Kimberly Frey to Lester A. Thomas, Jr., in Franklin and Liberty Townships for $122,000.00. Martin J., Elaine R., John R., Jr. and Janet M. Normile to Lawrence J. McElroy, in Silver Lake Township for $250,000.00. Jennifer and John T. Megivern to Morgan J. Turner, in Brooklyn Township for $7,000.00. Edwin A. and Karen M. Potter and Arthur Vangos to Morgan D. Reinbold, in Great Bend Township for $70,000.00. Richard J. Burnis and Harold J. Nealon to Donald J. Hunsberger, in Herrick Township for $39,100.00. Marie Graziano to Francis Crane, in Lathrop Township for $100,000.00. Barry R. and Marcia J. Yoselson to John A. and Linda Davis, in Dimock Township for one dollar. Edward J. and Maryanna Dobrosielski to Robert Passehl, in Springville Township for $5,000.00. Angeline Kersavage to Paul J. Kersavage, in Forest City for one dollar. Ray M. and Kathleen L. Ellinger to Amy L. Zakarauskas, in Hallstead Borough, for $110,000.00. Shawn and Julie Burns to Charles J. Oettinger, in Susquehanna for $49,500.00. Joann and John A. Williams and Jamie Ann Williams (NBM) Jamie Ann Owens to Scott and Kimberly Peart, in Auburn Township for $82,000.00. John H. Reeder to Clark J. Reeder, in Uniondale Borough for one dollar. Frank and Mary Ellen Mela to Joseph and Sharon Pfluger, in Herrick Township for $60,000.00. Theodore J. and Joyce M. Plevinsky to Lisa M. Petroski, in New Milford Borough for $58,200.00. Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. (By Atty) to Lawrence Grasso, in Franklin Township for $31,000.00. Deutsche Bank National Trust Company and Option One Mortgage Corporation to Lisa J. Schmidt, in Hop Bottom Borough for $21,000.00. Helen Jean Raymond to William and Lorraine Thomas, in Hallstead Borough for one dollar. Lyle D. Very, William L. III and D. Elouise Evans and Jill L. and Louis Degonzague to Clyde D. and Eleanor Very, in Montrose for $50,000.00. William J. Klaus, III (AKA) W., III and Bernadette Klaus to Rachel Kochmer, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Rachel Kochmer to William J., III and Bernadette Klaus, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Chester E. Kilmer, Jr. to John R. Transue and Amy J. Paolucci, in Dimock Township for $69,900.00. Simon T. W. (Trust By Trustee) and Julene M. (Trust By Trustee) Greenshields to Weightman LLC., in Harmony Township for one dollar. Douglas P. and Vivyenne Pascoe to Jason and Meghan, in Lathrop Township for one dollar. Anthony J. and Linda D. Gigliotti to Krista M. Bowman, in Great Bend Borough for one dollar. Calvin C. Hammond to Calvin C. and Laura Hammond, in Hallstead Borough for one dollar. Christine R. Giannone (FKA) Christine Chamberlain and Guy Giannone to Guy and Christine R. Giannone, in Clifford Township for one dollar. Michael F. (By Sheriff) and Alberta L. Quick (By Sheriff) to Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, in Forest City for $3,201.78. Jason and Serena Gene Karp (FKA) Serena Gene Bitler to Jason and Serena Gene Karp, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Michael L. Freeman and Gina F. Damm to Michael L. Freeman, in Brooklyn Township for one dollar. Brad and Patricia Silverman to Norbert A. and Sherrie A. Tanguay, in Montrose for $184,900.00. Richard and Diane L. Chandler to Nancee A. Heath, in Oakland Borough for $68,000.00. George and Karen Rebecca Sherman to Leeann Sherman MacWilliams, Kelly Marie Sherman Whitney and Mark Harold Sherman, in Susquehanna for one dollar. Wells Fargo Bank (By Atty) to Butch Watson, in Bridgewater Township for $18,000.00. Joseph and Sharon Pfluger to Donald and Stacey Deaven, in Herrick Township for $315,000.00. James F. Earley to Eleuterio, Jr. and Mercedes Maldonado, in Bridgewater Township for $14,000.00. Wesley and Lois Stephens to Bruce R. Stephens and Kay M. Burney, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Allton E. and Elsie Brown, Linda Ann Brown (NBM) Linda Ann Smith and James Smith to Allton E. and Elsie Brown, in Gibson Township for one dollar. Michael E. Gittoes and Julie A. Coates (NBM) Julie A. Gittoes to Melinda S. Burgess, in Friendsville Borough for $95,900.00. Laberta E. Sedia to Terence M. and Terri L. Kilker, in Auburn Township for $113,375.00. George F. and Joan Schmalzle to Leo J. and Ann Ellen Brunori, in Herrick Township for $100,000.00. Richard W. Chandler, Rebecca L. Colwell and Diane Chandler to Richard W. and Diane Chandler, in Great Bend Township for one dollar. Kevin D. (Estate) and Kyle Wilbur to Lee A. Wilbur, Jr., Evelyn L. Chapman and Janice E. Reynolds, in Lenox Township for one dollar. George W. Chamberlin to George W. Chamberlin, in Harford Township for one dollar. William D. and Barbara Hammell to Charles S. C. and Beatriz R. Barnes, in Ararat Township for $250,000.00. William G. (Estate) and William Dean Zewan to William Dean and Alan Thomas Zewan, in Lenox Township for one dollar. Susquehanna County to George F. and Sandra A. Hayes, in Forest Lake Township for $1,000.00. Stephen and Carol Ann Curtis to Arthur Kania, in Herrick Township for $405,500.00. Michael G. (By Sheriff) and Susan M. (By Sheriff) Krall to US Bank, in Oakland Borough for $1,282.23. R. Murray Gransback (Estate) to Kelly M. Burridge, in Jessup Township for $128,900.00. Dana W. and Janet J. Young to Michael L. and Sharon Young, in Jackson Township for one dollar. Richard H. and Sandra Bennett to John L., III and Melody S. Pauly, in Rush Township for one dollar. Joseph R. and Beverly M. Thomas to William Hubiak, in Lenox Township for $18,000.00. MARRIAGES Thomas G. Follert and Kristen Nicole Butler, both of Montrose. William George Albert, III and Christi Lynn Boughton, both of Arlington, VA. Robert William Nesky and Nina N. Watrous, both of New Milford. Paul J. Melilli of Mt. Laurel, NJ and Erin Elizabeth Klim of Montrose. John Henry Luce and Juanita Marie Gumaer, both of Susquehanna. Donald Harley Conrad and Pamela Jane Zalewski, both of Montrose. Brandon C. Maginley and Amanda Marie Ward, both of Meshoppen. Michael Edward Suer and Melisa Sue Secord, both of Binghamton, NY. DIVORCES Karen M. Woodbridge of New Milford vs. Robert P. Woodbridge of Scranton, married 2001. Stephen M. Sorensen of Friendsville vs. Melissa M. Sorensen of Hallstead, married 2000. Donald J. Beemer of Uniondale vs. Billie Jean Beemer of Susquehanna, married 2004. Darsey Lynn Vogel vs. Bryan Paul Vogel, both of Hallstead, married 1997. Kim E. Reed of Hallstead vs. Martin P. Reed of Great Bend, married 1986. James R. Linsell of Nicholson vs. Mary Ann Linsell of Columbus, NJ, married 2004.
Hallstead Hears Of Housing Proposal Present to address the Hallstead Boro Council at their October 18 meeting was Karen Allen, Executive Director of the county Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Mrs. Allen said that the authority has consistently had a waiting list of 60-65 people for the Emerson Apartments, a senior housing complex. The Emerson has 40 units, and the authority had first looked into expanding the existing building with an addition, but funding was not available. Another option would be to construct a new, 24-unit building on a 2.7 acre parcel of the land the Emerson is on. This project would be funded differently, and a requirement of the funding would be that the project secure a tax abatement agreement with the boro, the county and the Blue Ridge School District rather than an agreement for a payment in lieu of taxes as the Emerson has. The new units would be for low-income seniors, age 62 and up, and they would be subsidized, giving the seniors a reduction in rent. And, there would be adequate parking available for the new units. The county commissioners have expressed support of the tax abatement, which would cover a ten-year period; the first year, ten percent of taxes due would be paid, with an increase of an additional ten percent each year over the ten-year span. Mrs. Allen was scheduled to address the Blue Ridge School Board at their next meeting. If the boro agrees to the plan, a public hearing would be required, after which a resolution could be passed authorizing the agreement. After a very short discussion, a motion carried to advertise for the public hearing, at which time residents can voice their support or opposition of the project. After the hearing, council will vote on whether or not to approve the tax abatement. In other business, council received a complaint from an individual who said that a neighbor from a nearby apartment was dumping her household trash on his property. As this is not something that would fall under council’s area of responsibility, the individual can file a complaint with the State Police, or the refuse hauler can file a complaint for theft of services, as the trash is being picked up. The new playground equipment has arrived. Ted Loomis and a crew of volunteers will be putting it in at the Route 11 park. The following Saturday, new trees and bushes obtained through a grant from the Pennsylvania American Water Co. were to be planted at the park. There is one area where there is still some debris, mostly downed trees, that need to be removed. As it cannot be burned (DEP regulations), several options were discussed. After discussion, it was agreed that Mr. Loomis should contact an individual who can dispose of the debris and approve his doing so, provided the price is within a specified limit. Plans for the new sidewalk project on Main St. were reviewed. As there were some questions about the actual scope of the project and its start date, the Bridging Communities committee will be contacted for more information. And, a motion carried to hire Jim Canfield as the boro’s new maintenance supervisor, to begin work on November 5 at $10/hour, with a six-month probationary period. The next regular meeting will be on Thursday, November 15, 7:00 p.m. at the boro building.
On-Lot Management Regulations Possible COG Sewage The lengthiest discussion at the October 16 COG meeting had to do with new DEP regulations that are expected to be put into place, requiring that municipalities implement and fund on-lot sewage management programs. The question, as discussed at the COG meeting, was, would the municipalities be required to accept the responsibility to see that every on-lot system is identified, and then inspected and flushed every three years? If so, then who would absorb the cost of such a program, the landowner or the municipality? The plan is still in draft form, and there is a procedure to be followed before it is enacted. Once a final draft is approved (if it is), there will be time for public comment; six months of advertising is required to allow time for that public comment. It would be at least March before it could be enacted. And, many municipalities already have such a program in place. There is a lot of concern about the program, particularly who will absorb the costs involved, which would be for administrative work and inspections. It was noted that there is software available that could help manage such a program. In other business, the sewage committee met with SEO Wood and discussed a number of issues of concern. Mr. Wood will be staying on as SEO for the time being. The committee did recommend that a full-time SEO would be needed next year, after the winter slowdown, and that the process to hire one be started soon. The budget process for next year will begin soon. Fees will most likely see a moderate increase to support hiring of a full-time SEO. COG Some routine business addressed included correspondence received, a PACOG membership directory and purchasing information from Chemung Supply, which will be kept on hand for interested members. Street sign orders include a number (about 75) for Bridgewater Township, as the township’s readdressing plan has been approved. The Montrose Restoration Committee also expressed an interest in signs for parking and were given information. The building committee is in the process of putting together all the necessary paperwork (map, perc tests, etc.) for COG’s new building site. A meeting was set for October 24 to explore grant opportunities to finance the new building. DCED will be moving on to the next phase of the shared services police study, and will set up a meeting to gather additional information. In the meantime, Harford Township has requested to be included in the study. Also discussed was a zoning meeting, set for October 22 at Blue Ridge, which would answer questions about specific zoning issues. Codes The codes committee met with representatives from BUI, COG’s third-party building inspectors, and discussed some items of concern. BUI was said to be willing to work with COG, and agreed to rectify the problems discussed. And, there was a specific situation discussed as and FYI, where a landowner has apparently attempted to circumvent the permit process. If that is indeed the case, one member prophesied, “It will come back to haunt him.” An eye will be kept on the situation for further activity. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, November 20, 7 p.m. in the COG offices in New Milford.
Blue Ridge Offers Incentives As such things go, the Blue Ridge School Board meeting on October 15 was routine, all members and administrators present and geared up after a month and a half of the new school year. The business meeting started off with a 20-minute executive session, perhaps to consider the appointment of James Lewis as a "half-time" math and technology teacher, the subject of an addendum to the night's agenda that was handed out when members returned from the closed colloquy. Among other personnel items, the Board hired Meredith Davis to instruct after-school SAT preparation classes – retroactively, since she's been leading the classes since the beginning of the school year. The prep sessions run 4-6 weeks and are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Superintendent Robert McNamara reported that the new school psychologist started that day, and that teachers are eager to begin working with her. Some of those teachers may decide they've had enough when they take a look at the district's retirement incentive plan for this year. On the face of it, the plan doesn't appear to be especially generous, offering 40% of a teacher's final year salary paid out over five years. However, they will also be covered by the district's health care plan for 10 years, or until another plan (such as Medicare) kicks in. Teachers are also being offered a "Security Benefit Flexible Benefits Plan" that allows them to set aside before-tax earnings to supplement the regular health care plan to cover things like co-pays and other items not available through the main plan. Deposited amounts do not roll over from year to year, and funds deposited but not used during a year are forfeited. The plan satisfies a state requirement levied on the schools. For the community, the district will be offering a CPR/First Aid class for adults with a minimum of three hours of instruction at $20.00 per hour tuition, plus books and incidental equipment. The minimal equipment is a "mask barrier" that allows the application of CPR techniques with some margin of safety for the provider from exposure to a victim's body fluids. Board member Priscinda Gaughan was a little skeptical about a recommendation that participants purchase these things to have them available. As a nurse herself, she seemed to think that the barriers weren't often available when needed anyway. Students are making news as they should be. Middle School Principal Matthew Nebzydoski noted that Kyle Hall will be the first winner of the UAct award provided by Red Robbin restaurants. The award is made to a student who performs worthy acts "behind the scenes," without expectation of reward. Mr. Hall and his family will have the opportunity to dine free at the Red Robbin in Dickson City. And Board President Alan Hall, reporting on his attendance at a state school boards association meeting recently, noted that two Blue Ridge students participated in the conference, one of them making a presentation before 1,500 attendees. At the tail end of the meeting, the Board heard from Brandy Pitcher, who requested permission to hold a fund-raiser at the school to support the End Of Day After School Program at Blue Ridge. The program gives children a safe place to go after school when parents may still be at work. In her presentation, Ms. Pitcher noted that of seven children enrolled at Blue Ridge, only one attends regularly. The program requires the presence of at least two of her staff at all times, and the $8-per-day fee for one student does not cover the cost of salaries, snacks, insurance and other expenses. She told the board that at Lathrop Street Elementary in Montrose, the fees for the 17 children who regularly attend pay for the program there. A couple board members were curious that the program, which must seem to parents so affordable, must now be supported by additional fund-raising. The Board acceded to the request, and presumably will monitor the progress of the program. The next meeting of the Blue Ridge School Board is expected to be a workshop, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 29, in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.
Harford Prepares For Winter A bright, cool morning in mid-October, the trees aflame with autumn, and one's thoughts turn to winter. In Harford on the 13th, it wasn't too early to prepare the township's equipment for the inevitable snowfall. So the Supervisors meeting listened to Roadmaster Terry VanGorden read out some prices for 10-foot spreaders for the township's Kodiak truck. Ranging from over $8,600 for a new stainless-steel model, to $3,500 for a used stainless item, Mr. VanGorden recommended the latter, with pictures. He and town mechanic Brad Fisher traveled to Hazleton to look at it, and brought back color pictures. Except to those in the know, the pictures told little, but he allowed as how the yellow-painted spreader would do the job, and he might even be able to get the price down a bit more. So the three Supervisors voted to authorize up to the $3,500 price to purchase the thing. Mr. VanGorden also said that he is beginning to implement a safety program for the township's workers, as recommended at a meeting he and Wayne Frederici attended a month or so ago. The workers will soon be required to wear hard hats and safety vests when out of their trucks on the roads. He hopes that perhaps the measures will bring a slight reduction in the township's insurance costs. He has also had the rear lights on the trucks upgraded to bright LEDs; some motorists had remarked that the trucks were hard to see at night. Speaking of safety, the Supervisors also approved the township's annual agreement with the fire company. For 0.075 mills of taxes, the fire company agrees to put out fires in the township. Mr. VanGorden said that the fire company (of which he is a member) had considered asking for an increase in the subsidy, but the millage remains as it has been for the past several years. There doesn't seem to have been much movement on the two major projects facing the township. The Supervisors have filed for a year's extension on the time allowed to complete the replacement of the bridge over Butler Creek on Pennay Hill Road. The engineers are working on a justification for the longer approaches to the bridge that increased the estimated cost beyond what the emergency management bureaucracy allowed in its original authorization. The bridge was effectively destroyed in the flooding of June, 2006. The sluice under Stearns Road at the outlet of Tingley Lake so far is the responsibility of the township. The Supervisors took out a half-million-dollar line of credit to help pay for it, but is now looking at a state program that might make borrowing cheaper for that project. More paperwork to follow, and outgoing Supervisor Rick Pisasik said it is important to determine if the low- or no-cost state loan would require the work to be done according to state specifications, which would boost the overall cost. The Supervisors hope to be able to keep the cost down by using local contractors and more modest specifications. There will be a hearing on the dispute over the triangle in the middle of Harford village on Tuesday, October 23, at 1:30 p.m. at the courthouse in Montrose. And the next meeting of the township Supervisors will be held on that same date, at 7:30 p.m., at the township building on Route 547.
Starrucca Borough Committee Findings Re: Louis Gurske We, the undersigned Committee Members appointed by Borough Council to investigate the activities of certain individuals, do hereby render the following report to Borough Council with regard to Louis Gurske: 1. When Louis Gurske requested bank statements and cancelled checks directly from Penn Star Bank relating to selected Starrucca Borough Accounts, this request was, as he himself stated, to check for improprieties in Laura Travis’ treasurer reports. There was no request from Starrucca Borough Council or any other agency that Mr. Gurske obtain Starrucca Borough’s cancelled checks or bank statements, nor was there any official discussion of this matter involved at any borough meeting. Gurske requested this information from the FEMA, General and Liquid Fuel Accounts. He never requested a copy of Starrucca Borough’s bank records from council or council’s secretary/treasurer. Once he gained access to this information and material, Gurske turned over borough records, including cancelled checks, front and back (with private information of persons in businesses pertaining to said checks), to private citizen Paul Everett and others. We find that the sole purpose of Gurske’s action was to embarrass the sitting council members and the secretary, and therefore for political gain (see Travis Exhibit 1). 2. This committee found no information that Secretary/Treasurer Laura Travis ever presented verbally or in writing to anywhere else, to make anyone aware that the $5,054.15 in question was not transferred from the General Fund to the Liquid Fuels Account. Without some individual contacting the bank directly, there was no information presented to prompt anyone to request bank statements and cancelled checks. Louis Gurske has subjected himself and others, including members of council and private citizens to possible civil lawsuits. Unredacted checks from third parties showing private bank information, were put in the hands of private citizens who had no business possessing same. 3. In the April 4, 2005 Starrucca Borough Minutes (see Gurske Exhibit 1), Paul Everett reported DEP required an engineer’s seal as part of the GP11 Application needed for the Shadigee Creek Wall Project (Gurske Exhibit 2). A Wayne Conservation District letter, dated November 10, 2004, stated Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has received funding for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program. This program provides funding for stream repair where the stream is an imminent threat to either a primary residence or a business. The expected municipality or borough responsibility is to act as the project sponsor (see Gurske Exhibit 3). A letter from PennDOT dated October 12, 2004, states the concrete retaining wall is on private property. PennDOT had the responsibility with regard to the bridge structure and its maintenance (see Gurske Exhibit 4). Ken Rauch’s contract was signed by Secretary Pat Schneyer with no motion presented in the minutes from council. The contract signed by Schneyer calls for upstream portion of 158 lineal feet and downstream portion of 62 lineal feet, with the wall to be 14 inches thick by 8 feet high, with a footer 1 foot thick by 4 foot wide. The monetary amount of the contract is $124,600.00. The contract also states that any increases in costs of the following materials: concrete, steel rebar and fuel, and any unforeseen problems, the borough will be billed extra (see Gurske Exhibit 5). The scope of work to be contemplated under the contract is a 90-foot long by 10-foot high concrete 12-inch thick retaining wall, 2 foot for footer replacement and 60 foot long by 2.67 foot high by 12 inches thick. (Gurske Exhibit 7). The ad for the Shadigee Creek Retaining Wall which precipitated the bids for the project, states “220 feet of retaining wall, contact Borough Secretary or Starrucca FEMA representative for scope of work.” All of these improprieties occurred during Louis Gurske’s tenure as President of Starrucca Borough Council. 4. Louis Gurske aided and abetted in public dissemination, in an unauthorized manner, of private checks containing private account information of persons in business that did not constitute official Starrucca Borough records. As president of council, Mr. Gurske failed to properly instruct council of the proper signing of Ken Rauch’s contract, creating a potential major liability for Starrucca Borough. Starrucca Borough has already been notified in writing of Ken Rauch’s intentions to file a lawsuit against the borough. Throughout the procedure leading up to the acceptance and signing of Ken Rauch’s contact, Mr. Gurske did not disclose that he was a part owner of Shadigee Creek wall. Government regulations clearly provide it is improper to use FEMA funds for private purposes, using government as an applicant (see Everett, Exhibit 6 and Travis Exhibit 2). The scope of work from FEMA called for a total of 212 feet of concrete wall with 152’ long being 8 foot high with 2 foot for footer replacement and 60 feet long at 2.67 high with no footer. The newspaper ad called for a wall that is 220 feet long and Ken Rauch’s proposal called for 220 feet long, 8 feet high and 1 foot by 4 foot footer 14 inches wide, which is approximately 2105 square feet of concrete. This is approximately 1,045 square feet of concrete not within the scope of work. Since FEMA pays only for the scope of work, the purported entry into this contract with Rauch subjected the borough to surcharge and potential liability. While the committee has not been able to establish that Gurske knowingly steered the Shadigee Creek Wall Project to FEMA and Ken Rauch, the committee has to wonder how the Shadigee Creek Wall Project was permitted to proceed the way it did without some complicity of the individuals involved. No public or private individuals should be able to benefit from improper use of public funds. See especially 53 P.S. Section 46404, which imposes a civil surcharge, ouster from office, and misdemeanor criminal penalties for personal interest in contracts or purchases. We find that Louis Gurske committed serious acts of misfeasance and breached his fiduciary and legal duties to borough council and the citizens of Starrucca Borough. We recommend that Mr. Gurske be sanctioned for his acts of commission and omission, that this report be forwarded to the District Attorney of Wayne County and all appropriate agencies for appropriate action, and that costs of this investigation be assessed against him. Respectfully submitted, Fred Rhone Darl Haynes Committee Member
Following is the list of names drawn to serve as Petit and Traverse jurors, to appear in the Court of Common Pleas, Susquehanna County Courthouse, Montrose, on the fifth day of November, 9:00 a.m. Apolacon Twp.: Laurie J. Fernandez. Auburn Twp.: William Daniel Davis, Kenneth L. Macialek, Patricia E. Thomas Rifenbery. Bridgewater Twp.: Betty Jane Brunges, Alexandra Geiger, Julie Lewis, Bina C. Patrick, Elizabeth Tunilo. Brooklyn Twp.: Cynthia Catalfamo. Choconut Twp.: Geraldine M. Smith, Judith L. Tucker. Clifford Twp.: Daren F. Sheare, William Shiffner, Diane L. Wallis, John P. Zarnowski. Dimock Twp.: Ronald Y. Carter, Jr., Susan M. Roos. Forest City 1W: Carol Campbell. Forest City 2W: Bryan Bebla. Forest Lake Twp.: Joseph H. Conigliaro, Kenneth W. Laurie, Sharon Roberts, Wm. Shimer. Franklin Twp.: James E. Seguine, Paul Strohl. Gibson Twp.: Michael Decker, Frank G. Kavetski. Great Bend Twp.: Gerald L. Arthur, David H. Clemens. Hallstead Boro: Mary Ferro, Samuel L. Folk, Mike Paulo. Harford Twp.: Timothy Fisher. Hop Bottom Boro: Christopher Gabriel, Donna T. Johnson, Timothy Potter. Jackson Twp.: Robert Pavelski. Lathrop Twp.: Kimberly Bowman, Thomas F. Meagher. Lenox Twp.: Dorothy Hallstead, Michelle Wallace, Lois J. Whitbeck. Liberty Twp.: Victor Baker, Joann M. Bower, Robert R. Fagan, Scott Helt, Elaine G. Lyon. Little Meadows Boro: Kenneth P. Barnum. Middletown Twp.: Sharon L. Bagnell. Montrose Boro 1W: Richard L. Follert, Joseph Rogers. New Milford Boro: Jorden Seamans, Robin Waldowski. New Milford Twp.: Joseph Chrzaszcz, Suzan D. Seamans. Oakland Boro: Brenda L. Muiter. Oakland Twp.: Walter Fortune, Melvin G. McKinney, Beverly A. Norris, Kenneth J. Sparks. Rush Twp.: Karen D. Darling, Maurice Newhart, Eugene D. Swetland. Silver Lake Twp.: Pasquale J. Amendolia, Diane Hawley-Wurth, William H. Whittaker. Springville Twp.: Dale E. Black, James F. Borden, Brian L. Graves. Susquehanna Boro 2W: Caleb Lee, Jacob Lee. Thompson Twp.: Terry W. MacCarter.
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