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The word “displeasure” wasn’t voiced until the last of four meetings, but it portrayed with exquisite precision the first moments of the headliner Commissioners’ Meeting. Together, the “displeasures” epitomized “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” as Commissioners Alan Hall, Michael Giangrieco, and Mary Ann Warren gathered for their twice-monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 22. That meeting consumed 12 of the 24 minutes they met. Salary Board, Election Board, and Retirement Board meetings consumed the remainder of the 9 to 9:24 a.m. gathering.

Completion of the Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a motion to approve last meeting’s minutes of February 8. Before commissioners could vote to approve them, Susquehanna County resident Bruce Paskoff raised objection and asked to be recognized. Chairman Hall graciously acceded, and Mr. Paskoff proceeded. He explained that the minutes of February 8 neither noted his name, nor the subject on which he, Mr. Paskoff, had testified. Chairman Hall replied that in his opinion, Mr. Paskoff’s comments at the February 8 meeting were merely public comment and not “official testimony.” From there it was “off to the races,” as Misters Paskoff and Hall sparred over the definition of what constituted “official testimony,” what the Sunshine Law said about it, what was at stake in their disagreement, and the finer points of attorney-client privilege in the County Solicitor’s written opinion provided to Chairman Hall, and Chairman Hall’s declination to provide that opinion to Mr. Paskoff. It was obvious that the displeasure each expressed toward the other’s position means the supposed armistice of February 8 was no more than illusory; and therefore, negotiations, maneuvering, or both, will be ongoing, though hopefully not interminable. A review of this reporter’s records indicates Chairman Hall clearly stated on February 8 that “a person showing up in an official capacity to give testimony would be required to sign in with their name and a description of what they are testifying on, and that would be reflected in the minutes.” And that was his announced decision after consulting with the County Solicitor. Perhaps the definition of “official testimony” changed in a subsequent meeting between commissioner(s) and solicitor.

The Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center meeting was first at the February 23 meeting of the Elk Lake and SCCTC school boards. It began with a presentation by Mr. Gary Fenton and two students, Dominique Horrocks and Evan Baltzly, doing a presentation on the house project number three. The presentation included a photo of the second house project, and a quote from its current owner, along with several photographs of the third house project. Mr. Fenton said that they were not just instructing the students in carpentry, but in doing work the right way. He went through a presentation showing pictures of the work and explaining the process. The biggest thing which he thought the project did for his students was to create leaders, as the students had to figure out answers for themselves and ask each other for help. The students received experience throughout the entire process, including the reading of blueprints. All of the students discussed OSHA safety information, and followed the standards while working. The third house project was ahead of schedule, it was answered in response to a question by Mr. Emmerich. Mr. Fenton hypothesized that the house might be able to be marketed by spring. He called it a great program, and spoke highly of the experience the students received. In response to a question by Dr. Bush, Mr. Fenton described how the students were outfitted for the work world with experiences. Dominique Horrock, a third year vo-tech student, spoke next, discussing her future plans. She wished to go to Penn Tech to continue studying building technology. She spoke highly of the program, the staff, and the shop. Evan Baltzly, a first year student, was the next to speak. He also spoke highly of the program and the staff, feeling they set them up highly for a career. He was also considering going to Penn Tech, but to study renewable energy. There was also discussion about how academics dovetailed with construction.

Dr. Davis, during her report, highlighted other items of note. The students were planning to build a Clean and Green float for the St. Patrick's Day parade. The financial reality fair was scheduled to be held on February 29, with 140 students involved. Sponsored by Proctor and Gamble, it would help students understand the financial realities of adult life.

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