The Lancaster County Drug & Alcohol Commission helps provide counseling and rehabilitation services to those with life-disrupting addictions to substances like heroin or amphetamines.
At their quarterly Advisory Board meeting on April 28, Rick Kastner, Executive Director of the Lancaster County Drug & Alcohol Commission, explained, "A lot of our clients, they live on the streets; they don't have any of the records that we have at home in our safety deposit boxes."
"They don't have a permanent address and can't get government documents [like birth certificates and social security cards]... and so it's just this endless cycle of things getting in their way," added Dr. Lisa Koogle, Chair of the Board.
"It can be really daunting," said Kastner. "Because you simply can't go in and say, I'm Rick Kastner, give me a [Medicaid] card. You have to prove that I AM Rick Kastner and this is where I was born and you have to prove that."
He added that "with the need to know who's who, with Homeland Security and everything, getting a valid ID card is a lot harder than it was before 2001."
"And also most jobs nowadays, you have to bring in your birth certificate or driver's license or something," Kastner said. "Because they don't want to hire someone and then find out that they're an illegal alien or a terrorist or whatever."
"If you don't have those legal documents to go grab and use, you're stuck. It's like you're caught between a rock and a hard place," he concluded.
Kastner explained how his agency tries to assist clients, many of whom are homeless, to establish their identity. He cited one case where a social worker voluntarily accompanied a client to Harrisburg and guided the client through various agencies in order to establish positive identity so that the person could report to a new job.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Commissioners Approve Roof Greening, Bridge Repair Funding
In a rather uneventful meeting, Wednesday, the County Commissioners approved the expenditure of funds on two infrastructure projects.
The first involves repair to two of the County's bridges: the Auction Road Concrete Arch Bridge in Rapho and Penn Townships near the Manheim Auto Auction, and the Weavers Mill Bridge in Caenarvon Township.
The Weavers Mill Bridge had been temporarily repaired after being struck by a tractor trailer last year, said Acting County Engineer Keith Harner.
The cost of repairing the Weavers Mill bridge is $74,500, which is being covered completely by insurance, Harner said.
The replacement of the Auction Road bridge is costing $965,854.50, which comes out of "Liquid Fuels Funds" from the State.
The Commissioners also approved state funding for "roof greening" experiments, including $46,000 dollars to two organizations for consulting services, and $94,976 to the National Novelty Brush Company, whose new building at 505 East Fulton Street will feature green roofs.
Roof greening is the practice of covering the roof or exterior of a building with plant life so as to increase energy efficiency and reduce storm runoff.
Senior County Environmental Planner Mary Gattis said that green roofs "reduce the urban heat island effect," by absorbing solar radiation rather than re-radiating it as hard surfaces do, allowing buildings to stay cooler in the summer.
She also said that green roofs"capture the runoff of 90% of storm events," absorbing as much as "1.8 million gallons a year."
The first involves repair to two of the County's bridges: the Auction Road Concrete Arch Bridge in Rapho and Penn Townships near the Manheim Auto Auction, and the Weavers Mill Bridge in Caenarvon Township.
The Weavers Mill Bridge had been temporarily repaired after being struck by a tractor trailer last year, said Acting County Engineer Keith Harner.
The cost of repairing the Weavers Mill bridge is $74,500, which is being covered completely by insurance, Harner said.
The replacement of the Auction Road bridge is costing $965,854.50, which comes out of "Liquid Fuels Funds" from the State.
The Commissioners also approved state funding for "roof greening" experiments, including $46,000 dollars to two organizations for consulting services, and $94,976 to the National Novelty Brush Company, whose new building at 505 East Fulton Street will feature green roofs.
Roof greening is the practice of covering the roof or exterior of a building with plant life so as to increase energy efficiency and reduce storm runoff.
Senior County Environmental Planner Mary Gattis said that green roofs "reduce the urban heat island effect," by absorbing solar radiation rather than re-radiating it as hard surfaces do, allowing buildings to stay cooler in the summer.
She also said that green roofs"capture the runoff of 90% of storm events," absorbing as much as "1.8 million gallons a year."
Citizens to Study Commission: 'Give Us Ballot Initiative'
More than 35 people crammed into Mount Joy's small Borough Hall, Tuesday night, for a chance to air their questions and comments regarding the Government Study Commission's Draft of a Home Rule Charter (available here).
Among its more significant changes, the Charter proposes to:
> increase the number of Commissioners to 5, with staggered terms and with 1 seat guaranteed to the minority political party
> create the position of a County Executive to oversee the administrative functions of County government
> establish an Office of Management and Budget
> establish a politically balanced Board of Elections
> consolidate certain row offices, and> allow citizens to place, by collection of a thousand signatures ("initiative"), resolutions before the Commissioners for a vote.
One point of division among the audience (and the Commission) concerned whether citizens, after collecting signatures, should have the ability to place questions on the ballot. Unlike most initiative processes, the draft Charter does not call for a public vote.
Currently, the Charter only provides the electorate with the ability to place resolutions before the Commissioners for a definitive up or down vote (inaction results in passage by default).
Carl Moyer of Lancaster Township passionately voiced his opinion that the populace at large is prone to emotional appeals and pointed out that, as written, the citizens can sufficiently build momentum for an issue "by demanding a vote, and then a re-vote, and then another re-vote."
"I read newspapers and magazines from the State of Vermont. I have a daughter living in California. It is a disaster," Moyer said.
Randy Goodling of Elizabethtown disagreed.
"A charter without a strong and powerful initiative and referendum section is a very weak charter," he said, adding that he would like to see the powers of recall elections, votes of no confidence, and citizen ballot initiatives added.
In response to questioning from NewsLanc as to whether the position of Commissioner would become a part-time one, like that of school board members and council members, the Study Commission indicated that the Charter does not specifically address that matter, deferring to more of a "whatever it takes" approach.
Salaries of the commissioners remain the same no matter how many hours they work.
Government Study Commission members Bill Saylor and James Miller both indicated that they fully expect that the task of the commissioners would remain essentially "full time."
Miller said that the workload will remain comparable while the concentration changes to a "more global functioning," including conferring with the Planning Commission and the municipalities on matters of importance.
Saylor said, "To me, the role of the County Commissioner is not diminished at all by this Charter."
Challenged by commission member Sam Mecum, Goodling conceded that he thinks ballot initiatives should be limited to certain subjects. Goodling said that he believes decisions including the sale of Conestoga View and the expenditure of County funds on the Convention Center should have been subjected to a public vote. "Initiative and referendum are really the backbone of what a Home Rule Charter is," he said.
Commission member James Miller expressed doubt that citizens will ever vote for a tax increase on the ballot, no matter how noble the purpose. Miller said that "the Founding Fathers established us as a republic, not a democracy," arguing that town hall meetings do not produce sound decisions, especially on complex matters.
Commission member Heidi Wheaton favors citizen ballot initiative. She cited a study by a University of Southern California professor on citizen initiatives and fiscal gridlock concluding that they "do not appear to be a significant obstacle to balancing the state budget in California."
The study Wheaton cited also noted that 24 states have citizen ballot initiative. She said she considers ballot initiative necessary for Lancaster County to control its escalating level of debt.
Commission Chairwoman Carol Phillips asked for a show of hands among those present as to who favors a strengthened section on citizen initiative, including permitting citizens the ability to place at least certain kinds of questions on the ballot. All but about 10 of those present raised their hands.
Phillips promised that the Commission will reconsider the subject of initiative, and other citizen input, before its vote on the Home Rule Charter on May 6.
The next and final public hearing before the May 6 vote is this Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m. at the Garden Spot Village in New Holland.
Among its more significant changes, the Charter proposes to:
> increase the number of Commissioners to 5, with staggered terms and with 1 seat guaranteed to the minority political party
> create the position of a County Executive to oversee the administrative functions of County government
> establish an Office of Management and Budget
> establish a politically balanced Board of Elections
> consolidate certain row offices, and> allow citizens to place, by collection of a thousand signatures ("initiative"), resolutions before the Commissioners for a vote.
One point of division among the audience (and the Commission) concerned whether citizens, after collecting signatures, should have the ability to place questions on the ballot. Unlike most initiative processes, the draft Charter does not call for a public vote.
Currently, the Charter only provides the electorate with the ability to place resolutions before the Commissioners for a definitive up or down vote (inaction results in passage by default).
Carl Moyer of Lancaster Township passionately voiced his opinion that the populace at large is prone to emotional appeals and pointed out that, as written, the citizens can sufficiently build momentum for an issue "by demanding a vote, and then a re-vote, and then another re-vote."
"I read newspapers and magazines from the State of Vermont. I have a daughter living in California. It is a disaster," Moyer said.
Randy Goodling of Elizabethtown disagreed.
"A charter without a strong and powerful initiative and referendum section is a very weak charter," he said, adding that he would like to see the powers of recall elections, votes of no confidence, and citizen ballot initiatives added.
In response to questioning from NewsLanc as to whether the position of Commissioner would become a part-time one, like that of school board members and council members, the Study Commission indicated that the Charter does not specifically address that matter, deferring to more of a "whatever it takes" approach.
Salaries of the commissioners remain the same no matter how many hours they work.
Government Study Commission members Bill Saylor and James Miller both indicated that they fully expect that the task of the commissioners would remain essentially "full time."
Miller said that the workload will remain comparable while the concentration changes to a "more global functioning," including conferring with the Planning Commission and the municipalities on matters of importance.
Saylor said, "To me, the role of the County Commissioner is not diminished at all by this Charter."
Challenged by commission member Sam Mecum, Goodling conceded that he thinks ballot initiatives should be limited to certain subjects. Goodling said that he believes decisions including the sale of Conestoga View and the expenditure of County funds on the Convention Center should have been subjected to a public vote. "Initiative and referendum are really the backbone of what a Home Rule Charter is," he said.
Commission member James Miller expressed doubt that citizens will ever vote for a tax increase on the ballot, no matter how noble the purpose. Miller said that "the Founding Fathers established us as a republic, not a democracy," arguing that town hall meetings do not produce sound decisions, especially on complex matters.
Commission member Heidi Wheaton favors citizen ballot initiative. She cited a study by a University of Southern California professor on citizen initiatives and fiscal gridlock concluding that they "do not appear to be a significant obstacle to balancing the state budget in California."
The study Wheaton cited also noted that 24 states have citizen ballot initiative. She said she considers ballot initiative necessary for Lancaster County to control its escalating level of debt.
Commission Chairwoman Carol Phillips asked for a show of hands among those present as to who favors a strengthened section on citizen initiative, including permitting citizens the ability to place at least certain kinds of questions on the ballot. All but about 10 of those present raised their hands.
Phillips promised that the Commission will reconsider the subject of initiative, and other citizen input, before its vote on the Home Rule Charter on May 6.
The next and final public hearing before the May 6 vote is this Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m. at the Garden Spot Village in New Holland.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Commissioners Not Conducting Public Search for Esterbrook Replacement?
At their Tuesday worksession, the County Commissioners announced that they had met in executive session "regarding personnel matters" preceding the meeting.
In response to questioning from NewsLanc as to whether "any progress has been made, or at least a established a process for, finding Mr. Esterbrook's replacement," Commissioner Chairman Dennis Stuckey said with a wry smile, "that's why we met in executive session," declining to elaborate further.
The Commissioners repeatedly refused to comment even on whether a search process of any kind is going forward.
Said Commissioner Scott Martin, "When we're ready to - we know exactly what direction we're headed, we'll be sure to let everybody know."
This has lead to speculation by some that Mr. Esterbrook was nudged out for personal or political reasons in favor of a hand-selected successor.
In other news, the County is appointing the law firm of Barley & Snyder to serve as special counsel at a rate of $260/hour to represent the County in the ongoing litigation related to 150 North Queen Street.
It was recently reported - and County Solicitor Don LeFever confirmed - that Dr. Ira Trocki, the former owner of the building, is appealing a lower court's decision, which awarded him $7.8 million in addition to the $8.3 million the County had initially paid for the building.
Trocki believes that the building was worth $21 million when the County took it by eminent domain.
In other matters, the County is expected to authorize the expenditure of $965,854.50 to replace the Auction Road concrete arch bridge in Penn and Rapho Townships, and $74,500 to repair the Weavers Mill covered wooden bridge in Caernarvon Township.
The County is also expected to approve state funding for experimental "roof greening." Roof greening is the practice of covering the roof of a building with plant life in order to increase energy efficiency and reduce runoff.
The National Novelty Brush Company at 505 East Fulton Street in Lancaster will be participating in the experiment.
In the first of a series of educational presentations about County government, there will be a presentation on what the Register of Wills does at Wednesday's public Commissioners meeting, which is held at 9:15 am on the fifth floor of the County Courthouse.
In response to questioning from NewsLanc as to whether "any progress has been made, or at least a established a process for, finding Mr. Esterbrook's replacement," Commissioner Chairman Dennis Stuckey said with a wry smile, "that's why we met in executive session," declining to elaborate further.
The Commissioners repeatedly refused to comment even on whether a search process of any kind is going forward.
Said Commissioner Scott Martin, "When we're ready to - we know exactly what direction we're headed, we'll be sure to let everybody know."
This has lead to speculation by some that Mr. Esterbrook was nudged out for personal or political reasons in favor of a hand-selected successor.
In other news, the County is appointing the law firm of Barley & Snyder to serve as special counsel at a rate of $260/hour to represent the County in the ongoing litigation related to 150 North Queen Street.
It was recently reported - and County Solicitor Don LeFever confirmed - that Dr. Ira Trocki, the former owner of the building, is appealing a lower court's decision, which awarded him $7.8 million in addition to the $8.3 million the County had initially paid for the building.
Trocki believes that the building was worth $21 million when the County took it by eminent domain.
In other matters, the County is expected to authorize the expenditure of $965,854.50 to replace the Auction Road concrete arch bridge in Penn and Rapho Townships, and $74,500 to repair the Weavers Mill covered wooden bridge in Caernarvon Township.
The County is also expected to approve state funding for experimental "roof greening." Roof greening is the practice of covering the roof of a building with plant life in order to increase energy efficiency and reduce runoff.
The National Novelty Brush Company at 505 East Fulton Street in Lancaster will be participating in the experiment.
In the first of a series of educational presentations about County government, there will be a presentation on what the Register of Wills does at Wednesday's public Commissioners meeting, which is held at 9:15 am on the fifth floor of the County Courthouse.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Lancaster Post Well Received
Although there exists no financial relationship between NewsLanc and the Lancaster Post, NewsLanc "paper boys" handed out the Post with a NewsLanc newsletter insert at the Central Market on Saturday morning.
Response was very gratifying, as six hundred copies were quickly distributed.
Hopefully Post readers will encourage merchants to permit the free distribution of the Post on their premises.
A few asked why NewsLanc was helping to distribute the Post. Our answer: Lancaster desperately needs competition in news reporting and commentary. The more, the better!
Response was very gratifying, as six hundred copies were quickly distributed.
Hopefully Post readers will encourage merchants to permit the free distribution of the Post on their premises.
A few asked why NewsLanc was helping to distribute the Post. Our answer: Lancaster desperately needs competition in news reporting and commentary. The more, the better!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Lancaster should junk voting machines without verifiable paper trail
The following is excerpted from www.blackboxvoting.org:
The entire premise of technology-based elections is based on support for the "verifiable voting" concept. But before designing technology for elections, we must first determine how it will empower citizen controls, enabling the counting of votes in public rather than counting them in secret. We do not consent to any form of secret vote counting, administered and controlled by government insiders and their vendors.
Any system that forces the citizenry to trust government insiders to count their votes represents a change in the original design of this nation. The United States of America was designed to uphold the right of citizen sovereignty over the government. In addition to hiding the counting of votes from public view, computer-counted elections hide the chain of custody of the vote data. Citizens are never allowed to view the original input in order to compare it to the output, and are relegated to trusting circumstantial evidence controlled by insiders. Such a system is, in fact, a transfer of power...
The core of elections was and again must return to the principle of citizen sovereignty over government. Elections can never be based on a requirement to trust government insiders and their vendors to count our votes, nor can elections be dependent on experts to tell the citizenry that the system is okay, nor should the detailed mechanics of elections be impossible for the average citizen to understand. Models which depend on experts and insiders create centralized control, and remove all control from government's rightful owners – the citizens. This represents a violation of the principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence.
The entire premise of technology-based elections is based on support for the "verifiable voting" concept. But before designing technology for elections, we must first determine how it will empower citizen controls, enabling the counting of votes in public rather than counting them in secret. We do not consent to any form of secret vote counting, administered and controlled by government insiders and their vendors.
Any system that forces the citizenry to trust government insiders to count their votes represents a change in the original design of this nation. The United States of America was designed to uphold the right of citizen sovereignty over the government. In addition to hiding the counting of votes from public view, computer-counted elections hide the chain of custody of the vote data. Citizens are never allowed to view the original input in order to compare it to the output, and are relegated to trusting circumstantial evidence controlled by insiders. Such a system is, in fact, a transfer of power...
The core of elections was and again must return to the principle of citizen sovereignty over government. Elections can never be based on a requirement to trust government insiders and their vendors to count our votes, nor can elections be dependent on experts to tell the citizenry that the system is okay, nor should the detailed mechanics of elections be impossible for the average citizen to understand. Models which depend on experts and insiders create centralized control, and remove all control from government's rightful owners – the citizens. This represents a violation of the principles laid out in the Declaration of Independence.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Current LCCCA Board Passes Buck on Naming Rights, State Grants
At Thursday's monthly board meeting of the Convention Center Authority, NewsLanc raised three issues of enduring concern in the Authority's contracts with Penn Square Partners:
. the sharing of 50% of the proceeds from the sale of naming rights with Penn Square Partners
. the gifting of the right of first offer with respect to naming rights to one S. Dale High; and
. the sharing of 50% of state grants with Penn Square Partners
NewsLanc's reporter also asked the board whether their previous plans to meet with Penn Square Partners in order to discuss the issue of naming rights clauses had been rescheduled.
Authority Chairman and Acting Executive Director Art Morris responded, "there has been no meeting and there's been no meeting planned."
"It's not something the board is actively considering," he said, adding that issues with signage must take place soon and "that would be an issue that would be taken up under the new Executive Director."
Following the meeting, Kevin Fry told NewsLanc that the board is not actively soliciting buyers for naming rights and has been advised that they would not be particularly profitable at this juncture.
Fry said that the issue of naming rights may be revisited in a couple of years once the Convention Center is expected to be more on its feet financially.
In other business, the board approved change orders adding approximately $175,000 in construction costs.
Facilities Programming Committee Chair Ted Darcus reported that construction of the project is 39% complete as of the end of March, with one day of critical-path recovery, reducing the overall slippage to 30 days.
The Authority also approved a formal job description for the Executive Director and small modifcations to the employee handbook.
. the sharing of 50% of the proceeds from the sale of naming rights with Penn Square Partners
. the gifting of the right of first offer with respect to naming rights to one S. Dale High; and
. the sharing of 50% of state grants with Penn Square Partners
NewsLanc's reporter also asked the board whether their previous plans to meet with Penn Square Partners in order to discuss the issue of naming rights clauses had been rescheduled.
Authority Chairman and Acting Executive Director Art Morris responded, "there has been no meeting and there's been no meeting planned."
"It's not something the board is actively considering," he said, adding that issues with signage must take place soon and "that would be an issue that would be taken up under the new Executive Director."
Following the meeting, Kevin Fry told NewsLanc that the board is not actively soliciting buyers for naming rights and has been advised that they would not be particularly profitable at this juncture.
Fry said that the issue of naming rights may be revisited in a couple of years once the Convention Center is expected to be more on its feet financially.
In other business, the board approved change orders adding approximately $175,000 in construction costs.
Facilities Programming Committee Chair Ted Darcus reported that construction of the project is 39% complete as of the end of March, with one day of critical-path recovery, reducing the overall slippage to 30 days.
The Authority also approved a formal job description for the Executive Director and small modifcations to the employee handbook.
SD of L's Sports Program in Disarray
Many of us can recall times when McCaskey High School was a strong contender in county and state-wide sports. But not now.
On the positive side, McCaskey youths continue to excel in boys' and girls' basketball with 22 and 5 and 17 and 11 win / loss records respectively during the winter of 2008. Students also compete well in boys' track with a record of 8 and 1 and in cross country with boys 13 and 8 and girls 10 and 11.
Football was 3 and 7, off from past years. Boys' wrestling was 5 and 8.
But, deplorably, the boys' soccer team went 1 and 17 while the girls' were 6 and 10 with 2 ties.
Girls' volleyball was 3 and 14. Girls' tennis 1 and 13. Girls' field hockey 2 and 16.
Boys' baseball 4 and 16. Girls' softball 5 and 14.
Boys' swimming was 1 and 10; girls', 0 and 11.
When it comes to soccer, observers have noted the lack of drills and lessons at the middle school level and the sole reliance on scrimmaging. Spectators at practices fretted that the kids were learning no skills and simply practicing their mistakes.
Moreover, a failure to post the starting date for soccer practice on the McCaskey web site prevented most of the youngsters from attending practice until school started.
It is not enough for coaches to be well-meaning and good players. They need to be versed in teaching skills and team play.
To this end, several soccer coaches from the School District of Lancaster attended a training clinic by ONE on ONE Soccer. McCaskey boosters funded the session. However, an offer by the boosters for additional training and coaching assistance was declined.
Inner-city youngsters have enough problems with self-esteem without belonging to teams that continuously lose. The school district owes more to its youngsters than 1 and 17 and 1 and 13 records. It isn't the kids. It's the athletic program!
NewsLanc will continue to explore the issue of the breakdown of the SD of L sports program. We are not suggesting lack of zeal or commitment; rather a failure to teach the teachers and possible reluctance of coaches to learn.
On the positive side, McCaskey youths continue to excel in boys' and girls' basketball with 22 and 5 and 17 and 11 win / loss records respectively during the winter of 2008. Students also compete well in boys' track with a record of 8 and 1 and in cross country with boys 13 and 8 and girls 10 and 11.
Football was 3 and 7, off from past years. Boys' wrestling was 5 and 8.
But, deplorably, the boys' soccer team went 1 and 17 while the girls' were 6 and 10 with 2 ties.
Girls' volleyball was 3 and 14. Girls' tennis 1 and 13. Girls' field hockey 2 and 16.
Boys' baseball 4 and 16. Girls' softball 5 and 14.
Boys' swimming was 1 and 10; girls', 0 and 11.
When it comes to soccer, observers have noted the lack of drills and lessons at the middle school level and the sole reliance on scrimmaging. Spectators at practices fretted that the kids were learning no skills and simply practicing their mistakes.
Moreover, a failure to post the starting date for soccer practice on the McCaskey web site prevented most of the youngsters from attending practice until school started.
It is not enough for coaches to be well-meaning and good players. They need to be versed in teaching skills and team play.
To this end, several soccer coaches from the School District of Lancaster attended a training clinic by ONE on ONE Soccer. McCaskey boosters funded the session. However, an offer by the boosters for additional training and coaching assistance was declined.
Inner-city youngsters have enough problems with self-esteem without belonging to teams that continuously lose. The school district owes more to its youngsters than 1 and 17 and 1 and 13 records. It isn't the kids. It's the athletic program!
NewsLanc will continue to explore the issue of the breakdown of the SD of L sports program. We are not suggesting lack of zeal or commitment; rather a failure to teach the teachers and possible reluctance of coaches to learn.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Mayor Gray Swears in New Chief of Police
In a ceremony following a brief City Council meeting, Wednesday night, Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray swore in Lancaster's new Chief of Police.
Rick Sadler has 27 years of experience with the Philadelphia Police Department - his most recent position being that of Chief Inspector.
Following the ceremony, Sadler said that he is "elated at such a wonderful opportunity" and said he is eager to roll up his sleeves and get to work.
He described his ladership as "roundtable style management," saying, "in a community like this, a diverse community, whatever problems exist... if we work at this as a team we can handle it."
City Council President Louise Williams welcomed Sadler to Lancaster and also acknowledged the "outstanding service" of Lancaster's (hereforeto) Acting Chief of Police, Don Palmer.
"Don has been critical in managing the budget each year. His committment to hold the line on expense has ensured that city residents receive critical public safety services," she said.
Wednesday's ceremony was held in front of a packed room in City Council Chambers, Wednesday night. Numerous local police and members of Chief Sadler's family were in attendance.
Rick Sadler has 27 years of experience with the Philadelphia Police Department - his most recent position being that of Chief Inspector.
Following the ceremony, Sadler said that he is "elated at such a wonderful opportunity" and said he is eager to roll up his sleeves and get to work.
He described his ladership as "roundtable style management," saying, "in a community like this, a diverse community, whatever problems exist... if we work at this as a team we can handle it."
City Council President Louise Williams welcomed Sadler to Lancaster and also acknowledged the "outstanding service" of Lancaster's (hereforeto) Acting Chief of Police, Don Palmer.
"Don has been critical in managing the budget each year. His committment to hold the line on expense has ensured that city residents receive critical public safety services," she said.
Wednesday's ceremony was held in front of a packed room in City Council Chambers, Wednesday night. Numerous local police and members of Chief Sadler's family were in attendance.
COMMENTARY On Preliminary Draft of Home Rule Charter
We read all 26 pages of the April 8th Draft and were impressed with its thoroughness and professionalism. The following observations and concerns do not imply that NewsLanc does or does not favor a change in the form of County government. More on that later.
1) The Chair gets to appoint the committees. NewsLanc recommends that appointments be subject to the approval of a majority of all five members of the Board.
2) Contrary to what was previously reported in the Intell, the Board may deal directly with members of the Executive Branch "for the purpose of obtaining information and advice." Otherwise they deal through the County Executive "exclusively."
3) Wisely, adoption of an ordinance requires a majority vote of all five members, not just the three or four in attendance. Approval of resolutions and motions can be by a majority of those present.
4) Provides for an initiative petition of "a thousand United states citizens who are legal residents of the County." Requires the Election Board to "pass upon the validity of the petition and the validity of the number of signatures thereon."
But then, strangely, it directs the petition to be "considered" by the Commissioners. It is as though the public got all dressed up to put a matter on the ballot and are told the only place they can go is to the Board! There is no need for a thousand signatures in order to get up at a commissioner's meeting and make a recommendation! NewsLanc recommends that such petitions be placed on the next ballot to become law. Either that or drop this sham provision.
1) The Chair gets to appoint the committees. NewsLanc recommends that appointments be subject to the approval of a majority of all five members of the Board.
2) Contrary to what was previously reported in the Intell, the Board may deal directly with members of the Executive Branch "for the purpose of obtaining information and advice." Otherwise they deal through the County Executive "exclusively."
3) Wisely, adoption of an ordinance requires a majority vote of all five members, not just the three or four in attendance. Approval of resolutions and motions can be by a majority of those present.
4) Provides for an initiative petition of "a thousand United states citizens who are legal residents of the County." Requires the Election Board to "pass upon the validity of the petition and the validity of the number of signatures thereon."
But then, strangely, it directs the petition to be "considered" by the Commissioners. It is as though the public got all dressed up to put a matter on the ballot and are told the only place they can go is to the Board! There is no need for a thousand signatures in order to get up at a commissioner's meeting and make a recommendation! NewsLanc recommends that such petitions be placed on the next ballot to become law. Either that or drop this sham provision.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Voter Turnout More Than Double the Typical, with Geographic Disparities
It has long been observed that political engagement in general and voter turnout in particular tends to be greater in more affluent areas.
NewsLanc's Election Day interviews demonstrate that Lancaster County is no exception.
In Lancaster Township's Seventh District, 280 people had voted as of 1:30 pm, according to Judge of Elections Terrie Finger.
There are 1142 registered voters in the precinct.
But in more urban areas, turnout was less than a third of the affluent suburb's numbers.
In Lancaster City's Third Ward for example, the second precinct (voting in the lobby of the apartment complex at Farnum & Christian Streets) saw only 74 voters by 2:30 pm
At Carter & MacRae Elementary School on South Prince Street in Lancaster City's Fourth Ward, First Precinct, they had just broken 100 by 3:00 pm.
Usually, the precinct sees about 50 people all day.
While the character of the neighborhoods varied greatly, one thing that appeared to be constant was the caliber of the poll workers.
All of them said that they feel motivated to volunteer by a sense of civic duty and community cameraderie.
Terrie Finger, the Judge of Elections in Lancaster Township's Seventh District, said that she feels motivated by a sense of civic responsibility.
Laurie Olin, an Inspector of Elections in that precinct, agreed.
She says, "it's good to see all your neighbors."
Finger, who has been volunteering for about six years, works in advertising while Olin works for the Lancaster Foundation for Educational Enrichment.
Mary Codish is a volunteer in Lancaster City's Third Ward, Second Precinct. She's 86 years old, retired, and has been helping out at the polls for sixteen years.
She also volunteers with the Salvation Army.
Jack Yohn, the Judge of Elections in that precinct, said that now-County-Commissioner Craig Lehman encouraged him to volunteer two years ago when the two were neighbors.
"It's a lot of fun," he said. "It needs to be done, it's very important, and so it's nice to be involved in something as important as this."
A couple of blocks away at Carter & MacRae Elementary School, Judge of Elections Glenn Brooks was going the extra mile to help the more-than-20 voters who had come to the wrong polling place to find their correct one.
He used his cell phone to call the Elections Board to tell them where they needed to go.
It's not a requirement of Judges of Elections, but Brooks feels it's the right thing to do.
"It's not about politics," he says. "It's about helping people to vote."
His precinct also sees a significant proportion of spanish-speaking voters.
Brooks says he's lucky to have found a volunteer from the district who speaks fluent Spanish.
"In November, I'd like to see at least one additional bilingual person," Brooks said.
This is the fifth election for which Brooks has served as a poll worker.
"We've had people come in here who, if it wasn't for our help, they never would have been able to vote today," he said.
According to the County Bureau of Elections and Voter Registration, Judges of Elections are paid $105 for their time, while all other poll workers are paid $90.
This corps of volunteers - only 4 workers per polling place - sets up the polling places, oversees voting from 7 am to 8 pm, verifies the accuracy of the procedures, and returns all materials to the County Elections Bureau at the end of the night.
NewsLanc's Election Day interviews demonstrate that Lancaster County is no exception.
In Lancaster Township's Seventh District, 280 people had voted as of 1:30 pm, according to Judge of Elections Terrie Finger.
There are 1142 registered voters in the precinct.
But in more urban areas, turnout was less than a third of the affluent suburb's numbers.
In Lancaster City's Third Ward for example, the second precinct (voting in the lobby of the apartment complex at Farnum & Christian Streets) saw only 74 voters by 2:30 pm
At Carter & MacRae Elementary School on South Prince Street in Lancaster City's Fourth Ward, First Precinct, they had just broken 100 by 3:00 pm.
Usually, the precinct sees about 50 people all day.
While the character of the neighborhoods varied greatly, one thing that appeared to be constant was the caliber of the poll workers.
All of them said that they feel motivated to volunteer by a sense of civic duty and community cameraderie.
Terrie Finger, the Judge of Elections in Lancaster Township's Seventh District, said that she feels motivated by a sense of civic responsibility.
Laurie Olin, an Inspector of Elections in that precinct, agreed.
She says, "it's good to see all your neighbors."
Finger, who has been volunteering for about six years, works in advertising while Olin works for the Lancaster Foundation for Educational Enrichment.
Mary Codish is a volunteer in Lancaster City's Third Ward, Second Precinct. She's 86 years old, retired, and has been helping out at the polls for sixteen years.
She also volunteers with the Salvation Army.
Jack Yohn, the Judge of Elections in that precinct, said that now-County-Commissioner Craig Lehman encouraged him to volunteer two years ago when the two were neighbors.
"It's a lot of fun," he said. "It needs to be done, it's very important, and so it's nice to be involved in something as important as this."
A couple of blocks away at Carter & MacRae Elementary School, Judge of Elections Glenn Brooks was going the extra mile to help the more-than-20 voters who had come to the wrong polling place to find their correct one.
He used his cell phone to call the Elections Board to tell them where they needed to go.
It's not a requirement of Judges of Elections, but Brooks feels it's the right thing to do.
"It's not about politics," he says. "It's about helping people to vote."
His precinct also sees a significant proportion of spanish-speaking voters.
Brooks says he's lucky to have found a volunteer from the district who speaks fluent Spanish.
"In November, I'd like to see at least one additional bilingual person," Brooks said.
This is the fifth election for which Brooks has served as a poll worker.
"We've had people come in here who, if it wasn't for our help, they never would have been able to vote today," he said.
According to the County Bureau of Elections and Voter Registration, Judges of Elections are paid $105 for their time, while all other poll workers are paid $90.
This corps of volunteers - only 4 workers per polling place - sets up the polling places, oversees voting from 7 am to 8 pm, verifies the accuracy of the procedures, and returns all materials to the County Elections Bureau at the end of the night.
Convention Center Authority counting on 3.2 million in state grants to keep pre-opening numbers in the black
The Lancaster County Convention Center Authority is finding itself in over its head.
Finance Committee Chair Laura Douglas said Monday that the Authority is $129,000 short in its construction budget alone and that change orders are averaging $200,000 a month.
With some ten months of construction remaining, they are facing at least a $2 million shortfall.
And these are pre-opening expenditures only.
It remains to be seen whether the facility will attract a sufficient number of conventioneers to make the investment viable much less profitable.
But Chairman and Acting Executive Director Art Morris is optimistic that help is on the way.
He said Monday that he continues to receive assurances from Senator Gib Armstrong that the county is earmarked for $3.2 million in state grants.
When will that money be available?
"The expectation is that this will be packaged as part of the budget in June," said Morris.
He went on to caution that sometimes the approval of the state budget is delayed for political reasons, as occured between Rendell and the Republican legislature in summer 2007.
He also noted that the actual receipt of the money would likely not occur until "months later."
Morris himself has been serving as the Authority's Executive Director without pay for the better part of a year.
With the recently-confirmed Kevin Molloy taking the helm in May, the paying out of his salary (and signing bonuses) will further reveal the Authority's real cost overruns.
Finance Committee Chair Laura Douglas said Monday that the Authority is $129,000 short in its construction budget alone and that change orders are averaging $200,000 a month.
With some ten months of construction remaining, they are facing at least a $2 million shortfall.
And these are pre-opening expenditures only.
It remains to be seen whether the facility will attract a sufficient number of conventioneers to make the investment viable much less profitable.
But Chairman and Acting Executive Director Art Morris is optimistic that help is on the way.
He said Monday that he continues to receive assurances from Senator Gib Armstrong that the county is earmarked for $3.2 million in state grants.
When will that money be available?
"The expectation is that this will be packaged as part of the budget in June," said Morris.
He went on to caution that sometimes the approval of the state budget is delayed for political reasons, as occured between Rendell and the Republican legislature in summer 2007.
He also noted that the actual receipt of the money would likely not occur until "months later."
Morris himself has been serving as the Authority's Executive Director without pay for the better part of a year.
With the recently-confirmed Kevin Molloy taking the helm in May, the paying out of his salary (and signing bonuses) will further reveal the Authority's real cost overruns.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Friends indeed...and conscientious citizens!
The Sunday News April 20 editorial "A friend not in deed" is a lesson on how fragile are the rights of the accused to defend themselves, won with so much sacrifice of lives and fortunes over twenty-five hundred years; and how careless of those rights a provincial newspaper can be.
The editorial states: "...if the friend had been arrested for possessing stomach-turning child pornography, and you work for a center that helps victims of sexual assault, standing by your friend has to have a limit. Your first concern-indeed the first concern of society at large – has to be for the victims. It's why we think the YWCA of Lancaster’s has done the right thing in distancing itself from two former employees who testified at a sentencing hearing earlier this month for Stephen Spiese, the local actor from Columbia who was convicted in Lebanon County Court on child pornography charges.”
Is Sunday News editor Marv Adams familiar with the Stalinist trials of the 1930s when innocent people were purged and either shot or sent to work camp and a slower death in Siberia? No one dared testify concerning the character of the accused or they too would have met the same fate.
Is Adams aware of the trials and persecutions by the Nazis, not just against Jews but also others whom they considered enemies of the state? No one dared testify for the accused there either.
One of the cornerstones of democracy is the right – indeed the obligation – of citizens to testify without fear of retribution either from the state or others.
No employee should be subject to censure or penalty for performing the patriotic duty of honestly testifying in court!
These witnesses provided vital information for consideration by the Judge in evaluating the history of Spiese. Their testimony had nothing whatsoever to do with whether Spiese watched child pornography or the propriety of such actions. If the YWCA doesn't like the sentence, let them criticize the judge, not pander to the public by "distancing itself from two former employees."
If it were up to this writer (and I say this in jest), Adams would be sentenced to return to college and take several courses in history and civics. He is a good man and otherwise has my respect, but his ignorance of the lessons of history and essence of democracy are shockingly apparent.
Robert Edwin Field, Publisher
The editorial states: "...if the friend had been arrested for possessing stomach-turning child pornography, and you work for a center that helps victims of sexual assault, standing by your friend has to have a limit. Your first concern-indeed the first concern of society at large – has to be for the victims. It's why we think the YWCA of Lancaster’s has done the right thing in distancing itself from two former employees who testified at a sentencing hearing earlier this month for Stephen Spiese, the local actor from Columbia who was convicted in Lebanon County Court on child pornography charges.”
Is Sunday News editor Marv Adams familiar with the Stalinist trials of the 1930s when innocent people were purged and either shot or sent to work camp and a slower death in Siberia? No one dared testify concerning the character of the accused or they too would have met the same fate.
Is Adams aware of the trials and persecutions by the Nazis, not just against Jews but also others whom they considered enemies of the state? No one dared testify for the accused there either.
One of the cornerstones of democracy is the right – indeed the obligation – of citizens to testify without fear of retribution either from the state or others.
No employee should be subject to censure or penalty for performing the patriotic duty of honestly testifying in court!
These witnesses provided vital information for consideration by the Judge in evaluating the history of Spiese. Their testimony had nothing whatsoever to do with whether Spiese watched child pornography or the propriety of such actions. If the YWCA doesn't like the sentence, let them criticize the judge, not pander to the public by "distancing itself from two former employees."
If it were up to this writer (and I say this in jest), Adams would be sentenced to return to college and take several courses in history and civics. He is a good man and otherwise has my respect, but his ignorance of the lessons of history and essence of democracy are shockingly apparent.
Robert Edwin Field, Publisher
Lancaster Post soon available at Turkey Hills
According to Christiaan Hart-Nibbrig, Co-Publisher and Co-Editor of the Lancaster Post, free copies of the weekly tabloid "will be available at every Turkey Hill in the County starting next week, as well as at the Barnstormers opening day at Clipper Stadium, April 25th."
During the initial week, copies were handed out in downtown locations by staff members and others.
The lead news story was about State Senator candidate Paul Thibault. The lead sports article was an interview of Von Hayes, former Phillies star and the new Barnstormers manager.
Gaining access for distribution to the premises of Turkey Hill stores is a major distribution milestone for the Post which plans a circulation of 30,000 copies per week.
During the initial week, copies were handed out in downtown locations by staff members and others.
The lead news story was about State Senator candidate Paul Thibault. The lead sports article was an interview of Von Hayes, former Phillies star and the new Barnstormers manager.
Gaining access for distribution to the premises of Turkey Hill stores is a major distribution milestone for the Post which plans a circulation of 30,000 copies per week.
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