Chris Snee - Graduate of Montrose Area High School.
In case you haven’t heard or don’t follow sports, Chris is playing in the SuperBowl this Sunday for the Giants this weekend as a Guard. My Friends, it goes to show that no matter where you are from, given talent, determination and opportunity, you can do virtually anything.
UPDATE! THE GIANTS HAVE WON THE SUPERBOWL 17-14 DEFEATING THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GIANTS AND CHRIS SNEE!!
Best Wishes Chris!
We should be aware that there are things going on around us that, through the lack (until now) of a central reporting medium, may not be common knowledge throughout the county. Today, a few items are offered here, which should be the start of a series on this issue. No doubt there are others of varying levels of interest in our area by the individuals who are directly involved in these matters. They can be viewed as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities or threats depending on your viewpoint. Please consider the following:
Starting with the most recent first: As reported in the Scranton Times January 28th edition, the low level nuclear dump in South Carolina is closing. This brings us around full circle to the not too distant past where the residents were scrambling for ways to keep the site out of Our Fair County. The plan which was used, apparently successfully at the time was having land owners put their property in Ag Security. According to the article, about 1/3 of the entire land area of Susquehanna County was enrolled. Although it is probably a remote possibility, we should be aware that Susquehanna County could be looked at again. Last time, they were looking for a “willing county” Will they this time? It appears the Farm Bureau may be a good resource in this matter for those who are interested.
Almost as recent: It was reported in the Binghamton Press a couple of days ago that New York Senator Schumer (D), who, with the support of NY Senator Clinton (D), PA Senator Specter (R) and Senator Casey(D) are pushing an AMTRAK study regarding restoration of passenger rail service to Binghamton, NY from New York City. The most recent article says the study could begin in a few weeks.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is in the process of or has just finished purchasing the remaining lands of SOLIDA in Oakland Township. It has been suggested this will become a tourist destination for members of the church who wish to visit the place where their founder, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. In case you discount the idea, consider this: the church has around 12 million members worldwide; about half live in the US. This property is one of the three most important historical sites in the church’s history. The other two are Palmayra, New York and Nauvoo, Illinois. This potentially could be the biggest thing ever in Susquehanna County regarding tourism and opportunities to become a “destination” rather than a place to pass through. Are we or should we be doing anything to encourage/discourage this?
As previously mentioned, there are other things going on around us. Maybe you know something which could permanently change the future of Susquehanna County. For now, this is a start to what should be a good discussion. Your thoughts?
It has been reported that several interesting events took place during this most recent meeting of our commissioners. One involves a question about possibly not following the Sunshine Act. Sources tell this writer that there was a lot of dancing around this matter. More here later, possibly a story in the Scranton Times tomorrow.
The Deputy Chief Clerk, Dan Walter was let go to make room for (fill in the blank). The terminations of two department heads: Ellen O’Malley, Assessment Office; and Gary Wilder, Voter Registration were ratified. The Assessment Office is under the direction once again of Rick Kamansky. Voter Registration is being run by Laura Watts. Both are “Acting Directors”.
Your thoughts?
Since it’s inception, Susqcoblog.com has grown in its readership nicely. We believe this is the first site of its kind in Susquehanna County. Thank you to all who have responded to the postings. As has been said here before, Susqcoblog is here for you to use. Sure it’s much easier to read the various posts than it is to write, but that’s what makes this site really work. It’s the necessary interaction to the posts and the various responses.
In short, website statistics show you are reading. Now it’s time to take the next step and start writing responses and suggesting new topics. It’s simple. On the right side of the page is a column which says “Meta”. Under that heading, click the tab which says “register”. No one wants your real name and registration is FREE. registration is just a tool to keep some form of order on the site. “Please don’t libel anyone here, as you will be permanently barred from Susqcoblog.com”. We value your opinion and look forward to your increased participation. Have a subject you want to discuss? Reply to this post. Thanks again!
According to published reports, Dr. Stephen Scher has been denied a change of venue. The trial will begin March 3rd. The county will be paying for Scher’s defense as the judge has ruled that he is unable to pay for counsel.
Dr. Scher was convicted in 1997 of the murder of Attorney Martin Dillon in 1976. The state supreme court ruled there were mistakes in that trial and ordered a new trial. Scher’s attorney argued for a change of venue, however the judge denied the request.
5/21/2008 UPDATE
BELOW IS THE FIRST ENTRY THIS WRITER MADE CONCERNING GAS LEASING AND GAS WELLS IN THE AREA. IT WAS WRITTEN ON JANUARY 10, 2008. AT THE TIME, I WAS AS NAIVE AS ANYONE ELSE HERE AND THOUGHT I DIDN’T OWN ENOUGH LAND (I THOUGHT THEY WANTED AT LEAST 50+ ACRES) AT THE TIME. WOW, WAS I WRONG. PLEASE READ THIS FIRST, BUT DON’T STOP. IF YOU SEARCH THE “GAS WELLS” CATEGORIES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PAGE YOU WILL SEE NUMEROUS ENTRIES AND RESPONSES. THE CURRENT SERIES IS CALLED “GAS MUSE” WITH THE CURRENT DATE FOLLOWING. SO MUCH MORE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE IF YOU CHOOSE TO AVAIL YOURSELF OF IT.
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This is a subject which has become very actively discussed in various parts of the county over the past year. Your writer has not participated in the current lease scheme. As far as I know from the various companys’ positions, I do not meet the minimum acreage requirement. Further, not being well versed in the subject, will lead to either you the reader/writer to drive the commentary - or not.
One thing remains in my recollection about oil and gas leases from about 25 years ago. At the time there was at least one company buying leases. There may have been others. At the time people were offered a small sum to lease their land. At the time, farming was on the decline in a big way. A lot of good people signed up. Generally, the amount paid, was roughly equal to the real estate taxes.
The first year was generally paid up front. I believe the second year was paid on time. After that - nothing. The company had defaulted on the lease. This should be the end of that story; but just wait my friends.
Apparently there was something strange about these leases. Maybe they had automatic renewals or maybe it was something else. But there was something. A couple of years ago, an acquaintance tried to sell a property which had a gas lease from the early ’80’s. When a title search was done, the lease still showed up. The owner’s attorney had a difficult time getting a release. In fact the owner almost lost his sale because it took so long to find the company.
It has been said that there are owners who are getting as much as $750 per acre to lease their land for 5 years, which works out to $150 per year. Also, a royalty is to be paid if successful drilling occurs. If this is correct, that is interesting. It wasn’t that many years ago when you could buy larger tracts for not much more than that.
Again, having not spoken with anyone who had properly reviewed a current lease and not being involved personally, I have little knowledge of the subject. The future of this discussion is left up to you.
It was rather low key start as our newly installed commissioners held their first meeting and agreed to deal with the concept of reopening the budget, as well as time and place of their meetings.
It seems that the 911 folks will lose some state and/or federal funding if they don’t have enough local match money. It was decided the budget should be reopened to make sure they have sufficient funding as not to lose federal or state money.
Apparently there are some who are not pleased with the idea that the commissioners will be meeting at 8:30am and that they will be meeting in the Commissioners room in the Courthouse.
After some discussion, the time of meeting was agreed to be 9am at the Commissioners room.
Not much else transpired. There are various committees and and agencies which need to have members appointed, however, this was not addressed.
One thing was made clear today. Though the commissioners meetings are public of course, which allows you and I to see the workings of our government; they will not allow the freewheeling, shoot from the hip, interaction from the public which has been a part of these meetings for some years.
So far, no serious harm, no foul and no fights with and between these new folks. Lets see how they will do in their second meeting…
As long as the information from the Bureau for Labor Statistics regarding wages was posted, I thought it would be interesting to let you know a few other statistics about our Fair County. After all, if you don’t know where you are, it’s tough to see if you have made any progress. This information was gathered from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania website - www.ruralpa.org - and is quite interesting. It becomes even more interesting when you start comparing Susquehanna County to other similar counties in the Commonwealth.
POPULATION
Starting with the basics: Susquehanna County has about 823 square miles. The estimated population as of 2006 was 41,889 or 51 people per square mile. The population appears to have declined by roughly eight tenths of a percent (0.8%) since the 2000 census.
Of these 41,889 citizens, the average age in 2006 was 41.4. 22.3% or about 9,431 were under 18. Remember that number, you will see it again soon. 61.9% or about 25,929 are between the ages of 18 and 64. Roughly 15.8% or 6,618 are over 65. Due to rounding, there is one missing citizen, sorry.
INCOME
There were 16,529 households which had a median household income in 2004 of $36,104, the latest year available on this site. By the way, this was reduction in household income from 2002 by 0.4%. In 2005, the average annual wage was $24,487, which was an increase of 5.4%from 1995. If you check the inflation rate for this 10 year period, I am sure you will find it greatly exceeds 5.4%. By the way, the $24,487 annual figure works out to be just under $471 per week. This is in line with the information posted from the Bureau of Labor Statistics report for 1st Quarter, 2007.
POVERTY
The estimated poverty rate increased from 10.6% to 11.5% from 2002 to 2004, again, the most recent years available on this site. The estimated poverty rate for children under 18 increased from 15.6% to 17.6% for the same time period. Remember the statistic above which said there are 9,431 under 18? This works out to about 1,644 children under 18 who live in Susquehanna County who included in the estimated poverty rate. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
The percentage of the population receiving Cash Assistance declined from 1.6% to 1.2% betweeen June, 2005 and June, 2007. This means that of the 41,889 citizens, as of June, 2007, about 502 were receiving cash assistance.
The percentage of the population eligible for Medical Assistance also decreased from 16.2% to 16% or 6,702 who were eligible as of June, 2007.
The population participating in the Food Stamp Program for the same time period increased from 7.5% to 8.2%, or 3,435 as of June, 2007.
Finally, the population participating in the WIC program declined from June, 2005 to June, 2007 from 2.5% to 2.3% or about 963.
LABOR FORCE
There were 8,964 total employees in the second quarter of 2006. Of these, 7.8% worked in the manufacturing sector; 17.7% worked in the wholesale and retail trade sectors; mining, construction, utilities & transportation & warehousing comprised of 11.9%; information, finance, insurance, real estate & rental & leasingwere 4.3%; education services, professional, scientific & technical services accounted for another 2.2%; while health care and social assistance made up 14.9%; and other sectors accounted for 41.2%.
In 2000, there were 19,072 employed persons who were 16 or older. 26.3% were employed in professional or management jobs. Another 22.5% were employed in “white collar” jobs. Service jobs accounted for 14% of the total. 37.3% were employed with “Blue Collar” jobs.
UNEMPLOYMENT
The Unemployment Rate has steadily dropped from 2002 through 2006, the latest year available on this site. Starting in 2002 - 6.3%; 2003 - 6.1%; 2004 - 5.7%, 2005 - 5.1%; 2006 - 4.8%.
Enough numbers for one day. The purpose here is to acquaint you who may not be aware of the general health of Susquehanna County. Later, there will be more statistics, but for now, you have been acquainted with the population, wages, employment and poverty in out county.
The parting thought for the day is this - What government or non-government solution can you come up with to deal with the Under 18 group of who live in poverty here as well as other countries?
According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics press release dated November 13, 2007, the average weekly wage in Pennsylvania was $849, which is $36 below the nationwide level. The release includes information that in all 48 smaller counties, (those with employment below 75,000) Sullivan County reported the lowest wage level, at $452. The highest wage among the 48 smaller counties was Montour County at $847, followed by Greene County at $803.
When all 67 counties in Pennsylvania were considered, three - Sullivan, Susquehanna and Perry - had wages below $500.
When you are a county who is next to last in weekly wages earned in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - and you have an interstate highway system running through the county connecting to the East Coast both directly North and South of the county, a strip which begs to be developed with municipal sewage running through it, two class one railroads, cheap (relatively speaking) land, good internet service and obviously cheap labor; you would think something would have happened by now. My Friends, you would think we would be marketing ourselves to the moon.
You would think…..
We have two new Commissioners and one returning Commissioner as of today. Let’s encourage them to do the right thing. Move this county forward so we aren’t earning the second lowest average weekly wages in Pennsylvania.
Where is the economic development board in all this??? If you see a member, ask. Their responses should be interesting.
The BLS website www.bls.gov/ro3/ has a lot of good information if you have the time to review it.
Oh yes, you may see some of this information in one of the local papers this week or next. Just remember, you saw it here first.
It is that rare time which occurs every four years and is generally between the day the election results are known and the first meeting of the newly elected (or reelected) county commissioners.
It is that time when spirits are lifted for some who think “Maybe THIS TIME there will be real change”. For others, department heads especially, it a time of dread. As you know, they are “At Will” employees who can be (and sometimes are) terminated for cause or for no stated reason at all.
In this season, there are at least three whose necks are really out there. They are the Chief Clerk, the Assessment Director and the Voter Registrar. Two of these have been previously discussed in this blog. The Assessment office department head has not. It is unknown how good of a job that department head is doing, but remember, because she is the cousin of recently un-elected Commissioner Kelly, the chances are better than even that she will be out.
My friends, if I were any of these three, I wouldn’t be making any long range plans with the county at this point.
For the rest of us, at least until Wednesday, it continues to be a to dream. Dream of the positive things our new leaders will do over the next four years, righting the wrongs of previous administrations. We can live in this fantasy world for only a few more days though - the new Commissioners, Warren, Allen and Giangrieco were sworn in today - Monday January 7, 2008. Two days from now they will hold their first meeting - where they will likely be sworn at by some.
By the way, MaryAnn Warren is the new Chairperson of Commissioners, with Leon Allen as Vice-Chair. At least for the moment, Sylvia Beamer is still the Chief Clerk. No one was named as of yet as County Solicitor.
The actions of the new commissioners on Wednesday will begin the process where we will applaud them or begin the countdown until the next election.