UNION TOWNSHIP Officials react to threat to halt buses

Supervisors approved a position to help the police chief. Trouble is, the chief didn't request help and says he doesn't need it.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Union Township supervisors expressed irritation that the New Castle Area Transit Authority is threatening to halt bus service in areas where the 2002 bus subsidy request is not paid by the end of the month.
The township's share of the subsidy for buses, which brings shoppers to the business district on U.S. Route 224, is $9,860 this year.
But supervisors pointed out that Leonard Lastoria, transit authority general manager, was quoted in an area newspaper Thursday saying he will cut bus service in Union Township if he doesn't receive the full amount by Sunday.
Supervisors said they have paid $7,800 of the sum, which they usually pay in two installments. Secretary-Treasurer Sally Byler said she calculates the final installment isn't even due till Oct. 1 since the subsidy covers the ridership for calendar year 2002.
In some previous years, supervisors have paid the subsidy out of township funds, but this year and last they asked local merchants to split the cost according to the percentage of shoppers the buses bring to their stores.
Merchants' donations
Merchants responded generously to a letter sent out two months ago, supervisors added. The township has received $4,500 from Wal-Mart, $1,000 from THF Realty, owner of the plaza adjacent to Wal-Mart, with an additional $1,300 promised; and $2,300 from New Era, owner of Westgate Plaza.
McClure Realty, owner of the Sears building, has promised to pay the $600 calculated as its share. Only one store, Lowe's, which has been asked for $100, has not responded, supervisors said. The money received has been forwarded to the transit authority.
Although the township still owes $2,000, Supervisor Steve Galazia said transit officials promised in a recent meeting that the township would be given time to work things out.
He said he feels that Lastoria's public statements violate that promise.
One reason the transit authority wants the money by month's end is that its fiscal year ends then, and federal and state subsidies are based on the local contributions.
New police department post
In other business, supervisors hired Clair Damon, a retired state police officer, for a new position that Supervisor Ralph Nuzzo said was needed to help Police Chief Joe Lombardo with paperwork.
Supervisors voted unanimously to hire Damon at $8.08 hourly with benefits after 90 days for the union position. Supervisor Steve Galizia said later that he discovered after the meeting that Lombardo was unaware of the new position and had not requested it.
Galizia said he will have the minutes changed at the next meeting to reflect his opposition to the hiring.
Lombardo confirmed Galizia's statement, saying he was unaware the hiring was planned. He added his current staff can handle the work and said he doesn't need any help.
Lombardo has been at odds with Nuzzo and Supervisor Kenneth Guinaugh.
Earlier this year, the two supervisors unsuccessfully tried to demote Lombardo and to place a superintendent over him. The demotion was found to be illegal, and Lombardo was reinstated. The hiring of the police superintendent drew intense public opposition and the matter was dropped.