UNION TWP., PA. Supervisors fail to fill open seat

Another meeting is set in June to fill the vacant seat.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE -- Union Township's two supervisors were unable to agree on a replacement for Supervisor Ralph Nuzzo, who died suddenly last month.
Before a crowd of about 60, Supervisors Kenneth Guinaugh and Steve Galizia each presented the names of three candidates. But neither supervisor would second a motion to appoint any of the other's candidates to the post.
Guinaugh proposed the names of township residents Gregory Kwolek, Shane Bennett and Robert Aeppli.
Galizia proposed township planning commission members Thomas Johnson and John Seaborn and township zoning officer Harry Passarello.
Galizia then proposed to Guinaugh that the winner of today's Democratic primary election be named to the vacancy. He pointed out that this is the closest supervisors can come to doing the will of the public on the matter.
Guinaugh refused, however, stating he did not want to get involved in the election.
Township Police Clerk Clair Damon is running against Pat Angiolelli, president of the township fire company, in the Democratic race. Galizia is unopposed on the Republican ticket.
One scenario
If the stalemate cannot be broken, Mickey DeLeone, the township's designated vacancy board member, will have to cast the deciding vote. Galizia said last night that he expects the meeting with DeLeone to be set for June 2, which is the only day Galizia said he will be available in that time frame.
The law provides that if supervisors cannot agree on an appointment within 30 days after the vacancy occurred, it must be filled within 15 days after that by the vacancy board.
Galizia said he is willing to sit down with Guinaugh before that time to see if they can reach an agreement on a candidate.
A candidate to serve out the two years remaining in Nuzzo's term will be elected in November, along with a candidate for a full six-year term for the seat now held by Galizia.
Police statistics
In other business, Galizia announced that monthly police statistics will no longer be made available to the public at supervisors' meetings.
He said it is unfortunate that a few individuals have criticized the police on the basis of the statistics. He said no law requires the monthly list -- which includes traffic citations issued and arrests made by each officer -- to be made available at a public meeting. He said anyone who wants information should present a written request to the township. Information which is required to be made public will be provided, he said.
Recently there has been criticism because so few traffic citations were issued some months in areas of the township where residents have been complaining about speeders.
Supervisors also announced they will present $10,000 in 2002 Community Development Block Grant money to the fire department as soon as the money is received. They also committed $10,000 in 2003 CDBG funds to the fire department. Those funds will not be received until mid-2004.