WESTERN PA. Township bans politicking in government buildings

Supervisors also accepted a low bid for spring cleanup.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- There will be no politicking in Union Township's government buildings, township supervisors agreed when they met Tuesday.
Supervisor Pat Angiolelli said the three agreed that employees and volunteers, including the supervisors, working in the township building, police department or sewer offices may not solicit anyone coming in the door for a particular candidate.
Any member of the public who tries to engage a township worker in a partisan discussion will be told it cannot be done on township time, he said.
Supervisor Steve Galizia said the policy is being instituted on the recommendation of the township's insurance company because of the possibility of lawsuits.
Such partisan activities have long been a bone of contention around the municipal building, especially during supervisor elections, which have been bitterly contested in recent years.
Bid accepted
Also Tuesday, supervisors accepted the lower of two bids for a spring cleanup. The successful bidder, Aiken Refuse, New Castle, offered to provide trucks for $77 per hour, charge $29 per ton for disposal and $95 for a roll-off waste receptacle.
The cleanup will begin April 11 with a schedule to be announced.
Supervisors passed a fire department user fee, with Angiolelli abstaining because he is a firefighter. Fire Chief Randy Conti explained that the measure will allow the department to bill homeowner and auto insurance companies for some costs associated with fire and motor vehicle accidents. Cost Recovery Inc. of Dayton will do the actual collecting.
Conti said this is in effect in Pennsylvania, and will not be charged to residents. The money will help cover the cost of materials and equipment maintenance.
He could not estimate, however, how much money the fire department will bring in. He noted that department income is down $15,000 to $20,000 from last year after a rainout at the Balloon Quest fund-raiser and because community donations are down.
Supervisors gave permission for a regional Soap Box Derby to be held again on Municipal Drive and in Scotland Meadows Park April 30 and May 1.
Mark Mroczynski, president of the derby group, said that for the first time, there will be a race for children with special needs. These children will co-pilot a car with another child driving. For more information, contact Beth Boyd, (724) 658-5617.