Western Pa. residents hear benefits of merger

Residents questioned if the merger would really attract businesses.

STAFF REPORT

WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. — West Middlesex Borough and Shenango Township residents have only a few more days to consider this question: Are they better off as one community, or two?

On Tuesday, they’ll give their final answer at the polls. A crowd filled the commons area Wednesday at West Middlesex High School to hear the last of three presentations on what the benefits of a merger would be and to air their thoughts, questions and concerns.

Most borough and township officials said they are for the merger, which would create a second-class township called West Middlesex. They and consultant Alan Kugler of PA Futures in Erie, who prepared the details of the merger proposal, reiterated what they said at public meetings in August and September.

The merger, they said, would eliminate duplication of services, in turn, saving money.

It would give the impression that the community is unified and a good place for businesses, which would help keep young people in the area.

And Harrisburg would look more favorably on a merged community when it came time to consider awarding grants for infrastructure improvements, they said.

Not everyone was convinced the merger is a good idea. Some people said they needed more persuading, and wondered how it would benefit Shenango Township residents when only those in West Middlesex will see a tax decrease.

But others said the community is one already, with one school district. When people talk about where they’re from, many pointed out, they don’t say “Shenango Township.” They say “West Middlesex.”

“We don’t have a school or post office with our name on it,” said Shenango Township resident Yvonne Hassell.

Others questioned how the merger would help attract businesses, what type of businesses would come in and how the new government would work to attract them.

Walter Gerlesky, a township supervisor who was the only government official to speak against the merger, said infrastructure for sewers and water help bring in “good-quality jobs.”

Supervisor Chairman Robert Palko, who is for the merger, said it’s “a no-brainer” that being in a better position to get state grants will help the community build more infrastructure.

Wendy Novak, a township resident, said she is worried about what kind of businesses will come in. She cited Breezewood, Pa., a turnpike exit of gas stations and hotels, as an example. “I think, ‘Dear God, don’t let West Middlesex become a Breezewood,’” she said.

She also said she doesn’t believe taxes won’t rise for township residents, a concern echoed by others.

Kugler says that taxes might rise in the future because of increased costs, but they will not go up because of the merger.