New Form of Government for Lackawanna County: Would It Work?

Lackawanna County Courthouse, Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Lackawanna County would find itself on a rarely traveled path if voters were to approve a switch in county government from the traditional three-commissioner form to a system with an elected council and an elected executive or appointed manager.

Luzerne County made the transition in 2012, and Allegheny County did it in 2000.

But in the four decades since it became an option under Pennsylvania law, a mere six counties – Luzerne and Allegheny included – have adopted home rule charters that scrapped their three-member boards of commissioners in favor of an executive/council or a council/manager form of government.

A group led by Dunmore insurance executive Chuck Volpe wants to place a referendum on the May 21 ballot to establish a commission to study and recommend changes to county government, with the expressed goal of replacing the commissioners with an elected executive and elected council.

What’s better?

Read more:  http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/new-form-of-county-government-would-it-work-1.1445618

Allegheny County Port Authority Board Fires CEO

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Allegheny County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Port Authority’s board of directors voted today to fire CEO Steve Bland after efforts broke down to reach a settlement under which he would resign.

The dismissal was engineered by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald.  He has not commented on the matter but sources who asked not to be identified have said friction developed between the two over Mr. Fitzgerald’s desire to have greater control of day-to-day operations at the agency.

The vote to dismiss Mr. Bland was 5-3, with four members recently appointed by Mr. Fitzgerald all voting yes, along with board member Jeff Letwin, who was appointed by the prior county executive, Dan Onorato.  The others voting to fire were Joe Brimmeier, Connie Parker, John Tague, Tom Donatelli.

Voting no were Mavis Rainey, Amanda Green Hawkins and Eddie Edwards Jr., all of whom are board veterans.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/news/transportation/port-authority-board-fires-bland-672980/#ixzz2JfkDbXwW