MATAMORAS – The Pike County Democratic Committee (PCDC) formally kicks off the 2010, Mid-Term Election cycle with a petition signing party at the Matamoras Borough Hall, Saturday, February 20 at 10 a.m. Donuts and coffee will be served. In addition to chatting with candidates and their representatives for the State and Federal offices being contested in November, all voters registered as Democrats in Pike County are invited to come by and sign ballot petitions for: U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, U.S. Congressman Chris Carney, State Representative John Siptroth, Lieutenant Governor candidate Jonathan Saidel, and any one of five gubernatorial candidates, including Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty; Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner, State Senator Anthony Williams, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, and Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Hoeffel.
The petition party is a great opportunity for all Pike County Democrats to voice their ideas, complaints, and observations to the candidates and their representatives who will be attending. Stop by the Matamoras Borough Hall for donuts, coffee, conversation, politics, and the opportunity to participate in the political process by helping your candidate(s) get on the ballot.
MARSHALLS CREEK – Pennsylvania Representative John Siptroth this week announced his bid for reelection to represent the people of the PA 189th Legislative District (Pike and Monroe Counties). His name will appear on the ballot in the May 19 Democratic primary.
In announcing his candidacy, Siptroth issued the following statement:
“Citizens in the 189th district will face extraordinary challenges over the next few years.
“The natural gas industry has geared up to exploit gas reserves in northeast Pennsylvania, and already their lobbyists have successfully shifted oversight and inspection of gas wells from local control to a budget-constrained Department of Environmental Protection. Even as gas companies campaign tirelessly to avoid paying a fair share of taxes, they seek access to exploit public game lands and forests in the Poconos. I am determined to prevent the destruction of our drinking water, pristine lakes and creeks, wildlife and scenic landscapes and to ensure that the natural gas industry operates responsibly. The industry must be required to pay a fair price for the opportunity to tap the resources that belong to all Pennsylvanians. I have led this fight and will continue to fight for citizens on this issue.
“As a result of significant losses on Wall Street, Pennsylvania will face a true crisis in 2012 when the bill for the funding of public school employees’ pensions comes due. I anticipate that local taxpayers will be asked to bail out these losses, but I am determined to see that this does not happen.
“Since 2005 we have made good progress in increasing the state’s share of the burden for funding public education. Because of the resolution I offered in the House of Representatives that persuaded the Governor to use the 2007 ‘Costing Out Study’ data, growing school districts in Pike and Monroe, as well as other parts of the Commonwealth, have received increased funding. I fought for an additional $300 million in education funding as part of last year’s budget, and I will to fight for an even larger share of funding from Harrisburg to relieve local school property taxpayers in Monroe and Pike Counties. Whenever necessary, I will vote to prevent education funding cuts in Harrisburg that would result in much higher local property taxes. It is imperative that we look at other ways to raise revenue, such as a sales tax, that will significantly decrease the burden on property owners throughout Pennsylvania.
“In a few months time, the report I commissioned in 2008 on infrastructure and taxation issues in private communities will be published. Based on that report’s findings, I will introduce legislation to create a more equitable situation for citizens living in residential communities, and I will do whatever it takes to muster that legislation through Harrisburg in the next session if citizens see fit to return me to office.
“The Commonwealth faces a transportation funding nightmare as a result of decades of underinvestment in road and bridge infrastructure. As a member of the House Transportation Committee I am well placed to ensure that Monroe and Pike Counties have a strong voice when local projects are considered. My dedication to the Marshalls Creek Bypass project in Monroe and the SR2001 improvement program in Pike has kept those projects alive. It is my intention to see them completed without further delay. Without my advocacy, many local road projects would have remained on PennDOT’s “to do” list with no start date in sight. I will continue to fight for local road improvements and against proposals to increase state gasoline taxes.
“With the help of voters in the 189th District, we can finish what we began.”
Long-time Monroe resident, Wayne Bolt, will serve as his campaign manager, and Linda Frace will perform the duties of campaign treasurer. Those wishing to volunteer for Siptroth’s re-election effort should call (570) 223-1389 or email bolt3172@yahoo.com. Contributions may be sent to Friends of John Siptroth, P.O. Box 1265, Marshalls Creek, PA, 18335.
HARRISBURG – State Rep. John Siptroth’s resolution’s honoring the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America was approved by the state House of Representatives today.
“Every day, Boy Scouts do good deeds across our country,” Siptroth said in his remarks on the House floor. “They visit senior citizen centers. They help clean neighborhoods. They help feed the homeless.”
The Boy Scouts were founded by Chicago publisher William Boyce after he got lost in the London fog in 1909. A Scout helped him find his way, and refused payment for the good deed. That intrigued Boyce so much that he learned more about the British program and later started the Boy Scouts of America.
Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike, noted that 11 of the 12 men to walk on the moon were Scouts, along with several former presidents and numerous professional athletes.
MARSHALLS CREEK – State Rep. John Siptroth will host a spaying and neutering clinic for dogs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21. The event will be held adjacent to Siptroth’s constituent service office in Marshalls Creek
“We need to keep down the population of unwanted pets that end up in shelters, and spaying and neutering is the best way to do that,” said Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike.
The Eastern Pennsylvania Animal Alliance, a Monroe County-based nonprofit organization, which has a mobile spay/neuter clinic, will perform the service. The truck will be parked near Siptroth’s office at 4 Jay Park, just across from the Marshalls Creek Post Office. Siptroth thanked Marshalls Creek resident Frank Ricobono, who donated space that will serve as the recovery room for the dogs.
Siptroth said pre-registration with EPAA is required by calling the organization at (570) 994-5846. The cost to spay a female dog is $150. The cost to neuter a male dog is $100.
In the event of snow, people should call EPAA to confirm the event will be held. The snow day will be Jan. 11.
Siptroth co-sponsored two anti-animal cruelty bills that became law in the past two years. One improved conditions for breeder dogs in Pennsylvania’s commercial kennels. The other outlawed or imposed guidelines on several types of surgeries that are performed on dogs in Pennsylvania.
Siptroth is the author of H.B. 369, which would create a dedicated funding stream for local animal shelters. He also is the author of H.B. 593, which would give humane society officers, operating in the line of duty, limited civil immunity from lawsuits filed by people the officer is investigating on suspicion of animal cruelty.
HAWLEY – The State Legislative Breakfast was held on December 4 at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant. The legislative panel included Senator Lisa Baker, Representative Sandra Major, Representative Michael Peifer and Representative John Siptroth. The guest moderator for the event was George Roberts, TV-13 Senior News Anchor.
This Legislative event was excellent opportunity to hear firsthand about the issues that have an effect on the area where we live and work. The Legislators discussed many current and imperative issues such as energy and the Marcellus gas drilling, educational issues for our youth and transportation for senior citizens. In addition, an update of the state budget was presented.
This legislative update was presented by the Southern Wayne Regional, Wayne County, Hawley – Lake Wallenpaupack and Pike County Chambers of Commerce. The joint chambers would like to acknowledge and thank the sponsors for this legislative event: The Dime Bank, Boucher and James Inc., Stephens Pharmacy and Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Banquet Center.
The Healthy Workplace Awards, sponsored by Blue Cross NEPA and ChamberChoice, were also presented by all four of the participating Chambers. The recipients were the Woodloch Pines Resort for the large business category and The Himalayan Institute for the small business category.
Pictured left to right are House Speaker Keith McCall, Rep. Siptroth, Sheriff Bueki and Rep. Mike Peifer.
HARRISBURG – State Rep. John Siptroth, D-189, recently presented citations to two residents of his legislative district who were honored for achievements in their respective professions.
Siptroth welcomed Karin-Susan Breitlauch of Brodheadsville, who is Pennsylvania’s veterinarian of the year, to the House floor during legislative session. He also hosted Pike County Sheriff Philip Bueki, who is the national DARE law enforcement officer of the year.
“Dr. Breitlauch and Sheriff Bueki are treasures in their communities,” Siptroth said. “They are role models. It was my privilege and honor to welcome them to the Capitol.”
Breitlauch graduated from East Stroudsburg University with two degrees at age 18 and started her practice in 1992 when she was 22. She is a founding member of the Animal Welfare Society of Pennsylvania. In March, she and the staff at her clinic, Creature Comforts, treated dozens of dogs that were badly burned in a kennel fire.
Siptroth said Bueki has devoted 25 years of his life to DARE, which aims to keep children free of drugs and alcohol. He has tailored his teachings as Pike County has changed, even adding a component about gangs because of community concerns about that issue.
Wind energy expert Sandra Babuka spoke at Sunday’s Green Fair at Shawnee Inn. (Photo by Susan Koomar)
By Susan Koomar
SHAWNEE-ON-DELAWARE – Wind and solar power are viable alternative energy sources for some Pike County residents, but home owners should consider basic conservation methods first, an expert advises.
“It’s like a bleeding wound. If you have lots of energy going out the window, it doesn’t do any good to put up some solar panels,” said Sandra Babuka, program director of Trehab Renewable Energy in Montrose. Babuka was a featured speaker at Sunday’s Green Fair hosted by state Rep. John Siptroth, D-189. Hundreds of residents attended the event at Shawnee Inn.
Air leaks, power leaks and inefficient appliances should be top priorities for cutting your energy costs, said Babuka. She offered the following tips:
Turn down the thermostat on your water heater. The cost of heating water can be 30 to 40 percent of your energy bill.
Insulate your water heater and pipes.
Use less hot water by taking shorter showers. Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
Consider spending about $300 to purchase an instant water heater to be installed under your sink. It can save $30 to $40 per month on your electric bill.
Install low-flow shower heads and faucets. Repair leaky faucets.
Replace weather stripping around doors and windows.
Close your fireplace damper. An open damper lets the same amount of heated air up the chimney as if a 48-inch window is left open.
Clean refrigerator coils and furnace filters.
Use power strips to prevent appliances and electronics from wasting energy when they are not in use.
OK, now that you’ve done all of that, Babuka is ready to talk turbines. Her company has installed about 30 wind turbines on residential Pennsylvania properties. They work best on the east side of a hill and must be located 450 feet from any tall trees or mountains.
In terms of wind energy, Pike County is rated zone four on a scale of one to seven. That means “yes we have wind, but let’s look at your elevation and terrain,” said Babuka. She’ll start by researching a home owner’s location on Google Earth.
Trehab Renewable Energy is a distributor of Skystream wind turbines, which cost about $19,000. Buyers can get a 30 percent tax credit from the federal government, bringing the cost down to about $13,000.
“Your payback (on annual energy costs) depends on what you pay for utilities now,” said Babuka. “With electric rate caps coming off, that makes a difference on your payback period. This time last year, we were called by people in Pike County who said they received a letter saying they were going to have a 38 to 58 percent rate hike. It turned out to be 150 percent.”
Most residential wind turbines sold by Babuka are mounted on a 45-foot pole. Installation includes digging a trench 22 inches wide for the conduit and wiring. Buyers can choose from a foundation that is square or octagonal.
Turbine problems relating to birds, noise and ice accumulation have been largely resolved over the past few years, said Babuka. The most expensive turbine maintenance cost is purchasing a set of replacement blades for about $2,000 plus installation.
Find out more about producing energy in your back yard by visiting www.trehabrenewableenergy.com, send e-mail to sbabuka@trehab.com or call (570) 278-5228.
A state legislative breakfast will be held at Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant on Friday, December 4 at 7:30 am. This legislative update is presented by the Wayne County, Southern Wayne Regional, Hawley – Lake Wallenpaupack and Pike County Chambers of Commerce.
This joint chamber event is open to the public and is an excellent opportunity to hear first hand about the issues that affect the area where we live and work. Updates of the state budget will be presented and a limited amount of questions will be taken from the audience.
The legislative panel will include state Senator Lisa Baker, Rep. Sandra Major, Rep. Michael Peifer, Rep. John Siptroth and Rep. Edward Staback. The guest moderator for the event will be television newscaster George Roberts of Blue Ridge Communications.
The sponsors for this legislative event are Boucher and James Inc., The Dime Bank, Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Banquet Center and Stephens Pharmacy. The cost for a ticket is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Reservations are highly suggested and can be made by contacting the Wayne Chamber of Commerce at (570) 253 – 1960.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved a $2 million low-interest loan for Pocono Mountains Industries to assist with the construction of East Stroudsburg University Research and Technology Park, which is projected to eventually employ 741 people.
“The state must continue to make smart investments, such as this one, to spur job creation and encourage the development of technology,” said Rep. John Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike. “I have worked very closely with ESU on this project and I am very pleased that Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation has been successful in its funding application, which will help with the financing costs for this facility.”
Construction on the three-story research and technology facility within the 4.4 acre East Stroudsburg University Research and Technology Park in Smithfield Township began earlier this year. The park will provide expanded business accelerator space in the Pocono Mountains Keystone Innovation Zone.
CFA approved the loan, which carries a 5.95 percent interest rate, through the state’s Building PA program. The CFA is an independent agency that evaluates and administers funding for this and other programs that create jobs and invest in the state’s economy.
DINGMANS FERRY – State Reps. John Siptroth, D-189, and Mike Peifer, R-139, held a senior fair at the Delaware Township municipal building last week. The event featured door prizes, refreshments and table displays showcasing local businesses and agencies.
