Scarnati Wants Answers from Clearfield,
Jefferson County Commissioners

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati continued today to seek answers from the county commissioners in Jefferson and Clearfield Counties regarding the relocation of Service Access and Management Incorporated. The organization is moving from Brockway to a new facility in DuBois.

“The way this move transpired should outrage the citizens in Jefferson County, as the lack of transparency brings up more questions than answers,” Scarnati stated. “It is vital that government continue down the path of restoring the public’s confidence and trust; the commissioners’ curious action does very little in this regard.”

Scarnati mentioned that he questions when the vote took place to move this organization and why the public was not included in the decision. Also, the question of whether or not this new facility for the non-profit is paying property taxes, such as the owner of the former location had been paying, has to be answered.

“It seems appropriate that the Jefferson County commissioners end the secrecy of the move, and inform the public of why they believe that taking revenue and jobs out of this area is a good decision,” Scarnati added. “Subsequently, it is my hope that they also explain why they favor raising taxes due to the now reduced tax base.”

“Clearly, the commissioners in Jefferson County also failed to comprehend the loss of revenue at local gas stations, at local restaurants, and at local grocery stores,” Scarnati said. “Sadly, 91 current employees will be relocated and will not assist in the economic growth of Jefferson County.”

Scarnati also noted that the relocation should have little to do with the building or setting, given that clients typically are visited by the agency. He believes as the commissioners struggle to find a sound motive for their determination, it becomes increasingly alarming and their excuses simply do not add up.

“The cloud of secrecy is very disturbing,” Scarnati continued. “I have never been contacted by the commissioners to discuss this or other job-related matters that they
Scarnati to commissioners Page 2

mentioned in the previous article. I would assume their characterization of certain actions not related to the aforementioned move only serves to divert the attention away from their unfortunate decision; unfortunate for the taxpayers they were expected to serve.”

“Again, I believe the residents in communities across Jefferson County should contact the commissioners to seek answers as to why Service Access and Management Incorporated was relocated, seek answers as to why this was done in a cloud of darkness, and how they intend to replace the loss of tax revenues,” Scarnati concluded.

The phone number to reach the commissioners is 814-849-1653.

from Scarnati's office

Comments

Anonymous said…
Wow!!! Talk about the kettle calling the pot black. Where was the Senator's sensitivity to public input and opinion prior to the adoption of Act 44? I don't recall him asking my opinion? I don't recollect there being any Senator-sponsored public hearings on the issue in his district? Given the enormity of the issue, you'd think public opinion would be kind of important, no? Oh...wait a minute...that's right...I forgot. Why waste time on something as menial as the future of our transportation infrastructure...no, you're right Mr. Senator, let's focus on what's really important....like where people buy their gas and groceries. Silly me!!!

In all fairness, the Senator is right about one thing, goverment does need to restore the public's confidence and trust. Hey, here's a thought! How about leading by example. How about owning up to the fact that you voted in support of tolling Interstate 80 and only changed your mind when us little insignificant and ignorant peons made it clear you did it without our support. Whew....good thing the feds let you off the hook...we might have had to hold to accountable for that!

With all due respect Mr. Senator, give us a break. If you'd spend half as much time committing yourself to the critical issues at hand as you do rattling your sabre, you might actually get something meaningful accomplished. The clock's ticking Mr. Senator....tick...tock.

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