Latest news with #ErieCountyCouncil
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Erie City Co. votes to update ‘Tenant Bill of Rights' to remedy unfair landlord costs
Erie City Council passed an amendment Wednesday morning to the ordinance that has been referred to as the Tenant Bill of Rights. Council members call it a small change that puts the city's law in line with the commonwealth's. Fire marshals can now give citations to drivers parked by fire hydrants, in fire lanes It involves a $15 application fee that potential tenants pay landlords when they apply for housing. Under the old ordinance, if they were turned down, the tenant would get that fee back. Erie County Council votes on appropriation of ICE funds But since landlords do background checks that cost money to conduct, if they turn a tenant down, they'd be taking on that fee regularly. 'This ordinance not only is putting everyone's rights in one spot, but it's also allowed more conversations around the education on what renters need to know and what landlords need to know to work together. It's creating a new collaboration that we didn't see happening before,' said Erie City Council member Tyler Titus. Titus said this was about rectifying an unfair step for landlords and that no other language in the ordinance was impacted. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
2025 Primary Election Results: Erie County Council
(WJET/WFXP) — The 2025 Pennsylvania primary election took place on May 20. This year's election for the Erie County Council featured ten people throughout three districts fighting for their names on the November general election ballot, including Jim Winarski, District 4 Democratic incumbent, and Charlie Bayle, Republican District 6 incumbent. You can view election results as they update in real-time for the Erie County Council race below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What are top priorities for Erie County Council candidates ahead of the primary?
Serving on Erie County Council is no small task. As the legislative body of county government, council is responsible for passing the county budget; serving as a liaison between county departments or authorities and the public; overseeing county elections; supervising the Erie County Human Relations Commission; and the governance of Pleasant Ridge Manor, the Erie County-owned skilled nursing facility. Three council seats will be on the ballot in the May 20 primary election. Here's a quick look at the candidates and their goals. Democrats James DePalma and Jim Wertz are competing for their party's nod to run for the 2nd District council seat. Republican Renee Vendetti is running unopposed. The seat has been held by Democrat Andre Horton, who's serving his third term and is term-limited. The 2nd District runs east from the Millcreek Township line across the city's bayfront to the Harborcreek Township line. The district includes all of Erie's first ward, parts of the second, third and fourth wards and Lawrence Park Township. Democrat James DePalma Age: 61 Education: Academy High School Work experience: Retired. Erie Water Works, Erie Public Works Family: Divorced, two children DePalma said he wants to increase public safety and well-being by combating drug issues in Erie County. "I also want to work to reduce homelessness in the community," he said. "If elected, I plan to work together with colleagues, county programs, and other elected officials to solve problems in a collaborative manner in order to come up with resolutions that best serve Erie County.' Democrat Jim Wertz Age: 46 Education: Edinboro University, the American University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania Work experience: Professor of broadcast journalism and digital media at PennWest-Edinboro; chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party from 2018 to 2023. Former news videographer, editor, newscast director and production manager at Erie news stations Family: Married, three children Wertz said his top priority would be "protecting the essential county services that people across the 2nd District and Erie County rely on every day." "That includes supporting public health, ensuring the safety of children and seniors and strengthening services for veterans," he said. "I'm also committed to safeguarding our democracy. Erie County has become a model for election administration across the commonwealth, and I'll work to preserve that model of integrity and accessibility of our elections as we continue to modernize our systems. Ultimately, my goal is to make county government the most responsive and transparent it can be.' Republican Renee Vendetti Age: 64 Education: Tri State Business Institute Work experience: Retired. More than 30 years in accounting Family: Single, two children Vendetti said her goal is to watch over how taxpayers' money is spent. In the 4th District, Democratic incumbent Jim Winarski is running for a second term. He'll face a challenge from Democrats Carl Anderson, Marcus Jacobs, Michael Keys and Kevin Pastewka. The 4th District comprises much of Southeast Erie, in addition to Wesleyville Borough and portions of Millcreek. Democrat Jim Winarski (incumbent) Age: 62 Education: Holy Rosary Grade School, Tech Memorial High School. Work experience: More than 40 years in automotive industry (manager Ras Auto body for 44 years), 12 years on Erie City Council; Erie County Council, 3 ½ years Family: Married, four children Winarski stressed the importance of collaboration between council and the administration. He also said he doesn't want residents to be hit with hefty tax increases every year. "What we need to do is create a tax structure with a small yearly increase as compared to a higher increase every three or four years," he said. "Also, we must utilize any and all grant money possibilities to the best of our abilities to help save the county money." Winarski said he also wants all county properties assessed and to find solutions to the emergency medical services crisis. Democrat Carl Anderson Age: 58 Education: Mercyhurst University, Gannon University Work experience: Former financial advisor, former County Council chairman, self-employed historical researcher Family: Two children Anderson said he will work every day to be "a champion to bring fairness, equity, transparency, fiscal responsibility, collaboration, unity and integrity to our county government." "I'm ready to return to Erie County Council with renewed energy and a bold vision for progress," he said. "I will continue the fight and champion for all the people of Erie County, with such programs that promote opportunities for youth ― the Community College, Police Athletic League (PAL) ― as well as achievable community development ― data centers and Coke plant remediation ― not failing economic development." Anderson also stressed a commitment to Pleasant Ridge Manor and the Area Agency on Aging, protecting seniors, blight removal, the Erie County Health Department and EMS and volunteer fire fighters. Democrat Marcus Jacobs Age: 24 Education: Penn State Behrend Work experience: Borough manager of Wesleyville, vice president of Young Erie Professionals Family: Single, no children Jacobs said he aims to support small businesses, expand economic opportunities and encourage local housing initiatives. He also aims to streamline government processes, cut red tape and empower community-based entrepreneurs and builders, according to his campaign. In addition, Jacobs aims to support, not control, local Fire/EMS. Jacobs plans to advocate for county-level programs that back first responders through tax relief, stronger recruitment efforts and cost-effective regional partnerships to enhance service across departments. Democrat Michael Keys Age: 58 Education: Gannon University Work experience: Security and private law enforcement, former Erie City Council member, U.S. Army veteran Family: Married, five stepdaughters Keys said he intends to "connect the three underserved areas of District 4" and foster collaboration between East Millcreek, Wesleyville and southeast Erie for their mutual benefit. He also said he wants to update aging infrastructure with a focus on parks and public spaces. Other goals include economic development that creates high paying jobs and effective delivery of social services. He also said he intends to use his relationships and experience with local elected officials and stakeholders to drive investment in District 4. Democrat Kevin Pastewka Age: 57 Education: Indiana University of Pennsylvania, SUNY Buffalo Work experience: Semi-retired. Vice Chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party, former treasurer of the party Family: Single, one daughter, three grandchildren Pastewka said his main priorities would include maintaining a fully funded public health department, enhancing educational opportunities with a focus on the Community College and fighting for democratic values. "I believe the best way to facilitate these goals is collaboratively," he said. In the 6th District, incumbent Republican Charlie Bayle will square off against Republican challenger Scott Rastetter. District 6 encompasses several municipalities across the southern and eastern reaches of Erie County. Republican Charlie Bayle (incumbent) Age: 52 Education: High School Work experience: Retired, U.S. Army and Pennsylvania State Police. Former school police officer, incumbent County Council member, active in youth coaching Married, three children Bayle said he will continue to push GAP funding for municipal infrastructure and an EMS authority. "GAP has been a way to unlock significant funding from the state and others," he said. "Helping provide a match has helped communities address problems that have existed for decades." As far as EMS, Bayle said he doesn't want the county to operate EMS but fund it appropriately. "Municipalities don't have the ability to levy a fee the way the county can," he said. "I'll continue to push for these projects and more to be funded by Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority money. The money was promised to taxpayers, not NGOs." Republican Scott Rastetter Age: 71 Education: Broward College Work experience: Semi-retired, owner of Scott's Carpet Showcase; former Erie County councilman Family: Formerly married, one child, two grandchildren Rastetter said his priorities are retaining population and attracting new citizens by "promoting our assets and delivering the necessities to build on." "Namely, availability and ease of transportation, education, health and all details that are involved," he said. "When I was on County Council, I know we did a good job and made good progress for our community. The future is coming fast, quit wasting time." A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@ Follow him on X @ETNRao. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County PA Council: Who's on the ballot in the May primary?
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Millcreek Twp. awarded $250K in ARP funding for flooding issues
Millcreek Township has received a $250,000 grant from Erie County and supervisors already have set plans. This is an attempt to keep residents in a west Millcreek neighborhood dry after a long-standing flooding issue. Millcreek Twp. supervisors give updates on flooding, Zem Zem projects Erie County Executive Brenton Davis announced that $250,000 has been given to Millcreek to address stormwater issues in the township. These funds are American Rescue Plan dollars that the executive is spreading throughout the county to improve infrastructure. 'This $250,000 unlocks nearly $2 million for this project, so it's nearly a 10 to 1 return here,' Davis said. 'This is how we can really leverage outside of our weight class strategically invest these funds and save taxpayers money because without this money, this $2 million project would have fell solely on the back of the taxpayers.' The township plans to make repairs on an underground storm sewer line that's 700 feet long. Bayfront construction wrapping up, business owners ready It runs underneath the west Millcreek neighborhood, where there have been plenty of flooding incidents like including one in September of 2022. The 36-inch storm sewer is made of corrugated metal, and according to Supervisor Dan Ouellet, it's deteriorated. He says they are going to use a lining process that will make the pipes smoother, improving flow and keeping out debris. 'They charge the pipe itself with steam, and it cures the liner against the wall of the pipe,' Ouellet said. 'Where these issues are they're usually in lower areas that don't have a lot of drainage benefits to them, the ground is pretty level.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Supervisors said once the lining is installed, it will alleviate one of their most affected flooding areas along West 28th and Contessa Lane. Ouellet said most of the issues can be pinpointed at the way these areas were constructed, a lot did not have a real stormwater plan. One nearby business owner that has seen this flooding firsthand said this project is going to be great for the neighborhood. 'Quite a few houses have been flooded, and one time I heard one basement just caved in, some people got hurt,' said Joe Orengia, owner of Joe's Gym. 'It's been going for many, many years, so now it's time to get it done.' UPMC Hamot offering RN apprenticeships in first-of-its-kind program Tuesday night, the supervisors approved the contractor who will be working on the project. You can read a member of Erie County Council's response to the funding here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Erie County Council taking Davis to court over Millcreek Twp. funds
A member of Erie County Council has responded to how Erie County Executive Brenton Davis is distributing funds to address stormwater issues in Millcreek Township. Council Chair Terry Scutella (D) said that while he sees the value in the projects that are being funded, he believes that the county executive did not go through the proper channels. He said that council is not happy with the way this is being done and they're taking Davis to court. 'It wasn't approved by council, giving the money to where he gave it to the municipalities we had marked it for someplace else, but still, you have to come to council and get approval, he didn't do that. It's just now with the Home Rule Charter, so we are going back to court,' he said. Scutella said that they are currently in court regarding the 2025 budget. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
