WHAT THEY'RE THINKING
Questions for the candidates series continues
Commissioner hopefuls share political stances

POTTER: WIND TURBINES, APPOINTEES

Endeavor News this week continues its interview series with the four nominees for three seats on the Potter County Board of Commissioners. They are: Doug Morley and Paul Heimel, Republicans, and incumbent Cathy Bowers and Susan Kefover, Democrats.

Registered voters can vote for up to two of the candidates in the Nov. 6 election.

What is your opinion of the wind energy project proposed by AES Corporation in Potter County? Do you favor strict regulation of industrial wind turbines?

Bowers: I do not favor overregulating anything, whether it be a wind farm or any other type of development. I have received hundreds of emails on the proposed wind farms and attended presentations by AES, but since they won't release their map, I am not certain of what is actually proposed.

I have been advised by AES that studies are being conducted concerning the possible affects the strobe lighting on top of the turbine would have on our Dark Skies at Cherry Springs.

I also understand the Game Commission has signed agreements with 12 wind companies (including AES) to avoid, minimize and potentially mitigate any adverse impact on wildlife. This must be done at least 14 months in advance of construction.

I have been approached about a "hurry-up" zoning ordinance. Inasmuch as some people might not want trailer parks, adult book stores, taverns, Wal-Marts, or wind turbines, zoning has to provide a place for all these things, because they are all legal uses of land. One cannot just arbitrarily zone out industries, businesses, etc.

As a property owner, I have rights which I certainly would not want someone to arbitrarily take away. Until AES or any other entity secures a permit, provides environmental studies and submits an industrial land development plan, I have no means from which to make an informed opinion.

Kefover: Potter County is beginning to face development issues that can either strengthen us or weaken the assets many hold most precious. No one is against alternative energy sources. The question is, what development suits Potter County?

We must diligently investigate all sides of this issue and its long-term effects. I will contact the Pa. County Commissioners Association, government agencies and consultants to gain a thorough knowledge of all facets. I will use the commissioners' office to protect landowners and our communities from exploitation.

Major corporations are big players, often motivated by profits. When these windmills are no longer subsidized by the government, what guarantees will our citizens have that these partnerships will remain in effect? My experience in economic development has proven that frequently there is little allegiance to former agreements when a company faces better profits elsewhere. Only the best companies invest in the communities and stand with their word, even in the midst of financial loss.

Regulations are needed because human nature often pushes the limits. We're going to experience growth. We need to be wise and clear about what we desire and what we should discourage. The future and progress of the county has to remain in our own hands.

Morley: The disagreement over AES' proposed project does not lie with being for or against wind energy as much as how citizens feel about the impact created by industrial wind turbines. County regulations must be based on the common good while considering valid concerns about property rights, health, safety, and environmental impacts.

The county should not prohibit legitimate development, but it can address negative impacts not just to other landowners, but to our natural resources such as groundwater reserves. Designated areas for specific development or property line setbacks can help minimize these identified negative impacts.

There's no perfect answer and we need to reach a reasonable and legal conclusion. The Planning Commission should develop a clear and concise plan that addresses compliance with land development and building codes for construction, specific concerns caused by windmill operation, and a decommissioning plan. The commissioners' responsibility is to make sure the board is functional, supported during the process, and provided input from all concerned citizens who participate in the discussion in a reasonable manner.

One key thing to remember, that isn't exclusive to the AES wind farm project, is how the outcome affects our future. They go home and we live here.

Heimel: I'm working my way through a filing cabinet drawer full of documents, articles and other materials on wind energy.

I have also spoken personally with an AES representative; with farmers who want to lease land to wind energy companies; with members of the Potter County Planning Commission; with the county solicitor, and with members of Save God's Country.

The wind energy companies have not moved forward with any specific plans. They have apparently been lining up leases and floating trial balloons to see how citizens and public officials react.

It does appear that we're heading toward an inevitable conflict between property owners' rights. Those who seek to lease their acreage for wind turbines have every right to do so, within defined limits. Just as important are the rights of those who believe their property values and quality of life will be adversely affected.

Our Planning Commission must respect and protect the rights of both sides, within the limits of the law. Therefore, I think it's critical that the Planning Commission not act in haste. Its members should continue studying the issue and perhaps seek expert, unbiased help, prior to nailing down specific regulations that might not survive legal challenges

The commissioners appoint dozens of volunteers to serve on county agencies such as the Planning Commission, Redevelopment Authority and many others. What would you look for in an appointee to these organizations?

Kefover: I look for intelligent, respected, experienced individuals who have a community perspective versus a special-interest-only viewpoint. I especially desire board members who will be willing to voice their opinions when such opinions may be contrary to the majority of the board. A good tug back and forth on issues will make a stronger board and better thought out actions. I have striven to appoint members to county agencies from every area of the county so that each region is well represented. This encourages a broad spectrum of ideas and may promote good will among different areas and sectors of the county.

Heimel: We're very fortunate in Potter County to have so many public-spirited citizens who step up and serve. They receive nothing in return and much of their work is thankless. I know most of these appointees and look forward to getting to know the others.

I would seek diversity of viewpoints, experience and expertise so that these organizations are broad-based and effective.

I would also guard against potential conflicts of interest. No one who could directly benefit from the actions or inactions of a public agency should be put in a position of having to set policy that directly affects his or her livelihood. In fairness to anyone who is willing to stick his or her neck out and serve the public as an appointee, these potential conflicts would have to be reviewed on a caseby case basis.

I believe the commissioners should have a good rapport with each of these agencies, while respecting their autonomy. I would try to attend many of these meetings to support the organizations and to be available in those instances when commission or authority members have questions or seek to convey information or issues to the Board of Commissioners.

Morley: County and agency boards can be a powerful force for positive results when the members have been selected properly. If not done properly, it can also create a dysfunctional board that is unable to reach decisions or will make decisions that do not reflect the mission of the agency or the county.

The strongest boards I have been a part of have been comprised of individuals who were objective thinkers with diverse backgrounds and they clearly understood the organization's goals and objectives. They were also committed to the time that was needed by the organization to function efficiently.

Volunteers who meet these requirements of being objective, understand the time commitment, and have expressed strong desire to participate are those I would be looking to appoint. Every organization has different expertise and experience requirements for its board, but individual commitment and clear understanding of the mission will always be the most important reasons for me to consider a selection.

Bowers: Volunteer is the key word here. Many of our current appointees are volunteering on various other boards and it's always a plus to know who, what, where, when and why.

When selecting board members I believe that considerations should be given to ensure the board incorporates diversity, community representation, a variety of skills, talents and above all common values.

I also believe that one of a board member's key roles is to be an advocate for their particular involvement. I look for prior experience, availability to attend meetings, leadership qualities, specialized knowledge in the field for which he/she is volunteering, someone who adds a balance to the board (such as age, gender, occupation, etc), and also someone who is a good team player.

It's important to understand how an individual will add to the ability of the group to make important decisions. Talented and team-oriented individuals are a plus to any organization. CAMERON: TAXES, QUALIFICATIONS, ECONOMY

An Endeavor News interview series with the five candidates for Cameron County Commissioner concludes this week

Running for four-year terms on that three-member board are: Phil Jones and Tom Callahan, Democrats; incumbent Glen Fiebig and Jo Ann Smith, Republicans; and Mike Songer, Independent. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

County real estate taxes have topped out, with another increase in 2007. What, if anything, can be done to freeze or reduce the county's real estate tax?

Jones: We need to increase industry, business and our population to lessen the tax burden and increase spending. It's easier said than done.

I will work hard with local officials that we elected to help us and I will look to stop irresponsible spending that has been going on.

Smith: We need to attract as many businesses as we can to pay taxes, create more jobs and make Cameron County as livable as possible so new employees will not only work in the county, but also buy homes and actually live in Cameron County.

Another area that could be investigated with the help of legal counsel is pursuing judicial tax sales.

Songer: I have attended township and borough meetings around the county lately. Most of the concerns of the public officials are that people who should be paying are not paying taxes.

For instance, there are many camps and homes that have been built and the landowners are still paying tax on land listed as vacant.

I was at a consolidation meeting and a local realtor asked why the county doesn't conduct a real estate tax reassessment to make taxes more fair for everyone in the county. A reassessment could possibly raise additional income the county needs. This will be an issue that is on top of my agenda.

Fiebig: First, we must assure that all property owners are paying their fair share of taxes. It is very unfair to other taxpayers when someone is not paying.

The amount of unpaid taxes as of today would pay off nearly one-quarter of the county's debt. How we get more people to pay in a timely manner is something I plan to work on when elected. A lot of people get behind on their taxes because they simply can't afford to pay them, but there are many property owners who can afford it, but still are not paying their taxes on time.

I plan to work with township officials to search out those landowners who are not paying their fair share. I feel we could easily come up with another mill's worth of taxes through that action.

I would also appreciate input from anyone on how to stop the state from acquiring our land and taking it off the tax rolls, which hurts all taxpayers.

I would also keep pushing state officials to look at another increase in the state's in lieu of tax payments, which would give the county increased revenue by boosting the amount the state pays on its own land.

Callahan: I interpret the phrase "real estates taxed have topped out" as meaning that they cannot legally go any higher. I think, however, that it is our millage (25 mills) that cannot go any higher. Our current commissioners are already considering going from 50 percent of assessed value to 100 percent. This means, obviously, that our tax rate could go to half the mills to generate the same amount of revenue. That also means that our real estate taxes could then double before they would be "topped out."

This makes it seem like the current commissioners are doing the incoming commissioners the favor of not looking like the first act they voted on was to raise taxes, but the 2008 budget will be approved by the current commissioner before they leave office.

Can we cut costs? Yes. Can we increase our income? Hopefully.

Every day I remember that the benefits of living in a small town come with a seemingly high price and I am also reminded that sometimes the best benefits are worth the cost.

Please name the areas of experience or other qualifications that you would like the voters to consider about you as they cast their ballots on Nov. 6.

Fiebig: My experience as a commissioner for eight years I feel is number one.

My background with the Pa. State Police and my hobbies, such as recreation and Little League baseball, give me a broad perspective of the whole county and the needs of the people I serve.

I also believe my knowledge of where to call and who to contact when it comes to state and federal officials is a great benefit to the citizens of Cameron County.

Jones: I am not political and my first and foremost concern is the future of Cameron County. I've worked for the public most of my life as a hardworking person not afraid to ask tough questions.

I don't pretend to have all of the answers, but I'm an aggressive learner. I will listen to any and all suggestions. We all need to pull together, make sacrifices, and get involved. It's time to change the "business as usual" way of thinking and spending and start looking outside the box.

Callahan: I have been in business for 25 years and I have handled employees, tax problems, accounting, billing, scheduling complaints and all the surprises that come with running a business and dealing with the public.

I take pride in the fact that in those 25 years, no customer has had to bring a lawsuit to resolve any problem. We talked and came to a resolution. Negotiation and cooperation are the only answers -- even when you are sure you are right about the problem on hand.

It is unrealistic for someone to think that they have never made a mistake. I have done a lot in my life and I have made mistakes, but I have learned from those mistakes and I want to use that knowledge to help our community.

Smith: I feel my business/ financial background will enhance my role as a county commissioner. In addition to a strong business background, I believe my almost eight years of experience working in the courthouse, especially with the judicial/court system, will be beneficial to me as a county commissioner.

Songer: I have business experience as owner and operator of M.A. Songer Building and Remodeling, M. A. Songer Rentals and L&M Lumber and Hardware Inc.

As far as political experience, I served for seven years on Emporium Borough Council and four years on the Mid- Cameron Authority.

I believe this combination gives me the broad experience needed to do my job as a county commissioner.

Tourism and the powdered metals industry form the foundation of Cameron County's economy. Do you have any suggestions for supporting those two industries or attracting other industries that would give the local economy and job base more diversity?

Callahan: While I agree that the powdered metal industry is the mainstay of the local economy, I would say the lumber industry accounts for as much of our economy as does tourism.

We do not want polution or hazardous situations, but I think we need to be friendly to any bussiness or industry that wants to start up here, move here, or expand here. We need to work with the incoming industry and government agencies to remove the roadblocks that hinder all forms of bussiness.

I would like to see tourism in our county surpass what I remember as a youth. With the lack of natural wonders such as lakes or deep canyons we need to invest in creating new local attractions. We should be a recreation friendly county, welcoming elk viewing, hunting, fishing, public atv trials and all other forms of outdoor recreation.

Songer: Tourism could be an even larger part of the Cameron County economy, but we need to increase our infrastructure. When people drive through to look at the elk, they spend very little money. If we could increase hotel and campground lodging in the county, then they would stay and spend more.

I have talked to some local industry owners who have said that once their business is up and running, a commissioner has never stopped in to see how things are going or what the commissioners could do to help them keep competitive in the world marketplace. I would take the time to see how they are doing and what I could do to help.

Smith: We should continue working with Northcentral Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission. That agency plays an important role for the counties of this area. I was recently appointed as a representative to Northcentral and will be continually learning about the organization.

Tourist is equally important to Cameron County. I will work with any and all tourist promotion agencies. We should utilize the talents of our local residents to promote their ideas for growth. Citizens who live and work here are one of our greatest assets and will be able to promote the county in a positive manner.

Jones: Tourism can play a vital role in our economy and we need to capitalize on the Pennsylvania Wilds. DCNR has plans for Winslow Hill and Sinnemahoning State Park and many of those tourists will pass through our county to get there. We all need to get involved and run with it.

We live in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds with the bald eagle viewing and now guided elk tours. Are there monies out there to improve our county's buildings and roads, etc.? It's working for Ridgway.

Powdered metal is the majority of our economy and we need to support it in any way we can. We need to increase and diversify our industrial base. Could we entice an assembly plant that they supply parts for to move here? It would be more cost-effective to produce, assemble and ship the product from one location.

Fiebig: I will continue to work with the Governor's Office and other state officials to market Cameron County's beauty to tourists. Hunting and fishing are great traditions, but there are other tourist attractions that exist, such as canoeing, hiking and geocaching. I will continue to work with the groups who are pushing these hobbies locally and be sure they are represented at the state level.

Cameron County has always offered excellent incentives to business and industries and we can support them because we have a great workforce. I will continue to highlight the quality of our workforce to entrepreneurs and elected officials.