WINDBER — In a shocking move that drew criticism, Borough Council eliminated longtime administrative assistant Robin Gates’ job Tuesday.
Based purely on financial necessity, the difficult cutback was not based on “what can be gained” politically or personally, as some of council’s actions have been, council President Anthony Turcato said.
“Rarely have we made gut-wrenching decisions,” Turcato said “This is one of those.”
The job elimination was proposed by Simon “Red” Ohler, who last week lost his bid for re-election.
“This council can no longer sit by and take no action on a budget,” Ohler said. “This is the only position I can see cutting.”
Councilman James Furmanchik opposed the action.
“Who will oversee the day-to-day operation in most of this building?” Furmanchik demanded, reminding council that he supported Gates to be named borough manager when Casey Durdines was hired last year.
“I feel it is a personal vendetta against me,” Gates said, choking up during the meeting.
“Does she do a good job? Yes,” Ohler said, adding that he has nothing personal against Gates.
Gates asked Durdines to read the roll call vote, which ended 6-1 in favor of the job cut.
Durdines, Gates, Furmanchik and codes and zoning officer Fred Oliveros immediately left the meeting.
Several in the audience blasted council.
“You have made a lot of poor decisions,” Windber Hotel owner Scott Penrod said. “I have been ashamed for a while. I am sure there is a reason you did this right after the election.”
Councilman-elect James Spinos called it the “most ridiculous thing I’ve seen.”
Ohler said budget workshops have made little progress because anticipated expenses overwhelm income.
“You are looking at another two mills (tax increase) to function,” Ohler said. “This will give you roughly $40,000 to work with.”
That figure reflects Gates’ $25,600 salary, with benefits, Councilwoman Sonya Pekala said.
Local News
Windber cuts administrator
- Local News
-
-
Highlights of Gov. Corbett's Marcellus Shale spending plan
Read on to see a bulleted list of Gov. Tom Corbett’s $27.1 billion state spending plan for the year that starts July 1.
-
Pa. gas drilling fee bill debate ends without vote
Pennsylvania, the only major gas-producing state that does not tax the taking of natural gas from its soil, moved closer Tuesday to imposing a fee on the drilling in the vast Marcellus Shale reserves that have transformed the state in recent years.
-
Blogging with heart
I've got so much stuff for this Sunday's American Heart Month package, that some of the stories will spill over onto Monday. But I don't know what to leave out, or hold for the next week, so it looks like a double hit this week.
-
$27.1B budget proposed
Gov. Tom Corbett on Tuesday proposed a budget of $27.1 billion, with no tax increases, deep cuts to higher education assistance and a range of cost-cutting in services for the poor, elderly and disabled.
-
Universities face steep cuts
State universities still trying to recover from deep cuts last year would have their public funding slashed even further under a budget plan unveiled Tuesday, leading some institutions to warn of a choice between maintaining buildings and offering academic programs students need to graduate.
-
Plan hurts middle class, local Democrats contend
While members of his own party praised Gov. Tom Corbett’s fiscal restraint, some local Democratic lawmakers said the Republican’s proposed budget panders to corporate interests while inflicting pain on the middle class.
-
Detour hurting some Portage businesses
Craig Mazzarese’s business depends heavily on drive-by customers, but since last week fewer drive-bys have been stopping
-
Local airport funding intact
Airport leaders here are breathing sighs of relief after Congress approved funding to support local commercial air service through 2015.
-
With state revenue tight, Westmont seeks school budget input
The Westmont Hilltop school board on Tuesday night held a public forum at the middle school to explain why the district, already one of the most efficient in the state, must raise taxes each year.
-
In brief: Commissioners plan to meet at schools
Cambria County’s three new commissioners, carrying out plans to take meetings into communities, have scheduled five of their meetings this year in high school auditoriums throughout the county.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
