Commissioners Hold Second Town Meeting In Ulysses

Potter County Commissioners Doug Morley, Susan Kefover and Paul Heimel held their second in a series of six “town meetings” Thursday night in Ulysses. A report on the board’s meeting earlier in the day with State Senator Joe Scarnati was the catalyst for a far-ranging dialogue. Among organizations represented at Thursday’s meeting were Genesee, Harrison, Hector and Ulysses townships, Ulysses Borough and the Northern Potter School District.

Senator Scarnati’s forecast of significant state budget cuts with major implications for local governments led to a consensus that county and local governments need to pull together more now than at any time in modern history. The commissioners agreed to advocate for municipal officials who would like to see changes in regulatory policies, competitive bidding thresholds, prevailing wage requirements and tax policies that have burdened local governments. Based on Scarnati’s comments, the commissioners said, competition for shrinking state funds is going to be fierce and some painful budget cuts can be anticipated. They vowed to build on liaisons with state elected officials and agency leaders to strengthen Potter County’s position in the more competitive environment.

Remaining schedule for the commissioners’ town meetings is as follows (all meetings at 7 pm):

• Monday, Nov. 8, Roulette Firehall.
• Wednesday, Nov. 10, Galeton Area School.
• Monday, Nov. 15, Oswayo Valley High School.
• Tuesday, Nov. 16, Coudersport Area Elementary School.

Format of the meetings is informal. Following brief presentations from each of the commissioners, the floor will be open to questions and a roundtable discussion of issues affecting the county and/or local communities. Although the meetings are open to all, the commissioners are especially encouraging attendance by residents of the school district where each meeting is being held.