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For Immediate Release
May 5, 2010
Contact:
Tim Nyquist
(814) 726-7201
Back
Scarnati to Commissioners: "Your Decision is What is Wrong
with Government"
WARREN—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 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.
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