Views on Venango

Where Have All the Bridges Gone?

2008-07-15T10:40:00.001-04:00

I see Dan Alward's Venangoil page is no longer active.
I know he was unable to to keep it up to date after a while but it's a shame to see it go offline.

If I were commish, I'd fund that homepage. Or maybe ORA could help host it? Got me. I am out of the loop these days.

Spring is in the air...

2008-04-22T23:28:00.002-04:00

And Venango County is starting to look green, FINALLY!!

Get there and enjoy our beautiful county.

Get out and vote

2008-03-25T19:15:00.001-04:00

See the result of the polls.

http://news.yahoo.com/election/2008/dashboard/?d=PA

A win for freedom.

2008-02-18T19:15:00.001-05:00

I recently heard of a trial that had a favorable outcoming involving a self defense shooting. This is a win for freedom as far as I am concerned.

I was truly worried that the man would be put in jail for defending his home.

So much for electing change ...

2008-02-09T13:53:00.001-05:00

I realize much has already been said about the fact the first real act of business for the new county commissioners was to do away with the opening prayer at their meetings.

This may be much ado about nothing, but I don't think so. The reason it bothers me is, of all the critical things they could have done as an "opening statement", why this? They surely realized what they were doing, what kind of statement they were making, when they did it.

I'm truly sorry I voted for any of these folks. Like the last commissioner election, you just don't know what you're getting until you've bought and paid for it. And that offends me.

Lake Erie String Quartet

2007-12-04T07:45:00.000-05:00

I know that Titusville is just outside of Venango County, but I've always thought they were more "related" to us than they are to Crawford County. That being said, my wife and I were privileged to enjoy a rare night of "highbrow entertainment" last night at the University of Pittsburgh campus in Titusville. The Lake Erie String Quartet performed, and they were awesome. The concert started with the first violinist and concert master providing a brief introduction to the concepts of classical music, which was quite interesting. The concert itself included a wide range of pieces including two by controversial composer Moondog.

It gives me great pleasure to know that I can occasionally enjoy this kind of quality presentation without having to travel too far (especially with gas at over $3.00/gallon!)

I was a little disappointed by the turnout. Granted the weather was rough, but the students at the campus are invited to attend these events for free and very few of them take advantage of the opportunity.

I'd just like to thank the University and the Lake Erie String Quartet for a truly enjoyable evening.

A nice, easy to browse schedule with upcoming area events can now be found here.

Something to put us on the map

2007-11-05T21:02:00.001-05:00

Well, tomorrow may be an interesting day in Venango County.

I'm pulling for Vance Mays in the County commissioner's race, just for the fun of it. He can't do any more damage than the previous commissioners, and thanks to Sue Smith and Larry Horn and their write-in run, ol' Vance just may have a dark horse shot at winning! Imagine, someone winning an election who is neither Republican OR Democrat. At least it would be novel, and it would surely get us some mention in the news!

On the other hand, I think the democrats have a good shot this time, too. County races are usually a little closer than the larger elections. Not enough people will take the time or effort to do a write-in to get Horn and Smith elected, but they may draw off enough votes to skew the election in favor of the democrats.

Smith and Horn need a lesson in how our government works ...

2007-10-22T17:36:00.001-04:00

It's funny that Larry Horn and Sue Smith want to be write in candidates for Venango County Commissioner. Apparently they don't fully understand the way the government they want to run is supposed to operate.

See, the way the party system in this country works is that voters are first permitted to "thin the herd" by voting in a primary. The primary limits the number of contestants to a reasonable list and gets rid of those deemed "less worthy" by their own political party. This actually gives the party a better chance of winning by "focusing" the votes of party supporters on just one or two candidates. The process is also supposed to weed out the "far left" and "far right" in any party, pushing to the front a candidate that is more likely to draw a broad base of support - including (hopefully) support from outside the registered party members.

Larry Horn and Sue Smith lost the primary, fair and square. They committed some acts while in office that caused their own party compatriots to lose faith in them, and the party chose "new blood". Larry and Sue are apparently not happy about that, and are mounting a write in campaign. Apparently they think they know better than the republican residents of the county who should be on the ballot.

The only thing this will gain is to give the Democrats (and maybe even an independent) a better shot at the office, because the republican ticket will be split. Even if Sue and Larry cross-file, or run as independents, they will dilute the vote in a small county such as ours in such a way that it could impact the outcome of the election.

Apparently Sue and Larry have a personal agenda that they feel transcends the good of their own political party, and possibly the good of the county. Interesting. Is it possible that the republicans of Venango County figured that out a while ago, and that's why these two were rejected in the primary?

Great work from a couple of veteran politicos.

I 80: To Toll or Not to Toll (Part deux)

2007-10-20T08:11:00.000-04:00

There have been some letters to the editor in the local paper recently also supporting the "reasonable" tolling of I-80. The problem with this plan is the same as the problem with gambling money for the schools, and lottery money to benefit senior citizens. The I-80 toll plan just has a little deeper reach.

I work in health care, and specifically health care for the elderly. I can tell you that only about a third of the money collected from the lottery ever directly pays for benefits to senior citizens. That's hardly efficient use of monies collected by the state government with little oversight, no direct input from citizens of the commonwealth, and thus no mandate. Unfortunately most of the money comes from people who can ill afford it - many of those who play the lottery are the same marginal income people who fall for other "get rich quick" schemes. The lottery tends to encourage gambling addiction.

Enter the "casinos for our kids" shell game. Same thing here. The only people who really stand to benefit from the casinos in Pennsylvania are the casino owners (and organized crime, of course). Several members of the casino "oversight" board of the state government were indicted on criminal charges before the first casino even opened. What does that tell you? The governor had to force local school boards to accept the ill-gotten gains from his casino plan because everyone knew it was "dirty money" and no one wanted it.

That brings us to the toll situation. The difference between the lottery, the casinos, and the I-80 toll plan is that I-80 toll plan is less "voluntary". Pennsylvania is a big state, and people have to get across it on a regular basis, every day. I-80 has long been a thorn in the side of the pork barrel specialists in Harrisburg because it gives people an alternative to the PA Turnpike (hence allowing them to get across the state without sending additional revenue to Harrisburg). The I-80 toll plan is nothing more, or less, than taxation without representation (i.e., without allowing people to vote on the issue). It will "work" because it dips into the pockets of people who do not live in Pennsylvania but who still have to cross the state, making it a little fuzzier as far as calculating impact and diverting voter's direct wrath. it will FAIL, however, for the same reason that most PA Government programs fail: all it really does is provide another trough to feed the swine in Harrisburg. If it is a "typical" government program, at least 1/3 of the "revenue" generated will go to "administrative costs" (read "expanding government"). Another third will simply disappear or be unaccounted for, and in the end only about a third of the proceeds of this new tax will ever really be used for highway maintenance and infrastructure projects.

One "happy thought" letter writer locally said that if people didn't want the toll on I-80 they should offer an alternative. Well here's mine:

1. limit each PA senator and each PA representative to just two administrative aides.
2. amend the state constitution to limit the number of representatives.
3. force the state government to operate on a budget, just like you or I.
4. "Divert" some of the billions of dollars already flowing into state coffers from pork-barrel projects into real needs, like maintaining the infrastructure.
5. Run the government more like a business; focus on "customer driven" practices, leaner, meaner methods, and improving efficiency.

I 80: To Toll or Not to Toll?

2007-08-21T22:05:00.000-04:00

I 80 Toll Article

I just read this article and it got me thinking.
If we really don't have the money to fix that road, then a toll system might not be so bad. I mean, over here in Japan, I have to pay 5 bucks just to go one exit, which can be as close as 8-10 miles! Our trips over 3 "states" to get back home to the wife's place cost us a whopping $120 round-trip. Not to mention gas at $1.40 per liter (= $5.30/gallon) and rising!

I have taken the Turnpike and it isn't the best road; but as the article states it has round-the-clock service (and some funky rest areas). And you only pay 6 or 7 bucks to get from Pgh. over to the Md. border.

That sure beats a (another!) gasoline tax.

Another view of the same political dog pile

2007-06-04T19:13:00.000-04:00

I read Peter Greene's editorial in the News Herald on the debacle of Two Mile Run.

I enjoy Peter's column and even though Peter and I disagree on many issues, I appreciate the fact that he is able to present his view point in a clear and frequently entertaining manner. The present subject is no exception.

I am sure there are many reasons why the voters of Venango County were fed up with the whole park mess. Peter missed all of my personal reasons, listed here in reverse order of importance:

5. The whole thing was indelibley tied to the name of a certain former commissioner who shall live in infamy. In addition to many other nefarious things that happened on his watch, it appeared (from a distance) that he was attempting to sell the park to himself. He didn't exactly ingratiate himself to the public of Venango County, and the park sell out had his finger prints all over it.

4. The Rudegairs are probably not bad people, but the manner in which they were presented to the community, the manner in which they continued to present themselves to the community, Ann Rudegair's involvement in non-elected govermental positions and business that smacked of conflict of interest, or at least undue influence, all contributed to their general public image as people who were more about fleecing the public than about public trust.

3. I do not believe the Rudegairs had sufficient credentials to lend themselves to the position they were attempting to fill. I am not aware of any prodigious pedigree that they brought to park management, and I'm not sure how they landed the position. I think the general public shares my curiosity over how they were "chosen".

2. I believe there is some truth to the lawsuit that alleges that the use and management of publicly held lands is constrained by the charter under which the government seizes said lands.

1. I believe that if any profit - be it oil, gas, timber, or mercenary activity - is made from the park, the proceeds rightly belong to the former owners of the property, their heirs and assigns. You could write another entire article on how the land for the park came to be in the "public domain", but suffice it to say that many families would still be on the family farm if they really had the true right to choose.

The bottom line is, if the county cannot afford to run the park, and the park is no longer providing a "greater public good" (isn't it odd that there is always a "greater public good" than private property ownership???) The land should be returned to it's rightful owners.

Obviously that is not likely to happen. My suggestion for an alternative:

Reconstitute the Park Authority as a true, non-profit, free-from-political-manipulation body. I suggest that the charter, bylaws, etc. of the Allegheny Valley Trails Association be adapted to the park and adopted in toto. Specifically I think the park should be operated by an association instead of by an "authority". People could become members of the association by paying reasonable dues, and dues paying members of the association could vote on the pertinent issues surrounding the use of the park and it's resources. The people who are really interested in the park will pay the dues, and those who are not willing to "put their money where their mouth is" can just butt out. This would result in a direct ability/opportunity for everyone to have a voice in managing the park, and in my mind it would remove the taint and stain of political pandering that currently clouds the park issue.

Thank God the voters came through ...

2007-05-22T08:04:00.000-04:00

The voters of Venango County finally decided to say something, and I am thankful. Time will tell, of course, whether it's just change for the sake of change or whether the new commissioners will make a real difference - but at least we got rid of the old dead wood.

I think the former commissioners cooked their own goose when they lied about the embezzeled county funds, and then spent tens of thousands of dollars more to "recoup" the lost money with absolutely no effect whatever. No matter how you slice it, it doesn't take much more than a sixth grade education to see mismanagement written all over this previous government.

Here's a to a new day in Venango County. I'm hoping for improved fiscal responsibility, truthfulness, and real economic initiatives instead of just lip service coupled with good ol' boy, back room politics.

After all, dreams are free.

So much to do, so little time ...

2007-05-06T20:09:00.000-04:00

My wife and I took a couple of the grandkids on a stroll through May Mart this afternoon. The park was kind of quiet, but most of the vendors told us they had a good weekend. I think they should continue the two-day format for a few years - sometimes you have to "grow into" this kind of change. I personally enjoyed the fact that it wasn't as crowded as some of the other events in the park.

After May Mart we attended a concert by the Venango Chamber Orchestra at the Barrow-Civic. What an enjoyable respite, and how cool that I can enjoy this kind of "high brow art" right here in my own little town. If I was a multi-millionaire I'd be tempted to endow this little band of musicians for life. As it is, I must make due with small donations, and my enjoyment of their labor is sweetened by my knowledge that they are all willingly making sacrifices - some big, some small - to bring this kind of art to Venango County. Thank you, members of the orchestra!

While at the concert we picked up a little printed guide to other offerings in our area, and the smorgasbord of things to do in the area really is amazing. I'm reprinting just a portion of the guide here:

May 8: "Side by Side", a concert featuring the Slippery Rock University Jazz Band and the Franklin High School Jazz Band.
May 11: For Christ Alone, a concert by the Evangel University Concert Orchestra from Springfield, Missouri.
May 20: DeBence Antique Music World Mini-Series: Violin concert featuring Nancy Simpson.
May 31: Silver Cornet Band in the bandstand in the park.
June 2: (and every Saturday through the season) Curb Market/"Saturdays in Fountain Park".
June 7: "River Nymphs", Acoustic Rock and Country concert in the park.
June 14: Silver Cornet Band
June 17: Debence Mini-Series: concert on the Idora Park Wurlitzer Modal 153.
June 21: Concert with the Pine Valley Boys in the Bandstand
June 21-24: "Sweet Charity" at the Barrow.

This is just a small sampling of stuff going on through June. There are also sporting events, recreational events, etc. etc. mixed in there. I am sure I will only get to sample a small portion of this list, but it's still impressive that this many quality events are even available.

'Pork' to some; bread and butter to others - USATODAY.com

2007-04-29T21:32:00.000-04:00

This one quotes Marilyn from the ORA. How do you feel about pork? er.. I mean earmarks...

'Pork' to some; bread and butter to others - USATODAY.com

Gettysburg on GoogleEarth

2006-12-13T01:32:00.000-05:00

KillerApp Sightings

This is a pretty cool preoject. Maybe they could do this to the Oil Heritage region too!

What will the lawsuits prove?

2006-12-04T08:19:00.000-05:00

There are currently several lawsuits pending in local courts over the status of Two Mile Run county park. What will the outcome of these lawsuits prove? Plenty, I think. Here are just a couple of examples:

1. The lawsuits could help determine whether any government agency has the right to seize property by eminent domain and then turn around and derive proceeds from that property that rightfully should have gone to the private property owners (oil, gas, and timber rights for example). This is an important question, since private property ownership is a cornerstone of a free capitalist society. The ability of government to take private property for any reason, or for no reason; or to take private property for one stated "purpose" and then switch to another purpose or another set of rules once the property has been wrested from private ownership, is rapidly weakening both our free market economy and our constitutional form of government.

2. The lawsuits may help determine whether or not any government or quasi-government agency has the right to use it's leverage, and tax dollars (whether directly through levies or indirectly through "grants" and "loans" of tax monies) to compete directly with private industry to make a profit. This is an important question because of the "socialist" implications that are raised by "state run", "state controlled", or "state subsidized" industries, whether tourism, trade, manufacturing, or any other industry.

Well, you may say, this is just Venango County. True, but all of these usurpations of power start somewhere, and most of the time they start at the local level. A decade from now these cases may be cited in determining other, similar cases with more far-reaching implications.

Right or wrong, I applaud the private citizens who are willing to force the local governments to consider these issues and prove the right of government to intrude in the private sector. I hope the cases are heard in a way that considers these issues.

The News-Herald's Poster Child

2006-12-01T08:57:00.000-05:00

Umhangtrager's Cave - Current Events: The News Herald's poster child.

I realized that this is one advantage of the internet - outlets like the News-Herald no longer have an exclusive monopoly on what gets said, even about local events and politics.

As a follow up comment on the above referenced article, I did an informal "survey" of the stories published in the News-Herald leading up to the last election. I was particularly interested in the way that words can be used to engender certain responses in the reader. I may publish a sample in a future post as an illustration of the bias that can and does exist in the local media.

Just a sample of what will be unleashed across the state

2006-12-01T08:33:00.000-05:00

It is ironic that Venango County should provide a forshadowing of what is to come from Governor Rendell's well intentioned but dangerously flawed logic and the resulting law.

I'm referring to the governor's recent sex crimes bill. While the goal of this legislation is laudable the results will, I predict, be at best inconvenient and at worst disasterous.

The forshadowing I referred to earlier made the front page of the News-Herald today. A 44 year old woman has suddenly "remembered" that a prominent local businessman committed sex crimes against her when she was 14. How convenient that the return of her memory came right when this prominent businessman is engaged in another lawsuit that involves other powerful people in the county.

While the new Rendel legislation doesn't affect this case directly, since the woman is still (barely) within the previous statute of limitations for this type of crime, it does hint at what is to come.

While it is laudable to want justice, these types of accusations involve intense emotional reactions. It is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately reconstruct events of 30-40 years ago, and the cases end up resting on a lot of hearsay evidence and the emotional reactions that can be manipulated in the judge and/or jury. Guilt or innocence becomes extremely subjective.

Even when a defendent is found not guilty, often the damage is already done. Lives, livelihoods, and reputations are ruined. Often, unfortunately, that is the original intent of the legal action. These types of cases can often be used as a form of extortion, or for political gain, or simple retribution for other injuries whether real or imagined. As soon as the words "sex crime" are introduced, the legal action itself becomes a loaded weapon.

It will be interesting to see how this case plays out in Venango County, and it will be interesting to see whether or not Pennsylvania's already overloaded court system becomes further mired with legal actions of individuals who suddenly "remember" events that happened decades ago.

What a tangled web we weave ...

Property Taxes revisited

2006-10-24T13:11:00.000-04:00

I mentioned this issue in a previous comment, but thought it deserved a post of it's own.

The issue is property taxes in Venango County.

Our tax system is obviously a total wreck, but the part I am concerning myself with here is the local tax code.

Does anyone know if there is a legal alternative to property taxes? Would the local governments be allowed to go to a complete income-based tax system? If so, I think that's the way to go. I wouldn't mind if it was still based on property ownership - if you own property in Venango County, or in a specific school district, then pay the income tax. But our current property taxes are just out of line with real property values in the county, they are out of line with taxes in other areas, and they are harming our economic development and our elderly citizens.

Some thoughts on Applefest

2006-10-09T20:46:00.000-04:00

Well, Franklin survived (and enjoyed) another Applefest. I didn't make it downtown this year - the first I've missed in a long time. We've spent the weekend discussing the event though, and we have some simple suggestions that might help to facilitate the event in the future:
1. Close Liberty Street from 13th to 12th for the entire weekend. Close 12 Street from Elk to Buffalo, South Park Street and West Park Street from Liberty to Elk as they do now. Let it be a street fair kind of thing like Erie Days.
2. Along with the above, move the food vendors out of the parks. Line them along the streets (Liberty Street and the Streets on either side of the parks). This will encourage people to walk the thoroughfare instead of all being bunched up in the parks, allow for more room, and keep the center of Liberty Street open for performances and foot traffic, etc. If there are enough vendors, or as an alternative, line them along the OUTSIDE of three sides of the parks, and leave the center of the parks open for sitting room, strolling room, etc. The number of vendors should be limited to the amount of comfortable space available, rather than just taking all the vendors you can get.
4. Create some kind of "food court" so there is room for people to sit down and enjoy the gustatory delights they are purchasing.
3. Limit the car show somehow. Maybe only cars 25 years old and older, or only the first five or ten cars of a given make/model/year. The cars are all gorgeous and fun to look at, but 700 cars? I can't even get around to see them all! Also the cars should all have to be pre-registered so that the committee knows exactly how many are coming, and they can plan for an effective display. The car show should be limited to the block between 12 Street and 11th Street, and the side streets (12th street) so that the upper end of Liberty Street could still be used for other entertainment. That might be a little too limited, but something needs to change so the cars can be more effectively displayed and enjoyed.
4. The main thing is, remember that this is Franklin. Scale the event so it is appropriate for the space available, and go for quality rather than just quantity.

All that said, I'd like to say thanks to the people that make this happen. It's fun to have something we're "famous" for.

Franklin is getting a new business.

2006-09-25T21:17:00.000-04:00

New Idea Corp is a brand new business that has grown from an old one, Creative Communication & Consulting, that plans to continue to give top notch computer service and networking setup and consultation.

They also plan be an Apple dealer and service center, as well as offer home theater installation and sercurity systems.

NIC hopes to bring more to the community then they already are as CC&C.

Hijackers Wanted

2006-09-25T05:42:00.000-04:00

It is apparent that I cannot effectively mange this blog and publicize it all the way from Japan and given the whole other list of things I generaly have to do.
I am actively seeking community-oriented hijackers to take the helm of VenCo Views and do with it what I couldn't.
Any takers ?

Bike Venango

2006-08-18T21:45:00.000-04:00

I've been riding my bike to work. Venango County is a little challenging for bikers, with the Allegheny foothills and all. But we have some great bike trails. Here's a link to my biking diary, and here's a link to my biking web page. Bicycling is a great way to enjoy Venango County's natural beauty.

Is our future in fuel?

2006-08-18T21:38:00.000-04:00

Venango County's height of commerce and industry was fueled by the oil boom. I wonder if a fuel boom of another sort might help us out of the doldrums.

Governor Rendell has started an alternative energy program in Pennsylvania. We are slated to have an alternative fuels plant in Venango County at some point in the future, I think. Wonder if there's more we could do in this arena.

Why is Franklin not part of the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce?

2006-08-16T12:27:00.000-04:00

A while back a couple of people came to Franklin. They were consultants, ostensibly here to help the city powers figure out how to re-invigorate the city.

The consultants did pretty much what all consultants do. They held a couple of public meetings and asked us (the residents) what we thought would help the city. Then they put together a nice Power Point presentation, told US what we had just told THEM, pocketed a nice fee and went on to the next "client".

One of the things these consultants "recommended" (based on what a few residents said in the public meetings) was that Franklin not support the new Venango Area Chamber of Commerce, but continue to "go their own way".

At first I was sort of in agreement with this decision, but now I think it might have been a mistake. Venango County must be considered as an economic unit in order to move forward. No one town, borough, or municipality in our area has enough population or resources to operate alone. Attracting business, revenue, and jobs to the area requires cooperation and the promotion of the entire area, not just a small piece of it.

I suggest that Franklin reconsider it's decision and join up with the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce.

A great time to visit Venango County

2006-08-09T09:55:00.000-04:00

I love the fall in Venango County. Applefest will soon be here, the leaves will be turning. This is a great time to take a canoe trip down the Allegheny River, or take a bike ride along one of our bike trails, or spend a weekend in a bed and breakfast, or ...

Gosh I love living here.

The continuing saga of Two Mile Run

2006-08-02T16:05:00.000-04:00

I recently received a nicely printed four page brochure, apparently put out by the Venango Park and Natural Resources Authority (VPNRA) and Parks Unlimited, Inc.

The brochure attempts to make a case in favor of the current method of managing the Two Mile Run County Park and it's assets.

The brochure makes it sound like there are all kinds of safe guards in place to protect the park from political meddling and mismanagement. It also makes it sound like precious resources are being drained from the park's management by three lawsuits that are currently pending against the park and Parks Unlimited.

Whether the information in the brochure is correct or whether it is politically a little slanted (which I suspect), I think the problem may be a little simpler than stated. The plain fact is that the previous county commissioners were up to their eye teeth in hanky panky, some of which involved the park. A lot of people in Venango County just plain don't like the way the park's management was changed, and a lot of people do not care a whole lot for Marty and Anne Rudegair, the two person "corporation" that currently manages the park.

A group has been formed to "rescue" the park from the political process. The members of the group take exception to the way the county commissioners have apparently insulated the park, and the Rudegairs, from the citizens of Venango County.

I don't know where I stand in all of this. I live near the park, and I really appreciate it's resources and it's facilities. On the other hand, I am philosophically opposed to the government being able to own and profit from property, especially property that was seized through eminent domain. The fact remains that while Parks Unlimited is registered as a "non-profit" entity, the Rudegairs themselves actually DO profit - handsomely - from their iron clad contract.

It will be interesting to see how the lawsuits turn out, and it will be interesting to see if either side can rustle up enough concern among the voters and residents of the county to make a difference.

Comments on the park's current status can be found here.
The "rescue" group's website, and their position, can be found here.

Interesting population statistic

2006-08-01T08:27:00.000-04:00

We have 85 persons per square mile in Venango County, compared with the average of 274 in Pennsylvania at large. Some other interesting population statistics can be found here.

It's all about the infrastructure, baby

2006-08-01T08:18:00.000-04:00

I have always been more or less statisfied with the infrastructure of Venango County as far as supporting my personal life, but I'm beginning to realize it is not keeping up with the times.

When I worked as a consultant some years ago my company paid several thousand dollars to run an ISDN line to my house so that I could do videoconferencing. At that time we didn't even have cable television available where I live.

Now high speed internet is the issue. Our phone service has never been great (thanks Verizon) and the phone company does not "guarantee" that their lines will carry a computer dial up signal (translated that means all of Verizon's switches and circuits in this area are grossly overloaded and they're not doing much about it right now.)

We finally got Blue Sky internet service thanks to Central Electric Cooperative. I think this is a great thing for them to be into, since they service a lot of very rural customers that can't get DSL or cable internet. It is a little weather dependent of course but overall it works pretty well, and it sure beats dial up over the Verizon patchwork.

We have pretty good roads, an airport, and we even still have some access to rail transport. I think the thing we need to focus on right now is the digital/electronic infrastructure in our area.

Monsoon season in Northwest PA

2006-08-01T08:16:00.000-04:00

My wife and I drove to Warren on Sunday. I thought we were gettting pounded by the rain, but it was worse up there.

Fortunately we haven't had a serious flood in Venango County for a few years now. Hopefully the rain is going to abate. All we have to deal with now is the heat.

Blog Name Change

2006-07-10T23:38:00.000-04:00

It has come to my attention that this blog might be better named something else.
But, personally, I can't think of anything right now.
I want to keep the subtitle " A forum of ideas for the future of Venango County" so perhaps we need something more catchy for the actual blog name.

Any suggestions?

How about "Why you DIDN'T leave Venango County?"

2006-07-10T16:16:00.000-04:00

When I was working as a national consultant I had the opportunity to travel the U.S. extensively and experience first hand a number of regions. I found to my pleasant surprise that there weren't many places I'd rather live than Venango County, Pennsylvania. Here are a few reasons:
1. Water - the greatest neccesity of life. We have an abundant supply of fresh water in NW PA and especially in Venango County. It was a real eye opener to realize how many areas of the nation don't have that wealth.
2. Variety. As we left the airport with our grandson from Utah, the first thing he said was "Trees!" It's true - there are no trees in Utah where he lives. I love the fact that a short drive from home (or around home, for that matter) can put me on a mountain, in a large forest, in a meadow, on a lake, on a river, in large city for plays and concerts, etc. etc.
3. Cost of living. Still among the cheapest I've found anywhere. I realize that you have to have a job to truly appreciate and enjoy the low cost of living, but I'm still thankful for it.
4. Freedom. At least in Jackson Township where I live, I am relatively unencumbered by invasive zoning ordinances, etc. The nice thing is, if you WANT to live in a nice neighborhood protected by fairly strict zoning, you can - Venango County has plenty of those kinds of neighborhoods too. You really can take your pick as far as what kind of living environment you want in Venango County.
5. Seasons. I like the changing seasons. I don't particularly care for winter, but I survive it, and it always makes me appreciate spring that much more. And the changing scenery in Venango County as the seasons change is really a spectacle to behold.

The only two areas I ever traveled to that I thought I might like to live were the area around Charlotte, North Carolina, and the area around Chattanooga, Tennessee. The main draw of these two areas over Venango County is that the winters aren't quite as harsh. Life is full of trade offs, though.

Economic Realities

2006-07-10T15:18:00.000-04:00

Does anyone know who the largest employer in Venango County is right now? How about the largest industry?

It might be interesting to gather up some stats that could be shared on this blog. Maybe that would stimulate some discussion.

I think the biggest hurdle we need to overcome is the lack of economic progress in our area. I also think we need to lessen the welfare burden in the area. Of course, these two problems are obviously linked.

Firemen's Fair

2006-06-21T22:55:00.000-04:00

Not much changes back home, does it?

Newcomers' Club

2006-05-22T01:19:00.000-04:00

The Derrick

I never knew it existed...I guess I was always one of the "old" Franklinites by default

Why Did You Leave Venco?

2006-04-30T02:31:00.000-04:00

I am slowly building a readership for this blog with several VenCo "ex-pats." I figure I will just go ahead and throw out a discussion question for everyone to comment on. Might get some interesting feedback here...

Q: Why did you leave Venango County?

Tax Delinquents List: None (known) in VenCo

2006-04-17T08:05:00.000-04:00

I am glad to see that businesses in VenCopay their taxes.

Barnraising

2006-03-31T01:26:00.000-05:00

This could be something interesting to promote the area.
The Derrick

Blog Promotion

2006-03-31T01:23:00.000-05:00

I think we have a good idea with this blog, but I do not have the time to promote it properly. Perhaps I can link in with the Franklin CIN. I haven't given it proper thought, but suggestions (or better yet, action on your part) are more than welcome. I am good at starting things, but not good at finishing them.
Cheers,
Joel

Property Taxes

2006-03-12T17:48:00.000-05:00

I have a friend who recently moved to Baltimore. Her property taxes in Oil City were approximately $500.00 per MONTH. Her property taxes in Baltimore, for a home of similar value, were less than half that.

As far as I am concerned, property taxes mean that there is no such thing as "private property". If the government can seize my property, then it was never really mine in the first place. It frustrates me that people who have paid on a home all their lives have to give it up when they reach retirement age, even though they have paid their mortgage off, because they can't afford to continue paying extortionary fees to the government for permission to live in their own home.

I would personally be in favor of a switch to a straight income tax. I've heard others argue in favor of a consumption based tax. There needs to be some productive debate/discussion on this issue. It is a national concern, and I think it would be cool if Venango County's communities could take a pro-active attitude toward real tax reform. Let's be leaders for a change instead of followers!

Saving our Town

2006-03-10T15:37:00.000-05:00

I live in Franklin Pennsylvania. And I have this great idea for rejuvenating the downtown area. See, I think that small towns like Franklin have a chance to compete with the Walmarts right now, it they just get their act together. Gas prices are outrageous. "My" WalMart is 15 miles away. I wouldn't go there if I didn't have to, just because of the gas. But when I go to Franklin, often I can't find any parking. Franklin has one main street with two sides, and largish public parking lots behind the store fronts on each side. If they would get a grant and put a two story parking garage behind the stores on each side, they could have plenty of parking for the downtown area. With that much parking they could quit charging for parking. Instead they could charge a reasonable amount, like 1/2 of a percent, on the gross receipts of each downtown business. This would accomplish two or three things simultaneously.1) Virtually eliminate the parking problem.2) Tie the city's revenues to the productivity of the downtown businesses. This would encourage a whole new relationship between the city fathers and the downtown businesses.3) by building sidewalks on the second level of the parking garages, the (currently unused) second floors of many of the downtown buildings could be opened to commercial exploitation, creating a "strip mall" effect while preserving the historical venue of the street side of the buildings.Just my suggestion. Any small town might benefit from a similar move.

The Corridor

2006-03-01T22:25:00.000-05:00

After talking to a couple of my brothers not too long ago, I have come to realize that the I-79/I-80 corridor is dreadfully underdeveloped. You have immediate access to the biggest east-west interstate and one of the most important north-south routes in the whole country. Why not focus development monies into that area? Rennovating our historic districts is important, but creating jobs and tax revenue is VITAL.

I ask our local officials to THINK BIG! Why don't we have a Toyota plant in Barkeyville?

Letter to the Editor: Feb. 10, 2006

2006-02-20T01:09:00.000-05:00

Letter to the Editor of The Derrick/News Herald

"Now More than Ever"

As a Franklin native living in Japan, the Derrick/News Herald homepage
is my lifeline for local news. I have been reading with great interest
all of the recent happenings with the Oil Heritage Alliance (ORA). It
seems that this organization has the potential and the momentum to
really promote and develop the region.

So I was surprised to see the February 8 article about the issue
surrounding the City of Franklin's $20,000 donation. I am not writing
a letter to place blame or to complain, in fact I would like to offer a
solution.

I understand that there are official budget procedures, so that even
if Franklin wanted to give the ORA $20,000, they may not be able to.
But when our smaller neighbors like Barkeyville are ponying up $3,000,
the city needs to honestly let the ORA just how much it can give. Now
let's say the city can handle a $10,000 donation. That's leaves
$10,000. Split that among our population of 7,212 (2000 Census) and
that is $1.38 per person. What I am trying to say is this. The
economic development and tourism promotion agenda of the Alliance is
too important to ignore. It requires the support from all of our
residents.

For the price of a couple of candy bars, you could help spur regional growth!

But, as we all know the Oil Region consists of the entire county as
well as Oil Creek Township in Crawford County. In addition to the
participation and support of the individual residents, what the region
needs now more than ever is regional cooperation, we need to feel that
our communities are working together towards a common goal and
towards a better future for our kids.

The trend in Japan these days is for local communities to set aside
their differences and merge. The national government is even offering
tax incentives for communities, especially smaller rural towns and
villages, to merge into one centrally governed municipality. No, I
don't think our cities and towns need to merge, not in the least, but
we do need to eliminate some traditional barriers and work harder at
working together. Inter-city rivalry may be alright on the high school
football field, but not when the future prosperity of the county is at
stake. I, for one, am all for the Alliance and what it stands for. It
is a big job and I would like to shake Mr. Seitz's hand.

I know the City of Franklin supports the Alliance, too, so again I
propose the City give what it can, and that we the residents and
former residents give what we can, too. And everyone should remember
that the Alliance is part of all our communities. You may not know too
much about the Alliance, but I know the good folks there are open to
suggestion. Visit their homepage and read their management plan. They
welcome comments from the local residents.
(http://www.oilheritage.com/update/update.htm).

So, residents of Franklin, and residents of the entire county, the
choice is yours. Do you want a better future? Bustling, revitalized
towns and cities? Jobs for your kids? A reason to stay and raise a
family?

Or do you just want a couple of candy bars?

Joel Dechant
Beppu, Japan
Native of Franklin

Venango County Unite!

2006-02-19T20:07:00.000-05:00

Venango County is 58,000 residents strong. It is up to each and every one of us to make this place we call home a great place to live, a great place to visit and a great place to do business.

This blog is designed to be a sounding board for ideas. Ideas to improve the region. Any and all CONSTRUCTIVE ideas are welcome. They don't need to be complete, but they must be constructive and positive. If you have a complaint, you are welcome to voice it, AS LONG AS you give your proposal for improving the matter.

Content deemed to be libelous, vulgar or not to the point in general will be deleted by the Administrator.

So add your 2 cents to the pot and let's see what we can do to make Venango County and NW PA a better place to live.