In opposition to Centre County's Responsible Contractor Ordinance

Comments

#4

I don’t support this ordinance.

Kim Domin (Spring Mills, 2023-06-15)

#5

This will cost tax payers higher cost, will leave out a large amount of Centre County local contractors, and these unions are big donors to the Two Democrat Commissioners who are pushing for this. The community as a whole DOES NOT want it.

Christa Gallagher (Port Matilda, 2023-06-15)

#8

This ordinance is not needed and is apparently written to harm one of Centre County's largest employers.

Daniel McIntire (Boalsburg, 2023-06-15)

#9

I believe all contractors should have EQUAL opportunity to bid on and be awarded contracts.

Paula Smith (Spring Mills, 2023-06-15)

#11

Tired of dictator government overreach

Sandra Southard (State College, 2023-06-15)

#12

I’m sick of unnecessary govt overrreach

Linda Magro (Howard, 2023-06-15)

#13

I agree

Raymond Gully (State College, 2023-06-15)

#14

This ordinance is purely political and will cause taxpayers to pay more by reducing competition.

Shelly Foust (Centre Hall, 2023-06-15)

#15

With the economy as harsh as it is the last thing we need is an ordinance or law placing more restrictions on workers and giving consumers less choices, especially less economical choices!

STOP THIS ORDINANCE!

WE WANT FREEDOM OF COMMERCE & SERVICES!

Kris Hopkins (Port Matilda, 2023-06-15)

#16

Fed up

Katie Ellis (Boalsburg, 2023-06-15)

#17

The RCO proposed ordinance is a scheme of quid pro quo for unions and unethical politicians. It will cost taxpayers and encourage shoddy construction.

Jody Reese (State College, 2023-06-15)

#20

It is a terrible idea to insist that these contracts go union only. This hurts small business.

In addition, I believe it is a criminal conflict of interests for commissioners to accept money from the Unions for their campaigns and then try to implement programs that benefit them solely!

Margaret Wolfe (Centre Hall, 2023-06-15)

#22

My husband would lose a significant amount of work as he works for a company that would not fall under this category

Dana Myers (Huntingdon, 2023-06-15)

#23

Effects my friends job

Angie Nicklow (Hesston, 2023-06-15)

#25

I oppose

Lisa Musser (Boalsburg, 2023-06-15)

#26

I'm signing because I disagree with the Responsible Contractor Ordinance and I want my elected representatives to know that they should not enact this harmful requirement.

Jason Vaux (Philipsburg, 2023-06-15)

#29

Unions tend to be expensive and use bully tactics. Our leaders should be free to choose the type of labor they deem is best for their constituents, not limited to some limited interest group.

Teresa Mull (Philipsburg, 2023-06-16)

#30

This is unhealthy governance for our county. I am pro small business and it eliminates all our contractors in Centre County except one, which means our tax dollars go out of Centre County. We need to keep our tax dollars in this county!

Marie Librizzi (Pa Furnace, 2023-06-16)

#31

I do not agree with the Ordinance.

Trevor Stauffer (Bellefonte, 2023-06-16)

#33

Believe the motivation for this proposal is to reward contributions from groups that will benefit from passage.

Michael Schafer (Port Matilda, 2023-06-16)

#34

I oppose government control of wages and interference by government to fix “problems” with the current selection system that haven’t been identified.

Daniel Hall (Spring Mills, 2023-06-16)

#36

This proposed statute will not solve any existing problems but will rather increase costs to tax payers, increase costs of construction, decrease quality and increase government control in an area they have no expertise and government does not belong.

Rob Shearer (Boalsburg, 2023-06-16)

#37

This is nothing more than a feel good act that is trying to fix a problem that has not been shown to exist.

Kenneth Codner (BELLEFONTE, 2023-06-16)

#38

This ordinance is an attempt by the Democrat commissioners to impose themselves into a subject where they don't belong. Compensation of employers is not determined by county commissioners but rather by the employers themselves based on job value and market. The Democrats in Centre County government are attempting to force socialism on the county!

Ronald Servello (Port Matilda, 2023-06-16)

#39

I'm signing this petition because no more government intervention is necessary in our lives!

Lynda Mull (Philipsburg, 2023-06-16)

#40

This poorly thought out ordinance restricts local contractor participation, will increase construction costs and ultimately costs taxpayers more without any increase in value returned.

Franklin Hufnagle (Howard, 2023-06-16)

#41

I trust my local contractors and this ordinance will increase our taxes and eliminate local jobs…
It will not improve quality as it promises…

Megan Layng (State College, 2023-06-16)

#42

I am signing because i oppose the RCO. It will drive up the cost of construction which will increase taxes and it will disenfranchise local non-union contractors and their employees, many of whom are Centre County residents. There is nothing wrong with the current bidding system. If safety is a concern then Centre County should hire their own representative to inspect the work that is being done to make sure it meets the plans and specifications and to check for issues relating to safety.

Tom Songer (Bellefonte, 2023-06-17)

#44

Due process has not been given to the enactment of this ordinance. It is limiting and will harm our county.

Christian Horn (Boalsburg, 2023-06-17)

#46

I am against this type of legislation.

Frederick Grauch (Philipsburg, 2023-06-17)

#49

This is bullshit and government over step. This will affect tax payers and small businesses.

Matthew Hepfer (Snow Shoe, 2023-06-17)

#50

It is not good for our community and will raise the cost of projects done in Centre county. It also opens Centre county workers being replaced by union employees from outside the Centre county region. I have not heard any reason to support the measure other than Democrat talking points.

Kristine Eng (State college, 2023-06-18)

#51

This ordinance is obviously politically biased to give unfair contract preference to the unions that support those who drafted it. It will increase costs to the taxpayers and take money out of Centre County without increasing job safety or project quality as it is proposed to do.

Bruce Helms (Warriors Mark, 2023-06-18)

#53

I am signing because this is bad for local contractors. The commissioners are beholden to the Unions for their campaign contributions. The RCO will not yield any savings, and will likely reduce the number of bids as no local contractors will be able to satisfy the 70% apprenticeship requirement, creating a monopoly which will cause local dollars to be sent out of the county as virtually all contractors in Centre County are merit shops. Additionally, there is no data proving that union contractors have a better safety record. If safety was the true concern, why doesn't the RCO use EMR or other nationally recognized OSHA metrics?

Alison Kurtz (State College, 2023-06-19)

#55

I disagree with this and it will hurt local construction business's that are qualified to do the work.

Karen Ballock (Julian, 2023-06-19)

#56

I have been in the trades for 35 years, at what point is it justified to tell me I need to take an apprenticeship in order to work.

Thaddeus Richards (Julian, 2023-06-19)

#58

I support small and local businesses!

Megan Boumerhi (Philipsburg, 2023-06-19)

#59

I am signing this petition in opposition to the ordinance, as it would significantly harm my current employer/employment

Cheryl Ketelle (State College, 2023-06-19)

#60

I cannot find sufficient research showing a cost benefit analysis on this issue and at the expense of more/higher taxes, this is something that does not seem to benefit the county but rather is a hinderance to local businesses and taxpayers of the county

Alex Boumerhi (Philipsburg, 2023-06-19)

#61

This Ordinance does nothing positive to the County, in fact it does the contrary. It limits the amount of bidding contractors, it will remove work from the local contractors, and it increases overall costs.

Justin Stoner (State College, 2023-06-19)

#62

Centre County Commissioners have proposed the Ordinance as a solution to no apparent problem.

Heidi Martin (Bellefonte, 2023-06-19)

#64

I’m against the decision

Don Rockey,Jr. (Pleasant Gap, 2023-06-19)

#66

I believe that the government needs to stay out of how local businesses are being run. Just select the contractor and let them determine how their business is run.

Rita Purnell (Bellefonte, 2023-06-19)

#67

My son works construction.

Loriann Belinda (Philipsburg, 2023-06-19)

#68

I'm signing this because it will greatly affect my job and work load, the vast majority of excavation work in centre co is none union companies

Steven Richards (Julian, 2023-06-19)

#69

I do not agree with the commissioners

Melissa Nilles (Howard, 2023-06-19)

#70

Why fix something that is not broken.

Paul Hardy (State College, 2023-06-19)

#71

This will force small businesses out of business.

Beverly Bumgardner (Rebersburg, 2023-06-19)

#73

Unfair policy

Jared Ricotta (Philipsburg, 2023-06-19)

#74

This is an un-American idea! Wastes tax dollars on less qualified work and buys union votes for Democrats. No way!

Barbara Abbott (Madisonburg, 2023-06-19)

#77

This ordinance takes jobs and opportunities away from Centre County Residences and gives those jobs and opportunities to non resident companies and workers. Also, it is not going to make the work any safer and cheaper. This is absolutely about favors or campaign donations from the unions.

Jason Gagliardi (Port Matilda, 2023-06-19)

#78

We need to keep our purchases from companies who are American. We need to stop outsourcing.

Christin Martz (Spring Mills, 2023-06-19)

#79

I oppose this ordinance

Chris Hile (Pleasant Gap, 2023-06-19)

#80

This is wrong to not include our small business people to bid on jobs in our county. I don't want to pay higher wages to union people.

Evonne E Henninger (Bellefonte, 2023-06-19)

#81

I believe in fairness for small businesses. We don't always need union workers to do the jobs. I also don't want to see tax increases.

Bob Stewart (Bellefonte, 2023-06-19)

#82

Just because they are union does not mean you will get better results. Democrats are trying to appease unions for votes. What happens when the first union employee gets hurt? They will say accidents happen

Troy Butler (Bellefonte, 2023-06-19)

#83

I understand that the federal government recently implemented a similar regulation, but county-level contracting does not have nearly the same scope as federal contracting. At most the commissioners could require a minimum wage and health benefits for contractors.

Brian Schultz (State College, 2023-06-19)

#85

I want it stopped

Kenneth Clouser (Madisonburg, 2023-06-19)

#86

I believe that government is getting to far into radical control takeover. They need to step away and let the people handle their own business.

Matthew Castel (Port Matilda, 2023-06-19)

#90

Any ordinance blatantly authored for the purpose of rewarding your own political supporters and campaign contributors with the largest contract in county history while simultaneously removing the opportunity for any contract, ever, for a local company because they support your political opponents is staggering corrupt and embarrassingly uncouth.

Shame on you Mr Higgens and Mrs Concepcion.

Sam Pletcher (Pleasant Gap, 2023-06-19)

#95

We are a small construction company.

Michelle Stiles (Bellefonte, 2023-06-20)

#96

I’ve had over 49 years of working in this trade worked alongside many unions got paid the same money doing the same job
Never felt that they did better work in the same time never felt that I’ve needed to join a union
Just because they have pushed there way out competitively with there policies is no reason to shove it down my throat
Feel very free to invite me to any meeting to speak against any such thing

Carl Beckwith (Port Matilda, 2023-06-20)

#97

Job security for those involved.

Betsy Yoder (Bellefonte, 2023-06-20)

#100

I want to support small businesses

Kandy Coble (Centre Hall, 2023-06-20)

#102

I don't agree with a law that puts restrictions on small businesses

Marguerite Gustkey (Osceola Mills, 2023-06-20)

#103

I’m opposed to this ordinance.

Gail Jones (Port Matilda, 2023-06-20)

#104

There is absolutely no need to for ridiculous thing! It’s a solution to a non existent problem

Gloria Horner (Bellefonte, 2023-06-20)

#105

I work for a non-union construction company in Centre County

John Oestreich (Mc Veytown, 2023-06-20)

#106

This will effect my family and friends and everyone else I know in Centre county! This outrageous!

Jennifer Nastase (Snow Shoe, 2023-06-20)

#107

I do not support this Ordinance.

James Bartges (STATE COLLEGE, 2023-06-20)

#108

This Is solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

Christopher Bomboy (Julian, 2023-06-20)

#109

I do not agree with this

Aquilla Stoltzfus (Howard, 2023-06-20)

#112

I don't agree with what is being proposed!

John Marshall (Bellefonte, 2023-06-20)

#113

I don’t believe the unions should have their fingers in every pot! If this passes, where will it stop?

Jeanna Spickler (McVeytown, 2023-06-20)

#114

I am signing as a Centre County resident who works for a privately owned, non-union consulting company in State College. I believe the deleterious effects of this proposal, to local business and economic wellbeing, would outweigh any potential benefit.

Daniel Becker (State College, 2023-06-20)

#115

This is not appropriate and very discriminates all the local business.

Heather Baker (Boalsburg, 2023-06-20)

#119

Discriminates against other skilled workers based on a biased hiring process. How many 50 year old apprentices are out there?

Cheryl Walstrom (Philipsburg, 2023-06-20)

#120

Limitation on who can work on or at a County construction project will significantly limit approval of bids and increase costs. This could lead to corruption that we don't want (or need) i.e. potential bid rigging. As to the safety issue, adherence to existing regulations (federal and state) should be sufficient. County over- site on projects should already exist, making this ordinance unnecessary. This proposed legislation is not only overly restrictive, it is unneeded.

David Toohey (Bellefonte, 2023-06-20)

#121

I'm signing because I oppose the proposed Centre County Responsible Contractor Ordinance.

Susan Gay (MILESBURG, 2023-06-20)

#122

All businesses, rather union or not should have the opportunity to bid on county contracts.

Michele Calistri (Bellefonte, 2023-06-20)

#123

I think this could lead to something not cosher. Also I believe it was introduced because this what they are doing @ state level. We want to control our local level.

Molly Detwiler (Bellefonte, 2023-06-20)

#126

Putting this ordinance in place would only force these workers to spend more money than they already do, making it harder for the to provide for their families.

Kylie Spickler (McVeytown, 2023-06-20)

#132

The insanity of Democrat mob rule must be stopped.

Tim Rogers (Spring Mills, 2023-06-21)

#133

I am not in favor!!!!!

DONNA MILLER (REBERSBURG, 2023-06-21)

#134

Overreach of government.

Ellen Cannizzaro (Port matilda, 2023-06-21)

#135

I care about our country. Local workers are the backbone of our country!

Linda Jordan (CENTRE HALL, 2023-06-21)

#139

Because I do not see a need for this!

Nancy Witmer (Bellefonte, 2023-06-21)

#142

I believe in equal work opportunities for all!

Hunter Wilson (State College, 2023-06-21)

#143

There is no proof that unionized work is any safer or better, only proof is that it cost a lot more.

Bud Yost (State college, 2023-06-21)

#144

I am signing because local small businesses should be able to bid and participate in major projects without being forced to have union labor.

Patrice Lusk (State College, 2023-06-21)

#147

Contractors can be used locally if they qualify and follow construction rules.
Only hiring union workers could raise our taxes. Not enough studies have been done.

Karen Lose (Bellefonte, 2023-06-21)

#149

To protect the rights of the taxpayers, employees, businesses and contractors of Centre County who would get shut out of consideration for Centre County’s construction projects.

Robert Cross (Bellefonte, 2023-06-21)

#150

Because it bs your going to kill small business

Scott Decker (Spring Mills, 2023-06-21)

#153

I don’t agree with the proposed ordinance.

Yvonne Foflygen (Port Matilda, 2023-06-21)

#154

Government over reach and more expense for the private sector.

Charlie Dubbs (Julian, 2023-06-21)

#155

This is going to destroy the livelihoods of many hardworking people.

Matthew Farrell (Philipsburg, 2023-06-21)

#156

This restricts small businesses inCentre County. It's a governmental overreach.

Linda Scott (State College, 2023-06-21)

#158

Unfair hiring practice

David Judice (State College, 2023-06-21)

#159

This ordinance will take work away from qualified private contractor, increase construction costs in the county, and make it more difficult to find contractors to perform the work that needs done.

Daren Eckley (State College, 2023-06-21)

#162

Small contractors will be forced out of contract work in Centre County. Small businesses are thw lifeblood of our town.

Paul Silvis (Port Matilda, 2023-06-21)

#164

To protect private local businesses from becoming ineligible to work.

Rose Ann Hoover (Port Matilda, 2023-06-21)

#165

This town is already one of the worst to build in all of this country. State college is losing its charm and the state college Bork and 2/3 of the county are mostly to blame

Thomas Marshall (State College, 2023-06-21)

#166

I would like to keep money going to contractors in Centre county.

John Hoover (Port Matilda, 2023-06-21)

#170

I believe this will hurt small businesses. I don’t agree with your proposal

carolyn Marshall (bellefonte, 2023-06-22)

#172

I oppose Centre County's Responsible Contractor Ordinance because it would squeeze out non-union, especially small, contracts.

Eric Jones (State College, 2023-06-22)

#176

Contacts should be competitive and not based on union members

Dan Watson (Bellefonte, 2023-06-22)

#177

This petition is an example of unnecessary and excessive government regulation.

John Ewton (Port Matilda, 2023-06-22)

#178

This is unfair! I don't know how Higgins and Concepcion even got elected!

Janie Donahey (Pleasant Gap, 2023-06-22)

#179

This is clearly a union driven anti-competitive action to restrain trade by raising unnecessary barriers for non-union shops. They have not shown ANY DATA demonstrating the superior work quality or safety of union apprentice programs and union contracting organizations

Russell Brooks (Centre Hall, 2023-06-22)

#180

Just don’t do it!

Kathie Smead (Bellefonte Pa, 2023-06-22)

#181

I respectfully strongly oppose the proposed Responsible Contractor’s Ordinance for the following reasons … outside interference with county government resulting increased construction cost, county taxes, unfair disadvantage for non-union contractors, conflict of interest, a proposed solution to a safety problem that does not exist.

Janet W Madore (State College, 2023-06-22)

#183

I care about small businesses and believe the free market should decide who is able to do business and who is not.

Kelly Kling (Centre Hall, 2023-06-22)

#185

government overeach-again. will only hurt local contractors and will not save any money. will only help unions

Carl Bankert (State College, 2023-06-22)

#186

I am signing this petition because I believe this Ordinance to be an over-reach on the part of the County into the construction business and I do not believe it to be necessary.

Carl Raup (State College, 2023-06-22)

#187

This ordinance is not needed and just adds complexity to all involved. The guidelines in place already ensure that responsible contractors get awarded these projects. Additionally, it will discriminate against open shop contractors.

David Asencio (State College, 2023-06-22)

#189

I am signing this petition because a. prevailing wages are already required on public projects over $25,000, b. OSHA already covers worker safety requirements, c. extending prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements to suppliers and subcontractors is government overreach and d. this ordinance will likely require more County resources in personnel and costs to manage and enforce.

Mark Kunkle (State College, 2023-06-22)

#190

I am in opposition of this because I own a NON-Union business.

Matthew Berrena (Huntingdon, 2023-06-22)

#191

I agree with the petition

louis glantz (state college, 2023-06-22)

#192

I agree that this ordinance is unnecessary and unwarranted.

William Luther (Bellefonte, 2023-06-22)

#193

Not fair for smaller non union employees

Wilson Haines (Port matilda, 2023-06-22)

#195

This ordinance is not necessary and excludes qualified individuals and small business in favor of union-backed businesses.

Lani Daubenspeck (State College, 2023-06-22)

#196

Do not like union

Lucinda Bickel (Tyrone, 2023-06-23)

#197

The ordinance is an unnecessary government overreach.

Leah Coll (Port Matilda, 2023-06-23)

#198

I believe that this ordinance does nothing to improve worker safety or enhance worker training. Most companies hire from trade schools when possible or provide on the job training, both on safety and construction work.

Wiliam MacMath (Bellefonte, 2023-06-23)

#199

I do not feel there is a need for such a ordinance. We have so many good contractors in our area and this makes it very difficult for those small contractors to do business.8W

Chuck Gambone (State College, 2023-06-23)