Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio, and Chief of Staff Sean Wiley pulled out the stops for DiVecchio’s Town Hall Meeting in North East Wednesday evening.  Attending were the majority of county government department heads, who outnumbered the interested citizens.  So much for interest in how government makes the choices they make!

Each director gave a brief department description, then took questions from the floor.  The most discussion involved economic development, including the proposed Community College, and how decisions are made as to which areas are the most logical to emphasize in seeking businesses to relocate or start up in Erie County.   Also discussed was the gambling issue, and Bob Spaulding explained the issues surrounding the $10M which has been guaranteed to Erie County by the State of Pa. for the next 10 years. Gaming Revenue Administrator Rena Moakeh outlined the objectives of her office.

Joe Weindorf described the operation on the Department of Public safety, and the advances that are taking place in taking public safety to the next level, such as the central dispatching center.

Jake Welch, Director of Planning,  spoke about land usage, and efforts to preserve farmland.  He also touched on the Master Plan and it’s usage.

The remaining directors on hand gave a short presentation on their departments, but did not draw any questions from the floor.

My intent over the next couple days is to post about each area in a little more depth.  I was also able to go one-on-one with several of the key players in County Government.  I explained that I am a blogger on the GlobalErieNetwork, and they were very enthusiastic to get more involved with the New Media.  Several invited me to contact them directly with any questions or suggestions.

As far as I see it, the only losers last evening were the people who just couldn’t be bothered to attend.  DiVecchio and his crew were ready, willing, and able to answer any and all questions thrown at them.  All in all, I was impressed with the meeting and the County’s preparedness.  More later.  If anyone has a question, I’ll do my best to find the answer.