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Erie PA News and Events for Friday December 22, 2005

Erie City Council yesterday held yet another budget session. Once again, there was no talk of cutting expenses, only raising taxes. They agreed to a tax on rental properties of $40. This amount could be raised possibly up to $100 because the vote was only preliminary. It must still pass two readings to become an ordinance and therefor law. Jessica Horan-Kunco and Joe Sinnott voted against the measure. Horan-Kunco boted against it because she is against it. Sinnott voted against it for political reasons, he would have voted for it is his vote was necessary. As a landlord myself, I’m against the tax even though it will put money money in my pocket. I will simply raise the rent I charge $5 more a month. In 2006, that extra $5 a month will bring me $60. After paying the $40 tax I will have an extra $20. Council has 5 days to pass a balanced budget. If they don’t the state will take over under Act 47. Pennsylvania Act 47 is the law that allows the state to take over cities that qualify for ‘distressed city status.’ Every hour that passes, this looks more likely. Maybe that’s needed because the people we elected can’t do their jobs.

Forward.Vision, a company focused on helping pilots of small planes better navigate during adverse weather today was announced as the winner of the Gannon University Small Business Development Center Big Idea $25,000 Business Plan Contest. The contest was open to any business that did not formally exist before March 28, 2005. The business and its owner must reside or plan to reside in Erie, Warren, Crawford, or Mercer counties. The company had to be manufacturing or technology focused and interested in developing new products or processes.

For a second consecutive year, Erie Insurance ranks highest in collision repair satisfaction with an index score of 852 in the JD Power and Associates 2005 Collision Repair Satisfaction Study. Erie receives particularly high ratings from customers for the repair facility. Following Erie in the rankings are AAA Michigan Auto Club Group (ACG) with a score of 832, and State Farm with a score of 826.

A new book called “Bucyrus: Making the Earth Move for 125 Years” chronicles the firm and firms it acquired, including The Erie Steam Shovel Company. The Erie Steam Shovel Company operated in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. In 1927, Bucyrus merged with the Erie Steam Shovel Company and became Bucyrus-Erie. Bucyrus-Erie changed it’s name to Bucyrus International which they closed the Erie plant in 1984.

My beloved Pittsburgh Steelers play Cleveland on Saturday, Christmas Eve, at 1 pm. Because the bastards from Buffalo also play at 1, the Bills game and not the Steelers-Browns will be shown in Erie. If you’re over 21 and want to see the game you have to go to a bar or a club that has a satellite with the NFL package. I volunteered to bartend at the St Mary’s Club for the game. The club has a bunch of TV and inexpensive drinks. If you’re looking for a place to go, leave a comment or drop me a line at presqueisle(at)gmail.com .

The unbeaten Edinboro University wrestling team (4-0) jumped to 18th in the latest USA Today/NWCA/InterMat Division I Coaches Poll.

Edinboro University football players Chris Avery (Cornerback), Chris Amico (Defensive Lineman) and Greg Bzorek (Offensive Tackle) were named to the 2005 Daktronics Division II All America Team.

Anthony Iob who played for the Erie Panthers in the 1992-93 season was named to the Italian National Hockey Team that will play in the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Posted by Dennis at December 23, 2005 7:03 AM

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