Locally elected and appointed officials voted on the following matters in the past week:
Federal
The House passed as amended the Medical Preparedness Allowable Use Act. It authorizes the use of Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Program funding for enhancing medical preparedness, medical surge capacity, and mass prophylaxis capabilities. Under the bill, the grants could be used for the development and maintenance of an initial pharmaceutical stockpile, including medical kits, and diagnostics sufficient to protect first responders, their families, and immediate victims from a chemical or biological event. U.S. Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Howard, voted yes. U.S. Rep. Thomas Marino, R-Cogan Station, did not vote.
The House passed the Jaime Zapata Border Enforcement Security Task Force, or BEST, a bill that aims to enhance border security, in part by giving Congress the ability to directly oversee appropriations of funds for law enforcement units on the nation's borders. Thompson voted yes. Marino did not vote.
State
The Senate and House were out of session.
County
Lycoming County commissioners approved a bond financing agreement that allows Silver Street Development Corp., of Portland, Maine, to acquire and rehabilitate Newberry Estates, 2500 Federal Ave. Although the bond financing originates from the Berks County Industrial Development Authority, Lycoming County is not financially obligated to the estimated $18.5 million project.
Municipal
Williamsport Parking Authority approved a proposed $1.4 million 2013 operating budget. Voting in favor were Dr. Anthony Cipolla, Rose Choate, Marc Schefsky, and Ruth Grieco. Kenneth DiRocco was absent.
Loyalsock Township supervisors approved a proposed $4.3 million 2013 budget. Voting in favor were John Bower, Virginia Eaton, Jeff Rauff, Marc Sortman and Rick Wheeland.
School district
Jersey Shore Area School Board voted 8-0 to hire Luke Lorson as the middle school wrestling head coach. The approval came after accepting the resignation of Nick Lorson. Voting in favor were board members Robert Pryor, Shelley Helm, Harry Brungard, Craig Allen, Denise Smith, Harry Miller, John Shireman and Karen Stover. Board member Heather Williamson was absent.
