Ulterior motives

The special effort by Tom Songer to change the municipal sewage billing system is reminiscent of his effort to consolidate the borough, College and Patton Township governments chiefly for uniform code regulation. The 1995 referendum was defeated by 76 percent of voters. A later effort to consolidate municipal police departments also failed the public test overwhelmingly.

I opine this effort, too, is motivated and funded chiefly by the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County’s rental property faction led by Songer. His petition has 200 signatures after six months. Memo to COG and UAJA: 71,000 registered voters did not sign.

The University Aarea Joint Authority is rated among the best sewage systems with the lowest sewage rates ($35 per month for both residential and commercial dwelling units) in the United States.

A Patton Township supervisor immortally reminded a township manager some years ago — if we do not have a problem, do not try to solve it. A referendum in 2019 would allow the public to speak.

This story was originally published September 26, 2017 at 10:49 PM with the headline "Ulterior motives."