SMETHPORT – The McKean County Commissioners intend to adopt a
policy regarding the wearing of political buttons or clothing at
polling places during the upcoming November general election.

The resolution, which will be acted on at the commissioners’
regular monthly meeting Tuesday, notes that a memo from the state
indicates that such “passive electioneering” is not covered by the
state election code’s prohibition of electioneering at or near a
polling place.

The Code does not specifically define “electioneering,” but the
Department of State advises that the mere wearing of buttons, etc.,
is permissible if “… the voter takes no additional action to
attempt to influence other voters …”

While voters are permitted to wear campaign buttons, the same is
not true of officials and party “watchers” at the polls; they are
prohibited from even passive electioneering and are not permitted
buttons.

In other news, the commissioners noted there is about ,31,000 in
recycling grant money from the state Department of Environmental
Protection that they intend to share with municipalities.

Commissioner Chairman Joe DeMott noted that municipalities can
apply for a recycling grant, but for the smaller ones it may not be
worth the effort.

“They deserve some reward,” DeMott said.

The other half of the ,31,000 will go towards new bins and signs
at some county-sponsored locations.

Also, the commissioners also noted the portico and front steps
of the county courthouse, long a favorite spot for people taking a
smoke break, has been declared a “No Smoking” area.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Judy Church reported that negotiations
with various bargaining units are going well and may be settled by
the end of next month.

Church and Commissioner Al Pingie are taking part in the
negotiations.

Pingie was not at the Thursday work session.