Talk of the Town host David Croyle talked to Ford City Borough Municipal Sewage Disposal Authority members Tom Shaffer and Paul Harmon.
by David Croyle
Ford City Borough Municipal Sewage Disposal Authority President Tom Shaffer and Assistant Secretary Paul Harmon appeared on last night’s “Talk of the Town” program to clarify rumors surrounding the resignation of Controller Brenda Vargo.
An article appearing in another local publication last Saturday cited Board Member Ron Dillard and ex-Board member Terry Tokarek stating there was a clash between Shaffer and Vargo resulting in harassment and her resignation came by force.
Shaffer denied the allegations, stating that he voted for Vargo’s appointment to the sewage authority when he was on Ford City Borough Council.
“The person that wrote this article didn’t talk to Ms. Vargo and the rest was only opinion (by persons who were interviewed). I think they need to stick to the facts. I think it was ridiculous that it was even printed. I would say [the reporter] needs to do more research. It’s not the first time something was printed about me that wasn’t true by the same other paper.”
Shaffer said that the he disagreed with an employment contract the authority had with Vargo. “I believe it was illegal.” Sewage authority solicitor Frank Wolfe agreed and the authority decided to eliminate the controller position, voiding Vargo’s contract, and create another position. The newly created position would serve as liaison between residents and the sewage authority.
Vargo called the station after the program aired live on Family-Life TV and WTYM radio. Speaking on the record, she said she wanted to clarify her position.
Vargo
“I wish if people were going to talk about me that they would get the facts straight. Tom made the comment he wished the people would get their facts straight when they talk about him, Yes, I did sell my house. It is public record. I am still a Ford City resident and really don’t have another job. It seems funny how people say stuff and I was never asked any of the questions either. Here we go again with people speculating and saying stuff trying to make the story juicier.“
She said she is planning on staying in the Ford City/Manor Township area, but that she has no intention of applying for another position with the Sewage Authority.
When asked why she left, Vargo would only comment that it was for “personal reasons” and said she just did not wish to work there any longer. She would not comment on Tokarek’s allegation that she was harassed.
Vargo dispelled rumors that she was considering litigation against the authority because she had hired an attorney. “My contract and Jim’s (Smernick, plant manager) contract were being questioned. They wanted to do away with both contracts. That is the only reason attorneys were involved.” Vargo said attorney was hired for consultation on their position.
A caller as well as Shaffer and Harmon congratulated Vargo for saving the sewage authority money through a planned refinancing of a loan.
Vargo confirmed that an audit for 2009 would have to be complete before the bank could draw up the paperwork to lower the interest rates on two commercial loans held by S&T Bank. “Once the audit is complete, it will have to be submitted to the Board of the bank, then they draw up the loan documents.” The Authority will save $124,000 once the interest rate is lowered.
The next regular meeting of the sewage authority is scheduled for 6PM on August 12. Shaffer said they plan to discuss advertising for a liaison position at that meeting.
“Talk of the Town will be rebroadcast today at 1:00 PM on WTYM radio, 1380 AM.