By SUSAN EVANS
The Tribune-Democrat
EBENSBURG
June 21, 2009 11:57 pm
—
The mayor’s office walls hold a mixture of government certificates, a portrait of Gen. James Longstreet and his horse, and a collection of model fire trucks and old cars.
Like Longstreet, retiring Mayor Charles Moyer is an “old war horse” of sorts.
Like the government certificates from state and county groups, Moyer has a distinguished record of service.
And like the fire truck, Moyer has done his share as a local volunteer.
Now, at age 66 and with less than six months remaining in his long career as an elected official, he is still looking toward the horizons or what changes might yet be coming in local government.
“I was born and raised here, and to be mayor of your hometown is truly an honor,” Moyer said. “I like to think that I’ve made a positive difference.
“I’m really surprised at how many people have asked me why I’m retiring,” he added. “Being mayor is a responsibility – actually a lot of responsibility.
“One thing I’ve learned is that you can stay too long.”
Born in the Colver Hospital, the son of a coal miner, Moyer attended Holy Name Elementary School and Central Cambria High School.
His career began with odd jobs and then a position with a company that installed power lines. He worked first on lines between Ebensburg and Carrolltown, and later in Indiana County and then New Jersey.
In 1967, Moyer started with Penelec and stayed with the power company for the remainder of his career, eventually retiring as a line foreman.
He met his wife, Rose, at the Colver Club on a Saturday night when they had a band. A shy woman, Rose is a regular at Ebensburg Borough Council meetings.
At the next one – today – the couple will have been married for 41 years.
‘An excellent example’
The mayor is quick to tick off changes made under his administration:
“By the borough contracting to one garbage collector, we cut $60 per month off people’s bill,” he said, “plus recycling and spring cleanup is included, too.”
In 1999, Ebensburg was the first borough in the state to adopt a two-tier tax, with more weight placed on property than income.
“It’s called ‘land value tax’ and it came about in cities where people bought up old buildings with low taxes,” he said. “Now, owners must do something with such a property or pay higher taxes.”
The role of mayor has been in flux during Moyer’s long career.
“The mayor is actually in charge of the police department, but the council hires, fires and makes equipment decisions,” he said. “It’s important to know where the line is.
“Deciding which officer works where, the council can’t say.”
Moyer describes his relationship with council as good.
“Anytime there is anything that happens, and something goes on, I try to tell council first,” he said.
For Moyer, the thorny part of the job is the stream of complaints he sometimes hears.
“There’s a certain group that complains about things when they’re different, no matter what it is,” Moyer said.
“People complained about the trees being replaced, and now we get compliments on how nice the new ones look. Oh well, when the town is full of traditionalism, we tend to think things are fine the way they are.”
Borough Manager Dan Penatzer and the mayor have enjoyed a constructive relationship.
Says the mayor: “Dan is very effective, and there’s no doubt that he’s in charge. Also, he keeps ahead of things, and that shows.”
Says Penatzer: “A good mayor has a broad vision; is dependable, knowledgeable, and progressive; and is a leader. Charlie Moyer is all of those. He can talk intelligently about any matter affecting local government.
“He was always willing to try something new, and was one of our biggest supporters when it came to new projects,” Penatzer said. “He has set an excellent example for other public officials, and for whoever is chosen to be Ebensburg’s next mayor.”
At the county level, President Commissioner P.J. Stevens echoes Penatzer’s analysis:
“Charlie Moyer has been very much a proactive mayor,” Stevens said. “Yet has taken the role seriously and made a positive, lasting effect on the town. We’re glad he’s staying on the county authorities.”
‘Like a brotherhood’
Longer than Moyer’s political career, his Penelec career – and even his marriage – is his relationship with Ebensburg’s Dauntless Volunteer Fire Company.
Since 1963, he has been very active, serving as captain for 10 years. He is now a life member.
Moyer views that as one of his most important roles in his life.
“It’s like a brotherhood,” he said. “It teaches you the importance of following orders, and of the chain of command.”
He watches with mixed feelings as the number of reliable volunteers dwindles across the county.
“When the coal and steel companies were still operating, they donated a lot,” Moyer said.
“Guys were available any time because of the different shifts, and there was never a question about them serving.
“Now, with the costs of insurance and equipment, plus smaller companies with smaller budgets, we’ll see more and more mergers of fire companies,” he said.
And of the many changes he’s seen as mayor, he thinks he’ll see more changes with volunteer services.
“One thing I think will happen is more paid firefighters and emergency police,” he said.
“I look for countywide fire and police at some point. I do believe that’s coming.”
Moyer declined to comment specifically on the race for a new mayor, which pits Democrat Randy Datsko against Republican Celia Houser.
Moyer said only that he still has work to do and terms to fulfill on the county’s authorities.
“I’ll stay busy,” he said.
“Don’t worry about that.”
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