CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners took a step on Tuesday to support buying American goods and services when and where possible with the passing of a resolution.
At last week’s commissioners’ work session Charles Lombardo and Ralph Lippert asked the commissioners to buy American on behalf of the United Steelworkers. Lippert presented the commissioners with a resolution that would commit stimulus money for the purchase of American made items where and when possible.
Lippert said it was there belief that the purchase of services and materials that are American-made are the best way to stimulate the economy.
“This is something we already do in the county but would be happy to enter into this resolution,” said Commissioner Chairperson Joan Robinson-McMillen.
County Solicitor Kim Kesner indicated that he had issues with the wording of the language of the resolution, which states asks that the county purchase services or goods made in America “whenever and wherever possible.” Some legal requirements make this resolution moot, such as the county being required to accept the lowest responsible bid for some goods and services. Other laws, such as the PA State Steel Procurement Act, already require some purchases of goods and services to be made with US goods.
“It’s important we take this leadership roll at all levels,” said Commissioner Mark McCracken. “We’re setting an example.”