Members of the Altoona City Council
Blair County Commissioners
Honorable Mayor Bill Schirf
Editor:
The Jan. 14, 2011, edition of the Altoona Mirror carried a very disturbing article about the 814 area code debacle that the Public Utility Commission is trying to force upon northwest Pennsylvania, including the DuBois/Sandy Township area of Clearfield County.
In the article, the Altoona City Council urged the PUC to continue to “stick” with its decision to give the northwest area a new code. Also, Mayor Schirf wants to “spring into action” and rally the Johnstown/Altoona Region to follow his lead by endorsing the new area code for the northwest corridor while conveniently sheltering the Altoona/Johnstown area from this change.
Mayor Schirf, Altoona Council, Blair County Commissioners, and those who seem to agree, I urge you to redirect your actions against your fellow Pennsylvanians and by tackling this problem: a new area code for only part of the 814 area, developed by the Public Utility Commission”. Everything I have read and researched points the change to the northwest area that includes the DuBois/Sandy Township and surrounding areas, NOT the Altoona/Johnstown region.
Mayor Schirf, if you want to “spring into action”, why not call a town hall meeting to discuss having the PUC overlay 814 with a new code for new customers only? Now, that type action would certainly help and support your neighboring county and its citizens.
Before I call for action on our part, let’s look at a few common-sense facts:
- Total recall of 814 in the Northwest would add additional, burdensome expense upon all business owners and private individuals
- Complete overhaul of letterhead, business cards, etc.
- Complete overhaul of website information
- Cell phone and basic phone service information will be disrupted
- Confusion for current as well as future customers
Now, I read where if the Altoona/Johnstown region is affected by the change, then all the above would relegate to that region.
With that stated, I am calling upon the Pennsylvania State Senators and Representatives in the 814 area code to convene a town hall meeting to allow each region speak to the problem and to create a reasonable solution. With that said, be advised that this letter will be forwarded to the Honorable Joseph Scarnati and the Honorable Matt Gabler .
I ask that they set up this Town Hall meeting in the center of this storm so all dignitaries, politicians, and citizens can voice and have their opinions recorded. If in fact any cannot appear at this meeting, I will urge them to write to me, Barry Abbott, at jbaka@verizon.net so their opinions and beliefs can be included in the meeting. This will allow existing consumers to have their opinions stated for the record to the Public Utility Commission.
As to my solution to this crisis: Slow down, let the commission take public and government input, and then rally to allow an overlay of old vs. new area codes. To make it simple: Allow existing consumers their existing 814 area code, and for all new consumers add the new 582 area code to their new numbers.
Mayor Schirf, Altoona City Council, Blair County Commissioners, Clearfield County Commissioners, DuBois City Council, Sandy Township Municipality, Jefferson County Commissioners, Clarion County Commissioners, Erie County Officials~ the fight is not with nor among us, but instead with the government jurisdiction that made this ludicrous decision. Let us rally and unite as one for the betterment of our respective counties and citizens.
I will urge that this meeting takes place in the center region of the 814 area code. I am confident that the DuBois Area will gladly host this rally. This unification rally needs to happen within two weeks or sooner so that the PUC can see a unified rally against this unnecessary inconvenience about to be endured by the populace.
I eagerly await the responses of each government entity and all private individuals who feel harmed or affected by this PUC proposal.
Sincerely,
Barry Abbott
DuBois