web1_TTL103019bentleys1.jpg

Fire marshal investigating Bentley’s fire

web1_TTL101719Luzerne-County-Courthouse3.jpg

Luzerne County $5 vehicle fee will be in effect another year

<p>HARRISBURG &#8212; The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) announced Monday that Ralph Yanora of Pittston Township has been appointed to the Commission to serve a five-year term.</p><p>&#8220;We look forward to working with Commissioner Yanora and welcome his insights and experience,&#8221; said PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille. &#8220;His extensive background in the water, wastewater, stormwater and natural gas distribution industries will be beneficial as the Commission continues to tackle a diverse list of infrastructure and other utility issues facing Pennsylvania.&#8221;</p><p>Yanora&#8217;s appointment was approved on Oct. 23, by the Senate, by a 45-3 vote, following a unanimous recommendation on Oct. 22, by the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee. He was sworn in during a brief ceremony in Harrisburg on Oct 24.</p><p>At his confirmation hearing, Yanora emphasized that his career has been dedicated to ensuring &#8220;safe, adequate, and continuous drinking water supply throughout our Commonwealth, which is very much a part of the Commission&#8217;s core mission.&#8221;</p><p>He also stressed the key role of consumer protection in the PUC&#8217;s work, noting, &#8220;I served customers throughout my career, and I look forward to continuing to serve and protect the Commonwealth&#8217;s utility customers while finding the appropriate balance between the needs of these consumers with those of the regulated utilities.&#8221;</p><p>With more than 40 years of experience in the water, wastewater, natural gas, and more recently stormwater industries, Yanora is the founder and retired CEO of Pennsylvania Water Specialties Company &#8212; which provides consulting and management services for cross connection control programs, water loss programs, as well as operation and maintenance programs for water distribution companies.</p><p>Yanora is a licensed master plumber and a certified instructor and trainer who has been recognized by the American Society of Sanitary Engineers for his knowledge and dedication to safeguarding water systems.</p><p>He is also an associate member of Pennsylvania Rural Water Association, a statewide organization whose mission is to support its approximately 1,100 municipal members along with all water and wastewater operators throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.</p><p>Additionally, since 2018 Yanora has served as a Pittston Township Supervisor, a position he has resigned.</p><p>Yanora resides in Pittston Township with his wife, Carmela, and their daughter Christina.</p><p>He succeeds Commissioner Norman J. Kennard, whose term expired on March 31.</p><p>The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_PUC-COMMISSION-YANORA.jpg">
<div class="neCaption">Yanora </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/web1_PUC-COMMISSION-YANORA.jpg</photo0><caption0>Yanora </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Bill O&#8217;Boyle</p><p>boboyle@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Bill O&#8217;Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Newest PUC commissioner, Yanora, is from Northeast Pa.