“That’s never gonna’ happen here!”
Seems people say that all the time. About extreme weather. About heinous crime. About petty crime. About “trusted staffers” who take money from non-for profits and employers. Yet it does happen … with increasing frequency, it seems.
If it can happen, it will. Especially in places where the person in charge of a tree commission – until just several days ago – contracted work on behalf of the tree commission with the prime, most-often only, tree service provider. [Note, in a Columbia news, views & reviews article a tree commission issue in Columbia Borough, “Borough executive, Sam Sulkosky, stated that Boroughs are not required to solicit competitive bids on work costing less than $10,000 but that he has advised the Commission to solicit competitive bids for large tree removal and accompanying scope of work.“]
Especially in places where the person in charge of the tree commission was employed by “an affiliate” company operating at the same business address of the tree service provider.
Especially in places where the wife of the person in charge (the Chair) of the tree commission was employed by the tree service provider that has been contracted for much of the work the tree commission declared necessary.
Especially in places where close relatives of the tree commission’s former chair may hold elected positions of authority that may endorse or “wink at” commission decisions and operating actions.
Especially in places where, until recently, the tree commission would let contracts without announcing or soliciting competitive bids for projects.
Especially in places where a person who “steals” money from the employer may be experiencing “financial problems.”.
Especially in times and places where more than few people experience “financial problems” including taxes and liens.
Especially in times and places where more than a few people experience the stress of “upset sales.” The September 17, 2012 Lancaster County Upset Sale list showed more than 60 properties in the borough with outstanding tax liens; a few were for as much as $15,000 – $18,000. Most likely, most of the property owners sought legal payment resolutions.
Yeah, it can happen here, too.
Columbia news, views & reviews 
You know, hasn’t that man (Doug) had enough misfortune? I remember just a few short years ago he had a large devastating fire at his place and he lost some pricey equipment. Then I believe as a result of some insurance issues stemming from that, he ultimately had to file for bankruptcy. Now some criminal decided to fraud him out of his money. She decided she needed it more than him and his family. Rumor has it that it’s over $18,000 now. Doug Ressler is a hard worker and a really nice guy. I hope his business can survive this.