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Man sees huge responsibility in serving public
Saturday, May 26, 2012
By Annie Lynn Staff Writer
Andrew Rebar of New Liberty describes himself as a simple, conservative guy in day to day living. He also said he is an outdoor guy, adding, "God's world is awesome. I like all of the seasons, even winter."
He went on to say the world takes on a whole different complexion in winter, even with the wild life and their habitat changes. One way he finds to enjoy his world and the changing seasons is through hunting.
Grinning, he added that one thing he does not like about winter is plowing snow. Rebar has lived in New Liberty for 33 years with his wife, Susan Kay (Krause), whom he describes as the "love of his life."
His love of the outdoors has led him to another passion - farming, which he says he is trying. He currently owns some cattle and goats and he recently traveled to Liberty to pick up a Jersey calf. He also raises hay and corn for the livestock and a family garden.
Rebar has worn many hats in his lifetime, having held some 24 jobs. Some were short-lived, while others were longer term and provided valuable training for his current occupation. He said his first job was in Woodbridge, N.J. He was just out of high school then and worked in Woodbridge in electrical chemical coatings, which he described as putting insulation on wire coatings. After one year there, he returned to his home area and worked at Harbison-Walker Brickyard in Clearfield in various positions at Number One Works. He described his efforts to gain employment there, saying he kept going back day after day, seeking work. One day, when told the person in charge was not available, he said he would wait. He waited two hours until the man made an appearance. Told to come back the next day, he did, only to be told to return the next day. He returned, lunch box in hand, and was put to work. His perseverance had paid off. He noted he learned equipment while employed at Harbison Walker.
After four years at Harbison Walker, he was employed by L.E. Krause and Son Excavating from 1977-1980. He said his time there is where he learned how to use heavy equipment. In 1980, he started working for Associated Drilling Coal Mine (formerly the Kephart Mine) as a jack setter and face motorman. Five years was enough "down under" and in 1985 he established the Rebar Contracting Co., a general excavation company, in partnership with his brother Danny. Their company was involved in both residential and commercial excavation until 1993, when the company was disbanded.
Following that adventure, he entered into another one by working for several highway contractors in the area. These included Branch Highways Co. out of Roanoke, Va., Contractors Group out of Luzerne, HRI and New Enterprise Stone and Lime. He said these jobs meant a lot of motels and being away from home, since he worked on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and also in such places as Bedford and Danville.
All of his experiences, he feels, were preparation time for his current job as Decatur Township supervisor, where he has worked since Jan. 1, 1998. He said his 10 years with Rebar Contracting set the stage for his serving as supervisor. He added that he learned an awful lot with the other contractors - on-the-job training, so to speak.
Rebar noted that coming to Decatur Township was an eye-opener.
"I couldn't have been more unprepared from an administrative and political venue," he said. He added, "Shy of getting married and having children, this is the biggest responsibility I've had in my life. My greatest responsibility to the township is remaining open and independent so I can serve the public in a way that is good stewardship to them while not trying to interject my own thoughts and feelings into the process."
Rebar shared some of his accomplishments since coming to serve Decatur Township. One is being a long-term part in helping to get the Moshannon Valley Correction Center (formerly Cornell) established in the area. Another is designing, building and bringing to fruition Fairview Park, a community park near the township complex on Fairview Road. He said the park is a work in progress. This year they plan to construct a basketball court completely fenced in, paved and lighted.
A major endeavor, he said, was the legal action taken over the Clearfield County tax assessment. Rebar noted it was a difficult task but absolutely needed.
He was also instrumental in bringing four water projects to four separate areas in the township inside the last 10 years - those being Tin Town Center, Coal Run, the Gearhartville North project and one that extended out U.S. 322 from Graham Station Road to the township line.
During his tenure, the township has reduced the sewer rates by almost 50 percent, something he says is unheard of in this country.
Rebar proclaimed, "I love the Lord with all my heart, and I care. I care for and about all people."
Rebar's faith in God is the essence of who he is. It is the stronghold of his life, the power behind all he does, the reason he can say, "I care."
Because of God's love, he can love others. Rebar said he has met a lot of wonderful people as supervisor, such as citizens, government officials, colleagues, professional service providers, vendors and the media.
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