Weights & Measures director on state’s Public Health honor roll
Ron Mannella has handled job for Genesee and Orleans counties
Photo by Tom Rivers: Orleans County legislator Don Allport presents a “Special Recognition Award” this afternoon to Ron Mannella, the director of Weights & Measures for both Orleans and Genesee counties. (County Legislator Bill Eick is in back.)
ALBION – Ron Mannella, the Weights & Measures director in Orleans and Genesee counties, has been honored by the state Department of Health with a 2020 Public Health Works! Honor Roll Award.
Mannella received the award from Dr. Howard Zucker, the state’s public health commissioner, “in recognition of your outstanding commitment to public health by promoting the overall heath of the community, preventing disease, and helping New York become the healthiest state in the nation.”
Zucker, in a letter to Mannella, praised his dedication to the field of public health and his efforts to promote equity in the marketplace by ensuring the accuracy of weighing and measuring devices in the two counties.
He was nominated for the award by Paul Pettit, the public health director in Genesee and Orleans.
Manella has worked as weights and measures director in Orleans County for about 18 months. This year he added Genesee County to the job. That saved the two counties $41,000, and Mannella proved to be up to the challenge of doing a role that used to be filled by two people.
“There’s a direct positive fiscal impact and the work he’s getting the job done,” Pettit told Orleans County legislators today. “The work he has been putting out has been top notch.”
Pettit said Mannella also has helped the public better understand the function of Weights & Measures with his posts on social media and on the department’s website.
Weights & Measures acts as financial protection for both the buyer and the seller, ensuring fair transactions for all parties involved. Mannella tests devices used in day-to-day activities, including at gas stations, grocery stores, delis, bakeries, produce stands, laundromats and other businesses.
Last year there were 1,111 devices tested (Genesee: 705, Orleans: 406). Of those, 85.42% initially tested correct. When a device is found incorrect and in the store’s favor, Mannella orders the device repaired. It can be used again until it passes inspection.
