Predictions: Home Rule Yes and some state legislature races

I have been doing an informal survey of office holders, fellow bloggers and other political watchers over the last few days and we pretty much agree on the following races.

The Luzerne County Home Rule Charter will win big. Unlike 2003 there has not been a very organized effort against it and people are so fed up with what has been going on for years that just has recently been exposed that they are willing to take a chance on another form of government. The charter is not perfect but the biggest objections about an elected county executive and council elections by district can be addressed in 5 years by amendment instead of going through the whole process of electing another commission and writing another charter.


The PA 14th Senate race will be won by John Yudichack(D). The district has an overwhelming Democratic registration and Yuddy has been a good state rep. I like Steve Urban (R) and think he has been a good county commissioner. The Libertarian candidate Betsy Summers will eat into his vote but even if she wasn't in this Yudichack would still win big.

In the 118th State Rep District incumbent Mike Carroll (D) will be returned for another term.
Carroll has pleasantly surprised me with his desire to overhaul the campaign finance laws (there aren't many) of Pennsylvania and reform the redistricting process. His opponent Terrance O'Conner likes to dress up in 18th century garb and stand in the bed of his pick up truck yelling into a bullhorn. Today is Halloween so O'Conner should fit right in. One of his campaign planks is repeal ling the sales tax on ammunition. It's hard to win an election when you make yourself into a cartoon character and a joke.

Karen Boback (R) will win big in the overwhelmingly Republican 117th District. I have to congratulate Richard Shermanski (D) for running a energetic campaign.

James O'Meara (R) is my favorite underdog in this cycle. He has stayed positive in his uphill challenge to unseat Eddie Day Pashinski (D). He came to every blogger event and he married a great girl. I have never cast a straight ballot so this is one Republican I will be voting for. Pashinski wins big.

No tax on Drillers

Rendell calls gas severance tax dead this year

An effort to enact a state severance tax on natural gas production during the past 18 months ran into a dead end Thursday amid a round of political recriminations. Gov. Ed Rendell pronounced the push to enact a severance tax on natural gas production dead this year - a tacit recognition that the legislative session is effectively over until January and his term in office ends that month too. Rendell said the unwillingness of Senate and House Republican leaders to negotiate in good faith on a compromise tax is responsible for the breakdown.

The argument that a tax on gas extraction will chase away the drillers is laughable as just about every other state has one. The natural gas market is a world wide market just like oil. The gas extracted in PA doesn't stay in PA but is put onto the world market so consumers in the Commonwealth are already paying a severance tax to other states. The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center explains.

Across the country, 96% of natural gas is produced in states that have severance taxes. Pennsylvania, however, remains one of the only energy-producing states without one.

While some policymakers in Pennsylvania worry about the impact of a severance tax, studies in Wyoming, Utah and other states have shown that tax rates have little effect on natural gas production. Rather, drilling decisions are made based on the location of reserves and the expected price of natural gas.
...
This weekend, Pennsylvania will reach a new milestone - $100 million in revenue lost by the Legislature’s failure to approve a natural gas severance tax. The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center is tracking in real-time how much severance tax revenue has been lost since October 1, 2009 by not having a tax in place. View the Severance Tax Ticker here.

This is not surprising since we have the best legislature and candidates that money can buy.

The Money Game: Marcellus Shale Cash

It might seem odd that Kim Pegula, a self-described "homemaker" from Boca Raton, Florida, would donate $180,000 to help state Attorney General Tom Corbett become the next governor of Pennsylvania. ...To be sure, Ms. Pegula is no ordinary homemaker, but is responsible for an 8,000-square-foot, Tuscan-style estate in the exclusive St. Andrews Country Club that is currently on the market for $5.4 million... A study of reports filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State shows that in the 18-month period between January 1, 2009, and last June 30, drillers gave at least $751,762 to candidates-nearly triple their total of $276,802 for 2008.

One thing is very clear: the gas companies believe that their interests will best be served through the election of Republicans. Of the grand total of $1,028,564 contributed in 2008, 2009 and the first half of 2010, fully 82 per cent, or $843,884, went to Republican candidates.

Corbett accepted $311,803 in natural gas money while his Democratic opponent in the Nov. 2 gubernatorial election, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, took $94,000. State Auditor General Jack Wagner, who lost to Onorato in the Democratic primary, received $26,250.
For the record, Corbett opposes taxing natural gas, saying it would hurt a fledgling industry.

If this wasn't bad enough SRS points out that they not only don't want to tax this activity but want taxpayers to subsidize it.

Bill proposes State funding for marcellus infrastructure

Our environment is being raped in slow motion and the perps want us to pay for the pleasure. The water in Dimock has been poisoned by the gas drilling but Cabot Oil won't accept responsibility for its actions. Instead of making it right for the families affected Cabot pours money into the coffers of friendly politicians that will help them to avoid paying for the damage they have done and will do in the future. Yes, $12 million to build a water pipeline to service 16 families is madness. Expect more madness in the near future. The question is who will pay for the madness?

117th Democratic State Rep candidate Richard Shermanski sent this statement:


Shermanski Declares Death of Severance Tax Bill "Offensive"


The failure of the Pennsylvania legislature to enact a severance tax in the state was called "irresponsible" by Governor Rendell. Richard Shermanski, candidate for the 117th district, would also call it offensive. Given Pennsylvania's budget struggles, leaving a $70 million hole in the revenue plans is bad - but the issue of safety is another matter entirely.

"I'm committed to making sure that gas extraction is done safely. How can we make sure it's safe? We must have monetary reserves on hand to make sure that we can quickly respond to a disaster on the scale of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill we saw just months ago. A tax will put in a position to do just that," Richard said earlier today.

Richard said that House Republican leadership and their loyal foot soldier, Representative Karen Boback, had been more concerned about making sure the corporate interests were assured of higher profits
than safety of Northeastern Pennsylvanians.

"Pennsylvania will be the only mineral rich state in the country without a severance tax. The argument that a tax here would force companies elsewhere is absurd."

As we progress into the next legislative session, it's imperative that we tackle this issue. I want to pass this tax so that our commonwealth can improve financially - and, by extension, the lives of the citizens in Northeastern Pennsylvania will improve financially. Richard also said, "That House Republicans would look out for these out-of-district corporations over the potential safety of the families in the 117th and elsewhere is simply offensive."

117th candidates news

The TL contrasted the positions of 117th State Rep Karen Boback (R) and her Democratic challenger Richard Shermanski over the recently passed gas drilling severance tax.

They both favor the tax but differ about how the proceeds should be distributed. Boback wants more money coming home to the local municipalities while Shermanski wants to fund the Department of Environmental Protection.

Shermanski sent me a double barrelled press release:

SHERMANSKI ASKS: WHAT IS KAREN HIDING?
Who represents you in the PA State House? We hoped to have the opportunity to learn a little more about our state representative at a debate on October 21 – at least we wanted to, until Representative Karen Boback refused to meet Richard in a debate on October 21st.
Richard began reaching out to the Boback campaign back in August to schedule this debate. After the League of Women Voters began to make the event a reality, Karen decided that she had a prior commitment that night – waiting weeks to declare that she was unable to appear.
The families of the 117th deserve a fair shot at meeting their representative – and finding out why Richard would make a better Representative. Boback’s record in the House has often left voters wondering, “What was she thinking?” But, now, they’re forced to think “What is she hiding?” Why is she so afraid to face her constituents in a forum where her views might be challenged by an opponent?
A few things that Karen might be hiding...
• Why did she vote to support large gas extraction corporations over the safety of families in the district?
• Why does she continue to receive campaign donations from major corporations from outside the region?
• While she’s been in office, the PA House has repeatedly failed to pass a budget on time – and then, when they were set to do so, she voted against it.

Want to know even more about what Karen isn’t doing for the families in the 117th? Want to know what Richard plans to do to help our families and communities? Give us a call at 570-592-4766.



SHERMANSKI APPLAUDS PA HOUSE FOR VOTE PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT
In the course of this campaign, we’ve always put the constituents of the 117th first. We’re not about supporting companies that aren’t based in the area and protecting them when they don’t even employ workers in our area. That’s why we’re so pleased the State House stood up to outside interests, even though Representative Boback caved to pressure from her friends in the corporate world.
What’s worse is that Karen and the party leaders she supports tried to deceive the people of Pennsylvania by offering up a frightening argument about jobs. The Republican argument about job loss is ludicrous. There’s no way oil and gas companies will abandon the state and give up these profits – not when we’re sitting on top of what’s been called the Saudi Arabia of natural gas.
Representative Boback and her party bosses that she takes her marching orders from were perfectly willing to sacrifice the quality of life – everything from the roads we drive on to the water we drink – of the families that live and work in the 117th. It’s incomprehensible that Karen voted against providing the counties and municipalities impacted by these drillers with the tens of millions of dollars they will need to repair their roads and protect their water supplies. She once again put special interests ahead of the interests of Pennsylvanians.
We are at a crucial juncture in the birth of the nature gas extraction industry. After seeing the problems of our fellow Pennsylvanians in Clearfield County with the well accident and the polluted water supply in Susquehanna County, we know how important it is for us to make sure this industry grows responsibly. The recent actions taken by the state house are an excellent step in that direction.
With questions or for more information on my view on the Natural Gas extraction, please give us a call at 570-592-4766.


The have been reports of cows drinking frack water so by popular demand I will repost this pic of Boback discussing dairy and water issues with a constituent.

2nd District Dems to meet tonight

Time Today · 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location Lakeside Skillet
Pole 279 Harvey's Lake, Pennsylvania 18618


The September meeting will involve endorsement votes on candidates and ballot issues, as well as caffienated beverages! Note: Only elected committee members may vote on issues at the meeting, however, in the interest of open and transparent government, any Democrat from the 2nd District may come to view the proceedings and participate in the discussions.

2nd District Democratic Committee of Luzerne County

117th District candidate Richard Shermanski is an officer in this outfit and he recently sent me a press release supporting Kanjo's latest big idea:


Yesterday Richard Shermanski, Democratic Candidate of the 117th District, attended Congressman Kanjorski’s press conference on having Conyngham Township the location for a federal training facility. Over the last four years job growth in the 117th Legislative District has been, literally, at a stand still. For this reason Richard was very excited to hear about this project and its potential to bring in nearly 1,000 jobs to NEPA.

“I fully support Congressman Kanjorski on this project and I believe it will bring much needed growth to the area.”

However, Hazleton Mayor, Lou Barletta, opposes the plan claiming it will disrupt the residents of the area with bomb blasts and machine gun fire. Richard finds these claims “Unfounded”
“Having studied the maps of the area and seeing where the facility will be built I see no reason to think any training will be a nuisance to the residents.”

Although nothing is set in stone with the construction of the facility, Richard will make it a point to support its construction in his campaign throughout the area.

“I am committed to fully supporting this training facility’s construction and I look forward to informing the residents of my district of what it will bring to our area.”

Then another one:


Cooperation between state and federal governments is very important, and that’s why Richard is standing with Congressman Paul Kanjorski in his push to bring a training facility for the U.S. Department of State and the General Services Administration to Luzerne County. Congressman Kanjorski is working with Federal leaders to make sure that the property is one of the top choices for the facility, which will be used to train diplomatic security personnel.

The area stands to gain around one thousand jobs if the facility comes to Luzerne County. As a local leader, Richard will join Congressman Kanjorski in his efforts to bring the facility to Northeastern Pennsylvania.



“There’s no doubt that this election year is all about jobs. I know my neighbors are concerned about the future of the district, and this facility will bring long-term, stable employment to the region. That’s why I think that a partnership with Congressman Kanjorski is essential.” The proposed site is in Conyngham Township, on land managed by the Earth Conservancy. Local laws and leaders will be instrumental in the final decision-making progress, which is why Richard is eager to help pave the way. "Anything we can do to make this site more appealing to the agencies involved, we must do," Richard said.



The potential benefits to the district are numerous, according to a statement released by Congressman Kanjorski’s office. The statement reads “The training facility would bring up to 1,000 permanent jobs to the area, plus between 350-550 construction jobs just for the initial phase of the project. DoS would need to hire many new jobs at the facility for buildings and grounds, range operations, emergency medical services, administrative, custodial, vehicle maintenance, security, telecommunications, and food service.

The training facility would bring about 10,000 trainees to the area each year which would greatly benefit small businesses, hotels, and restaurants as they would receive an exponential increase in business. Currently, DoS books about 25,000 hotel rooms each year for existing training programs. …”



Richard added, “In a time when we’re worried about what workplace will collapse because of the dangerous economic policies that Representative Boback has overseen during her time in the State House, it’s imperative that we push for opportunities like these to ensure that local neighbors and families can thrive in our communities.”

Weekend events

NANTICOKE- Rick Arnold, candidate for state representative in Pennsylvania’s 119th District, invites residents to join him on Aug. 20 in recognizing the contributions of those who defend, protect, educate, and serve the needs of their community.

The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at Nanticoke’s West Side Park in the 300 block of West Grand Street.

Republican nominee Arnold is opposed by Democrat Gerald Mullery (who has rarely been heard from since the primary) and Libertarian Brian Bergman.





On Saturday 117th state Rep Democratic challenger Richard Shermanski invites you to breakfast in Drums. He is taking on GOP incumbent Karen Boback.









The big event on Saturday is Gas Stock.


Festival- Rally– Concert
Sat. Aug. 21, 2010 from 10 AM to 6 PM
at the
Luzerne County Fairgrounds
State Route 118 Lehman, PA

Sunday you can meet and greet 120th State House Republican hopeful West Pittston Mayor Bill Goldsworthy at Bo Brothers, Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming. Libertarian candidate Tim Mullen plans on knocking on more doors that day. They are taking on Democrat Phyllis Mundy.





Goldy and Phyllis have been debating debates on my last post.





I'm sure you will be able to find some of the politicians mentioned here and many others at the Pittston Tomato Festival.

Update:

Attorney General Tom Corbett, Republican candidate for Pennsylvania Governor will participate in the Pittston Tomato Festival Parade Saturday morning and will make a stop at Luzerne County Republican Headquarters, 41 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, at 2 p.m.

Gas Stock Saturday

No Fracking - Drilling!!
Artists, musicians, speakers, & storytellers will gather Sat Aug 21 10 AM
at Luzerne County Fairgrounds
to entertain and inform residents of NEPA
about Marcellus Shale gas drilling and the risks posed.
Join us for fun and facts in a family-friendly environment.

Be part of NEPA's Community Event of the Year!


GasStock
Free!


Concert - Rally - Festival at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds in Lehman, PA


Sat. Aug. 21 starting at 10 AM



I'm looking forward to seeing the Associates perform.



You can start the day by having a hearty breakfast with 117th Democratic State House candidate Richard Shermanski.





Kayak Dude will be walking from Nesbitt Park to the fairgrounds and is asking for company. I hope he wears proper blogger attire.

Petrilla backs Shermanski

From the inbox:


The Shermanski for State House Campaign is excited to announce our latest endorsement – this time from a prominent figure in Luzerne County Politics. Chairwoman Maryanne Petrilla has expressed her confidence in Richard’s ability to lead in the local community and in Harrisburg. “As the chair of the Luzerne County Commissioners, Maryanne has a feel for the communities in the 117th district more than most, and that’s what makes me so excited to accept her endorsement,” Richard stated.

Maryanne Petrilla has been a positive force for Luzerne County and a leader in our area for
years. Prior to her service at the county level, she served as Butler Township Manager for over a decade. Richard is proud to have the support of a leader with so much public service and community involvement.

Official statement from Richard on the endorsement: “With this endorsement, we can continue to grow as a campaign. I look forward to working with Maryanne and other leaders from
throughout the 117th as we work to bring jobs back to Northeastern PA, improve our schools
throughout Pennsylvania, and protect our environment from dangerous drilling practices.”

.

Shermanski is running against incumbent State Rep Karen Boback.

Karen Boback wants to protect water

Boback is in favor of water legislation


“Natural gas drilling has the potential to be the most promising economic boon for our Commonwealth, but we have to proceed with caution and make sure we are putting the health and safety of our citizens first,” said Boback. “I am introducing this legislation to put additional safeguards in place for the drinking water sources we all share and on which we rely. As we have seen from the catastrophe in the gulf, once an accident occurs, it is difficult to restore our natural resources. I believe the best approach is to proceed with caution.”


Her opponant Richard Shermanski responded:


Well for one she's not supporting any form of a Moratorium on drilling, Karen is simply tack on regulations to the drilling. We simply can not rush into this, we need to stop this drilling completely till we can be absolutely sure that it this extraction of shale is 100% safe.


Also, Karen is introducing more legislation. Why doesn't she just support one of the several pieces of legislation already introduced? Instead we are getting more clutter on th house floor instead of our Represenatives working together to create a real piece of legislation that can really fix this problem.



I agree we need regulations on the drilling but until we can be absolutley sure it's safe we can not and should not take the risk of even allowing any form of drilling.



Here's my plan if elected:



"As a candidate for the House of Representatives I fully support placing a Moratorium an all drilling in Pennsylvania until we can be assured that the excavation of the shale is 100% safe for those living around the sites including the fresh water wells and reservoirs of the area. I also will push to make sure no drilling companies will excavate the material unless they are absolutely capable of stopping any form of leakage of the chemicals into the ground and water, they must use top of the line equipment and up-to-date methods of extraction and safety. If they can not handle the risk then they can not take the chance of reaping the rewards. I also will enforce stricter regulations on the drilling companies, no longer will they simply be allowed to drill just because they leased the land and they will have State Department of Energy Supervisors at every site to ensure that everything is done correctly."



I don't want to just put a band aide on a open wound, we need to fully understand what effects this drilling will have on the land and the people around it. Simply putting small regulations on this process will not be what puts peoples minds at ease, we need to know that this is safe. Once we know it's safe to drill we can place regulations and taxes on the drilling companies. But, until that day we must put a stop to this extraction.