Kaufer challenges Mundy to 3 debates

From the inbox:

Aaron Kaufer to challenge Rep. Phyllis Mundy (D-120) to a series of debates

to be held over the next two months

Kingston, Pa. -- Aaron Kaufer, the Republican candidate for state representative in the 120^th District, has challenged Democratic incumbent Phyllis Mundy to three debates. Kaufer sent a letter to Phyllis Mundy stating a request for the debates. Kaufer said that if Mundy accepts, the debates would be held in September and October in the weeks leading up to the election. In an effort to reach the most voters, Kaufer said he wants the events to be held at specific locations within the Wyoming Valley West, Wyoming Area and Back Mountain regions. 

            “Debates are vital in having a well-informed voting populace,” Kaufer said. “This election represents two visions for our area, and I look forward to the opportunity of discussing my vision and what I hope to accomplish. I am confident that the voters of the 120^th district are looking for new solutions to the same old problems.”

Phyllis has always debated her opponents and I'm sure she will work it out with  Aaron just like last time when she debated Tim Mullen and Bill Goldsworthy.
 

Mundy, two challengers debate in 120th district

 I asked Phyllis for her response and will publish it as soon as she gets back to me.. 

UPDATE: Phyllis responds

 I strongly agree that debates are important to an informed electorate. I have always participated in debates throughout my tenure as State Rep. 

I am out of town babysitting my grandchildren at the moment, but as soon as I return I will ask the League of Women Voters of the Wilkes-Barre Area to be the debate sponsor. I will leave the date, time and format in their capable hands. 

 

Looking to the fall: State Rep 120th District

I was going to a roundup of the 3 competitive Luzerne County state rep races in one post but decided to address them individually. Since I started blogging I think I have given more ink (ether, pixels) to state rep races than any other local blogger and maybe as much space as the local papers.I always cover the underdogs in these races.

At a rally that  Phyllis Mundy recently hosted for him our next likely Congressman Matt Cartwright said ""Phyllis is a giant in the Democratic Party." So that raises the question can Republican Aaron Kaufer be a giant killer? Probably not but that is why we have elections.

In the recent primary election with an abysmal turnout Mundy got 4210 votes to Kaufer's 2917. In the 2010 primary she gathered 5400 to Republican West Pittston mayor Bill Goldsworthy 3223.The General Election results returned Phylis to Harrisburg  in the very Republican/Tea Party year of  2010 winning a solid 53% 10,153, to Goldsworthy's 6154 32% with Libertarian Tim Mullen mounting a valiant effort finishing with 2858 15%.

Looking at the campaign finance reports on the PA Department of State Mundy is way out in front with $48,000 cash on hand to Kaufer's $3300. Mundy raised $21K since the beginning of the year adding to the balance carried over. Kaufer snagged $6375in contributions  which is a surprise. One item on Kaufer's CFR that piqued my interest was this in-kind contribution from Sheldon Kaufer of $6000. It is described as Office rent for Jan., Feb.,March 2012. Who get's 2 grand a month for office space around here?

I like Aaron and you all know that Phyllis is one of my top 5 legislators.

Below are a few challengers that Phyllis has vanquished in the past and may in the future

L to R

Bill James, Aaron Kaufer, Rick Arnold ( another district), Tim Mullen, Bill Goldsworthy, John Cordora

Mailloux and McCabe out

Pete Mailloux is a casualty of the hash that the Harrisburg Republican's made of reapportionment. A W-B city employee challenged his petitions because he doesn't live in the 121st HD. Mailloux conceded the point and dropped out of the race. Barring a 3rd party or Independent candidate getting enough signatures by August 1st Democratic incumbent Eddie Day Pashinski will be the only name on the ballot in November.

On the west side Dem Asst. DA Frank McCabe only got 325 signatures on his petitions that were challenged by Charles Jackson of West Wyoming and Anthony Perzia of Luzerne. The rule of thumb is to get twice as many signatures than you need to ward off challenges because there will always be something wrong. In a state rep race you need 300 but it's harder than you think to gather them especially when you get a late start. McCabe decided not to fight his way on to the ballot. It's doubtful a 3rd party candidate will get into this race as Libertarian Tim Mullen who ran last time was at Republican Aaron Kaufer's kickoff event and the local Greens want to save the world but can't field candidates in local elections. Right now it looks like long time Democratic incumbent Phyllis Mundy will face Young Republican Aaron Kaufer in the fall.

Area House hopefuls pull petitions

Aaron Kaufer for State Representative

Young Republican Aaron Kaufman announced he is a candidate for the 120th State Representative seat presently held by Democrat Phyllis Mundy. It looks like this will be a 2 person race as no Libertarian seems to be interested unlike last time and I haven't heard of another Republican on the west side willing to take on my 4th favorite state legislator.

Kaufer gave a very polished speech saying it's time for a change and cited an old adage about not making waves in politics, he said he wanted to make waves. Then he lamented that "compromise became a dirty word" and promised to work across the aisle.

He hit 4 issues in his talk.

1. The grant system. He doesn't like WAM's

2. Government reform. He is running against the perks of the legislature opposing their pensions, health care, COLA's and the per diems of $163 a day.

3. He said some things about educating our children. We should do it.

4. Economic growth. He is for it.

Without naming his opponent Kaufer asked "are you being adequately represented"? and said "I can do better." Invoking Saint Ronny he declared "our best days are ahead."

After the event I asked Kaufer what the the first bill he would introduce he said it would be about the perks and per diems of the legislature. I asked him how much money that would save but he didn't have a number. He also favors reducing the size of the legislature.

This a great picture below. All the Republicans and a Libertarian wh0 came up short in past elections with the latest GOP candidate in the 120th Discrict.

(Lto R) Bill James, Aaron Kaufer, Rick Arnold, Tim Mullen, Bill Goldsworthy, John Cordara

Phyllis Mundy has been the State Reprensenative of the 120th District since 1991. She will be hard to beat.

Libertarians in Wilkes-Barre

This will be the biggest political event in Wilkes-Barre since the Green Party gathering in 2006.

From the inbox

Wilkes-Barre, PA—During its November state meeting in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania selected Wilkes-Barre to host the 2012 State Libertarian Convention. According to current LPPA state chair, Lou Jasikoff, convention dates have now been confirmed and will run from Friday April 20th through Sunday April 22nd.

The convention will be held at the Kirby Center for Performing Arts and the Best Western Genetti Hotel and Convention Center. A kick-off “Meet and Greet” for Gary Johnson, former two-term Governor of New Mexico, and other guests begins a festive Friday evening at the Kirby Center, ending with a rocking “Friday Night at the Oldies” disco party open to the general public. Michael Badnarik’s highly renowned Constitution Class will also be offered starting Friday night. Jasikoff added that in 2004 Mr. Badnarik was the Libertarian candidate for President.

Good times.

Libertarians on the move

I've always had an interest in the minor parties and have criticized them for running candidates for President, Governor and Senate in races that they can't possibly win instead of concentrating on local races and building a bench. The local Greens seems to be defunct but the Libertarian Party has taken my advice and has a slate of candidates in the local elections. Whatever you think of the individuals I think it is an accomplishment that they are on the ballot. I like a choice in an election.

3 Libs are running for Luzerne County Council.

Mike Lacey

Brian Bergman

Tim Mullen

In the Wilkes-Barre mayor's race they give us Betsy Summers and Tim Russel want's to be the Mayor or something in Elmenton. Where is Elmonten?

Lou Jasikoff likes a CV headline It says “Libertarians have gotten their wish.” Here in Northeast Pennsylvania it is the Libertarian Party and candidates driving the bus. We are the story and the opportunities are enormous. All day, everyday the news outlets are talking about these races, and all day everyday not one, not two, but many Libertarians are being interviewed, and more often than not our candidates are on multiple shows each day.
We have opportunities like never before to ask questions like: "Let me phrase this in another way. Are you in favor of funding gang violence, are you in favor of funding terrorism? Of course you are not. But this is what America's drug policies do today. What is your solution?Throw more people in jail? Heck we can't keep drugs out of jail. 70% of women today are in jail for non-violent drug abuses. 4% of the worlds population and 25% of the worlds prison population. Is this the America you want?The list goes on and on, but hopefully you get my point. We know we are right on the issues, and given the opportunity we will succeed.

In the 2010 election for state rep Tim Mulen got 15% and if he can keep that support he may win a county council seat. He answered the questions but to him by LuLac.




Tim Mullen on Storm Politics

22 is not enough

As we wander into the uncharted waters of electing 11 members of the new Luzerne County Council a few more waves have hit the bow. At least 4 independent or 3rd party candidates are looking to get on the November ballot. Expect a few more.


More eye county council
The November ballot for the legislature could get independents, others.

Libertarian Tim Mullen was working the crowd at Blogfest gathering signatures as was Charlie "Bible Buck" Hatchko and the TL reports that Jere Packard, Kingston, and Richard Williams, Slocum Township, are jointly circulating petitions to run as Independents.

I'm back

After returning from California I had a few chores to do around the house, get over the jet lag and catch up on all the local political news of the past week. Now I'm tanned, rested and ready to dive right back in.

Home rule continues to be a hot topic and the 10th and 11th PA Congressional races are at the top of the lists of the most watched in the country. If the polling can be believed Joe Sestak is surging in his his race against Santorum. Dan Onorato is looking to scratch the 8 year itch and wild card Tim Mullen has the 120th State Rep race in a jumble with the help of Walter Griffith. Tarah Toohill had a funny ad that put Todd Eachus into panic pass mode. I just want to dispel any rumors that I flew to California on Robert Powell's private jet. Who the hell would let me on on a private jet or into a private club anyway? Finally, the big dog is coming to town to help out Kanjo.

I'll give you a full report on our adventures in San Diego over the weekend.

120th State Rep race update

Another guest post. I got this as an email and the author agreed to let me publish it.



Dear Mr 42


I know your blog has been much about the congressional races as of late but I would like to point out one down ticket race that is intriguing, the Mundy v Goldsworthy v Mullin race. Put a fork in Mayor Goldswothy, he will finish a distant third. He might be a fine gentleman (I really don't know) but he likely wont even have a polarity in West Pittston given fellow Republican former council people there are involved so heavily helping Representative Mundy nor does he offer any real solutions.


It is the Tea Party favorite, Mr Mullin that is the fiercest challenge to the incumbent. Mr Mullin had over 2000 signatories on his petition and given the population of yards signs out there he is obviously a force. While he may seem to be quite from a less then informed perspective, he has a whisper campaign going that has gathered some steam. Yet this kind of campaign demands to be shown the light of scrutiny. I am sure if many of those who were angry as hell when he knocked on their door understood his philosophy, they might view him in a different light if they actually knew what it meant to vote for him.


In his web site he proudly exclaims that he has an almost lifelong association with the John Birch Society. Now if you were a person who paid little attention to such matters or were born after living through he sixties maybe you don't know what the JBS represents.
The JBS'ers are so outside the mainstream that they opposed the civil rights movement including the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So extreme that even noted libertarian Ayn Rand considered them "futile because they are not for capitalism but merely against Communism".

The Southern Poverty Law Center has them on their Patriot Group Watch List. Nor could William F Buckley marshal a single 'polysyllabic exuberance' for the group as he excluded them from C-PAC because he believed them to be racist. The JBS is so far outside of acceptable parameters they considered President Eisenhower a Communist and thought fluoride in the drinking water was a government plot.


Maybe it is clear that I support Ms Mundy as she has been incorruptible in her advocacy for hardworking families, health care and utility cost containment, regional economic development and defense of the environment as well as her real commitment to constituent service. Yet that is hardly my point. It is the duty of the media to bring the relevant issues to the public when it come to gathering information for the voters to base the choice for whom to vote. The choice is left to each voter but it is only an easy choice if the public is informed.

Now who's job might that be? Have we become so docile in our tolerance for such extreme views that any view is held at an equal level to the rational voices on either side. The newspapers have completely let us down as they profit by the conflict of our choices rather than by the solutions someone might bring to the table. So I ask you again why isn't such information being brought forth? Is that not the job of the bloggers to take on the extremist among us. Friedrich von Schiller once said "Against stupidity, the very gods themselves contend in vain". Becoming informed is the only known cure for stupidity (although maybe someday we can put something in the drinking water). Go to it my good man. Please enlighten us.


Sincerely,

Bob McDonald, Kingston PA

This week's events

121st Republican State Rep candidate James O'Meara is having a Wing Thing tonight at
Dan's Keystone Grill, 162 Union Street, Plains, PA 6-8 PM

The 120th District hopefuls are busy

Tomorrow you can find GOP candidate Bill Goldsworthy at Gober’s Art Deco Lounge, Schooley & Wyoming Ave., Exeter 7-10PM

Incumbent Democrat Phyllis Mundy will be at the Fox Hill Country Club, Thursday, September 23 from 5:30 to 7:30

On Saturday Libertarian Tim Mullen has a shindig at Grandaddy's Cafe, Vaughn and Buckingham St. in Luzerne 7:00-10:00pm

116th Republican challenger Tarah Toohill is hosting an old-fashioned 1950s Sock Hop on Wednesday at Byorek's Knotty Pine Restaurant, North Church St. (Route 309) Hazleton 6-9PM. Incumbent Todd Eachus doesn't have anything on the calendar this week but you can join him in Harrisburg next month.

Friends of Home Rule, a political committee in favor of the proposed home-rule charter for Luzerne County, is planning a meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Hoyt Library in Kingston

In the 119th there is a South Valley Mixer to meet/greet Republican Rick Arnold on Sunday at Alden Manor. 4-6 pm, Middle Road in Nanticoke.

Also on Sunday the 4th and 6th District Republicans have gettogethers. You can read the details on the Luzerne County GOP website.

Finally GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett will be at the American Legion Post 609, 320 Lee Park Ave., Hanover Township on Thursday

What the Frack

News about gas drilling has been hot and heavy the last 2 days.

Congressman Paul Kanjorski announced that he has secured a cool million in federal funding to start an Energy Institute run by Wilkes U, King's College and the Earth Conservancy.
The institute will provide research about natural gas drilling's impact on the local community and environment, help with problem solving for issues that arise, and enhance public outreach efforts in order to promote safe and environmentally responsible drilling in the Marcellus Shale that could aid in significant local economic development, he said in a press release.

I asked Kanjo about his position on the Frac Act introduced by Senator Casey but he was noncommittal.

The argument in Harrisburg has moved from if there should be a severance tax to how much it should be. The Republicans want 1.5% and Rapid Edward wants 5 %. I think it should be a lot higher along with Tim Mullen's idea of requiring the drilling companies to post an environmental bond. Dan Onorato is beating up Tom Corbett on this issue. A new Penn State study looks at the tax issue. I know many of my friends don't trust anything coming out of PSU on this issue after the last fiasco but it is worth a read.

Kayak Dude is reporting there are tiny bubbles of methane in the Susquehanna River.

Scott Cannon of Video Innovations has produced a short film featuring Dr. Tom Juinta of the Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition and State Reps Eddie Day Pashinski and Phyllis Mundy. Some of it is "what if" these things blow up in our back yards but those "what if's" are serious concerns. The damage the heavy trucks will cause is indistibutable.

120th State Rep race events

Incumbent Democratic State Rep Phyllis Mundy has a cocktail party scheduled for Thursday, September 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Fox Hill Country Club. This Saturday you can join her for breakfast at the West Wyoming Hose Company No. 1 on Shoemaker Avenue starting at 9AM. State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Wilkes-Barre) will emcee.

Republican West Pittston Mayor Bill Goldsworthy had a golf tournament last week and I'm told that all of his tee shots sliced to the right. He has a bunch of upcoming events including a meet and greet at Gober's Art Deco Lounge, Schooley & Wyoming Ave., Exeter on September 22nd and you can find him on September 30th at one of my favorite restaurants,
Theo's Metro, 596 Mercer Ave., Kingston.

Libertarian Tim Mullen continues to be the best story in this race. He got 2279 signatures on his nominating petitions by going dooor to door and my friends on west side are always calling me to tell me he knocked on their door. Somehow my name always comes up when they talk to him. He has a shindig scheduled for September 25th at Grandaddy's Cafe in Luzerne and recently opened a campaign office in Kingston Corners.

A PR:

KINSGTON – Mike Anderson, Campaign Manager for Tim Mullen is announcing that the Mullen Campaign has now opened their campaign office at 220 Wyoming Ave. in Kingston. The office will be used for all activities, including a phone bank staffed with volunteers, literature and sign distribution to precinct captains , along with campaign meetings and fundraisers. We will be open daily, the public is welcome, and the coffee will always be on!

Lou Jasikoff, Chair for the Northeast Pennsylvania Libertarian Party, added that “this will help coordinate all our campaigns in Luzerne County. Strategically located at Kingston Corners. Our goal is to make this Mullen’s State Representative office. If all three Luzerne candidates (Betsy Summers, candidate for State Senate District 14, and Brian Bergman, candidate for State Rep District 119) were elected we might propose combining their offices into one, especially where the districts overlap, to save the already over taxed, and over burdened citizens of Pennsylvania and Luzerne County some of their hard earned tax money.

I don't remember when a third party had enough bucks to open a campaign office in this area.

There has been some back and forth about debates. Mundy has agreed to usual borefest hosted by the League of Women Voters and the challengers are wanting more. I think us bloggers can put together a pretty darn good one if the candidates would agree.

They have already started to be debate in one of my previous posts.


Bill Goldsworthy said...
Last week Rep. Mundy FINALLY got it right!That our State Legislators have been lax. Her quote "The laws we have on the books in Pa. to monitor drilling are lax in terms of protecting the environment." Well where have you been Phyllis? She has been in the State Legislature for 20 years, they have been drilling for 16 years in the Marcellus Shale region, so why hasn't she proposed changes before? Why did it take an election year challenge and a contaminated well in Dimmick to make her become reactive? We need to make sure our Legislators are PROACTIVE! We don't need political grandstanding, we need our Legislators to work for the people ALL the time. Oh, and does she want the League of Women Voters to handle the debate because she is a past President of the organization?Just wondering.

Phyllis said...
As much as I would like to represent the environmental interests of all of Pennsylvania, I am elected to represent the interests of the 120th district. As anyone who reads the papers knows, the threat to our public water supply and private wells in my district is very recent. As soon as I became aware of this threat I educated myself and went to work. I can't help but wonder if Goldsworthy is as critical of Senator Baker who has much more of the drilling in her senatorial district than I do and has for some time. Also a puzzle is what is his position on the bills I have introduced? What would he have done differently? Can he only offer negative criticism or does he have constructive solutions to our problems? Just when will he take a definitive position on the drilling? I suspect he does not want to anger the gas money interests who are supporting him.
And does he want the Chamber of Commerce to sponsor a debate because Terry Casey, the Chairman of the Luzerne Co. Republican Party is the President of the Chamber? Hmmm.
Phyllis Mundy

Bill Goldsworthy said...
So, let me get this straight, as a State Representative, you don't care or have any concerns for the residents throughout the rest of the State - so it was ok for the past 16 years of drilling, that other residents water supplies may have been threatened.So for the past 16 years you were oblivious to potential drilling problems.Wow,you guys in Harrisburg really don't communicate with each other.But the Bills you proposed are for the entire State, not just Luzerne County.That sounds like political posturing. Oh, and how can you vote for the budget that depends on a gas severance tax, then say you want a moratorium -- you can't have it both ways! And please read my debate request again, I never mentioned the W.B. Chamber(you did) - there is another Chamber that encompasses more than half of our District. And what would I have done different - it would not have gotten to this point - I would have been a lot more proactive and had proposed bills sometime over tha last 16 years of drilling--instead of trying to call timeout in the middle of the game, the rules should have been planned before hand.

Tim Mullen said...
Here's the take from the only candidate that is not bought and paid for by special interests and has only the people's interest at heart. First of all Mrs. Mundy is no dummy. She knows that 95% of her district has nothing at all to gain by gas drilling. They could all have something to lose should water supplies become contaminated. By being the crusader against the drillers, she courts favor among 95% of the constituency. Making this the #1 issue of the race is a brilliant move on the chessboard. The flurry of local headlines, photo ops at the Huntsville Resevoir,and intoduction of numerous pieces of legislation prove my point. From day one I called this political posturing even before she herself said a moratorium was unlikely to go through. Everything to gain and almost nothing to lose. Brilliant. Whether or not Mr. Goldsworthy is being aided by the drillers I can't say for sure, but many in his party have already taken the legal bribes. If he and his party were forthright and upstanding maybe he too would have been at Gastock. After knocking on about 8,000 doors I have heard both sides of the story from environmentalists to landowners. I feel the pulse of the people. The Candidate with Common Sense says we can have both clean water and energy and job production at the same time. I won't go into details here, but you can read about my stance on past posts on this site or on my web site. Mr Goldsworthy has risked alienating 95% of the voters in the district by his maneuvering. Not good. Fortunately for him the #1 issue is not gas drilling, but this will still hurt him. Maybe he will adjust his stance on this issue like when he withdrew from Mayors Against Illegal Guns shortly after I mentioned he was a member on my web site. Mrs. Mundy needs to make gas drilling the #1 issue to deflect from the the other issues that are on voters minds this year such as property taxes that are only going to become more unbearable, a broken and corrupt Harrisburg which she is a part of, and looming cuts to essential social programs while the legislature remains fat and happy.

By the time I got to Gas Stock another million gallons of water were gone

We arrived at Gas Stock about 2:30PM and missed the few politicians that showed up and the triumphant arrival of the hearty souls who walked from Nesbitt Park all the way to the Luzerne County Fairgrounds.

State Reps Phyllis Mundy and Eddie Day Pashinski worked the crowd along with 120th District Libertarian candidate Tim Mullen. I understand why none of the local Republican hopefuls showed up but the absence of other Democratic candidates and officeholders was disappointing. I did catch Jay Sweeney the Green Party PA-111th District candidate's speech.

Anyway, there were a few dozen vendors with continuous music on the band stand and a pavilion were people had the chance to sound off. There was several hundred people milling about when I got there and a few thousand wandered in and out throughout the day. Not a bad turn out for a one time event on the same day as the Tomato Festival.


Some Bloggers and others walked the 10 miles from Nesbitt Park starting at sunrise. I passed on that opportunity. Kudos to Don, Herb and Mark and those who went along for the walk. Dr. Scholl's can use you people in a commercial.

Gene Stilp was there wearing a straw hat and he bought along a few of his inflatable toys.

I ran into Michelle Boice who has been very active in opposing drilling anywhere near Harvey's Lake and Lou Jasikoff flying the Libertarian Party banner and many other old and new friends.

Both local newspapers sent reporters and photographers and the TV stations showed up as we were leaving.

Here are the links from the local media:

Reflections on Gas Stock

Gas Stock

Anti-drilling event attracts interest outside NEPA

Singing the blues about shale at Gas Stock concert



There were many petitions to sign opposing various aspects of this slow motion rape of our environment but the cynic in me knows that the signatures of 10,000 citizens carries less weight than the one signature on a campaign contribution check.

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.

120th State Rep race update

Incumbent Dem Phyllis Mundy has been trying to bring some sanity to the slow motion environmental disaster known as Marcellus Shale drilling. Her latest initiative is keep gas wells out of the floodplains of PA which there are many.


Mundy proposes keeping gas wells away from floodplains

Previously she called for a moratorium on new wells and points to our neighbors in the state of New York for being leery of gas industry.


Mundy is the primary sponsor of House Bill 2609, which calls for a one-year moratorium on issuing new natural gas well permits in Pennsylvania. State Reps. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, and Karen Boback, R-Harveys Lake, have signed on as co-sponsors.

Both of her opponents, Bill Goldsworthy (GOP) and Tim Mullen (Libertarian), have given statements to this blog about drilling that I think give mixed messages. They don't want to stop it or tax it but declare their concern for the environment.

It would be great to hear all 3 candidates debate this plus other issues and Bill Goldworthy has proposed just that.


Goldy challenges Mundy to three debates

Mundy agreed to his debate challenge as she has always done in past elections. She wants one of them to be the traditional League of Women Voters forums. After that one is booked I like Joe 's idea of a kitchen table debate with local bloggers. I think we will be fair and balanced.

Libertarians make the cut

It looks like the local Libertarian state house candidates have enough signatures to spare to get on the November ballot and survive any challenges.

14th District Senate candidate Betsy Summers needed 1063 and got 2279. Brian Bergman's goal in the 119th State House District was 389 signatures and he too filed almost twice the minimum with 625. Tim Mullen's number just blew me away. Mullen has been working hard going door to door on the west side needing 436 signatures and was able to convince 2279 of his neighbors to sign his petitions. Remember that the Democratic and Republican state house candidates only need 300 signatures to get on the primary ballot. Signatures don't necessarily translate into votes but the Lib's have to be happy with these results and the Republican candidates should be worried. I doubt they will mount a challenge to the petitions but anything is possible. The local GOP's best signature challenger in the past, Liz Sichler, has other worries.

Links to candidate websites.


Senate 14


Steve Urban (R)

John Yudichak (D)

Betsy Summers (L)



State Rep 120th


Phyllis Mundy (D) incumbent

Bill Goldsworthy (R)

Tim Mullen (L)



State Rep 119th


Rick Arnold (R)

Gerald Mullery (D)

Brian Bergman (L)

Bergman get's a signature

The local libertarians put out a challenge to the major party candidates for the state legislature a few days ago to sign the petitions of their hopefuls as a show of good faith that they truly believe in the democratic process and that all qualified candidates should be allowed to compete.

As predicted the Republicans declined the invitation.

CV: Steve Urban, a Luzerne County commissioner and 14th Senatorial District candidate, called the move a "ridiculous request" and refused to sign Summers' papers...West Pittston Mayor Goldsworthy also declined to sign Mullen's papers, advocating Mullen join his campaign to usurp 10-term state Rep. Mundy. Goldsworthy said he has a stronger campaign and more name recognition than Mullen but believes in the similar ideals as the Libertarian Party...Rick Arnold brushed off signing papers for Bergman, a potential opponent in the 119th race, for fear of invalidating his own campaign.

Democrats John Yudichak and Phyllis Mundy haven't been heard from yet but Gerald Mullery believes in the small "d.""I would sign it. What the hell? I don't have any problem with thatI've met Brian. He's a nice guy. I welcome him into the race."


The lineup


Senate 14


Steve Urban (R)

John Yudichak (D)

Betsy Summers (L)



State Rep 120th


Phyllis Mundy (D) incumbent

Bill Goldsworthy (R)


Tim Mullen (L)



State Rep 119th


Rick Arnold (R)


Gerald Mullery (D)

Brian Bergman (L)

Libertarians make a good point

And issue a challenge.

If your not a Democrat or a Republican the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania makes you jump through all kinds of hoops to get on the ballot.


I got this press release from the NEPA Libertarian Party.


Wilkes-Barre, PA— According to Northeast Pennsylvania Libertarian Chairman Lou Jasikoff, “the Libertarian Party will be wrapping up their ballot initiative over the next few weeks, and will submit their signed petitions to Harrisburg on July 30th. The deadline for submitting petitions is August 3rd and the Libertarian Party is challenging all candidates to sign the petition as a show of good faith, especially in light of Bonusgate, that they truly believe in the democratic process and that all qualified candidates should be allowed to compete in the arena of ideas.”

“I think it is important for all the candidates to be on record as to whether they are willing to sign the petition because it has been the Republicans and Democrats that have made the rules by which another Party or Independent candidate must meet to be placed on the general ballot. We will focus on those candidates within the districts that we have candidates running for office, specifically John Yudichak, Steve Urban, Phyllis Mundy, Bill Goldsworthy, Rick Arnold, Gerald Mullery, Dan Rae, and David Millard, but will be encouraging all candidates to sign” said Jasikoff.

With the Republican and Democratic parties having a strangle-hold on access to the ballot, candidates from other political camps must go through the lengthy process of getting signatures from registered voters on their petitions to run. The process for Libertarian candidates Betsy Summers, Tim Mullen, Brian Bergman and Tom Anderson began in the cold and rain on primary day.

"Candidates from the major parties say they support all of those who are qualified to be on the ballot. Now is the time for their actions to speak louder than their words," noted Betsy Summers, Senate candidate 14th District.

Jasikoff concluded, “We explain to potential signers that this is not an endorsement but simply an effort to allow them, to allow us, to be on the ballot. That we have men and women dying in Iraq so they can have free elections there and we should not have to fight tooth and nail to get on the ballot here. We hope our current legislators and opponents agree and we will post their responses to our requests after August 3rd.

Good luck getting any of the Republican or Democratic candidates to sign on to this. But if I was running any of the Democratic campaigns I would have my people out there helping them get signatures.

Libertarians to lend a hand

Libertarians cleaning up the garbage

Local Candidates Join July 5th Cleanup

Wilkes-Barre, PA— Libertarians are all about saving tax dollars. So on July 5th, local Libertarian candidates Betsy Summers, Tim Mullen, and Brian Bergman, along with members of the Northeastern PA Libertarian Party will be helping with the Kirby Park cleanup. “Once again Libertarians will be putting their backs into reducing Wilkes-Barre’s cleanup costs by picking up the trash that covers the park after the 4th of July festivities” states Betsy Summers the cleanup organizer and candidate for Pennsylvania’s 14th senatorial seat.


Summers added, “We will be meeting in Kirby Park’s Pavilion #3 at 8 am and will finish up with a lunch BBQ. Anyone that wishes to join in the cleanup with a great group of fun loving individuals, citizen politicians, and community activists, will be welcome. The more helping hands we have the sooner we can sit, relax, and eat!”


“Libertarians believe in people working together to get things done, not the government taking care of our every need, as one of the ideals our Country was founded on” said Tim Mullen candidate for Pennsylvania 120th Representative seat while Brian Bergman candidate for the 119th Representative seat said “we are not only looking to clean up the park, but hopefully help clean up our state and local governments.”


Lou Jasikoff Chair for the Northeast Pennsylvania Libertarian Party concluded, “we invite all interested parties to come out and meet our candidates in a relaxed and fun atmosphere while doing a little community service. We will also have literature on hand for those looking to learn a little more about the Libertarian Party along with fresh coffee and donuts!

For more information or interviews, Please visit us at:

www.nepalibertarians.org


www.vote4betsy.com


www.votemullen.com


www.votebergman.com

120th District challengers on gas drilling

120th District State Represenative Phyilis Mundy has propsed some common sense rules to slow the whole thing down.


Her opponents respond.


Libertarian candidate Tim Mullen


Thanks, Gort for giving me a chance to voice my opinion.

.I'll be taking this issue to the papers in the near future if they dare print what I have to say. They usually edit out my most damning remarks.
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Let me first say I posted my position on the Marcellus drilling after attending a meeting in Kingston Twp. several months ago, and I pretty much am going to stick with what I posted. I am not too far off base with the moratorium that Mrs. Mundy has proposed.

.When you take the reality of a Harrisburg that is awash in "gas cash" (my description of political donations from the natural gas industry), I think the best we could hope for is some type of scaling back of the Marcellus drilling similar to what I propose.
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Should we stop drilling? No. The economy, and the energy needs of the country take front seat. Should we be drilling near drinking water sources such as in the Back Mountain? Absolutely not at this point until this technology is proven safe. There are plenty of rural and / or mined out areas in the state to explore first. The pace of the drilling activity needs to be slowed down also. 10,000 wells proposed in a few years across the state is unfathomable when it comes to disruption of the environment and the potential for contamination of water supplies.
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As I stated on my site, permitting a set amount of sites to come on line a year will buy time to assess the impact on the environment and make corrections. This also flattens out the boom/bust cycle that is liable to happen if we rush headlong into production. As previously stated I the natural gas industry should only be taxed enough to assure return of the environment to its original condition after they have come and gone.
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.The industry should not become a cash cow for the state to further expand or maintain its dependency breeding social programs, or fund pork projects that assure reelection of incumbents. I agree with Mr. Goldsworthy's assessment that Mrs. Mundy is late to the table. I'll take it a step further similar to the old saying "A day late and a dollar short", except in this case, years late and hundreds of thousands of dollars short (or however much gas cash has been diverted to the politicos). In my opinion all this hype over drilling is posturing by Mrs. Mundy. She can be a champion of the people by leading the anti-drilling crusade, knowing full well that a full moratorium stands a snowball's chance in hell of making it through a Harrisburg awash in gas cash. If she were so concerned about the little guy maybe she would divorce herself from the teacher's organizations that keep her in office.
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http://www.campaignfinance.state.pa.us/CFReport.aspx?CFReportID=77903&Section=IA . She is responsible in part for myself and thousands of other families in this state either losing or on the cusp of losing their homes due to school taxes. I am the true Robin Hood for the people. Tim


Republican Bill Goldsworthy sent out a release today, I think I may have inspired him.


WEST PITTSTON (June 24) – Twenty-year State House incumbent Phyllis Mundy is talking out of both sides of her mouth on issues surrounding Marcellus Shale gas exploration and drilling in an effort to help her re-election campaign.

In March of this year, Mundy voted “Yes” to the Governor’s proposed budget that increased state spending by another $1 billion and supported paying for this out-of-control spending with a new severance tax on Marcellus Shale gas drilling. Then, earlier this week, Mundy called for a moratorium on the same drilling she expects to pay for her wasteful government spending.

“First Ms. Mundy votes to increase spending and pay for it with a new tax on gas drilling, then turns around and calls for that drilling to stop. This is the type of political double-talk that has gotten our state where we are today and it proves how out-of-touch she has become after 20 years in Harrisburg,” said Bill Goldsworthy, her General Election campaign opponent.

Goldsworthy went on to explain that natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale deposits across Pennsylvania has been occurring for more than 14 years. In fact, there are currently more than 500 wells in the Commonwealth and over 3,100 drilling permits issued by the state Department of Environmental Protection. The fracking process has been used for the last five years.

“In her 20 years in office, Ms. Mundy hasn’t said a single word about this issue, other than to want to tax it to pay for more wasteful spending,” said Goldsworthy. “She has never worked to develop a proactive plan to deal with the oversight and environmental issues involved with this issue. Where has she been? She has done nothing.”

Goldsworthy sees exploration of the Marcellus Shale natural gas as vital to the economic future of Pennsylvania, but only as long as it is done in an environmentally responsible manner that protects the quality of our drinking water and overall environment.

“No one cares more about protecting our environment during the drilling process than I do. But we can do that, while still enjoying the benefit of new jobs and economic growth that the Marcellus Shale can

- more -
provide,” said Goldsworthy. “Too many people in our state are hurting and, after doing nothing but adding to the taxpayer burden for 20 years, Ms. Mundy now wants to make it worse again.”

“Ms. Mundy says that ‘We are allowing this industry to move ahead too fast’ (Citizens Voice, 6/22/2010). But whose fault is that? It is her fault. She had 20 years to do something and did nothing,” stated Goldsworthy. “I will be a pro-active and effective Representative, the same as I have been as a local official here at home.”

Goldsworthy is a small businessman with professional and proven experience at controlling costs and helping to create jobs. He is also a proven local elected official who held the line on property taxes in 23 of his 25 years in office. Goldsworthy has focused on fiscal discipline and job creation throughout his campaign for Representative.

“Ms. Mundy has had 20 years to fix things and hasn’t. It’s time for a different way,” said Goldsworthy. “ Ms. Mundy said “the people don’t get it” well I do get it and I will go to Harrisburg and use my real-world experience and proven ability to protect taxpayers to bring fiscal discipline to state government and help spark economic and job growth.”

Goldsworthy also pointed out some significant differences between himself and Mundy.

As a local elected official, Goldsworthy has forsaken his own pay during tough economic times whereas Mundy voted herself two pay raises, took the unconstitutional pay raise of 2005 and still refuses to give that money back.

Goldsworthy has pledged to reform Harrisburg and fix the broken pension system. He will lead by example by refusing per diems and a taxpayer-funded car, instead submitting only for legitimate expenses. Mundy even accepted the 50% pension increase for herself after just voting against it and took nearly $16,000 in taxpayer-paid per diems in 2009 alone – all without receipts.

“Ms. Mundy’s record is one of helping herself and sticking taxpayers with the bill. We need to do better for the people of Pennsylvania, and I will,” concluded Goldsworth