Romanelli suing 100 plus

CV: Green Party member Carl Romanelli believes Pennsylvania Democrats orchestrated a "Herculean" - and illegal - scheme to dispose of his 2006 U.S. Senate campaign so Sen. Bob Casey might more easily defeat incumbent Republican Rick Santorum, according to a federal lawsuit filed Monday.

Now Romanelli wants them to pay.

Romanelli asked the court to award him more than $300,000 in total damages after he alleged Democrats used public time and resources to challenge successfully his nomination petitions and strip Romanelli from the ballot.

You can read the lawsuit at this link.


Carl Romanelli Fights Pennsylvania Democrats with a Federal Lawsuit Related to “Bonus-gate” Convictions.

Romanelli filed a lawsuit, July 12, against the Pennsylvania Democratic Party and their House Democratic Caucus. The lawsuit, filed in US District Court, additionally names Rep. William DeWeese, former Rep. Michael Veon and a number of former and current House Democratic staff employees found to have worked on the petition challenge that removed Carl Romanelli from the 2006 ballot for US Senate. Romanelli alleges in the lawsuit that state employees were paid to do political work while using state resources and equipment in that effort to challenge his petitions.

Romanelli backs up his allegations by pointing to the recent convictions of several defendants in this lawsuit including former House Democratic Minority Whip, Rep. Michael Veon who received a 6 to 14 year sentence on June 18, 2010 and Brett Cott, a former policy analyst for Rep. Veon and Rep. DeWeese, who was sentenced from 21 months to 60 months in May 2010. Michael Manzo and Jeff Foreman were given deals to testify against Cott and have not been sentenced. Rep. William DeWeese faces trial in the coming months.

In 2006 Romanelli needed a ridiculous number of signatures just to get on the ballot and submitted over 90,000 but had about a third of them thrown out because of challenges by the Democrats. Then he got whacked with $80,000 in legal fees by the Commonwealth Court for having the audacity for even trying.

But he is not just an innocent victim of the system when you look at who was helping him and their motivations

A repost


Oh Blackwater keep on runnin' Green

In the Blackwater hearings today Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) quized Blackwater CEO Erik Prince about his political contributions trying to show that he and other company executives gave to candidates other than Republicans. Prince and other well connected contractors from companies such as Haliburton indeed funneled money to the Green Party or maybe just one particular Green Party candidate in Pennsylvania.

From TPMMuckraker:

...he (Prince) and his wife shelled out $10,000 in contributions for a Green.It was part of an effort by connected Republicans (lobbyists and millionaire CEOs among them) to recruit Green Party candidate Carl Romanelli to enter the 2006 Senate race. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) was trailing Dem moderate Bob Casey in the polls -- and Romanelli, the scheme went, could take some of those liberal votes away from Casey...Ultimately Republicans raised more than $150,000 for Romanelli.

It's always good to find a local connection to a national story. Lehigh Valley Ramblings had all the details.

Pennsylvania's Green Congressional Candidates Were Funded by Republicans

Carl Romanelli was screwed by the PA Democratic Party and the Courts but he was hardly an innocent victim.

Carl Romanelli still fighting

A guest post from 2006 Green Party Senate candidate Carl Romanelli who is still dealing with the legal fallout from his ill fated campaign.

ROMANELLI ASKS PRESIDENT OBAMA FOR BEER SUMMIT II CHALLENGES BOB CASEY TO BASKETBALL GAME WITH ROMANELLI’S FATE AS THE PRIZE

Frustrated by yet another setback in the Pennsylvania Courts, Green Party US Senate candidate, Carl Romanelli is now asking President Obama to schedule Beer Summit II in order to attempt to resolve his ongoing saga. “We have tried everything possible in order to see justice here in Pennsylvania and we are running out of options,” Romanelli offered. He is referring to his long ordeal in the Pennsylvania Courts where, despite his gathering and submitting more voter signatures than any candidate in Pennsylvania’s history, Romanelli was not only displaced from the 2006 election ballot; but now has to pay more than $80,000.00 in costs and fees for the pleasure of being the victim of such a process. “It is time that the President weighed in on this, so I propose that he invite Senator Casey and me to the White House for a beer in an attempt to work matters out,” Romanelli suggested.

The situation in Pennsylvania is one of the strangest scenarios in all of politics, as it is now well known that in order to remove Romanelli from the 2006 ballot the lawyers for Bob Casey brought their challenge to the Green Party signatures by way of an illegal, taxpayer-funded process. The scandal has been dubbed Bonusgate as participants were not only providing attorneys for Casey with their work product while on state time and in state offices using state resources, but these employees also received state-funded bonuses for their effort. In his July 10, 2008 Presentment, which led to the arrest of ten legislative staffers and two former state representatives, the Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett says, “The two most outstanding examples of misappropriation of taxpayer resources in petition challenges were found in the challenges of Ralph Nader, for President in 2004, and Carl Romanelli, for US Senate in 2006.”

As it turns out, legislative employees in 2004 and 2006 would be given a crash course in signature challenge by lawyers representing Democratic candidates that wanted Romanelli and Nader off of the ballot. Then these workers would provide the work to attorneys from the law firm of Thorp, Reed and Armstrong out of Pittsburgh. These attorneys later would file the petition challenge in the hope of having independent and third party candidates removed from the ballots in question. Thorp, Reed and Armstrong is the firm used against Romanelli in the ongoing court battles. Many of the legislative employees providing what became the work product for these attorneys were given hefty bonuses for contribution. Information concerning this process is now public record as a few Preliminary Hearings for various arrested employees has provided detail and insight into this scheme.

“One would think that the commission of crimes against a working class candidate would be enough to get the attention of the Courts, but such is not the case in Pennsylvania. All along I have said that there was nothing wrong with the signatures the Greens submitted in 20006, and there wasn’t. So the Democrats had to rely on their friends who wear robes to finish the job,” Romanelli asserts. “The entire judicial system is corrupted here in Pennsylvania, and I should know because I come from Luzerne County where the disgraced, kids for cash judges come from,” he added. “So, since the judges are too crooked for a citizen to use the legal system, we need another way to resolve this shameful persecution and I thought Beer Summit II would be a novel approach. Perhaps then we can bring this nightmare to an end. This would be a big deal for me considering I don’t even drink beer.”

In the absence of Mr. Obama agreeing to a summit at the White House, then Romanelli has offered to play Bob Casey in a game of one-on-one basketball with Romanelli’s political and financial freedom on the line. “As in politics, Casey should have the advantage on the basketball court. He stands at about six feet, four inches; I am five feet five inches; he has access to the best gyms in the country, I still play in schoolyards; and he is a few years younger than I am. Of course, if Casey plays basketball like he plays politics then I’d expect he would hide and send the Philadelphia 76ers starting five to represent him at the game in order to vanquish any hope I had in winning a fair contest.” Romanelli suggested.

“In this instance I feel the sports analogy is appropriate, as Republicans and Democrats are much like pro wrestlers: They point fingers at each other and call each other names when the cameras are rolling, then toast the dummies that keep them rich and powerful as they inhabit the grand halls of, what is supposed to be, the people’s government.”

Petition for Reconsideration

Carl Romanelli

Wilkes-Barre's own Carl Romanelli is keeping his chin up.


Romanelli hopeful run not over yet

BY ELIZABETH SKRAPITS
STAFF WRITER

"Rick is one of my longtime conservative friends," said Carl Romanelli Jr., the Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate, indicating his dining companion Rick Berry. "I wasn't created by Karl Rove last month. Honest." Romanelli laughs and launches into a description of a Saturday Night Live sketch he'd like to do, with actors portraying Rove as Dr. Frankenstein and himself as the monster. Berry shakes his head and smiles.

Commonwealth Court Judge James R. Kelley ruled Monday that Romanelli was 8,931 signatures shy of the 67,070 he needed to get his name on the ballot. Romanelli is appealing the ruling that ejected him from the race, hoping to get a response before Oct. 4, the "drop-dead date" for counties with electronic machines to ready their ballots....

Romanelli got home and started making phone calls, eventually finding three volunteers to raise money for his campaign. All three were Republicans. "Because of that, I knew the 'spoiler' issue would come up," Romanelli said....

"It would be one thing if there was an organic effort by Green Party supporters... but it was a firm paid for by Rick Santorum's supporters," Casey campaign spokesman Larry Smar said.

Spoiler is one way of putting it. The perception is that Carl sold his soul for a ballot spot and that doesn't help his credibilty. The good thing about this saga is that people realize that the signature requirements for third party candidates are so unfair that maybe they will be changed. Not that I'm optimistic that the legislature will alter the rules. I personnaly like having the option to vote for a Green, Libertairian or Constitution Party candidate. Russ Diamond got over 30,000 signatures and it wasn't enough. That's just wrong. Even everybody's favorite political expert, Dr. G. Terry Madonna, agrees:

"That's just a flat-out unfair number," Madonna said. "The legislature needs to reduce it... so third-party candidates can get on the ballot."

Are Madonna and Tom Baldino the only "experts" on PA politics?

Romanelli getting close

Carl Romanelli is claiming to have 60,000 signatures and expects more by the August 1st deadline to be on the ballot as the Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate. I understand that they have been paying people to gather signatures and he has a little help from an unlikely friend.

TL: He'll need at least 67,072 confirmed signatures. Dictated by state law, the figure is based on 2 percent of the highest vote-getter in the last state election.
To be eligible for the ballot, Democrats and Republicans need only 2,000 votes. Romanelli called the 67,072 benchmark "an arbitrary computation" because the number has varied in past years.
"It's simply a reflection that the old parties make the rules, and they are doing everything to keep us out,' he said. "This is an impossible standard for any party to meet. … What made the Greens different this year is I stepped up and used every ounce of my 25 years of experience."

What friend would that be?

Santorum team aiding a Casey rival

In trying to earn a spot on the ballot in Pennsylvania this November, Green Party candidate Carl Romanelli has no better friend than the man he wants to topple: U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum.
The Republican incumbent says that everyone in state politics should help Romanelli gather the large number of voter signatures - more than 67,000 - that he needs to qualify for the Senate race. Romanelli can use all the help he can get: Pennsylvania has among the toughest requirements in the country for independent or third-party candidates to get on the ballot.
Why should Santorum aid a potential foe?

Vince Galko, his campaign manager, says it is because of his interest in free debate. "Democrats, Republicans and independents all agree that the democratic process should be open and welcoming to people of differing positions," Galko said in a letter posted on Santorum's Web site.

Free debate my ass.

The state Republican Party, in the spring GOP primary, challenged the signatures of a potential Santorum rival and drove him from the race.
But now he's seeking a commitment from Casey not to challenge Romanelli signatures if he gets enough to qualify.

Carl Romanelli for Senate

The Pennsylvania Green Party held it's convention here in Luzerne County and almost nobody noticed. I was unable to attend the festivities because of a death in the family and have to rely on the press coverage. The press coverage was underwhelming and the party website doesn't tell us much more.

The party did nominate Marakay Rogers for Governor, Chrisitna Valente for Lt. Gov. and Wilkes-Barre native and activist Carl Romanelli for U.S. Senator. They also nominated a handful of people for Congress and the State legislature who's names I can't find.

But this post is about Carl. From the CV:

"People in the United States are dissatisfied. They're ready for a change,' Romanelli said during his acceptance speech. He thinks voters are fed up with the current system, and that people are ready for a candidate who has the interests of the voters at heart, not corporations. "We have the responsibility to do better. All we lack is the will to do so," Romanelli said. He is opposed to the Iraq war because he does not want his tax dollars funding a conflict he believes is bankrupting this country and compromising national security.

The PA Green Party website:

Romanelli, a Wilkes-Barre resident and rail industry consultant, will face incumbent Republican Rick Santorum and his Democratic challenger, presumably Bob Casey, Jr., in the November elections. Unlike his opponents, Romanelli favors universal health care, immediate U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, reproductive freedom, and the right to same-sex marriage. Romanelli considers himself "the only candidate with a different platform" and the one alternative to two opponents with almost identical platforms.

My question for the Greens or any other small party is why put so much effort in statewide efforts when you stand a better chance of winning a local race? In Luzerne County we have 3 open seats for the state house and 1 in the state senate. As far as I know there is no Green Party candidate in any of these races. In the last election there was only one candidate for a local office, Mario Fiorucci, who ran for the Mayor of Sugar Notch and lost to a crook. The only Green before that I remember running for a local office was Jim Spak who ran for a seat on the Ashley Council. At least I didn't have to hear his poetry this weekend, I've heard him sing.

Carl Romanelli

Wilkes-Barre native Carl Romanelli was nominated by the Green Party of Pennsylvania to run for US Senator in April. He finally got a website up and running. From his bio:

Carl Romanelli is a Green Party fireball that hails from Northeastern Pennsylvania. A retired family court officer; currently working as a consultant in the rail industry, Carl has been a lifelong public and community servant, with a reputation for speaking truth to power and defending those most oppressed in life. He brings this energy to the Pennsylvania general election in 2006 with the hope of offering a viable, competent alternative to the old, corporate parties. Carl is committed to an agenda, which includes ending the occupation in Iraq, providing universal, single-payer health care for all Americans, defense of women's reproductive rights, ending of the drug war along with establishing a more enlightened foreign policy, in compliance with international law. Stand with Carl as he takes a REAL people's agenda to the debate in this year's election. Together we can make history and challenge those who refuse to articulate the important issues of our time.

He has to get over 67,000 signatures to make the ballot which is a ridiculous hurdle for any candidate. They claim to have over 36,000 so far but will probably need 100,000 to survive any challenges which are sure to some. He is also making some news:

Romanelli campaign invites Casey campaign to join debate talks. Green calls for Casey pledge in favor of ballot access and honest debate.
Green Party US Senate candidate, Carl Romanelli, today issued a statement inviting Bob Casey, or his campaign, to join the Romanelli and Santorum officials in meaningful debate discussions.

Greens on the Pennsylvania ballot

My friend Carl dropped this into my inbox:

 

Pennsylvania Greens, Elated to Appear on General Election Ballot, Thank Volunteers, Stein/Honkala.

Party also condemns Republican challenge of Libertarian and Constitutional Party.

For the first time since 2004, the Pennsylvania Green Party has put candidates on the Pennsylvania General Election Ballot.  Wednesday’s 5pm deadline for filing a challenge to candidate nomination papers passed with no challenge to the Greens.  The result is that the Green Party Presidential team of Jill Stein and Cheri Honkala will appear on this year’s ballot.
.

“We are thrilled,” advised Party Chair, Carl Romanelli.  “Considering the history during the past eight years, we are a little surprised to see that the Democrats chose not to challenge our nomination papers.  However, we view this decision as more strategic than benevolent.  Our party retained a lawyer and we were prepared to defend our papers and the hard work of our volunteers,” Romanelli continued.  
.

During recent years the Greens have been challenged by the Democratic Party in nearly every even numbered year.  In 2008, as a result of a Grand Jury investigation, about a dozen employees of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives were indicted, then later convicted or entered guilty pleas, for using millions of taxpayer dollars in the effort to remove Romanelli from the 2006 ballot.  The same scenario was played out in 2004, regarding the challenge to Ralph Nader’s Nomination Papers in that year.  Stephen Baker, a York County Green, said “We turned in quite a volume of signatures, the most since 2006.  It would have been difficult for the Democrats to proceed with a challenge as it would have required expending considerable resources and would have re-opened the embarrassing criminality of the bonusgate scandal.  The process for achieving ballot status, for third parties in Pennsylvania, is unjust and wasteful.  Ballot access laws in this state must change.”

Romanelli reminded that many individuals contributed to the Greens collecting about 35,000 voter signatures.  “We had so many of our longtime members working since early March to collect signatures, but we also had many skilled petitioners who did not participate, as the hard work in previous years was nullified by our candidates withdrawing from the challenge, rather than to defend it.  This is clearly due to the regressive practice in Pennsylvania of assessing legal fees and costs on challenges not defended successfully.  In addition, the excitement of our strong presidential ticket of Stein/Honkala assured we would obtain a suitable number of signatures.”
.

“The Stein campaign invested resources into Pennsylvania in order to augment the amount of signatures during the past month.  Cheri Honkala, of Philadelphia, was a key organizer and was the inspiration of volunteers working the Philadelphia area,” offered coordinator, Hillary Kane.
.

“Things looked grim in June, but the energy and hard work of Jill and Cheri clearly put us over the top.  These candidates are not only incredible organizers, but their message resonates with many working class voters.  In fact, our candidates were willing to be arrested in order to expose the predatory foreclosure practice employed by Fannie Mae and big banks, to the detriment of families.  We are delighted that Pennsylvania voters will have another option this November,” Kane continued.

Despite its success this year, Greens were quick to condemn the challenges brought by the Republican Party, against both the Constitution Party and the Libertarians.  “It is clear that the Republican Party of PA will go to any length in order to manipulate the vote.  For example, the petition challenges this year, combined with the passing of Voter ID in a close, partisan vote; shows just how determined the Republicans are to mute dissenting voices.  Between both of these actions we see nearly one million Pennsylvania voters being disenfranchised.  We find that shameful and believe any party worth its rhetoric would not engage in such machinations,” suggested Romanelli.

The Green Party, as well as the Constitution Party and the Libertarian Party, are co-plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit challenging the practice of assessing fees on candidates in petition challenges.  The parties are seeking to have such a practice voided as unconstitutional.  The Greens pride themselves on the fact they will not take special interest money, but rather accept only donations from individuals. 

 

For more information on the Green Party, see:  www.gp.org or www.gpofpa.org

For more information on the Stein/Honkala campaign, see:  www.jillst

Reply to: Reply to Carl Romanelli

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Carl Romanelli

The Green Party Senate candidate Carl Romanelli is still in limbo but he will be on PCN tonight.

7:00 PM PCN Call-In, Carl Romanelli - LIVE Green for U.S. Senate

At least this whole petition bruhaha has provided some entertainment.

HARRISBURG — The Democrats and the Green Party just can’t seem to get along.

Then again, it’s hard to be friendly toward someone who calls you a slimeball or a maggot. Since mid-August, volunteers for both parties have spent each weekday holed up in a conference room at the Capitol going over the nomination papers of Carl Romanelli, the Green Party’s candidate for U.S. Senate. Democrats claim Mr. Romanelli submitted thousands of bogus voter signatures and should be denied a spot on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Carl Romanelli for Senate

First of all I want to say I hope Carl Romanelli survives the challenges and will be on the ballot in November. Even if the way he financed his petition drive leaves a bad taste in my mouth. As it has pointed out to me this is the way the game is played. Now the other shoe drops and the PA Democratic Party will go to court to knock him off. We will see what happens. My regret is that that the other "3rd" party candidates didn't make the cut. The Libertarian, Constitution and Socialist Workers Party candidates should be on the ballot. Russ Diamond got over 30,000 signatures and we won't have to have the opportunity to vote for him for Governor. The system has to change. As LVDem pointed out to me, the more choices the better the product. And the Roadmap to Reform from Democracy Rising advocates:

Amend election laws so that they level the playing field for all citizens who want to run for public office regardless of party affiliation.

In other Green Party news Carl is leading the charge against the latest attempt to change the Wilkes-Barre charter. They are going to court to block the latest attempt to tinker with the way city council is elected.

WILKES-BARRE -A state court will likely have the final say in how Wilkes-Barre voters elect council members -again. Bergold's proposed question would ask city voters if they wanted to wipe out new, district-based city council elections approved in 2001. The Luzerne County Green Party vowed Tuesday to challenge the legality of Bergold's question. The party contends changes approved by voters in 2001 have yet to be implemented and cannot legally be reversed, said Carl Romanelli, co-chair of the Luzerne County Green Party.

"We think it's unlawful," Romanelli said of the planned referendum. "We think the law is five years after the districts have been enacted, not after the referendum passed and was subsequently delayed by agents of city council."

So Carl is going to spend a lot of time in court between his Senate petitions and the new brouhaha over W-B council districts. I still come back to the question I asked a few months back. Carl, why run for an office like Senator that you can't win instead of an office like State Rep that you might have a shot at in a weird year like this?

Greens in Wilkes-Barre

CV: The Pennsylvania Green Party will convene in Wilkes-Barre next week to nominate candidates for governor and U.S. Senate. "I'm really excited and flattered that the Northeast was chosen, because I’m proud of my party and I'm proud of Northeastern Pennsylvania," said Wilkes-Barre political activist Carl Romanelli Jr. The Pennsylvania Green Party has grown to almost 17,000 members, 432 of them in Luzerne County alone, Romanelli said. Romanelli and Jay Sweeney, chairman of the Wyoming County Green Party, organized the convention, themed 'Peace is Patriotic: A Green Party Plan for American Security. " The event is open to the public, and the goal is to promote the Green Party and its anti-Iraq war platform.

I think this is great. I can't remember any political party having a state convention in W-B. I just might check out the Friday night cocktail party.

Schedule of Events highlights

Saturday 2/25

Main Ballroom at the Genetti's

9:30 am Opening Ceremony - Skip Mendler - Wayne County

10:00 am Ballot Access Coalition/Voter's Choice ActDiscussion will include the recent Ballot Access Lawsuit Bob Small - Delaware County, Ken Krawchuk - Libertarian Party

Ken Krawchuck provided most of the fun in the last round of governors debates.

10:45 am Democracy Rising - Kathleen Daugherty - Co-Founder Democracy Rising Pa

11:30 am Counter-Recruiting and the Selective Service Law - Victoria Ross - Susquehanna County
Theater

1:30 pm Poetry Reading - Jim Spak Poet/Activist (Host) - Luzerne County

Jim Spak reading poetry? He may outdo the Vogons:


Saturday Evening Speakers

6:00 pm Carl Romanelli - Luzerne County Green Party "Columbia and the Need for a more Enlightened Foreign Policy"

7:00 pm Malik Rahim- "Katrina Response and the Continuing Struggle Against Racism"

8:00 PM Featured Speaker - Michael Berg The father of Nicholas Berg, who was executed in Iraq. Michael Berg is running for Congress in Delaware as a Green. He will tell his story and why he is running as a Green.

Sunday February 26

9 am - Noon Green Party Business Meeting

Noon - Lunch - Speaker Kevin Zeese - An Independent Unity Run for Senate - Peace, Justice, Democracy and Prosperity

1 - 4 pm Nominations

Oh Blackwater keep on runnin' Green

In the Blackwater hearings today Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) quized Blackwater CEO Erik Prince about his political contributions trying to show that he and other company executives gave to candidates other than Republicans. Prince and other well connected contractors from companies such as Haliburton indeed funneled money to the Green Party or maybe just one particular Green Party candidate in Pennsylvania.

From TPMMuckraker:

...he (Prince) and his wife shelled out $10,000 in contributions for a Green.It was part of an effort by connected Republicans (lobbyists and millionaire CEOs among them) to recruit Green Party candidate Carl Romanelli to enter the 2006 Senate race. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) was trailing Dem moderate Bob Casey in the polls -- and Romanelli, the scheme went, could take some of those liberal votes away from Casey...Ultimately Republicans raised more than $150,000 for Romanelli.

It's always good to find a local connection to a national story. Lehigh Valley Ramblings had all the details last fall.

Carl Romanelli out

PG: The prospect of a three-way U.S. Senate race in Pennsylvania appeared all but over yesterday as the state Supreme Court rebuffed Green Party Senate candidate Carl Romanelli's bid to get on the November ballot.
The ruling, in a one-sentence order, was good news for the Bob Casey campaign, which had feared that Mr. Romanelli's presence on the ballot would siphon votes from the Democrat. For the same reason, it was a blow to Sen. Rick Santorum and to the Republican donors who had funded the petition drive that sought to establish the Green hopeful's access to the November ballot.

And he is stuck with a $90,000 legal bill. I wonder if the Republican moneybags that financed his petition drive will pony up to pay his lawyers? Sorry, silly question.

Run for President. Run for Senator. But if you don't run for and win races for school board, city council and state rep you guys are going nowhere.

Bob Mellow and Blue Cross

A guest post from my old friend Carl Romanelli.


Conflict of interest is about the most mild term that comes to mind when one thinks of Pennsylvania State Senator, Bob Mellow's post on the Blue Cross Board of Directors. Now to say this is a conflict, well no, it is the ultimate conflict of our interest. In an age when so many Pennsylvanians have no healthcare at all, while BC and other private insurance companies reap record profits, and reform is loaded in the campaign rhetoric of the political candidates; we have Bob Mellow as the Blues inside man. How on earth can we expect Senator Mellow to take seriously the legislation that is before him, like SB 300 (single payer healthcare of PA) when he receives blood money from Blue Cross?


What about mergers, reimbursement, and regulation? Worse, when caught all Mellow can say is that he sees no problem. Well certainly not problems for Bob's bank account.


In Pennsylvania Blue Cross is about the third most powerful lobby, right behind PNC bank and Blank Rome, LLC. Imagine, your state senator serving on the board of a lobby, a PAC, all while taking salary and benefits from the taxpayer in excess of $100,000.00 per year, plus pension. Yet, so many love these frauds like Mellow, Casey, Kanjorski, Shimkus, and the rest of their ilk. True to my radical callings, I protest these phonies and long for the day voters truly vote their interest instead of reinstalling those whose only link to NEPA mining is their mining of our tax dollars for their own selfish agenda.


Carl Romanelli/Luzerne County Green Party

Greens oppose W-B parking deal

Green Party Joins Other Citizen Groups in Opposing Privatization of Wilkes-Barre’s Parking Resources.

 

The Luzerne County Green Party is now on record as opposing Mayor Leighton’s plan to sell city parking resources, and revenues, that are needed to assure long-term management of the city.  “The sale will provide a quick infusion of cash at first, but that will only assure Mayor Leighton completes his term without huge tax hikes.  However, it leaves the city in a mess, and lacking the revenue stream city lots and meters provide, forcing even more burden on Wilkes-Barre property owners and businesses,” explained Dr. Richard Aston, Green Party Parliamentarian.

          The Greens further cite that destabilizing parking issues, in the hands of a corporate entity with no obligation to deal with public concerns, will negatively impact on the delicate, but regenerating downtown business community.  “In addition to our hope for the success of the new, locally owned businesses downtown; one cannot diminish the obligation the city owes its cornerstone, longtime businesses.  Boscov’s, Marquis Art and Frame, Outlet Army Navy, Bartikowsky’s, and Circles on the Square are good examples of quality businesses that persevered during some dark days in Wilkes-Barre. The city must be responsible to those who have taken great risk and sacrifice in the belief that the city will once again thrive.  There has been much positive in the direction of business in Wilkes-Barre, but so much more needs to be done,” stated Carl Romanelli, Party Co-chair.

          Along with support for local business, the Greens want to thank the many civic and community groups that have already come out against the leasing of city parking resources.  “We have been opposed to the Mayor/JJ parking plan for a while now, but we have also been encouraged and inspired by the diverse voices in agreement.  Representatives from other third parties, Crime Watch, taxpayers groups, Downtown Business Association, and Downtown Residents association have all made articulate cases for the City Council to NOT approve this expensive scheme.  We join them, and demand that Council not ignore the need of Wilkes-Barre, just to further enrich the already comfortable,” Romanelli advised.  “It’s like Hawkeye all over again.”

          The Luzerne County Green Party has existed since May of 2000, organized around Ralph Nader’s Green Party candidacy for President of the US, and has met monthly since.  All of its meetings have been in Downtown Wilkes-Barre.  The local presidential caucus (Green Party had a contested primary for president) was scheduled at Boscov’s Restaurant in the Sophia Room last month.  The party emphasized that the event was held there in order to reinforce the party’s commitment to supporting local and regional businesses.

The Greens were successful, in coalition with other groups, in passing the now infamous Wilkes-Barre Council Districts Charter Amendment.  It also was at the forefront of defending Denise Carey when convicted, ex-judge Michael Conahan attempted to impose fees on Ms. Carey for attempting to petition to amend the city’s charter; in the wake of the closing of the Northampton Street firehouse in 2005.

Hey Rick, I need a few more bucks

And I need it in a month.

HARRISBURG - Wilkes-Barre resident Carl Romanelli has been ordered to pay more than $80,000 in legal fees stemming from his failed effort to make the ballot in last year's U.S. Senate race...The court order gives Romanelli and his attorney, Lawrence Otter, 30 days to pay.

Maybe that other guy in the picture, Senor Barletta, can share his secret donor list. If not, there is always the Blackwater bunch.

Carl Romanelli

Carl Romanelli, a native of the North End of Wilkes-Barre, is seeking the Green Party nomination for US Senate. In fact the nominating convention will be held in W-B Feb. 24 to Feb. 26 at the Genetti Hotel & Convention Center. He has been involved in the local political scene for some time and is regular quote in the local papers. He volunteered his services in Wilkes-Barre redistricting controversy but was ignored. I knew Carl when we were growing up and had no idea he was as big a political junkie as me. I haven't seen him in years. The only other local Green I know is Jim Spak who I first met when he was working for Morris Udall in the 1976 Presidential campaign.

Good luck in getting the 67,000 signatures you need to get on the ballot.

Gary Johnson for President

2 term New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson is the headliner of the PA Libertarian Party Convention starting Friday at the Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre. Johnson started off running for the Republican Presidential nomination but the networks decided he wasn't a serious candidate and excluded him from those very entertaining debates. How they decided that the pizza guy was more credible than a 2 term Governor is beyond me.

The Libertarian confab is also being billed as the Restoring Liberty celebration with speakers addressing the legacy of Dr. King and a Green Party perspective on ballot access.

A couple of agenda's have been posted

Libertarian State Convention 2012 - April 20th - April 22nd

RESTORING FREEDOMS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

This is confusing and dilutes the identity of the convention just like trying to turn a political event into something else.

A Ron Paul Bus trip is scheduled for Sunday.

Some music is scheduled with IDOL Contestant Krista Branch , Justin Haigh and more. Some of the other speakers include Lou Jasikoff, Robert Mansfield, Betsy Summers, Dave Madeira and Carl Romanelli.

I hear that Betsy Summers will be running for PA Auditor General again but not have heard that any Libertarians or Greens will contesting the Congressional or State Rep races. In 2010 3 Libs made a run for State Rep locally.

Don Bailey bails on 2012 Democratic primary for PA AG

Bailey to Run for AG as Indy, Not Dem


He has decided to mount an independent bid instead. Good luck with that as Pennsylvania has set the bar so high for independents or 3rd party candidates to make the ballot it is almost impossible, just ask Carl Romanelli.

Some background on former Congressman and Auditor General Bailey can be found on a previous post.

It looks like Patrick Murphy allies challenged his petitions and he didn't think that he could survive a court challenge so he will try to go the independent route. So after failing to get 2000 valid signatures for the primary he will attempt to get 20,000 plus signatures by August 1st. The rule of thumb is you need at least twice the required number to beat off a challenge. Unless he has an army of volunteers or can pay canvassers with Black Water money it is unlikely he will make the fall ballot. If he does make it it will be bad news for the Democratic nominee.

Both Patrick Murphy and Kathleen Kane oppose the ultrasound abortion bill. I'm not sure what David Freed's position on it is. I would hope that any Republican would oppose such an invasive procedure mandated by the government as an attack on freedom. The Voter ID Act that is a solution in search of a problem is opposed by Kane and Murphy but is supported by Freed. The last time I heard of in person voter fraud was when Joe Moran's kid was up for the WVW school board but it turned out that he was using his father's address in the Miner's Mill's section of Wilkes-Barre to vote.

The more I find out about Kathleen Kane raises more questions about her. The Pennsylvania Progessive

She denies being an exeutive of Kane is Able but signs FEC reports as an executive of Kane is Able.
Get your shit together Kathleen.

There is no doubt that Patrick Murphy will be backing President Obama for reelection but I'm not sure about Kane.

Kane is Able to back McCain

Single Payer

Green Party of Pennsylvania applauds State Senator James Ferlo and Healthcare 4 All PA for persistence regarding state-based Single Payer Legislation.

 

Pittsburgh-area legislator to introduce Family and Business Healthcare Security bill in current legislative session, while Healthcare 4 All releases results of Economic Impact Study. 

 

            The Green Party of Pennsylvania extends its sincere gratitude to Senator James Ferlo of Pittsburgh for his continued work toward a state-based single payer plan.  During past legislative sessions Senator Ferlo has been the lead legislator in the Pennsylvania Senate on this issue.  The Greens also extend congratulations and appreciation to the non-profit organization, Healthcare 4 All PA, which has worked tirelessly to help Pennsylvanians on a path to meaningful and civilized health coverage.  In recent years Healthcare 4 All PA has provided information on the savings single payer offers Pennsylvania municipalities and school districts.  Many in the organization have also requested the Pennsylvania Legislature fund a study to determine the impact on the entire state economy, a request that was ignored.  So the group, through its own funding, commissioned an Economic Impact Study, conducted by Professor Gerald Friedman of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.  The results, released last week, are significant in the savings for individuals, government and business.  In all, Pennsylvania would save $17 billion yearly in health related expenditures, while providing full and comprehensive coverage to all Pennsylvanians.

 

            “The Green Party stands in solidarity with those working towards state sponsored single payer health care legislation.  We are often critical of politicians for doing wrong, but, Senator Ferlo is right in this case and we support his efforts.  We encourage both houses of the General Assembly to work quickly to pass this legislation.  Health Care for All Pa's Economic Impact Study proves the economic benefit.  In fact, passage of this legislation would provide real economic stimulus for the Commonwealth,” said Green Party Chair, Jay Sweeney.

 

            “Various forms of single payer exist in dozens of countries around the world.  It is time for Pennsylvanians to have that same healthcare security.  If passed, single payer healthcare would be the most significant anti-poverty legislation ever passed here.  Also, Pennsylvania workers would have more flexibility in employment, since health coverage would not be linked to specific employers,” suggested Katrina Brabham , Chair, Alleghany County Green Party.

 

            If passed, single payer would create a system in which a Pennsylvania Healthcare Trust will be the administrator of an all-inclusive health insurance.  The plan would provide coverage that includes medical care, prescription coverage, emergency transport, long-term care, addiction treatment, mental health, physical therapy, dental, vision and more.  The cost would be a 3% tax of income ($30 on every $1,000 earned) for those with income, and a 10% tax on gross payroll as the employer contribution.  In addition, state and federal funds used for medical purposes in Pennsylvania, would also go into the trust fund. Study available at www.Healthcare4allpa.org

 

 “The model is effective, and quite simple to understand.  Currently our state wastes tremendous amounts of money on administration, while for-profit insurance companies cash in on complex rules that often deny needed coverage to its policyholders.  A single payer plan has one risk pool of 13 million Pennsylvanians, with one administrator.  As opposed to the current private insurance system with dozens of companies, offering hundreds of plans; none of which are as complete single payer coverage.  Such comprehensive coverage is not available now, at any price,” said Green Party Steering Committee member, Carl Romanelli.

 

Among findings of Economic Impact Study:

 

If enacted, the Pennsylvania Health Plan would save $33 billion dollars in 2014, allowing for coverage of all Pennsylvanians while still netting $17 billion in savings over current costs.

 

The 3% tax on an individual’s income would provide a lower premium cost for more than 80% of Pennsylvania citizens.

 

Plan would have no additional premiums, deductibles or co-payments.

 

Plan would save local government and school districts 40 to 60% of current costs; more for municipalities or school districts with health insurance pension obligations.

 

Plan would create 120,000 to 200,000 new jobs.

 

Plan would allow patients access to doctors and hospitals of their choice, as opposed to the restrictive limitations placed on individuals by for-profit insurance.

 

Healthcare costs would be controlled and more predictable and prescription drugs could be purchased in larger quantities, thereby saving significantly over current practices.

 

Plan would put Pennsylvania on a path to sustainable healthcare for the future.  For example, during the past 20 years Pennsylvania healthcare costs have risen by $60 billion dollars.  However, the area of most pronounced growth has been in billing and administration, as opposed to actual improvements in healthcare.

Luzerne County GOP picnic

I made it to the Luzerne County Republican Party Family picnic yesterday along with at least 200 other people at the beautiful Hartis Horse Farm in Dallas. The host was recent Controller candidate Bob Sypniewski who spent the day directing traffic. I was wasn't able to stay long and bit my tongue when some of the people started Obama bashing and repeating misinformation about health care reform. Yes, it was bleeding afterward but since this was a social occasion I decided not to get into any arguments with people that can't be persuaded anyway. Speaking of the unpersuadable, I ran into Dave Madeira as I was leaving and he was arriving.

The only picture I snagged was of our next Court of Common Pleas Judge Bill Amesbury and sitting Judge Tom Burke then my camera battery died and I didn't take a spare. Bill won both nominations so he is probably a lock but he stressed to me and anyone else that asked that he is not taking anything for granted and will continue to campaign hard. Republican Judge nominee Dick Hughes was working the crowd and I may just bullet vote for him. Blog buddy ZEN was there with his family and his son confirmed that he has filled his head with untruths about me:) Executive Directer Renita Fennick was the social butterfly of the event and made sure she greeted everyone including your humble narrator- "Oh, it's you."

My counseling efforts worked out between Jonathon and Controller nominee Walter Griffith. They kissed and made up. Carolee Medico was there and is probably headed back to the Courthouse for a repeat performance as Prothonotary.

I had a nice chat with SPCA Director and former WBRE weather guy Vince Sweeney and his wife Carol, at first I thought she was his daughter. Just kidding pal, you're a lucky man. Vince and I have the same talent for breaking machines like weed eaters, lawn mowers and appliances. He told me that if you want a cat the SPCA is handing them out for free which got my wheels turning. I'm sure Quincy would love another playmate but Ptolemy would freak and Mrs. G would also be a hard sell. I'm not sure but I think I'm on the hook for the next fundraiser for the SPCA at Francis Slocum Park in October. I already drop off my albumin cans there but not out of purely altruistic motives. Let them take them to Bilecki's junk yard.

My old friend Carl Romanelli is not optimistic about the health care legislation that will come out of Washington. He prefers a single payer system as do I. He told me that the best thing about being an Independent/Green is that you can go to any party's event and not get anybody mad at you. I suggested that instead of running for statewide offices that they will never win the minor party's like the Greens and Libertarians should put some effort into winning city council, state rep and school board seats and build as a bench for the big races down the line.

Because I was pressed for time I didn't get a chance to say hello to everyone. Some of the people I missed were Wilkes-Barre Area School board candidate Harry Haas , Hanover politico and head of the Malt Beverage Assoc. Dave Shipula, Mr. Flack, Alice Coffman and I'm sure I'm leaving out many others.

A real treat was meeting my Facebook friends David and Kathy .

I also met Superior Court nominees Sallie Mundy and Temp Smith who will be covered in a future post.

.

Moses was there greeting everyone and spent the afternoon trying to convince them that they didn't really need all that food on the plate.

Did I drop enough names ?