14 hours ago
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
I'm a proud Liberal
The last few years right wing types have been successful in turning the word liberal into a pejorative. They are dismissive of the opposition often referring to them as the democrat party instead of the Democratic Party I would counter that today's so called conservatives are not conservative at all but are right wing anti-government anarchists. This argument started on the Yonk' s FB page
It's about time that Democratic politicians take back the mantle of Liberal instead of the wishy washy progressive nonsense.
Some times it takes a TV show to remind us of what we believe in. via Simply Left Behind
"Liberals got women the right to vote. Liberals got African-Americans the right to vote. Liberals created Social Security and lifted millions of elderly people out of poverty. Liberals ended segregation. Liberals passed the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act. Liberals created Medicare. Liberals passed the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act. What did Conservatives do? They opposed them on every one of those things...every one! So when you try to hurl that label at my feet, 'Liberal,' as if it were something to be ashamed of, something dirty, something to run away from, it won't work, Senator, because I will pick up that label and I will wear it as a badge of honor." -- Matt Santos, The West Wing
It's about time that Democratic politicians take back the mantle of Liberal instead of the wishy washy progressive nonsense.
Some times it takes a TV show to remind us of what we believe in. via Simply Left Behind
"Liberals got women the right to vote. Liberals got African-Americans the right to vote. Liberals created Social Security and lifted millions of elderly people out of poverty. Liberals ended segregation. Liberals passed the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act. Liberals created Medicare. Liberals passed the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act. What did Conservatives do? They opposed them on every one of those things...every one! So when you try to hurl that label at my feet, 'Liberal,' as if it were something to be ashamed of, something dirty, something to run away from, it won't work, Senator, because I will pick up that label and I will wear it as a badge of honor." -- Matt Santos, The West Wing
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Idiot watch
WILKES-BARRE — Police were dispatched to the area of 29 Essex Lane at
about 10:15 Wednesday night for a report of a male yelling at a tree in
a resident’s back yard.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with Gregg Smith, who police said was standing in the rain in a yard and could be heard yelling from the street.
Police said Smith, of Essex Lane, had an odor of alcohol emanating from him, and was in possession of an open can of beer. They said Smith couldn’t understand simple questions posed to him and spoke with slurred speech.
There has a problem with aggressive trees in our area.
Upon arrival, officers made contact with Gregg Smith, who police said was standing in the rain in a yard and could be heard yelling from the street.
Police said Smith, of Essex Lane, had an odor of alcohol emanating from him, and was in possession of an open can of beer. They said Smith couldn’t understand simple questions posed to him and spoke with slurred speech.
There has a problem with aggressive trees in our area.
Killer trees
Friday, June 27, 2014
Kaufer wants to tax the drillers
120th HD GOP nominee Aaron Kaufer sent out a press release calling for a severance tax on the frackers. I guess he is different kind of Republican so Grover Norquist will not be sending him a Christmas card. Even Tom Corbett won't rule it out as long as he can screw over state employees on their pensions.
“There’s multiple options we can look at,” he said. “I’m not ruling out a severance tax.”
Marcellus Shale
Pennsylvania is the only state in the country that does not tax natural gas, yet it is home to one of the largest natural gas formations in the world, the Marcellus Shale. Pennsylvanians are essentially giving away our natural resource.
While Governor Corbett instituted a local impact fee, the fees collected are only a fraction of what the citizens of Pennsylvania would receive if we enacted a severance tax like other gas producing states have done.
Experts say a 5% severance tax will yield $720 million in its first year, which can be used to fund education and protecting our environment. It is time we made the gas drilling companies pay their fair share and put Pennsylvanians first!
Corbett administration won’t ‘rule out’ gas tax this year
Speaking with reporters after the press conference, Corbett’s Budget Secretary, Charles Zogby, was clear that raising taxes on drillers is still on the table.“There’s multiple options we can look at,” he said. “I’m not ruling out a severance tax.”
State
House candidate Aaron Kaufer urges Governor Tom Corbett to pass a severance
tax to
balance the state budget and provide additional funding for public education.
KINGSTON, PA – State House
candidate Aaron Kaufer today issued a statement calling on Governor Tom Corbett
to provide bold leadership and pass a reasonable severance tax on the natural
gas industry to help balance the state budget and provide more funding for
public education.
“In order to secure a
prosperous future for Pennsylvania and our children, I believe it is critical
to enact a reasonable severance tax, like is already done in neighboring
states, on natural gas drilling to help address the budget shortfall,” Kaufer
said. “In addition, this revenue will enable the state to meet its obligation
to fully fund the educational needs of our children and should keep school property
taxes in check before legislation can be passed to eliminate them.”
Although Kaufer does not
think raising taxes should ever be the first option to meet a budget shortfall,
he knows from going door-to-door to thousands of local residents that middle class
families and seniors cannot afford to pay more. He also believes our state must
remain competitive in attracting good paying energy jobs to Pennsylvania so
this severance tax can’t be higher compared to surrounding states.
“In doing so, it is important
to consider a few key principles,” Kaufer said. “Pennsylvania must continue to
cut wasteful government spending to protect taxpayers. In addition, our state already
has the highest taxes on established businesses because of both the corporate
net income tax and the capital stock and franchise tax that these companies are
required to pay in our state. A reasonable tax on Marcellus Shale drilling can
ensure drillers are paying a fair share for the natural resources they are
extracting from the Commonwealth while enabling the industry to continue to thrive
within our borders.”
He is a little late on this as his opponent Democrat Eileen Cipriani and Dem Guv candidate Tom Wolf have long favored an extration tax.
Marcellus Shale
Pennsylvania is the only state in the country that does not tax natural gas, yet it is home to one of the largest natural gas formations in the world, the Marcellus Shale. Pennsylvanians are essentially giving away our natural resource.
While Governor Corbett instituted a local impact fee, the fees collected are only a fraction of what the citizens of Pennsylvania would receive if we enacted a severance tax like other gas producing states have done.
Experts say a 5% severance tax will yield $720 million in its first year, which can be used to fund education and protecting our environment. It is time we made the gas drilling companies pay their fair share and put Pennsylvanians first!
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
A boring upcoming election
Most of the PA legislature seats in Luzerne County are uncontested. John Yudichak and Lisa Baker may get a third party challenge but will cruise to reelection to the state Senate. Eddie Day, Mike Carroll, Jerry Mullery and my favorite party girl Tarah Toohil don't have an opponent for state rep in the fall.
The most interesting races are Karen Boback being challenged by Laura Dickson and the open seat being vacated by Phyliis Mundy's retirement. Eilleen Cipriani is the hands down favorite to succeed one of my favorite state reps although Aaron Kaufer has been working very hard.
The most interesting race is the 117th District which has been redrawn to include Wyoming County and local official Laura Dickson is looking to work the home field. I don't know what it is but the local Republicans out there have a thing for making Karen Boback's life misarable. Davis Haire took her on in the primary this time and James May went after her earlier. I think Dickson's best chance is a depressed GOP turnout because Tom Corbett has pissed off just about everybody on both sides of the aisle.
Dairy issues may be a key
The most interesting races are Karen Boback being challenged by Laura Dickson and the open seat being vacated by Phyliis Mundy's retirement. Eilleen Cipriani is the hands down favorite to succeed one of my favorite state reps although Aaron Kaufer has been working very hard.
The most interesting race is the 117th District which has been redrawn to include Wyoming County and local official Laura Dickson is looking to work the home field. I don't know what it is but the local Republicans out there have a thing for making Karen Boback's life misarable. Davis Haire took her on in the primary this time and James May went after her earlier. I think Dickson's best chance is a depressed GOP turnout because Tom Corbett has pissed off just about everybody on both sides of the aisle.
Dairy issues may be a key
Mark as Spam
For some reason I get a lot of emails from right wing outfits. In the last few days Liz and Dick Cheney, Pat Toomey, John McCain, Rick Santorum, Lou Barletta and the war monger John Bolton, etc. have tried to pick my pocket with screeds telling me Barack Obama is a weak leader because he won't bomb everyone in sight and a dictator for issuing executive orders. I used to just delete them from my inbox but now I just mark them as spam. I can only hope that these hucksters will fleece one less person because I did that.
Sunday, March 09, 2014
Petition Day
Tomorrow we should know who is running for what as March 11th is the day to file petitions for the Republican and Democratic primary to be held May 20th. Independents and 3rd party candidates have a bit longer with higher signature requirements.
So far there might be contested primaries for the Democratic nomination for Governor, Lt. Guv, PA 11th CD, PA 10th CD, HD 119th and HD 120th. 2 Republicans are reported to be interested in taking on Matt Cartwright in the PA 17th CD. I will wait until Tuesday to see if the people threatening to run actually file the paperwork.
Blogfest will be Friday, April 25th at the Red Mill in Pittston starting at 6PM. All statewide and local candidates will be invited.
Details on our FB page
So far there might be contested primaries for the Democratic nomination for Governor, Lt. Guv, PA 11th CD, PA 10th CD, HD 119th and HD 120th. 2 Republicans are reported to be interested in taking on Matt Cartwright in the PA 17th CD. I will wait until Tuesday to see if the people threatening to run actually file the paperwork.
Blogfest will be Friday, April 25th at the Red Mill in Pittston starting at 6PM. All statewide and local candidates will be invited.
Details on our FB page
Labels:
10th CD,
111th,
119th HD,
120th,
17th CD,
2014 Governor,
2014 Lt Gov,
blogfest
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
Eileen Cipriani for State Represenative
From a release: West Wyoming
Council president Eileen Cipriani will announce her candidacy for state
representative in the 120th district Thursday, February 6th, at
5:30pm at The Gallery (Pierce St. Deli Bldg.) at 517 Pierce Street in Kingston.
Cipriani is a graduate of Bloomsburg
University and holds a masters degree in organizational management from
Misericordia University. In her most recent employment she served as
legislative assistant to Representative Phyllis Mundy, specializing in
constituent services and district outreach.
She is the 2011 recipient of the Governor’s
Award for Local Government Excellence in the category of responding to
adversity. Cipriani is also the founder and president of the Council of
Governments and an officer on the board of directors of CASA, court appointed
special advocates. A founder of the Abrahams Creek Watershed Association, she
was awarded the Luzerne Conservation Award for Stewardship. Cipriani has a
record of service in many additional community organizations.
She is
married to Joe Cipriani, a professor at Misericordia University and is the
mother of their two sons, David and Michael, both students at King’s College.
They reside in West Wyoming.
Light refreshments will be served and a
large crowd is expected.
My take is this Eileen's race to lose and she is not going to lose it. She has been a real leader doing some common sense things like getting all the west side governments together to buy equipment they all need but can't afford on their own. She has been the right arm of my favorite State Rep Phyllis Mundy dealing with the concerns of citizens and there can't be a better mentor than that.
Website
Facebook page
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Melanie Madeira for State Rep
I usually don't wander north of the Maginot Line of Luzerne and Lackawanna as Tom Borthwick puts it but the 114th HD race just got interesting.
This is a bit of a surprise Melanie Madeira has entered the GOP primary to take on Democratic incumbent Sid Michaels Kavulich (Sid K) who was unopposed in 2012 and romped to victory against a guy named Derf in 2010.
It's hard to separate from her husband David who found a way to lose every election he ever contested. Dave now has a radio show and told me he was done running for office.
TL: “I strongly believe in the importance of an incumbent having a challenger every election. Anyone elected to represent the voters should have to be held accountable — good or bad — for their record.” She added that if she wins she would hope someone would challenger her every election, too.
“My campaign will be getting people to vote for me, not against Sid. I’m an issues person,” Madeira said.
“My platform is based on a quote from Samuel Adams, ‘It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brushfires in people’s minds.’ I intend for my campaign to become a firebug,” she said.
“Voters are tired of platitudes and promises … what they want to hear is someone speaking the plain, old truth, and the truth is what lights those brushfires in people’s minds.”
Website
Melanie Madeira
http://www.melanieforpa.com/
Sid K
http://sidmichaels.com/
This is a bit of a surprise Melanie Madeira has entered the GOP primary to take on Democratic incumbent Sid Michaels Kavulich (Sid K) who was unopposed in 2012 and romped to victory against a guy named Derf in 2010.
It's hard to separate from her husband David who found a way to lose every election he ever contested. Dave now has a radio show and told me he was done running for office.
TL: “I strongly believe in the importance of an incumbent having a challenger every election. Anyone elected to represent the voters should have to be held accountable — good or bad — for their record.” She added that if she wins she would hope someone would challenger her every election, too.
“My campaign will be getting people to vote for me, not against Sid. I’m an issues person,” Madeira said.
“My platform is based on a quote from Samuel Adams, ‘It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brushfires in people’s minds.’ I intend for my campaign to become a firebug,” she said.
“Voters are tired of platitudes and promises … what they want to hear is someone speaking the plain, old truth, and the truth is what lights those brushfires in people’s minds.”
Website
Melanie Madeira
http://www.melanieforpa.com/
Sid K
http://sidmichaels.com/
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Maureen Madden for State Rep
From FB:
All Supporters of Maureen Madden for State Rep. are invited. All guests may invite friends. Please invite them through this event page so we know how many are attending. Thank you!
Join us as we support Maureen Madden the Democratic candidate running to represent the new 115th district. Meet many of the elected officials in our area and get to know other members of our community. Hors d' oeuvres will be served and there will be a cash bar.
At our Campaign Kick-Off Event we will be taking donations of new clothing and other outdoor survival gear to provide a modicum of comfort for our homeless vets.
Donations of new duffel bags, back packs, socks, gloves, hats, sleeping bags, blankets, thermals, are being accepted for a complete list please visit http:// operationchillout.org/ support-us/backpacks
.
Your support is greatly appreciated by Friends of Maureen Madden, Operation Chillout, and the Vets.
All Supporters of Maureen Madden for State Rep. are invited. All guests may invite friends. Please invite them through this event page so we know how many are attending. Thank you!
Join us as we support Maureen Madden the Democratic candidate running to represent the new 115th district. Meet many of the elected officials in our area and get to know other members of our community. Hors d' oeuvres will be served and there will be a cash bar.
At our Campaign Kick-Off Event we will be taking donations of new clothing and other outdoor survival gear to provide a modicum of comfort for our homeless vets.
Donations of new duffel bags, back packs, socks, gloves, hats, sleeping bags, blankets, thermals, are being accepted for a complete list please visit http://
Your support is greatly appreciated by Friends of Maureen Madden, Operation Chillout, and the Vets.
Laura Dickson for State Rep
Wyoming County Commissioner Ron Williams and State Rep. Candidate Laura Dickson
“I’m glad that we were able to attend the farm show in
Harrisburg this year. Pennsylvania’s number one industry is agriculture
and it’s important to keep up with the latest information.” said
Dickson.
Ms. Dickson and Commissioner Williams attended several
events at the farm show including the PA Agricultural Forum, the Public
Officials Luncheon, and the Keystone Energy Forum.
"As a member of the PA Farm Bureau, I support reforms to
agriculture including a comprehensive farm bill and new measures
addressing agricultural labor."
Ms. Dickson serves as Wyoming County auditor and is a Democratic Candidate for State Representative in the 117th District.
For more information, please contact info@lauradickson117.com or follow on Facebook
Her opponent discusses dairy issues
John Bolin for State Represative
The first but not the last person announcing that they want to succeed Phyllis Mundy.
Bolin is a member of the Wyoming Area School Board and a small business owner.
From his Facebook page:
Bolin is a member of the Wyoming Area School Board and a small business owner.
From his Facebook page:
About
Hello
I am John 44 years old Born and raised in Exeter Borough Luzerne County
, Residing currently In Wyoming Borough Luzerne County ,
Mission
I
am currently Seeking my first term for the 120 th Legislative District
of Retiring Phyllis Mundy , I humbly ask for your support May 2014 in
the primary , If anyone would like to volunteer or help on the committee
please Contact John Bolin 570-760-6137 , Also Monetary Contributions
will be accepted . Please check back soon for official time and location
for Public Speech to be held
Description
Hello
I am John Bolin 44 Years old Born and raised in Exeter Borough Luzerne
County Pennsylvania , Currently Residing in Wyoming Borough Luzerne
County Pennsylvania , Bishop O'Reilly High School Kingston , Attended
College Courses Through Luzerne County College , Small business Owner
for Flowers By Lucille , Just Elected my third term on Wyoming Area
School Board , Wyoming Recreation Board President , Wyoming Hose Company
# 1 Vice President , Vince Rongione for State Rep
A fiend from the Carney campaigns sent me a release announcing his bid for state rep. It's out of the area that I cover but I appreciate that Vince remembers me unlike some other people.
His press release:
DREXEL HILL - Today, attorney Vince Rongione announced he will run for State Representative, challenging incumbent Nick Micozzie for House District 163, which represents Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, Havertown and Aldan.
“I learned early in life that public service is a privilege. My grandfather moved our family to Upper Darby after returning home from WWII and I am very fortunate to have grown up in Havertown and to live in Drexel Hill. Now is the right time for me to give back and serve the communities that have given me so much.”
Rongione is the son of two teachers and the product of local public schools. He graduated from Haverford High and went on to attend Villanova University and the Villanova School of Law. After working for a few years as an attorney, Rongione joined Admiral Joe Sestak’s first run for Congress, where he worked his way up to Deputy Campaign Manager for Finance. Since that time, Rongione has worked for State Representative Bryan Lentz and served on Capitol Hill as Communications Director to Congressman Chris Carney, where he worked on the groundbreaking Wall Street reform legislation following the financial crisis and legislation to help families stay in their homes after the mortgage crisis.
“It is time for new energy and new ideas to help our neighborhoods thrive. I am running because I believe so strongly in the neighborhoods where I grew up. We need better schools that turn out more prepared workers into an environment where there are more and better jobs. We are going to build a community-focused grassroots campaign that will always put the people of Clifton Heights, Drexel Hill, Havertown, and Aldan first.”
Rongione is known as an intensely hard worker and a tenacious fundraiser. His campaign committee, “Vote Vince PA”, has raised over $20,000 in one week. The Rongione campaign can be found online at www.votevincepa.com.
“I’m energized by our strong start and humbled by the outpouring of support that I have already received from the community but I also know we have a lot of work ahead of us--a lot of organizing, volunteering, and door knocking. I know what it is going to take, and I plan to work hard everyday to earn the trust, respect and support of every voter.”
Vince Rongione currently works at Villanova University as Director of Major Giving for the College of Nursing. He lives in Drexel Hill and is engaged to be married later this year. Rongione’s father, Nick, is a graduate of Monsignor Bonner and was elected to three terms on the Haverford Township School Board including two as President.
His press release:
RONGIONE LAUNCHES BID RAISING OVER $20,000 IN ONE WEEK
DREXEL HILL - Today, attorney Vince Rongione announced he will run for State Representative, challenging incumbent Nick Micozzie for House District 163, which represents Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, Havertown and Aldan.
“I learned early in life that public service is a privilege. My grandfather moved our family to Upper Darby after returning home from WWII and I am very fortunate to have grown up in Havertown and to live in Drexel Hill. Now is the right time for me to give back and serve the communities that have given me so much.”
Rongione is the son of two teachers and the product of local public schools. He graduated from Haverford High and went on to attend Villanova University and the Villanova School of Law. After working for a few years as an attorney, Rongione joined Admiral Joe Sestak’s first run for Congress, where he worked his way up to Deputy Campaign Manager for Finance. Since that time, Rongione has worked for State Representative Bryan Lentz and served on Capitol Hill as Communications Director to Congressman Chris Carney, where he worked on the groundbreaking Wall Street reform legislation following the financial crisis and legislation to help families stay in their homes after the mortgage crisis.
“It is time for new energy and new ideas to help our neighborhoods thrive. I am running because I believe so strongly in the neighborhoods where I grew up. We need better schools that turn out more prepared workers into an environment where there are more and better jobs. We are going to build a community-focused grassroots campaign that will always put the people of Clifton Heights, Drexel Hill, Havertown, and Aldan first.”
Rongione is known as an intensely hard worker and a tenacious fundraiser. His campaign committee, “Vote Vince PA”, has raised over $20,000 in one week. The Rongione campaign can be found online at www.votevincepa.com.
“I’m energized by our strong start and humbled by the outpouring of support that I have already received from the community but I also know we have a lot of work ahead of us--a lot of organizing, volunteering, and door knocking. I know what it is going to take, and I plan to work hard everyday to earn the trust, respect and support of every voter.”
Vince Rongione currently works at Villanova University as Director of Major Giving for the College of Nursing. He lives in Drexel Hill and is engaged to be married later this year. Rongione’s father, Nick, is a graduate of Monsignor Bonner and was elected to three terms on the Haverford Township School Board including two as President.
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