Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Lets unincorporate our municipalities
In law, an unincorporated area is a region of land that is not a part of any municipality. To "incorporate" in this context means to form a municipal corporation, a city or town with its own government. Thus, an unincorporated community is usually not subject to or taxed by a municipal government. Such regions are generally administered by default as a part of larger administrative divisions, such as a township, borough, county, state, province, canton, parish, or country
Monday, July 13, 2009
Obama Science Advisor Called For “Planetary Regime” To Enforce Totalitarian Population Control Measures
In 1977 book, John Holdren advocated forced abortions, mass sterilization through food and water supply and mandatory bodily implants to prevent pregnancies
Paul Joseph Watson
Prison Planet.com
Saturday, July 11, 2009
President Obama’s top science and technology advisor John P. Holdren co-authored a 1977 book in which he advocated the formation of a “planetary regime” that would use a “global police force” to enforce totalitarian measures of population control, including forced abortions, mass sterilization programs conducted via the food and water supply, as well as mandatory bodily implants that would prevent couples from having children.
The concepts outlined in Holdren’s 1977 book Ecoscience, which he co-authored with close colleagues Paul Ehrlich and Anne Ehrlich, were so shocking that a February 2009 Front Page Magazine story on the subject was largely dismissed as being outlandish because people couldn’t bring themselves to believe that it could be true.
It was only when another Internet blog obtained the book and posted screenshots that the awful truth about what Holdren had actually committed to paper actually began to sink in.
This issue is more prescient than ever because Holdren and his colleagues are now at the forefront of efforts to combat “climate change” through similarly insane programs focused around geoengineering the planet. As we reported in April, Holdren recently advocated “Large-scale geoengineering projects designed to cool the Earth,” such as “shooting pollution particles into the upper atmosphere to reflect the sun’s rays,” which many have pointed out is already occurring via chemtrails.
Ecoscience discusses a number of ways in which the global population could be reduced to combat what the authors see as mankind’s greatest threat – overpopulation. In each case, the proposals are couched in sober academic rhetoric, but the horrifying foundation of what Holdren and his co-authors are advocating is clear. These proposals include;
- Forcibly and unknowingly sterilizing the entire population by adding infertility drugs to the nation’s water and food supply.
- Legalizing “compulsory abortions,” ie forced abortions carried out against the will of the pregnant women, as is common place in Communist China where women who have already had one child and refuse to abort the second are kidnapped off the street by the authorities before a procedure is carried out to forcibly abort the baby.
- Babies who are born out of wedlock or to teenage mothers to be forcibly taken away from their mother by the government and put up for adoption. Another proposed measure would force single mothers to demonstrate to the government that they can care for the child, effectively introducing licensing to have children.
- Implementing a system of “involuntary birth control,” where both men and women would be mandated to have an infertility device implanted into their body at puberty and only have it removed temporarily if they received permission from the government to have a baby.
- Permanently sterilizing people who the authorities deem have already had too many children or who have contributed to “general social deterioration”.
- Formally passing a law that criminalizes having more than two children, similar to the one child policy in Communist China.
- This would all be overseen by a transnational and centralized “planetary regime” that would utilize a “global police force” to enforce the measures outlined above. The “planetary regime” would also have the power to determine population levels for every country in the world.
Obama Science Advisor Called For “Planetary Regime” To Enforce Totalitarian Population Control Measures
http://www.prisonplanet.com/obama-science-advisor-called-for-planetary-regime-to-enforce-totalitarian-population-control-measures.html
Paul Joseph Watson
Prison Planet.com
Saturday, July 11, 2009
President Obama’s top science and technology advisor John P. Holdren co-authored a 1977 book in which he advocated the formation of a “planetary regime” that would use a “global police force” to enforce totalitarian measures of population control, including forced abortions, mass sterilization programs conducted via the food and water supply, as well as mandatory bodily implants that would prevent couples from having children.
The concepts outlined in Holdren’s 1977 book Ecoscience, which he co-authored with close colleagues Paul Ehrlich and Anne Ehrlich, were so shocking that a February 2009 Front Page Magazine story on the subject was largely dismissed as being outlandish because people couldn’t bring themselves to believe that it could be true.
It was only when another Internet blog obtained the book and posted screenshots that the awful truth about what Holdren had actually committed to paper actually began to sink in.
This issue is more prescient than ever because Holdren and his colleagues are now at the forefront of efforts to combat “climate change” through similarly insane programs focused around geoengineering the planet. As we reported in April, Holdren recently advocated “Large-scale geoengineering projects designed to cool the Earth,” such as “shooting pollution particles into the upper atmosphere to reflect the sun’s rays,” which many have pointed out is already occurring via chemtrails.
Ecoscience discusses a number of ways in which the global population could be reduced to combat what the authors see as mankind’s greatest threat – overpopulation. In each case, the proposals are couched in sober academic rhetoric, but the horrifying foundation of what Holdren and his co-authors are advocating is clear. These proposals include;
- Forcibly and unknowingly sterilizing the entire population by adding infertility drugs to the nation’s water and food supply.
- Legalizing “compulsory abortions,” ie forced abortions carried out against the will of the pregnant women, as is common place in Communist China where women who have already had one child and refuse to abort the second are kidnapped off the street by the authorities before a procedure is carried out to forcibly abort the baby.
- Babies who are born out of wedlock or to teenage mothers to be forcibly taken away from their mother by the government and put up for adoption. Another proposed measure would force single mothers to demonstrate to the government that they can care for the child, effectively introducing licensing to have children.
- Implementing a system of “involuntary birth control,” where both men and women would be mandated to have an infertility device implanted into their body at puberty and only have it removed temporarily if they received permission from the government to have a baby.
- Permanently sterilizing people who the authorities deem have already had too many children or who have contributed to “general social deterioration”.
- Formally passing a law that criminalizes having more than two children, similar to the one child policy in Communist China.
- This would all be overseen by a transnational and centralized “planetary regime” that would utilize a “global police force” to enforce the measures outlined above. The “planetary regime” would also have the power to determine population levels for every country in the world.
Obama Science Advisor Called For “Planetary Regime” To Enforce Totalitarian Population Control Measures
http://www.prisonplanet.com/obama-science-advisor-called-for-planetary-regime-to-enforce-totalitarian-population-control-measures.html
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Corbett appeals ruling on ethics complaint
Friday, July 10, 2009
BY PETE SHELLEM pshellem@patriot-news.com
The state attorney general's office has appealed a federal judge's order that barred the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission from enforcing a ban on publicizing filings against state officials.
The office, which represents the commission, filed notice Thursday that it was appealing to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals the order by U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner that granted an injunction to activist Gene Stilp.
Conner ruled last week that the ban ran counter to the right to free speech.
In 2007, Stilp, of Middle Paxton Twp., announced he filed an ethics complaint against former House Majority Leader H. William DeWeese.
Within a day, the commission ruled there was not enough evidence in Stilp's complaint to warrant an investigation, then charged Stilp with violating the act by publicizing the filing. On Oct. 16, Stilp entered into an agreement with the commission in which he admitted violating the act and agreed to pay a $500 fine. He then filed the suit that prompted Conner's ruling.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1247199039203320.xml&coll=1
BY PETE SHELLEM pshellem@patriot-news.com
The state attorney general's office has appealed a federal judge's order that barred the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission from enforcing a ban on publicizing filings against state officials.
The office, which represents the commission, filed notice Thursday that it was appealing to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals the order by U.S. District Judge Christopher C. Conner that granted an injunction to activist Gene Stilp.
Conner ruled last week that the ban ran counter to the right to free speech.
In 2007, Stilp, of Middle Paxton Twp., announced he filed an ethics complaint against former House Majority Leader H. William DeWeese.
Within a day, the commission ruled there was not enough evidence in Stilp's complaint to warrant an investigation, then charged Stilp with violating the act by publicizing the filing. On Oct. 16, Stilp entered into an agreement with the commission in which he admitted violating the act and agreed to pay a $500 fine. He then filed the suit that prompted Conner's ruling.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1247199039203320.xml&coll=1
Monday, July 6, 2009
Independence for all .....STATES!!
The more the bozos in Washington do the more I feel we should become 50 independent republics. At the very least break into several republics, I mean how much worse can it be. Give me some thoughts on this and let me know what you think. We need more local control of our lives.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Bill banning forced identity-chip implants clears House
By Lauren Boyer
Inquirer Staff Writer
HARRISBURG - Invasion of privacy is an issue that really gets under State Rep. Babette Josephs' skin.
That's why the Philadelphia Democrat introduced a bill, passed unanimously last week by the House, that would ban the forced implantation of computer chips in humans.
Conjuring Orwellian images, Josephs worries the identification devices - the size of a grain of rice - could lead to a real-life Big Brother nightmare.
"I'm doing, I think, what the legislature does too little of," she said. "This is a problem on the horizon, and I want to address it before it becomes a societal disgrace."
Though the technology hasn't debuted in Pennsylvania, VeriChip, a company in Florida, received federal Food and Drug Administration clearance in 2004 to market the implanted microchips, which were tested on 200 Alzheimer's patients.
Injected into the triceps, the chips have unique 16-digit codes and GPS capabilities that allow nursing homes to find wandering patients.
"I think it's really horrible that we want to chip them like barcoded packages of meat," said Kim Sultzbaugh, a research specialist who helped Josephs write the bill.
California, North Dakota, and Wisconsin have enacted laws similar to the ban Josephs is proposing.
The technology can also be used for security, as in a widely reported case in Mexico. There, the implants were required for some government employees to enter restricted buildings.
A bar in Scotland even offers to implant patrons with chips that allow them to purchase pints without a credit card, according to news accounts.
Despite the technology's potential usefulness, Sultzbaugh said, some Christian groups liken the identification devices to the "mark of the beast," a Satanic mark described in the Book of Revelation and represented by the number 666.
Josephs said electronic ankle bracelets could keep track of someone in a less-invasive manner.
But for some "murderers, killers, and rapists," ankle bracelets won't do the trick, said State Rep. Dan Moul (R., Adams).
Moul amended Josephs' bill to allow chips to be implanted by court order. The bill also would allow the chips to be implanted in Guantanamo Bay detainees who end up in Pennsylvania.
"Terrorists could take that ankle bracelet off with a saw and strap it to a dog and let them run around," Moul said. "We need to know if these people are returning to the war to fight against America."
Josephs called Moul's changes "inflammatory" and "sensational" and hopes the Senate throws them out when it considers the measure.
Erik Arneson, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R., Delaware), said the bill was not scheduled for immediate action.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090702_Bill_banning_forced_identity-chip_implants_clears_House.html
Inquirer Staff Writer
HARRISBURG - Invasion of privacy is an issue that really gets under State Rep. Babette Josephs' skin.
That's why the Philadelphia Democrat introduced a bill, passed unanimously last week by the House, that would ban the forced implantation of computer chips in humans.
Conjuring Orwellian images, Josephs worries the identification devices - the size of a grain of rice - could lead to a real-life Big Brother nightmare.
"I'm doing, I think, what the legislature does too little of," she said. "This is a problem on the horizon, and I want to address it before it becomes a societal disgrace."
Though the technology hasn't debuted in Pennsylvania, VeriChip, a company in Florida, received federal Food and Drug Administration clearance in 2004 to market the implanted microchips, which were tested on 200 Alzheimer's patients.
Injected into the triceps, the chips have unique 16-digit codes and GPS capabilities that allow nursing homes to find wandering patients.
"I think it's really horrible that we want to chip them like barcoded packages of meat," said Kim Sultzbaugh, a research specialist who helped Josephs write the bill.
California, North Dakota, and Wisconsin have enacted laws similar to the ban Josephs is proposing.
The technology can also be used for security, as in a widely reported case in Mexico. There, the implants were required for some government employees to enter restricted buildings.
A bar in Scotland even offers to implant patrons with chips that allow them to purchase pints without a credit card, according to news accounts.
Despite the technology's potential usefulness, Sultzbaugh said, some Christian groups liken the identification devices to the "mark of the beast," a Satanic mark described in the Book of Revelation and represented by the number 666.
Josephs said electronic ankle bracelets could keep track of someone in a less-invasive manner.
But for some "murderers, killers, and rapists," ankle bracelets won't do the trick, said State Rep. Dan Moul (R., Adams).
Moul amended Josephs' bill to allow chips to be implanted by court order. The bill also would allow the chips to be implanted in Guantanamo Bay detainees who end up in Pennsylvania.
"Terrorists could take that ankle bracelet off with a saw and strap it to a dog and let them run around," Moul said. "We need to know if these people are returning to the war to fight against America."
Josephs called Moul's changes "inflammatory" and "sensational" and hopes the Senate throws them out when it considers the measure.
Erik Arneson, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R., Delaware), said the bill was not scheduled for immediate action.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20090702_Bill_banning_forced_identity-chip_implants_clears_House.html
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Strikes Down a Campaign Finance Law
On April 30, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down a state campaign finance law. The case is DePaul v Commonwealth, 969 A 2d 536. The law made it illegal for anyone associated with the casino industry to contribute any money whatsoever to any candidate running for state office.
The significance of this decision is that the Court reiterates that the Pennsylvania Constitution provides greater protection for freedom of expression than the U.S. Constitution does. Page 546 of the decision summarizes past decisions that establish the greater protection from the Pennsylvania Constitution than from the U.S. Constitution. The Pennsylvania Constitution also provides that elections shall be “free and equal”. One hopes that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court bears these ideas in mind, as it considers the ballot access cases now pending in that Court.
http://www.ballot-access.org/
The significance of this decision is that the Court reiterates that the Pennsylvania Constitution provides greater protection for freedom of expression than the U.S. Constitution does. Page 546 of the decision summarizes past decisions that establish the greater protection from the Pennsylvania Constitution than from the U.S. Constitution. The Pennsylvania Constitution also provides that elections shall be “free and equal”. One hopes that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court bears these ideas in mind, as it considers the ballot access cases now pending in that Court.
http://www.ballot-access.org/
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Pittsburgh Independence Day Tea Party
Sat 9:00 AM Location
Flagstaff Hill, Schenley Park
Schenley Dr. & Frew St
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Who's organizing?
Gary
Please join us for the Independence Day Tea Party to celebrate our nation’s birthday and our freedoms. Our party is on July 4th at Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park, across from Phipps Conservatory, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. We have an outstanding lineup of speakers:
Glen Meakem - Emcee - Founder of FreeMarkets, entrepreneur and talk show host
Grover Norquist - President for Americans for Tax Reform
Dr. Hans Lessman - President of SEPP, Society for the Education of Physicians and Patients
Jake Haulk - President of Allegheny Institute for Public Policy
Mark Hendrickson - Grove City Professor and expert on Cap and Trade
Start making your signs to Audit/End the Fed or to protest the carbon emissions Cap and Trade legislation (among other issues!) that was just passed in The House of Representatives and will be coming up for a vote by the Senate, probably around the 6th or 7th. Please make a concerted effort to bring 20 friends or family members with you! We look forward to seeing you!
THANKS!!
http://www.meetup.com/ronpaul-97/calendar/10748004/
Flagstaff Hill, Schenley Park
Schenley Dr. & Frew St
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Who's organizing?
Gary
Please join us for the Independence Day Tea Party to celebrate our nation’s birthday and our freedoms. Our party is on July 4th at Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park, across from Phipps Conservatory, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. We have an outstanding lineup of speakers:
Glen Meakem - Emcee - Founder of FreeMarkets, entrepreneur and talk show host
Grover Norquist - President for Americans for Tax Reform
Dr. Hans Lessman - President of SEPP, Society for the Education of Physicians and Patients
Jake Haulk - President of Allegheny Institute for Public Policy
Mark Hendrickson - Grove City Professor and expert on Cap and Trade
Start making your signs to Audit/End the Fed or to protest the carbon emissions Cap and Trade legislation (among other issues!) that was just passed in The House of Representatives and will be coming up for a vote by the Senate, probably around the 6th or 7th. Please make a concerted effort to bring 20 friends or family members with you! We look forward to seeing you!
THANKS!!
http://www.meetup.com/ronpaul-97/calendar/10748004/
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wilkinsburg council approves missing firearm ordinance
By Jeremy Boren
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wilkinsburg lawmakers approved an ordinance Wednesday night that would penalize gun owners who fail to report to police their weapon has been lost or stolen within 24 hours.
If Mayor John Thompson signs it into law as expected, the borough would join Pittsburgh and five other Pennsylvania towns that have passed controversial rules designed to crack down on gun straw purchasers.
In two high-profile cases, the National Rifle Association has filed lawsuits to overturn versions of the law approved by Pittsburgh and Philadelphia city councils. Attorneys for the NRA have argued that state law, which regulates the "sale and transfer of firearms," overrides any city gun ordinances. The state Legislature failed to pass lost or stolen gun ban last year.
Wilkinsburg Councilwoman Denise Edwards said the specter of an NRA lawsuit doesn't intimidate her.
"You can't let the NRA drive the agenda for street safety," said Edwards, who joined in the 6-0 vote to pass the ordinance. "I think many Pennsylvania elected officials are coming to the conclusion that we have to take action to stem the amount of violence."
Wilkinsburg's ordinance differs slightly from Pittsburgh's version.
It offers first-time offenders an opportunity take gun safety training classes, potentially as a way to avoid a $500 fine and permanent criminal record if a judge approves, Edwards said.
Pittsburgh's version doesn't offer safety training. Subsequent offenses in both ordinances carry potential fines of $1,000 and 90 days in jail.
In addition to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Allentown, Pottsville, Reading and Harrisburg have passed laws penalizing those who don't report lost or stolen guns.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_628168.html
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wilkinsburg lawmakers approved an ordinance Wednesday night that would penalize gun owners who fail to report to police their weapon has been lost or stolen within 24 hours.
If Mayor John Thompson signs it into law as expected, the borough would join Pittsburgh and five other Pennsylvania towns that have passed controversial rules designed to crack down on gun straw purchasers.
In two high-profile cases, the National Rifle Association has filed lawsuits to overturn versions of the law approved by Pittsburgh and Philadelphia city councils. Attorneys for the NRA have argued that state law, which regulates the "sale and transfer of firearms," overrides any city gun ordinances. The state Legislature failed to pass lost or stolen gun ban last year.
Wilkinsburg Councilwoman Denise Edwards said the specter of an NRA lawsuit doesn't intimidate her.
"You can't let the NRA drive the agenda for street safety," said Edwards, who joined in the 6-0 vote to pass the ordinance. "I think many Pennsylvania elected officials are coming to the conclusion that we have to take action to stem the amount of violence."
Wilkinsburg's ordinance differs slightly from Pittsburgh's version.
It offers first-time offenders an opportunity take gun safety training classes, potentially as a way to avoid a $500 fine and permanent criminal record if a judge approves, Edwards said.
Pittsburgh's version doesn't offer safety training. Subsequent offenses in both ordinances carry potential fines of $1,000 and 90 days in jail.
In addition to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Allentown, Pottsville, Reading and Harrisburg have passed laws penalizing those who don't report lost or stolen guns.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_628168.html
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
The Pennsylvania Oath of Office
§ 3. Oath of office.
Senators, Representatives and all judicial, State and county
officers shall, before entering on the duties of their
respective offices, take and subscribe the following oath or
affirmation before a person authorized to administer oaths.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey
and defend the Constitution of the United States and the
Constitution of this Commonwealth and that I will discharge the
duties of my office with fidelity."
The oath or affirmation shall be administered to a member of
the Senate or to a member of the House of Representatives in the
hall of the House to which he shall have been elected.
Any person refusing to take the oath or affirmation shall
forfeit his office.
(May 17, 1966, 1965 P.L.1928, J.R.10)
Senators, Representatives and all judicial, State and county
officers shall, before entering on the duties of their
respective offices, take and subscribe the following oath or
affirmation before a person authorized to administer oaths.
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey
and defend the Constitution of the United States and the
Constitution of this Commonwealth and that I will discharge the
duties of my office with fidelity."
The oath or affirmation shall be administered to a member of
the Senate or to a member of the House of Representatives in the
hall of the House to which he shall have been elected.
Any person refusing to take the oath or affirmation shall
forfeit his office.
(May 17, 1966, 1965 P.L.1928, J.R.10)
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Ohio puts all out effort to stop illegal operation
State stomps on the common good
by Zoe Romanowsky
5/04/09
Here's a story I couldn't resist posting. A Christian, home-schooling family in Ohio was raided back in early December by the state Department of Agriculture, the county health department, and the police.
Swat teams surrounded their house, entered, and forced 10 children and their mother into a room and held them for six hours while the house was searched and their personal items confiscated.
Their crime? Running a food co-op for local families. State officials claim Jim and Mary Stower are operating a retail business without a license. The Stower family says they run a members-only co-op, which does not sell to the public and therefore does not require a licence.
The Stowers started ordering wholefoods in bulk for their family of 12 many years ago. Local families asked to do the same and eventually this led to the Stowers putting a co-op together called Manna Storehouse for families to buy food orders in bulk. They purchase mostly from local farms.
Even if the Stowers violated a law, it's amazing to me the way state and local officials chose to act. Imagine rural home-schooled kids being held at gunpoint for six hours by police with automatic rifles. The cops took the families' personal food, and confiscated their cell phones and computer.
The Stowers son-in-law is a soldier stationed in Iraq, by the way. That one computer was their main way of communicating with him.
http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5925&Itemid=80#jreactions
by Zoe Romanowsky
5/04/09
Here's a story I couldn't resist posting. A Christian, home-schooling family in Ohio was raided back in early December by the state Department of Agriculture, the county health department, and the police.
Swat teams surrounded their house, entered, and forced 10 children and their mother into a room and held them for six hours while the house was searched and their personal items confiscated.
Their crime? Running a food co-op for local families. State officials claim Jim and Mary Stower are operating a retail business without a license. The Stower family says they run a members-only co-op, which does not sell to the public and therefore does not require a licence.
The Stowers started ordering wholefoods in bulk for their family of 12 many years ago. Local families asked to do the same and eventually this led to the Stowers putting a co-op together called Manna Storehouse for families to buy food orders in bulk. They purchase mostly from local farms.
Even if the Stowers violated a law, it's amazing to me the way state and local officials chose to act. Imagine rural home-schooled kids being held at gunpoint for six hours by police with automatic rifles. The cops took the families' personal food, and confiscated their cell phones and computer.
The Stowers son-in-law is a soldier stationed in Iraq, by the way. That one computer was their main way of communicating with him.
http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5925&Itemid=80#jreactions
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Pittsburgh council readies $85K for high-powered police rifles
By The Tribune-Review
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Pittsburgh City Council on Wednesday tentatively authorized spending $85,800 to equip specially trained police with high-powered rifles.
If it passes a final vote next week, police will purchase 46 Smith & Wesson M&P15 rifles and batches of ammunition, gun sights and noise suppressors.
The weapons will be kept in police zone stations. Trained officers will be permitted to sign them out. When they do, the rifles will be locked into patrol car gun racks.
The new weapons are a response to the April 4 shooting deaths of three city police officers who were responding to a domestic incident in Stanton Heights.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_625063.html
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Pittsburgh City Council on Wednesday tentatively authorized spending $85,800 to equip specially trained police with high-powered rifles.
If it passes a final vote next week, police will purchase 46 Smith & Wesson M&P15 rifles and batches of ammunition, gun sights and noise suppressors.
The weapons will be kept in police zone stations. Trained officers will be permitted to sign them out. When they do, the rifles will be locked into patrol car gun racks.
The new weapons are a response to the April 4 shooting deaths of three city police officers who were responding to a domestic incident in Stanton Heights.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_625063.html
Grand Jury Substantiates Real ID Opposition, Rohrer Says
HARRISBURG — Following the recent grand jury’s announcement that more than 45 people have been charged with issuing fraudulent drivers’ licenses, Representative Sam Rohrer, prime sponsor of legislation to outlaw Real ID in Pennsylvania, issued the following statement:
“This most recent debacle highlights my long-standing concerns with government entities taking and storing an individual’s personally identifying information, often without their knowledge or consent. PennDOT has lost credibility over this fiasco; no driver can feel safe knowing that his or her personal information, including social security number and biometric data, is vulnerable to this kind of misconduct. In another example of the state yielding personal, constitutional rights to the federal government for the sake of federal funds, Pennsylvania adopted a facial recognition program with the stated intent to eliminate fraudulent or duplicate licenses. If we cannot trust PennDOT to hire honest employees at this most basic level of their security, how can we trust any government agency with any of our personal information?
“Your security system is only as strong as the people in charge of it. I remain opposed to intrusive technology that not only doesn’t catch the bad guys, but also compromises the innocent citizens and takes away their privacy rights. I call once again on Pennsylvania to stand up for the rights of Pennsylvanians to be secure in their persons. We simply cannot allow innocent citizens to have their personal information open to misuse at the very lowest levels.”
The Real ID Act of 2005 was passed as part of a tsunami relief bill, and mandated states comply with several federal guidelines in the issuing of state drivers’ licenses, including the use of biometric information. Rohrer introduced legislation this session, House Bill 1443, to join states across the nation in legislatively refusing to participate in the federal program.
http://grassrootspa.com/
“This most recent debacle highlights my long-standing concerns with government entities taking and storing an individual’s personally identifying information, often without their knowledge or consent. PennDOT has lost credibility over this fiasco; no driver can feel safe knowing that his or her personal information, including social security number and biometric data, is vulnerable to this kind of misconduct. In another example of the state yielding personal, constitutional rights to the federal government for the sake of federal funds, Pennsylvania adopted a facial recognition program with the stated intent to eliminate fraudulent or duplicate licenses. If we cannot trust PennDOT to hire honest employees at this most basic level of their security, how can we trust any government agency with any of our personal information?
“Your security system is only as strong as the people in charge of it. I remain opposed to intrusive technology that not only doesn’t catch the bad guys, but also compromises the innocent citizens and takes away their privacy rights. I call once again on Pennsylvania to stand up for the rights of Pennsylvanians to be secure in their persons. We simply cannot allow innocent citizens to have their personal information open to misuse at the very lowest levels.”
The Real ID Act of 2005 was passed as part of a tsunami relief bill, and mandated states comply with several federal guidelines in the issuing of state drivers’ licenses, including the use of biometric information. Rohrer introduced legislation this session, House Bill 1443, to join states across the nation in legislatively refusing to participate in the federal program.
http://grassrootspa.com/
Monday, May 11, 2009
Campaign finance reports for Allegheny County go online
Monday, May 11, 2009
By Karamagi Rujumba, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Starting today, all campaign finance reports filed by candidates for municipal, school district and county offices, plus political committees, will be available to the public online.
The effort is part of Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato's promise to make campaign finance records more readily accessible to the public through his initiative to create transparent government practices.
"This is a major milestone in our continuing effort to provide open and transparent government in Allegheny County," Mr. Onorato said.
"The placement of these files on the county's Web site allows the public to examine campaign finance reports at their own convenience, 24 hours a day. Prior to this, citizens were required to visit the county elections office in person to access these documents," he added.
The new county Web site http://apps.county.allegheny.pa.us/campaignfinanceview is scheduled to become operational at noon. The public will be able to search through the site by candidate or committee name, office title, report type and report date by means of convenient drop-down menus.
The original paper copies of all campaign finance reports filed with the county beginning this year will be scanned, converted to electronic documents, and indexed for retrieval and display on the Internet.
Reports will be posted and accessible to the public within 72 hours of each filing deadline, and they will remain accessible for a period of five years.
Furthermore, Mr. Onorato plans to submit new legislation to County Council today, setting what he said are even tighter limits on campaign contributions from individuals and political action committees.
Under Mr. Onorato's new proposal, candidates for County Council could accept no more than $1,000 from any individual and no more than $2,000 from any political action committee during each primary election and general election. The contribution limits would be double for candidates seeking countywide election, including county executive, controller, district attorney, sheriff and treasurer.
In January, Mr. Onorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced a joint effort to reform campaign finances in the county and the city. They proposed that both governments ought to live under campaign restrictions that were much like federal campaign finance guidelines.
They proposed to enact identical campaign finance laws that would limit personal donations to political campaigns to $4,600 per election cycle and political action committees donations up to $10,000 per cycle (four years).
But two weeks ago, City Council lowered the cap in the campaign finance bill that it approved in an 8-0 vote with one abstention. Mayor Ravenstahl, who is currently seeking re-election, embraced the new stipulations as a sweeping campaign reform bill.
Now, Mr. Onorato has adopted the same campaign limits that City Council approved, even as the campaign finance bill he initially proposed lingers in a County Council committee.
"The time has come for Allegheny County to reform the way we conduct elections," Mr. Onorato said.
Karamagi Rujumba can be reached at krujumba@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1719.
By Karamagi Rujumba, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Starting today, all campaign finance reports filed by candidates for municipal, school district and county offices, plus political committees, will be available to the public online.
The effort is part of Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato's promise to make campaign finance records more readily accessible to the public through his initiative to create transparent government practices.
"This is a major milestone in our continuing effort to provide open and transparent government in Allegheny County," Mr. Onorato said.
"The placement of these files on the county's Web site allows the public to examine campaign finance reports at their own convenience, 24 hours a day. Prior to this, citizens were required to visit the county elections office in person to access these documents," he added.
The new county Web site http://apps.county.allegheny.pa.us/campaignfinanceview is scheduled to become operational at noon. The public will be able to search through the site by candidate or committee name, office title, report type and report date by means of convenient drop-down menus.
The original paper copies of all campaign finance reports filed with the county beginning this year will be scanned, converted to electronic documents, and indexed for retrieval and display on the Internet.
Reports will be posted and accessible to the public within 72 hours of each filing deadline, and they will remain accessible for a period of five years.
Furthermore, Mr. Onorato plans to submit new legislation to County Council today, setting what he said are even tighter limits on campaign contributions from individuals and political action committees.
Under Mr. Onorato's new proposal, candidates for County Council could accept no more than $1,000 from any individual and no more than $2,000 from any political action committee during each primary election and general election. The contribution limits would be double for candidates seeking countywide election, including county executive, controller, district attorney, sheriff and treasurer.
In January, Mr. Onorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced a joint effort to reform campaign finances in the county and the city. They proposed that both governments ought to live under campaign restrictions that were much like federal campaign finance guidelines.
They proposed to enact identical campaign finance laws that would limit personal donations to political campaigns to $4,600 per election cycle and political action committees donations up to $10,000 per cycle (four years).
But two weeks ago, City Council lowered the cap in the campaign finance bill that it approved in an 8-0 vote with one abstention. Mayor Ravenstahl, who is currently seeking re-election, embraced the new stipulations as a sweeping campaign reform bill.
Now, Mr. Onorato has adopted the same campaign limits that City Council approved, even as the campaign finance bill he initially proposed lingers in a County Council committee.
"The time has come for Allegheny County to reform the way we conduct elections," Mr. Onorato said.
Karamagi Rujumba can be reached at krujumba@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1719.
Friday, April 24, 2009
The Castle Doctrine
Bill would enhance right to use lethal force if threatened
BROCK PARKER The York Dispatch
Posted: 04/23/2009 10:48:53 AM EDT
Alloway State Sen. Richard Alloway is preparing to introduce a bill that would enhance a person's right to use lethal force to defend themselves if they are threatened by an attacker at their home or in their car.
Alloway, R-Franklin County, said the bill would establish the Castle Doctrine in Pennsylvania and would protect gun owners who act in self-defense.
Pennsylvania does have laws on the books protecting people who use force to defend themselves in their homes or place of work.
But Alloway said his proposal would remove a clause from Pennsylvania Title 18 that states a person has a "duty to retreat" if possible instead of using force against an attacker.
Under Alloway's bill, homeowners would still need to demonstrate that they believed they were in imminent danger when they used lethal force.
Alloway said his bill would also add a person's vehicle as a place where people have a right to be and use force to defend themselves.
A member of the National Rifle Association, Alloway said he learned only recently that Pennsylvania did not have the Castle Doctrine in place.
"I was actually shocked," he said.
He said he is currently circulating the text of his bill to gather co-sponsors.
The bill would also seek to protect individuals from being sued in civil court for using force to protect themselves in their homes, places of work or vehicles.
Alloway said current state laws do not "necessarily" protect homeowners from being sued in civil court.
Twenty-three
other states have already established the Castle Doctrine, including the neighboring states of Ohio and West Virginia.
Alloway announced his legislation Tuesday at the Fourth Annual Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally at the state capital.
-- Reach Brock Parker at 505-5434 or bparke r@yorkdispatch.com.
BROCK PARKER The York Dispatch
Posted: 04/23/2009 10:48:53 AM EDT
Alloway State Sen. Richard Alloway is preparing to introduce a bill that would enhance a person's right to use lethal force to defend themselves if they are threatened by an attacker at their home or in their car.
Alloway, R-Franklin County, said the bill would establish the Castle Doctrine in Pennsylvania and would protect gun owners who act in self-defense.
Pennsylvania does have laws on the books protecting people who use force to defend themselves in their homes or place of work.
But Alloway said his proposal would remove a clause from Pennsylvania Title 18 that states a person has a "duty to retreat" if possible instead of using force against an attacker.
Under Alloway's bill, homeowners would still need to demonstrate that they believed they were in imminent danger when they used lethal force.
Alloway said his bill would also add a person's vehicle as a place where people have a right to be and use force to defend themselves.
A member of the National Rifle Association, Alloway said he learned only recently that Pennsylvania did not have the Castle Doctrine in place.
"I was actually shocked," he said.
He said he is currently circulating the text of his bill to gather co-sponsors.
The bill would also seek to protect individuals from being sued in civil court for using force to protect themselves in their homes, places of work or vehicles.
Alloway said current state laws do not "necessarily" protect homeowners from being sued in civil court.
Twenty-three
other states have already established the Castle Doctrine, including the neighboring states of Ohio and West Virginia.
Alloway announced his legislation Tuesday at the Fourth Annual Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally at the state capital.
-- Reach Brock Parker at 505-5434 or bparke r@yorkdispatch.com.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Pittsburgh End the Fed! Rally II
April 25th
Sat 12:00 PM Location
Pittsburgh Federal Reserve
717 Grant St
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Nationwide protest against the Federal Reserve Banks and System and for sound money.
The Federal Reserve is NOT a government entity and is responsible for the nation's economic boom and bust cycle (e.g. the housing market bubble followed by it's collapse), for inflation which is essentially a tax on the poor and middle classes, for funding unconstitutional and unjust wars, and for the current economic crisis.
YOUR hard-earned federal income tax dollars go to pay the interest on the federal government's debt to a PRIVATELY owned bank (the Fed!), which then PROFITS from YOUR loss.
Please join us in front of the Pittsburgh Federal Reserve Building Downtown to educate the public about the Fed and gain support for Texas Rep. Ron Paul's HR 1207: The Federal Reserve Transparency Act to audit the Fed (Senate version is S 604: The Federal Reserve Sunshine Act of 2009, introduced by VT Sen. Bernie Sanders) and Rep. Paul's HR 833: The Federal Reserve Board Abolition Act.
Participants can meet up at the Fed at Noon, or alternatively, meet at 11:30AM at St Stanislaus Kostka Church in The Strip, Pittsburgh's historic shopping district, where parking space is cheaper and more plentiful than in Downtown, and then march to the Fed Bldg to meet others, while distributing literature about the Federal Reserve and information on HR 1207/S 604 and HR 833 to shoppers. See: http://www.meetup.com...
Some ideas for sign slogans:
"The Federal Reserve is the problem, not the solution"
"The Federal Reserve causes the boom and bust economy"
"The Federal Reserve causes the recession/depressions"
"The Fed in NOT part of the Federal government"
"No more Bailouts"
"No More Bailouts for Bankers"
"The Fed = Debt"
"The Fed = Personal AND National Debt"
"The Fed = Financial Slavery"
"End the Fed, End War"
"Fed Inflation = Worthless Money"
"Inflation = Taxation"
"Fed Money is Debt"
"Paper is Paper, Gold is Money"
"End Monetized Debt"
"Audit the Fed, Support HR 1207-Call Your Congressman NOW!"
"Repeal the Fed, Support HR 833 -Call Your Congressman NOW!"
"Abort the Fed, Support Prosperity"
"Abort the Fed, Support Liberty"
"Your Children Will Pay the Price!"
Helpful site for instructions on making protest rally signs: http://www.csua.berke...
Thank you and let's have a great day!!
Sat 12:00 PM Location
Pittsburgh Federal Reserve
717 Grant St
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Nationwide protest against the Federal Reserve Banks and System and for sound money.
The Federal Reserve is NOT a government entity and is responsible for the nation's economic boom and bust cycle (e.g. the housing market bubble followed by it's collapse), for inflation which is essentially a tax on the poor and middle classes, for funding unconstitutional and unjust wars, and for the current economic crisis.
YOUR hard-earned federal income tax dollars go to pay the interest on the federal government's debt to a PRIVATELY owned bank (the Fed!), which then PROFITS from YOUR loss.
Please join us in front of the Pittsburgh Federal Reserve Building Downtown to educate the public about the Fed and gain support for Texas Rep. Ron Paul's HR 1207: The Federal Reserve Transparency Act to audit the Fed (Senate version is S 604: The Federal Reserve Sunshine Act of 2009, introduced by VT Sen. Bernie Sanders) and Rep. Paul's HR 833: The Federal Reserve Board Abolition Act.
Participants can meet up at the Fed at Noon, or alternatively, meet at 11:30AM at St Stanislaus Kostka Church in The Strip, Pittsburgh's historic shopping district, where parking space is cheaper and more plentiful than in Downtown, and then march to the Fed Bldg to meet others, while distributing literature about the Federal Reserve and information on HR 1207/S 604 and HR 833 to shoppers. See: http://www.meetup.com...
Some ideas for sign slogans:
"The Federal Reserve is the problem, not the solution"
"The Federal Reserve causes the boom and bust economy"
"The Federal Reserve causes the recession/depressions"
"The Fed in NOT part of the Federal government"
"No more Bailouts"
"No More Bailouts for Bankers"
"The Fed = Debt"
"The Fed = Personal AND National Debt"
"The Fed = Financial Slavery"
"End the Fed, End War"
"Fed Inflation = Worthless Money"
"Inflation = Taxation"
"Fed Money is Debt"
"Paper is Paper, Gold is Money"
"End Monetized Debt"
"Audit the Fed, Support HR 1207-Call Your Congressman NOW!"
"Repeal the Fed, Support HR 833 -Call Your Congressman NOW!"
"Abort the Fed, Support Prosperity"
"Abort the Fed, Support Liberty"
"Your Children Will Pay the Price!"
Helpful site for instructions on making protest rally signs: http://www.csua.berke...
Thank you and let's have a great day!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Nationwide Tax Day Tea Party
April 15th at Market Square in Pittsburgh. The event will start at noon. Please try to make it.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Several thousand jam North Shore for bailout 'tea party'
By Tony LaRussa
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Several thousand people jammed into Allegheny Landing on the North Shore Saturday afternoon for an event dubbed as a "Tea Party" to protest what they believe is excessive government spending to bail out faltering corporations and the economic stimulus package.
The keynote speaker was Alan Keyes, a conservative political activist and former diplomat under President Ronald Reagan.
He told the cheering crowd that had gathered next to the Clemente Bridge that while some of the blame for the nation's economic woes "can be laid at the feet" of greedy Wall Street bankers and complicit politicians, they "should go home and look in the mirror" and shoulder some of the blame for not electing fiscally conservative leaders.
The event culminated with the tossing of tea bags into the Allegheny River as a symbolic jesture that harkened back to the Boston Tea Party, the iconic 1773 event in which colonists boarded ships in Boston Harbor and destroyed tea in a tax protest.
Tony LaRussa can be reached at tlarussa@tribweb.com or 412-320-7987.
Back to headlines
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Several thousand people jammed into Allegheny Landing on the North Shore Saturday afternoon for an event dubbed as a "Tea Party" to protest what they believe is excessive government spending to bail out faltering corporations and the economic stimulus package.
The keynote speaker was Alan Keyes, a conservative political activist and former diplomat under President Ronald Reagan.
He told the cheering crowd that had gathered next to the Clemente Bridge that while some of the blame for the nation's economic woes "can be laid at the feet" of greedy Wall Street bankers and complicit politicians, they "should go home and look in the mirror" and shoulder some of the blame for not electing fiscally conservative leaders.
The event culminated with the tossing of tea bags into the Allegheny River as a symbolic jesture that harkened back to the Boston Tea Party, the iconic 1773 event in which colonists boarded ships in Boston Harbor and destroyed tea in a tax protest.
Tony LaRussa can be reached at tlarussa@tribweb.com or 412-320-7987.
Back to headlines
Friday, April 10, 2009
Western Penna Tea Parties on April 15th
City: Pittsburgh
When: April 15, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Where: Market Square
City: Sharon
When: April 15, 12:00pm - 2:30pm
Where: Downtown Sharon, On the Bridge overlooking the River on State St
City: Washington
When: April 15, 5:00pm
Where: Washington Courthouse on Main Street
City: Greensburg
When: April 15, 12:00 Noon
Where: County Court House Main St and Pittsburgh Ave
City: Erie
When: April 15, 5:15 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Griswold Park / 123 West 14th Street
City: Meadville
When: April 15, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Arch Street US Post Office
City: Brookville
When: April 15, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Next to Jefferson County Courthouse on Pickering St
When: April 15, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Where: Market Square
City: Sharon
When: April 15, 12:00pm - 2:30pm
Where: Downtown Sharon, On the Bridge overlooking the River on State St
City: Washington
When: April 15, 5:00pm
Where: Washington Courthouse on Main Street
City: Greensburg
When: April 15, 12:00 Noon
Where: County Court House Main St and Pittsburgh Ave
City: Erie
When: April 15, 5:15 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: Griswold Park / 123 West 14th Street
City: Meadville
When: April 15, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: Arch Street US Post Office
City: Brookville
When: April 15, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: Next to Jefferson County Courthouse on Pickering St
Tea Parties across America
To check out all the tea parties go to: http://taxdayteaparty.com/
You can see where all the April 15th Tea parties will be in every state. It is a very informative website.
You can see where all the April 15th Tea parties will be in every state. It is a very informative website.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
912 project Tea Party
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
SATURDAY 11TH ALLEGHENY LANDING
- WHERE: Allegheny Landing. See www.pennsylvaniateaparty.com for directions and map detail. Our "homebase" will be a tent & booth next to the Official Tea Party tent. Look for the balloons and the "THE 9.12 PROJECT" Sign.
- This is where we'll sell the T-shirts. They will be $5/pc., please bring cash. We will have 110 shirts, and are hoping to have people wear them to this Tea Party and the 15th. Please wear red so that if you don't get a t-shirt, you'll be in the same color and recognizable as a 9.12er. Remember, this is not our official T-shirt, just the shirts we'll use for these Tea Parties.
- Our plan is to let people know there is a Pittsburgh 9.12 group, give out our info and sign up new members.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
1. Help with transport of tents and tables, preferably a truck (will work out details with volunteer).
2. Set up, 6 people (arrival at 10:30)
3. Work the booth (18 people rotating hourly, 6 each hour) and crowd (18 people rotating hourly) handing out info and signing up new members.
4. Clean up, 6 people.
5. Need 4 people to bring 6 helium balloons, red/white/blue, with long strings. Will need balloons at 10:30 set up.
6. 5 people to donate packs of pens. Wal-mart has packs for $.50
** Information about fliers and picket signs to follow**
SATURDAY 11TH ALLEGHENY LANDING
- WHERE: Allegheny Landing. See www.pennsylvaniateaparty.com for directions and map detail. Our "homebase" will be a tent & booth next to the Official Tea Party tent. Look for the balloons and the "THE 9.12 PROJECT" Sign.
- This is where we'll sell the T-shirts. They will be $5/pc., please bring cash. We will have 110 shirts, and are hoping to have people wear them to this Tea Party and the 15th. Please wear red so that if you don't get a t-shirt, you'll be in the same color and recognizable as a 9.12er. Remember, this is not our official T-shirt, just the shirts we'll use for these Tea Parties.
- Our plan is to let people know there is a Pittsburgh 9.12 group, give out our info and sign up new members.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
1. Help with transport of tents and tables, preferably a truck (will work out details with volunteer).
2. Set up, 6 people (arrival at 10:30)
3. Work the booth (18 people rotating hourly, 6 each hour) and crowd (18 people rotating hourly) handing out info and signing up new members.
4. Clean up, 6 people.
5. Need 4 people to bring 6 helium balloons, red/white/blue, with long strings. Will need balloons at 10:30 set up.
6. 5 people to donate packs of pens. Wal-mart has packs for $.50
** Information about fliers and picket signs to follow**
Friday, April 3, 2009
City-County merger goes nowhere fast
It's been a year since officials proposed a referendum on governments' consolidation
Thursday, April 02, 2009
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
It was pitched as a historic moment when, a year ago tomorrow, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl called for a prompt referendum on merging the region's two biggest governments.
With no concrete movement toward a referendum, it now seems to some like a false start.
"I do think that [call for a referendum] was premature," said state Rep. Dan Frankel, who has convened occasional meetings on consolidation. "Unless you address the city's underlying financial challenges, such as its debt load and pension issues, I think it's unrealistic to think that people will be supportive of consolidation."
City and county leaders said yesterday that they don't want to wait, but can't hold a referendum without the Legislature's OK.
Mr. Onorato "continues to push legislators" to allow a consolidation referendum, said his spokesman, Kevin Evanto. "We do need the legislators to embrace the legislation and move forward" before the public can vote.
With Mr. Ravenstahl on the May 19 Democratic primary ballot, the issue is in play politically. He has blamed Republican legislators for stalling the referendum, and they have blamed him.
At stake, according to consolidation backers, is the coherence of the region's vision. That was the pitch made in a 21-page primer on consolidation released a year ago by a 13-member committee led by University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg.
The plan was to have a county mayor run both governments, while the other 129 municipalities remained independent. The city's unique needs and debts would be dealt with by making its 55 square miles an "urban services district" with special services and taxes.
When the report came out, and won the support of a long-skeptical mayor, Mr. Onorato called it "a golden opportunity to really change the governments of this region for the next 100 years."
This week, civic leaders were wondering whether they were in for a century of change or just a decade of debate.
"We're hoping this isn't on a 10-year track, but these are very serious issues," said Morgan O'Brien, president of Duquesne Light Co. and chairman of the policy committee at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. "Having one voice, one vision of our region is compelling to most business people."
The business-oriented conference was expected to lend lobbying power to a city-county push for referendum legislation.
The conference, though, has come to believe that pension reform is "the critical step in this process," as Mr. O'Brien put it.
The city's pension fund, at last report, held 29 percent of what it ideally should -- down from 45 percent a year ago. County pensions were 82 percent funded.
Mr. Ravenstahl has proposed leasing city parking garages and using the money to fill the pension fund, and has asked for changes in how the state supports local pension funds. He doesn't think consolidation should be put on the back burner until the pension problem is solved, said Yarone Zober, city chief of staff.
When the mayor announced his re-election bid March 9, Item 5 on his 11-point plan was "City/County merger."
Mr. Ravenstahl said he and Mr. Onorato were "trying to get the delegation in Harrisburg to move. ... There have been some, specifically on the Republican side at this point, that have balked at giving us the opportunity to do so."
State Sen. Jane Orie, R-McCandless, called his singling out of Republicans "offensive to me."
"He's got to learn how to communicate with the Legislature," she said. "I have yet to see the mayor, quite frankly, provide us some type of plan on what he plans to do with [the city's] debt."
The principal on the city's debt is $725 million. Ms. Orie said any effort to merge the city and county, while keeping their debts and pension funds separate, could violate the state constitution.
Mr. Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, said consolidation talk meets with "pervasive skepticism among my colleagues, regardless of party."
He said an ad hoc legislative committee on the region's governance expects the city and county to provide "some type of legislation that might be the start of discussion" on a referendum.
In the meantime, Mr. Zober said consolidations of parts of city and county government, such as electricity buying and commodities purchasing, have saved $6 million. On the drawing board is a merger of the city's financial management system into the county's -- a move that would immediately save the city the hundreds of thousands of dollars it spends yearly on a payroll service.
Consolidation is an area of sharp disagreement in the mayor's race.
"If I were mayor, I would definitely be out advancing it," said Councilman Patrick Dowd, a mayoral challenger, adding that he'd ensure that the city has "a strong voice" in a new government, and that its debt and pension problems were addressed.
"I totally disagree with the consolidation of the county and the city," said Carmen Robinson, an attorney and former police sergeant also trying to unseat the mayor. It would end city sovereignty, dilute minority representation, and raise the cost of government, she predicted.
Last year's announcement, she said, was all politics. "I believe Ravenstahl believed he'll be in charge if Onorato ran for governor and won."
Karamagi Rujumba contributed to this report. Rich Lord can be reached at rlord@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1542.
First published on April 2, 2009 at 12:00 am
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09092/960088-181.stm
Thursday, April 02, 2009
By Rich Lord, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
It was pitched as a historic moment when, a year ago tomorrow, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl called for a prompt referendum on merging the region's two biggest governments.
With no concrete movement toward a referendum, it now seems to some like a false start.
"I do think that [call for a referendum] was premature," said state Rep. Dan Frankel, who has convened occasional meetings on consolidation. "Unless you address the city's underlying financial challenges, such as its debt load and pension issues, I think it's unrealistic to think that people will be supportive of consolidation."
City and county leaders said yesterday that they don't want to wait, but can't hold a referendum without the Legislature's OK.
Mr. Onorato "continues to push legislators" to allow a consolidation referendum, said his spokesman, Kevin Evanto. "We do need the legislators to embrace the legislation and move forward" before the public can vote.
With Mr. Ravenstahl on the May 19 Democratic primary ballot, the issue is in play politically. He has blamed Republican legislators for stalling the referendum, and they have blamed him.
At stake, according to consolidation backers, is the coherence of the region's vision. That was the pitch made in a 21-page primer on consolidation released a year ago by a 13-member committee led by University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg.
The plan was to have a county mayor run both governments, while the other 129 municipalities remained independent. The city's unique needs and debts would be dealt with by making its 55 square miles an "urban services district" with special services and taxes.
When the report came out, and won the support of a long-skeptical mayor, Mr. Onorato called it "a golden opportunity to really change the governments of this region for the next 100 years."
This week, civic leaders were wondering whether they were in for a century of change or just a decade of debate.
"We're hoping this isn't on a 10-year track, but these are very serious issues," said Morgan O'Brien, president of Duquesne Light Co. and chairman of the policy committee at the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. "Having one voice, one vision of our region is compelling to most business people."
The business-oriented conference was expected to lend lobbying power to a city-county push for referendum legislation.
The conference, though, has come to believe that pension reform is "the critical step in this process," as Mr. O'Brien put it.
The city's pension fund, at last report, held 29 percent of what it ideally should -- down from 45 percent a year ago. County pensions were 82 percent funded.
Mr. Ravenstahl has proposed leasing city parking garages and using the money to fill the pension fund, and has asked for changes in how the state supports local pension funds. He doesn't think consolidation should be put on the back burner until the pension problem is solved, said Yarone Zober, city chief of staff.
When the mayor announced his re-election bid March 9, Item 5 on his 11-point plan was "City/County merger."
Mr. Ravenstahl said he and Mr. Onorato were "trying to get the delegation in Harrisburg to move. ... There have been some, specifically on the Republican side at this point, that have balked at giving us the opportunity to do so."
State Sen. Jane Orie, R-McCandless, called his singling out of Republicans "offensive to me."
"He's got to learn how to communicate with the Legislature," she said. "I have yet to see the mayor, quite frankly, provide us some type of plan on what he plans to do with [the city's] debt."
The principal on the city's debt is $725 million. Ms. Orie said any effort to merge the city and county, while keeping their debts and pension funds separate, could violate the state constitution.
Mr. Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, said consolidation talk meets with "pervasive skepticism among my colleagues, regardless of party."
He said an ad hoc legislative committee on the region's governance expects the city and county to provide "some type of legislation that might be the start of discussion" on a referendum.
In the meantime, Mr. Zober said consolidations of parts of city and county government, such as electricity buying and commodities purchasing, have saved $6 million. On the drawing board is a merger of the city's financial management system into the county's -- a move that would immediately save the city the hundreds of thousands of dollars it spends yearly on a payroll service.
Consolidation is an area of sharp disagreement in the mayor's race.
"If I were mayor, I would definitely be out advancing it," said Councilman Patrick Dowd, a mayoral challenger, adding that he'd ensure that the city has "a strong voice" in a new government, and that its debt and pension problems were addressed.
"I totally disagree with the consolidation of the county and the city," said Carmen Robinson, an attorney and former police sergeant also trying to unseat the mayor. It would end city sovereignty, dilute minority representation, and raise the cost of government, she predicted.
Last year's announcement, she said, was all politics. "I believe Ravenstahl believed he'll be in charge if Onorato ran for governor and won."
Karamagi Rujumba contributed to this report. Rich Lord can be reached at rlord@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1542.
First published on April 2, 2009 at 12:00 am
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09092/960088-181.stm
Sunday, March 29, 2009
As conservative conference closes, all eyes on Toomey
By Thomas Fitzgerald
Inquirer Staff Writer
HARRISBURG - "Pat Toomey / U.S. Senate" stickers blossomed on a clear majority of the lapels at the two-day Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, the annual gathering of the state's top conservative activists that concluded yesterday.
It's no secret that the former Lehigh Valley congressman is about to challenge Sen. Arlen Specter in the 2010 Republican primary, amid anger on the right at Specter's support for the $787 billion economic stimulus and other Democratic spending priorities.
In a keynote address to the group, Toomey fell short of a formal announcement, but he fired up a crowd of about 600 with a denunciation of the government's "lurch to the left." The passion to topple Specter even spilled over into the part of the program dedicated to hearing from three likely Republican candidates for governor.
First, an anonymous attack flier on all the tables listed former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan's connections to "Liberal Benedict Arlen." Then, during a question-and-answer period, several audience members demanded to know where each candidate stood on the primary.
"We have our own situations we're worried about," joked Rep. Jim Gerlach (R., Pa.), who said he was there to discuss gubernatorial issues. State Attorney General Tom Corbett also passed.
"I'm not going to duck the question," Meehan said, adding that he had worked for Specter and would probably vote for him, though he does not always agree with the incumbent. "I'm sure he can stand on his feet and defend his record, as we are, and we should be judged on our own individual records," Meehan said. He earned a round of respectful applause from parts of the room.
The conference brought together activists from different elements of the conservative movement: homeschoolers, creationists, antiabortion groups, business interests, small-government libertarians. Organizers said this year's attendance was a record.
Earlier, Toomey said that Specter had to go because he had been complicit in programs that violated GOP small-government ideals.
"Now I don't often quote Barack Obama . . . but in this case I'll make an exception: It's time for change," Toomey told the crowd. "I believe that a Republican senator from Pennsylvania ought to stand up for the commonsense conservative principles that are at the heart of the Republican idea, that really are at the heart of the American dream."
He ran against Specter in 2004, coming within 17,000 votes of toppling him.
Toomey was preaching to the choir in the ballroom at the Four Points Sheraton in Harrisburg.
"The biggest problem I have with Arlen Specter is he's not defined," said Lou Petolicchio, an activist from Myerstown, in Lebanon County. "I can't trust where he's coming from. I don't know who he is. For the first four years of a term, he votes like Ted Kennedy, then for two he tries to show he's a Republican."
Peg Luksik, an antiabortion activist who ran for governor three times in the 1990s, already is in the race against Specter. She spoke on a panel about pro-family policies, and told reporters she would stay in the race. Some conservatives said they needed to rally around the one candidate with the best chance of winning, to avoid splitting the anti-Specter vote.
Luksik, 53, said that Toomey told her directly in February that he was not going to run against Specter and instead would try for governor. Some of her backers have suggested that Luksik was double-crossed, but she said yesterday that she would not regard Toomey's reversal as a betrayal.
"Believe me, I have five boys, so I understand that these two men have a long personal and rather vindictive history, and that there's a real desire for the two of them to go and hit each other with sticks," Luksik said. "I get that."
Contact staff writer Thomas Fitzgerald at 215-854-2718 or tfitzgerald@phillynews.com.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/20090329_As_conservative_conference_closes__all_eyes_on_Toomey.html
Inquirer Staff Writer
HARRISBURG - "Pat Toomey / U.S. Senate" stickers blossomed on a clear majority of the lapels at the two-day Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, the annual gathering of the state's top conservative activists that concluded yesterday.
It's no secret that the former Lehigh Valley congressman is about to challenge Sen. Arlen Specter in the 2010 Republican primary, amid anger on the right at Specter's support for the $787 billion economic stimulus and other Democratic spending priorities.
In a keynote address to the group, Toomey fell short of a formal announcement, but he fired up a crowd of about 600 with a denunciation of the government's "lurch to the left." The passion to topple Specter even spilled over into the part of the program dedicated to hearing from three likely Republican candidates for governor.
First, an anonymous attack flier on all the tables listed former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan's connections to "Liberal Benedict Arlen." Then, during a question-and-answer period, several audience members demanded to know where each candidate stood on the primary.
"We have our own situations we're worried about," joked Rep. Jim Gerlach (R., Pa.), who said he was there to discuss gubernatorial issues. State Attorney General Tom Corbett also passed.
"I'm not going to duck the question," Meehan said, adding that he had worked for Specter and would probably vote for him, though he does not always agree with the incumbent. "I'm sure he can stand on his feet and defend his record, as we are, and we should be judged on our own individual records," Meehan said. He earned a round of respectful applause from parts of the room.
The conference brought together activists from different elements of the conservative movement: homeschoolers, creationists, antiabortion groups, business interests, small-government libertarians. Organizers said this year's attendance was a record.
Earlier, Toomey said that Specter had to go because he had been complicit in programs that violated GOP small-government ideals.
"Now I don't often quote Barack Obama . . . but in this case I'll make an exception: It's time for change," Toomey told the crowd. "I believe that a Republican senator from Pennsylvania ought to stand up for the commonsense conservative principles that are at the heart of the Republican idea, that really are at the heart of the American dream."
He ran against Specter in 2004, coming within 17,000 votes of toppling him.
Toomey was preaching to the choir in the ballroom at the Four Points Sheraton in Harrisburg.
"The biggest problem I have with Arlen Specter is he's not defined," said Lou Petolicchio, an activist from Myerstown, in Lebanon County. "I can't trust where he's coming from. I don't know who he is. For the first four years of a term, he votes like Ted Kennedy, then for two he tries to show he's a Republican."
Peg Luksik, an antiabortion activist who ran for governor three times in the 1990s, already is in the race against Specter. She spoke on a panel about pro-family policies, and told reporters she would stay in the race. Some conservatives said they needed to rally around the one candidate with the best chance of winning, to avoid splitting the anti-Specter vote.
Luksik, 53, said that Toomey told her directly in February that he was not going to run against Specter and instead would try for governor. Some of her backers have suggested that Luksik was double-crossed, but she said yesterday that she would not regard Toomey's reversal as a betrayal.
"Believe me, I have five boys, so I understand that these two men have a long personal and rather vindictive history, and that there's a real desire for the two of them to go and hit each other with sticks," Luksik said. "I get that."
Contact staff writer Thomas Fitzgerald at 215-854-2718 or tfitzgerald@phillynews.com.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/20090329_As_conservative_conference_closes__all_eyes_on_Toomey.html
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Holding our officials accountable to the Constitution!!!
What: Liberty and Justice Association Inc. (ljai.info) meeting - ALL ARE WELCOME
When: April 3, 2009 6:30 PM
Where: 545 Pittsburgh Road(RT.8) Butler, Penna
Description: Liberty and Justice Association, Inc. meeting Friday, April 3rd at 6:30 p.m. (FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH)
We at the Liberty & Justice Association, Inc. are committed to the protection of the God-given Rights of the People. Above all, we the people, must do our part to enforce the Constitution of these States United and our respective State Constitutions upon the Government Oficers, either elected, apppointed or hired. The Constitution is for them. It is our Law and Wholly Orders to them, not for us. It says you may do these things but you cannot infringe upon the GOd-given Rights of we the people. The Government began a path of decption back around 1913 to defraud our people by dumbing down our citizens. Around 1932 they began creating Adhesion Contracts through the incorporation of the Local, State and Federal Government and have also created you as a fiction in order to contract away your Rights. This all by fraudulent deceptive operations. This is crimes and treason against you the Freeman on the land. They have sworn an OATH by their Hand that they would not do so!
When they violate that sacred Oath, they have relinquished any Public Trust invested in them. They no longer have any authority, and are in fact Criminals!
Wont you join us today by going to the “Become a Member,” on the www.ljai.info web-site menu to help save our republic?
Government Officers in all levels of Government believe that they are above the Law. We never authorized such an atrocity, and they have no such power to give themselves immunity.
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Hagan Smith hagan@ljai.info
When: April 3, 2009 6:30 PM
Where: 545 Pittsburgh Road(RT.8) Butler, Penna
Description: Liberty and Justice Association, Inc. meeting Friday, April 3rd at 6:30 p.m. (FIRST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH)
We at the Liberty & Justice Association, Inc. are committed to the protection of the God-given Rights of the People. Above all, we the people, must do our part to enforce the Constitution of these States United and our respective State Constitutions upon the Government Oficers, either elected, apppointed or hired. The Constitution is for them. It is our Law and Wholly Orders to them, not for us. It says you may do these things but you cannot infringe upon the GOd-given Rights of we the people. The Government began a path of decption back around 1913 to defraud our people by dumbing down our citizens. Around 1932 they began creating Adhesion Contracts through the incorporation of the Local, State and Federal Government and have also created you as a fiction in order to contract away your Rights. This all by fraudulent deceptive operations. This is crimes and treason against you the Freeman on the land. They have sworn an OATH by their Hand that they would not do so!
When they violate that sacred Oath, they have relinquished any Public Trust invested in them. They no longer have any authority, and are in fact Criminals!
Wont you join us today by going to the “Become a Member,” on the www.ljai.info web-site menu to help save our republic?
Government Officers in all levels of Government believe that they are above the Law. We never authorized such an atrocity, and they have no such power to give themselves immunity.
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Hagan Smith hagan@ljai.info
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Pittsburgh Tea Party
When: April 11th Saturday Sat 12:00 PM
Where: Allegheny Landing(next to PNC Park)
Held by the "We Surround Them" meet up group.
Come and bring family and friends, This is a time to bring people together.
Where: Allegheny Landing(next to PNC Park)
Held by the "We Surround Them" meet up group.
Come and bring family and friends, This is a time to bring people together.
Monday, March 23, 2009
State Rep. Cohen will push Pa. medical marijuana bill
By Peter Mucha
Inquirer Staff Writer
State Rep. Mark Cohen of Philadelphia said yesterday he hoped to introduce a bill next month to legalize the medical use of marijuana in Pennsylvania.
"There is obviously no consensus on legalizing marijuana, but there is a widespread consensus on legalizing medical marijuana," the Democrat said. "I think there is a solid scientific case and there is overwhelming popular support."
Cohen expects his bill to "emulate" legislation being considered by New Jersey's Assembly after passage by the state Senate.
The New Jersey measure would let registered patients suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis and other illnesses grow marijuana plants for medical use or buy the drug at a licensed center. Gov. Corzine said he'd sign the bill.
Cohen, whose district is mostly in Northeast Philadelphia, expects his bill not only to require prescriptions, but to set forth a plan for regulating distribution and sales.
More study, including input from state officials, would be needed to determine the best setup, whether that involves using existing state stores and pharmacies or new providers.
"I think it can easily raise $25 million a year in taxes," said Cohen.
Next month, Michigan will join a dozen other states, including California, that have legalized the medical use of marijuana.
In recent years, there has been little talk of such a move in the Pennsylvania legislature.
Some physicians and patients say that other medications can be even more dangerous, Cohen said.
"I'm aware of potential dangers that abuse can cause, but all prescription drugs can also be abused," he said.
Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20090321_State_Rep__Cohen_will_push_Pa__medical_marijuana_bill.html
Inquirer Staff Writer
State Rep. Mark Cohen of Philadelphia said yesterday he hoped to introduce a bill next month to legalize the medical use of marijuana in Pennsylvania.
"There is obviously no consensus on legalizing marijuana, but there is a widespread consensus on legalizing medical marijuana," the Democrat said. "I think there is a solid scientific case and there is overwhelming popular support."
Cohen expects his bill to "emulate" legislation being considered by New Jersey's Assembly after passage by the state Senate.
The New Jersey measure would let registered patients suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis and other illnesses grow marijuana plants for medical use or buy the drug at a licensed center. Gov. Corzine said he'd sign the bill.
Cohen, whose district is mostly in Northeast Philadelphia, expects his bill not only to require prescriptions, but to set forth a plan for regulating distribution and sales.
More study, including input from state officials, would be needed to determine the best setup, whether that involves using existing state stores and pharmacies or new providers.
"I think it can easily raise $25 million a year in taxes," said Cohen.
Next month, Michigan will join a dozen other states, including California, that have legalized the medical use of marijuana.
In recent years, there has been little talk of such a move in the Pennsylvania legislature.
Some physicians and patients say that other medications can be even more dangerous, Cohen said.
"I'm aware of potential dangers that abuse can cause, but all prescription drugs can also be abused," he said.
Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20090321_State_Rep__Cohen_will_push_Pa__medical_marijuana_bill.html
Friday, March 20, 2009
Luksik to take on Specter next year
Thursday, March 19, 2009
By Mackenzie Carpenter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Conservative Republican activist Peg Luksik formally announced today that she will challenge Sen. Arlen Specter in next year's GOP primary.
The 53-year old anti-abortion activist and mother of six made the announcement while sitting at a kitchen table in Johnstown, stressing her Washington "outsider" status and her advocacy of family values, conservative fiscal policies and a strong national defense.
"Americans from all walks of life, and across the political spectrum are sick and tired of the arrogance of Washington's elitists," said Ms. Luksik. "Pennsylvania's hard-working citizens deserve elected representatives who use the same level of common sense that we use around our kitchen tables."
Ms. Luksik has never held elected office, but has run three times for governor. In 1990 she ran strongly against party-backed candidate Barbara Hafer, and in two subsequent races: in 1994 as an independent and in 1998 on the Constitution Party line.
Last year she was the campaign manager for William Russell, who mounted a challenge to unseat U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown.
Ms. Luksik is founder and former executive director of Mom's House, which provides day care for children of single parents.
Former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey, now head of the conservative group Club for Growth in Washington, D.C., has also said he will challenge Mr. Specter for the Republican nomination for Senate in 2010.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09078/956873-100.stm
By Mackenzie Carpenter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Conservative Republican activist Peg Luksik formally announced today that she will challenge Sen. Arlen Specter in next year's GOP primary.
The 53-year old anti-abortion activist and mother of six made the announcement while sitting at a kitchen table in Johnstown, stressing her Washington "outsider" status and her advocacy of family values, conservative fiscal policies and a strong national defense.
"Americans from all walks of life, and across the political spectrum are sick and tired of the arrogance of Washington's elitists," said Ms. Luksik. "Pennsylvania's hard-working citizens deserve elected representatives who use the same level of common sense that we use around our kitchen tables."
Ms. Luksik has never held elected office, but has run three times for governor. In 1990 she ran strongly against party-backed candidate Barbara Hafer, and in two subsequent races: in 1994 as an independent and in 1998 on the Constitution Party line.
Last year she was the campaign manager for William Russell, who mounted a challenge to unseat U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown.
Ms. Luksik is founder and former executive director of Mom's House, which provides day care for children of single parents.
Former U.S. Rep. Pat Toomey, now head of the conservative group Club for Growth in Washington, D.C., has also said he will challenge Mr. Specter for the Republican nomination for Senate in 2010.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09078/956873-100.stm
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
PENNSYLVANIA GOV. race heats up!!
Attorney General Tom Corbett (R) launched his campaign for Governor on Tuesday. Congressman Jim Gerlach and former US Attorney Pat Meehan are also competing for the GOP nomination for Governor. Governor Ed Rendell (D) is term-limited. Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, State Auditor General Jack Wagner , and Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham are all expected to compete for the Democratic nomination -- but, to date, none have formally entered the contest
http://www.politics1.com/
http://www.politics1.com/
Specter won’t rule out run as an Independent
By Aaron Blake
03/17/09 08:18 PM [ET]
Sen. Arlen Specter said Tuesday that he will not run for reelection in 2010 as a Democrat, but might run as an Independent.
The Pennsylvania Republican has been under tremendous pressure from the GOP base since being one of just three Republicans to vote for the Democratic-led stimulus package last month.
He said in an interview with The Hill that the role of the Republican Party in Washington is too vital for him to switch to the Democratic side.
“I’m staying a Republican because I think I have a more important role to play there,” he said. “I think the United States very desperately needs a two-party system. … And I’m afraid that we’re becoming a one-party system, with Republicans becoming just a regional party.”
At the same time, Specter said he is open to the possibility of running as an Independent with the understanding that he would caucus with Republicans, just as Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) did with Democrats in 2006.
Though he left that option on the table, he suggested it would be a last resort.
“It’s pretty hard to run without a party,” Specter said. “It’s always something that could be a possibility. But then I wouldn’t be in the Republican caucus — wouldn’t have quite the standing as a Republican.”
The decision would be harder for Specter, too, because Pennsylvania state law does not allow someone who has lost a primary to run as an Independent, as Lieberman did. Specter would need to decide to run without a party in advance of the primaries.
Specter lamented that his home state doesn’t allow for him to run as an Independent if he loses the primary. He also said he supports an upcoming effort to open the primaries to independent voters.
A recent Susquehanna poll showed 66 percent of Pennsylvania Republicans saying they would like a new senator, while just 26 percent said they would support Specter.
Specter also has a viable primary opponent in former Rep. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), who lost to Specter by less than 2 percent in the 2004 primary.
The five-term incumbent senator, who switched from Democrat to Republican before running for Philadelphia district attorney in 1965, suggested that his principles might be more important than his political survival. He cited his recent decision to be one of three Republican senators to join all Democrats in supporting President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package as an example.
“Sometimes it might be too high a price to be able to stay here,” he said. “When I voted on the stimulus package, I was well-aware of the political peril.”
Specter could alienate his base again if he votes for the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it easier for unions to organize and was reintroduced earlier this month. He was the lone Republican to join Democrats in a failed attempt to call up the bill last Congress, and he’s carefully considering voting for the bill again.
Talk of a Specter switch percolated Monday when Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) said in an interview with a news station that he, Vice President Biden and Sen. Bob Casey Jr. (D-Pa.) have all tried to recruit Specter to the Democratic side.
Were Specter to join the Democrats, they would likely attain a 60-seat, “filibuster-proof” majority, with Democrat Al Franken apparently headed for victory in Minnesota’s protracted Senate race.
Specter said that prospect is not appealing.
“I think each of the 41 Republican senators, in a sense — and I don’t want to overstate this — is a national asset,” he said, “because if one was gone, you’d only have 40, the Democrats would have 60, and they would control all of the mechanisms of government.”
Leaving his party to run as an Independent would be welcome news to at least one member of the Senate.
“I’d be delighted to have him in my caucus,” Lieberman said.
Michael Sandler contributed to this article.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/specter-wont-rule-out-run-as-an-independent-2009-03-17.html
03/17/09 08:18 PM [ET]
Sen. Arlen Specter said Tuesday that he will not run for reelection in 2010 as a Democrat, but might run as an Independent.
The Pennsylvania Republican has been under tremendous pressure from the GOP base since being one of just three Republicans to vote for the Democratic-led stimulus package last month.
He said in an interview with The Hill that the role of the Republican Party in Washington is too vital for him to switch to the Democratic side.
“I’m staying a Republican because I think I have a more important role to play there,” he said. “I think the United States very desperately needs a two-party system. … And I’m afraid that we’re becoming a one-party system, with Republicans becoming just a regional party.”
At the same time, Specter said he is open to the possibility of running as an Independent with the understanding that he would caucus with Republicans, just as Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) did with Democrats in 2006.
Though he left that option on the table, he suggested it would be a last resort.
“It’s pretty hard to run without a party,” Specter said. “It’s always something that could be a possibility. But then I wouldn’t be in the Republican caucus — wouldn’t have quite the standing as a Republican.”
The decision would be harder for Specter, too, because Pennsylvania state law does not allow someone who has lost a primary to run as an Independent, as Lieberman did. Specter would need to decide to run without a party in advance of the primaries.
Specter lamented that his home state doesn’t allow for him to run as an Independent if he loses the primary. He also said he supports an upcoming effort to open the primaries to independent voters.
A recent Susquehanna poll showed 66 percent of Pennsylvania Republicans saying they would like a new senator, while just 26 percent said they would support Specter.
Specter also has a viable primary opponent in former Rep. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), who lost to Specter by less than 2 percent in the 2004 primary.
The five-term incumbent senator, who switched from Democrat to Republican before running for Philadelphia district attorney in 1965, suggested that his principles might be more important than his political survival. He cited his recent decision to be one of three Republican senators to join all Democrats in supporting President Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package as an example.
“Sometimes it might be too high a price to be able to stay here,” he said. “When I voted on the stimulus package, I was well-aware of the political peril.”
Specter could alienate his base again if he votes for the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it easier for unions to organize and was reintroduced earlier this month. He was the lone Republican to join Democrats in a failed attempt to call up the bill last Congress, and he’s carefully considering voting for the bill again.
Talk of a Specter switch percolated Monday when Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) said in an interview with a news station that he, Vice President Biden and Sen. Bob Casey Jr. (D-Pa.) have all tried to recruit Specter to the Democratic side.
Were Specter to join the Democrats, they would likely attain a 60-seat, “filibuster-proof” majority, with Democrat Al Franken apparently headed for victory in Minnesota’s protracted Senate race.
Specter said that prospect is not appealing.
“I think each of the 41 Republican senators, in a sense — and I don’t want to overstate this — is a national asset,” he said, “because if one was gone, you’d only have 40, the Democrats would have 60, and they would control all of the mechanisms of government.”
Leaving his party to run as an Independent would be welcome news to at least one member of the Senate.
“I’d be delighted to have him in my caucus,” Lieberman said.
Michael Sandler contributed to this article.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/specter-wont-rule-out-run-as-an-independent-2009-03-17.html
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Allegheny county meeting
Please plan on attending our monthly meeting at Panera Bread. It is located at 7217 McKnight rd and will run from 7-9pm. It is Tuesday(St. Paddy's day)night so please come and see what is going on in the coming months. There are several new items to discuss so bring a friend.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Rally in the capitol!!
10th Amendment Rally
Announcing a new Meetup for The Ron Paul Revolution: Pittsburgh!
What: Rep. Sam Rorher's 10th Amendment Rally in Harrisburg
When: March 16, 2009 12:00 PM
Where: Click the link below to find out!
Meetup Description: Action Item: 10th Amendment Rally for the State of Independence
Monday, March 16, at noon
Main Capitol Rotunda
Harrisburg, PA
http://www.samrohrer.com/
C4L Blog posting for the rally:
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=12324
If anyone can go and needs a ride, etc please feel free to send me an email that I can forward to the group.
thanks!
DaveP
Learn more here:
http://ronpaul.meetup.com/1834/calendar/9867723/
Announcing a new Meetup for The Ron Paul Revolution: Pittsburgh!
What: Rep. Sam Rorher's 10th Amendment Rally in Harrisburg
When: March 16, 2009 12:00 PM
Where: Click the link below to find out!
Meetup Description: Action Item: 10th Amendment Rally for the State of Independence
Monday, March 16, at noon
Main Capitol Rotunda
Harrisburg, PA
http://www.samrohrer.com/
C4L Blog posting for the rally:
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=12324
If anyone can go and needs a ride, etc please feel free to send me an email that I can forward to the group.
thanks!
DaveP
Learn more here:
http://ronpaul.meetup.com/1834/calendar/9867723/
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Teacher claims rights infringed
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
BY MONICA VON DOBENECK
Of The Patriot-News
Annville-Cleona High School science teacher Tom Ritter said he thinks armed teachers would be a better deterrent against terrorists than lockdowns, and that the Classrooms for the Future course was a waste of time.
In a federal lawsuit against the school district, Ritter said he thinks those opinions, and his tendency to express them, led to his "unsatisfactory" rating from the administration.
He is seeking $10 million in damages from the district for violating his civil rights.
Ritter said Monday that the district is not allowing him to teach and has stopped paying him. He said he is waiting to see if the school board fires him at the April meeting.
Superintendent Marsha Zehner was out of town and could not be reached for comment. District solicitor Bob Frankhouser would not comment on the case, only saying that "I can assure you" the district will defend the lawsuit vigorously.
Ritter, 61, of Orwigsburg, said he is a good teacher and has the support of many of his students. He has been teaching chemistry and physics in the district since 1997 and was chosen by the class of 2004 to be the commencement speaker.
In his lawsuit, Ritter said the district had a lockdown drill several weeks ago. Ritter said that he thought the drill was dangerous and "would not prevent terrorists from massacring perhaps several hundred children before the police could act."
According to the lawsuit, he said publicly that "a much more effective deterrent would be to allow teachers to possess guns in school, a position that got him a tongue lashing from the superintendent."
Ritter elaborated on Monday, saying lockdowns, in which students are kept in the classrooms during dangerous situations, might be useful in Columbine or Virginia Tech type shootings, but not against terrorists "who know that American schools are gun-free zones."
According to the lawsuit, Ritter also said in a fall survey that he thought the Classrooms for the Future course given to teachers was worthless.
He said his responses were "entirely honest and, in fact, shared by most teachers who were forced to take the course."
The director of technology said Ritter's response to the survey could jeopardize a $650,000 state grant, according to the lawsuit.
A few weeks later, Ritter received the unsatisfactory rating, which he said was to harass him for his political views.
It's not Ritter's first run-in with the administration. He was suspended in May after he refused to grade a retest the principal gave a student. Ritter had given the student a zero for allegedly copying from another student's test.
In May 2007, Ritter received some notoriety by claiming that evolution was bad science in a debate with a university professor.
MONICA VON DOBENECK: 832-2090 or mdobeneck@patriot-news.com
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/123674101128710.xml&coll=1
BY MONICA VON DOBENECK
Of The Patriot-News
Annville-Cleona High School science teacher Tom Ritter said he thinks armed teachers would be a better deterrent against terrorists than lockdowns, and that the Classrooms for the Future course was a waste of time.
In a federal lawsuit against the school district, Ritter said he thinks those opinions, and his tendency to express them, led to his "unsatisfactory" rating from the administration.
He is seeking $10 million in damages from the district for violating his civil rights.
Ritter said Monday that the district is not allowing him to teach and has stopped paying him. He said he is waiting to see if the school board fires him at the April meeting.
Superintendent Marsha Zehner was out of town and could not be reached for comment. District solicitor Bob Frankhouser would not comment on the case, only saying that "I can assure you" the district will defend the lawsuit vigorously.
Ritter, 61, of Orwigsburg, said he is a good teacher and has the support of many of his students. He has been teaching chemistry and physics in the district since 1997 and was chosen by the class of 2004 to be the commencement speaker.
In his lawsuit, Ritter said the district had a lockdown drill several weeks ago. Ritter said that he thought the drill was dangerous and "would not prevent terrorists from massacring perhaps several hundred children before the police could act."
According to the lawsuit, he said publicly that "a much more effective deterrent would be to allow teachers to possess guns in school, a position that got him a tongue lashing from the superintendent."
Ritter elaborated on Monday, saying lockdowns, in which students are kept in the classrooms during dangerous situations, might be useful in Columbine or Virginia Tech type shootings, but not against terrorists "who know that American schools are gun-free zones."
According to the lawsuit, Ritter also said in a fall survey that he thought the Classrooms for the Future course given to teachers was worthless.
He said his responses were "entirely honest and, in fact, shared by most teachers who were forced to take the course."
The director of technology said Ritter's response to the survey could jeopardize a $650,000 state grant, according to the lawsuit.
A few weeks later, Ritter received the unsatisfactory rating, which he said was to harass him for his political views.
It's not Ritter's first run-in with the administration. He was suspended in May after he refused to grade a retest the principal gave a student. Ritter had given the student a zero for allegedly copying from another student's test.
In May 2007, Ritter received some notoriety by claiming that evolution was bad science in a debate with a university professor.
MONICA VON DOBENECK: 832-2090 or mdobeneck@patriot-news.com
http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/123674101128710.xml&coll=1
Monday, March 9, 2009
FOLMER FIRST TO ENDORSE TOOMEY FOR SENATE
At Saturday’s Harrisburg Tea Party protest organized by the Commonwealth Foundation and held on the state Capitol Steps, Lebanon County State Sen. Mike ‘Citizen Mike’ Folmer gave a full-throated endorsement of Pat Toomey’s prospective bid to unseat Arlen Specter, making him the first GOP politician in PA to jump behind Toomey.
‘We’ve gotta send Pat Toomey to the Senate,’ Folmer shouted to raucous crowed which responded with loud cheers. Among the sea of protestors, which numbered 1000+, several anti-Specter signs were brandished
http://grassrootspa.com/?p=24223#more-24223
‘We’ve gotta send Pat Toomey to the Senate,’ Folmer shouted to raucous crowed which responded with loud cheers. Among the sea of protestors, which numbered 1000+, several anti-Specter signs were brandished
http://grassrootspa.com/?p=24223#more-24223
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Specter Gets A Primary Challenge From Peg Luksik
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Thirty-year incumbent U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter will face a significant opponent in next year’s Republican primary.
Conservative activist Peg Luksik has formed a committee and begun raising money in her attempt to unseat Mr. Specter, citing his socially liberal positions and vote for the economic stimulus package as the main reasons for her decision, stating, “Mr. Specter has completely lost touch with the people of Pennsylvania.”
Ms. Luksik is no stranger to Pennsylvania politics. She shook the establishment by almost defeating then-incumbent Auditor General Barbara Hafer in the 1990 Republican primary, garnering 46 percent of the statewide vote.
She also ran as an Independent in the 1994 gubernatorial contest, taking 13 percent of the vote. More recently, she was campaign manager in a nationally followed race to unseat longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-12th, in central Pennsylvania.
http://thebulletin.us/articles/2009/03/07/top_stories/doc49b113312d762229920098.txt
Thirty-year incumbent U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter will face a significant opponent in next year’s Republican primary.
Conservative activist Peg Luksik has formed a committee and begun raising money in her attempt to unseat Mr. Specter, citing his socially liberal positions and vote for the economic stimulus package as the main reasons for her decision, stating, “Mr. Specter has completely lost touch with the people of Pennsylvania.”
Ms. Luksik is no stranger to Pennsylvania politics. She shook the establishment by almost defeating then-incumbent Auditor General Barbara Hafer in the 1990 Republican primary, garnering 46 percent of the statewide vote.
She also ran as an Independent in the 1994 gubernatorial contest, taking 13 percent of the vote. More recently, she was campaign manager in a nationally followed race to unseat longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-12th, in central Pennsylvania.
http://thebulletin.us/articles/2009/03/07/top_stories/doc49b113312d762229920098.txt
Toomey said to be in, but he may not be alone
Friday, March 6, 2009
Conservative poster-boy Pat Toomey, while officially only "considering" a Republican primary challenge to Sen. Arlen Specter, has begun telling friends privately that he's definitely in, according to the Morning Call newspaper. (The friends are so excited they apparently can't keep quiet, or maybe that was the point.) Anyway, here's the story by Josh Drobnyk.
But it does not look as though Toomey would have the clear field that political strategists dream of for a straight up-or-down shot at Specter. Anti-abortion activist Peg Luksik of Johnstown has already established a candidate committee and bought a post-office box for her own Senate campaign, and she's sounding more and more like a candidate.
"I'd say I've moved past maybe, or possibly, to 'strongly leaning in that direction,'" Luksik told me. "I'm close."
She said she would not be influenced by Toomey's plans, or concerns that having two conservatives in the race might simply split the anti-Specter vote, enabling him to escape once again with his political life.
"I'm going to do what I think is right - that's always been my barometer, and it always will be," Luksik said. As for Toomey, "what I've seen is somebody looking at poll numbers and that's it," she said.
Luksik ran for governor in the 1990s, and polled well. The conservative base of the Pennsylvania GOP has only grown more conservative since then, and she is a hero of the movement. Last year, Luksik managed the aggressive congressional campaign of Lt. Col. Bill Russell that rattled Democratic Rep. John Murtha, the earmark king.
"Sen. Specter needs to be helped into his well-deserved retirement," Luksik said. "It's truly time that the Washington insiders are told 'that's enough.'"
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/harrisburg_politics/Toomey_said_to_be_in_but_he_may_not_be_alone.html
Conservative poster-boy Pat Toomey, while officially only "considering" a Republican primary challenge to Sen. Arlen Specter, has begun telling friends privately that he's definitely in, according to the Morning Call newspaper. (The friends are so excited they apparently can't keep quiet, or maybe that was the point.) Anyway, here's the story by Josh Drobnyk.
But it does not look as though Toomey would have the clear field that political strategists dream of for a straight up-or-down shot at Specter. Anti-abortion activist Peg Luksik of Johnstown has already established a candidate committee and bought a post-office box for her own Senate campaign, and she's sounding more and more like a candidate.
"I'd say I've moved past maybe, or possibly, to 'strongly leaning in that direction,'" Luksik told me. "I'm close."
She said she would not be influenced by Toomey's plans, or concerns that having two conservatives in the race might simply split the anti-Specter vote, enabling him to escape once again with his political life.
"I'm going to do what I think is right - that's always been my barometer, and it always will be," Luksik said. As for Toomey, "what I've seen is somebody looking at poll numbers and that's it," she said.
Luksik ran for governor in the 1990s, and polled well. The conservative base of the Pennsylvania GOP has only grown more conservative since then, and she is a hero of the movement. Last year, Luksik managed the aggressive congressional campaign of Lt. Col. Bill Russell that rattled Democratic Rep. John Murtha, the earmark king.
"Sen. Specter needs to be helped into his well-deserved retirement," Luksik said. "It's truly time that the Washington insiders are told 'that's enough.'"
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/harrisburg_politics/Toomey_said_to_be_in_but_he_may_not_be_alone.html
Friday, March 6, 2009
CONSTITUTIONAL GROUP BROADENS APPEAL WITH NAME CHANGE
(Lebanon) – Responding to increased interest from across Pennsylvania, the Constitutional Organization Of Lebanon, organized four years ago to promote greater understanding of the United States Constitution, has announced that it is amending its name to “Constitutional Organization Of Liberty”, effective immediately.
“The board decided that the time had come for us to broaden our appeal as a statewide organization and the logical thing for us to do was change our name,” said Laurel Lynn Petolicchio, Chairman for 2009.
“And while the formal name for our organization will change, the acronym we use – COOL – will remain the same,” she said. “Which works out pretty well because a lot of people statewide have become familiar with it.”
State Senator Mike Folmer, COOL’s first Chairman, noted that it was important to institute a name change in order to ensure that people from other parts of Pennsylvania felt welcome.
“COOL has received a lot of interest from all over the state but some potential participants have been reluctant to get more involved because the name led them to believe that it was limited to residents of Lebanon County,” Folmer said.
“The fact of the matter is that by modifying the name we are making our appeal more universal to the people of Pennsylvania,” he said.
“But, unlike so many other statewide groups, we will not be relocating to Harrisburg in order to be closer to the political class,” Folmer said. “COOL was created as a grassroots organization and will stay that way.”
The name change will also permit a closer tie-in to the organization’s website, www.ReclaimLiberty.com, which has already been updated to reflect for the new name.
The change to “Constitutional Organization Of Liberty” marks the most recent move on the part of the conservative, non-partisan group to expand it’s ability to meet the needs of potential members and participants. Late last year it revamped it’s course offerings – including “A More Perfect Union” and “Institute On The Constitution” - and has announced plans to add more courses.
COOL just completed presentation of “A More Perfect Union” at Lebanon Area Evangelical Free Church in Jonestown, and is currently conducting the first part of “Institute On The Constitution” at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon.
www.grassrootspa.com
“The board decided that the time had come for us to broaden our appeal as a statewide organization and the logical thing for us to do was change our name,” said Laurel Lynn Petolicchio, Chairman for 2009.
“And while the formal name for our organization will change, the acronym we use – COOL – will remain the same,” she said. “Which works out pretty well because a lot of people statewide have become familiar with it.”
State Senator Mike Folmer, COOL’s first Chairman, noted that it was important to institute a name change in order to ensure that people from other parts of Pennsylvania felt welcome.
“COOL has received a lot of interest from all over the state but some potential participants have been reluctant to get more involved because the name led them to believe that it was limited to residents of Lebanon County,” Folmer said.
“The fact of the matter is that by modifying the name we are making our appeal more universal to the people of Pennsylvania,” he said.
“But, unlike so many other statewide groups, we will not be relocating to Harrisburg in order to be closer to the political class,” Folmer said. “COOL was created as a grassroots organization and will stay that way.”
The name change will also permit a closer tie-in to the organization’s website, www.ReclaimLiberty.com, which has already been updated to reflect for the new name.
The change to “Constitutional Organization Of Liberty” marks the most recent move on the part of the conservative, non-partisan group to expand it’s ability to meet the needs of potential members and participants. Late last year it revamped it’s course offerings – including “A More Perfect Union” and “Institute On The Constitution” - and has announced plans to add more courses.
COOL just completed presentation of “A More Perfect Union” at Lebanon Area Evangelical Free Church in Jonestown, and is currently conducting the first part of “Institute On The Constitution” at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon.
www.grassrootspa.com
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Buy CP products
www.cpstuff.com
Welcome to the new place to get Constitution
Party "stuff!" More items will be on the way!
Help support this great venture! The
Constitution Party profits from every purchase!
www.constitutionparty.com
Welcome to the new place to get Constitution
Party "stuff!" More items will be on the way!
Help support this great venture! The
Constitution Party profits from every purchase!
www.constitutionparty.com
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
10th Amendment Rally
Announcing a new Meetup for The Ron Paul Revolution: Pittsburgh!
What: Rep. Sam Rorher's 10th Amendment Rally in Harrisburg
When: March 16, 2009 12:00 PM
Where: Click the link below to find out!
Meetup Description: Action Item: 10th Amendment Rally for the State of Independence
Monday, March 16, at noon
Main Capitol Rotunda
Harrisburg, PA
http://www.samrohrer.com/
C4L Blog posting for the rally:
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=12324
If anyone can go and needs a ride, etc please feel free to send me an email that I can forward to the group.
thanks!
DaveP
Learn more here:
http://ronpaul.meetup.com/1834/calendar/9867723/
What: Rep. Sam Rorher's 10th Amendment Rally in Harrisburg
When: March 16, 2009 12:00 PM
Where: Click the link below to find out!
Meetup Description: Action Item: 10th Amendment Rally for the State of Independence
Monday, March 16, at noon
Main Capitol Rotunda
Harrisburg, PA
http://www.samrohrer.com/
C4L Blog posting for the rally:
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog.php?view=12324
If anyone can go and needs a ride, etc please feel free to send me an email that I can forward to the group.
thanks!
DaveP
Learn more here:
http://ronpaul.meetup.com/1834/calendar/9867723/
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
NOTICE!!
There will be a Press release in the Rotunda of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg Penna. on April 21st 2009 at 1:30 to 3:00 P.M. This press conference will be held by Liberty & Justice Association Inc. and will be for the restoration of the power of the people over their servant governments in all three Branches.
We need you to stand up NOW! All Groups, individuals and organizations. I promise you will not be disapointed!
Please Join us in restoring the freedom and power of the people.
Hagan Smith C.E.O. of L.J.A.I. mailto:www.hagan@ljai.info724-586-9739
We need you to stand up NOW! All Groups, individuals and organizations. I promise you will not be disapointed!
Please Join us in restoring the freedom and power of the people.
Hagan Smith C.E.O. of L.J.A.I. mailto:www.hagan@ljai.info724-586-9739
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Talk with Rep. Daryl Metcalf
Go to the meeting and let your voice be heard. It does not matter whether you are a supporter or not, go and voice your opinion.
February 25, 2009 FOR INFORMATION: (724) 772-3110
Metcalfe to Host Dessert with Daryl
WHAT: State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) will host his first-ever Dessert with Daryl for District 12 residents. During this event, Metcalfe will be happy to sit down and informally discuss any state government-related issue(s) currently impacting his constituents.
DATE: Thursday, March 5
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Middlesex Township Municipal Building
133 Browns Hill Road
Valencia, PA 16059
RSVP: Coffee and light dessert refreshments will be served. Those interested in attending should contact Representative Metcalfe’s district office at (724) 772-3110 for more information and to make reservations.
February 25, 2009 FOR INFORMATION: (724) 772-3110
Metcalfe to Host Dessert with Daryl
WHAT: State Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler) will host his first-ever Dessert with Daryl for District 12 residents. During this event, Metcalfe will be happy to sit down and informally discuss any state government-related issue(s) currently impacting his constituents.
DATE: Thursday, March 5
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Middlesex Township Municipal Building
133 Browns Hill Road
Valencia, PA 16059
RSVP: Coffee and light dessert refreshments will be served. Those interested in attending should contact Representative Metcalfe’s district office at (724) 772-3110 for more information and to make reservations.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Voters choice act
It is very important to call your state senators and urge them to support SB 252 introduced by Senator Mike Folmer. It would open access to the ballot for independents and minor party candidates. It would make our signature requirment the same as the major parties. It would also allow political bodies to qualify as minor parties with .05 percent of the total number of registered voters in the Commonwealth. The only state senator in this area to sign on as a co-sponsor is Senator Jim Ferlo. So please start making calls to your local state senator in support of bill SB 252.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Pennsylvania state committe meeting
The state committee meet on saturday and other than business as usual, these are some of what was discussed. Chairman Wes Thompson recogized the counties that were organized and meeting on a regular basis. The counties were Allegheny, Butler, Mercer and Lancaster. Several gentleman from cumberland co. were there and stated that they would try to organize that county as well.
Vice-Chairman Jim Panyard is taking over the duties of content on our state website and hopes to greatly improve its usefullness. Jim Clymer updated us on what was going on at the national level. He stated that we have parties formed or forming in 47 states, with on more ready to sign on at the next national convention. Jim made note that the next national convention is June 12-13 in Newark New Jersey.
There were three guests given 10 minutes to address the committee. Michael Salvi from the local campaign for liberty group spoke about that organiation, Joe Bennett spoke on behalf of bringing similiar groups together and Jesse Wagner spoke about reaching different groups and mentioned various gun show opportunities.
There were also two great speakers for the evening portion. Rep. Sam Rohrer spoke about the state sovereignty resolution and Paul Gottfried spoke about our opportunities as a party. Dr. Gottfried also mentioned the possibility of getting Ron Paul to speak at an event for the state party in either May or June.
The next state committee will be October 3rd in Clarion, time and place to be determined at a later date.
Vice-Chairman Jim Panyard is taking over the duties of content on our state website and hopes to greatly improve its usefullness. Jim Clymer updated us on what was going on at the national level. He stated that we have parties formed or forming in 47 states, with on more ready to sign on at the next national convention. Jim made note that the next national convention is June 12-13 in Newark New Jersey.
There were three guests given 10 minutes to address the committee. Michael Salvi from the local campaign for liberty group spoke about that organiation, Joe Bennett spoke on behalf of bringing similiar groups together and Jesse Wagner spoke about reaching different groups and mentioned various gun show opportunities.
There were also two great speakers for the evening portion. Rep. Sam Rohrer spoke about the state sovereignty resolution and Paul Gottfried spoke about our opportunities as a party. Dr. Gottfried also mentioned the possibility of getting Ron Paul to speak at an event for the state party in either May or June.
The next state committee will be October 3rd in Clarion, time and place to be determined at a later date.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Pennsylvania Ballot Access Bill Introduced
February 16th, 2009
The Pennsylvania Voters Choice Act has now been introduced. It is SB 252 and has nine Senators as sponsors. They include seven Republicans (Mike Folmer, Pat Browne, Mary Jo White, Lisa Baker, Jeffrey Piccola, Rob Wonderling, and Jane Earll) and two Democrats (Jim Ferlo and Lisa Boscola).
Minor parties would be on the November ballot automatically, and would nominate by convention, if they had registration membership of at least .05% of the state total. Independent candidates would need 2,000 signatures for statewide office, and smaller requirements for district office.
As of February 16, the bill is not yet posted to the state webpage. The webpage only has Senate bills up through SB 195, but it should soon catch up.
If the bill were in effect now, the Constitution, Green, and Libertarian Parties would be ballot-qualified.
http://www.ballot-access.org/
The Pennsylvania Voters Choice Act has now been introduced. It is SB 252 and has nine Senators as sponsors. They include seven Republicans (Mike Folmer, Pat Browne, Mary Jo White, Lisa Baker, Jeffrey Piccola, Rob Wonderling, and Jane Earll) and two Democrats (Jim Ferlo and Lisa Boscola).
Minor parties would be on the November ballot automatically, and would nominate by convention, if they had registration membership of at least .05% of the state total. Independent candidates would need 2,000 signatures for statewide office, and smaller requirements for district office.
As of February 16, the bill is not yet posted to the state webpage. The webpage only has Senate bills up through SB 195, but it should soon catch up.
If the bill were in effect now, the Constitution, Green, and Libertarian Parties would be ballot-qualified.
http://www.ballot-access.org/
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Liberty and Justice meeting
ALL ARE WELCOME
February 6th @ 6:30 pm
Butler County
545 Pittsburgh Road
Butler, PA 16002
We will be holding the monthly meeting for Liberty and Justice Association Inc.
For information contact:
Hagan Smith - hagan@ljai.info
February 6th @ 6:30 pm
Butler County
545 Pittsburgh Road
Butler, PA 16002
We will be holding the monthly meeting for Liberty and Justice Association Inc.
For information contact:
Hagan Smith - hagan@ljai.info
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
State Committee Meeting
There will be a state committee meeting on FEB. 21st. at The Hotel Carlisle(1-717-243-1717). The Executive meeting will be from 10am-noon, state committee meeting 1pm-4pm and the dinner is from 5pm-8pm.
To order tickets call Danielle Warren at 1-717-390-1993. Tickets are $40 per person and $70 per couple(dinner is included).
To order tickets call Danielle Warren at 1-717-390-1993. Tickets are $40 per person and $70 per couple(dinner is included).
Pennsylvania Ballot Access Bill Has 7 Sponsors in Senate
January 20th, 2009
The Pennsylvania “Voters Choice Act”, which improves ballot access for minor parties and independent candidates, has not yet been introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature. However, the Senate sponsor of the proposed bill, Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) has already identified six other Senators who have said they will co-sponsor the bill. They include one Democrat and five Republicans.
http://www.ballot-access.org/2009/01/20/pennsylvania-ballot-access-bill-has-7-sponsors-in-senate/
The Pennsylvania “Voters Choice Act”, which improves ballot access for minor parties and independent candidates, has not yet been introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature. However, the Senate sponsor of the proposed bill, Senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) has already identified six other Senators who have said they will co-sponsor the bill. They include one Democrat and five Republicans.
http://www.ballot-access.org/2009/01/20/pennsylvania-ballot-access-bill-has-7-sponsors-in-senate/
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