Why am I not surprised that clueless Kyle Foust has signed on like a good little sheep, following the fear-mongering zealots who have come out against the tire derived fuel to energy plant planned for the former IP site.
Trailing the tree lady and the lay minister in fund raising, in his race to be the Democrat nominee that will eventually lose to Republican, incumbent Congressman Phil English, Foust is desperate to get noticed.
Foust sponsored a resolution at County Council’s Finance Committee meeting Thursday, trying to get the group to support him in opposition to the plant. He was forced to withdraw the proposal when he couldn’t muster the votes needed to support the plan.
If Foust can’t sway the nitwits on County Council what would lead him to think he could be a real leader on Capitol Hill? Even dim bulbs like “Whitey” Cleaver and Dave Mitchell are smart enough to wait until Erie Renewable Energy file their necessary state permit applications.
"I have looked over the information for a couple of months," Foust told the Erie Times News "I am convinced this is not good for Erie County, and certainly not good in the middle of a residential area."
What information has Mr. Foust looked at? The stuff that he was spoon fed by the environmentalists who are opposed to the project? Exactly how informed a choice is he making by taking this stance? Clearly this guy is following what he believes to be the popular sentiment at the moment.
When you’ve got the potential for a $200 million industrial development, with all of the construction jobs and the 60 jobs paying an average of $50,000 a pop when the plant is operational, on the line, why wouldn’t you wait for the full story before deciding where you stand?
The answer in Foust’s case is easy, political expediency! He thought he could seize some political advantage by being the first of the Democrat candidates to jump on the bandwagon.
Almost as scary as Foust’s pandering is the proposal from local Green Party mouthpiece Tim Reim, that County Council pass a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System ordinance, that would require a new industry to have real-time emissions monitoring.
Overzealous government regulation is already costing us jobs in Pennsylvania; this type of unnecessary ordinance would make it nearly impossible for new industry to set up shop in our corner of the world.
Save your breath! I’m not advocating for pollution, but there are enough environmental protections already in the laws that make this step far over-reaching.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Governor Emily Latella
Governor Ed Rendell must be closet fan of the late comic genius Gilda Radner because he’s apparently channeling one of Ms. Radner’s classic Saturday Night Live character’s, the chronically misinformed Emily Latella.
Rendell had an Emily Latella moment yesterday when his administration uttered the classic line “Oh never mind,” with regard to the penny per gallon gas tax increase I wrote about yesterday.
Rendell said in a statement yesterday that he had only just learned about the proposed fee increase from news accounts, despite the fact that those news accounts said that the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund, “with backing by the administration of Gov. Ed Rendell, has proposed nearly doubling one of the fees that finances it to 2 cents a gallon, and asked for a speedy approval from a state regulatory panel.”
I’ve got to bet the Governor’s office was bombarded with phone calls when the news broke about this tax increase. Isn’t it amazing what happens when people step up and voice their displeasure?
We’re starting to see that same kind of reaction from taxpayers and businesses regarding the ridiculous tolling of I80. News reports are impacting daily about politicians and Turnpike officials buckling under the weight of taxpayer reaction. It’s time to truly turn up the heat.
Rendell had an Emily Latella moment yesterday when his administration uttered the classic line “Oh never mind,” with regard to the penny per gallon gas tax increase I wrote about yesterday.
Rendell said in a statement yesterday that he had only just learned about the proposed fee increase from news accounts, despite the fact that those news accounts said that the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund, “with backing by the administration of Gov. Ed Rendell, has proposed nearly doubling one of the fees that finances it to 2 cents a gallon, and asked for a speedy approval from a state regulatory panel.”
I’ve got to bet the Governor’s office was bombarded with phone calls when the news broke about this tax increase. Isn’t it amazing what happens when people step up and voice their displeasure?
We’re starting to see that same kind of reaction from taxpayers and businesses regarding the ridiculous tolling of I80. News reports are impacting daily about politicians and Turnpike officials buckling under the weight of taxpayer reaction. It’s time to truly turn up the heat.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Will The Last Business Leaving PA Please Turn Out The Lights
Lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike: $30 Billion. Tax business energy use to fund alternative fuels: $10,000 per year. Toll I80: $400 per truckload. Governor Ed Rendell’s ability to raise taxes: LIMITLESS!
Just when you thought that Fast Eddie had hit businesses and individuals with every tax increase under the sun; he’s back and he wants your wallet!
If your not happy about paying $3.15.9 per gallon, don’t worry the Governor wants you to pay even more. The Rendell administration is backing a proposal to increase the gasoline tax by a penny per gallon. Now before you say ‘big deal it’s only a penny a gallon,’ keep in you’re already paying 34 cents per gallon in State taxes and 18.4 per gallon in Federal taxes. Yes, that is more than 50 cents per gallon in taxes.
The gas tax was supposed to be spent for repairing roads and bridges all over the Commonwealth; yes, the same reason the Gov. wants to lease the Turnpike and Toll 180.
Why does they Governor “need” that extra penny per gallon? To fund the “Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund.” That insurance fund covers the cost of leaky underground gasoline tanks, which prove harmful to the environment. The state agency that oversees the fund claims it will run into a shortfall by 2015, hence the need for the increase.
It was just five short years ago that this same fund was so flush with taxpayer money that the Governor Sweiker and the legislature “borrowed” $100 million to plug a hole not in a leaky underground tank, but the general fund budget! So far the gang of thieves in Harrisburg have paid back about 1/3 of the borrowed cash.
This kind of sleight of hand happens far to often, as politicians shuffle dollars at their convenience and the taxpayers get left holding the bag!
Just when you thought that Fast Eddie had hit businesses and individuals with every tax increase under the sun; he’s back and he wants your wallet!
If your not happy about paying $3.15.9 per gallon, don’t worry the Governor wants you to pay even more. The Rendell administration is backing a proposal to increase the gasoline tax by a penny per gallon. Now before you say ‘big deal it’s only a penny a gallon,’ keep in you’re already paying 34 cents per gallon in State taxes and 18.4 per gallon in Federal taxes. Yes, that is more than 50 cents per gallon in taxes.
The gas tax was supposed to be spent for repairing roads and bridges all over the Commonwealth; yes, the same reason the Gov. wants to lease the Turnpike and Toll 180.
Why does they Governor “need” that extra penny per gallon? To fund the “Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund.” That insurance fund covers the cost of leaky underground gasoline tanks, which prove harmful to the environment. The state agency that oversees the fund claims it will run into a shortfall by 2015, hence the need for the increase.
It was just five short years ago that this same fund was so flush with taxpayer money that the Governor Sweiker and the legislature “borrowed” $100 million to plug a hole not in a leaky underground tank, but the general fund budget! So far the gang of thieves in Harrisburg have paid back about 1/3 of the borrowed cash.
This kind of sleight of hand happens far to often, as politicians shuffle dollars at their convenience and the taxpayers get left holding the bag!
Moronic Media Watchdog
For someone who claims to have been employed as a newspaper reporter, the so-called Erie News Media Watchdog, really doesn’t let facts get in the way of his story.
His latest in a continuing series of rants against the Erie airport runway extension is a fine example of what’s wrong with the Erie community. We have a bunch of crusty old farts that think that Erie should do nothing to change or progress towards something resembling a brighter future. “Why change…it probably won’t work anyway,” seems to be his/their attitude.
The Watchdog bemoans the fact that county officials are prepared “to spend some $26 million on runway expansion at the Erie airport to expand services already underutilized by Erie’s anemic air passenger market.”
Yet again missing the point of the runway expansion completely. Anyone who thinks that passengers climbing on airplanes and flying off to far flung places is what keeps the airport and airline industry afloat clearly has no clue. It’s what’s under the cabin, not what’s in the cabin that makes money for the airlines.
For years Erie International has been operating with an FAA exemption for runway clearances for even the tiny commuter planes that currently service the airport. Those tiny plane feature tiny cargo holds, so minimal shipping is done on those planes, making it less attractive for airlines to provide service here.
The runway extension is about getting you someplace more economically or easily; it’s about getting your stuff in and out more economically! In short, it’s about the freight! A side benefit will be that more airlines will be more likely to bring service to Tom Ridge Field so you’ll be able to fly cheaper to more places.
It took me all of ten minutes after settling in town to realize that Erie was within spitting distance of a huge portion of the U. S. population. The just published Erie Economic Resource Guide pegs it as “50% of the U. S. population is within 500 miles of Erie County.” It doesn’t take a genius to figure that that statistic alone makes us an ideal location to be a freight hub.
All we need is a runway long enough to make that viability a reality. The starting place may be to get old farts like the Media Watchdog to grasp that reality.
His latest in a continuing series of rants against the Erie airport runway extension is a fine example of what’s wrong with the Erie community. We have a bunch of crusty old farts that think that Erie should do nothing to change or progress towards something resembling a brighter future. “Why change…it probably won’t work anyway,” seems to be his/their attitude.
The Watchdog bemoans the fact that county officials are prepared “to spend some $26 million on runway expansion at the Erie airport to expand services already underutilized by Erie’s anemic air passenger market.”
Yet again missing the point of the runway expansion completely. Anyone who thinks that passengers climbing on airplanes and flying off to far flung places is what keeps the airport and airline industry afloat clearly has no clue. It’s what’s under the cabin, not what’s in the cabin that makes money for the airlines.
For years Erie International has been operating with an FAA exemption for runway clearances for even the tiny commuter planes that currently service the airport. Those tiny plane feature tiny cargo holds, so minimal shipping is done on those planes, making it less attractive for airlines to provide service here.
The runway extension is about getting you someplace more economically or easily; it’s about getting your stuff in and out more economically! In short, it’s about the freight! A side benefit will be that more airlines will be more likely to bring service to Tom Ridge Field so you’ll be able to fly cheaper to more places.
It took me all of ten minutes after settling in town to realize that Erie was within spitting distance of a huge portion of the U. S. population. The just published Erie Economic Resource Guide pegs it as “50% of the U. S. population is within 500 miles of Erie County.” It doesn’t take a genius to figure that that statistic alone makes us an ideal location to be a freight hub.
All we need is a runway long enough to make that viability a reality. The starting place may be to get old farts like the Media Watchdog to grasp that reality.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Sign of the Times
- It’s nice to see the Erie Times News finally caught up to the battle of the signs story with the local GOP offering signs to counter the silly “End the War,” signs that have been littering the Erie Community. Reminder you can order your sign that reads Support the Troops: Win the War by e-mailing name, addresses, phone numbers, and email to supptroops@yahoo.com. Cost is $6 per sign.
- Speaking of signs, I been amazed by the number of Ron Paul signs popping up all over Northwest Pennsylvania. Some people who I consider to be very astute and intelligent are supporting what GQ Magazine not too originally labels a “dark horse,” candidacy. I get and agree with the whole smaller government, get back to the Constitution approach Paul espouses, but the realist in me knows what may be a news flash to his supporters, Ron Paul will NEVER be President of the United States.
- A real sign of the rise of the new media: with the recent news that newspaper circulation is continuing to decline rapidly, why am I not surprised that INC. Magazine is flogging a new subscription deal for a years worth of magazines plus four special reports for $4.97! Sounds like they’re desperately trying to hang onto market share.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
How About; WIN The War!
I wonder why the so-called Iraq Summer group selected Erie as a base of operations? Could it be Erie’s track record of voting for dimwitted Dems that had the group thinking that this community is ripe with people who are easily mis-lead around by the nose?
For those who don’t know, Iraq Summer is the group responsible for the outcropping of the propaganda signs that proclaim “Support the Troops (sic) End the War.”
I was glad to see I’m not the only one who thinks the sentiment expressed on the sign was more than a little ridiculous; with this morning’s Erie Times News letter to the editor from Iraq War Veteran Zack Thompson.
Thompson, didn’t identify his rank or service branch wrote, “to say how betrayed I feel as an American and as a soldier who fought for freedom.”
He nailed on the head with, “People need to realize there isn't a draft, so every man and woman serving this country does so by choice. Given the times, we as soldiers know what we are signing up for, so please don't feel bad for troops having to fight a hidden enemy.”
Zack Thompson I salute you for your service to this nation on behalf of those who truly support you and the efforts of your mates and even those who only claim to support you.
Mr. Thompson’s letter got me to thinking how one simple word changed on those signs would make all the difference; simply replace “end,’ with the word “win.”
That’s why I’m glad to hear that the Erie County Republican party is actually taking orders for signs that proclaim, “Support the Troops-Win The War.”
The Republicans will be taking orders for the signs through November 30. The signs are $6 each including wire frame. You can place an order signs by sending name, addresses, phone numbers, and email possible to supptroops@yahoo.com.
Payments can be made in advance or at time of pick-up or delivery. You send your advance payments to: Erie County Republican Committee, P.O. Box 1987, Erie, PA 16505.
The more signs ordered the less they will cost so any profits will be donated to the Fallen Patriot Fund. You can learn more about the Fallen Patriot Fund at http://www.fallenpatriotfund.org/.
Let’s show REAL support for Zack Thompson and the Troop by lining Erie’s streets with these signs!
By the way you anti-war types can save your breath, I’m not questioning your right to protest or your patriotism. I am questioning your intelligence!
For those who don’t know, Iraq Summer is the group responsible for the outcropping of the propaganda signs that proclaim “Support the Troops (sic) End the War.”
I was glad to see I’m not the only one who thinks the sentiment expressed on the sign was more than a little ridiculous; with this morning’s Erie Times News letter to the editor from Iraq War Veteran Zack Thompson.
Thompson, didn’t identify his rank or service branch wrote, “to say how betrayed I feel as an American and as a soldier who fought for freedom.”
He nailed on the head with, “People need to realize there isn't a draft, so every man and woman serving this country does so by choice. Given the times, we as soldiers know what we are signing up for, so please don't feel bad for troops having to fight a hidden enemy.”
Zack Thompson I salute you for your service to this nation on behalf of those who truly support you and the efforts of your mates and even those who only claim to support you.
Mr. Thompson’s letter got me to thinking how one simple word changed on those signs would make all the difference; simply replace “end,’ with the word “win.”
That’s why I’m glad to hear that the Erie County Republican party is actually taking orders for signs that proclaim, “Support the Troops-Win The War.”
The Republicans will be taking orders for the signs through November 30. The signs are $6 each including wire frame. You can place an order signs by sending name, addresses, phone numbers, and email possible to supptroops@yahoo.com.
Payments can be made in advance or at time of pick-up or delivery. You send your advance payments to: Erie County Republican Committee, P.O. Box 1987, Erie, PA 16505.
The more signs ordered the less they will cost so any profits will be donated to the Fallen Patriot Fund. You can learn more about the Fallen Patriot Fund at http://www.fallenpatriotfund.org/.
Let’s show REAL support for Zack Thompson and the Troop by lining Erie’s streets with these signs!
By the way you anti-war types can save your breath, I’m not questioning your right to protest or your patriotism. I am questioning your intelligence!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
A Salute on Veterans Day
A debt we all owe, that we can never hope to repay is to those veterans who selflessly serve and protect the freedoms we all enjoy. To those brave men and women I offer this salute of thanks and rememberance for your heroic efforts on all of our behalf, may God Bless you and this great country.Democrat Math Made Easy
Did I miss something? When did we hire Louis Farakhan to do the math when it comes to spending the gaming revenue?
To the best of my memory, so far Democrat politicians in Erie County have proposed using the gaming revenue from Presque Isle Downs for: the runway extension project, to build a new, 40,000 square foot community college, funding regional assets like the Zoo, various local economic development projects, a kickback of $14 million to MTR Gaming and now, in an effort to avoid a tax increase, to plunk into the general fund to pay for libraries and the EMTA!
This morning’s Erie Times News quotes County Executive Mark DiVecchio as saying he wanted to use the gaming money for “transformational projects.” DiVecchio then goes on to say, “If we rely on the gaming money (for libraries and EMTA), what happens if one day that gaming money is not there?”
Mark, couldn’t the taxpayers ask that same question about the Community College proposal you put forth? First your numbers are in no way realistic and your expectations that 1. the gaming money will always be available to fund the school and 2. The State will always provide matching funds is patently ridiculous! CAMTECH thought that was the case too and they left the taxpayers holding the bag.
Isn’t it becoming clear that we need a group, as separate from government as possible to be put in place to dole out this cash? It should be run by tight fisted, common sense based, successful business people from the community, who will bring a realistic approach to spending these dollars.
By the way, it should not be the same tired good old boys network types who always land on these authorities all the time. How about smart businessmen like Rick Griffith, Tom Kennedy (Prudential Advantage), Jim Berlin (Logistics Plus) and Kelly Lapping (Erie Harley Davidson).
To the best of my memory, so far Democrat politicians in Erie County have proposed using the gaming revenue from Presque Isle Downs for: the runway extension project, to build a new, 40,000 square foot community college, funding regional assets like the Zoo, various local economic development projects, a kickback of $14 million to MTR Gaming and now, in an effort to avoid a tax increase, to plunk into the general fund to pay for libraries and the EMTA!
This morning’s Erie Times News quotes County Executive Mark DiVecchio as saying he wanted to use the gaming money for “transformational projects.” DiVecchio then goes on to say, “If we rely on the gaming money (for libraries and EMTA), what happens if one day that gaming money is not there?”
Mark, couldn’t the taxpayers ask that same question about the Community College proposal you put forth? First your numbers are in no way realistic and your expectations that 1. the gaming money will always be available to fund the school and 2. The State will always provide matching funds is patently ridiculous! CAMTECH thought that was the case too and they left the taxpayers holding the bag.
Isn’t it becoming clear that we need a group, as separate from government as possible to be put in place to dole out this cash? It should be run by tight fisted, common sense based, successful business people from the community, who will bring a realistic approach to spending these dollars.
By the way, it should not be the same tired good old boys network types who always land on these authorities all the time. How about smart businessmen like Rick Griffith, Tom Kennedy (Prudential Advantage), Jim Berlin (Logistics Plus) and Kelly Lapping (Erie Harley Davidson).
Friday, November 9, 2007
Holy Crap! It’s a Deal!
My opinion of Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott has been improving over the course of his tenure on the fifth floor. I wasn’t too impressed with his overly laid back style, but he’s been evolving into a true leader.
Evidence to support that is the just announced, multi-faceted deal that will see the county provide $23.6 million in funding for the desperately needed Erie International Airport runaway extension project from slots revenue.
In return the Airport Authority will expand to nine members with the County picking up the four new seats and the city retaining five. The Airport Authority will pay off the $2.1 million debt the city owes on the Erie Golf Club, and the city would transfer the property to Millcreek to operate the course.
Part of the clubhouse at Millcreek’s existing muni-golf course would be converted into a senior center the and the Airport would get the part of the course they need for the runway extension.
All in all a complex deal that appears will benefit everyone involved, including oddly enough, the taxpayers! Way to go Joe! It also leaves County Councilman and wannabe Congressman, Kyle Foust holding the bag containing his proposal for a runway extension deal. Way to go again Joe!
Evidence to support that is the just announced, multi-faceted deal that will see the county provide $23.6 million in funding for the desperately needed Erie International Airport runaway extension project from slots revenue.
In return the Airport Authority will expand to nine members with the County picking up the four new seats and the city retaining five. The Airport Authority will pay off the $2.1 million debt the city owes on the Erie Golf Club, and the city would transfer the property to Millcreek to operate the course.
Part of the clubhouse at Millcreek’s existing muni-golf course would be converted into a senior center the and the Airport would get the part of the course they need for the runway extension.
All in all a complex deal that appears will benefit everyone involved, including oddly enough, the taxpayers! Way to go Joe! It also leaves County Councilman and wannabe Congressman, Kyle Foust holding the bag containing his proposal for a runway extension deal. Way to go again Joe!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
All the Cornfields Look the Same
Here’s a story that speaks volumes about the future direction of Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-IL) presidential campaign; apparently en-route to a campaign event in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Obama’s plane touched down about 100 miles to the west in Des Moines.
Tommy Vietor, spokes-weasel for the confused-campaign told the AP that the error took place on a flight from Chicago made the Senator an hour late for a rally at a community college. That may explain our County Executive’s rush to build a community college, so the Dim hopefuls will have a place to speak.
I guess you can cut the Senator some slack, after all, Iowa cornfields all look the same. Right?
Tommy Vietor, spokes-weasel for the confused-campaign told the AP that the error took place on a flight from Chicago made the Senator an hour late for a rally at a community college. That may explain our County Executive’s rush to build a community college, so the Dim hopefuls will have a place to speak.
I guess you can cut the Senator some slack, after all, Iowa cornfields all look the same. Right?
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Get Out and Vote…Why Bother?
Recently some one asked me whom I would be voting for, because they contended, “you always do your homework.”
I will vote today just like I’ve done in every election since I turned 18, but after looking at the list of candidates I’ve really got to wonder why?
I will vote for Sue Weber for County Controller, because she is the last check against the Democrat mafia currently running the County Courthouse.
I will vote a resounding NO to all judge retentions, to reiterate my displeasure over the pay raise mess and the lack of progress with government reform.
Beyond that, I likely won’t bother to throw a lever! Just look at the list of County Council candidates. Someone please tell me why we continue to secede so much power into an old political hack like Fiore Leone? This old fart has done nothing but enrich himself at the public trough.
The Republicans couldn’t find anyone to run against Kyle “Room Temperature IQ” Foust? This guy is already running his next campaign (for Congress no less) and the Republicans couldn’t manage to find even a doorstop to run against him?!
Charley Augustine wants to put people first! He filled the remainder of Joy “What Party Will Benefit Me” Greco’s term and now he wants one of his own and the best he’s got is he wants to put people first?! This isn’t Junior-frickin’-High! The County has a budget of $290 million and this guy wants to be Miss America…what next Charley? World Peace?
The alternative is a former TV guy who’s become a public access celebrity! And he’s another Democrat to boot! Lord help us all! Can we write in “NONE OF THE ABOVE!”
I will vote today just like I’ve done in every election since I turned 18, but after looking at the list of candidates I’ve really got to wonder why?
I will vote for Sue Weber for County Controller, because she is the last check against the Democrat mafia currently running the County Courthouse.
I will vote a resounding NO to all judge retentions, to reiterate my displeasure over the pay raise mess and the lack of progress with government reform.
Beyond that, I likely won’t bother to throw a lever! Just look at the list of County Council candidates. Someone please tell me why we continue to secede so much power into an old political hack like Fiore Leone? This old fart has done nothing but enrich himself at the public trough.
The Republicans couldn’t find anyone to run against Kyle “Room Temperature IQ” Foust? This guy is already running his next campaign (for Congress no less) and the Republicans couldn’t manage to find even a doorstop to run against him?!
Charley Augustine wants to put people first! He filled the remainder of Joy “What Party Will Benefit Me” Greco’s term and now he wants one of his own and the best he’s got is he wants to put people first?! This isn’t Junior-frickin’-High! The County has a budget of $290 million and this guy wants to be Miss America…what next Charley? World Peace?
The alternative is a former TV guy who’s become a public access celebrity! And he’s another Democrat to boot! Lord help us all! Can we write in “NONE OF THE ABOVE!”
Monday, November 5, 2007
Kick Me!
Why is our knucklehead County Executive shocked that the unions representing county employees are playing hardball when it comes to the latest round of contract negotiations? What did he expect?
This is the same dim-bulb Democrat who participated in the U.E. 506 pander-fest/labor rally prior to their negotiations with GE and bellowed to the gathered throng of union hacks, "Kick ass in the contracts!"
The only difference is now it's the County Executive and the county taxpayers that are getting kicked.
This is the same dim-bulb Democrat who participated in the U.E. 506 pander-fest/labor rally prior to their negotiations with GE and bellowed to the gathered throng of union hacks, "Kick ass in the contracts!"
The only difference is now it's the County Executive and the county taxpayers that are getting kicked.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Not The Sharpest Tool, But Still a Tool
The Pittsburgh Post Gazette is reporting that “Iron Worker,” (at least he had the hard hat) turned State Senator turned Radio Talk Show Host turned Car Salesman, turned Attorney, Anthony "Buzz" Andrezeski is at the center of investigation into bogus signatures on the election petitions former State Rep. Linda Bebko Jones.
Andrezeski, who got LBJ started in politics when he hired here as a staffer, was actually an advisor to her campaign at the time the alleged forgeries took place! Buzz fired off a letter to the State Attorney General’s office complaining that his mother’s signature was among the faked John Hancocks.
The Post Gazette quotes Andrezeski, "My mother never signed anything. My mother's 87. I think the signature was actually copied or traced. It's close, but it ain't my mommy's." No one ever accused Buzz of being the sharpest of tools.
The investigation centers on Mary Fiolek, Mrs. Bebko-Jones' top aide, for the petition irregularities.
The Post Gazette reports; "The representative's secretary in Harrisburg informed me she personally observed Mary Fiolek, the administrative assistant, copying names from voting lists to nominating petitions," Mr. Andrezeski wrote to Attorney General Tom Corbett on Oct. 27 of last year. "When the representative confronted her, Mary Fiolek threatened her by saying, 'If I go to jail, you go to jail. That's the way it is.' Rep. Bebko-Jones then announced her retirement."
Mr. Andrezeski confirmed the letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Post-Gazette.
Subpoenas are flying and the investigation continues. I don’t think anyone should be surprised by the allegations; it’s been a rumored practice for many years around LBJ campaigns. The only real surprise is somebody finally investigating the alleged wrongdoing. Gee, I wonder why the Erie Times News missed this story?
Andrezeski, who got LBJ started in politics when he hired here as a staffer, was actually an advisor to her campaign at the time the alleged forgeries took place! Buzz fired off a letter to the State Attorney General’s office complaining that his mother’s signature was among the faked John Hancocks.
The Post Gazette quotes Andrezeski, "My mother never signed anything. My mother's 87. I think the signature was actually copied or traced. It's close, but it ain't my mommy's." No one ever accused Buzz of being the sharpest of tools.
The investigation centers on Mary Fiolek, Mrs. Bebko-Jones' top aide, for the petition irregularities.
The Post Gazette reports; "The representative's secretary in Harrisburg informed me she personally observed Mary Fiolek, the administrative assistant, copying names from voting lists to nominating petitions," Mr. Andrezeski wrote to Attorney General Tom Corbett on Oct. 27 of last year. "When the representative confronted her, Mary Fiolek threatened her by saying, 'If I go to jail, you go to jail. That's the way it is.' Rep. Bebko-Jones then announced her retirement."
Mr. Andrezeski confirmed the letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Post-Gazette.
Subpoenas are flying and the investigation continues. I don’t think anyone should be surprised by the allegations; it’s been a rumored practice for many years around LBJ campaigns. The only real surprise is somebody finally investigating the alleged wrongdoing. Gee, I wonder why the Erie Times News missed this story?
Erie Could Learn Something From Endorsement
Recently the editorial board of the left-leaning Pittsburgh Post Gazette did something they rarely do; endorse a Republican for Mayor of Pittsburgh.
Mark DeSantis is the first Republican mayoral candidate endorsed by the newspaper in 38 years! While the endorsement itself is a rarity, how the Post Gazette said it could be a lesson Erie voters.
“Why should a city dominated by Democrats consider a Republican for mayor? Because one-party rule has failed Pittsburgh and failed it repeatedly,” read the endorsement.
Couldn’t you take out the word Pittsburgh in that line and insert Erie and have it remain equally true?
Mark DeSantis is the first Republican mayoral candidate endorsed by the newspaper in 38 years! While the endorsement itself is a rarity, how the Post Gazette said it could be a lesson Erie voters.
“Why should a city dominated by Democrats consider a Republican for mayor? Because one-party rule has failed Pittsburgh and failed it repeatedly,” read the endorsement.
Couldn’t you take out the word Pittsburgh in that line and insert Erie and have it remain equally true?
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