On Gil's ever weakening, redundant and irrelevant blog, he's had an interesting assortment of topics in the past week. He's made over 45 different posted topics, with little variety and fewer comments. He got only 19 comments total. His biggest hit rate came on the topic of ME with 13 comments.
By far his biggest bugaboo this week was Torture. He had 11 different postings defending it, all filled with lies, half-truths and misrepresentations.
Cheney's calling for the declassification of two cherry picked memos claiming torture was a success. Yea, human rights violations!
This flies in the face of recent reports and conclusions that the most fruitful information came BEFORE the torture and that the information obtained through torture wasn't worth it.
Gil falls to "shock our conscience" with his attempts to defend and redefine torture. Gil tries to equate the "training" we give our soldiers with the experiences of a captured prisoner undergoing 183 waterboarding sessions in one month.
Gil defends the Bush lawyers that clearly violated the ethical standards of their profession in rubber stamping legally unsupported justifications for torture and violations of the Geneva Conventions and our own laws and Constitution. These ARE war crimes. We've prosecuted, convicted and executed for far less.
Gil even goes so far as to compare torture with abortion. If you aborted the same baby 183 times in one month, then Gil might have a point (besides the one on top of his head).
About having a reasonable definition of torture, "shock the conscious" is too vague, since Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, ... and Gil, haven't shown they have a shred of conscious.
First of all, some techniques have not only been designated as torture for centuries, but are frequently used as examples in the definition. Waterboarding is already defined as torture. Second, these actions violate our own Constitutional prohibitions against inflicting cruel or unusual punishments. Third, the United States has prosecuted or gone after foreign governments for using these techniques on US soldiers, or their own dissidents. Finally, is it acceptable to Gil if these techniques are applied to our captured soldiers without punishment to their captors? I would hope not (but Gil and the other armchair warriors were eager to sent them into harm's way without body armor and keep them there after their tour of duty).
The rest of Gil's postings covered his continuing denials of global warming and his misguided faith that nuclear power plants will solve everything (except if Iran has any). He got his panties in a bunch about the Tea Parties, but had me choking with laughter when he claimed: "Dems Scared of Tea Parties". Those weak-ass parties are the gift that keeps on giving by showing how the GOP idea machine threw a rod, just as it ran out of gas.
Gil's seems awfully defensive about Miss California and anyone else against gay marriage being portrayed as bigots. Gee, I wonder why. :-)
The rest was the usual rotation of anti-Obama, Clinton, Pelosi, Murtha and Sean Penn with a little anti-Sebelius and Napolitano thrown in for seasoning.
Most of Gil's posts are links to some far right-wing blog or opinion piece. No surprise there. Gil's intellectually lazy, seems incapable of genuine research, and treats opinion pieces as actual news.
It's no wonder Gil's site is such a deserted wasteland.
Showing posts with label Delaware County. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Delaware County. Show all posts
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Obama's First Week and the Crying GOP
What a great week is had been. It's like a giant albatross has been lifted from the collective citizenry of America.
The failed policies and philosophies of Bush are falling like dominoes, along with the foolish neocons that supported at promoted them. From the National media to the local Delco Times, the conservatives are pouting and whining like school children, unable to comprehend the fundamental change and awakening taking place around them.
At the national level, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Kristol and others are delusional in their claims of success in Iraq and of conservative ideas in general, despite their overwhelming rejection in November, and current approval of their dismantling by Obama. Rush "American Last" Limbaugh is openly clamoring for Obama's failure.
At the local level, clueless fools like Gil Spencer and his ragtag bunch of ignorant followers are grasping at straws, misinformation, distortions and childishness in feeble attempts to knock Obama.
Some examples:
- pretending like there is no safe place to house Gitmo detainees (despite all the thousands of more dangerous prisoners already housed in US Federal prisons).
- criticizing Obama's missile strike in Pakistan as a continuation of Bush's policy (when in fact Bush was following the policy Obama put forth on the campaign trail)
- Claiming that that water boarding has never been considered a war crime (and this assertion was from a Spencer fanboy that claims to be a Delco lawyer). Spencer refused to post any counter-proof to this ridiculous position, which is easily found: Waterboarding Used to be a War Crime
Of course, such minimal research would be expected from an actual journalist, rather than a tired hack of a columnist like Gil.
- quoting Dick Morris on nonsense like Obama is going to bring about socialism (nothing like a defrocked political consultant that got caught with a toe-sucking prostitute to give your arguments credibility, even though he's right less often than a stopped clock).
- claiming that Dick Cheney is the most pro-gay VP in history (is it because he sodomized Uncle Sam?)
- racist postings about whether Obama cares about de-ghetto-ing the urban communities (ie blacks and their hip-hop culture are bad and does Obama want to make them less black)
Quote: "An African American columnist asks if Barack Obama can change the hip-hop culture that infects and ghetto-izes poor urban communities today.
We don't know. Does he really want to?
This is the level to which Gil and his ilk have stooped. Gil is an old white guy in the mold of Archie Bunker (but without the charm or conscience) who is rebelling against the multi-cultural blend that makes America truly great. Gil is happy to kick Muslims, Arabs, etc. off of planes if they pray or exhibit any behaviors of their culture because some ignorant, xenophobic or racist passengers feel discomforted. He's fine with torture, US run secret prisons, and holding people without trail. He's quick to trot out the sexual orientation of gay Dem Congressmen when he disagrees with their political choices, as though the two are related and gays are ill-suited for public service.
Gil's an arm-chair warrior that happily cheers on as young men (and innocent civilians) are killed in a war based on lies that was managed incompetently.
Why single out Gil? Because he is shill for the local GOP and represents them and their views as the lead opinion columnist for the county's main local paper.
This year, there will be an election for two of the five Delco County Council seats. All of the current all GOP members and any likely GOP candidates were all-in when McCain and Palin visited the Delco courthouse and acted like Palin was the Second-coming. Now, Alaska may be bigger than Texas, but the population is about the size of Delco's but with less infrastructure (not even public sewer system). A local Delco Council members is probably more qualified to run the country, and a local ward commission has MORE responsibility than Palin had as mayor. Yet, Gil and he local GOP considered her "Presidential" quality and likes her "ideas". What does that say about Delco?
Delaware County voters rejected McCain/Palin and picked Obama/Biden 60%-40%. Yet, somehow the Delco Times promotes Gil Spencer as he shills for the local out-of-touch GOP and plays to a diminishing audience of local rednecks and bigots.
In this era of newspapers going under, it's long past time that the Delco Times got a lead columnist that represents the view of the Delco majority and the future, instead of a horse's ass like Gil Spencer that should be on his way to the glue factory.
The failed policies and philosophies of Bush are falling like dominoes, along with the foolish neocons that supported at promoted them. From the National media to the local Delco Times, the conservatives are pouting and whining like school children, unable to comprehend the fundamental change and awakening taking place around them.
At the national level, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Bill Kristol and others are delusional in their claims of success in Iraq and of conservative ideas in general, despite their overwhelming rejection in November, and current approval of their dismantling by Obama. Rush "American Last" Limbaugh is openly clamoring for Obama's failure.
At the local level, clueless fools like Gil Spencer and his ragtag bunch of ignorant followers are grasping at straws, misinformation, distortions and childishness in feeble attempts to knock Obama.
Some examples:
- pretending like there is no safe place to house Gitmo detainees (despite all the thousands of more dangerous prisoners already housed in US Federal prisons).
- criticizing Obama's missile strike in Pakistan as a continuation of Bush's policy (when in fact Bush was following the policy Obama put forth on the campaign trail)
- Claiming that that water boarding has never been considered a war crime (and this assertion was from a Spencer fanboy that claims to be a Delco lawyer). Spencer refused to post any counter-proof to this ridiculous position, which is easily found: Waterboarding Used to be a War Crime
Of course, such minimal research would be expected from an actual journalist, rather than a tired hack of a columnist like Gil.
- quoting Dick Morris on nonsense like Obama is going to bring about socialism (nothing like a defrocked political consultant that got caught with a toe-sucking prostitute to give your arguments credibility, even though he's right less often than a stopped clock).
- claiming that Dick Cheney is the most pro-gay VP in history (is it because he sodomized Uncle Sam?)
- racist postings about whether Obama cares about de-ghetto-ing the urban communities (ie blacks and their hip-hop culture are bad and does Obama want to make them less black)
Quote: "An African American columnist asks if Barack Obama can change the hip-hop culture that infects and ghetto-izes poor urban communities today.
We don't know. Does he really want to?
This is the level to which Gil and his ilk have stooped. Gil is an old white guy in the mold of Archie Bunker (but without the charm or conscience) who is rebelling against the multi-cultural blend that makes America truly great. Gil is happy to kick Muslims, Arabs, etc. off of planes if they pray or exhibit any behaviors of their culture because some ignorant, xenophobic or racist passengers feel discomforted. He's fine with torture, US run secret prisons, and holding people without trail. He's quick to trot out the sexual orientation of gay Dem Congressmen when he disagrees with their political choices, as though the two are related and gays are ill-suited for public service.
Gil's an arm-chair warrior that happily cheers on as young men (and innocent civilians) are killed in a war based on lies that was managed incompetently.
Why single out Gil? Because he is shill for the local GOP and represents them and their views as the lead opinion columnist for the county's main local paper.
This year, there will be an election for two of the five Delco County Council seats. All of the current all GOP members and any likely GOP candidates were all-in when McCain and Palin visited the Delco courthouse and acted like Palin was the Second-coming. Now, Alaska may be bigger than Texas, but the population is about the size of Delco's but with less infrastructure (not even public sewer system). A local Delco Council members is probably more qualified to run the country, and a local ward commission has MORE responsibility than Palin had as mayor. Yet, Gil and he local GOP considered her "Presidential" quality and likes her "ideas". What does that say about Delco?
Delaware County voters rejected McCain/Palin and picked Obama/Biden 60%-40%. Yet, somehow the Delco Times promotes Gil Spencer as he shills for the local out-of-touch GOP and plays to a diminishing audience of local rednecks and bigots.
In this era of newspapers going under, it's long past time that the Delco Times got a lead columnist that represents the view of the Delco majority and the future, instead of a horse's ass like Gil Spencer that should be on his way to the glue factory.
Friday, November 2, 2007
GOP Council Plays Politics. Risks Progress with FAA Issue
Andy Reilly and the GOP Council candidates can't keep their partisan politics out of the way of the public good.
Delco Times: Democrats slam GOP mailing on FAA issue
This week, the GOP sought to undermine progress made by Joe Sestak and Bryan Lentz by putting out a mailing claiming that the Democrats have no plan. This break from bipartisanship shows how irresponsible the GOP council candidates are.
Here's a Democratic "plan" for you: Work with your congressman and legislator, instead of working against them.
Clearly, the GOP would rather undermine Joe and Bryan to make themselves look good, rather than work in the public interest on the FAA problem.
Delco Times: Democrats slam GOP mailing on FAA issue
This week, the GOP sought to undermine progress made by Joe Sestak and Bryan Lentz by putting out a mailing claiming that the Democrats have no plan. This break from bipartisanship shows how irresponsible the GOP council candidates are.
Here's a Democratic "plan" for you: Work with your congressman and legislator, instead of working against them.
Clearly, the GOP would rather undermine Joe and Bryan to make themselves look good, rather than work in the public interest on the FAA problem.
Delco Times Endorse BOTH Democratic Judge Candidates
In a uncommon burst of common sense and concern for public welfare, the Delco Times endorses BOTH Democratic Judicial candidates for the Court of Common Pleas.
Their reasons for endorsing BOTH Frank Daly and Mike Farrell were simple. Daly and Farrell have experience at EVERY level of the court.
Their reasons for endorsing BOTH Frank Daly and Mike Farrell were simple. Daly and Farrell have experience at EVERY level of the court.
On the Democratic side, longtime Media presence Frank Daly, 58, brings a wide array of legal work at every level of court in his 33 years of practice. He also points out that a Democrat has never been elected to a judgeship in the county, and paints himself as a viable alternative to the longtime practice of having “bosses” wielding a heavy hand in the selection of who gets to be a judge in this county.
He is joined by Michael Farrell, who seems to have the perfect disposition for someone looking to join the bench. Farrell, 41, a commercial litigator from Springfield, started as a defense lawyer and also has experience at every level of court...
To the end that a judge needs as wide a view of the system as possible, the Daily Times endorses Democrats Frank Daly and Mike Farrell for seats on the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Video of the Debate
Video is from Delco Times.
Notes: just slide the bar while playing the video, to jump around.
Around 30% to 40% of the way through is a lively discussion on the budget and the lack of openness.
Just before half-way point, watch and compare Innelli vs McGarrigle on who can manage the $560 million budget.
Watch McGarrigle read from script and even turn page, all with his head down, on the Revitalization question (about 2/3 the way through)
It's almost impossible to hear on the tape, but 75% of the way through the tape, Andy Lewis is following up on a question about economic decline in Delaware County. He starts by saying: "By any objective measurement ... Delaware County has been well managed." This is where the audience murmured its objection to the veracity of that statement. Just be glad we don't have "smell-o-vision", because Andy was shoveling some serious BS.
Notes: just slide the bar while playing the video, to jump around.
Around 30% to 40% of the way through is a lively discussion on the budget and the lack of openness.
Just before half-way point, watch and compare Innelli vs McGarrigle on who can manage the $560 million budget.
Watch McGarrigle read from script and even turn page, all with his head down, on the Revitalization question (about 2/3 the way through)
It's almost impossible to hear on the tape, but 75% of the way through the tape, Andy Lewis is following up on a question about economic decline in Delaware County. He starts by saying: "By any objective measurement ... Delaware County has been well managed." This is where the audience murmured its objection to the veracity of that statement. Just be glad we don't have "smell-o-vision", because Andy was shoveling some serious BS.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Loook What Hatched!
From today's Delco Times. Election: Clifton Heights council president is off ballot
Salmon denies any wrongdoing (who ever admits to wrong doing these days?), but still he removed himself and cited the Hatch Act. I'd call that "Hatched".
When the fox is in charge of the hen house, the condition and count of all the eggs are in question.
Council President Jim Salmon, a Republican, announced Monday he is removing himself as a candidate in the upcoming November election citing a conflict with the Hatch Act.
The Hatch Act prohibits federal employees from participating in partisan campaign activities. Salmon is a performance assessment representative for the U.S. Department of Defense, and has worked for the government for 30 years in various positions.
Salmon denies any wrongdoing (who ever admits to wrong doing these days?), but still he removed himself and cited the Hatch Act. I'd call that "Hatched".
When the fox is in charge of the hen house, the condition and count of all the eggs are in question.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
"See Spot Run" and "The Eyes Have It"
Tonight's County Council debate at Riddle Village was a study in contrasts.
The Republican candidates were EXTREMELY scripted. Andy Lewis and especially Tom McGarrigle barely looked up from their talking point notes from which they read verbatim. The Democrats ALL looked the camera and the voters in the audience in the eye and spoke from their knowledge and their philosophy of government.
Ann O'Keefe took a soft spoken approach appealing to voters making a thoughtful choice. David Landau kept up his attack on the cronyism at the courthouse (with the latest stat that 250 out of 255 employees in 12 key department are all Republican). John Innelli was on fire and challenged the GOP fiercely on their made-up numbers.
If you watch the tape, you will notice that McGarrigle rarely glanced up from his notes and was just reading, and with questionable comprehension. Several times I felt that if his time hadn't been cut off, we would have heard: "See Dick and Jane play with the ball. Run Dick. Run Jane. See Spot. Run, Spot. Run." Tom McGarrigle was BY FAR the weakest candidate there.
Andy Lewis's main response to most questions was "current council is doing a great job", or "DA Green is doing a great job". In an amazing bit of irony, Andy talked about having a bi-partisan record in Haverford and claimed how he is for hiring based upon qualifications. However, he failed to mention that township employment in leadership/administrative/key jobs is 100% Republican. Pat Biswanger was nowhere to be seen. There was some speculation that she was under the table, either curled up by Andy's feet or feeding him talking points.
Christine Fizzano-Cannon provided the comedy for the evening with her microphone problems. While she came off as smart/capable (by comparison to Andy and Tom, that is), she was a mass of contradictions. On the one hand, she claims she is for open government, televising council meetings, making meetings more accessible, etc., but on the other hand she had nothing but praise for the current county council which does NONE of those things.
The issue of Open Government generated one of the most lively exchanges. Landau talked about making it easy to get campaign finance records and other information from the courthouse. Fizzano-Cannon claimed that part of the GOP "platform" was open government and, as "proof" the words "open government" could be found on their website.
Suddenly, John Innelli fired back using one the 30-sec "rebuttal cards" to point out how the county budget had a 100 million dollar line item for Federal money with NO DETAILS or breakdown. Fizzano-Cannon threw down with her rebuttal card and claimed the information was readily available at the courthouse.
Well, David Landau was having NONE of that BS. He tossed in his rebuttal card and passionately explained that the Dems had been making requests to the courthouse for SIX months and not only couldn't get the information, but were told it was not on computers, or in different places, or not available, etc. He then pointed out that they made a similar request to Bucks county and got a 700 page answer in 48-hours. John chimed in with the PA number state law that requires the County to keep track of the information that Delaware County claims not to have.
Another highlight was during the debate about a County Health Department. Landau not only advocated for a county health department, but explained why it could occur WITHOUT a tax increase as the State would be picking up half the cost and much of the remain funds were already available. Tom McGarrigle claimed that we couldn't rely on the State, in case the State changed its mind and cut off funding in the future. (Maybe he thought the State wouldn't have the funds if everyone else was as delinquent on paying taxes as he's been.)
John Innelli was quick and decisive on the rebuttal. He pointed out two different State Acts that REQUIRED the state to pay $6 and $1.5 per resident toward health care and environmental health issues. That's $4 million right there that the State has to make available.
On the issue of being able to handle a $560 million budget, Tom McGarrigle talked about his rinky-dink business dealings. The issue was made for John, who mentioned that he has TWO degrees in economics and deals regularly in his law practice with large figures in government fraud and waste cases. John pointed out that he not only knows how to balance the books, but knows from experience how to identify books that appear balanced, but really aren't. While Innelli came off as the most educated candidate, McGarrigle came off as the least. It appears that McGarrigle doesn't have more than a high school education (no mention of college in his thin campaign resume). Managing $560 million should go to the guy with the bigger brain.
In short, the Republicans were ALL about the status quo and how one-party government can be a good thing. The Democrats were about change and cleaning up the one-party side-effects like closed government, waste and stagnation.
The Delco Times also covered the debate. While they didn't declare a winner, they did pick up on some of the same things I saw:
When I find out the televising schedule for the debate, I'll post it here.
The Republican candidates were EXTREMELY scripted. Andy Lewis and especially Tom McGarrigle barely looked up from their talking point notes from which they read verbatim. The Democrats ALL looked the camera and the voters in the audience in the eye and spoke from their knowledge and their philosophy of government.
Ann O'Keefe took a soft spoken approach appealing to voters making a thoughtful choice. David Landau kept up his attack on the cronyism at the courthouse (with the latest stat that 250 out of 255 employees in 12 key department are all Republican). John Innelli was on fire and challenged the GOP fiercely on their made-up numbers.
If you watch the tape, you will notice that McGarrigle rarely glanced up from his notes and was just reading, and with questionable comprehension. Several times I felt that if his time hadn't been cut off, we would have heard: "See Dick and Jane play with the ball. Run Dick. Run Jane. See Spot. Run, Spot. Run." Tom McGarrigle was BY FAR the weakest candidate there.
Andy Lewis's main response to most questions was "current council is doing a great job", or "DA Green is doing a great job". In an amazing bit of irony, Andy talked about having a bi-partisan record in Haverford and claimed how he is for hiring based upon qualifications. However, he failed to mention that township employment in leadership/administrative/key jobs is 100% Republican. Pat Biswanger was nowhere to be seen. There was some speculation that she was under the table, either curled up by Andy's feet or feeding him talking points.
Christine Fizzano-Cannon provided the comedy for the evening with her microphone problems. While she came off as smart/capable (by comparison to Andy and Tom, that is), she was a mass of contradictions. On the one hand, she claims she is for open government, televising council meetings, making meetings more accessible, etc., but on the other hand she had nothing but praise for the current county council which does NONE of those things.
The issue of Open Government generated one of the most lively exchanges. Landau talked about making it easy to get campaign finance records and other information from the courthouse. Fizzano-Cannon claimed that part of the GOP "platform" was open government and, as "proof" the words "open government" could be found on their website.
Suddenly, John Innelli fired back using one the 30-sec "rebuttal cards" to point out how the county budget had a 100 million dollar line item for Federal money with NO DETAILS or breakdown. Fizzano-Cannon threw down with her rebuttal card and claimed the information was readily available at the courthouse.
Well, David Landau was having NONE of that BS. He tossed in his rebuttal card and passionately explained that the Dems had been making requests to the courthouse for SIX months and not only couldn't get the information, but were told it was not on computers, or in different places, or not available, etc. He then pointed out that they made a similar request to Bucks county and got a 700 page answer in 48-hours. John chimed in with the PA number state law that requires the County to keep track of the information that Delaware County claims not to have.
Another highlight was during the debate about a County Health Department. Landau not only advocated for a county health department, but explained why it could occur WITHOUT a tax increase as the State would be picking up half the cost and much of the remain funds were already available. Tom McGarrigle claimed that we couldn't rely on the State, in case the State changed its mind and cut off funding in the future. (Maybe he thought the State wouldn't have the funds if everyone else was as delinquent on paying taxes as he's been.)
John Innelli was quick and decisive on the rebuttal. He pointed out two different State Acts that REQUIRED the state to pay $6 and $1.5 per resident toward health care and environmental health issues. That's $4 million right there that the State has to make available.
On the issue of being able to handle a $560 million budget, Tom McGarrigle talked about his rinky-dink business dealings. The issue was made for John, who mentioned that he has TWO degrees in economics and deals regularly in his law practice with large figures in government fraud and waste cases. John pointed out that he not only knows how to balance the books, but knows from experience how to identify books that appear balanced, but really aren't. While Innelli came off as the most educated candidate, McGarrigle came off as the least. It appears that McGarrigle doesn't have more than a high school education (no mention of college in his thin campaign resume). Managing $560 million should go to the guy with the bigger brain.
In short, the Republicans were ALL about the status quo and how one-party government can be a good thing. The Democrats were about change and cleaning up the one-party side-effects like closed government, waste and stagnation.
The Delco Times also covered the debate. While they didn't declare a winner, they did pick up on some of the same things I saw:
Republicans stuck with their game plan of praising the past efforts of council and committing to continue those efforts in areas like crime prevention, economic redevelopment and open space preservation.
Democrats, meanwhile, pointed to a failure of leadership in health care, population growth, and revitalizing older communities, saying a diverse political spectrum could go a long way to reversing those trends.
- When questioned on handling a large, countywide budget, Democrat John Innelli was able to list his extensive experience in the area of finance, including two degrees from the University of Pennsylvania in economics, a degree from the Wharton Business School in finance, and work-related experience as an attorney handling finance matters.
- Landau and Innelli tag-teamed a question on Democrats’ desire for a county health department in light of the unfolding wildfire disaster in California and a recent MRSA outbreak at county schools, beating back calls of a tax increase by citing numerous funding sources from the state and by “cutting the fat” of a bloated county government.
When I find out the televising schedule for the debate, I'll post it here.
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Raging Debate
The Delaware County Council Candidates are having a debate Tuesday Oct 23.
(Hey, that's today!!)
at the Riddle Village Retirement Center, 1048 West Baltimore Pike, Media.
(Hey, that's right across from the Granite Run Mall!)
7:30pm Don't be late for the fireworks or ring-side seats.
I hear the GOP candidates are bringing their timepieces for some refurbishing.
(Oh... they're going to get their clocks cleaned!)
The press will be covering the event.
(Press. Pull. Push. Shove. Blog. I'll be there uncovering it. (I'm not just pixels.))
Will we be able to see Pete Peterson and Andy Reilly's lips moving when the GOP candidates speak?
(I suggest requiring them to drink a glass of water while candidates are speaking.)
If you like this posting, wait to see my posting AFTER the debate.
(Hey, that's today!!)
at the Riddle Village Retirement Center, 1048 West Baltimore Pike, Media.
(Hey, that's right across from the Granite Run Mall!)
7:30pm Don't be late for the fireworks or ring-side seats.
I hear the GOP candidates are bringing their timepieces for some refurbishing.
(Oh... they're going to get their clocks cleaned!)
The press will be covering the event.
(Press. Pull. Push. Shove. Blog. I'll be there uncovering it. (I'm not just pixels.))
Will we be able to see Pete Peterson and Andy Reilly's lips moving when the GOP candidates speak?
(I suggest requiring them to drink a glass of water while candidates are speaking.)
If you like this posting, wait to see my posting AFTER the debate.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Putting Another GOP Lie to Rest
David Landau, Ann O'Keefe and John Innelli have made their case (very effectively) against the patronage at the Court House. In response, the Delco GOP has tried to twist the work David Landau did for Nether Providence as patronage. While I have related the basic facts as I understood them, Sara Petrosky, (a Nether Providence commissioner from 1994 to 2006) tells the full story and sets the record straight in a Delco Times letter to the editor.
The whole time the Democratic Candidates, particularly Landau, have pointed out the rampant and wide-spread cronyism, patronage and nepotism, the ONLY thing the Delco GOPcandidates handlers could come up with is David's work on this one job in Nether Providence that preserved open space.
It was bad enough that Delco GOP's only argument against charges of corruption was that Dems were doing it too at a much smaller scale. Of course, it turns out, that the Dems were awarding contracts in a open bipartisan manner (exactly like the Dems have been advocating) and not engaging in patronage on any scale.
The Delco GOP had one bullet in the chamber and it was a blank. The rest of chambers are empty, like their ideas and their message.
The courthouse political machine repeatedly attacks David Landau for his role in the Nether Providence Township. As usual they have the facts wrong.
I served as a Nether Providence Township commissioner from 1994 until 2006 and was president of the board in 1996 when the Democrats took over.
Under my direction, the board requested proposals for various professional services such as solicitors and engineers. We interviewed candidates, both Republican and Democrat, and had a competitive process for choosing the candidates.
David was not part of the hiring process and neither he nor his firm was selected for these jobs. The board strongly believed that good government involves having a competitive process to hire the best-qualified person with the most favorable rate package. We did that.
The township board later hired David to defend the township against a Republican developer who tried to block the preservation of open space. That was also the result of a competitive process.
David spent countless hours, many of them without pay, to help us achieve our goal. The insurance carrier covered the fees, other than the deductible. Through David’s work, the township won the case at trial and on appeal, and now there are two parcels of open space and a Field of Dreams in Nether Providence.
Money Magazine recently named our community the ninth best in the United States, partly due to this parkland. We would not have received that honor without David’s help.
For decades, David has played a positive role in our community. As a lawyer hired by the township to work on this issue of open space, he delivered positive results. He recognized the need to be efficient and cost-effective. I can think of no one who can better serve our county.
The whole time the Democratic Candidates, particularly Landau, have pointed out the rampant and wide-spread cronyism, patronage and nepotism, the ONLY thing the Delco GOP
It was bad enough that Delco GOP's only argument against charges of corruption was that Dems were doing it too at a much smaller scale. Of course, it turns out, that the Dems were awarding contracts in a open bipartisan manner (exactly like the Dems have been advocating) and not engaging in patronage on any scale.
The Delco GOP had one bullet in the chamber and it was a blank. The rest of chambers are empty, like their ideas and their message.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
So Much GOP Dishonesty and Corruption. So Little Time.
For those of you wondering... Yes, I'm still here. It's been a busy week for me with helping candidates in Delco and Montgomery County, Haverford Township Day, and recovering from a a cold.
A quick recap:
1) Democratic candidates are kicking ass all over the region as voters have wised up the GOP tactics, poor administration, cronyism, etc. Even Republicans are complaining that the current GOP politicians don't represent them and are more interested in playing GOP politics that helping the voters.
2) Haverford Township Day: The Dems were out in force. Local progressive, Larry Chrzan, made a great showing over Jimmy McGarrity. There was a ton of people wearing (very stylish) "Chrzan for Change" t-shirts. The ghost-town-like Haverford Republican table seems to have more Chrzan supporters than Republicans. In the afternoon, Candidates Larry Abel and Brian Kennedy were also meeting voters and handing out the Haverford Dem newsletter.
I watched as numerous people pushed aside Republican literature, but took our Democratic newsletter. The only thing the GOP was able to 'move' was FREE, cold bottled water from the GOP Council candidates. The think the kids with the Chrzan t-shirts drank a lot them. I guess the GOP candidates took a break from handing out Kool-aid.
3) Thomas McGarrigle is in HOT water over recent disclosures about his past problems paying is school and state taxes. A story that juicy deserves (and will get) its own blog entry. The story got HOTTER with a HEATED exchange with Rocco Polidoro as well.
4) Nether Providence Republican Committee Chairman, Michael Maddren, started up a "LandauFactCheck" site. The site is a single web page of the same tired GOP distortions about Landau that Pete Peterson, Andy Reilly, Michael Puppio and their minions have been spreading to distract voters about the GOP record. This will get its own blog posting as well.
5) John Innelli: John must have done well on some internal GOP polls this week because Pete Peterson put out a hit piece on John. In it he repeated the distortions about John's work for Darby Township. Peterson tries to act like John was the recipient of some political largess. The REAL facts: John acted as a assistant solicitor, worked at 1/5 his normal fee (so, practically pro-bono work), and the work amounted to a few thousand dollars per year and well below amounts required by Darby for any kind of bidding process. As for Paul Brown being in the loop.. she's in her own loop.
6) Gil "The Shill" Spencer does a standard hatchet piece on Landau. Yawn. Sometime I wonder if Spencer has a set of hatchet pieces pre-written years in advance and then just copies/pastes the name of the Democratic candidate. Spencer also tries to minimize Landau's complaints by comparing the corruption in Philly with Delco:
"But, practically speaking, when you look at say the Democratic machine in Philadelphia and you then you look at the Republican machine in Delaware County, one is not just as bad as the other. One is worse. And we all know which one."
I think the differences are that Philly machine is what the Delco GOP machine has tried to emulate and that Philly has more news organization to investigate and uncover corruption. Clearly, the quality of Republican Editorial comment is worse in Delco. (Yea Us!)
Spencer ends with: To win, Landau needs a better argument, better ideas, or a whole lot more real GOP corruption (not just this "appearance of" stuff) to expose before Election Day. I wonder if Spencer can name his closest friend/relative that works at the GOP controlled courthouse? And what percentage of GOP employment above the 54% registration level would be considered too high?
The Republicans are clearly worried. Considering the record they are running away from, they should be.
A quick recap:
1) Democratic candidates are kicking ass all over the region as voters have wised up the GOP tactics, poor administration, cronyism, etc. Even Republicans are complaining that the current GOP politicians don't represent them and are more interested in playing GOP politics that helping the voters.
2) Haverford Township Day: The Dems were out in force. Local progressive, Larry Chrzan, made a great showing over Jimmy McGarrity. There was a ton of people wearing (very stylish) "Chrzan for Change" t-shirts. The ghost-town-like Haverford Republican table seems to have more Chrzan supporters than Republicans. In the afternoon, Candidates Larry Abel and Brian Kennedy were also meeting voters and handing out the Haverford Dem newsletter.
I watched as numerous people pushed aside Republican literature, but took our Democratic newsletter. The only thing the GOP was able to 'move' was FREE, cold bottled water from the GOP Council candidates. The think the kids with the Chrzan t-shirts drank a lot them. I guess the GOP candidates took a break from handing out Kool-aid.
3) Thomas McGarrigle is in HOT water over recent disclosures about his past problems paying is school and state taxes. A story that juicy deserves (and will get) its own blog entry. The story got HOTTER with a HEATED exchange with Rocco Polidoro as well.
4) Nether Providence Republican Committee Chairman, Michael Maddren, started up a "LandauFactCheck" site. The site is a single web page of the same tired GOP distortions about Landau that Pete Peterson, Andy Reilly, Michael Puppio and their minions have been spreading to distract voters about the GOP record. This will get its own blog posting as well.
5) John Innelli: John must have done well on some internal GOP polls this week because Pete Peterson put out a hit piece on John. In it he repeated the distortions about John's work for Darby Township. Peterson tries to act like John was the recipient of some political largess. The REAL facts: John acted as a assistant solicitor, worked at 1/5 his normal fee (so, practically pro-bono work), and the work amounted to a few thousand dollars per year and well below amounts required by Darby for any kind of bidding process. As for Paul Brown being in the loop.. she's in her own loop.
6) Gil "The Shill" Spencer does a standard hatchet piece on Landau. Yawn. Sometime I wonder if Spencer has a set of hatchet pieces pre-written years in advance and then just copies/pastes the name of the Democratic candidate. Spencer also tries to minimize Landau's complaints by comparing the corruption in Philly with Delco:
"But, practically speaking, when you look at say the Democratic machine in Philadelphia and you then you look at the Republican machine in Delaware County, one is not just as bad as the other. One is worse. And we all know which one."
I think the differences are that Philly machine is what the Delco GOP machine has tried to emulate and that Philly has more news organization to investigate and uncover corruption. Clearly, the quality of Republican Editorial comment is worse in Delco. (Yea Us!)
Spencer ends with: To win, Landau needs a better argument, better ideas, or a whole lot more real GOP corruption (not just this "appearance of" stuff) to expose before Election Day. I wonder if Spencer can name his closest friend/relative that works at the GOP controlled courthouse? And what percentage of GOP employment above the 54% registration level would be considered too high?
The Republicans are clearly worried. Considering the record they are running away from, they should be.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Dem Candidate Swings. GOP Pitch-Hitters Strike Out
In today's Delco Times, Council candidates come out swinging, we find quotes from a Dem Candidate, but ALL the GOP Candidates let others speak for them.
Democratic Candidate, David Landau, went after yet another ALL Republican department at the courthouse. This time it was the county controller’s office, run by County Controller Cynthia Leitzell. ALL 19 employees of this office are (drumroll please....) REPUBLICAN! Landau also noted that 45 percent of those employees — four of them Republican committee members — also donated to Republican campaigns and committees for a total $55,000 over the last five years.
In the most amazingly blatant and bull***t defense of patronage we've seen this campaign season Leitzell
Here's a shocker, CURRENT GOP CANDIDATE, District Attorney G. Michael Green also threw his support behind the GOP team. I betno one everyone saw that coming! And here's another shocker, prosecutor Green was opposed to Landau's work on Civil Liberties 20 years ago.
Civil Liberties laws are meant to prevent over-zealous prosecutions or violations of due process. Landau did co-author a review of a proposed 1981 law during his tenure with the ACLU that "a government right to appeal sentences would conflict with the purpose of the double-jeopardy clause, which is to prevent the government from overreaching by limiting the prosecutor to one opportunity for conviction and sentencing."
Otherwise, prosecutors like Green could go on appealing and "fishing" for a judge/jury that would convict someone that had already been acquitted. This is the same mentality that prosecutors have against re-opening cases when DNA shows they convicted the wrong person. It's apparently more about having a high conviction rate than getting the right person or what a jury of one's peers think.
Even though we talk about the County Council race a lot, there are also TWO seats on the Court of Common Pleas on the ballot and two great Democratic Candidates: Frank Daly and Mike Farrell. I think Delaware County residents deserve some judges that can protect their Constitutional rights.
Democratic Candidate, David Landau, went after yet another ALL Republican department at the courthouse. This time it was the county controller’s office, run by County Controller Cynthia Leitzell. ALL 19 employees of this office are (drumroll please....) REPUBLICAN! Landau also noted that 45 percent of those employees — four of them Republican committee members — also donated to Republican campaigns and committees for a total $55,000 over the last five years.
In the most amazingly blatant and bull***t defense of patronage we've seen this campaign season Leitzell
supposed people working at the courthouse would be registered Republican because they agree with the philosophy of the party in power, but said she has never asked her employees their political bent or where they contribute money. [Um, you don't have to ask, the records are public, and some of them give to your own committee.]
"It may just be … that there are people who are interested in government that work for government," said Leitzell. She added denying anyone the ability to donate as they choose would disenfranchise a segment of the population from participating in democracy. [Apparently, choosing to donate to Republicans is how they get enfranchised.]
As to her also being the treasurer of the Upper Darby Republican Committee, where Landau said some of the contributions from her office went, Leitzell said she saw no conflict of interest. [We've gone from the Three Stooges, to the Three Monkeys: See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil.] The rules for financial disclosure have become so complicated, she said, it’s common to see a Certified Public Accountant such as herself at the financial helm. Leitzell was running finances for that committee before coming to the courthouse. [Gee, I wonder if that committee work got her there?]
Here's a shocker, CURRENT GOP CANDIDATE, District Attorney G. Michael Green also threw his support behind the GOP team. I bet
Civil Liberties laws are meant to prevent over-zealous prosecutions or violations of due process. Landau did co-author a review of a proposed 1981 law during his tenure with the ACLU that "a government right to appeal sentences would conflict with the purpose of the double-jeopardy clause, which is to prevent the government from overreaching by limiting the prosecutor to one opportunity for conviction and sentencing."
Otherwise, prosecutors like Green could go on appealing and "fishing" for a judge/jury that would convict someone that had already been acquitted. This is the same mentality that prosecutors have against re-opening cases when DNA shows they convicted the wrong person. It's apparently more about having a high conviction rate than getting the right person or what a jury of one's peers think.
Even though we talk about the County Council race a lot, there are also TWO seats on the Court of Common Pleas on the ballot and two great Democratic Candidates: Frank Daly and Mike Farrell. I think Delaware County residents deserve some judges that can protect their Constitutional rights.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Delco GOP Ventriloquists Speak without their Dummy Candidates
Aspiring GOP Ventriloquists, Michael Puppio and Pete Peterson were busy working overtime trying to defend Delco GOP hiring practices. They didn't even get a chance to do their routine where they drink a glass of water while their Candidates say: "The GOP Council is doing a great job. So will we. Yea us!". I hear they are planning to install a pull string on the back of each candidate to make them say something different each time.
In today's Delco Times, David Landau vows that a Democratic majority would institute performance audits to eliminate GOP patronage and no-show jobs, and return money saved to taxpayers. Landau also questioned if the revenue from the Harrah's casino was making its way back to the taxpayers.
Responding to Landau's previous attacks on the suspicious GOP hiring practices at the courthouse:
County Councilman Michael Puppio said "The management of county employees is the responsibility of supervisors and department heads. Performance is continually monitored to provide our residents with the most efficient service possible."
I suspect that "performance" may refer to "performance helping the GOP win elections or raising/contributing money" and making sure that when GOP party bosses call, they get quick service. Of course, I have little reason to suspect anything else considering the non-random distribution of GOP jobs.
The Delco Times asked Puppio directly, if there were any no-show jobs at the county courthouse. Puppio smugly responded: "Do you see any no-show employees walking around these empty desks? ... I didn't think so!"
[disclaimer: Puppio's actual quote was "Absolutely not.", but that isn't as funny as my pretend quote. I wonder if Puppio considers coming in to collect a paycheck as a yes-show job.]
Puppio also likes to repeat the mantra that the GOP hasn't raised taxes in three years (which was right after three of current Council got elected 4 years ago). Puppio conveniently ignores that we are already overpaying taxes, so holding the line on tax increases is not that hard.
Landau, O'Keefe and Innelli plan to reduce taxes by eliminating the waste that Puppio is unable to see (or admit).
Pete Peterson, campaign manager for The Three Stooges, was quick to confuse the issue on hiring practices by misstating Landau's history in Nether Providence. The GOP like to misrepresent a BID contract process that the 3D-3R used to select a Democrat for a job in the late nineties. Though Landau was NOT on the Nether Providence board at the time, the Delco GOP tells the story like Landau controlled the board and the GOP had no say. I think Peterson has confused himself with how GOP municipal boards are controlled by non-elected party bosses. An easy mistake to make, if you've never seen it done fairly.
Readers are asked to look at the statements made by the two GOP P's in a pod, and see if they can find ONE new proposal or plan for GOP candidates or a single explanation how departments are "randomly" filled with all Republicans. What readers will find is an attitude of "All is well.. Stay the course... And keeping the same high taxes."
Voters looking for change, now have a choice.
In today's Delco Times, David Landau vows that a Democratic majority would institute performance audits to eliminate GOP patronage and no-show jobs, and return money saved to taxpayers. Landau also questioned if the revenue from the Harrah's casino was making its way back to the taxpayers.
Responding to Landau's previous attacks on the suspicious GOP hiring practices at the courthouse:
County Councilman Michael Puppio said "The management of county employees is the responsibility of supervisors and department heads. Performance is continually monitored to provide our residents with the most efficient service possible."
I suspect that "performance" may refer to "performance helping the GOP win elections or raising/contributing money" and making sure that when GOP party bosses call, they get quick service. Of course, I have little reason to suspect anything else considering the non-random distribution of GOP jobs.
The Delco Times asked Puppio directly, if there were any no-show jobs at the county courthouse. Puppio smugly responded: "Do you see any no-show employees walking around these empty desks? ... I didn't think so!"
[disclaimer: Puppio's actual quote was "Absolutely not.", but that isn't as funny as my pretend quote. I wonder if Puppio considers coming in to collect a paycheck as a yes-show job.]
Puppio also likes to repeat the mantra that the GOP hasn't raised taxes in three years (which was right after three of current Council got elected 4 years ago). Puppio conveniently ignores that we are already overpaying taxes, so holding the line on tax increases is not that hard.
Landau, O'Keefe and Innelli plan to reduce taxes by eliminating the waste that Puppio is unable to see (or admit).
Pete Peterson, campaign manager for The Three Stooges, was quick to confuse the issue on hiring practices by misstating Landau's history in Nether Providence. The GOP like to misrepresent a BID contract process that the 3D-3R used to select a Democrat for a job in the late nineties. Though Landau was NOT on the Nether Providence board at the time, the Delco GOP tells the story like Landau controlled the board and the GOP had no say. I think Peterson has confused himself with how GOP municipal boards are controlled by non-elected party bosses. An easy mistake to make, if you've never seen it done fairly.
Readers are asked to look at the statements made by the two GOP P's in a pod, and see if they can find ONE new proposal or plan for GOP candidates or a single explanation how departments are "randomly" filled with all Republicans. What readers will find is an attitude of "All is well.. Stay the course... And keeping the same high taxes."
Voters looking for change, now have a choice.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Who Shot Shilled the Sheriff? Did They Also Shill His Deputies?
In this weekend's Delco Times, David Landau put more pressure on his "Case Against the Courthouse", this time going after the Sheriff's Department, headed by Sheriff Joseph McGinn.
Landau "cited employment statistics showing 68 of 70 employees in the Sheriff’s Department are registered Republican, and 41 percent of those have contributed financially to the GOP.".
The Delco Times reported that (county rolls put total employees at 65), but did not dispute the extremely high percentage of Republican employees or of financial contribution to the GOP.
While the GOP holds a slipping registration advantage, they certainly do NOT represent over 90% of the electorate (actually only 55%). So, why do Republicans hold more than 90% of the jobs in key County Departments (particularly in those that are supposed to be non-partisan)?
County Executive Director Marianne Grace defended the partisan GOP hiring practices by pretending that Landau was making personal attacks on law enforcement personnel. Is she claiming that the Sheriff's department is over 95% Republican by sheer chance? How stupid does she think the voters of Delco are?
In honor of our new local casino, I'll put this in gambling terms: If you had a pile of playing cards that were labeled 55% GOP and 45% non-GOP, what would you think if 68 out of 70 cards came up GOP? How about if next 31 cards for the "Election Bureau, Voting Machines and Voter Registration offices" ALL came up 31 GOP cards in a row?
At this point, any reasonable player would be calling for the Gaming Commission to examine the deck and arrest the dealers and casino owners.
The only way to stop the GOP machine from "stacking the deck" and "dealing from the bottom" is to elect David Landau, Ann O'Keefe and John Innelli to "inspect the cards" and deal with the voters fairly. It's long past time the voters stopped the GOP machine from gambling away our future.
Landau "cited employment statistics showing 68 of 70 employees in the Sheriff’s Department are registered Republican, and 41 percent of those have contributed financially to the GOP.".
The Delco Times reported that (county rolls put total employees at 65), but did not dispute the extremely high percentage of Republican employees or of financial contribution to the GOP.
Delco Times: Landau has so far gone after the county Solicitor’s Office, the Election Bureau, Voting Machines and Voter Registration offices, as well as the county Executive Director and Chief Clerk offices for having high levels of employees registered to vote Republican or donating to Republican campaigns and committees.
While the GOP holds a slipping registration advantage, they certainly do NOT represent over 90% of the electorate (actually only 55%). So, why do Republicans hold more than 90% of the jobs in key County Departments (particularly in those that are supposed to be non-partisan)?
County Executive Director Marianne Grace defended the partisan GOP hiring practices by pretending that Landau was making personal attacks on law enforcement personnel. Is she claiming that the Sheriff's department is over 95% Republican by sheer chance? How stupid does she think the voters of Delco are?
In honor of our new local casino, I'll put this in gambling terms: If you had a pile of playing cards that were labeled 55% GOP and 45% non-GOP, what would you think if 68 out of 70 cards came up GOP? How about if next 31 cards for the "Election Bureau, Voting Machines and Voter Registration offices" ALL came up 31 GOP cards in a row?
At this point, any reasonable player would be calling for the Gaming Commission to examine the deck and arrest the dealers and casino owners.
The only way to stop the GOP machine from "stacking the deck" and "dealing from the bottom" is to elect David Landau, Ann O'Keefe and John Innelli to "inspect the cards" and deal with the voters fairly. It's long past time the voters stopped the GOP machine from gambling away our future.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Not So Sage Advice
In today's Delco Times, Gina "not so" Sage's Letter to the Editor repeats various Delco GOP talking points, many of which have been debunked here and elsewhere.
However, a little deconstruction should show how desperate they are becoming and how little they have to offer.
Nowhere is Gina's letter does she actually list a single specific Democratic proposal, but rather makes false/misleading attacks on the Dem Candidates' background or character. As far as the GOP, the attitude seems to be "stay the course", "all is well" and "nothing to see here folks".
Gina did make one statement with which I do agree: an examination of the facts will not allow voters to be misled [misled by the GOP that is]
BTW, a note to my GOPmortal enemies adversaries friends: This is some pretty weak tea you are brewing. You guys are putting me to sleep with these lame/same attacks. I guess if you have no record to run on, it must be hard to come up with topics.
However, a little deconstruction should show how desperate they are becoming and how little they have to offer.
- Gina Sage's letter lacked the disclaimer than she is a Republican on the ALL REPUBLICAN Springfield Planning Commission. Springfield is the home base of Charlie Sexton and GOP
Council CandidateStooge Tom McGarrigle. Gee, no bias there folks! - Gina falsely tries to imply that Ann O'Keefe doesn't either live here or pay her taxes by claiming there is no record.... This is a classic political deception. First of all, any of the thousands of Delco residents living in an apartment or renting a house would not have a record of paying property taxes (even though it is part of their rent). Ann O'Keefe lives in a house and shares in the taxes/bills/etc., however the deed to the house is not in her name. So, of course Ann would not be listed in the County records that Gina Sage is misusing to mislead the voters. (Can anyone explain how/why a Springfield Planning Commission can supposedly "search" every property tax record looking for a name, particularly for a Haverford resident? Is this information freely available to the public?)
- The attacks on David Landau are trite. Landau did some work for the ACLU when he was just out of school. Gina says that Landau opposed mandatory sentencing guidelines. Considering that GOP shills like Gina want to impose a life-sentence on people that support civil rights, Delco voters should be wary of GOP candidates opposed to civil rights, due process and Judges actually using their judgment. The point of a guideline is that is it not mandatory (otherwise it would be called a rule, not a guideline).
- Landau must really have the GOP worried, because Gina repeats the already debunked claim that: Landau has also received no bid legal work from Nether Providence, where he is a Democrat leader, and the Democrats control the government. The fact of the matter is that Landau won the legal work from a 3-Dem + 3-GOP board, did the work at half his standard rate at the time, the work was paid for by Insurance (not the township) and it was a case on behalf of the township against a GOP developer. Gina deceptively tries to confuse Landau's and the Democrats' current leadership in Nether Providence, with their role in the 1990's.
- Gina (through the Republican dis-information machine) keeps referring to John Innelli as solicitor in Darby Township. John is NOT the solicitor but rather the "assistant" solicitor (a position specifically recognized and permitted in the Borough Code).
Gina disengenuously claims that John Innelli has received extensive legal work as a result of a no bid contract. Well, not only did John work at only 1/5 his normal rate, but his bills to Darby Borough averaged $3,000/year, which is less than the minimum dollar amount for any contract bid process in the county. Seems like the only extensive thing here is Gina's exaggerated claims. - Finally, Gina claims that The candidates being put forth by the Democratic Party simply do not match the ideals and priorities of Delaware County voters.
This is simply absurd, because 3 of 5 Delco voters picked Clinton, Gore, Kerry, Rendell, Casey and Sestak. Voters can rest assured that Ann O'Keefe, David Landau and John Innelli support those same candidates and beliefs. Those 3 out of 5 voters deserve 3 out of 5 Council members that will look out for the voters' values and priorities, for a change.
Nowhere is Gina's letter does she actually list a single specific Democratic proposal, but rather makes false/misleading attacks on the Dem Candidates' background or character. As far as the GOP, the attitude seems to be "stay the course", "all is well" and "nothing to see here folks".
Gina did make one statement with which I do agree: an examination of the facts will not allow voters to be misled [misled by the GOP that is]
BTW, a note to my GOP
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Case Against the Courthouse: Why is Only One Party Allowed to Count Your Votes?
From today's Delco Times: Landau calls for more changes
In a further indictment of the cronyism at the Delco Court House, Democratic Council Candidate, David Landau, revealed the makeup of the 31 staffers at the Election Bureau, Voting Machines and Voter Registration offices:
Surprise! They are 100% ALL registered Republican. Six of those, including county Election Bureau Director Laureen Hagan, are also Republican party contributors, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State Campaign Finance Reporting Web site.
Can anyone image how a Bush-Gore Florida recount would have gone if only ONE party was doing the counting?
That's right folks, the foxes are not only guarding the hen house, but they are in charge of counting the eggs of the candidates they spent money to support. And, unsurprisingly, Andy Reilly responded that the contributions "are voluntarily made to support good government." That's great, Andy, but we are talking about GOP controlled Delaware County government, not good government. Gee, I wonder if anyone looks at the contribution levels when promotion time comes around?
How can any voter trust the fairness and integrity of an Election or the Voter Registration process, when the all the people in charge work for the party in power? There have been stories told for years of Democratic registrations "gone missing" or returned for minor things like writing outside of a box or supposedly unclear handwriting.
During the 2006 campaign, the Delco Republicans sent out so many Absentee Ballot Forms that there was a shortage when the Delco Democrats came to get their fair share of the forms. Now, who was in charge of figuring out how many to order and keeping track of the available stock? Oh, yeah, the Republicans running the hen house.
Did they set aside a portion in anticipation of the Democrat's needs? Nope. Or even worse, did anyone in an ALL GOP staff conspire with the Republican campaigns or County GOP Party to deny Absentee Ballot Forms to the Democrats? Was it intentional malfeasance or sheer incompetence (or just the amazing GOP luck of the draw that fell their way)? Do you think that based on the makeup of the office, they just plum forgot there even was a Democratic party?
But I digress...
Landau also went after county Solicitor John McBlain. In addition to his duties as Solicitor, the Solicitor is an Associate at the law firm of Council Chairman Andy Reilly.
Campaign Stage Stooge manager, Pete Peterson, brought up that Landau has made political contributions to candidates and committees. Hey, Pete, last time I checked, Landau wasn't in charge of running the election or counting the frigging votes. No Democrat was.
Peterson even stooped so low as to dredge up an incident from 20 years ago involving Landau's uncle. The Delco Times corrected Slippery Pete's implication and said that David Landau nothing to do with the operation of his uncle's business.
Just like with the current all GOP five member, voters can't trust the foxes to run the hen house. Voters need to elect Democrats David Landau, Ann O'Keefe and John Innelli to Delco County Council on Nov. 6th.
In a further indictment of the cronyism at the Delco Court House, Democratic Council Candidate, David Landau, revealed the makeup of the 31 staffers at the Election Bureau, Voting Machines and Voter Registration offices:
Surprise! They are 100% ALL registered Republican. Six of those, including county Election Bureau Director Laureen Hagan, are also Republican party contributors, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State Campaign Finance Reporting Web site.
Can anyone image how a Bush-Gore Florida recount would have gone if only ONE party was doing the counting?
That's right folks, the foxes are not only guarding the hen house, but they are in charge of counting the eggs of the candidates they spent money to support. And, unsurprisingly, Andy Reilly responded that the contributions "are voluntarily made to support good government." That's great, Andy, but we are talking about GOP controlled Delaware County government, not good government. Gee, I wonder if anyone looks at the contribution levels when promotion time comes around?
How can any voter trust the fairness and integrity of an Election or the Voter Registration process, when the all the people in charge work for the party in power? There have been stories told for years of Democratic registrations "gone missing" or returned for minor things like writing outside of a box or supposedly unclear handwriting.
During the 2006 campaign, the Delco Republicans sent out so many Absentee Ballot Forms that there was a shortage when the Delco Democrats came to get their fair share of the forms. Now, who was in charge of figuring out how many to order and keeping track of the available stock? Oh, yeah, the Republicans running the hen house.
Did they set aside a portion in anticipation of the Democrat's needs? Nope. Or even worse, did anyone in an ALL GOP staff conspire with the Republican campaigns or County GOP Party to deny Absentee Ballot Forms to the Democrats? Was it intentional malfeasance or sheer incompetence (or just the amazing GOP luck of the draw that fell their way)? Do you think that based on the makeup of the office, they just plum forgot there even was a Democratic party?
But I digress...
Landau also went after county Solicitor John McBlain. In addition to his duties as Solicitor, the Solicitor is an Associate at the law firm of Council Chairman Andy Reilly.
McBlain, who Landau described as the "chief civil law officer of the county," is also the solicitor for the county Redevelopment Authority; county Economic Development Oversight Board; Millbourne Borough; Sharon Hill Zoning Board; and the Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau.Note: McBlain is treasurer of the county Republican Executive Committee.
He is also vice president of Aldan Borough Council and Aldan Republican Party chairman.
According to Landau, about 15 employees in the county solicitor’s office have contributed $91,000 to Republican campaigns and committees since 2001. McBlain has donated nearly $6,000, according to the campaign finance Web site.
"Talk about politics infecting the legal department of the county," said Landau. "He's the treasurer and there are $91,000 in political contributions coming out of his office …This is what happens with one-party government in Delaware County."
Peterson even stooped so low as to dredge up an incident from 20 years ago involving Landau's uncle. The Delco Times corrected Slippery Pete's implication and said that David Landau nothing to do with the operation of his uncle's business.
Just like with the current all GOP five member, voters can't trust the foxes to run the hen house. Voters need to elect Democrats David Landau, Ann O'Keefe and John Innelli to Delco County Council on Nov. 6th.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Spencer coming to the table empty-headed.
Gil Spencer was so desperate to do one of his infamous hatchet pieces on David Landau, that he didn't even give the candidate a change to respond. Landau was celebrating the Jewish holidays and unavailable for a quote. Spencer wouldn't even give the staff at Landau headquarters the opportunity to challenge any Gil's typical false assertions.
I can only hope that the Delco Times will give Landau an equal opportunity to respond.
In the meantime... I'll take a swing or two at Gil (with my blogger-bat).
Landau has correctly pointed out how Delco, presided over by 30 years of GOP Council monopoly, is similar to "Bush-style" government.
Gil, starts off with confusing Bush in Texas-style government (with VERY weak governor powers) to Bush as President and subsequent power grabs. Later, Gil fails to make his point by saying that "millions" of Democrats hold Federal jobs, but then he ignores the fact that Bush cronies hold the key Federal positions and that Bush had solid GOP majority in Congress and the Courts for six years. Then, Gil just gets silly by asking if Delco has invaded another county.
What a wit! (Note to self: replace "w" with "sh")
Gil was so wrapped up in his own imaginary cleverness, that he didn't realize he was making Landau's point. Look at how much the Bush administration has biased the government with partisan politics and personnel in only 6 years. The Delco GOP has controlled council without ANY Democrat for 30 years (they even changed the Charter to deny a guarantee of minority party representation).
The county courthouse is filled with GOP patrons, lackeys and cronies who are then expected to contribute to the party and/or buy tickets to events when "asked" (translation: told). Stories of abuse are common, but so is fear of reprisal and the unlikelihood of GOP prosecutors or judges taking action.
Gil makes the following accusation: As head of the Democratic Party in Nether Providence, Landau helped engineer his wife's nomination and election to a plum district judge position. Gil, how did Landau "help engineer" an election?
Speaking of wives and hypocrisy, can anyone tell me what's ironic in this context about a certain Republican Communications Coordinator?
Gil then goes after the Democrats' plan for a County Health Department. He parrots the GOP talking points about costs, and then dismisses the benefits as not worth it for improving county health. From yesterday's Delco Times: Delaware County has one [state health center], though it only has four employees there, responsible for all 550,000 county residents.
Sound's like Gil's health care is taken care of, so screw everybody else. The Democrats ARE looking out for everybody else.
Gil also claims a health department would create "dozens of new patronage hires", but seems to have forgotten John Innelli's statement (from the previous day's Delco Times): "consolidation of many of the other county offices (into the department) may in fact result in savings, cost savings" to county government. Sounds like Gil is more worried that the GOP may lose a few patronage jobs in the deal.
Open Space: Andy Reilly is on his way out. So, still a good Democratic issue.
Jobs: Trimming the fat and lowering the budget will allow for tax cuts. Infrastructure improvements and revitalization projects will also bring in new business. Better education and job training programs will help Delco residents qualify for better paying jobs. Switching no-bid work from out-of-county businesses to local businesses will not only help those businesses but keep more money from draining out of the region.
If Reilly does manage to open the dog park, I suggest that someone put a leash on Gil and take him for a walk. Maybe he can find somewhere else to urinate besides the editorial pages of the Delco Times.
I can only hope that the Delco Times will give Landau an equal opportunity to respond.
In the meantime... I'll take a swing or two at Gil (with my blogger-bat).
Landau has correctly pointed out how Delco, presided over by 30 years of GOP Council monopoly, is similar to "Bush-style" government.
Gil, starts off with confusing Bush in Texas-style government (with VERY weak governor powers) to Bush as President and subsequent power grabs. Later, Gil fails to make his point by saying that "millions" of Democrats hold Federal jobs, but then he ignores the fact that Bush cronies hold the key Federal positions and that Bush had solid GOP majority in Congress and the Courts for six years. Then, Gil just gets silly by asking if Delco has invaded another county.
What a wit! (Note to self: replace "w" with "sh")
Gil was so wrapped up in his own imaginary cleverness, that he didn't realize he was making Landau's point. Look at how much the Bush administration has biased the government with partisan politics and personnel in only 6 years. The Delco GOP has controlled council without ANY Democrat for 30 years (they even changed the Charter to deny a guarantee of minority party representation).
The county courthouse is filled with GOP patrons, lackeys and cronies who are then expected to contribute to the party and/or buy tickets to events when "asked" (translation: told). Stories of abuse are common, but so is fear of reprisal and the unlikelihood of GOP prosecutors or judges taking action.
Gil makes the following accusation: As head of the Democratic Party in Nether Providence, Landau helped engineer his wife's nomination and election to a plum district judge position. Gil, how did Landau "help engineer" an election?
Speaking of wives and hypocrisy, can anyone tell me what's ironic in this context about a certain Republican Communications Coordinator?
Gil then goes after the Democrats' plan for a County Health Department. He parrots the GOP talking points about costs, and then dismisses the benefits as not worth it for improving county health. From yesterday's Delco Times: Delaware County has one [state health center], though it only has four employees there, responsible for all 550,000 county residents.
Sound's like Gil's health care is taken care of, so screw everybody else. The Democrats ARE looking out for everybody else.
Gil also claims a health department would create "dozens of new patronage hires", but seems to have forgotten John Innelli's statement (from the previous day's Delco Times): "consolidation of many of the other county offices (into the department) may in fact result in savings, cost savings" to county government. Sounds like Gil is more worried that the GOP may lose a few patronage jobs in the deal.
Open Space: Andy Reilly is on his way out. So, still a good Democratic issue.
Jobs: Trimming the fat and lowering the budget will allow for tax cuts. Infrastructure improvements and revitalization projects will also bring in new business. Better education and job training programs will help Delco residents qualify for better paying jobs. Switching no-bid work from out-of-county businesses to local businesses will not only help those businesses but keep more money from draining out of the region.
If Reilly does manage to open the dog park, I suggest that someone put a leash on Gil and take him for a walk. Maybe he can find somewhere else to urinate besides the editorial pages of the Delco Times.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Democrats: The Healthier Alternative
As reported in the Delco Times: Democrats reiterate health dept. need
The three Democratic Candidates are committed to providing a County Health Department for Delaware County.
At a round table discussion on Wednesday, David Landau and John Innelli explored the issue with researcher and professor of communications Dr. Pamela Poe and pharmacist and Chairwoman of the Board of the Delaware County Pharmacists Association Rosemarie Halt. (Ann O'Keefe was out of town.)
There are many opportunities to save public health costs through disease prevention and education, but you can't get the funding without a county health department.
And for those of who remember the flu vaccine shortages a few years ago or are worried about future outbreaks, a county health department is the entity we would need make requests for vaccines.
Pete Peterson, campaign director for the Republican county council candidates, and all around wet-blanket regarding progressive initiatives, claimed in an email (to the Times) that such health departments, at an annual cost of about $12 million, actually drain money from counties. But, later, when confronted with Halt's facts that most of the money would come from the state, Peterson whined [my choice of words] that a county health department could increase the annual budget by $4 million to $6 million.
Hey, Peterson, here are some clues for you:
So, if voters are proud of Delaware County as having the third highest number of AIDS cases in the state, increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases, and death rates from cancer and stroke exceeding those for all other Pennsylvania counties, then they should vote for the GOP's Three Stooges.
However, if Delco residents are interested in responsible Health Care investment and management by County Council, then DEMOCRATS John Innelli, David Landau and Ann O'Keefe are the team to elect in November.
The three Democratic Candidates are committed to providing a County Health Department for Delaware County.
At a round table discussion on Wednesday, David Landau and John Innelli explored the issue with researcher and professor of communications Dr. Pamela Poe and pharmacist and Chairwoman of the Board of the Delaware County Pharmacists Association Rosemarie Halt. (Ann O'Keefe was out of town.)
There are many opportunities to save public health costs through disease prevention and education, but you can't get the funding without a county health department.
Under various state laws, said Halt, the department would receive half its budget from the state government, plus additional money back per resident and grants for emergency preparedness....
Halt also cited several major instances wherein a county health department would have been useful over the last few years, such as a three-day loss of water at Riddle Memorial Hospital; a contaminated emergency room at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital; numerous sewer problems; and several contagious outbreaks including syphilis and influenza, and fatal cases of Tuberculosis and Meningitis.
And for those of who remember the flu vaccine shortages a few years ago or are worried about future outbreaks, a county health department is the entity we would need make requests for vaccines.
Pete Peterson, campaign director for the Republican county council candidates, and all around wet-blanket regarding progressive initiatives, claimed in an email (to the Times) that such health departments, at an annual cost of about $12 million, actually drain money from counties. But, later, when confronted with Halt's facts that most of the money would come from the state, Peterson whined [my choice of words] that a county health department could increase the annual budget by $4 million to $6 million.
Hey, Peterson, here are some clues for you:
- The all-GOP Delco council budget is $560 million. ($100 million more than Montco)
- An additional 1% of that for a county health department would amount to only a mere $10 per resident.
- But, said Innelli, "consolidation of many of the other county offices (into the department) may in fact result in savings, cost savings" to county government.
- The Democrats can easily trim more than 1% from the current bloated pork-filled budget you, the Delco GOP and your candidates refer to as "the same common sense approach to county government"
So, if voters are proud of Delaware County as having the third highest number of AIDS cases in the state, increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases, and death rates from cancer and stroke exceeding those for all other Pennsylvania counties, then they should vote for the GOP's Three Stooges.
However, if Delco residents are interested in responsible Health Care investment and management by County Council, then DEMOCRATS John Innelli, David Landau and Ann O'Keefe are the team to elect in November.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Case Against the Courthouse and the Patronage Factory
As promised, some details backing up the charge of hiring and patronage based upon political party....
The Landau campaign released the results of their analysis of the Executive Director and Personnel Departments at the Delco Courthouse:
Of the 40 employees working in the Personnel and Executive Director's offices, 38 are registered Republican and 31 are Republican Committee people or local GOP donors.
Landau also pointed to contracts given to political contributors, including those for independent audits on county expenditures.
"Our supposed independent auditors are some of the largest contributors to the local GOP coffers in the County," said Landau, pointing specifically to one auditing firm which doled out nearly $50,000 to local Republicans.
The Delco Times also covered this story: They added that ...
Mingis, Gutowski and Co., which has donated nearly $48,000 to various Republican candidates and the Delaware County Republican Finance Committee since 2000, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State Campaign Finance Reporting Web site.
Last month, county council approved Mingis, Gutowski for various single audits worth a total $83,400. Gee, that's a pretty good return on "investment". Kind of suspicious that an "independent" auditing firm is contributing money to the party of the people hiring them.
The Times also clarified one of Pat's claims about Landau getting $136,000+ from Nether Providence a supposed. example of Democratic patronage. Turns out the Democrats weren't the majority at the time.
Back to Landau's press release:
Nepotism:
Landau also took exception to the high percentage of family members working in the courthouse. Eight of the 40 employees in Personnel and the Executive Director's office had family members working elsewhere in the county government.
Conflict of Interest:
Pointing to other potential conflicts, Landau noted that two executive county employees hold office in their local municipality.
And in Bucks County:
Sadly, this type of GOP behavior is not limited to Delco. In Bucks County, a study conducted by the Santarsiero & Marseglia campaign of
county-related Boards and Authorities in Bucks County found that patronage
and pay-to-play is prevalent to an embarrassing degree.
The Landau campaign released the results of their analysis of the Executive Director and Personnel Departments at the Delco Courthouse:
Of the 40 employees working in the Personnel and Executive Director's offices, 38 are registered Republican and 31 are Republican Committee people or local GOP donors.
Landau also pointed to contracts given to political contributors, including those for independent audits on county expenditures.
"Our supposed independent auditors are some of the largest contributors to the local GOP coffers in the County," said Landau, pointing specifically to one auditing firm which doled out nearly $50,000 to local Republicans.
The Delco Times also covered this story: They added that ...
Mingis, Gutowski and Co., which has donated nearly $48,000 to various Republican candidates and the Delaware County Republican Finance Committee since 2000, according to the Pennsylvania Department of State Campaign Finance Reporting Web site.
Last month, county council approved Mingis, Gutowski for various single audits worth a total $83,400. Gee, that's a pretty good return on "investment". Kind of suspicious that an "independent" auditing firm is contributing money to the party of the people hiring them.
The Times also clarified one of Pat's claims about Landau getting $136,000+ from Nether Providence a supposed. example of Democratic patronage. Turns out the Democrats weren't the majority at the time.
Peterson referenced IRS 1099 forms from Nether Providence Township showing law firms Landau worked for received more than $136,000 in legal work between 1998, when Peterson said Democrats took control of council there, and 2001.
But Democrats actually got a voting edge there late in 2005. During a January 2006 reorganization, they did bring on several firms employing or run by Democrats, such as Bruce Bikin’s firm, Montgomery, McCracken, Walker and Rhoads, which was appointed as special counsel on labor and personnel matters, and Frank Daly, of Daly, O’Brien and Bongaardt, who was appointed solicitor.
Between 1998 and 2001, Landau’s firms — Wolf, Block, Schorr and Solis-Cohen LLP — racked up $113,006 from the township, and Hoyle, Morris and Kerr in 1998 received $23,381; a total $136,387 to the two firms.
But Sara Lynn Petrosky, former Democratic Nether Providence councilwoman and council president during that period, said council brought in all candidates for the various legal positions and reviewed them, Democrats and Republicans alike. Sometimes, she said, Democrats didn’t get who they wanted, just as some Republican council members didn’t get the people they wanted.
Back to Landau's press release:
Nepotism:
Landau also took exception to the high percentage of family members working in the courthouse. Eight of the 40 employees in Personnel and the Executive Director's office had family members working elsewhere in the county government.
Conflict of Interest:
Pointing to other potential conflicts, Landau noted that two executive county employees hold office in their local municipality.
And in Bucks County:
Sadly, this type of GOP behavior is not limited to Delco. In Bucks County, a study conducted by the Santarsiero & Marseglia campaign of
county-related Boards and Authorities in Bucks County found that patronage
and pay-to-play is prevalent to an embarrassing degree.
- Breakdown of the partisan Development, Planning and Emergency Service Boards
- 9 Republicans and 0 Democrats on the Bucks County Agricultural Land Preservation Board
- 5 Republicans and 2 Democrats on the Conservation District Board
- 9 Republicans and 0 Democrats on the Federal Lands Reuse Authority of Bucks County
- 11 Republicans and 1 Democrat on the Housing Development Corporation
- 5 Republicans and 0 Democrats on the Housing Finance Board
- 5 Republicans (chaired by Harry Fawkes) and 0 Democrats on the Industrial Development Authority
- 11 Republicans and 0 Democrats on the Local Emergency Planning Committee
- 3 Republicans and 4 Democrats on the Open Space Review Board
- 8 Republicans and 0 Democrats on the Parks & Recreation Board
- 8 Republicans and 1 Democrat on the Planning Commission
- 4 Republicans and 0 Democrats on the Redevelopment Authority
- 11 Republicans, 1 Democrat (a county employee) and 1 Other on the Solid
Waste Advisory Committee - 4 Republicans and 1 Democrat on the County Water and Sewer Authority Board
Executive Committee - 18 Republicans and 0 known Democrats on the Bucks County Economic
Development Corporation
and Authorities:
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Sexton's Man, Reilly's Girl and Daddy's Little Boy
The Delco GOP Candidates (aka The Three Stooges) represent the weakest field of GOP candidates in recent memory. They have no message other than to pretend things are fine and to carry on business as usual. What little change they do mention is merely hollow rhetoric about increasing openness in government.
With Andrew Reilly running the campaign, the GOP machine hopes to extend its time on life-support and hold onto the cash-cow that monopoly rule as brought to the GOP, its patrons and its cronies (at the expense of the voters).
Weak Candidates:
The GOP candidates are suffering from a lack of broad support.
Tom McGarrigle is from Springfield (power base of Charlie "County Prison Board Deal" Sexton), and his campaign appears to have little appeal or funding outside of Springfield. Christine Cannon is Reilly's protege and represents what the voters want to change. Andy Lewis peaked when he became a Ward Commissioner in Haverford. Without "Daddy's name and/or money", he wouldn't even be in the race.
The Delco GOP machine is suffering some major breakdowns. This latest set of spare parts might as well have been made in China.
No Message, No Fiscal Responsibility:
More of the same is not a message. It is the absence of a message. From their campaign site: The candidates are committed to the same common sense approach to county government that has resulted in no tax increases for three straight years. The REAL REASON for no tax increases is that we are already taxed over 50% more than neighboring Montgomery County. See my previous Blog Post for details and a budget comparison.
Hollow Rhetoric:
On their site, the GOP candidate claim to want to increase transparency and openness in government through continued investment in new technologies.
New technologies? Since when does holding well-publicized public meetings at a convenient times require "new technology"? They can already publish a budget online, but making it clear where the money goes is another matter.
Besides, Andy Reilly is running their campaigns and already controls the council. If the GOP was really interested in open government or transparency we would already have it.
With Andrew Reilly running the campaign, the GOP machine hopes to extend its time on life-support and hold onto the cash-cow that monopoly rule as brought to the GOP, its patrons and its cronies (at the expense of the voters).
Weak Candidates:
The GOP candidates are suffering from a lack of broad support.
Tom McGarrigle is from Springfield (power base of Charlie "County Prison Board Deal" Sexton), and his campaign appears to have little appeal or funding outside of Springfield. Christine Cannon is Reilly's protege and represents what the voters want to change. Andy Lewis peaked when he became a Ward Commissioner in Haverford. Without "Daddy's name and/or money", he wouldn't even be in the race.
The Delco GOP machine is suffering some major breakdowns. This latest set of spare parts might as well have been made in China.
No Message, No Fiscal Responsibility:
More of the same is not a message. It is the absence of a message. From their campaign site: The candidates are committed to the same common sense approach to county government that has resulted in no tax increases for three straight years. The REAL REASON for no tax increases is that we are already taxed over 50% more than neighboring Montgomery County. See my previous Blog Post for details and a budget comparison.
Hollow Rhetoric:
On their site, the GOP candidate claim to want to increase transparency and openness in government through continued investment in new technologies.
New technologies? Since when does holding well-publicized public meetings at a convenient times require "new technology"? They can already publish a budget online, but making it clear where the money goes is another matter.
Besides, Andy Reilly is running their campaigns and already controls the council. If the GOP was really interested in open government or transparency we would already have it.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Delco Budget: Bulging, Bloated and ...Busted !
It seems Rocco's letter to the editor stirred up quite a bit of controversy (and nervousness among the GOP). The GOP likes to brag that they haven't had to raise taxes in three years. However, a comparison of Delco budget to Montgomery County's budget reveals that the Delco GOP County Council is spending 66% more per person.
In case the viewers at home want to play along... I have links to the two 2007 budgets: Delco Budget and Montco Budget (from the county websites).
Delco's 2007 budget is $304.8 million from the General Fund and an additional $260.5 million from State and Federal sources for a Grand Total of $565.3 million (I'll round down to $565 million.
Montco's budget is $269 million and an additional $194 million in grants for a Grant Total of $463 million.
Where is all the money going? Waste? Fraud? Nepotism? Patronage? Kickbacks? Total incompetence?
The GOP survives and thrives on keeping the facts hidden from the voters and maintaining the status quo.
What do "The Three Stooges" have to say about the budgets? The [GOP] candidates are committed to the same common sense approach to county government that has resulted in no tax increases for three straight years (2005, 2006, and 2007). (directly from their campaign website)
Translation: If the GOP collects at least 50% more person than Montco, we can pretend to hold the line on taxes by manipulating the unnecessary extra revenue. Shhh! Don't tell the voters.
Ooops! Cat's out of the bag now!
In case the viewers at home want to play along... I have links to the two 2007 budgets: Delco Budget and Montco Budget (from the county websites).
Delco's 2007 budget is $304.8 million from the General Fund and an additional $260.5 million from State and Federal sources for a Grand Total of $565.3 million (I'll round down to $565 million.
Montco's budget is $269 million and an additional $194 million in grants for a Grant Total of $463 million.
- Montco spends $100 million less than Delco.
- The GOP tries to confuse things by claiming that we get more grant money from State and Fed, but that doesn't explain why we need $65.5 million more in state funds. On what (or whom) are we spending it?
- Delco's budget from the General Fund is nearly $36 million more than Montco's.
- According to 2000 census information, the population of Delco is about 550,000 and Montco is 750,000.
- Delco is spending about $1027 per person (about $552 of which from the General Fund). Montco is spending only about $617 per person (with only $359 coming from the General Fund.
- Delco spends $1027/$617 ==> 66% more per person. If we exclude the grant money from State and Fed then $552/$359 ==> 54% more per person.
- The Delco Republicans are bragging that they haven't raised taxes in 3 year. DUH! We are already paying above 50% more per person. and the State/Fed is kicking in TWICE as much per person.
Where is all the money going? Waste? Fraud? Nepotism? Patronage? Kickbacks? Total incompetence?
The GOP survives and thrives on keeping the facts hidden from the voters and maintaining the status quo.
What do "The Three Stooges" have to say about the budgets? The [GOP] candidates are committed to the same common sense approach to county government that has resulted in no tax increases for three straight years (2005, 2006, and 2007). (directly from their campaign website)
Translation: If the GOP collects at least 50% more person than Montco, we can pretend to hold the line on taxes by manipulating the unnecessary extra revenue. Shhh! Don't tell the voters.
Ooops! Cat's out of the bag now!
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