Above Average Jane: 12/01/2007

Monday, December 31, 2007

Year in Review Links

A few of our state legislative caucuses have been kind enough to put together lists of 2007 accomplishments. It is often easy to focus on what didn't get done and lose track of what did. Take a moment to read through these.

Senate Republicans
House Democrats

Sunday, December 30, 2007

End of Campaign Finance Quarter Coming Up

Midnight New Year's Eve not only marks the beginning of 2008 but the end of a campaign finance quarter. If you haven't spent all your Christmas or holiday money on bubbly, here are some other options. I'm only listing Democrats but if you google Republican candidates you can find their campaign sites and donate to them also.

Federal level
People (incumbents) who are sitting on a mountain of money but would like to make the mountain bigger:

Rep. Joe Sestak (D-07)
Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-08)
Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-13)

People (challengers) who are not sitting on a mountain of money but would like to be:

Bruce Slater (challenging Rep. Joe Pitts for the 16th congressional district)

ActBlue page for eventual PA-06 candidate (to be named later)

There are some other candidates out there, see ActBlue for a list of them or to donate to eventual candidates.

State level

People who are sitting on a mountain of money but want to to make the mountain bigger:

State Rep. Josh Shapiro (D-153)

People who are not sitting on a mountain of money but would like to be:

State Rep. Bryan Lentz (D-161)
State Rep. Rick Taylor (D-151)

There are hordes of other candidates out there, check the state level page for Act Blue for names and places to contribute.

PA in the WSJ

These mostly junior and midlevel officers – many on their second and third tours of duty in Iraq – literally build walls to separate warring Sunnis and Shiites. They fought to re-open banks and clinics in the face of an often indifferent central government. Most important, they sought out local power brokers, courted them with reconstruction contracts, and helped them build neighborhood security forces. In short: they improvised.

Take a moment over this coming New Year’s holiday to make a resolution that these hard working men and women come home safe and sound and soon.

Book Review: Between Worlds by Bill Richardson

Between Worlds: The Making of an American Life, by Bill Richardson with Michael Ruby. New York: G P Putnam’s Sons, 2005.

Aphorisms, called Richardson’s Rules are scattered throughout the book and then collected together at the end. There is an index.

Prologue

Richardson starts off the book with a story about negotiation with Saddam Hussein for the release of two Americans. It is a lively and suspenseful story and allows him to highlight his strength in foreign policy and his reputation with diplomacy. He states his philosophy succinctly on page 7:

My experience has convinced me there is nothing you can’t solve by talking it through. It is always worse not to talk. If two sides in a dispute don’t meet and they just restate their positions, it’s impossible to resolve anything. I believe in forcing people of different views to come together if necessary. When you bring people together – in negotiations, meetings, task forces, commissions – you can start to build trust. There is a mutual interest in making things work out, and any progress is better than none. Whoever is it, I will always say, “Just talk to them.”

Chapters 1 and 2 concern his childhood and high school years. Richardson was born in the U.S. but raised in Mexico where his father worked in the banking industry. His father was American and his mother Mexican. As a child he spoke more Spanish than English. Starting 7th grade he came to the United States to attend boarding school and had trouble adapting to using only English in the classroom and in school assignments. He met his future wife in high school; she lived near the school he attended.

His college years are covered in chapter 3. He was scouted by college baseball teams but he acquiesced to his father’s wishes and went to Tufts. The reader can really see a coming of age in just a little over ten pages. Richardson is good at reflection and seeing what experience helped shape him and the people who influenced his development. After college he went to graduate school, receiving an M.A. in International Affairs.

Chapter 4 outlines his first (unpaid) job in Washington after college and his subsequent move into the payroll. He also describes (p. 50) this conversation with his future father-in-law:

I went to Barbara’s parents’ house to ask for her hand. Barbara’s father, Jack Flavin, was all primed that this was the night. We had supper and then sat looking at each other. Barbara’s father goes to bed very early, and after a while he said,” Well, nine o’clock, I’m off to bed,” and off he went. I just couldn’t do it. When I got up the nerve, I made Barbara go up and get her father out of bed. We went to the living room and had a very anticlimactic conversation. As Barbara recalls it, I said to her father, “Where’s my dowry?” and her father aid “You ate it. I’ve been feeding you for seven years.”

The next chapter covers his move to New Mexico, and he is very forthright about doing so with the purpose of running for office. He outlines the kind of retail politics he used to win his first election, for Congress,
Richardson clearly had worked hard to win. He is also very forthright about the asking and repaying of favors that goes on in politics.

Chapters 6 and 7 discuss his first 11 years in Congress. He outlines the committees he wanted to be on and why, early mistakes he made, and his initial forays into international diplomacy. Throughout the book there were things Richardson said that surprised me for someone who claims diplomatic and negotiation skills as strengths. For example on pp. 115-6:

Another trait of mine is to play games with people’s names. It’s meant in fun, to relieve tension. If someone tells me they don’t like it, it only encourages me. I used to yell “Matsu-EEEEE!” whenever I spotted Bob Matsui, and of course he hated it. I called House Majority leader Dick Gephardt “Geppy,” for example, and drove a fellow chief deputy whip to exasperation by rapid transition of his given name and surname: “Butler Derrick, Derrick Butler, we’ve got to talk.”

Isabelle Watkins, who worked for me for many years in a variety of jobs, including chief of staff, was “Izzie.” She hadn’t been called that since she was five years old. The first time I did it she said, “No one ever calls me that. I like to be called Isabelle.” And I said, “Thanks, Izzie.” I was the only person who could get away with that. I called David Gillette Joseph for some reason and have called all my male chiefs of staff Joseph ever since. John Kerry I called “Johnny,” and I could tell he didn’t like it. I called Al Gore “Albert” and he didn’t like that. He said, “Bill, call me Al.” Of course, I said, “Okay, Albert.”

That doesn’t sound very diplomatic to me.

Chapters 8 through 13 discuss details of some of his international trips and adventures, including hostage negotiation. The encounters include meeting Aung San Suu Kyi in Burma, Raoul Cedras in Haiti, Song Ho-Gyong in North Korea (more than one trip involving negotiation for the release of Americans), Saddam Hussein and Tariq Aziz in Iraq, (again negotiating for the release of Americans), Fidel Castro inCuba (also negotiating for the release of Americans), Kerubino Kwanyin Bol of the Sudan (3 more hostages). Chapter 12 concerns a more personal matter. His sister, a doctor, who was living in Mexico, was kidnapped. This situation also had a happy ending.

The next three chapters (14-16) are on his years as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. The situations described are primarily in the Middle East and Africa. The last few pages (234-241) discuss the impact of Pres. Clinton’s personal life on Richardson, specifically the young woman who owned the famous blue dress. Richardson was asked to see if there was a job for her at the United Nations, before the scandal became public. Richardson and two women on his staff interviewed the job applicant briefly and later offered her employment. She asked for time to think about it, eventually stretching it into a few months and then turned the job down. However, in the press fallout when the entire situation came to light, the job offer didn’t paint Richardson in the best light.

Chapters 17 and 18 cover Richardson’s term as Secretary of Energy. His tenure had a rocky start and he is honest about the behind the scenes political maneuvering that went into garnering support for his nomination. Security problems at the Los Alamos lab, including the lawsuit against scientist Wen Ho Lee, and the subsequent publicity did nothing to improve matters. Compensating government employees who were exposed to radiation at Oak Ridge and other research sites is another matter he dealt with. His international skills came in handy working with OPEC related situations.

Chapters 19 through 22 focus primarily on his work as governor of New Mexico. Chapter 19 is on the political process, how he decided to run and a description of how the campaign ran. The other chapters cover his governing style and some of the issues he championed. In part, chapter 22 concerns the 2004 presidential election and Kerry’s consideration of Richardson as a potential vice presidential candidate.

The last two chapters are more theoretical, pointing out some of his thoughts on governmental policy more generally, perhaps setting up his presidential aspirations. He also discusses some of the basics of political life, such as how to work a room and shake hands. It is interesting. He also discusses some of the people in politics that he admires, such as former president Bill Clinton.

One habit of Richardson’s that bothered me throughout the book is his tendency to point out the weaknesses of others when it is not necessary to do so. In on instance is the later suicide of a man whose freedom he helped negotiate (p. 148). Another is referring to the family of a young woman held in a foreign prison as “nuts” for not taking his advice on a strategy to get her released (201-3). Surely the family has suffered enough without being denigrated by name in print; when the book was published she was still in prison. These are just two examples.

Richardson is clearly a skilled politician and enjoys the give and take, as well as the total immersion that campaigning requires. He also speaks believably about his commitment to public service.

It is an interesting book and a good education, not only on Richardson, but also on politics generally.

Pennsylvania notes: Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinksy is mentioned on p. 111-12., Doc Schweitzer, media consultant, p.289

Friday, December 28, 2007

weekly legislative update

The Pennsylvania state legislature was not in session this week and so, while a few bills were shuffled around in committees, none were passed. Our accountant friends at PICPA didn't even have an update this week. However, the House Republican caucus did post a few items of interest. None of the other caucuses had anything to say; hopefully they were all home resting up for a burst of legislative activity when they return.

Pittsburgh Can Read; Philly Not So Much

Pittsburgh rates #9 in a list of the country's ten most literate cities. It has been in the top ten since 2003. Criteria used are:

The survey focused on 69 U.S. cities with populations of 250,000 or above. Jack Miller of Central Connecticut State University chose six key indicators to rank literacy. These included newspaper circulation, number of bookstores, library resources, periodical publishing resources, educational attainment and Internet resources.

Philadelphia came in at #32, which is up a tad from 2006 and 2005.

Let's try to move this number up a little more, Philly. Check out a book or buy some reading material. Or, hey, dust off those credits and finish up that degree.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Capitol Beat Conference

PCN is on and I'm watching part of the Campaign Finance Reporting section of the Capitol Beat Conference. The parts I've seen are interesting, Jonathan Zucker gave the history of ActBlue, Barry Kaufman talked about Common Cause of PA, Rachel Weiss provided an overview of campaign finance sites. I feel sorry for those in person. The room is beige. The carpet is pink. I'm at home with distractions, a laptop, a cat and a bowl of cocoa krispies as a bedtime snack. The information provided is interesting though. The whole conference may be repeated at a future date. Worth watching.

Eating Local: Farm to Philly

Those interested in eating local, community sponsored agriculture, and some good recipes, may wish to check out a local blog/site, www.farmtophilly.com. Nice graphics, good content.

A Note on Writers

In one of yesterday's posts I noted two newspaper articles by the same reporter in two papers that were very similar except for the legislator highlighted. I should have noted that my comments were not intended as mark against the reporter in question. In fact I have a high regard for the reporting at the site of the local paper mentioned.

It was more a note on the state of the media especially in an era of syndicates. Recently for another project altogether I looked at a number of newswire reports on a particular event. It was amazing to see the variations of blurbs from the same reporter at the same newswire. Just changing a few words in a sentence changed the nuance.

Sometimes writers or reporters do not have much control over what goes out under their name. Several years ago one of my siblings had a second job as a stringer for a local paper where he lived. It didn't last long. The employment agreement stated that his work could be combined with someone else's work and the byline either listing both writers or just one. I used to do some freelance writing for a niche publication in this region. I stopped when they changed their copyright agreement to something similar. My work could be combined with one or more other writers' work and the resulting work published in any other magazine or newspaper owned by the same company under whatever byline they wanted. I also used to write book reviews. No money was involved but reviewers got to keep the galley proofs we received and every once in a blue moon the promised finished book actually arrived. However, they also changed their copyright agreement when the magazine was purchased by a larger company. Again, the reviews, and in this case also any biographical information on the reviewer, could be printed in any magazine this company published. The reviews were also showing up online with no attribution. Other people I know who like to write have found the same thing, an op-ed or review written for one newspaper shows up in a number of other papers, with no extra money going to the writer.

The writers strike makes a lot of sense to me.

Breaking News: Connie Williams Leaving Senate in 08

State Senator Connie Williams has announced that she will not run for re-election next year. State Rep. Daylin Leach has announced that he will run for that state senate seat. (Source: "Montco's Sen. Williams: I won't run again," by William Bender, Daily News, posted 12/27).

Any chance this means Sen. Williams might run for the 6th congressional seat against Jim Gerlach? (Update: on closer reading Williams says she won't run for office again.)

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

The Media and PSAs

Two articles on Phillyburbs caught my attention. They are both dated 12/25 and touch on the same subject but from different viewpoints. It illustrates, to some degree, how our elected officials may feel they can do no right.

In "Ellis gains support for Pa treasurer," by Jacob Fenton, state treasurer candidate and, as of next week, former Montgomery County Commissioner Tom Ellis discusses some of his priorities if elected. He references a project started by current treasurer Robin Weissmann.

With two daughters in college, Ellis said he has first-hand experience with the state's college savings plan, and thought he could improve it. He credited Wiessmann, who is the wife of one of his partners, with beginning to advertise the program but said it needed to get broader notice.

However, in "TV ad cost tops $800,000," Kori Walter Intelligencer 12/25, we find Rep. Rick Taylor (D-151) criticized for providing broader notice of the same college savings program.

Rep. Rick Taylor appeared on television screens in his Eastern Montgomery County district 1,200 times in 2007 — and it cost taxpayers almost $45,000.

The freshman lawmaker used his taxpayer-funded cable television air time in May to tout a state program that helps parents sock away money for their children's college costs.

I would like to note that the first time I saw Rick Taylor, running for office, I was taken by his clear interest and knowledge of college savings plans.

Another article by Walter, published at TimesOnline.com, "House spent thousands of your dollars to talk to you," Times Online.com (Beaver County and Allegheny) on 12/22 highlights similar ads featuring another freshman legislator. That article starts:

Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-10, Ellwood City, appeared on television screens in his district more than 1,200 times in 2007 — and it cost taxpayers nearly $74,000, according to House Democratic records.

The freshman lawmaker used his taxpayer-funded cable television air time in May to promote a children’s expo in Ellwood City where youngsters and their parents could pick up brochures about state programs and get free dental exams by University of Pittsburgh dentistry students.

After the initial paragraphs about the individual legislators the articles are virtually identical, with quotes from Russ Diamond of PA CleanSweep and Erik Arneson, a spokesman for the Senate Majority Leader.

Tailoring the news to specific locales is a necessity in the media and with the proliferation of companies owning several news outlets in a given area you often see similar or nearly identical articles in a number of papers. Still, it does give one pause.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

The Kids Are Allright, Print Edition

Recently while browsing in the library a book caught my eye. I haven't read it and probably won't, at least for some time, but a few readers may want to track it down. The relative political activism of younger adults has been in the press a lot lately.

The Good Citizen: How a Younger Generation is Shaping American Politics by Russell J. Dalton (CQ Press, 2007) takes the view that the younger generation is active but in different ways, not often measured in traditional surveys.

Interesting.

Rambling Christmas Day Thoughts

In the early 1990's I developed a yen, no idea why, for French Christmas carols. On trips to New York I would look around in music stores and French stores but the only items available sounded like Alvin and the Chipmunks singing pop holiday songs. I was looking more for traditional French carols. The mood passed and I forgot all about it until zooming around in Amazon yesterday. Several items are listed that look like they might fit the bill. Ah, the wonders of the Internet.

I learned some interesting things in college Latin class, how to pick up women at the coliseum (a skill that has yet to come in handy), the words to "Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys" in Latin (which often comes to mind for some reason), and assorted phrases that can be dropped in conversation when trying to look clever.

One class assignment involved translating a passage from the Vulgate (the Latin Bible). We all got the same thing. It wasn't "Peace on Earth, good will to men" but "Peace on Earth and to men of good will." Big difference. To find out what the original meaning was you would have to check in whatever language it was originally written in. It is interesting, though.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Platts: Priorities in Order

According to Pennsyltucky Politics, U.S. Rep. Todd Platts (R-19) passed on being present when Pres. Bush signed the energy bill, something Platts had supported, to attend his son's school play. I know which of those two would remember his presence or absence longer. Kudos to Rep. Platts for having his priorities in order.

PA in the WSJ

But there has been little progress. One proposal from Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Spector, the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee, would subtstitute the government as a defendant in several lawsuits filed against telecommunications companies. Even after Mr. Spector included changes negotiated with Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, the proposal failed to win the support of their committee. It will likely have similar problems in the full Senate.

PA Businesses

Chocolate companies doing business in Canada (PA’s own Hershey included) are getting some iffy press. “Chocolate probe cites Canadian pricing,” by Douglas Belkin and Julie Jargon (12/22) and “Chocolate makers face probes by US., Canada over pricing,” by Julie Jargon and John R. Wilke (12/21). Hershey, Toll House, I just want you to know I am rooting for you.

This week’s Mark Zandi (of Moody’s Economy.com) quote came in “New, even borrowers with good credit pose risks,” by George Anders (12/19)

Patrick Gallagher, of Gallagher group, a job search firm in Blue Bell, is quoted in “Web sites improve recruiters’ odds,” by Sarah E. Needleman (12/18)

Brief mentions:
Pilgrim’s Pride (12/21)
Comcast (12/19)

Other PA

Some time musician and former U Penn student Bruce Meyer is quoted in “Crib sheets for guitar heroes,” by Ethan Smith (12/21)

A chart accompanying “Slow building of a rescue plan,” by Michael M. Phillips, Damian Patetta, and John D. McKinnon (12/21) shows PA with 1-2% of homes with adjustable-rate subprime mortgages whose rates are due to reset over the next two years, as a percentage of total homes.

Another sign of increasing crime in Pennsylvania: “This month in Lancaster, Pa, someone sliced the head off an inflatable Santa that the Ide family had in their front yard.” From “Abominable snowmen: the war on lawn decorations,” by Sara Schaefer Munoz (12/20)

The professional association for “hospitalists,” (doctors who specialize in the care of hospital patients), The Society of Hospital Medicine, is located in Philadelphia. “’Hospitalists’ are seen as help,” by Jennifer Levitz (12/20)

An IRS employee in Philadelphia pled guilty to unauthorized disclosure of tax-return information; her lawyer says she was coerced. “IRS combats its in-house snoops,” by Tom Herman (12/19)

A review of the new Perelman Building at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, “An expansion a Quaker could love,” by Lee Rosenbaum was printed on 12/19.

Penn State labor studies professor Alexander Colvin is quoted in “When suing your boss is not an option,” by Nathan Koppel (12/18)

Another Penn State professor, David Myers, a political scientist who specializes in Venzuela, is quoted in “Backlash tangles Chavez,” by John Luhnow and John Lyons (12/17)

Oren and Colleen Spiegler of Upper Saint Clair, Pa are among those highlighted in “Savings strategies,” by Kristi Essick (12/17). Their section is titled “Clipping coupons is just the start.”

One of the family members mentioned in “How Iraq conflict rewards a Kuwaiti merchant family,” by Cam Simpson and Glenn R. Simpson (12/17), attended the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Other Interesting Tidbits

For those who keep track of such things, the Fair Isaac Corp. is slightly changing the formula is uses to compile FICO scores (the number that decides if you can get a loan and at what interest rate).

Book Synopsis: Living History by Hillary Rodham Clinton

I need to start out by saying a few things. I respect the work that Sen. Clinton has done and admire her drive and tenacity; without a doubt she is a very bright and capable woman. Her work in the areas of health care and child welfare is extensive and thorough and has made a difference for the better. She has worked hard for the things she has achieved in life. That said, I found parts of this book very difficult to read. At one point I put it down for about two weeks. In fact, I read this book about 10 months ago and have written and re-written a review several times since then. I am still not completely satisfied with it. And so, in place of a review, I offer instead a synopsis, so if you are inclined you can find the sections you might want to read. At a later date I may try again to write a more formal review.

My recommendation would be to skip the first parts of the book and start in around page 130 or later, when they are already in the White House. The writing really picks up speed around page 211 or even 228.

But let’s start at the beginning and work our way through. The chapters are not numbered nor are they divided into sections.

The first two chapters (pp. 1-26) cover her family history and life up to high school.

The next three chapters (pp. 27-61) cover her college years (including law school). She was a driven and serious student, the first student commencement speaker at Wellesley. It generated national interest and she was featured in Life magazine because of it.

She also talks about meeting Bill Clinton in law school. On p. 61 she talks of Bill Clinton’s repeated proposals, which she declined:

My mother had suffered from her parents’ divorce, and her sad and lonely childhood was imprinted on my heart. I knew that when I decided to marry, I wanted it to be for life. Looking back to that time and to the person I was, I realize how scared I was of commitment in general and of Bill’s intensity in particular. I thought of him as a force of nature and wondered whether I’d be up to the task of living through his seasons.

The next two chapters (pp. 61-100) concern her work in Washington after college, marrying Bill Clinton, working as a lawyer, having her daughter, and her years as Arkansas’ First Lady. All of that in 39 pages. I would have liked this to be fleshed out a little more.

The next chapter (pp. 101-116) is about Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign. Again, I wish there had been a little more detail here.

The next eight chapters (pp. 117-242) are on the first two years in the White House. Here we have a lot of her work on health care, the death of Vince Foster and the beginnings of the Whitewater investigation.

The next chapter is on the 1994 mid-term elections (pp. 243-257).

Again, eight chapters (pp. 258-377) on the second half of the first presidential term. Here Mrs. Clinton steps back from policy issues and instead focuses on more traditional First Lady issues, education, the role of women, and children; the exception, or perhaps intersection, is welfare reform, which she discusses in detail. Other domestic events or issues include the Oklahoma City bombing. She relishes the travels she takes, to Pakistan, Eastern Europe, a variety of Asian countries, Bosnia, Ireland.

The next chapters touch on Bill Clinton’s second presidential campaign and inaugural (pp. 378-396).

The next four chapters (pp. 397-448) are on the first two years of Bill Clinton’s second term as president.

The next four chapters (pp. 449-494) cover the Lewinski episode, impeachment and the 1998 mid-term elections.

The final two years in the White House, her decision to run for Senate in New York and that campaign are covered in the last two chapters (pp. 495-528).

There is a thorough index to help you find anything in particular that you are looking for.

Mrs. Clinton, now Sen. Clinton, is passionate about public policy. She knows her issues in and out, thoroughly. She is willing to fight for her values and beliefs, most of which I share. Her zest for public life is wonderful. The narrative of the White House years is written primarily in the voice of a policy maker, and one with a compassionate heart and solid thinking skills.

Friday, December 21, 2007

weekly legislative update

No bills passed in the Pennsylvania state House or Senate this week, though some were shuffled around in committees.

Our accountant friends at PICPA, though, never sleep, and have provided their usual weekly update.

House Republicans also have a weekly update.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Allyson Schwartz Has Paid Her Dues!!

In a 12/19 article from the Politico, "Dem leaders try tix-for-cash fundraising," by Josephine Hearn, we learn that:

Among Democrats, party leaders have dictated that each lawmaker must contribute $125,000 to $800,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, with exact amounts depending on seniority and leadership positions.

The only Pennsylvanian on the list of 17 House Democrats (plus the Speaker) to have paid their allotted amount in full is Rep. Allyson Schwartz of the 13th congressional district.

Philadelphian Speaks for Ron Paul

This week's Campaign Insider has a brief interview with native Philadelphian Jesse Benton, who is currently the spokesman for presidential candidate Ron Paul. Previously Benton was the press secretary for Americans for Tax Reform. Someone make sure Pat Toomey has his number.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

News Updates

A few updates that you may have already seen:

1) In Montgomery County, Republican Jim Matthews and Democrat Joe Hoeffel did indeed make public a power sharing agreement, which is outlined in "Castor left out of power-sharing deal," by Jacob Fenton in today's Intelligencer. Matthews was re-elected this past November. Hoeffel has served as a county commissioner before, and Bruce Castor was, until his election as commissioner, the county's District Attorney.

2) Josh Drobnyk over at Pennsylvania Avenue is reporting that Democrats are trying to woo Chris Casey, brother of Sen. Bob Casey, Jr., and son of the late Gov. Bob Casey, Sr., to run against Rep. Jim Gerlach in the 6th congressional district. Move quickly, folks, time is short.

3) If you are concerned about the safety of children's toys and you a high tolerance for hearings or reports, Sen. Casey will be on PCN tomorrow at 4:35 with the Pennsylvania Fair Trade Coalition to talk about "Imported Toy Quality." For the truly wonky, the Geospatial Policy Symposium will be on at 10:00, sans the senator.

Shapiro Still Aspen's Only Pennsylvanian

In a previous post, it was noted that Pennsylvania State Rep. Josh Shapiro (D-153) is the only Pennsylvanian to be named an Aspen Rodel Fellow at the Aspen Institute. The third class of Aspen Fellows has been named and no Pennsylvanians are on the list. Thus, Shapiro maintains his "one and only" title. There are surely enough bright young elected officials in the state that we could field a few more. Let's cross our fingers for next year. Maybe Shapiro could give some pointers?

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

More Congressional Updates

Our congressional delegation is getting a little press again.

As a group, our regional reps are likely to get a free rise to re-election this year, or so the National Journal says (as reported by Keystone Politics). According to KP, The Hotline is saying Jim Gerlach (R-06), Patrick Murphy (D-08), and Joe Sestak (D-07) may not see any opposition this time around. I haven't heard anything about the 13th so Democrat Allyson Schwartz may also get a pass.

Over at the Politico, "Hard work helps freshman get ahead," by Amie Parnes, gives an honorable mentions to Murphy.

For the Person Who Has Everything

Doing your last minute holiday shopping? Keep in mind that Dec. 31 is the end of a campaign finance reporting period. Granted, our local congressional races are shaping up to be a little dull, unless you live in the 15th (where Sam Bennett is taking on Charlie Dent, sort of) or the 19th (where Bruce Slater is taking on Joe Pitts).

The rest of us may have to be content with state and local elections. So if Aunt Tootie has everything you could possibly think of, perhaps telling her you made a political donation instead (this is most effective if the two of you agree on politics) would do the trick. Plus you can do so at home and at the last minute.

Here's one suggestion. State Rep. Bryan Lentz (D-161) represents a district where 56% of the registered voters are Republican. He's done a fine job in his first year in office (and added fatherhood to his list of roles). His campaign website, www.votelentz.com has recently been updated and there may be some other changes to in in the near future. There is an ActBlue button on the right hand side of the main page. Click that and away you go.

Something to Do

For those who are looking for something to do over the holidays, and aren't inclined towards the perennial favorite, jigsaw puzzles, I have a suggestion.

The Wikipedia entry for Pennsylvania State Rep. Mark Cohen (D-202) has been tagged as:

This article or section is written like an advertisement.
Please help rewrite this article from a neutral point of view.

I am sure that Rep. Cohen would appreciate any assistance in making the entry more acceptable to Wikipedia standards. It is in his favor that he has so many ardent supporters willing to write such glowing things that the entry was tagged. Please keep in mind that anyone can sign up and post to Wikipedia. [updated: you can, within the wikipedia entry, view edits to the entry and see discussion among those doing the editing. In this case, it looks like a few people have done most of the editing.]

It has already had a little work done. I'm not sure what the copyright regulations are on Wikipedia but I have included some lengthy excerpts for demonstration purposes. The 12/12/07 edit is what is currently available as the cached copy and I am comparing it to the current 12/17/07 edit. For example the 12/12 entry has a long description of his online involvement:

Cohen is the most active Daily Kos diarist and commenter among elective officials who write in their own names. He is also the most active phillyblog thread starter, leader of threaded discussion and poster among elective officials who write in their own names. He is a strong believer and active participant in citizen journalism. He is an active member of Facebook. He is the prime sponsor in the Pennsylvania House of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact. He has been a strong supporter of state regulation of lobbying and campaign finance and has worked successfully to make voter registration easier for voters. He has initiated the ongoing efforts to establish a state university in Philadelphia, and to appropriate state funds for MRSA superbug research.

"Call Him Rep. Blog," a front page profile of Cohen by reporter Lauren Fritsky that appeared in the August 2, 2007 issue of the Northeast Times, said he "seems to be steering the bandwagon of cyberpolitics... reinventing himself as he pioneers a new form of constituent service."

In the same issue, the Northeast Times published an editorial stating that "Mr. Cohen is perhaps the best known participant on Phillyblog and he deserves lots of credit for having the intestinal fortitude to state his opinions in the open for all to see.... Thanks to the ability of politicians like Mr. Cohen to speak out via the Internet, chatrooms, blogs, etc. the public can get the transparency it so richly deserves."

Said the August 1, 2007 Frankford Gazette about the Northeast Times article, "If you follow phillyblog at all, you may have seen posts by Cohen. The surprising thing about finding him posting there is that it is so atypical for a pol to say what he thinks out there in a public forum knowing it will be impossible for him to deny it later. Agree with him or not but we need more like him who are willing to say what they think and take part in an exchange of ideas."

Cohen's engagement with both online and traditional media is shown in his list of Facebook friends.

A long list of friends followed. That section has now been reduced to one sentence in the 12/17/07 edit.

He is an active member of Facebook, Daily Kos, and phillyblog.

This section from the 12/12/07 edit has been deleted entirely in the 12/17/07 edit:

Cohen is an active reviewer of nonfiction books for amazon.com.[3], with a reviewer rank in the top 2% of all volunteer amazon.com reviewers. Commenting on his customer review ("How Bentonville Surpassed Wall Street and Washington") of The Wal-Mart Effect: How the World's Most Powerful Company Really Works -- and How It's Transforming the American Economy, William Wellisch said on September 1, 2007 "This is an outstanding review. It is detailed, objective, filled with relevant extracts to make the point. This is how book reviews should be written."

The "Praise from Advocates" section has also been deleted.

The criticism section is rather interesting. Here it is in full, as of the 12/17/07 edit:

Mario Cattabiani, the Harrisburg reporter of Philadelphia Inquirer, who was censured in the Columbia Journalism Review[5], pointed out that Cohen had billed his state legislative expense account for $28,200 in the prior two years for books and $3,050 for magazine and newspaper subscriptions. [6]

Cohen was also found by Cattabiani to have collected over $46,000 in per diem payments over two years, the third highest among all legislators, despite the fact that he owns a home in Harrisburg with no remaining mortgage and incurred no hotel costs. Cohen noted that he incurs numerous other costs, including taxes, home repairs, and maintenance. [7]

Cohen was the only vote among the members of the Speaker's Commission on Legislative Reform against a proposal to allow electronic access to all legislative expense account records.[8] Cohen said he feared that the expenses would become gossip fodder for the press, but voted for the final version of the Commission recommendations at a Commission meeting and on the House floor. Cohen also voted against a study of a Constitutional Convention proposed by Rep. Dwight Evans and supported by Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the reform commission, Rep. Josh Shapiro. [9][10] Cohen has critiqued some media in kind for focus on legislators' salary and employee benefits while generally ignoring of important public policy issues.

Democracy Rising PA, an advocacy group run by retired Democratic staffer Tim Potts, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, published a 2007 study, released July 12, 2007, rating legislative independence from House and Senate floorleaders. Rep. Cohen was rated on the Microsoft Excel spreadsheets enclosed with the study as voting with Democratic leader Bill DeWeese 220 out of 232 times, voting with DeWeese more times than 61% of the House Democratic Caucus; he has long been part of Democratic leadership as an elected caucus leader since January, 1990. [11]

Here is the longer 12/12 criticism section:

Cohen has been questioned by reporters in the local media for what they claim is dubious spending. Cohen has responded that the questions are on his strong work ethic of spending many extra days in Harrisburg and doing research on many issues to be an active leader on them.8 "I'm a very hard worker," Cohen said. "I do a lot of paperwork in the office. I take this job extremely seriously."8

Mario Cattabiani, the Harrisburg reporter of Philadelphia Inquirer, who was censured in the Columbia Journalism Review[9], pointed out that Cohen had billed his state legislative expense account for $28,200 in the prior two years for books and $3,050 for magazine and newspaper subscriptions. Cattabiani's article did not note Cohen's strong career advocacy for the Philadelphia school district. Cohen's book total was more than some individual schools in cash-starved Philadelphia School District had spent for library books in the same period, during which time period library resources were being heavily spent on internet and computer literacy. [10]

Cohen--a strong supporter of aid to libraries who has obtained numerous grants for school libraries and public libraries within and near his legislative district--replied that he was a "voracious reader" and felt that the books did help him become a more effective legislator. Indeed, the non-fiction books he purchased were generally scholarly titles and policy works including Preachers of Hate: Islam and the War on America and Comeback Cities: A Blueprint for Urban Neighborhood Revival. However, other books he purchased with taxpayer funds included AOL for Dummies and The Zen of Gambling. The latter was purchased at the time the legislature was considering legalizing slot machines and other forms of legalized gambling. [11]

Cohen was also found by Cattabiani to have collected over $46,000 in per diem payments over two years, the third highest among all legislators, despite the fact that he owns a home in Harrisburg with no remaining mortgage and incurred no hotel costs. Cohen noted that he incurs numerous other costs, including taxes, home repairs, and maintenance. [12]

In a column for the Philadelphia Daily News, John Baer, a former staff member for Republican Lieutenant Governor William Scranton III, noted that Cohen was the only vote among the members of the Speaker's Commission on Legislative Reform against a proposal to allow electronic access to all legislative expense account records.[13] Cohen said he feared that the expenses would become gossip fodder for the press, but voted for the final version of the Commission recommendations at a Commission meeting and on the House floor. Baer, a self-proclaimed " professional cynic" (Philadelphia Daily News, November 5, 2007), noted that Cohen also voted against a study of a Constitutional Convention proposed by Rep. Dwight Evans and supported by Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the reform commission, Rep. Josh Shapiro. Baer did not note that the study was opposed by Pa Cleansweep leader Russ Diamond and many members of the reform commission and was not a proposal of the reform commission. Baer did quote Shapiro as saying "it may be too premature" to have a constitutional convention. [14][15]

Cohen has critiqued some media in kind for focus on legislators' salary and employee benefits while generally ignoring of important public policy issues. "I think, 10 years from now, the newspaper coverage in Pennsylvania will be taught in journalism schools as a model of abuse. This is propaganda not news (covered with objectivity). The old leaders of the Soviet Union would be very proud of Pennsylvania newspapers' coverage of this issue."

Cohen is the only member of the General Assembly identified by Mario Cattabiani as billing his expenses for the Pennsylvania Society's annual meeting back to his legislative expense account. Cohen believed that as he attended no political events at or around the meeting of the non-profit, non-political organization, this would be a legitimate use of legislative expense money. The Philadelphia Board of Ethics, in a 2004 decision discussing Pennsylvania Society attendance in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia's ethical code, called the Pennsylvania Society annual New York dinner an "official function." In addition, many private sector lobbyists and local government officials are reimbursed for the their expenses at Pennsylvania Society meetings and Cohen saw so reason that legislators cannot do the same at meetings in which state legislation and state policies are frequently discussed.[16][17]

Democracy Rising PA, an advocacy group run by retired Democratic staffer Tim Potts, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, published a 2007 study, released July 12, 2007, rating legislative independence from House and Senate floorleaders. Rep. Cohen was rated on the Microsoft Excel spreadsheets enclosed with the study as voting with Democratic leader Bill DeWeese 220 out of 232 times, voting with DeWeese more times than 61% of the House Democratic Caucus; he has long been part of Democratic leadership as an elected caucus leader since January, 1990. [18]

I didn't include the footnotes. There were 18 in the 12/12 edit and 11 in the 12/17 edit. It should be noted that it was the Inquirer and not Cattabiani himself who was given a "dart" (as opposed to a laurel) by the Columbia Journalism Review, although some of the stories referenced were written by Cattabiani; all dealt with coverage of state Rep. Daylin Leach's leachvent blog and had nothing to do with Cohen.

Even so, it looks like the entry could still use a little work. If you can post to Wikipedia you might stop by and do a little editing.

Monday, December 17, 2007

News from Montco

The election's over and now the fun starts. The Montgomery County commissioners race ended as it began, with two Republicans and one Democrat. However, instead of Jim Matthews, Tom Ellis, and Ruth Damsker, it is now Bruce Castor, Joe Hoeffel, and Jim Matthews. Traditionally, but not always, the senior commissioner is the chair, or at least has right of refusal. Traditionally, but not always, the two commissioners from the majority party marginalize the commissioner from the minority party. Last time this didn't happen was when Joe Hoeffel was the minority commissioner and he made a deal with one of the majority commissioners to marginalize the other majority commissioner.

Both the PA Water Cooler and Capitol Ideas are reporting on a CapitolWire story that Jim Matthew and Joe Hoeffel have made a similar bargain, wherein Matthews would be the chair and Hoeffel the vice chair.

Late today the PA Water Cooler posted the text of an email Bruce Castor sent to Matthews (and apparently shared with a number of others), asking Matthews not to ally himself with Hoeffel. Note the options he offers:

Even if we could agree on nothing else (which won’t happen), we still would be running the government together (as co-chairmen or alternating chairman or something) without empowering the Democrat.

Matthews as sole chair is not really included in that wording. So if both of them want to be chair, someone has to make a deal with the devil (sorry, Joe, just a figure of speech). It sounds like Matthews would rather rule in hell than serve in heaven, and that leaves Bruce Almighty out in the cold, as the snowball without a chance. (h/t John Milton's Paradise Lost, with apologies for the mixed metaphors)

My Blogging Space

Fellow blogger PSOTD challenged a long list of bloggers, myself included, to post a photo of where they blog. Interesting idea. Not practical in my case. Initially I blogged from the only pc in the house, using a dial up connection. Later we added dsl. About 18 months ago we bought a laptop. I try to maintain the fiction that it is the household laptop but no one really believes that. It is Mom's laptop and Mr. J asks if it is okay before he takes it to meetings or wherever. The children know better than to touch it. About the same time we acquired wireless in the house.

So that is my blogspace, the house. And I seldom blog in just one place on any given day. Trying to do anything before the kids are asleep requires moving from room to room either to follow them or escape them as the case may be. Fairly often I am sitting on the floor with a scattering of source material around me. There is some vanity in being past 45 and still able to sit cross-legged comfortably for any length of time. Often I start at the dining room table and eventually move to the den. The house isn't large enough for there to be a separate home office so I carry the home office around with me. It's a Gateway, on sale at Best Buy when the model was discontinued or the store was going to stop carrying it.

My favorite blogging spot, though, is the sofa. Sometimes Mr. J and I will have the time to sit together, each of us with our backs to one end and our feet stretched out in front of us, towards the other person. I'll have the laptop and he will be listening to music or reading the paper. It is very cozy though I have noticed that in recent years the sofa seems to be getting narrower.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Presidential Finances, the Personal Version

The new issue of Money Magazine has an article on the personal finances of the leading presidential candidates. "Millionaires-in-Chief" is available online. Some interesting tidbits:

John Edwards was paid $480,000 a year as a part-time consultant for a hedge fund.

Barack Obama is the only one profiled who owns only one home. He also has the least amount of money, a household net worth of 1.3 million.

Most of the McCain assets are in the name of his wife or their children. A financial consultant provides some advance to each candidate. The one for McCain says "I'd advise the senator to keep Cindy very happy -- or have a good prenuptial agreement." Keeping the spouse happy, sound advice for married men everywhere.

For those interested in book advances, there is a chart of the presidential candidates' book, a one sentence synopsis, the advance paid, and the number of copies sold. The average unknown author get $50,000; the average presidential candidates' advance is $2.3 million. So I guess $100,000 for a new congressman with an interesting life story would not be out of line.

HB 1643 Update

In a previous post on HB 1643, I noted that it had been voted in 101-100 but listed as defeated, and wondered how something that had more votes for than against could be listed as defeated. However, I am informed that a bill has to get 102 votes to pass. My thanks to the gentleman who was willing to explain this to me. And congrats to him for being quoted in the paper recently.

Platt Campaign Goes Flat

Philadelphia Magazine editor Larry Platt has decided not to run for congress after all. Inky blog Heard in the Hall is reporting that after 2 days at the Pennsylvania Society meeting last weekend Platt is saying he will stay at the magazine and not challenge 6th district Republic Rep. Jim Gerlach.

PA in the WSJ

In Pennsylvania, Democratic governor Ed Rendell has made wind power a priority. In 200, he persuaded Gamesa SA, a Spanish energy company, to establish its U.S. headquarters in his state. Gamesa’s Shaffer Mountain project in Somerset County was proposed last year.

PA Businesses

Do not read this while drinking or eating. From “Are big bonuses still due after a bust?” by George Anders (12/12):

At some big home builders, CEO’s continued to collect multimillion-dollar bonuses last year – albeit smaller ones than before – even as business prospects and their companies’ stock prices weakened. Robert Toll, the CEO of Toll Brothers, Inc., got $17.5 million in cash and stock.

Note: That is more than the VA paid Toll Brothers for the land that hopefully will become a veterans cemetery in Bucks County. Everybody keep that in mind.

Brief mentions:
Hershey (12/12)

Other PA

One of the films playing at the Sundance Film Festival this year will be “Mysteries of Pittsburgh”, as noted in “Strike thickens the plot at Sundance,” by Peter Sanders (12/14)

David Lacy, described as a Pennsylvanian, is a researcher at Amgen, as mentioned in “Can new osteoporosis drug strengthen Amgen,” by Marilyn Chase (12/14)

Clinical trials conducted by University of Pennsylvania nursing professor Mary Naylor are highlighted in “Keeping patients from landing back in hospital,” by Laura Landro (12/12)

Other Interesting Tidbits

“Reading the mind of the body politic,” by Alexandra Alter (12/14) makes me definely want to keep political consultants out of my brain cells.

Friday, December 14, 2007

weekly legislative update

This is a list of bills that passed the Pennsylvania House or Senate this week, and mention of any noteworthy resolutions. Standard caveats apply (resolutions not generally included, list of sponsors deleted if it was too long - three lines in the originally formatting).

Our accountant friends at PICPA have provided their usual informative weekly update. They have some interesting things to say this week about a possible increase in the sales tax.

Other updates this week:

PA GOP Senate
PA Democratic Senate
PA GOP House
PA Democratic House

Bills

Special Session

House

HB 5 Prior Printer's Nos. 4, 43.Printer's No. 51. An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for the High-Performance Buildings Tax Credit.

Senate

SB 1 By Senators M. WHITE, TOMLINSON, PILEGGI, ERICKSON, BOSCOLA, RAFFERTY, MADIGAN, GORDNER, WOZNIAK, WAUGH, PUNT, O'PAKE, FERLO, WONDERLING and EICHELBERGER. Prior Printer's Nos. 8, 33.Printer's No. 48. An Act providing for development of alternative sources of energy.

SB 22 By Senators TOMLINSON, M. WHITE, PILEGGI, WASHINGTON, RAFFERTY, ERICKSON, GORDNER, STOUT, BOSCOLA and PIPPY. Prior Printer's Nos. 13, 30.Printer's No. 47. An Act amending the act of November 29, 2004 (P.L.1376, No.178), known as the Alternative Fuels Incentive Act, further providing for definitions and for the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund; and providing for biodiesel production incentives.

SB 36 By Senators M. WHITE, TOMLINSON, PILEGGI, ERICKSON, EARLL, LAVALLE, ORIE, STOUT, O'PAKE, KITCHEN, GREENLEAF, BROWNE, WAUGH, D. WHITE and BOSCOLA. Prior Printer's No. 29.Printer's No. 32. An Act providing for the study and mandated content of biodiesel fuel.

General Session

House

HB 1281 Prior Printer's Nos. 1542, 1834.Printer's No. 2935. An Act amending the act of April 28, 1978 (P.L.87, No.41), known as the Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail Act, further providing for actions by municipalities and their powers and duties; and making editorial changes.

HB 1787 Prior Printer's Nos. 2384, 2919.Printer's No. 3009. An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, providing for procedure for municipal curative amendment subsequent to appellate court decision.

SB 1 Prior Printer's Nos. 772, 1509, 1553, 1562, 1583.Printer's No. 1646. An Act providing for access to public information, for a designated open-records officer in each Commonwealth agency, local agency, judicial agency and legislative agency, for procedure, for appeal of agency determination, for judicial review and for the Pennsylvania Public Records Office; imposing penalties; providing for reporting by State-related institutions; requiring the posting of certain State contract information on the Internet; and making related repeals.

SB 1100 By Senators PILEGGI, M. WHITE, MUSTO, ERICKSON, PUNT, VANCE, GREENLEAF, GORDNER, RHOADES, BOSCOLA, WOZNIAK, MADIGAN, ROBBINS, CORMAN, BAKER, STOUT, FERLO, WAUGH, D. WHITE, PIPPY and BROWNE. Prior Printer's Nos. 1483, 1617.Printer's No. 1483. An Act providing for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund, for its funding, for expenditures from the fund and for audits of the fund; making an appropriation; and making related repeals.

SB 1156 By Senators FOLMER, PILEGGI and BOSCOLA. Prior Printer's No. 1536.Printer's No. 1576. An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for notice and hearing and for disposition of dependent child.

SB 737 By Senators RAFFERTY, PILEGGI, FUMO, BOSCOLA, FONTANA, ORIE, CORMAN, RHOADES, O'PAKE, COSTA, PICCOLA, WONDERLING, GORDNER, STACK, ARMSTRONG, REGOLA, BROWNE, MUSTO, PIPPY and WASHINGTON. Prior Printer's No. 806.Printer's No. 1188. An Act amending the act of December 3, 2002 (P.L.1144, No.141), entitled "An act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for purchase, consumption, possession or transportation of liquor or malt or brewed beverages and for inducement of minors to buy liquor or malt or brewed beverages," extending the expiration provision.

SB 810 By Senator MUSTO. Prior Printer's No. 907.Printer's No. 1301. An Act authorizing and directing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey certain lands situate in the City of Pittston, Luzerne County, to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Pittston; and authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Bensalem Township, certain lands situate in Bensalem Township, Bucks County.

SENATE

HB 1109 By Representatives STABACK, BELFANTI, CALTAGIRONE, DeLUCA, FABRIZIO, GERGELY, HALUSKA, HERSHEY, HESS, JAMES, KORTZ, KOTIK, McGEEHAN, PETRONE, REICHLEY, J. WHITE, LEVDANSKY, HORNAMAN, DENLINGER, SIPTROTH and SONNEY. Prior Printer's Nos. 1338, 2638.Printer's No. 2984. An Act amending Title 30 (Fish) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing, in fishing licenses, for nonresident and tourist licenses, for one-day resident fishing licenses, for issuing agents and for license, permit and issuing agent fees.

HB 1621 By Representative M. O'BRIEN. Prior Printer's No. 2074.Printer's No. 2980. An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the concurrence of the Department of Environmental Protection, to lease to VTE Philadelphia, LP, or its nominee, land within the bed of the Delaware River in the City of Philadelphia; and affirming the authority of the General Assembly to enact certain conveyances.

HB 1627 By Representative M. O'BRIEN. Prior Printer's No. 2080.Printer's No. 2981. An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the concurrence of the Department of Environmental Protection, to lease to NCCB Associates, LP, or its nominee, land within the bed of the Delaware River in the City of Philadelphia; and affirming the authority of the General Assembly to enact certain conveyances.

HB 1877 By Representatives BUXTON, PAYNE, MARSICO and HELM. Printer's No. 2574. An Act amending the act of August 9, 1955 (P.L.323, No.130), known as The County Code, further providing for authorization of hotel tax.

HB 1961 Prior Printer's No. 2719.Printer's No. 2832. An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for information relating to prospective child-care personnel.

SB 317 By Senators RAFFERTY, ERICKSON, CORMAN, O'PAKE, COSTA, WAUGH and BROWNE. Prior Printer's Nos. 352, 1088.Printer's No. 1653. An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, further providing for public buildings to be used where possible, for organization of State committee, for affidavit of circulator, for objections to nomination petitions and papers, for absentee elector files and lists, for filing fees and certificates of filing and for advertising.

SB 1135 Prior Printer's No. 1563.Printer's No. 1647. An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further providing for tests of certain electronic devices.

HB 17 By Representatives MARKOSEK and GEIST. Prior Printer's Nos. 42, 1262.Printer's No. 2982. An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, further defining "automated red light enforcement system" and "serious traffic violation"; and further providing for period of registration, for person with disability plate and placard, for weight restriction relating to special registration plates, for use and display of illuminated signs, for automated red light enforcement systems in first class cities, for employer responsibilities and for unlawful activities related to equipment standards.

HB 131 Prior Printer's Nos. 157, 1414, 2511.Printer's No. 2910. An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, prohibiting fees for police services.

HB 489 Prior Printer's Nos. 545, 1992.Printer's No. 2983. An Act amending the act of March 20, 2002 (P.L.154, No.13), known as the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (Mcare) Act, in insurance, further providing for medical professional liability insurance, for the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Fund and for actuarial data; providing for the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (Mcare) Reserve Fund and the Medical Safety Automation Fund; transferring the Volunteer Health Services Act into the act; further providing for license renewal, continuing education requirements and disciplinary and corrective measures; in the Health Care Provider Retention Program, further providing for the abatement program, for the Health Care Provider Retention Account and for expiration; further providing for expiration of the patient safety discount; and making a related repeal.

SB 711 Prior Printer's No. 925.Printer's No. 1608. An Act providing for the protection of consumers from having spyware deceptively installed on their computers and for criminal and civil enforcement.

SB 838 Prior Printer's No. 973.Printer's No. 1582. An Act amending the act of May 26, 1947 (P.L.318, No.140), known as the CPA Law, further providing for definitions, for State Board of Accountancy, for general powers of the board, for examination and issuance of certificate, for education requirements, for experience requirements; providing for requirements for issuance of certificate; further providing for certificates issued by domestic reciprocity and for certificates issued by foreign reciprocity; providing for practice in this Commonwealth by individuals under substantial equivalency, for practice outside this Commonwealth under substantial equivalency; further providing for licenses to practice, for licensing of firms, for peer review, for grounds for discipline, for reinstatement, for unlawful acts and for acts not unlawful.

SB 1114 By Senator KASUNIC. Printer's No. 1474. An Act designating the scenic view on State Route 40 in Wharton Township, Fayette County, as the "Blue Star Point Lookout."

SB 880 By Senators KASUNIC, FONTANA, FUMO, BOSCOLA, COSTA, ERICKSON, FOLMER, GORDNER, LAVALLE, LOGAN, MUSTO, O'PAKE, ORIE, RAFFERTY, REGOLA, ROBBINS, STOUT, TARTAGLIONE, WAUGH and WONDERLING. Prior Printer's No. 1029.Printer's No. 1570. An Act amending Title 30 (Fish) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for vouchers for licenses and permits.

SB 1121 By Senators BAKER, RAFFERTY, ARMSTRONG, O'PAKE, WOZNIAK, ERICKSON, McILHINNEY, ORIE, FERLO, MUSTO, BOSCOLA, DINNIMAN, EARLL, BRUBAKER and STACK. Printer's No. 1482. An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further defining "emergency vehicle."

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Notes on PA Congressional Reps

Keystone Politics also alert me to this USA Today article which points out that our freshman congressional representatives are certainly bringing home some bacon. "Earmark analysis shows money follows power," by Matt Kelly (12/12) lists 4 PA congressman (plus Sen. Casey) as the top sole sponsors of earmarks funded. Chris Carney (D-10), Jason Altmire (D-04), Patrick Murphy (D-08), and Joe Sestak (D-07) are the freshman in question. The article provides numbers and quotes. Worth reading.

"Heard in the Hall" notes today the Michael Nutter's new special assistant, Jordan Schwartz, has, in addition to solid job credentials, some political connections as well. His mother is Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-13).

Links to Pennsylvania Society Reports

The papers didn't seem to have much to say about this year's Pennsylvania Society meeting. However, there are a few published notes.

"Heard in the Hall," one of the Inky's blogs, has three posts on it:
"Overheard in New York," by Thomas Fitzgerald
"Survival Tips for the Pennsylvania Society" by Marcia Gelbart
"Live from New York" by Marcia Gelbart

Keystone Politics also led me to a report in the City Paper, "The Annual Society Page," by Mary F. Patel (10/12), which includes these intriguing paragraphs:

So, who had the best table? Public relations maven Kelly Boyd, in an Oscar de la Renta gown, commandeered one that included Radnor Trust presidents Marla Green and Jim DiDio, Goldman Sachs executive Bill McLaughlin and Philly Mag editor Larry Platt.

Platt said he is seriously considering running as a Democrat next year against GOP U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach because he is tired of writing about change and wants to actually do something to change the political landscape.

Presidential Notes

A note about two Democratic presidential candidates:

John Edwards is resolved. In today's Iowa debate he had a wonderful answer to a question on his New Year's resolution. It shows a unusually and markedly rational knowledge of his place in the world. He points out that all the candidates will be fine regardless of how the election goes, but that those in fragile economic or medical do not have such a safety net. Worth watching.

Barack Obama wants women. Lots of them. To feather the nest the campaign has set up Women for Obama (http://women.barackobama.com). It has a blog, a place for individuals to tell "why I support Obama" stories, and abstracted stands on issues perceived to be of interest to women. Worth looking at.

A Note for Early Birds About Brett Lieberman

Brett Lieberman, Pennsyltucky Politics blogger and Washington reporter for the Harrisburg Patriot News, is slated to be profiled on PCN tomorrow morning at 6:00 a.m. I don't remember reporters being profiled before but I may have missed them. The profiles are usually rebroadcast so this may be an older program. If you miss it, don't fret, it will surely be on again.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

legislative updates

As an update to a few items written about previously:

SB1, the open records law, passed the Pennsylvania House and will have to be reconciled with the Senate version in January (text of SB 1, read more at passopenrecords.org).

The House also passed a bill funding hazardous waste cleanup which the governor has said he will sign even though he doesn't like it very well. ("House votes on cleanup bill today," by Kori Walter Bucks County Courier Times 12/12

On the federal level, I've followed some legislation relating to veterans' issues. Rep. Patrick Murphy has issued a press release outlining the status of veterans legislation he has sponsored or introduced. The press release is not on his website yet so I include excerpts from it here:

To restore military readiness, improve accountability over contractors and give our troops a raise, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) today voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Rep. Murphy, a former Army captain and veteran of the war in Iraq , fought for and successfully inserted several provisions in this piece of legislation to increase oversight, accountability and improve the lives of American servicemen and women. Even before the recent controversies involving contractors in Iraq , Murphy had introduced a measure to increase oversight over contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan . His provision would force the different American agencies in Iraq to establish a “Memorandum of Understanding” deciding the roles of contractors. He also fought for a study of contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan by the Government Accountability Office. Earlier this year, he authored and introduced House Resolution 97 – which in part called for a Truman Commission to weed out waste, fraud and abuse in Iraq . That commission will be established following this bill. Also in the NDAA is the Murphy-supported 3.5% pay increase for our troops and the Murphy-sponsored provisions that will help reservists pay for college and help medically evacuated military personnel afford luggage. The National Defense Authorization Act passed by a bipartisan margin of 370 to 49.

later

The NDAA, or H.R. 1585, sets the policy for the armed forces, authorizes the budget authority for the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the Department of Energy. The bill also authorizes funds for emergency needs, including resetting equipment to restore readiness, equipment to protect our deployed troops, and support for ongoing military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan during Fiscal Year 2008. The bill also includes $17.6 million for Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and the Wounded Warrior Act which was passed unanimously to prevent future Walter Reed-type incidents. The Wounded Warrior Act improves access to quality medical care for wounded service members, cuts through bureaucratic red tape and improves the transition of wounded soldiers from the Armed Forces to the Veterans Affairs system. It also creates a system of patient advocates who fight for proper treatment and establishes a toll-free hot line for reporting deficiencies in facilities.

Provisions Introduced and Passed by Rep. Murphy Call for Increased Accountability over Contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan . The Defense Authorization bill addresses the lack of oversight and accountability by requiring that the Department of Defense, the State Department and USAID decide which agency is responsible for each part of every contract and what each agency’s role is in carrying out contracts. The “Memorandum of Understanding” will clarify the roles and responsibilities in managing and overseeing contracts, including tracking and overseeing contractor personnel and maintaining a set of common databases containing information on such contracts. The bill also addresses oversight by requiring that the Government Accountability Office conduct a study of contracting in Iraq and Afghanistan . In fact, it requires the Secretary of Defense, working with the Secretary of State, to issue detailed regulations for private security contractors mandating the appropriate use of force and accountability. GAO is required to report annually on the handling of contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan .

Provisions Introduced and Passed by Rep. Murphy to Improve the Lives of Soldiers:

* The first of these would expand an education loan repayment program to reserve officers as well as expanding the types of educational loans the military would repay. This will help not only improve the lives of soldiers but also with recruitment and retention.

* The second of these adds a commonsense allowance for service members who have been medically evacuated. There have been stories of wounded soldiers being evacuated and having to place their possessions in garbage bags because their allowances could not be used to purchase luggage – this provision would end that senseless prohibition.

Provisions Murphy Pushed for Also in Defense Bill. Rep. Murphy has been pushing for a 3.5% pay increase for our troops, the establishment of a Truman-type Commission to weed out waste, fraud and abuse in Iraq and changes to the rules of engagement and security regulations with contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan . These measures have been included in the National Defense Authorization Act.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Two More for Treasurer

I'm late with this, but there are at least two Democrats in the running or semi-running for state treasurer. Rob McCord and John Cordisco. McCord is a venture capitalist in Montco. Cordisco is chair of the Bucks County Democratic party and a former state representative. (Source: "From Pa. suburbs, 2 run for treasurer," by Thomas Fitzgerald Inquirer July 2, 2007)

It looks like Cordisco's campaign site will be cordiscofortreasurer.com, but it isn't up and running yet. No word on what McCord's site will be. I see a few possibilities but currently they just open up multiple ad windows so I won't mention them at this point.

Ed's People Call Me (Again!)

The governor's people left another message for me today. I feel so special. The call was in support of a HSCA (hazardous waste clean up) funding bill, the Petri Harper plan in particular. I either wrote down the bill number wrong or they gave it incorrectly because it doesn't match up with the subject, nor could I find any info on that plan. The message asked me to get in touch with my state rep and ask him/her to vote in favor of this bill / plan. Make of that what you will. Golly, I'm popular these days.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Ladies, Start Your Engines!

For women who have considered running for office but are not sure of the process, the Pennsylvania Women's Campaign School might be for you. From the inbox:

Women can gain “The Winning Edge” for elections and learn how to build a successful campaign at the Pennsylvania Women’s Campaign School on January 25-27, 2008 at Chatham University in Pittsburgh . Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy at Chatham University and the Pennsylvania Women’s Campaign Fund (PWCF), the two-and-a-half day intensive workshop led by facilitator Diane Cromer will cover topics including but not limited to creating an effective campaign message, handling communication crises, managing criticism, and fundraising. Participants will work in teams to simulate a real-life political campaign and will have the opportunity to network with local women elected officials.

Note that Chatham is near Pittsburgh so it may be a drive for local folks. More information and registration forms are available at www.chatham.edu/pcwppp and www.pawcf.com. Registration closes on January 9, 2008.

Saying Hello to Michael Nutter

I’ve heard Michael Nutter speak a few times; he’s good at this, strings his words together well, shows some humor, interesting to listen to. It was only recently, however, that I had the opportunity to talk with him in person one on one. We both happened to be in the same place at the same time. I worked my way over to his side of the room. As the conversation he was in was winding down I tapped him on the sleeve and said hello. There is nothing I could say to him that he has not heard hundreds if not thousands of times before and my attempts at humor were probably more than feeble, but he was very pleasant and laughed in the right spot.

No one man can save a city but he can provide the leadership that brings out the best in others and brings together disputing parties. I have high hopes for the city with a Mayor Nutter at the helm.

Holiday Shopping Suggestion: Dangerous and Daring

There are two books out on the market now that you might have heard of: The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden, and the Daring Book for Girls by local area authors Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz. Both would be excellent holiday gifts for youngsters, say 13 and under, from parents, uncles, aunties, grandparents, or other interested adults.

In the introduction to the Dangerous Book, the authors state:

Boyhood is all about curiosity, and men and boys can enjoy stories of Scott of the Antarctic and Joe Simpson in Touching the Void as much as they can raid a shed for the bits to make an electromagnet, or grow a crystal, build a go-cart, and learn how to find north in the dark. You’ll find famous battles in these pages, insects and dinosaurs – as well as essential Shakespeare quotes, how to cut flintheads for a bow and arrow, and instructions on making the best paper airplane in the world.

What more could you want? There is also a short (1.5 pages) section on girls, very age appropriate. For example, it says that girls are not as interested as boys in using urine as secret ink. Generalizations can be tricky but I think this is a pretty good one. It also suggests being involved in a sport. “It doesn’t matter what it is, so long as it replaces the corpse-like pallor of the computer programmer with a ruddy glow.”

The Daring Book also has sections on knots, lighting fires, and building scooters and short biographies (though of women here), as well as the periodic table and birdwatching. There are practicalities – how to change a tire, information on stocks and bonds, and the whimsical, how to make daisy chains and friendship bracelets. My favorite, though, is the part on how to tie a sari. It conjures up such images. Every sophisticated woman of the world, whether she hails from small town or big city, should know how to tie a sari. You never know when you’ll wake up in India and need to know. It could happen, or why else would it be in the book?

Both books have badges that can be copied or printed off a website, if the reader is a badge collector.

What I like most about both books is that they are not logically arranged. This is not something you sit and read cover to cover in subject order. The sections are put together with no apparent pattern. You just dip into it. It could take ages to work all the way through, in bits and pieces, here and there.

What fun.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

A Quick Look at HB 1643

Those who dislike the idea of gun control legislation often say the problem is not the guns but the people using them. I do not necessarily disagree with this ideology. So, you would think that legislation aimed at controlling people who had a problem with guns, especially as it relates to public schools, would pass through the state house like streaked lightning. Not so.

Case in point: HB 1643. The abstract at the top of the bill reads:

Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," further providing for REPORTS TO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, FOR RULES AND REGULATIONS AND SAFETY PATROLS, FOR FINANCIAL REPORTS, FOR residence and right to free school privileges, FOR POSSESSION OF WEAPONS PROHIBITED AND FOR SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION OF PUPILS.

The words in caps are additions.

The bill makes it possible for schools to hold students responsible for school rules while at school activities or on their way to and from school. Schools can organize safety patrols to act as de facto crossing guards. It also says that children whose parents have two households can attend the schools in either school district, regardless of who has custody, but the district is not required to provide transportation outside the district.

There is also wording on reports to the Dept of Education.

Then it gets interesting:

[(E.1) A school district receiving a student who transfers from a public or private school during a period of expulsion for an act or offense involving a weapon may assign that student to an alternative assignment or provide alternative education services, provided that the assignment may not exceed the period of expulsion.]

The bills goes on to state other disciplinary issues that allow schools to direct incoming students to alternative schools and other related issues.

If one of our social goals is a safe place for our children to go to school and learn, these would seem to be reasonable rules. Students who need greater discipline and behavioral programs should get them. All too often when we read about violent incidents in schools at least one of the students involved has been in trouble before.

Especially when weaponry is involved, schools should not be required to take a student who is transferring from another school because of a disciplinary incident.

The voting on this bill? It came up for the 3rd consideration on Dec. 3rd. It was voted on at 101-100 which was considered a defeat. I do not understand how a 101-100 vote is considered a defeat but that’s what the voting roll and bill history say. It was immediately put to a vote for reconsideration, which passed 104-97. The voting was primarily along party lines. Two Democrats had an excused absence. Two Democrats voted against it. Four Republicans voted for it. One of those was Daryl Metcalfe!

I was surprised at one of the Democratic no votes, Rep. Bryan Lentz of Delaware County’s 161st district and had the opportunity to ask him about it. His objection:

I voted against because of the provision that allowed separated or divorced parents to send their children to either parent’s home school district regardless of where the children live. I think this would put an additional burden on the school districts that border the city like Upper Darby which is already under tremendous pressure as a result of an influx of students from outside the district.

This is a logical reason to oppose the bill and it is unfortunate that the two concepts were put together in the same legislation. One does wonder if the entire Republican delegation (minus 4) felt the same way. It would indeed be very educational to know what the discussion was surrounding this bill was but we will have to wait 6 months to find out. The most recent House Journal available online is for June.

If this bill passes on reconsideration I wonder if the Black Caucus of the House, which walked out in protest over the inaction on gun control, would consider this sufficient progress to return.

PA in the WSJ

This is a list of articles regarding Pennsylvania in this week's Wall Street Journal. Chances are I missed something, but these are the articles that caught my eye.

It should be noted that I routinely do not read the editorials in the WSJ. So any discussions of the state, its elected officials, businesses, or citizens, in editorials will not be mentioned here.

PA Politicians

For good or ill, our folks stayed out of the papers again this week.

PA Businesses

A Cintas laundry outside Pittsburgh is mentioned in “Safety issues beset industrial laundries,” by Kris Maher (12/05)

Patrick Barron a business consultant in West Chester is quoted in “Some cry foul over relief plan for borrowers,” by Sudeep Reddy, Douglas Belkin and Jonathan Karp (12/04).

“Hershey rating is cut by Moody’s,” (12/04)

“Toll Brothers likely has to face the music,” by Michael Corkery (12/06)

“Toll Brothers sees some relief from Bush plan but issues a grim forecast,” by Michael Corkery and John Spence (12/07)

American Eagle is among the chains listed in “Retail chains record mixed sales,” by Mary Ellen Lloyd (12/07)

“Toll gains; Nordstrom moves up,” by Karen Talley (12/07)

Other PA

Moises Chan, a physicist at Penn State, needs helium, as noted in “As demand balloons, helium is in short supply,” by Ana Campoy (12/05)

Philadelphia is included in a map but not mentioned in “Why every day isn’t a holiday for air travel,” by Scott McCartney (12/04), on the opening of military airspace for busy air travel days.

A Penn State study on the health benefits of garlic is mentioned in “Finding the true power of a pungent bulb,” by Laura Johannes (12/04)

A University of Pittsburgh researcher and a Homestead, PA resident are mentioned or quoted in “The graying of shock therapy,” by Shirley S. Wang (12/04).

The Pittsburgh court is deciding whether or not to allow the U.S. trustee for Pennsylvania to depose a Countrywide Financial Corp. executive; see “U.S. expands scrutiny of home lenders,” by Amir Efrati (12/03)

In “Lessons learned from a wild year,” by Carolyn Cuti, John Bogle of Vanguard, and Jeremy Siegel of the Wharton School are among the 12 experts giving advice. Others may have had PA connections as well, those are just the ones I could pinpoint.

Russian immigrants in Philadelphia are among the immigrant groups mentioned in “How subprime-loan mess hit poor immigrant groups,” by Jonathan Karp and Miriam Jordan (12/06)

J. Peter Rubin, a Pittsburgh plastic surgeon is quoted in “Evidence grows that consumers are pulling back.” By Rhonda L. Rundle and Kelly Evans (12/08)

Other Interesting Tidbits

Something I view as a disturbing trend, the growth of professional fundraisers in lower levels of political campaigning, is outlined in “Fund-raising brokers reshape U.S. campaigns,” by Christopher Cooper (12/05)

Monday, December 31, 2007

Sunday, December 30, 2007

Friday, December 28, 2007

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Monday, December 24, 2007

Friday, December 21, 2007

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Monday, December 17, 2007

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Friday, December 14, 2007

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Monday, December 10, 2007

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Friday, December 07, 2007

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