Upper Dublin Dems Picnic

The Upper Dublin Democratic Committee held a picnic this past weekend.  They invited people from the surrounding areas as well.  They’ve done this in the past and it tends to bring out a large enough crowd to entice candidates from statewide races.  The Upper Dublin Dems are nice people; I’ve attended their events before and they are always welcoming.   At the start of the speaker's segment, local officials, township commissioners, and school board members were recognized.  I could not write fast enough to get all their names.

 Here are some notes from the candidate’s remarks.  These are not intended to be a full representation of everything that was said, just snippets, and may not capture their intended points.  As always I apologize for any errors or misconceptions:

Rob McCord, Pennsylvania State Treasurer (up for re-election):  Shout to those in local office; local office is a thankless office.  Shout out to the organizers of the event.  Thanks all in advance for turning out to vote.  I represent suburban sensibility, the Dwight Eisenhower wing of the Democratic party.  I’m usually fairly non-partisan.   When talking with independent voters on why they should vote Democratic say “dumb wars” and “Supreme Court.”  The treasurer is a CIO.  I repaired the state college funds, the tuition account program.  The state treasurer helps students and seniors.  The McCord treasury is a profit center.  Some people say that government can’t be profitable.  The state treasurer brings in more than it costs.   Vote for Kathleen Kane for Attorney General; she would be the first woman and first Democrat in that office.   Vote for Eugene DePasquale for Auditor General.  The governor has to have the signature of either the State Treasurer or the State Auditor General on every debt issue. 

Eugene DePasquale, candidate for Auditor General:  I worked with then State Rep Josh Shapiro on the bill to ban texting while driving.  We should audit the Marcellus Shale industry and audit bonus depreciation.  Act 13 has just been declared unconstitutional.  I was the first legislator to put my expenses online.  The average inspection time at each Marcellus Shale site is 30 seconds.

Leslie Richards, Montgomery County Commissioner:  Thanks all, points out several people in the crowd.  Mentions floods.  I am chair of the election board – new voter ID law.  I am asked about this frequently; people are worried that they won’t be able to vote.  We have to work to register, to get people to the polls, to make sure they have the right kind of ID.  We can’t count on this being thrown out.  The law uses the term “substantial conformity” so your id must be similar to your voter registration but it doesn’t have to be an exact match.  You will be able to vote if your ID has your middle initial on it but your voter registration doesn’t. 

State Rep. Madeleine Dean (won special election in 153^rd district, running to fill out the term):  I’m here to speak for Kathleen Kane, , candidate for Attorney General, who cannot be here.  Outlines Kane’s career accomplishments.  “She can handle it.”  Kane will have compassion but the Attorney General’s office is “not for the faint of heart.”  It is time for a woman and a Democrat. 

Neil Deegan, speaking for Congresswoman AllysonSchwartz:  Mention of the redrawn 13^th congressional district.  There are maps to see if you live in that district now.  A lot of concern about voter ID.

Other observations – McCord threw out his own trash.  He had a staff person with him but walked a sizable distance to the trash can himself, and it looked like he separated out his recyclables.

Ron Kolla, who is running in the 152^nd state house district (against incumbent Tom Murt) has been out campaigning.  He said he’s knocked on 3,000 doors.  He also said party registration in that district is evenly split, 43% to 43%. 

Ann Thornburg Weiss, Montgomery County Clerk of Courts,  was also there, as was County Treasurer JasonSalus.  Former State Rep. Rick Taylor attended as well.

 

I don't know who made the oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, but they were delicious!!!

Thanks to the Upper Dublin Dems for hosting such a wonderful event and letting strangers wander in.