tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92388062024-03-13T04:37:03.215-04:00Above Average JaneCranky introvert who sometimes thinks about politics, somewhere in the greater Philadelphia areaAboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.comBlogger5648125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-68014526749910591442022-05-15T22:10:00.001-04:002022-05-15T22:10:47.559-04:00Why I Voted for Conor Lamb<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">There are three good choices for Senate on the Democratic
ballot. While I haven’t been active politically the last few years I have kept
an eye on what’s going on. Not a close eye, mind you, but an eye. This post
will not debate the qualifications of all three or compare them; you should do
your own work on that. I’m just sharing why I decided to vote for Congressman Conor Lamb. [congressional site: <a href="http://lamb.house.gov">lamb.house.gov</a> ; campaign site: <a href="http://www.conorlamb.com">www.conorlamb.com</a>]<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I looked at websites, read some articles, and attended a
Lamb event. I was trying to decide between Lamb and another candidate. There
were a few things that pushed me towards Lamb. Here they are:<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He’s a veteran. This isn’t the sole reason I vote for a
candidate, and I don’t vote for every vet solely for that reason. But PA does
have a high percentage of veterans, and military service forces people to work together even if they have significant differences; handy experience in elected office. If I’m deciding
between two candidates and one is a veteran that person gets extra point in my
book. Not every person in the service sees active duty in a war zone, but every
person in uniform could, and they know it. On any given day any one of them could
be given orders to go anywhere. It isn’t the only way to demonstrate patriotism
or serve your country, but it is one way. I haven’t been in the military, though
many of my relatives have, and it is something I respect.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He is pragmatic. This isn’t a popular word right now, so
this isn’t a quality a lot of people would look for, but it is one I value. You
work for things you can get done, and play a strategic, sometimes long game, on
others, keeping an eye open for opportunities. But day to day you look for
things you can get done. When I heard him speak he mentioned about raising the wage
cap on Social Security deductions. For those who don’t know, there is a dollar wage
limit on how much of your salary is taxed for Social Security. Raising that limit
would help solve any long-term issues with Social Security funding. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think he brought this up but I’m
mentioning it here – paying people with stock options means Social Security
taxes aren’t deducted, because that isn’t a wage. (see this site for an
explanation of this <a href="https://www.thebalance.com/taxation-of-employee-stock-options-2388965">https://www.thebalance.com/taxation-of-employee-stock-options-2388965</a>)<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He has experience in federal government; I think that tends
to help. It isn’t a necessity and I have definitely supported candidates who
didn’t have this experience, but, for me, it is usually a plus. He's currently serving in the US House, in a district that often votes Republican. Being able to pull in R votes is another plus. Some people split their votes; let's give them a reason to do that.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some of the things he discussed are adding vision,
dental, and hearing aid coverage in Medicare (blogger’s note, for a list of
things Medicare doesn’t cover see this site, note that insulin, other than an
insulin pump, is listed: <a href="https://www.medicare.gov/coverage?coverage_search=dental">https://www.medicare.gov/coverage?coverage_search=dental</a>).
I think these things are priorities as well. You focus on the issues that can
bring the largest number of people together to get something passed. I admire
passion and ideological purity but you can only pass what you can get the votes
for.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He supports things that are important to me – voting rights
and women’s bodily autonomy.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This last thought is most decidedly an old-fashioned one
these days. He practices civil discourse. He doesn’t seem to engage in name
calling or smack downs. I imagine things get livelier in a general election,
but when he was asked about his primary opponents, he pointed out differences
in a straightforward but polite manner.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So, there you have it. That’s why I voted for Conor Lamb.
[Full disclosure I also donated a small amount to his campaign.] You may decide differently. I can easily support any of the candidates in the general election.<o:p></o:p></p>AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-4249419163598529392021-09-15T22:59:00.000-04:002021-09-15T22:59:18.967-04:00Leave My Voter Info Alone<p> So the PA Senate GOP wants to subpeona the driver's license number and last four digits of the social security number of all PA registered voters. They also want to know what method each person used to vote (in person, by mail, provisional ballot, etc). If they simpled wanted the list of voters, addresses, etc., they could easily get it. The point of this is to get the more personal information, voting method, and for more than one election (May, November, and so on).</p><p>I am peeved about this for a few reasons. One, drivers license and last for SSN numbers are used for various security reasons. My bank will ask for last for SSN digits sometimes, as do some medical providers or insurance companies. That's private information. I don't want it floating around, especially since the PA Senate GOP hasn't said who they plan to hire to do their "forensic audit." They won't say they intend to hire anyone with experience doing election audits. I don't think they are making any guarantees of confidentiality of information.</p><p>Another is that I have always voted in person. It is a matter of civic pride to me, and I enjoy seeing my neighbors and talking with the poll workers. I just enjoy it. Then a few years ago I developed an usual health condition. How unusual? It's on the NIH's list of rare diseases. It's that rare. If caught early, as it was in my case, it is very manageable. It's hard to catch early, though, because the primary symptoms are things like feeling tired and achy. Ummm, yeah. Everyone over 55 who is frequently tired and achy raise your hand. [raises hand]. What does this have to do with voting? In and of itself not much.</p><p>But then the pandemic came along. The primary form of treatment for the rare disease I contracted involves at least temporary immune suppression. So, no going to the polls (or much of anywhere else) for me, at least for a bit. I signed up for vote by mail and that's what I did in 2020 and in May of 2021. I'm undecided about this November. I've had the third shot but it is hard to social distance at my polling place because it is usually busy and the hallways are narrow.</p><p>I was allowed by law to vote by mail and so I did. It's nobody's business that I did, or even why. I missed voting in person, but I was not prepared to die to do it, especially when there was a safer, legal alternative. I took my ballot to secure drop off places which had staff or a guard at a drop box.</p><p>Voting is serious business and I take it seriously. I also take it seriously when someone tries to mess with my ballot or my personal election information.</p><p>Back off, people, just back way off.</p>AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-30106784919670866222020-07-07T00:45:00.002-04:002020-07-07T00:45:49.841-04:00Shapiro and Buttigieg Video EventThis evening <a href="https://www.wintheera.com/">Pete Buttigieg</a> and Pennsylvania Attorney General <a href="http://www.joshshapiro.org/">Josh Shapiro</a>, currently running for re-election, held an online "conversation" (this is how it was billed). The first half hour was set aside for those contributing at a higher level. The grassroots event followed and lasted a little over half an hour, attended by nearly 150 people.<br />
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Shapiro talked about his first experience as a candidate, running for state representative. These are stories I have heard before but they are good stories. A Labor Day poll had him down 65 to 21 but he went out and knocked on 18,000 doors and listened to what people had to say. He won the election that November.<br />
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He mentioned issues he has taken on in the first three years of his term, including education, health insurance, child abuse, fracking companies, gun violence, pharmaceutical companies and the opioid epidemic. He and other AGs had taken cases to the Supreme Court, including those pertaining to dreamers, contraception, and LGBTQ rights.<br />
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There were some good sound bites in his remarks. In answering a question on anti-semitism he said "Leaders must speak and act with moral clarity." Someone asked about his top three issues. He mentioned serving as the people's lawyer. As an example he talked about people who had signed with companies to drill on their land (fracking) in return for royalties which were not paid, or not paid in full. He said "You know who their lawyer is? I am." That's a good line. Near the end of the event he said "If it won't solve a problem, but will just make noise, I'm not interested in doing it." <br />
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If you are wondering what happened to Mayor Pete -- he was there! He did talk! He gave a good introduction to Shapiro and talked about the importance of the race. This was the first time I had seen Buttigieg outside of the Democratic presidential candidate debates earlier this year. He is very personable. To be honest, I didn't pay a lot of attention to what he said, just studied him (adorkable is the word that came to mind), tried to figure out if he hadn't had a haircut in awhile or if he had trimmed it himself, and looked at the large bookshelves behind him. I caught <i>Ulysses</i>, the <i>Iliad</i>, <i>Medieval Lives</i> (not sure of this), and something with the word <i>Loyalty</i> in the title.<br />
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Buttigieg has been doing a lot of online events in Pennsylvania lately. His Midwestern appeal will play well in much of Pennsylvania. I think we will be seeing a lot of him in the future, not just Pennsylvania but the country as a whole.<br />
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[This post was written while listening to a Johnny Flynn mix on YouTube.]AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-84430130911931138732018-08-16T22:30:00.001-04:002018-08-16T22:30:25.217-04:00Spotted LanternflyThe Pennsylvania Agriculture Dept. is asking people within the commonwealth to watch for spotted lanternflies and report sightings. This invasive insect is damaging trees. Here are two websites for more information and pictures to help with identification.<br />
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<a href="https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/PlantIndustry/Entomology/spotted_lanternfly/SpottedLanternflyAlert/Pages/default.aspx">PA Dept of Agriculture</a><br />
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<a href="https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly">Penn State Extension </a>AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-8681626179167696892018-08-13T22:58:00.001-04:002018-08-13T22:58:50.742-04:00New Names on the Ballot<i>The PA Democratic Party sent this out today:</i><br />
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PENNSYLVANIA</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> -- The Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, after receiving a recommendation from the relevant county democratic committees, voted this week to nominate candidates to fill vacancies on the ballot following the May Primary. </span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The new Democratic candidates are:</span></span></div>
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<li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HD-82 (Franklin, Juniata, and Mifflin counties): Robert Cunningham</span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HD-153 (Montgomery County): Ben Sanchez </span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HD-175 (Philadelphia County): Mary Isaccson</span></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HD-187 (Berks and Lehigh counties): Michael Blichar Jr.</span></span></li>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Patton Mills </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">issued the following statement: </span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“For too long, Republicans in Harrisburg have been pushing policies that hurt Pennsylvanians. That’s why we need more Democrats in Harrisburg who will fight for the values we hold dear. Robert, Ben, Mary, and Michael will stand up for access to health care, workers rights, and well-funded education for all Pennsylvanians. These candidates will be the champions the people of Pennsylvania deserve.”</span><br class="yiv6015291389kix-line-break" /><br class="yiv6015291389kix-line-break" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Executive Director of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee, Nathan Davidson</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, released the following statement:</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Democrats are running in 180 out of the 203 districts in the State House in 2018, the highest number in a generation. We are thrilled to see these four candidates join our class this year because not only do they showcase the diversity of our state, but because they are running to represent the people of Pennsylvania not the special interests who call the shots in Harrisburg.”</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Biographies:</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HD-82 (Franklin, Juniata, and Mifflin counties): Robert Cunningham</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Robert Cunningham was born and raised in Mifflin County. He’s a graduate of Indian Valley High School, Cabrini University, and the Imperial College in London. He has worked for the YMCA in several areas of Pennsylvania in various capacities, including running a portion of its Annual Giving Campaign. He is a passionate, driven leader, who is running to help Pennsylvania families achieve their very best. </span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HD-153 (Montgomery County): Ben Sanchez </span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ben Sanchez is a lifelong resident of the 153rd Legislative District. He is a graduate of Abington Senior High School, Villanova University and Temple Law. He’s an experienced attorney, a certified public accountant, and an adjunct professor of law at Drexel University. He is also a board member of Jefferson Health and the Inter-Faith Housing Alliance of Montgomery County. He is a proud husband and father to two young daughters.</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HD-175 (Philadelphia County): Mary Isaccson</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mary Isaacson will be a fighter to fairly fund Philadelphia’s schools, protect the environment, and reform the redistricting process. She will be a vocal advocate for the LGBT community and a fighter for women’s rights, equal pay, and a safe work environment. Mary was Chief of Staff to Representative Mike O’Brien for twelve years and a member of Democratic State Committee for eight years. Mary and her husband, Chris, live in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, have been married for 18 years, and have two children.</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HD-187 (Berks and Lehigh counties): Michael Blichar Jr.</span></span></div>
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<span id="yiv6015291389docs-internal-guid-3af1d8c8-7fff-1d96-b4f5-8cdbe78c0fd9"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Michael Blichar Jr. is running to help make an effective government that works and to put its focus back on the people of the 187th House District. He is an advocate for LGBT rights as a member of the community, civil rights, voter rights, and education. He serves on the Kutztown Borough Planning Commission, the Berks County Democratic Party, and is a leader with the It’s On Us Campaign. Michael was born in Lehigh County, is a graduate from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, and is a current resident of Kutztown. </span></span></div>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" />AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-58214127116596491042018-07-29T23:12:00.000-04:002018-07-29T23:12:07.413-04:00Katie Muth on "Two Broads Talking Politics" podcastI just discovered a new podcast, Two Broads Talking Politics. They have been interviewing some PA candidates in the last few months. One of them was <a href="https://www.katiemuthforpasenate44.com/">Katie Muth</a>, who appeared on the June 25th, 2018 episode (episode 87). <a href="http://danielle4pa.com/">Danielle Friel Otten</a> was the other guest. Each interview took about 20 minutes. To post these notes in a more timely fashion I am doing one at a time. Katie Muth was the first guest so this post is the notes from that segment.<br />
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As always, this is not intended to be a verbatim transcript. These are just notes, and any errors are my own and should not, in any way, be attributed to the candidate. I encourage everyone to listen to the podcast for themselves.<br />
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<a href="https://twobroadstalkingpolitics.com/blog/">Two Broads Talking Politics Podcast</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://twobroadstalkingpolitics.com/blog/2018/6/25/episode-87">Episode 87: Katie Muth and Danielle Friel Otten</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Hi, I’m Gary from Youngstown, Ohio and you are listening to
Two Broads Talking Politics, two Midwestern moms talking about politics and
activism with expert guests.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Hi everyone this is Kelly and today I’m here with <a href="https://www.katiemuthforpasenate44.com/">Katie Muth</a>
who is running for PA state senate in district 44.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you tell us who you are and why you decided
to run?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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I grew up in Western PA, outside the suburbs of Pittsburgh.
My mom’s family was from there. My dad’s family is from Latrobe nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew up with humble means but I had great
parents so we didn’t know any better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unfortunately, I lost my mom when I was 11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had a brain aneurysm so my brother and I
were raised by a single dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the
reasons I wanted to run is that most of the public resources that allowed my
dad to raise us on a single income, like social security benefits, public
schools, public libraries. We couldn’t afford cable tv so the public library
was where we went for a reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used
planned parenthood. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My grandmom used Meals
on Wheels and many of these public programs that help people get by or get to the
next level are on the shopping block at the federal or state level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went to Penn State on student loans and Pell
grants, as did my brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penn State is
a great school and my dad couldn’t afford it on a single income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a degree in athletic training and
sports medicine, as did my husband and that opened my eyes to gender barriers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard for a woman to get a job get a job
with a high profile team or a job with health benefits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband works in the same field and makes
twice what I do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the first female
athletic training student to get an internship with the NFL and it wasn’t that
long ago; this helped me realize the inequity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Higher level sports operative like government, on power and money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked on the Hilary Clinton campaign as a Fellow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the election I waited anxiously to see
what would happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It came to this
moment that you can’t wait for someone to save you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I started an Indivisible group, which is doing a great job and still
meets monthly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stepped up to run after
meeting Art Haywood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Met some great
folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realized you don’t have to be a
lawyer; I have a masters degree in sports training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My experience with health care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kids I knew in public schools, couldn’t
afford to get knee replacements or even tennis shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why things are the way they are -- we
have a government that it is a pay to play system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To know that you come in to this, you come in
to this as hard working middle class candidates, without a lot of money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pay to play.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Your opponent is the incumbent first elected in 2002 and has
been in office a long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looks
like in recent cycles he’s won by large margins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In primary you were running unopposed but you
had nearly the same number of votes as the incumbent.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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It is interesting, I had 123 fewer total votes than the
incumbent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The district is the most
gerrymandered senate district in the state. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have parts of three counties. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Berks Count I only had three
municipalities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only knocked on doors
there one weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the primary we
looked at the votes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everywhere we
knocked on doors we had higher vote totals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We pulled this together knowing we were coming after incumbents, that
had been elected mostly in tea party years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 2010 and 2014 the Dem vote totals don’t look so hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 2017 the district woke up and Democrats
were elected in local seats, some of which had never elected Democrats before, row
offices, my town of Royersford elected its first female mayor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My Indivisible group had a lot of these
candidates in our group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got out and
knocked on doors and really got out the vote and now the district looks purple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We called out a lot of these incumbents that
just sit back and collect a paycheck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hope I am voted out if I don’t have anything to show for being in office; if
you’ve been in office that long you should make a real impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we’re on our 4<sup>th</sup> weekend of persuasion
campaigning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People want this new energy
and view government as ineffective. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
a movement not a one cycle thing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
proud of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course it is going to
be hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m 34 and short and small and
people look at you and say “that’s so sweet, you’re running for office.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took a long time for everyone to take you
seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been doing this for a
year, but people know who you are and it’s a people powered campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m proud of all the people working to help
get me and others elected.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Looks like you have a large number of strong
endorsements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What kinds of endorsements
and what that means</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve been really lucky to earn this support, very grateful
to have these endorsements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Named a
champion by Bold Progressives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>II went
to candidate training last year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Got a
lot of advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they named me a
champion and went back this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Reinforced what I thought, run a people-powered campaign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Endorsed by Planned Parenthood’s PAC, Run for
Something, Equality PA [blogger’s note – this is not the entire list].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sister
District projects, groups in Calif and Hawaii have written postcards, made
phone calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazing, people bring
handwritten post cards to the polls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Endorsed by PA NOW, and RepresentPAC, which contributes to women
candidates, and I’m humbled that that support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a newbie people think you don’t have what it takes but they see these
endorsements and get respect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially
Planned parenthood as I’ve relied on their resources.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My opponent has some labor support; the GOP
has the majority in the House and Senate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Labor unions are held hostage to avoid retaliation when a Democrat runs
against a Republican incumbent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of
only two candidates not endorsed by state AFL-CIO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t look at it as a setback but a
different path to victory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>PA used to be a blue state until 2016 but has had rep
majority in state house and senate for awhile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You mentioned gerrymandered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What’s going in PA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recent case
on congressional seats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s going on
in with state level?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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Did have some success in congressional lines, thanks to a Democratic
state supreme court.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People think it is
fixed but not on state level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are
very gerrymandered, not a fair process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Majority party has control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Census
in 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many legislation pieces have
come through this session, SB 22 was a bipartisan effort with the help of the Fair
District group, worked on this bill for over a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so 72 hours before the bill was to be
voted on the majority party hijacked the bill and gutted it, so it now had no
independent commission to draw district boundaries but now had lines for geographic
boundaries for electing statewide judges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a retaliation for the state supreme court ruling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saw great bill go to garbage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to say we’re in a good place but
one thing I’ve learned is that when you’re dealing with people who don’t care
about doing the right thing you can’t negotiate with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If people are willing to rig the system so
they always win it’s very difficult to have any collaborate effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel bad for all the people who worked on
this for a very long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their voices
weren’t heard nor were the rest of Pennsylvanians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a blatant example of what we are dealing
with in Harrisburg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s
unacceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>November has to be a
success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are being represented by
people who don’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s dangerous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Anything else we should now?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m one of many amazing candidates this cycle running people
powered campaigns, trying to get the money out of politics, get rid of pay to
play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that we’re making a
statement here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We stepped up to run
knowing there would be intense scrutiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re here to make change happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If everyone puts in their time and talents and treasure we can win.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone that listed can hopefully persuade
one more person to get involved or give a dollar or vote. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s such a different slate of candidates. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we keep working hard we can make this
happen. We have small donations from 48 states, none from N or S
Dakota.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-66373027730506957032018-07-23T21:17:00.001-04:002018-07-23T21:17:36.394-04:00Jared Solomon's Office Gets NYT MentionThe New York Times included a photo of a volunteer in Jared Solomon's office and his chief of staff. See "<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/20/nyregion/philadelphia-new-york-migration-immigrants.html">Leaving New York to Find the American Dream in Philadelphia</a>," by Matt Katz (7/20/2018). The article focuses on immigrants.AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-39186946103046670132018-07-22T22:31:00.000-04:002018-07-22T22:33:14.601-04:00Katie Muth for State Senate<br />
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<a href="https://www.katiemuthforpasenate44.com/">Katie Muth</a> is the Democratic candidate in the 44<sup>th</sup>
State Senate District. The district includes parts of Montgomery and Berks Counties. There is a <a href="https://www.katiemuthforpasenate44.com/district-44-map">map </a>of it on her website. Like many first
time candidates in 2018 she decided to become involved after the 2016 presidential
election. ‘We elected a sexual predator
to our presidency and that was really hard for me as a victim of rape,’ she
said. ‘It really infuriated me that we were willing to overlook this. That was the final straw for me.” (Shuey). She was involved in starting the Indivisible
Mid-Montco group and is the current chair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Muth works as an athletic trainer at a local university and
is also a part-time instructor in anatomy and kinesiology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> She graduated from Penn State and then went out of state for a graduate degree in her field. Her training included</span> an internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She and her husband live in Royersford.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After running unopposed in the Democratic
primary she will face Republican incumbent John Rafferty in November.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">According to her website her priorities are:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>property tax relief, quality and affordable
healthcare for all, rejuvenating our public school system, balanced government,
security, and progress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bibliography</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Burns, Alexander and Alan Blinder. “Long dominant in statehouse, Republicans
brace for energized Dems,” The State (Columbia, SC) 4 February 2018<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Devlin,
Eric. “Montgomery County Commissioner
Joe Gale spars with Planned Parenthood advocaes. Delaware County Daily Times 7 Sept 2017</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Shuey,
Karen. “Berks voters have a chance to
put more women in state, congressional seats.”
Reading Eagle 28 May 2018</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tumulty,
Karen. “Women running for office have to
run uphill.” Patriot-News (Harrisburg)
22 May 2018</span></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<i>Personal note for anyone researching this candidate, there
are a number of Katie Muths in the area and it takes some effort to
disambiguate them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One is in a similar
line of work, so it can be very confusing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It would be easy to quickly google the name and cut and paste statements
found online but accuracy requires more attention to detail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While this is a short post it took several
hours to compile.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-83530423950811624302018-07-21T23:32:00.000-04:002018-07-21T23:32:23.414-04:00Me and Paul Begala<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've noted in a few recent book reviews that they are aimed at a different audience, that there has been a generational shift in how political memoirs are written. Well, turns out, it isn't just me. Paul Begala reviewed Beck Dory-Stein's new book in the New York Times last week (<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/10/books/review/from-the-corner-of-the-oval-beck-dorey-stein-white-house-memoir.html">"A White House Memoir That's Equal Parts C-Span and 'Sex and the City',"</a> July 10, 2018). Here's a quote:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nowhere in George F. Kennan’s “Memoirs” does he recount how many times he drunkenly shagged someone named Jennifer. But that was then, this is now. Apparently T.M.I. now stands for Totes More Intimacy.</span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">and another later on:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As a middle-aged man who’s still married to the woman he met when he was 19, I am likely not the target audience for this book. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While I find this reassuring, since it leaves me comforted to be in such well-known company, it does add to a sense of thinking the world has passed me by.</span></span>AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-91516617874410835562018-07-16T22:51:00.000-04:002018-07-16T22:51:02.102-04:00A Question for TownhallsSo, here's a question to ask elected officials (at all levels) or candidates at public forums:<br />
<br />
If the American intelligence community and the leader of Russia disagree on something, who will you believe and support?<br />
<br />
That's a pretty basic question, and one with an expected, basic answer. Today the President of the United States got it wrong. Attentive voters should ask all candidates that question from now on. It's important to know the answer.AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-54721002111698423432018-07-15T22:58:00.000-04:002018-07-15T23:12:41.486-04:00Beach Reads IV: Archimedes Principle<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Archimedes-Principle-Jack-English-ebook/dp/B06XMXX4GH/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1531709671&sr=1-1&keywords=jack+english+archimedes+principle">Archimedes Principle</a> by Jack English<o:p></o:p></div>
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Not many writers can create an engrossing thriller out of a
story about an insurance company but Mr. English manages to do it well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He throws in some science and law as well,
just for fun, and a lot of auditing, which is much more suspenseful than you
might think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Legal) pharmaceuticals
also play a role.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main action takes
place in South Jersey and Philadelphia, and a further excursion out west to a
mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is also a cross-country road
trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, there is local interest and
some semi-exotic locales for color.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The characters are realistic enough to be believable and
fanciful enough to pull off the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The interactions among them keep the plot moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The villains are villain-y enough but not too
villain-y, just the right amount of villainy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mr. English also strikes the right tone with his female characters –
they are complex, realistic people without wearing an obvious “I’m a strong female
character!” sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would enjoy sitting
down and talking with them and they are multi-dimensional enough to have a real
conversation with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main character is
saddled with the name Buckley Mills Forrester but still manages to keep the
book on track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While none of the
characters is a detective by occupation it is something of a mystery story,<o:p></o:p></div>
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I like the action scenes too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike a lot of thrillers this one doesn’t
have a lot of unnecessary violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
you read a story like this in the newspaper you would think it was fascinating,
but still believable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book likewise
keeps the reader’s attention and things like accounting and auditing rules,
usually relegating to comic relief and parody, move the plot along.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this book but I did, and may
read some of Mr. English’s other works as well. This book, like most of his others, is only available as a Kindle title, not as a physical book, but reading it on my phone on the train was easy to do.</div>
AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-1161339240695772182018-07-15T22:53:00.000-04:002018-07-15T22:53:16.855-04:00Beach Reads III: West Winging It<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/West-Winging-presidential-Pat-Cunnane-ebook/dp/B077S998DL/ref=la_B07DHG58KD_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1531709491&sr=1-1">WestWinging It: An Un-Presidential Memoir</a>, by Pat Cunnane<o:p></o:p></div>
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Like Alyssa Mastromonaco’s book, this is a White House
memoir from a young staffer in the Obama administration and is clearly intended
for a young audience. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cunnane worked in
the Obama press office from 2010 to 2016.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He writes about his experiences there, for example, his role in having
Obama on an episode of Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have seen that video reading the
planning that went into it, and the behind the scenes comments are really
interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His stories about learning
the ropes in the various offices he worked in, and how communications staff
interacted with the press are equally interesting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cunnane was also a writer on the television
show “Designated Survivor,” which I watched regularly.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is not so much a policy memoir as a look inside the
often frantic, always in motion world inside the White House, and a good view
of the current (or recent past) interplay between the press office and the
press.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The balancing act of staying on
good terms with the press and maintaining boundaries is tricky, indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His descriptions of the physical layout of
the office were also very illuminating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bo Obama (the former president’s photogenic dog) makes a cameo and
office design plays an important role in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of the names of Cunnane’s colleagues are recognizable, others not
so much (especially the ones whose last names are not provided).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We often see the big moments of a presidency on
tv but seldom have a chance to see how those moments came together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are always many people in offices or
open floor seating who put heart and soul into making those big moments
happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is refreshing to read about
that aspect of politics and public service.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a few jarring notes, which are perhaps a result of
generational changes in humor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On page
185 he writes about Obama relaxing on overnight flights on Air Force One,
wearing “Athletic zip-up sweatshirt (okay), unusually tight sweatpants (not
okay), and, of course, sandals with white socks (really not okay).”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With all of Pete Souza’s photos of Obama I’m
not sure we need that word picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do
not know if a comment on p. 119 is youthful humor or a reference to a MeToo
moment; he writes about the difference between flying with the press on Air
Force One and flying with the overflow press on a charter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“My biggest worry on those [charter] flights
was the hands-y middle-aged stewardesses who were a tad too attentive.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea that a young staffer cannot fly on a
press plane from one event to another without being molested is distressing
indeed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At some point in the future someone could read all of the
Obama staffer books and put together, like a jigsaw puzzle, a rough image of
how all the people and offices intersected and get several different views of
the same event or strategy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone
wishing to do that should hang on to a copy of this book as I’m sure it will be
a linchpin in any such effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cunnane is from a political family and his mother currently
holds elective office in Pennsylvania.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He discusses his family interest in politics and it is clear he grew up
in a very loving and supportive household.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is an interesting book for anyone in politics but especially for
those interested in political communications.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-13599735621964168122018-07-12T22:30:00.002-04:002018-08-07T20:31:34.559-04:00Beach Reads II: Why They Stay<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Why-They-Stay-Scandals-Political-ebook/dp/B07885PB35/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1531448890&sr=1-1&keywords=why+they+stay+michaud">WhyThey Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, andHidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives</a>, by Anne Michaud. (Ogunquit-NY Press, 2017)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you plan on watching <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Very_English_Scandal_(TV_series)">A Very English Scandal</a> this summer
and are wondering who Jeremy Thorpe is and why you should care, a chapter in
this book will provide an outline of the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is one of the nine scandals outlined in this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m about halfway through and, having read a
fair amount about some of the cases in this book, the ones I am familiar with
are represented well, even if briefly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Entire books have been written about some, if not all, of the examples
presented, but looking at them in a group allows for some comparison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has devised a White Queen scale and
compares each spouse in the book by a rating based on the scale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think this will confuse some readers, especially
if they have no idea who <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Woodville">Elizabeth Woodville </a>was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the other hand, if, like me, you know very
well who Elizabeth Woodville was, it is equally perplexing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The widow Grey (nee Woodville) managed to do
quite well by her family after her marriage (I had Richard III’s picture in my
locker in high school and have never been a particularly big fan of Liz, or,
for that matter, her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those
Woodvilles, ugh.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to Michaud’s book, it is an excellent introduction to a
number of political sex scandals and the spouses that stayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While most of the couples are American there
are chapters that take place in other countries, such as the UK and Israel.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-82818046898473414562018-07-12T22:25:00.001-04:002018-07-12T22:33:11.971-04:00Beach Reads I: The Blackbird Sisters<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_2_24?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=nancy+martin+blackbird+sisters+series&sprefix=blackbird+sisters+series%2Caps%2C204&crid=D9K2USC7X0HN">The Blackbird Sisters</a> (series), by <a href="http://www.nancymartinmysteries.com/">Nancy Martin</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This mystery series features three sisters from the Main
Line with colonial ancestors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The family
wealth has been frittered away and they have all taken different paths toward
adjusting to working (or not) for a living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One has inherited the family farm in Bucks County and writes the society
column for a local newspaper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of
which is to say that there is a lot of local flavor in these books, as well as
murder, fashion, siblings, and assorted other goings on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author, Nancy Martin, lives in Pittsburgh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t read all the books in this series
yet but what I have read is well-done and interesting <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-550516638219908042018-06-06T23:39:00.000-04:002018-06-06T23:39:46.063-04:00Community Theatre WeekWho knew?! It's Community Theatre Week in Pennsylvania this week. <a href="http://www.pahouse.com/Warren/">State Rep. Perry Warren</a> (D-31, Bucks) was the lead sponsor of a resolution (<a href="http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2017&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=916">HR 916</a>) to recognize June 3-9, 2018 as Community Theatre Week. Today Warren introduced and reconized representatives from the Newtown Arts Company and ActorsNET in Morrisville.<br />
<br />
Two quotes that accompanies the press release:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />“Community theatre organizations bring the arts to life for audiences of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds,” said Warren, D-Bucks. “The passionate individuals who make up these organizations introduce us to new worlds and help us understand the human experience.”<br /> </span></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />“We appreciate the efforts of everyone, from the actors on stage to the behind-the-scenes crew, who put together community programs that educate and enrich our lives. I’m pleased to be able to shine a spotlight on their work,” Warren said.</span></blockquote>
<div class="yiv7695253410MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
There were several other Philly area representatives among the bipartisan group of co-sponsors, among them: Murt, Daley, DiGirolomo, and Raab.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="yiv7695253410MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;">
I agree with the House on this -- community theatre groups are an important part of our social fabric. A vital artistic ecosystem has a lot of levels. I went to see "Three Tall Woman" in New York last weekend, but I also go to see plays at <a href="https://www.peopleslight.org/">People's Light</a>, the <a href="http://www.ardentheatre.org/">Arden</a>, local productions, and high school performances. It is a wonderful way to support the efforts of our friends and neighbors to tell our cultural stories.</div>
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<br /></div>
AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-14744841454173847592018-06-04T23:10:00.000-04:002018-06-04T23:10:34.902-04:00Philly's First Real Estate Weekfrom the inbox:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">Philadelphia based company, Better Than Success, kicks-off Philly Real Estate Week (PREW), a citywide, week-long celebration honoring real estate planning, development, investing and wealth building throughout the City of Philadelphia. Beginning Monday, June 4<sup>th</sup>, the week will be filled with dozens of educational, entertaining, celebratory and networking events, seminars, panel discussions, boot camps, real estate tours, and more.</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">For more information on PREW, please visit </span><a href="http://www.phillyrealestateweek.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #954f72;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">www.PhillyRealEstateWeek.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> or follow us on Instagram @PhillyRealEstateWeek</span></blockquote>
<div class="yiv8865208768MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></b></div>
<h1 style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">WHEN: </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; font-weight: normal;">Monday,</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; font-weight: normal;">June 4 – Friday, June 8</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></h1>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">WHERE</span></b><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">: </span><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Monday- Urban Planning</span></u></b><b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Day</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">11:30AM - 1PM (International House, 3717 Chestnut St, Philadelphia)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Plan for Philadelphia Presented by the Philadelphia Planning Committee</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">5:30PM - 8PM (Golf and Social, 1080 N. Delaware Ave, Philadelphia) </span></div>
<div class="yiv8865208768MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Opening Celebration (The Geography of Beer)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Tuesday- Home Ownership Day</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">12PM - 2PM (Chamber of Commerce in the Bellevue, 200 S Broad Street #700)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">5 Steps to Buying Your Dream Home in Philly (Panel Discussion)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">7PM - 9PM (IBX Live, 1919 Market Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Homebuyer Informational Bazaar</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Wednesday- Beginners Residential & Commercial Investing Day</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">12PM - 2PM (City Hall, Conversation Hall)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Women in Real Estate Panel & Speed Dating Networking Event</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">6:00PM - 8:00PM (Better Than Success Studios, 2930 Jasper St #103, Philadelphia)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Real Estate Mastermind Feat. Ken Weinstein</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Thursday- Advanced Residential & Commercial Investing Day</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">12PM - 2PM (City Hall, Mayor’s Reception)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Legalities of Real Estate: Learn to use the law to help build your real estate portfolio</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">6PM - 9PM (Independence Seaport Museum, 211 South Christopher Columbus)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Philly Wealth Builders Summit (Networking & Happy Hour)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Friday- Real Estate Sales Strategy Day</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">9AM - 4PM (International House, 3717 Chestnut St, Philadelphia)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">2nd Annual Wholesalers & Realtors Bootcamp</span></div>
AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-40892305858011521982018-02-20T23:30:00.000-05:002018-02-20T23:30:25.736-05:00New PA-04 District Draws Good Candidates (Goodman and Daley)The ink is barely dry on the new PA Congressional district map and the newly drawn PA-04, most of Montgomery County and a small piece of Berks County, is drawing good Democratic candidates. Unless Congressman Brendan Boyle (representing the current 13th district, part of Philadelphia and part of Montco) decides to run in the 4th, this new district wouldn't have an incumbent. <br />
<br />
Two people have announced their candidacies:<br />
<br />
Shira Goodman (<a href="http://www.voteshiragoodman.com/">www.voteshiragoodman.com</a>), currently the executive director of CeaseFirePA. Here is a short bio from her press release:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Shira Goodman is a life-long resident of Montgomery County, growing up in Abington and graduating from Abington High School. After attending college at the University of Michigan and law school at Yale, Shira returned to Montgomery County and is now raising her sons with her husband Alan Woronoff. Their eldest, Jason, is a senior at Upper Dublin High School and Brandon is a freshman. Alan is a radiologist working at Abington Hospital, Jefferson Health System. The Goodman family have been longtime members of Congregation Adath Jeshurun in Elkins Park, and Shira's family is now also actively involved with Temple Sinai in Dresher. Shira is currently the Executive Director of CeaseFirePA, Pennsylvania's largest gun violence prevention organization.</span> </blockquote>
<br />
Mary Jo Daley, currently serving as a PA State Representative. Her state rep campaign site is <a href="http://www.maryjodaley.com/">www.maryjodaley.com</a>. Here is a short bio from her press release:<br />
<span class="yiv5930755864" style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Helvetica-Bold; font-size: 9pt;"><b class="yiv5930755864"><br /></b></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="yiv5930755864" style="background-color: white; color: #313131; font-family: Helvetica-Bold;"><span class="yiv5930755864">Rep. Mary Jo Daley was first elected to represent Montgomery County’s 148th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2012. She was first elected to the </span></span><span class="yiv5930755864" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span class="yiv5930755864">Narberth Borough Council in 1992 where she went on to serve 10 years as council president. She lives with her husband Bob Winkelman in Narberth and her daughter, stepdaughter and grandchildren live across southeastern Pennsylvania.</span></span></blockquote>
It is likely that other Democrats will also file as candidates, and since the county has also been represented by Republicans, perhaps there will be a real race, with good candidates on both sides. <br />
<br />
Let the games begin!<br />
<br />AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-39588161317301672792018-02-19T22:34:00.002-05:002018-02-19T22:34:31.073-05:00J R Rowan in 184th State House Race<div class="tr_bq">
from the inbox:</div>
<br />
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
South Philly native Jonathan “JR” Rowan today announced his candidacy for the 184<sup>th</sup> state house district following the retirement of Representative Bill Keller.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
“Representative Keller has been a reliable advocate for South Philadelphia neighborhoods for 25 years,” said Rowan. “Our communities would not have grown and thrived without his leadership in Harrisburg and I thank Representative Keller for his public service.”</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
JR is a lifelong resident of South Philadelphia and has served our community for 20 years in the district offices of two state senators. He has also been involved locally as a coach at EOM Athletic Association, youth sports organizer, board member of Victims Witness Services of South Philadelphia, honorary board member of the South Philadelphia Civic Association, and Democratic Executive Committee Representative.</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
“South Philly needs a fighter with deep ties to the community to fill this seat and hit the ground running,” Rowan continued. “I understand our neighborhoods, and I have decades of experience working to deliver services for South Philly students, working families, and seniors.”</blockquote>
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Rowan will have more details on his campaign and platform in the coming weeks, along with a more formal press event to discuss his candidacy.</blockquote>
AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-68513140855155771812018-02-19T22:31:00.002-05:002018-02-19T22:31:56.981-05:00Leon Angelichio Runs in 53 State House Racefrom the inbox:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 24.0pt; tab-stops: 205.8pt;">
Leon Angelichio, Democratic
candidate for Pennsylvania State Representative in the 53rd Legislative District,
is inspired by the energy and support he is already seeing among his family,
friends, and supporters. “People are fired up this year – I’ve never seen
anything like it. We already have more volunteers than we had 2 years ago, and
we have several upcoming fundraisers and meet-and-greets. I look forward to
meeting many new people in the district!”<br /> <o:p> </o:p></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 24.0pt; tab-stops: 205.8pt;">
<o:p></o:p>Angelichio is
running on a platform that includes responsible, sustainable budgeting, as well
as supporting education as the foundation of our future workforce, allowing
women to make their own health care choices, and protecting the environment.
“Did you know that only half of our fishing streams are actually fishable?
That’s shameful, and it’s one of the many things I want to address in
Harrisburg.”<br /><o:p> </o:p></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 24.0pt; tab-stops: 205.8pt;">
Leon is proud to be
a blue-collar candidate. “I’m one of the guys who take showers after work, not
before work. I believe people are looking for someone who understands what it’s
like to work hard, get your hands dirty, and make an honest living.” He has
been an HVAC Licensed Master Technician for 24 years and an owner of Angie
Mechanical for 8 years.<br /> <br /> </blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 24.0pt; tab-stops: 205.8pt;">
Angelichio is
currently serving his second term on Lansdale Borough Council and is a member
of the Administration & Finance Committee and the Public Works Committee. He
is active in the Democratic Party, and is married with 2 children.<br /> <o:p> </o:p></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 24.0pt; tab-stops: 205.8pt;">
Refer to the campaign
website at <a href="http://www.voteleon.com/">www.VoteLeon.com</a> for
additional information. The 53rd Legislative District includes Lansdale
Borough, Hatfield Township and Borough, Franconia Township, Souderton Borough,
Telford Borough (Montgomery County portion only), and Salford Township.</blockquote>
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<br />AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-45804933923443534562018-02-11T23:13:00.000-05:002018-02-11T23:13:48.609-05:00Book Review: Mayor, by Michael Nutter<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Book Review:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i>Mayor:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Best Job in Politics</i>,
by Michael A. Nutter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Philadelphia,
PA:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>University of Pennsylvania Press,
2018)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a really nice book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s easy to read and interesting enough to keep the reader’s
attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nutter’s personality, wonky
and sincere, comes through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He dedicates
the book to “the incredible citizens of Philadelphia who cared about me and
gave me a chance to lead our great city, …” and his teachers, his council staff,
and mayoral administration.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like most autobiographies he starts off with his
childhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gives a quick overview of
Philadelphia culture, the middle class city neighborhood he grew up in, and the
importance of which city high school you attend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had intended to be a doctor but changed course
after not doing well in Chemistry 101.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, yes, he discusses his work as a DJ, which actually allowed him to
meet a lot of politically connected people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talks frankly about his growing interest in
politics and his introduction to running for office (and losing) and working
within the system as it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
description of Philadelphia political players and the campaigns he worked on
(John C Anderson), and other political influences (Marian Tasco and Bill Gray)
is interesting and informative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patience
is a virtue when in office and Nutter discusses the issues he was concerned
about as a city councilman, and the years it could take to pass legislation, as
well as the relationships needed to get the requisite votes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nutter can get way out into the weeds in
these sections but it is still interesting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From there he writes about his city council and mayoral
campaigns (with a bow to the commercial with his daughter).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second part of the books is devoted to
his years as mayor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the introduction
he describes being mayor as lonely, but also as a position that allows you to
“accomplish tangible things” (kindle loc 90).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In a discussion of politics he says: “My attitude was that if you do your job, more times than
not, you’ll get reelected. But if you
get to the point where you think your job is keeping your job, rather than
thinking your job is to do your job, then that’s a sad place to be.” (p. 44)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my favorite quotes on campaigning is “When you watch
a campaign, it is a window into the soul of how that candidate will govern.”
(p. 61).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He governed with similar
values.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He writes of having the Chief
Integrity Officer’s office right next to his (p. 78)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The recession overshadowed his term as mayor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He writes often about trying to be as
transparent as possible with the people of Philadelphia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of the things he wanted to do were
sacrificed just to keep the city afloat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, he notes “we were one of the only big cities in American to
have our bond rating upgraded” (p. 105) during difficult fiscal times.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He discusses not only his successes but his failures (the
idea to close libraries, for example) and how proud he was to have been sued by
the NRA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He writes about spending time
with the families of fallen police officers, and his speech chiding parents who
don’t take care of their children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
writes about snowstorms and earthquakes, the Occupy movement, helping people
keep their homes when their neighborhoods gentrified, and the potential sale of
PGW.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So there are lengthy discussions of policy, a little gossip
about John Street, and a great overview of how the city works (or doesn’t).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-63993123750059744512018-02-06T23:43:00.002-05:002018-02-06T23:43:47.541-05:00Eagles MuralOn the train home tonight I was chatting with the woman sitting next to me. She showed me a photo on her phone of a painting with an eagle carrying a football player. The woman wasn't sure if the eagle was carrying a Philadelphia player to victory or carrying off a Patriots player. I pulled up my phone and checked my Jane mail. Low and behold there was an email about the same mural. Turns out the eagle is carrying off Tom Brady. <br />
<br />
The mural was painted by artists at the Meg Seligman studio. It is currently located at the studio, 829 Bainbridge St. The studio is raising funds to create a larger mural. If you want to see what it looks like now and what it could look like check out: <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/eagles-victory-mural-sports-art#/">https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/eagles-victory-mural-sports-art#/</a><br />
<br />
It was nice talking with my seatmate.AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-17881386793331618672018-02-04T23:12:00.001-05:002018-02-04T23:12:26.869-05:00Paul Perry Writes About CampaigningPaul Perry, one time candidate for Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district, has written an essay describing his experience campaigning. Read "<a href="https://theintercept.com/2018/01/31/democratic-party-political-fundraising-dccc/">What it's like to be rolodexed</a>," in The Intercept (1/31//2018) .AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-1588363022797855542018-01-29T21:34:00.001-05:002018-01-29T21:34:57.971-05:00More PA Women Running for Office<div class="tr_bq">
A note from our friends at the <a href="http://www.pcwp.org/">Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politic</a>s</div>
<br />
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">
Observers around the country have noted an uptick in the number of women running for political office, and some areas of Pennsylvania appear to be no exception to this trend. Data collected by the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics (PCWP) at Chatham University indicate that women ran for and won more Southeast Pennsylvania municipal offices in 2017 than in 2015.<br />In 2015, PCWP tallies revealed that less than a quarter of candidates (24.7 percent) in Southeastern Pennsylvania were women—Philadelphia (38.5 percent), Bucks (28 percent), Delaware (22 percent), Montgomery (21.5 percent), and Chester (26 percent). In the same area in 2017, 39.5 percent of candidates were women. </blockquote>
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">
Preliminary results of data collected from the November election indicate that across Southeast Pennsylvania approximately 41.5 percent of the winners in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties were women. In Philadelphia, where only a few races were on the ballot, women represented 62 percent of those who won their races (8 women). Many more offices were contested in the collar counties; in Bucks County 45 percent of winners were women (142 women), while women represented 42 percent of the winners in Delaware (139 women) and Montgomery (167 women) Counties. Chester County’s tally was somewhat lower, with 35 percent (96 women) female winners. The 2015 and 2017 results are based, in each county, on candidates and results available in those respective election cycles.</blockquote>
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">
“In the past, we’ve usually seen women make up a little more than a third of candidates and, on average, about half of those in contested races win,” said PCWP Executive Director, Dr. Dana Brown. “This year, women won at about the same rates, but there were definitely more women on the ballot in Southeastern Pennsylvania than in 2015.”</blockquote>
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">
According to Brown, the PCWP has found that the increase in women’s candidacies has not been widespread across the Commonwealth. In Allegheny and Dauphin Counties for instance, women represented only about 35 percent of both candidates and winners. “We really had been expecting to see the number of women’s candidacies, and therefore victories, increase in 2017 since we are having more and more women showing interest in learning more about what it takes to run for office,” Brown added<span style="font-size: 13px;">.</span></blockquote>
AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-57893736171124215082018-01-29T00:22:00.000-05:002018-01-29T00:24:26.070-05:00Interview with Elizabeth Moro<a href="https://www.elizabethmoro.com/">Elizabeth Moro</a> is a Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania's 7th congressional district. The Republican incumbent recently announced that he won't run for re-election so this race has become a lot more interesting. Ms. Moro's campaign got in touch about an interview. This blog used to do a few interviews most years and they were popular posts, so we'll try it again and see how it goes.<br />
<br />
Ms. Moro's campaign website is <a href="https://www.elizabethmoro.com/">https://www.elizabethmoro.com/</a> . My thanks to the campaign for their outreach and patience with my process.<br />
<br />
<i>In In the past you raised money for Republican women candidates in Delaware, and now running as Democratic woman. What issues are universal for women candidates?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
On January 20th, I joined with countless women across the country to demand equal treatment and speak out against sexual harassment. The pernicious culture that seeks to relegate females to second-class citizenship hurts women everywhere, regardless of their political affiliation. The gender pay gap, the absence of laws that guarantee a woman paid parental leave, and the fight against domestic violence are universal issues for women. Less than 15% of the engineering workforce is female, and young girls often lack access to training in STEM fields. I believe that a woman’s place is wherever she wants it to be, and I will promote this mantra in Congress.<br />
<br />
<i>Early in your career you worked at a non-profit institute that looked at global issues. Tell us what you learned from this experience.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
My experience only buttressed my longstanding commitment to the preservation of our planet. One of the central tenets of my campaign platform is environmental protection, and when examining global issues, none can deny the destructive effects of man made climate change. When the icecaps melt, and Decorah, Iowa becomes a seaside getaway, it will be too late. Luckily, we have a unique opportunity to combat and reverse these harmful trends. I support a renewed commitment to the Paris Climate Accord and a prompt transition to renewable energy. We are witnessing astounding job growth in the clean energy sector. Instead of focusing on bringing back coal, let’s train workers for the economy of the future.<br />
<br />
<i>On twitter you call for campaign finance reform. If you could design the perfect legislation on this, what would it look like?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
The Citizens United decision has effectively transformed our democracy into a plutocracy. Candidates indebted to a wealthy donor class are completely divorced from the issues that matter most to working families. Assaults on organized labor, public education, and Medicare expansion can flourish in a system where candidates are beholden to the highest bidder. <br />
<br />
I support the Move To Amend organization’s proposed Constitutional Amendment which states, “The rights protected by the Constitution of the United States are the rights of natural persons only.” The Amendment also limits contribution amounts and rejects the misconception that limiting political spending is an unconstitutional suppression of free speech. <br />
<br />
<i>Regarding the opioid epidemic, you call for education and better health care. In an ideal world what practical steps can Congress take to address this and other substance abuse issues?</i><br />
<br />
The United States has roughly five percent of the world’s population, but around twenty-two percent of its prison population. The “War on Drugs” has been a colossal policy disaster, offering little more than the warehousing of nonviolent low-grade drug offenders. The growth of the prison industrial complex has done nothing to address the core issues surrounding drug addiction. In order to aggressively combat the opioid epidemic, treatment programs must be adequately funded, especially those that use medication-assisted treatment. Drug courts that prioritize treatment over incarceration are essential, and pharmaceutical behemoths and their drug dealers in white lab coats must be held accountable for their role and face more stringent penalties. <br />
<br />
<i>On your campaign website you say you have lived a life of public service. Readily available information shows this to be primarily related to school, scouts, and church activities, and work with local conservation / environmental organizations. How does this prepare you for elected office as opposed to the traditional political path of being elected at the local level and then working up to federal office (like Congress)?</i><br />
<br />
I unequivocally believe that there is an assault on the foundational principles that hold our democracy up. A country that espoused equal opportunity and upward mobility has adopted a country club mindset where only the powerful and well connected have a voice. While I have never been an elected official, a myriad of other experiences prepare me to lead in Congress. My efforts as a conservationist pitted me against powerful corporate interests, and I helped lead a successful effort to prevent the superfluous development of a critical green space. When I was a single mother working while raising a family, I lived the challenges facing so many in my district. Republicans in Congress consistently support trade deals and policies that hurt working families. I couldn’t sit on the sidelines and watch this happen. I am running a grassroots campaign focused on governmental accountability and transparency. As a strong female candidate, I am ready to step into Congress tomorrow and lead. <br />
<br />
<i>What are the “low hanging fruit” issues that you think Democrats and Republicans can work together to accomplish in Congress?</i><br />
<br />
There are a plethora of issues that should have a bipartisan consensus. Medicare expansion, environmental protection, and eschewing corporate welfare in favor of Main Street America seem like common sense positions. I have a history of bringing people together and finding common ground. The American people are tired of gridlock, ad hominem attacks, and a culture of divisiveness. While I will never betray my fundamental ideals or the people who elected me, I am willing to work with representatives who want real results for their constituents, not just an increase in Twitter followers. <br />
<br />
<i>You say you went to college on Pell grant and loans. What can be done to make college more affordable?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
As a college education is becoming more and more essential, it is also becoming less and less affordable. I fundamentally oppose for-profit education that seeks to take advantage of students’ dreams and saddle them with insurmountable debt. Any student that attends a public university or community college should graduate debt free. I am also an avid proponent of alternative options for students including bolstering union apprenticeship programs and providing grants and subsidies for two-year colleges and technical schools. Unions built America’s once vibrant middle class, and I support our labor unions without prevarication. <br />
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<i>What question didn’t I ask that you would like to answer?</i><br />
<br />
“Why is it of paramount importance to finally address the egregious partisan gerrymandering in the United States?”<br />
<br />
Voters should pick their representatives, not the other way around. Fair districts encourage public involvement and foster an enhanced sense of community. Districts that weave in and out of multiple counties are a direct affront to the spirit of representative democracy. I applaud the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for its recent decision ruling the districts “clearly, plainly, and palpably” unconstitutional. It's far past time for Pennsylvania to send a delegation to the House of Representatives that represents Pennsylvanians. AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9238806.post-56401628962405893312018-01-24T20:38:00.001-05:002018-01-24T20:38:17.299-05:00Jonathan Tamari and Chris CillizzaYesterday CNN's Chris Cillizza spoke with the Inquirer's Jonathan Lai. Today he writes about the Inquirer's Jonathan Tamari's interview with Rep. Pat Meehan. The column is called <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/24/politics/meehan-analysis/index.html">"Oh, Pat Meehan. No, no, no, no."</a> There is also a snippet of Tamari's interview on CNN. <br />
<br />
Interesting read.AboveAvgJanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07041855236200085575noreply@blogger.com0