Last Election Update Today

A few more notes before signing off to listen to Obama's speech:

Looks like Democrat Steve Santarsiero has won the 31st state house district (94.49% of statewide votes counted).

The 142nd seems to have switched from Democratic (Rep. Chris King) to Republican (Frank Farry), though it is close and more returns may switch it back.

In the 149th Democrat Tim Briggs is the clear winner.

In the 151st, freshman Democrat is ahead of Republican challenger Todd Stephens by around 425 votes, with over 32,000 votes recorded.

There is a similar situation in the 157th district, an open seat, with Democrat Paul Drucker ahead of Republican Guy Ciarrocchi, by 350 some votes, with over 30,000 votes recorded.

Rick Taylor and Todd Stephens on Comment Please by Univest

State Rep.Rick Taylor and his Republican challenger Todd Stephens appeared on one of my favorite radio show, WNPV's Comment Please by Univest,on Oct. 17th. Darryl Berger is a very skillful interviewer

Comment Please by Univest
Host: Darryl Berger

(incumbent Democrat) Rick Taylor and (Republican) Todd Stephens
Friday, Oct. 17
151st district state house district

1 minute opening, questions, 1 minute closing

RT: Thank you. It’s good to be here as always. Thank listeners. [describes district] Two years ago when I ran for this office I ran because I believed I could make peoples lives better. I’ve been fighting for that. Health care, education, dignity for older citizens. Ambler, fight over asbestos. Willow Grove Naval Air Station. Fight for quality of life to be preserved. My experience in public and private industry has taught me how to work with all kinds of people.

TS: Appreciate opportunity to be here. Been an assistant district attorney in Montgomery County for almost 8 yrs. Opportunity to serve the people of Montco in that capacity and US Attorney’s office in Philadelphia. Being a state rep provides opportunity to serve people in a greater way. Disappointed in state house of rep. Too much time spent bickering. Indictments and continuing investigation. As it relates to the average individual. No one says how great state legislature is. In fact, headlines to the contrary. Lived in Horsham all my life. Time we made some changes. Been fighting for people in the courthouse and would like to move on to state house and fight for people there.

Q: bonusgate. Rick, you are involved in this to some degree. One of the people indicted was your cm for a brief time. Have you answered all the questions on that? You ran as a reformer.

RT: Yes, what has happened as far as Bonusgate goes. If allegations are true it is saddening and disappointing. Let me be clear, there has never been an accusation that I did anything wrong. Two weeks before the election there was a need to replace my campaign manager. We called state party as the campaign manager was not my employee. Said I could go it alone but called them first. I did not know she was on state money until the day indictments announced. While in Harrisburg I have worked to change the problems that have eroded the trust. First issues were legislation being rammed down people’s throats late at night. Lessened power of leadership on rules committee. Increased time for legislators to review legislation. Used to be asked to vote on legislation with no time to read it. Worked on open financing. Need campaign finance reform. Worked with Common Cause. Redistricting reform is another thing. Upper Dublin. 8 years ago there was one representative. Now in 4 different districts in Upper Dublin. Would like a nonpartisan commission. Rep. Samuelson has a nice bill on that. As soon as Bonusgate came out I introduced a bill to ban bonuses. We have to deal with systemic issues.

TS: quite frankly, with all due respect to Rep. Taylor it’s great to talk about redistricting reform but now the time has passed. Can’t happen before 2010 when redistricts. Had 2 years to address it and didn’t. Bonusgate issues. Rep. Taylor hasn’t ever shown on his campaign finance report the in kind donation for Rachel Manzo’s work. He hasn’t amended his report to show he received her work for 2 weeks. There was already a bill banning bonuses sitting in the house, passed in the senate. Sat in committee. But he introduces another bill. This whole notion that the rules were tightened is wrong. The most important bill that comes up is the budget but they suspended the rules on the budget bill. We need to make sure the caucus expenses are put online. I and others have asked about the amount spent on Rep. Taylor’s newsletters. He didn’t start putting his expenses online until Dec. of last year. Nothing in there about newsletters or tv commercials. Need to make sure one committee chair, like chair of State Govt committee chair, can’t derail legislation. We have got to stop allowing our tax dollars to defend against criminal investigations. When legislature said they were in favor of open records but D caucus fought Bonusgate subpoenas they were using tax dollars. Whole lot of lip service but no substantial changes.

RT: As far as the bonus issue goes. The existing bill banning bonuses was on all of state government. Too broad in scope. We were really concerned about people using it for political purposes. So that’s why I introduced the bill to fastrack it. On committee chair bottling legislation, just had a discharge resolution on MCare abatement (helps doctors pay medical liability). On the budget. I voted against suspending the 24 hour deadline. I agree the budget is important but the majority voted to suspend.

Q: Leadership has too much power?

RT: Having a strong leadership is frustrating. They still have a lot of powers. It’s not all bad. The legislative accounts not all bad, sometimes all four caucuses will share costs of something with the governor. I believe in kind services were reported from HDCC. They gave us a statement saying what services were rendered. Both campaign managers were same, an in kind service provided. On the mailings, I think these mailings serve an educational purpose for constituents. For example, announce free breast cancer screenings for low income women. Not excessive. Property tax rebates for seniors. Education people about these services. Has gone to visit constituents even in off years to help them and educate them. I have more constituent service hours than any other rep according to a survey. Televised publis service announcements also serve to educate public. One early PSA on TAP 529 programs. Dual enrollment, get college credits while in high school. Work on making college more affordable.

TS: Still confused. Open records. How much did we spend on newsletters. You don’t’ even know how much you spent?

RT: That comes through the caucus.

TS I don’t disagree that there is important issue information to disseminate to constituents. I worked on Internet crime safety. Developed on my own time and distributed Mouse pads with Internet safety. Got corporate sponsorship. Ricks’ tv ads, 45K spent on 529 programs. If every state legislator spent that kind of money wouldn’t it be smarter if there was one commercial from the treasurer’s office instead of individual ad from each legislator.

Q: RT not the only one doing this.

TS: We need to change these things.

Q: Willow Grove Naval Air Station (Joint Air Reserve Station at Willow Grove)

RT: There are 3 principles I’ve been working with. Base and runway is important. After 9/11 it became apparent that the old way of working needed change. We need to keep it and keep runway. Need for national defense, emergency preparedness. Whatever happens at the base should not diminish quality of life who live in the surrounding communities. Been a strong proponent of working with both sides. Been working with the state and local representatives. Greatest concern being commercial flights. Two pieces of legislation given to locals to mark up until they are comfortable with it. I’ve been working in a very bipartisan fashion. Have worked with different cultures and be an honest mediator. Legislation would block commercial flights and narrow definition of associated user. I’ve spurred the debate and brought Gov. Rendell in to meet with some of the township officials. At the end of the day you cannot diminish quality of life in Horsham.

TS: On Horsham planning commission for years. We need to abate traffic around Horsham. Maybe use some of the land to decrease traffic. When the military said they don’t want it ever other gov’t agency given the option of coming to WG for free. All declined. Gov. came in and said it should be preserved as joint agency installation. I have mixed feelings on whether it is necessary or not. All agencies had previously declined. Gov. has found he can’t possibly afford to maintain base with just gov’t monies. Kimball Report said some private use. RT said he endorsed Kimball Plan, more buildings and hangars. Issue is you will be using commercial air traffic to foot the bill for the base. Congress passed legislation to allow for commercial and cargo air traffic for WG. Keeps trying to wrap this up in national security but ask and pharmaceutical companies keep coming up. I was at the meeting when Burger King was listed as being part of national security. [read from committee minutes]. If you told me this was going to be a gov’t facility with gov’t planes and gov’t pilots for national defense and homeland security, I could support it. I’ve been a neighbor of the naval air base all my life. There’s nothing like watching a fighter taking off. But that’s not what is happening here. Those associated users would access to the runway so they will foot the bill.

RT: What I endorsed was the vision of a homeland security hub with a runway. The associated user is part of the discussion the township and the state need to have. We do need to make sure the township has a say. The governor said the township would have a say. I am trying to work with the township to make sure they have a say. Trying to be an honest broker. I’ve knocked on thousands and thousands of doors. We’ve got to define what associated users are. Taxation issues. Sovereignty of the state should not be given up. Fed legislation said no commercial and cargo flights.

TS: You can’t be a broker you’ve got to take a side. Horsham declared a great place to live. We didn’t get that by letting the state come in and dictate what happens to all these acres. The decisions need to be made in Horsham and Montgomery townships. If we’re going to relocate businesses from Montgomery Township to federal land in Horsham where they won’t pass taxes; that is a concern. Never once has RT talked about land use or local taxes. Just ban non-gov’t flights. None of that has happened. We heard from the state there would be a public meeting back in March. There have been no public meetings. All closed door meetings. Kimball Plan made in closed door meeting. Footing the bill for that facility is wrong. I would fight tooth and nail.

RT: Horsham also part of this Kimball Report. I was supporting the vision. There was legislation we were going to run right before we broke for the budget. A lot of the issues the twp wanted to deal with and they asked me to hold up that legislation. We redrafted the legislation.

TS: When you were asked if you will support this legislation you said you didn’t know and then made a phone call and said you would support it.

RT: At the meeting I said to the twp I said I supported what they were doing in principal but wanted the conversation to continue. You have to have a number of legislators and the governor to pass legislation. I told Horsham I believed in the principal but did not want dialogue to end.

TS: you didn’t go and introduce the legislation. Tom Murt did and you jumped on. How are you going to pay for that runway unless you’re going to use commercial tenants to pay the bill.

RT: We drafted the legislation, sent it to solicitor of Horsham twp, didn’t hear back. It was after Murt’s bill was introduced that we heard back. Rep. Murt and I are communicating but I heard about the bill after it was introduced.

Closing

TS: I certainly appreciate you having me here. I would love to have another debate. We need some new leadership, someone who understands the issues are it relates to WG, traffic issues. I have a 98% conviction record in DA’s office. Deserve and opportunity to go Harrisburg www.toddstephens08.com

RT: In the last 2 years I have worked hard to make a difference in people’s lives. Helping push Bo-Rite on national list. Dual enrollment. Asbestos. Work for those who don’t have a voice. www.taylorforpa.com

A Look at Paul Drucker

Another review of the 157th state house seat. Democrat Paul Drucker is running against Republican Guy Ciarrocchi. There is no incument; it is an open seat. Each candidate has a campaign website (http://www.votepauldrucker.com/ and http://www.guyciarrocchi.com/). Each has a negative site as well (http://slipandfallpaul.com and http//www.whatkindofguy.com).

Let's take a look at one of these sites. Ciarrocchi's campaign claims that Drucker has filed a number of lawsuits. "His focus wasn't on helping taxpayers, lowering healthcare costs, creating jobs or improving the quality of life in his community."

I call foul. True, I was able to verify one of the cases mentioned on his site. However, I also found these legal cases that Drucker was involved in. Ciarrocchi did not mention them:

In 1994, Drucker represented a former policeman who shot and killed two young men who stole his car and abducted him. One of the carjackers pulled a gun which jammed. It was then that Drucker's client fired (Nolan, Jim, "Carjack victim 'didn't wait for 2nd click'," Daily News 10/22/1994)

In 1995, Drucker represented a disc jockey who was fired because of his ethnic background. The jury awarded him $68,888.("Disc jockey gets $68,000 in a bias suit in Reading" Inquirer 3/15/1995)

In 1996, Drucker represented the widower and daughter of a teacher who was shot and killed in front of her class. The suit was dismissed. (Martinez, Julia C., "In classroom murder, suit is dismissed," Inquirer 11/23/1996)

In 1999, Drucker represented a man who was supposed to be jailed for 72 hours for contempt of court, and was instead held for 28 days. (Naedele, Walter F., "Suit: man jailed too long at Delaware County prison," Inquirer 09/02/1999)

In 2000, Drucker represented a school district employee who said she was fired after reporting a bid-rigging scheme. (McCrary, Lacy, "A former employees sues Bensalem School District," Inquirer 3/25/2000)

In 2005, Drucker represented a man who house was sold out from under him by someone submitting a fraudulent deed; he was able to have his ownership restored. (Porter, Jill, "Fraud-fighting plan is working here," Daily News 4/22/2005)

These are not the wealthy or powerful. They are regular folks. They were taxpayers and Drucker tried to improve their quality of life.

An Historical Note on Guy Ciarrocchi

While most people in the region are fixated on the Phillies, a few of us are engaged in normal activities, like seeing if candidate's names are ever incorrectly spelled in the newspapers.

In researching the 157th state house race, between Democrat Paul Drucker and Republican Guy Ciarrocchi, I ran across a rather odd footnote in Ciarrocchi's past that hasn't, to my knowledge, been mentioned recently.

Here's where I started:

She was asked why she had never been invited to Joe's family's home. Her answer indicated that, indeed, she hadn't and that Joe had always told her he didn't like the home and didn't care for his father.

"When I realized that Guy (Ciarocchi, Joe Waldholtz's closest friend) hadn't been to Joe's home either, it seemed to make sense."

But Joe Waldholtz said Enid had visited and in fact stayed at his father's relatively modest split-level home on Darlington Avenue in Squirrel Hill. (Roddy, Dennis, “Politics, bedfellows Joe Waldholtz says he loves Enid, but will tell the truth,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 2/11/1996)

The woman speaking is former Utah Congresswoman Enid Greene Waldholtz. She's talking about her then husband and campaign manager Joe Waldholtz, whose financial irregularities earned him some jail time and ended her congressional career. In addition to mismanaging campaign funds he embezzled from his family. But is Joe's Guy Ciarocchi the same as our Guy Ciarrocchi? Let's see.

Here's a brief history of Joe's political history in Pennsylvania:

He played roles ranging from volunteer to senior staffer in several GOP campaigns in the late 1980s, including those of unsuccessful Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Bill Scranton and now-Sen. Rick Santorum's House race.

Joe rose through the ranks of his native Allegheny County's Young Republicans, once offering a free trip to Washington to whoever registered the most Young Republicans in the suburban congressional district encircling Pittsburgh.

Joe became a senior aide and eventually chief of staff to Republican National Committeewoman Elsie Hillman, a personal confidante to President Bush. The post won Joe periodic visits to the White House -- and a taste for the trappings of national politics.

At 25, Joe held a top position with the Bush-Quayle campaign in 1988. Four years later, he was named executive director of Bush's 1992 Pennsylvania re-election bid, putting him in charge of strategy for a state with the fifth-largest block of electoral votes in the country. (Semerad, Tony, “Waldholtz: He Plays Hardball,” Salt Lake Tribune, 11/14/1995)

Where was Ciarrocchi during those years?

In 1987 he was president of the University of Pennsylvania College Republicans (Walsh, Edward, “Publicity and pressure focus on an uncommitted Sen. Specter,” Washington Post 9/29/1987). In 1988 Ciarrocchi was the national co-chairman of College Republicans and a law student at Villanova University. (Simmons, Rose, “Republicans are succeeding at attracting the young,” Inquirer 11/12/1988). Some time before 1992 he was the head of the Young Republicans of Pennsylvania (Hollman, Laurie, “Barbs, sparks, fur fly in S. Phila race,” Inquirer 10/19/1992). In 1994, he was working for then state senator Melissa Hart of the Pittsburgh area (Hammonds, Donald I., “Controversy rages over tax proposal in state senate,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 4/07/1994)

Back to Utah. When an warrant was issued for Waldholtz's arrest he disappeared for several days and then resurfaced as the friend, client and houseguest of Jeffery Liebmann, a lawyer living in the Philadelphia area (Harrie, Dan, Semerad, Tony and Maddox, Laurie Sullivan, “Blame Game: Joe May Cut A Deal, Turn Against Enid,” Salt Lake Tribune, 11/23/1995). Ciarrocchi and Liebmann were photographed together in a Wynnewood restaurant listening to Rush Limbaugh (Logan, Joe, “Limbaugh fans get a rush in new bonding experience,” Inquirer 7/14/1993).

So I think there is good reason to believe that Waldholtz's one time bff, Guy Ciarocch,i is the same as the 157th district Republican candidate Guy Ciarrocchi. Of course, the fact that Waldholtz's then estranged wife thought Ciarrocchi was his closest friend does not mean that Ciarrocchi viewed the relationship the same way. Does something this far back in Ciarrocchi's past have any bearing in the election? There are some other questions about Ciarrocchi's ethics, past and present (see whatkindofguy.com for examples). Ciarrocchi's campaign has a similar site about his opponent Paul Drucker (see slipandfallpaul.com). I found the Waldholtz connection while trying to verify and find a context for the claims on both of these sites. For the curious I did verify the information on Ciarrocchi's first house run in the early 1990's against Rep. Donatucci, the Archdiocese and HUD job experience. On the Drucker side, I did find that he was a lawyer on one of the suits the anti-Drucker site discusses but did not get much farther than that. Those who have qualms about Ciarrocchi might see the Waldholtz information as another example of questionable connections or behavior.

If time allows before the election I would like to write more about this race.

Harper and Custer on "Comment Please"

Earlier this month Kate Harper and Frank Custer were on "Comment Please" by Univest, a talk show on wnpv1440. Host Darryl Berger does a fantastic job of talking with candidates. Not all of his comments are represented here as he is very skillful at guiding the conversation in an understated way.

At present the debate is available on the Comment Please website. This blog post is not intended as a full transcript but notes typed while listening; interested parties are encouraged to listen for themselves or to contact the campaigns for clarification of the candidates' positions on the issues.

Comment Please by Univest.
Host: Darryl Berger
Taped Oct 2nd.

Incumbent Republican Kate Harper / Democrat Frank Custer
61st state house district

Good afternoon and welcome, Oct 2nd. 1 minute open and closing statement.

KH: Happy to be here. In the few years I’ve been in Harrisburg I’m most proud of my work on the environment. Growing Greener II, working with people on both sides of aisle to come up with energy program for PA. Require power companies to buy alternative energy. Recently increased the amount of this. Combining it with economic development money, attracted a windmill manufacturer to PA. Creating clean energy industries and creating jobs.

FC: Happy to be here. Excited to be running in this race. This race is vitally important to PA. The Democrats have a one vote margin in the house. In my view we need to increase that on the D side. Long career in politics in private and public, state and federal levels, served as Congressman Hoeffel’s press secretary, now have a consulting firm. Looks forward to putting experience to work in Harrisburg.

Q: economic bailout, a federal issues, but people worried about the economy. What should be happening in Harrisburg to brace the state.

KH: PA doesn’t have as many mortgage foreclosures as other states. Passed a bill on mortgage foreclosures. PA budget depending on state’s economy. PA must have a balanced budget by June 30 each year. Beginning to tighten budget and watching projections on a monthly basis. We won’t know until April next year. Next year may be very difficult year, may need to cut existing programs.

FC: We all know what the problems are at the federal level with subprime mortgages and things like that. What we’ve watched over the past couple of weeks is lack of leadership on both sides of the aisle. People are not stepping up the plate in DC. Colossal lack of leadership. When PA faces shortfalls next year I hope people in H’burg and I hope I’m one of them exhibit leadership lacking in DC. Current leadership in H’burg not up to the task. There are going to have to be cuts or re-prioritizing.

Q: tax reform. Every time the legislature tries to do something it doesn’t work. Act 1 rejected across the state.

KH: That was actually Act 50, Act 1 is in effect across the state. You’re right that the school districts don’t like it. It has had a very beneficial effect in some school districts where school board can turn to teachers and say if we raise your salaries that much we’ll have to ask for a increase on the ballot. One of the difficulties in PA is that in some areas property taxes are paying a lot of the school’s costs. If we abolished the property tax in some areas it would mean individuals would have to make up the difference. Maybe what we need is a way to benefit seniors and some others that can’t pay. In addition this year some taxpayers saw the effects of the Homestead Act. In affluent districts people pay 90% of education costs and not much from the state.

FC: I think the state has to begin to pay more and more of its fair share for education. Over time it has eroded it is supposed to be up around 50% and it has fallen. Over the course of several years if we can get that back up to around 50% that will help a lot. We need to make sure that revenue from casinos and gambling goes to education.

Q if you could vote to expand the types of gambling to table games in order to provide more prop tax relief would you do it?

FC: Probably would. Not a big fan of gambling but if people are going to gamble would rather they didn’t go to NJ or NY.

KH: would not at this time support an expansion of gambling. It has not lived up to expectations but not all casinos are open yet. Average resident will lose $200 in gambling this year. Since I don’t gamble someone else is losing more.

FC: It hasn’t lived up to expectations because two casinos have not opened up in Philly. I have the same reservations that Kate does.

Q: Back end referendum has some meaning

KH: The reasons areas have not had an opportunity to vote because school districts have made an effort to stay in budget. The school board does not want to go out to the voters. Two third of districts budget set because it is salaries. If they grant higher contracts they will need to go to referendum.

Q: would you vote to repeal teachers right to strike

KH: I would. Teachers like firefighters and police officers should not be able to strike. Would vote for binding arbitration.

FC: I think they should be able to strike. I grew up in a union household. The right to strike is one of the basic premises to collective bargaining. I would not vote to remove that form the teachers.

Q: Frank, questioning incumbent’s commitment to job because she represents municipalities as a solicitor

FC: Issue not outside income or another job. The issue is when given a choice between being in H’burg doing her duties and having the responsibility of being a solicitor for a local twp or borough she had opted to be at home as a solicitor. I believe that if you are elected by the people it should be your primary responsibility. You should be in H’burg to vote. People do miss votes, doctor’s appointments, weddings, deaths, etc. Outside income is another thing. I am a writer of sorts. If I write an article on a weekend or an attorney does that in his own time. But Kate has missed votes to come back and act as a solicitor. PA is considered a full time legislature.

KH: As of Sept. 1, I have a 98% attendance record. I’m deeply committed to the job. There have been a few occasions when I’ve missed late night votes, almost all were unanimous, almost all of them I voted for in committee. Most people don’t have a 98% attendance record in their job. No one works harder than I do for the 61st district. I’m at boy scout ceremonies, firefighters dinners, etc.

FC: You are at all those things but when is the conflict between your two masters you don’t chose H’burg. If those votes are unanimous, they certainly were important for 200 of her colleagues to be there.

KH: municipal meetings at night so usually doesn’t conflict. D’s in charge of House and calendar. Occasionally there are unpredictable votes on Monday night and if I know then I can get another lawyer to be at the municipal meeting for me. I selected municipal work because it wouldn’t conflict with the House calendar. Generally not a conflict. If I were late or had to send a substitute it’s okay.

Q: did you miss the payraise vote

KH: no I didn’t.

FC: So you don’t want votes after 5 p.m.?

KH: I didn’t say that.

FC: When this article was in the paper and Rep. Harper responded. She said she needed to have the second job so she could have the integrity to stand up to her leadership in H’burg.

KH: if you’re going to quote me quote me directly. The ability to earn an outside job is a good thing. I don’t ever want to be in a situation where I am so desperate for a job that I’ll vote for something to keep my job. I can make it in the private sector and support my family. It is important to the integrity of the public sector for people to know they can support themselves outside of office. John Adams told his son make sure you are never dependent on the public job.

Q: votes late at night, early in the morning. This cloud called Bonusgate. Indictments directed at Ds in the House. Attorney Gen said no other indictments before the election

FC: When I heard about Bonusgate I was sickened. It was abominable. I also said I would not vote to reelect current D leadership. There are many things that could be changed in H’burg. One thing that is tremendously needed is a campaign finance law. The idea that anyone can donate anything to anyone is ridiculous. Bipartisan commission needed to redraw districts every 10 years. I am against term limits. That came up in a forum last Saturday. I’m against them more at federal level than state level. Need for institutional knowledge. You can have term limits – they are called elections.

KH: I think one of the easiest things that could be done fairly simply. Campaign manager for Rick Tayler paid for by tax dollars. Easiest thing done could be sunshine on leadership accounts. Some of my colleagues said “I didn’t know how they were paying that guy.” Nobody knew that because leadership accounts are not accountable. That is a fairly easy fix. Two very dangerous times -- sine die, the days after the election when legislators are lame ducks, late at night when people are tired and just want to get things done. We stopped that – bills have to be amended on second considerations and 24 hour delay before voting. That rule is good. We don’t meet past 11 p.m. and that is good. Truth is you have to have committee meetings before the legislature starts. Those rules are good reforms. Nervous about constitutional convention. Afraid of a runaway. If it is not strictly limited. Constitution is deliberately difficult to amend. Let’s talk about the size of the legislature. We do have one of the larger legislatures but we also have one of the largest populations. Montco is fortunate in that we have fine reps on both sides of the aisle but another rep’s district covers 3 counties. Going door to door is very difficult . dilutes the voice of rural people. Let’s go for making transparent how things happen and how money is spent.

FC: would not be for a constitutional convention. We can fix what’s wrong without changing constitution. There was talk of a special session on ethics. Kate was against that. She brought up the Rick Tayler situation. In the last couple of weeks of the campaign if you get a new campaign manager. If she comes from the state you assume she is being paid by party and not state money. It has only been D’s indicted so far because the Attorney General is a Republican. It is assumed that next group will be Republicans. To the point of a smaller legislature. If you go to a smaller legislature you will need more staff and more resources to serve those 120,000 people or whatever.

KH: Frank’s making my argument. If leadership accounts were public this wouldn’t have happened. Leadership won’t agree.

FC: That’s why we need new leadership. There are people who want reform, Josh Shapiro is one of them.

KH: we haven’t talked about the things important to the people of the 61st, like traffic and the environment.

Closing

FC: Thank you for having us today. There are important issues today. Health care is one of them. When I knock on doors health care comes up again and again. I was walking in Whitpain township in an area where houses must be worth over 300,000 a woman told me her health care cost more than their mortgage. Met a couple expecting a baby who haven’t seen a doctor because they don’t have insurance. The constituents of the 61st will always know how I stand. www.votecuster.org

KH: You just threw me a curve ball by saying I waffle. If there is anything I am known for it is speaking my mind. Redesigned roads so it wouldn’t interfere with people. On Rte 202 worked with people directly. Longstanding supporter of environmental issues. I think I’ve been an effective legislature. Don’t have a campaign website, legislative. www.kateharper.net.

An Open Seat in the 157th

The 157th state house district has been held by Republican Carole Rubley. The district represents parts of Chester and Montgomery County, including Lower Providence Twp, Phoenixville, Schuylkill Twp, Tredyffrin Twp, and West Norriton Twp. She is not running so it is an open seat. Candidates are:

Democrat Paul Drucker, http://www.votepauldrucker.com/

The anti-Ciarrocchi site it: www.whatkindofguy.com

A newspaper blog interview from Mainline Politics is available.


Republican Guy Ciarrocchi http://www.guyciarrocchi.com/

The anti-Drucker site is: www.slipandfallpaul.com

A few more sources on the race:


article from MainLine Life on race, mudslinging

Tredyffin Township Political Notebook posts on 157th race

I hope to write more about the race before the election.

A Look at Rich Costello

Richard B. Costello is the Democratic candidate for the 172nd state house, currently held by Republican John Perzel, Speaker of the House from 2003 to 2007. Those familiar with the Philadelphia political scene will remember Costello as president of the Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge #5) from 1988 to 1990 and from 1994 to 2002.

Costello is not a physically imposing man but he has a very authoritative voice. If he yelled “Stop!” most people would stop. He also sounds confident and reassuring. You can hear him talk in an introductory video on his website (www.richcostello.com) but he sounds more rehearsed than he does speaking in person. If you have a chance to talk with him or hear him speak you should.

He is a study in contrasts in a number of ways beyond the contradiction between his appearance and his voice. Unlike many police officers Costello wasn’t born blue. In the documents I reviewed, he never mentioned having relatives in the force. Also unlike many police officers his age, he graduated from college before joining the force. He was a student at St. Joseph’s University, with a 3.8 gpa majoring in political science and considering law school when, while working as a desk clerk at a Howard Johnsons, he helped the police catch someone using a stolen credit card (Bowden).

A few months after joining the force, in 1973, he was shot in the head twice while patrolling in Northeast Philadelphia (Gibbons); the shooter has never been found. The injuries have permanently affected his hearing, but not his wit or thinking. Like many people in life threatening and stressful jobs, Costello’s home life suffered. His first marriage ended and he struggled with alcoholism. After serving as recording secretary for the FOP he ran for the top job in 1988 and won. He worked at rooting out corruption and getting a good union contract signed. However, after two years on the job he was voted out:

His membership voted him out in 1990 in a bitter three-way race, reelecting former union head John Shaw. Costello says he had just spent the better part of a decade working seven-day weeks trying to uproot longstanding corruption in the FOP, only to see Shaw go right back to looting the place (for which he would be sentenced to five years in prison). During those years Costello was back in his police captain's uniform, exiled to the night shift, watching the sun rise over the Belmont plateau from a patrol car.

"I left here with nothing but my AA coin in my pocket," he said. "I'd lost my family, my youth, and everything I'd worked for here. It was a good lesson in humility."

He remembers it now as a four-year period of personal growth, capped by his reelection in 1994. He tried to repair the relationship with his first five children, sacrificed to his alcoholism and the headlong commitment he had made to the union. He and his new wife, a former city cop, were raising a child of their own. And though he was sure his bosses had handed him a night command as punishment, it was the kind of work that had drawn him to the force in the first place. (Bowden)

His return followed turmoil in the union:

He replaced Michael Lutz, who had been named by the FOP board of directors in 1993 to replace John Shaw, who was kicked out of office that year and later indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of looting the union. Lutz, chosen by the directors as FOP head until the next election, chose not to run for the office. (Gibbons)

During the next eight years Costello handled issues like health care (McDonald, “Street”) and arbitration (Boyer, “Arbitration”). He supported measures to provide police officers with more training and to encourage them to finish college and to encourage people with college degrees already to join the force (McDonald, “Wanted”). Working to reform the system he also disciplined officers, saying “Little men with a lot of power are dangerous. People that mistake position for power are kidding themselves.” (Landry). He supported efforts to keep a convicted ex-officer from collecting a police pension:

The state law barring corrupt public employees from collecting pensions ``is not one that any honest cop would have a problem with,'' said Fraternal Order of Police President Richard Costello. ``And this is one fight I can't blame the city for waging.'' (Marder)

He also supported new rules to keep city employees from joining the force for a short time to collect better retirement benefits:

A law that becomes effective today stops civilian city workers from manipulating pension plans so they can collect retirement benefits intended for police and firefighters who risked their lives on the job. Mayor Street signed legislation yesterday to close a loophole in the city's pension rules that allowed civilian workers to collect retirement benefits for uniformed workers even though they never wore a badge or served a single day on the beat.

"We're very grateful," said Rich Costello, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, the union that represents the 7,000-member Police Department. "We were 150 percent in support of that legislation." (Boyer and Fazlollah, “City”)

These are all issues that the state legislature deals with.

Like all who serve in elected and leadership positions his term was not without some criticism. While he spoke in favor of disciplining officers:

Although the commissioner and the union president bitterly dispute issues surrounding arbitration, they agree that officers derelict in duty and dangerous to the public should be taken out of uniform and fired. (Boyer, “Arbitration”)

There is some question of whether or not he always followed through, as when he described two police employees who altered an accident report as “a minor mistake," (Angeles).

During his tenure as head of the FOP he was described as “feisty and often contentious” (Gibbons), and having “tongue as sharp as a ripsaw” (Daughen), but also as possibly, “the only union chief in America who, in anger, invokes Shakespeare” (Bowden).

A 1995 article gives a small glimpse into other facets of the man:

He's a 44-year-old man with a beefy big-jawed face, graying mustache, and widening gut. He has six kids, five from his first marriage, one from his second. He's almost deaf in his left ear from a bullet he took to the face when he was a 22-year-old cop. He's a recovering alcoholic. Every Sunday, when he goes to Mass, he stays in his pew when the others go up for Communion. He probably could go up. He wants to. But the Catholic Church says that until his first marriage is officially annulled, he's living in enough sin to disqualify him from the sacraments. He fears that applying for an annulment would be like telling his first five kids they're a mistake. So he stays in the pew and says the prayer of the pious centurion: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, say but the word and my soul shall be healed. (Bowden)

Part of his philosophy on police work, which, in my view, could also be extended to those who work for the public in other ways, can be found in a 1995 City Paper interview, answering the question “Who is the best police officer in Philadelphia?:

This job tends to downplay all-stars. Police work is one of the occupations that demands teamwork and, to a large extent, interchangeability. When you find somebody who has built a reputation for themselves, generally, you'll find that they're not a very good cop. The best police officer out there is probably nameless and faceless. It's the cop who is doing his or her job, the cop that you'll probably never hear about. But I wouldn't want to put a name on it, because on any given day, it could be any one of 5,900 men and women. (Eden)

In 2002 he decided not to run for re-election:

Costello said part of him "wanted to stay in office forever," but he recognized that time and a desire to see more of his family dictated his departure. And in announcing his planned departure, Costello did so with his own little aphorism:

"Power must be denied to those who actively seek power and must be placed on the shoulders of those who recognize what a terrible burden it is." (Daughen)

After sitting on the sidelines retiring from the police force, he has taken up this new challenge, running for the state legislature. He defeated a primary opponent 57-43% (Brennan). His campaign to unseat Perzel will be a tough one but Costello has been in tough situations before. It will be interesting to see what happens in November.



SOURCES

Angeles, Mark, “DA: Media pressure led to charges,” Daily News 1/17/2002

Bowden, Mark. “For Costello, a key role in the city’s police saga,” Inquirer, 12/17/1995

Boyer, Barbara, “Arbitration seen as major thrust of police report,“ Inquirer, 10/29/2001

Boyer, Barbara, and Fazlollah, Mark, “City plugs diversion of police pensions, Inquirer 2/22/2001

Brennan, Chris, “Its 10 and done for Rep. James,” Daily News 4/23/08

Daughen, Joseph R., “FOP leader is passing the gavel,” Daily News 7/02/2002

Eden, Ami, “20 questions: Richard Costello,” Philadelphia City Paper October 5–12, 1995
Gibbons, Thomas, Jr., “Costello says he won't seek reelection as FOP leader,” Inquirer, 07/02/2002

Landry, Peter, “Back on the beat force former FOP president Rich Costello returned to police force after a nasty re-election loss,” Inquirer 7/08/1993

McDonald, Mark, “Street frets over cops' health care - New contract award ups their benefits,” Daily News 7/26/2002

McDonald, Mark, “Wanted: cops with higher education,” Daily News 4/10/1997

Marder, Diana, “Convicted ex-officer now seeks a pension,” Inquirer 10/20/1997

Santarsiero Endorsed by Clean Water Action

Steve Santarsiero, Democratic candidate for the open 31st state house seat, has been endorsed by Clean Water Action:

At a brief press conference near the banks of Newtown Creek in Newtown, Santarsiero received the endorsement of the environmental watchdog group Clean Water Action and also of Lower Makefield Environmental Advisory Council Chairman Jim Bray, a Democrat.

Bray said his endorsement was a personal one.

“I don't speak for the entire EAC,” he said.

Santarsiero is running against Republican Pete Stainthorpe, who also said he would emphasize environmental issues if elected.

Read the entire article "House candidate touts environmental record," by Chris English, Bucks County Courier Times.

Meeting the Candidates in Radnor

This afternoon I went to the Radnor Democrats (Delaware County) “Meet the Candidates” picnic. The Radnor Dems know how to put on a good show. The people were nice and there was a box of cookies on each table. At the end of the event Bruce Bikin, boss D, said there were guards at the exits and no one would be allowed to leave until all the hotdogs were eaten. Smart man, and clearly a veteran of group picnics.

A number of candidates did come out to meet the residents of Radnor. First up is a quick look at what they had to say, followed by some personal observations. Bikin and John Fisher, township commissioner for Ward 7 and one of two Democrats on the township board, introduced the speakers. Each candidate spoke for just a few minutes and my notes are sketchy, just jotting down a few things each said. Quite a few spoke on how important it is to make sure Barack Obama wins the presidency. Please refer to their websites for more information on their biographies and stands on the issues.

John Morganelli, candidate Pennsylvania Attorney General
He wants to be the first Democratic Attorney General since the position was made elective 28 years ago. To date all elected AG’s have been Republicans.
He went over his record (see his website for details). His agenda is to protect our communities. One particular change he would like to see is the mandatory reporting of lost or stolen handguns.

Rob McCord, candidate Pennsylvania State Treasurer
Thanks those working on campaigns
Pennsylvania invests $120 billion a year
Raised by a single mom, a teacher, then worked on Capitol Hill in budget and regulatory matters before becoming a financial executive
Hold our opponents accountable, [examples on the presidential race, mostly economic policy]
Hold him accountable
Hold yourself accountable, every time you gripe about something in politics, volunteer another hour, watch the grip vs work ratio

Daylin Leach, currently state representative in 149th district, candidate for 17th state senate district
Thank Radnor for the welcome
The newspaper said he was the most progressive member of the State House
Vote Obama, mentions that the next president will likely nominate one or more new Supreme Court justices. He says we want to avoid justices who follow the “Constitution in Exile” theory.

Joe Sestak, Congressman for the 7th district, running for re-election
His team is making over 1200 phone calls per day.
He emphasized the need to elect Sen. Obama as our next president.
He mentioned that his opponent, W. Craig Williams, grew up in Alaska and that Williams’ brother is Sarah Palin’s speechwriter.

Greg Vitali, state representative for the 166th state house district, running for re-election
Palin is an example of McCain’s poor political judgment
Keep the focus on McCain

Bryan Lentz, state representative for the 161st state house district, running for re-election
In 2010 the state house will redraw congressional and state districts in response to the 2010 census.
We need to keep and increase the Democratic majority in the state house.

Tom Quinn, candidate for the 165th state house district
He is a teacher and has an outsider’s perspective on government
We need politics where people vote for someone instead of against someone.
Harrisburg needs change.
Obama talks about hope but also about justice.

Personal observations:
The Radnor folks are very welcoming. The food was good and the water was cold. As for the candidates, it was the first time I had seen many of them in person, or watched them interacting with the public.

Morganelli is low-key and personable. People seemed to find him easy to talk with.

McCord is focused and very smart. I imagine he keeps track of money very well and in great detail.

Bryan Lentz seemed to be in great demand as he was always in a discussion with one or more people there. Several people sought him out.

Greg Vitali, long one of my favorite state representatives, was also very at home with the crowd and also frequently sought out by residents.

Tom Quinn is very comfortable with people and they seem very comfortable with him.

Congressman Sestak was trying to visit with a number of constituent groups today and was in and out rather quickly though I did see him talking with a few people.

Daylin Leach mentioned that he would be debating W. Craig Williams, who is running against Joe Sestak, over which presidential candidate would be better for the Jewish community.

[h/t and thanks to the gentleman who made sure I knew about this event and sent me directions; they were excellent]

Another Round of Reform

A group of Democratic challengers in state house races have joined forces to recommend new reform measures. The signatories to the Pennsylvania Candidates Platform for Reform (PA-CPR) are:

name / district
Paul Drucker / 157
Phyllis Bennett / 106
Brendan Boyle / 170
Matt Bradford / 70
Tim Briggs / 149
Kelbin Carolina / 150
Steve Connelly / 85
Frank Custer / 61
John DeFrancisco / 162
Paddy Garcia / 104
Tom Houghton / 105
Ayanna Lee / 44
Kevin Lee / 163
Bill Mackey / 124
Carol Palmaccio / 167
Lisa Romaniello / 152
Steve Rovner / 178
Steve Santarsiero / 31
Nancy Schott / 109
Samy Elmasry / 66
Tom Quinn / 165

John Micek had a description of the press conference to announce the reformist agenda. It is also the subject of an article by Charles Thompson, "So, we're still talking reform..." in today's Patriot News.

The Hatch Act and the Montco DA's Office: The Sequel

Last August I wrote a blog post about the Hatch Act and problems with assistant district attorneys running for office. This has become an issue in the 151st state house race.

From the inbox:

The Montgomery County Democratic Committee (MCDC) has asked the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) in Washington, DC to issue an advisory opinion on whether Todd Stephens, the Republican candidate for the 151st legislative district seat, is violating the federal Hatch Act by running for partisan political campaign.

The Hatch Act applies to executive branch state and local employees who are principally employed in connection with programs financed in whole or in part by loans or grants made by the United States or a federal agency.

At the same time, MCDC Chair Marcel Groen called for Stephens to cease his campaign, resign from the District attorney staff or be fired by DA Risa Vetri Ferman.

In its request, MCDC contends that as the Assistant District Attorney in charge of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Sex Crimes Unit, Mr. Stephens works closely with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The Task Force, according to the District Attorney’s website, is funded by the United States Department of Justice. In this capacity, Mr. Stephens makes public presentations, funded in part by federal funds, at venues throughout Montgomery County , including those in the 151st District.

“It seems there are three choices here,” Groen said. “Either Mr. Stephens ends his partisan campaign, resigns from the district attorney’s office or his terminated by Ms. Ferman. One of these should immediately before this critical program supported by federal funds is threatened.

“Mr. Stephens is ignoring the law as he campaigns for himself and at the same time administers a program supported by federal funds,” said Groen. “Mr. Stephens should be aware of the law, and should be held to a higher standard.”

In a similar case, the OSC wrote: “Covered employees are those whose principal employment is with a state, county or municipal executive agency, and whose job duties are “in connection with” programs financed in whole or in part by loans or grants made by the United States or an agency thereof..”

In his letter to the OSC, Groen asks the agency to look into the issue immediately since the November 4 election is only four months away.

According to the OSC website, state and local employees deemed to be covered by the Hatch Act may not:

* be candidates for public office in a partisan election
* use official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the results of an election or nomination
* directly or indirectly coerce contributions from subordinates in support of a political party or candidate

If the OSC finds that the violation warrants dismissal from employment, the employing agency must either remove the employee or forfeit a portion of the federal assistance equal to two years salary of the employee. If the Board finds the violation does not warrant the employee's removal, no penalty is imposed.

Tim Briggs Launches Website

Tim Briggs, Democratic candidate for the 149th state house district, has a campaign website up and running, though enhancements may be added. Check out www.timbriggs.org.

Custer Makes It Official

Frank Custer turned in nominating petitions for the 61th district state house race but made his candidacy official today. According to his press release:

“I know how government should work and the way it should
serve the people, and I want to take the good characteristics of the
hundreds of elected officials I’ve worked with and observed over the
years and try to make a difference in Harrisburg,” Custer said.

“I am not so naïve to believe that one member of a large body like the General Assembly can single-handedly change the way it operates, but I am idealistic enough to want to roll up my sleeves, work with Republicans and Democrats and try to do more than simply protect power and turf.”

Custer, a Navy veteran, has a long history of community service and political experience. He was the press secretary and a senior advisor to then Congressman Joe Hoeffel and later formed a public relations consulting firm. In addition:

He was a mainstay in youth sports in the Harleysville area when his family lived there. He coached youth basketball, baseball and softball. In addition, he was the founder and first commissioner of the Souderton-Harleysville Youth Basketball Association (SHYBA) and was a board member of the Harleysville Girls Softball League for many years. He also was a PIAA basketball referee from 1992 to 2000.

He has served as a volunteer with ActionAIDS in Philadelphia, and is now a member of the North Penn Symphony Orchestra board of directors, the Nor-Gwyn Pool Commission and the board of directors of the Gwynedale Homeowners Association.

Before running against incumbent Republican Kate Harper he is seeking the endorsement of the Montgomery County Democratic Party. Another Democrat filed papers in this district so he may also have a primary race.

The 61st district includes all of Upper Gwynedd and North Wales, and parts of Plymouth, Whitpain, Lower Gwynedd and Towamencin Townships and one voting precinct in Montgomery Township.

This information taken from an emailed press release. No word yet on a campaign website.

Notes From the Final Candidates List

The Department of State’s list is time stamped 3:35 so we might assume it is final; the deadline to turn in election petitions was noon.

One Republican (Thomas Ellis) and four Democrats lined up for state treasurer:
Jennifer Mann
Dennis Morrison-Wesley
John Cordisco
Rob McCord

The congressional races are crowded:

In the 3rd district, four Democrats are lined up against incumbent Republican Phil English

The 5th district is an open seat; nine Republicans and three Democrats turned in petitions.

In the 6th, incumbent Republican Jim Gerlach has three Democratic challengers, Bob Rovner, Bob Roggio and Mike Leibowitz.

In the 8th, incumbent Democrat Patrick Murphy has two Republican challengers, Tom Manion and Joseph Montone

In the 10th, incumbent Democrat Chris Carney faces off against three Republicans.

In the 13th, incumbent Democrat Allyson Schwartz still has two Republican opponents, Marina Kats and Lee Falgoust.

In the 18th, incumbent Republican Tim Murphy has four Democratic challengers.

Only Democrat Mike Doyle of the 14th district gets off scot free with no opponents of any party.

In the state senate (with an emphasis on unusual races):

In the 1st district Vince Fumo has three Democratic challengers in the primary and the winner of that scuffle has a nominal Republican opponents.

The 13th district (open seat) has one Democrat and four Republicans in the mix.

The 17th district (another open seat) has one Democrat (Daylin Leach) and three Republicans (Lisa Paolino, Lance Rogers and John Durante) listed though I am told one has dropped out.

The 23rd district also has three Republicans and one Democrat.

The 33rd district has four Republicans in the mix.

The 47th has three Democrats and two Republicans.

Five of the 25 state senators up for election or reelection have no competition at all. They are: Mary Jo White (R-21), John Gordner (R-27), Don White (R-41), Jay Costa (D-43), and Sean Logan (D-45).

There are too many state house races to really keep track of. Most contested races have just two candidates, though some have significantly more.

In the 149th Tim Briggs now has an opponent, Republican Michael Fiore

Of the 203 house seats, over one third (78) have only one candidate, running unopposed. Oddly enough these are evenly split, 39 Democrats get a free ride, as do 39 Republicans. (Remember, I'm a liberal arts major -- double check the math.) The Speaker of the House, Republican Dennis O'Brien (R-169), and the Deputy Speaker, Josh Shapiro (D-153) are among those who can eat a lot more dinners at home with the family instead of running around campaigning.

Gleanings From the Official Candidate List

A few things that caught my eye from the Department of State's list of people who filed petitions to run for office. I am told that the governor might have extended the deadline for an extra two days. The list I looked at was time stamped 5:35 p.m. and the office closed today at 5:00. Someone told me the deadline had been extended for an extra two days but I don't have official verification of that. Far too many people are running unopposed. No one should get a free ride to reelection.

Once the list if formally set I'll check it again.

John Cordisco’s name is not listed for state treasurer but he may have turned in petitions late in the day and they haven't made it to the list yet.

Only two Republican challengers at present for Allyson Schwartz of the 13th congressional district, Marina Kats and Lee Falgoust

Jim Gerlach of the 6th congressional district, will face three Democrats, Bob Roggio, Mike Leibowitz, and Bob Rovner.

In the open 17th state senate district, Daylin Leach has three Republican opponents, John Durante, Lance Rogers, and Lisa Paolino.

In the open 31st state house district, it is Steve Santarsiero for the Democrats and Norman Stainthorpe for the Republicans.

Kate Harper, Republican from the 61st state house district will face two Democrats, Frank Custer (friend of Joe Hoeffel) and Todd Eisenberg

In the 150th house district Republican Mike Vereb faces Democrat Kelbin Carolina who ran for a Montgomery County row office last year.

The 181st will wind up with a Democrat Rep. Thomas, as W. Curtis Thomas is facing off against Lewis Thomas III.

Lentz vs Hackett in 161st.

The race is set for the 161st state house district. Freshman Democrat Bryan Lentz will face Republican challenger Joseph Hackett. An article by Alex Rose in the Delaware County Daily Times, "Lentz will put record on line against Hackett,"," discusses the race. (The link is to a repost of the article on Lentz's campaign site because the Delco Times often doesn't have permalinks to articles.

Hackett is a former police officer with a history of community service. Lentz is a former assistant district attorney and Iraq War veteran. (Note: Lentz was interviewed on this blog before the 2006 election.) Apparently Hackett is running as a "regular guy." Lentz claims regular guy status as well. I'm not sure about that; he seems kind of extraordinary to me.

In this excerpt from Rose's article, Lentz discusses his first year in office:

“The first law that I introduced that was signed into law by (Gov. Ed Rendell) was House Bill 906, the Firefighters Emergency Services Grant program, which brought over $1 million in grants to fire companies in Delaware County,” said Lentz.

Lentz also cited his work in bringing a dedicated funding source to the mass transit system that will grow over time, and on the issues of energy independence, creating a regional airport authority, and reducing property taxes.

Lentz noted his support for Philadelphia Republican State Rep. John Perzel’s plan to use state gambling revenues to pay property taxes for seniors with incomes of less than $40,000.

“I supported it because I thought it was a good starting concept,” said Lentz, relating a military saying about consolidating combat power.

“If we take that money and concentrate it, we can give substantial relief to people who really need it,” he said, rather than dolling it out to everyone in small amounts.

The 161st district is shaped like a lightning bolt and represents these sections of Delaware County: TOWNSHIPS of Aston, (PART, Ward 06), Marple (PART, Ward 05 [PART, Division 02]), Nether Providence (PART, Wards 01, 02, 03, 04 and 05), Newtown (PART, Precincts 02 and 07), Radnor (PART, Wards 03 [PART, Divisions 01 (hd165) and 01 (hd167)], 04 [PART, Division 01] and 06 [PART, Division 01(hd167) and 02]), Ridley (PART, Wards 01 [PART, Division 03], 02 [PART, Divisions 01 and 03], 03, 05, 07 and 08 [PART, Division 01]), and Springfield (PART, Ward 03 [PART, Division 02 (hd161)]) and Upper Providence (PART, Precincts 02 and 03) and the BOROUGHS of Brookhaven, Rutledge and Swarthmore.

Tim Briggs to Run in 149th

The 149th state house district is an open seat this year. The current representative, Daylin Leach, is running for the state senate. Democrat Tim Briggs has announced his candidacy. No mention of a campaign website. His press release reads as follows:

Democrat Tim Briggs of Upper Merion has announced his candidacy to succeed State Rep. Daylin Leach in the 149th legislative district, which includes Upper Merion, Bridgeport, West Conshohocken and a portion of Lower Merion.

On Monday, February 11th, Briggs filed over 500 nominating signatures with the Department of State in order to be placed on the ballot for the Democratic primary.

"I want to continue the tradition of excellent public service provided to this district by Sen. Williams and Rep. Leach," Briggs said. "They are examples of what a good public servant should be".

Briggs has been committed to public service for practically his entire adult life and has served reform-minded, committed public servants such as Joe Hoeffel, Leach, Williams and former Congresswoman Marjorie Margolies Mezvinsky.

Having a young family has framed the issues he most wants to tackle in Harrisburg, including better and safer public schools, affordable higher education, better and more affordable healthcare and a clean environment.

"Having children has really changed my perspective on politics and government, and they are the main reason I am taking this step to become a candidate," Briggs said.

Briggs has the support of Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, the campaign's Chair, as well as Congressman Joe Sestak, Senator Connie Williams and Representative Daylin Leach, who are serving as honorary Co-chairs. "In all of my years in public life, I haven't seen anyone that has been more committed to the Democratic party and supporting progressive issues and bi-partisan solutions than Tim". Hoeffel said.

A native of Montgomery County, Briggs has been an Upper Merion resident for the past decade. He is currently an attorney with Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin, a prominent Montgomery county law firm in its real estate and municipal law departments. He is a graduate of West Chester University and Temple University Law School.

Upper Merion Township has recently appointed Briggs to an ad hoc committee to explore the feasibility of building a recreation and/or cultural center in the township. He also serves on the board of directors of the James A. Finnegan Fellowship Foundation, a statewide organization that provides scholarships, stipends and internships to Pennsylvania students who express an interest in state government. He has previously served on the board of directors for Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Montgomery County, and was a volunteer fireman for several years.

Briggs and his wife, Robyn, have two children, Emily and Jack, ages seven and five respectively, who attend public schools in Upper Merion . Both Briggs and his wife are active in school and township recreational activities.