Barletta Raises Illegal Immigration Questions at Homeland Security Hearing

What is Gene Stilp Hiding?

Gene Stilp, candidate for the 11th Congressional seat in Pennsylvania, is running of a record of requiring transparency in government.  The question for Mr. Stilp is does he talk the talk or walk the walk?

It appears as though he files by paper, delaying the public release of his reports – and disclosure of exactly who is financing his campaign – by as much as two weeks as the FEC scans and processes his snail-mail reports. Worse, it appears as though he refuses to provide this information when reporters  call to ask.

Citizens’ Voice Story on Campaign Finance for Third Quarter Report:

http://citizensvoice.com/news/smith-gives-casey-a-run-for-his-money-1.1388524

“Democratic opponent Gene Stilp, did not provide his campaign finance report to The Times-Tribune on Monday.”

Standard Speaker Story on Campaign Finance for Second Quarter Report:

http://standardspeaker.com/news/cartwright-barletta-lead-fundraising-1.1344466

“Efforts to reach Gene Stilp, Barletta's Democratic challenger, or obtain his report were unsuccessful. The deadline for filing the reports was Sunday, but the Federal Election Commission had not posted Stilp's report on its website by late Monday afternoon.”

Citizen’s Voice Story on Campaign Finance for First Quarter Report:

http://citizensvoice.com/news/holden-cartwright-rack-up-big-spending-on-campaigns-1.1299769

“A report for Gene Stilp, the Harrisburg area activist and consultant opposing Vinsko for the Democratic nomination, was unavailable.”

Here are the records of his filings, third quarter still doesn’t appear:

http://query.nictusa.com/cgi-bin/fecimg/?C00509653

Mr. Stilp should answer the question since he squarely positioned himself as a crusader agasint government waste and corruption.

Some of his notable donations given his promise to be a crusader for the people is one from Emily Leader, attorney for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, Mary Cassidy of Arnold & Porter which its many practices include representing pharmaceutical firm interests, Eugene Fleuish, no address listed, Douglas Phelps, no address listed, Carl Mayer, Mayer Law Group which among other specialties focuses on immigration issues, Holly Sebastian, Pennsylvania Department of Education, and a notable one for Pennsylvanians, John Passacantando of Our Next Economy LLC, an activist/envrionmenalist who is campaigns against the coal industry.

Will Gene Stilp Reject Kevin Blaum's Endorsement?

Kevin Blaum pens an opinion column for the Times Leader.  It is no secret that the editorial room of the Times Leader is  filled with some of the most liberal minds in the country.  Therefore it naturally follows that Republicans are not a welcome sight for their board.

Kevin Blaum opined in his latest column that voters should send Eugene Stilp to represent the 11th Congressional  District.  It is an almost unbelievable endorsement considering the issues Blaum addresses and his previous role on those very same topics.  Writing about Stilp he offers this perspective.

Best known for his work on a wide range of taxpayer concerns, Stilp is the proud owner of an oversized inflatable pink pig seemingly ubiquitous throughout central Pennsylvania.

Stilp's giant pink pig, coined Pignelope,  represents his perception of  government waste, fraud and corruption.  She comes in three sizes as well as a school bus painted pink which Stilp uses on his campaign trail traveling around the district.

One of the person's who exemplifies Stilp's cause against government waste is none other than Kevin Blaum.  Blaum was the architect of the  infamous"midnight pay raise of 2005" that Stilp successfully argued against before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to stop.

Bill O"Boyle of The Weekender(Times Leader) filed this report on Stilp's effort.

“The giant inflatable pig became a symbol of greed and fraud in government and helped defeat many incumbent legislators in 2006 and 2008 who had voted for the midnight pay raise,” Stilp said. “The legislators were being hogs. They were giving pigs a bad name. The pig had to fight back.”

RocktheCapitol with a motto of "the price of apathy is to be ruled by evil men" published this paper on the "pay jackers" who benefitted monetarily from their actions at the expense of Pennsylvania taxpayers.

Blaum's role in this midnight pay raise was multifacted according to their publication.

Mr. Blaum voted for the pay raise, and as minority caucus secretary (the fourth highest-ranking party job) he was flown from Iowa to Harrisburg ($716) courtesy of Mr. DeWeese’s “leadership account” on November 7 to vote on the pay raise repeal.

(Herald Standard, May 12, 2006) Mr.DeWeese is incarcerated for his role in Bonusgate

Defended perks:

“A car is a tool,” said Rep. Kevin Blaum, (D-Wilkes-Barre), who billed the state for a leased Ford Explorer and collected an average of about$1,500 a month in per-diems. “Certainly, no one is becoming rich off these expenses.” (Shamrock Times, November 13, 2006)

 

Per diems:

Rep. Blaum took 215 per diems in 18 months and made an extra $26,824

(Shamrock Times, November 14, 2006)  (Keep in mind that per diems are undocumented reimbursements)

Monthly pension & Approximate Lump-Sum Wiothdrawal

$4,579 ($115,000). ( The Associated Press, February 8, 2007)

Update:

Retired from the legislature, but works as “Associate director for admissions at a private school (Wyoming Seminary).” (Sources: Patriot-News and The Associated Press)

In this report RocktheCapitol makes the point that Blaum was the recipient of a pension bump.

So the questions for Eugene Stilp comes down to this.  Mr. Stilp are you willing to acknowledge that Kevin Blaum was verifying you were right about the egregious acts against taxpayers?  Are you willing to reject Mr. Blaum's endorsement as a conflict of interest against the principles you claim to represent?  Or, is the showmanship on these issues just attention seeking manuevers to get you elected to some position in government?  We are still paying for the benefits Blaum gets as a result of his self ingratiating actions.

After all Gene this isn't your first trip to the rodeo.  Let's not forget your failed  attempt against Representative Sue Helm(R) in the 104th district. 

Stilp is starting to look like Steve Urban,  wanting to run for any office hoping he gets something.

PA State Nurses Association Endorses Congressman Lou Barletta For Re-election

This press release was sent by Lance Stange Jr. of the Lou Barletta For Congress campaign.

October 15, 2012

American Nurses Assoc., PA State Nurses Assoc.

Endorse Lou Barletta for Second Term

 

Hazleton, PA – The American Nurses Association, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association, which represents more than 211,000 nurses in the Commonwealth, endorsed United States Representative Lou Barletta for a second term in Congress.

“Congressman Barletta has been a champion for nurses throughout the state of Pennsylvania within the 11th Congressional District,” stated PA State Nurses Association (PSNA) CEO Betsy M. Snook, MEd, BSN, RN.  “As a member of the House Nursing Caucus, he has shown a willingness to work with ANA and PSNA to build long-term relationships with his constituent nurses.  Congressman Barletta recognizes the important role nurses play in today’s changing healthcare environment and we are proud to stand behind ANA-PAC’s endorsement.”

Rep. Barletta added, “I am deeply honored by the endorsement of the American Nurses Association and the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association.  Nurses play a vitally important role in our nation’s health care system and are deserving of our respect and gratitude.  I look forward to continuing to advocate for issues of importance to nurses throughout the district.”

Congressman Lou Barletta's Election Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                  Contact: Lance Stange, Jr.

April 24, 2012                                                                                                                                      lance@loubarletta.com

or 570-501-8683

U.S. Representative Lou Barletta congratulates Stilp

Looks forward to a spirited campaign

HAZLETON – U.S. Representative Lou Barletta released the following statement after the Primary Election results were known:

“I would first like to thank everyone who voted for me today. The warm welcome I continue to receive in Northeastern, Central, and South Central Pennsylvania has been incredibly encouraging.

“The people of the 11^th District sent me to Washington to reign in out-of-control spending; cut excessive regulations; create a pro-growth, pro-jobs environment; and repeal Obamacare.  They want a domestic energy policy that works and lowers prices at the pump.  And, they want to make sure that the U.S. is secure from all threats.  That’s why they sent me, that’s what I’ve been fighting for, and that what’s I will continue to fight for.

“I would like to congratulate Mr. Stilp on his victory and I look forward to a lively and hard-fought campaign in the General Election.”

PCN- On The Issues With Lou Barletta

March 27: Election 2012 with Lou Barletta</a> You can listen to Congressman Lou Barletta as he speaks on issues facing America.

Congressman Barletta on CBS21

Congressman Lou Barletta appeared on "Face The State", a CBS21 telecast.

Vinsko Never Was A Real Contender

Last year my friend Gort reported on an email he received from Bill Vinsko's camp regarding his campaign fundraising efforts for the third quarter.  Even the D-triple C (DCCC) weighed in on the results, giggling with glee.   The headline read "DCCC, media tout Bill Vinsko among nation’s top challengers".  How another quarter can make a difference.

The headline today in the Times Leader.
3 local incumbent congressmen in fine fiscal shape entering campaign

Incumbents in the 10th, 11th and 17th U.S. congressional districts have plenty of cash on hand to mount re-election bids entering this year, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Tuesday was the deadline for year-end reports to be sent to the commission.
The campaign for freshman U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-Hazleton, reported $269,498 in the bank at year’s end. His campaign raised $146,978 in the fourth quarter and spent $101,803. The campaign also reported an outstanding debt of $85,102. Of that, $72,500 was in personal loans Barletta made to his campaign.

“Rep. Barletta’s campaign posted another successful fundraising quarter,” said campaign manager Lance Stange Jr. “Lou’s grassroots organization and financial support will allow him to start 2012 in a very strong position.”Of the two Democrats looking to unseat Barletta in the 11th District, only one had a functioning campaign last year and was required to file an end-of-year report showing campaign finances.

Wilkes-Barre attorney William Vinsko, who lives in the 17th District but is seeking the 11th District office, reported raising $20,574 and spending $34,580 so far. He started the year with $52,786 on hand.Vinsko said the first few months of fundraising have been successful but added that it “will really get into gear this quarter.”

$20,574.00???????? Joe Valenti of Pittston Politics tries to keep Vinsko alive with this post about a $10,000.00 donation from the I.B.E.W.

Valenti pens these comments.  For those of you who think that a union just doles out $10,000 checks because they can, think again.
Unions are well organized and have a huge organization from the bottom to the top. You can book it that this particular union took a poll in Barletta’s new district and sees that Vinsko is within striking distance.

Considering this, it’ll be full steam ahead for Team Vinsko.

Wow..now Vinsko's at $30,574.00..Joe...really....that is full steam ahead???
On January 23rd the DCCC issued their Top 36 Red to Blue races in the country, not their top 10 but their top 36. 

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s 36 Red to Blue races announced last week have already made quite a splash.

Guess who isn't on the list for targeting....drumroll.... Lou Barletta.  And guess who isn't getting DCCC backing...drumroll...Bill Vinsko.

Getting onto Vinsko's federal campaign filings one needs to look at his campaign expdenditures.

James McNulty- Consulting =$7, 500.00
Snyder Pickerall Group- Consulting- $5152.35
Kyle Donahue Kyle Donahue- Consulting Services- $1000,00.00
Hampton Inn- DC Meetings- $810.66
Pierantoni For Judge Committee- $350.00
The Mellinger Group- Fundraising Consultants-$3,500.00
Waldorf Astoria Hotel-Room Fee (Staff) PA Dinner - $907.97
Westmoreland Club-Fundraiser - Hoegan - $4645.45
Wyoming Valley Country Club- Fundraising Reception- $6362.56

No wonder he makes a great Democratic candidate.  He knows how to spend the money foolishly.  Someone should tell him he needs to bring at least $1 million dollars to the "race" party or stay home.

Oh..one more thing...Can somebody help Vinsko explain to the FEC why he needs those darn consultants. 

Federal Election Inquiry

This letter is prompted by the Commission's preliminary review of the report(s)referenced above. This notice requests information essential to full public disclosure of your federal election campaign finances. Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action.
Additional information is needed for the following 2 item(s):

1. Schedule B supporting Line 17 of your report discloses reimbursements to individuals for expenses other than travel and subsistence. Please be advised that when itemizing reimbursements to individuals for goods or services, if the payment to the original vendor aggregates in excess of $200 in an election cycle, a memo entry including the name and address of the original vendor, as well as the date, amount and purpose of the original purchase must be provided. Please amend your report to include the missing information or provide clarifying information if memo items are not required. (11 CFR §§ 104.3(b)(4)(i) and 104.9, and Advisory Opinions 1992-1 and 1996-20)

2. Itemized disbursements must include a brief statement or description of why each disbursement was made. Please amend Schedule B supporting Line 17 of your report to clarify the following: "Consulting Fee", "Consulting Fee: James McNulty and "Consulting Fee: James B. McNulty". For further guidance regarding acceptable purposes of disbursement, please refer to 11 CFR 104.3(b)(4)(i)(A).

BTW lets get back to Joe Valenti over at Pittston Politics.  Back in July Valenti opined in this blog post that this is the way Vinsko will make it to Washington.

There is one machine, however, that is still in place which is well oiled and runs like clock work - the District Justice network.

Just take a look at the last two county judicial races. Bill Amesbury and Freddy Pierantoni won double nominations and both were top vote getters.

The one common denominator, both were a District Justice.

So, you’re probably asking yourself what the heck does this have to do with Bill Vinsko’s run for congress?

A lot!

You see, Bill Amesbury was in Vinsko’s law office from 2003 until he won a spot on the bench. And, I’m sure Vinsko was quite supportive of Amesbury’s run for judge.
Now it’s time to return the favor.

So while you’ll see Lou Barletta spend millions to retain his seat or Paul Kanjorksi dip into his war chest to regain his seat, Bill Vinsko’s secret weapon is the District Justices which span far and wide touching every square mile through out the district – something money can’t buy.

That is a off the path assessment about how Vinsko will win this race because obviously it won't be with money.

Did anybody see the Titanic or the Costa Concordia???

Barletta Working To Create Jobs

Rep. Barletta, colleagues unveil five-year, $260B transportation bill that will put Americans back to work

01/31/12

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, PA-11, joined his colleagues on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to unveil a $260 billion, five-year reauthorization and reform of transportation programs that will create jobs and rebuild infrastructure in the district and the nation.

The American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act (H.R. 7) will be the largest transportation reform bill since the Interstate Highway System was created in 1956.

This act will reform and streamline transportation programs, cut red tape in the project approval process, increase states’ flexibility to fund their most critical needs, and encourage private sector participation in financing and building projects.

“Workers in the 11^th District and around the nation are in desperate need of work, and our infrastructure is in desperate need of updating. The American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act is a $260 billion, five-year plan that will give construction companies stability so they can hire more employees and buy more equipment. It gives more power to the states so they can set their own transportation project priorities. It will consolidate or eliminate 70 duplicative programs, streamlining the project approval process and reducing wasteful overspending. Basically, this bill will create jobs, fix our infrastructure, let states and not Washington pick their transportation projects, and make American taxpayer dollars go farther. It’s much needed, and I’m proud to be a member of the committee that created it,” Rep. Barletta said.

Since the last surface transportation law was signed into law on August 10, 2005 – 2,366 days ago – Congress has approved eight short-term extensions.

“Short-term extensions only create more uncertainty among job creators, so putting a five-year plan in place will provide long-term program reform and stability for job creators and states to rebuild our highways and bridges,” Rep. Barletta said. “In years past, Washington bureaucrats told states how to spend their transportation money. I believe the states know what projects need to be completed, so this reauthorization puts the decision-making power back in their hands.”

The American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act streamlines and condenses the project review process by allowing federal agencies to review transportation projects at the same time, setting hard deadlines for federal agencies to approve projects, and granting more decision-making authority to states. Bureaucratic reviews often bog down infrastructure projects; for example, a project in California proposed to widen a dangerous roadway by no more than two feet, construct 2,000 feet of new guardrail, replace two culvert pipes, and resurface the road. It took more than seven years just to complete the environmental reviews and permit approvals – during which time there were additional serious accidents on that road.

“As a businessman who worked in the road construction business, I can tell you that there are huge hurdles to leap when you want to fix or improve our infrastructure. The American Energy & Infrastructure Jobs Act will help make our roads and bridges safer, put people back to work, and maintain fiscal responsibility,” Rep. Barletta said.

How To Try To Influence Votes And Make Friends

From Bill Vinsko For Congress website:

I am very proud to receive such great support from I.B.E.W. and its outstanding membership. Their workers exemplify the hard-working Americans and Pennsylvanians that I will represent when elected to Congress. They need jobs, the 11th District needs jobs, Pennsylvania needs jobs and America needs jobs. It’s time to ensure that the middle class is protected and that we put America back to work. With the help of IBEW and other great organizations, it can still be done. I want to publicly thank I.B.E.W. and Mike Kwashnik for their faith in my candidacy.

Bill, why don't you ask your Democratic friends in the Senate why they haven't passed any of the 27 jobs bills sitting before them?

On November 18, 2011 Gort published Vinsko's response to Congressman Lou Barletta's fundraising efforts.  Here is one particular statement from Vinsko.

The people of the 11th Congressional District need a congressman who is ready to lead and not to follow; someone who is truly an independent thinker, guided by principle and not party doctrine.

If that check isn't party doctrine then nothing is.

Joe Valenti in Pittston Politics basically makes the case that the magisterial arm of the Pennsylvania Court System is a "quasi political machine" where Vinsko has deep roots.

You see, Bill Amesbury was in Vinsko’s law office from 2003 until he won a spot on the bench. And, I’m sure Vinsko was quite supportive of Amesbury’s run for judge.
Now it’s time to return the favor.
  
While a District Justice is not allowed to participate in any partisan politics and you’ll never see them at a political rally, the District Justice network is a tight organization that takes care of their own.

And, the only one running for congress that truly has only one degree of separation with that network is Bill Vinsko.

And, no one politician, political organization and or machine can personally touch the vast area of the congressional district with one exception, the District Justice network.

Who said corruption left the Luzerne County Court System?  Maybe it just changed its face with Vinsko being their rally cry.

Barletta Rips Obama Campaign Visit

In this Times Leader article by Jonathan Riskind Congressman Lou Barletta rips into President Obama for playing politics with his visit to Scranton, Pennsylvania today.

U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta said Tuesday he supports extending the Social Security payroll tax cut into 2012, but criticized President Obama’s visit to Scranton today as playing politics with the issue.

Guest speaker, U.S. Congressman, Lou Barletta, addresses the gathering at the Chamber of Commerce autumn Breakfast Meeting.

Obama

Obama is to make a pitch for the payroll tax cut extension during his speech this afternoon at Scranton High School.

Barletta, a Republican from Hazleton, said keeping the payroll tax low for another year is a good idea because “I believe that money is better staying in the pockets of American citizens than it is in the coffers of the federal government.”

But Barletta said Obama would be better served by staying in Washington and working with Senate Democrats to pass “some of the 20-plus job-creating bills that we in the House passed, and that are now sitting in the Senate.

Boehner Visits Flood Victims

Barletta and Boehner Tour Bloomsburg Flood Area Just a year ago the political pundits were saying our area would have no clout in Washington if Paul Kanjorski was not reelected. Bringing the Speaker of the United States House of Representative to tour the flood damaged areas in your district during your first term is an accomplishment worth noting on both sides of the political party aisle. Lou Barletta deserves credit, I don't care who you are.

Clinton Tells Obama His Plan Won't Work

Foxnews is reporting that Bill Clinton stated raising his taxes won't solve the current economic problem.
 
Both sides in the debate on job growth and deficit spending are claiming an ally in Bill Clinton, the multimillionaire former president who has declared his willingness to pay more in taxes, but said that it won't help get the economy moving.

Clinton, in interviews over the weekend, touted President Obama's $447 billion jobs package as a smart move. But speaking with Newsmax, he criticized the president's deficit-reduction plan, which calls for $1.5 trillion in tax hikes to be collected by raising the rates on people making $200,000 or more and adding an additional calculation for people making more than $1 million.

"It's okay with me. I'll pay more. But it won't solve the problem," Clinton said, adding that the country shouldn't deal with increased taxes or spending cuts "until we get this economy off the ground."

Clinton also said that Obama "knows perfectly well the Republicans aren't going to be for" a debt-reduction package that raises taxes. He said he would advise Obama and House Speaker John Boehner to "go work it out. Meanwhile, focus on putting America back to work now, because it just confused Americans."

Following the interview, House Republican Leader Eric Cantor said he hopes Obama will "heed" Clinton's advice
.

Barletta Fights For FEMA Help Desperately Needed In His District

This Morning Call blog reports Congressman Lou Barletta has joined 70 Democrats in asking Republican Leadership to give FEMA a larger relief pool of funds.

Around 70 House Democrats sent a letter to House Republican leadership urging them to accept a larger funding pool for FEMA disaster relief. Among those Democrat signatures one name sticks out: Pennsylvania Republican Lou Barletta.

Barletta, whose 11th district was ravaged by recent flooding, said he has joined the Democrats because his constituents need the extra help. He described grown men and women crying on their front porches, their homes destroyed, possessions lost, wondering if anyone will help.

How much to supplement FEMA's disaster relief fund in the wake of Hurricanes Irene and Lee has become a major sticking point in passing a resolution to keep the government funded through November. At issue is this: The House Republicans want to pass a "continuing resolution" with $3.65 billion for the fund with offsets. The Senate has already passed a stand alone measure providing $6.9 billion for FEMA. Majority Leader Harry Reid has said if the House passes its funding bill and sends it to the Senate he will attempt to amend it with the larger FEMA pot. House Democrats are also planning to vote against the bill.

Barletta said he has not yet decided whether he too will vote against the House Republican version.
In the letter, the members write that "FEMA cannot begin full recovery efforts in areas recently devastated because of the lack of adequate resources." The fund is expected to run out of money before the end of the month. "We have an obligation to fulfill to our fellow citizens," they write. "FEMA and other federal agencies need the entirety of the Senate's bill to help suffering Americans today. Please prevent disaster aid from getting caught up in budget brinksmanship by bringing the bill passed by the Senate up for a vote.

In related news, Reid secured a handful of Senate Republican votes to pass the $6.9 billion FEMA funding bill. Among those Republicans was Pennsylvania GOP Pat Toomey. Reid will need those votes again if he wants to amend the House bill and there's no guarantee Toomey and the other will vote for it a second time around.

Paul Kanjorski Are You Done Gloating??

Citizens Blame Levee For Damage To Town

Many residents said they now plan to move because they’ve suffered enough.

By Steve Mocarsky smocarsky@timesleader.com
Staff Writer

SHICKSHINNY – Residents’ emotions in this borough of less than 1,000 ran the gamut Monday as they began recovery from Friday’s flood devastation.

One was resentment.

“I’m going to go to the dike (in the Wyoming Valley) and put a big sign on it that says ‘Happy 150th Anniversary, Shickshinny. Here’s your gift.’ I don’t care what the politicians say. These people know what that dike is doing to them. It’s killing this town,” Shickshinny Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator Kevin Morris said.

Mayor Beverly Moore estimated 80 percent of the town was affected by flood waters that in lower-lying areas rose to the roofs of houses when the Susquehanna River crested at 42.66 feet.
Morris and others believe the Wyoming Valley Levee System north of them did its job – keeping the water within the river banks.

That is, until the waters pass through the system and hit downstream communities such as Shickshinny with greater force than ever because they can no longer spread out upstream.

“This may be the death of the town and it’s mainly due to that dike,” Morris said.
If it’s suggested that the Wyoming Valley would have been flooded without the levee, Morris believes fair is fair. “Let them share the pain. Why is Mrs. Smith on Main Street in Wilkes-Barre any better than Mrs. Smith on Main Street in Shickshinny?”

“I think this is the end of the line. I hope not and I’m trying to be optimistic, but there are a lot of homeowners who just said, ‘I’ve had enough,’ ” Morris said.

Cynthia Beach, 53, has lived with her husband, Doug, 54, at their 10 N. Susquehanna Ave. home for about 30 years, but they don’t plan on staying there much longer. Hit by flood waters five times before, the past weekend’s disaster was the final straw.
“We’ve been through it enough. We’re just tired. We’re not getting any younger,” Cynthia said. “The neighbors next door are leaving. They’re tired too.”

The Beaches and their children, Andrew, 22, and Joseph, 19, were able to get some belongings moved out before the midnight evacuation, but they still lost a lot.

“The government keeps promising this and promising that, and they’re never going to do anything,” Doug Beach said. “They don’t want to raise (a levee), so we’re just going to leave.”
“Or let them tear (the house) down and give us the money,” Cynthia Beach said.

A couple blocks north, Lillian Kresge, 85, sat in a lawn chair across the street from her home of 45 years watching her nephew, Aaron Jones and his son, Aaron Jr., wash her porch with a high-pressure sprayer.

As she looked at her mud-covered belongings on the sidewalk, her voice cracked as she fought back tears. “You think you’re all right until you sit down, and then you fall apart.”

Kresge has been hit by smaller floods before and has recovered. Can she do it again?
“I don’t want to. I love my house. I hate the thoughts of having to leave it. But at this point, I’m going to have to, I guess. We’ll see,” she said.

Kresge, too, thinks Shickshinny deserves a levee. She and other residents feel slighted, ignored, even in TV news coverage, Kresge said. “You never see anything much about Shickshinny. It’s like we don’t exist.”

Morris, the fire chief, said he and other officials began assessing the damage on Monday.
“Normally that happens a lot quicker because the fire hall and the borough building aren’t affected,” Morris said. But both took on 4 to 6 feet of water.

The borough set up an emergency command center a few lots up from the fire hall on West Union Street in the garage of Bob McDaniels. American Red Cross representatives made their first appearance in Shickshinny on Monday. “Everything we got up to this point has been private donations. Shickshinny area takes care of Shickshinny when it comes to something like this,” Morris said.

Holly Morris, fire company president, said there would be food and supplies at the command center and the Methodist church on South Main Street.

Mayor Moore, a nurse at Berwick Hospital, said she expected a tetanus clinic would be set up in the borough this week.

As far as relief in the form of a levee, Moore said she doubts Shickshinny will ever see one. “I honestly think they would buy out the town before they would put a dike down here,” she said.




Read more: http://www.timesleader.com/news/Citizens_blame_levee_for_damage_to_town_09-12-2011.html#ixzz1XtMK2VOO

Congressman Barletta On The Debt Ceiling Issue

Congressman Barletta On Healthcare Repeal

Barletta Announces Chief Of Staff Pick

The Times Leader is reporting that Congressman-elect Lou Barletta announced the appointment of Patrick Rothwell as his Chief of Staff.

Rothwell, who was born in Harrisburg and grew up in Massachusetts, has a tremendous amount of congressional experience. Most recently, he was chief of staff for the U.S. House Republican Policy Committee, where he was responsible for daily operations of the Republican leadership office.

Rothwell has worked in various capacities for other members of the U.S. House and Senate, including Rep. Thaddeus G. McCotter, R-Mich., for whom he was legislative director; former Rep. Charles W. Norwood, R-Ga.; and Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

“Patrick has a wealth of knowledge and experience in Washington, so he will be a great chief of staff,” Congressman-Elect Barletta said. “Patrick’s considerable talents will definitely help the people of the 11th District.”

Rep. McCotter, the chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, added, “U.S. Representative-Elect Barletta is getting an experienced, hard-working person. While we are sorry to see Patrick leave our office, there’s no doubt Representative-Elect Barletta will be well-served with Patrick as his chief of staff.”

“I am honored to be rewarded with this tremendous opportunity to help Representative-Elect Barletta continue the excellent service he performed for 11 years as mayor on behalf of the citizens of Hazleton and extending that work to the entire 11th Congressional District of Pennsylvania,” Rothwell said.

In addition Rothwell worked as a Manager of Government Relations at Van Scoyoc Associates from 2005 to 2006.

Look Who Is In The Front Row

From the MSNBC Photo Blog.

Newly elected freshman members of the upcoming 112th Congress pose for a class photo on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on November 19, 2010 in Washington, DC. . This week the new members have been undergoing orientation before taking office in January.

Some interesting facts about this new class.

The Obama administration has the least amount of private sector experience of any presidential administration in the last 110 years.

According to the New York Times no fewer than 33 members of 2010’s congressional freshman class are “small business owners” and all of them are Republicans. That’s compared to just 11 in 2008 when Democrats made big gains. Fourteen of these freshman have also never held elected office before. Also a good sign.

Fourteen of them have never held elective office before.

At least nine invest in, sell, or rent real estate. Seven own farms or ranches. (One does both.) One man built his enterprise into a large company before selling it to a private equity fund.

Fox News Digital Politics Editor Chris Stirewalt joined Jenna Lee to list his tips for the incoming freshman class of Congressmen.