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.

Hit The Deck Event

Gort(the ever famous organizer of great events of liberal libation or "libación liberal de las pociones de jour" , now you don't think he would organize a "conservative" one do you?? LOL!) invites you to "Hit the Deck" on Friday, July 16 at 5:00pm.

The Saturday OT Committee and Operatic Society will gather on the Big Deck at Dan's Keystone Grill 162 Union St. Plains, PA 18702 this Friday, July 16th from 5 to 10PM.

This a gathering of bloggers, readers, political types, friends and anyone else that is interested. All are welcome.

MaryAnn Petrilla- Emulating and Keeping Political Cronyism Strong

One would think that the FBI's efforts surrounding the Luzerne County Courthouse would officals more careful, transparent, and accountable with their dealings. Well, as you are about to see all is well in Political Cronyism land. I was reviewing some postings on the net and noticed that Gort wrote about the amount of money raised by Luzerne County Commissioner Maryann Petrilla this year. What struck me odd was that she isn't running for office this year nor did she need to retire debt. She is a sitting Luzerne County Commissioner.

Back in November, 2006 Gort wrote about Maryanne's plan to run for Luzerne County Commissioner while holding the office of Luzerne County Controller.

In looking at her campaign filings prior to running for Commissioner her indebtedness was as high as $70,300.00 on June 6, 2005. The earliest campaign filing on the Courthouse websites indicates she had a debt 0f $45,417.59 as of April 16, 2004. At the end of 2006 she had indebtedness of $36,300.00.

A review of her latest campaign report indicates she has a positive balance of $78,170.24 as of 10-19-2009 in her "Friends of Maryanne Petrilla" campaign account. In a span of two years she was able to swing $125,070.00 worth of money. That figure represents the political culture icon demonstrating politics as usual in Luzerne County.

What is more revealing is who gave her the money to achieve such a positive balance? First, this examination is not making the claim that the donations are illegal by any means. However, as you will see, from a taxpayer perspective they raise a multitude of ethical questions.

For starters her campaign forms have been submitted by Tracey Gallagher and Donald Karpowich for some of the years on file on the website. According to this document it appears they are husband and wife. Donald Karpowich is listed as the solicitor for Luzerne County Controller. This Annual Filing of the Controller of Luzerne County lists Donald Karpowich as the solicitor for Acting Controller A.J. Martinelli, however, Maryann Petrilla is listed as Controller. So basically her solicitor was also filing campaign reports for her while an officer of Luzerne County. He was also hired as the solicitor for Luzerne County's Retirement Board by Maryanne et al.

Article from:The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, PA) Article date:April 20, 2006 The Times Leader. Retirement board solicitor fired: Board also rejects paying former county Controller Steve Flood's legal bill. Byline: Jennifer Learn-Andes

Apr. 20--Luzerne County Retirement Board members Greg Skrepenak, Todd Vonderheid and Maryanne Petrilla voted Wednesday to fire solicitor Chris Cullen and not pay a $137,221 legal bill to a Philadelphia law firm handling former controller Steve Flood's defamation suit. The trio then voted to appoint controller's office solicitor Donald Karpowich as interim retirement board solicitor until the board can interview the six or seven applicants. Karpowich did not apply for the permanent post, Petrilla said. Retirement board members Stephen A. Urban and Mike Morreale voted against the appointment. It must be true that lightning can strike twice.

A campaign report was also filed by Kristen Martinelli and notarized by Tracey Gallgher for 2008. In that report the Friends of Skrepenak and Vonderheid committee contributed $26,350.00 on January 15, 2008 and the Friends of Skrepenak and Petrilla committee contributed $54,586.00 on March 28, 2008 to the People of Petrilla commmittee. The People of Petrilla committee transferred $55,000.00 to her newly formed campaign finance committee(CFC) Friends of Maryanne Petrilla on May 2, 2008.

In the Friends of Maryanne Petrilla filing through December, 2008 Nobel Quandel is listed as a $2,000.00 contributor on May 31, 2008.

Moving onto the latest campaign filing there some more interesting pieces of information. On August 31, 2009 Friends of Jackie Musto Carroll contributed $250.00 to her political committee hesitating to use the word "campaign" since Maryanne is already elected and holding office. Vito Deluca, Luzerne County Solicitor, contributed $375.00; Ed Casaldi, Luzerne County Public Safety Director donated $500.00; Donald Karpowich contributed $1,625.00; Joseph Piazza(along with his wife Patricia) Luzerne County Warden donated $500.00.

Correct me if I am wrong. As Luzerne County Commissioner Maryanne Petrilla by the County Code is a mandatory member of the Luzerne County Salary Board. Is it ethical for a sitting member of a Salary Board to accept campaign contributions from those who she will determine their salary and fund through Luzerne County taxpayers in the county budget?

Friends of Maryanne Petrilla committee contributed to the following campaign finance committees in 2009: Joe Musto for Judge Committee- $250.00, Committee to Elect Amesbury Judge $125.00, Committee to Elect Tina Polachek Gartley-total $1,200.00, Friends of Jackie Caroll Musto- $250.00. Again, aren't these Officers of the County who's staff salaries are determined in part by Maryanne Petrilla's vote?

How can there be reform in Luzerne County when these practices exist? If one were to sue the county would there be a conflict of interest for these judges to hear the case? If one were to have an issue with the county how can one accept the decision of the County solicitor or the solicitor of the various boards and offices when contributions back and forth cloud the issue?

Are these office holders transparent with the public in their transactions?

Click here for access to Friends of Maryanne Petrilla.

Click here for access to People For Petrilla.

Jack Panella- Where Were You When We Needed You?

Press Release from Republican Party of Pennsylvania:

October 28, 2009 Contact: Michael Barley
For Immediate Release (717) 234-4901



PA GOP: Jack Panella Ignored Luzerne County Judicial Misconduct Complaint



HARRISBURG – Republican Party of Pennsylvania Executive Director Luke Bernstein and Spokesman Michael Barley attended a press conference hosted by Luzerne County Republican Chairman Terry Casey to recount Jack Panella’s ties to the Luzerne County “Cash for Kids” judicial scandal.

“Jack Panella had an opportunity to stop Pennsylvania children from being harmed by corrupt judges in Luzerne County and he chose not to,” Bernstein said. “Panella was a member of the Judicial Conduct Board in 2006 when a complaint was filed against former Luzerne County Judge Michael Conahan and Panella and the Board chose not charge this corrupt judge. Those are the facts and they are indisputable!

“As a native of Luzerne County, I am outraged that Jack Panella and the Judicial Conduct Board had an opportunity to put an end to this scandal, but instead chose to ignore our children who were being unfairly punished in this ‘Cash for Kids’ scandal.”

According to the Judicial Conduct Board’s Mission Statement, “The Board investigates every allegation made against a Pennsylvania judge. Each complaint that is filed with the Board is thoroughly reviewed and analyzed by the staff as well as the twelve Board members. This procedure is an essential safeguard in the integrity of and public confidence in the judicial process.” (Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board Web Site, http://www.judicialconductboardofpa.org/MissionStatement.html, Accessed 10/22/09)

Spokesman Michael Barley continued, “The Judicial Conduct Board’s Mission Statement leaves no doubt that Jack Panella saw the 2006 complaint that was filed against disgraced Luzerne County Judge Michael Conahan. If Panella didn’t see the complaint, then he wasn’t doing his job. Panella had an opportunity to protect innocent children in Luzerne County and he let down all of the Pennsylvanians who were counting on him to protect us from corrupt judges.

“Jack Panella failed Pennsylvania as the biggest case of judicial misconduct in our nation’s history was taking place right under his nose and now he wants a promotion he doesn’t deserve. I urge anyone concerned with real judicial reform to join me in voting for Judge Joan Orie Melvin for Supreme Court on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009.”

Maybe my buddy Gort will rethink his assessment.

Vonderheid- Just A Couple Of Questions

Over at Gort42 the Gortmeister tears into Todd Vonderheid over his interview before the Luzerne County Government Study Commission.

When Vonderheid was asked the question about the lease concerning PA Child Care and whether he would do it again his response was "I'd sign that lease tomorrow, with only two alterations,"

He goes on further to say As for the two differences, the first change would have been to pre-negotiate the price, and the second would have been to tie the rent the county paid for the facility to the governmental reimbursement rate so there wouldn't have been a significant fluctuation, Vonderheid said.

Todd, I think you have some explaining to do. Let's take a look at the facts and see if your statements hold up.

1st issue: On the price pre-negotiation statement. Todd, you must have a significant lapse in memory.

"02/07/2003
New juvenile facility ready for business
By Fred Ney , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer

Pennsylvania Child Care, a new multi-million dollar juvenile detention and residential treatment center, opened Thursday in Pittston Township amid expectations that the facility will forge working relationships with many Pennsylvania county court systems, especially Luzerne's.

The county commissioners Wednesday passed several motions creating contracts with seven different juvenile detention facilities in the state, including Pennsylvania Child Care. Commissioner Makowski stressed that the county has decided to build its own juvenile detention facility.

Detention is 100-percent reimbursable by the federal government and costs vary from $160 to $288 per day.

PCC charges $268 per day.

Vonderheid tries to cover his tracks by asking for the results of the audit being conducted by the State Department of Public Welfare when he already voted for the lease. Once you enter a lease it is very difficult to break. Vonderheid justifies the lease cost based on prices paid for the last three years. Again, if they are doing it for the last three years where was the emergency?

Vonderheid states if the audit comes back and is unfavorable to PA ChildCare he will do what is right for the taxpayers. What were his actions when he found out about the results of the audit? Nothing.

"12/31/2004
County declares emergency, OKs pact with juvenile care center
By James Conmy , Citizens' Voice Staff Writer

Luzerne County Commissioners Greg Skrepenak and Todd Vonderheid declared a state-of-emergency Thursday to ratify four short-term contracts with service providers for a Pittston Township juvenile care center. The county will begin a 20-year, $58 million lease for the facility with Pennsylvania Child Care on Jan. 1. All contracts with service providers at the facility expire Dec. 31.

An emergency was declared to bypass normal advertising requirements for services, Vonderheid said.

Commissioner Stephen Urban did not support any of the contracts. He said declaring the emergency was unnecessary and proves Vonderheid and Skrepenak acted on the lease too quickly.

Vonderheid's letter to Estelle Richman, secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, asking to expedite an audit, which allegedly warns the lease is a bad deal for taxpayers, is too late, Urban said.

"He didn't do his due diligence on this," Urban said of Vonderheid. "His letter is nothing more than back tracking. He is asking questions that should have been asked before he signed the lease."

"The lease was based on rates approved for three straight years, by two different administrations," Vonderheid said.

So Todd, you were telling us that the rates were approved for three straight years but there was no pre-negotiating??? You're free to comment and explain that rationale.

2nd issue. Declaring an emergency. He admits in the last sentence above that the rates were approved for at least three years. What necessitated an emergency? Was the emergency declared to purposely bypass bidding requirements or contract requirements of public officials? Can someone explain to me how you declare a 20 year emergency, 20 years being the amount of time entered into by Luzerne County to lease PA Child Care?

Further, at the same meeting support services for the PA ChildCare facility are authorized for only 30 or 120 day periods. How can you have an emergency for the main facility but not the services that support it?

"Other contracts approved were for food service, custodial and maintenance service, and health insurance. They were all for 120 days, except the custodial and maintenance contract, which is for 30 days.

Greg Zappala claims he was unaware of Ciavarella's and Conahan's escapades. Greg, you are in finance. Let's ask you a question. Your father is a former judge. Your brother is a District Attorney. You own a business and watch a motion pass declaring an emergency when the county has been leasing your facility for three years and it doesn't catch your eye? I guess it's possible......

Bob Sypniewski for Controller-the interview- Gman

Read The Gort-man's interviewZ with Bob Sypniewski running for Luzerne County Controller.

Paul Kanjorski- You Almost Had Me

In an article that appears in the Pocono Record Paul Kanjorski is touting that the Porkulus Spendulus package will create or save 7,700 jobs in his district.

"While the final recovery bill is not perfect, nor does it address all my concerns, I strongly believe we must take quick action to help Americans who are struggling and help spur job creation," Kanjorski said in a statement.

His spokesperson, Abigal McDonough goes on to say- It is difficult to determine just how much of the massive spending bill will go to projects and programs in the 11th District, said Kanjorski spokeswoman Abigail McDonough. She noted localities will have to apply to the state for money.

So which way is it Paul? You do know the impact or as Abigail states, its difficult to determine since the localities will have to apply to the state for money? (Psstt..Chris Carney...how can you state that the Porkulus Spendulus will bring 7,500 jobs to your district with absolute certainty?)

Kanjorski is using the current crisis to raise his profile in the 11th district. He appears to have contrived a story about a money run to the tune of $500 million dollars. My friend the G man, Gort42, even blogged about the Motley Fool highlighting the story. If you watch the video he makes the claim that it happened September 15, 2008 on a Thursday. Actually that Thursday was September 18.

Felix Salmon over at the Portfolio.com sets the record straight about Kanjorski's meme. He gives a great chronological dissertation on the events that Kanjorski used in his story.

This is all, frankly, fiction, and it's not clear where most of it came from, although maybe Kanjorski's "friends" on Wall Street are the same people as Michael Gray's sources at the New York Post. Thinking back to that crazy week it's easy to get details wrong, especially when you're speaking off the cuff on a call-in show. But let's stop treating it as though there's any substance to it. Please.

On February 16, 2009 he he writes about the Mark II version of Kanjorski's story. Abigail McDonough is back at it again. But Ben Smith, of Politico.com, has talked to Kanjorski's spokeswoman, Abbie McDonough, and she is still citing the New York Post article rather than anything else as Kanjorski's source.

Obamessiah Giveth and Obamessiah Taketh Away

The House Rules Committee has released its version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. From the time I posted the text found on ReadTheStimulus.org until now the ver(gar)bage has increased from 334 pages to an astounding 647 pages.

SEC. 1110. USE OF AMERICAN IRON AND STEEL reads (a) IN GENERAL.—None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used for a project for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless all of the iron and steel used in the project is produced in the United States.

No sooner does one finish reading that section when it is followed by typical Washington balderdash (b) EXCEPTIONS.—Subsection (a) shall not apply in any case in which the head of the Federal department or agency involved finds that—(1) applying subsection (a) would be inconsistent with the public interest;

Gort has posted Chris Carney's vote on the bailout. Carney wants accountability and is not satisfied with it. As I posted before the accountability in this bill cost $3,000,000 per person for oversight. Like Paul Harvey would say- Page 26. Oh, the money, page 27.

Robin Williams On Obama's Election

I thought I would beat Gort to the Youtube weekend.

Donovan McNabb's Stunning Admission

This one is for the G man over at Gort42. Donovan McNabb didn't know that NFL games could end in ties. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk.