Todd Eachus stated publicly that he would not pass legislation "specifically" for Hazleton. Governor Rendell and Todd Eachus had no problem passing not just one but a package of bills specifically for the City of Pittsburgh.
November 2004
Governor Edward G. Rendell today signed a package of bills that will help restore Pittsburgh to fiscal health and provide it with stable sources of funding. The bills include reforms to the city’s business taxes, a phased reduction in the city parking tax, an increase in the city’s occupational privilege tax and an increase in the earned-income tax on visiting athletes.
Those bills contained taxation issues while Eachus claims finding a fix for the City's(Hazleton) problem right now is impractical. Evidently it wasn't impractical for Pittsburgh.
IssuesPA has a great article highlighting the problems faced by Pittsburgh. One of the problems detailed. The largest single factor in its rising debt service payments has been the city's bonding of unfunded pension liability. Annual expenditures for pension costs, benefits and debt service are expected to have increased $119 million between 1993 to 2005. Most cities in this Commonwealth are in the same boat defined in a report submitted by James McAneny of the Public Employees Retirement Commission..
It is no secret that Todd Eachus is using unprecedented legislative tactics for inexcusable political retribution. His use of scare tactics with the police and fire unions in Hazleton over unfunded pension liability is wagging the dog. The unfunded pension liability is due to losses in the stock market that every pension faced in the current financial meltdown. It is time Eachus remembers who put him in office. Arrogance that the office will always be his blinds him to the realities of mankind. Be kind and kindness will be a reward. Being arrogant lulls one into a false sense of competence and entitlement.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Eachus-Which Way Is It?
Steve Mocarsky reported in today's Times Leader that Todd Eachus was subpoenaed for a pre-trial hearing in the case against former Beaver County State Rep. Mike Veon.
However, in the report something seems very odd. Mr. Eachus and the House Democratic Caucus spokesman seem to be saying opposite statements.
Eachus wanted to make it clear that the subpoenas were not served by the attorney general or any law enforcement agency, but by the defense. He said he and current HDC staff have “cooperated fully” with the attorney general’s investigation.
HDC spokesman Brett Marcy said Eachus was not among the legislators who testified before the grand jury, nor was he interviewed by any law enforcement officials regarding the Bonusgate case.
If he never talked to law enforcement how can he "fully" cooperate? Maybe its just me, Ollie.
However, in the report something seems very odd. Mr. Eachus and the House Democratic Caucus spokesman seem to be saying opposite statements.
Eachus wanted to make it clear that the subpoenas were not served by the attorney general or any law enforcement agency, but by the defense. He said he and current HDC staff have “cooperated fully” with the attorney general’s investigation.
HDC spokesman Brett Marcy said Eachus was not among the legislators who testified before the grand jury, nor was he interviewed by any law enforcement officials regarding the Bonusgate case.
If he never talked to law enforcement how can he "fully" cooperate? Maybe its just me, Ollie.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Eachus Subpoenaed In Bonusgate Trial
It was only a matter of time before this would happen. According to Brad Bumsted over at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Todd Eachus, House Majority Leader, has been subpoenaed in the trial of Mike Veon. On the issue of credibility Eachus paid off Veon's campaign debt uniltateralyso it will be interesting to see what impact his testimony may have in this case. Eachus's rhetoric in that matter was simply amazing.
I know PA Pundit has some questions.
State Rep. Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne, is chair of the HDCC and authorized two payments. Three House Democrats who raise money for the HDCC – Rep. Joe Preston, D-Allegheny; Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny; and Rep. Jennifer Mann, D-Lehigh – said they were not consulted, although Eachus says he consulted with unnamed others in Democratic leadership before making the gifts.
Back to our regularly scheduled contributor on Bonusgate, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article,
Last week, Brett Marcy, spokesman for House Democrats, confirmed that DeWeese, of Greene County who is now the majority whip, and House Majority Leader Todd Eachus of Luzerne County, and Majority Caucus Secretary Jennifer Mann of Allentown were among those receiving defense subpoenas.
Mann, does she get around!!!
Eric Epstein over at the Central Penn Business Journal has a question for Mr. Eachus. However, the first order of business for Casey is to ask one question: "Mr. Eachus, when are you going to pay back the money my brother said you took illegally?"
I know PA Pundit has some questions.
State Rep. Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne, is chair of the HDCC and authorized two payments. Three House Democrats who raise money for the HDCC – Rep. Joe Preston, D-Allegheny; Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny; and Rep. Jennifer Mann, D-Lehigh – said they were not consulted, although Eachus says he consulted with unnamed others in Democratic leadership before making the gifts.
Back to our regularly scheduled contributor on Bonusgate, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article,
Last week, Brett Marcy, spokesman for House Democrats, confirmed that DeWeese, of Greene County who is now the majority whip, and House Majority Leader Todd Eachus of Luzerne County, and Majority Caucus Secretary Jennifer Mann of Allentown were among those receiving defense subpoenas.
Mann, does she get around!!!
Eric Epstein over at the Central Penn Business Journal has a question for Mr. Eachus. However, the first order of business for Casey is to ask one question: "Mr. Eachus, when are you going to pay back the money my brother said you took illegally?"
Mr. Eachus- Are You Misleading The Public About Senate Bill 961 That Would Help Hazleton?
Eachus seeks guidance on Hazleton pension fund woes by Mia Light for the Citizen's Voice published June 29,2009.
Here is what Mr. Todd Eachus had to say:
House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-Butler Township, reached out to the office of the Pennsylvania auditor general Friday for guidance in correcting Hazleton's $2.5 million debt to its pension fund.
It was reported in the Times Leader by Bill O'Boylethat Eachus has sent a letter to state Auditor General Jack Wagner that condemns Barletta’s action in removing money from the city’s pension fund and asks Wagner for help to resolve the issue.
Mr. Eachus, a simple freedom of information request would find that the Auditor General supported Senate Bill 961 on June 10, 2008 in an email to Sam Monticello, then Hazleton City Administrator. Why do you want people to believe otherwise?? What is your motive?
Click on Image
Email from Robert Teplitz, Chief Counsel/Policy Director, Deparment of the Auditor General
You can read Robert Teplitz's bio here. It seems clear to me that the legal advisor from the Auditor General saw no legal or constitutional problems with Senate Bill 961. It is hard to understand why Mr. Eachus would make claims to the contrary.
James Mcaneny, Executive Director of the Public Employee Retirement Commission gave this conclusion on page 5 in his testimony before the House Finance Committee on August 18, 2008.
We believe that Senate Bill Number 961 provides a better way to provide for Hazleton's financial need than the method currently being employed. PERC supports Senate Bill 961. Mr. Eachus, again why are you misleading the public about support on this issue?
Here is what Mr. Todd Eachus had to say:
House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-Butler Township, reached out to the office of the Pennsylvania auditor general Friday for guidance in correcting Hazleton's $2.5 million debt to its pension fund.
It was reported in the Times Leader by Bill O'Boylethat Eachus has sent a letter to state Auditor General Jack Wagner that condemns Barletta’s action in removing money from the city’s pension fund and asks Wagner for help to resolve the issue.
Mr. Eachus, a simple freedom of information request would find that the Auditor General supported Senate Bill 961 on June 10, 2008 in an email to Sam Monticello, then Hazleton City Administrator. Why do you want people to believe otherwise?? What is your motive?
You can read Robert Teplitz's bio here. It seems clear to me that the legal advisor from the Auditor General saw no legal or constitutional problems with Senate Bill 961. It is hard to understand why Mr. Eachus would make claims to the contrary.
James Mcaneny, Executive Director of the Public Employee Retirement Commission gave this conclusion on page 5 in his testimony before the House Finance Committee on August 18, 2008.
We believe that Senate Bill Number 961 provides a better way to provide for Hazleton's financial need than the method currently being employed. PERC supports Senate Bill 961. Mr. Eachus, again why are you misleading the public about support on this issue?
What Does Todd Eachus Really Know About Bonsugate?
From ToddEachus.com:
In addition to his legislative leadership roles, Todd also provides political leadership for Pennsylvania Democrats. In 2006 Todd’s campaign strategies and dedication to help incumbent members and first-time candidates led directly to House Democrats retaking the Majority for the first time since 1994
In 2007, Todd expanded his leadership with the House Democratic Campaign Committee and served as chairman, thus helping to coordinate all Democratic House political activities. In 2008, Todd led the effort to expand the Democratic majority by a crucial two seats, setting the stage for the election fo the first Democratic Speaker of the House since 1994.
From Pennlive.com
'Bonusgate' timeline
Friday, July 11, 2008
2007
January
Democrats take control of the state House for the first time in 12 years. The Patriot-News, responding to tips from House Democratic employees, reports on a secret bonus program for caucus employees. Tipsters alleged that the bonuses were tied to work on 2006 political campaigns. Within a week, all four caucuses disclose similar bonuses exceeding $3.6 million in 2005-06.
February
State Attorney General Tom Corbett says his office will investigate allegations that the staff bonuses were tied to campaign work.
August
After months of meetings with caucus officials on their bonus policies, staff interviews and other work, Corbett's investigators raid the House Democrats' Legislative Research Office, responding to a tip that materials relevant to the probe were about to be destroyed.
September
The first subpoenas go out to Democratic staffers, requiring their appearance before the grand jury. Caucus attorneys seek to block the subpoenas, but are foiled by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. October
Corbett's office issues subpoenas for records of the House Republican Caucus. November The Democratic caucus forces the resignations of or fires seven senior staffers as it turns over a new information to Corbett's agents. House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese said the information uncovered made their continued employment "untenable." December
DeWeese makes a tour of Pennsylvania newspapers, making the case that the caucus's problems were tied to actions of the fired staffers and former Democratic Whip Mike Veon, D- Beaver County. He said he had no knowledge of bonuses for campaign work.
Leaked e-mails implicate Veon and several staffers in tying bonuses to campaign work.
2008
February
Senate Republican leaders issue a statement confirming that Corbett's office has subpoenaed records from them. The news, along with follow- up requests of the House Republicans, fails to quench criticism in some circles that Corbett, a Republican, has staged the probe to hit Democrats first....
From Attorney General Tom Corbett's website:
2006 Bonuses
The election year of 2006 would prove to be the largest effort yet undertaken as part of the incentive scheme. Eric Webb testified that in 2006 the pay raise vote had "changed the whole map." He testified that there were many "more seats in play" requiring more volunteers to do everything from opposition research to campaign work in the field. It was also a unique year because both caucus leaders, Veon and DeWeese, had serious challengers. As a result of these factors, the campaign efforts started in earnest very early in the year.
Whether measured by the effort expended in tracking the campaign work of caucus employees, the number of bonus recipients or the dollar amounts expended on bonuses, 2006 far exceeded the prior years.
It was Eachus's strategies that led to House Democrats retaking the majority by his own admission. Hmmmm..oddly interesting.
In addition to his legislative leadership roles, Todd also provides political leadership for Pennsylvania Democrats. In 2006 Todd’s campaign strategies and dedication to help incumbent members and first-time candidates led directly to House Democrats retaking the Majority for the first time since 1994
In 2007, Todd expanded his leadership with the House Democratic Campaign Committee and served as chairman, thus helping to coordinate all Democratic House political activities. In 2008, Todd led the effort to expand the Democratic majority by a crucial two seats, setting the stage for the election fo the first Democratic Speaker of the House since 1994.
From Pennlive.com
'Bonusgate' timeline
Friday, July 11, 2008
2007
January
Democrats take control of the state House for the first time in 12 years. The Patriot-News, responding to tips from House Democratic employees, reports on a secret bonus program for caucus employees. Tipsters alleged that the bonuses were tied to work on 2006 political campaigns. Within a week, all four caucuses disclose similar bonuses exceeding $3.6 million in 2005-06.
February
State Attorney General Tom Corbett says his office will investigate allegations that the staff bonuses were tied to campaign work.
August
After months of meetings with caucus officials on their bonus policies, staff interviews and other work, Corbett's investigators raid the House Democrats' Legislative Research Office, responding to a tip that materials relevant to the probe were about to be destroyed.
September
The first subpoenas go out to Democratic staffers, requiring their appearance before the grand jury. Caucus attorneys seek to block the subpoenas, but are foiled by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. October
Corbett's office issues subpoenas for records of the House Republican Caucus. November The Democratic caucus forces the resignations of or fires seven senior staffers as it turns over a new information to Corbett's agents. House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese said the information uncovered made their continued employment "untenable." December
DeWeese makes a tour of Pennsylvania newspapers, making the case that the caucus's problems were tied to actions of the fired staffers and former Democratic Whip Mike Veon, D- Beaver County. He said he had no knowledge of bonuses for campaign work.
Leaked e-mails implicate Veon and several staffers in tying bonuses to campaign work.
2008
February
Senate Republican leaders issue a statement confirming that Corbett's office has subpoenaed records from them. The news, along with follow- up requests of the House Republicans, fails to quench criticism in some circles that Corbett, a Republican, has staged the probe to hit Democrats first....
From Attorney General Tom Corbett's website:
2006 Bonuses
The election year of 2006 would prove to be the largest effort yet undertaken as part of the incentive scheme. Eric Webb testified that in 2006 the pay raise vote had "changed the whole map." He testified that there were many "more seats in play" requiring more volunteers to do everything from opposition research to campaign work in the field. It was also a unique year because both caucus leaders, Veon and DeWeese, had serious challengers. As a result of these factors, the campaign efforts started in earnest very early in the year.
Whether measured by the effort expended in tracking the campaign work of caucus employees, the number of bonus recipients or the dollar amounts expended on bonuses, 2006 far exceeded the prior years.
It was Eachus's strategies that led to House Democrats retaking the majority by his own admission. Hmmmm..oddly interesting.
Todd Eachus- Define Constitutional
From Steve Mocarksy's article that appeared in the Times Leader on June 25, 2009.
"Something must be done to get the city out of this bind, but I want to make it clear that any solution must be within the confines of the state law and the state Constitution- Todd Eachus on Hazleton's Pension Fund Issue
Here is a link to Senate Bill 961 of 2007 that was introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate as a solution for Hazleton's pension issue.
Here is a link to the Senate Appropriations Committee vote which was unanimous. Note that Senators Musto and Mellow voted YES.
Here is a link to the Senate Finance Committee vote which was unanimous.
Here is a link to the Senate vote on Senate Bill 961. The vote 49-0.
The bill was referred to the House Finance Committee on June 26, 2007. The bill was not considered by the House Finance Committee until 8-18-2008. As you can see it was never reported out of the House Finance Committee.
According to the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Government Relations Committee Senate Bill 961 would allow the City of Hazelton to increase its earned income taxation rate up to an additional five-tenths percent beyond the maximum rate provided by law, provided that the proceeds are used solely to reduce any taxes assessed and collected under the Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Recovery Act from and after Jan. 1, 2003.
State Representative John Yudichak on the issue in the Times Leader by Bill O'Boyle:
State Rep. John Yudichak, D-Nanticoke, said he remembers Barletta coming to Harrisburg in 2007 to try to work out a legislative solution to the issue.
“I thought we had one,” Yudichak said. “It passed the Senate 49-0. I offered a discharge resolution in the House to get it out of committee and I was told that a solution was being worked on with Mayor Barletta and Rep. Eachus to resolve the issue. Now here we are two years later and the problem continues to threaten the health and welfare of the residents of Hazleton City.”
Todd Eachus wants people to believe Senate Bill 961 was unconstitutional. Forty nine Senators voted Yes. It was considered by the House Finance Committee where it died. Representative Yudichak authored a discharge resolution to get it out of committee but a hissy fit was had by Mr. Eachus. Don't you think those elected officials consulted with legislative attorneys before voting on this bill?
Mr. Eachus, why did it take over a year for a committee to consider a bill for your legislative district? Why didn't the bill move out of the House Finance committee? Why did it take so long to hear from you on this issue? You were elected to represent us.
There is a saying-"Just because you can doesn't mean you should". Just because you can hold Lou Barletta hostage doesn't mean that you should hold all of the residents and businesses of Hazleton hostage. Cut the crap, swallow some pride, reintroduce SB 961 and get it passed.
"Something must be done to get the city out of this bind, but I want to make it clear that any solution must be within the confines of the state law and the state Constitution- Todd Eachus on Hazleton's Pension Fund Issue
Here is a link to Senate Bill 961 of 2007 that was introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate as a solution for Hazleton's pension issue.
Here is a link to the Senate Appropriations Committee vote which was unanimous. Note that Senators Musto and Mellow voted YES.
Here is a link to the Senate Finance Committee vote which was unanimous.
Here is a link to the Senate vote on Senate Bill 961. The vote 49-0.
The bill was referred to the House Finance Committee on June 26, 2007. The bill was not considered by the House Finance Committee until 8-18-2008. As you can see it was never reported out of the House Finance Committee.
According to the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Government Relations Committee Senate Bill 961 would allow the City of Hazelton to increase its earned income taxation rate up to an additional five-tenths percent beyond the maximum rate provided by law, provided that the proceeds are used solely to reduce any taxes assessed and collected under the Municipal Pension Plan Funding Standard and Recovery Act from and after Jan. 1, 2003.
State Representative John Yudichak on the issue in the Times Leader by Bill O'Boyle:
State Rep. John Yudichak, D-Nanticoke, said he remembers Barletta coming to Harrisburg in 2007 to try to work out a legislative solution to the issue.
“I thought we had one,” Yudichak said. “It passed the Senate 49-0. I offered a discharge resolution in the House to get it out of committee and I was told that a solution was being worked on with Mayor Barletta and Rep. Eachus to resolve the issue. Now here we are two years later and the problem continues to threaten the health and welfare of the residents of Hazleton City.”
Todd Eachus wants people to believe Senate Bill 961 was unconstitutional. Forty nine Senators voted Yes. It was considered by the House Finance Committee where it died. Representative Yudichak authored a discharge resolution to get it out of committee but a hissy fit was had by Mr. Eachus. Don't you think those elected officials consulted with legislative attorneys before voting on this bill?
Mr. Eachus, why did it take over a year for a committee to consider a bill for your legislative district? Why didn't the bill move out of the House Finance committee? Why did it take so long to hear from you on this issue? You were elected to represent us.
There is a saying-"Just because you can doesn't mean you should". Just because you can hold Lou Barletta hostage doesn't mean that you should hold all of the residents and businesses of Hazleton hostage. Cut the crap, swallow some pride, reintroduce SB 961 and get it passed.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Mr. Eachus- Is It Really True That The Legislature Cannot Pass A Bill That Only Helps One Person or Municipality?
Over at Checking the Balance some political fodder is being served about Todd Eachus's comments that he can't get a bill passed that only helps one municipality. Well, Mr. Check, check on these which Todd Eachus voted for or were passed in Pennsylvania for just one reason.
House Bill 1868, sponsored by Rep. Martin R. Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), repeals an obsolete Act from 1850 that vested certain property in Barbara Griffith and Polly Conrad, incorporated the Delaware and Schuylkill plank road company, and is relative to market stalls in Philadelphia. The bill was approved in the House, 200-0, and passed the Senate, 46-0. It takes effect immediately.
House Bill 2587, sponsored by Rep. Merle H. Phillips (R-Northumberland/Snyder), authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the PA Historical Museum Commission and the Governor, to convey to Milton Area School District certain land and a building (Sodom School) located thereupon, for consideration of $1. The bill passed the House, 195-0, and was approved in the Senate, 47-0. It takes effect immediately.
House Bill 2980, sponsored by Rep. Craig A. Dally (R-Northampton), amends the Local Health Administration Law such that a municipality under the Act shall include a township of the second class. It also provides that when a municipality is located within two or more counties, the governing body of the municipality may enter into an agreement to have a single-county department of health provide services to the entire municipality. The bill passed the House, 193-0, and was approved in the Senate, 46-0. It takes effect in 60 days.
Senate Bill 731 designates Bushkill Drive on State Route 2019 in Northampton County as the Victor W. Anckaitis Memorial Highway and a portion of State Route 2017 in Lehigh County as the Sgt. Ashly L. Moyer Memorial Road. The bill will take effect in 60 days.
Measures Grant Riparian Rights Along Delaware River
HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today signed House Bill 1621 and House Bill 1627 into law, and issued the following signing message:
"Today I am signing HB 1621 and HB 1627. These bills authorize the grant of riparian rights along the Delaware River in Philadelphia for two very
important residential developments that I am happy to see move forward.
Broadband Wireless Access World #15
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 30, 2004
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell signs "House Bill 30 (HB30)" into law, citing Verizon's "signed agreement" "to waive its right of first refusal in regard to Philadelphia’s proposed municipal Wi-Fi network guaranteeing that that particular project can proceed"
Under the terms of HB30, the City of Philadelphia would only have been able to proceed to implement such plans itself AFTER Verizon indicated it wasn't interested in doing so.
PA Governor Rendell Signs 47 Bills Into Law
House Bill 2313 appropriates $338.4 million to Penn State University.
House Bill 2314 appropriates $766,000 to the Fox Chase Institute for Cancer
Research in Philadelphia.
House Bill 2316 appropriates $211,000 to the Wistar Institute, Philadelphia,
for operation and maintenance expenses, and $91,000 for AIDS research.
House Bill 2317 appropriates $175.5 million for the operation of Temple
University and $442,000 to enhance its recruitment and retention of
disadvantaged students.
House Bill 2318 appropriates $128,000 to the Central Penn Oncology Group.
House Bill 2319 appropriates $58,000 to Lancaster Cleft Palate for
outpatient-inpatient treatment.
House Bill 2320 appropriates $14.5 million to Lincoln University.
House Bill 2321 appropriates $413,000 to the Burn Foundation, Philadelphia.
House Bill 2322 appropriates $957,000 to the Children's Institute, Pittsburgh.
House Bill 2323 appropriates $6.9 million to Drexel University.
House Bill 2324 appropriates $445,000 to the Children's Hospital of
Philadelphia.
House Bill 2325 appropriates $104,000 to Beacon Lodge Camp.
House Bill 2326 appropriates $46.4 million to the University of Pennsylvania.
House Bill 2327 appropriates $502,000 to the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.
House Bill 2328 appropriates $6.6 million to the Philadelphia Health and
Education Corp. for its colleges of medicine, public health, nursing and
health professions and for the continuation of pediatric services.
House Bill 2329 appropriates $759,000 to the Franklin Institute Science
Museum.
House Bill 2330 appropriates $465,000 to the Academy of Natural Sciences.
House Bill 2331 appropriates $4.9 million to Thomas Jefferson University,
Philadelphia.
House Bill 2332 appropriates $354,000 to the African-American Museum,
Philadelphia.
House Bill 2333 appropriates $45,000 to the Everhart Museum, Scranton.
House Bill 2334 appropriates $6.5 million to the Philadelphia College of
Osteopathic Medicine.
House Bill 2335 appropriates $193,000 to the Mercer Museum, Doylestown.
House Bill 2336 appropriates $139,000 to Whitaker Center for Science and the
Arts, Harrisburg.
House Bill 2337 appropriates $1.7 million to the Pennsylvania College of
Optometry, Philadelphia.
House Bill 2338 appropriates $1.2 million to the University of the Arts,
Philadelphia.
House Bill 2340 appropriates $192,000 to the Johnson Technical Institute of
Scranton.
House Bill 2341 appropriates $70,000 to the Williamson Free School of
Mechanical Trades, Delaware County.
House Bill 2342 appropriates $1.8 million to the Lake Erie College of
Osteopathic Medicine.
House Bill 1691 allows the departments of Conservation and Natural Resources,
Transportation, Environmental Protection and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, acting for and in the name of the commonwealth, to obtain authorization to agree to hold and save the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers free from all damages arising from the construction, operation and maintenance of the Delaware River main channel deepening project. The hold harmless provision would apply to certain liability issues. However, all permit and regulatory requirements still apply to all projects. The Delaware River project involves deepening the body of water to 45 feet.
Senate Bill 917 authorizes and directs DGS to grant and convey five acres in Cambria Township, Cambria County, to CDM Ebensburg LLC for approximately $675,000. A May 6, 2006, appraisal determined the property’s market value to be $650,000.
Does there seem to be a pattern? It is Todd Eachus who wants us to believe otherwise.
His issue with the Mayor have made the rest of us hostage to his political posturing. He was elected to serve us from the bottom up, not the top down.
No money for our Intermodel project but $250 million dollars for now admitted criminal Bob Powell. Hazleton citizens should not be suffering at the hands of Eachus or Kanjorski because they feel the have the power to do it.
Our forefathers would be hotter than a cauldron in a steel factory if they saw how politicians turned this nation into one that isn't for the people, by the people, or of the people but one where a congressman or senator says "How dare you talk to me like that" or "I'll bury you. I'll destroy you?"
House Bill 1868, sponsored by Rep. Martin R. Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), repeals an obsolete Act from 1850 that vested certain property in Barbara Griffith and Polly Conrad, incorporated the Delaware and Schuylkill plank road company, and is relative to market stalls in Philadelphia. The bill was approved in the House, 200-0, and passed the Senate, 46-0. It takes effect immediately.
House Bill 2587, sponsored by Rep. Merle H. Phillips (R-Northumberland/Snyder), authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the PA Historical Museum Commission and the Governor, to convey to Milton Area School District certain land and a building (Sodom School) located thereupon, for consideration of $1. The bill passed the House, 195-0, and was approved in the Senate, 47-0. It takes effect immediately.
House Bill 2980, sponsored by Rep. Craig A. Dally (R-Northampton), amends the Local Health Administration Law such that a municipality under the Act shall include a township of the second class. It also provides that when a municipality is located within two or more counties, the governing body of the municipality may enter into an agreement to have a single-county department of health provide services to the entire municipality. The bill passed the House, 193-0, and was approved in the Senate, 46-0. It takes effect in 60 days.
Senate Bill 731 designates Bushkill Drive on State Route 2019 in Northampton County as the Victor W. Anckaitis Memorial Highway and a portion of State Route 2017 in Lehigh County as the Sgt. Ashly L. Moyer Memorial Road. The bill will take effect in 60 days.
Measures Grant Riparian Rights Along Delaware River
HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today signed House Bill 1621 and House Bill 1627 into law, and issued the following signing message:
"Today I am signing HB 1621 and HB 1627. These bills authorize the grant of riparian rights along the Delaware River in Philadelphia for two very
important residential developments that I am happy to see move forward.
Broadband Wireless Access World #15
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
November 30, 2004
Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell signs "House Bill 30 (HB30)" into law, citing Verizon's "signed agreement" "to waive its right of first refusal in regard to Philadelphia’s proposed municipal Wi-Fi network guaranteeing that that particular project can proceed"
Under the terms of HB30, the City of Philadelphia would only have been able to proceed to implement such plans itself AFTER Verizon indicated it wasn't interested in doing so.
PA Governor Rendell Signs 47 Bills Into Law
House Bill 2313 appropriates $338.4 million to Penn State University.
House Bill 2314 appropriates $766,000 to the Fox Chase Institute for Cancer
Research in Philadelphia.
House Bill 2316 appropriates $211,000 to the Wistar Institute, Philadelphia,
for operation and maintenance expenses, and $91,000 for AIDS research.
House Bill 2317 appropriates $175.5 million for the operation of Temple
University and $442,000 to enhance its recruitment and retention of
disadvantaged students.
House Bill 2318 appropriates $128,000 to the Central Penn Oncology Group.
House Bill 2319 appropriates $58,000 to Lancaster Cleft Palate for
outpatient-inpatient treatment.
House Bill 2320 appropriates $14.5 million to Lincoln University.
House Bill 2321 appropriates $413,000 to the Burn Foundation, Philadelphia.
House Bill 2322 appropriates $957,000 to the Children's Institute, Pittsburgh.
House Bill 2323 appropriates $6.9 million to Drexel University.
House Bill 2324 appropriates $445,000 to the Children's Hospital of
Philadelphia.
House Bill 2325 appropriates $104,000 to Beacon Lodge Camp.
House Bill 2326 appropriates $46.4 million to the University of Pennsylvania.
House Bill 2327 appropriates $502,000 to the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.
House Bill 2328 appropriates $6.6 million to the Philadelphia Health and
Education Corp. for its colleges of medicine, public health, nursing and
health professions and for the continuation of pediatric services.
House Bill 2329 appropriates $759,000 to the Franklin Institute Science
Museum.
House Bill 2330 appropriates $465,000 to the Academy of Natural Sciences.
House Bill 2331 appropriates $4.9 million to Thomas Jefferson University,
Philadelphia.
House Bill 2332 appropriates $354,000 to the African-American Museum,
Philadelphia.
House Bill 2333 appropriates $45,000 to the Everhart Museum, Scranton.
House Bill 2334 appropriates $6.5 million to the Philadelphia College of
Osteopathic Medicine.
House Bill 2335 appropriates $193,000 to the Mercer Museum, Doylestown.
House Bill 2336 appropriates $139,000 to Whitaker Center for Science and the
Arts, Harrisburg.
House Bill 2337 appropriates $1.7 million to the Pennsylvania College of
Optometry, Philadelphia.
House Bill 2338 appropriates $1.2 million to the University of the Arts,
Philadelphia.
House Bill 2340 appropriates $192,000 to the Johnson Technical Institute of
Scranton.
House Bill 2341 appropriates $70,000 to the Williamson Free School of
Mechanical Trades, Delaware County.
House Bill 2342 appropriates $1.8 million to the Lake Erie College of
Osteopathic Medicine.
House Bill 1691 allows the departments of Conservation and Natural Resources,
Transportation, Environmental Protection and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, acting for and in the name of the commonwealth, to obtain authorization to agree to hold and save the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers free from all damages arising from the construction, operation and maintenance of the Delaware River main channel deepening project. The hold harmless provision would apply to certain liability issues. However, all permit and regulatory requirements still apply to all projects. The Delaware River project involves deepening the body of water to 45 feet.
Senate Bill 917 authorizes and directs DGS to grant and convey five acres in Cambria Township, Cambria County, to CDM Ebensburg LLC for approximately $675,000. A May 6, 2006, appraisal determined the property’s market value to be $650,000.
Does there seem to be a pattern? It is Todd Eachus who wants us to believe otherwise.
His issue with the Mayor have made the rest of us hostage to his political posturing. He was elected to serve us from the bottom up, not the top down.
No money for our Intermodel project but $250 million dollars for now admitted criminal Bob Powell. Hazleton citizens should not be suffering at the hands of Eachus or Kanjorski because they feel the have the power to do it.
Our forefathers would be hotter than a cauldron in a steel factory if they saw how politicians turned this nation into one that isn't for the people, by the people, or of the people but one where a congressman or senator says "How dare you talk to me like that" or "I'll bury you. I'll destroy you?"
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Can Pennsylvanians Afford More Democratic Control?
The latest proposal to raise the state personal income tax from its present level of 3.07% to 3.57% should have Pennsylvania citizens up in arms. Don't be fooled into believing our state government NEEDS to be the size it is. Our elected officials WANT it to be the size it is.
In this article written by Robert Swift for the Scranton Times he charts the rise in Pennsylvania's income tax rate since 1971.
Fluctuations in the state personal income tax rate since 1971.
2004-present 3.07%
1993 2.8 percent
1992 2.95 percent
1991 2.6 percent
1987 2.1 percent
1984 2.4 percent
1978 2.2 percent
1971 2.3 percent
In my previous post I talked about Governor Thornburgh having the highest amount of people on the PACE program. Democrat Robert P. Casey was Governor from 1987 to 1995. Look at the increases that happened during his term. Along comes Democrat Ed Rendell in 2002 and look at the next increase in the income tax rate. Todd Eachus who was elected in 1996 and Ed Rendell support another increase to 3.57%. A seventy percent jump in the income tax rate is totally unacceptable.
Ed Rendell hired 110 people during his announced hiring freeze. He should be held accountable for that action in this economic crisis that Todd Eachus called the largest State deficit since the Great Depression.
If this story was about George Bush people would be calling for his resignation. But somehow in Pennsylvania what Democrats do is accepted as par for the course. With the mess in Luzerne County continuing to develop under Democratic Control when is the "revolution" going to occur to rid our midst of Democrats who believe absolute power means absolute control. It is time the voters exercised their right as the fourth branch of government to reign in the stinkin thinkin that is pickin our pockets.
In this article written by Robert Swift for the Scranton Times he charts the rise in Pennsylvania's income tax rate since 1971.
Fluctuations in the state personal income tax rate since 1971.
2004-present 3.07%
1993 2.8 percent
1992 2.95 percent
1991 2.6 percent
1987 2.1 percent
1984 2.4 percent
1978 2.2 percent
1971 2.3 percent
In my previous post I talked about Governor Thornburgh having the highest amount of people on the PACE program. Democrat Robert P. Casey was Governor from 1987 to 1995. Look at the increases that happened during his term. Along comes Democrat Ed Rendell in 2002 and look at the next increase in the income tax rate. Todd Eachus who was elected in 1996 and Ed Rendell support another increase to 3.57%. A seventy percent jump in the income tax rate is totally unacceptable.
Ed Rendell hired 110 people during his announced hiring freeze. He should be held accountable for that action in this economic crisis that Todd Eachus called the largest State deficit since the Great Depression.
If this story was about George Bush people would be calling for his resignation. But somehow in Pennsylvania what Democrats do is accepted as par for the course. With the mess in Luzerne County continuing to develop under Democratic Control when is the "revolution" going to occur to rid our midst of Democrats who believe absolute power means absolute control. It is time the voters exercised their right as the fourth branch of government to reign in the stinkin thinkin that is pickin our pockets.
Kanjorski, Powell, Eachus, Marsicano-Hazleton Cargo Airport
It is probably not necessary to detail Todd Eachus's role in trying to secure $250 million dollars of taxpayer money(which he wanted the citizens of Pennsylvania to borrow on behalf of Robert Powell and Mike Marsicano), however another actor in the "Fantasy Cargo Airport" was not Ricardo Montalbon but none other than Paul Kanjorski.
Here is a press release from his website from January 31, 2007.
"I have been a supporter of the concept of locating a cargo airport in Northeastern Pennsylvania because of the tremendous economic development benefits it could have for our region, as outlined in the feasibility study released in February 2005, for which I worked to obtain federal funding in association with my colleague Congressman Tim Holden. As former Mayor of Hazleton and a pilot for Continental Airlines, Mike Marsicano convinced me that our region could be an ideal location for a multi-purpose airport that could handle not only air cargo, but also emergency landing capacity and aircraft maintenance facilities.
"Private sector investment in a project such as this can potentially get it done more quickly, rather than waiting for the approval process of obtaining federal grants. I am supportive of any thoughtful initiative that strengthens our local economy and brings good jobs to our area. I look forward to learning more of the details of this project so that I can be of assistance."
But it doesn't stop there. Kanjorski's role to help now convicted felon Robert Powell can be traced back to 2000 as Kanjo continued to push for a feasibility study in spite of the fact that no municipality was supporting the project. He wasted $300,000.00 of taxpayers money to help Robert Powell, who just yesterday admitted to handing cash to convicted Judges Conahan and Ciavarella in Fed-Ex boxes.
The $270,000 for the study was included in legislation that funds the Federal Aviation Administration for the next three years, U.S. Reps. Paul Kanjorski and Timothy Holden report.
After Kanjorski and Holden got on board, Luzerne County commissioners agreed
to pay the local share, about $30,000, for the study.
Commissioners from Carbon and Schuylkill counties said they must be
contacted about the next steps.
"I have yet to hear anything from those people," Carbon Commissioner Tom
Gerhard said.
Schuylkill Commissioner Forrest Shadle said he has not been contacted about
forming an authority.
Gladstone partners remind us of the fact that Paul Kanjorski kept pushing for the airport for at least ten years in this press release.
Almost 10 years ago, then-mayor of Hazleton Michael Marsicano pitched an ambitious project -- a cargo airport where Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties meet.
But for much of the last decade, the proposal seemed more off than on. U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski reminded area folks about the potential airport from time to time. A study found that such a facility would be feasible, but many were turned off by the billion-dollar price tag and few seemed to be willing to take it to the next step.
Then last week, seemingly out of the blue, there it was: The airport idea -- a project that if realized could transform the Hazleton area even moreso than King Coal itself -- went from a pipe dream to a near certainty.
There was certainly much work done behind the scenes, because before invitations went out for Wednesday's big announcement, the airport wasn't even on the radar screen.
The mayor of Hazleton, the closest city to the airport location, wasn't consulted or even informed. State Rep. Todd Eachus was a main speaker at Wednesday's announcement; maybe he and Louis Barletta haven't completely buried the hatchet.
Eachus and Kanjorski have been ganging up on screwing Hazleton for a long time over Lou Barletta. Shame on them for violating the public trust put in them when they were elected. Like him or not, Lou Barletta is the Mayor of Hazleton. If you don't like him at least have the decency to honor the office.
“It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office.”- Henry Louis Mencken quotes (American humorous Journalist and Critic of American life who influenced US fiction through the 1920s, 1880-1956)
Heck they didn't have the decency to contact officials of the municipalities where this airport would be located or affect.
Hazle Township Supervisor Chairman Bill Gallagher said he found out in Tuesday's Standard-Speaker that the airport idea might fly.
Maybe most importantly, some Schuylkill County officials were in the dark. That's alarming, considering that about half of the airport's 13,000-foot runway, as conceived now, would be in Schuylkill County.
"We haven't heard anything for at least four years," said Gerald L. Heffner, vice president of the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, adding that he was not aware of Wednesday's announcement beforehand.
Kanjo, here's a question. Why did you keep pushing for an airport that without contacting the public officials who should be kept informed of your efforts? Was now convicted felon Robert Powell more important to you than the citizens you represent?
Here is a press release from his website from January 31, 2007.
"I have been a supporter of the concept of locating a cargo airport in Northeastern Pennsylvania because of the tremendous economic development benefits it could have for our region, as outlined in the feasibility study released in February 2005, for which I worked to obtain federal funding in association with my colleague Congressman Tim Holden. As former Mayor of Hazleton and a pilot for Continental Airlines, Mike Marsicano convinced me that our region could be an ideal location for a multi-purpose airport that could handle not only air cargo, but also emergency landing capacity and aircraft maintenance facilities.
"Private sector investment in a project such as this can potentially get it done more quickly, rather than waiting for the approval process of obtaining federal grants. I am supportive of any thoughtful initiative that strengthens our local economy and brings good jobs to our area. I look forward to learning more of the details of this project so that I can be of assistance."
But it doesn't stop there. Kanjorski's role to help now convicted felon Robert Powell can be traced back to 2000 as Kanjo continued to push for a feasibility study in spite of the fact that no municipality was supporting the project. He wasted $300,000.00 of taxpayers money to help Robert Powell, who just yesterday admitted to handing cash to convicted Judges Conahan and Ciavarella in Fed-Ex boxes.
The $270,000 for the study was included in legislation that funds the Federal Aviation Administration for the next three years, U.S. Reps. Paul Kanjorski and Timothy Holden report.
After Kanjorski and Holden got on board, Luzerne County commissioners agreed
to pay the local share, about $30,000, for the study.
Commissioners from Carbon and Schuylkill counties said they must be
contacted about the next steps.
"I have yet to hear anything from those people," Carbon Commissioner Tom
Gerhard said.
Schuylkill Commissioner Forrest Shadle said he has not been contacted about
forming an authority.
Gladstone partners remind us of the fact that Paul Kanjorski kept pushing for the airport for at least ten years in this press release.
Almost 10 years ago, then-mayor of Hazleton Michael Marsicano pitched an ambitious project -- a cargo airport where Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties meet.
But for much of the last decade, the proposal seemed more off than on. U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski reminded area folks about the potential airport from time to time. A study found that such a facility would be feasible, but many were turned off by the billion-dollar price tag and few seemed to be willing to take it to the next step.
Then last week, seemingly out of the blue, there it was: The airport idea -- a project that if realized could transform the Hazleton area even moreso than King Coal itself -- went from a pipe dream to a near certainty.
There was certainly much work done behind the scenes, because before invitations went out for Wednesday's big announcement, the airport wasn't even on the radar screen.
The mayor of Hazleton, the closest city to the airport location, wasn't consulted or even informed. State Rep. Todd Eachus was a main speaker at Wednesday's announcement; maybe he and Louis Barletta haven't completely buried the hatchet.
Eachus and Kanjorski have been ganging up on screwing Hazleton for a long time over Lou Barletta. Shame on them for violating the public trust put in them when they were elected. Like him or not, Lou Barletta is the Mayor of Hazleton. If you don't like him at least have the decency to honor the office.
“It is inaccurate to say that I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty, and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible for public office.”- Henry Louis Mencken quotes (American humorous Journalist and Critic of American life who influenced US fiction through the 1920s, 1880-1956)
Heck they didn't have the decency to contact officials of the municipalities where this airport would be located or affect.
Hazle Township Supervisor Chairman Bill Gallagher said he found out in Tuesday's Standard-Speaker that the airport idea might fly.
Maybe most importantly, some Schuylkill County officials were in the dark. That's alarming, considering that about half of the airport's 13,000-foot runway, as conceived now, would be in Schuylkill County.
"We haven't heard anything for at least four years," said Gerald L. Heffner, vice president of the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, adding that he was not aware of Wednesday's announcement beforehand.
Kanjo, here's a question. Why did you keep pushing for an airport that without contacting the public officials who should be kept informed of your efforts? Was now convicted felon Robert Powell more important to you than the citizens you represent?
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Eachus "DOA" Non-Responsive To Constituents- Won't Help Just Hazleton
"I Won't Back Legislation Specifially For Hazleton"- Representative Todd Eachus- 116th Legislative District- June 14, 2009 WYLN He essentially states the Pennsylvania budget is more important than Hazleton- June 25, 2009.
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