Jack Mundie Ignores The Public During Council Meetings

This picture was taken at the last Hazleton City Council meeting.  Hazleton City Council meetings are the opportunity for council to conduct its business and listen to complaints from the public.  Evidently Jack Mundie doesn't feel either is important enough nor part of his duty as a councilman.

This incident isn't the first time that Mr. Mundie ignored matters at hand during a City Council meeting.  Reporter Sam Galski filed this report February 25, 2012. 

More recently, Ammon sat in the audience at a city council meeting and was observed by some exchanging text messages with Mundie as the councilman, from council's table at the front of the room, inquired about Shoepe's standing on the authority board.

Take a look at this slide. 

 

From 2004-2008 expenses exceeded revenue by almost $1 million dollars.  Mr. Mundie is the only current council member who held office during that period.  If he paid attention he could have prevented this problem, or at least corrected it. Instead he sat idly by until while the debt mushroomed to the point it was necessary for the City to borrow $5.6 million dollars to correct the deficit spending as reported May 25, 2011 in the Hazleton Standard Speaker. 

Some have to wonder did Mr. Mundie bury his head in the sand while taxpayers suffered from the additonal financial burden.  Obviously Mr. Mundie has no solutions.



As a result of Mayor Yannuzzi's $5.6 million dollard borrowing plan it was unnecessary for the City to take out a tax anticipation note in 2013 saving the City about $30,000 in interest and borrowing costs as outlined by Acting City Administrator Steve Hahn in this Standard Speaker article.  It should be noted that Councilman Jack Mundie voted "NO" on the financing deal. 

Some taxpayers are left asking this question of Mr. Mundie-

 









Clinton Stumping For Kanjorski

It's old news that Bill Clinton came into Nanticoke yesterday to stump for Paul Kanjorski.

A little observation about Clinton by John Baer today. The article is discussing voting trends in Pennsylvania over the years.

In 1994, Clinton was seen as more liberal as president than as a candidate and got hammered over deficits and health-care reform (sound familiar?). Democrats lost 54 House seats, eight Senate seats and control of Congress.

Will history repeat itself?

Democrat Vs. Republican Control Of Congress- Who Really Created The Deficits

A discussion on politics invariably hits the topic of deficits and who was in power during those deficits. Obama and Kanjorski talk about Bush's spiraling deficits. It is time to set the record straight. Look at this chart which can be found at this link. It didn't come as clear as I wanted it to in PowerPoint conversion but the frst column is YEAR, the second Congress Number, next the President, the next column is Senate, and the final column is the House.

As you can see during those Clinton years where everyone feels the country was much better off than during the Bush years the Republicans were in control most of the time in the House and Senate.

Conversely when you look at the Bush years the picture isn't so clear until you look at this chart.

As you can see the deficits under Bush weren't as drastic until his last two years when the Democrats took control of Congress. One could never legitmately make the claim they "spiraled" out of control while he was in office.

Everyone blames Bush when in fact it was the Democrats who caused the deficits. The deficits greatly increase under Obama, Pelosi, and Harry Reid. The rest of that chart are projections. Under the present economic conditions they won't be born out.

It was the Democrats through the guise of wanting "affordable housing" that created the housing crisis and contributed to the economic crash of the present. The Community Reinvestment Act was passed in 1977. Instead of affordable housing it created "unaffordable mortgages".

Kanjorski's rank partisanship fails to recognize that there were more Democratically controlled Congresses during his time in office than Republican. Yet he wants to blame everything on the Republicans.

Senator Jake Corman- $1 Billion Deficit By July

Pa. lawmaker says $1B deficit is possible by July By MARC LEVY (Associated Press) Published: March 31, 2010 in the Times-Tribune

Back in February Todd Eachus made the claim that there shouldn't be any budget problems this year. He projected an approximate $500,000.00 shortfall in the 2010-11 budget.

One problem. As previously reported he skipped over this year's budget problems.

The Pennsylvania House announced three days ago that it approved a roughly $29 billion budget 100 days ahead of time as written in this report on PennLive.com by Kari Andersen. That press release was really only a symbolic gesture since the Senate won't take it up until next month after it sees how this year's budget is fairing out.

As the first headline indicates Pennsylvania is headed toward a $1 billion dollar deficit this year. If that figure comes to fruition it will signal a necessity to cut heavily in next year's budget if the salons want to exercise fiduciary responsiblity in spending taxpayer dollars. A dismal outcome could point to a $27 billion budget, not $29 billion.

Eliminate per diems, eliminate cell phones, eliminate travel expense, have legislatures pay towards their health care costs, eliminate franking, reduce legislative staff, consolidate legislative districts...cut, cut, and cut. The chance of those actions happening, slim to none.

State Budget Deal Reached! Well Sorta

AP Photo From Times Leader

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Do these guys really look happy with their "compromise"? Here's a link to the Times Leader story on the budget impasse or won't pass, not quite sure.

Is It Time For Todd Eachus To Resign???

Editorial published in the Hazleton Standard Speaker, Citizen's Voice, Republican Herald Pottsville, News Item Shamokin, Sunday Review Towand.

It is a stinging indictment of the legislators in Harrisburg, but particularly pointed at the lack of leadership including House Majority Leader Todd Eachus. His dismal failure at his first crack at majority leader demonstrates what everyone has known all along. Just like Obama you can buy Eachus on QVC, well not literally, but he is a canned package and presentation. The record shows that what he says is not what he really is or does. He has the public hoodwinked about PACE and I blame the mainstream media for not doing its investigative obligation.

Eachus demonstrated his inability to work with others in promoting collaborative cooperation in an effective manner. When his interests directly conflict with the interest of others he is not interested in creating win-win situations. He believes in the zero sum world where the gains for him are only obtained at a cost to others. Instead he should be looking to bridge disparate interests. Issues on the table are as important as issues off the table. His bias promotes competition and stifles cooperation.

Lou Barletta has been Mayor of Hazleton for 8 of the 12 years Eachus has been a House Representative. His disdain for Lou Barletta has cost Hazleton residents in money and growth. He has failed to get the biggest city in his district its fair share of state funding due to his ongoing blatant efforts to tarnish the Mayor. I challenge him to list the accomplishments he brought to the City of Hazleton.

Todd Eachus can face serious competition for being guilty of the same transgressions Frank Harrison committed in the 11th Congressional district that allowed Paul Kanjorski to win the seat from him. He is ignoring the biggest Democratic base in his district. Being drunk with power has not allowed him to sober enough to see the light, maybe one too many political science courses at Pitzer College.

His blind rage has stifled cooperation. He carried that same attitude to the office of House Majority Leader. He may blame Lou Barletta but if the same thing is happening in Harrisburg there is one common denominator, Eachus.



Over the course of the eight-week state budget impasse, lawmakers have succeeded only in converting a political failure into a moral failure. The crisis is not just financial in nature. It is a colossal failure of governanceIt is apparent that Pennsylvania suffers not just a budget deficit, but an even more damaging leadership deficit.

Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens have begun to pay the price for their government's inability to carry out its most fundamental task.

And, for all of state politicians' mewling about their fidelity to taxpayers, their failure to adopt a state budget already has begun to adversely affect those taxpayers at the local level. Several Pennsylvania school districts already have arranged for loans to cover the state government's failure to provide the first two state subsidy payments of the new fiscal year. The cost of that borrowing will be added to local school budgets. So far, school districts statewide have been denied about $1.2 billion in anticipated state subsidies.

Vulnerable citizens harmed

Social service agencies, the safety net that ensures quality of life and, in some cases, life itself for the poor, the very young and the very old, have begun to suspend services. Thousands of vulnerable citizens have nowhere else to turn.

Lawmakers continue to collect their pay, however, with a few notable exceptions. Rep. Kevin Murphy of Lackawanna County, for example, has declined to accept his pay until a budget is adopted.

Pennsylvania's government faces the same economic crisis as every other state government. But 48 of those other state governments have managed to pass a budget, despite a wide array of related problems. Even California, with one of the worst state budget deficits in American history, has a budget. So does New York, even as the legislature in Albany wrangles with a crippling in-house political crisis. Only Connecticut and Pennsylvania are without budgets.

Time for leadership

Many proposals are available to shape a budget compromise. It's long past time not only for a budget but for leadership. The governor's budget proposals are clear, as are the Senate's, along with those of both caucuses in the House. There is, alas, no apparent authority for the Legislature to be forced to remain in continuous session until it emerges with a budget. But that does not preclude lawmakers from sequestering themselves - or at least sequestering the legislative caucus leaders - basically locking the Capitol door until they emerge with a balanced budget. They should do so as public penance for their moral failure, but more important, to end the suffering that they have imposed on their fellow citizens through fruitless political posturing.

Rendell, Democrats, And Your Money-A Turtle's PACE

It is March 12, 1881. The New York Times ran this article titled "NEW PENNSYLVANIA LAWS; SLOW PROGRESS IN DISPOSING OF IMPORTANT MEASURES.

Eric Heyl over at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review talks about the tortoise's pace our legislators are employing to solve Pennsylvania's budget woes. He pokes fun at the fact that they were able to come to a consensus on naming a state reptile but have not tackled Rendell's $3 billion deficit.

If the Senate approves the measure, Gov. Ed Rendell likely will sign legislation putting the eastern box turtle up there with the white-tailed deer (state animal), Great Dane (state dog), brook trout (state fish) and the ruffed grouse (state bird).

No one should be surprised that lawmakers devoted time to finally settle on a state reptile. If a decision is required on an utterly irrelevant matter, they have no trouble sticking their heads out.

But as evidenced by the budget crisis, when it comes to tacking tough issues, they have a disturbing habit of retreating into their shells.

Correct me if I am wrong. I believe Rendell has yet to sign anything into law passed by both chambers of the Pennsylvania legislature. Of course we are talking about the same Ed Rendell who welcomed that fresh face into the Democratic party, Arlen Specter.

It amazes me how the media attacked George Bush over increased government spending, but as Eric points out, Rendell gets a free pass with every new tax. It is also amazing that in 128 years things haven't changed in Pennsylvania.

PA Legislature Budgetary Malpractice Charge

Captial Ideas guru John Micek writes about Pennsylvania's budgetary woes. His notes include Senator Jake Corman who is quoted as stating if lawmakers adopt Rendell's budget plan as it's been presented to them "The Legislature would be guilty of budgetary malpratice."

Rendell Violates Own Hiring Freeze....Again

Do you know how many people Fast Eddy has hired since announcing his hiring freeze? According to Tony Phyrillas the number is 110. He has his own stimulus package going despite a $2.3 billion dollar deficit.

Tony writes:

The latest case of "do as I say, not as I do" is a familiar one. The hire is a politically-connected friend or colleague of Rendell and the pay is at least $100,000.

It's the four time Rendell has done this since he imposed a hiring freeze in light of the $2.3 billion budget deficit he put the state into by years of uncontrolled spending.

All total, 110 people have been hired by the Rendell administration since the governor ordered the "hiring freeze."

You see why it's so hard to take this guy seriously.

Senate Chief Joe Scarnati Aims To Restore Public Trust

Lancasteronline.com is reporting that Senate Leader and Lt. Governor Joe Scarnati wants to restore public confidence in Harrisburg after reeling from a series of scandals.

"Without out doubt, there is no issue more important today. The No. 1 issue we have is restoring respect and trust back into the Legislature that we once had," said Scarnati, who is the Senate's president pro tempore and the state's lieutenant governor.

Speaking at a fundraiser here on Wednesday night, the Jefferson County Republican also touched on the GOP's role in budget negotiations. He said the lawmakers in his party should view the looming $2.3 billion budget deficit as an opportunity to take a stand.

"The party of Lincoln and Reagan — some of these people have forgotten their roots," Scarnati said. "This budget deficit we're in, this can be our shining moment. Taxing and spending are the Republican rally. We have to keep them under control.

"As we move forward through this process, let me tell you one thing: There will not be a broad-based tax increase coming out of anybody's pocket," said Scarnati, drawing applause at a GOP fundraiser.

George Bush Was Vilified For His Deficits- Well You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet

From KDKA out of Pittsburgh

Mar 20, 2009 5:07 pm US/Eastern

$1 Trillion Deficits Seen For Next 10 Years

Despite new estimates that say President Barack Obama's budget would generate unsustainable large deficits averaging almost $1 trillion a year, the White House insisted Friday that the flood of red ink won't swamp its costly agenda.

The Congressional Budget Office figures released Friday predict Obama's budget will produce $9.3 trillion worth of red ink over 2010-2019. That's $2.3 trillion worse than the administration predicted in its budget just last month.

Worst of all, CBO says the deficit under Obama's policies would never go below 4 percent of the size of the economy, figures that economists agree are unsustainable. By the end of the decade, the deficit would exceed 5 percent of gross domestic product, a dangerously high level.

The latest figures throw a major monkey wrench into efforts to enact Obama's budget, which promises universal health care for all and higher spending for domestic programs like education and research into renewable energy.

The dismal deficit figures, if they prove to be accurate, inevitably raise the prospect that Obama and his allies controlling Congress would have to consider raising taxes after the recession ends or else pare back his agenda.

How is Barack Obama going to explain this one? Did he inherit ten years worth of deficits or is he creating them? We all know the latter. He is going to ruin America if Congress doesn't stop him in his tracks.

Obama's $1 Trillion Increase

President Obama's budget proposes $989 billion in new taxes over the course of the next 10 years, starting fiscal year 2011, most of which are tax increases on individuals.

Click here if you care to read where the money will come from.

Some of the comments on that post.

This isnt a budget. Its a declaration of war against people who produce.

Looks like Obama is "escalating the W.O.E." (War on Employers)

Corporations don't pay taxes, their customers do.

Now we see how Obama is going to pay for (one-third) of his $3 trillion spending increase (assuming the programs are permanent). He's the most radical tax and spend liberal president in U.S. history. Raising taxes on businesses, investments, and small businesses that all pay the personal income tax rate is the perfect plan - if your goal is to dramatically shrink economic growth.

Slick Willy doesn't have anything on Obama. Lower taxes a smaller percentage (a lot smaller) than Bush's tax cut, then let Bush's tax cut expire.
Net result, an increase in taxes while Obama claiming to give a tax cut.

What worse than these new taxes is the amount of inflation that is going to occur within the coming year because of the money we are printing from absolutely no-where. We cannot create money and throw it at spending projects that will not create lasting jobs especially when the money runs out...

Those business tax hikes sure look scary. We ALREADY have the highest business tax rate of any industrialized nation. I see more jobs going overseas by this foolishness.

What An Obamanation!

From Political Punch's Jake Tapper:

Obama: Budget Will Restore Fiscal Discipline

Introducing a budget outline that calls for nearly $1 trillion in tax increases over the next ten years, President Obama and his economic team today said the plan would restore fiscal discipline and "produce sustained growth and shared prosperity."

I thought he agreed to lower taxes for 95% of America. Double talking at its finest. We will raise taxes so we can spend to restore fiscal discipline. That's how you restore fiscal discipline in your own house, right??

BTW, this plan is titled Titled "A New Era of Responsibility: Renewing America's Promise. Do any of you remembering making a promise to pay $1 trillion dollars in tax increases?

Porkulus Robulus Of Our Moneyus

I was reading PA Watercooler's post about the Porkulus Bill. There has been so much GOP bashing over the lack of support it nauseates the soul. If you want to read where it will be spent look here. In the end it was the three GOP Amigos who made it happen.

But if you want a real "you have got to be f....ing kidding me" reading look at what Obammamessiah has to say about budget deficits according to the Wall Street Journal.

With a $787 billion stimulus package in hand, President Barack Obama will pivot quickly to address a budget deficit that could now approach $2 trillion this year.

He has scheduled a "fiscal-responsibility summit" on Feb. 23 and will unveil a budget blueprint three days later, crafted to put pressure on politicians to address the country's surging long-term debt crisis.

Speaking Friday to business leaders at the White House, the president defended the surge of spending in the stimulus plan, but he made sure to add: "It's important for us to think in the midterm and long term. And over that midterm and long term, we're going to have to have fiscal discipline. We are not going to be able to perpetually finance the levels of debt that the federal government is currently carrying."

So Chosen One..how in the hell are you going to finance the new levels?? Are the Chinese going to buy more of our debt? Why is the mainstream media letting him get away with this? How can talk about managing debt when you are creating it faster than the Space Shuttle Takeoff??

Projections for 2009 deficit range from Goldman Sachs's $1.43 trillion to $1.9 trillion from economic firm Strategas Research Partners. At 13.5% of GDP, a $1.9 trillion shortfall would more than double the peacetime record during Ronald Reagan's presidency, and approach the mark set in 1942 as the U.S. joined World War II.