Bonusgate PA Spam Scam

Posted on Sun, Jul. 27, 2008

Pa. House spam scam is outlined
Prosecutors: $1.7 million spent on campaign-related e-mail.
By Mario F. Cattabiani

Inquirer Staff Writer

HARRISBURG - They cost only a dime each, but it added up quickly.
Over more than two years, as they toiled in the minority, Democrats in the state House allegedly purchased millions of e-mail addresses to send campaign-related propaganda to Pennsylvania voters who were stuck paying the political tab - $1.2 million.

And that's not including several hundred thousand more in public funds that went to a tech consultant - the son of a state representative - who allegedly made it all look like a legitimate legislative endeavor.

Details of the conspiracy were laid out recently in the 74-page grand-jury indictments against a dozen Harrisburg insiders in what has become known as Bonusgate.

They are charged with carrying out a massive conspiracy to use public funds and staff to underwrite political campaigns.

But lost in the sensationalism of the charges, which included allegations of a sex-for-state-job swap involving a former beauty queen, was the e-mail scam that authorities say ended up costing taxpayers, in total, more than $1.7 million over five years.

State Attorney General's Office prosecutors dubbed the scam the LCOMM EFFORT - short for Leader's Communications Office. A leader of one government watchdog group called it "a theft of democracy."

The Leader's Communications Office, prosecutors allege, was the brainchild of Rep. Michael Veon, then the No. 2 House Democrat, and Michael Manzo, the former chief of staff to Democratic Leader Bill DeWeese.

In the spring of 2003, Veon and Manzo - both charged in the indictment - created the office with the publicly stated goal of expanding the caucus' constituent outreach through the Internet. Lawmakers and their public-relations experts have long groused that newspapers don't print the good deeds they are doing, and that they need other outlets.

Five staffers were assigned to the effort. Among them was Eric Buxton, the 29-year-old son of Rep. Ron Buxton, a Democrat who has represented Harrisburg for 16 years.

Much of the information prosecutors gleaned about LCOMM came from the younger Buxton, who testified before the grand jury under a grant of immunity.

Reached at his consulting business, Govercom, across from the Capitol last week, Buxton referred questions to his attorney, Edward Spreha, who declined to comment.

Buxton told prosecutors that to be effective in reaching voters, he and others created a massive electronic database of e-mail addresses from across the state.

Initially, according to the indictment and sources familiar with the effort, organizers hoped to obtain e-mail addresses from people logging on to House Web sites and signing up for electronic updates. Few people did, however.

So House Democrats started paying an outside vendor for e-mails collected by various means.

Between 2003 and 2005, House Democrats purchased millions of such addresses for their blast e-mail effort, costing taxpayers $1.2 million, the indictment alleges.

On its face, it seemed like wasteful spending, perhaps - but legal. But prosecutors say it was all a ruse.

Buxton told authorities that "it was very clear from the beginning" that the effort was all about campaigns, not government, according to the indictment. The indictment doesn't give examples of the e-mails. Such details will be revealed at upcoming court hearings, said Kevin Harley, press secretary for state Attorney General Tom Corbett.

By the end of 2004, the LCOMM effort had allegedly helped garner 15,000 to 20,000 e-mails for each House district. And those addresses could be sorted so that e-mails could be sent on specific topics, based on gender, income level and ethnicity, among other things.

The first test of the system came during a 2005 special election for a House seat in the Lehigh Valley.

Buxton testified that for that race, he rented a server from a company located in Michigan "to hide the fact that these campaign e-mails were being sent from the taxpayer-owned caucus computer system in the Capitol," according to the grand jury's findings.

Buxton also designed the campaign e-mails to state that they were being paid for by the House Democratic Campaign Committee "to disguise the fact that these were actually a product of taxpayer resources."

In the summer of 2005, Buxton left the employ of the House and struck out on his own. He opened a consulting business.

But he allegedly arranged, with the blessing of Manzo and others, to have his business hired by House Democrats.

Essentially, he told prosecutors, he was doing the same job - sending blast e-mails to voters - only now as a private consultant. As a consultant, he earned as much as $16,875 monthly - four times his $51,400 annual state salary.

Over 26 months, the public paid Buxton $420,000.

In 2006 alone - the year that Democrats won back control of the House - state-paid aides crafted more than 300 campaign e-mails from Democratic offices inside the Capitol, which Buxton then blasted to voters.

Even so, prosecutors said, Veon, Manzo and others weren't completely satisfied with the speed in which Buxton was cranking out the campaign product. So, as the general election in November 2006 approached, they brought in another consultant. That firm was paid $82,550 in taxpayer funds, and, again, it was for campaign work, prosecutors said.

"If you put all these allegations together, what we are seeing is a theft of democracy, and taxpayers are picking up the tab," said Barry Kauffman, executive director of the watchdog group Common Cause of Pennsylvania. "It's like the public unknowingly turn over their credit card to politicos and are being beaten with it."

Buxton's contract was terminated last October because it posed "ethical problems" for the caucus, he told prosecutors.

Chadwick Associates, a Washington consulting company hired by DeWeese soon after Bonusgate broke early last year, flagged the contract after reviewing tens of thousands of internal documents in order to meet grand-jury subpoenas. A month later, in November 2007, DeWeese fired seven staffers, including Manzo, who was involved in negotiating Buxton's contract in the first place, said Tom Andrews, DeWeese's press secretary.

In announcing the charges against Veon, Manzo, nine other current and former aides, and a sitting lawmaker earlier this month, Corbett stressed that the Bonusgate investigation was continuing and that it would include both parties in both houses of the legislature...

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20080727_Pa__House_spam_scam_is_outlined.html

Also use search terms for different results

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=pennsylvania+democratic+caucus+buxton+&btnG=Search

Also see

The caucus later spent $1.2 million of state funds to purchase e-mail addresses for the project. [2] In 1999, Veon became Democratic whip, the caucus' second-most powerful position.[28] When Jason Petrella, Ramaley's rival in the Democratic primary, suggested in April that Ramaley has insider ties to LaValle and Veon, Ramaley brushed off the inference.[36]



Jeff foreman started working as chief counsel for State Representative Keith McCall of Carbon County in January, 2007, about the same time the investigation began. [32] The state probe was launched following a Patriot-News investigation into the bonuses published in January 2007.[49] A current and a former state lawmaker are among the 12 charged in a sweeping investigation of the state Legislature.[1]



The charges, which include nu merous allegations of theft, criminal conspiracy and conflict of interest, go beyond what has come to be known as "Bonusgate." They encompass no-show jobs, researching opposition candidates at public expense, using public employees to perform private services, and living high on the hog on the public dime. [4]

http://newsfeedresearcher.com/data/articles_n28/idn2008.07.11.12.19.17.html

Voter Fraud Fox News Channel Investigates

Update Bill Sammon, now a Fox News Washington Bureau editor or some such, discussed current events on Fox 'n Friends this morning.

Among subjects, voter fraud, going on possibly right now, Sammon said.

Sammon made a quick comment about Acorn, stating the organization was being investigated in several states, including Pennsylvania, by the way. He said voting was going on now in the state.

(He must mean military and civilian citizens in foreign countries beginning the absentee voting process since voter registration is legally ongoing until October 6, 2008. Registered voters can make a formal request for an absentee ballot at this time and usually have until one-week before the election to return the ballot to the election bureau in their voting district October 31 in PA. Check with the district for absolute dates as those may be different for military vs civilian citizens stationed or living overseas

October 31, 2008 - All absentee ballots except those received by military and overseas electors, and those received emergency absentee electors who become ill or are called away from after 5 o’clock P.M. (5:00 P.M.) on this day, must be received by the County Board of Elections not later than 5 o’clock P.M. (5:00 P.M.) on this day to be counted.

**No absentee ballots other than those listed above received after this date and time will be counted in the election.

http://www.co.washington.pa.us/generalpage.aspx?menuDept=23&genPageID=248

sammon made a comment about Obama being a lawyer at one point for the group Acorn.

He also promoted his recent book, Stealing Elections.

Maybe Fox News will do some hard investigation of what has been said to be a negligible form of fraud in elections. Absentee ballot fraud.

Interesting read, gather site though we don't engage in calling candidates socialist or fascist, we do broach the topic of whether or not candidates support socialist type programs or use fascist techniques...

Barack Obama and ACORN
July 17, 2008 09:39 AM EDT

http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977400055

Obama site notes his work on behalf of a lawsuit presented by Acorn

Obama Got Start in Civil Rights Practice
The Los Angeles Times | February 20, 2007

Obama was part of a team of attorneys who represented the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) in a lawsuit against the state of Illinois in 1995 for failing to implement a federal law designed to make it easier for the poor and others to register as voters.

A federal court ordered the state to implement the law.

http://www.barackobama.com/2007/02/20/obama_got_start_in_civil_right.php

Strong, silent type
OBAMA'S LEGAL CAREER | He was 'smart, innovative, relentless,' and he mostly let other lawyers do the talking
December 17, 2007 BY ABDON M. PALLASCH

http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/700499,CST-NWS-Obama-law17.article

Now we're not into smears, and it appears from the info the state erred in its failure to implement the federal law. One can't really blame organizations for attempting to take advantage of federal laws which attempt to make it extremely easy for potential voters to register to vote.

What's needed is oversight and financial help locally to clean up the existing database of registered voters. Most local officials are reluctant to begin a purge just out of fear of such legal challenges. so most registration databases are woefully bloated of not only persons who moved out of the state, but are deceased.

We've covered this situation here and at our companion site Vote Fix.

Net the Truth Online

Eric Shawn will host a segment on the Fox News Channel Sunday on the issue of voter fraud. Is it running rampant across the USA.

They should send a team our way.

Purge of inactive Fayette voters delayed
By Jennifer Harr, Herald-Standard
08/09/2008

A purge of about 25,000 Fayette County voters who have failed to show up at the polls in five years has been delayed until after the November election.

Laurie Lint, director of the Fayette County Election Bureau, said Friday that preparing and sending out letters in nine business days was too big an undertaking. On July 24, the commissioners voted to move forward with the purge with the understanding that letters had to be sent out to the voters by Aug. 6. The purge has to be initiated 90 days before an election.

At the time, Lint said she thought she could make the deadline.

But as she began to evaluate the process - which included the need for additional supplies, printing letters, folding them and stuffing them - Lint said she realized she would need additional time to make sure everything was done correctly.

"We were afraid it wasn't going to get done right, and I didn't want to push it through fast. We wanted to do it 100 percent right," Lint said.

Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites said he also was disappointed that the purge was put off. At a May commissioners' meeting, Vicites said he pushed for, and the three agreed, to direct Lint to bring a plan for purging the rolls to the June 26 meeting.

Lint did not do that, he said, noting that she waited until the July 24 meeting to address the purge. Had Lint brought the plan forward in June, Vicites said she would have weeks instead of days to complete the task.

"I specifically put this on the agenda right after the April 22 election to make sure it got done," Vicites said. "It didn't, and I'm not happy about it."

He noted that this is an important election cycle because of the presidential election.

"The rolls need to be as accurate as possible, especially with this type of election, and with the larger turnout that we're going to have," he said.

But because the purge cannot be completed now, Vicites said he is going to continue focusing on making sure it gets done after the November election.

Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink said she realized when she took office in 2004 that the county's voter records needed updated. She said she wanted to push for a purge that first year, but when she learned that the federal government was mandating that counties change voting machines, she realized the difficulty of having two such major undertakings going on at the same time.

"I really anticipated the election bureau to be prepared to do the purge by now," Zimmerlink said, noting that at the commissioners meeting she asked for a written, detailed plan.

Zimmerlink said she did not believe that the election bureau employees would be able to complete all work associated with the purge in nine working days.

"It is more than simply mailing out letters, it also involves processing the returns and mailings, and inputting the updates to the system. This is all coupled with preparing for the Nov. 4 election, which is expected to have a high turnout," she said.

Zimmerlink said she would like to see "a well-thought out plan" in place so that the commissioners can assist the election bureau employees in getting the purge completed.

More than one year ago, Zimmerlink said she asked Lint to develop an annual written voter removal program that complied with the election code. That policy is still not in place, she said, but the best start would be for the county to go through mailings sent out every five years through the state's SURE system.

The Statewide Uniform Registry of Electors (SURE) is a statewide voter registration and election management system "designed to assure the accuracy and integrity of the commonwealth's voter registration records maintained by the election authorities of Pennsylvania's 67 counties," according to the Department of State Web site.

The state's voting registration system can help to confirm the number of voters, and assist in the process of sending out mailings to the voters.

Zimmerlink said the process after the mailing is very important.

"We need to have an internal procedure to receive the returned mailings and input the data into the SURE system in a timely manner so that the poll books and system were up to date so that after the two general election periods have passed, the system removes the names," she said. "If this isn't set up and followed using the SURE system, then the entire purge process could be compromised."

Additionally, Zimmerlink said the county needs an annual procedure to update the information in the registration records to ensure they stay current.

Those who were to receive the letters would have until Oct. 6 to respond. Under the plan, those who don't respond would remain on the list through two federal election cycles - or until 2010.

Commissioner Chairman Vincent Zapotosky said pushing back the purge means that voters now will be on the rolls until 2012.

While he said he is disappointed that the letters couldn't be sent out in time, Zapotosky said he would rather wait to make sure the purge is done right.

In addition to needing supplies to complete the purge, he said that it would have put a strain on the election bureau staff.

"I'd rather do it right than do it in a hurry and wrong, but I'm disappointed," Zapotosky said. "This was a priority."

http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19901537&BRD=2280&PAG=461&dept_id=480247&rfi=6

Fayette postpones purging 25,000 voters
By Mary Pickels
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, August 8, 2008

A Fayette County voter purge that was to begin earlier this week has been postponed, the director of the election bureau said Thursday.
"We're going to do it after the (fall) election," Laurie Lint said. "The time constraints were too close. I didn't want to start and not complete it."

The postponement did not sit well with Commissioner Vincent Vicites, who said the purge had been discussed at a May board meeting.

"I'm disappointed it's not being done," Vicites said yesterday.

"We need to make sure our rolls are as accurate as possible. This is probably the most important election cycle in the last four years."
Vicites said Lint was to have a plan ready to present for board approval at the June meeting.

"That did not happen," he said. "I wanted her to move forward on it. The point I'm making is I brought it up in plenty of time.

"Now we have to do it next spring. I will remain fervent about getting it accomplished."

On July 24, the commissioners agreed to authorize the purge, which would have notified as many as 25,000 inactive voters.

At that meeting, Lint said the mailing process had to have been completed by Wednesday, within 90 days of the fall election.

"Can we do it by that date?" Commissioner Vincent Zapotosky asked at the meeting. "Let's not pursue it unless we're 100 percent sure."

Zapotosky and Vicites both said they considered the purge among their top priorities.

Yesterday, Zapotosky said when he spoke with Lint more than a week ago, she could not give him a 100 percent guarantee of meeting the deadline.

"That kind of triggered putting a stop to it," he said. "Laurie made the call. I gave her the opportunity to decide whether we should or should not.

"I don't hold her responsible. I think she made a good decision."

Lint said efforts were made to meet Wednesday's deadline.

"It just didn't work out," she said. "It wasn't feasible for me to get it done and postmarked and out of here by the 6th."

Lint said her greatest concern was getting the materials she needed in time.

"I couldn't be guaranteed I would have all of my supplies in here and out on time -- printed, folded, presorted and stuffed," she said.

When the purge takes place, voters who wish to remain on the rolls will be asked to return notices in postage-paid envelopes provided by the county.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/fayette/s_581779.html

Fox News network Fox 'n Friends discussion Suskind's new book...

In the book, Suskind, reportedly, charges the White House ordered a forgery...

A prior guest said there's no proof or evidence White House ordered forgery.

PA: Beware Sen. Piccola Proposal Special Session Will Lead to Convention

The Pennsylvania state legislators are under scrutiny in the wake of "bonusgate." Criminal charges have been brought by Attorney General, Tom Corbett, who by the way is about to make a bid for the governorship of PA.

His investigation is ongoing, and we'll be closely watching that.

A recent poll noted in the Tribune Review shows some 76 percent want the Governor to call a special session on "legislative reform."

76 percent believe Gov. Ed Rendell should call a special session this summer on legislative reform.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_581226.html

But note, is the poll inclusive of a question about a call for a Constitutional Convention, one which will open up the historical and binding document to potential alteration in unexpected ways?

Criminal charges related to the state attorney general office's probe of legislative bonuses have stoked the fires for convening a constitutional convention to clean up the mess in Harrisburg.

http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/224873

The legislators took an early recess which is to extend into September.

Senator Piccola (also see below)

Posted on Thu, Jul. 17, 2008
Pa. lawmakers seek special session on ethics reform
By Christopher Wink and Mario F. Cattabiani
Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau

HARRISBURG - A week after 289 criminal charges were filed in a wide-ranging government corruption probe, a group of lawmakers yesterday called for a special legislative session devoted solely to restoring the public's faith in Harrisburg.
"There is a crisis of confidence in Pennsylvania. . . . We must respond with action," said Sen. Jeffrey Piccola (R., Dauphin) who was joined by eight other members of the House and Senate who are pushing for a special session dubbed "Governmental and Ethics Reform."

Said Rep. Eugene DePasquale (D., York), "We are under a dark cloud. . . . We need to get back to the people's work."

The group yesterday called on Gov. Rendell to convene such a session beginning in September. Rendell recently made clear he has no plans of doing so on his own, arguing that the legislative agenda for the rest of the year is already crammed with other key bills.

Anticipating that Rendell might not call a special session, the lawmakers yesterday began collecting signatures of their colleagues to force the issue. A governor must call a special session if the majority of the 203-member House and 50-member Senate ask for one.


http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20080717_Pa__lawmakers_seek_special_session_on_ethics_reform.html

Update: House rep. latest to propose legislation for a PA Constitutional Convention. He doesn't give any reason why. Just, of course, calls it a citizens' convention, like the so-called "reformers" want.

House bill would call citizens' convention
%%headline%% "The integrity of this institution has sunk drastically in the eyes of Pennsylvanians." Rep. Curt Schroder, R- Chester
Sunday, August 10, 2008
BY DAVID SPETT
For The Patriot-News

http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1218324306137480.xml&coll=1

will someone please explain why dissatisfaction as noted in yet another poll with our state legislators translates into the need for a PA Constitutional Convention? Isn't it the state legislators who are ignorant of their Constitutional duties, that's why people are upset with them?

Let's see if the polltakers go out and vote in large enough numbers to send many many more incumbents back home for good over the next few elections. Are the people really as upset as those who are afforded an opportunity to answer a poll?

Update: Actually, contrary to IssuesPA introduction on the idea of a PA Con-Con, there has not been MUCH talk about a PA Constitutional Convention in the towns and cities and rural areas across Pennnsylvania.

There has been much much much talk about the corruption of our PA state legislators.

A PA Con-Con has been discussed on several blogs, including Net the Truth Online, (our position remains, a convention would be dangerous and has every reason to become runaway, despite an enabling act to limit delegates precisely due to the power granted delegates in the Declaration of Rights Section 2) with a mere "handful" of individuals pressing for a convention. One has to wonder about the motives of such individuals who began this push for a convention within the same month back in July 2005 that the furor arose over the state legislators passing themselves a pay increase, and then voting to take the increases, during their term of office, in the form of unvouchered expenses.

All the while crying for the public to "kick them all out," came whispered talk about a PA Con-Con.

The general public has not been informally as of yet asked if they even know what all a PA Convention would be about in any poll that we're aware.

Issues PA has unfortunately done a disservice by claiming a larger faction of the public is desirous of a convention.

On the other side of the coin, Issues PA does indeed raise some excellent questions and concerns about the process.

Those questions and concerns should be specifically addressed before any formal referendum is placed on the ballot to actually call a convention.

To date, our major question has not been addressed by anyone at anytime.

Can a convention called into session and "limited" by an "enabling act" become a runaway convention specifically per Section 2 of the PA Convention's Declaration of Roights?

Here's what the section states:

Section 2. Political Powers
All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness. For the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think proper.

Now we have raised the potential that even if the referendum question on the ballot to call the convention contains specific language which "limits" the convention, the delegates sent to the convention will still have the full power to "act" on behalf of the people, and if the delegates determine at that time, the government needs not only some more restraint, it also needs abolished, the delegates can indeed do so in the convention. They could also craft an entirely new and different PA Constitution in order to "create" a new and improved government.

So it is our belief Section 2 itself CANNOT BE LIMITED OR RESTRAINED BY ANY ENABLING ACT the legislature devises.

Therein is the unanswered question that will remain unanswered until such delegates act per the Declaration of Rights Section 2.

In other words, there is danger in a convention precisely because the delegates do have power according to the PA Constitution's Section 2 of the Declaration of Rights.

Plus, we don't need a convention to handle even one or any of the proposals deemed so critical to open government or good government. Any state legislator has the power and resources to craft legislation addressing all of the so-called reform proposals, and such can be presented to the public if warranted as an Amendment, or Amendments.

Net the Truth Online

(March 2008) There has been much talk recently about a constitutional convention in Pennsylvania.

http://www.issuespa.net/articles/22183

Update. Notice a popular statewide website grassrootspa has posted opinions about the matter of a call for a PA Convention. Now really, if the measure were SO POPULAR WITH THE PEOPLE wouldn't the popular site contain thousands upon thousands of similar opinions?

16 posts. Made by a total so far of 9 count em, 9 individuals. That's just such a whimper. Yet, we are to believe there is an overwhelming cry for a PA Constitutional Convention, mind you, because our state legislators are ethically challenged, corrupted, even the newcomers aren't supported as they were when they first took office because they've followed the leader... Isn't it time to roll up the sleeves and talk to our neighbors and family and get them to recall them by voting them out in November?

Net the Truth Online

Grassroots PA DISCUSSION

http://grassrootspa.com/?p=6134

Before the recess, and shortly after, some of these same legislators were already calling for a special session on "corruption" in the wake of rumors of indictments and subsequent indictments pertaining to "bonusgate."

Bonusgate reawakens call for reform
Published: Sunday, July 20, 2008

It feels like the fall of 2005 all over again with state lawmakers tripping over themselves to introduce a new wave of reform bills. Many are calling anew for a special legislative session on ethics and reform or, more far-reaching, a constitutional convention.

Only this time the impetus for the clarion call is Round One of the Bonusgate charges, not the legislative pay raise.

http://www.standardspeaker.com/articles/2008/07/20/news/hz_standspeak.20080720.a.pg6

.hz20_swift_s1.1823586_loc.txt

Question? Why a special session on corruption? What is the legislature going to do in a special session it cannot do by foregoing a recess and pressing on with the public's business throughout the summer? Legislators could have refused to recess at the call of the leadership in order to press on with the reform measures long discussed.

In fact, several bills had been presented to do many of the things reformers wanted, such as reducing the size of the state legislature. Our legislators could have remained in session to take care of the peoples' agenda, not their own agendas.

Senator Jeffrey Piccola is among those who don't think a mere special session on corruption or legislative reform is enough.

Podcast
7/16/08 - State Senator Jeff Piccola (R-15) discusses his call for a special legislative session on government reform and ethical reform

http://www.pasenategop.com/podcasts.htm

Previously, just a month ago, before recessing, two state legislators came out pushing for convening a Constitutional Convention.

Galloway, King say proposed special session on reform is not enough

Lawmakers call for constitutional convention, say legislature unlikely to fully reform itself

http://www.pahouse.com/pr/140071708.asp

Monday, July 14, 2008
Pa. lawmakers call for constitutional conventionPhiladelphia Business Journal

http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2008/07/14/daily9.html

Now it's pretty much a given the special session will be intended to encompass more than corruption issues.

Legislative reform is the new phrasing.

After listing a number of measures the state legislators should consider in a special session, Piccola writes

...In my opinion the only hope of ever enacting any of these constitutional reforms is a Constitutional Convention.

http://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/commentary/special-session-can-rebuild-trust-government

Senator Jeffrey Piccola notes he believes a 90-day window before the Fall election is not enough time for the state legislature to pass and enact these reform measures.

http://yorkdispatch.inyork.com/yd/viewpoints/oped/ci_9982624

He's circulating a petition among legislators to meet in the special session.

And what is the guise of the special session? Ethics.

Piccola has already proposed legislation to call for convening a PA Constitutional Convention.

A special session will no doubt enable the legislators in the special session to craft a referendum question for the Fall ballot to enable calling a Constitutional Convention for PA.

That idea for a convention nicely called a "citizens' constitutional convention" has been circulating for a few years heavily pumped by Russ Diamond and Tim Potts, and a handful of mostly Harrisburg or vicinity based "good government" organizations.

In fact, way back in July of 2005, there was talk of a convention. And when Diamond sought to obtain enough signatures to place his name on the independent category for the Governor of PA, his major platform issue was the convening of a citizens' convention.

We've discussed as many of those efforts as we came across in the past on our site.

The people may be convinced that the state legislators can't pass these reform measures - whatever they may be at any given moment in time - now it's ethic constraints - in a special session or any other way on their own as they have been slow on many proposals such as reducing the size of the state legislature.

But so what if the process is slow and deliberative. It should be.

And for the public servants to act the public must pressure them to act.

Yet, many stay home during elections and complain later how "bad" and corrupt Harrisburg representatives are.

The PA Constitution is not at fault for law-breaking and corrupted elected public officials. What don't reformers and Galloway, King, and Piccola not understand?

Many news editorials have already jumped on the bandwagon of support as well.

At a Brookings Institution forum, according to journalist John Baer, who was invited to attend:

Another thought, from Rick Stafford, a Carnegie Mellon public-policy professor who served as Gov. Dick Thornburgh's secretary of legislative affairs: Create a Constitutional Convention contest, again funded by foundations, among the state's 250-plus colleges and universities.

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/columnists/john_baer/20080723_John_Baer__Pa__Legislature__Too_bad__so_sad.html

How about instead of getting students to discuss what some think needs alteration because corrupt people end up in office, we get students to discuss what kind of character flaws apparantly exist in a whole array of elected public officials no matter their background, education, or political persuasion in the two-party system.

Beware

We don't need a special session on corruption, ethics, legislative reform, or anything else that will be not only hurried, but will silence for a time critics of the true problem in state government.

The people we elect who do not follow the current state Constitution. They are the problem.

There are dangers in a convention process among which is the possibility for altering our form of government from a guaranteed republican form to something else.

Beware of a special session on corruption, ethics, or legislative reform.

Beware Senator Jeffrey Piccola's Proposal for a Special Session on "Ethics."

Beware the setup.

Legislature's reform efforts get low marks
Sunday, July 13, 2008
By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08195/896762-454.stm

Beware of editorials presenting one side but not the full 'revision' side of the PA Constitution - the potential exists as we've discussed here at Net the Truth Online.

End of corruption: Convene a convention

...Legislative wiener weasels want a special session to address "ethics reform." What a joke. It's time for a state constitutional convention to begin the process of decommissioning this corrupt enterprise.

Oh, indeed, such an endeavor could be a double-edged sword. The reprobates might gain even more power. But this is a risk worth taking and a fight worth picking because it's past time for Pennsylvanians to reclaim their government.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/mostread/s_578336.html

We can decommission the corrupt and their corrupt enterprise without a convention. It's called voting in an election against the incumbent lawbreaker.

Maybe the Tribune-Review is ok with the risk of 'retrobates' gaining more power via convention measures, but many of us are not willing to risk drastic alteration of our foundation of republican government via a convention which could become unlimited in session.

Beware of those such as the Commonwealth Foundation who claim nothing bad will come out of a special session on legislative reform. The organization has longstanding efforts to initiative and referendum measures - and states in this release a convention should be called. Don't be shocked when the special session permits the referendum question and choosing delegates during the same election cycle!

They did it when they passed payraises during a session in which they served (which was actually Constitutional) and took the payraises with few exceptions in the form of unvouchered expenses during the same session in which they passed the payraises (which wasn't Constitutional).

Sunday, July 20, 2008
Why have a special session on reform?

A special session forces lawmakers to take a stand. The only reason to oppose a special session would be to stifle any potential reform. If there is momentum to call a special session (i.e. 26 Senators and 102 Representatives signing on), then there should be momentum to enact substantive reform - such as calling a constitutional convention or initiative and referendum.

http://cfpolicyblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/why-have-special-session-on-reform.html

With the encouragement of the reformers to convene a convention, the legislators would like nothing better than to draw attention to so-called structural constitutional "defects" rather than to their own personal defects and low marks for character.

The defects which caused an overwhelming amout to vote for unconstitutional unvouchered expenses and actually put the money in their pockets!

Defects which cause an overwhelming amount with few dissents to reauthorize an expansion of the unconstitutional tax-forgiveness program known as Keystone Opportunity Zones.

The same defects that cause an overwhelming amount to time and time again ignore the PA Constitution's restraints in a range of categories from creating public debt in the form of bond issues - notice those have to pass with the people's consent from time to time because the Constitution requires a balanced budget. They have to create debt so they can on paper present a balanced budget.

Send a clear message to them and to the media which is salivating for a historical convention. (something to write about, my dear with travel allowance) Show up in November and kick out any and all who have not followed the PA Constitution in many regards.

Send far more than 50 of them back to other jobs back home. If they can be trusted in any. Maybe we'll be fortunate enough that their like won't be returning to Harrisburg in the guise of new and different reformers who promise whatever reform they think will "satisfy" the people, but don't deliver on upholding the PA Constitution.

They promise to uphold all of the PA Constitution, including the uniformity clause, and don't.

Vote them all out. Then we can start from a new base, without the need of a new and revised PA Constitution.

A new base of people who adhere to their oath of office and the constitutional constraints placed upon them, not us.


Net the Truth Online

Senator Piccola

Constitutional Convention key to legislative reform
Article Last Updated: 07/24/2008

...This session should last only four or five weeks this fall before the elections. We should be in session five days a week and pass bills that will start to restore the people's confidence in state government.

The following are but a few of the subjects we should act upon:

---Require annual and outside forensic audits of all legislative accounts.

---Establish an Office of Inspector General for the General Assembly.

---Prohibit bonuses for any commonwealth employees

--- Ban gifts to legislators from lobbyists and their principals.

---Campaign finance reform.

A number of reform amendments to the state constitution have been proposed such as eliminating sine die (lame duck) sessions, reducing the size of the legislature, reapportionment reform and germ limits.

None of these constitutional proposals have advanced very far in the current session.

Because the special session will be within 90 days of the General Election, they could not be considered due to time constraints contained in our state Constitution.

However, this special session could call for a Constitutional Convention to consider these structural reforms to state government. In my opinion the only hope of ever enacting any of these constitutional reforms is a Constitutional Convention.

This is far from an exhaustive list of the issues that could be considered by the Special Session. The General Assembly does in fact have many good women and men who are there for the right reasons.

http://yorkdispatch.inyork.com/yd/viewpoints/oped/ci_9982624

Poll: Voters don't believe lawmakers will stop corruption
By Brad Bumsted
STATE CAPITOL REPORTER
Tuesday, August 5, 2008

HARRISBURG -- Three of four Pennsylvanians aren't convinced the state Legislature will fix apparent corruption problems that surfaced in an ongoing grand jury investigation, a poll released today shows.
By a 5-1 margin, voters also say House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene County, should step down from his leadership post in the wake of criminal charges that rocked the Capitol last month, according to the poll by Quinnipiac University.

Attorney General Tom Corbett on July 10 filed theft, criminal conspiracy and conflict of interest charges against DeWeese's former chief of staff Mike Manzo, former Democratic Whip Mike Veon of Beaver Falls, Democratic Rep. Sean Ramaley of Economy, and 10 Democratic staffers.

The poll of 1,580 voters has a margin of error of 2.5 percentage points. The survey was conducted from July 30 to Aug. 3...

...The poll also showed:

• 73 percent of those polled blame Democrats and Republicans equally for alleged corruption.

• 76 percent believe Gov. Ed Rendell should call a special session this summer on legislative reform.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_581226.html

Rendell pressed to call Legislature to session on ethics
Monday, July 14, 2008
By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG -- A state senator from Harrisburg will ask Gov. Ed Rendell today to call a special session of the Legislature for September-October to revise General Assembly ethics and try to restore public confidence in the wake of the widening "bonusgate" scandal.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08196/896959-85.stm

Rendell Rejects A Special Session on Public Integrity

http://papundits.wordpress.com/category/states/pennsylvania/pa-government/pa-executive-branch/

More talking about corruption but instead of saying hey kick "them" out, people, are intent on a convention call

http://www.pennlive.com/columns/patriotnews/review/

Need a Con-Con for structural reforms Conservative Goddess

http://grassrootspa.com/?p=4886

Cohen also voted against a study of a Constitutional Convention supported by most Democrats and opposed by most Republicans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_B._Cohen

Russell to the Rescue vs Russell the Status Quo Candidate? And what about his Pentagon experience on September 11, 2001?

More coming

Army Vet to Challenge House Defense Appropriations Chairman John Murtha
Sunday, October 28, 2007

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,305766,00.html

Lt. Col. Russell to the Rescue
The man who could topple Jack Murtha.

By Michelle Malkin

A jaw-dropping political miracle may be on the horizon. No, I’m not talking about the second coming of the Obamessiah. I’m talking about the long-deserved comeuppance of troop-smearing, pork-feasting, scandal-tainted Democratic Rep. Jack Murtha of Pennsylvania.

The 18-term congressman’s challenger, staunch conservative Republican newcomer William Russell, raised nearly $670,000 in the second fundraising quarter. Earmark king Murtha scraped together a measly $119,000. Russell’s underdog campaign bested Murtha without the perks of incumbency, national name recognition, big PAC donations or mainstream media support...

...
Russell’s clear on where he stands. No doubt Barack Obama would label him bitter and clingy. “I am a Conservative,” he says in his defining campaign statement. “I believe in the sovereignty and security of this one nation, under God. I believe the primary role of government is to provide for the common defense and a legal framework to protect families and individual liberty. … I believe that no one owes me anything just because I live and breathe.”

The excitement and buzz around Russell stand in stark contrast to grass-roots disgust on the right with Beltway Republicans who continue to push the party to the left in a brain-dead attempt to “rebrand” the GOP. He has united pro-troops families, social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, Reagan Democrats and Independents fed up with Murtha’s culture of corruption dating back to his Abscam days in the 1980s. Murtha was not indicted in the infamous bribery probe, but he was videotaped entertaining a $50,000 bribe from undercover FBI agents posing as emissaries for Arab sheiks trying to enter our country illegally.

“The incredible story about Bill’s campaign is that the $15 and $25 contributions are coming in from all over Pennsylvania and every corner of the country,” Luksik noted on the Russell Brigade website (www.russellbrigade.com). “This is K-Street versus Main Street. These are patriotic families expressing support for soldiers, sailors and Marines, and people saying they’ve had enough of the old ‘pay-to-play’ culture in the Capitol. That’s what’s fueling this campaign.”

Russell decided to enter politics after hearing Murtha’s slanderous 2006 accusations that Marines in Haditha “overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood.” As I reported in June, seven Marines have been cleared or won case dismissals in the Iraq war incident Murtha recklessly adjudicated in the court of public opinion — with willing mainstream journalists at the New York Times, MSNBC, and in the world press swinging their nooses.

http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YjAyOTI3Mzk5MTE2NzYwOWY4ZDVkMWUzOTJjOWRmZTk=

More

Russell and campaign promotion

DC-based Fundraising Firm Raises Campaign Cash, And Keeps A Lot of It
By Andrew Tilghman - June 30, 2008, 12:11PM

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/06/dcbased_fundraising_firm_raise.php

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/07/jawdropping_political_miracle.php

Firm gets big cut of campaign donations
GOP candidates see little of funds raised; Some clients, donors unaware of numbers
Email|Print|Single Page| Text size – + By Frank Phillips
Globe Staff / June 29, 2008

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/06/29/firm_gets_big_cut_of_campaign_donations/?page=1

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Kimberly+Mellissimo&btnG=Google+Search

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=bmw+direct+william+russell&btnG=Search

Veteran Tries to Topple Murtha
August 4th, 2008, posted by Greg Palmer

http://www.keystonepolitics.com/delegation08/veteran-tries-topple-murtha/

What John Murtha’s Challenger Doesn’t Want You to Know

And as a result of a complaint filed on June 11, 2008, (Case No. MUR 6024) with the Federal Election Commission, Russell is now disclosing receipts, disbursments and banking activites not previously disclosed. (http://fec.gov/finance/disclosure/efile_search.shtml ).

http://2politicaljunkies.blogspot.com/2008/07/william-russell.html

Link to Complaint against the William Russell for Congress Committee and Scott B. MacKenzie, Treasurer.

http://www.fixthefec.org/files/complaints/
FEC%20Complaint%20Murtha%20Opponent.pdf

http://politicalfriends.blogspot.com/2008/07/bill-russell-for-congress.html

Russell videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVSFvbP8rs0

search results stiles russell

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=larry+stiles+william+russell+campaign&btnG=Search

Murtha opponent, ex-manager trade barbs

BY MIKE FAHER
The Tribune-Democrat

When Larry Stiles and William Russell teamed up last year, they seemed like an ideal duo to launch a political campaign that emphasized national security.

Stiles, a Marine veteran with Vietnam service, had signed on as campaign manager for Russell, a career Army man looking to unseat U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown.

But the relationship has soured.

Since his dismissal from Russell’s organization in January, Stiles has alleged financial irregularities within the campaign and publicly has criticized his former colleague.

http://sixteenseventeen.blogspot.com/2008/07/lt-colonel-william-russell-for-congress.html

http://politicalfriends.blogspot.com/2008/07/bill-russell-for-congress.html

Interview

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stations/HeadingRight/junglepolitics/blog/2007/12/11/Jenns-Jungle-Republic-Radio/

Candidate battles challenge to nominating petition
By ROB GEBHART
Daily American Staff Writer

Saturday, February 23, 2008 12:32 AM EST

http://www.dailyamerican.com/articles/2008/02/22/news/news915.txt

http://camp2008victorya.blogspot.com/2007/11/new-politics-sarah-palin-william.html

REPUBLICAN RUSSELL IN TROUBLE

The Weekly Recorder
June 6, 2008

The Republican challenger William Russell to Congressman Jack Murtha is under assault from an unlikely source. Larry Stiles, a veteran of Vietnam and the former campaign coordinator for Russell’s grassroots challenge to Murtha has field a series of complaints to the Federal Elections Commission against Russell.

Stiles alleged that Russell has failed to properly disclose his expenditures and donations as required by Federal Law.

Stiles sent the letter on May 9, 2008 via certified mail to Thomasenia P. Duncan, General Counsel for the FEC in Washington DC. His alleged counts against Russell are as follows:

http://weekly-recorder.com/newsarticles2008/060608russell.htm

Lt Col William Russell Back On Duty

http://grizzlygroundswell.com/archives/2810

bob McCarty Writes

Help Bill Russell Defeat Turncoat John Murtha
July 24th, 2008

http://bobmccarty.com/2008/07/24/help-bill-russell-defeat-turncoat-john-murtha/

Now this

Russell described his experience on 9/11:

"I was in the Pentagon when Flight 77 impacted the building. I was attending a meeting in office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense located on the 2nd floor of the B Ring, between the 4th and 5th Corridors. I was there as a staff officer to attend an emergency meeting to discuss military support to the civil authorities of New York City following the impacts of the two airplanes into the World Trade Center Towers. Although Flight 77 impacted the E ring between the 4th and 5th corridors, and the cockpit ended up 50 meters out and one floor down from the office I was in, I believed it had impacted on the far side of the building where my wife Kasia, who was pregnant with our son Stasiu at the time, was working in the CVS Pharmacy. I remember my boss, COL Joe Robinson, handing me a note to carry to then BG, Chiarelli and I handed it back to him and told him that I was going to CVS..."


http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/07/more-on-murthas-opponent-colon.php

Pentagon research

http://www.pentagonresearch.com/video.html

Seymour Hersh

Claim of Hersch making the rounds of the Internet...

Preparing the Battlefield
The Bush Administration steps up its secret moves against Iran.
by Seymour M. Hersh

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/07/07/080707fa_fact_hersh

Sunday, August 03, 2008
Seymour Hersh: Cheney considered killing Americans in pretext to attack Iran

http://brainsandeggs.blogspot.com/2008/08/seymour-hersh-cheney-considered-killing.html

Re-Breaking the News

Two Months Later, Hersh and the New Yorker Strain to Catch Up With CounterPunch
By ALEXANDER COCKBURN

As Hersh’s hodge-podge narrative got play over the weekend, CounterPunchers read his supposed disclosures with an impatient and knowing sigh. They, after all, had learned of the Finding back on May 2, when Andrew Cockburn disclosed its contents here, with a good deal more pep and hard information, under the headlines, “Democrats Okay Funds for Covert Ops SECRET BUSH “FINDING” WIDENS WAR ON IRAN”.

Here the first 256 words of Andrew Cockburn’s CounterPunch exclusive, a brisk narrative against Hersh’s 6,000-word boustrophedonic plod, but – as is instantly apparent – far more informative:

http://www.counterpunch.org/cockburn07012008.html

The Mind of Seymour Hersh
Max Boot
Reading a Seymour Hersh article is a bit like panning for gold: You have to dig through a lot of dirt to find any nuggets of possible value. Relying almost exclusively on vaguely described anonymous sources, he makes sweeping claims about top-secret operations that can only be known to a small number of people inside the government with access to the relevant “sensitive compartmented information” and “special access programs,” and they aren’t allowed to comment one way or the other. And his “reporting” is always colored by a sixties-leftist, anti-American, conspiratorial worldview.

In his latest New Yorker article, “Preparing the Battlefield,” the most valuable information is right there in the very first paragraph:

http://www.commentarymagazine.com/viewarticle.cfm/the-imaginative-analysis-of-seymour-hersh-11482

CASMII Press Release
8 July 2008
Seymour Hersh: US Training Jondollah and MEK for Bombing preparation

He finally points out that Bush “is going to be a very active president, I am afraid, until 11:59:59 seconds on January 20, 2009” and raises the alarm about an “October surprise”, a military attack on Iran, in particular if Obama continues to have a lead in the polls.

http://dandelionsalad.wordpress.com/2008/07/09/seymour-hersh-us-training-jondollah-and-mek-for-bombing-preparation/

Border Agents Denied Appeal

This is the sickest ruling ever in the recent history of the United States. What are the judges thinking? Protect the government? Over and above real justice.

CNN's Lou Dobbs covered the debacle for the past couple of years.

Dobbs Tonight Archives link for several years worth of coverage

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/ldt.html

It's hard to believe the pair were even convicted. Before and since the incarceration of Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, Dobbs interviewed the federal Attorney General, Johnny Sutton, who prosecuted Ramos and Compean, using a law rarely applied. Dobbs also interviewed federal representatives who mounted a defense and wanted President Bush to pardon the pair. Bush declined.

Sad day in history.

Kitty Pilgrim hosted in Dobbs place last evening, and noted the injustice.

We've tracked the issue from early on. Use key words to conduct a search of our site.

Net the Truth Online

LOU DOBBS TONIGHT

America's Budget Bust; Feds Will Rescue Mortgage Giants; McCain Blasts Obama's Energy Plan; Border Betrayal; Amnesty Agenda Protests Immigration Raids; FDA Slow on Drug Warnings Aired July 28, 2008

...Also tonight, a devastating ruling for former border patrol agents Ramos and Compean and their families. A federal appeal's court rejects their appeal and allows their convictions to stand...


PILGRIM: A shocking development tonight in the case that we've been following closely on the program for years now. Former border patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean sentenced to lengthy prison terms for shooting and wounding an illegal alien drug smuggler. Well the smuggler, now a convicted felon, was given immunity by the federal government to testify against the two agents. And today, the federal appeals court has finally weighed in on the case. And Casey Wian has our story -- Casey.

CASEY WIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Kitty, former border patrol agents Ramos and Compean, their families and supporters have been waiting for more than seven months for the court of appeals to rule on their case. Today the judges did, unanimously upholding the convictions that led to the agents being sentenced to more than 10 years in prison. The 45-page decision is shocking to the agent's supporters because in December during the hearing before the appeals court, two of the three appellate judges raised serious questions about the government's prosecution of the agents. We spoke this evening with Ignacio Ramos' wife Monica (ph). She was in tears. She talked to her husband by phone from prison and she says he is in a great deal of shock and extremely concerned for their three young sons. Supporters were optimistic the judges would overturn the charge of using a firearm to commit a crime which carries a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence. Texas Congressman Ted Poe, also a judge himself, a former judge himself, released a statement saying "it was never the intent of Congress to have the 924c charge apply to law enforcement officers, carrying a firearm is a requirement of the job."

Congressman Duncan Hunter says Agents Ramos and Compean were convicted based on the testimony of a known drug dealer that has since been convicted for running drugs across the border. The fact that the drug dealer's criminal activity persisted even as he took the stand against the agents is reason enough to vacate these two convictions."

Congressman Brian Bilbray and Dana Rohrabacher both called on President Bush to immediately pardon the agents, which he has so far refused to do. Attorneys for both agents say they plan to begin legal proceedings for the court to reconsider its decision. And if that fails they'll likely take the case to the Supreme Court.

They are, however, encouraged the court did overturn the agents' convictions for obstruction of justice which could provide a legal avenue for the agents to challenge the entire decision. And Kitty, just seconds ago we got a statement from U.S. attorney in Texas Johnny Sutton (ph). We didn't get a chance to read that entire statement but he says predictably that he is pleased by the court's ruling. This validates his office's decision to prosecute these two agents -- Kitty.

PILGRIM: As he has done aggressively. The obstruction of justice issue, Casey, now does that give them an opening to overturn this? How do they proceed from here? What's next?

WIAN: There is some complicated legal maneuvering ahead. The way I understand it is that the attorneys have now 14 days to re- appeal this case, if you will, to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. They can appeal it to the same three judges who made this ruling.

They can also do an on-bunk (ph) appeal which is to all of the judges in the Fifth Circuit. If that fails, they can then reopen this case or attempt to reopen this case with a district court that convicted the agents because some of the charges were overturned, those charges that didn't carry as much jail time.

If that avenue fails, then they will likely take this all the way to the Supreme Court. They say they're not done fighting. Monica Ramos, Ignacio's family says to all of the supporters of the agents out there do not give up hope because they are going to continue to fight this case -- Kitty.

PILGRIM: There are avenues open. Thanks very much. Casey Wian. Thanks, Casey. This brings us to our poll question tonight: Now do you believe the appeal's court decision to uphold Ramos and Compean's sentence is an outrageous miscarriage of justice that should be corrected? Cast your vote at loudobbs.com. We'll bring you the results a little bit later in the broadcast.

Open borders amnesty advocates are again trying to block enforcement of laws that prohibit the employment of illegal aliens. Now hundreds of protesters descended on the tiny town of Postville, Iowa, over the weekend. And that's where in mid-May some 390 workers were picked up in the largest immigration raid at a single place of business in American history. And Mary Snow reports...

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0807/28/ldt.01.html

Afganistan Oil Pipeline Conspiracy Needs Obama Fact Check

Now that Barack Obama has mentioned support for dealing with Afganistan quickly, it's time to bring back the memory of the controversy surrounding an unfinished, but reportedly planned oil pipeline to be located in Afgahanistan.

Blogs and websites were running rampant with theories after September 11, 2001 concerning a desired route through the nation.

Senator Obama should devote fact-checking segments to determine the truth of allegations concerning U. S. policy there, and if proven untrue, establish that immediately or risk application of similar theories to his bid for the White House...

Net the Truth Online

Originally investigated for "This Is Not A Conspiracy Theory," the forerunner website to Net the Truth Online.

http://dirtline.tripod.com/talkacrosstown/

Pre-dates This is Not A Conspiracy Theory

http://www.talkacrosstown.nstemp.com/

Afghanistan conspiracy theorists
There’s much to question or criticize about the Bush adminstration’s war on terror as waged in Afghanistan, but you’re nuts if you think it’s about oil
BY KEN SILVERSTEIN

http://thephoenix.com/Boston/boston/news_features/other_stories/multi-page/documents/02388257.htm

Pipe Dreams: The origin of the "bombing Afghanistan for oil pipelines" theory (Lefties Proved Liars)
Slate ^ | December 6, 2001 | Seth Stevenson

Posted on Monday, December 10, 2001 12:04:18 PM by Timesink

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/587476/posts

America has wanted a new government in Afghanistan since at least 1998, three years before the attacks on 11 September 2001. The official report from a meeting of the U.S. Government's foreign policy committee on 12 February 1998, available on the U.S. Government website, confirms that the need for a West-friendly government was recognised long before the War on Terror that followed September 11th:

http://www.thedebate.org/thedebate/afghanistan.asp

Compilation of links

http://chss.montclair.edu/english/furr/pol/wtcanalysis.html

Mike Gallagher: global warming concensus theory hype joke

Mike Gallagher on Fox News this morning discussing Al Gore's energy plan.

global warming is hype... It's a joke... there's a million scientists who dispute the concensus global warming fossil fuels... it's a hoax and Al Gore is the punchline...

http://www.mikeonline.com/agnosticchart?charttype=minichart&chartID=11&formatID=1&useMiniChartID=true&size=600&destinationpage=/pg/jsp/aboutmike/ontv.jsp

Not all global warmers: American Physical Society Some Members Skeptics Too

American Physical Society

Not all agree global warming caused by manmade emissions CO2...

Fox News spot reported Friday.

Special Report w/ Brit Hume

Political Grapevine
The idea that there is a scientific consensus about global warming takes another big hit

Following up...

Here's the Fox News report clip

Now some fresh pickings from the Political Grapevine:

Change of Heart

An organization representing nearly 50,000 physicists has reversed its stance on climate change. The American Physical Society now says that many of its members no longer believe global warming is caused by humans.

The Society previously declared: "The evidence is incontrovertible. Global warming is occurring." But the Society now says there is no scientific consensus to support that statement: "There is a considerable presence within the scientific community of people who do not agree with the intergovernmental panel on climate change conclusion that anthropogenic CO2 emissions are likely to be primarily responsible for global warming."

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,386481,00.html

It's not like skeptics haven't been of a professional background before this. Check our site archives for listing of scientists, skeptics among them, Ronald Bailey's writings until his trip to a UN Climate Change Conference in 2005 where upon return he sang: "We're All Global Warmers, Now," Bill Gray, and the Great Global Warming Scandal video...

But unfortunately, the Fox News clip report is entitled incorrectly. And its first sentence is wholly misleading.

The American Physical Association did not as a whole change its position. Some of the members have written a paper which continues the debate...

Read the update response after the initial report made the mainstream news rounds...

Myth of Consensus Explodes: APS Opens Global Warming Debate
Michael Asher (Blog) - July 16, 2008 9:35 PM

The American Physical Society, an organization representing nearly 50,000 physicists, has reversed its stance on climate change and is now proclaiming that many of its members disbelieve in human-induced global warming. The APS is also sponsoring public debate on the validity of global warming science. The leadership of the society had previously called the evidence for global warming "incontrovertible."...

Updated 7/17/2008

After publication of this story, the APS responded with a statement that its Physics and Society Forum is merely one unit within the APS, and its views do not reflect those of the Society at large.

http://www.dailytech.com/Myth+of+Consensus+Explodes+APS+Opens+Global+Warming+Debate/article12403.htm

The follow-up we try to get the situation down to as clear as clear can be, but sometimes it all remains smoggy, cloudy, hazy...

Net the Truth Online

Saturday, November 10, 2007
NO 'Consensus' on "Man-Made" Global Warming

http://www.populartechnology.net/2007/10/no-consensus-on-global-warming.html

Many a noted scientist are actually acknowledging a plateau in the earth's warming trend and that the earth is actually cooling...

Read interview with Jennifer Marohasy, a biologist and senior fellow of Melbourne-based think tank the Institute of Public Affairs.

Anyone in public life who takes a position on the greenhouse gas hypothesis will ignore it at their peril.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23411799-7583,00.html

Scientist: Earth Cooling, Not Warming

Thursday, April 24, 2008 10:53 AM

By: Philip V. Brennan Article Font Size

A San Francisco-based scientist says that current solar activity strongly indicates that the earth is on the verge of a new ice age.

"Sorry to ruin the fun, but an ice age cometh," warns Phil Chapman writing in The Australian. Chapman is a geophysicist and astronautical engineer who was the first Australian to become a NASA astronaut.

"The scariest photo I have seen . . . is at www.spaceweather.com, where you will find a real-time image of the sun from the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory [SOHO], located in deep space at the equilibrium point between solar and terrestrial gravity," Chapman wrote, adding ominously that "what is scary about the picture is that there is only one tiny sunspot."

http://www.newsmax.com/insidecover/global_warming_ice_age/2008/04/24/90591.html

Here's a link about the American Physical Association some of the membership disagreeing that there is a concensus, posted by scout.com and we'll include the last line.

Note, in light of this recent development, CNN apparently reran a portion of its series globe in Peril last night. this was after Larry King interviewed supporters of UFO aliens are out there along with debunkers... we'll post about that, too.

Like scientists who disagree with the Global Warming Theory "concensus" aren't scientists... geesh...

Whew a slew of links happy reading

http://www.blogrunner.com/snapshot/t/news/science/topics/globalwarming/

And more discussion and info from Hot Air

Consensus collapses: APS re-opens debate on global warming; Update:

APS “reaffirms” stanceposted at 8:34 am on July 18, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
The American Physical Society had been a proponent of the “consensus” on anthropogenic global warming/climate change — until now. While the main organization has not addressed its position — yet — a major unit within APS has declared global warming unproven and that the IPCC’s conclusions unsupportable. The APS will re-open the debate on global warming with a new paper accusing the IPCC of deliberate obfuscation (via Memeorandum):

http://hotair.com/archives/2008/07/18/consensus-collapses-aps-re-opens-debate-on-global-warming/

Also see

http://news.yahoo.com/topics/climate-change-and-global-warming

Myth of Consensus Explodes: APS Opens Global Warming Debate
Michael Asher (Blog) - July 16, 2008 9:35 PM

The American Physical Society, an organization representing nearly 50,000 physicists, has reversed its stance on climate change and is now proclaiming that many of its members disbelieve in human-induced global warming. The APS is also sponsoring public debate on the validity of global warming science. The leadership of the society had previously called the evidence for global warming "incontrovertible."

In a posting to the APS forum, editor Jeffrey Marque explains,"There is a considerable presence within the scientific community of people who do not agree with the IPCC conclusion that anthropogenic CO2 emissions are very probably likely to be primarily responsible for global warming that has occurred since the Industrial Revolution."

The APS is opening its debate with the publication of a paper by Lord Monckton of Brenchley, which concludes that climate sensitivity -- the rate of temperature change a given amount of greenhouse gas will cause -- has been grossly overstated by IPCC modeling. A low sensitivity implies additional atmospheric CO2 will have little effect on global climate.

Larry Gould, Professor of Physics at the University of Hartford and Chairman of the New England Section of the APS, called Monckton's paper an "expose of the IPCC that details numerous exaggerations and "extensive errors"

In an email to DailyTech, Monckton says, "I was dismayed to discover that the IPCC's 2001 and 2007 reports did not devote chapters to the central 'climate sensitivity' question, and did not explain in proper, systematic detail the methods by which they evaluated it. When I began to investigate, it seemed that the IPCC was deliberately concealing and obscuring its method."

According to Monckton, there is substantial support for his results, "in the peer-reviewed literature, most articles on climate sensitivity conclude, as I have done, that climate sensitivity must be harmlessly low."...

Updated 7/17/2008

After publication of this story, the APS responded with a statement that its Physics and Society Forum is merely one unit within the APS, and its views do not reflect those of the Society at large.

http://www.dailytech.com/Myth+of+Consensus+Explodes+APS+Opens+Global+Warming+Debate/article12403.htm

No Need for PA Convention to Downsize Legislature

Making the rounds of Pennsylvania discussion forums again, a Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention, for something, anything...

We've covered the dangers of such extensively - see our sidebar info... on PA Constitutional Convention

Selected links

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/search?q=PA+Constitutional+Convention

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/2007/04/russ-diamond-pa-convention-game.html

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/2007/06/pa-con-con-limited-scope-may-not-be.html

Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Response pacleansweep: A reflection upon a Pa. convention

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/2007/06/response-pacleansweep-reflection-upon.html

Update

PA state reps Galloway and King want a referendum for a PA Constitutional Convention - the referendum would be submitted, according to reports posted, this November 2008. Gee isn't that kind of rushed? Also isn't the most important election in our nation's history about to take place this November 2008? Why a rush to push a selection of delegates and authorize convening a convention - whenever - at this point in time? What on earth is the rush? How about we see if H. William DeWeese gets kicked out, and other oath-breakers?

http://blogs.phillyburbs.com/news/bcct/galloway-king-want-constitutional-convention/

Reps. Galloway, King: Time to review the state's constitution

Lawmakers call for citizens' constitutional convention

http://www.pahouse.com/PR/140071408.asp

Update Galloway video everybody else has these conventions, why can't we... have a study? A study is different than actually convening a convention...

http://www.pahouse.com/Galloway/AV.asp?page=1&Vidpage=1&VidClip=101507_Galloway&VidmediaID=9143

Update links to hearings held on call for convention

http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2007/02/running-mate-on-hearing-about-possible.html?showComment=1173066600000

Update

Monday, July 14, 2008 - 1:58 PM EDT
Pa. lawmakers call for constitutional convention

Two Democratic legislators from Bucks County announced efforts on Monday to get a referendum placed on November's ballot, calling for a citizens' constitutional convention.

Pennsylvania's constitution last received a limited review in 1967 and hasn't been significantly updated since 1857, said state Rep. John Galloway, who along with state Rep. Chris King, introduced legislation to get the referendum placed on the Nov. 4 ballot.

http://philadelphia.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/stories/2008/07/14/daily9.html

Update Times Tribune legislators should sign on to PA Con-Con cause they are so ethically-challenged and bonusgate happened...

Corruption needs response Hold session on integrity, constitutional convention
Published: Friday, July 18, 2008

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/articles/2008/07/18/editorial/sc_times_trib.20080718.a.pg14.tt18edit1_s1.1817593_edi.txt

Update Donald Hoffman OK with a PA Constitutional convention for...

Another View

Pennsylvania needs a coalition of reformers
Donald Hoffman
July 15, 2008

http://www.mcall.com/news/opinion/all-left_col-a.6503398jul15,0,3396455.column

Update Mark wants one for...

Friday, July 18, 2008
Democracy Rising Reports about the PA Folly
Posted by Mark Rauterkus

http://rauterkus.blogspot.com/2008/07/democracy-rising-reports-about-pa-folly.html

Tim Potts Democracy Rising PA for...

Tuesday, Jul. 15, 2008
Pennsylvania can and must do much better

http://www.centredaily.com/331/story/715619.html

Grassroots PA Say it isn't so?? OK only Diamond (and Conservative Goddess) hot on support. Everybody else is looking behind the public image mirror... especially regarding Chris King.

Capitolman | 2008-07-15 18:21:57 | +1

King thinks that this will take some of the heat off of him for accepting a $5,000 bonus while he took part of the year off to campaign in 2006. Folks aren’t that stupid, Chris!!

http://grassrootspa.com/?p=4130

Russ Diamond continues to stomp for a Pennsylvania citizen's constitutional convention. There, in the grassroots PA Forum

http://grassrootspa.com/?p=4130

And For... well, whatever comes up, like bonusgate outrage

what're the next steps for PA Clean Sweep asks a PA Clean sweep poster to the topic Bonusgate Pics

Diamond responds in the large letters

CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pacleansweep/message/20429

and for what purpose, why... incumbents just don't face party challengers in the Primary, oh no... call a Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention... just can't get enough people to elect me for representative of 101st District, instead of... an incumbent

Slim and none

http://www.russdiamond.org/oped030908.html

See below for more Diamond spin.

Problem as we see it - a PA Constitutional Convention cannot be made to stay "limited" by an enabling act, once the delegates convene... delegates don't like gun rights... bye bye. A new Constitution could be crafted, in fact, and then submitted to the people who might, yes, might say OK. Courts would have no recourse to overturn because the "people" ok'd the deal...

We'll keep tracking, especially with talk of a potential this November for a referendum question to call a convention in 2009. And, those delegates, why they'd be chosen this November.

Again, seem kind of rushed to you?

If the people wake up to their true power which is in their hands every couple of years, it's called the ballot box, the legislators won't need to call a special session for integrity, or anything else. They'll fear they won't be sent back to Harrisburg if they don;t shape up.

The Constitution of PA is not broken, nor does it need tampered with and fixed to get "good government."

Good government comes with good people. Elect only those who adhere to the PA Constitution (and U.S. Constitution) - and dismiss all others who don't.

Net the Truth Online

Original post included

PA Clean Sweep

Convention
There are currently two bills aimed at enabling a constitutional convention in Pennsylvania, HB649 and SB291. Both bills follow the 1967 convention model, which is unacceptable in today’s atmosphere.

Despite the deficiencies in both bills, we awarded 3 points to all co-sponsors (X) to reward their acknowledgement that a major restructing effort is required to steer the Commonwealth back on the right track. Others (Z) have publicly indicated definitive support for a constitutional convention. If a better bill is introduced, we'll adjust this category accordingly.

http://www.pacleansweep.com/cgi-bin/reportcard.cgi?sort_on=8

See Diamond's posting at Penn Live Capitol Forum

7177.1. You Don't Need
by RussDiamond, 5/28/08 20:19 ET

http://www.pennlive.com/forums/capitol/index.ssf

Apparently, state Sen. James Ferlo wants a convention to reign in the ethically-challenged state legislators so appropriate in the midst of the recent announcement of indictments related to bonus-gate...

Watch if they don't try to sell us a convention to make them stop such illegal activities...

Our sidebar links include material that shows the dangers of calling a convention, even one that might be considered limited via an enabling act.

Our state legislators just don't get it. Neither do many others. It's not the PA Constitution's fault the state elite took payraises during the same year they authorized a salary increase - all done to skirt the existing law as outlined in the PA Constitution. It's the legislators.

We don't need a convention to downsize the state legislature, rachet back the salaries of legislative staff, or have our legislators eliminate their own unconstitutional perks, etc.

We need legislators who read the PA Constitution, understand its intent, and then follow it.

Net the Truth Online

Corbett mounts war against 'culture of corruption'
By Brad Bumsted
STATE CAPITOL REPORTER
Sunday, July 13, 2008

"Too much power rests with individuals based on seniority," said Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Highland Park. He has sponsored a bill that would authorize a limited constitutional convention to curtail things such as leaders' power, salaries and the size of legislative staffs.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_577402.html

Penn Live Forum 7395. PA Constitutional Convention?
by onceaDZ, 7/14/08 12:35 ET
How do we the voters go about getting our Pennsylvania constitution reformed? I should know this from high school Civics classes, but that was a while ago. We need to amend the Pennsylvania constitution to 1) make our legislature part-time again (no more career state legislators) 2) reduce the number of legislators, and 3) impose term limits. Why should anyone be permitted to serve longer than the Chief Executive? A maximum 8-year term, and scuttle the salary&benefits-for-life after one has served. I so agree with Reeves' column in today's Patriot-News. How do we make that happen?

7396. Maybe we need
by jenmil, 7/14/08 13:01 ET
a march on the steps for a Constitutional Convention. Just like we did against the payraise.

http://www.pennlive.com/forums/capitol/?initial=true

7177.1. You Don't Need
by RussDiamond, 5/28/08 20:19 ET
Re: Kingdom for attorney by IMmattfoley, 5/28/08
a legal background to explain it.

The statutory and/or constitutional changes required to make this happen are a simple matter of accumulating the sufficient votes necessary in the legislature.

But because lawyers stand to lose big in a "loser pays" system, because they pretty much own the executive branch, the judicial branch, and have many of their members peppered amongst the General Assembly, the chances of attaining sufficient numbers to make it happen are quite diminished.

Pennsylvania allowed the lawyers to fully take over government in the 1960s, to include re-writing nearly the entire Constitution to their liking, and now we're feeling the brunt of it 40 years later.

Just one more reason why we need a citizens' constitutional convention a la SB1290.

I'm not bashing lawyers here - there are some good ones - but this is the reality of PA.

http://www.pennlive.com/forums/capitol/index.ssf

Folmer pushes for "citizens' convention"

HARRISBURG — Lebanon County Sen. Mike Folmer has started a new push
for the state's first constitutional convention in four decades.
Folmer sponsored a bill that would allow 150 ordinary citizens to
decide on changes to the state's fundamental laws. It's the latest
call for a constitutional convention since the aborted legislative
pay raise of 2005 focused newfound attention on how the state works.

By RICHARD FELLINGER
Lebanon Daily News
March 3, 2008

Yet convening one appears to be a long shot.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pacleansweep/message/19835

Legislature needs to be downsized

...The size of our lawmakers' staffs is out of whack and getting wackier.

The question is: Do we need such a large, full-time Legislature? How do other states govern with fewer lawmakers working far less time on their legislative duties?

http://www.pennlive.com/columns/patriotnews/reeves/index.ssf?/base/columnists/1215997807214030.xml&coll=1&thispage=2

Outlining the pros of a new 'con con'
Sunday, February 25, 2007

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07056/764591-155.stm

PA Constitution

http://members.aol.com/StatutesPA/Index.html

Just found

Planning official wants to make municipal consolidation easier

Elwin Green, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

The new chairman of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission called for a state constitutional convention yesterday to rewrite Pennsylvania law so that local governments can more easily consolidate...The report, compiled by PolicyLink, a California think tank, advocates regional development that "reduces economic and social disparities" by such initiatives as reverse-commute programs that provide transportation between suburban employers and inner-city neighborhoods, and land banks that recycle vacant and abandoned properties.


http://www.sustainablepittsburgh.org/NewFrontPage/Sustainable_Pittsburgh_Articles.html

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05348/621809.stm

Saturday, February 24, 2007
State Senate discusses constitutional convention
Friday, February 23, 2007
By Ann Belser, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Voters in Pennsylvania could have a new state constitution to ratify as soon as the next presidential election.

But there's a lot to do if that's going to happen.

The state Senate Government Committee, headed by Sen. Jeffrey E. Piccola, R-Dauphin, held its first in a series of hearings yesterday on convening a constitutional convention for the first time in 40 years.

Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Highland Park, was the first speaker on the proposal at the hearing held at Duquesne University Law School. Mr. Ferlo had proposed a bill calling for a constitutional convention during the last legislative session and has introduced his bill again.

Mr. Ferlo said a constitutional convention could address legislative salaries, the size of the Legislature, "procedural issues such as lame duck sessions and the process for the introduction, amending and adoption of bills."

http://cpartyalleghenycounty.blogspot.com/2007/02/state-senate-discusses-constitutional.html

This post was updated Friday July 18, 2008

PA Home Rule Study Abandoned

Too bad. But it is difficult for change to be acceptable to those who are 'winning' elections...

Lawrence County abandons home rule study

http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/223996

Among links posted at

http://www.blognetnews.com/pennsylvania/feed.php?channel=2&y=2008&m=07&page=1

Danger National Popular Vote Interstate Compact

National Popular Vote Interstate Compact

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Popular_Vote_Interstate_Compact

Cyril Wecht Questions New Evidence Ramsey Murder

Cyril Wecht presented his belief a family member had to be responsible for Jonbenet Ramsey's murder...

Who Killed Jonbenet Ramsey?

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Who-Killed-Jonbenet-Ramsey/Cyril-Wecht-MD/e/9780451408716

Wecht responds to recent new analysis...

Dr. Cyril Wecht Responds To New Evidence in JonBenet Ramsey Murder
DNA Clears Ramsey Family

POSTED: 10:36 pm EDT July 9, 2008
UPDATED: 11:49 pm EDT July 9, 2008

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht responded to news that prosecutors have cleared JonBenet Ramsey's parents and brother in her murder.

The Boulder District Attorney said a new DNA test points to a mysterious outsider.

That test found skins cells on JonBenet's leggings that match a drop of blood found on her underwear.

"The fact that this other DNA was found at this time matches previous DNA which was thought to be a contaminant does not then alter the picture," said Wecht.

Wecht was not involved in the criminal investigation of the Ramsey murder but he reviewed all the evidence and eventually wrote a book about the case.

“Every male at the coroner's office, who may have touched the body, have they been tested for DNA, have comparisons been made with each and everyone of those people,” questioned Wecht.

Dr. Wecht said it's difficult for him to believe an outsider would have known about the hidden room in the basement, would have left no other evidence, that he would write a ransom note then leave the body behind. Wecht says none of this explains evidence of previous sexual abuse on JonBenet's body.

JonBenet’s father, Jon Ramsey, told police he carried her body upstairs after finding her so Wecht wondered where is his DNA? "How is it possible that some DNA of his did not get on her body and her clothing in that kind of transfer. Think about that," said Wecht...

http://www.wpxi.com/news/16838417/detail.html

Ramsey investigators now seek DNA match
Family cleared of suspicion in Colo. girl’s '96 murder, DA tells family in letter

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25619039/

JonBenet Ramsey Archives

http://www.cyrilwecht.com/journal/archives/jonbenet_ramsey/index.php

More

http://www.crimemagazine.com/jonbenet.htm

http://content.usatoday.com/community/tags/topic.aspx?req=tag&tag=JonBenet%20Ramsey

Black Hole War

What else is going on?

Anyone wanting to know a good deal about black holes should read the excellent new book, The Black Hole War, by Leonard Susskind, which has just been released.

http://blogs.chron.com/sciguy/archives/2008/07/is_black_hole_a.html

Fox Network O'Reilly Factor Doesn't Release All Jackson Tape

Jackson's Obama comments almost went unnoticed
A Fox News technician transcribing the tape overnight heard it, and it took off from there.
By Matea Gold, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
July 11, 2008

...Shine said the civil rights leader did not ask Fox News to hold back the tape. But before the network even aired his comments, Jackson went on CNN Wednesday afternoon to preemptively apologize.

Shortly afterward, Fox News teased the news of Jackson's remarks on "Special Report With Brit Hume." The network didn't air the more vulgar part of Jackson's comments for two more hours, when the clip ran on the top-rated show hosted by Bill O'Reilly.

"It was Bill's staff who had been working on it, and we felt it would be appropriate to put it there," Shine said.

O'Reilly told viewers that the network had decided to air only portions of what Jackson had said, saying there was "more damaging" material.

Shine declined to comment on what else Jackson said, adding that news executives were in discussions about whether to air more of the tape.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-jackson11-2008jul11,0,1647731.story

PA Question: Consolidate School Management Equals Property Tax Elimination As Promised?

A plan put forth by state Representative Timothy Mahoney (D-Fayette) to "consolidate small school districts into a single countywide school district for the purposes of administration and taxing" is being circulated in the state House of Representatives. Should enough co-sponsors approve of the legislation, Rep. Mahoney will officially present the bill for a House vote.

As noted in a news release on the PA House website:

The proposal by Mahoney would allow county commissioners to place a referendum on the ballot asking residents if they support consolidating small school districts into a single, countywide school district for purposes of administration and taxing. The consolidation process could begin if at least two-thirds of voters approved the referendum...

http://www.pahouse.com/pr/051070108.asp

http://www.pahouse.com/inthenews.asp?nd=20

The state legislator touts the proposal:

"Pennsylvania voters in small school districts should have a say in whether they want real tax reform and my legislation would save tax dollars by lowering operational costs in smaller school districts," Mahoney said.

http://www.pahouse.com/pr/051070108.asp

http://www.pahouse.com/inthenews.asp?nd=20

Bill would put school unification plan on ballot
By Liz Zemba
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, July 2, 2008

A Pennsylvania state legislator intends to introduce legislation to allow voters to approve a consolidation of small school districts into countywide districts.
In a press release issued Tuesday, state Rep. Timothy Mahoney, D-South Union, announced plans to introduce the legislation. The Fayette County lawmaker indicated he is seeking support from other lawmakers before proceeding with the proposal.

Under the proposed legislation, county commissioners would have the option of placing on the ballot a referendum seeking approval of consolidating school districts into a single countywide district.

Only fourth- through eighth-class counties would be eligible under the proposal. The consolidation process would begin only if at least two-thirds of voters approved of the measure.

Participating districts would retain their own school buildings, sports teams, mascots and individual identities. Consolidation would be for purposes of administration and taxing.
Should any districts approve of such a consolidation, county commissioners would then have the task of appointing three school directors to six-year terms. Directors would be limited to two terms, Mahoney said.

Mahoney claimed such consolidations will save tax dollars through lower operating costs, especially for small school districts.

School districts in Fayette, which is a fourth-class county, would be eligible to consider consolidation under the terms outlined by Mahoney...

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/fayette/s_575601.html

A little missed question nobody seems to be asking?

How does this measure equate to real "school" property tax "reform?"

The problem identified for decades is PA's school property tax inequality and growth.

State legislators have grappled with how schools are funded, by a school property tax, and many current state legislators were sent to Harrisburg on their own promise to "eliminate" school property taxes, not just "reform" school property taxation.

Candidate for 51st District, Democrat Timothy Mahoney comment on elimination of property taxation

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06302/733897-85.stm

How will consolidating school district "management" eliminate school property taxes?

The current plan doesn't appear to eliminate school property taxation, replacing the system with some other form of taxation, say a sales tax.

Worse, the PA state legislature will still not have implemented a fair and equitable way to fund schools, so any purported cost savings by consolidating management will not translate to the abhorrent situation of taxpayers facing loss of residence or business for failure to pay their tax obligation.

Last September, state Rep. Tim Mahoney also publicly stated his two top priorites were open records legislation, and school property tax elimination.

He admitted publicly he agreed the tax exemption program, Keystone Opportunity Zones, were unfair, not uniform according to PA Constitution, and unconstitutional. He publicly stated his third top priority would be addressing KOZs.

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/2007/09/keystone-opportunity-zones-unfair.html

Yet, when a bill to extend KOZs and expand them was presented in the House of Representatives, Rep. Mahoney voted yea.

HB 2297: Expansion of the Keystone Opportunity Zone

Issues: Budget, Spending and Taxes, Business and Consumers, Housing and Property Issues
Date: 05/07/2008

http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=19231&can_id=47407

Search results coverage KOZs and Tim Mahoney

http://netthetruthonline.blogspot.com/search?q=keystone+opportunity+zones+unfair+rep.+tim+mahoney

The legislation he's presenting in this measure can of course be said to be an effort to tackle the problematic situation of out of whack costs of school management and administration in the public domain.

But that isn't what Rep. Mahoney promised. He promised school property tax elimination, not mere reform, and not everything else but.

Under the plan proposed by state Rep. Mahoney, school boards will still exist with only 3 board members to be appoined by county commissioners? So when commissioners are not reelected, and the terms of school board directors expire, new commissioners would appoint school board directors?

This appears to be yet another way to appear to be doing something about school property reform, bit by bit, but actually not doing anything at all of any substance which will eliminate school property taxation.

Why not simply eliminate school property taxation for funding schools? Then, why not eliminate local school boards because there would be no need for local school boards? Then why not eliminate the monopoly of public schools? Let the best of the best compete for the sales tax big dollars. Then, what will happen? A new kind of growth will miraculously appear. The rise of competitive private schools to replace the entrenched public schools over time. Knock out the public school nepotism immediately since no private school administration will hire teachers only because they are related to somebody on the school board or administration.

School property taxation must go, that's the only goal that needs to be accomplished, even if that takes an amendment to the PA Constitution.

That's the referendum question that state legislators should be placing on local ballots. This November.

Simultaneously, KOZs must be abolished as state Rep. Tim Mahoney has admitted these are unfair, not uniform according to PA Constitution, and therefore unconstitutional.

The legislator continues to ignore his own words, and actually vote without question on extending KOZs.

Net the Truth Online

Herald-Standard article

Mahoney details consolidation plan
By Amy Zalar, Herald-Standard
07/03/2008

Calling it a "win-win," state Rep. Timothy Mahoney said Wednesday he is introducing legislation to allow smaller school districts to consolidate into countywide districts that would keep the district identities intact but would change how districts are managed.

Mahoney, D-South Union Township, said his plan is "the start on reducing property taxes," estimating it would mean a reduction of at least 20 percent.

"The most important thing is school districts would be staying the same as far as identities but they would be managed differently," Mahoney said.

Specifically, Mahoney said the change would consolidate how districts buy contracts and would mean lower benefit package costs.

If we want to start tax reform, this is how we do it," Mahoney said.

Specifically, the plan calls for one superintendent per district with a three-member board, and the superintendent he would sign off on every job application, Mahoney said.

Mahoney said his bill, which only affects 4th through 8th class counties, would take nepotism out of the school districts. He said the bill seeks to save tax dollars by lowering the cost of doing business in smaller school districts.

The bill would allow county commissioners to place a referendum on the primary or general election ballot and ask the electorate whether they support combining specific school districts into a countywide school district. If two-thirds of the electors support the referendum, then the named school districts shall undertake consolidation procedures.

Mahoney said by letting voters decide, they are becoming part of the process.

"I am putting it back in the voters' hands," Mahoney said.

According to Mahoney, if a countywide consolidation is undertaken, the state Department of Education would provide advice and legal counsel along with a $2 million grant for consolidation purposes. Also, employees of the newly formed countywide school district would be eligible for membership in the Pennsylvania Employee Benefit Trust Fund, which could save the new countywide school district roughly $2,183 per employee. Typically, school districts pay $9,558 in health-care benefits for employees, but membership in the PEBTF would only cost school districts $7,375 per employee.

The bill calls for directors currently in office in each component school district to be directors of the newly formed school district until the end of their terms.

The makeup of the new board would be three directors appointed by the county commissioners. The directors would need to have backgrounds of education, business, management, local government, construction or maintenance. Directors would serve six years and could not serve for more than two terms or 12 years, whichever is less.

Mahoney said by having people with business and related experience on the board, it would help the school district to be run like a business.

He said by allowing smaller school districts to consolidate into countywide school districts, a better educational environment would be provided for students and resources and contracts could be shared at a lower cost for taxpayers.

http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19825220&BRD=2280&PAG=461&dept_id=480247&rfi=6

Of interest - the measure to consolidate school administration and taxing will be a referendum question authorized by the board of county commissioners of a county.

It isn't quite clear why Rep. Mahoney chose that route rather than to have a percentage of voters in each district call for the referendum question as with other such measures that affect local taxation (except for Keystone Opportunity Zones), and once the refendum is placed on the ballot, according to Mahoney's plan, 2/3rds of the voters must approve of the referendum for it to pass.

That's more than a small hurdle. It's very rare for a strong showing of voters to turn out for Primaries in PA, usually a decrease in voter turnout is seen in non-Presidential years, unless there is a contentious race for school board members, or county commissioner Primary candidates.

With other than a simple majority needed to pass, it is unlikely the referendum will pass, especially if supporters of the current school administration and management in the individual districts turn out in larger numbers to vote down the referendum.

Net the Truth Online

Mahoney plans bill to consolidate school districts for taxpayer savings
News Release
HARRISBURG, July 1

State Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Fayette, plans to introduce legislation that would save tax dollars by allowing residents to approve the consolidation of small school districts into countywide school districts in Pennsylvania.

The proposal by Mahoney would allow county commissioners to place a referendum on the ballot asking residents if they support consolidating small school districts into a single, countywide school district for purposes of administration and taxing. The consolidation process could begin if at least two-thirds of voters approved the referendum

http://www.pahouse.com/pr/051070108.asp