Sadly, Shapiro Hasn't Learned a Thing

A new television ad by the Josh Shapiro/Leslie Richards campaign is taking an old yet familiar tone and, sadly, indicates a pattern of sophomoric behavior by the Montgomery County Democrats which they feel will score points with voters marginally paying attention.

In their latest ad, the Democratic Party duo falsely claim one of the GOP candidates met with the Tea Party. False not because it didn't happen, it did. But rather because they claim she was the only one to do so.

Problem - Shapiro met with the Tea Party too, at his request, last Fall when he was a candidate for State Representative. I know this because I facilitated the forum and invited both candidates (Shapiro and Tom Bogar) to attend. And both of them did.

Perhaps more disturbing however, is the tone the Shapiro/Richards ad takes toward those of us related to the Tea Party. It suggests there is something wrong with citizens standing up to the ruling class of both parties or any one candidate listening to the concerns of regular folks.

This isn't the first time...

- Last spring, at the annual Abington Rockledge Democratic Committee luncheon, current Montgomery County Commissioner and former Gubernatorial Candidate, Joe Hoeffel, called those of us in the movement "lunatics, wackos".  (Video here: 2:40 mark)

- Earlier this year, ARDC Chairman Michael Barbiero referred to me, on this website, as "leader of the local teabaggers", a vulgar reference Mr. Barbiero has yet to back away from or apologize for.

In Hoeffel's case it was no slip of the tongue. His speech was specifically geared at how the Democrat left can defeat the Tea Party. He stated clearly, to beat the Tea Party you must call them names, you must ridicule and mock them. 

So, it's no accident Shapiro is taking the same path - it's very intentional.

The group I represent, Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots - Eastern Montco, will not endorse or officially support any one candidate. However, individual members are free to support whomever they choose.

So you won't see our group openly supporting Shapiro's opposition. Still, he seems perfectly comfortable taking pot shots at us, falsely, to win a few votes.


Sadly, Shapiro and the Democrats just can't seem to learn the lesson from of the 2010 election. We are not astroturf, not to be taken lightly, and refuse to allow the ruling class to get away with their attempts to paint us - not them - as the problem.

Continue to name-call and mock if you must. You only strengthen our resolve.

This is Montco Democrats Priority?

Abington ADD Rally
photo courtesy of Abington.Patch.com

Unemployment is at 9.1%, food and gas prices are through the roof, and a double dip in the housing market is looming.  So much for the "Summer of Recovery II".

Never mind that silly stuff, State Representative and Montgomery County Commissioner Candidate, Josh Shapiro (D-Abington), let's everyone know what his priority is: protecting a narrow fringe segment of society and political bedfellows, NOT jobs. **(VIDEO - 2:09 mark)**

They call themselves Abington ADD (Against Discrimination and Defamation) and today's rally was to shame, I suppose, Abington Commissioners into voting for an ordinance the public doesn't want nor need.  This Abington.Patch story provides background on the vote.

Also in attendance was Abington Democrat Chairman, Michael Barbiero, who knows a thing or two about hate and name-calling defamation.  This Tea Party Patriot (not Teabagger) wants an apology; I won't hold my breath.

Mr. Chairman...HATE, swings both ways as well.

Abington Democrats vs Wayne Luker

Thursday night, the Abington Township Commissioners ended an over two year effort to seize a commercial property located on Easton Road in Roslyn via a hostile government takeover, better known as eminent domain. 

I've written about this saga twice before, here and here.

While it is a clear victory for the Patane family who owns the location, this story is far from over.

Nowhere on the Democratic side of the ticket in Abington for this Tuesday's primary, except for cross-filed contests like school board, is there a single competitive race at any level, with one very clear exception.

Twenty year incumbent Ward 5 (Crestmont/Willow Grove) Democratic Commissioner, Wayne Luker, is facing his first challenge in memory.  Luker is being challenged not because he's doing a bad job.  In fact, while I disagree with some of his votes, Luker is one of the few Democrats in Abington I admire.

Luker's challenge can be summed up in one shining moment, when he was the lone Democrat to vote against the hostile takeover of the Patane (not Abington) property.

The Abington Democrats' website doesn't mention the candidates in the Ward 5 race.  I won't split hairs, it is typical for political parties to stay out of contested races on this level because no party endorsement exists.  But failing to mention either candidate keeps voters in the dark about the contest, in an age where Democrats love to cry out for transparency.

Either Montgomery County Commissioner Candidate and current State Representative Josh Shapiro (D), Montgomery County Party Chair Marcel Groen, and Abington Democrat leadership are actively targeting someone for voting against the machine, or lack the persuasive power and will to call off this fight.  Sad.

But Commissioner Luker can stand proud.  Even if the machine wins, he's the better Patriot for it.

Cell Phone Bans Ineffective?

Oh really?

Just a mere week after Josh Shapiro finally persuaded the Pennsylvania State House to pass his hand-held cell phone and texting while driving ban, after 6 years of trying, comes this little story which may prove the need for his feel-good law unnecessary.

And what a surprise, it's buried in the "Wheels blog" section of the NY Times.

H/T Jack P

A Tribute to Ellen Bard

Former State Representative Ellen Bard passed away back on October 28th. This video, courtesy of Tom Kirk at Abington News and Views is a wonderful tribute to Abington's former servant.



Josh Shapiro will be hosting a presentation of a Condolence Resolution to honor Ellen's life and service to the Abington and Upper Dublin communities. The event is open to the public and will be held Monday, December 7th at 1pm at the Capital.

Shapiro Eying LT Gov?

Not too surprising given recent events in Washington.

If fact, I thought as much a few weeks ago...

Obama's Overdue Bill to Abington

In the next chapter of the over-politically-motivated Abington School Board and the saga surrounding their gracious gift to the residents who pay their bills, a teeny-weeny issue remains.

That is, if you think a $40,000 bill still due is chump change.

Michele Obama came to our lovely town 10 months ago. Her most-wonderful spouse followed up with a visit of his own in October. The saga has been documented here.

Problem. They still owe Abington Township $21,000, and $19,000 combined to several other municipalities, for the police who worked the security detail on both days.

Now, it's not like the Obama campaign doesn't pay their bills. After all, the school district (and it's Democrat controlled board) got paid. Just not the township, where Republicans still control the purse strings.

Josh Shapiro has promised results; says the check is in the mail.

But after 10 months of waiting, the chump change still hasn't arrived.

Distracted Driving

In honor of the latest attempt by Pennsylvania State Rep. Josh Shapiro (D-Abington) to ban hand-held cell phones while driving, I'd like to post my own set of driver distractions which might eventually be banned by a law...

Eating a Big Mac, or anything else
Drinking coffee
Smoking (a double ban here)
Singing songs on the radio
Pets
Kids

It's the final one I want pushed first. After all, if you can convince me that children should be banned from cars or minivans because of the potential distraction they pose to drivers, then I'm all for banning hand-held cell phones.

Distracted driving is already a violation of the motor vehicle code.

C'mon Josh!

It's About Time

In September of '86 I attended my first class at Penn State Abington. It was called Ogontz back then, and I was under the impression an engineering degree was in my future, eventually I would become an architect.

But after 2 days of classes, I no longer held that dream. For the first time in my life, I didn't like the direction I was headed. I just couldn't see myself chasing moments or tangent lines (calculus/engineering terms) for the rest of my career. I tread water for a couple years trying to find my niche, but ultimately left college for the home building industry.

Since then, I have molded a nice career out of the move. But I've always wanted to get back and finish what I started.

Today, I accomplished that goal.

Along with 222 classmates (196 bachelor and 26 associate degrees), a lot of whom were born around the time I attended my first class, I ended a (uh hem) 22 year mission to get my degree. A Bachelors of Arts in Corporate Communication can now be associated with my name.

Many thanks to the professors, staff, and classmates I have met over the many years. It's been an honor to learn from every single one of you. Dr. Karen Sandler, Chancellor of the college, and the entire Penn State Abington family can be proud of the hidden gem in our town and the future thinkers, creators, and leaders it produces.

State Representative Josh Shapiro (D-Abington) was in attendance and offered a nice quote for the occasion, by Dr. Seuss of all people,

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

But the quote of the day came from the inspirational Commencement Address by Dr. Laura P. Clark, a Penn State Abington Advisory Board member.

She told the audience a story about the many influential people who helped shaped her career. Many of whom overcame great odds themselves to achieve their goals. Not deterred by their challenges, these role models taught her about perseverance and completing a mission.

Her message to us, when disappointment comes (and it undoubtedly will), you need to make the most out of the opportunity that lies ahead. In short,

A setback, is just a set up, for a comeback.

This new Penn State Alum can surely appreciate those words.

Southeast Reps Take Aim at DeWeese

Josh Shapiro (D-Abington) didn't need to call for Bill DeWeese's resignation over the Bonusgate scandal. Without a competitor this fall, Josh has nothing to lose in throwing DeWeese under the bus.

But after negotiating the deal which left DeWeese out of the speaker's seat two years ago and Republican Denny O'Brien in, it shouldn't be a surprise to see Shapiro making this morning's call for the House Majority leader to step aside.

Rick Taylor (D-Ambler) on the other hand is in a fight against a strong opponent, Montco Assistant DA Todd Stevens. Taylor needed this moment to get the issue off the table, after Montco GOP Chair - Bob Kerns - called for Taylor to explain his own staffer's role in the scandal. So in a not-so-suprising move, Taylor made his own call for the Democrat to step aside.

DeWeese hasn't been indicted but is quickly becoming the poster-boy for the controversy and, as Shapiro puts it,

"Bill DeWeese's presence as the leader of our caucus -- the face of our caucus -- dramatically undermines that effort to expand our majority, and may even compromise it."

DeWeese fired back, albeit weakly, as he stated that Shapiro was only trying to cover himself, after an obscure reference to him was made in the indictment.

Shapiro did his best to provide his nearby colleague Taylor the cover, but the move by the 151st District incumbent seems reactionary given that Steven's and the GOP out-flanked him on the issue. Clearly, Rick is in trouble and his piling on DeWeese is simply a matter of convenience.

A Community Effort

Sometimes, politicians from both sides of the isle find ways to work together to improve their community. Such is the case in Abington as a bi-partisan effort is underway to improve the Old York Road Corridor - that stretch of 611 between Jenkintown and route 63.

Last night, approximately a hundred residents attended a town hall meeting given by members of the redevelopment committee. The gathering was intended to educate the public about the group's vision for this stretch of roadway which is often by-passed at a high rate of speed by motorists who use it daily.

It's still early in the process as it's estimated the project will take 10-20 years to complete. However, this meeting was aimed at putting a vision behind the Township's Comprehensive plan to improve the corridor.

The early reviews between several of the meeting's attendants were mixed. Some saw little chance of certain aspects of the plan ever coming to fruition. One particular business owner commented that getting all the separate interested parties to agree on the plan would be a hurdle not easily overcome.

Still others, including myself, like the idea of creating a concept by which future development can be guided. Planning takes just that - planning.

Ten million has been granted to the project so far thanks to State Representative Josh Shapiro. Though just a drop in the bucket for the overall concept to be realized (I heard a figure of $300 million in total), the money should cover most of the curbing and landscaping improvements.

Abington Commissioners from both sides of the aisle, members of both Montgomery County and Abington's Planning Commission, Penn State Abington's Chancellor , Abington Township staff, as well as the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce are participating on the committee.

Now one year into the concept, the early signs are encouraging. For further information see the Old York Road Corridor Improvement website. I'll keep you posted as further developments warrant.

Primary Winner?

Now that the Democrat Circus tour of Pennsylvania is almost over, let's review.

In the first Philly debate in November, Clinton whiffs on a simple question about illegals in New York being given drivers licenses.

In February, Clinton whines about having to field the first question in debates.

The Abington School Board gives in to pressure from Josh Shapiro and the Obama campaign, to reverse school board policy 48 hours before the March 13th rally.

Obama gives an empty speech about race March 18th, not to disassociate himself from clear anti-American rhetoric of Jeremiah Wright, but rather to point fingers at the typical white folk who make the reverend feel the way he does.

Clinton manufactures and exaggerates the danger she faced when traveling to Bosnia. Sniper-gate (I love the irony for the former Watergate lawyer) cements the notion that Hillary will say anything to appear as though she has gravitas.

Obama, showing his true opinion about Democrat middle-class white folk, makes his guns and religion clutching comments, followed by a awkward backpedal.

Obama and his supporters whine over tough questioning last Thursday from George Stephanopoulos and Charlie Gibson. Both Clintons pile on, calling Barack a whiner. Hey Hill, remember the first question?

Add President Carter's embrace of Hamas, it's not an impressive six weeks from the Democrats. The primary winner in Keystone State? Clearly, McCain and the GOP.

Sacrificial Lamb

Ron Holt, who seems to be the GOP-has-no-one-else-to-run candidate in Abington, has been talking with John Prezel about organizing a write-in campaign for the 153rd State House race against Josh Shapiro.

Ron has been candidate for State Senate in each of the last 2 election cycles, only to be trounced by Leanna Washington in a district where he has no legitimate shot at winning.

Prezel is clearly frustrated by the impact of Shapiro. Josh was able to orchestrate Denny O'Brien's ascension to speaker, knowing he'd actually own the position. But Prezel wants to keep Josh busy, never mind what it does to an already-weak GOP brand in southern Montgomery County.

This desperate move by Prezel shows a lack of vision. Holt may think falling on the sword for John is a swell idea, but is also failing to see the big picture here. This move doesn't help improve the GOP brand.

Committeepeople in Abington would be wise not let their frustration force them into a bad idea; write-in campaigns waste energy and time. If Holt does get on the ballot, resources are drawn away from the Marina Kats campaign against Allyson Schwartz; a race that will be tighter than some people think.

John Prezel would be better-suited to find a more savvy way to defeat Josh, but when the best idea you have is to run sacrificial lambs, with write-in campaigns, you've clearly lost your edge.

Abington Changes - part 3

Here's video of the Abington School Board action. The raw footage was more than 35 minutes long.

One note. A comment on a prior post asked why I failed to mention then-candidate Bush's April 2000 visit. Several board members refer to the event as well. Bush's visit is their justification for the change in policy. They would like us to believe the 2000 event is equal to last Thursday's.

However, if you read this article from the local paper, you'll see there is simply no comparison between Bush's visit and Obama's rally. Apparently, the talking points were widely distributed in anticipation of any protests.

Abington Changes - part 2

As promised, here's video of the Michelle Obama event at Abington High School. The video is the original broadcast of Abington News and Views, as it appeared on Channel 66 (Comcast Willow Grove).
White text overlaid is editorial commentary

Just 48 hours before the event, this type of politicking was not allowed on school grounds by Abington School District policy.

Thanks to the Abington School Board, video tomorrow, it now is...

Abington Changes

Michele Obama came to Abington High School yesterday to (uh hem) congratulate the township for being recognized as one of America's Best 100 Communities for Young People, by Colin Powell's America's Promise. This is the third consecutive year Abington has received the award, the only community in Pennsylvania to receive such an honor.

Problem. During her 50-minute speech, only 30 seconds of pre-written text were devoted to the honor. The rest was nothing short of a blatant politicking.

So what? Free speech is free speech right?

Normally, I would agree. However, until 48 hours prior to the event, politicking on Abington School District property was against it's own policy.

So what changed? Several events.

First, was the re-election of 4 school board members in 2005. Ray McGarry, Jeffery Bates, Barry Stupine, and Jo Blumenthal were all running as republicans. Their victory gave republicans a 6-3 majority. Then during the 2007 election year, 3 of those republicans changed their party affiliation; with Blumenthal remaining loyal to the party that supported her.

The change gave democrats a majority and as payback, McGarry was elevated to chairman. Two additional vacancies on the board were filled by, you guessed it, more democrats.

The changes did not come as a result of the ballot box. No, a power grab was the only reason for the switch. After a sweep in 2007, for re-election of 5 democrat board members, left the balance of power at 7 Democrats, 1 Republican, and Bates as an Independent.

Finally, less than 2 months after being sworn in, the board voted 6-1 to "temporarily suspend" (or change) the politicking regulations, to allow for Ms. Obama's rally. Two members were absent.

Voter registration tables were set up, campaign buttons and volunteer sign-up sheets were distributed, while a large Obama banner was nestled comfortably between 2 Abington School District banners. This obviously begs the question, is Abington's school district officially endorsing Obama?

During the school board meeting, township liason duo Barry Stupine and Michele Tinsman spoke about their desire to promote, via agressive marketing, Abington Township's 100 Best achievement. The honor which they want everyone to believe they earned. Unfortunately, when given the opportunity, the district was sold out to political agendas.

Thanks to the new Abington School Board, school grounds are open for propaganda. McCain's campaign would be wise to consider the newly-built football stadium as a backdrop in late October.

Is this the kind of change democrats have in mind?

Photo courtesy of Montgomery News. Video of the rally and the school board vote will follow shortly.

Interesting side note from this ludicrous event was Fast-Eddie Rendell's wing-man Josh Shapiro (State Representative 153rd district) appearing on stage to help rile up the crowd.

Ed's a known Clinton supporter and may not appreciate Josh's role here. The rising star of Pennsylvania politics Shapiro, better be careful not to upset the establishment.

If the Hsu Fits...

Democrat fundraiser and fugitive from the feds for 15 years, Norman Hsu, was finally captured two weeks ago in Colorado. Despite Hsu's grand-theft conviction in 1991, and a hiatus overseas to avoid jail, he recently appeared on the political scene, representing himself as a New York Businessman. Hsu donated generous amounts of money to many Democrats, including Ed Rendell. But it wasn't until Hsu skipped out of a September 5th, 2007 bail hearing (his second such stunt) that Governor Rendell finally decided to donate the $37,oo0 plus in donations he received from Hsu, to charity. It must have been a difficult choice for Ed, who once called Hsu "one of the 10 best people I've ever met".

The obvious lack of judgement that Eddie's suffering from is overshadowed only by his arrogance. Makes me wonder if the governor thinks he's gone beyond reproach. This often happens when politicians think they've cemented their legacy. But it would be foolish for democrats, including Rendell's heir-apparent Josh Shapiro, to think this won't have ripple effects.

The opportunity for the Dems in Montgomery County is now, or so it seemed. The stars were aligned as late as September 1st for a historic victory in November. After a successful 2006 and low approval ratings for President Bush, democrats state-wide probably feel confident about their chances to take over the crown-jewel in Pennsylvania Politics, the Montgomery County courthouse. And why wouldn't they?

But after round two of HillaryCare, after news that Iraq is improving, after immigration fraud was defeated, and after Hsu/Clinton/Rendell-gate, will democrats in Montco be able to halt the late shift of momentum for the GOP?

And if Southeastern PA Dems fail in their persuit this year, what does it say about their ability to bring home Pennsylvania for a democrat presidential candidate next year?