Sam Bennett, the Lehigh Valley's Democratic candidate for Congress, is executive director at Properties of Merit, a publicly-funded nonprofit whose annual budget is somewhere near $350,000. Most of us believe she simply conned Governor Rendell into a nice $100,000 grant so that she could run for Congress full-time without worrying about a regular job.Amazingly, her community "annual awards receptions" are held right before the elections. Do you really think that's a coincidence? These events are designed to ensure "maximum attendance at the reception." They're free, open to the public, and even have refreshments donated by area merchants. Isn't it wonderful to see a tax exempt non-profit used to help elect Sam Bennett to Congress?
Allentown's Program was last night. Michael Fegley, who just happens to be a state Democratic committeeman, acted as Master of Ceremonies. Oh yeah, Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham and Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski were there, too. Bennett handed out the Founder's Choice award. Additional receptions are being planned in Coplay (Oct 11th) and Bethlehem (Oct 23rd).
Charlie Dent was invited to the program, knowing he would decline.
As much as I am in a "give the other party a chance" mood, and support Obama, I think Charlie Dent is a far better choice. Perhaps Bernie has colored my perception of Ms. Bennett over the past few months, but I believe I even saw a PSEA endorsement of Dent (?) in the junk mail I get....point being that he has the ability to appeal to traditional GOP voters as well as many LV Democrats.
ReplyDeleteIn 2004 I really wanted an alternative to Bush, but Kerry wasn't it for me. Likewise, while "change" is in the air, Bennett is not the one for me.
I can't help but think that Lisa Boscola isn't kicking herself in the rump for not throwing her hat in the ring.....I think she could have successfully latched on to Obama's change coattails. Bennetts not the one. Dent has my vote.
I have to agree that these events are setup as campaign events. If she loses this election I think this sham of a public service POM should not receive one public dollar.
ReplyDeleteIf it does the body approving the grant should be published and those proposing and voting for it should have their names published so people know who to vote against.
This is a disgusting use of my tax dollars, it really pizzes me off and I'm a Dem.
Sam Bennett continues to steal from taxpayers.
ReplyDeleteI like how the Properties of Merit office is located in Butz' new downtown office building. I wonder how much of the POM money is actually budgeted for rakes and brooms and how much gets sucked up by the opportunistic and well connected.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see any of you complaining about Dent using his franking privilege to "inform" voters. I also doubt any of you are really members of the Democratic party. You probably got your email instruction from Bernie to please come comment. BAaaaaaa
ReplyDeletewhat a bunch of sheep.
double standard. that's what they call it.
Red Hill Ranger,
ReplyDeleteYou give yourself a courageous name, but the fact is that you hide behind a nom de plum to flame others. The subject of this post is POM, not the political party of any of my readers. If you engage in trollish behavior, expect the troll treatment.
Red Hill, I am very much a Democrat and like Dent. However, in order to move this Country forward I am seriously considering Bennet.
ReplyDeleteThis POM nonsense and these recent 'events' bother me.
You can attack me if you want but that is the arrogant attitude of the new young Democrats that turn off old Union Dem warriors like myself.
I don't drink the kool-aide, that is one of many reasons I am not a Republican.
Don't patronize me you wise ass twirp.
Anon 1:25 -
ReplyDelete"Red Hill Ranger" is not worth getting upset over.
I know a lot of Democrats that prefer Dent, some over pretty much anyone. I'm yet to meet a Republican (that I know of) who supports Bennett.
Bennett's only advantage over Dent will be those who pull the Dem lever. Actually, I guses now it's touch the screen, but you get my point.
Anon 1:25,
ReplyDeleteI agree w/ AJ. Some folks are just hear to flame people. Most of that animosity is directed at me.
Guyz and Gals,
ReplyDeleteAnyone with a 1/3 to 1/2 of a brain in their head will vote for change. Change is Obama/Biden and Bennett. If Bennett flops she can be ousted in two years. Dent is more of the same, a Bushie. McCain/Palin are both unfit to be President and Vice President and are more of the same. If you are conscious and have a pulse you realize that McCain/Palin vicious, untrue attacks (otherwise known as lies) indicate that these two are not fit for the highest offices in the land. Change - Obama/Biden and Bennett.
Mr. Leiner:
ReplyDeleteThis is not a high school class presidential race, so please do not refer to voters as "guyz and gals." Anyone with "1/3 to 1/2 of a brain in their head " will also know that the change we need isn't going to come from a candidate as unqualified and questionable as Ms. Bennett. She is nothing like Sen. Obama and Sen. Biden, and therefore does not deserve a ride on their coattails.
To ask constituents to vote her in order to make the outgoing Bush Administration pay for their sins is more than childish, it is irresponsible. Even if you don't like Rep. Dent, using your own argument (only with a twist of logic to it), vote for him anyway because he already knows the ropes and will be forced to suffer through working with a (most likely) huge majority of Democrats in Congress in the next term, and quite possibly a Democratic Administration. After 2 years, you can vote him out when the Democratic party finally runs a candidate who is actually qualified in some manner to be a U.S. Congressperson.
Hold your own party accountable first, then try to tell us how to vote for change.
the republicans are going down in flames this november.After 8 years of their president, hope the trickle down theory works on them.
ReplyDelete