The basis of this challenge (you can read it here) is based both on inadequate signatures and improper circulator affidavits. The Elections Code requires each person who circulated to execute an affidavit that he or she witnessed each voter signing. Nick Englesson signed those circulator affidavits himself, claiming that he circulated them all himself But Clever claims that is false, and that other unnamed individuals did the actual circulation.
He has subpoenaed six witnesses who will testify that they signed Englesson's petition, but he was not the circulator when they signed.
When Englesson saw the witnesses, he began looking for a lawyer. Vic Scomillio was there, representing two challengers, and Englesson retained him.
Since he was coming into the case cold, Scomillio asked for a continuance. Attorney Clever strenuously objected,noting that Scomillio had been served with the challenge before anyone else.But Judge Craig Dally gave Vic a day to get ready.
A hearing will take place today at 1:15 pm.
All of these challenges are weird. In fact they are scary. Apparently there is a chilling effect on people wanting to run for office. It is becoming more and more cut throat and mean spirited. It appears the challenges are more about thwarting public discourse and choice as opposed to wanting to "preserve the purity of the process." Unless the violation is grossly intentional, I believe judges should send a message to all that enough is enough and cut the shit out.
ReplyDeleteYes it is scary, but not for the reasons you mentioned. This guy is a attorney who has committed perjury and forgery if these accusations are true. This guy want to be a judge, are you kidding me. I thank this candidate for exposing this. If this is proven, this attorney should absolutely be taken off the ballot and be disbarred as an attorney. Maybe even spend a little time in the county prison to think about it.
ReplyDeleteI live in Allentown.
ReplyDeleteI have no hope for the democratic process.
Shame on Atty Englesson. He, as an attorney should know better. Election laws are made to protect the electorate from fraud as well as to protect the individual candidates. By "falsifying" the circulatory document he presented a different side of his character to the electorate. He should not be allowed to have those petitions stand as a legal document in the electoral process and the Judge should hearing the case will probably agree.
ReplyDeleteBernie- Does this pass the smell test... even he liberal's one?
ReplyDeleteI am wondering... Is this a something for the PA Judicial Review Board to look at. That is a sworn document by a court official-
ReplyDelete"Bernie- Does this pass the smell test... even he liberal's one?"
ReplyDeleteI have no idea what that is supposed to mean. I'll wait to see what kind of evidence is produced. Thee are very serious allegations.
", this attorney should absolutely be taken off the ballot and be disbarred as an attorney. Maybe even spend a little time in the county prison to think about it."
ReplyDeleteListen, I have known Nick for many years. He and I started out together, or he may have been one year behind me. He is a man of deep personal integrity. I have three friends running for this spot. The suggestion that he be disbarred or jailed is an overreach by the Whittington camp. Let's wait for the evidence. That's what a judge would do.
The husband/wife team that is challenging this is the same couple that was found guilty of deception correct? When Romig-Passaro was a judge she hired her husband,despite a ban on hiring family members. And then lied about it. SMH
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DeleteYour comment is OT. This is about a nomination petition challenge.
ReplyDeleteis the comment true? are they one and the same?
ReplyDeleteI believe so.
ReplyDeleteIt's now 730pm. Result of hearing? Anyone?
ReplyDeleteI will write about this Monday. The hearing is concluded and Judge Dally will decide next week.
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ReplyDeleteThis is about the petition challenge.It is not a place to tee off anonymously on the pros and cons of any of the candidates. You were warned. Now you are deleted.
ReplyDeleteJon Whittington should have saved his money. He is up against the "good ole boy network" and he will soon find that out. Judges are very "party oriented" and unfortunately that doesn't disappear when they become judges. If you want to win John, do it at the polls. You can outwork this devious candidate and you will be victorious in the end. As I stated earlier in my comments, you are up against the good ole boy network or better known as a stacked deck.
ReplyDeleteWow and the people want a judge that do nothing but lie.
ReplyDelete