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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Wednesday, May 06, 2020

State Rep. Hahn & Senator Mario Scavello Both Endorse Ann Flood in Pa. 138th

Marcia Hahn, who has represented Pa.'s 138th Legislative District since 2010, is sailing off into the sunset at the end of her term. You might say this is good news for Democrat Tara Zrinski, who was hoping to replace her. But tyhe odds of that happening are slim to none. You see, this is a very Republican District comprised of the townships of Bethlehem (conservative portion), Bushkill, East Allen, Hanover, Lower Nazareth, Moore (portion) and Plainfield as well as, the Boroughs of Bath, Chapman, Pen Argyl and Wind Gap. Even for Democrats, Zrinski is the wrong answer. I'll get into that closer to the general election. For now, I want to tell you about the primary race between Republican candidates Ann Flood and Tony Tarsi. One of these two will be the next State Rep. for the 138th. Flood has been endorsed by Hahn and State Senator Mario Scavello, whose district included the 138th.

"Ann Flood is pro Second Amendment, pro-life and supports small businesses, " said Hahn. "Ann's sensible and hopeful insights into the community's problems and needs, here willingness to examine the issues and her ability to listen closely to the public's questions and concerns, sets her far apart from any other candidate."

In addition to the outgoing incumbent's imprimatur, she also has the seal of approval from State Senator Mario Scavello. Most of the politicos in this area are back benchers, but not Mario. He has been very actively involved in the campaign to persuade Governor Tom Wolf to restart the economy. He's been successful, too. The construction that has started along Route 611 is primarily due to his efforts. He knows what it's like to run a small business because that's what he did before entering politics.

Flood is President of the Board at the Greater Bath Area Chamber of Commerce and is also on the Board of Governors for the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce. She's had a chance to speak top many small business owners, and made clear to me that "Pennsylvania should be opening as soon as possible, so long as the appropriate mitigation is in order." When that does happen, she told me several local restaurants will not be among them. They are victims of Governor Tom Wolf's shutdown order. "The economic impact is going to be felt years, if not a lifetime."

Flood was born and raised in Wind Gap. She is a graduated of Pen Argyl Area High School, earned a Biology degree from Moravian College and an MBA from Villanova University. She has lived in the Bath area for 22 years, and she and her husband are the parents of two children attending college and middle school. The Flood family also has one angel child, Lauren, who passed away in 2007.

Ann is the the Founder and CEO of the Lauren’s Hope Foundation, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for brain injured children and their families. This foundation has helped children receive life-saving care at The Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Children’s Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The other Republican in the hunt is Wilson Area High School Principal Tony Tarsi. He calls himself a "conservative Christian candidate with a strong knowledge of the Constitution." He said he's running because he's 60 and "the opportunity presented itself" when Marcia Hahn decided to step down. He also says he has "a passion for this country."

Like Flood, he also supports opening the economy. He claims Governor Wolf "erred on the side of Big Government."

38 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are full on for Flood. You did not give Tarsi much coverage. You dismiss Tara.

Tara Zirinski will win. She is a new generation of leader and her leadership is what we need. Have you ever listened to one of her speech's? She is amazing. She is a proven leader that Jha has taken on the establishment and won. She would be leading the county government body if not for the old boy network. She is a voice of the people. You will see when the votes are counted

Anonymous said...

Oh god can we stop with Ann Flood and Tony Tarsi, neither of them belong in the statehouse. I'm looking forward to their two generic, nearly identical Republican campaigns mindlessly screaming guns, freedom and no abortion. It'll be tough to distinguish between their individual brands of corporate, natural gas, NRA-backed campaigns. Tony's argument is essentially I'm retired now so I might as well and Ann's argument is to list every accolade and achievement from her entire life. She got a humanitarian award from Moravian college, let's just send her to Harrisburg now. Neither of them have any clue what the working class needs, even though they profess to know. No minimum wage increase, no paid leave and reopen the economy, perfect. They won't pay you more, they won't pay you if you're sick to stay home and get better, but they will work you to death. Man if that isn't freedom I don't know what is. They'd fit right in with the protesters in Harrisburg.

Anonymous said...

Zirnski is a hacks hack.
“A proven leader.”
LOL!!!

Anonymous said...

Comments are good. Bernie hates strong independent women. Tara threatens men like that. She stands for empowerment. She has governmental experience and is a fearless fighter for the environment and women rights.

Anonymous said...

I’ve simplified my Pennsylvania voting preferences going forward.

If you are an Incumbent Candidate, already in office at any level . . . . you do NOT get my vote.

If you are a brand New Candidate, and you propose new programs, additional employees, more spending, more taxes or fees to fund your vision for the future . . . . you do NOT get my vote.

This is is time to give someone different a chance, for sure. Our Incumbents had their chance to handle the mess we’re in. They failed.

Anonymous said...

"She is a proven leader that Jha has taken on the establishment and won"

I'm guessing that was the time she committed perjury, but wasn't criminally charged?

Anonymous said...

Just as long as she isn’t an old white man it’s all cool

Anonymous said...

R's dominate the SB region as they are the modern WPP's of the day. White Peoples Party.

Anonymous said...

Tara Zrinksi has the backing of multiple grassroots environmental organizations including the Earth Liberation Front of which I am a standing Lt. No more biosolids on our fields, fossil fuel extraction, single stream recycling, plastic straws, single use bags, and a tax rebate for those who cycle or walk to work.


Blue Badger

Anonymous said...

No group is more white than the Susan Wild upscale, suburban, soccer moms posse.

Anonymous said...

If TZ was only a POC.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"You dismiss Tara."

Not at all. There simply is little point in discussing her campaign at a time when she is running unopposed. During the general election, I will give Zrinski a great deal of attention.

Right now, the race is between Flood and Tarsi and my story focused on what they have to say. My post was prompted by the endorsements, but I thought it would only be fair to discuss both of the Rs who are running against each other.

This post is essentially for the Rs, not Tara. But believe me, I will give her plenty of attention when the time comes.

Anonymous said...

While I am still researching candidates - I feel Tarsi is in this for the wrong reasons. In one of his FB videos he explicitly states he will just got back to teaching if this doesn’t work out. He will go back to his paying job and then collect his pension when he retires. I feel this is a bucket list for him. He also comes across as a history teacher (ironically which is what he is). He rambles about the constitution and really has no depth IMO. He also seems a bit arrogant which would wear on his peers in Harrisburg I feel.

Flood - I am torn; she appears to have done some wonderful things and has a proven track record of helping others as a volunteer. Not just in recent times but going back to her college days. She has a documented record of leading change - there is no denying that. My gut tells me she can lead change in Harrisburg but I am looking forward to better understanding her views on other topics which she appears to be sharing on social media via videos and posts. I am still looking forward to her take on 2nd Amendment, Prof-life, reopening the economy and "what she would do" in Harrisburg. Final opinion TBD.

Zirinski - everything I hear about her is negative. She is definitely aggressive which could be a good thing - but if her “passion” makes her enemies then she will be a liability and not an asset for us. There has been some negative and yet to be proven legal issues but I don't take that into consideration unless proven fact. But if you do some homework on her she appears to be toxic and has made quite a few adversaries. This could be good or bad I suppose. Final opinion TBD.

I am Republican and open to all perspectives but we need someone who has been a proven change leader and unites vs divides people. That is the key to success IMO.

So I’m down with Flood in Primary and then open minded at the moment in General.

Anonymous said...

I am Republican and open to all perspectives but we need someone who has been a proven change leader and unites vs divides people. That is the key to success IMO.

So I’m down with Flood in Primary and then open minded at the moment in General.

I have not heard a bigger lie in my life, A Republican that is open minded, I shiot myself laughing

Jeff Fox said...

Anonymous May 6, 2020, at 11:47 AM

"I have not heard a bigger lie in my life, A Republican that is open minded... "

Actually, many Rs are open-minded. Many Ds are also open-minded. The political spectrum contains more viewpoints than you may realize. I agree there are those that are not. The D's are not any better in that regard. That is one reason I prefer to be neither. When you post comments such as you have, I hear republicans do not think or believe like I do and therefore, are not open-minded.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jeff Fox - totally agree that we can all have different POV but to paint a broad brush that "all Republicans" are not open-minded is myopic at best by the Anonymous commenter. Personally I have seen many Republican's be open to having fair, rational, and unemotional debates. Unfortunately the Anonymous poster is demonstrating that some are incapable of being open-minded - despite his/her accusations that R's are incapable? Irony....

Anonymous said...



Vote Flood.









v

Anonymous said...

Bernie, the local red and blue gang mentality is likened to the jail house mentality these politicians are backers of financially with the theft of services taxed/fee garnered for the grant spending practices.

Anonymous said...

Has Zrinski had the decency to resign her NorCo Council position to run for the state house?

I find it to be an enormous conflict-of-interest to continue to serve in one position while running for another at a different level of government.

Are the decisions that Zrinski is making as a council person for the good of the county, or for the good of the state house district she wants to represent?

There should be resign-to-run laws in this state. Politicians don't have the ethics to do it on their own.

Anonymous said...

Tarsi's campaign has Lee Snovers fingerprints all over it. Lee Snover wasn't even endorsed as a delegate to the convention, what does that tell you? Even the party is over her antics. For the good of whats left of the party, time to step away Lee. She couldn't get her Brother elected as a supervisor. She lost Council. She lost County Executive. Not sure the last Judge she won. She lost DA. She lost Congress. Not a good time to be a Republican in Nothampton County. And before she tells you she got Trump elected, Trump got Trump elected.

https://donaldtrumpcampaign.cmail20.com/t/ViewEmail/r/61635D47396F8F2A2540EF23F30FEDED/EB866CFE63B65988F039C523302FD418?fbclid=IwAR0skKnpakBoaLIiiyhCYsDdSRXaalYlrmf9xSnQL2-18CVkgndC3EZ6Kn0

Anonymous said...

I question Tarsi genuineness. What teacher, coach uses a student group of children as a pawn to promote his political career.? I keep asking How desperate is this man that he needs to use a video endorsement on Facebook that exploits the Nazareth wrestling team. Also, shame on that School District Leadership for allowing a coach, teacher to use their children/students to promote political endorsements. If Tarsi Is using school district endorsement/resources and tactics now — then I wonder what kind of wasteful spending he will do with our tax dollars in Harrisburg. And if he thinks nothing of using tax payer funded School children, school programs as part of a political race I can only imagine what kind of Backdoor deals he will make in Harrisburg.
My personal candidate of choice is Ann Flood. It is my opinion that Ann Flood is the better candidate all the way around.

Anonymous said...

I'd be very interested in hearing all 3's position on the establishment of an independent redistricting commission.

Zrinski is facing a very steep uphill battle because of the demographics of the district. Democrats should do well in statewide races and more homogenized/competitive districts with a motivated base, plus the independent voters tendency to vote against incumbent parties down ticket in national elections. Neither of those two elements will be enough to counter the Republican lean of the district, unless we see a big number of "moderate" Republicans either break (unlikely) or stay home in huge #'s.

Anonymous said...

I think the virus has caused us all to take leave of our senses and lose sight of the big picture. We're all going to be dead in 10 years if we don't address plastic straws. The eschewing of reusable resources under the guise of sanitation is the saddest aspect of CoViD-19. I'd like to hear the candidates' views on plastic straws. I know I know. Folks in nursing homes need the "bendy" type straws. That's nonsense and very cavalier toward the planet. Those folks can make a little extra effort to sit up and save future generations.
Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Which one will support increased state funding for a local health department given our heath crisis?

Anonymous said...

Would be a great time to reduce the size of the PA house of representatives as the state is loosing a shit ton of revenue and none of these candidates have any idea about anything so why even vote?

Anonymous said...

Hahn was a waste in her 10 year state funded retirement run!

Anonymous said...

Democrats are better, lest Trump receive reinforcement.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
I think the virus has caused us all to take leave of our senses and lose sight of the big picture. We're all going to be dead in 10 years if we don't address plastic straws. The eschewing of reusable resources under the guise of sanitation is the saddest aspect of CoViD-19. I'd like to hear the candidates' views on plastic straws. I know I know. Folks in nursing homes need the "bendy" type straws. That's nonsense and very cavalier toward the planet. Those folks can make a little extra effort to sit up and save future generations.
Thank you.
May 6, 2020 at 3:01 PM

Finally, someone who gets it. And thank YOU.

Anonymous said...

"Also, shame on that School District Leadership for allowing a coach, teacher to use their children/students"

No different when they use their students, in every district, as pawns at contract time.

And thank you @4:56 pm, spot on.

-Clem

Anonymous said...

Is this the woman that lied to the judge and threw her kid out over a custody dispute?

MMiller said...

Who lied to the judge and threw her kid out? Is this true or a rumor?

Anonymous said...

Allegedly Zirinski committed perjury during a custody dispute - but unsure if there is any record of this; although I’m sure someone has one if it is being commented on the internet...😕

BMeich said...

No Flood is married for 20-something year’s period one of her videos. From what I can tell she’s legit and doesn’t appear to have any obvious character flaws. Zirinski has a bit of a track record - easy to find through some normal internet searches and public record. Tarsi I question as he has done some things during this political race which is shady and I’ve heard from several people that he’s quite arrogant and in this for the wrong reasons. The guy is getting a taxpayer funded salary, then will get his taxpayer funded school pension...if elected he will get another taxpayer funded congressional salary while he collects his taxpayer funded school pension. Then if he makes it past a first term - he will collect another taxpayer funded pension.

Imagine collecting a salary and then having two lifetime pensions to back it up? The guy talks about wasteful spending but he alone epitomizes exactly what he’s trying to eliminate.

I’m sorry but when he said “...I don’t need to run but felt it was my time...” and “...if this doesn’t workout I will just go back to teaching...” - it really bothered me that he’s in this for Tony Tarsi and not the people.

Anonymous said...

I watched the video showing Tony Tarsi's nephew giving his full support while a member of the Nazareth wrestling team and do not see why there is an issue related to a high school student giving his support to his uncle in the state rep race. I would support my uncle as well. Good for the nephew to stand up and show his support!

I also have noticed Tony Tarsi has signed a pledge with congressional term limits. I hope he honors that as a state rep. I could see Ann Flood being in there for 20+ years because she needs the job. Tarsi won't be in there for 20 years. I fear Ann Flood will be a career politician.

I am leaning towards Tarsi in this race. He wanted to do this, as it was something he wanted to do. I do not see where this is being in there for the wrong reasons. Ann Flood can stay with her community position in Bath.

BMerch said...

So you are OK with a RNC TV segment to celebrate the wrestling TEAM was had as a political tool? #1 it very well may be illegal and #2
I suspect the young man does not speak on behalf of every wrestler in the program since they called it a “formal endorsement”. It just feels slimy to me - underhanded and not a quality I seek in an elected official.

You do realize his “term limits” pledge was some random website which is focused on FEDERAL term limits? Does Tarsi also support State Term limits since it would impact him directly?

And it’s a cookie cutter website and cookie cutter “press release” here is a list of the cookies...

https://www.termlimits.com/news/press-releases/

BMerch said...

Sorry I almost forgot - keep in mind Tarsi collects a taxpayer funded paycheck and benefits. He will also collects taxpayer funded lifetime pension. If elected he will collect another taxpayer funded paycheck. If successful for a second two he wins another taxpayer funded pension.

At a time when people are struggling financially and seeing their retirement wiped out - he will be living in luxury...maybe he will work for free since he’s getting paid, all about term limits and wasteful spending...

I can’t speak for Flood but from what I can tell she’s done more for the community than anyone I know.

-Merch

Anonymous said...

So I want to thank the Tarsi campaign for blocking me on social media for asking respectful questions and comments. Did I question him and express concern over using kids in his campaign? Yes. But did I ever say anything “unsavory” as his friend (and wife of wrestling coach) puts it? Not once did Mr. Tarsi answer my questions on the Second Amendment or Prolife.

He just gives blanket statements that’s he’s all about the 2A and abortion is not acceptable under any circumstances. Those are pretty broad statements particularly when we try to have a dialog about them.

People like Mr. Tarsi have thin skin and hide behind other people and play the victim. In my opinion he lacks depth and tries to play to the far right conservative. I never was demeaning in any way.

But due to his actions and the actions of Mrs. Crowell - I was being harassed on FB and needed to take down my profile. That is embarrassing and he hides behind the victim card.

I would be happy to share all of my posts (maybe 3-5 of them) as well as my brief private message exchange for anyone who is interested.

Shame on you Mr. Tarsi and Mrs. Crowell - you are not victims. You choose to step onto the political stage. Mr. Crowell chose to do the same. You are not victims. Please stop behaving as you are. It is a sign of weakness and not at all an endearing quality.

—Merch

Anonymous said...

Zrinski is NOT the night choice for the valley. She tries to hide the issues that people will not accept and focus on education and environment etc as a way to cover the issues most of the area will not agree with her on. She supports radicals in her party and follows whatever the Democratic leadership tells her the platform should be. Not who you want in office as she will go against what the people want and what she herself has stood for just to get the position. This is about a job for Zrinski. This is about doing what is right for the people. She will stand for what the Democratic platform tells her to stand for and not for what the people in the district represent. She is not for the people. She is for Tara. She is not moderate. She is radical left.