Will Mann Now Work Full Time for Vitetta?

What has happened to former State Rep. Karen Beyer, who was upset last year by Justin Simmons?

She's become a lobbyist, effective 2/20/11, with T.J. Rooney's Tri State Strategies, and is likely making more money and working less hours than she did as a State Rep.

I mention this because I wonder whether State Rep. Jenn Mann, who has announced her own retirement from politics, is thinking about something along those lines.

"I've never been known as a person who dodges a question, and never will be," Mann told me over a year ago. But when I asked her to tell us how much money she gets as a consultant for Vitetta, that's exactly what she did. She refused to answer, telling me she has no legal obligation to disclose exact amounts.

Vitetta is no mom-and-pop shop. It's a heavy hitter, both with the state and locally. It has offices in seven different states, and its own webpage reveals involvement in construction projects like the Pennsylvania Judicial Center, Pennsylvania Judicial Center Parking Garage, Pennsylvania Capitol, PennDOT Materials Testing Laboratory and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission-Service Plaza Reconstruction.

Many of these jobs are awarded by the state's Department of General Services. Until sometime last year, that office was run by Lehigh Valley native and friend James Creedon. He also served with Mann on the Stimulus Oversight Commission. There, they both get a head's up on where the state intends to spend federal stimulus dollars.

In addition to her Creedon ties, Mann actually dated Sean Pressman. He was Chief of Staff in General Services between 2/1/06 and 6/19/09.

Did Vitetta benefit as a result? I'm certain it's one of the reasons they wanted her.

Annual statements of financial interest for the past four years (2010, 2009, 2008 , 2007) reveal that Vitetta has been paying Mann, although the amounts are unstated.

In her defense, Mann did get clearance from the state ethics commission. She was warned against using her official position to solicit business. My concern is that no matter what she says, her elected office in and of itself is a form of pressure.

Mann tells me that precisely because of that "very fair concern," she stays away from all the local governments. "It's just not worth it," she said. She concedes that she may "have reached out to some regional school boards," although she does not make the initial contact.

Gee, how would you like to be an Easton or Bangor school supervisor who gets a call from Vitetta telling you that State Rep. Jennifer Mann would like to talk to you about the engineering firm you hire for your next middle school?

Let's face it. The not-so-subtle pressure of her powerful public office, in and of itself, should rule out this kind of moonlighting job.

Will Mann be working full time for Vitetta now?

Updated 11/30/11, 10:35 AM: Although the state lists Karen Beyer as a lobbyist for T.J. Rooney, she is actually working for SEIU.

Who Wanted to Dump Karen Beyer?

In her freshman year, she passed a major piece of legislation, a measure to protect consumers from price gouging after natural disasters. Few legislators can make that claim. But State Rep. Karen Beyer was still defeated in this Spring's Republican primary by Justin Simmons. Without question, he ran a good race. But there were dark forces at work in the form of independent expenditures by two different groups. Amazingly, we have no idea who was funding them. Let me tell you the story.

If you've never talked to Karen, do yourself a favor and watch her stirring farewell address from the House floor. She spoke straight from the heart, and she'll be a tough act to follow. She made it pretty clear that she perceived that her first duty was to the constituents in her district. But what she failed to mention is that she has resisted pressure from a few major water interests to agree to the sale of a large tract of open space in her district. And out of the blue, two groups - Citizens' Alliance of Pa. and Young Conservatives of Pa. - started working against her. This could be a coincidence, or it could be something more nefarious.

Citizens' Alliance of Pennsylvania is run by Pat Toomey's former COS, Joe Sterns. He also chairs the Schuylkill County GOP. For reasons that elude me, his group actively worked against Beyer. Two negative mailers wee sent to Republicans in her district, at a cost of about $7,000 a pop. In addition, about $15,000 worth of radio ads were broadcast on WAEB. Finally, two robo calls, whose cost is $1,400, were financed by Citizens.

Citizens Alliance is listed as a nonprofit, but also has a registered PAC that reports a $400 post-primary contribution to Simmons. But there is no accounting for the two mailers, to robo-calls, and $15,000 worth of radio ads.

Young Conservatives of Pa is another outfit that worked against Beyer, sending out two attack mailers. Like Citizens Alliance, it's listed in state corporation records as a nonprofit. Like Citizens Alliance, there is also a PAC called Young Conservatives of Pennsylvania Political Action. The last report filed by the PAC was in 2008. Like Citizens Alliance, there is no accounting for the smear campaign.

Why are these outfits flying under the radar? Why the hell would the Schuylkill County GOP chair inject himself in a LV Republican primary? Why would these outfits, based in Harrisburg, want to get rid of Beyer? Is it just because she wasn't pure enough, or were some business interests making an investment?

What about Simmons? Was he acting in concert with these outfits? He told me he was very happy when he got their mailers, especially since his campaign consisted of three people. But he had no knowledge of their intentions and nothing was coordinated.

Beyer told me, "The problem with these groups is I can't see who gave them the money?" Exactly. To this day, she has no idea who wanted her out.

The state BCEL has opened up an investigation. In a letter to Beyer, Sherry Messinger states, "At this time, this matter is under investigation, we will notify you of the final disposition of your inquiry."

Congrats to Mike Horton!

I'd like to be among the first to congratulate West Point grad Mike Horton on his election as the next State Rep. for the 131st District. Hard-line conservative Justin Simmons may have managed to sweep moderate Karen Beyer out of the way in the primary, thanks mostly to dirty campaigning. Simmons' extremist views should play very well in the general election.

Where is Justin "Accountable" Simmons Campaign Disclosure?

On Tuesday, I told you that I could find no campaign disclosure on the state website for Justin Simmons, a conservative Republican running against State Rep. Karen Beyer in the 131st legislative District. In contrast, Beyer has e-filed her disclosures, which are available for public inspection.

Since Simmons has proclaimed that "It's time to make our politicians accountable," I thought I'd start with him. Where's his report? Simmons is Internet-savvy and actually has three different web pages to tell you how great he is. He even has a web page set up called Office Expense Report to account for every dollar spent. "I will show you where your money goes.
I will work to earn your trust," he says.

He could start by posting his expense report there since it's not on the state website and likely won't be there until after the election. But he didn't.

Instead of doing that, I've been called a liar by one of those goofy young Republicans who sleep in three piece suits. I was anonymously told, on Tuesday, that "Simmons' report should be online no later than tomorrow, just in time for you to dream up more scurrilous charges against him."

Well, it's now Thursday. I'm making the same scurrilous charge. The election is in three business days. There is no report.

And no accountability.

State Rep. Karen Beyer: She Stood Up to House Leaders

State Rep. Karen Beyer has represented the 131st legislative district since winning a special election there in 2005. It's a Democratic-leaning district, consisting of one Lower Saucon Township precinct, Upper Saucon, Lower Milford, Coopersburg and part of Salisbury, Upper Milford and Allentown.

Since she previously worked in Doug Reichley's office, I expected her to be his clone. She does share his work ethic, which constantly amazes Ron Angle. He has told me he knows no one in government, excepting himself, who dedicates more time to the people.

What I admire is her courage in standing up to party leaders and helping to resolve a budget impasse that was hurting the people who need help most. Her opponent

Q) In the past two years, two state legislative leaders have been convicted of using their office for political or personal gain. Isn't that a sign that something's wrong with the way business gets done in Harrisburg?

A) Yes. I knew there was something wrong on my first day. Here's a quick story: I went to a benefits briefing and was given a form to sign. It was on a green sheet of paper. When I asked what it was, I was told it was for un-vouchered expenses...thus accepting the pay raise. I refused to sign and accept it. Over the next two months, a debate waged throughout the General Assembly on the repeal of the pay raise. I learned then that it was two Republican Committee Chairman who had insisted upon the pay raise in the first place. A little known fact. It was eventually repealed, but the public never saw the arguing and dissension that occurred behind the scenes. There was a great amount of arrogance on display during that period of time.

As for the indictments, I think the Attorney General's actions have changed the tone and tempo of Harrisburg. Because of his actions, there is much more scrutiny by the public…and that is good. Individual members are much more mindful about how they conduct their legislative business to ensure they don't mix campaigning and the people's legislative business. The Attorney General has done the Commonwealth a great service by being courageous and investigating the legislative leaders. He has caused members to be vigilant and careful in their legislative conduct, something I did not witness when I first arrived in Harrisburg.

Q) According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Pennsylvania has the largest full-time and second most expensive legislative branch in the nation. Is it time to cut back?

A) It is time to cut the number of legislators. I am a co-sponsor of a bill calling for a Constitutional Convention, which would address several areas that need reform in our government. Reducing the size of the legislature, medical malpractice and tort reform would be others. It would require a change in the Constitution and a willingness of members to give up their seats to get it accomplished. I would vote for a reduction in the size of the General Assembly.

Q) You've been criticized for voting to end the budget impasse last year in Harrisburg, siding with House Democrats.

A) Yes, I have been criticized for that, but it is obvious some folks don't know what that vote meant. By September 2009, budget negotiations had hit a wall. Our legislative leaders were on PCN live, broadcasting the budget talks. The Republican House leadership walked out of negotiations and refused to return. When the House Republicans were told in caucus that we would not return to the budget negotiation table, I stood and strenuously objected. I said at the time, that our leadership was marginalizing 98 House members. Obviously, the House Republican leadership disagreed with me. I then made a decision to contact Sen. Pat Browne and he kept me informed of the progress of the negotiations, and in the final budget product, the 2009-10 budget was $500 million dollars less that the previous year. This was a huge breakthrough with this Governor. Senate Republicans were able to keep 9 separate proposed tax increases from coming to fruition. It was a budget that U.S. Senate candidate Pat Toomey called "fiscally responsible." That was good enough for me. We had a pending crisis on our hands in October. Counties, schools, prisons and the State Police (to name a few), had not been funded. The budget had no broad-based tax increases and cut spending. It was the right thing to do. I believe in responsible government and it was time to be responsible. On a side note, you should know that the budget bill is one bill and the tax bill to support it is another. I voted NO on the tax bill. I didn't think it went far enough in the reduction of business taxes.

Q) What steps are you personally taking to avoid a devastating budget impasse like the one we suffered last year?

A) We will have another budget impasse. The Governor has said he wants a hike in the personal income tax, a hike in the sales tax, a severance tax on Marcellus Shale, a cigar and smokeless tobacco tax and a gas tax of at least 13 cents per gallon. If he insists on these, and threatens a veto, then we may see a repeat of last year. I will not vote for any of the Governor's proposals. My first effort on the budget was to let the House leaders know that I was unwilling to vote for any of the tax proposals. Sending that message now is important. If every member did that then we could avoid all the posturing that takes place during budget time.

Q) Many state reps will tell me privately that in Harrisburg, too much power is invested in just a few powerful committee chairs and leaders. Has that been your experience?

A) Yes, that has been my experience too. Here is another thought...too much power vested in some leaders who are incompetent. It is a seniority-based system. Here's just one personal example of how the legislative process works. A bill that I had authored was referred to the education committee and was eventually voted out of committee in a bipartisan vote. The legislation was then sent to Appropriations Committee. It has never seen the light of floor debate. The Appropriations Committee Chairman Dwight Evans has refused to bring the bill for a vote. The bill has sat in his committee for nearly two years. In fact, I have bills in just about every committee awaiting action, but the majority chairman and the majority leader decide if the bill ever comes to the full House for a vote. Legislation moving to the House floor for a full debate and vote is at the whim of the committee chairman. That is what is wrong with the system.

Q) Your opponent attacks you as a pawn of the teachers' union, noting you accept money from them and support public education. What's your response?

A) I do support public education. I am a product of public education, as well as, my husband and children. But, I also appreciate other avenues for educating children charter, private, parochial, cyber charter, and home schooling. I believe it is my job to do the best I can for the entire educational system. Teachers play a big role in that. I have accepted campaign money from the teacher's union, the PA Chamber of Commerce, PA Bankers Association, and other organizations, associations, PACs and many individuals. Unfortunately, campaigns run on donations...that is money. But let me be perfectly clear, NOONE has or ever will buy my vote. I know whom I work for...the residents of the 131st Legislative District.

Q) Is there anything else you'd like LVRamblings readers to know about your campaign?

A) A few people have called me a RINO. Ironically, in this primary the PA Pro-Life Federation and the NRA have endorsed me. Two organizations closely associated with republican causes. When I put on the uniform of the U.S. Air Force as an 18-year-old, I was proud to serve my country. Never would I ever have imagined that my loyalty, patriotism or dedication to the Republican Party would be questioned. But, I do consider the source. A 23-year-old opponent, who has never served his country, would never know what that means. The best decision of my life was to serve in the U.S. military. It changed the entire course of my life and I am deeply grateful to all of those great military leaders who inspired and led me.

Is Justin Simmons Really His Own Man?

"No one owns me. I’m my own man and my main priority is to fight for what’s right for the residents of the 131st district."

Sounds very impressive, doesn't it? But is Justin Simmons, a conservative Republican who wants Karen Beyer's job, being sincere?

In addition to his own campaign web page, he's set up another two sites just to attack her. One is called Beyer Proof, and lists her travel and car expenses, piously stating, "It's time to make our politicians accountable." The other one, Office Expense Report, pledges that "This is where I will account for every one of your hard-earned tax dollars that I spend."

That really sounds great. But if Simmons is all about accountability, where the hell are his campaign finance reports? Neither his 6th Tuesday nor his pre-primary is available online. If he's all about accountability, why aren't they there? The election is just one week away and we don't know whether he's really his own man at all.

Karen Beyer, who has been pilloried as a servant of special interests, managed to get both of her campaign finance reports posted online. She has listed the special interests that support her. If Simmons were really sincere, his reports would be there, too. Internet-savvy Simmons, if he really cared about accountability, could have posted those reports with the state or on one of his three web pages. He's about as accountable as Ed Pawlowski, and is just trying to grab a few votes.

Like Closed Libraries and Hungry Kids? Then Vote Justin Simmons

Justin Simmons, Karen Beyer's Republican opponent in the moderate 131st legislative district, repeatedly blasted her with the P word at Friday night's LV Conservative Voice candidates' night. That's P for progressive, and is now being associated with socialism, communism and overall poor personal hygiene.

Incredibly, Simmons complains that it's largely because of her that the state has a budget. She is one of just two House Republicans who voted to break the gridlock. What a terrible person she must be!

Simmons' life experience consists basically of school, student council and working briefly for state senators. He has no clue what it's like to lose a job, or to juggle things around so you can buy shoes for your kids. His youthful insensitivity to the very real problems caused by that gridlock should be embarrassing. During that impasse, school districts were denied about $1.3 billion in state funding, and non-profits providing vital human services waited for another $114 million.

As reported by CNN, day care centers closed, food banks had to cut back, literacy classes were canceled and the south branch of the Allentown Public library had to be closed.

At the time, then LC Comm'r Chair Percy Dougherty complained, "[T]hey are asking us to pay their bills while they argue over the budget." Allentown school board member Bob Smith, himself a conservative Republican, at that time noted that "what may have started out as a legitimate battle of ideas on how to move our Commonwealth forward has turned into a sad sideshow that underscores why people don't like and don't trust politicians."

That impasse caused real problems, including hungry kids. How anyone can suggest it should have continued, is beyond me. Simmons, a single guy with no kids of his own, might be singing a different tune if it were his kids who were suffering.

No rebuttal time for state Rep. Karen Beyer, and no time for questions.

On my way out at the end of the night, Simmons had blocked the only way out of the room, but refused to acknowledge me as I left.

I might have had a question. Or two.

Beyer Had Horton Followed After Mother's Funeral

If you file a nomination challenge asking a judge, instead of the people, to decide whether someone belongs on the ballot, you better win. Otherwise, it is difficult to escape the accusation that you are anti-Democratic, especially when you have a private investigator follow your opponent for ten days.

Amazingly, that's exactly what state rep. Karen Beyer just did. A judge tossed her residency challenge to Michael Horton on Thursday. She filed her challenge through Democrats Ernest Kaiser and Janet Keim.

In a news release, Horton describes himself as a "newcomer" who "never expected Beyer to go as far as having me followed while mourning the death of my mother and planning my wedding. The voters are going to have to decide if this is the kind of conduct they expect from their elected officials.”

Beyer had Horton followed by a PI for ten days. This private dick also interviewed his neighbors and even contacted his fiancée’s ex-husband, who was then dragged into court.

Horton has been the elected constable for Allentown’s 12th Ward since 2003 and has continuously resided there since 2002. His current address is at a home he purchased in 2008 and he just purchased a much larger home in the district, where he and his fiancée will reside after their wedding in June.

Beyer complains that Horton has “a lot to learn about the 131st district.” That may be, but she has a few things to learn herself about nomination challenges and depriving voters of the right to make their own choices.

State House Race in 131st: Beyer v. Simmons v. Horton

State Representative Karen Beyer has launched her re-election campaign for Pennsylvania’s 131st Legislative District, where she has served since 2005. Twice, Karen has won close contests against Democrat Linda Minger. This year, she's being challenged from the left by Mike Horton. Hard line Republicans are running Tea Party delight Justin Simmons against her, too.

“For nearly five years, it’s been my honor to serve the people of the 131st District,” Beyer stated, “I’ve fought hard to bring about much-needed change in areas such as consumer protection, fiscal accountability in government, and eminent domain abuse – and I’ve been proud to deliver results for the people of Lehigh and Northampton Counties.

“We’ve accomplished a lot, but there is still much more to do. Pennsylvanians still need tax relief, but in order to accomplish this, we must first address out-of-control spending. Since 2003, our state debt has spiked by $18 billion – and the burden per family of four stands now at a startling $5,600. Meanwhile, the state’s pension funds continue to rob taxpayers of their hard-earned dollars. This is wrong, and we must put a stop to it.

“The good news is, we can. My record demonstrates that meaningful reform is possible, and if entrusted with the opportunity to keep serving the people of this district, I pledge to continue this record of strong leadership characterized by attentiveness, accessibility, and action.”

Beyer is best known for her work ethic and willingness to work across party lines. The Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle, is convinced Beyer never sleeps. But I like her bipartisan approach. For example, she was one of only five House Republicans who had the common sense to vote to break the state budget logjam. Ironically, her vote against gridlock is supposedly what motivated Republican Justin Simmons to run against her.

Karen has sponsored or supported bills that

· Expand eligibility and increase funding for property tax relief and rent rebates;
· Protect property owners against eminent domain abuse;
· Institute penalties for telephone “spoofing” – in which callers attempting to defraud others provide false caller ID information;
· Prohibit price gouging within 30 days following the end of a state of disaster; and
· Hold cyberschools accountable for their use of taxpayer dollars.

She also joined Rep. Doug Reichley in speaking out against the closing of Allentown State Hospital, citing the hospital’s critical role in providing vital psychiatric treatment to adults affected by mental illness.

She's picked up endorsements from Congressman Charlie Dent, Senator Pat Browne (who held the 131st District House seat before his election to the State Senate), Senator Bob Mensch, and Representatives Julie Harhart (183rd District – Northampton/Lehigh), Doug Reichley (134th District – Berks/Lehigh), and Gary Day (187th District – Berks/Lehigh).

Beyer currently serves on the House Health and Human Services Committee, the House Commerce Committee, the House Consumer Affairs Committee, and the House Urban Affairs Committee, and she is a member of the House Republican Policy Task Force on Infrastructure. Additionally, Beyer serves by appointment on the advisory board of Pennsylvania’s Tuition Account Program (TAP) as well as on a Select Committee charged with evaluating the awarding of state government contracts to women, minority and disadvantaged owned businesses, identifying any barriers to involvement by these businesses, and proposing strategies to remove such barriers.

A graduate of the College of William and Mary, Beyer is a decorated Air Force veteran. She lives in Lower Saucon Township with her husband Merrill, a United Airlines pilot and retired Air Force Lt. Colonel, and their three children.

Karen's Republican opponent is a kid fresh out of college, an obvious Toomey wannabe, who brags that he "actually resigned his position with the Senate in order to focus on his campaign and representing the residents of District 131." What he fails to point out is that ALL legislative state employees who decide to run for office are required to resign. So he starts out by being a little dishonest with the voters, never a good sign.

In embracing the Tea Party movement (and its voters), he tries to paint himself as an outsider. Really? Let's see. He interned with Congressman Pat Toomey, then Senator Rob Wonderling, then worked for Wonderling and his successor, Senator Mench.

Oh yeah, he also wants to get rid of the "Philadelphia metality" in Harrisburg, whatever that is.

Simmons is touting 816 signatures on his nomination petition, but the only number that counts is the one on election day.

West Point Grad to Challenge Karen Beyer

State rep. Karen Beyer got her start as an aide to State rep. Doug Reichley. She's impressed many with her hard work and willingness to work across the aisle. Her reward? A Democratic challenger. His name is Mike Horton, age 46, according to a news release he distributed yesterday. He's a South Allentown resident, West Point grad and former corporate executive.

His goals? Local jobs, tax relief, ethics reform and fiscal accountability in Harrisburg.

“We cannot rely on our overburdened taxpayers and seniors to make up for a lack of fiscal responsibility in Harrisburg. We have to reverse the drain of well-paying manufacturing and corporate jobs from the area. We need to better educate our children, protect our seniors, and maintain a safe environment for everyone. And to do this, we need dedicated leaders with substantial business experience outside the current failed government process to bring innovative solutions and build bi-partisan support for change.”

“Beyer and many in Harrisburg don’t seem to get the message,” said Horton. He claims that at a time when many families and businesses are suffering, Beyer has focused on relatively inconsequential issues, like permitting beer distributors to sell six-packs. “That isn’t leadership,” Horton said. “We need principled leaders who are focused on cleaning up Harrisburg and fixing the serious challenges facing us, not on furthering their own careers and playing partisan politics.”

Since 2003, Horton has also been a state constable, which he claims gives him street cred. “To be truly effective, you must understand at the street level how Harrisburg impacts individuals, families and businesses. I have spent the last seven years on our porch steps and at our kitchen tables doing just that. What makes sense in Harrisburg often looks very different when you actually look into the eyes of the people affected.”

The 131st District is a hodgepodge of Lehigh and Northampton Counties: South Allentown (Wards 12, 16, 19 and 14-1), Coopersburg, Lower Milford and Upper Saucon Townships, Salisbury Township (Wards 2, 3 and 4), Upper Milford Township (Western District) and Lower Saucon Township (Seidersville District).

Horton's webpage is here.

Micek: Beyer Has Eyes On Lieutenant Guv' Seat

Capitol Ideas' John Micek does it again. Last week, he told us the Lehigh Valley delegation to the state house and senate had turned down their cost of living adjustments. The very next day, state reps. Craig Dally and Rich Grucela announced they were giving that money to Northampton County's Children & Youth.

Now, John tells us that another local state rep., moderate Republican Karen Beyer, is considering a run for lieutenant governor. Other possible candidates include western Pa.'s Rep. Mike Turzai and Sen. John Pippy and Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor.

What kills me about this is that Beyer has only served two years in state office. If she embarks on this quixotic quest now against better-funded candidates, she will certainly be shortchanging Allentown and other residents in her district for at least her entire final year in office. And will she pull a Jennifer Mann and run for two incompatible offices simultaneously, hedging her bets? If she does, she deserves to lose both elections.

It's too soon for her to be doing anything other than serving the people who elected her.