PennEast Pipeline: Scavello Wants Residents, Businesses To Have Pipeline Access

While I was attempted to evade a death sentence at Becahi last night, Matt Miles attended an informational meeting about the PennEast Pipeline at the Covenant United Methodist Church in Klecknersville. The meeting was hosted by State reps. Julie Harhart and Marcia Hahn, with State Senator Mario Scavello doing the honors as a guest speaker. Below is Miles' report, for which I am very grateful.

On a cold night in Klecknersville, Pennsylvanians came to an event hosted by State Representatives Marcia Hahn and Julie Harhart, with special guest Senator Mario Scavello to learn more about the proposed 36” diameter Penn East Natural Gas Pipeline . The Fellowship Hall of Covenant United Methodist Church packed in about 130 residents. In the introduction, the representatives were adamant about having a non-biased forum and to be respectful despite the controversy.

The Penn State Extension’s Dave Messersmith gave a presentation about the procedures, construction, positives and negatives and some land-owner’s rights as well. It presented like a college lecture hall, but provided a good basis for understanding what is going to happen. If you want to learn more, he makes this powerpoint available for the asking. He is based out of the Honesdale, PA extension office, and on the web at extension.psu.edu/naturalgas.

Next up was Attorney Carl Engleman, Jr., an attorney who primarily represents land owners with right of way issues and mineral rights leases. Despite any lawyer joke you could think of, the meeting picked up pace and became much more interesting. As someone with 20 years of practice, he was quick to point out all of the tricks that utilities pull when a new transmission front is proposed. As verified by some in the crowd, PennEast has hired what Englemann referred to as “Land Agents” to start surveying properties in the proposed right-of-way. Many of the agents surveying will put offers in front of land-owners immediately, with forms to give up any rights to sue after the line is installed and (illegally) threatening eminent domain. Englemann also covered topics like areas of historical significance, environmental concerns and proximities of schools can all be reasons to re-route the line. The bottom line is that PennEast doesn’t have a formal application to FERC yet, so no one can use eminent domain to threaten you. Edelmann also cautioned that your first offer is never the best offer. The biggest take away that could be gained from the meeting is that if you are in the direct path and want to fight it directly, be ready to pay for a Dream Team of experts to testify on your behalf in Washington, D.C., and that the land speculators are already out trespassing and surveying, stating they have a right to be in the utility right of way.

As with any meeting, the real show starts during public comment. The first questions asked were centered around what would make FERC deny the pipeline. As Atty Edelmann put it, FERC approves 99.9% of all pipelines. The idea behind the pipeline is that it can provide common good to the community. With PennEast, there hasn’t been much of a negative impact. My question was whether residents of the affected areas be able to have Natural Gas as an energy option. Neither Representatives, the Extension representative, the Senator or the attorney could answer my question, However, Senator Scavello mentioned he was pushing for terminals along the way for community benefit. The bottom line is that this line is being designed for export at this juncture. The biggest fireworks came when someone asked the pols directly if they received campaign funding from PennEast. All three denied it, but another audience member called them out to name other gas entities that sent them campaign funding and all three admitted to UGI as a company donating to their campaign funds. Scavello later called out these citizens after the meeting for being “paid to be there” as “anti-fracking activists.”

Representatives from the website Stop the Penn East Pipeline website were there as well, with literature and signs. Both Representative Hahn and Harhart had their gun targets and Game Commission bylaws and lit available for the taking. None of the targets had Bernie’s mug on them. I will give credit to both Representatives and Senator Scavello for staying until the last folks left the church.

In my rather extensive conversations with Representative Hahn, Harhart and Senator Scavello after the meeting, I asked a few more pointed questions about a severance tax, expanding infrastructure to rural areas along the line and what they were doing for their constituents. Senator Scavello was the most knowledgeable about expanding local infrastructure. He mentioned expanding natural gas lines into several business parks in the Poconos as well as converting Sanofi-Pasteur Pharmaceuticals in Swiftwater, PA from oil to gas use. His goal is to see that as many Pennsylvanians as possible have access to the fuel. Scavello also mentioned that there is a severance tax on the table of 5%. According to Scavello, Governor Wolf wants to see 8% but with 11 capped wells in Luzerne county because of the lack of transport, he feels 8% accomplishes nothing, but that he is open to the 5% number. Mario is pro-pipeline, and was a real pleasure to talk to with some intelligent points.

Representative Hahn and Representative Harhart did more listening to me than they did explaining their stances and action items. They both agreed it would be a good thing to see the pipeline built, but when I asked what they would do about infrastructure, I didn’t get much of an answer. Harhart went so far as to tell me it was a Federal Project and there wasn’t much she could do. I suggested that she and the General Assembly do have more power to push PennEast and ask what’s in it for their constituents. I hate having to deal with nice people sometimes… it gets in the way of some good conversation. My hope is that they heard about the predatory Land Speculation and will be actively looking to do something to stop it as well as looking at getting Pennsylvania natural gas to local homes and businesses.

Overall, it was a civil meeting, with a few jabs and a lot of information to take in. Fortunately, it’s still very early in the game. You can comment on FERC’s website Docket # PF15-1-00 through Mid February, and there will be a FERC scoping meeting at Northampton Community College Feb 10th at 6pm. Now is the time to get educated and make the right choices for you and your family.

State House Candidate Leslie Altieri Four Years Behind On Home Mortgage

Credit: Leslie Altieri Facebook page.
Marcia is on the left and Leslie is on the right

Leslie Altieri is the Democratic nominee for the state house seat currently held by Republican Marcia Hahn. She ran two years ago, too.  She has failed to make a mortgage payment in four years, something I discovered when she was in court just yesterday to battle a foreclosure action filed by her bank. Is this because she's unable to manage her own finances? Or is she just another victim of the Great Recession?

I can tell you she spent a lot of money for her Bethlehem Township Toll Brothers McMansion. She paid $552,758 for this home in 2004, just two years after graduating from college.  Why a bank lent that kind of money to someone who works as a juvenile officer and a home jewelry salesperson is beyond me.

In 2011, she took out a $300,000 mortgage, but fell behind almost immediately. She and her husband, who is blind, did send three hardship letters to the bank. Last year, Judge Leonard Zito ruled that the bank has an equitable lien against both her and her husband, who did not sign the mortgage.

"Our family is going through a difficult personal financial situation," explains Altieri in a statement she emailed to me last night. "This is an issue that far too many in Pennsylvania face everyday because of the downturn in the economy and the inability of our leaders in Harrisburg to lead us out of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. This is one of the reasons I am running for State Representative and I will bring real leadership back to Harrisburg if I receive the honor of representing the 138th District."

Right after that, I got another email. It was from political consultant Mike Fleck to Leslie, and he copied me accidentally.

Oopsie.

He advises Leslie, "Looksgood wait and seewhat he says. Good night and good luck."

Hmmmm.

If her financial difficulties were one of the reasons for her race, I'd expect to see that prominently featured on her campaign literature. It's not. Not too many people campaign on a slogan like "Vote for me, I'm behind on my mortgage!"

I'm not so sure voters will buy the Mike Fleck-inspired argument that our leaders in Harrisburg are responsible for her failure to make her monthly payments. On the other hand, I think there's something to be said for a representative who knows what it is like to go through a financial crisis.

I'm sorry for your financial problems, Leslie, and even more sorry that I feel compelled to report it. But I think voters have a right to know.

Hahn Watering Down Clean Streams Law

The famous Moon River

Riparian buffers are patches of vegetation next to a stream. They're said to improve water quality and reduce pollution. Under the Clean Streams Law, new developments must have a 150' wide  buffer alongside high quality streams.  State Rep. Marcia Hahn calls it a "taking of property without legislative oversight or approval." She's proposed a law to make these buffers optional, and it passed the state House late last month,  119-79. 

Locally, Hahn's bill was supported by Republicans Julie Harhart, Gary Day, Ryan Mackenzie and Joe Emrick, It was opposed by Democrats Bob Freeman, Dan McNeil, Steve Samuelson, Mike Schlossberg and Republican Justin Simmons.

Her bill is supposed to be considered by the State Senate this week.

SteamHugger contends no landowner should be allowed to degrade water quality for those downstream. The GOP House contends it gives landowners "greater flexibility".

What do you think?

Marcia Hahn To Host Vet Expo on Friday

In view of what is going on with our veterans, I thought I'd share this with you. I realize Hahn is running for re-election, and is using taxpayer resources, but I think we need more of these. I suspect her opponent, Leslie Altieri, would want this held.

Beware of Met-Ed Impersonators

This scam, which currently is happening in Monroe and Pike Counties, involves a supposed Met-Ed worker who approaches elderly customers and asks to see their bill. While that is going on, someone else is helping himself to their belongings.

Here are some facts from State Rep. Marcia Hahn about what Met-Ed doe and does not do:

• Met-Ed does not go door to door.
• Met-Ed does not ask to come into your home, unless your meter is inside the house.
• Met-Ed employees and contractors wear photo ID badges. Please ask them to show you proper identification.
• Met-Ed vehicles are clearly marked.
If you are suspicious, call Met-Ed at 1-800-545-7741 to find out if they are working in the area. You should also call 911 to report suspicious activity.

State Reps Joe Emrick and Marcia Hahn Schedule a Debate

The Northampton-Monroe County Farm Bureau invites you to attend a "candidates' night for the 137th and 138th Legislative Districts on Monday, October 22, 2012, at 7:30 pm.

It will take place at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 1422 Church Road, Pen Argyl, Pa. 18072. (if using a GPS use 1422 Delabole Road for the address).

This will feature 137th Legislative District candidates Joe Emrick (incumbent) and Joseph Capozzolo; and 138th Legislative District candidates Marcia Hahn (incumbent)and Leslie Altieri.

There was supposed to be a debate in Wind Gap last week, but only Joe Cap and Leslie Altieri showed. Emrick and Hahn told The Express Times they had given several weeks' notice of their unavailability, but Joe Cap nevertheless called Emrick a chicken.

They can argue whether the chicken or the egg should come first, or they might explain why Executive John Stoffa claims the legislature has done NOTHING to help county-owned nursing homes like Gracedale.

NIZ Becomes Issue in Hahn-Altieri Race

Hahn with Judge Smith on Armed Forces Day (nonpolitical)

State Rep. Marcia Hahn, whose District includes Hanover Township, is one of the Lehigh Valley legislators who wants the NIZ law changed. Its most controversial provision allows Allentown to divert the EIT of workers inside the NIZ to help fund a hockey arena and other projects. Hahn, along with her fellow LV Republicans, wants that provision eliminated.

Hahn's opponent in this Fall's election is Leslie Altieri.

In contrast to Hahn, Altieri appears to support a diversion of Township EIT to pay for development in Allentown. Like Hahn, she opposes payday loans.

Altieri at state budget forum

Q. Do you support Township efforts to stop the EIT diversion and, if elected, would you attempt to repeal the EIT tax grab? Also, are you really willing to support a NIZ that will attempt to poach businesses right out of your district and into Allentown? Wouldn't it make more sense to require that business moving into the NIZ be outside a predetermined radius of 25-30 miles from A-town?

A. I am reluctant to comment on the NIZ, since it is currently under legal action. However, I will say that I generally support taxpayers financing development to boost Allentown, and therefore the entire Lehigh Valley. The City of Bethlehem has used a lot of taxpayer financing to recover from the loss of Bethlehem Steel.

Q. How do you stand on the legislation concerning payday lending, which seems to
have the support of NIZ cheerleaders Pat Browne and Jenn Mann?

A. Payday lenders prey upon those who are struggling the most. Interest rates can be so high that they’d make a loan shark blush. Instead of passing regulations so weak as to barely exist, we should be creating good jobs across the Commonwealth so that these payday loans are not needed.

Altieri Flip Flops on NIZ

Leslie Altieri is seeking the Democratic nomination to oppose Marcia hahn for State Representative. When I spoke to her at Friday's forum on the state budget, she was critical of Hahan's 2011 vote for the NIZ. "Altieri was also critical of the NIZ legislation, which Hahn supported in a 2011 vote.

"We don't need to make those investments if it's taking away from other people who directly need our help now," Altieri said at the time. In fact, I recorded her to make sure I would not misquote her.

Now, according to what is apparently a public statement on her Facebook Page, Altieri claims she supports the NIZ.

"I would like to take this opportunity to state that I am in full support of the development of the Neighborhood Improvement Zone in Allentown which will include the new Phantom’s hockey arena. I believe that this will promote job and business growth in the Lehigh Valley – starting from the construction which will employ many skilled and outstanding union workers, to bringing in many new businesses which will hire local employees and create significant positive financial impacts.

"The NIZ is a permanent investment in the future of both the Lehigh Valley and for Allentown. Since the time when I first moved to Bethlehem back in 1998 to attend Moravian College, I have seen a lot of positive changes and know this is an area that is continuing to expand for the better. I knew that this was a place where I would want to stay, have a home to raise a family in, work and become part of my community; which is what I am proud to be doing now!"

So a vote for Altieri is a vote for the NIZ, a vote to support the appropriation of EIT revenue from her own district to prop up the sinking ship known as Allentown.

Then again, a vote for Hahn is also a vote for the NIZ.

In Altieri's case, she seems to like those union construction jobs, even though limited state tax revenue is being dverted from the programs she claimed to support on Friday. In Hahn's case, it appears to be an unwillingness to oppose State Senator Pat Browne, the Majority Whip. In both cases, it's a lack of leadership.

Updated Noon: Altieri's NIZ answer is posted on Youtube. I taped her on my flipcam to be accurate. I should have spoken to her in more detail, but she said what she said.

Altieri Criticizes Hahn's Absence, NIZ Vote

Leslie Altieri

State Reps. Marcia Hahn and Julie Harhart were unable to attend Friday's state budget forum. That's unfortunate, because they missed an opportunity to hear from the very real people directly impacted by Governer Corbett's proposed 20% cut to county human service programs. But two people who would like their jobs were there.

Leslie Altieri, who is seeking the Democratic nomination to oppose Hahn, said, "It's important to come out and hear the concerns of your constituents and their stories so you can actively represent them when you go back to Harrisburg. Her [Hahn's] decision not to attend today just shows that she's supporting the Republican Corbett budget, and will vote to cut all these essential social service programs."

Altieri was also critical of the NIZ legislation, which Hahn supported in a 2011 vote. "We don't need to make those investments if it's taking away from other people who directly need our help now."

Hahn stated she was unable to attend Friday's forum because she had other appointments that day. "I am always willing to meet with constituents and discuss their concerns," she said. She offered no explanation for failing to send a staffer.

Hahn has previously said she supported the NIZ legislation, under which EIT from other municipalities can be used to finance improvements in Allentown, because it can only go on for thirty years.

Marcia Hahn Poised to Win Two Elections for Dally's Seat

If you see former State Rep. Craig Dally, be sure to call him "Your Honor." He's been elevated to the judicial heavens, and sometimes I can see him, floating by from atop a cloud. He always waves at me.

"Hi Bernie."

"Hi Craig, I mean, Your Honor." At that point a thunderbolt flies up my ass.

Meanwhile, back on earth, ordinary mortals were confused about filling his seat. They decided on two, completely different, elections for the same seat. At the same time.

First, there's the special election. What makes it special is that voters elect someone only to serve out Craig's unexpired term. That only lasts until the end of the year. Party bosses, instead of the unwashed masses, get to pick the candidates for the special.

Second, there's a completely separate election for the next two year term. We still get a say in that one. There's a primary and general election and independents can get on the ballot and everything.

Still with me?

In the special race for Craig's seat, Dem party bosses picked Cory Miller, an unknown college student as their sacrificial lamb in a Republican district. The GOP elite liked Marcia Hahn, a seasoned state house staffer who worked both for Craig Dally and Len Gruppo. Naturally, she trounced hapless Miller with 76.2% in the special.

But that's only 'till the end of the year. What about the election for the two year term beginning in January? Hahn easily defeated Nick Sabatine (2768 - 1094) in the Republican primary. Her margin of victory is something of a surprise to me for two reasons: (1) GOP rank-and-file were upset at how she was selected as the Republican choice for the special election, against the wishes of a majority of the committee people in her district; and (2) she was a no-show at a candidates' night with Nick Sabatine.

OK, so Marcia has won the Republican side of the ticket, but what about the Democrats? Believe it or not, Democrat Cory Miller failed to garner enough valid signatures to get on the Democratic ballot. But Democrats did cast 662 write-in votes, so I figured he just got on the ballot that way.

I figured wrong. They're doing the official count over at the elections office. I've been informed confidentially that, with two or three precincts to go, the official count shows that Hahn has already captured over 400 Democratic write-ins.

She has apparently already won both elections. Isn't that special?

Under Fire, Cory Miller Withdraws From Race For Dally's Seat

A few weeks ago, I asked "Who the hell is Cory Miller?" He was supposedly circulating nomination petitions for the vacant 138th House District held by Craig Dally, who recently was elevated to the judicial stratosphere.

Well, Cory must have stopped circulating. Democrat Joe DiGerlando, who's not running for anything, has challenged Cory's nomination petitions. Cory simply withdrew on Monday.

As a result, Northampton County Democrats have no candidate. Republican Marcia Hahn, a legislative staffer to Dally with 25 years of public service, will square off against Republican Nick Sabatine, a Wind Gap lawyer.

Marcia Hahn Formally Annonuces State House Bid

Marcia Hahn formally announced her candidacy yesterday for State Representative in the 138th House District. Joined by family and friends, she made her announcement at the Bath Fire Company Social Hall. Hahn is already the Republican candidate for the special election to fill the vacancy created by Representative Craig Dally’s election as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. She served as a legislative staffer to Dally and has dedicated over 25 years of her life to public service.

Republican Hahn v. Democrat Elliott for Dally's Seat

Now that former State Rep. Craig Dally has drifted off into the clouds as Northampton County's newest judge, his state House seat in the 138th District is up for grabs.

Diane Elliott, a former member of Northampton County Council (1994-6) and brownfield development consultant is reportedly the Democrats' top pick. Diane is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law (1977), and also has a Master's degree in environmental science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (1995). Most recently, she was employed at Lafayette College.

"She does her homework," is what one of her former colleagues tells me.

Northampton County Republicans were divided over Craig Dally staffer Marcia Hahn, Wind Gap Attorney Nick Sabatine and political newcomer David Green. Under their bylaws, committee members from that district make a recommendation, but the executive committee has the final word.

David Green, who impressed committee members with his understanding of the issues and conservative ideals, won their recommendation over Marcia Hahn in a 14-10 vote on Thursday night. But the executive committee, who under its bylaws may ignore that recommendation, went with Hahn.

Of course, the place exploded. Ron Angle went into one of his trademark tirades and Joe Emrick stormed out of the building. I received telephone calls and emails from upset committee members all morning.

Last night, a member of the executive committee explained why they went with Hahn. First, she has 24 years experience working as a staffer for Craig and Lenny Gruppo, during which she obviously made numerous contacts. Second, the vote recommending Green was by no means overwhelming. Third, although Green is certainly knowledgeable and should be encouraged to run, he has no experience running an actual campaign. Fourth, it makes sense to field a female candidate against a female candidate. Finally, their selection of a candidate in the special election in no way prevents Green from mounting his own campaign in the separate primary that will be conducted simultaneously.

I hate when decisions like this are made in some back room. But in a special election, the parties, and not the people, pick the nominees. There will still be another primary election for the very same seat in which Green and Sabatine can run, but I have a feeling everyone is going to be very confused.

Two Republicans Mulling Craig Dally's Legislative Seat

Now that State Rep. Craig Dally has been elected judge, his state House seat in the 138th District will be up for grabs. For the Republicans, there may be a contested primary.

Marcia Hahn has been employed with Dally for over 10 years and is currently the office manager in his Legislative Office in Bushkill Township. Before working for Dally, she spent 14 years as a member of State Rep. Leonard Gruppo's staff in Nazareth.

Nick Sabatine is a Wind Gap attorney and former Northampton County Council member who once was national chair of Ross Perot's Patriot Party.

I know Nick very well. As a matter of full disclosure, I should tell you I do his title searches. He has forgiven my many mistakes. I also know Marcia. I met her during a party at Ron Angle's house in the middle of a monsoon. I was the only Democrat there, but she was nice to me anyway, even when I accidentally ate her food.

Who do you like, Hahn or Sabatine?

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa: Looks like I screwed up. Because this is a "Special" election, it will be up to the party to nominate the candidate, not the people.