Cartwright: Tatamy Firefighters To Get Equipment Grant

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright is reporting that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has awarded Tatamy Fire Company with a $42,858 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG). These funds will allow Tatamy to replace its air compressor/cascade/fill station, which has some components to it that date back to the 1990s. The purpose of an air cascade system is to refill SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) units following use. SCBA units are worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air.

“Our brave firefighters and other emergency personnel confront danger on a regular basis in order to keep our communities safe from harm,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “We must do anything we can do to help people stay safe from harm, and I am proud to continue to support funding for our local fire departments.”

The purpose of the AFG is to award competitive grants directly to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. Since 2001, the AFG program has provided approximately $6.7 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

During the current funding cycle, the AFG program will award another $310.5 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

Easton High Grad Appointed to West Point

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright has announced that Easton Area High School graduate Matthew Horace has been accepted to the United States Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point.

Matthew is the son of Matthew and Dawn Horace. While attending Easton Area High, Matthew held leadership roles on his high school and club lacrosse teams and participated in the Spanish Honor Society and the Eastern PA Conference Student Athlete Character and Sportsmanship Council. He was also a volunteer for community activities hosted by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers (NOBLE) and 100 Black Men of Northern Jersey.

“Nominating students for the Unites States Academies is among the most gratifying responsibilities for a Member of Congress,” said Rep. Cartwright. “These students exhibit commendable academic achievement and perseverance to earn these nominations. Matthew is a talented and qualified young man; I commend him for his dedication and perseverance, and congratulate him on his acceptance into the Military Academy Prep School.”  

In order to attend one of the military academies, students must receive a nomination from their Member of Congress. Students may apply to the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy. If the incoming freshman class has been filled, students demonstrating significant promise and ability will be admitted to a prep school for additional military and academic training prior to consideration for admission to the academy the following year. Prep school students will receive a full scholarship as well as a stipend as active members of the military.
 
Rep. Cartwright added, “Throughout our nation’s history, U.S. Service Academies have played an important role in preparing young people for service to our country. As a Pennsylvanian, I am proud of our patriotic young men and women who are willing to step forward and answer the call of duty. It is an honor to play a role in preparing our next generation of leaders.”

Matt Cartwright to Host Town Hall in Wilson Borough

U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright (Pa.17) recently hosted a town hall at Northampton Community College before a friendly crowd. If you missed that one, you'll have a chance to see him up close and personal in Wilson Borough at the end of this month. All are welcome. He'll be at Strausser Community Center (2210 Liberty St, Easton, PA 18042) on Tuesday, May 30, from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

Cartwright serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee with Charlie Dent. Though they come from different parties, both speak highly of each other.

Cartwright Secures Grant for Palmer Tp Firefighters

Last week, US Congressman was able to secure a grant for Lower Mount Bethel's Sandt's Eddy Fire Co. This week, he's snagged another one for the Palmer Tp Municipal Fire Station. It's $57,444 for $57,444 Operations and Safety grant. The funds will allow the fire company to purchase supply and attack hoses, including 192 couplings and related equipment. These purchases will improve fire operations and fire safety and will enable them to better serve their community.

“Our nation’s firefighters are called upon day after day to protect American citizens,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “As these brave men and women put themselves in harm’s way, we must ensure they are equipped with the best tools possible to do their jobs well, and today’s grants will help meet that goal.”

Someone ought to give Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski this message.

Cartwright Gets Homeland Security Grant For Lower Mount Bethel Firefighters

Maybe someone should ask U.S. Congressmen Matt Cartwright and Charlie Dent to team up with Allentown firefighters. Cartwright has just secured a  $118,096 Operations and Safety grant for the  Lower Mount Bethel Township Sandt’s Eddy Fire Company .

The funds will allow the fire company to purchase Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units. Each unit will include: harness/backpack, face piece, and two cylinders. This type of equipment is worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air in an immediate dangerous-to-life or health atmosphere.

“Our firefighters work tirelessly every day to protect our communities and keep our families safe,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “I will continue to support this federal program which helps to ensure safety of our communities.”

The purpose of the AFG is to award competitive grants directly to fire departments to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder personnel. Since 2001, the AFG program has provided approximately $6.7 billion in grants to first-responder organizations to obtain much-needed emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training.

I wonder whether Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski ever bothered to apply.

During the current funding cycle, the AFG program will award another $310.5 million to first-responder organizations that need support to improve their capability to respond to fires and emergencies of all types.

Reminder: Cartwright Town Hall at NCC Tonight

Congressman Matt Cartwright will conduct a town hall on Tuesday, April 18 between 6:30 and 7:30 PM at Northampton Community College, Alumni Hall, Room 130 A-D. The event is free and open to the public. Cartwright is expected to make a brief presentation, after which he will field questions.

Over 400 people packed into a recent town hall conducted by Charlie Dent, despite its last-minute nature.

Congressman Cartwright to Host Town Hall at NCC

Congressman Matt Cartwright will conduct a town hall on Tuesday, April 18 between 6:30 and 7:30 PM at Northampton Community College, Alumni Hall, Room 130 A-D. The event is free and open to the public.

Over 400 people packed into a recent town hall conducted by Charlie Dent, despite its last-minute nature. I wonder whether a similar number will be there for Cartwright, and whether any tea party members will be there.

Geissinger, Connolly Both Claim They Can Beat Cartwright

Matt Connolly

If asked who represents the Lehigh Valley in Congress, most will answer Charlie Dent. And he does, at least in Lehigh County. But at least half of the Northampton County portion of his District was taken away as a result of the state re-apportionment done every ten years. He lost a small part of Bethlehem, Easton, and the northern portion of Northampton County. Dent even lost Nazareth, which he made a point of visiting every July 4 when he represented the entire Lehigh Valley.

Half of Northampton County is now represented by Matt Cartwright, a prominent attorney from the Scranton area. A Democrat, he can rely on heavy support from urban centers like Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Easton and the one Bethlehem precinct that he now represents.

Cartwright was successful two years ago in a re-election bid in which he was challenged by David "Doc" Moylan, a physician and Schuylkill County coroner who billed himself as "the cure for Congress." In Northampton County, Cartwright walked away with 52% of the vote.

Can a Republican beat him? Matt Connolly and Glenn Geissinger think so. Both are running for the Republican nomination. They were the headline event at a debate hosted by the Lehigh Valley Tea Party at a packed Se-Wy-Co Banquet Hall in Lower Saucon Township on April 7. .

Connolly, a retired race car driver who is now in the auto repair business, is no stranger to politics. Since 2010, he's run unsuccessfully for the state senate and Northampton County Council. He also ran for this seat two years ago, but was defeated in the primary by Doc Moylan. He lives in Bethlehem Township with his daughter and is on the Bethlehem Township Athletic Association's board.

Connolly claimed he's been involved in the tea party since 2009, and "it's been wonderful." He said this country is "under the thumb or boot of this Obama guy." He charged that President Obama was able to get Obamacare through Congress because he had a big SuperPAC behind him - "the mainstream media."

Geissinger was elected to Northampton County Council two years in a Republican sweep of all at-large seats  Though he grew up in Whitehall, he now lives in Plainfield Township with his wife and two children. He
runs his own advertising business and served as a captain in a combat unit with the 82nd Airborne. He is also a Republican State Committee member.

According to Geissinger, government's primary role is to provide security. "People need to know they are safe," he said. He advocates rolling back government regulation that he claims is "absolutely killing us." He portrayed himself as a Congressman who will be "accountable to you."

Glenn Geissinger

Can a Republican Beat Cartwright? - Both candidates dismissed concerns over the $2 million or so needed to run a competitive Congressional race. "We already have twice as much money as Doc Moylan had," said Geissinger, referring to Cartwright's last Republican opponent. Noting that he won a Council seat in a County that is only 33% Republican, he said he could win in a Congressional district that is only 31% Republican "with Democrats and Independents voting for me because of the things I stand on and believe in. Those are conservative principles, and they will be able to work in the 17th District."

Connolly referred to several fundraisers and said he will have the money needed because he will "inspire voters."  He slammed Cartwirght. "He is not pro life. He is not pro Second Amendment. He claims to be pro family and pro worker, yet he is for Obama's amnesty. This is not a guy who inspires anyone."

Term Limits. Geissinger vowed he would serve no more than five terms. Connolly signed a pledge to "cosponsor and vote" for a U.S. Term Limits Amendment limiting a Congressman to three terms and Senator to two. But he is "not going to term limit myself," and until something that applies to everyone is adopted, refuses to bind himself individually.

Repeal 17th Amendment. - The 17th Amendment was adopted to ensure that U.S. Senators are elected by popular vote instead of by state legislatures. This proposal to repeal it has the support of  Presidential candidate Ted Cruz and the Utah State Senate.

According to Connolly, one of the reasons this Amendment was adopted is because "the wannabe senators were bribing the state legislators in order to elect them." But he said Senators today "bribe every voter out there. And they do it with promises they can't keep, and they know they can't keep, and they buy votes by spending our grandchildren's money." He said that having state legislators pick U.S. Senators would bring back "another level of accountability to the people."

Geissinger agreed, saying that the 17th Amendment "destroyed the balance."

Joanne Jackson (former Allentown School Board) and her husband

Unaccountable Congressman? - Connolly claimed that Cartwright "wants the power and title of being a Congressman, but "doesn't want to do the work to address the issues." He "has a wonderful set of form letters for virtually every question you could ask, and they're all very general, and they all tell you how much he cares." Charging that Cartwright ducks issues, Connolly claims, "The guy doesn't have a spine, and it's getting real obvious."

Geissinger noted that elected local officials like himself "cannot escape your constituents. You go to the store with them. You go to soccer with them. You are everywhere with them because they are the people who voted for you, they are the people who are with you 24 hours a day." Geissinger said he'd be responsive because "I'm going to be in the district." He said he'd be "looking people in the eye and answering the hard questions."

Getting rid of Obamacare. - Geissinger noted that the repeal of Obamacare has already passed in the House, and that conservative Republicans are now fashioning a replacement bill. "I would be behind that in a heartbeat," said Geissinger. House Speaker Paul Ryan has yet to release the details of his alternative plan.

"You don't replace it with anything," complained Connolly. "You replace it with the free market principles that allow competition to eliminate the government overreach." He condemned any law "from the same federal government that was part of the problem in the first place."

The only thing that works is the government out of our health care, we need the government out of the relationship between the patient and the doctor. We need tort reform to lower the cost of health care, to lower the cost of drugs ... Healthcare, education and marriage are three words never mentioned in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights and we need to keep it that way."

According to Connolly, the genesis of our health care problem is wage caps imposed during WWII, to which employers responded by offering benefits to make jobs more attractive. "That became the norm," he claimed, and the health insurance resulted in lawsuits by lawyers looking for insurance money.

Pro life stances. - Both candidates are solidly pro-life.

"I believe the child is innocent, regardless of the sins of the father or the irresponsibility of the mother," said Connolly  His position with Project VoteSmart is that abortion should only be considered "when the women did not consent or if the mother's life is in danger." At the debate, he said that "I have yet to see a true medical situation where the baby must be aborted to save the life of the mother. If it exists, that's not going to be part of the legal system. That's going to be part of the medical system. That life issue will soon become the lifestyle of the mother."

Connolly added he won't allow his personal philosophy to be swayed. He claimed the true test for him will come when

"my party's leadership puts their arm around me and says, 'Matt, I know you probably don't want to vote for this because you're one of those conservative tea party guys, but this is how we get things done. You gotta' go along to get along.' No. I'm not going to work as hard as I've worked to get elected to become one of those guys who goes along to get along. I'm not going to be comfortable. I'm not even going to be popular. I don't even want to be popular with those people. I want my country and I want to get my country back."

Geissinger said he spent five years of his life as an unpaid member of the clergy for his church. Both of his children were adopted as a result of teen pregnancies. "I-get-the-issue," he announced. But unlike Connolly, he does make exceptions because 64,000 women annually suffer from ectopic pregnancy  "There are issues in which the life of the mother is in danger" He also pointed to pregnancies that result from rape. "Are you going to ask a 13 year-old girl who's been raped by her uncle to take the child to full term? Are you gonna' do that? I can't do that responsibly as a legislator."

Geissinger Defends NorCo Tax Hike

Prior to the debate, the audience was cautioned to ask only questions that both candidates could answer and avoid questions that single out any one candidate. But that's precisely what one person, festooned in a Donald Trump sweatshirt and a very tiny pistol, did.  She disguised her question as a concern over the federal deficit, but then slammed Geissinger "for voting for a tax hike in your first year as a County councilman to beef up the surplus." She wondered whether there would be "more of the same" in Washington.

Geissinger had an answer.

"Here's what happened. We came in with a $19 million structural deficit. We only had $20 million in the bank. We had a choice. Violate an ordinance and not vote for the tax increase and get in the back with the Democrats and say, 'We hope it works out.' Or, get together with other good tea party members like Hayden Phillips and come up with a bill that put that money in a lock box. We asked each family in Northampton County to contribute, on the average, $1 per week to solidify our financial position, to save our credit rating and to give us time that we needed to turn things around. We did it. We turned things around. Thirty-seven million dollars returned to the general fund in two years, and the second year, I voted against the tax increase. We needed to find a way to cut expenses, and that's what I did here and that's what I'll do there."

Balancing the Budget. - Connolly said he'd start by nixing the automatic increases in programs that go on year after year. Geissinger added that a family is unable to last long if it spends $50,000 every year but only takes in $40,000, and must look to cut expenses He pointed to Lou Barletta, who in Congress has pressured the General Services Administration to negotiate leases that potentially could save billions over the long term. For example, people with 1500 sq ft would see that space reduced to 150 sq ft.

Cutting Federal Agencies - Geissinger said he'd reform the Veterans Administration, which employs 270,000 people.Connolly would eliminate the Department of Education and slammed the EPA as a collection of "unelected bureaucrats with no accountability."

Geissinger Eyeing Congressional Bid

Northampton County Council VP Glenn Geissinger, is reportedly considering a challenge to U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright in Pa.'s heavily Democratic 17th Congressional District. Geissinger, a Republican. is finishing his second year in office. He is expected to make an announcement on September 8.

Geissinger is a Whitehall HS grad, a Lehigh and Moravian alumnus, has a B.S. in Accounting and is also an Army veteran. He is very active in his church, has served as a cub scout den leader, and has two great children.

Cartwright is a Scranton-area lawyer who graduated from the University of Pa. Law School. Like Geissinger, he is very proud of his two sons.

Cartwright Seeks Better Reporting and Transparency For Auto Fatalities

Under a 2000 law described as an early warning system, automakers are required to report traffic deaths and injuries so that possible defects can be spotted. But the law applies only if the automaker is sued or receives a written claim.

Congressman Matt Cartwight (Pa. 17th) has proposed a new law, the Early Warning Reporting System Improvement Act of 2014, to tighten up the reporting and

• Require automobile and equipment manufacturers to automatically submit the accident report or other documents that first alerted them to a fatality involving their vehicle or equipment to NHTSA’s Early Warning Reporting database. NHTSA is then required to automatically make those documents public unless they are exempted from public disclosure under FOIA.
• Require NHTSA to consider Early Warning Reporting information when it is investigating potential safety defects and when it is evaluating citizen petitions for automobile safety standards or enforcement actions.
• Require NHTSA to upgrade its online database to improve searchability, integrate its different databases so they can all be searched at once, and ensure that all documents obtained or created by NHTSA related to a safety incident are both made publicly available and keyword searchable in its databases.
• Require NHTSA to provide public, searchable notices of all inspection and investigation activities it undertakes.

Cartwright points to Kelly Ruddy of Scranton, who was only 21 years old when she lost her life in a deadly crash on Interstate 81. She was driving north a 2005 Chevy Cobalt. A faulty ignition switch was responsible for that and numerous other crashes and deaths across the nation. GM recalled 2.6 million vehicles, including 2005 Cobalts, earlier this year.

Similar legislation was been introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA).

Cartwright To Host Service Academy Day in Easton

WHAT: Congressman Matt Cartwright will host Service Academy Day.  Representatives from the United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, United States Coast Guard at New London and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point will be on hand to provide interested high school students and their families from the 17th Congressional District, with information on the general requirements and qualifications for the nomination process.

WHEN:

Saturday, April 26, 2014

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

WHERE:

Easton Area High School

801 Bushkill Drive

Easton, PA 18040

HOW:    Event is open to press.  For interviews or additional information please contact Shane Seaver, 202-225-5546, shane.seaver@mail.house.gov

Cartwright Gets 1% COLA For 1,809 Blue Collar Tobyhanna Workers

Congressman Matt Cartwright's has been pushing a wage hike for what he calls the nation's blue collar federal workers. He appears to have succeeded, and the hike will be included in what is an actual appropriations bill.

Here's what Cartwright says:

"I am thrilled that this appropriations bill has adopted the language from the Wage Grade Employee Parity Act, which I introduced in November. The legislation and its inclusion provides 1,809 Wage Grade (WG) employees at Tobyhanna Army Depot and nearly a quarter million blue-collar federal workers across the country a 1% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

"This year, the President was able to provide a 1% COLA for General Schedule (GS), or salaried, federal employees; however, he did not have the statutory authority to provide the same COLA to all federal workers. At the beginning of this year WG employees’ wages stayed the same thus creating a greater disparity between the wages of WG employees and GS employees.

"I'd like to thank Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma and Senator Mark Pryor of Arkansas with whom I have worked to provide hourly federal workers the same pay adjustment as their salaried co-workers. I'd also like to thank House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski, House Appropriations Ranking Member Nita Lowey, and Senate Appropriations Ranking Member Richard Shelby for including my legislation and recognizing the important contributions of our blue-collar federal workers."

Dent, Cartwright on Looming Gov't Shutdown ... Again

Charlie Dent:



 LV Congressman Charlie Dent led yesterday, even siding with Democrats to vote No on yet another tea-party Continuing Resolution that funds the government, but delays the individual mandate on Obamacare. It passed 228-201 anyway, but was quickly rejected by the Senate. "Absurdity knows no bounds," noted Democratic Louise Slaughter on the House Floor, as the federal government marched inevitably to a shutdown that didn't have to be. Jared Polis, a Colorado Democrat, calls it a "trainwreck in slow motion." Matt Cartwright, the Lehigh Valley's other Congressman, explains how this shutdown will be felt.: “A shutdown could delay financial support for Pennsylvania’s small businesses. A shutdown could delay military pay and hurt military families in Pennsylvania. The Department of Defense estimates that during a shutdown nearly half of the civilian workforce would be sent home without pay, while the rest would continue to work for potentially delayed pay, impacting the 23,905 civilian workers in Pennsylvania. 30,757 service-members in Pennsylvania would remain on duty, but would see their pay delayed if the shutdown extends for more than 10 days unless legislation specifically addressing the delay is enacted. “A shutdown would put tens of thousands of federal employees in Pennsylvania out of work and, although checks for current Social Security benefits would still go out during a shutdown, applications for new benefits would be delayed and services for seniors could be significantly curtailed. “As a result of furloughs and service cuts during the last government shutdown, 112,000 claims for Social Security and disability benefits were not be taken, 212,000 applications for Social Security Numbers were not taken, and 800,000 callers were denied service on the Social Security Administration’s 1-800 number. “New veterans’ educational, compensation and pension benefits processing could also be delayed. During the 1995-96 shutdowns, more than 400,000 veterans saw their disability benefits and pension claims delayed, while educational benefits were delayed for 170,000 veterans. Pennsylvania has 953,644 veterans. “A government shutdown could force Head Start centers around the country to close. During FY 2012, an estimated 1,600 Head Start agencies served over 950,000 children, including 36,955 children in Pennsylvania. “It is a sad commentary on the state of the majority party in the House that its leaders are powerless to contain the most extreme voices demanding for a path we know will disrupt the economy, kill jobs, and stunt growth. I urge the Speaker to end this dangerous game and advance a Continuing Resolution capable of passing the Senate and being signed into law.” GOP Moving in Slow Motion: Dems Insist Bills Be read in English and Latin

Dent, Cartwright on Looming Government Shutdown

Ever deal with a little boy who decides he's going to hold his breath until he gets what he wants? The tea party faction in the U.S. House reminds me of that, except they're threatening to suffocate us all unless they get their way.

Because Congress and the President have been unable to adopt real budgets for the past several years, they've been funding government operations through what is called a "Continuing Resolution." That alone should be a signal that something is wrong. Very wrong. The most recently adopted continuing resolution dies today.

The House voted yesterday to add two amendments to a continuing resolution that will keep the government going past the witching hour.

The first of these imposes a one-year delay on the implementation of Obamacare, and passed by a vote of 231-192. The second, a repeal of the medical device tax, passed 248-174. Finally, the House unanimously agreed that, in the event of a government shutdown, the military must still be paid.

The one-year delay on Obamacare and repeal of the medical device tax were supported by all Republicans in Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation, and opposed by all Democrats.

The Senate will pick up these amendments sometime today as the brinksmanship continues.

No hurry.

LV Congressman Charlie Dent expects the Senate to reject the language delaying Obamacare, and that seems to be fine with him because he is not among those Republicans who likes to hold his breath.

He explains:

"I oppose shutting down the government. I am also deeply concerned about the impending implementation of the Health Care Law – Obamacare – with exchange enrollment beginning on Tuesday. The House recently attempted to defund Obamacare. While I oppose the Health Care Law, I had concerns about the defunding tactic, but wanted to get a government funding bill (Continuing Resolution) to the Senate for action. The Senate then acted, as was expected, and voted to strike the defunding provision.

"While a more substantial delay of the Health Care Law is needed, and several major provisions have already been delayed administratively, I expect the Senate to reject the delay language in the House Bill. It is worth noting however, that Democratic Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia recently expressed some support for a delay.

"It will be much harder for the Senate to reject the repeal of the Medical Device Tax. In March, as part of a non-binding budget resolution, 45 Republicans, 33 Democrats and Independent Senator Angus King (ME) voted to repeal this job-killing, innovation stifling boondoggle. The bipartisan measure passed the Senate overwhelmingly 79 to 20. Repealing the medical device tax also received broad bipartisan support in the House which previously passed a repeal bill by 270-146 with 37 Democratic Representatives supporting the measure.

"On Thursday, Senator Harry Reid called the Medical Device Tax “stupid.” I agree. The Medical Device Tax is stupid – and destructive. The Senate should seize this opportunity for a win-win. They can vote to stop a government shutdown while also preventing the loss of tens of thousands of good-paying jobs for workers across the country.

"By voting for this new Continuing Resolution, which does not contain the defunding provision, the House has offered a reasonable path to a timely resolution to the current impasse. The Senate must now act to avert a government shutdown.

"Like most Americans, I wish to end the current stalemate so Congress can get on with other important work that the American People expect."

According to The Morning Call, Dent is pressuring House leadership to just pass a no-strings-attached spending bill. He claims the votes are there, too.

In an interview on MSNBC, the Lehigh Valley's other Congressman, Matt Cartwright, called the process "aggravating. We're here on a weekend. We're not learning anything new. We're here because a certain faction of the Republican conference are throwing a temper tantrum because they didn't get their way. ... At some point, you've got to stop arguing and realize it's time to move on."

Wind Gap Pilot Wants Matt Cartwright's Job

Matthew Dietz Wants Cartwright's Job

Hailing from the economically depressed Scranton area, Congressman Matt Cartwright has devoted his career to fighting for the working man. Certainly more liberal than predecessor Tim Holden, he calls himself a "Roosevelt Democrat." So it should come as no surprise that a more conservative candidate would want to replace the first-term Congressman.

That would be Matt Dietz, a commercial pilot from Wind Gap who started out as a baggage handler. Although his flyer contains little detail about Dietz' background, it makes pretty clear that he is pro-life. Does this mean he opposes the death penalty?

He also tells us he's pro Second Amendment. What the Hell does that mean? I don't see any movement out there to repeal the right to bear arms. Does he supports goofs like Gilberton's Mark Kessler or West Easton's Tricia Mezzacappa? Does he advocate people packing inside government buildings? Does he support the right of the mentally ill to bear arms? Does he think the three people who were recently shot to death just a stone's throw from his home, during a meeting at Ross Township, had it coming?

Of all the issues facing this nation, I would think Diet's primary focus would be on improving our economy, not telling women what they can't do with their own bodies while simultaneously allowing men to walk around with bazookas.

He does have cute kids, and I look forward to confronting him on why he would place emphasis on abortion and gun nuts when we have so many real problems.

Can You Eat on $4.50 a Day?

LV Congressman Matt Cartwright will find out if he can do that today. It's called the SNAP Challenge, based on the average daily benefit for a food stamps recipient. It comes at a time when Congress is considering reducing this benefit by $20 billion over the next decade.

"As a practicing Catholic, my faith informs this issue," claims Cartwright. "I am guided by a moral vision of how we must treat the most vulnerable members of our society."

Cartwright & Dent Salute Larry Holmes

From Congressman Matt Cartwright:  Yesterday, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright introduced a House Resolution honoring Larry Holmes for his career and community. June 9th is the 35th anniversary of his winning the WBC World Heavyweight Title. The measure was co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent (PA-15).

“Larry Holmes is not only a champion of boxing, but has also been a champion in his community. Raised in Easton, Larry has devoted himself to growing the community economically and through his meaningful community service throughout his life,” said Cartwright. “I am honored to know Larry Holmes.”

Holmes is most well known as a world champion boxer, becoming the WBC World Heavyweight Champion on June 9, 1978 by defeating Ken Norton. In February of 1980, Holmes defeated Muhammad Ali, known as “the greatest of all time,” Holmes finished his career with a record of 69-6.

Since retiring Holmes has invested heavily in the Easton area, contributing to the city’s recent growth. Holmes investments also include many charitable endeavors, including his “Run with the Champ” five kilometer race, which aims to raise awareness of physical fitness.

“Larry Holmes has been a true friend to his hometown not only with his many investments but also his willingness to help the youth. He has been a positive role model for young people to emulate,” said Easton Mayor Sal Panto. “I salute him on the 35th anniversary of that wonderful night in Las Vegas when he became the heavyweight champion of the world and wore the crown for seven and a half years.”

Additionally, Holmes has endowed a charitable foundation, named the Larry Holmes Charitable Foundation that advances post-secondary education by awarding four $5,000 scholarships to students who enroll in community colleges. This effort has garnered much recognition including being named the Jaycee’s National Outstanding Young Man and receiving the Medal of Honor for trustworthiness from the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Cartwright: Investigate IRS

From Matt Cartwright– U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright made the following statement today in response to reports that Internal Revenue Service singled out groups seeking tax-exempt status based upon their political affiliation:

“The action of targeting groups based on their political views by the IRS that was uncovered on Friday is an outrageous abuse of power and a breach of the public’s trust. Targeting specific groups in a partisan manner is not only inappropriate but it is not tolerable.

Now the American people rightfully have questions and we must seek all answers. I look forward to reviewing the Treasury Department Inspector General’s report, and believe that the IRS should be prepared for a full investigation into this manner. The IRS is expected to do its job without prejudice and must be held responsible for all inappropriate actions”

Congressman Cartwright Delivers Ringing Endorsement For Callahan

Easton's Bank Street Annex Building was packed with nearly one hundred people last night, but not for a wedding banquet. They ate little pierogies and spring rolls as LV Congressman Matt Cartwright gave a ringing endorsement of Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan. According to Cartwright, upon learning that Callahan was on a quest to become the seventh Northampton County Executive, the Congressman disregarded the advice of political handlers and pundits and actually asked if he could endorse Callahan.



Easton Mayor Sal Panto complimented Callahan's performance in Bethlehem, calling it "one of my favorite suburbs of Easton." Callahan shot back, "You know what? It's funny the first five times you hear it."



Here's part of what Cartwright had to say:

"The value of Mayor Callahan to everybody in Northampton County is that he is a committed, progressive Democrat, somebody who will stand up for the rights of the middle class and the working people; somebody who really cares about economic development in a responsible, environmentally conscious way; somebody who really cares about regular working people; somebody who has passion and energy; and that's what really stuck out for me when I met John Callahan on the hustings in 2012. And that's why I am here to say, I'm Matt Cartwright; I am your Congressman; and I am very, very proud to endorse, for Northampton County Executive, Mayor John Callahan."



At this point, a referee popped up out of nowhere and ejected Callahan. But after apologizing and doing twenty push ups, Callahan was readmitted back into the hall. Like he did when he announced at Gracedale, Callahan introduced his greatest asset - his family. He apologized to them in advance for the tough campaign road ahead.

It's hard to believe, but his 14 year old son is 6'1".

We all, myself included, tend to forget that these candidates are people just like the rest of us, and have families, just like the rest of us.



I've heard Callahan called an arrogant frat boy, Johnny Casino. But as he explained last night, the real reason he's running is because when he was a Head Start kid and needed help overcoming a speech impediment, he got it, thanks to our system.

"I'm a very proud resident of Northampton County, and this is just an opportunity for me to take some of the things I've learned as mayor and some of the progress we've made there, and apply them at the County level.

"I was a Head Start kid growing up. I stand before you as an example of the positive role government can have in people's lives. I started kindergarten with a little bit of a speech impediment. I didn't speak too well. It wasn't until about second or third grade that I worked through my problem because we had great speech therapy classes at the Bethlehem Area School District. I wasn't a kid that showed up to kindergarten on the first day of school, and the teacher pointed and said, 'You know what? Some day that kid's gonna' be Mayor of his home town.' I promise you that.

"For me, public service and being an elected official is really an opportunity for public service and a way for me to give back."

Callahan will file his petition today. He was proud to note that he has signatures from each of the County's 38 municipalities.

It was a diverse crowd that included many of Easton's very powerful Democratic committee members, as well as party stalwarts like Joe Long. I was sure he'd be backing McClure or Reibman, but he told me he started with Callahan and knew him long before he knew the others.

Jerry Seyfried was in the house, looking quite dapper. So was Kerry Myers, who filed hs Petitions for County Council today. School Director Frank Pintabone was there. So was John Robinson, a past President of the Easton NAACP and former member of the Prison Advisory Board.

Danny Cohen, Mike Perrucci and Gary Asteak represented the legal establishment.

The evil Jim Hickey and I had a staring contest until monkeys began flying out of his ass.

I also saw fellow blogger Donald Flad, but missed a chance to torment him.

Although it's hard to gauge a campaign from one event, there was an air of inevitability last night.

Callahan is squaring off against former Exec Glenn Reibman and asbestos lawyer Lamont McClure, who now and then attends Council meetings.

Why Cartwright Endorses Callahan

Yesterday, some of you said endorsements mean very little. Congressman Matt Cartwright, whose District includes Easton and about half of Northampton County, has issued a brief statement explaining why he supports Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan's bid for Northampton County Exec:

“Thanks to Mayor Callahan’s leadership, Bethlehem has undergone an impressive revitalization. A strong Democrat, John is exactly the leader that Northampton County needs to move forward. He will draw on his record as mayor to grow the local economy, creating family-sustaining jobs and encouraging innovation. I endorse John Callahan for County Executive with great enthusiasm and look forward to working with him on the important issues that affect Northampton County families."

For his part, Callahan is "honored to receive the endorsement of Congressman Cartwright, who in only a short time has been a strong, Democratic voice for the people of the Lehigh Valley. I appreciate Matt’s support and kind words. As Mayor of Bethlehem, I've worked hard to cut wasteful spending, eliminate the deficit, and create jobs. As Executive, I’ll do the same for the people of Northampton County, working alongside leaders like Matt.”

Cartwright will appear as the keynote speaker at Callahan’s March 11 Campaign Kickoff at the Bank Street Annex in downtown Easton. The event, which starts at 6PM, is free and open to the public.