Don't Count Corbett Out

Corbett in a Bethlehem visit this year

At this time last year, I had written off Bangor Mayor John Brown in the Northampton County Executive race. So had everyone else, and the end result is that he defeated John Callahan, a better known and financed candidate, Now, when I hear people write off Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett, I cringe.

His politics mirrors the state. He is moderate to conservative on most issues. But as a former prosecutor, he lacked transparency in the beginning of his stint in office. This hurt.

His draconian budget cuts hurt, too.

Enter Democrat Tom Wolf, a nice guy. He's still ahead in the polls, and is campaigning very hard. Democrats have a million voter edge statewide. But don't kid yourself. He will lose if Democrats stay home. And that could happen. There are no real exciting races bringing people to the polls.

In Philadelphia, where Wolf needs a big win, his campaign is refusing to dole out the street money that is common on election day. His appearance there with Obama this weekend will be used against him in the rest of the state.

Although I think Wolf will win, I also believe the race will be much closer than the experts predict.

Who Won Wolf-Corbett Debate?

Because I was at a Upper Mount Bethel Township Supervisors' meeting with Ron Angle and Mark "the bastard" Thatcher, I missed last night's gubernatorial debate between Democrat Tom Wolf and Republican Tom Corbett. Who came across better?

According to Democratic State Rep. Peter Daley, front-runner Wolf was "terrible." But Chris Borick, who is paid by newspapers to furnish polls, huffs that little things like debates have only a "modest impact" on elections.

I guess little things like seeing how candidates interact with each other, and how their ideas hold up, is meaningless to the poll man.

They will debate again on October 1 and October 8.

Is Corbett Wrong to Call For Pension Reform?

It's only the biggest problem plaguing municipal government. But the state legislature is kicking the can down the road. Again. Ironically, Governor Corbett is not fighting the Democrats, but his own party.

His proposal only applied to future hires, and could not legally have any impact on teachers or government workers already enrolled in a plan. What Corbett was proposing is no different than what Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan did two years ago.

I can see only one reason for opposing the modest pension reform proposed - greed.

Corbett Shunned by Millersville Grads

Considering the cuts he proposed to public education during his first two years in office, Governor Corbett should hav thought twice about appearing at a state college commencement. But he does look good in gown and cap. 

Source: http://m.lancasteronline.com/news/corbett-gets-silent-treatment-at-mu-graduation/article_e8573dba-f5a4-5115-b123-0c9938d2473b.html?mode=jqm

Governor Corbett Wants 4,000 More Jobs in Bethlehem

Governor Corbett tours Bethlehem Steel Machine Shop No. 2

Governor Tom Corbett visited South Side Bethlehem on Friday. It was no social call. He was there to see for himself the former Bethlehem Steel No. 2 Machine Shop. Plans to transform this decaying and rusting hulk into a Bass Pro Shop are underway, thanks in large part to Corbett's designation of Bethlehem as not just a Christmas City, but a CRIZ City.

Machine Shop No. 2 will be transformed into a Bass Pro Shop

Late last year, Corbett designated both both Bethlehem and Lancaster as CRIZ cities. Technically called a City Revitalization and Improvement Zone, it's an economic tool for up to 130 acres in cities with a population of at least 30,000. Unlike Allentown's controversial NIZ, only new taxes generated from a CRIZ parcel can be used to fund development. It rewards only new development, not an existing business poached from another municipality.

State Senator Lisa Boscola enthusiastically thanked Governor Corbett

Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez, who introduced Corbett to a crowd of at least forty elected officials and business leaders, said the Bass Pro project will give "new life to old steel." State Senator Lisa Boscola was enthusiastic. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" she exclaimed, noting her father would be proud of her because he was a life long steelworker.

Corbett  expects to see 4,000 permanent and 3,000 construction jobs

For Corbett, it's all about the jobs. He told the audience that, on his way to Bethlehem, he learned that the state unemployment rate had just dropped another 0.2%, bringing it down to 6.2%. That's below the 6.7% national average, and is as low as unemployment has been in Pennsylvania since 2008,

Although Corbett spoke of the steel beams that weighed 550 lbs that are currently inside the Empire State Building, he made clear that he's more interested in Bethlehem's future. He called the CRIZ the "beginning of a voyage", and one that brings 3,000 construction jobs and 4,000 permanent jobs, along with $1 billion in investment. He called the CRIZ the "spark to unleash new development."

He also made clear that he'll be watching closely, and won't decide on additional CRIZ designations until he sees how things work in Bethlehem.

Corbett with lobbyist Joe Uliana and Beth Sands Interim President Doug Niethold

Aside from Mayor Donchez, two of Bethlehem's former Mayors, John Callahan and Don Cunningham, were present. So were the Lehigh and Northampton County Executives, Tom Muller and John Brown. Northampton County Council president Peg Ferraro also donned a hard hat as Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem interim President Doug Niethold led the tour.

Tony Hanna, whose vision for South Side Bethlehem is becoming reality. 

The Executives: John Brown (Northampton) and Tom Muller (Lehigh)

Cunningham Fired at LVEDC

Photo taken by former LV Ramblings intern Peg Ferraro

After being caught fraternizing with a bottom-feeding blogger on Friday afternoon, LVEDC CEO Don Cunningham has been summarily terminated.

"We have standards, damn it!" explained Board member L. Charles Marcon. "We could put up with the Springsteen concerts, but this is too much."

In another emergency meeting, the National Museum of Industrial History, known as the NMIH and not to be confused with the NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) has hired Cunningham at a salary of $5,000,000 per year.

"Let's see what Morganelli does now!" said Board spokesperson L. Charles Marcon.

Some idiots will actually believe this, but I couldn't resist.

Peg Ferraro actually did take that picture. But I fired her as my intern because I'm much more handsome than I appear in that picture. They say the camera adds ten pounds. "You must have eaten ten cameras," Cunningham told me.

I was sleeping soundly Friday morning when suddenly, the bottom-feeding blogger beacon began to shine from South Side Bethlehem. Governor Corbett was coming to town. Cunningham, Peg and a host of other big shots were there.

I hopped into my $500 Blogger-Mobile and made it. I was the only person there who hadn't shaved. ... Or showered.

The Governor's press person allowed me to remain even though I had no credentials except for the "Award Winning Broadcast Journalist" card I had a friend make up for me a few months ago. A state trooper with the Guv' was giving me the "I'll take you down to Chinatown" glare, and i don't blame him. But Corbett and the Sands CEO were cool as hell.

I'll have the straight story later today.

Santa Corbett Drops $5.8 MM in Christmas Cheer on NorCo

Our failing schools are just gonna' have to wait. Rich dudes needs our help, too, and that's where Governor Tom Corbett goes to work.

Just two days before Christmas, he sprinkled $133 million in RCAP grants throughout the state. Of course, $23.75 million of that dough is going to Corbett's own county for things like ballet and art studios.

Considering how the Steelers have done this year, maybe ballet is a good idea.

Corbett even remembered Northampton County. Yes, siree. He sent $5 million for billionaire Ed Roski's Majestic project in Bethlehem.  "God bless us every one," said Tiny Roski, as he bought abnother professional ball team

Another $800,00 went to St. Luke's Anderson campus. We all know how hard it must be for St. Luke's to keep adding extensions all over the place.

What about Lehigh County?

You bastards got zip. Christmas coal. Exactly what you deserve for voted for Democrat Tom Muller over Scott "Don't they have family?" Ott.

Corbett to Kick Off Re-Election Bid at B. Braun Today

Governor Tom Corbett will be at B. Braun today for his Lehigh Valley re-election kickoff in the Lehigh Valley. Doors will open at 2:00 PM, and the event will start "promptly" at 2:30 PM. It's the new B Braun address at 901 Macron Blvd
Allentown, PA 18109.

You can get tickets here.

Governor Corbett: No Mensa

orbett, I have one word - Gingko.

Bob Freeman: Keep Lottery Here

Which of these two just won the lottery?

Plans to privatize the Pennsylvania State Lottery system are being questioned by State Rep. Bob Freeman. He joined over 45 Democratic State House colleagues at a Capitol news conference this week to reiterate their concern about the governor's quick decision to award the management of the state lottery to a private firm based in the United Kingdom.

The Pennsylvania Lottery was first established in 1971. It funds older Pennsylvanians with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, free and reduced-fare transit; low-cost prescription drug programs known as PACE and PACENET, long-term living services as well as 53 area agencies on aging and senior centers throughout the state. But Governor Corbett has stated that privatization will give him another $50 million for these programs.

Freeman is unswayed.

"There is no need to privatize the lottery," Freeman said. "The Pennsylvania Lottery is the most successful state lottery in the nation. With profits of $1 billion, that funding goes directly to programs for senior citizens. It has increased profits substantially in the last few years and has proven to be a well-maintained program.

"The expansion that Camelot, the private management firm, promises to develop is something that can be handled in-house. We don't need to divert funding from programs for Pennsylvania seniors to hire a private management firm to tell us how to run the operation. Instead of wasting millions of dollars on consultants, let's make sure that money goes to benefit senior citizens directly.

"Beyond these concerns, there are others, such as the limited legislative oversight and the many unanswered questions that still remain with the governor's contract. This week's Senate committee meeting was lacking in answers. I hope these items can be addressed when the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee explores the privatization plan next week," Freeman said.

Inky columnist John Baer has questioned why Governor Corbett would want to fix something that isn't broken.

Corbett's Budget Explained to LV Human Services Providers

It was a tough crowd. Over 100 very concerned human services providers from all over the Lehigh Valley were crammed into Northampton Community College's Gates Center on March 16 to question Governor Tom Corbett's proposed $27.1 billion budget for next year, scheduled to take effect in July. Of the six panelists who spoke, only the Governor's own Executive Deputy Secretary of the Budget, Peter Tartline, attempted to explain the logic of this spending plan.

In the first of a two-part story, Tartaline explains the Governor's rationale. In Part 2, Lehigh Valley human services providers explain how funding cuts, which extend from an outright elimination of homeless assistance to a 76.7% reduction in mental health services, will hurt those of us who can least afford it.

How did the state get into this mess?

According to Tartline, revenues are simply $500 million below estimates as a result of the Great Recession. Pension costs have grown $486 million In addition, because of mandated cost increases, Pennsylvania is looking at a $1.4 billion shortfall for the next fiscal year.

"You can do three things," explained the Deputy Secretary. "You can cut costs ... You can reform programs, implement performance process improvements, management improvements. ... The third option is to raise your top line to improve your bottom line. You do that by raising taxes or improving the business climate."

Increasing revenue without tax hike

Given Pennsylvania's high corporate net income tax rate, Tartaline explained that any improvements in the business climate will be felt long-term, not immediately. He also reminded everyone of Governor Corbett's pledge against a tax hike. But the budget does include several proposals, most of them noncontroversial, to increase revenue by a total of $242 million.

For example, Governor Corbett is proposing the elimination of a 1% discount provided to vendors who remit sales and use taxes on time. Their discount will instead be capped at 250 per month. This will add $41.3 million to the state coffers.

Another money-saving proposal is to fund Pennsylvania's popular Farmland Preservation program with Growing Greener bond money instead of $20.5 million in cigarette taxes. That money will instead go into the general fund.

But there are two proposals that, according to Tartaline, are quite controversial.

First, Corbett wants to redirect about $72 million from the Race Horse Development Fund to various agricultural and veterinary programs. "The concept here is agriculture helping agriculture," Trataline explained.

Second, $59 million ind tobacco settlement fund money will go into the state treasury instead of being used to fund research. "We can forego funding basic research and instead put these dollars into direct services,' reasoned Tartaline.

Human Services Cuts

In a portion of the Executive Budget entitled "Preserving the Safety Net," Governor Corbett proposes a 20% reduction in the funding of seven separate human services programs. The monies will be provided in what is called a block grant, which does free counties from rigorous reporting requirements and provides more flexibility. But it's still $168.4 million less than it was last year.

In addition to these reductions, the General Assistance cash program, which helps 68,000 people statewide, will be eliminated, saving the state another $319 million.

A lawsuit challenging these cuts has already been filed in Commonwealth Court by the Disability Rights Network.

Education Cuts

In addition to these cuts to human services programs, the Corbett budget is proposing 20-30% reductions in contributions to state universities, which will save the state $240 million.

How these proposed cuts impact the Lehigh Valley's poor, elderly and disabled will be covered in a second installment.

Schlossberg: Corbett Budget "Disastrous for Children & Taxpayers"

Allentown City Council member Mike Schlossberg, who's running for Jennifer Mann's seat in the state house, has released a statement slamming Governor Tom Corbett's proposed budget.

“Yesterday, Governor Corbett proposed a new state budget that will have devastating impacts on Pennsylvania’s children and taxpayers. After slashing almost $1 billion from our public schools last year, the Governor has now taken the unprecedented step of eliminating the effective Accountability Block Grant program, which provides for reduced class sizes, full day kindergarten & pre-k programs. These massive cuts will decrease the quality of education our children receive, and force school districts to raise property taxes yet again. Last year, Governor Corbett’s budget forced the layoff of over 100 teachers and a massive property tax hike in Allentown. This is simply unacceptable.”

“While I believe government must live within its means, and sacrifices must be made across the board – these cuts do NOT need to happen. Governor Corbett’s refusal to even consider a reasonable extraction tax on Marcellus Shale drilling, or the closing of the Delaware corporate tax loophole which allows companies to avoid paying Pennsylvania taxes, leaves millions of dollars on the table that could be utilized to restore funding cuts. Quite simply, the Governor is demonstrating once again that his priority is the needs of corporation and special interests over the needs of middle class families across Pennsylvania.”

“As I said in the announcement of my campaign for the State House, I am committed to making government work for the citizens of the 132nd House District, and if elected, I will stand up to Governor Corbett and demand he restores basic education funding to our school districts.”

With all the confusion about redistricting, I'm uncertain whether Mike still has an opponent. Tatania Tooley, who also announced, might have a residency problem if the old lines are still intact.

Corbett Budget Freeze to Be Targeted by Human Service Providers

On Tuesday Morning, 11 AM, a group of local human service providers will protest Governor Tom Corbett's budget freeze. They will do so outside the entrance to Lehigh County jail, to draw attention to a budget that increases corrections' spending while reducing the spending on human service programs designed to prevent people from making criminal mistakes.

Among those who will be speaking are Northampton County Director of Human Services Ross Marcus, Northampton Community College's Iraida Rosa and LC Children's Coalition Chair John Reynolds.

House GOP To Meet Guv' Today Over Electoral Plan

With the exception of Maine and Nebraska, every other state follows a "winner-takes-all" system of computing electoral college votes in the Presidential race. A presidential contender with 50% plus one popular vote will get all of the electoral college votes.

Pa. Senate Majority leader Dominic Pileggi wants to scrap that in favor of awarding electoral college votes, congressional district by congressional district. He claims it "would more precisely conform the electoral college to the popular vote." True, and by the way, it would also make it more likely for the Republican candidate, who traditionally has fared poorly in the Keystone State, to walk away with at least some electoral college votes.

But there's an equally likely possibility that the whole plan will backfire on Republicans. Specifically, in suburban Pennsylvania, there is a real concern among GOP Congressman that the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Democratic machine will concentrate resources there.

House GOP members will meet with Governor Tom Corbett today to make these concerns known.

"What were you thinking?" is one question they might be tempted to ask.

"It's a mixed bag," explained one politico, who said the plan would make much more sense if several states simultaneously decided to change current practice.

Reichley Delivers Reality Check at State Budget Forum

OK, so he's not going to make the cover of GQ anytime soon. When he does speak, he's a tad on the dry side. But of the for four State Representatives who appeared at a CACLV-sponsored forum in Southside Bethlehem last week, it was Doug Reichley who impressed me most. Sure, he looks as though he'd rather be going through root canal. But he listened to what people had to say, from Safe Harbor resident Tiffany to environmental activist Don Miles. Through it all, he insisted he would oppose any attempt to increase taxes. But he listened.

You can read my story about that forum over at Easton Patch. Alan Jennings, a strident advocate for the voiceless, packed Fowler Community Center with LV residents under the budget axe.

State Representatives Joe Brennan, Bob Freeman and Steve Samuelson were the three Democrats on this panel. All three are sponsors of the Delaware Loophole bill, which could bring an additional $500 million into state coffers, while lowering the corporate net income tax from 9.99% to 7.4% over three years. All three Democrats also support a severance tax on Marcellus Shale, while Reichley prefers an "impact fee."

According to Reichley, Corbett's budget is just a "proposal." He prefers a more "balanced approach," and hinted that an "impact fee" might generate some additional revenue, but not enough.

But no tax hike. "I was at a candidates' night last week of school board candidates where four of them promised they will not raise property taxes to abounding applause from, primarily, seniors. So we're gonna' have the Armageddon of school district battles in East Penn of people who are opposed to tax increases against people who have kids in school. And that's as it should be. There's no more ducking this issue. We overspent the last few years."

Reichley added that Republicans are looking at a proposal, down the road, of eliminating all operating money that goes to state related colleges, including community colleges, and giving the money to PHEAA for grants to families and students "to put the bargaining power back in the hands of the families who are paying the tuition, and create competitive pressure on the institutions to provide you the best bargain."

You can read more about the proposed cuts to education, environment, human services and weed 'n seed at Easton Patch. Everyone present had sound suggestions. And Joe Brennan announced his legislative district, in which the forum was held, has been rated the best legislative district in the universe.

I personally would support the Delaware Loophole and either an impact fee or, preferably, a severance tax. Legislators need to enact legislation reducing the number of school districts. They did it once before in the '60s, reducing school districts from 2,000 to 500.

State Legislators to Talk Budget Cuts Today

I wish I had earlier notice, but just learned late yesterday that State Reps. Doug Reichley, Steve Samuelson, Joe Brennan and Bob Freeman will be conducting a community forum, TODAY, to discuss proposed budget cuts to critical state programs here in the Lehigh Valley.

This gathering will take place at Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 East Third Street, Bethlehem, at 11 AM. It's an opportunity for those affected by the cuts to speak directly with their representatives, have their questions answered, and express their hopes for changes.

According to a CACLV news release, "Governor Corbett’s proposed state budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year includes cuts to programs that help build strong communities." Most of us are aware of the drastic cuts in education spending, but there's more.

* The Homeowner Emergency Assistance Program, a foreclosure assistance program, is eliminated.

* The Human Service Development Fund, a flexible block grant that helps local government provide services for low-income people, is eliminated.

* DCED is cut by 31%.

* Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements to publicly owned nursing homes, continue to dwindle.

Because the Governor is being pressured to restore some of his educational cuts, there are concerns he might even go deeper into human services.

I'll be there.

Corbett and Cunningham, Sittin' in a Tree ....

Purists from both parties will hate this. Governor Tom Corbett, a Republican, has selected Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham, a Democrat, as part of his transition team. Cunningham is the Democrat many Lehigh County Republicans love to hate, but Corbett's selection is a positive sign of a post partisan attitude.

LC Commissioners' Chairman Dean Browning has previously stated stated that "[a] bipartisan approach is needed to solve problems."

Tom Corbett Visits Great Allentown Fair

I was able to catch up with Att'y General and Governor hopeful Tom Corbett on a beautiful, but windy, Saturday afternoon. His cheerleaders include Dean Browning (Chairman, LC Comm'rs), Dr. Percy Dougherty (LC Comm'r), Dr. Bob Romancheck (A-town GOP Chair) and state senate candidate Matt Connolly.

Tom Corbett Just Elected Governor

Deputy AG Frank Fina: “Veon’s been convicted of stealing over a million dollars of taxpayers’ money in the form of bonuses. And we think it’s a good day. We hope it sends a strong message to the rest of our elected officials.”

Pittsburgh Tribune: Is Onorato Two-Faced?

"Onorato campaign spokesman Brian Herman said, 'While we understand Mr. Morganelli's frustration at being defeated, it is simply inaccurate to link that loss to Dan's support of his campaign. The suggestion that Dan Onorato supported Tom Corbett is both incorrect and illogical.'

"Notice that Herman didn't deny that Morganelli made the trips or that Onorato promised to help Morganelli raise money."