Sultana Is Definitely Challenging Boscola in Pa. Senate Primary

Earlier this month, I suggested both here and here, that former Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana would primary State Senator Lisa Boscola. Rich Wilkins was the first to make that prediction and he's right. Sultana sent a weekend email exploiting the homicide of Alex Pretti less than 24 hours after his death to dun supporters. Thursday, she sent another mass email for funds, announcing that she's running for state senate. 

The header of this email would lead you to believe that she is running for the state house again. 

 

She's apparently unaware that the Pa. House and Pa. Senate are two different bodies of a bicameral legislature. She does make clear, however, that she's running for the state senate.

She claims to need money because she's finalizing a campaign finance report due within the next 48 hours. Her year-end report is due on February 2, not within 48 hours. Also, that report would include contributions made through the end of the year, not donations made now. So her fundraising letter is deceptive, as is the case with most email requests for money from candidates.

My sole question is whether Boscola can defeat Sultana by a wider margin than State Rep. Freeman did when Sultana promaried him with an ugly race full of negative attacks. Freeman got 77.4% of the vote in that primary. Boscola should win by a similar margin.

Browne Sued, Acknowledges Revenue Error in Faulty Pinsley Tax Certificate

Mark Pinsley wants very much to be a State Senator. He wants it so badly he announced his candidacy before being sworn into office as a South Whitehall Township Commissioner. He may have needed a head start because he's running against Pat Browne. He chairs the Appropriations Committee and is one of the most powerful officials in Harrisburg. A close ally of former Congressman Charlie Dent, Browne is known for his moderate views. Pinsley by contrast is on the fringes of the Democratic party. But a recent Browne flyer attacking Pinsley for unpaid corporate tax liens was a mistake. It was an honest mistake, but it was a mistake.

That flyer hit mailboxes last week. "Mark Pinsley. He'll raise your taxes. But won't pay his own." The flyer includes an excerpt from a Pa. Department of Revenue tax certificate showing that Pinsley is delinquent on taxes owed by one of his companies, DermaMed Solutions, LLC. 

On the day this flyer hit, Pinsley called a news conference and strongly denied that he was behind on any taxes. He called on Senator Browne to retract his accusation, and threatened to sue.

Pinsley made good on that threat on Monday, and sued Browne in Lehigh County court on a defamation/false light theory. He is represented by Allentown Attorney Matthew Mobilio.

A search of the Pa. Corporation Bureau reveals there are eight different DermaMed companies. There's DERMAMED ACQ., LLC, DERMAMED INTERNATIONAL, DERMAMED INTERNATIONAL, INC., DERMAMED SOLUTIONS, LLC, DERMAMED USA (with a Lenni, Pa. address), DERMAMED USA (Allentown address), DERMAMED USA, INC. and DERMAMED, INC.

That's a lot of DermaMed.

All these DermaMeds apparently confused a Revenue employee who prepared the tax lien certificate. As a result, a taxlien ceryificate was erroneously issued,naming Pinsley as a debtor for taxes that have no application to his business.

Last night, the Pat Browne for Senate campaign responded following the issuance of a statement by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue indicating the department’s error in issuing a tax lien notice against the company owned by Mark Pinsley:

“The Pat Browne for Senate campaign relied on public information regarding tax liens issued against Pennsylvania businesses, which was obtainable through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and its authorized personnel responsible for responding to public requests for such information.

“Following the Department of Revenue’s recognition of its error, the Pat Browne for Senate Campaign is taking the proper steps to respond to this acknowledgement accordingly and expeditiously.”

In the course of doing my own research, I saw a taxlien against DermaMedin Delaware County for a small sum, which was satisfied this year. The Pinsley campaign tells me that's the other DermaMed.

There are no DermaMed tax liens filed in Lehigh County, where Pinsley's business is located.

Senator Scavello Visits Upper Mount Bethel Tp

Senator Scavello addresses U. Mt Bethel Supervisors

Here in the Lehigh Valley, it's rare to see a state representative or state senator in what Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski has derisively referred to as the boonies. Unless an election is around the corner, they are largely out of sight and out of touch in our more rural communities. So it was both refreshing and something of a surprise to see State Senator Mario Scavello at last night's meeting of Upper Mount Bethel Township's Board of Supervisors.

"It's a lot more crowded here than it was in Bangor," joked Scavello about the crowd "There were only two people in Bangor," joked
Scavello, who brought his Chief of Staff with him, stated he would like to personally visit each of the municipalities he represents at least twice a year.

Asking what he could do for them actually took Supervisors by surprise. They're not usually offered help by state legislators.

"We need more jobs, I know that," Scavello stated.

Finally, Township Manager Bob Cartwright asked Scavello about Governor Wolf's proposed budget. Scaello stated that it would result in a 30% property tax reduction in this area. "But he's holding it a year," Senator Scavello complained, noting that Governor Wold does not plan to distribute any of the property tax relief for another year.

"I'll support it if it helps us. If it doesn't, I'll support [SB]76," he stated, referring to a tax shifting bill that has been under consideration in Harrisburg for several years.

After Scavello was gone, Supervisors thought of several things they could ask for help with, including grant money for an emergency generator. Next time, I think they'll be ready.

How Will The State Races Play Out This Year in the Lehigh Valley

I recently had a discussion with one of those evil political consultants who get paid zillions of dollars to give politicians advice. He talked to me for free, or at least I hope it's free. Here's what he tells me about this year's state races, as they play out in the Lehigh Valley. The Wolf-Corbett race is the biggest one, so naturally, I forgot to ask him about it. But he talked about the others.

Scavello v. Aurand. - Mario will crush, possibly by as many as 20 points. The reason? Monroe County Democrats. They like Scavello.

Browne v. Felton. - Walter Felton, who is also the Lehigh County Dem Chair, alienated nearly half the Lehigh County Democrats in that race. I question why he's really even running, unless it's to prevent anyone of substance from challenging the State Senator who served as J.B. Reilly's NIZ architect.

McNeill v. Molony. - Though Danny McNeil should easily win this race, lots of people don't know him in the new district. He will still win comfortably.

Harhart v. Powell v. Molovisnky. - This will be another in a long string of cakewalks for Julie Harhart, an incumbent who does not offend. Powell will be crushed and Independent Michael Molovinsky is not even a factor. I spoke to Molovinsky about this prediction, and promises to defy the odds.

Hahn v. Altieri. - I neglected to ask about this one, but think Marcia is a safe bet.

Scwheyer v. Ramos. - The first race in a new, predominately Latino district, will go to the Gringo.

Simmons v. Beyer. - This is a race Beyer can win. His supporters are all motivated, but they need to bring Democrats who do not usually vote in these off-year elections.

Aurand - Scavello to Debate in Forks Tp

Mario Scavello Kicks Off Senate Race at Weona Park

Mario Scavello, currently a State Representative, is the Republican choice for a new senatorial district that consists of most of Monroe as well as the northern half of Northampton County. He kicked off his campaign Saturday at Pen Argyl's Weona Park, attracting at least 300 people before he was done for the day.

"When he kicks off a campaign, he kicks off a campaign," GOP mainstay Dottie Niklos told me. It's true, too. Visitors to Scavello's campaign party could play miniature golf, ride on the Dentzel Carousel (circa 1900), get their faces painted, and best of all, enjoy Kona ice on a very humid day.

Republicans offered to paint my forehead with a Republican elephant, but I told them I was holding out for a tattoo.

I did sneak a hot dog.

Infrastructure

Scavello was willing to make one pledge when he spoke to me. "Every road and every bridge will be paved and made safer," he assured me, noting that he would make sure that $1.1 billion raised in the new Transportation Bill will come right back to this senatorial district.

"If we don't address our infrastructure, forget about jobs," Scavello added, noting no prospective employer will locate to an area with sub par roads.

Jobs

Speaking of prospective employers, Scavello stated we "need to be more proactive about bringing jobs here. He will do this by supporting legislation that provides tax incentives to businesses who make new hires. He also said that we need to cultivate more of the technology jobs instead of treating them pretty poorly.

"These kids are falling through the cracks," he told me, noting they take a bus to go their high school, then get on another bus to go to the vo-tech, then a bus back to the high school and a bus home. "They spend half their day on the bus!" he complained, noting that vo-tech students should be given all the educational tools they need at one location.

Property Tax Reform

Scavello believes this will be possible, thanks to redistricting. He noted new districts like his are in growing areas where the damaging impact of high taxes are felt more acutely, and will result in new members who are more inclined to support property tax return.

The Gas Tax

Mark Aurand, Scavello's Democratic opponent, has blasted the gas tax in Governor Corbett's controversial Transportation Bill. But Scavello counters that this is exactly what is needed to fund infrastructure improvements, and is the best way to do it without raising property taxes. Below is his video replay to Aurand's campaign ad.

Aurand Opens State Senate Campaign Office

Aurand HQs in Nazareth

The old Nazareth Aluminum Supply Company, located at 324 S. Main Street in Nazareth, is now the campaign HQs for Democratic State Senate candidate Mark Aurand. His war room officially opened last night before a crowd of about 40 well-wishers, Aurand, who lives in Lower Nazareth and practices law in Allentown is running against Republican State Representative Mario Scavello, a former businessman who lives in Monroe County. It's a new state senate district that includes nearly all of Monroe as well as the northern half of Northampton County.

Volunteer Ed Del Viscio served as something of an informal MC, giving an opening speech that I thought would still be going on election day.

State Senator Lisa Boscola was more to the point. She told the audience that she wishes she still had Nazareth in her own district, but spoke highly of Aurand. She indicated she could work with Mario Scavello, but complained that "he cares more about himself than the people he represents."

Aurand, with Rich Grucela and Lisa Boscola

Former State Rep. Rich Grucela was also present, and told Aurand supporters that if they care about kids,education and property taxes, they need to pull the Democratic lever. He was on his way to Saint Rocco's Festival in Martins Creek, which started last night. "I have to get there or I won't go to heaven," he joked.

Aurand told the crowd that government can be justifiably accused of interfering with people's lives, but also can protect us. He then ticked off the following issues, where he gives both Governor Corbett and Scavello a failing grade:

* Public Education. - He pointed out that there have been large cuts in public education, voted for by Scavello, the derided at have resulted in larger classrooms, cuts in programs and out-of-control school taxes.

Mark Aurand

* Economy. - He complained that Pa. is 47th in job creation, that Monroe has an unacceptable 7.5% unemployment rate and that new jobs pay too little.

* Women's Issues. - He derided the lack of equal pay for equal work by women, and  complained about intrusive ultrasound examinations supported by many state republicans.

* Environment. - He referred to a recent report by the state auditor general, noting that the EPA is undermanned and is letting violators go uncited. He also complained about the lack of a severance tax, and the natural gas drilling in public parks proposed by the Governor.

* Good Government. - He complained that the Governor is paying for an education advisor who is doing no work. He also accused Scavello of accepting the 2006 midnight pay raise. "He took the money and used it to make himself popular," he charged.

Noting that he expects to be outspent by Scavello, he is calling for volunteers. "We need all hands on deck," he said.

He should be OK in Nazareth so long as his campaign stays away from stickers.

One Vote Joe Sinks Parsons State Senate Quest

Scavello nearly impossible to beat

Joe "Won by One" Capozzollo ended Scott Parsons's race for the state senate on Tuesday. In fact, he has all but assured Republican Mario Scavello of a victory this Fall.  That's because One Vote Joe insisted on running in a race that he had to know he would lose. But he siphoned off just enough votes from blue collar Scott Parsons to guarantee a primary victory to Allentown Attorney Mark Aurand. Republican Mario Scavello would have had a rough time against Parsons, a fairly conservative, common-sense Democrat. He'll have a field day with Organizing for America Mark Aurand, who will be defined as a left wing lunatic.

According to the latest from WFMZ, Aurand was pulling away at 11 pm with 41% to Parsons' 36% and One Vote Joe's anemic 23%

Some say that Aurand supporters encouraged Capozzolo to run, flattering him and appealing to his ego. By any logical analysis, he had no business running. Just two years ago, he was crushed by an arrogant and cocky state rep. He raised no money. Did he honestly think he'd do better against a Republican moderate who is actually admired? So did he run this race, knowing he'd lose and that he was playing the spoiler, because someone promised him something?

One Vote Joe has demonstrated a lack of integrity. In 2003, he pleaded "no contest" to vandalizing a school board candidate's signs. He's never won any race outside Bangor, and his one vote margin there is laughable.

Had One Vote Joe stayed out of this race, Parsons would be the victor tonight. Scott would have had a fighting chance against Scavello. I admire Aurand's honesty and intelligence, bit he will have a much harder time against Scavello. In fact, I think the race is already over.

Why? He's been running for two years. He has lots of money to spend. His positions are fairly moderate on most issues. He's not some whack job that can be defined as an extremist. He has run successfully for may years in a district that was 63% Democratic. Most importantly, he works his ass off, taking nothing for granted.

On Saturday, this Monroe County resident found the time to attend Hanover Township's Armed Forces Day Program. At 10 am, it was his third stop that morning, I later learned.

Updated 10:30 am: In Northampton County, Parsons won the race. He attracted 2205 votes, which put him ahead of Aurand (1927) and Capozzolo (1210). He lost in Monroe. Aurand finished there with 2185 to Parson's 1443 and Capozzolo's 1054. Capozzolo tapped into Parsons' base.

Apology to Mark Aurand, Scott Parsons

Earlier today, I posted a blog criticizing all three Democrats running for a seat in the 40th Senatorial District. Although all three candidates filed timely reports with the state, I complained that not one of them bothered filing a report in Northampton County, which is a violation of state campaign finance laws. I also ripped them for filing paper reports in Harrisburg, instead of e-filing. This means we would have to wait until after the election to follow the money. But I was wrong, and owe an apology to Scott Parsons and Mark Aurand.

My first major error was in reporting that Aurand filed no report with the County. He did, and filed a timely report. It was buried, out of alphabetical order, but it was in the pile of filed campaign finance reports. I just missed it as a result of my own negligence. So I was completely off base here.

My second big error involves Scott parsons, and possibly the other two Democrats and Mario Scavello as well. Campaign consultant Mike Fleck called me this morning to tell me that Parsons did e-file his finance report in Harrisburg, which should have been available immediately. But instead, Parsons received a notice on Sunday, from the state, that his report was unfiled. As luck would have it, they are having problems in Harrisburg, and the person who really understands the e-filing has been ill.

Parsons did admit to me that he failed to file a report with the County, but corrected that error and will file in Monroe as well.

I don't know what is going on with Capozzolo, but know his report in Northampton County was still unfiled as of noon.

Since it appears there may be some sort of clerical problem in Harrisburg, I believe I was wrong to jump all over the candidates so quickly. I was clearly wrong to criticize Aurand for not doing something he had actually done.

I apologize to my readers. I try my best to get it right, but sometimes I really screw up. This is one of those times.

I also apologize to Mark Aurand and Scott Parsons.

Parsons, Aurand and Capozzolo: Show Me the Money!

I

Note (3:00 pm): This report has some errors. See my explanatory post. 

Democrats Mark Aurand, Joe Capozzolo and Scott Parsons are currently duking it out over their party's nomination to the newly minted 40th Senatorial District. Since this includes nearly all of Monroe and about half of Northampton County, it’s a pretty big deal. While they were willing to attend a debate at the Gracedale Chapel last week in which they largely agreed with each other, I know next to nothing about their campaign finances. Where they get their money from is probably just as important than what they say in a debate, but we know next to nothing about that.

Though they have all filed campaign finance reports with the Department of State in Harrisburg, they filed paper reports. So unless someone is willing to drive to Harrisburg, we’ll have to wait until well after the election is over to be able to follow the money. This defeats the whole point of campaign finance disclosure laws.

In most cases, state candidates file what are known as “courtesy” copies in local elections office. In fact the Department of State directs state senate candidates to "[f]ile with the Department of State and the county in which the candidate resides." Many of the state representative candidates, as well as State Senator Lisa Boscola, have complied.

Capozzolo and Parsons filed nothing in Northampton County. (Parsons filed today).

Whoever wins this race will face State Rep. Mario Scavello in the General election. He’s a Republican from Monroe County and is running unopposed. Unlike his Democratic counterparts, he did file a courtesy copy of his latest campaign finance report, and in Northampton County.

Scavello reports total funds of $406,891.32, consisting of lots of small as well as very large contributions. Despite being unopposed, he spent $110,035.48 in this election cycle. His spending even included a mailer to Democrats.

In any event, Scavello has demonstrated transparency by disclosing who is funding him. All three Democrats have failed a pretty basic test of transparency and accountability

Come on, guys! Show Me the Money!

Updated 12:45 pm. Scott Parsons has filed his campaign finance report. It turns out that Aurand did file his report on May 7. I missed it bc it was buried at the bottom, out of order, under a cover page. An earlier version of this story indicates Aurand failed to file with the County. That assertion was inaccurate and I apologize. 

Jesus Watches State Senate Democratic Hopefuls

Joe Capozzolo, Mark Aurand, Scott Parsons

Three Democrats vying for the nod in the new 40th state senate district were on their best behavior during a debate before about 50 people last night. They had no choice. Not only were they in Gracedale Chapel, but they were seated directly below a gigantic picture of Jesus Christ. A golden cross and open Bible were right behind them. Scott Parsons and Joe Capozzolo looked a bit out of place in that setting, not knowing whether they should genuflect, drink holy water or kiss the Bible. But for Mark Aurand, the son of a Lutheran preacher, this was like having a home field advantage. He was the most polished of the three in an evening during which the candidates mostly agreed with each other. Scott Parsons, a blue collar type despite being a member of County Council, came across very well as the Everyman. Capozzolo displayed the most humor.

Jesus is not running. He forgot to register. 

The 40th Senate District, incidentally, is made up of the northern half of Northampton County and most of Monroe County. State Rep. Mario Scavello is the sole Republican running, and will face the victorious Democrat in November. He's been running for the past two years, and is well financed.

Scott Parsons, a quarry worker, is a member of Northampton County Council and has served as president of Wind Gap Borough Council. Capozzolo, a clothing manufacturer, is the Mayor of Bangor and served as an appointee on Northampton County Council. Aurand is an attorney practicing in Allentown, and has been an activist for the past six years.

Though Jesus was in the background, he played no role in the debate. It was hosted by the Northampton County League of Women Voters. I love to tease them, but I'm very thankful for their efforts. Lafayette College's John Kincaid served as moderator. He posed questions, and gave the candidates an opportunity to ask one question of each other.

Voting

As might be expected, all three Democrats oppose the Voter ID law. Aurand called it a "solution to made up problem." Even Governor Corbett has vowed to take no appeal of a ruling that found the new law to be unconstitutional. All three support early voting.

About 50 attendees

Fracking

There are slight differences between their stances on this topic. Parsons supports a moratorium for fracking on publicly owned land, as well as a 5% severance tax. But he supports fracking. "We need the natural gas," he argued,

Capozzolo and Aurand, by contrast, support a complete moratorium on fracking, whether it is on public or private land. "We need to protect our water," said Capozzolo. He supports a 7.5% severance tax,  and noted several times during the evening that Pennsylvania is the only state in the country that imposes no severance tax.

Aurand called fracking an example of a "big money interests" that "have come into Pennsylvania and have been able to get what they wish." He pledged to stand up for the people, and wants a severance tax as close to 10% as possible.

Scott Parsons

Transportation Funding

All three Democrats support the recently enacted transportation bill, but all three are displeased about the rise in gas taxes to pay for it. Aurand suggested that an infrastructure bank be set up that could provide low interest loans. Parsons stressed more uniform bridge designs that would reduce costs significantly. Capozzolo would pay for the transportation bill with the severance tax. In fact, he proposed the severance tax as the source for just about all new spending he supported throughout the night.

Public Education

Capozzolo would impose a moratorium on charter school applications, complaining that the funding formula is unfair. Parsons added that it is the state's obligation to fund 50% of a school district's needs, and argued that charter schools and similar programs should be incorporated into vo-tech schools. Aurand stated "there's a place" for charter schools, but noted that the Corbett administration drastically cut spending. "We need to reverse that," he noted, adding that he recently discovered that schools in Stroudsburg only get 23% of their funding from the state.

Joe Capozzolo

Property Tax Reform

Capozzolo noted that every election cycle, there is a proposal to eliminate property taxes, often accompanied by a patriotic-sounding name like HB 1776. Holding up a dollar bill, he asked if anyone wanted to bet whether it would be enacted. "It's not going to pass," he predicted. "It's not going to see the light of day."

Parsons complained that the proposal is unworkable because it creates a sales tax that will hurt seniors, and an income tax that will disproportionately hurt low and middle income workers.

Aurand called the proposal "well intentioned," a "response to pleas of the people." But the chief problem in his view is that all the money would go to the state. "Local people aren't going to have any say," he observed. He also noted the bill would actually help places like Wal Mart, which would have no property tax. "We need to find a better way to deal with this problem" he concluded.

Mark Aurand

Medicaid Expansion

All three Democrats support Medicaid expansion in contrast to the Governor's proposal to create a private market option for 520,000 Pennsylvanians in need of health care coverage. "Our Governor decided for political reasons not to participate," complained Aurand. Cappozzolo would pay for it, like everything else, with the severance tax. But Aurand had another source. He noted that Republicans have cut business and corporate taxes by $1.2 billion. Parsons added that the expansion, which would help people in the gap, would also create between 35-39,000 jobs.

Gun Control

Parsons supports the 2d Amendment, adding that "criminals aren't going to abide" by tighter laws. Capozzolo said everyone in his family is a hunter, and he supports both the 2d Amendment and "more stringent background checks." Aurand stated he respects the right of people to have guns, but not those with mental health issues or who engage in domestic violence.

Silly Time

When it was time for candidates to question each other, Capozzolo gave a speech about being positive and then demanded Parsons to name all the municipalities in Monroe County. Parsons started and was up to about 12 when his time ran out. Aurand rejected the question. "It's more important that I talk to the people than that I know the name of the municipality.'

Parsons asked Capozzolo why some of his campaign literature lacks the union bug. Capozzolo answered it was done by a local Bethlehem business.

Aurand was asked why he never ran for anything, and is suddenly running for state senate. Aurand noted he has been an activist and later stated that he is an attorney who advocates and negotiates."It seems to me that's pretty good training to be a lawmaker," he reasoned.

Audience

Though most of the crowd were in one of the three camps, there were a few undecided voters present, like Helen and Aaron Newman, from Bushkill Township. They are concerned about negative campaigning by Democrats in the Governor's race.

There were also Republicans in the House.

"What's the enemy doing here?" I asked Republican Ben Hedrick, who was with County Council member Hayden Phillips. "I'm here to listen to both sides," he told me.

As I was leaving, I asked Gracedale Administrator Dee Freeman about why the Chapel seems to be set up exclusively for Christian services. He turned into Samuel L. Jackson.

"And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who would attempt to poison and destroy my brothers. And you will know my name is the Lord when I lay my vengeance upon thee."

All right, all right. .

I'm guessing a Menorah is out of the question.

Reminder: State Senate Debate on Thursday

LWV State Senate Debate on May 8

On May 8, 2014, the League of Women Voters of Northampton County and the Gracedale Nursing Home are partnering to present a Candidates’ Forum for the Democratic 40th Senatorial District Primary Race. It's scheduled for 7 pm at the Gracedale Chapel.

The three candidates in contention are Attorney Mark Aurand, Bangor Mayor Joe Capozzolo and Northampton County Council member Scott Parsons.

This is the only debate for this race this election season at this time. It is a new Senate seat based on the 2010 PA Census and includes most of Monroe County and the northern portion of Northampton County.

What bothers me is that the debate is scheduled to coincide with a meeting of Northampton County Council.

Can Parsons Do It Again?

Northampton County Council member Scott Parsons is running for the state senate in a newly formed district that includes most of Monroe and the northern part of Northampton County. He's been called the "David who slayed Goliath" because he beat long-time Republican Council member Ron Angle in a fairly conservative district.  But can he beat Mario Scavello, a Republican State Representative in Monroe County who has had a two-year head start and a massive warchest?

Before he can beat Scavello, he has to come out on top of two other Democrats who have their eyes on the same seat.

One of them is Joe Capozzolo, who was trounced by Joe Emrick in the State Rep. race two years ago and who won the Bangor Mayoral contest by just one vote. Just sworn into office, he's running for something else. He likes to keep everyone in the dark, and even kept his state senate ambitions as secret as possible for reasons that elude me.

He stands for nothing, which his record as an appointed County Council member some years ago should make clear.

The only thing Capozzolo can do is draw votes that would otherwise go to Parsons.

The other candidate is Mark Aurand, an Allentown lawyer who has never run for anything, but whose interest in politics began when he became associated with and eventually spearheaded the Organizing For America movement in the Lehigh Valley.

Aurand is a class act, like Parsons.

He's working hard, raising money and is well-organized. I've already received a flyer and knock on my door. His strength and his weakness is his left wing agenda. That draws many volunteers and energizes what's left of the Obama supporters. The weakness is that it turns off everyone else. A unabashed liberal will sell in Bethlehem or Allentown, but not in the Slate Belt or Monroe County. Mario Scavello will be able to "define" him, as consultants like to say.

The candidate who has the best shot at beating Scavello in the Fall is the moderate, Scott Parsons, but only if he runs hard.

AAJ: Only Two Pa Senators Post Expenses

Above Average Jane has scoured the web pages of all 50 Pennsylvania State Senators, and reports that only two of them - Sen. Rob Teplitz (D-15) and Sen. Lloyd Smucker (R-13) - bother to list their expenses. And these are the folks who are gonna' ban gifts.

Aurand Announces State Senate Campaign From Nazareth

Mark Aurand

From tiny Nazareth, Mark Aurand kicked off his state senate campaign today in the newly formed 40th senatorial district. This seat includes nearly all of Monroe County, as well as much of the northern portion of Northampton County. (interactive map here). His kickoff was attended by a small group of supporters who braved the cold. Aurand is running against two other Democrats, Northampton County Council member Scott Parsons and Bangor Mayor Joe Capozzolo. Unlike his opponents, Aurand is the only one to announce officially that he's in the hunt. He's also the only one who's never held office.

Aurand, a soft-spoken attorney with Allentown law firm Davison and McCarthy, claims he's running because our state government is broken.

That's what Aurand told me when I met him last week. "Regular folks are not being listened to," he said, as I prevented him from eating breakfast at Nazareth Diner with incessant questions.

Mark Aurand

This son of a Lutheran preacher, himself a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Allentown, is unlike many other politicians in that he has spent years committed to service organizations like the Boys and Girls Club, and his Church's makeshift homeless shelter.

Working there last year, he met a New York bus driver who lost his job and ended on the streets with 4-5 mouths to feed. Through LCCC, he was able to get trained as a truck driver, but still was having trouble making ends meet.

"That tells you we're not paying people," said this advocate of a higher minimum wage, a position shared by opponent Scott Parsons.  

Aurand first became seriously interested in politics as a result of the Obama campaign, and got heavily involved in the Organizing for America movement. He believes that this experience will give him an edge in a state senate race, and that he will be able to attract progressive voices to his banner.

His primary emphasis, if elected, will be to invest more money in public education.

His kickoff was attended by State rep. candidate Leslie Altieri, her husband, Charles "don't call me Charlie" Dertinger and state committee candidate Rich Wilkins.

The victorious Democrat will face Republican Mario Scavello in the Fall. He's unopposed.

A Three-Way Dem Primary In State Senate Race

In the new 40th State Senate District, which includes most of Monroe County, the Slate Belt and even Nazareth, three Democrats have filed nomination petitions.

Northampton County Council member Scott Parsons has filed a nominating petition that boasts 850 signatures, well in excess of the required 500. Also filing were Bangor Mayor Joe Capozzolo, who won his recent Mayoral race by one vote, and newcomer Mark Aurand, an attorney at Allentown law firm Davison and McCarthy.

Of the three candidates, only parsons has been open about running. The others have refused to confirm what they are doing until now.

Whoever wins will have a tough race against Republican Mario Scavello, a State Rep. who has been raising money for this race over the last two years.

Can Parsons Beat Scavello?

State Rep. Mario Scavello is a Republican running for the 40th Pa. Senate District. That district got moved from the western part of the state, and now includes most of Monroe County, as well as a good chunk of Northampton County's Slate Belt. Democrat Scott Parsons, a member of Northampton County Council, recently told the Express Times that he's running, too. He's going to have to run hard if he expects to win. '

Scavello, who has been in the state house for about 12 years, has been sprinkling money all over Northampton  County. Republican Council candidates and Executive John Brown all received generous contributions. Scavello had a $392,000 warchest at the end of 2012, so he has money to burn.  I was unable to access his most recent finance reports.

On the issues, Scavello seems like a conservative Republican. As Chair of the House Labor and Industry Committee, he did come under criticism from conservative voices for refusing to push prevailing wage and other anti-union legislation.  On the other hand, the Diocese of Scranton claims he opposes abortion under all circumstances, as well as same sex marriages and same sex benefits. He also supports the death penalty.

I wonder if he has to run everything by his parish priest like Vic Mazziotti.

What about Parsons? I like him and would be inclined to support him, which probably means he'll lose. I have not seen a Facebook page or any web presence. It might be a good idea to start one.

I did see a Scott Parsons Yoga page, but that dude is in India right now, chanting Ooohhhhmmm.

Supreme Court Publishes Legislative Redistricting Opinions

When the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on January 25 invalidated the redistricting done for state house and senate seats, it said an Opinion would follow later. The Opinions are out and are linked below:

Majority Opinion 

Concurring and Dissenting Opinion

Concurring and Dissenting Opinion

Dissenting Opinion

Original Order (Jan. 25)

 Original Dissenting Statement (Jan. 25)

State Senate Refuses to Produce Browne's NIZ Emails

On Tuesday, I filed right-to-know requests with State Senator Pat Browne, State Representative Jennifer Mann and Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski. In Senator Browne's case, I am seeking any of his email exchanges, over the last year, concerning the Allentown NIZ, with Mayor Ed Pawlowski, State Rep. Jennifer Mann, NIZ participants Joe Topper and JB Reilly and lobbying firm Pugliese Associates.

Yesterday, my request was rejected on the basis that those emails are not "legislative records," as defined under the Right-to-Know Law. In crafting this Open Records law, state legislators created more restrictive rules for themselves than local government or even the executive branch. In other words, they are unwilling to practice what they preach.

Facially, this rejection seems correct.

I'll be reviewing this over the weekend. If anyone out there is aware of any decision requiring a state legislator to produce emails, please let me know.

I think the public has a right to know what the Hell was going on, especially with Pugliese.