CASEY RONCAGLIONE

Goodbye For Now

2008-01-18T07:53:00.000-05:00

Letter to the Editor:
Farewell to 164th District

To the Times:

It was a fantastic experience running for the state Legislature in the 164th District, Upper Darby Township.

Since then, I’m off on a new adventure.

I’d like to thank all those who helped and supported me during the election, and even those who didn’t.

I’ll never forget you.

My new assignment is serving our country in the U.S. Navy.

To quote, “I’ll shall return.”

I’ve been asked not to divulge the details of my assignment by my superiors.

Nevertheless, I’ve never been prouder than to serve my country, and can’t think of anything more important I’ll ever do in my life.

CASEY RONCAGLIONE
USN
Drexel Hill

Casey Roncaglione

2008-01-12T11:27:00.000-05:00

My Delco Friends,

It was a fantastic and rewarding experience running for the PA Legislature in 2006.
Now I'm off on a new adventure.
I'd like to thank all those who helped and supported me at the ballot box during the campaign, I'll never forget you.
My new adventure is serving our Country in the U.S. Military, Navy. I've been asked not to divulge the details of my assignmnet by my superiors. Nevertheless, I've never been prouder, and can't think of anything more important to do with my life.

Casey Roncaglione

Airplanes Over Delco

2007-09-07T12:54:00.000-04:00

It seems that no power on earth can stop the FAA from implementing the new flight plan over Delaware County, Our Congressman, Senators, and State Legislators have run into the immovable Federal bureaucracy. Your advice to buy earplugs, though facetious, is what we have been left with as an alternative.Beyond the noise the added flights will cause, who will we call if a tragedy happens. I'd love to have that number. Are we who live in Delaware County so unimportant that saving time for travelers will endanger our good and hard working people. My question is who profits from this action? Who is behind this push to serve the few while hurting millions. I don't have the answer, but I know someone does.The implications of this decision will have long lasting and negative effects for everyone who lives in Delco. I called the FAA to find the person behind this misguided action, needless to say I was "disconnected". I applaud Andy Reilly and Joe Sestak for fighting the good fight, and I find ridiculous suggestions to cause delays at the airport.What I do know is that I don't want to live in a flight path and if someday I'm in a position to join those working to fight this catastrophe I will work for our community. Meanwhile, Editorials, hard working officials and citizens who will make their voices heard is the best chance we have to stop the FAA.

Your share: $23

2007-06-15T08:20:00.000-04:00

State Rep. Glen Grell, R-Mechanicsburg
Shocked to learn that the General Assembly cost $23 per resident in 2005 compared to $10.72 in California, $8.20 in New York and a bargain $3.69 in Ohio, state Rep. Glen Grell of Mechanicsburg wants to slice the legislature's budget by 8 percent.
Grell, a member of the Speaker's Commission on Legislative Reform, plans to propose cutting the General Assembly's budget to $290 million from $316 million, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports.
Continue reading the entry...

Drama In Delaware County

2007-06-13T21:37:00.000-04:00

Casey Roncaglione, President of the Delaware County Young Democrats, writes this morning to tell us that his group is calling on state Rep. Mario Civera, R-Delaware, to reimburse the taxpayers for the $114,801 the House spent on public service announcements on his behalf.
The group also demands that "all other Legislators (sic), Republican and Democrat, do the same.""Mr. Civera stood on the House floor calling for restraint of new taxes in the Governor's budget," Roncaglione wrote. "A good start to that restraint would be to reimburse the Tax Payer for his own lack of restraint, anything less would be hypocritical and make his budget statements just political posturing.
"Hmmm ... makes sense to us.
Howzabout it?

New Taxpayer Group - PAY IT BACK

2007-06-11T07:49:00.000-04:00

A new taxpayer group, PAY IT BACK, is calling on all legislators who spent tax payer money to air Public Service Announcements to repay the treasury out of their own campaign funds.

The wasteful spending on Public Service announcements is more of the same for our Legislature, talking publicly about restraining taxes while spending millions for their own personal use while keeping the public in the dark. Our organization is spearheading the drive and it has all the earmarks of the 2005 late night pay raise.

As Representative Greg Vitali said, "Public service announcements are primarily a device for legislators to promote their own name recognition. You see them being used primarily by legislators in contested seats."

Contact your legislator and let them know how you feel. You can join our group be e-mailing me at caseyroncaglione@excite.com and I'll keep you informed of our progress.

Casey Roncaglione
President Delaware County Young Democrats

Refund PSA Money

2007-06-07T05:08:00.000-04:00

Dear Pennsylvanians,
To start the campaign to voice your displeasure over the spending of your taxes for Public Service Announcements to promote legislators re-elections we must force them to refund the money. The total expenditures are in the Millions. PSA's are little more than campaign commercials, paid for by taxpayers, and happen to run around election periods. The same information is available in many other places.
Contact Mario Civera who spent $114,801 at e-mail mcivera@pahousegop.com , his office is (610) 853-4115.

This campaign is bipartisan and aimed at both Democrats and Republicans. Here are their web sites.
http://www.pasenategop.com
http://www.pahousegop.com
http://www.pasenate.com
http://www.pahouse.com

Here is is the backround http://caseyroncaglione.blogspot.com/2007/05/mario-civera-pay-us-back-again.html

Senator Pillegi's Good Work

2007-06-05T06:55:00.000-04:00

News Flash: "Darth Vader turns from the Dark Side.
"OK, you won't see that headline in today's newspapers, but a key political figure in Pennsylvania has joined the battle to reform one of the worst open-records law in the country.Pennsylvania politicians like to operate in the shadows, away from public scutiny. That's one of the reasons our state government is so screwed up.Following hearings in Harrisburg Monday, state Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi finally saw the light.The Delaware County Republican publicly announced his support for a major overhaul of Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law. Gov. Ed Rendell made a similar pledge earlier this year.Reform activists and proponents of open government have been working hard to get the state's political elite to back the presumption that government records are open unless there is an overiding need for privacy.The way the state's laws are written now, most government records are presumed secret and it's up to residents to force government to make them public.
Read the rest here.

Mario Civera - Pay Us Back - Again

2007-05-31T09:27:00.000-04:00

As President of the Delaware County Young Democrats and a taxpayer, I Casey Roncaglione, am calling on Representative Mario Civera to repay Taxpayers for the money spent airing Public Service Announcements on his behalf. The total is $114,801. We also demand all other Legislators, Republican and Democrat, to do the same.

Mr. Civera (R-164 Upper Darby) stood on the House floor calling for restraint of new taxes in the Governor's budget. A good start to that restraint would be to reimburse the Taxpayer for Representative Civera's own lack of restraint, anything less would be hypocritical and make his budget statements just political posturing.

When Representative Civera took the late night pay raise in 2005, he reluctantly returned the money after public pressure forced him to face reality. We hope he will see the light with his PSA spending as he did with the pay raise, and return the money to the State.

Public Service announcements have been called nothing more than taxpayer funded election commercials. The information included in PSA's is available in many other places, including libraries, district offices, newspapers, and from the service providers themselves. This material is also provided free to citizens.

When the House voted to eliminate the PSA spending, Mr. Civera voted not to eliminate them, while his colleague Representative Greg Vitali voted yes to stop the waste.
Once again Mr. Civera has failed to hear that taxpayers are fed up with waste in Government. The State needs no new taxes, rather it needs cuts in spending, particularly those programs which are without doubt unnecessary.

If Mr. Civera is serious about reducing taxes then he should start at home and repay the $114,801 he spent on his Public Service Announcements.

Casey Roncaglione

Mario Civera Budget Blunder

2007-05-30T11:44:00.000-04:00

I had to laugh as Mario Civera appealed to the House for "physical" restraint for taxes. His own restraint of personal spending with your taxpayer money puts him in the top %5 of all legislative spenders.

Here is the latest report from the state on how much of your money Mario Civera spends on "Public Service Announcements".
These announcements are little more than state paid commercials.
I hereby ask that Mario stop this waste of taxpayer money, and demand that he explain why he abuses this program.
When the vote came up on the "Civera Amendment" it was defeated, but when the legislature tried to end waste of taxpayer funded PSA's, Civera voted no.

PSA money spent by Mario J Civera

Months of 2005 Cable Spots and Radio Spots
May $13,090.00 Website
June $11,866.00 PHEAA
July $11,628.00 District Office
August $11,866.00 CHIP
September $11,866.00 Tutoring Pgm
November $11,628.00 Liheap

Total 2005 PSA Money Spent $71,944.00

Months of 2006 of Cable Spots and Radio Spots
January $11,866.00 PACE
February $10,251.00 Senior Pgms
July $10,370.00 Prop Tax-Rent Rebate
August $10,370.00 Veterans Event

Total 2006 PSA Money Spent $42,857.00

Total PSA Money Spent for Mario J Civera $114,801.00

Indicates Multiple Cable Systems/Radio Stations

Mario Civera in Harrisburg

2007-05-28T18:20:00.000-04:00

Comments from observers of Representative Civera's first big moment as minority Appropriatons Chairman on the State budget.

From KEYSTONE Politics

DELCO Republicans just don't get it
On May 22nd, 2007 Anonymous says:
Evans may have had a good idea and tried to give Civera some props, and Civera and his brethren took it as an opportunity to bash the governor. So much for a bipartisan spirit. Civera's attitude is typical of DELCO republicans and went a long way to killing any chance of bipartisanship.

Civera made an error
On May 22nd, 2007 Anonymous says:
If he would have just graciously accepted the proposal that Evans put out, he might have gotten his way. But, no, he is a jerk and his proposal gets defeated (102-96 according to Micek).
I don't think the GOP understands that bipartisan means that you have to play nicely for 10 minutes.
LV Dem

G.O.P. - Golden Opportunities Plummeted?
On May 22nd, 2007 thegentlemanfro... says:
As a conservative Republican myself, the Republican Party in this fine Commonwealth never ceases to amaze me. Day by day I become more and more convinced that my political brethren are infected by a self-destruction bug which appears to be incurable. Here we have Dwight Evans, a Democrat who, for whatever reason, was prepared to hand the GOP it's dream budget, and Civera takes that diamond and proceeds to flush it down the toilet with talking points and brazen ego. I heard an expression once that stuck with me: "You have two ears and one mouth. Use them in the proportion and you'll do just fine." Civera should've known to shut up and vote. Get the budget to Rendell on time and force his hand. Instead, he bought himself a few more lines in the paper. The Pennsylvania GOP is truly doomed.

Memorial Day

2007-05-25T10:26:00.000-04:00

Have a good Memorial Day weekend.

"Once in khaki suits, gee we looked swell,
Full of that Yankee Doodly Dum,
Half a million boots went slogging through Hell,
And I was the kid with the drum!
Say, don't you remember, they called me Al;
it was Al all the time.
Say, don't you remember, I'm your pal? Buddy, can you spare a dime?"

Support our disabled veterans

Initiative and Referendum

2007-05-24T06:24:00.000-04:00

By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau

HARRISBURG -- For more than 20 years, state Sen. James Rhoades has been trying to give Pennsylvanians the power of "initiative and referendum,'' allowing citizens to enact new laws directly without going through the state Legislature, as well as the power to overturn measures passed by the Legislature.
Such a major change "will give individual citizens a greater voice in the legislative process, and will help government be more responsive to those we serve,'' said Mr. Rhoades. "Increasing the public's say in the laws we pass in Harrisburg will stimulate public involvement.''
"Initiative'' gives a citizens group the power to collect a certain amount of signatures of registered voters, based on the number of votes cast in the last election for governor. If the signatures are verified, a proposed law or constitutional change is put to a statewide referendum without waiting for the Legislature to act.
For example, citizens could put on the ballot a measure to change the state tax structure, such as rolling the income tax back to 2.8 percent, where it was until the Legislature increased it to 3.07 percent in 2004.
"Empower the people of Pennsylvania with the ability to initiate and repeal legislative and constitutional changes,'' said Matthew Brouillette, Commonwealth Foundation president. It's part of the overall effort to "increase openness, transparency and accountability in state government," he said, a movement that has sprung up in the wake of the Legislature's now-repealed pay raise.

Civera Bugets for Himself

2007-05-23T07:43:00.000-04:00

I'm reposting this based on Mario's new persona as "fiscal watchdog".

Mario Civera and his spending of your money
Here is the latest report from the state on how much of your money Mario Civera spends on "Public Service Announcements".
What a waste. Think of the good that money could have been used for.These announcements are little more than state paid commercials.
I hereby ask that Mario stop this waste of taxpayer money, and demand that he explain to all of us why he abuses this program. When the vote came up on the issue in Harrisburg Mario voted no, I wonder why.
PSA money spent by Mario J Civera $114,801.00
Please see the details below.

Civera Budget Ploy Fails

2007-05-23T05:20:00.001-04:00

From post-gazette.com

"In a surprise move, House lawmakers from both parties agreed yesterday to withdraw 245 of the 246 amendments that they had submitted last week. Instead, they offered only the most sweeping amendment, the one by Mr. Civera, R-Delaware, which would have cut most of the governor's proposals for new programs, restored funding to lawmakers' pet projects and limited spending to the rate of inflation.
"I do think there's some value to members airing out their projects," said House GOP Leader Sam Smith, R-Punxsutawney, "but our members felt we could make the most striking [case] by putting the Civera amendment straight up against the governor's budget."
They lost."

My take is that after years of being the Governor's Republican lapdog, Civera is trying to position himself as the loyal opposition. He used the Governor to help in his re-election, voted for every tax increase that came down the pike and now fears the voters have finally seen the wolf in sheeps clothing.

Civera Budget Fails

2007-05-23T05:20:00.000-04:00

Our new fiscal conservative, please spare me.

Civera went on to sum up his budget proposal for the (ugh) "new physical year,"

Mario Civera and his spending of your money

2007-05-18T08:34:00.000-04:00

Here is the latest report from the state on how much of your money Mario Civera spends on "Public Service Announcements". What a waste. Think of the good that money could have been used for.
These announcements are little more than state paid commercials. I hereby ask that Mario stop this waste of taxpayer money, and demand that he explain to all of us why he abuses this program. When the vote came up on the issue in Harrisburg Mario voted no, I wonder why.

PSA money spent by Mario J Civera

Months of 2005 Cable Spots and Radio Spots
May $13,090.00 Website
June $11,866.00 PHEAA
July $11,628.00 District Office
August $11,866.00 CHIP
September $11,866.00 Tutoring Pgm
November $11,628.00 Liheap
Total 2005 PSA Money Spent $71,944.00

Months of 2006 of Cable Spots and,Radio Spots
January $11,866.00 PACE
February $10,251.00 Senior Pgms
July $10,370.00 Prop Tax-Rent Rebate
August $10,370.00 Veterans Event
Totals 1,600 $42,857.00
Total 2006 PSA Money Spent $42,857.00

Total PSA Money Spent for Mario J Civera $114,801.00

Indicates Multiple Cable Systems/Radio Stations

New Online Fundraising

2007-05-17T12:38:00.001-04:00

I've posted an easy way for you to contribute to the ultimate defeat of Mario Civera. It's very easy to do, just enter the amount, click on the Act Blue icon and follow the easy instructions.

Last election Mario outspent me by more than $500,000. House Speaker John Perzel of Philadelphia gave Mario $150,000.
This time with your help the outcome will be different.

I owe you, who does Mario owe?
Thanks in advance.
Casey

Act 1 Civera's Last Act

2007-05-16T05:26:00.002-04:00

For 27 years, Mario Civera has promised property tax cuts. Check your tax bill and you'll see his complete failure. He stood with the Governor and rattled on how he would get it done. Well the voters said you failed Mario.

“They saw this for what is was: smoke and mirrors and just another way for the legislature to pretend they are doing their jobs.” Sure Mario will get you a handicapped parking spot, but when it comes to saving your home , that spot isn't worth much.

Worse yet The Upper Darby School District has proposed a 4.6 property tax hike.

To quote from the Delco Times, “When the next election rolls around, I don’t care if it’s a Democrat or Republican,” she said. “If you recognize their name, don’t vote for them. If they don’t get this issue, get them out of there.”

STUDENT STANDS UP TO GOP MONEY MACHINE

2007-05-12T09:03:00.000-04:00

The following observations of Politics in Upper Darby is long overdue. Those in power would prefer to keep quiet and not make waves that would endanger their cushy jobs.
It's kind of long, so I've linked it here, here's the link. http://nickpipitone.blogspot.com/2007/04/student-stands-up-to-gop-money-machine.html

Mario Civera Charges You 23 Dollars

2007-05-11T16:16:00.000-04:00

HARRISBURG - Lawmakers say they are alarmed by how much the General Assembly spends on itself compared to legislatures of other large states.

In 2005, the cost of running the Pennsylvania Legislature was $23 for every resident, compared to $5.83 in Illinois and $3.69 in Ohio, according to figures given yesterday by a researcher from the National Conference of State Legislatures to the Speaker's Commission on Legislative Reform. California came in at $8.20 per person and New York at $10.72, lawmakers were told.
State Rep. Peter J. Daley, D-California, said he has been pushing Legislature reform since 1985 to deaf ears.

"The numbers are stark realities we can't ignore as a body," said Rep. Curt Schroder, R-Chester County, a commission member.
California, the largest state, ranked 31st, and New York, the third-largest, ranked 18th. Michigan ranked 22nd; Illinois, 37th; and Ohio, 49th.
The figures show Pennsylvania ranks first when comparing legislative costs as a percentage of all state spending.
Pennsylvania ranked second in total legislative spending of $286 million in 2005, according to the NCSL figures. That's a conservative figure that doesn't include an estimated $25 million spent on boards and commissions under the Legislature, according to Pennsylvania budget documents.
"No matter how you present the numbers, we are right at the top of the list," said Rep. David Steil, R-Bucks County, co-chairman of the reform panel.
Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware County, said he is concerned about the Legislature's "bloated" budget.

One driver of the cost is the size of Pennsylvania's legislative staff, which was second-largest in the nation in 2003, according to the NCSL. Pennsylvania's legislative staff more than doubled from 1,430 in 1979 to 2,947 in 2003.
Based on several studies, there's no clear indication that reducing the size of a legislature would reduce costs, Erickson said.
Opponents of cutting the Legislature argue that lawmakers will add more district offices and staff if they have larger districts.
To combat that argument, Rep. Mark Mustio, R-Moon, sponsor of a bill to reduce the Legislature to 201 members, said his legislation would mandate a 20 percent cut in legislative spending. A similar bill by Sen. John Pippy, R-Moon, was approved by the Senate State Government Committee on Tuesday.
But Steil and Rep. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery County, the other co-chair of the speaker's commission, question whether there is enough support on the 24-member House panel to approve a recommendation to reduce the Legislature's size.
"It did not seem to me there is a general consensus to support reducing the size, but there certainly is to support reducing the costs," Steil said.

Dwight Evans for Mayor

2007-05-06T08:19:00.001-04:00

Being that Philadelphia is in close proximity to our community, I feel the new Mayor of Philadelphia can be a positive force in uplifting our area. It is with this in mind that I support Dwight Evans for Mayor of Philadelphia.
His record speaks for itself, and to list his qualifications would take too much space here.
On a personal note, while I was running for State Rep in Upper Darby, he took his time to call me during the election and offer encouragement and advice. He is a fine man and has the best intentions for making our neighbor, Philadelphia, a better place. A mayor of Philadelphia who realizes that his neighboring communities can be a regional partner is a refreshing change.
Dwight Evans is a man whose vision can uplift an entire city and region.
The Delco Young Dems therefore encourage the support of Mr. Dwight Evans for Mayor of Philadelphia.

Casey Roncaglione

President

610-804-7373

Delaware County Young Democrats

AP: State legislators got $50,000 in freebies last year

2007-05-05T10:28:00.000-04:00

From the York Dispatch

"HARRISBURG -- State lawmakers raked in thousands of dollars worth of freebies last year, ranging from ski passes and football tickets to air travel and hotel accommodations.
They collected more than $50,000 in gifts and travel, according to an Associated Press analysis of the annual Statement of Financial Interests forms that public officials in Pennsylvania were required to file by Tuesday.
Legislators were provided free seats at Penn State and University of Pittsburgh college football games, Pocono Raceway events, professional baseball and basketball games and a stage performance of Disney's "The Lion King" musical."

I ask Mario Civera to tell us, his constituents, what freebies he gets.

Frank Daly

2007-04-30T09:34:00.000-04:00

A Message from Frank Daly for Judge
Dear Fellow Democrats,
As many of you know, May 15th is an important Primary Election. Not only is the Act 1 tax referendum going to affect all of Delaware County’s residents, but also for the first time in 218 years a Democrat can win a county Judge seat.
For years the Republican Party has choked Delaware County with a stranglehold stemming from control of the courts, solicitor offices, and more, and without your help they will continue to do so!
For far too long the party bosses have picked the Judges of Delaware County with little regard for qualifications. This practice must be stopped! It’s time to elect qualified people into office who care about Judicial Integrity and Judicial Independence!
In this particular election, cross-filing is permissible, so several Republicans are on the Democratic ticket.
Frank Daly and Michael Farrell are the two Democrats on the May 15th Ballot. They can be found at A-14 and A-15 on the Democratic line.
Media is one of the few municipalities run by Democrats. Frank Daly was Mayor of Media from 1982 to 1992 and then solicitor and current President of the Media Borough Council. With the help of many hardworking people, Media has become a better place to live. Frank Daly would like to continue that service to the community as a Court Judge. With your help, it can be possible.
So, I write to you, fellow Democrats, to support Frank Daly and Michael Farrell this May 15th. Every vote is important and every vote counts!
Please, look at our website, http://www.frankdalyforjudge.com to find out more about Frank Daly and ways to help the campaign.
Sincerely,
Joseph Patrick O’Brien, Esq.Chairman

On a smaller Legislature

2007-04-19T16:53:00.000-04:00

From The Evening Bulletin.

"Mention hasn't even been made of how a smaller legislature will naturally mean even more money in our political process. After all, a larger district will necessarily require more money in order to promote a candidate, thus leading to more expensive and extravagant campaigns. Brightbill spent roughly a million dollars in his bid to retain his state Senate seat last year; how much more would have been spent had the 48th district been just 20 percent larger? And what of all of those nefarious lobbyists floating around Harrisburg? Would not a small legislature automatically mean more money to buy fewer votes? If anything, a smaller Pennsylvania legislature would be a lobbyist's fantasy come true!"

Shot In The Back

2007-03-30T13:15:00.000-04:00

Shot In The Back
Bang.
One bullet changes a family's life. Paralyzes a young man.
Makes me ask why.
Crime is everywhere, senseless or otherwise.
When it hits close to home, I ask is this a trend or an isolated incident.

By all accounts the victim was living right. Going to two schools, working a job, helping his mother, churchgoing. The shooter, allegedly with a long rap sheet, was on a different, cowardly path.
In a way we all were shot in the back.
Leon Harris is like many of us, getting by, doing what needs to be done for a better life.
If it's an isolated incident, then the law should do it's job.
If it's a trend, we who live in Delaware County should stand up and demand that it be stopped.
If the system failed here, then that system should be examined.
All crime victims should be cared about. Particularly this young man, Leon Harris. If he is not forgotten, he can remind us to say enough is enough.
We can't let crime or criminals overwhelm us.
Life is hard enough without having to look over your shoulder every day.

Perzel and Civera

2007-03-26T08:12:00.000-04:00

Brother, Can you spare a dime.

HOW COLD WAS IT ?

2007-03-26T07:55:00.000-04:00

IT WAS SO COLD,

I SAW MARIO'S HANDS IN HIS OWN POCKETS

Democracy Rising

2007-03-22T07:00:00.000-04:00

In the Delco Times, Mark P. Widoff writes an excellent Column about abuse and outrages in Harrisburg. I hope to write as well as he someday.
The column may not be online, but try the link anyway.
Mr. Widoff is interim chair of Democracy Rising PA.

Civera Appropriates For Himself-Update

2007-03-19T15:39:00.000-04:00

Appropriations Chairman Civera Leads Spending Taxpayer Money
Representative Mario Civera, the Republican Appropriations chairman, spent the most taxpayer money on PSA's and constituent mailings of all other legislators. During the 2005-06 session, Rep. Mario Civera, R-Delaware County, aired 10 ads during the same period that cost $114,000 from Pennsylvania taxpayers. House Republicans said Thursday the cost of their televised public-service announcements totaled $4.4 million in 2005-06. On a house vote Monday to limit PSA's, Mr. Civera voted NO.
PSA's, public service television ads, are little more than campaign commercials aired during election time. Critics say the taxpayer-financed ads boost the name recognition of incumbents and their odds for re-election.
Yesterday it was reported that 13 House Republicans spent more than $100,000 apiece on the controversial ads during the two-year legislative session. In another example of Mr. Civera's generosity with our tax money, Mr. Civera's top Harrisburg employee is the highest paid legislative aide, making $87,900 per year.
Then there is the issue of taxpayer funded mailings sent by Mr. Civera, which seem to fill our mail boxes during election season. This cost to you and me by Civera was $78,000. Was there some useful information in them? yes, but their real purpose was to do everything he could to win the election.
If Mr. Civera is so generous with taxpayer money for his own purposes, one wonders how free he will be with our taxes as Appropriation chairman.
Consider the taxpayer funds he used for his election plus the more than $450,000 privately raised campaign contributions, and his total campaign spending was nearly $700,000. His opponent Casey Roncaglione of Drexel Hill, Delaware County, spent approximately $6,000.
Civera got a $150,000 campaign contribution from House Speaker John Perzel from Philadelphia. Civera was also behind appointing Perzel as Speaker Emeritus as payback for his donations. Why was it so important for Mr. Civera to win? and who does he owe? Is Perzel running Civera's legislative actions.The question becomes who Civera is beholden to. Worse yet is what we don't yet know about the Perzel-Civera partnership.
This information on the abuses of taxpayer waste is coming out of the reform efforts being held by Speaker O'Brien's reform committee.
Not surprisingly, Mr. Civera is silent about this since he was so busy spending our tax money for his own purposes.
Casey Roncaglione
President-DCYD
Drexel Hill, PA

CIVERA BIGGEST TAXSPENDER

2007-03-16T23:46:00.000-04:00

Civera biggest spender of taxpayer money
HARRISBURG -- House Republicans said Thursday that they will curb the cost of their televised public-service announcements -- which totaled $4.4 million in 2005-06. During the 2005-06 session, Rep. Mario Civera, R-Delaware County, aired 10 ads during the same period that cost $114,000. This is our tax money. Critics say the taxpayer-financed ads boost the name recognition of incumbents and their odds for re-election.You never saw one Casey Roncaglione PSA, Civera got $150,000 in campaign contributions from House Speaker John Perzel from Philadelphia. As a matter of fact Mr. Civera outspent me in the Statehouse race by $450.000 to $6.500. Why was it so important for Mr. Civera to win, and who does he owe? Is Perzel running Civera's legislative actions? He helped pay for it.
Then there is the issue of taxpayer funded mailings sent by Mr. Civera, which seem to fill our mail boxes during election season. This cost to you and me was $78,000. Was there some useful information in them? yes, but their real purpose was to do everything he could to win the election. The question becomes whom is he beholden to. Worse yet, is what don't we know yet. His top Harrisburg aide is the highest paid legislative aide making $87,900 per year.This information on the costs are coming out of the reform efforts being held by Speaker O'Brien's reform commition .Yesterday it was reported that 13 House Republicans spent more than $100,000 apiece on the controversial ads during the two-year legislative session. I am calling for an end to the useless PSA's during election years. I am also calling for a limit of three legislative mailings with none mailed within three months of an election. Part of my campaign for State Legislature was to limit state spending, Surprisingly Mr. Civera was silent about this since he was so busy spending so much of or tax money for his own purposes.
Casey Roncaglione

Press Release

2007-03-14T21:14:00.000-04:00

Delaware County Young Democrats President Casey Roncaglione endorses open Primary
For immediate releaseMarch 14, 2007Contact: caseyroncaglione@excite.com
The Delaware County Democratic Party has chosen not to endorse candidates for County offices in the May Primary. Chairman Cliff Wilson said at the County convention last night that the group of candidates for County offices were the strongest he had seen. "Let the voters decide" said Wilson, adding "perhaps our emphasis on party discipline has reduced involvement in our democracy." Casey Roncaglione, President Delco Young Dems concurred. "The quality of these candidates is top notch and the eventual winners will be strong competition for the entrenched county Republicans" said Roncaglione. Roncaglione promised that once the candidates are chosen our Young Dems will go to work to get them elected. "Our Young Democrat organization is becoming one o the strongest in the Commonwealth and can make the difference this November" said Casey Roncaglione.The Democratic candidates are:- Bob Dimond, Media tax collector and former mayor and councilman in East Lansdowne.- John Innelli, securities attorney from Rose Valley and Democratic state committeeman.- David Landau, Nether Providence attorney who chairs the township’s Democratic Party.- Patricia Lewis-West, former Chester councilwoman and Republican convert.- Ann O’Keefe, Haverford attorney who ran a relatively strong campaign for register of wills in 2005.- Rocco Polidoro, former rebel Republican from Springfield who owns an insurance business.- Jayne Young, Lansdowne mayor in the middle of her second term.The Democratic nominees for county Court of Common Pleas are Frank Daly and Michael Farrell.

Upper Darby Police Ride Along

2007-03-08T01:16:00.000-05:00

I had the privilege of taking a ride along on their duties with our Upper Darby Police Department. What an eyeopener. Most time we see them driving by on their way to calls. To be in that car and not knowing what they face when they get to the call is frightening. The odds are that it's routine but it could be a horror where they might not be coming home to their family that night. Our calls ran the gamut from domestics, robberies, gun play and every day cop business.I rode with Captain Ray D'Alesio. A veteran of the department with a thorough knowledge of his Township and the people he serves. Superintendent Chitwood should be proud to have a public servant like the Captain in his department.To allow me this honor of the ride along has given me an insight into the daily duties that these men and women do to make Upper Darby a better place to live. Their jobs are not easy and I think too many people take for granted what is is they contribute to the quality of us everyday citizens.Take for instance Officer Dennis McNamara. He like the officers in our department started his day doing the job he was trained to do. As we all know he didn't make it home that night. It could have happened to any of those men and women who serve and protect. I offer my condolences to his family and hope no other family has to suffer that ultimate loss. It's probably not possible for every Upper Darby citizen to have the chance I did to see first hand what a fine job UDPD do on a daily tour. But please be of the kindness to respect and obey them as they do the tough job that we ask them to do. As a matter of fact the next time you see a cop say hello and thank him or her for the work they do.
Casey Roncaglione

Congratulations Representative Civera

2007-01-19T22:46:00.000-05:00

On November 8th I sent a letter to Mr. Civera congratulating him on his victory in the 2006 election for State Representative.
Today I received that letter in the mail as undeliverable. Therefore, I offer my congratulations to him and wish him the best of luck and hope that he represent us well.

Young Voters

2007-01-14T04:30:00.000-05:00

On November Seventh, 2006 I spent the entire day at a polling place in Drexel Hill.
Of those who came to vote I counted on one hand those whom I considered between the age of 18 and 30. No wonder their issues are given short shift by the elderly politicians. The issues of youth are decided by politicians who forget what it is to strive and succeed at an age where the toughness of living begins. The bottom line, younger voters don't vote.
It would take a political scientist to reason why that is. I have my own opinion, but why we don't take that serious problem and make it a top priority. Of course it is every persons right to exercise their vote. The right to vote was fought by those who spilt their blood so we could plot the course of America. History is replete with the freedom fighters who died for our right to vote, Martin Luther King, suffragettes, South African apartheid fighters, the purple fingers of Iraqi voters who risked life and limb to vote. So why are the youth and so many others so apathetic. Are we so caught up in our daily lives to undertake what those before us who gave their lives so we could exercise this most important right.
Voting is the ultimate reform. Don't vote and the results are obvious. Apathy and uninvolvement is our Representatives and Legislators best friend. The less you care, the more they can keep you uninvolved, the more their actions are without scrutiny. Voting is the ultimate term limit reform, hold them to the fire and they're out. Look at Bryan Lentz and Joe Sestak. Thus leads me to my proposal to encourage voter participation. Statistics tell us voter participation is at an all time low. We need to reverse this trend, but lifelong career incumbents benefit from smaller turnouts and in many cases thwart turnout for their re-election. My proposal is to educate those who find other reasons not to vote and convince them to do so.
I have five proposals to encourage voting.
1. Allow 17 year olds to vote only in primaries. Thus indoctrinating their civic responsibility
2 .Create a tax credit for casting a ballot.
3. Produce public service announcements extoling the historical value of voting
4. Have the state air appeals to encorade young voters to participate.
5. Address the negatives that occur when uninvolvement and apathy results.

These ideas are not borne of my position as a member of the Democratic Party. They are the realization that apathy is a scourge on our society. To be part of a Community entails an obligation to make it a better place when you are part of it. Most of all the young people who follow who will someday thank you for teaching them the value of citizenship that those who have come before you taught you.

Civera loses power

2007-01-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

Now that our State Rep Mario Civera has lost his benefactor and top campaign contributor, Rep John Perzel, what happens now. His claim to fame in the 2006 election was all the state money he gets for the 164th, with Civera's banker Perzel out, who will give him the oversized checks to parade around with. Who will fund his lunches, mailings and legislative TV programs.
With today's action Mr. Civera is weaker as a legislator and we in Delaware County will suffer.

This report on the day comes from Democracy Rising PA
SPECIAL REPORT – THE HITS JUST KEEP ON COMIN’

November 2005
Voters remove Justice Russell Nigro from the Supreme Court.

May 2006
Voters remove Senate President Pro Tempore Bob Jubelirer and Majority Leader Chip Brightbill from the Senate, along with 15 other incumbents.

November 2006
Voters remove House Minority Whip Mike Veon from the House, along with six other incumbents.

January 2007
The voters’ Representatives remove John Perzel, R-Philadelphia, from the Speaker’s chair and prevent former Speaker Bill DeWeese, D-Greene, from replacing him.
As this brief history shows, the voter rebellion for greater integrity in state government took a new turn today. Until today, it was the voters themselves who directly removed political leaders at the ballot box. Today, the people we elected to the House finally acted on our behalf to accomplish the next in a series of victories, all of which were widely thought to be impossible.
Before today, the idea that a third candidate (anyone other than Perzel or DeWeese) could win the Speaker’s election was seen as fantasy. But in today’s Pennsylvania, voters are demanding – and getting – more than the false choices that have been the stock in trade of political leadership in the past.

A Victory for Integrity?
Those whose bottom line was to prevent both Perzel and DeWeese from becoming Speaker can be satisfied with today’s result. But in sadly common legislative fashion, it’s hard to be satisfied with the way our Representatives got there.
Before electing another Philadelphia Republican, Dennis O’Brien, as Speaker by a vote of 105-97 (O’Brien himself did not vote), the House voted twice to overturn rulings by Chief Clerk Roger Nick. The rulings correctly interpreted Mason’s Manual – the official parliamentary authority for the House – to allow Rep. Perzel to speak on his own behalf after being nominated for Speaker.
Perzel had sought to second his own nomination. In fact he had begun to do so, reciting the reforms he was prepared to introduce if elected Speaker. DeWeese interrupted and objected, asking for a ruling as to whether a candidate could second his own nomination.
With two parliamentarians at his side, one who worked for Perzel for years and the other who worked for DeWeese for years, Nick ruled there is nothing in Mason’s Manual to prevent Perzel from speaking on his own behalf.
This was not a partisan ruling by the chief clerk. It was just a ruling that most of the Representatives didn’t want to face. No one cited any provisions to the contrary.
By defeating one procedural motion 98-105 and the other 100-103, the majority of our Representatives telegraphed the final outcome. But they also displayed their apparent conviction that winning is more important than how you play the game and that some speech is not worth protecting.
Some didn’t want to face what Perzel had to say. Some didn’t want to be seen as voting against the substance of his reform agenda. And many, having endured Perzel’s own violations of the rules over many years, decided pay-backs were in order, as if two wrongs really do make a right.
Not that anyone could believe for a moment that Perzel was sincere. His reform agenda for “openness and transparency” was drafted in secret and only at the 11th hour because he smelled defeat. Contrasting that with the previous 18 months following the pay raise, during which time he used his position to stonewall reforms, his speech and a rebuttal by his opponents could have put Representatives on record as supporting true reform. But the debate was not allowed to proceed because the House voted to violate its own rules.
This is not a good sign.
Representatives later adopted temporary rules so that they could study permanent rules to be adopted later. Yet the question of improving House rules has been around for years. Last June, 53 House members proposed 17 changes to the rules. Nothing happened before the election. Nothing happened since the election. Nothing happened today, more than six months later despite an atmosphere charged with the rhetoric of reform.

There’s a new Speaker who is neither DeWeese nor Perzel. But will it make a difference?
Stay tuned. The rules – and our Representatives’ integrity in following the rules – will tell.

Tim Potts, Co-Founder
Democracy Rising PA
www.democracyrisingpa.com
717-243-8570

Mr. Lentz goes to Harrisburg

2006-12-23T14:45:00.000-05:00

The first time I met Brian Lentz was early in 2006. To say it was an honor is an understatement.
Here was a man with a mission.
To accomplish his goal required total self focus, and he did it. Yet, in that campaign, he was big enough to offer his hand to a young man who shared his aspiration.
I will always remember that.
God speed Brian.

Truth in Our House

2006-12-19T11:13:00.000-05:00

I highly recommend Truth in Our House.
It is a must read.

Congressman Elect Joe Sestak

2006-11-20T19:21:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS JOE SESTAK

Joe Sestak is a good man. He will be a great Congressman for all of us. I had the opportunity to meet and work with him this year. In my opinion, we who live in Delaware County are sending the Congress an American statesman. A Representative of, by, and for the people.

Legislator Perks-We Pay

2006-11-18T15:28:00.000-05:00

Commentary - The Evening Bulletin

2006-11-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

The commentary below, published in The Evening Bulletin, in my opinion captured the essence of the campaign for the 164th Legislative seat. I post it for those who don't get The Bulletin, or did not get to read it.
Casey

Commentary

21-Year-Old Roncaglione: The David To Civera's Goliath
By: JIM PANYARD, Special To The Evening Bulletin
11/06/2006
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Mario Civera took office as the state Representative from Pennsylvania's 164th District in 1980, the same year Ronald Reagan was elected President of the United States.Five years later, Casey Roncaglione was born.Reagan served two terms and retired. After 26 years, Civera still has the same job.
Twenty-one years old and a junior at Temple University, Roncaglione now wants that job."I hear a lot about experience and I say, 'Look what experience has gotten us'," Roncaglione says.You've got to like Roncaglione. Thin as a string bean with penetrating brown eyes, he has a smile brimming with the kind of energy bubbling underneath it that led some aging wag to crack years ago, "It is a shame youth is wasted on the young."The Roncaglione team has hit 10,000 doors in the Upper Darby-Drexel Hill area since he started his campaign in the spring.One of his cordovan shoes has a split in the sole that is running into the upper part of the shoe. His dad keeps telling him to get a new pair. "Not until after the election," Casey smiles, looking down at the badge of effort, if not honor.
Roncaglione, a Democrat from Drexel Hill, has scrimped together about $4,000 in campaign money and his staff of volunteers is made up primarily of friends from high school and college.He lives in Delaware County, the home of the politically fabled GOP "War Board" that dates back to the 1920s and the iron-fisted rule of the late John McClure. Democrat wins in the county are as rare as World Series appearances by the Philadelphia Phillies.Republican Civera's campaign has raised something approaching $200,000. He has been a fixture in county political affairs for more than three decades.Welcome to David and Goliath, circa 2006.Just as King Saul could find no one to stand against the giant Philistine, Goliath, the county Democrat party could find no volunteers dying to take on Civera. So, Roncaglione, who began helping the party in high school, went out and got the necessary 300 signatures.
Just as the Israelite soldiers hid in the rocks to watch the anticipated slaughter of the young shepherd, the state House Democrat Campaign Committee in Harrisburg has sent no help to the young upstart and is viewing the race through binoculars.At the face off in tomorrow's election, the kid will be on his own.The kind of special help David received on the fateful day would be welcomed by the Roncaglione campaign. But, rest assured, the youngster will be there, on the ballot and in person.
Civera, 60, stands out in the crowd in Harrisburg primarily because of his sculpted Elvis-like coiffure. In real life, before Harrisburg, he was a barber, businessman and Upper Darby councilman. He has been a backbencher and good soldier during the House reigns of Republican speakers, the late Matt Ryan (Delaware County) and John Perzel (Philadelphia).Though he was elected Majority Policy Committee Chair in 2004, he is seldom heard from or seen speechifying on the House floor.The only albatross obviously being carried by Civera is his vote in favor of the payjacking attempt by the General Assembly in July of last year. Under the plan that was later rescinded in a torrent of public outrage, Civera's salary would have gone from about $79,000 per year to $106,000. He repaid more than $6,000 he accepted in "unvouchered expenses" between the passage of the pay hike and its rescission. In December, if re-elected, his current base pay will rise from about $82,000 to just under $85,000 in light of an annual cost of living allowance for General Assembly members.
The attempted pay grab, monarch-like perquisites and a "business as usual" attitude in Harrisburg are the issues Roncaglione keeps hitting on."Our representatives work for us, not for themselves. They seem to have forgotten that. I won't," Roncaglione vows.The young challenger wants to reduce perks, push for term limits and insists he will not vote for a pay raise. Above all, he says, "I want to do the right thing."If David does upset Goliath, he won't be the first 21-year-old to knock off a Republican incumbent this year. Mark Harris did it to veteran lawmaker Tom Stevenson in the GOP primary in the Mount Lebanon section of Pittsburgh in May.
Things happen.

Jim Panyard can be contacted at integritygp@comcast.net

About Tomorrow

2006-11-15T04:06:00.000-05:00

It's been a week since election day and I've been asked over and over what my plans for the future are. Well, I'm going to concentrate mainly on my education. I also plan to become more involved in our community. Stay tuned here for an announcement about a new program to help our neighbors find solutions to problems and issues they need help with. We all should find ways to volunteer for those in need and I'll be doing that too. We live in a great Township and the more we do the better it will be, I'll be doing my best to do that and be an asset.
As far as my future political aspirations, that's yet to be decided, but not out of the question.
I will also offer my services to our Mayor and School Board for whatever needs they request of me. I will keep this blog active and hope you will all continue to contribute to it with your comments and suggestions. Thanks again to everyone and I hope to hear from you soon.

Casey

Election 2006 Report

2006-11-09T10:24:00.000-05:00

Election 2006 Report-Casey Roncaglione
I'm going to buy new shoes today. Having worn out the soles of the pair I've worn during the campaign season, I am definitely going to need them.
Our effort here in the 164th legislative district was a success. The people I met over the past year were good people, it was my honor to get to know so many of them.
I did not get enough votes to be elected but I lost nothing.
We did better than any other House legislative candidate running against an incumbent in all of Delaware County, except for the victorious Bryan Lentz. My campaign was financially underfunded and discounted by the state party, that's politics, and things change. Those in my corner were ultra supportive, and had nothing to gain by siding with me except for better Government. Their day is coming. The half truths, dirty tricks, intentional blurring of party lines, and pork politics were hard to overcome. This time.
Overall, it makes me proud to have run a positive campaign, on the issues. I thank each and every person in East Lansdowne, Millbourne, Upper Darby, Drexel Hill and beyond for their consideration.
General MacArthur said there is no substitute for victory.
I suppose your definition of victory is what truly matters.
Thank you all, see you soon.
Casey Roncaglione
mailto:caseyroncaglione@excite.com

So much for loyalty

2006-11-08T14:52:00.000-05:00

First off, I'd like to say I respect and admire the Republican organization here in Upper Darby. Over the years your efforts have produced great results, you should be proud.

On November 7th 2006, the solidarity that has made your organization the envy of others was not in evidence. At my polling place, and others, Mr. Swann, Mr. Santorum and Mr. Weldon were thrown under the bus in order to save Mr.Civera. So much for party loyalty. Then, the reality of the trend may have been what you saw and political reality set in. At precinct 3-3, your poll greeter posted signs of every Democrat other than Mr. Civera. When your voters came to vote they were told to vote Democratic except for Mr. Civera, and the final results bore that effort out.

It was like watching the men trample over the women and children heading for the lifeboats on the Titanic. I voted for Mr. Sestak, but I am grateful of the years of service and accomplishments of Mr. Santorum and Mr. Weldon. They deserved better than to be unsupported by the Delco Republican Party.
I place loyalty higher than that. Mr. Civera did win,
but at what cost.

Only the future will be the judge of that.

Casey Roncaglione
mailto:caseyroncaglione@excite.com

Vote November Seventh

2006-11-02T07:45:00.000-05:00

Moving Pennsylvania
and America Forward

Vote November 7th

Thank you,

Casey R. Roncaglione

I ASK YOUR CONSIDERATION TO BE OUR
NEW STATE REPRESENTATIVE
MY PLEDGE TO THE PEOPLE OF
DREXEL HILL UPPER DARBY EAST LANSDOWNE MILLBOURNE
* RESTORE FAITH AND HOPE ** FORTIFY THE FAMILY ** IMPROVE TOMORROW ** DO THE RIGHT THING *
Restore Faith to our arrogant and out of touch government. Restore hope that newly elected representatives will work for us, and not themselves or the special interests, and defeat the career politicians who have forgotten that.
Fortify the family by improving schools and finding new ways to make property taxes less of a burden. Live, grow, and work without government taxes taking the joy out of family life. Make health care more affordable.
Improve Tomorrow with better roads and more public transportation. A better business climate will create better jobs. Make our schools the technological envy of the world, prepare our children for a new future.
Do the Right Thing by always acting in the best interests of our neighbors. Don't ever vote for a legislator pay raise. Institute twelve year term limits for representatives. Cut representative's perks like free cars, free health care, bloated pensions, free haircuts and gifts from lobbyists. Make government transparent, post all votes and legislation within 24 hours.
My message to you is simple. Stop partisan politics and start working together to make our Township a better place to live, work and grow.
I ask for your vote on November 7th.
Thank You,
Casey R. Roncaglione

GettysBLOG: Why the Delco Times Should Print This Letter

2006-10-31T11:47:00.000-05:00

Take a look at this first:

A youthful challenger takes on 13-term incumbent

A friend of ours recently sent a letter to the editors of the Delaware County Daily Times (or Delco Times). It was a letter the Times will never publish.

In a series of recent editorial pieces the Time editorial board issued their endorsements for local candidates in the coming election. The endorsements for state offices were covered in multiple articles, with at least one paragraph devoted to each race. My friend was anxious to see how Casey Roncaglione came out. Here is what the Delco Times had to say in making an endorsement for the 164th Legislative District (Pennsylvania House seat from eastern Delaware County – Upper Darby, East Lansdowne, Millbourne and Drexel Hill):

Pa. House, 164th District. This race at once offers one of the most clear-cut calls, and interesting candidates in the race.

Republican incumbent Mario Civera is another lawmaker whose service stretches for decades. He’s served in Harrisburg for 26 years.

He’s opposed by Democrat Casey Roncaglione, a Temple student and 2004 Upper Darby High graduate. Roncaglione brings the view of a new generation to the race. It’s one that should be encouraged.

Civera voted for the pay hike, and now admits it was a mistake. And he’s heard plenty about it from his constituents, as well as from Roncaglione. But Civera is a valuable member of the Legislature, who has a keen eye on education funding issues, as well as an independent streak, as evidenced by his willingness to back gun-control measures such as one-gun-a-month proposals to combat urban violence. The clear choice in the 164th is Mario Civera.

Now, 26 years is a long time, and for someone with so many years in office, Mr. Civera certainly has not done much to distinguish himself, nor to elevate himself. In fact, one would look at Civera as being ‘comfortable’, and in a ‘cushy’ position. He wields some power, but not much more than a Representative who has been reelected once. Civera is what we would describe as one of the RINOs (Republican In Name Only) that have ruined not only the state Republican Party, but also the state legislature, especially over the last four years under Governor “Fast Eddie” Rendell. The General Assembly has played too close, too cozy and far to cooperative with Rendell, and in return, he signed their pay raise, unconstitutional as it was. The merits of its constitutionality were recently destroyed in a State Supreme Court decision – with Chief Justice Ralph Cappy recusing himself – but most people who know how to read knew on the day after its passage in July of 2005 that it was unconstitutional on several levels.

Civera is a good friend of Speaker of the House John Perzel, who should be indicted for impersonating a Republican.

The raise became a cause celebre for a number of political and civic activist groups, and created a very effective one in Russ Diamond’s Operation Clean Sweep. As a result, coming into the next election, over 50 incumbents will not be running for reelection either by retirement or through being defeated. Many more incumbents are up against candidates backed by Operation Clean Sweep. The Reform movement has its roots in Tim Potts’ Democracy Rising site, and its Roadmap to Reform.

[Note: we strongly urge anyone reading this to visit those sites and become familiar with the material on them. If you already have, it would be a good idea to revisit them and refresh your memory of why Pennsylvania is in the absolute political mess it is, and how to get out of that mess.]

That said, here is the letter written by my friend to the Delco Times regarding their endorsement of Civera:

Editors,

I believe you have made a serious mistake in not backing Casey Roncaglione. By using the logic that Civera is valuable to Delaware County because of his leadership position, you have stepped into the snare that causes the problems we have seen in the legislature over the past few years: greed, avarice, and a total disconnect with the electorate -- and the state Constitution.

The problem IS legislative leadership!

Casey Roncaglione offers a clear alternative to the same old, business-as-usual legislature that has brought us such dillies as the infamous Midnight Pay Raise (which Civera voted for), a tax increase, no legitimate property tax relief (a race track alone will never allow Chester to recover its tax base, but real property tax relief will help!), and no ethics reform or lobbyist disclosure. And they promise to raise the sales tax next term!

So much for the effectiveness of Mario Civera as a part of leadership!

The Pennsylvania House MUST have fresh ideas, members with ethical standards higher than the incumbents, and a new energy to move it out of the path of moneyed interests. Casey Roncaglione offers that choice.

Please reconsider your endorsement. Your readers will respect you for it, the voters will love you for it – and they’ll love having Casey Roncaglione working for them in Harrisburg!

Here is an important point: my friend the letter writer, and myself, are both good conservatives. And here we are advocating for a Democrat and against a Republican. We do so because Reform is more important than partisan politics. We do so because it is not just important, but vital, that the voters of Pennsylvania send a crystal clear message next Tuesday that there must be no more of the business as usual graft and corruption in our General Assembly (indeed, both parties are guilty of such).

In spite of calling it a clear choice, the editorial board of the Delco Times knows full well that to return Civera to office is to vote for continued graft and unconstitutionality in Harrisburg.

It really is that simple, folks. A governor and General Assembly that together have raised your taxes, failed to deliver meaningful legislation on ethics, lobbyist control, property tax reform, and enacted a bill to authorize the expansion of gambling in Pennsylvania that was passed as unconstitutionally as the infamous Midnight Pay Raise!

It does not matter which party you belong to, you must vote for Casey Roncaglione. If you are a Democrat, he is your candidate, and offers the clear choice for State Representative. If you are a Republican, you need to look at Casey Roncaglione’s website and his Blog, and see that his values, and ideas are far more in tune with yours than Civera’s desire to remain ‘comfortable’ in his ‘cushy’ position as part of leadership in a graft-ridden General Assembly.

The clear choice is Roncaglione. Vote Casey Roncaglione in the 164th District on November 7!

GettysBLOG

We support the Roadmap to Reform!

“Kick the hubris out of Harrisburg!” -- THE CENTRIST

“Be steadfast in your anger, be sure in your convictions, be moved by the right and certainty that abuse of power must be defeated at every turn; uphold Liberty as the just reward of a watchful people, and let not those who have infringed upon that Liberty steal it away from you. Never loosen your grip on Liberty!" --GettysBLOG

“Legislation without representation is tyranny.” --GettysBLOG

Remember in November! Before you vote, GettysBLOG!

Copyright © 2006: GettysBLOG; All Rights Reserved.

GettysBLOG is a south-central Pennsylvania conservative blog.

Mr. Civera's Latest TV Commercial

2006-10-29T08:46:00.000-05:00

Mr. Civera claims he lowered property taxes.

Look at your tax bill, that's reality.

Mr. Civera's ad is mostly fiction.

MY PLEDGE

2006-10-24T00:38:00.000-04:00

I ASK YOUR CONSIDERATION TO BE OUR
NEW STATE REPRESENTATIVE
MY PLEDGE TO THE PEOPLE OF
DREXEL HILL UPPER DARBY EAST LANSDOWNE MILLBOURNE
* RESTORE FAITH AND HOPE *
* FORTIFY THE FAMILY *
* IMPROVE TOMORROW *
* DO THE RIGHT THING *

Restore Faith to our arrogant and out of touch government. Restore hope that newly elected representatives will work for us, and not themselves or the special interests, and defeat the career politicians who have forgotten that.
Fortify the family by improving schools and finding new ways to make property taxes less of a burden. Live, grow, and work without government taxes taking the joy out of family life. Make health care more affordable.
Improve Tomorrow with better roads and more public transportation. A better business climate will create better jobs. Make our schools the technological envy of the world, prepare our children for a new future.
Do the Right Thing by always acting in the best interests of our neighbors. Don't ever vote for a legislator pay raise. Institute twelve year term limits for representatives. Cut representative's perks like free cars, free health care, bloated pensions, free haircuts and gifts from lobbyists. Make government transparent, post all votes and legislation within 24 hours.
My message to you is simple. Stop partisan politics and start working together to make our Township a better place to live, work an grow.
I ask for your vote on November 7th.
Thank You,
Casey R. Roncaglione

Mario's TV Campaign Commercials

2006-10-22T08:32:00.000-04:00

No negative ad, that's good, I think we've both tried to be as positive as possible in a political campaign. I can't afford TV ads so I'll respond to his commercial here.
Most of the commercial I saw talks about the money Mr. Civera got for the Township from the State. The thing about that is, every single Representative gets State money for his district. The money is good for the Township, but it's far from a great accomplishment. If I'm elected I'll be able to get the same funds, every Representative does. Overall I would have liked to hear something great, or inspiring, but he does have nice lawn signs.

Spencer: Conversations with the candidates -Daily Times

2006-10-20T04:09:00.000-04:00

...By far, the most delightful candidate to walk into the Daily Times last week was Temple student Casey Roncaglione. He is trying to unseat longtime incumbent Mario Civera, R-164.Casey’s political and governing experience is limited to being president of his high school’s National Honor Society and vice president of his class.Asked if he really thought he had the experience to take a seat in the state legislature, he replied, "I’m happy to be inexperienced. Look what experience has brought us."He turned 21 on Tuesday, cheerfully, and wise beyond his years.Gil Spencer’s column appears Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. E-mail him at gspencer@delcotimes.com.
©DelcoTimes 2006

CIVERA QUOTE ON PAY RAISE

2006-10-17T06:09:00.000-04:00

Civera summed it up better. "Everybody enjoyed the greed of it," he said, "and then we got smacked."
Spencer: Delco legislators: Pay raise was a mistake
Gil Spencer, Times Columnist
10/15/2006

Download Lawn Signs from Website

2006-10-17T00:17:00.000-04:00

The Casey Roncaglione campaign reported today that their lawn signs are still mysteriously disappearing. To counter this thuggery the campaign has created downloadable lawn signs on their website,www.caseyroncaglione.com. The link for the lawn signs is on the right side of the page and the campaign hopes that the 164th district residents in Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, East Lansdowne and Millbourne will reject the unfair treatment of Casey's campaign, download thousands of copies and pass them on to their neighbors as well as those whose signs were stolen.
www.caseyroncaglione.com

A New Commonwealth - Chamber Speech

2006-10-14T23:34:00.000-04:00

My name is Casey Roncaglione and I'm running for State Representative from Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, Millbourne and East Lansdowne. Thank you to the chamber of commerce for holding this event tonight. It's unfortunate that this is the only chance for me to discuss the issues with my career political opponent, 26 year incumbent Mario Civera, since he refuses to debate me, a 21 year old newcomer to politics with new ideas.
Tonight, I would like to talk about four main positions

Number One. Restore faith and hope.
Restore faith in our arrogant and out of touch State legislature. Restore Hope that a new group of representatives will defeat the carrer politicians who have forgotten that they work for us, not for themselves and the special interests who fund their campaigns in return for favortism.

Number Two. Fortify the family.
We must find new ways to eliminate the property tax or at least make it less of a burden to those who are in danger of losing their homes to sheriff sales. State funding of schools should exceed %50.
Our schools must become the technology leaders of the world. No student who must compete on a global level can expect to succeed unless our educational system is the top priority of the state.

Number three. Improve tomorrow.
Pennsylvania's infrastructure will be the major issue in our commonwealth over the next ten years. Public transportation, the stepchild of big oil, has been left to deteriorate. Just think of the positive impact on jobs if Delaware County had an improved and renewed system. Pennsylvania ranks at the bottom of nearly every economic standing in America. Business taxes are too high , investment is too low. Without strong businesses there are no good jobs. How better to improve tomorrow than by making Pennsylvania a Mecca for jobs and business.

Number four. Do the right thing.
Judge every decision by that mantra. If legislation is good for the people of Upper Darby and Pennsylvania, then vote for it, regardless of any special interest complaints. Open the legislature, make transparency for citizens and the press a priority. Post votes and legislation on the internet within 24 hours. Reform the way the legislature does business and cut it's administrative costs. Eliminate the 148 million dollar legislative slush fund and use it for pre K education. Don't ever vote for another pay raise. Eliminate legislator car leases. Institute term limits of 12 years for legislators. The list is too long so I'll leave it there.
Most important of all is to remember legislators work for us, some have forgotten that.

My message to the voters is simple, end the partisan bickering and start working together to make our commonwealth a better place to live, grow and work. Together let's throw the political hacks, money changing lobbyists and political hacks from the steps of the State Capitol.
Let's make it the people's Capitol again.

Casey R. Roncaglione

Stolen Campaign Lawnsigns

2006-10-11T22:32:00.000-04:00

10-11-06
Upper Darby Township
Casey R. Roncaglione
Democratic Candidate 164th District

After a high speed chase through the streets of Upper Darby, going down one way streets and almost hitting pedestrians, a city License and Inspection official was stopped by over 10 Upper Darby Police. The Township official was attempting to avoid being caught by one of my campaign workers who spotted the official stealing my campaign lawn signs. In his trunk were found my political lawn signs, illegally taken from legal Township locations. The signs were taken from private property, whose owners had given permission to me to post the signs. Lawnsigns were also stolen from Roncaglione's home as well as his neighbors and supporters.
The candidate, Casey R. Roncaglione, Democratic candidate in Upper Darby Township, called the actions typical dirty tricks. "I doubt my opponent Mario Civera (R-164) had anything to do with it, but I don't know that for sure," said Roncaglione.
"It's not the end of the world but it is pretty cheap politics, Mr. Civera has over $190,000 in campaign funds, I have a little over $4,000. He could buy 50,000 signs and not even feel it, I have to watch every penny, so a sign is an important expense to me."
Upper Darby Police are filing a report and superintendent Chitwood promised there would be an investigation possibly leading to charges and assigned Lt. Rhoades to lead the investigation. Upper Darby Township, a Republican stronghold has never been too acceptable of competition. Mr. Roncaglione is different though, actually friendly and respective of Mr. Civera.
"Roncaglione spoke to Mr. Civera earlier on the day of the incident to complain that his signs were being taken down. Mr. Civera told Mr. Roncaglione that he doesn't do that and the two parted amicably. Soon after the episode occurred.
Mr. Roncaglione who has pledged a clean campaign hopes this puts an end to the dirty tricks and that the voters get an honest and fair chance to learn the issues to vote for whom they feel can best represent them.

BRING MY FRIENDS HOME

2006-10-10T02:40:00.000-04:00

Mister President bring my friends home. Now.

We miss them, their families miss them, our county misses them. They're the best we've got, just think what good they could do right here at home.

The Iraq war is my generation's Vietnam. Unpopular and deadly.

It is time for our sons and daughters and friends to come home. Some won't be coming home, to their families I offer my sincere sorrow. At least we honor and care for our brothers in arms this time. I know many of my fellow Upper Darby High School classmates serving with honor, doing the best they can in what is now a civil war.
I hope they all come home so no more families suffer that ultimate loss. An Iraqi veteran friend of mine, I won't mention his name, is in bad shape. Physical and mental scars are his daily burden. I visit him every one in a while and we talk about the old days, try to have some fun, but in his eyes is a look that only a few who have been in combat will know. I know I'm only a smalltime State Representative candidate with no say in Washington, but I am a citizen of this great country. As an American citizen I ask, Mr. President bring my friends home. Have the biggest parade the country's ever seen for them. Care for their every need. If they want to go to college, pay for it. Treat their wounds, both physical and mental with the best physicians we have, no matter the cost. Make it a priority that every one of them has work when they return.
Treat them like the heroes they are, like no other veteran has been cared for, you owe it to them Mr Bush.

Casey Roncaglione
www.caseyroncaglione.blogspot.com

Show me the Money

2006-10-09T00:44:00.000-04:00

Show us the cancelled check Mario

My Four Main Campaign Positions

2006-09-30T11:27:00.000-04:00

RESTORE FAITH AND HOPE
FORTIFY FAMILY
IMPROVE TOMORROW
DO THE RIGHT THING

From The Campaign Trail

2006-09-27T13:33:00.000-04:00

I have met many people in my campaign to be the State Representative for Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, East Lansdowne and Millbourne.

All have been gracious, many receptive, one was hard to convince. I knocked on his door and introduced myself, "Hi, my name is Casey Roncaglione and I want to be your next State Representative." No sooner had I finished speaking, the man said he would be voting for Mario Civera because Mr. Civera, who used to be a barber, cut his hair when he was a child. When I told him that Mr.Civera gets free haircuts now, paid for by the taxpayers, he began to listen as I went through the list of perks and freebies that Representatives get.

It's a long list for Mr. Civera, and I told him about some of them.

He gets catered meals, free haircuts, gym memberships, money for his Cadillac lease, travel expenses, food and lodging.

Free health care.

A daily per-diem pay of $141 a day.

"Legislative weekends" in Philadelphia which include free hotels, meals and sports tickets from lobbyists.

Up to $29,400 in office expenses.

A pension that was boosted by %50 in 2001 and free private attorneys to defend leadership against citizen complaints.

Millions of dollars in leadership accounts, where he sent his payraise money, that are used for political advantage.

And that is just a sampling of what we know about.

The man at the door told me this was news to him. I'm not sure I changed his mind about his vote but he was definitely less happy about his haircut memories, and who knows what will happen when he does vote.
And that's the point.
In a time where taxes keep rising, along with the costs of daily living, how can Mr. Civera and fellow Representatives keep taking all these perks while hard working people are paying their own way everyday. I think it's about time that our State Representatives live more like the people they represent instead of treating our treasury as their own personal expense accounts. Why not use a state car, which is much cheaper, instead of a $650 leased Caddy. Contribute to the health plan like everyone else who has insurance. Say no to free gifts from lobbyists who expect favors in return. Pay for your own haircuts and meals.

The cost of state government is a burden on every taxpayer and leaves many worthwhile projects that would benefit our neighborhoods unfunded. Most of these perks would have been unknown to me and the man at the door if it had not been for the Payraise that Mr. Civera and fellow Representatives voted for themselves. The payraise was bad enough, but once the rug was lifted, we began to see how good our Representatives had made life for themselves.

A new Legislature will take over in January and there are many reforms and changes that need to be made. At the top of the list will be ending the free lunch for our Representatives. I'm hoping to be part of the new group of Representatives, and I'll definitely change the way things are done.

After all, our Representatives work for us not for themselves, though it seems many of them have forgotten that. I won't forget.

Casey R. Roncaglione
Democratic Candidate
164th Legislative District

Term Limits and Reform

2006-09-26T12:17:00.000-04:00

Press Release-Casey Roncaglione
9-26-06

Casey Roncaglione, Democratic candidate for State Representative 164th legislative district, today called for term limits on legislators. "Twelve years is long enough for any Representative to serve in Harrisburg, there are too many career politicians who have become too comfortable and thus drifted away from the needs of the people they are elected to serve", said Roncaglione.
Term limits are among a series of reform policies that Casey Roncaglione would like to see implemented in the new legislative term next year. "The legislature will have many new members next year and the climate is right for fresh ideas and changes that will make our government more responsive to the people. Reform in Harrisburg will mean that the people of Upper Darby Township can count on all legislators to be more accountable and that process starts with a citizen legislature and term limits for our representatives.", Roncaglione said.
Meeting with over 20 residents in Drexel Hill, Roncaglione promised that if elected he would serve no more than 12 years. "Our current representative has been in Harrisburg 26 years and what did we get this year? A payraise debacle, little property tax relief, and he won't even debate me on the issues." Roncaglione continued, "We who live in Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, East Lansdowne, and Millbourne need better roads, more public transportation, accessibility to health care, and to get more local investment from the tax money we send to Harrisburg. Career politicians have to be replaced by people with new ideas and a dedication to public service, not personal profit and divisive issues. Reform not Reward." Roncaglione again renewed his request that Mr. Civera debate the issue of term limits and the other matters that the people of Upper Darby Township deserve to be informed about.

To My Neighbors

2006-09-25T10:27:00.000-04:00

With a little over a month to go before election day, I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who has been so kind to me during this campaign.

Thank you all.

I will continue to work hard and meet as many of my neighbors in
Upper Darby Township as I can.
I am dedicated to giving our hometowns the type of public servant that they so deeply deserve.

Casey

Remember the Pay Raise

2006-09-21T12:40:00.000-04:00

DON'T FORGET THE MARIO CIVERA PAYRAISE

Reform - rockthecapitol.org

2006-09-21T12:14:00.000-04:00

I support these reform efforts

Compliance with the constitutional mandate that all bills be subject to three days review by the chamber.

Banning legislative business being conducted between midnight and 8:00 a.m.

Opening the audits of the House of Representatives to public review.

Limiting Committee Chairs to four terms as chair of the same committee.

Providing an automatic calendar, so that each representative is guaranteed a vote on at least one priority initiative each session, with bills that pass committee guaranteed a timely floor vote.

Banning the Appropriations and Rules Committees from making substantive changes to bills (unless it is the committee of origin).

Moving amendment of bills to "second consideration", instead of third, so that lawmakers have more time to review amended bills before the final vote.

Strengthening the Ethics Committee.

Enact a strong, fair and meaningful system for lobbyist disclosure.

Find common ground for passing campaign finance reform.

Amend the Open Records law to include legislative accounts.

Promote public debate and legislative action on issues related the viability of a constitutional convention.

Healthcare

2006-09-16T10:49:00.000-04:00

I was in my doctor's office when I overheard a patient tell the nurse that he had no insurance and couldn't afford a needed procedure. That was sad, and very wrong.
Millions of Americans need affordable healthcare. I don't have all the answers to this sorry situation, but I feel it should be a top priority for every elected official to solve.

PSoTD What Happens When State Legislators Sit In Office for 26 Years?

2006-09-15T14:12:00.000-04:00

PSoTD What Happens When State Legislators Sit In Office for 26 Years?

THE CENTRIST: PA SUPREMES SAY “YES” TO THE PAY-JACKING

2006-09-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

This just in from friend Tim Potts at DemocracyRisingPA. It confirms our worst fears about the Pennsylvania Supreme Court under Chief Justice Ralph Cappy. Here are all the gory details of another major setback for the citizens of Pennsylvania. [We should have bagged both justices last November!]:

Democracy Rising PA News
September 14, 2006

tim@democracyrisingpa.com

717-243-8570

SPECIAL REPORT: PA SUPREMES SAY “YES” TO THE PAY-JACKING

The PA Supreme Court today:
· upheld the way the pay raise was passed;
· declared “unvouchered expenses” to be unconstitutional but allowed lawmakers to keep them – and the higher pensions resulting from them; and
· declared the non-severability clause “unenforceable,” thereby upholding the pay raise for some 1,200 judges throughout the state and local judicial system – including back pay to the date the pay raise was repealed last November.

This is a conspicuously bad decision by a court that has conspicuous contempt for citizens. It is further evidence of the need for a Citizens’ Constitutional Convention to assert the rights of citizens and to reform our courts. Here’s what the decision means to us:

1. The Supreme Court has declared again -- as it did in the gambling case – that stealth legislation is OK with them. They unanimously chose to ignore what the Constitution plainly says, what it plainly meant when it was written, and what the citizens plainly want from their government. From now on, the legislature will use this patently unconstitutional procedure any time it wants to hide what it’s doing from the people, knowing that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania will not lift a pen to defend the democratic rights of citizens.

2. The Supreme Court’s ruling allows lawmakers to profit from an admittedly unconstitutional act The Court said lawmakers who took the unvouchered expenses “acted in good-faith reliance on the presumption of [the pay raise law’s] constitutionality.” Of course, there was nothing but bad faith in the way the pay raise was enacted – not one shred of good faith in the entire year-long process that was hidden from the citizens.

3. The legislature and the governor have abused the presumption of constitutionality that the court relies on. And now the Supreme Court has supremely abused the citizens’ presumption that the courts are fair and unbiased. None of those presumptions is valid, and none of those abuses will go unpunished.

4. The Court of Common Sense will remember this decision next year when judicial retention elections take place. The Supreme Court has given Pennsylvania citizens no choice but to vote off the bench every judge – at every level – who agrees with this gross misinterpretation of our Constitution.

5. This decision is further evidence that Common Cause, the League of Women Voters and others are right to take our cause to federal court. This ruling makes clear that Pennsylvania citizens can have no confidence that their Supreme Court is capable of making legally sound decisions that are faithful to the Constitution and the most fundamental principles of representative democracy.

6. The General Assembly and Governor should do two things as soon as practicable with due regard for the Constitution’s legislative due process rights of citizens that the Court has rejected:

Repeal the pay raise for all future judges who are not already on the bench. This will create a two-tiered payroll system, but there is no other choice to return control to the citizens over what they pay their public servants.
Create an independent panel, like the federal government’s Base Re-Alignment and Closure Commission, to regularly recommend salaries for public officials subject to approval by the General Assembly without amendment.

7. The decision blatantly contradicts Chief Justice Ralph Cappy when it says that “this Court did not play any role in the enactment of the legislation that became Act 44.” The Court’s assertion requires Cappy to release records of every meeting between himself and members of the other branches so that citizens can see whom he met, when, and what effect those meetings had on drafts of what became Act 44. The Court owes the citizens either an apology for this assertion or proof of its truthfulness.

8. Rumor has it that Gene Stilp is fitting the Pay Raise Pig for a judicial robe!

Tim Potts,

Co-Founder

Democracy Rising PA

www.democracyrisingpa.com

P.O. Box 618,

Carlisle, PA 17013

717-243-8570

Thanks, Tim, although the news is bad, it is certainly not unexpected. We know Cappy is less than ethical to start with, and now we know it has spread to the rest of the state courts. Greed wins another round.

I'll bet this really frosts the legislators since the Judges all get their pay raise, all the way back to July of 2005. What a sick deal.

There is no shame in Harrisburg on the part of any elected officials including the judges, and that is a major problem. Get out your brooms for November!

Novus Livy

Support the Roadmap to Reform!

Novus Livy writes two blogs, GettysBLOG, for issues affecting Gettysburg and Adams County, and THE CENTRIST, a Conservative blog dealing with National and State issues.

DEBATE

2006-09-11T11:35:00.000-04:00

I have sent the following letter to my opponent.

Dear Representative Civera,

I officially request that you join me in debate so that the people in the 164th legislative district can get a clear view of who is best to represent them in Harrisburg.
This invitation is being forwarded to our Delaware County newspapers, and the League of Women Voters.
I hope you will accept this invitation. The format of the debate, the place and time are of your choosing.
Please respond as soon as you can do so.

Sincerely yours,

Casey R. Roncaglione
Democratic Candidate
164th Legislative District

I have not gotten a reponse. My opponent has been in office for 26 years, 6 years longer than I've been alive. Is he afraid of new ideas or is his record so bad that he'd rather not talk about it.
The people who live in Drexel Hill, Upper Darby, East Lansdowne and Millbourne deserve to have as much information as they can get to vote for the future of Pennsylvania. Presidents and Senators debate, it's as important that we do the same, right here at home.
How about it Mario?

PennPatriot Supports Casey Roncaglione, Democratic Candidate 164th District Pennsylvania House

2006-09-09T21:26:00.000-04:00

Very rarely in the game of politics does one issue trump every other issue during an election. But, thanks to the pay raise one issue has reached this elite status. That issue is state government reform.

Why is reform so important? All you have to do is look the large amounts of gambling money that has poored into Harrisburg from gambling lobbyists, look at the way gambling and the pay raise was pushed through the state legislature and look at the late night backroom deals that has led our state government down the path of greed and corruption. After examining what has been going on in Harrisburg over the past three years, it's not hard to realize just what is at stake and why change is so important in this upcoming November election.

By pledging to advance the ideas of reform in Pennsylvania one enters a very new and exciting world. A world that is founded on values, ideas and friendships instead of party partisanship, greed and lobbyists. It is a world that crosses party lines and where a conversation on a blog or in an email could lead to new ideas or end up becoming a political movement. Yes reform is exiciting in Pennsylvania.

This is why I am pledging my support to Democratic Candidate for the 164th District State House of Representatives, Casey Roncaglione. Casey understands what is at stake in this election and is dedicated to advancing the state government reforms layed out in Democracy Rising's Roadmap for Reform. Casey is challenging a tough Republican RINO, Rep. Mario Civera. Civera voted for the pay raise and had no intention of returning the pay raise after it was repealed. It is time for out of touch republican and democratic state legislators to get their walking papers from the voters this November.

Politics should be about doing the right thing. Casey has pledge to do the right thing as your state legislator. I would encourage the voters of the 164th District to step up and do the right thing by voting for Casey Roncaglione this November.

Our message to the people of Pennsylvania is simple. Lets work together to knock the greedy lobbyists, political pundits and power hungary politicians out of our state government. Please join PennPatriot Online and Gettysblog in supporting candidates like Casey Roncaglione that have pledged to advance reform in Pennsylvania.

One person can do a lot to help advance the reform movement.

Contact your local legislator and tell them to support the road map to reform
Tell you legislator to support changing the leadership in the State Legislature
Write a letter to the editor of you local Newspaper
Become an advocate for the road map
Email a friend and urge them to do the same

Please support these reform groups that are advocates for state government reform

Common Cause Pennsylvania
Commonwealth Foundation
League Of Women Voters
PA Citizens For Legislative Accountability
PA Council of Churches
Rock The Capital
Stop the Illegal Pay Raise, INC
Young Conservatives of Pennsylvania (YCOP)

For more information on state government reform check out IssuesPA & PA Taxpayers Cyber Coalition

If you are a PA blogger please join us in supporting the roadmap to reform.

Add the Reform Now Banner below to your website and link it to

Democracy Rising's Roadmap to Reform Page. Encourage your visitors to support the Blogs For PA Reform on PennPatriot Online. Drop me an email to be added to the list.

PennPatriot is the leading political blogger in the midstate area. Bookmark and read his blogs at: http://pennpatriot.blogspot.com/

Why Roncaglione Trumps Civera

2006-09-04T03:08:00.000-04:00

Reprinted from GettysBLOG, and from THE CENTRIST.

We have roots in Delaware County, so we take an interest in the goings-on in that neck of the woods. A while back we surfed our way into several interesting blogsites from Delco, including, but not limited to: Delaware County for a Better Democracy, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and its companion blog, I Live In Delaware County. We were also caught up by the wonderful, wickedly pointed Common Sense, and have been disappointed that there have been no posts since May.

What really drew our attention was the website and blog of a rising young political hopeful who has the courage of his convictions to step up and challenge an entrenched RINO [Republican in Name Only] for a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Casey Roncaglione is a student at Temple University who got sick and tired of seeing the fat cats in Harassburg get fatter, more harassing and graft laden with every passing moment. Our General Assembly no longer represents their constituents, but rather represents only their members. Statewide, both political parties have abandoned their roots, endorsing candidates who seek only to feather their own nests at the expense of the taxpaying public. Casey Roncaglione seeks to unseat a card-carrying charter member of the Great Pennsylvania Legislative Graft and Mutual Influence Machine. The GPLG&MIM is comprised mostly of lawyers [no surprise there…and we all know what Shakespeare had to say about lawyers] who have perverted the Pennsylvania Constitution and made a mockery of the legislation supposedly enacted to protect the public from just such people as the current representative of the 164th Legislative District, one Mario Civera.

“Civera is entrenched in a legislative position of leadership and we do not want Delaware County to lose that edge.”, you reason. “Casey is young and inexperienced.”, you state.

It is for those reasons, among others, that Roncaglione, and other first time candidates facing long-term incumbents should be your first choice come November’s General Election. If you haven’t figured out by now that all that experience gained by Mario Civera is what has enabled him, and his fellow ‘fat cats’ to pass flawed and unconstitutional laws in an unconstitutional fashion [Act 71 of 2004, Act 72 of 2004, the Pay Raise of 2005], and to dance the Gamblers Dance with the lobbyists from the casino industry, milking them for what the State Legislators think is all they are worth, but in reality is only a pittance. In other words, our General Assembly members, especially those in leadership positions like Civera, can’t even commit graft to any degree of competency.

Our Pennsylvania General Assembly is an embarrassment, the laughing-stock of the nation. Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation with no lobbyist disclosure law [No, the weak piece of pseudo-legislation that John Perzel pushed early this summer would not have worked, and indeed, would allow the legislators to get away with even more than they already do!].

Elected officials from the Borough, Town Council, and Township level on up give only lip service to our toothless Sunshine Law, sometimes not bothering to conceal their contempt for it when they blithely declare, “It does not apply.”

And one has to wonder why the taxpayers of this once great Commonwealth are forced to pay much more than $1 million in legal and PR fees for the State Senator from Philadelphia, Prince Vince Fumo, who is under investigation by the Feds for money shenanigans allegedly involving his non-profit corporation. Pardon me, but I never okayed that money being spent for his personal legal expenses! No body ever asked me, either. This guy just walked into about $80 million when he sold his family bank, so its not like he needed the money…he simply felt he was entitled to it, so he went ahead and spent it!

Even worse is an arrogant Speaker of the House who just cannot keep his mouth shut, in spite of the sound advice to do so given by his tax-payer funded attorneys! Perzel has apologized for last summer’s pay raise – and then proceeded to defend it by pointing out that some of his legislators have bad credit because they don’t make enough money! [And these folks only work, what, 72 days a year? 77 maybe?]

What’s wrong with this picture?

That kind of hubris, that kind of graft and the corruption that goes along with it, that arrogant disregard for the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, that selfishness, and pure, unadulterated greed has gotten the citizens of Pennsylvania into a deep mess the remedy for which requires heroic efforts, courage, and determination on the part of the Pennsylvania Electorate.

Look, I am a conservative [currently abandoned by my party], but to me that is irrelevant. This problem is deep enough that it transcends partisan politics.

The chronicler of the Constitutional Convention, and fourth President of the United States of America, James Madison wrote, "I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations."

That describes exactly what has happened in Pennsylvania.

There is something rotten in the State of Pennsylvania, and it is the General Assembly. People like Fumo, Perzel – and his lackey Mario Civera – have put us in a condition of terrible jeopardy by their utter greed and avarice. They have made me ashamed to be from Pennsylvania.

Call Casey Roncaglione a crusader, but that is exactly what we need. Casey’s élan, and intellect should serve us well in the House of Representatives. He has shown an insightful and analytical mind, clearly grasping the issues, and identifying the problems that need to be solved. He has embraced the Roadmap to Reform, and has vowed to work for meaningful changes in the way the General Assembly conducts the business of legislation. [click on the thumb print to visit the Roadmap to Reform.]

Mr. Roncaglione will provide a breath of fresh air in an otherwise foul and odiferous environment. We pray there will be many like Casey: new members of the legislature. For every new person elected, an incumbent is not. That is a first step to victory for the reform of our state government. Casey Roncaglione has much to offer the people of the 164th District, and the citizens of Pennsylvania. Explore his blog, and his website Casey Roncaglione for State Representative, and see what he is all about. Make an effort to get to know who he is and what he stands for. I think he’d make a pretty good Republican; I also think he’s pretty good for a Democrat! He’s genuine, folks. And he is one of you/us.

We urge you in November to first make sure you go to the polls and vote. When you vote, we urge you to vote to regain control of your Commonwealth, and the way to do that is to vote out Mario Civera, complicit in what is very wrong in Harrisburg, and elect Casey Roncaglione, to give Delaware County and Pennsylvania a fresh, clean start.

Remember in November! Vote! And when you do, VOTE RONCAGLIONE!

Novus Livy

Novus Livy writes two blogs, GettysBLOG, for issues affecting Gettysburg and Adams County, and THE CENTRIST, a Conservative blog dealing with National and State issues.

DEBATE

2006-09-02T20:39:00.000-04:00

Dear Representative Civera,

I officially request that you join me in debate so that the people in the 164th legislative district can get a clearer view of who is best to represent them in Harrisburg.
This invitation is being forwarded to Mr. Phil Heron, of the Delaware County Daily Times, and the LWV.
I hope you will accept this invitation. The format of the debate, the place and time are of your choosing.
Please respond as soon as you can do so.

Sincerely yours,

Casey R. Roncaglione
Democratic Candidate
164th Legislative District

The Pennsylvania Progressive: Lawmaker Goes Ballistic at Immigration Hearing

2006-09-02T12:53:00.000-04:00

The Pennsylvania Progressive: Lawmaker Goes Ballistic at Immigration Hearing

From the Daily News

2006-08-31T18:07:00.000-04:00

Philadelphia Daily News (PA)

Here comes fruit from Harrisburglar tree
STU BYKOFSKY

THE TREE of trust poisoned by last summer's legislative pay grab is bearing sweet fruit: Fresh-faced candidates are lining up to run against the Harrisburglars.

The Harrisburglars are lawmakers turned lawbreakers who voted themselves a middle-of-the-night, no-public-hearing, giant pay increase, then gobbled up the money immediately in the form of "unvouchered expenses." They turned public service, which should be a public trust, into a public trough.
Today in Harrisburg, PACleanSweep, a nonpartisan, grass-roots group that coalesced to fight the pay grab, will announce candidates for the Pennsylvania General Assembly who, they say, have pledged to restore honor and integrity to the Legislature.

They want to turn the whorehouse into a civil house.

Last November, when Pennsylvanians kicked Russell Nigro off the state Supreme Court, he was just a stand-in. Angry voters this November can wrap their fingers around the throats of the real villains who took the money and ran.

The PACleanSweep list of candidates - around 140 - will be made available today or tomorrow. But on my own, I found two men who will tackle entrenched opponents who took the money, one in Delaware County and one in Philadelphia...

The other challenger's campaign headquarters is in the basement of his parents' Drexel Hill home.

Temple sophomore Casey Roncaglione isn't old enough to drink, but he is old enough to think - and he thinks Delco's 146th District has been ruled by Republican Mario Civera long enough. (Civera's been in the House six years longer than Casey's been alive.)

Roncaglione says Civera, 59, is looking out for himself. The 20-year-old Roncaglione, who will run as a Democrat, is idealistic enough to think that's not the way it's supposed to be, adding he can wrap his Temple classes around his public service.

Farnese and Roncaglione, and most of those announcing today, are politically inexperienced, which means they haven't yet learned indifference to constituents, nor fallen under the sway of oily power brokers such as Ron White (local, Democrat) or Jack Abramoff (national, Republican).

And I'll take inexperience over arrogance. *

Remember

2006-08-22T10:57:00.000-04:00

Just a reminder.
The first public statement from Mario Civera on the payraise came last week,
"We made a mistake". Finally...

2006-08-12T23:58:00.000-04:00

OUR NEXT CONGRESSMAN JOE SESTAK

2006-08-11T14:27:00.000-04:00

GET READY

2006-08-11T14:09:00.000-04:00

Get ready for the big push to November.
By the by, Civera is running scared. Have you ever seen him campaigning more than he has been before. The problem is that the more he tries the worse he does. It's reminding people of how bad a legislator he has been. So keep it up Mario, the more they see you the better for me.

2006-07-12T14:01:00.000-04:00

In our continuing effort to meet the people of the 164th legislative district, this great group of volunteers canvassed in Drexel Hill. I hope to meet as many people as I can and let it be known that there is a clear choice this time. Thanks to the volunteers. We're going to keep it going right up to November and beyond.
Casey

This is theTax Plan???

2006-06-30T11:39:00.000-04:00

The claim by Representative Civera that the Property Tax Cut is big news is not true.

The tax plan that Civera took credit for Tuesday is not a tax cut, it's a rebate plan for a small group of senior citizens who will never see any money since what little there is won't come until the 2009-10 school year at the earliest.

The rest of the us will get nothng from this "property tax cut."

The plan is based on the need for gamblers, many from Upper Darby whom are senior citizens, to lose $1 billion when the slot parlors finally open in 2009 or 2010. For now Civera and the Legislature will borrow $400 million from the state lottery to fund the rebate and pay it back from gambling revenues. Is this tax relief?

In the meantime, the Upper Darby school district will raise property taxes in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Under this scheme we will all be paying more in taxes in 2010 than today. That's what Mario Civera considers a property tax plan.

This tax rebate plan leaves 80 percent of Drexel Hill, Upper Darby, East Lansdowne and Millbourne omeowners without any relief.

With the signing of this legislation, Mario Civera has once again broken his promise to drop property taxes for everyone in the 164th district in order to fool the electorate and keep his job. Calling it a "good first step" after almost 30 years in office is a recognition by Representative Civera of his ineffectiveness. This plan, coming four months before the election, was an attempt to placate homeowners and put distance from his payraise vote and his tiring of being our Representative.

We here in Delaware County will have a clear choice this November when we elect a new legislature. I pledge to repeal this failed legislation and take the bold action that is needed to totally eliminate the school property tax.

The Harrisburg team-Civera and Perzel

2006-06-25T19:54:00.000-04:00

Yoke around your neck

2006-06-21T17:02:00.000-04:00

For the past few weeks I have been concentrating my efforts meeting my constituents by going door to door in the 164th district, (Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, East Lansdowne and Millbourne). The results have been encouraging. Democrats, most Republicans and Independents are generally fed up with Mario Civera and for that matter the entire Delaware County legislative delegation.
The reasons are too numerous to print here, but to say they are unhappy is an understatement.
I’ve walked so much that my shoes are falling apart, but I’ve decided to not buy a new pair until the election is over as a statement of my determination to get the truth to the people. Hard work and and truth are worth a little shoeleather. When we get the representation that Upper Darby receives, I’ll get a new pair of shoes. Years and years of business as usual take a big effort to change and open minds, so far a pair of worn out shoes are the least of my problems. To alert my neighbors that they have been taken for granted and their needs have been subverted by special interests, PAC money, and those interests are secondary is well worth my wearing out my shoes.
To my neighbors, let’s look at the past weeks what has been done by our legislature and their paid agents. Mr. McNichol, leader of the Delaware democatic party, tries to blame the Governor for the payraise. Did he not forget that his own legislators voted for and took the raise. Only after I and many others shamed them to repeal the vote, they did so, after much dismay. We protested Mario Civera’s office, had the police ask us to leave, and we heard unspeakable vitrol from those who Mr. Civera sent to get rid of us. We won’t go anywhere until the legislature returns to the founding fathers their constitution, and can once again be proud that the people are honoring that constitution which they wrote with their blood. Be sure these burglars will try it again as soon a we are not looking, but that time is past.
McNichol, you called our Governor childish and used disrespectful personal names attacking his policies and person, that is not the way he should be addressed. What have you done except for foisting look alike legislators that do nothing but follow your lead is to subvert the betterment of our Commonwealth.Your exclusion of those not in your club is UnAmerican.
Mr. Swann called for the reduction in the size of the Legislature. Our Mario said let’s study the idea, typically saying nothing and playing it safe rather than taking a stand preferring to stand in the safety of the back room and stick your finger in the wind to see which way the political winds are blowing.. Mr. Civera should study his own ideas instead of following the leader, being that his only goal is to be re-elected and run as far from Swann as possible. Mr. Civera , your time has ended.
The property tax bill is a joke, our legislators spent more time calculating the number of votes they would get by pampering to the 10% who might benefit while forgoing the majority’s those who will end up paying for this boondoggle. Civera, Perzel, McNichol and Sexton think that they represent the Republican party, but they forgot the people have abandoned them. In order to get a little closer to those who read this newspaper, and buy the rhetoric, they produce out of touch ideas that their constituents have left behind with the Falwell, Gingrich, Bush and Nixon camps. We are the new Pennsylvania, new Republicans, Democrats, new Americans, your time has come and gone.
To the people of Upper Darby, East Lansdowne, Drexel Hill and Millbourne; On a personal note if I might. My campaign is underfunded compared to Mr. Civera. One of the reasons is that he say’s yes to any PAC willing to buy his vote, I will take no PAC money.
His staff compose letters against me, finding supporters to sign their name to them, thus giving them credence. Anyone with a brain can see through this. I put forth my opinions with my name, unafraid of the results. The truth will win out and I am sure your readers can read through the lines. Be sure of this, I am determined and convicted to offer an alternative to the politics as usual that has dominated local politics that have given these incumbents the arrogance to treat you as sheep and herd you into the pens of their desires and votes. I have the key to unlock those pens and give you all
the freedom to choose your own way of life and decide once and for all a say in your lives and get this repressive government off your back and make it a partner and not a yoke around your neck.

Payback Time Coming This November

2006-05-25T12:22:00.000-04:00

This Primary 2006 is when Delaware County told Pennsylvania that it was waiting for November to payback Mario Civera, when the vote counts for real change.
Something important was proven on Primary day. Compared to Primary 2004, 40 percent fewer Republican votes were cast for my opponent, Represetative Mario Civera. The anti-incumbent fervor is alive and well here in Delaware County. This revolution is waiting for the November 7th election to deliver it's decisive blow.
This revolt is about more than just the payjacking, self serving, do nothing, tax fleecing riders of the Harrisburg gravy train. It's about the "fat cat" culture of privlege, greed and arrogance of our Legislators, featuring too much taxation with too poor representation. This is not a Republican or Democratic revolution, but a Pennsylvanian revolution. The time has come to overhaul State Government and it can't be done if we send Mr. Civera back to Harrisburg in his taxpayer funded Cadillac.
Our Representative traded his responsibility and accountability as our advocate for personal gain and the interests of those who can pay the most to keep him in office. Six months until November, worth waiting for to again have representation of the people, by the people and for the people.
Beware the wrath of a patient people. We are waiting, it won't be too much longer.

Casey R. Roncaglione

Primary Results

2006-05-18T19:43:00.000-04:00

Thank you all who voted for me on Tuesday. I was at most polling places and the response was heartwarming and encouraging. I will also tell you that more than a few good Republicans offered their support this November. I will be at every home from now till November and I hope to convince you all, Republicans, Democrats and others that I will represent you the way you deserve to be represented.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed people can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
— Margaret Mead

World War Two Lunch

2006-05-18T19:34:00.000-04:00

Thank you Mr. Civera for hosting me at your luncheon. Will you join me in rewarding these brave men and women with more than just a lunch. I propose legislation forgiving state taxes for these heroic veterans for the remainder of their days. Then we can work on the same for those other brave souls who fought for our freedoms in all other wars.
Thank you.
Casey Roncaglione

PRIMARY

2006-05-16T04:29:00.000-04:00

Vote Today. The blood that was shed, and is being shed, to allow us this freedom must be honored by our participation. Of course I ask for your vote, but I'd rather see you at the polls even if you don't cast it for me. I am so proud to be on the ballot. I think of all those who gave their lives for us to have this privledge. See you there.

MARIO IS THE LEGISLATURE

2006-05-11T06:17:00.000-04:00

The polls tell us that we are disgusted with our Pennsylvania Legislature. Yet, the same polls tell us we are not as disgusted with our own Legislator. Does this make any sense? Are they not one in the same? Our own Mario Civera stood with the Republican caucus, clapping like a seal approving with his leadership's decision to kill the property tax relief plan. This plan, not perfect, was at least a start towards breaking the 30 year logjam. Mr. Civera talks out of both sides of his mouth. On one hand he said he favored the plan, yet he stood in the Capitol Rotunda with his Republican caucus applauding the death of the property tax bill that would have at least offered some help to those who needed it most. His loyalty is to the Harrisburg leaders, of which he is one, rather than the people he represents here in Upper Darby, the 164th District. How many people will lose their homes while Civera and the Republicans fiddle in Harrisburg. Before it's too late I implore you to
understand that Mario Civera is the Legislature. Unable to accomplish the things that matter most of us here at home. Instead of taking a stand, being a leader, Mr. Civera prefers to stand in the political safety of the backround. Making no noise, taking no chances and more concerned with being re-elected than doing what's right. If there was ever an opportunity to send the message that the time has come for a change, it is now. As much as you may like Mario personally, as I do, he no longer deserves to represent us in Harrisburg. The go along party politics has us mired in quicksand, all Mario does is follow the leader. How about following us for a change, have some guts and do something bold. I've not mentioned myself thusfar, but it's clear that I will be the opposite of Mr. Civera in the Legislature. Bold action will be my byword, I won't stop until the people of Upper Darby get what they want and need. Sure, I could hold meaningless hearings, and make promise, promise, promise.
I choose a different direction. Pennsylvania first, Upper Darby first, the people first. Make the tough decisions and toss the consultants and lobbyists out the door. People first, simple.

Casey R. Roncaglione

DID NOTHING, AGAIN

2006-05-04T13:42:00.000-04:00

After months of promises for property tax relief, Mario Civera and the Republican led Legislature did nothing. Citing the need to do more, do better, THEY DID NOTHING. Yet this May 16th, primary day, you will go to the polls, what can you Republicans do to voice your disapointment? I propose you write in my name on the Republican ballot instead of Mario's. He'll get the message that you are unhappy with the do nothing Legislature of which Mario is a leader. Our outrage made him give back the payraise, our pressure made him reluctantly support minimum wage increases. You can send another message by writing my name in on his ballot, DO SOMETHING.
It is obvious the only force strong enough to get the message across is that his job is on the line.
They, the Legislature and Mario, must stop playing politics and DO SOMETHING.

MARIO CIVERA - HARRISBURG "FAT CAT"

2006-04-22T20:02:00.000-04:00

DON'T FORGET THE PAYRAISE
DON'T FORGET THE PER DIEM
DON'T FORGET THE FREE MEALS
NO PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
NO LOBBYIST REFORM
TOO MUCH TAXATION, NOT ENOUGH REPRESENTATION

Letter to Daily Times

2006-04-18T00:31:00.000-04:00

Primary is just the Beginning

The embers of discontent are still burning in Delaware County, and in November the blaze will erupt. One can only scream so much before the voice grows hoarse and needs to rest and recuperate. Be assured that memory has no such need, people are not forgetting that their Legislators betrayed them. I've spoken with hundreds of people and visited countless homes, most of them are quietly waiting for November to pay back that betrayal. Howard Beale is dead but the "mad as hell" is alive and well.
Look at what's happened thus far. A vote for the minimum wage, a giveback of the raise, and attempts to make up for their arrogance. When I organized the Delaware County protest against the payraise, little did I realize that the result would be to remind our Legislators that they work for us and not that we work for them. Even if I don't win the election, the fact that reminding those who have represented us for too long that we do care is a victory. But I do plan on winning. New ideas and a respect for those who we wish to represnt is a breath of fresh air to those who have been taken for granted for too long. Your opinion that threre won't be much turnover has validity. Those in power have incredible advantages against challengers, particularly a 20 year old challenger whose opponent has been in office longer than I've been alive. Even with that the people I've met are ready for a change and I'm preparing to be the best Representative Upper Darby has ever seen. My opponent's big claim is that he delivers, but that's only part of the job. I'll deliver too, but I will never forget that I'm the employee and the people are my boss. I guess what I'm saying is don't underestimate the power of the silent majority who care more about integrity of our Legislature than the fact that it's always been this way so why expect anything different. I think you'll need an extra large printing of the Delaware County Daily Times on November 8th.

DEBATE WITH REPRESENTATIVE CIVERA

2006-03-19T11:26:00.000-05:00

The Honorable Mario Civera Jr.
Harrisburg, PA

I don't think you'll be able to get by this election by ignoring your opponent as you have done in past years. Therefore, I challenge you to debate the issues that face Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, Millbourne and East Lansdowne. The voters of the 164th district deserve an issue oriented examination of who we are and what we plan to do in Harrisburg next year and the years that follow.
You have been strangely silent about the challenges that confront us here in Upper Darby and the Commonwealth, seemingly content to rehash the same old public relations releases, paid for with our tax dollars. Can you face the scrutiny of an open and honest debate without the support of your incumbent driven publicity machine?
I propose Four Debates. If you feel more are needed, all the better.
It's been so long since we've heard from you that I'm sure Republicans, Democrats and Independents would welcome such an exchange of ideas. This election year is crucial to the future of our Pennsylvania. If new ideas and creative solutions are not explored we face a repeat of the past, and that would be a grave error, even you would have to agree with that.
In the meantime I implore you take action on the following matters that will come before you in the remaining Legislative session.
1. Vote to raise the minimum wage to $7.15 an hour, immediately.
2. Support serious government reform with strong Lobbyist disclosure.
3. Stop playing politics with property tax reform and get it done.
I look forward to your acceptance of this offer to allow our neighbors to hear a serious and important discussion of the future. I have forwarded this letter to The League Of Women Voters, and the News Media. Details of our debates can be arranged in any way you feel they can be best made available to the most voters in our District.

Sincerely,
Casey Roncaglione

Comments & Questions

2006-02-26T09:09:00.000-05:00

Positions

2006-02-13T23:37:00.000-05:00

My positions in this election are far reaching and include the issues that matter most to us here in Upper Darby, Drexel Hill, Millbourne and East Lansdowne.
Here are just a few of my Legislative priorities:
Improving the economic standing of every family in our district.
New approaches to breaking the property tax logjam.
Better paying jobs, closer to home and a living wage to go along with them, I support raising the minimum wage.
Serious lobbyist reform, full reporting of all gifts, meals and money spent influencing Legislators.
Sunshine laws so we can know what goes on behind the closed doors of our State Legislature.
Fund all levels of Education fairly, make sure our future generations can compete in the global economy.
Make the right to vote inclusive, including allowing 16 and 17 year olds to vote in Primaries so learning civic responsibility starts at a younger age.
Expand care for our Seniors, Veterans, and National Gaurd.
Total support and better compensation for those active service members who protect our freedoms and way of life.
There is more to my platform but I'll leave it at that for now.
I want to make our neighborhoods better places to live, work and grow.
I will focus my campaign on the future not on the past, on what I can do differently than my opponent to represent you better. I certainly don't need to dwell on or remind anyone about his dismal record and failures, he has done that quite well without my help.

What would you do to change the Legislature?

2006-02-13T21:28:00.000-05:00

BOLD ACTION