Day: November 12, 2009

Pa. Ponders The Wisdom Of Letting Public Workers Strike

The grasping and gratuitous strike by members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 bringing a stop to bus, trolley and subway service in Southeastern Pennsylvania for a week has Harrisburg considering whether the state should remain one of 10 that allows strikes by some public employees such as transit workers..

If the proposed strike prohibitions were extended to public school teachers, a very real easing of the property tax burden would begin as contracts began to expire.

Regarding SEPTA, I’m still wondering about that forensic audit of the pension plan that was a big issue for a day then disappeared. If I were a TWU rank and filer, I think I’d be a tad concerned about my retirement plans.

A Republican Scandal Looms, Will Inky Mention Party?

Yesterday, I said that GOP scandals are less in frequency and magnitude and lo and behold one looms according to Tony Phyrillas. 

Phyrillas reports that Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett has announced that 10 Republicans connected to the Pennsylvania Legislature, includingformer Speaker of the House John Perzel, have been charged in scheme masterminded by Perzel to funnel $10 million in tax dollars to political campaigns.

So, how is that different than state and federal grants to ACORN?

Seriously, kudos to Corbett.

And who wants to bet a dozen donuts that tomorrow’s Inky mentions the party? Two dozen says it’s in the headline. Three dozen says they don’t mention Corbett’s party affiliation. (Yes, he’s a Republican).

Here’s a link to Corbett’s website detailing names and charges.

Christie To Headline Meehan Fundraiser

New Jersey Governer-elect Chris Christie will headline a Dec. 2 fundraiser for congressional  candidate Pat Meehan who is seeking to swing the Pennsylvania 7th seat now held by Joe Sestak back to the GOP.

With Sestak running for senate, the front-runner to represent the Dems in the race is State Rep. Bryan Lentz (D-161) albeit it State Rep. Greg Vitali (D-166),  environmental  lawyer Gail Conner, and political consultant Teresa Touey have also expressed interest in the seat.