Category: Pennsylvania Governor

Guzzardi Explains Campaign

Guzzardi Explains Campaign — Bob Guzzardi, whose roots and sympathies are firmly in the middle class of the Springfield, Delaware County where he grew up, is opposing incumbent Gov. Tom Corbett in the May20 primary election.

Guzzardi is running a self-funded campaign in which he is pointedly refusing all donations. It may be historic.

Here are the policy answers he provided to a questionnaire from the York Daily Record.

Should Pennsylvania sell and privatize the state-owned wine and liquor stores?

It is not the government’s core function to operate, control and promote the use of beer, wine and liquor. There needs to be a “separation of sin and state”. It is the role of government to tax and regulate. We need the traffic cop. If the liquor stores had been sold, the proceeds could have been used to fund both pension spike and “crumbling roads and bridges falling down.”

Do you support privatizing management of the state lottery?

The lottery is not only gambling but it is a rigged game. It is not a core function of government to operate, control and promote gambling. There needs to be a “separation of sin and state”. It is the role of government to tax and regulate. We need a traffic cop. Proceeds of a sale can be used to finance both the pension spike and “crumbling roads and bridges falling down.

Should Pennsylvania raise the minimum wage?

The best job training is a job. Raising cost of labor means fewer jobs. An arbitrary, artificial and inflated wage rate centrally planned government bureaucrats punishes silent victims, particularly, in inner city by reducing jobs available. Higher minimum wage correlates with higher unemployment among young adults, particularly, those with limited work experience, limited training and limited skills.

Spiraling unemployment about young black men will not be helped by an artificial wage.

Do you approve or disapprove of the transportation spending bill that was signed into law in November?

Act 89 of 2013, clearly, violates Article VIII, Section 11 of the Pennsylvania Constitution as well as Articles III, Section 1 and Section 3. It imposes a $2.4 billion dollar tax increase on motorists, truckers and the trucking industry. There was no grassroots demand to repair crumbling roads and bridges falling down injuring and killing children but an industry driven initiative by campaign contributing crony hacks benefitting from billions of highway contracts. Secretary of Transportation Barry Schoch was, in effect, a highway contractor lobbyist before Gov. Corbett appointed him Sec. of Transportation.

Do you support state funding for charter schools?

I support expanding parental choice and control in education decisions. Parental control over a child’s education is the key to providing a “thorough and efficient system of public education” as required by Pa Con Article 3 Section 14.

I support expanding and funding Charter Schools, Cyber Charter Schools, Education Improvement Tax Credits, and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credits. Charter schools are safer than government schools which are unionized bureaucracies. Non-union charter schools cost about 80% of cost of unsafe and educationally dysfunctional government schools.

I will not increase government spending and that may mean goring the ox of the unionized government bureaucracy school monopoly. If government schools are so good, why are parents forced to use them?

Do you support or oppose a plan to require new state employees to participate in a 401(k)-style retirement plan as opposed to a current state employee pension system?

“Perhaps the most important thing taxpayers should know is that the state has
been spending more than it collects in revenue for six straight years. Gov.
Corbett’s proposed budget would make that a seventh year.”
Elizabeth Stelle of Commonwealth Foundation Feb. 6, 2014

Auditor General DePasquale warns of municipal tax increases and bankruptcies
because of the pension spike.
Scranton Times Tribune, March 2, 2014

“State Spending is at an All-Time High
Elizabeth Stelle of Commonwealth Foundation Feb. 6, 2014

PSERS and SERS project total taxpayer contributions for these two plans will increase from $1.7 billion in 2011-12 to more than $6.1 billion in 2016-17
a 257 percent increase.

Commonwealth Foundation, March 15, 2014

For drilling, should Pennsylvania have a severance tax based on the volume of natural gas produced or an impact fee based on the number of wells in operation?

All gas, oil and drilling companies pay all Pennsylvania business taxes like any other business corporation. “The Power to tax involves the power to destroy”. When one business is singled out for special taxation, then any business can be targeted; no business is safe from the General Assembly’s avarice. More power to the General Assembly means fewer resources for individual citizens to pursue happiness in the way they choose.

SPENDING IS THE FOCUS OF MY CAMPAIGN. THERE IS FISCAL ICEBERG AHEAD THAT WILL TAKE US ALL DOWN. Pennsylvania needs to be a place to grow businesses and to grow old and government spending is taking so much money that we cannot feel safe in our businesses or in our homes.

Do you approve or disapprove of Pennsylvania’s 2012 voter ID law?

I am beginning to think this is not as important as I once did. There have been no prosecutions or even reports in Philadelphia from Commission Al Schmidt that evidences any voter fraud which is surprising. Both Commissioners Schmidt and Stephanie Singer are very smart and very honest and if there were wide spread voter fraud we would know about it.

Do you approve or disapprove of how the state legislature has been handling its job?

Republican Governor Corbett broke his promise of “No New Taxes; No New Fees” and is now lying about it in his campaign commercials. The Republican General Assembly has been more than complicit in spending more, borrowing more and taxing more. I want to be the voice and the hand of the Forgotten Taxpayer. Article IV Section 16 of the Pennsylvania Constitution is a powerful tool.

Do you support legalizing online gambling? Expanding Casinos?

From what I know, internet gambling cannot be taxed or regulated so I don’t think it is a good idea. The expansion of casinos is a decision for local municipalities. I neither favor nor disfavor but prefer to let the people decide if they want more gambling or not. Where people prefer to spend their money is their business, not mine.

Should abortion be legal when the pregnancy resulted from incest or rape (and six other abortion questions)?

The questions are simplistic and do not address difficult and complicated moral, theological and personal matters. Life begins at conception. Medical science is clear. It is common sense. An iPad does not begin at conception. Infanticide
cannot be tolerated. Late term abortion, partial birth abortion is infanticide and barbaric. Who would advocate for such a thing? Why would they?

Abortion is a moral wrong but most of us do a lot of immoral things. The way to reduce, even eliminate abortion, is to change hearts and minds, not to enact more coercive laws. No law can make you a more moral person or love your neighbor. If you won’t obey God’s law, why would you obey mine?

Pennsylvanians have reached a compromise between anti-abortion purist position and the pro-abortion 24/7 position. Interfering with this compromise by the citizens is not a priority. Let us see how society evolves

Should we have more laws to regulate gun ownership (and three other gun questions)?

Pennsylvania Constitution Article I Section 21

The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.

This language is contained in the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776. The original 1776 Constitutional provision was modified in the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1790 and the words have not changed since 1790.

Guns should not be in hands of felons or mentally ill people who are a danger to themselves or others. We do not need more laws. The police and the Courts need to enforce the many gun laws we do have.

Do you support or oppose allowing adults in Pennsylvania to legally possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use? Do you favor or oppose allowing adults to legally use marijuana for medical purposes if a doctor recommends it?

The science about the value of medical marijuana is ambivalent and inconclusive. Oncologists have not advocated using medical marijuana. I will defer to science on this issue. Colorado is experimenting with legalized marijuana. Let us see how it works out. I think it will end badly but I may be wrong.

Should Pennsylvania legalize civil unions for same-sex couples? Should Pennsylvania legalize same-sex marriage?

Historically and etymologically marriage is between a man and a woman. Men and women are different, spiritually and physically. There is no reason that homosexuals, to be authentic, should act like heterosexuals. The dynamics between a man and a woman have a totally different dynamic than between two men or two men.

Why should your party’s voters choose you on May 20?

Because it is clear that I will be the voice and the hand of the Forgotten Taxpayer. That I will gore the spending oxen that need to be gored to reduce state government spending at all levels, state government borrowing at all levels and reduce the tax burden on taxpayers in order to make Pennsylvania a place to grow businesses and to grow old. Tom Corbett broke his “No New Taxes; No New Fees” promise to those who voted for him in 2010 and he is lying about it in his campaign commercials. The polls have consistently told us that Tom Corbett is a November loser. There is a reason for that. does not deserve to represent the Republican voter.

I am a Limited Government Constitutional Republican who will not increase state spending or borrowing or taxes or fees. Count on it.

Guzzardi also notes that he is a strong opponent of Common Core.

 

Guzzardi Explains Campaign

 

PCN Hosts Guzzardi March 18 2014

PCN Hosts Guzzardi March 18 2014 — Bob Guzzardi, the Republican alternative to Tom Corbett in the May 20 gubernatorial primary, will be the guest 7 to 8, tonight, on Brian Lockman’s call-in show on PCN.

Those with questions are encouraged to ask that by calling 1-877-726-5001.

The show can be heard here.

Bob Guzzardi (right) with Roger Howard who is seeking to represent the 158th District in the State House

 

 

PCN Hosts Guzzardi March 18 2014

Corbett Attacks Metcalfe?

Corbett Attacks Metcalfe?

After Gov. Corbett is retired this November (or May) perhaps he can move to Hollywood and reprise the role of Frank Drebin in a new Naked Gun movie. Not only does he look like him, he acts like him.

Daryl Metcalfe who represents the 12th District in the Pennsylvania House and is one of the most principled people in the state legislature has just speculated on Facebook that Gov. Tom Corbett is behind a series of anonymous robocalls that have been made against him.

Metcalfe posted:

At the end of last year an anonymous website was launched to libel me in an attempt to discredit my work to protect taxpayers. Two Robo-calls were made to drive traffic to their website. A survey call was then made testing the name of who now is expected to be a primary challenger. Many wondered if the anonymous attack was by the Governor’s people or by the Democrat Attorney General’s people? The circumstantial evidence points to the Taxing Tom Corbett the Governor. What do you think?

Metcalfe, who is a staunch and loyal Republican, is facing a primary campaign by Corbett supporters. Metcalfe has not come out in a significant way against Corbett other than to lead the opposition to some of his bizarre and liberal legislation such as his 28 cents per gallon gas tax hike.

Metcalfe has yet to announce support for Corbett’s primary challenger Bob Guzzardi. It’s time to get on the bandwagon Daryl.

Visit BillLawrenceDittos.com for Corbett Attacks Metcalfe?
Visit BillLawrenceOnline.com for Corbett Attacks Metcalfe?

Corbett Supports Paycheck Protection

Gov. Tom Corbett has announced his support for pending legislation that will ban the automatic deduction of union dues from public employee paychecks reports Pennsylvania Independent.

Voluntary deductions will obviously remain allowed.  Paycheck protection empowers union workers as it allows them to withhold funding from leaders who may not be using the money, well, appropriately.

The legislation is being shepherded  by John Eichelberger in the senate and Bryan Cutler in the House.

This type of legislation is very good and necessary. If Corbett should actually sign it I will once again return to being his supporter despite the gas tax hike he has foisted upon us and his attempt to run an Obama supporter as the Republican senate candidate.

Still, if one gets a chance to sign a petition for Bob Guzzardi, the retired businessman seeking to the get on the Republican gubernatorial primary ballot, please do. Knowing the voters have an option on May 20 will certainly help keep Gov. Corbett’s mind right.

Corbett Supports Paycheck Protection

Corbett Voter ID Stance Will Hurt Him

Independence Hall Tea Party PAC President, Don Adams, called on Governor Tom Corbett to immediately appeal Commonwealth Judge Bernard McGinley’s latest ruling on Voter ID to the full Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court or the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

“Governor Corbett should not appear to be sitting on the fence.  The Governor signed this Voter ID law and should be vigorously defending it.  His relative silence tells us a great deal about his leadership or, should I say, lack thereof,” said Mr. Adams, a resident of Cheltenham township.

“To boot, the Corbett Administration was charged with implementing the 2012 law and the court’s most recent ruling indicts the record of that implementation.

“At the very least, Governor Corbett should have already responded to the court’s criticisms.

“The fact that the Governor has yet to announce an appeal–and has not yet issued a strong rebuttal of the ruling–is extremely troubling.

“The Independence Hall Tea Party fought hard to get the Voter ID bill enacted into law–taking it on as a major legislative initiative in late 2009.  If the Governor refuses to fight for it, why should we fight for his re-election?
“Friday’s ruling by Judge McGinley, a lifelong Democrat, struck down the recent law on its merits, but not its constitutionality under PA law.

“Bottom line, we are concerned that the Judge’s decision will allow voter fraud to continue in the commonwealth–particularly in Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties,” said Mr. Adams.

The false notion advanced by the Judge’s ruling, that there is no evidence of voter fraud in Pennsylvania, is completely incorrect.

“Even partisan Democrat pols like Ed Rendell and Chris Matthews have admitted that voter fraud runs rampant in the state’s largest county–Philadelphia.

As noted National Review columnist John Fund pointed out in his recent article:

In 2012, Philadelphia city commissioner Al Schmidt, a Republican, issued a 27-page report on irregularities he found in a sample of city precincts during that year’s primary. The report, which looked at only 1 percent of the city’s districts, found cases of double voting, voter impersonation, and voting by non-citizens, as well as 23 people who were not registered to vote but nonetheless voted. Schmidt also found reports of people who were counted as voting in the wrong party’s primary. “We identified hundreds of cases of voting irregularities [in select precincts] that warrant further investigation,” he concluded.

“A Philadelphia Inquirer poll, among others, has found that nearly 70% of PA residents favor Voter ID–but Judge McGinley has ruled against the common sense of the overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians and their state legislators.

“That is the definition of legislating from the bench,” said Mr. Adams.

“If this decision is left intact, it will lead to further feelings of disenfranchisement among a majority of voters who believe their ballots are being undermined by the unchecked cheaters among us.

“If Judge McGinley’s decision is not immediately appealed by Governor Corbett, we will seriously consider withholding our support from the Governor,” said Mr. Adams.

“The Governor’s re-elect numbers are currently in the tank.  He’ll need us in November.  We need him to do the right thing now.”

Corbett Voter ID Stance Will Hurt Him

 

Corbett Primaried By Bob Guzzardi

Corbett Primaried By Bob Guzzardi
Bob Guzzardi

Main Line businessman Bob Guzzardi has announced that he will be taking on Gov. Tom Corbett in the Republican primary, May 20.

Guzzardi notes that  Corbett is expected to be the first incumbent to lose Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial race since 1854, and that Pennsylvania Republicans need a chance to choose an alternative.

Guzzardi is the first to announce a primary challenge to Corbett.

He cites Corbett’s $2.4 billion annual tax increase and his looming general election defeat as his reasons for running along with the governor’s many failures  such as the inability to privatize liquor sales or pass meaningful prevailing wage reform.

“The contest is between the Forgotten Taxpayer who works, saves and invests to raise the standard of living for all and the establishment insiders who use government for their own financial benefit or who want power,” Guzzardi said.

Guzzardi said that his platform will include true state pension reform; expanding Marcellus Shale natural gas production to lower energy costs, create productive jobs and raise the standard of living for all; and vouchers for all students — not just those living in Philadelphia or low economic areas.

Corbett Primaried By Bob Guzzardi

Steve Barrar Statement Concerning Gas Tax Hike

Below is a statement sent by Rep. Steve Barrar regarding HB 1060 — the former SB1– which called for spending $2.4 billion in state spending on transportation projects will funded by an increase in the state gasoline tax along with hikes to various driver fees.

The final House vote came Nov. 21 and was 113 to 85 with a 64  Republicans and 48 Democrats voting aye, and 45 Republicans and 40 Democrats in opposition. Barrar was among the nays.

The day before the Senate voted, 43-7,  in concurrence with the House bill. Scott Hutchinson of the 21st District and Kim Ward of the 39th District were the only Republican dissenters. The Democrat minority went 17-5 for the bill.

Prior to the vote, Rep. Steve Barrar sent the statement to a member of the Delaware County Patriots.

“Thanks for contacting me about the SB1 transportation funding bill. I am opposed to this legislation and wanted to explain why I will vote against this bill today. Since learning even more about the numerous tax increases contained in the bill, I am determined to do all possible to defeat this bill unless there is an opportunity to amend it with language that will reduce the amount of the tax increases.

The tax increases in HB1060 the former Senate Bill 1 are excessive… 28.5 cent gas increase and .39 cent on diesel over 3 to 5 years will be hard for many people to deal with, plus the bill raises almost every fee there is at PennDot and places a $100 surcharge on traffic tickets. This bill will have a huge impact on small businesses and its inflationary impact is unpredictable.

The bill also allows counties to put on a $5 registration fee on every car in the county where you live. They can do anything they want with the money.

I have been out the past few months asking people and small business owner how they feel about this proposed legislation… over 80% have said no way would they support this bill. I stood at the WAWA last Sunday for 2 hours asking people about this legislation. I had a grand total of 1 person say they were OK with the bill. Most were surprised saying that they have not heard anything about a gas tax increase and many were very angry and demanded I promise to vote no for such a large increase.

I agree we need more money for transportation infrastructure, but we need a way to fund it that makes sense and reflects what we can afford !!! This bill hurts more then it helps and I can not support this proposal.

I appreciate your taking time to write me. If you need to discuss this further please contact me at 610-636-7924. Thank you!”

Stephen Barrar
Pa House of Reps.
160th Legislative District

HOW LOCAL REPS VOTED
District    / PA Representative    Yes    No
159    Thaddeus Kirkland (D)    X
160    Stephen Barrar (R)          X
161    Joseph Hackett (R)    X
162    Nick Miccarelli (R)    X
163    Nicholas Micozzie (R)    X
164    Margo Davidson (D)    X
165    William Adolph (R)    X
166    Greg Vitali (D)    X
168    Tom Killion (R)    X
185    Maria Donatucci (D)    X
191    Ronald Waters (D)    X

 

Visit BillLawrenceDittos.com for Steve Barrar Statement Concerning Gas Tax Hike
Visit BillLawrenceOnline.com for Steve Barrar Statement Concerning Gas Tax Hike

 

House Saves Pennsylvania

The GOP-controlled Pennsylvania House, yesterday, Nov. 18,  rejected, 103-98, a $2.3 billion “transportation” bill that would have given the state the highest gasoline tax in the nation.

The 103 compassionate legislators who killed it understood that the citizens of this state are hurting and just can’t have any more taken from them whether it be from taxes or mandates or just general crony capitalist greed.

It would have also increased other things such as vehicle registration fees and turnpike tolls.

The plan was strongly supported by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett and the Republican-controlled Senate. There was no Democrat opposition to it. The only bulwark against it was the Republicans in the House. It held.

Thank you.

The plan called for spending $1.65 billion on highways and bridges, $497 million on mass transit and $144 million on “multi-modal” transportation.

It should be noted that most if not all the money would have gone to those with connections whether it be prevailing-wage construction work to protected unions or those working for government authorities such as at SEPTA.

Are our highways and bridges really in that bad shape? Well, here’s a thought: vote on each bridge and highway project individually. Sure, it would be more work but it’s not as though our legislators are being paid pocket change.

For those who cry crisis and claim to be supporters of the public good here’s another thought: Demand that these jobs be exempted from the prevailing wage requirements mandate that hikes the cost of construction by 20 percent on the average. Granted, that concerning the highway work federal reform would be required as well but it would be nice to see this start being discussed as proof that those we elect to represent us actually do so — and understand the issue.

Visit BillLawrenceDittos.com for House Saves Pennsylvania
Visit BillLawrenceOnline.com for House Saves Pennsylvania
Visit Rights-Right.com, where you can find Cryptowit Quote Puzzles by William W. Lawrence Sr.
Visit BillLawrenceTrivia.com for Omnibits

Corbett Kudos For June

Corbett Kudos For June — Pennsylvania gained 19,100 jobs in June, the highest in the nation behind California’s 30,200. In third place was Wisconsin at 17,500.

So thank you Gov. Corbett for your tenacious support for the development of our natural gas resources.

If only we could get the federal government to allow gas extraction in the Delaware River Basin as it did in the Susquehanna River Basin during the Bush Administration.

Corbett Kudos For June

Tom Corbett and GOP Fail Pennsylvania — Again

 

If you strike out two of every three times at bat, you’re a Hall of Famer. One out of four gives you a long career. But go 0 for the season and your contract won’t be renewed.

On that last point, welcome to the lives of Gov. Tom Corbett and the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania legislature.

Once again, the pols have recessed for the summer with zero success passing any major initiatives, keeping Pennsylvania stuck in the dark ages. So where does that leave us? Do we carry the torch of hope that lights the way to a better tomorrow? Do we still possess the faith that each successive generation will fare better than the one before it?

Nope.

And because Corbett, who had a 10-point victory in 2010, and the Republican legislature, which enjoys historic majorities in both houses, lack the courage to fix our once-great commonwealth, Pennsylvania further plummets into the oblivion of mediocrity.

If things were peachy, doing nothing would be acceptable. But they aren’t, and “business as usual” — the endless routine of committee meetings, press releases, and little substantive action — won’t break the logjam created by years of inaction.

Our politicians don’t understand — or don’t care — that this crisis has put the economic health of our state in serious jeopardy. Too many hide and duck or are just flat-out incompetent, breeding a climate of cynicism and mistrust — toxic to the optimism so necessary for growth.

Not all that long ago, Pennsylvania was the leading industrial state in the country — and a leader on the world stage. It was a powerful magnet for companies to locate here, and with them came the best and brightest workforce in America. Our children were educated in the state, and actually stayed in Pennsylvania because of the jobs created by a booming economy.

But now, with our well-deserved reputation for corruption and a government seemingly hostile to all but the insiders, we stand at the brink.
And yet with everything in their favor, including widespread support on a number of issues, the Governor and legislature dropped the ball — again. Consider:

1. Liquor privatization: Despite the vast majority of Pennsylvanians favoring the state getting out of the liquor business — with the reasonable expectation that consumer choice would rise and prices would fall — nothing happened. Given the Republicans’ total control, this abysmal failure must be laid at the feet of Corbett. Saying “I want privatization” but not lifting a finger to get it is pathetic. There was no barnstorming the state, no use of the bully pulpit, no playing hardball with recalcitrant Republicans. In fact, he all but ignored the legislature until the 11th hour, and even then screwed the pooch. But what else is new?

The only silver lining is that the privatization bills were ill-conceived, as none eliminated the whopping 18 percent Johnstown Flood Tax (of 1936) levied on every bottle of wine and liquor. Failure to do so in the future (and the odds are long that anything will happen in the fall) will only serve to lessen choice and raise prices, making “privatization” a bad word. Leave it to Corbett to take a great idea and turn it to dung. Bottom line: Do it right, or don’t do it at all.

2. Pension reform: The problem of massively ballooning pension payments over the next several years is so monumental that it threatens the very stability of the state. Given that Corbett has demonstrated an inability to handle even the most basic matters, the assumption that he could tackle such a pressing problem was a fairy tale. But he and the legislature punted on even the most fundamental reform: requiring all future state employees be given a 401k plan rather than a pension. A no-brainer, to be sure, and one that no reasonable person could oppose, since public employees should never have a hands-down advantage over those in the private sector. But nothing was done.

And the next generation will thank Corbett for this massive debt load by fleeing as soon as they can. Brilliant.

3. Transportation: This is yet another issue that, while long overdue, thankfully didn’t happen. Incomprehensibly, the Senate passed a bill that would have placed a 37-cent-per-gallon gas tax on Pennsylvanians to fix roads and bridges. Thankfully the House nixed that, but here’s the kicker: Corbett wanted upward of a 75-cent-per-gallon tax, which would have made Pennsylvania’s gas tax the highest in the nation.

Since when is breaking the backs of Pennsylvanians the path to prosperity? Instead of raising taxes, here’s an idea: Why not increase revenue by instituting pro-growth policies? It’s really not that hard. If you make Pennsylvania a viable place to do business, companies will come, as will their employees — and a whole boatload of revenue follows. The more money pumped into the economy, the more state coffers fill. But that remains a foreign concept, with Pennsylvania maintaining one of the most hostile business climates in the nation.

But what do you expect from lawyers/politicians with virtually no real-world business experience? Who have never encountered innovation-stifling and job-killing rules and regulations? Who have never had to meet a payroll? Who don’t know what it’s like to look a longtime employee in the eye and issue a pink slip because the government forces his hand?

We should expect exactly what we get. Nothing.

4. Second-highest corporate tax: One way not to attract business is by maintaining the second-highest corporate net income tax in the country. Lowering it is an issue both business and labor could and should agree upon, and it should have been done on Day One. Creating jobs floats all boats, union and otherwise. But nothing was done.

Astoundingly, the Corbett plan recently unveiled is to lower that rate by just three points — but over 12 years! Seriously? What savvy CEO will jump on the “opportunity” to come to Pennsylvania on the off-chance that the state will lower its tax by 2025? That level of obtuseness is so great that I am, for once, at a loss of words.

OK, that’s not true. But the words are unprintable.

5. Philadelphia’s schools. The way not to bail out the black hole called Philly schools is by throwing more taxpayer money at the problem and holding onto jobs that need to be eliminated. Shedding 3,800 school district positions isn’t a travesty — it’s a good start. Cutting art and music isn’t the answer, however — increasing revenue is. But rather than force Mayor Nutter and Philadelphia to live within its means, however, like families and businesses do, Corbett and the legislature just perpetuated a failed system.

The chance to fix education through school choice, competition and other reforms came and went. So things will only get worse, if that’s even possible. However, if city revenue were increased by attracting business and residents, then at least the rest of the state wouldn’t yet again be funding Philadelphia’s bad habits. But it’s a case of chicken and the egg. How do you entice companies when you are the cumulatively highest-taxed city in the nation with skyrocketing levels of crime, homeless and poverty?

Common sense dictates that the answer isn’t throwing money, with no accountability, at the problem, nor extending the city’s 8 percent sales tax. But that’s exactly what they did.

After the Hurricane Katrina debacle, there was absolutely nothing George W. Bush could do to save his presidency or his party. With reelection numbers in the 20s, Tom Corbett is in the same position. (Republicans already lost 10 percent of their Senate membership in 2012, and the first-ever Democrat was elected as attorney general, Corbett’s prior position.) The only difference between Bush and Corbett is that it only took our
governor two years to achieve such a distinction.

If there were All Star voting in politics, Tom Corbett wouldn’t even be on the ballot.

 

Tom Corbett and GOP Fail Pennsylvania — Again