I'm sorry for not updating this blog.  With work and the campaign I just didn't make it a priority but that will change.

I will be posting a rather long winded blog entry here shortly.

The commissioner meeting info has been updated either due to our super correspondent have some technical issues with transportation.  Once those are resolved we will get back to getting those up.

Thanks

Dave

Sean Ramaley has officially dropped out of the race for PA State Senate.  Links to the news article are on the Bonusgate page. http://www.vote4davec.com/bonusgate.html 

This was not much of a surprise but the comments he and his attorney made are and are quite revealing.  They stressed that they were not charged with giving or receiving bonuses.  That is true, what he is charged with is holding a no work job while he run for the PA House.  Apparently they feel there is a distinction, but I really don't see it.

They went on to attack the AG for charging now instead of after the election.  What sense does that make?  If the AG really feels he has the evidence to convict why would he wait?  He is innocent until proven guilty but the evidence already revealed is quite damning. 

Now a replacement must be found.  Jay Paisley, a former Democrat, is running as an independent.  Ramaley's primary opponent, Jason Petrella, is not eligible because he ran against the endorsed candidate in the primary per Democrat bylaws (I'm not real comfortable with a county committee endorsing a candidate in the primary but I digress.)  Rumors have brought Commissioner Spanik of Beaver County into the discussion but there is talk of a rift with labor.  Who's next?  Whoever it is they have a lot of work to do.  The candidate will be chosen by the LC and BC Democrat committee.

On a local note it has now been revealed that the untimely death of Detective Lepore may have been induced by Legionnaire's Disease.  The source is unknown.  The city administration and council are contemplating having the Police department tested.

I work in a power plant which is a hazardous environment.  It is everyone's responsibility to ensure we work in as safe an environment of possible.  That is no different for the mayor and the council.  They need to test the Police Department right now and ensure that the area is safe for workers.  There should be no hem nor haw, just immediate action.  If there is not we should be storming the city building and demanding that they do.

The fallout from Bonusgate continues.  We are directly affected here in Lawrence County.  Frank LaGrotta provided testimony and was convicted of offenses not directly tied to the scandal.  New Castle Councilman, Chet Orelli, received a bonus that was tied to political work.  (Full coverage is available via the Bonusgate tab)

Councilman Orelli was a key witness to the Grand Jury in regards to the business aspects of bonuses and campaigning on state time.  He was honest and received immunity.  He does not plan on resigning his position on the council and the AG specifically does not want those who testified to lose their jobs.  The AG does not want to discourage whistle-blowers.

Councilman Orelli has also said that he is going to repay his $10,000 bonus.

This has not been as much local fervor about this as I had thought.  The NC News was very direct with Councilman Orelli but there has been little to no outrage from those I have spoken to.  I think it's a mix of being overwhelmed by how complex and massive this scheme was and that Chet is very well liked by most city residents.

I have been asked if he should resign and ultimately I have deferred on the question.  He is within his legal rights to stay on the council and his actions did not directly affect the city.  I have thought long and hard about what he said.  He walked into a very corrupt environment where it was made very clear what his expectations were.  Did he know it was wrong?  He says he did not.  Who really knows but really it doesn't matter because we will have the ultimate voice on Councilman Orelli next fall.  We the voters will really decide if this situation has ended his political career for now.

On another note, we had our first Young Republicans meeting last night and are going to have another next week.  Young Republicans provide an energy and a bridge to the future.  If you are young and a Republican we need your participation.

Finally, my heart felt sympathies and prayers go out to the family of Sgt Lepore.  He put his life on the line every day for us and we can never thank him enough.  When submariners pass away we say the are "On Eternal Patrol".  Sgt Lepore is On Eternal Patrol.  Fair winds and following seas.

I have held off updating this blog in anticipation of what transpired in the last few days.  Mike Veon, former PA state representative, Sean Ramaley current member of the PA House of Representatives (and candidate for PA State Senate), and others were charged as a part of bonusgate.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_577402.html

This is not the first scandal for PA

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_577390.html

Of course we have our own homegrown scandals with Gary Felasco and the specter of more charges with Affordable Housing among other things in the past.

This would be a great opportunity for me to rail against the local and state Democratic party.  That would be unfair as in areas where the Republicans have been in power for a long time these same problems show up.

I could yell at politicians and say they are taking advantage of us.  It would be true but it doesn't get to the root of the problem.  I think WE are the root of the problem.

What is machine politics?  It's just what it sounds like.  A machine exists for a single purpose.  Whether it makes pieces or parts it serves it's purpose.  A political machine exists to elect politicians.  Ultimately those politicians are beholden to the machine.  This is not anything new.  Read about Tammany Hall in the early 19th century.  They promised politicians to get elected in return for providing jobs.  Sound familiar?  It's tried, it's true, and it's oh so American.

Politicians know who delivers votes.  If you work for thousands of hours, spend thousands of dollars, and make lots of promises what would you do to GUARANTEE your election.  You saw it in the above articles.

But none of this works if WE don't let it work.  We are the gears, shafts, packing, electricity, lubricant, etc. of that machine.  If the parts aren't there, the machine doesn't work.

When we vote straight party line we keep the machine running.  When we assume things about our candidates and about other candidates we keep the machine running.  When we don't hold politicians accountable we keep the machine running.  When we vote for the same candidate over and over despite no results we keep the machine running.

We got to see the perp walk of Veon, of Ramely, and of others.  They are innocent until shown guilty.  I will not assume anything about them.  Ultimately it wasn't them or any other politician who took the perp walk.

It was us...we don't need a trial...since the beginning of democracy we have been guilty again and again.

Hello everyone.  I hope this finds you enjoying time with family and enjoying the weather.  I got our pool open and my kids are very very happy.

Have you add the opportunity to check out The Basin downtown?  I have not but have heard it's great.  It also looks like the comedy club is opening soon.  Along with the Mill Street Grille, Lanigans, and the new tenant at the Troutman building, things are looking up downtown. 

The new college is close to down in Union Township.  A developer has announced a new hotel by where the old Ames was.  Things are moving along with the track and casino.  Despite the doom and gloom we have all heard things are looking up for our home.  This is important because economic development does not happen by accident.  The development you are seeing in New Castle is due to the perseverance and planning of a lot of people.  The track and casino are the child of Carmen Shick.

We need to continue to encourage those who are willing to invest in our area and support candidates who push for development, lower taxes, streamlined government, and a culture of integrity.

The Government Study Commission is recommending a change in government.  I agree we should have a vote on a change.  I have pushed for a change not for nepotism or corruption but to increase the efficiency, flexibility, and capacity of our government.

Don't forget to check out the Thunder games.  They are home for a few weeks.  Check out their website at www.NewCastleThunder.com It's a cheap and family friendly way to spend a Saturday night.

If you have pictures from the fireworks festival, back to the 50's, the fair, or any other events send them to us and we'll put the up.  Don't forget content!  We are looking for guest articles, essays, and anything else you want to write!

I have changed the advertising around on the site.  There is a full page of Amazon links for books and other products you might find interesting.  There are also some links for bestselling books and dvds.  There is a link on this page for the Kindle.  It's a neat E-book device that looks and feels like a real book.  Just plug into your computer to change what you are reading.  Anything you purchase through Amazon via this site helps to defray the cost of the site, so if you are gonna buy anyways, go here first!

Talk to you soon.

Dave Cochenour