WRITEMARSH!

Sightings: The Final Chapter

2011-12-06T15:38:00.011-05:00

There's a quote, "good things come to those who wait." For what it's worth, they sometimes do.I started this blog in January 2008 because several people, including Joe Meo, of the Whitemarsh Republican Committee, didn't appreciate my comments regarding Jim Matthews back room deal with Joe Hoeffel. You see, I was then secretary of Area 6, and often would send an email out chronicling Jim's

Montco GOP Launches Last-Minute $300K Ad Buy

2011-11-04T18:33:00.002-04:00

According to PoliticsPa, The Brown/Castor campaign has purchased about $300k worth of ads to run now through election day.Unfortunately for their opponents, the ad department "require a 24 hour turnaround for new television ad buys", which means, even if they could buy ads on Monday, they miss 3 days of air time.Must be nice to have such a tremendous war chest, and have a lot of money left over

Epic Fail, Part Deux...

2011-10-29T14:26:00.005-04:00

Not only does Joshy-Boy and Leslie's ad fall RIGHT NEXT TO Brown Castor's endorsement by the Intelligencer, The VERY NEXT DAY, news of Josh's admitted meeting with the Tea Party Patriots, A GROUP THAT LESLIE AND JOSH BLASTED JENNY BROWN FOR BEING PART OF (although she's not). Understandably, I call BULLSHIT, Josh and Leslie...retract your commercial and recant the lies you've been telling about

Bruce Castor: Josh Shapiro ‘lied’ about Tea Party meeting

2011-10-29T00:46:00.003-04:00

It seems that the Shapiro/Richards team is continuing to be disingenuous with their TV commercials. In a taped forum on Larry Kane's "Voice of Reason" TV show, Shapiro finally admitted he himself had met with the Philadelphia Tea Party Patriots. When pressed by Castor during the taping of Larry Kane’s “Voice of Reason” show Thursday, Shapiro finally admitted he had met with the Philadelphia

Montgomery Co. Commissioner's Race Heats Up

2011-10-28T20:01:00.003-04:00

From 6ABC: The battle over who will run Montgomery County is on. The Republican candidates include incumbent Commissioner Bruce Castor and Lower Merion Commissioner Jenny Brown, and the Democrats State Representative Josh Shapiro of Abington and Whitemarsh Supervisor Leslie Richards. The four are vying for the 3 commissioner seats and whichever party gets both its candidates elected will

Epic Fail!

2011-10-28T17:37:00.002-04:00

There is nothing worse than spending all that money to put your ad on the most liberal politics page in the state, only to be upstaged when your opponents get a major newspaper endorsement as the top line item!

Brown-Castor Campaign's 2nd Television Commercial

2011-10-27T23:53:00.002-04:00

Whodathunk that this press conference by Josh, (with Leslie looking on, annoyed) would become the "gift that keeps on giving"?Thanks for being in the state house too long, Joshy-boy.

Intelligencer Endorses Brown-Castor Ticket for County Commissioners

2011-10-26T07:03:00.004-04:00

The Intelligencer had one editorial board sit down with all four candidates for County Commissioner (at separate times) and here's what they came up with: Josh and Leslie have no credibility, no plan...otherwise, their campaign is full of shit.When given an opportunity to expand on their platform, Richards and Shapiro are a one-trick pony...No Tax Increase. From the Intelligencer:Shapiro

Leslie Richards Attacks Jenny Brown's Husband

2011-10-22T10:03:00.002-04:00

Quite egregious, considering families have always been off-limits during campaigns.Leslie back pedals, and says "I was not making any personal attack..."Yeah, Leslie, and I have this bridge in Montco that I'd like to sell the voters....

Muammar Quaddafi Possibly Dead

2011-10-20T10:26:00.003-04:00

TRIPOLI, Libya — Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi, the former Libyan strongman who fled into hiding after rebels toppled his regime two months ago in the Arab Spring’s most tumultuous uprising, was killed Thursday as fighters battling the vestiges of his loyalist forces wrested control of his hometown of Surt, the interim government announced.Al Jazeera television showed what it said was Colonel

Gleason Throws Support Behind Brown Castor Ticket

2011-10-20T08:25:00.003-04:00

From Margaret Gibbons, at "The Intelligencer":Pennsylvania's top Republican came to Montgomery County on Wednesday to stump for the GOP's county ticket, headed by commissioner candidates Bruce L. Castor Jr. and Jenny Brown. State GOP Chairman Rob Gleason admitted that he did not know much about the individual party candidates running for the nine county row offices and the

Brown/Castor's First Campaign Commercial

2011-10-13T21:49:00.003-04:00

This is just the first commercial, folks...more in the can for later distribution!

The Occupation of Zero Risk

2011-10-11T14:23:00.005-04:00

Occupy Wall Street has had some splinter groups form in other major cities, including Philadelphia...From the looks of the photo, there's not many people protesting, unless it was time for a Starbucks and a splash of petrouli...One of the biggest gripes is that they hate...literally hate that people get rich in this country, and don's spread the wealth around. Well, I'm far from rich, but my take

You've Been in the State House Too Long...

2011-09-20T11:53:00.006-04:00

The Video speaks for itself, voters...is this what you want from your county commissioner candidates, lip service. or do you want real goals by real people who tell you like it is?The clear choice for county commissioners is BrownCastor '11Yes, she does say "you've been in the state house too long" at the end...Priceless!B.***AFTERTHOUGHT***Just wanted to point out that Leslie Richards stands

Addendum to "Heroes"

2011-08-07T21:01:00.002-04:00

One of the soldiers who lost their life yesterday was one Michael Strange.Michael was a Philadelphia boy, graduated from North Catholic in 2004.Michael was a friend of my nephew, Andrew.It's hitting closer and closer to home, folks.The families of this hero and the 30 brothers in arms who perished with him have my most sincere condolences. If and when Warriors Watch is contacted, I will proudly

Heroes

2011-08-06T23:09:00.003-04:00

This afternoon, I heard some terrible news as I'm sure all of you had also, that 31 US soldiers lost their lives today in Afghansistan. The first thought that went through my mind was "I know some boys, er, men deployed in that shithole of a kitty litter box...hope and pray it wasn't anybody I know". After some reflection, I realized that I actually know each and every one of those men. They are

A Rant

2011-08-02T00:04:00.005-04:00

Tonight I was lucky enough to be involved in an event that was both moving and important...I was part of a Warriors Watch/A Heroes Welcome ride to welcome Sgt. Daniel Furtak, the son of a friend of mine.Danny was deployed twice to the shithole Afghanistan, and put his life on the line for his country.The warriors Watch mission is to make sure that each and every soldier deployed overseas gets

Video Interview with PJ's & Coffee's, Chris Durante Visco on How Social Media Works

2011-07-29T12:26:00.004-04:00

Great interview with Chris Durante Visco (my boss), whom I subcontract for in her social media business. It's 22 minutes long, but it explains a lot about how social media marketing works, and what we actually do to promote our clientele.Visit the PJ's & Coffee website by clicking this link: PJ's & Coffee

Alot to Say in 140 Characters or Less

2011-07-28T06:34:00.002-04:00

Dear Ryan,Happy 24th birthday.24 years, 1 week ago, your mother and I were separated, she was due to deliver you, and I had heard nothing from anybody. I found out from your mom's friend, Dawn, that you were born. The phone call went exactly like this:B: Hello?Dawn: Bill, it's Dawn...I think you should know, you have a son.B: uh, ummmm, a son...when?Dawn: He was born on the 28th. His mother made

PJ's & Coffee Social Media, Chris Visco Interview

2011-07-26T11:13:00.003-04:00

Here is a nice interview with my boss, Chris Visco, on the importance of social media in today's marketplace, on KikScore.I started working for Chris as a subcontractor back in March of this year, and have watched her business grow by leaps and bounds in the few months I've been doing graphics, landing pages, and editing copy for her social media marketing strategies.It's well worth the read.B.

The Skin I'm In.

2011-07-24T13:22:00.006-04:00

About 40 years ago, my folks bought me a mini bike and a biker was born. I used to ride trails, race in the Acme parking lot, literally ride it all day just to get my face in the wind. When I was 12, someone stole it out of my back yard. I never saw it again, but I yearned for the wind in my face.I traveled everywhere on my bicycle from that point until I got my license, at age 19.Then, I

Brown/Castor Publicly Oppose Rte 422 Polls

2011-06-17T06:26:00.002-04:00

Bruce Castor & Jenny Brown Publicly Oppose 422 tolls, get the support of several state representatives who's district lies in the corridor.

Brown/Castor Website Launched

2011-06-10T17:20:00.005-04:00

Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, Jr and running mate Jenny Brown have launched their campaign website.Click here to visit the site.

hehehehe

2011-06-10T12:03:00.002-04:00

Westboro Baptist "Church" gets a taste of it's own medicine!Bikers? F*ck, yeah!

Sarah Bashing...S.M.H.

2011-06-07T11:54:00.003-04:00

Experts back Sarah Palin’s historical accountSarah wasn't so wrong, Liberal media still won't admit it. Asshats.H/T to Tony Phyrillas...Follow him on Facebook.B.

Cinco de Mayo, Yearly History Lesson

2011-05-05T08:45:00.000-04:00

Cinco de Mayo...giving white people in America a reason to drink tequila and act stupid for over 140 years!Cinco de Mayo is not, as most people believe, Mexican Independance day. That day is September 16th. Cinco de Mayo commerates the battle of Pueblo, where Mexicans met the French in one of the bloodiest battles in Mexico's history.According to a paper published by the UCLA Center for the Study

Boo-F*ckin-Yah!

2011-05-02T00:22:00.003-04:00

Earlier this evening, President Obama called to inform me that American forces killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of the al Qaeda network that attacked America on September 11, 2001. I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude. This momentous achievement marks a victory

Greetings from A Better Place

2011-03-27T19:41:00.003-04:00

Well, good friends, I've decided to end my self-imposed exile and start posting again. I'd been posting previously sometimes two a day and kinda got myself burned out. I'd also been out of work for over two years and felt that I should be concentrating on finding a job, rather than blogging.Well, I've found a job. My creative juices are flowing again, as my new job entails writing and editing ad

Time to Catch My Breath

2010-11-05T23:32:00.004-04:00

There's a lot of change going on here at home. Some of it good, some of it bad, but there's definitely a change. We have something new here that hasn't been tried before, at least in this household. My oldest child with my wife, Karen (I have an older son from the "practice" marriage), has started high school. Now I know you may say "we all have (or have had, or will have) kids in high school,

'Nuff Said!

2010-11-03T15:59:00.002-04:00

F*CK YEAH, WE WON!

Last Post For a While

2010-08-25T17:09:00.002-04:00

Things haven't been too good lately for you humble blogger.I've been spotty in posting here on my beloved blog for the past 2 years, but there's underlying issues that have been keeping me from doing so, none of which are important enough to share.Understand that I am loathe to do so, but I must concentrate my energies and talents elsewhere for the time being.Therefore, your humble blogger is

An Open Letter To Michael Nutter

2010-08-24T16:48:00.002-04:00

Dear Your Honor, Mr. Mayor Michael Nutter,I write a blog.I live in Montgomery County.People in Philadelphia read my blog.Am I subject to the "blogger tax" also? If so, would you be so kind as to come collect it yourself? I could use the laugh while I explain the first amendment to you. I could also explain to you that you can't tax thoughts, just because someone writes them down. Otherwise, you

Ethics (?) Czar J-Huff Seeks State Supreme Court Ruling

2010-08-19T10:06:00.002-04:00

More taxpayer money is to be wasted, folks, if Joe Hoeffel gets his way.It seems that the Commonwealth Court is no place for J-Huff, he expects his and Jimbo's flawed ethics policy to be ruled on by the State Supreme Court.Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, Jr., thinks it probably should go to the Supreme court, just to have it done and over with. Commissioner Castor's response? From this

Jimbo/J-Huff Lose in Commonwealth Court

2010-08-18T10:20:00.004-04:00

Like we didn't know this would happen.Our clueless leaders, Jim Matthews and Joe Hoeffel, took their "Ethics Clause" case to the Commonwealth court to once again, try to block any and everybody employed by Montgomery County from "being political"The so-called "Ethics Clause" was struck down in Montgomery County Municipal Court as being unenforceable, as the Commissioners can't tell the

Too much monkey (C)-Biz-ness

2010-07-22T09:32:00.004-04:00

Hahaha...Looks like the dynamic duo are up to their old tricks once again.Now, they have an insider making "recommendations" for them!Apparently, a new player in the RFP process has emerged...and the guy was hired without Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, Jr. having any idea he was being hired, let alone having input on his hiring.Enter G. Fred DiBona III, of DiBona Associates, hired by

Vee Need To Zee Your Paperzzz...

2010-07-17T12:09:00.001-04:00

Bob Ford: The tangled story of the Iroquois lacrosse teamBy Bob FordInquirer Sports ColumnistAs usual, it is about the papers again.The men, mostly those white men - also again, also as usual - have official papers upon which they have written their rules and their laws and their treaties. They are very sorry, but it is all there on the papers.FRANK FRANKLIN III / Associated PressThe

Bob Kerns Re-Elected to 4 Year Term as MCRC Chair, Unanimously!

2010-06-04T10:18:00.003-04:00

Last evening Bob Kerns was re-elected to a four year term as chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Committee. He was re-elected unanimously, the first Chairman to be elected unanimously consecutively in 12 years.This is important for a couple of reasons: First, Kerns inherited a party that was in the midst of half a decade of turmoil and bedlam and few people thought he'd be successful

When an Ordinance Becomes an "Umbrella"

2010-04-28T10:23:00.004-04:00

I've been thinking alot lately about Ordinance 10-3...the one that pretty much says that the Commissioners may pick from an "approved" list of vendors, in lieu of using the recently scrapped RFP ordinance of 1998.The new ordinance states that all vendors for the County...ALL vendors, must first be approved by the commissioners, and by commissioners, I mean J-Huff and Jimbo. That means that the

Sightings: XXVII

2010-04-24T05:56:00.004-04:00

Last evening there were three events going on at almost the same time...a fundraiser for Tom Bogar in Abington, A fundraiser for Springfield GOP in Flourtown, and a Fundraiser for Upper Gwynedd Ambucs in at the LuLu Temple.Chairman Bob Kerns attended two of them-Springfield, then the Ambucs event.As reported by a friend who attended both events as well, Chairman Kerns left the Springfield event,

Castor Right Again, Jimbo Has Egg on His Face

2010-04-22T09:16:00.004-04:00

Jimbo and J-Huff once again voted against Republican Commissioner, Bruce L. Castor, Jr., on a lousy ordinance penned by King James III's royal solicitor, BABs...and once again, Castor's "nay" vote was more than justified.You see, this ordinance was nothing more than a quick, "cover our ass" ordinance made up in a back room (or back alley) to squash any action that may have been taken against the

Jimbo's Having Car Trouble...

2010-04-20T06:33:00.004-04:00

Jimbo may not be as "in the clear" as he thinks, concerning his campaign finances. According to Department of State spokesman Charlie Young, "an elected official is obligated to prove the assertion that he’s effectively campaigning night and day." (Times Herald, 04/18/10)“The burden of proof would be on the official to show that he’s campaigning ‘24/7,’” Young said.“If they’re using campaign

Missing John

2010-04-13T23:38:00.002-04:00

I went to the Conshohocken Bakery yesterday. Tuesday is rye bread day, and I needed an Italian bread for dinner, so I got one of each. The Conshy Bakery makes the best bread for my money.They've installed a portrait of Sheriff John P. Durante over the pasta case to the right of the counter. It's John's "official" portrait, of him in uniform. On the frame is a small brass plate with "1949-2010"

King James III-Episode XXIX

2010-04-02T19:05:00.002-04:00

Now, Jimbo scolds citizens for having an opinion. AN OPINION? I guess because it's not his opinion...who's the demagogue now, Jimbo?

King James Explains It Away...

2010-04-02T06:43:00.004-04:00

King James III snarkily explains that driving a Ford Taurus (that his campaign pays for) is not an "enhanced lifestyle"...I don't want to be a "noodge", but if somebody else decided to pay my car payments, this would, in fact, enhance MY lifestyle. A great deal, mind you.Check out the video:

All good things, et al...

2010-04-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

APRIL FOOLS!!!!!!!I'm not going anywhere!Yesterday, I was served with a cease and desist order from a certain person to stop posting about him/her on the blog. The paperwork said I could be sued for financial damages if I "failed to comply" within 48 hours and remove all previous posts about him/her.Although I am loathe to remove this body of work from the internet, I am also loathe to pay

King James XXVI

2010-03-31T23:25:00.003-04:00

Courtesy of PA Watercooler.

King James XXIV: "I Deem..."

2010-03-31T09:44:00.006-04:00

Courtesy of PA Watercooler

Jimbo Admits Breaking The Law.

2010-03-27T18:08:00.004-04:00

Damn...do you ever even hear yourself speak. Jimbo? And, what's with the sweater? Reliving those "glory days", back when you used to be popular?Damn.(courtesy of PAWatercooler.com)

As The Screw Turns...Pt 1

2010-03-18T14:34:00.008-04:00

Well, good readers, it's officially become a soap opera with some of the most pitiful "scripting" ever witnessed by your humble blogger...Let's start at the beginning, shall we?King James the Third, (so dubbed because he actually came in third place in the last commissioner's election) enters into a power sharing agreement with 2nd place finisher, democrat and perpetual candidate, Joe Hoeffel (

"King James" Lives Like A King on OPM*

2010-03-15T00:42:00.004-04:00

*Other Peoples MoneyYes, folks, it seems Jimbo may just be living high on the hog at the expense of his campaign contributors.Jim Matthews has apparently been using his campaign account for dinners, EZ Pass, car payments, auto insurance, fuel, Starbucks, P.J. Whelihans, etc., paying for it with a Discover Card , then turning the receipts in to Friends of Jim Matthews for reimbursement.He's paid

If Montco Weren't Already In Financial Trouble...

2010-03-13T07:54:00.003-05:00

...along comes a lawsuit that could prove costly. The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a group of non-union contractors, have filed suit in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court. The lawsuit alleges discrimination on the part of the county commissioners, claiming that the "Responsible Contractors Clause" that Jimbo and J-Huf put into the prison expansion project specifications blocks

Get Caught Breaking the Law?

2010-03-13T00:57:00.002-05:00

Make it go away!Or so, Montco Solicitor Barry Miller would have it.Barry thinks, since we aren't abiding by the law now, why not change it to suit our needs?That's why they pay you the big bucks, Barry (love that alliteration?)Forgive my ignorance, but isn't the county solicitor supposed to advise the commissioners on following the letter of the law, not propose that they change one he simply

Ignorance Of The Law Is No Excuse

2010-03-12T10:08:00.004-05:00

Diane Morgan wrote a letter to the editor of the Intelligencer which was published yesterday.In it, she claims that she didn't know about the ordinance until Republican Commissioner, Bruce L. Castor, Jr. pointed it out to her. OK, I'll give her that.But, what she goes on to say is that she's basically not responsible for any of the bullsh*t going on , because she was ignorant of the law...and,

Jimbo, Jimbo, Jimbo...

2010-03-08T06:11:00.004-05:00

Jim Matthews takes campaign contributions from companies and then gives them no-bid contracts, bypassing County Ordinance 98-2 that says they must bid contracts out to at least 5 companies/entities before settling on a vendor.Jim Matthews then has his solicitor explain it away by saying "well, we've always violated the ordinance enough that it's become the "de facto" way of doing things.Jim

Diane Morgan Looks the Other Way on Pay To Play

2010-03-05T08:29:00.002-05:00

Another situation where Nero fiddles while Rome burns.Controller Diane Morgan, in almost predictable fashion, decided not to pursue any further investigation into the Jimbo/Barry pay to play" shenanigans.Her reasoning?Well, it's quite simple...since Barry Miller decided that Ordinance 98-2 was in fact, not really what it should be, they created this "de facto" rule that 98-2 doesn't apply to

Save the Date: Kate Harper's Annual Blood Drive

2010-03-04T09:33:00.004-05:00

Rep. Kate Harper (R-61) is joining with Whitpain Township and the American Red Cross to host a blood drive! Join Representative Kate Harper as she sponsors a blood drive at the Whitpain Township Building. I've attended for the past 4 or 5 years and gave about a gallon of blood each time...and plan to do the same this year.Give the gift of life...give blood! (Kate doing her part)-Friday, March

Philly Mayor Imposes "Soda Tax"

2010-03-04T06:15:00.002-05:00

Citing "Obesity" and the serious revenue gap the City of Philadelphia is facing, Mayor Nutter has decided to impose a $0.02 per ounce tax on sweetened beverages.This revenue will "raise $77 million a year and address the city’s high obesity rate, especially among children, aides said."Address the high obesity rate? Sure it will. While your at it, why not impose a dollar a bag tax on Doritos,

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

2010-03-02T15:09:00.002-05:00

One of my most rabid fans (and you know who you are!) sent me this gem today...said it fits me to a tee! Thanks, Mrs. M.!!!Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. (Theodore Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss)I'll add one of my favorites of his below:"...a person's a person, no matter how small"

Seen On the Wall of a Local Restaurant in Norristown

2010-03-02T13:09:00.004-05:00

Matthews/Hoeffel Administration 2008-2010(caption-by my buddy blackhorse-added for comic relief, but the picture appears on the wall of the Courthouse Diner, Norristown, PA)

Priceless...

2010-03-02T09:32:00.004-05:00

Every once in a while, a real gem shows up on FaceBook.I can't claim this as my own, but this was sent to me by a faithful reader of writemarsh!, who preferred to remain anonymous:As long as I protect my sources, I can continue to bring funny stuff like this to you on a regular basis. (send me your stuff, btw, and if it's subtly ironic, like this one is, I'll put it out there to share with

Just When You Thought You've Heard Everything...

2010-03-02T00:37:00.003-05:00

Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely...or so said Lord Acton way back in 1887.The draw of power is the siren's song of many a corrupt politician. One only has to look at our own commonwealth to see that...Ed Rendell, Vince Fumo, and others under indictment now, in the process of making deals or going to trial, to see that we aren't immune here in PA.It's even happening here in

March Comes In...

2010-03-01T06:40:00.001-05:00

(redux of an old post of mine)Today is the first day of March. For some reason, my admittedly feeble mind has been jarred and I am waxing nostalgic about a SNL routine I once watched with Chevy Chase and John Belushi (yeah, I'm that old).It's based on the premise that March "comes in like a lion and out like a lamb". The full text is below:Chevy Chase:Last week we made the comment that March

Obama and the Health Care Summit...All Roads Lead To "Public" Option

2010-02-25T18:23:00.002-05:00

If passed, President Obama's Healthcare package would eventually lead to the public option, sneakily through the back door. According to the National Center for Public Policy Research, the proposed plan would almost guarantee insurance companies would "go under" leading to government takeover of the entire industry. From today's press release: * The President's plan would create a

Times Herald adds Writemarsh to it's Community Bloggers Page

2010-02-25T11:04:00.000-05:00

A link to this blog was placed on www.timesherald.com/blogs at the request of TH editor, and fellow amateur wine maker, Stan Huskey.Thanks for the vote of confidence, Stan!B.- Posted remotely using Blogpress. Bill Shaw

Tom Ellis Corroborates Marino's Claim to Using RFP's

2010-02-25T05:57:00.002-05:00

Says Ellis:“We didn’t like to do it, and we probably cursed Joe Hoeffel for passing the ordinance, but we followed it,” Ellis said. “Many times it was discussed and always followed.” Awesome! Tom Ellis complied. Mike Marino complied. It's just our corrupt friend, Jimbo, and his personal lackey, Miller, who think this is not an ordinance they have to comply with.“We were very cognizant of that

Montco County Solicitor Miller "On Shaky Ethical Ground"?

2010-02-24T09:08:00.005-05:00

Say is isn't so, Barry, say it isn't so!Matthews sycophant and current county solicitor, Barry Miller, may be "...treading close to ethical lines he doesn’t want to cross". Heh...nooooooooooooooo, really?This is why Matthews sold out the Republican Party. It was critical that he have his friend and treasurer as solicitor. Opens up a whole new world of

Rest In Peace, Sheriff John P. Durante.

2010-02-18T06:30:00.003-05:00

Dormi bene, Giovanni, dormi bene...Penso molto a te.(Sleep well, John, sleep well...until I see you again)I'll miss you terribly, my great friend.

Funeral Arrangements for Sheriff John P. Durante

2010-02-12T10:27:00.001-05:00

A viewing will be held Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Emil J. Ciavarelli Family Funeral Homes Inc., 516 Fayette St., Conshohocken.A viewing also will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at Saints Cosmas and Damian Church, 209 W. Fifth Ave., Conshohocken.Interment will be at St. Matthew's Cemetery in Conshohocken.

Montgomery County Loses a Great Friend.

2010-02-10T08:16:00.003-05:00

At 3 A.M this morning, I was sitting at my computer, working on a personal project, enjoying the quiet of the night. The kids were in bed, TV off, it was very peaceful. That is, until I got a text message that Sheriff John P. Durante had died a few hours before, apparently of a massive heart attack. Devastated is an understatement.John and I became friends about 3 and a half years ago. During his

"The Mathews Effect" Claims It's Latest Victim

2010-02-09T09:28:00.005-05:00

Last evening, the 13th Congressional District GOP endorsement was held at Wissahickon High School. There were 6 candidates on the slate, (in no particular order) Dee Adcock, Charles McIntyre, Josh Quinter, Brian Haughton, Lee Falgoust and Damien Dachowski. In the first round, the voting went as follows: Adcock-81, Dachowski-82, McIntyre-28, Falgoust-37, Quinter-35 and Haughton-32. 42 votes were

GOP CHAIRMAN: “PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRATS SHOULD THINK TWICE BEFORE DECIDING TO PROMOTE JOE HOEFFEL”

2010-02-08T12:55:00.000-05:00

For Immediate ReleaseMCRC Chairman, Bob Kerns:Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel isn’t following his own set of rules according to Montgomery County Republican Committee chairman Robert J. Kerns. The very rules Hoeffel wrote.Kerns was referring to Hoeffel’s vote last Thursday to approve a $35 million bond issue without sending a Request for Proposal (RFP) to five

Update on the Ballad of CBIZ...

2010-02-04T09:04:00.007-05:00

There's a buzz going on around 1 Montgomery...not one of those good, "We're finally getting raises!", or, "Yay, they're not messing with our health care anymore!", type, but a really dark and sinister buzz."Indictments?", you may ask? No, the good citizens of Montgomery County couldn't be so lucky.No, the buzz is that Jimbo became incensed that Republican Commissioner, Bruce L. Castor, Jr., Esq.

The Continuing Saga of CBIZ...

2010-02-03T08:41:00.003-05:00

Now, both CBIZ and county solicitor, Barry Miller, want to charge Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, Jr. and the Times Herald between $245.00 and $265.00 to obtain the documents that Castor should have the right, as a county commissioner (who's responsibility it is to make decisions for the County) to review it at his leisure. Miller offered that Castor could review the documents in his

Update The 147th Endorsement.

2010-01-26T20:46:00.004-05:00

Apparently, Ken Fody's good friend, Jim Matthews, gave Fody more than a check...he also gave him a place on the Writemarsh Wall of Shame as the latest victim of the dreaded "Matthews Effect".Marcy Toepel was endorsed and nominated at tonight's gathering and garnered 58.7% of the vote, winning 27 votes to 19.Note to Ken Fody...How's that fat check from your buddy Jimbo working for you now?

The Race to Represent the 147th Legislative District.

2010-01-25T22:12:00.003-05:00

There is a race for the seat left vacant by Senator Bob Mensch...and it's heating up to be a three-way race. Ken Fody, Nicholas Fountain and now Marcy Toepel.Far be it for me to disappoint...so let's talk about the Matthews Candidate...Ken Fody hosted an event with former Senator Rick Santorum last week. Committee members were surprised to see censured Montco Commissioner Jim Matthews in

Pay To Play in Montco...Part 2

2010-01-21T08:46:00.003-05:00

C-BIZ, Jimbo and J-Huff have loads of 'splaining to do.It seems that, according to the Times Herald, there is nothing at all (yet), in writing, that authorizes C-BIZ to act as an agent, on the County's behalf, to obtain competitive health care plans for County employees. The Times Herald has yet to receive a resolution or contract showing the county authorized the consultant to act on the county’

Funny Video

2010-01-20T13:02:00.000-05:00

A Thought For The Day

2010-01-20T08:07:00.002-05:00

"Martha Coakley was a bad candidate" seems to be the mantra for the democrats this morning...If she was so bad, then why was she enjoying double digit poll numbers just a few weeks ago? If she was so bad, then why did they run her in the first place?She's only a "bad candidate" because she lost. Oh, how quickly they turn on their own.B.

Opinion Column From Sunday's Times Herald

2010-01-19T10:33:00.002-05:00

More on C-BIZ and the insurance debacle:OpinionCounty needs a major makeover to change imageSunday, January 17, 2010By The Times HeraldThere are comparisons to be made with the county’s ham-handed attempt to communicate the need for employees to start contributing to their health care costs and the U.S. government’s ham-handed attempt to overhaul health care across America.We

A Comment on Newsbusters.com:

2010-01-19T10:29:00.002-05:00

I found this amusing and worthy of sharing:A man was arrested today at JFK as he attempted to board a flight while in possession of a ruler, a protractor, a compass, a slide-rule and a calculator... At a morning press conference, the Attorney General said he believes the man is a member of the notorious Al-Gebra movement. He did not identify the man, who has been charged by the FBI with carrying

CBIZ-Pay to Play? Say It Isn't So, Jimbo!!!

2010-01-13T11:24:00.003-05:00

From the Times Herald:COURTHOUSE — Thus far, Montgomery County officials have been unable to provide proof that the commissioners authorized CBIZ to act on the county’s behalf to solicit health insurance plans; however, the county is still searching through its storage vaults for records, according to a letter that accompanied documents received from a December open records request by The Times

New White House Spin on "Jobs Saved"...

2010-01-12T09:33:00.003-05:00

The Obama Administration has changed the way we speak of how stimulus money "saves" jobs...In a little-noticed December 18, 2009 memo from Office of Management and Budget director Peter Orszag the Obama administration is changing the way stimulus jobs are counted. The memo, first noted by ProPublica, says that those receiving stimulus funds no longer have to say whether a job has been saved or

The Secret Revealed...Why the Donkey is the Symbol of the Democratic Party

2010-01-10T23:50:00.007-05:00

From Joe Hoeffel's own mouth...because he needs to "commune with the animals...I didn't get a chance to see the horses"."Commune with the animals", you say?Well, yes. (play the video) The man is for gay marriage. Thinks G-d is a woman. Rick Santorum says the next step will be "man and dog", so why not "commune with a horse"?

A Reflection

2010-01-08T07:08:00.002-05:00

14 years ago today, we celebrated the end of a 2 day blizzard which dropped over 30" of snow on our region. As I dug out my trusty Ford F150 4x4, my wife sat inside, tremendously pregnant. As I neard the end of my task, she got up and made me soup and grilled cheese for lunch. As I sat eating my hot, steamy comfort food, I called my folks in Philly to see how they were faring. As I spoke to my

Jim Gerlach Withdrawls

2010-01-07T16:48:00.001-05:00

January 7, 2010Dear Friends and Supporters,I wanted you to be the first to know that after much thought and deliberation, I have decided to end my campaign for Governor. I am releasing the attached statement to the media, but wanted to reach out to you to thank you for your support and vote of confidence. Running for Governor has been a tremendous experience, one that has enabled me to meet so

You Vill Sign Zee Contrrrract Or Eeet Von't Be Preeeeetty!

2010-01-06T15:47:00.006-05:00

Jimbo brings a whole new attitude to the County for the New Year...do what I say or else.County employees are rejecting the new Flex benefit plan that Matthews has been trying to spoon feed them for months now. Whatever their personal problem with the FLEX program is, in the end, it's the employees choice as to which program they want to pay for.The problem is, although the FLEX premiums are

Montco Bipartisanship?

2010-01-04T15:04:00.003-05:00

Way back when, about 2 years ago, Jim Matthews would have the good people of Montgomery County think he was interested in running a bipartisan government, an agreement he made with commissioner-elect Hoeffel in a power grab designed to leave Republican Commissioner, Bruce L. Castor, Jr. out of the proverbial "loop", subsequently empowering he and J-Huf to pack the courthouse with his political

This Stuff Just Writes Itself...The Continuing Saga of Ethics and The Commissioners

2009-12-02T07:30:00.002-05:00

I couldn't write this any better than The Times Herald's Keith Phucus:COURTHOUSE — Montgomery County Commissioner Joseph Hoeffel, who wants to appeal a recent court decision that invalidated the county’s authority to prohibit employees from political activities, may be surprised to win support from the ban’s chief opponent.Hoeffel, the leading advocate for the ethics ordinance that he helped

Sightings:XXVII, or "They'll Never Think to Look For Us Here".

2009-12-02T07:00:00.004-05:00

Last evening, I dined with a couple of friends at Capone's restaurant, in East Norriton. As we left the establishment, who did I see enjoying a cozy, candlelight dinner for two?Jimbo and his BFF, Barry Miller. My guess is they were scheming a new way to "get back at Castor", now that their ethics policy fell through the floor.Looks like they've picked a new "hangout" now that the Blue Horse (in

Republican Commissioner, Bruce L. Castor, Jr. Responds to "The Intelligencer"

2009-12-01T09:28:00.002-05:00

Commissioner Castor responds to the Intelligencer editorial, "No More Free Health Care"...Click here to see the original article.

Jim Matthews Gives Joe Hoeffel His Wish:

2009-11-30T11:23:00.002-05:00

Attack the employees, drive them to a union.(click image to enlarge)Thanks, Jim.

Q. How Can You Tell Jimbo is Lying?

2009-11-29T12:04:00.007-05:00

A. His lips are moving.On Thursday, the Intelligencer's own Margaret Gibbons reported on Judge Nicholas' ruling that the ethics policy doesn't apply to elected row officers or their staff, because they operate independently of the Board of Commissioners.RINO Commissioner Chairman Jimbo Matthews gave the following quotes to Ms. Gibbons concerning the failed attempt of his bad policy: Matthews

Jimbo, Huffin-Stuff Won't "Budge" on Budget...

2009-11-27T06:53:00.002-05:00

The two Montgomery County Commissioners introduced a budget for 2010 that will leave us with an $11 million shortfall. They are placing the burden of closing that gap firmly on the backs of the row officers and department heads, telling them to cut spending by at least 5 %.They are also re-paying the county employees, who keep this squeaky wheel greased, by freezing their wages and making them

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T18:03:00.000-05:00

Times Herald article on the Ethics Policy

2009-11-26T17:59:00.002-05:00

Click here for Keith Phucas' take on the court decision.

Matthew's Hatred For Castor Has "Jumped The Shark"

2009-11-26T09:38:00.005-05:00

For those of you who don't know the origin of that phrase, "jumped the shark" is a reference to the sitcom "Happy Days", where, in the last season, Fonzie water skis and jumps over a vicious maneater...the ratings were suffering and this was pretty much the proverbial icing on the cake. The show had gone form a reasonably funny period (1950's-60's) show to "jumping the shark", which has become a

Sheriff Sounds off on County's Proposed Health Care Changes

2009-11-18T10:15:00.001-05:00

(re-printed from the Intelligencer...Margaret Gibbons reported this well enough that I need not comment)Sheriff blasts moves to cut Montco benefitsRequiring Montgomery County government employees to pick up part of the tab for their health care benefits, freezing their salaries and instituting payless holidays could jeopardize public safety, according to county Sheriff John P. Durante. "I will

Nothing Is Forever...

2009-11-10T08:32:00.003-05:00

...nothing is forever. I was thinking of that this morning and truer words have never been spoken. This weekend, two of my very close friends each lost a parent. One lost his mom and one lost his dad, both after long illnesses. For each, this was their sole remaining parent.I couldn't begin to fathom the grief either one are suffering right now. Both of my parents are still alive and in

Fundraiser for Casey Taylor

2009-11-04T17:30:00.000-05:00

Now that the election is over, I'd like to re-post this and ask if you'll contact me for tickets and try to attend this event...it's a worthy cause for a little baby girl who needed a liver transplant:A while back, I posted a link and a story about a baby girl who was in desperate need of a liver transplant.This special little girl, Casey, is the daughter of my childhood friend, "Mat" Taylor,

Montco Voters Elect 6 of 7 Republican Judges...

2009-11-04T02:33:00.003-05:00

...and Jimbo had absolutely nothing to do with their victory.Congratulations to MCRC Chairman Bob Kerns for his stalwart leadership in bringing 6 of his "Magnificent 7" judge candidates across the finish line.Winning on the Republican ticket were (in no particular order): Kelly Wall, Carolyn Carluccio, Gary Silow, Pat Coonahan, Garrett Page, and Wendy Demchick-Alloy. Congratulations, Your Honors!