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

...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 many of their members from bidding on the contracts.

Claims Jimbo, "It's only this one project", citing that the Building Trades Council, who represents union labor in these parts, has sought the addition of the clause in bid language for years.

Let me get this straight... Jimbo, who "conveniently" forgot to get the required 5 RFP's for county contracts with professional services providers (legal, insurance, financial, etc.) now requires them for the prison expansion project, AND adds the clause that only those contractors who have "apprenticeship programs" (read "union shops") need apply.

But Jimbo, didn't your lapdog solicitor, Barry the Great just say that you guys didn't use RFP's because you just plain forgot, and besides, since it hasn't been done for years, the "call them and just spread the wealth" method, or the "de facto" way, was now the way Jimbo and J-Huf chose to do business? Yet, for the Unions, who also contribute to (most likely) your campaign funds, get RFP'd with special instructions that "Non-Union Need Not Apply". Jimbo's excuse? "I thought this was a good opportunity to come through on a campaign promise."

Well, there's a first...Jimbo wants to keep a campaign promise?

How about we start with the one where you said you would work with Republican Commissioner Bruce L. Castor, Jr., Esq., if elected?

And, what promise was that, anyway, Jimbo?

But I digress... The real story here is that Jimbo only chooses to follow county ordinances when it suits him to do so...RFP to require "union only" labor isn't the "de facto" way, now is it Solicitor Barry?

Nope.

The pair of them are an anchor around the necks of Montgomery County taxpayers.

Read the Inquirer story here.



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My Thoughts on the Matthews Censure

I posted the news of Jim Matthews' censure on Monday without any commentary. I let the words of Bob Kerns speak for themselve. Today, I'd like to give my opinion of the resolution (and as I have observed the happenings of the past year).

The 2008 election was not a good one for Republicans. Neither was the election of 2004, 2006, and 2007, as we lost both the house and the senate, and the PA house of representatives. Why? We all know the answer.

We have moved, as a party, too far to the left. the general consensus has been "if we act more like them (democrats) we will get elected. This "experiment" hasn't worked.

The problem is, when we do that, we lose our base. Just look at the results of the last election as proof. In Montgomery County, only 31% of all registered Republicans bothered to vote in what was probably the most important election of their lifetime. Not that the democratic base did much better, but their 40% turnout won the election here for Obama and anybody else who rode in on his historic coattails.

In last years election, Republicans won the County Commissioner positions. Jim Matthews then went to say that we needed to form a "more bi-partisan" government"...one that governs more to the center than to the right or left. Unfortunately, the current governing body does, indeed, govern more to the left, as we have passed most of the liberal Hoeffel/Damsker platform since January 8th than we have passed any conservative platform. Jim has essentially turned his back on the Republican party. As a result, we are probably going to have a budget deficit, taxes will probably have to go up and we will probably lose our AAA bond rating that Former Commissioner Tom Ellis worked so hard to obtain and preserve.

Our new county Republican Chairman, Bob Kerns, has worked, since taking office, to try to convince Matthews that he needs to start working with Republicans for good, sound fiscally responsible Republican style governance, as he was elected to do. Jim argues that the people spoke when they elected him and that they asked for a more bi-partisan (liberal) governance. Jim is wrong. The numbers don't lie. Besides, if the people had wanted a more leftist style of government, they would have elected Ruth Damsker and Jim would now be a private citizen of Montgomery County.

Also, most of the rank and file, as I have witnessed, disagrees with Matthews.

I have attended enough fundraisers and events over the past eleven months to have heard, ad nauseum, "what are we going to do about Jim" and "why isn't Bob (Kerns) doing anything about Jim"?

On Monday night, after months of getting nowhere with Jim Matthews, Bob Kerns did something.

Bob drafted a resolution censuring Jim Matthews for basically betraying the will of the voters of Montgomery County. Jim's move to the left has not only hurt the taxpayers of Montgomery County, it has hurt the Republican party as a whole. It has hurt our credibility. It has hurt our "branding" if you will.

It has forced our top Republicans to take a stand that they would have rather not taken (remember, it took months to make this decision).

Bob Kerns did something courageous on Monday night. He started pulling our party back to the right, where it belongs. Bob took a stand against the very thing that has destroyed our party nationwide and caused us to lose elections.

Bob chose to be a real Republican. So did the leadership that unanimously voted to censure Jim Matthews for his transgressions against the party.

I will be eternally grateful to Bob for recognizing that we needed to go back to what made our party what it was, and for taking the proper steps to start returning our party to it's conservative roots.

Today, as I sit here writing this post, I can say, without equivocation, that I am the most proud I have ever been to be a Republican in Montgomery County.

Thanks, Bob, for restoring my faith in the party that I chose to be part of back in 1996.


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King James Declares A Freeze On Hiring, Citing the False "Recession"

Maybe he just needs to fire a few of his closest and dearest friends from their public-assisted job services program?

It seems that Montgomery County is in a bit of a pickle. Just 9 short months ago, former Commissioner (and State Treasurer candidate) Thomas J. Ellis left our county with a $90,000,000 surplus.

So, where has the money gone?

How about to Joe Hoeffel's (Turd assisted) cronyism hirings, and King James' continuing county public assistance program for county solicitor Barry Miller and several others?

Not to mention the current liberal spending agenda that RINO commissioner KJ-TURD has bestowed his blessing upon, such as allowing for the hiring of staff in the clerk of courts office, when the office ran fine for years with the staff it had in place. He allows this, but mentions that the other rows will have to sue in court to do any hiring.

Just what I want to hear, if I have business in the courthouse, is that the people charged with keeping the courthouse safe (Sheriff John P. Durante) and the bad guys off the street (District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman) have to sue the county that they've sworn to serve and protect, to hire bodies if their office is grossly understaffed. And the clerk of courts office gets to hire unnecessary personnel, on KJIII's say so?

Preposterous!

It's dem/rino cronyism at it's worst. It's the Turd's welfare program for unemployable friends. And it's a rotten shame that we have to pay the tab for these losers, through our real estate taxes.

Thank goodness we have Bruce Castor as our watchdog. Otherwise, we'd really be up the scatological creek without an implement of aquatic mobility.

Read all about it in Margaret Gibbons' article from today's Times Herald.

HT to Tony Phyrillas for the story, which was reported on his blog, "tonyphyrillas"


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Sightings: XIV

Jim-Turd was seen yesterday morning on NBC-10...being interviewed about the McCain campaign. I didn't see it, but I'm sure he mentioned his brother a half dozen times during the broadcast.

Why anybody values his opinion any more baffles the living sh*t out of me...maybe it was just a slow news day, and they were desperate, as all of the good Republicans were in church on Sunday morning. (Cool milk carton, huh?----------------->)

If anybody saw it, contact me and I'll update this as comments come in. If nobody saw it, who cares, right?

B.
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A Sighting II

Bulletin says King James attended the McCain HQ opening.

Odd. Wonder if he broke out into hives among all those Republicans?

Wonder if it's just a coincidence that fellow longtime Castor-hater Bob Asher scheduled the kickoff while Castor and DA Risa Ferman were out of town at the PA District Attorneys' Assoc. conference (Castor is immediate past president) in Erie.

Asher's clumsy efforts to continue to put the Republican label on Matthews would be amusing, if they weren't so sad...

Here's the story from the Bulletin:

07/16/2008
McCain Campaign Launches Montgomery County Office
By: William Mulgrew , The Bulletin

Blue Bell - Former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift joined local Republican leaders yesterday to celebrate the opening of the "McCain/Victory 2008" campaign office off Township Line Road.

It is the second regional office to open in Pennsylvania after the Harrisburg headquarters began two weeks ago.

The Hillary Clinton/ Barack Obama clash in the Primary Election left a benefit for Democrats: Most of the campaign offices and staff have already been on the ground. Republicans, however, remain optimistic that Sen. John McCain will catch up. The campaign tapped John Seaton, who led Iowa for the Bush/Cheney campaign in 2004, as Mr. McCain's regional director for Ohio-Pennsylvania.

"Being from Massachusetts, it's great to be in a state that will go from blue to red this year," Ms. Swift said.

Ms. Swift noted that not only Pennsylvania, but also New Hampshire and Maine are in play, two states that went for Democrat Sen. John Kerry in 2004. New Hampshire, specifically, voted out its two Republican congressmen in 2006.

"Montgomery County will be the keystone county in the Keystone State," said Bob Asher. As chairman of Pennsylvania for McCain, Mr. Asher heads the statewide fundraising effort.

County Republican Chairman Bob Kerns said that Mr. McCain is no George W. Bush.

"The Democrats are going to try, but are never going to be able to get that to stick," Mr. Kerns said. "He doesn't necessarily carry the party line ... But that's him. He's not bashful about saying that. What you see is what you get."

It's a battle to retain a county that's increasingly favorable to Democrats. While the Republicans held onto the county commissioners' race in 2007, 55.6 percent of Montgomery voters supported Democratic candidate John Kerry in 2004, and 61.9 percent supported Bob Casey over Rick Santorum in 2006.The McCain campaign has a branch office in Delaware County, shared with Craig Williams, Republican candidate for the 7th congressional district.

Sen. John McCain is scheduled to appear for a town hall meeting in Wilkes-Barre, July 23, followed by a fundraiser.

Local Candidates Show Support

Campaigning in the 17th senatorial district, Republican Lance Rogers said he's made traction with former Hillary Clinton supporters. The Lower Merion Township commissioner is campaigning full-time.

"I think that Sen. McCain is the right choice for America and the future. I know that John McCain has been very supportive of cleaning up and reforming government," Mr. Rogers said.

"He's experienced. He's a war hero," State Sen. Stewart Greenleaf (R-12) said. The senator said he was moved that, as a P.O.W. during the Vietnam War, McCain refused to be released unless his fellow prisoners were released with him.

Also in attendance: Marina Katz, candidate for the 13th congressional district, Tom Ellis, candidate for State Treasurer, State Rep. Kate Harper (R-61), State Sen. Rob Wonderling (R-24) and Montgomery County Commissioner Jim Matthews.


William Mulgrew can be reached at news@thebulletin.us.


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Commissioner Castor Lays Out His Plan

Commissioner says he wants to change what he calls current officials' lack of achievements
By: MARGARET GIBBONS, Times Herald Staff

COURTHOUSE - Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. may have been relegated to "minority" status on the three-member board of county commissioners but he has major plans for the county's future.

Unhappy with what he believes is the lack of accomplishments by the current administration during their first six months in office, Castor on Tuesday detailed his nine priorities for the remaining 3 1/2 years of his term.

He shared these details at a press conference held on the steps of the county courthouse where he was flanked by numerous current and former Republican elected officials including two prior commissioner chairmen, Thomas J. Ellis and Michael D. Marino, and county GOP Chairman Robert J. Kerns.

Missing were his two fellow commissioners, Democrat Joseph M. Hoeffel III and Commissioner Chairman James R. Matthews, a Republican and Castor's running mate in last year's election.

While Castor was the top votegetter in that election, an unprecedented power-sharing agreement between Matthews and Hoeffel has made Castor the odd man out in the current administration. (Ed. note: How did I know she'd sneak that line into the article-wink-wink)

"I am disappointed to say that I don't believe that we can point to any accomplishments whatsoever of any significant nature during those first six months," said Castor. "I am hoping we can change that." (Click on link to read the rest of the article and to see King James' and Prince Kartoffelkopf's response to Bruce's plan)

The headlines that have dogged the current administration include allegations of cronyism, patronage and politics, he said.

"In my judgment, the people have lost confidence in their county commissioners," said Castor. "I think we need to restore the confidence of the people in Montgomery County in their elected executives."

"Everyone of these proposals I am outlining today either are for the betterment of individuals living in Montgomery County or provide a more open, transparent, less partisan government," he said. "I think it is now time we get back to the business of governing."

The nine priorities set by Castor and some of his proposals to accomplish those priorities include:

*_ POLITICAL REFORM: Reconvening the campaign finance reform task force and holding hearings on recommendations it released last year. Reinstituting an ethics policy that was rescinded in 2000 and extending a policy prohibiting senior staff members from partisan politics.

*_ INCREASED TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT: Expanding the broadcast of commissioner meetings beyond the one-hour edited version by running one hour one week and another hour the second week and making the full unedited video available on the county's Web site.

*_ GOVERNMENT REFORM: Put a referendum on next year's May ballot to determine whether citizens are interested in creating a home rule study commission that would evaluate whether the county would be better served by an alternative to the three-member board of commissioners.

*_ KEEPING TAXES LOW: Appoint a fiscal fitness team that includes government, business and financial advisors to identify inefficiencies in county policies, programs and the budget.

*_ PUBLIC SAFETY: Restore county funding for the CLEAN Team, an elite force of law enforcement officers focussing on quality of life crimes in Norristown. Install a panic button system in all county offices in Norristown and other off-site offices that deal with the public.

*_ EDUCATION: Establish a storefront office presence in Norristown for the Montgomery County Community College where citizens can learn about the community college and even attend some classes. Create a tuition credit purchase program for the community college. Establish a Center for Civic Engagement at the college that would train and link volunteers with non-profit organizations. Create an intern program with the college providing credit for those interns working in county government to develop a "farm team" for county government.

*_ IMPROVED GOVERNMENT SERVICES: Institute a 311 program, comparable to the 911 program, to give citizens just one number to call for government services. Open county offices that serve the general public at least one evening a week and two Saturdays a month.

*_ COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS: Create a nine-member board that would use an objective process to review all requests for county funds from nonprofit organizations and then would pass their recommendations onto the commissioners. This would eliminate a process now in place where whichever organization captures the ears of the commissioners gets some funding, Castor said.

*_ TRAFFIC ABATEMENT: Ask voters in a referendum if they want to engage in a $150-million borrowing to help alleviate traffic congestion. In the meantime, create a Web site where citizens can call in or e-mail the county to report poorly timed traffic signals, poor sight lines and other traffic problems that can be addressed without spending much money.

Commissioners Matthews and Hoeffel respond to Castor's plan
By: MARGARET GIBBONS, Times Herald Staff
07/09/2008

COURTHOUSE - Montgomery County Commissioners Joseph M. Hoeffel III and James R. Matthews Tuesday said they welcomed the prospect of fellow Commissioner Bruce L. Castor Jr. "finally" becoming engaged in county government.

However, the pair took exception to Castor's claim of a lack of significant accomplishments during the three's first six months in office.

"That just shows how uninvolved Bruce has been," said Hoeffel, noting that Castor does not have much to say to his fellow two commissioners and is the only commissioner with blinds on the interior windows of his office.

Matthews, who is the chairman of the commissioners, said the administration set three priorities at the outset of the administration.

Those three priorities include the development of a county commerce and economic development policy, the creation of a transportation funding program and the continued "greening" of the county through programs such as its open-space grant program and greenhouse gas reduction program.

"As a businessman, I have learned that you have to remain focussed on a handful of priorities or nothing is accomplished," said Matthews.

Hoeffel said the administration has made "great strides" in putting together an economic development policy.

The county has created a commerce and economic development cabinet of county officials, created a citizens' task force and has hired a consultant.

Matthews said that the county currently has put its planning commission to work to develop a transportation funding program that will address traffic congestion issues in the county.

"These are big things that are under way and they take time," said Hoeffel.

Matthews said that many of the proposals raised by Castor at his press conference Tuesday have been discussed by the commissioners and will continue to be discussed.

For example, Matthews said, he has spent the last month reviewing recommendations of a former home rule commission that studied county government in 1976.

"I happen to believe that you don't mess with something that works," said Matthews, noting that taxes have decreased since 2003 while the size of county government has decreased since 1999.

Matthews also said he was a strong proponent of the 311 system, but that it might be "a clumsy vehicle" to achieve what the county wants achieved since he has learned that more than 50 percent of the callers likely wanted services provided by the county's more than 100 school districts and municipalities.

"Mr. Castor's priorities are just an affirmation of what we are doing," said Matthews. Still, "a lot of the issues raised by Bruce have merit and should and will be discussed," said Hoeffel.
He noted the commissioners now are in the process to streamline their bi-weekly meetings to allow for more discussion of policy issues.

As for allegations of cronyism and patronage leveled at Hoeffel and Matthews by Castor and county Republican Chairman Robert J. Kerns during Castor's press conference, Hoeffel claimed "that coming from those two guys, those complaints are just the height of hypocrisy."
"After both of them engaged in those activities for a number of years, now they are coming off so pure," said Hoeffel.

"I knew both of these two before they were virgins." (Ed. note: That shows a lot of class, Prince Joe.)
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Re: Matthews sighting

Seldom welcomed in his old haunts, King James was spotted on Thursday evening perched at the bar at the Blue Bell Inn.

He was witnessed doing what he usually does when encountering most county Republicans these days: Animatedly defending himself waving his arms around like the conductor of a choir trying to explain his back room deal with Democrat Joe Hoeffel.

Except this choir has only a few members and no patrons.

No one is interested in the symphony being conducted by the King.

A symphony of one.

The operative word here is "phony".

Play on King James, play on.

The song may stay the same, but your audience is gone.

The only thing actually missing for you is a fat lady singing next to you.

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King James the Turd Sighting!

We have a sighting...details to come shortly.

Image altered in Photoshop
for my own general amusement!

B.


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Castor/Hoeffel Treated Like Mushrooms About Barnes Decision...

...you know, kept in the dark and fed bullsh*t.

Castor: I Was Not Consulted About The Barnes Case
By: Jeff Cobb , For The Bulletin

Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce Castor (R) says he was not consulted about the county's decision not to appeal a court ruling regarding the Barnes Foundation.

Last week, The Bulletin reported the commissioners would not appeal a May 15 ruling by Montgomery County Orphans Court rejecting their request to reopen a case from 2004 that had granted the Barnes permission to move. Judge Stanley Ott ruled that neither the county, nor co-petitioner the Friends of the Barnes Foundation, a citizens group, had legal standing.

The county had 30 days to appeal, and Wednesday its decision had been relayed by County Solicitor Carolyn Carluccio. She told The Bulletin that she had been clearly informed by commissioner chairman James R. Matthews (R), who in turn spoke for the commissioners.

According to Mr. Matthews yesterday, however, it was simply a mistake.

"I think she made an assumption," Mr. Matthews said. "I don't normally speak without having a majority opinion behind me."

Ms. Carluccio could not be reached for comment.

Yesterday, Mr. Matthews said he still doubts the county will appeal. He said taxpayers might have to pay for sanctions if the judge takes issue with a request for reconsideration without the county doing more to establish standing.

Ms. Carluccio said last week she felt strongly that the county should have been granted standing, but the commissioners had made their decision.

But this was news to Commissioners Castor and Joe Hoeffel (D).

"I was stunned to read in Thursday's Bulletin that the deputy county solicitor was directed to cease efforts to keep the Barnes in the county by Chairman Matthews. He never discussed it with me," Mr. Castor said in a press release.

Continuing, he said, "My phone has been ringing off the hook from upset residents of Lower Merion who are outraged over this apparent about face. I am equally distressed that this decision is being represented as though the commissioners discussed it. We most certainly did not, despite having an extended meeting together on Wednesday. Commissioner Matthews never raised this issue at any meeting in which I was present."

Yesterday, Mr. Castor went on to say Mr. Matthews spoke on the Barnes topic for him and Mr. Hoeffel presumptuously.

"He doesn't have the authority to do so, but he thinks he does," Mr. Castor said. "We are supposed to make important governmental decisions in a public meeting. ... I don't know what Commissioner Matthews' rationale for not going forward was."

Likewise, Mr. Hoeffel said his reading about Mr. Matthews' statement came as news. While saying he does not think the county's chances are good, he said the issue needed to be properly discussed.

"The three of us have not talked about it and made an official position," Mr. Hoeffel said, "I got an e-mail from Bruce [Castor] today saying that he thinks this is something we should appeal."

"I'm flat out opposed to dropping the legal appeals if there are any remedies available to us," Mr. Castor said. "Based on what I know I think that there are."

Mr. Castor said he was guided by desire to abide by his constituents' will, and out of concern for legal precedents that could deter others from future donations or establishment of trusts.

Mr. Castor said Dr. Albert C. Barnes had entrusted his collection very specifically to reside forever in Montgomery County. His concern was for a potential chilling effect the confidence by potential donors based on how this case plays out.

Mr. Matthews said however unless some new arguments can be presented establishing standing, his vote is to quit while they are ahead.

He said he had been the first of the three to pioneer and champion the Barnes case, and keeping with tradition, "Pioneers get the first arrow." (Whiskey–Tango–Foxtrot does that mean?)

Jeff Cobb can be reached at jeffjcobb@yahoo.com.


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