Nagle Wins Spot on Radnor Township

Long time friend of the blog John Nagle won a seat on the board of commissioners for Radnor Township. Many congratulations, John, and thanks for all the tea, sympathy, and tips over the years.

Implementing Green Infrastructure

I'm delayed in noting the release of a new report, "Implementing Green Infrastructure: Developing a Winning Strategy to Fund Philadelphia's Ambitious Visions,” commissioned by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and prepared by the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, that examines funding sources for green infrastructure.

An executive summary of the lengthy full report is available. The report notes the number of plans previously produced that outline goals but were never implemented. While many of the proposed strategies are common sense (promote external partnerships), it also provides some excellent public relations concepts, such as promoting the benefits of open space. That sounds cliched but I've done some volunteer work in this area, done some reading on it, and still found new ideas.

Those who work in planning, development, real estate, sustainability, and related areas, as well as those who simply have an interest in the city, should take a look at it. It might also be handy to print out and refer to when developing activist game plans.

Obama on AARP and AMA

From the inbox, remarks from Pres. Obama:

I am extraordinarily pleased and grateful to learn that the AARP and the American Medical Association are both supporting the health insurance reform bill that will soon come up to a vote in the House of Representatives.

When it comes to the AARP, this is no small endorsement. For more than 50 years, they have been a leader in the fight to reduce the cost of health care and expand coverage for our senior citizens. They are a non-partisan organization, and their board made their decision to endorse only after a careful, intensive, objective scrutiny of this bill. They're endorsing this bill because they know it will strengthen Medicare, not jeopardize it. They know it will protect the benefits our seniors receive, not cut them. So I want everybody to remember that the next time you hear the same tired arguments to the contrary from the insurance companies and their lobbyists. And remember this endorsement the next time you see a bunch of misleading ads on television.

The AARP knows this bill will make health care more affordable. They know it will make coverage more secure. They know it's a good deal for our seniors. And that's why we're thrilled that they're standing up for this effort.

The same is true for the doctors and medical professionals who are supporting this bill today. These are men and women who know our health care system best and have been watching this debate closely. They would not be supporting it if they really believed that it would lead to government bureaucrats making decisions that are best left to doctors. They would not be with us if they believed that reform would in any way damage the critical and sacred doctor-patient relationship.

Instead, they're supporting reform because they've seen firsthand what's broken about our health care system. They've seen what happens when patients can't get the care they need because some insurance company has decided to drop their coverage or water it down. They've seen what happens when a patient is forced to pay out-of-pocket costs of thousands of dollars that she doesn't have to get the treatment she desperately needs. They've seen what happens when patients don't come in for regular check-ups or screenings because either their insurance company doesn't cover them or they can't afford health insurance in the first place. And they've seen far, far too much of their time spent filling out forms and haggling with insurance company bureaucrats.

So the doctors of America know what needs to be fixed about our health care system. They know that health insurance reform would go a long way toward doing that.

We are closer to passing this reform than ever before. And now that the doctors and medical professionals of America are standing with us; now that the organizations charged with looking out for the interests of seniors are standing with us, we are even closer.

I want to thank both organizations again for their support, and I urge Congress to listen to AARP, listen to the AMA, and pass this reform for hundreds of millions of Americans who will benefit from it. Thank you.

A Good PA Reporter Moves On

From www.twitter.com/capitol_ideas:

Dept. of Full Disclosure: Our D.C. colleague, Josh Drobnyk, has moved on to become press guy for Rep. Chris Carney, D-10th. Godspeed, Josh.

I've read Josh's blog, Pennsylvania Avenue, since it's inception, and many of his Morning Call newspaper stories as well. He was accurate, approachable, and fair. His work will be missed and Carney is fortunate to have him.

On a less serious note, Drobnyk was once on a panel that was televised. His name was listed as Drobnyx, which struck me as having a pixie-ish look to it.

Best of luck to him as he shifts to the other side of the table. Hopefully the Morning Call will hire another DC correspondent. Philadelphia is poorer for not having a DC reporter from one of the major papers.

Regional EPA Administrator Announced

From the inbox:

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson announced President Barack Obama’s selection of Shawn M. Garvin to be the agency’s new Regional Administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region (Region 3). This region encompasses Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.

"I look forward to working closely with Shawn on the range of urgent environmental issues we face, in region 3 and across the nation," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "At this moment of great challenge and even greater opportunity, I'm thrilled that Shawn will be part of our leadership team at EPA. He will certainly play an instrumental role in our agency's mission to protect our health and the environment."

Regional Administrators for the EPA are responsible for managing the agency’s regional activities. They promote state and local environmental protection efforts and serve as a liaison to state and local government officials. EPA’s Regional Administrators will be tasked with making sure that EPA's efforts to address the environmental crises of today are rooted in three fundamental values: science-based policies and programs, adherence to the rule of law, and transparency.

Shawn M. Garvin has worked for EPA Region 3 for more than 10 years and currently serves as EPA Region 3’s Senior State and Congressional Liaison. In that position he serves as the primary contact to Congressional delegations and state and local officials throughout the region. He joined EPA in 1997, serving as Special Assistant to the Regional Administrator. Prior to that, Garvin worked for then-Senator Joe Biden and County Executive Dennis Greenhouse. Garvin earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware.

Women's Day of Action for Health Reform

A couple of things showed up in the inbox relating to women's health and health insurance reform. One is that today is Women's Day of Action for Health Reform. According to the press release:

As we mark Women’s Day of Action for Health Reform, we must remember that while individuals of both genders will benefit from health care reform, there are a few essential changes needed to provide women with appropriate healthcare:.

* An End to Gender Rating – In the individual insurance market, many states allow insurance companies to calculate premiums based on characteristics such as existing health problems, age, and gender. In particular, women are often charged higher premiums than men during their reproductive years. For example, holding other factors constant, a 22-year-old woman can be charged one and a half times the premium rate of a 22-year-old man.

* An End to Discrimination Based on “Pre-Existing Conditions” – A pre-existing condition can be any medical condition that existed before an individual applies for a new health insurance policy. In 45 states, it is legal for insurance companies to discriminate against people purchasing health insurance based on pre-existing conditions (which can include hay fever and asthma). Some insurance companies even consider pregnancy a pre-existing condition and will not provide coverage for a woman who is pregnant. In eight states, being a survivor of domestic violence is considered a pre-existing condition.

* An End to Coverage Excluding Services Used Only By Women – A recent survey by the National Women’s Law Center found that the vast majority of individual market health insurance policies did not cover maternity care. In 2009, only 13 percent of the health plans available to a 30-year-old woman across the country provide maternity coverage. One insurance company even told Peggy Robertson after she had a doctor-ordered C-section that she would have to get sterilized in order to keep her coverage.

If you would like more information our friends at ivillage have posted a video of First Lady Michelle Obama talking about women and health care and another video of Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sibelius answering questions on the subject.

Supreme Court Fundraising

From the inbox yesterday:

PHILADELPHIA (November 3, 2009) – Today is Election Day in Pennsylvania. The top of the ballot features a contest to fill one vacancy on the state Supreme Court. The candidates are Democrat Jack Panella and Republican Joan Orie Melvin.

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts (PMC) has been tracking the data via the candidates’ mandatory campaign finance reports filed with the State Department. The results are of concern to court watchers, especially in light of public opinion polls that show the public is concerned that justice is for sale to the biggest campaign contributor.

The previous record was set by current Supreme Court Justice Seamus McCaffery in 2007; he raised $2,340,350.78 (including $25,374.87 leftover from a 2005 campaign) in a four way race for two seats on the Supreme Court. 2007 set several records: each candidate raised over one million dollars, and the total was a new Pennsylvania record: $7,846,478.

Combining campaign contributions as of October 19, 2009 (the end of the most recent reporting period) with a confirmed $500,000 donation that came into Panella’s campaign just after the reporting cycle, the Panella campaign has already raised $2,350,633.20. PMC Executive Director Lynn A. Marks noted, “We were surprised when we did the math -- Jack Panella broke previous campaign fundraising records in advance of Election Day, and the candidates can still raise money through the end of the year.”

All figures used in this press release include in kind contributions made to a candidate’s campaign.

As of her most recent campaign finance report, Orie Melvin has raised $733,948.
The campaigns’ final reports will be due February 1, 2010. PMC expects that the final fundraising numbers for both campaigns will rise significantly.

As Marks noted, “This is troubling, because the money comes from lawyers, law firms, unions, and businesses who frequently litigate in the state courts. These are not the types of records Pennsylvania should be proud of. But when you elect judges in partisan contests, the elections become more expensive, not less so.”

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts is a statewide, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to promote the reform of Pennsylvania’s judicial system. www.pmconline.org.

Family Announcement from Rep. Patrick Murphy

An arrival on Monday:

Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA, 8th District) issued the following statement today on the birth of his son:

“Jenni, Maggie and I couldn’t be happier to welcome John Martin 'Jack' Murphy to the family this morning. Jack was born at 9:15 AM, weighing in at 7 lbs, 14 ounces and 21 inches long. He's in the neonatal unit right now, and we’re thankful to the nurses and doctors at Lower Bucks Hospital for taking good care of him. Jenni did great and is resting comfortably. Please keep the little guy in your prayers.

“Jack is named for his grandfather, Jack Murphy, a Vietnam-era enlisted Navy Veteran, and great-grandfather Henry Martin, a U.S. Navy captain who served in World War II. We’re thrilled that he’s here- and although he's named after two Navy men, he'll be joining me in cheering for Army over Navy in Philly in a couple weeks and for the Phillies tonight.”

Stack of Clippings, Mostly Business

Like everyone else, I'm sorting through the stack of things that accumulated during the buildup to the election and the immediate aftermath.

Here is a group of clippings and news stories that caught my eye but didn't make it to the blog until now:

According to Bob Fernandez in the 10/27 Inky, "Delaware plugged in to new-era 'green' cars," luxury carmaker Fisker will start assembling their electric-hybrid Karma cars at an old GM plant in Wilmington.

From the 10/19 WSJ, "The answer is blowing in ... Iowa," by Yuliya Chernova: "And many are adding new wind capability at a faster clip. The top three during the second quarter of this year: Missouri increased its wind capacity by 90%, though it is still just 19th by total installed; Pennsylvania expanded capacity 28%; and South Dakota 21%."

I would point those who say a gov't health care option would ruin competition to "Big hospital players poised to win," by Dinah Wisenberg Brin in the 10/21 WSJ: "Investor-owned hospital operators are positioned to gain market share from smaller, nonprofit competitors struggling with tight credit markets, investment losses and diminished endowments."

Classic horror film "Dawn of the Dea," by filmed in Monroeville, PA. Who knew? (WSJ 10/22 "Despite all the corpses milling around, things are quite lively at this mall," by Kris Maher)

From the 10/22 WSJ, "States invest more in energy efficiency," by Rebecca Smith, "Four states -- Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Delaware -- recently approved programs calling for utilities to set energy savings goals."

Unofficial Election Results

A morning round up of races I had followed. Numbers are unofficial but from state and county websites.

State Supreme Court:

Joan Orie Melvin

State Superior Court

Judy Olson
Sallie Mundy
Paula Ott
Anne Lazarus (by 4,000 or so votes)

State Commonwealth Court

Patricia McCollough
Kevin Brobson

Delaware County Court of Common Pleas

Linda Cartisano

Bucks County District Attorney

David Heckler

Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas

Carolyn Carluccio
Lois Murphy
Garrett Page
Wendy Demchick-Alloy
Gary Silow
Kelly Wall
Patricia Coonahan

SEPTA Strike Info

For information on SEPTA service during the strike, check:

http://www.septa.org/sip/index.html

D'Oh! Election Results Update

Sorry, folks, I forgot to list the URLs for the election sites I was following. In case anyone is still interested, they were:

Statewide: http://www.electionreturns.state.pa.us/

Delco: http://election.co.delaware.pa.us/eb/November_2009/summary.html

Bucks County: http://www.buckscountyelections.org/ElectionSummary.aspx?id=8

Montgomery County: http://webapp.montcopa.org/election/2009%20General%20Election%20Result.htm

I'm calling it a night.

Election Results Sources

Okay, folks, following my new patter, I'll be twittering election results through the night until I get tired and call it quits (you want more dedication, follow professional journalists and politicos).

twitter address: www.twitter.com/aajane

Sites I'll be following:

statewide:

Bucks County:

Delaware County:

Montgomery County:

Some of these sites are not particularly effective.

Tonight's comic relief: Sen. Bob Casey was on "The Biggest Loser" tonight talking with contestants and listening to their stories. The junior senator for NY, Kirstin Gillibrand, was also there.

It has been a rough few days and so it may be an early night for me.

Delco Court of Common Pleas

Residents of Delaware County are also elected someone to their Court of Common Pleas. The Democratic candidate is Nancy Rhoads Koons; website: www.nancyrhoadskoons.org

Montco Court of Common Pleas Candidates

Those who live in Montgomery County will be electing judges to the Court of Common Pleas. Currently all judges on this bench are Republican.

Democratic candidates are:

Cheryl Lynne Austin
Joel Bernbaum
Richard Haaz
Jeff Lindy
Lois Murphy
Michael C. Shields
Ann Thornburg Weiss

You can read more about them at: http://www.judgeswecanbelievein.com/

Statewide Judicial Elections

Hey, folks, there is an election tomorrow. Depending on where you live there may be county-wide offices up for grabs, as well as local and school board elections. But statewide there are a number of judicial races. Most of us try to stay out of courtrooms, unless there is a lawyer in the family or you are called for jury duty, but state-level judges rule on topics that affect us all.

It can be a pain to go to the polls but I'll be there bright and early, and today was a lousy day with tomorrow looking the same or worse. Please take the time to vote.

For those on the Democratic side of the aisle, here is a list of judicial candidates running on that ticket (from the PA Democratic Party site). (GOP voters can find their candidates here.)

Democratic Judicial Candidates

Supreme Court
Judge Jack A. Panella
Website: http://www.votejackpanella.com/


Superior Court
Judge Anne E. Lazarus
Website: http://lazarusforsuperiorcourt.org/


Judge Robert J. Colville
Website: http://judgecolville.com/home.html


Kevin Francis McCarthy
Website: http://www.mccarthyforsuperiorcourt.com

Teresa Sarmina
Website: http://www.sarminaforsuperiorcourt.com


Commonwealth Court

Linda S. Judson
Website: http://www.lindajudsonforjudge.com/

Barbara Behrend Ernsberger
Website: http://www.ernsbergerforjudge.com/

Two More Notes on Chris Asplen

Chris Asplen, Democratic candidate for District Attorney in Bucks County has been endorsed by John Walsh, long time host of tv's "America's Most Wanted." Asplen also noted that his opponent's campaign finance reporting forms were incorrectly prepared. The campaign treasurer is taking the blame, but the candidate also takes some responsibility:

Heckler said that he and his campaign treasurer, attorney William Bolla, were in a rush to get the report filed in time and did their best to make the report accurate. He admitted that he was unprepared for the mountains of paperwork the task created.

Campaign finance is a lot of paperwork but the deadlines are clear; they shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. Read more at: "Asplen says Heckler lied about finances," by Laurie Mason Schroeder, Bucks County Courier Times 10/30/09

Funding for Sewer Work in Bristol

From the inbox:

Today, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) joined local officials to announce a $9million loan from PENNVEST for improvements to the Bristol Township sewer system. The low-interest loan will be critical to improving the township’s water infrastructure, ensuring the existing system can support new businesses, fostering economic growth and creating jobs.

This funding joins a $2 million H2O grant that Bristol Township was awarded earlier in the year, and Congressman Murphy has secured nearly $500,000 in additional funding for the project. The funds will provide for an upgrade to Bristol Township ’s sewage treatment plant to eliminate wet weather discharges of untreated and inadequately treated sewage into the Delaware River and Neshaminy Creek.

“The critical repairs we can make with this loan will help ensure that Bristol Township’s infrastructure can fully support existing businesses and attract new ones, bringing jobs to Bucks County,” said Rep. Murphy. “I’m proud to work with the Bristol Township Council to fight for funding that fosters economic growth.”

“The Council is grateful to Congressman Murphy for his work in helping secure the funding necessary to improve our sewers, a vital part of our infrastructure,” said John Monahan. “We can now get to work making crucial repairs and increasing the sewer system’s capacity, a real step forward for economic development.”

SEPTA Stimulus Projects in Montco

From the inbox:

SEPTA General Manager Joseph Casey, Pennsylvania State Senator Stewart Greenleaf, and Pennsylvania State Representative Kate Harper, joined with local government and community leaders at North Wales Regional Rail station to announce the start of extensive two-year federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) projects.

Over $17.4 million in federal ARRA funds has been earmarked for the revitalization of 13 Montgomery County SEPTA locations and facilities to include:

 Lansdale (R5) Substation roof replacement
 Glenside Station improvements - The existing station building and canopy will be replaced and painted. A new outbound platform will be constructed complete with new signage, lighting and additional passenger amenities.
 Philmont (R3) Station Rehabilitation – An ADA accessible path between the inbound and outbound platforms will be constructed. Repairs will be made to the exterior facades and the inbound side will be enhanced to provide greater accessibility.
 Bridge 13.04 - This span extending over North Hills Avenue will receive concrete, wall, and waterproofing repairs.
 Bridge 18.87 – This span extending over Penllyn Pike will receive concrete, wall, and waterproofing repairs.
 Bridge 20.25 - Crews will work to replace the aging superstructure over Wissahickon Creek and perform additional repairs.
 Bridge 12.81 - Supporting pedestals were recently repaired on this span over the Schuylkill River. Work included ‘wrapping’ the base with a protective stone layering to help prevent future erosion.
 Bridge 8.38 - Repairs will be made on the girders of the span near Melrose Park Station and new waterproofing installed.
 Gwynedd Cut Stabilization Project – Storm water and erosion controls will be installed and rock /slope stabilization work will be performed to improve safety and service efficiency
 Paoli/Thorndale (R5) Signage Project – This will provide new standardized signage at 17 SEPTA Regional Rail Stations including Merion, Narberth, Wynnwood, Haverford, Bryn Mawr, and Rosemont in Montgomery County.
 Norristown High Speed Line Fiber Optic Cable Project – Fiber optic cable will be installed along the line permitting the future installation of Audio Visual Public Address devices at all passenger stations and improve power substation control.
 Norristown Substation Renewal Project – The work includes the overhaul of the Norristown Traction Power Substations. New transformers, trolley breaker substation switchgear, and protective relaying will be installed.

The ceremony also served as the ground breaking for the nearly $700,000
North Wales Station Renovation Project which will renew the existing 150 year-old station and original hub of the old North Penn Railroad. Improvements include:

 Restoration of existing brick work and interior elements
 New roof
 Energy efficient heating and cooling systems
 New energy efficient lighting and windows

Recently, SEPTA constructed new passenger shelters, new signage, and high-level platforms with ramps at the station.

Upon completion of the construction in the summer of 2010, the station will be fully-compliant with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. During the construction the station will remain open and there will be minimal impact to normal train service.

It is estimated that over 300 area workers will be hired to help complete these 13 Montgomery County projects. In total, thirty-two SEPTA federally funded ARRA projects are scheduled to improve transportation in the area while invigorating the economy by creating local jobs.

For additional information on ARRA funded projects, visit www.septa.org/business/stimulus/projects. For service information, contact the SEPTA Customer Service at (215) 580-7800 or access the SEPTA web site at www.septa.org.

PA Stimulus Jobs

From the inbox:

The Obama Administration today reported that recipients of Recovery Act funds have informed the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board that they have created or saved 7,427 direct jobs in Pennsylvania in reports covering a little less than half of the funds put to work through September 30, 2009. Nationwide, recipients of Recovery Act funds reported 640,329 direct jobs as a result of this portion of spending. These reports, covering only directly created jobs and less than half the funds, support government and private forecaster’s estimates that overall the Recovery Act has created or saved over one million jobs to-date. To learn more about the jobs created and saved, click HERE.

“These reports are strong confirmation that the Recovery Act is responsible for over one million jobs so far and we are on-track to create and save 3.5 million jobs through the Recovery Act by the end of next year,” said Vice President Biden. “This is another encouraging sign of progress following yesterday’s news that the economy has begun to grow again for the first time in more than a year, but the President and I will not be satisfied until monthly reports show net job growth. We are working every day to create more jobs and we will continue to report on our progress doing so with the Recovery Act in the same transparent way we did today.”

The majority of the jobs reported were in the construction and education sectors, indicating the Recovery Act is not only bolstering private sector companies during the economic downturn, but also making critical investments in keeping America competitive in the 21st century. Of the 640,329 jobs reported nationwide, about 325,000 are in education, and over 80,000 are in construction.

The reports were filed in early October by state and local governments, private companies, colleges and universities and community organizations who received Recovery Act funds and were posted publicly on Recovery.gov today following a detailed three-week review process. As mandated by Congress, the reports specifically focused on the approximately $160 billion of the $339 billion in spending through September 30, 2010 that includes projects and activities. The reports do not cover the Act’s significant tax cuts and direct payments to individuals such as Pell Grants and unemployment compensation. Seventy percent of the funds were reported by state governments, with both Republican and Democratic governors participating in the process.

A report released today by Jared Bernstein, Chief Economist and Senior Advisor to the Vice President, notes that the new data confirms the Administration is on-track to meet its goal of creating and saving at least 3.5 million jobs through the Recovery Act by fall of 2010. The report also found that the states with the highest unemployment rates nationwide reported 25 percent more jobs created and saved per capita than the rest of the country. To view the report, click HERE

The recipient reports posted today are part of an historic effort the Administration has undertaken to provide the American people with more information about the Recovery Act at work than with any previous government program. With the collection and posting of this new recipient data – a first for a government program - visitors to the site can now access over 100,000 recipient and sub-recipient filings that show who received the funds, when they received them, how they began to spend them and the related direct job impact to-date. Recently upgraded mapping features on the site now allow visitors to sort this data by state, zip code or Congressional District, enabling the public to monitor Recovery Act activity taking place in their own backyard. Approximately 90 percent of Recovery funding recipients filed these detailed reports on the use of their funds.

Recipients were asked to only report jobs directly funded by the Act and were instructed not to estimate indirect job impact. For estimates of the total job impact of the Recovery Act, including the impact of the tax cuts, aid to individuals directly hurt by the recession, and much of the state fiscal relief, experts rely on macroeconomic modeling. Using these models, the Council of Economic Advisers and private forecasters estimated that the Recovery Act has helped to create or retain more than a million jobs so far.

Today’s news follows the release yesterday of new third quarter GDP figures that show the economy grew at an annual rate of 3.5 percent in the third quarter of the year in stark contrast to the decline of 6.4 percent annual rate just two quarters ago. Analysis by both the Council of Economic Advisers and a wide range of private and public-sector forecasters indicates the Recovery Act contributed between 3 and 4 percentage points to real GDP growth in the third quarter, suggesting that in the absence of the Recovery Act, real GDP would have risen little, if at all, this past quarter.

To learn more about the story of the Recovery Act as it unfolds, visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/Recovery. To follow Recovery Act spending and activity, visit www.Recovery.gov.