{"id":18761,"date":"2017-01-07T09:57:23","date_gmt":"2017-01-07T14:57:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/chescotimes.com\/?p=18761"},"modified":"2017-01-07T09:57:25","modified_gmt":"2017-01-07T14:57:25","slug":"a-shiny-new-year-things-are-about-to-get-interesting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/?p=18761","title":{"rendered":"A shiny new year: things are about to get interesting"},"content":{"rendered":"

Congressional, legislative officials face new political minefields in 2017<\/em><\/h2>\n

By Mike McGann<\/strong>, Editor, The Times<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a>From Harrisburg to Washington, D.C., it is a bold, bright new year in politics.<\/span><\/p>\n

From fresh starts to fresh panics, 2017 looks to be among the most interesting ever in the history of our little republic \u2014 and possibly not in a good way, but time will tell.<\/span><\/p>\n

To kick off the year, we\u2019ll gloss over most of the stuff in DC \u2014 although even now, less than two weeks before Donald Trump takes office as President and the 115th Congress is just days old, major landmines seem to be peeking out for our local congressional delegation, from the ethics kurfluffle (which we\u2019ll take on more in a moment), to The Wall, to Obamacare, to Planned Parenthood to well, a president-elect who lies with seeming impunity (look, we get that all politicians fudge the truth, but we\u2019re seeing new levels of not even plausibly-deniable stuff coming from Trump that has to scare the heck out of local Congress members \u2014 because it is far more likely to haunt them in 2018 then hit the White House\/Trump Tower occupant). <\/span><\/p>\n

His war on the media ain\u2019t exactly smart politics, either.<\/span><\/p>\n

Watching the locals navigate the minefield, of course, will be interesting to say the least.<\/span><\/p>\n

Which brings us to the ethics vote the U.S. House GOP Conference took, Monday night. <\/span><\/p>\n

Voting in a closed-door meeting to gut the Office of Congressional Ethics, was, shall we say, problematic. Granted, there are some issues regarding due process with the current set up and there is bipartisan agreement that changes are needed. But basically taking away the independence of the office \u2014 and stopping anonymous tips from being used to start investigations was beyond the pale. Imagine if you told Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan he could no longer use anonymous tips as a starting point for criminal investigations.<\/span><\/p>\n

At least two of Chester County\u2019s Congress members \u2014 Ryan Costello (R-6) and Pat Meehan (R-7) were among the more than 70 GOP house members who voted against the changes, even if they both made it clear this week they have some concerns about how the office is being run. Ultimately, the measure was stripped out before the full house could vote on it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMany Republicans and Democrats feel that there needs to be bipartisan reforms to the Office of Congressional Ethics,\u201d Costello said in a statement. \u201cHowever, I voted to strip those provisions from the rules package because, as we begin the new Congress, we should focus on maintaining credibility and transparency.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I touched base with John Elizandro, the spokesman for Meehan, who made it clear that his boss was also against the move from the get-go. Saying Meehan \u201copposed the changes in the internal House GOP Conference vote last night and he’s pleased they were removed from the package to be voted on today. I’d also note that he has voted on several occasions against efforts to reduce or eliminate funding for the Office of Congressional Ethics, and that he’s a member of the House Ethics Committee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

We weren\u2019t able to get comment from Rep. Lloyd Smucker \u2014 a freshman just taking office \u2014 as his media contacts were not immediately available.<\/span><\/p>\n

This was an unforced messaging error (albeit not one caused by our local elected officials) \u2014 but it makes one wonder what is next.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Somewhat more placidly, a new state legislature was sworn to office \u2014 including two new legislators from Chester County, Eric Roe in the 158th District and Carolyn Comitta in the 156th District.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not surprisingly, both expressed optimism at taking office.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s humbling to realize so many people in our district placed their trust in me to serve as their voice in Harrisburg,\u201d said Roe, a Republican in a statement.\u00a0 \u201cI will do my best to serve with dignity and honor, ever mindful of those who sent me here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s truly humbling to be sent to Harrisburg as a representative of our district to fight for what\u2019s best for Pennsylvania,\u201d Comitta, a Democrat, said. \u201cI look forward to working in a bipartisan fashion to get things done and serve the residents of the 156<\/span>th<\/span> District as best I can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roe \u2014 having known he would be serving since the day after \u2014Election Day, was able to lay out his legislative vision for the upcoming session, committing to work for policies to overhaul Pennsylvania\u2019s system of property taxation, reform the state\u2019s public pension systems, strengthen education, and foster an environment promoting job creation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI pledge to work to make Pennsylvania the most family-friendly, business-friendly state in the country,\u201d said Roe. \u201cWe can accomplish that in part by making government smaller, more transparent and accountable to taxpayers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Roe also announced the opening of his district office in Suite 407 at 400 Old Forge Lane (just off US-1 in Longwood) in Kennett Square \u2014 a departure of having the office in Willowdale, as his predecessors have for the last few decades.\u00a0 The new office is open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.\u00a0 Roe can be reached by calling (717) 783-1574 or through his website at RepEricRoe.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0 He can also be found on Facebook at Facebook.com\/RepEricRoe<\/i><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Comitta, who spent much of December in recounts and courts in what tuned out to be a excruciatingly close win over former State Rep. Dan Truitt, was not able to announce her office site as yet, although that is expected shortly. Her Harrisburg office is up and running and can be reached at (717) 705-2075. Her Web site is: http:\/\/www.pahouse.com\/Comitta\/<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ll make sure to publish her additional contact information as it becomes available.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

On Wednesday, January 11 and Thursday, January 12, State Sen. Scott Wagner (R-York) will be making six campaign announcement stops throughout Pennsylvania \u2014 shocker: he\u2019s running for the GOP nomination for Governor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sen. Wagner will be stopping at various small businesses across the state \u201cto share his vision of how to get Pennsylvania back on track after the Wolf Administration\u2019s failed policies have crippled Pennsylvania\u2019s economy,\u201d according to the campaign announcement.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m excited to start this campaign at these small businesses in every corner of the state.\u00a0 I look forward to sharing my vision of how to reform Harrisburg and restore economic opportunity in Pennsylvania,\u201d Wagner said in a statement this week, announcing the roll out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Every corner of the state is a bit of stretch \u2014 of the six locations, the closest one to Chester County is about an 80-minute drive. Seems like an odd choice to skip the largest vote collection in the commonwealth \u2014 Philly and the collar counties. But, undoubtedly, as Wagner seems to be planning a Trump-like campaign, what may seem unconventional decisions may pan out \u2014 and he does seem to be focused on areas where Trump over performed in 2016. <\/span><\/p>\n

Something to watch \u2014 and we\u2019ll keep tabs on who else decides to jump into the race. Expect at least two to three other high profile Republicans to dive in.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Although it will likely be another year of wrangling over issues such as education funding, pensions and the budget, one of the most closely watched issues in early 2017 will be who gets to lead the state Republican Party and spearhead the party\u2019s efforts to retake the governor\u2019s mansion \u2014 up for a vote in less than a month.<\/span><\/p>\n

With current state GOP Chair Rob Gleason retiring and seemingly headed for a role in the incoming Trump Administration \u2014 Chester County Republican Committee Chair Val DiGiorgio is one of two candidates to replace him.<\/span><\/p>\n

DiGiorgio\u2019s bid \u2014 he\u2019s up against state party Solicitor Lawrence Tabas \u2014 got a big boost this\u00a0 <\/span>week when Joe Scarnati, President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman both endorsed him for the post. DiGiorgio had already snagged the backing of U.S. Senator Pat Toomey, so his bid continues to look very formidable.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Another from the \u201cwhy we don\u2019t trust state legislators\u201d file: Sen. Wayne Langerholic (R), a freshman state Senator from Cambria County ran an aggressive campaign railing against state pensions, public unions and in favor of school choice \u2014 pledging not to accept a public pension if elected.<\/span><\/p>\n

So pretty much the first thing Langerholic does is (wait for it) sign up for his pension.<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019ll leave the punch line \u2014 literal or figurative \u2014 to you.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

From the \u201cBad politics, and why was this necessary?\u201d file: The state House of Representatives\u00a0<\/span>passed HR1 this week, which reduces the consideration time on amendments to a bill returning to the house from 24 hours to just six. For those of you keeping score, the rule was changed in wake of the middle of the night pension grab in 2005 by the House. Even if there are procedural arguments in favor of this move (and frankly, they\u2019re not that strong), it once again makes it look like the House of Representatives is more interested in slipping stuff by than being transparent to the public.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over and over, this legislature (regardless of which party controls it) has shown itself not be worthy of trust. This move just adds to that growing distrust. <\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

In other legislative housekeeping, House Speaker Mike Turzai announced the committee chairs for this session, including a couple of key Chester County legislators:<\/span><\/p>\n

Aging and Older Adult Services:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Tim Hennessey, 26<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Chester and Montgomery counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Steve Samuelson, 135<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Northampton County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agriculture and Rural Affairs:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Martin Causer, 67<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Cameron, Potter and McKean counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, 121<\/span>st<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Luzerne County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Children and Youth:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Kathy Watson, 144<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Bucks County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Scott Conklin, 77<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Centre County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Commerce:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Brian Ellis, 11<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Butler County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, 181<\/span>st<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Philadelphia County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consumer Affairs:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Robert Godshall, 53<\/span>rd<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Montgomery County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Thomas R. Caltagirone, 127<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Berks County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Education:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Dave Hickernell, 98<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Lancaster and Dauphin counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. James Roebuck, 188<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Philadelphia County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Environmental Resources and Energy:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. John Maher, 40<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Allegheny and Washington counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Mike Carroll, 118<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Luzerne and Lackawanna counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finance:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Bernie O\u2019Neill, 29<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Bucks County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Jake Wheatley, 19<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Allegheny County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Game and Fisheries:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Keith Gillespie, 47<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, York County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Bryan Barbin, 71<\/span>st<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Cambria and Somerset counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gaming Oversight:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Scott Petri, 178<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Bucks County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Patrick Harkins, 1<\/span>st<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Erie County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Health:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Matt Baker, 68<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Bradford, Potter and Tioga counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Florindo (Flo) Fabrizio, 2<\/span>nd<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Erie County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Human Services:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, 18<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Bucks County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Angel Cruz, 180<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Philadelphia County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Insurance:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Tina Pickett, 110<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Bradford, Sullivan and Susquehanna counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Tony DeLuca, 32<\/span>nd<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Allegheny County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Judiciary:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Ron Marsico, 105<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Dauphin County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Joseph A. Petrarca, 55<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Armstrong, Indiana and Westmoreland counties.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Labor and Industry:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Rob Kauffman, 89<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Franklin County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. John Galloway, 140<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Bucks County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Liquor Control:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Adam Harris, 82<\/span>nd<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Franklin, Juniata and Mifflin counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Paul Costa, 34<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Allegheny County.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Local Government:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Kate Harper, 61<\/span>st<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Montgomery County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Bob Freeman, 136<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Northampton County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Professional Licensure:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Mark Mustio, 44<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Allegheny County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Harry Readshaw, 36<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Allegheny County.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

State Government:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, 12<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Butler County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Greg Vitali, 166<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Delaware and Montgomery counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tourism and Recreational Development:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. David Millard, 109<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Columbia County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Mark Longietti, 7<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Mercer County.<\/span><\/p>\n

Transportation:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. John Taylor, 177<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Philadelphia County.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. William F. Keller, 184<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Philadelphia.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Urban Affairs:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Mark Keller, 86<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Cumberland and Perry counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Michael O\u2019Brien, 175<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Philadelphia County.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Republican: Rep. Stephen E. Barrar, 160<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Chester and Delaware counties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2022 Democrat: Rep. Christopher Sainato, 9<\/span>th<\/sup><\/span> Legislative District, Lawrence County.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

In lighter news, Sen. Toomey is welcoming a new Chief of Staff, Dan Brandt, who replaces Christopher Gahan, who is leaving government service. Brandt, a reading native, served as Legislative Director for the last four years for Toomey. Previously, Brandt worked on the Senate Budget Committee and was Sen. Jon Kyl\u2019s (R-Arizona) chief budget advisor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even better news for those of you with a sweet tooth: Toomey has again scored the famed \u201cCandy Desk\u201d in the U.S. Senate. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPennsylvania is home to more than 200 confectioners employing 10,000 people,\u201d Toomey said in a statement this week. \u201cI know my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are delighted the Candy Desk will be filled with the Keystone State\u2019s best treats.\u00a0\u00a0In fact, I am told that Senators implored cloak room and floor staff to make sure Pennsylvania maintained the desk, because — as we all know — our candy is the best.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy fellow Senators are going to need Pennsylvania\u2019s finest chocolates to make it through the many, many votes in the coming weeks.\u00a0 I hope they will set partisanship aside and join me at my desk for some candy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur state is home to the best confectioners in the world. Hershey\u2019s, of course, is headquartered in Central Pennsylvania. Mars makes Three Musketeers in Elizabethtown. Asher\u2019s is based in Kulpsville.\u00a0Just Born creates Peeps in Bethlehem.\u00a0One senior Republican senator, who shall remain nameless, makes a special request for Gertrude Hawk candies from Dunmore.\u00a0 And there are so many more.\u00a0I am proud to spotlight the best of Pennsylvania in the Candy Desk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Sweet, right?<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Congressional, legislative officials face new political minefields in 2017 By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times From Harrisburg to Washington, D.C., it is a bold, bright new year in politics. From fresh starts to fresh panics, 2017 looks to be among the most interesting ever in the history of our little republic \u2014 and possibly not […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18763,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[2520,6722,3243,6269,1393,5560,1862,530,2566,8445],"class_list":["post-18761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-opinion","tag-congress","tag-donald-trump","tag-ethics","tag-featured","tag-pat-meehan","tag-pat-toomey","tag-politics","tag-ryan-costello","tag-val-digiorgio","tag-wayne-langerholic"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18761","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18761"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18761\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18762,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18761\/revisions\/18762"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/18763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chescotimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}