Everyone's Opinion Newsletter
...Altoona and Blair County's chance to be heard!
UPDATE ON LAKEMONT BLIGHT AND WATER PROBLEMS.
Since our last contact with EON my husband and I have attended one of the Logan township Board of Supervisors Meeting along with several other neighbors. The board of supervisors and manager, Bonnie Lewis, have contacted the Altoona City Water Authority about extending waterlines to our area. As far as we know, they have not received a response yet. We have had our new well tested twice within two weeks. The first test results came out more than 1.00, E. Coli-contaminated-not fit for human consumption and the second test result was less than 1.00 E. Coli-drinkable. As we understand the testing has to be done fairly often as the test results often change. We are still depending on Roaring Spring bottling for our water.
The township has been in touch with the owners of the Lakemont blighted properties and they are making some progress. It looks like all of this is going to take some time. Hopefully we will some day in our life time be able to have a glass of water from our kitchen faucet and not have trash all over the neighborhood.
We would like to say thank you to EON, Jeff Neff, WJACTV, the Logan Township supervisors and Code Enforcement for their help.
Vicki
Lakemont, PA
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A TAX AND SPEND BOARD
Hollidaysburg Area School District residents voiced their disapproval of the school building plan last year when they replaced three of the board members with new school directors who pledged to take whatever steps possible to stop the constant tax increases. The last act of those voted-out school board members was to authorize the execution of the contracts for the building addition plan, in direct opposition to the wishes of the voters. The district is now involved in budgeting for the upcoming year, and not surprisingly, the acts of the prior school board membership have opened the door for tax increases for rampant spending. The budget proposed by the school’s administration will require a 6.5 mil tax increase. 6.5 mils to finance a gym that is overpriced and unnecessary! The school board was offered an opportunity to reduce the tax increase by working with the Hollidaysburg Library and the YMCA to create a unique educational and recreational facility. The school district would have received a tidy sum for some land that has limited use. This money would have reduced the tax increase. It would have also required the Little League Field, which is outdated and needs to be replaced, to be relocated, improved, and re-built. There is ample room to move the field and create a new baseball facility as well as to sell property to the Library Board. But the school administration doesn’t want a library; they only want more ball fields. The use of the Little League field is limited to a few teams of 11-13 year olds for no more than six (6) months out of the year. It is NOT a school team or school activity. The Little League mows the grass, but the district taxpayers pay the cost of the utilities – the electricity for huge lights, as well as the water and sewer use. The Little League pays no rent for the land, either. The Little League itself is a wonderful activity, but it should not be supported on the backs of the taxpayers. The current arrangement leaves the taxpayers paying for a private organization’s use of public facilities!
It looks like the existing remnants of the prior school board, who, unfortunately still make up a majority of the school board, continue to kick the taxpayers in the teeth by raising taxes for wasteful projects (the $32 million new gym), by mismanaging public property, and by paying the expenses of private organizations with public funds. And while they raise your taxes and spend your money, they refuse to explore ways to lower expenses or to minimize tax increases.
In 2009, many of the “tax and spend” members of the school board are up for re-election. Hopefully, the taxpayers will replace them with some fiscal conservatives who will put a stop to the school administration’s unaccountability to the taxpayers.
Anonymous
Hollidaysburg, PA
(Official Response Requested)
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If dog law enforcement is the reason for this negligence, we need better enforcement. For ours and the animals safety.
There has been a huge influx of people within the last six months from inner city areas. All I have noticed bringing with them are these dangerous animals while walking them unleashed at times or leashed with a ten year old at the leash. This has been very dangerous for my parents and children. I am extremely disturbed at the local government's ignorance in this community safety issue.
My only view of that ignorance is their knowledge of the controversy and their fear of their own safety by retributers. This should be a ballot issue and definitely has become an issue that will change city government in my future.
Paul
Altoona, PA
(Official Response Requested)
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OF CONSTITUTIONS
“That men mean distinct and separate things when they speak of constitutions and of governments, is evident; or, why are those terms distinctly and separately used? A constitution is not the act of a government, but of a people constituting a government; and government without a constitution, is power without a right.
All power exercised over a nation, must have some beginning. It must be either delegated, or assumed. There are no other sources. All delegated power is trust, and all assumed power is usurpation. Time does not alter the nature and quality of either.”
The above two paragraphs are of common sense and state fundamental truths. These paragraphs introduced a lengthy article written more then 200 years ago, which is as relevant today as back then. This article also points out that a constitution is both a law unto government and the property of the people.
Pennsylvania has had five or six constitutions since 1776, an inordinate number to say the least. Why so many? Each time a new constitution has been written there were assumptions made by government resulting in usurpations (unlawful takings). These usurpations through the years have caused a pronounced shift in authority to the judicial branch of state government with the legislative body being complicit in facilitating these usurpations. The most recent example was the pay raise controversy. The state judiciary’s attempt at linking their pay to that of their federal counterparts would have eventually entailed a complete prominence over the legislative branch by relegating the state legislature to be administrative in nature; much like county government or school boards. In function the legislative branch is legislative and administrative but its nature is to be representative of the people. This would alter the nature of the legislative branch, tacitly erase the separation of powers doctrine at state level and make constitutional law subservient to the judicial branch’s interpretation; had this coup been successful this unified judicial system would have eventually mutated into a federalized form circumventing state legislative oversight; they would serve those who pay their wages.
Granted; would, could, and did, indicate different outcomes; the attempt however was extremely rude, flat out subversive, and heightens suspicions of this court even further given their past behavior. Remember, the state of Pennsylvania has the oldest sitting supreme court in the nation, it would have allowed not only the state courts but also the federal courts to circumvent original safe guards, natural and civil rights, and ultimately undermine fundamental republican principles.
Both the first constitution of Pa. and the federal constitution were drafted, approved and ratified in Philadelphia. The first constitution of Pennsylvania was ratified in 1776; the United States Constitution was ratified in 1787. During this time period the city of Philadelphia was central for intelligence thus becoming a center of communication. The state of Pa. is, and was witness to a wealth of constitutional history; a history of constitutions, which was built in the form of an arch.
In the first constitution of Pa. a declaration of rights was laid down first, then the form of government and its procedures- as constitutional history progressed the U.S. constitution was ratified; here the form of government was laid down then a few years later a Bill of Rights was added. This constitutional arch starts with states constitutions and arches over to the federal constitution. This entire constitutional arch and its history are bound and limited from beginning to end by a declaration of rights and a bill of rights. This was no accident but intentionally done, there is symmetry in form, in intent, in understanding, and in sound construction of republican principles; furthermore, this entire arch of constitutional history sets on a bedrock of principles that this is a Republic, this republic is representative in nature, and being a republic admits in itself that we the people are sovereign by nature and nature’s god to naturally protect, preserve, and defend our sovereignty, our property, our lives.
Since there is an arch of constitutional history there must be a keystone, which is the uppermost and last set stone in this arch that completes it and locks its members together. The keystone in this constitutional arch is known as “tacit or implied assent”. When the disenfranchisement of fundamental rights of and in property and constitutional and republican principles are eroded to a point that becomes alarming to the people they naturally start to withdraw their support by withholding their vote and boycotting the electoral process. In other words, the people have removed their tacit or implied assent to the way we are being governed and it is being done in a civil and natural way. Our founding fathers well understood that it would be the natural tendencies of fundamental principles at work, which would more justly serve the people and serve to protect, preserve, and defend a constitution.
Viewed from this perspective the shenanigans of the Pa. Supreme Court’s failed coup attempt become extremely serious, a treachery which suggests treason. Had they been successful it would have laid the groundwork for an eventual circumventing of the peoples authority, nullified the meaning of a republic, and held in jeopardy our nation’s clear deed and title to real property, - THE UNITED STATES DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE- the only document, which all real property is incorporated under. This arch in constitutional history with its keystone becomes one of the cleverest natural traps ever laid for tyranny.
As the realization of this treachery sets in, past and present suggestions will quicken into frantic cries for a constitutional convention to camouflage the treachery. The problem is not of a constitutional nature. The problem is with two major parties that have used party politics to govern instead of sound constitutional and republican principles. The principles will now demand restitution. The trap is closing.
The Keystone State: A nickname or a pseudonym? Given their predicament the Supreme Court of Pa. will consider it a pseudonym. Constitutional history will endearingly claim it to rightly be our heritage.
The Freeman
Blair County
What do you think?
MORE ABOUT GUN CONTROL
The actual shooter, Howard Cain, was convicted in 1996 for 4 counts of robbery, carrying firearms without a license and criminal conspiracy. His full sentence would have held him in prison until 2052. He would not have been able to kill anyone. Levon T. Warner and Eric Floyd also were under sentences for convictions of violent felonies that would have kept them in jail until 2012.
The Daily News article gives details of other convicted offenders who are released early and have killed police officers. The point is simple. If you are serious about protecting police officers, let us have to deal with them only once. Keep them off the streets, and don't take guns away from law abiding citizens.
Thomas
Duncansville, PA
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Greetings and Happy Summer to All! The article in the April 2008 Issue of EON featured a story of me and one of the projects I was working on for June. Well, I am happy to say that all the hard work and labor throughout the past year in the planning and implementation of the details for the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women 2008 State Convention proved to be successful.
One of my main goals as a leader in this county is to continue to bring recognition and revenue to Blair County whenever possible. When I researched the previous history of the Convention having been held here, I was amazed that it was back in 1944! So at the last convention in Allentown, I stepped up, presented my proposal, facts, details, and figures and won the bid for Blair County.
The Convention theme “Democratic Women – the Keystone to Winning” couldn’t have been more appropriate for this year’s Presidential election. We picked this theme in August of last year before any primary candidates were chosen! Who would have thought that Pennsylvania would play such a key role in this election?
As women, we have a major responsibility in our society today to speak out on what we believe in, no matter which Political Party we belong to. I felt the lack of news coverage during the convention was not intentional; however, the news media missed an opportunity. They failed the responsibility to inform the public of the overall enthusiasm, excitement, and the amount of influence that a women’s voice can and should be heard on all levels of government. They missed the opportunity comparing the 1944 convention to the 2008 convention and the similarities of the women who were representing us back then and now.
During those four days, between 200-250 women from throughout the state visited Blair County and utilized our neighboring retail outlets, exercise facilities, restaurants, businesses, and yes; even our wonderful Blair County Ballpark which featured an East/West “Slugger-Fest” between Altoona Curve and Reading Phillies. This was perfect for the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia women. Those who chose to stay at the Ramada dinner enjoyed the cuisine of Chef Dominick and a Taste of Italy followed by an auction in support of our scholarship fund.
During the days, the luncheons were also unique with Friday noted as “Turn PA Blue” – everything from seed packets, blue Easter grass and blue jelly beans for rocks; you would have thought you were in a garden since it was held in the beautiful Patio Courtyard. Our speaker was Rep. Deberah Kula, 52nd District, and also featured journalists from throughout the state as our guests for the workshop entitled “Media Manipulation: Fact and Fiction." That workshop was well attended and lasted approximately two hours long and taped by PCN. Another workshop that day was, “Bead for Life” which helps eradicate poverty by creating bridges by using colorful recycled paper and turning them into beautiful beads. This beauty becomes income, food, medicine, school fees, and hope for impoverished North Americans and Africans.
The Saturday luncheon was hosted by Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll and was a tribute to the five scholarship winners chosen throughout the state. This focused on young women who are an appreciation to the Party for their morals, values, and education towards a brighter future. We need to continue to reach out to these young women who are the hope of tomorrow, and this is a wonderful way to get them involved.
Each night featured a theme. Thursday evening focused on “Pillars of the Party”; Friday evening, “Cornerstones of Our Communities”; and Saturday evening, “Foundations of the Future”.
Special guests included for Thursday, local and state elected officials: Senator John Wozniak, Commissioner Donna Gority, Jury Commissioner Fran Kuhn, and Democratic Chairman Frank Rosenhoover.
Our Friday evening dinner was highlighted with our Denim, Diamonds, and Lace dress attire. As you entered the ballroom, it was decorated in blue denim laces and lights throughout the netting with accents of navy rose bud petals and bejeweled with rhinestones on mirror centerpieces that sparkled like stars in the sky. Our speakers were Auditor General Jack Wagner, Rep. Scott Conklin, DNC Member Ruth Rudy, and congressional candidates Tony Barr, Kathy Dahlkemper, and Mark McCracken; and state representative candidate Joanne Tosti-Vasey. Following the dinner was a concert/show by Ricky Lee with patriotic tributes to our soldiers and loved ones to end the night’s festivities.
Saturday workshops included: “A Woman’s Place is in the House...or Senate!”, a round table discussion of elected women officials discussing the challenges, rewards and pitfalls of participating in politics as a candidate; and “Cover Your Assets: What Women Need to Know About Estate Planning,” which is an important part of our lives, whether we are married or single.
Then the highlighted event of the convention was our Saturday evening finale! I wanted everyone to be overwhelmed with patriotism as they entered the room. Over 100 flags cascading from the ceiling, banners, red, white, and blue everywhere. It was as though you were at a national convention; the unity and traditional values which brought our country forward were displayed throughout the night. Our speakers included Governor Ed Rendell who gave a powerful speech and greeted each table individually throughout the room. Also present was our candidate for State Treasurer Rob McCord.
What is amazing to me is that the same ideals and values that were presented in 1944 were present here. Yes, I am a proud Democrat. However, I do not fall into the mold when people clump everyone together. I feel every individual should be treated with respect and appreciated for their beliefs and background. I am pro-life, grew up in a strict Catholic, Italian family with respect to God, Family, and Country. I don’t judge or call names at other political figures just because of their affiliation to that Party. They make mistakes, they will be judged by God and the people. Even though people may not like our Governor or what he has done, we still need to respect him and others as the leaders of our state and nation, just as President Bush. I feel we are ready for a change, but I respect him as the President of the United States. It’s time we stood up for the individual – no matter what political party – and bring back the morals of this county, state, and nation; and I am ready to do that with whatever God has in store for me.
I want to personally thank ALL the businesses and donors throughout the area who supported our cause; republicans and democrats came together to support Blair County and showcase its beauty. We could not have done it without you all.
I want to leave you with a speech I wrote and spoke at the dinner in closing our convention. As Susan Anthony stated: “It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.”
As I mention each evening of the convention, I want every one of you who read this to think in your own mind of what it means to you, no matter what political party you may represent.
This was dedicated to our men and women fighting for our country and to our loved ones who are no longer with us.
Please remember our themes, Pillars of the Party, Cornerstones of Our Communities, and Foundations of the Future. Please read the words carefully, especially you women. Listen with your hearts, not your minds.
“We women are going to have to be intelligent on understanding some of the ‘FOUNDATIONS’ of a world with and without peace. If we are determined to have a nation and world where there is opportunity for all and an abundance of production, we must FIRST OF ALL, make its foundations secure with international relations which prevent war.
No one ‘Pillar’ is more important than a wise foreign policy that makes friends for us rather than drive customers away. We women have learned that the only way those who represent our way of thinking is to be elected. Our vote is our way of registering our opinion and if we don't vote and get out all the vote we can, we are letting our plans go by default.
The future security of every family in the United States is dependent upon the continued leadership of the United States. Women must and will demand security against future wars.
The United States has everything it takes to carry out our plans for social security, the resources, the manpower, the science and the technical skills. All that is required now are the initiative and good will of citizens like you, who must become acquainted with the challenge, and find ways to answer it.
Freedom from want or social security is the last frontier of democracy. We must achieve it, or our form of government will be threatened by all the "isms". For individual security is the soul of our democracy.”
This rings true today; however, ladies...what you have just heard is taken from the 1944 Speech to the State Convention of Democratic Women held in Altoona during World War II.
We are reliving their lives with these “foundations and pillars” established we WILL be the “cornerstones” to keep it together... We are the Keystone of the State... we are the PA Federation of Democratic Women.
Thank you, God Bless You and God Bless America!
Written & Submitted by Jo Ann Nardelli,
Chair, 2008 PFDW State Convention
3rd Vice President/PFDW
Secretary/State Women’s Caucus
Vice Chair/Blair County Democratic Committee
State Committee
What do you think?
If we don't send a message soon, gangs are going to start fighting for territory and we'll see drive-by shootings in our neighborhoods. Seriously, is anyone doing anything to help us?
What do you think?
OFFICIAL RESPONSE TO: A TROOPER’S VIEWPOINT ON GUN CONTROL
An assault weapon in certain instances is becoming the preferred choice in the criminal world for its high rate of fire.
I would be in favor of seeing a drop in the import of cheap assault weapons coming from Eastern European countries and China. I saw at a local store in Altoona I could buy an AK-47 derivative for around $300.00. These weapons fire a high velocity round which if modified can be very effective and sustain a high rate of fire. The average citizen normally doesn't have a requirement for this type of firearm. Most law enforcement that I know is equipped with semi-automatic not automatic type of firearms.
I agree with Toms argument that the five year mandatory minimum is rarely if ever used anymore as a sentencing tool. This is a failure of our judicial system.
The case of Mumia Abu Jamal is an affront to law enforcement throughout the country. This subject was convicted not once but twice by juries who found he executed Officer Danny Faulkner on a Philadelphia street in the 1980's. The Hollywood elite have found his cause worthy though and now proclaim him to be a political prisoner, not the street thug and murderer that he truly is.
The reason I am in favor of the death penalty is not for retribution. The right of society to protect itself cannot be ignored. It is the duty of the State to protect its' citizens and in certain crimes whether it be cold blooded murder, murder of a police officer, or certain other heinous crimes, society has a right and duty to terminate the lives of these criminals. The argument that we can give them life doesn't resonate with me. There is always the chance be it even a remote one, that the subject could escape from prison and kill or harm someone again. Do we really want to risk that chance?
Thanks,
Eric Prendergast
Blair Township Supervisor
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