Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Santorum should apologize
Any fight against an overly oppressive and agressive majority rule in Congress - particularly when that same majority holds all three branches of government - should be met with a measure of respect, not with accusations of tyranny or comparisons to Hitler, as Senator Santorum has shamefully and immorally decided to stain the Senate Floor with.
Santorum should apologize to his Democratic Constituents in Pennsylvania and Democrats across the country for his unacceptable, divisive, and inflammatory remarks.
I applaud the 7 reasonable Republican senators who refused to destroy the trust and deliberative process of the Senate by diffusing the threat of the nuclear option. The reactions by the now pro-nuclear minority against these seven have ranged from disappointment from some to downright threatening from the most extremist leaders.
Santorum, his supporters - these high spending, unethical, immoral "conservative" groups bent on complete, absolute and consolidated power - will make anyone who defies them pay immediately. They are dangerous to democracy, dangerous to American lives and security, and must be defeated at the polls.
Santorum should apologize to his Democratic Constituents in Pennsylvania and Democrats across the country for his unacceptable, divisive, and inflammatory remarks.
I applaud the 7 reasonable Republican senators who refused to destroy the trust and deliberative process of the Senate by diffusing the threat of the nuclear option. The reactions by the now pro-nuclear minority against these seven have ranged from disappointment from some to downright threatening from the most extremist leaders.
Santorum, his supporters - these high spending, unethical, immoral "conservative" groups bent on complete, absolute and consolidated power - will make anyone who defies them pay immediately. They are dangerous to democracy, dangerous to American lives and security, and must be defeated at the polls.
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Mavis Kelley: 09/19/1955 - 03/27/2005
Mavis Kelley was an active online Democratic Activist and a colleague on the Draft Gore 2004 PAC Steering Committee.
The last email I received was one she sent to the "al_gore_supporters_only", mentioning that a 100% match for bone marrow had been found.
In February, 2003, when I ran for McSherrystown Borough Council while the 2004 Presidential Cycle was revving up, Mavis gave me re-writes and advice on the initial design of this website.
It is a personal disappointment that we could not succeed in our mission to Draft Gore into the race, since he had, and has for 2008, the single best set of qualifications and ability to win than any other person in our country.
She truly gave it her all in the hopes that it may come true.
My condolences to the family, and my fellow Draft Gore alumni.
Local Newspaper Obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/GrandForks/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=3355229
The last email I received was one she sent to the "al_gore_supporters_only", mentioning that a 100% match for bone marrow had been found.
In February, 2003, when I ran for McSherrystown Borough Council while the 2004 Presidential Cycle was revving up, Mavis gave me re-writes and advice on the initial design of this website.
It is a personal disappointment that we could not succeed in our mission to Draft Gore into the race, since he had, and has for 2008, the single best set of qualifications and ability to win than any other person in our country.
She truly gave it her all in the hopes that it may come true.
My condolences to the family, and my fellow Draft Gore alumni.
Local Newspaper Obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/GrandForks/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=3355229
Sunday, May 15, 2005
SUCCESS: Thank you to all my supporters - I couldn't have done it without you!
Shortly after 11PM tonight, I received a call from Christina Kristofic with the Evening Sun, who gave me the results of the polls of the McSherrystown Democratic Mayoral Primary:
McSherrystown #1 (S.A.V.E.S. Social Hall)
Herb Riede 58
Kenneth Moul 16
McSherrystown #2 (Delone Catholic High School)
Herb Riede 28
Kenneth Moul 22
Total Votes:
Herb Riede 86
Kenneth Moul 38
While I am certaintly excited to win the Democratic nomination, I would also like to thank Ken for running a clean race about the issues.
On the Republican ballot, noone filed for the primary, however it appears I also received the most write-in votes as well. I received at least nine "perfect" votes, with more containing misspellings and such, according to the preliminary tally on the doors of the precincts. Ten valid votes are required to win a nomination. Noone else appeared to meet or exceed five on the Republican side.
With that said, I'd like to thank my poll volunteers from today for all their hard work, contributions and support:
Sam Giardullo
Frank Seidel
Stephanie Riede, my wife
Janet Riede, my mother
I'd like to thank Alan Henry for accompanying me on my canvass walks of McSherrystown, his contribution and support.
And I'd like to thank Frank and Nicole Seidel for helping with the design and creation of the yard signs and buttons on a budget.
Of course all the people who signed my petition for ballot access, including Mayor Noel, Andy Weaver, Joan Strock as well as those who allowed me to put a sign in their yard.
Then there's the friends in the party who lent support from afar, which also came in handy, like Gail Pavlovich, Jamie Fleet, Janet Hessert, Gretchen Trostle, Roger Lund and Pete Grotto. And of course the campaign school in Cumberland County (Gail McDermott, Dan Wiedemer, etc.), my friends in the Leadership Adams/Hanover class, Pennsylvania Young Democrats, co-workers at The Boyds Collection (Boyds Bears) and elsewhere that wore my buttons, cheered me on, let me bend their ear and put up with me in general since the beginning of the year.
Finally there's everyone who voted for me today (or yesterday). Although turnout was typically dismal, and in McSherrystown #1 the Mayor's race was the only contested race on the ballot, I appreciate beyond belief the outpouring of support and encouragement.
Thankfully, I have until early January to prepare for the greater responsibilities.
I thank my council colleagues, the Mayor and Borough staff now and in advance for putting up with me as Councilman, and soon as Mayor.
Councilman Herb Riede
Mayor-Elect
McSherrystown #1 (S.A.V.E.S. Social Hall)
Herb Riede 58
Kenneth Moul 16
McSherrystown #2 (Delone Catholic High School)
Herb Riede 28
Kenneth Moul 22
Total Votes:
Herb Riede 86
Kenneth Moul 38
While I am certaintly excited to win the Democratic nomination, I would also like to thank Ken for running a clean race about the issues.
On the Republican ballot, noone filed for the primary, however it appears I also received the most write-in votes as well. I received at least nine "perfect" votes, with more containing misspellings and such, according to the preliminary tally on the doors of the precincts. Ten valid votes are required to win a nomination. Noone else appeared to meet or exceed five on the Republican side.
With that said, I'd like to thank my poll volunteers from today for all their hard work, contributions and support:
Sam Giardullo
Frank Seidel
Stephanie Riede, my wife
Janet Riede, my mother
I'd like to thank Alan Henry for accompanying me on my canvass walks of McSherrystown, his contribution and support.
And I'd like to thank Frank and Nicole Seidel for helping with the design and creation of the yard signs and buttons on a budget.
Of course all the people who signed my petition for ballot access, including Mayor Noel, Andy Weaver, Joan Strock as well as those who allowed me to put a sign in their yard.
Then there's the friends in the party who lent support from afar, which also came in handy, like Gail Pavlovich, Jamie Fleet, Janet Hessert, Gretchen Trostle, Roger Lund and Pete Grotto. And of course the campaign school in Cumberland County (Gail McDermott, Dan Wiedemer, etc.), my friends in the Leadership Adams/Hanover class, Pennsylvania Young Democrats, co-workers at The Boyds Collection (Boyds Bears) and elsewhere that wore my buttons, cheered me on, let me bend their ear and put up with me in general since the beginning of the year.
Finally there's everyone who voted for me today (or yesterday). Although turnout was typically dismal, and in McSherrystown #1 the Mayor's race was the only contested race on the ballot, I appreciate beyond belief the outpouring of support and encouragement.
Thankfully, I have until early January to prepare for the greater responsibilities.
I thank my council colleagues, the Mayor and Borough staff now and in advance for putting up with me as Councilman, and soon as Mayor.
Councilman Herb Riede
Mayor-Elect
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Commissioners give (Gettysburg) casino blessing
Commissioners give casino blessing
By TRAVIS LAU
Evening Sun Reporter
Adams County Commissioners will not stand in the way of plans to bring a casino to Straban Township, a board majority said Wednesday.
And two commissioners said they will support the effort.
Commissioners Glenn Snyder and Lucy Lott said Wednesday that the county has no business fighting a proposal by the nine-member Chance Enterprises to build a slots parlor, spa and hotel on 42 acres along U.S. Route 30, just northeast of the Route 15 interchange.
And with the proposal announced Tuesday having to clear several hurdles before it’s considered for approval, Lott and Snyder said they will stand behind the initiative.
“I will support their efforts,” Snyder said.
“I don’t know how we couldn’t support them,” Lott said.
While legislation passed in 2004 will create 14 licenses for slots parlors statewide, 12 of those licenses have been earmarked to be built in specific locations or areas. That means competition for the remaining two licenses will likely be stiff.
And the counties and municipalities where those licenses land can lay claim to a share of about $10 million in economic development funds annually.
Despite the payoff, Commissioner Thomas Weaver said Wednesday he had not made up his mind on the issue of slots in Straban. Weaver did not join colleagues in offering support.
“I have no comment,” he said. “It’s too early to comment. So if you’re looking for a comment, that’s my comment.”
Lott and Snyder said Wednesday they had limited information on plans for the casino. Commissioners were briefed by Chance Enterprises investors on Monday, then attended a breakfast meeting Tuesday with Chance, municipal officials and “about 45 business people,” Snyder said.
Continued... (Until the Evening Sun Archives It)
By TRAVIS LAU
Evening Sun Reporter
Adams County Commissioners will not stand in the way of plans to bring a casino to Straban Township, a board majority said Wednesday.
And two commissioners said they will support the effort.
Commissioners Glenn Snyder and Lucy Lott said Wednesday that the county has no business fighting a proposal by the nine-member Chance Enterprises to build a slots parlor, spa and hotel on 42 acres along U.S. Route 30, just northeast of the Route 15 interchange.
And with the proposal announced Tuesday having to clear several hurdles before it’s considered for approval, Lott and Snyder said they will stand behind the initiative.
“I will support their efforts,” Snyder said.
“I don’t know how we couldn’t support them,” Lott said.
While legislation passed in 2004 will create 14 licenses for slots parlors statewide, 12 of those licenses have been earmarked to be built in specific locations or areas. That means competition for the remaining two licenses will likely be stiff.
And the counties and municipalities where those licenses land can lay claim to a share of about $10 million in economic development funds annually.
Despite the payoff, Commissioner Thomas Weaver said Wednesday he had not made up his mind on the issue of slots in Straban. Weaver did not join colleagues in offering support.
“I have no comment,” he said. “It’s too early to comment. So if you’re looking for a comment, that’s my comment.”
Lott and Snyder said Wednesday they had limited information on plans for the casino. Commissioners were briefed by Chance Enterprises investors on Monday, then attended a breakfast meeting Tuesday with Chance, municipal officials and “about 45 business people,” Snyder said.
Continued... (Until the Evening Sun Archives It)
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Primary may decide McSherrystown mayoral race
Primary may decide McSherrystown mayoral race
Two Democrats face off in May 17 election.
By CHRISTINA KRISTOFIC
Evening Sun Reporter
When long-time McSherrystown mayor Cyril Noel steps down at the end of this year, two Democratic candidates hope to take his place.
And the primary election could decide who will become the new mayor of McSherrystown, unless someone begins a write-in campaign or a minor party challenger surfaces before the general election in November.
Herbert Riede, 27, is already involved in McSherrystown politics as a councilman.
He serves on the borough's highway and police merger committees, the Adams County Democratic Committee and the Adams County Comprehensive Plan Update Transportation Element Steering Committee.
Riede said he believes his experience with the various committees and interaction with borough employees makes him the best candidate for the job.
Kenneth Moul, 47, said he thinks he's the best candidate because he has prior experience serving as a borough mayor.
Moul served as a councilman in Abbottstown borough for 7 years before he became mayor. He served Abbottstown as mayor for 2 years before he moved to McSherrystown.
The Evening Sun gave each candidate an opportunity to express his opinions about borough issues by responding to a series of questions. Those questions and answers follow:
1. If elected, what would be your top priorities during your term?
Moul: One of my priorities as the new mayor would be to make the office more accessible to public through more communication, and getting to know the public better through a program that I started in Abbottstown as mayor, "Meet the Mayor" program, where people can talk to the mayor at the borough office during certain hours in a non-confrontational manner. Being the main public relations person for the borough and its biggest cheerleader. So many times, the public comes to a meeting and right away it turns confrontational, and that is just not the way to do it. So if I can be a bridge between the council and the public, it would be a way of reaching out.
Riede: Safety and Service. My top priorities will be:
Ensuring that periods of non-coverage by a local police department are eliminated to avoid danger to residents and EMS responders.
Easing traffic on our infrastructure so that roads are safer for cross traffic, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Making myself available to any and all people of the borough to the best of my ability.
2. Do you think McSherrystown borough has adequate police protection? If not, what would you do to improve it?
Moul: McSherrystown has very good and adequate protection. A few things I would like to see happen though: During the months when the weather cooperates, I would like to see a street patrol or bike patrol instituted. This would be done certain times and different place in the borough, days and evenings. The public would be more accessible. You can't always see what is going on while driving a car and there would be easier accessibility to places a car can't reach. Also would like the borough to purchase bikes for the police to ride if the program is approved.
Riede: No. With people moving out of McSherrystown to newer homes in surrounding townships, increasing the number of rental properties here as well as gaining a younger, growing borough population, higher crime rate, and a list of recent events that have happened while no officer was on duty, the urbanization of McSherrystown has made it clear that we are on borrowed time before a tragic event occurs because of understaffing.
We need to move to 24-hour police coverage.
To establish our own 24-hour police force, we would have to invest in, at minimum, two new officers. One innovative way to fund this includes establishing a 1 percent Nonresident Earned Income Tax, thereby spreading the costs equitably to those who also use the borough's services.
3. Borough officials have considered merging McSherrystown's police department with Conewago Township's police department. What are your thoughts on the possible merger? Do you think it's necessary? Why or why not? Do you think it would benefit residents? If so, how?
Moul: I think the police merger could be a very good thing for all parties involved, as long as the borough continues to get the coverage and the manpower that it has now. I will not, under any circumstances, approve of a merger where the safety of the citizens and taxpayers of the borough and our current police force is compromised by loss of coverage time and manpower. I will not stand for anyone losing the jobs or their ranks if the merger takes place. I believe there was some confusion in the last article in the newspaper that I didn't support the merger. I do if our police department is not compromised in any way.
Riede: I know we need to have 24-hour police coverage. That's why I drove the Police Merger Committee process so hard.
The survey that the state was to produce for the Police Merger Committee and the Borough and Township is yet to be completed and returned.
I know that if a merger occurs that all officers are promised their jobs at their positions and pay, and a state grant pays for the chief's salary for two years.
The benefits to the municipalities include the ability to schedule extra officers at peak hours, having officers work in specialty positions, eliminate mutual aid and jurisdictional problems, and lowering overhead. It could also mean lowering costs (and therefore taxes) in both McSherrystown and Conewago township.
4. Adams County is facing intense development pressure. Is your municipality doing enough to control residential development? Why or why not? If not, what more can be done?
Moul: Adams County is facing tremendous growth and McSherrystown is no exception. I think the borough is pretty much built up and the main growth is continuing around the borough in the townships. Unfortunately, you can't stop growth, but you can regulate it by making sure your zoning and comprehensive plan are up to date. You also have to be prepared to use them also. You have to work together with the county. I don't think anyone has the answer to the question of the growth issue facing Adams County and our schools in the area. Adams County should be proud to have McSherrystown as their southern gateway to the county.
Riede: I strongly believe in protecting the rural character of Adams County. That said, as a borough, McSherrystown is the town center. While McSherrystown was not fully developed just a decade ago, the state of being "fully developed" has already come and passed McSherrystown. I believe that we should encourage reasonable development in McSherrystown, wherever possible, and discourage development of open land. I believe that municipalities, not builders, should plan communities and developments, just as it was done in the time of official maps before the 1950s. I believe that McSherrystown should be able to offset costs through pass-through impact fees from development nearby in Conewago Township.
Kenneth A. Moul
Age: 47
Address: North Street, McSherrystown
Family: single
Education: graudated from New Oxford High School in 1976, completed some college courses
Occupation: packer, Utz Quality Foods Inc.
Current Community Involvment: Member of the board of govenors and volunteer with the East Berlin Community Center, and becoming an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society.
Herbert L. Riede
Age: 27
Address: Main Street, McSherrystown
Family: wife, Stephanie; two daughters
Education: graduated from Meadville Area Senior High School in 1996, completed courses at Edinboro University, completed Pennsylvania State Borough Association training in 2004, a member of Leadership Adams-Hanover Class of 2005, currently taking courses at Harrisburg Area Community College's Gettysburg campus.
Occupation: web developer at The Boyds Collection, Ltd.; McSherrystown borough council
Current Community Involvement: Leadership Adams-Hanover, LEAD/Character Counts Task Force, Adams County Democratic Executive Committee, McSherrystown borough council.
Contact Christina Kristofic at ckristofic@eveningsun.com
Two Democrats face off in May 17 election.
By CHRISTINA KRISTOFIC
Evening Sun Reporter
When long-time McSherrystown mayor Cyril Noel steps down at the end of this year, two Democratic candidates hope to take his place.
And the primary election could decide who will become the new mayor of McSherrystown, unless someone begins a write-in campaign or a minor party challenger surfaces before the general election in November.
Herbert Riede, 27, is already involved in McSherrystown politics as a councilman.
He serves on the borough's highway and police merger committees, the Adams County Democratic Committee and the Adams County Comprehensive Plan Update Transportation Element Steering Committee.
Riede said he believes his experience with the various committees and interaction with borough employees makes him the best candidate for the job.
Kenneth Moul, 47, said he thinks he's the best candidate because he has prior experience serving as a borough mayor.
Moul served as a councilman in Abbottstown borough for 7 years before he became mayor. He served Abbottstown as mayor for 2 years before he moved to McSherrystown.
The Evening Sun gave each candidate an opportunity to express his opinions about borough issues by responding to a series of questions. Those questions and answers follow:
1. If elected, what would be your top priorities during your term?
Moul: One of my priorities as the new mayor would be to make the office more accessible to public through more communication, and getting to know the public better through a program that I started in Abbottstown as mayor, "Meet the Mayor" program, where people can talk to the mayor at the borough office during certain hours in a non-confrontational manner. Being the main public relations person for the borough and its biggest cheerleader. So many times, the public comes to a meeting and right away it turns confrontational, and that is just not the way to do it. So if I can be a bridge between the council and the public, it would be a way of reaching out.
Riede: Safety and Service. My top priorities will be:
Ensuring that periods of non-coverage by a local police department are eliminated to avoid danger to residents and EMS responders.
Easing traffic on our infrastructure so that roads are safer for cross traffic, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Making myself available to any and all people of the borough to the best of my ability.
2. Do you think McSherrystown borough has adequate police protection? If not, what would you do to improve it?
Moul: McSherrystown has very good and adequate protection. A few things I would like to see happen though: During the months when the weather cooperates, I would like to see a street patrol or bike patrol instituted. This would be done certain times and different place in the borough, days and evenings. The public would be more accessible. You can't always see what is going on while driving a car and there would be easier accessibility to places a car can't reach. Also would like the borough to purchase bikes for the police to ride if the program is approved.
Riede: No. With people moving out of McSherrystown to newer homes in surrounding townships, increasing the number of rental properties here as well as gaining a younger, growing borough population, higher crime rate, and a list of recent events that have happened while no officer was on duty, the urbanization of McSherrystown has made it clear that we are on borrowed time before a tragic event occurs because of understaffing.
We need to move to 24-hour police coverage.
To establish our own 24-hour police force, we would have to invest in, at minimum, two new officers. One innovative way to fund this includes establishing a 1 percent Nonresident Earned Income Tax, thereby spreading the costs equitably to those who also use the borough's services.
3. Borough officials have considered merging McSherrystown's police department with Conewago Township's police department. What are your thoughts on the possible merger? Do you think it's necessary? Why or why not? Do you think it would benefit residents? If so, how?
Moul: I think the police merger could be a very good thing for all parties involved, as long as the borough continues to get the coverage and the manpower that it has now. I will not, under any circumstances, approve of a merger where the safety of the citizens and taxpayers of the borough and our current police force is compromised by loss of coverage time and manpower. I will not stand for anyone losing the jobs or their ranks if the merger takes place. I believe there was some confusion in the last article in the newspaper that I didn't support the merger. I do if our police department is not compromised in any way.
Riede: I know we need to have 24-hour police coverage. That's why I drove the Police Merger Committee process so hard.
The survey that the state was to produce for the Police Merger Committee and the Borough and Township is yet to be completed and returned.
I know that if a merger occurs that all officers are promised their jobs at their positions and pay, and a state grant pays for the chief's salary for two years.
The benefits to the municipalities include the ability to schedule extra officers at peak hours, having officers work in specialty positions, eliminate mutual aid and jurisdictional problems, and lowering overhead. It could also mean lowering costs (and therefore taxes) in both McSherrystown and Conewago township.
4. Adams County is facing intense development pressure. Is your municipality doing enough to control residential development? Why or why not? If not, what more can be done?
Moul: Adams County is facing tremendous growth and McSherrystown is no exception. I think the borough is pretty much built up and the main growth is continuing around the borough in the townships. Unfortunately, you can't stop growth, but you can regulate it by making sure your zoning and comprehensive plan are up to date. You also have to be prepared to use them also. You have to work together with the county. I don't think anyone has the answer to the question of the growth issue facing Adams County and our schools in the area. Adams County should be proud to have McSherrystown as their southern gateway to the county.
Riede: I strongly believe in protecting the rural character of Adams County. That said, as a borough, McSherrystown is the town center. While McSherrystown was not fully developed just a decade ago, the state of being "fully developed" has already come and passed McSherrystown. I believe that we should encourage reasonable development in McSherrystown, wherever possible, and discourage development of open land. I believe that municipalities, not builders, should plan communities and developments, just as it was done in the time of official maps before the 1950s. I believe that McSherrystown should be able to offset costs through pass-through impact fees from development nearby in Conewago Township.
Kenneth A. Moul
Age: 47
Address: North Street, McSherrystown
Family: single
Education: graudated from New Oxford High School in 1976, completed some college courses
Occupation: packer, Utz Quality Foods Inc.
Current Community Involvment: Member of the board of govenors and volunteer with the East Berlin Community Center, and becoming an active volunteer for the American Cancer Society.
Herbert L. Riede
Age: 27
Address: Main Street, McSherrystown
Family: wife, Stephanie; two daughters
Education: graduated from Meadville Area Senior High School in 1996, completed courses at Edinboro University, completed Pennsylvania State Borough Association training in 2004, a member of Leadership Adams-Hanover Class of 2005, currently taking courses at Harrisburg Area Community College's Gettysburg campus.
Occupation: web developer at The Boyds Collection, Ltd.; McSherrystown borough council
Current Community Involvement: Leadership Adams-Hanover, LEAD/Character Counts Task Force, Adams County Democratic Executive Committee, McSherrystown borough council.
Contact Christina Kristofic at ckristofic@eveningsun.com
