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An Open Letter To Governor Ed Rendell
Why Your Approval Rating Is So Dismal, And What Pennsylvania Needs
By CHRIS FREIND, for the bulletin
Dear Governor Rendell:
I noted with interest that your current approval rating stands at just 39 percent — the lowest point in your career. Despite denying my repeated requests for a one-on-one interview, I nonetheless offer my thoughts as to why you have fallen out of favor with so many Pennsylvanians.
Conflicts Of Interest
First and foremost, the citizens of the Keystone State are fed up with what they see as huge conflicts of interest permeating every level of your Administration, with you being the focal point of many.
The appearance of a governor showing favoritism and special treatment to his big-dollar political donors, close friends, campaign fundraisers, and, perhaps most disturbing of all, one's former law firm, raises eyebrows and sinks people's faith in government.
For example, Ballard Spahr, the law firm where you worked from 1999 to 2002, billed a total of $25,000 in legal fees to the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) in the three years which preceded your election as governor. Since then, Ballard has billed over $3 million. Considering that you were the self-appointed Chairman of the Authority during this bonanza time for Ballard, many still wonder at this peculiar arrangement.
Making matters even more suspect, your former Chief of Staff, John Estey, voted on your behalf as the Chairman-designate at virtually every meeting. Since you made him the outright Chairman three months ago, he continues to vote to receive and accept Ballard Spahr's legal bills to the DRPA. As a partner at Ballard, Estey is, therefore, voting to put money into his own firm's coffers --- a situation that offends many of your constituents and would never fly in the private sector.
Additionally, Mr. Estey is also the chairman of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA), an agency of the Commonwealth which you control. Not surprisingly, Ballard Spahr also happens to be the PRPA's outside counsel.
But what takes the cake is Ballard Spahr performing nearly $800,000 worth of legal work for the Pennsylvania Turnpike with no contract. That's not a no-bid contract, mind you. It's no contract at all. Must be nice to be Ballard Spahr.
From assisting Al Boscov (of Boscov's department stores) with a $35 million taxpayer-funded bailout, after Boscov and his family contributed $164,000 to your campaigns, to awarding a no-bid contract to a Houston law firm, whose lead partner donated $91,000 to your campaign efforts, an increasing number of Pennsylvanians are, quite frankly, skeptical of your integrity. Addressing that should be your first priority.
Your Comcast ‘High-Speed’ Connection
Earlier this year, you publicly scolded the Sunoco oil company for its decision to lay off 750 workers, calling the company’s action “unconscionable.” Yet you were notably silent concerning the 3,000 layoffs — four times the number at Sunoco — that Comcast has executed in the past year.
Why the disparity? A look at the campaign money trail might well provide the answer.
Since your 2002 election, Sunoco’s political action committee (PAC) contributed $55,000 to your campaign, with Sunoco employees donating an additional $2,650.
During that same time period, Comcast’s PAC, its employees, and the spouses of its top executives, have donated $634,350 to you. Additionally, Comcast spent at least $100,000 on your inauguration festivities in 2007, being designated a “Benefactor,” the highest level of contributor.
One of your closest allies, Comcast Executive Vice President David Cohen (and your former Mayoral Chief of Staff), has contributed $80,000 to your campaigns. His wife, Rhonda, donated an additional $156,000. Interestingly, Mr. Cohen served as chairman of Ballard Spahr prior to joining Comcast. (Comcast is represented by Ballard Spahr).
Speaking of Ballard Spahr, the firm has contributed $481,000 to the your campaigns, and its attorneys donated an additional half-million dollars. Also, the Philadelphia Future Political Action Committee, registered at the Ballard office, pumped $471,000 more into your coffers. Mr. Cohen serves as that PAC’s treasurer.
And the address on your campaign finance reports is the 51st floor of 1735 Market Street in Philadelphia — where Ballard Spahr occupies the entire floor.
No New Taxes
Being a member of the media means that I'm not very bright, but pushing for new taxes might not be the best idea for winning the budget fight. We have never taxed ourselves into prosperity, but to increase tax rates during a severe recession is simply ludicrous. Your budgetary math has been fuzzy, to say the least.
Just one more suggestion. The next time someone asks you the amount of your paycheck, you probably shouldn't answer, “I wouldn't have a clue what I get paid in a month.” It doesn't come across too well for the 99.9% of Pennsylvanians who do actually need to know what their income is. After all, they have budgets to balance.
Your Teflon is fading, Governor. You need, for once, to forget your own interest and think of those whom you swore to represent. It's time to get Pennsylvanians working again and re-instill a faith that their governor is a man of integrity.
Chris Freind can be reached at cfreind@thebulletin.us
I noted with interest that your current approval rating stands at just 39 percent — the lowest point in your career. Despite denying my repeated requests for a one-on-one interview, I nonetheless offer my thoughts as to why you have fallen out of favor with so many Pennsylvanians.
Conflicts Of Interest
First and foremost, the citizens of the Keystone State are fed up with what they see as huge conflicts of interest permeating every level of your Administration, with you being the focal point of many.
The appearance of a governor showing favoritism and special treatment to his big-dollar political donors, close friends, campaign fundraisers, and, perhaps most disturbing of all, one's former law firm, raises eyebrows and sinks people's faith in government.
For example, Ballard Spahr, the law firm where you worked from 1999 to 2002, billed a total of $25,000 in legal fees to the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) in the three years which preceded your election as governor. Since then, Ballard has billed over $3 million. Considering that you were the self-appointed Chairman of the Authority during this bonanza time for Ballard, many still wonder at this peculiar arrangement.
Making matters even more suspect, your former Chief of Staff, John Estey, voted on your behalf as the Chairman-designate at virtually every meeting. Since you made him the outright Chairman three months ago, he continues to vote to receive and accept Ballard Spahr's legal bills to the DRPA. As a partner at Ballard, Estey is, therefore, voting to put money into his own firm's coffers --- a situation that offends many of your constituents and would never fly in the private sector.
Additionally, Mr. Estey is also the chairman of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA), an agency of the Commonwealth which you control. Not surprisingly, Ballard Spahr also happens to be the PRPA's outside counsel.
But what takes the cake is Ballard Spahr performing nearly $800,000 worth of legal work for the Pennsylvania Turnpike with no contract. That's not a no-bid contract, mind you. It's no contract at all. Must be nice to be Ballard Spahr.
From assisting Al Boscov (of Boscov's department stores) with a $35 million taxpayer-funded bailout, after Boscov and his family contributed $164,000 to your campaigns, to awarding a no-bid contract to a Houston law firm, whose lead partner donated $91,000 to your campaign efforts, an increasing number of Pennsylvanians are, quite frankly, skeptical of your integrity. Addressing that should be your first priority.
Your Comcast ‘High-Speed’ Connection
Earlier this year, you publicly scolded the Sunoco oil company for its decision to lay off 750 workers, calling the company’s action “unconscionable.” Yet you were notably silent concerning the 3,000 layoffs — four times the number at Sunoco — that Comcast has executed in the past year.
Why the disparity? A look at the campaign money trail might well provide the answer.
Since your 2002 election, Sunoco’s political action committee (PAC) contributed $55,000 to your campaign, with Sunoco employees donating an additional $2,650.
During that same time period, Comcast’s PAC, its employees, and the spouses of its top executives, have donated $634,350 to you. Additionally, Comcast spent at least $100,000 on your inauguration festivities in 2007, being designated a “Benefactor,” the highest level of contributor.
One of your closest allies, Comcast Executive Vice President David Cohen (and your former Mayoral Chief of Staff), has contributed $80,000 to your campaigns. His wife, Rhonda, donated an additional $156,000. Interestingly, Mr. Cohen served as chairman of Ballard Spahr prior to joining Comcast. (Comcast is represented by Ballard Spahr).
Speaking of Ballard Spahr, the firm has contributed $481,000 to the your campaigns, and its attorneys donated an additional half-million dollars. Also, the Philadelphia Future Political Action Committee, registered at the Ballard office, pumped $471,000 more into your coffers. Mr. Cohen serves as that PAC’s treasurer.
And the address on your campaign finance reports is the 51st floor of 1735 Market Street in Philadelphia — where Ballard Spahr occupies the entire floor.
No New Taxes
Being a member of the media means that I'm not very bright, but pushing for new taxes might not be the best idea for winning the budget fight. We have never taxed ourselves into prosperity, but to increase tax rates during a severe recession is simply ludicrous. Your budgetary math has been fuzzy, to say the least.
Just one more suggestion. The next time someone asks you the amount of your paycheck, you probably shouldn't answer, “I wouldn't have a clue what I get paid in a month.” It doesn't come across too well for the 99.9% of Pennsylvanians who do actually need to know what their income is. After all, they have budgets to balance.
Your Teflon is fading, Governor. You need, for once, to forget your own interest and think of those whom you swore to represent. It's time to get Pennsylvanians working again and re-instill a faith that their governor is a man of integrity.
Chris Freind can be reached at cfreind@thebulletin.us
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of thebulletin.us.
John Law wrote on Aug 6, 2009 5:08 PM:
" Ladies and Gentilmen...let's review the crime problem in Killadelphia over just the last year...K? Let's look at Gov. Rendell, the State Parole Board, The Mayor, City Council, State Attorney General and remember the following small, partial list of State Parole Offenders who made the papers.... Besides Murchison and Wilson (The PIAZZA MURDERS) and Porter, Evans (Murderers), let's add Carrisquillo (Rapist), Shaw (Frankford Rapist), don't forget Burgess (Serial Killer and Rapist); Giddings, Cain, Warner (COP KILLERS); Wilson, Norman, Magee, Lassister, Hill, Trinsey, Wise, Latham, Bryant and the 4 out of the 5 gunmen who just recently murdered "Piggy" the mother of 4 children (All are Shoot-Out Artists and again were under State Parole "Supervision"). Why were they on the street and kept on the street? Money...to save money. State Budget Monies (specifically) that were spent on "No Bid" and about 60 million on other "Inappropiate" Contracts that went to Campiagn Contributors and friends of Governor Rendell. Why are so few Parole Violators being sent back to prison for serious offenses and even kept on the street while they have new open court cases...like Carrisquillo? Why are there so few State Parole Field Agents in Killadelphia? Why are 2,000 State Inmates being released each month? MONEY. The Mayor, City Council, State Legislature, State's Attorney General were all told about 18 months ago about this SCANDAL and they have done nothing to stop it. Studies...proposed legislation...it’s all more opium for the masses. Want to help? Encourage all the victims and surviving family members to sue the State. Ask our Mayor and City Council to sue the State and get our money back! Email Mike.Levy@usdoj.gov and ask him to investigate and prosecute "The Rendell Murders", he'll know what you are talking about 215-861-8200. The President's Comment Line = 1-202-456-1111. Remember State Parolees are responsible for our Murder and Crime Rates. Take action...make some calls. "
John Law wrote on Aug 8, 2009 11:47 AM:
" Ladies and Gentilmen...let's review the crime problem in Killadelphia over just the last year...K? Let's look at Gov. Rendell, the State Parole Board, The Mayor, City Council, State Attorney General and remember the following small, partial list of State Parole Offenders who made the papers.... Besides Murchison and Wilson (The PIAZZA MURDERS) and Porter, Evans (Murderers), let's add Carrisquillo (Rapist), Shaw (Frankford Rapist), don't forget Burgess (Serial Killer and Rapist); Giddings, Cain, Warner (COP KILLERS); Wilson, Norman, Magee, Lassister, Hill, Trinsey, Wise, Latham, Bryant and the 4 out of the 5 gunmen who just recently murdered "Piggy" the mother of 4 children (All are Shoot-Out Artists and again were under State Parole "Supervision"). Why were they on the street and kept on the street? Money...to save money. State Budget Monies (specifically) that were spent on "No Bid" and about 60 million on other "Inappropiate" Contracts that went to Campiagn Contributors and friends of Governor Rendell. Why are so few Parole Violators being sent back to prison for serious offenses and even kept on the street while they have new open court cases...like Carrisquillo? Why are there so few State Parole Field Agents in Killadelphia? Why are 2,000 State Inmates being released each month? MONEY. The Mayor, City Council, State Legislature, State's Attorney General were all told about 18 months ago about this SCANDAL and they have done nothing to stop it. Studies...proposed legislation...it’s all more opium for the masses. Want to help? Encourage all the victims and surviving family members to sue the State. Ask our Mayor and City Council to sue the State and get our money back! Email Mike.Levy@usdoj.gov and ask him to investigate and prosecute "The Rendell Murders", he'll know what you are talking about 215-861-8200. The President's Comment Line = 1-202-456-1111. Remember State Parolees are responsible for our Murder and Crime Rates. Take action...make some calls. "
John Law wrote on Aug 8, 2009 11:49 AM:
" HELLO! AT LEAST 3 OF THE PIAZZA MURDERERS ARE STATE PAROLEEs! MURCHISON,was released to a Community Correction Center at his minimum (for Armed Robbery) and, of course, walked away. Wilson was also a State Parolee and who else is has yet to be determined! There are over 500 State Parole and Dept. of Corrections escapees at large in Philadelphia as you read this and it is these State Parolees that are responsible for our Murder and Crime Rates! For YEARS NOW, they have been released earily and when they should not have been released at all in order for OPM Rendell to save State Budget monies for "NO BID" and $60 Million+ in other "Inappropriate" Contracts the State Auditor has repeatedly denounced Rendell about. Contracts that went to OPM Rendell's friends, law firm and campaign contributors. The Mayor, City Council and State Legislature were all told in writing, with evidence for 18 months now and they have done nothing! Murder victim after murder victim...destroyed family after destroyed family.... Do any of us think these murderers would think twice about murdering any innocent who got in their way or witnessed their murders? When is the U.S. Dept. of JUSTICE GOING TO SEND "TEFLON ED" A "TARGET LETTER" AND STOP THIS CARNAGE!? Mayor Nutter...how much blood is enough? When are you going to sue the state and get the money back we've had to pay out to make up for Rendell shorting us in State assets and turning loose anaimals like Giddings to prey upon us? (How many million$ alone were spent just to arrest Floyd after SGT Liczbinski was brutally murdered by Cain?) Will the City Council stop counting their "DROP" money, etc. and STOP the Rendell Murders? NO MORE EXCUSES, STUDIES, COMMITTEES, BLAMING GUNS...STOP THE RENDELL MURDERS NOW! The phone number for the U.S. Attorney in Phila. is 215-861-8200. The President's comment line is 1-202-456-1111. Hit the "Email this" button and ask Mike.Levy@usdoj.gov to STOP THE RENDELL MURDERs. How much is enough? "
John Law wrote on Aug 10, 2009 9:36 AM:
" I have a proposal. Let's all remember all the articles in the papers and on the TV news broadcasts for just the last year about all the Parolee Murders, Rapes, Escapes and, of course, all the SHOOT-OUTs. The Body Count has just gone up with the latest Parolee Murder at the PIAZZA and Joe Frazier’s Kin and of Nyesha Whitney last week (a new mother) by Aaron Porter, who is already on Parole for Murder and,of course, was "Minimum Supervision". Remember all the other names? Remember Carrisquillo (Rapist), Shaw (Frankford Rapist), don't forget Burgess (Serial Killer and Rapist); Giddings, Cain, Warner (COP KILLERS); Wilson, Norman, Magee, Lassister, Hill, Trinsey, Wise, Latham, Bryant and the 4 out of the 5 gunmen who just recently murdered "Piggy" the mother of 4 children(All are Shoot-Out Artists and again were under State Parole "Supervision"). Let's ask the DOJ to investigate all those "No Bid" contracts...all the $60 Million+ "Inappropriate" contracts the State Auditor General has repeatedly denounced Rendell about. Let the FEDs check out the $250,000 I've read Rendell gets from a law firm for no work. Let's ask the U.S. DOJ to follow the money back to all the blood, bodies and destroyed families. They can find out why Rendell repeatedly allowed Parole Board Chairman McVey to refuse to provide documentation to State Auditors regarding the impossibly high caseload numbers...and the destroying of other documents. Philadelphia has had to make up the shortfall of our rightfull share of State assests for years. Rendell is responsibile for turning Philadelphia into "Killadelphia" the largest Open Air Prison in America and 1st in the Nation in COP KILLINGs. The number for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Phila. is 215-861-8200. The President's comment line is 1-202-456-1111. If you decide to make some calls...you just maybe saving alot of lives and good families. Maybe it's time for OPM Rendell to join his friend OPM Fumo in Federal Prison. His LEGACY = The RENDELL MURDERS. "
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statesman1 wrote on Aug 4, 2009 6:04 PM: