I will always cherish my conversations with Broadway Charlie. I remember meeting Charlie at Williams restaurant at 9th & Exeter.
Charlie could always make you smile,and would love to tell you plenty of baseball stories. I remember Charlie saying to me about not being dressed, I was only missing a sport coat. We would always laugh about that.
With a tear in my eyes I like to say, I hope Charlie is in heaven with his life long friend (Ted Williams)
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Welcome Back
I want to welcome back all the teachers and staff.I hope everyone has a fabulous year.
Please feel free to comment, or e- mail me with any problem or concern. I will always listen,and will always try to give or get you an answer.
Please feel free to comment, or e- mail me with any problem or concern. I will always listen,and will always try to give or get you an answer.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Energy Committee Starts As of 8/29/06
Three students that are part of this committee are as follows: Ian Gavigan (10th grade), Maire Moriarty(11th grade), Nelson Diaz (12th grade).
Please help them when they are collecting data for our committee.
Please help them when they are collecting data for our committee.
The American Flag
The American Flag has been replaced at the Reading High School. The flag should have lights shining on it after sundown.
Please if you see this condition that the lights are not lighting our flag call (610) 371-5611 and report this situation. I'm hopefull with everyones help this situation will be corrected.
Thankyou,I appreciate everyones help in fixing this situation.
Please if you see this condition that the lights are not lighting our flag call (610) 371-5611 and report this situation. I'm hopefull with everyones help this situation will be corrected.
Thankyou,I appreciate everyones help in fixing this situation.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
School Board Vacancy
I encourage anyone who has a desire to serve, to apply for the open School Director seat.
Please, feel free to call Linda Greth at 610) 371-5679 if your interested and she will give you the details.
You don't need to have a college degree for this position.
Please, feel free to call Linda Greth at 610) 371-5679 if your interested and she will give you the details.
You don't need to have a college degree for this position.
Wisdom
Simple Wisdom: "Your true identity springs from the tenderness and gentleness in your heart."
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Recent Meeting With Mr. Albert Boscov
I recently had a 2/hr meeting with Mr. Boscov. We discussed several issues with the city of Reading,Pa.
Mr. Boscov and I discussed the Goggle Works and the plans for buildings which would compliment this site.
The number one concern I had was with security and the safety of people in the city. Mr. Boscov agreed with me that the police dogs must return to the city. I also suggested having cameras monitoring The Goggle Works and the surrounding vicinity.
Many other issues were discussed from family to politics. I'm hopefull Mr. Boscov will pass on my ideas to Reading's chief of police.
Mr. Boscov and I discussed the Goggle Works and the plans for buildings which would compliment this site.
The number one concern I had was with security and the safety of people in the city. Mr. Boscov agreed with me that the police dogs must return to the city. I also suggested having cameras monitoring The Goggle Works and the surrounding vicinity.
Many other issues were discussed from family to politics. I'm hopefull Mr. Boscov will pass on my ideas to Reading's chief of police.
Mayor Tom McMahon and trash
Rememeber, Mr. Mayor it is the will of the people to have the trash question placed on the ballot. Why are you and city council so scared of this being on the ballot?
New Flag At High School
Thankyou Mr. Knowles for replacing the flag at Reading High School. Hopefully with six master electricians and several custodians we will have lights on this flag in the near future. If this can't be accomplished then the flag must be taken down at the end of the day.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Board Vacancy
The Reading School Board is currently deadlocked on who to appoint to its board. I think most of the members want a person that isn't connected to the good boys network.
From the Eastern District of North Carolina
Acting United States Attorney George E.B. Holding announced that Michael P. Decker, Sr., pled guilty in federal court in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday, August 1, 2006, pursuant to a plea agreement. U.S. District Judge James C. Dever, III accepted Decker's plea of guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, honest services mail fraud, and money laundering.
Decker, 61, of Walkertown, North Carolina could receive a maximum sentence of five year's imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release. His actual sentence will be determined by the court using the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are advisory. Sentencing has been set for November 1, 2006.
As part of his plea agreement, Decker agreed to waive Indictment by a federal grand jury. The criminal investigation that resulted in Decker's conviction has been ongoing for over a year.
According to the Criminal Information, after the results of the general election of November 2002 left the North Carolina House of Representatives with 61 Republican members and 59 Democratic members, Decker solicited and agreed to accept $50,000 and other things of value in return for switching from the Republican Party to the Democractic Party and supporting a particular candidate for Speaker of the House.
The Criminal Information does not allege wrongdoing by any person other than Decker.
The criminal investigation is being conducted jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, in conjunction with the United States Attorney's Office and the Office of Wake County District Attorney C. Colon Willoughby, Jr. Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Stuart Bruce and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis M. Duffy are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Acting United States Attorney Holding said, "This kind of public corruption undermines our democracy and the legitimacy of legislative bodies. The Department of Justice will continue to tenaciously prosecute public corruption. Public officials must be held accountable when they take official action for private financial gain".
Special Agent in Charge Nathan Thomas Gray of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, stated: "The investigative pursuit of currupt public officials is the number one investigative priority with the FBI's criminal programs. All available resources of the FBI will be utilized in bringing those to justice that violate the public's trust".
Charles E. Hunter, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division stated: "Public corruption at any level cannot be tolerated. Those who violate the public's trust for any reason will be vigorously pursued by IRS-CI".
Attorney General Roy Cooper stated: "The bribery and fraud alleged in today's guilty plea undercut the foundation of our representative government. The allegations of wrongdoing are troubling, and our SBI agents have done a thorough job examining every aspect of this case. We will continue to investigate these and other related matters with the U.S. Attorney and the Wake County District Attorney.
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Director Robin Pendergraft said: "This ongoing investigation shows outstanding cooperation among federal and state agencies. The FBI will continue to work diligently to bring to justice those who violate the public trust".
Decker, 61, of Walkertown, North Carolina could receive a maximum sentence of five year's imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release. His actual sentence will be determined by the court using the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are advisory. Sentencing has been set for November 1, 2006.
As part of his plea agreement, Decker agreed to waive Indictment by a federal grand jury. The criminal investigation that resulted in Decker's conviction has been ongoing for over a year.
According to the Criminal Information, after the results of the general election of November 2002 left the North Carolina House of Representatives with 61 Republican members and 59 Democratic members, Decker solicited and agreed to accept $50,000 and other things of value in return for switching from the Republican Party to the Democractic Party and supporting a particular candidate for Speaker of the House.
The Criminal Information does not allege wrongdoing by any person other than Decker.
The criminal investigation is being conducted jointly by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, in conjunction with the United States Attorney's Office and the Office of Wake County District Attorney C. Colon Willoughby, Jr. Acting First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Stuart Bruce and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis M. Duffy are prosecuting the case for the United States.
Acting United States Attorney Holding said, "This kind of public corruption undermines our democracy and the legitimacy of legislative bodies. The Department of Justice will continue to tenaciously prosecute public corruption. Public officials must be held accountable when they take official action for private financial gain".
Special Agent in Charge Nathan Thomas Gray of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Charlotte Field Office, stated: "The investigative pursuit of currupt public officials is the number one investigative priority with the FBI's criminal programs. All available resources of the FBI will be utilized in bringing those to justice that violate the public's trust".
Charles E. Hunter, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division stated: "Public corruption at any level cannot be tolerated. Those who violate the public's trust for any reason will be vigorously pursued by IRS-CI".
Attorney General Roy Cooper stated: "The bribery and fraud alleged in today's guilty plea undercut the foundation of our representative government. The allegations of wrongdoing are troubling, and our SBI agents have done a thorough job examining every aspect of this case. We will continue to investigate these and other related matters with the U.S. Attorney and the Wake County District Attorney.
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Director Robin Pendergraft said: "This ongoing investigation shows outstanding cooperation among federal and state agencies. The FBI will continue to work diligently to bring to justice those who violate the public trust".
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Flag At Reading High School
The American flag is still not being displayed the right way at the highschool. Two lights need to be replaced that shine on this flag. Today, I reported this condition to William Knolwes.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Wisdom
Simple Wisdom: "A person with luck is simply one who has planned for it,and put themselves directly in its path."
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Professors to Comment on Crime
This will be fine as long as it isn't some liberal philosophy to make Reading safer.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Cameras Needed In Strategic Places
Keith Stamm would like to see more security cameras throughout the city. The Reading School district has taken a proactive approach to security issues. The city can follow the Reading School Districts lead and put cameras in strategic places throughout the city.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Stone Wall To The Pagoda
I wish the current city administration would consider rebuilding the stone wall that leads to the Pagoda.
My suggestion is to do this and place a hotel / reastaurant overlooking the Greater Reading Skyline.
Maybe, It would happen if we called it The Goggle Wall
My suggestion is to do this and place a hotel / reastaurant overlooking the Greater Reading Skyline.
Maybe, It would happen if we called it The Goggle Wall
Security Analysis Finished and presented
August 17th,2006:
Mr. Ray Albert presented the security analysis yesterday at our Facilities meeting. I'm happy to report that most of my colleagues have agreed to improved security measures throughout the district.
Mr. Ray Albert presented the security analysis yesterday at our Facilities meeting. I'm happy to report that most of my colleagues have agreed to improved security measures throughout the district.
Small Town Defenders
City council speech by Mayor Lou Barletta July 13, 2006
About a month ago, I proposed the Illegal Immigration Relief Act. Since then, my office has received more than 8,000 emails supporting the measure. We have received overwhelmingly positive responses from literally every state in the union, from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska.
But we don't have to look far to see some of our most vocal support. Grant Street, Locust Street, Laurel Street, Arthur Street, Fulton Court, Berner Avenue, South Pine Street, Birch Street, Chuirch Street, Nineteenth Street, Seventh Street, Diamond Avenue....
We received hundreds of letters of support from every section of the city.
One person wrote, "I have lived in this city all my life ad have always loved the city of Hazleton. Never have I been so proud..."
Another family wrote, "Just wanted to let you know how very proud we are of everything you are doing to keep us safe and change our city. We were going to sell our house, but now we have reconsidered."
We have also heard from former residents, some of whom have heartbreaking stories to tell.
"I spent seven years in Hazleton and saw what was happening to Hazleton was what I had already witnessed happening in my hometown, Reading, Pennsylvania.
A woman wrote - "Five years ago, I came to Sugarloaf, just to get away from the many facets of another deteriorating city. I do think you are catching Hazleton in time to save the city".
A couple wrote, "My wife and I used to do most of our business there. However, over the past 15 years or so, we have since retreated from your once safe city".
A man from Scottsdale, Arizona, wrote that he graduated from Hazleton Area High School in 1994. He wrote that he is considering moving back to the area, adding "Hazleton was a nice place for me to grow up, and I would like it to be just as nice for my son to grow up there".
For the record, we have received exactly one negative response from a local resident.
But I could read hundreds of stories from residents, former residents, and people across America who have seen illegal aliens destroy their towns and their quality of life.
As the Mayor, I see how illegal aliens are sapping our city resources.
Enough is enough!
Since our last meeting, we have made some changes to the proposal that strengthens both the ordinance and the city's position. For instance, landlords will not be required to check all documentation from potential tenants. Instead, they will only have to check for one permit: an occupancy permit from the City of Hazleton. Tenants and potential tenants must come to City Hall and apply for these permits. After documentation is checked, a permit will be issued, and these legal residents will be able to move into a landlord's property. If the tenant is found to have provided false documentation to the City, landlords will not be held accountable.
In exchange for this provision, the city is imposing two measures. First, we are imposing a fee for these occupancy permits. Second, landlords caught knowingly renting to those with no permit or false documentation of any kind will be fined $1,000 per illegal tenant per day.
Businesses who knowingly hire illegal immigrants will lose City business for five years after their first offense, and for 10 years following their second.
Again, let me stress that this ordinance does not target any particular race. If you read it, you will not find any reference to specific races, nor will you find any reference to any language other than English.
But let me repeat what I have been saying all along.....illegal is illegal!
We do not care where they come from, we do not care what language they speak, but an illegal alien is not welcome in Hazleton! Those who are here illegally continue to drain city resources.
The other day, police responded to a simple noise complaint and found three illegal aliens. The officers who went to that scene, were taken away from other patrols. Those three young men were not supposed to be in the United states to begin with, but the Hazleton Police Department had to shift resources away from other law enforcement duties to respond to that complaint.
On a person note, I have been accused of not only being a racist, but also doing this for other reasons, for political gain, or to help other elected officials.
I am personally offended by those accusations, not because they insult me, I am offended because they insult the family of Derek Kitchline, who was allegedly gunned down - murdered - by four illegal aliens.
They insult the children who are no longer allowed on the Pine Street Playground because an illegal alien fired a gun there.
They insult the mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, of those in our community who are addicted to the drugs sold by illegal immigrants.
I am the Mayor of Hazleton.
I swore an oath to protect the residents of thie sity - the legal residents of this city. When people are gunned down outside their homes, I cannot sit by and wait for a solution. When residents are afraid to walk down a city street, I cannot ignore their complaints. When children - children, are afraid to go to a playground, I must act.
There are those in the community who have attempted to justify criminal conduct. They say that crossing the border without papers, or buying someone else's identity, or overstaying a tourist or student visa is not illegal. Believe it or not, there are those who also say that we have always had murders or even massacres - in Hazleton, that it is part of our local culture. That a 14-year old firing a gun at a playground is just a kid playing around.
These people could not be more wrong!
When you start justifying one criminal act, it becomes easier and easier to justify more.
Illegal is illegal! Period.
As I told the Senate Committee and countless media outlets across the country over the past several weeks, Hazleton is small town USA. We are an All-American City.
We are a place where people should be able to raise their families free of fear.
A city where residents and legal immigrants can live side by side, communicating with and looking out for each other. One community of legal, hardworking, law abiding taxpaying citizens.
About a month ago, I proposed the Illegal Immigration Relief Act. Since then, my office has received more than 8,000 emails supporting the measure. We have received overwhelmingly positive responses from literally every state in the union, from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska.
But we don't have to look far to see some of our most vocal support. Grant Street, Locust Street, Laurel Street, Arthur Street, Fulton Court, Berner Avenue, South Pine Street, Birch Street, Chuirch Street, Nineteenth Street, Seventh Street, Diamond Avenue....
We received hundreds of letters of support from every section of the city.
One person wrote, "I have lived in this city all my life ad have always loved the city of Hazleton. Never have I been so proud..."
Another family wrote, "Just wanted to let you know how very proud we are of everything you are doing to keep us safe and change our city. We were going to sell our house, but now we have reconsidered."
We have also heard from former residents, some of whom have heartbreaking stories to tell.
"I spent seven years in Hazleton and saw what was happening to Hazleton was what I had already witnessed happening in my hometown, Reading, Pennsylvania.
A woman wrote - "Five years ago, I came to Sugarloaf, just to get away from the many facets of another deteriorating city. I do think you are catching Hazleton in time to save the city".
A couple wrote, "My wife and I used to do most of our business there. However, over the past 15 years or so, we have since retreated from your once safe city".
A man from Scottsdale, Arizona, wrote that he graduated from Hazleton Area High School in 1994. He wrote that he is considering moving back to the area, adding "Hazleton was a nice place for me to grow up, and I would like it to be just as nice for my son to grow up there".
For the record, we have received exactly one negative response from a local resident.
But I could read hundreds of stories from residents, former residents, and people across America who have seen illegal aliens destroy their towns and their quality of life.
As the Mayor, I see how illegal aliens are sapping our city resources.
Enough is enough!
Since our last meeting, we have made some changes to the proposal that strengthens both the ordinance and the city's position. For instance, landlords will not be required to check all documentation from potential tenants. Instead, they will only have to check for one permit: an occupancy permit from the City of Hazleton. Tenants and potential tenants must come to City Hall and apply for these permits. After documentation is checked, a permit will be issued, and these legal residents will be able to move into a landlord's property. If the tenant is found to have provided false documentation to the City, landlords will not be held accountable.
In exchange for this provision, the city is imposing two measures. First, we are imposing a fee for these occupancy permits. Second, landlords caught knowingly renting to those with no permit or false documentation of any kind will be fined $1,000 per illegal tenant per day.
Businesses who knowingly hire illegal immigrants will lose City business for five years after their first offense, and for 10 years following their second.
Again, let me stress that this ordinance does not target any particular race. If you read it, you will not find any reference to specific races, nor will you find any reference to any language other than English.
But let me repeat what I have been saying all along.....illegal is illegal!
We do not care where they come from, we do not care what language they speak, but an illegal alien is not welcome in Hazleton! Those who are here illegally continue to drain city resources.
The other day, police responded to a simple noise complaint and found three illegal aliens. The officers who went to that scene, were taken away from other patrols. Those three young men were not supposed to be in the United states to begin with, but the Hazleton Police Department had to shift resources away from other law enforcement duties to respond to that complaint.
On a person note, I have been accused of not only being a racist, but also doing this for other reasons, for political gain, or to help other elected officials.
I am personally offended by those accusations, not because they insult me, I am offended because they insult the family of Derek Kitchline, who was allegedly gunned down - murdered - by four illegal aliens.
They insult the children who are no longer allowed on the Pine Street Playground because an illegal alien fired a gun there.
They insult the mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, of those in our community who are addicted to the drugs sold by illegal immigrants.
I am the Mayor of Hazleton.
I swore an oath to protect the residents of thie sity - the legal residents of this city. When people are gunned down outside their homes, I cannot sit by and wait for a solution. When residents are afraid to walk down a city street, I cannot ignore their complaints. When children - children, are afraid to go to a playground, I must act.
There are those in the community who have attempted to justify criminal conduct. They say that crossing the border without papers, or buying someone else's identity, or overstaying a tourist or student visa is not illegal. Believe it or not, there are those who also say that we have always had murders or even massacres - in Hazleton, that it is part of our local culture. That a 14-year old firing a gun at a playground is just a kid playing around.
These people could not be more wrong!
When you start justifying one criminal act, it becomes easier and easier to justify more.
Illegal is illegal! Period.
As I told the Senate Committee and countless media outlets across the country over the past several weeks, Hazleton is small town USA. We are an All-American City.
We are a place where people should be able to raise their families free of fear.
A city where residents and legal immigrants can live side by side, communicating with and looking out for each other. One community of legal, hardworking, law abiding taxpaying citizens.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
An Open Letter from Mayor Lou Barletta
I believe the United States of America is the greatest nation on Earth. People who are in this country have an incredible amount of opportunities and blessings. But some people have taken advantage of America's openness and tolerance. Some come to this country and refuse to learn English, creating a language barrier for city employees. Others enter the country illegally and use government services by not paying taxes or by committing crime on our streets, further draining resources here in Hazleton.
Illegal immigration leads to higher crime rates, contributes to overcrowded classrooms and failing schools, subjects our hospitals to fiscal hardship and legal residents to substandard quality of care, and destroys our neighborhoods and diminishes our overall quality of life.
The City of Hazleton is empowered and mandated by the people of Hazleton to abate the nuisance of illegal immigration by agressively prohibiting and punishing the acts, policies, people and businesses that aid and abet illegal aliens. That is why I proposed the Illegal Immigration Relief Act.
Part of this ordinance, if enacted, would punish companies that hire illegal immigrants by denying them permits, making it harder for them to renew permits and forcing their loss of city business.
Another part would hold landlords accountable. Because people moving into the city naturally require a place to sleep, our landlords are our first line of defense. Landlords who rent to illegal immigrants - that is, who rent to people without checking their documentation, may be fined $1,000.00 for every illegal immigrant staying on their properties.
The final part of this ordinance makes English the official language of Hazleton. All city documents will only be available in English. Those applying for a permit would have to speak English. While our emergency services will never be denied to anyone because of a language barrier, every other aspect of city business will be conducted only in English. Let me be clear, this ordinance is intended to make Hazleton one of the most difficult places in the U.S. for illegal immigrants
This measure is not racist because it does not target one particular race. The Illegal Immigration Relieft Act is intended to deter and punish any illegal immigration in the City of Hazleton. Requiring the use of English does not target any other language; it merely states that no matter what language you prefer to speak at home, English will be spoken when you conduct business with Hazleton officials.
Illegal Immigration is a drain on city resources. Every domestic incident, every traffic accident, every noise complaint, each time we send our police department, fire department or code enforcement officer to respond, it costs taxpayer dollars.
If the City of Hazleton began publishing official documents or conducting business in a second language, how would we respond when someone asks us to use a third, or fourth language?
Recent crimes - the shooting on Chestnut Street, the discharge of firearms at the Pine Street Playground, and high profile drug busts - have involved illegal immigrants. Sadly, some of those allegedly involved in those crimes were detained by other law enforcement officers over the years, but were somehow allowed to remain in this country. They eventually migrated into Hazleton, where they helped create a sense of fear in the good, hardworking residents who are here legally.
This ordinance does not roll back the welcome mat to those who are legally in the United States. This country was built on the backs of legal immigrants. My own great grandparents came to this country seeking a better life. Rather, this ordinance seeks to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into Hazleton. They are not welcome here!
To the residents of Hazleton, I say thank you for your continued support. Hazleton is moving forward and becoming an even better place to live. To our recently arrived legal immigrants, I say welcome. I personally wish you all the best. With hard work and determination, the United States and Hazleton can be a place where your dream come true. And to illegal immigrants and those who would hire or abet them in any way, I say your time is up. You are no longer welcome.
Thank you and God Bless America.
Lou Barletta
Mayor, City of Hazleton
Illegal immigration leads to higher crime rates, contributes to overcrowded classrooms and failing schools, subjects our hospitals to fiscal hardship and legal residents to substandard quality of care, and destroys our neighborhoods and diminishes our overall quality of life.
The City of Hazleton is empowered and mandated by the people of Hazleton to abate the nuisance of illegal immigration by agressively prohibiting and punishing the acts, policies, people and businesses that aid and abet illegal aliens. That is why I proposed the Illegal Immigration Relief Act.
Part of this ordinance, if enacted, would punish companies that hire illegal immigrants by denying them permits, making it harder for them to renew permits and forcing their loss of city business.
Another part would hold landlords accountable. Because people moving into the city naturally require a place to sleep, our landlords are our first line of defense. Landlords who rent to illegal immigrants - that is, who rent to people without checking their documentation, may be fined $1,000.00 for every illegal immigrant staying on their properties.
The final part of this ordinance makes English the official language of Hazleton. All city documents will only be available in English. Those applying for a permit would have to speak English. While our emergency services will never be denied to anyone because of a language barrier, every other aspect of city business will be conducted only in English. Let me be clear, this ordinance is intended to make Hazleton one of the most difficult places in the U.S. for illegal immigrants
This measure is not racist because it does not target one particular race. The Illegal Immigration Relieft Act is intended to deter and punish any illegal immigration in the City of Hazleton. Requiring the use of English does not target any other language; it merely states that no matter what language you prefer to speak at home, English will be spoken when you conduct business with Hazleton officials.
Illegal Immigration is a drain on city resources. Every domestic incident, every traffic accident, every noise complaint, each time we send our police department, fire department or code enforcement officer to respond, it costs taxpayer dollars.
If the City of Hazleton began publishing official documents or conducting business in a second language, how would we respond when someone asks us to use a third, or fourth language?
Recent crimes - the shooting on Chestnut Street, the discharge of firearms at the Pine Street Playground, and high profile drug busts - have involved illegal immigrants. Sadly, some of those allegedly involved in those crimes were detained by other law enforcement officers over the years, but were somehow allowed to remain in this country. They eventually migrated into Hazleton, where they helped create a sense of fear in the good, hardworking residents who are here legally.
This ordinance does not roll back the welcome mat to those who are legally in the United States. This country was built on the backs of legal immigrants. My own great grandparents came to this country seeking a better life. Rather, this ordinance seeks to stem the flow of illegal immigrants into Hazleton. They are not welcome here!
To the residents of Hazleton, I say thank you for your continued support. Hazleton is moving forward and becoming an even better place to live. To our recently arrived legal immigrants, I say welcome. I personally wish you all the best. With hard work and determination, the United States and Hazleton can be a place where your dream come true. And to illegal immigrants and those who would hire or abet them in any way, I say your time is up. You are no longer welcome.
Thank you and God Bless America.
Lou Barletta
Mayor, City of Hazleton
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Bumper Decals for officer Wertz
If,anyone would like a bumper decal honoring officer Wertz please let me know.You may contact me by E-mail at stamk@aol.com
Board Vacancy Advertised Today
Please submit your resume to the administration building by Friday August 18th 12:00 noon.
Meetings This Week
Finance meeting : August 16th at 3:00pm
Facilities meeting: at 4:00pm on August 16th
Special Board meeting onFriday August 18th
Facilities meeting: at 4:00pm on August 16th
Special Board meeting onFriday August 18th
Monday, August 14, 2006
Police Dogs ( Will they be back?)
Senator Mike O'Pake was suppose to bring the city $100,000 today to help fight the crime in Reading.
Dear Mayor ( Liberal ) McMahon please put this money in a savings account to fund police dogs for the city of Reading.
Would the last two policeman who were killed in the line of duty be alive,if we had police dogs?
Dear Mayor ( Liberal ) McMahon please put this money in a savings account to fund police dogs for the city of Reading.
Would the last two policeman who were killed in the line of duty be alive,if we had police dogs?
Why Not Mr. Boscov ?
Dear Mr. Boscov,
Why can't you build one of your department stores in downtown Reading? Is there some political reason why your afraid? Mr. Boscov is it just pure economics? Apparently you built a store in Johnstown,Pa.
Why can't you build one of your department stores in downtown Reading? Is there some political reason why your afraid? Mr. Boscov is it just pure economics? Apparently you built a store in Johnstown,Pa.
It's A Sad Day
August 14th,2006
I toured 10th and Penn Elementary school today and saw bullet holes thru an upper window.
I met with the building principal and he told me to take a look at the new bullet holes in the fence on Penn street.
The Reading School District will be addressing these issues in the near future.
I toured 10th and Penn Elementary school today and saw bullet holes thru an upper window.
I met with the building principal and he told me to take a look at the new bullet holes in the fence on Penn street.
The Reading School District will be addressing these issues in the near future.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Simple Wisdom
"Some say it's wrong to live in the past,but in truth,the present moment flashes by so quickly that the past is all we have. The trick is to plan a future that will make your past worth having."
Former First Lady Hillary Clinton
Why does Hillary always seem to be mad at the world? Do you ever see her smile? If she ever is going to be our president, she will have to smile more frequently.
Will Former Mayor Joe Eppihimer Apply for Vacant Post
Recently, Dr. Frederick Gaige resigned from the Reading School Board.The former mayor has shown interest in the past with school issues.
Remember, Fred was part of the Famous Eight who voted for lifetime medical benefits for seven administrators and their spouses.
Remember, Fred was part of the Famous Eight who voted for lifetime medical benefits for seven administrators and their spouses.
NRP Meeting in Canada
Recently,I was in Canada for a NRP committee meeting.I also was fishing and had a terrific time.I have been looking at things differently since this meeting and trip.
If Your New To This Site
Please check out my archives,I cover a range of topics from school issues to politics.
Examples: 600 long distance phone lines in the Reading School District. Cellphone issues,which also cover waste, fraud and abuse!
Hopefully your school district,or city doesn't have the waste that we do.
Examples: 600 long distance phone lines in the Reading School District. Cellphone issues,which also cover waste, fraud and abuse!
Hopefully your school district,or city doesn't have the waste that we do.
Recent Hits On My Site
If you have been at my site from another city or country,and are from Reading originally please let me know.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Memorium for Scott Wertz Family
My heartfelt sympathies are extended to the Wertz family. Please feel free to ad your condolences at this site.
Dr.Frederick Gaige Resignation
Dr. Gaige resigned because he moved out of the city of Reading.It's one of those hated residency rules.
Dear Dr. Gaige it's been a pleasure to serve with you on the Reading School Board.
Dear Dr. Gaige it's been a pleasure to serve with you on the Reading School Board.
Philadelphia Schools Piano Blues
In other news, SRC member Daniel Whelan raised concerns over a proposal to purchase a $55,440 Steinway grand piano for the School of the Future that the district and partner Microsoft Corp. will open next month.
"I think it's an example of " Lets get the best for the kids."
Whelan said,"but without an oversight of fiscal responsibility.Goodness gracious,I'd love to own a Jaguar. But I don't because there are other things that I'd like to do with my money.
"The Microsoft school doesn't need to go out an buy a piano. I'm sure they can get a piano donated."
"I think it's an example of " Lets get the best for the kids."
Whelan said,"but without an oversight of fiscal responsibility.Goodness gracious,I'd love to own a Jaguar. But I don't because there are other things that I'd like to do with my money.
"The Microsoft school doesn't need to go out an buy a piano. I'm sure they can get a piano donated."
School Director Vacancy
Dr. Frederick Gaige resigned from the Reading School board creating a vacancy. I would like to see this position advertised in the Reading Eagle.
Board President Pierre Cooper wants to replace this position without advertising for it. I feel that is a mistake ,because it doesn't give people a chance who might have a better resume then the two people we were given.
Board President Pierre Cooper wants to replace this position without advertising for it. I feel that is a mistake ,because it doesn't give people a chance who might have a better resume then the two people we were given.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Integrity
"Strive for integrity.That means knowing your values in life and behaving in a way that is consistent with those values."- Unknown
Mayor Tom McMahon and crime
Dear Mayor: Will you really listen to what the people tell you about crime? Will you listen to a conservative in response to crime?
OR Will you just say we need more feel good government with another Google Works Project?
Why not bring back the police dogs? I know that will cost more and we might have to take money away from the Goggle Works!!!
OR Will you just say we need more feel good government with another Google Works Project?
Why not bring back the police dogs? I know that will cost more and we might have to take money away from the Goggle Works!!!
Service
" What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." Albert Pine
Thursday, August 10, 2006
The Difference Between Democrats And Cannibals
Democrats eat each other,I believe this is a statement made by former President Lyndon B. Johnson
Thought for today
"It is disease that makes health pleasant,hunger that makes fullness good,and weariness that makes rest sweet."
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
The McMahon Plan
Rememeber when Mayor Tom had this plan for less crime. What was his real plan,besides telling everyone that we had to work together.
It's just more feel good government.Please Mayor Tom McMahon wake up and realize that you need more then just feel good government!
It's just more feel good government.Please Mayor Tom McMahon wake up and realize that you need more then just feel good government!
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
E-mail Forwarded to Keith Stamm
Just passing on another person's view
Hi..I need to vent! I am saddened by the murder of a city police officer, and also angry. I have been reading the comments (over 100) posted on the Eagle's Walentis blogs. The vast majority of the comments I can align myself with. However, it is my perception that the bulk of the blame for the city's steep decline can be laid right on city hall's doorsteps. The chief culprit is the community development department, aided and abetted by the sitting mayor and council members. This entity has funneled millions of taxpayer's dollars into every conceivable do-gooder welfare project known to man. Drug clinics, halfway houses, several homes for unwed mothers, homeless shelters, the OHR department, free food, free apartments, free houses, ad naseum, and multiple millions in the form of grants and unpaid loans to the special few to expand their real estate holdings to create more cubicles for the bums. Reading was transformed into the biggest magnet for the undesirables in Pennsylvania. Then to exacerbate the litany of problems, laws, rules and ordinances are not vigorously enforced. With simple infractions like parking and traffic violations overlooked, property and housing codes not enforced, trash regulations overlooked and not enforced, and on and on and on. Unfortunately, even the mayor disrespects charter requirements by not enforcing the mandated residency requirements. And yet he took an oath to enforce the laws of Pennsylvania, and the City of Reading Ordinances and charter. As an aide, I referred to Reading as a "third world city" to an impending resigning city manager several weeks ago, and she angrily replied stating how fortunate Reading was to have such "diversity". She condoned and was appreciative of the eclectic mix of the population, and exhorted on how they added to the economy of Reading. Another sampling of the liberal philosophy that is ingrained in the administration. America was made great because we are a land of laws. Unfortunately, those laws are not applied in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Irate, but cool!
Richard Fegley
Hi..I need to vent! I am saddened by the murder of a city police officer, and also angry. I have been reading the comments (over 100) posted on the Eagle's Walentis blogs. The vast majority of the comments I can align myself with. However, it is my perception that the bulk of the blame for the city's steep decline can be laid right on city hall's doorsteps. The chief culprit is the community development department, aided and abetted by the sitting mayor and council members. This entity has funneled millions of taxpayer's dollars into every conceivable do-gooder welfare project known to man. Drug clinics, halfway houses, several homes for unwed mothers, homeless shelters, the OHR department, free food, free apartments, free houses, ad naseum, and multiple millions in the form of grants and unpaid loans to the special few to expand their real estate holdings to create more cubicles for the bums. Reading was transformed into the biggest magnet for the undesirables in Pennsylvania. Then to exacerbate the litany of problems, laws, rules and ordinances are not vigorously enforced. With simple infractions like parking and traffic violations overlooked, property and housing codes not enforced, trash regulations overlooked and not enforced, and on and on and on. Unfortunately, even the mayor disrespects charter requirements by not enforcing the mandated residency requirements. And yet he took an oath to enforce the laws of Pennsylvania, and the City of Reading Ordinances and charter. As an aide, I referred to Reading as a "third world city" to an impending resigning city manager several weeks ago, and she angrily replied stating how fortunate Reading was to have such "diversity". She condoned and was appreciative of the eclectic mix of the population, and exhorted on how they added to the economy of Reading. Another sampling of the liberal philosophy that is ingrained in the administration. America was made great because we are a land of laws. Unfortunately, those laws are not applied in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Irate, but cool!
Richard Fegley
Comments Wanted
Please do not be afraid to post comments,I only have to review to make sure there aren't any personal attacks. Thankyou
Monday, August 07, 2006
NRP Meeting In Canada
I recently returned from a committee meeting in Canada. "Many fail to grasp what's right in the palm of their hand."
"Dogs bark at what they don't understand."
Watch Out For Criticism. New ideas are challenging by nature. They can threaten and disturb the existing order.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
City Surplus
The city had to sell Antietam Lake for it to have a positive balance. Where would the city be if the lake wasn't Sold?
Its more Feel good government,Just go ahead and spend, all we have to do is create another Bond. The city is on a collision course!
Its more Feel good government,Just go ahead and spend, all we have to do is create another Bond. The city is on a collision course!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Election In 2007
Candidates for mayor: These names have been mentioned ,but are not official. The Democrats would have current Mayor Tom McMahon, Council president Vaughn Spencer,Representative Tom Caltagirone.
The Republicans currently do not have a candidate.
The Republicans currently do not have a candidate.
Thankyou For The 10,000 Hit Milestone
I wish to thank all of the people who have been reviewing my Blog site. I am happy to report that i have had over 10,000 hits to date.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Visits To Residents Of Reading
July 31st,2006: I visited several residents last night, reviewing their signatures to put the Trash issue on the ballot.
I was asked by two residents if I was going to run for mayor. I told them that I will assess the November elections before I make a decision.
I was asked by two residents if I was going to run for mayor. I told them that I will assess the November elections before I make a decision.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
