Lionville, Nov 12th - Key Notes from Congress Jim Gerlach

REP. GERLACH: THE HOUSE IS NOT THE PROBLEM

At his bi-annual breakfast conference in Lionville with GOP committeepersons from this area on Nov. 12^th, Rep. Jim Gerlach concentrated his remarks on the importance to the economy of job creation and assisting business.  

“We in the US House of Representatives have passed several measures that we feel will go a long way toward creating more jobs and to assist businesses here in the US.  None of them has been acted upon by the US Senate,” Gerlach lamented. “Talk about being irresponsible! The Senate is the reason we have not had a federal budget for the last three years and why Congress has to pass Continuing Resolutions to fund the budget.”  

Gerlach went on to list some of the energy/economic/job creating initiatives passed by the House that had been stonewalled by the Senate:

Jobs/Economy

• Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act
• EPA Regulatory Relief Act
• Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act
• Energy Tax Prevention Act
• Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act

Energy

• Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act
• Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back To Work Act
• Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act
• The Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011
• North American-Made Energy Security Act

Turning toward the Executive Branch, Gerlach stated: “There is no more important item to help our economy than the defeat of President Obama in 2012. Business leaders have told me that our economy will literally take off once he and his policies are out of the way.”  

When asked about Republican presidential candidates, Rep. Gerlach stated he is going to support whoever has the best chance of defeating Obama in 2012, and that right now that appears to be Gov. Romney.

Deficit Committee

Gerlach also spent several minutes discussing the Budget Super Committee that is dealing with the budget deficit.  He said that no one hears much from either the Republican or Democrat factions on the Committee, and that is a good thing.  If the two sides were pointing fingers at each other in public that would mean nothing was being accomplished.  The general consensus seems to be that the Committee will reach some sort of accord before the November 23^rd deadline.

Balanced Budget

Gerlach concluded by discussing the atmosphere in Congress toward a balanced budget amendment to the US Constitution.  He said he’s been told by those who are authoring the amendment that they are very close to having enough votes in Congress to pass it this year.

~As reported by UU3 Precinct Committee Man Ben LeGarde

As November 8, 2011 Approaches

The change of the season is here -- the election season that is. Dropping temperatures, falling leaves....and local election yard signs popping up around our community.

In preparation for the Tuesday, November 8th Election, here's the Official Republican Sample Ballot for Upper Uwchlan.

Feel free to print and take into the Polling Booth with you as a reference.

Voter turnout is vital. Mark your calendar now for November 8th, and forward this email to encourage your friends to do the same.

See you at the Poles!

~Melissa Viscomi

Front of Sample Ballot

Back of Sample Ballot

Iowa Straw Poll

Contratulations to Presidential candidate Michele Bachmann for winning the Ames Straw Poll.

Many political victories have started in Iowa and ended in the White House. Only time will tell if Michcle is the Republican candidate with staying power.

For the Republican Party, now is the time when our election decisions are being made as we shorten the long list of Presidential Hopefuls.

If you're going to contribute funds or volunteer time to support candidates that best reflect your values, now is the time. The battle for the ballot box has begun and your involvement at this point in the process will make a big difference in who faces off against President Obama.

Google your candidates name. Link up with them on their campaign website. Volunteer your time. Consider contributing this week's "dinner out" money as a means to make a difference in the upcoming Presidential election.

Remember, all politics are local.

Let's get involved and change the course of our nation's future. For ourselves and the future generations to come.

With hope and good cheer,

Melissa Viscomi

:30 Seconds to Focus

...We interrupt your summer fun with this poignant, non-partisan vignette about our National Debt...

 Doorbell :30 video 


If you would, please forward this eNewsletter to a handful of your friends and associates to continue focusing our national conversation around this very pressing matter: financial stability in America.

Thanks to Ben LeGarde for the heads up on this link. Please feel free to forward eNewsletter contributions to melissa.viscomi@gmail.com.

Helping you stay connected and focused,
Melissa Viscomi

Chester County Employees Reject Union Vote

Last week, employees of the Chester County Department of Human Services voted down unionization.  

Commendations are due to those county employees who voted against unionizing and to our Republican Commissioners Terence Farrell and Ryan Costello, who played a key role in the decision making process.

For more information on the vote the Daily Local News covered the failed measure. Read more at Daily Local News Coverage

News from Chester County Republican HQ

The Republican Committee of Chester County is pleased to announce the update of their website.

RepublicanCCC.com

The new site offers all the amenities of the old website, with enhanced user-friendly features to help keep you informed and involved. We invite you to view the new website by clicking the link above. The Republican Committee of Chester County has a lot to offer Online so be sure to check out the site and all your resources.


Their site plays a key role in getting you the most recent volunteer opportunities, news, events and messages from the Chairman, other Party leaders and candidates running for office.

If you ever have any questions or are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Republican Headquarters.



Chairman – Joseph "Skip" Brion
            Skip@republicanccc.com

Executive Director – Rob Brooks
            Rbrooks@republicanccc.com



Political Director – Maria McCleary
          Mmccleary@republicanccc.com



Phone: (610) 696-1842




For information on Upper Uwchlan Republican activity, please feel free to contact your committee members.

UU1 Precinct

Guy Donatelli     donatelli78@comcast.net
Tami Trasatti     tamittoys@hotmail.com


UU2 Precinct
Kevin Kerr                 KKerrUU2@gmail.com
Catherine Tomlinson   daylala@comcast.net

UU3 Precinct
Ben LaGarde      blagarde2@gmail.com
Peggy LaGarde   marlag56@gmail.com  

Stay connected. Stay involved.

 

~Melissa Viscomi

Republicans @ Upper Uwchlan's Block Party

Peggy LeGarde and Buy Donatelli manning the table during the Block Party on June 18th, 2011.

The Republican Party continues to stand for 
• Smaller Government
• Low taxes
• Preserving Open Spaces


Enjoy the fun of Summer, and see you at the poles in November.
~Melissa Viscomi

Be sure to VOTE TOMORROW....

Tuesday, May 17, is Primary Election day in Upper Uwchlan Township. 

The GOP door knocks, phones calls, and all the hard work at the grass roots level have come to an end. We now have the privilege of electing our governmental representatives by voting. 


Not all countries enjoy this privilege, as evidenced by the headlines from around the world. Please make every effort and vote tomorrow.

May 17th - Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Polling Locations: Uppatinas School, Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Pickering Valley Elementary School 

Unsure where to vote: Click Here - Enter Zip Code for Polling Location

Here's a preview of the Sample Ballot - UU2, voting at UTI, disregard the School Board square as it will not appear on your ballot.

Your Republican Party Endorsed Candidates are:

Vic Stabile - PA Superior Court

Anne Covey - PA Commonwealth Court 

Mark Tunnell - Chester County Court of Common Please

Ann Marie Wheatcraft - Chester County Court of Common Please

Terence Farrell - Commissioners

Ryan Costello - Commissioners 

Tom Hogan - District Attorney

"Bunny" Welsh - Sheriff

Bryan Walters - Prothonotary

Terri Clark - Register of Wills

Rick Loughery - Recorder of Deeds

Kevin Kerr - Upper Uwchlan Township Supervisor

Jackie Fenn - DASD School Board Director

~Melissa Viscomi

Upper Uwchlan GOP

Jackie Fenn, President, DASD School Board, Seeks Re-Election

On May 17th, just about a week from today, two local incumbents are seeking re-election: Kevin Kerr, incumbent UUT Supervisor, and Jackie Fenn, President of the DASD School Board. You've probably seen election signs while driving, and here's more information about Jackie and her service record on the School Board. 

Jackie Fenn,
DASD School Board President

Jackie Fenn has served DASD for over 15 years in various rolls: beginning in 1996, working with the district to solve overcrowding problems at Shamona Creek Elementary School, participating on district strategic planning committees, chairing the ACT 1 Tax Commission and sitting on the Coordinated School Health Committee. She's proud of the fact that since joining the school board, expenditure growth has declined every year  — resulting in lower tax increases.


As a parent, former teacher and current Executive Director of the Lionville Community YMCA, Jackie Fenn has the insights and experience necessary to find innovative solutions that are educationally sound and fiscally responsible. She has experience creating and managing multi-million dollar budgets, as well as working with architects, engineers and government agencies to design, construct and manage several new YMCA facilities.


Jackie has served as Republican Committeewoman for Wallace township since November, 2005. Her family has lived in Wallace Township for over 30 years and all three of her children were educated at and graduated from Downingtown Schools.


Jackie will continue to foster the district's long-term financial stability and protect our long tradition of providing excellence in education through the careful stewardship of our financial and human resources.


Jackie's commitment to service is reflected in her contribution in other community groups, including the Downingtown Area CTC (Communities That Care), United of Chester County (Community Impact Team member 2004-2010), Camphill Soltane. She plans on continuing to lead the DASD School Board in upholding the standards of educational excellence, while remaining fiscally sound. She asks for your vote on May 17th so she may continue to serve you on the School Board for another three years.


Jackie Fenn has the Endorsement of the Republican Committee of Upper Uwchlan Township, for Precincts 1 and 3 and Wallace Township.

 

~Melissa Viscomi

Upper Uwchlan GOP

Eye on Judicial Candidates - with NEW chart

By the authority granted by the electorate, a Court of Common Pleas Judge rules on civil and criminal cases: adoptions, divorces, child custody, abuse, juvenile delinquency, estates, guardianships, charitable organizations, as well as criminal infractions of the law. Clearly, a Judge having experience in both criminal and civil matters is advantageous to the citizens of Chester County.

Few elected officials hold as great a potential for impacting our civil lives as that of Judge—making your vote on Primary Election Day, May 17th, an important one. With this in mind, your committee researched the candidates for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.  Four candidates are seeking election, and their years in practice and relevant Chester County trial experience vary greatly.  Here’s a summary of what we found:

Sources: candidate websites, party websites, avvo.com  and Chester County Bar Association.

Only two of these candidates stand out: Attorney Ann Marie Wheatcraft and Attorney Mark Tunnell.  Both have many years trying cases here in Chester County, are well known to other members of the Chester County Bar, and have the endorsement of the Republican Party, both County wide and here in Upper Uwchlan Township.

Both Ann Marie Wheatcraft and Mark Tunnell have cross-filed on both the Republican and Democrat ballots.  They are seeking votes merited by their extensive experience in trial law in Chester County. If you are registered Republican, Wheatcraft and Tunnell will appear on your ballot. If you are registered Democrat, all four candidates will appear on your ballot.

Please forward this newsletter and urge all your friends, Democratic and Republican, to carefully review the credentials of these candidates running for Judge, Court of Common Pleas.

Ann Marie Wheatcraft and Mark Tunnell ask for your vote on May 17th. 

If you are registered as an Independent, now is a good time to rethink that posture.  As an Independent, you will be unable to vote in the May 17th Primary.  We urge you to re-register as a Republican in order to vote during future Primary Elections. Otherwise, others will make the decision for you as to who appears on the ballot in the General Election in November.  To change your party affiliation,  clicking here Receive Voter Application Paperwork via U.S Mail

~Melissa Viscomi
Upper Uwchlan GOP

Kevin Kerr - GOP Endorsed Candidate for Re-election

In the May 17th election, a key position within our Township needs your vote: Kevin Kerr for Township Supervisor.

Kevin Kerr is an elected member of the UUT Board of Supervisors, has served as Chairman, and currently serves as the Vice Chair. While serving on the Board, Kevin served for seven months in 2009 as Chief Administrator in UUT while a search for a new Township Manager was performed. During that time Kevin was responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day operations of UUT. Kevin also serves as Police Liaison between the Board of Supervisors and the Police Department.

Kevin is considered a fiscal conservative and is very proud of the fact that there has not been a tax increase in UUT during his six-year term in office. Kevin is a staunch advocate of strategic planning and believes that the only way you can manage the struggle between needs, desires, and revenues is to constantly review and update long-term plans and budgets.

Kevin previously worked in the Financial Services industry providing software and services to money center banks and financial institutions around the world. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce (Finance) from Rider University and a Masters of Business Administration from West Chester University. He also continues to expand his formal education earning certifications in local government and emergency management.

Kevin has lived in Upper Uwchlan Township for nineteen years with Linda, his wife of twenty five years. Kevin and Linda have two boys, Alex and Kevin Jr. Alex is attending Lehigh University and Kevin Jr. is a graduate of West Point. Kevin Jr. recently graduated from Ranger School and will be deployed to Afghanistan this year.


Kevin focuses a great deal of his time serving his community, and asks you for your vote on May 17th to re-elect him to another six years of service as Township Supervisor.

Kevin has the Endorsement of the Republican Committee of Upper Uwchlan Township.

~Melissa Viscomi
Upper Uwchlan GOP

Upper Uwchlan Republican Gazette - April 2011

Deadline to register to vote is April 18th. Just a handful of days away.
Click to Register NOW!     Feel free to forward this email.

Your 2011 Republican Candidates

Don't miss our local candidates listed at the bottom of this post. Their credentials will be featured in the coming weeks.

PA SUPERIOR COURT

Vic Stabile – Endorsed, Repubican Party of PA

Vic Stabile was recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association for the Superior Court stating that he is held in “high regard by his peers, who commend his integrity, strong work ethic and civility…his writing skills are strong and his experience handling cases before the appellate courts is solid. Based on his strong intellect, passion for the law and even temperament, the commission recommends him for a position on the Superior Court.” Currently he is a partner with Dilworth Paxson, LLP in Harrisburg, where he practices complex civil and commercial litigation. Vic resides in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania with his family.

For more information please visit www.pagop.org

PA COMMONWEALTH COURT

Anne Covey - Endorsed, Republican Party of PA

In 2002, Anne Covey was appointed by Governor Mark Schweiker to serve as the first female member of the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. Anne is the owner of Covey & Associates, P.C. where she practices in all areas of labor and employment law. Anne was recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association where they highlighted her “good character, integrity and an excellent work ethic.” Anne is an accomplished writer who has authored the book, The Workplace Law Advisor, and the law review article entitled, “Contribution of the Commonwealth Court to Public Employee Labor Law,” which was published in the Widener University School of Law Journal. She currently resides in New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her family.

For more information please visit www.coveyforjudge.com

CHESTER COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

Mark Tunnell - Endorsed, Republican Party of Chester County

Mark graduated from Colgate University in 1972 and attended William & Mary School of Law in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he received his J.D. in 1975. He has been married 33 years to Judy; they have two children and two grandchildren. He is a partner in the West Chester firm of Gawthrop Greenwood, PC.

Chester County trial lawyer-35 years representing Chester County businesses and families

Board certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy

A-V (highest) rating by Martindale Hubbell Legal Register

Experienced in all areas of trial practice

President, Chester County Bar Association 2003

Designated “Super Lawyer” 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Ann Marie Wheatcraft - Endorsed, Republican Party of Chester County

Ann Marie has worked in and out of the courtroom –in front of many juries – in the criminal, civil and family law areas that will be heard by our next Judge. As a Prosecutor for the past 11 years, Ann Marie has successfully prosecuted murderers, rapists, and others who prey on our families. She has also worked side-by-side with victims to help them re-build their lives in the aftermath of crime, that’s why she received the endorsement of our local Fraternal Order of Police. Her unique background as a group home manager for mentally ill and chemically dependent adults gives her a background and knowledge in these issues unsurpassed by any other candidate. Ann Marie is also involved with many local community groups and has organized community events to help teach school aged children about safe driving and safety awareness for girls.

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Ryan Costello - Endorsed, Republican Party of Chester County

On Thursday, February 17th, Ryan Costello was appointed as Commissioner to replace the vacant seat left by Carol Aichele's resignation. Prior to this, Costello was elected to serve as Recorder of Deeds in November of 2007. His experience as an elected official and his commitment to further technological improvements in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds helped him to win this seat.

Previously, Costello served on the East Vincent Board of Supervisors—two years as a Township Supervisor, and then four years as the Supervisor’s Board Chairman.

In that time, Costello never raised taxes. Costello previously served as East Vincent Township Republican Committeeman and as Area 4 Republican Chairman. He has volunteered on various local, state and federal campaigns for over a decade. Costello is a 1995 graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School, 1999 graduate of Ursinus College, with honors, and 2002 graduate of Villanova Law School. Costello practices with the Pottstown and Phoenixville law firm of O’Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C.

For more information please visit www.costelloforcommissioner.com

Commissioner Terence Farrell - Endorsed, Republican Party of Chester County

Terence Farrell began his first term as Commissioner on January 7, 2008, and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. Under his leadership, the board advanced its development of a strategic plan to increase efficiency in the county’s operations and has passed balanced budgets without raising taxes. The county has received numerous awards for its superior quality of life, for a government and citizenry that has indeed made it “healthy, wealthy and wise.” Going forward, Commissioner Farrell believes we must meet the fiscal challenges imposed by reductions in state and federal funding to the county, while still providing the quality of services our citizens have come to expect in an accountable, responsible manner. He previously served two terms as Chester County’s Recorder of Deeds. His leadership is credited with bringing the Recorder’s Office into the 21st Century.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Tom Hogan - Endorsed, Republican Party of Chester County

Tom Hogan is an experienced and aggressive prosecutor. He served with distinction in the Chester County District Attorney’s Office. Tom then became the first member of the District Attorney’s Office selected to serve as a prosecutor for the United States Department of Justice, prosecuting national-level crimes. Tom has earned the respect and support of law enforcement. In running for District Attorney, he has been endorsed by the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police, the Chester County Police Chiefs, the Pennsylvania Narcotic Officers’ Association, and the Pennsylvania State Fraternal Order of Police.

Tom has served as a national trial instructor for the Department of Justice. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia School of Law. Tom and his wife Victoria live in Willistown with their two children.

SHERIFF

Carolyn "Bunny" Welsh - Endorsed, Republican Party of Chester County

Carolyn Bunny Welsh of Chadds Ford, PA is the first woman to be elected Sheriff of Chester County. She is, also, the first woman to be elected president of a class at the National Sheriffs’ Institute at the Department of Corrections in Longmont Colorado. In 2004, she was elected to serve on the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association. In July 2009, she was sworn in as president of the Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association. This was the first time in the 88 year history of the association that a woman has been elected to the top leadership position. In June of 2005, Sheriff Welsh was selected by the FBI Training Committee and graduated from the Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Program “LEEDS”. In 2006, she was presented with an award for “30 Remarkable Women Making Domestic Violence History” by the Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence. Among her many accomplishments, Sheriff Welsh is also a mother of four, and grandmother of eight.

PROTHONOTARY

Bryan Walters - Endorsed, Republican Party of Chester County

Bryan Walters has successfully served as Chester County’s Prothonotary since 2004. Under Bryan’s leadership, the Prothonotary’s Office has become modern, efficient, and self-supporting. He offers excellent customer service to the courts, the legal community and the general public. Bryan has earned the respect of the court and the legal community for the advances he has achieved. Bryan is a lifelong Chester County resident with deep family roots in Northern Chester County. For twenty years, he managed his family business in Phoenixville, and served as Schuylkill Township Supervisor for ten years. He believes in his duty as an elected official and is highly regarded by his peers, the local legal community and his staff. He will continue to bring progressive leadership and innovation to the Office of the Prothonotary.

RECORDER OF DEEDS

Rick Loughery - Endorsed, Republican Party of Chester County

Rick Loughery is seeking the elected office of Chester County Recorder of Deeds in 2011. Working under Commissioner Terence Farrell, Rick Loughery has first-hand experience with Chester County government’s operations, budgets and personnel. He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration, and is an Auditor for Schuylkill Township where he has promoted fiscally responsible policies and holds public officials accountable for the taxpayer.

As part of the team that has made Chester County one of the top 24 best-managed counties in the nation, Rick has the qualifications and professional experience that our county requires in its next Recorder of Deeds.

REGISTER OF WILLS

Terri Clark - Endorsed, Republican Party of Chester County

Terri Clark has been a resident in Chester County for 31 years and currently lives in West Goshen Township. She is the mother of two daughters and five grandchildren. A fiscal conservative, Terri has been a School Board Member in the West Chester Area School District, one of Pennsylvania's largest school districts, for the last 12 years.

Over the last 15 years, Terri has worked in the Chester County Controller's office where she has served as the executive assistant to the Controller, managed a $2 million constable budget, crafted management documents that are a template for other counties across the state and successfully sought innovative cuts in budgets. Terri's vision for the Register of Wills office is to focus on efficient, effective and user friendly approaches.

DASD SCHOOL BOARD

President, Jackie Fenn - Endorsed, Republican Committees of Upper Uwchlan and Wallace Township

UPPER UWCHLAN TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

Vice Chairperson, Kevin Kerr - Endorsed, Republican Committee of Upper Uwchlan

Feel free to forward this email.

~Melissa Viscomi
Upper Uwchlan GOP