I just want to say thank you so much to everyone - family, friends and new acquaintances - that supported us and our latest endeavor in life; it was a great experience. Jennie and I met so many wonderful people that worked very hard in this race with us.
All I can say is that we continue to feel so blessed and accept everyday as a gift and look forward to opening that gift tomorrow- whatever it may bring.
We say congratulations to the Kiley family. They are very nice people; we have known them for many years. Good luck in November!
Ritchie Webb
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Why Ritchie Webb is the person we need in Harrisburg
Memorial Day is a time to remember those who served our country with honor. The holiday weekend gives family and friends a chance to spend time together.
Recently I was trying to plan out what our family would be doing this Memorial Day weekend when I thought back to what we were doing last year. Instead of resting and enjoying some down time, my husband, Ritchie Webb, spent the entire weekend in negotiations with the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers.
I remember him apologizing to me for missing the time with family, explaining that he needed to do this for the good of the community. There was a chance to end the 5-year contract impasse and he had to try. And of course, we know the outcome . . . a signed contract with the NFT, and millions of dollars saved that could be reinvested into classroom education!
Now that is the kind of person we need in Harrisburg!
- Jennie Webb
Recently I was trying to plan out what our family would be doing this Memorial Day weekend when I thought back to what we were doing last year. Instead of resting and enjoying some down time, my husband, Ritchie Webb, spent the entire weekend in negotiations with the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers.
I remember him apologizing to me for missing the time with family, explaining that he needed to do this for the good of the community. There was a chance to end the 5-year contract impasse and he had to try. And of course, we know the outcome . . . a signed contract with the NFT, and millions of dollars saved that could be reinvested into classroom education!
Now that is the kind of person we need in Harrisburg!
- Jennie Webb
Kiley's PAC in violation of State campaign finance law
Middletown Democrats group not registered
By MICHAEL MACAGNONE, COURIER TIMES STAFF WRITER
A political committee raising money for Gina Kiley, a Democrat seeking her party’s nod in the 142nd House District primary Tuesday, appears to have done so without filing the appropriate paperwork with the state as required by Pennsylvania law.
Middletown United has previously raised funds for municipal candidates. It started working with Kiley, a Middletown lawyer, this spring, according to a campaign finance report filed last week with the Bucks County Board of Elections. However, the Pennsylvania Department of State, which handles campaign finances for state legislative races, said it has no record of the committee.
Committee Treasurer Harry Arnold, also the chairman of the Middletown Democratic Party and the 142nd District Democratic Party, said Thursday he was certain the group had filed all the necessary paperwork.
“If something wasn’t filed and it should have been, I’m sure it was an oversight,” he said. “We filed everything that we’re supposed to, that I’m aware of.”
After saying he would check on the paperwork and get back to a reporter, Arnold didn’t return follow-up calls for comment Thursday. Attempts to reach Kiley for comment were unsuccessful.
The committee doesn’t appear on the state’s list of political committees that have been registered to raise money for state candidates. Ron Ruman, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of State, said the online list was updated as of April 18. Even if the committee filed after that, it would still be in violation of campaign law.
Ruman also said all committees that expect or intend to raise more than $250 have to send a registration form to the state with information about their principal officers and contact information before they start raising money on behalf of a candidate.
The committee raised money for Kiley before April 18, including an April 8 fundraiser at the Middletown Country Club, according to its county filing. In total, the committee has raised more than $4,000 and spent more than $3,000 on behalf of Kiley’s campaign.
In addition, the committees have to file a candidate authorization form, which allows the committee to raise money. The most recent county authorization forms were for municipal races. The state did not have any records of Middletown United filing that for Kiley’s campaign.
The state’s records for Kiley indicate she received $262 in the form of in-kind donations from herself. There was no mention of any affiliation with or donations from Middletown United.
Ruman said the Department of State doesn’t have any punitive authority for campaign finance law violations, and would refer any cases with merit to the relevant district attorney or the attorney general.
Kiley’s primary opponent, former Neshaminy School Board President Ritchie Webb, has a bit more money on hand.
A copy of the hand-written financial filing provided by the committee, Webb For PA, stated the committee raised $9,763 and spent $4,171 between March 26 and May 6, leaving $5,592 cash on hand. States records showed Thursday that the report was still in data entry and not available yet on the state website.
The winner of the May 20 Democratic primary will face state Rep. Frank Farry, R-142, Langhorne, in November.
The Democratic candidate who wins in Tuesday’s primary will face an uphill fundraising battle against Farry.
The most recent filing from Farry’s campaign available online — from the end of March — shows the incumbent had more than $100,000 cash on hand. The latest report, from the May 8 filing deadline, was also in data entry, according to state records.
Farry said his latest report would show he had about $118,000 in his campaign war chest. He said the amount reflects a “broad base of support” among his constituents and local business owners.
Webb acknowledged the gap is large, but said it wouldn’t last long after the primary ended and the party settled on a candidate.
“Bottom line is it will be a major hurdle. However with other people getting behind us and getting the support of Democratic party — and we think we will get the support of some moderate Republicans — we think we will be competitive,” Webb said. “It is a hard figure to ignore, but it is not insurmountable.”
By MICHAEL MACAGNONE, COURIER TIMES STAFF WRITER
A political committee raising money for Gina Kiley, a Democrat seeking her party’s nod in the 142nd House District primary Tuesday, appears to have done so without filing the appropriate paperwork with the state as required by Pennsylvania law.
Middletown United has previously raised funds for municipal candidates. It started working with Kiley, a Middletown lawyer, this spring, according to a campaign finance report filed last week with the Bucks County Board of Elections. However, the Pennsylvania Department of State, which handles campaign finances for state legislative races, said it has no record of the committee.
Committee Treasurer Harry Arnold, also the chairman of the Middletown Democratic Party and the 142nd District Democratic Party, said Thursday he was certain the group had filed all the necessary paperwork.
“If something wasn’t filed and it should have been, I’m sure it was an oversight,” he said. “We filed everything that we’re supposed to, that I’m aware of.”
After saying he would check on the paperwork and get back to a reporter, Arnold didn’t return follow-up calls for comment Thursday. Attempts to reach Kiley for comment were unsuccessful.
The committee doesn’t appear on the state’s list of political committees that have been registered to raise money for state candidates. Ron Ruman, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of State, said the online list was updated as of April 18. Even if the committee filed after that, it would still be in violation of campaign law.
Ruman also said all committees that expect or intend to raise more than $250 have to send a registration form to the state with information about their principal officers and contact information before they start raising money on behalf of a candidate.
The committee raised money for Kiley before April 18, including an April 8 fundraiser at the Middletown Country Club, according to its county filing. In total, the committee has raised more than $4,000 and spent more than $3,000 on behalf of Kiley’s campaign.
In addition, the committees have to file a candidate authorization form, which allows the committee to raise money. The most recent county authorization forms were for municipal races. The state did not have any records of Middletown United filing that for Kiley’s campaign.
The state’s records for Kiley indicate she received $262 in the form of in-kind donations from herself. There was no mention of any affiliation with or donations from Middletown United.
Ruman said the Department of State doesn’t have any punitive authority for campaign finance law violations, and would refer any cases with merit to the relevant district attorney or the attorney general.
Kiley’s primary opponent, former Neshaminy School Board President Ritchie Webb, has a bit more money on hand.
A copy of the hand-written financial filing provided by the committee, Webb For PA, stated the committee raised $9,763 and spent $4,171 between March 26 and May 6, leaving $5,592 cash on hand. States records showed Thursday that the report was still in data entry and not available yet on the state website.
The winner of the May 20 Democratic primary will face state Rep. Frank Farry, R-142, Langhorne, in November.
The Democratic candidate who wins in Tuesday’s primary will face an uphill fundraising battle against Farry.
The most recent filing from Farry’s campaign available online — from the end of March — shows the incumbent had more than $100,000 cash on hand. The latest report, from the May 8 filing deadline, was also in data entry, according to state records.
Farry said his latest report would show he had about $118,000 in his campaign war chest. He said the amount reflects a “broad base of support” among his constituents and local business owners.
Webb acknowledged the gap is large, but said it wouldn’t last long after the primary ended and the party settled on a candidate.
“Bottom line is it will be a major hurdle. However with other people getting behind us and getting the support of Democratic party — and we think we will get the support of some moderate Republicans — we think we will be competitive,” Webb said. “It is a hard figure to ignore, but it is not insurmountable.”
Monday, May 12, 2014
Anonymous website criticizing Ritchie Webb taken down
By MICHAEL MACAGNONE, COURIER TIMES STAFF WRITER
A Courier Times article
An anonymous website criticizing Democratic primary candidate Ritchie Webb has been taken down, but he's still trying to find who was behind the site.
Webb, the former chairman of the Neshaminy School Board, is running against Gina Kiley for the Democratic nomination for the 142nd State House district race. She and her campaign staff denied any involvement with the site and said they didn't know about it until they were contacted by a reporter.
The site, ritchiewebb.com, first appeared last month and criticized Webb’s views and past statements. The site asked whether Webb was a "Folk hero or Fraud" and criticized him for his recent switch from the Republican party, his views on unions, abortion and the environment, among other issues. Webb said many claims on the site were false, including his views on Marcellus Shale drilling and the Paycheck Protection Act.
“At the same time, I’m troubled that someone would stoop this low to put something out like that,” Webb said. “And I think that it is just dirty politics.”
By Monday, the website had been replaced by a blank page.
The site’s domain name was registered through a third-party registry site, domainsbyproxy.com, which is meant to be anonymous. The site was first registered on April 1, according to register.com. The registration, through Godaddy.com, is still active through next year.
Lou Hornstein, Webb’s attorney, said the site was voluntarily removed after he contacted the anonymous registration website with a cease-and-desist letter. He also said he plans to find out who put the website up, through a lawsuit, if necessary.
“It was removed voluntarily, but Mr. Webb is still concerned and we plan to pursue it,” he said. “I plan to pursue it with (domainsbyproxy.com) in order to ascertain who put up the website.”
Representatives from the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers said the union's leadership wasn't involved with the website and didn't endorse it. Webb led the Neshaminy School Board through a contentious five-year contract dispute with the teachers’ union.
The winner of the May 20 Democratic primary will face state Rep. Frank Farry, R-142, Langhorne, in November.
A Courier Times article
An anonymous website criticizing Democratic primary candidate Ritchie Webb has been taken down, but he's still trying to find who was behind the site.
Webb, the former chairman of the Neshaminy School Board, is running against Gina Kiley for the Democratic nomination for the 142nd State House district race. She and her campaign staff denied any involvement with the site and said they didn't know about it until they were contacted by a reporter.
The site, ritchiewebb.com, first appeared last month and criticized Webb’s views and past statements. The site asked whether Webb was a "Folk hero or Fraud" and criticized him for his recent switch from the Republican party, his views on unions, abortion and the environment, among other issues. Webb said many claims on the site were false, including his views on Marcellus Shale drilling and the Paycheck Protection Act.
“At the same time, I’m troubled that someone would stoop this low to put something out like that,” Webb said. “And I think that it is just dirty politics.”
By Monday, the website had been replaced by a blank page.
The site’s domain name was registered through a third-party registry site, domainsbyproxy.com, which is meant to be anonymous. The site was first registered on April 1, according to register.com. The registration, through Godaddy.com, is still active through next year.
Lou Hornstein, Webb’s attorney, said the site was voluntarily removed after he contacted the anonymous registration website with a cease-and-desist letter. He also said he plans to find out who put the website up, through a lawsuit, if necessary.
“It was removed voluntarily, but Mr. Webb is still concerned and we plan to pursue it,” he said. “I plan to pursue it with (domainsbyproxy.com) in order to ascertain who put up the website.”
Representatives from the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers said the union's leadership wasn't involved with the website and didn't endorse it. Webb led the Neshaminy School Board through a contentious five-year contract dispute with the teachers’ union.
The winner of the May 20 Democratic primary will face state Rep. Frank Farry, R-142, Langhorne, in November.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
County Dems: 'Secretive' endorsement in Middletown violated rules
A Courier Times article
By MICHAEL MACAGNONE STAFF WRITER
The executive committee of the Middletown Democratic Party acted improperly when it endorsed Gina Kiley, who's seeking the party's nomination for the 142nd House District seat, according to the Bucks County Democratic Party chairman.
Chairman John Cordisco sent a letter to township party leaders, chiding them for holding a “secretive” endorsement meeting of fewer than 10 people -- including, he said, some who don't live in the 142nd District.
Kiley, an attorney, faces former Neshaminy school board president and recently registered Democrat Ritchie Webb in the primary. The winner will face incumbent Republican Frank Farry in the fall. The district includes Langhorne, Langhorne Manor, Lower Southampton and parts of Middletown and Upper Southampton.
“The actions you have taken run contrary to the rules and spirit of our organization. Each of our party organizations must strive to be as inclusive as possible.
Unfortunately, you have chosen a course of conduct that has been exclusive rather than inclusive,” Cordisco’s letter said.
Harry Arnold, chairman of the Middletown Democrats, said his group followed its bylaws and endorsed only in their municipality, as they are allowed to do. “Each individual municipality or borough (political party) can decide within their own little organization whether or not they are going to endorse a candidate,” he said.
Cordisco said every Middletown Democratic committee member who lives in the district -- not just executive committee members -- should have been allowed to vote on any endorsement -- and that could have included several dozen elected committee members.
“If four people in a municipality that large can decide who gets endorsed, (that) flies in the face of everything a democratic organization represents,” he said.
The endorsement can result in financial support from a committee and having the endorsement appear on a sample ballot given out to voters, Arnold said. Cordisco said the county's sample ballots are already being printed without the Middletown endorsement, and any ballots produced by a township party would have to be approved by him. Arnold argued that the Middletown Democrats who endorsed Kiley should have been allowed to put their endorsement on the sample ballots distributed to Middletown voters.
The township committee held an executive committee meeting to endorse a candidate on March 21, which Arnold said is allowed under its bylaws. Arnold said the committee notified all eight eligible members of the party's executive committee either through the mail or over the phone. Cordisco said not all the eligible executive committee members had been properly notified of the meeting.
Kiley said the controversy is distracting from the business of the campaign.
"It seems like it should be a moot point, because both of our names will be on the goldenrod (sample ballot) and I have not received a dime from the DPMT (Democratic Party of Middletown Township)" she said. "I would rather just get to the issues and put our focus there."
A statement from Webb’s campaign decried the endorsement, saying that it violated the spirit of an open primary.
By MICHAEL MACAGNONE STAFF WRITER
The executive committee of the Middletown Democratic Party acted improperly when it endorsed Gina Kiley, who's seeking the party's nomination for the 142nd House District seat, according to the Bucks County Democratic Party chairman.
Chairman John Cordisco sent a letter to township party leaders, chiding them for holding a “secretive” endorsement meeting of fewer than 10 people -- including, he said, some who don't live in the 142nd District.
Kiley, an attorney, faces former Neshaminy school board president and recently registered Democrat Ritchie Webb in the primary. The winner will face incumbent Republican Frank Farry in the fall. The district includes Langhorne, Langhorne Manor, Lower Southampton and parts of Middletown and Upper Southampton.
“The actions you have taken run contrary to the rules and spirit of our organization. Each of our party organizations must strive to be as inclusive as possible.
Unfortunately, you have chosen a course of conduct that has been exclusive rather than inclusive,” Cordisco’s letter said.
Harry Arnold, chairman of the Middletown Democrats, said his group followed its bylaws and endorsed only in their municipality, as they are allowed to do. “Each individual municipality or borough (political party) can decide within their own little organization whether or not they are going to endorse a candidate,” he said.
Cordisco said every Middletown Democratic committee member who lives in the district -- not just executive committee members -- should have been allowed to vote on any endorsement -- and that could have included several dozen elected committee members.
“If four people in a municipality that large can decide who gets endorsed, (that) flies in the face of everything a democratic organization represents,” he said.
The endorsement can result in financial support from a committee and having the endorsement appear on a sample ballot given out to voters, Arnold said. Cordisco said the county's sample ballots are already being printed without the Middletown endorsement, and any ballots produced by a township party would have to be approved by him. Arnold argued that the Middletown Democrats who endorsed Kiley should have been allowed to put their endorsement on the sample ballots distributed to Middletown voters.
The township committee held an executive committee meeting to endorse a candidate on March 21, which Arnold said is allowed under its bylaws. Arnold said the committee notified all eight eligible members of the party's executive committee either through the mail or over the phone. Cordisco said not all the eligible executive committee members had been properly notified of the meeting.
Kiley said the controversy is distracting from the business of the campaign.
"It seems like it should be a moot point, because both of our names will be on the goldenrod (sample ballot) and I have not received a dime from the DPMT (Democratic Party of Middletown Township)" she said. "I would rather just get to the issues and put our focus there."
A statement from Webb’s campaign decried the endorsement, saying that it violated the spirit of an open primary.
A man of integrity, a history of accomplishment
A Courier Times Guest Opinion
By WILLIAM D. O’CONNOR
As a Democrat and former Neshaminy School Board director who served with Ritchie Webb, I can tell you why Democratic voters should support him in the May 20th primary for state representative of the 142nd District.
At one point during Ritchie’s term as school board president, he held a seven-seat majority, and he certainly did not need my support. Yet, Ritchie met with me to emphasize the importance of all nine of us working together for the good of the district, and how we should keep our emphasis on the students rather than party politics.
I have to admit to being a little skeptical, but Ritchie proved to be a man of his word time and time again.
When several board members pushed to award a no-bid contract to an under-qualified vendor who was a well-known campaign contributor to the GOP, Ritchie broke ranks with the Republicans and stood with me to oppose this political appointment. I remember once saying to him that he was going to catch a lot of grief from the local Republican power brokers over his opposition to the appointment, and he responded that it didn’t matter because it was the right thing to do.
These are just two examples among many of how Ritchie chose to do what was right rather than what was politically expedient. At a time when too many politicians focus on getting elected based on campaign rhetoric, Ritchie Webb is the only state representative candidate for the 142nd District with a proven record of achievement who served the people in his community rather than special interests.
While there are some in the Democratic Party who feel that Ritchie hasn’t proven himself to be a real Democrat, I wonder if maybe they are too fixated on party politics instead of doing what is right. Voters have a chance here of sending someone to Harrisburg who can make a positive difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians.
If you have any doubt regarding Ritchie’s integrity and sincerity, just look at how his campaign is run compared to that of his opponent, Gina Kiley. All of the statements and literature coming out of Ritchie’s campaign have focused on his accomplishments and his stance on the issues. By contrast, supporters of Gina Kiley have resorted to childish and underhanded tactics such as creating a website in Ritchie’s name, and spreading misinformation in a blatant attempt to misrepresent his views.
All we ask of voters is that they look above the dirty campaign tricks, and instead base their choice on a thorough evaluation of both candidates. Ask yourselves which candidate has the skills and experience to best represent the people of the 142nd District.
To learn more about Ritchie Webb, please visit our website at WebbForPA.blogspot.com or at Facebook.com/WebbForPA.
Our highest elected Democratic official in Bucks County, Diane Marseglia, supports Ritchie Webb. Three former and current Democratic Neshaminy School Board officials support Ritchie Webb. And on May 20th, we ask all Democrats to join us in sending a message to politicians in both parties that the status quo will no longer be tolerated.
It’s time to give the state representative job back to the people!
By WILLIAM D. O’CONNOR
As a Democrat and former Neshaminy School Board director who served with Ritchie Webb, I can tell you why Democratic voters should support him in the May 20th primary for state representative of the 142nd District.
At one point during Ritchie’s term as school board president, he held a seven-seat majority, and he certainly did not need my support. Yet, Ritchie met with me to emphasize the importance of all nine of us working together for the good of the district, and how we should keep our emphasis on the students rather than party politics.
I have to admit to being a little skeptical, but Ritchie proved to be a man of his word time and time again.
When several board members pushed to award a no-bid contract to an under-qualified vendor who was a well-known campaign contributor to the GOP, Ritchie broke ranks with the Republicans and stood with me to oppose this political appointment. I remember once saying to him that he was going to catch a lot of grief from the local Republican power brokers over his opposition to the appointment, and he responded that it didn’t matter because it was the right thing to do.
These are just two examples among many of how Ritchie chose to do what was right rather than what was politically expedient. At a time when too many politicians focus on getting elected based on campaign rhetoric, Ritchie Webb is the only state representative candidate for the 142nd District with a proven record of achievement who served the people in his community rather than special interests.
While there are some in the Democratic Party who feel that Ritchie hasn’t proven himself to be a real Democrat, I wonder if maybe they are too fixated on party politics instead of doing what is right. Voters have a chance here of sending someone to Harrisburg who can make a positive difference in the lives of Pennsylvanians.
If you have any doubt regarding Ritchie’s integrity and sincerity, just look at how his campaign is run compared to that of his opponent, Gina Kiley. All of the statements and literature coming out of Ritchie’s campaign have focused on his accomplishments and his stance on the issues. By contrast, supporters of Gina Kiley have resorted to childish and underhanded tactics such as creating a website in Ritchie’s name, and spreading misinformation in a blatant attempt to misrepresent his views.
All we ask of voters is that they look above the dirty campaign tricks, and instead base their choice on a thorough evaluation of both candidates. Ask yourselves which candidate has the skills and experience to best represent the people of the 142nd District.
To learn more about Ritchie Webb, please visit our website at WebbForPA.blogspot.com or at Facebook.com/WebbForPA.
Our highest elected Democratic official in Bucks County, Diane Marseglia, supports Ritchie Webb. Three former and current Democratic Neshaminy School Board officials support Ritchie Webb. And on May 20th, we ask all Democrats to join us in sending a message to politicians in both parties that the status quo will no longer be tolerated.
It’s time to give the state representative job back to the people!
Friday, May 2, 2014
The Issues
There are many important concerns facing Pennsylvanians every single day. As your State Representative, Ritchie Webb will work to represent you on these and other important issues:
Education Funding
In the ten years that I was on the Neshaminy School Board, unfunded state mandates were a major issue. Since special education is always underfunded, I would work to change the current funding formula. Money (tax dollars) is a limited resource that must be spent wisely. We should engage the people who work with our children daily; the people who run our schools - teachers, superintendents, etc. - for advice on what they think should be a priority in education spending.
State Pension Plan
The state pension plan is currently $50 billion in debt, and is yet another example of state mandates without funding. Our state and school employees deserve and expect their retirement plan to be solvent when they retire. However, the state's current answer is to increase the contribution rates for school districts so much that local school districts will be forced to cut our children's programs or substantially increase taxes on homeowners.
I would look to fund PSERS using an extraction tax on gas companies and possibly changing the structure of our retirement plan for future new hires.
Extraction Tax (Marcellus Shale)
I favor an extraction tax. This money could be used to pay for monitoring of drilling to assure safety and possibly used to help offset some future PSERS contributions that, otherwise, will be paid by homeowners.
Fracking
Pennsylvania has over 6,000 wells currently and more in the future. I am very concerned about the safety of our water supply and the chemicals used in the extraction of gas, which is why I am not in favor of drilling in the Delaware River Basin, as it is the source of drinking water for millions of people. The gas companies must be completely transparent in disclosing what they are injecting into the ground, without relying on the "Trade Secret" exemption.
Abortion Rights
I have five children and unborn life is very precious to me; however, I remember when abortions were performed in back rooms and alleys by unqualified people, risking the lives of many women. I do not want my daughter or granddaughter to ever be put in that position; therefore, I believe it is a woman's choice.
Paycheck Protection Act
I am a member of PSEA and currently hold the position of treasurer with an Act 93 group. I pay my PSEA dues via payroll deduction every pay period. The Paycheck Protection Act is a way for the camel to get his nose under the tent, leading to the real motive behind this act: Creating a Right-to-Work state.
I oppose the Paycheck Protection Act.
Voter Rights
Like most Americans, I support the right of all legal citizens to vote in elections. While I sympathize with those who want some sort of voter identification to help prevent improper voting, the current efforts do more to disenfranchise legitimate voters than they do to prevent the fraudulent ones.
I cannot support any voter ID law that suppresses or hinders the rights of legitimate voters.
Municipalities Not Having to Advertise Meetings in Newspaper Anymore
Not everyone has access to a computer, especially our seniors. I would oppose changing the current requirements.
Receiving Gifts
I would refuse all gifts regardless of size.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)