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.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
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.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Marseglia: Webb is a Democrat
An article appearing in LevittownNow.com . . .
Dozens of supporters crowded the Penndel Fire Company Saturday night to support Democratic Candidate Ritchie Webb Sr. for State Represenative in 142nd district.
Bucks County Commissioner Diane Marseglia attended the campaign event.
Marseglia addressed the issue of Webb running as a Democrat.
“Mr Webb is a Democrat. Always knew he was a Democrat in his heart,” said Marseglia.
She explained why she’s endorsing Webb in his campaign to represent the redistricted 142nd, which will cover Langhorne, Lower Southampton, Upper Southampton and part of Levittown.
“I came to the Neshaminy School Board last year about the Sanctuary Room and the need to take care of our teenagers who are struggling and he (Webb) understood and worked with me on it with me.” she said
The Sanctuary room is a program offered to the NHS students dealing with social and or emotional challenges. The Bucks County Commissioners helped to secure funding for the program to bring it back for students, according to the county website last year.
Marseglia said Webb helped to meet with county officials to develop a partnership for a way to help the kids and develop the Sanctuary Room without complete reliance on Neshaminy Taxpayers.
“We were able to work together on something important for both us and taxpayers, and more importantly the students” she said.
Marseglia, the top female Democrat at the county level, has been criticized for her helping to recruit Webb and endorsing his candidacy as Democrat.
Webb Supporters sign up to volunteer for his state house run.
Credit: Jeff Bohen LevittownNow.com
Webb has been attacked for his choice to run as a Democrat by supporters of his opponent attorney Gina Kiley, who lives in Middletown. Webb has said he’s not a beholden to party, but to the constituents of the district.
Webb has been called “a wolf in Democrat’s clothing” in an op-ed run penned by Suzi Drake, a member of the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers Union (NFT), in March.
Webb said Saturday night after the campaign event: “I think I’m a moderate and when people check my voting record I’ve always been a moderate and if you checked my voting record on the school board there have been times I’ve sided with a democrat against Republicans. ”
Webb drew a picture of contrast between his experience in local government and as a business owner with his primary opponent Kiley.
“I’ve been responsible for putting together big budgets while serving as Neshaminy School Board President and that’s something that comes with experience, he said.
“No disrespect to my opponent, but she doesn’t have that experience to offer voters,” he said.
Webb said depicting him some kind of of Tea Party candidate is factually incorrect. “I vote on issues not based on party politics,” he said.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Webb critic failed to reveal union membership (Courier Times Guest Opinion, 4/4/2014)
Suzi Drake’s March 11th letter “Wolf in Democrats’ Clothing” seeks to discredit Ritchie Webb as a candidate for state representative by using wild and unfair accusations. What Ms. Drake didn’t tell you is that she is a member of the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers (NFT) which was in a five-year contract battle with the school board. The NFT had refused to pay toward health care and sought to increase their existing pay and perks during the worst recession in our lifetime. During this lengthy contract battle, Ms. Drake showed her unwavering support of her union’s unaffordable demands by bringing the battle to the students and their parents by working to contract, picketing at Back to School night, and striking.
Taking out her frustrations on school children — is that really the example Suzi Drake wants to set as a model Democrat?
Another thing Ms. Drake conveniently leaves out of her letter is that eventually the NFT had to concede to the school board’s offer, and this resulted in savings of millions of dollars to the bottom line. Now this money can go toward classroom education, possibly toward the funding of a full-day kindergarten program next school year. All this was accomplished by Ritchie Webb and the school board without a tax increase to burden Neshaminy homeowners.
For the 10 years that Mr. Webb was on the Neshaminy School Board, he was the voice of reason working with members from both parties for the good of the community. Throughout his tenure, he never allowed his membership in the Republican Party to interfere, and he will never do so as a Democrat.
His voting record and accomplishments on the Neshaminy School Board speak for themselves. Ritchie Webb is all about doing the right thing and he is greatly disappointed with the Republican Party in Pennsylvania for not doing the right thing, in particular the Pennsylvania School Employee Retirement Fund (PSERS), which will have a direct financial impact on every school district and taxpayer if not addressed.
Mr. Webb also believes that Harrisburg has failed its citizens by raising the gasoline tax and not doing enough to stimulate the economy to create jobs during a time when people are struggling to make ends meet.
Ms. Drake tries to spin that Mr. Webb is a business person with connections to the billionaire Koch brothers and other extreme conservatives, but nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, as long as I have known him, he has worked a full-time job, and along with his wife operated a small catering business (now closed), tax service and food safety training service in his spare time. I’m not sure why a good work ethic doesn’t fit in with Suzi Drake’s core values, but I believe voters will see Mr. Webb’s hard work as a strength instead of a weakness.
Ritchie Webb comes from a very humble background, from the hills and hollows of West Virginia, the son of a union coal miner (something he is very proud of). He is the father of five children, two of which are union workers, including myself, a dues paying member of the Carpenters union, Local 1462. Mr. Webb is the treasurer of a PSEA meet-and-discuss group, and his union dues are deducted from his paycheck (which is something Ms. Drake falsely accuses him of opposing).
No doubt people like Suzi Drake want to paint Ritchie Webb in a bad light because he doesn’t serve their special interests. I believe the community knows Ritchie Webb as someone who will fight for taxpayers and their families. As for me, I am proud to call him my Dad.
Aaron Webb, Lower Southampton
Member of Carpenters Union Local 1462
Taking out her frustrations on school children — is that really the example Suzi Drake wants to set as a model Democrat?
Another thing Ms. Drake conveniently leaves out of her letter is that eventually the NFT had to concede to the school board’s offer, and this resulted in savings of millions of dollars to the bottom line. Now this money can go toward classroom education, possibly toward the funding of a full-day kindergarten program next school year. All this was accomplished by Ritchie Webb and the school board without a tax increase to burden Neshaminy homeowners.
For the 10 years that Mr. Webb was on the Neshaminy School Board, he was the voice of reason working with members from both parties for the good of the community. Throughout his tenure, he never allowed his membership in the Republican Party to interfere, and he will never do so as a Democrat.
His voting record and accomplishments on the Neshaminy School Board speak for themselves. Ritchie Webb is all about doing the right thing and he is greatly disappointed with the Republican Party in Pennsylvania for not doing the right thing, in particular the Pennsylvania School Employee Retirement Fund (PSERS), which will have a direct financial impact on every school district and taxpayer if not addressed.
Mr. Webb also believes that Harrisburg has failed its citizens by raising the gasoline tax and not doing enough to stimulate the economy to create jobs during a time when people are struggling to make ends meet.
Ms. Drake tries to spin that Mr. Webb is a business person with connections to the billionaire Koch brothers and other extreme conservatives, but nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, as long as I have known him, he has worked a full-time job, and along with his wife operated a small catering business (now closed), tax service and food safety training service in his spare time. I’m not sure why a good work ethic doesn’t fit in with Suzi Drake’s core values, but I believe voters will see Mr. Webb’s hard work as a strength instead of a weakness.
Ritchie Webb comes from a very humble background, from the hills and hollows of West Virginia, the son of a union coal miner (something he is very proud of). He is the father of five children, two of which are union workers, including myself, a dues paying member of the Carpenters union, Local 1462. Mr. Webb is the treasurer of a PSEA meet-and-discuss group, and his union dues are deducted from his paycheck (which is something Ms. Drake falsely accuses him of opposing).
No doubt people like Suzi Drake want to paint Ritchie Webb in a bad light because he doesn’t serve their special interests. I believe the community knows Ritchie Webb as someone who will fight for taxpayers and their families. As for me, I am proud to call him my Dad.
Aaron Webb, Lower Southampton
Member of Carpenters Union Local 1462
Thursday, April 3, 2014
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