Government Accountability

Are All Lawmakers Crooks?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • June 21, 2010

This past Friday, former State Rep. Mike Veon, who had served as PA House Democrat Whip, was sentenced to 6 to 14 years in prison for his role in…

Media

Read More: Are All Lawmakers Crooks?

Government Accountability

When Will These Guys Learn?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 16, 2010

Pennsylvania Independent reports on two PA House contracts for voter lists, costing taxpayers over $225,000. Readers will recognize that this sounds quite a bit like the actions of former…

Media

Read More: When Will These Guys Learn?

Government Accountability

The 70s Called, and Wants Its Legislators Back

  • Nathan Benefield
  • February 15, 2010

State Rep. Frank Oliver announced he will be retiring at the end of his term.  This retirement – along with those of Sen. Bob Mellow, Sen. Barry Stout, and…

Media

Read More: The 70s Called, and Wants Its Legislators Back

Government Accountability

Best and Worst Bonusgate Quotes

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 12, 2009

Following the indictment of 10 State House Republicans (a current lawmaker and a former lawmaker and 8 staff), the Pennsylvania Capitol has been abuzz (click here for a…

Media

Read More: Best and Worst Bonusgate Quotes

Government Accountability

Bonusgate Developments and Senate Reforms

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 6, 2009

Tom Barnes of the Post-Gazette notes that the Pennsylvania Senate is outlining a number of new rules, largely related to legislative staff and taxpayer dollars being used to support…

Media

Read More: Bonusgate Developments and Senate Reforms

Government Accountability

Perzel’s Parking Authority

  • Nathan Benefield
  • September 30, 2008

Here is a funny video in which “Manatee” declares his desire to run the Philadelphia Parking Authority, so that he can work as little as possible, hire all his…

Media

Read More: Perzel’s Parking Authority

State Budget

Is the “far right” a losing proposition?

  • Nathan Benefield
  • August 4, 2008

Michael Smerconish – who gets mis-identified as a conservative due to his shaved head and glasses – calls for the GOP to act more “moderate” in order to win…

Media

Read More: Is the “far right” a losing proposition?

Response to Reform is Not Dead!

  • Nathan Benefield
  • November 8, 2007

There are two types of halftime speeches – the rousing “win one for the Gipper” speech and the in-your-face, “you are playing like a bunch of [explicatives]”. I tried to…

Media

Read More: Response to Reform is Not Dead!

Perzel Turned Away From Budget Meeting

  • Nathan Benefield
  • May 23, 2007

Capitolwire story on John Perzel’s quest to be included in the budget negotiations, see summary on GrassrootsPA.com. Three things about are troubling: 1) That John Perzel is trying to…

Media

Read More: Perzel Turned Away From Budget Meeting