Republican Party Not Part of Upcoming ‘Candidates Night’
Republican Committee Chairman Mike Baker earlier this year at the annual ‘Lincoln Day Dinner’ held in Ford City. (KP File Photo)
By Jonathan Weaver
Less than two weeks before the May Primary Election, Armstrong County voters will get another opportunity to ask questions of commissioner candidates.
But, maybe not all the candidates.
Republican Committee of Armstrong County Chairman Mike Baker confirmed the Party as a whole has not chosen to attend a ‘Candidates Night’ specifically for Republican candidates and sponsored by Downtown Kittanning, Inc. Thursday, May 7 at Lenape Technical School in Manor Township.
“Several cited prior engagements scheduled for that evening while others expressed concern over the parameters of the event. Normally, the candidates agree beforehand on who will serve as the event moderator and who will screen the questions to be asked,” Baker wrote in an e-mail response.
The Armstrong Republican Committee contacted a representative of Downtown Kittanning, Inc. to discuss the event. Unfortunately, this person declined to meet with us or the candidates as a group to discuss these matters.”
Baker said the eight individual candidates can decide on their own whether they wish to attend, but “a majority indicated that they would not.”
One of the candidates not attending will be David Croyle, of Kittanning.
He explained the forum also falls on the regular date of the Republican Committee meeting within the Courthouse Administration Building and was also disappointed Downtown Kittanning, Inc. chose to host the event at Lenape Tech rather than in Kittanning to promote local business.
“Because the date for the Republican debate was set without the knowledge or consent of the Republican Party, it happens to be scheduled for the same night as the Republican Committee meeting. Since this is the last meeting before the election, it is important for candidates to attend that meeting.
According to the decision made at the last Republican Committee meeting, any candidate that chooses to participate on their own - in my opinion - is distancing themselves from the Republican Party. Obviously, that is their choice, but I am sure that will be a concern for many Republican voters.”
Linda Hemmes, of Kittanning, will serve as moderator May 7 and said that plans are continuing for the evening even though she and Downtown Kittanning, Inc. leaders are disappointed in the news.
Hemmes – who began as a non-partisan participant associated with the League of Women Voters and politics instructor through the Butler County Chamber of Commerce about 40 years ago– said she has been involved in close-to 40 candidate forums. She spoke with Downtown Kittanning, Inc. President Ray Voller about coordinating the event.
“Even though I’ve been in Kittanning awhile, I don’t really know a ton of people because, up until three years ago, I was spending most of my days at my day spa in Oil City. Then comes this enormous influx of candidates, and I know hardly any of them, Hemmes said.
“Everyone should be a knowledgable voter. This is really an important responsibility,” Hemmes said. “You are electing someone to essentially be (one of the) CEO’s of your county. This county has a lot of financial issues I’m not sure a lot of people are aware of - you have to know the best choice to lead this county forward.”
Participating candidates will be able to make timed opening statements, address questions, give a 45-second rebuttal if requested and provide closing remarks.
Lenape Tech Advanced Government students will distribute note cards to local residents and present them to a screening committee.
“I think it’s the most equitable, non-biased forum that we can give both the candidates and the voters,” Hemmes said. “(Voters) need to know who’s running for office, what they bring to the table, what their plans and goals are and how they hope to accomplish that.”
Another ‘Candidate Night’ will be held Thursday, May 14 at the same location with Democratic candidates. Hemmes said so far, most candidates are eager to attend that forum.
Both events begin at 7PM.
Local News | jweaver April 29, 2015
By jorn jensen, April 29, 2015 @ 10:12 AM
Oh, come on! People too busy to meet with the folks that vote? More important to go to a republican meeting than meeting with the voters. No wonder this county is in such trouble.
The meet the candidates night at Lenape Tech is much more important than the republican committee meeting. A little common sense would have it that the republicans move their all-important meeting to another night in order to meet with the public at Lenape Tech.
Does anyone wonder why I’m not the ‘chosen one’ of the republican party? Same reason why I respect those democrat candidates that did not walk the picket line - because we need to bring jobs into this area and neither the republican, nor the democrat party seem to have that high on their list.
The republican party leadership doesn’t give the republicans in the county much credit for any sense - and I quote, “According to the decision made at the last Republican Committee meeting, any candidate that chooses to participate on their own - in my opinion (whose opinion?) - is distancing themselves from the Republican Party. Obviously, that is their choice, but I (whom, again?) am sure that will be a concern for many republican voters.” Okay, I am distancing myself from the republican party in order to meet with the voters - I was the first republican to sign up for this event - check fact with Linda Hemmes.
The republican party of Armstrong County just sinks itself further in the muddy rut. The republicans just opened the door for the democrats to run all over them. Nice job!
Elect more of the same, both parties, and you’ll have more of the same zero results for this county.
We need to change our mindset if we’re going to succeed and grow into the future. Cut taxes and bring in job-providing employers.
By Ray Voller, April 29, 2015 @ 2:16 PM
This report is NOT TRUE. NO ONE from DKI NOR ANY REPRESENTATIVE FROM DKI to my knowledge has been contacted by the Republican committee regarding this event!
DKI is a non partisan organization who, for the good of the business community, wants to help in a completely non-biased way to help familiarize the voters with the candidates. DKI is willing to help in any we possibly can to help ALL voters choose!
By steve, April 29, 2015 @ 10:55 PM
And another steaming pile from jorn jensen ladies and gents.
By getreal, April 30, 2015 @ 9:16 AM
This is exactly what is wrong with our political system…… the 2 party system. Your allegiance must be to the party before the people??? Gee, what does that sound like?? Sick of both parties!!!!
By dcroyle, April 30, 2015 @ 11:27 AM
getreal,
I totally support your right to be an “independent” and not be a part of either party. While we would like to see a different system in place, we have to work within the two-party system if we are going to be part of the Primary Election process.
I have been a Republican all my life. I am 100% pro-life, pro-gun, and pro-business. I am for least amount of government as necessary for the good of the people. For that reason, I am Republican. If I am going to use the Republican party to run in the Primary, then I should be supportive of their meetings and objectives. To not do so is tremendously disrespectful to the organization of which the candidate has chosen to align himself/herself.
It is important that voters look at the person as well. So when I vote, I always vote for the person and not the party because at that moment, I am a exercising my privilege to cast a vote, not representing a party.
The lack of my presence at the debate in order to be at the Republican Committee Meeting does not mean the party is before the people. I am the most approachable candidate as I have my office here in downtown Kittanning. Anyone can stop in and talk to me. They are also able to call me and I am willing to discuss their problem or concerns. I am 200% for the people of our communities and have a proven track record serving the people of Kittanning Borough during my tenure as Councilman. I have no problems asking questions - I have spent my life doing that with over 5,000 guests on talk shows and numerous others during news gathering. I have no problems with someone asking me questions. I look forward to hearing from you, getreal, or anyone else. Thank you for considering me when you are at the polls. (I am in the second slot on the Republican ballot).
By blutoblutarsky, April 30, 2015 @ 12:09 PM
Well voters, there you go… party over the people every time.
Although jorn is doing a good bit of grandstanding here and trying to capitalize on it; for once he’s right about the republican’s decision to not attend.
Also- Why is there no article in the KP about Mel Marin suing the county? A few of us here called that a month or so ago!!!
By jorn jensen, April 30, 2015 @ 2:07 PM
So, steve, what public office are you running for to try to help make the economy of Armstrong County stronger?
David - Well-stated. I understand your decision to ‘stick with the party’ for the meeting night. My clear choice is to attend the meet the candidates event at Lenape Tech.
By futureconcerned, April 30, 2015 @ 3:24 PM
For the Republican Committee to decide that attending their Committee Meeting rather than come out to give the public the opportunity to meet the candidates is a big slap in the face of the voters.
I attended the Meet the Candidates event at the Manor Twp. Fire Hall sponsored by the Armstrong County Farm Bureau. I gained some insight into the candidates, but I was planning to attend the May 7th meeting to get a better understanding of each Republican candidate’s views. After the meeting, I only had time to personally talk with three candidates, not the rest. I will be very disappointed in any candidate that sees attending the Committee Meeting more important than meeting the voters. They will have a rough time gaining my vote; even the one I talked to after last week’s meeting who told me that he would not be at the May 7th meeting because the committee decided against it. He’ll only get my vote if I see him May 7th. GOP – have your meeting following the Meet the Candidate Event. Make a good decision for a change.
Michele Grafton
South Bend Twp.
By dcroyle, April 30, 2015 @ 6:09 PM
If the criteria for voting for me is my attendance at a debate where I have 60 seconds to answer a very difficult question rather than picking up the phone and calling me and spending time with me personally, then it is best to vote for the 60-second answer candidate. I am here for the people. I have been a servant leader all my life and didn’t depend on taxpayer dollars to do so. You are reading this blog because I believe so strongly in community debating issues. I don’t need a 60-sec forum to do that. That is equal to me restricting your comments to 25 characters. So call me. Come see me. Or call me and I will come to see you. I have supported the sense of community all these years, whether it was Elderton, Apollo’s moon landing event, or Worthington’s carnival! You promote these events for free here because I believe strongly in promoting community. I ask for your support because I have worked for you behind the scenes for years. Thank you for not letting political spinners tell you I choose party over person. If that is the case, there wouldn’t be a Democrat commenter that would get any comment approved here. And we all know that’s not the case!!! Thanks for your vote.
By jorn jensen, April 30, 2015 @ 9:46 PM
The earth shook when I read bluto’s comment. I finally did something right in my life. Thank you for your kind words bluto.
I am me - this is what you get. I still believe, as I always have, that it is the voters that place the vote, not the party. I am able to think and make voting decisions on my own - the ‘party’ doesn’t mold me.
I agree with a lot of what David Croyle states - especially the 60 second thing. I have given my email and cell phone number numerous times and people have contacted me. That is one reason that the DKI event makes so much sense - separate the republican night from the democrat night and give ample time to the candidates. Remember, 15 running, and it is stated, by the gurus, that it is because there are two guaranteed openings - not that there are concerned people willing to step forward and help move Armstrong County into a better future. Jack Dunmire stated that this is a first in history - that many running.
bluto, how did I do on that grandstanding? Let’s go for some more…..
Go to the March, 2015, issue of Popular Mechanics (of course, an engineer-type would read something like that), page 62, article entitled ‘Startup Cities - The best new places to start a business in America’. Of the 14 listed, none were in Armstrong County, nor in Pennsylvania. Remember - I’m the one that has consistently said that I will push a jobs-positive drive on our state representatives and senators. The cities that made the list have market spaces, shared work spaces, business incubators and accelerators, cheap rent, SUPPORTIVE ELECTED OFFICIALS and COLLEGES, great restaurants and craft breweries. Well, we have Lenape Tech and soon BC3, perhaps we can seek and come up with supportive elected officials. I will be that supportive elected official if you choose to hire me.
By blutoblutarsky, May 1, 2015 @ 11:31 AM
jorn- It’s interesting that you’ve read my comment on this article but still claim to not read them on the other where you were asked some tough questions.
You can cite popular mechanics, make claims to what we do have in the county and make claims about what you would like us to have.. but I still ask- What is your specific plan to acquire these things?
Everyone always claims that all of these great things will happen if they’re elected but very rarely do they follow through with it.
By blutoblutarsky, May 1, 2015 @ 11:35 AM
Mr. Croyle- This type of public forum would provide a few advantages over a private meeting or phone call.
1. It saves you time from answering the same questions repeatedly.
2. Some questions may be asked and answered that some voters may have not thought of.
3. Some people don’t have time to make calls and visits with each candidate seperately. It’s much easier for the public to have everyone in front of them for one evening.
Overall I think participating would show the voters as a whole that you’re more invested in serving them than just half of population of the county.
By steve, May 1, 2015 @ 2:13 PM
jorn states “the party doesn’t mold me”.
Get real! haha Anyone who’s read your comments on this site over the past few years knows you are nothing more than a lemming for the republican party! As Bluto stated correctly, your comments on this thread are nothing other than grandstanding.
Also- by asking me what office I’m running for… are you trying to insinuate that you’re better than people who don’t run for office? Here’s a hint, 98% of the voters aren’t running either. It sure sounds like you think you’re better than them!
By jorn jensen, May 2, 2015 @ 9:22 AM
bluto - Your two comments, above (May 1 comments) are non-attacking, so I will respond. Ask your tough questions in a non-attacking manner, and I will respond. I do believe that you should use your real name like Scott Starr, Todd Luke, and others do. But, I do respond to other pseudonyms.
steve - your comment is attacking. Until you can become non-personal-attacking, on me, I’m shutting you down. The point of my asking you what office you are running for is that every one of us can help - my choice, 2 years ago, was to run for commissioner because I feel that I can help. Your view is that, because I’m running for commissioner, I’m better than others. That is a weak, whiney attack. Let’s re-kindle our debate on pro-life. If you check the LifePAC site, you’ll see that I’m pro-life. I certainly believe that I’d have chosen life back when it was my turn to be born. Would you have?
Rather than attacking me, why don’t you step up and try to make Armstrong County a better place to live?
bluto, first, I totally agree with your response to David Croyle. I’m spending my own money to do this run - I didn’t buy a bunch of post cards and mailers and such to further clutter peoples’ mailboxes, nor do I do the door-to-door and bother people during their daily routine, whatever that may be. I opt to meet with people that are interested enough to take time out of their day to come to a gathering and have an ‘exchange’ in a public forum.
Re-read paragraph 10, in the article - the one that starts without a quotation mark, but ends with one. Whose quote is that? Haven’t gotten an answer. Hopefully, it is not Mike Baker’s quote. If the candidates are ‘controlled’ by the party, either party, then we have a big, big problem.
The reason that I cite the Popular Mechanics article, and I think you know this, is that Armstrong County’s problems are not just Armstrong County - it is a state-wide problem. As commissioner, I think I can ‘get a voice’ in Harrisburg as well as being commissioner in Armstrong county. This is one reason that I consider this more than a 40 hour job - there are committees, and meetings, that do require interactions outside of the county. Now, don’t attack with with something off-beat like, “Oh great, we’ll have someone that’s never around.” or some other garbage like that. For Armstrong County to become attractive to business and industry, we have to have property tax elimination and a right-to-work state. That will put Pennsylvania back on the work map. I will continue to pressure people like Pyle, White and Oberlander to make these sorts of things happen. (I’ll do that anyway, regardless of the outcome of the election, but I believe that the job of commissioner gives that voice some strength). Next, don’t attack me with anti-union rhetoric. I believe in live and let live - in right-to-work, it is everyone’s choice to be represented or not. A company can come here, pay well, and can choose to hire union or non-union.
I want to cut taxes - not to the bone - to a practical level of running county government. I doubt that there’s anyone out there that will say that Armstrong County government is lean and mean and there’s nowhere to cut. There’s places to trim. If we can get a conservative-enough group of commissioners, we can examine the ‘system’ and budgets and find/make the cuts.
The customers that I consult for are profitable and they trust my work. I am on retainer with a number of them. They are growing and willing to come into a work-friendly area. This is why I keep repeating - we have to change our mindset in Armstrong County. One example: the Marcellus deep-drilling tube is heat treated for highest strength - a failure, downhole, is a costly disaster. We can be heat treating these products right here in Pennsylvania and in Armstrong County. Takes work-friendly government leadership, and a work-friendly populace, to bring these jobs in.
So, in a nutshell, I want to cut taxes and bring in private sector jobs, and I will bring in private sector jobs. I need the help, from the state people, by them completing their promise of property tax elimination and to enact legislation to make Pennsylvania a right-to-work state.
If I haven’t answered your question, please call me 724-954-8270 or email me at jorn@consultjensen.com .
By jorn jensen, May 3, 2015 @ 5:15 PM
Denny - The other thread closed down - the one on my announcement, so, I direct you to my answer to bluto, just above (9:22 AM, May 2). As I state to bluto, it takes more than Armstrong County to fix Armstrong County. It takes the state to take a change of direction also.
We need property tax elimination and a right-to-work state. As we are now, none of my clients will come here. Nor would they have come here 10 or 40 years ago. I have spoken in favor of property tax elimination at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, per request from representative Jim Cox. I have pressured Jeff Pyle to step up to the plate.
Please don’t troll me. Grow up.
By Flamingo1, May 3, 2015 @ 9:29 PM
Jorn:
So here are some reasonable statements and questions that do not involve name calling or attacks. (I do remember all the names you have called me.)
1. You keep mentioning the repeal of the property tax. There is no state in the union that is property tax free. The hearings two years ago showed that the proposals fell short of raising enough revenue. These hearings were led by Republicans, and ostensibly showed that the issue was a non-starter. The bills have not gone anywhere since. Question then: why do you keep bring ing this up?
2. The county budget is public record. You claim that you can find fat and waste. So take a few minutes and review the public record and tell us where the trims and cuts can come. It would show whether you will be reasonable, or a slash and burn politician. Or whether you know what you are talking about.
3. I am sure you have fine relationships with your clients and you make them lots of money. However, having fine relationships does not necessarily translate into convincing them to move the county. What makes you think these companies are ready to move, want to move or would find it desirable to move here? Moving any company is expensive, so there has to be a real benefit to make such a move. So what would be the benefit to move to Armstrong County? I looked at the Popular Mechanics article and at least half of the communities are in union states. They also have some other assets we don’t have. I also note that a couple of places are high crime areas, places with much higher taxes, and costs of living. So maybe the article is just that an article, put together with Chamber of Commerce public relations panache.
By steve, May 4, 2015 @ 2:38 PM
jorn- Get out a dictionary and read the defininition of whining. There’s no complaint here. I don’t care if you think you’re better than the rest of the taxpayers, but they may!
Why are you bringing up abortion? What does that have to do with the county???? You’ve lost it!
By sbmworker, May 4, 2015 @ 2:43 PM
Jorn…I like what you stand for. I like how you say it how it is. You are not afraid to state your opinion. You got my vote because of this. The taxes need dealt with, that is for sure. Skamai is a yes man. You can ask him something and he will agree, the next person can ask him the opposite and he will agree. He is very fake and I know that for a fact. Good luck to you Jorn! Not to you Jorn, but I wonder if someone is getting any closer? lol
By blutoblutarsky, May 4, 2015 @ 4:16 PM
jorn- You’re assuming bluto is not the name on my birth certificate! What gives?
You did answer some of my questions on your other thread, albeit very vaguely. I won’t complain or be demanding though.
Your response did raise on small question. You said you “ran” a few multimillion dollar companies. What were your titles there? (examples, president, VP, CEO, COO, etc).
I will say I have to disagree with you on your claim of “engineering ethics” as the reason you can’t divulge any particulars of some of your former projects. Engineering ethics deals mostly with the safety of the public with a minor emphasis on proprietary information. Also, I’m assuming no NDA was signed? It’s ok though, no big deal.
I am very concerned that you want to keep beating on the people in Harrisburg over the right to work issue. If this were a problem in our state how do you explain the growth in Cranberry and the rest of Butler County? You need to formulate a plan in case things don’t go your way and PA is never a right to work state.
Butler County can do it, why can’t Armstrong?
What is your plan if right to work doesn’t go your way or if it takes years to accomplish?
We need a plan now.
By jorn jensen, May 4, 2015 @ 10:38 PM
Flamingo - your comment does not appear to be trolling, except for maybe your point #1, so I shall respond to your questions. Understand - I doubt that I can convince a liberal, such as yourself, of anything - but I will try.
1. Property tax elimination. If there’s no state in the nation property tax free, then does that mean that Pennsylvania can not step away from the pack and be innovative? Do we just do more of the same because others do more of the same? The people who have tried to eliminate property taxes must then be stupid for trying. People like representative Jim Cox. Correct?
The fact is that it can be done and it will promote spending on property - spending in the form of bought materials and labor - and taxes paid on those. The difference is that when you’ve spent those taxed monies, you still have it - an improved property. Young people can buy ‘more house’ if they’re not spending on property taxes. You’re nay-saying - I’m saying we can do it.
2. The county budget is public record. See how much the jail is costing you and me? And we have to pay $200/day to house, off-site, an underage accused murderer because our expensive facility is not set up to handle underage whatever. Maybe we should look at privatizing that facility? A candidate can’t just look at budgets of departments and know where to cut - it also involves visits and meetings - people justifying their spending. That is something that commissioners should do, not commissioner candidates. Why should department people want to meet with someone that might become a commissioner? When there are three seated, then you meet and let them know that cuts are coming. Regardless, you and I both know that there is waste and there are places to reasonably cut. So do present and past commissioners know that there are places to reasonably cut.
3. Moving a company here. You seem to be hung up on moving a company here. I’m talking about growing a company here. For example - a company that I’ve done work for, has their home office in Michigan. That’s where the owner lives - a proud Michigan person. He’s not going to move to Armstrong County, but he may grow his company here, as a division. Just like he invested in the heat treating operation in Nebraska. Who goes to a corn field in Nebraska? Someone looking for a motivated workforce, good logistics, reasonable energy prices, reasonable taxes and work-friendly government leaders. By car, Nebraska is 12 hours from their location in Michigan. They have a private plane to get around. They can, as well, fly to our Armstrong county Airport (that’s humor, son, humor.) and rent a car to get to their Pennsylvania site.
Or, they can drive to Armstrong County in about 6 hours. Another example is KPM - in Fjord City, that is a division of a larger German company that builds some of the best and toughest machine tools in the industry. I am pleased that they are here. You can bet that the home office will stay in Germany and I’ll bet that the home office is pleased with their division here.
My point, on the Popular Mechanics article, is that none of the 14 cities are in Armstrong County and also are not in Pennsylvania. I don’t care where they are or what problems they have where they are - they just are not here.
We need to change our mindset. If you’re so sure that we can’t eliminate property taxes, or fix other things like bringing in private sector business and industry, then maybe your mindset is quite set.
By Flamingo1, May 5, 2015 @ 1:30 AM
@JJ
So the claim that you can attract new business to Armstrong is invalid. What a surprise. You went on and on about your connections, but now it turns out they are not real. And it is all because of the property tax or right to work. And your ability to cut taxes is just more of the same. Jorn you make statement about what you can and will do and then blow them up. This seems more like a wandering argument with no point.
By unclbuck, May 5, 2015 @ 8:48 AM
jorn your under clean and green. EXPLAIN HOW IF YOU RUN YOUR BUSSINESS FROM YOUR HOUSE AND OTHER BUILDING, HOW IS THE GROUND STILL ELIGIBLE FOR CLEAN AND GREEN. LETS SEE HOW MANY BUSSINESS IN ARMSTRONG COUNTY ALSO RUN OUT OF RESIDENTS HOMES ARE NOT TAXED AS BUSSINESS.
By jorn jensen, May 5, 2015 @ 10:30 AM
sbmworker - Thank you for your kind comments and vote. It will take a difference to make a difference.
Calvin Coolidge stated the following: “The men and women of this country who toil are the ones who bear the cost of the government. Every dollar that we (government) waste means that their life will be so much the more meager.”
By jorn jensen, May 5, 2015 @ 1:29 PM
Okay, Flamingo, you’re off the ‘respond to’ list. Again, you are just trolling and spinning. Just looking for anything to attack with a spin. You are, effectively, an evil person.
A company growing its business in Armstrong County IS bringing in industry and business. Just because they won’t relocate their headquarters here, you say that I’m not keeping my promise of bringing in private sector business and industry. What a nasty, disgusting spin.
You are a disgusting individual.
Bill Beranty, - my property is in the the Clean and Green and it is farmed as per the rules of the program. Because I use a room, in my house, which is taxed at normal rates just like any other house (the house is not in the Clean and Green), you feel that I am breaking some rule? Don’t you have anything better to do on comp?
By blutoblutarsky, May 5, 2015 @ 3:48 PM
jorn- How in the world can you consider flamingo’s first question trolling? You can’t call everything you don’t want to answer trolling lol Apparently that’s the new buzzword on the KP site as of late.
I think I asked a very valid question in my last comment and I’m not sure why you didn’t answer it. If you do not get your wish and PA does not become a right to work state in the foreseeable future, what is your plan? You can only ask the legislators so many times before you have to move along and try another approach.
I’m not sure what point you were trying to make with your moving/ growing companies here statements. You definately did say in the past you could get companies to move here and you seem to be backpedaling a bit.
Regardless, I think flamingo’s question is valid for either scenario. How will you get companies to open a subdivision or want to move here altogether?
P.S. I missed your comment to steve about abortion. Why even bring that up? That discussion is completely irrelevant to what you’re trying to accomplish.
By goober, May 5, 2015 @ 7:59 PM
jorn i dont want to stir things up but i read in one ot youre comments you are on retainer with several companys. if one would happen to call would you drop county business and go to them or stay? it seems commisiner gets paid as a full time job so wpuld you stay or go on call?
By Flamingo1, May 5, 2015 @ 9:08 PM
People in the public sector—county commissioners, state representatives, and other elected officials deal with all kinds of issues and people. Many times those persons will have to deal with people who see issues differently. Finding solutions to common problems is the main task of those persons. Hence, the temperament of the official is of paramount importance. An individual who cannot handle any kind of questioning or criticism is not worthy of public office. An individual who demeans others will have little effectiveness and will not be able to establish working relationships with the public, other officials and those who do the work of governmental agencies.
So in evaluating for whom to vote in any election, the question of demeanor and attitude is of utmost interest to the elector.
If you wander through the comments on this paper you might find some revealing moments.
By sabrinafair, May 5, 2015 @ 10:10 PM
So grateful that I’m a federal employee and can’t run for a political office…. this whole commissioner’s race is boring the stuffing out of me…
By jorn jensen, May 5, 2015 @ 10:16 PM
goober - Thank you for your question and it is certainly one that should be asked/answered. As a consultant, I can take a job or I can pass it up. My retainer arrangement is contingent upon election results and my customers are aware of that. If I’m chosen to be one of the 3 county leaders, my customers understand that I am not available to ‘go on a job’, but that I can answer their questions via phone or email, on my own time, free-of-charge. I’m also ‘friends’ with other knowledgeable consultants in that specialty - I have no problem recommending one of them to fill a specialty need.
If I’m selected to be one of 3 county commissioners, I am committed to doing that job full time and then some (not just say that I “understand that it is a full time job” - I am committing to it to being a full time job).
Yes, I’ll be earning less than consulting, but that is my choice. I can afford to make that choice.
This county needs some good people to take it in a better direction - my goal is to be one of those people doing that. There’s other good consultants out there that can help those companies requiring that help.
I did this once before - closed up the consulting and went ‘on board’ with a company in Ohio and working from home. After the 2008 election, they laid off half of the people and pulled me into Warren, Ohio, and put me in an apartment. Hard to plow driveway snow and mow grass in Worthington from Warren, Ohio. Did that job until 2012, retired on Friday, August 17th and re-started consulting on Monday, August 20th - been doing that since. The last dollar that I earned in Pennsylvania was in 2005.
On the bluto/flamingo trolling stuff - if you liberals are expecting an Armstrong County commissioner to get Wal*Mart to move their corporate headquarters from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Armstrong County, don’t hold your breath. A company ‘growing itself’ by adding a division in a work-friendly Armstrong county is entirely doable.
By steve, May 6, 2015 @ 7:48 AM
Wow! The only disgusting individual here is jorn jensen. Flamingo asked a few simple questions as well as unclbuck. Look at his responses to them!
Jorn, do the county a favor and just throw in the towel. You’ve shown you have zero to offer the county and when the going gets a little tough for you the insults come out! Maybe you should ask for a seat on FC council. You’d fit right in there!
By Marc, May 6, 2015 @ 10:10 AM
I really hope this Jorn Jensen person posting is someone messing around and not the one running for commissioner. If it is all I can say is wtf! No wonder this county is in trouble.
By bigjohn, May 6, 2015 @ 2:59 PM
unclbuck…….
How c an you be so rude to post comments in “ALL CAPS”?
By unclbuck, May 6, 2015 @ 9:21 PM
jorn you being a candidate for comm. all I want to no is what will you do to correct the infractions of clean and green. such as ground sold to GAS COMPANIES 2YEARS AGO. STILL UNDER CLEAN AND GREEN FOR TOTAL ACRAGE, EVEN THOUGH IT HAS A PUMP STATION ON . ALMOST HALF OF IT.
By jorn jensen, May 7, 2015 @ 7:32 AM
unclbuck - I am the one pushing for the elimination of property taxes. Our state legislators have been wrestling with HB76 and SB76 for a long time and no results yet. Eliminate property taxes and Clean and Green goes away - there’s no need for it. People can then spend their money on materials and labor, both taxed higher then, to maintain and upgrade their properties rather than paying property tax rent forever.
By blutoblutarsky, May 7, 2015 @ 7:49 AM
jorn- I think everyone can agree that there are no expectations for “Wal-Mart to move from Bentonville to Armstrong County.”
You’re simply trying to avoid answering questions that you don’t have answers to by either calling someone a name, a troll, or by making up wild scenarios like your Wal-Mart comment. Flamingo has you pegged accurately in their 5/5 post.
What’s up with calling someone evil for asking a question??? There was nothing evil said by that person ever on this site. You’re acting like a child and you DO NOT have the maturity level to act as a commissioner.
By jorn jensen, May 7, 2015 @ 2:52 PM
bluto - Why don’t you and I discuss maturity face to face? Call me 724-954-8270 to arrange a personal meeting. You do actually exist as a human being, correct?
A company bringing in a division and bringing in jobs is a company bringing in jobs - they shouldn’t have to bring their corporate headquarters, also, for you and flamingo to consider them as bringing in jobs. That is a spin - something that trolls do well.
By steve, May 7, 2015 @ 10:49 PM
Voters of Armstrong County, behold the train wreck that is Jorn Jensen lol Wow, buddy. You’ve gone off the deep end! What are you going to do… shake your fist sternly in Bluto’s general direction? Haha
By blutoblutarsky, May 8, 2015 @ 12:21 PM
Ummm jorn… I mentioned in my last post that we all can agree that a corporations headquarters aren’t necessary.
What is your plan if PA never becomes right to work? You’ve led us to believe that you won’t be able to bring any business in if that condition persists. Here’s a news flash… it’s likely to remain unchanged! So, is your back up plan to do nothing?!?!?!?
I also stand by my comment that you’re just talking in circles to avoid answering questions that you don’t want to answer.
If you have questions regarding the definition of maturity, I can refer you to Merriam-Webster or Google. Since that information is so easily attainable, what is the real motivation regarding your request to a face to face meeting?
Your comments here are a good indication of your inability to handle any kind of pressure and your lack of maturity.
By jd718, May 8, 2015 @ 4:10 PM
@ bluto…. Well said. Jorn has little time left and very few answers, why?
By jd718, May 8, 2015 @ 5:49 PM
All I have heard so far is a lot of empty campaign rhetoric. Why the on and on about trolls there are none on this thread! Get a life and move on already Jensen…….. May 19th can’t get here fast enough!
By sabrinafair, May 8, 2015 @ 11:11 PM
Same old, same old… lots of talk… little to no action… *Yawn*
By mad-2010, May 9, 2015 @ 6:36 AM
“you’re off the ‘respond to’ list.” Reminds me of the Soap Nazi on Seinfeld. (No Soap for You) Too funny! Only on the KP it’s the Response Nazi.. (No Response for You)
What it must be like to have such Power! LOL
By steve, May 9, 2015 @ 8:57 PM
Mad, Jorn is off the mental stability list lol. Look at that “meet me to discuss” bologna with Bluto. The guy can’t even manage his own emotions, let alone a county.
No response for you! Haha
By mad-2010, May 10, 2015 @ 8:54 AM
With the sexual harassment lawsuit filed the Armstrong County Officials will need all the Soap they can find to clean up their act….
By mad-2010, May 10, 2015 @ 5:26 PM
Steve… I told you he went back to his roots, same old demeaning slogan’s (this time it’s troll’s last time it was military service and college degree’s.) Telling people (voters you’re off the list.) Time is ticking and time will tell, this is KP Drama at it’s Best…. LOL
By mad-2010, May 10, 2015 @ 10:14 PM
Check this out Steve…
Aristotle mentions Hubris in his book “Rhetoric”:
“Hubris consists in doing and saying things that cause shame to the victim…simply for the pleasure of it. Retaliation is not hubris, but revenge. … Young men and the rich are hubristic because they think they are better than other people.”
Makes you think, right……
By blutoblutarsky, May 11, 2015 @ 2:25 PM
Just checking in to see if there was a response to my question-
“What is your plan if PA never becomes right to work? You’ve led us to believe that you won’t be able to bring any business in if that condition persists. Here’s a news flash… it’s likely to remain unchanged! So, is your back up plan to do nothing?!?!?!?”
Jorn Jensen; Your silence is deafening to the voters of Armstrong County.
By mad-2010, May 12, 2015 @ 6:51 AM
Bluto… The Response Nazi (JJ) has retreated to his underground bunker along with lukie and dukie… They are planning their next move (“this and that”) and slogan’s to demean voters along with the latest moves not to answer voter questions….
By jorn jensen, May 12, 2015 @ 7:45 AM
Bluto, you are a known troll, but other, responsible people do read the comments on the KP website, so, for those people, I will respond. These people see that you only care about attacks on the individual rather than really solving the problems of this county.
It is naysayers, like yourself, bluto, that points to the need for a change of mindset in Armstrong County.
First, and foremost, it is the people of Armstrong County that need to have a welcome attitude for private sector business and industry to come to Armstrong County. Likewise, they need to select leadership with such attitude.
A few years ago, the state of Indiana was not a right-to-work state. Now it is and industry is strong in Indiana. About a year ago, Michigan was not a right-to-work state - now it is. Might be a little early to see results in Michigan, but they are now right-to-work - and that WAS a big automotive state.
So, can Pennsylvania become a right-to-work state? I believe so. But, instead of asking me about right-to-work, why not ask Jeff Pyle, Donna Oberlander and Don White? You know my position on it, and so do those three people.
My plan is as I’ve stated - it starts with us right here in Armstrong County. WE have to be inviting, and actively seeking, private sector business and industry. Commissioners and commissioner candidates walking picket lines are not seen as ‘inviting’ by any private sector leaders in business and industry. We need to reduce our taxes in Armstrong County in order to be competitive with surrounding counties. These things we can do right here at the county level.
On a state level, county leaders need to ‘push’ state legislators to make Pennsylvania competitive with other states. I do that as a tax-paying citizen - I’d continue to do that as a commissioner, but I’d turn up the heat.
So, if Pennsylvania never becomes a right-to-work state, then what is the plan? Continue to be inviting to private sector business and industry. Actively seek companies to expand here. We have the gem of Lenape Tech and BC3 to prepare a good workforce for any company considering us. Fill the industrial parks, but better with LERTA than KOZ. Giving companies a ‘free-ride’ and then they bail out after 10 years is no solution (KOZ).
Now, this may be earth-shattering news to you, bluto, but what do you think is more important to top end management of well-run companies - 10 year tax-free KOZ or a right-to-work state? I can predict your trolling answer and you can predict my pro-work stance.
Bluto, why don’t you communicate with other candidates? You had two chances - Manor Township Firehall and Lenape Tech auditorium. Or, use this site and call out their names in the comment section.
My position has been clear all along - I am the true conservative republican candidate for Armstrong County commissioner and I won’t get bluto’s vote. I will work to cut taxes to a practical level, I will make the tough management decisions that seem to elude that office, I will seek and bring in private sector business and industry. On a state level, I will push representatives and senators to eliminate archaic property taxes and make Pennsylvania a right-to-work state.
We need to change our mindset in Armstrong County. More of the same will get us more of the same failings.
Jorn Jensen 724-954-8270 jorn@consultjensen.com
By steve, May 12, 2015 @ 4:59 PM
Bluto, don’t hold your breathe! It’s obvious Jorn never thought that through and has nothing of value to offer Armstrong County.
He just wants enough power to be a jerk to people he doesn’t like and to ride out his golden years on the taxpayers dime!
By mad-2010, May 13, 2015 @ 6:11 AM
“Commissioners and commissioner candidates walking picket lines are not seen as ‘inviting’ by any private sector leaders in business and industry.” And you know this How? Just how many private sector leaders and industry heads have told you they feel this way? Numbers and names please?
“We need to reduce our taxes in Armstrong County in order to be competitive with surrounding counties. These things we can do right here at the county level.” Just how do you propose to reduce taxes and what is a reasonable time table to do so?
“Bluto, why don’t you communicate with other candidates? You had two chances – Manor Township Firehall and Lenape Tech auditorium.” Question: How would you know that Bluto has not talked to other candidates? Also, Why the concern for Bluto’s personal choices? That seems Odd coming from candidate!
Finally: “I will make the tough management decisions that seem to elude that office.” Your Management Skills have come under question! Mostly, what companies and types or positions you have held and specific positive results that were made? Have you decided to give the Voters more information on this subject? One more question: Do you believe that the voters need to be more respected by Candidates, such as yourself? Thanks for your time…..
By jerry6, May 13, 2015 @ 9:11 AM
Jorn: No matter what you say now, I could never vote for you. You have said too many nasty things about democrats or liberals as you like to say. I don’t see how you could work with a liberal if you were to be elected and have to work alongside one. I don’t think a public figure should be saying the things that you say on here. It sounds like a little kid talking when he gets mad. If I had to vote for a conservative in the presidential election, it would be Kasick from Ohio.
By ohcomeon, May 13, 2015 @ 12:07 PM
Why argue with jorn? He’s not going to be a commissioner. His entire campaign consists of a few signs and posting on here. He says he’s not going out door knocking to meet real voters, he’d rather spend his day responding to people on here who would never vote for him anyway.
The only question is, of the 8 candidates in the Republican primary, will jorn come in 7th or 8th? Let’s debate that.
Or maybe we can start a friendly pool about hwho can come closest to the number of votes jorn gets on Tuesday. I’ll start-I guess 125.
By blutoblutarsky, May 13, 2015 @ 5:18 PM
Jorn- Glad to have a response finally. Do you always call voters that ask you questions trolls?
I don’t believe I’ve asked anything out of line and you surely didn’t call me a troll when I was asking David Croyle questions or commenting towards him last week. Apparently people are only trolls when they ask you questions you don’t want to answer. Funny how that works.
Anyway- Your statements regarding Indiana and Michigan are simple opinions. Also, if Pyle, Oberlander, and White are all full aware of your stance, why continue to maintain your focus on them? I’d rather have a commissioner who would focus purely on our county versus someone who will pester representatives that may or may not have the power to make the change you want. As I said before, we need help now. New legislation could take years and may not ever happen.
You should also keep in mind that there are many factors beyond a 10 year KOZ or right to work that go into a company’s decision to move. I also question how Cranberry has had such strong growth when they’ve basically offered neither of those. With your philosophy industry should be dying there, but it’s not.
If you look through your entire post you cite many opinions and basically say you’ll cut taxes and bring companies in along with pushing for a right to work state. I still don’t see any type of real plan.
The reason I don’t communicate here with other candidates is that to my knowledge, they don’t communicate with anyone here at all. If you look above, you’ve addressed me directly numerous times. As far as the public forums, you would have no idea if I was there or not (I’ll admit I had clients in town the night of the Manor forum).
By jorn jensen, May 13, 2015 @ 11:39 PM
Well, those of you who attack me represent exactly what is wrong with Armstrong County government - you’ll elect more of the same with more of the same failing results and then you’ll wonder what went wrong - again.
I bring real management skills, from the private sector, to the job. Read the comments under the article ‘County Officials Accused of Ignoring Sexual Misconduct Allegations at 911 Center’ and learn a lesson.
We need to change the mindset of Armstrong County if we’re to prosper into the future.
By sabrinafair, May 14, 2015 @ 3:07 AM
I guess I am too cynical. I’ve heard these songs and tap dances ever since I’ve moved here 26 years ago. We hear of “job creation” every election cycle, yet no industry relocates here. If we’re lucky, we get retail or a fast food place that give us a few jobs, but not many. I don’t hear anything about working to get another grocery store in here to replace Foodland. Some of us just don’t like to shop at Wal Mart for groceries, so we get stuck having to deal with Shop & Save or IGA locally, or have to drive to Indiana, Sarver, or Butler to get to a decent grocery store. Sad that all we get for our votes are empty and broken campaign promises election after election.
By Marc, May 14, 2015 @ 12:13 PM
I actually thought someone was messing around and pretending to be Jorn Jensen on this site, but it’s clear to me now that it’s actually him.
Who would vote for this knucklehead?
Ohcomeon, he’ll probably be in a race for last with the guy that’s suing the county.
By blutoblutarsky, May 15, 2015 @ 7:51 AM
Actually Jorn, you are one of the few candidates that I think, if elected, could actually make this county regress. ohcomeon is right though. Your chances are slim and none.
I was in Cranberry a few days ago and I noticed plenty of business without the “right to work” theory you’ve been trying to run on. You may need to think up a plan “B”.
By jerry6, May 15, 2015 @ 8:46 AM
sabrinafar: Aldi’s is coming to the Foodland building September 1st. I was told this by two people in the know. That building was gutted and someone in management at Aldi’s and a person who is reliable told me this. I know people will believe it when they see it but September 1st.
By mad-2010, May 15, 2015 @ 8:46 AM
Given the way you manage the KP comments section I’d say No way You Get Elected… Too much Hubris! I’ll say 135 votes if that….
By jorn jensen, May 15, 2015 @ 10:00 AM
sabrinafair - Agree with your comments. More of the same. That is why I state that we need to change our mindset in Armstrong County.
I have explained, on this website, that the jobs problem for Armstrong County is not just an Armstrong County problem, but also a Pennsylvania problem.
In Armstrong County, we’ve created industrial parks with KOZ, Keystone Opportunity Zone - 10 year tax-free ‘ride’, which means that the mom’s and pop’s of the county pay those taxes for those companies for those 10 years. And, we still have lots of empty spaces in those industrial parks. Why is that? Ask the people that attack me - such as bluto, Marc, ohcomeon - people that must use pseudonyms because they can’t stand behind their ‘talk’.
Two fixes by the state (commonwealth) would be property tax elimination and making Pennsylvania a right-to-work state - that would make us much more ‘open for business’.
Unions don’t like right-to-work, so those folks like to block those sorts of efforts. You can read that right into me, in the attacks above. My personal beliefs on the topic is live and let live. You want to work union? Then work union. If I want to work union-free, then I should be able to do so without reprisal.
If you’d like to discuss why Giant Eagle/GetGo won’t come here, contact me. On that topic, I will not respond to a pseudonym. I’ve given my contact information plenty of times on this site.
We’ll see what the voters decide on Tuesday.
By dcroyle, May 15, 2015 @ 11:06 AM
jerry6 - Your sources are correct. I spoke with the Aldi Foods Distribution Warehouse. Kittanning has already been added to the floor space, and they anticipate opening next year some time. They are not taking the entire Foodland building, so there will be changes made to the existing building, and another tenant occupying the other part. I have been encouraging several businesses to consider that space. I told Aldi Foods representatives that middle Armstrong County welcomes them and I intend to participate in their grand opening. I recently walked through Kittanning with another business group that was considering moving here. Unfortunately, they decided to wait on expanding here until the revitalization was complete on Market Street. I am an advocate for new business opportunities - large and small - that will come to Armstrong County. There are store fronts and building space in every community that would like to be filled. However, the area must support these businesses, whether they be in Kittanning and Ford City, or Apollo, Rural Valley, Elderton, or Parker.
By mad-2010, May 15, 2015 @ 11:38 AM
“people that must use pseudonyms because they can’t stand behind their ‘talk’.” Stop the Lies, Jensen…..
By blutoblutarsky, May 15, 2015 @ 11:43 AM
jorn- What? No comment on why Cranberry is so successful without the need for right to work?
Mr. Shea brought up a valid point yesterday about modeling Armstrong after some of the more successful counties near us.
Your silence is deafening to the voters of Armstrong County.
By blutoblutarsky, May 15, 2015 @ 11:47 AM
Mr. Croyle- Kudos for your efforts and also for being open with voters by giving us an idea of what you’re currently working on.
By steve, May 15, 2015 @ 4:05 PM
Jorn isn’t answering to “pseudonyms”. Who wants to bet that after he loses he’ll be back to attacking said pseudonyms here on a daily basis.
FYI- Steve is my birth name.
By blutoblutarsky, May 18, 2015 @ 1:21 PM
I thought I may have missed where jorn explained why Cranberry is doing so well despite Pa not having right to work status…
jorn jensen- Your silence is deafening to the voters of Armstrong County.
By sabrinafair, May 19, 2015 @ 12:09 AM
So glad to hear the Aldi rumors are true, although I had heard that it was going to be at another location. Saddened to hear that Giant Eagle/Get Go won’t though. Guess I will still be running to Sarver. Please don’t get me wrong, I like Aldi, but working in Pittsburgh, those fuelperks save me a break of a lot of money.
By sabrinafair, May 19, 2015 @ 12:12 AM
BTW Sabrina is not my birth name. I took it from John Milton’ s poem Comus, written in 1620. Only true English nerds get it. Everyone thinks it came from the movie. I don’t feel comfortable putting my birth name out on the internet.
By sabrinafair, May 19, 2015 @ 12:14 AM
And one more question: when will the Market Street revitalization be completed?