Democratic Voters Question Candidates before Tuesday’s Primary
Five of the seven Democratic Armstrong County Commissioner candidates spoke their views and answered questions at a ‘Candidates Night’ at Lenape Technical School in Manor Township last night, including: (L-R sitting at table) Pat Fabian, Anthony Shea, George Skamai, Paul Rearick and Roy Morrison.
by Jonathan Weaver
A total of five of the seven Democratic Armstrong County Commissioner candidates attended a forum before next week’s Primary Election last night in Manor Township.
Candidates Pat Fabian, Roy Morrison, Paul Rearick, Anthony Shea and George Skamai responded to about 15 questions posed by local residents in Lenape Technical School’s cafeteria.
Candidates Mel Marin and “Bid” Atwood did not attend the event, even though they had a seat available at the table.
During the two-hour ‘Candidates Night’ sponsored by Downtown Kittanning, Inc., candidates told voters, if elected, how they would entice new business to the county, their qualifications to manage a $20 million budget and apply for grant funding and their plans for county assets – such as the Belmont Complex in East Franklin Township – and moving the county forward
All five candidates committed to serving in a full-time capacity if elected.
Each candidate had two minutes to respond, with later follow-up or rebuttal time if requested.
Nearly 35 local residents – not including Downtown Kittanning, Inc. officials and Lenape Technical School students and staff – attended the evening.
Moderator Linda Hemmes, of Kittanning Borough, was impressed with the questions supplied by residents, as well as the answers given by candidates.
“Overall, I have learned a lot about these candidates – I am so impressed with the quality of people running,” Hemmes said.
Sunday, Hemmes and husband, Marty, will discuss each candidate and grade them on leadership, integrity, honesty and experience.
“We set aside two days before the election to sit and talk through our talking points,” Hemmes said.
Hemmes said Downtown Kittanning, Inc. President Ray Voller and other representatives were also pleased with the ‘Candidates Night’ forums
Democratic Committee Chairman Lou Vergari thought the event went well and said he will have a difficult decision at the polling place Tuesday.
“Any one of them could do an excellent job in the county,” Vergari said. “At this time, I can’t support any one, but I was really impressed with everyone.”
Vergari hoped another candidate forum would be available after the Primary Election.
Tuesday’s election will trim the candidates to a total of four – two Democrats and two Republicans. Those four will be finalists for the three open seats in the November General Election.
Polling places throughout Pennsylvania open at 7AM Tuesday and close at 8PM.
After the two-hour forum, the five candidates also posed for a photo with Downtown Kittanning, Inc. sponsors and Lenape Technical School students.
Local News | jweaver May 15, 2015
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By jorn jensen, May 15, 2015 @ 10:13 AM
This was a good event - tough questions asked and these candidates did well in their responses - my opinion.
I will guess that the ‘interview’ that these candidates went through for a $60k job was much tougher than the interview that the new superintendent of schools went through for a $160k job. That is my ‘guess’ because I did not get to sit through the interview for the superintendent, but I did sit through three meet the candidates nights for commissioner.
This is a very important election and it baffles me that the seating at this event was not full - I had predicted that it would be. A very wide choice of candidates from both parties and some very odd situations that voters should be aware of, but I doubt that many are.
These democratic candidates all came across pro-union and many are supported by unions.
Thank you, DKI, Leanpe Tech and Linda Hemmes, for putting forth this effort for the public to meet the candidates.
By blutoblutarsky, May 15, 2015 @ 11:55 AM
jorn- Everyone gets it. You’re anti-union and in your eyes every Democrat is pro-union. The people of Kittanning have noted it; you may move along. lol
I’m certain that after reading your comment the school board will give you a call to sit in on the next superintendent interview.
By Flamingo1, May 15, 2015 @ 1:23 PM
JJ—As usual snarky comments from you. You know nothing about the interview process for the new Superintendent. It was extensive. It is a skilled position. He manages an $80 million budget. A comparable person in business would make much more.
By mad-2010, May 15, 2015 @ 1:26 PM
Jensen… Stop Guessing, makes you look bad.. 160K is about right for a Quad A Superintendent.
By Flamingo1, May 15, 2015 @ 2:07 PM
So the Democrats turned out more candidates and more attendees. So does one conclude Democrats care more, are more involved and have the best interests of the county in mind?
Well of course.
By watchdog15, May 15, 2015 @ 6:18 PM
The voters should consider what candidates chose to address the questions by the public at both the Republican and Democratic Forum since none of them knew what would be asked. If you can’t take questions as a candidate how can you represent me a taxpayer if you are elected? If you chose not to attend why should I trust you to make sound decisions as a leader without outside influence?
By jorn jensen, May 15, 2015 @ 9:34 PM
Should you ever find yourself the target of other peoples’ bitterness, smallness, or insecurities, remember - things could be worse……you could be them.
By savvynewshound, May 16, 2015 @ 12:16 PM
I’m amazed at the candidates that are not speaking or letting us know their positions and qualifications.
Mad-2010…shouldn’t we have AAAA sports facilities as well?
By mad-2010, May 16, 2015 @ 12:34 PM
The ever Ubiquitous Jensen. LOL Time will tell…
By heardenoughalready, May 16, 2015 @ 2:04 PM
I sure do hope they were able to draw pictures so that the democrats could fully comprehend. But the fact they are even considering voting for a democrat shows that they are educationally deficient.
By jerry6, May 16, 2015 @ 8:01 PM
heardenoughalready: I hate it when you lump everyone into one mold if they are liberal or conservative. Fred Honsberger used to do this on the radio. He said if you are a democrat, you aren’t a Christian. That is the dumbest thing for anyone to say. I heard Jack Bennett say one election that he voted for two democrats and that is something since he is such a strong republican. So, stop with the labeling just because of a person’t political affilation.
By steve, May 16, 2015 @ 8:23 PM
Here are some of Jorn’s comments during the last election for commissioner. Go figure he’s asking Dave Wolfe for specific answers, but gets all huffy when someone asks him! What a joke lol.
http://www.thekittanningpaper.info/2011/11/02/commissioner-candidates-answer-hard-questions/21256#comments
By steve, May 16, 2015 @ 8:28 PM
“I agree with the others, especially Ron Townsend, Jr. – he states it the best – give the voters facts – inform us – help us to make good choices.
Publish it and we won’t beat you up for it.”
Your words Jorn. Why won’t YOU give anyone the facts?
By Rainbow Rider, May 16, 2015 @ 10:07 PM
wow, what an eye opening link you provided Steve!
Jensen states :
” Dave Wolfe states that he’s been in contact with un-named Chinese companies wanting to locate here in Armstrong County! What a cheap shot at vote-getting! C’mon Dave name the company before the election. What a stretch.”
sounds similar to a current candidate?!
By Rainbow Rider, May 16, 2015 @ 10:38 PM
“what voter in Armstrong County is stupid enough to fall for that one”
jensen also said this in reference to Dave Wolfe’s claims about being in contact with companies wanting to locate here.
sounds similar too?!
By mad-2010, May 17, 2015 @ 2:37 AM
Savvynewshound.. Yes, we should have Quad A Sports facilities. Looks like someone or they dropped the ball and didn’t manage the money right. How I don’t Know. If you know I am here to read your post….
By mad-2010, May 17, 2015 @ 3:24 AM
Good Job, Steve.. Don’t let JJ worm his way out of the truth… We need Honest people with integrity as Commissioners in Armstrong County. Two important things JJ does not have……
By mad-2010, May 17, 2015 @ 3:32 AM
Jensen… Now, Why would you be the target of other people? Love to hear your answer!!
By mad-2010, May 17, 2015 @ 8:05 AM
“Being a liberal means being a hypocrite.” Your own words Jensen on many - many post by you.
“Do you see why I like to keep the liberals posting? They just continue to display the empty left as others laugh at them – it is good entertainment.” Again, Jensen, your own words from many posts.
And you have the nerve to Post This:
“Should you ever find yourself the target of other peoples’ bitterness, smallness, or insecurities, remember – things could be worse……you could be them.”
As I said before: We need Honest People with Integrity as Commissioners in Armstrong County!
Two Important things Jensen Does Not Have!
By jorn jensen, May 17, 2015 @ 8:55 AM
steve - Whatever facts I give, the trolls spin it. Example: I state that I believe that I can get a division of a company to move here - a client company, and others, - but bluto and Mad, or it was flamingo, (some pseudonym), feel that is not good enough - that a whole corporation, with the home office, must move here, to ‘count’ as a move. That is a spin. KPM, Ford City, is a division of a company headquartered in Germany. They are not moving their headquarters to Ford City, but their division, in Ford City, employs local people. Imagine that. Is that okay?
bluto - You paint me with a wide brush to suit yourself and your attacks on me. I am ‘live and let live’ - and that means that if you, like others, want to work union, then do so and if I, or others, want to work non-union, then let us do so without reprisals. Not sure if that goes right over your head? I applauded Dave Wolfe’s efforts to bring LOF mirror, or whatever their new, foreign name is, to Armstrong County. Gladly invite those union jobs here - they are jobs. It wasn’t Dave who fell down on that one - it was county administration somewhere in our county. Each of the democrat candidates that participated in the May 14th meet the candidates at Lenape Tech stated that they were pro-union - and that is what I stated in my comment above. If any of the 5 democrat candidates can bring in a union or non-union private sector company and can provide jobs for the area, then bring it on, thank you.
The voters have a chance to select myself, from business and industry, to help move this county into the future. I am the true conservative republican candidate that work work to cut taxes and bring in private sector business and industry. I am pro-life and endorsed by LifePAC and I am endorsed by FOAC. The voters have many choices on Tuesday, including one suing the taxpayers, and another that is totally invisible - hasn’t been to any meet the public events - be informed, choose wisely.
By Rainbow Rider, May 17, 2015 @ 4:39 PM
jensen must not have read his own comments to Dave Wolfe in the link Steve shared. He accused Dave of basically the same thing he himself has done lately. Dave didn’t call him any names though or offer to meet him face to face.he was a troll to Dave.
By mad-2010, May 17, 2015 @ 5:46 PM
“But, this concerns me the most – the resumes of two of the commissioner candidates will not be attractive to prospective industrial employers – 33 years with the United Steelworkers union, international representative of the union,’a former local union president’ – those credentials are scary to industrial employers. Might sound cruel, but that is reality.”
Jensens’ Words Above and he says he’s Pro-Union “live and let Live”
Except for the Steelworkers of America, Wow!!
I will say it again: We need Honest People with Integrity as Commissioners of Armstrong County.
By Flamingo1, May 17, 2015 @ 6:24 PM
The Republican commissioner candidate sure does have a truthiness problem. I just wanted to know who and how he could bring new jobs to the county. I NEVER said it had to be corporate headquarters or even a division. Just jobs. All I wanted was some proof of his claims.
That candidate just calls names and rants and rants. I note none of the other candidates choose to offend and or go ballistic over issues.
I sure hope he spent his last penny putting up all those signs. He can probably paper the inside of his garage with them after the primary. The ultimate in narcissism.
And thanks Mad for the reminder of all of his bad behavior.
By blutoblutarsky, May 18, 2015 @ 1:18 PM
jorn- That was quite the hit your credibility just took from Steve’s find. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black, wow!
It’s absolutely laughable that you’re claiming you’re pro-union now that there is an election on the line. You’ve done nothing but bash unions on this site for years whether they create jobs or not!
Flamingo is correct that they never said the county HAD to have the headquarters of a company. I even brought that to your attention in another thread. Proof of what you were claiming was the only item in question (which is what you asked of Dave Wolfe). I’m convinced you’ve been lying so much the past few weeks that you have no idea what is the truth and what are lies anymore.
Mad said it best- We need honesty and integrity from our commissioners. You’ve fallen short on both.
P.S.- It’s hard to spin facts when you haven’t given a single one yet.
By scott_starr, May 18, 2015 @ 2:41 PM
for any of those who read this but do not comment:
There was some back and forth about pushing PA to be a “Right to Work” State.
For those who are interested, the CEO of Volvo announced today that Volvo will build a new facility in Charleston,SC ( BMW, Mercedes and Michelin are all near Spartansburg,SC)
While it was a 3 minute interview the reasons given for choosing SC over other states was:
1. Educated Work force ( PA has that).
2. Proximity to a port ( PA is 1 day drive to Port of NY/NJ, Baltimore, PHiladelphia and, I think, Norfolk)
3. RIGHT TO WORK STATE
IF PA was Right to work state, it does not mean that Volvo would have relocated to the state, however it does mean that it would not have been excluded ( at least giving PA a shot) based on that particular piece of legislation.
This is, for those of you who wonder if being a Right to work state is important to businesses, rather obvious.
However, most of the business people I know say property taxes ( for the business) is very low on the importance factor (it is more of an issue for personal residences). Corporate Taxes are much higher on the scale. Obviously the more sales the business has, the more important Corporate taxes are on the scale.
Also, there was back and forth about Why Cranberry Twp is growing, but Armstrong is not… The answer can be found on the map, it’s called Geography. Cranberry is between 76 and 79, close to Pitt Airport and has ( had) wide open spaces. It was naturally a bedroom community as people fled Allegheny County (high property taxes), and the schools offered more opportunity than many other schools ( back then the schools are getting too big now) later a developer came in and started to build industrial parks. MSA built a park and moved it’s HQ to Cranberry, others soon followed but the biggest boon was Westinghouse.(businesses did not move to Cranberry to avoid high property taxes).
It’s all fact.
This whole other argument about bringing in businesses and demanding that names be given is just silly. First, no one should say that they can get a business to move here (unless they are the owner of said business). Second, the quickest way for a business not to move here is to name names. Anyone who works in an office or production unit knows how fast rumors spread.
And to save the time to the attackers on here, I said (referencing the Dave wolf thread) that if would jeopardize the company moving to Armstrong, DO NOT mention the company name. ( of course we see the company did not move to Armstrong).
For those reading on here hoping to get some insight to candidates…. You have to spend the time and get out there yourself.
Several have given phone numbers and e-mails for those who don’t have the time to make the meetings, call them and or contact them, don’t be shy, and try to contact those who didn’t give their numbers either ( look em up).
I don’t blame the silent readers for not posting on a blog asking questions to the candidates for fear of being attacked.
By steve, May 18, 2015 @ 5:16 PM
Jorn, nobody spun anything about a company headquarters having to move to the area. In fact, nobody even requested that. You’re either imagining things or you’re lying.
So after reading your past comments, why is it ok for you to ask questions of the candidates, but nobody is permitted to ask you?
Here is another snapshot of your hypocrisy-
“C’mon Dave, name the company before the election. What a stretch! Obama helping you with this?”
Wow! When numerous people asked you to name your companies you cited a fabricated confidentiality policy and cried like a baby that people were trolling you. Honesty is not your friend Jorn.
BTW, Scott Starr had better shake his finger at Jorn for asking a commissioners candidate questions. After last week we all know how he dislikes that. Better late than never!
By scott_starr, May 18, 2015 @ 9:36 PM
@Steve:
I will this make the exception this time to your persona non grata status.
I didn’t think it right that alleged voters would only berate 1 candidate, because he ” was active on the blog”.
No one asked Croyle a question, and he owns the blog. Other candidates announced on this blog and no one would ask them questions either.
so if you can twist that into ” shaking a finger for asking commissioners candidates questions” your faculties and comprehension are even more substandard than I have expected.
congratulations for exceeding my expectations.
By jorn jensen, May 18, 2015 @ 10:35 PM
Thank you Scott_Starr. You ARE an intelligent, informed individual.
Sorry folks, I did not read the usual troll attacks, so no comment on those.
We can get private sector business and industry to move to Armstrong County - we have space, we have and can train people - I maintain that Lenape Tech is the gem here - we need to be inviting. Public sector people walking picket lines is NOT a form of inviting.
One of my customers would locate a division here if we had rail, fair taxes, right-to-work. They see KOZ as a plus, but not as a deal-breaker. They don’t need a seaport. They see our highway systems as adequate, but a modern 4 lane connector to route 80 would be a plus (they use both rail and trucking).
Take a look at the article in the Trib - ASD, Armstrong school District, is the 10th highest-paying school district in the 500 plus school districts in this state. Where does all of that money come from?
So, the ‘fix’ for Armstrong County is many-fold. We need to change our mindset - electing more of the same will get us more of the same failed results.
By mad-2010, May 18, 2015 @ 10:45 PM
Steve, Bluto… Jensens expense for the campaign was $250 or less, Wow!! Makes you wonder if he was at all serious, probably Not! That’s Funny!!
By Rainbow Rider, May 19, 2015 @ 12:36 AM
No sense in dirtying your hands by trying to throw grass on jensens fesces scott. he caused his problems let him stew in them
By Flamingo1, May 19, 2015 @ 8:57 AM
@Scott Starr
A note about the Volvo story. The state of South Carolina lined up $200 million in bonds to buy the property and finance infrastructure improvements. The company will offer about 2000 jobs that pay $15 per hour. It is obvious the company did not want to go into a “union” state. However the $15 an hour jobs won’t even put a worker at median income rates. I have always understood that the rise of the middle class following WWII came because of unionized manufacturing jobs—-a la Westinghouse, GE, GM, etc.
By jd718, May 19, 2015 @ 9:09 AM
What a Hypocrite!
By blutoblutarsky, May 19, 2015 @ 5:07 PM
Scott- It’s a little silly to say that because one automaker requires a right to work state, all businesses need this as well. You can’t cite one example and say that is a standard business practice. Look at what VW wanted to do in Tennessee for example.
My point being (and the original point to jorn that you are ignoring) is that other areas have thrived without PA being “right to work”. In case this did not happen, I asked what jorn’s plan was. Simple as that… and a very valid question.
Yes, Cranberry has a good location. Armstrong County really does not have a bad one. You just further proved my point to jorn that there are many other factors at play when a company makes these decisions… not just right to work.
What was requested of jorn was exactly what he requested of Dave Wolfe… so what is the problem? I believe the company name request was very recent and was only to call jorn’s bluff (lets face it, that’s all it REALLY is; one big pile of b.s.).
Thanks for reading Scott.
By steve, May 19, 2015 @ 6:13 PM
There’s Scotty! LOL
Nobody attacked a single person who asked a question. Jorn just refused to answer any despite always requiring responses to his. Don’t be so dramatic.
By jd718, May 20, 2015 @ 12:45 AM
The Intellectual God’s have spoken, Who Cares!
Expectations! Really! Who Cares…..
By mad-2010, May 20, 2015 @ 7:28 AM
At Least he was next to last!
At Least he used his Real Name!
At Least All is Well in Happy Valley!
At Last it’s Over! LOL, LOL………
By mad-2010, May 20, 2015 @ 7:41 AM
This ones for you: Pop goes the Weasel!
LOL
By steve, May 20, 2015 @ 8:28 AM
Scott, Bluto openly challenged Mr. Croyle regarding the Republican’s decision to skip candidates night. Before you make accusations and question people’s “faculties and comprehension” you may want to make sure you’re actually correct. haha
Flamingo is one of the most reasonable people who post here and Jensen called them a “disgusting human being” for asking a simple question. Who in their right mind defends someone who acts like that; let alone someone running for public office????
By steve, May 20, 2015 @ 8:33 AM
mad- Think about it. Jorn said he used 3 tanks of gas to put his signs up, drove around to weedwack them and he had to purchase the signs. He must have had a heck of a lot of fuel perk discounts to keep under his $250 limit jk haha!
By jd718, May 20, 2015 @ 8:53 AM
We have a Large Lap Dog on this thread! Good dog, good dog, you get it! You are a very Intellectual dog aren’t you! Good boy, good boy!
HaHa……
By scott_starr, May 20, 2015 @ 9:19 AM
@Bluto:
Apparently there is a comprehension issue.
Please show me where I said any of what you claim? Where did I say “all businesses need this”
All I said was that it was important to business, I didn’t say it was standard practice or anything else. ( please quit making stuff up, bluto)
Tenessee is a Right to work state, since 1947.
What is your point about Volkswagen? right to work is to curtail forced unionism. The fact that Volkswagen will allow the UAW to represent folks who choose to sign up with the Union does’nt mean crap or strengthen you point.
How’s this for a point… Volkswagen chose a right to work state to build it’s plant. ( VW chose to deal with the Union, it wasn’t forced on VW, the beauty of right to work states)
Again, about ” proving your point” on cranberry once again the comprehension issue comes into play.
That there are pockets of growth in PA does not support your point.
You can not support your “points” all you can do is take what someone writes and try to refute it by misrepresenting, not comprehending and out right fabrication. I don’t recall Jorn saying that right to work was the “only factor”, if he did he was wrong. However, Right to work is a factor, instead of just admitting that point, you twist it to be that it is the only factor.
On the Disclosure of Businesses moving. I said that no one should say they can get a business to relocate, nor should the name of any business be disclosed.
You are trying to call a bluff ? Well, getting jobs to Armstrong is more important than putting someone on the spot, at least in my opinion.
By scott_starr, May 20, 2015 @ 9:29 AM
@Flamingo:
Ask people in Armstrong if they would take a $15/hr job or no job.
In all honesty, let’s look at the growth in the USA after WWII. The US was the major industrialized nation which was not devastated after WWII, our manufacturing was in tact while Europe and Asia were bombed out.
Union or not, there would have been a rising middle class after WWII. Just look at the demographics at that time. The world was buying our steel, glass and other items as we were the only game in town.
By blutoblutarsky, May 20, 2015 @ 1:02 PM
Scott- Just saw your last post to Steve. I’ve criticized Mr. Croyle a few times here and while he may not have agreed with me, he responded respectfully. I can’t say the same for jorn.
You would think that someone who intentionally showcases an above average vocabulary would also have above average comprehension skills. Let’s just hope you simply missed all of those posts.
As for jensen getting “berated”… are you serious? He was asked a small handful of questions. jorn has continually engaged and hurled insults at anyone who has disagreed with him for years here. What did you expect? If you’re that concerned about his welfare why don’t you go help him take down his signs today?
On that note, congrats on your defeat of Mel Marin jorn.
By jd718, May 20, 2015 @ 3:40 PM
“I didn’t think it right that alleged voters would only berate 1 candidate, because he ” was active on the blog”.”
Is This The Best You Got!!
Wrong- Try Again!! Ha-Ha…. Back at you Slick! Ha-Ha….
By blutoblutarsky, May 20, 2015 @ 5:27 PM
Scott- After your 9:19 am tirade, I am certain of one thing. The only point you have is the one on top of your head.
As I stated repeatedly but you refused to acknowledge- Businesses may value “right to work” differently. It all depends on the business. Pennsylvania can thrive with or without it. There are many factors at play. Jorn wanted everyone to believe our state was doomed if it didn’t accept right to work. I was letting him know of the other factors to consider. The end.
lol
By Flamingo1, May 20, 2015 @ 5:31 PM
@Scott
I don’t know if Armstrong County people would take a $15 per hour job. But a family of three and four would qualify for food stamps. O wait, that means most of the employees of Walmart would quality also. I just know that union jobs pay better and the rise of the middle class was tied to unions—-teachers, carmakers, public employees.
By mark, May 20, 2015 @ 5:33 PM
I want to congratulate Jorn, and all the candidates for that matter, for taking the time, money and effort to participate in this important election.
I strongly feel Armstrong County can be a great place to live again someday. Will the new commissioners be a step forward? Time will tell.
By jd718, May 20, 2015 @ 7:23 PM
Wow!! Such ostentatious loftiness of language and behavior. Could all this be called Vainglorious! Ha-Ha, Ha-Ha
By scott_starr, May 20, 2015 @ 8:00 PM
@bluto:
once again comprehension comes into play.
Let’s frame the discussion correctly.
1. Discussion centered around the various Commissoner Candidate articles on this site.
( Somehow you stretched this into every discussion on the lifetime of the blog.. )
2. I merely pointed out that You and your minions did not ask questions of any of the other candidates.. your response was that jorn was active on this blog.
( Croyle owns this blog and you and minions didn’t ask him any questions, he did get involved in several back and forths, you didn’t post any questions to Shay on his announcement.) So, you admit that Croyle was active on the blog but you didn’t ask him any questions on his positions as commissioner. ( which is the reason you used to ask jensen questions).. I find that curious.
3. You and the minions piled on jensen. He did offer to answer your questions in person, and you declined… not sure why as your excuse didn’t really make sense.
As a taxpayer you are entitled to ask questions, on a blog using a pseudonym, I would also be hesitant to answer especially concerning the history.
4. I stated before that jensen may not have answered in the best way. ( I guess you will only accept total repudiation) Yet you use the kindergarden excuse that ” he spoke bad first, so I did it back”. Good for you! but you have to sit the first 15 minutes of recess.
5.Congratulating Jorn on defeating Mel Marin, well I have to say in all honesty…. that was funny.
By worthingtonman, May 20, 2015 @ 10:53 PM
The demise of the middle class can clearly be tied to the teachers, public employees and Unions. I could throw Automakers in there also since so much government funding had to be spent to save those businesses. There are way to many people on the public payroll.
By worthingtonman, May 20, 2015 @ 11:02 PM
Scott you are by far the most intelligent man that comments on this blog dang I just don’t remember you being that smart in school! Anyways you having a battle of wits with Bluto is just not fair because he is obviously an unarmed man. He along with his fellow communist buddies showed way too much excitement on their daily smearing of Jorn. I have my differences with Jorn, but he is by far a better person for standing up for what he believes in and trying to make a difference.
By jorn jensen, May 21, 2015 @ 12:33 AM
So, you trolls were offering wagers on my total vote counts - one stated (I don’t recall which one and I honestly don’t care which one) that I’d max out at 125. Seems that I did a lot better than that.
Actually, some of you trolls got votes also - write-ins. Heard that blutoblutarsky had 2 write-in votes, Flamingo had 3, mad2010 had 2, and John Deere 718 had quite a number. The courthouse is trying to determine how to contact y’all to congratulate you.
I thank all of my supporters and those who voted for me. They understand the problem we have in this county and this state. I think Renshaw and Fabian understand the problems also - it is just a question of ‘how to tread forward’ and not alienate their supporters. I stated it the way I see it from experience in other parts of the US and around the world. I’ll be watching these guys to see how they tackle these challenges.
On the dem side, I favored Anthony Shea because he is pro-life and pro-gun - he was endorsed by LifePAC and FOAC (Firearm Owners Against Crime), as was I, and because he has a ‘worldly view’ with his military experience in various countries - he’s been outside of Armstrong County, PA.
Pat Fabian impressed me at the dem meet the candidates night at Lenape - he sounded very republican…..”Okay, but not if they use our taxes for this or that”…..or, “okay, as long as they don’t raise taxes to do it” and so on. One thing that I didn’t like was that most every response started with “Manor Township” - there’s more to Armstrong County than Manor Township. Hopefully, he’ll tone down that Manor Township rhetoric in the fall.
I’m hearing republicans saying that they’re voting dem in the fall. The fall may prove quite interesting. I’m planning to vote repub.
I offered my services to the taxpayers of this county - I’m sorry that my platform was not what was seen as desirable (cutting taxes and bringing in private sector business and industry - and pushing state legislators on property tax elimination and making PA a right-to-work state). There’s no way that I was going to spend $15,000/$18,000 for a $60,000/year job - not my money, nor any supporters’ money. I’ll just keep on consulting for more money.
Mel Marin taught us all a very valuable lesson - at least for those that want to learn - he’s suing Armstrong County for something - that means that he is suing the taxpayers of Armstrong County - that means that he is suing the voters of Armstrong County - and voters voted for him. His whole campaign was door-to-door and he was able to schmooze enough uniformed voters to vote for him. And other people spent thousands of dollars to get hundreds more votes than Mel Marin did. I’d like to hear just one troll admit that the man taught us all a lesson - because he did. Tom Wolf taught us all the same lesson - he told everyone that he was going to tax the living daylights out of us and he got votes - lots of votes.
Another lesson learned - along the same lines - guy runs, makes no public appearances, states no platform and no discussion on issues - and gets lots of votes. Awesome! I hear that he’s a nice guy - I’d like to meet him and understand what his thoughts are on how he could have helped Armstrong County move into the future. All I heard from a supporter is 4 words as an answer to a lady who asked his ‘platform’ - response was, “He’s for the working man.” Okay. What does that mean?
By Flamingo1, May 21, 2015 @ 1:37 AM
Bluto I think you need to be more respectful of Scott Starr. i seldom agree with Scott, but he is always civil. Keep your comments civil and we can all have a spirited and interesting discussion.
The thoughtful exchange of ideas is the backbone of democracy. The dispensing of personal attacks runs on a downward spiral.
By jd718, May 21, 2015 @ 5:03 AM
1,2,3,4,5…. OMG… The primary is over let’s move on.. I am sure you can comprehend that!
By mad-2010, May 21, 2015 @ 7:35 AM
If someone could stop drinking maybe they wouldn’t get so long winded! Wow.. On and On!
By jorn jensen, May 21, 2015 @ 8:29 AM
Scott_Starr - Like sickofpayingforit told me, you are wasting your time explaining anything to the trolls. But, hopefully, other people read these comments and understand - so there is still value in trying to ‘show’ something to bluto.
Your comment, 9:19 PM, 5/20/15, captures the bluto perfectly “You cannot support your “points” all you can do is take what someone writes and try to refute it by misrepresenting, not comprehending and outright fabrication (spinning). I don’t recall Jorn saying that right to work was the “only Factor”, if he did he was wrong. (see paragraph 4, my comment, 10:35 PM, 5/18/15). However, Right to work is a factor, instead of just admitting that point, you twist it to be that it is the only factor.”
I offer that bluto is educated, well-written, and a spin-master - and that bluto fears right to work. What does that tell an intelligent reader?
I threw bluto a bone to chew on in my comment from last night - there’s actually 5 words, not 4 words. Let’s see if bluto does a word count study, and correction effort, on that. That actual response was 4 words “for the working man.” and the He’s should have been in parenthesis - “(He’s) for the working man.” Have at it bluto.
By blutoblutarsky, May 21, 2015 @ 12:47 PM
Minions? Scott, you’ve grossly overestimated my power on this site lol.
I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree because we see things so differently. Overall, your argument does sort of lose it’s flavor considering jorn continually seeked out and responded to these debates himself. Let’s be honest here; the guy loves arguing and treating people who’s opinions differ from his like garbage.
Regardless, the people who made the cut put the county in a much better position than jorn could and that’s what is important. Let’s all be thankful they got the votes.
By steve, May 21, 2015 @ 2:38 PM
Will someone please get Scotty a box of tissues! Heck, throw in a personally autographed commemorative photo of Jensen’s campaign announcement on the KP site!
By steve, May 21, 2015 @ 2:40 PM
Speaking of Jensen, I wonder if he’s hiding out licking his wounds after that stellar showing.