Court of Common Pleas – May 2015

 

Facts:   *You will be voting for 2 candidates this election year.

*Court of Common Pleas has 11 members that work for Erie County.

            *A Common Please Judge serves a 10 Year Term with an annual pay of $178,111.

            *Candidates for the Court of Common Pleas can cross file on both ballots.

 

Current Judges: Shad Connelly (retiring), Ernest DiSantis Jr. (retiring), John Bozza, Daniel Brabender Jr., William Cunningham, Stephanie Domitrovich, Michael Dunlavey, John Garhart, Elizabeth Kelly, Robert Sambroak Jr., and John Trucilla.

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Damon Hopkins

 

Website:         www.hopkinsforjudge.com

 
Hometown:    Millcreek Township
 
Current Job:   Private practice since 2004 – focusing on family law and criminal cases
 
Pro-Life? Yes. He replied to the People for Life survey.

Pro-2^nd Amendment? Yes. I spoke with Damon personally on the phone and he very courteously outlined his 2^nd Amendment beliefs.

 
Comments: I like the fact that he was born and raised in Erie, PA. His website is the most informative. His campaign speech and Issues section on his website is excellent. You should check it out. He answered the PA Family Institute Survey.

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Joe Walsh

                      
Website:      www.joewalshforjudge.com
 
Hometown: Erie, PA
 
Current Job: Practicing law at Shapira, Hutzelman, Smith & Walsh (since 1986)
 
Pro-Life?     Yes. He replied to the People for Life survey.

Pro-2^nd Amendment? Unknown. I tried to contact him for his stance on his website’s Contact page but the Contact form failed and wouldn’t go through.

 
Comments: Joe is the only candidate who is a veteran (4 years in Navy).  It might be of interest that he is endorsed by Robert Brabender – an Erie lawyer and brother of Judge Daniel Brabender. The reference from the local farmer on his page is encouraging. He has a lot of experience and he is one of the candidates born and raised in Erie County. He answered the PA Family Institute Survey.

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MY PICKS: Damon Hopkins and Joe Walsh

 

More Candidates Below...

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Ed Smith

Website:         www.edsmithforjudge.com  

Hometown:     ??

Current Job:   Partner at Shapira, Hutzelman, Berlin, Ely, Smith & Walsh

Pro-Life?         Yes. He replied to the People for Life survey.

Pro-2^nd Amendment?                    Unknown. He is not endorsed by Firearms Owners Against Crime.

Comments: I really like his reply letter to the PA Family Institute. However, his website is not very informative.

 

 

Elvage Murphy

Website:         elvagemurphyforjudge.com

Hometown:    ??

Current Job:   Private Practice since 2002 and Professor in the Political Science department at Edinboro University since 2002

Pro-Life? Unknown. No response to the People for Life survey but he did speak with People for Life and expressed general pro-life sentiments.

Pro-2^nd Amendment? Unknown. Not endorsed by Firearms Owners Against Crime.

Comments: His website was disjointed and hard to read. He did reply to a few of the questions on the PA Family Survey.

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 Jamie Mead

Website:        www.jamiemead4judge.com

Hometown:   Fairview, PA

Current Job:  Lawyer at the Mead Law Firm which specializes in criminal defense as well as civil and municipal legal representation.

Pro-Life? Unknown. He didn’t answer the People for Life survey.

Pro-2^nd Amendment? Yes. Endorsed by Firearms Owners Against Crime.

Comments: He is a board member and shareholder of the Times Publishing Company – which publishes Erie Times News. Jamie also had a summary disorderly conduct plea and a DUI charge more than 10 years ago. He openly discusses how he addressed those problems in the ETN May 3^rd article. He did answer some of the questions on the PA Family Institute Survey. **

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Chad Vilushis

Website:      www.chadvilushisforjudge.com

Hometown:    Fairview, PA

Current Job:   Associate with the Travis Law firm since 2005 – concentrating his practice in the areas of DUI and criminal defense.

Pro-Life? Unknown. No response to the People for Life survey.

Pro-2^nd Amendment? Unknown. Not endorsed by Firearms Owners Against Crime.

Comments: The emphasized endorsements on his website and mail flyers are interesting. He began his career as a law clerk for Judge Ernest DiSantis. He did not reply to the PA Family Institute Survey.

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Erin Connelly

Website:      no website but there is a Facebook page

Hometown:    ??

Current Job:   Erie County Assistant District Attorney for past 12 years

Pro-Life? Unknown. No response to the People for Life survey.

Pro-2^nd Amendment? Unknown. Not endorsed by Firearms Owners Against Crime.

Comments: I won’t vote for a candidate who doesn’t provide a website or at least some information on a Facebook page. I would like to point out that her father is a judge (about to retire) on the Court of Common Pleas. She did not reply to the PA Family Institute Survey.

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MY PICKS: Damon Hopkins and Joe Walsh

 

Summary:

I based my final decision on who was the most transparent and who would be toughest on crime and gun violence. I want someone who will have integrity and look out for our kids and our families.

As always, I encourage you to do your own research and make your own decisions.

Sources:

Erie Times News Articles

Candidate’s Websites and/or Facebook Page / Candidate’s Mailed Flyers

People for Life survey / Firearms Owners Against Crime / www.pafamily.org

 

PA State Supreme Court Race - May 19, 2015

PA State Supreme Court Candidates – May 19, 2015

Facts:  PA Supreme Court Judges serve a 10 year term. Annual Salary is $203,409.

Due to the recent scandals and subsequent resignations, there will be an unprecedented vote for 3 Judge openings.

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Cheryl Allen

 

Website: www.judgecherylallen.com

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

Current Job: Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge since 2007

Past Work History: 1990-2008-Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge, 1975-1999 Staff Attorney and Attorney, Pre-1975-Elementary School Teacher

Pro-Life? Yes. Endorsed by PA Pro-Life Federation. 

Pro-2^nd Amendment? Yes. Endorsed by FOAC.

Comments: She did not supply information to vote411.org, but she provided answers to PA Family Institute. I love the quotes on her website and she has a great story.

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Rebecca L. Warren

Website:  No website but she does have an informative Facebook page

Hometown: Danville, PA (east central pa)

Current Job: District Attorney of Montour County since 2012

Past Work History: 2002-2011-Attorney, 1999-2001-Assistant District Attorney, 1997-2000-Attorney and Partner, 1989-1991 Law clerk

 

Pro-Life? Yes. Endorsed by PA Pro-Life Federation. 

Pro-2^nd Amendment? Yes. Endorsed by FOAC.

 

 

Comments: She supplied information to vote411.org and answers to PA Family Institute Survey.

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Judy Olson

Website: electjudgejudy.com

Hometown: Allegheny county (Pittsburgh area)

Current Job: Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge since 2010

Past Work History: 2008-2009-Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas Judge, 1984-2008-Attorney, 1982-1984-Law Clerk

Endorsed by: PA Republican Party, PA State Troopers

 

Pro-Life? Yes. Endorsed by PA Pro-Life Federation.
Pro-2^nd Amendment? Yes. Endorsed by FOAC.

 

 

Comments: Supplied information to vote411.org. I was disappointed with her “Decline to answer” on some of the questions from the PA Family Survey. Lifelong resident of Pennsylvania.
 

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  MY TOP 3: Cheryl Allen, Rebecca Warren, and Judy Olson

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Pennsylvania Governor Race 2014

Pennsylvania Governor Race 2014

Tom Corbett (www.tomcorbettforgovernor.com)

Current Job: Pennsylvania Governor

Residence: Shaler Township (minutes from downtown Pittsburgh)

Phone#: 717-238-4009



 

1. Pro-Life? YES. Endorsed by People for Life and Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation

2. Pro-2^nd Amendment? YES. Endorsed by Firearms Owners Against Crime. “A” rating from National Rifle Association. (Please visit www.foac-pac.org for more information on why they support him)

3. Education Plan? Corbett said he is studying how to revamp the current education funding formula. He also has a proposed pension reform plan to help alleviate the growing pension burden on the education budget. Tom Corbett has raised the state education budget since he has been in office. This is fact. Ed Rendell received a temporary federal stimulus grant from Obama’s economic stimulus bill. That stimulus money expired back in 2010.

Supports Common Core? NO.

 
Public Sector Pension Reform Plan? New employees would have a defined benefit plan based on their first $50,000 of income, and income above that threshold would be based on a 401(k) type system. The plan would not apply to current employees or retirees.

Marcellus Shale? I called Corbett’s office and his staff member did a very good job of explaining the taxes in the Marcellus Shale industry. We already have an Impact tax and high Corporate taxes on the gas industry businesses. So, the Marcellus Shale industry is taxed in PA. No, we don’t have a severance tax. Yes, other states have a severance tax but then they don’t have Impact fees like we do. Also, I was told that severance taxes would have to go into the state general fund and controlled by the state legislature. Impact fees are controlled locally (by the counties or township).

Will you raise taxes? He already did, didn’t he? He raised the taxes on gas at the pump and vehicle fees (such as car registrations,etc…). Now, I called his office and asked if he would ever raise taxes again. His staff member said the only time Corbett would consider raising taxes would be if the rising state Pension costs weren’t resolved. The staff member emphasized that raising taxes would be Corbett’s last resort and he would pursue other solutions first.

Should the state sell state-owned liquor stores to private businesses? YES.
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Tom Wolf (www.wolfforpa.com)

Current Job: Chairman, Wolf Organization

Residence: York County (near Lancaster and Philadelphia)

Phone#: 717-650-1912



 

1. Pro-Life? NO. Endorsed by Planned Parenthood and National Abortion Rights Action League.

2. Pro-2^nd Amendment? NO. Approved by CeaseFirePA.*

3. Education Plan? In Wolf’s Fresh Start Plan, he said he would increase the State’s share of education funding and create a fair funding formula. Wolf said he would boost education funding by imposing a 5 percent extraction tax on the Marcellas Shale gas industry. He said he would spread that 5 percent tax to communities affected by drilling, a portion to greater environmental oversight, and another portion to putting the infrastructure in place…to a sustainable energy future. So, how much of the extraction tax would actually go to Education remains to be seen. (more educational plan notes on Summary page)

Supports Common Core? His office would NOT answer this question when I asked this question personally. Wolf did not answer this question on the Focus Voter survey. After I listened to the runaround, I asked if he doesn’t support Common Core…they said he was still making a decision on this. (I’ll let you figure out what that means)

Public Sector Pension Reform Plan? Wolf wants to give Act 120 – a pension reform bill passed in 2010 – a chance to work. He said he would go to the legislature to determine a plan to come up with an estimated $9-$10 billion to cover the immediate pension debt. If Wolf and lawmakers could not come up with a plan, he suggests a pension obligation bond that could be repaid over 20 years as a possible solution.

Marcellus Shale? I called his office and they said they wanted to implement a 5% severance tax. (This would be in addition to the Impact fees and Corporate taxes, not a replacement)

Will you raise taxes? Yes, his office stated that he plans on implementing a Progressive Income tax on individuals and businesses starting at $90,000 and above.

Should the state sell state-owned liquor stores to private businesses? NO.
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MY PICK: Tom Corbett.

Reasons:
*Corbett is 100% Pro-Life and 100% Pro-2nd Amendment. Wolf is not.
*He does not support Common Core. Wolf supports Common Core.
*He is from the western side of the state - which gives him automatic bonus points. Wolf affiliates with the Philadelphia area.
*His office answered my questions clearly and directly - even when I might not like the answer. Wolf's office did not answer my questions clearly or directly.
*Yes, he made the stupid mistake of raising transportation taxes and fees, but raising taxes once in 4 years is nothing compared to Wolf's plan of taxes, taxes, and more government spending. 
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Sources: People for Life survey (www.peopleforlife.org), FOAC Guide (www.foac-pac.org), Cease Fire PA, Focus Voter survey (www.focusvoter.com), Erie Times News articles (www.goerie.com), candidate’s websites, and candidate’s campaign offices.

 

Millcreek School Board - November 2013

Millcreek School District 2013

 
Facts:
The Millcreek School Board is made up of 9 members. / The Millcreek School District is currently facing a 9 million dollar deficit.

Recommendation: Vote for anyone except John DiPlacido.

 

Vote for not more than 4:
w
Mike Kobylka – current school board member running for a 2^nd term
Website:              couldn’t find one
Address:             5120 Cherry St, 16509
Current Job:        Broadcast engineer for Jet and Lily broadcasting / also employed at Gannon and Penn       State Behrend Communications Dept.

1. Closing Elementary Schools? Against it.

2. Term Limits?  Not available
Comments:         He is the ONLY school board member who voted against the $100 million Mega school project and he voted against the salary increase for Golde. Mike stands apart from the other school board members just by being polite and respectful of the Parents who show up at the school board meetings.
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Donna Reese

Website:              www.reeseforschoolboard.com
Address:             4057 Calico Dr, 16506
Current Job:     General Exterminating co-owner/owner of Erie Small Business Alliance
1. Closing Elementary Schools? Against it
2. Term Limits?  Not available
Comments: Donna was prepared and organized at the April 30^th School Board Forum. She wants to bring integrity and fiscal responsibility back to the school board. I also liked Donna’s thoughtful, money-saving ideas for the school district.
 

John Pitzer – resident of Millcreek for 25 years

Website:              www.pitzerforschoolboard.com
Address:             5105 Larae Dr, 16506
Current Job:        Territory manager at Erie Industrial Supply
1. Closing Elementary Schools? I haven’t verified it but he has given me that impression.
2. Term Limits?  Na
Comments: John was also very prepared at the April 30^th Forum. He had some very good ideas about what the Millcreek School board could do going forward.
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Lou Aliota

Website:              couldn’t find one
Address:             538 Margo Court Erie, 16505
Current Job:        CEO and President at Pharmacy Management & Healthcare Consultants
1. Closing elementary schools? Against it.
2. Term Limits?  Yes. Per Facebook comments, he is for term limits.
Comments: Lou has been respectful and professional on the No New McDowell page and he has been involved with research and right to know letters from the very beginning.  

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John M. DiPlacido – absolute NO!!

Address:             3005 W 53^rd St, 16506
Current Job:        retired electrical engineer / current Millcreek School Board member
1. Closing Elementary Schools? Yes. He voted to close the 2 Millcreek elementary schools.
2. Term Limits? Not available
Comments: He voted for the $100 million Mega school project despite his constituent’s protests and he voted for a salary increase for Michael Golde. He also voted to close the two Millcreek elementary schools.
 

Sources: www.eriecountygov.org / Erie Times News

Erie County Sheriff 2013

Erie County Sheriff 2013

Eddie Whiteman

Address:                2755 Hrinda Drive, Millcreek 16506

Website:                www.eddieforsheriff.com
 

Current Job:          Owner of Eddie’s Collectibles

 



Work History:
Ø  Small business owner since 1990
Ø  WJET Videographer
Ø  Erie County D.U.I. Task Force
 
Endorsed by: Erie Police Chief Stephen E. Franklin (Ret), Firearms Owners Against Crime, United States Secret Service Certificate of Appreciation
 
Comments: Eddie has done business in the Millcreek area for many years and I know he is a man of integrity and cares about the community. The letter on his website’s home page is excellent. I encourage everyone to read his home page before you vote.
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John Loomis

 

Address:                1033 W 3^rd St, Erie 16507

 

Website:                www.johnloomissheriff.com

Current Job:          Captain of the Erie County Sheriff’s office

 

 

 Work History:

Ø  Captain since 2011
Ø  Lieutenant and Interim Captain of Warrant Unit 2009
Ø  US Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force 2006 /   Erie Fugitive Task 2002
Ø  FBI Fugitive Task Force and Warrant Unit 1999 / Deputy Sheriff 1991
Ø  Erie County Department of Corrections 1980
                             
Endorsed by: Current Sheriff Bob Merski, Retired FBI Special Agent Timothy J. Maloney,   Retired Erie Police Chief Charles E. Bowers, Retired Deputy Chief of City of Erie Bureau of Police Timothy Stucke, Retired Erie Police Officer Terry Dawley
                   

Comments:  I like most of the points on John’s ‘Goals & Plan’ link on his website. John has been an Erie County employee since 1980. I encourage everyone to read them before you vote.

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Summary: My vote is for Eddie Whiteman. I believe the Erie County Sheriff’s department needs a fresh pair of eyes and I believe Eddie has the ideas, qualifications, and experience for the job.

I encourage you to read their websites and come to your own conclusions.

 

Sources: www.eriecountygov.org / Erie Times News articles / candidate’s websites