The LuLac Edition #4, 941, March 30th, 2023
BREAKING NEWS
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ACCUSATION IS CONFESSION
LYING CRYING BOGNET WHINES BEFORE CONGRESS
Jim Bognet who lost two Congressional races to Matt Cartwright by thousands of votes was lying and crying before a Congressional investigation that has no jurisdiction in Luzerne County. It was a vanity performance of hand wringing on hysteria all over paper that wasn’t ordered properly. Jennifer Learnes Andres reports it this way from the Times Leader.
A Congressional committee spent three hours Tuesday collecting testimony and asking questions about Luzerne County’s November general election paper shortage.
At the close of the hearing in Washington, D.C., the Committee on House Administration Chairman — U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wisconsin — thanked the seven witnesses and said each committee member will have five days to submit additional information.
The witnesses: Jim Bognet, a Republican Congressional candidate in the November general election; Darin Gibbons, counsel for the Republican National Committee; Donald Palmer, commissioner of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission; Alisha Hoffman-Mirilovich, executive director of Action Together NEPA; and citizens Theodore Fitzgerald, Benjamin Herring and James Walsh.
In his opening statement, Steil highlighted that nearly one-third of the county’s voting precincts ran out of proper-stock paper on Nov. 8, some shortly after the polls opened. Amid the confusion, some poll workers rushed to stores to buy standard copy paper, while others made copies of ballots, he said.
Steil said it was disappointing county representatives did not accept the committee’s invitation to appear and answer straightforward questions, and he added he hopes they are listening to the hearing.
The goal of the hearing is to prevent such a “disaster” from reoccurring, he said.
All three invited county officials — county Deputy Election Director Beth Gilbert, Election Board Chairwoman Denise Williams and County Council Chairwoman Kendra Radle — declined invitations to attend, primarily because the county District Attorney’s Office is still actively investigating the paper shortage.
Williams said the county law office advised her against attending due to the pending DA investigation.
County DA Sam Sanguedolce said last week his office is thoroughly investigating the cause and effect of the Nov. 8 election paper problem.
U.S. Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, D-New York, the ranking minority committee member, said the paper shortage is “inexcusable” and that nobody disputes something went wrong.
However, he asked why the committee is not waiting until the DA’s report is released, indicating he expects the report will answer many of the committee’s questions about why polling places ran out of paper for the electronic ballot marking devices, who was responsible for ordering the correct type of paper and the overall impact on voters.
Morelle also noted 10 of 11 county council members are Republican and that council hired the top county manager who ultimately was responsible for election bureau staffing.
He also defended the three invited county officials for declining to participate amid the ongoing county investigation and asserted the title of Tuesday’s hearing — “Government Voter Suppression in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania” — “more than implies” the paper shortage was a conspiracy.
He pointed to the FBI definition of voter suppression as intentionally deceiving qualified voters to prevent them from voting — a federal crime.
Morelle said county election boards are supposed to report irregularities to the county DA under state statutes and noted Sanguedolce is a Republican and qualified to conduct such an investigation.
If questions remain after the DA report is released, the Congressional committee could convene another hearing to address them, Morelle said.
U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Georgia, defended the hearing description, saying the Britannica definition of voter suppression as a measure or strategy whose purpose or practical effect is to reduce voting.
Loudermilk said he believes the hearing is timely and important and predicted it will take multiple hearings and further investigation to get to the truth of what happened and ensure it does not occur again.
Many of the witnesses statements touched on complaints and observations that were aired during heated public comment at county government meetings in the wake of the November general.
Bognet told the committee he believes the county has been using the pending DA investigation as a “shield.”
He spoke of the county’s extraordinary need to seek court approval to keep polling places open two extra hours, or until 10 p.m., due to the paper shortage.
Bognet referenced an elderly Hazleton man who appeared at his polling place with his wife shortly after 8 p.m. on Election Day to cast their ballots during the extended hours, only to learn that the overseer of this polling place refused to remain open, preventing the couple from voting.
The Hazleton man expressed his outrage in a video that was aired during the hearing and submitted as evidence.
In another video shown during the hearing, Kim Buerger, of Hunlock Township, said she waited to vote until later in the evening because she was informed her polling place was out of paper for the ballot marking devices and also had no more paper provisional and emergency ballots. She said she went to the polling place around 6- to 6:30 p.m., assuming paper would be replenished by then. Instead, she was handed a copy of a provisional ballot after she signed in. She sat at a table with others and voted on the copy, and the poll worker put it on top of a visible stack of others, she said.
Buerger said she recently researched her voting record and saw no record that her ballot was accepted.
“I’m very discouraged about our election here in Luzerne County, and I am thankful you are looking into this matter,” Buerger said.
Hundreds of votes that had been cast on copied ballots were ultimately accepted after the general, once the selections were transposed onto official ballots by a bipartisan team in public during the election board’s adjudication. Buerger’s ballot may have been among them, but that couldn’t be verified Tuesday evening.
Morelle unsuccessfully challenged the submission of videos as testimony, saying arrangements should have been made to swear in the subjects as witnesses, remotely if necessary, so they could be questioned by the committee.
U.S. Rep. H. Morgan Griffith, R-Virginia, asked questions about whether county government representatives should be subpoenaed to testify.
Another committee member, U.S. Rep. Gregory F. Murphy, R-North Carolina, said everyone on the committee wants fair elections and described the paper shortage in Luzerne County as “just flat out abysmal.” Murphy said it’s not a political party issue.
While county council has a Republican majority, Bognet pointed out Beth Gilbert, who was acting election director in the general election, had been a registered Democrat when she was hired. He also noted the five-citizen election board has three Democrats and two Republicans.
Witness statements are posted on the Congressional online hearing site. A video of the hearing is posted on YouTube.
Local U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, does not serve on the Congressional committee but was invited to participate because his district includes Luzerne County.
Meuser said the primary election is in less than 60 days, and there are still no answers about the paper problem. A Congressional hearing likely would be unnecessary if county officials had publicly taken responsibility for the paper shortage and presented a plan on how it will be prevented from occurring again, he said.
Government advisories had been issued warning counties across the country about the need to order required-stock paper in a timely manner due to supply chain issues, and he said those warnings had been “utterly ignored” in Luzerne County.
Meuser said many people were remotely viewing the hearing, and he believes the information presented will make a difference. He likened the paper situation to a Super Bowl without footballs.
MORE ON THE HEARING
During yesterday’s hearing on the Luzerne County Election, Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, after hearing Luzerne County Election Board member Alyssa Fusaro’s video statement, said he wished he could ask her questions about the racial slur comment that got her and another man out of the election office. Too bad he did not know that the other man was sitting right in front of him on the panel, Theodore “TJ” Fitzgerald.
At 2:03:27 in the hearing video, you can hear Alyssa Fusaro’s comment, followed by Rep. Morelle’s comments at 2:33:18. He did request that office of law report be put into the record regarding the racial slur. https://cha.house.gov/committee-activity/hearings/2022-midterms-look-back-series-government-voter-suppression-luzerne
The Election office has been cast as the villains in this case of tax payers money bring wasted. But maybe the GOP right wingers should look into the actions of one of their own again. The Luzerne County Law office recommended Fusaro be removed from the board but Lying, crying Brian Thornton said the Council would investigate. BUT THAT WAS MONTHS AGO and NOTHING. Lying Brian, what say you big man with big mouth? Not saying anything NOW like the coward he is. Regarding GOP Vice Chair of the Election Board Alyssa Fusaro, check this out.
CONFIDENTIAL REPORT OF INVESTIGATION BY LUZERNE COUNTY OFFICE OF LAW WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF LUZERNE COUNTY HUMAN RESOURCES
IF I WERE ON THE COMMITTEE
Mr. Bognet, you claim election fraud but yet you carried Luzerne County. Are you saying that your victory in the county was invalid?
Mr. Bognet, If things were so crooked regarding insufficient paper and the ballots how do you account for the fact that your Republican party was the only one in the state to pick up a House seat?
Mr. Bognet, if the Election Board had no integrity how do you account for the fact that the 6th District was the only one in the County that went straight Democratic?
Mr. Bognet, the right-wing nut you were running with Doug Mastriano lost Luzerne County by 1300 votes yet lost Pennsylvania by 700,000. How can this be fraud that harmed YOU?
Mr. Meuser: What the hell are you doing here? You brought along these lying loser idiots to make a claim that the Election was questionable yet THESE MORONS won in the county being targeted? That Trump stench didn’t exactly wear off your clothes. May I suggest a new dry cleaner?
And Mr. Fitzgerald: let me share with you a tune you might relate to.
SEE AND HEAR IT ALL AS IT HAPPENED
REP. CARTWRIGHT STATEMENT ON AMTRAK REPORT
Congressman Matt Cartwright (Photo: LuLac archives)
Congressman Matt Cartwright, issued the following statement regarding Amtrak’s Scranton-New York Passenger Rail Service Plan and Financial Analysis report:
“Northeastern Pennsylvania’s rail application was already a leading contender, but the new support shown by the Amtrak report released today will help further our success in achieving corridor designation.
There’s a lot to be excited about when it comes to Amtrak’s latest findings, including the two-hour-and-fifty-minute travel time from Downtown Scranton to Penn Station in Downtown Manhattan. In addition, one of the stops in Newark, N.J., is a ten-minute cab ride to Newark Airport. This will significantly reduce traffic along I-80 and I-84, easing congestion and reducing emissions.
Ridership numbers are also better than prior studies and the projected costs are reasonable, especially when you consider what it would take to build a new lane on a freeway, for example.
The decision on Corridor Designation and Project Development will be a competitive process and I believe our rail application is second to none. Thanks to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s efforts, PennDOT has agreed to serve as the lead signatory on the region’s highly anticipated Corridor I.D. application, joined by New Jersey Transit and the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority (PNRRA).
Northeastern Pennsylvania has a very compelling and powerful case, made even stronger by today’s Amtrak report.
I am grateful to the Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority for commissioning this study and thank them for their continued partnership in our dogged efforts to restore rail service to Northeastern Pennsylvania.
I am determined to fight as long and hard as necessary for this profoundly important common cause. This vital transit initiative will spur new jobs and economic development in the region and connect us to major metropolitan areas in a seamless, passenger-friendly system.
We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something transformational for the economy of Northeastern Pennsylvania thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This rail project is vital to jobs now and in the future and is a public investment in transportation critical to economic growth and quality of life.
The Amtrak study released today reveals projected riders and revenue that reinforce what we already knew: This project represents a great opportunity. Couple these estimates with the economic impact Amtrak also projects, and it’s no wonder everyone from the business community to tourism boards to commuters strongly support the project."
CASEY, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO INVEST IN LOCAL FIRE STATIONS
BILL WILL ALLOCATE $750 MILLION TO BUILD, RENOVATE, AND MODERNIZE FIRE STATIONS AND EMS FACILITIES
Senator Bob Casey (Photo: LuLac archives)
U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) co-sponsored bipartisan, bicameral legislation to help construct and upgrade fire stations across the Nation. The Facilitating Investments Required for Emergency Services to All Towns in Our Nation (FIRE STATION) Act will invest in our public safety and security by creating a $750 million fund within the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to build, renovate, and modernize fire and EMS department facilities across the Nation.
“In all kinds of emergencies, firefighters and emergency medical technicians step up to perform essential, life-saving work for our communities,” said Senator Casey. “These heroes have difficult jobs that are too often made harder by crumbling facilities and a lack of resources. The FIRE STATION Act will not only build, renovate, and modernize fire stations across Pennsylvania and our Nation, it will invest in our safety and security and help ensure our first responders are well-equipped and empowered to come to the rescue.”
According to a recent national report on local fire departments across the U.S., 44 percent of fire stations are over 40 years old and in need of significant repairs. Additionally, 56 percent of stations lack exhaust emission control and are not properly equipped with cancer-preventing systems. The survey also finds that many fire and EMS stations across the country have no backup power, have outdated ventilation systems and mold, or even lack crew quarters for female personnel.
This legislation is endorsed by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Along with Casey, this legislation was introduced in the Senate by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Jon Tester (D-MT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Jack Reed (D-RI). U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-9) led companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY SHAPIRO HOST ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT AT GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE, HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH
Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro were joined by Pre-K for PA to host pre-school classes from across Pennsylvania for the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence – the first of the Shapiro Administration.
Governor and First Lady Shapiro welcomed pre-k students, educators, and advocates to the Residence and highlighted the need for high-quality early-learning programs for students across the Commonwealth as part of the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to creating better schools, healthier families, and safer communities.
“Safe and strong communities are built on the foundation of an adequate and equitable education, from pre-K through college – and we must invest in early education so that every child in Pennsylvania can get the best possible start in life,” said Governor Shapiro. “Strong early childhood education programs set students up for success, both inside and outside of the classroom, and that’s why budget invests over $30 million in Head Start and Pre-K Counts to help us recruit more preschool teachers and serve more students. Lori and I are thrilled to welcome preschool students and teachers to the Residence, and we’re committed to working just as hard for all Pennsylvania children as we do for ours.”
“When our children have access to high-quality pre-K from dedicated and hard-working educators, the entire Commonwealth thrives,” said First Lady Shapiro. “Josh and I are excited to join students, educators, and advocates from across the Commonwealth today to bring attention to this important issue. We are committed to doing our part to ensure that every Pennsylvania child has the support and resources they need to thrive, and we extend our gratitude to the hardworking educators who provide quality education to children across the Commonwealth every day.”
One of the Shapiro Administration’s top priorities is ensuring every Pennsylvania child receives a quality education. In his first budget address, Governor Shapiro proposed a $30 million increase in Pre-K Counts funding and $2.7 million in funding for the Head Start Supplemental Program to help address staffing shortages in early childhood education programs.
The Shapiro Administration is dedicated to creating better schools and supporting teachers across all of Pennsylvania – and his budget address invests in education at every level, including:
An increase of $567.4 million, or 7.8 percent, for basic education funding.
An increase of $30 million for the Pre-K Counts program.
$2.7 million in funding for the Head Start Supplemental Program
$38.5 million for universal free breakfast for all Pennsylvania students.
$500 million over the next 5 years to reduce and remediate environmental hazards in schools.
$500 million over the next 5 years so that schools can fund mental health counselors and services.
This is Governor and First Lady Shapiro’s first Easter Egg Hunt in partnership with Pre-K for PA, which annually welcomes pre-K classrooms from across Pennsylvania to the Pennsylvania Governor’s Residence to participate in an Easter egg hunt and celebrate the importance of high-quality, accessible early learning programs.
“Today, only 43 percent of eligible children in Pennsylvania benefit from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend high-quality, publicly funded pre-k,” said Kari King, President and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. “Our coalition is energized to be working with Governor Shapiro to continue to advance the expansion of pre-k in Pennsylvania. His ongoing commitment helps ensure this valuable early learning experience will continue to become available to more and more children.”
MEDIA MATTERS
ROB….IS THAT ALL YA GOT???
Last week President Biden was doing a news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In an hour-long televised event Biden answered more questions more fluently than his predecessor would even dream of. But Biden to right wing talk show hosts said Japan instead of something else. One mistake and Rob “woo wah woo wah talking ‘bout the boy from New York City” O’Donnell jumps all over him for it. It is pathetic that when their lord and savior Trump couldn’t answer a factual sentence they let it slide. To Rob, really man, IS THAT ALL YA GOT?????
WALN TV
BOLD GOLD COMMUNITY FORUM
You'll hear the program Sunday at 6 on 94.3 The Talker; 6:30 on 1400 am The Mothership and 7:30 am on 105 The River.
BOBBY V’S DOO WOP SUNDAY NIGHT SOCK HOP
1954
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The Soviet Union recognizes the sovereignty of East Germany. Soviet troops remain in the country…..The Castle Romeo nuclear test explosion is executed at Bikini Atoll, in the Marshall Islands…….The trial of A. L. Zissu and 12 other Zionist leaders ends with harsh sentences in Communist Romania……Puerto Rico's first television station, WKAQ-TV, commences broadcasting…..A C-47 transport with French nurse Geneviève de Galard on board is wrecked on the runway at Dien Bien Phu…….The first operational subway line in Canada opens in Toronto……The U.S. Congress and President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorize the founding of the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado…….South Point School in India is founded, and becomes the largest school in the world by 1992 and 69 years ago the number one song in LuLac land and America was “The Happy Wanderer” by Frank Weir and his orchestra.
posted by David Yonki @ 6:22 PM
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