tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08/34 2009-03-11T18:06:49Z Movable Type 3.35 tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.7015 2009-03-11T18:00:22Z 2009-03-11T18:06:49Z

Yesterday was the last day for candidates in the May 19 municipal primary to get on the ballot. And Jane Ann Rastatter, a Millcreek School Board member, just beat the 4:30 p.m. deadline. She was the last one to file...

John Guerriero Yesterday was the last day for candidates in the May 19 municipal primary to get on the ballot. And Jane Ann Rastatter, a Millcreek School Board member, just beat the 4:30 p.m. deadline. She was the last one to file in Erie County, filling out last-minute paperwork at the counter. She will join fellow incumbents Terry Scutella and Thomas Albert on the ballot, as well as John DiPlacido, Hema Dushmukh, Karen Marie Rang, Mike Kobylka and Timothy O'Connell. Four seats are up for grabs. Curiously, there's not much competition for the four open seats on the Erie School Board. The ballot will include incumbents Ed Brzezinski, Mary Frances Schenley, Eva Tucker Jr. and Jim Herdzik, as well as Debra Johnson and Denice Manus. -- John Guerriero tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6966 2009-03-06T22:37:51Z 2009-03-06T22:48:43Z

Erie County Councilman Ronald "Whitey" Cleaver now has some political company. Dan Desrochers, a Republican and the current director of marketing and community relations at the Community Blood Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, has announced his candidacy for the GOP nomination...

Kevin Flowers admin Erie County Councilman Ronald "Whitey" Cleaver now has some political company. Dan Desrochers, a Republican and the current director of marketing and community relations at the Community Blood Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, has announced his candidacy for the GOP nomination for the 4th District seat on County Council in the May 19 municipal primary. Cleaver, a Democrat and the longtime chief of the Erie Parking Authority, was first elected to council in 2005. He previously told many around town that he would not seek another term, but reconsidered recently. Cleaver told me during a Friday telephone call about another story that he's looking forward to some competition in the race -- either in the fall or the November general election. The 4th District includes much of southeast Erie, as well as the Belle Valley section of Millcreek Township. --Kevin Flowers tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6936 2009-03-04T22:36:09Z 2009-03-04T22:41:53Z

Erie City Hall reporter Erica Erwin filed this report today about an endorsement for Erie City Council: The local steelworkers' union will endorse Democrat Waydell Johnson in his bid for Erie City Council. Johson will "bring change to City Council,"...

John Guerriero Erie City Hall reporter Erica Erwin filed this report today about an endorsement for Erie City Council: The local steelworkers' union will endorse Democrat Waydell Johnson in his bid for Erie City Council. Johson will "bring change to City Council," said Ron Oliver, the political coordinator for United Steelworkers Local 3199. "He won't go along with the status quo." Oliver said he is impressed by Johnson's stance against a proposed $370 million waste tires-to-energy plant proposed for a site at the former International Paper Plant on East Lake Road. "He is a concerned citizen and a family man," Oliver said. "He's looking out for the safety of the citizens of Erie." Johnson -- owner of City Hall Painters LLC, president of the Burton Diehl Neighborhood Watch and a regular speaker at City Council meetings -- has said he will run on a platform of changing Erie's politics. "I am committed to improving Erie, honestly speaking to the issues, accountability from government, neighborhood revitalization, generosity to others and Erie's environment first, " he said when announcing his candidacy in January. Johnson said the endorsement confirms that voters are looking for change in city government. -- John Guerriero tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6861 2009-02-27T22:45:02Z 2009-02-27T22:49:37Z

So far, the race for Millcreek supervisor is shaping up as a two-man contest between incumbent Republican Larry Curtis and businessman Mike Dougherty. Curtis will formally announce his candidacy on Saturday; Dougherty did so on Thursday. But I heard from...

John Guerriero So far, the race for Millcreek supervisor is shaping up as a two-man contest between incumbent Republican Larry Curtis and businessman Mike Dougherty. Curtis will formally announce his candidacy on Saturday; Dougherty did so on Thursday. But I heard from someone today that a Democrat might enter the race. You'd think most of the major races in the May 19 municipal primary would have candidates, especially since the party leaders have been working on recruitment. Stay tuned. -- John Guerriero tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6781 2009-02-20T21:45:06Z 2009-02-20T22:01:23Z

Erie County's Republican Party doesn't often take sides when it has more than one candidate in a primary race. But it will be interesting to see whether party leaders and loyalists back either Michael Kerner or Gil Rocco for the...

Kevin Flowers admin Erie County's Republican Party doesn't often take sides when it has more than one candidate in a primary race. But it will be interesting to see whether party leaders and loyalists back either Michael Kerner or Gil Rocco for the GOP nomination for County Executive in the May 19 municipal primary. Both Kerner, a Waterford-area businessman and volunteer firefighter, and Rocco, an accountant who lives in Millcreek Township, have announced their candidacies. Each hopes to win the nomination and the right to take on the Democratic nominee in the November 3 general election. Democratic candidates include incumbent County Executive Mark DiVecchio and Anthony "Buzz" Andrezeski, a former state senator. Republican Party leaders, currently, aren't throwing their support toward one particular candidate, said Brad Moore, the county's GOP chair. That will likely change when the primary winner is determined, Moore said. Are local GOP loyalists more inclined to back Kerner, or Rocco? Post a comment and let us know what you think. --Kevin Flowers tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6779 2009-02-20T20:49:07Z 2009-02-20T20:57:49Z

Millcreek Township is Erie County's second-largest municipality. But thus far, the township isn't making much noise this year in municipal politics. Supervisor Larry Curtis, a Republican, will seek a second, six-year term. His first test will be May 19, when...

John Guerriero Millcreek Township is Erie County's second-largest municipality. But thus far, the township isn't making much noise this year in municipal politics. Supervisor Larry Curtis, a Republican, will seek a second, six-year term. His first test will be May 19, when he seeks the GOP nomination. And I'm hearing that businessman Mike Dougherty, the former owner of Beer 4 Less on Peach Street, will make a run for the Republican nomination. Neither Dougherty nor Curtis have made their formal announcements, but both have taken out nomination petitions. But thus far, I haven't heard a word about any Democratic candidate for the office. No Democrats have signed a sheet at the Erie County Election Office saying they have taken out petitions either. This week, Curtis said he had heard only Dougherty's name as a candidate. Both parties are recruiting candidates for various offices, so we'll see what gives in the weeks before the March 10 filing deadline. -- John Guerriero tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6740 2009-02-18T16:25:12Z 2009-02-18T16:51:11Z

My colleague Erica Erwin reported yesterday that Erie City Councilwoman Jessica Horan-Kunco has decided against taking on fellow Democrat and incumbent Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott in the May 19 municipal primary. Her decision leaves us wondering about longtime City Councilwoman...

Kevin Flowers admin reported yesterday that Erie City Councilwoman Jessica Horan-Kunco has decided against taking on fellow Democrat and incumbent Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott in the May 19 municipal primary. Her decision leaves us wondering about longtime City Councilwoman Rubye Jenkins-Husband's plans. Jenkins-Husband has been rumored for months as a possible Sinnott challenger for the Democratic nomination in the primary. Could we have an announcement soon from Jenkins-Husband about her plans? We're keeping our journalistic ears to the ground and will check with Jenkins-Husband. Expect stories and more posts on this subject very soon. --Kevin Flowers ]]> tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6731 2009-02-18T00:41:00Z 2009-02-18T00:36:49Z

There was no shortage of local elected officials at the Intermodal Transportation Center this afternoon as Democratic Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio announced his re-election bid. A partial list of the Democrats who attended: Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott; U.S. Rep....

Kevin Flowers admin There was no shortage of local elected officials at the Intermodal Transportation Center this afternoon as Democratic Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio announced his re-election bid. A partial list of the Democrats who attended: Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott; U.S. Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper; Millcreek Township Supervisor Brian McGrath; Erie County Council members Joseph Giles, Ronald Cleaver and Phil Fatica; Harborcreek Township Supervisor Joe Peck; and former Erie City Councilman James Casey. Republican Erie County District Attorney Brad Foulk, a friend of DiVecchio's, was also there. DiVecchio also gave shout-outs to several local candidates for judge, including Ray Pagliari, Dan Brabender, Anthony Angelone, Tony Logue and Larry Meredith, who currently works closely with DiVecchio as Erie County government's personnel director. And DiVecchio made a point of publicly thanking a woman he referred to as "the beautiful City Treasurer'' -- his wife and fellow Democrat Susan DiVecchio. --Kevin Flowers tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6719 2009-02-17T18:56:53Z 2009-02-17T20:02:39Z

Just got off the telephone with Republican Erie County Councilman David Mitchell, who told me he will not seek his party's nomination for County Council's 6th District in the May 19 municipal primary. Mitchell, of Corry, has been on County...

Kevin Flowers admin Just got off the telephone with Republican Erie County Councilman David Mitchell, who told me he will not seek his party's nomination for County Council's 6th District in the May 19 municipal primary. Mitchell, of Corry, has been on County Council since 1996. "I have done a lot of good things with the job, but you know when you just know it's time to do other things? It's that time," said Mitchell, a former Corry mayor. Candidates are already lining up. Two local Republicans, Washington Township Mayor and Councilman Frank Stefano and Edinboro Borough Councilman Greg Lucas, each told me today they will seek the the GOP nomination for the 6th District seat in the May primary. The 6th District includes the city of Corry, the boroughs of Edinboro, Elgin, Waterford, Union City and Wattsburg, and the townships of Wayne, Concord, Venango, Union, LeBoeuf, Washington, Amity and Greenfield. Stay tuned. This one seems certain to draw plenty of interest. --Kevin Flowers tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6631 2009-02-10T22:25:18Z 2009-02-10T22:35:57Z

Former Erie City Councilman Chris Maras surprised some folks by showing at the weekly Millcreek Township supervisors' meeting Tuesday. No, Maras assured the supervisors, he had not moved from Erie to Millcreek. And he was not interested in running for...

John Guerriero Former Erie City Councilman Chris Maras surprised some folks by showing at the weekly Millcreek Township supervisors' meeting Tuesday. No, Maras assured the supervisors, he had not moved from Erie to Millcreek. And he was not interested in running for their jobs. He laughed in declining an offer, made in jest, to cast a vote. Maras, 64, was making his presence felt in his job with the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. He is a regional local government policy specialist. Maras was letting the township know he was available for any help it might need. -- John Guerriero tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6612 2009-02-09T21:06:24Z 2009-02-09T21:37:49Z

Local attorney Larry Meredith -- the current personnel chief for Erie County government -- is the latest local lawyer to jump into what's becoming a crowded field for Erie County Common Pleas Court judge. Meredith will make his formal announcement...

Kevin Flowers admin Local attorney Larry Meredith -- the current personnel chief for Erie County government -- is the latest local lawyer to jump into what's becoming a crowded field for Erie County Common Pleas Court judge. Meredith will make his formal announcement Wednesday at noon at the John F. Kennedy Center, 2021 E. 20th St., according to his campaign. Meredith's announcement brings the field to six announced candidates in the race for the seat that will be vacated by Judge John Bozza, a 20-year veteran of the county bench who is retiring in December. Lawyers Dan Brabender, Raymond Pagliari, Damon Hopkins, Anthony Angelone and Tony Logue have already announced their candidacies. And we hear that at least two other well-known Erie-area attorneys could enter the race soon. You don't need a law degree to surmise that this will be a campaign worth watching. ---Kevin Flowers tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6571 2009-02-05T21:57:39Z 2009-02-05T22:01:33Z

I interviewed Erie businessman Matt Lebowitz in D.C. after the inauguration. He told me about the T-shirt that people from all over the world signed. I wrote about it then. He has sent us a photo of that shirt...

John Guerriero -- John Guerriero]]> tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6565 2009-02-05T14:04:52Z 2009-02-05T14:11:38Z

Who says bipartisanship is a hopeless goal in Washington, D.C.? U.S. Senators Bob Casey, a Democrat, and Arlen Specter, a Republican, introduced a resolution this week in the Senate congratulating the Pittsburgh Steelers for winning the Super Bowl. The two...

John Guerriero Who says bipartisanship is a hopeless goal in Washington, D.C.? U.S. Senators Bob Casey, a Democrat, and Arlen Specter, a Republican, introduced a resolution this week in the Senate congratulating the Pittsburgh Steelers for winning the Super Bowl. The two senators from Pennsylvania waved Terrible Towels on Sunday night at the White House, where they watched the Super Bowl with other lawmakers and President Barack Obama. -- John Guerriero tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6541 2009-02-04T14:55:45Z 2009-02-04T15:02:05Z

Just a few hours after my last post here, Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio confirmed to me on Tuesday night that he's running for another four-year term in office. DiVecchio, a Democrat, said he'll make the official announcement on Feb....

Kevin Flowers admin Just a few hours after my last post here, Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio confirmed to me on Tuesday night that he's running for another four-year term in office. DiVecchio, a Democrat, said he'll make the official announcement on Feb. 17 at the Intermodal Transportation Center, 208 E. Bayfront Parkway. So far, Democrat Buzz Andrezeski and Republican Gil Rocco are the only other announced candidates for the May 19 municipal primary, but it seems certain others will join the race. Who do you think is likely to join them? Post your comments, let us know what you think. --Kevin Flowers tag:www.goerie.thinkhost.com,2009:/mt/campaign08//34.6525 2009-02-03T15:19:23Z 2009-02-03T16:00:10Z

Even though Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio has yet to make a formal re-election announcement, the Democrat is definitely making plans to run for a second four-year term in office. DiVecchio has told me during several interviews that he plans...

Kevin Flowers admin re-election website is up and running. On that site, there's an invitation for supporters to join DiVecchio at a "re-election fundraiser'' on Feb. 20 at Union Station, 123 W. 14th St. The event starts at noon. The site also accepts campaign donations via credit card. "I humbly request your continued support in the spring 2009 primary,'' DiVecchio writes on the site. DiVecchio spokeswoman Alyson Amendola said his formal announcement should come within the next few weeks. So far, Democrat Buzz Andrezeski and Republican Gil Rocco are the only publicly-announced candidates for county executive. --Kevin Flowers ]]>