Representatives Ron Buxton (D-Dauphin) and Don Walko (D-Allegheny) gave comment today on the state-wide elections held yesterday. Rep. Buxton praised Harrisburg Mayor-Elect Linda Thompson as a “new direction” for Harrisburg. Rep. Buxton said a low turnout among Democratic voters led to Democratic Judicial losses across the state including, Jack Panella’s loss to Jane Orie-Melvin in the Supreme Court race. Rep. Walko, who won a spot on the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas, said he was proud of his time as a state representative. He called the legislature “full of hardworking people” and said his moving on from the legislature as merely taking on a new challenge. Check the Capitol Toolbox tomorrow for the full story.
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Auditor General Jack Wagner held a press conference this afternoon to discuss what he would like to see included in table games legislation that is currently being considered. He said the Department of Auditor General already issued a special performance audit of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.  ”This audit was paid for by the taxpayers of Pennsylvania,” he said, “other functions that go on within gaming such as the Attorney General’s involvement and State Police involved is reimbursed with gaming funds.”  Auditor General Wagner indicated that the Legislature is considering three different bills to expand gaming and he is lobbying House and Senate leadership to include  an reimbursement component. “I do not believe that taxpayers should pay for our gaming audits,” he added. Auditor General Wagner also discussed the importance of  independent background checks for gaming employees and suggested that the State Police should conduct them. Check the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story. ORIE MELVIN WINS SUPREME COURT SEAT According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Superior Court Judge Joan Orie Melvin, an Allegheny County Republican, overcame large deficits in campaign cash and voter registration yesterday to win a pivotal seat on the state Supreme Court. Judge Orie Melvin is the sister of state Senate Republican Whip Jane Orie (R-Allegheny), defeated Democratic challenger Jack Panella of Northampton County, who also is a judge on the Superior Court. With nearly 97 percent of the vote counted, she had 53 percent to Judge Panella’s 47 percent. Her victory means Republicans will have a 4-3 advantage on the high court starting in January, a factor that could come into play during the redrawing of state House and Senate district lines after the census in 2010. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article. GOVERNOR DISCUSSES SEPTA STRIKE Governor Ed Rendell held a conference call with reporters yesterday to discuss the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority and Transport (SEPTA) Workers Union strike. The governor has been involved with the talks since Friday and expressed frustration that union leadership has decided to walk away from the table without discussing the deal with rank and file Continue reading Eye Opener – November 4, 2009 |
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