Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
We just came accross the following article from Time/CNN regarding the Gulf oil spill. We urge you to read it.
It appears that there may not be nearly as much damage in the Gulf as we've been led to believe. The spill was hyped by every type of media, even Fox News.
If it turns out to be true, it will be no surprise to us. Human beings are very subsceptible to this type of fear, especially enviromental. After all, it sounds really frightening, especially when we don't really understand it. Throw in a few pictures of oiled pelicans to garner our sympathy and we'll buy it hook, line and sinker every time.
That the damage may be over-stated is hardly shocking. Through global cooling, global warming, and including pfisteria (remember that one?), world hunger, soil erosion, nutrification, and every other type of hyped environmental catastrophe, humans have prevailed. We've consistently gotten healthier and increased our lifespans, at least in the countries where free enterprise has been allowed to flourish.
This is not to say there aren't environmental challenges or that human beings don't cause them. All you have to do, however, is to contrast the America of the 1970s with the America of today to see how much progress can be made. Unfortunately, today there is an all out assault on free enterprise. It is an open question whether we will be able to afford real environmental progress in the future.
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
The BP Spill: Has the Damage Been Exaggerated?By Michael Grunwald / Port Fourchon, La. Thursday, Jul. 29, 2010 http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2007202,00.html
We also found these. The Yahoo article is particularly informative.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews_excl/ynews_excl_sc3270
QUOTE FROM THIS ARTICLE: The lesson from past spills is that the lion’s share of the cleanup work is done by nature in the form of oil-eating bacteria and fungi. The microbes break down the hydrocarbons in oil to use as fuel to grow and reproduce. A bit of oil in the water is like a feeding frenzy, causing microbial populations to grow exponentially.
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2010/07/so-has-anyone-seen-the-oil-that-spilled-into-the-gulf.html
Monday, July 26, 2010
POLITICAL SHENANIGANS REGARDING HB 487? YOU BE THE JUDGE!
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 27, I'll be on WGMD radio with Bill Colley. We'll be on from 5 to 6 PM. You can find WGMD at 92.7 on the FM dial. If you are out of range, click here to listen on the internet from anywhere in the world.
The show tomorrow will focus on HB 487, which some are calling the "double dipper" bill. This bill was sponsored by Rep. John Atkins in the House. Co-sponsors were Reps. Pete Schwartzkopf, Carson, Gilligan, Q. Johnson, Kowalko, Mitchell, and Mulrooney.
There are a number of fascinating questions about this bill, which passed the Delaware General Assembly and was signed by the Governor on July 12, 2010:
-WHY DOES IT FORCE DOUBLE DIPPING? - It forces Sussex County government to allow certain employees to "double dip." Prior to this bill, you could not retire from the County and get your pension, then return to County employment and get a salary plus pension. Because of this bill, you can now retire from the county government, run for County Council or certain other positions, and then receive both your pension plus the salary for the new County government position.
-WHY USE FAST TRACKING? - This bill was introduced on June 22 and assigned to the Housing and Community Affairs committee. At that point there were only 4 days remaining in the Delaware General Assembly and no time for the public to get involved. On June 23, it was re-assigned to the House Adminstration committee, chaired by Pete Schwartzkopf. It was voted out of committee the very same day. On the next day, June 24, it was passed by the House. Two business days later, on the final day of the legislative session, HB 487 was passed by the Senate.
-WHY DID ONLY 2 OF 11 SUSSEX REPS OR SENATORS VOTE YES? - 9 Sussex County representatives and senators thought this bill was a bad idea. The only Sussex County elected officials who voted for this bill were Representatives Atkins and Schwarzkopf.
-WHY DID THE BILL PASS BY BARE MAJORITIES IN BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE? - This bill passed only because of party discipline. The vote was 21 yes, 10 no, 6 not voting and 4 absent in the House. In the Senate, it was 11 yes, 4 no, 4 not voting, and 2 absent. It appears that almost half the House and Senate knew this was not a worthy bill.
-WAS THE PURPOSE OF THIS BILL TO ALLOW A RETIRING COUNTY COUNCIL EMPLOYEE TO RUN FOR SUSSEX COUNCIL THIS ELECTION CYCLE? - This was clearly demonstrated to be yes when a House amendment was defeated that would have delayed implementation until next year. Just a few days ago, a retiring county employee actually did file to run for Sussex County Council. Was this a bill for all the citizens of Delaware, or one that fulfilled the political needs of just a handful of "public servants?"
-WHY DOES THIS HIGHLY PAID SUSSEX COUNTY EMPLOYEE WANT TO RUN FOR COUNTY COUNCIL? - According to a Freedom of Information Action request, his salary was $74,400 and benefits were $34,612 (including health care insurance, pension, FICA, and vision/dental insurance). In the Coastal Point newspaper of 7/23, his major concern seems to be the fact that the number of county employees has been reduced through attrition, "but that puts a lot on the backs of other county employees who haven't had a cost-of-living raise in two years." Is this county employee/political candidate even aware that in 2009 the cost of living declined 1.7% and would have created a salary decrease if it was adhered to?
WHY WAS IT DIFFICULT TO FIND A SUSSEX COUNCIL CANDIDATE WITHOUT POLITICAL SHENANIGANS? - Was it because Sussex County hasn't had a tax increase in 21 years, they have no general fund debt, their bond rating was just raised (improved), and there's little chance of a tax increase for the forseeable future? Was it because they have reduced staff without layoffs or salary reductions and are still granting merit raises? Is it because, unlike our state government, Sussex County government has done exactly what conservatives have asked for by not growing government, taxes, and spending when all the rest of us are being forced to pull in our belts?
Listen in tomorrow on 92.7 FM for a lot more information on this bill. Starting in September, we'll be on the air every week highlighting the behind-the-scenes stories on many bills in our Delaware General Assembly.
Thanks,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
Positive Growth Alliance members & interested parties:
Tomorrow, Tuesday, July 27, I'll be on WGMD radio with Bill Colley. We'll be on from 5 to 6 PM. You can find WGMD at 92.7 on the FM dial. If you are out of range, click here to listen on the internet from anywhere in the world.
The show tomorrow will focus on HB 487, which some are calling the "double dipper" bill. This bill was sponsored by Rep. John Atkins in the House. Co-sponsors were Reps. Pete Schwartzkopf, Carson, Gilligan, Q. Johnson, Kowalko, Mitchell, and Mulrooney.
There are a number of fascinating questions about this bill, which passed the Delaware General Assembly and was signed by the Governor on July 12, 2010:
-WHY DOES IT FORCE DOUBLE DIPPING? - It forces Sussex County government to allow certain employees to "double dip." Prior to this bill, you could not retire from the County and get your pension, then return to County employment and get a salary plus pension. Because of this bill, you can now retire from the county government, run for County Council or certain other positions, and then receive both your pension plus the salary for the new County government position.
-WHY USE FAST TRACKING? - This bill was introduced on June 22 and assigned to the Housing and Community Affairs committee. At that point there were only 4 days remaining in the Delaware General Assembly and no time for the public to get involved. On June 23, it was re-assigned to the House Adminstration committee, chaired by Pete Schwartzkopf. It was voted out of committee the very same day. On the next day, June 24, it was passed by the House. Two business days later, on the final day of the legislative session, HB 487 was passed by the Senate.
-WHY DID ONLY 2 OF 11 SUSSEX REPS OR SENATORS VOTE YES? - 9 Sussex County representatives and senators thought this bill was a bad idea. The only Sussex County elected officials who voted for this bill were Representatives Atkins and Schwarzkopf.
-WHY DID THE BILL PASS BY BARE MAJORITIES IN BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE? - This bill passed only because of party discipline. The vote was 21 yes, 10 no, 6 not voting and 4 absent in the House. In the Senate, it was 11 yes, 4 no, 4 not voting, and 2 absent. It appears that almost half the House and Senate knew this was not a worthy bill.
-WAS THE PURPOSE OF THIS BILL TO ALLOW A RETIRING COUNTY COUNCIL EMPLOYEE TO RUN FOR SUSSEX COUNCIL THIS ELECTION CYCLE? - This was clearly demonstrated to be yes when a House amendment was defeated that would have delayed implementation until next year. Just a few days ago, a retiring county employee actually did file to run for Sussex County Council. Was this a bill for all the citizens of Delaware, or one that fulfilled the political needs of just a handful of "public servants?"
-WHY DOES THIS HIGHLY PAID SUSSEX COUNTY EMPLOYEE WANT TO RUN FOR COUNTY COUNCIL? - According to a Freedom of Information Action request, his salary was $74,400 and benefits were $34,612 (including health care insurance, pension, FICA, and vision/dental insurance). In the Coastal Point newspaper of 7/23, his major concern seems to be the fact that the number of county employees has been reduced through attrition, "but that puts a lot on the backs of other county employees who haven't had a cost-of-living raise in two years." Is this county employee/political candidate even aware that in 2009 the cost of living declined 1.7% and would have created a salary decrease if it was adhered to?
WHY WAS IT DIFFICULT TO FIND A SUSSEX COUNCIL CANDIDATE WITHOUT POLITICAL SHENANIGANS? - Was it because Sussex County hasn't had a tax increase in 21 years, they have no general fund debt, their bond rating was just raised (improved), and there's little chance of a tax increase for the forseeable future? Was it because they have reduced staff without layoffs or salary reductions and are still granting merit raises? Is it because, unlike our state government, Sussex County government has done exactly what conservatives have asked for by not growing government, taxes, and spending when all the rest of us are being forced to pull in our belts?
Listen in tomorrow on 92.7 FM for a lot more information on this bill. Starting in September, we'll be on the air every week highlighting the behind-the-scenes stories on many bills in our Delaware General Assembly.
Thanks,
Rich Collins
302-381-1610
Thursday, July 8, 2010
GIANT FREE PICNIC & MEET THE CANDIDATES RALLY!
We are joining in to help sponsor a tremendous event next Friday, July 16, that lovers of responsible government need to know about. Former Senator & Governor of Virginia, George Allen, is coming to Sussex County to help a new common-sense conservative group launch in a huge way.
WHAT: Great Conservative Cookout!
WHEN: Friday, July 16, from 5 to 8 PM
WHERE: Sam Yoder's Farm, 89 Hunting Quarter Rd., Houston, DE
TIME: 5 PM to 8 PM
COST: FREE!!
REASONS TO ATTEND: food, fun, networking, helping to return common-sense conservative principals to government!
CLICK FOR MAP: http://tinyurl.com/2dklvy4
The Delaware Conservative Coalition is hosting the Great Conservative Cookout. This is a free picnic & political rally for the public. It's been made possible because an impressive list of sponsors are joining Senator Allen to fund this event and make it a success.
At the rally, you'll find loads of hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings. There will be fun for all ages with a moon bounce for the kids, horseshoes, music, and many other activities. Bring your family and friends!
Most importantly, this will be the best chance you'll ever have to talk to a huge number of elected officials and/or candidates that are working to bring government back to the people! These sponsors include:
State Auditor Tom Wagner
State Senator Colin Bonini
State Senator Joe Booth
State Representative Dave Wilson
State Representative Rth Briggs King
Sussex County Councilman Vance Phillips
Sussex County Councilman Sam Wilson
U.S. Senate Candidate Christine O'Donnell
U.S. Congressional Candidate Glen Urquhart
U.S. Congressional Candidate Brent Wangen
State Senate Candidate Eric Bodenweiser
State Representative Candidate Chris Weeks
State Representative Candidate Steven Rust
State Representative Candidate Harvey Kenton
Sussex Register Wills Candidate Cindy Green
The following organizations or businesses are also sponsoring to support the event:
Delaware Conservative Coalition
Freedom Works
Campaign for Liberty
Delaware Family Policy Council
Women's Watch
9/12 Delaware Patriots
Positive Growth Alliance
Hopkins Construction Co.
Access Insurance
Emcee Bill Colley of WGMD, 92.7 FM
See you there,
Rich Collins
Executive Director
302-381-1610
P.S. For more information, contact the Lynne Brannon at delawareconservativecoalition@gmail.com.
We are joining in to help sponsor a tremendous event next Friday, July 16, that lovers of responsible government need to know about. Former Senator & Governor of Virginia, George Allen, is coming to Sussex County to help a new common-sense conservative group launch in a huge way.
WHAT: Great Conservative Cookout!
WHEN: Friday, July 16, from 5 to 8 PM
WHERE: Sam Yoder's Farm, 89 Hunting Quarter Rd., Houston, DE
TIME: 5 PM to 8 PM
COST: FREE!!
REASONS TO ATTEND: food, fun, networking, helping to return common-sense conservative principals to government!
CLICK FOR MAP: http://tinyurl.com/2dklvy4
The Delaware Conservative Coalition is hosting the Great Conservative Cookout. This is a free picnic & political rally for the public. It's been made possible because an impressive list of sponsors are joining Senator Allen to fund this event and make it a success.
At the rally, you'll find loads of hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings. There will be fun for all ages with a moon bounce for the kids, horseshoes, music, and many other activities. Bring your family and friends!
Most importantly, this will be the best chance you'll ever have to talk to a huge number of elected officials and/or candidates that are working to bring government back to the people! These sponsors include:
State Auditor Tom Wagner
State Senator Colin Bonini
State Senator Joe Booth
State Representative Dave Wilson
State Representative Rth Briggs King
Sussex County Councilman Vance Phillips
Sussex County Councilman Sam Wilson
U.S. Senate Candidate Christine O'Donnell
U.S. Congressional Candidate Glen Urquhart
U.S. Congressional Candidate Brent Wangen
State Senate Candidate Eric Bodenweiser
State Representative Candidate Chris Weeks
State Representative Candidate Steven Rust
State Representative Candidate Harvey Kenton
Sussex Register Wills Candidate Cindy Green
The following organizations or businesses are also sponsoring to support the event:
Delaware Conservative Coalition
Freedom Works
Campaign for Liberty
Delaware Family Policy Council
Women's Watch
9/12 Delaware Patriots
Positive Growth Alliance
Hopkins Construction Co.
Access Insurance
Emcee Bill Colley of WGMD, 92.7 FM
See you there,
Rich Collins
Executive Director
302-381-1610
P.S. For more information, contact the Lynne Brannon at delawareconservativecoalition@gmail.com.
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