We’re in the thick of it now.
Candidates have been circulating petitions with their respective party members, seeking signatures that would allow them to appear on the Primary Election ballot in May.
In fact, the Sunbury Area Democratic Committee at 7 tonight will have petitions to sign at the group’s meeting in the second-floor conference room of the Degenstein Community Library, South Fifth Street.
There are known races for commissioner in Northumberland and Snyder counties, and there are rumors of contenders emerging in Union County, too.
I’ve even seen a few of those harbingers of election season — the yard sign — along the highways and byways of the Central Susquehanna Valley.
And of course, local party groups are organizing fundraisers to mark the season, too.
The Northumberland County Republican Committee is hosting a chicken-and-waffle dinner for just that at 6 p.m. March 4 in the Edison Hotel, Market Street, Sunbury. Tickets are $25 for an individual or $45 for a couple. E-mail norrycogop@gmail.com for details.
Of primary concern
Meanwhile, there’s a glimmer of hopes for the independent voters in the region.
If you read this column last week, you might remember me pushing for an open primary in Pennsylvania. An open primary is one where all registered voters, regardless of party, are allowed to cast votes in the primary.
Well, apparently state Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, read my column and is proposing a package of bills that would allow, among other things, registered independents to cast votes in the primary, according to a report in the York Daily Record.
OK, likely he didn’t read my column. Open primaries have been discussed in this state for at least a quarter century.
As one who has been an independent since I registered to vote, I’ve always hated not being allowed to vote in the primary.
Particularly in Pennsylvania, off-year municipal elections tend to get decided in May, not November, because often there is only one party that puts forth any candidates. It gets more complicated at the local level when there are multiple people running on both sides.
I’m certain that party bosses in the Valley disapprove of DePasquale’s proposals. But let me reiterate: Having more people involved in the electoral process is a good thing. It should, in theory, produce candidates who appeal to a wider base of people, which increases the likelihood legislation those candidates propose has a better chance of getting passed.
Imagine: work being accomplished in Harrisburg.
Laboring for a speaker
Speaking of groups seeking to accomplish something, the Susquehanna Valley Conservatives sent out a reminder about its 7 p.m. meeting March 14 in the Baylor West Conference Room at the Best Western Country Cupboard Inn, Lewisburg.
This month’s topic is “Labor Unions — Asset or Liability.”
The keynote speaker will be Mark A. Mix, president of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation and president of the National Right to Work Committee. His focus is on protecting workers from the abuses of compulsory unionism, and he’s been featured on Fox News and in other conservative arenas.
The group is trying to find someone to represent the labor-union side of the debate.
In an interview I did a few months ago with co-organizers Bob Harder and Bob Lebda, the Conservatives are seeking understanding.
It’s true, they advocate a conservative point of view, but the pair said their group is one that does not believe a person is any less of a person just because they espouse an opposing view.
If any labor representative is willing to be a part of the discussion, contact Harder at rharder@ptd.net.
News
Street Talk: Candidates seeking signatures
- News
-
-
U.S. Supreme Court torn over law banning lie about military honors
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court appears to be sharply divided over a law that makes it a crime to lie about having been awarded top military honors. The justices engaged in spirited debate today over the constitutionality of a 2006 law aimed at curbing false claims about military exploits.
-
Universities ask state House to reject more aid cuts
HARRISBURG — Leaders of Penn State, Pitt and Temple warned the state House Appropriations Committee today not to go along with Gov. Tom Corbett's second straight proposal for deep cuts in state aid to the universities, suggesting that the in-state students who could least afford it would be hurt the most.
-
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Veterans Memorial Bridge near Shamokin Dam
SHAMOKIN DAM - The state Department of transportation is advising motorists crossing the Veterans' Memorial Bridge from Sunbury into Shamokin Dam to be alert for a lane closure today.
-
Redistricting panel meets over Pa. assembly maps
HARRISBURG — The Legislative Reapportionment Commission is preparing to hold its first meeting since the Pennsylvania Supreme Court threw out the proposed General Assembly maps based on the 2010 census.
-
Water main break knocks out service in parts of Shamokin Dam
SHAMOKIN DAM - Residents and businesses along Helen Street, between 7th and 8th avenues in Shamokin Dam, may be without water service most of the day today following a water main break late Tuesday evening.
-
'Occupy Wall Street' to hold national conference in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A group of protesters affiliated with Occupy Wall Street plan to elect 876 "delegates" around the country and hold a national 'general assembly' in Philadelphia over the Fourth of July.
-
Susquehanna Health opens $150 million expansion
WILLIAMSPORT -- Recognizing its professional staff and volunteers with a rockin' video and burst of confetti, Susquehanna Health on Tuesday officially opened its Susquehanna Tower at the Williamsport Regional Medical Center.
-
Midd-West seeks dismissal of peanut allergy lawsuit
WILLIAMSPORT -- The Midd-West School District is arguing that a federal judge should throw out a lawsuit filed by a couple who allege the district did not do enough to accommodate their son's potentially fatal peanut allergy. The school maintains that the lawsuit should be dismissed because the boy is not enrolled as a student in Midd-West.
-
Northway Industries thrives after reinventing itself
MIDDLEBURG -- Fight, ingenuity and willingness to change are what make a Snyder County business a model to follow. Northway Industries President and Chief Executive Officer Don O'Hora shared his company's success story with U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-10 of Cogan Station, during a tour of the Middleburg facility Tuesday afternoon.
-
Ex-assistant DA named county's assistant solicitor
SUNBURY -- A month after losing his job as a Northumberland County assistant district attorney, John Muncer will begin new duties as the county's assistant solicitor. Muncer accepted the job offer Tuesday from Commissioners Rick Shoch, Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy. "I've worked in the county for 27 years and know how it operates," he said. "It's a new direction for my career and another opportunity for me to serve the people of Northumberland County."
-
Sunburians charged with assault, robbery
SUNBURY -- One day before police said two men were involved in a stabbing that left two people in need of medical attention, including a woman who was nine months' pregnant, the two defendants allegedly were involved in an assault and robbery outside a city bar that left a Sunbury resident without his pants and shoes.
-
Wind farms push for business
Developing a wind farm from concept to an energy-producing business takes at least five years, according to an expert in the field. "There are so many benefits, but it just takes time and every project has a different issue," said Dan Lagiovane, project communications manager at EverPower Wind Holdings Inc., a company involved in developing wind power projects in seven states.
- More News Headlines
-
U.S. Supreme Court torn over law banning lie about military honors
