Back from the Dead - Into The Radio

I'm back from the dead after yet another blog break. The quick update on the Maurice Brubaker brouhaha is that Maurice lost the election fairly handily. A few weeks later an investigator showed up on my doorstep to go over the complaint. We should have the results of the hearing in a few weeks. It will probably involve a fine of both Maurice and his Dad somewhere north of $1000 each.

In other news . . .

I had the opportunity today to be on the On The Mark live radio program again. They had me on as a guest to talk about my views on property rights and zoning. It was a pleasant forum and I really appreciate their willingness to hear me out on what are no doubt minority viewpoints. In today's world, the eradication of liberty and property rights is almost complete. The American liberty experiment is almost over. My township isn't going down without a fight.

If you would like to listen to the audio, you may find it here. I am introduced at the 28 minute mark and begin talking about property rights at the 40 minute mark.

Big Vote Tomorrow & Who I'm Supporting

Every election is important, some are critical. With our state and country accelerating out of control in the wrong direction, I sincerely hope you plan on voting tomorrow. If you haven't yet decided who to vote for, here's a list of candidates I think best exemplify a firm commitment to the Constitution, to Life, to honesty and integrity, and to liberty. They should have your vote in tomorrow's election.

Governor: Sam Rohrer
Hands down, no contest, this guy is the real deal. He's been a leader and a statesmen in the PA Legislature for many years and he's the best gubernatorial candidate for this state - ever. He also has a really good chance at winning, so vote for the lesser known guy who has principles.

Lieutenant Governor: Chet Beiler
Chet has a solid conservative message, but I get a little concerned with some of the people who surround him from time to time. There are so many candidates in this race, I'm supporting him because I think he has the best chance to beat Cawley, the liberal. Take this support for what it's worth and make your own decision.

Congress, CD10: David Madeira
Again, this guy is also a consistent authentic conservative who has demonstrated he is not afraid to tell the voters the truth rather than what they want to hear.

Legislature, 85th: Fred Keller
This was a little tougher. Fred is running against Betsy Snook and I can't tell which one is more conservative. They probably could both be a little more conservative as far as my far-right politics go, but I've known Fred for 12 years and I trust him to do what he says and listen to the right people.

Legislature, 108th: Chuck Erdman
Chuck supported open government, accountability and transparency before it was popular. He knows how to cut spending and he's shown he has the guts to do it.

State Committee, Snyder County: Mark Harris
He's the more conservative candidate, not perfect, but better.

State Committee, Union County: Dick Rodgers
I designed the mailers he sent out to supervoters. What does that tell you? He's running unopposed.

Union County Committee, Union Township: Billy Allred and Jeremy Duke(write-in)
I would like to continue the work we have done to clean up the GOP in Union County and hold elected Republicans accountable for their actions and honesty. If you happen to live in Union Township, please vote for me and write Jeremy Duke in for the second slot.

Now Go Vote!

Latest On 'Titlegate'

Yesterday was a busy day.

First there was the two front page-top fold articles in the Milton Standard Journal and the Daily Item about my complaint against 85th District Legislative Candidate Maurice Brubaker. Then the day got interesting.

Newsradio WKOK was reporting the story on their On The Mark talk radio program invited me and Maurice to call in to the show. I was still deciding whether or not to call when Maurice called, so I called in as well. He made some interesting claims. He said there was an error by a campaign staffer early in the campaign. He said he never told anyone verbally that he was a public accountant. Then he said the first time he heard about the problem was yesterday(Wednesday).

That's when they told him I was on the other line and asked if he would be willing to talk to me live - the tone changed; he had to go . . . appointments to keep, you know. So I went on for about 10 minutes and made clear that Maurice was the one perpetuating the myths. I talked about the Republican Spring Fling and the Union Township Meeting which I blogged about previously. With recorded audio proving that Maurice not only did verbally claim to be a public accountant in a public meeting as well as the fact that he knew about the "error" Tuesday night, I think his goose may be cooked.

I found out also that the press release he sent out to correct the "error" also stated that he never said verbally that he was a public accountant. Maurice could have just come clean and apologized, but instead he continues to blame campaign staff, and lie about what he has said. You can listen to the radio exchange here. (right-click and select 'save target as' to save the audio to your computer)

After the radio exchange several radio stations of various types began broadcasting snippets of our comments on the radio during all their local newscasts. I have since emailed copies of the audio and transcript to local media. Who knows what today will bring?

Maurice Brubaker Distorts The Truth Again

Today's Daily Item article covers the complaint I filed on Tuesday regarding 85th District Candidate Maurice Brubaker's illegal use of the title "Public Accountant." The title of the article is "Job title error stumps pol -Brubaker puzzled why job title in campaign went unchanged." After a brief description of the complaint, the article explains the nature of Brubaker's puzzlement:

"Brubaker said he did not intentionally try to mislead the public. A campaign volunteer mistakenly listed him as a public accountant on Brubaker's Web site and an early press release repeated the inaccuracy, he said. 'I have never intentionally misled anyone about my status,' Brubaker said. 'If there is any misconception in the public mind, let me be clear. I am a senior accountant, not a public accountant. If I or my campaign caused any confusion otherwise, I apologize. I look forward to using my professional experience as a senior accountant when serving as state representative.' . . . He disputes Allred's claims that he has publicly called himself a public accountant on numerous occasions. "

Well Maurice, let me clear it up for you. Your job title in the campaign went unchanged because it wasn't a mistake by your campaign staff, it wasn't an early error that went unnoticed, it was a deliberate attempt by you to deceive the public. Maurice would like the voters to believe that he has not "publicly called himself a public accountant." That's ironic to me because I personally heard him say that in public meetings on numerous occasions and twice in the last week.

Last Thursday, I attended a Republican Spring Fling at La Primavera in Lewisburg. In attendance were State Representative Russ Fairchild and State Senator Jake Corman, CD10 candidates David Madeira and Malcolm Derk, former candidate Dan Meuser, and all three 85th district candidates along with about 75 others. Each candidate was allotted time at the podium to present to the attendees. During his time, Maurice stated unequivocally before the entire crowd that he has been a Public Accountant in Union County for 15 years.

Ironically, after filing my complaint on Tuesday, I attended the regular monthly Union Township Supervisor's Meeting. Maurice attended along with some members of the public. At the beginning of the meeting, as is customary, we gave Maurice a few minutes to officially introduce himself, state his case for the election and answer any questions. During the question and answer session, the following discourse occurred.

Allred: "Are you a Public Accountant?"
Brubaker: "Yes"
Allred: "I noticed you listed that on your website, but when I do a search at the Department of State website, it doesn't list your name as a Public Accountant."
Brubaker: "It is Public Accountant, Senior Public Accountant. That's all I am."
Allred: "Right, but a Public Accountant is an official . . ."
Brubaker: "No, it's not, no."
Allred: "Well you need to read Pennsylvania Code Title 49 . . ."
Brubaker: *I will."
Allred: " . . . Section 11.7"
Brubaker: "We did . . . We are . . . I appreciate that. We did check it out with the Pennsylvania . . . but we can do that. That's not a problem."
Allred: "Ok. I just think it's a, if you're using that term Public Accountant . . ."
Brubaker: "There's a difference . . ."
Allred: ". . . it's a slam to other professional recognized . . ."
Brubaker: "No, It's been verified, so."
Allred: " Well, I think you need to check the law."
Brubaker: "We'll definitely check that for you, that's not a problem."

So, I've presented my evidence, but Maurice "disputes Allred's claims that he has publicly called himself a public accountant." Maurice wants you to believe that this was an early campaign error perpetuated in print over and over, but never noticed by him. The law is below. You be the judge.

PA Title 49 Section 11.7
11.7. Use of the designation ‘‘public accountant’’ and the abbreviation ‘‘PA.’’
(a) Only the following individuals and entities may use the designation ‘‘public accountant,’’ the abbreviation ‘‘PA,’’ or any other title, designation, words, letters or abbreviation tending to indicate that the user is a public accountant or is composed of public accountants:
(1) An individual who holds a public accountant registration and a current license from the Board.
(2) An individual who holds a certificate of certified public accountant from the Board or who has received written notification from the Board that he is qualified to receive a certificate of certified public accountant.
(3) A qualified association that holds a current license from the Board.
(b) An individual or qualified association engaged in the practice of public accounting may not use the designation ‘‘public accountant,’’ the abbreviation ‘‘PA’’ or any other title, designation, words, letters or abbreviation tending to indicate that the user is a public accountant or composed of public accountants unless the user holds a current license from the Board.
(c) The following are examples of unlawful use under this section:
(1) An individual who is registered by the Board as a public accountant but who does not hold a current license uses a business card bearing the designation ‘‘public accountant.’’ Explanation: The individual shall obtain a current license to use the designation ‘‘public accountant.’’
(2) An individual who is certified by the Board as a CPA but who does not hold a current license signs tax returns that he prepares for clients as ‘‘John Doe, PA.’’ Explanation: The individual shall obtain a current license to use the abbreviation ‘‘PA’’ because the preparation of tax returns while using such an abbreviation constitutes the practice of public accounting.
(d) An individual or entity that violates this section shall be subject to disciplinary action, as appropriate, under sections 9.1, 12, 14 and 16 of the act (63 P. S. § § 9.9a, 9.9c, 9.14 and 9.16).

DOS Complaint Filed over Illegal Claims by 85th Candidate Maurice Brubaker

Today I filed an official complaint with the Professional Compliance Office
within the Pennsylvania Department of State. The full complaint and supporting evidence is here.

The complaint focuses on the fact that 85th District Candidate Maurice Brubaker
has repeatedly referred to himself in print and verbally as a "Public
Accountant." Although, Maurice’s father Robert is listed by the Department of
State as a public accountant, Maurice is not listed. Similar to the licensing
required for a Lawyer or Medical Doctor, the state of Pennsylvania has strict
laws (Title 49, Chapter 11.7) forbidding anyone without a license from referring
to themselves as a "Public Accountant" or a "Certified Public Accountant."

Maurice has repeatedly used this designation to overstate his qualifications for
the State House. By listing this falsehood on his website, in campaign speeches
and campaign press releases, he has deceived the local press into repeating it.
It is degrading to true professional engineers, lawyers, medical doctors,
accountants, etc. who have achieved this official license from the state.

I am choosing to publicize this complaint because the Department of State may
take up to 14 days to begin its investigation. By that time, the primary
election will be over and this will be fodder for the Democratic Party. As a
conservative Republican, I believe we need to properly vet our own candidates
and deal with those who are untruthful or unethical. For too long we have been
unwilling to call out our own for their misdeeds and as a result we end up as
part of the corrupt machine that continues to produce poor candidates. As a
Union County Republican Committeeman, it is my responsibility to make sure the
candidates our party lists on the ballot are honest and upright. The voters
deserve candidates they can trust.

I call upon Maurice and his campaign to publicly acknowledge that Maurice is NOT
a "Public Accountant” and to apologize to the voters for overstating his
qualifications and diluting the seriousness of the licensing of professional
occupations.

Most Republican Politicians Are Not Pro-Life

Most Republican politicians are not Pro-Life, they are pro-reelection. They use and abuse the Pro-Life label throughout their election campaigns to shake up the voters, raise funds and get votes, but as soon as the election is over . . . They do absolutely nothing to promote life.

Writes Laurence Vance, "I have seen it reported in several places that Planned Parenthood, one of the world’s leading abortion providers, received government grants and contracts of $350 million for fiscal year 2007-2008 and $337 million for fiscal year 2006-2007. I verified this information for myself on the Planned Parenthood website. I also discovered that Planned Parenthood’s fiscal year ends on June 30. This means that Bush the Republican was the president during this time. But after doing a little digging, I also found out that Planned Parenthood received government grants and contracts of $305 million (34%) during fiscal year 2005-2006. During this time we not only had Bush the Republican president but also a Republican majority in Congress. Yet, Planned Parenthood was still funded. And we are supposed to take Republicans seriously when they complain that Obama isn’t likely to appoint an anti-abortion judge to the Supreme Court? Why wasn’t the Republican Party that concerned about abortion when clinics affiliated with Planned Parenthood performed 264,943 abortions in 2005?"

What we hear over and over again from these same Republicans and parroted by leaders within the movement is that since 1972 the only remedy to all these murders is to elect Republican candidates who will send Pro-Life justices to the court.

That is pure hogwash. Here are five things truly Pro-Life politicians can start doing now, without waiting for the Supreme Court:

1. Cosponsor the Sanctity of Life Act defining life's beginning at conception.

2. Cosponsor legislation using their Constitutionally-granted ability to limit the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court on this issue.

3. Refuse to vote yes on any/every spending bill containing funds for population control.

4. Repeal roadblocks to quick, painless and cheap adoptions.

5. Expose and refuse to work with Republicans who will not take steps 1-4.

For a more lengthy explanation of steps 1-3, why these will work to end abortion in this country, and how very few Republicans are willing to take these steps, read Vance's article entitled, The Pro-Life Assault on Ron Paul and the Constitution.

"Raise Our Taxes" - Leaves Me Speechless

I'll report; you decide. I'm left speechless over this news report from the Illinois Capitol. Perhaps they should have taken up a collection at the rally . . .


Thousands of protesters at Illinois Capitol to press for tax increase
Posted by Michelle Manchir and Ray Long at 11:50 a.m.; last updated at 3:12 p.m.

SPRINGFIELD --- Thousands of protesters bused down by labor unions and social service advocates rallied at the Capitol today in an attempt to pressure state lawmakers into raising the income tax to avoid more budget cuts.

A spokesman for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White estimated the rally crowd at 15,000, with more than 12,000 marching around the building. That would appear to make it the largest Capitol protest since the Equal Rights Amendment crowds a quarter-century ago.

Bus after bus pulled up on streets surrounding the Capitol complex and dumped sign-waving protesters clad in purple, green, red and blue shirts that represented a show of strength from a variety of public employee unions and dozens of groups that formed what they named the “Responsible Budget Coalition.” (You can see a photo gallery by clicking here.)

"Raise my taxes! Raise my taxes! Raise my taxes!" they chanted, lined up shoulder to shoulder for a few hundred yards stretching a street in front of the Capitol.

"These 177 people who have a job don't want to do their job," said Henry Bayer, head of the Illinois chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, referring to the number of lawmakers in the House and Senate. "Yes people are hurting, that's why we need a tax increase....If you try to leave town without doing your job we're going to chase you."

Gov. Pat Quinn is pushing a 33 percent increase in the state income tax rate --- taking it from 3 percent to 4 percent --- to prevent cuts in state spending. Quinn has suggested that education will bear the brunt of the cuts, although that would have to be negotiated with the General Assembly.

Lawmakers, however, are leery about voting to raise taxes during a sluggish economy with an election less than seven months away. At the Capitol, it's thought that the earliest a tax increase vote will come is after the November election.

So organized labor showed up in force at the Capitol today to pressure lawmakers to change their minds.

Among the protesters is Terrie Monaghan, who took a hit last year when her choice was to have no fourth-grade teaching job in Grayslake or share the position with another teacher. She chose the latter, and also works as a substitute teacher and tutors students after school “to make ends meet.

“Half the salary, half the benefits … half of everything,” said Monaghan, 39.

A group of more than 60 teachers, staff and students from downstate Bloomington and Normal wore bright pink shirts and jackets to symbolize the thousands of pink slips circulating statewide. They carried bottled water and signs that read “SOS” that stood for “save our schools.”

Camille Taylor, a guidance counselor nearing retirement, said the district did away with field trips to state parks and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum this year. “We can’t afford to pay for buses,” she said.

She said she hopped on a charter bus this morning to Springfield “to raise hell, basically.”

Jennifer Ritchason, a middle school social students teacher in Bloomington, came armed with hundreds of letters from her students asking legislators for more money for schools. She said she hopes the children’s words will resonate with the governor and House Speaker Michael Madigan, among other legislators the letters are addressed to.

“If you don’t care about your future, I don’t know what you can truly care about,” she said.