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 Election Results Party
Tuesday, November 7
Firehouse Restaurant, 3rd fl, 8:00 PM—?
606 N. 2nd Street—Harrisburg
- TV’s, phones, computers to monitor action
- Semi-immediate, mostly accurate results
- Open Bar & Munchies
- $10 for all PAGR members
- $25 for PAGR guests
- Reservations and payment are requested by 11/3/06
(717-540-4391 or info@pagr.org)
The President's Message
by Brian Barno
 Just like squirrels preparing for winter, everyone is scurrying around this month to get things done. The construction crews on State Street are working overtime to spruce up the neighborhood before the Capitol Centennial Celebration. While we miss the row of trees down the middle of State Street, the street lights, brick sidewalks and new trees are going to look great. On Capitol Hill, there’s a sine die atmosphere. Everyone is pushing their agendas before the General Assembly breaks for the election. It’s anyone’s guess whether they’ll come back at all in November. The political upheaval from the pay raise and primary election is front and center on everyone’s mind. Every incumbent with an opponent is concerned about November 7. The electorate is uneasy.
There is a cloud of anxiety hanging over the State Capitol. Even in this town of political fortune tellers, no one knows how this will translate at the ballot box. Stay tuned.
There was a recent front-page story about legislation to cut the distance school districts can ask students to walk to school. Many of us remember, or at least tell our kids we remember, walking a mile each way to school, uphill, in waist-deep snow. In the colder months, my uncle was the first one at his one-room schoolhouse in rural Susquehanna County – he lit the stove so school would be warm when the kids and teacher arrived. Things were different in the 1930’s. . . The time from now until Election Day will go like a flash - block out some time with family and friends now.
Lobbypalooza: Everything else being equal, betting at the beginning of this Session that we would have some form of lobbying reform legislation passed would have seemed like a good bet. However, that bet, and many other assumptions about electoral politics in the Commonwealth, has gone topsy-turvy. So, featuring a detailed analysis of the new lobbying reform bill as the headliner for a fall Lobbypalooza is out.
If there is lobbying reform legislation passed, PAGR will provide members a detailed analysis and a “how to comply” course at Lobbypalooza in early 2007. In addition, the PAGR Board discussed the idea of using Lobbypalooza as an opportunity to educate our members on the Budget Process. There is not a corporate, social service or association client unaffected by the budget. How do you secure funding from state government? What is the process? What are the timelines? Who are the players? We think a session or two to shine a light on the Budget/Appropriations process might be great addition to Lobbypalooza 2007. What are your thoughts? What can PAGR do to make you a more valuable advocate for your clients? Let us know.
Field Work: The political shock waves from the primary election are still reverberating in the Commonwealth. There are more members, including long-time incumbents, going door-to-door than at any time in memory. Even legislators without strong opponents are concerned. They’re worried about the “throw the bums out” drumbeat and voters looking for anybody but the guy/gal on the ballot. Leadership is concerned about staying in the majority – every seat counts. Members are working their districts like never before. It’s a good thing that legislators are re-connecting with voters. But legislators deal with many issues (gaming, tax reform, land use, environmental quality, education, crime, etc.) that require heavy lifting and don’t lend themselves to sound bites, 30-second ads and banner headlines. I hope in the desire to reconnect with voters, legislators don’t shy away from digging into the tedious, complex issues that take time and focus and will pay long term benefits.
2006 Meeting Dates
Tuesday, November 7
Election Night Party
Firehouse Restaurant
Monday, December 4
Membership Meeting
And Holiday Gathering
(time/place TBD)
Welcome New Members
Sarah Bobersky
PA CHAMBER of BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
Kari Huntsinger
PA CHAMBER of BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
Congratulations
Kudos to Gretchen Ramsey, Sherry Bonawitz and their team for a successful WPGR (Women in PA Government Relations) celebrity caddy auction and golf event. A great time was had by all involved and a whopping $10,000 was raised for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.
Meeting Notice
Monday, October 3, 2006
11:30 AM — 12:30 PM
Firehouse Restaurant
606 N. 2nd Street - Harrisburg
OUR GUEST WILL BE:
Steve Crawford
Legislative Secretary for Governor Rendell
PLEASE RSVP
ALL MEMBERS WILL BE CHARGED $10. ALL GUESTS OF MEMBERS WILL BE CHARGED $20.
PLEASE RSVP BY September 29 TO 717-540-4391 OR INFO@PAGR.ORG. THANK YOU.
PA Legislative Correspondents’ Assn 76th Annual Gridiron Dinner
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
6:00 PM Cash bar
7:00 PM Dinner and Program
$80.00 per plate/$800 per table
FOR TICKETS:
Call 717.540.0296
or Email pagridiron@gowebway.com
2006 Board of Directors
Officers
President.............................Brian Barno
Vice President.......................Deb Kisela
Secretary.............Brinda Carroll Penyak
Treasurer..........................Peter Calcara
Board of Directors
Association..........................Andrew Hilt
Corporate............................Kris Snader
Lawyer..................................Tony Crisci
Independent........................Amy Leader
At Large..........................................open
At Large.............................Gregg Taylor
Immediate Past President
Judy Eschberger
Executive Director
Christine Corrigan
Thank You Stephanie Larkin
For your five years of contributions and commitment as a Member of PAGR’s Board of Directors 2002 –2006
We will miss you ... Good thing we know where to find you!
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