The announcement by Sen. Fumo -- on the eve of Gov. Rendell's budget address - that he would be stepping down as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee raised immediate questions about the fate of public transit funding in the state budget.
As budget negotiations get underway, addressing massive transit and highway funding gaps is among the certain sticking points. Fumo has championed an increase in the state's real estate transfer tax as the way to solve the transit crisis.
A Pittsburgh lawmaker, Sen. Gerald Lavalle, takes over as the ranking Democrat on the committee.
But who will fight for SEPTA?
Fumo may have demoted himself to a rank and filer, but his spokesman Gary Tuma says he will continue to work for the interests of Philly and that includes finding a SEPTA solution.
Monday, February 5, 2007
"I know in my heart I have not done anything illegal"
In what he described as the most difficult speech he ever had to deliver, Sen. Fumo acknowledged minutes ago on the Senate floor that he would be indicted as part of a federal investigation this week and said he would temporarily step down as the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
His voice sometimes cracking, Fumo told Senate colleagues that he has cooperated in an "intensive federal investigation" and despite that was subject to "threats, intimidation and frequent leaks to media...intended to embarrass me."
Fumo said, that federal prosecutors will claim assets of the non-profit group that he controlled "Citizens Alliance for Better Neighborhoods" were misused for personal and professional gain. "I am not guilty of these accusations," he said, and vowed to fight the allegations "head on."
Fumo said Sen. Gerald Lavalle (D., Allegheny) would take on the role of acting minority chairman of the Appropriations Committee "until I am vindicated." Fumo, with his staff standing behind him, said he would continue to fight to improve conditions for the poor, the elderly and children as a "rank-and-file member of the Senate."
His voice sometimes cracking, Fumo told Senate colleagues that he has cooperated in an "intensive federal investigation" and despite that was subject to "threats, intimidation and frequent leaks to media...intended to embarrass me."
Fumo said, that federal prosecutors will claim assets of the non-profit group that he controlled "Citizens Alliance for Better Neighborhoods" were misused for personal and professional gain. "I am not guilty of these accusations," he said, and vowed to fight the allegations "head on."
Fumo said Sen. Gerald Lavalle (D., Allegheny) would take on the role of acting minority chairman of the Appropriations Committee "until I am vindicated." Fumo, with his staff standing behind him, said he would continue to fight to improve conditions for the poor, the elderly and children as a "rank-and-file member of the Senate."
Fumo Floor Antics
Hardly a Capitol wallflower, Sen. Fumo is known for taking center stage on the Senate floor to spout off on the Iraq War (hates it) and, sometimes, to bash fellow lawmakers. In an infamous 2004 debate over a gambling bill, Fumo let loose on then President Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer (R., Blair) calling him a "faggot." He later apologized.
Senate Recess
1:24 p.m. Senate Democratic and Republican leaders requested "brief" caucus meetings off the floor. Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll, who presides over the chamber, called for a recess. With no bills scheduled for a vote, it was unclear what the subject of the caucus meetings might be.
Fumo Expected to Speak
The Senate convenes this afternoon amid anticipation about remarks from Sen. Vincent J. Fumo (D., Phila.)
Fumo, who may be indicted on federal obstruction charges as early as tomorrow, is expected to inform his colleagues about the investigation on the Senate floor.
Fumo, who may be indicted on federal obstruction charges as early as tomorrow, is expected to inform his colleagues about the investigation on the Senate floor.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
"Andy Hardy" Spotted at Capitol
An unusual celebrity sighting at the Rendell inaugural: Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney, bundled up against the cold, was among the 1,500 spectators today.
Why was Rooney in Harrisburg? Turns out he's a longtime pal of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll. But that's not his only connection to PA. The famed child star of stage and screen ran Mickey Rooney's Tabas Resort in Downington for many years.
Why was Rooney in Harrisburg? Turns out he's a longtime pal of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll. But that's not his only connection to PA. The famed child star of stage and screen ran Mickey Rooney's Tabas Resort in Downington for many years.
"PA Poised for Greatness"
12:02 p.m.
In a brief inaugural address, Gov. Rendell sketched the outline of an ambitious second term agenda, one that he promised would focus on providing affordable health care for all and ending the transportation funding crisis.
But, saying he agreed with voters that the political process needs reform, Rendell made a new vow for his second term: to champion proposals to bring more openness to government, restrict campaign contributions, institute merit selection of appellate court judges and limit terms for lawmakers.
Rendell delivered his speech, only ten minutes long, wearing no overcoat despite biting winds.
It was all over by 12:23 p.m. Longtime political observers gave Rendell points for brevity and said it was the shortest inauguration in 40 years.
In a brief inaugural address, Gov. Rendell sketched the outline of an ambitious second term agenda, one that he promised would focus on providing affordable health care for all and ending the transportation funding crisis.
But, saying he agreed with voters that the political process needs reform, Rendell made a new vow for his second term: to champion proposals to bring more openness to government, restrict campaign contributions, institute merit selection of appellate court judges and limit terms for lawmakers.
Rendell delivered his speech, only ten minutes long, wearing no overcoat despite biting winds.
It was all over by 12:23 p.m. Longtime political observers gave Rendell points for brevity and said it was the shortest inauguration in 40 years.
Sworn in for Term Two
12:00 p.m.
With a laugh, saying "Put your lefthand on the Bible dear," First Lady and federal judge Marjorie O. Rendell administered the oath of office to her husband. Gov. Rendell as the 45th governor of Pennsylvania.
With a laugh, saying "Put your lefthand on the Bible dear," First Lady and federal judge Marjorie O. Rendell administered the oath of office to her husband. Gov. Rendell as the 45th governor of Pennsylvania.
Rendell Arrives
Gov. Rendell, accompanied by First Lady Marjorie O. Rendell and son Jesse, take center stage for the swearing-in ceremony. Fellow Philadelphian and newly-elected House Speaker Dennis O'Brien introduced the governor and his family.
Another Philadelphian, teen singer Timmy Kelly, gave a rousing rendition of the national anthem.
Another Philadelphian, teen singer Timmy Kelly, gave a rousing rendition of the national anthem.
Dignitaries on Parade
11:30 a.m.
Members of Pennsylvania's U.S. Congressional delegation, including newly-elected Sen. Bob Casey Jr., former Gov. Mark Schweiker (on crutches), members of the governor's cabinet, justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Attorney General Tom Corbett and scores of state lawmakers make their way to a special seating area for Gov. Rendell's swearing-in ceremony which commences at noon.
Members of Pennsylvania's U.S. Congressional delegation, including newly-elected Sen. Bob Casey Jr., former Gov. Mark Schweiker (on crutches), members of the governor's cabinet, justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Attorney General Tom Corbett and scores of state lawmakers make their way to a special seating area for Gov. Rendell's swearing-in ceremony which commences at noon.
Bipartisan Voices
11:15 a.m.
The Philadelphia Boys Choir opened the Inaugural Ceremony outside the Capitol's east wing under cloudy skies as a sparse crowd braced against the chilly wind. During the gubernatorial campaign last fall the Boys Choir performed at a rally for Rendell's Republican challenger Lynn Swann at the old American Bandstand studio building in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Boys Choir opened the Inaugural Ceremony outside the Capitol's east wing under cloudy skies as a sparse crowd braced against the chilly wind. During the gubernatorial campaign last fall the Boys Choir performed at a rally for Rendell's Republican challenger Lynn Swann at the old American Bandstand studio building in Philadelphia.
Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll Sworn In
From my colleague Mario F. Cattabiani:
Kicking off the daylong series of events, Gov. Rendell’s second-in-command, Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll, took the oath of office at a ceremony in the Senate chambers at 10:30 a.m.
"There is no incentive for us to be merely one of 50 states. Our goal must always be to be the best of the 50," said Knoll, dressed in a fire-engine red suit. "… Let us vow that everything up until now has been the first draft, and it becomes our job to improve on it."
Kicking off the daylong series of events, Gov. Rendell’s second-in-command, Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll, took the oath of office at a ceremony in the Senate chambers at 10:30 a.m.
"There is no incentive for us to be merely one of 50 states. Our goal must always be to be the best of the 50," said Knoll, dressed in a fire-engine red suit. "… Let us vow that everything up until now has been the first draft, and it becomes our job to improve on it."
Bush/Rendell: Speaking from the Same Platform?
They may come from opposite ends of the political spectrum but today President Bush and Gov. Rendell share a similar platform -- literally.
While shooting inaugural preparation pictures yesterday, my eagle-eyed colleague, photographer Larry Kesterson, spotted a large wood crate – like the kind Wiley Coyote would use to stash the Acme Dynamite - sitting near where Rendell's swearing-in ceremony was to take place. Stamped on it in large block letters was “Bush-Cheney Transition."
Turns out it contained the podium that will be used later today by Rendell.
An employee with Hargrove Inc., a large trade show contractor, confirmed the stage was recycled from President Bush's inaugural. The Maryland-based company, which has whipped up parade floats for Mardi Gras and the Tournament of Roses, boasts on its Web site that it has designed sets for all the presidential inaugurations since 1949.
Turns out it contained the podium that will be used later today by Rendell.
An employee with Hargrove Inc., a large trade show contractor, confirmed the stage was recycled from President Bush's inaugural. The Maryland-based company, which has whipped up parade floats for Mardi Gras and the Tournament of Roses, boasts on its Web site that it has designed sets for all the presidential inaugurations since 1949.
Gov. Rendell Kicks Off Second Term
9:30 a.m. Inauguration Day
Final preparations are wrapping up for the inauguration of Gov. Rendell who takes the oath of office for his second term at noon. While security officers make last-minute sweeps of the Capitol grounds, political dignitaries, performers and the party faithful are gathering on the east side of the Capitol where the ceremony takes place.
The event is shaping up to be a more subdued affair than in 2003, when "America's Mayor" took the oath as Pennsylvania's 45th governor before joining in a parade of 5,000 through the streets of Harrisburg, featuring the Mummers, survivors of the Quecreek Mine disaster and Punxsutawney Phil.
This year there will be plenty of fanfare and music, but no parade and no fireworks. The Associated Press reports organizers expect fewer than 5,000 people to attend the inaugural ball, only half the number who were on hand four years ago. A press aide says no Pittsburgh TV stations were planning to make the trip.
The action gets underway at 10:30 a.m. with the swearing-in of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll in the Senate chamber. The ceremony for the governor begins outside at 11:30 a.m. with music by the Philadelphia Boys Choir. Teen singer Timmy Kelly of Philadelphia is back to sing the National Anthem. And First Lady (federal judge) Marjorie O. Rendell will again be standing beside her husband on the podium at noon administering the oath of office.
This afternoon, following Rendell's inaugural address, the spotlight will be on Harrisburg businesses with local restaurants offering $20.07 deals on meals and "A Celebration of the Arts" will highlight local art galleries. The inaugural ball, featuring a nearly all-Philly line-up headlined by singers Jon Bon Jovi, Frankie Avalon and Jill Scott, begins at 7 p.m. at the Farm Show complex.
My colleague Mario F. Cattabiani and I will be delivering the play-by-play through the day.
Final preparations are wrapping up for the inauguration of Gov. Rendell who takes the oath of office for his second term at noon. While security officers make last-minute sweeps of the Capitol grounds, political dignitaries, performers and the party faithful are gathering on the east side of the Capitol where the ceremony takes place.
The event is shaping up to be a more subdued affair than in 2003, when "America's Mayor" took the oath as Pennsylvania's 45th governor before joining in a parade of 5,000 through the streets of Harrisburg, featuring the Mummers, survivors of the Quecreek Mine disaster and Punxsutawney Phil.
This year there will be plenty of fanfare and music, but no parade and no fireworks. The Associated Press reports organizers expect fewer than 5,000 people to attend the inaugural ball, only half the number who were on hand four years ago. A press aide says no Pittsburgh TV stations were planning to make the trip.
The action gets underway at 10:30 a.m. with the swearing-in of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll in the Senate chamber. The ceremony for the governor begins outside at 11:30 a.m. with music by the Philadelphia Boys Choir. Teen singer Timmy Kelly of Philadelphia is back to sing the National Anthem. And First Lady (federal judge) Marjorie O. Rendell will again be standing beside her husband on the podium at noon administering the oath of office.
This afternoon, following Rendell's inaugural address, the spotlight will be on Harrisburg businesses with local restaurants offering $20.07 deals on meals and "A Celebration of the Arts" will highlight local art galleries. The inaugural ball, featuring a nearly all-Philly line-up headlined by singers Jon Bon Jovi, Frankie Avalon and Jill Scott, begins at 7 p.m. at the Farm Show complex.
My colleague Mario F. Cattabiani and I will be delivering the play-by-play through the day.
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