Saturday, May 14, 2011

THE TRUE MEASURE OF LOYALTY

Loyalty is one of the most prized traits of mankind. I first learned about the true measure of loyalty while flying for the U.S. Marine Corps. The most crucial component of loyalty is trust, for without trust there can be no loyalty. There can be no higher level of trust than to put one's life in the hands of others. Conversely, when others put their lives in your hands the level of their trust in you is at its utmost extreme. I was tasked on a daily basis with certifying that aircraft that would be transporting 40 to 50 people were indeed safe to fly. Before every flight I was required to sign in ink a statement attesting to the airworthiness of each aircraft. Those who flew on those aircraft had an implicit trust that I would do my job 100 percent.

One morning I arrived at the flight line to find that the maintenance officer was frantically searching for me. The maintenance chief bellowed that I would be going to Leavenworth. He went on to state that I had signed off an aircraft safe for flight, which went as far as the taxiway before suffering a catastrophic failure. The enormity of the moment caused me to fall silent. My brain raced to find answers as to how I could have let this happen. Some fifteen minutes passed before I could even stammer the words "I did not sign off that aircraft". My statement was met with an incredulous glare and the logbook thrown in my face, which appeared to have my signature on it. Once again I fell silent and thought to myself, "my God what have I done". I was 21 years old and apparently through my negligence 40+ lives were put at risk and I would now be heading to Leavenworth. After a few minutes I quietly stated that I had not done the preflight check for that aircraft. This statement prompted the enraged maintenance chief to scream at me, "obviously you didn't, so why did you did sign it off". I looked down at the logbook again and then realized that although it was my name, it was not my signature. The investigation widened and it determined that a certain third shift supervisor failed to have the correct number of planes ready for the morning launch. Instead of taking the heat for his mistake, his solution was to pick a plane off the line then simply sign the logbook with my name attesting to its "safe for flight condition".

I had known this man for over a year and a half, he was a friend, and appeared to me to be an honest and loyal Marine. It was at that precise moment I truly realized that my loyalty to this man had to end. For the greater good I had to choose loyalty to principles over loyalty to a friend. He was stripped of rank, sent to Leavenworth for one year, and eventually dishonorably discharged.

Some of you may have been faced with similar decisions in your lifetime. This election may force you to have these same feelings. Search your soul and ask yourself this question. Which is more important, loyalty to the principles of honesty and truthfulness or loyalty to an old friend?

I am sure that if you search your soul and even feel it in your heart, you will choose correctly.

Former U.S. Marine Thomas Helwig

Friday, May 13, 2011

Dear Republican Neighbor

Some weeks ago you may have seen a letter from two of the candidates running for Township Supervisor in the Republican primary.

They have made several statements about their candidacy and their political positions. As Republican Committeepersons in West Vincent Township, we would now like to shed light on some of their statements and positions.

David Brown and Kit Trolier stated in their letter that they are “independent and unaffiliated” with the present supervisors. While this may be legally and technically correct, they are avid supporters of the three current Supervisors Ken Miller, Zoe Perkins, and the Democrat they appointed Clare Quinn. The real facts are that Zoe Perkins is the chairman of Good Government for West Vincent, the organization that is backing their candidacy.

When residents asked why Ken Miller had not paid his taxes in 10 years, both Brown and Trolier stood up and cheered the fact that he had not done so. They vocally supported the position that was put forth by Zoe Perkins that “it was a personal matter”, and as such it was of no concern to any of the other tax-paying residents.

Brown and Trolier have also stated their position that there is nothing they can do about the extremely high Owen J. Roberts school taxes. Once again, while this may be technically and legally correct, there were things that they could have already done. Members of the Republican Committee need to actively work with the school district to keep taxes down. For instance, both Missy and I have attended many meetings related to the District. David Brown and Sue Miller, Ken Miller's wife, are the other Republican West Vincent Committeepersons; they should have attended those meetings too. They did not. They didn’t attend the caucus to vet the School Board candidates. Missy and I were there, and we both contributed greatly to the vetting and endorsement process. With Missy and my effort the Republican Committee voted to only endorse candidates who expressed a determined fiscally conservative approach to being a school board member. Not only did Brown and Miller not show up, neither Brown nor Miller sent any proxy votes for candidates. David Brown could not perform the small but important job the voters entrusted him to do now, and he wants us to trust him to fill a larger role.

The Owen J. Roberts School Board held a Public Planning meeting on April 26, 2011 concerning capital expenditures. Neither Candidate David Brown nor candidate Kit Trolier attended this critical meeting. Owen J. Roberts school taxes will be going up this year 2.48% that translates to approximately $300 per household. Unless the proper action is taken, the coming years School tax increases will make this year's look small. Think $1,000 plus.

Simply put, they have not done as they said they would do, and that is, “What we can do we will do to help.” They couldn't even be bothered to attend critical meetings let alone offer any positive suggestions at those meetings. Other candidates running for supervisor of West Vincent Township were at the meeting and did offer suggestions to help keep taxes under control.

The simple fact is that neither Brown nor Trolier care about school taxes or, for that matter, any other taxes that you and your families will have to be paying. In fact, Brown and Trolier voiced no opposition when the current supervisors raised Township taxes 13.58% this year.

On May 17th. please vote for Richard Malasics and Maria Holderness
for Township Supervisor

After all, it's your tax money!

Missy Bertolami and Tom Helwig Republican Committeepersons, West Vincent Township

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Candidate Profiles

 
WEST VINCENT TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR (6 YEAR TERM)

Richard Malasics- The West Vincent 2 Republican Committee strongly suggests that you vote for.
Richard Malasics is a local businessman that operates Eagle Hardware and Eagle Auto Parts in the adjoining Township of Upper Uwchlan. He and his wife Sharon built their own house in West Vincent Township 27 years ago. Rich has three children, all attending /graduating Owen J Roberts. Rich was employed by a Major Retailer for 31 years as a District Manager and grew his own business starting in 1989.
Currently, Rich is expanding his operations by opening another hardware store. Phoenixville Hardware has 9000 square feet of retail space and is located in Phoenixville, PA.

His experience dealing with the public and business expertise is something desperately needed in Government. He will bring a sound fiscally conservative mind set to West Vincent Township and work towards the streamlining of the township operations.

For more information, please visit: http://www.vote4rich.com/


WEST VINCENT TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR (2 YEAR TERM)

Maria Holderness- The West Vincent 2 Republican Committee strongly suggests that you vote for.
Maria Holderness is an accountant that has lived in West Vincent Township for 23 years. She has been working for the same CPA firm for over 20 years. Maria is married to her husband Bill and they have has 2 children, Becca and Belle, that attend public school in the Owen J Roberts School District. Maria has been in regular attendance of the West Vincent Township meetings for over 5 years, participating in discussions and offering feedback from the floor. She also attends the Zoning Hearing Board Meetings and Auditor's Meetings when possible. She started a budget committee in 2009 to delve into the financial position of the township but it has been difficult getting the detailed information needed to complete the task.  

For more info visit: Vote4Maria.com


PENNSYLVANIA
SUPERIOR COURT 

Vic Stabile –Endorsed by the Republican Party of PA

Vic Stabile was recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association for the Superior Court stating that he is held in “high regard by his peers, who commend his integrity, strong work ethic and civility…his writing skills are strong and his experience handling cases before the appellate courts is solid. Based on his strong intellect, passion for the law and even temperament, the commission recommends him for a position on the Superior Court.” Currently he is a partner with Dilworth Paxson, LLP in Harrisburg, where he practices complex civil and commercial litigation. Vic resides in Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania with his family.
For more information please visit www.pagop.org



PENNSYLVANIA COMMONWEALTH COURT

Anne Covey -Endorsed by the Republican Party of PA

In 2002, Anne Covey was appointed by Governor Mark Schweiker to serve as the first female member of the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. Anne is the owner of Covey & Associates, P.C. where she practices in all areas of labor and employment law. Anne was recommended by the Pennsylvania Bar Association where they highlighted her “good character, integrity and an excellent work ethic.” Anne is an accomplished writer who has authored the book, The Workplace Law Advisor, and the law review article entitled, “Contribution of the Commonwealth Court to Public Employee Labor Law,” which was published in the Widener University School of Law Journal. She currently resides in New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her family.
For more information please visit http://www.coveyforjudge.com/



CHESTER COUNTY COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

Mark Tunnell- Endorsed by the Republican Party of Chester County

Mark graduated from Colgate University in 1972 and attended William & Mary School of Law in Williamsburg, Virginia, where he received his J.D. in 1975.  He has been married 33 years to Judy; they have two children and two grandchildren.  He is a partner in the West Chester firm of Gawthrop Greenwood, PC.
Professional Credentials
    • Chester County trial lawyer in practice 35 years representing Chester County businesses and families
    • Board certified as a Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
    • A-V (highest) rating by Martindale Hubbell Legal Register
    • Experienced in all areas of trial practice
    • President, Chester County Bar Association (2003)
    • Designated “Super Lawyer” (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

Ann Marie Wheatcraft- Endorsed by the Republican Party of Chester County
Ann Marie has worked in and out of the courtroom –in front of many juries – in the criminal, civil and family law areas that will be heard by our next Judge.  As a Prosecutor for the past 11 years, Ann Marie has successfully prosecuted murderers, rapists, and others who prey on our families. She has also worked side-by-side with victims to help them re-build their lives in the aftermath of crime, that’s why she received the endorsement of our local Fraternal Order of Police. Her unique background as a group home manager for mentally ill and chemically dependent adults gives her a background and knowledge in these issues unsurpassed by any other candidate.  Ann Marie is also involved with many local community groups and has organized community events to help teach school aged children about safe driving and safety awareness for girls.

COMMISSIONERS

Terence Farrell- Endorsed by the Republican Party of Chester County
 Terence Farrell began his first term as Commissioner on January 7, 2008, and is currently the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners. Under his leadership, the board advanced its development of a strategic plan to increase efficiency in the county’s operations and has passed balanced budgets without raising taxes. The county has received numerous awards for its superior quality of life, for a government and citizenry that has indeed made it “healthy, wealthy and wise.”  Going forward, Commissioner Farrell believes we must meet the fiscal challenges imposed by reductions in state and federal funding to the county, while still providing the quality of services our citizens have come to expect in an accountable, responsible manner. He previously served two terms as Chester County’s Recorder of Deeds. His leadership is credited with bringing the Recorder’s Office into the 21st Century.

Ryan Costello- Endorsed by the Republican Party of Chester County
On Thursday, February 17th, Ryan Costello was appointed as Commissioner to replace the vacant seat left by Carol Aichele's resignation.
Prior to this, Costello was elected to serve as Recorder of Deeds in November of 2007.  His experience as an elected official and his commitment to further technological improvements in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds helped him to win this seat. Previously, Costello served on the East Vincent Board of Supervisors—two years as a Township Supervisor, and then four years as the Supervisor’s Board Chairman.  In that time, Costello never raised taxes. Costello previously served as East Vincent Township Republican Committeeman and as Area 4 Republican Chairman.  He has volunteered on various local, state and federal campaigns for over a decade. Costello is a 1995 graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School, 1999 graduate of Ursinus College, with honors, and 2002
For More information please visit www.costelloforcommissioner.com

 

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Tom Hogan- Endorsed by the Republican Party of Chester County

Tom Hogan is an experienced and aggressive prosecutor.  He served with distinction in the Chester County District Attorney’s Office.  Tom then became the first member of the District Attorney’s Office selected to serve as a prosecutor for the United States Department of Justice, prosecuting national-level crimes. Tom has earned the respect and support of law enforcement.  In running for District Attorney, he has been endorsed by the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police, the Chester County Police Chiefs, the Pennsylvania Narcotic Officers’ Association, and the Pennsylvania State Fraternal Order of Police.
Tom has served as a national trial instructor for the Department of Justice.  He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia School of Law. Tom and his wife Victoria live in Willistown with their two children. 

SHERIFF

Bunny Welsh- Endorsed by the Republican Party of Chester County


Carolyn Bunny Welsh of Chadds Ford, PA is the first woman to be elected Sheriff of Chester County.  She is, also, the first woman to be elected president of a class at the National Sheriffs’ Institute at the Department of Corrections in LongmontColoradoLEEDS”. In 2006, she was presented with an award for “30 Remarkable Women Making Domestic Violence History” by the Pennsylvania Coalition against Domestic Violence. Among her many accomplishments, Sheriff Welsh is also a mother of four, and grandmother of eight. . In 2004, she was elected to serve on the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association. In July 2009, she was sworn in as president of the Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association. This was the first time in the 88 year history of the association that a woman has been elected to the top leadership position. In June of 2005, Sheriff Welsh was selected by the FBI Training Committee and graduated from the Mid-Atlantic Law Enforcement Executive Development Program “

PROTHONOTARY

Bryan Walters- Endorsed by the Republican Party of Chester County

Bryan Walters has successfully served as Chester County’s Prothonotary since 2004. Under Bryan’s leadership, the Prothonotary’s Office has become modern, efficient, and self-supporting. He offers excellent customer service to the courts, the legal community and the general public.  Bryan has earned the respect of the court and the legal community for the advances he has achieved. Bryan is a lifelong Chester County resident with deep family roots in Northern Chester County. For twenty years, he managed his family business in Phoenixville, and served as Schuylkill Township Supervisor for ten years. He believes in his duty as an elected official and is highly regarded by his peers, the local legal community and his staff. He will continue to bring progressive leadership and innovation to the Office of the Prothonotary.

RECORDER OF DEEDS

Rick Loughery- Endorsed by the Republican Party of Chester County

Rick Loughery is seeking the elected office of Chester County Recorder of Deeds in 2011.  Working under Commissioner Terence Farrell, Rick Loughery has first-hand experience with Chester County government’s operations, budgets and personnel.  He holds a master’s degree in Public Administration, and is an Auditor for Schuylkill Township where he has promoted fiscally responsible policies and holds public officials accountable for the taxpayer. 

As part of the team that has made Chester County one of the top 24 best-managed counties in the nation, Rick has the qualifications and professional experience that our county requires in its next Recorder of Deeds.

REGISTER OF WILLS

Terri Clark- Endorsed by the Republican Party of Chester County

Terri Clark has been a resident in Chester County for 31 years and currently lives in West Goshen Township.  She is the mother of two daughters and five grandchildren.  A fiscal conservative, Terri has been a School Board Member in the West Chester Area School District, one of Pennsylvania's largest school districts, for the last 12 years.
Over the last 15 years, Terri has worked in the Chester County Controller's office where she has served as the executive assistant to the Controller, managed a $2 million constable budget, crafted management documents that are a template for other counties across the state and successfully sought innovative cuts in budgets.  Terri's vision for the Register of Wills office is to focus on efficient, effective and user friendly approaches.