http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/fasteddie/ en-us Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:02:11 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2279086/posts Tens Of Thousands Pennsylvania Prison Inmates ... ... will still be paid for the jobs they do at state correctional institutions even as the people who guard them and see to their welfare run the risk of going unpaid in the event of a budget impasse this summer, The Morning Call has learned. Concerns about public safety helped drive the decision to continue paying the 31,175 inmates who do everything from serve meals to sweep cell-blocks at the state’s 27 correctional institutions. They’re paid 19 cents to 42 cents an hour for their labors, spokespeople for Gov. Ed Rendell and... Capital Ideas http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2279086/posts#comment Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:02:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2279042/posts Tens of thousands of Pennsylvania prison inmates still will be paid for the jobs they do at state correctional institutions, even as the people who guard them and see to their welfare run the risk of going unpaid in the event of a budget impasse this summer. Concerns about public safety helped drive the decision to continue paying the 31,175 inmates who do everything from serve meals to sweep cellblocks at the state's 27 correctional institutions, spokespeople for Gov. Ed Rendell and the state Corrections Department said. The inmates are paid 19 cents to 42 cents an hour for their... Morning Call http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2279042/posts#comment Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:51:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2270277/posts Gov. Ed Rendell believes Teva Pharmaceuticals would make the ideal tenant for his future Horsham Joint Interagency Installation. So much so, he would like the Navy to transfer 150 acres of land at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station immediately so he doesn't lose the giant generic drug manufacturer to another location. The Navy is scheduled to leave the base by September 2011 and the commonwealth is planning for the land to be turned into a mix of military and governmental agencies dedicated to national defense, homeland security and emergency preparedness. But to keep the base self-sustaining, it needs to... Bucks County Courier Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2270277/posts#comment Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:47:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2256026/posts Longtime Democratic fundraiser Norman Hsu was convicted yesterday of violating campaign finance laws in a case that became an embarrassment to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and other prominent Democrats, including Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell. Mr. Hsu donated nearly $40,000 to Mr. Rendell’s campaign coffers. According to published reports, Mr. Hsu also hosted an $18,000 dinner for Mr. Rendell at an exclusive New York City restaurant, in which less than 20 people attended. The governor reportedly referred to Mr. Hsu as “one of the best 10 people I’ve me.” He had also said Mr. Hsu “raised money for me... The Bulletin - Philadelphia's Family Newspaper http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2256026/posts#comment Fri, 22 May 2009 02:45:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2231691/posts When Gov. Ed Rendell was asked this week about Richard Poplawski, who is accused of shooting and killing three Pittsburgh police officers, he said he would sign a death warrant for the 22-year-old Stanton Heights man "without a moment's thought." Today, in a court filing, Mr. Poplawski's attorney said she wants Mr. Rendell to take a few moments to think before he speaks publicly about her client. Lisa G. Middleman, a public defender, is requesting that a judge extend a gag order in the case to the governor and all public officials. "Should the District Attorney of Allegheny County elect... Pittsburgh Post-Gazette http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2231691/posts#comment Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:22:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2229269/posts In Harrisburg tomorrow, Rendell is expected to call for the reinstatement of the federal ban on the sale of AK-47s and other automatic firearms. "Assault weapons were not made to hunt," Rendell added. "No one goes out and shoots a deer with an AK-47 or an M-16. No one does. No one." KDKA Pittsburgh http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2229269/posts#comment Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:40:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2216881/posts Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell’s recent decision to criticize the Sunoco oil company for laying off 750 workers raises a number of intriguing questions. While the governor held a press conference last week solely to excoriate Sunoco, calling the company’s decision “unconscionable,” he has been notably silent concerning the 3,000 layoffs — four times the number at Sunoco — that Comcast has executed in the past year. Since the governor’s election in 2002, SUN PAC, Sunoco’s political action committee, has contributed $55,000 to Mr. Rendell, with Sunoco employees donating an additional $2,650. During that same time period, Comcast’s PAC, its employees,... The Bulletin (Philadelphia) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2216881/posts#comment Sat, 28 Mar 2009 16:20:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2212492/posts It was early in the investigation, but already the FBI was getting on Vince Fumo's nerves. In a typically blunt e-mail, he wrote to a top aide in 2004 that a delicate part of his anatomy had just been "busted by my 2 friendly female FBI agents." Then he cursed them. His aide replied: "I do not like those people. Long live the realm of Fumo-world! :-)" Now former State Sen. Fumo stands convicted of scores of counts of corruption in a $4 million fraud, his aide has lost his job, and Fumo-world is a smoking ruin. Relentlessly civil, but... Philadelphia Inquirer http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2212492/posts#comment Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:27:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2205773/posts Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell predicted on Thursday that Michael Steele's "days are numbered" as chairman of the Republican National Committee. "He's in trouble because I just think that those who control the Republican Party don't want a big tent," Rendell told reporters during a lunch hosted by the Christian Science Monitor. Rendell, a past chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said he believes the approaching special election in New York's 20th Congressional District — to replace Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand, who was appointed senator — is not likely a make-or-break event for Steele, whom Rendell said also faces more fundamental problems. Politico http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2205773/posts#comment Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:40:19 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2205007/posts To those hurt by the recession but too proud to seek government help, Gov. Ed Rendell says: If not for yourself, do it for your country. He urged people to view food stamps not as welfare, but as economic stimulus. "Think of it this way: If you avail yourself of these sources of government relief, you'll have money to spend in the economy, and that's exactly what we need to reboot the economy," Rendell said Wednesday at Brashear High School in Beechview. His 45-minute address was televised live to gatherings in six other cities. Property owners should take advantage of... Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2205007/posts#comment Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:04:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2180771/posts Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell -- the architect of the 2004 law that brought slots casinos to the state -- now wants to legalize the use of video poker machines in taverns and clubs in a move to generate $500 million in tax revenue for his state. Friends of Ours http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2180771/posts#comment Sun, 8 Feb 2009 03:45:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2179182/posts The Rendell administration is scoffing at rumors in Washington, D.C. that Gov. Ed is on the short list to become secretary of Health and Human Services. The White House declined to comment at this time. University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato says he'd be surprised if President Obama picked Rendell. “That would turn the governorship over to a Republican,” he said. Late last year, Republican Sen. Joseph Scarnati became Rendell's lieutenant governor upon the death of Catherine Baker Knoll. “Democrats over in Arizona were very unhappy when Gov. Janet Napolitano was chosen to run the Department of Homeland... Forty-Fourth Estate Blog http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2179182/posts#comment Thu, 5 Feb 2009 20:59:44 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2178884/posts Rendell administration contends services can be delivered by other governmental entities for less money. SCRANTON – The state has notified the Scranton School for the Deaf that it will close as of July 1, board members said Wednesday. Funding for the 129-year-old school was not included in the budget proposal announced Wednesday by Gov. Ed Rendell, who unveiled his $29 billion spending plan for 2009-10. Marge Davison Matisko, chairwoman of the schools Board of Trustees, and Trustee Mahmoud Fahmy said the decision was announced late Tuesday night and meetings were held Wednesday with state officials, administrative staff and board members.... Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre PA) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2178884/posts#comment Thu, 5 Feb 2009 14:15:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2178249/posts HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Gov. Ed Rendell outlined a $29 billion budget Wednesday that would expand spending on education, prisons and health coverage while drawing from federal aid and state surpluses, increasing some taxes and cutting other programs. The plan, a 2.5 percent increase from what was originally approved for the 2008-09 budget, also would withdraw hundreds of millions of dollars from the state's "rainy day" contingency fund without draining it completely. It does not call for increasing any broad-based tax. "The budget I propose requires considerable sacrifice and pain, so that we can close the deficit and put our fiscal... The Pittsburgh Channel-WTAE http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2178249/posts#comment Wed, 4 Feb 2009 17:38:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2177523/posts Well, What The Heck Do You Know About That? Before last week, the chances are pretty good that you'd never heard of Leo J. Hindery, the big-shot business-guy whose relationship with former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle has caused Daschle some serious headaches on his way to becoming the Obama administration's Health & Human Services secretary. According to news reports, Hindery's company, InterMedia Partners LP., provided Daschle with the car and driver that squired the former Senate Democratic leader around Washington since he rejoined the private sector, thus prompting more "Driving Mr. Daschle" headlines than you can shake a stick at. Capital Ideas http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2177523/posts#comment Tue, 3 Feb 2009 18:24:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2176899/posts Gov. Ed Rendell will appear in federal court next Monday as a defense witness in the corruption trial of former Sen. Vince Fumo, D-Philadelphia. Chuck Ardo, Rendell's press secretary, said that Rendell had been served with a subpoena earlier today at his Philadelphia office. "The governor isn't sure what relevant information he may have, but he will honor the subpoena and answer any questions that are asked," Ardo said. Fumo is charged with misusing more than $1 million in state resources and another $1 million from the Citizens' Alliance for Better Neighborhoods, a south Philadelphia charity he allegedly controlled, for... PennLive.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2176899/posts#comment Mon, 2 Feb 2009 20:53:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2176168/posts Five hundred one people have been added to the state payroll at a cost of $12.35 million since Gov. Ed Rendell imposed a hiring freeze, according to a report prepared for Republican lawmakers and obtained by The Morning Call. Asked about the report, the Democratic Rendell administration said four of every five of those employees hold public safety positions that were exempted from the statewide freeze. About 100 state workers outside of public safety positions have been hired since Rendell's Sept. 16 announcement, spokesman Chuck Ardo said Friday. There are 78,000 state employees. ''Remember that the public safety agencies were... The Morning Call http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2176168/posts#comment Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:37:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2174685/posts HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - The Rendell administration told employee unions that state workers could be furloughed in a month and demanded they relinquish pay raises as the government scrambles to close a multibillion-dollar gap in state finances. Negotiators for Gov. Ed Rendell also told representatives of the three major state workers' unions during a meeting Tuesday in Harrisburg that the administration wants to draw nearly $200 million from a reserve in their health insurance fund. The governor's office also said it may institute "rolling furloughs" in which large parts of state government would be shuttered on certain days, while the... Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre PA) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2174685/posts#comment Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:04:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2163776/posts This coming Sunday, Gov. Edward G. Rendell will be all out for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers in their NFL conference championship games. But if both teams happen to win, well, then it is all Eagles. Rendell told the New York Times that he has to be loyal. “If it costs me some political points, that’s life.” Rendell is a rabid Eagles fan, and is pretty sure that rabid Steelers fans would understand his Eagle loyalty. “The casual fans might be upset, but I don’t care,” he said. During World War II, the Steelers and the Eagles... The Pittsburgh Tribune Review http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2163776/posts#comment Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:06:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2160186/posts Was Fast Eddie Rendell involved? http://www.thebulletin.us/articles/2009/01/07/top_stories/doc49643cc4b4c99010131027.txt The Bulletin http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2160186/posts#comment Wed, 7 Jan 2009 13:56:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2143459/posts Rendell, His Political Friends—And More State Contracts By Chris Freind, The Bulletin 12/05/2008 Gov. Ed Rendell, D-Pa., has come under increased fire as more information comes to light regarding his relationships with campaign donors. Awarding contributors with lucrative state contracts is nothing new in Pennsylvania, but the frequency, large-dollar amounts and the number of secretive no-bid contracts awarded to political friends are perceived by many to have crossed the ethical line. As a result, numerous bills aimed at reforming how state contracts are awarded will be re-introduced in January when the new legislature convenes. When questioned on how his friendships... The Philadelphia Bulletin http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2143459/posts#comment Fri, 5 Dec 2008 16:19:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2142852/posts Janet Napolitano wasn't the only female governor Ed Rendell was heard sizing up over an open mike at Tuesday's National Governors Conference. He also opined about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, praising her "very good political instincts" in a conversation picked up near the podium. philly.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2142852/posts#comment Thu, 4 Dec 2008 17:31:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2142232/posts Ed Rendell was the MC for the governor's meeting in Philly yesterday, where there was much to be heard on the open mics. CNN zeroed-in its microphones on Pa's motor-mouthed governor and heard him saying this about Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, Obama's pick for Homeland Security chief: "Janet's perfect for that job. Because for that job, you have to have no life. Janet has no family. Perfect. She can devote, literally, 19-20 hours a day to it." CNN's Campbell Brown went off on the guv last night: Wow. Now, I'm sure Gov. Napolitano has many qualifications for the job beyond... Pittsburgh Post-Gazette http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2142232/posts#comment Wed, 3 Dec 2008 18:05:55 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2135902/posts Gov. Ed Rendell also secures $35 million to aid family regain Boscov’s chain. WILKES-BARRE – Seeking to retain a major downtown draw, the city of Wilkes-Barre will loan $3 million to a family group attempting to regain control of the Boscov’s Department Store chain and its South Main Street store. Scranton, where the Mall at Steamtown is anchored by a newer Boscov’s, has committed the same amount to the $300 million offer to purchase the 39-store chain, and Gov. Ed Rendell said Thursday the state has secured $35 million for the effort. Rendell and Wilkes-Barre Mayor Leighton said the loans... Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre PA) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2135902/posts#comment Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:13:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2134107/posts After being rebuffed during the summer, Gov. Rendell is again pushing the Convention Center Authority to consider using a loan program backed with Chinese funds to generate millions of dollars for the center. Rendell raised the subject during phone calls last week with some of the authority's board members, according to several people familiar with the proposal. While no details have been finalized - including the interest rate, amount to be lent, and how the center would use the money - Rendell is hoping to persuade the board to embrace the loan program in a resolution to be introduced as... Philly.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2134107/posts#comment Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:36:06 GMT