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Election Day 2008 – Get Out and Vote

November 4, 2008 in Politics & Government

If you are in favor of an “Obama-nation” or if you are a “McCain-a-maniac”, it’s your day. Get out and vote.

Some people don’t like either, and I’ve heard from many that they are not voting.

With the utmost respect for their convictions, let me say, that voting is not our right, but rather our DUTY.

Don’t like any of the candidates? Write in the person YOU think works best for the job, even if they aren’t running. Maybe it’s yourself. Maybe it’s Will Smith. Maybe it’s Ron Paul.

It’s time to make your voice heard. Place your vote, and wait to see who will get the reins of this Great Nation.

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Graffiti

September 14, 2008 in AV, Community Development, Local Interest, Politics & Government, TAB

Graffiti in Bradford, was the order of business at the Bradford City Council Graffiti Work Session held on September 9. The work session was open to the public, with about 20 local residents attending in addition to City Council members.

Based on ordinances from various other municipalities, Council presented a draft ordinance. The draft ordinance can be found here. After a reading of the draft by Mayor Tom Riel, comments were called for from the residents.

The ordinace proposes to:

  • Formally make graffiti a crime.
  • Ban the sale to, and possession of, spray paint for minors.
  • Require property owners to clean up graffiti in a reasonable time period.

During the public comment period, residents aired concerns such as, what penalties could be levied for offenders, and if the ordinance would apply to everyone equally.

The proposed ordinance leaves punishment up to Pennsylvania state guidelines as imposed by a judge. It also specifically states that it applies to, “associations, businesses, clubs, corporations, partnerships, and bodies politic”.

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Smith Found Guilty

August 11, 2008 in Local Interest, News Roundup, Politics & Government, Talk About Bradford, Uncategorized

Local businessman Mike Smith was found guilty Tuesday afternoon in a case that has drawn wide attention. The City of Bradford issued a citation to Smith for a violation of the sign ordinance, but Smith contended that he was a veteran showing his patriotism by displaying the American flag.

According to WESB News:

Smith was fined $50 and has 30 days to appeal Cercone’s decision…

Join the discussion on TalkAboutBradford.com.

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Fox News Spins Flag Issue

August 5, 2008 in AV, Local Interest, News Roundup, Politics & Government, Talk About Bradford

I had no opinion on the Fox News claim of being fair and balanced. After seeing the way they twisted the story of the City of Bradford citing Mike Smith for flying flags in front of his business, I realize they have no problem making up the headline and story they want. Notice their spin on this story, “Veteran Facing Possible 90 Days In Jail For Flying Flag“. Also, why would you interview anyone else? After all, “Fair and Balanced” sounds good, but it really makes for a boring story, doesn’t it?
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A Real War Hero To Visit Bradford

August 1, 2008 in Local Interest, News Roundup, Politics & Government

Specialist John McGriff

So many times we do not know ahead of time so we can prepare for a homecoming. This is your opportunity to make a difference for both the soldier and his family.

We have a young warrior of the 173rd Airborne unit who is arriving home
from Afghanistan on August 4th. His name is John McGriff, a Bradford man and
last week the 9 soldiers killed were from his unit, who gave their lives for
our freedom. As his mother (Dawn McGriff) asked in her e-mail to me, I
believe everyone in Bradford should post their flag the week of August 3rd
in his honor and support. If you have any other ideas of other support let
me know. He also was made a member of Bradford Legion Post 108, he should
have his membership card when he arrives home. They hope he will arrive
around 4-4:30 pm Monday.

Clair D. Butler,
Adjutant, Bradford Legion Post 108

We thank you for your consideration. Please pass this email along to other
businesses and individuals in the community.

This information was provided by:

Diane Sheeley
Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce
www.bradfordchamber.com

John McGriff is a BAHS graduate, Class of 2005. Upon his arrival in Bradford, he’ll have a motorcycle escort through town. The first stop will be to see his mother at her place of employment, KOA Speer, on Williams Street. His escort will lead him along Bolivar Drive, E. Main Street, and Main Street. If you see Specialist McGriff, let him know that he’s a real hero!

BAHS Class Of 2005
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Bradford, PA Business Cited For Flying Flags

July 26, 2008 in News Roundup, Politics & Government, Talk About Bradford

Is Bradford issuing citation to people who fly the American Flag?

Is Bradford, PA issuing citations to businesses that display the American Flag, as this sign claims?

Local businessman Mike Smith is going to have his day in court after receiving a citation from the City of Bradford. The controversy involves two American flags and one POW/MIA flag that Smith has been displaying in front of his East Main Street business for years.

According to City Code Enforcement Officer George Corignani, the complaint was passed to his office after being received by City Clerk John Peterson. The complaint alleges the flags extend into the City’s right of way on East Main, causing a near accident.

According to City officials, both the City Clerk and Code Enforcement contacted Smith’s business and were told that the flags would stay. The citation was then issued.
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Bradford City Council – Privacy Issues And The Key To The City

July 8, 2008 in Local Interest, News Roundup, Politics & Government

Bradford City Council held it’s regular meeting Tuesday night.

John Kohler was given the Key To The City Of Bradford. Sara Andrews, Director of the OECD, gave a presentation outlining some of Kohler’s contributions. Andrews told the audience, “Ten years ago nobody was investing in Main Street. The City had bought three buildings. We felt there was a need to renovate and encourage investment. John was one of those investors who really stepped up. Not only did he purchase and renovate several downtown buildings, but he actually went out and recruited businesses to occupy them”. It was also noted several of Kohler’s projects resulted in retaining businesses in the area, citing the three acre warehouse he built for Graham Packaging.

During the public comment portion of the meeting one resident raised privacy concerns. She complained that a neighbor had mounted a camera pointed at her house. Bradford City Police Chief Mike Close offered to talk to her after the meeting. Later a police spokesman stated that no charges could be filed in the matter. “The circumstances of each complaint are different. In this case it appears that no criminal law is being broken”.

The large upswing in still and video camera use, and the ease of publishing on the Internet has created a great deal of debate. Most laws that address the subject are civil, not criminal laws. Most of these laws hinge on the individual’s expectation of privacy. Columnist Andrew Kantor recently wrote this editorial on the subject in USAToday.

What do you think? Click here to send us your comments.

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Independence Day

July 7, 2008 in AV, Politics & Government, Uncategorized

Here at Bradford-Online.com we hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th of July holiday. This seemed appropriate for the occasion. The voice should need no introduction, but for the younger crowd, it’s the voice of movie actor john Wayne. The fireworks were from the public display the Seneca Allegany Hotel & Casino in Salamanca, NY put on.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy (1855-1931), a Baptist minister, a Christian Socialist, and the cousin of Socialist Utopian novelist Edward Bellamy (1850-1898). [Wikipedia]
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Bradford, PA Benefits From PA Film Tax Credit

June 30, 2008 in Entertainment, Local Interest, Politics & Government

Lights, camera, action! Little Chicago will stay in Bradford.

Legislators today extended the Pennsylvania Film Production Tax Credit. Under legislation signed by the governor, a production intended for a national audience that spends 60% of its budget in Pennsylvania draws a 25% transferable tax credit on qualified expenses.

A spokesperson at the “Little Chicago” offices confirmed that this tax credit will allow the movie to continue filming in Pennsylvania. Failure to pass the extension of the credit could have forced the filming to other other states that already offer film tax credits. New York State offers a 30% tax credit.

Mayor Tom Riel stated this will ensure a $3 Million tax credit to the producers of the movie “Little Chicago”. He recently spoke at a conference in Harrisburg about the importance of the tax credit to the State’s small and rural communities.

Writer/director M. Night Shyamalan has also expressed interest in Bradford as a possible location for filming. Shyamalan is already known for shooting major productions in PA, mostly in the Philadelphia area. His film credits include “The Sixth Sense” and “The Village”.

At a post-conference dinner Mayor Riel had the chance to chat with some of the conference speakers. He was seated next to Mr. Shymalan, giving them the chance to talk about movies and to talk about Bradford.

M. Night Shyamalan’s Next Movie In Bradford? (MP3 Audio)

According to Variety magazine, part of Pennsylvania’s push to establish a movie infrastructure in the state includes a deal to construct a major movie studio in the Delaware valley. It will include six 24,000-square-foot, high-ceilinged soundstages.

Related Links:

FilmInPA.com

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