Bradford-Online - Bradford PA's Original Website » Politics & Government

Election Day 2008 – Get Out and Vote

Spider — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:27:41 +0000

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.

Graffiti

Spider — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 07:42:47 +0000

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”.

Council member Rick Benton questioned the “possession” clause, that there are many legitimate reasons for minors to possess spray paint, such as a senior project, or decorating a home coming float. He felt the wording of the ordinance would prevent legitimate activities as well as graffiti. Council member Ross Neidich expressed a preference for coordinating ordinances with Foster and Bradford Townships, and enacting the ordinances simultaneously to present a united front.

Resident Dick McDowell made an impassioned plea for property owners to stand up for their rights by not putting up with blight. That sentiment was echoed by Elm Street manager Lisa Campogiani and Council member Bob ONuffer, who urged residents to work with police to make the ordinance effective.

Mayor Tom Riel and Police Chief Michael Close stated that there is absolutely no evidence that the graffiti is gang related.

The work session involved the draft ordinance. To become law, the final draft will have a “first reading” at a future Council meeting. It can then be voted into law at a subsequent council meeting. The first reading is scheduled for the next Council meeting.

This is a hot topic on TalkAboutBradford.com. Join the discussion.

Smith Found Guilty

Spider — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:41:59 +0000

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.

Fox News Spins Flag Issue

Spider — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 02:58:30 +0000

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?

The story that originated in Bradford’s local newspaper was bad enough. It featured a picture of Smith standing amidst American flags in front of his business. Since then, the Mayor among others, have claimed the flags he was cited for were “SALE” flags, which he replaced with the patriotic ones after he received the citation. Smith recently stated that he replaced one sale flag with a POW/MIA flag after the citation, and the American flags were there originally. Some sites picked up the story and merely parroted it back with no fact checking. Others, like Fox News, couldn’t leave it at that, and have decided to add some extra spin to make the story more sensational. Truth be damned as long as the headlines scream, right?

To read what others are saying, and to join the discussion, visit our community forum, TalkAboutBradford.com.

Read our previous posts on this issue:

Bradford, PA Business Cited For Flying Flags

Mayor says flags weren’t American Until After Citation

The Bradford Era recently published another article titled, “Debate over citation for flags rages on in Bradford“.

“I am bothered and disturbed by the mayor’s comments (about) the flags in front of my business on East Main Street,” Mike Smith said. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mr. Riel and I believe he’s doing a wonderful job as mayor.”

However, Smith took issue with comments Riel made in an article July 30. Riel said Smith was clouding the issue of his citations, given for posting the flags in the right-of-way, by saying the city was trying to make him take down his American and Prisoner of War flags.

Riel said the flags Smith was cited for were not patriotic flags, but business-related flags.

Smith disagreed, saying that wasn’t accurate.
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!

Bradford, PA Business Cited For Flying Flags

Spider — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:06:26 +0000

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.

Smith has entered a “not guilty” plea before District Justice Dominic Cercone of Bradford. Smith was unavailable for comment Monday morning, but his spokesman, Vince Ioderosa, confirmed that the flags will stay in place until the hearing. “Mike’s a very patriotic guy”, said Ioderosa, “and the calls we’ve had have all been positive”.

While it may be a patriotism issue for Smith, the City of Bradford contends the issue is simply a matter of public safety and enforcing the law. Mayor Tom Riel commented that the type of flag is not the issue. The issue is whether a there is a code violation. One City official stated, “When we receive a public safety complaint, it’s not our choice to ignore it.”

Ioderosa claims they were told the City had received several complaints. While no one has complained directly to him, he believed the complaint may have been based on the view from the driveways on either side of the building.

The case will be heard on August 11, 2008 before Justice Cercone.

Read the comments and join the discussion on TalkAboutBradford.com.

Bradford City Council – Privacy Issues And The Key To The City

Spider — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:15:35 +0000

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.

Independence Day

Spider — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:28:55 +0000

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]

No where does the pledge ask us to swear an oath to the government. Mr. Bellamy seems to have agreed with the founding fathers. The republic, and its government, exist to ensure the safety and happiness of its citizens. The citizens don’t exist to serve the government. The citizens don’t exist for the benefit of corporations, or the markets. When you recite the “Pledge Of Allegiance” you are swearing an oath to be a member of our country, and believe in the ideals it was founded on. We the people, are the republic.

A republic that benefits its citizens can only work if the citizens participate in it. Citizens must learn how their government works, and how they can participate. If they don’t, those who are motivated by power and greed will certainly hijack the republic, and its citizens, for their own benefit.

Citizens must pledge their allegiance to the flag and the republic. Just remember the republic is us.

Bradford, PA Benefits From PA Film Tax Credit

Spider — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:44:32 +0000

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

Bradford City Council News

Spider — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:04:55 +0000

Bradford City Council met Tuesday, 6/24/08. As expected, the City’s dog ordinance was amended to require a person walking their dog to have some means of cleaning up after their pet.

Council also approved a $200,000 loan to Zito Media for their on-going fiber optic project. This phase will continue work to include Bradford in the “fiber ring”. Jim Rigas and Steve Zwerin of Zito Media explained what the project involves.

For more details visit Anne Holliday’s 1490 News Blog.

Joshua Hatcher, representing the area’s Christian Churches, told Council the Christian community is ready to help the City, urging Council to call on them “if they can help in any way”. He also announced an email address designed to utilize the power of prayer. Requests sent to bradfordprays@openarmsbradford.org will be sent to area clergy, who will organize prayers for the senders.

For more details visit Anne Holliday’s 1490 News Blog.