phillydem's blog

Chris Matthews vs Arlen Specter in 2010?

November 7th, 2008, posted by phillydem

There has been lots of speculation that Chris Matthews, host of MSNBC’s Hardball, and NE Philadelphia native, will run as Dem against Arlen Specter in 2010. Matthews has been approached before about coming back to the state and running for senate, but has so far resisted doing so.

But, if you have watched Matthews recently on Harball you’ll know he openly admits how much he admires president-elect Obama. Matthews, a former Peace Corps volunteer, is still, at heart, an idealistic baby-boomer. It’s so easy to see how Obama’s message just resonates with him; he almost glows. IMHO, if Rendell or Bob Brady approach Matthews now about running against Specter, I believe he would jump at the chance to serve in congress supporting an Obama administration.

Bill Clinton campaigns in Beaver Falls

April 20th, 2008, posted by phillydem

Former president Bill Clinton was in Beaver Falls yesterday to campaign for his wife, Hillary. (A shout out to the Beaver Falls Tiger Jazz Band which was fabulous entertaining the crowd before Clinton arrived.) I went to hear what he had to say as well as to see the 42nd President himself. Clinton gave a good speech, his usual, sans notes and speaking directly to the crowd. It was a typical Clinton speech, full of details showing a keen understanding of how things are connected. He covered the whole gamut of issues from Iraq to the economy. It was clear he and HRC realize that there is opportunity for the country to shift gears and become a leader in new manufacturing relating to reuse/recycling/new energy and many other facets coming from advances in science and medicine.  read more »

Rousseau likely Marshall challenger in PA14

February 9th, 2008, posted by phillydem

Based on what I’ve heard and some local sign advertizing, it looks very likely that Carpenter’s Union president Dennis Rosseau is seeking the Democratic nomination to face Jim Marshall (R-I-Big Beaver) in the 14th state house district.

In Beaver County, local offices bereft of candidates

November 5th, 2007, posted by phillydem

Yesterday as I was perusing the Beaver County Times’ voting guide, I looked over all the boroughs, townships and cities that have offices up for election. An astounding 64 offices, including almost all of the auditor positions, had a notation “no candidates filed”. For all the ranting, raving and complaining about favoritism, nepotism, fiscal irresponsibilty, no one was interested in auditor jobs that could act as a brake on these issues. It makes me wonder. How important could taxes be if no one wants to bother auditing how the money is spent? How important is “local control” if no one want to run for council? To me, this is hard proof the time has come to consolidate municipalities and regionalize services.  read more »

Create a New 7th Avenue: Update

November 4th, 2007, posted by phillydem

Beaver Falls has an ongoing “Main Street” program. In conjunction with that, there is a listing of all available storefronts online in a sortable table at:


Town Center Associates.

If you’ve always wanted to start or own your own business, this a great chance to do that and help revive a small town.  read more »

Create A New 7th Avenue: The Plan

September 2nd, 2007, posted by phillydem

First, thank you to all who contributed ideas, information and discussion. You were a tremendous help. My first draft is complete and you can read it on page 2.

As always, your comments are welcome.

Note: Just putting this back to the top for the weekend.

PhillyDem  read more »

Create a new 7th Avenue, part 6

July 29th, 2007, posted by phillydem

I don’t have a specific question for KP readers this week, so use this as a chance to give me general ideas.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been taking the opportunity to chat up the folks I meet in and around BF to gauge general opinon. There’s a definate perception that the city is full of crime, primarily drugs and hookers, although my sense is much of the evidence is anecdotal and of an “urban legend” quality. I know these things are happening, but I’m not sure it’s as extensive as many believe. There’s also the more real urgent problem of too many absentee landlords who will rent to anyone and don’t maintain their property. And a surprising ruling by the county court that overturned a city zoning ordinance. My sense is all these things are creating a rising frustration and cynicism in the residents.  read more »

Create a new 7th Avenue: Part 5 of our project

July 15th, 2007, posted by phillydem

This week I have several questions for KP readers.

First, I’ve gotten several comments about the need for an
“anchor” business in the central business district. What do you think an anchor business is? A supermarket? A community garden? A restored movie house? A skateboard park?

Second, how do you build “community” or get townfolk to work together in the interest of their city?

Third, what planning tools are out there to help both government and community groups devise appropriate solutions?


Link to parts 1-4.

Create a new 7th Avenue, a KP community project: What would make you move to a struggling small town?

July 7th, 2007, posted by phillydem

What things would make or encourage you to move yourself and/or your family to a small, struggling town? Would it be affordable real estate? A walkable enviroment? A chance to be a community leader (big fish in a small town)? What do you look for when deciding where to live?


Link to Parts 1, 2 and 3.

Create a New 7th Avenue, a KP community project: What can local gov't do to attract business?

July 1st, 2007, posted by phillydem

In part 3 of my ongoing project, I’d like to hear your thoughts on what a cash-strapped local gov’t could do to attract your start-up, small, mid-size or large business to its main business district.

If you’re new to this project, here are the links to Part 1 and
Part 2.

KP Project: What lures business' back to small town main streets?

June 24th, 2007, posted by phillydem

This is a question for KP’s business-oriented readers.

What kind of things would you look for or want that make you move or open a new business or new franchise in a small town? I suspect tax breaks would probably be limited but that is offset by how cheap property would be to acquire.

Municipal government observations

June 17th, 2007, posted by phillydem

I recently moved back to western Pennsylvania and decided to
try and become more active in civic affairs. To that end I attended my first local commissioners meeting as a member of the general public. The first shock was that I was the only “public” there! Two others did come in, but didn’t stay long. There was no one from the local newspapers there either to report on the proceedings.

The business was rather routine and the commissioners struck me as competent, mostly no nonsense and focused on business at hand. As meetings go, it was pretty crisp and well-run.  read more »

KP Project: Help revitalize my hometown

June 15th, 2007, posted by phillydem

First, I consider this project non-partisan. I’m looking for ideas, suggestions or things that have worked for other small towns that I can consolidate and present to the City Council. Thanks in advance!  read more »

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