Friends of Bompiani proudly announces that Dr. Bompiani has been endorsed by Lieutenant Governor and President of the Senate, Catherine Baker Knoll, the Director of the Southwest Regional Office of the Governor and former Pennsylvania State Senator of the 39th District, Allen Kukovich, Pennsylvania State House Representative of the 57th District, Tom Tangretti, and Westmoreland County Commissioners, Tom Balya and Tom Ceraso.
"I am truly humbled by these endorsements. Each of these individuals means a lot to me. Their commitments to the public are remarkable." -Dr. Tony Bompiani
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
John Baer: How Pa. extension benefited Clinton
Philadelphia Daily News
HERE'S A LITTLE political banana peel.
Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign failed to file a full slate of convention delegate candidates for Pennsylvania's April 22 primary.
This despite the possibility the primary proves critical and despite Clinton owning the full-throated support of Gov. Rendell, state Democratic Party leadership, Mayor Nutter and, presumably, the organizational skill all that entails.
And despite a Rendell-ordered extension of the filing deadline that could be viewed as more than just coincidental.
"There are a number of Clinton delegates that did not file for reasons of illness or other issues," Democratic state chairman T.J. Rooney conceded yesterday after being questioned by the Daily News.
He initially said he was unaware of the fact, but confirmed it after checking with Clinton's state delegate petition organizer.
It appears Clinton came up 10 or 11 candidates short across a number of congressional districts, including two in Philadelphia.
That's close to 10 percent of the 103 delegates to be decided by voters.
It appears the shortage would've been double that if Rendell hadn't extended last week's candidate filing deadline by a day and a half, ostensibly due to bad weather.
This at a time when Clinton's campaign, like Barack Obama's - which did file a full slate in the state - hoards delegates like diamonds.
Going into today's Wisconsin primary, Obama leads Clinton by just 61 delegates (1,322 to 1,262 with 2,025 needed to win).
But Clinton's faux pas is more of an image problem than a practical one.
Under Democratic Party rules (and does any organization on the planet have more rules or more complex rules?) a presidential candidate winning in a congressional district gets delegates from that district (assigned at a later date) whether he or she files slates delegates or not.
Still.
For a national campaign stressing competence, experience, "ready day one," one might expect a full slate in what could be a key state.
Especially given the backing of big-shot party leaders.
"The Clinton people had the support of the ward structure here in Philadelphia," says Philly attorney Seth Williams, Obama's eastern Pennsylvania coordinator. "We just had grass-roots volunteers."
Pennsylvania has a total of 188 Democratic delegates, including superdelegates, at-large delegates, party leaders and elected officials.
Delegates elected by voters run in the primary after filing petitions with 250 signatures and a $25 filing fee.
The filing deadline was Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. But it was extended by Rendell until noon last Thursday, easing Clinton's filing woes.
The official announcement of the extension cited "winter weather," accidents and the "closure of interstates at various times."
But even with the extension, Clinton came up short, including what appears to be four candidates shy in Philly.
One is Erin Dougherty, 27, daughter of union boss and state Senate candidate John Dougherty.
She decided not to file, according to her father, to prevent voter confusion over more than one Dougherty on the same ballot.
Elsewhere, say Rooney and other Clinton supporters, one candidate's mother died suddenly, another candidate was ill and another had to deal with a property foreclosure.
The shortfall was brought to my attention by western Pennsylvania attorney Jack Hanna, a Democratic state party regional caucus chairman and Obama supporter.
Hanna says before the deadline extension Clinton could have been 21 delegate candidates short. One late filing was by former Mayor John Street.
"It seems to me they did not pay sufficient attention to the details," Hanna says.
And it seems to me, in a state that could be important, in a state known for bad winter weather, a forward-looking campaign might be, well, more forward-looking.
You know, so as not to slip up.
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20080219_John_Baer__How_Pa__extension_benefited_Clinton.html
HERE'S A LITTLE political banana peel.
Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign failed to file a full slate of convention delegate candidates for Pennsylvania's April 22 primary.
This despite the possibility the primary proves critical and despite Clinton owning the full-throated support of Gov. Rendell, state Democratic Party leadership, Mayor Nutter and, presumably, the organizational skill all that entails.
And despite a Rendell-ordered extension of the filing deadline that could be viewed as more than just coincidental.
"There are a number of Clinton delegates that did not file for reasons of illness or other issues," Democratic state chairman T.J. Rooney conceded yesterday after being questioned by the Daily News.
He initially said he was unaware of the fact, but confirmed it after checking with Clinton's state delegate petition organizer.
It appears Clinton came up 10 or 11 candidates short across a number of congressional districts, including two in Philadelphia.
That's close to 10 percent of the 103 delegates to be decided by voters.
It appears the shortage would've been double that if Rendell hadn't extended last week's candidate filing deadline by a day and a half, ostensibly due to bad weather.
This at a time when Clinton's campaign, like Barack Obama's - which did file a full slate in the state - hoards delegates like diamonds.
Going into today's Wisconsin primary, Obama leads Clinton by just 61 delegates (1,322 to 1,262 with 2,025 needed to win).
But Clinton's faux pas is more of an image problem than a practical one.
Under Democratic Party rules (and does any organization on the planet have more rules or more complex rules?) a presidential candidate winning in a congressional district gets delegates from that district (assigned at a later date) whether he or she files slates delegates or not.
Still.
For a national campaign stressing competence, experience, "ready day one," one might expect a full slate in what could be a key state.
Especially given the backing of big-shot party leaders.
"The Clinton people had the support of the ward structure here in Philadelphia," says Philly attorney Seth Williams, Obama's eastern Pennsylvania coordinator. "We just had grass-roots volunteers."
Pennsylvania has a total of 188 Democratic delegates, including superdelegates, at-large delegates, party leaders and elected officials.
Delegates elected by voters run in the primary after filing petitions with 250 signatures and a $25 filing fee.
The filing deadline was Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. But it was extended by Rendell until noon last Thursday, easing Clinton's filing woes.
The official announcement of the extension cited "winter weather," accidents and the "closure of interstates at various times."
But even with the extension, Clinton came up short, including what appears to be four candidates shy in Philly.
One is Erin Dougherty, 27, daughter of union boss and state Senate candidate John Dougherty.
She decided not to file, according to her father, to prevent voter confusion over more than one Dougherty on the same ballot.
Elsewhere, say Rooney and other Clinton supporters, one candidate's mother died suddenly, another candidate was ill and another had to deal with a property foreclosure.
The shortfall was brought to my attention by western Pennsylvania attorney Jack Hanna, a Democratic state party regional caucus chairman and Obama supporter.
Hanna says before the deadline extension Clinton could have been 21 delegate candidates short. One late filing was by former Mayor John Street.
"It seems to me they did not pay sufficient attention to the details," Hanna says.
And it seems to me, in a state that could be important, in a state known for bad winter weather, a forward-looking campaign might be, well, more forward-looking.
You know, so as not to slip up.
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20080219_John_Baer__How_Pa__extension_benefited_Clinton.html
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Hempfield Area High School Scores Well
Hempfield Area High School received a favorable report this month from a regional accreditation agency.
District school Superintendent Terry Foriska told school directors Monday night that a review by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, based in Philadelphia, credited the school for technology upgrades and improvements in staff development programming and initiatives, among other standards.
The report is part of a program on continuous school improvement that reviews progress every five years, although the high school participates in an accreditation process every 10 years.
Foriska noted that the school achieved five designated goals: integrating state-of-the-art technology; designing and implementing staff development programs to improve student learning and teacher effectiveness; implementing an intramural sports program; establishing a peer mediation program; and evaluating and correcting areas deemed to be safety and health hazards.
District school Superintendent Terry Foriska told school directors Monday night that a review by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, based in Philadelphia, credited the school for technology upgrades and improvements in staff development programming and initiatives, among other standards.
The report is part of a program on continuous school improvement that reviews progress every five years, although the high school participates in an accreditation process every 10 years.
Foriska noted that the school achieved five designated goals: integrating state-of-the-art technology; designing and implementing staff development programs to improve student learning and teacher effectiveness; implementing an intramural sports program; establishing a peer mediation program; and evaluating and correcting areas deemed to be safety and health hazards.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Greensburg playground upgrade may cut crime: residents
Mike Olbeter said he believes an improved Coulter Playground in Greensburg will attract more children and discourage vandalism and other unwanted activity there.
"It's a good neighborhood, and a lot of kids are growing up there," Olbeter said.
A meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 26 at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art for residents who live near the playground. They will discuss what to do with a $10,000 KaBOOM grant that was awarded to make improvements at the playground in the city's 1st Ward, said organizer Steve Gifford, executive director of Greensburg Community Development Corp.
Gifford said the playground was discussed with neighbors during August meetings of My Neighborhood Program. That state program, known as the Elm Street Program, aims at enhancing areas near city downtown areas.
"One of the things they said they really wanted was improvements to the playground," Gifford said.
Some neighbors said the recreation area has been targeted by vandals. They worry about drug deals going on there.
"It will make it safer and keep the riffraff out," Olbeter said of the proposed changes.
Another resident who lives near the playground, Camie Grillo, believes the improvements will entice more children and adults to go there.
"I think our neighborhood will use it, but I know myself ... that others will use it, too," she said.
The playground is one of the few in the city with basketball courts, neighbors said.
"If it's kept up ... people will want to go there," Olbeter said.
Another nearby resident, Alex Graziani, said playgrounds help to attract residents.
"(Playgrounds) really stabilize neighborhoods," he added.
The recommendations made at the August meetings included replacing playground benches and equipment. Residents suggested that new lines be painted on the basketball court.
Other suggestions were painting of an existing swing and the additions of a water fountain, trash cans, walking path and flower garden.
The KaBOOM grant, which must be used by Aug. 15, was given by The Grable Foundation.
Gifford said overall Coulter expenses are projected at $38,000. The city, which owns the playground, is expected to make a contribution. Other grant funding is being sought, Gifford said.
Gifford said lights are being proposed to help deter vandalism and any other unwanted activity.
Barbara Ciampini, city planning director, said large-scale improvements haven't been made to the playground for at least 15 years.
"If it brings out the children and helps the neighborhood, that's wonderful," she said.
"It's a good neighborhood, and a lot of kids are growing up there," Olbeter said.
A meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 26 at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art for residents who live near the playground. They will discuss what to do with a $10,000 KaBOOM grant that was awarded to make improvements at the playground in the city's 1st Ward, said organizer Steve Gifford, executive director of Greensburg Community Development Corp.
Gifford said the playground was discussed with neighbors during August meetings of My Neighborhood Program. That state program, known as the Elm Street Program, aims at enhancing areas near city downtown areas.
"One of the things they said they really wanted was improvements to the playground," Gifford said.
Some neighbors said the recreation area has been targeted by vandals. They worry about drug deals going on there.
"It will make it safer and keep the riffraff out," Olbeter said of the proposed changes.
Another resident who lives near the playground, Camie Grillo, believes the improvements will entice more children and adults to go there.
"I think our neighborhood will use it, but I know myself ... that others will use it, too," she said.
The playground is one of the few in the city with basketball courts, neighbors said.
"If it's kept up ... people will want to go there," Olbeter said.
Another nearby resident, Alex Graziani, said playgrounds help to attract residents.
"(Playgrounds) really stabilize neighborhoods," he added.
The recommendations made at the August meetings included replacing playground benches and equipment. Residents suggested that new lines be painted on the basketball court.
Other suggestions were painting of an existing swing and the additions of a water fountain, trash cans, walking path and flower garden.
The KaBOOM grant, which must be used by Aug. 15, was given by The Grable Foundation.
Gifford said overall Coulter expenses are projected at $38,000. The city, which owns the playground, is expected to make a contribution. Other grant funding is being sought, Gifford said.
Gifford said lights are being proposed to help deter vandalism and any other unwanted activity.
Barbara Ciampini, city planning director, said large-scale improvements haven't been made to the playground for at least 15 years.
"If it brings out the children and helps the neighborhood, that's wonderful," she said.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Ordinary side of Mother Teresa expressed at St. Vincent College
Mother Teresa had a sense of humor, a stubborn streak, often was mesmerizing and always had a prayer in her heart.
That was just some of what those who packed the auditorium Saturday night at St. Vincent College's Robert S. Carey Performing Arts Center learned about a woman who ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying for more than 40 years.
"I didn't notice a moment with Mother where the next moment wasn't a prayerful moment ... where the next moment wasn't for Jesus," said Jan Petrie, who co-produced two documentaries of Mother Teresa's life with her sister Ann.
Petrie took part in a panel discussion as part of the weekend's "Remembrances of Mother Teresa of Calcutta by Her Family and Friends." The event commemorated the 10-year anniversary of her death.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/westmoreland/s_531440.html
That was just some of what those who packed the auditorium Saturday night at St. Vincent College's Robert S. Carey Performing Arts Center learned about a woman who ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned and dying for more than 40 years.
"I didn't notice a moment with Mother where the next moment wasn't a prayerful moment ... where the next moment wasn't for Jesus," said Jan Petrie, who co-produced two documentaries of Mother Teresa's life with her sister Ann.
Petrie took part in a panel discussion as part of the weekend's "Remembrances of Mother Teresa of Calcutta by Her Family and Friends." The event commemorated the 10-year anniversary of her death.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/westmoreland/s_531440.html
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Trio honored for saving a life at fiery crash scene
Father and son homebuilders who admit they like their sleep, and a longtime firefighter used to being roused in the middle of the night, were honored Tuesday for saving the life of an accident victim last year.
David Brown, 43; Michael Brown, 19; and Edward Chearney, 54, all of Acme, were awarded Meritorious Citizenship Awards by state police at Greensburg.
The three rushed from their homes at 2 a.m. May 4, 2006, and pulled a man from a car that had crashed into a wall along County Line Road in Donegal Township.
State police spokeswoman Jeanne Martin said the driver, whom police identified as William S. Davis, was intoxicated. Davis, whose age and address were not available yesterday, was arrested and prosecuted, she said.
David Brown said his wife, Jamie Brown, woke him after hearing the crash.
"She said someone hit the wall down the road," he said. "I said, 'Well, it will be there in the morning.'"
When Jamie Brown saw flames, she said yesterday, "I said, 'Dave, I think it's finally time to get out of bed.'"
She then called for help.
Brown woke his son and the two ran to the scene.
Flames were coming through the windshield, David Brown said, and they could see that someone was trapped. Michael Brown was able to hold a door open while David Brown dragged the man out. At that point Chearney arrived.
"And the car just burst into flames," Brown said.
He said Davis appeared incoherent.
"He was saying, 'Leave me in here and let me burn up,'" Brown said.
At the same time, Davis said he wanted to get out.
"I don't think he really knew what was happening," Brown said.
Michael Brown, who works with his father, had to be up at 6 a.m. that morning, and joked that he had to be dragged out of bed.
"Whenever I saw the flames coming up through the sunroof and going through the windshield," he said, "I got a little scared for everyone. Once we got everyone out, I knew everything was going to be OK."
He estimated it took about 15 seconds to extricate Davis.
"But it felt like forever," Brown said. "I didn't think about my safety. It was strictly getting him out of the vehicle."
He said receiving the award was "pretty exciting. I'm happy that I got it."
Chearney, a firefighter with Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Department for 32 years, said he heard the call on his pager.
By the time he arrived, he said, the Browns had Davis out of the vehicle. He helped carry him away from the car.
Chearney, who is employed with the Westmoreland County Bureau of Weights and Measures, praised the Browns for their efforts.
"They did real well," he said. "Not too many people from the public will step up in that capacity."
David Brown, who said he believed Davis lives in Fayette County, said the man left a message on his answering machine after the accident.
"He thanked us for saving his life," he said. "He knew he couldn't repay us."
Trooper Rocco Russo, who responded to the accident scene with Trooper Timothy Harrer, nominated the three for the award.
He said they were still on the scene when he arrived, and Davis had been transported for medical treatment.
"This definitely would have been a fatality if they hadn't done what they did," Russo said.
"(Davis) was pretty much stuck."
The awards were presented by Capt. Harvey Cole Jr., commander of Troop A at Greensburg.
"How many citizens do we have on a daily basis that step up and put themselves in harm's way?" Cole said. "We appreciate that and want to recognize that."
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/westmoreland/s_529394.html
David Brown, 43; Michael Brown, 19; and Edward Chearney, 54, all of Acme, were awarded Meritorious Citizenship Awards by state police at Greensburg.
The three rushed from their homes at 2 a.m. May 4, 2006, and pulled a man from a car that had crashed into a wall along County Line Road in Donegal Township.
State police spokeswoman Jeanne Martin said the driver, whom police identified as William S. Davis, was intoxicated. Davis, whose age and address were not available yesterday, was arrested and prosecuted, she said.
David Brown said his wife, Jamie Brown, woke him after hearing the crash.
"She said someone hit the wall down the road," he said. "I said, 'Well, it will be there in the morning.'"
When Jamie Brown saw flames, she said yesterday, "I said, 'Dave, I think it's finally time to get out of bed.'"
She then called for help.
Brown woke his son and the two ran to the scene.
Flames were coming through the windshield, David Brown said, and they could see that someone was trapped. Michael Brown was able to hold a door open while David Brown dragged the man out. At that point Chearney arrived.
"And the car just burst into flames," Brown said.
He said Davis appeared incoherent.
"He was saying, 'Leave me in here and let me burn up,'" Brown said.
At the same time, Davis said he wanted to get out.
"I don't think he really knew what was happening," Brown said.
Michael Brown, who works with his father, had to be up at 6 a.m. that morning, and joked that he had to be dragged out of bed.
"Whenever I saw the flames coming up through the sunroof and going through the windshield," he said, "I got a little scared for everyone. Once we got everyone out, I knew everything was going to be OK."
He estimated it took about 15 seconds to extricate Davis.
"But it felt like forever," Brown said. "I didn't think about my safety. It was strictly getting him out of the vehicle."
He said receiving the award was "pretty exciting. I'm happy that I got it."
Chearney, a firefighter with Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire Department for 32 years, said he heard the call on his pager.
By the time he arrived, he said, the Browns had Davis out of the vehicle. He helped carry him away from the car.
Chearney, who is employed with the Westmoreland County Bureau of Weights and Measures, praised the Browns for their efforts.
"They did real well," he said. "Not too many people from the public will step up in that capacity."
David Brown, who said he believed Davis lives in Fayette County, said the man left a message on his answering machine after the accident.
"He thanked us for saving his life," he said. "He knew he couldn't repay us."
Trooper Rocco Russo, who responded to the accident scene with Trooper Timothy Harrer, nominated the three for the award.
He said they were still on the scene when he arrived, and Davis had been transported for medical treatment.
"This definitely would have been a fatality if they hadn't done what they did," Russo said.
"(Davis) was pretty much stuck."
The awards were presented by Capt. Harvey Cole Jr., commander of Troop A at Greensburg.
"How many citizens do we have on a daily basis that step up and put themselves in harm's way?" Cole said. "We appreciate that and want to recognize that."
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/westmoreland/s_529394.html
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Jeannette vs. Yough to be Televised on National TV
The way Yough football coach Jim Wehner looks at his team's nationally televised WPIAL Class AA Interstate Conference game against No. 1 Jeannette on Friday, there is nothing to lose.
"When Appalachian State played at Michigan on Sept. 1, no one gave it a chance to win," Wehner said. "Well, we're in the same position. No one outside the WPIAL knows where Yough is."
Wehner isn't predicting a victory, but he just wants his team to play Yough football and enjoy the stage.
The Yough (1-1, 1-1) and Jeannette (2-0, 2-0) game will be televised by ESPNU.
It's the third consecutive game this season in which Jeannette has appeared on TV. Yough was on FSN Pittsburgh in 2005 at Belle Vernon.
"That's what we've been telling the players," Wehner said. "We should feel privileged that were on national TV. I don't think they realize the game is on TV.
"If you can't get fired up for a game on national TV, you won't be ready for any game. If I was playing, I'd be excited to play."
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/highschool/s_526881.html
"When Appalachian State played at Michigan on Sept. 1, no one gave it a chance to win," Wehner said. "Well, we're in the same position. No one outside the WPIAL knows where Yough is."
Wehner isn't predicting a victory, but he just wants his team to play Yough football and enjoy the stage.
The Yough (1-1, 1-1) and Jeannette (2-0, 2-0) game will be televised by ESPNU.
It's the third consecutive game this season in which Jeannette has appeared on TV. Yough was on FSN Pittsburgh in 2005 at Belle Vernon.
"That's what we've been telling the players," Wehner said. "We should feel privileged that were on national TV. I don't think they realize the game is on TV.
"If you can't get fired up for a game on national TV, you won't be ready for any game. If I was playing, I'd be excited to play."
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/highschool/s_526881.html
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