Katie Leonard For School Board

She reminds me of my fellow blogger Casey Roncaglione in that She's young, and more importantly, involved with our local government, more than I can say for most of the people I know, including my self. Read on and consider voting for her tomorrow. I know I am. About me: I am running to serve our school board and would appreciate your support. I have lived nearly my entire life in Drexel Hill and had the privilege of attending Garrettford, Drexel Hill, and Upper Darby before graduating in 2001. Since then, I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and am now attending Temple Law School and West Chester University, where I am working towards teaching certification in English and social studies. While I take immense pride in the education and opportunities Upper Darby schools presented me with, many people have become increasingly critical of the system. It is for that reason I am seeking your vote this primary season. I get frustrated hearing people make negative generalizations about the very schools I attended not too long ago. Of course our schools have some problems. But every district has its own set of problems. The answer is not simply to complain; rather we must effectuate change to move our community together in a better direction. This is where I see the school board playing an important role. Some of the goals I suggest we work towards include: retaining our experienced teachers; adapting our classrooms to fit with the changing cultures of our area; acknowledging social conditions and promoting positive behaviors; increasing student involvement and pride in our community; and continuing to make sure that only lawfully enrolled students are attending our schools. For more information on these and other important issues, please, refer to my campaign site . I hope you will support me in this upcoming election. And, please, remember that in an off-year election many people do not vote - particularly in the primary - so make sure to have your voice heard and vote on Tuesday, May 15. Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments. Thank you. Katie Leonard

On A Blue Sunday

Long time no post. I'll make it short. Posts from April and May are not showing up. I cannot change the FTP username either. I did see several posts and comments disappear from the server and will try to get this issue resolved. Update: Figured it all out. Used a backdoor pw. Cheers.

Section 8

I would like those of you who have personal experience on the good and bad with Section 8 in Upper Darby to please offer your thoughts on the subject. I have received many letters demonizing the program and few supporting it. I hope you'll contribute to this discussion. Thanks, Casey

DCCC re-opens today but....

DCCC students will be welcomed to the post-VTech college campus. I hope the students don't have a lot of books to carry, because they are out of luck without backpacks. Doesn't this administration know that if all the students were allowed to carry guns then any attempt to create a catastrophe could be eliminated immediately? sheesh. Taken from the DCCC main page: There will be a visible police presence at all campuses, in addition to the College’s existing Security officers. Access to all campuses will be limited. Anyone reporting to any College location is not permitted to bring bags, backpacks or other parcels into our buildings. Clear plastic bags may be used to carry personal items. Random searches will be conducted and metal detectors will be utilized. All students and College employees will be called upon to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior on the part of any individual to College Security or the police immediately.

Shot In The Back

Bang. One bullet changes a family's life. Paralyzes a young man. Makes me ask why.

Sure, crime is everywhere, senseless or otherwise. When it hits close to home, I ask is this a trend or an isolated incident.

By all accounts the victim was living right. Going to two schools, working a job, helping his mother, churchgoing. The shooter, allegedly with a long rap sheet, was on a different path.

In a way he shot us all in the back. Just one more crime creeping into your mind.

If it's an isolated incident, then the law should do it's job. If it's a trend, then we who Live In Delaware County should stand up and demand that it stop.

All crime victims should be cared about. Particularly this young man, Leon Harris. If he is not forgotten, we can look to him and say enough. Crime must not overwhelm us. Life is hard enough without having to look over your shoulder every day.

Casey Roncaglione

Yeah Right

Dear Francis, Alberto Gonzales is a man of integrity and high ethical standards. He has pledged to cooperate with Congress and I am confident he will. I have said that it is irresponsible to pronounce judgment on the replacement of the U.S. Attorneys before we have the facts. Unfortunately, some would prefer to make political pronouncements instead of getting the facts. There is no question that U.S. attorneys, like all political appointees, serve at the pleasure of the President. That was true when Bill Clinton's Justice Department replaced all 93 U.S. attorneys, and it remains true today. The Democrats may feign outrage to distract from their discord on the serious issues our nation faces, but sooner or later they will have to face the real responsibilities of governing. Below, please find the President's remarks on this issue that he made last night. Sincerely,Senator Mel Martinez Republican Party General Chairman Earlier today, my staff met with congressional leaders about the resignations of U.S. attorneys. As you know, I have broad discretion to replace political appointees throughout the government, including U.S. attorneys. And in this case, I appointed these U.S. attorneys and they served four-year terms. The Justice Department, with the approval of the White House, believed new leadership in these positions would better serve our country. The announcement of this decision and the subsequent explanation of these changes has been confusing and, in some cases, incomplete. Neither the Attorney General, nor I approve of how these explanations were handled. We're determined to correct the problem. Today I'm also announcing the following steps my administration is taking to correct the record and demonstrate our willingness to work with the Congress. First, the Attorney General and his key staff will testify before the relevant congressional committees to explain how the decision was made and for what reasons. Second, we're giving Congress access to an unprecedented variety of information about the process used to make the decision about replacing eight of the 93 U.S. attorneys. In the last 24 hours, the Justice Department has provided the Congress more than 3,000 pages of internal Justice Department documents, including those reflecting direct communications with White House staff. This, in itself, is an extraordinary level of disclosure of an internal agency in White House communications. Third, I recognize there is significant interest in the role the White House played in the resignations of these U.S. attorneys. Access to White House staff is always a sensitive issue. The President relies upon his staff to provide him candid advice. The framers of the Constitution understood this vital role when developing the separate branches of government. And if the staff of a President operated in constant fear of being hauled before various committees to discuss internal deliberations, the President would not receive candid advice, and the American people would be ill-served. Yet, in this case, I recognize the importance of members of Congress having -- the importance of Congress has placed on understanding how and why this decision was made. So I'll allow relevant committee members on a bipartisan basis to interview key members of my staff to ascertain relevant facts. In addition to this offer, we will also release all White House documents and emails involving direct communications with the Justice Department or any other outside person, including members of Congress and their staff, related to this issue. These extraordinary steps offered today to the majority in Congress demonstrate a reasonable solution to the issue. However, we will not go along with a partisan fishing expedition aimed at honorable public servants. The initial response by Democrats, unfortunately, shows some appear more interested in scoring political points than in learning the facts. It will be regrettable if they choose to head down the partisan road of issuing subpoenas and demanding show trials when I have agreed to make key White House officials and documents available. I have proposed a reasonable way to avoid an impasse. I hope they don't choose confrontation. I will oppose any attempts to subpoena White House officials. As we cut through all the partisan rhetoric, it's important to maintain perspective on a couple of important points. First, it was natural and appropriate for members of the White House staff to consider and to discuss with the Justice Department whether to replace all 93 U.S. attorneys at the beginning of my second term. The start of a second term is a natural time to discuss the status of political appointees within the White House and with relevant agencies, including the Justice Department. In this case, the idea was rejected and was not pursued. Second, it is common for me, members of my staff, and the Justice Department to receive complaints from members of Congress in both parties, and from other citizens. And we did hear complaints and concerns about U.S. attorneys. Some complained about the lack of vigorous prosecution of election fraud cases, while others had concerns about immigration cases not being prosecuted. These concerns are often shared between the White House and the Justice Department, and that is completely appropriate. I also want to say something to the U.S. attorneys who reside. I appreciate your service to the country. And while I strongly support the Attorney General's decision and am confident he acted appropriately, I regret these resignations turned into such a public spectacle. It's now my hope that the United States Congress will act appropriately. My administration has made a very reasonable proposal. It's not too late for Democrats to drop the partisanship and work together. Democrats now have to choose whether they will waste time and provoke an unnecessary confrontation, or whether they will join us in working to do the people's business. There are too many important issues, from funding our troops to comprehensive immigration reform, to balancing the budget, for us to accomplish on behalf of the American people. Republican National Committee 310 First Street, SE Washington, D.C. 20003p: 202.863.8500 f: 202.863.8820 e: info@gop.com Paid for by the Republican National Committee Not Authorized By Any Candidate Or Candidate's Committee - www.gop.com

Upper Darby High School - The Gloves Come Off

Well it seems that the gloves have come off concerning my family and the Upper Darby School District. In a nutshell, my Son was attacked in the hallway (With lots of those new digital surveillance cameras in place) on October 19th, 2006 by a kid named "Chuck" S. The attack was unprovoked and occurred at around 7:15 AM. My Son had his hands in his pocket and his backpack on his back with a heavy coat. The thug, "Chuckie Boy", cold cocked my son and continued to pummel him. He regained his sense of awareness, and did what any normal young man would do. He defended himself. The so called "fight" was soon broken up and both my Son and "Chuckie Boy" were suspended.

 This was far from over though. Two days later, on Saturday, my Son, my Wife, and his fellow "Metal band" members were in Philly at a gig they were playing when all their cell phones were going off around the same time. Seems that "Chuckie Boy" and about 15 to 20 of his "Homies" were in Clifton Heights, looking to "finish" my Son off. Rumors were that these punks were out to "Cap them", as in to shoot them. Enough is enough I said, actually trying to let the "punks" know that I would do anything including go to jail to thwart their plan.

 As a direct result of my son, who ain't a coward and could easily take on Chuckie Boy in a heartbeat one on one telling me and my wife that he was scared to death to return to the High School as he was a marked man by these "Scumbags", we decided to remove him and Home School him, painful as it was (We bother graduated from UDHS). Well now I thought this was over, my son doing quite well at Penn Foster, and working part time. On 2/21/2007, a certain Heather M. King, Assistant Principal of Upper Darby high School filed two "Private Criminal Complaints” against my Son, based on what I guess was the so called "Fight" that occurred in October. Especially read pg. 6, about their deal with us and "Time For Teens", "Either do as we say or pay a heavy fine?" My Son can either : "A". Plead "Not Guilty" "B". plead "Guilty" or "C", attend two "Time For Teens" sessions, at a cost of $100.00 dollars, while admitting no guilt and for "first time offenders". So tell me, does this sound like Extortion or what? Who funds this program?

Are they a part of Upper Darby School District? A woman (Ms. King) files a "PRIVATE" criminal complaint yet it's in the behalf of her employer, the Upper Darby School District, basically threatening me (As the bread winner) in the family to shell out about a $$$ grand if we don't take "Their Deal" = TOTAL BS! My Son was attacked and retaliated (As would any NORMAL Person) in that instance. I taught my Son to do just that, not run away and have the thug feel that he/she can do it over and over with NO disciplinary action whatsoever. My Wife is going to take "The Deal", against my wishes.

 There must be someone who understands the law of the land that can give me legal recourse in the above matter. ACLU? Counter file a Private Civil Suit "in excess of $50,000 of course" against Ms. King, Mr. Kramer, Mr. Bell, and the rest of the UD Administration for harassment, failing to protect my child, not adhering to President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act? Or just hope that Judge Cullen sees the light and dismisses the case based on the fact that the charges are in fact to me a sure fire way of covering tthe School District's asses from any civil law suits that may have or already been brought by myself or other parents that are disgusted with the "Babysitting" "Gerrymandering" and "Racist" policy of UDHS?

  Anyway... I'll let you all know what happens on 3/20/2007.

Cheers.

Chitwood's Blog

I think that Mike Chitwood should have his own Blog. Why? Well Gil Spencer has his, so does a Police Chief in Wales. and who can ever forget Joe Arpaio? He has an awesome web site! There is even another Mike Chitwood (any relation?) who has his own web site! C'mon Mike! Get yourself a Blog, or you can contribute here. G'nite

Benefit For Moira Shaughnessy - Get Out Your Green!

Via The Haverford Blog - A benefit will be taking place on March 17th, 2007 at Brownie's 23 East for Moira Shaughnessy, the Executive Director of The Ardmore Initiative. Moria contracted Viral Encephalitis, a condition that causes swelling of the brain. She needs our help. I don't know her, but I do know about the cost of long term health care and what a financial burden it can be. Below are some links to the story behind what happened to Moria. Remember your donation can make a world of difference. The Moira Shaughnessy Medical Fund c/o TD BankNorth 551 W. Lancaster Avenue Haverford, PA 19041 "Get Out Your Green": A Community Fundraiser to Benefit Moira Shaughnessy Gets Help from Amazing Musicians! In a blink of an eye, everything can change Get Out Your Green in Ardmore Aftershocks of 'a lightning strike' Cheers.

The Long And Short Of Life - "If You Want It"

Think about the title post for a fleecing minute if you will. Like Maureen Dowd and her accurate analysis of "The Secret", everyone, everyday, barters that they have some sort of edge on life. Well I've got news for them.. They're wrong. Having a nice warm afternoon here in Delco.