Welcome to Members and Guests. Elaine welcomed everyone and thanked Maggie Abbott for refreshments as well as all who worked to make the Candidate Forum possible. She also thanked those who sent checks to support DFA activities in response to the request made in the August newsletter.
Treasurer’s Report. Clodius Willis noted the largest expense this year so far has been for the printing and mailing of the two newsletters. The current balance as of July 31 was $1520. The collection hat was passed around.
Forum Format and Question Opportunities. Elaine reviewed the forum format which allowed time for each candidate to give a brief biography and to explain his reason for seeking office. She noted there would be two DFA generated questions which were given to each candidate beforehand followed by questions from the floor.
DFA Endorsement and Ballot Procedure. Elaine then explained the significance of the DFA endorsement at the local and national level. Since only DFA members could vote, each was given a paper ballot at the entrance to the Forum. She announced that only the names Neil Clifford, Bruce Tushingham, and Phil Avillo appear on the ballot since only they, and not Republican Rep. Todd Platts, had asked for DFA’s endorsement. She said the ballots would be tallied at the end of the forum and announced at a later date.
DFA Issue Campaign Meetings and Plans. Elaine reiterated DFA’s four main areas of concern as: Universal Health Care; the Iraq War; the Global Climate Crisis; and Holding Elected Officials Accountable. Updates on activities for these task forces were as follows:
Universal Health Care/Single Payer Health Coverage for Pennsylvania – Pat Hammann announced that House Bill 1660 and Senate Bill 300 are getting good support in Pennsylvania, explaining that Single Payer Health Coverage removes insurance companies from the system. Pat said we must urge the delegates to the Democratic convention to support the Single Payer insurance plan idea, and that, if successful, Pennsylvania could be in the vanguard on this issue. She announced there will be a conference on Pennsylvania’s proposed plan at F & M College on September 18th, which all are urged to attend.
Ending the War in Iraq. Alan Olson said now about 35 persons are interested in this task force. He mentioned the Peace Vigil that is held at the former Visitor’s Center on Steinwehr Avenue on Saturdays at 11-Noon. He also said that the task force may do another program on the Iraq War in October.
Stopping the Global Climate Crisis. Wendy Mizenko announced that she plans to have a committee formed by the end of August; they will meet and decide the content of future programs.
Accountability of Our Elected Officials. Elaine mentioned the “Impeach Cheney” movement that DFA had discussed earlier in the year and mentioned Common Cause’s “Recapture the Flag” campaign, which aims to challenge the abuse of power of the Bush administration. She noted that DFA will do more on this issue in October.
CANDIDATE FORUM - 7:30 PM
Introductions by Marianne Crouthamel, Chair, Candidate Development Committee
Marty Qually, Moderator
Neil Clifford, Democratic Candidate for PA State House (193rd District)
Bruce Tushingham, Democratic Candidate for PA State Senate (33rd District)
Congressman Todd Platts, Republican incumbent, PA District 19)
Phil Avillo, Democratic Candidate for US Congress (PA District 19)
The forum followed the format described earlier and after answering the prepared questions, each candidate responded to questions from the floor.
At 8:55 the forum was adjourned and endorsement ballots were collected.
The program/meeting ended at 9:00 PM.
Virginia A. Ciliotta
Recording Secretary