David Spett » Patriot-News

Patriot-News: Bill would limit access to your phone records

David Spett — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 04:00:37 +0000

Imagine your phone records becoming available to any curious lawyer or court officer, without your knowledge.

The scenario is possible in Pennsylvania, and some lawmakers are trying to address it.

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Patriot-News: House bill would call citizens’ convention

David Spett — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 04:00:17 +0000

A Quinnipiac University poll shows the state Legislature has an approval rating of 32 percent.

And most of those polled, 75 percent, said they don’t think the Legislature can pass laws to end corruption.

Rep. Curt Schroder, R-Chester, is proposing a bill to create a citizens’ constitutional convention that would look into amending the state constitution to make government more responsible and ethical.

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Patriot-News: Ridge marks boat’s birthday

David Spett — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 04:00:26 +0000

Former Gov. Tom Ridge celebrated the Pride of the Susquehanna riverboat’s 20th birthday at a $500-per-plate event Monday night at The National Civil War Museum.

The riverboat “is a wonderful recreational and educational experience,” he said. “The history of the Susquehanna is the history of Pennsylvania.”

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Patriot-News: Turnpike critics fuel push for lease

David Spett — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:00:32 +0000

The billboard message isn’t intended as a compliment: “The Turnpike Commission: A study in power, patronage and politics.”

The Commonwealth Foundation, which supports leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a private company, said it’s paying $1,580 a month for the billboard criticizing the commission, which operates the 532-mile highway. The sign is at South Second and Mulberry streets, near the southern entrance to Harrisburg off Interstate 83.

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Patriot-News: Nader submits petitions for presidential ballot

David Spett — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 04:00:35 +0000

Ralph Nader is close to being on the presidential ballot in Pennsylvania.

He filed petitions on Friday, the deadline, with signatures from more than 55,000 registered voters, said Christina Tobin, the campaign’s national ballot access coordinator.

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Patriot-News: Lawmaker proposes notices to gamblers

David Spett — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:00:59 +0000

Everyone gets statements on bank accounts and credit cards, but do you want a statement on how much you won — or lost — at the casino?

Perhaps just as importantly: Do you want your spouse to see that statement?

A bill before the General Assembly would require Pennsylvania’s casinos to send monthly statements to gamblers on their winnings and losses. Such a step would be a protective measure, said state Rep. Paul Clymer, R-Bucks County, the bill’s sponsor.

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Patriot-News: Questions raised on offender tracking

David Spett — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:00:26 +0000

A state pilot program begins this week to track some registered sex offenders using GPS technology, but some state officials question if the system works properly.

Offenders selected for the pilot program are to wear a bracelet that transmits a wireless signal to a satellite, allowing law enforcement officials to find them.

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Patriot-News: There she is…

David Spett — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:00:08 +0000

For state government reform activist Gene Stilp, desperate measures are in order.

Such as a beauty contest.

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