For Immediate Release July 31, 2008
Louis Petolicchio, Chairman of the study group, Constitutional Organization of Lebanon County (COOL), announced today the formation of Citizens’ Caucus of Lebanon County, a government study group, affiliated with COOL, dedicated to the debate of current government issues. The Citizens’ Caucus is Chaired by Herbert Braden of South Annville. Its first public meeting is scheduled for 8:00 AM, August 16 at the Hometown Family Restaurant on Route 422 in Palmyra. The public is invited to attend. A buffet breakfast will be offered for a price of $10.00.
The featured speaker is State Senator Mike Folmer (R-48) who will address the Bonusgate scandal in the Pennsylvania State legislature, the need for additional ethics legislation and a State Constitutional Convention. Senator Folmer, elected as a reform candidate in 2006 at the height of the "Pension Grab" and the Pay Raise scandals, has proposed several pieces of ethics legislation, now moving through the hearings process. Senator Folmer is a history major who has specialized in the study of the Federal and Pennsylvania Constitutions. Because certain benefits are not specifically enumerated in the Pennsylvania Constitution (state automobile, per Diem payments, state pension), Senator Folmer, unlike most legislators, has declined to collect payment for those items. Senator Folmer is one of the founders of and the initial Chairman of COOL.
In his public statement today regarding the purpose of the new study group, Braden advised:
"The formation of Citizens’ Caucus provides a vehicle for the general public to obtain first-hand exposure to the important issues which drive decisions in government. We hope to provide balanced discussion of both sides of sometimes complicated problems. We urge attendance by citizens who stand on both sides of these issues.
I wish to point to the 18-year success of the Action study group in Lancaster County. We will use some of the elements of Action in our organization."
For reservations email citizenscaucus@gmail.com or telephone: 717.964.1802.