Stephen Catanzarite – 4/28/06

This page was last updated on April 30, 2006.

Veon’s presence is crucial; Stephen Catanzarite; Beaver County Times; April 28, 2006.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“This is a crucial moment for Beaver County. After years of economic decline, stagnation and malaise, I believe we have finally embarked on a new era of progress and prosperity.

“I also believe that in order to maintain this positive momentum we need to return Mike Veon as our state representative - and advocate - in Harrisburg.

“Veon has emerged as one of the most effective, hardworking and experienced legislators in Pennsylvania.

“As a leader in the General Assembly, he is in a position to impact the political process in a way that promotes the best interests of Beaver County. It has been a long time since we’ve had this kind of dynamic representation in Harrisburg, and we can’t afford to lose it now.

“Veon’s challenger in this race has no experience in state government, would have no ability to advocate effectively for our communities and would very likely spend a brief tenure in office before retiring.”

[RWC] I never bought into the political seniority argument. The ultimate extension of this argument is we make GA seats lifetime appointments because an incumbent will almost always have more alleged clout than a newly elected rep. Though I’m sure there are exceptions, so-called leadership positions tend to be a result of seniority and the ability to raise campaign contributions for the party and fellow party members. “Vote for Bob because he’s been there a long time” is not a strong message. When voters believe a rep has a demonstrably strong record, I believe this argument never sees light of day.

Further, a “leadership” position is an asset to citizens of a district only when it is used effectively and - more importantly - responsibly. If you’re in a leadership position and you use that position to direct pork to your district, I believe that is wrong. I believe a rep’s job is to make sure his district’s input is heard when formulating statewide laws, policies, et cetera. It is not to make sure his district gets special treatment.

Though Mr. Veon had a lot of “partners in crime” of both parties, let’s not forget he used his leadership position along with all other “leaders” to push through an unconstitutional payjacking and he continues to support that action to this day. In my opinion, those actions don’t fall into the “responsible” category.

“Contrast this with Veon’s impressive record of energetic and effective leadership and the choice is clear. Veon deserves our continued support.”

[RWC] Perhaps the most important thing about this letter is what Mr. Catanzarite neglected to mention. You see, Mr. Catanzarite is Managing Director of the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Midland, and he gives much of the credit for the state portion (at least $2.35 million) of funding to Mr. Veon. Mr. Catanzarite is also in leadership positions (Dean of Arts and school board member) for the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School.

As with most (all?) of the previous “I like Mike” letters we’ve seen, this letter is from a person who’s had at least one of his pet projects receive tax dollars as a result of Mr. Veon’s largesse with our paychecks, pensions, et cetera. In this case, since Mr. Catanzarite is Managing Director of the LPPAC and holds leadership positions for the LPPACS, I assume a paycheck is also involved.

I believe it’s also worth noting the Executive Director of the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, and Mr. Catanzarite’s boss, Nick Trombetta, contributed $3,700 to Mr. Veon for the 2004 election cycle according to The Institute on Money in State Politics.

Don’t get me wrong. By noting what Mr. Catanzarite’s letter failed to mention, I’m not trying to imply any improper behavior by anyone. My purpose was to show Mr. Catanzarite is not the average casual observer.