Harris/Means Update [UPDATED]

This came in an email to me:

The PG and Trib endorsed Sue Means. PG said Harris wasn't informed or qualified. Trib said that Republicans made a mistake when they picked Harris over Means to replace Gastgeb and the voter has the chance to right that wrong.  Maybe if the three Republicans currently on council, led by Heidlebaugh, had not held the vetting and vote in secret, breaking the Sunshine Laws, we could have gotten the right selection.

On top of above, Cold Sparks is working for both the Wagner campaign and the Peduto campaign. That means Krista, et al is taking money from Democrats which should also disqualify her. Should Cold Sparks continue to work for the winner, then Krista and her husband will have to resign from the Mr. Lebanon Republican Committee...

Update May 24, 2013 8:10 PM

 

"Laurel: To Sue Means. Fifth District Allegheny County voters rejected spoils-system politics when they elected the Bethel Park Republican to serve out the remaining term of departed County Councilman Vince Gastgeb. She defeated Republican Krista Harris, appointed to the seat on an interim basis as a reward for a relative's work on another pol's campaign. Here's to voters who rejected such a machination."

http://triblive.com/mobile/4040053-96/pittsburgh-sports-lance

At least they got this right

Ouch! Read what the Trib has to say about Krista Harris.


Voters in Allegheny County Council's 5th District have an opportunity on Tuesday to use their franchise to right a political wrong.

When marginal Republican Vince Gastgeb of Bethel Park, a 13-year veteran, left the council in February to do Democrat Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald's bidding for the county Airport Authority, the GOP had the opportunity to name a replacement. It chose Krista Harris of Mt. Lebanon. Actually, she was a “chit choice” — a spoils appointment for the work of a political operative relative.

Voters in the district composed of Bethel Park, Bridgeville, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair deserve better than such rank political spoilage. That's why they should vote for Sue Means, 61, of Bethel Park.

Mrs. Means is no stranger to conservative political circles. Trained as a nurse, she's long been engaged in politics — she's run, twice unsuccessfully, for the Pennsylvania General Assembly — and in community service in the South Hills. She's a good, engaged and decent person. And if you don't know her personally, you'll recognize the name of her family's business, Brookside Lumber.

Because there's no Democrat in the primary, the winner of the GOP primary on Tuesday will serve out the remaining two years of Mr. Gastgeb's term. Fifth District voters would serve their best interests (and that of the political process) by rejecting representation by proxy and voting for representation by Sue Means.

Read more: http://triblive.com/opinion/editorials/3999522-74/political-primary-sue#ixzz2TcC4XtmB

Final weekend before the Primary and Special Election

I was considering having another poll about the candidates, but since the Blogger poll gadget is so unreliable, I thought it would be better to allow readers to write about their choice of candidates.

If you attended the 42nd Pennsylvania House District candidates forum at the Bethel Municipal Building, or listened to the podcast on Lebo Citizens, who do you think made the best overall presentation?

George Brown - Libertarian
Dan Miller - Democrat
Dan Remely - Republican

If you want to sign your name, great. If you choose to remain anonymous, that is your right.

Who are you supporting in the Special Election? Just say why you are supporting your candidate without trashing any of the others. No negative comments. Who should win the Special Election?  

Care to comment about the County Council race between Krista Harris and Sue Means? I would like to hear some good, solid facts. No fluff. Who deserves our vote?

Finally, not much of a choice, but if you have something positive to say about the school board candidates, now is your chance. 

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday.

Gastgeb's replacement

Mt. Lebanon's Krista Harris will be replacing Councilman Vince Gastgeb for County Council. Allegheny County Council Republicans have selected Ms. Harris to represent Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair, and Bridgeville until the special election which will be held in November. It is expected that Krista will go on to win the May primary and become the party's candidate to fill the remainder to Mr. Gastgeb's term, which runs through 2016.

Krista Harris made the news when Rich Fitzgerald and her husband, Mark had a verbal altercation after the November 2011 debate for county executive. Raja: Fitz behavior "erratic" When Krista shook Fitzgerald's hand and said, "I'm his wife,"  Fitzgerald, smiling, responded with: "I wouldn't be proud of that."

Republican candidates have until March 12 to submit their nomination petitions with 250 signatures for the May primary.