I apologize for my absence these last few weeks, however I do have a perfectly good excuse.
On December 11th, I was awakened in the middle of the night by a phone call from my Mother who lives just outside Boyertown. She was calling me from the back of an ambulance on her way to St. Joseph's Hospital with my Father. It seems that he had suffered a massive heart attack. For 10 days, I spent the better part of my days sitting in the ICU watching this mountain of a man fight for his life. Bypass surgery and other medical procedures were attempted but the damage was too severe. On December 22 at while I was at church praying: my Father died.
Many of you never knew my Father, but I wish you would have met him... Here was a man who never had a bad word to say about anyone. He went to work, did his job, took care of his family, went to Church, helped in the community and never, not once did he ever demand an award or recognition for what he did. In his words, he did what he did because it was the right thing to do! He was a God-fearing man who believed the Word of God and took His Commandments seriously.
Dad did not care much for labels. In some people's eyes my Dad would have been considered a liberal because of his strong belief in Unions and Working Families, but to many of the liberals my Dad would have been a moderate or conservative. Dad was who he was and gave to his family and the community without even thinking about it. If he was upset about a politicians decision, Dad would get on the phone and be a man and let them know what he thought. He never resorted to name calling or character assassination. He took it to the person and intelligently debated the issue.
I will miss my Dad, but he will never be gone from my heart. I cherish all he has given me. I hope that I will always muster up to what he expected of me. Dad, I know you are looking down from Heaven and I just wanted you to know I love you. I will be forever grateful for your wisdom and strength, but most of all your love.
Your precious child,
S. Dogood
FANS - So today, I apologize for being gone so long and I have a lot of emails to answer so give me a few days to catch up and I will try to respond to everyone. I look forward to writing more in 2008. If there are things I may have missed the last few weeks, please let me know. S.D.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
A Response to DC93, AKA Damian Carabello
Damian,
As has been said over and over again by many throughout history, "I think I have touched a nerve!"
Damian, since you yourself are taking money from the public trough (yes RACC is financed by public dollars), I was only commenting on your lack of decorum, civility, or even understanding of the word, compromise.I have posted your comments in their entirety, unlike your good friend, the nefarious blogger, John Morgan. (Folks, please check Damian's rant on my entry "the truth will set you free 2". They were posted in entirety as I said I would.)
I shudder to see you even mention the Reverend John Morgan, considering that gentleman has more class and charisma in his pinky finger than you have in your whole body. He is a man of God and Christianity: you, well, let the blog readers determine what exactly you are, but your diatribe is more than enough to show them exactly what you are...
As far as my identity, Damian, you and your allies have decided that your way of life and thought process must be accepted by all of us or we become targets for your vitriol. Damian, please get a grant and study human nature and maybe you will learn something about yourself. It is really simple Damian: if I have to live in a country that is full of your rantings/ravings and hatred, then I'd rather fight back with the weapons you have chosen to use and do everything I must to fight your personal vendetta against the Democrat Party and its leaders, and moderate Democrats like me.
Yes, Damian, I believe we need to hold our Leaders accountable, but by whose standards? Yours? I'd rather hang by my neck with my liberal, moderate and conservative Democratic allies.
Damian, answer these questions. Where is your outrage and your bitterness towards the Harrisburg leadership that is under investigation, exactly as Mr. Caltagirone had explained at his appearance at the Democratic Party meeting in February? DeWeese is in trouble and when he is indicted, will you write on all the blogs admitting that Mr. Caltagirone was correct?
No, you won't because that does not fit your plans, Damian!
My identity, it is quite humorous really, for I am not hiding behind anonymity because of people like you, but more to protect those who give me the information so I can offset the hatred you and John and Morrill spew across the internet. Please do not threaten me with a lawsuit. I have not spoken anything out of school. I have kept copies of your multitudes of postings across the internet and can stand behind what I say with your own words.
Damian, what is scary is that your warped and peculiar position is part of the educational staff at RACC, where young men and women are being trained for a better future. For the record, I pray and hope for a better future for all of the students enrolled at RACC.
Just as long as it is not by your design...
Respectfully, I am...
S.Dogood
As has been said over and over again by many throughout history, "I think I have touched a nerve!"
Damian, since you yourself are taking money from the public trough (yes RACC is financed by public dollars), I was only commenting on your lack of decorum, civility, or even understanding of the word, compromise.I have posted your comments in their entirety, unlike your good friend, the nefarious blogger, John Morgan. (Folks, please check Damian's rant on my entry "the truth will set you free 2". They were posted in entirety as I said I would.)
I shudder to see you even mention the Reverend John Morgan, considering that gentleman has more class and charisma in his pinky finger than you have in your whole body. He is a man of God and Christianity: you, well, let the blog readers determine what exactly you are, but your diatribe is more than enough to show them exactly what you are...
As far as my identity, Damian, you and your allies have decided that your way of life and thought process must be accepted by all of us or we become targets for your vitriol. Damian, please get a grant and study human nature and maybe you will learn something about yourself. It is really simple Damian: if I have to live in a country that is full of your rantings/ravings and hatred, then I'd rather fight back with the weapons you have chosen to use and do everything I must to fight your personal vendetta against the Democrat Party and its leaders, and moderate Democrats like me.
Yes, Damian, I believe we need to hold our Leaders accountable, but by whose standards? Yours? I'd rather hang by my neck with my liberal, moderate and conservative Democratic allies.
Damian, answer these questions. Where is your outrage and your bitterness towards the Harrisburg leadership that is under investigation, exactly as Mr. Caltagirone had explained at his appearance at the Democratic Party meeting in February? DeWeese is in trouble and when he is indicted, will you write on all the blogs admitting that Mr. Caltagirone was correct?
No, you won't because that does not fit your plans, Damian!
My identity, it is quite humorous really, for I am not hiding behind anonymity because of people like you, but more to protect those who give me the information so I can offset the hatred you and John and Morrill spew across the internet. Please do not threaten me with a lawsuit. I have not spoken anything out of school. I have kept copies of your multitudes of postings across the internet and can stand behind what I say with your own words.
Damian, what is scary is that your warped and peculiar position is part of the educational staff at RACC, where young men and women are being trained for a better future. For the record, I pray and hope for a better future for all of the students enrolled at RACC.
Just as long as it is not by your design...
Respectfully, I am...
S.Dogood
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
2008 is upon us...Part 1, The Senator Mike O'Pake
In a few short weeks, 2007 will be pass and the new year will be heralded into our lives. But, of course the big news is we will see a whole new round of elections. Now, being the educated populace that comprises Berks County politics, let us take a look at what may be on the horizon for next year's election cycle. While of course I care about who is President, the focus of my efforts are on the local front.
So today, let us start with Berks County's own, Mike O'Pake. The Senator can be a peculiar man but he works hard for the people of Berks County. You may not always like his tactics or even how he speaks to people or his demeanor, but you know he will fight like hell for the people of Berks County.
Now, the latest rumor is that the Republicans led by Mr. Mark Gillen, have a possible candidate to run against the Senator. Now, knowing Mr. Gillen, you can not take this gentleman lightly. Mr. Gillen will attempt to locate a candidate who can offset the Senator's reputation, specifically with Senior Citizens. I understand that they are trying to locate someone who either has their own funding stream or knows how to get it. While Mr. Gillen would not hesitate to look for a woman, I would not be surprised if we see a business person who has built a reputation of their own, within the business and financial circles in Berks County and can access the money in those circles. I would figure that Mr. Gillen would probably concentrate in the moderate circles, knowing that a far-right conservative can not beat the Senator. But if they do not find someone to fit that mold, expect another lightweight opponent in the fall.
The Senator should not have opposition within the Primary, but with the nefarious blogger not being a fan of the Senator, nor for that matter is his misguided associate from Kenhorst/RACC by way of Kutztown University, who knows what the wacko liberal left will do. (By the way, for the record, I have much respect for many liberals, especially people such as Fred Schaeff, Darlington Hoopes and Lynn Millar. I may not always agree with them, but they have earned my respect.)
Throw in the fact that the slippery councilman from West Reading is attempting to be a "green-democrat" party BOSS, we can not be sure that the good Senator would escape the Primary unscathed. But remember my fellow Berks Countians, these guys are the "real" democrats and really care about our Party and our values.
The Senator is a perfect example of a legislator who knows what it means to compromise and show a little civility toward people. The blogger and his cohorts would only respond with attacks, innuendo about the Senator and resort to their normal name-calling routine. However my friends, all you need to do is go back through the Senator's record and see what the Senator has done for Berks County. His record of accomplishments and support for our community and from our community is widespread, but I guess his conservative values penalize him and make him a "poor" Democrat, as far as the Morgan-Carabello-Morrill crowd (from now on known as the "lunatic left-fringe"), is concerned.
Well Senator, from one of your fellow Democrats who does agree with your civility, professionalism, and your willingness to compromise to do what is right for Berks County, I offer you this thought: stand strong and true to the Berks County people, as you have for these many years! We will not abandon you.
Senator, the Moderate Democrats, most Liberal Democrats and of course, the Catholic Democrats who are so maligned by the Morgan-Carabello-Morrill crew, are in your corner. But I believe Senator O'Pake, you need to send a message and I will help you yell it for all of Berks County to hear...
Tell the "lunatic left-fringe" they do not represent the value of most Berks Countians. Tell them these very simple, but elegant to-the-point words of direction...
Go to Hell!
Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood
So today, let us start with Berks County's own, Mike O'Pake. The Senator can be a peculiar man but he works hard for the people of Berks County. You may not always like his tactics or even how he speaks to people or his demeanor, but you know he will fight like hell for the people of Berks County.
Now, the latest rumor is that the Republicans led by Mr. Mark Gillen, have a possible candidate to run against the Senator. Now, knowing Mr. Gillen, you can not take this gentleman lightly. Mr. Gillen will attempt to locate a candidate who can offset the Senator's reputation, specifically with Senior Citizens. I understand that they are trying to locate someone who either has their own funding stream or knows how to get it. While Mr. Gillen would not hesitate to look for a woman, I would not be surprised if we see a business person who has built a reputation of their own, within the business and financial circles in Berks County and can access the money in those circles. I would figure that Mr. Gillen would probably concentrate in the moderate circles, knowing that a far-right conservative can not beat the Senator. But if they do not find someone to fit that mold, expect another lightweight opponent in the fall.
The Senator should not have opposition within the Primary, but with the nefarious blogger not being a fan of the Senator, nor for that matter is his misguided associate from Kenhorst/RACC by way of Kutztown University, who knows what the wacko liberal left will do. (By the way, for the record, I have much respect for many liberals, especially people such as Fred Schaeff, Darlington Hoopes and Lynn Millar. I may not always agree with them, but they have earned my respect.)
Throw in the fact that the slippery councilman from West Reading is attempting to be a "green-democrat" party BOSS, we can not be sure that the good Senator would escape the Primary unscathed. But remember my fellow Berks Countians, these guys are the "real" democrats and really care about our Party and our values.
The Senator is a perfect example of a legislator who knows what it means to compromise and show a little civility toward people. The blogger and his cohorts would only respond with attacks, innuendo about the Senator and resort to their normal name-calling routine. However my friends, all you need to do is go back through the Senator's record and see what the Senator has done for Berks County. His record of accomplishments and support for our community and from our community is widespread, but I guess his conservative values penalize him and make him a "poor" Democrat, as far as the Morgan-Carabello-Morrill crowd (from now on known as the "lunatic left-fringe"), is concerned.
Well Senator, from one of your fellow Democrats who does agree with your civility, professionalism, and your willingness to compromise to do what is right for Berks County, I offer you this thought: stand strong and true to the Berks County people, as you have for these many years! We will not abandon you.
Senator, the Moderate Democrats, most Liberal Democrats and of course, the Catholic Democrats who are so maligned by the Morgan-Carabello-Morrill crew, are in your corner. But I believe Senator O'Pake, you need to send a message and I will help you yell it for all of Berks County to hear...
Tell the "lunatic left-fringe" they do not represent the value of most Berks Countians. Tell them these very simple, but elegant to-the-point words of direction...
Go to Hell!
Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Is there anything John Morgan does not attack?
John Morgan, what a hypocrite in action. Here is a man who attacks the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts of America , etc because their “policies” do not meet the needs of John or his views of what is right or wrong. But John, then why do I have to accept your way of life? John, this is my Country as well and you and your friends are not the only Democrats.
John, your constant attacks on party officials, incumbents and normal, run-of-the-mill Democrats will no longer be tolerated without some sort of retort by people like me. For a long time you have had free ride to say whatever that twisted mind of yours could come up with. Your actions are hurting the Democrat Party, attacking innocent people, misrepresenting facts and downright spreading lies. I will work non-stop to expose your misrepresentations.
A perfect example of your behavior is how you carefully tiptoed around the issue regarding Rep Bill DeWeese. Thankfully the media coverage has covered what you have conveniently avoided: especially details that are exposing the dealings of Bill DeWeese and his senior staff. You have avoided having to admit that Tom Caltagirone was right about DeWeese in January. But see, that is easy to understand, it does not serve your purpose, John. Your loyalty is to a man who could not even get close to winning as a third-party candidate and used a technical loophole to sneak on the ballot and slide into office as a West Reading councilman. Now Mike Morrill is facing a serious review of not only his failures to file a committee and reports properly, but the word in Harrisburg circles is that this case has attracted the attention of some questionable reports from Morrill’s run for Governor.
Come on John, where is your entry on that story? Instead you bring up ridiculous charges that were reviewed by people well-versed in Election Finance law and found your characterizations to be erroneous and another perfect example of you twisting information to suit your purpose.
You attack our military forces when in reality they are not responsible for the war. You think it is funny to attack the military when John, I am sure you have never served a day in uniform. I know many veterans and trust me I certainly do not want you to speak for any of those veterans. They deserve a real spokesperson who actually has worn a uniform. You wouldn't know sacrifice if it bit you in your behind.
John, you are a weak man and better come after people with more then rumor, lies and innuendos. Berks County is running out of patience with your shenanigans and I certainly am going to expose your nonsense. So, you keep being your negative, malicious self and I will happily be here ready to expose your lies, involvement with others that have axes to grind, and most of all your unwillingness to see anyone else opinions over your own.
I will expose your hatred of the Catholic Church, Boy Scouts, and any other organization that does not meet your standards (including forwarding your opinions to leaders of those organizations and others). See John, I am sure that your lawyer told you that while you are entitled to your opinion, when you publish it in a public format it becomes available to all. The funny thing about your standards, John, it is about your preferences. But you see this great Country we live in was founded by men who were a lot smarter then you ever will be. They understood that the US Constitution was a living, breathing document and was designed to protect the masses from the lunatic fringe, like you, who believe their ways or sexual preferences should determine matters for all. John, you are wrong and there are many Berks Countians who are sick of hearing your constant diatribes.
You see John, it is this simple…your 15 minutes are up!
Respectfully, I am…
S. Dogood
John, your constant attacks on party officials, incumbents and normal, run-of-the-mill Democrats will no longer be tolerated without some sort of retort by people like me. For a long time you have had free ride to say whatever that twisted mind of yours could come up with. Your actions are hurting the Democrat Party, attacking innocent people, misrepresenting facts and downright spreading lies. I will work non-stop to expose your misrepresentations.
A perfect example of your behavior is how you carefully tiptoed around the issue regarding Rep Bill DeWeese. Thankfully the media coverage has covered what you have conveniently avoided: especially details that are exposing the dealings of Bill DeWeese and his senior staff. You have avoided having to admit that Tom Caltagirone was right about DeWeese in January. But see, that is easy to understand, it does not serve your purpose, John. Your loyalty is to a man who could not even get close to winning as a third-party candidate and used a technical loophole to sneak on the ballot and slide into office as a West Reading councilman. Now Mike Morrill is facing a serious review of not only his failures to file a committee and reports properly, but the word in Harrisburg circles is that this case has attracted the attention of some questionable reports from Morrill’s run for Governor.
Come on John, where is your entry on that story? Instead you bring up ridiculous charges that were reviewed by people well-versed in Election Finance law and found your characterizations to be erroneous and another perfect example of you twisting information to suit your purpose.
You attack our military forces when in reality they are not responsible for the war. You think it is funny to attack the military when John, I am sure you have never served a day in uniform. I know many veterans and trust me I certainly do not want you to speak for any of those veterans. They deserve a real spokesperson who actually has worn a uniform. You wouldn't know sacrifice if it bit you in your behind.
John, you are a weak man and better come after people with more then rumor, lies and innuendos. Berks County is running out of patience with your shenanigans and I certainly am going to expose your nonsense. So, you keep being your negative, malicious self and I will happily be here ready to expose your lies, involvement with others that have axes to grind, and most of all your unwillingness to see anyone else opinions over your own.
I will expose your hatred of the Catholic Church, Boy Scouts, and any other organization that does not meet your standards (including forwarding your opinions to leaders of those organizations and others). See John, I am sure that your lawyer told you that while you are entitled to your opinion, when you publish it in a public format it becomes available to all. The funny thing about your standards, John, it is about your preferences. But you see this great Country we live in was founded by men who were a lot smarter then you ever will be. They understood that the US Constitution was a living, breathing document and was designed to protect the masses from the lunatic fringe, like you, who believe their ways or sexual preferences should determine matters for all. John, you are wrong and there are many Berks Countians who are sick of hearing your constant diatribes.
You see John, it is this simple…your 15 minutes are up!
Respectfully, I am…
S. Dogood
Thank you and I am back from holiday...
To my Honorable fellow Berks Countians,
Okay, when I decided to start writing this blog I really anticipated that I would appeal to a select group of people involved in the political spectrum of Berks County. However the response to my blog entries has been overwhelming. I went away for a few days and came back to find emails from a variety of people from all walks of life either asking what I was going to cover next or giving me ideas what to blog about next. I thank you for making me feel so welcomed. I promise you more interesting blogs are coming.
Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood
Okay, when I decided to start writing this blog I really anticipated that I would appeal to a select group of people involved in the political spectrum of Berks County. However the response to my blog entries has been overwhelming. I went away for a few days and came back to find emails from a variety of people from all walks of life either asking what I was going to cover next or giving me ideas what to blog about next. I thank you for making me feel so welcomed. I promise you more interesting blogs are coming.
Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Another example of "the truth will set you free"
Damian Carabello, who regularly posts as dc93 on the blogs written by the nefarious character, John Morgan, as well as the Reading Eagle blog, once again does not have all his facts straight. It seems that they again decided to write blog entries before they know the truth.
In yesterday's PA House Judiciary Committee meeting, Chairman Tom Caltagirone took a courageous stand for his constituents. Knowing that he would take a hit from the NRA, Tom Caltagirone had the intestinal fortitude to vote in support of two house bills that the NRA had launched a full-force blitz against in the days prior to the meeting. Another bill was tabled to protect it from defeat so that amendments could be brought forward to possibly garner the necessary votes from Western PA Democrats and Eastern PA Republicans in the future.
See, that is called compromise and leadership, something that Damian and John do not understand. While I personally do not agree with Mr. Caltagirone on these bills, he once again earned my respect. Leadership can be a lonely business, but Mr. Caltagirone showed once again why he will lead in any situation when necessary.
To Mr. Caltagirone's critics, such as Damian and John, your attacks are undignified and irresponsible. Matter of fact, your recent attacks should warrant a lawsuit from Mr. Caltagirone. I also believe it is necessary to include Kirk Wentzel, who I understand works for a local major realty company and routinely posts on John's blog with less than diginified posts. See, these gentlemen want to attack others for what they (John, Damian and Kirk) think people are doing wrong but yet they are above approach for their childish attacks. They call people names, they put out erroneous facts, or they take cheap shots, but yet they want to cry when they are put to the coals by people who are outraged by their behavior.
The latest attack was a disgusting post full of inaccuracies. It was a complete show of disrespect to a woman killed by her husband in an act of rage. Most politically astute people knew Sonia Medina, and the characterization of her relationship with Mr. Caltagirone was maligned by John in his blog.
Mrs. Medina and Mr. Caltagirone were close friends, with Mr. Caltagirone being the Godfather to her children and Best Man at their wedding. Now, does that sound like a relationship based on fear, or a relationship based on respect? Please get your facts straight before you decide you want to make such a false and libelous statement.
Respectable people do not enjoin debate by using personal attacks, they discuss issues with respect and civility towards their opponent. To those that want to discuss issues, and debate those issues, with Mr. Caltagirone and people such as myself; your intelligent debate is welcomed and respected.
Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood
In yesterday's PA House Judiciary Committee meeting, Chairman Tom Caltagirone took a courageous stand for his constituents. Knowing that he would take a hit from the NRA, Tom Caltagirone had the intestinal fortitude to vote in support of two house bills that the NRA had launched a full-force blitz against in the days prior to the meeting. Another bill was tabled to protect it from defeat so that amendments could be brought forward to possibly garner the necessary votes from Western PA Democrats and Eastern PA Republicans in the future.
See, that is called compromise and leadership, something that Damian and John do not understand. While I personally do not agree with Mr. Caltagirone on these bills, he once again earned my respect. Leadership can be a lonely business, but Mr. Caltagirone showed once again why he will lead in any situation when necessary.
To Mr. Caltagirone's critics, such as Damian and John, your attacks are undignified and irresponsible. Matter of fact, your recent attacks should warrant a lawsuit from Mr. Caltagirone. I also believe it is necessary to include Kirk Wentzel, who I understand works for a local major realty company and routinely posts on John's blog with less than diginified posts. See, these gentlemen want to attack others for what they (John, Damian and Kirk) think people are doing wrong but yet they are above approach for their childish attacks. They call people names, they put out erroneous facts, or they take cheap shots, but yet they want to cry when they are put to the coals by people who are outraged by their behavior.
The latest attack was a disgusting post full of inaccuracies. It was a complete show of disrespect to a woman killed by her husband in an act of rage. Most politically astute people knew Sonia Medina, and the characterization of her relationship with Mr. Caltagirone was maligned by John in his blog.
Mrs. Medina and Mr. Caltagirone were close friends, with Mr. Caltagirone being the Godfather to her children and Best Man at their wedding. Now, does that sound like a relationship based on fear, or a relationship based on respect? Please get your facts straight before you decide you want to make such a false and libelous statement.
Respectable people do not enjoin debate by using personal attacks, they discuss issues with respect and civility towards their opponent. To those that want to discuss issues, and debate those issues, with Mr. Caltagirone and people such as myself; your intelligent debate is welcomed and respected.
Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Dogood Award of the Week
Once a week I intend on profiling a man or woman, who to me have demonstrated what I believe is a commitment to the ideals of civility, community responsibility, cooperative spirit and courage. So I launch the Dogood Award. There are a lot of people I was thinking of for my first choice, but I kept coming down to one individual, Mel Fishburn, President of the Berks County Building Trades Council.
Here is a man who consistently goes out of his way to help his union brethren, the community at large, political leaders and our communities. I understand from various sources outside the political world that Mel and the Trades are always available to assist no matter what the call. Mel has quietly demonstrated his resolve on various issues affecting the Trades by working hard to address issues pertaining to the building trades unions. He is effective in reaching out to local, state and federal political leaders to express the support for or opposition to legislation that would affect his members. Mel, and the men and women that comprise the trades, are recognized by both sides of the aisle for being effective, organized and efficient. Make no bones about it, under Mel's guidance; the trades have become a formidable tool in the political landscape of Berks County.
But with all that being said, Mel Fishburn is a quiet man who goes about his business and does not seek recognition for what he or his organization has done. In many discussions with Republican and Democrats alike, most refer to him being the individual that they know they can call on and he will give them a straight answer, whether it what they want to hear the answer or not. He is not cocky or rude, but yet his support and the support of the Trades is of utmost importance to the political players of Berks County.
Mel Fishburn is the type of Union leader we need to be a voice for the Working Families of Berks County. If you meet Mel, you will quickly realize that you are dealing with a very professional man with a great deal of intelligence, strength, conviction, charisma and wit. His Union members recognize him as honest and forthwith and know that with him in their corner, they have someone who will fight for them until the end. It is a perfect example of either working together or we will fail on our own.
The Trades clear and broad support, without any reservation, for the Democrats who have been elected to serve our County, such as Jim Bucci, Judy Schwank, Denny Hess and Kevin Barnhardt, demonstrates the level they are willing to go for the candidates they support. You can also clearly see their support of state and federal political leaders as well, by the strong support and endorsements they have given Tom Caltagirone, Dante Santoni and Tim Holden.
For all those reasons, I am honored and privileged to award my first weekly Dogood Award to Mel Fishburn, President of the Berks County Building Trades Council. Mel, please keep up the great work for our Community.
Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood
Here is a man who consistently goes out of his way to help his union brethren, the community at large, political leaders and our communities. I understand from various sources outside the political world that Mel and the Trades are always available to assist no matter what the call. Mel has quietly demonstrated his resolve on various issues affecting the Trades by working hard to address issues pertaining to the building trades unions. He is effective in reaching out to local, state and federal political leaders to express the support for or opposition to legislation that would affect his members. Mel, and the men and women that comprise the trades, are recognized by both sides of the aisle for being effective, organized and efficient. Make no bones about it, under Mel's guidance; the trades have become a formidable tool in the political landscape of Berks County.
But with all that being said, Mel Fishburn is a quiet man who goes about his business and does not seek recognition for what he or his organization has done. In many discussions with Republican and Democrats alike, most refer to him being the individual that they know they can call on and he will give them a straight answer, whether it what they want to hear the answer or not. He is not cocky or rude, but yet his support and the support of the Trades is of utmost importance to the political players of Berks County.
Mel Fishburn is the type of Union leader we need to be a voice for the Working Families of Berks County. If you meet Mel, you will quickly realize that you are dealing with a very professional man with a great deal of intelligence, strength, conviction, charisma and wit. His Union members recognize him as honest and forthwith and know that with him in their corner, they have someone who will fight for them until the end. It is a perfect example of either working together or we will fail on our own.
The Trades clear and broad support, without any reservation, for the Democrats who have been elected to serve our County, such as Jim Bucci, Judy Schwank, Denny Hess and Kevin Barnhardt, demonstrates the level they are willing to go for the candidates they support. You can also clearly see their support of state and federal political leaders as well, by the strong support and endorsements they have given Tom Caltagirone, Dante Santoni and Tim Holden.
For all those reasons, I am honored and privileged to award my first weekly Dogood Award to Mel Fishburn, President of the Berks County Building Trades Council. Mel, please keep up the great work for our Community.
Respectfully, I am...
S. Dogood
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