Mitchell Meyerson

Press Releases

  • AIG -- A Conflict of Interest

    Recent events of the government’s loan to AIG represent a majority interest in this insurance company. The investment opens the door to conflicts of interest in government policy. As a candidate for State Representative I must point out this inherent problem that faces our current and future elected officials that are working on health care reform packages. This is a situation that the government must back out of immediately.

    If the government is striving to reform health care cost, coverage and quality how does it reconcile its financial interest in the insurance industry. For AIG the world’s largest insurance group to pull out of debt it needs to produce billions in profit. The government is now clearly in the position of wanting this AIG profit if it has hopes of recovering the tax payer’s investment.

    The conflicts are massive. Every politician elected and running for office states the goal of lowering insurance cost. At this point in the game it would mean shooting ourselves in the foot. Questions arise such as, are all entitled to ownership discounts on insurance. Do we get stuck with a bill one way or another for poor private management? Do we put the interest of the company ahead of the citizen’s insurance coverage? Will Medicare now be paying a costly processing fee to transfer payments from one branch of the government to another? Does the government now favor AIG over other insurance options? The list will grow with each day of control.

    I’m running for State Representative with health care reform as one of my top three priorities. Once in office I can’t be put into the position of being financially tied to a for profit insurance company. As of today my opponent in the 144th district, Kathy Watson has numerous campaign contributions from the health and insurance industry. Contributions from the Pennsylvania Insurance PAC and Value Drug PAC call into question as to who’s looking out for true reform. The AIG loan agreement compounds these conflicts if not legitimizes the profit interests of the insurance company. A full report is available at www.campaignfinance.state.pa.us/CFReport , under Watson 144 State Representative.

    The agreement to save AIG from failure is legitimate; it’s the avenue taken which was wrong and needs correction. The repercussions of a total failure would have taken down too many bystanders. But, for the elected officials to claim an independent approach to reform, the ties must be severed. An immediate sell off of the AIG loan must take place. The years of inaction and road blocks that elected officials like Rep.Watson are responsible for must stop. Most of us know from our monthly health bills that the time for reform was yesterday. The governors’ plan, Prescription for Pennsylvania has been stalled even though it is a giant step in the right direction. This is one of the initiatives I will be working for. Ever increasing costs, inability to obtain coverage and quality of insurance is too large an issue in daily life to ignore. Many of us understand all too well that one major health event creates a lifetime of economic strife.

    In the end, the government’s actions have done more harm then good. The lack of debate on the conflict pulls into question our current elected officials full concerns. We need to see the separation of AIG; a profit operation along with the installation of proper regulation. A private trust with no direct financial government ties is the answer. The other answer is for immediate health care reform that lowers costs, applies to all and improves quality.

    Mitchell Meyerson
    Chalfont Councilman /Candidate for 144th State Representative

  • Energy Help for Homeowners

    The Intellegencer
    2-20-2008
    Looking over the recent flyer sent by the 144th State Representative, I note the article on House Bill 543 (now under SS HB 25). The bill introduced by the 144th Rep., in short gives a $5,000 grant to purchasers of new energy efficient homes. While this would be a shot in the arm of those selling new houses and developments and encourages energy conservation, it is beyond me how this is of use to my neighbors and me. 

    I would think that especially in these times it would automatically be in the builders best sales incentive to sell an energy efficient home. Why would our tax dollars (read grant) go to support builder sales? Further more our local building codes should be updated to make mandatory green building practices. 

    To put a positive spin on this, I would love to see a state grant (read rebate) that aids us in upgrading our homes to be made energy efficient. The technology out there is plentiful, whether it be solar, geothermal or simple insulation. The obstacle in all of these projects is the initial cost. While energy efficiency is priceless to the earth, it's hard for the average home owner to substantiate the cost of solar energy that may take thirty years to be economically feasible. Many of us who grew up in the sixties love the green power incentives, but when it comes to putting food on the table we simple don't have the choice. 

    A state or federal grant will do worlds of good if not give the world a great opportunity for it's future. As far as government funds paying for this; it's the old story of you can pay me now or pay me later. Each day of energy waste doubles the damage done to our energy resources and environment. Let's have our representatives work for us and our future.

    Mitchell B. Meyerson
    Chalfont Councilman
    (views expressed are those of the Councilman)


  • Tax Increase Ignores Economy

    Letter to the Editor, Intelligencer 1-3-08

    To the Editor: 

    I would like to write a clarification on your paper's report of Chalfont council voting to approve a 2-mil tax increase for 2008. The vote for that increase was a 6-1, with my vote being the dissenting vote. What I realized was the importance to the citizens that their voices were being heard and how important the municipal elections were. In the last municipal election we had a turnout of less than 25%. What we've ended up with is a taxation without clear majority representation and one that's self imposed.

    The actions taken on December 11th in Chalfont were an approval of a budget that doesn’t recognize the present economic downturn. In a time that calls for austere spending this is a budget that ignores that and adds reserve cash for a future that is not defined. The argument given by the majority council was that it's just an average $60-a-year increase and monies for future capital improvements can be collected at this time. Interesting enough we see some areas that have taken from their reserves to hold taxes this year.

    I'm having to answer the question how I could have approved such an increase this year. As I tell people that I voted “no”, I further explain to them how well I understand that they're upset. In the debates leading up to the budget, what I never heard from other councilmen was any understanding of what it’s like to live pay check to pay check. Some of our elected officials don't see the $60 being added to the weekly price of gas and milk as a breaking point. The majority expressed a need to further build a reserve for the future, but it seems from their point of view the citizens of now have plenty to spare for future residents.

    As I stated there was a very low turn out to elect our incoming council. If so many are questioning the current group how is this next ensemble going to reflect the true feelings of the citizenry? I'm not sure if this is a reflection of our education system not stressing civics or voter disenchantment. I suspect it’s a combination of the two.

    The best that I can say after the fact is for all to shake it off and get involved now! The next Chalfont council meeting is Tuesday. I would love to see all those who are shaking their heads at the Dec. 30th article announcing the 25.8 percent tax increase fill the chamber. Along with this are opportunities to join or create political groups within the community.

    Mitchell Meyerson

  • Politicians Spend Security Money

    Letter to the Editor, The Intelligencer
    Sat. Sept. 29, 2007

    To The Editor:


    I sat down to write a rant about the biggest pyramid scheme to hit this country in it's history. It's called the Bush economy. Instead as I look to my right I notice that my son has brought home from school a large picture of the Bucks County Commissioners. Why counter terrorism dollars went to paying for a four color ad ( the most costly of all print) for incumbents in the next election is beyond me.
    The flyer professes to be a a lesson in emergency preparedness, fully one third of the page is the commissioners and leads off with the most important thing to have is a toothbrush. Surely an assembly at school could have been a better training.

    Another question is why is this being given out to children at such young ages. Examining a smaller brochure directed at adults, we find another third of a page with the same commissioner ad. While this one has some more pertinent information, key facts are left off like Red Cross phone numbers and locations. The line about duct taping your doors and windows harkens back to the days after 9/11 when bad information was disseminated. No where is there credit of the author, just a stark reminder that the commissioners were kind enough to spend your tax dollars on this. 

    I would have liked to have been there when the discussion ensued on how best to spend counter terrorism monies. Did no one suggest upgrading police, fire and EMS services? The least the commissioners could have done was provide their phone numbers so we could tell them how screwed we are. 

    If I'm getting a little too frank it's because as a councilman I know this money had more productive uses. 

    Disseminating preparation information could have been done a lot less costly through existing organizations and municipalities. Taking the savings and, say buying a new ambulance for hurting EMS squads would have been more proper given a disaster, terrorist in nature or not.

    Mitchell Meyerson
    Chalfont
    The writer is the vice president of Chalfont Borough Council.
    His thoughts are his own.

  • Councilman keeps promise

    Letter to the Editor, The Intelligencer 
    printed 1/26/2007

    To the Editor:
    This is about the letter to the editor (Jan 24) submitted in response to the personal attacks by the two firemen on Chalfont Councilman Meyerson in his requesting the audit for 2005. 

    What makes those gentlemen so angry about asking for an audit for the year 2005 at the end of 2006? From what I understand, the borough is to get an audit every year. If 12 months is not long enough to do an audit for its treasurer and board of directors, they should be asking them, “Why not?” instead of yelling at someone who pointed out that they didn't do what they were suppose to. 

    Remember, Mr. Meyerson only asked for a document he was entitled to see, not some top secret file that he has no need to see. 

    I voted for Mr. Meyerson and the other Democratic candidate who promised the same thing. Mr. Meyerson is keeping his promise, but my verdict is still out on the other. As for the borough’s finance committee, who I thought was watching our tax dollars, where were you in the early part of 2006? I would think that $57,000 is a little more than pocket change. 

    Remember, voters, we get what we ask for. If accountability is not demanded, it will not be forthcoming. 

    Mr. Meyerson, keep up the good work. 

    Ben Romano
    Chalfont

  • Shortcut of Safety

    Letter to the Editor
    June 8, 2007
    To the Editor:
    I must respond to your motorist versus residents editorial. The one thing you got right is the description of the route as a shortcut. I spearheaded the drive to return the street to its designed use at the request of my constituents on the street; not the fellow driving from the mall to points south. That is my first responsibility, the county traffic flow is in the hands of county and state representatives.

    No where in the traffic engineers’ handbook is there such a special type of road called a shortcut. If you had taken the time to visit the street, you would have found a small road without sidewalks, full of children on their way to and from school. To make matters worse the road has stop signed intersections with sloped serpentine blind curves. All this was brought out and debated on, as the result of a survey I conducted of the local residents. Believe me, this was no easy decision: but the solution was. The promise to the residents had always been to restore the road to its designed specifications if it became a thoroughfare; compromising the safety of children or any walker was unacceptable.

    To your point of traffic enforcement, this too is uninformed. Chalfont police patrols consist of many hours of one man patrols, not a reasonable cure. Previous attempts to control traffic with signs recognized the problem years ago. The current signs in place although unenforceable, do show recognition by traffic engineers that this is not a viable 202 bypass.

    Speaking of the 202 parkway, we are in agreement as to the waste of such an endeavor. As I wrote and testified before, we should not throw in the towel on the true bypass. The original design was and still is the only hope of lightening the existing 202 traffic. Put yourselves in the shoes of New Jersey avenue residents, do you want to be the sacrificial lamb; and to that, once that street is full, who's next? PennDot was right when they suggested opening up all of our local routes, "If you build it they will come"; I say if you don't build it they won't come. Get it.

    Mitchell Meyerson
    VP Chalfont Council

  • Mitchell Meyerson to Challenge for House Seat


    Bucks County Herald 1-31-2008  

    Synopsis
    The announcement by Democrat Mitchell B. Meyerson that he will run for State Representative in the 144th Assembly District.

    He has served as vice president of Chalfont Borough Council, as chairman of the street committee, parks and recreation committee, special events and property/public facilities.

    "My current position of Chalfont councilman has brought me a wealth of experience in serving the public," said Meyerson, a sales associate for Home Depot. "

    "As we come to this year’s elections I see a real need for leadership and effort on behalf of the residents throughout the entire 144th Assembly District I feel that my recent successes on a borough level will grow into accomplishments for the residents of the 144th Assembly District."

    "A one on one approach to my district's concerns will be my promise to you," said Meyerson.
    "I'm not running out of frustration of being told here's what you’re getting (take it and like it) but
    in the belief that you should get what you were paying for."

    Click below for the full write up in the Bucks County Herald.
    Mitchell Meyerson to Challenge for House Seat

  • Democrats hand out election endorsements

    By BRIAN SCHEID
    Bucks County Courier Times
    January 27, 2008 

    With almost no opposition from within the party in state races this year, the Bucks County Democratic Committee's annual endorsement meeting Saturday morning in Warminster turned into a pep rally of sorts for the Democratic Party.

    “Everyone said 2006 was a fluke,” Congressman Patrick Murphy, D-8, told a crowd of about 250 Democrats in the auditorium at William Tennent High School in Warminster. “We're going to prove them wrong this year.”

    A few minutes later, Murphy was unanimously endorsed by party members in his re-election campaign. Murphy was the party's choice in 2006 as well, but faced a primary challenge from Andy Warren, a former county commissioner.

    To read more about who the Democrats running include, click below for the full write up in the Bucks County Courier Times.
    Democrats hand out election endorsements

  • Bill Promotes Emergency Services

    By JAMES MCGINNISBucks County Courier Times
    February 17, 2008 6:09 AM

    Gov. Ed Rendell soon could sign legislation encouraging large towns and boroughs to be “responsible and ensure that fire and emergency services are available to all residents.”

    House Bill 1131, 1133 and 1134 also would require fire and ambulance companies to provide annual financial reports and explain how any tax money is spent.

    Click below for the full write up of this article in the Bucks County Courier Times.
    Bill Promotes Emergency Services

  • Open Records Bill One Leg of the Race

    By KORI WALTERThe Intelligencer
    February 18, 2008 6:09 AM

    Walt Disney World used to run television ads after the Super Bowl asking the game's star player what he planned to do next.

    “I'm going to Disney World,” the player would respond, suggesting that a visit to the Florida theme park might be as thrilling for the average Joe's family as winning a world championship.

    Pennsylvania residents interested in an ethical renaissance in state government should be asking a similar question of state lawmakers and Gov. Ed Rendell after the enactment of a long-awaited open records bill on Thursday.

    “Hey guys, you finally stopped resisting giving taxpayers a peek at records showing how government spends their money, what's next on the reform agenda?” someone might ask.

    Click below for the full write up of this article in the Intelligencer.
    Open Records Bill One Leg of the Race

  • Speech Delivered By Mitch Meyerson at The Congressional Hearing on the EMS


    June 2007

    Good afternoon;

    First I'd like to thank Congressman Murphy, his staff and members of the panel for bringing this issue to the forefront.

    Today I speak to the municipal government perspective in regards to managing the EMS. The main reason I'm here today is to help voice the concerns of my constituents and municipalities alike, who like Chalfont Borough, have the name of their respective municipality written in big bold letters on the Ambulance. What that means is the residents expect that service to be there as they expect water to flow from there faucet every time they turn on the tap. Many are like me who came from the big city and assume that the EMS is fully owned and operated by the town.

    The other perspective I bring today is that of a freshman borough councilman. I can sit here and tell you what I know about EMS and the role that the governing body plays in its provision; but I can sit here for twice as long telling you what I don't and want to know about the role I and my fellow councilman play.
    Now to my bullet points.

    1) What role is played by local government?
        I know that the biggest thing I do is participate in a vote on the borough's yearly budget which includes EMS and sign the checks to the EMS when the president is out of town. I can't tell you what the EMS budget is or their long term financial plan or how or what the process of accountability is. In my research I can tell you that the PSAB Council Handbook on pg. 3-13 say's, "some kind of accountability". Going to the Government Center for Local Government-Borough Council Handbook on page 40, I can tell you it says EMS is there because it's traditionally been there. It goes on to say boroughs are authorized to support EMS but no mention of mandate or processes. This is all covered in 2 paragraphs.

    2) What are appropriate funding and its oversight?
        I can't really tell you that answer either; I don't even have a budget for Chalfont EMS to date. As for oversight I do know of at least one instance in the past where fund transfer was held back due to a lack of an audit and that was at the discretion of the then borough manager. Further more Chalfont council had long heated debates last year regarding accountability. As of this date, that too is undefined. Again we came back to the phrase "some kind of accountability". That's where the borough solicitor gets involved and he ends up making a call his interpretation.

    3) Who would the local body look to for answers?
        My hope is that by the end of this year the state legislators will have that answer. I envision a director and staff with governing powers. You have to keep in mind that on the local level most of us on the governing bodies do this as a second job squeezed in with a 40 hr a week job and family life. We need all the help we can get. We're not proud, help us!

    4) What education is available?
        To this I will say that the PSAB group does a good job with their training classes and provided materials. But they can't train us on that which is not written into legislation. Use existing groups like the PSAB but give them something to train us on.

    Thank you 

  • Neighborhood shortcut to Route 202

    This is a report on one of the many lost causes I addresed as Councilman. A seven year complaint by residents on road safety created by poor planning and forgotten promisses. I brought the neighborhood out to meet Council and presented a solid arguement with an inexpensive cure. Reporting to Council with the results of my survey that they asked me not to put out, I asked for a vote on a cure. Today the neighborhood has a safe, walkable street.
    Click below for the full write up in the Intelligencer.
    Neighborhood Shortcut

  • Blue Jay Park Playground

    Early in my campaign for Council I recognized the need for a playgound in the borough. Once on Council and Parks Chairman I immediatly looked to Blue Jay Park as an appropiate fix. Joining with the nieghborhood and volunteers, we created an up-to-date physically oriented playground in record time and cost. The playground will have a grand opening this spring.
    Click below for the full write up in the Intelligencer. 
    Parks are Getting an Upgrade

  • Paper Balloting Advocates Decry Bucks County Voting Machines

    By: Bradley Vasoli, The Bulletin
    2/21/2008

    Doylestown - A gathering of the Doylestown-based Coalition for Voting Integrity took place outside the Bucks County Courthouse. For a discussion on the split viewpoints of the Bucks County Commissioners, Mitchell Meyerson's (who is running for State Representative for District 144) opinion that the current electronic machines are unaccountable, and others, see the full write up.

    Click below for the full write up in The Bulletin.
    Paper Balloting Advocates Decry Bucks County Voting Machines



Paid for by Pennsylvania HDCC; Authorized by Friends of Mitch Meyerson