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Christman Blog: A Moment with Arlen That Didn’t Make It to Air

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It was 1997 and a major event was unfolding in Philadelphia. General Colin Powell had brought together all living U.S. Presidents, with the exception of the ailing Ronald Reagan, for “The Presidents Summit for America’s Future.” It was the grand kickoff for his America’s Promise initiative. In addition to Presidents Ford, Carter, Bush41 and Clinton, Philadelphia was a virtual who’s who that week. I met movie stars, sports legends and even had a brief chat with Tony Robbins, which later resulted in his self-help cassette series being shipped to my office (not sure what he was implying with that).

Amid all the chaos of those 2 and a half days in Philadelphia, I met up with Arlen Specter near Independence Hall. President Clinton was about to speak to a gathering crowd and we were both seeking out some quiet time amidst a sea of people. At that time I had known Specter for several years, dating back to my days in local radio in Chambersburg and our many interviews together during his frequent stops at Letterkenny Army Depot and other Franklin County locales. My move to Radio Pennsylvania in 1994 allowed me to interact with the senator on an even more frequent basis and I think he had great regard for our network.

We were standing along a walkway back toward the Market Street section of Independence Mall and Senator Specter offered to be interviewed. He was standing just off to the side of the main foot traffic and I was facing him with my back to the sidewalk. We had been talking for about 5 minutes or so when I suddenly felt a hand in the middle of my back give me a not-so-gentle shove. Completely caught off guard, I stumbled into Senator Specter, who caught me just before we would have tumbled into some bushes. We both spun around just in time to see a group of very large men, formed in a circle, pushing through the crowd making sure not to stop for anything as inconvenient as other people. I stood on my toes to get a better look and I saw what they were so aggressively protecting. It was Oprah.

Yes, Arlen Specter and I had just been pushed aside, and rudely so I might add, by Oprah Winfrey’s entourage. I wish I had been thinking on my feet enough to fall to the ground writhing in perceived pain. Maybe I could have retired years ago.

Anyway, as I reflected on Arlen Specter’s life on the day of his death, that story brought a smile to my face. I have never shared that tale on the air or in writing before and I thought you might enjoy reading it.

Arlen Specter passed away yesterday at the age of 82.

 

[Brad Christman is the News Director of Radio Pennsylvania]

 

Notable Reactions to the Passing of Arlen Specter (1930-2012)

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President Barack Obama:

“Arlen Specter was always a fighter.  From his days stamping out corruption as a prosecutor in Philadelphia to his three decades of service in the Senate, Arlen was fiercely independent – never putting party or ideology ahead of the people he was chosen to serve.  He brought that same toughness and determination to his personal struggles, using his own story to inspire others.  When he announced that his cancer had returned in 2005, Arlen said, “I have beaten a brain tumor, bypass heart surgery and many tough political opponents and I’m going to beat this, too.”  Arlen fought that battle for seven more years with the same resolve he used to fight for stem-cell research funding, veterans health, and countless other issues that will continue to change lives for years to come.  Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to Joan and the rest of the Specter family.”

 

Vice-President Joe Biden:

Jill and I are deeply saddened. Arlen Specter was a great Senator who lived his life the way he died, with dignity and courage. He was my friend and I admired him a great deal.  For over three decades, I watched his political courage accomplish great feats and was awed by his physical courage to never give up.  Arlen never walked away from his principles and was at his best when they were challenged.  Jill and I are thinking of Joan at the moment – she was an incredible partner through his life journey. Our hearts go out to Shanin and Stephen and all who were deeply touched by his life.  

 

Governor Tom Corbett:

“For more than five decades, Arlen Specter lived a life devoted to public service on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania and the United States. Pennsylvania has lost a political figure whose career stretched from Philadelphia’s City Hall to the chambers of the U.S. Senate. We are saddened to hear of his death.”

 

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey:

“A man of sharp intelligence and dogged determination, Sen. Specter dedicated his life to public service and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His impact on our state and public policy will not be forgotten. My wife Kris and I send our thoughts and prayers to Joan and the entire Specter family.”

 

Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Rob Gleason:

“The Republican Party of Pennsylvania extends its deepest sympathies to the friends and family members of former U.S. Senator Arlen Specter.  Senator Specter will always be remembered for his many years of dedicated public service.”

 

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Jim Burn:

“Senator Arlen Specter was a true Pennsylvania institution whose record of fighting for our Commonwealth is unmatched. Senator Specter’s contributions to Pennsylvania and the United States will leave a lasting legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator Specter’s family during this difficult time.” 

 

PA Speaker of the House Sam Smith (R-Jefferson):

“Arlen Specter was always a fighter who loved the battle over public policy. He loved Pennsylvania, and he loved public service. While I did not always agree with some of Senator Specter’s decisions, he was always willing to listen about local problems and try to help fix them. He was a strong advocate for the state’s interests while in Washington, and the Commonwealth lost one of its most dedicated public servants today. I share my thoughts and prayers with Senator Specter’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arlen Specter Dies at 82

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Former U.S. Senator Arlen Specter, who towered over Pennsylvania politics for decades, has passed away after an extended battle with cancer. Specter lost his fight after announcing last summer that he was once again diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. It was Specter’s third time around battling the disease.

From his work with the Warren Commission, to the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court confirmation hearings, to his work in the U.S. Senate over 30 years, Specter’s role in American history can not be denied. He often served as a political lightning rod due to his moderate stances, culminating in his switch from the GOP to the Democratic party in 2009, after which he would lose a 2010 primary fight with Joe Sestak, essentially ending his Senate career after three decades.

Specter was first elected to the Senate in 1980 after serving as a prosecutor in Philadelphia and as special Counsel to the Warren Commission. Specter is credited with developing the controversial “single bullet theory” adopted by the commission in the JFK assassination. In the Senate, his position on the powerful Judiciary Committee placed Specter at the center of several high-profile nomination fights, including those of Robert Bork and Clarence Thomas.

Specter briefly ran for president in 1996, centering his campaign on a proposed flat income tax. The nominee that year would be Bob Dole, his fellow Lawrence, Kansas native. He was Pennsylvania’s longest-serving United States Senator and an avid squash player who often challenged high-profile opponents, including a match with the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.

Specter is survived by his wife Joan, two sons and four grandchildren.

 

RadioPA Roundtable

Radio PA Roundtable 10.12.12

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On this week’s Radio PA Roundtable, Brad Christman and Matt Paul wrap up the Jerry Sandusky sentencing in Centre County, bringing you reactions and a three-minute statement from Sandusky himself. Also, a look ahead toward the prospects for a good holiday shopping season to boost a sluggish economy…

Radio PA Roundtable is a 30-minute program featuring in-depth reporting on the top news stories of the week.

Click the audio player below to hear the full broadcast:

[audio:https://s3.amazonaws.com/witfaudio/radiopa/Roundtable10-12-12.mp3]

Chronic Wasting Disease Found in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania’s luck at keeping Chronic Wasting Disease at bay has run out, its aggressive surveillance program has found a case on an Adams County deer farm.

The positive sample came from a white tailed deer at a farm in New Oxford. As a result, the state has also quarantined two other farms directly associated with the infected deer, in Williamsport, Lycoming County and Dover, York County.

Steps are being taken to prevent further spread of the disease. A task force will carry out a response plan, including education and public outreach.

CWD is fatal in deer and other cervids but there is no evidence it can be transmitted to humans. Pennsylvania is the 23rd state to detect the disease.  It was already present in the neighboring states of Maryland, New York and West Virginia. To date, CWD has not been found in the wild deer population in Pennsylvania.

State veterinarian Dr. Craig Shultz says they are tracking this infection. He says staff has been working to identify any links to the animal diagnosed and other herds of captive deer as well as the locations the deer had been in before it became ill.

Hunters are being told to continue best practices of handling deer with gloves and field dressing the animals.   The Game Commission is looking at the case and deciding whether to designate a disease management area.

The CDC recommends that people or animals not eat any part of a deer diagnosed with or showing signs of CWD.

The state Agriculture Department regulates the farm cervid industry. The Pennsylvania Game Commission regulates wild, or free roaming deer.

New Law Gets Tough on Drivers’ Unpaid Restitution

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Previously, Pennsylvanians who owed restitution for a driving-related offense would only have to pay half in order to get back their license.  “So a lot of them were paying the 50% and then not paying the residual; they were just not owning up to their responsibilities and paying the full amount,” explains state Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York). 

That was before Governor Tom Corbett signed Gillespie’s HB 1617 into law.  Once it takes effect, in 90-days, Gillespie says offenders will be subject to the loss of their driver’s license if they don’t pay the full restitution. 

York County’s Clerk of Courts first brought the problem to Gillespie’s attention.  “I think he’s facing about $3-million dollars in unpaid restitution,” Gillespie says.  Statewide, it’s a $90-million dollar problem. 

The bill received bipartisan support in the legislature before being signed this week.  It does allow for offenders with a large restitution tab to set up a payment plan, and keep their license as long as their account is current.

Auditor General Wants Controls on Tattoo Industry

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The state Auditor General is calling on lawmakers and the state Health Department to step up the state’s role in regulating the tattoo industry.

Auditor General Jack Wagner believes Pennsylvania needs to license and regulate tattoo parlors and artists.  He says it’s an invasive procedure that presents the risk of infection if equipment is not properly sterilized.

Wagner says the state has upwards of 750 tattoo parlors or artists.  He believes all parlors should be licensed by the Health Department with regular safety and sanitation inspections.

Wagner would also require training for tattoo artists, which may include apprenticeships, first aid and CPR training.  He wants to require liability insurance for tattoo establishments.

A bill was introduced in the state house last month that would address some of those concerns. HB 2617 would direct the state Health Department to establish health standards for tattooing, body piercing and corrective cosmetics.

Turnpike Chief to Step Down

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The CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will step down at the end of the month.  Roger Nutt cited health concerns in his letter of resignation.  Turnpike Commission Chair William Lieberman had mixed emotions in his response, but recognized the move is in the best interest of Mr. Nutt’s long-term health.  Nutt was named Turnpike CEO in March 2011. 

It was under Nutt’s leadership that the Turnpike Commission has taken the next steps toward All-Electronic Tolling.  Just last month Nutt testified before the House and Senate Transportation Committees, asserting the Turnpike’s finances are solid.

Sandusky Sentenced

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Ex-Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky will spend the next 30 to 60-years in state prison.  Specially Presiding Judge John Cleland handed down the sentence, this morning, after hearing statements from several victims and a rambling ten minute speech from Sandusky himself. 

“I believe that the sentence the court imposed today was a wise and proper one, and that it reflected the seriousness of the defendant’s crimes, the harm that he caused and the need to remove him from society,” state prosecutor Joe McGettigan told reporters outside the Centre County Courthouse. 

For the 68-year-old Sandusky, this means that he would be nearly 100-years old, if he’s ever a free man again.   Sandusky was sentenced about three months after he was convicted on 45-counts of child sex abuse, and nearly a year after the scandal initially broke at Penn State.   

State prosecutor Joe McGettigan

McGettigan says Sandusky displayed deviance, narcissism and an unwillingness to accept responsibility.  “In fact, his statement today was a masterpiece of banal self-delusion.” 

Jerry Sandusky will continue to fight the charges, however, and his lawyers are already working on their appeals.  “I can get you three continuances for a parking ticket; I can’t get one continuance for Jerry Sandusky,” defense attorney Karl Rominger explained from the courthouse lawn.  “I think that fundamentally taints the fairness of the process.”  Both Rominger and defense attorney Joe Amendola lamented that they had only four and a half months to mount Sandusky’s defense on scores of serious charges. 

In ten days, Sandusky is scheduled to go to the State Correctional Institution Camp Hill where he will be processed, and then placed in a state prison to be determined at a later date.

(WBUS Program Director Tony Ricciardi reported from Bellefonte for Radio PA)

Not Your Average Job Search Website

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This new career tool, developed by the state Department of Labor and Industry, isn’t your average job search website.  PA Career Coach is designed to make sure Pennsylvanians are ready for the jobs that become available.  “First, it’s innovative.  Second, it’s common sense,” explains Governor Tom Corbett.  “We don’t always get that combination in state government… but we are working and striving hard to change that.”

Students, displaced workers and others who visit the new website will find out what jobs are in demand in their hometowns, what they can expect to earn and how to find specific training nearby.  Users can also link to current job postings. 

The new job search tool was announced at a news conference inside the Department of Labor and Industry building, where Governor Corbett said the state is growing new job markets like the Marcellus Shale.  “But what good is that growth if Pennsylvania workers don’t know how to break into those job markets?” he asked.  

PA Career Coach is bridging that gap.  Officials say it’s just part of a comprehensive job-matching initiative the Corbett administration will launch later this year. 

Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway demonstrates the PA Career Coach website.

The statewide unemployment rate currently stands at 8.1%.  September’s numbers are scheduled to be released next week.