Door To Door

For years now I have been going door-to-door with my friend Bert DeAngelis, former Plymouth Township Councilman, and GOP Committeeman, in his eighties and still going strong. I was introduced to Bert by former State Representative Joe Gladeck, who also walked some of these same streets with Bert. Of course, the streets we've been doing recently are brand new and didn't exist then. Bert's claim to fame is that he and his late wife, Mav, actually cooked dinner at their home for George and Barbara Bush, when THEY campaigned in Plymouth. Bert and Mav were great Italian cooks and everyone enjoyed that meal, I am sure.
We have a routine, Bert and I. I knock on the door, he stands on the step or sidewalk behind me, and I say, "Hi! Welcome to the neighborhood. I'm Kate Harper your State Rep and this is Bert, your neighbor. " The usually startled, usually sleepy 20 or 30 something new homeowner tries to be gracious. We chat and move on, with Bert accosting dog walkers, power walkers and joggers as they pass, "Hey, come here. I want you to meet your State Rep." It's actually a lot of fun. I like door to door because when someone calls the office and sends me an email, I can picture the neighborhood, and even the street, as we work out problems. And, of course, I love Bert DeAngelis. You're the best, Bert !
Later, if I can figure out how to do it, I'll get a picture of Bert up on this blog. It will take a while because the family IT department went back to college.
Kate Harper

Busy Weekend in the District

Well, this is my real first "blogging," so please be kind. After all, we can't all be Congressman Gerlach blogging from such an exciting GOP convention! I am sticking closer to home these days. Friday night was a warm and funny tribute dinner at the Plymouth Country Club for retiring Plymouth Townhip Police Chief Carmen Pettine, who was feted by his fellow officers and Montgomery County Police Chiefs as well as members of the Plymouth Township "family," such as Council member Nick Salamone and former Councilman Al Fazzini. Chief Pettine retired after a 34 year career of public service and an exemplary record of pushing the Plymouth Township Police Department to meet and maintain a standard of excellence in crime fighting and community relations as well as, apparently "police equipment"!
Today was the seventh Annual Cultural day hosted by the 21st century America-Korea-China Leaders Society (of which I am a member) and Upper Gwynedd Township at Parkside Place in Upper Gwynedd. I joined Congresswoman Alyson Schwartz and Former Montgomery County Commissioner Ruth Damsker on the dais. Although it was hot, the day featured a celebration of dancing, martial arts and food from China and Korea.
Later on, I'll be visiting Joe Palmer and his neighbors in Oak Ridge Estates to show them the NEW plans for the expansion of the Northeast Extension of the Turnpike. These plans include the sound barriers for their neighborhood and no longer require more than 100 "takings" of folks' properties to make it work. Kudos to the Turnpike for working with the neighbors, the townships and the legislators to make this happen.
The weekend featured political events in Whitemarsh at the Whitemarsh Valley Country Club with that fiery orator Joe Meo and a picnic with the GOP in Lower Gwynedd at Penllyn Woods, since it's campaign season and the GOP is excited about the McCain Palin ticket.
Finally, I have already reviewed the bills for the Session Week Ahead and we have a lot on tap in Harrisburg this week! More tomorrow. Kate Harper