John Fetterman, Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor Spoke to the Cllub

John Fetterman, the Commonwealth's current Lieutenant Governor, describes himself as "A different kind of Democrat"

He is frank to admit that he doesn’t look like a typical politician,

and more importantly, he doesn’t act like one.  He supported legalizing marijuana before it was popular, officiated a same-sex marriage before it was legal, champions sensible gun control and pushed for single payer healthcare long before it was mainstream.

While John has tosed his hat in the ring for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat beving vacated by Pat Toomey, the emphasis of his presentation this morning focused on his hopes that Pennsylvania will join surrounding states and legalize Marijuana for recrational use. However, to understand his crusade a brief overviw of his background is insightful.

A Pennsylvania native, John was born to teenage parents just starting out on their own. At the time, his father worked nights to put himself through college. John grew up in York, PA, and followed in his father’s footsteps to Albright College, where he played offensive tackle for the Lions.

At 23, John joined up with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and his life has never been the same.

John threw himself into the program, mentoring his ‘little’ – an 8-year-old boy who had recently lost his father to AIDS and whose mother was also battling the disease. Before she passed away, John promised that he would continue to look out for her son and make sure that he graduated college. Fifteen years later, John and his ‘little’ had both held up their ends of the bargain, with his little’s graduation from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA.

But John wanted to do more. He joined AmeriCorps and served in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District, where he helped set up the first computer labs in the neighborhood and taught GED classes to young mothers and fathers.

He went on to earn a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

John returned to Pennsylvania to start a GED program in the town of Braddock, one of the poorest and most challenged communities in the commonwealth.

In 2005, encouraged by his students, John ran for mayor. He managed to win the crowded primary by a single vote. In his 13 years as mayor, John worked to rebuild the once-booming steel town back from collapse, creating jobs, getting youth engaged, and bringing creative urban policy solutions to Braddock. The town now has a community center, urban gardens, and a free store run by John’s wife, Gisele.

Together, John and Gisele have fought for causes they believe in, from immigration reform to LGBTQ+ rights. When Pennsylvania lawmakers continued to push outdated discriminatory policies banning marriage equality, John stood up and officiated one of the first same-sex marriages in the commonwealth. And when they wanted to build a four-lane interstate highway through Braddock, a town that’s more than 80% Black and already suffered historically high asthma rates, John was the only elected official in Western Pennsylvania who opposed it on the grounds that it was environmental racism. 

In 2016, John decided to run for U.S. Senate to confront the inequality crisis at the highest level of government. Although he lost the Democratic primary, John confounded expectations, earning 20 percent of the vote as a relatively unknown candidate in a four-way race.

Two years later, in 2018, John ran to be Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor, and this time dominated across the commonwealth, winning a five-way Democratic primary and a commanding victory in the general election.

As Lieutenant Governor, John has transformed the position into a bully pulpit for criminal justice reform.

Weeks after taking office, John embarked on a listening tour of all 67 counties, something no sitting Lt. Governor has ever done, to engage with Pennsylvanians about legalizing marijuana. In three months, the historic tour saw over 10,000 people turn out in person and tens of thousands more engage online. Following John’s final report and recommendations, the Governor announced his support for legalization for the first time. 

As the chair of Pennsylvania’s Board of Pardons, John has led the fight to give second chances to non-violent longtime inmates and free those who have been wrongfully convicted. 

He has taken numerous steps to overhaul the clemency process in Pennsylvania, including eliminating all fees associated with applying for a pardon, making the pardons application more user-friendly, and working to move the application process online.  Under John’s tenure, the Board has recommended more applicants for commutation than under any lieutenant governor in decades. 

While John does not use marijuana nor would he want his children to become users, he views the legalization of "weed" as a logical outcome of the Commonwealth's and nation's failed "war on drugs".  Harkening back to the days of prohibition, the 18th Amendment was disliked by a vast majority of Americans and its primary legacy was the rise of organized crime which cornered the illegal liquor market during the 1920s.

He also sees legalization as a potential financial boon for the state which could generate several billion dollars which presently are being earned by the drug cartels to help fund many underserved programs, infrastructure projects and other initiatives.  In addition, it would eliminate the policing costs of enforcing existing marijuana laws and the costs of judicial and incarcerating s many as 20,000 violators annually.

John also points out that several, very conservative states, including Arizona and Montana, as well as New Jersey and soon to join the list of states legalizing marijuana New York. e argues forcefully that not enacting legalization will only serve to let the cartels continue to profit along with neighboring states where Pennsylvanians will be able to shop for their weed.

Between 65% -70% for the people with whom John has met and discussed the topic across Pennsylvania agree with his position. 

When questioned about whether the Commonwealth should be relying on so-called sin taxes levied on gambling, liquor, and marijuana, John stated that while he personally doesn't use such substances, also including tobacco, he understands that other people make other choices.  So long as those choices are not a threat to the public, there is no reason to prohibit their sale and use.

Another question dealt with the possibility of people driving automobiles while under the influence.  While he recognizes it could become a problem, John asked that should we ban cell phones which cause many accidents because irresponsible drivers are texting or otherwise using them while driving.  Do we return to prohibition and ban alcohol sales because due to the highway tragedies created by impaired driving?  Should cigarettes be taken off the market because of the numbers of deaths directly or indirectly attributed to their use.  Personal behavior can not always be constrained by laws … as prohibition, the war on drugs or even prostitution have proven out.

Lt. Governor Fetterman also expressed his revulsion at the January 6th assault on the U.S. Capitol and labeled it an attack on the most fundamental tenant of democracy.

Other issues about which John has become an advocate are:

  • The minimum wage should be a living wage of at least $15 an hour. All work has dignity, and all paychecks must too.T
  • Health care is a fundamental human right – just like housing, food, and education. 
  • Climate change is an existential threat. We need to transition to clean energy as quickly as possible, and we can create millions of good union jobs in the process. 
  • Sensible gun control legislation – believing that there is not need or excuse for military grade weapons and ammunition to be available to the general public … while emphatically not advocating taking guns used for hunting, target shooting or home protection away from the general public, with exceptions for those with mental illness or violent crimes on their record.
  • Weed should be legal, nationwide, not just in Pennsylvania — for jobs, justice, veterans, farmers, and revenue. It’s time to end the failed war on drugs. 
  • Immigration is what makes America, America. We need a compassionate response to immigration reform that actually treats immigrants like human beings. 
  • Black Lives Matter. John served as mayor of a city that’s more than 80% Black, and has championed the idea that Black lives matter since long before it became a hashtag. 
  • The union way of life is sacred. It’s what built this nation, and it must be protected.  
  • A woman’s right to an abortion is non-negotiable. Women should have control over their own bodies and their own lives. Period.
  • LGBTQIA+ communities deserve equal protections under the law. John has always stood for equality, and was one of the first elected officials in PA to officiate a same-sex wedding – when it was still illegal. 
  • Get corporate money out of politics. John refuses contributions from corporate PACs, and he signed the “No Fossil Fuel Money” Pledge.

John and Gisele have chosen not to settle in the Lt. Governor’s Mansion, instead opening up the pool in the official residence to children who typically wouldn’t have access to one. They live with their three children Karl, 11, Gracie, 9, and August, 6, in a restored car dealership in Braddock with the family dog, Levi.

While  many politicians love to sound tough on the stump their actions are all too often driven by what wil lhelp them get re-elected.  Refreshingly, John Fetterman not only "talks the talk" he also "walks the walk".

March and April Maple Point Middle School Students of the Month

The Club recently honored two Maple Point Middle School 8th graderrs as its March and April Students-of-the-Month.  Along with a Certificate of Recognition, each student was presented with a $100 cash award.

As has been the case for the past year, these presentaiton were made privately at the students' homes instead of at one of our Club's monthly dinner meetings where our honored students and their families can be more publcly feted and recognized.

Julissa Pinilla – April Student-of-the-Month

Julissa with her proud mom, Jovanna Flores

Julissa shared the following about herself during the presentation

“My name is Julissa Pinilla and I am an eighth grader at Maple Point Middle School.  Throughout my time as a MP student, I have prided myself on maintaining honor roll each year and as a result have become part of the National Honor Society. 

I also take pride in being active in a wide range of school and out-of-school activities and enjoy reading very much.  I am on my school’s student council committee, have taken part in school plays and helped welcome new students through dances and interactive activities.  I have dedicated myself to a soccer team and had hoped to join my schools track team although Covid complications interfered.

I am also a social person.  Pre- Covid-19, I had volunteered and picked up some social skills at a local daycare.  I would like to spend some time volunteering at different places, such as the Bucks County Community Library.

One day, I hope to be admitted into an elite college like Yale, or ambitiously, Harvard, that will allow me to grow my voice on a debate team.”  

 

Caroline Rogers – March Student-of-the-Month

Caroline and her mom were thrilled at the presentation made by the Student Chair, Lou Hatfield.

Caroline and her family have enjoyed living in Langhorne for over twenty-four years.  When asked about her years at Maple Point, Caroline felt that what she found most valuable was the way the faculty and staff provided a welcoming environment and a supportive community. “The staff encourages us to focus on building strong relationships and teamwork, critical life skills.”

Caroline plans on a career in Recreational Therapy. She first became interested in this field by observing her mother, who is a nurse. To further explore her intended field of study, she will be taking a course in child development at Neshaminy High School next year. Caroline noted she “looks forward to helping people recover from challenges and live completely fulfilling lives. I have a deep passion for this field”.

A lifelong sports fan, Caroline has playing soccer since she was four. She played on Maple Point Middle School’s 7th grade basketball team. In addition, Caroline has already demonstrated her leadership skills by co-managing the young men's seventh grade team. As she put it, leading these teams “gave me an opportunity to push myself beyond just playing the sport. I really enjoy helping my peers improve their skills.” Caroline will also be volunteering her time to teach preschool children about the sport this Spring. 

Caroline has many diverse interests, ranging from her academic studies to managing sports teams to spending time with friends, loved ones, and her animals. She thrives on caring for others and helping them acquire the life skills they need.

 

 

 

Bob Morris Honored as Paul Harris Fellow

Club president Bob Morris became the second member of the Rotary Club of Shady Brook to be recognized as a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow in the past three months. 

In order to qualify as a Paul Harris Fellow, a Rotarian is recognized when they have donated $1,000 or more at one time or over a period of years to the Rotary Foundation, Polio Plus, or other approved Foundation grants.

Bob grew up in Philadelphia, and is a U.S. Air Force veteran.  He had a distinguished, twenty-six-year career with the Philadelphia Police Department serving as a Police Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Staff Inspector and retiring as a Police Inspector.  In a second career Bob was Chief of Police for Philadelphia’s United States Mint Police Force, retiring in 2004.

Throughout most of his career, Rotary has played a huge role in his life, first joining the Rotary Club of Northeast Philadelphia club in 1981.  He later became the club’s Speaker Chair, then club President in 1984-85 and followed that period as its Membership Chair.  After moving to the Villas at Shady Brook in Langhorne, Bob was the driving force behind the founding of the Rotary Club of Shady Brook and sand served two terms or its first President from 2006-2008.  In 2011 Bob was tapped as a District 7450 Assistant District Governor.  Things came full circle in 2020, when Bob became the club’s President for the second time while continuing to actively participate in the club’s many programs and activities.

The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty; preventing disease, providing clean water, supporting education, growing local economies, saving mothers and children and promoting peace.  For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio, $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness and $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.  Some of the Foundation’s monies are used as grants for local Rotary clubs.  In the case of the Rotary Club of Shady Brook, its grant monies have been used to help it continue its 12-year support of Philadelphia’s William Dick School.

Through its Polio Plus initiative, Rotary, as a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, has played a major role in reducing worldwide polio cases by 99.9 percent since its first project to vaccinate children in the Philippines in 1979.  Rotary members have contributed more than $2.1 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease.  Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $10 billion to the effort.  Today, polio remains endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  But it’s crucial to continue working to keep other countries polio-free.  If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

Upon notification of his Paul Harris recognition, Bob was quoted, “I am proud to have joined so many Rotarians who have been recognized as Paul Harris Fellows, each of whose lives reflect Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, through their contributions to Rotary’s local, domestic and international programs.”        

Congratulations, Bob

Local Rotarians Are Recipients to Rotary District 7450 Annual 2020 Governor’s Awards

The Rotary District 7450 has recognized four of Langhorne-based Rotary Club of Shady Brook’s Rotarians for their ongoing commitments to their club and Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” with its 2020 Governor’s Awards.

Irv Perlstein was honored for his tireless fundraising work, including collecting thousands of dollars outside local supermarkets to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas/Hanukah holidays meals for needy veterans and their families. Even the COVID pandemic did not slow him down, using his unique brand of salesmanship he remotely raised over $3,000.00 for the veterans and an equal amount for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  He also plays a vital role with the Club’s initiative to provide meals to residents of Astra Zeneca’s Hope Lodge and can be found participating in every one of the clubs many service and other programs to help others.

Alan Agree was the catalyst for the club’s involvement with Philadelphia’s inner-city William Dick School; located in a mostly minority neighborhood with 95% extreme poverty.  Through his efforts some $12,000 in grant monies have been obtained, other monies raised to help purchase badly needed supplies, more than $25,000 in in-kind donations, including computers, gym equipment and books for the library, and scheduling visits by club members who help students with reading and other skills.  Alan is an excellent fund raiser and works at flea markets to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and chairs the club’s participating in annual Light the Night walk and coordinates the club’s Hope Lodge program.

 Bruce Klugman, is our Rotary Foundation Chair.  Bruce continually reaches or surpasses our fundraising goal for the Foundation each and every year.  The Rotary Foundation has been a leader in the worldwide initiative to rid the world of polio, which has been successful in all but three countries.  Through Bruce’s efforts, some of the Foundation’s monies are used to provide grant monies to local clubs, with nearly $12,000 having come back to the club for its programs in support of the William Dick School.

Dick Newbert, does it all. He is the club’s speaker chair and delivers with excellent and varied speakers for the club’s meetings.  He serves at its public relations director keeps the club’s and its achievements in the news, designed and manages the club’s website and coordinated a Virtual Walk fundraiser to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and A Woman’s Place domestic shelter in Doylestown during last summer’s pandemic shutdown.  He also works on many veterans causes, is one of our leading fundraisers and prepares promotional materials and flyers for the club’s charity efforts and participates in every one of the club’s many service projects.

Irv, Alan, Bruce and Dick would like to invite any people interested in giving back and helping to make their communities better places to work and live, to visit the Rotary Club of Shady Brook’s website, www.rotaryclubofshadybrook.com or plan to join us art one of our upcoming weekly meetings (check out our list of upcoming speakers) … virtually at th emoment via Zoom … but hopefully by late spring we we'll be meeting in-person again.