Tony Phyrillas For Council

So long Jim Gerlach, hello Joe Pitts

2011-12-27T23:42:00.000-05:00

Has this ever happened to you? I woke up one day last week and found myself in a new Congressional district. That's the result of Pennsylvania lawmakers redrawing the political boundaries in place for the past 10 years. I give up Rep. Jim Gerlach after a decade and now have to get used to Rep. Joe Pitts.

So long Jim Gerlach, hello Joe Pitts - pottsmerc.com

Biggest Political Lie of 2011: The Democrat MediScare Campaign

2011-12-20T16:50:00.001-05:00

Politifact, the non-partisan fact-checking organization, has selected the Democratic Party's scare tactics over Medicare as the biggest political lie of 2011. You would think that people would wise up by now since Democrats have used the same lie in the past.

Politifact Lie of the Year: The Democrat MediScare Campaign - HUMAN EVENTS

A Soldiers Silent Night

2011-12-19T15:21:00.000-05:00

New push to eliminate property taxes in Pennsylvania

2011-12-10T02:45:00.002-05:00

Proposal addresses concerns of failed measure

Mother treasures every moment with her terminally ill son

2011-12-10T02:44:00.000-05:00

All donations to The Pottstown Mercury's Operation Holiday program go directly to needy families. There's no overhead because Mercury employees volunteer their time to administer the program and distribute the food and gift cards. Last year, the newspaper raised $50,000 and helped more than 250 families. With Christmas just a couple of weeks away, the program has raised just under $20,000 but the need is even greater this year. Follow the link below to read how you can help.

Operation Holiday: Mother treasures every moment with her terminally ill son - pottsmerc.com

A reason to make the First Amendment part of the season

2011-12-08T15:37:00.001-05:00

A guest column by Gene Policinski of the First Amendment Center:

Give the First Amendment – and the nation – a unique gift this holiday season: On Dec. 15, "tweet" your support for this 220-year old guarantor of our basic freedoms.

And don't stop there … round out the holidays by making that 140-character pledge the first step in a New Year's commitment to better understand and defend year-round those precious 45 words that define our core freedoms: religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.

What's the reason to make the First Amendment part of the season?

For one thing, Dec. 15 is the 220th anniversary of the ratification of the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, beginning with the First Amendment's protection of freedom of expression and freedom of religion. That's an event deserving in its own right of glitter and tinsel.

More urgently, it's a chance to challenge and maybe change a sad result of national surveys the First Amendment Center has conducted since 1997. In all that time, never more than six percent in any year could name all five freedoms unaided.

We live in times in which the First Amendment never has been more on display – or more contested.

There are the yearly Yule concerns over religious-themed songs and carols at public school holiday pageants, but also the miraculous example to the world of multiple faiths in one nation peaceably observing holy days and holidays alongside one another.

There are Occupy Wall Street demonstrators exercising their rights to speak freely, to assemble and to petition the government for change – in the manner of generations of Americans who have taken to the streets to make their voices heard.

The U.S. Supreme Court soon will decide a dispute over what we can see and hear on broadcast TV. Meanwhile, we’re all "a-Twitter" over how private are our personal facts and messages. And the fight goes on over how public are our public records.

The Internet, e-mail, Facebook and Twitter have brought new concerns about smut, identity theft and hate speech, all while also giving us an unparalleled opportunity to talk with our fellow citizens – provided that government does not get in the way.

Has there ever been a time when all five of our First Amendment freedoms were more in play?

The "Free to Tweet" initiative is an unprecedented, day-long online call to the American public to stand up on Dec. 15 for these fundamental freedoms. High school and college students nationwide, ages 14 to 22, get a bonus for participating: Expressing themselves freely with the hash tag #freetotweet on Twitter will mean an opportunity to win one of 22 scholarships each worth $5,000. (Find more details on the initiative and the competition at www.freetotweet.org).

For more than two centuries, the First Amendment has been protecting our right to speak out. Let's do just that on Dec. 15!

Gene Policinski is senior vice president and executive director of the First Amendment Center, 1207 18th Ave. S., Nashville, Tenn., 37212. Web: www.firstamendmentcenter.org. E-mail: gpolicinski@fac.org

Antietam Middle School Drama Club Presents "JAMZ' Christmas Carol'

2011-12-06T01:56:00.000-05:00

Footlights Jr., the Antietam Middle School Drama Club, presents its inaugural production of "JAMZ' Christmas Carol" on Friday, Dec. 16, and Saturday, Dec. 17.

"JAMZ' Christmas Carol" is a modern-day retelling of the Charles Dickens' classic that follows a pompous rapper down his path of redemption.

Both performances begin at 7 p.m. in the Mount Penn Primary Center Auditorium, North 25th Street, Mount Penn.

Tickets are just $5 per person and will be available at the door.

Gather the whole family for a fun-filled holiday musical.

Pa. legislators 'slap' constituents in the face

2011-12-02T14:56:00.001-05:00

From an editorial in The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on the latest pay raise for members of the Pennsylvania Legislature:

The arrival of yet another automatic cost-of-living pay raise is proof positive of state lawmakers' craven disregard for both taxpayers and economic reality.

Read the full editorial - The legislative COLA: Slap! - at the newspaper's website.

Columnist: Force Pa. legislators to justify pay raise

2011-12-01T08:30:00.001-05:00

Christmas is early for Pennsylvania lawmakers, who gave themselves a $2,400 pay raise today. (That includes career politicians like Dante Santoni Jr.)

Make Pa. legislators justify pay raise - pottsmerc.com

Mount Penn, Lower Alsace OK joint zoning ordinance

2011-11-28T15:04:00.000-05:00

Mount Penn, Lower Alsace OK joint zoning ordinance

PA Legislators make double what their constituents bring home

2011-11-28T15:03:00.001-05:00

Whatever happened to the concept of public service?

Legislators make double what their constituents bring home - pottsmerc.com

Newspaper: Time to kill COLA for Pennsylvania politicians

2011-11-20T19:02:00.000-05:00

Pennsylvania legislators are preparing to give themselves a "stealth" pay raise on Dec. 1, bringing the base salary of a state lawmaker to $82,000 a year.

It's time to kill the COLA for state leaders - The York Daily Record

PA State Police and Crime Stoppers Launch New Website

2011-11-17T15:40:00.000-05:00

PA State Police and Crime Stoppers Launch New Website

BERKS COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS: All incumbents will return to countywide offices - pottsmerc.com

2011-11-09T00:33:00.000-05:00

Larry Medaglia trounces his Democratic challenger in Berks Register of Wills contest.

BERKS COUNTY ELECTION RESULTS: All incumbents will return to countywide offices - pottsmerc.com

Newspaper: Pay Freeze for Pennsylvania Politicians

2011-11-07T11:36:00.001-05:00

At a time when so many Pennsylvania families are struggling, is it right for elected officials already making $80,000 a year to give themselves a pay raise?

From a Harrisburg Patriot News editorial urging Pennsylvania lawmakers to forgo a scheduled pay increase on Dec. 1:

Teachers do it. State workers do it.

It's about time our elected officials did it, too.

Tens of millions of private-sector employees have seen their pay frozen for one, two or even three years now.

Federal employees have had a freeze on cost-of-living adjustments since last fall.

The state House should accept a one-year pay freeze. The state Senate should do the same.

It's not about politics. It's about integrity.

Does your state representative or state senator feel your pain? If not, perhaps you should send them a simple message: Give yourself a pay hike on Dec. 1, and I'll vote you out of office in 2012.

Read the full editorial at the newspaper's website.

Met-Ed Restores Service to Nearly 90 Percent of Customers

2011-11-02T15:16:00.001-04:00

If most of the 238,000 customers of Met-Ed in Pennsylvania lost power because trees fell on power lines, did it occur to Med-Ed officials to trim those trees over the summer if there was a possibility they could fall on the power lines?

Met-Ed Restores Service to Nearly 90 Percent of Customers Affected by Damaging Snowstorm

Restore America in 2011

2011-10-25T18:32:00.000-04:00

AFC Calls on Pennsylvania Senate to Pass Comprehensive School Choice Plan

2011-10-25T15:38:00.000-04:00

AFC Calls on Pennsylvania Senate to Pass Comprehensive School Choice Plan

Corbett Signs Bill to Strengthen Teen Driver Safety and Training in Pennsylvania

2011-10-25T15:37:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Signs Bill to Strengthen Teen Driver Safety and Training

Weekly Republican Address: Get government out of the way of job creators

2011-10-22T15:53:00.000-04:00

Sen. Pat Toomey headlines annual Berks County GOP dinner

2011-10-22T02:15:00.000-04:00

U.S. senator raillies Republicans at dinner

Berks County Greek festival showcases food, culture, music

2011-10-13T17:05:00.002-04:00

READING — The largest ethnic food festival in Berks County returns for its 41st year on the weekend of Oct. 14-15-16 at Sts. Contantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the Greek Food Bazaar to enjoy authentic Greek food and pastry and live music and dancing.

The food is prepared and cooked on the premises by church members using traditional family recipes.

The most popular dish is Athenian-style chicken, which comes in a platter with a side of rice pilaf, Greek-style string beans, a Greek salad, roll and butter for $10. You can substitute Plaki (fresh fish fillet baked with vegetables, herbs and wine) for the platter meal on Friday.

There are also a la carte items such Gyro (marinated beef and lamb slices) and Souvlaki (pork shis-ke-bob) sandwiches; Calamari (squid) cooked in tomatoes and wine; Moussaka (eggplant casserole); Arni Psito (roast lamb); and Pastitsio (layered Greek pasta, seasoned with chopped beef topped with béechamel.

All food items are available to eat-in in the church social hall or take-out.
A variety of imported Greek wines and spirits, including Ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, will also be served.

While enjoying a meal in the main dining hall, visitors will be treated to Greek and American music by Stavros & Maria, a brother-sister duo who are also church members.
The church’s youth dance group, Kefi, will perform traditional Greek dances throughout the weekend wearing colorful costumes.

After a hearty meal, there’s plenty to see and do on the church grounds. An Agora (Greek market) offers packaged Greek foods and prepared dishes to go. The Kafenio (Greek coffee house) features fresh-brewed Greek-style coffee, rice pudding and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere.

Visitors can also shop for original artwork, gold jewelry and items imported from Greece in various gift rooms.

Festival-goers can also view one of the largest collections of Byzantine iconography in the United States. Guided tours of the church interior are provided on the hour.

A popular stop for all visitors is the pastry room, where you can pick between popular treats like Baklava (almonds, butter, and honey layered in flaky pastry), Teelikta (walnuts, butter and honey rolled in flaky pastry); Kourabiethes (butter cookies topped with powdered sugar), Koulourakia (Greek twisted butter cookie) and Galaktobouriko (a filo pastry filled with custard and moistened with honey syrup).

Another Greek delicacy is Loukoumathes (puffed honey balls), a warm dough pastry topped with honey, cinnamon and chopped nuts.

Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. The event is held rain or shine.

Additional parking is available across the street at Berks Catholic High School.
The church is located at 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., about one mile from Business Route 222 South (Lancaster Avenue), just turn onto Hancock Boulevard between the two car dealerships and stay on the road until you see the church.

For more information, call the church office at 610-374-7511 or visit the church’s website, www.stsconstantinehelen.org

Route 562 Bridge in St. Lawrence re-opens Oct. 10

2011-10-07T19:19:00.001-04:00

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced today the PA 562 Bridge over Antietam Creek in St. Lawrence, Berks County, will open Monday (Oct. 10) afternoon.

From a PennDOT release:

Route 562 has been closed and detoured between Prospect and Bingaman streets since February while crews replaced the structurally deficient bridge. The official detour routed traffic over Business Route 422 and Oley Turnpike Road.

Crews replaced the two-span concrete T-beam bridge with a single span pre-stressed concrete spread box beam bridge. The project also included minor approach work to tie into the existing roadway and other miscellaneous construction.

Grace Industries Inc. of Bath, Pa., is the general contractor on the $1,626,460 project.

The PA 562 Bridge was constructed in 1926 and was 67 feet long and 33 feet wide. The new Bridge is 68 feet long and 52 feet wide. This section of Route 562 has an average daily traffic volume of 8,848 vehicles.

Mount Penn designates 'Trick or Treat' nights, curfew

2011-10-05T22:06:00.000-04:00

Borough gets set for Halloween

'Creatures of the Night' trail walk coming Oct. 8 to Antietam Lake Park

2011-10-05T22:05:00.001-04:00

The Berks County parks and recreation department is holding a non-scary educational walk, "Creatures of the Night," on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 5-8 p.m. with the help of Antietam Middle-Senior High School students.

Members of the school's Footlights Drama Club will personify nocturnal creatures to demonstrate the realities of the beasts at Antietam Lake Park. This event is perfect for families with younger children.

The trail walk will set the scene for October with those animals most well-known for their activity after dark. Skunks, porcupines, squirrels and more will take the stage to tell tale about their habits, appetites and fears in the woods.

Guided groups will leave every 15 minutes for a walk along one of Antietam Lake Park’s kid-friendly trails. With five animal stations along the way, the walk will last about 45 minutes.

Hikers should wear sturdy shoes.

Registration and payment of $5 per person is required by Oct. 7. Flashlights are recommended; costumes are optional.

Refreshments will be served following the hike.

Visitors should park at the Angora Road parking lot.

Newspapers Still Top Choice for Local News

2011-09-26T21:51:00.000-04:00

How People Learn About Their Local Community | Project for Excellence in Journalism (PEJ)

Lower Alsace, Mount Penn form joint planning commission

2011-09-20T15:53:00.000-04:00

Lower Alsace, Mount Penn form joint planning commission

Never Forget

2011-09-11T00:10:00.000-04:00

Event honoring first responders postponed

2011-09-09T15:52:00.001-04:00

An event designed to recognize first responders in Berks and Montgomery counties has been rescheduled because so many first responders are busy helping with flood conditions in the region.

HonorFest 2011 was scheduled to take place today at First Energy Stadium in Reading, but with so many police, firefighters and ambulance crews assisting victims of this week's flooding, the organizers decided to move the event to Saturday, Oct. 1.

For more information, visit www.Honorfest.com

Pennsylvania Gov. Corbett Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff on Patriot Day, Sept. 11

2011-09-08T17:25:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff on Patriot Day, Sept. 11

Weekend events planned for Mount Penn, Lower Alsace

2011-09-06T16:16:00.000-04:00

Lower Alsace development groups slate several weekend events

Newspaper: Berks Countians understand need for tax reform

2011-08-31T15:56:00.001-04:00

From an editorial in The Pottstown Mercury:

A legislative forum was held Monday at Daniel Boone Middle School for discussion of tax proposals — a pretty dry topic for a pleasant summer night.

But the forum brought out a full house — nearly 400 people — to listen intently to proposals for tax reform that have been talked about in Harrisburg for 40 years.

Berks County residents demand Pennsylvania eliminate school property taxes. So what's wrong with the rest of the state?

Read the full editorial at the link below:

Berks Countians understand need for tax reform - pottsmerc.com

Large turnout for property tax reform forum

2011-08-30T13:10:00.000-04:00

250 turn out for tax reform session in Amity - pottsmerc.com

GOP lawmakers to host Town Hall on Property Tax Reform

2011-08-28T19:00:00.000-04:00

WHAT: State Rep. David Maloney (R-Berks) will host a town hall meeting to provide information on efforts to reduce and/or eliminate school property taxes. He has often referred to Berks County as "ground zero" in the property tax debate, and is holding this meeting to update constituents on the challenges facing the state Legislature in dealing with this issue.

WHO: Maloney will be joined by other members of the General Assembly, including the co-chairmen of the School Property Tax Relief Caucus, Reps. Jim Cox (R-Berks) and Seth Grove (R-York), as well as Reps. Mark Gillen (R-Berks), Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery), Marcie Toepel (R-Montgomery) and Doug Reichley (R-Berks/Lehigh).

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Daniel Boone Middle School auditorium, 1845 Weavertown Road, Douglassville.

LIVE WEBSTREAMING: The meeting may be viewed through Maloney's website, www.RepMaloney.com

Food Pantry to serve Exeter, Mount Penn, St. Lawrence

2011-08-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

A food pantry to serve the 19606 ZIP code, which includes Exeter, Mount Penn and St. Lawrence, will open soon at a local church.

Groups unite to create food bank

Berks County to honor First Responders

2011-08-28T16:25:00.001-04:00

For more information, visit www.honorfest.com

Pennsylvania Secretary of Commonwealth: Photo ID Protects Integrity of Every Vote

2011-08-23T15:22:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania Secretary of Commonwealth: Photo ID Protects Integrity of Every Vote

Rep. Maloney to host property tax forum

2011-08-23T15:14:00.001-04:00

State Rep. David M. Maloney (R-130th Dist.) will host a school property tax forum on Monday, Aug. 29, at the Daniel Boone Middle School Auditorium in Amity Township.

The event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. and is open to the public.

"I have long said that Berks County is "Ground Zero" for the debate over school property taxes. It is the issue I hear about most frequently from constituents," Maloney said in a press release announcing the forum.

From the release:

"Our agenda for Aug. 29th is to lay out to the public where we are at this point in time in the fight to reduce and eliminate school property taxes in Pennsylvania. Several of my State House colleagues and I will present the most current data we have and discuss the challenges we face in our 130th District and statewide."

State Reps. Seth Grove, R-York, and Jim Cox, R-Berks, who are both co-team leaders for the House Majority Policy Committee will be on hand as well as Reps. Doug Reichley R- Berks/Lehigh, Marcy Toepel, R-Montgomery, and Mark Gillen, R-Berks, who will all participate in the forum.

"We have a lot of information to put forward and we will talk about previous tax relief efforts like legalized gaming and Act 1," Maloney said. "We will talk about school district growth versus state funding over the last 10 years. At the end of the presentation we will take questions."

State lawmakers from Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties have been pushing for the elimination of school property taxes for years, Maloney noted.

"No two counties in Pennsylvania are alike as we all struggle with higher school property taxes," Maloney said. "In some parts of Pennsylvania, school property taxes are not an issue, but they are a problem here. We have information and numbers that most people have not seen and it looks at school property taxes on a statewide view. I felt it was necessary to share this data. There are hot spots in Pennsylvania where this is a serious concern. We in the southeast live in a hot spot."

"Part of my purpose for this event is to also tell people that we will continue to work to correct the problems with the school property tax system," Maloney said.

PA Department of Health Announces Possible Measles Exposure in Berks, Bucks, Delaware and Lehigh Counties

2011-07-26T16:03:00.000-04:00

Department of Health Announces Possible Measles Exposure in Berks, Bucks, Delaware and Lehigh Counties

Business group sees turnaround for Mount Penn

2011-07-19T19:09:00.000-04:00

If you've driven along Perkiomen Avenue these days, you know Mount Penn needs to do much more to attract new businesses.

Business group sees turnaround for Mount Penn

Newspaper: New law puts teeth into PA Sunshine Laws

2011-07-12T14:40:00.001-04:00

From an editorial in The Mercury:

Senate Bill 101 increases the fines that may be imposed on elected officials who participate in a meeting with the intent of violating the open meeting requirements.

The fine, which was previously a flat rate of $100, was raised to as much as $1,000 for a first offense and $500 to $2,000 for a second offense. The mandate is set to take effect in 60 days.

The increased penalties for violating state sunshine laws were long overdue.

Pennsylvania has been known to be among the most antiquated states in the nation in its laws on open meetings and open records — a standing that was improved somewhat with the passage of open records reform several years ago.

Read the full editorial at the link below:

New law puts teeth into state sunshine laws - pottsmerc.com

Mount Penn, Lower Alsace need fire police

2011-07-09T14:30:00.000-04:00

Volunteers are needed to assist local firefighters and police.

Mount Penn, Lower Alsace need fire police

Republicans have a plan to create jobs

2011-07-09T11:56:00.000-04:00

House Republican Conference Vice Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) delivers the Weekly Republican Address. She discusses the latest monthly jobs report, which shows increased unemployment and a stalled economic recovery. House Republicans have passed 9 bills to spur job growth and foster an environment of confidence for America's small businesses - but Senate Democrats have taken no action on these bills. The president has failed to understand that our nation spends too much, not taxes too little. Further taxing businesses across America will destroy any chances of economic recovery. It's time for real solutions. Visit http://jobs.gop.gov to see the House Republican Plan for America's Job Creators.

Pennsylvania Slot Machine Revenue Increased 7.8% in 2010-2011

2011-07-06T12:38:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania casinos continue to generate more revenues, but Pennsylvania homeowners see less in property tax relief from casino revenues. Where is the money going?

Pennsylvania Slot Machine Revenue Increased 7.8% in 2010-2011

Give PA voters a say on school taxes

2011-06-26T21:13:00.000-04:00

Why are school property taxes so high in Pennsylvania?

Nathan Benefield of The Commonwealth Foundation has a theory:

Every state in the nation limits the ability of school boards to raise property taxes. Eleven states don't give school boards taxing authority; 36 states require voter referendum on school budgets, property tax increases or all bond issues; and three states without referenda place a cap on school taxes. Pennsylvania counts among those with a referendum requirement — but our law is a toothless tiger that has become "referendum in name only."

The ideal solution would be the elimination of school property taxes in Pennsylvania. Short of that, the voters should get the final say on taxes.

Read the full column at the link below:

Give voters a say on school taxes - pottsmerc.com

DCNR Asks Residents to Help Win Trees for Pennsylvania State Parks

2011-06-07T19:18:00.000-04:00

DCNR Asks Residents to Help Win Trees for Pennsylvania State Parks

Watch me on 'Journalists Roundtable'

2011-06-01T15:26:00.001-04:00

This week's edition of "Journalists Roundtable," the popular political commentary program on the Pennsylvania Cable Network, is coming to you from the offices of The Mercury in Pottstown.

The one-hour program airs Thursdays at 8 PM and re-airs Sundays at 5 PM and 11 PM as well as Mondays at 10 AM. The show is hosted by Bill Bova.

The panel includes Tony Phyrillas, city editor/political columnist for The Mercury, and John Aberle of WCHE 1520 AM in West Chester.

PCN is shown on Comcast Channel 98 in Berks County, Service Electric Cable Channel 23 in Berks/Lehigh counties and Comcast Channel 186 in the Pottstown area.

Consult your cable guide for the Pennsylvania Cable Network channel in your area or check the PCN website.

We Can Never Say Thank You Enough

2011-05-30T08:50:00.000-04:00

PA Auditor General: Keep public notices in newspapers

2011-05-26T18:13:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner, the state's top elected Democrat, on efforts by the state Legislature to change the law requiring government bodies to publish legal notices in newspapers

House Bill 633, if enacted, would be another setback in making government more open and accountable to the public. Citizens interested in reviewing public notices would have to visit multiple websites to obtain the information they are seeking. This is not convenient and will decrease, rather than increase, bidding competition. In short, it's a bad deal for taxpayers.

Read Wagner's full op-ed at the link below:

Auditor general: Keep public notices in newspapers - The York Daily Record

Catch Tony Phyrillas on radio

2011-05-26T14:34:00.001-04:00

Tony Phyrillas will be the guest on Life Unedited with John Aberle Saturday from 11 a.m.-noon on WCHE 1520 AM in West Chester.

Phyrillas will discuss a variety of state and national political issues including the Obama presidency, the GOP field for 2012, the state budget and property tax relief.

If you can't pick up the radio station's signal, Aberle's program is simulcast live online at www.WCHE1520.com

Central Berks police honor 2 Alsace men

2011-05-06T15:19:00.000-04:00

Central Berks police honor 2 Alsace men

Magic comes to Mount Penn Saturday in annual benefit

2011-05-05T01:46:00.000-04:00

Magic comes to Mount Penn Saturday in annual benefit

You call this propety tax relief?

2011-04-16T17:20:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania residents are still waiting to see the "substantial property tax relief" promised by former Gov. Ed Rendell when he signed the bill in 2005 to bring casino gambling to the Keystone State.

The average statewide property tax reduction for each Pennsylvania household is expected to be about $200 this year. You call that property tax relief?

Budget Secretary Certifies $776.2 Million for Statewide Property Tax Relief

Weekly GOP Address: Time to Cut More Spending

2011-04-16T17:05:00.000-04:00

Meet Tony Phyrillas at Montgomery County Community College on April 15

2011-04-13T19:25:00.001-04:00

Tony Phyrillas, The Mercury's award-winning political columnist and blogger, will be the featured speaker at the Sixth Annual Healthy Lifestyles Expo Friday, April 15, at Montgomery County Community College, 101 College Drive, in Pottstown.

Phyrillas, pictured here with state Rep. Tom Quigley, R-Montgomery, will be taking part in a Q-and-A from 11 a.m.-11.:45 a.m., followed immediately by a free lunch. (Get there early for a seat; last year, 570 lunches were served.)

The Expo, co-sponsored by state Rep. Quigley, Montgomery County Community College, the TriCounty Community Network and The Mercury, runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Other Expo highlights include caricatures by Alan MacBain, musical performances by the Pottstown Middle School Woodwinds Ensemble and Pottstown High School Show Choir, as well as five cash drawings for $100 each.

Dozens of vendors will have services and equipment on display. All programs, health screenings, demonstrations and entertainment are free to the public.

'Thoroughly Modern Millie' coming to Mount Penn

2011-04-11T21:38:00.001-04:00

Antietam Middle Senior High School presents 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' at the Mt. Penn Primary Center on:

Friday April 15th at 7pm

Saturday April 16th at 7pm and

Sunday April 17th at 2pm

Adults $8 Students $5

Tickets can be purchased on Monday – Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 at the Primary Center Auditorium

Or by emailing tschnitter@antietamsd.org

April 18 Is Deadline to Register to Vote in Pennsylvania's May Primary

2011-04-11T15:18:00.000-04:00

April 18 Is Deadline to Register to Vote in Pennsylvania's May Primary

Columnist: Do school districts have to raise property taxes?

2011-03-31T15:03:00.000-04:00

What is getting lost in the uproar about cutting back state subsidies for public education in Pennsylvania is the fact that nearly every school district in the state was planning to raise property taxes before Gov. Corbett announced his 2011-12 budget.

The beef taxpayers have is with their local school districts, which raise taxes every year. School boards have done a terrible job of balancing their budgets over the years.

Do school districts have to raise property taxes? - pottsmerc.com

PEMA: Japan's Nuke Plant Crisis Poses No Present Risk to Pennsylvania Residents

2011-03-17T14:48:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency: Japan's Nuke Plant Crisis Poses No Present Risk to Pennsylvania Residents

'Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less' campaign

2011-03-17T08:49:00.000-04:00

Larry Medaglia makes his case for PA's 11th District Senate seat

2011-03-13T22:31:00.000-04:00

Berks special election: Medaglia believes his GOP affiliation will help constituents - pottsmerc.com

Online interview with Larry Medaglia

2011-03-01T22:17:00.001-05:00

Larry Medaglia, the Republican candidate for the vacant 11th State Senate District seat, will be interviewed live online by me at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Go to The Mercury's website and watch the interview to learn more about Medaglia and the issues facing Berks County voters in the March 15 special election.

If you can't watch the interview live, it will be posted on The Mercury's website through March 15 so you can watch it any time.

The Democratic candidate, Judy Schwank, will be interviewed Thursday at 3 p.m.

Gov. Tom Corbett to stump for Larry Medaglia on March 3

2011-02-27T16:50:00.001-05:00

Republicans see their best chance in nearly 40 years to win a Pennsylvania Senate seat held by Democrats.

That's why the state's top Republican will be in Berks County Thursday to stump for Republican Larry Medaglia in his bid to win a special election in the 11th Senate District.

Corbett to visit Berks to support Medaglia for O'Pake's seat - pottsmerc.com

Catch Tony Phyrillas on 'Journalists Roundtable'

2011-02-16T17:16:00.004-05:00

This week's edition of "Journalists Roundtable," the popular political commentary program on the Pennsylvania Cable Network, will include Tony Phyrillas on the panel.

The one-hour program airs Thursdays at 8 PM and re-airs Sundays at 5 PM and 11 PM as well as Mondays at 10 AM.

This week's host will be Kat Prickett.

The panel will include Tony Phyrillas, city editor/political columnist for The Mercury; Heather Long, of The Harrisburg Patriot-News; and Scott Detrow, of PA Public Radio.

PCN is shown on Comcast Channel 98 in Berks County, Service Electric Cable Channel 23 in Berks/Lehigh counties and Comcast Channel 186 in the Pottstown area.

Consult your cable guide for the Pennsylvania Cable Network channel in your area or check the PCN website.

Michael Reagan Pays Tribute to His Father

2011-02-05T17:42:00.000-05:00

We Could Use A Man Like Ronald Reagan Again

2011-02-05T00:18:00.000-05:00

Medaglia launches website for state Senate run

2011-02-01T12:40:00.001-05:00

Republican Larry Medaglia Jr. has launched a website in support of his campaign for Pennsylvania's 11th state Senate District, which covers most of Berks County.

The special election to fill the unexpired term of the late Sen. Mike O'Pake is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15.

Medaglia's campaign theme is: "The People's Choice for State Senate."

The current Berks County Register of Wills and former Berks Republican Party chairman, Medaglia is pushing four major issues: 1) Property Tax Elimination 2) Economic Growth and Job Creation 3) Reforming State Government and 4) Improving Basic Education

"This campaign is about the future of our community - a future where government leaders must be willing to make difficult choices and truly serve the community by lowering the tax burden and focusing resources on creating economic opportunities for everyone," Medaglia states on the website.

Medaglia's opponent is former Berks County Commissioner Judy Schwank, who voted to raise property taxes by 34% before leaving office four years ago.

Although Democrats enjoy a voter-registration advantage because the City of Reading is part of the 11th Senatorial District, Medaglia has a good chance of winning the election because he has waged successful countywide campaigns and the Democratic Party is split in its support of Schwank.

Many party loyalists wanted state Rep. Dante Santoni Jr., an 18-year veteran of Harrisburg, to be the candidate. Santoni's 126th House District is part of the 11th Senate District and Santoni is used to running campaigns and winning.

Schwank hasn't run for political office in more than eight years.

A party insider tells me Santoni and his supporters are very bitter at the way the party leaders picked a candidate and support for Schwank among active party workers is weak.

Visit Medaglia's website here.

Schwank Vs. Medaglia in special election for PA Senate seat

2011-01-28T14:24:00.000-05:00

What I know about Larry Medaglia Jr., the Republican candidate in the special election for the 11th state Senate seat in Berks County: The Berks County Register of Wills office is more efficient thanks to reforms Medaglia has instituted, saving taxpayers money.

What I know about Judy Schwank, the Democratic candidate: When she was chairwoman of the Berks County Commissioners four years ago, she was the deciding vote for a 34% property tax hike for Berks County homeowners and businesses.

The race is basically a fiscal conservative vs. a tax-and-spend liberal.

Schwank Vs. Medaglia in special election - Boyertown Area Times - Berks-Mont News

American Legion Applauds House's Constitutional Reading

2011-01-06T14:51:00.000-05:00

American Legion Applauds House's Constitutional Reading

20 years of giving: Operation Holiday delivers

2010-12-26T16:06:00.000-05:00

Thanks to The Pottstown Mercury, 252 families, with a total of 701 children, were provided food and gifts in 2010 by the newspaper's Operation Holiday program.

20 years of giving: Operation Holiday delivers (video) - pottsmerc.com

1,200 followers on Twitter

2010-12-24T01:54:00.000-05:00

I have 1,200 followers on Twitter but I'm always looking for more. Click on the blue Twitter link at the top of this page to follow my posts.

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

2010-12-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Corbett Inaugural website launches

2010-12-17T15:36:00.001-05:00

Gov.-elect Tom Corbett and Lt. Gov.-elect Jim Cawley's Inaugural website has launched at www.CorbettCawleyInaugural.com

The theme of the new Republican administration is "Rebuilding Pennsylvania," which is a big task after the disastrous eight years of the Rendell administration.

The website provides detailed information on the Inaugural activities. Pennsylvania residents can also find information on how to reserve and purchase tickets for Inaugural events.

The site will be updated right up until the January 18, 2011, Inauguration.

Newspaper: Repeal automatic COLA for politicians

2010-12-17T15:32:00.001-05:00

From the editorial pages of The Pottstown Mercury:

THORNS to the state Legislature for continuing the practice of automatic cost-of-living adjustments even though many legislators give them back or donate the money to charity. We don't want our tax dollars going to the charity of choice for lawmakers; we want the money to stay in the state coffers. The Legislature, along with members of the executive branch, including the governor, and judges receive an automatic cost-of-living adjustment each year under a 1995 law. This year, the COLA for lawmakers kicked in Dec. 1, while the higher pay for judges begins Jan. 1. Pay for rank-and-file legislators increased from $78,315 to $79,623 on Dec. 1, while higher-ranking officials are paid more. Instead of legislators giving it back, the law should be repealed.

Roses for soliciting public input in schools' chief search - pottsmerc.com

Governor Rendell Reminds Residents of Dec. 31 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline, Free Application Assistance Available

2010-12-07T14:32:00.000-05:00

Governor Rendell Reminds Residents of Dec. 31 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline, Free Application Assistance Available

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

2010-11-29T20:55:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving message from President Ronald Reagan

2010-11-25T13:13:00.000-05:00

Krauthammer to headline Pennsylvania Leadership Conference

2010-11-18T14:11:00.001-05:00

The 2011 PA Leadership Conference, featuring the largest gathering of conservatives in Pennsylvania, has lined up one of the sharpest conservative thinkers in the world for this year's event.

Charles Krauthammer, Pulitzer Prize winning columnist and a Fox News commentator, will be the dinner speaker at the 2011 Pennsylvania Leadership Conference to be held April 8-9 at the Radisson Penn Harris Convention Center in Camp Hill, Pa.

From a press release announcing Krauthammer's appearance:

"We are excited to have Dr. Krauthammer as the next in a long series of influential conservative speakers to address the annual Pennsylvania Leadership Conference," said Lowman Henry, President of the Pennsylvania Leadership Council which organizes the event. "In an era when many commentators offer only shop worn analysis, Dr. Krauthammer stands out as a thoughtful voice of reason who injects logic and perspective into the public debate."

The Pennsylvania Leadership Conference is the premiere annual gathering of public policy conservatives from through the commonwealth and beyond. The conference features well known national speakers, and a who's who of state-level government and policy leaders offering commentary and panel presentations.

Dr. Krauthammer was named by the Financial Times as the most influential commentator in America. Since 1985 he has written a syndicated column for the Washington Post, winning the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary in 1987. His column now appears in more than 250 newspapers worldwide.

A contributing editor to the Weekly Standard and to the New Republic, Dr. Krauthammer is a Fox News contributor appearing nightly on Fox's evening news program Special Report with Bret Baier. He is also a weekly panelist on Inside Washington.

Complete information and registration for the 2011 Pennsylvania Leadership Conference can be found at the conference's newly redesigned website, www.paleadershipconference.org

Catch me on radio Saturday

2010-11-05T02:21:00.000-04:00

Tony Phyrillas will be the guest on Life Unedited with John Aberle Saturday from 11 a.m.-noon on WCHE 1520 AM in West Chester.

Topics of discussion will be the results of the 2010 midterm elections and the Republican sweep in Pennsylvania.

You can call the station with questions or comments at 610-701-WCHE (9243)

If you can't pick up the radio station's signal, Aberle's program is simulcast live online at www.WCHE1520.com

Pennsylvania turns red

2010-11-03T00:44:00.001-04:00

So much for Pennsylvania trending blue. The Republican tide that swept across the nation Tuesday included Pennsylvania, where Republicans made significant gains.

Let's take a look at how the political landscape changed overnight in Pennsylvania: A Republican replaces Ed Rendell as governor; a Republican replaces Democrat Arlen Specter in the U.S. Senate; Republicans ousted five Congressional Democrats and held all of their current Congressional seats; Republicans control the Pennsylvania Senate by a 30-20 margin and Republicans regained control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with a solid majority of at least 110 seats in the 203-seat body.

A Republican will move into governor's mansion with Attorney General Tom Corbett defeating Ed Rendell-clone Dan Onorato. Republican Pat Toomey defeated liberal Joe Sestak for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Arlen Specter.

Pennsylvania voters tossed out five incumbent Democratic members of Congress from Pennsylvania, helping the GOP retake control of the House in Washington, D.C. Republicans will hold 12 of Pennsylvania's 19 Congressional seats come January.

Among Election Night highlights from Pennsylvania: Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta defeated 26-year career politician Paul Kanjorski. Republican Pat Meehan beat Democrat Bryan Lentz in the race for the Congressional seat being vacated by Sestak.

Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to Open on Nov. 1

2010-10-29T13:49:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to Open on Nov. 1

Club corner: William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA

2010-10-28T23:57:00.000-04:00

In case you missed it, the Reading chapter of the Order of AHEPA was recently featured in the Reading Eagle newspaper.

Club corner: William Penn Chapter No. 61 Order of AHEPA

My interview with State Rep. Mike Vereb

2010-10-22T01:02:00.000-04:00

Video: Ask the Candidate with Mike Vereb - pottsmerc.com

My interview with State Rep. Doug Reichley

2010-10-22T01:00:00.000-04:00

Video: Interview with Doug Reichley - pottsmerc.com

My interview with US Rep. Charlie Dent

2010-10-22T00:46:00.000-04:00

Video: Q&A with Charlie Dent - pottsmerc.com

My interview with US Rep. Jim Gerlach

2010-10-22T00:43:00.000-04:00

Video: Q&A with Jim Gerlach - pottsmerc.com

A complete list of how Representatives voted on ObamaCare!

2010-10-12T14:47:00.000-04:00

National Fire Prevention Week Is Reminder to Parents -- Prepare Home and Family for Fire Safety

2010-10-06T20:33:00.000-04:00

National Fire Prevention Week Is Reminder to Parents -- Prepare Home and Family for Fire Safety

Berks Patriots urged to rally around conservatives

2010-09-24T15:57:00.000-04:00

Berks Patriots urged to rally around conservatives

Follow me on Twitter

2010-09-22T01:25:00.001-04:00

I had no idea Twitter limits the number of people you can follow to 2,000. I hit that number today and I got the message that I'm done ... unless more people follow me. So why don't you head over to Twitter and start following me at http://twitter.com/TonyPhyrillas

Pennsylvanians Urged to Turn in Unwanted Prescription Drugs for Disposal

2010-09-21T15:15:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvanians Urged to Turn in Unwanted Prescription Drugs for Disposal

Drought Warning issued for Berks County

2010-09-17T20:36:00.000-04:00

DEP Issues Drought Warning for 24 Counties; Drought Watch for Remainder of State

PA First Lady Celebrates Constitution Day

2010-09-17T16:17:00.000-04:00

PA First Lady Judge Rendell Celebrates Constitution Day, Teaches Civics Lesson via Virtual Classroom

Public Reading of U.S. Constitution

2010-09-16T14:17:00.000-04:00

Boyertown Residents Take Part in Nationwide Readings of the Entire United States Constitution

When: September 18, 2010 @ 11:00 AM

Where: Nancy's Front Porch @ 120 N. Walnut St. Boyertown, PA 19512

In an effort to help revitalize the nation's civic culture, residents of Boyertown will come together at 11:00 AM at 120 N. Walnut St., Boyertown for a public reading of the U.S. Constitution.

The event will be held at the home of Nancy Kline, event organizer.

David M. Maloney (R) candidate for the PA State House 130th District, will be on hand to do a partial reading.

Although this is not a political event, it is one of hundreds to be held on the same day in cities and towns all across the United States.

Kline said, "This event, and the hundreds like it across the country, is our way of expressing our respect for the importance of the nation's founding charter and its relevance today. This is a real grassroots effort, of ordinary Americans talking to each other in person and on the Internet, to show there are people who think the nation's civic culture is important. Everyone should be familiar with the Constitution and what it says. It needs to be read, aloud!"

In addition to the local organizers, the We Read the Constitution Project is backed by national groups including Let Freedom Ring and Constituting America.

Lowman Henry to headline Berks County Patriots meeting

2010-09-15T13:52:00.001-04:00

The September meeting of Berks County Patriots will feature guest speaker Lowman S. Henry, chairman and CEO of Lincoln Institute for Public Opinion Research Inc., a Harrisburg-based non-profit, educational foundation.

Henry, one of the leading political commentators in Pennsylvania, is also host of Lincoln Radio Journal and American Radio Journal. Henry will discuss the Nov. 2 General Election in a speech headlined, "November's elections could change the course of America."

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 23, at 6:30 PM at the Leesport Farmers Market, Route 61, Leesport.

For more on Berks County Patriots, visit the group's Web site at http://berkscountypatriots.org/

For more on Henry, visit http://www.lincolninstitute.org/

Weekly GOP Address: 'Remember the victims of 9/11 and their families'

2010-09-11T15:52:00.000-04:00

Governor Rendell Orders U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags at All State Facilities to Be Flown at Half-Staff on Sept. 11

2010-09-10T17:58:00.000-04:00

Governor Rendell Orders U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags at All State Facilities to Be Flown at Half-Staff on Sept. 11

Carsonia Carnival returns Sept. 22-25

2010-09-08T14:04:00.001-04:00

The annual Carsonia Park Carnival is returning Sept. 22-25 to the park at Byram and Harvey streets in Pennside, Berks County.

Hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.

Ride Specials on Wednesday and Thursday, where you can ride all night between 6-10 p.m. for just $15.

Live entertainment is scheduled Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7-9 p.m. And fireworks will cap off the carnival Saturday night.

Don't miss the Arts & Crafts Show Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The carnival is sponsored by Revive Antietam Inc., whose mission is to promote community spirit and awareness of the Antietam Valley area.

Follow me on Twitter

2010-09-08T14:03:00.001-04:00

I'm closing in on 1,000 followers on Twitter. If you have a Twitter account, you can follow me at http://twitter.com/TonyPhyrillas or just click on that blue button on the right side of this blog.

Follow Berks GOP on Twitter

2010-08-24T13:42:00.000-04:00

The Berks County Republican Committee is now on Twitter.

You can follow the party at http://twitter.com/victory10berks