DeWeese: Prison Cancellation Will Cost 700 Jobs

Democratic State Representative Bill DeWeese contends the Corbett Administration's decision to cancel a planned 200-million dollar state prison was politically motivated.
DeWeese says Governor Tom Corbett's cancellation of the Fayette County facility isn't about cost-savings and need, but has more to do with the fact Corbett charged the lawmaker with theft and conspiracy in December 2009, for allegedly campaigning with state resources.
The prison would have been located within DeWeese's district.

"He and I have had some challenges, to be polite and euphemistic, relative to the past. But that's in another arena. He's the chief executive of 12.6 million people. My 60-thousand folks elected me to go to Harrisburg and serve, and this is an aggressive slap in the face."

DeWeese says construction on the prison would have begun in a matter of weeks, and the cancelation will cost the district more than 700 jobs.
In the press release announcing the move, Acting Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said the 200-million dollar facility isn't needed, and that other prisons are under-utilized.
DeWeese questions the argument, pointing out Pennsylvania is still exporting prisoners to Michigan and Virginia.
Corbett's spokesman did not respond to calls for comment.

DeWeese Held for Trial

For the second time in a week, a Pennsylvania state lawmaker has been ordered to stand trial on corruption charges. Following a preliminary hearing Monday, Linglestown District Judge William Wenner said he heard enough evidence to hold State Representative Bill DeWeese of Greene County for trial. The former House Speaker was indicted in December but remains in the House and won his Democratic primary in May. He's charged with theft, conspiracy and conflict of interest
Former aides testified for the prosecution including Kevin Sidella who was given immunity. Sidella testified that there was not enough legitimate legislative work to go around so he did campaign fundraising on state time.
Another DeWeese aide, who faces similar charges, waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
Last week, State Senator Jane Orie of Pittsburgh's North Hills was ordered to stand trial on charges she used her state-paid legislative staff to do campaign work for her and her sister, State Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin.

Orie, DeWeese Lawyer Hopes SCOTUS Ruling Impacts His Case

A lawyer representing two state lawmakers facing conflict of interest charges says he’s heartened by the recent United States Supreme Court ruling narrowing the scope of a federal corruption law. The Supreme Court decision scales back a federal “honest services” law. The ruling states it’s only applicable when officials are receiving bribes or kickbacks.
Attorney Bill Costopoulos represents Democratic Representative Bill DeWeese of Greene County and Republican Senator Jane Orie of McCandless Towship, Allegheny County. They are both facing charges for allegedly using state resources to conduct campaign work.
He’s filed motions questioning the constitutionality of the state conflict of interest counts both are facing, and says the Court ruling will help his cause.

"What happened yesterday isn’t going to necessarily resolve the challenge here in Pennsylvania. But it is authority, and I believe compelling authority, to do what I would like done. And that is, have this statute in Pennsylvania declared unconstitutional, as it is being applied."

Attorney General Tom Corbett’s spokesman, Nils Frederiksen, says Costopoulos’ argument is a stretch.

"Well it’s possible somebody may try to argue that, the reality is Pennsylvania statutes, and the charges brought in a variety of these cases, the conflict of interest, theft and other charges, are fundamentally different than the federal law which the Supreme Court ruled on."

But Costopoulos says the laws are both unconstitutionally vague, and he hopes judges will take the Supreme Court ruling into consideration when they weigh his challenge.

Debate in PA District 50

Despite facing six counts for allegedly conducting campaign work on state time, former top House Democrat Bill DeWeese is running for reelection.
He debated his primary opponents last night.
DeWeese and his main primary opponent, Greene County Commissioner Pam Snyder, only made glancing references to the charges Attorney General Tom Corbett filed against him last year. Snyder vowed at one point to make sure her legislative staffers never carry out political work.
Instead, the forum focused on issues ranging from Marcellus Shale drilling to school district consolidation to drag racing at the Greene County airport.
At one point, DeWeese joked the best way for the county to keep developing the airport would be for Snyder to remain a commissioner.
She retorted a few minutes later.

"And I just want to say, I appreciate Bill’s concern trying to keep the Greene team together, but I want Bill to enjoy that pension he boosted up for himself."

Snyder said last year’s budget impasse hurt the county’s economy, and forced her to raise taxes.
DeWeese kept returning to the argument his seniority allows him to bring projects and revenue back to the district, and voters would suffer if they elect a freshman.

State House Selects New Majority Whip

State Representative Frank Dermody of Oakmont has been selected by House Democrats to serve as Majority Whip. Dermody takes over the position from Bill DeWeese who had to resign the position because of charges he is facing as a result of an investigation by the State Attorney Generals Office. Dermody says his role will be even more pronounced because of the bonusgate investigation. Dermody said he will work to ensure that all of the Representatives have their needs and the needs of their constituents represented when he puts together his legislative agenda for the coming year. Dermody beat out a handful of other legislators for the position. Among them was Representative Joe Preston of East Liberty.