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Regola's Defense Fund?
Posted
3-6-2008
Seeing a recent news story about a Bob Regola
"Defense Fund" brought to mind the tragic death of Lou Farrell
and how Regola's supporters are trying to make the claim how he
is being "singled out." Yes, that was the quote recently from
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati of Jefferson County in
an article in the local newspaper. From my perspective he's
being singled out all right…with preferential treatment from the
day that Lou died. Compare how Regola was treated in the hours
and days after the tragedy compared to the case of Robert Lewis
of Rostraver Township who was incarcerated shortly after his gun
was used in a shooting accident in 2001.
But now because of Regola's position (hasn't it
always been about Bob’s position?) he gets a legal defense fund
to offset his legal expenses. Some contributors are Republican
State Senators, some are their staffers, and a few contributors
are from Westmoreland County. But the contributors who caught my
attention were the lobbyists. I know standards are loose in
Harrisburg for how lobbyists can influence legislators, but how
far beyond political contributions can they go? If they can help
pay legal fees, can they help pay mortgages?
Since I didn't know the answer to that question
(and the local paper forgot to call Common Cause on this one) I
contacted Common Cause directly. Here is what Common Cause
Executive Director Barry Kauffman had to say, "We think legal
defense funds for public officials with decision-making
authority are completely inappropriate. If they aren't banned,
the 'gifts' most certainly must be disclosed on ethics
statements."
As disturbing as the legal defense fund for
Regola is, the comments of Senator Scarnati were downright
offensive. He not only says District Attorney John Peck is "on a
mission" and is "singling a guy out". In a more sinister way, he
threatens that "at the end of the day we'll have to review what
happened and what motivated the District Attorney." Since when
does the Senate of Pennsylvania review criminal cases? Isn't
that the job of the Appellate Courts? What expertise or
authority does Mr. Scarnati possess that allows him to determine
if criminal charges are merited? Should Democrats in the Senate
"look into" cases when one of their own is prosecuted by a
Republican? Scarnati may care for his loyal minion Regola, but
his comments were out of line and there are a lot of people here
who do not appreciate his bully tactics.
When this tragedy first occurred, I thought John
Peck gave Regola consideration that ordinary people would never
have received in similar circumstances. But anyone who knows
John Peck understands that he is perhaps the least political
elected official in Westmoreland County. If he felt charges were
merited, he did so for substantial legal reasons, far beyond
politics.
One thing is clear -- that there are people
beyond the boundaries of the 39th Senatorial District who want
Regola to get preferential treatment. Why? Maybe when he morphed
into an archconservative at age 40, he also got an injection of
charisma? No, that can't be it. Or maybe, and more likely, he's
been an obedient yes vote for his party's leaders and a lot of
money has been invested in Regola holding onto the seat.
Whatever the reason, the money keeps flowing in interesting, and
increasingly disturbing, ways.
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