The Committee to Elect Rick Taylor - PA

Taylor brings house insurance committee to district to talk about the Health Care Cost Containment Council

August 14, 2008

The Health Care Cost Containment Council, an independent agancy,&#160;monitors the cost and quality of the state's health care system and prepares public reports on everything from hospital finances and practices to length of hospital stays as well as statistics on mortality rates, infections, complications and readmission rates. . . one newspaper to called it “the best value in state government.”

Hosted by state Rep. Rick Taylor, a Montgomery County Democrat, and chaired by state Rep. Tony DeLuca, a Democrat from Allegheny County, the commission's aim was to collect testimony to bring back to Harrisburg for review. The hearing was the second of the week held in Montgomery Township. Monday's hearings addressed how to help people gain health insurance under Pennsylvania's Access to Basic Care proposal.

Taylor to bring the insurance committee to the district to talk about health insurance

August 9, 2008

On August 11, State Rep Rick Taylor will bring the state house insurance committee to Montgomery Township to talk about PA ABC which would help uninsured workers and small businesses afford health insurance.&#160; Other legislation would prevent insurers of small businesses and individuals from denying affordable coverage to people with pre-existing medical conditions and to women of child bearing years.&#160; Both of these bills passed through the house with bi-partisan support and are now waiting for the state senate to act.&#160;

Interview on "Senator Bob Rovner talks to the Stars"

By Rick

August 4, 2008

On August 2, Senator Bob Rovner and Councilman Frank Rizzo invited me to be interviewed on the WWDB 860 AM radio show “Senator Bob Rovner talks to the Stars.” We started off by discussing consumer rights and the importance using plain language in insurance contracts.

We also discussed my legislation to protect our most vulnerable from sexual predators. I have worked closely with the state District Attorneys Association on eight bills that will provide for closer monitoring of offenders while on parole including GPS and internet activity monitoring and close loopholes in Megan’s Law.

We also spoke about the importance of the future of Willow Grove Naval Air Station for national security and emergency preparedness. It turns out Councilman Rizzo trained at Willow Grove.

Speaking of the past, we also talked about Speaker Dennis O’Brien appointing me to the PA Historical and Museum Commission and the importance of remembering our collective history. Such as the birthplace of top Civil War hero Winfield Scott Hancock in Montgomery Township which is now where an L.A. Fitness sits.

Speaking at Camp Wellstone

By Rick

July 28, 2008

On July 27, I was honored to have been asked to share my experiences as a candidate and representative to students at Camp Wellstone when it came to Philadelphia. If you have read my biography, you know I served as an intern for the late Senator Paul Wellstone and consider him an important influence in my philosophy on public service.

Though I spoke for an hour, the speech can be boiled down to this: “If you want to represent people, you need to get out of the office and talk to them. You need to ask them what’s important to them. And you need to wear out your shoes walking where they live.”

Camp Wellstone trains civic activists, progressive candidates and people who want to work on campaigns. Camp Wellstone describes itself as “an intensive and energizing training program that is open to anyone interested in gaining practical skills in progressive political action. Over 16,000 people have graduated from the camps since they began in 2003, and we have held camps in 39 states to date.” To learn more about the program visit www.wellstone.org and click on programs.

Interview on "Comment Please"

By Rick

July 29, 2008

On Friday, July 26, I was happy to be invited by Darryl Berger, WNPV host of "Comment Please,"&#160;to discuss issues. &#160;Mr. Berger gave me the opportunity to discuss the Willow Grove Naval Air Station (NASJRB)&#160;- Joint Reserve Base as well as reforms I have supported during my freshman term in the state house.

The Governor's plan is to make Willow Grove NASJRB into a homeland security hub, providing for homeland security and emergency preparedness.&#160; It is similar to what the 9/11 Commission suggested be done.&#160; I think it is a forward thinking plan.

In June, State Senator Stewart Greenleaf and I brought Governor Rendell to meet with Horsham officials to discuss the future of the base.&#160; My goal is to continue to facilitate these meetings so we can create a future for the land that will not negatively affect the quality of life for the residents.

Mr. Berger and I also discussed the reforms I helped bring about so far in my first year and a half in office.&#160; Included in these reforms is more transparency of state government.&#160; Representatives' votes are now posted online.&#160; Because transparency is very important to me, I am one of only a small number of lawmakers to post my expenses online.

We've done a lot to make government more open, but there's still more to do.&#160; I support a constitutional convention and re-districting reform and am a strong advocate for campaign finance reform.&#160; I have been working with Common Cause (a citizen reform group) to draft campaign finance reform legislation.

Taylor's Bill would ban legislative bonuses

July 27, 2008

Taylor's bill addresses a ban only for legislators, and he aims to fast-track it through the legislative process and later focus on banning bonuses elsewhere in state government.

''Let's take away these tools used as political levers,'' he said. ''I think it's easier to get this part done, and we can spend time looking at the other areas that have these problems, too, if there are other areas where it could happen.''&#160;

Legislators with high environmental marks

July 22, 2008

The "Green 6" of Southeastern PA - State Reps Roebuck, Josephs, Lentz,&#160;Rick Taylor and Vitali with David Mazur, Director of PennEnvironment

Of the five state representatives in adjacent Montgomery County, one, state Rep. Rick Taylor, D-151, scored a 100 percent.

Only two senators and 13 state representatives scored 100 percent, according to the scorecard.&#160;

GPS monitoring for sex predators

July 22, 2008

Today I stood with the Auditor General and four other law makers to demand the legislature act to protect our most vulnerable citizens. I have already introduced a bill that would provide for GPS monitoring. The bill (H.B. 2612) is now in the House Judiciary Committee.

PennEnvironment names environmental heroes

July 21, 2008

PennEnvironment's David Mazur presents the award

PennEnvironment disclosed the "Green 6" of Southeastern PA. I was proud to stand with the other five members of the legislature from the Southeast who were recognized for our 100% environmental voting records. Of the 253 legislators in the state, only 15 achieved a perfect score. "PennEnvironment applauds State Representatives Josephs, Leach, Lentz, Roebuck, Rick Taylor and Vitali for being environmental heroes," said PennEnvironment Director David Masur. The press release is here. The scorecard and description of the votes can be found here.

Two freshmen lawmakers draft bill to ban legislative bonuses

July 16, 2008

Two freshman House Democrats are pushing to formally ban bonuses to legislative employees.&#160; Reps. Gene DePasquale, D-York, and Rick Taylor, D-Montgomery, are seeking sponsors for a House bill to ban bonuses.&#160;

The Budget is signed

July 5, 2008

On July 4th, Governor Rendell signed the budget with no tax or fee increase.

Highlights of the PA Budget

• Energy - Pennsylvanians are currently sending more than $30 billion per year out-of-state to purchase energy. Investing in energy generated in PA will mean lower bills as well as the creation of new businesses and jobs we need here.

• Education - All schools will see a minimum of a 3 percent increase in their basic education subsidy. We fought for and won an increase in early childhood education.&#160;

• Bridges and roads - We are taking seriously investing in our infrastructure. As any homeowner knows: if you don't fix a problem now, it will only be more expensive later.

Honoring a fallen Wissahickon firefighter

June 26, 2008

On June 25, I was joined by the entire state house to honor fallen Wissahickon Firefighter Ray Simons III, who died following an alarm last December. His family as well as Fire Chief John Leadbeater, Capt. Steve Blodgett and Ambler Mayor Bud Wahl were present as the resolution passed unanimously.

PA DEP supports adding BoRit to the National Priorities List

July 6, 2008

Following my letter requesting that the BoRit asbestos site be added to the National Priorities List, I received word from the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) that they were supporting the effort. The appeals of myself and concerned citizens were answered and should lead to securing further remediation efforts.

Update June 23

June 23, 2008

June 13, Governor Rendell and a number of legislators traveled to Ambler and our own Ambler Theater to sign the smoking ban bill. I was proud to stand next to the Governor as he signed the first state-wide smoking ban in PA as an important part of improving the health of Pennsylvanians. This bill goes a long way to protect the health of the people. I applaud Rep Gerber and Senator Greenleaf for their commitment to this fight.

Celebrating Ft Washington Fire Company's 100th Anniversary

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of&#160;the Ft Washington Fire Company's charter,&#160;State Representative Rick Taylor was instrumental in having this flag ceremoniously flown at the Capital Building in Harrisburg on April 6th, 2008 exactly 100 years to the day that the charter was signed.&#160; Pictured above, Rep Taylor presents the flag to Fire Company President Jeff Fogel, Anniversary Committee Co-Chair Ernie Racz and Co-Chair Gordon Languell.&#160;

REP. RICK TAYLOR CALLS ON ATTORNEY STEPHENS, MAJORITY LEADER DEWEESE TO RESIGN

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2008

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REP. RICK TAYLOR CALLS ON ATTORNEY STEPHENS, MAJORITY LEADER DEWEESE TO RESIGN

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Ambler, PA – Today, Rep. Rick Taylor called on Assistant District Attorney Todd Stephens to resign his position as an attorney for Montgomery County, for taking campaign contributions from his courtroom opponents, creating a conflict of interest as well as the appearance of a compromised judicial process. Rep. Taylor has also called on Majority Leader DeWeese to resign his leadership post in the House.

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“Todd Stephens’ hypocrisy on ethics and reforming Harrisburg is appalling.&#160; He has repeatedly proven that he cares more about his own campaign’s success than good and clean government. He has compromised the integrity of the judicial process by taking campaign contributions from his courtroom opponents. This conflict of interest, coupled with his potential Hatch act violations, makes the case clear that he should resign as a prosecutor before compromising anything else in the District Attorney’s office. We deserve better.”

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“I have also spoken with Representative DeWeese and asked him to resign his role as Majority leader. He has become a lightning rod for controversy, and we need to get back to the issues. Unfortunately this scandal has cast a cloud over our efforts to reform Harrisburg and the accomplishments we have already achieved.”

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Two weeks ago, the Taylor campaign released the names of four attorneys who have upcoming cases that Stephens is scheduled to prosecute. In addition to the named four, Stephens has received thousands of dollars in contributions from criminal defense firms with business before the District Attorney's office. &#160;&#160;&#160;

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STEPHENS TAKES CAMPAIGN CASH FROM ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS THAT STEPHENS AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE ARE CHARGED TO PROSECUTE

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 22, 2008

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STEPHENS TAKES CAMPAIGN CASH FROM ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS THAT STEPHENS AND DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE ARE CHARGED TO PROSECUTE

Stephens Unethically Accepted Campaign Cash from Attorney Defending an Alleged Child Predator Who Has a Hearing Scheduled for This Morning in Montgomery County

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Norristown, PA – Assistant District Attorney Todd Stephens, Republican candidate for state representative has unethically accepted campaign contributions from attorneys representing criminal defendants he is charged to prosecute.&#160; Later this morning, the prosecutor’s office, in a case Stephens is heading, is scheduled to oppose Norman Brooks, an alleged child predator who was arrested for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old girl who was a student in Brooks’ confirmation class. &#160;Michael F. Dunn, the defense attorney of representing Brooks, has contributed money to Stephens’ campaign which demonstrates a serious conflict-of-interest breach.

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Stephens has previously claimed responsibility for the prosecution of Brooks and according to court documents his campaign contributor, Michael F. Dunn, Esq. of Glenside, PA, has represented Brooks. Stephen's campaign finance filings show two donations from the same Dunn.&#160;

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"This is a clear conflict of interest," said Taylor campaign manager Danny Friedman.&#160;"The people put their trust in the justice system. That trust has been violated.&#160; The family of that 13-year-old victim have enough on their minds.&#160; It seems unconscionable that they might now wonder if the prosecutor is truly fighting for justice on their family's behalf."

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Stephens has also accepted donations from at least three other defense attorneys in cases where he is the prosecuting attorney.&#160;&#160; In addition to the named four, Stephens has received thousands of dollars in contributions from criminal defense firms with business before the District Attorney's office.

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The following is an explanation of five cases currently being prosecuted by Stephens.&#160; Following that is a list of defense attorneys who have contributed to Stephens.

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Case 1: Child Predator

The Arrest

In May, 2008, youth group leader Norman Brooks was arrested for molesting a 13-year old girl who was a student in his confirmation class. (Fox News, 5/23/2008; Inquirer, 5/24/2008)

Stephens Takes Credit

Todd Stephens claimed responsibility for the prosecution of Brooks on his campaign website.&#160; Stephens has posted two news articles on his campaign website highlighting his role in the prosecution of Norman Brooks for indecent assault, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children.&#160; Stephens added his own headlines to the stories stating "Stephens Charges Youth Group Leader" and "Youth Leader Charged By Stephens."&#160; In his role as captain of the District Attorney's sex-crimes unit, Stephens is quoted concerning the allegations against Brooks. Those stories may be found here and here.

· &#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Court documents show that Norman Brooks was charged with Corruption of Minors and Indecent Assault, which appears to fall under the Sex Crimes Unit, on 03/29/2008.&#160; Those charges match the description of the case in Fox News and Inquirer articles. &#160;(CP-46-CR-0004289-2008; Fox News, 5/23/2008; Inquirer, 5/24/2008)

· &#160;&#160;&#160;According to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, Stephens leads three other prosecutors as the "Captain" of the Sex Crimes Unit.&#160; "The Sex Crimes Unit prosecutes cases involving sexual assault of adults and children, Internet and computer crimes involving children and most other crimes committed involving children…" The Sex Crimes Unit includes: ADA Todd Stephens (Captain), ADA Samantha Cauffman, ADA James Zoll, ADA Stephen Geday (http://www.montcopa.org/da/dateams.htm)

&#160;The Defense Attorney

Court documents (attached) involving Norman Brooks show that he was represented by Michael F. Dunn, Esq. of 162 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA.&#160; (CP-46-CR-0004289-2008)

Stephens Contribution

Stephen's campaign finance filings show two donations to Stephens from the same Michael Dunn totaling $225. Michael F. Dunn of 162 S Easton Road, Glenside, PA attended two fundraising events for Stephens, one on February 2, 2008 where he gave $125 and one on April 2, 2008 where he contributed $100 (PA Sec of State).

Case Pending

The case appears to be ongoing; a formal arraignment is scheduled for July 23 2008. (CP-46-CR-0004289-2008)

The donation from Dunn to Stephens provides a clear conflict of interest, especially since the case is still ongoing.&#160; A formal arraignment is scheduled for July 23, 2008, 110 days after Dunn's last contribution.

Case 2: DUI

The Arrest

Michael Pearce was arrested and charged with driving under the influence on February 16, 2008.&#160; Pearce was charged with eleven counts, including a BAC over .16, disorderly conduct (fighting), disorderly conduct (obscene language), and resisting arrest.&#160; (CP-46-CR-0004289-2008)

Stephens Prosecutes

According to the court record, Stephens was assigned to prosecute Pearce on the charges.&#160;&#160; (CP-46-CR-0004289-2008)

The Defense Attorney

Court documents (attached) involving Michael Pearce show that he was represented by Michael F. Dunn, Esq. of 162 S. Easton Road, Glenside, PA.&#160; (CP-46-CR-0004289-2008)

&#160;Stephens Contribution

Case Pending

The case appears to be ongoing; a formal arraignment is scheduled for July 23 2008. (CP-46-CR-0004289-2008)

Case 3: DUI

The Arrest

Deidre Rae Oneill was arrested on September 8, 2007 and charged on seven counts, including driving under the influence, having a BAC level of .10 - .16, following too closely, careless driving, and speeding.&#160; Bail was set at $1000.&#160; (CP-46-CR-0007493-2007)

Stephens Prosecutes

Court documents list Stephens as the prosecuting District Attorney.&#160; Three pre-trial conferences were held between January and May 2008 and another is scheduled for July 16, 2008.&#160; (CP-46-CR-0007493-2007)

The Defense Attorney

Henry S. Hilles III Esq., residing at 509 Swede Street in Norristown, PA is Ms. Oneill's defense attorney.&#160; (CP-46-CR-0007493-2007)

Stephens Contribution

According to Stephen's campaign finance filings, Henry S. Hilles, III of 509 Swede Street, Norristown, PA contributed $100 to Stephen's campaign for the State House on April 4, 2008. &#160;(PA Secretary of State)

Case Pending

The case is ongoing in the Court of Common Pleas in Montgomery County.&#160; The case was filed on October 15, 2007.&#160; Ms. Oneill was arraigned on December 12, 2007 and pre-trial conferences were held on January 30, March 25, and May 28, 2008.&#160; A fourth conference is scheduled for July 16.&#160; (CP-46-CR-0007493-2007)

&#160;Case 4: DUI and Possession of a Controlled Substance

&#160;The Arrest

Timothy Charles Mitchell was charged with a second offense of a DUI with a controlled substance and a failure to stop and render aid on September 11, 2007. (CP-46-CR-0006639-2007)

&#160;Stephens Assigned to Prosecute

Stephens is listed as the District Attorney assigned to the case in the court documents.&#160; (CP-46-CR-0006639-2007)

&#160;The Defense Attorney

According to court documents, Mr. Mitchell's attorney is David Michael Manilla, Esq. of 2060 Valley Forge Rd, PO Box 70 Worcester, PA. (CP-46-CR-0006639-2007)

Stephens Contribution

David M. Manilla of 2060 Valley Forge Rd, PO Box 70 Worcester, PA&#160;is listed in Stephen's campaign finance filings as donating $100 on February, 18, 2008 and another $100 on March 22, 2008 for a fundraising event. (PA Sec of State).

Case Pending

The case is considered active. A formal arraignment occurred on 11/14/2007 with pre-trial conferences on 01/02/2008, 02/25/2008, 02/25/2008, and 06/18/2008. Another pre-trial conference is scheduled for 8/4/2008. &#160;(CP-46-CR-0006639-2007)

Case 5: DUI Case

The Arrest

Grant D. Shaner was charged with a DUI with BAC of over .16 on October 28, 2006. (CP-46-CR-0000241-2007)

Stephens Assigned to Prosecute

Stephens is listed as the District Attorney assigned to the case in the court documents.&#160; (CP-46-CR-0000241-2007)

The Defense Attorney

According to court documents, Mr. Mitchell's attorney is Martin P. Mullaney, Esq. with an address listed as Mullaney Law Offices, Skippack Pk PO Box 1368 Skippack PA.&#160; (CP-46-CR-0000241-2007)

Stephens Contribution

Mullaney & Mullaney Law Offices contributed $200 Stephen's campaign for a reception on April 2, 2008. In campaign finance records, Mullaney & Mullaney Law Offices list their address as 3881 Skippack Pike, Skippack PA. (CP-46-CR-0000241-2007; PA Sec of State)

Case Pending

The case is considered active. A formal arraignment occurred on March 7, 2007 and pre-trial conferences took place on April 18 and Jun 16.&#160; A third conference is scheduled for August 5, 2008.&#160; (CP-46-CR-0000241-2007)

Stephens’ contributions from criminal defense attorneys and attorneys from firms with significant criminal law practices:

Name&#160;Firm&#160;City&#160;Date&#160;Contribution

Frank R. Bartle&#160;Dischell, Bartle, Yanoff & Doley&#160;Lansdale&#160;4/21/2008&#160;$60.00

Domic A. Penna&#160;Penna, Grabois & Associates&#160;Ambler&#160;4/21/2008&#160;$200.00

Manrico A. Troncelliti Jr.&#160;McTighe, Weiss, O'Rourke, Troncelliti & Morgan&#160;Norristown&#160;4/4/2008&#160;$100.00

Kate M. Kelly&#160;Kate M. Kelly, Attorney&#160;Norristown&#160;4/4/2008&#160;$100.00

Henry S. Hilles III&#160;Law Office of Henry S. Hilles III&#160;Norristown&#160;4/4/2008&#160;$100.00

Gregory R. Gifford&#160;Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg and Gifford&#160;Lansdale&#160;4/4/2008&#160;$100.00

Mullaney & Mullaney&#160;Mullaney & Mullaney&#160;Skippack&#160;4/4/2008&#160;$200.00

R. Emmett Madden&#160;Madden Legal&#160;Philadelphia&#160;3/22/2008&#160;$100.00

Robert J. Kerns&#160;Kearns, Pearlstein, Onorato and Hladik&#160;Lansdale&#160;3/22/2008&#160;$150.00

David M. Manilla&#160;The Law Offices of David M. Manilla&#160;Worcester&#160;2/18/2008&#160;$100.00

David M. Manilla&#160;The Law Offices of David M. Manilla&#160;Worcester&#160;3/22/2008&#160;$100.00

Stephen G. Heckman&#160;Sole Practicioner&#160;Blue Bell&#160;2/4/2008&#160;$125.00

Stephen G. Heckman&#160;Sole Practicioner&#160;Blue Bell&#160;4/21/2008&#160;$250.00

Jon D. Fox&#160;Friedman, Schuman, Applebaum, Nemeroff & McCaffery&#160;Jenkintown&#160;2/4/2008&#160;$125.00

Jon D. Fox&#160;Friedman, Schuman, Applebaum, Nemeroff & McCaffery&#160;Jenkintown&#160;4/4/2008&#160;$100.00

Vincent Margiotti&#160;Margiotti & Mittman&#160;Montgomeryville&#160;2/4/2008&#160;$125.00

Melissa Murphy Weber&#160;Elliott, Greenleaf & Siedikowski&#160;Blue Bell&#160;2/4/2008&#160;$125.00

Michael F. Dunn&#160;Law Offices of Michael F. Dunn&#160;Glenside&#160;1/29/2008&#160;$125.00

Michael F. Dunn&#160;Law Offices of Michael F. Dunn&#160;Glenside&#160;3/28/2008&#160;$100.00

Leigh P. Narducci&#160;Narducci, Moore, Fleisher, & Roeberg&#160;Blue Bell&#160;1/29/2008&#160;$100.00

John Iannozzi&#160;Hamberg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin&#160;Lansdale&#160;4/4/2008&#160;$400.00

J. Edmund Mullin&#160;Hamberg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin&#160;Lansdale&#160;3/30/2008&#160;$300.00

Peter S. Friedman&#160;Friedman, Schuman, Applebaum, Nemeroff & McCaffery&#160;Elkins Park&#160;3/12/2008&#160;$500.00

Gary Silow&#160;Law Office of Gary S. Silow&#160;Jenkintown&#160;2/4/2008&#160;$1,250.00

TOTAL&#160;$4,935.00

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STATEMENT FROM DANNY FRIEDMAN, CAMPAIGN MANAGER, FOR RE-ELECT RICK TAYLOR CAMPAIGN

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14, 2008

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STATEMENT FROM DANNY FRIEDMAN,

CAMPAIGN MANAGER, FOR RE-ELECT&#160;RICK TAYLOR CAMPAIGN

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Last week, the campaign released a statement which expressed Representative Taylor's outrage at the actions which led to these indictments. If convicted, these rogue operatives should be punished to the fullest extent of the law including full restitution by those convicted to the taxpayers of Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the Republican attack machine is now on the move, but their partisan attacks and silly gimmicks are no substitute for the work that Representative Taylor has done and will continue to do to reform Harrisburg. He has made certain that there are no state employees on his campaign staff. Furthermore, Representative Taylor has been a leader in reforming Harrisburg – voting to end ghost voting and midnight votes and for easier access to open records. He is also one of the few state legislators to post all of his official office expenses online.&#160; Representative Taylor is committed to ensure that nothing like this can ever happen again in Pennsylvania.

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STATEMENT FROM REPRESENTATIVE RICK TAYLOR CONCERNING RACHEL MANZO

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 10, 2008

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STATEMENT FROM REPRESENTATIVE RICK TAYLOR

CONCERNING RACHEL MANZO

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I firmly believe that any political work or activity that is paid with taxpayer funds is illegal and should be prosecuted. If true, the attorney general's allegations concerning former elected officials and their staffers are troubling.

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In the fall of 2006, I decided to change my campaign manager. Since my campaign manager was paid for by the House Democratic Campaign Committee I contacted the committee to alert them of my decision and to request a replacement staffer.

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For the final two weeks of my campaign, HDCC provided me with Rachel Manzo. It was my understanding that Ms. Manzo would be paid by HDCC, use her vacation time, or do both while serving my campaign. I never had any knowledge about any alleged illegal activity, including Ms. Manzo being paid with public money while performing political work. Additionally, other than a $345.21 expense reimbursement, my campaign made no payments to Ms. Manzo.

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At no time did I have any knowledge of any other state employee, who may have volunteered on my campaign, being paid by public money while participating on my campaign, nor am I aware of any other campaign activity that was paid for by taxpayer money.&#160; I would never have allowed it.

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