District Attorney watch

OK, since no one else has, I guess I must put this thread up for 2009.

We here, of course, would like to see the next DA of Centre County be someone who will decisively move the Ray Gricar case forward...someone with a new approach...even while we understand that the duties of that office go way beyond Gricar...w-a-a-a-a-y beyond Gricar. But this is the Gricar forum.

So far, in the running, the good people of Centre County have incumbent Republican Michael Madeira...by most accounts a sincere, good guy who is hoping for a miracle (I will leave it to you to decide if that is just in reference to Gricar)...and on the Democratic side, Tony De Boef, Stacy Parks Miller, and maybe J. Karen Arnold (all with previous prosecution experience).

The irrepressible J.J. would liken this county race to that of John Morganelli's failed bid to become state Attorney General last year. I could not find a @#$%^&* icon to adequately express my disappointment with that notion. But I will say, this is different.

OTOH his view that Arnold would not be the strongest candidate to challenge Madeira has some merit. So, within the context of who might best be able to advance the Gricar case, who might be that candidate?

"Revelation Range" refers to that place where the true explanation of Ray Gricar's disappearance lies. It is a place closely guarded (by whomever)...and one not easily penetrated. But it is a place where some of us need to be able to go...it is just that important.

[J. J. in Phila]

I think that RFG will be an issue, but probably not the main issue. How MM runs the office will be, e.g. LM and the suppression of evidence.

RFG's case is symptom of MM's conduct, one in a long string of symptoms.

[gstickley]

Originally Posted by Serendipitous1

"Revelation Range" refers to that place where the true explanation of Ray Gricar's disappearance lies. It is a place closely guarded (by whomever)...and one not easily penetrated. But it is a place where some of us need to be able to go...it is just that important.

Well, S1, I thank you for that. Try harder to find it.

Originally Posted by logicworks

Would you mind sharing exactly how you can arrive at a conclusion that JKA would not be the strongest candidate against Madeira? Considering she has 18 years in as an ADA, under the best, RG, something neither DeBoef or SPM can even come close to having accomplished in either Centre County or any other county in PA.

Putting all three of the other candidates in both parties together, their time as DA and ADA does not equal the experience JKA has so exactly what is it that causes you to reach such a conclusion that any of the three in both parties, are 'stronger' or more qualified than JKA?

I must have missed something because I haven't heard any of the candidates say anything in depth about any issues regarding what they will do and will not do as DA, that would move me to immediately jump on a candidate and say 'not the strongest'. I am curious as to what 'yardstick' is being used to make such a determination.

How does one judge the 'ratings' or 'standings' before any words have even been spoken other than 'yes, I want to be Centre County DA'. To the tune of $166K per year, talk is not so cheap. By the time the present fiasco is over, we, the people, will have paid 1/2 a million dollars for someone with no experience other than a very, very short stint in Wilkes-Barre as an ADA. Can you explain to me why county residents would want others with little experience in the top law enforcement position in our county, and why you call that lack 'stronger'? What am I missing?

JMO

Excellent questions, Logic, and precisely what I've been mulling over since earlier today. Now we have a duet, or at least a partial one, instead of a single voice. I would think all county residents would be interested in hearing answers. We certainly can't afford to repeat what we've just been through.

[J. J. in Phila]

Originally Posted by logicworks

Would you mind sharing exactly how you can arrive at a conclusion that JKA would not be the strongest candidate against Madeira? Considering she has 18 years in as an ADA, under the best, RG, something neither DeBoef or SPM can even come close to having accomplished in either Centre County or any other county in PA.

Putting all three of the other candidates in both parties together, their time as DA and ADA does not equal the experience JKA has so exactly what is it that causes you to reach such a conclusion that any of the three in both parties, are 'stronger' or more qualified than JKA?

I must have missed something because I haven't heard any of the candidates say anything in depth about any issues regarding what they will do and will not do as DA, that would move me to immediately jump on a candidate and say 'not the strongest'. I am curious as to what 'yardstick' is being used to make such a determination.

How does one judge the 'ratings' or 'standings' before any words have even been spoken other than 'yes, I want to be Centre County DA'. To the tune of $166K per year, talk is not so cheap. By the time the present fiasco is over, we, the people, will have paid 1/2 a million dollars for someone with no experience other than a very, very short stint in Wilkes-Barre as an ADA. Can you explain to me why county residents would want others with little experience in the top law enforcement position in our county, and why you call that lack 'stronger'? What am I missing?

JMO

Ah, first, MM was AAG for a number of years, I believe more than a decade.

Second, the election of the DA is not about courtroom experience, but is a political exercise. JKA's electoral performance was not exactly good the last time; she actually ran behind the jury commissioner candidate. Considering that the first time RFG ran, he barely won against Goodall (by about 600 votes), JKA's performance was quite poor.

As indicated, there are many reasons for that and she has many vulnerabilities that can be exploited by an opponent, in either primary or the general. Neither De Boef nor Parks Miller have those problems.

[Politigal]

Personally, I think JKA takes top honors in experience, compared to the other candidates. I also think with the wave of change that swept over the country in the presidential election, that people are turning more toward Democrats too. I think she'd have an excellent chance at being elected.

[J. J. in Phila]

Originally Posted by Politigal

Personally, I think JKA takes top honors in experience, compared to the other candidates. I also think with the wave of change that swept over the country in the presidential election, that people are turning more toward Democrats too. I think she'd have an excellent chance at being elected.

You obviously didn't at the NYSE close today. And that is a potential problem. 2009 has the potential to be a Republican year, which doesn't help out any candidate that I'd like to see win this.

This really isn't about JKA's experience; it is a political decision and a political calculation. And MM now has about the same level of experience, but at a higher level experience, compared to JKA (not that does any good).

[Politigal]

De boef touts more experience than SPM
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/archive..._leniency.aspx

Miller’s bio
Associate) born Lewistown, Pennsylvania, March 20, 1969; admitted to bar, 1994, Pennsylvania, U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania and U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit; 1998, U.S. Supreme Court. Education: Indiana University of Pennsylvania (B.S., 1991); Duquesne University (J.D., 1994). First Assistant District Attorney, 1996-2001. Practice Areas: Criminal Law; Civil Litigation.

De boef’s bio
Anthony G. De Boef was born in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended the University of Iowa (B.A., Communications, with honors, 1983) and received his legal education at the University of Kansas School of Law (J.D., 1989) (Phi Delta Phi). Mr. De Boef was admitted to the Iowa Bar in 1990 and the Pennsylvania Bar in 1994. After working in Iowa as an Associate Attorney for a law firm and as an Assistant District Attorney, he moved to Pennsylvania, where he practiced as an Assistant District Attorney in Centre County (1995 to 1998). He was an instructor in the Political Science Department at Penn State in 1996 and 1998. Joining Mr. Mitinger in 1998, Mr. De Boef practices law emphasizing in Criminal and Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Family Law, Collections and District Magistrate Hearings. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Bellefonte YMCA, Child Development and Family Council of State College, and is a member of the Nittany Valley Track Club, an Elks Club Member and a Board Member of Our Children's Center Montessori School.

An older article that highlights some of JKA's experience versus MM

http://tinyurl.com/aj9vsr

Unlike the state AG campaign last year, I cannot vote in this election...not in Centre County anyway. And like the state AG campaign last year, this forum is not going to influence many Centre County voters. This is the Gricar forum. But there are just too many other important issues for voters to consider and too few people reading here to think the Gricar matter will have an impact on the election...unless, of course, the candidates themselves make it a central issue.

I do encourage all Centre County voters who read here to consider all of the issues in deciding who their DA will be for the next 4 years. But my purpose in starting this thread was to allow those of us who are hanging around this forum (most of whom, like me, are apparently not CC residents) to examine the DA race over the next several months, primarily focused on how the election outcome might affect the Gricar investigation. The discussion cannot ignore collateral issues, but I would hope that all viewpoints would be welcomed.

My own ‘yardstick’ is formed from what I have been able to read on and over the Internet, not nearly all of which have I shared...or can I share in a public forum. It is fact-driven and, to the extent I am able to discern, not unduly influenced by message-board/blog opinions, rumor, gossip...or googlepages.

I would definitely like to see a new DA in office next year...someone who would not only be a good DA for the county (first and foremost), but who would also be best positioned to move the Gricar case forward. All things considered, as of this moment SPM seems to be the logical choice in my humble opinion.

I reserve the balance of my time. Next!?!

[Politigal]

she *does* look a lot like Carla Baron...

me thinks S1 is a pushover for pretty blondes

Thanks for the De Boef link pgal. I especially appreciated learning of his blatant attempt to ride SPM's back in regard to prosecutorial discretion. I really wish he was a strong contender. But from my view he is in desperate need of a savvy campaign manager...already.

Originally Posted by Politigal

she *does* look a lot like Carla Baron...

me thinks S1 is a pushover for pretty blondes

If that is where you think I am at, then......but if that is where I thought this forum was at, I would not be wasting my time here.

I see a lot of "me" in SPM. Call it my "feminine side" or whatever you want. But that is not something I could say about any of the other candidates/potential candidates to date, male or female.

[J. J. in Phila]

Actually SPM was First ADA in Clearfield Co., so she is experienced:

http://www.centredaily.com/126/story/1129582.html

She is a dynamo in the courtroom, consistently humiliating the DA's Office.

And, as of now, MM is the most experienced, in terms years as prosecutor (and I still would vote for someone else).

The transition from defense attorney to prosecuting attorney has to be awkward. Perhaps that is what is so appealing to some about JKA and, for that matter, RFG and MM...all long-term prosecutors. But love of the law is not resticted to prosecutors. And love of the law may be the only hope of ever finding out what happened to RG. Revelation Range is not for the timid, weak or also-rans.

[Politigal]

Originally Posted by Serendipitous1

Thanks for the De Boef link pgal. I especially appreciated learning of his blatant attempt to ride SPM's back in regard to prosecutorial discretion. I really wish he was a strong contender. But from my view he is in desperate need of a savvy campaign manager...already.

I agree about the need for a good campaign manager. I know that when MM ran last time, he had an excellent campaign website managed by this guy:

http://www.spoke.com/info/p76ZL11/MichaelRussell

Originally Posted by Politigal

I agree about the need for a good campaign manager. I know that when MM ran last time, he had an excellent campaign website managed by this guy:

http://www.spoke.com/info/p76ZL11/MichaelRussell

Never knew that...but if so, it's gonna take 2 MJR mgrs this time around. Poor one-term Mike(s)! Do ya figure TC's money will be enuf? Do you believe in miracles?

[J. J. in Phila]

Frankly, one thing Bob Jones University does well is to train people to run for office. I've known a professor there and one or two students.

[tonyGricar]

Anyone else think the next several months will be interesting as hell?

[J. J. in Phila]

Originally Posted by tonyGricar

Anyone else think the next several months will be interesting as hell?

The last eight certainly have been.

[puzzled]

Yes TG I agree with you! I am so glad to see you post! My sincere condolences to you on the death of your nephew. Your family remains in my prayers.
I am hoping that maybe you can answer this one question. Supposedly Ray was seen pulled over somewhere (not sure where) and some " construction worker type" was seen leaning into the window area. Do you have any idea where this happened? Is it possible that Ray was kidnapped at that very point/ location?
I am gonna try my darndest to never ever tick you off again!

[Politigal]

Originally Posted by tonyGricar

Anyone else think the next several months will be interesting as hell?

Do you plan to contact any of the candidates on RG's behalf?

[Cloudbuster]

Hi Tony. I think the next several months will be interesting. It's extremely like a pool game with politicians as the balls and MM the Eight ball lol.

[tonyGricar]

- Re: the DA's race, I'm not going to comment on who has directly, or indirectly, contacted me.

- PG, the construction worker deal always centered around the parking lot where the car was found. The psychic said something about it, and it was semi-corroborated by her lap do...police liason. I never was given details of the "corroboration" beyond what was "as seen on TV!".

Originally Posted by tonyGricar

Anyone else think the next several months will be interesting as hell?

I guess we may not know just how interesting until after March 10 when the nomination petitions are due. Two Democrats have already announced, and JKA has said she is considering it. There may be more. If no other Republicans run, MM could just hunker down until after the May 19 primary. Any of you CC residents here know if any Republicans are circulating a petition?

Any CC Democrats here going to the Meet and Greet tomorrow morning?

The gloves stayed on at the Dem. Meet and Greet yesterday, according to MJ's Election Notebook.

SPM and TDeB playing nice with each other so far seems to irritate MJ...and MM too, no doubt. MM appears anxious to take on any and all challengers, even before the petition filing deadline (no mention of JKA being at the meeting, BTW). But getting little in the way of satisfaction from SPM and TDeB so far has left MM largely confined to shadowboxing.

Along the lines of when the gloves come off...this timely article by TDeB (the teacher of PA politics, not the candidate for DA): A Familiar Story: Policy Gives Way to Mudslinging.

It should be an interesting primary election campaign.

If no other Republicans run, MM could just hunker down until after the May 19 primary. It would take extraordinary courage to challenge your boss. But you ADAs (and others) have that opportunity. Nine days left...what say you? Speak now!

SPM's campaign website: parksmillerforda.org

Originally Posted by Serendipitous1

Along the lines of when the gloves come off...this timely article by TDeB (the teacher of PA politics, not the candidate for DA): A Familiar Story: Policy Gives Way to Mudslinging.

It should be an interesting primary election campaign.

Love it when a perfectly good link suddenly crumbles into dust...overnight! I guess if you did not see this you will just have to googlecache the title. Better hurry though.

Arnold enters race for DA
"Madeira is unopposed for the GOP nomination, according to an unofficial list of candidates made public after the 5 p.m. Tuesday deadline for filing nomination petitions."

[Politigal]

Originally Posted by Serendipitous1

Arnold enters race for DA
"Madeira is unopposed for the GOP nomination, according to an unofficial list of candidates made public after the 5 p.m. Tuesday deadline for filing nomination petitions."

Awesome....let the games begin!!

[J. J. in Phila]

Originally Posted by Politigal

Awesome....let the games begin!!

Unfortunately, you will not like the "games." Note what the article called her, "retired attorney."

They all could be good DAs for Centre County. But by filing, all the non-electable (IMO) Karen Arnold did was to muddy the race between Stacy Parks Miller and Tony De Boef...BTW, is it De Boef or DeBoef?...even his website manager seems to be confused.

Anyway, I expect, in light of her googlepages, that Arnold will make RG's plight an issue. That could be good (IMHO, as this is the Gricar forum). But Arnold will take votes away from both of the other contenders. That is not really good for RG's case, IMHO.

As to the wimps in the anti-Madeira GOP...you had your chance. Now go pump your support into one and/or another democrat's campaign! Or continue to rim-lick the present staus quo in regard to RG's plight...and a whole bunch of other relevant issues.

P.S. Debbie...I thought you were a "beef" person!?! Do you now favor "fish"?

[Politigal]

Originally Posted by Serendipitous1

They all could be good DAs for Centre County. But by filing, all the non-electable (IMO) Karen Arnold did was to muddy the race between Stacy Parks Miller and Tony De Boef...BTW, is it De Boef or DeBoef?...even his website manager seems to be confused.

Anyway, I expect, in light of her googlepages, that Arnold will make RG's plight an issue. That could be good (IMHO, as this is the Gricar forum). But Arnold will take votes away from both of the other contenders. That is not really good for RG's case, IMHO.

As to the wimps in the anti-Madeira GOP...you had your chance. Now go pump your support into one and/or another democrat's campaign! Or continue to rim-lick the present staus quo in regard to RG's plight...and a whole bunch of other relevant issues.

P.S. Debbie...I thought you were a "beef" person!?! Do you now favor "fish"?

Nope, I'm a veggie/crisp salad kinda gal. Beef is usually tough & hard to chew. Fish smells.

JKA is definitely "electable" IMO, especially compared to De boef & Miller. And I think you could probably pit Sponge Bob Square Pants against Madeira....and Madeira would lose.

We'll see.....

ok I admit...it's not always about veggies....I like chocolate pie too...lol

[J. J. in Phila]

Originally Posted by Politigal

Nope, I'm a veggie/crisp salad kinda gal. Beef is usually tough & hard to chew. Fish smells.

JKA is definitely "electable" IMO, especially compared to De boef & Miller. And I think you could probably pit Sponge Bob Square Pants against Madeira....and Madeira would lose.

We'll see.....

ok I admit...it's not always about veggies....I like chocolate pie too...lol

You've already seen the first problem. JKA was working from what I've heard, but not as an attorney. Consider this, after LM "resigned" from the DA's Office, he was, within days, hired by a law firm. After more than three years, JKA wasn't.

Originally Posted by Politigal

Nope, I'm a veggie/crisp salad kinda gal. Beef is usually tough & hard to chew. Fish smells.

JKA is definitely "electable" IMO, especially compared to De boef & Miller. And I think you could probably pit Sponge Bob Square Pants against Madeira....and Madeira would lose.

We'll see.....

ok I admit...it's not always about veggies....I like chocolate pie too...lol

It will be interesting...no doubt about it! I just hope it enures to the benefit of solving this mystery.

I hate "sweets"...especially on campaign websites!

Originally Posted by J. J. in Phila

You've already seen the first problem. JKA was working from what I've heard, but not as an attorney. Consider this, after LM "resigned" from the DA's Office, he was, within days, hired by a law firm. After more than three years, JKA wasn't.

"There's your sign!" (IMHO)

[J. J. in Phila]

Madeira is more formidable than everyone here thinks. Centre is a GOP County, barely. Republicans tend to come out to vote in higher proportions in off year elections.

JKA has a number of problems, including my existence. My "secret identity" is the worst kept secret in Centre County and would have taken someone with half a brain about ten minutes to figure out.

[J. J. in Phila]

Originally Posted by Serendipitous1

"There's your sign!" (IMHO)

No, there is something much worse; I'll PM you on that.