Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, September 26, 2022

September 26, 2022

Pennsylvania

Current Gubernatorial Election Could Be Indicative of Further Ideological Division to Come

The gubernatorial race between Democratic Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Republican State Senator Doug Mastriano has potential to set up an even more contentious political environment for the commonwealth during the 2024 election season. The stark policy differences between the candidates may trend toward even further ideological division down the line. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Get to Know Democratic Lieutenant Governor Nominee Austin Davis

The Pennsylvania Capital-Star recently sat down with Austin Davis, the Democratic candidate for lieutenant Governor, to discuss the origins of his political ambitions, his stance on certain issues, and how his career thus far has prepared him for office. Read more here.

PoliticsPA Hones in on Northeastern Pennsylvania in House Preview Series

PoliticsPA has updated its series profiling Pennsylvania State House candidates, with the most recent installment focusing on races in the state’s northeastern corner. Read more about the races to watch here.

State Representative Zimmerman Admits to Being Investigated by the FBI

During a rally for gubernatorial hopeful Doug Mastriano, State Representative Dave Zimmerman of Lancaster County revealed that he had turned off location services on his cell phone in an apparent attempt to dodge a subpoena from the federal government. This has led to speculation that he may be one of the several representatives being investigated by the FBI in relation to either the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol or the fake elector scheme. LancasterOnline has more.

Governor Wolf to Nominate Three New Members to PUC

Governor Tom Wolf will be nominating three new members to the state’s Public Utility Commission (PUC), a five-member group that oversees and sets rates for nearly 7,000 utility providers across Pennsylvania. Senate Republicans have declined to act on Governor Wolf’s PUC nominations due to his decision to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which is currently on hold. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Philadelphia

Jimmy Harrity on the Experiences That Made Him an At-Large City Council Candidate 

Last week, Jimmy Harrity was formally nominated for an At-Large City Council seat for the upcoming special election. The Philadelphia Inquirer has published a profile of the former aide for State Senator Sharif Street, including the career highs and lows that have shaped him into the candidate he is today. Read more here.

Philadelphia Airport Ranks Last in Customer Recent Satisfaction Survey

According to a recent survey conducted by consumer research firm J.D. Power, the Philadelphia International Airport ranks last in terms of passenger satisfaction, with respondents identifying issues with check-ins, security, facilities, and other factors. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

Meet the Four City Council Candidates for Pittsburgh’s Fifth District

Over the summer, Corey O’Connor resigned his Pittsburgh City Council seat in order to become Allegheny County Controller. Now, four candidates are vying to represent District 5 in the upcoming special election to fill the vacancy. WESA has more.

What Juul’s Recent $438 Million Settlement Could Mean for Pittsburgh

Earlier this month, electronic cigarette company Juul settled with 33 states for $438 million as part of an investigation into whether the company had been marketing its products directly to minors. While Pennsylvania was not one of the states that benefited from this settlement, it has a similar but separate suit against the company. An associate professor of public health from the University of Pittsburgh weighs in on what this could mean for the commonwealth — and Pittsburgh in particular. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

City “Jock Tax” Violates Uniformity Clause, According to Pittsburgh Court

A Pittsburgh court ruled this week that the Non-Resident Sports Facility Usage Fee charged to visiting professional athletes is unconstitutional under Pennsylvania state law. Because the “facility fee” was determined to be a tax, it violates the commonwealth’s uniformity clause. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Nonfatal Shooting Occurs at Kennywood Park During Annual Fall Celebration

This Saturday, two teenagers and an adult were shot during an altercation at Kennywood Park. The shootings occurred on the first night of the Park’s annual Phantom Fall Fest. No arrests have been made. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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