You’d think with 18 years experience as a State Rep, Thaddeus Kirkland would be wielding a lot of power as a legislator.
Yet, the Daily Times reports that folks don’t even return his calls.
State Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland, D-159, of Chester, sent a letter Wednesday to Secretary of Education Ronald Tomalis, asking for a meeting. In his letter, Kirkland said his staff has tried repeatedly to secure a meeting with the secretary, but to no avail.
I’d be the first to admit that there are people who don’t return my calls either, but in Kirkland’s case I wonder why he hasn’t joined his colleagues who are very likely to have their calls returned.
State Reps. Stephen Barrar, R-160, of Upper Chichester, Joseph Hackett R-161, of Ridley Township, Maria Donatucci, D-185, of Philadelphia, Thomas Killion, R-168, of Middletown, Greg Vitali, D-166, of Haverford, William Adolph Jr., R-165, of Springfield, along with state Sens. Dominic Pileggi, R-9, of Chester, Daylin Leach, D-17, of Upper Merion and Ted Erickson, R-26, of Newtown signed off on a letter Friday calling on Gov. Tom Corbett for immediate and decisive action.
It’s disturbing that all of our neighboring State Reps from both parties have joined forces to address the Chester-Upland school district issue, but Kirkland appears to operate alone.
That's not surprising because I know of many people in the city who have no confidence in Rep. Kirkland. In my eyes he's sort of the city's J. Jackson or Al Sharpton in the sense that he may mean well but he always seems to show up at opportune times for himself. But, you never hear that he's done anything that the ppl weren't already complaining about. He seems to be more reactive than proactive. That being said, if you had to work with someone for 18 years you would have a better understanding of that person than someone like me forming what you may call an outside opinion. Many ppl wanted change with Mayor Butler but Thad's been in the mix way longer than him. Maybe it's time for change at his position and get someone in their with a clean slate, different mindset and better ideas. Just a thought, but I beleive we have to make our politicians work harder for us; he's gotten too comfortable.
ReplyDeleteHe does say that he does a lot for the area.
DeleteTo prove it, someone should request that he prepare a document listing:
1. Which bills he has written
2. How many of his bills have been approved
3. How many committees has he been on
4. Which committees has he chaired
In my opinion, that's how you evaluate a legislator. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Stefan and ccity blog readers, who do you think would be a formidable opponent to challenge Rep. Kirkland this year, whether it be a democrat or republican?
ReplyDeleteAnyone
Deletejimmy johnson (fire commisioner)
Deleteal jacobs (councilman)
both would be good choices!!!
Why don't you run, Mr. Roots? Do you think you could win against Rep. Kirkland? I don't.
DeleteI never considered running for an office but now you've got me interested. Looks like I wouldn't get your vote though. A lot of people will only vote for Kirkland.
DeleteJimmy Johnson came very close to defeating Kirkland years ago, however his ego got in the way. Al Jacobs carried on so bad at the debate he would be another Kirkland, all mouth and totally without credibility. What I find amazing is, there are prominent and powerful African Americans in both the Senate and House. One would think that Senators Hughes and Williams and Rep. Evans would offer Kirkland assistance but clearly they see him for the joke he is. Kudos to those three for keeping their distance. Why doesn't Kirkland put his money where his mouth is and get some $$ for the district. Maybe he should stop spending do much time in City Hall and spend that time in Harrisburg and stop pulling John Linder's strings.
ReplyDeleteLet's not forget Congressman Chaka Fattah.
DeleteAs with any job, people perform at all levels. Those you've listed are certainly at the top of their game.
I've got to know Dwight Evans over the past couple years and when Kirkland's name comes up he never said anything either good or bad about our St. Rep.
As State Rep, Evans has left a legacy of transforming the Ogontz Ave business district. It didn't hurt that he chaired appropriations for as long as he did.
They're just at two totally different levels.
My hope is that the Chester dems share resources with the Philly dems and not try to swing this alone or with just the county dems.
Stefan, could you elaborate when you say they are on two differernt levels? I'm making reference to your comparison of Kirlland and Evans. As I recall, Evans played a leading role in the budget negotiations a while back.
DeleteRegarding Evans, appropriations is budget. He only recently lost his seat on that committee due to other politicians working together to get him off. And he tried to use some muscle at MLK High and got his hand slapped by Mayor Nutter. But locally, he still rules his district.
DeleteIn Philly, poliitics is a blood sport. You don't stay in office if you don't produce. In Chester, personality is more important than policy to many voters.
A lot more is required of political folks in Philly by the voters than in Chester.
That's my short answer.
Wow you cleared that up for me..its the popular vote in Chester. Totally ridicolous, I am so tired of them all democrats and republicans. They all seem to be a bunch of crooks and theives and the city is suffering!
DeleteNEW CHESTER WROTE;FROM ALL APPERANCES,IT SEEMS TO ME THAT,THE ONEWHOSEES,IS VERY KNOWLEDGABLE AND INFORMED.COULD YOU CONSIDER A RUN FOR STATE REP.
ReplyDeleteNot at all. I have lived in this city over 50 years. I love my city but a politian I am not. I just like to stay informed. But thanks I think.
DeleteHE DOSE ALOT OF DRUG DEALERS AND THUGS LOOK AT HIS HISTORY............... WE NEED THE FBI AND AG OFFICE.......
ReplyDeleteNEW CHESTER WROTE; WHAT ARE REP.KIRKLAND ACOMPLISHMENTS SINCE BEING IN OFFICE,IS IT ALL POSSIBLE TO FIND OUT,WHAT CHANNELS WOULD WE HAVE TO GO TO,TO FIND OUT.ALSO STAFAN IS THERE ANY WAY THAT THE DAILY TIMES WOULD ALLOW YOU TO DO A WEEKLY ARTICLE TO TOUCH ON VARIOUS TOPICS,CITY AND COUNTY WIDE
ReplyDeleteI'm not a journalist. I worked for them once before and it didn't work out too well.
DeleteCall the publisher or editor and tell him the type of stories you want to read. They've got the talent on staff to make it happen.
How would we request a document of that sort from Rep. Kirkland?
ReplyDeleteMake sure you ask him how many ORIGINAL pieces of legislation he's introduced that have become law. Don't let him just give you bills that other legislators have introduced and he signed on as a co-sponsor. Any legislator can be a co-sponsor - doesn't take any real work, so that's probably right about his speed!
DeleteGood point.
DeleteOmg! Please tell me you did not say Jimmy Johnson! He talks a lot of BS with no knowledge and doesn't have a clue!
ReplyDeleteYou are a fool if you believe this
ReplyDelete