There is a LOT to be concerned about here, especially the millions of taxpayer dollars which were spent on this building. Obviously the owners of PAM did not have a workable business plan, or else they at least grossly overestimated revenue while seriously underestimating expenses.

Most worrisome is the fact that so many politicians apparently blindly accepted PAM’s promises as fact, seemingly without performing due diligence of their own. We can scream about how politicians in Washington are wasting our tax dollars, but we need to pay at least enough attention to how our money is being spent by officials in Harrisburg as well as by the occupants of 150 N. Queen St. and 120 N. Duke St.

And remember, the Pennsylvania Academy of Music has often been listed as a prime example of the economic revitalization of downtown Lancaster.

Had PAM been a for-profit business instead of a private non-profit school of fine arts, most likely PAM would have been history by now.

“Pennsylvania Academy of Music, bank cut deal on building Academy will stay; $11M debt dropped” reports:

“The Pennsylvania Academy of Music has decided to be a debt-free tenant, not a debt-ridden owner. PAM, which defaulted this fall on $11.1 million in loans from Union National Community Bank, has signed the building over to the bank. In return, the bank has canceled a sheriff’s sale of the property, forgiven the loans and rented the landmark back to PAM for one year.”

WATCHDOG: This is thorough and informative article. NewsLanc chose to allow the Lancaster Newspapers to have first opportunity to report the arrangement which was finalized virtually on Christmas Eve since publisher Robert Field, as the adviser to the Business Committee, was involved in the negotiations. Art Mann, Chair of the Business Committee, was the “good guy, Field, the“bad guy.”

NewsLanc will comment in coming days but, for now, two wags of the tail for the Intell for getting the story correct and to the Steinman family foundation for their extremely constructive role in dealing with the crisis.

An editorial “A better safety net” concerning the Senate’s passing the health care bill concludes, “Today, Social Security is considered a necessary part of one’s retirement nest egg. Fifty years from now, we believe Americans will give an emphatic thumbs-up to this Congress for addressing a pressing need and expanding the nation’s safety net to include all Americans.”

WATCHDOG: A wag of the tail! But it is but a start since the failure to significantly (if at all) curtail costs leaves the heavy lifting for a later date.

By Robert Field

On a trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia Province, Canada, a NewsLanc reporter conducted an informal focus group consisting of a registered nurse, an engineer, a stock broker, a business consultant and a physician in general practice.

They were asked their opinion of the Canadian mostly government operated health system and in all cases they had favorable and virtually identical opinions.

Everyone agreed that health emergencies were rapidly addressed, although they recognized that elective surgeries such as hip replacements and hernia repairs require half a year and sometimes longer on a waiting list.

The following day NewsLanc interviewed the physician at length. What follows are NewsLanc’s questions and the physician’s replies:

NL: If someone breaks an arm, has a heart attack, acute appendicitis, acute amorism, how long does it take for them to be treated at a hospital?

DR: “As soon as the person arrives, they will make sure that they are triaged properly. Under normal conditions, they would be sent to an orthopedic resident. If busy, staff will make sure you are comfortable, and then send you for an x-ray, and then they use an anesthetic to set the bone and then apply a cast. It would normally take a couple of hours before treatment.  Charges would come to $0.”

NL: How long of a wait is there to see your family doctor?

DR: “I would see 90% to 95% my patients that day or next. If you have to wait two weeks, you’ll either be cured or dead.” He allowed that some doctors do take longer.

NL: What do patients pay under the Canadian system?

DR: “Under 65 for office call, [the] government pays [the] doctor $29.38 and [the] patient pays nothing. A senior who comes to the same office, [the] government pays $37.29 and [the] patient pays nothing. Reasoning is that seniors have more problems. Payment is gross revenue for the practice.

“For an H1N1 flu shot, [the] government pays a flat rate of $13.66. In addition, there is a government payment of $3.34 to pay for the syringe and other materials. The flu medication is supplied by [the] government without charge to doctor or patient. Certain less common inoculations such as yellow or hepatitis are not supplied by the government and are paid for by the patient.”

“For a house call after 6 PM or on weekends, [the] government pays $63.96 for first ill person in household and $29.38 for each additional sick person in the house. House calls during regular office hours are $48.24. Patient pays nothing.”

The doctor mentioned that his medical liability insurance only costs him about $2,000 per year, presumably because damage awards are fewer and much smaller in Canada.

NL: What if you need an operation for an emergency?

DR: “You may have to wait several hours to arrange for an appropriate surgeon. Patients can have complicated procedures such as a bypass surgery, a kidney transplant, or even a heart transplant without cost to the patient.”

NL: What about waiting time in a hospital emergency room for a sprained ankle or sore throat?

DR: “That can require many hours, because more serious cases receive priority. There are Walk In Clinics (‘Urgent Care Clinics’) all over which are part of the health care system where waiting time would not be long. They will treat [the] patient and FAX what they did to his or her family doctor. The government pays. Hospitals are encouraging patients to use Walk In Clinics.”

NL: What about the wait period for elective surgery such as hip replacement, knee replacement, gall bladder when there is no critical need.

DR: “Elective surgery can take one to two years.”

(He digressed to tell a horror story of someone with acute appendicitis waiting two days in a corridor. But he said this was a rare administrative snafu.)

“Surgeons are only allocated so much time in hospitals to perform work. Delays result from lack of facilities rather than shortage of specialists.”

NL: What do doctors earn in Canada?

DR: “A typical general practitioner after paying office expenses will net perhaps $100,000 to $120,000 a year.” (The physician interviewed earns more but works longer hours.) “Some specialists work for fees and others are salaried. Their earnings range from $300,000 net to $500,000 net. They are paid by the government.”

He added: “Some general practitioners can make a living just working at a hospital by assisting in surgery. They typically receive 25% of the surgeon’s fee.”

NL: What entity runs the government health service and what is its source of funding?

DR: “Medical Services Incorporated is government run and revenue comes from a 13% sales tax which amount varies slightly in some provinces.”

NL: Are there private clinics apart from government funded clinics?

DR: “Private clinics are almost non-existent in Nova Scotia, although there are more in other provinces. Patients pay them for services. There is only one private MRI clinic in the province of Nova Scotia. It charges $700 on up. They don’t do CAT Scans at private clinics. Also private clinics do plastic surgery at patient expense.”

NL: What do patients pay for pharmaceuticals?

DR: “A non-senior pays for medicine at a pharmacy with a prescription. About half of the people have some over private insurance coverage through job or family.

“A senior at 65 can buy into government plan for $400 annually. If they join later, they are charged up to $700 annually. In return, the government pays about 70% of the cost. If patient can’t afford the 30% charge, there are provisions for additional government assistance up to 100%.

“Generic drugs are given priority. However, when medication is not sufficiently effective, exceptions can be obtained through the pharmacists consulting with the government medical services.” (Like many US physicians, he is not an admirer of generic drugs.)

NL: What is the cost of medical school?

DR: “At least 80% is paid by the government, normally without restrictions. I have recommended there be a commitment for the doctor to remain in the province paying for the medical education for a period of time, but this isn’t done.”

NL: How are nurses, pharmacists and dentists paid?

DR: “Nurses are also paid by [the] government. Pharmacists are paid by employers. The dental system is private. Dentists make more money than doctors, a ton more. There is charity performed at dental schools. Veterinarians make a fortunate, better than doctors and dentists.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Association of Counties (NACo) President Valerie Brown has appointed Lancaster County, Pa. Commissioner Scott Martin to the Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee for 2009-10.
The committee is responsible for developing NACo policy regarding federal legislation and policy pertaining to criminal justice and public safety systems, including criminal justice planning; law enforcement; courts; corrections; homeland security; community crime prevention; juvenile justice and delinquency prevention; emergency management; fire prevention and control; and civil disturbances.

“On behalf of the nation’s counties, I am pleased that Commissioner Martin will serve on NACo’s Justice and Public Safety Committee to help shape national policies affecting local government,” said Brown, supervisor, Sonoma County, Calif.
“I am honored to serve in this position,” said Commissioner Martin. “I value this opportunity to share perspective on national policies affecting Justice and Public Safety in Lancaster County and those across the United States and to offer ways we can be more efficient and effective in the delivery of those services.”

Commissioner Martin is the Chairman of the Lancaster County Prison Board, Chairman of the County Commissioners of Pennsylvania’s (CCAP) County Criminal Justice System Best Practices For the 21^st Century Committee, is an appointed member to the Joint State Government Commission’s Indigent Criminal Defendants Advisory Committee, and is a member of CCAP’s Human Services Committee and an ex officio member of CCAP’s Board of Directors. Commissioner Martin also played an intricate role in implementing Lancaster County’s first Crime Summit in 2008, which brought together stakeholders from throughout Lancaster County to examine ways to more effectively and efficiently address crime, and in the formation of the Lancaster County Crime Prevention Task Force.
NACo’s steering committees annually review and make recommendations to the NACo Board of Directors on public policy issues and federal legislation.  The policy development process initiated by the steering committees leads to the publication of the American County Platform, which NACo uses as a guide to deliver the county government message to the administration, Congress and the American public.

The first in a series by Cliff Lewis

For over forty years, Captain Gus’s steak shop has held its post at the southwest corner of West Orange and Nevin. You really can’t miss it: Bold, weathered signage stands on the roof and unmistakably distinguishes the little spot for its “steaks” and “subs.” And, once inside, the eccentric, tackle-shop decor tells a dozen stories in a single glance. In visiting Captain Gus’s, it’s difficult to separate the cultural experience from the culinary one—although the steaks most certainly speak for themselves.

“I’ve been in this business long enough to know that—I don’t care what it is—fresh is the best,” said Gus Karpouzis, 83, who first opened the shop and today remains the owner. Gus’s steaks have been always distinguished by their made-to-order preparation, as opposed to the common practice of frying steaks and onion en masse. “When I first started here, I made every steak to order,” Karpouzis said, “If you can’t wait, I’m sorry. But I’m gonna make it my way.”

Gus’s steaks are traditionally topped with marinara sauce, unless customers request otherwise. This, Karpouzis said, has separated his steaks from the common “Philly” cheesesteak. Karpouzis was also careful to note that his shop only uses choice meat for its cheesesteaks. “Choice, in my opinion, is the best meat raised in this country,” Karpouzis said, explaining that the consistency—not too fatty, not too lean—fries perfectly for a good sandwich.

When asked how he likes to take his own cheesesteak, Karpouzis joked. “Everybody’s got different tastes,” he asserted, “There’s fifty Miss Americas and there’s five judges, and they all pick different girls!”

The walls of the narrow shop are adorned with fishing rods and proudly mounted fish. This motif has been a mainstay ever since the shop was first opened by Karpouzis, an avid fisherman.

In the summer months, several boxes of “Gus’s Treats”—fresh local produce—are usually set out for free near the front counter. This tradition, Karpouzis said, came as a direct result of his favorite hobby: “38 years ago, I used to take some of the Amish and the Mennonites from Leola fishing and never charged them nothin’. And, in return, they used to give me vegetables—’go out into the field and get whatever you want.’”

Today, Karpouzis is less available to take the locals on such outings, but he keeps the friendship strong by giving free rides whenever he can. “Anywhere they want to go I take ‘em,” he said.

Although the steak shop has been running for about 40 years, Karpouzis has been in the game for much longer than that. Karpouzis cites November 1, 1946 as the day when he first entered the scene as a Lancaster City business owner. He first opened the Fulton Restaurant on North Plum Street, and later started up the ill-fated Bamboo Nightclub—demolished in the 1960s to make way for Lancaster Square.

“I got burned,” Karpouzis said, loosely but poignantly quoting the father of Western philosophy: “Socrates says that once you get burned, you’ll never forget it.”

“Adjusted for Inflation, Dow’s gains are puny” observes:

“Many investors realize that stocks have been among the worst investments of the past decade. But they may not realize quite how bad the decade was, because most people forget about the effects of inflation.

“Despite its 2009 rebound, the Dow Jones Industrial Average today stands at just 10520.10, no higher than in 1999. And that is without counting consumer-price inflation. In 1999 dollars, the Dow is only at about 8200 and would have to rise another 28% or so to return to 1999 levels…”

WATCHDOG:

What makes things worse, when sold a capital gains tax is levied on the illusory enhancement in value resulting simply from inflation. The Watchdog also objects to the double taxation resulting from corporate income taxes.

This isn’t an issue of whether we should have higher taxes but, rather, about whether certain taxes make sense.

Growl.

“2 charged with possessing child porn on computers” reports:

“Two Manor Township men were charged recently with possessing child pornography on their home computers…

“Manor Township police said neither man is believed to have had any improper physical contact with children.

“In both cases, police said, relatives found the material on the home computers used by the suspects and contacted authorities.”

WATCHDOG: We concede that there is some validity to the contention persuasively presented as an op-ed in NewsLanc that the very act of watching child pornography creates a market for the exploitation of children.

Nevertheless, this old dog is deeply concerned about the law intruding into a person’s household to investigate what he or she is thinking or watching, not even doing with another. Also, one has to wonder about the motivations of relatives that would report such a matter to authorities.

How easy it would be for a mischievous child or angry spouse or  relative to download pornography on one’s computer and report it to the authorities!

As a puppy, the Watchdog heard stories about how union organizers were driven out of Central Pennsylvania by similar tactics.

The whole thing smacks of George Orwell’s “1984” and Kafka’s police state.

As is our practice, we object to the Lancaster Newspapers reporting the names of the accused rather than at least awaiting trial and conviction. Their desire to titillate the public trumps fair play.

Growl!

“First Case of Fearsome TB Strain Found in US” reports:

“It started with a cough, an autumn hack that refused to go away.

“Then came the fevers. They bathed and chilled the skinny frame of Oswaldo Juarez, a 19-year-old Peruvian visiting to study English. His lungs clattered, his chest tightened and he ached with every gasp. During a wheezing fit at 4 a.m., Juarez felt a warm knot rise from his throat. He ran to the bathroom sink and spewed a mouthful of blood….

“Doctors say Juarez’s incessant hack was a sign of what they have both dreaded and expected… ‘He is really the future,’ [Dr. David] Ashkin said. ‘This is the new class that people are not really talking too much about. These are the ones we really fear because I’m not sure how we treat them’…

“Today, all the leading killer infectious diseases on the planet – TB, malaria and HIV among them – are mutating at an alarming rate, hitchhiking their way in and out of countries. The reason: Overuse and misuse of the very drugs that were supposed to save us.”

WATCHDOG: This is a very well researched, well written, informative article. Two wags of the tail for outstanding journalism!

Electing New State Committee Members
From Bruce Beardsley, LCDC Chairman

Dear Fellow Democrat:

In the upcoming primary election in May, 2010, Democratic voters in Lancaster County will elect individuals to serve four-year terms as Lancaster County representatives to the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee. The Lancaster County Democratic Committee will endorse a slate of candidates to run in the primary at our Endorsement Convention on February 20, and with this letter we are inviting any interested county Democrat to submit their name for consideration.

To be eligible for endorsement, a person must be a registered Democratic voter in Lancaster County and must have had some involvement in Democratic political activity. Those considering submitting their names for possible endorsement should also be aware that being a Democratic State Committee member comes with certain responsibilities. For instance, it will require attendance at committee meetings held throughout the state three times a year. Attendance at these meetings is at the member’s expense. Also, members of state committee are also requested to financially support various committee activities throughout the year. Nominees must gather signatures on a petition to obtain a ballot position.

If you are interested in seeking endorsement for state committee from the Lancaster County Democratic Committee, please submit an application (Word Document) with a brief resume that includes your past political and community activity. The application deadline is Friday, January 15, after which you may be contacted to schedule an interview with our screening committee, which will be composed of our District Leaders and myself. The screening committee will then submit its recommended endorsements to the Lancaster County Democratic Committee at its February 20 convention.

If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact me at 808-2116 or bbeardsley@lancasterdems.com.

Happy Holidays,

Bruce Beardsley, Chairman
Lancaster County Democratic Committee