Winners & Losers
This week's biggest Winners & Losers
Who’s up and who’s down this week?
Glampers rejoice: High-end outdoor camping is coming to eight Pennsylvania state parks next year. The refined over rustic accommodations have only increased in popularity post-pandemic as people look for that home away from home. Much like the idea of glamping, City & State has its weekly Winners & Losers, a longtime rugged activity (news coverage) held up by an aesthetically pleasing pole (interactive poll).
Keep reading for more winners and losers!
WINNERS
Christine Toretti - Christine Toretti, a Pennsylvania RNC committeewoman who was formerly the chair of S&T Bank, officially received a new title this week after being sworn in as the next U.S. ambassador to Sweden. Toretti, a renowned fundraiser and fixture in Republican politics, was congratulated by President Donald Trump following her swearing-in ceremony.
Pittsburgh International Airport - Pittsburgh International Airport recently celebrated the planned launch of a $1.7 million terminal – set to open before Thanksgiving – with the help of some stars from the Steel City. Actors Jeff Goldblum and Joe Manganiello joined Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward and others at a gala in the city to mark a new era for the airport.
Larry Hailsham - Larry Hailsham, an ally of Gov. Josh Shapiro who previously served as the Democratic governor’s executive deputy chief of staff, was recently appointed executive director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, which comes just a few weeks after former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale was named the party’s new leader. A day after the appointment of Hailsham, Shapiro’s campaign donated $250,000 to the state Democratic Party.
LOSERS
Air traffic control - The government shutdown is taking its toll on the terminals. Union leaders for air traffic controllers and airport security screeners have warned that the worsening wait at airports will only get worse as the shutdown continues. Major airports, including Philadelphia, reported staffing shortages, leading to delays and flight disruptions.
Philly’s Indigenous Peoples Day - The Columbus fans in Philly have another reason to celebrate: a Philadelphia City Councilmember who was seeking to recognize both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day as city holidays has scrapped the plan. According to Axios, Nina Ahmad is backing down from her legislation just months after a state appeals court rolled back an order making the new city holiday. The courts previously said former Mayor Jim Kenney’s order to replace Columbus Day unilaterally overstepped his powers – but this likely won’t be the last time we hear about this holiday hoopla.
Gen Z & Democracy - A new listening project from Project 26 Pennsylvania that took place on college campuses across the commonwealth found that just 2% of students have faith that government officials will act in their best interests – underscoring a major trust issue between politicians and Gen Z. While participants said they would be more likely to take political action if it would make a difference, leaders from the organization behind the survey say the findings show the need for changes in how politicians connect and interact with younger voters.
Conor Lamb -
U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb picked up a major endorsement this week from the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council, which includes more than 30 labor unions in the southeast region. For a candidate from Western Pennsylvania, connections to the state’s largest city are critical in gaining Democratic support. Philadelphia doesn’t like to praise the western part of the commonwealth much, so this is a big step for Lamb to set himself apart from the crowded field.
Eugene DePasquale -
Former Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale may not be in public office anymore, but the former congressional hopeful found himself back in the headlines this week after he intervened in a viral fight at the Peach Bowl and protected a woman who got caught in the scuffle and fell to the ground. It was a laudable move to intervene from the former state official, who said that besides the fight, he enjoyed his time at the Peach Bowl.
Brian Shank -
Republican Brian Shank will have a little extra authority this year as a member of Erie County Council. Shank was named chairman of the council this week after his colleagues voted 4-3 to elect him. He vowed to work in a collaborative manner with other commissioners regardless of their party affiliation. Shank isn’t the only one with a new position this year, as the county also welcomed a new county executive and three new council members.
Zachary Cohen -
The court case that will likely decide a close Lehigh County judge race took a turn for Democratic candidate Zachary Cohen. A divided appeals court ruled Monday that vote-by-mail ballots returned without dates in Lehigh County should not be counted. The decision reverses a county judge’s decision, and Cohen is expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. As Republican David Ritter leads Cohen by just 74 votes, the court ruling will be a decisive moment for not just this race but future elections as well.
Keith Veverka -
Pennridge School District has had its fair share of controversy over the last year. Even though we’re in 2022, that hasn’t changed. District administrator Keith Veverka, who supervises social studies classes, wrote to teachers this week telling them not to talk about the Jan. 6 insurrection with students. The email instructed teachers to answer students’ questions with responses stating the investigation is still ongoing and “distance must pass” before it can be interpreted. Of the 62 Pennsylvanians arrested in relation to the riot, at least six have been from Bucks County, the school district’s home.
Anthony Nero -
Eagleville resident Anthony Nero could face up to 15 years in prison after he fired three shots at a Montgomery County Democratic Party office last year. Nero pleaded guilty to the charges this week and has blamed his actions on heightened political tensions resulting from COVID-19 and his beliefs that the 2020 general election was stolen. He’ll be sentenced in April, and federal prison could be in his future.
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