The following is a letter to the editor of the Times News published in today’s edition from Tamaqua businessman John Schickram.
Dear Editor:
Unfortunately, I can’t say I was surprised when I read in the newspaper about citizen watchdog Gene Stilp filing a request for the Attorney General to investigate the possible misuse of taxpayer resources for political purposes by some of our local incumbents.
Recently, I filed a formal complaint with the Attorney General, regarding illicit use of taxpayer resources by Rep. David Argall. Some time ago, after making it known I was considering running for county commissioner, I got a call from Rep. Argall’s secretary asking me to attend a meeting in his public office.
I attended the meeting, where also in attendance were eight members of the county Republican Executive Committee. The group proceeded to try to pressure me out of running for county commissioner. I was so appalled I stormed out of the room. At that time, I didn’t know it was more than just highly inappropriate, but illegal.
More recently, when I was circulating petitions to run for state representative, I encountered some people who told me they had signed Mr. Argall’s campaign petitions while in his public office on legislative business. Again, this is highly illegal.
The arrogance and abuse of power must end. When will these politicians learn that they are not above the law? The good news is that I received a call from one of the Attorney General’s investigators, ensuring me that my complaint, and others, will be looked into. Maybe justice will actually be served for a change.
John Schickram
7 Comments
December 1, 2008 at 10:43 am
I for one am thrilled that Tamaqua businessman John Schickram’s quest for truth, justice and the American way will not and can not be stopped by the mear fact that not alot of people like him. He runs for any office that he can year after year. Losing each & every time by ridiculously large margins but yet he is not dissuaded from his crusade against elected officials that he himself disapproves of. I heard a saying once, “he who lives in a glass house should not throw stones”. I hope that Mr. Schickram doesn’t have any shady business dealings that would tarnish his white knight image. One thing we definitely do not need right now is another hypocrite throwing stones in hopes of getting a cushy job.
December 1, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Are you attacking Mr. Schickram for questioning the possible illegal actions of Mr. Argall? Am I missing something or are you related to or working for Mr. Argall?
Also, please note that “mear” should be “mere.”
December 1, 2008 at 1:18 pm
I would never attack someone who’s tenacity I admire. The question I’m asking Mr. Schickram is why is he always attacking Mr. Argall? Did they both like the same girl in high school & she went to the prom with Davey instead of Johny? I believe that Gene Stilp’s filing mentioned Holden, Seip, Lukach, and Keleah meeting in Seip’s Harrisburg office to discuss what the Dem’s were going to do about the late Senator’s seat. Yet Mr. Schickram chooses to futher grind his ax against Mr. Argall. What I hate most in this world is hypocrites. If Mr. Argall broke the law he’s in trouble but if the county Dem’s break the very same law no one cares.
December 1, 2008 at 2:49 pm
The letter to the editor indicates that Mr. Schickram filed a complaint with the Attorney General based on his personal knowledge, that is, Mr. Schickram personally attended a possibly illegal meeting in Mr. Argall’s office. It would be difficult for Mr. Schickram to file a complaint against the other politicians if he did not have any personal knowledge of their actions.
December 2, 2008 at 10:34 am
No political party has a corner on corruption.
Bill Deweese/ Mike Veon? Corrupt as hell
Dave Argall? Lieutenant to Captain Payjack Perzel. What’s amazing is how they all work so well together when it comes to fleecing us.
Anybody but an incumbent for Rhoades seat. That would best serve the people.
December 3, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Having meet Mr. Schrickem once I am weary of his attempt to assinate the party. When caring for childeren the first rule is before you can do any good DO NO HARM. Mr. Schrickem continues to throw wild accusations about Mr. Argall as if it were a personal vendetta. If you have a personal problem with the guy fine I don’t care but I am sick and tired of the unsubstansiated allegations Schrickem levels at Argall year after tedious year. Please dude do us all a favor and get a life and stop trying to steal someone elses. I am no fan of Dave Argall but what you continue to do is wrong!
December 3, 2008 at 11:01 pm
“Having met Mr. Schickram once I am wary”
What is that supposed to mean?