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John McDermott, the Constitution Party candidate in the 13th Congressional District, believes the Delaware River Port Authority engages in wasteful and unnecessary spending.
The spending, he said, is an issue because of the DRPA’s proposal to raise bridge tolls and PATCO commuter train fees. The revenue will be used for repairs and improvements to bridges, rail fleet and stations.
McDermott labeled DRPA’s hefty debt as a "disgrace and an outrage." He blamed the debt, in part, on bloated salaries.
The Philadelphia Inquirer has reported that the agency has spent money on Kvaerner Shipyard, Lincoln Financial Field, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the National Constitution Center, the New Jersey State Aquarium and the Camden Riversharks baseball stadium.
Other dollars have gone to spruce up Admiral Wilson Boulevard in Camden and to the National Museum of American Jewish History near Independence Hall and for a proposed soccer stadium in Chester.
"I think most motorists and commuters can understand toll and fare hikes to fund repairs, but not for these luxuries," McDermott said. "They are totally unnecessary or should be funded privately."
McDermott is in a three-way race with Democratic Rep. Allyson Schwartz and Republican Marina Kats.
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Republican John McCain’s presidential campaign will officially open its Philadelphia headquarters on Thursday.
The event will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at 3506 Cottman Ave. in Mayfair.
Local McCain supporters have been distributing literature to houses outlining the differences between their candidate and Democrat Barack Obama on energy issues.
McCain favors suspension of the federal gasoline tax, off-shore oil exploration and drilling, and construction of nuclear power plants. Obama opposes those initiatives.
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Brendan Boyle, the Democratic candidate in the 170th Legislative District, will also officially open a campaign headquarters in Somerton next week.
Meanwhile, the candidate announced his support for using the global positioning system (GPS) to track registered sex offenders. He is backing a proposal by state Auditor General Jack Wagner.
A recent report by Wagner revealed that the state temporarily lost track of 923 sex offenders.
"To have the whereabouts of nine-hundred and twenty-three sex offenders unknown is simply unacceptable," said Boyle, who is running against Republican Matt Taubenberger for the seat being vacated by retiring GOP Rep. George Kenney.
The proposed amendment to the state’s Megan’s Law would require a minimum of five years of GPS monitoring for sex offenders.
Megan’s law empowers the Pennsylvania State Police to operate a Web site, available to the public, that provides the names and addresses of sex offenders.
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Marvin Barrish’s radio show on politics will feature several local candidates in the month of August.
The show can be heard Sundays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on WNJC (1360 AM).
The Aug. 3 show will feature Tom Manion, the Republican candidate in the 8th Congressional District.
Robert S. Nix, the Republican candidate in the 3rd Senatorial District, will appear on Aug. 10 and Aug. 31.
On Aug. 17, the guest will be Belinda Nelson, the Republican challenger in the 173rd Legislative District.
Also on the Aug. 17 show, Capt. David Mockus, former commander of the 24th Police District, will talk about an upcoming benefit for the family of slain Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski. A softball tournament will take place on Aug. 23 at Fitzpatrick Playground, at Academy and Torrey roads
Marc Perry, the Republican hopeful in the 7th Senatorial District, will be the guest on Aug. 24.
The call-in numbers are 1-856-227-1360 or 1-856-232-7077. The show can also be accessed by visiting wnjc1360.com and clicking "listen now." ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com