What: Town Hall Meeting on Iraq
When: Thursday, August 16th at 6:30 pm
Where: The Science Center, Room 101, Swarthmore College.

Congressman Joe Sestak will hold a town hall meeting on Iraq. He plans to give brief remarks and then take questions from the audience. The event will be open to the public and press.

Directions: From Rt. 320 North, turn left onto Elm Avenue. After the first stop sign, proceed to the stone pillars on your left. Turn left onto Whittier Place. Cross several speed bumps. Park in the large visitor’s lot on your right. The Science Center is the huge building right next to the lot.

This Sunday (8/5/2007) at 11:30, the NBC-10 News Live @ Issue program will focus on the controversial FAA airspace redesign. Both Congressman Joe Sestak and State Representative Bryan Lentz are expected to appear.

The FAA released its final Environmental Impact Study (EIS) in the Federal Register on August 3. Within 30 days, the FAA can issue its Record of Decision. Implementation of new flight paths would take at least 8 months. By that time, the Government Accountability Office will have released its study of the process. Congressman Sestak has this to say on the issue:

“I have worked aggressively with leaders in Congress, as well as with those at the state and local level, to address the concerns my constituents have over the noise and environmental impact of this redesign,” stated Congressman Sestak. “I’ve said all along that the FAA’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement is based on flawed models and assumptions. The study conducted by GAO will give us the investigatory results for stopping the FAA Airspace Redesign Project in its entirety. This GAO report will serve as an accountability study of whether a true cost-benefit analysis was done, and will serve to halt this project until a proper analysis is done, forcing the FAA to look at other options because Congress is now provided with an objective government study outlining why this process is flawed, forcing it to be ended.”

In the meantime, Rep. Lentz is advancing his proposal for a regional airport authority in Harrisburg. The transportation committee held a public hearing at Ridley High School on July 23rd. His legislation, H.B. 1182, has bi-partisan co-sponsorship from legislators throughout suburban Southeastern PA. The legislation would create a regional approach to planning and operations among the area’s airports. The authority would also coordinate with neighboring state authorities.

* * * UPDATE * * *

The full program on the FAA/Philadelphia Internation Airport can now be viewed online.

Congressman Joe Sestak has found a way to slow down–and possibly halt–the FAA’s plan to send low-flying planes over Delaware County. Sestak, along with Robert Andrews (D-1, NJ) have persuaded the non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) that there was sufficent cause to launch an investiagtion of the cost effetiveness and unadressed impacts of the FAA plan.

While the GAO’s investigation will only result in a non-binding report, a finding of serious flaws would give Sestak and other legislators much better leverage in withholding funds from the FAA for the project.

Sestak was quoted in the DelcoTimes:

“Without question, if the GAO’s report shows a flawed outcome, Congress can go over it and decide to stop the project or begin an entirely new process,” Sestak said.

“Our studies have shown that the FAA’s plan was poorly thought out and has little results, and I think that’s exactly what the GAO is going to find.”

Additional reporting on the GAO investigation can also be found on nj.com from the Gloucester County Times.

For residents worried about transportation or parking for the Federal Aviation Administration hearing on its airspace redesign plans at Philadelphia International Airport, state Rep. Bryan Lentz is offering a bus to the event.

The hearing is the only currently scheduled event in Pennsylvania for public input directly to the FAA.

When: Tuesday, May 1. 6:30 to 10:00 PM.
Where: Holiday Inn, Philadelphia International Airport, Essington, PA.

Reservations for the bus seats are first-come, first-serve basis. Call his office at 610-544-7300 to reserve a seat. It will leave from his constituent service office on Fairview Rd, Swarthmore.

Both Lentz and Congressman Joe Sestak have been active on the FAA/airport issue since taking office in January. For further recent news, articles and releases are available online:

Joe Sestak meets with FAA Administrator Blakey and Transportation Committee Chairman Oberstar.

Lentz has shown some forward-thinking initiative at the state level by introducing legislation a new regional airport authority for Southeastern PA. The bill has bi-partisan support from area legislators. For more information, see the Philadelphia Daily News story from Delco beat reporter Bill Bender.

Congressman Joe Sestak will hold a meeting about Medicaid for 7th District seniors. The meeting will outline the benefits available to seniors, with instructions and forms provided.

When: April 23, 11:00 AM
Where: Church of Christ, Folsom. From MacDade Boulevard, turn on Tasker at Dunkin Donuts, go one block.
Call (610) 583-5404 for more information.

On Friday, February 9, Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) is hosting and moderating a town hall, public meeting on the FAA’s proposed airspace redesign and airport expansion at Philadelphia International Airport. The event will be held at the Ridley Township Municipal Building on Friday, February 9, 2007 at 7:30PM. The FAA’s Airspace Redesign Manager and the Congressman’s Expert Advisory Board will be in attendance to update the public on the current status of the FAA projects, discuss next steps, and take questions from concerned residents.

Where: Ridley Township Municipal Building, 100 East MacDade Blvd, Folsom, PA 19033
When: Friday, February 9, 2007, at 7:30 p.m.

This meeting will be followed in the coming weeks by an event with House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Jerry Costello and Deputy Secretary of Transportation Maria Cino to hear resident concerns about the FAA airspace redesign and airport expansion.

From the Delco Times, the Department of Defense’ approval of the Osprey deal should secure jobs at the Ridley Boeing plant at least through 2012.

Starting last week, Township residents had new representation in Harrisburg and Washington. Our heartiest congratulations go to Congressman Joe Sestak and State Representative Bryan Lentz.

The district office for Joe Sestak is at 600 N. Jackson Street, Suite 203,
Media, PA 19063. The phone number is (610) 892-8623.

Bryan Lentz’s new constituent office is located in the Swarthmore Office Plaza. The address is 630 Fairview Road, Suite 104, Swarthmore, PA 19081. The phone number is (610) 544-7301.

UPDATE: official legislative web links

Joe Sestak (PA-07)

Bryan Lentz (PA-161)