Scoop’s Views

Pennsylvania Senator Vincent Fumo has been indicted on multiple charges by the state. Among the charges are using a non-profit organization for personal gain.

He’s wasted taxpayer money — again. This guy is one that’s like a slug: slithers around, slimy, and never wanted.

This guy is no stranger to allegations and dirty politics. Fumo is a Democrat, supposedly a representative, but of whom, I have no idea! He sure doesn’t represent me, as his scumbag tactics have never been in line with my ethics or morals. In this past, though, Fumo’s managed to beat the two prior indictments, and this time, with no surprise, he vows to do the same. I wonder what he will use for the “shadow” of doubt, as that’s all that he might be able to cast — a shadow. Hopefully, though, he well be convicted and be bunkmates with a 6′5″ inmate named Bert or Ernie who has a tattoo of “Mom” on his bicep, and wants someone to hold and cuddle every night. That would be fitting for Fumo.

As I have said for many years: Help reduce crime and don’t re-elect anyone! Why? It takes them one-term to figure out who the whole system works, and after that, they go wild. They lose the fire in their bellies — if they ever, sincerely — had a fire to help the people that make up their constituency. Most of the time, I believe, many people in politics, at least until this past election in November 2006, were in it for themselves, not the people. Let’s see if the first of the new batch stay their stated course.

Fumo has had a seat in the State House for far too long. Perhaps he thinks that since he’s been in Harrisburg so long, the office he occupies is actually his; that the furniture in that office is his; and that the money he uses is his. None of these are true, but this guy is such a prize, I wouldn’t doubt in his grossly over-inflated mind if he believes all to be true.

Many say Fumo is one of the most powerful figures in Pennsylvania politics, but the funny thing about politics and power is that it comes and goes like a rainstorm. That means Fumo’s perceived power is merely done with smoke and mirrors. But, as with any politician, he does some good, but more often, fails to really serve the public’s interest.

Word yesterday from Harrisburg was that Fumo was being indicted Tuesday on 139 counts, including charges that he defrauded the Pennsylvania Senate out of $1 million, used a nonprofit group for personal and political gain, and conspired with his staff to engage in an elaborate cover-up.

According to the Associated Press, the 267-page indictment comes more than four years after federal authorities began investigating the Citizens’ Alliance for Better Neighborhoods, a group started by Fumo aides in 1991 to serve the neighborhood where he grew up. The real goal, it seems, was to line to the pockets of select people, including Fumo.

It’s time for for Fumo to do what’s right: Resign. But he is like Richard Mariano, a former member of Philadelphia City Council who’s mailing address is now a correctional facility. What’s that old saying about politics and bedfellows? Maybe these two can share a bunk and help the overcrowding situation.

Oh, wait. I’m sure both would demand they be afforded “proper” living conditions. That’s more than they often did for their own constituents. Wait, one is a convict, the other is up on charges. Yep, two peas in a pod.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan said Fumo used Senate employees for his personal benefit and abused his authority to hire Senate contractors.

Fumo, anticipating the indictment on Monday, temporarily stepped down as the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee but remains in the Senate.