Hot cup of newsroom brew with a splash of hazelnut Splenda. Delish! What’s in your mug?
The bartender’s signalling last call. Today is the deadline for Willow Valley Associates to gather 2,205 signatures and place on the primary ballot a referendum to overturn West Lampeter Township’s alcohol sales prohibition. Willow Valley needs this to establish a 184-room Doubletree Hotel on its property because Doubletree (a subsidiary of Hilton) requires a liquor license.
Did they get it? Sheryl Holzbauer, Willow Valley’s executive vice president pictured above, answers that in tomorrow’s Intell.
Holzbauer also answered a question I think is vital for this to pass on May 19. A majority of West Lampeter’s 13,000 residents don’t sleep at Willow Valley’s resort. Out-of-town tourists do. So why would township residents want to support this referendum? What’s in it for them beyond the benefits for Willow Valley?
Holzbauer’s answer:
Well, what can I say? For our community, it’s protecting jobs, many of which are held by people who live in the community. We would hope to contribute to the greater level of tax base for the community. The community understands that a healthy business is healthy for the community.
So there it is. Holzbauer argues that Willow Valley’s proposed expansion, which hinges on the alcohol prohibition being overturned, would add tax revenue to the township and create jobs for residents.
Time for a cruise of these political seas:
*I’m sorry, but would any of you trust handing over your money to the House Democrats? The linked story is how the House Democratic Caucus is suing their lawyer who tried to lead them through the Bonusgate scandal. They’ve already spent millions in defending their caucus during the Bonusgate investigation conducted by the state Attorney General, Republican Tom Corbett. Now they’re suing their former attorney. Ugh.
*Jacy Good, the 22-year-old Lititz woman who survived a fatal crash that took the lives of both her parents, will appear at a press conference tomorrow morning with two Democratic House members. The topic is proposed legislation to band handheld cell phone use while operating a vehicle.
A little bird told the Nest last week the bill faces an uphill battle, but another proposal - to ban cell phone use by those who hold a junior license - has a better chance of passage.
*The state Senate Banking and Insurance Committee unanimously passed two mortgage protection bills authored by Republican Sen. Mike Brubaker. From the news release:
Senate Bill 170 would prohibit a mortgage broker or originator from being the exclusive recipient of communications to a consumer. The legislation would prevent brokers from withholding information about interest rates, fees or monthly payments, and it would ensure that consumers are informed of the terms of their mortgage.
Senate Bill 171 would also help to prevent fraud by protecting mortgage company employees that report illegal activities or take part in an investigation, hearing or inquiry. The legislation would prevent an employer from taking actions such as reducing an employee’s salary or benefits, changing the terms of employment, or firing an employee.
