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Faxes Sent to Richard A. Kasunic

Letters

From:	C
To:	Senator Kasunic
Date:	Wednesday, 03/07/07
Subject:	Presidential Primary

Dear Senator Kasunic:

I understand that you will be holding hearings soon on moving up the 2008 Presidential Primary to early February.

I want you to know that as a Somerset County resident and voter, I support this proposal 100%. To often, I have felt that Pennsylvania gets left out of the process and we don't count.

I look forward to hearing the results of the hearing and hopefully being part of the primary in 2008, by voting in February.

Senator Kasunic,

Sir, we have a problem here in PA. It is called Anti-Skid
Material. I'm sure you are familiar with it, but just in case
you aren't, it is the stuff that PennDot throws on the roads
during winter maintenance. This material is damaging the
vehicles of PA drivers like me. I've been a PA resident all of
my life and a driver in our great state for 18 years and I have
not seen the winter road conditions as bad as they are now.
This material which has also been referred to as stones, slag,
and cinders has been known to chip or crack windshields, chip
paint, and even damage tires (from the metal content in the
slag).

I have contacted PennDot about this issue but they have refused
to take any responsibility for damage done to vehicles and they
are refusing to remove the material from their winter
maintenance. Michael Kisko, Roadway Programs Coordinator in
Fayette County, said in a response to me that he understands
how Pennsylvanians feel…oh really? He stated that the option
to eliminate anti-skid material altogether is not practical
from a budgetary standpoint. Hmm…budget? Let’s see how
PennDot spends that budget. In February, 2003, Governor
Rendell, wielded a $500 pair of novelty scissors, purchased by
PennDot, for a highway dedication event. That’s a lot of
money to cut a ribbon! I don’t buy the excuse that it is a
budget problem. I believe they are using anti-skid as a filler
so that less, more expensive, salt doesn’t have to be overly
used. Mr. Kisko also indicated in his response that he has
been working with his maintenance unit, material personnel,
central office and the stone industry for the past two years
for a smaller anti-skid gradation. Obviously, those meetings
over the past two years haven’t accomplished much. I have seen
anti-skid material almost one inch in diameter! That could
possibly be considered a rock! He goes on to say that Penndot
will continue to try to do what is best for the traveling
public and hopefully, a better anti-skid material will be
available for next season. If this is what is best, I’d hate
to see the worst! I say eliminate it! I see no difference in
the traction performance of my car by using anti-skid.
However, by using anti-skid, I do notice that my car has less
paint, a greater chance to rust, and a chipped up windshield.

I'm asking you, Senator Kasunic, to take charge in this matter
and stop PennDot from using this material that is damaging the
vehicles of PA drivers.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. I
look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,
Rob Lepre

Attn: Steve DeFrank

I am writing on behalf of Attorney Donald J. McCue. Could you
please send him a copy of Act 192 of 2004 which was signed by
the Governor on November 30, 2004.

Thank you, Kathy