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25 Years Later: Remembering September 11^th

Many of us remember exactly where we were 25 years ago today, when the world was forever changed on 9/11. I can’t quite comprehend how quickly these 25 years have gone, and I often think about how 9/11 could have really happened. How could hatred and an evil ideology become so strong? How could the timing and circumstances of such a horrific attack prevail?

As we remember 9/11, we remember the 2,977 lives lost, the thousands of families who lost loved ones, and the unborn children of victims who are now 25 years old. We remember the first responders who are still with us and those who have passed away from illnesses caused by toxic exposures. We remember those who witnessed and personally experienced the horror, and those who continue to fight the War on Terror each day. Let us live every day with a grateful spirit of appreciation. It is the best we can do to honor those we lost.

America will never be perfect – nothing ever is. However, we are truly blessed to live in a country where we have so many freedoms and a constitution that protects them. We even have the specific freedom to question the very Constitution that gives us those freedoms. Treat each other kindly. Be productive. Be thoughtful. Work hard. Care for others. And be proud to be an American.

Take the time to teach your children and grandchildren the history of 9/11 – and, most importantly, the why of 9/11 and the evil ideology that continues to threaten our country.

 Teach them to live with a grateful and patriotic spirit.

Remembering Those from Our Area Who Were Lost on 9/11

Lackawanna County

Laura Lee DeFazio Morabito (34) — Clarks Summit
Laura was a passenger on hijacked American Airlines Flight 11, which struck the North Tower. She graduated from Abington Heights High School and was living in Massachusetts at the time of the attack. Her wedding ring and remains were identified in 2007 through advanced DNA testing.

Jerry Moran (39) — Scranton
Jerry grew up in Scranton and graduated from Scranton Technical High School. He was an engineering contractor for the Navy at the Pentagon and was living in Maryland at the time of the attack.

Monroe County

Harry Blanding (38) — Blakeslee
Harry was a claims analyst for AON Corporation.

George Lopez (40) — Stroudsburg
George worked as an equity trader for Fiduciary Trust International on the 97^th floor of the South Tower.

Walter Arthur McNeil (63) — Middle Smithfield
Walter was a Port Authority police officer of New York and New Jersey who responded to the World Trade Center.

Mary Melendez (44) — Hamilton Township
Mary worked as a legal secretary for Fiduciary Trust International in the South Tower.

Joseph Walkden Flounders (46) — Middle Smithfield
Joseph was a money market broker for Euro Brokers on the 84^th floor of 2 World Trade Center. He woke up every morning at 3:30 a.m. in the Poconos so he could be at his desk by 8:30 a.m.

Wayne County

Joseph Calandrillo (49) — Hawley
Joseph worked as an accountant for Reinsurance Solutions International on the 94^th floor of the North Tower.

Continuing My Push for a Three-Year Statewide Data Center Moratorium

As a reminder, I am one of only three legislators in Harrisburg who support a three-year statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center development, and I am the only legislator who has successfully initiated a vote on this language.

During a Senate Local Government Committee meeting, I offered an amendment that would have established a three-year statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center development. While my amendment ultimately failed by a vote of 2-9, it provided legislators with the opportunity to go on the record on this important issue.

Pennsylvania has quickly become an epicenter for hyperscale data center development, with more than 50 major projects proposed or under development across the Commonwealth, including more than a dozen within the 40th Senatorial District. These projects raise significant questions regarding energy demand, water usage, infrastructure, environmental impacts and the future of our communities.

The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1345, which allows municipalities to voluntarily pause new hyperscale data center applications and permits for up to 18 months while updating local ordinances, and House Bill 2496, which provides municipalities with additional flexibility through the curative amendment process. I supported both bills because they provide local governments with additional tools to respond to concerns raised by residents.

However, I continue to believe these measures do not provide the comprehensive protections necessary to address the unprecedented pace and scale of this development. A three-year statewide moratorium would provide state and local governments with the time necessary to establish appropriate zoning, regulatory and oversight frameworks before development continues at scale.

I have consistently said that economic development and quality of life should not be mutually exclusive. We only have one opportunity to get this right. I will continue working to ensure Pennsylvania has strong, enforceable protections in place for our residents, infrastructure, environment and utility ratepayers.

Brown Hosting Lackawanna County Senior Expo

I will once again be joining my fellow local legislators to host our Annual Lackawanna County Joint Senior Expo! My office, other elected officials, and the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging will be able to provide information and more, as well as all the vendors in attendance!

Join us next Friday September 18^th at The Marketplace at Steamtown from 11-2, I hope to see you there!

Honoring Erich Brunges

It was an honor to join Chris and Loretta Pezak at their home in Fell Township to recognize and celebrate their son-in-law, Erich Brunges, and his commitment to serving others. It was also a pleasure to celebrate with his parents, his wife Emily, Devin Brunges and Robin Roman, and stepfather Raymond Roman.

Erich has proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 16 years and continues that commitment to service as a paramedic with the City of Allentown. He also serves as an Adjunct Instructor with EMI, helping educate and prepare others in emergency management.

I’m grateful for Erich’s dedication to our country and communities and the service he continues to provide to others. Congratulations, Erich, and thank you for your service!

Scenes from the 40^th Senate District

This week’s photos are courtesy of Brian from Shawnee on Delaware, featuring some beautiful summertime sunflowers! These pictures have been shared on my social media and posted to the 40^th Senatorial District Photo Gallery.

I am inviting residents of the 40^th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County.

Click here to submit your work and learn more.