CONSTITUTIONAL GROUP ELECTS NEW OFFICERS; 
FOLMER RE-ELECTED TO BOARD

(Lebanon, PA) – Pennsylvania’s leading education-oriented political action committee, the Constitutional Organization Of Liberty (COOL), has announced that new officers were elected by the membership to serve a two-year term. 

Mark Thomas of Cornwall Borough was unanimously selected to serve as Chairman, and Jeff Griffith of Lebanon was elected Vice-Chairman, while Greg Keiper was chosen to serve as Treasurer and Sandy Miller as Secretary.

“I am really looking forward to working in this leadership role with COOL in the next couple of years,” Thomas said.  “We experienced significant growth in 2009, and with the increasing number of requests for classes from across the state, we expect to see continued growth and interest in the next year.”

“More and more people from all walks of life are concerned about the direction our country and state are taking in terms of the rule of law and the Constitution, and they want to learn more about the Founding Fathers and what they originally intended for this nation,” he said.

Griffith said that he looks forward to seeing COOL further its role in educating the freedom loving citizens of Pennsylvania.

“With the renewed energy for grassroots activism in our state, COOL provides the opportunity to know the Founding Fathers thoughts and beliefs as they crafted our government,” he said.  I expect the upcoming elections in 2010 will be shaped around the original intent of the Founders, not by the revisionists of the last 80 years.”

State Senator Mike Folmer, who served as the original chairman of COOL, was re-elected to serve on the Board of COOL, as was Herb Braden of Lebanon.  Julia Neumyer of Harrisburg and Robert Courtright of Manheim were also elected to serve on the Board.

“I’m looking forward to working with COOL in 2010,” Folmer said.  “I really feel that the next year will be critical to the American people in understanding where their Constitution came from and what it really means, versus what politicians tell us it means.” 

“Our Constitution is a great document, and the freedoms we hold dear must be taught to our children,” he said. “If we don’t understand our rights and work to preserve them, then we are destined to lose them.”

Neumyer noted that John Adams argued that children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom.

“Men like Adams spoke the truth and I look forward to working with the Board of COOL in educating the people of Pennsylvania about the truth of the foundations of our liberty so that we will not be the generation that loses our liberty,” she said.

Courtright said he was honored to be involved with people committed to preserving liberty in Pennsylvania and “look forward to helping COOL in service to the citizens of this Commonwealth.”

Braden, recognized as COOL’s parliamentarian, noted that numerous course participants have been energized to take a more active role in community and civic roles.

“A little publicized accomplishment of COOL is its preparation of leaders for government and civic activities,” Braden said.  “Members who have completed coursework offered by COOL are active in the Tea Party movement, Citizens' Caucus, 912 Groups, the Commonwealth Foundation and local and state elected office."

Laurel Lynn Petolicchio of Jackson Township, who served as Chairman for 2009, was excited about the increasingly broad appeal of COOL throughout the state.

“Our membership has expanded into much of south-central Pennsylvania, and we have been receiving inquiries about hosting courses in the Pittsburgh, Erie, McKean County, and the five-county area of Philadelphia,” she said.  “Between our continued presence at the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, the five motor-coach trip to Washington on September 12, and the nomination of our past Chairman for the annual Bill of Rights Award last year, COOL’s reputation as a leading advocate of historic and genuine constitutional principles is continuing to grow.”

COOL is a conservative, non-partisan political action committee registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and membership is open to everyone regardless of political affiliation for an annual fee of $15 per person or $25 per household, subject to approval by the Board.  COOL can be contacted at 717-228-7524 or at their website: www.ReclaimLiberty.com.

For Immediate Release 
Contact: 717-228-7524

CONSTITUTION GROUP JOINS CALL FOR RALLY IN HARRISBURG

(Lebanon, PA) – The Constitutional Organization Of Liberty (COOL) is adding it’s voice to the growing number of citizens and organizations that are planning to rally at the state capitol on November 14 for what is being referred to as the “March On Harrisburg.” 

“State government is out of control, it’s that simple,” said Mark Thomas of Cornwall, PA, and a board member on COOL.  “Between the madcap spending that our Governor is addicted to and the lack of a backbone on the part of state Senate Republican leaders, it’s time the people of Pennsylvania got together straight answers from their elected officials.”

Thomas pointed to a recent poll by Franklin & Marshall that noted that sixty percent of the state population thinks Pennsylvania is on the wrong track economically and fifty seven percent do not expect the recession to end for several years.

“People all across this state are fed up with the politicians in Harrisburg spending money we don’t have,” he said.

Jeff Griffith, who lives in Lebanon and is one of the organizers for the “March On Harrisburg,” concurred with Thomas’ assessment.

“In times of economic hardship, everyday citizens have shown the ability to adapt by tightening their belts and making responsible choices,” he said.  “We expect our lawmakers in the state legislature to do the same.”

“The recent Pennsylvania budget fiasco illustrated that Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve better stewards of public monies,” he said.

John Stahl, who heads up the Berks TEA Party from Berks County, welcomed the addition of COOL to the growing list of organizations throwing their support behind the “March On Harrisburg.”

“More and more citizen groups and organizations are rallying together to get people informed and prepared for what we expect to bee an exciting day in Harrisburg,” he said.  “We have statewide groups like the Commonwealth Foundation and COOL getting behind this effort, as well as a wide spectrum of local and county groups, like Valley Forge Patriots and UnitePA.”

Cynthia Bowman of Campaign for Liberty in Lancaster said that the energy and enthusiasm people felt after the “March On Washington” in September naturally spilled over into a demand for accountability from elected leaders in Pennsylvania.

“The Washington event got everyone thinking about the problems facing us at home, especially since the budget dragged out for so long because the Governor was so insistent on growing the budget at a time when our tax base is shrinking,” she said.

The November 14 event will involve rally participants gathering at City Island at 1:00 PM followed by a march to the capitol at 2:00 PM.  The rally itself will be held in the capitol steps beginning at 2:30 PM, and will feature brief comments by reform-oriented leaders from across the state and the country.

COOL is a non-partisan, conservative political action committee organized to re-educate the citizens of Pennsylvania about the U.S. Constitution and America’s founding documents.  In the past year, COOL has hosted multiple educational courses, including the Institute On The Constitution and A More Perfect Union.

More information about COOL may be found at their website: www.ReclaimLiberty.com.

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March 13, 2009

CONSTITUTIONAL GROUP THROWS SUPPORT BEHIND SOVEREIGNTY RESOLUTION

(Lebanon, PA) – The Constitutional Organization Of Liberty (COOL) has announced that it is supporting a resolution currently being circulated in the Pennsylvania legislature that would reassert state sovereignty against an ever-expanding federal government. 

“The time has come for Pennsylvania to stand up to a federal establishment that is usurping state authority on an almost daily basis, often using our own tax dollars to blackmail us into doing what the federal government thinks we should do,” said Laurel Lynn Petolicchio, COOL Chairman for 2009.

“It is time that the Keystone State took a leading role in protecting and preserving the rights of both the state and the citizens of the state,” she said.

The resolution, which calls for a reassertion of state authority under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, is being sponsored by State Representative Sam Rohrer in the Pennsylvania General Assembly and by State Senator Mike Folmer in the Pennsylvania State Senate.  Both legislators will be holding a rally on Monday, March 16, at noon in the capital rotunda in support of their resolution.

Folmer said that in recent years there has been a role reversal in the relationship between the federal government and the states.

“When our country was founded, our Fathers envisioned a form of government in which the federal government served as an agent of the states – not the states serving as an agent of the federal government,” Folmer said. “Today, federal legislation and funding compel states to serve the federal government, a total reversal of the structure originally intended.”

In a written statement, Rohrer said: “For too long, Congress and the president have been encroaching on policy areas that ought to be decided by the states. This rally is the equivalent of posting a ‘no trespassing’ sign.”

Herb Braden, who serves as a board member on COOL as well as chairman of Lebanon County based Citizen’s Caucus, said it was time to stop the usurpation of power by the federal government.

“Starting in the 1930's, with the New Deal, the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution has been incorrectly used by Congress as a tool to diminish the powers assigned to the States in the 10th Amendment,” Braden said.  “We citizens must prepare to use the ballot box to curtail or stop this arrogant usurpation of State powers.”

Mark Thomas, another COOL board member, observed: "One of the great things about our nation is its unique diversity among the states, but yet remain one nation under God."

"It is time for our federal Government to understand its powers are clearly defined and limited," he said.

Monica Carpenter, treasurer for COOL, said that she supported the resolution “because it reminds us of our rights as a state.” 

According to Petolicchio, Pennsylvania is now among at least twenty states across the nation that have either introduced or issued resolutions reasserting their rights under the Tenth Amendment, and that the movement seems to be growing.

“There is a growing sense among state legislators across the country that there is something terribly wrong with the way business is conducted in Washington and that the federal government does not have the right or authority to bully the states around,” she said.  “In fact, some of the resolutions that have been issued by other states are so strongly worded that they are reminiscent of the Declaration of Independence.”

The Constitutional Organization Of Liberty is a non-partisan, conservative political action committee organized to re-educate the citizens of Pennsylvania about the U.S. Constitution and America’s founding documents.  In the past year COOL has hosted multiple educational courses, including the Institute On The Constitution and A More Perfect Union.

More information about COOL may be found at their website: www.ReclaimLiberty.com.
 

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March 6, 2009

CONSTITUTIONAL GROUP BROADENS APPEAL WITH NAME CHANGE

(Lebanon) – Responding to increased interest from across the state, the Constitutional Organization Of Lebanon, organized four years ago to promote greater understanding of the United States Constitution, has announced that it is amending its name to “Constitutional Organization Of Liberty”, effective immediately.

“The board decided that the time had come for us to broaden our appeal as a statewide organization and the logical thing for us to do was change our name,” said Laurel Lynn Petolicchio, Chairman for 2009.

“And while the formal name for our organization will change, the acronym we use – COOL – will remain the same,” she said.  “Which works out pretty well because a lot of people statewide have become familiar with it.”

State Senator Mike Folmer, COOL’s first Chairman, noted that it was important to institute a name change in order to ensure that people from other parts of Pennsylvania felt welcome.

“COOL has received a lot of interest from all over the state but some potential participants have been reluctant to get more involved because the name led them to believe that it was limited to residents of Lebanon County,” Folmer said. 

“The fact of the matter is that by modifying the name we are making our appeal more universal to the people of Pennsylvania,” he said. 

“But, unlike so many other statewide groups, we will not be relocating to Harrisburg in order to be closer to the political class,” Folmer said. “COOL was created as a grassroots organization and will stay that way.”

The name change will also permit a closer tie-in to the organization’s website, www.ReclaimLiberty.com, which has already been updated to reflect for the new name.

The change to “Constitutional Organization Of Liberty” marks the most recent move on the part of the conservative, non-partisan group to expand it’s ability to meet the needs of potential members and participants.  Late last year it revamped it’s course offerings – including “A More Perfect Union” and “Institute On The Constitution” - and has announced plans to add more courses.

COOL just completed presentation of “A More Perfect Union” at Lebanon Area Evangelical Free Church in Jonestown, and is currently conducting the first part of “Institute On The Constitution” at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon.
 

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February 28, 2008

COOL ADDS TWO NEW OFFICERS

Myerstown, PA - The Constitutional Organization Of Lebanon (COOL), a conservative, non-partisan political action committee registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State, has announced that two new officers have been selected to serve on the board of directors for 2008. 

Herb Braden, who lives in Lebanon and has served in various public service capacities, was elected to serve as COOL’s Vice Chairman, and Margaret Firoozmand, of Cleona, was chosen as Secretary. 

“Herb and Margaret are an excellent fit for COOL,” said Louis Petolicchio, Chairman.  “They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience which will really complement the goals COOL has set for this year.”

Braden and Firoozmands join Petolicchio, Treasurer Roland Carpenter and Immediate Past Chairman State Senator Mike Folmer in directing the course of COOL in the next year.

“It is the primary objective of COOL to bring a higher level of awareness to the general population regarding the duties and rights of citizens as enumerated in our founding documents,” Braden said.  “COOL will notify the public of departures from the rules of the Constitution by members of the Legislative, Judicial and Executive branches of government, and will encourage and brief potential candidates for public office on their obligations as enumerated in the Constitution.”

Braden pointed to State Representative Angel Cruz (D-Philadelphia) as an example of how constitutional education is needed even among Pennsylvania’s elected officials.

“During the 2006 election cycle, Representative Cruz, when accused of violating sections of the Pennsylvania Constitution in his vote for the illegal pay raise, admitted that he had never read the Constitution,” he noted.  “But during his swearing-in ceremony to the General Assembly, Cruz had sworn to obey and to protect the Constitution.”

“The ignorance of Representative Cruz is not unique in that the Constitution and other historic documents have become de-emphasized in high school and college history curricula,” Braden said.  “And as a consequence, the courts are escaping criticism when they ignore and fail to enforce the Constitution.”

Firoozmand said that she was honored by the opportunity to work with COOL because of the educational efforts that COOL is promoting.

“I’m looking forward to working with other like-minded citizens who are concerned about our Constitution and about our history and teaching people about the real meaning of our Founding Fathers and their vision for our country,” she said.

COOL’s Immediate Past Chairman, Pennsylvania State Senator Mike Folmer, said that he thinks that COOL’s educational platform, the Institute On The Constitution (IOTC) is an excellent basis on which to build any knowledge of American history.

“It is my conviction that those principles and ideal which led to the drafting and ratification of the Constitution are necessary to ensuring that we remain a free people,” Folmer said. 

Membership in COOL is open to everyone regardless of political affiliation for an annual fee of $15 per person or $25 per household, which includes complimentary participation in the Institute on the Constitution.  COOL can be contacted at 717-228-7524.

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January 10, 2008

NEW OFFICERS SELECTED FOR LOCAL CONSTITUTIONAL GROUP

(Lebanon, PA) - The Constitutional Organization Of Lebanon (COOL), a conservative, non-partisan political action committee registered with the Pennsylvania Department of State, has announced that new officers have been elected for 2008. 

Louis Petolicchio, who had served as facilitator for COOL’s educational program, Institute On The Constitution (IOTC), and Roland Carpenter, will serve as chairman and treasurer, respectively.

“We are looking forward to an exciting year in Lebanon County,” Petolicchio said.  “In the last couple of years, people have become more and more interested in learning more about the Constitution and what inspired our Founding Fathers, and COOL will provide conservatives and constitutionalists with an avenue to network together.”

According to Petolicchio, COOL has three primary goals it would like to accomplish.

“We want to educate people about the Constitution and the history behind it, we want to enlighten voters about the various issues which are impacting them at the state and local level, and we want to encourage people to become more involved in the political process,” he said.

The original chairman of COOL, state Senator Mike Folmer, decided to step down due to his responsibilities as a legislator but remained excited about COOL and the educational opportunities it provides.

“We have this great document [Constitution] and these wonderful freedoms, and they need to be taught to our children,” Folmer said. “COOL is going forward with new officers and are pursuing getting people connected with their rights again.”

Russ Diamond, chairman of PACleanSweep, concurred with Folmer’s assessment.

“Across Pennsylvania and across the nation we’re witnessing a distinct re-awakening to constitutional concepts,” he said.  “Groups such as COOL, meeting in homes and communities, will serve to nurture that movement and make it grow.”

Petolicchio noted that the chief educational tool used by COOL is the “The Institute on the Constitution”, which is a concentrated study that reintroduces students to the legal, social, and religious concepts that directly influenced the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

Carpenter, who will be taking over as Treasurer from Laurel Lynn Petolicchio, also expressed excitement about working with COOL.

“My wife Monica and I are pleased to be a part of this grassroots movement to educate the public about the principles our country was founded upon,” he said.  “We are looking forward to learning as much as we can and meeting others who share the same beliefs we do.”

Petolicchio is a former Judge of Elections and Past-President of the Kiwanis Club of Elizabethtown and resides in the Myerstown area.  Carpenter is an educator with a MS in Secondary Education and lives in South Lebanon Township.

Membership in COOL is open to everyone regardless of political affiliation for an annual fee of $15.  The cost to participate in the Institute on the Constitution is $25, and a one-year membership in COOL is included with that fee. Donations are also accepted.  COOL can be contacted at 717-228-7524.

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