Argall Is Even Cozier With Rich Family Than I Previously Reported

Turns out Rep. Dave Argall -- whose aide, Tamaqua Councilman Micah Gursky, has been an outspoken critic of the sludge ordinance being considered tonight -- has received even more money from the Rich family than I previously reported based on information from the Institute for Money in State Politics.

According to an analysis done using data from the Pa. Department of State's campaign contribution database, the Riches -- who are pushing a plan to dump Philadelphia sewage sludge from Tamaqua to Tuscarora -- have contributed at least $11,125 to Argall's campaign since 1999.

John W. Rich of Pottsville most recently donated $1,500 to Argall on May 8 -- just before the sludge permit was announced for Schuylkill Township. He and John Rich Jr. of Auburn have made at least 13 separate donations to Argall over the past seven years in amounts ranging from $50 to $2,500.