"Championing Change:
The Independent Gazette's
Quest for Court Reform,
​Election Integrity, and
​Immigration Solutions"

---

April 2024's EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS!​​

---

Thank You from Justice Watch Today
We at Justice Watch Today, are immensely grateful to everyone who participated in and contributed to our event this past April. Your support and participation made it a profound success.
​

• Special thanks to Representative Jamie Flick for his insightful discussion on the crucial topic of introducing cameras into Pennsylvania courts. His dedication to advancing transparency in our judicial system is invaluable, and we appreciate his leadership on this issue.

 

• We are especially grateful to Representative Aaron Kaufer for his enlightening presentation on “Free and Equal Voting in PA Primaries for All Registered Voters.” His insights and advocacy are vital as we strive for more inclusive and equitable voting practices in Pennsylvania.

 

• We are indebted to Mark Dennebaum and the staff of TwentyFiveEight Studios in Scranton, PA, for their outstanding production support. Their expertise and professionalism helped bring our vision to life with impeccable detail and quality.

 

• A special thank you to Attorney Richard Rinaldi for his insightful discussion on reform in Pennsylvania's children's courts. Your contribution was invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for your expertise and support.

 

• Our gratitude also goes out to the Scranton Cultural Center. The staff and volunteers behind the scenes were instrumental in ensuring the event ran smoothly and efficiently. Their assistance in every aspect of the venue and event logistics was exceptional.

Finally, we would like to thank all the attendees who took the time to be part of this important discussion. Your presence and engagement are what make our efforts worthwhile and encourage us to continue our work.

​Thank you all once again for your support and participation. It was a collaborative effort that showcased the strength and dedication of our community towards fostering justice and transparency.April's EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS!​

Cameras in PA Courts

---

Williamsport Sun-Gazette

May 14, 2024

repflick.com

---

Representative Aaron Kaufer

“Free and Equal Voting in PA Primaries for All Registered Voters.” 

KAUFER, Aaron D., a Representative from Luzerne County; born, July 11, 1988 in Kingston, Luzerne County, Pa.; graduated, Wyoming Valley West High School, 2007; B.A., government and law, international affairs, Lafayette College, 2011; marketing representative, Mohegan Sun Casino, Wilkes-Barre; small business owner; elected as a Republican to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2014; reelected to the House to serve 4 more consecutive terms; appointed, Higher Education Funding Commission (2019-2024); appointed, board, Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) (2023-2024); not a candidate for reelection to the House (2024).

---

Letter of Invitation:

Dear Esteemed Legislators,

​As we step into a pivotal election cycle, the Independent Gazette is spearheading a trio of investigative series that strike at the heart of democracy, justice, and societal well-being in Pennsylvania and beyond. Our mission is to delve into the realms of family court reform, election integrity, and immigration policy—each a cornerstone of the public discourse, demanding transparency, accountability, and action.

• Court Reform: Decades of systemic issues have cast long shadows over the family courts. From gag orders to missing documents, the stories of injustice have been both chilling and persistent. With the specter of past scandals like "Kids for Cash" reminding us of the stakes, our advocacy for courtroom cameras and open hearings stands as a beacon for change. We challenge you to join us in championing reforms that illuminate these judicial processes, ensuring they serve the public with fairness and integrity.
• Election Integrity: At the heart of democracy lies the principle that elections must be "free and equal," a promise enshrined in the Pennsylvania Constitution yet seemingly sidelined by partisan interests. The exclusion of over a million Independent and Third Party voters from primary elections contradicts the very essence of democratic representation. As taxpayer-funded primaries continue, we urge you to consider legislation that embraces inclusivity, ensuring every Pennsylvanian's voice is heard.

• Immigration Policy: With the nation grappling with an unprecedented border crisis, the need for robust, compassionate immigration reform has never been clearer. Reports of over 250,000 migrants being "processed" monthly signal a system at its breaking point. We seek your vision and solutions to navigate these complex issues, aiming to inform voters of your stance on reform that respects both our borders and humanity.

Your responses to these critical inquiries will be shared unedited on IndependentGazette.org and through our regular updates to readers across the state, beginning February 10, 2024. This is more than a call for comments; it's an invitation to stand at the forefront of change, addressing the pressing issues that define our times.

​We await your thoughtful engagement, The Independent Gazette

---

​FIRST LETTER FROM INDEPENDENT GAZETTE'S LOU JASIKOFF SEEKING PENNSYLVANIA COURT REFORM: TRANSPARENCY IN THE COURTS

The Independent Gazette is on a relentless quest to illuminate the shadows of the family court system, revisiting the urgent issues we first exposed a decade ago. Our probing has revealed a troubling landscape of gag orders, vanishing documents, and harrowing tales of abuse, all pointing to a justice system that continues to fail those it vows to protect. Bolstered by lawsuits and haunted by the specter of scandals like "Kids for Cash," our call for transparency and reform has never been louder.

We stand at the forefront, advocating for cameras in courtrooms and demanding open hearings to ensure a judiciary where transparency isn't just an ideal, but the foundation of justice. With critical elections on the horizon, we challenge candidates to make their positions clear on court reform—an issue of paramount importance to Pennsylvania voters.

Through our digital platform and regular printed updates, we're mobilizing a movement for change, aiming to not just inform but transform the public dialogue around court transparency. Join us in this vital conversation, for a justice system that truly serves and protects.

​With determination, The Independent Gazette

---

SECOND LETTER FROM INDEPENDENT GAZETTE'S LOU JASIKOFF SEEKING TO PROTECT PENNSYLVANIA'S FREE AND EQUAL ELECTIONS

​This January, leading into the election cycle, the Independent Gazette will rigorously examine your commitment to the Pennsylvania Constitution and the principle of free and equal elections as promised by Article one, section 5. Despite vows to uphold this constitution, history shows a continuous disregard from both major parties, effectively disenfranchising over a million Independent and Third Party voters from primary elections. This blatant deviation from the constitutional mandate that "elections shall be free and equal" challenges the very essence of no taxation without representation.

Given that primaries are funded by taxpayers, it's imperative they be accessible to all registered voters, not just those affiliated with the two dominating parties. If the Democratic and Republican parties prefer closed primaries, then let these be financed with their own funds, not the public's. We're setting out to reveal where  each Pennsylvania legislator stands: Are you a defender of the constitution or a party loyalist?

​We ask you directly: Will you support legislation to ensure all elections uphold our state's constitutional promise of being "free and equal"?

---

THIRD LETTER FROM INDEPENDENT GAZETTE'S LOU JASIKOFF QUESTIONS FEDERAL SENATORS AND CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ABOUT IMMIGRATION REFORM

The Independent Gazette is launching a bold examination of our immigration policy this January, spotlighting how our leaders in Washington propose to tackle the pressing border crisis. This analysis aims to arm Pennsylvania voters with critical insights into your immigration stance and planned solutions, especially as immigration reform ranks as a top voter concern.

With reports indicating over 250,000 migrants "processed" monthly at our borders, the urgency for actionable plans is undeniable. Our key questions to you are simple yet profound: What are your strategies for immigration reform, and where do you stand on our current policies? Moreover, in a world that has seen no significant immigration overhaul since Reagan's time, we question the necessity and delay of meaningful reform.

Your responses will be featured unedited on our platform, independentgazette.org, and shared extensively with our readers across Pennsylvania in our forthcoming editions, starting February 10, 2024.