News
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Kanjo nephew works at firm that gets loan
$400M loan a coincidence, says Kanjorski. Election foe says Kanjorskis must just be lucky.
BILL O ’ BOYLE
boboyle@timesleader.com
The company that employs the nephew of U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski has received a $400 million guaranteed federal loan.
Rep. Kanjorski
The same company, formerly called AVA Solar and now known as Abound Solar Manufacturing, received a $3 million federal grant in 2008.
The two federal awards and the Kanjorskis’ relationship have been called “coincidental” by the company. The Kanjorski campaign said the congressman played no role.
Lou Barletta, the Republican challenger to Kanjorski in the 11th Congressional District race, said, “I guess the Kanjorskis are just lucky.”
Russell Kanjorski – the congressman’s nephew -- is vice president for marketing at Abound Solar, which is based in Loveland, Colo.
During his weekly address to the nation over the Fourth of July weekend, President Barack Obama announced that the Department of Energy was awarding $2 billion in loan guarantees to two energy companies -- Abengoa Solar and Abound Solar Manufacturing. The purpose of the loans is to increase solar panel production that is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs.
Russell Kanjorski was one of the principals in Cornerstone Technologies LLC, which received $9 million in federal grants before it filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2003.
A story in The Times Leader reported, “Cornerstone reported $14,100 in assets compared with $1.34 million in debt” in its bankruptcy filing. The $9 million in federal grants to Cornerstone were earmarked by Congressman Kanjorski, chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises.
According to the Abound Solar website, Russell Kanjorski joined the company in July 2007 and has almost 20 years of experience from multiple industries through his strategy consulting, finance and legal background. The company produces thin-film solar modules suited for large- and utility-scale commercial installations.
“Congressman Kanjorski had nothing to do with the assigning of these government loan guarantees to either of the recipient companies,” said Ed Mitchell, Kanjorski’s campaign spokesman. “They are not earmarks and are part of the president’s stimulus program for job creation. The awards were made by the administration with no congressional involvement.”
Mitchell said Kanjorski did not write a letter in support of the loan.
“He had nothing to do with the application process,” Mitchell said. “Our statement says there was no congressional involvement in the president’s announcement, to our knowledge.”
Barletta found that difficult to believe.
“Only the federal government would give $400 million to a guy who already lost $10 million in taxpayers’ money the government gave him for another business that went bankrupt,” Barletta said. “Wherever they go, federal money follows.”
Mark Chen, spokesman for Abound Solar, said Congressman Kanjorski had no role in the process.
“He was not involved with the securing of the initial commitment of the loan guarantee,” Chen said. “The company has received DOE grants in the past – including the $3 million in 2008 – but the decision on that was made before Russ Kanjorski worked here or even applied for a job. It was purely coincidental.”
A story that appeared in the Denver Post in October 2009 said the privately held Abound Solar “used $150 million in venture capital to get the first of three production lines going at its Longmont (Colo.) factory, which opened in April.”
Russell Kanjorski was attributed in the story stating that “additional capital will have to be generated or raised to build the other lines.”
The Denver Post story said the solar panel industry “faces oversupply, falling prices, a credit freeze, a recession, subsidy cuts in key European markets and rising Chinese competition.”
Bill O’Boyle, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7218.
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60 COMMENTS
How Long Until Bankruptcy? said...
This is a reward for Kanjo's votes on health care, financial reform, and the Porkulus. Kanjo's nephew is getting his last freebies before Uncle Paul is voted out. If Democrats in the 11th district had any class, they would have voted him out after the crime known as "Cornerstone Technologies" happened.
That's What I Read said...
Mr. Kanjorski must have some real pull then. President Barack Obama announced that the Department of Energy was awarding $2 billion in loan guarantees to two energy companies -- Abengoa Solar and Abound Solar Manufacturing. The purpose of the loans is to increase solar panel production that is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs.
david kurtz said...
Ahh hah, again the people are fooled by this politican. Diesn't anybody remember "Cornerstone Technologies"?
Tired of it ALL said...
This obvious greed and corruption Has to stop!!! City and state reps all act like it's their money to do what they want, take care of family and friends .Just look at the people who don't have ,because they don't know anyone !!!! Thanks, Uncle Paulie
Rutro Scooby said...
If anyone believes Uncle Pauly didn't have anything to do with this, can I ask if you also believe in the tooth fairy
Darrell Smith said...
hay ya'll i got a bridge for sale ......but you'll have to go to Brooklyn to get it ......just call 1-800-Kanjorski.
Jonesie said...
Nepotism in Luzerne County! What a novel concept! Well, maybe not nepotism, just plain 'ole corruption.
Bill Planey said...
When are the Obamazombies in Luzerne county going to get rid of Kanjo. He's nothing more than the re-incarnation of a previous crook that was indicted on federal fraud charges, Dan Flood
Public Square Pete said...
Russell Kanjorski goes thru money like water.
DT said...
This guy has got to go. He is the King of corruption in Luzerne County. Please voters, please, vote this guy out. We need honesty and integrity and KANJO lacks both.
J.Wallace said...
I wonder how deep one would have to dig to discover who owns this company. If I were running against Kanjorski I would have already hired a lawyer from Del. to start digging.
Disgusted Taxpayer said...
He's right when he says he had no clue, he doesn't. Corruption continues in Luzerne County. Too bad the money wasn't coming to our district for all those jobs Kanjo blames Barletta for losing. This is a joke. If you morons vote for this clown again you deserve what you get. This also could be the parting favor Kanjo pulled off knowing he's out in November. An immediate investigation should be done.
Lifeindavalley said...
"It was purely coincidental" Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! Comedy Central!
mikeg said...
Most likely another backroom deal. Quid pro quo. Wonder what Kanjo had to give up to funnel the money to a relative that was about to loose his job because of bankruptcy.
Steve "Proud Republican" Tammerlan said...
Here we go again!!!! Kanjo is up to his old tricks yet again. The FBI needs to investigate him. Lou Barletta said it right, “Only the federal government would give $400 million to a guy who already lost $10 million in taxpayers’ money the government gave him for another business that went bankrupt”. Dirty NEPA politics at it finest. Ed Mitchell will defend Kanjorski, he has been the democratic mouthpiece for years. The "Dirty Dems", vote Republican
Anti Incumbent said...
What a fitting photo. Ah, dah, I don't know what you're talking about. Kanjorski is a popular name in Colorado, NOT. The pez (Mitchell) is squirming again to cover their tracks on this one. $400 million of our money to a nephew who lost $10 million the first time. This kid can't make it on his own but do we really have to give him $409 million in 7 years to play with? That's $53.4 million a year. Keep voting straight party lines, maybe the seniors here can move to Colorado and apply at the new white elephant.
gringo said...
How dare Barletta doubt Kanjos veracity.I'm sure this multmillion dollar grant was just a coincident. Barletta is being backed by that cross dressing Guiliani, you can't trust him now.
Jeff said...
And you sheep will still vote for him no matter how many times he steals from you.
jims said...
Is this not great, give the guy 9M then the company files for bankrucy. Now give the same guys company 400M. Say no to Kanjorski-you will be beat badly by barletta this time my friend!
Marty B Salmanos said...
Let's see the stats on a timeline of events. I don't think that one guy could be so lucky that he gets millions in federal grants twice!
Bob said...
Ok Mitchell..your "boss" had nothing to do with this. Would you say that if you were not on the payroll?? Wake up! Get out while you can. The old man is going down and not a day too soon! Go go Kanjo...Welcome , Lou!
A Voter said...
Wait until I vote!!!! He's gone!!!
Kidding_me said...
The rich get richer,... hey I wonder if the government would give me a few million in venture capital. There goes more money that the country's taxpayers will never see again.
Tommy's Gun said...
I guess Barletta is just jealous, He can't straighten out Hazleton, Hes leaving them worse than ever before. How can you focus on Hazleton and have your mind on "Movin On UP" and Tommy corbett going along for the ride.
Anders Vlasqerski said...
Okay idiots in the Wyoming valley, it's time you dig your collective heads out of the Democratic sand. I'm no fan of the Barletta family, but this bum from NANNY-KOKE has go to go.
Anthony said...
I wish I was that lucky! Disgusted and bored, I traced him out on my screen. When he plays dumb, he looks like a cartoon character. Remember the the one from Bugs Bunny? My momma done told me, to fetch me a rabbit.
Frustrated said...
How much of this must be taken before the people of Northeastern Pa. wake up? This guy is a cancer in the system and the people just do not want to see it. Clean house with all these incumbents!!
Linda said...
ONe more reason why we need to sweep this porl lover off his seat. Vote Barletta!
Roy D. said...
This valley will put him in again this Nov. And if the two bad judges were on the ticket this fall they would put them in again Too.
Bob said...
Crooks Liars & Thief's
Teaparty Member said...
He lies like the rest of the politicians that are out for themselves and their families. He lied to the veterans for years. Still no support for HR 333. He claims he does support it but doesn;t indicate it on official records by cosponsoring the bill. Time for Lou. My vote goes for LOu in November.
Luzerne County Mom said...
Tooth whitening is supposed to be applied to your teeth, not your eyebrows!!
Henna Orno said...
If this guy doesn't get voted out of office this time - I'm leaving for Australia. He is unbelievable -$400 million to a nephew who blew $10 million on smoke and mirrors a couple of years ago, money to the Earth Conspiracy for junk equipment and valuable land reclaimation that benefits a few real estate developers, the list goes on..... Vote Barletta - we REALLY do need change.
Family Contracts in Hazleton said...
Do you all really think that no friends or relatives of the Mayor ever got a City contract that was funded with Federal, State or our money. If this paper wasn't voting for Barletta maybe they would look into it. Wake up, I lived in Hazleton all my life, trust me Barletta is no congressman, he can't manage a City were .85cents on every dollar goes to salary what is there to manage.
Richard D. said...
So what's new? That's just politics as usual!
Anders Vlasqerski said...
RE:"Family Contracts in Hazleton" Kanjo gave 410 MILLION to his family and you bash Barletta?? Please get your head out of the sand.
Family Contracts in Hazleton said...
Do you all really think that no friends or relatives of the Mayor ever got a City contract that was funded with Federal, State or our money. If this paper wasn't voting for Barletta maybe they would look into it. Wake up, I lived in Hazleton all my life, trust me Barletta is no congressman, he can't manage a City were .85cents on every dollar goes to salary what is there to manage.
Sea-Bond said...
I don't see no teeth in that mouth to use whitening products.
ScottG said...
No surprise here. Just another part of the culture of corruption that was bred in Luzerne County
Family contracts in Hazleton said...
Anders: Just how did the Rep give out 400 million. You make it sound like he signed the check himself. There were several multi-million dollar deals that went to friends and/or relatives of City Adminstration in Hazleton and somehow it all goes unnoticed. I am not bashing Barletta, I am just giving you my experience with him. Those who only see him on the trail, smiling, shaking hands, telling you how great he is and the problems with the goverment, all think he can change the world, it is with that I disagree. So, my head truly is out of the sand and if you vote for Barletta trust me, you will wish yours was in the sand. I don't want to get into a he said, she said. Just opening your eyes to another politician who is telling you what you want to hear but hasn't done what he claims he can do for others in his own City.
jeff said...
Check out Russell's Facebook page. The guy sure does travel a lot. Someone has to pay for that. It must be us taxpayers. Looks like it runs in the family. FREE FOR ME!
TomG said...
"The purpose of the loans is to increase solar panel production that is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs." Wow, I didn't know Kanjorski had 1200 relatives!
02B KING said...
Why all the outrage? People get into politics for self serving reasons, not for the "for the people" fairy tale.
J said...
family contracts! this story is about corruption at its worst in regards to Paul Kanjorski - you obviously don't like Lou but would you rather coninue in the ways of Kanjorski corruption?....Barletta and his family are saints compared to the years of corruption with defense fund money going to the Earth Conservancy, the Kanjorski family and on and on. No doubt this will all catch up to Mr. Kanjorski sooner or later.
No shame said...
This is a modern day Robin Hood except he forgot to give to the poor and stuffs his families pockets to the brimm. Hey, you want change...vote him back in. The man with no shame on his face, KANJO!
Da king said...
Check out, www.ohiomm.com/blogs/da_kings_men
shadow said...
If anyone bothered to read the voter return of the last time Kanjorski ran you would see it wasn't Luzerne county that carried him back into office.
Tired of Kanjo said...
To the few of you who still have your head in the sand about Kanjo and are complaining "what has Barletta done for Hazleton?" - remember when Barletta tried to keep the illegals out but libs like you took him to court to force Hazleton to pay for free schooling, subsidized housing, free medical care, increased need for police protection. Want to know why Hazleton is the way it is? Take a look at what it's become because people like you fought what Barletta tried to do to protect the city. It's your own fault you allowed your city to be invaded by people who are here ILLEGALLY.
I live in NorthEnd and I VOTE said...
Don't blame Ed Mitchell. He is only the paid mouthpiece for Kanjo and others, not much different from other people who will do anything for a buck or two. Kanjo is scum.
Darryl Licked said...
Read the link from Da King. It will make you sick.
J.Wallace said...
Abound Solar is incorporated out of Delaware and the ownership is hidden .....* GRIN * ......wonder who owns it ....any ideas folks
EBA said...
Democrats need to switch their party for this upcoming election. EVEN if it is for JUST this election. A message needs to be sent that we are NOT allowing this corruption to continue. Enough is enough.
penaten said...
This is not the way to do business I sure wish there was a better canditate to vote for Barletta isnt it!
KANJO NO NO said...
DOESN'T THE GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS ASK IF ANY PRINCIPLES IN THE COMPANY HAVE FILED BANKRUPTCY? BANKS DO.
SadSadSad said...
The Democrats will still vote for Kanjorski, their favorite crook, because they just can't vote Republican. It's a religious thing.
Kathy Dobash said...
I thought waivers, etc. would be in place to eliminate companies who have relatives working/connected to public officials who secure such funds. You know...something like contests who do not let relative enter the competition. How many times are his relatives rewarded?
Carlos said...
Kanjorski is a little OBAMA! Obama and Kanjorski are running this country into the dirt! Barletta is young, intelligent and a leader against illegal immigrants! God forbid the stupid Democrats of NE pa vote for a smart man!
Zigadabee said...
NO BARLETTA One finger pointed at another leaves 3 pointing back at you. Keep It Clean. We're watching your feet.
Remember In November said...
Time to cash in the chips. God knows you have more than enough.
Harold said...
Maybe if Lou Barletta worked as hard to bring solar cell manufacturing to Hazleton as he did to bring in toxic Delaware River dredge for his Hazleton Creek project, he could've gotten lucky too.