News

Do I have a great sister or what? Jinny wrote the newsletter last time and I hear she was well-received. I guess that just proves I am replaceable. What she did not tell you was that when I showed up for her meeting at NAPSLO I agreed to end the relationship with that carrier (our book had not been growing for a while and did not look like that could be changed). So, the conclusion of the story is that I never have to go to that meeting again but Jinny still had to write the newsletter.

Anyway, I’m back in my office after being away too much, and as usual I am writing this newsletter last minute. Of course this adds to the stress of my other sister, Joady, who prints and assembles our end of month mailing. I wonder what kind of deal I can make with her?

Earlier this week, Grace was writing a paper for her English class and chose as her topic the quote, “Please all people and you will please none.” I pointed out to her that this is not really a quote, but the moral of the story from Aesop’s Fables, The Man, the Boy, and the Donkey. I have been thinking about this in light of the upcoming elections and I have decided that Aesop’s Fables should be required reading for any candidate before they are allowed on the ballot. 

I certainly understand the fact that no single candidate is capable of pleasing every person, much less every person in their own political party. I believe it is reasonable to support a candidate who aligns with me on the major issues that I care about. But just as important, they need to have a good moral character, be smarter than me, and work well with others. Maybe I need to ask Aesop whom he is endorsing in the state-wide elections.

In Pennsylvania we have some very tight races, but at least we are not in the national spotlight like some of the other state races. It frustrates me to no end when I hear advertising from PACs who say anything they want without impunity. One ad claims the candidate will privatize social security and another claims they are single-handedly responsible for creating hundreds of jobs. What bull!

The current debate in PA, and of course a major issue in the gubernatorial race, is the severance tax on Marcellus Shale production. Some lobbyists will tell us to get on that donkey’s back, and other special interests will shame us for doing so. In the end, we need to do what makes sense for the people of Pennsylvania. If you are not really sure how this affects you then you need to educate yourself. So without trying to take a partisan position, I recommend you google ‘tax issues on marcellus shale production’ and educate yourself. No matter where you stand on this or any issue, please, get out and vote on Tuesday!

While you are at it, Vote for the Tuscano Agency! We work hard for you and look out for your interests. I know in this soft market there is real competition for your business, not just from other brokers but from your in-house carriers doing more. The E&S market may be shrinking, but there is still plenty of business out there to write and I believe Tuscano is good enough to earn it. We bring professional knowledge to help you with coverage, we return your phone calls and emails, and we bring technology to the transaction that lets you define what makes doing business easy. We have great markets for everything from Dwellings to Commercial Trucking, A&E, and Professional Liability. We can help you place the new venture contractor, the local beauty shop with tanning beds, or the guy who decides to become a constable. Tuscano Can Do It!

I am Rob Tuscano and I approve this newsletter.