On April 25, 2012, Dauphin County Commissioners signed a contract with the WS Group, LLC a "fundraising, direct mail, and strategic services firm" owned by Kevin Sidella and John Jones. Most recently with the election, the company's name was highlighted because it was hired by PA House 103rd Democratic candidate Patty Kim's campaign for its mailers. Dauphin County has engaged the firm to create a brand and newsletter for the county's Human Services Department. The contract runs from April 25, 2012 to March 31, 2013 and per the agreement, is not "to exceed $20,000." The service agreement passed 2-0 with County Commissioner George Hartwick abstaining from the vote, most likely because his campaign has used the WS Group. Kevin Sidella was a former aide to Representative Bill DeWeese from 2001-2006. In exchange for immunity, Sidella testified against DeWeese during the representative's January 2012 corruption trial. Currently, Sidella sits as a Swatara Township Commissioner.--Tara Leo Auchey
Photo/Natalie Cake