Gene Stilp

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Gene Stilp
Known for political activism

Gene Stilp is a political activist from Pennsylvania. He is best known for opposing the 2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy and his use of props during political protests.

Contents

[edit] Political advocacy

Gene Stilp at an anti-pay raise rally in front of the Pennsylvania Capitol
Gene Stilp at an anti-pay raise rally in front of the Pennsylvania Capitol

He is a non-practicing attorney who has filed many public advocacy suits against the government of Pennsylvania.[1] He is best known as an opponent of the 2005 Pennsylvania General Assembly pay raise controversy.[2]

The Philadelphia Inquirer named Stilp one of the three "Citizens of the Year" in 2005.[3]

The Payraise Pig, one of Stilp's political props, in front of the Pennsylvania State Capitol in 2005.
The Payraise Pig, one of Stilp's political props, in front of the Pennsylvania State Capitol in 2005.

He was praised by Ralph Nader for his use of props for political activism.[4][5]

[edit] Statute of Liberty replica

Stilp built and installed a replica of the Statue of Liberty on a pier of the late Marysville Bridge in the Dauphin Narrows of Susquehanna River north of Harrisburg. It was made of venetian blinds and stood 18 feet (5.5 m) tall. Six years later, after it was destroyed in a windstorm, it was rebuilt by Stilp and other local citizens, of wood, metal, glass and fiberglass, to a height of 25 feet (7.6 m).[6][7][8]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Barnes, Tom. "Political watchdog battles for change in Harrisburg", Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 2007-02-05. Retrieved on 2008-04-20. 
  2. ^ Bumsted, Brad. "Gene Stilp, the court jester", Pittsburgh Tribune Review, 2006-01-08. Retrieved on 2008-04-20. 
  3. ^ "Citizens of the Year", Philadelphia Inquirer, 2006-01-04. Retrieved on 2008-04-20. 
  4. ^ Nader, Ralph (2000-03-28). Art Attack: Gene Stilp Uses Props And A Wicked Sense Of Humor To Focus Media Attention On Public Policy Issues. Common Dreams. Retrieved on 2008-04-20.
  5. ^ Nader, Ralph (2004). In Pursuit of Justice: Collected Writings 2000-2003. Seven Stories Press, 435. ISBN 158322629X. 
  6. ^ Scolforo, Mark. "Master of props lends visual effects to memorable publicity campaigns", Associated Press. 
  7. ^ U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Susquehanna River Trail, "Dauphin Narrows/Statue of Liberty"
  8. ^ R. Craig Kochel, personal website, image of the Stilp statue[1]

[edit] See also

 This biographical article about an activist is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
 This article about a Pennsylvania politician is a stub. You help Wikipedia by expanding it.