Father Alex Joseph Ordained in Easton

Before a standing room only crowd, Easton's "Our Lady of Mount Lebanon" parish saw one of its own, Alex Joseph, ordained as a Maronite Catholic priest today. This ordination marks the first time in the past 31 years that an Our Lady parishioner has become a priest.

Easton's tight-knight Lebanese community was there in force, from little brothers poking each other behind their mom's back, to just about every businessman in Shadtown. Even Mayor Sal Panto was among those who paid his respects.

The Most Reverend Gregory John Mansour, Bishop of the Eparchy of St. Maron, presided over the service, along with more priests than I've ever seen together at one time. He called Father Alecx a "work in progress," which drew quite a few laughs. But that's exactly why Alex will be a great priest. He's one of us. He's been an accountant, a probation officer, even a barber. Now he's a priest.

He's already worked a miracle. I didn't have enough money for the meter, but amazingly, was able to escape from downtown Easton without a ticket. 

"Now, we're gonna' out him to work," said Bishop Gregory. Father Alex' first Mass is tomorrow.

Bill White's Extremely Cruel Hall of Shame

Every year or so, the Morning Call's terrorist columnist, Bill White, inducts another hapless and completely innocent soul into his so-called "Hall of Fame."  He likes to call it his collection of the area's "most colorful characters," but it's really the modern equivalent of our colonial era ducking stool, a rogues' gallery. It's no honor, but a public embarrassment and humiliation. It's extremely cruel and heartless.

I wish I had thought of it.

As happens nearly every year, I'm a  nominee. What kills me is that two of my so called friends,  John Stoffa and Ron Angle, are responsible. Stoffa told me he nominates himself every year, and added me this year, too. I responded that just because he's half out of his mind is no reason to drag me down with him. The nomination is bad enough. Last night I told him I feel like jumping off a bridge.

He said I should wait seven months or do it in Lehigh County.

No frickin' sympathy at all.  So much for the County Exec with a heart.

Then there's Angle. He's the bastard with the demented sense of humor, who suggested that I be lumped in with the Wicked Witch of West Easton, Tricia Mezzacappa. He even wants Mezzacappa's pig inducted.. Very, very funny. Ron should be on Saturday Night Live. I called him to complain, and all he did was laugh maniacally like Dr. Evil.

Just for that, I want you all to know that Angle has about fifty forged wills.

I complained to Allentown blogger Michael Molovinsky, hoping for some tea and sympathy. Another mistake. He is now threatening to contact White, too, with the usual "mancrush" accusations. Unlike Michael, I do like one or two people. Molovinsky did not care much for my John "Abe Lincoln, Henry V" Callahan post.

As an award-winning broadcast journalist, I figured a word with White would end this unfortunate turn of events. We're both pricks, so I figured I'd at least  get some professional courtesy. I made things worse.

What do you expect from terrorist columnist who is also a Fabian Socialist?

(I sprained my back earlier this week,and was unable to do much on Thursday, except cry in my pillow. So this rant is it for today. I will have a great story about a friend on Monday, one who did not nominate me to Bill White's Hall of Fame. )

Great Police Officer, Lousy Contractor

Former Police Comm'r John Yerk takes the oath

Former Bethlehem Police Commissioner John Yerk was before Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board on May 22, and under oath, swore that he and his son are lousy contractors. Years ago, they built a storage building at 1746 Center Street, but it's rotting away. So he asked zoners for a dimensional variance that would enable them to demolish the storage building and replace it with a 11' x 28' garage.

Neighbor Linda Carraghan, who also swore that the storage building is deteriorating, asked zoners to let him build a garage. Yerk promised he'd hire a contractor this time, and zoners granted the variance, 4-0.

Zoners also granted a dimensional variance to Richard and Idella Dickey, 1526 Easton Avenue, to construct a 10' x 20' addition to his garage. He explained he just has too much stuff, and is unable to even park his car inside his garage. "I have to move things out just to get the lawnmower," he complained. He added that he has so many things that he has to rent a storage facility a few miles away from his home. "The wife says, 'I need this, I need that'", he complained.

Looking at pictures, Zoner Gus Loupos joked, "Oh, I think you can still get a few things in there."

Dickey stated he has an architect and contractor, ready to build the addition. "It's not Commissioner Yerk is it?" joked Zoner Bill Fitzpatrick.

The Evolution of John Callahan

Callahan and Dent together at Pulaski Park

One of Lincoln's most endearing qualities would probably get him branded a flip-flopper today. He was one of those rare people who could learn from his mistakes; who was willing to listen and actually change his position if he was persuaded he was wrong. His thinking, both about slavery and religion, evolved for the better as time marched on. Very few people possess that quality. Believe it or not, Johnny Casino, sometimes referred to as the frat boy Mayor of Bethlehem, is one such person. He is the wild and rambunctious Prince Hal who evolved into Henry V. And this is thanks, in no small part, to his failed Congressional race against Charlie Dent. The lessons he took from that stinging defeat made John Callahan a better Mayor. It made him a better person. It transformed me from one of his harshest critics into one of his many fans.

Back in 2010, when Callahan first announced for Congress, he played it safe, ducking issues. He even refused to take a position on Obamacare until it was adopted by Congress. Now, he leads from the front. He pushed for a single hauler trash proposal in Bethlehem, knowing that it is unpopular in certain quarters and could hurt him in the Executive race. He owes the voters his best judgment, and gave it to them.

Washington handlers, three years ago, kept Callahan under wraps. He failed to respond to emails or phone calls from bottom-feeding bloggers because the DCCC had scripted his race in advance, with absolutely no regard for transparency. That made me suspicious and led to RTK requests and numerous other headaches for Bethlehem officials. Now, Callahan's office sends out news releases as a matter of routine, and the Mayor was even willing to sit down on several occasions and explain his stewardship of Bethlehem in great detail.

When Callahan ran against Dent, the City was still reeling from the Great Recession, and city finances suffered. His finance guys engaged in a decades-old practice of juggling funds between different city accounts, This was done to eliminate the need to borrow, but City Council often had no idea it was happening. Now, that practice has been eliminated, and City Council is fully apprised of interfund transfers.

At the worst possible time in the Congressional race, an independent audit revealed a serious deficit and numerous other internal control problems. Not only did the City address those internal controls, but it finished the last two years in the black.

While all this was going on, Callahan managed to eliminate $90 million in long-term debt, helped create 5,500 jobs and managed to get the City's S and P bond rating increased from "neutral" to "positive." He also implemented a Continuous Improvement  (CI) program, which encourages workers to find better and more efficient ways of doing thins. A restaurant permit that used to take 42 days now takes 14.

Callahan is a much better Mayor in 2013 than he was in 2010, primarily because he is one of those rare individuals who is capable of  implementing continuous improvement to himself, not just his City.

That's my assessment, but the real test of Callahan's success is what Bethlehem voters think. In 2010, when he ran for Congress, Congressman Charlie Dent took six Bethlehem wards from Mayor John Callahan on his way to a 56-38-6 victory in a three-person race that also included independent Jake Towne.

Three years later, in a three-way primary, Callahan won all but one Bethlehem precinct. He walked away with 1,886 votes, 53.4%.

Bethlehem voters have obviously noticed that Prince Hal has become Henry V.  Below is the Bethlehem tally.

precinct	callahan	mcclure	reibman
1n	25	5	18
1s	19	9	12
2	25	5	8
3	18	11	13
4	29	13	26
5	48	19	33
6	92	26	24
7	92	26	24
8	84	21	34
9-1	35	16	20
9-2	48	17	20
9-3	96	45	51
14-1	125	41	49
14-2	156	61	77
14-3	125	58	67
14-4	70	36	42
14-5	93	52	71
14-6	95	64	59
14-7	144	39	35
14-8	105	48	42
15-1	101	32	37
15-2	139	62	73
15-3	76	55	46
16	28	6	12
17-2	3	0	8
17-4	18	5	7
total	1886	731	909

Updated 11:30 AM: Callahan won every Bethlehem precinct! - As explained in a comment, "Callahan won all the precincts in Bethlehem. The 17th Ward is counted in two parts, but is one precinct. Part of the 17th ward in in the 17th Congressional District, part in the 15th."

Let me add that Blogger Jonathan Geeting, who is an expert on ... everything, has called this a "remedial" political analysis because I am comparing a Democratic primary in a local race with a general election in a Congressional race. That's certainly true.

But unlike Geeting, I took the time yesterday to tally the Callahan vote in each Bethlehem precinct and share it with my readers, especially since I heard all kinds of claims that he is unpopular in Bethlehem. Also, I do think there are similarities. In both races, Callahan's character was the chief issue. It appears that Bethlehem voters, who know him best, have a higher opinion of him now than they did in 2010. Also, since there are so few Republicans, their primaries really are the general election.

Armstrong: Thanks For Nothing

My favorite conservative, Scott Armstrong, shares his insight into the death of democracy in Allentown.

Yesterday Republican Voters in Allentown faced a largely empty ballot: no candidate for mayor, not a single candidate for any of the four city council positions and, in my district, no candidate for county commissioner. The only Republicans on the ballot were to be found in the cross filed school board race. Only three of these candidates were truly Republicans, the rest were cross filed Democrats. These Republican candidates were left high and dry by the local Republican committee and its chair, Wayne Woodman. As they had arranged funding to do a mailer to super D’s the only assistance they requested of the Lehigh County Republican Committee was a letter to Republican super voters that would identify who the actual Republicans were. Earlier this year a facilitator arranged a meeting between Wayne Woodman and me to discuss this effort. At that meeting, he made a commitment to assist with exactly such a letter. In spite of reminders and outreach to the facilitator, that assistance never came. Without any guidance, most Allentown Republicans were left to guess who the real Republicans on the ballot were. The unfortunate result was that two Democrats won positions on the Republican ballot and a very capable conservative Latino lost.

One would think promoting conservative Latino candidates would be a priority in Allentown and Lehigh County. Apparently, it isn’t and the result is another missed opportunity to broaden the base into an important minority community.

But What About Chapman Borough?

Anyone who wants to run for anything knows that you better get on the good side of powerful Chapman Borough. Three of the six Democrats who voted went to Callahan, ensuring his victory county-wide.

Mezzacappa Too Bigoted For Nazareth

Although I've never noticed it, Nazareth has a reputation of being a racist community. My black friends insist it's true whenever I ask them about it, and they would know better than I. Or would they? Maybe they're relying on stories and misinformation, which incidentally is the source of all bigotry.

If Nazareth is racist, it should have loved failed GOP candidate Tricia Mezzacappa, who used the "N" word and slurred minorities in a rant to Easton police. But she only got 36 of Nazareth's 652 votes in the GOP Council race, or 5.5%.

That's well below the 7.94% she received county-wide.

Mezzacappa is too bigoted for Nazareth.

Gracedale Vote Went to Callahan

Callahan announced candidacy at Gracedale

Nazareth, home to many Gracedale workers, was a Lamont McClure stronghold in the NorCo Exec race. I saw yard signs everywhere, and a McClure sign decorated the door at the Nazareth Jacksonian Club. Rodney Applegate, a former Council member, was pushing McClure everywhere in this sleepy borough.

But when the votes were tallied, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan beat the self-proclaimed Savior of Gracedale.

In Nazareth, Callahan had 146 votes to 109 for McClure and 87 for Glenn Reibman.

Lower Nazareth went for Callahan, too. He picked up 97 votes to McClure's 58 and Reibman's 57.

In Upper Nazareth, where Gracedale is physically located and many of the residents vote, Callahan had  101 votes to 56 for McClure and 53 for Reibman.

The people who know the County nursing home the best, both residents and staff, voted for Callahan.

Antonia Grifo Wins Anyway

"She let you take her picture and she won anyway."

That's what blogger Michael Molovinsky told me this morning.

Bastard.

Grifo won both the Republican and Democratic nomination for Easton mini-judge, despite my poor skills as a photographer.

Easton Finally Says No to a Vulcano

Pat Vulcano sits on Easton's school board, while his wife is on Easton City Council. Both are idiots. He gave about forty different stories to the state AG during an investigation of political consultant Tom Severson. He used his office to take care of his daughter. Easton voters nevertheless always voted for him.

They finally said No last night. Pat Vulcano was unable to win a spot on either the Dem or GOP ballot.

Due Gets His Due In Upper Mount Bethel

With all votes in, David Due has defeated incumbent Judy Henckel in Upper Mount Bethel Township's Democratic primary, 163-150. Henckel, an ardent environmentalist, was criticized for ignoring all other aspects of township government, and for a complete lack of transparency. As Chairperson of the Board of Supervisors, she was completely unable to control meetings. Morale among Township employees disintegrated, and one of them was recently charged with embezzling over $900 from the recreation fund. Henckel tried to keep this under wraps as well until this blog broke the story.

This race is significant for another reason. Henckel was one of Ron Angle's loudest critics. It appear that in his home town, the Northampton County Bulldog still has a bite.

Atiyeh-Backed Candidate Wins GOP Primary in Bethlehem Tp

Pat Breslin, an Abe Atiyeh candidate for Bethlehem Township Commissioner, has defeated incumbent Paul Weiss in the GOP primary, 120-43. But this race might not be over. Weiss was waging a write-in campaign on the Democratic side.

"We, The People" Say Callahan!

The Fake Rev likes to refer to himself as "We, the People." But last night, the real people spoke. Overwhelmingly, Democrats said they want John Callahan to be their next County Executive. According to the "unofficial" Northampton County tally, he has 50.45% of the vote (5,182) to Glenn Reibman's 28.5% (2,928) and Lamont McClure's even more distant 20.92% (2,149).

Callahan beat McClure 2.4 votes to 1.

Callahan overcame a campaign of smears from his opponents, who double-teamed him. Unable to find any really bad photos of Callahan, Reibman used a look-alike to try to present Callahan as a drunk. It even reached the point, last weekend, in which goofy paparazzi followed Callahan wherever he went, trying unsuccessfully to catch him in a compromising position.

McClure was even worse, with goofy and completely unsubstantiated accusations that he made through Fake Rev Mario Martinez on his barely legible hate blog. Martinez lurked around McClure's campaign HQs last night, trying his best to make sure the TV camera caught him.

While his opponents engaged in smears and pandering, Callahan conducted an impressive grassroots campaign in all corners of the County. He spent weekends knocking on doors in Easton, Wind Gap, Bangor, just about everywhere.

It paid off.

McClure's pathetic performance is an indication that Gracedale is no longer on the front burner with most voters. That issue was decided. It's time to move on into the many other aspects of County government, from protecting abused and neglected children, to making sure our bridges are safe.

This election is also a rejection of the demagoguery displayed by the Fake Rev and other Gracedale sympathizers who lost focus and became far too personal in their attacks.

Callahan's daughter cast her first vote today, accompanied by her Dad. I think she voted for Reibman.

Donchez Race Closer Than It Should Have Been

With 89% of the vote tallied, Bob Donchez is on his way to victory in the Bethlehem Mayoral race. He has 52% of the vote to Reynold's 48%. This is closer than it should be.

Some might say it's because of Donchez' negative campaign. I'd say it's because opponent Willie Reynolds worked his ass off, and all along had Mayor John Callahan's support. Although WFMZ has not projected Bob as a winner just yet, DA John Morganelli has told Donchez supporters that, with all but one precinct in, Donchez is in the lead.

Democracy Still Dead in Allentown

It appears that Julio Guridy, Cynthia Mota, Ray O'Connell and Daryl Hendricks have prevailed in Allentown's City Council race. With the exception of Hendricks, who is independently-minded, the rest are all rubber stamps to King Edwin as he transforms Allentown into Reillyville.

Jennifer: Don't Order That Black Robe Just Yet

Jennifer Sletvold, after an amazing campaign in which she managed to capture both Democratic and Republican nominations, managed to climb above three other excellent candidates. But despite her success at the polls, she should hold off on buying a black robe. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has yet to decide a challenge to the mandatory retirement that would require Judge Leonard Zito to step down. Since most of the justices are soon going to have to step down themselves, and don't want to, Jennifer might have to wait just a bit longer.

I've heard a rumor, incidentally, that Judge Zito is being offered the position of Court Administrator, one made available by Jim Onembo's "unexpected" retirement.

Republicans Say NO to Mezzacappa

Looks like "We, the People" got another one right. Northampton County Republicans have resoundingly rejected Tricia Mezzacappa and her message of hate in the County Council races.

With 100% of the vote tallied, Mezzacappa came in last place among seven Republicans seeking five nominations. She garnered just 2,200 votes, the lowest vote total of all Council candidates. Even in the West Easton Borough Council race, where she is running unopposed, she attracted only 19 votes. That's less than half of the 41 votes she got in a Republican primary there just two years ago.

It's safe to say that people are giving Mezzacappa a message of disapproval, but she'll try to explain it as something else.

It's just as well she lost because it appears she's going to be busy in Magistrate's Court for the next few months, facing two harassment charges as well as a payment determination hearing after she fell behind on her fines.

The GOP winners in the County Council races are Peg Ferraro (5,033); Hayden Phillips (4,707); Glenn Geissinger (4,508); Mat Benol (4,000) and Seth Vaughn (3,887).
Despite a poor ballot position, Ferraro was top vote getter.

On the Democratic side, the five successful candidates are Deb Hunter (6,893); Ron Heckman (6,468); Jerry Seyfried (5,879); Christen Borso (5,325) and Tom O'Donnell (4,690). Deb Hunter just missed four years ago, and obviously learned from her last campaign.

O'Donnell is half nuts, so I don't know how he got on the ballot.

Updated 1:40 AM: I was unaware of this, but Peg Ferraro yesterday announced, on her Facebook page, that Mezzacappa had mounted a robo call against her. "To my Republican friends in Northampton County...please vote tomorrow. There is a nasty robo call out there against me Tricia Mezzacappa is the culprit. Hate the nastiness to promote herself. Another good reason to know who you are voting for! Please, EVERY vote counts and I need you!!! Thanks from the bottom of my heart!" That smear probably helped Ferraro.

Who Are You Voting For ... and Why?

Instead of telling you for the 55th gazillionth time which candidates I like and why, I'll let you use this space to make your last minute picks in whatever race you want to discuss. Is democracy really dead in Allentown? Will John Callahan get more than 50% of the vote in the NorCo Executive race? Can Dean Browning beat the man who beat him a few sort years ago? Will Bob Donchez and Willie Reynolds be able to work together, once the politics ends at 8 PM? Will racist Tricia Mezzacappa become the standard bearer for NorCo Republicans?

Nancy Run Fire Co. Getting a Makeover

3 of Nancy Run's 5 bays are too small for modern fire equipment

From a fire company expansion to an ammo purchase, public safety issues dominated the May 20 meeting of Bethlehem Township Commissioners.

Nancy Run Fire Company will start a $1 million expansion this Summer, according to trustee Bill Andress. Bethlehem Township Commissioners, at their May 20 meeting, approved a building additions and renovations plan by a 4-0 vote. Commissioner Tom Nolan was absent. Although Commissioners have given a green light, the volunteer fire company still has a zoning hearing scheduled for May 29, at which dimensional variances will be sought.

This truck nearly touches ceiling

Nancy Run Fire Company, located on Easton Avenue, has existed since 1931. Manned by forty volunteers, and with no paid staff, this fire company responded to 850 calls last year. It has grown from a department that mostly put out agricultural fires, to one that responds to motor vehicle accidents, automatic alarms and even assists the City of Bethlehem. As its service expands, so has its need for space.

The biggest change, according to Andress, will be expanding the ceiling space in three of the fire company's five bays. At 12'4", these bays are too small for modern fire apparatus. The fire company will also add training rooms, and will retain 900 sq ft for future expansion.

This expansion is being funded, in part, by a $100,000 grant from the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development. Andriss is also hopeful for some funding from the Gaming Authority. No Township resources have been expended.

In other business, Commissioners authorized Township officials to apply for an annual $20,000 grant for DUI enforcement. Township Manager Howard Kutzler explained that police use this funding for 24 "events" every year. Most are roving patrols, with only one sobriety checkpoint.

Finally, Commissioners set aside $14,799.20 for the purchase of ammo for police. Kutzler told Commissioners that what used to be a two to four week waiting period is now 14-18 months, if a state contract is pursued. With an outright purchase, it's still a four to six month wait.

Nancy Run Fire Co. first established in 1931, is getting a makeover

Ott, the God Candidate

Whether it is the Fake Rev or a devout Muslim, I'm very leery of people who claim God is on their side. But it happens all the time. During the Civil War, just about every general except Grant claimed God was on his side. Abraham Lincoln finally set one of them straight. “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.” Too bad Lincoln never had a chat with Scott Ott, Lehigh County Exec candidate.

Four years ago, he very nearly propelled himself into office by leaning heavily on the evangelical Christians he got to know as a preacher. He made sure that the Epistle of Ott, also known as "Don Cunningham Attacks Lehigh County Churches," was delivered to churches throughout the Lehigh Valley. Never mind that Cunningham was only concerned about one church, the one that was violating its nonprofit status with Ott.

Dean Browning is a pretty religious guy, too. He actually goes to Church on Sundays, and I believe that he's an evangelical Christian himself. Last Sunday, volunteer Ben Long invited Dean to worship with him and his parents at Faith Church. Dean went. He was there to pray, to be on God's side. So he wore no campaign buttons and made no effort to play politics. He had no hand outs, and made no remarks. He was just going to church.

Later that day, Ben [he's also been a volunteer for Charlie Dent and Ryan Mackenzi] received an anonymous text message from 610-[redacted]. Ben was told to pray about who he's supporting. "I know who God is supporting," the text claims. As it turns out, 610-[redacted] also happens to be the number of Ann Marie Slavick. She's the Vice Chair of the Lehigh County Republican Committee.

Looks like Ott is trying to present himself as the Messiah again.

I called Tim Benyo. He told me God can't vote in Lehigh County because He lives in Northampton, and is registered independent.

Updated 5/22, 8:50 PM: At the request of Ms. Slavick, the reference to her cell phone number has been deleted.

PFA Order Filed Against Disgruntled Caseworker Jim Gregory

Senior Judge Lawrence E Brenner issued a Protection from Abuse Act Order this afternoon against disgruntled Northampton County Human Services caseworker Jim Gregory. Pending a full hearing on May 31, Gregory has been ordered to stay away from his girlfriend, surrender his firearms, and make no attempt to contact her in any way, even through third parties.

In a sworn affidavit, Gregory's girlfriend, whom I decline to name, recites a pattern of abuse that became life-threatening last week.

Before last Wednesday, he had punched her while driving, choked her and headbutted her.

On Wednesday, things got worse.

"He kicked me in the gut and knocked me backwards out of nowhere. I asked him why he did that. I threw the phone. I went to leave the room. He grabbed me by my neck  and threw me onto the bed and was strangling me. He got on top of me and was punching me in the head. I grabbed the pillow and stuck [it] in front of my face. I was pinching him to stop. He grabbed me again. He bit me by my wrist. He stuck his finger in my eye sockets and was pushing hard. I kept trying to scream for help. He was still trying to strangle me. I somehow got away from him. I went downstairs and grabbed my keys ... ."

On Thursday, she contacted police, who filed charges against Gregory. On Friday evening, police told Gregory not to contact her. But he has ignored that advice, attempting to contact her over 100 times since his conversation with police. He also told his girlfriend's mother to bring her to the magistrate's office to drop the charges.

He's grown increasingly more angry, and has begun sending text messages telling her he will destroy her and ruin her in any way he can.

He has also, according to the sworn affidavit, impersonated his girlfriend in blog comments here.

Gregory's girlfriend first tried to seek a PFA Order on Friday afternoon, but was told she'd have to wait until Monday to file, or seek an emergency order from a Magistrate through the Bethlehem police. She tried contacting Bethlehem police. An officer who is friendly with Gregory, himself a former police officer, tried to talk her out of it, according to the mother.

Gregory is former President of Bethlehem City Council and works with mentally ill people for Northampton County. In recent weeks, he has called for the removal of virtually every supervisor in his department, as well as Executive John Stoffa.

According to his girlfriend's sworn statement, "He is manic and is having a breakdown."

Donchez is the Better of Two Good Candidates For Bethlehem

Public safety is the core of Bob Donchez' campaign

As an outsider, the Bethlehem Mayoral race really surprised me. Willie Reynolds is an excellent candidate who has worked his ass off in this campaign, knocking on thousands of doors and energizing a group of enthusiastic volunteers. He is a leader. He deserves to be Mayor. Just not yet.

As much as I like Willie, I like Bob Donchez even more. You would not know it from his campaign, which was unnecessarily negative. But in every other way, he symbolizes everything that is right about the Christmas City. On Council, and while governing, he has been a consummate gentleman who looks for the good in other people. I like his strong emphasis on public safety, which in my opinion, should always be a Mayor's first priority. I also appreciate his realistic understanding of City finances. Even Mayor Callahan has stated that Bethlehem still faces a few tough years, thanks primarily to a massive pension payment and growing health costs. Bethlehem may be in the middle of an "economic renaissance," as Willie insists, but its financial situation is still precarious.

Willie has matured and has grown more and more independent during his time on City Council. But I question whether he has the same commitment to public safety as Bob. He also appears to pander, or put more kindly, is taking his case to certain special interest groups. He refused to vote for a much-needed tax hike. He reached out to the LGBT community in a news conference, not because it is a particularly burning City issue, but because the gay community votes and, more importantly, give lots of money to favored candidates. Part of Willie's Winning Our Neighborhood program is an appeal to the anti-fracking element. Though that issue is only remotely connected to Bethlehem, it will attract environmentalists, who also vote and make contributions.

Willie is certainly in better touch with the young urbanista and twitterati than Bob. But Bob has the rest of Bethlehem wrapped up. I do think Reynolds represents Bethlehem's future.

NorCo Centralized Human Service Construction Begins

Raymond Greene, former VA Director

On May 17, before a crowd of about seventy people, Northampton County officially broke ground on a new centralized human services building at 2801 Emrick Boulevard in Bethlehem Township. This project was approved by a 8-1 County Council vote in February, as a 15-year lease for a 3-story, 66,375 sq ft building on 5.36 acres, with 256 parking places, at a cost of about a million dollars a year in rent. After five years, the County will have an option to buy the property.

Polaris Properties, which owns the tract, expects to have the steel by July, and to complete construction by next March. Polaris has agreed to pay prevailing wages for the construction, which means this would be a union job.

CYF caseworkers ready to build it themselves

Stoffa has previously called a centralized human services building a "golden opportunity to do something terrific" for the 18,000 people who use the County's human services at two different buildings

The Governor Wolf Building, located at 45 N 2d St in Easton, is a 52,171 sq ft schoolhouse, built in 1893. Purchased by the County in 1986 for $912,000, it is home to 173 human services workers. It needs $3.3 million in capital repairs and improvements over the next 5-10 years. Employees who work there complained about caving ceilings and lead paint exposure.

Ken Kraft looks for a union shovel

The Martin J. Bechtel Building, located at 520 E Broad Street in Bethlehem, is a 28,000 sq ft facility, built in 1962. Purchased by the County in 1993 for $763,000, it houses 70 human services workers. It needs $1 million in capital improvements and repairs over the next 5-10 years.

These building are now on the market, with an anticipated $2.8 million in proceeds, which will be used for improvements at the new Bethlehem Township facility.

Kathleen Dilts, a CYF caseworker who felt strongly about the project, picked Stoffa up when he despaired that it would ever happen. On her own, she and another CYF caseworker prepared a slide presentation that depicted the grisly conditions at the Governor Wolf Building, where one of the worries was making sure that children on supervised visitation were not exposed to lead paint chips. When they presented their findings to Council, most of the opposition vanished.

Sheriff's Honor Guard handles the colors

At Friday's groundbreaking, Dilts spoke for the caseworkers. (See video here). "We're so excited that we're finally going to get this new building where, not only the caseworkers can come and feel safe, but all of our clients can get all of the services they so desperately need, in location; which I think is key, for most of our clients have a number of difficulties."

Stoffa (see video here) called the building a commitment to 18,000 Northampton County residents "who did not choose to get a mental illness; citizens who did not plan on being born with an intellectual disability; persons who never expected to become addicted to drugs or alcohol; children who did not ask to be sexually abused or physically harmed by their caretakers; and all of us who are aging, one day at a time, to the point that someday we will need someone to help us dress or eat.

Despite a bad cold, Peg Ferraro grabbed a shovel

"It will be a new place for our veterans, without having to labor up a hill, to get into a building.

"To me, this building was always about clients and families. It should never be named after a person. It belongs to the people of Northampton County - a decent building where people are accepted, valued and helped in their path through life.

"So often in the past, the places in the country where the services are provided in this building, have been provided in places that are shabby, old and neglected. I'm so glad that today we dedicate a brand new building to these services where one phone call and one building will get you the services that you need."

Critics of the project predicted that Bethlehem Township officials would throw up all kinds of roadblocks. But Township Manager Howard Kutzler, along with Commissioners Paul Weiss and Marty Zawarski, attended the groundbreaking. Weiss (see video here) pledged to make the process "as smooth and seamless as possible. ... I think we're all looking forward to you'all being our neighbors. We look forward to that."

Peg Ferraro, Ken Kraft and Barb Theirry, who voted to sue Stoffa the night before, have suddenly disappeared. 

Sheriff Randy Miller and Corrections Director Arnie Matos have a friendly rivalry  about their respective color guards. Matos notes that Miller has no bagpipe or singer. "What we lack in quantity, we make up for in quality," insists the Sheriff. 

Meet NorCo Council Candidate Frank Hesch

I spoke to GOP NorCo Council candidate Frank Hesch before Thursday night's meeting. Frank points to his experience in the financial services industry, growing up with his family's automotive business and finally, his leadership role for the past two years in the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce.

"I know I can provide value to Northampton County," he concludes.

Hanover Township Revenues Up 24% Over Last Year

Hanover Tp Supervisors, with CPT John Wittmaak, at Armed Services Park

Hanover Township Supervisors learned that their finances are in good shape during their May 14 meeting. Independent Auditor Todd Bushta, in a review of 2012's revenues and expenditures, has issued what he calls a "clean report" in the accounting of $23,821,814 in net assets at the end of the year. Total revenue was $8,840,837 of which $5,090,316 came from taxes. Expenses were $7,907,171, leaving the Township with a surplus of $933,666.

One piece of very good news is that the Township's debt service. Though it's currently set at $500,000 per year, it will drop significantly in 2016 to about $147,500 per year. "I don't think any municipality can make that claim," stated Township Manager Jay Finnigan.

On another financial front, Treasurer Ryan Kish told Supervisors that revenues are up 24% while expenses are down 13% from over the same period last year.

"I guess we should keep our Treasurer," joked Chairman John N. Diacogiannis.

Public Works Director Vince Milite explained one way in which expenses have been reduced. Changing electricity providers to Patriot Energy has saved the Township $15,000 in its electric bills over the past two years.

Milite also reported that his department has just finished installing 136 new traffic warning signs throughout the Township. In 2011, the Township installed new traffic advisory signs.

Supervisors also awarded a $246,537 road paving contract to Hanson Aggregates, located in Stroudsburg, for this year's road paving.

Hanover Tp Says Thanks to Our Armed Services

Armed Services Park is located on Route 512. 

On Armed Forces Day, May 18, Hanover Township paid homage to the 2.27 men and women serving in the United States armed forces in a ceremony at Armed Services Park. About thirty people listened to brief remarks from Congressman Charlie Dent and CPT John Wittmaak, Commander of CO C, 228th BSR. But as always, The Dream Kids stole the show with their singing.

LeRohn "Dan" Dreysher performed taps, something he has now done at area remembrances nearly 2,800 times.

Dream Kids Amber Glose, Jillian Skerchak, Christina Karabyik and Hailey Durner

Color Guard SPC Lucas Lucier, SFC Donald Lotting, PFS Sarah Tolley and PFC Oliver Burgos arr soldiers with the Pa. Army Nat'l Guard, Alpha Company, 228th BSB, 28th Infantry Division

LeRohn "Dan" Dreysher, a WWII vet who served in the U.S. Navy, has now performed "Taps" nearly 2,800 times

Without these guys, nothing happens. Public Works employees Marty Limpar, Jim Skinner, Matt Hartzell & Duane Breidenbach put it all together

The reason d'etre for Armed Services Park

Republicans! Don't Vote for Tricia Mezzacappa

Tricia Mezzacappa is one of seven Republicans seeking five at-large seats on Northampton County. As woman with a good last name n a crowded field, I'd say her chances are pretty good. But if she succeeds and is elected by Republicans as one of their candidates, it is very likely that she will drag down every Republican candidate in the County. She is that bad. Here's some of her past.

1999 - New Jersey Commissioner of Education affirms her dismissal as a Business Manager at a New Jersey School. She "had left work without permission twice and, on occasion, was uncooperative and resistant to direction."

2004 - Mezzacappa files for bankruptcy in New Jersey (04-24451-ref).

4/5/11: Mezzacappa summons Easton police over a beeping cabbie. According to several witnesses, including the cabbie, she used the "N" word with respect to her neighbors. An Easton police officer reports, "her vocabulary was tinged with hints of racial bias."  She also threatens to get rid of Easton police, once she's elected.

4/13/12: Mezzacappa applies for a concealed carry permit, listing as references two people she knew would  oppose her application. She lists Executive John Stoffa and my Attorney, Rick Orloski, as her supposed references.

May 2012: In a defamation action filed against her, Mezzacappa filed this statement in Court: ""I have had to seek medical attention to properly handle my anxiety, fear and stress. It is the opinion of my physician, that I must be sedated with medicines that are included on the Schedule of Class IV Controlled Substances , for all matters involving Bernie O'Hare, to quell the situational anxiety I have suffered at the hands of Mr. O'Hare. It is my opinion (as a Registered Nurse of 10 years), that due to the potency of this medication, I would be unfit to stand trial, or provide my own defense pro-se."

June 2012: Mezzacappa leaks her own application. In an email to Sheriff Randy Miller, she demands to know why her license is taking so long. She sent copies of her email to a number of people: Easton Mayor Sal Panto, State Rep. Bob Freeman, Assistant County Solicitor Jill Mancini and Easton Police Chief Carl Scalzo.

11/15/12 - Mezzacappa convicted of disorderly conduct after a profanity-laced tirade at West Easton Borough hall, during which two witnesses testified that Mezzacappa threatened to kill Borough Council President Kelly Gross.

January 2013: Mezzacappa loses her posting privileges at The Express Times website after posting this death fantasy three times:

Maybe I'M scared, but I dont think I'm paranoid, or a gun nut. See, law enforcement doesnt always work for insignificant nobody's like myself. They dont always serve and protect, either. When armagedon comes a runnin towards my house, I stand armed and ready. I picture armegedon about 5 ft 9 and balding, little eyeglasses on the tip of his nose, and enough fat flaps to insulate a bull. Deep breath, aim, shoot, and....one hollow point goes right through his skull, he's dead before he hit the ground, kersplat....PERFECT

February 2013: Mezzacappa ejected from an Easton gun shop, where she was circulating her nomination petition without permission.

3/7/13: Judge Anthony Beltrami issues order barring Mezzacappa from filing stalking complaints against me or Ron Angle without first getting the Court's permission.

4/11/13: Mezzacappa sues The Express Times for reporting about her online impersonation of a former candidate.

4/11/13:  DA John Morganelli approves harassment prosecution of Mezzacappa, based on evidence that she was impersonating a former candidate online, pretending to have his support, and that she continued the impersonation after she was asked to stop.

4/21/13: Now posting as Pigface817 at The Express Times websiter she tells one reader that his mouth needs "acid wash." Speaking of West Easton Boro Council Prez Kelly Gross, Mezzacappa states, "Word is, Gross already had her head bashed in once, (years ago) but never learned her lesson," Mezzacappa states, referring to a brutal assault inflicted on Gross when she was a caseworker at KidsPeace. "People with less restraint than Mezz would have twice bashed her head not agaisnt a wall, but through it," claims Mezzacappa. "Gross is a nutcase who needs to be removed from office for good."

5/13/13 - DA John Morganelli approves harassment prosecution of Mezzacappa, based on evidence that she is following West Easton Borough Clerk Jill Garcia in a public place.

5/16/13: Default judgment filed against Mezzacappa in my defamation suit against her.

Jim Gregory, Lounge Singer

If he loses his job with Northampton County, it's nice to know that Jim Gregory has a back up plan.

Updated 11 AM: According to his alter ego, Tom Foolery, "Gregory's IQ on Stanford-Binet test for Mensa was 128..Just missed then." He also claims, "if I were Gregory, you'd be missing in action. Gone from this earth, lol.. Get the drift?"