As predicted on Wednesday, Don Cunningham's American Heroes Grant has finally meandered its way to Northampton County Council. Last night, Councilpersons Dertinger and McClure proposed on ordinance identical to the one adopted in Lehigh County on June 13. If adopted at council's next meeting, any member of the military deployed for four months either this or next year, will qualify for a full property tax rebate.Slam dunk, nothing to talk about, right? Wrong. This is the People's Republic of Northampton County,
What I failed to predict is that Councilperson Ron Angle had an idea of his own. He calls a it a "sister ordinance," The Greatest Generation Grant (you can read it here). It's directed at WWII vets whose sole source of income is social security or veterans' benefits. It gives them full real estate tax rebates this and next year.
Like Emeril Lagasse, Angle takes Cunningham's good idea, and kicks it up a notch. BAM!
In addition to honoring soldiers who are currently in harm's way, why not also recognize aging soldiers whose sole source of income is social security and/or veterans' benefits? Where better to start than with the Greatest Generation, who silently endured deep sacrifices during the second world war?
As Angle explained after last night's meeting, he'd like to continue in succeeding years with Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf War vets as they get older and find themselves in need. Taking this approach, one conflict at a time, will also present less of a fiscal strain on the county. "If we are going to take care of the military, why not take care of all of the military?"
Angle also suggests some clarifications to the American Heroes Grant ordinance. The way it's drafted, most soldiers don't qualify unless they own real estate solely in their own name. Most people, including soldiers, share their property with a spouse or soulmate. Angle wants to make clear that a soldier qualifies, even if he shares his home with his wife or someone else.
Despite two really good proposals, last night's council meeting would not be complete without at least some theatrics. Angle, a little miffed that the American Heroes Grant program is sponsored by two council members who never spent a second in the service, called it "political grandstanding." He added no one has yet to apply for a rebate.
"That's not true," shot back Charles Dertinger.
Actually, Charles, it is. Cunningham's American Heroes Grant is a terrific idea, but it is largely symbolic. In the six weeks since Lehigh County has adopted this program, no one has applied for a rebate. I know that because I called yesterday. I'm sure that will change, but doubt there will be a flood of applicants.
Angle 1, Dertinger 0.
But don't worry, Dertinger got back at Angle. After Ron finished his pitch for the Greatest Generation Grant, Dertinger shook his head and said, "I'm just stunned at the level of political grandstanding."
Angle 1, Dertinger 1.
Fortunately, the game did not go into overtime. I don't really care what motivates them. A good idea is a good idea, even if for all the wrong reasons. The only question, and it's a biggie, is whether this is legal. Lehigh County's solicitors think so, but they won't be representing Northampton County if it gets sued.
Update: Dertinger Slams Vets! In remarks to Express Times reporter Sarah Cassi following last night's forty minute meeting, Council member Charles Dertinger proves voters were certainly right when they rejected his congressional bid. He actually suggests soldiers in Iraq have it tougher than WWII vets because they can be deployed multiple times. "It's not the same situation" as previous wars, according to Commander Charles.
Charles, they should all be honored. It's shameful your animosity towards Angle would cause you to disparage WWII vets, who often spent years overseas.
29 comments:
It surprises me that Ronny would come up with this. It's actually a good idea.
now Bern. I know you dislike Charles, but i just read the express piece. I'm not certain it's a fair read to say Dertinger "slammed" WWII vets.
Bernie, I just talked to a friend who returned from Iraq and he didn't know this had passed in Lehigh. It hasn't been marketed well at all. Give it time.
As far as Angle and Dertinger, they are both way behind Don Cunningham's leadership on this one. Which is why he will be governor and they will still be bickering county councilmen.
Every patriot who ever went into the military was tough, he or she had to be. Their family had to be tough too to live with that worry day and night. I would hate to see the people of today if they had to put up with all the sacrifices that the WWII homefront had to endure. Butter, meat, sugar,coffee, were all rationed. I have some of the ration books. Gas? If you got 5 gallons a week i'd say you were lucky. And if you got a flat... good luck finding a good tire.
Anon 5:42, I linked to the piece when I made my accusation so that you can determine for yourself. He actually tries to make Iraqi war vets "more deserving" than other vets, and that's a slam.
LVDem,
I agree Cunningham had a good idea, and deserves all the credit for it. I also think there will be more apps next year and not many this year. The Ordinance was just adopted 6/13, and was not effective until 7/13.
Most soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan in the beginning of this year are probably still there. Very few of these soldiers own real estate. The way the ordinance is drafted, it looks like they qualify only if the property is only in their name individually, so that narrows the field further. And before you can get the rebate, you have to pay the tax.
I think it's a great ordinance, but LC probably should tinker with the definition of ownership in its ordinance. I don't see it reaching many people, but that does not mean it's a bad idea. I think it's a fitting tribute.
Angle took Cunningham's idea, and gives it a different twist by suggesting we honor vets in their senior years when they are on fixed incomes. Perhaps LC should take a look at Ron's Greatest Generation Grant, as NC will most certainly adopt Cunningham's American Heroes Grant.
Incidentally, LVDem, Angle doesn't mind being a councilman.
And like I said in my post, a good idea is a good idea, regardless of the motives of the person who proposes it, and Don (I want to be governor) Cunningham is as political as they come. He's just a hell of a lot smoother about it, and I give him credit for that, too.
Angle guarded a phone booth in Washington, DC in the 60's and that makes him an expert on veterans affairs. Dertinger request was for active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. If your on active duty, are you a veteran? What branch did you serve in Bernie, that you are an expert also.
I'm curious. Did The post WW II G.I. Bill cover veterans fromm the Spanish-American War?
Angle makes no claim to be an expert on veterans' affairs. The "American Hero Grant" only applies to people who served four months active duty in 2007 or 2008. After they do that, guess what? They're veterans.
This is a good proposal.
Angle proposes to extend its reach to veterans of other conflicts, starting with The Greatest Generation.
That's a good proposal, too.
It's unfortunate you allow your animosity towards Angle or me to prevent you from recognizing a good idea, no matter what its source.
As a matter of fact, I happen to be a vet. I was in the Army reserve artillery unit for 8 years, and was one of the worst soldiers you'd ever see.
Angle is a USMC active duty vet, and spent some years guarding the Arlington Cemetery. Neither the USMC nor other vets equate that duty with guarding phone booths.
But all of this is besides the point now, isn't it?
Cunningham's American Heroes Grant is a terrific idea, and I'm glad to see it here, no matter what the source. Angle's propsal to honor our older vets, starting with WWII vets on fixed incomes, is another salute.
It's a pity your petty attitude blinds you from recongnizing the quality in both proposals.
let's honor the Bolshevik revolution vets while were at it. Bernie, wher'd you serve? The Hellertown Post Office.
Anon 11:53, I assume you read my last comment. That pretty much answers your question. It never ceases to amaze me that people will condemn a good idea simply because they don't like where it comes from.
So my relatives who served in WWII
then came home and worked hard at the Steel won't get this because they have a pension?? Then they will have to bear the extra burden also of helping pay for those who aren't.. More taxes for the middle class veterans..I'm sure they'll be thrilled..
Tom Foolery makes a good point. These proposals sound nice, but someone has to pay for them, and that may increase the burden to seniors and others who might need a break even more.
Tom Foolery & LVHW,
Whenever we give to one group, another group has to suck it up. For years, we've been handing out money to developers. For years, seniors on fixed incomes have waited for Pa. to adopt meaningful property tax relief.
Assuming this is legal, and it's a big if, these are both wonderful programs. Angle's is directed at older veterans on fixed incomes. Yes, Tom Foolery, I do mean to suggest that someone who gets pensions, social security and other benefits can make a sacrifice for a WWII vet whose sole income is social security and VA benefits. That's why government exists.
There's a rational basis for setting aside this group, and it serves a compelling state interest, so I don't think it violates equal protection guarantees. But I'm not so sure about the legality of either proposal.
My ultimate goal is actually not vets, but seniors on fixed incomes. They do need a break. The Greatest Generation Grant is targeted at seniors who are vets on fixed incomes. My hope would be to see that all seniors have real estate taxes eliminated or minimized. And that does mean the rest of us suck it up, something our consumer society does not like to do anyomore.
It depends on why you think government is here. I believe it exists to help people, not force them from their homes.
You are bashing Dertinger for drawing a distinction between WWII, a worldwide conflict of epic proportions and Iraq, a war about absolutely nothing?
It keeps getting better, Mr. O'Hare. :)
WWII vets were rewarded with the GI Bill. Current returnees are completely volunteer and knew the deal when they signed. Local government should avoid populist impulses like these. I'll bet there are many veterans who'd rather see appropriate funds directed at infrastructure improvement before a local bridge collapse kills a bunch of us. God bless all veterans, whatever is decided.
Dear Mr. Dertinger, As the proud son of a WWII vet and someone who didn't see his father until he was Two year s old, I must remind you that while Iraq Vets can be deployed multiple times, the WWII vets were deployed FOR THE DURATION.
AND NOBODY KNEW HOW LONG THAT MEANT. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT.
A disgusted Democrat and a american patriot.
Mr. Chirpy, I could understand Dertinger wanting to help those who serve in Iraq, but his attempt to somehow make them superior to WWII vets really riled me, I guess. I am tough on Detinger, but I still think his remarks were insensitive at best.
I am a proud veteran.
I side with you, Bernie, on the merits of these proposals for veterans, whether Dertinger's proposal or Angle's proposal. I have told you time and again, that I would love to see a scaled income-based decrease for seniors.
However, I am on the fence as to the news article if Dertinger's comments disparage WWII veterans. I don't think he meant what he said to the news reporters. I think he was so bent out of shape with Angle's remarks (and Ron can do that to you!) that Charles started saying things he shouldn't have or forgot his train of thought.
Both Councilmen should be proud of their sponsorship of the ordinances. Sometimes their animosity towards one another gets in the way of a good thing. They're worried about one-upsmanship during an election year, when they should keep their minds on business.
Blue Coyote,
Your remarks are fair enough. Although Dertinger actually made the same claim to both papers, I'll agree Ron can really wind him up, and I'll concede he probably didn't mean things quite the way they came out.
Like you, I think both proposals are great if legal. That really bothers me.
But if it is legal to enact rebates, I see no reason why we can't eventually do what the state has failed to do and offer rebates to seniors on fixed incomes. We think nothing about big tax breaks or outright grants to developers and big business, but seem to be forgetting that we exist to help care for those unable to do it w/o government help.
I wholeheartedly agree.
Bernie said @ 11:20 AM "It never ceases to amaze me that people will condemn a good idea simply because they don't like where it comes from."
Isn't that what this entire blog is about? Condemning those people that you don't like or agree with!
I will criticize what people do or say, but I don't attack people personally. So that's not what this blog is really about. It offends people who don't like to be criticized.
I agree with Bernie. Bernie is as straight a shooter as you can get. We don't have many WWII vets left. Let them have their last call for glory.
"hayshaker said...
You are bashing Dertinger for drawing a distinction between WWII, a worldwide conflict of epic proportions and Iraq, a war about absolutely nothing? "" Hi Hayshaker. How much different is the guy in WWII who had his legs blown off from the guy in Iraq who had his legs blown off? How about the troups that were killed? Are you going to be the guy who puts an * next to an Iraq soldiers grave stone and say he didn't count? Your brain is scaring me.
I knew Charlie Dertinger in high school. This clown sexually assaulted a girl but his family paid her off and the records were sealed because he was a minor at the time. Thank God that idiot didn't get elected to congress.
That's a very serious accusation. I'd appreciate it if you could supply some details. What high school was this? Do you know how old Charlie was? Are you willing to identify yourself? If not, why not? I am not a Dertinger fan, but would never suspect him of this kind of behavior and would want his side of the story before saying anything. In all the years I've known Angle, he has never saud anything like this.
If this is such an important issue for Angle, why didn't he propose something like this years ago when he was first elected? I love how he and others on this board criticize others for being political opportunists. Why not bash Angle in this regard? As Rodney Dangerfield said in Caddyshack, "keep it fair, keep it fair."
Anon 11:27,
The reason I bashed Dertinger, and perhaps unfairly, is because I felt he was elevating Iraqi veterans over others. Had Angle done something like that, I would have slammed him, too. I've criticized a few of his ideas.
You ask why Angle didn't think of this before. I think it's safe to say that Angle's idea was prompted by Cunningham's American Heroes grant. Cunningham deserves the credit.
Cunningham is the progenitor of this idea. Angle simply improved on what is already a very good idea, assuming that a rebate is legal.
A good idea is a good idea, no matter what it's source. I don't care about the political motivations of the sponsors of these sister proposals. Instead of worrying about opportunism, why not consider the idea?
If it's legal, I'd also love to see a rebate to seniors on fixed incomes below a certain figure. There really is a problem, and the state has failed to address it.
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