Blogging buddy Rylock gets very upset whenever I write about Pelosicare, LV Congressman Charlie Dent, Congressional wannabe John Callahan, Moveon pep rallies or boy scouts. Yesterday's post about Callahan political trickster Jonathan Shall was the final straw. He ominously warned me, "I might just organize people to donate to Callahan's campaign every time you post a mud-slinging article towards his campaign or a blind-following talking-point post for Dent. Also, I'm going to write an op-ed to the local papers about a different terrible thing that Dent has done to the Lehigh Valley with every one of these posts."All he wants from me is silence, and damn little of that.
Well, there's only one way to respond to a serious threat like that - with a real, honest-to-goodness, Charlie Dent talking point! I got one from Team Dent yesterday, and am posting it verbatim.
John Callahan touts his record as Mayor as the reason that people should elect him to Congress. He speaks about balancing budgets and keeping taxes low.
It’s a good story, but ultimately it’s a story that facts are undercutting.
Fact: 34% Increase in Government Spending
Between Callahan’s first budget as Mayor in 2005 and his 2010 budget he has either increased or proposed to increase spending by 34%.
Fact: 12% Government Spending Increase in 2010 Budget
In the middle of a recession, while people are trying their best to make their own family budgets work, John Callahan wants to increase spending by 12% in his proposed budget.
Fact: Callahan is a Serial Property Tax Increaser
√ As a Councilman, Callahan voted to increase the property tax by 5.5% (2002)
√ He voted for the 2004 budget that included another tax increase of 2.2% and which increased the sewer rate and recycling fees.
√ As Mayor, Callahan’s first budget (2005) increased taxes by 6.4% -- the highest property tax increase in a decade.
√ Callahan then raised property taxes an additional 13.4% in the 2006 budget.
Fact: Callahan Opposed a 22% Property Tax Cut
When a Bethlehem City Councilman offered a legislative proposal that would have used casino host fees to cut property taxes by 22% and hire 20 new police officers, John Callahan would not support the ordinance.
Fact: Callahan Fought to Impose a 16% Increase in the Sales Tax
In the middle of a recession, when the goal is to stimulate the economy, John Callahan supported an increase in the sales tax. The result would have been less consumer spending. Worse, he would have raised the sales tax with about one half of the money going for new spending.
“For years, John Callahan has been raising property taxes in Bethlehem,” said Shawn Millan, campaign manager for Charlie Dent. “At the same time, he’s been tantalizing Bethlehem citizens with the idea of tax relief because of casino money. It’s time for John Callahan to ante up,” Millan noted.
Millan announced that the campaign would begin a program of voter contact called “Bethlehem Deserves a Break Today” on Thursday. Citizens will be offered the opportunity to be connected to Mayor Callahan’s office to let him know if they would like to see immediate property tax relief.
“We hope that the people in Bethlehem who receive this call will take the opportunity to let Mayor Callahan know that they 'Deserve a Break' in their property tax rates. The casino host fees should be used to provide tax relief to Bethlehem’s property taxpayers – it’s not John Callahan’s walking around money. John Callahan says look at my record as Mayor. It’s a record of debt, tax increases, spending increases and fee increases.
About the only thing John Callahan’s mayoral record decreases are his chances of being elected to Congress,” Millan concluded.
64 comments:
So Congressman Dent's solution to give Bethlehem a brake is to tie up city phone lines and the time of government paid city workers (paid by Bethlehem taxpayers of whom the Congressman is not one) with campaign issues. How is that good government? Will the Congressman's campaign reimburse the taxpayers for these calls? I am curious how you would react Bernie if the rolls were reversed and the Mayor's campaign was fielding calls offering to connect people to the Congressman's office after treating them to a push poll? I just think campaigns should not attempt to waste taxpayer’s money. I for one am very disappointed in the Congressman's campaign.
I like Dent's idea. I'm going to call just to see what they say.
He also didn't pull candycanes from his ass for babies and provide little boys to pedophiles.
Ohter you love to preach about mudslinging, slimey consultants and on and on and you run this nonsense. Scissorhands in his prime couldn't top this.
Dent is running for Congress. His philosophy is that you run hard or unopposed. His opponent won't discuss federal issues. So Dent will talk Bethlehem issues.
But this is nothing like Severson. For one thing, the robo calls end with "Paid for by Charlie Dent for Congress." For another, there's a big difference between mud slinging (like when you anonymously accuse someone of obstructing a murder investigation) and running a negative campaign on someone's record. I have nothing against negative campaigns. Callahan will run a negative campaign, too. He's already managed to slam Dent at that healthcare rally w/o taking a position.
I'll be happy to post his news releases, too.
Facts matter Bernie, again. Callahan didn't vote for any budget in 2004, let alone the one he's accused of in here. He was Mayor. That was also the year the city lost the judgment in the Hirko (?) case if I recall right, so he was overrode on a veto.
Hahaha Touché, Bernie.
Although, I obviously don't want silence. What fun would that be? I'm obviously just hoping to debunk you as much as possible. And I get really worked up when you post things as facts when they're just hearsay.
As promised, here's my first op-ed.
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1260335169182610.xml&coll=3
I'll have to donate to John in the next few days.
https://services.myngp.com/NGPOnlineServices/contribution.aspx?X=9A3CgZpeGnz5eubfVFVJQEqDY1kfhXC0F1KV3dQNpYQ%3d
You're going to make me go broke!
Exactly what 34% tax did Callahan impose. Please no indirect lines, direct action. fact, none. Hell with the logic you use Ohare you could claim you are the heir to the Irish Throne, except that some Irishman traded it for a beer and a potato.
I thought Callahan was running against Dent for Congress, I did not think Dent was running for Mayor of Bethlehem?
We, Bethlehemites, are quite happy with our city. Tell Charlie that we support the skate park, because it keeps the kids off the streets and lets them skate in a safe place, where they won't be breaking laws. (Side note: O'hare was a big supporter of the nazareth skate park and he conveniently fails to mentions that Dent's phone calls to Bethlehem criticized the Bethlehem Skate Park).
Someone will tell the truth about the evil man Charlie Dent really is. People always put the blame on Millan, Charlie gets a pass. But the reality is that Charlie approves everything and is not the "nice guy" he appears to be in public. In private, he is a vindictive, foul-mouthed and petty. I found it funny he previously criticized Callahan for using foul language, Charlie can make sailors blush.
According to one news report, the federal medical insurance reform act will set annual cancer treatment limits. Maybe someone can found out if this is true.
I think if it were put on the ballot, whether to keep our Congressional District seat or just give it up altogether, most of the Valley would vote just to not bother. Dent is aggressive in doing nothing for his constituents and Callahan is passive in doing nothing. Either way it's probably best to just let the rest of the country run things and we pull take our marbles and go home - waste of taxpayer money for the limousine and the special federal health insurance for the Dent family.
Callahan refuses to voice an opinion on federal issues that he'll have to defend.
His defenders don't want any discussion about his record in Bethlehem.
Why is everybody afraid of this guy actually saying something of substance?
Sam Bennett had bigger political balls.
Dent may phone this one in.
Rylock said: "You're going to make me go broke!"
Judging from your letter to the editor (which is what that is -- not an "op-ed") you are already intellectually broke -- why shouldn't you be financially broke too?
Still laughing that you think a letter to the editor is the same as an op-ed.
I have no idea why you are trying so hard to get Charlie reelected..
Next year, undeservedly so, the Republicans are going to sweep many Congressional seats. There is no way an incumbant Congressman who happens to be Republican will lose..No freaking way!! If Callahan would be running in 2012 when you'll have a larger turnout he'd have a fighting chance. Next year, no way in hell will he win. The Northampton County Council races should have been a sign for what will come next year. Don't get me wrong. If I had a say Republicans would all be tarred and feathered and sent to Uganda with a sign attached that says "I am gay and proud of it" for all their obstructionism to everything good. But I'm realistic. Next year will be a Republican year because, generally, people are morons!!
break, not brake
U have deleted a comment attacking one of my commenters with the usual crap. I welcome different POVs. But let's not insult people who contribute comments.
Rising Sun, I will look into your claim.
"And I get really worked up when you post things as facts when they're just hearsay."
That's what I heard. I believe I'm entitled to rely on several source sources, especially when the campaign in question refuses to talk.
Bernie, get it right. The campaign is talking to valid news outlets and getting quoted often. They are rightfully not talking to you.
Playing the marginalize the blogger game? Not smart. When Callahan talks to the MSM, he's not saying much of anything.
I posted a comment yesterday Bernie calling into question the decision of Dent to start attacking the management of Bethlehem. With back to back days of coverage, I guess it is safe to say that the attacks on Bethlehem's management will continue. It's a shame, b/c Bethlehem is a fantastic community. His attacks neglect the history of Bethlehem, the decline of steel and the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods.
I have voted for Charlie in the past (and recently too). I won't do so again. While a fan of Callahan, I was going to give both candidates the opportunity to sway me. Dent's less than admirable campaign to attack bethlehem made this very easy. Yeah, I'm a D, but I"m the kind of D that Charlie Dent always enjoyed having for support.
Geoff
"If I had a say all Republicans would be tarred and feathered and sent to Uganda with a sign attached that says 'I'm gay and proud of it'"
HOW IS THIS NOT AN ATTACK, O'HARE?
Double standards for you, dude.
Delete that.
I agree that I sometime use the terms "op-ed" and "LTE" interchangeably when they're not the same thing.
I am ok with this.
But you are right! That completely voids any political argument I make. Good point!
"Republicans tarred and feathered and sent to Uganda with a sign attached that says 'I'm gay', etc"
How is this not an attack or over the top again, O'Hare?
No wonder Molovinsky chops you to bits whenever he feels like it.
"I posted a comment yesterday Bernie calling into question the decision of Dent to start attacking the management of Bethlehem. With back to back days of coverage, I guess it is safe to say that the attacks on Bethlehem's management will continue. It's a shame, b/c Bethlehem is a fantastic community."
Geoff, Dent is NOT attacking Bethlehem, which would be kind of stupid politically. He is questioning Callahan's tax record there.
Thanks for the article Bernie.
Perhaps a better title for the post is the "Lehigh Valley needs a break" - these career politicians are ruining our country and our childrens' lives. Dent just bears the responsibility more since he is the Establishment incumbent.
It is on Dent's watch that our country took this plunge into depression, and from his reply I doubt he realizes the imminent danger of a dollar crisis. He certainly has done littl to prevent it. http://towneforcongress.com/lots-more/letters-to-dent
Jake Towne
2010 Candidate for US Congress, PA-15
Liberty, Sound Money, the Rule of Law, and Accountability
TowneForCongress.com
Anon 11:31, Then hop on Molovinsky's blog and flame away. You wioll NOT be allowed to insult specific readers here.
Rising Sun,
You claim "Callahan didn't vote for any budget in 2004, let alone the one he's accused of in here. He was Mayor."
According to the MC (12/17/03), the assertion is correct. Council voted for a 0.25 mill tax hike and also raised the sere rate.
Callahan is quoted saying this: "I voted for this budget as an indication that I'm willing to work with council. I want to set the tone for good cooperation."
What's wrong with government spending? Callahan has been aggressively spending on economic development, and Bethlehem is a dramatically better place to live as a result of his efforts. Government spending on economic development grows the economic pie and attracts private investment, which is exactly what happened, as anyone who lives in Bethlehem will tell you. South Side was a slum just 10 years ago. It still would be if Dent was mayor. Now it's rapidly turning into a vibrant second downtown area that people are no longer scared to go to. It's recognized nationally as a great place to live and raise a family, and that is a direct result of Callahan's leadership in promoting vibrant sustainable development. Callahan was correct to raise property taxes over the period Dent is whining about - median home prices nearly doubled during the period from 2000 to 2007, and median income rose by 26%. The rise in taxes didn't even come close to taking a bite out of that. As any businessman knows, you have to spend money to make money. I would expect Dent to understand that because he's never run anything, or even written any bills of consequence in his sad 19 years as an undistinguished career politician. Dent's "campaign" is a dishonest farce - he knows better, and is cynically capitalizing on fuzzy public ignorance of how budgets work. Callahan recently had to raise taxes because of budget shortfalls brought on by the collapse in revenue that every city is facing because of the global recession. Cities can't do counter-cyclical spending and borrow like the feds can. The characterization of this as a choice rather than a forced hand is the definition of slime. Dent would have had to do exactly the same thing if he were mayor. Thankfully his influence is neutered, a waste of a seat in the dwindling GOP rump.
Bernie,
The Morning Call is a rag. Mayor Callahan was elected for the first time in 2003, this is easy to verify. Bethlehem, unlike Easton, does not have Mayor's vote on City Council. He could not have voted in 2004.
Yes, and in 2003, Callahan voted for the 2004 budget, noting he voted for something he thought would work the following year.
Bernie,
If you say the vote came in 2003, you could be correct, and I'll go with that. He certainly did not vote in 2004.
Anon 9:20 wrote
"But I'm realistic. Next year will be a Republican year because, generally, people are morons!!"
I think the election of Obama proved that.
Scott Armstrong
It seems odd to me that Callahans supporters complain about Dents robocalls yet neglect to mention Callahans negetive mailings he sent out about Belinski and other members of his own party. That was done only a few years ago. Callahan also tried to HIDE his name by planting it in the graphics with noncontrasting ink.
Jonathan,
I couldn't agree more.
Allentown Democrat Voter
you mean the same council members who's moronic approach (and statements therof)to fiscal discipline who are now quoted by Dent's campaign as facts?
Jeez can't understand why anyone would have been against them.
And note negative mailers do not put a burden on already overworked city hall staff. The mayors ofice is at it's lowest staff level in a decade. There are two people taking care of a large city.
Captain Kangeroo,
Band wagons may be your style, but not mine.
Have a nice weekend.
Wow. What a comical post. The Dent campaign is nervous. A 16% tax increase (in other words a penny on the dollar) would inhibit spending? Please. By the way, Shawn, why not round up? You could have said 17% and not been wrong.
The fact is no one cares. Callahan is residing over a successful city and Dent has Bush-stink. Dent has been a rubber stamp for the GOP while the economy completely tanked. That's not Callahan's fault.
Dead man walking.
FACT Bethlehem is the gem of the Lehigh Valley.
Republicans being tarred and feathered and being sent to Uganda is "an offensive post". God, are these sensitive Republicans who hate political correctness being politically correct. I guess the real shot is having gay and Republican in the same sentence. That's what upset them. Have they forgotten about their log cabin constituency??
"Callahan was correct to raise property taxes over the period Dent is whining about - median home prices nearly doubled during the period from 2000 to 2007, and median income rose by 26%. The rise in taxes didn't even come close to taking a bite out of that. As any businessman knows, you have to spend money to make money."
Boy, Dent must be hoping that Callahan says something along these lines publically. I mean Callahan is stupid, but apparently not as stupid as his blog supporters.
"If you say the vote came in 2003, you could be correct, and I'll go with that. He certainly did not vote in 2004."
Rising Sun is correct. In 2004, as Mayor, Callahan did not "vote" for a budget. He instead put forward the budget for 2005 that required that property taxes be raised.
It's a distinction that the voters should be made aware of -- that Callahan called for the tax increase.
Rising Son makes a good point. Hopefully the Callahan Team will start letting people know about this.
Rylock. said...
I agree that I sometime use the terms "op-ed" and "LTE" interchangeably when they're not the same thing.
I am ok with this.
But you are right! That completely voids any political argument I make. Good point!
____
No Rylock. I
t is your faulty reasoning that voids your political arguments you make.
"The fact is no one cares"
Yeah, that must be why this is the 45th comment on a Friday post.
It is your faulty reasoning that voids your political arguments you make.
Then explain why my reasoning is full of faults! I'm down to listen.
At least Bernie and I clarify why we think the other is wrong, so we don't sound like idiots who just spout off one-liners without having any policy or logic to back it up with.
Ah oh! Bernie is removing posts. Must mean someone is scoring points for Callahan. Oahre censors the truth to suit his mancrushes.
Note that Bernie has nothing to say to my comment. He knows Dent would have been forced to raise taxes if her were mayor right now. Democrats believe in leveraging government money to leverage private dollars and spur economic development. Republicans just don't. Every project, even worthwhile ones, are just too promiscuous with the public purse to even warrant trying. Republican leadership would have let this old steel town rot into nothing. That's why the middle of the state looks like it does while the Lehigh Valley is growing. By the way Bernie, I hope you were paying attention to today's vote, as you're now way more likely than not to owe me $200 at the end of the year when you lose our bet. I figured financial regulatory reform was a no-brainer. I was half afraid Dent, though plainly craven, would never be so stupid as to be caught protecting banks in this political environment. Jake Towne may well capture a larger percentage of the vote than he does when the teabaggers hear about this. This was the single vote I was worried would lose me this bet, but Dent bowed to the banksters like the human shitstain I knew he was when I put my money on it. What major issues are left to vote on that Dent isn't going to bow to the RNC on? His voting record is exactly the same as Bachmann's right now. I'm winning.
Jonathan Geeting,
1) I was unaware your comment was directed a me and required a response. I am taking it easy tonight and will respond to you tomorrow night. But you have to apologize.
2) While I welcome your views, I do not appreciate your reference to Congressman Dent as a "human shitstain." I deleted someone earlier today who started slamming one of my liberal readers. I realize Dent is an elected official and should have thick skin. I would resent anyone calling John Callahan a human shitstain, and resent it from you when it is directed at Charlie Dent. Neither candidate deserves that.
A few days ago, you debased yourself by calling Ron Angle a moron. Now you are personally disparaging Dent.
I should not have to tell you this is inapprpriate. But let me make something clear. In my response to your shots, I have replied to you as Jonathan Geeting. People who google your name will see references to your snarks. Prospective employers will often google search the names of applicants, so I'd be careful about these kinds of snarks. In fact, I suggest that you delete your insulting remarks, after which I will delete my replies.
One other point. Next time you use that kind of languuage, I will delete you no matter how good the rest of your argument might be. Argue the point, not the person.
Does Charlie include the new Casino revenue and State grants in his claims. If you have simply have 4.5 percent salary increase that equates to over a 20% increase in budget over the years quoted.
How much has health care increased over the same period?
Why is Charlie Dent running on his won record.
In any business you must invest to grow. Charlie, would you say Bethlehem has improved over the last five years.
When did Bethlehem Steel go dark? Wasn't that a major hit to Bethlehems revenue that placed more of a burden on residents to maintain service.
Here is a suggestion, Callahan should highlight his accomplishments for the City of Bethlehem, and Dent should highlight his accomplishments for the Valley.
There mere fact that the Dent Campaign is focusing on Callahan so much only elevates Callahan to a higher level.
"If you have simply have 4.5 percent salary increase that equates to over a 20% increase in budget over the years quoted.
How much has health care increased over the same period?"
How exactly is it that you believe that government employees (people paid with my money) deserve a 4.5%$% increase, yearly, to boot when my own wages have been stagnant?
Here's what Callahan should have done, reduce the number of people working for the City whose salaries I'm responsible for paying.
I find it disgusting that there are people with the mindset that government workers are automatically entitled to yearly raises. To be frank, says who.
Oh, and if they don't like it -- don't let the door hit them in their asses on the way out.
Thank you for your time.
Sorry to here that Oahre is threatening you Jonathan. he protects his mancrushes by hitting you with a not so veiled threat in order to silence all opposition.
This is officially a fluff blog dedicated to Dent, Stoffa and Angle. A few other mancrushes are added as needed
"Why is Charlie Dent running on his won record.
On July 26th, when John Callahan announced his candidacy he said:
"The Lehigh Valley is a good place, but we can do better...Charlie has sort of gone to Washington and he has left the Lehigh Valley behind."
Obviously, Mayor Callahan intends to challenge Charlie Dent's record as a Representative. During the same article he pointed to his own record as Mayor of Bethlehem as a reason for why the voters of the District should elect him.
The fact that Callahan record is at the local level doesn't make it out-of-bounds for Dent's campaign. A tax increase is a tax increase -- at any level. A spending increase is a spending increase.
I read the posts of some folks on this blog and I wonder how any rational person could write what they do. Many of the posters revel in their myopic understanding of what a debate or a campaign is about.
If Charlie Dent points out a fact about the way Callahan has served as Mayor based on metrics that have been publicly reported -- he is not engaging in "dirty" campaigning.
Likewise, if John Callahan says that Charlie Dent's record as a Congressman is of concern because of his votes on an issue, he is also not "negatively campaigning."
Do you people understand what debate is?
For example, Callahan supporters posting here who criticize Charlie Dent for his vote on healthcare cannot then praise or defend Callahan for not taking a position on the issue. It makes your argument look specious, i.e. you don't really care about providing healthcare to individuals you believe need it . . .
You're only interested in advancing your own fighter in the partisan game, John Callahan.
I particularly enjoy the posts of Mr. Rylock who vehemently argues that a lack of the public option is basically killing people, but then five posts later says it doesn't bother him that John Callahan won't say where he stands on the issue.
Mr. Rylock, you seem to have some intelligence, use it to examine how that equivocating undercuts your passionate support of your position.
Thank you for your time.
Anon. 11:16 -- why are you visiting the site and posting then? What are you hoping to accomplish.
Vote with your feet, dear friend, elseways you are just a noisemaker.
"I particularly enjoy the posts of Mr. Rylock who vehemently argues that a lack of the public option is basically killing people, but then five posts later says it doesn't bother him that John Callahan won't say where he stands on the issue."
First of all, "Mr. Rylock" is a very funny name. I'm into it, though. Secondly, Callahan has said the following (except I'm paraphrasing, because it's late and I don't feel like looking up the exact terminology), "I do support a public option; I support a public option that is an option."
"Mr. Rylock, you seem to have some intelligence, use it to examine how that equivocating undercuts your passionate support of your position.
Thank you! I agreed with most of what you had to say in your post also, but doesn't what Callahan said above qualify for supporting a public option?
Finally, just to be clear, the only "dirty campaigning" that I was talking about was Bernie's depiction of the Schall blog rumors as fact.
I believe anything policy-wise is fair, and important, game; anything personal is off the table.
Jonathan,
You are of course right on about Republicans. They stink, thank heavens we don't have any here.
Allentown Democrat Voter
FACTS: Bethelehem PA under Callahan
- Listed as Tree City USA
-Christmas City USA
-Top 100 places in USA to live and launch a business, Money magazine 2005 and 2006
- One of the most walkable communities www.walkscore.com
- Resident's have pride to live here
_Resident's overwhelmingly support Callahan
All the negativity, not a positive word, from OHares computer that right-wing Angle bought him, mean nothing.
O'Hare how about sticking to the facts and taking your useless backwards opinions and STFU.
Bethlehem is a model city. We are concerned about losing Callahan and having someone like Angle ruin everything here. Angle is already taking our casino money.
OHare is an outsider from the sticks. He's just jealous he can't afford to live in the Christmas City and wants it to be a dump like where he is.
anonymous 9:47,
Does that mean we don't get the tax cut we were promised by Callahan?
Callahan will give you a tax cut when Dent votes to give you health care.
simple, very simple.
Dent never promised health care to anybody.
I want my tax cut. Callahan promised it to me. Callahan lied; a big, fat whopper of a lie.
We should not elect liars like Callahan - even after his defenders admit his lie and attempt to explain it away.
Carpenters build. Plumbers plumb. Farmers farm. Liars lie. It's what they do.
Callahan lied. Nobody disputes this. He shall be judged by voters. Voters don't like liars; not even liars with lots of excuses.
According to Talking Media Heads and Democrat Senators from today's Poli-Shows, the Senate Bill doesn't have a public option (apparently). I expect that this is causing the Rising Suns, Rylocks and Jonathans who post some agita.
Actually, that sounds mean. I don't wish angst on anyone going into the Holidays. I'm just saying that I think they will be disappointed by their champions.
Anon,
Only a fool would believe anything the media or anyone else speaking for the Democrats says or writes. Integrity is in short supply in Washington while the ruling party has proven itself unworthy of the nation’s trust. For instance, remember how everything congressional was going to be done in the open, with C-Span covering all of the deliberations? The Health Care Bill process seems more like the Manhattan Project.
How’s that Hope and Change thing look now?
Scott Armstrong
Dent and the Republicans won this debate. The public Health option is dead. The private health insurance companies will get more money. America will continue to decline in the world as our national health drops below that of Nigeria.
Apparently Dent and the Republicans have won this battle, congratulations.
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