A LV Tour de Blog

Here's a glimpse at just some of the fascinating stories floating around the local blogosphere. Apparently, we should not drink water (fish piss in it). We must also stop eating or our testicles will fall off. But if we're lucky like Don Cunningham, we can move into a nice house in Easton and retrieve some news articles about our parents and grandparents who served in WWII.

Wanna' Move to Easton? - I've told you before about Noel Jones' Neighbors of Easton, a great hyper-local blog whose focus is Shadtown's West Ward. She's reporting that Alan Jenning's CACLV intends to buy, refurbish and then sell five homes to low-income families. If you're interested, call West Ward Neighborhood Partnership at 610.217.6510, and ask for Sophia.

Ken Petrini (Allentown Fiscal Responsibility Examiner) continues excellent Lehigh County analysis. - Ken reports that LC Exec candidate Scott Ott has responded to Don Cunningham's budget forecast with a bit of a snark.

“The Morning Call gave Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham the headline he wanted after his vague preview Thursday of his 2010 budget...
No tax increase for Lehigh County
But the career politician, and failed gubernatorial candidate, is likely less excited about the subheading...
Cunningham, running for re-election, will use predecessor's relief fund to avoid a hike
That perfectly encapsulates Don Cunningham's tenure as County Executive -- political ambition, deficit spending and the good fortune to inherit a huge tax hike from his predecessor.”

Ken disputes the notion that Cunningham is a "failed" anything, and like me, resents the charge that Cunningham is just one lucky guy. "If Cunningham were truly lucky, he would have seen this downturn and not transferred $12 million from the Taxpayer Relief Fund to the Green Futures Fund."

Shhh! Northampton County's Best Kept Secret? - Northampton County Controller Steve Barron is a local history buff whose quirky Roadside Americana and Modern Ruins gets him in trouble with his better half. But she must forgive him his blogging after a great post about Northampton County veterans. In file drawers located inside the cavernous Governor Wolf building, there are records of every Northampton County resident who served in WWII. For each man and woman who served, a separate envelope details name, branch of the service, dates of service, unit, and if they have died (either post war or as a casualty of war). These envelopes also contain old newspaper clippings.

Does he find Sarah Palin Disgusting? You betcha'. - This is the unabashedly liberal View Beyond Bethlehem. So far, he's had four separate reactions to the death of Teddy Kennedy, the Liberal Lion. He mostly focuses on national issues, but did publish a blog about the upcoming rumble between Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan and LV Congressman Charlie Dent. "I don't know John Callahan's position on all the things I care about but I am willing to guess that they will be closer to my vision of America than Charlie Dent's."

Molovisky: Don't Drink the Water! - Blogger Michael Molovinsky is scaring the shit out of me. He's posting a series of reports contending that the Little Lehigh Creek is purposely being drained to benefit bottling plants in Fogelsville. I've asked Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham to explain what is happening.

LVCI: Forget About Eating, too! Now that Molovinsky has me rationing water, LVCI has me convinced the only thing I can safely eat is grass. In addition to condemning the chemicals poured into our food, LVCI wags his finger at high fructose corn syrup. Apparently, it causes anemia, high cholesterol, heart hypertrophy and delayed testicular development in rats. Now I know what's wrong with me!

Speaking of Food, The Pork Stops here! - Ironpigpen continues the best minor league baseball coverage I've ever read anywhere. Period.

Morning Call blogs have a merger. - Instead of having separate blogs for each of the Lehigh Valley's three cities, Valley 610 will do it all, with twelve reporters. Pam Lehman has a touching account of the evening a boisterous Teddy Kennedy served her hors d’oeuvres. I'm guessing she found her own way home.

Alfonso Todd - Disciple of Satan. - As some of you are undoubtedly aware, Angie and Bill Villa are my publicists. Since August 9th, their blog has been exclusively (and lovingly) devoted to me. Five separate blogs nail me as the anti-Christ. I've been looking for that tell-tale "666" birthmark, but it must be on my ass. I really can't see that as well as you. They've also been emailing virtually anyone they can find, warning them about me and getting nasty when people ask to be left alone. It's their civic duty.

They've also discovered I have 690 Facebook friends. They've already listed a number of you by name, claiming that unless you renounce the Great Satan, you'll be called out for endorsing Evil. One of the persons they found is Alfonso Todd, whom they call a "shameless publicity whore." I've never even met Alfonso and only know him from his writing.

Alfonso's offended by the implication that he is one of Lucifer's disciples. "Their blog supposedly champions the injustices of the poor, women, and minorities but they spit out about as much hate as the KKK. This blog is full of loathing, gossip, and pettiness."

"PUBLICITY WHORE", I will wear it like a badge of honor because it seems Bill Villa singled me out purposely; like he did at the last CHEN ARTS SHOW on 6/7/09 at the ALLENTOWN MUSEUM where he ran me down on my way out and asked me to say negative things about his "so-called" enemies in my e-newsletter, Lehigh Valley Flavor, www.lehighvalleyflavor.piczo.com, because, apparently, his wife's blog doesn't have enough credibility, and I guess because "misery loves company." He, also, asked me to boycott the City's newspaper, the Morning Call, because of the racist comments that often appear on their blogosphere. (I often battle this by going on line and going head to head with the ANONYMOUS bloggers themselves; GOOGLE: Alfonso Todd and see some of my fearless exploits) I told him no and and I guess that may be where the HATERISM started.

Alfonso also notes that Allentown's Chen Arts group is a collective effort that, due to the Villas' need for attention, seems to have lost as many supporters as it has gained.

I won't have Chris Casey to kick around anymore. - LVPoliblogger Chris Casey has "retired" from blogging for the 17,654th time. This time, he claims blogs "have quickly evolved to become somewhat irrelevant overall" and ... oh yeah, he has a life, unlike people like me. I'm apparently a permanent resident of Blogistan who "gets down on my knees and serve [politicians] like a third world whore." Nice guy, huh? Nothing weird there. About a year ago, Casey published a "fantasy blog novel" in which he portrays me as the victim of a grisly murder.

Informative. Entertaining. Crazy. We got it all, baby.

Cunningham's "Luck"

Have you ever noticed that good-looking women are often trashed in the workplace? They're often portrayed as sluts or superficial bimbos, especially by their female co-workers. Although less noticeable, I think this happens to men, too. In fact, I think that's what Morning Call columnist and blogger Bill White just did to Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham.

I know what it's like to be exceptionally good-looking. I cry myself to sleep nearly every night, asking "Why, why do I have to be so handsome? I wish I could be ugly for just one day. What's it like, Bill?"

Cunningham, Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent and Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan all have the advantage and curse of being like me - youthful and relatively handsome. These qualities undoubtedly enhance their voter appeal, but it hurts them in other corners, especially among jealous columnists. Charlie Dent, for example, is often portrayed as an "empty suit." Yet it would be no easy task to find anyone in this area as knowledgeable about national issues and foreign policy. Cunningham and Callahan are similarly dismissed as lightweights who just rely on their good looks and pearly white smiles. It happens to me, too. You have no idea how many women I turn down daily. It's not easy.

As he does every year, Cunningham yesterday delivered a speech outlining Lehigh County's finances next year. (Full text here). That sounds like pretty dull stuff, but it was perhaps the best address I've ever heard from a local official, a beacon of light to people who've lost jobs and homes. Well over two hundred people listened to Don, a distinguished audience that included most of our community leaders.

I may have missed him because I was surrounded by women, but one person I did not see was Morning Call columnist and blogger Bill White. Come to think of it, I've never seen him at a Lehigh County Commissioners' meeting. Yet in his daily blog, White quotes from Cunningham's speech, repeating a pledge that there will be no tax increase next year. Then he goes on to claim that Cunningham is just one lucky guy. He's able to use a tax relief fund set up for specifically that purpose. This is Bill's polite way of saying that Cunningham is just sliding by, relying on his good looks and charm.

Cunningham is just lucky? Let's talk a little about his luck.

His mom died when he was 14. When he was Bethlehem's mayor, Bethlehem Steel pulled out and the city lost 20% of its tax base in one year. The country goes into recession when he is LC County Exec, drying up the tax base there. That's the luck of the Irish, Bill. It's why most of us left Ireland and moved here.

In reality, Cunningham is an exceptional public servant whose youth and charm belie a steely resolve. He has made his own luck. Yes, he draws on a tax relief fund specifically established by a Republican County Executive for that purpose. White neglects to mention that Cunningham actually put money into that relief fund when times were good. Now that times are tough, he is drawing down, which is exactly what a responsible leader is supposed to do. Is he supposed to impose a tax increase during a recession just so that he does not deplete the tax relief fund set up for that reason?

Cunningham does not touch another, $20 million, tax stabilization fund, set aside for rainy days. White predicts that fund is next.

White neglects to mention that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has recently ordered the State to fund court operations, which translates to $26 million in Lehigh County. When that money comes in, the county will be able to replenish the tax relief fund.

White also neglects to mention that Cunningham has limited government growth to just 1.03% per year during his first 4 years. That's well below the rate of inflation.

In addition to controlling growth, Cunningham has scrimped on the one item that really makes a difference in a county budget - personnel. Did you know that employment in LC is at its lowest level since 1990? Name one other local government that can match that. He has accomplished this without laying off anyone. He's relied instead on attrition and what he calls a "hiring frost," carefully scrutinizing whether each new hire is necessary.

The key to Cunningham's success is fiscal discipline, not luck. Dismissing his accomplishments as the product of mere chance, is inaccurate and reflects a bias against someone simply because he happens to be charming.

Cunningham: No Tax Hike Next Year

You had to be there. In a rousing speech before approximately two hundred people at Coca Cola Park, Lehigh County Executive delivered an uplifting speech to those of us facing hard times. Drawing on his own personal experiences to find silver linings in dark clouds, Cunningham promises his 2010 budget will include no new tax increases. Nor will he raid the $20 million tax stabilization fund set aside for a rainy day.

Casting off accusations that he has been a tax and spend liberal, Cunningham points to an average county growth of just 1.03% during his four years as Executive. Employment at Lehigh County is also at its lowest level since 1990, proof that Cunningham has found a way to do more with less.

Don was gracious enough to sit down with me after his speech, and I'll have more about that tomorrow. The full text of his speech is below.

I want to thank all of you for being here this morning. Many of you have listened to me often give these updates and status reports in various forums on finances, the economy and state of governments at the city, the county and state level.

During that time, I’ve been fortunate enough to serve as a councilman and mayor in Bethlehem, a state cabinet secretary and now your county executive. And, all of you here – and many elsewhere – have been partners in the impressive growth and transformation of our Lehigh Valley during those last 15 years.

We join together today at a time when the daily drumbeat of news and commentary tells us this is the worst national economy of most of our lifetimes. We hear of diminished hope for average Americans. That our governments are out of control and we need to rise in anger at something, anything, someone.

There is no doubt these are difficult times. I’m not a national economic historian. I can’t tell you if these are the worst of times in our nation. But, I can tell you that I’ve seen worse here. I remember as a teenager in Bethlehem the “black Fridays” at Bethlehem Steel in the early 1980s where tens of thousands of my dad’s fellow steelworkers – along with Mack Truck workers – lost their jobs and unemployment was in the double digits. I remember as a young mayor in 1998 when the steel company closed and our city lost nearly 20 percent of its tax base within a year – where we muscled our way through budgets with less operating reserves than many of you this room have in your bank accounts. And, look at Bethlehem today.

I saw how the people of Bethlehem, Lehigh County and the Lehigh Valley responded during those times. How they weathered the storm. I saw how the leadership responded with plans for action, efforts for new economic development and a vision for a Lehigh Valley that would be better and stronger.

And, that is what we have today a better and stronger Lehigh Valley and Lehigh County.

I was not here for the Great Depression or World War II but the resolve of those who lived then was even tougher and unwavering. In much more difficult times, Roosevelt told us we had nothing to fear but fear itself. I think today that we have nothing to fear but making anger, whining and complaint our national - or local - policy.

There will always be challenging times. Budgets will not always be easy to balance. Things will not always go perfectly in life. I learned that at 14 when my mom died. It’s not what happens to you in life that determines whether you succeed or fail; it’s how you respond to it.

What we need today is sound leadership – across all sectors. Solid plans. A continued focus on tightening the belt, doing more with less, being good fiscal stewards while we find ways to grow our economy and improve our quality of life.

We are on a good course in Lehigh County. We remain strong – and, I believe, the future will be brighter. Times are a little tougher so it’s a time for stronger leadership not louder whining. It’s also not the time to raise taxes or dismantle the solid, responsible foundation of limited but effective government that has been built over decades in this county by Republicans and Democrats alike.

Four years ago, I laid out a few simple principals that our Administration has lived by.

First and foremost, we need to give people a government that focuses on getting the basics done – doing it well – and at a good price. Our most sacred obligation is to manage your money.

Second, we need to invest in our public infrastructure and fix what is broken in an efficient and cost-effective way.

Third, we need to form partnerships to ensure positive economic growth and development while we protect our quality of life, farmlands and open spaces.

Equally important, is the critical role of county governments to protect our at-risk children, our senior citizens and those among us struggling with mental challenges while at the same time operating courts, corrections, probation, parole and public safety operations to ensure a safe community that protects the law-abiding and punishes and rehabilitates those who don’t.

County government is wide-ranging but the mission can be pretty simple and clear. Let me quickly review what we’ve done and where we are going.

I will present my fourth budget next week as your county executive. This year’s budget in total was $405 million. As most of you know, more than half of that is state, or federal money or budgets for the Cedarbrook nursing home that do not represent the spending of Lehigh County taxpayer dollars.

During the last four years, the county general fund spending to support our operations has grown by an annual average of just 1.02 percent. That’s local spending growth of just a tick over one percent – for four years. And with the exception of a mandatory pension fund contribution outside our control and a quirky pay period issue – which I will explain in a moment – that includes the 2010 budget. One percent growth is well below the rate of inflation, yet I’ve heard some say Lehigh County has a spending problem. If this is a problem; it’s a good one – and an unusual one – to have. My guess is that one would be hard pressed to find another county that for four years has averaged local spending growth of just one percent.

When I present my proposed 2010 budget next week, it will contain the smallest number of employees that this county has had since 1990. With the help of our judges, the district attorney, the sheriff, the clerk of judicial operations, the controller, the coroner all our administrative department heads and our labor unions, this county will have less employees than it had 20 years ago – yes, 20 years ago. I’m not sure that there’s another government in the Lehigh Valley that can equal that statistic.

What that means is that all of our operations collectively – courts, corrections, human services, our nursing homes and elsewhere – have found ways to do more with less; increase productivity and deliver more services with less people. This has occurred despite a large increase in population during those 20 years, an increase in crime and lawsuits, murder investigations, an increase in people needing human services and an expanded role of county governments.

This was not done with across the board cuts to all departments but strategic realignments that shifted positions from where they could be eliminated to where they are needed. It also came from saying no to a lot of requests for growth and adding positions.

And, all but a few of the reductions we’ve made during the last four years have come through attrition without affecting an active employee. We’ve been in a permanent state of what Tom Muller, our great county director of administration, likes to call a hiring “frost” not a freeze, where every position that opens up is fully reviewed for need before it is filled. The credit for this rests solely with our sound fiscal managers and all of our employees, who are a dedicated group of public servants.

The 2010 budget I present next week, for my fourth straight year, will contain no tax increase. We don’t need one and now is not the time to reach deeper into the pockets of businesses and residents who are working hard to re-establish their financial footing. Nor will the budget touch our cash reserves. In accordance with sound public finance principals, we will retain our full $20 million stabilization fund, which is our only reserve or rainy day fund. This is a healthy level for a county our size. The budget will use the Tax Relief Fund that was created solely for the purpose of using tax dollars already collected to relieve us from raising taxes during challenging times. Just like we use our office supply fund to buy office supplies. This seems to bother some people – and while I don’t know why – I pledge to you that I will veto any proposed tax increase while we already have your tax dollars sitting in a fund designed to avoid raising taxes. I did not create this fund. It was created under former Executive Jane Ervin and the previous Commissioners. We did, however, add dollars to it when times were good.

The 2010 budget I present next week, however, will be more challenging for those entities affected or helped by county government because it contains no net growth. As revenue growth has disappeared because of slowed economic development, losses in the market and declining interest rates, we’ve had to tighten the belt. With the exception of needing a large pension fund payment to make up for stock market losses and a strange Haley’s comet-like employee pay cycle that comes around every 11 years, the 2010 budget will actually be smaller than this year’s $405 million budget. Employee raises not dictated by contract will be lower than years past and contributions to health care will increase. We will maintain but not increase our quality of life funding. We will reduce some operating funds set aside for the Green Future fund and there will be either no increases or cuts to important entities that we support like LANTA, the Planning Commission and the Conservation District. It’s my hope that all of this is temporary but future budgets will depend upon future revenues and available resources.

Aside from limiting growth to one percent and utilizing our Tax Relief Fund, there are two major successes that allow us to manage increased labor, energy and general operating costs without raising taxes: a $41 million avoidance of health care costs -- realized through aggressive and creative management -- and working to increase our state human services funding by $35 million. That’s a net positive of $76 million.

There are some who are confused about the county’s role in Human Services funding. The county administers programs that primarily are of the making and funding of the state and federal governments. For example, about $170 million of our total budget is dedicated to Human Services, but only $7.1 million of that comes from local tax dollars. The rest are pass-through dollars from the state and federal governments. We have aggressively held the line for four years on the amount of local tax dollars used to fund these programs. These programs should remain state funded.

The $7.1 million we have devoted to Human Services is actually $100,000 less than what the previous administration had budgeted but yet we’ve increased total state subsidies for the department by 25 percent or $35 million. That money has gone to good use, increasing child care subsidies for low income families, improving the quality of day care facilities and expanding programs for the mentally ill.

If the state changes funding significantly, services may have to be cut to very needy clients in our county. We don’t expect this to happen. We have based our 2010 budget on last year’s funding. I have, however, asked Tom Muller and Lynn Kovich, our director of Human Services, to develop contingency plans to handle a variety of potential actions by the state. This is one of the challenges of having the earliest budget cycle of any county or municipal government in Pennsylvania when our state elected leaders don’t get their job done on time -- a luxury we don’t have at the local level.

On a positive note in the area of state funding – and one that could have huge financial implications for years to come – the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania recently ruled that the state is required to fund its obligation for county court operations. If the state complies, that translates to $26 million for Lehigh County, costs that are currently borne by local taxpayers. That could preserve our Tax Relief Fund well into the future.

The reality is that on average 70 cents of every dollar that we spend of county taxpayer money goes to what we call Law and Order – the operations of the Courts, the District Attorney, the Coroner, our jails and juvenile detention centers and our anti-crime and anti-recidivism efforts. Unfortunately, this is also a growth business. It is by far the biggest cost in our budget. But, I believe it’s the core function of every government to keep our communities safe.

That’s why we’ve worked so closely with District Attorney Jim Martin and the police chiefs from 17 departments on new initiatives. That’s why we created a Safe Streets Program and awarded $1 million in matching grants to seven municipalities to hire 10 additional police officers to patrol high crime areas on foot or bicycle. We are the only county in Pennsylvania to do this – and it’s helping our local governments to draw people to our downtowns and make our neighborhoods safer. Not only are we providing money to beef up police patrols we’re helping officers be more effective at their jobs.

At the behest of DA Martin, we created a Central Booking Facility to process all bookings in Lehigh County at no cost to municipalities. This allows police officers to get back on the street quickly instead of spending hours mired in paperwork.

We’ve granted money to our local police departments to create a common records management system that will allow for a Regional Crime Data Center, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania -- where crime data will be analyzed in real time across all police departments, creating a virtual county-wide crime information operation.

It’s also why we built a brand new state of the art 9-1-1 Communications Center to dispatch emergency responders across the county. I believe that the county needs to be a partner in centralized public safety initiatives that lend a helping hand to local governments in combating crime and creating safer communities.

Obviously, no one foresaw the economic slowdown that started in 2008 but it was very fortuitous that we moved so quickly to do so much starting in 2006. As the farmers say, we made a lot of hay while the sun was shining. We’ve reaped the benefits of prudent planning and being aggressive.

The Lehigh County Courthouse is a great example. For forty years it leaked. Within this Administration’s four years it will be fixed and expanded. We shaved more than $20 million dollars from the inherited project while still maintaining a design befitting the solemnity of a courthouse and giving employees and visitors a proper working space. The project is on budget and ahead of schedule.

And, roughly $12 million of savings realized through the courthouse project has been redirected to replace or repair 22 of the county’s aging bridges. This is a significant capital investment into infrastructure that allowed us to open four bridges that were sitting closed four years ago. In December, we will open the Linden Street Bridge here in Allentown, a main thoroughfare into the heart of Allentown. And, by using our resources, we will have done it at least three years faster than if we had waited for the state.

We may be in a recession now but during the last four years, 30 new large employers have moved into the Lehigh County, creating thousands of new jobs and $1.5 billion in investments. In addition, 20 companies expanded operations. Unfortunately, it’s usually the cuts and closings that grab the headlines. Next year’s budget shows a small sign of economic growth over this year. We expect about $1 million in real estate tax growth, a small amount, but much better than this year’s no-growth.

On the recreation front, we built this -- Coca-Cola Park -- home to our Triple-A Iron Pigs baseball team – and it was done without using real estate tax dollars. Instead, money generated from the county’s hotel tax and state grants paid for its construction.

We’ve invested millions of dollars to preserve open space and farms from development in our rural townships. By the beginning of next year we will have preserved 20,000 acres of farmland. Today, Lehigh is the third ranked county in our state for preserved farms. We’ve expanded the Trexler Nature Preserve to include miles of new trails for hikers, bikes and horse back riders. This is the same property that holds the Lehigh Valley Zoo, an educational gem that attracted a record number of visitors this summer. In jeopardy of closing, the county stepped in with small annual grants to keep the zoo from closing, just as previous leaders had made commitments to the world famous Trexlertown Velodrome.

We remain committed to the county’s tradition of contributing a small amount of quality of life funds to cultural institutions, assisting our arts and cultural facilities and supporting the improvement of our downtowns and main streets.

We’re also helping families with children who are autistic and directed $1.7 million in state funding for an Autism Research Community Hub, the first county to do so in Pennsylvania.

We’ve also invested to make our facilities more energy efficient, conserving energy and dollars. By the end of the second phase, all our facilities will have been overhauled; replacing windows, light fixtures, upgrading cooling and heating systems and making other improvements that are expected to slash energy consumption by 20 percent, which would avoid $1 million in energy spending. In addition, we are using federal stimulus funds to install solar panels on the roof of the government center and new courthouse addition, which will provide more than 10 percent of the energy for those buildings at no cost to county taxpayers.

We’ve done this all – and much more -- while creating a government workforce that is the same size that it was in 1990 – and holding the average growth of general county operating spending the last four years to just over one percent per year. I would say by any measure that we are getting more for less and keeping the belt tight. And, we certainly have to. Losses in the market have tripled our contribution to the pension fund in two years – going from $4 in 2008 to $12 million in 2010. In the last two years, the slowdown in the real estate market has caused a loss of $4 million in increased tax revenues and recording fees. And the slippage of interest rates caused a loss of $3 million in investment earnings for 2010.

That’s why keeping government tight and utilizing the tax relief fund has been vital to weather this economic recession. I remain optimistic about the future. We don’t know what future years will bring. As we look ahead to 2011 and beyond we know our one-time cost of $4.3 million for the extra pay will disappear. The stock market has improved 20 percent since January – any continued growth will reduce our unusually high pension fund contribution of next year. Any positive turn in the real estate and development market, leads to a reduction of the losses we’ve seen in tax growth. A rebound in interest rates to the traditional 4 percent level restores our earnings on investment income.

And, of course, if the state complies with the Supreme Court order and meets its obligation to fund some court operations, we will be able to restore the Tax Relief Fund.

We know not what tomorrow holds but we are managing well today. The state of our county government is very sound – probably more sound than most of the other 66 counties in this state – and I believe that just as we’ve weathered other economic challenges in the Lehigh Valley we will do so again. There is a bright tomorrow on the horizon.

History has shown us time and again that Americans are galvanized during upheaval. But we can’t whine and complain our way out of it. We must lead our way to a brighter tomorrow, as we have done before. Our finest moments as a nation have always sprung from our most difficult times, just as they have here in the Lehigh Valley.

State Budget Impasse: Should We Throw the Bums Out?

Only two states are operating without a budget - Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Here in the Keystone state, our school districts are owed $1.3 billion statewide. In addition, non-profits providing human services are waiting for $114 million. It has even chased the Devil to Canada. (M. Night Shyamalan's latest film, Devil, has moved from Pennsylvania to Canada.)

So do we throw the bums out? It's it time for another clean sweep of state legislators. That's a questions I asked LC Comm'r candidates Bob Smith, Percy Dougherty and Mike Welsh on Tuesday. You can see their answers here.

Three candidates had three different answers. If there's no budget by Election Day, Smith would support removing everyone in Harrisburg. Welsh would prefer to judge each legislator on his or her own merits. Dougherty believes caucus leaders in both parties should be dumped.

Historic Northampton County Courtroom Gets Face Lift

Northampton County Courtroom Number One.

It's what most of us think of when we imagine a courtroom, a beautiful and spacious room with high ceilings and magnificent, custom-made, windows. It's where I first saw my Dad in action when he took me with him to work one day.

First put in operation right after the Civil War, it was supposed to be converted to a "ceremonial" courtroom. But it is just too useful. It's large, easily capable of holding hundreds of people. The acoustics are remarkable and the huge well in front of the bench provides the judges both security and dignity.

As a young lawyer, I used to watch President Judge Palmer race through a list of cases every month, pressuring lawyers to settle or scheduling trials. One day, the name he called out belonged to a poorly-dressed fellow sitting in the back. He had no lawyer, and had been charged with a minor offense I no longer recall.

"Guilty, your honor."

Palmer, in a hurry to get rid of the case, called the defendant forward and went through a thirty second guilty plea with the guy, during which he learned that this fellow had deliberately committed a crime so he could stay somewhere warm during the winter.

Palmer, PJ: "How about thirty days?"

Defendant: "Could you make it 90, your Honor?"

Palmer, PJ: "If you don't shut up, I'll give you probation."

Unfortunately, falling patches of plaster and peeling lead paint forced Exec John Stoffa to issue an emergency executive order in July for $140 thousand in repairs. For the last month, contractors have worked feverishly, and I snuck inside on Monday to film this beautiful room.

Next week, Pennsylvania's Superior Court, which includes Northampton County Judges Jack Panella and Robert Freedberg, will be hearing cases in Courtroom Number One.

Why the State Budget Impasse Matters to Allentown School District

Allentown School Board President Bob Smith announced yesterday that the State budget impasse will likely force the school district to borrow money. "At the end of September, the Allentown School District will have to borrow money to start paying the regular bills. We have 'till the end of September. We have a good solid fund balance, but still, we get a lot of moey from the State. We have a lot of grant money. By the end of September, we'll have to start borrowing money. We are in the process of doing that. We are in the process of making $2.8 million in cuts. We are not laying off anyone and we are not raising taxes, but we will have to borrow money. These are just the facts of life."

Do you think Allentown School District is the only one that will be forced to borrow?

Why the State Budget Impasse Matters to Counties

I was very late for yesterday's news conference featuring Lehigh County Commissioner candidates Percy Dougherty, Bob Smith and Mike Welsh. But I arrived in time to learn what's bothering them - the state's failure to adopt a budget. They blame both parties.

"The politicians in Harrisburg from both political parties are putting partisan politics and special interests before the interests of the people they are supposed to represent," said District 4 Commissioner candidate Mike Welsh. "It needs to stop and it needs to stop now."

District 3 Commissioner candidate Bob Smith, who also serves on the Allentown School Board, added that "what may have started out as a legitimate battle of ideas on how to move our Commonwealth forward has turned into a sad sideshow that underscores why people don't like and don't trust politicians."

Why does this matter in county government?

Percy Dougherty, who chairs the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, answers that question.
"The bottom line is that Lehigh County's budget of $400 million has less than $100 million raised by property taxes. The rest is State pass through money, which is now frozen. Many of the services that people expect, especially human services, are not paid for by the County but are only administered by the County. We have not been reimbursed for anything since the new budget year on July 1st.

"It is only a matter of time before services to children and youth, mental health and mental retardation, area agency on aging, drug and alcohol, and other critical programs cease to be funded because the County does not have the cash to fund these programs on its own. Some of those programs are mandated and the County has to pay for them even though we do not have the money. A total of $190 million is passed through the Sate to fund our human services budget, only $7 million is provided by the County."

Dougherty points out that even before the budget impasse, the State has been short-changing county government.

"We are tired of the State treating us as second class citizens. The County is already being shorted by the State even before the budget crisis. The State Supreme Court has ordered the legislature to take over court funding, it has not happened. The State gave the DAs a pay increase, but is not reimbursing us. The State is also shorting the funding of the Conservation District, and it has made a mess of the Children and Youth reimbursements under Title IV, which is resulting in counties being stuck with a large bill. Now they are asking us to pay their bills while they argue over the budget."

I have a video excerpt of some of their comments, which you can view here.

MSM a No Show LC Comm'r Candidates' News Conference

Last time I was at Allentown's Scottish Rite Center for a news conference with Republican Lehigh County Commissioner candidates, Dean Browning met me at the door and ushered me into the GOP's sanctum sanctorum. Once the blindfold came off, there were Primo hoagies and bottled water. I stuffed the ones I could not eat into my pockets and laptop case, and sold them later that day to Pawlowski headquarters, making a tidy profit of $3.25.

Naturally, when I received an invitation to another news conference yesterday, I immediately accepted. But yesterday was a bad day. Thanks to bridgework along the Seventh Street exit, Route 22 was clogged like my arteries, all the way from Airport Road. To make matters worse, once I arrived at the Scottish Rite Center, the damn door was locked. Now there was an intercom next to the door, but everytime I punched in a number, all I heard was a voice as garbled as a McDonald's drive-thru.

"Hello?"

"Mrrph. Hmmnn tee dooor. Hmmmnn tee dooor, OK?"

I had exchanges like that for a good half hour. Finally, I whipped out my cell phone, called the Scottish Rite Cathedral and told them I was the frickin' Pope. But I forgot Scots hate the pope. "You'll never get in, you bloody papist!" Fortunately, I saw a code inspector driving by and told him the place had old smoke detectors. City officials quickly broke the door down.

Unfortunately, I arrived just as Percy Dougherty, Bob Smith and Mike Welsh were finishing their remarks. Fortunately, they had a nice folder containing their remarks. But I still felt pretty bad. You see, aside from me, the only person covering this event for the media was Ken Petrini.

Percy Dougherty is the Chairman of Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners. Bob Smith is President of Allentown's School Board. Mike Welsh is a successful businessman who just waged a courageous state house campaign against popular Jennifer Mann. Whether you vote for them or not, these are three very interesting leaders whose voices should be heard. One of them chairs the largest legislative body in the Lehigh Valley. Yet, neither The Morning Call nor Channel 69 covered this conference. They missed Percy Dougherty's claim that he's been kept in the dark about the budget to be unveiled on Thursday, something that Ken covered extensively in his report. They missed Bob Smith's announcement that Allentown School District is going to have to borrow money in September, something I'll be noting later. They missed how these candidates feel about the Lehigh Valley's state legislators, and the possibility of yet another clean sweep movement.

I know these reporters are stretched very thin right now, are working double beats in many cases, and have to prioritize what they cover. But what good is a democracy when we don't know how candidates come down on specific issues? That's the inevitable consequence of the demise of our newspaper industry. Doesn't this benign neglect encourage apathy?

Do You Have a Question For LC Exec Don Cunningham?

On Thursday, at the ungodly hour of 8 a.m., Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham will preview the financial outlook for next year. He must be expecting a crowd because it's at Coca-Cola Park. Wachovia Bank is going to spring for breakfast. Funnel cake and Bud.

During a news conference today, Dr. Percy Dougherty - he chairs the LC Comm'rs - told Ken Petrini and me that he's worried. He thinks this year's deficit could easily top $18 million. But nobody really knows except Cunningham and his staff. Cunningham is playing his cards close to the vest this year.

Over in Northampton County, I know we're in trouble. Exec John Stoffa and even DA John Morganelli are running through the halls, flipping off light switches, trying to save nickels and dimes. What complicates things even more is the state budget impasse. Petrini has an excellent analysis of all the traps and pitfalls that really await both county executives.

After he's finished his financial outlook, Don has agreed to sit down with me and answer a few questions. Why would the Lehigh Valley's most popular elected official subject himself to a hate blogger like me? Simple. I stole his car keys. Unless he answers a few questions, Dean Browning and I will do some joyriding.

But why should I have all the fun? If you have a question you'd like answered, feel free to pose it in the comments.

Dent to Honor Fifty Local WWII Merchant Mariners

When England defiantly stood alone, a tiny and fading light against Nazi hegemony in Europe, it needed U.S. supplies desperately. Winston Churchill told Parliament in 1940 he needed a minimum of 20 ships docking daily, each carrying 120,000 tons of food and fuel oil. And so the Battle of the Atlantic raged, as merchant ship after merchant ship was sunk by U-Boats. Wolf packs prowled the Mid-Atlantic, outside the reach of long-range aircraft. Despite these dangers, enough U.S. Merchant Marine convoys eluded these German patrols to feed and fuel Britain. They did so without firing a shot. To a man, they were all volunteers. No less an authority than FDR himself remarked, “They delivered the goods when and where needed in the most difficult and dangerous job ever undertaken.”

They paid a price. One out of every twenty-six merchant mariners was killed in action, a higher percentage than any other branch of service. But loose lips sink ships. That information was classified, to keep Germans from knowing the extent of their success.

On Thursday, at 1 PM, LV Congressman Charlie Dent will finally present fifty WWII Merchant Mariners with long-overdue honors for their service. This follows Congressional action earlier this year, recognizing the important wartime contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine. He will recognize these heroes at Alumni Hall - Room 130A, Northampton Community College, Gates Center, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA.

Bucks County Dems To Rally for Single Payer Healthcare

Bucks County Dems will rally tomorrow night for a single payer solution to our healthcare crisis. They will meet at 6 PM in downtown Quakertown, right across the street from the Upper Bucks Community Democratic Office at 328 West Broad Street. This gathering will coincide with a healthcare forum scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Quakertown Public Library, sponsored by Penn Action and Bucks County Voices for Health Reform.

These local Democrats recently adopted a resolution demanding Congress to adopt House Bill 676, although I think they mean HR 676, the single-payer option. Deputy Chair Bruce Whitesell adds, "Congress must act when they return from their summer recess. It is critical that Upper Bucks residents who support reform make their voices heard. The alternative is to continue with an expensive failing system that excludes too many for financial and existing condition reasons.”

Meet Northampton County's Tom Harp

From time to time, Deputy Northampton County Administrator Tom Harp is attacked on this blog as a John Stoffa crony, a do-nothing administrator who is only here because of his friendship with the county executive. These complaints are always posted anonymously. But they sound suspiciosuly like the rants I've already heard from a bitter former Reibman administrator, Bob Daday.

Daday hates Stoffa. On election night, he submitted a resignation letter to then Exec Glenn Reibman, claiming his "principles, values and ethics" would be incompatible with someone like Stoffa. But guess what? If he quit, he'd be ineligible for unemployment. So right before Stoffa came on board, Daday persuaded Reibman to "fire" him. When Stoffa discovered Daday's letter, he challenged the unemployment.

Daday had a radio show at the time, and was already lashing out regularly at Stoffa, Ron Angle, and for reasons that still elude me, Morning Call columnist Bill White. When the unemployment flap hit the papers, Daday quickly left his radio show, claiming he would be spending all his time at Attorney John Karoly's office. He was embarrassed.

But the rants have continued here. Always anonymous. Always mean-spirited. Often blatant fabrications. For all I know, these slams could be the work of someone else. But I find it hard to believe more than one person could be that goofy. A target of these ill-tempered arrows is Tom Harp. I owe it to him to set the record straight.

He's a grandfather, a very proud one, too. When I walked into his office yesterday, the first thing he did was show me two pictures of his 8 year-old grandson, a heavy hitter in Catty, who is missing one of his front teeth. That makes him look even tougher. Tom throws little plastic golf balls at his grandson, which this slugger nails with a fierce-looking, orange-colored bat. He's playing Fall ball this year.

Tom grew up in Bethlehem, graduating from Liberty ('67) and Moravian ('71). After that, he started a long and distinguished career in human services. He began by working with the developmentally disabled in White Haven. During his 8 years there, he picked up a Master's degree in Counseling from the University of Scranton.

Tom returned to the Lehigh Valley as a counselor in Allentown's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, helping people with disabilities find work. He was promoted to Supervisor and eventually became the District Administrator, overseeing a staff of 35 people in four different counties. He ended his 35 years in human services as the state's bureau director.

Over this time, Tom got to know Stoffa, who then headed Human Services in both Northampton and Lehigh County. Stoffa recruited him to join the Allentown Kiwanis, which does a lot of work for downtown Allebntown kids with youth soccer, the Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army and some arts groups. Once retired, Tom intensified his work with the Kiwanis and even joined the board at the LV Center for Independent Living.

Stoffa, who had avoided filling the Deputy Director of Administration position in an effort to save the county some money, soon found that he and his staff were overwhelmed. So he ended up recruiting Tom again, but this time to work for Northampton County. Tom accepted a rather low-paying job to help a friend, and this is how he describes Stoffa. "He has the qualities an elected official should have. He's honest. He's a straight shooter. He cares about people. He's very level-headed. He thinks things out. You are attracted to people you can respect."

So just what does Tom do at his do-nothing job?

* He's the county's risk loss coordinator. That eats up half of his time, and the county gets a $8000 annual reduction in its liability policy as a result. He also helps prepare the Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for all fourteen insurance policies.

* He's the county's point man for safety, methodically attacking health and safety priorities. He is currently engineering a program to get county workers certified in CPR and the use of a defibrillator. He's also formulating an EMS emergency action plan.

* He writes the county newsletter, which is only distributed internally for now. He tells me a newsletter may soon be made available for the general public, published on the county's web page.

* He is the county's liaison with its thirty-eight municipalities and four Councils of Government (COG). He attends all the COG meetings, which are conducted after hours.

* He is the county's Act 32 coordinator, and is currently setting up the initial meeting for the appointment of a single tax collector.

* He is the county's conduit on the Bachmann Publick House, the county's oldest building. Currently, he is coordinating a transfer of this treasure to the Northampton County Historical Society and Lafayette College.

* Naturally, with his background, he's the county's disability specialist, and is working on a way to make it easier for the disabled to access the courthouse.

* He drafts and researches the issues for county proclamations.

* He initiated and administers the county's prescription drug program.

* He prepared and regularly updates a Directory of County Services.

* He fills in for Stoffa at meetings the Executive is unable to attend.

One thing Tom is not is political. "I don't want to be part of that," he tells me. Clearly, the County is getting its money worth from this guy, described by John Stoffa as a "joy" to be around. If this is an example of cronyism, we could use a few more just like him. He's somebody's grandfather. He's here to help. He works hard. The anonymous shots Tom gets here are totally out of line.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Last time I bragged about my grandson Dat, he had just bumped into three-time Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez. This hurler not only posed for a picture with Dat, but had lots of very good baseball advice. Unfortunately, it was all in Spanish.

That seems like ages ago. It's now football season, baby, and I goofed off a few hours tonight to watch The Bethlehem Steelers in action. Insects swarmed around my legs and locusts bellowed in nearby trees, answering the football whistles blowing everywhere. Parents in lawn chairs expectantly watched their pups. I watched, too, as the offensive squad continually screwed up a punting play. Every time they messed up, they all had to drop and do ten push ups.

They did a lot of push ups. In fact, the offense was so bad that even the defense had to do pushups. Even the kids on the sidelines had to drop. I bolted right before those goofy coaches ordered the parents to drop. This team may lose every game, but they'll all be experts at push ups.

I've included a picture of Dat during a water break, after about 80 push ups. Notice that this hot dog sports different color wrist bands. Already stylin' and profilin'. That should be worth another twenty or thirty push ups.

Get this. They actually have a preseason game this Saturday, the first annual John Fenstermacher Bowl, named after a legendary Bethlehem football and wrestling coach who was unfortunately stricken with ALS.

Allentown Gets a Little Tacky

The deepest, darkest day in my lifetime is 9/11/. Nearly three thousand people died, almost all of them civilians, and many more were injured. We lost our sense of security that day, despite two vast oceans that separate us from our enemies. The nation's two largest skyscrapers collapsed before our eyes. It's had a lasting impact. It's why we take our shoes off at airports.

On the fifth anniversary of that somber occasion, the Guv' and politicos like former exec Glenn Reibman celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony for Bethlehem's Riverport project. That baby was seeded with county and state money, and everyone was slapping each other on the back. Mayor John Callahan joined in the fun, too.

Now it's Allentown's turn to be tacky. According to a breathless report from DCED Director Joyce Marin at puff blog Allentown Good News, Allentown will mark the death of three thousand people just nine years ago with a bicycle race. She's instructing everyone to take time off and even goes so far as to tell them to eat at a King Edwin-favored restaurant. She does mention NYC, but only to note how the people there support the marathon runners.

Bethlehemites Proudly Fight for Their Wieners

So a Buddhist monk walks up to Bethlehem hot dog man Edwin Padilla and says, “Make me one with everything.”

That's certainly what Bethlehem is trying to do these days - make everyone happy - over a controversy it pretty much created itself. In a bad economy, laid off Edwin Padilla rolls out a humble hot dog cart to support his family. He gets all the necessary permits from Bethlehem, which take several months. Then he opens for business. That's the American way, right?

Not anymore. Some south side businesses are angry about the competition, and they pay taxes and make campaign contributions. So Bethlehem officials comb through their ordinances until they find just the right one to stop this horrible hot dog menace. No right-of-way permit.

Things take an even stranger twist when this Padilla gets nailed by a hit-and-run driver. No one can provide a complete description, but one eyewitness thought the driver looked a lot like Emeril Lagasse and is sure he shouted "Bam!" just as he rolled over the hot dog dude's foot.

Naturally, most of us tend to sympathize with the little guy, so people have worked themselves into a lather over "arrogant" city officials and businesses. "Save the Bethlehem Hot Dog Man!" is created on Facebook, and has picked up 2,614 members and 419 wall posts

The latest resolution is a proposed ordinance that will actually auction off five permits every three years to the highest bidder. Lauded by an assistant city solicitor as the "fairest" thing to do, it's probably the opposite. It completely ignores a lottery or some other selection process that would be less dependent on the size of someone's bank account.

Bethlehem Mayor and Congressional wannabe John Callahan, who has yet to share his views about medical care reform, is only a little more forthcoming about the hot dog dude. He's walking the tightrope. He likes sausages as much as the next guy, but does not want to offend some Bethlehem businesses. So he thinks carts "need to be in the appropriate location" and has his lawyers making sure that the Christmas City is not overrun by wieners. You see, a hot dog cart draws working stiffs looking for a quick lunch, and that's probably out of whack with a casino nearby.

In the hot dog joke I started this post with, the Buddhist monk is told he'll get no change. "Change must come from within." I have to wonder whether these hot dog wars and apparent disregard for a little guy, coupled with a glitzy casino, are a sign that Bethlehem is changing from within, and in a bad way.

Northampton County Council: The Video

It's no easy task filming Northampton County Council. They are farther removed from the public than most elected officials, and they often forget to turn on their microphones. But I have some video excerpts of Thursday night's meeting, and have posted links below.

* Joe Capozzolo was the sole dissenter to Mary Ensslin's appointment to the newly reconstituted Drug & Alcohol Advisory Board. More astute readers will recognize Ensslin as the council member who resigned to become John Stoffa's Director of Court Services. But she didn't last long there either, jumping ship right after an embezzlement was discovered for a better-paying job at Lehigh Valley Hospital. Some council members noted that Ensslin was the driving force behind the health bureau, but Capozzolo noted her political appointments with Toomey and Santorum. He felt someone more qualified should be appointed. A video link is here.

* Locking in a Power Rate: When PPL rates go up in January, Northampton County will have a rate that is already locked in, thanks to its participation with Lancaster County in a cooperative. Some of the intial discussion is linked here. Jerry Seyfried told Stoffa he should have had someone from the cooperative to explain things to Council. Lamont McClure, who insisted he does not oppose progressive solutions, just progressive solutions that come from Stoffa. McClure, McHale and Dertinger apparently want to run a giant extension cord from Gracedale instead of locking in PPL's electricity rate.

* We Can't Afford Anything: McClure claimed we can't afford a new treatment center in Bethlehem Township or a child advocacy center that is mostly funded by federal grants. He's got a point. Kids and prisoners can't vote. But as Easton Blogger Noel Jones observes, "At some point our City and County have got to realize that the enforcement-only model is outdated and not working. We need a rehab center to reduce the number of addicts buying drugs on our streets."

* Angle: Bi-County health Department Supporters are Gutless: I posted Angle's actual video on Friday, and it was well-received, but he's wrong. I support a bicounty health department and have one of the largest guts in the world.

* Cusick: Allegheny County Has Good Livestreaming program: John Cusick describes a decent livestreaming program in Allegheny County that might be less expensive than the proposal being considered in Northampton County.

Mea Culpa: Contrary to what I reported here, Lamont McClure did join Joe Cap in voting against Mary Ensslin.

A Kinder, Gentler Scott Ott Interview

Last week, during lunch with Lehigh County Exec candidate Scott Ott, he told me a little bit about his campaign. Now just because I was wearing a Don Cunningham wet T-shirt and had "I love Don" signs plastered all over my jeep, there are some among you who feel I was unfair, especially when I suggested there was no way he could win.

Hey, I'm a broadcast journalist, damn it.

Fortunately for you, there's a kinder, gentler and more detailed Scott Ott interview at Ken Petrini's Allentown Fiscal Responsibility Examiner. In Part 1, Ken claims Ott can win if Cunningham is caught in bed with three nuns. In Part 2, he adds they must also be unwilling.

Scott has apparently decided to tell his story himself, and his op-ed was published by The Morning Call yesterday.

Is Bi-County Health Bureau in the Morgue?

I'm beginning to think Lamont McClure is a fiscal conservative. At the end of last night's Northampton County Council meeting, Ron Angle had two suggestions on how to save money. He recommended dumping Gracedale, the county nursing home, and privatizing the county jail. McClure, while he disagreed with those two suggestions had a few of his own.

"The bi-county health bureau, let's not pretend we can afford that. The new treatment center, out in Bethlehem Township, that will be between 3 and 5 million dollars a year. Let's not pretend we can afford that going forward. I understand there is talk of creating a new organization within county government called a child advocacy center. I don't know that we'll be able to afford that. Let's focus on our core functions of government as opposed to continually expanding what our obligations are when we have no opportunity to fund them."

This, of course, was music to Ron Angle's ears, who revealed that two Lehigh County Commissioners have privately assured him . "I would like to add something to that. I detest gutless people, so I like Mr. McClure. He and I have been clear from square one about the health bureau. We didn't buy into it, we've been honest about it and said no, and took the beating from the public cuz' ya' said no. That's where we're at.

"I've gotta' tell you, I have talked to no less than two Lehigh County Commissioners, for obvious reasons I can't mention names, who both said to me they're not going to support this in the end, either. And I said to them, 'Why did you push this thing ahead?' They said because we don't want to make the public mad. So we are not prepared to pay millions of dollars for a health department in Lehigh County at this point in time because we're broke.

"This is what I mean about gutless people. You people who went along with this bi-county health agency - this la la land, pipe dream craziness - you didn't want to hurt the people in the audience.

"Stop to think a minute. I have set here and made it clear from square one. This will never pass and it won't. And you people setting here won't ever admit it, but you knew it would never pass either, but you went along to git along. The problem with all that is, is that you've got a group of people now meeting on that health board, who I think finally woke up by the way, because they talked to a few people now who have said honestly - behind the scenes they told 'em - it isn't going to fly.

"I will give anyone here who wants to bet me money five to one odds - I'll cover whatever you wanna' bet - there never will be a bi-county health agency.

"Now what have you people done? You've led some people to believe there was, you put a board together, ... and in the end you're going to shoot it down for the reasons Mr. McClure just said. We can't afford to do this."

I've posted a video of Angle's remarks above.

Billy Givens Watches Riverwalk Sink

Easton's controversial Riverwalk project has finally taken a hike, but not before $1.2 million in public funding has been flushed down the toilet and into the Delaware. Originally conceived as seven stories of condominiums, a bus terminal, retail shops and a parking deck, it remains a parking lot located in a flood zone.

Last night, Northampton County Council introduced an ordinance to reacquire that sinkhole-infested parking lot for the $595 thousand it received when former County Exec Glenn Reibman decided to sell it. It made no difference to him that the parking lot was being used by county workers at the adjacent Governor Wolf building.

Amazingly, this parking lot was also in a KOZ, and that was enough to draw the Lehigh Valley's original blogger, Billy Givens, out of retirement. He wanted to see for himself what was happening.

Before Billy discovered the Internet, he regularly regaled passers by in the Easton circle with a bullhorn his daughter gave him as a birthday gift. He littered offices everywhere with daily editions of his Billy Bytes newsletter, using a mimeograph machine from some office downtown. He hated our local newspapers, which he called The Excess Times and Morning Call Girl. They were mouthpieces and whores for local business bigwigs. Naturally, he was rewarded by being named a Bill White Hall of Famer. But he was brash. I once had to pull him out of the street during an antiwar demonstration when he got into a name-calling contest with a motorcycle gang member. Mayor Sal Panto had to persuade a police captain from locking him up. He's spent years taking "chunks out of those who hold themselves up as models of probity." That includes me.

Two years ago, after I deleted a few of his off-topic rants, he sent me an email entitled "Bernie O'Hare, Please Stay Off Your Bicycle, Even If Your Ass Is As Wide As You Are Tall." He then unloaded on me and, just for the hell of it, included Easton's college hill elite.

I know you're running away from me, but you're not going to be able to hide forever.

Up here in Easton's silk-stocking neighborhood of College Hill, where I live with my blue-blooded, Brahmin neighbors like Phil Mitman, Danny Cohen, and Sandy Woodring, they have their noses stuck so far up the ass of Lafayette College that if it made an abrupt left or right turn without signaling it would break their noses.

I'm from Alabama, the home of former heavyweight boxing champion of the world, who used to say of his opponents in the ring: "You can get on your bicycle and run, but you can't hide."

Get the idea? Billy received a warm reception from Northampton County Council last night, which more than once had a deputy sheriff escort him from the podium. .

During an executive session, he posed for this picture with moi, and as you can see, we both know the bloggers' salute.

Two miserable bastards.

Northampton County Scrambles to Minimize Electricity Rate Hike

Northampton County's electricity needs are met by two major utilities, Met Ed and PPL. Next year, when the cap is lifted on PPL, it is expected to increase rates between 37 1/2% and 40%. That translates to about $200 thousand out of the county coffers in the middle of a recession. So last night, Deputy Purchasing manager Terry Beidelman proposed purchasing energy through the Lancaster County Consortium, locking in a rate now for services next year. As Beidelman explained, "We are trying to take the initiative to do something rather than hide our heads in the sand."

Council Prez McHale worried that "There's really been no discussion at all," and Lamont McClure suggested that the price may go down after we lock in a rate. Charles Dertinger, who last night claimed to be an expert on electricity, suggested we use some other cooperative for some reason. And they all wanted to know why Lehigh County has opted out of this consortium.

"That's because PPL is right up the street from them," posited John Cusick.

Council voted to authorize County Executive John Stoffa to lock in the electricity rate. McHale, McClure and Dertinger voted against the notion. I think they want to run a giant extension cord from Nazareth.

Northampton County Budget: No Tax Hike Expected, But Bad Moon Arisin'

Northampton County's budget administrator, Doran Hamann, is predicting there will be no tax increase next year. In fact, despite the state's gridlock over its own budget and inability ti reimburse the county for human services, the county has continued pay all vendors. But don''t get the idea things are peachy. Hamann sees a bad moon arisin'.

If the county is able to avoid a tax increase, it will be the result of a combination of cutting office expenses by ten percent as well as raiding the budgetary reserve for $10 million. The one ray of hope is that real estate tax revenue is showing a 1% growth.

Councilman Lamont McClure noted that Westmoreland County may soon terminate contracts with dozens of human service providers and agencies that care for children or mentally ill or retarded clients. It simply has no money. But as Hamann noted, that's why Northampton County's two month budgetary reserve is a good thing. "Up to this point, we have continued to pay all vendors." Northampton County Executive John Stoffa bristles at the suggestion that we stop honoring human services contracts. "Why would we cut those contracts? They help our most vulnerable people."

Stoffa's Voluntary Furlough Program Already Saving Money

In the few weeks that Northampton County John Stoffa's voluntary furlough has been in operation, it has already saved taxpayers $8,550. That's according to a brief report he made to county council's personnel committee this evening. Fifteen workers have already taken advantage of the program. Asked by Council Prez Ann McHale about child support and IRS deductions, Human Relations Director Connie Sutton Falf explained this furlough can only be taken for up to one week at a time. Since workers are paid biweekly, the deductions can still be made.

Ken Petrini Has Lowdown on Lehigh County Comm'r Race

Ken Petrini, like me, is an ex-lawyer. Like me, he's become a fixture at local government meetings. I usually stay east of Route 33, while he covers the wild west. A freelancer with East Penn Press, Ken also has a blog called The Allentown Fiscal Responsibility Examiner.

He's published the beginning of a continuing series about the 2009 Lehigh County races. Did you know that Republicans have controlled the Board of Commissioners since the inception of Home Rule over 32 years ago? Or that they also controlled the Executive office until Don Cunningham ran for the seat? This November, there is a very real possibility that the Board of Commissioners will also turn blue.

Here's a summary of Ken's initial analysis.

Executive race: "Now that Cunningham has decided not to run for governor next year and with John Callahan announcing his candidacy for Congress (quieting the Cunning is running for Congress rumors), it seems a certainty that he will be re-elected. Scott Ott faces an uphill battle to say the least and Cunningham has $750,000 in the bank."

Democrats Strong in District 3 (David Jones v. Bob Smith) and District 4 (Dan McCarthy v. Mike Welsh). "Both districts have Democratic registration advantages and incumbent Democrats. "

Percy Dougherty is the strongest Republican incumbent. His District 2 opponent is Marc Basist.

District 1, the seat being vacated by lovable Sterling Raber. "Lynn Township Supervisor Tom Creighton will carry the GOP standard against Jeanne McNeil of Whitehall. The district has a Democratic registration edge but a Republican history. That race may turn on turnout, with the GOP favored in a ho-hum response."

District 5 is the key. "District 5 has been a swing district and Glenn Eckhart, the Republican, won a narrow victory 4 years ago. His race against Hillary Kwiatek may determine control of the Board of Commissioners and at least force Cunningham into some tough decisions in the use of his veto. It is unlikely the Democrats will win control is that can’t win in District 5."

ScrappleFace is No Joke!

He calls himself a member of the "new media." I like that. I think I'm in that club, too.

I'm talking about Scott Ott, who is running against Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham this Fall. If you know anything about Scott at all, you most likely know him as "ScrappleFace," where he takes a satirical look at national news. He also blogs, a little more seriously, at Townhall and even has a column with The Washington Examiner.

I met Scott and Bob Romancheck for lunch at Stahleys, a great sportsbar built with no public money or tax breaks. I love their cheesesteaks, but my grandson is partial to the clams. At age 8, he's already wolfed down 8 dozen in one sitting. Once Bob uttered the magic word "Stahleys," everything else became a jumble in my aging mind. He did mention Scott, but I thought he was talking about Allentown pundit Scott Armstrong, bane of liberals everywhere. Armstrong is actually quite the refined guy in person, no doubt the result of a liberal and refined French wife. He listens to classical music and everything! So I figured we would get together and discuss Plato.

Instead of seeing Scott Armstrong, Romancheck introduced me to the very well-dressed Scott Ott, who was sitting at a table looking very much like a patient about to undergo root canal. He knows I'm a big Cunningham cheerleader.

What struck me right away were the similarities between Ott and Cunningham. Both are charming in person, obviously good-hearted people who actually listen to you. Both have a background in journalism and public relations. Both have great radio voices. But that's where the similarities end. For one thing, Cunningham's warchest is in the vicinity of $700 thousand, while the ScrappleFace web page reveals just $671 as of last night.

"You know you can't win," I told him, perhaps a bit too cavalierly. For a moment, just a heartbeat, he took on a steely look, then relaxed. It dawned on me then that Ott, despite his humor and satire, is in this race to win. He's never held elected office, has no money, is challenging the Lehigh Valley's most formidable politician, and is nevertheless convinced he can win. Or perhaps he believes that the issues matter more than the final victor.

I think the main difference between these candidates is that, while Cunningham believes government exists to help people unable to fend for themselves, Ott believes government's primary role is to "protect people from being oppressed by other people." He refused to classify himself, noting that if he told me was a Republican, I would know nothing more about him than I did before.

Doesn't that sound just like a Republican?

If elected, he told me he would focus on balancing the budget and reducing Lehigh County government, which he claims has grown from $345 million in 2006 to $405 million in 2009. Most of this, he acknowledges, is state pass through money, but he questions this reliance on state funding. "We are essentially helpless to do so many things because we are so dependent on the state."

As far as balancing the budget is concerned, he and I had some disagreements. He notes that Lehigh County spends more money than it takes in annually, and that's certainly true. But he fails to consider that Lehigh County has a tax relief fund established by Republicans for the specific purpose of balancing the budget. Why shouldn't Cunningham use that fund when revenues become meager? Ott disputes that, but it's called a tax relief fund for a reason. There's also a tax stabilization fund, a $20 million rainy day fund that Cunningham has left untouched.

Although the budget has grown, largely as a result of state pass through grants, Cunningham has actually reduced the size. He has fewer people working for the county now than at any time since 1995.

Ott stated he would support the elimination of offices that serve no vital roles, anything to be a "good fiscal steward."

Community policing grants? No.

State tree grants? No. "The whole thing is a shell game."

Noting that Cunningham will soon be proposing a new budget, Ott claims at the current rate, a major tax increase is only a matter of time. He worries how this will impact seniors on fixed incomes. "They can't rip a piece of siding off and roll it into the county when taxes go up. We owe it to these people to treat every single penny as though it was precious."

As our lunch went by and Ott's hamburger began to kick in, he grew more passionate. I admire his willingness to give voters an alternative, a debate that I'm sure Cunningham himself will enjoy. As Ott put it himself, and this is no joke, "I really hope people start paying attention to county government. Four hundred and five million dollars will blow through the county this year and most people don't even know we have a county executive."

Did he make the sale? No. I still prefer Don's less ideological approach to local government, and have never seen a county executive make a difficult job look so easy. But if you advocate limited government, Scott is the man for you. He promises a few surprises as his campaign progresses. I hope none of them involves farm animals.

Memorial Fund for Former ET Reporter Killed in Afghanistan

Chances are that if you read this blog, you also check out Josh Drobnyk's Pennsylvania Avenue, an insider's guide to Washington politics. Thanks to Josh, we know that a memorial fund has been established for former Express Times reporter Bill Cahir. Every penny donated will go to his family, which includes a pregnant wife expecting twins. Times are tough, but if you can scrape a few dollars together to help Cahir's widow, you'll know it goes to a good cause.

A Marine reservist, Cahir was recently killed during combat operations in Afghanistan. Drobnyk reports that Cahir will be posthumously awarded the Purple Cross.

Although rivals of a sort, covering the same beat for different newspapers, Drobnyk's reports about Cahir are a testament to him and his profession.

Easton Mayor Sal Panto: "No One is Trying to Hide Things From the Public"

On Monday, I published an email that's been widely circulating over the past several weeks, reporting that LA's Hoover Crips street gang has invaded Easton. I was unaware that Neighbors of Easton blogger Noel Jones had circulated her own email warning about gang activity. Amazingly, Easton's coppers told her to mind her own business. "[T]his type of misinformation hinders our law enforcement efforts dramatically because it causes paranoia within the residents."

Translation - telling the truth is bad for business.

I was surprised to learn That Easton Mayor Sal Panto had previously warned Jones about the email I published. "The [email] circulating from the Courthouse was scaring people."

Translation - telling the truth is bad for business.

We now know, thanks to Express Times reporter Michael Buck, that the email is generally accurate. Mayor Panto also clarifies his objections in a comment posted at Noel's blog.

"First and foremost no one is trying to hide things from the public. The email that Bernie O'Hare placed here was the email I referred to, saying it was alarmist. It was meant to encourage her fellow employees to be conscious of the activity if and when they left the juvenile center after hours. It went beyond that in that it did name a very fine business in the West Ward, one of the pioneers so to speak who built their business and rehabbed properties when no one was moving to the West Ward. It was untrue and it hurt their business to be associated with this gang."

Basically, Hizzoner is saying the email is bad for a specific business, which I redacted in my own post. He then goes on to try and contradict what the Easton police themselves confirm in the story written by Express Times reporter Michael Buck.

Mayor Panto, unlike his Allentown counterpart, has always been up front about Shadtown's crime problem. He's dealt with it honestly and proactively. His willingness to participate in blog discussions is refreshing. But it's a mistake to suppress information warning about a new gang in town. It led to an ET story that provides a little more perspective. It resulted in the mayor's own clarifying comment. Third, and most importantly, it informed the public.

Something wrong with that?

John Callahan's Got Legs and He Knows How to Use Them

Allentown's Cedar Creek Park has certainly been in the news of late, thanks in large part to all that controversy and poor communication over many of the changes planned by the Pawlowski administration. But everyone relaxed a bit on Sunday. It was "Pride in the Park" day, an annual celebration of the Lehigh Valley's gay community. A pilgrimage of politicians visits every year to speak and get teased.

This year, it seems that the LV gay community was rating the legs of different politicians who rose to speak. Walter Felton, who is running for magistrate in Allentown, got a 9. But Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan blew everyone away with an even 10. In fact, when Pride board member Rob Hopkins introduced Callahan, he said, "I know all three mayors, and John Callahan definitely has the best legs."

He's got legs and he knows how to use them.

In addition to showing them off to an appreciative audience, Callahan is using those legs to run away from the most important issue facing this country right now - health care reform.

Jake Towne, an independent congressional candidate, actually sent a detailed health care proposals to post on this blog and submitted an op-ed that was published in The Morning Call. Google reports 173,000 sources of information for incumbent Congressman Charlie Dent's positions on health care. Just last week, Congressman Dent stood outside Lehigh Valley Hospital's emergency room, advocating that physicians who provide life-saving emergency treatment, should be treated like good Samaritans. You might disagree with both Dent and Towne, but at least you know where they stand. But how about Congressional wannabe John Callahan?

He's got legs and he knows how to use them.

Does he support House Health Care bill HR 3200, which Speaker Nancy Pelosi is shoving down our throats? This is what The Morning Call's Scott Kraus reports: "Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, a Democrat who is expected to be Dent's opponent in 2010, would not say whether he supports the current legislation." Then why the hell is he running in the first place?

Congressman Charlie Dent’s campaign manager, Shawn Millan, is calling on Callahan to state clearly and definitively where he stands on this important issue as a service to the voters he wants to represent. “Callahan claimed that he wanted to challenge Charlie on the issues. Maybe he hasn’t read the papers lately, but health care is certainly THE issue on the minds of tens of thousands of people in the 15th District."

Actually, Shawn, Callahan does read the papers and must know that the Pelosi Pill is too bitter to most Americans. He also knows his goofy sales tax increase, targeted at low and middle income people, is making voters angry.

“John Callahan shouldn’t be allowed to get away with a ‘no comment’ on an issue this important to America,” Millan added.

“We’ll make it very easy for Mayor Callahan,” said Millan. “Yes or no, does he favor the Pelosi takeover of health care by the government outlined in HR 3200? And, yes or no, does he favor the so-called ‘public option’ which, in the words of Rep. Barney Frank, will lead to a single-payer system?

"John Callahan doesn’t get to hide behind his handlers at the DCCC on this issue. Let him tell the voters where he stands and let them decide from his position whether or not they think he belongs in Congress,” concludes Millan.

The problem is that, whenever Callahan opens his mouth, he hurts himself. In addition to promoting a regressive sales tax increase, he's claimed that the "quick infusion" of a federal stimulus package would eliminate any state budget crisis. I'll bet he wished he had that one back. So instead of speaking on the issues, he's running from them.

He's got legs, and he knows how to use them.

Update: A gaggle of union-led public insurance proponents rallied outside Congressman Dent's Bethlehem office yesterday, claiming there's no time to wait. Looks like they're protesting at the wrong office.

Easton Police Downplay Hoover Crip Presence

On Monday, I published an email that's been circulating over the past several weeks. It reports that LA's Hoover Crips street gang has found its way to Easton. Express Times reporter Michael Buck checked it out with Easton's finest. Lt. Scott Casterline admits that Hoover Crips have recently moved in Shadtown, but that's no reason to expect an imminent gang war. "We have seen (the Crips) playing basketball with the Bloods in city parks."

They must be friendly Crips.

The Disgruntled Bidder

Northampton County recently decided to have an outside firm assess Bethlehem's Sands Casino. Calling it "the most important decision in assessment that the county has ever made," Finance Director Vic Mazziotti recommended California firm HVS, which has experience appraising hundreds of casinos, to county council. They unanimously agreed, and the firm will be paid around $100,000 for this job. Sounds fairly straightforward, right? Unfortunately, there's another story, and it reveals a local businessman who used political contacts, instead of qualifications, to pressure county officials.

In competitive bidding, the low price usually wins. But for the casino appraisal, the county went the RFP (Request for Proposal) route. Cheaper is not always better, especially when professional services are involved. Proposals are opened at the same time and assigned to a committee, which evaluates and recommends an ideal vendor. County Council must accept this recommendation, and only then is the County Executive free to sign a contract. In this case, there were four proposals, and one of them came from Allentown appraiser John Ingram, who has absolutely no experience with casinos.

Purchasing Officer Kathryn Anderson tells me that, once a proposal is received, county officials adopt a "cone of silence" until the contract is awarded. This avoids undue influence by any one bidder, who may seek to get a leg up on other prospective vendors. But Ingram made a point of calling numerous county officials anyway. He actually met Northampton Controller Steve Baron, and made a point of mentioning his ties to Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski. In fact, in his proposal, Ingram lists Pawlowski as his first reference, including the mayor's personal cell phone number. The other three vendors list banks. Ingram also bragged that he was a member of King Edwin's blue ribbon panel. You know, that's the one that has failed to solve the Queen City's financial woes.

Ingram amazingly wanted the county to stop the RFP process and just award the contract to him.

Ingram did not stop with Controller Barron. He called Finance Director Vic Mazziotti, Purchasing Officer Kathryn Anderson and Director of Administration John Conklin. He even put the squeeze on Council member Charles Dertinger, reportedly calling him at least six times.

The committee making the recommendation in this case included Mazziotti, Anderson and Conklin. Council Prez Ann McHale, Assistant Solicitor Dave Backenstoe and Bethlehem official Mark Sivac also participated. After two meetings, HVS was their unanimous recommendation. The minutes are quite revealing.

"John Ingram continues calling our people about the job and downgrading HVS. John C[onklin] said we need to practice the cone of silence with vendors and Ingram should be told this is our policy and stop. John feels Ingram's proposal should be thrown out.

"Ann said Ingram does not have the insurance that is needed; therefore, the proposal does not meet the requirements. Ann also feels Ingram's proposal should be thrown out.

"Ann would like a local vendor, but everything with Ingram is too negative."

Ingram, when he learned he was rejected by the committee, actually asked County Executive John Stoffa to override their recommendation.

"According to Ann McHale and Charles Dercinger (sp?), the final decision has been made on who is going to be awarded the contract to appraise the Bethlehem Sands Casino---and they said it was made, this morning, in favor of HVS out of San Francisco---so much for the County saving money on valuation services! I didn't know that McHale was on the committee making the decision until yesterday, and I called her for the first time, early this afternoon. She was very unresponsive, except to tell me the final decision had been made, the public announcement would be made on Monday, and that she really didn't want to talk to me.

"I thought the final decision was yours to make, or do you just go along with whatever they decide to do? Anyway, if that is the final decision, I'm very disappointed, of course. If so, that will be the first, only and last RFP I'll ever respond to---who needs the wasted time? If you have the ability to override their decision, I'd still like the opportunity to work with the County on the appraisal."

Stoffa refused to go against his own committee, so Ingram threatened to complain to council and the press. They refused to be bullied. Dertinger and McHale, whom I've often criticized, resisted this undue influence.

In this case, what you know mattered a lot more than who you know.

Arlen Specter & Sunflower Seeds

Larry Kisslinger, veteran warhorse of numerous political battles on both sides of the aisle, must have one hell of a scrapbook. A very youthful Arlen Specter came to Bethlehem in 1985 to promote the Republican ticket, headed then by Larry's mayoral campaign. It also included council hopefuls like polka king Jolly Joe Timmer, who was then a youthful 187 years old and only a polka prince. Larry sent me the great pic you see here.

Arlen tried, but failed, to win the day. Only council hopeful Otto Ehrsam survived the Democratic buzz saw. Ron Angle insists he was Timmer's political consultant that year.

Timmer's campaign imploded when he was caught handing out forty year old sunflower seed packages and expired movie passes while going door to door. "Those seeds are good for at least ten more years," he growled as one voter was rushed to the hospital to have his stomach pumped. These days, Timmer still throws those seeds to the kids during Halloween parades.

On the bright side, this is when Timmer also shared the secret of long life with Specter. The Senator now takes one of these sunflower seeds every morning for medicinal purposes. "It's like aspirin," he claims. True, it made his hair fall out once, but he and Timmer both expect to live several thousand more years.

Properties of Merit Broke

Remember Properties of Merit (POM)? In happier times, it raked in nearly all of its annual $351 thousand budget in state and other public money. Nearly 1/3 of that, $110 thousand, went right into executive director Sam Bennett's pocket. Of course, she helped set that salary herself. Hey, you think it's easy handing out garden rakes?

Sam is no longer with POM. She's in D.C. No, she was not elected to Congress. She now heads up yet another nonprofit that promotes women in politics.

Looks like she jumped ship just in time, too, because funding at POM has dried up. S I tried calling several times last week, left several messages, and no one has returned my calls, even when I pose as Ed Rendell. I've been told that its two staff members have been laid off and the office is closed. No money. Communities planning on a program this year are still wondering what has happened to their ballots.

So if you're expecting a golden garden rake, better pick one up at a yard sale.

Update: We're Still Kicking! Just got off the horn with John M. Krumenacker, President of POM's Board. He tells me that POM is currently experiencing a cash crunch, but it's temporary. He expects that the staff will return and is just putting the finishing touches on a contract for a new Executive Director.

LA Hoover Crip Gang Invading Easton

A disturbing email has been circulating for several weeks and has finally found its way to me. It's a warning from a Northampton County Probation Officer, although it is unofficial. If you live or work in Easton, it's cause for concern.

"I wanted to give everyone the heads up that I received information yesterday that the Hoover Crip Gang has moved into the Easton area. This is an original gang from Los Angeles. They are here for 1 of 2 reasons, the Easton drug trade is very lucrative right now or they are checking on the status of other sets in the area. They are putting a lot of pressure on the younger kids both physically and mentally to deal their drugs for them. In speaking with Wes Johnson - he believes that they have no plan on leaving as they can make A LOT OF MONEY HERE.

"I drove around Easton yesterday and found taggings of this gang along 6th and Pine Streets. The members are generally older - 18, 19, 20 years of age, wearing their pants below 'normal' with typically blue boxers and exhibiting orange flags (bandannas). Mike O and I saw 2 of them walking up Ferry Street on our way back from lunch yesterday.

"It should be noted that Easton was predominately Bloods who have controlled the area for the past few years. Some of these known Blood Members are running scared and have left the area since the Hoover's moved in. I did not find any Blood markings over the Crip tags which is a good thing - once they start tagging over - we can see an all out WAR.

"The Hoovers' typical initiation is either a drive by shooting or committing burglaries. They have been seen congregating outside of restaurant establishments, particularly [redacted] around 8 p.m. and later. Several of them were seen on Sunday during Heritage Day. They were sitting around the fountain in Center Square and finally moved when several police were in the area. They were wearing bright orange headbands (as if to say, HERE WE ARE).

"Although this gang was established in LA - the members that are migrating to Easton are typically from Orange, NJ and Newark, NJ. However, they are bringing with them the power and mentality of the Hoover Crips from LA - which is dangerous.

"I received information today that at least 2 were arrested on Walnut Street. They are usually scattered up Ferry and Walnut Street - a concerned person advised me to 'please be careful leaving work and stay away from Walnut Street, right below Ferry.' The group was out in full in Dutchtown Park yesterday. As of late, they don't really appear to have gone beyond 9th Street'.

Is this true?

I have contacted several people who have their fingers on Easton's pulse. They confirm that the Hoover Crip gang is definitely moving in, but that Easton's police are well aware of this development and are taking steps to keep things under control. One of those steps might have included informing the public.

Frey Fries Pawlowski in Cedar Creek Park Interrogation

It's safe to say there's no love lost between Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski and Geza Frey, whose Down Low nightclub has been shut down as a result of a city-sought injunction. Not surprisingly, Geza has contributed $1,000 to Tony Phillips' mayoral campaign.

At Thursday night's city council session, Geza was eventually shut down again, but not before making clear that (1) the misinformation concerning Cedar Creek comes from the city itself; (2) Pawlowski's administration missed three opportunities to meet with the public; and (3) the Mayor attempted to get some local churches to play the race card. You can see the full video here, and below is a transcript of the last three minutes.

Frey: Why was noting mailed to the residents of the close proximity of the park until recently, now that that the project is ready to begin in a few weeks?

King Edwin: I'm sorry, what was your question?

Frey: Why was nothing mailed to the residents that live right by the park until recently?

King Edwin: We had done an extensive planning process and it went out. We put out public ---

Frey: The first time I received any mailing was this week.

King Edwin: We apologize for that. It's not typical in the park process, but we try to engage the public the best way we possibly can. I've outlined for you all the things that we've done. It's not like it's hidden from anybody in any way, shape or form. We had two publicly publicized public meetings.

Frey: I've been to the last three meetings and I've seen nobody from the administration until now.

King Edwin: Well, let me address that. The last meeting was just a courtesy of the floor, I was on vacation. It's the first time I've taken vacation in ---

Frey: One of these meetings you were in the building.

King Edwin: Can I finish talking please?

Frey: Sure, sure!

King Edwin: One of the meetings I was on vacation. Greg was here for a certain portion of the meeting and then he had to go and watch his kids because his wife was out that particular evening. [Blogger's note: Actually, Weitzell had has daughters with him at the meeting in question, and left only once it became apparent the public would be allowed to speak.]

The meeting before that, we were told by city council, and President D'Amore and I had talked, that two of three council people were not going to be there and the committee did not constitute a quorum and thus the committee could not have met. Councilman Phillips, to my understanding, did the meeting anyways. I was in the building for an interview with Channel 69. I had a prior commitment. I left the building because of that prior commitment, so it wasn't like we were trying to avoid. Had we known that the meeting was actually going to be taking place, we would have had somebody there from the administration, to start answering some of these questions.

We have tried our very best to do what we can to get this information out to the general public. I think we've gone - quite honestly - above and beyond, in many cases. You look at other planning processes that we've had in the city, this plan has probably been out there longer, has gotten more scrutiny, has gotten more input, has ... uh, we've had it on the web site, it was in city hall right here for at least a year ...

Frey: I know, but the pictures keep changing.

King Edwin: No, the pictures don't keep changing. That's part of the ... the exact plan that was out out there, if you look at the plan itself, it says possible proposed, you know, skate park. Possible, proposed. It doesn't say it's gonna actually be part of the plan. It was just the initial vision. We took in comments on that vision. It hasn't changed since the very beginning. There's been no bait 'n switch here in any way, shape or form. We have tried to give the most detailed information that we possibly can to the general public.

Now, realizing that there were concerns by people who live around the park, we sent out that letter. We also made sure that we worked with council and Council President D'Amore and I had talked, we set up this special meeting specifically to go through this time and express to you - the residents - what exactly is

Now, realizing that there were concerns by people who live around the park, we sent out that letter. We also made sure that we worked with council and Council President D'Amore and I had talked, we set up this special meeting specifically to go through this time and express to residents what exactly is happening because, as you saw, there's a lot of misinformation ...

Frey: Well, that's the thing with misinformation I wanted to ask you about. There was a lot of misinformation given this past weekend and I wanted to ask you why did you reach out to the churches and ask them - tell them - this is a race issue and a discriminatory issue.

D'Amore: Hold on. Mr. Mayor, you can answer that if you want to, but your time is up, sir.

King Edwin: I'm not even going to dignify that with a response.

Eichenwald: A Teachable Moment

When Allentown council member Jeanette Eichenwald speaks, it's as though someone just threw open a window to let a fresh breeze soar through the room. I've seen her in action four times now, and she is one of very few local government officials who really believes in transparency.

To give you some perspective, just look at how some of her colleagues acted on Thursday night. As soon as Parks Director Greg Weitzel had finished his presentation, council members Julio Guridy and Davie Howells broke out the pom poms.

Julio Guridy immediately declared that Weitzel had answered his concerns about park security. And as Pawlowski had played the religion card, Guridy played the race card with this mean-spirited jab. "The park does not belong to just a few people." When the audience groaned, he snapped "I'd like to have a little respect from the public." Really? Then how about giving it?

Howells was even worse. Without having listened to a word from the public, he droned on with condescending comments like "Take Davie's word for it, this is not going to cause any trouble" and "If you trust in Davie Howells, trust in this plan." Davie, you lost in a primary. I think it's safe to say voters no longer trust you. Howells also had a nasty habit of turning his back on speakers, especially if they went over their allotted three minutes.

Eichenwald, in well-chosen words, put her finger on the problem, and this was after listening to the public. A link to her video is here, and this is some of what she said.

"To me, the issue is absolutely not at the playground. I look forward to bringing my children, my grandchildren, to play with all your children and grandchildren. I am sure it all adds to the enjoyment of living here. But I do think, recently on a national level we had a discussion about teachable moments, and on a local level, this, too is a teachable moment. It tells us the difficulty rises not from the issue, but from our lack of a dissemination of information in a timely and correct manner.

"When people are given the opportunity to ask questions, such as there are this evening, and are given the opportunity to have with us members of the administration, then the questions are answered and we can move forward.

"I'm still concerned about several issues - security, flooding, parking, safety, noise - and I hope that our administration will continue to disseminate information, to keep us informed and to make sure we are in receipt of as much information as possible.

"In knowledge there is power and in knowledge there is understanding. I look forward to continue to walk in the beauty of our parks, and I hope, Mr. Weitzel and administration, that you are willing to respond to the citizens at large as well as council and provide us with information. And I, too, look forward, whether it's by computer or in my hand, to have the construction plans and to follow them as they proceed along."

The People Speak to Pawlowski

Instead of posting actual video, which will slow this blog down, I'm providing links to specific concerns expressed by ten of the thirty-three speakers during Thursday's Allentown City Council meeting concerning Cedar Beach. Every person who spoke, both pro and con, was excellent. In fact, I'd like to rent a few of you for Northampton County Council.

* Was an Impact Study Done on the Neighborhood?

* Not Against Playground, Am Against Poor Information

* Joe Hilliard: There Will Be Costs

* Mother of Disabled Child Lauds Playground

* No Communication

* Cedar Creek Park Will Be Economic Benefit

* Michael Molovinsky: Size of Crowd Indicates People Not Informed

* Misinformation comes from Allentown itself. Those of you who brought your children and plastered them with stickers and signs, congratulations.

* Free Money Funds Cedar Creek Park Changes

* Disability Services Agency Lauds Changes at Cedar Creek Park

* Outraged that Neighbors of Park Knew So Little

* It's Not a Master Plan - It's Nothing!

Allentown Parks Director Details Cedar Creek Park Improvements

Parks Director Greg Weitzel considers his park plan something like the the English Constitution, a living document that can change as circumstances warrant. Below are segments of his detailed presentation to Allentown residents on Thursday night, which does answer many of the concerns.

I also have links to several video clips: Part One, Two, Three, Four and Five.

The Plan is a Living Document

"The Plan. We have four guiding principles in regards to this improvement project. One was highlighting and enhancing the park's unique features, including Cedar Creek, Muhlenberg lake and the Rose Garden. We also understood that we needed to provide a diverse variety of recreational opportunities to serve people of all ages, interests and abilities. We have protected and enhanced the natural resources of the site, as part of this project, and we wanted to provide trails for recreation and fitness throughout the park and beyond to nearby recreation sites. And lastly, consider and improve the park for special events.

"We started with a preliminary plan. We looked at our site opportunities and concerns and we came up with a Master Plan. I want to make this very clear. This is a vision, a living document that changes over time. ...

"While this idea of a skate park is proposed, we understand that there's other areas where a skate park may be built. ...

"This is a vision, this is an idea of what the park could be. It doesn't mean it will be the end result."

The Nitty Gritty

"So we have our Phase 1 plan and I've outlined what exactly we're doing as part of that plan. So here's a summary.

"We are replacing three deteriorated pedestrian bridges.

"We are replacing and renovating our picnic pavilion area.

"We are introducing a vegetative buffer along the Cedar Creek.

"We are expanding and enhancing our trail system.

"We are restoring and renovating the Rose and Old Fashioned Garden.

"We're installing a new playground.

"We're upgrading the existing parking lots.

"We're renovating four existing rest rooms and installing one new restroom.

"We're upgrading the electrical and lighting system.

"And we're going to introduce new signage and a link finding system.

"There will be a youth fitness trail and climbing boulders.

"There'll be a pavilion and family rest room. This will be very aesthetic with a decorative fence and stone pillars."

The Playground

"The playground is 19,900 square feet. The playground is less than half an acre. The park as a whole is 109 acres. I've done a lot of work in comparisons over the last several weeks. Our pool, for example, is 30,000 square feet. This playground will be slightly over the size of two basketball courts.

"We need to talk about this estimating the capacity of a playground. Research indicates that the greater number of square feet allotted per child, there's a corresponding decrease in the number of injuries. Seventy-five square feet is considered ideal, so that equals to about two hundred and sixty-five kids. Now do we anticipate 567 kids in this playground at one time? No. Will there be 200 plus kids in the playground? Most likely during July 4th, Mayfair, Sportsfest and maybe other special events.

"Now one of the other concerns we have is this is going to change the character of our park system. That when you're driving down Hamilton Street, this huge monstrosity of a playground is going to stand out right at you. So we did a comparison to show people from eye level on Hamilton Street exactly how the playground will look. You will see this will not be sticking out as people are concerned."

Parking

"Another factor in our renovation is upgrading our existing parking lots. We're going to refigure and restripe our existing lots. There are no new parking lots being proposed as part of this project. We can fit 120 spaces in the existing pool parking lot. We also have 60 overflow spots next to the basketball courts. We're going to have 24 spots north of the pool, which is often referred to as the bake oven grove. There'll be 45 spaces at the Rose Garden pavilion area and 50 at the park and rec office. That's equalling 299 spaces as a whole."

Flooding

"What's the city going to do to address this problem? The proposed improvements respect existing flood prone areas within the park. The new natural vegetation and flowers along Cedar Creek will help to reduce these flood impacts. Improving the park trails will lessen the damage to the trails and reduce the sediment reaching Cedar Creek and Lake Muhlenberg. ... No new facilities are proposed in the park's flood plain."

Increased Maintenance and Supervision

"We believe this investment in the park will promote increased appreciation and stewardship. ... [Audience starts laughing and even Weitzell starts to smile at this obvious bullshit burger, and Council Prez D'Amore chides them] ... The proposed improvements such as the natural vegetative buffer along the Cedar Creek will reduce long-term maintenance and improve the appearance of the park. City crews will continue to operate and maintain the park in a first class manner."

Funding

"Phase 1 being funded through $1.8 million from grants provided by the Harry C. Trexler Trust, the Pa DCNR and the Lehigh County Green Future Fund. No city tax dollars will be used to complete any of the above-mentioned renovations and also, it's very important to understand this funding is project specific and cannot be used for other city parks or operational expenses."

Incremental Ongoing Costs

"The city anticipates no new costs as a result of these renovations. In fact, we believe the maintenance will decrease. Proposed improvements such as the renovation of the trails will reduce our long-term maintenance and improve the appearance of the park."

Disabilities

"It is estimated that over four thousand children in Lehigh County have a disability."

Why Not Make All Parks Handicapped-Accessible?

"Obviously, we would love to make all of our parks completely accessible and we'll work towards that effort."

What do you mean by destination park?

"This is a term used across the country. We want all our parks to be destinations."

Noisy Games at Playground

"Yes, the playground will have NEOS and it does have some noises, but we can adjust the volume and even turn it off if we want to."

Playground and Park Security

"We have the police reserves and the Allentown Police Department and we also hope the parents of these children will protect them. [Crowd starts mumbling again]. We have maintenance monitoring the park seven days a week. We just had an accident at the pool a couple of weeks ago and it took them less than four minutes to arrive on site."

Allentown Details Cedar Beach Communication Efforts

Allentown Parks Director Greg Weitzel last night detailed an admittedly exhaustive effort at outreach by city officials. But what he and Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski still fail to grasp is that they created most of the misinformation themselves by publishing a plan that had been changed and, in some cases, discontinued. That created lots of confusion, which continued well into last night. Moreover, Weitzell acknowledges that no effort was made to notify residents who actually live near the park and would be most affected by changes. No study was conducted to determine the impact of these renovations in their neighborhoods. Yet, Pawlowski later claimed that the city went "above and beyond" in its efforts to supply notice.

"Number one, it's the city's most heavily used park in our system. The park infrastructure has deteriorated, like the rest rooms and the pavilions. The park is also not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. And the Cedar Creek and Lake Muhlenberg ecological health is in dire need of attention.

"I want to walk through quickly a summary of the park planning process. In June 2007, we started a master plan ... . We set goals, we did field work and site analysis, we did key person interviews, public meetings, a cost analysis, and we came up with a final development plan. We did the typical flyers and postcards, we encouraged as many people as we could to get out and get involved in this process. We distributed these to more than forty media outlets, we posted the flyers in the park, in city hall, we put it on our web site and in various locations around the city. We mailed postcards to over 300 individuals and organizations, asking them to come out and get involved in the project.

"Our project team met with over forty key persons and conducted over forty key person interviews. More than twenty different organizations submitted comments or held meetings with the project team. Numerous comments were received via walk-in, email and phone.

"At every presentation I conducted, as well as the mayor, this plan was displayed. We also had an extensive open public comment period. We also put the plan in Adventure Allentown last Fall, the Cedar Creek Parkway Master Plan and Phase 1 Renovation was in the centerfold. We distributed this city-wide through the Morning Call. We sent it home to over 14,500 students, and it was placed in over fifty locations, including parks, libraries and county offices.

...

"We also (with the cooperation of DCNR, the Pa. Recreation Park Society and PSU) conducted a park survey, a pre-renovation survey. There is a need to evaluate the impact of park renovations and park visitor behaviors and physical activity. We surveyed over 400 park visitors and we hope to do a post-renovation survey once we're done with Phase 1 construction.

"We also created a Rediscovery of the Park brochure to help get the word out even more.

"We underwent an exstensive approval process. Our approval process with city council was lengthy. It involves various meetings on our capital project improvements. The Director and myself attended over ten city council meetings and committee meetings. We created a city-wide parks capital improvements plan with the leadership of city council. All of these passed unanimously.

"We also had to undergo an extensive environmental impact and permitting process. Where there is stormwater or wetlands studies, sedimentation and erosion control, or what's called a MPEDS permit. It's one of the most extensive permits you have to get for any construction. We also have to get a DEP joint permit that pertains to the federal Clean Water Act. Innovative storm water management is one of the keys to this proposal. We're using what is today's best management practices. We're creating a subsurface infiltration bed, which is really a stormwater retention underneath the playground. We're not going to be piping water into the Cedar Creek."

Former ET Newsman Killed in Afghanistan

When he worked for the Express Times, Bill Cahir would occasionally send me links to his breaking stories about what was going on in Washington, D.C., especially if it concerned LV Congressman Charlie Dent. He answered every email I sent him, too, giving both encouragement and insights.

I am deeply saddened to learn that Bill was killed killed recently while serving with the Marines in Afghanistan. Editor Joe Owens, a hard=nosed newsman not exactly known for his compliments, called Cahir an "American hero."

Pawlowski to Move Forward With Cedar Creek Park Improvements

On my way up the hill to Allentown City Council yesterday, I knew it was going to be a long night. At the top of the hill, right outside city hall, people had signs advocating a playground at Cedar Beach Park and condemning opposition as racist. And once I walked inside, there were little girls in pretty dresses everywhere. Lisa Pawlowski's Children Crusade was in full operation. In a letter and on her Facebook page, Lisa had previously instructed her disciples to bring signs and kids because they "play well for any media." Last night, they obeyed. As I moved through the crowd to find a seat in the front, a very attractive woman walked up and introduced herself. "Hi Bernie. I'm Lady MacBeth."

Uh oh. Fortunately, she was very nice.

The place was packed by the time the meeting got underway. I stopped counting at 140. People stood in the rear and along the walls at the side of the room. One of Allentown's finest was on hand in case anyone went berserk. And that was a distinct possibility because the place was full of politicos and bloggers. There were even a few dogs in the building, who were either guide dogs or there to demand a bark park. Pawlowski campaign manager Mike Fleck was there, looking as befuddled as ever, and so was LC Dem Chair Rich Daugherty. All three of Allentown's Republicans showed up, too.

You see, this has become a political issue that has probably cost Hizzoner a few votes. King Edwin can screw around with budgets. He can accept excessive donations form city vendors and workers. He can let crime run rampant in Allentown. He can even lay off thirty-nine workers. But, as I've come to realize, you don't mess lightly with Allentown's parks. And if you do tinker, you better let everyone know exactly what you're doing. That's where King Edwin screwed up. He and Parks Director Greg Weitzel misled the community about what was happening, and Allentown residents are rightfully upset.

Last night, the Parks Director described exactly what the city has planned for the Cedar Creek Park. That was followed by some questions and comments from the public. By my count, fourteen people advocated full speed ahead while nineteen people urged caution. Not a single soul objected to the concept of a playground for differently-abled children.

Because the city has still failed to produce its latest plan and supporting construction documents, Councilman Michael Donovan asked the mayor to delay further construction at Cedar Creek Park for another six days, when the next City Council meeting is scheduled. Council members Jeanette Eichenwald and Tony Phillips joined that request. But Council members Julio Guridy, Peter Schweyer and Davie Howells felt Hizzoner had already done enough, and Pawlowski explained there were open holes in the ground that might present a liability issue. He did promise to post the latest plan and construction documents. He also tried to claim that he had already given everyone ample notice of his intentions, without bothering to pint out that the information was all wrong. He did end up apologizing to one Cedar Creek neighbor who was never told anything.

Despite the concerns expressed by a majority of last night's speakers at last night's four hour meeting, King Edwin's jackhammers will replace the sounds of woodpeckers at Cedar Creek Park today.

The best one-liner of the night was delivered by Council member Davie Howells as the clock ticked towards ten o'clock. "My mind can only absorb as much as my rear end can endure."

I did take a lot of video and will upload and post links over the weekend. I will also transcribe the Psrk Firector's presentation and a fiery exchange between Geza Frey and Mayor Pawlowski.

Update: I will be posting the Park Director's presentation, word for word, and links to videos of several of the citizens who voiced concerns. The Morning Call has a detailed news account, Molovinsky brands City Council as a rubber stamp and LVCI laments we still have no final plan.

State Budget Impasse Now Hurting Our Children

Community Services for Children provides early education services for children from low-income families. Yesterday, President Jane Ervin sent this letter, which is self-explanatory.

As a result of the state failing to pass the early education portion of its 2009-2010 budget, Community Services for Children (CSC) must delay opening 12 of our 39 classrooms serving 233 preschoolers from poor families in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. These are among the most vulnerable children in the area!

CSC is forced to furlough 42 employees and reduce hours of an additional 88 employees between mid August and September 18th, representing between 10% and 20% reduction in pay for the period. About 46% of CSC's 280-person workforce is affected.

If the budget impasse remains unchanged by early September, we will need to reassess options to take more dramatic action, potentially affecting more children, families and staff.

In addition, the state has not reimbursed CSC for services already rendered in two other programs we operate: Child Care Information Services of Lehigh County and Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Keystone STARS program. The lack of payment has forced CSC to secure a $5 million line of credit, which will require a high interest repayment.

I am asking you to let your state representative and senator know that saving a penny now will cost a pound later. We can't afford to balance the budget on the backs of poor children who need quality early education now. As you know, children entering school unprepared all too often remain behind!

Please ask your representtaive/senator to resume negotiations and support early education at last year's levels.

To find your state representative and contact information, go to http://www.legis.state.pa.us.

Thank you for your help!

LC Comm'r Chair Dougherty Blasts State Budget Impasse

Gloria Hamm has oxygen tubes running up her nose, and Sterling Raber's arm is in a sling after breaking his collarbone last week. They both had pretty good excuses to take a summer's night off, but they were still present at last night's fifty-minute meeting of Lehigh County Commissioners. After listening to a spirited address by Chairman Percy Dougherty, they may be preparing for war against ineffectual legislators in the land of midnight payraises.

One of the items considered was a proposed grant of about $100 thousand to an alphabet soup of nonprofits for participation in Lehigh County's "MORE for Children" program. As explained by sponsor Dan McCarthy, this is a program administered through the school districts, for field trips to places like Lehigh Valley Zoo and Allentown Art Museum. Hotel tax, and not real estate revenue, is used to fund this grant.

Although Dougherty supports this "very important" initiative, he notes that "[i]t doesn't appear like there's going to be speedy conclusion" to Harrisburg's state budget gridlock. He claimed everyone, from Governor Rendell to legislators from both parties, are at fault.

"This is probably the largest pending disaster that I have seen for the County since I have been a County Commissioner." Having just returned from a CCAP conference, he then explained how other counties are preparing.

"Some of the counties are already putting into effect programs where they're cutting back on staffing, where they're starting to cut programs, and for want of a better term, they're putting into effect triage types of systems. So by a certain date, if we do not have a budget, they are going to start to cut programs, and these are programs that most of us consider absolutely necessary. ... We are going to have to look at this very carefully if there's not a budget solution soon."

Commissioners throughout the counties are even thinking "that if the legislators don't come up with a solution, that county commissioners from every county declare that they're going to run against the elected officials in Harrisburg so that we can get something done. It's getting nasty out there."

You can see Dougherty's video here. Careful! It's hot!

Meanwhile, over in the People's Republic of Northampton County, where County Exec John Stoffa runs around flipping off light switches, Finance Chair Lamont McClure has no worries. He's conducted just four budget meetings this year, half the usual number for previous years.

Lehigh County: We Don't Need No Steenkin' Special Election

Last Thursday, Northampton County Council unanimously adopted a resolution asking Lt. Governor and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati to reverse himself on scheduling a special election in the 24th Senatorial District on September 29th. It would be much cheaper to simply wait 35 days and conduct the special election along with the general.

It was Lehigh County's turn last night. After a contentious committee hearing, which I unfortunately missed, everyone went along with Glenn (Commissioner No) Eckhart's proposal. A Republican, Eckhart deserves some credit for taking on the heavyweights within his own party.

Eckhart had an unlikely ally last night - his opponent in this November's election. Softspoken Democrat Hillary Kwiatek told Commissioners "I'm in perfect agreement with Commissioner Eckhart on this. It's inappropriate to have a special election 35 days before a scheduled general election. It's a waste of taxpayer dollars."

Chairman Percy Dougherty was a little more blunt, calling the decision "idiotic." After the resolution was adopted, Eckhart claimed it would most likely end up in Scarnati's trash can. That's s probably where Northampton County's resolution has already been carefully filed.

I hope they used recycled paper.

Dent Takes Aim at Emergency Care Worker Shortage

LV Congressman Charlie Dent, along with Tennessee Democrat Bart Gordon, has previously introduced legislation designed to address the growing shortage of physicians and specialists willing to work in emergency rooms as hospital staff or as on-call providers.

Yesterday, standing outside the Emergency Room at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Salisbury Township, Congressman Dent noted that current House legislation on health care ignores the issue of medical liability reform, and stressed the urgent need for Congress to act on this issue.

Emergency physicians and on-call specialists perform lifesaving feats everyday, often requiring quick, life-and-death decisions based on minimal information. But it's inherently risky because emergency and trauma patients are often sicker, have more serious complications and usually have no pre-existing relationship with the treating physician. Unfortunately, the high risk of being sued and the increased professional liability costs, which are far higher than for those who do not provide such care, have limited the availability of many emergency physicians and on-call specialists.

Under federal law, public access to emergency medical care must be provided, regardless of ability to pay. Dent's legislation provides emergency room doctors and on-call specialists with medical liability protection. The goal is to ensure that emergency medical care will be available when and where it is needed.

“The medical liability environment is creating a crisis in access to emergency care for all Americans, the insured and uninsured alike,” Congressman Dent said. “As Congress considers proposals to reform health care access in this country, it is essential that we focus on ensuring that quality health care is available."

“I believe there are certain, specific issues that must be addressed whether we pass a major overhaul or not,” Congressman Dent continued, calling his proposal a “common-sense reform."

Congressman Dent was joined by LVHN Emergency Department Director Dr. Richard Mackenzie and by Dr. Alex Rosenau, LVHN staff physician and board member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, which represents 27,000 emergency physicians nationwide. Dr. Rosenau noted that the liability issue is particularly daunting to younger doctors, and presents a barrier to doctors who might otherwise enter the essential community service of providing emergency care.

Cunningham on Track With Lehigh County Bridge Repairs

We tend to take them for granted. But imagine the horror we would feel if a bridge collapsed from under us. Just two years ago, that's exactly what happened on a Minnesota Interstate bridge, leaving thirteen people dead.

But believe it or not, the Keystone State has the largest number of structurally deficient bridges in the whole dang country. More than one out of every four bridges has problems. There's a pleasant thought for you next time you roll over the Hill to Hill bridge!

Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham has re-opened four bridges since taking office in 2006. By the end of this year, major repairs will be completed or underway on 17 others, more than one-third of the county’s 47 bridges.

Today, seven humongous support beams (152-foot long, 106-ton) will be plunged into the murky depths as the $6.5 million Linden Street bridge project nears completion in December. You can join Cunningham and watch these beams being hoisted by two 500-ton cranes at 4 PM today.

Cunningham has vowed to throw the last of these beams into place all by himself. "It's just like a caber toss," he tells me.

Morning Call's New Web Page

The Morning Call has a new web page design. NewsOverCoffee, which tends to be more objective than most of us, is less than impressed.

The Morning Call has launched a new/revised web site and declares, “The Morning Call's Web site is the most useful and popular Web site in the Lehigh Valley, and today it gets even better.”

Then I saw the hot topics listed at the top which noted: “Jon and Kate Update, Minnie Mouse Assaulted, Miley Cyrus and a Stripper Pole?” Hmm…

It's too early for me to decide whether I like it, but I love one of the changes. Readers who wish to comment on stories must now register. That should curb some of the hate commentary and impersonations.

What do you think of the changes?

An Apology to Readers for Sitemeter

Late Sunday night, a reader (Lighthouse) informed me he was having trouble accessing this blog, and was instead being redirected to Google with a "dg.specificclick" message. Unbeknownst to me, my SiteMeter was surreptitiously installing tracking cookies, not directed at me, but at you. It was tracking your browsing history without asking.

For that, I am sorry.

Once I realized what was going on, I replaced SiteMeter with StatCounter. This is supposed to be clean. It is certainly much more detailed. It distinguishes returning visitors and provides a page-by-page history for each of my last 500 "fans." On Monday, for example, I had 1020 total readers, although 137 were folks who would return throughout the day to participate in discussions on different comment threads. On Tuesday, there were 1298 readers, but once again, 329 were people who would return to participate in or read the comment threads.

Compared to the MSM, this is a very small readership. LVR's latest Alexis rating, which has finally broken the top million, pales in comparison to the Express Times (#46,644) or Morning Call (#21,788). But it's an indication that, despite the decline of newspaper circulation, people will always be hungry for local information, even if it comes from a crazy blogger.

Allentown's Lady MacBeth

Life inside the Friends of Ed Pawkowski is not so cordial these days. It seems that every time something goes wrong, it's blamed on those volunteers from the "inner city." And the person wagging her finger more than anyone else is First Lady Lisa Pawlowski, aka Lady MacBeth. "She's so mean to everybody," is what one Allentown politico told me yesterday.

Here's an example. After the primary, when campaign manager Jude Denis was dumped in favor of Easton City Council candidate Mike Fleck, Lady MacBeth told Denis she could stay to clean HQs. Condescending remarks like that tend to be bad for morale.

What really set Lady MacBeth off recently was some little bastard, probably Michael Molovinsky, who surreptitiously spraypainted "SKATE OR DIE" all over the restroom walls at campaign HQs. That really got to her.

King Edwin: "This is a sorry sight."

Lady MacBeth: "A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight."

Lady MacBeth got all kinds of cleaning supplies and ordered her volunteers to wash out that offensive graffiti.

Lady MacBeth: "Yet here's a spot."

Pastors Charles and Randy: "Hark, she speaks. We will set down what comes from her, to satisfy our remembrance the more strongly."

Lady MacBeth: "Out, damn'd spot! out, I say!—One; two: why, then 'tis time to do't. — Hell is murky. — Fie, my lord, fie, a soldier, and afeard? What need we fear who knows it, when none can call our pow'r to accompt? — Yet who would have thought this old wall to have had so much paint in it?"

Lady MacBeth blames "inner city" campaign volunteers for this offense, apparently forgetting that skateboarding is pretty much a middle class (and white) activity. Now, they're all pissed and jumping ship. I have a few names but will keep their identities to myself. One of them is a young lady who recently managed to put herself through college despite the handicap of two parents addicted to crack cocaine. She was deeply offended by Lady MacBeth's accusations, and will apply her talents where they are appreciated.

Pawlowski Playground Provides For No Maintenance or Supervision

Allentown Parks Director Greg Weitzell was confirmed in February '08. Prior to that, he was executive director at Lewisburg Area Recreation Authority for seven years, starting a "destination" park.

Smaller then the 19,000 sq.ft. playground planned in A-town, it attracts 1,000 visitors per day on weekends. But guess what? "[P]ark officials still face years of hard work to maintain the facilities and natural environment. "

So what provisions have been made for maintenance in Allentown? None. According to Pawlowski, the "investment in the park will promote increased appreciation and stewardship." Alrighty then. Basically, he just serves up a big bullshit burger.

In addition to failing to provide for maintenance, neither Weitzell nor Pawlowski has considered that a playground of that size, designed as it is for differently-abled children, will require supervision, too.

From the dirty dozen, here's a few facts about municipal playgrounds:

* In the time it takes you to read this post, a child will be severely injured and admitted to an emergency room as a result of a playground-related accident.

* Every year, over 170,000 children are injured at municipal playgrounds.

* Approximately twenty children die each year from playground-related injuries.

* Over 40% of all playground injuries are the result of unsupervised activity.

* Inadequate maintenance of playground equipment, especially when damage is caused by the corrosion or rot that is common in a wet environment, will result in additional injury.

A 19,000 sq. ft. playground for differently abled children, with no provision for maintenance or supervision, is negligence per se.

Pawlowski Uses City Email to Promote His Candidacy

Five different people have forwarded me a royal proclamation from King Edwin's reelection campaign. It was widely circulated yesterday, and urges people to come to city council on Thursday night, and watch as he magically dispels the "misinformation that has been propagated concerning the proposed renovations of Cedar Creek park." He fails to mention that most of this misinformation has come from him.

Funny thing about that letter. It's identical to an undated Pawlowski proclamation, posted on the city's web page, presumably written by Pawlowski in his capacity as mayor. So he is using his city work product to promote his candidacy for mayor. This violates the Allentown Home Rule Charter proscription on "using city facilities or property for any political activity."

Now I know why city employee Erlinda Aguiar thought nothing of parking a city vehicle at a politcal rally thie Spring, and walking inside to hand out brochures.

Tony Sortino Drops Out of Magisterial Race

Citing personal reasons, Easton title insurance agent Tony Sortino has dropped out of the race for the magisterial district covering Tatamy, Forks and Palmer Townships. Tony was the Democratic nominee. Ass't DA Jackie Taschner won the Republican nod.

When Taschner and Sortino found out they were running against each other, the first thing they did was sit down and have lunch. It was a friendly race between two class acts. Tony wishes Jackie the best in her effort to win the seat.

Phillips Tags Pawlowski Over Allentown Crime

Allentown Mayoral candidate Tony Phillips blasted away at Allentown's crime problem in a WFMZ (Channel 69) interview yesterday. King Edwin, wearing no glasses or tie, refused to be interviewed at the TV station, where he would have to meet Phillips face-to-face. Hizzoner claims crime is down, but Phillips - a former cop -points to an alarming increase in violent crimes like rape and robbery.

Sneering at Pawlowski's crackdown on graffiti, Phillips asks, "Would you rather have your garage spray painted or have someone come and knock you out and take your wallet?"

Phillips' solution to Allentown's crime? More boots on the ground. Cops. Pawlowski's solution to Allentown's crime is to pretend it does not exist. "Nothing to see here. Move along."

Humpty's Still Here!

On Friday, I posted one of my all-time faves, Humpty Hump, as my avatar. I love everything about this guy, including the story that he was originally Edward Ellington Humphrey III, the lead singer with "Smooth Eddie and the Humpers." After burning his nose in a tragic kitchen accident with a deep-fryer, Humpty Hump the rapper was born.

Of course, it's all bullshit. Humpty Hump is actually Shock G, aka Gregory E. Jacobs.

Well, anyway, I was called a racist for posting a picture of Humpty, who is an Irish-Pakistani-Jewish-American Indian-African American. Misogynist I could understand, but racist?

"He wears black-face. You are a racist like your friend Angle."

WTF?

"Makes for a good laugh. Face it, your bigot buddies can cover for you, but like your good friend angle you have let your own racism slip out."

J. Black thinks it's the summer heat. I'm sorry, but I'm posting Humpty a third time. I must really be bigoted.

"And to all the ladies, peace and Humptiness forever."

Pawlowski Plays the God Card

King Edwin is pulling out all the stops, doing his best to marginalize anyone standing in the way of his vague Cedar Creek Parkway improvements, which still includes a 19,000 sq. ft. playground located in a flood zone, with absolutely no provision for maintenance or supervision. His First Lady, Lisa, has launched a Facebook page attacking the "doom and gloom" crowd who've expressed concerns about little things like the city's complete refusal to produce a final plan. She gives detailed instructions on bringing kids and signs to meetings, too, and suggests using them as media props. But that's nothing compared to what happened on Sunday. Moody Bible College graduate Pawlowski has played the God card.

Life Church Pastor Randy Landis and Third Day Worship Center Pastor Charles Olmeda, heeding a plea from King/Saint Edwin, called on their flocks to attend Thursday's city council meeting to support their angelic mayor's efforts to build a 19,000 sq. ft. playground, in a flood zone, for differently-abled children. Let's face it. All of Cedar Creek Parkway is in the flood zone. I hope these servants of the Lord pray for a few inner tubes and handicapped-accessible life rafts, too.

Of course, West End residents opposed to Pawlowski's Playground are depicted as NIMBYs threatened by minorities and differently-abled children. These preachers never bothered talking to those who have concerns. Had they done so, they would have learned no one opposes this concept. The only questions have been about size, location, lack of citizen input and the city's refusal to provide for supervision.

I have spoken to some of the sheep in both of these flocks but will decline to identify them because Saint Edwin is a vengeful Lord. I then tried calling both pastors to discover why they were furthering Pawlowski's political agenda from the pulpit. No living person could speak to me at Life Church. Just recordings. At Third Day, a very nice receptionist spoke to me, but told me Pastor Charles takes off every First Day.

Despite taking the day off, Pastor Charles did take the time to send a mass email yesterday. "I am going ask that my name and the churches [sic] name be kept out of whatever disagreement and / or concerns you have with the Mayor of Allentown. Unless there is a CLEAR understanding of what was said and in what context it was used, it should not be addressed in public emails for the sake of your opposition and / or stance on this Cedar Beach issue."

Wait a tic. I already have a clear understanding. If Pastor Charles wanted his churches [sic] name out of the conversation, then why did he cast thunderbolts at those bigoted and handicapped-children-hating West Enders from his pulpit on Sunday? If he has the time to send a mass email, don't you think he had the time to return a simple phone call? I won't hold my breath.

Frustrated by this unwillingness of two evangelical preachers to speak to me, I decided to call God on his cell. Father Alex gave me the number. The Almighty One was in a foul mood yesterday because He was playing a round of golf with Moses at the time I called him, and was down six strokes.

"Jesus Christ, can't you people ever leave me alone? I'm half-tempted to send a lightning bolt up your ass right now, but you'd probably like it, O'Hare. Hey Moses, who the Hell are Pastor Charles and Randy, anyway?"

"Never heard of them."

Then the Omnipotent One put me on hold and continued playing his stupid game, draining my cell batteries until my phone died. Hope He had a good laugh. By the way, He cheats at golf. Buddy Christ told me that a year ago.

Pawlowski may think the Heavenly Father is on his side, but I got news for King/Saint Edwin. God's got leagues against the archangels on Thursday night, and Allentown City Council will be the last thing on His Heavenly Mind.

LC Taxpayers To Pay $300k For Pawlowski's Playground

Lehigh County voters overwhelmingly endorsed an open space initiative in 2002, supporting the investment of $30 million for farmland preservation, open space acquisition and parks. As Lehigh County Comm'r Dean Browning explains, "Once a proposal is submitted that is for one of the designated functions such as parks, and is within the allocation for the requesting municipality, there is little reason for it to be turned down at the County level."

On June 10th, Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $300 thousand Green Future Fund Grant Agreement between Allentown and Lehigh County for a Park Improvement Project at Cedar Creek. Sterling Raber, Lehigh County's open space maven, was originally listed as sponsor. But when it came up for a vote, Commissioners David Jones, Dan McCarthy and Bill Leiner insisted on being added as sponsors, too.

Here's the Commissioners' analysis:

"The legislation indicates the project – termed Phase I -- involves 109.62 acres in Cedar Creek Parkway along Parkway Boulevard. Work on the site included: paving the trail system; restoring the Rose Gardens reflective ponds; installing fieldstone walkways; installing four new pavilions; replacing three pedestrian bridges; restoring two existing restrooms and building a handicap accessible restroom.

"The park will be preserved and maintained as a park."

No mention is made of the destination playground.

Stoffa: No Layoffs Planned for Northampton County

After Thursday night's Northampton County Council meeting, an excited Jerry Seyfried took a group of us into one of the anterooms near council chambers. He's unearthed the only known copy of the county's 1752 Charter, nicely framed in cherrywood. Express Times reporter Sarah Cassi, county exec John Stoffa and fellow council member John Cusick looked on as Jerry went through the document, frame by frame.

"You really should read this! It's so exciting."

We eventually left him there, where he is probably on his 14th of 19 frames by now. As we walked out of the building, Stoffa would duck into different rooms and flip off the lights. That's what County Exec Gene Hartzell used to do when he was top dog, too. These guys know how much it costs to run a county.

In an effort to save money, Stoffa has proposed a voluntary furlough program, giving workers the option to take time off without pay when times are slow. The key word here is VOLUNTARY. County workers will not be asked or forced to take these furloughs. The program is designed to accommodate those workers who'd like more time off than allowed under their vacation package, as I've explained before.

Unfortunately, there is a small group of misinformed people who insist Stoffa is secretly planning layoffs. "I just seen [sic] the hidden information being put together by [Human Resources Director] Falk. Operation dump employees is already beyond the planning stage."

Stoffa denies this. "There are no mandatory anticipated layoffs planned for next year`s budget … I repeat…no anticipated mandatory layoffs are being planned. "

I'd suggest that some people take a furlough, buy a dictionary, and look up the word "voluntary."

Allentown's War of the Roses

A local newspaper is at its best when it tells us what is going on in our own community. Blogs, I've often argued, complement that coverage. We might focus on aspects discounted by the MSM, or go into much more detail. True, most of us lack the objectivity of trained journalists, but because of our interactive nature, we are often an early indication of a hot button issue. Here in Blogistan, people, and not some detached newspaper editor or publisher or even the bloggers, set the agenda.

Who would have guessed that renovations to an aging Allentown park would set off such a raging firestorm? Not me. I don't live there. I would have predicted Peanutville's major budget deficit or its near daily gunfire might bother people more than the Cedar Creek Parkway project, which includes a playground and changes to Allentown's famous rose garden. Perhaps because that's all Allentown really has left, people are very upset.

Recent Morning Call coverage provides a glimpse into the growing grass roots opposition, but makes no attempt at editorializing the competing claims. Here are links to some of the most recent stories: Residents critical of Cedar Creek changes (Pawlowski and Parks Director MIA); Allentown council set to discuss Cedar Creek Park plans (citizens complain plan too ambitious); Mayor Pawlowski agrees to delay building playground at Cedar Creek Park (until August 20, according to City Council Prez Mike D'Amore, because Mayor still MIA); Handicap-accessible park is long overdue (and Parks Director Greg Weitzell is wunderbar); and Corrections & Clarifications (Cedar Creek Parkway calls for 290 new parking spots, but much of that will be accomplished by realigning existing parking).

This is where blogs come to the rescue, supplementing the MSM with more factual background and lots of perspective.

Blogger Michael Molovinsky would have to be the leader in the editorial perspective category. He once chided me for "bitch slapping" erstwhile congressional candidate Sam Bennett, but has had no difficulty taking pot shots at everyone else - from Council members Michael Donovan and Tony Phillips to Mayor Edwin Pawlowski - over planned Cedar Beach changes. Twelve of his last thirteen posts lament an "assault" on our "quality of life." "When a Mayor from Chicago, and a Recreation Director from Philadelphia, wish to remake Allentown's historic, iconic Park System, public notification must be more than a rendering taped on a wall." Molovinsky pointedly notes the absence of both Mayor and Parks Director Weitzel from most public discussion. He accuses Tony Phillips of being asleep at the switch when park changes breezed through one of his committees a year ago. Council Prez Mike D'Amore and VP Michael Donovan are supposedly participants in a conspiracy to prevent public comment at Allentown City Council's most recent meeting, even though nearly thirty citizens were allowed to speak. Molovinsky has even started calling himself the "Shadow Mayor." Obviously, he has a point of view. Unfortunately, much of what he has written is accurate.

Nor is Molovinsky some lone voice in the wilderness, howling at the moon. As Pam Varkony makes clear, "the neighborhood is mobilized and organized. Many of them were in the crowd at Wednesday nights City Council meeting. They are concerned about traffic, parking, noise, litter, and crime."

In response to Molovinsky and this growing public criticism from grassroots groups like "Save the Parks Alletnown," Pawlowski has done what he always does when one of his "visions" is challenged. He attacks his critics. His wife has launched a Facebook page in which park opposition, particularly to a "great, big, playground," is marginalized as a small group of about 20 men. Her Facebook group is infested by political nonresidents like anonymous robocaller Rob Hopkins and commissioner wannabe Hillary Kwiatek. Opponents are snarked as "the doom and gloom crowd." "[U]nfortunately, there is no easy way to deal with people like Mr. M."

In addition, Pawlowski has posted an undated letter on the city web page, complaining about the "misinformation" that has arisen. What Pawlowski fails to acknowledge, and what was abundantly clear at Wednesday night's council meeting, is that most of this comes from the city itself. The city distributed plans it had to know were inaccurate. Parks Director Weitzell refused to make a copy of his most recent plan available on Wednesday to two female opponents who were meeting with him at the Mayor's urging. Weitzell has refused to attend public meetings and actually walked out on Wednesday night. As a result of the administration's outright refusal to be transparent, council member Michael Donovan has been forced to post the city's most recent drawings on his own blog.

Last Wednesday, city council unanimously requested the Mayor to stop his Cedar Creek Parkway renovations until the public could be better informed about his actual intentions. Before the meeting had ever started, Pawlowski assured Council Prez Mike D'Amore that nothing would be happening until August 20th. Yet on Friday, LVCI reports that construction was still going on in the Rose Garden. It appears that Pawlowski not only has ignored the sentiments of city council, but has failed to keep his own word.

What do we know so far?

1) Plans being proudly distributed by the city at Mayfair and at its web page are inaccurate and have been changed.

2) The city refused to supply a copy of its most recent plan to two West End residents.

3) Parks Director Greg Weitzel has refused to participate in public meetings, even walking out of one of them.

4) Whether for 200 or 567 kids, the city plans to build a 19,000 sq. ft. playground somewhere in Cedar Creek Parkway. By Pawlowski's own admission, the city has made no provision to address increased trash, noise and other issues at the park, to say nothing of supervision.

5) Most of the confusion surrounding the parkway appears to be the city's own doing, and it is questionable whether Pawlowski has stopped construction as promised.

5) No new parking will be added to Cedar Creek Parkway in the initial phase. In other words, there will be new parking later, which adds an impervious surface and contributes to flooding in a flood-prone area.

Humpty Stays Another Day!

As most of you who know me are aware, I'm incredibly handsome. I avoid posting my own picture on my profile because it results in too many unsolicited love notes and marriage proposals. On Friday, I posted Humpty's picture and received this admonition. "I do not appreciate your racially insensitive avatar. Please do not use it anymore. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation."

What's really racially insenitive is this goofy objection. So I decided to keep Humpty up another day, damn it.

Rose Garden Neighborhood Ass'n Minutes

I've told you much of the misinformation concerning the Cedar Creek Parkway comes from Allentown itself. Below are the 3/4/09 Rose Garden Neighborhood Ass'n minutes, which make clear (1) Allentown is contributing $200 thousand of its own money; (2) a 567-child playground is intended, complete with 60-minute linear games; and (3) some sort of restaurant is planned. Was the city lying then or is it lying now?

ROSE GARDEN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION Steering Committee

March 4, 2009

Mayor of Allentown, Ed Palowski, was in attendance for the first part of our meeting to introduce the Allentown Director of Department of Parks and Recreation, Greg Weitzel.

Greg spoke to the Rose Garden Association steering committee for over an hour regarding new and exciting changes for the Cedar Creek Parkway.

There may be up to $1.5 million in funds to spend for renovation for the projects. The Trexler Trust would appropriate 20%, State of Pennsylvania an added $400,000.00, Lehigh County has a Green Futures Fund to draw from and The City of Allentown would put in an additional $200,000.00. There is ongoing planning to have walkways eventually in place for concurrent use between Trexler Park and Cedar Creek Park.

Points for PHASE I, made to change and enhance the existing Park which holds the beloved Rose Garden, include:

A “no mow” strategy using mixed grassed, flowers, trees and shrubs which in turn will be helpful to control flooding. This will be great environmentally and make the space a sustainable community park! $20,000.00 is being used for a commissioned study called “Mirror Ponds and Muhlenberg Lake”. Masonry will be replaced in fixing existing walls of the Mirror Ponds which are going to be dredged of several feet of sludge. Species such as turtles and koi fish will be added to the ponds once they are repaired, cleaned and refilled.

Island beds with assorted plantings are in discussion as well.

The Ott Street Bridge is going to be transformed and fixed with a hopeful $2 million federal appropriation fund being sought. This would be used to replace the old metal super-structure of the bridge along with its eroding sides. Paved trails in place of existing gravel trails to be used for biking year round as well as walking when weather permits.

Taking out and replacing the existing Fitness Posts as they stay now for a LIFE TRAIL for 55+ population exercise system which would consist of light workouts performed around the loop of trails passing the pavilion; the program was developed at Penn State. Physicians could be brought in for special seminars and health issues addressing the public on the park grounds; classes such as Tai Chi could be added.

A 6 foot wide asphalt walkway put in place to be used for wheel chairs, disabled citizens and seniors to walk to and from the pavilion. 3 new bridges built for existing ones - fashioned after the replaced one already in place. Replacement of existing wooden rose trellises with composite vinyl made from recycled material. A colored finish could be used.

A new main garden trellis - open in style - with stone pillars or wooden ones; possibly done in the deco style like in Union Terrace. The city has an arborist on duty now. Since alarming statistics are out about child obesity (a 40% rate) a new playground is being planned for in Cedar Beach. This playground would be built out of flood’s way and have a capacity of 567 kids, ideally planned for ages 5-12. Discussion included how kids are disconnected from physical activity due to thriving technology which tends to compete for time that could be well spent competing against one another in active games and fun sport activities!

A new gym-style playground is going to be in placed called NEOS. It has musical and linear games up to 60 minutes in length that will encourage shared activity and exercise. SURFACE AMERICA will be furnishing the equipment; it has rubberized surfacing. PHASE II plans include:

Muhlenberg Lake is the “hot potato” in planning. It has major concerns consisting of a large geese population that has polluted the water and close to the new playground that will be built. Liability for children is a huge factor the way it stands now. Thoughts are to to drain it back, reshape it and link it to the existing stream which would make it environmentally friendly as well. Studies of what to do for the Lake will be heavy in cost and more than likely done by the Conservation District and the Army Corps of Engineers. A “City Wide Trail Feasibility Study” needs to be conducted. For more information go to Greenways.com/Allentown

Conversation came up regarding a reformation of the Park and Recreation building on the ground to a restaurant! Taking the building down to its studs and adding decorative details to the stoneware; a new kitchen made available for possible events such as catering for weddings and different parties was brought to the table as well. Fun ideas such as al fresco dining, a coffee shop, or even healthy choice refreshments were mentioned, too!

Anyone interested to volunteer for assisting in filing and managing historical papers in the Park and Recreation building? Contact Greg Weitzel at: weitzel@allentowncity.org.

The main goal is to get our parks used and enjoyed by all!

Northampton County Council: We Don't Need No Steenkin' Special Election

Earlier this week, Lehigh County Comm'r Glenn Eckhart asked Lt. Governor and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati to reverse himself on scheduling a special election in the 24th Senatorial District on September 29th. He also intends to introduce a resolution at the next commissioners' meeting, asking that the special election be postponed until the general election.

If Northampton County is any indication, Eckhart's resolution should have smooth sailing next week. Last night, Northampton County adopted a resolution sponsored by Jerry Seyfried, objecting to the special election, variously estimated to cost anywhere between $100,000 and $375,000.

In addition to cost, Jerry noted the special election imposes an "unwarranted administrative challenge" on four counties, who will be forced to conduct two elections within 35 days. Moreover, because party bosses pick the candidates, the public is effectively denied the right to choose their own representatives.

Council member Charles Dertinger added another valid concern. "We don't know that all the voting locations - the thirty-six that are in Northampton County - will be available for this special election. So we're going to have people voting in one place on September 29th, and then another place perhaps on November 3rd. ... It's motivated by elements that are not at all appropriate."

Council member Joe Capozzolo is baffled by all the gerrymandering. "They should really fix the district. It looks like an octopus."
Council member Joe Capozzolo

Seyfried's resolution passed unanimously, 8-0. Council member Lamont McClure was absent. It opposes the scheduling of a special election "particularly because of the exorbitant cost to fill one vacancy and especially in light of the ongoing unprecedented Commonwealth of Pennsylvania budget impasse. Further, the Northampton County Council recognizes that special elections historically attract extremely low voter turnouts and that more should be done to increase voter turnouts rather than taking actions that essentially minimize voter turnout."

Copies of the resolution will be mailed to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the LV delegation to the General Assembly.

Do Not Bet Against the Northampton County Bulldog

"How much do want to bet that I know exactly when tonight's council meeting will end?"

That's the question Ron Angle posed when I bumped into him in the parking lot outside the Northampton County Courthouse last night. We were both headed to the 6:30 PM County Council meeting.

Now, municipal meetings run usually anywhere between a ten minutes and eight hours. You never know. I've tried guessing just long or short, and I'm usually wrong. But Angle claimed he knew the precise minute, 6:50 PM, at which the meeting would end, so I met him lunch.

Last night's meeting ended at exactly 6:50 PM. I'll get him a cup of those thirty cent noodles.

What Did the People Tell Allentown City Council

I thought I was well-prepared for Wednesday night's Allentown City Council meeting concerning Cedar Beach. I had my fancy new laptop and freh batteries in my flipcam. I got there early enough to grab a front row seat. But I forgot two things that are pretty damn essential to a writer - pen and paper. Fortunately, Lou Hershman lent me one of his quill pens, and Dr. Bob Romancheck actually gave me a clipboard. I tried to talk Romancheck into videotaping the meeting because my hands shake so much, but he wanted too much money.

Instead of posting actual video, which will slow this blog down, I'm posting links to some of the specific concerns expressed.

* Council member Michael Donovan, concerned about "process," suggests waiting for public comments until August 13.

* Council Prez Mike D'Amore resents implication he is trying to silence anyone.

* Blogger Michael Molovinsky chastises City Council for denying public right to speak earlier that evening, and explains his opposition to Cedar Beach plans.

* Michael Schware: It will be difficult to stop construction.

* Rose Garden Neighbor: There are legitimate public safety concerns associated with changes at Cedar Beach.

* What impact will Cedar Beach changes have on surrounding neighborhood?

* Stocker: I like kids. I like parks. I do not like this plan.

* Playground Advocate: Why here? Why not here?

* Donovan: "Destination playground" will only accommodate 200 - 250 children.

* Anybody consider the impact on a Class A trout stream?

* Rev. Erika Bickford: All of our parks should be handicapped-accessible.

* You're all NIMBYs.

* New plan belongs on city web page.

* Administration misinformed us.

* City refused to supply copy of plan or supporting information.

* Has anyone thought about runoff?

Allentown City Council: Public Needs More Time For Cedar Park Plans

A few short days ago, former Lehigh County Democratic treasurer Jacob Oberholtzer was urging us all to just trust the "pros" in King Edwin's administration. But last night, during a packed and lengthy Allentown City Council meeting, we learned that all the King's Horses and all the King's Men have been misleading us. What they've been circulating as their master plan of renovations at Cedar Beach, and what they actually intend to do, are two different things. It's pretty clear nobody has a frickin' idea what the hell is going on at Cedar Beach. If you think you know, you're wrong.

At least seventy people, most opposed to different aspects of the Cedar Park plan, were on hand. So were a dozen uniformed boy scouts from Troop 29 in Cetronia, who were obviously being punished for some reason. Seated in front of these scouts was Park Director Greg Weitzel, accompanied by his two grade school daughters.

He's the only person who actually followed First Lady Pawlowski's instructions to bring little kids because they "play well for any media that would be there." Lady P also ordered her minions to bring signs, but the only one I saw was one opposed to the megaplayground. Council Prez Mike D'Amore ordered it removed.

At first, it was unclear whether the public would even be allowed to speak on this item. D'Amore refused all public comment during "courtesy of the floor" because Cedar Beach was an agenda item. He said it would be discussed under Communications. So we all got to listen to some dude talk about pigeon shit from one of his neighbors, who must be Big Bird.

Once courtesy of the floor was over, D'Amore and Donovan suddenly suggested that the Cedar Beach item be referred to a committee of the whole on August 13. That way, King Edwin, currently on holiday with Lady P, could explain things to the unwashed masses. But that would also remove Cedar Beach from the agenda, and with it, the public's right to speak.

Council member Jeanette Eichenwald was having none of that, and forcefully demanded that courtesy of the floor be re-opened. "I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that the good citizens who are here have an opportunity to speak this evening."

She did, too. Everyone on council ended up agreeing with her. She is a forceful and persuasive advocate of public participation. Thanks to jeanette and an open-minded council, around twenty-five people did speak. The mother of an autistic and retarded child spoke eloquently about a specially designed playground, and no one disagreed with her. But most of the talkers last night oppose different aspects of the Cedar Park plan. For some, it's runoff. For others, it's the destruction of part of the passive features of the park. Interestingly, as citizens lined up behind the podium, Greg Weitzel left the bilding, arrogantly demonstrating how he really feels about citizen input.

Joanne Graves, one of last night's procession of orators, is the person who discovered we've been misled. She learned just today that the plan made available to the public is different from the plan city officials are using. That's some other plan, which is kept undr lock and key. City council members then acknowledged that these new plans are only being submitted to them now.

Here's some of what Graves, who I videotaped, had to say.

"I had a chance to meet with Mr. Weitzel today, for a couple of hours, and I did see the 'new' plan. It still has its issues, that's true. But the misrepresentation actually came from the people who are ... and that's the park and recreation and administration. That's what is out there, that's what was posted, big-time, at Mayfair, and that's what you see, coming across your desks, at this point. It's very, very unfortunate that this miscommunication came about, not from the good people of Allentown. The information that was to the paper, for a 567-person park, they claim that that's not going to happen and the administration has called and said, 'Where did that information come from?'"

"I have the minutes of the Rose Garden in May, and Mr. Weitzel himself gave the information to the public at that point, no matter what was said. So this 'destination park' has been over-exaggerated, that is true, but still all the wiz bangs are in place that make it kind of a nuisance.

"It's not the little park that was on the map for the west part of the park. That little park is in a flood zone and it was flooded this past weekend. There is no way anything on that park could be manageable for the children to play in. They love to play in the water, that's true, but the playground would be floating away. So that just can't happen anyway. So it's going to be moved over. Today, he said it was going to be 19,000 square feet.

"I think the problem really is administration and parks and recreation have given improper information to the public. So I seek the guidance of council to really find what is the true scoop and then, to follow the money."

Freida Camber (sp?), who followed Joanne, noted that neither Pawlowski nor Weitzel attended the first council meeting in which they expressed their concerns. At a second meeting, "It was noted, by a lot of people, that the mayor was here, but did not choose to enter. Mr. Weitzel wasn't here. This week, they are not present. ... The mayor called me, 9 o'clock at night, to urge us to recognize how misguided our information was, and asked me if I could meet with Mr. Weitzel. I did that with Joanne today for two hours. I think it is somewhat subject to misinterpretation to say we saw the plan. We did not see the plan. Mr. Weitzell had it on his computer, would not give us a copy, would not give us a copy of any of the information that he claimed to be relying on, the court case involving the Trexler Trust. So we came away, knowledgeable about two things. One was that this plan essentially is working very well in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and is being contracted by Lewisburg Contractors. Secondly, what we have all been looking at and spending a lot of money to copy, is not the 'final' plan, but something in limbo land.

"The Mayor told me the council has approved this plan, whatever that might be, five separate times."

Audience member: "He's a liar."

Amazingly, one woman who was never was notified about this master plan was surprised to learn that it shows a walkway across her property. One of her neighbors noticed a similar encroachment on his property.

At this point, Council members were just shaking their heads. Michael Donovan noted he had only been provided with a revised plan the previous day. Mike D'Amore indicated that Council had told Pawlowski to scale back the plans and to make all parks handicapped-accessible. Julio Guridy said administration officials told him "people will be surprised" when they see Powlowski's latest power point on August 13. But if people were being provided with the facts, why would there be any surprises?

Council took three steps last night. First, they unanimously adopted a nonbinding resolution requesting that construction be delayed until there's a new plan that accommodates all interests. Second, they will meet as a committee of the whole on August 13, and both the Mayor and Greg Weitzel have agreed to make a presentation. Third, a Donovan-sponsored ordinance, which requires city council approval for any significant changes to city parks, was introduced.

Most people left as soon as the Cedar Park discussion had concluded, but Donovan mentioned something later that night that is far more troubling than Cedar Beach. He has concerns about another plan - the one from a "blue ribbon panel" that will solve Allentown's fiscal woes for the next thousand years. He believes the deficit may actually be larger than projected.

What we have here is a failure to communicate, Pawlowski's biggest flaw as mayor.

How Much Will that Special Election Really Cost?

I told you yesterday that the September 29 special election to fill Rob Wonderling's state senate seat will cost Pennsylvania taxpayers around $400,000. That's what Governor Ed Rendell said in a letter slamming Lt. Guv Joe Scarnati for an unnecessary expense that could be avoided by simply waiting for the general electon in November.

Actually, the cost may be somewhat lower. Secretary of State Pedro Cortes placed the cost at between $250,000 and $375,000. County officials place the cost even lower, at about $100,000.

It's still an unnecessary expense.

And Now For Someone Completely Different, Jake Towne

I've told you before about Nazareth resident Jake Towne, an independent Congressional candidate opposing both Democrat John Callahan and Republican Charlie Dent. This libertarian-leaning activist released a detailed health care platform yesterday. Here's his summary:

Summary: Our health care is simply too important to be left to bureaucrats in Washington, plus it is unconstitutional. I strongly disapprove of the Democrats' Obamacare and also the incumbent Republican's "Medical Rights and Reform Act" as both are simply matching strains of the same disease - socialized medicine.

Beyond establishing a framework of laws and acts for a competitive free market, running health care is simply not a duty of the federal government, and is best left to individuals and privatized insurance. While the federal government should do it's [sic] best to deliver the promised benefits from the current form of socialized medicine, Medicare, expanding this system is out of the question. Younger generations should be given the opportunity to opt out as Medicare's total unfunded liabilities were $85 trillion in 2008.

If elected, I will not enroll in Congress's elite health care plan. Citizens should be wary of politicians who plot to control their constituents' health care, but will not and do not enroll in it themselves.

Why You Should Oppose Government-Run Health Care

Government-run health care, also known as socialized medicine, also called ObamaCare, is an unsustainable idea and is an erosion of personal freedom. Health care is much too important to be run by the government. The services and products that are most abundant and affordable in America are those that are produced and exchanged in a free market. Health care is no different.
People who are concerned with their freedom, the cost of health care, the availability of health care in their community, and the truth, should never allow the government to control any part of health care delivery.

Really? Does that mean the government should not regulate drug quality, too? This laissez faire philosophy ended up killing millions of Irishmen during the Famine.

Don Cunningham to Perform at Musikfest Tonight

Wanna' see Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham in a different light? Stop by Musikfest tonight to see Don Cunningham and the Cabinet perform at AmericaPlatz (between city hall and library) between 5:30 and 6:30 PM.

Afterwards, Ron Angle will lead Republicans in the chicken dance. I'd participate, but I lost my kazoo at the last Northampton County Council meeting.

I'd like to see Northampton County Exec John Stoffa and his hobo band perform. too. The coat Stoffa wears for his hobo performances can walk by itself.

Nazareth Library Needs to Lighten Up

Nazareth is one of many tiny boroughs that give the Lehigh Valley its real cultural identity. Founded by the Moravians in 1740, when Councilman Larry Stoudt was still a young man, the place just breathes history ... and Moravian sugarcake. That food, sinful as it may sound, must have an effect on the population. You see, Nazareth probably has the highest per capita percentage of hot blonds in the state. I was taking pictures of a few of them for this blog until the police came and confiscated my camera. They probably don't know I'm a citizen journalist. Fortunately, I have another one.

Nazareth is covered by several blogs. One of them, NewsOverCoffee, is a hyper local place blog published by Ross Nunamaker, son of the famous wrestling coach. It's designed to inform readers, in a relatively neutral way, about everything that's going on in this small but vibrant community with links to news accounts as well as original material.

And then there's me. We have slightly different styles. I think he's too damn opinionated.

Well, Ross has been all over the big Nazareth Library story. The story was first broken by The Express Times (read it here) and involves a 7-year old Tatamy boy with an Easton mailing address who was issued a Palmer Township library card that inadvertently authorized its use in Nazareth, where this boy goes to school. Unfortunately, the kid was photographed leading some kazoo parade for young readers in Nazareth, and some librarian somewhere (not Nazareth) took it upon herself to call the boy's mother and leave a message telling her the jig was up.

The young man was crushed and, after the Express Times ran its story, a Nazareth librarian called the boy to say he could use the library until the end of the year. That's very nice of them.

I'm a regular customer at the Nazareth Library, stopping there at least once every week. On one of my visits, I asked a librarian what was going on.

"You read about it in the paper, didn't you?"

"Yes'm."

"Well, then I guess you know the story."

I think they were feeling a little guilty.

Now, I think they're mad. The Colbert Report did a searing spoof about this "library crime" crackdown. "I'd say throw the book at that kid, but he'd just read it."

Instead of laughing along, Nazareth library is furious. Ross has linked to a letter from library board president John Reinhart, who initially refused to discuss this matter when approached by The Express Times. Now, he posts a letter on the library's web page. Reinhart blames The Express Times, the Colbert Report and claims nobody knows what they're talking about. Then he goes on to demand that we all read Animal Farm or 1984.

"Some libraries are more equal than others."

LC Comm'r Glenn Eckhart Urges Delay in Special State Senate Election

Lehigh County Commissioner Glenn Eckhart must have had Wheaties for breakfast today. He's decided to take on the heavyweights within his own party, urging Lt. Governor and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati to reverse a decision to hold a special election in the 24th Senatorial District on September 29th.

The State already faces a $3 billion budget deficit and this special election will cost $400,000. For some reason, Eckhart thinks that payjackers in the land of midnight payraises might listen to common sense and wait a few short weeks for the November general election. Holding two elections within 35 days of one another will confuse voters and reduce turnout, but it's pretty clear that's what Scarnetti wants.

Commissioner No will actually propose a nonbinding resolution at the next Lehigh County Board of Commissioners meeting urging that the special election be delayed for the general election on November 3.

Won't this get Glenn in trouble within his own party? Eckhart acknowledges that, but claims it's still the right thing to do. “The decision on when to hold this election should be based strictly on dollars and cents, and on promoting the greatest possible voter turnout,” says Eckhart. “While taking this stand may not make me a popular guy with some people in my own party, I firmly believe that political considerations have no place in this decision. We need to put taxpayers first.”

I'll let you know when I find out about his funeral arrangements.

Can Allentown's Lowly Citizens Stop Cedar Beach Plan?

Blogger Michael Molovinsky seems to think so. A little-used section of Allentown's Home Rule Charter (Section 11.10-1010) allows 35 registered city voters to petition for placement of one item on the agenda. After a two-day review, the item must be placed on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting of city council.

According to Molovinsky, such an agenda item has been presented to the clerk, and in time for Wednesday night's meeting. The question presented is this: "That the Department of Parks and Recreation shall immediately suspend all implementation of the so named Cedar Creek Plan until which time City Council re-examines certain aspects of that plan and the public is allotted more input."

Although Molovinsky is demanding that the public be provided more input, he has mysteriously disabled comments on this most recent entry.

Cedar Beach MegaPlayground "Grassroots" Supporters

In her Letter to the Little People, which you can read here, Lisa Pawlowski ("I also happen to be the mayor's wife") wants you to cram the next city council meeting with kids and signs, which will "play well for any media that would be there." She also proposes that you join her facebook group, "Yes, we need a big playground at Cedar Beach park (handicap access)!"

This facebook group is 90 members strong, and thus far includes far more politicos and cronies than real grassroots support. Here are some of the members:

* Bethlehem resident and "Lehigh Valley Christain for Obama" Michael Laws;

* LC Dem Party boss and Allentown non-resident Rick Daugherty;

* long-time Pawlowski cheerleader Damien Brown, who has been well-compensated by the Pawlowski campaign;

* anonymous robocaller Rob Hopkins, famous for a Pawlowski-engineered, last-minute, smear campaign against Allentown City Council candidate Lou Hershman.

* Jacob Bruce Oberholtzer, who is still listed as treasurer of the Lehigh County Democrats, and who incredibly argues we should just "let the pros" handle it. (Jacob does have a brother with autism);

* Allentown Brew Works' Richard Fegley, a Pawlowski crony who would do really well with a beer stand at the playground;

* Allentown City Council member Peter Schweyer, who has yet to see a Pawlowski initiative he does not like;

* Easton city council candidate/Pawlowski campaign manager/political consultant/Northampton County Council applicant/former Easton mayoral candidate Michael Fleck, who claims to have a degree from Notre Dame High School;

* Allentown City Council member Julio Guridy, who is up for reelection and is relying on Pawlowski's campain machine to keep him in office;

* Stephen Crockett, a union organizer from Delaware;

* Hillary Kwiatek, a Bethlehem resident running for Lehigh County Commissioner.

Will there be little Flecks and Browns running around at the next Allentown city council meeting? Will the Fegleys supply the booze? Will Hopkins man the phones? Stay tuned.

Callahan Advocates 17% Sales Tax Increase

I thought gambling revenue was supposed to solve all our fiscal woes. Guess not. Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan now advocates a 17% increase in sales tax. About half of the revenue would be used to reduce property taxes, but the rest will just enable more spending.

A sales tax is a regressive tax that will be felt most by middle and low income people. Callahan, as you know, wants to replace LV Congressman Charlie Dent, but advocated a new tax on the middle class and poor is a strange way to get elected. The NRCC, which refuses to go gently into that good night, has quite properly taken Callahan to task, but he will be defending his tax increase idea on August 17th.

Pat Murphy for Wonderling's State Senate Seat?

Now that Northampton County's Glenn Reibman has decided against the state senate seat vacated by Rob Wonderling, Quakertown businessman Patrick Murphy is seeking the endorsement of Dem party bosses in Northampton, Lehigh, Bucks and Montgomery counties.

Murphy was employed as Richland Township's Emergency Management Coordinator, but was fired in 2003 after he circulated a nomination petition for the Green Party in a township supervisor race. He was awarded a $50,000 settlement after a court ruled his actions were protected by the First Amendment.

Richland Township Democratic committee member Brian Kline is advocating Murphy's nomination. Here's why, in his own words.

"Are you as outraged as I am over the Republicans scheduling a special election for the 24th state Senate seat on September 29? As Democratic lawmakers in Harrisburg continue to fight Republican budget proposals to cut public education funding, Republican Lieutenant Governor Joe Scarnati has scheduled a $400,000 taxpayer-funded coronation for Bob Mensch on September 29th.

"We can sit around all day and curse the Republicans for scheduling this sham special election, but it won’t get us anywhere. We have less than 60 days till the September 29th special election. We must turn our anger into action - and we must begin organizing today.

"Pat Murphy - my Democratic colleague in Richland – has stepped to the plate and accepted the challenge in turning the 24th Democratic Blue. Pat has never backed down from a fight, no matter how tough the fight may be. I have seen Pat on the campaign trail knocking on doors ten hours a day, seven days a week. It will take even more to win this race. But Pat is up for the challenge.

"The Pennsylvania State Senate is the only Republican-controlled chamber in the Northeast. For years the Republican-controlled state Senate has been an obstacle to reforming healthcare, public education funding and property taxes. Electing Pat Murphy to the State Senate on September 29th will not overturn the Republican majority, but it will change the dynamics by electing another progressive voice for working families.

"Moving forward we face a very unique nomination process, where by the Democratic chairs from Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh and Northampton will pick the Democratic nominee no later than August 10 – one week from today. They need to hear our voice and our support for Pat Murphy. Below I have included contact information for the four county chairs. Please contact the county chairs ASAP and tell them why Pat Murphy should be our Democratic nominee."

In solidarity,

Brian Kline
Richland Township Democratic Committee

Bucks County Democratic Committee Chair John Cordisco
info@bucksdemocrats.org

Montgomery County Democratic Committee Chair Marcel Groen
info@mcdems.org

Lehigh County Democratic Committee Chair Rick Daugherty
info@LehighDems.org

Northampton County Democratic Chair Joe Long
info@northamptoncountydems.org

The First Lady's Children's Crusade

Blogger Michael Molovinsky, falsely referred to as a slum lord by King Edwin, is one of the heathens who dares oppose King Edwin's vision of a super playground - one that can accommodate 567 kids at one time - at Allentown's Cedar Beach. Most City Council members, to say nothing of the public, had no idea of the grandiosity of these plans. On two separate occasions, people who live near Cedar Beach have told Council this is too much.

For his part, Pawlowski has refused to meet his critics, preferring instead to sneak a peak through a doorway. City Council member Michael Donovan is planning an ordinance to stop park renovations and would require a redesign with more public notice than taping a plan outside council's meeting room.

Enter Allentown First Lady Lisa Pawlowski. For those of you who don't know, she's a devoted "Christian." After all, her husband went to bible college, damn it. Like most people who wear their religion on their sleeve, she has a low tolerance level for any beliefs contrary to her own. She's calling on the little people - that's you - to bring your kids and signs to the next city council meeting, who "play well for any media," to demand that 567-kid destination playground. She won't be there herself. Vacation. In case you've forgotten, the Epistle of Lisa ends with "I also happen to be the Mayor's wife." You can and really should read her condescending letter, located here.

Scott Armstrong, who publishes the Allentown Commentator, has a first draft of Queen Lisa's missive.

Greetings,

Recently an angel of the Lord appeared to me in a dream and spoke of the new Allentown. A city that is set on a hill that cannot be hidden, that will be the light of the world. A shining city on the hill with a new mega-playground. Peace filled my soul as the angel spoke of the Trexler Trust's wish to fund the construction of a gathering place for all of the shining city's children. Of course the angel said it must be handicapped accessible and placed in an area where all will be able to witness the joy and innocence of the children's play. Therefore, as commanded by the angel I am writing you to drum up support for a playground at Cedar Beach Park . If you have already been visited by the angel then you already know but incase you were left out of the loop let me tell you there are already plans for a big, destination playground on the West end of Cedar Beach, just south of the Pool. These plans have been in progress for the last couple of years. Now that they want to move forward, a group of about 20 men (agents of the devil?) have approached Allentown City Council to protest this park. I have no real idea why there is darkness in their hearts but clearly evil is about. Perhaps they are saying it will bring too much noise to people enjoying the park. Well, we already have a pool, basketball and volleyball courts, and they don't seem to protest that. Why? I think the answer is clear, they are agents of Satan and are out to thwart the will of God and my husband.

Anyway, I'm trying to organize different groups of interested people of pure hearts to perhaps attend the next City Council meeting, Aug 5th, to say that they would like a playground to be at Cedar Beach . Remember this is a battle between good and evil. I won't be able to be there (because of vacation plans), but I'd suggest bringing kids, and signs that say "We need a playground at Cedar Beach ".

At minimum, you could direct your members that are on facebook to join my group "Yes, we need a big playground at Cedar Beach Park ". I will have someone bring the list of members of this group to city council, though having people there is MUCH more effective. And kids and signs play well for any media that would be there. If City Council members know that there is a LOT of support for this playground, they won't get in the way and evil will be vanquished.

Send a message directly to Satan. Direct your flock to join my fb group. Post the group on your networks and invite other people to join, and let me know what you decide to do. I am a mother of 2 kids (10 and 7 ), and always wished that there were more playgrounds in our wonderful park system. I also happen to be the Mayor's wife. The children are to be the vehicle of the new shining city on the hill, the one with the mega playground. Let's use them.

Thanks,
Lisa

Panella Endorsed by AFL-CIO

Energetic Superior Court Judge Jack Panella, a much-admired former Northampton County jurist, continues to move forward in his race for an important seat on the state's evenly divided high court. On Friday, he received the coveted endorsement of Pennsylvania's AFL-CIO, which requires the approval of 2/3 of its executive council.

For more information about Panella's supreme court bid, visit his web page. He would be the first judge from Northampton County ever elected to our high court.

Pedro Martinez Advises Young Ballplayer

Three-time Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez, rehabbing with the IronPigs, pitched five innings before a packed house at Coca Cola Park on Friday night. You don't see someone like him every day.

My grandson, on his way to visit his aunt last week, bumped into Pedro at the airport. Of course, the two ballplayers recognized each other immediately, and they both posed for this picture.

Pedro spoke quite a bit to Dat, but Dat has absolutely no idea what Martinez said.

"He only speaks Dominican," he tells me.

All he got was, "Baseball been berry good to me."

Bob Smith: It's Not Easy Being From Allentown

Bob Smith declares Allentonians, especially Republican Allentonians, are still worked up over former Mayor Roy Afflerbach and his goofy contracts.