Conservative or Liberal, Deist or Pagan, Jersey transplant or Lehigh Valley native, we're all in this mess together. Let's talk. Let us do no harm. Today's one-liner: "Eighty percent of success is showing up." Woody Allen
As a rule, I do not take down posts. A newspaper can't take it back, so why should I? I will acknowledge the error in an update. Sometimes, I will also prepare an additional post.
Today, I posted a blog about some last minute finances in the Lehigh County Comm'rs race. It was up for no more than ten minutes when I thankfully received a call, telling me I had something dead wrong. Because the blog was only up a few minutes, and this is the weekend, I took the post down for revisions. I will re-posting a corrected blog later today or tomorrow.
My thanks to the person who called me, who shall remain nameless.
An Archangel just flew by to tell me I'm in deep doo doo. Slamming the religious right is no biggie, I'm told. That might even help my eternal salvation. But nobody messes with Mennonites.
So I've been warned to prepare for the 5,678,946th Coming of Buddy Christ on Monday. He'll be taking over and making his Election Day picks.
If Northampton County Democrats manage to sweep all five at-large Council seats on Tuesday, I hope they remember to send a Thank You note and flowers to Bob Kilbanks. He may be former Chair of the Northampton County Republican Committee, but he's just pulled the most idiotic move I've seen this election cycle.
Now I'm sure most of you have bumped into hardcore right to lifers at some point in your life. The most extreme are those who think nothing of exposing children to gory billboards of aborted fetuses, picket abortion clinics and sometimes kill the people who work there. All in the name of Almighty God, of course. There are also those who feel very passionately, but express themselves at the ballot box.
Now, abortion and stem cell research have nothing to do with County government, and Kilbanks must know that. But over the years, he's collected a list of about 2,500 hard-core right-to-lifers, and likes to sell it to unwitting candidates. All in the name of the Almighty Dollar, of course.
He's managed to con four of the five Republicans seeking a Council seat to give him money for a post card to the Deliverance crowd, assuming they can read, portraying them as avid anti-abortion advocates. But he's omitted candidate Peg Ferraro from this list because her views are just a little too ambivalent.
What Kilbanks just did is marginalize Republican candidates in the eyes of Democrats like me, who might otherwise be inclined to vote for some of them. What's really pathetic is that he's done it on a very divisive issue that's totally unrelated to County government. Worst of all, his actions have hurt a very popular person who very likely will still be the lead vote getter.
"We need to look out for ourselves," is how one of the candidates explained their stupidity. Really? The best way for them to have done that would be by attaching themselves to Peg Ferraro's coat tails and hanging on. Instead, they have needlessly attached themselves to a divisive issue while Kilbanks lines his pockets.
This week, we learned that Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham, a Democrat, is indirectly funding two county races. He's come under attack for trying to stack the Commission with rubber stamps. We also learned that Lehigh County Commissioner Dean Browning has done pretty much the same thing, forming his very own "Victory" PAC in an evil plan to consolidate Republican control, filling the board with naysayers. While Cunningham and Browning were sending dueling news releases, a third group has been silently plotting their own, insidious Lehigh County coup.
Mennonites.
This became clear during a televised debate between Cunningham and challenger Scott Ott (R) yesterday, which was taped before a live audience at the la-de-da Brookside Country Club. Believe it or not, it cost $25 a pop just to get in the joint.
That fee was obviously designed to keep the riff raff away, and it worked, too. I missed it. But never fear, it will air on Monday night, 8 PM, on Channel 69 WFMZ-TV's Business Matters, hosted by Tony Iannelli.
I'm getting this second and third hand, but understand that Ott made his usual claim that Cunningham is a "career politician." Cunningham responded by asking Ott whether he'd hire someone with no plumbing experience to fix his bathroom.
I can see that politician-plumber comparison. They both deal with shit.
While they were on the subject of jobs, Cunningham began to wonder how Ott pays the bills. Sure, he has a twice-weekly column at The Washington Examiner and publishes Scrappleface. But what about that job as Executive Director at Zionsville's Victory Valley Camp for kids? Ott mysteriously resigned right around the time he decided to run for Exec. But guess what? He's apparently still living rent free at one of their homes. And guess who owns that home?
Mennonites.
That's right, folks. While Cunningham and Browning were busy sending out mailers and forming PACs, those Mennonites are secretly funding Scrappleface's run for County Exec, intent.
Cunningham campaign manager Dan Kelly immediately fired off this letter.
"Today in the Chamber of Commerce candidate’s forum, Mr. Scott Ott stated that his compensation from the Victory Valley Camp included free rent at a property you own.
"Mr. Ott went on to say that he no longer works for the organization, starting around the time that he chose to run for office. Since Mr. Ott continues to live at this residence, thus receiving compensation in the form of housing, it is clear your organization is providing him support for his political activities.
"I am writing to ask a few questions about your involvement in Scott Ott’s political campaign. 1) Does your organization’s tax status enable your organization to engage in political work? 2) Does your organization’s tax exempt status enable you to provide candidate Ott with free housing as an in-kind donation, and have you communicated with Mr. Ott on when this will be reported? 3) What other political activity is your organization involved with on Mr. Ott’s behalf?
"Voters have a right to know this information in a timely manner, as it affects Tuesday’s election. We would like a response by the close of business on Friday."
Late last night, someone in a horse and buggy threw a rock at Dan Kelly's window, shattering the glass. As the driver rode off laughing maniacally at about 3 mph, Kelly saw this attached note. "Hey Hoof Tee, Stop Being So Shussly. You write so fancy ferhecht like we can't make you out." Dean Browning has also been getting threatening calls. Apparently, they plan on replacing his air charter business with one of their own, which you can see pictured on the left.
I've just learned that LV congressman Charlie Dent will be a guest tomorrow (Friday, Oct. 30) morning from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. He'll be discussing his efforts to improve Congress’ accountability and transparency to the American people, as well as current health care reform proposals.
Here are the Call-In Numbers: Republicans - (202) 737-0001; Democrats - (202) 737-0002; Independents - (202) 628-0205; and Outside U.S. - (202) 628-0184.
While tooling into the courthouse today, I saw something unusual - Dennis Lieb yard signs. Interestingly, I saw them planted in people's yards, too, instead of plastered all over telephione poles a la Fleck. I'm certainly no expert, but it looks like his campaign is gaining momentum in a hurry.
At Neighbors of Easton, former city council Prez Tim Pickel, blogger Noel Jones, David Caines, Timothy Hare and Laureston have all announced their support. Easton's Republican Committee also issued this endorsement:
"We decided Easton needs someone who is committed to the city, not just playing politics. Dennis has proven his commitment to all residents of the city, whether they be Democrat, Republican, Independent, or those who have become completely disenfranchised from our local political process in Easton over the years. Anybody who has seen him, or heard Dennis's ideas would be behind him. Dennis would provide a sound fiscal conservative voice for our community, which we need to navigate the tough decisions facing Easton."
Even Lehigh County blogger Chris Casey has weighed in on this race.
"So why do I care about a candidate in a city 30 miles away from me? I care because I was witness to a good man being used by Fleck. Arch Follweiler of Kutztown paid Mike Fleck over $20,000 dollars to work on Arch's campaign for State Representative, and within a week of receiving a $4500 advance, Fleck quit on Arch and left him high and dry. Fleck hadn't even ordered the campaign signs he had promised.
I'm not saying Arch lost because of Fleck, but I will say that Fleck did not help the cause, and in my observation, to quote the rock band Dire Straits, received "money for nuthin".
"I care because Pennsylvania has far too many useless would be Flecks sucking at the public teat and enriching themselves on the taxpayers dime. I don't know Easton West Ward activist Dennis Lieb, but if the guy makes the time to get involved enough to decide to mount a write in campaign, it shows me he cares. Dennis Lieb just received the Republican party endorsement, and the people who live in the neighborhood are the ones who inspired him to run.
"So here is the choice in the West Ward, Mike Fleck, a political hack wannabe who is the only name on the ballot and can't show up in his own neighborhood to campaign. Or Dennis Lieb, a guy with a grass roots initiative who actually knows the people in his community by name."
Of course, waging a write-in campaign is an uphill battle, but this is a district race for Easton City Council. Dennie has a shot.
Northampton County corrections officers had a little reception at the Hecktown Fire Hall last night. Can you guess the identity of the featured speaker?
Here's a hint. He's unconcerned about our growing pension fund deficit, calling it a mere "paper problem," even though it's the reason for half of the county's proposed tax increase.
Here's another hint. He thinks you, the taxpayer, should pay for free health care for every retired Northampton County worker, even the ones being hired right now. When County Exec John Stoffa suggested eliminating retirement health care for new hires at a Monday budget hearing, this mystery guest said that's a "nonstarter," whatever that means.
You see, he things the private sector exists to take care of the public sector, at least that portion of the public sector in the union.
I'm sure most of you know this person is Charles Dertinger. He's not at all concerned about overtime abuse at the county jail. You can pay for it.
Yesterday, The Express Times' editorial board endorsed five of the ten candidates seeking a seat on Northampton County Council, recommending three Republicans - Peg Ferraro, John Cusick and Tom Dietrich, as well as Democrats Deb Hunter and Bill Wallace. Far more interesting than the actual endorsement was their decision to pan incumbent Charles Dertinger.
"Incumbent Charles Dertinger ... has given voters all the evidence they need to end his council career. He's been a divisive force on council, thwarting Stoffa's plans to expand the county juvenile center and build an inmate center without suggesting credible alternatives. The council needs more consensus-building and less obstructionism."
Whether you are Democrat or Republican, you'd be nUtZ to vote for this guy. A vote for Charles Dertinger is a vote for bad government. Let me give you ten reasons why Dertinger is bad for Northampton County.
1. He refuses to level with the voters about his dates with a statewide grand jury. - Dertinger has been hauled before a statewide grand jury ... twice ... to answer questions about deceptive campaign practices in Northampton County. When I asked him about it, during a debate before a slate belt audience, he responded by attacking me. Shouldn't he come clean with the voters?
2. He's a liar. - Four years ago, County Council candidate Charles Dertinger solemnly pledged he would vote to kill the funding for a $3 million road benefiting an industrial development owned by famous campaign contributor Nolan Perin. Perin wanted a Wal-Mart. Once elected, Dertinger went back on his word, repeatedly voting against killing the project. In the meantime the county wasted $440,000 in engineering studies.
Asked about his broken promise during a debate, he lied again, claiming he supported the road only because Wal-Mart was no longer part of the picture. Here's how he put it, in his exact words. "I voted not to withdraw the money for the industrial drive after the Wal-Mart was out. You know that, and you're trying to conflate something otherwise."
County council minutes tell a different tale. On June 15, 2006, when Wal-Mart was very much under consideration, Dertinger voted to support the road. On February 15, 2007, after Wal-Mart had already given hope, Dertinger still voted for the road.
3) He has been a divisive force on Council. = Northampton County Council is the laughing stock of local legislatures, largely because of him. Want some examples?
* In 2006, he launched an obscenity laced tirade as Ron Angle tried to leave council chambers. He cornered the more diminutive Angle, pointing fingers in his face, getting closer, louder and redder. I had to insert myself between the two of them.
* In 2007, he tried to have Angle barred from voting on a matter in his own district, which prompted the late Wayne Grube to accuse Dertinger of having an "agenda." "This is nothng more than vindictive stuff."
* In 2008. while numerous nominees to various boards were forced to stand in front of Council like schoolchildren, Dertinger directed a lengthy hissy fit at County Exec John Stoffa, insisting on calling him "Stoff-er" after being corrected.
* In 2008, blasted Stoffa administration for its cautious approach to expensive capital projects. "We have an administration that can't build a birdhouse."
* In 2008, he engineered a votes expelling Exec John Stoff-er from the Higher Education Authority. Stoff-er smiled at me and said, "Crushing defeat."
* If you want to hear how petty and divisive he can get during a council meeting, listen to the clip below. (Note: If you have an old dial up modem, click here, look for the 64Kbps M3U (Lo-Fi) at the left sidebar and you can stream the audio).
4) He's lazy. - In my annual review of Council attendance, Dertinger ties for last place in 2006, is third from the bottom in 2007 and is tied for last place in 2008.
5) He's a one-man tax increase. - His broken promises concerning the Wind Gap road to nowhere cost the County $440,000. Because it's borrowed money, his lie will actually l cost you twice that amount. But that's only part of a pattern over the last three years.
* He tried to shove an IT contract down the County's throat that was $1.8 million more than the one Stoff-er eventually negotiated. He even refused to accept Solicitor Zito's advice to resolve the matter because it might "set a precedent."
* He supported wasting $650 thousand for renovations to Council's star chamber, which includes his very own laptop, but completely failed to include a nickel to videotape or webcast council meetings.
* He called the County's $70 million and growing pension deficit, the main reason for the tax increase, a mere "paper problem."
6) Ruins Morale Among County Workers. -
* He voted to demand the resignation of the county's personnel director, without even giving her an opportunity to be heard, to placate a green T-shirted lynch mob of county union workers, his real constituents.
* Called the county's relatively flawless presidential election a "screw up of epic proportions," resulting in the resignation of the Voting Registrar.
7) Too Union Friendly. - Believes county should just cave in on union grievances because fighting them is too costly.
8) Too Partisan. - He routinely votes against cabinet level officials who belong to the "wrong" party, ignoring the bipartisan approach to government suggested by President Barack Obama. He helped eject a Democratic council candidate from a party meeting for complaining about primary endorsements.
9) Opposes Transparency. - He's claimed he does he best work "outside of committee hearings," behind closed doors. He opposes campaign finance reform because some "little citizen group" might actually get together and challenge his reports. Despite the clear language of the Home Rule Charter, which he calls "yellow cake uranium," he believes citizens who own no real estate have no right to be heard.
10) Opposes Open Space. - Despite his claims to the contrary, Dertinger actually voted against John Stoff-er's "pay as you go" open space program.
Browning: Kwiatek & McNeill Fail Independence Test
Don Cunningham campaign manager Dan Kelly, responding to claims that the Lehigh County Executive is the sugar daddy for Comm'r candidates Hillary Kwiatek and Jeanne McNeill, has decided to turn tables on Republicans. In a news release published yesterday, LC Comm'r Dean Browning is portrayed as the "spearhead and leader of a GOP coordinated campaign targeting Lehigh County Commissioner Districts 1 and 5." He adds that Dean "is spending more time lately running the day to day fundraising and financial operations of this coordinated campaign than he is watching the books of New World Aviation."
So there.
Arch-villian Dean Browning took some time out from sticking needles into Cunningham voodoo dolls yesterday to forward this reply to Dan Kelly's jeremiad.
The purpose of the campaign finance reports filed this past Friday was to report campaign donations made to and expense made by and for candidates for the period from June 9, 2009 through October 19, 2009. With that in mind, it is important to review what the voters know today that they did not know when the reports were initially filed. Thanks to the reporting by Lehigh Valley Ramblings, the Examiner.com and The Morning Call, voters now know the following:
*The Friends of Donald Cunningham, Jr. (FDCJ) committee sent $72,000 to the PA Democratic Committee. * This money was then used to produce three mailers for Hillary Kwiatek and three mailers for Jeanne McNeill. (see their reports here). * All six mailers were either delivered or in the mail on or before October 19. * The combined cost of these mailers was $34,861.23 with $17,058.53 for Kwiatek and $17,802.70 for McNeill. * Dan Kelly (Cunningham’s campaign manager) reports on October 27th that this is the total spent “to date”. But a fourth McNeill mailer, paid for by the PA Democrat Committee, arrived on or around October 24th. So it is unclear if the $34,861.23 is actually the total spent “to date”. * Neither Kwiatek nor McNeill reported this large expense in their initial reports, claiming instead that the total money spent on their campaigns was $3,589.58 and $3,895.76, respectively.
Both Kwiatek and McNeill are first time candidates. It is possible they were unclear about the reporting requirements (although that doesn’t speak highly of their future ability to review and monitor a $400 million County budget). Their sensible response was acknowledging their error, filing an amended report and then moving on. Rather than let them do that, the local Democrat party and the Cunningham campaign chose to engage in several attempts at misdirection.
Their initial attempt was a news release claiming that the Lehigh County Republican Committee (LCRC) and the Lehigh County Victory PAC (LCVP) had “FAILED to file a financial report with the County, State, or any regulatory body at all”. [Blogger's note: I never published that news release]
When this accusation was quickly shown to be false [Blogger's note: That's why I never published that news release], they moved on to the most recent approach. Now, Kelly is claiming that financial reports filed by the LCRC [Lehigh County Republican Committee] and LCVP [Lehigh County Victory PAC] are incorrect. Of course, the release which trumpets this claim also includes the standard personal attacks.
Leaving those gratuitous comments aside, the fact is that these financial reports are correct. Through October 19, 2009 the LCVP spent $6,801.00 on four commissioner candidates and this was reported as an in-kind contribution on each of their finance reports. Any additional money spent by the LCVP was for its own operations and on GOTV efforts to benefit all Lehigh County candidates on November 3rd. Through October 19, 2009, the LCRC did not have any expenses related to the Republican candidates for County Commissioner. That can easily be determined by a cursory review of the online report.
This Cunningham campaign news release also tries to argue that the Executive's contributions to Commissioner Candidates are really no different from donations by the LCRC or the LCVP. That's wrong for two reasons.
First, neither the LCRC, LCVP (nor I) develop the annual operating budget submitted to the Board of Commissioners for approval. That is the responsibility of the County Executive.
Second, neither the LCRC, LCVP (nor I) negotiate contracts with the Collective Bargaining Units that represent the County’s employees and submit them to the Board of Commissioners for review and approval. That is the responsibility of the County Executive.
The Board of Commissioners has a responsibility as a separate and distinct body of County government to act as an appropriate check and balance on the County Executive and his Administration. The question for voters to decide is whether a Commissioner whose election was made possible by donations from the County Executive can exercise independence, question and say no, if necessary, to that same County Executive.
The main question in all of this is whether Kwiatek and McNeill, if elected, will be able to function independently from Don and stand up to him when required. That is a vital role for any Commissioner. I’m sure if you ask them that question they will say, “Yes, absolutely, we will be independent.” However, in my opinion, they missed the opportunity to demonstrate that when they failed to say no when Don offered to fund their campaigns. In other words, they have already failed the “independent” test. I don’t think they should be given a second chance.
In the bottom of the first, Phillies ace pitcher Cliff Lee blew Derek Jeter away with just three pitches, an omen of things to come.
The Bronx Bombers were a bunch of duds last night. Pitching a complete game, Lee sent ten Yankees back to the dug out, shaking their heads and grumbling. He walked no one and allowed no runs until the bottom of the 9th, when he began to tire.
In the meantime, the Phillies made it a point to grind out every at-bat, easily scoring six runs against a team whose fans are already wondering who they'll be playing in next year's World Series. Chase Utley blasted a HR in the 2d that just landed here in Nazareth.
Former Easton City Council Prez Endorses Dennis Lieb
Earlier today, I told you Easton smart growth advocate Dennis Lieb is mounting a write-in campaign against Mike Fleck for Easton City Council. Since the Fleckster spends most of his time in Allentown picking up paychecks as King Edwin's campaign manager, he may have forgotten where Easton is located.
Neighbors of Easton is all over this story. Breathing a sigh of relief, blogger Noel Jones tells us all about absentee candidate Fleck. "[H]e met with me after the primary to find out what all our neighborhood meetings (that he had not attended) had been about, and then said he'd circle back around in August to reconnect. Well, it's late October, and I haven't heard a word. I have seen hide nor hair of him, with the exception of one meeting at the West Ward Neighborhood Partnership ... ."
Noel, you can reach the Fleckster at the Allentown Brew Works.
But the big news is that Lieb has already picked up an important endorsement from former Easton City Council President Tim Pickel. Calling Fleck a "train wreck," he is urging one and all to vote, several times if possible, for Lieb.
"As the last West Ward representative on city council, I urge all of my friends and neighbors to vote for Dennis Lieb. I have worked closely with Dennis over the years and am continually impressed with his knowledge of city issues. He constantly educates himself on the issues that will impact our neighborhoods. I would feel proud to have him represent me as a part of Easton City Council."
Update: Easton Republican Committee endorses Lieb, too! That's the word I just received from blogger Noel Jones. Considering that Dennis captured 46% of the vote in the Democratic primary, this is beginning to look like a real race. It's a fleckin' miracle!
Did you know Don Cunningham works for Superior Court Judge and Supreme Court candidate Jack Panella? It's true.
I'm not talking about the person who'd like to remain in office as Lehigh County Executive for the next four years, but his dad. The Cunningham and Panella families have been close for years.
Why do I mention this? Because that's one of the chief reasons for two contributions that Don Cunningham the Exec made to the Pennsylvania Democratic party on October 5 ($22,000) and October 9 ($50,000), totalling $72,000.00. As Don explained in a conversation yesterday, it was never his intention to see that vast sum spent on two Commissioner candidates. And it's not what happened, either. In fact, only about half that sum is funding those local races.
Some of the remaining funds went to Don's own campaign, and the rest is intended to help the Lehigh Valley's Jack Panella, who is in a very tight Supreme Court race against Judge Joan Orie Melvin. A recent poll shows they are in a dead heat.
"I'd love to see a Supreme Court justice from the Lehigh Valley," Cunningham told me, but is very concerned. Melvin is a western Pennsylvania native, and is expected to win big there. Ordinarily, that would be offset by the huge Democratic edge in Philadelphia, but not this year. The City of Brotherly Love is expected to have a very low turnout. "There are no hot races, no mayor's race, and everyone there will be talking about the World Series," Cunningham noted. So if Panella hopes to become one of the Supremes, he needs a big win in the Lehigh Valley. He needs both a huge margin and a big turn out.
"I'll be honest, I intend to donate even more money to the state Democratic party." Even if some of the money goes to local candidates here or elsewhere, that will ultimately help Panella, Cunningham reasons. It makes sense. This is not so much about seizing control of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners. That would be nice, but Cunningham's primary focus is electing Judge Panella to the Supreme Court.
Using the state party also gives him the biggest bang for his buck. In addition to cheaper mailing rates, they can "do things in bulk, and that enables you to do more for less."
For the past two days, Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham has been taking it on the chin for using some of his very sizable campaign warchest to finance the campaign of Commissioner candidates Hillary Kwiatek and Jeanne McNeill. According to a news release from Cunningham campaign manager Dan Kelly, Republicans are actually outspending Democrats to keep control of the Lehigh Valley's largest legislative body. I'll let Dan speak for himself.
In an interesting attempt to “have their cake and eat it too,” Lehigh County Republican Commissioner Dean Browning and Party Chairman Bill Platt, Jr., conveniently forgot to mention their orchestrated effort to fund Republican Commissioner candidates while providing erroneous information about County Executive Don Cunningham and the State Democratic Party.
In fact, their effort to support two Commissioner candidates currently outstrips the current support of the State Democratic Committee’s in-kind contributions to Lehigh County Commissioner candidates -- which to date is a total of $34,861.23.
In addition, there are multiple discrepancies between what the Republican Party and its Victory Fund report as expenditures and the reporting of its two chosen candidates: commissioner candidates Glenn Eckhart and Tom Creighton.
Here are the facts:
§ Republicans, funded in large part by Commissioner Dean Browning, his family members and co-workers at New World Aviation, along with Congressman Charlie Dent, have raised $54, 495 and have reported spending more than $36,000 on Lehigh County Commissioner races this year.
§ The support has come from two groups, The Lehigh County Republican Committee and the Victory PAC, which have delivered all the advertising to date for Commissioner candidates Glenn Eckhart and Tom Creighton.
§ Eckhart and Creighton don’t report receiving as much from either Republican group as the groups report spending on Eckhart and Creighton. And, let’s remember, these are so-called fiscal conservatives who want to manage our money.
Here are the numbers (from their filings):
A. Lehigh County Republican Committee - Summary
§ Total Raised- $30,465.30
§ Total Expenditures- $18,043.91
§ Cash on Hand- $12,421.39
Key Contributions
$8,500- Charlie Dent $200- Lawrence Hilliard $500- Samuel Sexton $2,000- Charles Snelling $5,000- Roland Sigal $500- John Lovett $5,000- Robert Hammel $7,500- PA Future Fund *(see mission statement below)
B. Victory PAC
§ Total Contributions: $24,030.77
§ Total Expenditures: $18,696.37
§ Cash on Hand: $5,334.40
PAC Officers
§ Dean Browning, chief financial officer of New World Aviation, is chairman of the Victory PAC
§ Peter J Csongradi, controller of New World Aviation, is treasurer of the Victory PAC
Key Contributors
$1,000- Dent for Congress $5,000-Charles Browning, relative of Dean Browning $5,000- Randolph Croschwartz, president of New World Aviation $2,500- Peter Csongradi, controller of New World Aviation $250-Air Products $250-Friends of Community Colleges $250- William Young $5,000- PA Future Fund *(see mission statement below) $1,000-Dexter Baker $500- Sam Saxton $1,000- William Grube $1,000- John Lovett $1,000- Robert Johnson
C. Dean Browning’s PAC and Personal Contributions
Dean Browning’s campaign committee has contributed $9,310 to four of the Republican commissioner candidates in in-kind services, most of which no one says what it is on their reports.
Browning gave an equal – and specific -- $2,327.50 to Eckhart, Creighton, Bob Smith and Mike Welsh.
Unfortunately, for Board Chairman Republican Percy Dougherty, Browning only skipped him with his benevolence
And here is the Problem:
§ Creative accounting has helped these groups hide activity, particularly regarding direct mail.
§ When you compare a low average for mail costs (design, consulting, production) with the amount of postage paid, over 40,000 pieces of mail are unaccounted for.
§ Negative mail pieces have been paid by the Lehigh County Republican party, but this information is not disclosed on those reports.
§ Creighton and Eckhart report receiving some in-kind support from the Victory PAC but don’t disclose what it is for.
Despite all of this, Commissioner Browning and Republican Party Chairman Bill Platt, Jr, decided to launch a media campaign regarding County Executive Don Cunningham’s contribution to the State Democratic Committee, which has been regularly misrepresented as a “$70,000 contribution” to Commissioner candidates.
While we see nothing wrong with Republicans helping Republicans and Democrats helping Democrats, we do think the Republican hypocrisy and lack of accurate reporting is evidence of a shady and sloppy approach that doesn’t belie the fiscal responsibility mantra they would like us to believe.
And, in the end, we have seen the uncovering of Commissioner Dean Browning as the spearhead and leader of a GOP coordinated campaign targeting Lehigh County Commissioner Districts 1 and 5.
There is no doubt that he is spending more time lately running the day to day fundraising and financial operations of this coordinated campaign than he is watching the books of New World Aviation. One has to wonder why?
* Mission Statement of the PA Future Fund from its website: In 2009, the Pennsylvania Future Fund is dedicated to the following objectives: Elect a Supreme court Justice to ensure a fair redistricting plan for Pennsylvania. The court is presently divided with three Republicans and three Democrats; so a fourth Republican will tip the balance. Invest funds in local and county organizations to rebuild the Republican Party at the grassroots level. We have a plan to improve the use of political technology that we wish to make available statewide. Recruiting quality pro-growth candidates for Congress, State Senate and State House for the 2010 cycle.
Asked for comment, Dean Browning tells me he'll have a more complete answer today, but wanted you to know "they are mixing apples and oranges and then making erroneous comparisons."
"The money from Lehigh County Victory PAC spent for County Commissioner candidates went to 5 different candidates not just Eckhart and Creighton.
"Not all the money spent by Lehigh County Victory PAC was for the commissioner candidates. Some was for the PAC itself and a significant portion was for GOTV efforts to benefit all Republicans in Lehigh County.
"I can say that any money spent by the PAC before the Oct. 19 cutoff that to the direct benefit of a candidate was reported to them and included on their campaign finance report."
Norco Council Campaign Finance Reports Are Proof There's a Recession
Money and mailers may be flowing like manna from heaven in the Lehigh County Commissioner races, but things are a lot different here in the People's Republic of Northampton County. So far, I've received no mailers from any of the ten county council candidates. I have received two robocalls, one of them anonymous, about Charles Dertinger.
On Friday, all ten candidates filed their pre-election campaign finance reports. They explain why this has been such a low-key race. There's no money. The biggest fundraiser is union lover Charles Dertinger, and that's only $7,325.00.
Dertinger likes to tell us he's been blessed, but it's not by God. It's the unions. From Parsippany, NJ, to Flushing, NY, they open their wallets for him. Maybe they still think he's running for Congress. Maybe it's because Dertinger is the only Council member dragging his feet during hard financial times about the county paying retirement health care for new hires. Everyone else is ready to end this expensive perk, but Dertinger thinks of it as some sort of entitlement that taxpayers owe the public sector.
I will be scanning and linking to these reports, but want you to have this summary.
John Cusick: 6/9/09 to 10/19/09.
* $500 cash on hand to start. * $6,500 in contributions, including $5,000 from himself and $1,000 from LV Ass'n of Realtors. * Spent $501, mostly on signs. * Left with $5,999.
Charles Dertinger: 6/9/09 to 10/19/09.
* $9,654.11 cash on hand to start. * $7,325.00 in contributions, mostly from nonlocal PACs and unions, as well as $1,000 from Rodney Applegate. * spent $4000.92, including $2,278 for signs and $848 for flyers. * Left with $12,978.19.
Tom Dietrich: 6/9/09 to 10/19/09.
* $81.72 cash on hand to start. * $875 in contributions, including $500 from auto dealer L. Anderson Daub. * Spent $931.20, including $661.43 for signs. * Left with $25.52.
Peg Ferraro: 6/9/09 to 10/19/09.
* $15,589.22 cash on hand to start. * $1,025 in contributions, including $500 from Donald & Carol Keller. * Spent $2,618.04, most to Capitol Promotions, * Left with $13,996.18.
Walter Garvin: 6/8/09 to 10/19/09.
* $1,376.00 cash on hand to start. * $3,975.00 in contributions, including $1,000 from LV Ass'n of Realtors and $500 from IUPAT. * Spent $3,015.20, including $1,441 for signs and $360 for a party mailer. * Left with $2,335.80.
Bruce Gilbert: (does not include a reporting period)
* $0 cash on hand to start. * $1,350 in contributions, most from local businessmen. * Spent $1,090, mostly for 600 signs. * Left with $260.00
Deb Hunter: 6/9/09 to 10/19/09
* $1,500 cash on hand to start. * $850 in contributions, including $500 from the PSEA. * Spent $1,673.01, including $805.57 for yard signs. * Left with $676.99.
Lorraine Pasquali: 6/9/09 to 10/19/09.
* $1,160.39 cash on hand to start. * $590.00 in contributions, including $240 in $50 and under contributions. * Spent $1,281.84, including $363.84 for yard signs. * Left with $209.06.
Barb Thierry: 6/9/09 to 10/19/09.
* $72.35 cash on hand to start. * $300 in contributions, including $250 from Ron Angle. * Spent $35.38. * Left with $336.97.
Bill Wallace: 6/13/09 to 10/19/09.
* $1,734.12 cash on hand to start. * $6,574.00 in contributions. $3,074 is in $50 and under amounts. $1,800 is union money. * Spent $6,129.27, including $1,310 for a party mailer and $2,323.40 for yard signs. * Left with $2,178.85.
During this same period, the Northampton County Democratic Party raked in $6,274.76, and is obviously preparing for a joint mailer. Northampton County Republicans' report, if any, is unavailable on the state campaign finance site.
Here's a few interesting tidbits:
1) Ann McHale snubbed Deb Hunter. She gave $100 to each of the Dems running, excepting Hunter. That alone makes me want to vote for Deb.
2) Bill Wallace has a lot of grass roots support. He raked in $3,074 in "$5o or less" contributions.
3) All Democratic candidates chipped in to the county party, suggesting that a joint mailer is in the works.
4) Cusick is largely self-funded, suggesting his independence.
5) Congressman Charlie Dent must like Bruce Gilbert ($250).
Easton mayoral candidate and Pawlowski campaign manager Mike Fleck has been cruising along, collecting "pay to play" paychecks from King Edwin, without a care in the world. Life is good.
Few people could be worse for Easton than Mike Fleck. In his first unsuccessful Easton mayoral bid, he claimed to be both a Moravian College grad and a business administrator at some used car dealer. He lied. After going down in flames, Fleck suddenly became a political consultant who fleeced state house candidate Archie Follweiler out of an obscene $21,000 over just 11 weeks. Most western Lehigh County Dems now run when they see him, hands on their wallets.
Fleck then decided to be a politician again and ran for mayor a second time, this time against Sal Panto. Despite plastering signs on everything, from telephone poles to shad swimming up the Delaware, Fleck flamed out again. In that election, he was sued by an ex-girlfriend over money she had borrowed for him. He was also charged with theft of services when he dumped a bunch of Fleck signs and old gym trunks in an Autozone trash bin. Those charges were ultimately dismissed, but not before The Express Times snapped the lovely picture you see above. Editor Jim Deegan's caption? "You won't Fleckin' Believe This!"
These days, Fleck is perfecting his fleecing techniques at the feet af King Edwin. He can pretty much ignore Easton, and has, because he has no opponent. In the primary, 90% of Easton's registered Democrats forgot all about the election, and the Fleckster squeaked by with a 182 to 141 win over Easton activist Dennis Lieb.
Lieb has decided to mount a write-in campaign while Fleck is busy in Allentown. While Fleck has pretty much ignored Easton's West Ward, Lieb has been a tireless advocate. His reservations about Riverwalk, first published on this very blog, proved to be correct. He was the first to notice that Easton's Properties of Merit program was being perverted by elitists who were merely interested in driving up property values so they could sell.
If turnout remains low, and Lieb can garner some support from Republicans and disaffected Dems, Easton is in for a Fleckin' surprise.
Lehigh County’s Trexler Nature Preserve will officially open at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 30 at the ford of the Jordan Creek.
Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham will detail the $2.75 million upgrade, which includes dramatically improved public access, 19 miles of expanded trails, better wheelchair accessibility and an emphasis on passive recreation such as hike, biking and horseback riding.
The 1,100 acre preserve was established by the late Gen. Harry C. Trexler in the early 1900s to save the American bison from extinction.
Bison burgers will be served right after the news conference followed by a wagon tour of the new trails and North Range.
Between June 9th and October 19th, Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski has added another $89,790.26 to his campaign coffers. Hey, he needs the dough According Valley 610's Jarrett Renshaw, Hizzoner has already spent over $220,000 since January. I'll have more details tomorrow.
Northampton County Sheriffs Sitting on 2000 Firearms
During yesterday's budget hearing, it became very clear that the Sheriff's office has a lot of firepower. They're sitting on somewhere around 2,000 firearms seized over the years. Sandy Templeton, a deputy who has been employed there for twenty years, told Northampton County Council they've never sold any and she's not really sure what happens to them.
"You've managed to pile up 2,000 weapons and have done nothing?" asked an incredulous Ron Angle.
The Sheriff's office is scheduled to undergo an audit of its seized firearms. The sooner the better.
Yesterday, I told you that Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham is financing the campaigns of Democratic Commissioner candidates Hillary Kwiatek and Jeanne McNeill, to the tune of approximately $72,000. Well, it looks like Lehigh County Commissioner Dean Browning is doing much the same thing, although on a much smaller scale. Campaign finance reports filed by Tom Creighton,Glenn Eckhart, Mike Welsh and Bob Smith reveal that each has received $4,027.25 in in-kind services from Browning's committee as well as his Lehigh County Victory PAC. (You can see their reports here).
For those of you unfamiliar with this evil arch-villian, Browning is the Commish who wanted to pull the plug on county funding to poor Pip the Mouse, which resulted in squeaky death threats and little car bombs. Relentless, you can see Dean above, hatching his latest fiendish plot. Thanks in large part to Dean's efforts, Republican candidates have sent out a few negative mailers of their own, as you can see from a Creighton piece directed at Jeanne McNeill.. Back of Creighton Mail Piece[1]
I called Browning for comment late last night and to learn if he drew that cartoon, but his wife told me he was out stealing signs.
Did LC Comm'r Andy Roman Just Slam Candidate Jeanne McNeill?
Andy Roman is an at-large Lehigh County Commissioner, but is nothing like most politicians. Instead of being gregarious, he's a bit on the shy and retiring side. Reserved. He expresses strong opinions that often make sense, as he did in support of webcasting public meetings, and I've never witnessed him launch a personal attack against anyone.
That's why I have to question whether the "Andy Roman" who commented on Ken Petrini's blog yesterday is the Lehigh County Comm'r or someone else. If this is actually Andy Roman the Commish, he needs to move and run for Northampton County Council, where mean-spirited and childish remarks are expected. Get a lot of this unnecessary swipe.
"Daniel McNeil who was thrown out of office as a Whitehall Township Executive in 2006 because of an ethical cloud surrounding his appointment in violation of the Whitehall Home Rule charter is now hoping to have his wife Jeanne do his bidding for him at the County level and have Don pay for it.
"Daniel McNeil, who was subsequently appointed to a cushy County position is now hoping to bring his brand of "political hack" politics to the County level through his wife, who has no government experience and has never attended a Commissioner meeting.
"By the way,isn't it a bit unsavory to have hubby calling the shots while being on the County pay-roll? Conflict of interest maybe??
"If Daniel McNeil wants to be a political player at the County level, why doesn't he run himself instead of making his poor wife do his bidding?"
Tacky. Maybe Andy should try blogging. Speaking of unsavory, is it appropriate for a Lehigh County elected official to speak this way about a County employee?
Charlie Dent: Isn't It Time for Cameras in the Rules Committee?
The powerful U.S. House Rules Committee is responsible for reporting measures to be considered by the Full House and establishing the terms under which the House will debate, amend and vote. LV Congressman Charlie Dent thinks it's time for a little transparency, and has introduced a resolution calling for cameras to record and broadcast proceedings.
“As Congress considers some of the most pivotal policy of our time, the American people deserve full transparency in all legislative proceedings, particularly those of the powerful Rules Committee,” Congressman Dent said. “There has been unprecedented civic engagement since the 2008 election. Americans understand the importance of the policy that Congress is considering and they are watching the process closely. It is unacceptable that they are shut out of the Rules Committee’s critical proceedings. In the past year, we have seen 300-page amendments offered to the Rules Committee in the middle of the night and key policy proposals rejected on a straight party-line vote without thorough consideration. Sunlight will be a powerful disinfectant against these practices.”
According to a spokesperson for Rules Chairwoman Louise Slaughter, cameras are always welcome. "We invite TV cameras to every single meeting we have. We can't dictate what the press decides to cover but cameras are always welcome at our meetings. Like all Americans, we love C-SPAN. And it's worth noting that Rules is far more open under us than it ever was under Republicans. We meet earlier, post more information online and we do it faster than ever before so the public knows exactly what happens at each of our meetings."
But the Rules Committee hearing room is among the smallest on Capitol Hill and one of the last without cameras to record the work of the committee. Congressman Dent’s resolution would call for installation of cameras during the next long district work period, and facilitation of live audio and video webcasting of all proceedings. The expense would be minimal since most of the architectural work required to install cameras was completed during the last renovation of the hearing room.
Though not a member of the Rules Committee, Congressman Dent has had significant experience with the silent influence this Committee can wield. He has gone to the Rules Committee on numerous occasions to offer substantive amendments. For instance, he offered an amendment during consideration of the major FY2009 Appropriations bill to hold spending at an inflationary increase, and in deliberations on the TARP legislation he offered an amendment to cap funding at $250 billion and require another vote of authorization before allocating additional money. Both amendments were rejected by the Committee and consequently, not allowed to be considered by the full House.
“This committee can prevent the opportunity for serious debate, but the American people don’t have the opportunity to hear its members explain their own actions,” Congressman Dent said. “One thing I hear consistently from my constituents, regardless of their views on policies, is that they feel like Congress is out of touch. More transparency is demanded, and I think that letting the American people in on the important proceedings of the Rules Committee is a logical place to start.”
Congressman Dent’s resolution was introduced Friday with 61 original cosponsors, including four members of the Rules Committee: Ranking Member David Dreier of California, Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart of Florida, Rep. Pete Sessions of Texas, and Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina.
Well, that didn't take long. Yesterday morning, Ken Petrini and I both told you that Lehigh County Commissioner candidates Hillary Kwiatek (running in District 5 against incumbent Glenn Eckhart) and Jeanne McNeill (running in District 1 against Tom Creighton) had both filed their pre-election campaign finance reports (see them here). That's a good thing. But in those reports, they fail to note $72,000 that Executive Don Cunningham had set aside so they could do three mailers each. That's a bad thing.
By late yesterday afternoon, both McNeill and Kwiatek had amended their reports to note Cunningham's generous assistance. Kwiatek and McNeill both tell me they never received the necessary invoices until Friday, the deadline for filing. McNeill's report had already been filed two days earlier, and Kwiatek's was already finished when she got the news.
Kwiatek has already stated she "would never intentionally deceive or mis-report information on these reports." For her part, McNeill tells me "I have always worked hard to maintain openness and honesty. I received the info on Friday and my report had been finished and turned in by Wednesday. I did not realise that I could amend it to reflect the change. I thought I had to wait until the next report to do so. Thanks to your column, I was made aware of this. I was unable to add it to my first report because I did not have the figures in hand and did not want to guess at something so important. If you ask anyone that knows me, they will tell you that I am an upstanding decent person who always does what is right. I apologize to anyone that felt it was not handled in the correct way."
I believe them both. If they were interested in playing games, they would have simply waited until the next filing period.
Their reports, as amended, reveal that Executive Don Cunningham is their chief benefactor. Some of you may feel this makes them rubber stamps incapable of independent oversight. Others may think that all this means is that Cunningham recognizes two good people who understand and will help his agenda over the next four years.
What's important, from my perspective, is that you know the county exec is financing these candidates. You can draw your own conclusions.
LV Religious Leaders to Conduct Health Care Hearing Today
Top leaders of the Lehigh Valley’s religious community will conduct a public hearing on weaknesses in our health care system today at 4 PM, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2540 Center Street, Bethlehem. Nine Lehigh Valley residents who have had tragic experiences will tell their stories, followed by a panel of medical professionals with their own explanations about the need for reform.
Taking testimony will be the Right Reverend Paul Marshall, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, the Reverend Samuel Zeiser, Bishop of the Northeast Pennsylvania Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Reverend David Bennett, President, Moravian Church Eastern District, the Reverend Steven Shusett, Teaching Presbyter, Lehigh Presbytery, Presbyterian Church USA, the Reverend Alan Miller, Conference Minister, Pennsylvania Northeast Conference, United Church of Christ, and Rabbi Jonathan Gerard, representing the region’s Jewish community.
The moral imperative to take care of the sick has largely been overlooked in the current debate surrounding health care reform. Following the testimony, these religious leaders will issue statements, speaking from their theological and moral authority as leaders of their respective faith traditions.
The event is being organized by Health Care for America Now, a broad national coalition of organizations that are working to promote quality, affordable health care for all Americans. HCAN Lehigh Valley is a local chapter of the group.
Not very long ago, a candidate would never dream of asking an elected official or other candidate to dig into his own campaign fund for money. In these different times, office seekers felt they had an obligation to those financing their campaigns to restrict those funds only for their own political quests. In recent years, all that has changed, and it's now rather routine for candidates to give each other this monopoly money. Most of the time, it's pretty innocent. But when an elected official uses donated money to solidify and expand his power base, it's time to pay attention.
Campaign finance reports filed Friday reveal that Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham is using his healthy, $700 thousand, campaign warchest to build his powerbase, stacking the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners. It's a political power play, although I'm sure he'd justify it as an attempt to make government more efficient. The downside is that, instead of an independent legislative body that asks questions and provides oversight, you end up with rubber stamps.
This year's rubber stamps are candidates Hillary Kwiatek, running against incumbent Glenn Eckhart in District 5; and Jeanne McNeill, running against Tom Creighton in District 1. They've been so excited to take Cunningham's money and help that they can't be bothered to follow election disclosure laws. Instead of informing the public, their filed campaign reports actually mislead them. Let me explain what happened.
This month, Kwiatek and McNeill sent out four, professionally prepared, 8 x 11 mailers each. One of Kwiatek's missives is a hit job against incumbent Glenn Eckhart, complete with grainy black and white photo. Take a gander. Hillary Kwiatek Campaign Flyer
Sure, Kwitek's slam is inaccurate. Rather than being against police, Eckhart actually voted to increase the size of Salisbury's force 40% when he was a township supervisor. But hey, I admire the quality of the work.
Now two of these mailers for each candidate arrived before the Monday, October 19th cutoff for reporting campaign expenses. The third must have been in the mail because those pieces arrived on the 20th. The cost of all three mailers was obviously incurred before the cutoff date.
Where did Kwiatek and McNeill get the money? Campaign finance reports filed Friday, which covers the period between June 8 and October 19th, not only fail to answer that question, but are downright misleading.
McNeill reports receiving $8,900 and spending just $2,900, leaving her with approximately $6,000. Kwiatek is a mirror image. She pulled in $6,800 and spent only $3,000. They both report only one $250 donation from the Cunningham camp. (Their reports can be downloaded here). The cost of these mailers is reflected nowhere.
So who paid for these mailers? Cunningham. Let me tell you how I know.
Cunningham's campaign committee made two contributions to the Pennsylvania Democratic party on October 5 ($22,000) and October 9 ($50,000), totalling $72,000.00. The state party took that money and spent it for the following:
* Postage for Kwiatek mailing (10/16/09) $1,170.70. * Postage for MacNeill mailing (10/16/09) $1,179.54. * Payment to Gumbinner & Davies for Design, Print, Mail House for unspecified "Lehigh County Candidates" (10/16/09) $52,447.49. * Postage-mailing for Don Conningham (10/15/09) $4,670.51. * Postage-mailing for unspecified "Lehigh County Candidates" (10/13/09) $5,074.75. * Postage-mailing for unspecified "Lehigh County Candidates" (10/6/09) $4,767.52 By October 19th, Cunningham had paid nearly $70,000 to promote Kwiatek and MacNeill.
Hillary Kwiatek was actually an active participant in this Cunningham-financed mail campaign. On her Facebook page, in a post entitled The Impact of Mail, Kwiatek muses "A candidate pores over her mail pieces making sure everything is accurate and reflects who she is as a candidate and then hopes for the best." She is very excited by how her "first mail piece" was received, noticing it has increrased traffic n the Internet. But she's not excited enough to tell her readers that Cunningham is paying for those mailers. She's not excited enough to include its cost on her finance report, as required by our election laws. Neither McNeill nor Kwiatek bother to tell you that County Executive Don Cunningham is trying to buy their election, to the tune of nearly $70,000 so far. Both attempt to mislead you into thinking he's only given them $250 apiece. If Kwiatek and MacNeill are this deceptive as candidates, what will happen when they're elected?
Summary:
* In early Oct. Don Cunningham’s campaign transferred $72,000 to the PA Democrat Committee. * Through Oct. 24th, Kwiatek and McNeill have sent out 4 mailers each with a total combined cost of approximately $25,000. * Two of the mailers for each candidate arrived before the Monday, October 19th cutoff for reporting campaign expenses and 1 for each candidate was in the mail at that point, arriving on Oct. 20th. * Three of Kwiatek’s mailers and three of McNeill’s mailers list them as being paid for by the PA Democrat Committee. * The three Kwiatek mailers that arrived (or were in the mail) before the 19th were all paid for by the PA Democrat Committee. * The three McNeill mailers that arrived (or were in the mail) before the 19th were all paid for by the PA Democrat Committee. * Kwiatek wrote on her Facebook page on Oct. 15th about reviewing the mailers and that the first had arrived, so she knew that they had been sent. * The PA Democrat Committee reports spending $52,447.49 on Oct. 16th for “design, print and mail house” for “Lehigh County candidates” * The PA Democrat Committee reports spending $1,170.70 (enough for 10,000 to 12,000 mailers) on Oct. 16th for postage on Kwiatek. * The PA Democrat Committee reports spending $1,179.54 (enough for 10,000 to 12,000 mailers) on Oct. 16th for postage on McNeill. * Neither Kwiatek nor McNeill reported any direct expenses or in-kind contributions on their campaign finance reports that reflect the money spent (design, production and postage) for their mailers that went out before the Oct. 19th cutoff. At a bare minimum the postage needed to be reported. Kwiatek, in particular, can not claim ignorance of the fact that the mailers had gone out since she talked about them at her Facebook site.
Update: Kwiatek Amends Report! In an email, Hillary Kwiatek announces that she has amended her report to reflect the state party's in-kind contributions. She claims she received that documentation on Friday, after her report had already been prepared, and opted to amend it today rather than wait for the next reporting period "in the interest of greater transparency."
Kwiatek adds, "I want to say in the strongest terms possible that I would never intentionally deceive or mis-report information on these reports. I take the oath my signature represents on those forms very seriously, and my integrity means a great deal to me. The fact of the matter is, I simply didn't have the documentation of these contributions when my treasurer and I completed my report. As you realize, you cannot document an in-kind contribution without the necessary information. Once I received the information, the report was amended in as quick a manner as I could manage, given my treasurer's work schedule and the like."
Morning Call reporter Jarrett Renshaw could really use a little help. He's been awful busy. Renshaw first exposed Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski's "pay to play" campaign finances, chronicling a culture of corruption in which contributors are rewarded with cushy jobs and city contracts. He followed that up with the revelation that, by the end of this year, Allentown's deficit may exceed $10 million. This, of course, is completely contrary to Mayor Pawlowski's insistence that he had restored the Queen City's fiscal stability. Most recently, Renshaw has cast a spot light on sick time abuse in the fire department, which has cost $1.54 million in overtime costs since January 2007.
Now Renshaw is a journalist, not a member of Allentown city council. What have they been doing? How has that seven-member city council reacted to these reports of abuse? Investigations? Audits?
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Last week's regular meeting, scheduled to consider twelve different ordinances, had to be canceled because of lack of interest. Council was unable to establish a quorum. No effort has been made to reschedule that meeting this week despite a Home Rule Charter provision clearly mandating that it shall meet twice every month.
I've emailed Council Prez Michael D'Amore to ask when this meeting will be rescheduled. No reply.
The City is in obvious crisis, but the body created to provide oversight can't be bothered to meet, let alone provide direction. Is it any wonder City Council candidate Lou Hershman calls this litter a collection of Pawlowski lap dogs?
In Sunday's Morning Call, Jarrett Renshaw makes very clear that of all six candidates, only Hershman has responded to the report of a Peanutville blue ribbon panel, calling for dramatic changes.
"Republican candidate Lou Hershman, 73, has laid out a plan that seems closest to the committee's spirit of reform.
Allentown should consider dissolving the parking authority, Hershman said, and use any surplus revenue from violations to help pay the city's operating expenses."
Hershman also wants to audit landlords so all tenants pay earned income and business privilege taxes.
Perhaps you'd prefer pious platitudes. Julio "I speak two languages" Guridy proposes looking at "all expenses, line-by-line." Silly me, but aren't they supposed to be doing that already? What the hell has Guridy been doing the last eight years? Energetic Mike Schlossberg proposes buying supplies like paper clips in bulk. Last time I checked, the city already makes most of its purchases through the state at a discounted rate.
D'Amore and Guridy take the cake for most ridiculous idea. The want to restructure the debt that they've already just restructured. In other words, they want to shackle the city with thirty years of debt to pay for their mismanagement.
During this campaign, Hershman has already been disparaged with anonymous sleaze robcalls engineered by Pawlowski. Candidates Sclossberg, D'Amore and O'Connell - the three blind mice - paid for that smear job. But they've all been too timid to lay the blame at the mayor's door mat publicly, where it properly belongs. Is this independence? Of the three, only Ray O'Connell has been decent enough to acknowledge an error and apologize like a man.
After sliming Lou, Council Prez D'Amore and VP Michael Donovan tried muzzling him, preventing him from speaking out at city council meetings during public comment segments, a clear violation of both Allentown's Home Rule Charter as well as the The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. Michael "I'm still learning" Donovan was unwilling to listen to someone who has long served Allentown, as both Council member (8 years) and Controller (24 years). D'Amore and Donovan, in trying to silence Hershman, undermined public confidence in the democratic process and sent a chilling message to anyone interested in getting involved.
It's an insiders' club.
Lou stood up to the insiders, and thanks to the eloquence of Council members like Jeannette Eichenwald, Council eventually backed down.
Amazingly, Hershman is still fighting for the city he loves, even if it is an uphill battle against money and partisan politics. A good man, he sticks to issues, and never slams people personally, not even in retaliation. If you are an Allentown voter, don't you think you deserve at least one more watchdog on city council?
Jeanette Eichenwald is beginning to ask hard questions, but she needs help. So does Jarrett Renshaw.
Yesterday, I told you that Allentown's Human Relations Commission snubbed Tony Phillips, the city's first black elected official, at a dinner earlier this week. You'll be pleased to know that Vice Chair Allyson Diane Hamm did send Tony an "apology" yesterday. She took a break from a Meet'nGreet with Mayor Ed to tell Tony he was introduced after he left, and that if he had stayed, he would know that and that he should have given them the courtesy of letting them snub him a little longer and he was too late and they are nonpartisan and it was a lovely evening anyway, so there.
Do you like the way that sounds? But what does it mean? Callahan has so far ducked taking a position on health care, our most pressing national issue. I have no idea where he stands on Speaker Pelosi's cap-and-trade energy bill, which will cost about 60,000 jobs here in Pennsylvania. What's his position on important foreign policy questions, like the recent proposal to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan?
Beats me.
Callahan plays it safe, hiding in his throne room with his finger in the air, trying to tell which way the wind is blowing. In contrast, LV Congressman Charlie Dent has reached out to his community. This year alone, he's conducted 17 town halls all over the Lehigh Valley. This is in addition to numerous Q&A sessions with senior center residents.
Dent leads from the front while Callahan is still in the rear, stocking up on supplies that include $1,000 contributions from developers like Nolan Perin, who is still looking for public money to fund his Wind Gap road to nowhere.
So tell what type of Congressman John Callahan would be, we need to look at his record as Bethlehem Mayor. That record shows he likes to spend taxpayers' money. Local news media has reported an audit showing a $2.7 million deficit in Bethlehem’s 2008 Budget. Even the Democrat Chairman of Bethlehem City Council’s Finance Committee said that Callahan’s overspending the budget was “unacceptable.” Maybe Callahan should think twice about running for two offices at the same time.
Did Mayor Callahan consider for a moment that this nearly $3 million deficit was the result of overspending? No. His Administration instead blamed the deficit on their inability to continue his longstanding practice of raiding other city funds (like the Water Authority) to cover holes in the City’s General Fund Budget. In other words, Callahan uses non-recurring revenue to pay for recurring expenditures.
Mayor Callahan wants voters to believe that things are looking better for Bethlehem’s finances in the coming year. In fact, Bethlehem will receive millions, just for hosting a casino. So can city residents expect the tax relief they were promised in exchange for opening their community to gambling? No.
“Mayor Callahan has built up such a mountain of debt that it is highly unlikely he’ll be able to offer property tax relief at a time when people could certainly use it,” said Shawn Millan, Dent’s campaign manager.
Instead of property tax relief, Callahan has a better idea - a $1.5 million skateboarding park. As a councilman, he opposed that idea, bit I think what sold him is the idea of putting a few slots there and in the dog park.
“These are the same misguided priorities and out-of-control spending that Mayor Callahan supported by saying he backed the failed Stimulus Bill. We’re in the middle of tough economic times, but you would never know it from the way the Mayor spends taxpayers’ money,” Congressman Charlie Dent said.
As Mayor of Bethlehem John Callahan has raised property taxes, imposed a $52 municipal services tax for people working in Bethlehem, fought to increase the sales tax, ran up a $2.7 million budget deficit, sank the City’s Water Authority with debt and thinks that $1.5 million of taxpayer money for a skate park is prudent spending as opposed to giving the people of Bethlehem tax relief.
Congressman Dent has a different view. “This is the record that Washington Democrats think qualifies John Callahan to serve in Congress. If you want to know what kind of Congressman Callahan would be, here’s your answer: he’ll be the sort of Congressman that Speaker Nancy Pelosi just gave $4,000 to elect.”
Blogger's Note: Ken Petrini has the text of the Dent campaign's news release here.
During roll call at last night's Northampton County Council meeting, Councilman Joe Capozzolo - who does double duty as Bangor mayor - complained he was missing Bangor's annual Halloween parade.
"You're scary enough," retorted Council member Jerry Seyfried.
At last night's brief Northampton County Council meeting, Lamont McClure complained about a proposed agreement that will allow some casino table gaming revenue to go to Lehigh County with no demonstrated impact. "The concept of regionalism seems to be a one-way street."
McClure noted that the bi-county health bureau is a gimmick for Allentown. "Essentially, you're going to be taking the health bureau off of Allentown's books with your constituents' real estate property tax money." He also was skeptical whether our hotel tax money, which goes to the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, is really helping Northampton County. "We need to consider bringing economic development home."
This was music to Ron Angle's ears. He's been trying to do something about LVEDC for years. McClure's message also resonated with Council member John Cusick, who castigated State Senator Lisa Boscola. "We have a state senator whose district, the vast majority of which is in Northampton County, is seemingly eager to enter into an agreement to shovel money into the neighboring county."
When it became apparent that council members were actually getting along with each other, Charles Dertinger made an immediate motion to adjourn.
Walter Garvin is a Democratic candidate for one of five at-large Northampton County Council seats. He and I have a lengthy history that ranges from some pleasant exchanges to a few shouting matches. There's little doubt in my mind that his election will provide little more than a third wheel on the Dertinger-McClure bicycle, which has no brakes. He does have a record as a partisan.
Having said that, I admire people who do their homework. Garvin rarely misses a county council meeting, and has even attended some committees. Last night, for example, he was the only council hopeful in the peanut gallery. Aside from the candidates who are not already members of Northampton County Council, he is clearly the best informed about county issues.
So when is Northampton County going to repair the aging parking deck located outside the courthouse? Every time it rains, bits and pieces are chipped away. At last night's county council meeting, Executive John Stoffa stated that $1.5 million in bond proceeds has been set aside for repairs, slated to start in Spring. He estimates it will extend the parking deck's life by ten years.
Who Won Last Night's Debate, Phillips or Pawlowski?
Channel 69's televised Allentown mayoral debate between challenger Tony Phillips and incumbent Edwin Pawlowski may be viewed here. Host Rob Vaughn certainly had his hands full, but was obviously prepared with some good questions.
Pawlowski tried to dominate the thirty minute session, but Phillips hit him hard on nearly everything, from Allentown's crime to the city's shaky finances to King Edwin's "pay to play" campaign finances.
I'd give Phillips the win, but had a poor opinion of Pawlowski before the debate ever started. My view is biased. What do you think?
Lack of space often results in poor local election coverage from our area newspapers. But in recent years, local blogs and voter guides have helped fill an information gap.
The best blogs for election coverage are provided by the newspapers. As much as we amateurs try to provide election coverage, newspaper blogs have infinitely more credibility because the writers at least try to be objective. Jarrett Renshaw, for example, has an excellent account of the snub that Allentown's Human Relations Comm'n delivered to mayoral candidate Tony Phillips. Bill White takes city council candidate Julio Guridy to task for being so camera shy during a recent NAACP debate. "[W]hen a candidate doesn’t want people to see him on video, even when he’s just talking about his candidacy, it speaks volumes. In fairness to Guridy, if I had his record as a toothless watchdog of the executive branch, I might be camera-shy, too."
For its part, The Express Times has an amazingly detailed Voter Guide. In addition to biographical information, county council candidates supply answers to eight tough questions. For example, will they support a bi-county health department? Cusick - yes, if it's affordable; Dertinger - yes, unequivocally; Dietrich - no; Ferraro - Cost will be driving factor; Garvin - no, too costly; Gilbert - wants to review cost analysis data; Hunter- worried about funding; Pasquali - yes; Thierry - yes, if it can be done without a tax hike; Wallace - yes.
Human Relation Comm'n Snubs Allentown's First Elected Black Official
Allentown's Human Relations Commission ostensibly exists to enforce the city's human relations ordinance and foster good will among among the diverse groups making up the Queen City. On Tuesday night, this group welcomed everyone, at least if you had $40 in your pocket, to their 32d annual awards dinner.
According to puff blog Allentown Good News, these are quite the soirees, a veritable "Who's Who of the Allentown community." Allentown big shot Joyce Marin is thoughtful enough to include a photo of last year's event, which captures her husband's nose magnificently. There may have been one or two black people among the Allentown elite, too, although I'm sure each was questioned carefully about how he was able to come up with $40.
One of the black people who decided to attend this dinner was Allentown City Council member Tony Phillips. He happens to be running for Mayor. He also happens to be Allentown's first ever elected black official.
Now you might think Tony will make a terrible Mayor. Some of you may even dislike him. But no matter how you feel, most of you will readily concede he knows a thing or two about discrimination. A product of the Projects, he experienced it as a child. Unfortunately, it continued during his entire tenure as an Allentown police officer.
Phillips' Personal Experience With Discrimination as Allentown Cop
For years, Tony put up with a superior officer who wore a swastika pin on his police uniform, made racist comments and decorated his desk with a Ku Klux Klan (KKK) photograph, along with a bust of Hitler and a Confederate flag. This boss cop gave fellow officers white supremacist literature, and directed his subordinates to focus on black criminals. Eventually promoted to Captain, his idea of a joke was to walk by Latino officers with a burning Puerto Rican flag. When in more serious moods, he suggested black officers with nice homes must be dealing drugs.
Now don't you worry. This police captain was finally brought to justice. His punishment for years of racial taunts?
Sensitivity training.
Tony thought that punishment was a tad on the light side, but when he dared express his objections, he himself became the focus of racial taunts. Car horns would be called "nigger knockers." A false complaint against Tony was manufactured so he would know "what it feels like" to be the target of an investigation. Officers refused to assist Phillips when he filed a false complaint prosecution, which did result in a conviction. Retaliation continued, with little things like blackened doll heads attached to the steering wheel of Tony's police cruiser.
Phillips eventually was forced to take Allentown to court, and slowly, things began to change. But as Phillips learned Tuesday night, his personal experience with discrimination means nothing to Allentown's Human Relations Commission.
Phillips Snubbed by Allentown Human Relations Comm'n
Given his personal experiences, this dinner obviously meant something to Tony. It might be viewed as a "Who's who" of Allentown's elite by poo-bahs like Joyce Marin, but to a black person who himself was victimized, it has emotional significance.
At what should have been an opportunity to welcome and support successful efforts celebrating equal opportunity and inclusion, Council member Phillips was snubbed. When he presented his $80 to Lehigh County Comm'r Gloria Hamm at the door, she just rolled her eyes, although she certainly took his money.
Once inside, Tony worked the room, walking around to shake some hands of some of the hundred or so people there, and then sat down.
That probably was a bad idea. You see, Allentown's Human Relations Commission is more like an arm of Pawlowski's re-election efforts than an organization interested in diversity. It's most recent appointee, Adrian Shanker, just happens to be King Edwin's field director. Gloria Hamm, the person who glared at Tony when he darkened the door, has publicly endorsed Hizzoner.
Hamm was also Master of Ceremonies at Tuesday night's little party. Of course, she was certain to introduce all the politicians in the crowd. She introduced Pat Browne, even though he wasn't there. She then introduced everyone who was running for reelection for City Council and everyone there who is currently on City Council - all except Tony.
Instead, she went on to introduce Mayor Edwin Pawlowski, who is a white as a polar bear and has none of the life experiences of a poor, black kid from the Projects. She handed the mike directly to Hizzoner so he could wax eloquently on a subject about which he knows nothing. You might expect that he'd have enough grace (he purports to be a minister, after all) to attempt to try to rectify the situation and at least mention Tony's presence. Instead, he did the opposite. He smirked at Tony. Then, exactly like a childish, immature brat, he ignored him.
Tony and his guest walked out. Later that evening, almost as an afterthought, someone mentioned that Tony had been there. That's very tolerant of them. Tony's campaign manager, his guest, tells me "For this particular agency whose job is predicated on diversity, inclusion, and respect for other people, their personal and partisan behavior was outrageous."
Pawlowski touts his Hall of Shame. Tuesday night, that distinction went to Allentown's Human Relations Commission and the Mayor got first prize!
On Tuesday and Wednesday, I belly-ached about 13 campaign signs decorating the yard of magisterial candidate Walter Felton. They endorse Allentown's Democratic mayoral and city council hopefuls. They also violate a rule prohibiting partisan political activity by mini-judge wannabes.
Sometime Wednesday, Felton took down these political signs. I compliment him for recognizing a possible error, and doing the right thing.
What King Edwin Doesn't Want You to Know About Those Crimes Stats
Everywhere he goes, King Edwin tells the huddled masses, "Don't worry. Be happy." He confidently tells them crime is down 20%. He glosses over all those pesky unsolved murders.
Here's what he's failed to tell them; during his four years in office, the number of unsolved crimes has steadily risen. Would you even bother reporting a criminal act if you knew it would be ignored by the police?
Using the same Pennsylvania State Police data relied on by Allentown leaders, it's clear that law enforcement is increasingly unable to investigate or prosecute criminal activity. Let's look at the facts since 2000, when state police started collecting data.
2000: 13,205 of 17,445 reported crimes are solved (76% success rate)
2001: 13,035 of 17,277 reported crimes are solved (75% success rate)
2002: 13,385 of 17,297 reported crimes are solved (77% success rate)
2003: 12,587 of 18.025 reported crimes are solved (70% success rate)
2004: 7,194 of 18,304 reported crimes are solved (39% success rate)
2005: 6,487 of 18,366 reported crimes are solved (35% success rate)
2006: 6,123 of 19,072 reported crimes are solved (32% success rate)
2007: 5,822 of 17,383 reported crimes are solved (33% success rate)
2008: 5,361 of 16,794 reported crimes are solved (31.9% success rate).
Allentown's finest had a remarkable record between 2000 and 2003. That suddenly changed in 2004, and has continued throughout King Edwin's four years in office. It's what happens when police officers are stretched too thin, and officials rely on goofy blue surveillance cameras instead of boots on the ground.
Do you want a Mayor who will allow this terrible record to continue?
What see all the Democratic candidates for Allentown City Council. You also see the Democratic candidate for mayor. So far, so good. But who is that tall, smiling dude in the rear? That's Walter Felton,Democratic candidate for District Judge.
Judges, magistrates and candidates for those offices are governed by different rules than apply to ordinary mortals like you and me. That's why they get to wear black dresses.
The Judicial Conduct Board of Pa has standards governing their behavior. One of these rules bans them from participating in partisan political activity.
Sure, during the year in which they run for office, they are allowed to attend political gatherings to speak about themselves. They can even contribute to their party, but that's pretty much it. No contributions to other candidates. No endorsements.
Yesterday, I told you that magisterial candidate Walter Felton, a very nice guy, has 13 campaign signs in his yard, not counting his own, endorsing partisan candidates for office. His personal Facebook page continues this theme of partisan political activity. Its public portion lists Walter as a "fan" of Northampton County Controller Steve Barron and Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan.
Now, the above picture is included in an email blast that went out from the Pawlowski campaign yesterday, entitled "Two weeks to Go." Mayor Edwin states "Walter Felton is running for District Judge and he needs your vote."
There's nothing improper about Pawlowski asking his supporters to support a judicial candidate. But there's plenty wrong with Felton's decision to pose with other candidates, which he had to know would be used for partisan political purposes. It is effectively an endorsement, and that's out of line because it compromises Felton's impartiality.
Dent: Use Stim Funds to Help Seniors and Vets Denied COLA
Did you know that for the first time since 1975, there will be no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) next year for Social Security recipients or disabled veterans? LV Congressman Charlie Dent has responded by cosponsoring legislation that will provide these payment using unobligated “stimulus” funds.
When the rate cap comes off PPL in January, this will hurt many seniors and disabled LV vets. Dent believes we can use stimulus funds that are borrowed but haven’t been spent, to provide help to seniors and veterans without increasing taxes or adding to our nation’s ballooning deficit.
“Since the stimulus funding has failed its original purpose — to stimulate the economy and create jobs — it makes sense to use the bill’s unobligated funds to help our deserving seniors and veterans,” Congressman Dent said.
The Rising Tide Community Loan Fund, a small-business lending arm of the CACLV, is the Lehigh Valley's only federally-certified microlender. It was created to extend credit to entrepreneurs located in communities where resources and opportunities for growth are limited. Funds can be used for equipment, marketing costs, inventory, working capital and lease-hold improvements. Terms are flexible.
Since its creation, this Fund has made 69 microloans totaling over $1,285,000. This year, it has made ten new loans totaling $240,900 in communities from Bangor to Walnutport, Easton to Allentown, creating 23 jobs and retaining 14 others.
The Birdlady of Easton, located at 1704 Washington Boulevard in Wilson, received a $9,900 loan for advertising, inventory and working capital. Owned by Melody Seip, the Birdlady of Easton, carries a wide variety of exotic birds, such as macaws, cockatoos and African Greys, along with all needed accessories.
Whether looking for lunch or a night on the town, try stopping by The Firehouse, located in the heart of Bethlehem’s Southside at 217 Broadway. Owner Adam Gottwald borrowed $35,000 to help transform the former Lehigh No. 1 Engine House, built in 1885, into one of Bethlehem's unusual new eateries.
Looking to place your company logo on a polo shirt or golf ball? If so, stop by IdentiTees for your printing and embroidery needs. Owned by Paul Zingone, IdentiTees is located within the Lehigh Valley Digital Copy Center at 1251 Airport Road in Allentown. With the $15,000 borrowed, IdentiTees was able to expand their services.
PKE Group, owned by Patrick Paparelli, received a $35,000 loan. With loan proceeds, Paparelli, who is based in Hellertown, purchased equipment and inventory for a vending business that features natural and organic snacks.
R.T. Salon is a new salon that will be opening at 403 North Best Avenue (Route 145) in Walnutport. Owners Rica Snyder and Glen Cook borrowed $15,000 for equipment, inventory and building improvements.
With over 30 years of experience, Elsa Vazquez has brought Bet-El Counseling Services to the Southside of Bethlehem. With $25,000 borrowed to support operations and with an extensively trained and bilingual staff, Bet-El Counseling will fill an unmet need to reach the region’s growing Latino population.
Diamonds may be forever, but Werkheiser Jewelers, noticed a growing trend amongst his customers while operating his Saucon Valley store for the past 17 years - those who typically purchase fine jewelry are also considering quality handbags and scarves. With $35,000 borrowed from the Fund, a soon-to-be opened second store to be located at 3452 Easton Avenue in Bethlehem Township, will carry both the fine jewelry and those handbags.
James and Theresa Edmonds, owners of a roasted nut and Italian ice franchises operating out of Easton as Paradyse Investments, borrowed $20,000 to purchase a second cart and additional inventory. This allows them to bring freshly roasted nuts and refreshing Italian ice to an event near you.
Comprehensive Chiropractic, located at 2200 West Hamilton Boulevard, Suite 215, in Allentown, received a loan in the amount of $16,000. Owned by Heather Strencosky, Comprehensive Chiropractic services include family chiropractic care, massage therapy and weight loss counseling.
Art & Music Emporium owners Joshua and Becky Long received a $35,000 loan to continue the growth of this Bangor business. From band instruments, which can be rented or purchased, to quality art supplies, Art & Music Emporium is an expression of the Longs’ love for the arts.
What Do You Want in Lehigh County's New Time Capsule?
County Executive Don Cunningham will conduct a Grand Opening of the Lehigh County Courthouse lobby at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22. Employees will finally be able to use the front entrance of the building again.
The lobby is a part of a 208,000 square-foot, $65 million, renovation project that includes five new courtrooms and judges’ chambers, jury deliberation rooms, as well as separate elevators for judges, prisoners and the public. It also includes a new exterior to fix a 40-year leaking problem and will offer increased security and more fluid traffic patterns for employees and visitors.
“This Courthouse belongs to the people of Lehigh County,” said Cunningham, who scaled back the project by $20 million after it had been approved by his predecessor. “It is their building , so it’s imperative that we be fiscally responsible and make sure every dime of taxpayer money is well spent.”
Cunningham expects to complete this renovation by February, several months ahead of schedule.
By the way, he's also soliciting suggestions for a new time capsule.
He was really thrilled by the last one, which was stuffed with old Playboy magazines; the only known photograph of Judge Coyne smiling (he had just sentenced a Northampton County lawyer to death); an old copy of something called an afternoon newspaper; an actual sports trophy awarded to William Allen High School; the crown jewels of Emma Tropiano; an old A&B cockroach about six inches long; former Mayor Afflerbach's brain; and finally, the remains of Allentown's last known Republican.
“Hopefully, we can be just as creative,” Cunningham said.
Commissioner Bill Leiner has already suggested stuffing the new time capsule with all the Republican Commissioners. Commissioner Dean Browning thinks the $20 million tax stabilization fund should be stuck in the box. "That way, Cunningham will never get his fingers on it."
Northampton County Council: The Real Reason for the 9.3% Tax Hike
Northampton County Council's first budget hearing got off to a raucous start late Monday. Ron Angle started things off with a jeremaid listing the county's financial woes: $10.7 million in debt service; $3.6 million for parks and environmentally sensitive land; $6.4 million in pension contributions; a bi-county health department; a community corrections facility; a $13 million swaption bill; and new union contracts. "We're buying a second home at the shore while we're nine months behind on our mortgage."
But Angle just as adamantly claimed there's very little room to cut. Instead of talking about "paper clips" and "toilet paper" or invading the fund balance, he suggested the county look into cost-savings measures like selling Gracedale, the county's nursing home.
He was on a roll, making good points, but went on for nearly ten minutes without coming up for air. His colleagues, facing a lengthy agenda, were getting a little impatient.
Then, when Council faced the very first item on its agenda - a $50 thousand cut to LVPC - Angle proposed it be fully restored. This drove Lamont McClure and Charles Dertinger absolutely nUtZ. Dertinger turned beet red while McClure's hair stood up. Knowing he got to them, Angle began tweaking their noses, and this august budget hearing rapidly deteriorating into one of those donnybrooks I like so much. Council Prez Ann Mchale was soon shrieking like a banshee herself, unable to control anyone.
In the meantime, Steve Barron and I were secretly following the Yankees, who were up 1-0.
Angle:"Why don't you be quiet Charlie? He's a big boy, you don't have to hold his hand. Why don't you burp him?"
Dertinger:"As it turns out, I have the floor. Try acting your age. ... It is inappropriate for someone who's never voted for a budget to carry on."
McHale: "If people wouldn't overrule my way of shouting, ... childish, absolutely childish."
Then, just as suddenly, it ended. Now I don't know why. Was it the moderating influence of Jerry Seyfried, who cautioned everyone against grandstanding? Was it Morning Call columnist Bill White, who seems to have a morbid fascination with 2 1/2 hour budget hearings? Was it because the Angels had mysteriously tied up the game?
McClure, in a thinly disguised slap at Exec John Stoffa, proposed eliminating the funding for Deputy Director of Administration Tom Harp. That would save a whopping $47 thousand. Wow! McHale and Angle proposed reducing their "contingency" fund, aka the slush fund, from $250 thousand to $100 thousand.
Angle then asked Stoffa about the 12% increase in the Executive's office, and he explained it was the result of his salary increase next year. "How about if I lay myself off?"
At the end of the meeting, Jerry Seyfried apologized to everyone, taking responsibility for Ron's outburst. "I thought I had holy water to sprinkle on him."
Pawlowski: My Campaign Contributions Attract Business
Here's how Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski amazingly justifies his "pay to play" campaign contributions during a recent debate (you can see the video here):
"Throughout the course of the last several years, I've been able to get a lot of support from businesses and people who do business in the area. We've been totally transparent about the support we've received. In fact, I'm the only candidate who publishes online with the state so anyone can look at all our records and look at all the donations we've been able to receive and it shows there's a lot of support for this administration and for me as Mayor from the business community.
"I'm thankful for that support. It helps us attract more businesses to the community and that openness and transparency will be something I will continue over the course of the next four years."
Here's the truth. Pennsylvania's campaign finance reports fail to show Pawlowski's 2005 campaign or any of the monies he's collected so far this year. He's been anything but transparent. King Ed is good at soliciting campaign funds. But he stonewalls at filing reports that enable the public to follow the money.
In 2007, for example, Pawlowski paid $270, the maximum fine under our toothless elections laws, for filing a late report. He actually attempted to get away with using campaign funds for his penalty. Voting Registrar Stacy Sterner ordered Pawlowski, in March, to pay the fine out of his own pocket.
In 2008, King Edwin was even more deceptive. He filed a bogus report on October 24, 2008, falsely claiming his coffers were empty. He was ordered to amend his report and guess what? Instead of of the goose egg originally claimed, Pawlowski actually raised $101,599 in just the first ten months of 2008, nearly as much money as in 2006 and 2007 combined.
Under his reign, it's become very obvious that Allentown is for sale. His "pay to play" pals include City Line Construction (see blog posted 3/10/08), Malcom Gross' law firm (see blog posted 3/5/08); Nic Zawarski & Son (see blog posted 3/18/08); Allentown DCED Director Joyce Marin (see blog posted 1/16/09); Allentown Brew Works principal Michael Fegley (see blog posted 2/10/09); Philadelphia law firm Cozen O'Connor (see blog posted 6/24/09); and used car dealer Bennett Toyota (see blog posted 6/24/09).
As a brilliant piece of investigative journalism by The Morning Call's Jarrett Renshaw makes abundantly clear, Hizzoner's campaign finances clearly reveal an appearance of impropriety. Pawlowski, who incredibly admits using business cards supplied by city vendors to solicit campaign contributions, goes on to claim he's still acting ethically because he graduated from bible college.
Now he's claiming that all these donations attract more businesses. I have no doubt about that. Under King Edwin's reign, Allentown is for sale.
Magisterial Candidate Walter Felton's Improper Political Activity
Magisterial candidates, like other judicial hopefuls, are bound by ethical standards that prohibit partisan political activity. In fact, the Judicial Conduct Board of Pa has a rule spelling it out.
"Magisterial district judges or a candidate for such office shall not ... engage in partisan political activity, deliver political speeches, make or solicit political contributions (including purchasing tickets for political party dinners or other functions) or attend political or party conventions or gatherings ... ."
Magisterial candidate Walter Felton is violating that rule. Not counting his own signs, he has 13 campaign signs for Cunningham, Pawlowski, Guridy and Schlossberg decorating his yard. These are all, as you know, Democratic candidates. The photograph above was taken at Walter's residential address, listed by voter registration here. Real estate assessment records reveal he is the sole owner of that property.
In addition to these yard signs, Walter's personal Facebook page continues this theme of partisan political activity. The portion of his Facebook page open to the public lists him as a "fan" of Northampton County Controller Steve Barron and Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan.
This involvement in partisan political activity affects Felton's ability to be impartial. If elected, he's already demonstrated a predisposition to favor Pawlowski and other city officials in any disputes involving Allentown.
I like Walter very much, but he should know better.
Can Layoffs Avert Tax Hike in Northampton or Lehigh County?
Cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut.
That's a knee-jerk reaction many in in both counties take when a tax hike looms. Guess what? The only place where cuts can really be made is in personnel. Layoffs. From what I've seen firsthand in Northampton County, that's a disaster. When former exec Reibman did it a few years ago, he ended up ruining morale, and drove the workforce into the arms of 11 different unions.
In his budget message at Northampton Community College last week, Northampton County Executive John Stoffa flatly stated why layoffs would be ineffective.
"Salaries and fringes make up almost 70% of General Fund expenditures. Some have suggested that spending be reduced by $7 million by laying off employees - as many as 200. Were we to do this, we would have to continue paying unemployment benefits for at least a year following their lay-off. Since we are self-insured, we must pay the total cost of unemployment compensation. If our employees were eligible for the the current maximum unemployment benefit of $558.00 per week or $29,000 per year, laying off 200 employees would still annually cost us $5.8 million in unemployment. It is not the solution it first appears to be while services to the public would suffer dramatically."
But at the Pen Argyl Concerned Citizens debate, Ron Angle still asked candidates about reducing the workforce. "The only meaningful way to deal with that 9.3% tax increase would be a 10% cut in employees. My specific question to all of you - if two people were to put that on the floor, how would you vote, simple yes or no?" (You can see the video here).
Tom Dietrich: "We had a wage study that was done ..."
Angle: "A simple yes or no ... "
Moderator: "Ron, Ron, I'm giving thirty second response time per question."
Dietrich: "We had a wage study. What we will see is some employees are getting paid much higher than private industry. When I was in the union, we referred to those people as fat cats and a lot of time the lower management positions have been elevated to a position where they weren't really overseeing anything other than their own time.
"I could see very much a wage cut. I'd love to see people - not necessarily lose their jobs - but I would love to see our wages in certain county positions being adjust to reflect the ... "
Angle: "Most are under contract. You can't change their pay, you can merely eliminate their position. How would you vote? I didn't get an answer."
Dietrich: "I just said I would reduce their wages to reflect the private industry. And if they can't be adjustable like that, we shouldn't be adjustable. We should move forward to possibly eliminating people that are very much adamant that they just plant themselves ... ."
Barb Thierry: "Yes."
Angle: "Thank you very much."
Gilbert: "Yes."
Angle: "Thank you very much."
Charles Dertinger: "Almost unequivocally not, no. We have - I don't know who you would fire. The people who are in the prison? The people who are providing services that come from the state monies? The vast majority of our budget are pass through monies. They're not taxpayer money from real estate taxes in Northampton County.
"We have services that we are required to meet. We have unfunded mandates that we have to do, and these positions need to be filled."
Lorraine Pasquale: "I would vote no."
Bill Wallace: "Let's look at this real simple. We're in a downturn in our economy. We're going down, down, hopefully at the bottom coming back up again. Everybody talks about cutting services when we're at the bottom. When we were going up and things were great - ten, fifteen years ago - did anybody say 'Hey, let's increase services or let's pay 'em a little bit more?' No. They had a contract, and like Ron said, it was standard. We gotta' get through this bottom time, we gotta' keep our services because some of those people are over-worked.
It's the same in the school districts. You sign a contract when times are good and you're getting 3, 5, 8 per cent, when times are rough, it's more difficult.
John Cusick: "There's certain things that we simply cannot cut. We can't let prison guards go, we can't fire nurses at our nursing home, so there are services we have to provide to the courts, human services, Children & Youth. So there are things we're going to have to look at in totality as we go through this budget."
Walter Garvin: "The citizens of Northampton County expect their tax dollars to be expended prudently, just like you do in your household. So again, you can't fire prison guards unless you have a decrease of population in the prison. the same thing with ... there are certain things that can't be fired.
"Now the Hay Study Group said some of the employees in Northampton County were underpaid. I say at this time, they should not get any additional money because we don't have it to give."
"It's an individual case basis, Ron."
Deb Hunter: "I would vote no and here's why. I think there are other places where you can find that money. That rainy day fund? You can't tap that fund forever, I understand that, because you want to keep your bond ratings up and have to keep your vision going. I would not do because you are committed and also, the administration that I think you so much admire and the cabinet and that sort of thing. You have to have a certain amount of trust. The Council has a responsibility to quiz them, to ask the hard questions, and are they asking the hard questions?
If they have not come up with that recommendation, then there's a certain level of trust that you have to put in that, and then you have to demand, well, you have to cut it somewhere else.
I don't like a tax increase any more than anybody else, but I wouldn't cut the employees."
Peg Ferraro: [Unfortunately, I cut Peg off and apologize to her. But she was no enthusiast for layoffs.]
I've told you in the post below that no matter who you elect for district judge in Allentown, you will be well-served. Ron Manesu may be a bit more reserved than his opponent, Walter Felton, but has a deep sense of justice. That became very clear in The Morning Call coverage, where Ron resisted a few opportunities to slam his opponent. Ron's campaign web page contains an alphabet soup of accomplishments. You can see his speech to NAACP here.
"My name's Ron Manescu and I'm currently an assistant chief in the Allentown [police] department. I've been with them thirty-six years, or as my wife likes to say, since Moby Dick was a minnow. I've been thee a long time.
"During my tenure in the police department, I've been involved in a lot of interesting cases, and I've had a very good and kind career. Some folks have mentioned, 'Ron, we don't want you to leave. We think you're doing a good job.' But I asked them to please bear with me because I would jut like to move from one venue to another. I would like to stay in the criminal justice system as district justice.
"There's some folks that talk about - and I notice that Mr. O'Hare is in the front seat, and he's mentioned a few times about, or on his blog has mentioned a few times - can a police officer be fair at being a district justice? Obviously, Walt and I are both police officers, and my answer to that is yes.
"Throughout my career with the Allentown Police Department, I've had some difficult choices to make. In some cases, some officers needed to be disciplined or they needed to be arrested. I'm not proud to say that I've done that, but it had to be done and it had to be done in a fair and judicious way.
"So anybody that comes into a courtroom, if I'm elected, is going to start off from ground zero. The fact that a police officer come walking into the courtroom does not mean he has a three point advantage or he has a handicap or anything like that. He's going to have to prove his case just like everybody else does.
"So I bring to you a lot of experience. I bring to you a lot of knowledge. I've got a resume being passed around with my qualifications, my work at Temple University. I bring that all to you, and I promise to you that I will be fair, I will be objective and I will follow the law."
Affable Walter "Juni" Felton, Jr. is running for magistrate in downtown Allentown (wards 3, 13, 17 & 18). I've known Walter several years and have only met his opponent, Chief Ron Manescu, on the campaign trail. But after listening ansd speaking to them both, I'll tell you this is one race where the voters will be well-served by either candidate.
There's a Morning Call story about this race, and you can read more about Walter at his webpage. What sets him apart is his compassion. You can see his speech to the NAACP here.
"Excuse my voice. I've been out knocking on doors and I lost my voice. I'm tryin' to get over to ya' [having trouble with mike wire]. I'm running for district magistrate.
"First, let me give you a quick synopsis. I'm deep-rooted in Allentown. I'm a product of the Allentown School District 'till eleventh grade and my sister - I'm the youngest of seven children - upon her moving to a new home - she got moved to [?] Street to a hosing project - and at that time I got drafted by Salisbury High School to play basketball; also, to attend school.
"Upon graduating and community college for a semester, I decided to go on and serve my country. I served in the US Army six years, two years in the Air Force and another two years in the Naval Reserve, all honorably discharged.
"To speed this up, I've been out, knocking on doors, speaking with people, and I have this feeling some people think this race is about race. It's not about Mr. Manescu or myself. It's not about race, white or black.
"Some think it's about two police officers fighting for retirement. That's not there because I already retired once.
"This is about someone who's been persistent and about making change in the City of Allentown. I've been walking around these streets, I've been working all my life, about change for the community, about the children, whatever.
"It is said, in the paper, that me winning this, would be the first Afro American in the history of the county. It may be true but it's bigger that that and you need to know why.
"The candidate who wins this also does not have to retire until he's seventy years old. The thing about that is the average magistrate in all these offices here is approximately 50 plus. So that's twenty years. That's twenty years of no change. That's about a piece of the pie that none of us have ever seen - a person of different color. And this is not race. This is abut change, this about someone who worked their way up the ladder, and took their bruises and passes at the bottom of the rope, and kept pushing it.
"That's why I want to be your magistrate. I'm ready to take some more bruises and make it ready for the other young kids and people in the community to be safe."
Allentown City Council Race: Lapdogs or Watchdogs?
On the left sidebar, you will see links to the six candidates seeking spots on Allentown City Council. As the race progresses, I will continue to update those links with additional information from this and other sources. Let me give you a run down with two weeks to go.
Here's what I think is going on. First is the resurgence of Lou "the Watchdog" Hershman. Sure, he's despised by the Pawlowski machine and elitists look down on him, but those with nothing love the guy. He fought and won against a City Council that tried to muzzle him. He fought Afflerbach budgeting highjinks, preventing a 40% tax increase. He will accept no salary. The NAACP nearly adopted him.
Second, Joe Brudnak's desire to see Allentown restored as an All-American City, combined with his common sense approach, has resonated among voters. In fact, other candidates are beginning to borrow his lines.
Third, Ray O'Connell has established himself as a voice of decency who wants to make Allentown a better place, not advance a political career. Older than Lou, it's unlikely he could serve more than one term. He's not in this for himself, but for you.
Fourth, Julio Guridy has been a disaster. With his reputation as a Pawlowski lap dog who already has a cushy taxpayer-funded job at the DRJTBC, he barely squeaked through the primary. In the general, he needed to distinguish himself as an independent voice. In his first debate, he was barely able to put two sentences together, and spent much of his time agreeing with everyone. In his second debate at the NAACP, he objected to a videotape that would allow people to judge him on his own merits. He skipped out on a third appearance last week, where the moderator assured me he'd let me film. He also threw a hissy fit at me after the NAACP debate, establishing himself as thin-skinned.
Fifth, Mike Schlossberg has been a disappointment. He skipped out on two of the three debates I attended. At the NAACP debate, he did send his fiance, but many people in the audience felt his message was condescending.
Sixth, for a Council President, Mike D'Amore has been extremely cautious, unwilling to say or do anything that might attract too much attention.
Of course, money will have a big impact on this race. This will favor Schlossberg, Guridy and O'Connell. On election day, it is unclear many voters will even know who Joe Brudnak is, to say nothing of his message. Hershman will be villified, as he was before the primary, because Pawlowski and his henchmen know Lou is onto their games.
Morning Call, Bethlehem Press, MIA at Norco Counil Meeting
Last time that Northampton County Council was scheduled to meet, it was unable to produce a quorum and everyone just went home. But last night, all nine members of the Lehigh Valley's second largest legislative body were there, along with Northampton County Exec John Stoffa and most of his cabinet.
County Council appointed people to some boards; complained about airport management; adopted pay raises for elections workers; approved a contract with Nazareth Ambulance Services for Gracedale; hired a brokerage firm to negotiate a low electric rate once the cap comes off PPL; moaned about the proposed tax increase; questioned the continued viability of a bi-county health department and the use of casino money for that instead of tax relief; noted complaints about the quality of food at the jail; and mentioned letters about some sort of trouble at a Bath senior center.
The Morning Call and Bethlehem Press sent nobody to cover to cover this meeting, shirking their responsibilities as journalists. Maybe they were watching the Phillies, which I could forgive. But it's a sad situation for those of us who think newspapers exist to keep an eye on possible government abuse.
Instead of actual news about what is going on in Northampton County, today's Morning Call features a column from Paul Carpenter lamenting the annual debt service associated with the county's $111 million bond, adopted in 2001. As the person who sued to stop that bond and actually won when it was just $110 million, Carpenter's story was music to my ears. But that's just an opinion from someone who rides a motorcycle with no helmet. I've never actually have seen him near the courthouse.
What happens when the papers become so strapped they can no longer afford to send people to find out what is actually going on in local government? Are we there already?
Update:The Express Times, which did send Sarah Cassi to cover last night's County Council meeting, has an accourate and objective report here.
Norco Council To Use Gambling Funds for Tax Relief, Not Public Health
In June, during a rare joint meeting of Lehigh County Commissioners and Northampton County Council, a new bureaucracy was born - the Lehigh Valley Health Bureau. Funded exclusively by a private $1 million grant, public health professionals are currently meeting to provide the Lehigh Valley's first ever regional approach to health.
Now, in the wake of a recession as well as a proposed 9.3% tax increase in Northampton County, is a bi-county health department still a good idea? Council members Ron Angle and Lamont McClure, who have both opposed this concept since its inception, last night tried to kill it. Here are excerpts from what different council members said, as well as an exchange between Angle and County Bossman John Stoffa.
Ron Angle:"It almost reminds me of the people who have the guy sizing up the yard for the inground pool when they're eight months behind on their mortgage. ... I make a motion that we abolish the bi-county health agency until such time as we have an economy that we can afford to pay a dime. ... It's criminal that we take those people's time serving there who are believing that somehow, we are going to at some point approve it. ... A lot of you are hoping this somehow goes away or dies. That's not leadership. Leadership is when you take the bull by the horns and you do something that needs to be done and you do it whether it's popular or unpopular, it needs to be done."
Lamont McClure:"There is no money set aside for the bi-county health bureau. What I do notice is that it's projected we are going to take in about $1.2 million in casino revenues that would be discretionary to the county. The only reason I ever supported gaming in Northampton County was because of the original promise of the Act, which was property tax reduction.
"We're now being told that we need to raise taxes a mill. Take the $1.2 million, and knock off some of the $7.3 million, as opposed to what we're doing, because it's not in the budget, is ferreting this money away for future expenses on the health bureau.
"Here's $1.2 million, right off the top. Some of you may think a tax increase is necessary - I do not and I'll explain why - but this is a good start so I'll second Mr. Angle's motion."
Joe Capozzolo:"I have my concerns about it, too, and I don't want tax dollars to be spent on this. The reason I voted for it at the time is because they were using private funds. If it wasn't for the fact they were using private funds, I wouldn't have voted for that budget. I don't like that budget. I don't know if we can actually stop them now. I agree with you that they are wasting time. I don't think you're going to have enough votes. I would agree with your motion even though I voted for it that night and I think they should use the private funds to find out how much it should cost. But when it comes to paying for it with public funds, then it should stop."
Jerry Seyfried:"You're talking about some pretty stiff tax increases. However, you have come this far, why wouldn't you wait and see what the final report is, and also, if there's a dollar amount attached to it?
"This is supposed to be done in the next couple of months if I'm not mistaken. ... [A] lot of time and effort gone into this. If you believe that you are going to have a bi-county health board and you are not going to have to fund it, then I would think you also believe in the tooth fairy and might be living in la la land. It's going to cost money. There's no doubt in my mind. But I want to see what the report says, and if they come in to us with a report that says they have funding from other sources and it's not going to cost you any money, I think you have a decision to make."
Charles Dertinger:"We have charged a group of people to come up with an answer to a question, to provide us a scenario as to how this may or may not work. I think it's incredibly discourteous to tell them, 'Thank you for all your work so far, we really don't want to know the answer to the question.'"
Mike Dowd:"They are volunteers who have spent their time thus far. If they're prepared to continue to do the research, I'm not sure why we would be so discourteous to say we don't want to have the benefit of their research. If we find out the cost is an unacceptable cost, then we have to vote to say yea, we have to vote to say no. I think we're all mature enough to be able to do that."
John Stoffa:"I have never preferred tax money for this project. It would be the casino money if and when we need it. ... [T]o short-circuit that until you know whether or not they can do that [without cost], I think, is foolhardy. We can always say no later on."
Angle:"Do you really believe that the state, in the conditions it's in, is going to furnish the money to run a health department and do you really think we can run this like it's a buffet and we can just pick a little here and a little there? ... You said from square one, which is cockamamie, quite frankly, is you're only going to put the gambling money in, and how far it goes, it goes. You can't run a health department that way."
Stoffa:"Why not?"
Angle:"It would be nUtZ is why."
When all the shouting was over, the only two council members who voted to kill the bi-county health bureau were McClure and Angle.
That's when Angle pulled out his real play, proposing that casino money be dedicated to tax relief. Dertinger called the motion "intellectually dishonest," stating we'd just get the money for public health from somewhere else. Angle objected to what he considered a personal attack, at which point junior college grad Dertinger snarked, "I understand these may be big words for you."
McClure agreed with Angle for the second time in one night, noting the resolution is meaningless but would tell the Executive that Council wants gambling money restricted to property tax relief. The three incumbents seeking re-election - Dertinger, Ferraro and Cusick - voted against the motion, joined by Dowd.
Angle: Lehigh Valley Airport Run Like Private Country Club
Ron Angle, the Northampton County Bulldog, believes a well-run local airport is key to this area's economic development. It should be a cornerstone. But at last night's Northampton County Council meeting, he claimed the Lehigh Valley International Airport is a "little bit of a joke."
For one thing, he's always wondered how Hooters, which used to fly out of LVIA, could run up a fuel bill of over $1 million and just walk away. Some prominent local businessmen recently told Angle how that happened.
"The people who exercise a lot of influence in the Valley, the community hierarchy, whatever you want to call them, not the politicians necessarily, but the behind the scenes people; they like the fact that Hooter went to Myrtle Beach, where you could play golf. And they didn't want Hooters to stop going to Myrtle Beach because, quite frankly, they liked going to Myrtle Beach.
"I know in the real business world, if somebody tried to run up a fuel bill, way before they got to $1 million, somebody would say 'Hey, you're not getting any more fuel. You have to ship a payment over here if you want any more fuel.'
"Everybody just shluffed that off. Frankly, the airport is managed like a private country club."
According to Angle, the real problem is George F. Doughty, executive director of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, which owns the airport. Instead of serving the people of the Lehigh Valley, Angle maintains that Doughty serves a "small segment" of elitists. "He took care of his buddies over at Queen City, who like their private country club little airport over there. That was nice he was able to do that."
"His reward for lousy performance was a new contract."
Angle noted that LVIA recently acquired Southeast, when it should have gone after Southwest. "Delta's been trying to get in, but they have no interest in Delta or Southwest."
County Council member Mike Dowd, who serves on the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, agreed it is poorly managed. "I think the Airport Authority is changing, Ron, and is far more active than it was."
Dowd declined to discuss Doughty's three-year contract, noting it is "inappropriate" to discuss a personnel matter. Angle retorted, "Well, he's being paid by the public, quite frankly, I don't know it's inappropriate to talk about it. His money comes from the Airport Authority, which is a public agency."
Executive John Stoffa agrees that Doughty does set the direction. "People have to decide if the leadership that's there is the leadership that we want. There's a need for some change." Stoffa noted he would not recommend any extension of Doughty's contract. ... I think there should be a clear message that new leadership is desired"
Stoffa asked Angle how he'd improve things. Angle responded, "If you and the Executive in Lehigh, Cunningham, get together on this, and I understand he's been approached, we have the authority to abolish the Authority and re-appoint a new Authority. That's one of the things I think we may do. Maybe we could get a group of good business people to take a look at should we be doing that."
I've been to four long candidates' nights in two counties over the past seven days. I was really tempted to stay home last night and paint my toenails, but decided instead to attend the debate for Allentown candidates sponsored by St. Paul's Park Neighborhood Group.
Why did I do it? Public service? The people have a right to know? Nah. I'll be honest. After Tuesday night, when city council member Julio Guridy flipped out over a flip cam at the NAACP debate, I wanted to see him blow oil when I pulled it out the very next night. This time, the flip cam was staying on no matter what I was told. In fact, I had two of them. I also packed my toothbrush and was wearing rubber underwear in case things got rough.
This forum took place at a senior citizen center known as Little Lehigh Manor. It's located right next to the famous 8th Street Bridge, the perfect spot for a swan dive in Allentown.
I sat among 44 nice seniors waiting for the candidates, listening to bits and pieces of conversation. "The crime watch always serves food." "I usually play hearts when the crime watch meets."
When magisterial candidate Walter Felton made his entrance, many of the senior ladies got excited. "Here comes your buddy." "You see him all over. I see him on Hamilton Street." "I remember him at Dunkin Donuts." "He was a policeman for 21 years."
Walter was flanked by an entourage of three nice women wearing blue polo shirts, but one of them eyed me suspiciously.
"Who are you?"
"Me? I'm just a blogger. My name is Michael Molovinsky."
"Thank goodness. I saw what happened to you last night at the NAACP debate and thought 'Dang, you must be a conservative.'"
"No, I hate conservatives. They should all be locked up and sent to a Gulag."
I waited and waited while moderator Dan Nest conducted some sort of pre-meeting. No Julio Guridy. In fact, only one city council candidate bothered to show up at all - Ray O'Connell. When he saw me, he asked, "Are you stalking me?" He is kind of cute.
Lou Hershman was out of town and did send his regrets, but I have no idea what happened to the rest of them. Just the previous night, they all stressed how important it is to reach out to different community organizations, but the next night only one of six city council candidates was walking the walk.
I thought this meant we'd have a quick evening. But the candidates had other ideas. Apparently, they felt they could just talk and talk and talk until people start jumping off that 8th Street bridge.
Magisterial candidate Ron Manescu was the first one at the plate, and spoke for seven minutes, a little too long. I never knew that Chief Manescu, as an Allentown police officer, was actually shot at and wounded in the line of duty. He spoke of his daughter, a public defender, and joked that he locks 'em up and she sets 'em free.
Magisterial candidate Walter Felton went on even longer, about ten minutes. He discussed what it was like being the youngest of seven children, growing up in the projects with no money. He mentioned his childhood jobs as a newspaper and shoe shine boy. Nodody shot him. That's all nice, but I was starting to look for a window after about 5 minutes.
City Council candidate Ray O'Connell was next. He had a much more dangerous job than either Felton or Manescu. He was a teacher, principal and administrator in the Allentown School system. "We need to do something about our teens between 3 o'clock and 8 o'clock." He maintains Allentown kids are "good kids," but need to be kept involved in positive activities. O'Connell kept his remarks brief, about five minutes, but by this time we were all losing interest.
When Mayoral candidate Tony Phillips batted clean up, he delivered an inaugural address. He went on a good twenty minutes, but lost everyone after about five. By the time he was done, one group of ladies was playing hearts while another was discussing the joys and sorrows of morphine. I could have used some. One of these senior ladies was suddenly very still, just staring at a wall. At this point, I started thinking about that bridge.
Pawlowski's turn. "I'll be brief," he promised, and then droned on himself for twenty-five minutes, quoting LBJ, Walt Whitman and the Old Testament to a crowd that was mostly there for the cookies and chips. He was asked about the 8th Street bridge. Why doesn't he let those poor homeless people, who live under the 8th Street bridge, alone? Will he ever install a screen so people can't jump? In the meantime, that one lady was still staring at the wall, and hadn't moved a bit.
Did these guys kill her? At this point, I was considering a jump myself, but finally, it was over.
Or so I thought.
"Before you go, we have a very short business meeting," announced Dan Mest. That's when the still lady miraculously rose from the dead to give a treasurer's report. She started describing the $136 this group has on hand in excruciating detail, right down to the $7.50 in contributions received last month. As she spoke, everyone in the room suddenly became very still, staring at walls.
That's it. I ran out of there and jumped off the 8th Street bridge. But I forgot I was wearing rubber underwear, so I just bounced.
I think I've been to enough candidates' nights for awhile.
Last month, members of the Pennsylvania National Guard serving in the LV-based 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team returned home after a year long deployment to Iraq:
LV Congressman Charlie Dent recently made this speech in support of a House Resolution honoring these citizen soldiers.
“The United States National Guard is the oldest component of our armed forces, dating back to pre-Revolutionary War times. Over the past eight years, we have witnessed thousands of Guard members answer the call as they are asked to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Approximately 4,000 members of the Pennsylvania Guard were deployed to Iraq last fall – the largest deployment of the Pennsylvania National Guard since the Korean War. Prior to the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team’s deployment to Iraq, I visited them in Louisiana as they prepared to mobilize overseas. In June 2009, I travelled to Iraq to meet with the Pennsylvania National Guard 56th Stryker Brigade and other Pennsylvania troops.
“During my visit to Iraq, I saw a significant improvement in the security conditions on the ground. The fact we were able to safely drive through the bustling streets of Baghdad was an encouraging and welcome development. I know – without a doubt – it is the sacrifice, perseverance and bravery of these young men and women that has enabled such progress.
“I am pleased that just one year later, the 56th Stryker is returning home. As of late September, most of the Brigade has returned home. I am honored to be standing here today to pay tribute to these heroes. Our military families demonstrate tremendous bravery as they watch their loved ones go overseas to fight in harms way for the freedoms we experience every day in this great nation. Thank you to the entire Pennsylvania National Guard for protecting the families and communities of our great Commonwealth and standing at the ready to defend our homeland."
Northampton County Exec John Stoffa told the Personnel Committee yesterday that he has whittled down an initial list of 36 Sheriff applicants to 10, and will interview those people. His top three selections will also be reviewed by President Judge McFadden.
Stoffa also told the Committee that, notwithstanding their wishes that his selection be someone who resides in Northampton County, he feels it is more important to appoint "the best possible person we can get."
Sheriff Jeff Hawbecker and Chief Deputy Tom Marchetti will be retiring on October 30. Northampton County is the only county in the Commonwealth that appoints, instead of electing, its Sheriff.
DA John Morganelli Can Only Afford Emergency Extradtions
District Attorney John Morganelli is broke. That's what he told Northampton County Council's Personnel Committee late yesterday afternoon. In fact, he's so cash-strapped that he has nearly stopped extraditing people picked up on warrants in other states. "I get 6 to 8 requests per week. I'm turning down 75% of them because we can't afford to go get them."
Morganelli will still pick up a Defendant wanted for a crime that affects the public safety, and includes drunk driving in that category. But he told Council that rising costs associated with experts and advancing technology, have wiped out his budget this year. At the same time that costs are rising, his caseload is increasing.
Casino cases, which consist mostly of thefts, assaults and DUI, are starting to trickle into his office. "We don't have a major problem there yet, but there will be a different clientele when table games are there." He pointed to studies showing that table players tend to be younger than those using one arm bandits.
Morganelli currently has 11 full-time and 9 part-time prosecutors. Two of the PT positions are currently vacant, and Morganelli is using those salaries to keep his office going.
Next year, he'd like to convert those to full-time positions because "we get more efficiency with full-time DAs. We really need to continue the movement towards full-time DAs." Morganelli told Council he will hold off on asking for funds for a new grand jury or vehicle because Executive John Stoffa asked him to make an effort to keep costs at a minimum in a difficult economy.
Morganelli's proposal was unanimously approved by Council's Personnel Committee.
Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent vented a bit today over evasive answers provided by Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Jane Lute about the risks associated with relocating terrorists into the United States. Asked at a Homeland Security Committee hearing where terrorist detainees currently housed at Guantanamo Bay should be relocated, Deputy Secretary Lute refused to give specifics.
“Now is not the time to play games with our national security,” Congressman Dent said after the hearing. “The Department refuses to answer whether unidentified terrorist sleeper cells are in the United States, but the Administration is still willing to import terrorists from our maximum-security detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to some local jail cell.”
In February, Rep. Dent and eight fellow Republican Members of the Committee on Homeland Security asked Chairman Bennie Thompson for a Committee-sponsored trip to Gitmo. Today, Dent renewed that request.
“The Department of Defense is willing to bring us to Guantanamo Bay, but there appears to be no interest on the part of the majority to visit Gitmo,” Congressman Dent said. Members of Congress require an authorization from their Committee Chairman to visit the terrorist detention facility.
John Stoffa's 2010 Financial Address to the Greater LV Chamber of Commerce
As Northampton County Exec John Stoffa was delivering his financial address to the Grater LV Chamber of Commerce this morning, I was just getting uo, having sdlept through two alarms. But fortunately, I have the text and present it below.
Initially, permit me to express my thanks and appreciation to Dr. Scott and the Community College for co-sponsoring this event. I would also like to thank the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce for co-sponsoring as well. I would like to acknowledge my Cabinet Members who are here this morning.
I often say that County Government is the best held secret around… until one talks about a tax increase. Let’s look at the proposed 2010 Budget.
The proposed 2010 Northampton County Budget calls for expenditures of $330,288,500; down $32,304,605 from the 2009 budget. The County employs 1,892 full-time and 266 part-time employees. No additional employees have been added for the past two years other than those that have been recommended by the Courts and the District Attorney and approved by County Council. The Executive Branch has no control over these appointments.
Some history:
Other than the revenue, called intergovernmental revenue, which the County receives from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for Human Services, the County gets its revenue primarily from property tax. This property tax was last increased in 2007. (1/2 mil, 4.9%) to fund the Open Space Initiative which was previously approved by the voters by referendum. The prior increase was in 2004. As you know, real estate assessed values do not increase from year to year. So, if the tax rate does not increase, the property owner’s tax bill will not increase. Consequently, except for the Open Space Initiative, property owners have not seen an increase in their tax bill from the County since 2004.
Conversely, some assessments have gone down. In 2008, property assessments were reduced by either the Courts or the Revenue Appeals Board by almost $15,000,000 - $9,557,200 by the Courts & $4,751,310 by the Appeals Board respectively. This is a drop of $150,000 in County tax revenue alone.
The total assessed value of cases pending appeal is almost $92,000,000. Residential property over $2,000,000 and commercial property almost $90,000,000. This would amount to almost $1,000,000 in reduced County tax revenue – if those appeals are won, and most of these appeals are winning.
The boom in housing construction contributed additional revenue until 2006. When the bottom fell out of the housing market in 2007, our revenue leveled off. At the same time, due to a dramatic reduction in the interest rate, interest earned on the cash reserves in the General Fund fell from $4.8 million in 2007, to a projected $1.1 million in 2010. Even with these revenue changes, and the same inflation all of us see each year on the expenditure side, the County was able to produce a surplus in the General Fund in 2006, 2007 & 2008.
This year, 2009, has tipped the scale in the other direction: we are operating at a deficit. In some ways we were hit with the “perfect storm” of fiscal issues. The downturn of the economy took a hit on our pension fund and something called the ARC – the Annual Required Contribution to the pension fund jumped by $6,000,000. In addition, a new governmental accounting standard (GASB 45) requires us to move from “a pay as you go” to actuarially determining the liability of all future retiree healthcare costs and either fund it or note it on the balance sheet. This is an additional $3 million above the $3 million “pay as you go” amount that we previously funded.
We are one of the few governments in the state who chose to fund retiree healthcare. Also, while our nursing home at Gracedale contributed $1 million to the General Fund in 2008, it will require $9 million of County contribution in 2009, and $7 plus million in 2010. Finally, our union contract settlements, many of which were the result of arbitration, increased our costs by $2 million.
The fiscal future appears to be quite challenging in the next few years. It is unlikely that the housing market will return to the boom days of the past. We have on the books, a swaption that was entered into in 2004, that has an exercise date of 2012. Though we originally received $1.6 million for the swaption, the current estimated “break cost” is in excess of $13 million. Our 1871 era jail, which is the oldest in the State, is over capacity and significant expansion will be required in the near future. Our County Nursing Home, built in the early 1970’s will continue to require major capital investment.
What are our options?
We can do one of the following:
We can decrease the fund balance in 2010. It is anticipated that at the end of 2009, we will have an unreserved fund balance of approximately $45 million. And without a tax increase this amount would be reduced to less than $38 million. (This amount is less than 2 months of operating costs.) These reserves were essential in weathering the cash flow problems during the Commonwealth budget crisis. They are also a major factor in maintaining the County’s very positive bond ratings (AA 2) which saves the taxpayers money when we sell bonds for capital projects. Were we to continue spending the fund balance, the gap between revenue and expenditures will continue to grow, requiring an even larger tax increase in the near future.
or
Reduce spending by $7 million plus - no small task.
Salaries and fringes make up almost 70% of General Fund expenditures. Some have suggested that spending be reduced by $7 million by laying off employees - as many as 200. Were we to do this, we would have to continue paying unemployment benefits for at least a year following their lay-off. Since we are self-insured, we must pay the total cost of unemployment compensation. If our employees were eligible for the the current maximum unemployment benefit of $558.00 per week or $29,000 per year, laying off 200 employees would still annually cost us $5.8 million in unemployment. It is not the solution it first appears to be while services to the public would suffer dramatically. or
3. Increase the property tax. Extremely painful decision. I would prefer to not do it. I’ve thought long and hard about tax payers just getting by and I do not want to raise their taxes. It is easy to rail against tax increases and then approve every new expenditure expense that comes before you. The budget includes a modest one (1) mill tax increase (9.3% over the current rate) which results in a $50 increase for a property with an assessed value of $50,000. Annualized over the four years of this administration, this increase is 2.3% per year.
This one (1) mill of tax would bring us $7.3 million per year on a County wide basis. Is $50 per year, 96 cents per week or 14 cents per day too much to ask for a nursing home with 660 elderly residents needing medical care, an overcrowded 1871 jail with 830 inmates, and a human services system that assists over 22,000 County residents per year? Should I have said no to a ninth (9th) judge?
In sum, in compliance with the Home Rule Charter, I have submitted a budget to County Council for fiscal year 2010, which includes a modest one (1) mill tax increase. To not increase taxes now, will only mean a larger increase in the near future.
I want all of you to realize that we are not in a gloom and doom circumstance. Northampton County is far healthier than many other counties.
In the last ten years, we have gained over 32,000 residents. We are now at 292,000 people or thereabouts. We continue to grow in population as well as economically.
Finally, people still want to live here, work here, raise their families here, and yes even retire here. Northampton County is a great place to be and will continue to be so. And I want all of you to realize that. I am very proud of Northampton County.
Phillips, Hershman & O'Connell Shine at NAACP Debate
Last night, the Allentown branch of the NAACP hosted a candidates' night for district justice, county commissioner, city council and mayoral candidates. I was told the event was somewhere around 4th & Union, so off I went, figuring I'd have no problem. I easily found Union and a gigantic, crowded parking lot. I parked my brother's truck and walked inside a crowded building with my flipcam in hand, rarin' to go.
Once inside, things got weird. Now I don't attend too many NAACP meetings, so I'm no expert on the subject, but I was always thought they attract a large number of black people. Well, instead of seeing Esther Lee or Al Sharpton, I saw a gaggle of little white girls in leotards, prancing all over the place, leaping in the air and doing flips and cartwheels. Their adoring parents noticed me and smiled. Then they saw my flipcam and started giving me the Evil Eye. I was inside the Parkettes gymnastics building. I bolted out of there before being forced to register under Megan's Law and walked across yet another street to find some Praise Be Jebus Zion Church, and that's where everyone was holed up.
Man, I had a feast. There were all kinds of cheeses, pepperoni, ham and cheese sandwiches, you name it. Everyone - at least sixty people - was scarfing it up. I stepped into the parking lot and cornered Mike D'Amore, when some cop pulled up and said he was looking for some fat guy who had just terrorized some poor little girls and their parents. That's when I figured it was time to go back inside, pointing at D'Amore on my way.
Last night's event included mini-judge candidates Walt Felton and Ron Manescu, Lehigh County Commissioner David Jones, five of the six city council hopefuls and Mayoral opponents Tony Phillips and Edwin Pawlowski. NAACP President Dan Bosket insisted he had called the Republican committee about this event three times, but never contacted the candidates themselves. Dr. Bob Romancheck, the Allentown Republican City Chair, said nobody had notified him and he had just found out about the event that day. For whatever reason, Bob Smith, who is running against Jones for Lehigh County Commissioner, knew nothing about the debate. He was called from the church, quickly threw on a suit and hightailed it down, but arrived too late to be heard.
In the debate at the LV Senior Center last week, Pawlowski dominated. But last night, Tony Phillips finally came out of his shell before a friendly crowd and hit hard, challenging every assertion made by Hizzoner. He pointed out that the Pawlowski regime has brought Allentown five businesses, but there are 42 empty storefronts along Hamilton Street. He noted 60 murders since Pawlowski was coronated, and 25 of these remain unsolved. "Nobody cares," Phillips said, "because the victims look mostly like you and me. If this had happened in the west end, we'd have martial law."
He scoffed at Pawlowski's Weed n' Seed program. "He's real good at the weeds, but that's the easy part. What about the seed? Where are the jobs? Do you have one? Do you? Where is the economic development in the first and sixth ward? There's no jobs in this community for you. You are being left behind while he stands around and polishes his spin."
Phillips' message resonated with this evangelistic crowd, which erupted in applause several times, accompanied by a few "Amens." Lady MacBeth, Pawlowski's wife, scowled as Phillips hammered away.
Their biggest difference relates to public safety. Hizzoner recited statistics showing crime is down in this ward and that, but Phillips had a more visceral approach, obviously developed during his 22 years as a cop. When the Mayor bragged about hiring 75 new cops, Phillips retorted that Pawlowski was merely replacing the cops that had retuired thanks to his incompetence. He pointed to the high incidence of rape and robbery, as well as murder, and asked whether people really feel safe.
Phillips also hit hard on Pawlowski's incestuous relationship with campaign donors.. He claimed Pawlowski just got a $14 million grant to spruce up his own neighborhood, and will be using one of his campaign contributors to deconvert homes at $100 thousand a pop. "You don't see that between 3rd and 4th, do you?"He also pointed out that Pawlowski secured $2.5 million for a "billionaire, not a millionaire," to clean up a city brownfield. This beneficiary of government largesse is yet another Pawlowski contributor.
Phillips even tagged Pawlowski on the credit he takes for the LV IronPigs, which the Mayor tried to do again last night. "It's in Allentown, but belongs to Lehigh County. Lehigh County built that, not him."
As Phillips swung away, two young Pawlowski goons came into the back of the room and began making some types of gestures, trying to confuse the challenger. Tony stopped in the middle of a sentence, looked right at them both and asked, "Do you have a problem?" They stopped, but hustled to the front of the room right before Pawloski's final remarks, stinking of booze and tobacco. These stormtroopers tried to lead a thunderous cavalcade of applause, but it was too late. Pawlowski was totally demolished.
This largely minority crowd also loved Lou Hershman and Ray O'Connell. Hershman, as usual, pulled no punches. "City council has become a lapdog to the Mayor. When it's time to make hard choices, they're not there. They get their marching orders from the Mayor and just march along. Put a watchdog on City Council, not a lap dog." O'Connell, who has a terrific sense of humor that immediately puts everyone at ease, said he's an "independent thinker." "I'm not going to belly up and roll over for someone."
In the Allentown races, the clear win goes to Tony Phillips, Lou Hershman and Ray O'Connell.
David Jones gave perhaps one of the best speeches I've ever heard from a county candidate, which I was able to capture on video and will share with you below. I also have Ron Manescu and Walter Felton on my flipcam, and will be bringing you verbatim transcripts of their remarks.
I'd love to give you video of the mayoral and city council candidates, too, but was shut down, thanks largely to city council candidate Julio Guridy. He does not want you to see how poorly heresponds to questions. Oh yeah, I've been ordered not to write about him, too. I'll tell you about that in the post below.
At last night's NAACP debate, I filmed magisterial hopefuls Ron Manescu and Walter Felton. I also got two clips of Lehigh County Comm'r David Jones, who gave one of the very best speeches about county government I've ever heard. These videos are valuable because they remove me from process. You can judge a candidate based on what he or she actually said, instead of relying on my own twisted recollection.
But thanks to Julio Guridy, you will see no video of Allentown City Council or mayoral candidates. As city council candidates took their chairs, NAACP President Dan Bosket, who moderated last night's event, told me that video is prohibited unless waivers are obtained in advance from the candidates. He asked me to turn off my flip cam while allowing anyone with cameras to continue taking pictures.
"You're not a reporter," he told me. "That's right," snarled Lady MacBeth.
Now this was a meeting open to the public, not some private NAACP conclave. It featured candidates running for public office. The videos posted here would assist you on deciding on your votes. So I asked the candidates if any of them objected to being videotaped.
"I object," said two-term City Council member Julio Guridy. During a city council meeting in August, he lashed out at an audience that groaned when he needlessly tried to inject racism into the controversial Cedar Creek Parkway. "I'd like to have a little respect from the public."
Last week, at the LV Senior Center, Guridy bragged several times that he speaks two languages. But after a bizarre and nearly incomprehensible monologue, I questioned whether one of those languages is English. Apparently, the flipcam was just a bit too accurate for Julio, who was obviously embarrassed.
Having no desire to spend the night in the can without my rubber underwear, I turned the camera off. Maybe I should have insisted on pushing this issue, but the audience was there to listen to the candidates. Unfortunately, you've been deprived of some interesting commentary from city council and mayoral candidates.
After their debate was over, Julio walked up to me and told me he'd sit down for an interview with me, but I passed. He then got furious and warned me, "I better not be on your blog tomorrow." I told him he could count on seeing himself, and he walked away, yelling, "You're an idiot. You're an idiot."
True, but I'm an idiot who can speak English. He's an idiot who can't, and what's worse, would rather keep you in the dark.
LC Comm'r David Jones: A Liberal's Perspective on County Government
Democrat David Jones is an appointed Lehigh County Commissioner running for election. His Republican opponent, Bob Smith, was unfortunately never told about last night's NAACP debate. Called as the event was going on, Bob rushed over, but was too late. He missed a good speech. Smith is just as passionate as Dave, and it's unfortunate that signals got crossed. David gave a great liberal perspective, and I will ask Bob to give me his own views.
David Jones' view of county government (see the video here): "Some of you probably don't even know. We have your courts, you have all of your health and human services, Department of Welfare, all of your mental health and retardation services. You have the Coroner's office. You have juvenile and adult probation. You have Cedar Crest Nursing Home. All of those social services and the court and the county, all of those fall underneath the umbrella of the county commissioners. We set your property taxes and what we do is we provide financial and budgetary oversight and direction for the county in how it expends those funds.
"One of the things that you need to understand is the county budget is $410 million. That seems like a lot of money, right? But here's the challenge. of that $410 million of the county budget, only about $97 million of those dollars come from you and I - tax dollars. The other portion of those monies comes from the state and the feds and those monies have a mandate with them. So in other words, all the money that they give, we can't say 'You know what? You gave us $20 million for that program but we think we can make it work with 17 and use the 3 somewhere else.' We can't do that.
"Of the $97 million that are county taxpayer dollars, seventy per cent of those monies go to what we call law and order - the courts, the Sheriff and prisons. The remaining portion of those funds are used for the county's general services. So pretty much of the county tax dollars are allocated towards mandatory programs and services.
"The challenge that we have in Lehigh County right now, as economic times get tougher and tougher and tougher, there are those in the other party - on the other side - who have a political ideology and mindset that says cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut.
"Well in the role of county government, we are the social network for the state. And as times get difficult and money dries up, you know what that means? That means the demand on county services increases all the more. What does that mean? That means we can't afford to just cut, cut, cut, cut, cut, cut. We have to find innovative, creative ways to deliver core services to the residents of Lehigh County.
"We can't say to the prison, 'You know what? Budget's tight, why don't you let about 200 people out the door?' We can' say to mental health, 'You know what? Budget's tight, you guys are on your own.
"There's a lot we do in county government that we are required and mandated to do, so we need leaders that understand that, that understand the purpose and role of government is to be able to meet the needs of the people. And if you can't do that, what are you in it for?"
Allentown Firefighters "Inspect" Morning Call Offices After Critical Article
On September 27, The Morning Call published a disturbing report about Allentown firefighter's sick-time abuse, which has inflated the city's overtime and pensions. Now, as this article is being written, Morning Call offices are being subjected to an aggressive investigation by the very firefighters whose abuse was just exposed.
Is this payback by a city embarrassed by a little criticism? Is this an attempt to chill important First Amendment freedoms?
With two firetrucks parked outside, 8 or 9 firefighters are combing through the building, examining elevators, looking at sprinkler systems and blue prints. I understand they already caught Morning Call columnist Bill White smoking in one of the bathrooms, and threw him out the window.
Now the city is required to and does conduct annual inspections of facilities like The Morning Call, but does it usually do so on this scale? "The timing of it seems a bit odd," is what one staffer tells me.
I have called the city for comment, and if I get a response, will update this post with their explanation. 1:50 PM Update: An Allentown firefighter just called to say that The Morning Call is one of 60 or 70 "hazardous material" sites in the city that must be inspected by December. "They store a lot of ink there." He denies any intent to intimidate. I still find the timing very curious.
Defined Benefit v. Defined Contribution Pension Plans
Pension costs take huge chunks out of municipal budgets. Allentown's three pension funds have tanked in the past two years, leaving taxpayers to make up the difference. Northampton County is no different. In his 2010 Budget message, County Exec John Stoffa warns that "[c]ounty-wide retirement related costs (retirement and retiree healthcare) are expected to rise from $13.1 million in 2009 to $19.9 million in 2010, an increase of $6.8 million (52%)."
Anyone working for Northampton County gets free medical care for the rest of his life after retiring. Pretty nice perk, eh? Stoffa, aware of how this drives up cost, has asked County Council to consider eliminating the new perk for new hires. He was flatly shot down by the same Council members who now shriek about the proposed 9.3% tax hike. A year ago, when Council member Ron Angle warned colleagues that the retirement fund needed a big cash infusion, he was ignored.
So how do Northampton County Council candidates feel about defined-benefit pensions? Municipal retirees currently receive pensions based on some formula regardless of the economic conditions. The risk is on the government's shoulders. This is unlike a defined-contribution plan, in which that pension is more dependent on the economic conditions and the markets, placing the risk on the employee. Should defined benefits be replaced with defined contributions, which is what increasingly is occurring in the private sector?
Lorraine Pasquali:"Obviously, the County has the taxpayers to answer to so defunding of the pension plans really needs to go along with the county budget and should be directed that way rather than private sector profit margins."
Obviously, Pasquale has no clue what she's talking about, and just tried to sling baloney sandwiches. This will happen when she attends no meetings despite having no job.
Charles Dertinger (see video here):"Just like every other pension fund out there, it's invested ... most of the money is invested ... and our investments, just like everyone else's, has seen shortfalls. And the only difference is that we have a certain period of time to make up those shortfalls unlike other pension funds that can just simply go defunct. ...
"We have a significant fund balance. We have a significant surplus in our rainy day fund. That's where the money has been coming from presently. It's been coming from that rainy day fund."
The rainy day fund again. First, Dertinger is using it to balance the budget. Now, he's using it to contribute to the pension fund. Incidentally, his assertion that the rainy day fund is already being used for the pension fund will be news to the Stoffa administration.
Like his protege, Pasquali, Dertinger has no idea what he is talking about, not even mentioning defined contribution plans. He's only marginally more adept at serving up bullshit burgers.
Bruce Gilbert: (see video here) "In a defined contribution plan, the employee gets to decide what percentage of their income is going to go into their retirement plan. They can do that based on their household budget. In a defined benefit plan, what happens is that based on your tenure, within that said organization, you are given a defined benefit, usually up until you pass away, and/or including if you want to pass it on to your spouse.
"Now if you look at the legacy problems that companies like GM are having, and if you look at the revenue that would be saved if they did not have that as an outstanding debt, and think about who is the largest employer currently in our local area, that would be the County.
"Imagine, in a time where we see lower revenues based upon lower values of property, and state funds that are going to be lower coming in, and imagine the largest employer continuing to put people out who are going to have a defined benefit that we must pay for.
"If you allow the individual, by empowering them, to save on their own, not only will they have that retirement plan for themselves, but you will take much of the burden off of the County."
Gilbert, in this single answer, demonstrates why he deserves a seat on County Council. At least he understands the issue.
Can you think of a worse public television station than PBS-affiliate Channel 39? It's really embarrassing. It's the last place any of us would look for local news. Its light news program - Tempo - is very much like reading one of the puff blogs telling us everything is wonderful. The last time I watched, host Amy Burkett was actually wearing one of her plastic smiles as she quizzes her audience about how many women will die from ovarian cancer this year.
I've seen better. Much better. Last year, while Amy Burkett shoveled spaghetti down the throats of congressional candidates, PBS-affiliate WPSU-TV developed a website featuring video, audio and interactive quizzes to help provide easy to use information about 80 state and U.S. congressional candidates from 27 counties.
Our "public" television stopped conducting debates for local office long ago, sending the public the subliminal message that these races are insignificant. True, in 2006, Burkett did conduct rushed interviews with state house and senate candidates, but barely gave them time to say anything besides their name. "Where does the time go?" "We must move along."
Channel 69's Business Matters, a production of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, is a bigger public service than anything produced by those public parasites. And Tony Iannelli gets no state grants to defray the costs of his entertaining program.
In addition to its refusal to cover elections, Channel 39 converted to digital from analog before the required date, leaving many of its viewers watching snow. While for-profit stations like Channel 69 held off until the last possible minute, Channel 39 had no trouble suffered no pangs of conscience over the viewers who lacked either the time or money to get a converter box. To hell with them.
Now, according to LVPoliblog, the state has cut Channel 39's funding by 90%. That's been confirmed by a news release from el Presidente Pat Simon, who is at Channel 39's tiller. Simon acknowledges that "PBS39 will halt all new production on our original Tempo!, a production that has been a community asset for ten years. At this time we are able to continue with Tempo InDepth and Tempo PublicSquare."
Those shows are even worse than the original.
Simon even whines about the $5 million state grant, undisturbed, for a new building because it "is restricted to building a new building and cannot be used for operating purposes."
I have a suggestion. Let the state keep that money, too.
I supposed they'll be fundraising on television 52 weeks per year, begging us for money.
Listen! Do you hear that sound? Shhh! It's the world's smallest violin.
Update: LVCI has chimed in on Channel 39,too. "I would be well satisfied just having a repeater transmitter situated on top of South Mountain. No need for a local studio."
Lehigh County Awards $470 Thousand For Fire Training Facility
Area fire fighters have a new building to practice their skills at Emmaus Fire Department’s training facility on Klines Road, thanks to a $470,000 grant from Lehigh County.
“This is another example of the county’s dedication to public safety and emergency preparedness,” said Lehigh County Don Cunningham. “This facility will afford Lehigh County firefighters countless training options that simulate real-world situations so they can better protect our residents.”
The building includes a 4-story fire tower attached to a two-story residential structure that is attached to a one-story burn room, where firefighters can battle actual blazes.
The Emmaus training facility has roof and attic simulators, confined space containers and a drafting area where firefighters can practice pumping water.
Lehigh County is home to three fire training facilities, including one in Whitehall Township and one in the city of Allentown. Lehigh County has given more than $1 million to the three facilities over the past three years to improve training.
“Most fire departments don’t have a fire tower or other building in their back-yard so it’s important to provide firefighters opportunities to put out a car fire or a crawl through a confined space” to get to the flames, said Victoria Schadler, an employee of Emmaus Fire Department.
The training facility is also used to conduct tests, certify firefighters to standards established by the state and train new recruits. It takes 200 hours of training to become a volunteer firefighter.
“Having a local training facility eliminates the need for firefighters to travel to other training facilities and improves the expertise of our volunteers,” said Cunningham.
Michael D'Amore on Allentown's troubled finances: "This is not a problem that just surfaced. Had we not restructured the debt three years ago, it would be unmanageable completely. We did. We saved the city money. We refinanced some of our debt and, contrary to what Mr. Hershman said, we saved the city $600 thousand. There was no additional interest payments on that refinancing. ...
Lou Hershman (very low): "That's not right."
Michael D'Amore: "We cut, we need to cut everything that's not essential. We need to do what we did just a couple of weeks ago, which is, we looked at our home inspection program and we said, 'We're going broke being successful. So should the citizens pay for that or should the landlords pay for that?' We increased the fees on the landlord. There's no reason the citizens should pay for it, the landlord should pay for it, and now they're going to. We need to do those kinds of things and we need to do them in large numbers.
"When this budget comes out, I think we're all going to have to work together to make sure because a tax increase is not viable."
Part of Northampton County's myopic 2001 $111 million megabond included a $3 million grant for the development of a road benefiting an industrial development owned by famous campaign contributor Nolan Perin. When word leaked out that Perin actually intended the site for a Wal-Mart, Slate Belt residents erupted.
Four years ago, Northampton County council candidates John Cusick, Charles Dertinger and Lamont McClure were among those who pledged they would vote to kill the funding for that road. But once elected, only Cusick kept his word. They repeatedly voted against killing the project. In the meantime the county wasted $440,000 in engineering studies, money down the drain.
Finally, after Wal-Mart itself pulled out of the slate belt, County Council killed the project. Council Prez Wayne Grube summed things up nicely, as only he could.
"This was a mistake. We've had it with that project. We've heard it four or five times. Let's go do what has to be done to try and recoup our money. I've had it. I openly admit that I made a mistake, and that'll be on our boy's blog tomorrow."
Wayne made a mistake, but was man enough to admit it. John Cusick kept his word throughout this ordeal, and reminded slate belt voters of that last week.
"One of the things I want to do is remind you that four years ago, at a forum down the road at the Plainfield Fire Company, you all had an issue. You asked us how we felt about Wal-Mart coming in and would we support paying for a road. I told you that I would vote to pull that money and I'm proud that every time the vote came up, I stood up and did exactly what I told you I would do four years ago."
Amazingly, or perhaps not so amazingly, Charles Dertinger was untruthful in response to a direct question from Ron Angle. "I voted not to withdraw the money for the industrial drive after the Wal-Mart was out. You know that, and you're trying to conflate something otherwise."
The truth is that Charles Dertinger has steadfastly voted against withdrawing the money for the industrial drive, regardless whether Wal-Mart was part of the picture. On June 15, 2006, when Wal-Mart was very much under consideration, Dertinger voted against defunding the road. On February 15, 2007, after Wal-Mart had already given hope, Dertinger still voted against defunding the road.
Currying favor with campaign contributor Nolan Perin was apparently more important than keeping his word. Dertinger's failure to keep his word cost taxpayers $440 thousand. What's worse, he couldn't even be honest about breaking his word.
I've seen Bill Wallace's tattered briefcase at Northampton County Council meetings, decorated with all kinds of Democratic bumper stickers. But he pleasantly surprised me at the Pen Argyl Area Concerned Citizens debate by taking a bipartisan tone. He proudly describes his losing effort to Republican Mike Dowd.
"I'm proud of that campaign. Mike and I ran a very clean, a very upstanding, campaign. I consider Mike a very, very astute member of Council and I look forward to serving with him.
"I listen to voters. I think that's an important issue that I need to make clear. It isn't a home team, visitor team. We're all on the same team. I'd like to be part of this team because you can vote for me, I'm gonna' listen to you, I'll respond to your concerns, I will judge and make a decision just like a referee does and come to the right conclusion. Hopefully, we have a consensus and move this county forward."
Deb Hunter, a Northampton High School history teacher with three children of her own, simply explains why she's running.
"The reason I want to be on county council is ... I do believe in public service, especially because I am a teacher. One of the things I deal with a lot are Children, Youth and Families. Some of my children are served by Children, Youth and Families in Human Services by the County. Quite frankly, these kids, if they are not served well and if their families are not served well, we'll be building a bigger prison, which is also part of what the county does. I look at them both as being well balanced and, hopefully, serving our community for the future."
It's hard to fault someone who thinks we need to look after our greatest asset - our children.
Peg Ferraro has always been a voice of decency in Northampton County government. But over the years, she's lost some crucial elections because of her stands on controversial issues like 911. Last week, she saluted the very people who voted against her.
"I must say my life has really had parallels. On one hand, I'm a wife, a mother, three grandchildren, eight grandchildren and always have done the community service. On the other hand, my career of 29 years in the public school system.
"I strongly consider public service and politics to be public service. I came through the ranks of planning commission, zoning hearing board chairman and township supervisor, and this is actually my number 2o year anniversary of running for the first time for Northampton County Council.
"Now I've won a few and I've lost a few and you remember well in 1997 how the Pen Argyl Concerned Citizens did a terrific job, which is what democracy is all about, and I got booted out of office.
"We had a major difference of opinion, and that's what democracy is all about, and I appreciate this group for staying together, holding together the way you do, and fighting for what you believe."
Northampton County Council Candidates Condemn Tax Hike
Five Northampton County Council candidates are unhappy with John Stoffa's 9.3% proposed tax hike next year. By clicking on their names, you can see their responses for yourself. At the end of this post, I provide an analysis of their answers. If you're only interested in what the candidates said, you can skip that part.
Question:Private sector employment is obviously down tremendously in terms of raw numbers. The private sector work week is now down to about 33 hours, squeezing everybody all the more. ... Government salaries since 2000 have increased an average of almost 60%. Private sector salaries have only increased about 30%. Obviously, the public sector is really accelerating rapidly ahead of the private sector on a lot of these issues. Council has been handed a budget proposal with a 9.2% county tax increase. Tell me where you stand on the tax increase and the discrepancy between the public and private salary advancement.
Tom Dietrich: "I really do not like the fact that, once again, it's been presented and the attitude is it's going forward. We have elected officials. Some of them are going to stand strong; many are not. And we're basically just going to vote for a tax increase.
"If elected, I will just not pander to special interests, special projects, little pet projects that go on. The budgets have been wasted in the past years, half a million dollars on curtains, $600 thousand on redecorating a room that they meet twice a month in. This is ridiculous.
"I think we need to be realistic. We need to take the approach that private industry has. Trim the fat. I think this could be done at the government level. We do have some fat cats in government that have been in charge of making decisions on wages as well as making decisions on their own wages. We see it in council."
Barbara Thierry: "I spent over 20 years in the private sector. My husband and I owned two small businesses. We started our two small businesses with very little cash and retired pretty comfortably. So we basically lived the American dream.
"I believe in the private sector. I think the council should look for more ways to use people from the private sector. The union people get paid much more. The private sector gets paid less. It will cost us a lot less because they leave, they go home, we have no responsibility for them. We don't like what they do, we can fire them. We can move on and find a new company. Right now, we're stuck with what we have.
"If I win a seat on council, I would certainly look to make some cuts. I've done it in my own life and I think you need to do it.
"And I am not for a tax raise. That's just ridiculous at this time."
Bruce Gilbert: "In terms of the 9.2% tax increase being proposed, we're currently in a place in our nation and in our economy locally here, where we need to take a serious look at spending. I'm a proponent of an overall reduction in government spending.
"I think that the budget needs to be revisited to see where these funds are being appropriated, if in fact, they are being appropriated in accordance to waht the county would need and what the county wants, and the residents and businesses here in the county.
"In terms of the disparity between public sector incomes and private sector incomes, I'm a banker. I'm with Wachovia Bank. I've seen what the private sector is going through currently. What needs to be revisited there is those who make the decisions on wage increase or decrease, per position, and those positions be valued, and they should be paid commensurate with the value."
Charles Dertinger: "What we're talking about in a 9.3% increase is a proposed budget, one for which I can tell you here today and now, I will not be voting for in its current form. We have a $45 million surplus in Northampton County. $45 million and we're coming back to you all and saying that we need more money. It is not something that makes sense. it is not something that you would do in your own homes, within your own budgets. If you had money set aside in a rainy day fund, you would go to the rainy day fund before you would go out and borrow money or seek other ways to get money.
"The county spends and certainly wastes significant amonts of money. One of those areas in the past three or four years - we spent over $600 thousand in legal fees in an area that was entirely unnecessary. We have a significant Solicitor's staff in northampton County, and there really is no reason for us to carry a $45 million surplus ... ."
Lorraine Pasquale: "I agree with everyone here that I do not believe that a tax increase at this time is necessary, considering what the county has on hand and what people are facing in their homes with their own budgets at home. I feel a tax increase would just be disingenuous."
Blogger's Analysis:
1) Neither Dertinger nor Pasquale answer where they stand on the disparity between public and private salaries.
2) Dertinger and Pasquale advocate raiding the "rainy day" fund to balance a budget. This is irresponsible. It's contrary to both the Government Finance Officers Association (5 to 10 percent of general fund operating expenses) and Standard and Poors (2.4 months of expenses). In addition to exposing the county to risk, it delays the inevitable, and the result is a 60 or 70% tax hike once the rainy day fund is depleted. Stoffa's $330 million budget should have a rainy day fund between $33 million and $66 million. Finance Director Vic Mazziotti has projected it will be around $35 million.
3) Charles Dertinger notes that outside attorneys have been paid nearly "600 thousand in legal fees in an area that was entirely unnecessary." What Dertinger fails to say is that this money was spent to negotiate with 11 different unions, many of which were establishing their first contract. Perhaps that's why he's reluctant to discuss the disparity between public and private sector.
Northampton County Judicial Candidates at a Glance
Last week's Pen Argyl Area Concerned Citizens candidates' night featured three of the four people running for three judicial vacancies next year. Craig Dally was unable to attend, but can hardly be blamed because he was helping resolve the state budget impasse in Harrisburg. Ann Dally stood in for her husband.
I've uploaded videos of the opening remarks of the three candidates who appeared, and will try to get Craig before election day.
Barb Hollenbach. In two minutes, Barb displays both self-effacing humor and a down-to-earth charm, characteristics one never expects to see in a prominent civil defense lawyer. She also remained the entire evening, watching candidates for other offices.
Len Zito. On familiar home ground, Len spent just a minute talking about himself and almost seemed embarrassed.
Michael Koury. Talked about himself, his father, his education and the "excellent" work his Wall Street law firm demanded. No embarrassment. No down-to-earth charm.
Nobel Peace Prize ... or Shoe Tossed in Your President's Face?
Most conservatives and moderates are puzzled by the recent news that Barack Obama has been awarded the Noel Peace Prize. Here's how Jon Wells sums things up at The Moderate Voice.
"The Nobel Peace Prize was already flirting with irrelevance after recent selections like Al Gore, Yasser Arafat, and Jimmy Carter, but after the award was yesterday announced as going to President Barack Obama, in office for only nine months and for only 12 days when the nomination period expired, the award can officially be said to mean pretty much nothing these days. It’s a shame since so many in the past have legitimately deserved recognition for their efforts – Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Lech Walesa, Nelson Mandela and our own Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson."
Locally, conservative pundit Scott Armstrong wonders whether the Committee could keep a straight face when making the announcement. Mike Schware asks whether the Baseball Hall of Fame will be next. After all, Obama did throw out the first pitch at the All-Star game.
Internationally, this announcement is getting a more favorable response, from Kenya to Israel. Even Iran"will support and welcome the move if it helps promote peace and harmony in war-wary countries."
You see, this award is actually intended for the United States. Obama himself acknowledges he individually has done nothing to deserve it. We have. Hillary Clinton's state department provides some perspective. "[F]rom our standpoint, this gives us a sense of momentum — when the United States has accolades tossed its way, rather than shoes.”
Allentown Mayoral & Council Candidates Send in the Clowns
At last night's Allentown candidates' night starring King Edwin, I plopped my delicately contoured physique no more than five feet from His Highness. I told the Crime Watchers that I had to be that close so I could use my flipcam, but my real reason was to make funny faces at Hizzoner and shake my head whenever he spoke, hoping to throw him off his game.
My evil plan failed. Pawlowski was still smooth as silk, easily the most accomplished of last night's eight participants. The only person who seemed to ruffle the Mayor's feathers, and only mildly, was city council candidate Lou Hershman. I was impressed by the mayoral performance, although many of his claims are simply untrue. How the hell can he calmly insist that the city has a surplus when The Morning Call, his own controller and city council say otherwise?
Contender Tony Phillips did get in a zinger here and there, but never really rebutted the mayor. In fact, he strangely brought up his Bucky Boyle Park incident himself.
Blogger extraordinaire Pam Varkony, who incidentally hugged me, sums up her own view of last night's debate with this title: "No wonder we're in trouble." While I think it's tough for a candidate to spell out a position when he has just 45 seconds to answer a question, these hopefuls were strangely vague and disoriented. Most confusing of all was Julio Guridy, who mentioned several times that he speaks two languages.
If he thinks one of those languages is English, he is mistaken.
Below are excerpts from the candidates' opening remarks. They more or less prove Pam's point. Ed Pawlowski, Lou Hershman and Joe Brudnak are the only hopefuls who actually said anything.
Mike (I really do have a Ph.D.) D'Amore: May I please start over?
"In the last four years, I've been very proud of a number of things we've been able to get done. I know there's a lot more work to do. I feel that in the next four years, I can pitch in and help make the renaissance of the city, which is happening, happen in a greater ... happen in a greater ... uh just happen better.
"It starts with restoring fiscal sanity to the city. Steps have been taken in that direction, a number of steps. Bond refinancing. Debt restructuring. We've been successful in a number of steps to make the fiscal picture brighter.
"Now as a result of the national economic downturn, we remain in fiscal difficulty, so we have some tough choices that still need to be made and I'm prepared to make those difficult choices.
"As far as public safety is concerned, crime rates are down yet people don't feel safe in our neighborhoods. Some neighborhoods are experiencing crimes that they've never seen before. We need to deal with that, and community policing is one way to do it. But making sure we have our public safety agenda straight is also important as well."
Julio (I didn't just step off the boat) Guridy: I'm gonna' bring you nuisance crimes!
"A couple of things I support that are very important. Some of them are public safety. I'm a proponent of community policing as well as the finances. We need to rebuild our finances, make sure that we maintain a good budget, keep a balanced budget, and don't spend more than we have on the books.
"I'm also a big proponent of economic development. We have gotten a lot of economic development, over $600 million, in the last five years that we've been working hard to make sure it happens as well as some of the other issues that we need to continue to work on are making sure that we provide some of the services that are nuisance crimes, make sure that we keep people from double parking, cleaning our streets, and making sure that we provide a better life for everybody in the city. That's one of the jobs on city council, working with the administration.
"I think one of the things we can save on is to provide more regionalization in terms of services that we purchase in the city.
"I also have a lot of experience working with a large number - at least forty percent - of the people in the city as well as all of you."
Ray O'Connell: You mean this isn't a school board race? Oh shit.
"I'm a proponent of community policing. There are various formats of community policing. We need to give our police department and fire department the necessary resources and tools to effectively and efficiently do their jobs.
"I'm very big on quality of life issues - noise, littering, loitering, graffiti, absentee landlords. They're the key to restoring, one block at a time, public safety.
"Fiscal responsibility. We do not spend more money than we have. You can't spend more money than's in your checkbook. You've got to balance the books. Control taxes. Spend responsibly. Fiscal responsibility is the responsibility of the mayor and of city council.
"Economic development and economic retention. We need to encourage businesses to come to Allentown and we need to keep the good businesses in Allentown.
"I'd like to form a strong partnership between the City of Allentown and the Allentown School District. One area that I would like to explore is busing, busing kids to and from school. A lot of problems occur after school."
Mike "Energizer Bunny" Schlossberg: (Do I talk too fast? Really? Really? Am I going too fast? Huh? Huh? What do you think? Is that coffee?)
"Allentown needs fresh ideas and new blood. ... I work with small urban cores in the area, trying to help them fight some of the same fights that Allentown needs to, in terms of reducing crime, bringing in more businesses and jobs and controlling government taxes and spending. There's no doubt that we have moved forward in the city the past four years, and I think there's also no doubt that we're still a long, long way away from where we need to be. We need to keep working and keep working to make the changes that have already been put in place if we're going to make Allentown better. There's no doubt that we need more police officers on the streets and we have to continue to find new and innovative ways of using the ones we already have more efficiently in order to protect our citizens from crime.
"We have a financial hole as a result of the national recession. What we need to do is think smarter and differently about the way we conduct our finances. There's no doubt that we have to continue to work on bringing in more jobs and more businesses into the city, into our downtown, but also into our neighborhoods."
Joe "Joe the Fuel Truck Driver" Brudnak: I want Allentown to Be All American City Again
"I'm a blue collar worker. I'm not a politician. I work for Altemose Fuel. I deliver right here in Allentown. This is my route - east side, south side, center city, west end. On my route, I talk to people and I ask them what they think of Allentown. I listen to their concerns. Myself, I have questions about Allentown. I want to see it thrive again.
"Growing up, I believe it was Mayor Daddona who was here when I was a kid, things were great. It was called the All American City. It was thriving; it was wonderful. I want to see that back again. I want to see that kids don't have to fear going down the streets. I want to see gangs outa' here. I want to be your voice, your concerns, and bring that to council and work with the other fellows on council, and women, and get the job done here in Allentown."
Lou (the Watchdog) Hershman: All city council does is pass gass ... I mean grants
"When I served on city council with Councilman Burke and Varkony and Hoover, there were checks and balances. The only check and balance I see now is Eichenwald and Phillips. They rubber stamp this mayor. Bang, I think the pad must be out of ink by now. That's why I'm running, to provide some checks and balances down at city hall.
"You heard my Democratic opponents. More police. How you gonna' pay for more police? I came out with a plan last week at this crime watch meeting on how to pay for more police. It's not going to cost you money. When I get done with my plan, we're going to have money left over to reduce the deficit.
"How are we going to fight crime? I'll tell you how to fight crime, but Tom Burke's on the clock tonight, and I can't take more than a minute and a half to explain my plan. Ask me a question, and I'll tell you how we're gonna' fight crime in Allentown.
"I'll tell you what. When you go to city council meetings, you see what's going on down there. It's unbelievable. All they do is pass grants. Anybody can pass a grant. That's why they're a rubber stamp, 7-0. Sometimes I hear Tony [Phillips]. I hear Jeanette [Eichenwald] a lot, but then it's 5-2. It's not what you need on city council.
"You heard one of my opponents say he saved the city money by refinancing. Let me tell you, he doesn't tell you the truth. He saved the city $600 thousand, but what does it cost you on the other bond issue we refinanced? $60 million in additional interest that we're going to have to pay for. that's not saving you money. We have to be more responsible with taxpayer dollars. It's their money."
King Edwin "Rose Colored Glasses" Pawlowski: Everything is beautiful! Need a grant?
"When I started in office four years ago, as you know, we were facing a tough climb up a very steep hill. But I think the record will show that we have come farther and faster than anyone thought possible. We had a desperate, desperate fiscal situation. We had an $8 million deficit, we had a bond rating that had tanked, we had a fiscal outlook that went from positive to negative, we had a police force that was decimated through early retirements and we had very little economic growth.
"Four years later, we have now improved our finances, we took that $8 million deficit and built up a $14 million cash reserve that helped us through this very difficult economic climate, our bond rating has improved, we went from a negative fiscal outlook by both Standard and Poors and Moody to a positive, we've rebuilt our police department and now we actually have more police than when we started. We had 196 police officers in 2006 and now we have 203. And we have over a half billion dollars in investment. This is a great city. I love this city. We're moving this city forward."
Tony "I'm really lonely" Phillips: Will you be my Facebook Friend?
"Allentown is my passion. It's my love. "
Ok. I've tormented them all. I'm an equal opportunity offender.But in fairness, they are taking the time to run, and each of them genuinely wants to improve the city.
Candidates' Nights: Democracy is Not a Spectator Sport
On Wednesday, ten Northampton County Council and three judicial candidates answered a series of very tough questions posed by The Pen Argyl Area Concerned Citizens. Council candidates, three of whom are teachers, were even forced to take a pop quiz!
Allentown city council and mayoral hopefuls may have been spared the pop quiz last night, but were still peppered throughout the night with some very well-considered questions prepared by the Allentown Crime Watch Presidents' Council.
It's been an amazing two nights. On Wednesday, the best Northampton Council prospect was actually sitting in the audience. He's Ralph Stampone, an auto mechanic who incessantly follows county government. Every year, he teams up with fellow Pen Argyl Area Concerned Citizens to give us a true debate in which no one has the home team advantage. Let me give you an example. Judge Zito is a lifelong Slate Belt resident. In his younger years, he raced cars with some of the people in the peanut gallery. He nevertheless had to acknowledge he'll be unable to serve a full term in response to one of those tough questions. This is thanks to the hard work that Ralph and his fellow Pen Argyl Area Concerned Citizens do in making an effort to be fair to one and all, including the visiting Koury and Hollenbach teams.
It was no different in Allentown. The person acknowledged by both parties as indisputably the best person for Allentown city council member, Tom Burke, was the time keeper. Tony Phillips was forced to acknowledge he was once cited for high weeds, whuich I suppose is better than being coted for weed. Edwin Pawlowski was called to task repeatedly on city finances. Whether King Edwin or Lou Hershman, no one could exceed time limits. Moderator Carlos Bernardi had pages of typed questions that were obviously discussed and prepared in advance.
In Allentown, aside from the city council and mayoral candidates, I saw candidates for other offices in the audience. Lehigh County Commissioner Dan McCarthy sat in the peanut gallery. So did magisterial candidates Walter "Juni" Felton and Ron Manescu.
In addition to the candidates, elected and appointed officials dropped in on both events simply because they care about their government. On Wednesday night, it was the Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle. Last night, it was Allentown City Council member Jeanette Eichenwald, who has proven herself as a leader interested in both transparency and accountability.
But what about the general public? In Wind Gap, maybe thirty-five people saw Council member Charles Dertinger refuse to state what he is doing in front of a grand jury investigating deceptive campaign practices. At the Lehigh Valley Senior Center, maybe sixty people heard Lou Hershman claim that city council rubber stamps so much their pad must be out of ink.
Bloggers and newspapers did cover both events. But whether we are objective or biased, there is simply no way we can replace the experience you'll have if you're there yourself. I once heard Ralph Nader listen as a young college student told him he's not "into" government. Nader responded that "if you are not into government, government has a way of being into you, and in most disagreeable ways."
No matter who you like, try to attend one of these events. Bad government officials count on your lack of interest.
I will post links to video clips from both events on Saturday.
Deceptive Campaign Investigation Includes Both Dertinger and McClure
Senior Deputy Attorney General E. Marc Costanzo is conducting a grand jury investigation of Northampton County's deceptive campaign practices as a result of sleaze campaigns against county council incumbents and magisterial candidates. Political consultant Tom "Scissorhands" Severson faces 55 counts of what The Express Times appropriately refers to as "fraud and deception." After a preliminary hearing in July, all charges were bound over for disposition by a Dauphin County judge.
During the preliminary hearing, it became very clear that all sorts of questions linger about the involvement of Northampton County Council members Charles Dertinger, Lamont McClure and Dem Party Boss Joe Long.
Costanzo has listed some elected officials as "unwitting" co-conspirators because they unknowingly and innocently deceived the public. But what about those candidates who knew all about Severson's scheme to keep the public in the dark? What about those who actually participated in that scheme?
I've already told you that Northampton County council member Charles Dertinger appeared before the statewide grand jury on Tuesday. I've since learned this was his second trip and that Northampton County Council member Lamont McClure was summoned as well.
During Wednesday night's "Debate at the Slate," I asked Dertinger to explain his appearance to voters. Dertinger actually defended the sleaze campaign, and then refused to answer my question. "I know why you're here, Bernie."
Let me explain why I was there. Voters have a right to know about candidates who try to hide dirty campaigning from the public. It's about fair elections. As The Express Times notes, "[T]hat is why we should pay attention. One of the hallmarks of our election reporting laws is that we get to see, in standardized public filings, who's paying what to whom in a campaign, and who the big contributors are. And in the case of advertising, which candidate or party or special-interest group is behind the message. That's particularly important when it comes to attack ads."
Rather than defend the practice, as Dertinger vainly attempted to do last night, I expected that he would at least condemn the notion of filing false campaign finance reports.
Early yesterday afternoon, I sent a copy of this post to McClure, along with this email request: "Before I run with this, will you confirm or deny your appearance? Will you confirm or deny Dertinger's appearance? Will you condemn the deceptive campaign practices engaged in by Severson? Will you ask party boss Joe Long to declare Severson bill invalid and refuse to pay it?"
This event is hosted by the Allentown Crime Watch Presidents' Council.
Update: Delores will not be moderating tonight's debate after all. But who knows? Maybe she'll be in the audience, sticking pins into a voodoo doll. I do have a back ache.
If I were to declare a winner at last night's "Debate at the Slate" among Northampton County judicial and council candidates, it would have to be host Pen Argyl Area Concerned Citizens. This group regularly conducts the best debates I've ever seen. This year was no exception. There were no cage matches. They usually only hold them when Ron Angle is running. Instead, an innovative format consisted of carefully prepared individual questions on index cards. Office seekers would draw these questions by lot. Of course, candidates were given an opportunity to question each other. Audience participation was also encouraged. County council candidates were actually given a pop quiz, in which challengers had to write down how many meetings they've attended and incumbents had to estimate how much time they devote to the job.
Judicial Race: (Craig Dally, in Harrisburg for the state budget, was unable to attend)
Judicial candidate Michael Koury was asked whether, at age 41, he's too young for the job. He pointed to a tradition of electing young judges in Northampton County, and noted that Judges Franciosa, Williams, Grifo and Freedberg were all younger than him when they started.
Judge Zito was asked why people should vote for a jurist who must retire at age 70 and is unable to serve a full term. Zito acknowledged he must step down, but can continue to serve as a senior judge.
Barb Hollenbah was asked why a successful lawyer with an active practice would want a job that involves a paycut. She answered that she considers a judgeship the "epitome of her legal career.
When asked if the candidates had any questions for each other, Judge Zito jokingly asked why Ann Dally, sitting in for her husband, was spared questions. "I already have all the answers," deadpanned Mrs. Dally.
They were a congenial bunch and each of them did well. I was particularly impressed by Barb Hollenbach, whose sense of humor and down-to-earth style was very disarming. As a matter of full disclosure, I should note that I graduated from law school with her.
I was able to shoot video clips of these candidates, and will load them on Friday or Saturday, so you can evaluate them for yourself.
Council candidates:
Ten candidates are running for five open seats, including three already held by Peg Ferraro, John Cusick and Charles Dertinger. All ten candidates said they would continue to honor the half mill set in taxes set aside by Exec John Stoffa for open space. The incumbents estimated they spend between twenty and thirty hours per month on their council position, outside of the meetings. The challengers claim the following meeting attendance: Garvin - 20; Wallace - 8; Thiery - 6-7; Dietrich -4-5; Hunter - 6, Gilbert -3; and Pasquale -0.
Naturally, everyone hates the idea of a 9.3% tax hike, but only Barb Thiery and Bruce Gilbert were willing to consider cutting jobs to prevent higher tax bills. The rest were a bit more circumspect, noting that some jobs can't be cut. .
Express Times Reporter Douglas Brill has a thorough report with answers to individual questions. As with the judicial candidates, I have lots of video. I will load links to these clips on Friday or Saturday, so you can see and listen to the candidates yourself.
Bruce Gilbert is clearly head and shoulders above the ten candidates who participated last night, including the incumbents. His understanding of finance is downright scary. Lorraine Pasquale is just as clearly the weakest contender, with no job, a botched answer to an important question about pension funds and, by her own admission, a refusal to go to meetings so she could learn about county issues.
I did ask Charles Dertinger about his Tuesday grand jury appearance over deceptive campaign practices. "Don't the voters deserve to know why you were before a statewide grand jury yesterday?" He responded by attacking me and, for some reason, Ron Angle.
Joe Hilliard has been excommunicated as a committeeman for the Lehigh County Republican party. This is according to his 70,000 word email and what he confirmed with me yesterday. Apparently, he's been a bad boy.
I saw him at a Republican speech recently. He was wearing a suit, saying "Here, Here", and screaming "Zero-based budgeting!" He sure looked and sounded like a Republican to me.
Can a local party chair just unilaterally remove someone elected by the people, even if it's in the bylaws? Will Joe have to turn in his elephant pajamas?
When Lehigh County Commissioner David Jones voted against webcasting Lehigh County Commissioner meetings, he did state he would arrange to have kids from his church come in and film one of the budget hearings as an "experiment." Well, that was then. Now that these hearings are underway, the only camera I've seen is my flipcam. There's not a huge demand, beating on the door, for this.
Jones also claimed there's really no interest in county government. "There's not a huge demand, beating on the door, for this." Wednesday's night's budget hearing proved him wrong. It was a crowded affair, including somewhere around sixty people who were very interested in what was happening.
Below are links to videoclips of portions of that dull budget hearing, which featured a raging arts museum director, a DA with smoke steaming out his nostrils and Pip the Mouse.
Dean Browning: Why we need to cut arts grants by $100,000.
Glenn Eckhart: Why we need to eliminate payraises for nonunion workforce.
Percy Dougherty: Why we need to eliminate payraises for nonunion workforce.
DA Jim Martin: Cutting wages for rank and file workers, who are already suffering, is ridiculous, and will drive them into the arms of the unions.
DA Jim Martin: Suggests move to cut raises is politically motivated.
Pip the Mouse: Saves arts grants while giving Dean Browning dirty looks.
Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham announced today that Lehigh County’s Records Management System, which allows police departments to share crime data in real time, has been named a finalist for a national Government Security News: Homeland Security Award. Lehigh County is the only non-federal agency up for “Most Significant Information-Sharing Program, Project or Agency” category at the 2009 International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference in Denver, Colorado.
“Crime doesn’t respect municipal boundaries,” said Cunningham. "Sharing police data in real time across municipalities can help law enforcement recognize patterns and stop more crimes before they occur.”
Other nominees for the award include U.S. Postal Office, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Command, Control and Interoperability Division (CID) of the Department of Homeland Security.
The winner will be announced on October 27 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.
Lehigh County District Attorney James B. Martin said the CODY records management system is a tremendous advancement for law enforcement. “What we like about this system is that it not only allows us to keep our records organized, but it provides officers on the street and detectives the ability to access the information quickly when the opportunity to solve a crime or react to a situation is the greatest.”
The Records Management project was one of a group of key public safety initiatives introduced by Cunningham’s administration last year to help municipalities in the area of public safety.
Lehigh County recently awarded $304,000 in matching grants to six municipalities to hire 10 community police officers under its Safe Streets program and has opened 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.
“Ensuring the safety of our community and protecting our residents is our primary concern,” said Cunningham. “We put the CODY Records Management System in place because it gives our first responders, police and investigators a powerful tool to do their jobs and solve crimes.”
Rich Grucela is my state representative. Here's his reaction to tonight's news that the state house has passed two critical budget bills for $27.79 billion in spending on the 99th day of the state funding stalemate.
"We approved a plan tonight that funds the most basic services and increases our investment in basic education without any broad-based tax increases," Grucela said. "We spent within our means, and we did not reverse the progress we have made in improving basic education. And, we can finally support the day cares, municipalities and other local organizations that have been struggling to stay afloat and serve Northampton County residents because of the budget delay."
State funding for basic education in Grucela's district is as follows:
Bangor School District: $9.5 million, a more than $638,000 increase.
Easton School District: $19.5 million, a more than a $1 million increase.
Nazareth School District: $8.3 million, a more than a $590,000 increase.
”I hope this is the end, that we can connect the dots in the next day or two and be finished with the entire package so people affected by this impasse can finally be paid," Grucela said. "And as an aside, I think this process over the past 99 days gives impetus to my proposal for a unicameral legislature."
Grucela has introduced legislation (H.B. 260) that would amend the state constitution to return the Pennsylvania General Assembly to a unicameral legislature by eliminating the state Senate. As a proposed amendment to the constitution, his legislation would have to be passed by the General Assembly in two consecutive legislative sessions and then approved by voters in a referendum.
"Next year's budget will prove to be no less contentious, as revenues are expected to continue to decline," Grucela added. "There is no better time to consider all ideas in streamlining government operations, and reducing governments costs, including my proposal. This would be the most logical and economical reform in reducing the cost of the legislative branch."
It is expected that this budget will pass in the state senate.
Pip the Mouse Squeaks By Attempted Lehigh County Budget Cuts
Pip the Mouse had a blast, but Lehigh County Comm'r Dean Browning repeatedly took it on the chin during last night's 3 1/2 hour budget hearing. Artsy fartsies, tipped off that Browning was trying to reduce their county grants for the second time in two years, prepared for Mortal Combat.
Arts Museum Director Robert Metzgar was so mad his teeth nearly fell out. "What are you, cRaZy?" is how he started from the podium. From there, things went downhill. He told Commissioners they could forget being re-elected if they insisted on these cuts. "You're going to bring the wrath of our community down on you," he roared. When Commissioners nervously laughed at this old dude on his way to cardiac arrest, he yelled even more. "Something funny up there?" Metzgar looked like he wanted to hop over the dais and roll around with both Glenn Eckhart and Dean Browning, but must have had second thoughts. He settled by condemning Browning's proposal to cut $100 thousand from quality of life grants as a "draconian insane cut." After being repeatedly condemned, Dean Browning finally said, "I get it. I'm a Visigoth barbarian."
Last night's real savior of these arts grants was Pip the Mouse himself, who left his little condo at Liberty Bell Museum to make a rare personal appearance before Commissioners. Too upset to speak, the museum director had to do it for him. Now Pip pretended to be nice, but the little bastard was worse than Metzgar. After the meeting, when Browning tried to start his car, a little mouse bomb exploded. It caused no damage, but Sheriff Rossi will investigate if Commissioners give him four new deputies and a Caddy.
Commissioners considered twelve amendments to Exec Don Cunningham's no-tax-increase budget. Of these dirty dozen, only three proposals survived: a LANTA accounting accommodation; a Percy Dougherty proposal to cut office supplies by ten percent; and an ambiguous deal concerning constable fees.
Commissioners did attempt to eliminate, or at least reduce, a planned 2.5% payraise for nonunion workers. Since they will be paying 33% more for their health care, this basically means most of them would see smaller checks next year.
DA Jim Martin, who usually prosecutes the bad guys, spent last evening repeatedly defending the good guys, the people who make Lehigh County tick. In a forceful presentation, he told them to "do the right thing and for the right reasons. You're going to be taking away the most from the people who can least afford it. It's not, with all due respect, presented for the right reasons. In my opinion, it's nothing more than political posturing, doing an expedient thing politically, at the expense of people who run this government." When they suggested eliminating cell phones, the DA flatly told them they are necessary, and he had in fact received several calls during the meeting. He promised to take Commissioners to court if they interfered with law enforcement.
As you may have guessed, the cell phone proposal went down in flames, with only Percy Dougherty thinking it might be a good idea in some other departments. Attempts to reduce or eliminate payraises were also defeated. Glenn Eckhart, Percy Dougherty and Andy Roman did agree with Browning's 1% compromise.
The deal with constable fees is unclear. It appears that constables have promised that the county will get at least $150 thousand next year. Cunningham Administrator Tom Muller admitted his proposal to employ sheriffs is risky, and agreed to wait a year to see if constables and magistrates can add to the county coffers. Only Andy Roman supported the notion of hiring more sheriffs. "The winds have dramatically shifted here. ... The winds have changed a little too quickly for me."
Wait 'till next year, Andy. A cold wind will be blowing when the next budget is presented. A year from now, the foo foos in designer suits will be replaced by angry taxpayers in flannel shirts, asking the same question Arts Director Metgar posed, "What are you, cRaZy?"
Update: The Morning Call's Bob Orenstein has a more objective account of last night's meeting here. Blogger Michael Molovinsky has an account, too. Now he never appeared at last night's meeting, and excerpts a paragraph from this blog without attribution, but still manages to slam Cunningham for encouraging people to support his own budget. That must be wrong. Update #2: For a detailed commentary from a conservative who actually attended last night's budget hearing, I invite you to read Ken Petrini's "Profiles in Cowardice."
Charles Dertinger Appears Before Grand Jury Investigating Deceptive Campaigns
Thanks to a friend who tipped me off, I already have my question picked out for Northampton County Council member Charles Dertinger at tonight's slate belt debate. Don't tell anybody.
"Hey Charles, what the hell were you doing in front of a statewide grand jury in Norristown yesterday? Why'd you bring a lawyer? Can you tell us about it?"
Senior Deputy AG E. Marc Costanzo is conducting a grand jury investigation of Northampton County deceptive campaign practices. Political consultant Tom "Scissorhands" Severson has already been bound over on ALL charges relating to deceptive campaign practices in Northampton County, but the preliminary hearing raised all sorts of questions about the involvement of Dertinger, Lamont McClure and Dem Party Boss Joe Long.
"Charles, Did you ever dance with Severson in the pale moonlight? "Good day!"
If you'd like an old-fashioned debate, instead of the tepid talking points that candidates try to get away with everywhere else, visit tonight's "Debate in the Slate" featuring Northampton County judicial and county council wannabes. Some Plainfield Township office seekers will be on the firing line as well.
Where: Wind Gap Volunteer Fire Company, 111 N. Broadway, Wind Gap, Pa. 18091
Time: 7 PM
Who: Northampton County judicial and county council candidates; Plainfield Township candidates.
What: Old-fashioned debate, in which candidates can question each other. Audience participation welcome.
Have you ever heard of the American Planning Association, Pennsylvania Chapter. Neither have I, but that's besides the point. Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham received a major award from them on Tuesday. It's called the Planning Leadership Award for an Elected Official. Sounds very official.
Don was at the APA'a annual conference in King of Prussia, Pa., which was attended by more than 500 people. Apparently, some bus drivers thought it was the casino.
“Cunningham has been a strong leader in the Lehigh Valley, particularly in encouraging regionalism by creating a Congress of Governments for Lehigh County,” where municipal officials meet to discuss urban sprawl, transportation and other common issues, said Brian O’Leary, chairman of the awards committee. “He has consistently championed smart growth, urban revitalization, and open space preservation. Through a long career, Donald Cunningham has proved that he is a passionate advocate for good, effective planning.”
Lehigh is the third-ranking county in the state for farmland preservation, protecting more than 19,000 acres or 277 farms from being developed as strip malls or housing projects. Cunningham also directed nearly $2 million to expand the 19-mi
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