I was at last week's Northampton County Elections Commission meeting precisely because of these recall rumors. A reporter, who probably had heard the same thing I did, was there as well. A growing number of sources say the Gracedale gang will soon launch another petition drive. This one will be aimed at the removal of County Executive John Stoffa.
Although the Northampton County Home Rule Charter does provide for recall, the petition must be signed by 30% of all registered voters. That translates to nearly 60,000 people. On top of that, there are several Court rulings providing that no elected official may be removed by recall.
The Elections Commission will meet again on September 1. An effort to smear the Executive and place his administration in a bad light, even though it fails, might be the tactic being used to ensure Barron and McClure's success at the polls.
56 comments:
I wouldn't sign the goons' Gracedale petition.
I'll sign this one, though.
Part of being an elected official is the ability to govern in a way that is best for all county functions, while taking into consideration the public purse that affects all taxpayers.
I am happy to have John Stoffa as the County Executive, because he is willing to step up to the plate and make tough decisions that are in the best interests of all taxpayers.
Our seniors at home are getting very little attention, because of one special interest group that thinks Gracedale is the only function of county government. I realize that a new management company for Gracedale is underway, and applaud the efforts of Mr. Stoffa to allow this new company the ability to bring Gracedale forward in the future.
It would be unreasonable to expect this Executive to make rash decisions about Gracedale prior to the arrival of new management. Doing so would limit their ability to make the changes that are necessary to go forward.
Personal attacks by Councilman McClure that the Executive has an agenda to make Gracedale fail are unwarranted and childish. Suggestions that the county surplus be drained entirely to fund capital needs at the nursing home is one fine example of a councilman who cannot see the forrest through the trees.
Special interest groups are a cancer to the system of democratic government. I doubt they will be successful in their recall petition. Stay away from my house as you gather signatures.
Trish
It is the old bait and switch. When you do not want the spotlight on your own record, you attack somene else. When they are on defense you can ignore yor own record and go on the offense, looking like a hero Old left wing political trick.
Can't these hare-brained, half-wit, assclowns find something productive to do with their time.
danthemann
Mr. Stoffa is a man of integrity. Many dislike him because he's honest and is a straight shooter.
Councilman McClure nad Controller Barron have told the truth since they were in diapers!
They'd be better served putting their time and effort behind removing those who supported privitizing Gracedale, from office...If they put their time working to remove Dowd and Angle, and replace them with someone who supports keeping Gracedale private, Stoffa, if it's his intention, will have a much harder time privatizing Gracedale..
Although I have little issue with Mr. Stoffa, "trowing the bums out" isn't a bad idea right now.
This recall rumor is a bunch of garbage, and Bernie shouldn't be justifying it with his attention
Not to defend, nor criticize Mr. Stoffa, but besides the 2002 case you link to, "the Pennsylvania, Supreme Court ruled in 1995 that the Pennsylvania State Constitution only allows an elected official to be removed from office through impeachment, conviction of a crime, or misbehavior in office."
There have been bills introduced in at least the past two sessions of the General Assembly to allow for the recall of all PA elected officials (except judges) for mal- or nonfeasance. However, I am not aware of it getting anywhere to date. Even if it were permissable at some point, however, there is a difference between disagreeing with policies vs alleging misconduct or failure to perform one's duty. ... eye of the beholder, as has been the rhetoric of both sides of the Gracedale issue. Yet, I really don't think Mr. Stoffa can honestly be accused of official misconduct no matter how strongly one may genuinely disagree with his policies.
In the end, this is a non-story. PA is not the in-the-news Wisconsin.
"This recall rumor is a bunch of garbage, and Bernie shouldn't be justifying it with his attention"
It's making the rounds. I have even been told they will be at the 9/1 elections comm'n meeting. I have heard it several places and from several people.
Bernie, trish/brenda just threatened anyone who comes to her house with a petition. If you were consistent and honest you would delete her post and chastise her for her threatening statement.
You should, but you won't!
Tricia made no threat. Moreover, she identified herself. You, on the other hand, are an anonymous coward.
I am convinced that this group is highly addicted to drama, and would not be satisfied with any solution to keeping Gracedale successful, unless it included an open checkbook.
The recall petition will go nowhere, and the group that engages in this behavior will soon find that out. Happy walking folks.
My comment was not a threat. If I wanted it to be a threat, I would have included the recent changes to the castle doctrine law.
Trish
Trish, Despite what they've been telling news reporters and others, my guess is that they'll decide against this folly. Getting 10% of the registered voters is a monumental task. Imagine the election fraud they'll have to engage in to get 30%.
"I am happy to have John Stoffa as the County Executive, because he is willing to step up to the plate and make tough decisions that are in the best interests of all taxpayers."
He has not made one "tough" decision, he has a track record of hiring consultant firms to make the "tough" decisions. God forbid he actually signs his name to anything without first wasting taxpayer money on consultants.
So Barron and the goons are behind the Stoffa recall ??
Bernie you are so wrong again.
They would not waste their time on him.
Bernie get the facts instead of running off your mouth.
Let's see, except for open space funding approved by referendum there has not been a tax increase since Mr. Stoffa was elected, despite the housing market meltdown and one of the worst recessions in our nation's history. He hasn't raised taxes by 18 % like his counterpart in Lehigh County. He hasn't floated huge bonds like his predecessor which created crushing debt service. County government has been performing core services admirably despite a reduction of its workforce. Mr. Stoffa has returned integrity to the office of County Executive by refusing to accept campaign contributions or allowing "pay to play" under his watch. He has tried to be fair, honest and open with his constituents. I suspect that any rumors of a recall are smoke blowing up your ass, BO. There is no groundswell of support for such a bonehead move. Stoffa was re-elected by a margin of 17 points and is generally admired by the voters of Morthampton County.
typo- Northampton County.
Whether behind it or not, I am sure they are smiling. The best way to defend your own inadequacies is to do something exactly like this.
"He has not made one "tough" decision,"
I see. I guess the decision to sell Gracedale was easy ... and very popular.
"He has not made one "tough" decision,"
I see. I guess the decision to sell Gracedale was easy ... and very popular.
"He has not made one "tough" decision,"
I see. I guess the decision to sell Gracedale was easy ... and very popular.
Stoffa has allowed the prison to deteriorate and now we will pay million dollar lawsuits. He let Gracedale deteriorate and now we will be fined. He inherited the largest cash surplus in county history and has been slowly bleeding it off. He has approved double digit wage increase for caseworkers. He has a 100% cost overrun on a parking deck of all things.
Please, enough with the ass kissing, this guy is the worst county executive in the history of Northampton County.
Whomever follows him will have a yeoman's task to pick up the pieces and fix the mess he will leave behind. Stoffa is like a crazy cat lady whose house you are forced to clean up after she leaves.
The Press and a rubber stamp county council are helping to hide the truth. The place is a disaster, ask any employee. No one has done anything in years. It's all on autopilot.
The fact that core functions are going along is a testament to the employees who work on despite Stoffa and his gang. Truly he is the biggest disappointment in an elected official. Most people don't hate him, they just feel sorry for him as this job was way above his head. Most hope he would just resign.
Bill
Just wait. Follow the money. From O'Hare to Angle to Stoffa to Seaman Eckhart, the flow of private tax money to a private lawsuit?
The paper trail will show what was going on.
So much for the man of integrity bullshit. You know O'Hare that once the info is out there it will show the backroom deals diverting taxpayer funded legal advice to a private citizen, right?
All with the knowledge of the Executive?
It is going to be very revealing. Who knows maybe Joe Owens will allow the reporters to cover the real story?
Stop the Bullshit. John Stoffa did nothing to warrant a "recall" referendum. Dumb and naive are not reasons for recall. Stoffa's biggest fault is he cannot make decisions. His biggest credit is he eliminated private parking spaces in the Parking garage (although I see almost all the signs are back up). He didn't take any donations from people who do business with the County. All of this is to his credit. I feel he is an honest man but certainly not a good Executive. The last "class" Executive we had was Gene Hartzell. John Stoffa is no Gene Hartzell but that doesn't mean he should be recalled. Besides, when you research it, you will find out it can't be done regardless of what the County Laws say.
Special interest groups are a cancer to the system of democratic government.
This is just about the silliest thing I've ever seen written in these comments.
If I wanted it to be a threat, I would have included the recent changes to the castle doctrine law.
Um, yeah, except the Castle Doctrine would not apply in this case whatsoever and you'd pe put in prison if you used deadly force. That is unless the petitioner threatened violent attack.
This is the problem with people who have no desire to even learn the basis of their argument before making it.
Lets not forget that those who lobby the assembly, make giant campaign contributions, and find tax loopholes are all special interest groups.
Trish
there has not been a tax increase since Mr. Stoffa was elected,
And the county is deteriorating as a result.
Lets not forget that those who lobby the assembly, make giant campaign contributions, and find tax loopholes are all special interest groups.
You might want to review the First Amendment.
Not necessary. Special interest groups have twisted our form of government to the point that democracy is on the brink of failure.
Trish
"Um, yeah, except the Castle Doctrine would not apply in this case whatsoever and you'd pe put in prison if you used deadly force. That is unless the petitioner threatened violent attack."
Central Screwball, You are both OT and anonymously attacking one of mey readers.
8:55,
Well, now we know what the anti-Stoffa forces stand for. Higher taxes during a recession. Thanks for making that clear. Gotta' keep those unions happy, eh?
Point of order:
How does one pronounce "Stoffa?" To rhyme with "sofa" or "Hoffa," as in Jimmy?
Or another way, perhaps? Channel 69 has more versions than they have bad weather personalities.
Please advise; thanks.
Stoffa answered that during hs re-election campaign. "Get off the sofa and vote for Stoffa."
Thanks Bernie.
My original point about the castle doctrine was that it expanded to permit the use of deadly force beyond the confines of inside one's domicile.
A flash mob presence might eek by as a threat of violence, but not likely. These goons dont worry me at all. They are a terroristic group of people who will stop at nothing to force their agenda down everyones throat, but I have not seen or heard any of them resort to actual violence...except for your broken window.
Besides, I own no firearms...wouldnt you agree that I have all the protections I need right here in my yard?
Trish
Trish, Earl is a very powerful bodyguard.
Anon 2:52 is referring to the monies paid to Eckert Seamans, the law firm hired to expedite the Gracedale sale. Goon mouthpiece Larry Otter has maintained that this is a criminal offense, has demanded a DA investigation, has filed all kinds of motionsfor attorney fees, has told WFMZ that we could go to jail, etc. He actually attempted to surcharge Stoffa and Conkin, but had to withdraw that motion. Now he will have his day in Court.
So will I.
Central Screwball, You have been warned. You are OT, anonymous and picking a fight with one of my readers. Go take your medications.
Apologies BOH. I didn't know that correcting misstatements constituted picking a fight. I also didn't know I wasn't a reader.
Cletus.
John Stoffa is a good man. I have been working here at the county for a long time & dealing with alot worst county exec's than him.
He is trying to do what's right for the tax payers.
Some of the other county exec's had other people run the show for them!! In other words, they were collecting a pay check & not working & having someone else doing the dirty work!
Now we have a group of people collecting paychecks and no one doing any work. Yeah, the Stoffa gang really fixed things.
Cam you tell me what long time Stoffa crony the Asst. Dir of Administration does?
Stoffa has made tough calls; most of them patently ridiculous.
There are no $186,000 parking spaces. You are patently ridiculous.
Even the $186,00 parking spot garage was 100% over budget.
If the only trade off for competency was a reserved parking space, I would vote for the space. Shows the intelligence of the Stoffa defenders. The guy is in a fog. he also lied to the Gracedael coalition. he also let county resources be used by private citizens for a lawsuit against the taxpayers? That is real integrity.
So recall him. Maybe the next Exec will have a cushy job for you, if you play ball.
Would that be like the Republicans that all bought jobs from Stoffa? like his asst Dir double dipping on the pension?
The people want to know?
Like I said, recall him, asshole, but you'll have to sign your name.
It would be nice to have an exec who is both honest and competent. Stoffa is honest.
what exactly is adm. assist. john conklin doing presently. he hasn't been around much.. collecting a pay check and no where to be found!!! talk about wasted wages.. here is one example. and you and your cronies talk about the gracedale employees. what a joke!
Stoffa is a sleaze. He is just better at hiding it with the help of the press
Even people who supported him and helped him say he has been a major disappointment as a County Executive. Probably the worst in the county's history.
Stoffa is the WORST exec in the county history..Wish he could be recalled.
Oh, hey Bernie, you are on top of things what is this I hear about one of Angle's cronie,,,miss bobblehead Barb and a major story involving her husband...better check it out. He is a violent, abusive man!!! Check it out!!!
Don't hold your breath waiting for Bernie to write about a protected person.
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