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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, July 20, 2015

Fed Ed's McCord Connection

Last week, federal District Court Judge John E. Jones III quietly issued an Order that sheds light on how the pay-to-play investigation in Allentown and Reading got its start. Judge Jones canceled a presentence conference for former State Treasurer Rob McCord that had been scheduled for June. Attorneys have been directed to give him a call on August 17. He's in no hurry to impose sentence against a state official who pleaded guilty six months ago to shaking down vendors for campaign contributions. That's because McCord is obviously providing prosecutors with useful information. His attorney admitted as much to the press at the time of McCord's February guilty plea. "In the fullness of time . . . you will have a lot to write about." That prediction has come true.

Before McCord and Edwin Pawlowski ever embraced, they were running against each other for Governor. Pawlowski dumped $104,000 of his local campaign treasury into a new PAC he established just for the Governor's race. He did manage to raise almost $350,000, including money from most of the usual NIZ pals. Political consultant Miked Fleck was paid $33,500 and spinmeister Joe McDermott (a former Morning Call reporter and long-time Pawlowski apologist) earned $4,000. But Fed Ed got little support outside of his urban growth regime. He needed more gas in the tank for a Governor's race than he was going to get.

That will happen when you deride communities outside of Allentown, like Nazareth, as the "boonies," while simultaneously trying to steal their earned income tax.

On February 3, 2014, Pawlowski bowed out of the Governor's race, claiming that his "time and focus needs to be concentrated on the continued revitalization of Allentown." He immediately endorsed Rob McCord, who was standing by his side along with several Pawlowski puppets like State Reps. Mike Schlossberg, Pete Schweyer and Julio "I wanna be Mayor next" Guridy. Denying there had been any deal. McCord did admit that Pawlowski would play a "vital role" in the McCord administration. That very day, Pawlowski gave McCord $10,000 of other people's money from his Governor PAC, and sweetened the pot with another $5,000 on May 8, 2014.

Fleck's business client, Abe Atiyeh, provided McCord with $1,000 worth of billboard advertising. His political client, Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer, provided McCord with a  $7,000 campaign mailer and GOTV efforts.

Miked Fleck, who had already earned $33,500 from Pawlowski, now started billing McCord. He was paid $42,301.19 for his services between February 6, 2014 and May 18, 2014.

Representing two gubernatorial candidates, Fleck had raked in $75,801.19.

McCord did manage to pick up some Lehigh Valley support in a March visit. Easton Mayor Sal Panto, a Pawlowski and Fleck ally, gleefully bashed now Governor Wolf, claiming that “Democrats want someone who wants to work and earn a paycheck.” Later that day, Fed Ed took McCord on a tour of his realm at the Allentown's Farmers Market, using Schlossberg as a flunkie to carry the food bestowed upon the duo. According to reporter John Micek, who was shadowing them that day, both Pawlowski and Schlossberg "will ramble on about [McCord's] wonderfulness if they’re asked."

But things weren't so wonderful for McCord. For the first time, he was behind in the polls. Despite sinking $2 million of his own money into the race, he was unable to match Wolf.

So he broke the law.

According to an agreed statement of facts submitted at the time of his guilty plea, McCord was criminally dunning both a law firm and a property management company, both of which were doing business with the state.

The shakedown at the law firm was in the form of obviously recorded telephone calls placed by McCord, between April 18 and May 6, 2014. "[E]ven if I don't win, I'm still the State treasurer for 2 1/2 years," he warned in one of them. "You are going to have the State treasurer looking to screw you," he threatened in another. .

With the property management company, he was peeved that he had not received a promised contribution. He wanted $100,000 and warned this company that he "could take an upside and turn it into a downside here, you know?"

He also had a bundler (campaign worker who solicits and collects campaign contributions from others) warn this firm that the were turning a friend into an enemy and to say things "I don't wanna' say." 

McCord's blatant extortion Pointed agents in the direction of McCord's pals, according to the Inky. It appears this led them in the direction of Fleck, Pawlowski and Vaughn.

44 comments:

Anonymous said...

King Edwin's endorsement of left-wing kook McCord has come back to bite him. Dad's judgement of character sucks. He supported a crook for governor and a snitch for his closest confidante.

Anonymous said...

Ed's not dad's...

Anonymous said...

"In the fullness of time . . . you will have a lot to write about."

The epitaph of Ed's political career.
One shovelful of BS at a time.

Anonymous said...

Don't forget Pawlowski ally Rep. McNeil who marches to the orders and endorsements he is given. This is still not close to over.

Anonymous said...

Good reporting, Bernie.

Anonymous said...

Nice work in piecing together the pieces. I've assumed Abe A is also cooperating like Fleck in light of statements he's made, esp. severalbodd statements when the "Fleck you" scandal broke.

Anonymous said...

"McCord's blatant extortion Pointed agents in the direction of McCord's pals, according to the Inky. It appears this led them in the direction of Fleck, Pawlowski and Vaughn." Opinion, fact, or speculation?

Anonymous said...

Would love to hear more about the Lehigh Valley political elite and their beach houses on the Jersey Shore. Word is McNeil is one of them. In fairness he is not alone. When did these guys get these place and how does a politico put together the cash to do it?

Anonymous said...

McDermott's name will come up frequently as this saga unfolds.
Keep your eyes on him.

Anonymous said...

Schlossberg is going to be used as chump change in the first round of wheeling and dealing for plea bargains.
McDermotts a hacks hack, a slime ball spinmeister and less successful boot licker from the Fleck Factory. He's deeply damaged goods.

Anonymous said...

So, if I read this correctly, Pawlowski is tied into the McCord investigation. An investigation that is snaring other names and business participants along the way. Does this mean the shady appearance of the NIZ operation is NOT the real focus of Pawlowski's contracts behavior investigation?

That would be too bad. The NIZ management goes WAY beyond cozy. It's almost surreal.

Anonymous said...

Joe McDermott.
Interesting that you too thought he was something for the city. Others did too.
Doesn't he now run his own public relations firm and posts publicity about city events?

Anonymous said...

Is this Rep. McNeil?
McNeil

Anonymous said...

Make no mistake about it, NIZ Inc. is in the cross hairs.
Will they get to the ASD and CACLV next?

Anonymous said...

browne the boozer and his excuse for a mate are shaking in their boots. No booze in jail

Anonymous said...

McDermotts a hacks hack, a slime ball spinmeister and less successful boot licker from the Fleck Factory. He's deeply damaged goods.

5:28 AM

Joe was a very nice guy 20 years. Suspect he may have lost his McCall job and how to make a living and support his family may have taken a toll.

Anonymous said...

McDermott had taken t his new role with enthusiasm and was ready and eager to attack and diminish anyone who stood in his clients path. He deserves nothing but contempt.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Joe McDermott used to pepper this blog frequently with comments defending Fed Ed's gentrification, and disparaging his critics by likening them to the same people who worry about the black helicopters. McDermott and Nerl have both been used to create good will with The Morning Call and to spin stories. For example, when Mayor Hozza was trashed over asbestos, that was Nerl. I know bc he tried to spin me, too. Also, the Syrian flag nonsense was Nerl. This all backfired.

Bernie O'Hare said...

", Pawlowski is tied into the McCord investigation. An investigation that is snaring other names and business participants along the way. Does this mean the shady appearance of the NIZ operation is NOT the real focus of Pawlowski's contracts behavior investigation?"

I suspect that what is being investigated in official corruption, which can take many forms. The McCord matter led the feds to Allentown and reading.

Anonymous said...

Neri preformed like a hack......McDermott like a thug. He was in the ultimate back rooms when the dirtiest deals were made. He was willing to dish any amount of dirt.

Chris Casey said...

Looks like Sam Ruchlewicz may have been the "Bundler" in this operation. That is just conjecture on my part, but he was Mike's right hand man.

Anonymous said...

Mr. McDermott was the bad PR Cop in this operation. Mr. Jennings was the good PR Cop.
They both played their roles with unbridled relish.
I don't see a dimes difference between the two of them.

Chris Casey said...

If McCord was the start of it, then the Feds showed extraordinary patience it rooting out all the possible trails. Even more amazing is that Ed launched a Senate campaign AFTER McCord came clean. Did Ed really think he would escape unscathed? If so, That is the epitome of self delusion and inflated ego.

monkey momma said...

I am told by my federal employee friend that the FBI is notoriously awful at bringing these investigations to a close. And, I was told that if they already had the evidence, the raid wouldn't have been necessary in the first place. What do you (Bernie and readers) think?

Bernie O'Hare said...

Monkey Momma, Raids like those in Allentown and Reading are highly unusual and are undertaken only if there already is good reason to believe that criminal activity is afoot. I believe the feds are seeking evidence to corroborate what already is on tape, as well as what they have been told by informants and cooperating witnesses.

Anonymous said...

This is a tough one to call, monkey momma. I read someplace else, such raids are undertaken BECAUSE enough evidence was in hand. In that, once the raid is conducted, everyone becomes overly cautious.

I'm beginning to believe the raid was because of McCord, not Pawlowski, although Pawlowski actions of his own could have been exposed. So, does the FBI run with newly discovered suspicions about Allentown politics? I guess, only time will tell.

With all of his "double secret informers," Bernie should help jump in here!

Anonymous said...

Bernie already did!

(the man needs to get a real job)

Anonymous said...

Upon further thought, because McCord already pled guilty last February, maybe the additional evidence gathered by the Reading and Allentown raids was to use in charging other parties. Hmmm.

Anonymous said...

It's time to revisit NIZ legislation. Aside from the opportunity for corruption, there's no way the money can be repaid by cities like Reading, Harrisburg, and Allentown. Politicians get fat. Developers and connected companies get fat. Taxpayers get the bill.

Anonymous said...

Two key details about McCord must not be overlooked: (1) his most ardent supporter was notorious UFCW Local 1776 chieftain Wendell Young IV, and (2) his key adviser was former Congressman Joe Sestak's now-deceased brother, Richard Sestak. Want to know what's really going on? THIS is the angle that you must explore...

Anonymous said...

Yadda yadda, whatever. What's the latest on the RAV4?

Anonymous said...

3:30 - and those two operated in Allentown and Reading?

Bernie O'Hare said...

3:30, That is an angle, but by no means the only one.

Anonymous said...

Let's hope the FBI keeps digging.

Anonymous said...

The NIZ is a done deal. Dream on haters. The guys involved are fine. You can hate and dream because you're not doers but losers.

Enjoying my hickey this Fall. Maybe you can protest outside in the cold.

Doc Rock said...

Anonymous Anonymous said...
The NIZ is a done deal. Dream on haters. The guys involved are fine. You can hate and dream because you're not doers but losers.

Enjoying my hickey this Fall. Maybe you can protest outside in the cold.

Hickeys? They have hickeys in the NIZ? Are we taxpayers footing the bill for that, too?

Bernie O'Hare said...

I think Mrs. Hickey would be upset to learn that someone else is enjoying Mr. Hickey, if indeed that is possible. He's as mean as cat shit, almost as bad as I.

Anonymous said...

"I think Mrs. Hickey would be upset to learn that someone else is enjoying Mr. Hickey"

She is a smart woman. I am sure she is use to it by now.

Anonymous said...

Pawlowski is not a crook!

Anonymous said...

Pawlowski is a crook and it will be proved in court.

C'mon Eddy boy, nothing better to do than attempt to clear your wrong doings?

Anonymous said...

Wait till they depose Joyce M.
She was witness to the beginning and has some 'splaning to do to the Grand Jury.

Anonymous said...

The Democrat Party must not be negatively affected by any of this. Entirely too much has been invested. It is those evil Republicans who do not care. The Democrat Party earned their street cred eons ago. I can't stand these racist haters who just don't like progress in the 21st Century.

Pawlowski is so not a crook, it is not even funny.

Anonymous said...

Between Brown, Fleck, Riley and Pawlowski there is plenty of blame to go around asshole.

Anonymous said...

J Drobnyk and D Nerl past and present spinmeisters both from the MC. More about those two later.