tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post8605197552637529184..comments2024-03-28T20:55:25.057-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Lehigh County Commissioner Applicants On the Hot SeatBernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-45078798294397252572008-03-22T15:25:00.000-04:002008-03-22T15:25:00.000-04:00One example BO is Mike Dowd. He likes to throw ar...One example BO is Mike Dowd. He likes to throw around his cleric deal in public. Yet he has let some brutal things go on as Council President when he could have taken a stand.<BR/>Cafeteria Christianity, a beautiful thing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-59153059538179911382008-03-22T10:28:00.000-04:002008-03-22T10:28:00.000-04:00I retain my reservations about Jones. I do think h...I retain my reservations about Jones. I do think he's a smoothie. I freely admit a bias against clerics of any religion in governmental bodies. I am particularly bothered by an evangenlical bc those folks are ALWAYS trying to win new customers.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-59657619869861587892008-03-22T10:05:00.000-04:002008-03-22T10:05:00.000-04:00geoff, i have rethought my comments concerning jon...geoff, i have rethought my comments concerning jones. if pastor jones has the credibility to be involved with a faith based organization or church, obviously their impression is hugely more significant than mine. my apology to the pastor.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-82673774495912913912008-03-21T22:00:00.000-04:002008-03-21T22:00:00.000-04:00Anon 9:52, I freely admit that Jones gives me the ...Anon 9:52, <BR/><BR/>I freely admit that Jones gives me the willies. It might be anti-Christian bigotry, as you note. But I think it is more anti-hypocrite. Remember how Jesus dissed those Pharisees? Well, Jones reminded me of one. He spent a lot of time saying very little. Where did he graduate? Do you know? He's been an ordained minister for 16 years, so i'd like to know where he went to college and the seminary. If you know, let me know.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-63963305106527659592008-03-21T21:52:00.000-04:002008-03-21T21:52:00.000-04:00If one was to be fair and objective and without an...If one was to be fair and objective and without anti-christian bigotry, regarding the performance of the 5 candidates interviewed on Wednesday night, Mr. Jones was by far the top performer. He was articulate, substantive, forthright, his life experiences impressive and his desire to bring the value of his expertise to the Board of Commissioners an exciting prospect. Mrs. Wilt, though certainly competent, and very nervous, came in a distant second. The other candidates...well..unfortunately..are just not ready for prime-time. Like Smart Blonde, I trust the County Commissioners will see it that way too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-17225755131674311512008-03-21T13:39:00.000-04:002008-03-21T13:39:00.000-04:00How on Earth can people have reservations about Wi...How on Earth can people have reservations about Wilt because she works for Boscola? Kurt Derr, the man who held the 3rd district seat, was liked by everyone and he was (and still is) Boscola's district Chief of Staff while being a commissioner. Why the contradiction?<BR/><BR/>I love how people on this blog think they actually know a person, or have the inside track. Or they're negative just to be negative. Because God forbid there might be some decent people in our government.<BR/><BR/>Stop with the contradictions people. If you want the same kind of leadership that you got with Derr, then the commissioners should put Wilt on the board.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-81416026786080198402008-03-21T11:10:00.000-04:002008-03-21T11:10:00.000-04:00geoff, interesting that you mention michael donova...geoff, interesting that you mention michael donovan, i think he may have great potential, but sometimes asking questions is not enough. i get into this not to demean michael d., but as an example of the difference in my philosophy, and that which you are espousing. i asked city council to repeal the home inspection law, which would have been administered by person with a history of code violations if not for the morning call report. michael d. called for a study committee. while the committee meets for the next 6 months, how many elderly are having improvements mandated by the city which they never enjoyed in their years of being taxpaying homeowners? in regard to the parking authority michael d. is asking questions, but meanwhile voted with all the others to declare the lot used by the verizon workers as excess, next week they will vote to sell it, even if donovan votes no. my point is unless you stand up, act out and speak out, it's not enough. again, my intention is not to criticize mr. donovan, you(geoff) noted him as example of how you think change should be effected. i'm suggesting that approach is too passive, especially when dealing with a steamroller administration which puts things in effect almost overnight.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-42195672313043747912008-03-21T09:53:00.000-04:002008-03-21T09:53:00.000-04:00Geoff, According to my doodle,s Jones said he was ...Geoff, According to my doodle,s Jones said he was was ordained 16 years ago. Have a great weekend yourself. it was nice to see you Wednesday evening.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-86374560894256468802008-03-21T09:32:00.000-04:002008-03-21T09:32:00.000-04:00I'm not touching any of that last conversation, bu...I'm not touching any of that last conversation, but I'll respond to Mike's questions about Jones.<BR/><BR/>All of this is my recollection from Weds night. I didn't take notes so Bernie can correct me if necessary (he was either doodling frantically or take copioius notes):<BR/><BR/>If I remember correctly he stated he has been ordained for either 6 or 16 years. He is the executive pastor of his church. You don't get the title pastor from a church without being ordained. <BR/><BR/>The business experience he cited was in Human Resouces at the company you mentioned. He was one of their traveling trainers. When he described his career switch, he said he wanted to develop people for purpose, not profits. <BR/><BR/>All of this was done on Weds. I believe it would be considered, "on record." I haven't looked at resumes and am basing everything on what I saw and heard.<BR/><BR/>BTW, I respect your pursuit of truth Mike, I just dont' think you utilize the truth as you see it (it's worth admitting that world views impact what we see as "the truth") effectively. My mom always told me, "it's not what you say, it's how you say it." In politics, especially when you are trying to affect change, how you say it is just as important as what you say. This is why I hold Michael Donnavan in high esteem. <BR/><BR/>Have a great weekend everybody.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-91484188293554792792008-03-21T09:23:00.000-04:002008-03-21T09:23:00.000-04:00If trying to get the facts right is doing a hatche...If trying to get the facts right is doing a hatchet job, you got me. When Casey found out where I was coming from, he removed his post immediately, which was the right thing to do under the circumstances. He and I were on the same page. If you interpret this as some kind of personal assault against Casey, you are seriously mistaken. <BR/><BR/>You claim that if I knew who you were, I would have dimed you out long ago. I do know who you are. I do know where you work. I have never done anything to interfere with your desire to remain anonymous, although that says it all. <BR/><BR/>I've wasted enough time explaining things to you. I have other things to do.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-61092647000471946592008-03-21T09:01:00.000-04:002008-03-21T09:01:00.000-04:00You keep working on rationalizing that hatchet job...You keep working on rationalizing that hatchet job you did on Chris Bernie, if it makes you feel better, I'm sure Senator McCarthy found it easy to rationalize discrediting his rivals and opponents as communists, while calling them Americans. You are right, we aren't friends, and never will be.addictedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11110289650559232806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-1863253491450760192008-03-20T23:28:00.000-04:002008-03-20T23:28:00.000-04:00Addicted,Let's get as few things straight. While I...Addicted,<BR/><BR/>Let's get as few things straight. While I agree this is minor stuff in the grand scheme, I resent your reference to county commissioners as pissants. I resent the suggestion that I'm on my knees. As I said, personal attacks like that just diminish you and you lose credibility as a result. <BR/><BR/>As far as this supposed slight against Casey is concerned, I betrayed no trust and acted as a friend. Anyone who informs you to the contrary is misleading you. <BR/><BR/>Last week, both of us met with different people who claimed to have the goods on KE. The person I spoke to actually went so far as to tell me that he had once deliberately spread lies about a public figure. My question to this person was how could I trust anything he said to me. <BR/><BR/>People were talking to Casey, too, making certain claims about the improper use of city computers to campaign, blog and conduct private business. Serious stuff. If true, the person responsible should be blasted. <BR/><BR/>Before he posted his blog, Casey asked me a question, and I specifically told him about one of his suggestions, "That's pretty weak." I specifically told Chris, <EM>"I think you need to produce an email sent from Easterling that shows Allentown's IP. You have not done so. If you have that, you're fine. If you don't, you're not. You probably should list the IP for Allentown and note that Easterling's email comes from that IP."</EM><BR/><BR/>I sent him this email before he posted his blog. Unfortunately, Chris' blog was just an accusation with no specifics and a link to some IP finder site. <BR/><BR/>After I saw his blog, I was doing my own write-up about the interviews that would occur that week, and I decided to check the emails I had rec'd from KE myself last Fall. The IPs were not city IPs and I noted that and it appeared to contradict Casey's assertion. I asked him for proof, which should be relatively easy. I called KE, who told me his attorney was the person who told him about the post. He went ballistic and denied the chargers completely, stating he would be "fired on the spot" if he did that sort of thing and that there are "policies" against that. <BR/><BR/>Then Casey called me and told me I was on the "right track" because my IPs matched his. Well, if that is so, then he was definitely set up bc those were KE's home PC. <BR/><BR/>When Casey realized this, he had his post deleted, told me he would call KE to apologize and publish a retraction the next day. That was fine with me. I was certain that Casey had acted in good faith and that was the end of it in my mind. <BR/><BR/>But the next day, I discovered I was a back-stabber and the subject of a blog that vilified me as Satan incarnate. Well, I never stabbed anyone in the back. I had given my friend my best advice before he posted his blog. When I realized it might be defamatory, I warned him immediately so he could do the right thing. Incidentally, he has asked me on many occasions to warn him if he has gone over the line. I did so as a friend. <BR/><BR/>We all make mistakes. I do it all the time, and am constantly being corrected. I never intended to hurt Casey. My sole goal was to see that our facts are right. <BR/><BR/>You say that I want to be the only person with an inside scoop. That's absurd. This is blogging, not the news business. If I get an inside scoop, we all benefit. That's the way the blogosphere works. You know this. If someone like Pam or Chris or Molovinsky has an inside scoop, I benefit. To be honest, I wish your blog had a few more inside scoops. I wish I had a few more. <BR/><BR/>The claim that I just want "power" is equally absurd. Actually, I just like to write. I like to talk about local politics and find things out bc I'm old and know a lot of people. It's nothing special. But the stories I like the most are the ones having nothing to do with politics. I have no political ambition, no wealth and a few friends. I consider Chris one of them, and would never knowingly hurt him. In this incident, he may have hurt himself, and I tried to help him. <BR/><BR/>Incidentally, I sent the blog written by Warren - the one that vilified me - to Casey. He denied everything that Warren had written except for Warrren's charge that I like Dent, and I do. I also like Cunningham, Callahan, Brennan, Grucela, Rendell and many other Dems. <BR/><BR/>So far as I know, Casey and I are friends. So far as I know, he does not consider me a backstabber and denies making that accusation. <BR/><BR/>I will say this much. Without him on your blog, it will die a slow death. And that will not help me but hurt me. In case you haven't noticed, the blogs feed off of each other. <BR/><BR/>Casey and I are friends. His decision to leave LVPoliblog probably had a lot more to do with you than me. <BR/><BR/>You and I are not friends.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-56355376793150456622008-03-20T22:04:00.000-04:002008-03-20T22:04:00.000-04:00Said anonymous: Pearson Has an impressive resume o...Said anonymous: Pearson Has an impressive resume of community service, but I have reservations about his ability to function in the commissioner role.<BR/><BR/>Would anonymous explain his or her reservations about Pearson's ability to function in the Commissioner role.<BR/><BR/>Seems like a red herring statement to me.<BR/><BR/>Pearson has learned a lot in his lifetime from informal and formal education. Why is there a denial of this. Why must he be subject to so much false analysis.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-27825963129844123902008-03-20T21:18:00.000-04:002008-03-20T21:18:00.000-04:00bernie, i'm not sure that stating someone(easterli...bernie, i'm not sure that stating someone(easterling) may have to recuse himself is an attack. the majority of people posting here do so anonymously with your blessing, why can't one of the applicants. father o'hare, you have pardoned kevin of all questions, with better answers than he even provided, so with your permission, i will recluse myself, at least for the evening.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-67965430639051029802008-03-20T21:17:00.000-04:002008-03-20T21:17:00.000-04:00I diminish myself, Mr. O'Hare? You offer a slanted...I diminish myself, Mr. O'Hare? You offer a slanted opinion, and I'm the one who is diminished? All I asked was legitimate questions, on issues floating about that I haven't received honest answers about from anyone. If Dennis Pearson is posting anonymously, then shame on him, but I have no doubt what soever that you would run down to easterling's house and reveal who I am if you knew.<BR/> It's all about the power with you, you revel in hurting people, and now you want to be the only person with any "inside" scoop.<BR/><BR/> For all your pontificating, the earth will not stop spinning no matter who gets appointed. We are all just inconsequential little cogs, discussing the appointment of a minor level pissant in the great order of things. <BR/> You are on your knees, slurping away at Easterling, and God only knows what your reasons are.<BR/> So who is next on your hit list?<BR/> Casey trusted you, I will never make that mistake. looks like I'm next on your agenda. We are on to you Bernie, and you will regret burning all these bridges.addictedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11110289650559232806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-35667222557334202862008-03-20T21:15:00.000-04:002008-03-20T21:15:00.000-04:00Bernie -I don't really have a dog in this hunt, bu...Bernie -<BR/><BR/>I don't really have a dog in this hunt, but I'll throw in my 2 cents:<BR/><BR/>Easterling: Seems like a good guy, but I do have a problem with someone who works for one government becoming an elected official in another - especially where things are as intertwined as Allentown and Lehigh County. <BR/><BR/>Although he is being elected from a district representing Allentown, I do feel (if appointed) he would have a duty to also represent the interests of all county taxpayers. As a city employee, he is being paid to do what is best for the city. There seems to be an inherent conflict here, and he would have to recuse himself from far too many issues to remain impartial.<BR/><BR/>Pearson: Has an impressive resume of community service, but I have reservations about his ability to function in the commissioner role.<BR/><BR/>Jones: I have the same reservations about him as you do, because of his ties to the church.<BR/><BR/>Wilt: Don't know anything about her, but I have reservations about her employment with Boscola in the same manner I have reservations about Easterling.<BR/><BR/>The other guy: The fact I cannot remember his name says it all.<BR/><BR/>By the way, I feel your use of the prior election results is not as relevant as you believe. The others were not on the ballot, so I don't think a meaningful comparison can be made.<BR/><BR/>Again, just my 2 cents, for what it's worth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-44995971544703906862008-03-20T20:40:00.000-04:002008-03-20T20:40:00.000-04:00I think Sen.B is putting tremendous pressure on th...I think Sen.B is putting tremendous pressure on these guys to put another one of her folks in office.<BR/>I have always felt you should work for what you want. Easteling ran so I say he gets it. Or Pearon. I think Wilt will get it due to Boscola pressure but it's not a gift that should be bestowed.<BR/>I'm surprised at your remarks on Jones and Pearson.<BR/><BR/>Your amigo Stoffa is a weird bird and he also uses lots of words and actions to say and do very little.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-1326829703456601612008-03-20T20:07:00.000-04:002008-03-20T20:07:00.000-04:00Easterling says he might have to recluse himself o...<EM>Easterling says he might have to recluse himself on City of Allentown Recreation issues. Well Keck Park was an issue that the County was once involved with. The Third County District would receive poor representation if Kevin would have to recluse himself from that issue if it should arise again.</EM><BR/><BR/>Dennis, I take a dim view of a candidate for office signing on anonymously to attack another candidate. You have sent me emails and the IP that goes w/ this comment matches the IP from your emails. (216.193.128.24) (enter.net) If you want to say something negative, be honest and identify yourself. Don't play games here. So far, the only one who is clearly being dishonest is you. <BR/><BR/>Incidentally, it's "recuse," not "recluse."Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-4174202738255771292008-03-20T19:39:00.000-04:002008-03-20T19:39:00.000-04:00Addicted,You just diminish yourself when you engag...Addicted,<BR/><BR/>You just diminish yourself when you engage in those petty personal attacks. I respect Michael, Smart Blond, Geoff and even that anonymous "employee who cares." They've kept this conversation on a high level. They don't debase themselves like you just did. I won't respond to that garbage. <BR/><BR/>Many of your questions have been raised and answered over the past few weeks. Some were even answered last night. But let me summarize. <BR/><BR/>1) After speaking to everyone involved, I don't think anything happened at ABC that is relevant to Easterling's current application. Easterling filed a small claim and was paid a sum of money. That would not have happened unless there was some merit in Easterling's claim. <BR/><BR/>2) Voter registration. Easterling never had a problem until last year, when he renewed his license. When he attempted to vote in the primary, he found out he was in the wrong district. he filed the forms to correct that situation, but it was still screwed up in November. That could and does happen to many people. It has happened to me. it sometimes takes a little while to straighten those things out. That is a nonissue, and Dougherty pretty much said as much.<BR/><BR/>3) Is Easterling habitually late? I presume you're asking about his taxes, and my impression is that this is an aberration. If I am wrong, then someone will point it out. But that does not bother me as much as it bothers others. Easterling is not a wealthy man, and sometimes does not have the money to pay all his bills on time. last time I checked, that's no crime. I no plenty of good people who have trouble making ends meet. I'm one of them.<BR/><BR/>4) Easterling's current position. I have no credible reason to believe that Easterling is doing anything other than an outstanding job in his current position. I do know some people who interact with him and they adore him. <BR/><BR/>5) Budget experience. Easterling has worked on budgets between $500k and $2MM. Compared to heavyweights like Browning or Dougherty, he's a piker. But I like his heart and passion and thinks he will bring a perspective to that board that has never been seen before in the LV. <BR/><BR/>6) Pat answers. Easterling is no smoothie. I watched Dean Browning chop him into pieces last night and several times. <BR/><BR/>7) If you think Pearson is the best choice for the job, that's fine. He's my third choice. I prefer the cnadidate who already got more votes in that district than 3 of the 4 commissioners elected in November. <BR/><BR/>8) The Rs can't tell the Ds who they are voting for. that would require them to caucus in violation of the Sunshine Act. Everything is being done out in the open, and no stom\nes have been left unturned for any of the candidates. no one is getting a pass. <BR/><BR/>9) If I were the shill you claim I am, I'd be rooting for Dennis. He will be a weak candidate and will be easily defeated by any R but Ron Shegda in a district that should be Democratic.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-69333392213614869122008-03-20T18:54:00.000-04:002008-03-20T18:54:00.000-04:00Easterling says he might have to recluse himself o...Easterling says he might have to recluse himself on City of Allentown Recreation issues. Well Keck Park was an issue that the County was once involved with. The Third County District would receive poor representation if Kevin would have to recluse himself from that issue if it should arise again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-85433300916644371162008-03-20T18:44:00.000-04:002008-03-20T18:44:00.000-04:00Michael, I agree with your views regarding Jones. ...Michael, I agree with your views regarding Jones. He fails to impress me. But he impressed both Geoff and Smart Blonds. <BR/><BR/>As far as being an ordained minister is concerned, his resume does not show that anywhere. You are correct. But in his statement to the commissioners last night, Jones said he's been an ordained minister for the past 16 years. <BR/><BR/>I confess that I am by nature leery of clerics, with the exception of Rev. Dowd. Perhaps I've judged him too harshly. <BR/><BR/>Also, I think Geoff makes a very good poinst when he suggests that others should speak up. I'm still willing to listen. Why would the commissioners be any different?Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-88489312654137411112008-03-20T17:39:00.000-04:002008-03-20T17:39:00.000-04:00geoff, there is nothing in jones' resume that stat...geoff, there is nothing in jones' resume that states he is an ordained minister, do you have information beyond that? I assume he worked for Averydennison, but exactly what position he last held is also obscure. i'm not asking these questions to demean the man, but you stated he is an ordained minister with a "ton" of business experience. i see a resume very strong on suggestion but lacking facts, furthermore he was evasive when bernie asked about his proper clergy title.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-32966553034785096842008-03-20T17:18:00.000-04:002008-03-20T17:18:00.000-04:00geoff and bernie, i suggest that at this point th...geoff and bernie, i suggest that at this point the commissioners have individually decided who they support, i didn't mean to imply they have already decided as a group. i find the concept of testimonials absurd. geoff, jones has only returned to the area three years ago. in my very short conversation with him i found his answers evasive, the commissioners purpose is the county business, personality and inspiration is for the executive branch. geoff, i'm not interested in politics as you know it, i tell truth, bluntly, as i see it.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-17118704860844519032008-03-20T16:41:00.000-04:002008-03-20T16:41:00.000-04:00I never thought I would see the day that I would h...I never thought I would see the day that I would have an agreement with Mike Molovinsky, But maybe Warren is right, you will shill for anybody who makes you feel important and enables your need to be the "king" Mr. O'Hareaddictedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11110289650559232806noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-61005542714221742602008-03-20T16:37:00.000-04:002008-03-20T16:37:00.000-04:00I've noticed from the comments that answering any ...I've noticed from the comments that answering any questions about Easterling is ignored. What happened at ABC? Silence is deafening from the know it all blogger. How about some more in depth information? Does Easterling has a habit of being late? Then it is relevant. Wht did he wait more than one election to fix his voting address?<BR/> Part of holding office is paying attention to detail. Has he done that in his recreation job? I can't compare that to examining a multi million dollar budget. Easterling has so many questions, and pat answers, almost like the "snake oil salesman" you categorized Jones to be. Why is he getting a pass? Can't the R's tell the D's who they are willing to vote for, to negate an impasse and embarassing disagreement? <BR/> I disagree with Geoff and his premise. I think no matter who we get, we may lose. At least Dennis Pearson has no ties to the political establishment, and I like that about him.addictedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11110289650559232806noreply@blogger.com