Pa CD-7: Both GOP Candidates Pledge Allegiance to Flag ... and Trump

Marty Nothstein (L) and Dean Browning (R)

Last night, Republicans Dean Browning and Marty Nothstein participated in their one and only debate at Palmer Tp's Brown and Lynch American Legion before about 100 angry Republicans fueled by free meatballs and soft drinks (booze was available, but these are Republicans) First, they all solemnly participated in a heartfelt prayer from Bob Kilbanks, who really whipped himself into a frenzy. After that, the mood was still somber as the Pledge of Allegiance was piously recited by outdoorsman Teg Hughes, who humanely traps and removes skunks and other vermin for businesses and schools. (He never got me).  A 21-gun salute had also been planned, but had to be canceled when it dawned on organizers that the audience might mistake it as an attack from Mexico and respond by blasting away with the guns that each and every one of them was secretly carrying.What followed was a night in which both Browning and Nothstein took turns repeating another kind of Pledge of Allegiance, except this one was to Donald Trump.

Sharbell Koorie (Daddy's Place) was the DJ

My impression is that Browning was more polished and prepared than Nothstein. For example, Nothstein was unable to say what legislative initiatives he'd propose if he won, explaining that he's concentrating on getting elected first  It's bizarre that someone would run for the legislature and have no idea what measures he'd like to promote when he gets there. But Nothstein won the debate. He was better at going for the throat than Browning and had better one-liners.

Believe it or not, stark differences between these two candidates emerged during a lightning round conducted by GOP Chair Lee Snover. I suspect this is an idea she stole from the NextGen America debate conducted a few weeks earlier by the Democrats. Asked to name country music stars, Nothstein rattled off a few names. Browning was stumped. This drew some gasps. That's almost as bad as taking the knee during the national anthem. This continued when Nothstein said he went to Emmaus High School, while Browning mentioned one in Ohio. What really did Browning in was where he gets his coffee. Nothstein said wherever he could, while Browning answered Starbucks. Brown and Lynch nearly lynched Browning after that response. Nothstein got Ron Angle's vote and a few laughs when he said his favorite talk show host is Ron Angle.

His Eminence, Ron Angle, was my
bodyguard (photo stolen from Ed White) 

Nothstein's competitive fire erupted at times during the debate. Right off the bat, he corrected a moderator who mispronounced his name, in a touch of arrogance  That hurt him a little. But he nailed Browning later, when candidates were permitted to question each other.

Browning, in negative mailers, has repeatedly associated Nothstein with Wayne Woodman. Wayne is a gazillionaire and a Republican who has low regard  for Donald Trump and never supported him. Browning noted that 20% of Nothstein's money comes from Woodman family members. He asked why Nothstein would take this money from someone who despises The Donald.

Nothstein answered that he and Woodman have many differences, and Trump is one of them. But, as he explained, "You're running against me, not Wayne Woodman."  He called attempts to tie him to Woodman "guilt by association." "My opponent has Wayne on the brain," he said to laughter.

Browning and Woodman have been enemies for years, and I suspect this colored Browning's judgment. He really does have Wayne on the brain.

The meatballs flowed freely

When it was Nothstein's turn to question Browning, he hammered him. He noted that Browning has contributed significant sums to moderate Republicans over the years. People like John Boehner, John McCain, Mitch McConnell and Charlie Dent. "How can you say you're going to drain the swamp when you feed the swamp?" he asked.

"I haven't given to Dent in some time," answered Browning.

"2016?" Nothstein continued, noting that Dent has received $20,000 from Browning over the years.

All Browning could say at this point was that he is "extremely disappointed" in Dent.

Browning also fell flat at another point in the debate, when he accused Nothstein of  "going around in circles, like in a bicycle race." 

Nobody laughed.

Instead, Nothstein dismissed Browning's shot by saying he'd race him.

Both candidates insisted they were early Trump supporters, but both admitted that they initially supported Ted Cruz. Nothstein said he could "be trusted" to vote with Trump while Browning called the orange Wonder "our last best chance."

LWV debate - Candidates were questioned about the League of Women Voters debate, scheduled for tonight, that Nothstein decided to boycott. "I oppose blatant gerrymandering," he explained, but said the lawsuit should have been filed sooner. He added that the LWV supports too many liberal issues. "It would not be a fair debate," he concluded.

Browning called the new districts a blatant overreach by the Supreme Court But he said that the republican candidate has to draw some independent and Democratic votes to win. "We do not serve ourselves well by preaching to the choir," he argued.

Speaker of the House. - "I can tell you who I don't want to be Speaker of the House, and that's Nancy Pelosi," said Browning, which resulted in the largest cheers he received.

DACA.- Both oppose DACA until a wall is in place and sanctuary cities are abolished. Even then, Browning would refuse to grant citizenship. Nothstein would grant it.

$20 trillion debt.- Congress has been "kicking the can down the road" with increased spending, said Nothstein. "America does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem," he concluded.Browning said "[w]e need to stop spending more than we take in revenue." His solution is zero-based budgeting and a reform of social security disability, which he claims has tripled.

Border Security. - Nothstein argues that weak borders have led to increased drugs and human trafficking. Browning explained that enhanced security could be attained by freezing the funding  to sanctuary cities.

Special interests. - Both candidates  said the best way to avoid the influence of  special interests is by getting in and getting out. Browning pledged to serve no more than three terms. Nothstein said he would not be around for long.

Comey. - Both said the former FBI Director should be prosecuted and jailed.

Rising Student Debt. - "Nothing is free in this life," said Browning. He'd resolve the problem by removing the federal guarantee. Nothstein said he'd push for lower loan rates. He said many people should consider a trade as opposed to a college education. "We need more welders and not philosophy majors," he observed.

Abortion. - Neither candidate supports Planned Parenthood. Browning is opposed to abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Nothstein appears to be absolutely opposed. "I will fight for unborn children every single day," he vowed.

School shootings. - Both are opposed to increased gun control, except Nothstein would support a ban on bumpstocks. Both agree the real problem is mental health, and Browning said federal law should be relaxed to permit more accurate background checks. Both oppose raising the age to own forearms to 21. Nothstein asked, "You can fight for us, but can't go to Dick's Sporting Goods to buy a firearm?" Both oppose bans on assault style rifles.

Obamacare. - Both support a full repeal.

Both Republican candidates appear to be very conservative and well organized. Unfortunately, Democrats are spending their money fighting each other.

Sparks Fly Between Gang of Four and Dean Browning

As a bottom-feeding blogger, I pick up a lot of pointers from dueling news releases. That's what happened yesterday. Miffed by a recent Dean Browning mailer, the Gang of Four took potshots at Browning yesterday. I'll give them both to you, in their entirety.

Gang of Four:

Allentown, PA – Republican Lehigh County Commissioner Dean Browning came under fire this week from a team of GOP candidates who say Browning's claims in four recent mass mailings stand in contrast with his behavior during the budget votes last October.

The team -- Scott Ott, Vic Mazziotti, Lisa Scheller and David Najarian -- noted that Browning's statements "contradict his actions" and "vary substantially" from actual budget figures. [Information to verify the team's statement is available from budgets and meeting minutes at the county website: www.LehighCounty.org ]

Browning's mailer, sent to likely primary-voting Republicans, said he believes "the only way to jump-start our economy" is through "lower taxes" and "less spending." Yet, as the reform team members point out, Browning was the sole Republican to vote with Democrats against a motion to eliminate the 16-percent tax hike. At that same meeting on October 27, 2010, Browning again voted with Democrats against cutting $350,000 from the spending plan. The cuts Browning voted down would have trimmed 3/10ths of one percent of the county-tax-funded portion of the budget, or about 30 cents from every $100 in spending.

As a result of Browning's votes, County Executive Don Cunningham's original budget, with its 16-percent tax hike, passed by default.

The reform team also challenged Browning's claim to have "cut spending."

Vic Mazziotti, a candidate who recently retired as Chief Financial Officer of Northampton County, said, "the spending in the part of the budget the commissioners could control actually grew by just over $11 million from 2008 to 2011, during the time Dean Browning says he was cutting spending."

Candidate David Najarian, a Lynn Township Supervisor with experience rolling back taxes, said, "when politicians say they're cutting spending, they usually mean they're reducing the projected rate of increase. But normal people know that, to actually cut spending, the budget has to be smaller when you're done cutting than it was when you started."

Lisa Scheller, president and CEO of a Tamaqua-based global manufacturing firm, said, "Browning should know better than to say such things to the primary voters; the most committed, knowledgeable Republicans. When we go to home gatherings and other campaign events, people ask us how Dean can say that stuff. I tell them that it is like the tax increase. Dean can say he voted against it, while in fact he guaranteed a 16% tax increase. Their reactions range from laughter to disgust.”

"Dean knew at least as early as 2009 that taxes would jump by double digits in 2011 unless real cuts were made," said candidate Scott Ott, who has praised Browning in public for his knowledge of the budget. "As smart as he is, his behavior on that budget vote makes no sense. I've come to understand that all of the brains in the world are no substitute for a spine. If a Republican can't fight a tax hike during the worst economic times in generations, when will he do it?"

Dean Browning:

Allentown, April 25, 2011 – The handpicked, party-boss-approved slate of Scott Ott, Lisa Scheller, Vic Mazziotti and Dave Najarian like to talk about cutting taxes and reducing spending, but when asked for specifics about what they would cut, all you get are blank stares and typical political pandering in return, charged conservative businessman and proven reformer Dean Browning today.

"The Ott, Scheller, Mazziotti and Najarian team like to talk about being conservatives and they like to talk about cutting taxes and spending in an attempt to win this election,” said Browning. “But the problem is when reporters or average voters ask them what they plan to cut from county government all you get in return are blank stares and typical political pandering.”

Browning said Lehigh County residents deserve specifics, not sound bites.

“The fact of the matter is that Ott, Scheller, Mazziotti and Najarian have consistently refused to offer any specific cuts or release any detailed plan about what they would do if elected,” continued Browning. “Their entire campaign has been making vague references to ‘studying the budget’ and attacking me. Well, it’s put up or shut up time. They’ve allegedly been studying the budget since it was released last summer and have yet to make a single proposal. People are tired of politicians who are willing to say anything to get elected and refuse to be held accountable.”

Browning challenged the slate’s leader, Scott Ott, to be intellectually honest and state publicly what he’s been saying privately all along – that there was no way to avoid a property tax increase in the 2011 County Budget and that the last minute attempt to send the budget back was little more than a political gimmick meant to shift blame for the property tax increase to County Executive Don Cunningham.

"The truth voters need to hear is that Party Boss Wayne Woodman and his former employee, Scott Ott, cooked up this irresponsible scheme hoping to score political points and neither of them had – nor have – any real plan to reduce spending or lower property taxes”, charged Browning. “When I refused to play games with the county budget and give false hope to county taxpayers by going along with their last-minute gimmick, they decided to challenge me in the primary. In reality, this is all about naked political power – nothing more”.

Browning said he’s got a proven record as a fiscal conservative and is proud to run on it.

"I am a local businessman who has real world experience and a proven record of cutting $14 million in county spending, trimming the county workforce by 75 positions, and reducing the size of county government by taking on powerful public employee union bosses,” said Browning. “I haven't just talked the talk on fiscal conservatism, I’ve walked the walk.”

My Take:

1) Scott Ott claims that, unlike Browning, he has a spine. Really? It seems to me that Ott wants to get rid of Browning precisely because he voted his conscience instead of following the whims of a party boss who has bankrupted his own party.

2) By the way, since when does www.lehighcounty.org substantiate anything?

3) I'd like Ott to explain why he left the Lehigh County GOP high and dry, and whether he plans to bankrupt Lehigh County as well.

Welsh & Browning: The Gang of Two

I've told you about the Gang of Four, which is hellbent on ousting LC Comm'r Dean Browning. But Dean does have fans. The Morning Call's Bill White is one of them. And so is LC Commissioner candidate Mike Welsh. In fact, over a breakfast of spam and eggs yesterday, Mike confessed he'd happily form a Gang of Two with Dean.

Welsh's admiration for Dean Browning goes back to February 2009, when Dean voted against a Don Cunningham plan to save the nearly bankrupt LV Zoo by injecting $525,000 in cash that year, followed by $325,000 over each of the next four years. Browning was willing to give the zoo $200,000 to meet its immediate needs while commissioners and zoo officials worked out a business plan.

The final vote? 7 to 1.

A 10 year-old girl named Ashley killed Dean's plea for fiscal sanity.

"I have no animals at home, only a hamster and a fish. At the zoo, I got to watch a lot of happy faces. If someone closes the zoo, it will make me very sad."

The place was packed with LV Zoo advocates, and Commissioners crumbled. Except Browning. There were no tea party people in the audience. Wayne Woodman was lounging on his yacht in Beverly Hills. Scott "Scrappleface" Ott was at that time more concerned about Rush Limbaugh. Neither stepped foot inside Lehigh County's meeting room.

Browning quietly and amiably voted his conscience, notwithstanding the pressure of special interests.

Mike respected Browning's courage.

Later that year, when Lehigh County was preparing its 2010 budget, Dean Browning proposed cutting $100 thousand in "quality of life" grants for the foo-foos. County Exec Cunningham tipped them off, and this time, instead of a 10 year-old girl, Pip the Mouse came and blasted Browning. He even stuck a little mouse bomb in Browning's car. It just went P-f-f-f-t, but it's the thought that counts.

In addition to Pip, Arts Director Robert Metzgar was so mad his false 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 as a "draconian insane cut." After being repeatedly condemned, Dean Browning finally said, "I get it. I'm a Visigoth barbarian."

Scott Ott was nowhere to be found that night. Perhaps he was doing voice overs for one of his witty essays. Bossman Wayne Woodman was likely livin' the dream, sipping Margaritas on the French Riviera.

Agree or disagree, Browning stuck to his guns, even though he lost. Mike Welsh could see again that Browning was willing to stand by his convictions.

In addition to Browning's political courage, Welsh admires Dean's loyalty. He told me that Dean and his wife stood on street corners for him when he ran for state rep against Jennifer Mann.

"What were they doing, selling their bodies?"

"No, they were holding signs, Bernie."

"Just asking. I'm a journalist, you know."

Courage, loyalty and honesty are character traits that mean something to Mike Welsh. "Your word is everything," he flatly stated.

He also rejected the Woodman-inspired effort to send the 2011 budget back to County Exec Don Cunningham, with instructions for a do-over. "To throw something back at the County Executive for no purpose whatsoever is just not my way."

Mike is employed with AC Thompson Insurance and Financial Services Co in Allentown, and has spent 23 years in the insurance industry. He ran a very spirited campaign against Jennifer Mann a few years ago, and in my opinion, trounced her in several debates. He has also ran for Commissioner against Dan McCarthy in 2009, but tells me his heart wasn't in it because Dan's a "really good guy."

"You didn't vote for him, did you?"

"No."

"Just asking. I'm a journalist, you know."

Mike is hoping the third time is the charm. "I want to make a difference in the lives of every day people." He said he'd support a return to the core functions of County government, mentioning public safety and human services as his top priorities.

Browning To Take on Ott: BiPartisanship Not a Dirty Word

That didn't take long. Conservative and tea party darling Scott Ott announced his bid for Lehigh County Executive on Thursday. But another Republican, Dean Browning, has just announced that he's running, too.

Citing over three decades as a private sector, business executive in Lehigh County and his legislative experience as former Chairman of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, Browning states he is the candidate best prepared to manage and reform Lehigh County’s $360 million budget and 2,000 plus employees.

"I don’t believe compromise and bipartisanship are dirty words,” said Browning, a resident of South Whitehall Township for 26 years, a Lehigh County taxpayer and homeowner for over 30 years, and former Chairman of the Lehigh County Republican Committee.

Browning states that although the role of County Executive requires a candidate who is principled, he shouldn’t view every decision through the narrow lens of their own partisan political ideology.

“Lehigh County is home to 350,000 diverse citizens, who hold different political affiliations and beliefs. The one thing that unites us is that we’re all striving for a more prosperous life for our families and ourselves,” says Browning. “I’m running for Lehigh County Executive with a plan to reform county government so we can balance our budget, foster local job creation and reduce the tax burden, while still providing valuable services for our seniors and support for families that have children with special needs, keeping our neighborhoods and schools safe, and maintaining the local parks, ball fields, open space and bridges that enhance our quality of life and make Lehigh County a great place to live and work.”

In a statement, he outlines four goals.

1. Balance the Budget

Dean will enact spending reforms that balance the county budget, while pursuing responsible tax cuts that don’t add to the deficit, like was done this year.

Browning will link county spending and wages directly to the rate of economic growth in the county, and end the practice of letting spending exceed revenue.

2. Rein in Spending the Right Way

In contrast to taking a battle axe and hacking away $5 million set aside for personnel, Dean will instead implement the findings of a 2011 comprehensive review of county government 2011 that he co-directed, which identifies specific programs and services mandated by the state and those that can be improved, reduced, eliminated or privatized.

Browning will empower Lehigh County taxpayers and voters to approve or reject new county borrowing for large capital projects.

3. Make Lehigh County an Economic Leader

Dean will establish a roundtable of county business leaders and educators to develop and implement a sorely needed strategic vision and plan that develops a skilled workforce and makes Lehigh County a destination for job creators.

Browning will make science and technology and work force development an educational priority so county students are prepared to compete for the jobs of the 21st century, while actively engaging companies and entrepreneurs around the country looking for a place to settle and create jobs and sell them on the benefits of Lehigh County.

4. Enact Term Limits for all County Politicians

Dean is greatly disappointed that the current Board of Commissioners refuses to give county residents the right to enact term limits for all county politicians, despite widespread support for such measures nationally.

Browning will resurrect a plan to put a referendum on the ballot giving voters the ability to limit county politicians to just two, 4-year terms.

Browning also directly confronted the controversial budget showdown that led to his primary defeat two years ago, and said while he hopes for a debate about Lehigh County’s future in the campaign ahead, he expects his primary opponent to dredge up the same misleading attacks again.

“The facts are clear: I never voted for a budget that increased property taxes – and that statement is beyond dispute,” said Browning. “What I did do was vote to reject a Washington, DC-style budget gimmick that even its supporters admitted was all about partisan politics. Unlike them, I just don’t believe it’s ‘conservative’ to call for spending cuts without having the courage to identify what you would actually cut; and I don’t believe it’s ‘conservative’ to pay for tax cuts by driving up the deficit.”

Cunningham Camp Slams Dean Browning's Victory PAC

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."

Browning Answers His Critics

In the days leading up to last week's vote on Executive Don Cunningham's 16.1% tax hike in Lehigh County, Dean Browning was under incredible pressure. GOP Party Boss Wayne Woodman had cooked up a scheme to embarrass Cunningham and send the $390 million budget back to him, along with instructions to return with a zero-tax-increase budget. Glenn "Commissioner No" Eckhart was able to sell this idea to all his Republican colleagues. All except Chairman Dean Browning.

This would have required Cunningham to come up with $14 million more in cuts. During five months of budget review, no Commissioner had even hinted these cuts could be made. The Administrative Committee, chaired by Percy Dougherty, had come up with nothing approaching this figure. They just aren't there, and Republican Commissioners know that better than most. Dean Browning, whose specialty is finance, knows that better than most Republican or Democratic Commissioners.

But Party Boss Woodman had decided to embarrass Cunningham and set up an issue for next year's municipal races, so he had to snap Browning in line. For days, Browning was besieged by phone calls and emails. Threats of retaliation came not just from the tea party crowd, but some mainstream and very well respected bluebloods in the GOP. "Vote with us, or your career is over," was the sentiment.

Browning was also trashed as a "RINO" on Bobby Gunther Walsh's radio program, even when Eckhart tried to step in and point out some of the savings Browning has realized. You can listen to that program below:
Walsh called on his listeners to be there for the vote, and they were.

In the end, Browning voted his conscience, following Edmund Burke's admonition that he owes voters his best judgment, not the dictates of some party boss. "He betrays, instead of serving you, if he sacrifices it to your opinion.”

Browning's courage really moved me. It even impressed Morning Call columnist Bill White, who like me is always much happier when he's ripping into someone.

Blogger Michael Molovinsky, an independent conservative with no love for Cunningham (or anyone, for that matter) is unhappy with Dean's vote. "When you can't find anything to cut out of a $390 million dollar budget, maybe you're not looking very hard." Party Captain Scott Armstrong parrots Molovinsky's complaint, but is more melodramatic. "So, after two months of scrutiny, there is no room for any cuts in the county’s budget? That is what you have to believe to support what happened last Wednesday. This was an epic failure all around."

Neither Blogger Molovinsky nor Captain Armstrong have provided a single suggestion during the six months preceding last week's vote, but their complaint sure sounds good.

Over the weekend, blogger Chris Casey and I decided to ask Dean why he couldn't find fat in a $390 million budget. Here's our brief interview, question by question.

Isn't there room to cut in a $390 million budget?

"That's a process that has been going on for five months before August 31, with many iterations back and forth, to arrive at the final budget that is then presented and then given to the Commissioners to evaluate and possibly cut and approve."

Would LC Commissioners Really "Negotiate" a No-Tax-Hike Budget With Cunningham?

"We have one particular Committee, the Administrative Committee, whose primary responsibility is to deal with the budget for Lehigh County. The Vice Chairman and Chairman of that Committee have yet this year to schedule a single meeting, either with the Executive, or his Director of Administration, to review the plans for the 2011 budget."

When Cunningham Threatened to Cut Courts' Budget, Was He Fear-Mongering?

"If you want to make cuts without impacting the Courts, Corrections or the District Attorney's Office, that means eliminating every other department in the entire County and you know you can't do that."

Does LC Have a Spending Problem Instead of a Revenue Problem?

"It has a problem in both areas."

Is Dean Browning a True Conservative?

"I've submitted numerous amendments to reduce spending and focus County government on its key responsibilities. The net effect of that is that the budget for 2011 is $9.5 million less than it would have been if I had not initiated those changes. ... I ask people to take a look at my record and judge for themselves."

Blogger's Note: My thanks to Chris Casey, who collaborated on the interview with Dean.

Will Browning Continue to Chair Lehigh County's BOC?

Tonight, Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners will select its Chair and Vice Chair for 2011. Will Chairman Dean Browning, a Republican, be spanked for bucking his party and voting to support Don Cunningham's budget? Will its Republican-controlled Board dump Dan McCarthy, a Democrat, as Vice Chair? Unlike Northampton County, where the leadership question seems to be settled, what happens in Lehigh County is very much up in the air.

Dean Browning would like to continue as Chair, but Percy Dougherty, who stepped down last year, now wants his old job back. Both are hard-working Commissioners, and when it comes to experience, Dougherty has the edge. But I think Browning is better.

First, Browning works harder. Throughout the last year, he had numerous one-on-one discussions with the Cunningham administration, while Dougherty's Administrative Committee remained dormant. That's one of the reasons why Dougherty's last-minute attempt to return the budget to Cunningham was so disingenuous. Putting Dougherty in charge won't make him more productive.

Second, instead of just paying lip service to bipartisanship, Browning has practiced it. It was he who nominated Dan McCarthy, a Democrat, as Vice Chair. In addition, Dean's courageous support of Don Cunningham's controversial 16.1% tax hike, in the face of threats that it would end his political career, puts him in a very rare class that exalts principle over partisanship.

Third, Browning has actually made an effort to work with Northampton County. He actually attended a Northampton County Council meeting and has good relations with Angle. In contrast, Dougherty actually attempted to have Ron Angle ejected from a meeting of the LV Health Commission. That may have earned him some brownie points from the LV Partnership bluebloods, but Northampton County Council members resent his high handed style.

Fourth, at a time when Lehigh County finances need close scrutiny, it makes more sense to have a CFO like Browning than it does to have a geographer. If Commissioners want to know where those coffee beans really come from, they can elect Dougherty. But if they are interested in keeping Lehigh County on firm financial ground, it has to be Browning.

Finally, this attempted coup is pure politics, an attempt to embarrass Browning right before the primary so that other, more partisan, Republicans can step in. This is an election year for four at-large Commissioners, the Controller and the DA. I'll have more to say about that soon.

Browning & Angle: Lehigh & Northampton County Still Dating

"They fired all their editors. So now I guess they have to do all their editorializing in their news stories."

That's how the Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle, reacted to a Morning Call news account suggesting that interest in regionalism is waning in Lehigh and Northampton County. The article points to the bi-county health department, the beleaguered LVEDC and a regional crime center. In all three cases, Northampton County has been less than enthusiastic.

County Executive John Stoffa thought he had Angle leashed and muzzled, but he broke off the chain yesterday and ran off to Lehigh County for a joint news conference with Dean Browning. Sure, Dean presides over Lehigh's Board of Commissioners, but more importantly, he raises dogs. He always has a treat in his pocket for Ron. He brought Angle back to a frantic Stoffa late last night.

"Bad Ron, Bad!" shouted Stoffa, before he put him in the doghouse.

Browning and Angle met at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, which in itself sends a message. That's just one of the many joint ventures between Lehigh and Northampton County. I was stuck at the courthouse, so I missed Browning go through his usual routine as a master dog handler.

"Sit, Ron, sit!"

"Roll over."

"Speak! ... I mean, play dead!"

Fortunately, I received a joint news release from this odd couple, who pledge bi-county cooperation, especially in finding ways:

• To save taxpayer dollars through increased efficiencies, and
• To improve performance in critical areas by combining the two counties efforts.

Noting that their County Executives are advocates of taking a regional approach to issues where warranted, Browning and Angle said they were “on the same page” when it comes to looking at ways to work together cooperatively to save taxpayer dollars, especially in the midst of a recession.

“Both counties provide the same types of services. Bark, bark. If we don’t look for ways to work together and cooperate where we can, we ultimately fail the taxpayers of Lehigh and Northampton Counties – and that is not acceptable,” said Angle. “Ruff! Ruff! While we will never agree on every issue, we share a common philosophy that taxpayers always come first."

Browning said that hesitancy over certain projects like the bi-county health bureau shouldn't overshadow past joint efforts or potential partnerships under consideration that could benefit Lehigh Valley taxpayers.

“Merging the back-office operations of Gracedale and Cedarbrook nursing homes, for instance, is a perfect example of an area where the counties could work together to save money. That might not be outwardly visible like a health department, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less important,” said Browning. “This isn’t about making splashy headlines; it’s about saving taxpayer dollars any way we can.”

Browning and Angle also talked about the planned Regional Crime Center. They noted that crime isn’t deterred by county borders and that efforts to combat crime should be not constrained by them either. Browning said, “The Regional Crime Center is a great way for us to combine forces and enhance our performance in fighting crime which is something that is critical to the residents of both counties”. Angle echoed that sentiment, saying that both he and his Council were supportive of the Regional Crime Center.

It was rejected in Northampton County only because DA John Morganelli thought it was unnecessary.

Browning and Angle concluded by saying they have scheduled bi-monthly meetings to discuss and review their ongoing efforts. Morning Call reporter Michael Duck (not a good name around a dog) began asking some questions, so Angle peed all over the newsman's leg. That's when the party ended.

"Bad, Ron! Bad!"

Browning Attacked Because Lehigh County Spends $5.4 MM Less Than Budgeted

While I've been busy in Northampton County dealing with pesky little otters and blatant election law violations by unions behind the Gracedale initiative, Lehigh County's Gang of Four has turned up the heat on Dean Browning. You see, Browning is the only Republican Commissioner who refused to follow party boss Wayne Woodman's directive to send Don Cunningham's budget back. Now, recent news that Cunningham was able to finish 2010 with a $5.4 million surplus, is being used as a campaign talking point.

Any municipal government that can finish a year in the black in these hard economic times deserves some credit for sound budgeting. Yet in the strange world of the Gang of Four, deficits are preferable to surpluses. In a news release, they cite that $5.4 million as proof that Browning failed to "fight for taxpayers." I suppose they prefer people like Bethlehem's John Callahan and Allentown's Ed Pawlowski, who overspend and regularly finish each year in the red.

Tea Party blowhard Joe Hilliard, in a solicitation for his "Citizens Alliance of Pa.," cites this surplus as proof that Browning and Cunningham could have avoided a tax hike, and asks for donations so that he can "educate" voters.

Hilliard, incidentally, has been doing an audit of Lehigh County 2009 finances since February 2010. He should be finished sometime in the next century.

Dean Browning has responded to Hilliard's solicitation, noting that "[y]ou know as well as I do that the idea of sending the budget back was to quote, 'make Don Cunningham own the budget' and wasn’t a serious attempt to produce a budget with no tax increase."

It was political gamesmanship.

According to Browning, last year's tax hike was inevitable. In fact, he predicted it five years ago. Here's why, according to Browning himself. "[T]he last time that County revenue equaled expenses was with the budget for 2005. At the end of 2005, then County Executive Jane Ervin cut taxes by ½ mil (from 10.75 mils to 10.25 mils) which translated in to a roughly $4 million reduction in revenue. However, neither Jane nor the then Board of Commissioners made any corresponding reductions in recurring expenses. Instead, they chose to use the remaining surplus generated from the 70% tax increase in 2003 to setup something called the 'Tax Relief Fund' which was to be used cover the growing structural gap in the County’s budget. Obviously, once that path was chosen it was inevitable that a future tax increase would be needed when the Tax Relief Fund was exhausted."

You see, under spending 2010's budget is no proof that no tax hike was needed in 2011. Browning explains.

"For 2010, the County’s budget expenses were $111.0 million and the budget revenue (at 10.25 mils) was $91.5 million. The resulting gap of $19.5 million was covered by almost all of what remained in the Tax Relief Fund. ... . The County’s budget expenses for 2011 are $110.1 million (reduced from 2010) and the budget revenue (at the new rate of 11.9 mils) is $106.0 million with the gap being filled by all that is left in the Tax Relief Fund. With that, it is apparent that even without any inflationary increase in spending, we are looking at a gap, or actual deficit, of $4 million dollars for 2012 that will have to be filled if we are to avoid another tax increase. And that is with the higher revenue generated by the increased millage rate. Saying the County could have covered the budgeted spending for 2011 ($110.1 million) on $91 million of revenue (generated by the old millage rate) is not possible. There simply is not enough money in the Operating Fund and remaining in the Tax Relief Fund to do that for 2011 let alone for 2012."

So if Lehigh County wants to avoid yet another tax hike for 2012, it needs to plug a $4 million projected deficit. One way to do that is by spending less than was actually budgeted.

According to Browning, "I find it a bit bizarre that it is suddenly a 'bad thing' for a government entity to make a conscious decision to spend less than was budgeted."

Only in the bizarro world of Joe Hilliard and the Gang of Four.

Dean Browning Proposes Lower Taxes in Lehigh County

Have you ever noticed that Republicans have all the financial experts? It's a little scary, when you start thinking about it. Look at walking calculator Alan Greenspan. Does anyone understand anything he's said over the past ten years?

But there's a reason for this. Republicans are butt ugly. If you look at my profile picture, you'll see that we Democrats are stunningly handsome. It's a curse. So God took pity on Republicans and made them math whizzes.

Dean Browning, chief financial officer with a local private air charter company, is one of these bean counters. He's doing rather well for himself. But for reasons that elude me, he's developed a keen interest in Lehigh County government. He attends all board meetings and is running for commissioner.

He has spent the past few weeks poring over LC Exec Don Cunningham's proposed budget. This includes attending four separate budget hearings as a member of the public. I like Cunningham's budget. He proposes a new 911 center, work release enhancements, a regional approach to public safety, and an affordable housing plan for working class families.

But Browning has some suggestions that might improve on a good budget. He proposes a tax cut instead of collecting a huge surplus. And in his telephone conversation with me, he warns that growing county pensions are a "hidden danger."

Today he publicly announced a three point plan in a press conference. Below is his press release, describing his suggestions in a little more detail.

Allentown, September 19, 2007—County Commissioner candidate Dean Browning kicked off his review of the 2008 budget for Lehigh County today with a press conference at the Sheraton High Points. At the event he unveiled a 3-Point Plan for the Board of Commissioners to focus on Lehigh County’s future. The plan called for reducing property taxes, slowing the growth in county spending and refocusing government on its core activities.

"Lehigh County is a great place to live and work. I know; I’ve been here for almost thirty years. I’m running for County Commissioner to make sure it stays that way in the future," stated Browning, who said that the growth in county spending — up 42% in the last six years — must be slowed. "We can do better and to do that we have to focus on the future beyond just the next election cycle."

Browning’s Plan for Lehigh County’s Future

1. Return $20 Million in Surplus Funds to Taxpayers.

"Government should not be in the business of collecting more money from taxpayers than it needs to operate," said Browning. "I would return the surplus by reducing property taxes from 10.25 mills to 9.50 mills - It’s the taxpayer’s money – not the county’s. I would sustain that reduction by limiting the growth in future spending to the rate of inflation."

2. Reduce the Growth in County Spending to that of the Rate of Inflation.

"We want to make sure county employees are treated fairly," said Browning. "However, their compensation package - salary, benefits and pension - should be more in line with that of most private sector employees. To control costs in the future, we must start now to reform the county’s approach to compensation that is both outdated and unsustainable. As part of this process, I call for the repeal of the 2008 pay increase for the Board of Commissioners that was voted on by the current commissioners. If they are unwilling to do that then I pledge to not accept the increase and ask each candidate running for County Commissioner this year to join me in that pledge."

3. Refocus the County’s Priorities on its Core Activities.

"The focus of county government should be on basic taxpayer assigned functions such as bridge repair, criminal justice and land preservation. Spending $51 million on a baseball stadium while begrudging the money needed to fix structurally deficient bridges is a glaring example of the misplaced priorities," said Browning. "I call on the Board of Commissioners to refocus on the county’s core activities. Before acting to raise taxes on local businesses and to use the county’s borrowing capacity to do something like building a new ballpark for wealthy team owners; they need to make sure the County’s basic activities have been addressed - for example ensuring that our bridges are open and safe."

Browning, the Executive Vice-President and CFO of New World Aviation, Inc., said the Board of Commissioners sorely needs the capabilities and perspective of someone with private sector business experience to put county government on firm financial footing for the future.

I think his tax reduction suggestion is worth exploring, and he's right about pensions. But I'd rather be handsome.

The Gang of Four Aims For Dean Browning

Republican political consultant Tim Perskie sent me a news release yesterday afternoon on behalf of the Gang of Four. They are four LC GOP Comm'r candidates united in an Unholy Alliance to purge the heretic, Dean Browning. I'll get to that, but before I do so, I have to say something about this hired gun. I'm informed his services were sought back in February by none other than LC GOP Party Boss Wayne Woodman. He's the dude who told me he was Switzerland in this primary race. Wayne Woodman not only circulated petitions on behalf of three members of this Gang of Four, and now, his hand-picked consultant enters the fray. Instead of making me think about Switzerland, Woodman's conduct reminds me more of Pearl Harbor.

Another thing about Perskie's appearance that bothers me is that it pretty much establishes that candidates Lisa Scheller, Scott "Scrappleface" Ott and attorney Dave Najarian filed false affidavits at the elections office. At the same time they were claiming they had no intention of forming a committee, and had no intention of spending or raising more than $250, they had already enlisted the services of a paid and well-known consultant.

They had also formed a committee, but Ott apparently screwed it up and filed it in Harrisburg instead of Allentown.

I was very impressed to see campaign promises, sworn to under oath, promising to spend no money. But it was all a lie. They even were untruthful about forming a committee.

In their news release, these candidates proclaim that they stand for transparency and accountability. And they prove that by filing a bogus affidavit with their nomination papers.

On her web page, which was up and running before she filed her phony affidavit, Lisa Scheller makes no bones about asking for money, the way most rich people do. "Consider a contribution of $1,000, $500, $250, $100, $50 or $25...but even $5 helps us buy stamps to let more people know about Lisa."

I'd like more people to know about Lisa, too.

Here's Perskie's "news" release about the Gang of Four.

Team of Four Republicans Mounts Commissioner Run, Sparked by Browning-Enabled 16% Tax Hike

Scott Ott, Lisa Scheller, Vic Mazziotti and David Najarian Call for Transparency, Accountability in Focused Effective Government

(March 21, 2011) -- Four of the Republican candidates for Lehigh County Commissioner announced today that they're running as a team in an effort to change the county's long-term pattern of outspending revenues. They aim to bring transparency and rigorous oversight to a county government which has bled reserves to zero then jacked up taxes 16 percent for 2011, with the threat of higher taxes to come.

The team -- Lisa Scheller, Scott Ott, Vic Mazziotti and David Najarian -- "bring a complementary mix of experience to the commissioner board," according to Ott, an online video news commentator who's developing a show on the U.S. Constitution for PJTV.com. In 2009, Ott narrowly lost his rookie bid to unseat County Executive Don Cunningham by just 862 votes of 41,000 cast.

"County government performs crucial functions," Ott said. "Vic, David, Lisa and I will work to make sure Lehigh County does only what it must do, and does it with efficiency, effectiveness, and ongoing innovation."

The four run as a team because to reform the process and reduce spending requires power to override an executive veto -- in other words, six votes. Republicans now have a 5-4 majority, but they didn't voted [sic] together on the 2011 budget, so County Executive Don Cunningham was able to "divide and conquer," Ott said.

"The problems that spurred me to run 2009 have continued," he said, "and the consequences, sadly, are as I predicted then -- a double-digit tax increase. But when Commissioner Chairman Dean Browning had a chance to do something about it, he voted to reject two lower-tax options, enabling the 16-percent tax hike to pass without a vote. So, he can say he didn't vote for the tax hike, but the truth is, he didn't vote against it. He actually voted with the Democrats to guarantee it."

Lisa Scheller, President and CEO of a global manufacturing firm, Silberline in Tamaqua, expressed shock at the lack of due diligence under Browning's chairmanship which led to the big tax-rate jump.

"Leaders take personal responsibility," said Scheller. "But Chairman Dean Browning blamed his fellow commissioners for failing to do the work, failing to hold important committee meetings to scrutinize the budget. What does it mean to be chairman? Where's the leadership?"

David C. Najarian, a Lynn Township Supervisor who helped to cut spending, restructure government and roll-back taxes, agreed, noting his team has a different perspective on the commissioners' relationship to the executive.

"Dean Browning says his job is to partner with the administration," Najarian said. "If Mr. Browning and the commissioners, and the public-sector union bosses, and the department heads are all partners in this ever-increasing spending, who represents the taxpayer?"

Vic Mazziotti, who just retired as Chief Financial Officer of Northampton County, where he helped to cut millions in spending and to bring in a balanced 2011 budget with no tax increase, said, "Browning's self-proclaimed conservatism is fine, as far as it goes. But voters evaluate behavior, not professed ideology. What he actually did was vote to kill the only two alternatives to the 16-percent tax increase. Browning owns this tax hike."

The May 17 Republican primary, Ott said, will be a referendum on Dean Browning's enabling of the tax hike, and "a definitive statement by GOP voters that the era of Republican excuses is over."

So there you have it. Four Lehigh County Commissioner candidates, three of whom lied under oath, want to replace a Commissioner who follows his conscience.

I contacted Dean Browning, and he has this response.

"I find it interesting that Scott Ott's claim to fame politically is that he LOST an election and it is ironic that Ott wants to run a single-issue campaign on property taxes when he doesn't even pay property taxes in Lehigh County. Republican voters will find it simply unacceptable that Ott, Scheller, Najarian and Mazziotti like to talk about cutting taxes and spending, but when you press them for details about what they would cut, all you get are a bunch of blank stares.

"The fact of the matter is that I am a local small businessman who helped to create jobs in Lehigh County. I took on the public employee union bosses before it became politically popular and I have successfully led the fight to make government more transparent and to responsibly cut spending and to shrink the size of county government. My opponents can try and misrepresent my record but I have the facts on my side and I look forward to running and winning on my record in this year's Republican primary."

Browning Survives Attempted Coup in Lehigh County

Yesterday was a day of surprises - unpleasant in Northampton but pleasant in Lehigh County. After voting to support Don Cunningham's 16.1% tax hike last year, Dean Browning was told his political career was over. But last night, he was re-elected Chairman of Lehigh's Board of Commissioners in a 6 to 3 vote.

The Morning Call's Bill White, a witness at Northampton County's coup d'etat earlier that day, told me he tries to attend a municipal reorganizations. They sound dull, but you never know, even when you do. Damn if he wasn't right, in both Counties. Insider fighting and egos just bubbled to the surface.

On the surface, everything was quite genteel in Lehigh, a far cry from the People's Republic of Northampton County. But if you knocked over a few rocks, a "Dump Dean" battle was raging. GOP Boss Wayne Woodman and Scott Ott, still angry that Dean had dared defy them over the tax hike, were scurrying about just beneath the surface, doing their best to ensure Dean's ouster. Scott Ott has an ulterior motive. He intends to run for Commissioner himself. Deposing Dean as chair would be a great lead in to the primary.

Dr. Percy Dougherty, a geologist, is used to being underneath rocks. But when he crawled out to twist a few arms, he must have gone too far. Commissioner Gloria Hamm blasted all the pressure "going on behind back doors. The fact that this is becoming such a dog-eat-dog fight - I've live in Lehigh County all my life. I've never seen this. This is really an embarrassment."

Dougherty learned late yesterday that, no matter how hard he tried, he was one vote shy. So he pretended to support the guy he was trying his best to dump. In fact, as only a good politician can do, he nominated Browning.

This is where things get truly bizarre. Dean obviously had five votes, but instead of making it unanimous and providing a show of unity, Andy Roman went ahead and nominated Glenn "Commissioner No" Eckhart. One of Roman's arguments is that Browning, as Chairman, would have an unfair advantage over other at-large candidates in this year's election.

Amazingly, Echkhart accepted, even though he probably would not be sitting in his seat except for the money that Browning had raised for him in a tough contest against Hillary Kwiatek's well-financed campaign.

Browning and Eckhart both gave eloquent (and lengthy) speeches, but nobody was paying attention. This was a power play, pure and simple, and the battle had been lost earlier that day. Aside from Roman and Eckhart himself, only Rev. Dave Jones was willing to vote for Commissioner No.

Bill Hansell, the LC Comm'r appointed to replace Bill Leiner last February, was elected VP. Because my tape cut out, I am unable to tell you how Tom Creighton voted. All four Dems voted for Hansell, along with Dean Browning.

Dr. Dougherty waxed poetic about the importance of bipartisanship and a tradition of having a Chair and Vice Chair from both parties, and then inexplicably supported Roman, a fellow Republican.

Roman, who earlier complained that a Chairman would have an unfair advantage in an at-large election, apparently had no problem in running for Vice Chair and seeking re-election to his at large seat.

I asked affable Dan McCarthy, who was Vice Chair, why he decided to step down. Are the rumors true? Does he plan to run for judge? He smiled, and said, "Those rumors just might be true."

Sitting next to me last night was the famous Dr. Bob "the stud" Romancheck, wearing his silk scarf and leather flying jacket. He talked about flying or something, and supported Dean. In a matter of minutes, a woman was swooning over him. What is with this guy? Things got so rowdy at one point that Chairman Browning had to admonish the woman who was throwing herself at Dr. Bob.

Who was this femme fatale? Cheryl Browning, Dean's wife.

Dean Browning: Box Seats to Iron Pigs Baseball for Straight A Students

On Monday, I told you about Linda, a courageous single mother who's struggling financially to send her kids to private schools. She does this because Allentown's public schools are themselves a failure. What I liked about that post were the informative comments that came from several former teachers, including Dottie, Aphrodite's daughter and a gentleman (?) who simply refers to himself as retired ASD teacher.

They care.

Lehigh County Commissioner candidate Dean Browning has an idea that might give Allentown schools a much needed boost. Yesterday, he submitted a proposal to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners today asking them to adopt an innovative plan that would provide an incentive for Lehigh County students to boost their classroom achievement. Browning calls his program the “Lehigh County Straight-A All-Stars.”

“A major plank in my campaign platform is to refocus government’s spending priorities on things that matter most to the residents of Lehigh County. In my conversation with voters, it is clear that they place a very high priority on the education of our county’s children,” said Browning. “My program would reward deserving 7th and 8th graders in Lehigh County who earn straight A’s for the last semester of the school year by giving them two box seat tickets to selected Iron Pigs baseball games starting in 2008.”

Browning estimates the program would cost the County approximately $16,800 per year, and proposes paying for it through eliminating Commissioners' pay increase ($6,000 savings) and transferring $10,800 from the “Other Special Services” line item which serves as a seldom used catchall fund in the Commissioners' portion of Lehigh County’s budget.

“I have been steadfast in my opposition to the Commissioners' decision to increase taxes on local businesses and to use the County’s borrowing capacity to build a $51 million stadium for wealthy team owners. However, the simple fact is that the project was approved and the stadium will soon be completed so we should make the best of it,” said Browning. “I think my Straight-A All-Stars program is a perfect opportunity for the County Commissioners to make lemonade from the lemons they created.”

Browning said he will also seek to partner with Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley where he previously worked as Financial Manager and with Gracie Baseball to incorporate free soft drinks and concessions for the young scholars to enjoy while at the game.

“Encouraging scholastic achievement, helping to draw fans to the Iron Pigs, and spending the County’s money more effectively all in one fell swoop,” said Browning. “It’s a triple play for the people of Lehigh County.”

Next week, I'll tell you about a lengthy and tough interview I had with Browning last week. I disagree with some of his positions. I also have a major problem with one of his PAC contributors. I'll spell that out in detail, with my objection and his response.

Notwithstanding our differences, he is a welcome breath of fresh air in Lehigh County. I wish he could run in both counties.

Browning Proposes LC Withdrawal From Bi-County Health Dept

On Thursday night, Northampton County Council narrowly adopted a resolution that gives false hope to a continued Bi-County Health Department. By a 5-4 vote, they agreed to support its "continuing activity," so long as no money is required from the County. On Friday, Lehigh County Comm'rs Chair Dean "Van Helsing" Browning proposed that Lehigh County withdraw.

Trying to drive a stake through the heart of a Bi-County Health Department that just won't go away, is proving to be very difficult. I was sure it was dead in July, when six Northampton County Council members refused to authorize funding, a budget or establishment of a health board. Since that time, County finances have gone from bad to worse. Lehigh will see a 16% tax hike next year, and Northampton County has barely escaped a similar fate by putting Gracedale, the County nursing home, on the auction block.

But they forgot to cut off its head, and the LV Health Board is b-a-a-a-a-ck.

Glen "Commissioner No" Eckhart and Tom Creighton have already signed on to Browning's legislation. And Andy Roman is expected to conduct a news conference today, in which he'll announce some kind of "post 911 alternative," whatever that is, to a bi-county health department. That arguably gives Browning four Republican supporters. All four Democratic Commissioners can be expected to continue their support.

So it all boils down to Percy Dougherty, scourge of affordable housing and proponent of zero-tax-increase budgets.

He's all for a bi-county health department. In fact, according to him, so is Northampton County Council. "[T]here are enough votes to move forward with approval of the Health Department pending some last minute financial concerns," he claims. He adds that Browning's proposal is "politically motivated because the sponsors know they do not have enough votes but they are playing to the media."

But Browning, who knows very well that Northampton County has no real intention of establishing a Health Department, is concerned about the financial consequences to Lehigh when it is left holding the colostomy bag. According to Browning, Lehigh County's go-it-alone "starting price will be in excess of $500,000 and will increase dramatically from there. Since the July meeting of the LVHC, we have had an intervening event, namely the 2011 budget, that should give pause to some. The budget for 2011 calls for a 16% increase just to allow the County to continue to fulfill the basic responsibilities that are currently assigned to it by the Commonwealth and by the Home Rule Charter. And even with that increase, we still have a gap between expenses and revenue that will need to be filled if we are to continue to provide those required services without another tax increase in 2012."

I support a public health department myself, but when county governments are fighting for their financial lives, it's time to back off. Now is simply not the time, and it is unfair to allow the good people on that board continue to spin their wheels until both counties are on a firm financial footing.

If Browning's argument is "politically motivated," we could use a few more politicians.

The combined legislatures of Lehigh and Northampton Counties will meet on January 10, and that's when we'll learn the true fate of the Bi-County Department of Health.

Dean Browning Proposes Affordable Housing Solution for Lehigh County

Although the mainstream media failed to send a reporter to cover Wednesday evening's Lehigh County Commissioners' meeting, Dean Browning was there. He's attended most of them over the past two years, gaining valuable insight into the inner workings of Lehigh County government. This Lehigh County commissioner candidate recently proposed that Cunningham should consider a tax cut because the county will have a $20 million surplus. And at Wednesday evening's meeting, he proposed another idea directed at affordable housing.

Called an "Empowerment Solution," Browning's idea is focused on individual private sector investment rather than government or non-profit directed efforts.

"Relying solely on government, non-profit organizations and large-scale developers to address our affordable housing needs is the wrong approach," said Browning. "We need to empower individual entrepreneurs and encourage their involvement. I am confident that they can do better work and at a more cost effective price than government can."

Lehigh County's Affordable Housing Fund balance in 2008 is $1.4 million. A recent ordinance allows up to 15% to be used annually on administrative costs, with another 20% for non-profits. Browning said this approach, by itself, ignores entrepreneurs and will lead to more situations like the one recently reported in The Morning Call where $140,000 was spent to renovate a home that was then sold for $70,000.

"Home ownership is the gold standard of success in America, and I want to see everyone have the opportunity to accomplish that dream," said Browning. "Lehigh County and Allentown in particular, needs to renovate its housing stock and attract homeowners. We can use individual entrepreneurs to do this one house at a time".

Browning’s plan calls for 20% of the money in the County’s Affordable Housing Fund to be set aside for the "One House At A Time" initiative with 50% of that earmarked for Allentown.

This proposal applies to homes under $100,000, and provides rebates of up to $5,000 per home for transfer taxes, real estate taxes and title insurance. "We must improve our housing stock and increase homeownership, especially in Allentown," said Browning. He told me that cities like Allentown did not deteriorate overnight, but one house at a time. He proposes to fix the problem, one house at a time.

Dean Browning, Dan McCarthy to Lead Lehigh County Comm'rs

At the very start of last night's reorganization of Lehigh County Comm'rs, Chairman Percy Dougherty made clear he's "had enough." He's ably served as Chair for the past four years, and much of the collegiality and good humor is a direct result of his influence. It's the finest legislative body I've ever seen. But Dougherty noted that "the time has come" for a new Chairman.

Ironically, the person he nominated - Dean Browning - is a reluctant volunteer. Back in November, Browning stated the Board needs a "Chairman who has substantially more time to devote to the position than I do. As a result, I’m not interested in the position of Chair for 2010." That was then, when there was still hope that Dougherty would rule the roost.

Given Dean's perfect attendance record at Commissioner and committee meetings, as well as his even disposition, he's a natural successor. But Andy Roman, whose attendance record at committee hearings is just 56%, felt he could be a better check and balance, at least when he's there. So he got Davey Jones, who has a 47% attendance record to nominate him.

And that's where the support ended.

Browning garnered support from the other six Commissioners, largely because they know he'll work. Gloria Hamm, in her own delicate way, pointedly noted, "The two candidates have very different attendance records."

After Browning's election, Hamm nominated Democrat Dan McCarthy as Vice Chair while Glenn Eckhart proposed Andy Roman again. But it was not Roman's night.

McCarthy captured six votes, including republican Dean Browning and Percy Dougherty. Browning argued that Barack Obama had forgotten his promise to transcend political parties once he was elected. Lehigh County republicans could do that, too. They could say, "We won, it's going to be our way, but that will not serve the citizens of Lehigh County. A bipartisan approach is needed to solve problems. We have not done that the last two years. It's time for a different approach."

McCarthy, incidentally, has an attendance record that rivals Browning. In this instance, the workhorses beat the showhorses.