Norco Registrar DePaul Tries to Soak County for $2470 Private Lawyer Bill

H.R.H. Deborah DePaul, Northampton County's voting registrar, brought her own mouthpiece to last week's citizen panel studying our election troubles. But that didn't shut her up. No, siree! Hired gun Lawrence Otter and H.R.H. DePaul doubleteamed to drown everyone else out. She justified this paid windbag as a "buffer" to protect her "from the falsehoods and basic lies."

Here's my question. Who's going to protect us from her?

H.R.H. DePaul's attorney has just billed the county $2,470.78 to represent her last Wednesday, according to some county employees I won't name. He even billed the county for a $36.83 din din with DePaul at Uncle Wesley's! Mmmm. H.R.H. DePaul wants the county to pay for her crabcakes. Otter ate fish and frogs.

Otter also billed taxpayers $33.95 for his swim up from Doylestown. No wonder he was hungry.

Why would H.R.H. DePaul direct her shill, who supposedly represents her, to bill the county for his services and even their dinners? This is just unbridled arrogance from an employee who will never understand she's here to serve the people, not to be fed crabcakes by them.

Did someone in the county administration pre-authorize this ridiculous charge? Director of Administration John Conklin, H.R.H. DePaul's boss, tells me he knew nothing about the bill until it came in the mail. I'm sure he'd like crabcakes, too. Hell, he can hire me as a consultant and I'll just bill the county.

Whoopee!

Funny thing. Nothampton County has a seasoned attorney, Chris Spadoni, who is paid to represent H.R.H. DePaul officially. He also attended last Wenesday's meeting, waiting for someone to ask him a question or offer him crabcakes or something. And Chris loves crabcakes. He'll eat just about anything that isn't nailed down. I found that out when I sailed with him many years ago. We had to go without food for several hours, and Spadoni ate a dentist.

Maybe Norco Dem Chair Joe Long will pay the bill. Long already thinks he runs the elections office, anyway. And he is a crab.

Why is H.R.H. DePaul still employed by the county? The Express Times, said it best. "DePaul must accept public criticisms of the office and make it more user-friendly, or step aside for someone who will." It's bad enough she felt an irrational need to bring a lawyer to a meeting of fellow citizens. But now she is trying to stick taxpayers with the bill. It's time for her to step aside. After all, PennDot could use her for our next Valentine's Day storm.

Update: The Express Times and Morning Call both report the latest DePaul dis. Last Wednesday, H.R.H. DePaul claimed to have brought an attorney because "Enough is enough" and "It's time the truth comes out." But her attorney is not her attorney. "I didn't hire him." Confused? Welcome to the bizarro world of Debbie DePaul.

Norco Registrar DePaul to Critics: "Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!"

I've told you what happened before last night's citizen's panel review of Northampton County elections. Now let me tell you about the meeting itself. Task force members Peg Ferraro, Greta Browne, Jack Bradt and Dick Benner agreed to send a letter to the Department of State, seeking answers to certification questions about touchscreen voting machines supplied by Advanced Voting Solutions. They also formalized a survey for candidates, elections workers and voters. The fireworks display came from the peanut gallery.

H.R.H. DePaul's Hired Gun

First and foremost was Larry Otter, an attorney retained by voting registrar Deborah DePaul. He ingratiated himself with both the peanut gallery and the task force by insulting everyone. Otter's claim to fame is that he represented Carl Romanelli, who sold his soul to the devil in an attempt to get on the ballot for U.S. Senate. We all know how that turned out. Otter refused to sit in the peanut gallery with the rest of us. He's too important. According to H.R.H. DePaul, Otter was hired as a "buffer" to protect her "from the falsehoods and basic lies."

The panel was warned it must stop making "outlandish" statements about poor H.R.H. DePaul. When asked what he meant, he said the panel had called DePaul "incompetent." When asked to say when the panel had called her that, he could not give an answer. This dude even managed to offend panel member Jack Bradt, who previously had nice things to say about H.R.H. DePaul. Strike One.

After alienating the committee studying problems in the elections office, Otter turned his wrath on The Express Times and Morning Call, claiming that both papers had lied about his client. Once again, he was asked to provide an example. "The local media need to get their facts straight." The one "lie" identified, is an Express Times allegation that eight people have recently left the office. And that statement happens to be true. Eight people have left the office over the past three years. This turnover is one reason DePaul has given for office problems. Steeerike Two.

Otter couldn't stop with the committee and newspapers. He also blasted local Republican chair Roy Shuman, who has complained that H.R.H. DePaul's office is too partisan. Shuman's charges are "unfounded" and "outrageous." And he minimized complaints about our misleading straight party ballot, complaints expressed by both parties. "Got a problem? Take it up with the state legislature." Strike Three. You're outta' here.

Republican Complaints

Roy Shuman, the dude making these "unfounded" and "outrageous" allegations, was next. He thinks we all "should be treated equally," and it's not happening. It was hard for Shuman to make his points. Whenever he offered a criticism, either H.R.H. DePaul or hired gun Otter would interrupt, something they attempted all evening. Shuman nevertheless insisted there is "preferential treatment," and brought committeewoman Mary Barket to prove his point.

Barket explained what happened recently when a county council candidate was only given five copies of a nomination petition.Barket called about making copies, and H.R.H. DePaul blew up. She accused Barket of "setting her up." Amidst H.R.H. DePaul's repeated interruptions last night, Barket finally turned and flatly said, "It became personal and there was no reason for that. You went from 0 to 60 very quickly."

And the flurry of emails that followed this exchange troubled Roy Shuman because no emails were sent to him. He complained Dem chair Joe Long was getting emails about a problem with republicans, but nothing was being sent to Shuman. H.R.H. DePaul, who has said repeatedly she always notifies both parties whenever she interacts with either party, interrupted Shuman to say, "I don't have your email." Huh? But I thought she said .... never mind.

Judges of Elections

Three judges of elections addressed the panel last night. Two out of three like the new machines. But a Moore Township judge complained that, at the end of the evening, it was impossible to transfer data into the master. This is exactly what happened when AVS demonstrated the touchscreens to the state.

Office Staff

About four members of DePaul's staff were on hand to defend their boss. They claim they're very happy. They approach problems as a team, and had a few disparaging remarks about DePaul's predecessor. I have no criticism of DePaul's staff. I think they're hard workers. I think DePaul's a hard worker, too. But they seemed scared to death when I visited the office last week. Maybe it's my nose. They said last night they resented my previous depiction of H.R.H. DePaul as a witch. Hey, it was a queen! She has referred to her "reign" as registrar, so I'm trying to show the appropriate respect. Maybe I should bow when I see her.

Shawn Millan

Millan, Congressman Dent's evil campaign manager, voices two concerns. First, he notes that the Morning Call, which collects data from each precinct, had very accurate results the day after the election. But unofficial results from the elections office were completely different. Thirteen days later, when official results were released, it appeared that the "lying" Morning Call had it right all along. "How do you blame the machines when the results reported in the papers were accurate?" The variation between unofficial and official results in the congressional race was an unacceptable six percent, compared to one percent or less in other counties. And in State Senator Browne's race, it was a whopping twenty-two percent! Shawn, it's unfair of you to use facts to support arguments. That could start a dangerous trend.

Millan's second criticism, a little less factual, was directed at a ballot designed to encourage straight party voting. He called it a "partisan design that doesn't benefit our democracy." Although we nearly all agree that the ballot was badly designed, I don't think there's any evidence it was intentional. But Millan promised, "It's something we'll be looking out for in the future. It won't happen again." I believe him.

Joe Long

Joe Long, when he addressed the panel, first complained no one has sent him invitations. Gee, Joe, I never got an invitation, either. Then he complained couny exec John Stoffa never returns his calls. I thought he'd start singing, "You don't send me flowers anymore," but he stopped himself.

Right after Republicans complained about DePaul's partisanship, Long commended her and droned on about how much Dems love working for her. He should. His daughter worked there until last year. That's a great way to prove she's nonpartisan, Joe.

Now Long tried denying this. "That's not true. She left before I became county chair." Courthouse records reveal Long's daughter was a part-time elections office worker between April 2002 and July 26, 2006, and Long claimed last night he's been the Dem chair for the past six years. Little things like that make republicans suspicious.

But Joe didn't stop there. He called the elections panel a "witch hunt and public whipping post" for H.R.H. DePaul. "We want people to vote." He's concerned this task force might discourage people from voting. Stoffa has asked them, "How can we do better?" That really should deter voters.

Both The Morning Call and Express Times have excellent, and far more objective, accounts of last night's meeting. The citizens' panel will meet again at the courthouse on March 14 at 7 P.M. You can email any concerns to voter.info@northamptoncounty.org. Minutes are posted on the left sidebar.

Norco Voter Registrar DePaul Discusses Her Kingdom

"The people who left under my reign are people I am still close with."

Those are the exact words Northampton County Voter Registrar Deborah DePaul used at last night's meeting of a citizens' advisory committee studying our elections problems. Her Highness revealed the source of our election troubles. It's her.

Retired Registrar Benner expressed dismay over DePaul's numerous letters to state and federal officials concerning HAVA. In one, she actually urged county executive Stoffa to ignore the new federal law. "While it might be criminal, criminals are pardoned." Benner flatly told DePaul those remarks are out of line.

Benner wondered why newspapers still call him with elections questions. The press has told him they can't get the information they need from DePaul's office. He's concerned the office may now be playing favorites, echoing some concerns he heard from Congressman Dent's office. And he noted that eight people have recently jumped ship. He questioned why the office no longer had a notary for affidavits brought in at the last minute. Greta Browne also wanted to know why DePaul couldn't send someone from her office to Nazareth's recent, and very successful, nonpartisan "resident to candidate" forum.

This is when H.R.H. DePaul launched one of her long, rambling defenses. Rarely have I seen someone use so many words to say so little. Maybe she should be a blogger. She blamed everyone but herself.

"Prior to coming here, that office was in major disruption. ... The atmosphere in my staff is wonderful. ... It's very professional and very pleasant."

As professional as her staff may be, she could not trust any of them to go to Nazareth. "That would be a bad situation. You're not going to send a tech to do a surgery." This is not brain surgery. As one of at least forty people attending that forum, I know her employees could easily have handled all questions. Blogger Ross Nunamaker was able to do so rather nicely. DePaul missed a major opportunity to recast her office in a favorable light. Her attitude betrays a distrust, both of her own staff and the public. She just doesn't understand something Benner said at the committee's first meeting. "People must be made to understand you're there to help them."

At last night's meeting, panel members Russ Shade, Peg Ferarro, Dick Benner, Greta Browne and Jack Bradt agreed to ask the Department of State for proof that the AVS WinVote machines are really certified. They also want assurances that the hardware shipped by Advanced Voting Solutions is, in fact, what was approved. Local state legislators will receive copies of this request. They are also working on a survey about problems in the elections office, which will be distributed to candidates, poll workers and voters.

As Benner expressed his displeasure with DePaul, committee members Russ Shade and Peg Ferraro are frustrated by state officials who ignore them. Russ Shade mentioned repeated requests for information concerning state certification. "I'm ready to go to the governor. ... We're not asking for a miracle." And Peg Ferraro complained, "They're not answering the public and they're supposed to be public servants."

Voter activist Alan Brau, a local physician, warned the committee this would happen. He has had to sue the state Department of State over its refusal, without explanation, to re-examine voting machines.

Elections commissioner Joan Rosenthal also recommended that the Home Rule Charter be amended to provide that the elections commission become nonpartisan.

The citizens' advisory panel will meet again on February 28 and March 14, at 7 PM, in council chambers on the 3rd floor of the Northampton County courthouse. You can contact them with your views at voter.info@northamptoncounty.org. Minutes for these meetings are on the left side bar of this blog.

Norco Elections Committee Wants Answers From AVS

The coming storm, our first serious winter weather, posed no obstacle to Northampton County's citizens' election committee yesterday. Russ Shade, Jack Bradt and Greta Browne conducted their fourth meeting in as many weeks. This determined group appears to be coming to a consensus that our electronic touchscreen voting system is inferior. But embattled voter registrar Deborah DePaul has at least one defender - committee member Jack Bradt. During yesterday's meeting, Bradt told DePaul, "Your office should be commended, not condemned, for the work you did."

Problems with Advanced Voting Solutions

Did you know Northampton County is one of only three counties in Pennsylvania that use touchscreen machines supplied by Advanced Voting Solutions? Or that Pennsylvania is one of only three states that have contracts with AVS? Or that AVS' WINVote system was never certified by the National Association of State Elections Directors (NASED)?

These are just a few of the things Dr. Alan Brau told the committee yesterday. Dr. Brau, a local physician, insists these touchscreen machines are unreliable and advocates a voter-verified paper trail. Nearly a year ago, he was spurned by the Department of State when he asked for re-examination of the WINVote system. He is part of a nonpartisan group that has challenged the state's certification in Commonwealth Court.

When asked about his motivation, Dr. Brau simply responded. "I'm a citizen. I'm a voter."

In addition to general concerns about the lack of a paper trail, Dr. Brau is concerned about the specific WINVote system. He reiterated BlackBox voting's allegation that AVS pulled a bait and switch. After getting its hardware certified, AVS is accused of shipping a cheaper internal hardware system, manufactured in China.

Amazingly, AVS has yet to answer these very serious charges. If these accusations are baseless, AVS should say so, and publicly. But it has sent no representative to answer these charges.

Committee co-chair Russ Shade believes these allegations "need to be explored. We need confidence that these machines are properly certified." Committee member Jack Bradt agreed, and went one step farther. He believes the entire system is inadequate, most significantly because there is no paper trail. An optical scanning system, which combines modern technology with a paper trail, might be our future. "If we have to go to another system because the state misled us, someone's going to have to pay for that."

Bradt Defends Embattled Elections Office

Director of Administration John Conklin explained the steps he's taking to make sure our next election goes off better than the previous two. His goal is to ensure that unofficial results are available by midnight. He plans to have a manual backup ready.

At this point, Jack Bradt came to the voting registrar's defense. He's run a successful business that underwent automation. And last night, he blamed that automation for elections office problems. "I do not see a need for changes in the office. They've done a very good job."

I respect Bradt. Perhaps he's right. But I don't believe the automation has a damn thing to do with the problems in that office. It's a mess. And its leadership is inadequate.

For example, look at an email that Dr. Brau sent to Elections Chair Walt Garvin on December 3.

"I have tried to go through official channels, but Deb DePaul has been an effective stone wall in her role as registrar. ... I could not notify Deb DePaul since she blocks emails from me."

Does this sound like a responsive registrar to you? I forwarded this email to DePaul for a response. Nada. (Oops. I'm speaking Spanish.)

Or how about this? Ross Nunamaker at NewsOverCoffee puts together a nonpartisan "resident to candidate" forum, asks the registrar to drop by, and gets this.

"You did not state a date and I have numerous business and personal commitment but if somehow I am available I would try to attend. Within my office I have a fairly new staff and do not have any one else here within the office that would be beneficial."

Ross provided the date but heard nothing. Nada. (Oops, there I go again). And when Ross stopped in to pick up materials, here's what he noticed.

"It was clear to me that the office is on pins and needles when the request for a petition to a non-candidate requires the head of the office to be excused from a meeting with a representative of the company with the voting machines in light of those issues."

And so the battle rages.

Update:The Morning Call has a more objective account of yesterday's meeting.

Norco Citizens' Elections Committee Minutes

I was feeling rather smug and proud of myself yesterday. I had a link set up to the minutes for the organizational meeting of Northampton County's citizens' advisory committee. That committee is studying our election problems. But an anonymous poster told me he couldn't get at it, nor could Miss Twinkie. I'm not so smug today. Until I've sorted out where I've gone wrong, the minutes are located below.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
CITIZEN’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE
In conjunction with
Voter’s Registration Office
Organizational Meeting Minutes
January 23, 2007 – 3:00 PM

The organizational kickoff meeting of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee was facilitated by the Northampton County Director of Administration, John Conklin, and comprised of the following non-partisan members:
Margaret "Peg" Ferraro Russell Shade Greta Brown
Jack Bradt Richard Benner
Welcome – John Conklin
Mr. Conklin thanked everyone for attending and for providing their assistance.

Opening Comments:
County Executive, John Stoffa, noted that the cooperative efforts to be achieved by this committee is to have the ultimate goal of overcoming problems that exist in the County of Northampton. The purpose is "to do better"; Mr. Stoffa stated, and these are the recommendations he proposed:
Hold public meetings;
Interview/survey members of the Election Commission, County Council, members of the Staff and Chairpersons of the Political Parties;
Invite public comment;
Determine if a paper trail is needed;
Suggest a process for the format of the voting machine—who determines final approval;
Voting tabulation improvements;
Establish validity of ethics code, if necessary;
Complete a final report in four months;
Derive suggestions by the Committee on how to achieve its goals.

Mr. Stoffa also noted that the Administration office extends its support to Committee members with its staff in preparing documentation, copying, provide meeting space and whatever else is necessary to complete the tasks at hand. Mr. Conklin reiterated that he offers his complete support to the committee.
The next primary election will be held on May 15, 2007.
Mr. Conklin introduced Deborah DePaul, Chief Registrar, Voter’s Registration Office and;
NC Citizens’ Advisory Committee Page Two January 23, 2007
Kimberlee Shoup-Yeahl, Regional Sales Manager of AVS, the voting machine provider.

Introduction of Committee Members – Roll Call
Role call was taken and it was confirmed that all committee members were present.

Courtesy of the Floor
The public was offered an opportunity to present its comments.
There were none forthcoming.

Organizational Business
Mr. Conklin suggested that a Chairman and Co-Chairman be nominated to serve on the committee.

Nominations:
Mr. Bradt nominated Ms. Ferraro for Chairperson, seconded by Mr. Benner.
No further nominations were presented.
Nominations were closed.
Mr. Conklin cast a ballot to elect Ms. Ferraro as Chairperson. The committee unanimously approved.
Richard Benner nominated Russell Shade for Co-Chairperson, seconded by Ms. Ferraro.
No further nominations were presented.
Nominations were closed.
Mr. Conklin cast a ballot to elect Mr. Shade as Co-Chairperson. The committee unanimously approved.

Timeframe for recommendations/findings
Chairperson, Ms. Ferraro resumed the meeting and put forth her items for discussion, including the referenced subject.
Ms. Ferraro polled the committee for a suitable time to conduct meetings and also the frequency of them.
The members unanimously decided that a 7:00 p.m. timeframe on a weekly basis be held in the County Council Room 307 based upon its availability.
The next official meeting date and time will be held on January 31, 2007. Subsequently, the following meeting will be held on February 7, 2007. All meetings will follow the sunshine law by advertising in the local newspapers.

New Business

Ms. Ferraro asked Ms. DePaul to approach the committee to explain the latest information concerning laws and other governing issues by the state. Ms. DePaul provided a packet of information for the committee to review that would explain and provide the latest information.
In an effort to generate interest in the election process, Ms. DePaul noted that she opened her office to colleges in an effort to approach students and encourage them to participate in elections. The PTA’s have also been approached for their assistance in taking part in the election process. One of the problems facing elections is providing a suitable location. The state has mandated very strict rules in the requirements necessary for a location due to the security factor. To date, there are now fifteen (15) schools being used as polling places. One of the issues that seems to indicate the lack of importance on election day is the fact that it is not declared a holiday for schools which demeans the importance of going to the polls to vote. Ms. DePaul emphasized that the state mandates many of the issues that seem to present problems to the voters’ registration office who must carry out their duties and responsibilities accordingly.
Issues of Importance Outlined by the Committee
Voting machine problems (newly computerized)
Timeframe in counting absentee votes – last election it took six weeks
How to resolve issues confronting candidates wanting to run for office
Mr. Conklin noted that County administration is addressing some of the problem issues that are of concern in the coming primary election in May. He will share his information with the committee.
Ms. Ferraro reviewed her agenda for the next meeting and requested suggestions:
To Research the packet of information provided by the registration office;
To put questions together and include comments;
Address and provide solutions connected with the voting machine;
(privacy of the location of the machine within the room…past experience had the monitor in full view of public)
How to encourage more volunteer participation in polling locations and what issues, if any, concern the volunteers at these locations;
What are concerns of other counties on the use of computer voting machines, etc.;
What can be done about the timeframe in counting absentee ballots;
User friendly office….can we obtain information easily at the voter registration office;
Where will the voter registration office be located when Wolf Building is closed;
What are the issues concerning the candidates for election;
What are the Parties’ concerns;
How can we improve the website…..it is important to the public;
How can we improve voter registration and then to get them to come out to vote.


Ms. DePaul noted that the 2000 census report indicated that the population is 267,066 in Northampton County. There are presently 190,000 registered voters. However, the number of voters varies according to the type of election being held.
Ms. Brown respectfully requested that the Committee refer to its body as a non-partisan representation of the voters and not a segregated body. The Committee unanimously agreed. All reference to the members will be "non-partisan".

Courtesy of the Floor
Ms. Ferraro acknowledged a member of the public as follows:
Mary Barkett, 169 Spruce Street, Nazareth, PA 18064.
Ms. Barkett mentioned that she is a Republican Committee volunteer. She indicated that it would be advantageous to have comments from as many different people and many different variables as possible. She thanked the administration for forming the committee and for having this forum for the voters, "the voters are very important".
Ms. Ferraro mentioned that the public may forward questions, concerns, and suggestions to the Administration office where there concerns will be addressed, if possible.
Mr. Conklin noted that a separate email address is set up for this purpose. This address is: voter.info@northamptoncounty.org

Next Meeting Date – Wednesday, January 31, 2007, 7:00 PM, Council Rm #307

Adjournment
Ms. Ferraro adjourned the meeting at 4:00 PM.

ADOPTED THIS DATE:
January 23, 2007

Northampton Voting Registrar's Lawyer Also Represented Local Dems

I told you earlier today about Larry Otter, and his representation of Voting Registrar Deborah DePaul. The county never hired him. H.R.H. DePaul denies retaining him as well. So who got this Bucks County lawyer involved?

Ron Angle has an answer. On his WGPA 1100 AM radio talk show this morning, he suggests Larry Otter and Northampton County Democratic chair Joe Long are quite friendly. And Otter did not suddenly call H.R.H. DePaul out of the blue from Doylestown. That would be an unethical direct solicitation.

A few years ago, Joe Long and Northampton County Democrats sued eighteen local communities over campaign sign rules. Guess who represented them? Larry Otter.

Is this how H.R.H. DePaul shows us she's impartial?

HRH DePaul Resigns as Norco Voting Registrar

Controversial Northampton County voting registrar Deborah DePaul, who once referred to her tenure as her "reign," has resigned. Her departure is slated to take place two weeks from next Monday. I have no details, but expect you will see them soon in The Express Times.

DePaul is best remembered as the county worker who attempted to stick the county with a $2,470 private attorney bill when she once brought legal windbag Larry Otter to a citizens' advisory panel as a "buffer" to protect her "from the falsehoods and basic lies."
Update: Sarah Cassi, reporting for the Express Times, notes the job will be advertised internally. The Morning Call's Joe Nixon adds that DePaul's decision is voluntary.

Like Jesus, HRH DePaul "Forgives" Offensive Blogger

For some reason, HRH DePaul forgives me for reporting her resignation yesterday. Looks like I'm going to heaven after all!

"I will remain above all the disparaging comments that you have attempted to bestow upon me. As a Christian I serve, and I am to forgive. You are a challenge. I have received a great deal of positive which far out shines this blog. I do not recall this comment about “reign,” but it is the furthest from any true meaning of holding my position. My staff is, and will be more of a family then just my employees, and they know I didn’t even care for the word boss. Anyone that speaks up or defends themselves when they feel they are being treated unfairly is doing the right thing. The county never paid a bill, and it was never my intention other then having non-partisan representation. We all know that an appointed attorney, although a very supportive one is beholding to his source of income. Your thought process defies logic. Two things, you are not doing a service but a disservice when you keep or frighten good people from running for office or doing a job. The world in general, and most importantly the world of politics NEED good people desperately. Think before you write or post Bernie. Also, remember you may depend upon others someday also; you put my father down for defending me. You now have a daughter in the service, god bless her and keep her safe, but what if something arose negative with regards to her. I would certainly hope that you would be by her side. One other thing, we do watch our parent’s behaviors, and actions, try to think of that in your travels, and made your daughter proud. I have made a choice to try a new venture in my life. Why don’t you just wish me well Bernie, that would be the decent thing to do."

Deborah DePaul

Stoffa's Citizen Committee Deals With NorCo Election Mess

"Our elections have been like giving birth to an elephant."

That's how Northampton County Executive John Stoffa described our last two elections. And he's right. In the primary, Democrats and Republicans were reversed and there was no write-in tally for six weeks. In the general election, voters were confused by a ballot designed to encourage straight party voting. And it took hours to tabulate results that turned out to be off by over 3,000 votes.

A few weeks ago, Stoffa named a five person "blue ribbon citizens advisory committee" to untangle the Gordian knot in the elections office. Its members? Russ Shade (Stoffa's reform-minded former campaign manager); Richard Benner (former registrar who oversaw 45 elections); Peg Ferraro (former county councilperson); Jack Bradt (former CEO at SI Handling); and Greta Browne (former congressional candidate). Today, this unusual nonpartisan committee met for the first time. It chose Peg Ferraro to serve as chair and Russ Shade as co-chair. It will be meeting weekly, with its next two meetings scheduled for Wednesday evenings at 7 PM, when working voters can attend.

Not a single member of county council attended today's meeting. Although the five member elections commission was expressly invited to participate, only Joan Rosenthal was able to attend today's 3 PM meeting.

Problems in the Elections Office

Stoffa originally told this committee it had just four months to come up with solutions. But today, his charge was a little more open-ended. He stressed they were not on a "witch hunt," but he wanted to know "how we can do better." He wants the public's input, improvements in our voting tabulation, and wondered whether an ethics code might be necessary. From all the accounts I've received, I believe it's pretty apparent why there are problems. Some of these problems, like the lack of paper trails and possible hacking, can only be solved at the state or federal level. But the county must deal with the following:

a) A registrar who refers to herself like this: "You seem to have failed to notice and appreciate that the person in charge of the Election Office is intelligent, dedicated, fair and non-bias and holds her office to the same standards. With every positive effort to hold a good and fair election I seem to be fighting a very negative, nasty wave from a group that seem to wish bad upon the office or the election." She rambled on for at least a half hour during today's meeting, assuring everyone things are wonderful. They aren't.

b) Elections workers are improperly trained and don't even know enough to offer provisional ballots, something that Pennsylvania law requires.

c) Voting machines are not evenly distributed so that precincts that have heavy votes get more machines.

d) There is insufficient manpower on hand in the elections office during an actual election.

e) Advanced Voting Machines must solve the problem of vote tallies following the election.

f) One party chair is too close to the elections office.

g) The Home Rule Charter needs to be strengthened to remove politics from the elections commission.

h) The ballot must be altered so that it is at least neutral on the subject of straight party ballots.

i) The district boundaries are screwed up (just call Voter Reg and ask for updated district maps and listen to the runaround you get)

j) There are mis-registered voters - assigned to vote outside the precincts where they reside.

A Good Start

Dick Benner very quickly got to the heart of the problem, He told Voter Registrar Deborah DePaul that "people must be made to understand you're there to help them." He suggested asking local high schools to provide 17 year olds to help monitor elections. "That exposes them to civic life and also eases the burden on elections workers." DePaul mentioned several colleges she's contacted, and claimed they only want to help when they're something in it for them. She completely missed Benner's point about contacting high schools, not colleges.

This committee is advisory only, a paper tiger. But they mean business. Their next meeting will be in council chambers on January 31 at 7 PM. Their email address is voterinfo@northamptoncounty.org.

Correction: The correct email addy for the citizen advisory committee is voter.info@northamptoncounty.org.

Norco Official's Solution to Election Woes - "Let's Go to Florida"

As you know, we've got mega problems at Northampton County's polls. Voting screens promote straight party voting. Machines jam. Voters not listed on poll books are sent packing without being offered provisional ballots. And Registrar Deborah DePaul insists her office must perform a time-consuming manual tabulation of votes. New technology designed to increase public confidence has incredibly had the opposite effect.

Our new high-priced Director of Administration, John R. Conklin, has a suggestion. He wants elections workers to tour Broward County in Florida, the land of hanging chads. He claims elections there go off "pretty much without a hitch."

Excuse me?

What the hell is he smoking? Broward County is the source of all the controversy concerning the Bush/Gore presidential contest. Those hanging chads ended up hanging Gore. They eventually led to the federal requirement that we use touch screen voting machines. Yet Conklin wants elections officials to tour the very county that screwed up a presidential contest. Seriously, is this dude nuts? Northampton County officials have a penchant for idiotic statements, but Conklin's remark has to qualify him as nitwit of the year.

It's getting cold. Conklin must miss Florida. Maybe he has a job interview. But if he wants to visit, he should do so on his own dime.

And contrary to Conklin's assertion, Broward County elections have remained a source of controversy. In November, there was no process for poll workers to report problems and no central database for machine problems. Problems with touchscreen machines kept at least one precinct from opening on time, and litigation is threatened.

This is by no means unusual in Broward County. In 2002, a software error resulted in the loss of over 100,000 votes. Oopsie! In 2004, 134 ballots simply failed to register in a special election for a state house seat with a 12 vote margin of victory. Between 2002 and 2005, there have been at least eight such screw-ups.

On top of everything else, Broward and Northampton County are in two different states with completely different election laws. And Broward County uses ES&S Votronic touch-screen voting machines while Northampton County uses Advanced Voting Solutions.

The Express Times has its own suggestion. Either Advanced Voting Solutions is failing to remedy system flaws, or Registrar DePaul "is ill-equipped to handle the task." This problem must be identified and corrected immediately.

And it doesn't require a trip to sunny Florida.

Voting Activist Asks That Norco Voting Machines Be Tested

"Lever machines are unconstitutional. We cannot use them. A paper ballot we cannot use. There's only one choice left."

That's what Northampton County Exec John Stoffa said nearly a year ago, when the county decided upon electronic touchscreen voting machines manufactured by Advanced Voting Solutions. Pennsylvania voters are justifiably concerned by the lack of a paper trail. They also question the state's inadequate testing and subsequent certification. Some of them, including voters' rights activist Dr. Alan Brau, have sued.

Dr. Brau has just announced a press conference for Thursday, February 15, at 11 AM, in front of the Northampton County courthouse, to address his concerns with our voting machines. He charges AVS with "bait and switch" tactics. Here's what he says.

Officials from Northampton County and the Pennsylvania Department of State continue to defend AVS WINvote computerized voting machines, despite evidence that the new voting machines use hardware which is radically different from the original machines which were certified.

According to reports, Advanced Voting Solutions, of Frisco, Texas, has substituted internal components which are completely different from the hardware that was originally certified. Bradley Spencer, a former elections employee who is familiar with the hardware used for AVS WINvote, has posted photographic evidence of the company's “bait and switch” on BlackBoxVoting.org.

This includes testimony from two former AVS employees, who paint a picture of a failing company which is more concerned with sales and profits than certification or accuracy.

Furthermore, there is evidence that the software used in the November election, WINvote version 2.0.3, was uncertified at the time of the election. The last reported state certification was in February of 2006, when software version 2.0.2 was re-approved. No public documentation of certification of version 2.0.3 is available.

I am a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Secretary of State of Pennsylvania, requesting that the AVS WINvote machines be re-examined. The Secretary of State, Pedro Cortes, has ignored Pennsylvania statute by refusing the requests from nearly 100 Pennsylvania voters, who demand their legal rights to have the machines re-examined.

There has been some response at the county level. An advisory committee, appointed by County Supervisor John Stoffa, agrees that concerns raised are serious and valid, but committee members have chosen to work through the Pennsylvania Department of State, which continues to obstruct any re-examination of these machines.

Secretary of State Cortes filed a motion that our multi-county voters' lawsuit be dismissed, suggesting that the Secretary of State may be complicit with the fraud and should not be trusted to perform any inquiry into voting machine problems. The investigation must be transparent, public and immediate.

Mr. Walt Garvin, a county official, has offered to have the Northampton County's voting machines examined. I request that Mr. Garvin, Ms. Deborah DePaul and the board of elections conduct a thorough investigation of these allegations of a “bait and switch”, including opening the cases of all of the voting machines to see if the internal hardware matches the specifications of the AVS machine which were certified in 2002 and 2005.

In addition, I call for documentation from the County Board of Elections that version 2.0.3, the software used in the November election, was, in fact, certified.

If the voting machines are uncertified, then the past two election results for Northampton County, including results for the November 2006 election, are void.

Brau's Take on Yesterday's Election Committee Meeting - Dr. Brau offers his own perspective on yesterday's meeting.

I presented the information that Brad provided about the hardware. The hardware bait and switch seemed to resonate with members of the advisory board, particularly those who had seen Brad's post on BBV. I will make sure to have prints of the machines-on-the-half-shell (side-by-side) for the next meeting to distribute to all of the members.

There is a clear interest in finding a definitive answer to this allegation, if for no other reason than to dispel it.

"Open the cases!"

Unfortunately, the proposed plan is to first request that the Secretary of State authorize and perform the inspection. This is the same Secretary of State whom I am suing to re-examine these very same machines. I am guessing that he will say "no". The written request will sit on the attorney's desk for a few weeks before we receive his "that won't be necessary" response. After that, I predict that AVS will claim that all warranties are void if the clamshell is opened.

AVS is also being contacted about the internal hardware inspection. Their cooperation, or lack thereof, will be telling.

Mr. Conklin, the County Administrator, focused on maintaining the working operations of the elections department, but seemed to have little concern about certification issues.

Ms. DePaul, the Registrar, continued to personalize all general criticism about the department, the AVS machines, or computerized voting in general, which effectively kept her from discussing anything substantive. Much deflection. Job poorly done.

Mr. Bradt, out of his gentle nature, forgave the errors of the department and gave the Registrar an undeserved pat on the back.

With regards to the software- less promising.

I have yet to see a certification for the software update 2.0.3, although I am told that it exists.

More to come.

About That $21,960 Lawyer's Bill ...

Gracedale lawyer Larry Otter once tried to stiff Northampton County for $2,470.78 for one night's representation of former voting registrar H.R.H. Deborah DePaul. But that's chump change compared to what he wants from me. He's filed a motion seeking $21,960 from me. After all, he's an election law expert and goes to seminars and everything. Judge Baratta has scheduled a hearing on this matter for Friday at 9 AM. Once again, I'm going to have to rent a suit.

What Otter does not know is that I've been dodging creditors my entire life, and that's on legitimate bills. I learned long ago to put all my money in offshore accounts, like Muammar Gaddafi.

Unlike Larry Otter, I'm no election law expert. But I do know that, once I appealed Judge Baratta's Gracedale decision, he lost jurisdiction over these kinds of goofy claims.

But to be on the safe side, I cheated and looked at the law. I found this 2008 case that went through the Commonwealth Court, up to the Supremes and back down to the Commonwealth Court again. The entire bench spent six weeks reviewing a matter that should have lasted ten days. Nights and weekends were shot.

Needless to say, the judges were pissed, especially since the candidate trying to get on the ballot, and his lawyer, were not showing up. They were castigated for their ir “cumulative disingenuousness” and were both slammed with hefty layer's bill.

Although the Election Code makes no provision for attorney fees, these guys are judges, and found a loophole in the Judicial Code under which they could sanction this candidate and his lawyer for "dilatory, obdurate and vexatious conduct."

And they did.

The poor lawyer who ended up on the short end of the stick was none other than election law expert Larry Otter. Now I don't know if he actually ever read that case because he lived it and everything, but the judges clearly say that the Election Code makes no provision for attorney fees.

So what does Larry do? He sues me for attorney fees under the Election Code. In a case that's under appeal. In a case where the Judge has already thrown out 2,700 signatures.

Because the law is so clearly against him, Larry will probably win.

Maybe I can wash his car and cut his grass for the next hundred years.

Or do legal research.

Northampton County Has Flawless Election With Ol' Faithful

I've been a harsh critic of both touchscreen voting machines and the Northampton County voting registrar Deborah DePaul. Amazingly, with Ol' Faithful lever machines back in action, Tuesday's election was about as flawless as you can get. The county web site, instead of being days behind The Morning Call and WFMZ, was actually ahead of them both. I've been told that even those cranky editors at The Express Times fired off a letter to commend the office.

Here's what the real bossman, Norco exec John Stoffa, told Sarah Cassi. "I was very proud of our elections office. They've taken a lot of abuse, but last night they rose to the top."

State Elections Official Finally Speaks, But Not to Norco Citizens' Elections Panel

Northampton County voting registrar Deborah DePaul says many things. Just last week, she claimed the Department of State will only speak through her. That's why the state won't return repeated calls from the elections panel or county administrators. I see.

Yet when I looked at the Sunday Morning Call, I learned that the state's election maven, Harry VanSickle, recently spoke to The Morning Call editorial board. "He's got a story to tell, with some details until now untold, it seems, to many in the county." Well, yeah. That's why the panel has formally demanded answers.

One little secret is that, last time we voted, we used a software design the state never approved. Shhh! Another reassuring detail is that, if anyone challenges the voting machine hardware, all bets are off. The editorial incredulously concludes, "Much work lies ahead. But now there is reason to better trust county election results."

Huh? That's like saying that George Bush's disastrous Iraq record is reason to trust him with more troops.

Answers to Friday's Pop Quiz

On Friday, I asked you to name who made each of the quotations below. Someone has identified each quotation accurately, and you can read this person's answers below. I owe him/her two boxes of pop tarts. I was told I could make my own selection, and got a deal on pizza berry mint.

1)"He's our father. He's the father of our house. He's supposed to take care of us. If he doesn't take care of his children, who can he take care of?"

Answer: Allentown merchant (BiBi Hazra) discussing Mayor Ed’s shabby treatment. I hear the case has been turned over to Lehigh County Children and Youth (child neglect).

2) "Nice guys finish last."

Answer: Ms. McHale, who came in first on Tuesday with the highest percentage of Council District vote. (Although Angle got the most votes within a District). By her own reasoning Ms. McHale must not be a nice person.

3) "The expansion of Properties of Merit to communities throughout the Lehigh Valley is an incredibly positive development! POM has had a wonderful impact on neighborhoods in Allentown where property owners have taken a greater interest in their own properties."

Answer: Lisa Boscola explaining why it is O.K. that the lowly taxpayer funds Ms. Bennett’s exorbitant salary.

4) "I realize your license to practice law has been indefinitely suspended for mishandling your clients' cases. I also understand that you blame your suspension of your license to practice law on your continuing recovery for alcoholism. Fair enough. But as a former lawyer who has lost the right to practice, even in light of New York Times v. Sullivan, you should be very careful before your accuse someone of violating the law."

Answer: Lamont [McClure] – bitterly defending his own lack of knowledge about the Law.

5) "The people who left under my reign are people I am still close with."

Answer: Her Royal Highness, the Great Exalted, All Powerful, All Seeing, Grand High Registrar Deborah DePaul.(Just pay no attention to the Man Behind the Curtain).

6) "Bernie, You're an Asshole!"

Answer: Joe (won’t be Democrat Chairman for) Long.

7) "Take three zeros off all of it, and you've got the right answer."

Answer: Sam Bennett’s campaign spokesperson – hoping to distract IRS officials from looking into Bennett’s offshore accounts.

8) "You keep writing about Lower Macungie and open records. Pat yourself on the back. What a difference you make."

Answer: Bernie Take No Prisoners. I think. This quote lacks Klieklak’s typical “flowery” language. It is a little difficult to identify. But the tone is bitter enough.

9) "We do it for the love."

Answer: Wall–to-Wall Organizer discussing why volunteers do what they do.

10) "The only ones I want to hear speaking up and complaining about immigration are the Native Americans who we screwed."

Answer: Rendell and, as tempting as it to expand on the “who we screwed” comment, I’m going to leave it alone.

Norco Elections Task Force Reviews Positive Survey in Final Public Meeting

"You gave one of the most precious things you have, and that is your time. Voting is the most important thing in this country, and I would like to see it stay that way."

Those are the words Northampton County Executive John Stoffa used to thank a "blue ribbon citizens' advisory committee" charged with a single task - making recommendations to improve local elections. Its five panel members originally included Russ Shade (Stoffa's reform-minded former campaign manager); Richard Benner (former registrar who oversaw 45 elections); Peg Ferraro (former county councilperson); Jack Bradt (former CEO at SI Handling); and Greta Browne (former congressional candidate). Peg Ferraro resigned when she decided to seek a seat on county council. The committee has now conducted seven public meetings, and its sole remaining task is to make recommendations.

At last night's small gathering, the panel quietly reviewed survey results. A petulant Joe Long and goofy Bucks County lawyer provided a circus like atmosphere a few weeks ago. But that was gone, and courtly co-chair Russ Shade summarized 370 returned questionnaires. "The good news is that things are better than the perception." A total of 1400 surveys were mailed to candidates(300), poll workers(700) and voters(400). Amazingly, twenty-six percent were completed and returned.

Most candidates claim their interaction with the elections office has been positive. But Greta Browne cautions these candidates are current candidates, not those who went through the last election.

Voters have a high level of confidence in the voter registration office, but not with the touchscreen voting machines. Of the fifty voters who responded, only 27 believe their votes were recorded accurately. Sixteen are not so sure and two are convinced the machines screwed up. Voters also had some interesting ideas, ranging from a proposal to upgrade the entire process to a suggestion that older children be encouraged to accompany adults and learn the process.

Poll workers returned the highest percentage of surveys. They also experienced the most problems, ranging from difficult voting machines to an unresponsive elections office. Even so, most rated their experience with the elections office as "good" or "very good."

After going through the surveys, co-chair Russ Shade concluded, "There's plenty of room for improvement. The way we do things works. But we could do better."

I'll give my assessment, for what it's worth. I don't think things are better than the perception. I agree with the perception. Over the past six meetings, we've learned that we voted with machines the state never certified and are about to do so again. Getting answers from an indifferent state elections office, has been like pulling teeth. AVS disappeared the moment we had questions. We may need a different voting machine, one that's actually certified.

As far as the elections office is concerned, there's always room for improvement. My own experience with the staff has been positive, just like what is reported in the surveys. But elections office employees definitely need a code of ethics. A party chair's daughter should never work there. Our elections commission must be depoliticized. It should become nonpartisan, comprised of members from the major and minor parties. Elections commissioners should be barred from participating in partisan activity. Finally, voter registrar Deborah DePaul must stop being so defensive about every suggestion. She has been her own worst enemy. Last night, she conducted herself professionally, and that is an encouraging sign. In fairness, she was dealt a nightmare in the last two elections and was getting no help from the state. But her decision to hire a lawyer recommended by a party chair, was poor judgment at best. It contradicts her claim of impartiality.

Nearly every meeting was attended by Republican elections commissioner Joan Rosenthal and Democratic elections chair Walt Garvin. They weren't there as partisans but because they want us to do better. They understand Dick Benner's admonition, made in the first meeting. "[P]eople must be made to understand you're there to help them."

Update: The Morning Call and Express Times have well-written accounts of last night's meeting. An aspect of the Morning Call account should be clarified. It claims certification is expected in time for the May primary. But that's certification of a change made before November's election. Now, AVS software must change to permit larger municipal ballots, and that change won't be certified until after the primary. So we'll still be voting on uncertified voting machines. Confused? Welcome to Northampton County.
Second Update: A detailed summary of the survey results, the same one presented to the citizens' task force, is posted here.

Northampton County Democratic Chair Joe Long: Was His Election Legal?

On Monday, Northampton County Democratic Chair Joe Long was elected to a second term without opposition. But was his election legal? He could only be elected by committeemen chosen in our last primary. Yet the results of the primary were not even certified until Monday, the very day of Long's election. How could committeemen be notified of their election and be able to attend another election to select Joe Long as party chair in a matter of a few short hours? Were they beamed over?

According to Chief Registrar Deborah DePaul, certificates of election will not even be mailed to the winning committeemen until today because the law requires a 5 day waiting period in case anyone objects to the results. So how did committeemen assemble and elect Joe Long on Monday night when they won't be notified until today of their election?

And what about write-in candidates for committeemen in precincts that had no candidates? I know a fellow who wrote himself in as committeeman in a precinct with no candidates, and he's heard nothing. Assuming that he was elected, he should have been notified of the election for the county chair.

Politics: Lehigh Valley Style has long questioned Joe Long's leadership in Northampton County. Joe announced that T.J. Rooney was not seeking reelection as state rep. before Rooney could do so himself. Joe also played a major role in the back room deal that resulted in the appointment of Lamont McClure and Anthony Branco to Northampton County Council, snubbing many better qualified candidates, both Democratic and Republican. And he gave little help to John Stoffa who, without PAC money, took on and defeated a powerful and well-funded Republican opponent for County Executive. It is little wonder that PoliticsPA selected Long in 2005 as one of our worst County chairs.

But I do wonder how he managed to get himself elected on Monday, five days before certificates of election could be sent to committeemen. I've asked local party officials to explain. So far, I've heard nothing. Looks like they can only use a time machine when electing their county chair.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: WHAT ABOUT DEM REPUBLICANS?

I guess I'm an equal opportunity offender. The Republican state committee met past Saturday to select Rob Gleason, a popular former Thornburgh aide, to serve as the new state chair. He was elected by state committeemen, including committeemen from Northampton County. How could the Northampton County committeemen vote to elect a new state chair on a Saturday when their own election as committeemen was not certified until the following Monday? Their certificates of election were just mailed today.

Now there could be legitimate reasons, but I sure don't know them. It's possible these elections are pretty much decided in advance and the elections thmselves are mere formalities. But it is precisely that kind of attitude that leads to government behind closed doors.