Mike Fleck's Sinking Ship: Easton's Mayoral Race

Ever have a dripping faucet that leaks day and night? Drives me nuts. No matter where I may be, that slow and constant drip can keep me awake all night. Now I'm experiencing the same thing here in Blogistan. Let me explain.

Last week, I innocently posted a rumor about Jim Hickey, the miserable bastard who repeatedly threw me off the courthouse roof when he was Northampton County's Director of Administration. Hickey, I'm told, is now working Mike Fleck's Easton mayoral campaign. Being personally familiar with Hickey's prowess as a campaign consultant, I concluded Sal Panto can no longer view this race as a cake walk. My post was not really about Fleck, but Hickey.

But the comments that followed this post were about Fleck. His own work as a campaign consultant has given him a bad rep, at least in some local Dem circles. One reader tells me Fleck fleeced Archie Follweiler, an unsuccessful state house candidate in the Kutztown area. "Fleck took the money and ran. Literally." Hmmm. When Fleck ran for mayor four short years ago, he falsely claimed to be both a Moravian College grad and a business administrator at some used car dealer.

Drip.

Follweiler's campaign finance reports confirm that about $21,000 was paid to Fleck in just eleven weeks. That's a very large sum of money in a very short time for a state house race. It led to my second post, "Will Mike Fleck Fleece Easton?" I have no beef with Fleck, but think it's a fair question. My second post has led to a trickle of constant accusations, mostly anonymous, about Fleck's character.

Fleck is accused of trying to fleece several campaigns simultaneously. I've seen nothing to back up that claim.

Drip.

Fleck's Easton amusement tax, something he advocated when he was on city council, is ridiculed.

Drip. Drip.

Fleck is called an idiot ". . . and I mean no disrespect to all the idiots out there, but this guy really IS your King." "Anyone who paid Fleck ANY amount of money to help them win a campaign is even MORE brain damaged than Fleck is . . . and, believe me, Fleck has no brain."

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Someone claims Fleck is being hypocritical. He publicly condemns Easton's controversial Riverwalk and pledges to refuse money from any special interests involved in that project. Yet he has accepted a large campaign donation from the engineering firm involved in that disaster. Is this true? Beats me.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

Fleck's consulting work on Ed Pawlowski's 2005 Allentown mayoral race is disparaged. "I worked on Pawlowski's campaign and (to a lesser degree) with Follweiler's campaign, and Fleck was no upgrade for Ed's field team. He inherited a race that was already won, and did a decent job finishing someone else's hard work. Fleck was a useless cash pit for Archie, a good man who The Valley deserved."

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

PaProgressive, aka John Morgan, and a person whom I deeply respect, says this. "I noticed this in Archie's [Follweiler] campaign reports last summer. I took him aside and asked him why he was paying this guy so much money. As a political consultant myself I was concerned that this guy was robbing him blind. There's just no way you charge $20,000 for a state house race, for crying out loud."

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

Late this afternoon, a blogging plumber called Nun Yuzz stopped by. He's tried to repair my leaky blog with a mixture of profanity and even more inside info about the Follweiler and Pawlowski campaigns. I'm beginning to think the entire frickin' Democratic party worked both races at one time or another. Nun Yuzz tells us Fleck actually won Ed Pawlowski's mayoral race. This should be a surprise to Pawlowski. He claims Follweiler lost because he listened to his wife, and Archie also pissed off the "fat guy." Huh? Was this a campaign or The Maltese Falcon? He closes by calling us "bullshit and innuendo repeaters." And "Go fuck yourselves." Very clever.

Nun Yuzz has left the building, but guess what happened to my blog forty minutes later?

Drip.

The comments continue. If the mere mention of Fleck's mayoral race causes a steady leak of comments on my blog, I think those same comments are being repeated elsewhere. Mike Fleck is a sinking ship.

Hizzoner Mike Fleck Goes to Court

Mike Fleck moved at lightning speed through the courts when trying to knock witwit Pat Colicchio off the ballot. But today's story is about a different kind of lawsuit, the kind in which Mike is a defendant.

Yesterday, I grabbed my machete, and headed towards Easton. Hacking my way for hours through all the campaign signs littering Easton, I finally made it to District Judge Gay Elwell's office, located in the heart of the city.

A woman is what motivated this Easton safari. I've never met her, and doubt seriously our paths will ever cross. But the story of Pam Haus' lawsuit against Easton mayoral aspirant Mike Fleck, made me curious. Why did she claim Fleck owed her $5,389? What happened? Did it have "no merit," as Fleck had claimed? Would it be settled quickly, as Fleck had told The Express Times? And why would Fleck settle a matter that had no merit?

Once I finally arrived in Magistrate Elwell's office, I learned to my dismay that the case had been transferred outside of Easton. There was no real file for me to examine. So I sharpened my machete, and began hacking my way through Mike Fleck signs once again. I finally made it to District Judge Litzenberger's office in Palmer Township as it was getting dark. Fortunately, I was still able to look at the file. This is what I learned.

Fleck was sued last November 6 in a complaint prepared by Pamela's attorney, Glenn Roth. According to the complaint, Pam had borrowed $5,389 in her own name, and then gave the money to Fleck, based on his promise to pay her back. That didn't happen, so she hired a lawyer and sued. It cost her $123 to file the complaint and the complaint was sent to Fleck by certified and regular mail. A hearing was scheduled for January 24, 2007.

Fleck, who has been portrayed in some comments as a responsible businessman, never bothered to pick up the certified mail. It was returned "unclaimed." Finally, just two days before the scheduled hearing, Fleck appeared with a written request for a continuance. Reasons? "I did not receive notice." and "I just found out Friday who my counsel is to be."

Excuse me, but if Fleck had no notice, how the hell did he know to request a continuance?

Well, Elwell's office granted the continuance, and the matter was rescheduled for March 8. But again, just two days before the scheduled hearing, Fleck's lawyer wanted a second continuance. This time, District Judge Elwell reviewed the file. Seeing Fleck's name, she immediately transferred it out of Easton.

A hearing was rescheduled in Palmer Township for April 12. But guess what? Fleck requested and obtained his third continuance. A fourth hearing date was set for this Monday, April 30. Finally, late last week, Attorney Glenn Roth called to say that the matter had settled.

I tried calling Pamela. No answer. I even tried calling her lawyer. "No comment." Their silence has obviously been purchased.

Although I can't tell you how much Pamela was paid, I can tell you this. Fleck broke his promise that this matter would be resolved quickly. He instead sought three continuances. It took him nearly six months, a very long time for a civil case to linger in district court.

As I pointed out yesterday, the new Mike Fleck sounds a lot like the old Mike Fleck.

Dennis Lieb Mulls Write-in Campaign Against Fleck in Easton

This Spring, I was so obsessed with the Northampton County Exec and judicial races that I completely missed an important Easton City Council race between politico Mike Fleck and community activist Dennis Lieb. Apparently, most of the West Ward snoozed through that contest, too. Ninety per cent of Easton's registered Dems never showed up at the polls, and Fleck squeaked by with a 182 to 141 win.

Blogger Noel Jones, whose Neighbors of Easton does a terrific job covering the West Ward, was quite disappointed. "This is a sad day for the West Ward. Sad because we lost an opportunity to elect a progressive candidate with vision, Dennis Lieb, over recycling an old City Council member, Mike Fleck, who has never been to canton or town hall meetings in this neighborhood in the last year and a half, but even saddest of all, because in our neighborhood, only 323 people got out to vote for first ever WW rep on City Council, and just 19 votes the other way could have won the election for Lieb."

A reader named Tim, who sounds suspiciously like former Easton City Council Prez Tim Pickel, joined in the fun. "The glaring truth is that Easton will never improve when council counts Mike Fleck and Sandy Vulcano as members. Politics is a way of life for them instead of a servitude to the people as it should be."

Few people could be worse for Easton than Mike Fleck. He's a bum. In his first unsuccessful Easton mayoral bid, he claimed to be both a Moravian College grad and a business administrator at some used car dealer. He lied. After going down in flames, Fleck suddenly became a political consultant, and paid himself an obscene $21,000 over just 11 weeks in Archie Follweiler unsuccessful state house race. Most western Lehigh County Dems run when they see him, hands on their wallets. Fleck then decided to be a politician again and ran for mayor a second time, crashing and burning again. This time, he was sued by an ex-girlfriend over money she had borrowed for him. After that race, Fleck was charged with theft of services when he dumped a bunch of Fleck signs and old gym trunks in an Autozone trash bin. Those charges were ultimately dismissed, but not before The Express Times snapped a lovely picture. Editor Jim Deegan's caption? "You won't Fleckin' Believe This!"

These days, Fleck is killing two birds with one stone. He's running for Easton city council while simultaneously managing Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski's campaign. Oh yeah, he also applied for appointment to Wayne Grube's seat on Northampton County Council, this time claiming to have a "general degree" from Notre Dame High School. Northampton County Council is crazy, but not that Fleckin' crazy. His pal, Council candidate Lorraine Pasquali, thinks Easton will be lucky to have him.

Is she out of her Fleckin' mind?

Fleck's opponent, Dennis R Lieb, is an Easton activist who has worked tirelessly for the West Ward. His reservations about Riverwalk have been published here, and he was ultimately proven correct. He is the first person who warned that Easton's Properties of Merit program was being perverted into garden rakes for elitists.

Unlike Fleck, Lieb does no political consulting. He knows little about the elections process, but is learning. He is currently weighing the viability of a write-in campaign. Odds are against him, but he has four things going for him: 1) New voting machines make write-ins easier; 2) Turn-out will be low; 3) Fleck is a bum; and 4) Lieb actually has a message.

Pawlowski Campaign Manager a Player in Allentown Water Deal

Mike Fleck

While Allentown is certainly the poorest municipality in the Lehigh Valley, a few politically connected people are getting rich. Thanks to the NIZ, a millionaire like J.B. Reilly can become a billionaire by diverting state taxes that should be funding programs for our children. But Marcel "Trash to Cash" Groen has one-upped J.B. He sold the Queen City on a goofy plan to convert trash and shit into energy pellets. If that project fails, the City will be stuck holding the colostomy bag, not Groen. Either way, he gets richer.

Don't get me wrong. Groen is an expert when it comes to shit. After all, he's not only a lawyer, but a party boss to boot. In fact, if you're a Democrat and want to run statewide, the magic door is inside Groen's Montgomery County office.

Maybe that's why he and Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski are so chummy. After all, King Edwin won't be Mayor forever. King Edwin's campaign manager, failed newspaper boy Mike Fleck, is friendly with Groen, too.

Although Allentown is full of it, Groen is by no means content to sit on a pile of shit. No siree! As I told you earlier this week, he's also involved in one of the outfits interested in a 50-year lease for the City's water and sewer.

According to one informed source, it's already a done deal. Groen is allied with National Development Council, and they'll be getting the deal. The argument will be that, as a nonprofit, this outfit will be committed to keeping rates down. Everyone will make pious speeches, Then they'll all go home to drink Perrier and sit on their Allentown hoppers.

All the hearings and studies are, of course, bullshit. Pawlowski already has the votes he needs to make this happen. His City Council, incidentally, will soon have three appointed, instead of elected, members.

As smelly as all this shit is, hold your noses because it's about to get worse. Pawlowski campaign manager Michael Fleck is also involved in this deal. Now Fleck, who is also a member of Easton City Council, is no City employee. But he's paid by the Mayor, goes on vacations with him, and very obviously is trading on inside information to make himself a wealthy man.

Although Fleck is trying to steer the biz to Groen, his real interest is a
program giving ratepayers the option to purchase insurance for protection against leaking water and sewer pipes. Fleck would get a piece of that pie.

This program, incidentally, was first presented to Mayor Pawlowski over a year ago by a consultant who backed off completely when the City decided to sell or lease its water and sewer. Fleck wants this insurance clause inserted in the agreement of sale, but this consultant tells me you can't "front end" it like that. Another tells me it's actually illegal to force a ratepayer to purchase insurance. It would have to be an option.

Who Fleck is working for is a mystery even to the consultant who first proposed this idea to Allentown.

One thing is certain. Fleck is not working for the people of Allentown. He's in it for himself.

This alone should be a reason for City Council to kill the deal. But democracy is dead in Allentown.

Updated 11:20 AM: Just learned my sources are split over Groen's involvement with DNC. Suffice it to say that whatever group he is with is the one getting the deal. I was told it is the "nonproft," although one of the for-profit companies like Aqua could form a nonprofit venture to make it look good.

Updated 7:00 PM: Fleck Denies Current Involvement! -  Mike Fleck called me today to deny that he is involved in any way with any of the companies seeking a 50-year lease with the City's water and sewer. I also learned that Groen definitely is NOT involved with DNC. I am continuing to speak with people, will have a more detailed conversation with Fleck and will have a new post on Monday on this topic.

I'm entitled to my opinion, but not to my own facts. I think I got some of them wrong, and will post again when I am more certain. I apologize for the factual errors, but not for the post. I think it's important that people know who is involved in this matter, behind the curtains. I also am relatively certain that this is a done deal.

Source: Flipped Fleck Was Wired For 90 Days

By now, many of you have seen The Morning Call story citing anonymous sources to report that former political consultant Michael Fleck secretly recorded conversations in what increasingly appears to be a pay-to-play investigation. Ironically, I heard a similar story yesterday from a law enforcement source with ties to the Allentown office of the FBI. I was told a few things I don't see in The Morning Call story, and their story reveals a few things I had not heard.

What Morning Call Sources Say

From The Morning Call story, we know that they are relying on anonymous sources (that's plural). I have just one. Their sources say that Fleck recorded meetings with his customers and with Mayor Edwin Pawlowski.

What My Source Says

• Fleck was wired for 90 days.
• He recorded conversations for at least 30 fund raisers and over 100 meetings.
• They have many hours of taped conversation. 
• They know where he is in Georgia, and it's within spitting distance of a field office.

When I first head this story,  my question was whether I could rely on just one source. After discussing it with Michael Molovinsky, I decided to go ahead with it and just make sure you were aware I was relying on just one source. Then the Morning Call story appeared. I realized what is going on. The only reason The Morning Call or I have this story is because the FBI want us to have it.

They are shaking the trees to see if any ripe apples fall.

This also tells me three things about their case. First, it is very much a pay-to-play investigation, and is looking into Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski and Reading Mayor Spencer Vaughn. Second, the FBI insisted that Fleck wear a wire because recordings will corroborate what he says when he testifies. Finally, by using a bad guy to get other bad guys, they are possibly setting up a defense of entrapment for some targets.

The Ruchlewicz connection

I also learned yesterday that in April, feds were visiting neighbors of Sam Ruchlewicz, a Fleck partner at his business consulting firm. His Twitter account states, "Government, Politics, Business -- They all meet with me."

That might be one of his problems.

You see, in addition to acting as a political consultant for candidates seeking elected office, Fleck also acted as a "consultant" for private businesses seeking an inside track with the very people that Fleck would help elect.

Though there is no law barring this practice, Common Cause Pa Exec Director Barry Kauffman warned that it invites mischief.

"What you have to be cautious about, in this case the campaign manager is obviously a very influential person. ... The mayor needs to be cautious the campaign manager doesn't try to influence public policy decisions and serve as a conduit for major businesses who end up being campaign donors."

Fleck told The Morning Call that he keeps his business and political consulting in two different worlds, a point that was confirmed by Mayor Edwin Pawlowski.

But a campaign finance report filed by the Citizens For a Greater Reading PAC.tells a completely different story.

First, it was filed by Ruchlewicz, who was supposed to be in the business, and not political, consulting world.

Second, the $33,260 in contributions include people with no connection to Reading. Why would Sean Kilkenny, who is running for Sheriff in Montgomery County, donate $5,000 to a reading-based PAC? Why would Abe Atiyeh, who had hired Fleck and Ruchlewicz as business consultants, donate $2,000 to a reading PAC?

Third, business consultant Ruchlewicz walked away with $1,200. Fleck's H Street Strategies' take was $10,000, nearly a third of the money contributed.

Major businesses with City and NIZ contracts have been big campaign contributors. J.B. Reilly, Sean Boyle and Abe Atiyeh bankrolled a Pawlowski and Fleck inspired effort to get rid of Mayor Ed Hozza in Allentown,

The business and political consulting obviously merged.

Sal Panto, Easton Mayoral Hopeful, Refuses Special Interest Money in Primary Race

Campaign finance reports have been filed by all three candidates seeking the Democratic and Republican nominations as Easton's next mayor. Only one of them relies heavily on special interests - Democrat Mike Fleck.

Republican Gary Bertsch, who's running unopposed, has the smallest warchest. Between February 13 and April 30, he collected $3,000, and spent only $38. His biggest contribution was $2,000 from New York TV reporter Chauncey Howell, who has deep Easton roots.

Sal Panto and Mike Fleck, duking it out for the Dem nod, have raised and spent much more money in this pre-primary reporting period of about three months. Panto has raised $7,365, and has spent $3,063. Fleck has raised slightly more money, $8,424, and has spent $7,300.

Much of Panto's money comes from twenty-two small contributions between $100 and $250. Some local Easton area businessmen have given him larger sums.

Here's the kicker - Panto claims no PAC contributions or large sums from lawyers or financial consultants eager to lay their hands on city coffers! I was so surprised I called Panto. He told me flat out he doesn't want any money from people who expect to get city business, at least not in the primary. And he was more proud of those small contributions than the larger contributions from local business owners. "I want to open the doors and get everybody involved."

Fleck's report is another story. Forget all that crap about moving Easton forward, and follow the money. Unlike Panto, Fleck lists just 11 small contributors, and many of these are just different members of the Melhem family. Fleck also has no qualms about taking money from outfits who might benefit from their little investment. He lists $2,750 in PAC money, and two big contributions from outfits definitely looking for something.

Michael Setley at Concord Public Finance kicked in $1,500 for Fleck. Setley has been involved in some very questionable swaption proposals, both in Bethlehem and Northampton County. One Concord swaption deal has just made Pennsylvania's third poorest city a lot poorer. Reading taxpayers lost $230,000 in a Concord swaption in January. Setley never returned a reporter's calls about that mess, but he must have taken Fleck's call.

Fox Rothschild LLP, a Philly law firm, sweetened Fleck's pot with another $1,000. The actual names of the attorneys making these contributions should have been listed, but let's be honest. Why do you think a Philadelphia law firm and financial consultant are making contributions to an Easton candidate? Could they be looking for something? A few bond deals? A swaption?

Interestingly, Fleck also paid himself $2,400 with all these contributions for miscellaneous expenses.

Between two Dems, one candidate refuses contributions from anyone who wants to do business with the city. Another takes dough from a swaption king with a very bad track record, as well as a Philly law firm that obviously wants something in return. If I knew nothing else about Fleck, I'd have to recommend Panto on that basis alone. But with what I've learned in recent days, a vote for him translates to a vote for special interests that will drive the nails into Easton's coffin and send it floating down the Delaware river.

Update: The Morning Call has a detailed and far more objective account of the spending reports.

Fleck Denies Involvement in Allentown's Water Deal

Mike Fleck

On Friday, in a somewhat half-baked post, I told you that Mike Fleck has dived, head first, into Allentown's water and sewer deal. Since Fleck just happens to be Mayor Ed Pawlowski's campaign manager, I thought you should know.

Now I never confirmed any of this with the Fleckster, primarily because I never expected him to return a call. My relationship with Allentown's so-called elite is somewhat shaky.

But on Friday morning, Fleck called me!

He told me my story is wrong. This led me back to my original sources, and I'm inclined to agree.

As I told the Fleckster during another phone call on Sunday night, I do like to beat him up. But I like to beat him up with the truth. Some of my story from Friday is inaccurate, and this is a clarification.

What I Got Wrong:

1) Fleck's Involvement. - Fleck tells me he's had no contacts with anyone concerning Allentown's water and sewer lease. He claims that early in the process, he was contacted by an interested party to work as a consultant, but after discussing it with the Mayor, he decided to stay out of it. He adds this party never submitted a proposal.

2). Marcel Groen and National Development Council. - On Friday, I claimed that Groen represents National Development Council. But that's inaccurate. My sources contacted me later that day to tell me they had that wrong.

What I Got Right:

1) Marcel Groen does represent one of the bidders. I have heard two possibilities, but will wait until I am certain.

2) Fleck and Groen are friendly. According to Fleck,they still discuss politics and other matters, but have had no discussions concerning the water and sewer deal. Fleck denies knowing who Groen represents.

3) Groen's client, whoever it is, has the edge. According to what I hear, it's already a done deal. Those supposed public hearings are window dressing, as most so-called public hearings are with Pawlowski.

4) Fleck was involved in an insurance program for water and sewer ratepayers, but it was killed when the city decided to lease the facilities. It might be resurrected at some later date, but that will depend on whether the successful bidder already offers those kinds of warranties.

Former Colleague: Easton Mayoral Hopeful Fleck is a Liar

Last time Mike Fleck ran for Easton mayor, just four short years ago, he falsely claimed to be both a Moravian College grad and a business administrator at some used car dealer. When these embellishments were uncovered, Fleck paid the price. He finished third out of four candidates - in the primary.

He's baaaack!

But he's unable to shed his bad reputation. In March, he was sued by a Phillipsburg woman over $5,000 she claimed Fleck owed her. Now he's accused of fleecing Archie Follweiler's state house campaign. That claim appears factual. Fleck was paid $21,000 in just eleven weeks. And the negative comments continue. Amazingly, opponent Sal Panto is not the source of these complaints. They instead come from Lehigh and Berks County Dems who consider Fleck "a useless cash pit."

Monday, I heard from Kyle Scanlon, a former Follweiler campaign worker. State campaign finance records reveal Scanlon was paid $3200 for his campaign work. Here's what Scanlon says: "I am one of the few people involved who can speak with direct knowledge of the Fleck/Follweiler situation. The truth is, Fleck is a liar and Archie allowed the wool to be pulled over his eyes. Yes, Mike was overpaid. Yes, Mike is a politician whose glossy shine will wear off after a short while to reveal his lack of integrity and ability. He works very hard to his credit, but only does so to advance his own career."

I'm beginning to get the feeling that many Lehigh County Dems think Mike Fleck would make a terrible mayor. But they're not voting.

As time ticks by, the new Mike Fleck seems very much like the old Mike Fleck.

Feds Expected to Mount Full Court Press in Fed Ed Investigation

WFMZ-TV69 has published its entire interview with noted criminal defense lawyer Jack McMahon. I doubt very many of you have had the time to watch the entire 48-minute conversation with Jacci Farris. But I'm sure one person has. That would be Joe Khan, the Assistant United States Attorney handling the investigation into Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski. Khan had been preoccupied in recent weeks because he was preparing another prosecution. But that matter was recently resolved, so McMahon picked a very poor time to try his case in the press.

From what I've been told, prosecutors had already decided it was time to intensify their investigation, and I expect to see a lot more activity in the coming weeks.

McMahon makes the following arguments:

1) Fed Ed cannot possibly have committed a crime with Northeast Revenue because they've done such a good job. - Last time I checked, it's no defense to claim that the outfit illegally hired has done a good job. And incidentally, various title agents I know have complained about the arrogance, unresponsiveness and general poor quality of the work Northeast Revenue has provided, both in Allentown and Lehigh County.

2) Ramzi Haddad received no benefit for his bribes. "He got nothing," claims McMahon. "Where is the crime?" He goes on to claim the the federal charging document makes no direct link between Fed Ed and Haddad, if you read it carefully. I did. It does.

According to the information, it is Fed Ed himself who promised to lean on a code enforcement officer to go easy on Haddad. It is Fed Ed himself who promised Haddad a favorable ruling in a zoning matter, and actually instructed a city employee to help him. McMahon claims that it is Miked Fleck, and not Fed Ed, who made promises. But the information avers that Fed Ed "directly" told Haddad that "items of value, including food, drinks, and campaign contributions, [were] a necessary condition for receiving certain favorable treatment from the City of Allentown." He was specifically directed by Pawlowski to pick up his tabs during "in-person interactions."

3) Favoritism towards Jack Rosen does not exist because no contract has been awarded. - Once again, there does not have to be a completed deal for pay-to-play to exist.

4) Fleck acted on his own, without Fed Ed's knowledge. - No doubt this is why Fleck was wired. This is why Fleck's business partner, Sam Ruchlewicz, was also wired. No prosecutor would seek an indictment without evidence that directly ties Fed Ed to the criminal scheme.

6) Fed Ed had told Fleck to make a decision between lobbying for businesses and political campaigns. - This claim is directly contradicted by a news account published 1 1/2 years before the federal investigation broke in which both Fed Ed and Fleck insisted they don't mix business and politics. It was also flatly contradicted by entrepreneur Abe Atiyeh, who was unable to do any business in Allentown until he hired Fleck.as a "consultant." After that, Allentown went broke paying more than double what two useless pieces of land were worth. The City paid him $1.4 million for property only valued at $580,000. The City was forced later that year to raise the earned income tax.

7) Burner phones and office sweeps for electronic bugs are no big deal. - "It's a long-standing mayoral tradition," McMahon said with a straight face. As blogger Chris Casey observes, "It is a long-standing mayoral tradition, in cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, and New York City. Places where corruption has been known to run rampant." Here, not so much. This is what has hurt Fed Ed more than anything else because it shows criminal intent.

8) Fleck stole $70,000 on the day of the raid. - FEC records do show that Fleck paid himself that sum, and an amended filing claims it was never authorized. There was no report, at the time of the alleged theft, that Fleck took this money without authorization. He obviously had been provided access to the account.

9) City Council has prejudged Pawlowski - He calls their no-confidence vote "reprehensible." But he apparently failed to read the resolution. It specifically notes he is presumed innocent but needs to resign because the climate surrounding this investigation has made it impossible for him (and them) to govern.

10) "I will see Ed Pawlowski to the very end of this case and hopefully his vindication." - Fed Ed has spent $80,000 for his criminal defense, and has $183,000 left. It's likely he'll be able to use all of it to pay for his lawyers. When that money runs out, that will be the "very end" of this case for McMahon.

Will Fleck Be Called in Fed Ed Trial?

Most of the evidence in the political corruption case against Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski has been pretty solid. It's a bit weaker against Attorney Scott Allinson, but I'm not sure the "My client is a drunk" defense is playing very well with the jury. Sam Ruchlewicz was the one disaster. Defense Attorney Jack McMahon had a field day with him. This may have made the feds reluctant to call the other admitted liar, Mike Fleck, to the stand. The theory is that they can rely on wiretaps and recordings without exposing Fleck to McMahon.

This would be a mistake. First, McMahon can simply call Fleck as a witness himself. Second, McMahon could argue, "Where's Fleck?," as the case continues. Third, Fleck is no Ruchlewicz.

he hinted around about that possibility when Celeste Dee, a former Flack employee who is actually a victim in this matter, was called to testify. In response to questioning by McMahon, Dee said no one was closer to Fed Ed than Fleck.

"So he would be the best one to tell this jury what really happened," suggested McMahon. This statement resulted in objections.

McMahon is laying the foundation to attack the government for failing to present the witnesses against Fed Ed.

Though Fleck can be attacked on the stand for his dishonesty, he has admitted tohis criminal behavior and can tell the jury that, unlike Ruchlewicz, he is payng a price. Alos, despite his shortcomings, fleck is a very likable person who could help win the jury over.

Will Mike Fleck Fleece Easton?

Yesterday, I briefly told you about Sal Panto and Mike Fleck, two mayoral candidates duking it out for Easton's democratic nomination. Last time Fleck ran for mayor, just four years ago, he claimed to be both a Moravian College grad and a business administrator at some used car dealer. Both claims proved to be false.

Now there's a new reason to be wary. Here's why. This time last year, Fleck was the political consultant to Archie Follweiler's state house campaign. But according to an anonymous comment, Fleck just soaked Follweiler. "Fleck took the money and ran. Literally." Last night, a Lehigh County Democrat confirmed this anonymous accusation. "We had several talks about Fleck in Dem circles, about how no one should hire him. We called him Mike FLEECE!"

I've checked Follweiler's campaign finance reports, and they confirm that about $21,000 was paid to Fleck in just eleven weeks. Follweiler started using someone else in June. I've listed the payments, and you can decide for yourself whether Fleck fleeced Follweiler. (March 6 - $1,000.00; March 11 - $5,199.46; March 17 - $1,000.00; March 20 - $1,000.00; March 22 - $500.00; March 28 - $1,000.00; April 4 - $1,000.00; April 5 - $22.50; April 11 - $1,000.00; April 18 - $500.00; April 23 - $1,000.00; May 2 - $1,000.00; May 10 - $1,000.00; May 16 - $4,500.00; May 25 - $291.93; June 1 - $1,000.00; June 1 - $2,412.80; Nov 1 - $1,939.36. Total payments - $22,843.55.)

Dennis Lieb Has a Fleckin' Surprise

Couldn't happen to a nicer guy!

Easton mayoral candidate and Pawlowski campaign manager Mike Fleck has been cruising along, collecting "pay to play" paychecks from King Edwin, without a care in the world. Life is good.

Few people could be worse for Easton than Mike Fleck. In his first unsuccessful Easton mayoral bid, he claimed to be both a Moravian College grad and a business administrator at some used car dealer. He lied. After going down in flames, Fleck suddenly became a political consultant who fleeced state house candidate Archie Follweiler out of an obscene $21,000 over just 11 weeks. Most western Lehigh County Dems now run when they see him, hands on their wallets.

Fleck then decided to be a politician again and ran for mayor a second time, this time against Sal Panto. Despite plastering signs on everything, from telephone poles to shad swimming up the Delaware, Fleck flamed out again. In that election, he was sued by an ex-girlfriend over money she had borrowed for him. He was also charged with theft of services when he dumped a bunch of Fleck signs and old gym trunks in an Autozone trash bin. Those charges were ultimately dismissed, but not before The Express Times snapped the lovely picture you see above. Editor Jim Deegan's caption? "You won't Fleckin' Believe This!"

These days, Fleck is perfecting his fleecing techniques at the feet af King Edwin. He can pretty much ignore Easton, and has, because he has no opponent. In the primary, 90% of Easton's registered Democrats forgot all about the election, and the Fleckster squeaked by with a 182 to 141 win over Easton activist Dennis Lieb.

Lieb has decided to mount a write-in campaign while Fleck is busy in Allentown. While Fleck has pretty much ignored Easton's West Ward, Lieb has been a tireless advocate. His reservations about Riverwalk, first published on this very blog, proved to be correct. He was the first to notice that Easton's Properties of Merit program was being perverted by elitists who were merely interested in driving up property values so they could sell.

If turnout remains low, and Lieb can garner some support from Republicans and disaffected Dems, Easton is in for a Fleckin' surprise.

Lieb Write-in Campaign Gaining Momentum

While tooling into the courthouse today, I saw something unusual - Dennis Lieb yard signs. Interestingly, I saw them planted in people's yards, too, instead of plastered all over telephione poles a la Fleck. I'm certainly no expert, but it looks like his campaign is gaining momentum in a hurry.

At Neighbors of Easton, former city council Prez Tim Pickel, blogger Noel Jones, David Caines, Timothy Hare and Laureston have all announced their support. Easton's Republican Committee also issued this endorsement:

"We decided Easton needs someone who is committed to the city, not just playing politics. Dennis has proven his commitment to all residents of the city, whether they be Democrat, Republican, Independent, or those who have become completely disenfranchised from our local political process in Easton over the years. Anybody who has seen him, or heard Dennis's ideas would be behind him. Dennis would provide a sound fiscal conservative voice for our community, which we need to navigate the tough decisions facing Easton."

Even Lehigh County blogger Chris Casey has weighed in on this race.

"So why do I care about a candidate in a city 30 miles away from me? I care because I was witness to a good man being used by Fleck. Arch Follweiler of Kutztown paid Mike Fleck over $20,000 dollars to work on Arch's campaign for State Representative, and within a week of receiving a $4500 advance, Fleck quit on Arch and left him high and dry. Fleck hadn't even ordered the campaign signs he had promised.

I'm not saying Arch lost because of Fleck, but I will say that Fleck did not help the cause, and in my observation, to quote the rock band Dire Straits, received "money for nuthin".

"I care because Pennsylvania has far too many useless would be Flecks sucking at the public teat and enriching themselves on the taxpayers dime. I don't know Easton West Ward activist Dennis Lieb, but if the guy makes the time to get involved enough to decide to mount a write in campaign, it shows me he cares. Dennis Lieb just received the Republican party endorsement, and the people who live in the neighborhood are the ones who inspired him to run.

"So here is the choice in the West Ward, Mike Fleck, a political hack wannabe who is the only name on the ballot and can't show up in his own neighborhood to campaign. Or Dennis Lieb, a guy with a grass roots initiative who actually knows the people in his community by name."

Of course, waging a write-in campaign is an uphill battle, but this is a district race for Easton City Council. Dennie has a shot.

Mike Fleck to the Rescue!

I told you yesterday about some possible candidates to fill the vacancy on Northampton County Council created by the loss of one of our best, Wayne Grube.

I missed one - Mike Fleck.

Earlier this year, Easton city council mysteriously refused to appoint him to one of their vacancies. I don't know how the hell that happened. After all, he's nearly a college graduate! He had previously assured Easton blogger and news maven Jim Deegan, "I really, honestly think it should almost be a no-brainer."

When I blogged about this injustice, Fleck popped on this blog to defend pay-to-play because "90% of the pols in the Valley do that." He also attacked Panto's brother with a baseless allegation, prompting an angry response from Hizzoner himself. "As for you Mike Fleck -- you come after me and leave my family alone."

Last night, as I dodged raindrops on the way home, an email came out of the sky and hit me on the Fleckin' head.

"I have applied for the vacancy on Northampton County Council. I was sorry to hear of the passing of Wayne Grube and I do not believe anyone can fill his shoes. He was a legend who gave tirelessly to the residents of Northampton County. He will be sorely missed.

"In addition to my experience in local government, as councilman in the City of Easton, I have no intention of seeking re-election if appointed to Northampton County Council. I believe, that although I am a democrat, that I am non-partisan and fair minded when it comes to running local government. I work well with others but am not afraid to say when I think something is having a negative effect on the residents. The bottom line is that I have the requisite government experience combined with the common sense and compassion to be a valuable steward of this seat on Council.

"Michael P. Fleck"

Fleck intends to run for Easton city council next year. A spot on Northampton County Council will mean name recognition and more money for his campaign coffers. At the same time, he will follow whatever orders he gets from Charles Dertinger and Lamont McClure.

This guy is the perfect addition to a dysfunctional county council. What better way to alienate Easton Mayor Sal Panto than by appointing someone who took cheap shots at his family!

In his failed mayoral run last year, Fleck plastered so many signs over Easton that Jim Deegan saw one on a shad reeled in near the free bridge. After his loss, Fleck was nailed by Palmer's finest for dumping campaign signs and unopened bundles of his newspaper outside Autozone, but beat the rap.

He's a Fleckin' male Sam Bennett. Local Dems are obviously grooming him for a stab at Congress.

Fed Ed Case Update: Are Four More Indictments Expected?

More Indictments? - When Morning Call reporter Emily Opilo reported on the indictment of Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski, she tweeted that nine sealed indictments had been filed, adding that "some may not be Allentown-related."

	Emily Opilo (@emilyopilo)
7/26/17, 9:03 AM By the end of the day yesterday, there were 9 sealed cases filed in our district of federal court. Again, some may not be Allentown-related.

In addition to her tweet, federal prosecutors initially indicated they would conduct news conferences on both Wednesday and Thursday. That Wednesday news conference happened, but nothing more was said about a separate news conference on Thursday.  These two factors have led some to infer that four more indictments are pending. More indictments are certainly possible, but we'll have to see.

Allinson's firm bio - In an email to "old friends," three people who had their claws in Northampton County government, Scott Allinson said his firm would stand behind him. His firm bio was gone from the firm web page the day after his indictment was published. That may be the result of remarks he is quoted making about other attorneys in that firm, disparaging their integrity.

Thanks to Google cache, I was able to retrieve Allinson's firm profile, in which he basically claims to be the solicitor to every municipality in the Lehigh Valley.

But he may have been puffing. According to the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, which called me last week, Allinson is not their lawyer. They know better who represents them than I do. Nor does he represent the NorCo IDA, they tell me. I believe he did.

How much time does Fed Ed face? - As explained in the US Attorney's news release,

"The charge of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; the charges of mail fraud, wire fraud, honest services mail fraud, honest services wire fraud, and attempted Hobbs Act all carry an individual maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; and the charges of conspiracy, travel act bribery and making material false statements all carry an individual maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine."

Doing the math, means a maximum sentence of 775 years. Is that likely? No. But he is looking at double digits, and was warned.

It's a Fleckin' mess! -  The common denominator in both the Allentown and Reading pay-to-play prosecutions is Mike(d) Fleck. Long before his association with Fed Ed, he had the reputation of fleecing candidates.He tiffed state house candidate Archie Follweiler for $21,000 in 2007. I was told Fleck matured. I agree. He matured into a full-fledged thief.

But a likable one with a good singing voice.

The best Fleck story ever - "You won't Fleckin' believe this!" - was penned by Express Times Editor Jim Deegan. Fleck had plastered Easton with all kinds of signs when he ran against Mayor Panto in 2007, and lost. After the election, he was slow to clean up and was rightly taken to task. Fleck eventually did so and pledged to buy Deegan lunch if he found more than three or four signs.

The Palmer Tp police found hundreds. Fleck apparently threw them in a dumpster at the local Autozone, along with hundreds of copies of his newspaper, The Easton Irregular, and for some strange reason, a jockstrap.

Fleck was charged with theft of services, but beat the rap.

When Fed Ed hooked up with Fleck, he knew exactly what was happening.

A lounge singer.

Prominent Allentown Lawyer Says He's Being Indicted in Fed Ed Case

When word of a federal investigation of political corruption in Allentown first broke over two years ago, it quickly became apparent that The Norris, McLauglin law firm would have a starring role in a summer drama that soon became a mini-series that has drawn nine guilty pleas. Not only are partners identified on the FBI subpoena list, but they have been involved in the Mayor Pawlowski story for the past several years. In a sign that federal prosecutors might finally be wrapping things up, a Norris McLaughlin partner is telling friends that he's going to be indicted.

This target is Scott Allinson, a self proclaimed rainmaker whose firm profile once claimed that he helps businesses "achieve their day-to-day, as well as long-term, business objectives." He has represented the Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Redevelopment Authority, the Northampton County General Purpose Authority, the Northampton County Higher Education Authority, Lehigh’s Economic Advancement Project, Northampton County New Jobs Corporation, Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation, Lehigh Valley Regional Loan Pool, and Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and Northampton County Industrial Development Authority. From those vantage points, he can really help businesses meet their goals. Whether it is the Chrin TIF or some other major project, Allinson was nearly always involved.

Closely connected to political and business consultant Mike(d) Fleck, Allinson helped raise money for various Fed Ed campaigns. Thanks to Fleck, he also represented Ruckus Brewing in their Neuweiler deal.

Allinson appears to be the person identified in federal charging documents as "Donor No. 4." When Fleck told Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski that Donor #4 (believed to be Scott Allinson) had expressed concern about making political contributions, Fed Ed reportedly responded,

"Really! I've given him millions of dollars.. .. Relatively, compared to other law firms, they've given nothing. [Donor #4] for sure will get nothing now. ... You know, f--k them! And I'm not gonna [award work to Donor #4's law partner] or anything. Screw it all!"

Given the use of quotation remarks, this statement from Fed Ed may very well be a transcript from a wire that Fleck was wearing.

Allinson also helped Fleck form Citizens Who Care. That was supposed to be a 501(c)3 charity "for a series oof collective measures aimed at making Lehigh County more prosperous." Fleck and possibly Allinsn misrepresented that contributions were tax deductible. Some of the money raised paid for an inauguration party for Lehigh County Exec Tom Muller. The rest went into Fleck's pocket.

Unlike the nine people who have pleaded guilty this far, Allinson has no intention of going gently into that good night. He intends to fight. He will "rage, rage against the dying of the light."

In an email entitled "challenges ahead," Allinson informed three people he considers "old friends" that "the government has decided to proceed against me. This could occur as early as next week. I am certain of my innocence to bribery or any other crime. The firm is standing by me and is fully supportive. I expect to work here after the charges are filed."

"I am in for the fight of my life and hope to have your continued support."

I believe the next and hopefully last round will be aimed at those who refused to cooperate with the government or who insist on their innocence. So I think Allinson and Fed Ed will be indicted together.

Fleck's 2011 Consulting Fees at Least $56,734.24

Easton City Council member Mike "the Fleckster" Fleck did pretty well as a political consultant last year. Aside from whatever sums he picked up in local races, I've already told you that Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski paid Fleck $18,234.24. In addition, state campaign finance reports reveal that David Wecht paid Fleck $36,000 in his successful quest for a seat on the state Superior Court. Lehigh County Democrats, who lost every County-wide race except Sheriff, also paid Fleck $2,500.

Maybe they should have paid him more.

Fleck also reportedly worked some local races like the Reading Mayor, where there is no state filing requirement.

From the state filed reports, we know Fleck raked in at least $56,734.24 in 2011 to comb homeless shelters on election day.

Is Fed Ed a Racketeer?

We all know that a federal Grand Jury, the United States Attorney's Office and the FBI have subpoenaed documents and served search warrants on Allentown City Hall, Reading City Hall, political consultant Mike Fleck's office and Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer's home. We know agents were poised outside Mayor Ed Pawlowsi's home. We know he and his wife, who is his campaign treasurer, were questioned. We know that political consultant Mike Fleck, who worked for the mayors in both Allentown and Reading, left town in a hurry. We know Feds are seeking information concerning the very cozy relationship that exists between developers and city government. This is compounded in Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone, where $54 million in state tax dollars have been used with no oversight to build an empire for J.B. Reilly. It's inevitable that mischief is afoot. There was simply too much money and too little accountability. But what kind of charges can we expect to see down the road? There was a good indication yesterday that this may be a racketeering investigation. Those are the charges that were filed against U.S. Congressman Chaka Fattah Sr, along with four of his assoiciates. It followed a very lengthy investigation that spanned several years, not months. That may be the case here, too.

Fattah has been charged with bribery, fraud and money laundering in connection with several schemes involving contributions to his campaign warchest. But he's also been charged with racketeering, which is the nuclear option for federal prosecutors.

What is racketeering? When you hear that word, you might start think of finding horse's heads in beds and offers that can't be refused. The law was definitely written to take on the Mafia. But it applies to any criminal enterprise, even a legitimate group like ... say a City Council or the bluebloods that infest the NIZ Board. As explained by the law's author, G. Robert Blakey, "We don't want one set of rules for people whose collars are blue or whose names end in vowels, and another set for those whose collars are white and have Ivy League diplomas." Boiling it down to its simplest terms, a prosecution requires proof of  pattern if racketeering activity in the form of two predicate acts.

Its official name is the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act of 1970.

Prosecutors can go back ten years to find predicate acts, which can come from a list of 35 state and federal crimes. Those who are convicted face 20 years in prison, along with a $25,000 fine and the forfeiture of all assets. There's also a civil component. Those who have been damaged by racketeering can sue and seek treble damages.

In this case, the enterprise could include Fed Ed, Miked Fleck, other politicians along with a cornucopia of crony capitalists who were seeking to enrich themselves. Is the connection between campaign contributions and contracts a coincidence? Or is there a scheme to deprive the public of its right to honest services with bribery, extortion, mail and wire fraud, obstruction?

It's important to note that no one has been charged with anything,

Even without whatever was learned by wire, I know there is evidence of vendors seeking to do business in the City who were told that they should discuss it with Pawlowski at his next fundraiser. There is also evidence that Pawlowski distributed lists to potential vendors, identifying PACs and nonprofits where they should make contributions. I know of one vendor who actually walked out of a meeting after being handed such a list.

Is this criminal? By itself, no.

With Miked Fleck in the picture, things get a lot more interesting. Why did Pawlowski solicit candidates to use Fleck's services? How is it that Abe Atiyeh, who couldn't get his foot in the door in Allentown, suddenly owned all of its billboards after hiring Fleck as a "consultant"? Why is it that the Rosen family, rumored to the financial backer for Fleck's brewer client Ruckus, made all those contributions to Pawlowski's Senate race?

These questions could be asked of numerous other contributors who seemed to be on the inside track to city or NIZ business.  With a wire, the answers could prove interesting.

In a news release accompanying yesterday's indictment of Chaka Fattah, federal authorities make very clear why these prosecutions are necessary.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell: "Public corruption takes a particularly heavy toll on our democracy because it undermines people’s basic belief that our elected leaders are committed to serving the public interest, not to lining their own pockets.”

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Edward J. Hanko: “A founding principle of our democracy is that citizens place their faith and trust in the public servants they elect to represent them. It is the duty of the FBI, IRS, and Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute those who violate this trust and put personal gain above public service.”

IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent-in-Charge Akeia Conner: “Public corruption by our elected officials and their associates undermines the American public’s confidence in our government.”

Mike Fleck to LVR: Shut Your Fleckin' Mouth, or I'll Sue

Easton pol Mike Fleck, no relation to Bela, is one pissed off dude. Last week, Easton's city council refused to appoint him as one of their own, overlooking his obviously superior qualifications. After all, he's nearly a college graduate! He had previously assured Easton blogger and news maven Jim Deegan, "I really, honestly think it should almost be a no-brainer."

Oopsie!

The final straw for poor Mike came this weekend. I suggested that while he was a member of city council, he attended the Super Bowl, courtesy of Easton's financial advisor, Concord Public Finance.

This morning, Fleck became the gazillionth person to threaten me with libel since I've been blogging. "If you do not correct the remarks you made in the Express blog, which I can prove are blatantly false and a complete lie, I will sue you." Turns out Concord Public Finance had nothing to do with his trip to the Super Bowl.

It was a baseball game, damn it!

And according to Fleck, he's not the only one. Most of Easton's city council members and their families have gone to baseball games "at one time or another," thanks to Concord Public Finance. I'm giving Fleck a lot of flak for the details. How many games? How many little favors like this? Who are the other city council members? Their families, too?

According to Deegan, this is only a "venial sin," hardly measuring up to Fleck's decision to toss old campaign signs, bundled copies Easton irregular and old gym trunks in an Auto Zone trash dumpster. That may be, but this venial sin is also a violation of the state ethics act. Way back in '87, a Dublin Township Supervisor was tagged for accepting Phillies tickets from a township contractor. He was flatly told "you should not have accepted these tickets given your position ... ." He avoided the firing squad only because he gave them away.

Incidentally, Michael Setley at Concord Public Finance kicked in $1,500 for Fleck's failed mayoral campaign. Concord's local municipal clients include Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Bethlehem Parking Authority, Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority, Lehigh County Authority, Walnutport Authority, South Whitehall Township, Whitehall Township and Easton.

Play ball!

This Blog Discussed in Fed Ed's Corruption Trial

Though I have yet to set foot inside the federal courthouse where Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski is being tried for political corruption, I have secret agents everywhere. One of them sat in on yesterday's trial, and reported to me that my name came up ... twice.

The first time was in a wire recording of the infamous breakfast meeting at Billy's Diner that ended with Fed Ed giving Fleck a  pat-down. They were talking about getting rid of evidence that could implicate them. Fed Ed said he would spend the weekend going through his email. According to Morning Call reporter Emily Opilo,

Emily Opilo‏Verified account @emilyopilo

At the end of the breakfast, Dougherty says he's hearing rumors that Fleck is being investigated by the FBI. Fleck speculates that it's Bernie O'Hare. Dougherty says I asked him about it.

3:13 PM - 31 Jan 2018

According  to Agent 98, Fleck downplayed the possibility. "Bernie's been saying that for eight years," said Fleck.

Actually, at that time, I had been trying unsuccessfully to reach Fleck because I had heard the FBI had been at both his home and office.

The second reference to me was later, when FBI Special Agent Scott Curtis was on the stand and asked to explain who the hell I am. I believe that Curtis answered that I like to write about local political corruption.  I do.

High school basketball, too.

I have been writing about Fed Ed's corruption since 2007, so Fleck was actually right.

And so was I.

He’s corrupt.

When you delete emails and instruct others to do so, it's insulting to pretend innocence.