A History Primer For America's 250th Birthday

Over the past weekend, numerous No-Kings Rallies were conducted nationwide.  They were aimed mostly at President Donald Trump's constitutionally questionable assertions of executive authority, and this has angered many of his supporters. But if truth be told, Americans have long been very leery of executive overreach.  They also resented people who, once elected, make it a career. 

In the Articles of Confederation that existed before we actually ratified the Constitution, there was no executive branch of government and no federal courts. States' rights, echoes of which can still be heard today, was the guiding principle. Delegates to Congress were limited to three years in office. 

We quickly learned that we did actually need an executive branch but were still suspicious of the tyranny that could result from a strong national government. Hence the Constitution. When George Washington was elected (unanimously) as the first President, he actually highlighted and underlined all mentions of his office. After his inauguration, he made it a point to visit every member of Congress instead of having them come to him and swear their loyalty. He also made it a point to leave his office every day at about 4 pm for a brief walk to demonstrate that he is just like everyone else. 

And so things remained until Andrew Jackson was elected President. He was the first to push the authority of the executive branch, ignoring acts of Congress and the courts when they acted contrary to his agenda. He even called for some of his critics to be "Houstinized" (assaulted). He was a populist who despised effete intellectuals like John Quincy Adams.

After Jackson, the power of the Executive branch continued to grow under different Presidents, especially during times of crisis. 

If you'd like an overview of our history from the beginning to present, I highly recommend a series of lectures from Yale University professors David Blight, Joanne Freeman and Beverly Gage called America at 250.  A course syllabus is included. You can view the lectures online as well. 

NorCo Council to Vote on Dixie TIF on November 6

After a great weekend of cycling fun in Philly, helped by outstanding weather, I finally had the opportunity to watch the public hearing for the tax break (known as a TIF) at the long vacant Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough. What I saw was pretty much a rehash of arguments previously made. County Council will vote on the TIF ordinance itself on November 6. 

If it passes, it will be a $20-29 million windfall for the developer of the long vacant Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough. It will enable Skyline Investment to float two series of bonds for a proposed 405-unit luxury apartment complex and use the projected increased assessment to pay for the improvements made over a period of 20-25 years. During this time, taxing authorities will continue to receive the taxes on the existing assessment, but they will have to wait a quarter century to see receive the taxes it should receive when improvements are made. 

In addition, Skyline will also use historic tax credits and has already received a state grant for asbestos removal. 

It's nice to be a picked winner

Both Wilson Borough and Wilson Area School District have already agreed to this windfall. 

Unanimously.

Skyline principal Brian Bartee and his bond counsel, Jonathan Cox, monopolized much of the hearing. Obviously, they're all for it. So is Doylestown attorney Richard Groff, who gobbles up distressed properties at tax and Sheriff sales and then flips or rents them out. Obviously, high rentals at Dixie will make it possible for him to charge more rent at his Wilson Borough and Easton properties. 

Support from those who benefit financially is understandable. Unanimous support from Wilson Borough and the school district, however, is either incredibly naive or downright stupid. In Wilson Borough's case, I think it's stupidity. This is the municipality that uses Stan Margle, who is facing multiple drug charges, as their solicitor. He even spoke for the borough at two county meetings where he actually insulted one of the County Council supporters. 

Brilliant. 

In the case of the school district, the rationale offered by superintendent Harrison Bailey III (that's Doctor Bailey to you), was downright mystifying.  He said students would receive an education by watching union contractors as they install drywall during the year or so that it takes. I bet. They would also be able to meet the developer and learn what it means to be an entrepreneur. Is that worth 20m years of tax breaks? 

In response to questions from Council member John Brown, Dr. Harrison Bailey III said it costs about $22,000 a year per student. Brown indicated that some tenants at Dixie will have children who attend school, and the school district will have to pay for their education. Moreover, the school district will miss 20 years of increased property tax revenue Dr. Harrison Bailey III said taxes at Wilson have only gone up 0.66% for the past five years, but his doctorate certainly has nothing to do with math. This year alone, taxes at Wilson have gone up 3.5%. His doctorate has nothing to do with business, either. Dr. Harrison Bailey III conceded he did no analysis or study on exactly how much this TIF will cost the school district. People in the audience apparently shouted out that the school board did a study, but I certainly find it off that Dr. Harrison Bailey III had no knowledge of it. 

This ordinance will be supported by Council members Ken Kraft, Kelly Keegan and Jeff Warren for one and only one reason - trade unions. Skyline Investment's Brain Bartee will use union labor. It matters not that this labor will be used to develop housing that only New Jersey and New York immigrants can afford. It matters not that this will just exacerbate the affordable living crisis. A year of union labor makes it all worth it to them.

I'm less certain about the others. 

NorCo Council Conducts Public Hearing on Dixie's Tax Break Proposal

At last night's meeting of Northampton County Council, a public hearing was conducted on the request to grant a tax break known as a TIF for the conversion of long vacant Dixie Cip factory, located in Wilson Borough, into luxury apartments. Most speakers were pro-development. Most were there at the behest of the developer, Wilson Borough or the Wilson Area School District. No action was taken on the TIF application last night.

I'm in Philly today for an annual cycling event, so I'll post about the hearing on Monday. 

Lehigh County Dems Not Lookin' Good

The primary focus of this blog is Northampton County. I'm a Democrat, but I've been highly critical of just about every NorCo Democrat over the years. And not just county Dems. I've taken shots at Easton Mayor Sal Panto, Bethlehem Mayor Willie Reynolds, State Senator Lisa Boscola, State Rep Steve "Diaper Man" Samuelson and even State Rep. Bob Freeman, who has been in office for about 2,000 years. But I'll let you in on a little secret. Compared to Lehigh County, they;'re saints.

The video you see above, sent to me by my evil Republican brother, explains why. But they will all be elected.

A Political NorCo County Festival

The annual luncheon for centenarians was recently cancelled as a result of the state budget gridlock, but the annual county festival was held on Saturday despite the rain. 

During the festival, County Executive Lamont G. McClure presented awards to outstanding individuals and organizations whose service, leadership, and dedication strengthen our communities. This is undertandable because he represents the Executive branch. But what bothers me is that McClure was joined by County Controller Tara Zrinski and County Council member Jeff Warren. Neither Zrinski nor Warren have anything to do with administration and play no role in deciding who gets awarded anything. But Zrinski is running for Exec and Warren is running for the state house. Their involvement is pure politics. The gods must agree because they made sure everyone got drenched.

NorCo Human Services Caseworkers Plan to Rally Before Tonight's County Council Meeting

Yesterday, I received a news release from SEIU Local 668, the bargaining unit for NorCo's Human Services Caseworkers. Here's what it says:

County workers and community supporters will gather outside the Northampton County Council Chambers at 5:00 PM on Thursday, October 16, before the evening meeting. Participants will rally outside, then attend the meeting to speak during the public comment period about the announced layoffs and the broader funding crises driving them. Northampton County recently announced layoffs in its human services workforce, citing a lack of state reimbursements caused by the ongoing budget impasse in Harrisburg and the federal government shutdown. Workers and their union say those cuts are unnecessary and avoidable. SEIU Local 668 members are calling on Congress, Harrisburg, and the County to take responsibility for protecting critical public services and the workers who provide them.

Executive Lamont McClure assured me in a telephone conversation yesterday that he has no intention of laying anyone off and believes the county has enough funds to pay caseworkers through the end of the year. He explained that the union was given a 30-day notice because the collective bargaining unit requires it. He also told me and advised County Council last night that he's asked for an interest-free loan of $10 million from the state treasurer.

There's no denying, however, that if the state budget impasse continues much longer, the well will run dry, and the county will be forced to make difficult decisions. Instead of laying off caseworkers, I'd furlough as many exempt positions (these are political appointees) as possible and temporarily reduce wages to cabinet officials. I'd also sit down with SEIU and other unions to see if workers are willing to take a temporary paycut so that human services can continue. 

County Furloughs Begin

In Northampton County, Executive Lamont McClure has notified SEIU, the bargaining unit for human services caseworkers, that furloughs are on the horizon as a result of the gridlock over a state budget that has been overdue since July 1.  This decision has been met by widespread criticism from both caseworkers and public officials, including both of the candidates who want to succeed McClure. In his most recent statement on the topic, McClure said he believes the county has enough cash on hand to stave off furloughs until the end of the year, which coincidentally is when his term expires. He said he has inquired about a loan from the State Treasurer but believes it should be interest free. What's going on elsewhere? 

According to Lehigh County Comm'r Jon Irons, his county was seeking a loan.  It is unknown precisely how much interest will need to be paid or the exact sum being borrowed. In Cambria County, Comm'rs have borrowed $8.5 million with a 4.49% interest rate and no pre-payment penalty. About 30 organizations, including as many as seven counties, have applied for a loan from the state treasurer. That loan originally required repayment with 4.5% interest, but the Pa Senate has passed a bill making the loans interest-free. That bill has yet to pass the Pa. House.  

In Westmoreland County, 125 employees have already been furloughed. They include human services caseworkers, workers in row offices and aides to elected officials. That way, vital human services can still be provided. In Armstrong County, human services caseworkers have been furloughed and senior centers that provide hot meals have been shuttered. Carbon County officials think they can hold on to the end of the year. 

In the meantime, the Pa. House has passed yet another budget bill. Though it spends less than Governor Josh Shapiro had hoped, he said he'd sign it if the Senate passes it when they reconvene on October 20.

No hurry.