A Trip Around the LV Blogosphere

For a time, the Lehigh Valley Blogosphere was pretty much a desert. Aside from Michael Molivinsky and your truly, few others were willing tor had the time to provide a local perspective. Thanks in part to Substack, that has been changing in recent years. 

Molovinsky on Allentown is an old fart who focuses primarily on Allentown, as his blog title suggests, although he does occasionally roam into other issues. Now if you read this guy, you might think he really must be some obnoxious asshole. But if you meet him in person, you'll soon realize you were right. Especially if you are employed by The Morning Call. Actually, Michael and I are friends. This is a matter of necessity because everyone else hates us. 

Lehigh Valley News Briefs is an excellent place for in-depth stories on what really is going on in our bizarre non-profit community, where entities like DaVinci, the Bethlehem Food Co-op and Lehigh Valley Public Media routinely con local officials into doling out our tax dollars for ventures that go nowhere. Publisher Jeff Ward is an accomplished alumnus of Bloomberg News. 

Armchair Lehigh Valley is made up of journalists and editors who at one time or another worked for the dailies. These folks have a lot of institutional knowledge about the Lehigh Valley that unfortunately is missing from what's left of our local newspapers. They do a great job of covering local campaigns and elections. Armchair's latest entry is a report about a complaint filed against Lead Left, a PAC that poured $1.7 million into the Pa.07 Congressional primary in an effort to keep Bob Brooks or Ryan Crosswell from getting the Democratic nod. 

Comm'r Ron Beitler is actually a Facebook page that gives us all a bird's eye view of what is happening in Lehigh County. Beitler is a thoughtful conservative who re-registered as an Independent recently and speaks out very persuasively on issues like Mark Pinsley's so-called "wealth tax". 

Upper Nazareth Township Meetings, penned by Becky Bartlett, is a no-nonsense news site that focuses solely on what is happening in Upper Nazareth. I envy Becky because, without any training, she can tell a story without government without opinion, the way that I and others just need to do. 

Apocalypse Vibes is written by Rich Wilkins, who at one time worked on Congressional races all over the country. He has a much better insight into congressional races than most of us. 

Allentown Truth is all about the inner workings of Allentown, written from the perspective of an anonymous person who really detests Mayor Matt Tuerk. His latest is that the City had a Blues, Brew and BBQ event at which no one showed. I don't know if that's true because I wasn't there. But if nobody was there, that should include the anonymous blogger who claimed no one was there, which would mean at least he was there.  

LVCI offers the perspective of a local Everyman who sees a strange world whiz by. Sometimes he laughs. Sometimes he cries. 

If there are other local blogs out there worth reading, please let us know in the comments. 

Pinsley's So Called Wealth Tax Under Fire

Blogger's Note: Below is an op-ed written by Lehigh County Comm'r Ron Beitler (Independent), Lehigh County Comm'r Antonio Pineda (Republican) and Phil Armstrong, former Lehigh County Exec, Democrat. 

Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley has proposed recycling an antiquated county intangible personal property tax by branding it a “wealth tax.” Once levied by counties in Pennsylvania, it disappeared 25 years ago for many reasons: legal challenges, administrative problems and broad acknowledgement that it was bad policy.

Most concerning, the current label of a “wealth tax” is a sales pitch. Political marketing. It makes the proposal sound narrow, targeted and aimed only at billionaires. That is not accurate.

This is not a tax exclusively on the ultra wealthy or the “Elon Musks” of the world. Plain and simple, it's a tax on personal financial assets. It hits common savings tools and certain small business ownership interests. Stocks, bonds, mutual funds and non-retirement brokerage accounts are all specifically named in the Controller’s report. The enabling law also raises unresolved questions about other useful family, retirement and estate planning tools, including custodial brokerage accounts, 529 college accounts and private mortgages held as assets. These are all tools working families, seniors, parents saving for their children and small business owners use to make responsible plans for their futures. As presented, this tax has no minimum income threshold. And adding one later may only deepen the legal problem because the 1913 law does not clearly give the County the authority to create one.

This is all part of the central problem. The public is being sold a narrow tax on extreme wealth, but the actual proposal reaches everyone. Repeating a misleading label does not change what the tax actually does nor does it change who it hurts.

This is not a Republican, Democratic or Independent concern. That is why the three of us, from different political backgrounds, agree on this point: Lehigh County should not revive a legally risky tax on savings, common investment tools and small businesses.

While some might dance around what this really is, others are more direct, describing this kind of saving as “hoarding wealth.” We strongly disagree. For generations of Lehigh Valley families, including people who worked hard their entire lives at places like Mack, Bethlehem Steel and other local employers, saving was not "hoarding wealth". These were not millionaires hiding money. They were working families taking responsibility for their futures, supporting children, driving modest cars, fixing what they could and planning ahead so they would not have to depend on the government later. That is basic financial discipline. We should encourage it, not punish it.

At a time when credit card debt is near record highs, younger folks struggle to save or invest, family sustaining jobs are harder to find, and basic costs keep rising, the answer is not to punish folks who manage to save. We should want people to work, save, invest and build security, not tax the same dollars a second or even third time because they planned responsibly.

The proposal also hits small businesses at exactly the wrong time.

Supporters claim owner-operated small businesses would be excluded, but Mr. Pinsley’s own report admits very common small business structures are actually the source of the majority of revenue. These are not exotic structures used only by the wealthy. They are common ways small businesses, especially family businesses, are organized.

Small business owners routinely work 50, 60 or more hours a week under pressures most never see: payroll, rent, insurance, utilities, supplies, repairs, maintenance, taxes, compliance, permitting, staffing and constant uncertainty.

For most small business “wealth” is not cash sitting in a bank account. It's tied up in equipment, inventory, buildings, debt, invoices and the business itself. On paper, a business owner may look successful. But in reality, many are fighting every month to make payroll, cover bills and keep the doors open, yet still find time and resources to sponsor youth teams, support fundraisers, and donate to fire companies, schools, churches, nonprofits and community events. This is exactly the wrong environment to pile another tax on small business owners and could force them to either cut back on their community support, or not grow their business.

The legal risk is also serious.

If this tax were clearly legal and clean, the county would not need outside tax counsel, as recommended by the Controller in his report, to find a constitutional workaround. This alone should raise alarms. This sounds less like confidence in the law and more like shopping for a legal theory to support the outcome they want. Passing a constitutionally suspect tax does not just invite a lawsuit. It would send taxpayers the bill.

Lehigh County should focus on controlling costs, delivering core services and encouraging economic growth.

This is not a bold new idea. It's a recycled bad idea that every county that once had it walked away from. Taxing savings discourages saving. Taxing investment discourages investment. Taxing small business ownership discourages growth, expansion, and job creation.

Do not be fooled. This proposal is not a so-called wealth tax. It is an asset tax. A broad tax on common savings tools and small businesses that punishes responsible behavior, creates huge legal risk and adds another burden at exactly the wrong time. Lehigh County should reject it clearly, publicly and permanently.

Commissioner Ron W. Beitler, Independent

Commissioner Antonio Pineda, Republican

Phil Armstrong, former Lehigh County Executive, Democrat

Gracedale - Four Deficiencies, Including Failure to Meet State Nursing Care Minimum ... Again

Since the beginning of this year, Gracedale nursing home has done its best to establish a very positive social media presence. It has highlighted Valentine Day, Mardi Gras, its executive chef, volunteers, a food truck festival, its employees and tuition assistance program and even its very own prom night. Without question, there are good things to say about the home and the people who work there. NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski has said she plans to unveil her long-range plans for the facility at the next Human Services Committee. The fact remains, however, that it still has issues. The home has been the subject of eight visits from the state DOH this year. On two of these inspections, Gracedale was cited for deficiencies.

The most recent published survey (they appear online 41 days after the event) was on May 1. The state DOH was there for four reasons: a Medicare and Medicaid Recertification; state licensing; civil rights compliance, and one complaint. Unfortunately, several deficiencies were found. (You can read them yourself).

Two residents were victims of Chemical Restraints. - Many nursing home residents suffer from dementia. Others may need antianxiety medication at times. But when it is prescribed, it must stop after 14 days unless the resident is re-evaluated by a physician. Two residents were being given these medications beyond the 14-day limit. 

The home failed to implement doctor's orders for four residents. -  These include a failure to take blood stool samples, failure to notify physician of dropping blood sugar as requested; administering blood pressure medication despite physician order that it be skipped if resident's heartbeat is too low; and failure to follow a doctor's order to provide a resident with a certain kind of boot that prevents bed sores. 

Inaccurate assessments - In at least two instances, nursing staff failed properly to document a resident's condition. In one case, nurses inaccurately reported that a resident had no falls when notes reflect he did. In another, a nurse incorrectly reported that a resident was receiving dialysis. 

Failure to provide minimum required nursing care. - Gracedale has been cited repeatedly over its failure to meet the state minimum nursing care standard, including earlier this year. It blew it again over one of 22 das reviewed. 

Zrinski has previously stated on several occasions that Administrator Michelle Morton is doing a good job. The facts tell a different story. 

Will this negatively impact Gracedale's effort to have its provisional license recertified to regular? Online, the home is still listed as having only a provisional, but as previously stated, there is a 41-day lag between real time and what appears online. 

Brooks Bash of Volunteer Firefighters Catches Attention of Washington Free Beacon

Like it or not, and I don't, Bob Brooks is the Democratic nominee for the Pa. 07 Congressional District, which includes Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and a small part of Monroe County. Incumbent Republican Ryan Mackenzie, a Trump acolyte, lust know he's in trouble. But leave it to my party and the experts at the DCCC to pour in enough money to ensure that the shadiest of four Democrats has been proclaimed the party's standard bearer. Mackenzie is wasting no time in making sure that the entire Congressional district knows all about Brooks before November. He's getting some free help from the right-wing Washington Free Beacon, which purports to cover "the enemies of freedom the way the mainstream won't." 

The Beacon's Chuck Ross has some up with something I failed to cover during the primary, and that is Brooks' revulsion at professional firefighters who dare act as volunteer firefighters in their own communities. Ross points to angry social media posts from Brooks, calling them "scabs" and "shitbags." 

This country currently faces a severe decline in volunteer firefighters. The number of volunteers has declined about 25% over the past two decades, while emergency calls have increased 70%, particularly in the MidAtlantic.  The shortage is so serious that Lehigh and Northampton Counties both offer real estate tax rebates to volunteer firefighters. 

I understand that Brooks may have no issue with volunteer firefighters so long as they stay out of a municipality covered by a professional and unionized fire department. But does that make sense. The Lehigh Valley's three cities have all had major fires over the years during which volunteer firefighters from other municipalities assist. The most recent example of this is at an Easton hotel. Should a professional Easton or Bethlehem firefighter refuse to assist if he is also a volunteer at Plainfield's fire department and that company responds?  Should they just stand by and watch a building burn? 

Union solidarity is one thing. Public safety should trump it. 

A Little More About That NorCo Naturalization Ceremony

New Citizen with Exec Tara Zrisnki and Judges Dally and Clark

I closed out last week by telling you about a naturalization ceremony for 29 new citizens at Jacobsburg State Park. Northampton County has since that time published pictures of that happy event.

Naturalization ceremonies have always been a big deal in NorCo, but having the oath administered at Jacobsburg is a first.  The county's photographs show that President Judge Craig Dally and Judge Jeremy Clark did the honors. Mike Sanatanasto was there for the Bar Association. There was a cool-looking color guard, and some of the new citizens worse costumes that included Lady Liberty and the American (not Philadelphia) Eagle. 

OK, enough nice stuff. 

NorCo Conducts Naturalization Ceremony at Jacobnsburg

From Pa Courts: Northampton County and the Northampton County Bar Association held a Naturalization Ceremony Thursday at Jacobsburg State Park Environmental Education Center, 400 Belfast Road, Nazareth.

 The ceremony was held outdoors, directly across the street from the Environmental Education Center at Jacobsburg State Park.

 

Northampton County President Judge Craig A. Dally presided over the ceremony, during which 29 individuals took the Oath of Allegiance and officially became United States citizens.

 

“Today we celebrated one of the most meaningful responsibilities of the court,” President Judge Craig A. Dally said. “Welcoming new citizens is a powerful reminder of the values that unite us and the opportunities that citizenship provides.”

 

“This ceremony is a hallmark not only for the new citizens, but for our entire community,” said Michael A. Santanasto, president of the Northampton County Bar Association. “We are proud to support and recognize this important milestone.”

 

A reception sponsored by the Northampton County Bar Association was held immediately following the ceremony under the pavilion for all attendees.

Blogger's Note: Naturalization ceremonies are among the most positive experiences I've ever had inside a courtroom. They are happy occasions, usually involving entire families from so many different cultures. There is usually music before the event and refreshments later. 

 

A Prescient Message From Jefferson

Years before the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson penned an essay he called A Summary View of the Rights of British America. He did so while eating fresh cucumbers and lettuce. After finishing, he was on his way to deliver it in Williamsburg, but those cukes got to him and he had to suspend his trip and spend most of the next day or so in the loo. But his essay continued its trip and once it arrived, it became the equivalent of what today would be called a viral tweet. No less a person than George Washington spent 3 shillings for several copies. Though I care little for Jefferson the man, his words are another story. They ring just as true today as they did ion 1774. 

Let those flatter who fear; it is not an American art. To give praise which is not due might be well from the venal, but would ill beseem those who are asserting the rights of human nature. They know, and will therefore say, that kings are the servants, not the proprietors of the people. ... The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest. Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail. 

A good leader surrounds himself with those willing to speak truth to power, not lemmings.  

Ron Beitler Proposes "Resign to Run" Law in Lehigh County

I often tell my evil Republican brother that the term "thinking conservative" is an oxymoron. But Lehigh County Commissioner Ron Beitler, a conservative-leaning independent, has proven me wrong. He has proposed a referendum under which voters could decide whether a county official who decides to run for office should first be required to resign. 

Here's what Beitler said on his Facebook page:

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: 𝗶𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝘅𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁.

First, NO ONE is forcing anyone to run for higher office. It's a choice. Public office should not become a taxpayer-funded campaign platform for a career in politics. (staff time, communications, facilities etc)

I also don’t think politicians should be the ones deciding this question. Whether you support or not... 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀. And this legislation allows that. Voters, through referendum, would decide what their expectations are for elected County officials whose salaries and benefits they pay.

According to WFMZTV-69, Beitler's proposal is opposed by Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley, who is running for the state senate. He argued that such a requirement would mean that only the wealthy would be able to run for office and added that voters who dislike the practice of elected officials running for another office could simply refuse to vote for the candidate. 

Resign-to-run laws exist in one form or another in six states. I find the practice of running for two incompatible offices simultaneously to be particularly offensive. This often happens when a State Rep. decides to run for a state row office or the state senate and his current job at the same time. I do refuse to vote for such candidates. 

On a county level, such a law makes sense if the office seeker holds a full-time county position like Executive, Controller, Coroner, etc. Running a campaign for another office might result in an official neglecting the job he is paid to perform. I personally have no issue with a part-time elected official like a Commissioner who decides to run for something else.