Yesterday, I told you that Lehigh Valley native Kevin Easterling, Allentown's Superintendent of Recreation, has applied to Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners to fill the vacancy left by Kurt Derr's sudden resignation as District Three's representative. On Friday, Kevin was the only applicant.
That was then.
By the close of business today, four others have submitted applications. These include legislative aide Nancy Wilt, Life Church Pastor David S Jones, substitute teacher Dennis Pearson and Catasauqua Planning Commissioner Freddy E Lutz, Jr.
Chairman Percy Dougherty has performed a preliminary review of each application as it has arrived to make sure applicants are qualified. Under Lehigh's Home Rule Charter, all candidates must reside in the county for at least one year preceding the term of office for the vacancy being filled. Moreover, District Three candidates must be residents of the district at the time of their appointment and remain so throughout their term of office. Voting records show that Kevin Easterling has been voting outside of his district for some reason, but he's still a District Three resident.
The Home Rule Charter also requires an appointed commissioner to belong to the same political party as the person who vacated said office. Voting records show that Freddy Lutz is registered Independent, but he has promised to change his party registration. Dougherty claims this is satisfactory. Technically, a Republican could actually change party affiliation to Democrat, get appointed, and switch back the next day.
How do you like them apples?
Dougherty would like a "committee of the whole" to make a recommendation in the next few weeks. But he's leaving that decision up to Intergovernmental and Appointments Committee chair, Glenn Eckhart. The deadline for appointment is April 13.
What is the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners?
As explained on the web page of the LV's largest local government, "The Board of Commissioners is the legislative branch of County government and has all the legislative powers that may be exercised by the County under the Constitution, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Lehigh County Home Rule Charter. Some of the Board's powers are: to enact, amend or repeal ordinances, resolutions, and motions; to make appropriations; to incur indebtedness; to adopt the budget; to levy taxes, assessments and service charges; and to adopt the Administrative Code and the Personnel Code." There are five regional and four at-large commissioners, ably led by Chair Percy Dougherty. Regional commissioners receive an annual stipend of $5,500.
What about the candidates?
Each wrote an introductory letter. All but Freddy Lutz also included a resume. I have links to each one. (Specific addresses and phone numbers have been deleted.) I also have at least one question for each applicant, some of which have been suggested in the comments. If I get answers, I'll post them.
For Kevin Easterling's letter of interest and resume, click here. Question #1. Kevin currently heads Allentown's Department of Parks and Recreation. Under the express language of that city's Home Rule Charter, a department head "shall hold no compensated elective public office." Does the prohibition apply only to city offices or does it apply to all elective office? Is Kevin considered a department head? Question #2. Under the express language of Lehigh County's Home Rule Charter, no county commissioner may hold "any other political office or political employment for compensation." Is Kevin's position in Allentown, where he serves at the pleasure of the mayor, a political office or employment?
For David Jones' letter of interest and resume, click here. Question #1. It is disturbing that several local government officials happen to share, not just the same religion, but the same exact church. Rev. Jones' flock reputedly includes both Mayor Ed Pawlowski and his "special assistant," Ismael Arcely. How many of Jones' sheep are also involved in Allentown city government, and what steps will Jones take to assure independence?
For Freddy Lutz' letter of interest and resume, click here. Question #1. Although Freddy is willing to switch his party registration from Independent, won't he just be exalting form over substance? Will he really be a Democrat, as was his predecessor? Also, he really should stop referring to himself as the "chairman of Catasauqua."
For Dennis Pearson's letter of interest and resume, click here. Question #1. Pearson is obviously well-educated and regularly attends both county commissioner and city council meetings. With such a vital interest in Allentown's east side, why did he fail to run in the most recent election for either city or county office?
For Nancy Wilt's letter of interest and resume, click here. Question #1. As a legislative aide to state senator Lisa Boscola, where do your loyalties lie? Are you interested in protecting her or Lehigh County? Isn't your position at Boscola's office a "political office or political employment for compensation?"
Isn't your position at Boscola's office a "political office or political employment for compensation?"
ReplyDeleteKurt Derr was her district office chief of staff. Same kind of job. No concerns were ever raised.
The Dept head question on Kevin, however, as it relates to the Allentown charter are harder to ignore.
Easterling is not a Department head. He is a Bureau Manager. He reports to the Director of Parks and Recreation who is the head of said Department.
ReplyDeletebernie, in the tradition of johnny carson's karnak, reading between the lines, it appears your enthusiasm for easterling has waned, and your question for pearson reflects some respect. SO, who would get your nod if you were on the commission?(assuming you get no replies to your questions and you must decide on the resumes)
ReplyDeleteI think the one-year residency requirement should also extend to party registrtation. You must be a registered "D", in this instance, for at least one year prior to appointment.
ReplyDeleteWhile not explicitly stated, I would suggest it is a reasonable interpretation of intent.
dennis didn't run b/c dennis couldn't win. He ran for state rep in 2006 and got squashed in the primary by brennan. I think he finished last.
ReplyDeleteTuesday Night Dates, If Kevin is not a department head, then the Allentown HRC prohibition has no application to him. But there is still that question about the LC HRC.
ReplyDeleteAnon 7:44,
ReplyDeleteI'm aware that Derr is also a Boscola employee. Is that position a "political office" or "political employment for compensation?" I just pose the question. I take no position.
Anon 9:35, Dennis Pearson did make the mistake of challenging Jow Brennan, and was handed his head and a few vital organs as well. Unlike fellow challenger Tony Rybak, Pearson at least kept it clean.
ReplyDeletewith all the new democrats from the republican ranks it seems like the perfect time for real debate.
ReplyDeleteMM,
ReplyDeleteYes, my enthusiasm for Easterling has waned, but it has nothing to do with the info posted here. It is the result of something I learned this morning. I'll be passing that along tomorrow.
Actually, it's impossible to decide who is the best choice withouit actually talking to these people. On paper, it looks like Wilt and Pearson are very close, but it's unfair to make a choice on limited information.
Per the Lehigh County Home Rule Charter, section 1009(o):
ReplyDelete" "Political office" or "political employment" is any elective or appointive position in any political party."
None of the current candidates falls within that definition.
Catharine
Catharine,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your answer. You're absolutely right. So LC's HRC imposes no impediment for any of the candidates.
bernie, i mean no disregard for ms. wilt, but is she not a glorified secretary to boscola? it was my impression that bernie k. was lead dog there, even after his escapades here on your site. on the other hand, dennis pearson has been originating programs for 25 years, all the while watch dogging for the tax-payers on several layers of government, while NOT being paid. excuse me, after peter schweyer's performance(or lack of) on the lanta board and his ascension to city council, i'm tired of aides using their employers prestige to gather public positions.
ReplyDeleteMM, On paper, Wilt appears to be as qualified as Pearson. She is a college grad, gainfully employed, and her employment history evinces a regard for the environment. She has quote a record of volunteer activities and, thanks to Catharine, we know her appointment would not violate the HRC.
ReplyDeleteOf course, this is on paper.
Anyone who knows Pearson will tell you, and I geniuenly mean this in a nice way, that there is something developmentally wrong with him. My guess is that Pearson has higher functioning form of autism known as Aspergers (spelling is wrong). While someone may be cognitively unimpared, the disorder has a great affect on social skills and group interactions. In laymens terms - it makes you weird (depending, of course, on the scope and severity of the disease).
ReplyDeletePearson may be an intellegent individual who cares deeply about his community, but he is not qualified to serve in any elected office.
"Nice" post. I hope you feel better now.
ReplyDeleteanon 12:57, i'm glad you meant that in a nice way. i know dennis and he has enough social skills to represent my interests anyday. i think you have written one of the most smearing. unfounded. cowardly things i have read in a quite a while, and i mean that in a nice way. MICHAEL MOLOVINSKY
ReplyDeleteAnon 12:57,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I would not go so far as to claim Pearson suffers from some mild form of autism, I will agree that some of us have better social skills than others. In that category, Pearson may suffer, as do I. I don't know him that well, but I do know me, and your description nails me on my very prominent proboscis.
On the bright side, maybe I can get disability.
I don't think your comment was intended as a slam against Pearson, but MM is free to note his objections.
In the meantime, Easterling has actually called and emailed answers to every one of my questions. I also thank Catharine and the anon who clarified the points about the HRCs in A-town and LC. I will write a separate post to make this all clear to everyone.
I don't think the County will go to Hell if the Commissioners select a replacement without Molovinsky's blessing. Sometimes I think having Molovinsky slam you is a badge of honor.
ReplyDeleteBut Maddy, you have no honor.
ReplyDelete