You ever notice how we all remember the bad things that happen, but get hazy when it comes to something nice? Sleaze sells. Nice stories put us to sleep.We all remember that Northampton County worker who was jailed after stealing at least $120,000 in bail money over a number of years. Investigations into that incident have been performed now by about a gazillion different state and federal agencies, with no end in sight. The UN is supposed to be here next week, and is already circling in those quiet black helicopters.
Lesson? County workers are all crooks.
We also have the recent arrest of a Children & Youth caseworker, on child molestation charges no less. That's ignited a firestorm, and to make matters worse, the office can't publicly comment.
Lesson? County workers are all perverts.
My favorite Northampton County bad guy has to be Vince Dominach, our erstwhile DCED Director. He ran up $1,300 in county cell phone charges while arranging wife-swapping trysts with dentists, of all people.
Lesson? County workers are crooks and perverts.
Now that I've piqued your interest, I want to tell you about Lori G. Sywensky, Norco's Community Development Grants Administrator. What you think she just did?
Lori is one of the county's many unheralded workers who just quietly does her job. For the first time in four years, Congress increased funding for homeless children by $2 million. So Lori asked Council to adopt a resolution requesting money for the county's seven homeless shelters. Amazingly, council unanimously agreed. In fact, they even commended her for her tireless efforts. Yesterday, Lori received word that the county's homeless shelters will be getting $154,338. Most of it will be for items badly needed, like windows and electrical work. Without Lori, those shelters would be getting no help at all.
This is not a big story. It's not as juicy as stealing $120,000. But it will help a lot of needy people.
Lesson? Some county workers are class acts, who are dedicated to improving other people's lives. They have an infectious quality that brings out the best in others, too.
Thanks, Lori.
26 comments:
Great blog ! It proves that we can't be too hasty to judge people because of what they do, where they work, and the rumors you have heard.
Alfonso
To bad the Human Services Department dropped the ball on that one.
Contrary to one of liberals' favorite myths, Jesus was not homeless.
He had a nice home with good parents and a hard-working father.
His father simply had no reservations at his out of town destination. Happened to me in Boston last week (had to stay in Worcester).
The misuse of religion to forward political debate is as disappointing on the left as it is on the right.
Contrary to one of liberals' favorite myths, Jesus was not homeless.
I should never have relied on the Bible as an authority about Jesus. Thanks for setting us all straight. I suppose all that garbage about rich guys having trouble going thru those pearly gates is another liberal misconception, too.
Maybe we only remember the bad because blogs like this always start out with the bad first. Why didn't you just write about the good the women did and give her the credit she deserves without having to remind people of the mistakes of others. Mistakes which people (all) people make everyday.
Because (1) they are not mere "mistakes;" (2) people have a right to know bc it is their government; (3) all of us, including me, are drawn to those kinds of stories like moths to a flame.
It's important to remember those stories are almost always the exception, not the rule.
I understand Rendell wants to extend KOZ, but from what I remember, he wants to extend the areas available for KOZ. I am unsure whether the legislation extends the lifespan of an existing KOZ. I will check.
".... Why didn't you just write about the good the women did and give her the credit she deserves without having to remind people of the mistakes of others. Mistakes which people (all) people make everyday."
Because government officals are not 'all people'...they are government officials who took an oath.And because government officials elected by WE THE PEOPLE are held to a certain standard..a higher one. We'd like to know what they are doing with our tax dollars and with our community.
It's almost an anti-American sentiment to even question why one would consider writing 'bad' things about government officials.
Part of the unofficial checks and balance system of this democratic repbulic we call home, is that WE THE PEOPLE can and do monitor and talk and blog and write about what our elected officials are doing.
If we don't like it..next election...OUT!
The season for being a silent sheep is OVER! The revolution has begun!
Wow, O'Hare! You actually posted a positive story on your blog. I know it's not a first, but you have to admit, like the MSM, the majority of your stories are negative in nature. Helps keep the interest, right?
Since this is primarily a poliblog and the focus is on local government, it's practically impossible to write stories about people holding hands and skipping throught the tulips, chasing after butterflies.
I agree Bernie. You bash everyone equaly, as long as his name isn't Bernie O'Hare. Thanks Henry
Where in the Bible does it say that Jesus was homeless? It certainly says they had no place to stay - in Bethlehem. I guess I'm homeless every time I travel out of town. Can I get a gummint program for this?
it's practically impossible to write stories about people holding hands and skipping throught the tulips, chasing after butterflies.
O'Hare, there are plenty of positive stories that come from our local governments. Plenty. You sound like those in the MSM.
Yeah, it's called propoganda. We get it all the time.
I'm not saying that the bad new stories shouldn't be written about, They were in many forms and opinions. However, this was a kudos story why not just write the kudos instead of having to start it off with the bad news we have all read about before. That is the problem we write about the bad, actually we beat it to death and that is why the good gets missed.
Yeah, it's called propoganda. We get it all the time.
Should be propaganda. Sorry.
I wrote the story as I did, not just to give kudos to one of many good county workers, but to make the same point you're making in your comment. I could have just pointed out that Lori does a good job, but wanted to make the point that we often don't realize that bc the good is overshadowed by the bad. We are actually on the same page here, except that you apparently object to my pointing to specific instances of bad behavior to make my point.
The story, as written, has more appeal to me personally. I have to write in my own style. What's worse, I am my own editor. You may be right but I've got to follow my own instincts.
The good news/bad news angle of the story made it interesting. It also pointed out that there's a lot more bad stuff going on in county government than good. When one must search for the good among all the bad, it's just another day in NorCo. Carry on my wayward sons (and daughters).
If you want to have Holding hands skipping through the tulips, chasing after butterflies, get Bernie to talk about Stoffa or Angle.
You may even get a little open mouth kissing.
I make no apology for supporting two government leaders who actually promote open and accountable government. John Stoffa, who refuses to play the special interests game, really annoys the hell out of a lot of politicians who look for a more ... pleasant lifestyle.
Yeah, it's called propaganda. You get it here all the time.
I agree with anon 9:44 pm. Henry
I also like Stoffa and Angle. Henry
Yeah, it's called propoganda. We get it all the time.
O'Hare, quit being thick-headed. Take a look. There are good things happening at the local level in Bethlehem and Easton, just to name a couple municipalities. Both mayors and the councils have been doing things for the community, and it's not propoganda.
O'Hare, quit being thick-headed. Take a look. There are good things happening at the local level in Bethlehem and Easton, just to name a couple municipalities. Both mayors and the councils have been doing things for the community, and it's not propoganda.
I see. So you want this blog to report about the good things happening in Bethlehem and Easton? Let me start by noting that the very first comment suggesting the need to tell the "happy" news, made at 12:06 PM yesterday, came from a Pa. state senate computer. Presumably, it comes from a state senate staffer, a government employee who wants me to share the "happy" news about Bethlehem and Easston. As it happens, one senate staffer just happens to be a city council member in Easton. Is this the kind of "happy" news you want me to share? Do you want me to tell my readers that a state senate staffer is trying to bully me into telling everyone that good things are happening in Easton. Now, I know you're not BTNP. You lack his flair. So who are you? What government employee is pestering me to spread the good news about Easton?
Go Bernie! Easton is frightening and dangerous. Pretending it's not is propaganda. I'm no fan of Sal Panto, but he's not banned teens (read: gangs and thugs) from gathering in little kids' playgrounds for no reason. He seems to understand the kind of violence his city is up against. Are you listening Bob Freeman et. al.? It's been in all the papers.
Perhaps Bernie should promote an "art" expo featuring the many different victims' chalk outlines on LV streets. I feel better already.
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