On Friday, I told you that Northampton County Council Prez Ann McHale's vote against a treatment center/work release facility in Bethlehem Township was nothing more than a cynical ploy for votes. She denied knowing that the facility would be a work release center even though the project has always been represented that way.In a Monday editorial, The Express Times correctly condemns the No vote that McHale, joined by Councilmen Charles Dertinger and Lamont McClure, cast against this project. McHale wants to be county exec. Dertinger is up for reelection. McClure lives in that District and would like to run for state representative. Their opposition is nothing more than an appeal to NIMBY voters.
"Despite political grandstanding from the opposition, Northampton County Council also supported the project last week by a 6-3 vote.In addition to helping inmates, a successful rehabilitation program will reduce the 65 cents coming from every county tax dollar to pay for the back end of crime.
* * *
"It's time to try something different. It's time to build this center and offer these inmates -- inmates who come from all geographical points on the map, including Bethlehem Township -- the help they need."
Photo credit: Express Times (hard copy).
77 comments:
So the Express Times that helped elect Stoffa and is still in the tank for him, covers him on this; surprise, surprise.
Why not quote all the editorials where they have ripped your buddy Angle.
This is a goofy idea pushed by advocates who compare rural Pike county to urban Northampton County. Also a developer and a company looking to make big bucks at the expense of Bethlehem Twp. residents. This is nothing but an in-kind campaign contribution by the Express-Times. And the papers wonder why they have lost credibility.
Perry White
As Clark Kent or Lois Lane could tell you, Perry, Owens will rip anyone apart, even Angle, when they get goofy. They believe in this strange thing called good government. It should be no surprise to anyone that the editorial board would see right through this vote-pandering.
And guess what. The Pike County program you're slamming was endorsed by county council. They even spent money to fund a program inside the prison.
The problem is that the hotel is full.
Bernie,
Who is "Perry?"
I know. Clark Kent's sidekick. Right?
Perry White was the editor of the Daily Planet.
The Banker
"Perry White" is Daily Planet's editor.
The womens cell block at the jail is so full they have them sleeping on mattresses on the floors! Wake up people! It doesn't work! The system is a failure! John knows this and he has offered the best possible alternative. Come to the prison board meetings and hear the truth!
Banker, We posted at the same time! That's a pretty neat trick, especially since you and I are supposedly the same person.
McHale goes to the prison board, but apparently doesn't know the truth.
Lent is over Bernie..I'm back!
The prison board meetings are recorded and the minutes should show that her highness knew exactly what this effort was all about!
what a surprise, nothing but bias in reporting just the facts jack.
Are the prison board meeting minutes open to the public Bernie? Where can they be viewed? Sounds like a job for Ms. Cassi.
Bette Davis Eyes..that's why Angle melts when the Queen enters the room!
"what a surprise, nothing but bias in reporting just the facts jack."
Um, let me disabuse you of the notion that I feel any obligation to be unbiased. I have a point of view and will continue to express it.
I'll agree it is important to get my facts right and I've done so here.
Dave has made a pretty good suggestion and I intend to look at the Prison Advisory Board minutes.
LOL! I'm sure he'll come up with a reason why this confirms that we're the same person.
The Banker
I will be voting for all three precisely because of this vote. Thanks for bringing it to my attention! No prisons in the township.
The problem is that the hotel is full.
Let the drug users out. The answer is not building more prisons. Wake up and realize that the new prohibition does not work.
everthings not about you bernie, i was speaking about the express times they in my mind should be unbiased period. when i read the paper i like to form my own opionions. i'm not interested in theirs.makes one think that there reporting isn't from a neutral point of view rather that they have an agenda.
"I will be voting for all three precisely because of this vote. Thanks for bringing it to my attention! No prisons in the township."
Knock yourself out. It's a big county. Easton will be thrilled to learn that McHale, Dertinger & McClure think that city must handl;e all the prisoners.
What;'s really amazing is that this is going to happen anyway. McHale, Dertinger & McClure know this is reality and are just posturing. If you think voting for them is going to change that, think again.
"everthings not about you bernie, i was speaking about the express times they in my mind should be unbiased period. when i read the paper i like to form my own opionions. i'm not interested in theirs.makes one think that there reporting isn't from a neutral point of view rather that they have an agenda."
Then don't read the editorials. You seem to think you are the only person in the eorld entitled to have opinions.
Most papers do have an agenda - they like open government and accountability. They detest when politicians take an important governmental issue and use it to pander for votes.
Anon 9:13
How does one write an "unbiased" editorial?
McClure would have been crazy to support that project. It's in his district. I guess it must come as a shock to you that Michigan congressmen support bailing out the oil companies and that Charlie dent votes against the Presidents
major initiatives 100% of the time..That's politics..They apparently want to keep their jobs.
Surprise , surprise..
Michigan congressman Bailing out the car companies,, sorry...It's the Republicans who bail out the oil companies..
The prison belongs in Easton or Nazareth, not BT.
First, it's not a prison. It's a treament center and work release facility. Even Beth. Tp, in the proceeedings, was forced to concede the facility is not a prison.
Second, the area is zoned to permit precisely that kind of facility.
Third, the county has an obligation to house offenders. Perhaps you'd just like to see them shot, but we have to house them.
Fourth, animals are treated better than the people in Northampton County Prison, with 4 people in one cell, watching each other shit. Not exactly condusive to rehab.
Fifth, anything that reduces the rate of recidivism will end ip reducing the financial burden that prisoners impose on the county.
Sixth, Bethlehem Tp does not get to dictate where the county places its treatment center, as it will soon find out.
my bad thought it was front page news my apology to you.
I'm glad we're continuing to struggle to fight the so-called "War on Drugs." It's working very well.
It's a government jobs program that has resulted in more crime and an untenable warehouse solution for non-violent users of unfavorable substances (nobody would dream of prohibiting Zanax and dozens of other mommy's little helpers).
If we fought WWII with the same effectiveness, we'd be speaking German or Japanese now.
Stop wasting millions/billions on a joke jobs program where the unintended consequence has been more abuse, more addiction, and bursting prisons.
Prohibitions don't work. We're repeating the painful lessons of history.
YO! The jail is in Easton! We're gonna build a TREATMENT CENTER/WORK RELEASE CENTER in Bethlehem Township! What don't you understand?
See..it's the carrot and the stick approach. Judge sentences offender to treatment program..if they complete said program..they get to go to work release and slowly rebuild their lives! The BAD guys stay in jail and don't ever make it to either program cause they're headed up state to do serious time. Are you catching on yet?
Drug users and people selling to pay for their habit are the lowest rung of the illegal drug business. NH jail is full of these persons who got caught up in the mess. Once in awhile we bag a middle level drug pusher but there is always another guy waiting to step in and keep things rolling and the violence spins off this control issue. Only way to lessen demand is treatment or legalize the stuff..then there is no market left to kill people over.
"There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana usage. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others."
Harry J. Anslinger (the father of US drug laws)
"Reefer makes darkies think they're as good as white men."
Harry J. Anslinger
"Marijuana leads to pacifism and communist brainwashing."
Harry J. Anslinger
The other culprit that swells the jail to capacity is..ALCOHOL ABUSE..which is legal. Why arrest drug pushers and not arrest bar owners? Because the state makes MONEY by the fistful on liquor sales and gambling..State controlled VICE. And we look down on drug offenders?
Mr. Dave,
I am not disagreeing or agreeing with you. I just need some clarification to what you are proposing.
Do you feel ALL illegal drugs should be legal? Kind of like, going to a pharmacy and not needing a prescription to pick up anything you want such as: meth, coke, acid, painkillers, and etc.
And do you suggest that a minimum age limit should be placed upon the purchasing buying these drugs?
Peace, ~~Alex
Self medication is a way of life here in America. What's your drug of choice? The demand for drugs fuels the wars in Mexico to deliver those drugs we choose to use. Education and treatment must continue unabated on every level and maybe we need to have our addicts register and go on a regimen to help them get off the drug tread mill. Methadone replaced heroin for a while there until the drug of choice became cocaine. We got to get more creative not more repressive. I don't have the ultimate solution but I do know what doesn't work and our exploding prison population proves the point.
That is exactly a good point.
But let me take this one step further. I think education needs to be given to our judges and people in the position to make these decisions.
Many times as a county parole/probation officer, I was upset with the revolving door. Sometimes, the judges only solution was to incarcerate or place them on supervision with a parole/probation officer. Usually for a drug problem, success rates for successfully completing supervision were not very high for these individuals. Which would end in the result of reappearing in front of a judge and being incarcerated.
I cannot imagine the amount of cases a probation/parole officer would carry today. It was pretty high, almost unmanagable, when I worked with the county several years ago.
But there is not an easy solution to this problem. And legalizing drugs, is an easy solution that may or may not bring about even more unforeseen and damaging problems.
My drug of choice is The Holy Trinity. By the way, there are a few more days of Lent left. Good luck in your Lenten struggle. We are fortunate to know that a ressurected Jesus awaits us on Sunday. Don't foul it up, now that you have that knowledge. I can understand the Apostles messing up. They were the proto-type. But we know the ending and sometimes we still mess up.
Peace be with you, ~~Alex
Fourth, animals are treated better than the people in Northampton County Prison, with 4 people in one cell, watching each other shit. Not exactly condusive to rehab.
Stop putting drug users in prison. Duh. Problem solved. My god, it isn't too complicated.
Thanks and yes I am also drunk on the Holy word of the Almighty. It is never easy to give up the ways of the world and choose another less travelled path. The judges have to be fair but they also have their hands tied by laws passed by the good people of this state who prefer retribution to rehabilitation.
YO! The jail is in Easton! We're gonna build a TREATMENT CENTER/WORK RELEASE CENTER in Bethlehem Township! What don't you understand?
In other words, a prison.
See..it's the carrot and the stick approach. Judge sentences offender to treatment program..if they complete said program..they get to go to work release and slowly rebuild their lives! The BAD guys stay in jail and don't ever make it to either program cause they're headed up state to do serious time. Are you catching on yet?
You are aware that marijuana is not addictive, requires no treatment nor any "programs." I guess not. PArt of the problem. Do you know what percentage of prisoners were sent up the river for marijuana possession?
An Exorcist - Why consider so called illegal drugs any different than alcohol? Of course there would be an age limit. What a ridiculous question. It is ridiculous misconceptions like this that cause us to NEVER solve the problems.
Prison has become the answer to all the ills of society including the homeless,the mentally ill, people who can't support their families, habitual drunks,and the list goes on and on. Bigger and bigger government solves less and less and costs more and more! Faith based initiatives were thrown to the wayside as the years have passed due to lack of nominal funding. Social service groups took care of these issues but not anymore. The STATE now rules all and solves all problems..or do they?
The BAD guys have GUNS in their pockets and not just reefer or pills. The hard nosed violent types will never see the inside of the proposed treatment facility.
Anon 2:23 PM,
What questions am I allowed to ask? I am glad that you figured everything out. Please let me know some more...
I was asking Mr. Dave his thoughts on how he perceives legalization of drugs would be implimented. I didn't realize that I would insult you by asking such a stupid question.
Unlike a few countries, ours has a minimum limit to consume alcohol. Some countries without such restrictions show no greater or less abuse of alcohol than our great nation.
But you (Mr. Anonymous) knew that already.
I will be sure next time to clear all of my questions through you. By the way, how will I be capable of contacting you?
Peace be with you, ~~Alex
Alex,
Happy Easter.
I propose the same level of regulation current "felony" drugs as currently in place with alcohol. Alcohol is an approved recreational drug that generates lots of income for government.
Tobacco is an approved substance that, when properly used, kills its user. It's still legal and generates lots of money for government.
Prohibition was disastrous and resulted in countless ruined lives. Let's treat those who want treatment and not lock them all up.
I'm getting lectured by a person who evidently believes in exorcism and mythical beings. Oh boy.
Bernies in bed with Stoffa. Just incase you live under a rock and didn't know this.
"Knock yourself out. It's a big county. Easton will be thrilled to learn that McHale, Dertinger & McClure think that city must handl;e all the prisoners."
Last I looked, Bethlehem Township's population is virtually similiar to Easton, with, arguably more voters in the Township. So, a wash with the voters. The remainder of the County has mostly Township's, I think those voters will side with the non city attitude on this issue.
To those who espouse legalization of drugs, the county has no say in that matter. The county is required to house those sentenced by the courts. It is in the county's financial interest to have programs that reduce return business.
McHale, Dertinger & McClure know all this and really want the Bethlehem Tp facility, but want to make it appear they do not. Hence their meaningless vote, which changes nothing. It's going to Beth Tp.
Boonie, does that family you cost all that money when they lost their husband and father haunt your dreams ?
Anon 3:51 PM,
I haven't given a lecture. I was giving you sincere apologies and setting boundaries as to what I am allowed to ask and what I am not allowed to ask.
Can you explain your existence on this Earth? Maybe man created the first man? Or maybe man evolved from apes? Who created the first ape?
It seems that you have some answer, especially regarding mythical beings. So please enlighten us, or at least me.
In the rite of the Catholic Church that I follow, Maronite, an Exorcist is a priest that performs a baptism, washing away original sin, and gaining the robe of glory that Adam lost. It is not anything like the feature movie. But I liked that picture.
But again, please enlighten me regarding your philosophy. I am always interested in learning instead of attacking others and attacking them anonymously.
Peace be with you, ~~Alex
The so-called treatment center is a costly experiment that MAY pay off in 10,20 or 30 years. In the meantime back here in the real world we have violent offenders that must be incarcerated.
This is so Stoffa there is even a term the pols use, Standard Stoffa Stuff. It means if you have no solution for hard problem A, create easy problem B and immediately solve it. We need to folow through on Prison expansion now, regardless of this social experiment. But the Stoff has liberal goofs and you singing the praises of a non-solution for an existing problem.
He has dropped the ball on the prison problem and I applaud McHale, Dertinger and McClure for keeping their eye on the ball and not being conned by an elegantly complex soultion to a nonexistent problem while ignoring the real problem of current prison overcrowding today.
It's a fairy tale. Any rational person can see this. (See "Santa Claus")
1) In the real world, most offenders are nonviolent.
2) The payoff of trhis trreatment center would be felt immediately and would continue a good 20-30 years.
3) This treatment is nothing new. it's called rehabilitation, which is supposed to be one of the reasons for incarceration.
4) McHale, McClure & Dertinger all voted to fund inhouse treatment.
To those who espouse legalization of drugs, the county has no say in that matter. The county is required to house those sentenced by the courts.
I don't think anyone said anything otherwise. I believe it was a discussion of a possible solution to prison overcrowding.
By the way, who sets sentencing guidelines for county courts?
Exactly, just as the state legislature and Congress decides which drugs are or are not legal, the state legislature sets sentencing ranges. That's my point. We have no control, on a county level, over that. We do have control, on a county level, to use programs that will make it less liekly that we have return business. And my ideology is irrelevant - this makes fiscal sense. If we reduce the number of people returning to prison, we ease the burden on taxpayers.
No hard evidence that these druggies will be rehabed. How many times do you put them in "treatment", 2,3,4 or more? The Judges are policial animals and will only go for treatment upfront and the screwup rate by these guys is great.
The deception of this center is what is the treatment for a deadbeat dad? Or a dui guy, oh yea the gory movie, that has worked real well.
No immediate payoff, the beds will be filled by whoever they can get. The provider makes money, Atiyeh makes money and you still need new prison cells. Avoiding reality isn't the samre as changing reality.
Are you drinking again?
Au contraire. There is hard evidence that this will have a dramatic impact, as it has in Pike County. Recidivism there has dropped somewhere to 19%. In this county, where the recidivism rate is 69%, even a 10% drop would result in dramatic savings. This is reality, but you don't want to face it for God knows what reason.
Pike and Northampton County, Venus and Mars. Buy a clue. But thanks for playing.
To do the same thing over and over and over again and expect a different result..is INSANITY! Einsteins quote is reality in prison thinking. Time to get out of the box and try some true justice with a smattering of mercy! Do unto others..it's called the Golden Rule and it is the heart and soul of EVERY world faith system. But for the Grace of God..you or I are pleading for a chance to turn our lives around.
Judges have the ability to set their own sentences though, right?
They have some flexibility but their hands are often tied.
Sentencing quidelines are used but in a lot of cases the legislature has set the minimum due to repeat offenses. Three strike laws tie the judges hands. Do they need to be creative when sentencing? Yes..or we are doomed to failure! Retribution doesn't work..it accomplishes nothing. That is why it is critical that we establish a treatment based sentencing guideline and have our judges buy into it. The proposed center to be built in Beth. Twsp. will give the judges that option with the carrot being that IF they can complete a rigorous regimen..then they can move on to work release and a return to society with a better chance to stay out of jail and change for the better of themselves,their family, and us the tax payers.
I honestly think Ann McHale is not fit to be on NCC. Illinformed, Illadvised and Illintentioned.
Ann Mchale is a formiable candiate her dedication to county council speaks for itself.I found her to be a woman with integrity and honesty. I think she would be a terrific County Executive. She has my families vote.
Thanks for weighing in, Ann.
What "treatment" would be given to a person arrested for possession of marijuana?
Is anyone running for Executive actually from somewhere not rural?
because someone apperciates ann mchale they must be her?
when and where does the prison board meet? i would like to attend the next?
Joe
Prison board meetings are open to the public and they begin promptly at 4pm and you enter the prison thru the old castle gate every last Tuesday of the month. You will have to ID yourself to the guard and sign in.
Well Dave I disagree with your feel good approach to prison and have seen no solid evidence that treatment saves money. It is just another layer of bureaucracy, with more people making money off the system.
Within three years the prison will be just as full and this place will take whatever crimminals they send there.
No offense but if you feel that strongly, you should be part of a foster family program for these non-violent guys and give them treatment in your home. Of course the County should reinburse you like Children foster families.
That way you get to try your experiment and the majority of taxpaying citizens who don't want more building and social experiment program bureaucracy will be happy too.
Randy Kistler
These are proven programs..try looking a little further than the end of your nose for a change!
Well Dave you show why people don't trust those like you and your ilk, you are mean I know better folks.
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