I thought The Morning Call's endorsement of Northampton County Executive John Stoffa was pretty damn good. But The Express Times endorsement, which appears in today's paper, hits it right on the head. "[Stoffa] offers an experienced hand, a balanced vision for growth and tax restraint, on-the-job insight into human services and corrections, and a feisty independence from party-first politics." The editors realize that Stoffa represents a new kind of politics, in which a nonpartisan approach to government has priority over the blind party loyalty that has led to past county abuses. "We hope Democrats will take the time to measure the performances of the candidates and see in this case that the status quo -- Stoffa -- is the argument against complacency and against a return to the laissez-faire, party-run management style that dominated the county administration before him."
In contrast, McHale couldn't even answer whether she'd turn down the salary increase (from $65,000 to $85,000) that she previously opposed. "McHale couldn't remember casting that vote."
Seems like there's lots of thing McHale has trouble remembering. Although the work release component of the proposed Bethlehem Township treatment facility has been common knowledge from the beginning. Morning Call columnist Bill White suggests McHale has amnesia. I'd use another word.
As gratifying as it must be to have the blessings of both local papers, the only endorsement that matters to Stoffa is the one he lists at The Express Times Voter Guide: "The people of Northampton County."
That's a pretty good endorsement.
29 comments:
the express times endorsement of stoffa comes as no surprise to anyone,but there could be some on the way.
i think what is interesting here is that after 4 years stoffa still lets everyone else do his dirty work for him. bernie is so blinded by his love for stoffa he can't see it,if this was the way mchale conducted herself there would be outrage. i commend her for taking the high road.
dirty work?
remember the big fat rat come election day.
Oh wow! You're ggoing to bring out the rubber rat to try and intimidate people. That's real effective.
She was just on WGPA 1100 am this morning bashing Stoffa. Then Wagner (running for magistrate in bethlehem) was on befor her. she did not have anything nice to say I can tell u that. Bernie you should get that tape and post it.
Stoffa gets $65K and yet is blowing $14K on his own campaign? What's his angle?
I should say, even WITH an angle, I will be voting for John Stoffa.
Maybe he actually cares about his County and where he and his family live, instead of just getting himself and his friends rich off the taxpayers. Ever think of that?
John Stoffa and Ann McHale are part of the leadership that has led to Northampton County's current problems. Ann has been on council for a dozen years waiting for her bridge commission post and Stoffa has had his hand in things since the McKinley administration. Their leadership has failed taxpayers and all citizens.
Vote all incumbents out and place their names on plaques at outhouses throughout the expansive park system they keep expanding with no plan to maintain. They should probably be investigated and jailed. Let's at least show them the door.
None of them are fit to carry .....
and your alternative is?
Next year Stoffa will take $89K. as Executive. H e ha stwo County pensions and his wife a third. Finally this keeps uping his Social Security when he finally takes it which is when he hits 70 next year. You have no limit in earning after 70. This humble public servant is looking at around $150,000+ a year. Decent return on 14K investment and I garuntee you when he leaves governemnt his deep pocket buddies will hold a function and eliminate the debt.
The Express endorsement was a given. It was an over the top smooch-fest by the old boy editors who think Stoffa is sqeeky clean. He is as long as you don't go after the facts. The endorsement was silly.
McHale should still win. Of course Angle and O'Hare are doing the dirty work for Stoffa while he plays Mr. Clean. That has always been his MO.
One of these piss ants will do some sort of dirty "informational" piece on McHale that Stoffa will habve absolutely no idea about.
1) His salary, if re-elected, will be $85K.
2) He earned his pensions and is entitled to collect them if he so chooses.
3) Criticizing him for collecting Social Security is a cheap shot. He's paid into it his entire life - how he chooses to receive it is up to him.
If you want the same outlays - you can do it too. Earn pensions by working for two counties, get elected to a county government position, and be a US citizen to collect the Social Security.
Good for John if that's true. At least his money was earned legally and honestly and not through no bid contracts cheating the taxpayers like McHale's three sweetheart insurance deals Reibman gave her with no other bids, one of which she the County is still paying. When that expires, there will be more savings for the taxpayers.
Nobody reads the times or Call anymore. Their endorsement means diddly
bernie you all but suck stoffa off dont you?
Now Charles, I know you must be very upset, what with the Severson indictment and McHale's campaign imploding and bethlehem Dems in revolt, but that's no reason for vulgar language now, is it? Get a good night's sleep. The sun will come out ... tomorrow.
Sort of like the no-bid contract Stoffa gave his buddy Ken Mohr.
stoffa has everyone doing his dirty work. taxpayer's money he has spent on attorneys for arbitration hearings for 11 union contracts is astronomical, 1/2 million dollars. wait until the voters find that out. public record, check it out bernie!
so why did the unions insist on arbitration?
Answer: they don't. The 3rd step of any grievance is to sit down and discuss with CSF to see if an agreement can be reached, but she won't settle anything. So thus, the next step is arbitration.
but hey stoffas clean as the driven snow don't ya know
He has other dept heads doing his dirty work, but guess what--it's public record. That's his game, to look good, but he is very devious.He acts like he doesn't know, but he is as sly as a fox.He is too old, time to retire.
One of Stoffa's biggest problems is his huge ego. He is so afraid someone else may get attention he filled his Cabinet with minor leaguers. Terrible talent. And folks wonder why he can never get anything accomplished.
Huge ego, eh?
I fear you do not know Stoffa at all - he is one of the most ego-less persons I have ever known.
then you don't know him.
why a photo that must be 35 yrs. old judging by the clothes?
Atiyeh also endorses Stoffa. Check out Saucon Valley Manor. Wonder what kind of check John is getting from Abe if and when the prison is approved by the Northampton County Court.
Annon10:17, Yeah but he still uses the same hair dye so it's OK.
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