Democratic honchos think former Northampton County Exec Glenn Reibman should take a stab at the state senate seat being vacated by Rob Wonderling. But is Reibman willing to run? His warchest is pretty healthy at about $75 thousand, but he also recently insulted Morning Call columnist Bill White, refusing even to shake hands with him after some goofy golf outing. Now this may endear Reibman to some of you, but I think it's a mistake for someone seeking office to get so nasty to someone who buys his ink by the drumload.Blogger Rich Wilkins makes an interesting pro-Reibman argument:
"Some will question if Glen is right, mostly because of his defeat and issues from his administration. I think that is short sighted. Glen is a bright man, with a great deal of government experience, who has shown the ability to run in and win some tough races (His 2001 win over Ron Angle and his 1997 win over Bill Brackbill come to mind). The biggest knocks against Glen, the ones that publicly stuck, were over people he brought into his administration (specifically Michael Solomon) who messed up, or essentially executive issues. No one questions this man's intellect and commitment to his community. This district is 51% in Northampton and Lehigh County, and needs a Lehigh Valley Senator. I think this job is perfect for Glen, and I think he'd do a great job. I also think he could run very well. Four years have passed since his loss, anyone moves up in polls after being out of office. He's never lost a general election, which is all we will have here. I think Glen should get into this race, the Lehigh Valley needs representation in the 24th Senatorial District."
I will add that Reibman, despite my harsh criticism of his two terms as county executive, has always been a gentleman to me. Yes, he'd have Hickey throw me off the courthouse roof from time to time, but those broken bones have healed.
What do you think?
41 comments:
Is this a bad joke or is this for real? What day is it? April 1?
I know for many Michael Solomon is what first comes to mind when they here "Glenn Reibman". I don't know how much to tag on him, and how much is guilt by association.
Myself, however, when I hear his name I think of a $111,000,000 bond to throw money around the County. That bond smelled of nothing but politics. A specific need was not first identified, and then a bond suggested to pay for it. No, the reverse. It was largely bond first, and municipalities coming up with after-the-fact proposals (sorry, "applications") on how to spend it in a classic cart-before-the-horse spending plan. In today's budgetary climate I do not think this is the fiscal philosophy to send to Harrisburg.
Great News. It will be good to have a Lehigh Valley native representing us in Harrisburg. Glenn knows how to get things done and will be a great State Senator.
I realize the haters will be slinging the mud since this is a republican thread but it would be nice for Easton to have representation in the State Senate.
Anon 12:35, So I'm guessing you don't support Reibman for the state senate.
I loved the line: "After all, he's never lost a general election"
He needs to go somewhere where people don't know him if he wants to get elected.
His bond was a major reason behind the Bethlehem revival, the same bond that Angle defamed yet made sure he attended the groundbreaking.
Outhouse. you have established your hate so it is no surprise this will be , how do you put it, I am a Democrat but I won't be supporting Mr. Reibman. Other than Stoffa I can't think of a Democrat you do support. You must be a Roy Shuman Democrat.
Soloman was a nutcase that did work for every Dem pol at one time including some notables judges at all levels. After extensive investigations it was obvious Mr. Soloman was a troubled egomaniac who thought he was smarter than the law, he was wrong. Mr. Reibman had nothing to do with his acts. If you say othewise please provide the proof and links to the proof.
Apparently you know more than the Attorney General and the FBI. Remember when Angle claimed a prominent Republican businessman interfered in the investigation the bussinessman sued Angle and won a settlement. Justice is blind, unlike this blog.
His bond was a reelection gimmick. South Bethlehem needed no infusion of county money. We never needed a new courthouse. The one thing we did not, a new prison, was not properly planned and was full within months after being completed.
I'd agree that Reibman never participated in Solomon's schemes but he created the climate that made Solomon possible. The voters held him accountable for that lapse in judgment.
You're right about one thing. This blog is NOT blind. I watch what's going on. And it is begiining to seem like the same loonies who were pimping Heckman are doing the same for Reibman.
So now you even still drag Heckman into your attacks on Reibman. You realize some of the most vicious loonies on here come in pimping Dent and Stoffa but you are ok with that.
Stick to the issues. What is your wierd fasination with Heckman? You must really hate the guy.
A lifelong public trough slopper with no concept of economics or fiscal responsibility is a perfect fit for Harrisburg. It's unfathomable that he'd even think about getting out of the bridge commission hammock to unleash his bankrupting wizardry on the entire state. Some political compilers have no shame.
Anon. 1:48
you spent 80% of your response writing about Soloman. If you go back and re-read my comment, I said that while many make that link (and hence, as you proved, it will be a sensitive subject for him that may cost votes), I didn't know how much was guilt by association.
Again, if you re-read it, MY criticism is the $111,000,000 bond that was the cart before the horse financing (money before the specific needs established). A pot of money was created, and every municipality in the county was thinking up things to apply for. That is not prudent financial behavior, especially if we fast-forward to today's budgetary straits.
However, besides proving how Soloman will still be a sensitive issue for Mr. Reibman, it is interesting to see that you also credit the bond for "Bethlehem's revival", not the two boy wonders who have largely benefited in their careers by being at the right place at the right time.
"So now you even still drag Heckman into your attacks on Reibman"
I'm noting that the same loonies who support him are now shilling for Reibman. They hurt more than they help.
"A lifelong public trough slopper with no concept of economics or fiscal responsibility "
Do I take it that's a no?
Reibman never had a pen, pencil, or paper on his desk. He spent all day watching the Financial News keeping track of his stocks showing little interest in the County with the exception of manipulating County contracts so they ballooned into wasteful gifts cheating the taxpayers and benefiting various special interests.
So let me read between the lines here. You don't support Glenn.
The real story is what is about to happen on the Republican side. Rumor is that Roy Shuman is throwing all the Northampton delegates behind Bob Asher's man Mensch to deny Bruce Castor the nomination.
"Rumor is that Roy Shuman is throwing all the Northampton delegates behind Bob Asher's man Mensch to deny Bruce Castor the nomination."
The convicted felon, the candyman, will ermerge again. Bruce Castor would be an interesting senator but it's really interesting that he would run without first completing a full term as a county commissioner. looks like he's out to find the quickest way to the top, never mind he has no substance to actually get there.
Ackk- you've got to be kidding! Reibman as a state senator? He was such an insufferable stiff as CE I cannot imagine him debating anything more satient than a golden lab.
Anon 12:42,
You do your homework. I like that.
Really 5:08, He could debate Mr. Stoffa, except Mr. Stoffa rarely moves his lips or body and when he does nothing really comes out.
Stop the hate! Fortunately when people see the Reibman record of accomplishment he will be victorious. I remember when Angle was going to chew him up in debates and Reibman let Angle spit and spew and exposed him as the silly fool he is.
I am glad we will have a choice from the Lehigh Valley.
As far as Mr. Shuman goes, he is a fraud. He claims as a Republican he cannot support Reibman, so he must support the out of area Republican. Yet just a couple weeks ago he stated he would support Mr. Stoffa, the Democratic candidate for Executive, and not field a Republican candidate. A few Republicans wanted to run but Party stongarms stopped them. Mr. Shuman is a hypocrite.
Another fantastically brilliant piece of political
"strategery" from Joe Long. Why does Long keep running the same five losers over and over again? I know, because new talent is scared away by his three horse machine while the Lehigh Valley voters suffer.
Anon 6:03, Since Stoffa is so bad and Shuman won't let any of the Rs run against him, why don't you? You have until next month to get on the ballot as in independent. Of course, you won't do that bc the only time you'll sling mud is when you can be assured anonymity.
I remember "Pay-to-play" Reibman. If you wanted a job on his cabinet or a contract, you had to pay-to-play. Good God, and you call him a gentleman?
Hey 9:10, are you talking about ken mohr and John Stoffa. Please, where is your proof. Every elected official has received contributions from a variety of people some who work for them and some who don't. Are you saying they are all guilty of something. If so you have a civic if not moral obligation to report it to the Attorney General. Whats that, oh yeah, he will laugh you out of his office. Actually, you would never get past his secretary.
Dent, Cunningham, Callahan, Browne and most Dem's and Repub's. accept these reported contributions.
I guess that is worse than disguisng it by having a wealthy former Republican Chairman give you a huge donation and then you hire Republicans hand picked for you. Or a supporter hide a contribution by buying a newspaper ad himself. Real nice, skirting the spirit of the law.
Keep blowing that hot air, you are good at it. Mr. Reibman is good at being an elected offical and will make a great State Senator.
Oh and he is a "gentleman", not that you would know what that means by the company you keep.
Reibman is such a "gentleman" he refused to shake hands with Bill White at a charity golf outing! What class! When he is awake and animated enough to put more than one sentence together it is to launch a diatribe against Stoffa who kicked his butt in the primary and fumigated his "pay to play" termite nest. We don't need Reibman's arrogant "politics as usual" persona representing us in Harrisburg.
sarah palin DID run against Stoffa in the primary.
"Hey 9:10, are you talking about ken mohr and John Stoffa. Please, where is your proof. Every elected official has received contributions from a variety of people some who work for them and some who don't. Are you saying they are all guilty of something."
I remember Bernie posting the proof on this blog. And further proof, look at Stoffa's contributions. You won't see pay to play. And yes, I am saying Glenn Reibman is guilty. Proof is in the contributions. They don't lie, like you are doing. Nice spin, but then again, that's what you get paid for, isn't it?
Well the angry mob has the torches lit again. Since Mr. Reibman has never been charged with any crime for anything at all, I guess I should believe your frantic rants.
So the morality of good governemnt is set by folks who may have been charged with a couple things here and there.
Last time I saw pay to play it was running under a bridge chasing a rabbit. Very subjective thing old pay to play. Some would say a properly filled out campaign finance report is good. Others prefer the contributions be laundered through a third party, to each his own.
I like open government, some here like to have the money move secretly.
Go Mr. Reibman, a class act all the way. Don't let these haters shoplift this run from you.
"Very subjective thing old pay to play."
There's NOTHING subjective about it. Reibman sold jobs and contracts. Everyone knew it. Yet, he thought the public was dumb enough to believe him. His handlers would do the dirty work for him, to insulate him. Yet, he knew about it and approved it. What drugs are you smoking? Bernie lambasted his political ethics for years and supplied contributions online for everyone to see. There's no way this behavior can be swept under the rug, no matter how hard you try.
And I also disagree with Bernie. He calls him a gentleman, but a gentleman will keep his standards and ethics high throughout his political, social, and family life. Pay-to-play will burn you every time.
7:19, are you sure you are not Mr. Mohr visitng Mr. Stoffa.
It means nothing to you but unless you have evidence of your claims they are just vicious rumors. Bernie allows them but your pay to play senario can be applied to every elected offical, including Mr. Stoffa. Example were already given.
You can say that it is not true and you may be right or wrong, that is an opinion and subjective. Mr. Reibman is a class guy who is so honest he won't shake hands with Bill White who has viciously atacked him for years. At least he is honest and doesn't give the snake oil politican smile while telling friends he hates him. Good for Glenn, Bill was never very objective about him.
Yeah anon, you have your hate that is clear. The other stuff is so much BS. You sound like an expert and that is as objective a truth as yours.
Um, last time I checked, Bill White was a columnist. He is paid NOT to be onjective, but to tell us what he thinks.
If Reibman is the Dem candidate, then I shall approach the R candidate and offer my communications and strategy assistance for free.
And Glen won't have Severson there to toss his s***balls.
OK, Russ I am sur ethe Republican is holding all calls waiting for you to appraoch him.
But make him wait because you are so worth it.
In 2005 Glenn didn't do one negative ad on Mr. Stoffa. He did some mailers all about his record and plans. Stoffa on the other hand did three or four negative pieces.
Who throws the slime?
Stoffa had no money for 2 or 4 negative mailers. You are out of your mind. I've told you this before.
Can I have what 12:37 AM is smoking?
If you see the mailers will you admit you are wrong. Of course you will call them cute and fun.
They attacked Reibman.
What am I smoking, Truth, Justice and the American Way. Don't try it you would just start coughing.
Glenn made a lot of enenies because of the 1997 race. They are still complaining today. Go home Jack and read a book.
It isn't negative if it's true.
Reibman's ideas, plans, appointments were all directed by solomon. If solomon had cooperated with the feds, alot more people than reibman would have done time.
Get off reibman's back.
Whoever you are, you've just alleged that Solomon and Reibman were involved in some kind of cover up involving people who apparently have not been brought to justice. If you were intending to help Reibman, you just fell on your face. Help like you he doesn't need.
I understand your point. You dont get the way feds work. If they get someone and that person wants to point fingers they will find something.
The state dropped its investigation cause there was nothing there.
The feds got soloman and he refused to allow the witch hunt to proceed. Reibman et al did nothing. and soloman did his time.
the fact is the Reibman crew did a lot of good for our county thats my point
Post a Comment