Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne
Local Government TV
▼
Friday, August 06, 2010
Cantelmi Crash Raised at Bethlehem City Council
Bethlehem resident Dana Grubb has questions about a senseless, alcohol-related crash, three years ago, in which a Bethlehem police officer was injured badly enough to be hospitalized. Neither The Express Times nor The Morning Call covered this story, in which the driver is Mayor John Callahan's brother-in-law.
40 comments:
You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.
Dude, was there any comment by City Council or the Mayor?
ReplyDeleteI was not there, but from what mr. Grubb has told me, the Mayor never responded.
ReplyDeleteBig news here, a "resident" who was fired by this Mayor now wants to try and keep alive a story most people see through. Shocking there.
ReplyDeleteRich, why is the word "resident" in quotation marks? Is it your contention that Grubb is not a City resident?
ReplyDeleteIt's my contention that he's hardly just some concerned citizen, but a person with an ax to grind, using this b.s. story to push his agenda. This is all garbage. Typical election year garbage.
ReplyDeleteI see. So he is a resident with an agenda, huh? Are you trying to tell me there was no accident three years ago involving the Mayor's brother-in-law, alcohol and driving the wrong way at a high rate of speed? Are you trying to tell me that a Bethlehem Police Officer was not injured? Are you saying there were articles in the newspapers about it three years ago? Are you telling me that no questions should be asked? Ecen City Councilperson Karen Dolan, who was concerned about personal attacks and electioneering, acknowledged that these are legitimate questions. Mr. Grubb never crossed the line.
ReplyDeleteI'm in fact saying there's no story here and you are writing about this because you're voting for the other guy. IF this gentleman were guilty of DWI, he would have been arrested for it, period. Cops, on the whole, do not cover for guys who do harm to cops, on purpose or accidental. There would be cops coming forward, and pushing for this. There would have been cops screaming bloody murder then. There's not. The guy got a ticket for the accident, case closed. You don't like that the paper didn't print a story, fine. I think the papers stink too. The city doesn't investigate the paper. This is still nothing more than an election year smear. As for the gentleman pushing this issue at council tonight, he's hardly concerned about the incident so much as the fact that he deeply dislikes the Mayor. Find a credible person to take up the cause.
ReplyDeleteRich, Cops have approached me. And it is very difficult to believe that two dailies would miss a story like this. One of the cops insists that the report was not put out until after the reporters left that day. Callahan refuses to supply his phone records. This goes a little beyond electioneering. it raises questions of character, and they should be addressed. This is independent of any Congressional race.
ReplyDeleteOh puh-lease. Hey, by that standard, Charlie Dent should say exactly what he said to each lobbyist who ever handed him a check and then got public money/legislation passed, after all, MAYBE he possibly knew that somebody maybe did something to cover for someone. This is a ridiculous, stupid story. Which cops are these coming forward? I'm willing to wager anything you'd like that no cop who was involved in this investigation, or their superiors, is calling any of this into question. The cop who was injured would have screamed bloody murder if someone else on the force were covering for a guy who injured them in an accident. I grew up in a law-enforcement household Bernie, I know how these guys are. It's a crazy, insane, election year theory. As for the phone records, of course we'd see the chief of police in those records, most mayors talk to their chiefs. This is a half baked conspiracy theory dreamed up because the Congressman would rather debate a car accident of a man related by marriage to his opponent, instead of say his voting record and record of passing legislation. I would want to debate sideshows too if I voted against a bill regulating off-shore drillers, then flew off for a photo op the next week.
ReplyDeleteRich,
ReplyDeleteDoes a Mayor talk to the Police Commissioner (he's not chief) at 3 AM? On Superbowl Sunday? Does a police officer worried about losing his job speak out? Are you trying to claim cops have not spoken to me? They have, and took a great risk in getting me that report. Do you think that just magically appeared in my hands?
And there are important character issues involved here. There is an obvious cover-up and it appear very much that Callahan takes an "It's all in the family" approach to government. The very same Dino sits on the Parking Authority.
And what is up with the new zoning ordinance After twice failing to get his proposed funeral home approved by the ZHB, the new ordinance just magicvally rezones that areas to allow funeral homes.
And what is up with the light treatment given to another brother-in-law, who actually threatened cops? That never appeared in the paper, either.
And why do city firefighters get pressured to "reinspect" a hot dog business after they rejected it, so that a Villani can open as advertised?
Lots and lots of questions. They deal with character, cronyism and nepotism.
Bernie, these cops are so concerned, and were so close to the situation, that they came to you in 2010 for an accident several years ago? C'mon, that at least should call into question "why now" for anyone reading this. Unless that police chief is saying he did speak to the Mayor that night, around that time, there's no need to see those phone records, as there's no reason to be suspicious. This is a ridiculous, unsubstantiated smear, alleging that the Mayor covered for a brother-in-law, based on zero facts. Again, at least one officer, whether it be the injured one or another on the scene that night, would have raised noise if this guy was being covered for. Unless you're alleging a "vast conspiracy" of laughable proportions. Besides, what is the allegation here, that the newspaper isn't printing things because the Mayor is telling them not to. You have to be kidding me, this wouldn't sound serious on any level, except that a U.S. Congressman is stooping to the gutter on this fishing expedition too.
ReplyDeleteAs for the other brother-in-law, again, knowing the DA in this county, and Lehigh County, there's zero chance they'd go light because a public official asked them to. That's not in their DNA. You seem to believe that a Mayor in the most divided (not partisanly, but personally) city government in the area is capable of getting a lot of preference given to his family without much detection. That seems laughable to the average folks around here. Perhaps this is why this story isn't moving the ball with voters, and why Charlie's unable to top 50%in polls.
Besides all of this, why exactly are we discussing all of these undocumented accusations here? Last I checked, zoning ordinances aren't voted on in Congress. Jobs bills, war funding, taxes, financial regulations, energy policy, and appropriations bills are. Charlie must not want to discuss those things though, you know, the things that are actually in the job description.
Rich, I knew about this around a year ago, but did not have the details. I have them now thanks to some police officers. I suspect they have an agenda, too, but it is not politics.
ReplyDeleteZoning ordinances don't have much to do with Congress, but cover-ups, nepotism and cronyism are things we should all be concerned about, even when they appear in a Democrat. In the case of the second brother-in-law whose sentence was never reported, that may have nothing to do with the Mayor at all. But somebody kept the publicin the dark.
Bernie, this wouldn't be the first time the local newspapers didn't print something they were supposed to. I find all these theories about as insane as the theories that Dent is corrupt just because he took money from some lobbyist. I find this to be a distraction from a desperate Congressman.
ReplyDeleteI see. Well, newspapers find it hard to believe they's miss those stories, too. But you're entitled to believe these are just the rants of a "desparate Congressman." I'm entitled to believe that somebody kept the press in the dark.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened at the County?
ReplyDeleteJust posted what happened and now I've got to sleep.
ReplyDeleteDana Grubb was fired for fist fighting with another employee and fired. He has had an ax to grind ever since. He is one of 4 or 5 gadfly's who regularly come to meetings and are against everything the Administration does.
ReplyDeleteDana Grubb is a good man who was placed into a situation in which I am certain most men would have done the same thing. And a shove is not a "fist fight". There are a number of people who have never worked for the city that are outraged that this is being treated as a non issue.
ReplyDeleteI too knew of this story about a year ago but couldn't really speak to it without evidence in hand.
Do the police officers have an alterior motive to releasing these items now? Yes, they don't want John Callahan on the national theater doing the same things he's done here! That's obvious to anyone who has two brain cells to rub together.
There is one citizen who has also taken an interest in this story...
http://www.examiner.com/x-55067-Allentown-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m8d5-Bethlehem-residents-call-for-investigation-of-Mayor-John-Callahan
...seems everytime he writes an article the M.C. and E.T. follow up with their own "fluf" story.
Rising Sun said...
ReplyDeleteBig news here, a "resident" who was fired by this Mayor now wants to try and keep alive a story most people see through. Shocking there.
12:59 AM
The truth is the truth. Did Callahan and the police department try to cover up the crash. Grubb didn't order the police to conduct themselves in what seems to be an inappropriate manner.
This story is only going to dog Callahan more the longer he stays silent on it.
ReplyDeleteEverybody loves even the hint of a good old fashioned local conspiracy. Gets people talking.
I'll never understand why Callahan decided to run for Congress at this juncture.
Rising Sun said...
ReplyDeleteIt's my contention that he's hardly just some concerned citizen, but a person with an ax to grind, using this b.s. story to push his agenda. This is all garbage. Typical election year garbage.
1:11 AM
This issue is not garbage. And if all is true, watch out for Campaign 2010 literature.
http://www.examiner.com/x-55067-Allentown-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m8d5-Bethlehem-residents-call-for-investigation-of-Mayor-John-Callahan
ReplyDeleteWonder if this blogger knows Dolan received $5,000 from the mayor for her council run, according to local papers.
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteThis story is only going to dog Callahan more the longer he stays silent on it.
Everybody loves even the hint of a good old fashioned local conspiracy. Gets people talking.
I'll never understand why Callahan decided to run for Congress at this juncture.
9:44 AM
Good Point.
Big shock here. Dana Grubb uses Bernie O'hare to go after callahan for the millionth time and bernie o'hare does the same.
ReplyDeleteI also think that the ironic thing about this blog is the following groups come on here
ReplyDelete1) Politicians to read about themselves
2) Disgruntled employees who work for those politicians (also the source of much of Bernie's information)
3) People who follow politics closely
Bottom line is....no one is being swayed by the information on here....everyone who comes on here already has a predetermined opinion about the politicians that are discussed....so everything that is said is just a veiled attempt to either support or attack a politician
Hey Bernie,
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't you show a clip of retired police officee John Ladics who got up and spoke on the Mayor's behalf. In case you missed it (shocker) he said in all of his years of experience (over 40 yrs) the entire incident was handled appropriately. He went on to defend the Mayor and bash the Dent campaign for making it an issue. Funny how th Dent camera stopped rolling when a credible speaker took the floor.
In addition, you must realize you are being used by the Dent campaign. There' nothing going on here except the same old political tactis by Dent. I was on the fence and now I'm voting for Callahan - why?
Because I distrust someone that tries to sell only half a story - a candidate that tries to win a campaign by spreading baseless, obviously false accusations. In fact, I'm so worked up, I'll think I'll call the Callahan camp to volunteer. Tell Charlie to keep going, stop focusing on the real issues, and that he better have a Plan B.
One more thing Bernie, do you want your relatives to be judged on your past behavior?
Many of these remarks are plainly politics and Dent should have the courage to tell his supporters to back off. He is supposed to be a congressman. Start acting like a statesman instead of a politician. We have enough politicians in DC and you keep going this route I may be one Republican voting for Callahan. You are the incumbent -- act like one.
ReplyDeleteWhen are you going to understand, you voted these people to be 'in-charge'. So ..... they are in-charge of police and laws.
ReplyDelete"Bottom line is....no one is being swayed by the information on here...."
ReplyDeleteWhile most who comment here are opinionated, I know at least one person who does change his thinking based on what others post.
Me.
I'll also point out that you misunderstand the purpose of this blog. I do love to write, but I also like to inform people, i.e. provide them with informmation that complements what they read in the newspaper. I'd be the first to agree that the newspaper is a primary source of information, but I try to present original stuff here periodically.
I also compliment the blogger who shot that video and then wrote about it. It informs the public.
"Why didn't you show a clip of retired police officee John Ladics who got up and spoke on the Mayor's behalf."
ReplyDeleteAs I indicated, I was NOT at this meeting, so am unable to post that video. Mr. Ladics, incidentally, is an honorable man, and I'm sure he believes what he's saying.
"He is one of 4 or 5 gadfly's who regularly come to meetings and are against everything the Administration does."
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting perspective you have on citizens who take an interest in their local government and participate at meetings. Would it be safe to assume you are a member of Callahan's administration.
Those of us who are from the unwashed masses do not get the information you get and often are mistaken just for that reason alone. But it is equally a mistake to conclude that people like Messrs. Scheier or Bernotas are just a nuisance that must be tolerated. In fact, it's downright condescending.
As papers diminish, the public will be looking increasingly to these folks as sources of information and as necessary eyes. If they're not watching, a muncipality can soon become like the one in California, where the manager's salary is higher than Obama's.
I'd say your condemnation of the people sounds downright ... Republican.
"Why didn't you show a clip of retired police officer John Ladics who got up and spoke on the Mayor's behalf."
ReplyDeleteI shot the footage and posted it online. And I don't post everyone's comments during courtesy of the floor because it is either not pertinant to any issue that would be handled by City Council, or it is down right bashing.
Mr Ladics did speak at that meeting and praised Mayor Callahan. I commend him for that because he said what he felt, but if you're going to point out sources you'll also have to point out that he is a retired officer who is now working for a different dept. of the city. (that means the Mayor is still his boss, just in case you were keeping track) He also bashed Charlie Dent who had nothing to do with anything that was spoken about at that meeting. And wasn't there to defend himself. Making Mr. Ladics comments unusable based on these things.
[as a favor to you I will have that posted this weekend, just don't blame me when you see the footage of the Mayor and the administration freaking out]
So, while some people may be thought to have axes to grind others have a job to protect. Miss Dolan and Mr. Reynolds both received a lofty sum from the Mayor as a campaign contribution to be his lackeys, so I figured one of them would say something. And one of them did!
The story I posted on Examiner.com (it's not a blog) is simply about what happen during the meeting which I feel is newsworthy to the average resident. I don't work for a political party, candidate, or a movement. I only give the issue and present the background so that the readers make up their own minds without being told what to think.
Also just for the record, I've never met Mr. O'Hare and know nothing about him other than he has a blog and got hold of some documents which were of interest to the story.
Rising Sun apparently is not buying the vast left-wing conspiracy that the Dent campaign blogger has constructed as a vicious attack against the mayor. Hehe.
ReplyDeleteAnd Callahan really should use his time with the former President to ask about that bill. It is our money.
ReplyDeleteYou must be joking.
As a journalist, are you naively stating that this story is not a Dent hit job? I'm sorry sir, but between this and the idea that you "... only give the issue and present the background so that the readers make up their own minds without being told what to think" when you clearly only show one side in your video causes you to lose any credibility.
Yet here you are, at midnight on a Saturday night.
ReplyDeleteTo laugh at Millan's hand picked sock puppet and his minions.
ReplyDeleteBernie,
ReplyDeleteCharlie Dent should just hire you as his blogger. Sad to say but you've lost your objectivity and you are looking bad on this. the good news is, Dent is scared shitless or he wouldn't be going negative, but hey, can he run on his record? apparently not.
"Dent is scared shitless or he wouldn't be going negative"
ReplyDeleteWhat planet do you live on? Obviously you havent lived in the Lehigh Valley the past few election cycles. Dent doesnt just defeat his opponents, he destroys them politically. Buckle up, my bet is Callahan wont be able to get elected dog catcher by the end of this election period.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete