This afternoon, the Fake Rev. dropped by the Voter Registration office with 3,250 signatures asking for a referendum on Gracedale. If you add this to what's already been filed, this gives his pro-union crowd a total tally of 21,589 signatures. This is in excess of the 19,630 needed to have this question decided by the voters, with Tuesday being the cut-off day.But these are just the raw numbers. Elections officials are reviewing them, as fast as they can, to determine how many are valid. They'll have twenty days from Tuesday to decide, at a meeting of the Elections Commission, whether there really are enough valid signatures and whether this is the kind of question that may be decided directly by the voters. Northampton County's Home Rule Charter severely restricts the power of referendum, stating expressly that "[t]he power of initiative and referendum shall not extend to the budget or capital program ... ."
My own review tells me that, in addition to defying the plain language of the Home Rule Chater, this referendum will fall short in the numbers department. Way short. The Fake Rev seems to know this, and repeatedly told a reporter today that it makes no difference to him whether they fall short because "We, the People" have spoken and God is on his side.
Well, last time I checked, God is not a member of the Elections Commission. The Fake Rev might consider signers from Phillipsburg and Saylorsburg part of "We, the People," but I think the Elections Commission will have a different view.
114 comments:
Add about 2000 more signatures to this total. Sunday will be a big day and I will have at least 50 more myself to turn in. Hey, maybe I'll be at the post office tomorrow between 10 and 12. It closes early you know. I take cream no sugar, Dunkin is down the road at the Male Rd light. See ya
Why is everyone afraid to put this isuue on the ballot? The voters of the County are intelligent enough to decide for themselves which services they are wiling to pay for. I for one, would accept the petition as presented and put the question to the voter and taxpayers of the County. I would like to see how they feel about paying for the elderly at Gracedale. If the unions are willing to make some reasonable concessions and the taxpayers (voters) are saying they are willing to support Gracedale, the end result is we continue paying for a much needed service and the taxpayers get to pay for a service they support. If the voters say "NO",.... end of discussion. I don't like placing these types of issues on a ballot since we elect our Council Members to make these decisions plus the Home Rule Charter has a voice in referendum questions, however, there are exceptions to every rule.
jerry,
Why not instead ask why everyone is so afraid of selling Gracedale? If you care about the people who live there, that's the best choice.
As one of the rare referendum supporters who actually makes a real argument without insulting others, let me answer you.
First, this is not a legitimate question for referendum. It is expressly prohibited by the HRC. In fact, there are two cases construing municipalities with similar HRCs on precisely this question. In one, a municipality wanted to sell its water system, and a referendum effort started. The Commonwealth Court ruled there cold be no referendum bc their HRC forbids referenda on the budget and capital programs, as it does here.
Second, there are insufficient signatures. I have seen what has been filed, and I can assure you they will not pass muster. The Fake Rev basically conceded that point when he discussed it with the press. I have seen signatures from Phillipsburg, Saylorsburg and other far off places. I have seen one page all written in the same hand. I have seen one circulator submit numerous petitions that she claims to have circulated all in one day. It comes out to 82 people per hour. That's ridiculous.
Third, as a matter of policy, inflammatory issues like this should be decided by the people we elect. They can do the research that many other people can't and inform themselves. On a topic like this, it is far too easy to fill voters' minds with all kinds of misinformation An elected official owes the voter his best judgment. If that is contrary to the popular will, they can replace him.
Fourth, the unions have refused to be reasonable. On the day they were supposed to negotiate, they instead walked out and brought a giant, inflatable rat to the courthouse. They never intended to be reasonable.
Thank you for your POV.
Bernie,
Can you explain this to me? What ties does Reverend Martinez have with Gracedale?
I worked at Gracedale for a short time, but I don't remember crossing his path.
Is he relatively new there? Or does he have a spouse that works there?
I am just trying to place a face with the name, especially with his ferverent zeal to champion this latest cause.
Peace, ~~~alex+
His mother sadly suffers from Alzheimer's and is a resident. He and other families formed what they call a Coalition of Alzheimers' Families, originally to complain abot the conditions at Gracedale. Now they are complaining about a county effort to improve those conditions. The Fake Rev did literally tell the ET reporter that God had just told him he'd prevail. He also spent a good deal of his time bashing Angle and claiming that Angle will be defeated in May.
The current leadership of the County doesn't give a shit about the residents at Gracedale and neither do you. You attack the good Rev. while defending the guy who claims to be a priest who supports you and this evil undertaking.
This isn't about unions, these families are working for their relatives. They are not moved by the BS nonsense about how the best thing for their family members is to sell Gracedale.
They know full well that more and more private facilities handle dementia with heavy medication.
Thank you Mr. O'Hare and Angle for helping my parent by turning them into a vegetable so as to help with the bottom line and a few right wing extremists.
You are upset and surprised at the number of signatures, you should be. The Rev. is right. You may help Angle and Stoffa invalidate names, everyone knows you and other members of the Stoffa hit squad are out to subvert this effort.
In the end citizens will judge for themselves who cares more about their family members, politicians looking to slash the bottom line or family members.
As one signer who willingly signed asked, "why the rush, are they hiding something?".
Yes, Mr. O'Hare the people know.
The People
Spin Spin Spin
You started nice enough then became
your own wosrt enemy
You say as a supporter that doesn't make insults you will grant him some ink time
and then proceed to insult in your response
that is a fatal flaw of yours
face it the signatures are there
even if 4000 are thrown out
The Fake Rev never conceded
that was imagined by you
kudos for vivid
there will be close to 24000
signatures total and that is monumental
It wouldn't suprise me if a vote was held and the council would decide to halt the sale
they know who butters their bread
and here is a hint
it ain't Ron Angle
nice try though
"You are upset and surprised at the number of signatures, you should be."
Not really. It's kind of sad to see the chicanery, but it's no surprise.
It is very uplifting to see that truth and facts are prevailing against "paid for facts" and nonsense.
Some very smart and experienced people out there have explained how Gracedale is being used as a political football to make a quick $30 million for a "free" health department and also to cut jobs.
Nothing but political posturing by those who are willing to throw this County's most vulnerable citizens to the wolves for a political philosophy.
Fortunately the people are wise to the shenanigans of the Angle and Stoffa ruse.
Freedom Reigns
Don Meredith
Turn out the lights
The parties over
The Carpenters
We've only just begun
After Tuesday
it time to play spoiler
for Ron Angle
if I need to knock on every door in NORCO and explain my position
so be it
Agree with some posters (I am not a Gracedale fan and support the selling off of the place), why not put it to a vote? Lets see what the voters of the County want on this issue. It is WAY TOO IMPORTANT to be decided by this incompetent circus of officials leading this County Government. If County Council and the Administration were professional and did a reasonable job at indicating why this place needs to be sold, which it wouldn't have been that hard to do, perhaps a referendum would not be necessary. IMHO.
The majority is not afraid of a Gracedale ballot question. We're annoyed by it. We'll be there, as in the last two elections, to finally put an end to the purple shirt nonsense and outrageous money waster they've turned Gracedale into.
The majority, including the majority of the county's seniors, elected a council to make the right fiscal decisions. Selling Gracedale is consistent with this. The majority wants Gracedale sold and supports council for doing so.
21,589 county voters deside to put it to the taxpayers. Why Mr Stoffa have coppies of the referendum sent to his office and where are they now?
As for the rat outside the courthouse, that is the same night the bulldog had four officers walk him to his truck? Maybe he needed help finding it.
"21,589 county voters deside to put it to the taxpayers. Why Mr Stoffa have coppies of the referendum sent to his office and where are they now?"
Not true. It will be a much lower figure.
If copies are at Stoffa's office, it's bc (1) he is evaluating them; and/or (2) protecting them against alteration. I know the actual petitions are at the register's office, and was looking at them all Friday afternoon.
Thank you to the anonymous commenters that write wonderful things about me. I am glad that you claim to know my postition on such matters. Thank you for speaking on my behalf. Unfortunately, you are incorrect.
But don't worry. I will not judge you. For I know that when I judge others, I am drinking a cup of judgment against me.
But I ask of you, to allow me, as well as others, to make an educated decision on this matter. I am trying to empathize with all sides and parties situations. I am not wantonly stoking any fires, throwing the Lord's name around, and/or perversing scripture.
I would expect the same civility I afford you, in return; even if you choose to stay anonymous and lob pot shots. Just realize that with your words, as well as hurting me, you're are harming yourself and what ever cause you are championing.
It is unfortunate in today's society that lack of civility, morals, and untruthfullness have not only become common, but unquestioned and tolerated. But then again, if you cannot see this in yourself, as I examine my actions and try to correct them everyday, then this is exactly the point of my comment. I guess I just begged my own question?
Thank you for reading this.
Peace, ~~~alex+
rabbit, As an object of derision and scorn from 500 union thugs, deputies took it upon themselves to escort Angle and several others. That's their jib and Angle did not ask for it any more than Obama asks for the secret service. Interesting that you would note this. Disappointed? That's ok. You union thugs can always go out and shoot his sheep. You've done that, too.
than you are saying voters office is not on the up and up, and the coppies have to be protected or they madeFor their inspection? their way to the lawyer?
You are saying that voters office is not on the up and up and the copys have to be protected them from change? Or was it to forward them to the lawyer?
I am not saying that at all. What I am saying is that if copies have been made, it's likely for two reasons. One would be to protect the records against alteration or removal form members of the public opposed to the referendum. The other would be so that County officials could review them without standing there like I did on Friday.
It would make perfect sense to have these reviewed by attorneys. If what I've seen is any indication, you're not going to meet the required amount.
Take a look at what is happening in Europe now...France, Greece, England. Social disorder because governments are fiscally insolvent. Pensions and union contracts can't be honored, education costs are rising and the middle class is being squeezed. That's reality and it's coming soon to a theater near you.
We the people need to think ahead and question what we want. If we keep Gracedale, it means a tax increase and loss of other programs...like farmland preservation, and some social services. Our county finances are a train wreck, for many reasons. If we sell Gracedale, we buy some time to get out of the hole, but don't really fix all of our problems. There are no easy solutions other than a big tax increase...and no one wants that, and no one will vote for that. So where do we go? If you have any ideas, then run for County Council, win a seat, and be a part of the solution, or find another way to get involved. We need solutions NOT idealogical battles.
My biggest question at this point is whether or not bids have come in and if they have are they meeting our financial expectations.
According to what Stoffa told Council, five very good proposals have come in and are being evaluated. A recommendation will be made to Council at month's end.
The sale is not for an infusion of quick cash, b to stop the bleeding of money every year and to put Gracedale in the handles of people who will take better care of the residents than they have in current conditions. It's obscene to know that 4 people are crammed into one room together.
bernie, i'm curious why you were allowed access to the petitions all friday afternoon. can anybody have access?
4 people and 1 bathroom, great in a college fraternity house but lousy in a health care institution. How common is this scenario? No doubt this is an albatross and a tough decision has been made. Without major union concessions and a better business model Gracedale is an arterial bleed. I have more questions than answers but want to see the right thing happen. For instance, if it does go on the ballot, will it be in May, so that if the public votes nay we can move on? If the public votes yes on the issue do they realize that it will mean a tax increase..how much will it be and can the average household afford it?
MM,
I was not "allowed" access. I have a right to review these records. I am exercising that right, the same as I have done for nomination petitions and campaign finance reports.
What I am seeing is not at all surprising. Desperate people do crazy things. If it is necessary to detail my findings, I'll do that in another forum.
C,
It's fairly common, according to Stoffa. He is appalled by that and that is his primary motivation for the sale. He believes problems there are so ingrained that a completely new broom is needed.
MM, I failed to answer whether others have that same right. They do.
Has Angle gotten the results of his private poll yet so he can decide whether its time to flip and become the saviour of Gracedale? I can see him invoking the spirit of Wayne Grube.
WP
Stoffa does this sort of thing. He has O'Hare and the papers shill for him as some lofty lovable doltish leader but behind the seances he is ruthless. He and his goons are checking the names for employees and others they can get back at.
Don't be surprised if you get your house re-appraised or as an employee your job gets "reclassified".
This is a mean bunch without any oversight from County council or the Press, they can do what they want, say what they want and claim it is a fact. No one checks, they act with impunity or oversight. Really the first Administration with co-Executives, Angle and Stoffa.
It will be a blessing to open government advocates when this farce ends in three years.
As to the referendum, the vocal minority just keeps on yammering but the truth is in a referendum the silent majority would overwhelming vote to keep Gracedale. In a campaign the dubious numbers given by Stoffa would be debunked since the "company" paid to provide those numbers used fuzzy math and poor statistics.
Yes I agree with the baggers, let the people decide. Since no political party campaigned on selling Gracedale it was never a campaign issue. If fiscal responsibility is the issue, fire the asst directors who do nothing and stop spending millions not required by law in other areas of Human Services. Also stop given 7-8% pay increases to caseworkers.
There are many stories to be told about this shady crew but the papers refuse and the Minister of Propaganda O'Hare continues to spew the "Company venom".
Let the people vote. Stop the shadow government.
We The People!!
According to the MCall Thierery campaigned profusly on selling Gracedale
It was her only issue
Isn't that correct bernie?
Since no one really covers what at large candidates say at bagger rallies, I doubt the silent majority had any idea that she may have said that.
The fact is if you peruse old articles from the campaign, no one screamed, "sell Gracedale".
As Cusick and Dietrich found out the love of a bagger is fickle. One vote they don't like and you are evil. To both Ccusick and Dietrich, give Gracedale a chance under new management and a truly "independent" panel and you will see the needed results. If you let Stoffa and company handle it, the place will run exactly the way they have made it run.
When they took office, Gracedale had initiated reforms and was making money. The leadership at Gracedale complained and Stoffa took off the controls. We all know the results. The worse three years in Gracedale history. Coincidence?
Bilbo Bagger
"One vote they don't like and you are evil."
I see. Kinda' like the vote to sell Gracedale, eh? One vote and they're all evil. Looks like you engage in what you are complaining about. If you want to make an argument, you should at least try to be logical. But in addition to being internally inconsistent, you're just plain nasty.
Anon 4:07, Thierry ran on several issues, and made clear she would reduce government. I saw what the MC has written, but am unable to find anything that is Gracedale-specific.
"Stoffa does this sort of thing. He has O'Hare and the papers shill for him as some lofty lovable doltish leader but behind the seances he is ruthless. He and his goons are checking the names for employees and others they can get back at"
Incredible. That's right. Stoffa is really ruthless. He's actually an alien from the Planet Nebula, and is planning anal probes on everyone right now.
You're out of your very little mind. This is a dude who spends his spare time building birdhouses and playing a tuba or something.
If I have to pay for copys of the referendum, why should an outfit that is getting paid to sell gracedale get them for nothing? I have only seen one person with an officer taken to Her car and she was not a member of councileIdid see a person attack REV MARTINEZ twice and he was escorted down and out of the building, remember that Bernie?
Yeah i remember Martinez threatening me, and I remember a deputy having to pull him away.
Actually the deputy was protecting the Rev from you pushing. Witnesses saw it.
I hope the County Council asks for an accounting of the cost of all the copies of the petitions the Stoffa Administration is having printed and given to people like O'Hare and others recording who signed and if they are County employee's.
Fake Rev, Today is th Lord's Day. top lying. You did not like me calling you the phony you are, blocked a doorway, wagged your smelly little finger in my face and yelled that I was lucky you were a Man of God. You wee then pulled away by a Deputy.
Go and deliver one of your fake sermons somewhere and fleece tour flock.
"I hope the County Council asks for an accounting of the cost of all the copies of the petitions the Stoffa Administration is having printed and given to people like O'Hare and others recording who signed and if they are County employee's."
Fake Rev, Go fleece your flock. I do not get anything I don't pay for, just like everyone else. Your accusation is a bald-faced lie that not only insults Stoffa, but also the people in the elections office.
Seems like everyone is a crook in yor book, from Stoffa to Gilbert to Angle to Dowd. Too bad the people who were conned into signing that petition could not see you for the phony you are.
Bernie the reverent was to the side of the door you went betwen him and the door frame hitting him not once but twice. later you jumped in his face and said he was a fake I saw some guy Seperate the two of you. The depity escorted you out, I was there.
Fake rev, thou shalt not lie.
A bed=$ If aprivate company could there would be five beds to a room. Mor beds more money. Rember they do not want to wharehouse people
If that is the proposal, it will be rejected.
Well the county is down to four buyers. Continuum Care Holdings and GSH first company from the middle east. THey were attracted to it because significant discount to replacement cost, and we do not whearhouse people.
I don't know where the County is at on these negotiations, but eventually, the County will be down to one buyer. That's the way it works. What's your source? Ferraro? Dietrich?
Cramming 4 people to a room is warehousing to me.
You and the fake facts are a Stoffa fixture. In a facility like Gracedale having four beds, with privacy curtains, in one "large" room is actually good. Residents feel less isolation. Interaction is encouraged. When staff check on one resident they can survey the others.
This is a nursing home dealing with very difficult situations, not the Waldorf.
Remember, Gracedale treats residents like people. They do not drug them up to help the bottom line.
You know nothing about Nursing Home operations and your lies have been discredited numerous times.
The Angle/Stoffa "big lie" regarding the care and cost of Gracedlae is being exposed and you have been ordered to help hold back the truth.
This County Executive and County Council handling of Gracedale has come to e known as the "Kevorkian Solution".
Real Love, Real Truth
" In a facility like Gracedale having four beds, with privacy curtains, in one 'large' room is actually good."
Yeah, nothing like dying with three complete strangers. Your attitude reveals precisely why Gracedale needs to be sold.
Agree. Stacking poor old folks like cord wood so a union can keep its defined retirement benefits is evil. The Barrons of the world who permit their grannies to be treated this way so that they not bear any personal cost are just as bad.
Bernie your right they should only put two people to a room. Why not make that part of the sale agrement. this one company does not want to do long term care, only rehab. Again dollars first. You were at the finance metting when they said that. WE DO NOT WHAREHOUSE PEOPLE,WE DO REHAB only no long term care. REHAB WHERE THE MONEY IS. RON wanted to use gracedale to pay for this loan , He said it many times
EARHOUSE. WE DO NOT WANT LONG TERM CARE.
No way you will be able to get 2000+ signatures tossed. Doubtful a judge will keep this off the ballot. AFSME will spend $$$ on the litigation and referendum. The voters will be heard.
Epic fail.
Bernie-
Maybe you'd like to write about
Patch.com sprouting up all over the Valley. Just saw Salisbury added to the list. The site's growing like weeds while lots of its editors are former MC reporters. Glad to see they have new jobs. Wish them well.
Bernie.....you are such a liar! As far as the night with Rev. Martinez, people that were there know the truth as to what happened and it isn't your version! You have a keen way of antagonizing people and even tried to antagonize my 82 year old father during a meeting with your damn flip cam....How shameful is that!!! You have no morals and someday you will meet your match. You try to make yourself something you're not....YOU ARE NOT A REPORTER AND WE ALL KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT AN ATTORNEY ANY LONGER. The only thing you are is a leech to Ron Angle's side!! You just plain old make me disgusted!
"WE DO NOT WHAREHOUSE PEOPLE,WE DO REHAB only no long term care."
I was a that finance committee and what they said is they don't warehouse people at that facility, and their emphasis is rehab. But they did acknowledge long-term care patients and also stated the needs in each community are different.
Having said that, they would not cram 4 people in one room, as the current compassionate Gracedale has done. Residents die surrounded by three strangers. They are, as one of readers suggests, stacked lke cord wood.
"Maybe you'd like to write about
Patch.com sprouting up all over the Valley. Just saw Salisbury added to the list."
I am adding links as I find out about them and like what they're doing.
"AFSME will spend $$$ on the litigation and referendum. The voters will be heard."
Gee, I thought the Coalition of Alzheimer Families was the driving force. The voters will be heard. I am one of them. If necessary, I will be heard in Court.
"As far as the night with Rev. Martinez, people that were there know the truth as to what happened and it isn't your version!"
Thou shalt not lie.
"You have a keen way of antagonizing people and even tried to antagonize my 82 year old father during a meeting with your damn flip cam."
Um, on the evening in question, your group was making catcalls and cursing in a group of around 40 boy scouts. How did your 82 year old father feel about that?
I was able to catch some of it on film and posted it here. I was sitting in front and a county camera was trained on me the entire time. Anyone who views that meeting will see that I at no time antagonized anyone.
Let me add that I have the right to record a public meeting under the Sunshine Act, and that includes the use of a flip cam. The law does not exist just to support people who agree with you. The Fake Rev uses one, too, but does not realize it needs batteries to work.
"YOU ARE NOT A REPORTER AND WE ALL KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT AN ATTORNEY ANY LONGER."
I'm a blogger. I have a POV but would have no readers unless I made an effort to be honest, and I do. I also happen to be an attorney. True, my license was suspended 25 years ago as a result of my alcoholism, but nobody took away my degree or what I learned in law school.
You stated the group would not even be close. They got more than they need in raw signatures. Plus more coming in Wow!
I think it is great Stoffa is looking for himself. He is a level headed guy and Ill bet he has a plan if this goes to the ballot.
Oh an Bernie please be heard in court. That worke great during the Reibman bond law suit didn't it?
You have readers because of anonymous comments. Whenever you disable them you get a few noted baggers and your buddies and no one else.
Your blog would be no better than any other blog without anonymous comments and you know it. Even so you still make comments "disappear", when they shine light on things you don't want people to know.
Fact is you have no idea if the referendum is legal or not. The Home Rule Charter has been shown to be in conflict with state law on numerous occasions and you know that.
When Angle and Stoffa try to pull your dime store legal tricks based on the Charter, a lawyer will file to have a Judge place an injunction on the sale until the matter can be resolved via state law. The people for senior safety vs. the money grubbing pols.
The "game" Angle and Stoffa have played to balance this horribly mismanaged county and budget will be put on hold.
The good people of Northampton County have done their homework and are ready. We know we are up against the odds, what with a County Executive and County Council drinking the same "holy water", but we are placing our faith in democracy and the rule of law, not bagger demagoguery.
23,000 people have said, stop the madness, stop the lies and let us get a truly, "independent and competent", review of our Nursing Home.
God Bless America and Americans who exercise their rights when the powerful are trying to step on their throats. You and your powerful buddies will not stop the will of the people.
God Bless America
"Fact is you have no idea if the referendum is legal or not. The Home Rule Charter has been shown to be in conflict with state law on numerous occasions and you know that."
That's right, and state law makes no provision for referendum on this topic.
"You stated the group would not even be close. They got more than they need in raw signatures."
"23,000 people have said, stop the madness,"
Once the bogus signatures are subtracted, you won't be close. You don't get to 23,000 by having one person fill out pages or by getting signatures from P-burg.
" we are placing our faith in democracy and the rule of law, not bagger demagoguery."
I'm interested in the rule of law, too. I believe in democracy, but not mob rule. That's all you are.
"a few baggers..."
Still with the scrotal obsession ...
There's a reason voters have so quickly turned on these creeps.
They are really nasty people, as a visit to their blog reveals. A bunch of haters. In addition to vicious attacks at the tea party movement for daring to disagree with them, they've even claimed that Stoffa was getting something from Angle. They have attacked Stoffa, Angle, Bruce Gilbert, Barb Thierry, Barb Thierry's husband, Morning Call reporter Jenna Portnoy, Mike Dowd, Tom Dietrich (until he turned coat), John Conklin, The Morning Call. They've even attacked Ron Angle's son.
But God is on their side.
Whatever happens, may God Bless all of you devoted volunteers who have worked so hard to save the sick and elderly in Northampton county. It is sad when locally elected officials turn their backs on seniors in need.
It is both gratifying and humbling to know so many people stepped up in the face of withering criticism to help those in need by not only They did this in the face of anticipated retribution from those in power.
May God shine His Loving Grace on you all. May God help clear the vision of those who are blind to the needs.
And after being so vicious to others, they play the God card.
"They did this in the face of anticipated retribution from those in power."
What a pile of unmitigated bullshit! Stoffa allowed this group to stage a rally on Gracedale grounds and they repaid him by turning into a political event. One of the Gracedale administrators, "Skeeter," attacked him at a public meeting and suffered no repercussions. Stoffa allowed this group of misfits to take over the Gracedale cafeteria every Sunday for their little war. He allowed them to spend two full days at Gracedale, circulating petitions.
And they talk about retribution?
anon 3:07, why the hangup on sex. How do you equate some "scrotum" aimed sex with people who put things in grocery bags.
You sound like you have some issues, seek therapy. You have insulted baggers everywhere.
Mary Phalanx
You don't sound clever or amusing, just nasty.
"vicious attacks", BAHAAAAAA. HAaaaaaa.
Really O'Hare. Wahhhaaa!!! If they can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Much like the infamous "facts" regarding Gracedale costs, your read on "vicious" is both sad and crazy.
The only attacks have been by Angle who attacks and interrupts any who disagree with him.
Also the Stoffa crew is very interested in knowing not just who signed the petitions and are any employees of the County. Who is paying for all the copying costs?
There have been vicious attacks mounted by County Council members, particularly Angle and Stoffa's paid goons as well as the Tea Party impugning the motives of concerned families.
Yes, we are passionate. We love our family members and we know the game you are playing. You could care less about these people, it is just a way to raise quick cash for your Health Department Stoffa wants and his drug rehab center and to cut employee costs. Stop saying how this is the way to save seniors. Also the lies about being "crammed " four to a room. Check the Regulations and the measurements of the rooms.
The last thing you people care about are the residents at Gracedale. It made money over its history. The only time the place went really bad was the past three years. All during the Stoffa regime. So what we have is a self-fulfilling prophecy by two guys who always wanted to dump Gracedale, Angle and Stoffa.
People are wise to the game that's been played. The way the poor elderly seniors have had to become pawns in the politics of these people is the real "vicious attack". Mr. O'Hare your masters are not only incompetent but cruel and deceiving, cold hearted thugs.
May God Have Mercy On Us All.
Yes, Vicious attacks. Nasty, personal, creepy attacks. Your blog has claimed that Stoffa will get something from Angle if Gracedale is sold. Your blog has vilified Angle's son. You've called Dietrich a liar, until he switched sides. You've smeared the good name of a real reverend, Mike Dowd. You've even gone after Barb Thierry's husband.
That has been your response to the facts as they have been laid out concerning Gracedale. One of these is that Gracedale would have rec'd $4.6 MM more last year as a privately run home in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. Where is your fact countering that? You have none, so you slam people who disagree with you and just make yourselves look creepier and nastier.
Bernie, you don.t know the first thing about a nursing home. If you did you would know Gracedale has private rooms, semi private,and three or four in a room. And you talk about who wants to die in a room with three others. Would you rather die alone? I know workers that would take their paper work and sit in the room with a resident that was near the end so they would not have to die alone. But you would not under stand that.
Not everyone at Gracedale expets wine and roses ,they may have had that at the private place they came from, but when there money ran out they got a thirty day notice to find some where else to go,and where do they go? To
GRACEDALE
Most residents are very happy there in their three and four beds in a rooms. Try talking to some of them.
I just need for you all to know I scanned by all all of BO's come backs without reading because their point has been rendered moot ....it seems they are on the ropes
ROPE A DOPE
as ALI used to say
face the G D facts BO and RA
"I just need for you all to know I scanned by all all of BO's come backs without reading because their point has been rendered moot ....it seems they are on the ropes"
Yet here you are, on Sunday night, pecking away.
"hen there money ran out they got a thirty day notice to find some where else to go,and where do they go? To GRACEDALE"
And it will remain that way under s new owner, too, but the people won't be crammed 4 to a room. And no, I don't want to die among 3 complete strangers.
Bernie,
Hopefully you will allow me to post this:
I think the actions of some anoymous bloggers have been shameful. Professed Christians would not invoke God's name as it has been invoked here. Whether you are Catholic, Protestant, Lutheran, or practice any other form of Christianity, you would not invoke God's name as it has been done here.
I am not sure this person/these people is/are aware of the gravity of their actions by continually attaching God's name wantonly. I can understand prayers, but proclaimations to know the will of God? I am just in shock!
I am praying for your/their conversion(s). May God have mercy on all of our souls.
Peace be with you, ~~alex
BO the comments you think were fromthe reverent were not made by him. The issue of the referendum was said by you to have failed the last time by 40 some votes. Now it is expressley prohibited, make up your mind you can not have both ways. Two weeks before your exchange with the rev, You were heard in the halway telling people to be quiet or you would have them tossed out one of them told you to go get help, To my knowledge you never bothered them again
First, there is practically no doubt in my mind that many of these hateful anonymous comments were made by the Fake Rev, who is constantly blathering about what God just told him. Just like he is the author of the anonymous hate blog.
Second, when a referendum was tried years ago, it was on a matter that did not extend to the budget or a capital program It had to do with the transport of toxic waste, and was a legitimate subject for referendum, but we missed getting the necessary signatures.
Third, two weeks before the Fake Rev assault, a group of you haters walked out of a committee meeting and began yelling in the hallway, making it impossible for the rest of us to hear what was going on. You were interfering with my right, as an ordinary citizen, to attend a meeting. Had you continued, a sheriff would have been called and you would have been thrown out.
Not only will there be less than four people in a room. but with a private company fillet Mignon will be pureed every night by private man servants. Champagne fountains will be installed.
O'Hare do you and your masters in crime really think people believe all this nonsense about the "private saviors". Everything costs money and they know how to cut corners, by over-medication and constant staff turn over. They also very carefully screen "which" poor person they take. Knowing a s little as you do about how these things work, it is amazing you continue to spread the lies.
Also the consistent lie about MA rates is just sinful. Privates in and of themselves do not get "more", money. It is how they apply and use, you jack wad.
You see not everyone is a stupid or dishonest as Angle and Stoffa.
Truth Will Prevail
"Also the consistent lie about MA rates is just sinful. Privates in and of themselves do not get "more", money. It is how they apply and use, you jack wad."
Notice the toxic rhetoric. The claim about Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement being higher for private facilities is a lie and I am a jack wad. That has been presented without rebuttal at 4 different town halls. It is part of the Gracedale study. It has not been rebutted during a single meeting of County Council. But because it is an inconvenient truth, it is now portrayed as a "lie" by vicious cowards afraid to sign their names.
I would like to say a co-worker and myself obtained approx. 50 signatures per hour on Voting night so I don't feel it was impossible for someone else to obtain that or more per hour on the same night. Those that signed were in favor of putting it on the ballot for the Citizens of the County to decide, some were for keeping Gracedale in County hands and some were for selling it. Not all who signed are in favor of keeping Gracedale however they signed because they feel something as Important as this issue should be put to a vote by the PEOPLE. All you are doing by not putting it on the Referendum is saying the People's Voice doesn't matter. Anything that going to COST the TAXPAYER More money should be put to a vote by the people it affects whether it be buying or selling a Nursing Facility or Buying or Building a New School. Goverment has stopped hearing the people and it is time the people be heard. It doesn't matter what the Employees, Coalition or Councils says..everyone has their own reasons for keeping or selling, What matters is that we put it in the hands of the Tax Paying Citizens of this County. Let the People have there say, that is the way it is suppose to be.
That's 2 people getting 50 per hour on election night, or 25 per hour per person. That's 2.4 minutes per voter. That's a little different than 1.3 voters per minute for 13 hours straight.
I do belevie the conversation was with Mr Marcus, Ithink we should ask him what hapened? One more time the rev. did not post on your blog.
One more time, bullshit, The Fake Rev is the author of a hateful blog and many of the similarly hateful comments here. Ross Marcus has never rebutted the claim about reimbursements and attended virtually every meeting. He also supports Gracedale's sale.
"What I am seeing is not at all surprising. Desperate people do crazy things."
You mean like forging a Will?
When we go out as on election day we had four forms going at the same time just to keep up, our line was longer than the voting line they wanted to sign the petition before they voted. 1 in 12 said no. Why did voter reg, give us the forms if wecould not do it?
"You mean like forging a Will?"
No, but you like to make vicious personal attacks that have no foundation in fact, and without signing your name, Fake Rev.
"Why did voter reg, give us the forms if wecould not do it?"
The voter registrar did not give you forms to have them sit unattended in bars with no circulator present.
What does that have todo with Mr. Marcus talking to people in the hall. YOU SAID YOU WOULD HAVE THEM REMOVED YOU WOULD HAVE THEM REMOVED.
You were disrupting a public meeting, and I would have you removed if you had continued. You were interfering with the rights of others and were obstructing a government meeting.
The rev. does not read your blog nor does post here. Iif you cant understand that tough. BO at THURSDAYS meeting why were your hands shacking when you tried to drink from your small bottle, the shaking stoped after you got your drink WHY.
What power do you have to remove anyone. You keep saying I will have you removed. You have two interchanable parts take time to change you might make better choises of words.
The Fake Rev not only reads my blog, but was addressing many of my points when he spoke to ET Reporter Sarah Cassi. He is the author of the Gracedale hate blog and many of the hateful comments here are from him.
Are you suggesting there was booze in my thermos and that I had DTs? Sorry to disappoint you. I have something called essential tremor, a harmless medical condition that requires no treatment.
"What power do you have to remove anyone. You keep saying I will have you removed"
I have the power of an ordinary citizen. Had I called the Sheriff, he would see you disrupting a meeting and would remove you on his own volition. But that does not happen unless someone makes him aware.
If this actually makes it to a vote, the only people who will vote are those with a mission. Any rational person can see the only logical option is a sale. From my experience, 90% of the petitions were by union members. This tells me something. Plus 75% of other counties have privatized their homes for the same reasons suggested here and have been quite successful.
Out of 900 signatures only 3 were from union members.lets get a vote and see what the people want.
Out of 900 signatures only 3 were from union members.lets get a vote and see what the people want.
Not signatures...petitions presented by union members. All apparently trying to save their jobs. Two actually said they provide more personal care. I said they should, there are 3 employees for every patient!
Again, a vote will be decided only by those with a mission.
The MA argument is in fact a ruse. It was brought up and ignored. Just as the issue with the real ability of a County to control something it sells. Not just writing it in a contract but how to enforce it in the real world.
When issues have been raised your hero Mr. Angle shouted people down who want to discuss the real issues.
Frankly, Mr. O'Hare you have provided the most venom and hate on this topic. You have not only continued to carry water for those who want to dump Gracedale for a fast buck, but the lies of a better life.
I think that's what the Indians were told when they were moved west of the Mississippi, and the Jews when forced to relocation camps. You can make fun of all this but at the end of the day, no one trusts this County Council or this Executive. We know the motives for the sale and it not the well being of the residents.
Mr. Marcus doesn't know anything about Gracedale, he was in Economic Development and a political hire by Stoffa. He has rarely been seen on the floors out there. His opinion is just that an opinion. He is merely a mouthpiece for Angle and Stoffa.
You are getting very angry and desperate. You and the baggers never expected the families to achieve this. You and the Stoffa/Angle machine have been damning and disparaging families and residents for months. You will now concentrate on stopping the petitions from being counted.
The people now see the elected people for the cold hearted folks they are. In the face of overwhelming support by the citizens of the County they are determined to push this dirty deal through by hook or by crook.
By the way, why not tell which of the offers came from the firm that was in personal contact with Ron Angle.
Dirty dealing all around.
Proud Resident named John, now join the Stoffa backroom team and find my name. I will be awaiting a reassessment on my property or some other retaliation by this gang.
Isn't this amazing? Everyone is a crook but you. You folks don't hold up too well when I respond to your hate with facts. The UNREBUTTED truth is that Medicare/medicaid reimbursements are lower for publicly held b=nursing homes than for private. It was a $4.6 MM difference last year. That alone is a reason to sell.
More than half of the rooms at Gracedale are 4 to a room. That;s barbaric, and you have not only failed to rebut it, but try to defend it. This is another reason why it must sell. As John Stoffa has stated, the problem is cultural. You don't even recognize the problem.
You've just made another unsubstantiated claim of "dirty dealing," and accuse me of venom for pointing out that your ckaims are as real as the Fake Rev's ordination papers. .
CC spent 18,000 dollars for a servey to have the people call CC Members to see how there are going to vote. CC spent up to 300,000 dollars plus to a law firm to sell Gracedale, But never voted to sell it. Big hurry why, about six months back we will be here till two am. to vote, guess what no vote. They are in a big hurry for what reason? the outfit from the middle east has one Dalphin County, when asked adout other holdings they refused to answer. AGAIN COUNCIL NEVER VOTED TO SELL GRACSDALE.
Mr. O'Hare please cite the specific regulation that proves the private facility gets more money for providing the same service. Please ask Mr. Marcus or Mr. Stoffa or the "firm" they hired that makes this claim to cite the specific regulation. They state it as fact but provided no true state regulation, since none exists.
Could you please post that information on your blog. Or have the County post it on their web site.
The so-called fact has never been proven, only stated by the "paid consultant", hired to make the case to dump Gracedale.
Of course you claim the residents, families and management experts we consulted are all to stupid to understand Mr. Stoffa's "cultural" concerns. The almighty government claiming it knows whats best for us. I thought the baggers fought that sort of thing. I guess they just hate over-reaching governemnt when African-Ameircans are President.
So we have Stoffa and Angle claiming to know whats best for us. I think we will take our chances with some more knowledgeable and honorable sources.
You sound more and more desperate O'Hare.
The Peace of God be with you, as it currently is not
In case you do not know some people in Northampton County have a Saylorsburg mailling address, print what looks good for you not the truth.
What is CC? You're using the same abbreviation used by the Fake Rev over at his hate blog.
County Council spent $18k for an exhaustive study of Gracedale, primarily aimed at seeing if it could be salvaged. It included an appraisal, and is one of the first places where the variance in reimbursements was mentioned. A very small part included a survey of county officials. It is disingenuous to suggest that was the purpose.
County Council has hired a law firm to negotiate a sale that will approximate $30MM. Given that sale price and the complexities involved, $300k is a bargain.
Council will NOT vote to sale Gracedale unless 5 members are assured that provisions are made for the same or higher standards of care, and that indigents will be accepted.
" some people in Northampton County have a Saylorsburg mailling address"
Wrong. Nobody in NC has a Saylorsburg mailing address or a P-burg mailing address. Remember, I search titles. This is more disinformation.
"Mr. O'Hare please cite the specific regulation that proves the private facility gets more money for providing the same service."
Section 3 of the study you deride spent 18 pages talking about that, providing the specifics. You could have questioned any of the experts when they were here on multiple occasions. But you instead wait and make an anonymous claim on a blog. Once again, you are wrong. Read the study. It's posted on the county web page.
I think I will check it out again,all I have to do is go to the Saylorsburg Post Office and ask.
So cite the specific regulation. The study "claims" that the County will get less but does not provide the specific law.
It was brought up at one of the Courtroom one meetings by a former County Councilman, but the question was ignored.
I understand that the "exhaustive" study of 45 days that was done by a company charging $18,000 as opposed to the companies that wanted at least $40-50,000 for a "real" study is your "reality" crutch. Also we are aware that even this "paid for" company first suggested private management but was told by the Administration to take that off the table as a serious option. That is a fact some members of the "elite" oversight committee have admitted to but fear for their jobs if they go public.
Many falsehoods and outright lies by those wishing to dump the facility.
Sadly, if they were just honest and said, "look we want the money for some other things and this is a great way to slash employee's", at least they would be respected for their honesty. It is this bullshit about dumping the residents for their own good that is so galling. They would destroy this facility in order to save it. As stated before these pol's don't give a shit about Northampton County's elderly.
Saddest chapter in the long history of Northampton county.
We the taxpayers are paying 225 Dollars an hour for a person from the firm to drive to the town meetings, one and half hours out one and half hours back , he gave us a brake no charge for milage, plus meals. the second, thrid and fourth, no charge,but cost plus. 300,000 dollars to a firm for the sale, but councel does not know if they have the votes to sell it.Who was in leadership when this was done? Good job looking after the taxpayers money.
We the taxpayers are paying 225 Dollars an hour for a person from the firm to drive to the town meetings, one and half hours out one and half hours back , he gave us a brake no charge for milage, plus meals. the second, thrid and fourth, no charge,but cost plus. 300,000 dollars to a firm for the sale, but councel does not know if they have the votes to sell it.Who was in leadership when this was done? Good job looking after the taxpayers money.
"So cite the specific regulation. The study "claims" that the County will get less but does not provide the specific law."
The law and regulations are cited. Read the study.
As for the slam at the study and law firm, that would figure. It is just part of a long list of things and people who are wrong. You viciously attack the people and their motives.
Nobody has suggested, for even a moment, "dumping" the residents. This is hysteria from unhinged people.
I can have a logical discussion with some people, even those who oppose Gracedale's sale. People of good will can have different views. But the outright hate and hostility pouring from you sickos is amazing.
I am closing comments here. 113 comments is enough. You've had an opportunity to make a case here, but chose instead to smear everyone. What you don't realize is that, in the process, you've smeared yourselves.
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