When the Elections Comm'n voted last week to kill the Gracedale Initiative Petition, it was only because member Christopher Randazzo, a union member and a Democrat, was hopelessly confused. But yesterday, they were all singing the same song."Look for the union label."
During Meeting #1, when Randazzo left his seat to caucus with fellow Democrats Ken Kraft and Nicole Schlener, I objected to the obvious Sunshine Act violation. He had to return to his seat with no marching orders, and when it was time for him to vote, he had no idea what to do. As Bill White observes in his column, "He puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore." Poor Randazzo followed the law, which is the last thing that the unions wanted.
Yesterday, a scant 6 days after Meeting #1, they were all on the same page. Chairman Ken Kraft read canned speeches that were probably written by Gracedale Attorney Larry "the Amazing Mr. Limpet" Otter, who swam up the Delaware to file motions, notions and potions. And though the law is as clear now as it was 6 days ago, Randazzo switched his vote on the legality of the Gracedale initiative.
"Look for the union label."
Shocking, isn't it? Chairman Kraft read a few more speeches, and then in response to questions from Ron Angle, admitted he just happens to be a union agent for the painter's union. Randazzo is a union member who works on elevators. Nicole Schlener was very offended by Angle's insinuation that this sudden reversal was because the unions woke up. "I'm not a union member," she huffed. But her ex-husband is a Vice President of the Lehigh Valley Labor Council.
Commission member Joan Rosenthal, a Republican, wondered what the hell was going on. "I go with what the law says. It is not a matter of party or union or persons out there for democracy. It is a matter of 'What does the law say?' If you don't like the law, then you have it changed legally."
Silly Republican! This is a power play and it's completely about unions and party.
It will be a different story in Court.
87 comments:
Oh yes the Republicans voted the way Angle liked, that must mean they are right. Sure thing O'Hare. Of course the fact that John Stoffa's appointee attorney for the commission read the opinion the $700,000 County law firm selling Gracedale told him to read doesn't bother O'Hare.
The Angle, Stoffa, O'Hare mean spirited shouting and berating fell flat. A victory for the rule of law.
The court will throw out the Angle challenge and invalidate him from voting on the sale.
The big plans to dump Gracedale and prop up the terrible fiscal dilemma Stoffa put the County in may be in trouble. The multi-million dollar drug rehab facility he wants to build on the bones of Gracerdale, may be in trouble. No wonder he was a white as a sheet. Democracy and Stoffa don't mix well.
What a great day for Northampton County. This has nothing to do with unions and everything to do with the rights of citizens and family members fighting to protect their loved ones from the thugs currently pulling the strings in County government.
Stoffa and Angle and their cronies will work hard to rush this sale along, as they have always wanted to cram this down the peoples throats. Stoffa said a few weeks ago if the people collect the names he would wait for the vote. Another Stoffa lie, he is good at that.
So praise be to God. The silent majority of Northampton County citizens want a full airing of the issues and not the backroom deal slapped together by Angle and Stoffa. The real facts about Gracedale will finally come out without Angle shouting down the truth.
Let the people decide. The little dictator was spitting blood. Yes the people still prevailed. God Bless America.
"We The People"
Did Donald Del Maso really confront and stare you down?
HAHAHAHAHAHA amazing how more and more people are seeing the truth! Keep spending your time trying to defend and protect Mr. Angle and the rest of us will continue to do what is right for the people of Northampton County.....the fall of Ron Angle. FYI....still failing to see where the threat was made to Ron Angle on the other blog. The only thing you and Ron did by going to the sheriffs office was to make him look like a big cry baby! I'm sure the sheriffs office laughed their butts off when he walked out the door with his silly little claim. Also, I have seen you MANY times have staredowns with people BERNIE O'HARE, but fortunately it is just another way to make yourself look silly along with your "In your face flip cam"
DJ
I thought Angle was a Marine... and he cried to the sherif about something... that does not make sense to me at all
"It will be a different story in Court"
Sounds like a threat to me...I am headed to the Sheriffs office to file a complaint!!
I'm heading to the Sheriffs office
Angle directly threatened me by saying he would hunt me down and fight me on the land, sea, and in the air. Charges will be filed later this morning.
Stay Tuned
I think the jig is up.
Best try to make some hay
Democracy was tookin' back by the peoples yesterday
Notice that there is no actual rebuttal of the clam that this was a disgusting power play by the unions. Instead, we have childish comments.
"Did Donald Del Maso really confront and stare you down?"
That claim is a product of his own imagination.
Oh my all the union boys and girls have come out to play. If this is allowed to happen I would expect the entire Charter to be up for a thorough scan and ultimatley removed and rewritten. Won't that be a lot of fun and to top it all off Peg Ferraro will be able to get her 20% tax increase passed this year. Certainly the likes of Cusick and Dietrick will come out to play and undoubtedly support the Mail Order Reverend and the union thugs at Gracedale. Why think about history; we will be able to add this event to assisting the downfall of state and local government. We can continue to pour $66M a year into this sink hole.
Keep in mind that these petitions were signed by people who lived outside the district. Then we have those who carried the petition fill out the forms for the signers. Both of these practices are illegal but typical of the mob that supports anarchy. Shame on the union thug commissioners who obviously were told to toe the union line or they would be out of there.
"But her ex-husband is a Vice President of the Lehigh Valley Labor Council."
Seriously? if it is her ex, wouldn't it be equally plausible that she would want to stick it to him? Your union bias is masking the fact that this needs to be done. I'm supportive of selling Gracedale but drumming the anti-union drum won't make me sympathetic to the cause. Sorry.
Except that there is no other explanation for the sudden reversal on a matter of law.
I am pro-union, but do not care for public sector unions.
"Except that there is no other explanation for the sudden reversal on a matter of law."
How about receiving bad legal advice to begin with? In October, their solicitor said that the question should go on the ballot. There was "no question" in his mind. A day before the NEC meeting, he changed his mind and threw the commission under the bus.
Hypothetically if the signatures were valid, do you support the measure being placed on the ballot?
"Except that there is no other explanation for the sudden reversal on a matter of law."
Ok, so let's get this straight. Angle has a "sudden reversal" on the prison in the Slate Belt. Was that Angle looking for the "union label?"
No, he simply thought things through, and decided against it. Which is perfectly normal, and happens all the time.
The union argument is all you could come up with so you throw it to the wall and see if it sticks.
You have no facts that that is indeed the case here.
I personally was hoping it would be put on the ballot, but I don't like the way this whole thing has gone down. Didn't the solicitor also change his mind? Was he seeking that label also?
If you are making accusations and personal attacks please have the facts to back it up, and by facts I mean absolute proof, and not opinion. You ask that much of your readers, the least you could do is follow that yourself.
Thanks for your time.
Yo Battle Cry
Don't you have a Koch Bros. secret meeting to take back the country to attend.
It doesn't "cost" the county 66 mill to operate. That "cost" you refer to is total operating costs. There is income you know. You see when you baggers pass a lie or two, you make it impossible to believe any of the garbage that comes from your mouths.
Union gold bricks vs. taxpayers. It's that simple, even for the testicles puke to understand. Unions want to sentence old folks to Gracedale's poor conditions in order to preserve their high labor cost scam. Society's productive are putting an end to it. It's a perspective the takers of society are finally learning in the school of hard knocks. How's your change going?
*OT sorry* In the spirit of non vitriol that the MSM has been pushing from sarah palins cross hairs to MSNBC apologizing for using the word "target" I challenge you Mr. O'Hare to censor anyone who uses the words "tea bagger" or "baggers".
By letting them post such hate, is condoning their actions! Stop the VITRIOL!
Union gold bricks vs. taxpayers. It's that simple, even for the testicles puke to understand. Unions want to sentence old folks to Gracedale's poor conditions in order to preserve their high labor cost scam. Society's productive are putting an end to it. It's a perspective the takers of society are finally learning in the school of hard knocks. How's your change going?
Poor conditions?
Have you EVER BEEN THERE?
I think the electorate is already having buyers remorse from the last election
Enjoy your 2 years
See; Scott Brown
The TEA Baggers visited this on themselves
I have been to some of the functions and saw they sell trinkets with TEA bags,
charms, shirts, and hats.
Plus the people attending the rallies actually wear hats adorned with tea bags.
So I don't see where as you can stop the term.
Maybe get YOUR mind out of the gutter.
Maybe change your groups name to the
I Hate America Party
I think that would be a better fit.
Signed "according to you"
Benedict Arnold
This is the mindset that caused unions to disappear, except where big government props them up. This is not your father's labor movement for fair treatment and wages. This is an alliance of a political party and reliable, paid army of Pauls who elect the party that robs Peter to pay them, an insure their votes. Gracedale just improved from its usual "poor" rating to "average." Aim high, assholes. Private facilities consistently rank higher and the residents of Gracedale will get better treatment than they currently receive as four-to-a-room human sacrifice for gummint unions and Democrat votes. It's unions vs. better care and lower cost. Get the scrotums off your eyes and see the real world where you've ruined Gracedale and want to continue to ruin the county's financial well being.
Oddly enough, I remember a County Council individual that advised the County employees to unionize during the Glenn Reibman term. His name: Ron Angle. I was at the meeting.
Bernie: Can we please stick to the facts of why you believe Gracedale needs to be sold? I'm tired of hearing how it's all the unions fault for the Gracedale problems. Non-union employees have the same benefits, and higher pay than some of the unions. So maybe it's the non-union employees fault?
Bernie, I appreciate your knowledge on County Government, but i'm tired of hearing about the union.
Let the Court decide if it should go to vote. What they decide, they decide. I just hope the Gracedale sale is being done for all the right reasons, and not some political agenda.
non hater said...
I challenge you Mr. O'Hare to censor anyone who uses the words "tea bagger" or "baggers".
-------------------------------
Depriving some of them of the only tool (name calling) they have? That's pretty cruel of you Mr/Ms non hater.
...if that really is your name.
Tea Baggers called themselves Tea Baggers first...
http://theweek.com/article/index/202620/the-evolution-of-the-word-tea-bagger
They even sold T-Shirts that said "Proud to be a Tea Bagger"
It was only after the left started using the term (mockingly) that the Tea Baggers got upset about.
Anonymous said...
I just hope the Gracedale sale is being done for all the right reasons, and not some political agenda.
--------------------------------
What does that mean? Seriously, what is this possible "agenda" and what is wrong with it. I mean I've read all kinds of silliness asserted, but really...
So please, just what is this possible agenda?
I do not delete comments referring to the tea party movement as "tea baggers." I don't care who started it. I think the term is mildly offensive and try to discourage its use, and I notice it is often used by people who have no real argument. But it is not an attack directed at one specific person.
Anon 6:30
Could very well be. Most people didn't know what that term meant back then. Not everybody has a "Raymond the Amish Comic" around to educate them on the current slang.
"Can we please stick to the facts of why you believe Gracedale needs to be sold? I'm tired of hearing how it's all the unions fault for the Gracedale problems"
Actually, this is not an article about why Gracedale needs to be sold. I've written those. Here's an example. http://easton.patch.com/articles/the-best-way-to-save-gracedale-sell-it
This is an article about the Elections Comm'n's sudden reversal. It's pretty hard for me to conclude that a union agent who chairs an Elections Comm's was not thinking about his brothers ar Gracedale. I am sure he tried to be fair, but I think we were asking for too much.
"This is an article about the Elections Comm'n's sudden reversal. It's pretty hard for me to conclude that a union agent who chairs an Elections Comm's was not thinking about his brothers ar Gracedale. I am sure he tried to be fair, but I think we were asking for too much."
Do you have proof that this is the case? If so, please present it. It is a pretty strong accusation to put out there based on purely your own opinion.
We would like to see the facts that you have that substantiate this claim.
This is no different than one saying that Angle forged the Will. That is my opinion, yet when I state that here I am told it is just a personal attack, or an unproven accusation.
As far as I am concerned what you did with this topic is an unproven opinion of yours, that frankly means shit.
I have not accused Ken Kraft of throwing the case I knew he was a union agent before he heard it. I thought he tried to be as fair as he could. But as I said, I think we were asking for too much from him. And this is NOT intended as a slam or a suggestion that there was some knd of undue influence. I just think he has a bias he was unable to overcome.
One other point for union goon. Ron's sudden reversal on GEO was not the result of thinking things through. It was political, pure and simple. It was very uncharacteristic bc Angle usually sticks to his guns, but he was spooked. So I don't think you analogy is very good.
"And this is NOT intended as a slam or a suggestion that there was some knd of undue influence. I just think he has a bias he was unable to overcome."
That is not the way it came across at all. I thought it was very clear what you were trying to accomplish, why not stick by your original intentions.
Your posting was filled with innuendo, and allegations. Maybe you should read it again.
As for the bad advice from the Solicitor argument, consider this:
1) The law requires that petitions be handed out to whomever wants them on any question;
2) Soadoni followed the law when he said the petitions do not present a problem under the HRC bc at that point, they did not.
3) When Spadoni made his decision, there was no 2011 budget.
4) Once the petition comes back, the Vharter then required a review to see if it violates the Charter. Only then. That may be a prolem with the Charter, but Spadoni followed it.
5) The question does extend to the budget or capital program, and hence violates the HRC.
"So I don't think you analogy is very good."
My point was it was a "sudden reversal" it doesn't matter the reason. Furthermore we all have a right to change our minds.
We certainly do, bit just as Ron looked bad in his sudden reversal on GEO, so did the Elections Comm'n.
"As for the bad advice from the Solicitor argument, consider this:"
Points considered, but fact is again it was a "sudden reversal" for what you think are valid reasons per the law, but a "sudden reversal" no matter the reason.
"We certainly do, bit just as Ron looked bad in his sudden reversal on GEO, so did the Elections Comm'n."
As I said before, this hasn't looked good from the start. My personal opinion is to put it on the ballot. I happened to like the decision, but it does not look good at all. And this reversal is not the only thing that doesn't look good.
"Tea-bagger" was coined by a guy named Anderson Cooper, who apparently is a devote', on a network called CNN that people used to watch in the 80s when they were picking Anderson's mom off the floor at Studio 54. It's slang for a primarily homosexual act that seems to be the left's new black (sorry, Barack).
The election commission wasted our money and everybody's time by employing the services of Spadoni. The idiot who caved should be the commissions new legal council. He seems to have this law business completely surrounded. How do people like this get themselves dressed, let alone attempt to function in important positions?
"Your posting was filled with innuendo, and allegations. Maybe you should read it again"
Well, I know they are all very pr-union, and it was my intent to convey that impression. I do think it colored their judgment. But to the extent you feel that I challenged the personal integrity of any commission member, I feel I should apologize if I gave that impression. I think they are all people of integrity, doing a difficult job. I do feel they let their bias interfere, but I have no reason to suggest they did anything improper, except when they caucused during Meeting #1.
No matter what their decision they would have had unhappy people. I guess that comes with the territory. I guess we can look into the backgrounds of all of us and critique the decisions we have had to make.
I am glad it wasn't I that had to make the decision.
Steve Bzrron wrote a good piece about Gracedale. he wanted to fix the problems but no one listened. Why didn't Stoffa listen to Mr. Barron?
He seems to have a lot of information.
Steve Barron is running for re-election and is pandering union votes. Won't help.
"I am glad it wasn't I that had to make the decision."
It's never fun for the elections commission.
Barron mentioned nothing about unions in his article today. I don't think he is pandering at all. He is explaining the numbers as he sees them. As the controller he talks about numbers. I call that doing his job.
That must be why one union just gave him $500 and one of the Gracedale Coalition people just gave him money, too.
Glenn Beck used the term"tea bagger", I heard him say it on TV. Stop revising history. that's all you righto's do.
Enough nonsense. When people show up at events with tea bags hanging from their hats, hanging from their belts and shirts, etc. what the Hell do you call it.
Wahhh!!!! Next time do some research but that isn't your style. You just put on the Fox and whatever they say must be factual. Much like some people who read this blog think t is actual factual information.
God Bless America!
What political agenda? How about funding for other pet projects? No more $$$ without the sale of Gracedale. I've been working in the County for over 20 years. Seen alot of politics at its worse, and best.
I agree with you Bernie, the reversal doesn't sit with me all that well either. That's why i'd like to see the Courts make the final call.
I just can't stand hearing how the union is the reason for Gracedales downfall, like so many posters think here.
The union is by no means the sole reason. Reimbursements might be an even bigger proble,. The we did have poor management. Everyone agrees about that. Also, when Gracedale did well, the County would spend the excess revenue on other projects. The union is a big problem, but is by no means the only one.
Anonymous said...
What political agenda? How about funding for other pet projects?
-------------------------------
OK, selling Gracedale frees up money that can either be saved or spent elsewhere. No kidding. What makes that so nefarious? What is a "pet project"? Something that somebody feels is a more appropriate place to use the money?
Unless it's lining somebody's pocket or a blatant buying of votes what's the problem?
Of course I'd rather see any savings used to reduce debt and keep taxes reigned in... isn't that a "political agenda" also?
Anonymous said...
Glenn Beck used the term"tea bagger", I heard him say it on TV.
-------------------------------
Glenn Beck on TV? That would be FoxNews, right?
-------------------------------
Anonymous also said...
You just put on the Fox and whatever they say must be factual.
-------------------------------
Okay then...
There is no way this issue will get past the first court trial, unless it is uselessly contested beyond.
First off, the petitions were bogus and presented as "Saving Gracedale". From what, they aren't going to close, patients won't have to leave, and costs for patients won't go up.
Second, if it does go to a vote hopefully the intelligent portion of the county (as opposed to the misled savers), show up to vote and vote to sell.
"First off, the petitions were bogus and presented as "Saving Gracedale".
I thought the commission decided they were valid, and that is why we are having this discussion?
Bernie, could you name the person from the coalition who gave money to Steve Baron ? I really would like to know this.
It's public record and the donor as Joseph Mammana. It is only a small amount.
wow !! $60.00 bucks that will go far . I am sure steve couldn't make it with out that donation. steve stood up and talked at the first cc meeting and that was before the donation.
I like the way you try and make something out of nothing.
I wonder what someone would do if they gave them a big donation.
"Union Goon"
The petitions were bogus because they all had stickers attached to the body of the petitions. Who could attest to when they were attached? Under the sticker could be a whole different question people signed for. After someone signed for one issue, the issue could be change by a sticker attached.
Either the issue being on the ballot violates the charter or not. That's not a tough question and shouldn't take the court long to decide.
Bernie what about :
Angle -- Eckert Seaman
Abe Atiyeh
oh I suppose that is different ??
well good night
sleep well.
How do you know the amount? How do you know when it was given? Even I don't remember that. I think only Steve Barron and Mammana would know that, and Mammana probably would not remember when he gave the check. So tell me, did Steve ask for the money? And the $500 from the IUPAT, isn't that Ken Kraft's group? Wan't he quoting Steve?
Steve has pretty much established what he is - a union hack who uses the color of his official office to intimidate businesses into meeting with union officials. He was censured by Council and has no credibility.
He politicized his office and now is exploiting it to pander votes. I notice that none of his staff were with him. They know this is political and won't get their hands dirty playing his game.
Anon 11:23, No, that is NOT different and I wrote a column condemning the contributions.
http://easton.patch.com/articles/whos-buying-our-pols
"The petitions were bogus because they all had stickers attached to the body of the petitions."
Again, was it not the task of the commission to assure that all were legitimate and valid?
Bernie , I know because remember it is public record.
don't talk so dumb, did Steve ask for the money.
Angle did take there money and now he is dealing with them both right ? But I can't forget Angle is honest and everybody else is not .
It is a public record that is located only at the Elections Office. There have been no articles anywhere about this. So even though it is a public record, it is likely only three people know about it - Mammana, Barron and me.
Angle did take money from Eckert Seamans and Atiyeh's business partner, Ramzi Haddad. He is not dealing with the County on the lease for the West Easton treatment center bc he took that money. He is not a member of the committee reviewing the nursing home proposals. But I do think he should not have accepted that money and wrote a story.
Whether it is Angle or Barron or Morganelli or Bob Donchez, I hate pay-to-play.
It's their not there.
Union Goon, good name by the way
Yes, it was the job of the commission and they failed miserably.
was referring to 11:40 . PMSing are we?
"Union Goon, good name by the way"
I am glad you like it.
"Yes, it was the job of the commission and they failed miserably."
Perhaps they should be removed from their positions.
I suggest you get new glasses or purchase a bigger and or better display for yourself.
Robert Peeler, I suppose I am. I thought your comment was meant for me, and apologize.
Peeler, sorry, dude.
Fairplay Bernie. I'm enjoying the Bethlehem stuff. Keep it coming.
Union Goon,
I like the name, too. It implies a sense of humor.
I would not favor removing the Elections Commissioners. he HRC requires 3 people from the majority party, and the names come from the party boss. Whether it is R or D, that will and has resulted in partisan displays from time to time.
I would prefer that the job be assigned to the bench, as is the case in some counties.
One other point for union goon. Ron's sudden reversal on GEO was not the result of thinking things through. It was political, pure and simple. It was very uncharacteristic bc Angle usually sticks to his guns, but he was spooked. So I don't think you analogy is very good.
The term that will be applied will not be spooked
It will be "skunked"
as in
Ron Gets "Skunked" in his re-election bid
He should spend no time worrying
though as the deal is sealed
Peeler,
I'll be back at the BPA on Monday, and if I'm lucky, I'll have someone with me who actually understands the records.
Union Goon,
Yes
I am very impressed with the breath of knowledge Mr. Barron possess on the topic of Nursing Homes. I have been told he may be the most knowledgeable person in the County regarding Nursing Home operations.
He said he did try to get Stoffa to change things but he was ignored. The only reason Angle attacks him is because Steve made him look foolish at a County Council meeting when discussing the budget.
He has been a trying to help the Administration with Gracerdale but they just aren't interested in his expertise. That is unfortunate as this may have been averted.
Barron's expertise consists of attending union rallies, political functions and flunking bar exams.
Bernie, I would not throw dirt when it comes to any thing that pretains to passing bar exams, you passed but look what happened to you....big time lawyer ....
pull at your own nose.
Bernie my question is this. As the County Controller, where was Barron when Gracedale could have used him? He should have been reviewing numbers a few years ago when it would have actually helped. He may be some kind of hero to some of these folks but what has he done?
I heard him make a few speeches but heard little substance and mostly posturing for the Unions. I think there are far more knowledgeable people out there there are not trying to get all this after the fact attention.
The guy is invisible for three years and then he is everywhere.
Whats his story?
As I am told Barron has been talking to the administration for a long time about OT and other issues at Gracedale. He has always had concerns about budget projections. However, those issues went unlistened to. Barron is not a big press guy. Never has been one to look for the spotlight. I for one am glad he has come forward. While I think Gracdale should be sold and will vote that way, I think Barron needS to speak and be heard in this debate. It's his job. I don't agree with him, but he makes people think.
Think about his re-election. The guy is a union thug that abused his office. If the Dem's had any ethics they would run another candidate.
Anyone who uses their position in public office to try and bully a private citizen are unfit for public office.
End of Story!
Anon 4:56, I don't want to dump on Barron, but you are forcing me to do so. Frankly, he should be sending out resumes bc he's not going to be around much longer.
I will have more to say about Barron down the road. These pro-Barron comments reveal exactly why he feels the way he does about Gracedale. He's pandering and couldn't care less of the residents were stacked as cordwood. Down the road, I'll have plenty more to say.
"ernie, I would not throw dirt when it comes to any thing that pretains to passing bar exams, you passed but look what happened to you....big time lawyer ....
pull at your own nose."
I lost my license bc I'm a drunk, not for stupidity. Barron was unable to pass the bar, is no accountant, and seems to specialize in union activity.
Don't worry Bernie. The Barronites are trying to pump him up for his County Executive run. He better focus on his re-election first.
I have more respect for some of the proponents of keeping Gracedale that have reasons and not just union propaganda.
I may disagree with what some of these folks want to do but I can respect the fact that they are sincere in their beliefs. At least they sounded more sincere and knowledgeable than Mr. Barron. I don't know how this guy became an expert on the Nursing Home.
I wish Vic lived in Northampton County and could run for Controller against Barron. That would be great.
I know some Republicans are Contemplating a run if they can raise the money.
Believe me, the money will come. Barron and his smirk need to go.
Barron told a group just the other day he is untouchable in his Controller Race. If the Republicans think they can take him they better have money and an issue.
Post a Comment