Before last night's Bethlehem City Council meeting, I saw Solicitor Chris Spadoni. He told me I was an embarrassment as a guest on WFMZ-TV 69's Business Matters the other day. I retorted that he's an embarrassment as a lawyer. The genteel crowd who usually attends these meetings gasped at this frank exchange. One tough-looking dude, Eddie Rodriquez, was ready to burst into tears until I explained that's pretty much the way Chris and I roll. That's how we say Hi to each other. Eddie cried anyway. I forgot that meetings in Bethlehem and Northampton County are completely different. What would certainly be regarded as nothing more than polite disagreement in Northampton County and most other places, is considered "disgraceful" behavior in Bethlehem.
My own behavior is totally irresponsible, but the Bethlehem crowd still smiles at me and shakes my hand. It's that damn Moravian influence, I think. And sugarcake.
But Karen Dolan, a six-year veteran of Council, is another story. She was loudly condemned last night, at least by the standards of Bethlehemites, for the way she handled an election for the open position of Vice President.
Gordie Mowrer, who is having problems lasting more than an hour during City Council meetings, resigned as Vice President on March 21. I knew that was coming. At a recent meeting, after stepping out briefly, he came back and sat in his chair. Unfortunately, it rolled right into Old Glory, knocking her over. Willie Reynolds made a spectacular diving catch before the flag hit the ground.
As this retired Moravian pastor explains in his letter of resignation, "I just have problems that cannot be helped, and I would not be able to do the job I would like to do." He also revealed he suffers from Parkinson's disease.
Dolan is under the impression that it's her turn. But other Council members prefer the financial prowess of newcomer Dave DiGiacinto, especially with City finances in the tank.
Clearly unhappy that she is being passed over, she got entangled in a twenty-minute disagreement with Chris Spadoni over an interpretation of Robert's Rules of Order concerning the election. "Point of order" was the phrase she used most frequently. While insisting she had no desire to be "persnickety" or a "pain," that's exactly what she was.
What really bothers her, and she has a fair point, is that these offices are "always decided ahead of time." But her remedy for that is the Sunshine Act, not Robert's Rules of Order. And Spadoni was unwilling to bend to her will.
Willie Reynolds nominated Dolan, while Jean Belinski nominated DiGiacinto. Reynolds argued that Council members should appoint Dolan because of her experience and because she is a woman. His final argument is that a VP is pretty much window dressing, so it might as well be Dolan. To drive that point home, Reynolds said of Mowrer, "I thank him for his service, whatever that may have been."
Not the smartest thing to say about a Council member who served as Mayor in the '70s and again in '87.
Eric Evans explained that he'd be supporting Dave DiGiacinto. "The number one reason is finance," he said. "Our number one priority, our number one focus, our number one concern, our number one stress, right now, is finances, getting the City up to where we want it to be."
Although DiGiacinto remained silent, Dolan decided to make a pitch for herself, stressing her experience, the fact that she is a woman, and her attendance record.
Gortie Mowrer was so put out by the squabbling over his position that he announced he would not be supporting either candidate.
When Dolan's nomination was put forward, the only Council member willing to vote for her was Willie Reynolds. Defeated, Karen then did vote for DiGiacinto. But not Willie.
At the end of the meeting, Council regular Mary Pongracz called Dolan's performance "disgraceful," especially because she had disagreed with Spadoni. And activist Steve Antalics suggested that Spadoni be awarded a Purple Heart or Distinguished Service medal.
I'd give Spadoni the finger.
Gimme a break. Sure, Dolan was persnickety and a pain, as she herself would put it. Yes, she did question her lawyer. But geez, she never called anyone "gutless" or used any of the colorful language that is par for the course in the People's Republic of Northampton County. Just a few short months ago, the Northampton County Elections Commission thumbed its nose at the very same Solicitor being fawned over last night. And two years ago, Lamont McClure unilaterally tried to fire a Solicitor, with absolutely no authority.
Everybody was condemning Karen, while she was explaining herself to reporters. I had to ask, "Are you people nuts?"
What's really interesting is to see Willie Reynolds, a known Callahan acolyte, supporting Dolan. It's even more interesting to see him vote against DiGiacinto after his candidate had already lost. DiGiacinto is Mayor John Callahan's biggest critic on Council, and their selection of him as their VP is an indication that they mean business.
And Karen should never argue for election to some position because she is a woman. It's important to have diversity, but diversity for diversity's sake leads to incompetence.
Mayor Callahan was absent from last night's meeting. He's apparently in Israel, soliciting campaign contributions for his next Congressional run.
Blogger's Note: In the picture above, Karen Dolan catches Steve Barron wearing one of her dresses.
37 comments:
Why is it that in every picture of him, Barron looks like some kind of buffoon?
Chris and Schweder are friends..Are his actions here a surrise to you? Shouldn't be.
"that's pretty much the way Chris and I roll"
"roll" being the operative term in both instances
dolan has once again made a fool of herself. she is so successful at this she has no more credibility to lose. no one bothers to snicker behind her back anymore. they just laugh right in her face. Maybe she can go hide out at the "mill", that's how she earns her bloated union paycheck. Oust her in 2012!!
Bernie
How long was this meeting? Sad to read of Mr. Mower's health issue.
That Dolan woman sure thinks a lot of herself.
wee willy reynolds falls on his face twice. once in his support of the cry baby dolan and then in his putrid remarks about MR. Mower. wwr should hope and pray that he could ever become half the man and public servant that Gordy has always been and continues to be.
The Mayor is in Israel? On whose dime?
Rubberstamp Reynolds and Karen Dolan were both hand selected by the Mayor in order to stack City Council in his favor. At least Karen can sometimes divorce herself from the Mayor and make her own mind up (even if it's almost always after a 30 minute rant).
Rubberstamp Reynolds on the other hand can't seem to be able to sneeze without the Mayor's instructions. His comments are always self aggrandizing, and his questions are always propaganda sent to him by the Administration.
Then there's the loser from last election cycle. Reccutti who loses, then receives a large amount of money from the Mayor, and finally is appointed to the Parking Authority. Now he wants to be part of the Mayor's team on City Council.
YOU retorted that he is an embarasment as a lawyer?????? Bernard V. O'Hare III who was disbarred as a lawyer? hehe please explain.
"And Karen should never argue for election to some position because she is a woman. It's important to have diversity, but diversity for diversity's sake leads to incompetence."
I agree 100%! As a woman, I find that comment shows a complete lack of integrity...
"'roll' being the operative term in both instances"
Yeah, but I have Chris beat.
6:50, The meeting lasted nearly 2 hours.
"Oust her in 2012!!"
Yup. 2012 is the best year to vote a candidate for city council out of office. Will you work the polls to help? 2012 will be a huge year for Bethlehem.
2012...
Bernie, that was two hours wasted, when you could have been at the Atrium on Broad Street, attending the press conference for three Bethlehem City Council candidates and three Bethelehm Area School District candidates.
The mood was mellow, all present were cordial to one another, nobody spoke too long-windedly, there were happy children present, and the cookies were really good, especially the maple cream-filled selection. We got to meet some promising, sincere candidates. There was informal conversation following the formal announcements by the candidates.
The press conference was sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Bethlehem Area School District, under the able management of Patty Felix, local Republican committeewoman. Despite invitations all around to the news outlets, the only two members of the press who showed up were Bethlehem Press, and that new electonic phenomenon, of which my aging brain cannot at this moment remember the name. No Morning Call, no Express-Times, no WFMZ Channel 69. Dinosaurs of the "old media," just do not move fast enough. The history of the future began in that room last evening, and the reporters were all at the Roman circus.
The media entity I could not remember the name of is the Bethlehem.patch. They have an article today on the press conference under a headline attributing the candidates who were present at the press conference to the Tea Party. Not sure whether that is striclty true or not. The article gives web pages for each of the six candidates.
there are 3 buffoons in the picture. looks like they are enjoying a little S&M
Dear Anonymous who stated "Oust her in 2012!!"
The election year in which she gets voted on again by the citizens is actually 2013. State and National seats are voted on in even numbered years and municipal candidates are voted on in odd numbered years.
This year we have the pleasure of voting against Willie "the rubberstamp" Reynolds, Bob "let's not call out the Mayor" Donchez, and Mike "let's give loosing a second try" Reccutti.
OUST THEM IN 2011!!
anon 6:37
I apologize for my error in the year. Never the less let's oust the self serving egomaniac. Bethlum at her lowest has deserved better
Bernie,
check out the bethlehem patch. words of wisdom from the the chest (breast) thumping, union loving, tree hugging. self promoting mayor wannabee
Bethlehem voters are dense. Donchez and Reynolds will walk to re-election.
dictator schweder and jay lesson were could be real jerks on council but they have been proven right about the financial fiasco that the city has become. who fought them every inch of the way? dizzy dolan and wee wiily rubber stamp.
anon 9:33
donchez may escape his 16 years of doing nothing and being part of the problem. but even wee willy's "hot girlfriend" will toss him out. Especially after his rude and crude comments about Gordy Mower
Reynolds comments just cost him the election.
That sort of comment really pisses people off and they don't forget it.
People hear what they want to hear I guess. Last night I spoke from prepared remarks. My point was experience. You can read my speech requesting support for Vice-President. Here it is, verbatim.
"It is with great respect for this council that I ask for the support of my colleagues for election to Vice-President. After Gordie, Bob, and Jean, I am the most experienced member on Council, elected to two terms and chairing Human Resources, Public Works, and Community Development committees. I've also served on Public Safety and Finance.
The position of Vice President is relatively new to City Council, added by a Special Committee I advanced to review Council rules. That was the first update to Council rules since City Councilwoman Delores Caskey chaired a similar Committee in the 1970s. Mrs. Caskey, a mentor of mine, was the only woman to serve as Council President. It’s true, if I were elected Vice President tonight, I would be the first woman elected to that position, certainly an honor, but gender doesn’t matter, experience does.
This is my sixth year on council. My attendance is excellent. (I improvised some comment about attending City Council to be the swing vote three hours after I was released post-surgery. True story.)
In all, I’ve chaired 17 committee meetings including two where the subjects were contentious and the audience seats were filled.
Finally, I've chaired two community boards, was vice-chair of another, and secretary to a third. I study Robert's Rules, and, at the expense of sounding creepy, I study President Donchez when he is in action on the dais. Based on my experience and research into Robert’s Rules and Council Rules, I believe I could jump in at any time to preside over City Council if needed, even though I suspect that President Donchez won’t vacate his chair unless he is in unbearable discomfort, and even then, probably not.
My sincere thanks to Gordon for his service. Gordie, you are the most diverse elected official in Bethlehem history: elected to three different positions, and you have served each one with grace and wisdom. It would be an honor to follow you in service."
Karen,
Thanks for your comment. Those are the remarks you read. I summarized it on my blog as experience, your gender and your attendance. I believe that is an accurate summary of your three main points.
I did not consider your disagreement w/ Spadoni as anything other than polite, especially by the standards I see in NC. I do think you belabored the "point of order" a bit too much. You were "persnickety," to use your own word. I also think your real complaint was the Sunshine Act, not Roberts Rules.
Frankly, I expected more fireworks. By Northampton County Council standards, this was a sleeper.
The only thing that bothered me was Willie Reynolds' comment about Mowrer. I know he did not mean it the way it came out, but it was not the best way to thank him.
Karen, you can't let facts get in the way on an O'Hare blog.
Seamus
Seamus, Were you at the meeting? Is there anything in my summary that is inaccurate?
Instead of defending Karen bc she is "liberal," you should defend her bc she is right. That's the difference between me and the ideologues. I am more interested in being correct than advancing either the liberal or conservative cause.
No you put your spin on it, I did not note any sexism in her statement. You did however because you were looking for something to pan. You must admit, open minded you are not. I don't think anyone is surprised by this and if they are they must not have ever read your posts. Hey I still read you, even though I disagree 80% of the time and it takes great restraint not to challenge most of your issues but I would be on the blog much more than time allows.
Seamus
Seamus,
I certainly have an attitude and am by no means objective. But yes, I am open minded. I disagree with that criticism.
You indicate you did not note any sexism in her statement. I never charged her with sexism. I said she offered three reasons for her appointment - experience, her sex and her attendance. And thats exactly what she did. Her own words. " if I were elected Vice President tonight, I would be the first woman elected to that position"
How can you ignore what she said and then call me close minded? Like I said, my report is accurate and is echoed in other reports elsewhere.
If anything, I defended Dolan, stating her argument w/ Spadoni was nothing more than a polite disagreement, and not the "disgraceful" performance it was called by some in the audience.
Once again, I ask you, were you there?
All I can say is someone needs to straighten out our wonderful city. I have lived here all my life and still think is is a wonderful place. However I do believe that Bethlehem deserves a leadership that cares about one thing THE CITY!! not using it as a stepping stone as the last two Mayors have done.
GO DG be our next mayor!!
Bernie,
My full sentence that you quoted from was, "It’s true, if I were elected Vice President tonight, I would be the first woman elected to that position, certainly an honor, but gender doesn’t matter, experience does."
It would have been an honor to follow Delores Caskey's footsteps as it would have been an honor to follow Gordon's.
As for me being a pain, it had nothing to do with my chances for election. That was determined in advance through one on one conversations. I don't believe that's a technical Sunshine Act violation, but your are right, it does violate the spirit.
My only recourse that night was "Point of Order" objections: you have to say that before you can state your disagreement with a procedure, particularly if you believe council is breaking its own laws.
I didn't want to keep raising the issue. I wanted our solicitor to look down at the notes that were right in front of him. I wanted him to read our rules, or at least acknowledge our rules, because that is his job, and he is paid well for it.
He wouldn't give a straight answer and Donchez did not compel him to, so we broke our own laws Tuesday night. Will we break them again when Council President is chosen in January?
Karen, You offered three reasons for your selection, and they were the same three reasons offered by Willie Reynolds. One of them is the fact that you are female. This was reported in other accounts as well, not just here.
I personally was unperturbed by your points of order and discussion with Spadoni, although you did not say then what you are saying now, and what you are saying now is that City Council is ignoring its own established rules.
My belief at the time is that Spadoni was following established procedure, and your claim was that it violated Roberts Rules.
I do believe you went on a bit too long about it, but that's your call. I dsid not consider your behavior "disgraceful," although some did. I thought the best word is the one you actually used - persnickety. I am also unaware that Delores Caskey is your mentor. Does she know that?
waah, waah,waah -poor karen didn't get her way. couldn't even get the other woman to vote for her
Karen was in fact quoted blamming the "glass ceiling" for not being elected VP.
(click on the screen name to read the article)
Then she tries to prove wrong everyone who commented on that article and blames Donchez for being a puppet master of some sort.
Stay classy Karen Dolan!
Bernie,
I've had great mentors. I hope Delores knows that she was one of them.
My "glass ceiling" comment was a reaction to the pre-planned election of Councilman Dave DiGiacinto, a shock since he's only in his second year and has little experience running public meetings. He's a great guy, invaluable financial knowledge for council, but to run a council meeting you need knowledge of council procedures.
Glass ceiling? Maybe not, but the comments of some of your posters (I thump my "chest (breast)" and I'm "dizzy dolan," and many that are far more offensive) only prove the point, made by many people before either of us began writing, that women with power are judged differently than men in the same position. No one wants to admit to it, but read some of the recent comments about me on this and other Ramblings posts, Bernie. They speak for themselves. I can handle it, and I care less about it every day, but I'm not going to pretend it's just random. I'm not dizzy, Bernie. I don't say "Waaa waa waa."
Karen
Karen,
To be honest, I see no difference between the way you and your male counterparts are treated. Based on your argument, I'd have to conclude that John Stoffa and Ron Angle, both of whom are mercilessly attacked here, are women.
I've seen Willie Reynolds, Bob Donchez and Dave DiGiacinto all get personally attacked. I've seen their R challengers get personally attacked.
It happens, Karen, and I don't think it has anything to do with your sex.
To be sure, there are still sexists out here, as well as trolls. I am sure that some people might actually be jealous to see that an attractive woman can be smart, too. But don't let it bother you.
Hey Karen,
I would more quickly agree with you if you had said that the Mayor is a sexist pig who runs City Hall like a frat house than to believe that City Council and Bob Donchez somehow are plotting against you for being a woman.
You come across as a ditz because both you and Wee Willie ask stupid questions which have already been answered. The audience at these meetings must obviously be smarter than you since they don't need to ask the obvious like you do. I've heard you referred to as "Captain Obvious" a good number of times.
A small example of this is when Wee Willie had just finished seeing an hour long presentation about how the Bethlehem Reservoir was chosen for the windmill project (colorful map and all) and the first question out of his mouth is "how did you chose that location?" Another example would be the 30 minute rants for which you are so famous.
It is very apparent that you and Wee Willie both believe the citizens of this city are stupid or a lot less intelligent than you. You seem to also believe that you are the only true leader on City Council which is as far from the truth as one could get.
Everyone knows that Wee Willie's days are numbered and Donchez getting re-elected is still up in the air right now. You're just fooling yourself if you believe that all of this positioning will result in you being the first woman Mayor of Bethlehem.
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