It was a strange Order. On Friday, Judge Stephen Baratta apparently decided on his own to schedule a hearing on Otter's latest request for attorney fees, injunctions and surcharges. He scheduled it for this Thursday.
Just four days before the election. Hmmm.
Northampton County Executive John Stoffa, the County's highest ranking official, would not see Baratta's Order until Monday, essentially giving him and his Director of Administration just three days to get ready to defend themselves in a matter in which neither of them is even a named party.
It gets worse. Because Otter is seeking a surcharge, Stoffa and his Director of Administration will have to retain their own attorneys.
Since the initiative is on the ballot, what possible reason would Baratta have for scheduling a hearing so quickly? Doesn't the County Executive, no matter who he or she is, deserve a little more respect and courtesy than was provided? Three days to respond to allegations that accuse him of criminal behavior?
Some say that Baratta scheduled a hearing this quickly because he is ready to go nuclear on Otter. But another school of thought is that "Judge Baratta decided to schedule this for optimal political impact – looking for all that press right before an election. Please – what couldn’t wait until after the Primary election? This is the same Judge who said the entire Gracedale argument was nothing but politics and now he is deliberately scheduling this hearing to further a political agenda. Shame on him and shame on our president judge for allowing the Northampton county courts to try to influence voter opinion. As taxpayers what recourse do we have when our judges start using the county court system to promote a political agenda?"
I have no idea why a hearing was scheduled so quickly. But there is no question in my mind that a full blown hearing on these bullshit allegations, just four days before the election, would turn the Gracedale initiative into even more of a three-ring circus. Otter would bluster and blow oil about Bonusgate and people going to jail, and that's what would appear in the newspapers on Election Eve.
When Otter's motion is tossed the following week, nobody will notice.
The Elections Registrar, who tends to get busy at this time of the year, has been subpoenaed as well, and is scheduled to waste her day when she needs to be in the office, getting things ready.
Judge Baratta has apparently had second thoughts about that Thursday hearing. He's decided to continue the matter until after the election, on May 24. And instead of a hearing, he'll conduct a status/pre-hearing conference "so that we can frame all possible issues."
What a lady killer he was...college?
ReplyDeleteIf it were not for a press hungry little lord fauntleroy wanna be Steve Barron, finding the need for fame and scandal, there would be no investigation.
ReplyDeleteBut because little lord fauntleroy I mean Steve Barron is lap dancing with another press hungry shitbag named Larry Otter, we suddenly have bonusgate.
This theatrical combination is just a sad tool used by Barron because he stands no chance in his own election stacked next to a much more accomplished and mature Salversen.
I believe little fuck fauntleroy is wasting taxpayers money to fund his own campaign
Talk about press hungry shitbags Ihope that includes Ron Angle.
ReplyDeletePress hungry politicians I understand - but not the courts - It was a terrible error in judgment to have scheduled Otter in the first place and while I am grateful that it was rescheduled I am fearful that too many political agendas are playing out in our courtrooms.
ReplyDeleteExcept Ron Angle doesnt go on record accusing others of crimes at election time
ReplyDelete"It was a terrible error in judgment to have scheduled Otter in the first place "
ReplyDeleteThe timing of it really made me wonder. Baratta himself has said this is a political case, so why would he hold a hearing 4 days before the election?
You and the rest of your GOONIES are the Press "HOGS". You and your goons can't shine Judge Baratta's shoes!! This is the most objective, respected judge with total integrity something you so lack!!!!! Can't you ever find good things to try to promote!!!! Feel so bad you are so angry and frustrated with your life!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am asking a question, not hurling an accusation. It's a fair question, and nobody is above question.
ReplyDeletewhy should timing matter.... wrong is wrong an election shouldn't make one bit of difference. what is everyone so afraid of ? i don't get it. if nothing was illegal about you using the eckert /seamans law firm i would think you'd like to see the issue put to rest.
ReplyDeleteanon11:44
ReplyDeleteUnder your logic:
Its OK to get falsely accused of wrongdoing. Its fun to have 3 days to find a lawyer to represent you. Concocted allegations from a hate group union mob should not phase anyone at all, and the accused should welcome taking the witness stand where he will be questioned by an election whore lawyer whose career is marked by vexacious lawsuits.
Ummm, yeah, OK
Let me hasten to add that while there are nine judges in Northampton County, there is only one County Exec. He represents a separate and distinct branch of government. Whatever his motive, Judge Baratta's Order, scheduling a hearing for this Thursday, was served on the Exec on Monday. The Executive is basically being accused of criminal behavior, and was given three days notice to prepare himself and find a lawyer. The same is true of his Director of Administration.
ReplyDeleteNo matter how you slice it, the timing and rush was disrespectful, and I am glad to see the matter has been postponed.
that explanation makes more sense...i thought this matter had been under review before yesterday..my mistake
ReplyDeleteI do not think that any Judge in Northampton County should hear or rule on ANYTHING that has to do with the executive branch of our county. The conflict is clear. The NC bench has been vocal with complaints of being understaffed. Their contempt of the county executive is pretty apparent. I think Stoffa’s lawyers better get busy at that hearing and request that someone with a little objectivity hear this. It really doesn’t help that County Council won’t approve the court workers’ contact either. It all feels like a vendetta to me.
ReplyDeleteIts no crime for a group to question its government, or for the government to act on behalf of all citizens within its borders. The COAF passionately fought for what they believed in, to bring the issue to the ballot.
ReplyDeleteHaving won 4 slam dunks in a row, I would think Mr. Otter would have the gentlemanly manners of placing a notch on his wall instead of trolling back to NC like a silverback gorilla beating his own chest.
One has gone way too far to attack the personal and professional lives of the fine gentlemen that serve in the executive offices of Northampton County. This latest action of his is undeserving of a judge's attention.
I'm sure Larry thinks he is stroking his own reputation as a supertough, but it reminds me of a little man in a fancy sportscar. Sorry, some things just have to be said.
My question..... Who pays for Stoffa and Conklin's attorney's? The taxpayer?
ReplyDeleteBrenda , you are talking way out of line. C u next tuesday, at the polls
ReplyDelete"My question..... Who pays for Stoffa and Conklin's attorney's? The taxpayer?"
ReplyDeleteThey will have to pay for their own attorneys. Ironically, if tey prevail in a surcharge motion, they will be able to assert attorney fees against Otter and Mary Ann Schmyer. I wonder if the Otter told her that.
If Otter has such a reputation for, and has even been sanctioned for frivolous lawsuits, why is this judge so eager to hear him?
ReplyDeleteThat's the million dollar question One school of thought is that Baratta has had enough and is going to lay the smack down on him. Another is that Baratta was going to maximize the political damage to the County, right before the election.
ReplyDeleteWhatever was going through his mind, he's had second thoughts and is pulling back.
"One has gone way too far to attack the personal and professional lives of the fine gentlemen that serve in the executive offices of Northampton County. This latest action of his is undeserving of a judge's attention."
ReplyDeleteWhere are there fine gentlemen??? No one like that on the new 3rd floor(foremerly the 4th) of the government center. A liar and a lackey, yes! Fine gentlemen. not really.
Unless you were referring to Ron Angle and Bernie O'Hare, Brenda, I mean Tricia.
Taco Tim
I thought I was Brenda. That was all the rage not so long ago. Now it's Tricia.
ReplyDeleteBut thanks for making it clear that you don't consider any of the people on the 3rd floor to be gentlemen, whether it is John Stoffa, John Conklin, Alan Fowler or Frank Flisser.
Brenda is a C u next Tuesday .
ReplyDeleteBernie last entry should be removed look at each first letter
ReplyDeleteBo is a pussy.
ReplyDelete