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| Larry Otter, Esq. |
That's a comment from the Gracedale Gang, before today's hearing on their fourth request for attorney fees as a result of my decision to challenge the Gracedale Initiative Petition. Before things ever got started, things became tense as Larry Otter got into a shouting match with Chris Spadoni, the attorney representing the Elections Commission.
Otter wanted the Voter Registrar to testify, but she has been on leave and is unavailable. Otter failed to return three of Spadoni's calls, and when they finally did connect, Otter hung up on Spadoni. Today, Otter berated Spadoni for failing to bring in another employee, even though he had never asked for anyone.
Back in March, Otter told Channel 69 that we might be going to jail, was demanding a criminal investigation, and people being people, they were ready to believe the worst. Angle and I were tried, convicted and sentenced, without having a word of defense on our behalf. In the Recorder of Deeds, where I search titles, a number of the other searchers spoke in hushed tones about my problem. Many of them hoped for the worst.
The truth was told today. Otter's motion was frivolous on its face, and was chucked by Judge Baratta without a word of testimony. When Larry Otter was forced to try his case in Court, instead of in the newspapers and WFMZ-TV69, he did not fare so well. Baratta made it very clear that there was no evidence of any improper conduct by me, Ron Angle, John Stoffa or John Conklin.
From the bench, he stated he would refuse to reconsider Otter's request for attorney fees.
During the course of their exchange, when Otter tried to claim this case is just like Bonusgate, Barratta stated, "Except it's not." The Court also took issue with Otter's claim that this is a "partisan" issue. Instead, he called Otter's motion a "hybrid surcharge," concluding that Otter wants Angle and I to pay for the County's supposed misconduct. "There's a disconnect there," he said.
When Otter told the Court that he'll be back, Baratta replied, "I'm appropriately warned."
I said a total of five words. "Good Morning" when the Court came in, and "No, your Honor," when the Court asked, "Mr. O'Hare, you don't have anything to add, do you?"
All the taunting, the Gracedale Gang in the courtroom, and even the presence of Barron von Footinmouth, was to no avail. Despite all the braying they do anonymously, not one of them ghad the courage to say a word in Court or to me.
64 comments:
Way to go, Bernie. Taming nasty, old otters is difficult work and not very rewarding. Spraint stains can be eliminated with club soda.
Why wasn't Baron Von Footinmouth working at his job as a "FULL TIME CONTROLLER"?
Atty Perkins, Your insights into the natural habitat of the Otter proved invaluable.
Spraint be damned...Bernie aren't Dem's like this enough to make you want to switch parties?? I mean you can't love every R out there...but these guys are bad...you're party isn't what it used to be.
They wanted to get all the emails between the co-conspirators on the record. That was accomplished. The communications between Angle/Stoffa/O'Hare/Conklin and the law firm are all now on public display as part of the public record.
Sometimes a battle won is a war lost. The misconduct happened even though you don't have to pay the attorney who exposed it.
The case will be made this November!
Cannot wait to read these emails. Why don't you post them Bernie!?
good for you BO. The union stupid pukes and the idiot pols that support them have showed their ass once again.
"rather have a sister in a whore house than a brother who is a union puke".
ya know dolan hangs with these scum balls
you would know zorn, you would know
"Spraint be damned...Bernie aren't Dem's like this enough to make you want to switch parties?? I mean you can't love every R out there...but these guys are bad...you're party isn't what it used to be."
Agreed and I am thinking about it.
"Sometimes a battle won is a war lost. The misconduct happened even though you don't have to pay the attorney who exposed it."
Yes, and you've lost the war. Gracedale is in serious trouble and there will be major changes.
According to Judge Baratta, there was no misconduct. That was the point of today's hearing, the one you've seen salivating about since the end of July.
Good question Anon 3:08 why wasn't Barren doing his job? He is a lazy, worthless, political hack who is an embarassment to this county. One can only hope that the voters have had enough of this slimy opportunist and toss him out on his kilt in November.
"Cannot wait to read these emails. Why don't you post them Bernie!?"
Why do I need to post anything. According to you, you've achieved your goal. My email exchanges were in the MC and ET in March.
Here's Riley Yates report on Baron von Footinmout:
"County Controller Stephen Barron was a vocal supporter of keeping Gracedale county-owned, and he sat with members of The Coalition of Alzheimer's Families during Thursday's hearing. Asked if he was working on a report, he wouldn't comment."
What kind of report? Is he conducting an audit of Eckert-Seamons? I'm sure that will be real fair. This clown is a disgrace to his office.
Bernie was Barron there in his official capacity or as a supporter? I mean he has the right to support who he wants. I am curious if he was there as part of a fact finding research for a report he is doing or just political opportunity.
Agreed. My sole regret is that I really wanted to cross-examine him.
"Bernie was Barron there in his official capacity or as a supporter? I mean he has the right to support who he wants. I am curious if he was there as part of a fact finding research for a report he is doing or just political opportunity."
Barron was there to cause trouble. He is a political opportunist who hitched his wagon to Otter and has conducted audits by news conference, as opposed to doing a real audit. He has no accounting degree and his own staff is embarrassed by him.
If you look at his web page he proclaims himself a full-time Controller. He can't be that and hold hands with the Gracedale Gang in private litigation in which attorney fees are being sought. He has prostituted his office and the Controller's independence.
"He has prostituted his office and the Controller's independence"
Well said.
And the not so funny thing is the Baron just doesn't carE. Off with his kilt!
Bernie the boy wants to be the next County Executive. He will appear top do anything to get his wish.
I think Barron is playing these people to get a head. he is a Long Dem from the Callahan school of sincerity. To much slime going on there. he is not as clever as Callahan in covering it up.
I think the Gracedale coalition hitched their wagon to a lead balloon. what has the guy actually done for them. he made a few speeches. As controller he could have done a lot mere,
I don't know or care but I think this guy is a poser and the Gracedale gang is getting played at their own game.
This entire story is sad. This group is a vengeful mean vindictive motley crew. Baron is a child trying to be an adult. He fails mkserably not only as an independent auditor but as an adult male. They were never interested in patients only getting Stoffa ,Angle, Conklin and you. Shame on them; they are a plague.
I think many of the families are doing what they beleive is the best thing for their relatives. Whether it is or not remains to be seen. What really torques me is the way politicians like Barron, who could care less, use it to further their political careers.
Barron is an opportunist, and not a very smart one either.
So exactly who is Bernie O'Hare that he gets e-mails from the counties law firm with tips and pointers paid by the county on his lawsuit against private citizens . Do you think they will help me with a lawsuit against Abe Atiyeh and all his proposed drug rehabs... probably not since he is their buddy right. Just saying!
Any moron with an ounce of common sense knows that I'd be an idiot not to have contacted Eckert Seamans, as I did many lawyers in the course of preparing my complaint. Any moron with an ounce of common sense would realize that it was in Eckert Seamans' interest, as attorneys for the County, to be helpful in a lawsuit that was aimed at doing exactly what the Ciunty wanted. And there was a Council Resolution authorizing them to do exactly what they did.
You must be a moron without common sense. Just saying!
Is it true Barron wears a kilt so that his rear airs out after being greased by the unions??
Real union guys don't use grease.
Bernie, thank you for your efforts. You attempted to save taxpayer's money and, in fact, likely did so with your legwork to fight the shady petition scam. This R doesn't want you on our side, however. We're not much better and you're far more dangerous right where you are. And many of us appreciate it.
Baron is a robber Baron ...only problem is he robs the taxpayers.
I'll have the last laugh. My skirt is freshly cleaned, I'm ready to fight against all corporations who come to my county to exploit workers by providing jobs that are taken voluntarily. Just try doing business in my county without union labor. I'm ready to tread upon your nicely manicured flower beds and photograph my horticultural conquest. F the daisies!
Put da baby in ma belly!! I love ma baby back, baby back, bab y back ribs!
Where is ma baby. Give me da baby!!
Bernie, Please don't take this as an offense, rather an opportunity. Would you agree to a public "pool noodle" battle/duel with the Baron? All proceeds going to charity of course...
1.27 million. lol
well, well, guess ron got his bad news today! couldn't of happened to a nicer guy!! $1.27 million dollars.. but he can afford it!
oh thank god you had a clean suit on for court!! no stains, pressed wow, you were really serious!maybe you even had clean underware on but i'm not too sure!!!
If there was only one cow in a 1,000 acre plot Ron would find a way to step in it.
Well he made the arrogant statement of how much he is worth, so good for him. Now your minus 1.27 million dollars less than what you previously mentioned. There you go guy.
Lots of gloating anonymous comments, I see. Interesting that when I make people ID themselves, they crawl under a rock.
"oh thank god you had a clean suit on for court!! no stains, pressed wow, you were really serious!"
It is these kinds of childish statements that demonstrate why I call you goons, why you have no credibility with Council members and why you will hurt the very thing you claim to love - Gracedale.
"oh thank god you had a clean suit on for court!! no stains, pressed wow, you were really serious!"
It is these kinds of childish statements that demonstrate why I call you goons, why you have no credibility with Council members and why you will hurt the very thing you claim to love - Gracedale.
The so called Gracedale supporters are really DISGRACEFUL SUPPORTERS. Their behavor is dispicable especially the Schmoyer gal and the Dellansandroews . They ahve no respect for others or opposing views. At least the Reverand is not not quite as bad.
Congratulations, Bernie!
Bernie --
Your comment at 10:05 was well played.
You're apparently fighting with a real mental midget.
Maybe Otter should offer legal advice to Angle on his appeal from tne million plus judgment against him. Bernie do you approve of the judge's decision or are you already cranking up the attack against him. Angle engaged in sharp, unethical business practices? No that can't be true.
I don't care who you are. That there Angle story is just plain funny. His confident use of the personal possessive "I's" in the newspaper quote is Bill White Hall of Fame material, an instant classic. Love him or hate him, he's more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
Larry - Guarunnteed entry first ballot in the Mangled English Hall of Fame - unethical business practices Wing
Hey Bern I saw at 10 pm you were using the anonymous coward argument, It's funny that you say that when this entire post is anonymous punks yakking about our dear controller. No fan of the controller here but less of a fan of hypocrisy.
Elected officials, whether it is Angle or Barron, have to be prepared for some cheap shots. I will tolerate them unless they start getting sexual or are in poor taste. But whether aimed at Angle or Barron, it is hard to put much credibility in anonymous attacks, just like it's hard to put much stock in your anonymous claim that I'm a hypocrite.
"Angle engaged in sharp, unethical business practices? No that can't be true."
1) This post is about Baratta's ruling on Otter's claim for attorney fees. It has nothing to do with a land deal between Angle and a Bangor dentist.
2) The judge's own ruling refutes the claim that there was unethical activity. Although the judge found that an option was breached, he declined to find any punitive damages.
3) The dispute is a business matter. In fact, the Bangor dentist just contributed to Angle's campaign.
Just enough stock for you to reply.
I guess njow that Angle is 1.25 million lighter, Bernie won't get his new IPAD.
Well there is always Stoffa the other O'Hare patron.
Don't hat me cuz' you can't be me.
sent from my iPad.
I am glad to see that the Otter bullshit has come to an end. Great decision by Judge Baratta.
The county and its council tried to do what was the best thing for Gracedale. Having the referendum remove that authority has placed Gracedale in great danger.
Hats off to Premier Healthcare for wanting to enter the snakepit. I hope they have anti-venom injections drawn and ready. It wont be pretty.
I just returned from my trip and was happy to see this news on the blog. Congrats Bernie, John, John C, and Ron for flushing the spraint right down the crapper! Well done.
The judge simply found that punitive damages could not be awarded in this type of action so he had no need to state the obvious. If you can't see how unethical Angle's conduct was in this case then you are truly beyond the pale.
It was an outrageous act of bad faith to to make the exercise of an option conditional on the obtaining of a zoning ruling and then arguing against the request knowing it would put $50,000.00 in your pocket if it wasn't the request wasnt approved. We know Angle has no moral compass but I thought there was some hope for you.
Could this be the trifecta? Lose the will case; get hammered in a breach of contract action; and then get trounced at the polls.
Bernie,
Correct me if I am wrong..can I bring a suit against the controller's office for misuse of county time? If Barron prepares an audit, should this be done off county time?
Anon 8:31- You seem to be disoriented. How many fingers am I holding up?
No, sorry, correct answer was 1.
Anon8:31, You have no knowledge of the facts in this case. The option granted was unconditional. Angle did grumble about the zoning ruling because he thought a variance would encumber the property he already owned. Remember, he owned the property bc Cotturo had defaulted on the mortgage. Several times. When Angle learned the variance had no adverse effect on his title, he withdrew his objections. A Philadelphia senior judge somehow reached the conclusion that Angle's actions constitute a breach of the option agreement.
It is a stretch to conclude from this that Angle's actions demonstrate bad faith. It sounds more like amisunderstanding with a dentist who never could get the money to do what he wants.
Now he wants Angle to pay for his own poor business acumen.
Brenda, Barron is doing EXACTLY what he complained about.
trish/brenda can we sue you for flagrant stupidity?
1:53 AM on Sunday AM, commenting anonymously on some blog. You must be a real treat.
"Angle did grumble about the zoning ruling because he thought a variance would encumber the property he already owned."... "When Angle learned the variance had no adverse effect on his title, he withdrew his objections."
Please Bernie,you really believe that horse shit? We agree he is not a moron. We agree he is well versed in real estate. Why didnt he try and learn the answer to the question before he argued against the granting of the variance? Because it wouldn't suit his purpose of thwarting Cotturo's plans. Will you be putting up the Court's opinion with erudite analysis as to why it is flawed?
Why not just pay Cotturo the judgment amount and save the interest that will accumulate.
Yeah, I believe that because it is the truth and is reflected in the minutes of Upper Mount Bethel Tp, as well as the testimony of their Solicitor and Zoning Officer. Nobody disputes that. It is a bad decision by a Senior Judge who only heard part of the case, refused to grant a continuance to Angle's new lawyer and refused to allow ANY of Angle's 10 defense witnesses to testify.
Karma is a bitch. I guess that makes up for the key witness who died the night before he was scheduled to testify against Angle in the earlier portion of this case.
Widows and the infirm of the Slate belt beware, the County's saviour has to recoup 1.2 million from someone to pay his cosmic dues.
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