LV Mayors' Dinner Will Knock You Off Your Feet ... Literally

That's what happened last night to Portland Mayor Lance Prator. He had just received the "Best Presenter" award following a four-minute speech from all the Mayors present at the Greater LV Chamber of Commerce Mayors' Dinner, sponsored by TD Bank. While walking off the stage at Best Western's LV Hotel and Conference Center, Hizzoner took a header and damaged his knee.

Fortunately, numerous lawyers were at the event. They immediately rushed to Prator's side, and instructed an ambulance to wait while they took depositions.

I must be slipping myself because I felt pretty bad for the Mayor. He had just delivered a heartfelt speech, and that award was a big deal to him. It was sad to see him on the ground, and I hope he makes a full recovery.

Over the next few days, I plan to present speeches from some of our local Mayors. Too little attention is paid to them. Day in and day out, these are the men and women who make their communities work. In addition to their humor, they provide a unique perspective on their small corners of the Lehigh Valley.

Some of them, like Slatington's "Most Entertaining" Mayor Walter Niedermeyer and Roseto Mayor Desiree Denicola, were downright hilarious. Macungie Mayor Rick Hoffman was there, too, and filled us all in on his very public battles with his police department. As he and Ron Angle talked to each other, I couldn't help but comment that here are the two biggest bad asses in the Lehigh Valley.

They both agreed.

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan and Easton Mayor Sal Panto both seemed to have a blast. In fact, Callahan originally sat at my table until he realized he was supposed to be one table away. Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski was probably in his mancave throwing darts or sitting in his jacuzzi, but he did send his DCED Director, Sara Hailstone. She's not just a pretty face.  She took some brutal shots at just about everyone, including King Edwin. Very impressive

Everybody picked on Tony Iannelli. Callahan, for example, accused him of hiding a keg under his suit, although the Business Matters host claims it's just water retention.