In his post election campaign finance report, which covers the brief period between October 25 and November 28, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan tells us he received no contributions. He spent $1,708.86, of which $500 went to Controller Barron von Footinmouth who, like Hizzoner, likes deficit budgets. Callahan blew most of the rest of the money on himself.
He did make contributions totaling $175 for Freedom High School wrestling and the Rotary, but he must love gabbing on the phone. His Verizon phone bill is $534.13.
Then there's "expense reimbursements" of $404.93 and $94.80. What the hell are these? Eagles tickets? Was this money that paid poll workers for school board or City Council candidates?
We have a right to know. I have emailed the Northampton County Register of voters, asking her to request Mayor Callahan to amend his report and provide the detail that should have been there in the first place.
The Mayor of Bethlehem has complied withj the law dand he owes you nothing. You are not a Bethlehem resident. If he is the next county executive he will end your constant badgering of county employees.
ReplyDeleteIt makes no difference whether I am a Bethlehem resident. He has an obligation to follow state campaign finance laws, has not done so, I have the right to file a complaint and I've done so.
ReplyDeleteSeems like no big deal. Judge elect Reichley is asking lawyers for $100 contributions right before he is about to take the bench in Lehigh County, "to help him retire campaign debt" that is far more newsworthy.
ReplyDeleteCallahan/Reichley doesn't make a difference. Just two more scumbag pols diving in the public trough. Can't completely blame them. The g foolish voting public keeps electing them.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I really don't blame Reichley for doing what the law permits. I'll add it is very common for lawyers to contribute to judges. I've complained about it with other judges before. But it's entirely legal, and I doubt $100 is going to buy Reichley. What we really need to do is come up with some campaign finance reforms. Perhaps a lawyer who contributes to a judicial candidate or a judge should be barred from practicing before him for 5 years. How does that sound?
ReplyDeleteIn contrast to Reichley, what Callahan did s completely illegal. He is required to account for his expenses. We have a right to know how he spent that money and his explanation is inadequate, as a matter of law.
I saw an invite to a "celebration" Morganelli is holding to celebrate his latest victory over no one. he wants to have all his supporters come and enjoy a night with him. It will only cost you $60. He is one of the most ballsy politicians in the Valley, you got to give him credit.
ReplyDeleteLeave Callahan alone. Haven't you done enough damage?
ReplyDeleteI'm a resident of Bethlehem. I want to know who is paying for what. How about that?
ReplyDeleteElected representatives ARE IN FACT our business. Or did we just conveniently forget what you attempted to do to me and my personal life? That was fair game for you but how an elected politician spends donated money isn't?
It's not about "you the elected", it's about "We The People"; or do you only remember that during election years?
dougie boy and johnny casino are only two examples of the "it's all about me crooks" we keep electing. we should be ashamed. Every law we pass, local, state or federal has so many loopholes in them that we invite these animals to cheat.
ReplyDeleteBO change you pic to the new BO
seamus is lost in the booze that is callahan
ReplyDeleteCallahan will run for County Executive and if it is against Barron he will win. Neither of them have a place to go and Barron has nothing to lose now that he made the Controller's position full time and the exec race is mid-term. BTW, since he is now full-time did he reduce his staff to save taxpayer's money? I would love to know.
ReplyDeleteIf you change your picture how about standing up and make it appear you're not learing at the photographer. Most of you pictures make you look creepy.
ReplyDeleteNo members of BPD should make any errors at work. The City has a reputation of honesty. Pay no attention to the mayor behind the curtain!
ReplyDelete" how about standing up and make it appear you're not learing at the photographer."
ReplyDeleteBut I am leering at the photographer.
"Leave Callahan alone. Haven't you done enough damage?"
ReplyDeleteOh I'm sorry, I just thought campaign finance laws applied to everyone, even him.
I like your idea about lawyers contributing to judges being prohibited from appearing before them for five years. It is unworkable and the network of judges will protect the donors - after all, the elected and "we, the people" do not always have shared interests.
ReplyDeleteI do not support Merit Selection or Government Financing of Elections because it only gives Establishment Insiders who profit from government more power to manipulate the system for their own ends.
Good on you for discussing this. I doubt that Doug Reichley will be influenced by $100 but it is an opportunity to make a point.
Mayor Callahan is a Democrat and good on you for exposing the wrong doing of a Democrat. We will all be better for Righteous Democrats looking at the facts and telling the truth.
ReplyDeleteThere does not seem to be a reform movement in the Democratic Party like the Tea Party in Republican Party. Maybe you will start a movement, Bernie.
When did the Koch brothers reform the tea party?
ReplyDeleteNo Anon....I agree the report could use greater detail and so does the mayor. You people don't understand how electronic reports are generated and some fields transfer while others do not. It's a simple issue that is easily resolved.
ReplyDeleteSeamus