Local Government TV

▼

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Kraft, Lutes Out on Bethlehem ZHB

Since 2007, Ron Lutes has been a member of Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board. He's been the odd man out, who would vote only if there was a conflict or another zoner was unavailable. He attended every meeting. As a realtor and assessor, he's obviously knowledgeable. Now, after four years, he finds he's the odd man out again, overlooked by Mayor John Callahan in three new appointments. Given the controversy that seems to follow zoners everywhere, maybe Lutes should thank him.

Callahan also decided against re-appointing Ken Kraft, who was recently elected to Northampton County Council.

Three new zoners were unanimously confirmed by City Council last night, and will now have to learn to dodge the slings and arrows that will be aimed at them by developers and residents alike. They will join Chairman Gus Loupos and Bill Fitzpatrick, who remain on the board.

Who are these lucky people?

1) Linda Shay Gardner. - According to her webpage, she's a family law lawyer. Since 1985, she and her husband Neville have owned Donegal Square, a popular Irish shop on Main Street.

2) Michael Santanasto. - A solo practitioner for the past ten months, Santanasto was an associate with King Spry. When he worked at that firm, Santanasto concentrates his practice in the areas of commercial real estate, estate litigation and business. He's a grad of St. Joe's and Rutgers.

3) James Schantz. - Another legislative aide crashes his way into local government, waiting for an opening in Harrisburg. This one works for State Senator Lisa Boscola, ran for District Judge in 2009, and lost.
at

18 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2012 at 2:02 AM

    I am guessing the Rajah of Rezoning put the fixin to Callahan to get a green light on is proposals to Allentownize Bethlehem?

    Abe must be thrilled? Those donations are paying off?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Issac TouroJanuary 18, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    JC does know how to stack the deck.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2012 at 6:19 AM

    Leave Jimmy be. He's low-profile, quiet, efficient, and has always been effective at constituent service.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2012 at 6:30 AM

    The issue of legislative aides of any party being allowed to work for a government official and the public at the same time needs more discussion or as our Bernie would say, "Can a guy have two loves.?"

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2012 at 6:31 AM

    Anonymous Anonymous said...

    Leave Jimmy be. He's low-profile, quiet, efficient, and has always been effective at constituent service.

    6:19 AM

    No no one should leave any candidate alone! If someone cares to throw their hat in the political ring, they must be willing to stand strong and tall next to it. No way.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2012 at 8:33 AM

    Can an elected official also be on the Zoning Board? If not, I have to wonder if that is why Kraft is out.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bernie O'HareJanuary 18, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    Apparently, the answer is yes.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Bernie O'HareJanuary 18, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    6:19, I am leery of anyone who works for a state office holder and who also is a participant of local government. Boscola has pulled in reams of money, over the years, from Pektor and other developers who seek zoning changes. A developer who wants something done could see her and ask her to pressure Jimmy, the person you want me to leave alone.

    I don't think this is a good idea.

    But amazingly, not a single question asked or eyebrow raised.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Al BernotasJanuary 18, 2012 at 11:18 AM

    The voters get what they want. They have given City Council two more years of immunity.

    City Council has even stifled the ability to have a give and take during courtesy of the floor. No more banter. Just a one way dialogue. The time is now called Public Comment. Let the public blow hot air. They can't touch us for at least two years. Just part of the benefit of capturing the brass ring.

    Now everything has to be done behind closed doors, even actions requested by the citizenry.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Bernie O'HareJanuary 18, 2012 at 11:35 AM

    Al, I don't understand your comment. Can you elaborate?

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    Again Al, you're true colors shine through and the Idiot flag is raised proudly

    ReplyDelete
  12. Al BernotasJanuary 18, 2012 at 2:06 PM

    To Anonymous 12:17 PM: I would gladly respond to you if you had a enough chutzpah to mention your name. Stay brave! Control you anger, and stay on your meds.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Crispus AttucksJanuary 18, 2012 at 7:01 PM

    I believe what Al is saying is that council pays absolutely no attention to the five minute limited comments from concerned citizens. Nothing but blank stares and playing with their cell phones. These so called council people are nothing but a disgraceful click. There is no leadership here.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Bernie O'HareJanuary 18, 2012 at 9:33 PM

    I spoke w/ Al and he was referring to recent changes in courtesy of the floor, where Council members will no longer have exchanges with the public.

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousJanuary 19, 2012 at 6:15 AM

    hey, it's more than fair to question Jimmy's impartiality, but it didn't sound like that was your issue.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Bernie O'HareJanuary 19, 2012 at 11:21 AM

    That's pretty much my concern about ALL legislative aides, whether it is Wayne Grube or Jimmy. I have heard from several people that he is a nice guy, and my objection to him is NOT personal. It's not really an objection, but a concern that should be raised so he can answer it publicly, don't you think?

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousJanuary 19, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    Hey Bern......I know for a fact that once again the zoning board has been stacked(with the exception of Jimmy) in JC's favor Ken Kraft recommened a very well known City businessman for board appointment that was totally ignored...JC only wants control and has been bullshitting this city and it just continues...I can;t wait until 2013 JC's reign will be over..but wait rumor has it he is the hand picked successor of none other than.......You quessed it...JEFF PARKS!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousJanuary 19, 2012 at 10:21 PM

    Callahan is running for Northampton County Executive. God save us all.

    ReplyDelete

You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.