Over the years, I've attended lots of meetings at different municipalities, from Coplay to Upper Mount Bethel Township. In fact, one item on my poor man's bucket list is to attend at least one meeting of every Lehigh Valley municipality.
I finally had a chance to see Mayor Gerry Gross, a man who likes to listen before he speaks. At some point, he quietly stated, "The philosophy of our town is that reasonable people can get reasonable things done."
Nothing about political party, although they're all Democrats.
Council member Tim Jones suggested allowing residents to pay taxes over two or three payments, the way it's done on a County level. Mayor Gross suggested that the Finance Committee look at the idea and determine if the Borough can still afford to pay its bills while waiting for the money. Big, burly Tom Nodoline said it "would help a lot of people." New Council member Marion Molleur called it "an excellent idea."
According to Jones, tax collector Berhkheimer has assured him this can be done at no cost to the Borough.
Council also listened as Mickey Thompson, Chief Operating Officer for Abe Atiyeh, outlined a few proposals for the Chipman Mills property where the County's DUI work release will be located. Among them is a proposal for a residential rehab similar to what was rejected in Bethlehem.
Finally, I wanted to get a picture of Council President Kelly Gross' pink gavel. Some reporters thought I was kidding. I'm unaware of anyone else using a pink gavel in the entire Lehigh Valley.
Kelly is Gerry Gross' daughter.
I wanted to get the two of them together.
Blogger's Note: Although we had lost touch, I knew Kelly when she searched titles for Tom Castellano in Northampton County, and she is one of the nicest persons you could ever meet. She volunteers nearly every day at the Borough offices, which has saved residents the expense of hiring a borough manager.
59 comments:
She is terrific.
Is this entry a dig at Tricia M?
Kelly is a compassionate human being. I have always enjoyed my conversations with her. Her leadership was much needed. She gives credit to many. I think it's a win-win, things get done and we feel good about it.
Nero fiddled while Rome Burned...
This is nothing more than a way to get attention!
This is another example of what's wrong in Penna.
Wow, West Easton made the blog all because of a pink gavel?!
There are no stupid people, only stupid comments!
The Borough should be disbanded and merged with a larger Community.
If this occurred, they wouldn't need these type of stunt's to get attention!!
You haters are like crickets, chirp all friggin day, then shut up when we walk by.
Hey Hater, You're probably just jealous because you're not part of a small and wonderful town. You can have an identity here and people will know you.
"Is this entry a dig at Tricia M?"
No, It's a story about a borough council meeting.
6:53, I would not call West Easton Rome. I was more impressed by the way those Borough Council members handled themselves than I am with larger places like Allentown.
I know the Mayor of West Easton, he is absolutely a great role model. He coached my daughter at Notre Dame. Truly a dedicated man.
I would be really interested to hear what goes on at a Chapman Borough Council meeting. The newspapers never send reporters there.
Heh, heh. Hey Kevin, I'll have to find out if they meet anytime soon. Dottie Niklos will know.
I think the pink gavel is cool!
Me, too! I wanted to get a picture of it.
Bernie,
What next, A pink Bikini !!
I doubt many elected officials attend meetings in bikinis. Ron Angle used to wear one now and then.
Another vote for the pink gavel!
Her wearing a Bikini to a Council meeting would sure catch the National Media and maybe a visit from Bill Clinton.
He would then endorse her for a State or National Office!!!
Kelly is a class act. She is a fine example of women in the Lehigh Valley who devote themselves to public service. In 2009, Kelly was honored by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs as "Outstanding Council Member of the Year."
Thanks to Bernie O'Hare for giving Kelly and her "pink gavel" some well-deserved recognition.
Kelly Gross has something in common with Bernie O'Hare besides the ability to do a real estate title search. They both have been in the crosshairs of Tricia Mezzacappa.
Mezzacappa ran for a seat on the West Easton Borough Council last year and her chief rival was Kelly Gross. She criticized Kelly harshly, personally and relentlessly from one end of the Borough to the other. There were five candidates running for three seats.
On November 8, 2011, the voters of tiny West Easton turned out at the polls and made their voices heard. Kelly finished first and was re-elected. Mezzacappa was soundly rejected, finishing a distant fourth.
She has a pink gavel and a beautiful smile.
Yes a beutiful smile, blond hair and a Pink Bikini!!!
She has my vote!!!!
Strong people can stand up for themselves, but stronger people stand up for others.
Thanks Kelly for all that you do.
Fifth Street Resident, West Easton
I don't understand why West Easton gets all this press.
We have middle-aged blonde somewhat hot chicks too.
Well, probably.
Yours in needing attention,
The Borough of Chapman
Kelly is a wonderful lady. I also knew her years ago when she worked for Tom Castellano as a title searcher.
My best to her!!
I hear the gavel in Chapman is zircon encrusted and from Sears. It's beautiful, functional, carries a lifetime guarantee and doubles as a socket wrench.
Very rarely do you find someone that goes into public service for no other reason than to serve the public. Kelly sacrifices her time and herself for that Borough. The citizens of West Easton should rally to support her for all the good she has brought into that community and stand up against the bullies and lunatics.
It is admirable to see someone who is serving the public in an altruistic fashion as she.
I surmise there is a story behind the pinkest gavel in the Lehigh Valley?
I wish Kelly had a pink sledgehammer and she would bring it down on Cuckoo-for-Cocoapuffs' head.
There should be a gross of Kellys and more municipalities can have one!
Nothing like a chubby white girl in a pink bikini. The brothers are a hollarin'
I'm glad to see some one stand for the rights of others! Kelly has been a wonderful asset to West Easton. I have been a long time resident and know first hand all the (unpaid) time she puts forth for the residents. As for the pink gavel, hooray for the feminine side of the ccin, but I highly doubt that she'd ever buy let alone wear a pink bikini.
Bernie,
How many muni's are in the valley? How many do you need to hit? Can we expect you in Bangor?
dan
There are over 60 in the Lehigh Valley. You can expect me in Bangor real soon.
Good. I think?
she's too chunky for a bikini, but then bo can't be too choosy
Nice to see a feel good story and some great comments from those who know Kelly.
Sounds like they got it together in that lil'town. They worked with Atiyeh without getting sued. I actually take a short-cut through that town to get to over to Jersey and they have some nice roads.
Good leadership - good town.
Great job Bernie.
7:06 PM Anonymous
Grow up Trish!
*7:08
to "The Borough of Chapman" - what do you have against West Easton? I have never even heard of Chapman so maybe that's why you don't get any news coverage. I guess you have to do something to get noticed and then you'd get your "15minutes of fame".
This nonsense about a pink bikini isn't funny. It is insulting to Kelly and to women in general. If the elected official was a man, I don't think we would see comments about his jock strap, or the color thereof.
You look great in the photo, Kelly!
You're right. I apologize. I don't think any harm was intended.
Bernie said: "I knew Kelly when she searched titles for Tom Castellano in Northampton County, and she is one of the nicest persons you could ever meet."
You are right, Bernie. I have known Kelly since her Courthouse days too. She has always been very sweet and genuine.
Nobody's perfect but we think Kelly is a 9 out of 10. She is a hard worker and stays informed. Thanks, for making West Easton part of the blog family.
To those of you demeaning Kelly, didn't your mama ever tell you if you don't have anything nice to say about someone, then - shut up!
BTW - I have no clue who is making those comments but have you looked in the mirror lately?
And just for the record, we have a good team in our little borough.
It's funny how an innocent comment about a Pink Gavel being used at a local Council meeting can cause so many comments.
Welcome to the world of Politics.
This is like all in the Family.
Government for the Family and by the Family!
Headline....Headline.....
Borough goes broke...Expensive Pink Gavel to Blame!!!
Municipal Officials flee to Argentina!!!!lol
Anon. 6:24 am and 6:44 am -
Dumb and Dumber.
6:120 & 6:44 is Likely just one person.
You know, she is pretty "hot"!!
Don't get me in trouble.
You broke another story....
GAVELGATE!
This reminds me of an old song... "She wore a teeny weeny Yellow poka dot Bikini" .
Is the Gavel, the light up model?
I recognized Kelly's picture and had to read the story. I have to report that I have dealt with West Easton on occasion, I own rentals and have a business. Kelly has made herself available to explain various questions and situations that came up. She was patient and listened to me. She was knowledgeable and has a good sense of humor. Sometimes you think, ugh I have to call the Municipal Building..but in this case I know my I will get answers or options. Thanks.
Anonymous 2:47 PM -
Another ridiculous bikini comment. Be careful with that term "teeny weeny."
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