Local Government TV

Thursday, July 19, 2012

A Real Journalist's Take on Santos' Sinners Program

505 Northampton, crumbling brick
I'm a bottom-feeding blogger. According to the Fake Rev, I'm on my way to eternal damnation, too, so I've got that going for me. I'll meet all my old friends.

Unlike me, Christina Georgiou is an honest-to-goodness journalist. She's worked for the Express Times, was Editor at Easton News and a Patch contributor. Her blog, Easton Eccentric, is strangely bereft of opinion. Just the facts, ma'am. But Georgiou has weighed in here with a mix of facts and opinions concerning the conditions at the inmate program run by Northampton County Jail chaplain Chris Santos.

You see, she lives in that neighborhood.

Since Santos sympathizers have challenged my journalistic integrity, I'll share what a real journalist has to say about what she has seen with her own two eyes.

Walls pinned to floors to prevent collapse
First Comment:

The concept that this building has passed required city code inspections is completely bogus. I can't speak to whether or not it actually was inspected (though I tend to think not, as the city is currently pursuing a warrant for inspection purposes), but I know for a fact that it is in violation of the city's landlord licensing program.

The last time I witnessed a possible emergency at 505 Northampton St., I watched EFD hesitate before entering the building. Fire, it seems, is something they thankfully can deal with. The possibility of imminent collapse, and rightfully so, had them apparently a little more worried. (I assume this by the fact that they donned their helmets, but not other gear, along with their gesturing at the huge crack in the side of the building, and a visible team conference on the sidewalk, before entering. And, BTW, the EFD did enter the building, and they get even more of my admiration for their bravery. Fighting fires, and it's attendant dangers, though also with much educated knowledge and caution of the risks involved, it seems, has NOTHING on the concept of the unknowns involved with unassassed structural deficiencies. Seriously, brave folks. You couldn't PAY me, or most residents on this block, to enter that structure.)

missing bricks at top of crumbling western wall
Some months ago, I had an interesting conversation with a former resident of 505 Northampton St. The gentleman, who was well-spoken and educated, though by most people's standards perhaps a little "touched" had recently been released from NCP and been picked up by Chris Santos, he said. (Not sure what his offense was exactly, but it seemed like it might have been public drunkenness or disorderly conduct or both. Like I said, the guy seemed a gentle soul, but not quite on the same wavelength as most of us.)

This guy told me the reason he moved out was because a piece of a windowsill fell on his head one night while he was sleeping. Indoors.

He also informed me the reason no one lives on the fourth floor is because it is uninhabitable--the roof leaks that badly.

just a tad cracked

Between the fact that he feared for his physical safety, as well as took issue with the religious indoctrination he was obligated to undergo as part of the deal, he left, saying he would rather face homelessness and the possible parole violation than stay any longer. BTW, the guy had some serious religious convictions, which he also conveyed to me. He added that he was fine with attending bible study and church services, but that he felt he couldn't keep them or pray on his own (his words) under the "Chris Santos program," and this was a problem.

At the time I met him, earlier this spring, he was living at the Bartlett, which he said wasn't great, but was "The Ritz" compared to the conditions at 505 Northampton St. (If you know the Bartlett, that says something!)

gaping hole in base of western wall
Question Chris Santos' motives? I'll leave that to others who may have had actual contact with him, though I can't say I've ever heard anything that actually sounds good.

Question what's going on across the street (or lack thereof, like basic structural maintenance, for what is decades now), that is undoubtedly endangering the residents? YES! That building is a serious hazard that could and probably will kill people, if something isn't done in time.

Oh, and the one answer I got one day talking to a "volunteer" who was directing illegal, incompetent, after-hours work going on there, "Don't worry about it, God will take care of us"?

Yah, sure, but only if you're misguided enough to believe you're going to heaven after you let a once-beautiful, completely neglected-for-all-the-decades-you've-owned-it (except for collecting the rent) and structurally deficient (and now sadly probably beyond repair), 130-year-old apartment building kill your tenants when it collapses one day. I suppose it's one way to get them closer to God, but I suspect it's not exactly the way He was hoping for.

Second Comment:

Living on this block, I can attest that 505 Northampton St. is a serious detriment to the community.

Since the residents are rarely seen or heard from, I doubt most people knew the Rock Church or Chris Santos' is getting funds from the county for released prisoners' housing. While it's known that Santos does prison ministry work, the on-the-street story has been that he "allows" the residents to stay there, and the presumption has been little or no rent. To hear otherwise is interesting, to say the least.

More interesting is that especially for such a deplorable building, he's apparently getting better than market value for spaces that should officially be deemed inhabitable for human habitation.

As I said, I live on this block, and though I'm not a construction engineer, my father was. It's my personal contention that this building is in serious danger of imminent collapse, which I've been photographically documenting for about the last year or so.

The western wall is of particular concern--it is peeling away from the rest of the structure and bricks fall from it regularly. Other than the people that have the misfortune to live there, NO ONE on this block will even walk on the sidewalk on that side of the street--the building is that scary.

The Rock Church folks know that the building is in trouble, but instead of doing the right thing, they have engaged in several illegal, after-hours amateur attempts to pin the wall to the second, third and fourth floors to stabilize it. But these efforts are not only not working, they may very well have served to further undermine the building's structural integrity.

I've sent the evidence to the city's planning commission as I've seen changes, to aid with their quest to legally get this place shut down. But it seems the court process is very, very slow in cases like this, to everyone's frustration.

Wherever they've been or bad choices or mistakes they've made, the residents of this building aren't a problem in the immediate community--but this building and the lack of decades' worth of proper maintenance, along with the social issues now raised in the coverage of Chris Santos' operating procedures on Lehigh Valley Ramblings, most definitely are.

505 Northampton Street is one of the properties listed by Rock Church as part of its "Men's Community House." I've pulled a contract with an inmate released to Rock Church (you can see it here). You have to agree "to change your life through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ." Rent is $400 per month, along with a $100 non-refundable entrance fee. No dating. No secular music. Disclosure of all income, including gifts.

Updated 2:07 AM, to include photos supplied by Christina Georgiou. Thanks, Christina.

110 comments:

  1. Ever leisurely websurf your way over to a colleague's blog, only to find your comments of a few hours ago are the subject of the top blogpost? Really kinda wished I knew that was coming...

    Regardless, I do stand by what I said about 505, and that doesn't begin to address how I feel about 501, the homestead of Rev. War hero Col. Robert Hooper, or how uneasy it makes me to see them work on that historic structure.

    Since this is now the subject of a LVR post, I'll email over some photos before the comments war starts, to show what I'm talking about.

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    1. Well I am a recent resident and I lived right by the library if you would like contact me at 9083435880 I can also tell you how it is there

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  2. The Hooper House, I understand, is the oldest building in Easton. I'd love to post your pics.

    Those comments were too well-written and too well-informed to let them be buried in a long post. I appreciate the perspective of someone who lives there.

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  3. I wonder what is the connection to Pastor Chris' in with NCP? Looking at Attorney Kevin Santos' profile on his website. This guy jumps around a lot. He was a probation officer for 4 years. Weird? But also claims to be a Secretary/Board Member of a Church sponsored agency that provides low cost housing for the elderly for the past 16 years.

    I wonder what brings such people from Western Pa to this area? Temple U?

    Now please excuse me, while I go take my drug cocktail. G-night!

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  4. By the way, Christina! I love you!

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  5. Christina, they hate me and love you. And they are right. Thanks so much for the photographs, which tell quite a story.

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  6. First, the city needs to get off its ass and address the building.
    Second, what's with the county? Do they not investigate where their money goes?
    Third, All this complaining about a commuter tax. What do you expect when the county promotes this type of slum. Did it ever think that it was doing more harm than good?
    Good Article. Despite the fact that it is from the bottom feeding you know . . .

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  7. OK, so...I had an emergency appendectomy this past Saturday, and I'm still on pain-killers, so pardon me if I'm befuddled here.

    There are human beings - not only living in - but paying what is obviously above-market rent - in 505 Northampton Street?!?!?!!??!?!?

    Any nitwit (meaning *me*) who has even walked on the sidewalk across the street from this architectural booby-trap can see it's a matter of time before this thing becomes a horror-movie come to life and hurts/kills someone.

    According to that Men's Community House Contract, one of the housing choices is 536 Northampton Street. That address is owned by a Robert A Henry with a property mailing address at that address. It's zoned single family residential. Does that mean that a "family" lives here via the Men's Community House? Curious...

    Very interesting stories, Bernie - thanks.

    UT

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  8. concerning the photo's: it's not uncommon to find structural cracks when brickcote is removed. the plaster on the outside sidewall indicates that what is shown is actually the last layer of the former adjoining building, also a common practice. this is not to say that the building in question may not have structural issues, but those photo's raise questions, but not answers.

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  9. Q. what the hell is panto and his inspectors doing over there?

    what a disgrace his administation is.

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  10. Give this owner a Multi-Million Dollar Federal Grant to repair his property.

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  11. The city health bureau might have more power than the inspectors. they can check out the livng conditions of these tenants and if they feel its unhealthy for them to live there, I think they can shut the place down until renovations are made. I'm not totally positive about this but it might be something for someone to look into.

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  12. Who signed what contract for Northampton County with this program and housing. How can they force the inhabitants to attend this particular religious service. I thought our country had freedom of religion.

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  13. 4:36, I believe Easton has been working on this problem for several years. As for the County, the jail is a world unto itself. This is a point Angle made repeatedly when he served on Council. It's hard to know what is going on. On top of that, who believes an inmate over a supposed minister? And as probation told me, it is very hard to find housing for a released inmate. But the jail, if its goal really is to reduce recidivism, needs to start working on a discharge policy. This is something it has ignored for years. I heard the new Acting Director talk yesterday about the re-entry program and CEC and he has been very good Now I hope they focus on a discharge policy, arriving at some suitable housing arrangements at reputable places, instead of just letting people out and saying "Good luck:

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  14. "t those photo's raise questions, but not answers."

    Agreed, MM. I am by no means an expert, but understand what you are saying. Christina has photographic evidence showing a steady worsening, which is bothersome, especially when tenants claim things are falling from above on them, and it's not manna from Heaven. Also, I thought Christina's account about the firefighters was troubling. But no one piece of evidence by itself is compelling. The City has been trying to work for several years with Rock Church. I think their patience is nearly exhausted.

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  15. "According to that Men's Community House Contract, one of the housing choices is 536 Northampton Street. That address is owned by a Robert A Henry with a property mailing address at that address. It's zoned single family residential. Does that mean that a "family" lives here via the Men's Community House? Curious"

    For someone who claims to be befuddled, that's a pretty astute observation. Henry has claimed it is a single family residential. Maybe the Jesus he knows thinks it is OK to lie.

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  16. Carol, I saw the portion of the contract with the County in which Rock Church agreed to be current in its real estate taxes. I did not see who signed it on behalf of the County Since it was executed in 2010, my guess would be John Stoffa.

    He did not have the benefit of seeing the contract I've linked to here, the one that Rock Church makes inmates sign. This does present a troubling concern, and that is whether it is appropriate for government to meddle in matters of religious belief. I am leery of the whole situation.

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  17. Bernie,
    This kind of behavior has been the norm in the lehihjvalley for years. Can't blame the rev for trying to do the same as others that have the same conflicts of intrests. This all takes place because there are people above that just want to punch the clock until it is pension time.

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  18. Thank God that part of Easton isn't in a flood zone. Can you imagine if it got hit with a substantial earthquake, God forbid.

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  19. Perspective From Inception: The relationship between Pastor Chris & NCP was started by Mr Gabrielli who was a counselor of the C.E.C. Program.The goal of the relationship was to provide a potential housing resource for about to be released graduates of Phase 3 of the CEC program while we attended the 4 month Phase 4 outpatient portion of the CEC program staffed primarily by Mr. Gabrielli. Based on our history(record) alone,You would not allow US into your home. WE, are the one's YOU warn your daughters about. WE create unneccessary chaos & destruction in your perfect little world. Our next failure could literally mean your life. Mr. Gabrielli WOULD NOT knowingly set US up for failure & jeprodize OUR chances of leading a successfull,productive,SOBER crime-free lifestyle. Ask Mr.Gabrielli as to HIS perspective of the current incarnation of CEC's housing resources now....& how they differ from his original intentions of the inception of the resource. This is about US. THE GRADUATES of C.E.C's Addiction Treatment Program. WE are not numbers. WE ARE PEOPLE.....that got caught! YOUR continued support for OUR continued success is appreciated :)
    Failure is a REAL possibility. Please help us. WE need MORE resources. THANK YOU on behalf of the Graduates of NCP's C.E.C Program
    Perspective of Today:????????????????????
    PERSPECTIVE
    get some


    Thank You!

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  20. And what will your perspective be when a building collapses on you? You're right. You are real people, and deserve to be treated as such.

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  21. Someone is either not be truthful or these people demonstrate that classic case of an abused, yet dependent, dependent. They are now defending a person that is harming them or putting them in harm's way.

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  22. Thank you Clinton. As a grad of both CEC and the School of Santos, your insight is greatly appreciated. I hope you can share more about life there and what has been reported here. You are brave to come forward and identify yourself. I salute your courage and am hopeful about your new life in free society.

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  23. My comments only speak to the happenstance of inmates from Northampton County Prison arriving @ The Rock Church of Pastor Arlene & Pastor Chris

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  24. Clinton, That happens to be what I have been discussing, too. Did you read the post above? did you read a Santos Sinner state he had to leave after a windowsill fell on his head? I am very much concerned about the safety and welfare of these people. As you correctly observe, you are people. I prefer to see that you are treated that way. This has been an important consideration in the treatment center at West Easton and is the whole point of CEC. I do thank you for your comment and for identifying yourself. You had more courage than Santos displayed a few nights ago.

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  25. Those with nothing to lose have no fear

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  26. Well said, Clinton, and good luck to you.

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  27. It is shocking the Stoffa Adminstration was part of this scam.

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  28. What Scam???? Mr. Stoffa (I've met him personally) as well as the rest of the county politition's & Honorable Judges were COMPLETELY supportive of C.E.C & the staff....including Mr. Gabrielli whom pioneered/administered the contact/referal of the Rock Church RESOURCE for GRADUATES of the C.E.C. Program @ NCP. I'm not sure the particulars of this relationship between NCP & CEC are understood and that people are attacking the wrong people with the wrong words for the wrong reasons. Sticks & Stones may break our bones......But WORDS hurt the most. Know what you are talking about or at least endeavor to know the TRUTH. Ask Mr. Gabrielli. HE KNOWS!

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  29. anon 7:56 and Bernie Baby.

    So what you are saying is that two bureaus working on these buildings for years can't get the job done. What a joke the easton employees and their mayor are.fire the worthless hangerons and real real people with real work ethic in there.

    To complicate matters you have an asleep at the wheel norco administration and jail and probation fools in the county. Just who is getting the kick back from this travesty? Investigate that BO.

    This also prove that panto can't even manage a little town. How the hell could he run a county?

    Callahan will come in and clean house. Out with useless, overpaid union goons and over staffed management positions. Then he will take sal aside and teach him how to run a ghetto of a city.

    Good reporting BO. You uncovered corruption and stupidity in multiple places.

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  30. Rock church is protected by seep ration of church and state. It hard for Easton and it's mayor to lay the hammer down when the county supports it.

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  31. Most City officials I know try their very best to work with a property owner before flexing their muscles. Easton officials, from what I know, have taken this route with Rock Church, as they would do with any property owner. Taking someone's property is a very dramatic exercise of power, and I am sure you would want a government to be very careful and very deliberate before exercising some of the remedies that are in its arsenal.

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  32. what the hell is seep ration?

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  33. "Know what you are talking about or at least endeavor to know the TRUTH. Ask Mr. Gabrielli. HE KNOWS!"

    I know that the CEC program is not working as well as THEY want YOU to think. The NUMBERS they GIVE are inaccurate, and inflated. They hold the INMATES hostage if THEY don't want to go to the CEC PROGRAM. If and INMATE refuses to enter the program THEY are not allowed a JOB in the JAIL, nor are they allowed to go to work release. That is the TRUTH!!

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  34. Mr O'Hare it is very easy to attack Pastor Santos over disgruntled accusations, You are agreeing with a lot of negative noise to hurt a man that has gone over and above his call of duty , whose life and integrity is one of high expectations,
    and he has lived up to it.
    As far as the men that enter the program , his aim is to teach them to be responsible members of the community, to be accountable for their actions and to take their convictions seriously . One can walk about this City and find many things and people and situations that need corrected ,so insted of trying to bring down the ones that are trying to make a positive change let's you and I come alongside and encourage and not try to destroy them .

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  35. So how many years have they not been accountable by paying either their taxes, not getting their buildings up to code, or playing funny games with funneling their income to the church? They are not even good neighbors. They gave Mt. Vernon such a hard time about improving Mt. Vernon's building. That is like strike 4 or 5.

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  36. 12:13, Time to drop the bullshit and get your own house(s) in order.

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  37. I normally would be begin by addressing a comment with the title Mr., but O'Hare, you are not worthy of that. Shame on you. Let me ask you a question? If there were no such place as the Rock Church Re-Entry home, where would these men go? Hmmm.... let's see, oh wait, back to their neighborhoods, or maybe even yours. I highly doubt that a man of your status would take anybody who had been released from jail. It is because of people like you that the recidivism rate is so high. I could be wrong, but from my judgement you are an extremely pomptous and arrogant man. The bible clearly states that you are not to mess with God's messengers. You have done so and I pray that God will have mercy on you. I know Pastor Santos personally, and that man would give the shirt off his back to anyone who asked. I have seen him feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and stay up nights helping these men in need. Perhaps Mr. Panto instead of mismanging funds he should do something worthwhile and invest and help Mr. Santos out. After all, it will benefit everyone in Easton and not to mention reduce crime. You have Mr. Santos looking like a money hungry televangelist. HE IS FAR FROM THAT!!!!! I can guarantee you that as Mr. Santos is reading this, he has no ill feel towards you. He is probably praying for blessings to you and your family, which is more than I can say for me. Again, O Hare, God have pity on your soul!

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  38. Anon @ 11:33
    All convicts know the dirty little secrets & benefits that our involvement in the program has on our potential sentence. However: If your still in the system(on paper).....silence is needed for Preservation of Self. As to the hostage Effect: Yes, BUT........Treatment is the New Darling of Forensic Behavorial Modification. So.........if you think that they are going to let us back out the Front Gate without doing EVERYTHING in their power to "ENCOURAGE" us over to THEIR way of thinking, please realize that they only want a carbon copy of THEIR ideals in us.
    Summation: One you know what they want to hear;The more they want to hear you speak. That's all I'm sayin'
    Peace & Blessings

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  39. Mr. Oxford,
    "Their way of thinking?" My sincerest apologies, but look where these men's way of thinking got them? I would much rather spend time in a re-entry home getting better, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically, then having to be locked up 24-7, somebody telling me when to eat, sleep and defecate. It seems that the best thinking of some of these men got them locked up at NCP, Sometimes we are to smart for our own good. You can look at all the negative of CEC or NCP, or Santos Re Entry Home. We can look at the people who are not making it. Why don't we mention the people who have been addicted to heroin for years and are now law abiding citizens, going to College, some have married. Others have held a job for more than a year, which they have never done in their lives. We casually forget to mention those. We always have to look at the bad? Why? Its in our human nature!

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  40. And you mentioned all the convicts know the little secrets of being in that program, perhaps to shorten one's sentence. But really? Who are you fooling? If you are there just to shorten your sentence then, your actions will follow you out on the street. What you do in jail, is exactly what you are going to do on the outside. You ask who are you fooling? I think I should turn and ask those who have used the program to get out early. And by the way, I will leave the light on, but sorry no mints under the pillow at NCP!

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  41. "Summation: One you know what they want to hear;The more they want to hear you speak. That's all I'm sayin'"

    So basically you told them what they wanted to hear in order to shorten your sentence??

    CEC is the biggest joke going at NCP out side of the Chaplain Santos. They constantly fudge the numbers to make it appear as though they are making a difference.

    Many are forced into the program, and if they leave they add time to their sentence.

    It initially started as a "voluntary" program, and has turned into a "you will join the program or else."

    Bernie, maybe it is time you look into the CEC program, and get the REAL numbers!! Not the ones they feed the public. This program is costing the taxpayers millions.

    Ask Mr Oxford how many repeat faces he saw while he was in the program?

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  42. Non-Conformity=Non-Compliance
    You can not complete a correctional program if you are not in compliance. Ergo: We do as as we're told........It's better that way for EVERYONE!

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  43. Actually, the City of Easton and Mr. Panto have invested in Rock Church and this flop house. How? By not collecting the back taxes for years. And by not enforcing the codes. Their certificate of occupancy should be pulled. Those living conditions appear deplorable. Stop crying! They have walked all over the government for years while everyone else had to apply to the laws and rules. This place should be shut down no matter how much good they do for everyone. Somewhere 2+2 doesn't equal 4. If they are collecting all of that money from the tenants and NCP, where does it go? Transparency is needed just like any other above the board establishment. Get some.

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  44. Sorry Anon 5:08 but that is not true. Their back taxes were turned over to our law firm that does our collection of tax arrears just like all other delinquesnt accounts. If they don't pay within two years the third year a property goes to Sheriff's sale which is held by the county.

    Secondly, over the last 9 months we have repeatedly tried to make appointments to inspect the integrity of the building by our independent engineer. Several times the appointment was scheduled and they were a no show. This is typical behavior of property owners that try circumvent codes. Our solicitors are now seeking a court order to do so.

    The good news is that they have tied the wall as noted in the pictures but I am not sure that they were done under an engineer's review.

    Lastly, we engaged their lawyer in a meeting where we expressed to him that the city could offer assistance in locating a developer that may be interested in purchasing. At the second meeting he brought "appraisals" comparing their buildings to the former Lenny's property on the circle that recently was sold. Yeah right. Their
    appraisals" claim the buildings are worth about $500,000. Yeah right.

    We have been spending and inordinate amount of time on these properties and in the meantime their church building itself has been sited for lack of gutters and downspounts, bare wood, and a host of other code deficiencies.

    We will keep the pressure on with everything allowed under the laws of this Commonwealth.

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  45. Mr. Mayor,

    I can fully appreciate and respect a City for being deliberate before exercising some of the remedies available to you. Also, as you aptly point out, a property owner can simply fail to appear for an inspection, preventing you from doing what needs to be done. Thanks for your comment and for being so transparent, even when we disagree on an issue. This is one of the many reasons why you are a great Mayor and have been so good for Easton.

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  46. Really, Mr. Panto? That's great to know. At least three years to collect taxes? And they won't let you in? Keep re-scheduling? Three years? All properties get three years worth of delinquencies? Not one under your term(s) got less or more? The fact is still the same, they had three years to pay that money to the city. The invested it elsewhere. Three years? Amazing!

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  47. Under state law, you cannot go after a property at upset sale until it has been delinquent for two years. So by the time things are started the owner is working on his third year of delinquency. Nothing Sal stated is by any means an indication of delay by Easton.

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  48. It is just interesting that there is no response when there are posts regarding the commuter tax. Now three days later after this post was written, he responds. I don't like that certain things you get a respond and certain things, no one hears anything. And I apologize, my tone may be lacking charity, but I am upset with him. I don't like him, nor have I voted for him. I don't like his tone either. I don't like politics on the local level regardless if it is Easton, Phillipsburg, Bethlehem, or Allentown. I want to move back to Wilson.

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  49. There were responses concerning the commuter tax, both on this blog and in public. I get it. You don't like him, and it looks like you need to move.

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  50. I appreciate Mayor Panto's sharing of info with all of us here at LVR. The wheels of justice do move too slowly for the most part but I am hopeful that the City of Easton will do their duty and will do it well. Thank you Mr. Mayor and thank you Bernie.

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  53. I hope that you're happy with the work that you've done. Basically, you are putting good, hard working people who are doing everything they can to change their life out on the street. I'm one of them. What you've done, basically, is nothing more than to take some gripe from an ex con who just recently got out of jail, who doesn't appreciate discipline that is so sorely needed to make a good life for oneself, and to post his complaint online, and make things really hard for a pastor of a church who goes out of his way to help those who have no where left to turn. Hope you sleep well at night. Just imagine what would happen in this part of the downtown, as a matter of fact, you live right across the street from the building that you are criticizing, and imagine how much the crime rate would increase right outside your front door. How do you like the hookers and drug dealers, and the gang activity going on right now on the corner of 5th and Northampton, right outside your home? What do you think will happen to all of the criminals coming out of jail who don't have this place to go to, maybe they will be hanging around your door instead placing hookers, shooting, killing, and dealing all kinds of drugs and who knows what to kids right outside your front door. Sleep tight.

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  54. Dan..there are consequences for all of our actions. You should know that fact all too well. There are rules and regulations that ALL OF US have to follow and Chris is not above the law of the land. Stop smearing one of your own and take some responsibility in this matter. Guilting someone only works when they are in the wrong. I believe the City of Easton is done playing games with your landlord. The bill has come due. Threatening the public will get you and Chris nowhere. Those tactics may have been effective in your situation but not everyone responds the way you did. Did it work for you? If it did..fine. I'm glad your now a responsible citizen again. You evidently needed a hammer..others react differently.

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  55. @ Danny Sandt:

    You'd better re-check the link on your FB page that you claim is Christina Georgiou's website.

    If you read for comprehension, it should be easy to deduce that the Christina Georgiou who lives in Easton across from this property probably cannot be the Christina Georgiou whose CV clearly states she lives in Nicosia, Cyprus.

    UT

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  56. Danny: Responsible people who have made bad decisions but have since turned their lives around don't threaten their neighbors.

    No one is trying to throw you out on the street. The goal is to fix a very hazardous condition, something that is for the tenants' safety. Do you WANT to live in a decrepit hovel, one that could literally kill you one day?

    As Bernie has pointed out, this is not the only prison reentry program NCP participates in. I'm assuming too, that not all of them attempt to brainwash participants into believing theirs is "the only way" and that the program leader is somehow a victim by failing to even try to obey the law, which is rather ironic considering the goal is to turn participants' lives around and help them become law-abiding, productive citizens.

    Y'know, the more I hear from most of these supposed "success" stories, the more I suspect this program is doing at least as much harm as it might be doing good.

    Oh, and BTW, while those of us who live on this block are well aware of its problems, none of the things you mention are going to come to pass. There are too many of us who will actually do something about it before that happens. But then, maybe you've not yet overcome a criminal mentality yet after all, if you can't see that there are a majority of good citizens and thriving businesses who care about the city here.

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  57. Untouched Takeaway is right. That's not my Facebook page. I don't have one.

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  58. I find it interesting that Danny Sandt, who has a history of terroristic threats ansd harrassment, would scour the Internet to try and find Christina's F/B page. I am the person who wrote these posts, nit Christina. If you have something to say, say it to me. Sounds like you are not as saved as Santos seems to think you are.

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  59. Just to clarify, Mr Sandt alleges that a *website*, not a FB page, belongs to Easton's Christina Georgiou. He makes this claim on *his* FB page.

    How are things in Cyprus, Christina? ;)

    UT

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  60. Couldn't tell you UT--I've never visited Cyprus, nor do I have any family that I know of there.

    I can guarantee, however, that's not my website either. I do own one, but its web address isn't my name, nor is there anything on it other than a placeholding page, since it's part of a future project. One would be hard pressed to find it.

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  61. Well Bernie, although it was indeed you who wrote this piece of garbage that can only pass as usable toilet paper, I can assure you, and attest to fact that the information that you got to write the article came from Christina, and you had admitted as much. (GO BACK AND READ YOUR PREVIOUS POSTS) You plagurized Christina's material, and then you puff yourself up and come after me, to challenge you and to say something to your face if I have something to say. Well you asked for it, so here it is. I'm coming after you with both barrels. You not only failed to watch everything that you post for the world to see, but you constantly trip over yourself forgetting what you had put in your previous posts. Oh, and another thing. Hey, Anonymous. You can call yourself by your real name now. I'm not going to put you out there on front street, but why don't you just come clean and confess to the internet world that you are the excon who has an axe to grind with Pastor Chris Santos, because you don't have the moral fortitude to appreciate a program that incorporates discipline into making you change your way of thinking, because as a man thinks, that he also becomes. Oh, and the program isn't designed to brainwash, you idiot. It's not their way or else. Hey, you make cracks and jokes about their program and trying to force ideals onto others through coercion, but answer this question my friend, and if you can, then you will also acknowledge the THRUTH!!! This is the same truth that is being taught, not coerced, through a program for those who absolutely want to change their lives for the better, and are tired of being put on front street and looking stupid in front of the world for everyone to see. You're going to spend your whole life chasing your tail like the dog you are, and getting nowhere fast. You had voluntarily came into this program yourself, no one twisted your arm, and it wasn't part of a deal for you to get less jail time. You came to Pastor Chris Santos a broken man who really wanted change, but you didn't like rules. Maybe that's what got you behind bars in the first place, you think? So you went across the street to talk to Christine, and then she came over to the building with her little disposable camera and took some pics, but hell, that was in the beginning of the year, and those pics are about a good 5 to 6 months old. Hey, Bernie. Why don't you get some updated pics for the online viewers of this post. Nobody is afraid to walk that side of the street. Both sides of the street are full of foot traffic. As a matter of fact, the foot traffic past that building only slows down during the nights that the building is being worked on. There is not a crumb of a brick to be found on the sidewalk anywhere. If pieces of the building are falling everyday, like you said they are, then please, come to the building and show me, or at least have the gonzoes to take pics that are current. You definitely are not "a real journalist" Please, the first thing that every real journalist does is to make sure that he gets his facts straight before he has to be forced to eat crow. Well, Bernie. Bottom's up.

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  62. You sound very Christian. ... in a Spanish Inquisition kind of way. Thise pics are recent and there are even more recent pics on the way It is pretty clear that you are willing to defend Santos, at the expense of the inmates you all claim to care about so much.

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  63. Oh, before I forget, Anonymous, here's your question. This is for you too, Bernie, if you believe the shit paper that you wrote.

    "What year is this?", or for another way of putting it, "What year is our country in, and what is written on our country's currency that you so freely accept of your own free will, and try to get more of, you can't get enough?"

    The answer to the first question is, of course, 2012, and if you so freely acknowledge that, every time that you write a check, or every time you fill out the date section of any form, you admit to the birth and existence of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

    If you work yourself to death in order to get more of the currency that this country prints, and that you so freely take, like life giving water, you don't seem to have a problem with our country's motto, "In God We Trust". Do you remember the pledge of allegiance? Do you remember, "One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

    Did you also know that over half of our forefathers who signed the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were ordained ministers, and I really mean "ordained by the church". There was no internet website back then that could give them a certificate of inordination for only $19.95, and if you act now...

    So it would seem to me that if you are so against the teachings of God and Jesus Christ of Nazareth, then that makes you Unamerican, or maybe a terrorist. I think that maybe this warrants a little more closer investigation into your life, and just who you really are. I just might have something for you viewers, but feel free to put in your two cents in the meantime, because from what I've read so far, that's pretty much about all their worth.

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  64. Hey, Bernie. Didn't know real journalists kept such late hours. Don't you have a paper to work for, or is it that you don't have a job for the paper anymore, because you were canned because you weren't "a real journalist"? Bernie, go get some sleep.

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  65. Danny, Time for you to say a few prayers, I think, and maybe check on the meds.

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  66. Hey, Bernie. Listen up, because I'm only going to say this once. I am not defending Pastor Chris Santos. I am simply putting the truth out there and JUST THE FACTS!!! Remember Columbo? Hey Bernie, you're old enough to remember that annoying little police detective who had a way of getting on everybody's last nerve, sort of the way you do, always wearing a trench coat, like he's expecting it to rain or something. That was the 70's version of Monk. Anyway, all he ever said was, "Just the facts, please." Nobody's interested in stuff that is nothing but fluff. Bernie, as a "real journalist", of course, I can only assume that you know what fluff is, something that's half baked, untrue, only designed to stir up an emotional response with absolutely no truth to it.

    Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, I'm only going to say this once, because with the miracle of the internet today, we can save and preserve every word that you ever type onto your screen, and now even Uncle Sam has found a way to eternally preserve for future posterity every word that is ever spoken through our cell phone, or mobiles, or whatever you call your wireless phones, right now. Wow, that gives new meaning to Jesus' prophetic words, that every word that is whispered will be shouted from the rooftops.

    Bernie, there is entirely too much fluff, and this world is drowning in it. As you know, from your current standing, professionally speaking, that those tabloids that publish all fluff have seen their last day. All but a few are still around, and even those are getting bought up by big monopolies that actually publish real life stories. As you also know, our days are shortened, and you make this self evident by the obvious fact that you are still up in the early morning hours doing whatever it is that you have to do in order to carry on. This is also in the Bible, the Living Word, who is Jesus Christ, the Living Son of God, who said, and I quote,

    "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom He hath chosen, He hath shortened the days."

    It is also funny, that right now, the following prophecy is coming to pass with the mayor of this armpit of society, Easton,

    "But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils...and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them."

    Ain't it funny how everything of the Bible, God's Word, comes to pass. There is nothing that is written that didn't come true, or was proven untrue. You can't say that about other so called religions, and even in another religion where departing from the faith is punishable by death, record numbers of Muslims are openly converting to following Christ, because He is the way, the only way. No one comes to heaven but through Him. THAT IS THE TRUTH!!!

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  67. I make this challenge to you Bernie, and Christine. I challenge you to come against the truth and to defy the one true living God, who not only has the power to give you life and to take it away, but also to sentence you to an eternal hell, and disprove anything about Him, His claims, or anything that is written in His Word. Christianity is anything but religion, or a cult, or whatever. It is the truth, and everyday you live in admittance to the truth whether you like it or not. The devil knows the truth and shudders. Isn't it time that you wake up and spend your lives trying to help others build up, instead of spending your life going backwards and trying to tear down and destroy any progress that was made in His name. Are you not the least worried of having to be forced to stand in front of God on Judgment Day and to give an account of everything you've done. I hope that you can sleep well at night.

    Just one more note, food for thought. Where do you think dozens of those men would end up if they didn't get the help that they needed through Pastor Chris Santos. Maybe they would be vandalizing your cars, or your homes, or maybe forming gangs, fully equipped with guns, and too quick to use them without being taught properly, using drugs, and pimping prostitutes, hookers, or how about brutally mistreating girls or young women, who get raped or even killed.

    If there is one thing that I believe in, it's this. Anything that keeps total wastes of human flesh like that off of our streets and away form our homes, and instead, changes them into something else that is human, capable of a loving relationship and having a family of their own, no matter what kinds of problems you would want to nitpick at instead of being thankful that maybe enough men who could form a gang and totally devastate that little part of the planet that you call home, is better than nothing. I hope that something that you've read had stuck, and maybe, just maybe a little piece of the truth made some sense.

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  68. Bernie did not plagiarize me--he used my comments as quotes and the basis for a blog post. There's a difference. If I had a problem with this, I not only would have objected, I wouldn't have sent photos to back up my comments.

    No one has come across the street to talk to me. The guy I talked to came up to me on the street and asked if I could fix his cell phone, earlier this spring. He was also in need of someone to listen, and I gave him my time. I told him I'm a reporter during the course of the conversation. I don't remember his first name, and I never asked his last, as the purpose of the conversation wasn't publication. I believe he's left Easton since I haven't seen him since, and he said at the time he planned on moving to be closer to family again.

    Fact check: The majority of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were not ordained ministers. Most of the founding fathers didn't even fully agree with each other on matters of religion, though they agreed to disagree. Hence, the provision in the First Amendment that states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..."

    Interestingly, that is also the amendment that guarantees the right to free speech, as well as freedom of the press. Which is the only occupation specifically mentioned in that fine document, something as a professional journalist that has always fascinated me, as well as has always impressed upon me that being a reporter carries responsibility. It is the voice of and informer to the People, and a check on the power of government, as well as would-be tyrants--something that if you were to read the actual words of those men, such as Thomas Jefferson, you'd find they felt was very important.

    Colonial era history, specifically of the 1750 to 1790 period, has been an area of study of mine for more than 20 years. The three areas that I've particularly focused on have been clothing, craft and custom (that is how things were done and accomplished), and religion of the time.

    Jefferson, it might interest you to know, actually "rewrote" the New Testament by literally cutting up a copy, omitting the miracles and putting the narrative of Jesus' life back together in chronological order. He more considered Jesus to be a great philosopher than the son of God.

    Thomas Paine had quite a bit to say about religion, and he was more than a little radical, even by today's standards.

    Washington rarely attended church. He was a Freemason too, but rarely attended those meetings either.

    Benjamin Franklin was the recipient of the Rosicrucian library after they were no more. Their home was where part of Fairmount Park is now and is better known for also having been home to the Shakers. He also attended services when visiting William Parsons at the original St. John's Lutheran Church on Ferry Street here. He also was leader of the Hellfire Club on this side of the Atlantic.

    I could go on, but I think most will get the point.
    (cont.)

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  69. (continued from above)

    Why would I challenge God? The New Testament was originally written in Greek. My people know it quite well.

    Your rant about "the dozens of men" and them possibly prostituting, raping or murdering young girls is disturbing to say the least, but not for the reasons you may think. Your words smack of deranged thinking, along with your comments thatt "maybe enough men...could form a gang and totally devastate that little part of the planet that you call home."

    Seriously, for a guy with a rap sheet as long as yours that includes convictions for stalking, harassment and making terroristic threats, (a matter of public record), this sounds a lot more like fantasizing of what you yourself might do, than any sort of concern for the state of grace of the souls of others.

    Clearly, Danny, you're an angry guy. In addition to your professed faith, you're most likely on parole. God helps those that help themselves, so goes the saying. You appear to need REAL professional help. Now would be a good time to stop posting vitriolic rants on websites, to stop making veiled threats, and go get some.

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  70. McCarthyism does not foster positive discourse aimed towards appropriate actionable resolutions.
    Thank You

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  71. ...and Crazypants McLunatic still has the link on his FB page to the website he erroneously believes to be Christina's.

    Does this goober live in Easton? He's scary.

    UT

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  72. Dan..thank you for your testimony. I rest my case.

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  73. I find it odd Bernie..that not one civic leader, county offical, or person from the jail adminstration or the jail advisory board has come to the good chaplains defense. Why is that? Where is the support of the area clergy? Just wondering...

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  74. Long-Tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.....

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  75. Perhaps..but that must be a huge room and it's filled to the walls with chairs. Ha! Call me..

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  76. I am remiss..Mayor Panto has stepped up on the issue. My apology sir.

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  77. perhaps "The Denial of Peter"???

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  78. Dave, just one question. You said that you rest your case. What case is that, because in a review of all of the posts here, I find nothing that you had contributed to make a case

    And Christine, out of all of your ravings and accusatory statements that you have directed to me is nothing more than a vain attempt to divert the attention of the points that were well made in my posts. You had done nothing in the way to justify your position on those points, and the little bit that you did comment on sounds like something that would come from a cult, such as the Freemasons. Do some research into actual history, not just from the books written by heretics. Do you also believe in the Dharma Initiative, and all of the facts that were presented on the TV show, "LOST"? You probably also believe that there is an island that moves through time, and I bet that you also believe in bigfoot and the Bermuda Triangle. Hey, tell us, what useful information can you give us on these topics, or are you afraid that "Big Brother" will come knocking on your door for "knowing too much". I hope, that for your sake, that a mysterious government black stretch limo doesn't show up at your front door in the middle of the night and wisk you away, because you might just disappear, another one of your conspiracy theories that you're so fascinated with, and have had also the audacity to share this belief with others.

    Of course, you are a lost cause, and only support my "case", notice Dave Houser that I had already established a "case", that I've made in my prior post

    Also, Christine, if someone like you would actually have someone read to her, instead of just scanning the posts, you wouldn't make such ridiculous accusations and statements. For starters, there was not one threat made concerning a gang of men and you. How well do you understand the English language. I would only assume that you know it quite well, since you a, quote unquote, "reporter" Assuming is also a very dangerous thing, as you well know, that when you assume, you make an ASS out of U and ME. THAT POST REFERENCED ALL OF THE MEN THAT HAVE MADE A CHANGE IN THEIR LIVES, AND THE NUMBER OF THEM TOTAL WOULD PROBABLY BE ENOUGH TO AMASS A GANG BIG ENOUGH TO TOTALLY DEVASTATE THIS CITY, AND THAT PIECE OF THE PLANET THAT YOU LIVE ON ON 5TH AND NORTHAMPTON.

    Please don't take the fact that I know exactly who you are and where you live and try to turn this around into a witch hunt, and post unbelievable accusations against me concerning records. Hello?!! I have no idea who you are talking about having a lengthy record, but it is probably another person with my name, seemingly eerie that you had also accused me of making the very same mistake about your FB page and it is also eerie that you have also done exactly what you have accused me of doing.

    Please Christine, every rant that you make only goes to prove my case and every point that I have made to the point. If you are a reporter, and not for the National Inquirerer, or The Sun, or any of those other tabloids, but for an actual credible publication, and if you are such the credible reporter that you have elevated yourself to be, then please, please, answer ALL OF THE QUESTIONS THAT I HAVE POSED TO YOU. I certainly have covered more than what needed to be, and your information didn't cover anything relevant, or was not verifiable fact. Where did you get your information about our forefathers? Please disclose this source, as the facts (if that's what you call them) have totally fascinated me. I am a man of research, and my research isn't limited to the internet. You should know that can't believe everything that you read online. You would be amazed at what you find if you googled, "God"

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  79. "...even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."

    Daniel 12:4

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  80. Knowledge is Dangerous.....Be careful with it.

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  81. Mr. Sand, You are obviously unstable. You never commented here until I criticized Santos, which leads me to believe he put you up to it. All your comments have done, is demonstrate that you ARE brainwashed. If it keeps you off the street, that would be alright, I suppose. But it seems that you still have the same character deficiencies that resulted in your incarceration.

    The good Reverend must be very happy to see one of his flock tell a female reporter that he knows exactly where she lives, etc.

    Dude, get some help. You're not getting it from Santos.

    Your comments make that very clear, and proves the point that his program hurts more than it helps.

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  82. @Christina, in response to:

    "As Bernie has pointed out, this is not the only prison reentry program NCP participates in. I'm assuming too, that not all of them attempt to brainwash participants into believing theirs is "the only way" and that the program leader is somehow a victim by failing to even try to obey the law, which is rather ironic considering the goal is to turn participants' lives around and help them become law-abiding, productive citizens."

    Because inmates voluntarily agree to participate in devotions, attend church, etc. prior to joining the chaplain's reentry program (agreeing to these things is a prerequisite to being accepted into the program), it does not seem fair to refer to such expected exposure to religious materials and messages as "brainwashing". If i sign up at a four year college to earn a degree in criminal justice, it is not fair to state I am being brainwashed when the majority of my classes focus on criminal justice topics, because it is exactly what I signed up for. Likewise, buses clearly indicate what places they all stop throughout their route. Therefore, if I get on a specific bus with knowledge of where it is all intending to stop, I shouldn't complain when it travels to and stops at all those locations. The chaplain's program offers a simple logical if/then statement: "if you want to live here (A), then you are required to attend church, come to devotions, etc.". Therefore, inmates choosing to live there ('A') shouldn't be surprised when the ('B') portion of the if/then statement triggers, because they were presented with the if/then statement upfront.

    This is, of course, not to say that the Chaplain is right in not paying his taxes (this is clearly wrong if he is indeed behind on his taxes and had been able to pay), or that the living conditions are safe (I am entirely unqualified to speak about the quality and safety of the living conditions the Chaplain's program offers). By this post I am merely trying to say let's be fair and not accuse the Chaplain of things that are untrue (brainwashing inmates into Christianity against their will).

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  83. "Because inmates voluntarily agree to participate in devotions, attend church, etc. prior"

    I've posted an example of the one-sided contract inmates are forced to sign. There's nothing voluntary about it.

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  84. Hey Bernie, your responses and lame attempts at smear tactics totally amazes me;

    "But it seems that you still have the same character deficiencies that resulted in your incarceration.

    The good Reverend must be very happy to see one of his flock tell a female reporter that he knows exactly where she lives, etc."

    One, for starters, and I'm going to repeat to you what you have already read on my post for Christine. Obviously, you have gotten information from a source without even taking the time to verify that the subject is actually me. Who is it that you had referenced to a lengthy incarceration? And please post the record and the source that you have gotten this misinformation from. For starters, Mr. O'Hare, you don't have any idea of what's going on in the downtown section Easton by sitting in your little hovel on Main Street in Nazareth. You certainly are not a credible source to post any such posts, and you're quick to condemn and turn the tables on the person posting the quote instead of sticking to the facts of the blog at hand.

    This is as insane as believing that Thomas Jefferson had edited the entire New Testament of the Bible, and all of the other nonsense that was posted by Christine Georgiou, made out of ignorance. Notice that she has no follow up posts to actually provide what I had requested.

    And Bernie, you are the last to condemn people, considering the alternative lifestyle that you had lead about 30 or so years ago. After leading a homosexual lifestyle and dabbling in the one sin that God will not forgive, how can you sit in your little Nazareth hole in the wall and think that you can judge everyone who happens to disagree with your very unpopular opinion. I don't think that we live in an area that is too tolerant of homosexuals, and if I'm correct, our area doesn't believe that homosexuals have any rights, including the right to live. Hello?!!! God destroyed two whole cities because of this wicked thing. I don't know about you, Bernie, but when I search for your records, there is only one Bernie O'Hare that comes up. I tried to search the records using my name, and it's amazing, I never knew that I shared a name with so many people, just in the local area alone, in the Lehigh Valley.

    Before you attempt to draw somebody out, and go on your personal witch hunt, it would bid you well to make sure that all of your information is relevant to the person you aim to torch before you make a fool out of yourself with such inferences and allegations. Maybe we should let your wife know about your homosexual tendencies, or have you informed her of that area of your life already? Bernie, I know alot more than you give me credit for, and maybe if you come to Easton, and journey out of that sorry excuse of a house on Main St., you might actually learn something.

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  85. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  86. Oh, by the way, where is the copy of the contract that you claim to have posted, the contract that you have stated, and I quote, " I've pulled a contract with an inmate released to Rock Church (you can see it here). You have to agree "to change your life through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ."

    Where are the fruits of your works? You had stated this as fact, but when I click on the link that you had provided, I see no documents that you have allegedly "pulled" Come on, Bernie. I thought you were "a real journalist"

    Now, before you let your blood boil and come back with some lame allegations against me an try to divert attention from you onto me with some crazy misinformation, and further your display of total ignorance, let me remind you to address you, and the facts that have been presented here. For if you can't address these issues, just what type of person are you. Are you a man of integrity, and how far can we trust anything that you sit at your computer in the middle of the night typing while your watching online porn, or whatever sick and disgusting things that you engage in in the middle of the night. Remember the words of our God. "Why do you attempt to remove a speck of sawdust out of your brother's eye, when you haven't even addressed the beam that is in your own eye?"

    Looks like you have explaining to do, my friend. For before you became "a real journalist", I knew you.

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  87. I'm aware you graduated from Nazareth,. It's on your wacky F/B page. But you never knew me. I graduated elsewhere.

    Also, you're a pretty lousy reader. I have a link to a sample contract on this very post. Are you sure you graduated? I can lead a horse to water, but can only do so much wth a horse's ass.

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  88. @Danny, most of your posts are ad hominem attacks that have little relevance to do with whether the information Bernie presented about the Chaplain's reentry program is true or not.

    I understand that you believe you are helping your cause (whatever that is), but I suggest sitting back and reading without posting in response.

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  89. also, Bernie, I am unable to view the sample contract you posted here in internet explorer, so I'm not sure if there is a problem with displaying the link or if you simply can't view the link through internet explorer. might want to check it out and see if it can be fixed?

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  90. "This is as insane as believing that Thomas Jefferson had edited the entire New Testament of the Bible, and all of the other nonsense that was posted by Christine Georgiou, made out of ignorance. Notice that she has no follow up posts to actually provide what I had requested."

    You are wrong.

    http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/How-Thomas-Jefferson-Created-His-Own-Bible.html

    http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704425804576220612714039084.html

    http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jul/05/local/me-beliefs5

    The Smithsonian Museum store even sells copies:
    http://www.smithsonianstore.com/new-arrivals/books-media/the-jefferson-bible-10511.html?src=S5370H&utm_source=none&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=jefferson_bible&utm_content=none&utm_campaign=none&gclid=CPqY87mpt7ECFcldTAodB3UA1A

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  91. 8:28, Others have been able to view it. Try Mozilla or Chrome. I suggest you stop using Internet Explorer. It really is kind of lousy, and you'll see that after you try the others.

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  92. Bernie, I suggest that you try it for yourself. The link that you provided on your post takes you to the Google Drive webpage, not a copy of the contract. Perhaps you used Google Drive to use the link to go to your "pulled" document, but you messed up in making sure that the document was where the link was suppose to take you. Yeah, I'm using Google Chrome, just like you suggested. Are you sure that you graduated from school. Who's the horse's ass now. If you're going to make a claim, especially online, do what a "real journalist" would do and make damn sure that everyone who comes onto your gossip page can at least view the garbage that you're putting out there.

    Anonymous was right. Your link does not work. FIX IT!!! Oh, and just a thought. You've conveniently and ever so slyly sidestepped and forgot to address the issues that call your integrity into question. Guess your not ready to come out of the closet yet, huh Bernie? Instead, I guess name calling makes your response so much more intelligent and favored. Pleeeeease!!!

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  93. As I indicated, most of my readers are able to access this file, and my internal stats reveal quite a few hits. There is nothing to fix. As I previously stated, I can lead a horse to water but can nly do so much with a horse's ass.

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  94. Mr. O'Hare,
    I have been reading your blogs, and I have to say I like you. You get the people going. I like that. I have to say I wasn't a fan of yours at first, but now after reading more and more of your blogs I like you. You are very talented at what you do! :)

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  95. MY, my...... Bernie, Christine, Dave, and Danny your posts, all of them show your maturity. Simply amazed. Truly amazed!

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  96. @ Bernie 8:08 AM.....

    LOL...the CEC program....AHAHAHAHAHA!

    Do not look to any Administrator providing you any true accounting of recitivism rate according to the CEC guideline.

    You see, the CEC program has a...uh....well...'unique'...method of polling its numbers.

    Sentenced to State prison for 1-3 years (or more) and are actually sent there? Count +1 to the non-return rate. That gets added to their "accomplished" pile.

    How about the 'Honorable' Judges who mandate their attendance, already knowing they won't complete the course before being shipped up State?

    You need to more closely scrutinize the "policies" that govern how CEC provides their "success rate(s)." I'm telling you, it will make for a MORE interesting read....

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  97. Your comments about the CEC program contain some strands of truth. This 1/2 million dollar a year program is not currently configured the way it originally was. It was volunteer in the beginning and you had to want to do it. That has changed considerably. The success rate is not a real indicator of the program and numbers can be manipulated to suit the desired result. As stated here by former grads..you can fake your way thru it. Some guys do have a revelation during this program and success for the first time in their lives and they do not relapse but the test sample is still small. The program is just three years old.

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  98. Anonymous said...
    Your comments about the CEC program contain some strands of truth. This 1/2 million dollar a year program is not...(snip)...
    -----------

    I dont care if the program started yesterday or is 25 yrs old. Fudging data is another way of saying FALSIFYING REPORTS. Purposely lying to perpetually receive funding is nothing short of theft...and no matter how you look at it, no matter how cleverly it's disguised, it is still fraud.
    Get into a fender bender and falsely claim an injury. Get caught and see what happens...
    Anyone else would have gone to prison for lesser cash amounts. How are the admins and programmers for CEC absolved for their crimes?

    This should be an outrage to every single taxpayer and yet I hear NOTHING about it.

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  99. Hey, Anonymous. You got my attention on your last post. Tell me, where are you getting your numbers? Give me the link to get to this same information, because, this is a serious allegation, and I believe, one that should pose some concern for everybody involved, even the peanut gallery, just so that they know whether or not they should be concerned about publishing something that WILL come back to bite them in the ass for charges of liable and slander.

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  100. I would have to agree with you. What is the data criteria? How are the numbers relative to success determined? CEC is a nationwide corporation. They are not fly by night but your questions are legitimate ones. The tax payers deserve an answer.

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  101. Bernie ? homosexual ?.....nah

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  102. I was a member at the Rock Church for 2 years. As well as lived on the "church block" renting a lower apartment across from the fire house. TRUST ME WHEN I SAY THATS NOT THE ONLY BUILDING FALLING APART..
    I enjoyed living there because I made good friends. Unfortunetly I was behind my rent because our vehicle had broke down. I was called in the office for meeting with Pastor Santos and was told that if i wanted my son in the school i had to pay over 2000$ in a weekm for back rent and schooling.
    Women were to cook and clean men did the heavy work. We cooked for the teachers we cleaned the church we plated hotel staff for a week in october for out of town guests.
    There is sadly to sa so many people get lured into a web of deciet. Wanting to learn about GOD and to be wholesome and you end up just feeling USED

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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.