Callahan's economic development theory is that government does not create jobs, but does create the atmosphere that makes jobs possible. In Northampton County, that atmosphere requires a Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) director, according to Callahan, who called Executive John Stoffa's decision to allow that office to remain vacant a "mistake." He also complained that the office, located "in the bowels of the courthouse" and next to a holding cell for prisoners, is an immediate turnoff to business prospects.
In addition to stressing the need for a DCED Director, Callahan noted the need for infrastructure improvements. He noted that 17 county-owned bridges need serious repairs and would give them priority as Executive. He stated that, for that reason, he supports the concept o a bridge bond proposed by Executive John Stoffa.
One of the bridges slated for repairs, Bridge No. 90, is located in Bethlehem along Lehigh Street, right before the Fahy Bridge. County Council, last Thursday, authorized $195,150 for repairs to this "Priority 1" bridge, which crosses Monocacy Creek. That bridgework will likely coincide with Musikfest.
In closing, it should be observed that Callahan finished Saturday's 5k in 29 minutes, which means I could have beaten him if I had been up just 5 minutes sooner.
Chris Martin should build more guitars here and fewer in Mexico.
ReplyDeleteReally? Stop it. We all know who he is appointing his new DCED
ReplyDeleteDirectore, she can't shut up talking about it. She is one of your darlings Bernie and that means no one will read this post.
Still, you know as well as everyoner at the courthouse, that is the case.
Yes, this individual is very full of herself. Give Stoffa some credit. He probably saved the county nearly a million dollars by not filling this position. We have LVEDC, a very fine and active chamber and other resources that made this position redundant. But someone wants a six figure salary and a new office so why not soak the taxpayers to serve someone's massive ego.
ReplyDeletePlease stop talking in code - who can't shut up about getting the job?
ReplyDeleteChris is a great guy. What the heck is he doing in a Callahan photo op? Lol, Photo oping through the county to show he caresl. Seriously, lol. $$
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ReplyDeleteMartin guitar makes many guitars of the best quality and craftsmanship Right here in Nazareth PA. They make the entry-level guitars in other countries. every guitar maker in the world does this from PRS to Gibson and Fender etc. I have owned several nazareth made Martin guitars and i am really proud to have Martin guitar in my backyard. You should be also.
ReplyDelete......... and the EXPRESS-TIMES printing department?
ReplyDeleteKen, I live in Nazareth and today was my first ever visit to the place. It's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear someone is focusing on economic development and actually understands the importance not just to padding the township tax bases but also focusing on the smaller towns.
ReplyDeleteJohn Callahan will appoint the best person for the position - someone with knowledge and passion for Northampton County. Who cares who is talking about what and picking out what furniture, as long as they are qualified.
ReplyDeleteNow he is running for Mayor of the County? He needs to focus on improving human services, the jail, courthouse services, Gracedale etc... If the small towns want to fill their store fronts let their Mayors do that.
ReplyDeleteman, the haters are out in force on this one. it's not enought that they hate callahan, now they have to hate some unnamed individual.
ReplyDeletesomeone's got sand in their panties, and is all cranky...
Nazareth made Martins start at over a grand. Mexico Martins are carved by slave labor and provide very profitable lines for Chris. He's the most liberal 1-percent phony in the area.
ReplyDeleteMayor of the County. I like that.
ReplyDeleteExcept it wont be him. Someone had said that he'd just appoint the best person for the job. Says who?
John, the wuss, Callahan hasn't given any indication who he is going to appoint. Human Services has been decimated under Stoffa. What's he going to do about the people running that? Why hasn't he said. Stop playing it safe Mr. Casino, we are all waiting to hear.
If you think you can play it safe up until November's election, you will find out very differently. Rendell will be back wondering why you've been such a wuss. What do you think about the new human service building. You've told some that it sucks. Why not tell the public. I'm sure Reibman will ask you that at the next debate. Are you going to answer truthfully or will you tell everyone how incredibly stupid it is to charge taxpayers millions for a building that wont be theirs for thirty years. By then Human Service workers wont be working from a building. Maybe you can put a big sign on it that says. this is a monument to a government gone wild. C'mon Mr. Casino, tell us what you think about some County issue instead of prancing from photo op to photo op. Not that I can blame you. You might as well use those looks for something other than, oh never mind, lol
American made fenders start at over 1,000 bucks. Same with Gibson etc. they make their money on beginner musician guitars, and when you get "good" you buy a real Gibson, Martin, Fender.
ReplyDeleteIf one can read between the lines as to what Callahan says he wants to doif he gets elected; it will cost the taxpayers in the county plenty. He will raise taxes a plenty just like he did in Bethlehem. Actually; I believe there will be a lot of people in Bethlehem that won't even vote for him. Bottom line here is if you want your taxes to go up--Vote for Callahan aka Johnny Casino.
ReplyDeleteI have come to the conclusion that the men who write nasty comments about John Callahan are just upset because they do not have the looks or personality that John has. With that being said, all the rumors that are being spread about him are just that rumors. Do you have proof? Where are the pictures? With all the modern technology that is out there I can't believe there is not one picture to back up the bull that is being said. He will make a good County Executive just as he has been a good mayor in Bethlehem. Get over it folks..he is the best guy for the job. Bethlehem is beautiful and I am proud to live here. You can't say that about any surrounding towns, they don't come close.
ReplyDeleteThe job of economic development is not the prime function of county government. It is 6th or 7th down on the list. That is why we give LVEDC lots of money. It is their job. What about reassessment,bridges , Human Services, the courts , a District Attorney gone wild ? These are the real issues.
ReplyDelete"I have come to the conclusion that the men who write nasty comments about John Callahan are just upset because they do not have the looks or personality that John has"
ReplyDeleteIt's the same with me. Lots of people are jealous of my good looks and fabulous wealth. It's not easy. Last night, I cried myself to sleep.
"John, the wuss, Callahan hasn't given any indication who he is going to appoint."
ReplyDeleteThat miht be a fair criticism if the other candidates stated who they were appointing. They have not, so I guess to be fair, you have to call them names, too.
She is the one who works in DECED and gets downright giddy about Callahan. She is rude and loud, will fit well in a Casino Administration.
ReplyDeleteJohnny does spend an awful lot of time talking about things the county has little to do with and really has a minor impact. That is because he is clueless about the real major core funcions of county government. He doesn't have a clue and could care less. Jobs will go to pals and contributors family. Reibman and McClure know mor ethna this guy ever could. I hope they ask him about core county functions in the debate.
He will have his little campaign groupies write him a position paper on it.
Wrong. He'll cover up what needs to be covered up and he'll borrow money to meet payroll if required. And Bernie will be silent or vigorously defend him. Don's in complete control. He could even get wasted and clock his wife a couple of times. No problemo for Bernie!
ReplyDeleteGood point Bernie,
ReplyDeleteThey haven't
$$
wow...you people really know how to hate.
ReplyDeletei suspect if you have so much venom to spew anonymously like this, you must be deeply unhappy with your lives. i recommend you take stock, evaluate the wrong choices you have made along the way that have brought you to this unhappy juncture in life, and then regroup.
or, perhaps, you're just a bunch of dicks.
When I heard that Chris Martin was a major topic on the Bernie Ohare Blog, I had to check it out for myself. I couldn't beLieve what I was reading in the comment section.
ReplyDeleteChris Martin is one of the finest individuals I have ever met in my life time. A true pillar in our community and a successful entrepeneur in his own right. He is generous to a fault, married to a very successful loving wife and a special person who gave of her tme and energies in service to others, and had her own very successful career.Together they have a beautiful family, and give back to a community that he considers his family heritage. He is Committed to the Nazareth community and deeply rooted in the belief that service to others is the best way of life. He has always had the best interests of Northampton County formost in his heart and I am proud to call him my friend.
Jerry Seyfried
Thank you, Jerry. Haters gotta' hate.
ReplyDeleteIs that the primary objective of his economic development plan? Hire somebody for the office?
ReplyDeleteThat's bold initiative right there.
Yours in boldness,
Association of People who think the last minute gift bag always beats the wrapped present
That is the primary economic development objective of all three Dem candidates.
ReplyDeleteYes but only one candidate has promised the job to the loud girl in the office. Now he denies it and that is dishonesty. Does not bode well.
ReplyDeleteTF
Haters gonna' hate.
ReplyDeleteSenor Martin es muy bien. He pays many pesos and allows weekly bathroom breaks. He's a white god.
ReplyDeleteHasta lumbago,
Pedro
Jerry must be woring for his patron Mr. Callahan
ReplyDelete