Local Government TV

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Barron Von Footinmouth Helps Union Pal Jim Gregory

At Northampton County Council's Finance Committee yesterday, Controller Steve Barron mentioned he and his family just love bouncing around at SteelStax and Wayne Grube Park. And then, at the conclusion of what was supposed to be a discussion of a weights and measures audit, he told Council about some improper expenditures claimed by Kathleen Kelly, the Administrator of the County's Mental Health programs. But once again, Barron's motives are completely political. Let me fill you in.

Jim Gregory is a Northampton County caseworker in Human Services, and works under Kathleen Kelly. A former Bethlehem City Council member, he's still very active in County and City politics, and is now threatening to run against Ken Kraft in Bethlehem. At election season, he is one of the many  politicos who walk around with nomination petitions, collecting signatures. He's also very active in SEIU.

Not only did Gregory oppose Executive John Stoffa's centralized human services building, but he brought a client - a woman suffering from depression - to a Council meeting. He used her as a prop to complain about the County's desire to teach her to take buses and do more things for herself.  He mentioned this woman's name several times during the taped meeting, completely violating her privacy. He insists that he had a signed consent from her, but consents signed by mentally challenged people would probably mean very little in Court.  

In a rambling speech, he demanded that his boss, Kathleen Kelly, be fired. He also wants Director of Human Services Ross Marcus canned. Finally, he wants Executive John Stoffa to resign, though two short weeks before, he visited Stoffa's home without an invitation and spent an hour there watching the birds.

Though I'm a bastard, I hate seeing people fired unless they steal or abuse sick leave. So I'd hate to see Gregory fired, but the way he treats what they call "consumers" is just wrong. It's a form of abuse, and he's done it before.  As you might have guessed, attempts are underway to discipline or perhaps even terminate Gregory, according to what he has publicly said himself.

This is where our political Controller steps into the fray. Barron von Footinmouth sees an opportunity to ingratiate himself with an SEIU steward, as well as a politico who can help him down the road.

So Barron decides to look over the expense sheets of Gregory's bosses, and discovers they were illegally charging the County for artwork at the new human services building. Before sharing that information with anyone else, he shared it with Gregory, who promptly made sure everyone knew about it

Last night, Barron finally mentioned it to Council, complaining about a lack of policies and procedure. Director of Human Services Ross Marcus had a few things to say himself.

First, the "artwork" was for a new conference room wall in the Bechtel Building, not the new Human Services building.

Second, for the past 23 years, it has been the policy and procedure of Northampton County to claim these kinds of incidental expenses exactly as was done in this case.

Third, the artwork was five prints, costing $20 per print, prepared by one of the county's own recovery groups, called Recovery Partnership. Their philosophy is that the mentally ill can still lead normal lives. (You can see the artwork here).

Fourth, receipts were attached for the expenses claimed.

When Barron complained that this incidental expense is improper, Marcus and other Human Services supervisors simply dug into their own pockets and paid for the prints themselves.

While Marcus gave his explanation, Barron repeatedly interrupted from the rear. I'd like Barron von Footinmouth to explain why he gave this information to Gregory before giving it to Council. Maybe it's time for someone to investigate the political use he is making of his own office.

This Controller is complaining about 5- $20 payments for prints from the County's own customers, something that would likely help them in their recovery. He thinks that's improper. But as Marcus told me after the meeting, "This is the same guy who thought that $85,000 a year for the Lifestar ambulance contract was too small to worry about."

57 comments:

  1. It is time for Jim and Beefy Baron to go.

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  2. They lie so much, they forget what they previously said. $100 is way too much, but $85K is nothing? Go back to the Chinese buffet, Steve Fattie!

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  3. Tip of the iceberg Mr. O'Hare. While Marcus hides in his office the mice have been spending the money.

    This is what happens when you have an inexperienced person with a background in Economic Development for former Mayor Heydt be given the patronage job of running the county's largest Department that cares for people.

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  4. Cowards.2+2+4=.8

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  5. I believe that people like Gregory and Barron are bullies who care only about themselves and not one bit about the people they are supposed to serve.

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  6. I see a point here that you seem to be minimalizing. That point is Ms Kelly illegally tried to use county funds for "artwork." I would like to say that is not only inappropriate as a public employee but against her and Marcus' recovery model.
    1. If that was a county caseworker that did such, he/she would be suspended or terminated.
    2. There is a county policy on what is allowed on an expense report and artwork is not one of them.
    3. Marcus and Kelly's recovery model for consumers is to make them more independent. How does trying to spend county tax dollars buying artwork make this consumer independent? This person is already a consumer dependent on MH programs and now dependent on money from Kelly, Marcus, and other administrators.

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  7. Nobody would be suspended or terminated for honestly listing an expense that is disallowed as inappropriate. I would agree that an incidental expense like this should probable be disallowed, despite the good intentions of everone involved. What I find offensive is that this matter is ppromptly provided by the Controllerbto Gregory so he can use it against his own bosses and try to embarrass them. To me, that is a perversion of the Controller's role. He has politicized his office and is now using it to provide ammo to politicos like Gregory. This is far more imprper than the $100 purchase.

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  8. The so called "recovery model" Marcus keeps going on about has been a fundamental part of Human Services planning since the eighties. That is nothing new.

    The real question is, if some administrators are making decisions based on finances over consumer needs and labeling it "independence training".

    With a new more knowledgeable county council and Human Service's committee, we will get to the bottom of this farce being played in the MH department and how consumers are in fact the victims of cost cutting and inappropriate loss of needed service.

    You are wrong on this one O'Hare.

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  9. "Gregory is a bully that only cares about himself"

    Really??? What did he have to gain by speaking out for his consumers? What did he have to gain by asking for his bosses to resign? Since doing this he has been reprimanded three times for issues that are laughable. It's called retaliation. He's had to hire and pay for an attorney to defend himself against these ridiculous charges. What is the gain there? Kathleen Kelly rules her building with an iron fist and is harassing Gregory daily. How is this a good thing for him? Bernie, your article, as usual, defies logic. No surprise there. I remeber a scene in Gladiator where the Hero looked the antagonist right in the eye and said" Your reign shall soon come to an end..Well, yours and Stoffa's are on life support. You, soon, shall pass. Bye..

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  10. Where is Uncle Remus, or Jim Hickey,
    attacking the unions..You really think they dont know you are attacking them..Good luck Jim , in the fall, when you come to them looking for help. Just introduce yourself as Remus. We all know you speak for Callahan. He is toast with the unions!!! Toast!

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  11. "Their philosophy is that the mentally ill can still lead normal lives"

    -working for fleck

    -seiu shop steward

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  12. "Where is Uncle Remus, or Jim Hickey,
    attacking the unions..You really think they dont know you are attacking them..Good luck Jim , in the fall, when you come to them looking for help. Just introduce yourself as Remus. We all know you speak for Callahan. He is toast with the unions!!! Toast!"

    Just once, I will break my rule about blog commenting.

    1. I rarely, if ever comment on blogs.

    2. I am not, nor have I ever been, "Uncle Remus".

    3. Callahan speaks for himself.

    4. I have never attacked "unions" in this, or any public media forum.

    It would appear that one of your regular readers has some obsession with me. That is unfortunate, but his paranoid delusions (which, incidentally, would be a great name for a garage band) are not my concern. I could not, however, let these accusations continue unchallenged.

    That is all I will now, or ever, say on the matter.

    Jim Hickey

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  13. Good to hear from you Jim, lol. I knew you'd come out of hiding..I agree, a great name for a garge band, starring you and John, lol..Love you tough guy!

    So, it's true.. Bernie or Angle is Uncle Remus! Wow. Just needed to know..Thanks..

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  14. Garage band..Sorry, still cant type..See you in the fall Jimmy boy..
    I appreciate your correction.

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  15. Dear 2:06,

    You are paying attention. Great,,,,,See you tonight!,,

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  16. Who cares about artwork. You are assuming Gregory cares
    About that. This is a small issue compared to what else is out there. A teeny weeny one. Kelly is toast,,,

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  17. To whom it may concern,

    I would ask you all to get Mental Health Treatment, but, by your own admissions, The County Mental Health Dept. is corrupt/incompetent.

    It is a shame when drowning in the River is the more preferable option to seeking help from you.

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  18. Lol. 8:00,

    That is the funniest and most accurate statement made so far,lol. It's true. They are corrupt and incompetent
    Better to drown than be served by their administration.

    Good point

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  19. Hickey and Heckman were always fair with the Gracedale union when they were in Glenn's administration. As for Mr. Barron great job bringing the facts out. Steve does his job well and will continue to do so. Should he not bring these things to public light? If the administration would take care of this stuff Steve wouldn't have to.

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  20. Why am I getting calls from Jim Gregory (caller id) asking which county council member I am voting for?

    During business hours?

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  21. Why not.. He wants to know who is winning. Callahan is. So far, lol

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  22. It's not illegal to call. County workers can still talk, lol. Stoffa is trying to stop that by firing the Sheriffs but he isn't having much luck. If you could wish Hitler dead prior to world war 2
    Would you be evil or good. Bye John

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  23. It's great being piss poor like Bernie. You can anything you want without a shred of truth and not worry about repercussions

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  24. I love the picture Bernie. But it looks more like me than Steve.

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  25. Gotta start working out..Maybe after John fires me,lol

    Not!!!

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  26. I have made it clear that comments from anonymous "Tom Foolery" are unwelcome here since he participates in personal attacks at a number of hate blogs.

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  27. "Really??? What did he have to gain by speaking out for his consumers? What did he have to gain by asking for his bosses to resign? Sin"

    Gregory, you are not doing this for any logical reason. You are doing this for the same reason that you will hijack a blog thread or hop a fence or chase Rendell's bus. You are an attention seeker. You have some serious mental issues, and frankly, I do not think you should be allowed near other people who need treatment. You use them.

    Let me also respond to an allegation from the Fake Rev that Kathleen Kelly and the other county employees involved wee stealing. If they were, I'd be among those who say they should be fired. But that accusation is inaccurate.

    It is very clear that they thought the could charge the County of or that artwork because they listed it on their expense reports instead of trying to mask it as something else. And their intentions were the best. I believe it is an inappropriate use of county resources unless authorized by Council, but there certainly is no theft, and making that kind of accusation is simply ridiculous.

    What I do find disgusting about this mess is that Barron, our Controller, immediately shared his findings with a politico and union steward, knowing that this would help him in his crusade against Human Services director, i.e. his bisses. Barron abused his office yet again.

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  28. You are funny Bernie..Everyone takes you seriously, which makes them stupid..But you are funny!,,,

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  29. Yes Anon, right on!,,,,,

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  30. "Steve does his job well and will continue to do so. Should he not bring these things to public light?"

    Certainly. But the public is not Jim Gregory. That's the person Barron provided this information to, well over a month ago. It was not done for the right reaso, which is why Barron does NOT do his job well. He is political and vindictive. In fact, yesterday, when Marcus was providing the rest of the story, Barron repeatedly interrupted He wanted his side out, but not the truth. He is a bad oontroller, and that is the point of this story.

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  31. Prove it or shut up!!!!!! Can't do it, Then shut up

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  32. If lying was an art, you'd be Picasso, lol

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  33. Bernie, go get a new job, seriously, your day job sucks.



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  34. Barron stomped on more than $100 in landscaping at T-Mobile before they thanked him for his hospitality and moved out, leaving hundreds unemployed. Barron deserves the dog food and strangling treatment from below average Gracedale staff. Oh, and that lisp...

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  35. "That is the funniest and most accurate statement made so far,lol. It's true. They are corrupt and incompetent "

    This is by no means a funny statement, Jim Gregory. It's a reflection on everyone in that department, especially you. I don't think an attention-seeker like you should be allowed near others who suffer from mental illness. I think the County needs to find someplace else for you.

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  36. "Why am I getting calls from Jim Gregory (caller id) asking which county council member I am voting for?

    During business hours?"


    Do me a favor and send me an email about this. My email is bohare5948@aol.com. I will forward it to people who can investigate whether Gregory is improperly engaged in political activity on the County dime.

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  37. Gregory took the poll after 6 PM. Although he might have been working overtime to help you with your illness. Ouch Bernie. Sorry, violated HIPPa, or is it HIPA . Cant get that right. Thats OK. Kathleen cant either. She uses it to protect herself. Good luckj with that now that NAMI is actively pursuing her. Or is it suing her???

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  38. Silly Question #1,

    If Gregory is calling for his bosses to resign and is doing political activity on County time, why is he still working for the county. I bet Stoffa and he are secret lovers..Wow. Tune in for part two, lol

    Oh, I know, it's all of his friends on Council protecting him..Oh, I forgot, they arent doing crap to protect him. I get it, his mother and your mother are one. Damn Bernie, cant wait for the ending.

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  39. Apparently, he was using County resources to engage in partisan political activity. I have just received a screen capture of one of his calls, and the caller ID goes back to his phone number at the Bechtel Building.

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  40. Did it occur to anyone that he is TRYING to get fired?

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  41. Yes 1139. We have a winner. Can you believe they haven't figured that out yet. Are they stupid or what, hello!,,

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  42. It finally occurred to you Bernie. try ginkgo. It works

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  43. Bernie didn't you use county resourses to sue county tax payers? Didn't the law firm selected to help with the sale of Gracedale bill the county for your work? Wasn't Mr. Barron who brought this to council? Is that part of the reason you think he is a terrible controller? Mr. Barron is a man of the people and county tax payers should be honored that he serves them.

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  44. Hey Bernie, didn't you defend the Sheriff who passed on confidential information to the woman who is his old friend but not his old woman friend.

    Instead of the proper channels, he gave confidential personal information of a sensitive nature to a private citizen.

    The old double standard at work, O'Hare style.

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  45. Nice picture, has Barron been working out?

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  46. I told you, it's Gregory, not Barron.

    Gregory just hides it well. Steve is much better looking, lol

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  47. 4:31 that was a cowardly pussy comment. Stop being a little bitch .

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  48. "didn't you defend the Sheriff who passed on confidential information to the woman who is his old friend but not his old woman friend."

    That Deputy did so with the intent that it be public. Barron did so to help a union pal. One is preserving the public trust, while the other is looking out for a crony.

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  49. Bernie, you forgot to add that one is getting charged criminally, too. Too bad that can't happen to Barron, yet ...

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  50. Lol. The House of Cards is about to come crashing down!

    Stoffa, Marcus, Kelly, and other crony politicos masked as human service administrators will be exposed for the frauds that they are!

    The people of this county has had enough with the cronyism that has plagued this county long enough

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  51. Cronyism? Then that means you are going to quit your job, too?! Hoorah!!!

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  52. The sheriff is entrusted to uphold the public trust. By releasing confidential information he betrayed the public trust. he committed a felony and must be so charged, Any jury would find him guilty.

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  53. Most of the people I have spoken to would quickly vote to acquit Deouty Steward, who acted with the public's best interest in mind and in the highest tradtions of law enforcement. The supposed victim of this "crime" is another story.

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  54. I believe the legal term for that is "Jury Nullification"?

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  55. He is guilty. There was no "defending the public involved". he disclosed sensitive confidential government information to an old girlfriend. guilty. Spin and spin but he broke the law and not for some lofty purpose.

    The law exist5s to protect people, yes even people like Mezzacappa, not to be used a club to beat down your enemies. he violated the public trust, his badge and the law. No much more to say.

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  56. He will never e convicted. I bet the DA offers ARD for that exact reason.

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