1) Turnout. - You would not pick Bangor to beat Liberty, Easton or Freedom High School in a football game. But Bangor would win every time if Bethlehem and Easton players stayed home. And that's what happened in Northampton County. Only 5,000 people voted for Bob Donchez in an uncontested Mayoral race. In Easton, there was no Mayoral race at all. Callahan and Council Democrats needed those votes, but they never came.
3) The Stoffa Touch. - Though Callahan and Brown largely agree on the issues, they have widely different personalities. Callahan is extroverted and likes to joke around. But he sometimes passionately fights for losing issues like a single trash hauler. Brown, in contrast, is introverted, reflective and appears to dislike confrontation. Kinda' like our current executive, John Stoffa. As much as some people like to beat up Stoffa anonymously on this blog, people like and respect him. Northampton County voters seem to like the laid back approach.
3) The Charlie Dent Curse. - Charles Dertinger, Sam Bennet, John Callahan and Rick Daugherty have all challenged Dent in Congressional races. Although Dent never seemed to take Daugherty seriously. But he took the other three very seriously and pretty much destroyed them at the ballot box. I thought Callahan might have shaken that curse when he prevailed in the Primary. But in the General election, Brown was still using the talking points that Dent had successfully used three years ago.
4) Obamacare - Callahan is aligned with the national Democratic party and may have suffered from the recent problems with Obamacare, which include a flawed web page and the realization that people may not be able to keep their own health plans, which is contrary to what Obama had repeatedly promised.
5) The County Party Failure. - Though the County Republicans have been engaged in very public infighting, it appears that the County Democratic party doesn't do much of anything at all. It is little more than a clique, ruled over by Walt Garvin. Its failure to make any noticeable effort to get out the vote should make this little sewing circle realize it is seriously flawed,and has been for years.
6) The O'Hare Kiss of Death. - Finally, there's me. I have a habit of picking losers in Northampton County. One elected official i know sent me this. "Bernie you are the kiss of death." When i tried to explain that the problem was turnout and not me, i got this. "Don't ever kiss me."
Congratulations to County Executive-elect John Brown and the five Republicans who prevailed against all odds. I think John Callahan should hold his head high, too. He ran a good race. Jerry Seyfried, Ron Heckman and Deb Hunter should have won, in my opinion.
But the people have spoken.
Fuck 'em.
Bernie,
ReplyDeleteThe voters have spoken and you are right "fuck'em"
Brownie and the Republican council will have to raise taxes within two years. how will the Party faithful feel about that?
Say WHATTTT!!!!
Best of luck Brownie!
LMFAO !!! Lump's man crush is gone!
ReplyDeleteMissing the most important one: Eric Nagy's horrible campaign.
ReplyDeleteI am told there is still $118,000 sitting in the John Callahan campaign account.
Nagy reran a primary ad instead of cutting a general election ad, despite an enormous cash advantage.
Nagy did not send any mailers to people under 40. Friends in Bethlehem said they received 5 John Brown mailers and 0 John Callahan mailers.
Nagy did a robo-call starting last week reminding people to vote for John, but did very little media otherwise.
And Nagy did not run a real field campaign. 18-40 year olds in Bethlehem and Easton voters could be excused if they did not even know John was on the ballot, because Nagy didn't even try to reach them.
I'm not sure what they spent all that money on, but the one thing that seems to have gotten taken care of is that Eric Nagy got good and paid. Nobody should ever hire this guy again. Ever. He lost 2 incumbent Congressional seats prior to running this race.
Wow Jon, ouch!!
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, you do realize Callahan was always a flawed candidate. He had as much to do with his loss as any advisor.
Also Democrat on Democrat fighting hurt more than any Republican. Dem's love to screw each other. Ask about the cheer at the Donchez place when Callahan lost.
No Bethlehem campaign, no win. Hey Dem's its not rocket science. Get a Republican to run for Mayor, other wise your county races are toast!
Bethlehem and Easton decided this race early. Too bad some great county council candidates got sucked down with him
18-40 yo people do not vote in these races, jonathan. Go back to your playpen.
ReplyDeleteAgree with 1:04. When Panto ran two years ago, he drove out big numbers due to an opponent. he sweep Werner into county office.
ReplyDeleteWithout a reason to vote in the general, Bethlehem Democrats are lazy and don't turn out., So are their candidates, who know they are sure things after the primary.
Totally true: At Donchez's victory party at the Hotel Bethlehem, the "Demo-rats" let out a resounding cheer when Callahan conceded. What exactly are they expecting? That Bob Donchez will morph into a "strong" leader and both control spending while continuing his predecessor's talent for economic development? That John Brown can administrate a large government entity after less than a term as Mayor of Bangor? These "Demo-Nothings" live in a past that never existed and now they've gotten their wish: A county without John Callahan in office. These non-progressive DINOs deserve what they get; the rest suffer because most Democrats are smug, lazy-asses who don't think local elections matter. As you say, Bernie, fuck 'em, and as a result, fuck us all.
ReplyDeleteNorthampton County made a decision to take a hard tea party right turn. It is now Northampton's turn to tell old women to go to the Church to get food.
ReplyDeleteYou realize other than Peg(not saying much) not one person, Brown on down have a lick of real governmental, much less county governmental experience.
Good Luck on all those cuts you promised.
The fallout is on the voters.
Shows what influence the Gracedale fanatics have ... a big fat 0
ReplyDeleteFree Greggy!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/11/letter_brown_not_callahan_will.html#incart_opinion
ReplyDeleteExtemely low voter turnout from Bethlehem. Plus, JC is a tax and spender. He is a borrow and spender. Squandered the Casino money and so on. The people out in the County know this and wanted nothing to do with this City Mayor. Congrats to Brownie!! Way to go and way to go for the Slate Belt in finally getting some real representation at the County table!!
ReplyDeleteBrown will turn his back on the Slate Belt, like he did to the citizens of Bangor. Well, unless he moves; he won't be back. Sigh . . . It's a shame politics weren't open and honest. Anyway, this Republican is PROUD to say he voted CALLAHAN.
ReplyDeletewell bo there goes your potty and dumpster diving passes
ReplyDeleteCAN YOU SPELL NORCO EXEC BROWN??
sort of arrogant for donchez to have a party - this race was a boring as he is - Bethlehem loses
John Brown will never turn his back on anything or anyone..including you . Sour grapes and whine. As Bernie said..the people spoke and that's what Democracy is all about. Get over it and move on!
ReplyDeleteSell Gracedale. Period. The People have spoken.
ReplyDeleteBrown will transform Gracedale into a once again viable asset of county service. He is not a slash and burn tea party maggot. He is a moderate conservative. I know so.
ReplyDeleteWith gracedale costing more and more every day, and brown being the astute businessman that he is, I believe as soon as the referendum is over, Gracedale is gone gone gone.
ReplyDeleteWell I for one saw this coming. People are fed up in general. Just like years ago. If we had a good executive candidate on the R side we would not have gotten Stoffa again.
ReplyDeleteYour points are right Bernie. All of them. Hope this is the mood of the whole country in 2016.
Obama had little experience and he became president twice. U like him Brown will put the right people around him and he is smart enough and wise enough to know a good idea and to know good advise when he hears it.
He is not full of himself and he has no sleazy past or record of broken promises for the sake of it.
Stoffa has never asked the council for a tax hike. He is the D and he is the CEO. Brown may have to ask but we believe he will do what can be done to do it at the lowest cost to us.
BO you have become a D again. Since Angle has gone you are more aligned again with them.
Do you really think your deeds do not matter. Ask the D's who dislike Callahan who voted Brown or just stayed home.
Hunter needs to go away as well as a few of the others. She like Callahan is just not likable.
#6 has killed many candidates, especially your cigar smoking buddy, it should be #1.
ReplyDeleteLooks like people do not want the D's in charge. That's what I take from this. In the end while there are ways to make things worse it is almost impossible to make significat changes for the better. As long as they have a good arguement for spending money and not growing government, that's about the best any council can do. It takes 5 to 6 votes for any changes so one person can't do anything on their own. Taxes need to go up but only after they take a hard look at where they can save. This has been a long time coming and not just a couple of years. This past council was stuck with a swaption and little nerve or direction to pull the trigger. If the most experienced didn't do it then the fault isn't the new members. Actually one of the new ones suggested at 10 mil to pull the plug but was ignored.
ReplyDeleteWell let's hope at least on a local level we get some stress relief.... We are overdue and last night was a good beginning.
No Gracedale baggage thanks to the others not running again. They did help their party.
Considering the registration edge in NorCo, Walt Garvin should resign immediately. What an embarrassing bitch slapping. This does not bode well for next year's midterms.
ReplyDeleteShhhh..... some of us like Walt Garvin in charge.
ReplyDeleteLow voter turnout cannot be used as an excuse for a Callahan loss. if people felt so warm & fuzzy about him they would have VOTED for him. To all the people that ran for NORCO council i believe Callahan was the KISS of death for them. They hoped to ride his coattails & expected a win.
ReplyDeleteMoreover let’s take a look on Friday to see the shape Callahan is actually leaving Bethlehem in.
While you’re at it, take a look at the 2 billion in redevelopment & the 5500 jobs. The pat on the back for that goes to Glenn Reibman not John Callahan
I am a registered democrat and mostly vote for democrats. I also like Callahan...to a point, moreso than I like Brown. But, I voted for Brown. Why? It came down to his broken promises of casino money to be used for lowering property taxes and his constant fawning over and catering to the casino even at the detriment of our beloved musikfest by separating it into two locations. Sorry, John, but this democrat supporter has spoken.
ReplyDeleteDon’t blame the registered Dems for not voting. Blame the candidates we had to choose from! As a lifelong Dem, Johnny was not the man for me nor the man for the job. Will Brown be better, I have no idea but I chose to say no Johnny Casino!
ReplyDelete"At Donchez's victory party at the Hotel Bethlehem, the "Demo-rats" let out a resounding cheer when Callahan conceded."
ReplyDeleteIf this is true, this is pretty sad.
The Local City Democratic committees, (more so JC’s own Bethlehem Dem Committee) need to look at themselves for this race well. Plenty of blame to go around. If a 2-term Mayor with name recognition cannot beat a 1 term Mayor from Bangor then they all need to look LONG & HARD AT THEIR ROLES IN THIS AS WELL!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteConsidering the registration edge in NorCo, Walt Garvin should resign immediately. What an embarrassing bitch slapping. This does not bode well for next year's midterms.
9:06 AM
Bullshit! LOOK AT THE CANDIATE! John Callahan is NOT the man for the job. THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! I firmly believe that he helped in the collapse of all the Dems that ran for NORCO
Great post Bernie. I like your style. Personally, I lean Democrat but voted for 3 Democrats and 2 Republicans. Yeah, I read O'Hare's blog and newspaper articles ahead of time. I made the mistake of trying to educate myself on where the candidates stand. If only I had known I was supposed to blindly vote along a party line, I would have been 0 for 5. It's so much easier to be blind, until you want to cross a road.
ReplyDeleteSince joe long and jack from city committee left the Norco dems have lost the sense of a real party organization. Walt cant even fake it, a clique for sure, with too much drinking,bluster,and the false sense of political entitlement.
ReplyDeleteHere is some food for thought Bernie!
ReplyDeleteGlenn Reibman or Lamont McClure would have been a better choice than Callahan in beating Brown. Maybe, just maybe the Dems should have thought about that when they casted their vote in the primary!
I see. The primary election results should be ignored. you are aware this is a democracy, aren't you?
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteOf course not Bernie! The primary results shouldn’t be ignored. I am 100% for democracy. Isn’t that what our great nation is supposed t built in?.
But maybe just maybe the 2 other candidates would have been better at taking Brown on. That’s all I’m saying
"#6 has killed many candidates, especially your cigar smoking buddy, it should be #1."
ReplyDeletewhat does that mean?
Perhaps Bernie should have blasted Geissinger, and Benol along with Philips for being Tea Party members as well. How he missed dishing on GG and MB regardiing their Tea Party affiliations is beyond me. Furthermore, Ferraro wasn't attacked by Bernie for attending Tea Party meetings either.
ReplyDeleteSo now we have three Tea Party members and one attendee on council. LeTs see how things go.
10:34, With the exception of Hayden Phillips, who you did not mention, I have no issue with the Rs who won. I do think Jerry, Ron and Deb were better candidates .
ReplyDeleteI think that the bottom line is that Northampton County voters wanted a change. Callahan is a career politician (he has been running for office for the past 16 years). Brown has only been in office for four years, and has been a part-time mayor of a small town.
ReplyDeleteD's ran a slate of recycled public pensioners who believed your posts and thought they had it in the bag. Rs went to work. Their GOTV was relentless.
ReplyDelete"change" won't be in the form of parties, per se. Four Rs out, Four Rs in, and one reelected, so pendulum has swung back from when the D's picked up a few during District seats. I expected 2 R's seats, but was very surprised at the sweep last night for Council and Exec. And in 2015, if the Rs put some effort into with a qualified candidate, McClure could solidify R control.
ReplyDeleteThat said, many good points made by you and others here Bernie. The only things to add that haven't already been said:
1. R's were hungrier. D's felt it was theirs for the taking. I had three R's knock on my door, including Brown. I had zero D's knock. The D's relied too much on their comfort zone of campaigning to each other at Dem-oriented events and mailers/junk mail. The R's did some old fashioned campaigning to get out a more determined voter.
2. Bethlehem is a wonderful city. Callahan (kind of like Clinton in the 90s) had the benefit and good fortune of being at the right place at the right time for all the good things that came Bethlehem's way the past several years, and coming in behind popular Cunningham. And he had the energetic personality to assume the role. But he's also rubbed many the wrong way. I know I held my nose to vote for him simply because I thought he was better qualified. But as someone mentioned, if Brown can surround himself with good people, who knows.
Republicans voted. Democrats didn't. A clean sweep can mean nothing more than that. And Ds absolutely put forth a GOTV effort, every bit as much as the Rs, if not more. I got 4 calls from the campaign and was annoyed after the 2nd. Plus I had like 3 auto calls. Look at Easton and Bethlehem. Dems didn't vote. In an off-year party driven turnout... there you have it.
ReplyDeleteIt was Johnny's to lose----and he lost it.
ReplyDeleteNo question Callahan pulled down he numbers. The Donchez supporters hate him and voted for Brown. The Democrats running or county council paid the price, as they were perceived as part of the "Callahan" ticket.
ReplyDeleteIf you look at reults a couple Dem's did very well county wide, as far as being in the top five. Particularly Ron Heckman and Deb Hunter. However, they just didn't get the vote in Easton, who should be ashamed of their turnout, and Bethlehem.
A different head of the ticket may have had a better shot in Bethlehem. Look at Callahan's brother, he came in fourth out of five and barely beat the hotdog cart guy. He also had the benefit of his brothers war chest. Callahan fatigue domed everyone.
Dem's never get that likability is a key outside of Bethlehem. Callahan is woefully lacking in that way.
I am a resident of Lehigh County with only an outsiders interest in Northampton County intrigues. Lost in today's analysis is mention of a grave tactical error made by John Callahan near the end of the spring primary. In a failed attempt to anoint his chosen successor as Mayor of Bethlehem, he set aside his previous neutrality and endorsed candidate Willie Reynolds in that primary. There is nothing in itself wrong with endorsing Mr. Reynolds who is intelligent, capable and probably has a bright future in Bethlehem politics. Callahan's decision, made only after he felt certain that his own Northampton County primary campaign would end in success, however unnecessarily alienated many of the supporters of Bob Donchez who's votes were needed by Callahan to win in the general election. King Edwin of Allentown on the other hand with the aid of his campaign manager actively urged his followers to get behind the candidacy of Tom Muller for the mutual benefit of Allentown and Lehigh County. Whatever one may think of Ed Pawlowski's record as Mayor or of Tom Fleck as a political consultant, Pawlowski today stands tall as the most powerful and influential Lehigh Valley Democrat because he formed a coalition of support, not foolishly sacrificed one.
ReplyDeleteI agree with 9:44 (except the musikfest reason) and 9:46.
ReplyDeleteI also crossed the line and voted against Callahan. Too much history that can't be ignored.
I was surprised to see Phillips was carried on Brown's coattails. Thought he would be the one to finish near last.
However, they just didn't get the vote in Easton, who should be ashamed of their turnout, and Bethlehem.
ReplyDeleteJust like anothre person who posted said the two City Dem committe heads should have to come up with some answers for this one as well.
King Edwin won't have a chance at winning a Governor's race. Boasting about a 20 point victory over an Independent who was outspent and had little visibility doesn't bode well. Not as impressive as King Edward makes it sound.
ReplyDeleteperson to person contact wins elections, we also had numerous visits from Republicans asking for our vote, they outworked the Democrats who thought they had it in the bag
ReplyDeleteWho really thought that Borso was going to win? Borso, nice as she may be just isn't smart enough. . She is not and will never be a political contender in any shape or form. Who ever thought of running her to be the puppet should hang their head in shame. She was as clueless as the day is long. Sorry folks but Bernie was right about her all along!
ReplyDeleteDave Houser calling Tea Parties maggots is rich. He lives like an animal and doesn't bathe unless ordered. Go back to your sheep Dave. You already gave them the clap. Own it you putrid weirdo.
ReplyDeleteThe Lehigh Valley has epidemic levels of Don Cunningham and John Callahan fatigue. It's not just Northampton County.
ReplyDeleteWe're pretty sick of seeing and hearing from both of those guys.
The NorCo Dem.Party Machine is a real laugh!
ReplyDeleteWOW---do they SUCK!
John Callahan & Joe Kelly have abused their power in Bethlehem long enough. Glad to see both of them go. Now Johnny’s friends, friends wives and mistresses should all be kicked out of their jobs!
ReplyDeleteI reiterate..MAGGOTS!
ReplyDeleteDespite the drubbing my political party of choice took last night..I have no intention of abandoning my principles and/or loyalty to the progressive ideas of the Democratic party and it's rich American history of justice and mercy for all.
ReplyDeleteDave H. said...
ReplyDeleteDespite the drubbing my political party of choice took last night..I have no intention of abandoning my principles and/or loyalty to the progressive ideas of the Democratic party and it's rich American history of justice and mercy for all.
1:34 PM
PLEASE! show me any type of Progressive behavior from these local Dems! Half were R's before becoming Dems! These guys are nothing more than very conservative Dems or more liberal R's. Not a liberal or progressive idea within 20 feet of them! Why are they against labor?
AOEEquNot many idealistic politicians left out there..especially progressives. Sticking to your guns amid corrupt people is never easy and not popular either. There is a time and place to compromise and the same for standing your ground ethically. Labor unions are in a difficult position but not an impossible one. They are needed more now than ever before. The gap between rich and poor widens by the second. I support their efforts to stem that tide. They also need to support people and not just a political party. Support a moderate R once in awhile. It would go a long way toward improving their image and it makes sense too.
ReplyDeleteBeth. Dem's did vote....... by staying home. They are WAY TIRED of that frat boy.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened was poor Democratic campaigns and candidates resulting in low turnout and good Republican candidates that ran energetic campaigns.
ReplyDeleteJC had a ton of money but essentially ran a 3 week campaign. He lost the opportunity to define an opponent with fewer resources and also redefine himself Why did he wait so long? At the very end he ran negative ads. At that point we knew he was in trouble.
JB and the Rep Council candidates had been out knocking on doors all summer and fall. Rather than cutting ribbons and making more announcements in Bethlehem, JC should have been knocking on doors from Walnutport to Portland. The Dems thought they could waive the Gracedale bloody shirt and ride Callahan's coattails. Only Hunter did substantial solo mailing. Ron and Jerry are well known to insiders at the courthouse but neither had run in 20 years.
I doubt teh Republicans outworked all the Democrats. I had calls and personal visits from a few of the Democrats. So that old harder work phrase is now being overworked.
ReplyDeleteDemocratic voters in general didn't vote, had Callahan fatigue. Also Republican voters always vote for Republicans and are more energized in their opposition to all things Democratic.
Democrats didn't vote because they were waiting in front of their computers for healthcare.gov to load.
ReplyDelete"If you like your Gracedale, you can keep your Gracedale. Period."
Or maybe not ....
I bet someone went on a giant wallowing bender last night.
ReplyDeleteBernie, you really hammered John good when he ran for congress. Most of your attacks dealt with his character and management ability. You cannot erase what was said and it weighed heavily in my vote for Brown. If you had attacked Callahan on national political issues, I could have looked the other way because this was a local race. The problem is that you showed some character flaws and management flubs that just did not go away. I could not understand your support for him after those attacks
ReplyDelete4:11. Your comment is well spoken. You are right.
ReplyDeleteAs for the D's too many of them had no reason to get out and vote. Some are fatigued with their party. Some see no real difference for them in who wins and going out to vote is just not important to others. Does anything really change for them? Just supporting a party is not a big deal. These new candidates will work hard as they do in their private lives. Not that the others don't. People sometimes expect too much. There is only so much council can do other then waste money so give them a chance. The D's on council are more affected by this then the rest of us. An R will be both chairman and co chairman. For them that is the real rub.....petty I know.
Callahan can take off for 4 years and run again for Mayor of Bethlehem?
ReplyDeleteThat is of course if he does not take the Artsquest leadership!
So O'Hare and that there Flad are taking some time to sort things out today, eh?
ReplyDeleteBoth could use a "Stiff" one, for sure!
Bernie, do you have the breakdown of Republicans and Democrats that came to the polls? Also, what percentage of registered Democrats showed up at the polls?
ReplyDeleteI agree that it's probably a result of low Democrat voter turnout, but it would interesting to see the breakdown.
Greggy called this long ago
ReplyDeleteProblem is political parties, get rid of them and run on principles and issues not back door polics and gang ideology
Brown's a former corporate fixer, UnityPAC has been there since mid summer touting the leadership chops of this handsome and reserved candidate. O'Hare's courthouse access has been severed like a gangrenous phallus.
ReplyDeleteAnon 1:34 you are very selective about the history you keep. Mercy and justice.... Give me a break. That's your guidance? How's Obamacare going for you?????
ReplyDeleteCareful..your white sheet in the closet is showing. Got no time for people with minds that HATE.
ReplyDeleteNot sure how Bernie will fare now that access may be much harder to come by. Political insight and investigative reporting are lost arts and are ignored by most news papers anymore. Is he biased? Probably but aren't we all?
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one who remembers the Callahan flap prior to the primary where him and his old lady accused a sports referee of making a bad call because it was his kid? At the time I said Callahan was a pompus ass and should not be elected to anything. I am glad he lost and I wish Mr. Brown all the success he deserves.
ReplyDeleteProgressive values forced LSD on the Tuskegee Airmen. Planned Parenthood was founded by a eugenicist. Mercy and justice my ass. Progressives are as disgusting as right wing nuts.
ReplyDelete6:26, Try being honest. callahan criticized the ref. His wife did not join in. The match involved another wrestler,not his son. I doubt anyone who voted for Brown did so because of that incident.
ReplyDelete"Not sure how Bernie will fare now that access may be much harder to come by. "
ReplyDeleteBeing dependent on access for a story is a goof way to keep from ever finding anything except what the gatekeepers want you to know. With Brown in control, I'l have more stories than ever.
Wow! Some people are real haters. Maybe you should see your shrink.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteDemocrats suck at voting in these elections. Lehigh County is lucky Pawlowski had some kind of race. Certainly increased turnout in D-heavy Allentown. Without Donovan, Muller likely loses.
ReplyDeleteThe first order of business for Brown is to replace the lying no good Sheriff. This man lied to Council to get more positions (half of which were filled by retired Bethlehem cops) because of increased work but allows the Union Prez to earn 6 figures with outlandish overtime and then rewards him with a promotion to "acting" sergeant at a pay rate higher than any veteran sergeant. Where he gets the money to buy he Union Prez should be scrutinized before he gets his walking papers. Miller bought the Union and thought he had free reign to do as he pleased once Johnny Casino got in. Remember, Miller, as Commissioner, knew nothing of his brother-in-laws drunk driving accident except to promote the officer who did not file charges. Miller should start boxing up his photos of him and Hillary and Him and Obama soon. If he needs help, the Union Prez should be available once he comes out from under Miller's desk.
ReplyDeletePrepare to be disappointed. Replacing the Sheriff would require the involvement of the courts.
ReplyDeleteSupported Callahan but will give Brown a chance. I have heard that he is a good man. Running a county is a difficult job.
ReplyDeleteThe NorCo Dem party chair should resign ASAP.
ReplyDeleteHe SUCKS at his job,
Callahan lost because Jolly Joe didn't give him equal time. The Graterford manslab's airwaves juggernot was just too much to overcome. And when is the recount going to start with all the write-ins for Bethlehem Mayor? The prisoner vote is always tallied last.
ReplyDeleteFormer Mayor of Bethlehem is a good enough title to get him through any door he wants...
ReplyDeleteThere's a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall
ReplyDeleteAnd the bells in the steeple too
And up in the nursery an absurd little bird
Is popping out to say "cuckoo"
Cuckoo, cuckoo
Doug Camaro is one of the pseudonyms used by Tricia Mezzacappa, and she is definitely cuckoo. She accuses me of stalking her while posting all kinds of inane comments here. Put the bottle down, Mezzacappa, and go to bed.
ReplyDeleteBy telling her to go to bed does that mean you still love her?
ReplyDeleteReplacing the Sheriff does not require any intervention by the Court. He answers to the Executive - look at the County rank structure. Stoffa was too afraid to make the decision on his own and let the Court get involved. Miller cares only about his image and nothing else. I witnessed this first hand when a Slate Belt Police Chief brought in technology for his department to better serve his officers. Miller was also in attendance. His only remark to the Chief was that he did a good thing by inviting local politicians to the event - not that he was impressed by the technology being implemented. Miller wasted a half million dollars for an arrest tracking system - CODY - that is not necessary for the department. Bethlehem City makes more criminal arrests in a day that the sheriffs do in a month and are suing CODY since it such a lousy system. Yet Miller advocated for it for the County. His narcisit nature prevents him from ever admitting he is wrong. Can you say plausible deniability. He terminated a 16 year veteran employee and will be sued because there in no cause. This deputy never cried on the job like one of his subordinates. This deputy never called off sick and was spotted working at a bakery that same day. This deputy never misrepresented himself on FMLA paperwork. Easy to ignore major county infractions when these people are your rat snitches. Miller makes Barney Fyfe look like a genius.
ReplyDeleteYou are obviously disgruntled, but you are also wrong. No sheriff may be replaced without input from the court.
DeleteNo that tells her she acts like a child.
ReplyDeleteAnyone wonder if the COAF endorsement of Callahan had any affect on results?
ReplyDeleteIt's all about turnout. OBviously, this area leans Democratic by looking at the last 6 Presidential elections. When there is turnout, the Repubs go down.
ReplyDeleteCallahan was not the best choice for the D's but the best choices Grucela and Panto chose not to run. Not sure Grucela could have won a primary though and I think Panto will someday be the county exec
ReplyDeletePeople didn't turn out for the fellow.
ReplyDeletePeople are tired of the man.
Out to pasture with him.
He's now a certified loser.
No Democratic tax increaser like Panto will ever be county executive. The only support he has is Easton.
ReplyDeleteEnough with Panto the taxer!
Agreed, neither Panto or Callahan the taxer and fee kings are wanted or electable county wide. Enough with these ego whores. Stay in your cities'.
ReplyDeleteThe only person I know who uses this kind of disgusting language is Tricia Mezzacappa. NorCo Rs might not think highly of Sal or John, but would not use her vulgar language.
ReplyDeleteThe man is really shattered.
ReplyDeleteI think people should lighten up on the guy.
He deserves to be shattered. he shattered the county!
ReplyDeletePeople like you represent the worst in both parties.
ReplyDeleteThough mine was only one vote, I chose not to vote for Callahan and here's why - though I know I'll open myself up to some back lashing.
ReplyDelete1. I'm often guilty of favoring the underdog. The Callahan machine seemed too strong, both in money and endorsements. I read that as favors owed, that would have to be repaid sometime down the road.
2. Sorry Bernie, but your past posts about Callahan, when you were against him, helped sway my decision. What is written can't be undone and you had good arguments then about Callahan. They were still good arguments against Callahan on election day.
3. Brown was working hard at getting the vote. It seemed to me he was working much harder than Callahan, who appeared (gave an impression) to be relying on multiple endorsements and a large war chest that would convince voters he was the best candidate.
If Callahan had worked at getting elected as hard as Brown did the election might have ended differently, with more people being convinced he was working to earn their votes.
I am happy for your opinion. It matters, just as your vote did. Nobody can shout that down.
ReplyDelete