Can You Say Councilman Jim Gregory?

Several sources tell me that Jim Gregory, who currently is receiving the hospitality of our state correctional system, is among the applicants for Bob Donchez' job on Bethlehem City Council. The policeman of love, Gregory had the book thrown at him for repeated contempt of a Protection From Abuse Act Order. Over the Summer, both his sister and his ex-girlfriend had to seek judicial protection from physical abuse. At that time, he was also a write-in candidate for Bethlehem Mayor.

After his third contempt conviction, which amazingly included appeals to his ex on a radio show that he purchased, Judge Leonard Zito imposes a 15-month sentence. He found Gregory to be both arrogant and manipulative, even to the point of using county inmates to send letters to his ex. She was even contacted by one of them after his release. Gregory was kind enough to provide her home address.

Gregory believes he is a political prisoner, incarcerated as a result of some scheme involving Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, Northampton County Executive John Stoffa, DA John Morganelli, the Bethlehem police and yours truly. I may have missed a few of my co-conspirators, but you know who you are.

Gregory has appealed the sentence imposed by Judge Zito.

He did receive four write-in votes in November.

If Council appoints Gregory, they'll have to wait awhile.

I will try to get a copy of his application today.

On a more serious note, here's what I'm hearing. (I have not yet spoken to Council members, who likely are unwilling to discuss this for a blog)

Outgoing DCED Director Joe Kelly already has three votes lined up. His candidacy is apparently being pushed by Bethlehem City Council member Mike Recchiuti, who also chairs the city Democratic committee. Rechhiuti needs four votes, including his own. If he gets that fourth vote, the possibility of an anti-Donchez Council is very real. Incoming Mayor Bob Donchez decided against keeping Kelly in his administration.

You might think that fourth vote would come from J.Willie Reynolds, one of Mayor John Callahan's biggest supporters on Council. But Reynolds apparently is opposed to the idea. Maybe he is concerned that the Council could easily become anti-Callahan. Or maybe he's worried that Kelly is a potential Mayoral rival.

I personally feel Joe should take a sabbatical from City politics. My reason has nothing to do with his qualifications or his attitude, which I've always admired. I just feel he needs a break, and don't see a position on Council doing him any good. He took the Callahan loss hard, and that's the wrong frame of mind to have coming into government.

Is there another interested person?

I'm told Sonia Vazquez, principal at Donegan Elementary School on the City's Southside, is interested. She has devoted her life to children, families, and her community.

I know some may actually dislike seeing another teacher in public office. But she has deep roots in Bethlehem and obviously understands the plight of many struggling families on the South side. She also adds some sorely needed ethnic diversity.

Mayor elect Bob Donchez is reportedly staying away from the decision over his replacement on the board, believing it is Council's call.