Here's two things about Jay that you may not know.
First, he helped write Northampton County's Home Rule Charter. That's the Constitution of our County.
Second, he's part of an unusual group of lawyers who after graduating from law school, teamed up and drove to Philly daily one summer in the same shitty car to study for the bar. They scarfed hot dogs for lunch if they had money. This distinguished cadre of young men included John Morganelli (Northampton County DA), Phil Hof (tireless child advocate) and Jack Panella (Superior Court Judge) and Jay. They were all admitted to Northampton County's Bar together.
The picture included here was taken on Ash Wednesday.
An excellent appointment. It is very reassuring to know that the system still can appoint individuals based upon merit and not POLITICS. This is a gentleman I know to be honest, principled, intelligent, calm, humble, painfully patient and friendly. No, I am not being paid to say these things (Joke) but feel compelled to educate the general public with an objective opinion based upon observing him in positions he has held in his tenure as a public servant. Many might say that I have a history of attacking individuals. Maybe they deserved it, but this endorsement is justified and required. I can assure those, whether they are innocent or guilty, who in the future might appear before him in a court hearing will be guaranteed a fair and objective decision. This is the mark of the man!
ReplyDeleteI agree completely. I also have the same high opinion of his brother Bill.
ReplyDeleteSteve,
ReplyDeleteIt couldn't have been said any better. This appointment is well deserved. I wish Jay well.
Mr. Antalics u are kidding right? Jay's choice as federal judge IS BECAUSE OF POLITICS. POLITICS PERIOD.
ReplyDeleteFrom his father raising bucks for Casey, Sr to donations to most local Democrats to Casey Jr 02 campaign for governor then senator, his lawyer work for the Allentown Diocese, Morganelli connection etc..... he is an exemplary candidate politically. And it follows Republican Smith's ascension.
Jay will do well as judge. However clearly he is a product decades of his family's political involvement. And some us think that is a very good thing.
Anon.11:15 AM. You completely missed the point! Would you not agree that Mr. Leeson is all that I say he is? If you knew him well you would be forced to agree. You most certainly must see that. Therefore, you would be right if he were a hack and was given the position because of debt, payback or whatever. But this is purely merit for the reasons given and clearly the whole process is in a political arena. So, by definition, political game playing took a very distant back seat to merit. Politics is inescapable since it is in the realm of politics. Come now, be realistic. You would be hard pressed to find an equal.
ReplyDeleteAnon.11:15 AM. You completely missed the point! Would you not agree that Mr. Leeson is all that I say he is? If you knew him well you would be forced to agree. You most certainly must see that. Therefore, you would be right if he were a hack and was given the position because of debt, payback or whatever. But this is purely merit for the reasons given and clearly the whole process is in a political arena. So, by definition, political game playing took a very distant back seat to merit. Politics is inescapable since it is in the realm of politics. Come now, be realistic. You would be hard pressed to find an equal.
ReplyDeletePolitical appointment all the way.
ReplyDeleteOf course politics plays a role in Jay's appoitment. That's reality. But it does not detract one bit from what Steve had to say.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see a few more appointments from this area. For example, whu not someone like Judge Panella for the 3rd Circuit?
You say that but would piss on the suggestion that Tom Carroll be appointed like Leeson was.
ReplyDeleteIt is all about political connections. the people need to take back their government.
No, you mean that some people need to take back their version of government. We are already a democratic republic, but you prefer facism with people like you at the top, getting the oven ready for those you disdain.
ReplyDeleteIf Anon. 1:16PM is the same as Anon. 11:45 AM. It is clear that it will difficult to have an intelligent and objective discussion with you here since you prefer to keep injecting politics and ignoring objective facts. It reflects a clear bias. If you had the courage to use your true name rather than hide behind a safe alias we would get a better sense of who you are and where you are coming from. Mr. O'Hare and I have no problem with who we are. Without that it is foolish to answer you in the future. Take care and be well.
ReplyDeleteSteve,
ReplyDeleteAs the other anon's pointed out, politics played a major role. Jay is qualified, no doubt. But I could name another 15-20 attorneys and judges in the Lehigh Valley who would qualify. Bernie named 3 in the article. The reason Jay was chosen over other qualified attorneys and judges is due to his father's relationship with Casey Sr.
I have no doubt that politics played a role, but whether it was "major" is something I'll leave to others who are better informed. I am happy to see Jay got the nomination, and hope he sails through the confirmation process.
ReplyDeleteMr. Antalics: Jay's political acumen does not detract from his qualification; however, someone else blogged there are about 15 to 20 sitting judges and senior attorneys with an equal wealth of legal experience but less adequate political skills.
ReplyDeleteJay and his family just played politics better than anyone currently seeking a life-time federal judicial seat--and I admire his political acumen.
I don't know of a more deliberative, principled, and appropriate person for this appointment than Jay Leeson. While on City Council, he was always prepared and listened to people with respect. Jay is an intelligent man with remarkable humility and sly humor. Jay's appointment is entirely justified, and through his connections he was able to communicate his willingness to serve. That is political connecting at its best. Congratulations to the entire Leeson family!
ReplyDeleteKD
Leeson for Smith, political horse-trading. I am sure there are numerous sitting real judges that could have been put in on a merit system but that is the system we have.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
Sour grapes
ReplyDeleteDoes that smudge on his forehead indicate a weak mind unable to grasp a universe without a god? It is baffling how otherwise intelligent people can believe in supernatural hokum in this day and age.
ReplyDeleteIt is called faith. You have it or you don't. I don't, but do not deride those who do have faith.
ReplyDeleteBut atheists are free to be derided? Sorry, I see belief in religion as a mental weakness, as a denial of rationality, as a belief in the supernatural. I most certainly am concerned when these people are judges. Noting personal, I'm sure he's a good guy.
ReplyDeleteYou are arguing like a sophist, and have drifted off topic.
ReplyDelete