NorCo Democrats Largely Absent From Judge Smith's Induction

When Judge Edward G Smith was sworn in as the 96th judge ever appointed to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, it was a victory for the people of Northampton County. For the first time since Judge Franklin S. Van Antwerpen was on the bench, a federal judge will soon be sitting in Easton. But in what I can only regard as a petty display, Northampton County Democrats were conspicuous by their absence during the swearing-in ceremony.

None of the four Democrats on County Council bothered to appear for the ceremony. I also did not see District Attorney John Morganelli, State Representatives Bob Freeman or Steve Samuelson. I did not see Mayors Sal Panto or Bob Donchez or State Senator Lisa Boscola. I did see Controller Steve Barron, but that's about it for the Democrats.

This was a historic occasion that had nothing to do with partisan politics. Democratic judges and lawyers were there in force, but it was disheartening to see so few Democratic elected officials. I understand this Friday afternoon ceremony may have been a conflict for some, but so many were absent that it's hard to escape the conclusion that this was intentional.

With this partisan attitude and petty behavior, I can see why Democrats are losing power.

Not all that long ago, Democratic Council member Bob Werner ripped into Republican Hayden Phillips, claiming that Phillips had distorted open space purchases in Pen Argyl on a radio show. I listened to the tape, and Phillips was accurate. he distorted nothing. Werner has yet to apologize publicly for his public remarks.

Last Thursday, Democrat Ken Kraft ripped into Republican Mat Benol when he simply asked open space administrators to come back and explain the program in more detail. Kraft told Benol he should do this on his own time, like the rest of them. Later that night, however, he asked Lower Saucon officials to explain their open space referendum. Maybe he should do that on his own time.

Lamont McClure wants to engage in government by litigation, and though he's unable to convince four Council members to join him, he has already used Democrat Controller Steve Barron to file a suit.

The only Democrat on Council who has at least tried to govern is Scott Parsons. The rest are playing games.

Updated 1:15 pm: Democrats Deny Slight Intended. - I have spoken to and heard from several Democrats, who deny they intended to slight Judge Smith or make a partisan statement. County Council member called Smith a "great guy", but was tied up at work. Scott Parsons, as most of you know, works in a quarry. Some say Boib Werner was there, though I did not see him. Sal Panto said he received no invitation, and would have come had he known.

So I may have over-reacted here.