Local Government TV

Monday, August 24, 2015

Ron Angle Appointed to School Board despite Judge's Hissy Fit

Angle amused at Grigg's histrionics
He may have dropped his bid to be Controller, but Ron Angle is back in public office. He was appointed to Bangor's School Board last night from a field of five well-qualified candidates. He was elected on the first ballot, too, after all five candidates had been nominated. Angle received votes from President Michael Goffredo, Ken Brewer, Bruce Cameron, Toni Lynch and Bob Cartwright. He will only be in office for the next three months, finishing the term of Pam Colton. He was elected on the first ballot despite inappropriate meddling from Magisterial District Judge Sherwood Grigg, a die-hard Democrat who lobbied against Angle. He was elected on the first ballot despite the slinking presence of Northampton County Democratic Chair Matt Munsey, who apparently has given up on the actual partisan races for judge, controller and county council. Angle was appointed because he could hit the ground running. Unlike the other candidates, who quickly disappeared after the vote, Angle has been a regular at school board meetings and understands the issues. He proved it last night, proposing an approach to financing debt that could save the school district as much as $70,000.

Magisterial District Judge Sherwood Grigg Meddles in Angle Appointment

Grigg not a happy camper
Sherwood Grigg is a senior Magisterial District Judge. By now, he should know that it's inappropriate for a jurist to be involved in political activity, as prescribed by Canon 4 of the Rules Governing the Standards of Conduct for Magisterial District Judges. He should also know he has an obligation to be impartial, which is spelled out in Canon 2. But Grigg threw judicial ethics to the four winds in an attempt to sabotage Angle's appointment.

Angle is the Republican that democrats love to hate.

Earlier in the day, Grigg was promising people that there was no way Ron would be appointed,. Grigg would make sure of that himself by calling school directors and urging them to vote against the Northampton County Bulldog. .

Before the school board meeting started, he explained to the person seated next to him that he had come to swear in the new appointment, but refused to bring his robe. Then he added, "If a certain person is nominated and elected, I'm out of here because I don't get paid to do this."

Grigg also spoke publicly in support of Attorney General Kathleen Kane, who earlier that day had been ordered to stand trial on perjury and other charges. "She was set up," he pontificated, and then noted how easy it is to set someone up.

When Angle saw Grigg, he sat next to him. Like the hypocrite he is, Grigg smiled and made small talk with Angle.

After Angle was nominated and elected with five votes, Grigg got up to complain that the board needs to go through all the other candidates. But Angle had already been elected, a point made by both Solicitor Don Spry and President Goffredo..

Despite his earlier threat to leave, Grigg remained to administer the oath. But it was a special oath> One I never heard before. It  went on about three times longer than most oaths of office, and included pledges like "I will not take kickbacks."

A bemused Angle went along for the ride.

Obviously, Grigg failed to act fairly and impartially. .

Angle Did Hit the Ground Running

Angle and Bob Cartwright. Those two could set fire to the Lincoln tunnel. 
Once sworn in, Angle actually did hit the ground running. In fact, he may have saved the school board as much as $70,000 in his first meeting.

The school board was considering refinancing some debt with an $8 million bond issue. This would save the district about $230,000, even with administrative costs. Bond counsel Kevin Reid estimated those to be about $110,000.

Angle suggested that, instead of floating a bind, the school district could save a huge chunk of the underwriting money by approaching several banks and getting a loan at a lower rate. Reid called Angle's suggestion reasonable, and Business Manager Mark Shiavone acknowledged he had seen that approach when he was in the banking industry himself.

Legal fees will remain the same, but the elimination of other underwriting costs could save around $70,000. So instead of just voting to float a bond, the Board unanimously directed the Business Manager to first explore the option of obtaining a loan

From there, the school board went into other matters, like how much to pay substitute teachers and whether it is paying too much for bottled water. I could only take so much and left after three hours. As I've written before, I think anyone who serves on a school board is nutz. It's a thankless job.

The Angle and Slate Belt People Don't Know

The slate belt is often derided as the armpit of the Lehigh Valley. I know this because I am one of its chief tormentors. But I'll let you in on a little secret. I love it up there. The air is just a little cleaner. The people are nutz, but are just a little happier. Its terrible economy, which results mainly from a lack of infrastructure, might just be a blessing in disguise. Instead of 500,000 and 600,000 sq ft warehouses, the area is dotted with beautiful farms and magnificent views.

Before last night's meeting, I brought Dat's grandmother up to see Ron and his wife Sharon. This person is Vietnamese and has been in this country since 1985. When she first arrived, in the dead of Winter, they were hosted by a family that could only afford to give them one meal a day. Her family scoured the fields outside of Bath, looking for corn. She knows little of the Lehigh Valley, outside of its three cities. She went nuts on Angle's farm, picking apples and pears. The Angle no one knows actually helped her. His wife Sharon offered a jar of homemade plum butter.

She then asked Angle for a chicken. Ron has no chickens, only geese. But he told her she was welcome to take a cow home. Unfortunately, she could not fit it into my car.

It's a Toyota.

He made her day, and all she could talk about on the ride back to her home is how nice Ron and Sharon are.

And they are.

The school board made a good call.

57 comments:

  1. Where is Paul Revere when you need him?

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  2. How much trouble can he cause in 3 months?

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  3. How much trouble can be cause in 3 months? I say how much trouble can be cause after a month. Everyone sell your stocks before it's too late!!!

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  4. Does he still have his power drill? How long before he again violates the rights of current school District employees. More lawsuits for the school district and the taxpayers.
    Good call indeed!

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  5. I love living up here in Bugtussle for some of those same reasons. :)

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  6. I bet you Griggie is older then the school board!

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  7. I met the demo County chair awhile back. What a twirp... where's Garvin???

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  8. This will have consequences come election day. Lynch better watch out. Attaching himself to this fiasco will cost him his seat. People do not forget who supports and who opposes Ron Angle.

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  9. This alone points to the fact that this board needs to go! Enough already of kissing this political has beens ring. Remember who voted for Angle and get rid of them when their seats come up for reection.

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  10. Grigg is out of line here and he needs to be dismissed as a district judge asap! He has no shame and it is high time he retires from public service. His baggage is as heavy as Ron's.

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  11. The only thing you know about the region is what Ron feeds you. And we know what that consists of..the stuff he wants to spread on his fields.

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  12. Judges aren't political?

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  13. Munsey found his way to Bangor? He better get back to Bethlehem because his candidates depend on him for this years election. LOL Dems will be electing a new chairman right after November when they toss his ars out.

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  14. "The only thing you know about the region is what Ron feeds you. And we know what that consists of..the stuff he wants to spread on his fields."

    I have my own eyes and ears and am quite capable of forming my own opinions. I qam well aware of the general view concerning Ron, and know it is dead wrong.

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  15. "Munsey found his way to Bangor? He better get back to Bethlehem because his candidates depend on him for this years election. LOL Dems will be electing a new chairman right after November when they toss his ars out"

    With contested judicial, controller and Council seats, the NorCo Dem Chair apent an evening watching a school board meeting. Sio great is their fear of Angle, which is kind of sad. Right now, NorCo Dems should be doping everything they can to register and enlist Dems who will vote in November. That is their only hope agasinst a clean sweep. But the party boss was incredibly more interested in a three-month appointment to a school board seat.

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  16. "NorCo Dems should be doping everything they can to register and enlist Dems who will vote in November."

    Well that certainly explains some recent presidential election results.

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  17. "It's a Toyota". Ha ha ha. I'm hoping this is an inside joke...

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  18. I figure some might have taken it that way, but my car is a Toyota Camry. Was not referring to Mezzacsppa.

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  19. Grigg looks like it pisses him off just to get out of bed in the morning.

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  20. Good for Ron, i feel his heart has always been there. He may not be the most eloquent person but he is good for local Gov't

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  21. "He may not be the most eloquent person but he is good for local Gov't"

    Much like John Wayne Gacey was good fro clowns.

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  22. Griggy should lay off of the hair dye. Seems to have soaked in and made his brain soft!

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  23. Actually Matt Munsey was at the meeting at my request to support a candidate who put in a letter intent last night as I had another meeting to attend. Those are the facts. He is a great support to all Dems who run and is very focused on all races. - Jenn Newland

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  24. Jenn, let's deal with facts. Munsey arrived a little late and just sat there. He provided no support to anyone. His presence at what is really a nonpartisan office likely hurt the ex-Belvidere teacher he was supporting, just as Craig DeFranco would hurt a Republican. Right now Democrats are in a world of hurt. Bc there are no contested races in Easton or Bethlehem, it is very possible that RS will sweep. He wasted a night tgat could have been better spent in getting Dems registered, or calling them to make sure they vote. He is not a great support to all Dens who run. He plays games.

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  25. Any Dem who depends on Matt Munsey or county parties to get him or her elected is going to lose. I realize you are the Sec'y of the party, but you need to do more. how many new Dems have you registered? Did you pass on the contact information to candidates? What ara you doing to combat the likely poor turn out? This is s very critical election, and driving tgat turn out is where time and energy need to be directed. It was a colossal mistake to sit at that meeting over a frickin' three month seat. I can guarantee you that the Rs are focused.

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  26. Grigg is a joke for a jurist/judge and an embarrassment to the Northampton County bench to say the least. Where else do get a judge that doesn't bring his robe to a swearing in ceremony and to act like in public? His job is to be impartial from what the known word is that this "judge" has more baggage then American Airlines.....

    And yes... Griggy you did violate the ethics of canon law..... then again have you not violated the law before?

    White Waaaarussins??.... Where else can you get an unrobed judge with a .bac to match his IQ? Only in Bangor.....

    Ron Angle is the least of anyone's worries when you see what an idiot this judge is.

    Grigg is just a MESS and has been for quite sometime.... I think he outdid himself this time.....

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  27. Thank you for your opinion Bernie. We can always count on you for constructive criticism and telling like you see it. I'm one who actually appreciates that. While we have never met and without going into personal detail, I can tell you this that I try to help the party as much as I can right now. As to how many D's have I registered, I don't keep a score card. However I can tell you that I consistently push registration and always have forms with me. You may not like that vague answer, but at least it is truthful. On Matt, we will just need to agree to disagree. But on the critical nature of this election, I couldn't agree with you more. Have a good night! - Jenn Newland

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  28. I did not even get into his constant comments before the vote, which I thought was quite disrespectful. Also, I can assure you that he is going to have to explain his behavior in another venue.

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  29. Jenn, I appreciate your answer. Believe it or not, I carry registration forms, too. I got three county workers registered before the primary, but need to do more. I have zero so afar since then. So in addition to kicking everyone in the ass, I need to kick myself in the ass.

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  30. If you kick yourself in the ass you'll knock your glasses off!

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  31. My first impression of Ron was in 2000 or 2001 when I went to a Bangor School Board meeting to observe for an American Government class in college. I had heard about the excitement at the BSD board meetings back then and felt it might be a good place to observe without needing toothpicks for my Sophomore eye-lids. Right away I had his attention as an outsider, to which he greeted me with a "Who the hell are you?" after the meeting. I guess my notebook and furious notes may have ticked him off. Maybe our paths might cross again some day and I could form a better judgement, but his first impression wasn't a very good one with me.

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  32. I just deleted an anonymous personal question. If you want to know about my personal life, send me an email and tell you who you are.

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  33. Muncey has every right to attend a public meeting as do you. The Dem. party does not need your assistance in winning seats for our candidates. Bashing concerned citizens is not in the best interest of true democracy. There are two sides to every story..unfortunately you choose what side to cover and ignore the other. So be it as you are not a true reporter at all but only a pr shill for your chosen friends.

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  34. 8:01 AM YAWNING........... Democrats need every vote they can get this election because of statements like yours. The "FAKE " motions from your concerned citizens does NOT serve in the best interest of your party. I should know I heard statements first hand and will reveal them when needed. The private backroom deals will be told and future elections will be effected. The R's will take over because there is no loyalty among Dems! They cross over and vote for R's (even have private meetings with them.) I know you are shocked by this however I believed in Santa for awhile as well. Good Luck in trying to stay out of the crapper. You know the DEAL!

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  35. 8:01 This has nothing to do with Munsey's right to be there. Of course he does. But he did not help his party and may have hurt it.

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  36. Let's get something else straight. I have an obligation to tell the truth, as i see it. I have an obligation to get my facts right. But I am not going to lie and pretend I am unbiased. We are all biased, and those who make claims to objectivity are necessarily being dishonest. So-called "objective" journalism is over-rated, as the NIZ coverage from local papers makes clear.

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  37. Bernie, your 10:44 comments are bullshit. Everyone has some bias most "professionals" can work around it and be objective. You are neither a professional nor objective. You are a hack for your pals, as this Angle story has proved. You pretend everyone is like you to cover your own biased ass. It is another trait of an addictive personality.

    Dr. Ruthass

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  38. You have appropriately named yourself. Actually, I have explained how I am DIFFERENT in that I make no pretense about being objective. Those who do are necessarily liars bc everything is shaded by the observer's perspective. What I can promise is that I am honest. You know my perspective, and if you don't like it, you don't have to read it.

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  39. If you were truly "honest" you would admit your little sophomoric game of semantics is pure biullshi8t. You are not a lawyer anymore.

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  40. I like when domeone who lacks the personal integrity to identify himself or herself calls me dishonest.

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  41. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  42. A personal attack from an anonymous coward has been deleted.

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  43. Sherwood R. Grigg is known as much as being a magistrate as he in being a local drunk. As an Elks Club member he is quite well known and have seen first hand of his drinking problem. Mixed drinks never beer. Ask any ELKS member they will tell you that he is a drunk and isn't respected so his behavior doesn't surprise me in the least. He is an embarrassment to the ELKS (which he doesn't go in anymore) and the entire Northampton County Legal system. Definitely should have been kicked from the position by the Court system long ago. If he acts out like this over his personal hate for Ron Angle think of just the average Joe who cannot afford a suit to fight a ticket or doesn't like the way he looks or speaks out in court. Your doomed. He has shown his colors for all to see with this one. Its been rumors for years of his politics here in Bangor. He thinks he is respected? He isn't, as a drunk they fear him in court. He is not respected as obviously he isn't honest in his wearing of the robe of justice and wearing that robe... Ohh that's right he didn't wear it right?
    Bernie ask a few Slate Belt cops-they have a lot of stories of this guy and his "justice" and court room antics and bullying. "Fair and "Impartial" no way.... the scales of blind justice in Bangor with this guy come with a white Russian and a .bac along with whether your a member of what club or a "favor"

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  44. Your view of the nominating procedure?

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  45. They were conducted in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. The first candidate to get five votes wins. That was Angle. What Grigg essentially wanted them to do is keep going until someone else was elected.

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  46. I've seen Griggie first hand in the courtroom...it's HIS way or the HIGHWAY...this means you can thank God appeal his decision to a real Judge who has judicial ethics to render a correct and fair disposition.

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  47. "Grigg is out of line here and he needs to be dismissed as a district judge asap! He has no shame and it is high time he retires from public service. His baggage is as heavy as Ron's."

    The same should apply to Angle. Just make sure everything he suggests is on the up and up. How many mortgages did he write before he got caught?

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  48. So you support a demeaning oath that attempted to humiliate Angle, administered buy a judge with a $12,000 tax lien and who lost his house in a foreclosure.

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  49. Mr. O'Hare I love your blog. Ron Angle is the man we love to hate here in "bugtussle". He speaks is mind. He was right on about Gracedale. Loosing 11 million this year with a projected loss of 18 million within next 5 years. Those that robbed their parents assets then put them in a home on our tax money should pay for their parents care NOT me. The drill? He asked for teacher evaluations and turned down-to prove a point of incompetent teachers he proved a point and they are gone! Cant go against the "Good Ole Boys". The same GOB's that raise our taxes every year, wanted a new $8 million stadium, over paid the school lawyer thousands and have them as their personal lawyer? The thought of uncertified teachers at $165.00 and a pension is SICKENING but all Ok for the GOB's.To the "GOB's no problem with that right? The "Good Ole Boys" on the School Board for personal interests. From selling candy to see your wife's job which is funded by school tax dollars and the list goes on. That's the "Good Ole Boys", the nepotism in hiring friends and family goes on and on and when you don't get your own way you quit right? There will be more resigning I think and GOOD! And with Ron Angle there their ways wont get any easier! Ron will work hard for our children's education and the taxpayers and also put a stop and get the "Good Ole Boys" out and clean this cess pit out of our School Board called the majority Good Ole Boys! Raising taxes? Sitting there while the THIER personal lawyer overbill's us? Sit there while their uncertified "teacher" (coughs) friends get $165 per day and a pension they don't deserve is so sad. But a new stadium? I heard they were all pissed off when a couple of then non GOB's wanted a zero tax increase imagine that? Not raise taxes?
    They then attempt to create the air of mayhem and chao's to cover up whats really going on. There is a power struggle there between the "Good Ole Boys" and common sense for education and taxpayers school board members. I am glad your there Mr. Angle as you also will see that they GOB's are called out and kept on check on all their nonsense and spendful waste and there should be more board members asking question as to what the GOB's are doing.
    s the taxpayer? Im glad your there Mr. Angle! after ALL YOUR THE MAN WE LOVE TO HATE!

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  50. Thanks for the post Ron. You can revise and revise history but people know the facts. Even with your buddy spreading your product.

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  51. Good to see the good ole boys are reading..... that is the facts!

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  52. And the tax sale on a property owned by your man crush evades your biased investigative eye? A minor but noteworthy omission given your smear of Grigg.

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  53. Was a motion ever made to close nominations? Or was it a i nominate x lets vote on him and he wins we font have to consider others? Sounds like Roberts Rules. NOT. also suggests Sundhine Law violation as in we discussed and agreed beforehand.

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  54. Gotta' love this question from an anonymous asshole who, after asking it, assumes they were never closed and just rushes to the wrong conclusion. Nominations were closed.

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  55. 4:32, As I have explained before, that one Easton property is actually owned by Phil Lauer, who tends to get distracted by his clients and has put Ron in dicey positions as a result. Ron pays his property taxes in the discount period and is not a judge.

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  56. The vote should have been conducted with the directors being given all the names of those interested and then they give the name of the person they want as they vote. If they did it in some order and Angle was first and They only had to say yes or no,that is in fact bullshot. Grigg would be right to complain of yet another insider deal in the boonie.

    Hans Aloover

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