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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Wednesday, November 08, 2017

McClure McCrushes in NorCo.

While WFMZ-TV69 was pretending to wait for results last night in the NorCo Exec race, the elections office had already had 100% of the results up online. Unofficially, Lamont McClure picked up 20,421 votes to incumbent John Brown's 17,535. McClure had a nearly 3,000 vote lead. Ironically, the man who upset John Callahan four years ago was himself toppled. This vote, along with the election of Democratic governors in Virginia and New Jersey, is clearly a rebuke of  the dangerous nonsense being spewed by authoritarian Donald Trump and his cult worshipers. But the chief architect of this victory is McClure himself. He waged a nearly perfect campaign. Rather than hiring an expensive consultant, he framed his own messages And McClure McCrushed. It's the best-run executive race I ever saw, and he clearly enjoyed himself. I hope to tell you that story in the coming days.

In addition to McClure's victory in the Exec race, four of the five Democratic Council candidates have been elected. These include top vote getter Ron Heckman (19,685), fiery Tara Zrinski (19,628), mellow Lori Vargo Heffner (19,160) and soft-spoken Bill McGee (18,992).

The sole Republican to be elected, Peg Ferraro, finished third (18,751) fifth instead of as the top vote getter. Her support for Donald Trump and unwillingness to question Brown clearly hurt her. So did her desire to fund the Da Vinci Center, a goofy fish tank in downtown Easton, with $15 million that the County does not have. I am sorry to see Hayden Phillips, whom I deeply respect, go down. But the elimination of political opportunist Glenn Geissinger, who ran for Congress after being on Council for just a year, brought no tears to my eyes. And I was thrilled to see the voters just say No to Seth Vaughn. After missing the most important budget meeting of the year, his response was, "So what? Who cares?"

Looks like the people care, Seth.

For years ago, when Brown upset John Callahan, his margin of victory was 1,294 votes. He won by keeping it close in Bethlehem, where Callahan was Mayor. Callahan only won Bethlehem by 95 votes, and actually lost in seven wards. McClure won Bethlehem by 1,902 votes, thanks in large part to the write-in City Council campaign of Dr. Paige Van Wirt.

Four years ago, Brown defeated John Callahan by 87 votes in Upper Nazareth. This time, he lost Upper Nazareth by 181 votes. He and Council incumbents paid the price for considering a $185 million jail at Gracedale.

To his credit, Brown did concede to McClure last night.

I was pleasantly surprised to see Phillips Armstrong prevail in Lehigh County. As I've told you before, he is a high caliber talent and will continue the work started by Don Cunningham and continued by Tom Muller. I wish Tom Muller had served one more term.

As for Allentown and Fed Ed, I really thought the people were going to take back their government. But they apparentylike having a crook as Mayor.

107 comments:

Anonymous said...

Don't forget Peg's last minute rob0 call for Brown. Her call claiming Gracedale plans were fake news rankled many, including republicans. She may want to rethink her unflinching pure party support in the future.

She will also be one of three women and not even the top vote getter amongst them. Her gender-card game may not work like in the past.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to a Democratic team who put together a near flawless campaign to defeat five incumbents. They didn't lay out much of a platform, however, they didn't need to do much more than remind the voters how the incumbent "R's" let an Executive run amok, unchallenged and with their blessing. Now let's clean up the mess of this administration and turn the government back to the people. Good, clean, efficient government can't function in total secrecy and the people won't stand for it. The people have spoken. la la la la....la la la la.....hey hey hey ...GooooooooDBYE.

Anonymous said...

As you pointed out, much of the result was a response to Trumpism, throwing out a few (very few) good R's. One WFMZ reporter was accurate when he said anyone with an "R" next to their name appeared susceptible to defeat.
I'm waiting for the official results giving breakdowns of the voters who went to the polls. Will be interesting to see if the Democrats got off their asses this year and went out in large numbers to vote.

Anonymous said...

I am glad Ron Heckman got big numbers. He is a decent guy and I know he cares a great deal about county services. I think he will bring a lot of knowledge to the county. Especially with so many people with only a few years of experience or less.

Anonymous said...

Maybe I shouldn't offer an opinion on the Allentown mayoral race because, after all, my only credential is that I live in Allentown. I don't have the global, sideline armchair perception that comes from many of this blog's commentators who opine and preach from their out of town. More seriously, patronage is not always a crime; pay to play is not always a crime (look it up). I voted for the indicted one because my memory is accurate enough to picture Allentown as it was 8 years ago (not 40 years ago as some of these suburban critics yearn for) and compare that memory to the city's energy and continued growth of today. I am also satisfied with the city services I receive and how they are delivered. Now let's get back to reading about how Allentown Demos recruited Homeless Shelter drug addicts to cast phantom votes, or how we low-information Allentown voters should have to take literacy tests before we are allowed to vote.

Anonymous said...

anon 4:40, racist much?

Anonymous said...

@ 4:25
Continue with the tea party talking points, you will never learn

Anonymous said...

Trump and possibly Brown had a major effect on this election. Many are saying that the Democrats came out in relative force compared to the Republicans. The Democrats voted straight Democrat no matter who was on the ticket. Elections do have consequences. Anyone with an "R" behind their name should have expected to lose unless they are in a dominated "R" district or have some serious ties in that community and that might not have mattered. In NORCO, some good R's lost probably due to Trump and perhaps Brown.

Anonymous said...

As an Allentown voter, who has NEVER voted Pawlowski in either the primary or general EVER, I would note that 61% of the city voted against him and he only won over Nat Hyman by about 300 votes in a city with virtually no Republican structure or politicians. Otherwise, a fantastic night defeating the vile that has become the Republican party. Also, with the referendum passing, isn't this now Pawlowski's final term...well until the trial anyway...

Anonymous said...

The party of Ed Pawlowski votes its conscience across the Lehigh Valley!

Anonymous said...

Was O'Connell in cahoots with Fed Ed? Ray's behavior over the next couple of months should be scrutinized very closely.

Anonymous said...

Brown, Allen, Faryna, and Trapp got what they deserve. Can't wait to see them leave!!!

Anonymous said...

Start packing Trapp! Don't forget to leave the popcorn machine.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

You can't forget trapps side kick "bad cop" Twinning. He needs to go too. She also had that one woman that but I cant remember her name. Get rid of the whole lot if them. If they can't return the time clocks she should take them as a severance package. Give one to each management person that thought it was a good idea. $36 grand on useless tech. Maybe put one where Brown's painting is on the 3rd floor.

Anonymous said...

By "bad cop" it has no reflection on his past. I have no knowledge if he was a good officer. He was just tyre bad cop in the Trapp, Twinning, Debohr team. Debohr was the soft spoken "good cop". Twinning was the intimidating one and Trapp was just there to yell a lot.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations NC voters. We dumped "Brown the Clown" and his useless minions on council. I hope McClure cleans house internally. Send Allen/Trapp and the rest to the unemployment line with their champion John Brown. This is a chance to end blatant cronyism to rest and place knowledgeable and experience people in the right position.

As far as Allentown, the O'Connell/Hendricks siphoning plan ensured a democratic win and clandestinely put their secretive preferred candidate, [the erstwhile lying, deceiving, Chicago politician "Fed Ed"] back into office. Allentown, "The City with no Morals" deserves lawlessness, massive welfare recipients, thugs, drug dealers and homicides. Congratulations, the inmates are running the asylum until the federal trial.

Anonymous said...

@6:31am: DITTO!

Also, it should be noted that Ron Angle has always acted like a Trump wannabe. So glad he got the least amount of votes. Democrats sure sent a clear message this time.

Anonymous said...

I hope Mr. McClure remembers the county's most important asset, The Employees. We shall see.......

Anonymous said...

The Northampton Republican Committee needs to clean house starting with the head. The hatred being spewed by Trump on down cost R's big locally and nationally. Time for change.

Anonymous said...

Bernie
What's McClure's opinion on aquarium?

Anonymous said...

Hope the popcorn machine is thrown out. What a negative that is.

Anonymous said...

One of the first thing Lamont should do is to put the popcorn machine up for bids with the minimum bid being the original cost, and more than likely it will go as a trophy item and bring much more than the original cost with the money being put back in the budget.

Anonymous said...

Good for Tara, she is a quality lady and will bring a nice perspective to the council.

(from a republican)

Anonymous said...

@8:03,
Taking you seriously, the popcorn machine will fetch less than half of its original cost if sent to auction. Used food service equipment is overly abundant, like the numbers of defeated incumbents. (Except for Allentown. They got what they deserved.)

Anonymous said...

Though won't admit it, the reason Brown lost is because who he is (arrogant, dishonest, untruthful, etc.). He won 4 years ago because no one knew who he was, he lost now because everyone knows what he is.

Anonymous said...

What now for Brown?

Anonymous said...

Hope ALLEN used her inflated salary to pay off her debt. Back to office secretary on low end of pay scale with all her experience probability one of Browns biggest mistackes

Anonymous said...

@8:34: AMEN!

Brown's choice for that position as well as hiring Amy Trapp were the two main reasons I didn't vote for him this time around...and the fact that he was photographed at Trump rallies.

Anonymous said...

If you think this is going to end cronyism, I have a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to show you.

Anonymous said...

Lamont needs to get rid of Human Services Director Frantz as well, because Human Services is a complete mess because of her!

Anonymous said...

WFMZ was downright morose last night. You could see the despair on their faces,when they were forced to report the local and state and then multi-state Democrat sweep.

Anonymous said...

? If Trump is so bad, who the hell voted him in ? People don't want Socialism
( at least I hope not) . Brown lost his own election "PERIOD". Piss poor decisions and lack of leadership of those he hired to run county offices under his control ( or lack thereof) . He turned out to be an ass like that of Callahan 4 years ago. People saw what he was, a fraud and booted him out. Problem is at the federal level, neither party knows how to handle The Don. I luv it! Need to shake up the fraud two party system which is failing our land.

Anonymous said...

908 am

WFMZ only cares about Berks & Lehigh as usual. Why I rarely watch their so called local news.

Anonymous said...

Is it me or does McClure only own one blue shirt and one red tie? Never saw him wear anything else.

Anonymous said...

It is good, and obvious, based on all the results that the Trump factor did not have an impact on the local elections. New Jersey was never going to vote for Guadagno. I am actually surprised the margin of victory wasn't greater. Republicans won in some areas where they were not supposed to win, and Democrats also pulled out some underdog wins. Brown and the Norco group have been dysfunctional since they took office and the voters know it.

Anonymous said...

Dems were obviously motivated and out yesterday and congrats to all of them, but now comes the burden of expectations, lets see how they do. My advice is to avoid over correcting with hard left decision making.

Republicans need to reorganize and rethink their message. They have a rock solid base they can count on, but in a way that base is becoming a bit of an anchor in that it prizes strict adherence to a specific set of values that doesn't really resonate outside its core.

Anonymous said...

Do we really know if McClure will get rid of Trapp? Could keeping her be a possibility? Since bloated Barron has been running the show behind the scenes, bet he becomes the new Cathy Allen.

Anonymous said...

(;55

If he doesn't fire Von Trapp, he is committing political suicide within the courthouse. The b---- needs to go ! along with here pansy followers.

Anonymous said...

87% of registered Northampton County voters, did not vote yesterday. People simply don't care! We suck.

Anonymous said...

@5:01
Tea Party talking point? You Dolt. I'm one of the Democrats that got off his ass and voted.
Try to see the big picture of why the results might be what they are.

Anonymous said...

With all due respect to the "masterful campaign" run by McClure this was simply a turn out election. Dems showed up last night and Reps did not. 4yrs ago the turnout was 18% and last night it was 23%. Brown had a bad record to run against so really any D wins. Heckman was on the ballot both cycles, lost badly 4 yrs ago and won last night. If I recall McClure lost badly(took 3rd behind Callahan and Reibman) in the Dem primary 4 yrs ago. Suddenly he is a genius? I am glad he won, I am no fan of Brown, but lets keep it real Bernie.

Anonymous said...

Anon 10:18 is exactly right. Brown actually got more votes than 4 years ago. But McClure got 5000 more than Callahan did 4 years ago. McClure benefited from running in a year after Trump won presidency. Dems were eager, Repos were not.

Also, only about 800 more people voted in Bethlehem. Paige had nothing to do with it. She did get 1700 write ins, but still was over 3500 behind.

Anonymous said...

Karma is a bitch!

Bernie O'Hare said...

Her candidacy encouraged turnout.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"With all due respect to the "masterful campaign" run by McClure this was simply a turn out election."

Part of the reason for that turnout is he excellent campaign run by McClure. I will be going into this in a future post. He did things I've never seen before.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"87% of registered Northampton County voters, did not vote yesterday. People simply don't care! We suck."

Unofficially, turnout is 22.97%, and is higher than the 19.06% four years ago. It is too soon to say for sure what the exact turnout was. Contrary to what Donald Trump has taught you, facts are not things to be made up along the way.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"If he doesn't fire Von Trapp, he is committing political suicide within the courthouse. The b---- needs to go ! along with here pansy followers."

She was toxic. The second it was revealed that a derogatory comment was made under her husband's name about county employees, Brown should have insisted on an apology. Instead he allowed her to abuse county tax dollars and bully people like CPT David Collins as well as several others I won't name bc they will suffer more if I do. Council knew what she was like and failed to stop her.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Do we really know if McClure will get rid of Trapp? Could keeping her be a possibility? Since bloated Barron has been running the show behind the scenes, bet he becomes the new Cathy Allen."

There is no doubt in my mind that Trapp is gone. There is very little doubt about the remaining cabinet officials.. I am sure Barron will have a role in the McClure admin.

Anonymous said...

I love you Bernie and I am glad Lamont won, but this election, like the one in Virginia and the rest of the county was about Dem energy and enthusiasm. Unless you are telling me Lamont ran the GOTV effort in Virginia as well as Norco! We are talking about Lamont McClure here, we all know him and he is no ball of fire. Just keep it real Bernie and do not view last night"s outcome in a vacuum. I value your political insight but you are losing some credibility.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"My advice is to avoid over correcting with hard left decision making."

McClure, like Morganelli or Jerry Seyfried, is a conservative Democrat. A blue dog. His Council is more liberal.

Bernie O'Hare said...

" I value your political insight but you are losing some credibility."

It is the best-run exec campaign I ever saw, independent of the Trump factor. I previously predicted that Trump would play a role in this victory, but McClure did things that have not been done before. This goes from old techniques like polling that tracked what voters were thinking to the new tactic of making heavy use of social media. I will explain this in an upcoming post. I don't really give a shit what you think about my credibility.

Anonymous said...

Agree with 10:18 and 11:47 about the environment. Dems were energized nationwide. They took row offices in SE PA counties like Bucks and Delco for the first time in eons. Republicans lied to their voters for 7 years and now they wonder about a lack of enthusiasm? 2018 is going to be a rout. Welcome back Speaker Pelosi.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"It is good, and obvious, based on all the results that the Trump factor did not have an impact on the local elections."

Facts are not what you want them to be. hey are what they are. Trump played a huge role in the Dem win here in NC. People are disgusted by him and those who support him despite his outrageous behavior.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"What's McClure's opinion on aquarium?"

At the debate, he said he liked the concept, but said more needed to be done to see of county $ should go towards it.

Anonymous said...

Anyone w/ a pulse could've have beaten Brown!

Bernie O'Hare said...

"The Northampton Republican Committee needs to clean house starting with the head. The hatred being spewed by Trump on down cost R's big locally and nationally. Time for change."

Gen'l Lee took this race for granted and has acted disgracefully towards decent Rs who dared to question Dent. Her adoration of Simmons is a joke. She should resign.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"I hope Mr. McClure remembers the county's most important asset, The Employees. We shall see......"

I expect you to see a big change.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Also, it should be noted that Ron Angle has always acted like a Trump wannabe."

Ron is a great guy. He voted for Trump, but never liked him. He like Bloomberg. He lost, and that's OK. He has a life outside of politics.

Anonymous said...

Bernie - If you think Lee Snover needs to resign, then so does Jess Banotai. No excuse for Hyman and Osborne losses.

Anonymous said...

Word around the courthouse is that Brown is laying the loss at the feet of his director of corrections Kean because he lead him down the path of a new prison. Wonder if Kean or Trapp will find a new job prior to January?

Anonymous said...

12:55 For the Red Head witch ,let's hope so !

Anonymous said...

Blame belongs squarely on the candidate. From the beginning, Brown demonstrated that he was inover his head. Could not attract good staff. At war with employees. Poor fiscal performance. Tax increase probably not necessary. Did not work with his council majority. You have to ask yourself if Trump or Snovee did not exist, would Brown ever have a shot at winning. I say no. He lost it on his first day. He simply could not do the job. Our political parties are a mess. They are neither a reason for success or failure.

Anonymous said...

Brown lost the election as much as McClure won it. Brown found a way to alienate just about everyone. First county employees, who he treated like trash.Then the press, who he snubbed with armed guards preventing access. Then taxpayers by hiring unqualified cronies and giving them illegal pay raises. Then intelligent citizens by promoting a tax cheat to be his second in command. Brown ran the county like it was his own personal business. Fat, no-bid contracts to cronies for unnecessary services. Allowing his managers to take expensive training junkets and buy gift cards and popcorn machines while treating front line employees like dirt. Getting very little accomplished. Running for statewide office IN HIS FIRST TERM! Unbelievable! He was hired by the taxpayers to run the county, and instead for a year ran around the state on a hopeless campaign. That showed distain for county voters. His own party couldn't defend his egregious behavior and clueless decisions any longer. Brown had the charisma of a snake in the grass. He was pretty much a total failure. So it was no surprise that he was crushed by McClure. Back to obscurity in Bangor, Brownie. And take tax cheat Allen, Hoverboard Amy, and Butterbean Keen with you!

Anonymous said...

After reading some of these posts I won't even need my Viagra tonight!

Anonymous said...

Bernie retorts at 12:15pm: "Ron is a great guy. He voted for Trump, but never liked him."

I respond: I wasn't questioning Ron's character, which is questionable...I maintain that he acts like an authoritarian, just like Trump. Remember when Ron brought a drill to Bangor school district to power his way into seeing personnel records...or the rest of his silly stunt and charades over the years. Trump wannabe. I stand by it.

Anonymous said...

Bernie I hope you do an entry about the new people on county council and the new political makeup and what that may or may not mean for the future. Rubber stamp again? More oversight? Would enjoy your analysis base in your experience.

Unknown said...

Mr. Executive elect, what’s the original cost on that pop corn machine....... I think I’m interested in it......., lol...... no I’m serious!!!
Good luck, you have a big job in front of you.

Anonymous said...

"I hope Mr. McClure remembers the county's most important asset, The Employees. We shall see...."

No matter how efficient, effective, or hard working you are, you are still part of the load.

The most important asset is the hard working tax payer who has little need for government services, likely a person who never used a government subsidized toilet at lunch break and who's gasoline taxes cover much of what he uses.

Anonymous said...

Seems too me many employees in the entire area will be looking for new jobs in January 2018. Will the bait and switch tecniq of the circus carnival finally come to a impass?

Bernie, was that a Turkey in the hen house or did they now try to fit a camel in too?

Bernie O'Hare said...

“After reading some of these posts I won't even need my Viagra tonight! ”

I’ll warn your wife.

Anonymous said...

5:58 a.m.: The mayor won by more than 600 votes, not 300 as you stated. And if you've NEVER voted for the guy, then his indictment had nothing to do with your choices, did it? Next time say something that makes sense.

Anonymous said...

If the NorCo report is correct, Peg Farraro finished 5th. Only 300 votes ahead of Peter Melan. It was damn near a clean sweep. Peg should consider herself lucky.
https://www.northamptoncounty.org/CTYADMN/ELECTNS/Election%20Results/November%207,%202017%20Summary%20Report.pdf

Anonymous said...

Did Lamont run the GOTV effort in Virginia too? Come on Bernie, keep it real!

Bernie O'Hare said...

5:23, You are right.

Bernie O'Hare said...

6:04, Lamont would have won this race with half as much campaigning. Authoritarian Donald Trump has damaged the R brand, especially among those who have refused to stand up to this anti-American president who pretends he's all about America. But McClure's victory margin is the result of a superb campaign. It's the best effort I ever saw and I will be writing about it soon. Maybe you'll learn a few things. As Callahan took Brown for granted, Brown took McClure for granted. While General Lee Snover was focused on her love for the Donald and pushing Justin Simmons for Congress next year, she did nothing to help the Rs running this year until it was too late. She was too busy waging war on other Rs who weren't Trumpy enough, even taking her fight to Lehigh County Rs. Thanks General Lee.

Anonymous said...

MR MCLURE. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DON'T FORGET MR KEEN HE GOT TO GO THAT NASTY NASTY PERSON.

Anonymous said...

One thing is certain. Brown peaked in his quest for a higher office. Exec is as far as he will get. His history as Exec for NorCo, his lies about his business success, his cronyism, and all the rest of his 4-year circus will make it easy for any opponent he faces to defeat him on his own failed record.
Bangor might welcome him back. After all, Nazareth voted in a guy who is an admitted thief and Allentown re-elected a guy who will probably serve a 4-year term behind bars. Maybe Bangor drinks from the same water supply.

Anonymous said...

Every staff from the poisonous tree know as John Brown needs to be gone as soon as possible. Allen, Trapp, Twinning, DeBoer, Schaeffer, Keen, Colon amd everyone else who I missed. It is a damn shame to think of all the county employees who were forced out because of all of these fools. Something tells me that they all will have to answer for their cowardice. COWARDS.

Anonymous said...

The alt-right wants to spin this race. The people that won worked hard. I saw them everywhere doing what they could to win votes. Brown and his council cronies had a terrible record of taxation and spending. A rudderless ship going in expensive circles. His disrespect of people who caught him in the prison lie. Then Peg goes and does a political call claiming it was fake news. She is very lucky she survived. Melan didn't do a thing in his race and almost beat her sitting on his backside.

Anonymous said...

Out of curosity, I listened to waeb for about an hour this am. During that time, not a word was mentioned about the County Executive races. Goes to show you Conservative Correctness prevails and provides the alt right a safe space where they can discuss conspiracy theories and nod at trumps factless tweets. America was ALWAYS Great.

Anonymous said...

Ditto, Has to go and put the right person in that position.. none other then David Collins.

Anonymous said...

Bernie, with your inside connections do you believe McClure will replace the cabinet?
Trapp?
Rugis?
Keen?
Dalrymple?
Frantz?

They all donated to his campaign.

Anonymous said...

99% of the county workforce wants them gone.

Anonymous said...

Agree 100% Bernie - Geissinger and Vaughn good riddance! Also agree with Phillips - I respect him while not always agreeing with him. Biggest win of the night was taking our county trash John Brown out to the curb... hope not to see you ever again.

Anonymous said...

@10:55pm perhaps McClure will be able to find 9 more Cathy Allens... BWA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!

Al said...

Screw brown and his administration I hope they all get fired including crooked ass stan rugis. Public works hates this guy he's crooked as hell!!!!!!!!!

Al said...

Just to add to that my ex boss called me and said stan told him to harass me to get rid of me great boss???

Bernie O'Hare said...

10:55, to be clear, I have no more inside line to Lamont than anyone else. I have tried to help him, and that help is visible bc of this blog. But I know many people who have done much more than I. I believe he will replace the entire cabinet. I have heard from people who really are on the inside that every exempt employee will be replaced. He needs his own team and it should be people who are loyal to him, not Brown.

Al said...

Nice I got screwed

Anonymous said...

Members of Brown's cabinet donated to McClure? Is that a fact? If so, that proves that not only are they incompetent, they are disloyal and can't be trusted. McClure needs to clean house, and appoint qualified professionals he can trust.

Bernie O'Hare said...

All but Cathy Allen and Allison Frantz donated. I missed Bob Eyer, who donated $500.

Anonymous said...

Yikes! Guess if Brown was re-elected he would have replaced those traitors.

Anonymous said...

Amy Trapp donated to McClure campaign? Isn't she currently employed by John Brown? What a joke! When can McClure clean house?

Anonymous said...

The only change I see is a ten percent crease n county taxes in McClures budget

Anonymous said...

A loss for the employees who try to do a good job and relief for the slugs who do nothing. Lets see if McClure makes good on his promises to current employees and the retirees of Northampton County. He promised to give retirees another $12,000 to offset out of pocket costs. Right now many retirees pay the HUGH SUM of less than $20 a month for healthcare. Did not see any of that on his brochures to the public. OINK, OINK!

Anonymous said...

6:47. You considered yourself Lee's friend at one time. Myself as well. But you put on these funny glasses that make you see only certain issues and not others and presto chango now we are on your shit list. Can you go one day without saying Trump, or even thinking about him. Bernie you are part of the problem in this country and it just makes me dig in my heels a little bit more.

Bernie O'Hare said...

You sound like someone who would refer to the county worker as an "entitled spoiled brat government employee who needs to get with the program." Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

Bernie O'Hare said...

10:41, Trump is an authoritarian who is endangering our very form of government. I have no problem with people who held heir nose and voted for him, but do have a problem with apologists like Lee Snover, who defend every mistake he makes instead of calling him out. I am especially bothered that she has used Trump support as a litmus test by which she judges other Republicans. And I am really bothered by how she went after Charlie Dent, which was crazy.

As a party boss, she should step down. She has hurt her own brand by sewing dissension among Rs in her own party. She has forgotten that her job is to get get county Republicans elected and to recruit Rs, not scare them off.

She did snub council candidates at her dinner. I confirmed this with three of them. She spent her time promoting next year's congressional races instead of doing the work at hand.

I also resent that she represents herself as some sort of ant-establishment country girl when she chairs the Beth Tp Planning Comm'n, which gives her the ability to see what businesses might want drywall.

These are all fair criticisms, and if she thinks friendship would stop me from pointing them out, she is wrong. If she were in trouble, I would stop and help her in a heartbeat, but I still call things the way I see them.

Like it or not, Trump played a huge role in this loss. And your party boss is in the tank for that guy. She got a swelled head bc of her victory and faled to deliver the county when it really mattered. Now her husband loses his job as an ass't solicitor. You can dig in your heels now.

Bernie O'Hare said...

"Amy Trapp donated to McClure campaign? Isn't she currently employed by John Brown? What a joke! When can McClure clean house?"

Those contributions went to Brown.

Anonymous said...

Defends his mistakes. Like the Paris Climate Accord. I read it by the way, what a bunch of feel good stuff that has no teeth and puts the financial burden on us, and accomplishes little. The Kyoto climate accord should have been ratcheted up and extended for another 10 or 20 years. Let's form another couple more accords and wish that the environment gets better. There are so many ways we can help do our part to make earth more sustainable but we don't. I tell liberals take the extra money you are now making in your retirement account (thanks to Donald) and give it to a worthy cause that will help this beautiful planet we live on . What do you think the answer is. They laugh at me. It's their money that they earned. Use your purchasing power to buy from "green companies" or from countries that are eco friendly and not from China. Guess what, they laugh again. Bernie - I recycle everything, even the cardboard from toilet paper gets recycled, and I take it to Palmer recycling center where they will make a couple $$$ from it. I flush my toilet every 4th use and I spent $1,000 on 3 toilets that use like a glass of water to flush it. In Toronto, they recycle 75% of their waste. We may hit 25% on a good day. There are things we can do, but we don't so sad and the worst perps are liberals. I practice what I preach and maintain my strict R leanings. I'm sure your diehard friend Ron is the same way, and I believe I can learn a thing or two from him. I don't see him wasting anything.

Anonymous said...

Bernie, would be interested to get your take. Any Brown appointees you think should be retained by Mr. MCclure when he takes office?

Bernie O'Hare said...

No. This is not my call. This is McClure's decision. I would thank each exempt employee for his or her services, and advise them to start looking. McClure simply can't trust them, and he is entitled to surround himself with people whom he can trust. I have heard that Trapp would like to stay, but she is the most toxic of Brown's employees. McClure knows this. It is time for her to ruin morale somewhere else. Maybe Fed Ed will hire her back.

Anonymous said...

He really can't keep any of the top people. They are part of the reason McClure won. Brown was toxic and his appointees were just as toxic. Despite the GOP and Snover saying Brown was a great executive with poor political sense, they won't concede that people saw though his corporate-babble speeches and saw the bullshot.

They will not admit that they, not democrats went back on their word and became the party of high taxes and massive spending. The big lie can only last so long.

Anonymous said...

I hear Trapp has multiple offers. With her qualifications she won’t be out of work very long. If she does leave the county those will be big shoes to fill.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Somehow the county will manage.

Anonymous said...

See ya!!!!