The big story you'll see today is that Northampton County voted last night to award $10 million in hotel taxes for the Easton-based DaVinci Science Center. Wednesday, this project looked like it was dead in the water after Pearly Baker owner Jonathan Davis called it a "killer” to local business. But over the next 24 hours, the aquarium dropped its plans for a dining facility and turned restaurateur Davis from skeptic to cheerleader. What followed was a stream of officials who view the giant fish tank as the answer to all of Easton's troubles. But before you get too excited, remember this decision was made by a lame duck Council on its way out the door. Next year there will be a new Council that is much more critical, and they could decide to stop the funding before a dime is spent.
The grant passed by a 5-4 vote. Voting for it were Peg Ferraro, Glenn Geissinger, Mat Benol, Seth Vaughn and Bob Werner. Voting No were Ken Kraft, John Cusick, Matt Dietz and Hayden Phillips.
One of my readers predicted this, and it went down exactly as he or she said.
"None of the facts matter.
"What you will witness tonight is a carefully-choreographed performance where Council will appear to take the public into consideration before voting on something that was decided behind closed doors.
"DaVinci will turn out their people to make it appear that the fish tank has real and overwhelming support. The people who actually have their own skin in the game be swamped by the well-connected special interest group looking for public dollars.
"And we all know this story ends the same, with this Executive/Council or the next."
My only disagreement with this reader is that I believe that the new Council will reverse this grant. To use Ken Kraft's words, "It's insane."
Peg Ferraro, who has been named Pocketbook Peg by my readers, was the spearhead for this grant. She has placed a ball and chain around the county's neck for the next 40 years, really hamstringing its ability to fund tourism anywhere else. Kraft told me that repealing this ordinance is the first thing he intends to propose once the new Council is sworn in.
After this grant was approved, most of the public and even the press left. The Morning Call's Tom Shortell and I stuck around. What happened next is the real story last night. It is that a bitter Executive and lameduck Council tried their best to sabotage Executive-elect Lamont McClure and an incoming Council before they can get started. It was an appalling display of sour grapes. They failed last night. But with a few weeks left until they are gone, they just may succeed.
John Brown had assured McClure's transition team that he wanted to leave office on a high note. There would be no surprises. He'd play no games with the budget. But that's precisely what he did.
In a long night that included several presentations, Brown decided to give the longest Executive report of his career. He went on at least 20 minutes, patting himself on the back and congratulating himself on what a fine job he did. I had no problem with this. I'm sure he's disappointed that he lost the election. If he wanted to list some of his achievements, so be it. If he wanted to remind everyone he is still the Executive, he is. But then he told council to reduce the tax millage rate by a mill. Never mind that it is he who proposed a budget that required 11.8 mills for a balanced budget. Never mind that reducing the millage would result not just in deficit spending, but an unbalanced budget that violates the Home Rule Charter. The revenue estimate set by the Executive will fail to equal what the county spends.
Ken Kraft said that the budget Brown introduced in October, when he still thought he was going to win the race, called for 11.8 mills. Now that he's lost, he wants to reduce taxes by one mill without a corresponding reduction in spending, and let McClure deal with the consequences. "You're automatically putting the next administration on their heels, where they're going to have to raise taxes," he said. "I think it's a real shitty thing to do. Underhanded. And you people are despicable for even putting it up there."
Budget Administrator Doran Hamann advised Council that a one-mill reduction would translate to $8 million in tax revenue. "Decisions would have to be made to either cut the budget by $8 million or subsidize the budget with fund balance from the general fund, which only the County Executive can do."
Under the Home Rule Charter, Council has no authority to interfere with revenue projections. Only Brown could decide to deficit spend.
Brown eventually said he would take the money from fund balance.
At this point Council began squabbling over whether to grant a half mill or one mill tax decrease. Seth Vaughn, Mat Benol and Glen Geissinger voted against a half-mill tax decrease because they wanted a full mill. Hayden Phillips, Matt Dietz and Pocketbook Peg Ferraro voted against a full mill tax decrease because they wanted a half mill. So Council did ultimately vote to hold the line on taxes at 11.8 mills, with the Geissinger-Vaughn-Benol trio voting No.
Now you might dismiss what Ken Kraft said as the rants of a partisan Democrat who should be committed. I have tried to have him put away a few times myself.
But it's hard to ignore what Matt Dietz said. Matt is a conservative Republican representing the northern tier of the county. He'd love to cut taxes. But two things bothered him. First, the move to reduce taxes was coming over two months after Brown introduced a budget that called for 11.8 mills. Second, while declining to name names, Dietz said that there comments made by Council members at the last meeting stating that they would vote for a millage reduction "and watch the next council try to balance it. And the next administration. I think that it is poor servants of the people of Northampton County, and I'm pretty embarrassed that it was said."
An honest man.
Sitting next to Dietz was a partisan Republican (Mat Benol) who insists on hanging a decalogue behind him at every meeting. And sitting another seat away was a former Mormon bishop (Geissinger). I am always leery of people who wear their religion on their sleeves. If you ever wonder why I refuse to stand when these phonies offer their fake prayers, this is why. There is no doubt in my mind that the Mormon Bishop and Ten Commandment Kid colluded with Brown and Vaughn to hamstring McClure before he ever got started. Never mind that it's the people who will suffer.
Brown may very well veto this budget so he can press the matter.
I'm sure you have lots of questions about the specifics of this budget, as well as other matters. I'll have more for you next week. For now, I'll say only that it is highly unlikely that anyone who Brown brought with him into Northampton County will be kept after this attempted sabotage. Brown promised no surprises, and then broke his word with this stunt. McClure would be foolish to think he could trust any of them, and he is not foolish.
101 comments:
They are still in charge till the end of the year. They can do what they feel is in the best interest of the county. I am sure they have a persuasive argument to make. So does this mean Mr. Brown must amend his own budget?
By the way I realize the newly elected democrats are not being paid to be there yet but do they bother to attend? This is important and they should all be there. Heard they were at some Party dinner.
Heard about this. These guys should be ashamed of themselves. They have shown themselves to be small and bitter men. They don't care about the people they represent,they only care about political games and personal revenge.
The voters made the right choice. Brown and his cohorts on county council have no class. They are without honor. You have shown your true colors boys.
Trump has taught you well!
This is an example why I have not voted for Peg the past two election cycles. But many seem to be taken by her warm persona...
From Easton, to Harrisburg, to DC, they preach fiscal responsibility, but to those they favor its an open purse. Both parties, just different favored ones. Don't get me wrong, I do not favor minimalist government, but ... well, a new Council majority and Exec coming soon, and we can eventually judge them by their actions and results.
Disgraceful. TAXPAYER FINANCED FISH TANK. IN A FLOOD PLAN. ACROSS FROM MCDONALDS UNDER WATER TO THE ROOF. Every single one of the those who fell for the siren call of mindless boosterism needs to be defeated. Fish over People. Fish tank over Taxypayer wallets. Absurd....
And please note Ms.Ferraro is a one person historical cheerleader for boondoggles and fleecing of taxpayers: Ballyard. Privateized 911. Fish tank. And tax increases over decades. After 20 years its time--Move on Peg, taxpayers cant afford you.
Pardon me, Ms Ferraro was elected in 1989 has spent 30 years fleecing taxpayers with boondoggles--Ballyard; Privatized 911; and now the Fish Tank
Calm down. McClure wants the fish tank, too. We're getting a stupid fish tank that we can't afford. Panto wants it. Lamont will give it to him. There's no suspense here.
Did Rs learn these dirty politics from McClure and Barron? Politics is tough. Wear a cup.
If every Easton resident lived in a warm safe dwelling, sure spend $10M but that
ain't the case. For shame.
@6:25 am -- Brown is really bad at politics... he should have done the tax cut before the election. Then he could run and say he cut taxes! He reads too slow though and did not get to that part in Trumps playbook!
The snake-in-the-grass Ferraro and her soon to be late cohorts put it to the taxpayers once again. As I predicted this is the last gasp of a lame duck administration and council. This shows the utter contempt for the voters, taxpayers and citizens of Northampton County. Beyond the fish tank controversy, they also tried to sabotage incoming County Executive McClure with an unbalanced budget. As I have stated numerous times before in my posts, these incompetents, including Ms. Peg, do not care about the taxpayers and are all about themselves! It will be the job of next council to repeal this idiotic giveaway and use this money in a more responsible way. Additionally, it will be there responsibility to isolate Peg Ferraro from any fiscal outlay of taxpayer's money. After all, she will try anything in her power to sabotage the new executive and council with her flaunted and foolish giveaways of hard earned taxpayer's money.
Totally agree that anyone in the Clown Administration cannot be trusted even before this stunt. I have faith and hope that McClure will bring the right hard working and experienced people to turn this ship around! I too agree that Peg needs to go as this is why I also did not vote for her this election. She should realize that she was very close of not getting in and next election she will not if she keeps this up. The county has the public’s money and interest to be concerned about and the residents that need necessary services as well as infrastructure. Say no to the fish bowl and yes to protecting the citizens and taxpayers of NorCo.
Well that 10 Million went into the Tank That 10 Million could of went to upgrading our roads in Norco county or splitting up the money to Bro's & Townships for there own upgrades. Our Roads are in such disrepair it's not funny not only in Norco but Lehigh County too It's a shame that money like is spent on NOT SO NEEDED stuff is bad. If I was on counsel I would of voted NO but that's just me.
This was no surprise, and here's the one reason why Bob Warner, when Mayor Panto and Easton city Democratic committees gave Bob his orders he marched right along in favor of this money. I hope the new members of council (Democrats) always vote independently and not what the party or other elected Democrats in office tell them to do.
7:39 AM
I feel your despair, but blaming the County for the state of the affairs on roads and highways is misplaced. That is the responsibility of the state and municipalities, not the County. If you would have said bridges, then I would agree.
If Pennsylvania allowed for the Recall of elected officials. Peg would be toast..... Unfortunately, Mayor Sal would be hasta la vista too...
7:14, Though Peg drives me nuts at times like these, I would vote for her again. She is a good person who really does care about people. I've seen many times when her decency has made council better. We need people like her and people with integrity like Matt Dietz, regardless of party.
Ballyard proposed -Allentown got it
Arena proposed in Norco - Allentown got it
Major Industrial /Corporate Development sites proposed - Lehigh County got much of it.
Major highway improvements needed - LVPC gives most of Transportation $$ to Lehigh County
Lets at least get one benefit into Northampton County that brings in tourist dollars for the Easton area. Make Easton a destination. Build the tank before it ends up in Allentown and we are asking why didn't we do that before they did-AGAIN!
Some on here forget about the Federal Urban Renewal back in the late 60's &70's. How did that turn out? Tear down a beautiful Boyd Theatre for a parking lot, The Drake building for a parking lot/garage, built a new Eric movie theatre that was a bust, a hotel that was a bust. Why, Nothing else was there to draw people downtown after the stores and other businesses were destroyed. I say give it a chance. Remember , another county exec gave away $110,000,000.00 to his friends and we got nothing out of it in the Eastern part of the county. Bethlehem got a casino. The rest of the county -NOTHING !
"By the way I realize the newly elected democrats are not being paid to be there yet but do they bother to attend?"
You asked this question two weeks ago. Amazing how you support shirkers like Geiddinger and Vaughn, who have terrible attendance records, and slam people who are not in office for failing to attend meetings , even though you don't know for sure. Two weeks ago, Heckman and McGee both attended the meeting. Heffner and Zrinski attended a meeting in Plainfield Tp that night concerning the shit bakery being proposed by Synagro. Last night, Heffner and McGee were there. I did not check to find out where Zrinski and Heffner were. If they skip meetings the way Vaughn and Geissinger did, I will take them to task. But I am not going to skewer people who are not yet un office for failing to attend a 4 hour long meeting hey can see on video.
"Calm down. McClure wants the fish tank, too"M
McClure supports the fish tank, but I doubt very much that he is going to shackle the taxpayers to 40 years of ridiculous payments. I suspect he'll go for the million, 1/10th the amount sought. I would pull the plug completely.
"Did Rs learn these dirty politics from McClure and Barron? Politics is tough. Wear a cup."
The question is one of integrity. You either have it or you don't. Yes, McClure and Barron ran a very negative campaign. But it was also very factual. There was no dishonesty. Brown lied tp Lamont's transition team. Also, his myrmidons attempted to impose a tax cut without a reduction in spending by a corresponding amount precisely so they could stick it to McClure and indirectly, to the people who rejected them at the polls.
It was dishonest, but politics. Bad government, not politics. Benol, Geissinger and Vaughn are three names to remember.
"Lets at least get one benefit into Northampton County that brings in tourist dollars for the Easton area. Make Easton a destination. Build the tank before it ends up in Allentown and we are asking why didn't we do that before they did-AGAIN!"
It is complete horseshit. A failure before it even gets off the ground. Let Allentown have it.
8:59am ur delusional. The ballyard was not affiliated with major league baseball and would have been a white elephant on cedardville road next to a cemetary.
Arena in Norco, where? when? Lehigh University's 1st stable and then Zoeller neither of which needed multi million dollar public subsidies. State Theater? subsidized with state dollars/
Major industrial/corporate sites? What the hell is LVIP 1-7? supported consistently bysuccessive executives and councils.
Transporation? So Walt Dealtry, Bruce Davis, Bert Daday, Gene Hartzell, Jeanette Reibman didnt secure funding for Route 33; the improves on 412 off 78; and 78???? It was Lehigh county gadfly Al Seiss that opposed all of that.
Get real. Find alternatives to the Fish tank. I outlined many yesterday here on BO blog.
Thank you for exposing this petty political scheme to undermine the incoming council. This is why politicians are held in such low regard. Mr Brown and his enablers have demonstrated that they would rather indulge in vindictiveness than act in the public interest. Wasnit this kind of petty vindictiveness along with cronyism that deprived downtown Bethlehem & the hotel of a conference center?
While i make it a mission to disagree with BO "It is complete horseshit. A failure before it even gets off the ground. Let Allentown have it." Is Accurate. Insightful. Prudent.
10,000,000 what are they thinking???? irrational mindless boosterism nurtured by the government-tourism-non-industrial complex. This endeavor needs to die....
These politicians should be embarrassed to say the least. The attempt to screw the incoming leadership by not caring about the people of the county is a disgrace. I hope Mr. Brown and his pose of Gessinger,Benol,Vaughn and Phillips are never given another opportunity to serve the people of this county let alone anywhere else. They should be banned from serving.
Thanks for shining the light on the political sausage factory as always Bernie. Sad, pathetic and petty of Council to do such a thing on the way out and very telling of the personal character that most likely is the reason they are on their way out.
I'm not going to pretend I know enough about the financing of the fish tank and the economic impacts it may or may not have, but I've been reading your blog for many years and recall you poo-pooing the Iron Pigs and Phantoms before they got here which have both been very successful. I get there are a lot of risks involved and a lot of money at stake, but what's the better play/idea thats out there? Facade improvements? Another parking garage?
An aquarium/science center, coupled with Crayola/Canal Museum would make Easton a pretty nice day trip excursion for families in the area as well as out of town visitors, not to mention school field trips. Couple that with an evening show at the State Theatre, maybe dinner in town or catch a Pigs or Phantoms game or Muskifest or Allentown Fair and now you're talking about potential hotel stays...
What if Panto doesn't have the authority to make such a promise of no cafeteria or booze license?
Also, will Ken Kraft's wife stay employed with the county?
The former Lehigh Valley Dairy has been a shithole forever. Lehigh County could have taken my $6 tax scam and acquired thw property and made it shovel ready and sold it at cost to a reputable developer. If Northampton County has $10M in hotel tax to give away, where does all of Lehigh County's hotel tax go?
Both sides want this fish bowl, although one side's job is to publically provide opposition, what your seeing is a manufactured false dichotomy. It's a political monopoly and this is a good example of how it all works.
Mark my words... you have no choice you're getting this fish bowl.
@2:09AM "I am sure they have a persuasive argument to make." If they did, why was it not made last night?
Read the last line. O hare thinks he’s relevant, and he can sway peoples decisions. Words out. And they are and I quote... “ who the hell cares what Bernie O Hare says”? Bout sums it up!
It's funny Bernie for you to slam Vaughn and Geissinger about their attendance yet McClure has one of the worst attendance records to boot (according to you). But you're right they aren't in office yet whats it matter if they don't attend probably one of the most important meetings concerning the NorCo budget that THEY will have to manage.
The fact of the matter is moot on the Fish tank sure it will bring something to NorCo but lets be frank here, if you're worried about taxpayer dollars working for you then you definitely might want to take a good hard look at McClure's "Open Spaces Plan". I'd love to know how Open Spaces is protecting taxpayers wallets and helping the taxpayer itself. Please enlighten.
Excuse me, but unlike you, I am consistent. I have hammered truant council members no matter who they are. That includes Lamont. In his last year, when he realized what kind of nonsense Brown was pulling, his attendance skyrocketed. He cares about the county. Geissinger is an opportunist who cares about himself andofciyrse, advancing his own business interests. I had been researching a story on his bullhit and you can look for it next week.
9:17 12/8/17
B.O. "writes complete horseshit... Let Allentown Have it. What a loser mentality you have sir. "What Norco doesn't want Allentown Takes" A little spin from our friends in Trenton " What Trenton makes, the world takes". Sounds like you are working for the corrupt asshole in Allentown. He will take it and have another site while we cry here in the eastern end of the valley ( or should I say, the butthole end of the valley).
1:06, I hear Lisa Boscola is pushing it, so you may be right.
11:31, this has nothing to do with Ken Kraft’s wife. Also, with Amy Trapp gone, the leverage that bothered me will be gone. Finally, Kraft is no longer on personnel. Your question is OT.
Get a grip. What bothered you? Nobody gives a rats ass what bothers you. You are an absolute nobody. You have no say in anything. You have no control over anything and the fact that you feel you do is laughable.
"Last night, Heffner and McGee were there. I did not check to find out where Zrinski and Heffner were."
How can Heffner be in two places at once?
Be careful, the criminal has spoken. Remember he has serious mental issues that’s probably why he feels he’s somebody. The voices in his head tell him that!
Simple. Bernie sees people that aren’t there.
What Brown, Phillips, Geissinger, Benol and Vaughn are trying to do is just plain bad government. They don't give a shit about the taxpayers. They are doing this scam at the last minute a s apolitical dirty trick. They are willing to use the citizens of the county as pawns in their childish games.
SHAME!!!!
anon 4:46, I am sure it was just a misprint. Bernie knows who he saw.
Speaking of fish funny we used to call Sal the "Narwhale" in the YMCA locker room on Lafayette St because of his prodigious appendage that would often be standing at full staff. Sal's been guiding this project for a while after the High School Hall of Fame got scuttled by malcontents and miscreants he can finally have a legacy which will last decades.
Good ole Peg. You constantly defend this "good" woman, yet she consistently spends taxpayer money while telling her republican voters how conservative she is. Many people are "nice" but have no business in government. She is a terrible elected official and will do as her elitist friends tell her.
What she pushed through council is every bit as bad as what the others did.
250k over 40 years? Has that ever been done? How stupid is that? What percentage of the hotel tax is she stealing for this project.
i like the fish tank idea, i do not like the price tag
this will be repealed completely next year so dont count you money Lynn Ericson.
i have an idea, why dont you and your husband donate 250g a year for 40 years, we know you have it?
The lehigh Valley Planning Commission is nothing more than a rubber stamp for Lehigh County. The incoming NORCO administration should pull out of LVPC and go it alone and really fight for Northampton County's piece of the pie.Time to send the dead wood packing. And that also includes Don Cunningham's operation also.
424 Kevin Drive (Hanover Township)
Peg needed to go.
4:44,it was Heckman and McGee.
4:59, Hayden Phillips is not part of this cabal.
5:59, biggest mistake you could make.
AND yet we can't get a Raise
Come on O'Hare we were given the real news. Phillips was the architect of the tax cut. He used his holier than thou language and moved to cut the tax 10% to cover his tea party ass. We know you love the guy but you do have a blind spot for his bullshit.
Cunningham sold his soul to the power elite of LV. He gets a huge pay check in return. Now he can play his music and not have to worry about a job.
LVEDC is a Lehigh County booster group.
Regardless to whom Don sold his soul, if indeed he ever had one, this canard that LVEDC is a lehigh county booster is flat-earth speak for you dont know what you are talking about.
LVEDC's job is to market regionally. It pushes projects and pimps land where ever it may be for sale or has project viability. While definitely part of the government-tourism-non-industrial complex, LVEDC on a bad day can come up with better alternatives to A MULTI MILLION DOLLAR TAXPAYER FINANCED FISH TANK. IN A FLOOD PLAIN. CREATING TAX EXEMPT PROPERTY IN THE HIGHEST TAXED MUNICIPALITY IN NORCO.
Kill this project Executive elect McClure.
Mr. Kraft and Mr. Dietz were the champions of last night. They were the voice for the residents of Northampton County. They were refreshingly honest about what both council and the executive were doing. They spoke about the consequences something that others clearly didn't give a darn about their constituents or good governance. Making sleazy backdoor deals and setting up a future administration all hurts the tax payers in which they were entrusted to serve. Committing 10 million dollars to a project that will negatively impact many in the county, reduce or even eliminate many future projects and restrict capital projects for all municipalities in the county is disgraceful. I would hope that as a tax payer this project funding is eliminated as soon as the new administration walks through the door. The county has far greater needs than a pet project by the rich and influential. Shame on those who went this route last night.
”but I've been reading your blog for many years and recall you poo-pooing the Iron Pigs and Phantoms before they got here which have both been very successful. I get there are a lot of risks involved and a lot of money at stake, but what's the better play/idea thats out there? Facade improvements? Another parking garage?”
It is true that, philosophically, I oppose the use of public ta dollars for economic development. A good business idea should be able to attract private investors and a bad business plan will fail no matter how much the government tries to prop it up. That includes stadiums and arenas. Having said that, i’ve Mentioned the Iron Pigs 63 Times and never once discussed this topic. I have never written at all about the Phantoms. You are right about how I feel. I think the Pigs are successful and the Phantoms are not.
I blame this all on Peter Melan. He did not campaign hard enough to get a mere few more votes to unseat Pay Off Peg. If he wins, this crap doesn't happen because he would have been too busy worrying about how to serve Panto's interests.
Phantoms not successful? Your hatred of downtown Allentown redevelopment has blinded you to the facts. Last year the Phantoms attendance was ranked 7 out of 30 AHL teams. They made the playoffs. They have a strong and enthusiastic fan base. So where the hell is your evidence that they are unsuccessful? Have you ever been to one of their games? I doubt it.
Actually, the Phantoms have averaged 7,711 per home game this year, which is 4th in the AHL behind San Diego, Hershey and Providence. Hardly unsuccessful!
anon 10:04 is on point. Phillips is the same as Benol, Geissinger and Vaughn. They all, along with Brown played games with the financial security of the county. Glad all of them were sent packing. Tea party politics us all about what's in it for me. They all exemplify the teabaggers.
Anon4 :18 - Phillips is the same..........I say NOT TRUE ! If you had ever spent time in discussion with Mr.Phillips you wouldn’t. Be swinging a bat at him as he departs .. Mr.Phillips demeanor and character are like talking with a man with open hands and nothing to hide. Like talking to a farmer , now I mean a real farmer, they just tell things as they see issues, and seem not read stuff into statements they hear.i It is what it is! I sign my name to Mr Phillips genuinely ,being of the upmost character , would anybody do that for you? I would hope so.
Peg has stabbed the best of them in the back from Angle to Lamont. She's nasty and dishonest and she's loved by a Nazareth-area constituency that has a chip on its shoulder, elects criminals, and has no problem with throwing cheap shots in politics. She represents the worst in local politics and enjoys wide support among people with extraordinarily low standards.
We really needed Ron Angle to make Northampton County as great as Lehigh County.
Ron has forgiven Peg. So should you. She is far from nasty. She is a likable person who does not walk around with a chip on her shoulder. When it comes to an election, she can be partisan. Onc3 that is over, she does a far better job than most anyone at being bipartisan. The result is bipartisan support. I disagree with Peg’s stance on DaVinci, but admire her.
I have pretty high standards when it comes to elected officials. I prefer people like her in office. Partisan Dems hate her bc she is Republican. Partisan Rs hate her bc she is not pure enough.
I do wish she would drop her support of Trump. He is a disaster.
7:13, don’t mind the rant of a partisan Dem. Hayden Phillips is an honorable man who works hard and has a conscience. Those who slam him anonymously as he leaves are no better than Seth Vaughn, Glenn Geissinger or Mat Benol.
12:37 and 12:47, I do not follow hockey, like most people in the LV. MY aasessment that they are unsuccessful has nothing to do with 5heir team record, but the lack of fans. I have heard from numerous people that the arena is half empt6 when they play.. also, the arena has done a terrible job of lining up other events.
It is pretty obvious you don't follow hockey and therefore don't know what you are talking about. Attendance stats don't lie. "Lack of fans" hardly. They are a very successful franchise. I agree though that Spectator could be doing a better job booking shows at the arena. The recent Penn State - Lehigh wrestling match was a sellout with over 9,000 fans. They need to be more creative with events like that.
When it comes to hockey, i’ll Agree I don’t know what i’m Talking about and that is why I do not write about the Phantoms, as someone claimed I did. I also am only going by what hockey fans roll me when they say the arena is empty. But it appears you agree with my assessment that there are not enough events at the arena. So I would say it is unsuccessful.
I know Conservatives. Some of my best friends are conservative. Lady Ferraro, while polite, is no conservative. One need not be a trump republican nor a liberal nor a Democrat to oppose her policies. She has been for fleecing taxpayers with irrational boondoggles for a generation. 30 years with a 4 yr sabbatical because she was held accountable for her privatized 911 boondoggle and 25 percent in one year tax increase.
I believe in redemption. In metanoia. Perhaps Lady Ferraro can exhibit late political life wisdom and reverse on the 120 MILLION DOLLAR FISH TANK. IN A FLOOD PLAIN. CREATING PROPERTY TAX EMPTY NON-RATEABLE IN THE HIGHEST TAXES MUNICIPALITY IN NORTHAMPTON COUNTY.
IF not her tenure ends after 32 years off and on
1034 said "where a project has viability"??? LVEDC job is tondo the heavy lifting at the municipalities can't. The County DCED is primarily a block grant manager. LVEDC should be focusued on difficult parcels that would have great benefit if redeveloped. Not low hanging fruit.
Boy, Bernie you can never admit when you are wrong. You have been given attendance statistics that prove the Phantoms are one of the most successful teams in the AHL. Yet you lean on the opinion of so-called "hockey fans" you know who also don't know shit. Your original statement was that the Phantoms were unsuccessful, not the PPL center. You have been proven wrong about the Phantoms, but God forbid you should retract that ignorant opinion.
They report tickets sold, not people walking in the door. True there are enthusiastic fans, however, there are not 7000 people there on a regular basis. They are including seats held by corporate season ticket holders.
"I oppose the use of public tax dollars for economic development. A good business idea should be able to attract private investors and a bad business plan will fail no matter how much the government tries to prop it up."
It just can't be put any better.
When government involves itself in promoting a particular economy over another, it is giving differential economic advantage to that particular private industry at the expense and growth of everyone and everything else.
9:35, I never said she is a conservative. She is a centrist R. She is despised by partisan Dems and by conservative Rs. General Le3 tolerates Peg bc she supports Donald Trump.
10:09,excuse me, but I do not accept anonymous comments making factual assertions with no link to back them up. Also, the reality is that the arena is unsuccessful. Everyone knows this. It needs more events aside from hockey games that no one wAtch.
The Phantoms may or may not be successful. I think they are a bust myself.
I’d like to see an attention goth at pays the tax bit for the normal working constituents because it appears here and lowers taxes for the one that have been here subsidizeing the 23 present Lafayette owns of city land mass . How about condemned prisoners ,and public executions . We could except them here for the final end from many venues and charge the cable companies exorbitant rates like the F,;/“ NFL ass wipes . This would fly .
10:38 that is true of any sporting event. Season ticket holders don't go to every game in their package. But the fact remains they have the forth highest attendance among 30 AHL teams. Only Hershey, which is the oldest team in the league and multiple Calder Cup winners, San Diego and Providence have higher attendance. And the Phantoms are in second place in their division. Their merchandise sales are among the best in the league. Anyone who thinks the Phantoms are not a success is an ignorant hater.
The Phantoms are not a success.
On the county budget, I disagree with 7:13, H.Phillips pushed to cut the tax rate knowing it would sabotage the incoming people. The fact is over four years costs have gone up, they have increased spending and started new projects. For Phillips and the others to say nothing has changed and they are just resetting the "unneeded" tax is pure bullshit. He wants to make things "right" with his tea party pals not good government.
Some of you people claim Phillips is holier than the others. We shall see. Apparently Brown in conjunction with Benol, Geissinger, Vaughn and Phillips is cutting a deal to pass a 1/2 mill tax cut to cripple McClure and the county council. If Phillips is not involved and such an honest loving guy he will reject this political move and vote no. Lets see how "good" a man he is on this vote.
I bet he is part of the deal.
He voted against the one mill tax cut. He is not part of this crew. You keep trying to put him there and demonstrate your own dishonesty.
Well Bernie, you and the other Phillips lover will have your faith put to the test. Brown and his council cohorts are working on a secret behind the scenes plan to cripple the county with a half a mill cut to the RE tax this coming Thursday. You know that is wrong, so will Mr. Phillips support it? He is allegedly full onboard with his other schemers.
According to you he will not cripple the county by supporting this political move. Will you already start making excuses for his actions or will you call it straight down the line? This scheme is being worked out.
Phillips supported that last week, as did Dietz, Cusick and Ferraro. In fact, I predicted. That is on firmer legal footing.
"That is on firmer legal footing."
No really. You know full well this is a political game. It has nothing to do with the taxpayers. If Brown changes his figures, it is a new budget and must be handled as such with another meeting scheduled to conform with the law. You are trying to turn this to defend Phillips and Ferraro but it is still BS.
The county executive submitted a budget and based on that legally submitted budget council voted the appropriate millage rate to support that budget. If the Executive vetoes' his own legally proposed millage rate, he then must re-submit a new budget legally. Council must then legally review that budget, all according to the Charter.
This is a lot of effort to try and stick it to the new Executive and Council. However, it is in keeping with the Trumpian way of life.
Nevertheless, I have confidence that the new council will fix whatever political gamesmanship this crew of clowns conducts. There actions a re disgraceful. They can go out with class or prove to the people they deserved to be booted.
Of course this will be completely political. Based on Seth vaughn’s Facebook page, there is no doubt in my mind that this is what they will do. Brown can veto, make adjustments on the revenue side, and screw McClure. He said he would have voted against the tax hike, but should be able to decide on spending himself, instead of being stuck by county Rs who are acting irresponsibly.
Wow! Who would have thought these guys would be so underhanded. Talk about sore losers. They will hurt the county just for their own personal revenge? Now that is disgusting. Remind me if any of them ever run for anything again.
Brown in Bangor, cut 2 mill tax break only to have furture counsel havee to up taxes to cover costs. WHY
Checked out Vaughn's Facebook page. What a pissy little girl. That tells you all you need to know about him and his cohorts. What a bunch of babies.
Brown won't veto his budget, he won't sign it either, he is off with his wife on vacation, never to be seen on county property again.
Conservative tax cuts are always with borrowed dollars. Lehigh County Commissioners were reckless last year knowing Cedar Brook was just around the corner. My vote was never for sale....especially $6.
So by their "logic' they will reverse every pay increase to what they were before their tax increase. Also they will reverse every spending program, their bridge spending and everything else. If not their tax cut is baloney.
So let is watch. From Brown and Vaughn to the great and Holy Phillips, if they vote for this nonsense they are all fakes, frauds and phoneys.
Le is see If Brown veto's his own budget. It would be par for the course for this crowd.
Flush the Fish Tank!
Brown cut Bangor tax rate by a half mil..two years in a row..leading up to his election as county exec. Council approved those cuts and they have still not been restored and are accumulating as lost revenue. His legacy is just horrible.
Bernie, I was the one who originally raised your objections to the Pig's and Phantoms last week. I will agree that maybe you didn't specifically write about them here on this blog, and that maybe I was recalling your comments on articles on MC & ET websites at the time.
Regardless, I respect your opinions and enjoy reading your thoughts on the region even when we don't always agree like below.
**"I oppose the use of public tax dollars for economic development. A good business idea should be able to attract private investors and a bad business plan will fail no matter how much the government tries to prop it up."**
A public/private partnership can and does work if the idea is big enough and stands to benefit the local community and surrounding businesses. Again, this is hard to quantify and there are a lot of intangibles at play, but the old saying of a rising tide lifts all boats fits with these types of projects. It draws more visitors to the area and region, it increases the "livability" of the Lehigh Valley which makes it more attractive to families to move/stay in the area, yada, yada, yada...
Are there risks? Sure there are. Will it cost a lot? Yes it will, which makes it very hard for it to be economically viable using only private investment for something at that scale which is the issue. Building something smaller/more manageable funded solely via private investment and its most likely not big enough to lure visitors in.
11:03am "the old saying of a rising tide lifts all boats"
The problem with this "old saying" is that it doesn't consider those that live on the shoreline. As someone on the shore let me say, this is no Disneyland.
Promoting tourism in this old steel and concrete area is a bad idea unless you plan on building the Pyramid's. Our history is that of a manufacturing area, we need to make thing and sell them to people that don't live here. Not bring people here to tour our shuttered factories and see an aquarium next to a river that a fish couldn't live in.
This is the reason you need public funding because of the ridiculous premise of tourism. When all it will be is just another opportunity to sell each other cheese steaks and fries.
Many have debated successfully on Public/Private Partnership as being Soft Fascism.
boosterism by 1:57. The insiders helping the insiders.
@1:57 - the problem is that "Manufacturing" is just our history. It is no longer what this region is. It's not coming back. At least not at the scale and size that it once was. We need high tech/high skill jobs. In order to attract and retain that talent and those businesses away from other cities/locations you need to invest in making the Lehigh Valley a better place to live... Not saying a fish tank is the answer, but its worth a look anyway.
3:42PM
Very sensible, and if you were speaking for the Chamber of Commerce I'd agree. To the extent business persons agree they can use their money whatever way they can get approved. That's fine. Most are pretty shrewd at what a good business model looks like and how to take advantage. If they use their own money I'm sure the "tank" will be a marvel of renowned.
Just don't finance it with the public purse.
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