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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Even in Uncontested Primary, Slate Belt Politics is Weird

Anthony DeFranco and John Bermingham, Jr. two of Upper Mount Bethel Tp's five Supervisors, are seeking re-election. Both are Republican. Both filed nomination petitions as Republicans. David Friedman and Stavros Barbounis have filed nomination petitions as Democrats. Ordinarily, I'd expect to see all four candidates on the ballot this November in a Slate Belt slugfest between two Democrats and two Republicans.  But things are never quite that simple in the quarry wonderland.

Bermingham, best known for hiring an unqualified shopping mall Santa Claus as Township Manager, wants DeFranco out of the picture. So he has sent Republican voters a letter urging them to write in Democrat Friedman, even including instructions. 

This may actually backfire on Bermingham. At a Tuesday night meeting of the Slate Belt Republican Associations, members voted unanimously to excommunicate him, even though he brought Movie night back to Upper Mount Bethel. 

What Berminham did is a tad bizarre. I could understand his refusal to support DeFranco, but to actively and openly encourage voters to choose someone from another party over the party's own pick is highly unusual.   

Bermingham Letter by BernieOHare

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

That idiot they hired as Township Manager is perfect for the corrupt shenanigans that Defranco and Teel are perpetrating. If Bermingham was instrumental in the selection of Nelson, he has only himself to blame. That township is in real trouble with its current leadership. Desperate times call for desperate measures but it does seem odd for Bermingham to be publicly leading this write-in effort.

Anonymous said...

Not really. There are democrats asking people to vote for Mr. Lynch over McClure. Most are employees tired of the arrogant and mean atmosphere at the buildings.

Anonymous said...

It is crazy over there on the eastern side of the County.

Anonymous said...

What exactly are the qualifications for a shopping mall Santa.

Anonymous said...

John is a narcissist and a self promotor varum bailey! His Hitler slogan " THE Voice of the people" says it all.... After WW1 Hitler promoted himself using the Voice Of The People. Bermingham is a little man with rumored little shoes and has that Hitler narcissist syndrome. As for Santa? One statement says it all in UMBT " Soon The Rats Will Eat Each Other"

Anonymous said...

UMBT not known as the "Wild Wild West" for nothing. Angleland a political swampland. Who in their right mind would want to ride herd on this township? Drinking the quarry water will soften your brains over time and the citizenry proves the point.

Anonymous said...

"... even though he brought Movie night back to Upper Mount Bethel."

This must count for something. Who doesn't love movies? I know several Republicans who love movies. And Santa? Who doesn't love Santa? I know two Republicans who LOVE Santa.

Anonymous said...

Northampton County is the most entertaining place in the universe and UMBT is the center of it!
I do hate to see people call Rs a Rino (i.e. Liz Chaney), usually with no foundation. John on the other hand is no Republican.

Anonymous said...

When is a republican "not a republican"? When he demonstrates time, and time again, that he has no ethics and does not support republican values. Clearly John made a shrewd and calculated move to produce a winning ticket. Look how many people voted to see a democrat teamed up with a republican. Who cares what the Slate Belt Republican party thinks. If they were truly astute about the people running, they would know DeFranco is not a republican. John just figured out how to take advantage of this fact and used it for the benefit of the town. That demonstrates true Republican values. Friedman is no ordinary democrat either. John and Dave will go beyond party politics and do what is right for the town and best for the residents. Bob and Martin better take note.