Local Government TV

Friday, April 12, 2024

Over 250 Easton Residents File Petition Seeking Resignation of Easton City Council Member Taiba Sultana

Sultana cuffed by Easton police after
alleged assault of adult son
Easton City Council met Wednesday night at the Easton Area Community Center in the west ward. It generally meets once a year in the neighborhoods instead of city hall.  Thugh there is no YouTube video of the meeting, Patsy Hitzel of South Side Civic Ass'n recorded most of the meeting on Facebook. (You can see it here). During this West Ward summit, Council was presented with a petition seeking the immediate resignation of controversial Council member Taiba Sultans. This request, presented by Christine Phillips, was signed by over 250 City residents. Ironically, it included the names of many of the black and brown people whom Sultana claims to champion. 

Here's what Phillips stated, as best as I can transcribe it:

"In the two years that Mrs. Sultan has held her seat in office, she has done very little for the people of the city that she was entrusted to do when she was elected. 

"Since 2022, Mrs. Sultana had shown very little interest in the citizens of this city ... . In 2022, she has missed out of four budget meetings. In December 2023, she missed committee meetings to protest the Menorah lighting in Bethlehem. In January 2024, she missed committee meetings to have her State Rep announcement party. In March 2024, she had her children at the dais during the Council meeting while her husband and adult child were present and were able to sit with them, then proceeded to use the footage of that meeting as a political mudsling opportunity to again disrespect her constituents. On March 27, 2024, she did not appear in person when topics such as the parking issue on Davis Street in Southside was discussed, In April 2024, she did not attend the committee meetings to discuss the quality-of-life issues of parking in the downtown.

"At the end of 2023, South Side residents came to planning to fight three pieces of development that the residents of South Side did not want in the community. She did not attend and of [those meetings] while other Council members showed and addressed the concerns we had ... ."

"She has brought more division in the City and has continuously been combative with her constituents. ... She seems more interested in making headlines addressing national and international business as a priority. 

"Many issues have been raised in South Side Easton and Mrs. Sultana was involved in none of these issues by supporting the residents in finding a solution or attending meetings to object to projects. The many times you've seen Mrs. Sultana on South Side is for her benefit, Seven town homes on Coal Street taking away all green space on an already small lot; a smoke shop less than 215' from another location; selling the same items, wanting to sell synthetic opioids; and a garbage issue in your neighborhood that we reached out for your help. South Side Civisc Ass'n reached out to you about getting benches and tables for the field house about a year ago, and you came back in October to say there was no money in the budget, yet they were notified that they were already ordered and actually [are] waiting in storage to be installed.

"Mrs. Sultana has made false, derogatory statements about the City of Easton police department twice in less than a year by calling them unprofessional, racist [and] politically motivated, and yet again now with a political ad. Her unprofessional behavior and lack of respect, shown multiple times for other members of both Council and public officials, are an indication to all that she does not have the people of Easton's best interests in mind.

"Being an elected official, you are to lead by example 24/7, 365 days a year. Unfortunately, many people who agree with this petition wouldn't sign it for fear of retaliation by [Sultana]. 

"Again, we are demanding that Mrs. Sultana resign as a City of Easton Council member, effective immediately. This should not be a hard decision.to make since she has no respect for the city that pays her ... You've done nothing but pretty much bash everyone who disagrees with you ..."

Earlier that evening, Sultana proved that at least some concerns raised by Phillips are correct. She read into the record a lengthy letter from ACLU objecting to the suspension of licenses to landlords who allow criminal activity in homes they rent Once she finished, Council member Roger Ruggles advised her that legislation has been withdrawn. "She wasn't here," observed Mayor Sal Panto. "It was withdrawn," continued Ruggles. "You read all of that for nothing because it's not in existence any more."

Council member Frank Pintabone said that the legislation would only affect people whose homes are raided for drug sales, illegal weapons, child pornography or human trafficking. It would have no application to women who call police to report abuse "We got to get the criminals out of the neighborhoods," added Mayor Panto. "That's the primary crux of the resolution. ... We're not looking to kick any good people out, we're looking to kick criminals out of the neighborhoods, and as a City Council member, you should be concerned about the crime that's in our neighborhoods."

Sukltana then complained that she wished someone had told her the bill was withdrawn.

After these remarks were made, Sultana asked Council to consider religious holidays when scheduling future meetings and noted that she had to leave a family gathering in Philly to be present. She chose against responding to the petition at the meeting, but later told LehighValleyLive that the petition is politically motivated, part of a smear campaign and "unfounded propaganda." 

She is a candidate for State House. 

84 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Smear campaign yes, but Ms Sultana is the only candidate, of the two, who has lowered the bar on honesty and integrity.
      She, laughingly, has attacked her opponent Bob Freeman saying he has accomplished nothing for this city.
      Sure, and his 30 plus years of serving PA and Easton, and multitude of grants, and legislation opening opportunities to our home town had no impact? Ms Sultana,
      You are out of your league against a seasoned, well respected and polished
      Representative of our community, and you are out of your mind.

      Delete
  2. This seems set up. She has made POWERFUL polticaL enemies. Bob Freeman isa well liked and connected. Who knows?
    Pericles

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. May I ask why you feel like this was a set up? She has continued to use social media as a platform to promote smear campaigns and the community felt that this was the best way to address the facts to her not doing what she was elected to do as a council member. What in the statement is not clear?

      Delete
  3. What a mess. She's bad enough. But whomever wrote that petition should apologize to their teachers and the taxpayers who tried to help them master our native language. Is this a product of EASD? God help us. Use AI.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coming from a person who missed the whole point of the petition because they want to spell check?

      Delete
  4. Taiba will R.O.A.R with the aid of fellow Lehigh Valley Squadron member Terra Z, they are dismantling the patriarchy one white cis boomer male at a time it's a glorious mission made more delish by the protestations of deranged haters like the author of this screed Bernardo has published.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow…I want what you are smokin!

      Delete
    2. I cannot think of anything lower than using a horrific human travesty like the Gaza situation as a flashpoint to draw attention and people to enhance one’s position in a local/state political race.
      Sultana you should be ashamed.

      Delete
    3. Tara Z hates Taiba and crushed her husband a few months ago.

      Delete
  5. The thing is not even qualified for 5th assistant deputy animal control officer much less council or state office.

    Easton voters should be looking in the mirror to see the root of the problem.

    ReplyDelete
  6. BO,
    There are certain pictures you should not show before one has a chance to eat their breakfast.

    ReplyDelete
  7. It is delusional as a one of trump's maggot cult puppets.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sultana needs to go! She is making everything worse.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Her poor attendance is a matter of public record. Her own party cannot stand her and wants her gone from public office. It's not politics. She'll be replaced with another Easton Democrat who will vote exactly as she would, but won't be as embarrassing and annoying.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Bernie
    This woman has no self awareness or humility. Watching the video above, it is clear she has no clue what she is doing.

    Freeman will Trounce her

    ReplyDelete
  11. 4:41, You do know that Pericles was a demagogue, right? Neither Plato nor Plutarch appears to have had a high opinion of him. But at least he was a great orator. Sultana is terrible. She always sounds angry, one heartbeat away from exploding. Plus, her command of English is better than her husband, but I still have a rough time understanding her. I commend her knowledge of other languages. Too many Americans speak only one language. I admire people who can speak several languages. But if she wishes to represent people, she needs to be more effective in communicating with them. She is not.

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  12. So nobody gonna talk about Pintabone's disastrous legislation that was retracted due to Taiba's strong reaction. It is reassuring that the ACLU is now involved. Additionally, he is attempting to prohibit non-residents from attending public meetings, showcasing his ignorance. Pintabone lacks the skills to draft legislation and merely follows Chief Scalzo's directives. This big mouth but uninformed dude is targeting residents based on "suspicious" activities. It is important to inform your audience about the hazardous bills proposed by Pintabone. The letter read by the woman against Taiba was even confusing to herself, as she mentioned committee meetings that Council members are appointed to but are not mandatory. Committee meetings are convened by Council members when necessary, and no meetings are held if there is no need for one.

    To my understanding, Taiba has not missed any CITY COUNCIL meetings, which are mandatory for elected members to attend. Ken Brown has missed numerous Committee meetings, Jim Adingar has not provided any reports since last 15 years, and Roger Ruggles has been inactive. Perhaps there should be a petition for these members. What contributions has Jim Adingar made to the west ward in the past 12-15 years? What has Ken done for the southside? Despite Taiba's significant accomplishments in the last three years, surpassing others on the council, she is being targeted unjustly. The Freeman is engaging in a smear campaign tactic with the assistance of his associates.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What are her accomplishments

      Delete
  13. To your understanding…Tieba, just stop lying and projecting onto others….you have been exposed, you were in jail, you did miss meetings,
    You endangered your own children, and International peace is not what city council people do, they do city business and legislate. I doubt you can chew gum and walk at the same time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Accusing Taiba of "endangering her own children" suggests that you may not be a parent yourself, lack understanding of parental responsibilities, or are a negligent parent.
      Taiba should not have been arrested just because her teenager was tough to handle.
      Her children are happy and still live with her. If there’s been abuse she wouldn’t have her children living with her. Shit happens in every family.
      Look up Ken Browns docket number and see his family mess fighting for a property. Look up Sal Panto’s docket to find out his family mess as well as the complaint filed against him. Taiba’s arrest was orchestrated to be exploited in smear campaigns, a fact that has since been substantiated.

      Delete
    2. Taiba, please stop your futile attempt at deflecting your failures by pointing at others. Resign and quit your losing race against a genuinely proven dedicated Eastonian. It’s over, get over it.

      Delete
    3. Taiba you can't be half of the council member that Ken Brown is. In one day he has accomplished more than you have in your entire career. Taiba you are not solving any problems, you are the problem.

      Delete
    4. Ms.Sultana…being arrested and sitting in jail obviously did not have an effect on you. I find this troubling when ALL the people you mentioned who you claim are plotting against you, have long standing accomplishments with our city, raised their family’s here successfully, have dedicated their time, and lives to improving the environment for peace and quality of life. You are demonstrating how little you know of our city, our leaders in the community, and mostly your humiliating untruths about those who have lived here, before you were born. Stop your nonsensical ranting and exaggerations of facts and stay out of politics.

      Delete
  14. "This big mouth but uninformed dude"

    I've worked closely with local electeds all over the northeast, for over 20 years.

    I don't know much about the legislation in question, but I have worked with Pintabone in the past. While he tries to hide, it, he is without a doubt one of the smartest and most conscientious electeds It's been my pleasure to associate with.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Only Pintabone will say that.

      Delete
    2. Taiba….you are a city council woman, right? You do understand that your job description is about the City of Easton, right? You do know that your job is to work with your fellow council members and communicate with them, right?
      You now know that of the 28,,000 residents of your town, you were elected with 340 votes and now you know that over 70% (250) of those voters that pay your salary, just informed you that you are no longer needed, you’re fired!

      Delete
  15. -4 pocket parks being redone this summer in the West Ward
    -affordable housing (City just was awarded a grant
    today for another 5 affordable housing units)
    -Working on a policy to reduce crime in our neighborhoods
    -Live stream and better advertise Tuesday Committee meetings
    -Better transportation connecting the city
    -Meeting with Shiloh weekly to develop 60 affordable housing units
    -Met with 8 WW residents in their homes to discuss their concerns
    -Met with 7 SS residents in their homes to discuss their concerns
    -Met with 2 CH residents to discuss their concerns
    -Helped Davis st residents to correct a parking issue they’ve been dealing with for a few years.

    ReplyDelete
  16. can't we now do a special re-call vote since 250 people demanded it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 250 Out of 30,000 residents are not happy with Taiba. LMAO

      Delete
    2. Taiba is a district seat. Not the entire city. She won with 344 votes. The petition had over 250 signatures according to the presenter. Her own neighborhood hates her, but at least she finally hired that nice woman to clean her house.

      Delete
    3. The petitioners are from across the city. Former council member David Occonel asked me to sign, and I reside in the west Ward.

      Delete
    4. My suggestion to Taiba is to terminate her cleaning lady immediately, as she could be a spy planted by her enemies.

      Delete
  17. "Taiba should not have been arrested just because her teenager was tough to handle."

    He was bleeding? I raised 900 pounds of son. they can be unruly. they break things. You know what I never made them do? bleed...

    freaking midwits

    ReplyDelete
  18. The only person that’s talking about Pintabone in Sultana. She is a joke and has been exposed. She will get crushed on the 23rd and will never win in the City of Easton again for anything.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yeah, her obsession with Pintabone is irrational. On Wednesday night, Pintabone bent over backwards to be nice to her as he explained what he is hoping the city can do to reduce crime in the neighborhoods. Though she missed yet another committee meeting at which this was discussed, he went out of his way to be nice to her. Sultana, in contrast, has assailed other members of Council at every chance she gets. She calls Panto a liar repeatedly, has told Ruggles that he probably should not be on Council when discussing a cease fire, and has several times labelled them all as racists and opposed to women. Even Ken Brown, who happens himself to be black. She despises older people although she wants their votes. She is an extremely divisive person who constantly lobs grenades with no facts to substantiate them. That's bad enough, but she skipped out on budget hearings in 2022 to campaign for Warnock in Georgia. At least that's what I'm told. She ignore3s city issues. That's the simple truth.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Frank will never author a document to rival the Magna Carta, and he'll not deliver a stemwinder speech anytime soon. But to know him is to know he's a genuine article and routinely does for others without calculating any cost to himself. The dude loves Easton more than anyone I've ever met.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Surprised the whole city didn’t sign. She’s a horrible person! She never debates facts just hurls insults and unfounded accusations. Low class, low IQ, horrible human being. Thats her in a nutshell.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Low class, low IQ, horrible human being." Orange DJT, you now posting on Bernies blog? Forgot to lock your all caps for that one.

      Delete
    2. Definitely a Trump copy cat lol. In this case the description fits perfectly.

      Delete
  22. Taiba, please go away!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Channel 69 wrote a glowing article about her. Seems like two different people. The article v what we see here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are correct about the two different people. The one who gave the article to the reporter is attempting to create a person who she wants everyone to think she is. Most of her listed accomplishments are skewed and half truthed narrative to make her look good on the public eye. The other person is a selfish, lying, harsh mannered woman who has been outed by her children and
      spreads false innuendo at every given chance. Bipolar and untrustworthy.

      Delete
  24. Our very own Easton AOC! Except AOC doesn't get arrested. This woman gotta go and there is zero chance of her beating Freeman!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AOC has a brain. This woman is an idiot.

      Delete
  25. I voted for Taiba today based on her proposed policies, not on the smear campaign run by Bobby Freeman and his lunatics.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you voted…if she wins, you can pat yourself on the back for furthering the misuse of facts and lies in political arenas with no consequences. She will lose.

      Delete
  26. I was legitimately supporting Taiba until the video was released by the police chief at the city council meeting. Even before that, though, I realized that she is a complete moron who knows nothing of policy and has gained a negative reputation among her own base for doing little to help the causes she says she supports while taking all the attention to make everything about herself. She is genuinely in her own little world mentally and is a pathological liar. I wonder if she was even abused or homeless and actually made that shit up just to get clicks. I really had hope for her and thought she would be like the first in a new wave of younger voices in LV politics but... she thinks strictly in catchy slogans, has no actual policy agenda, is a child beater, is highly vindictive and spiteful, and is greedy for attention more than anything. She's another jobless disgrace like Tara Zrinski who runs for herself and not for others. She's an embarrassment and she will be kicked out of politics if she doesn't win on the 23rd - WHICH IS COMPLETELY POSSIBLE because voters are uninformed and she has the advantage of being first on the ballot and running against a longtime incumbent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bruh, it seems like you recently lost your job with her and are now looking for a position at Freeman's office.

      Delete
    2. Or quit when he realized who she really was.

      Delete
  27. "Our very own Easton AOC!"

    Not even close. AOC is very bright and prepares very well for hearings, which Sultana does not. She is respectful to others, which Sultana is not. Her views are pretty far left of mine, but she can explain them, Sultana is unable to go beyond catch phrases.

    ReplyDelete
  28. "The one who gave the article to the reporter is attempting to create a person who she wants everyone to think she is. Most of her listed accomplishments are skewed and half truthed narrative to make her look good on the public eye"

    I just read that story, It fails to mention her frequent battles with fellow Council members or Panto. It fails to mention her attempt to force a cease fire resolution in Gaza. It fails to mention her arrest or her placement on ARD. The reporter who submitted this story is a former editor and probably is just trying to say only nice things about the candidate, but he did quote her bashing Freeman. Si I'd call it poor journalism. You have to be honest, not nice.

    ReplyDelete
  29. And this is what is wrong with the news today. And a reason why our country is so divided

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  30. AOC may be better prepared. But she only possesses about a tenth of Taiba's grey matter. AOC is nearly special needs. Be fair. And RICO is a law. Taiba's an insufferable attempted climber. But saying a half-wit like AOC is smarter is unfair. It may be your worst insult of Taiba.

    ReplyDelete
  31. “ AOC is very bright and prepares well for hearings. “ You got to be on crack too! she is a bimbo that was a marginal bar tender ,and other stupid people elected her . What does that say? At least Ms .Saltana is our domestic punching bag that has deflected judgment of our other setting politicians. Other council people have skeletons in their closet ,with exception of one , I’d like to leave stuff out on here , but will refrain. Personal integrity is paramount in my mind, but we all are human and have faults, like I do. Americans are not homogeneous and pasteurized like the milk we drink. She will not defeat Freeman for his job, I say there is too much going on in Easton at one time, development is going to be our downfall if it continues. Retired people are being squeezed by taxes ,and..the EASD , school district is out of control of the taxpayer,and they waist our money ,we should fire a few unqualified administrators now before it’s too late. Yes it affects Easton city. We are currently struggling,suffering with “green “ policy costs from This administration in Washington, with fuel and food squeezing out the middle class right here in Easton. National issues that effect us are that we are at grave RISk of an attack by radicals domestically. It all effects us here and council has not dealt with national issue implications like a WAR . Leadership is an art form. Believe me , ms Saltana will be forgotten shortly. And.. I can sign my name .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mr Cochran …respect your service and open words, but maybe you could ask Ms Sultana how she feels about our military .
      It may impact your thoughts about her. She fails to acknowledge or respect those that have served.

      Delete
    2. She hates the Easton police unless she needs them for a picture. Police officers hate her

      Delete
  32. can youo do an article on how to do a recall vote on her? so we can start the process.

    ReplyDelete
  33. "“ AOC is very bright and prepares well for hearings. “ You got to be on crack too! she is a bimbo that was a marginal bar tender ,and other stupid people elected her "

    The difference between you and me is you watch Fox News smearing AOC and I actually watch her at those hearings. She is exactly what I say she is - smart and well-prepared. She has good questions and is respectful to others. I don't care for Ilhan Omar or Rashida Tlaib. The are the MTGs and Boeberts of the left. But I am quite impressed by AOC. Her views are more socialist than mine and I would oppose some of her positions. But overall, I have much more in common with her than I would with most GOP Congress members.

    ReplyDelete
  34. "can youo do an article on how to do a recall vote on her? so we can start the process."

    Under the state constitution, you cannot recall her. She can only be removed if she is impeached by the state house and convicted by the senate or if she is convicted of an infamous crime. Provisions in Home Rule Charters providing for recall are unconstitutional. There is Supreme Court case law on that point. It is not just my opinion.

    ReplyDelete
  35. The lady has obvious mental health problems. Instead of running for office she should be seeking mental health treatment for her personality disorder.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Bernie you should go up to Schnecksville today to see what a real leader looks like.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why? Was Biden there? Oh wait, he’s in the Whitehouse ensuring Democracy isn’t stolen by dictators.

      Delete
    2. Shneckysville. Made its choice….scarred for life…

      Delete
  37. "Serve, pray, slay" this has been Taiba's credo since she put her career on hold to serve underrepresented and marginalized communities here in Easton and the region.

    Many in the patriarchy who harbor anti Islamic feelings seem doubly vexed by a strong independent Muslim woman who does not wear a hijab but instead wears the pantsuit in her marriage. The hetero normative judo Christian elites are scared shirtless of a brown girl who ROARs her truth unapologetically in the face of a collaborative campaign to tarnish her goof character.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I do agree with you Taiba (or Justin?), some people unfortunately are horrible humans and can’t see past that, the rest of us that have a functioning brain don’t like her because she’s an awful politician and an equally as bad human.

      Delete
    2. Sorry Taiba, should be wake up , listen, and go away

      Delete
    3. "tarnish her 'goof' character." Great Freudian slip in Taiba's defense. "Serve, pray, slay," eh? Slay seems incongruous with serve and pray. Perhaps she should focus more on the latter and less on the slaying. It doesn't seem to be working for the dear city council woman.

      Delete
  38. Infamous Crime …being arrested once is not enough?

    ReplyDelete
  39. Why always with the use of words like patriarchy or she ROARS, or elites? Taiba you know that these types of words incite, or are divisive yet you continue to bait people to react. Insulting your constituents is NOT a good Campaign ploy,
    We live in a free city, and nation, bringing fascist language and anti whatever insinuations only causes more chance of more petitions to encourage your exit from Easton politics.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Implications of war are are now starting. As I have stated earlier WAR changes the dynamics of elections and how people think about who’s in charge. So- Bernie here we go. .

    ReplyDelete
  41. Israeli people are being shot at by Iran .

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hello again ,as I stated earlier. — War is on , Iranian missiles are be shot down in flight by U.S.Navy. Price of oil will surge and some Iranian General will be killed in days too. The WAR has started , U.S Marines on ships off coast may embark into Lebanon. If this happens- we will know this is really a conflict. U.S.Marine get off onto land brings artillery,brings Infantry that shoot at people and kills them. ah , and have aircraft support too. I was once there myself in same situation in other venue.ah - new Marines are better than we were than
    I hope we stop awile.

    ReplyDelete
  43. BernieOHare to Peter, Iran lauched drones that take 4-6 hours to arrive. Think it was more interested in saving face than in really hitting Israel. If it was, it would have coordinated with its proxies to overwhelm Iron Dome. What is unusual is that this is a direct attack. My prediction is that this will not lead to major escalation.

    ReplyDelete
  44. If Hezbollah launces a missile attack timed to coincide with the drones, the picture changes.

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  45. " "Serve, pray, slay" this has been Taiba's credo since she put her career on hold to serve underrepresented and marginalized communities here in Easton and the region."

    Career as what? Competitive eater? Carnival barker?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Career??? Her and her husband both worked at Dunkin Donuts before Matt Munsey told them they could make better money in politics. She has done nothing for the community except show up at other people’s events for photos !

      Delete
    2. That's "She and her husband..."

      Delete
    3. I have known Taiba for the past 14 years when she used to own a restaurant.
      Please refrain from spreading misinformation. Take the time to read the news and review her previous financial reports. She held the position of a regional organizing director at a voting rights organization, earning more than your friend Freeman and Panto. I admire her commitment to the city and now the state. She is not for the money, she is for the people.
      Speaking about her husband, he was a GM at Dunkin Donuts in a well-paying job.

      Delete
    4. The restaurant that failed and they never repaid?? That one? She just started voting on Pa in 2017. She never helped Freeman or Panto win anything. She is shit and the Muslim community is starting to notice

      Delete
    5. I'm sorry, but I no longer believe your concern was genuine. It seems that you are Another piece of shit.

      Delete
  46. Anonymous 2:46:

    "...tarnish her 'goof' character." Good one! Usually, people who work an anti-male theme into comments aren't funny. I'm ROARING with laughter. Keep 'em coming!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Wonder what her W2 indicates as her employment or job ? Many people have questioned the source of her income for her political endeavors and her real life job? As a public official, this should be transparent for all to know.

    ReplyDelete

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