NorCo DA: East Hills Middle School SRO Being Charged With Sexual Offenses

Northampton County DA Steve Baratta will be conducted a news conference tomorrow "at 2pm in the rotunda at Bethlehem City Hall. Costas Alestas, a school resource officer at East Hills Middle School, [is] being charged with Statutory Sexual Assault, Institutional Sexual Assault, Aggravated Indecent Assault, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Criminal Use of a Communications Facility, and Invasion of Privacy."

From what I've been told, a teacher has been either suspended or placed on leave as well. It's unclear whether those matters are related.

Officer Alestas had been a Big Brother. The Bethlehem Police Department, on its Facebook page stated in 2017 that he was "mentoring" students at Broughal Middle School. "The officers meet with their little brothers/sisters once a week and play sports, help with schoolwork, read or just chat about things going on in their lives." 

I realize Alestas is presumed innocent, but this is a bad look for Bethlehem's Police Department, especially during law enforcement week. 

The Argument For the Dixie Cup TIF

Over the past few days, I've been hammering away at the special tax break known as a TIF at the long-vacant Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough. I philosophically oppose most tax breaks but usually have no problem when it's given to develop a blighted urban property or a brownfield. The Dixie Cup is certainly a blighted urban property, but I oppose a tax break there for three reasons: (1) I believe it will exacerbate, not alleviate, our housing crisis; (2) I have no confidence in the private equity developer; and (3) It subverts natural revenue growth. TIF Having said this, I expect the TIF to be granted by the borough, school district and county. And no, it has nothing to do with campaign contributions to anyone. There are none. The simple reality is that reasonable people of good will can look at the same facts and have different opinions.

Yesterday, I received an anonymous letter (not an email, but an actual letter) endorsing the Dixie Cup project. Although I know who the author is, I'll honor his anonymity. Here's what he said: "The TIF is a good thing for certain type properties, like the Dixie Cup property which has sat vacant for too many years. Waiting another 20 years to get the increase in taxes is not a long time. The government bodies lose nothing because without the development there will be no increase in tax base. It's obvious this building will sit forever if no government incentives, like the TIF, are involved."

In addition to this anonymous letter, I also received a "Redevelopment Project Status Report" concerning the project, which you can review yourself below. Though Skyline's Brain Bartee leaves a lot to be desired, he has had enough sense to involve over 20 highly qualified consultants. Moreover, before closing on the deal, over $3.5 million has already been invested into this project. 

I also received a message (I'll keep it anonymous) telling me that doing nothing is what exacerbates the affordable housing crisis. "[Y]ou exacerbate the Affordable Housing crisis by not increasing the overall supply of rental housing in The Valley. So, a warehousing use or worse yet no use at all makes things worse by failing to increase the overall supply. In other words, doing nothing or the wrong thing exacerbates the situation. More supply. Lower rents throughout the market as people will stop renting less housing than they can afford"

The justification for the $1 million the county receives for the TIF is that it will fund affordable housing projects in Glendon Borough, Forks Tp and on the Southside of Easton. But, more importantly it is sending a symbolic message that if you're going to build luxury or mid-market rate with County support, you are going to need to find a way to help us defray the costs of the Affordable projects we are working on all over the County.

I remain opposed to a TIF, but there are two sides to every coin. 

Redevelopment Deal Status Report 240220 Dixie Cup by bernieohareiii on Scribd

Dixie Cup: Skyline Addresses Red Flags About Its Credibility

On Friday, I questioned the bona fides of Skyline Investment Group. This private equity firm plans to buy the long vacant Dixie Cup building in Wilson Borough and convert it into 405 apartments. Why this matters is because it seeks a considerable 20-year tax break known as a TIF. Under this program, it can use the increase in property taxes that result from development to finance additional development. The three taxing authorities (county, school district and borough) will see none of it, although Skyline is willing to give the county $1 million for affordable housing projects in Forks Tp, Glendon and Easton. After I published this story, I received a call from Brian Bartee, the founder of Skyline.  He blew smoke up my ass, telling me that this small blog is very influential. At the same time, he threatened me with a defamation lawsuit from the Morgan, Lewis law firm. The purpose of this story is to review each of the red flags I raised on Friday, along with Bartee's response. You can then decide for yourself whether this is a credible developer. 

Red Flag #1. Skyline Investment Group appears to be a knock off of the worldwide Skyline Development Group. That's owned by Zygi Wilf, who also owns the Minnesota Vikings and is an actual developer. I believe using a name so similar to Skyline Development Group is designed to confuse gullible people.  

Bartee's response. - He chose the name because he likes the word Skyline, did the necessary corporate name search and had no desire to fool anyone. 

Red Flag #2. Skyline Investment Group's website lists locations in California, Florida, New York, Tennessee and Texas. But with the exception of its New York location, it fails to provide a physical address for any of these other venues. The only contact - and it's the same contact for all five locations - is a cell phone number with a 551 area code (in New Jersey). This kind of misrepresentation is designed to make Skyline look bigger than it actually is. 

Bartee's response. He admits he has no physical presence anywhere except for NYC. He blamed it on COVID. 

Red Flag #3.  The sole physical location that Skyline does list is in New York at 200 Park Avenue, Suite 1700. That's the Metlife Building, and the use of that address is intended to create the impression that Skyline has a prestigious address. But it's a virtual address. 

Bartee's response: He admits he uses a virtual address. He also blames this on COVID. 

Red Flag #4. The portfolio for Skyline lists one project called the Louix. It fails to indicate where it is, what it is or when it was built. There is no description at all. 

Bartee's response. He admits there is no Louix anywhere. Apparently, it is a design prepared by CHASM architecture. 

Red Flag #5. The services offered at Skyline' webpage are a ridiculous array of items from accounts receivable to second mortgages to lines of credit to energy production. This is not development. 

Bartee's response.  Before he went into development, and the Dixie Cup is actually his first development. Bartee provided these services, mostly as a broker. 

Red Flag #6. The webpage lists several firms as "partners" that are actually not partners. For example, CHASM Architecture is listed as a "partner." It is actually an architectural firm that would be employed by a developer.

Bartee's response. CHASM Architecture is his exclusive architect for all his development projects. (He has one). He added that Nathaniel Clark, managing partner at CHASM, is a principal in Skyline Easton, the entity that actually is poised to buy the Dixie Cup. So there is validity to his claim that CHASM is a partner. 

Red Flag #7 The public faces of Skyline at municipal meetings have been Claudia Robinson and Neil Griffin. But get this. Neither is actually employed by Skyline at its make-believe office. Robinson is actually employed at AreaProbe, Inc., a Washington DC real estate advisory firm. She is apparently particularly good at snagging tax credits and is obviously working this deal as a consultant.  I don't know what she may have told other municipal bodies, but she failed to disclose exactly what her employment status is with Skyline, despite a direct question about it from Council member Lori Vargo Heffner. As for Neil Griffin, he is a Project Manager at CHASM.

Bartee's response. He acknowledged that neither Robinson nor Griffin is employed directly by Skyline. He stated that he has 80 people working this project, including the Morgan Lewis lawfirm. They are not employees. When pressed, he said he has 11 direct employees. 

Red Flag #8. On Friday, I confused Bartee with another person by the same name and incorrectly stated he was in sales for the medical care industry. 

Bartee's response. He has never been involved in the health care industry and has devoted his career to real estate. He correctly took me to task for that error on my part. He acknowledged that this is his first actual development. 

Why Dixie Developer Needs NorCo To Take Over Wilson Boro Tract

Last week, Skyline Investment Group representatives appeared at the county's General Purpose Authority.   Wilson Borough owns a small triangular piece shown on the tax map you see above as 1C-1. It is 0.35 acres located along the eastern side of 25th Street and is actually the beginning of a bike path that extends from the Palmer Bike path and hooks up with the Tatamy Trail. Skyline wants to take it over and move the giant Dixie Cup that currently sits on top of the factory to this triangle. But Skyline wants this deal to go through the county. It wants the Borough to convey to the county or General Purpose Authority, then have the county or General Purpose Authority convey to Skyline.

Why?

Under the Borough Code, Wilson Borough can convey land to another municipality or municipal authority. But if it desires to convey to a private party, it must do so by auction. 

This provision in the Borough Code is obviously intended to prevent sweetheart deals between a municipality and for-profit developers. But isn't that exactly what is happening? 

UPDATED: Dixie Cup's Questionable Developer Will Exacerbate Affordable Housing Crisis

In March, Northampton County Council approved a nonbinding resolution aimed at capping increasing lot fees charged by the private equity firms that are gobbling up manufactured home developments throughout the country. But at the same time, Northampton County is poised to give a significant tax break for Skyline Investment Group. This private equity firm plans to buy the long vacant Dixie Cup building in Wilson Borough and convert it into 405 apartments. Monthly rentals for single bedroom apartments will be $1,900, which is well above what City Center charges ($1,200) for luxury apartments at the Strata. It's nearly twice what most commercial landlords charge in the Lehigh Valley. Though Skyline is willing to throw a $1 million bone to the three taxing districts for affordable housing elsewhere, all three taxing authorities will have to wait 20 years before they see increased revenue to help their bottom lines. While waiting, ordinary taxpayers will have to pick up the tab for the increased services that the school district, borough and county will have to provide for double-platers who move here from New Jersey and NYC. These transplants will be among the few who can afford these rents. Most of us would agree that tax breaks for warehouse developers should be spurned. Similarly, we should discourage private equity firms like Skyline that exacerbate the affordable housing crisis. They've already taken over the trailer parks and now have their sights set on larger apartment complexes throughout the country. While they certainly have the right to invest in apartment buildings and charge exorbitant rents, the last thing a government should do is incentivize them. 

Earlier this week, I shared Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen's informative description of the project (you can read it here.) In addition to seeking a tax break known as a TIF, which would delay enhanced tax revenue for 20 years, Skyline wants the county to acquire a triangular tract (at least temporarily) next to the factory upon which it plans to move the Dixie Cup that currently sits on top of the building. 

One of my readers asks, "Has anyone done research into this developer? What other projects have they done? Anything of this size? Do they have a reputation as a good operator? I would think that A LOT of research should be done before McClure hands out our tax dollars to them!"

I've done a little digging and can see a number of red flags.

First, this private equity firm (it is not really a developer) calls itself Skyline Investment Group. Just as there are knock offs of name brand products, Skyline Investment Group appears to be a knock off of the worldwide Skyline Development Group. That's owned by Zygi Wilf, who also owns the Minnesota Vikings and is an actual developer. I believe using a name so similar to Skyline Development Group is designed to confuse gullible people.  

Second, Skyline Investment Group's website lists locations in California, Florida, New York, Tennessee and Texas. But with the exception of its New York location, it fails to provide a physical address for any of these other venues. The only contact - and it's the same contact for all five locations - is a cell phone number with a 551 area code (in New Jersey).

Third, the sole physical location it does list in New York is 200 Park Avenue, Suite 1700. That's the Metlife Building, and the use of that address is intended to create the impression that Skyline has a prestigious address. But it's a virtual address. 

Fourth, the portfolio for Skyline lists one project called the Louix. It fails to indicate where it is, what it is or when it was built. There is no description at all. 

Fifth, the services offered are a ridiculous array of items from accounts receivable to second mortgages to lines of credit to energy production. This is not development. 

Sixth, it lists several firms as "partners" that are actually not partners. For example, CHASM Architecture is listed as a "partner." It is actually an architectural firm that would be employed by a developer.

Seventh, the public faces of Skyline at municipal meetings have been Claudia Robinson and Neil Griffin. But get this. Neither is actually employed by Skyline at its make-believe office. Robinson is actually employed at AreaProbe, Inc., a Washington DC real estate advisory firm. She is apparently particularly good at snagging tax credits and is obviously working this deal as a consultant.  I don't know what she may have told other municipal bodies, but she failed to disclose exactly what her employment status is with Skyline, despite a direct question about it from Council member Lori Vargo Heffner. As for Neil Griffin, I was unable to find out exactly who he is and where he works.

So who is the moving force of Skyline? It appears to be one person - Brian Bartee. Amazingly, his LinkedIn page fails to even mention Skyline. He calls himself an investor in venture capital and private equity. He was a salesman for Lifescans for a year and was an account manager for the health care industry.  

If Bartee has lined up a number of investors for the Dixie Cup, good for him. If he wants to charge rents that most of us could never afford, that is his right. But the government should do nothing to help someone who is only going to make the affordable housing crisis worse even if he dangles a $1 million carrot.  

UPDATED (12:30 pm): Brian Bartee, Skyline's owner, called me this morning. The one part of my story that is inaccurate is my confusion of him with another Brian Bartee from Arizona. He also insists that CHASM is a partner, although that's debatable. The rest of my story is accurate. I'll fill you in on that conversation on Monday.  

Bill To Permit Pre-Canvass of Mail-in Ballots Goes to Pa Senate

Under current law, county election officials are unable to start the process of counting mail-in ballots until 7 am in election day, when they are doing 10,000 other things. This can and does result in delays in many jurisdictions. Throughout the state, county officials have been asking the state legislature to allow elections offices to begin this tally sooner. The state house has complied with a measure that will allow pre-canvassing to begin seven days before an actual election. Under this bill, the results will be tabulated, but may not be published or reported until polls close. This bill passed in a 102-99 vote along party lines, with Republicans opposed. It now advances to the state senate, where Republicans are in control. 

NorCo's Primary Election Results Now Official

Northampton County's Elections Comm'n has certified the election results from the May 23 Primary, and they are now official. Tie votes in 16 GOP committee slots will be decided on Friday in a casting of the lots. This will take place at noon, Friday, in County Council chambers. You can appear in person or watch on YouTube.  

UPDATED: Dixie Cup Developer Wants County To Take Over Wilson Borough Tract

Last week, the New York City based developers of the long vacant Dixie Cup building presented their plans to NorCo Council. Skyline Investment Group is seeking a tax incentive known as a TIF. Under this kind of a tax break, the owner can divert increased real estate taxes to pay for improvements over a period of 20 years. In exchange for this benefit, they will make 10% of their apartments "affordable" or kick in a little over $1 million that the county can use for affordable housing elsewhere.  As generous as that may be Skyline has one more request.

Yesterday, Skyline was at the county's General Purpose Authority (GPA) meeting. Wilson Borough actually owns a small triangular piece shown on the tax map you see above as 1C-1. It is 0.35 acres located along the eastern side of 25th Street and is actually the beginning of a bike path that extends from the Palmer Bike path and hooks up with the Tatamy Trail. Wilson Borough wants Skyline to take it over and move the giant Dixie Cup that currently sits on top of the factory to this triangle, where people can offer human sacrifices or whatever to the Dixie Cup gods.  Skyline wants GPA to help with the purchase of this tract. Specifically, it wants the NorCo to assume ownership of the triangular lot, and then eventually pass it on to Skyline. 

It's unclear to me why this is necessary. 

Tina Smith, NorCo's Director of Economic Development, told the GPA that "[I]t's a great project and we hope to see it come to fruition."

Skyline Investment Group descriobes itself on LinkedIn as "one of the premier nationwide commercial real estate finance firms. Senior debt, preferred debt, student housing, construction, multifamily, hospitality, retail, industrial, office, net lease, credit lines and assisted living financing is part of our core business." I'm unaware of any projects in which it has been involved.

Claudia Robinson told Council member Lori Vargo Heffner, "It;s a small industry. My area is historic rehabs." Though she presented on behalf of Skyline, she actually is employed by another firm. She did identify a major investor, but I was unable to catch the name. She stated that monthly rents for 1 BR apartments would be about $1,900.

Dixie Cup Developer Wants Tax Break

Below you will see a detailed report from Wilson Borough resident Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen concerning the redevelopment of the long vacant Dixie Cup factory into apartments. Developer Skyline Investment group wants a tax break known as a TIF in exchange for setting aside 10% of the units for affordable housing. Wilson Borough and the school district have both signed off on this tax break, and all that is left is approval from the county. This TIF must be approved by Wilson Borough, the school district and the county to get the benefit from all three taxing bodies.

I will weigh in with what I think after checking out this New York investor. 

Armando's report:

[On May 2], two representatives from Skyline Investment Group, the buyer for the Dixie Cup site, presented their most up-to-date plans to Northampton County Council's Economic Development Committee. A lot of information was shared in the supporting documents (which you can find here starting on Page 13), but among the biggest updates is that the developer is requesting the Council pass an ordinance to set up a Tax Increment Financing District, or TIF.  

 

What is a TIF?

As Good Jobs First explains it, Tax Increment Financing is a geographically targeted economic development tool. It captures the increase in property taxes, and sometimes other taxes, resulting from new development, and diverts that revenue to subsidize that development. That diversion means local public services do not get the new revenue they would normally get from new re/development. 

 

In the case of the Dixie Cup site, the TIF would be in effect for roughly 20 years. Given this potential diversion of tax revenues, the question on everyone's mind should be "Is a TIF worth it for this project?"

 

What is Being Proposed

Some may recall an earlier image I circulated to show what were some of the major components of this project. The below image comes from the developer's TIF Plan, submitted to County Council as part of their May 2 meeting (accessible here starting on page 24).

• Dixie Cup Seating Area (Red Square): The Dixie Cup currently on top of the building will be brought down to ground level and set up with benches for people to enjoy up close. A replica cup will be created and placed on the roof. Based on the plan provided, this area would be close to where the bike path meets 25th Street.
   
• Access Lane to Bike Path (Green Oval): The bike path that runs along the western end of the site will be accessible from the southern parking lot of the redeveloped Dixie Cup building. This would provide a new outlet for cyclists who can currently only exit this stretch of the bike path at Northampton Street to the north or 25th Street to the west.
   
• Cafe and Dog Lounge (Blue Triangle): The old boiler house will be converted into a retail/commercial space, along with a dog run (note the bone-shaped outline on the western end of the triangle). This amenity, in addition to the Dixie Cup seating area, will be open to the public and provide an additional component of connective tissue between the Wilson Area High School to the east and Easton High School to the west.
   

The previously mentioned fire lane around the building, pool for building residents, and rooftop lounge are still included (the pool can be seen to the west of the 2nd northern-most "finger" of the main building). While the parking lot to the south of the building is visible even today, it's bound to be more active once the building is complete. 

Affordable Housing

Within the TIF ordinance is a section on affordable housing (pages 18-19 for those reading through the documentation). While the text requires 10% of the units to be affordable, there is also language that allows for an owner using the TIF to opt out of this requirement if they contribute $27,000 per unit, up to 10% of the total number of units, to the County's Affordable Housing Initiative Program. The redevelopment plan is for 405 units, meaning either 40 units would need to be affordable OR the developer would contribute $1,080,000 ($27,000 x 40 units) to the County fund. The developer has repeatedly stated they would prefer to contribute to the fund, so the only remaining question is whether $1,080,000 is a sufficient contribution to the fund. 

My Opinion

While the affordable housing question still needs to be answered, this proposal is an enormous validation of community voices--like yours-- that pushed back on the warehouse plan in 2022 and completed my survey in 2023. For those unfamiliar, I asked area residents to score their favorability towards various uses permitted on the Dixie Cup site. The results were very aligned with what Skyline Investment Group is proposing.

Separate from affordable housing, I still have questions regarding some of the more specific details of the site (amenity access, bike path accessibility from Washington Blvd, general questions about vehicular traffic, etc). Regardless, the possibility of a reactivated and engaging Dixie Cup site as part of our community is only because of community involvement and advocacy over the past few years. And if you have concerns about this plan, there is still time to make your voice heard.

Next Steps

County Council will be holding a public hearing on the TIF ordinance on Thursday, June 6. A vote on the ordinance is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3. I'll be attending both and am happy to meet up with others who would like to give testimony. We are so close to getting something that will benefit our community. Let's make it happen!

 

Thanks as always for your collaboration!

-Armando

 

PS: If you think someone would appreciate this information or want to receive updates on this Dixie Cup site, forward them this email!

Allentown Health Assessment Reveals Need For Education and Learning English

Last week, I told you that Allentown's Community Health Assessment (read it here) concludes there's a need to combat loneliness. That's complete horseshit. What it really reveals is a serious need for both an education and the ability to speak English as a second language. Those two things will do more to achieve upward mobility among its residents than anything else. That is made abundantly clear by this portion of the assessment:

Amidst an economic resurgence, many communities within the City of Allentown are burdened by persistent economic distress. Across the City, the poverty rate is 23.3%, and the median household income is $47,700. Compared to the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton metropolitan area, Allentown has a poverty rate twice as high, and a median household income that is lower by one-third. Economic disparity illustrates the reality and the persistence of a citywide prime-age employment gap of 6.1%. The gains of a growing, prosperous regional economy are not being shared by all, especially here in the City of Allentown. Regionwide, there is a noticeable disparity in access to opportunity between different racial and ethnic groups. White individuals are twice as likely to live in an area with very high opportunity compared to Non-Whites. Just 38% of the Hispanic/Latino community in our region have high access to opportunity, 40-points less than white individuals. This disparity is especially pronounced within the City of Allentown, a now majority-minority city following the 2020 Census.

Allentown is a diverse city with 54.5% identifying as Hispanic/Latino and 47.5% identifying as non-native English speaking. Skills and education gaps are the fundamental barriers to employment for Allentown residents. Among this subset of the city, 25% of prime-age residents are not high school graduates. Language barriers accentuate this gap: individuals who do not speak English at home are over three times less likely to graduate from high school compared to those who do. Low educational attainment and proficient skills render many of the higher paying local jobs inaccessible to many within this area. A consequence of this incompatibility is the challenge many residents face arranging transportation to work. Despite 90% of residents traveling to work outside of their neighborhood, one in every three households in this area are without a personal vehicle.

I like to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant in this area once a week. A few months ago, the owner's two nephews immigrated (legally) after waiting for years. Neither spoke a word of English. Despite this handicap, both obtained jobs very quickly. Both also immersed themselves into studying English. While waiting for ESL classes at Northampton Community College, they used an online app to teach themselves. They both speak English quite well now and one of them just bought a car. 

Being an Auschlander hurts you only if you let it hurt you. 

Gracedale Shooting For 450 Census By End of May

Gracedale Administrator Jennifer Stewart-King, who was a bit breathless. updated NorCo Council about the county-owned nursing home on May 2.  She was a bit frazzled because the state Department of Health decided to conduct its annual inspection two weeks early and were at the facility for two days. Stewart-King was happy to report that only two minor deficiencies were found, compared to a state average of 9.3 and a national average of 9.4.

Stewart-King noted that admissions are up. The current census is 434, with 42 new admissions in April. Her goal is to reach 450, which she expects to do this month.  This includes a short-term rehab unit, which currently houses 17 residents with room for 31. 

The home still relies heavily on outside agency nurses, who are usually paid double what is paid to an actual employee. Stewart-King denied that agency nurses are paid $250 an hour. "No, that is not what we pay." She joked if that were so, "I'm joining an agency." She acknowledged, however that agency RNs in the Pittsburgh area were getting $500 an hour during COVID. 

Stewart-King added that outside agency nurses make up about 35% of Gracedale's nursing corps.  

NorCo Received 8,745 Referrals of Child Abuse or Neglect Last Year, Is Down 22 Caseworkers

Maria Torres, Administrator of NorCo's Children Youth and Families (CYF) department, updated County Council on May 2. 

She indicated her department received 8,475 referrals of child abuse or neglect las year, which is the highest number of complaints received since the county began keeping tack in 2015. This year, there have been 2,356 referrals through March. Torres indicated that, though the numbers have decreased slightly from where they were at this time last year, the cases are more complex.

She indicated that 179 children are currently in placement. Of this total, 71 are in county kinship, a program in which relatives care for a child in an effort to reduce stress and promote family stability. Another 73 are with foster care agency vendors. The final 25, mostly teenagers, are in congregate care.  "A lot of people really don't want to deal with teenagers," remarked Torres.

There are 29 vacancies in her department of which 22 are caseworkers. So, when union agent Chris Ellis told Council two weeks ago that there were double digit vacancies in Human Services, he was accurate. 

Human Services Director Sue Wandalowski said there are more vacancies, but there are more positions. CYF has expanded from a department of 125 on 2018 to 164 today.  She pointed out that the county's vacancy rate is 17%, well below the state average of 30-40%.

Has Your Local Sheriff Been Calling You?

I usually ignore calls marked as "potential spam," but accidentally answered one about a week ago. A fellow with a thick accent told me he was with the Sheriff's Office and had a warrant to bring me unless I paid him thousands of dollars. As someone who has been arrested numerous times for unpaid parking tickets, I knew exactly what to say. 

"Get in line!" Then I hung up. 

Actually, since moving away from the skyscrapers of Nazareth's bustling downtown, I've received no parking tickets. So aside from the spam designation on my caller ID, I Knew the call was bullshit. But many people my age and even younger are a bit more gullible. 

NorCo DA Steve Baratta has issued a news release to say his office is investigating numerous scam calls that are supposedly from the Sheriff's office. In those calls you are informed you failed to appear for a court date (that's the only kind of date I get), and you have to pay a certain amount of money. This will be returned of you show up at the next date.

As scams go, that's a bad one. A good scam appeals to our greed. This one is aimed at guilt, which probably appeals most to Catholics. 

In any event, the Sheriff's office wants you to know it is not a collection agency and would not call you this way. 

NorCo Council Delays Consideration of Voluntary Employee Health Center

Northampton County Council was poised to consider a resolution approving the controversial employee health center at last night's meeting. But Council member Jeff Warren, who proposed the measure, moved to withdraw it last night after learning that Council member Tom Giovanni was visiting family in Italy. (I might see him there when I win the Giro d'Italia this year).  Warren would prefer to wait until all nine members of Council are physically present and can vote. The eight members were present, either in person or by phone, voted to allow Warren to withdraw the resolution. 

NorCo Exec Lamont McClure: "We Had a Successful and Uneventful Primary"

Last November's election in NorCo was an unmitigated disaster for anyone who voted in person in NorCo. A coding error compounded by Logic and Accuracy testing that appeared to be neither reversed voter choices in the Superior Court retention races. When the problem was discovered, elections officials quickly exhausted a meager supply of emergency ballots. Rightly or wrongly, the problems resulted in the resignation of Administrator Charels Dertinger. Would these problems continue in the year's Presidential primary?

For those of us who still believe in democratic government, the voting system worked. Executive Lamont McClure told NorCo Council at last night's meeting that "[w]e had a successful and uneventful primary election on Tuesday, April 23. There were no machine issues and in-person turnout was very light across the county. "

McClure added that the Elections Commission signed and certified the unofficial results on April 30, after the canvass of the vote was complete. An Elections Comm'n meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 3 pm, in the training room (3d floor) so that the official results can be certified. 

There are 16 districts with tie-votes in the elections of GOP county committee members. At high noon, Friday, May 10, there will be a casting of lots to determine winners. This will be livestreamed on the county's Youtube Channel.

Thode: Voters Disgusted at Government's Misplaced Priorities

Earlier this week, I pointed to the anemic turnout in our Presidential Primary and posited that voters really have pretty much no choice, which is pretty sad on every level of government. I suggest a real need for both open primaries and term limits. Some readers suggest age limits and campaign spending limits as well. Steve Thode, who is only slightly older but a lot smarter than I, sent me an essay that mainly looks at traffic patterns here in the Lehigh. He believes government has misplaced its priorities, and I pretty much agree. Here's his opinion:

Julie and I vote almost every primary and general election - just as we did last week. I think I have missed just two elections in the last 50 years. Both times because I was called out of town unexpectedly just before the election.

However, I am growing increasingly pessimistic.

I have a few suggestions for you. Take a drive across the Valley on US 22. Stay in the right lane and drive at the posted speed limit. See how many vehicles you pass. Not many. And see how many vehicles pass you going 10-20 miles over the posted speed limit. Lots and lots. Some will angrily honk at you for daring to observe the speed limit. Those who pass you cannot all be climate change deniers!

Speed enforcement is largely a joke. PennDOT recently announced it is going to continue to use photo radar in highway construction zones. However, speeders will face no sanctions whatsoever unless they are speeding more than 10 miles over the posted limit. And, those photo radar units are brightly colored and easily seen at a distance. We all pay for speed limit scofflaws through much higher auto insurance premiums as speeding is a primary cause in most accidents. Why should the public take the government seriously when the government doesn't take itself seriously?

While on your drive, note that the last "upgrade" to US 22 was 25 years ago and only covered the area between the Lehigh River and Schoenersville Road. Virtually all other interchanges are nearly identical to their original configurations in 1954. The PA 191 interchange is a hot mess. And, the cloverleaf merges at interchanges are substandard and dangerous. Drive north on Center Street and try to merge on to US 22 or drive north on PA 309 to merge on to US 22 West or drive east on US 22 to merge on to PA 33 North.

I haven't heard one word about widening US 22 to three lanes each direction. Most weekday afternoons, US 22 West is a parking lot from Center Street to Airport Road. Likewise, US 22 East is a parking lot from Cedar Crest Blvd to the Lehigh River.

Next, take a drive at night along US 22. Note how many overhead lights are either burnt out or non-functional at interchanges. For example, if you are heading east on US 22 and exit at Center Street all of the overhead lights along the entire exit are non-functional and have been for more than 18 months.

I-78 in Northampton County is in terrible shape, especially going east from PA 33 to Exit 75. No significant resurfacing has occurred on this section since the highway was built more than 35 years ago. Millions of loaded semis headed to NYC have beaten the crap out of it. Heaven help a person with dentures who gets stuck in the right lane.

Congress passed the laughably named $1 trillion "Infrastructure" bill last year. Billions in subsidies for windmills, EVs, and non-existent (so far) EV charging stations. But, apparently, little for roads and bridges.

Also note the public employee pension funding crisis in so many states. A State of New Jersey pensioner who retired 14 years ago has never received a Cost of Living Adjustment. Using the CPI as a gauge, that pensioner would need a COLA of more than 40% to achieve the same level of purchasing power they had the day they retired. And, there is no expectation that State of NJ pensioners will receive a COLA anytime soon because the legislature deliberately underfunded New Jersey’s pension obligations for decades.

At the national level, neither political party dares to engage in a conversation about the Social Security/Medicare funding crisis that is less than a decade away.

Many of us are cynical about our elected leaders because, although they spend money like drunken sailors, when it comes to making tough choices like adequately funding roads and bridges, public employee pensions, and Social Security and Medicare, they kick the can down the road. Instead, they craft spending bills that reward special interests at the expense of the general public. Interest payments on the federal debt – alone – consume more than 40% of all personal income taxes. The Treasury Department projects that interest on the federal debt will exceed $1 trillion this year. And, it has taken a bipartisan effort to achieve those startling numbers.

Why should voters believe in the government? I'd like to hear someone make that case.

Tax Break For Dixie Cup and Employee Health Center to Be Considered By NorCo Council Tonight

A tax break known as a TIF for the Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough will be introduced tonight at NorCo Council. Dixie Cup has a TIF before. Principal Joe Reibman failed when he sought a LERTA because it was going to be partially used for warehouse space and there were unpaid real estate taxes. We'll soon learn how the property will be developed. 

Council will also consider a resolution providing for a voluntary employee health center. 

Allentown's Community Health Assessment Released

Allentown has released its community health assessment, which you can read for yourself here. According to a news release accompanying this assessment, three issues have been identified for inclusion in its health improvement plan: (1) loneliness and isolation; (2) a need for safe, stable and affordable housing; and (3) a need for upward economic mobility. 

The three issues identified strike me as wholly misplaced, especially the notion that Allentonians are lonely or isolated.  But the assessment itself provides a great deal of useful data. I plan on reading it thoroughly over the weekend and will weigh in next week on what a health improvement plan might wish to consider. I invite you to do the same. 

Trump's TIME Magazine Interview

Donald Trump recently sat down for an interview with TIME Magazine, a mainstream new publication. It goes well beyond his illegal suggestion of using the military to remove illegal (undocumented) immigrants. It also shows a petty little man who has learned nothing from the attempted coup at a joint session of Congress on January. He actually hinted at violence unless he is elected in November, And, of course, he'll consider a pardon for those who smeared shit on the capitol walls. 

As Biden [I mistakenly typed Buden in original post] said of himself over the weekend, he's grown man running against a six-year-old child. 

The Real Problem With Tuesday's Primary Election

According to the unofficial results of NorCo's election in a Presidential primary, turnout was an anemic 22%. Only one out of five registered voters bothered to cast a ballot. And I'm not picking on NorCo. Statewide, it was only 25%.  Now I understand that part of the reason for this is that independents are unable to participate in closed primaries. But there's another, even deeper, problem. Voters have little choice. Most candidates are incumbents who run unopposed. Even in the Presidential race, Republicans and Democrats had no realistic alternative to Trump or Biden. And this is democracy?  

You can say that people should vote as a matter of civic responsibility. But for what? The same ol' same ol'? There are few contested races. Yes, there were a few challengers to incumbents Zach Mako and Bob Freeman in Lehigh and Northampton, as there should be. But Mako's opponent looks like he's in fourth grade and Freeman's nemesis destroyed herself in so many ways that her career is hopefully over. Because there's no real choice, we are drifting from democracy to oligarchy.

I've argued before that we need open primaries. But we also need term limits. As nice a guy as Bob Freeman is, it's ridiculous that he has been a State Rep for 40 years. 

Ancient Rome, when it was still a republic, was very leery of seeing the same people in office over and over. Its highest office, Consul, could only be held for one year, and after that, a person had to wait five years before running again. Things began to change when populists like Gaius Marius bent the rules and got himself elected seven times. He ended up killing a number of his political enemies and started the devolution to one-man rule. I believe we are headed in that direction here.   

Gracedale Not The Only Public Nursing Home With Staffing Issues

I've written numerous times about staffing issues at Gracedale, Northampton County's nursing home. It is relying heavily on outside agencies to provide nursing care. An operational assessment recently revealed that these nurses are paid 41% more than county employees. But Gracedale is far from alone. According to Lehigh Valley News, Lehigh County nursing home Cedarbrook is contracting out one-third of its nursing care to these outside agencies. 

Cedarbrook Administrator Jason Cumello told Lehigh County Comm'rs that these outside nurses just want cash and do not really care as much about benefits like a pension or healthcare. 

Cedarbrook and Gracedale are by no means outliers. Cumello also said that there is a 130,000-nursing home worker shortage nationwide.  AARP calls it a staffing apocalypse. 

In the midst of these vacancies, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have incongruously decided to increase the amount of direct nursing care required to 3.48 hours per resident per day. In March, Exec Lamont McClure told me that Gracedale was providing 3.7 hours of nursing care per day per person. 

Dr. Michael Pittaro Conformed as NorCo's New Director of Corrections

Last week, I posted the resume of Dr. Michael Pittaro, who was nominated by Executive Lamont McClure as the county's new Director of Corrections. In addition to an impressive education, which includes a Ph.D. in criminal justice as well as a master's degree in public administration, Pittaro has direct experience at the county jail. He was a filed investigative officer for five years, where he received several commendations for assisting on the capture of escapees. As Treatment Services coordinator, he created the jail's first therapeutic community. He also worked as an internal affairs investigator and criminal records administrator at the jail. 

At Northampton County Council's April 18 meeting, Pittaro was confirmed in a 7-2 vote. The two dissenters were Council members John Brown and Lori Vargo Heffner. 

Traditionally, an Executive is given great deference in his selections for cabinet positions, which are exempt. In the past, I have only objected to three nominations: a Chief Public Defender under John Brown whose wife was a judge (that nomination was withdrawn); a Fiscal Affairs Administrator under John Stoffa who had a history of bad checks (that nomination was withdrawn); and an Administrator under John Brown with no experience and several tax liens (that nomination was confirmed). 

Neither Bown nor Vargo-Heffner provided any rationale for their No votes. If there was something seriously amiss with Pittaro, that should have been disclosed. 

Why Are There Double-Digit Vacancies in Human Services?

Yesterday, I told you that SEIU local business agent Chris Ellis was at Northampton County Council's April 18 meeting. He presented a petition signed by over 100 human services employees who believe better pay is needed to combat double-digit vacancies in departments like Children and Youth, where there should be none. The last time I checked, and that was in 2022, I was told that the county had 8 of 13 allotted caseworkers to investigate sexual abuse allegations. But I'll assume that what Ellis said is correct. But why? Is low pay the only answer? Are other factors involved. 

Here's what I know. Former Exec John Brown was raked over the coals on that very issue by none other than Lamont McClure. He frequently pointed to our obligation to care for our most vulnerable residents, those in the dawn or dusk of their lives.  He made this a campaign issue. 

But is the staffing shortage really the result of poor pay? Aren't there other factors?

The contract

Here's what I know about the "best and final offer" the county made to SEIU human services workers on a three-year contract. In year one, they will receive a 2.75% step increase plus cash equal to 4.5% rolled into the base. Year two will be a repeat of year one. In year three, they will get a 4% COLA.

Thise already at the top of their pay scales will be getting $1,750 cash bonuses in years one and two, along with the 4% COLA in Year 3. 

So basically, the proposal amounts to a 13% payhike over three years. 

There is a downside. Employees will be required to contribute 0.25% or 0.50% more of their salary for health coverage depending on whether they have a PPO or HSA plan. The county was wiling to offer an increase in deductibles instead, but the union rejected that option. 

Overall, I'd say this offer is more generous than what the county has offered in the past to bargaining units. It dies seem to recognize it needs to pay more. But frankly, I think the staffing crisis has other causes. 

Burnout

The simple reality is that many caseworkers, especially those who investigate child abuse or neglect, get burned out. Wen he was Director of NorCo's Children and Youth, Kevin Dolan often stated that most workers either leave or go to another, less stressful job. This stress also leads to unhealthy habits. 

Civil Service

Another reason for a staffing crisis was, until recently, the requirement that the county make hires through a state civil service list that was usually outdated. The county began the process of opting out of state civil service in 2019. It took four years, but as of July, Northampton County is now free to hire on its own. 

NorCo Human Services Employees Seek Better Union Contract

At the April 18 NorCo Council meeting, SEIU Business Agent for addressed County Council on behalf of  Human Services employees in Children and Youth, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol and other human services provided by the county. They are in the process of negotiating a new contract with the county and are unhappy with a "best and final offer" that includes a "twoload pay increase" [I do not know what this means] as well as an increase in the employee contribution to health care. Negotiations continued yesterday. 

Ellis presented a petition signed by over 100 human services employees that states the following:

"We are deeply committed to bettering the lives of our residents and building a strong community. The NorCo Department of Human Services members take their commitment to serving the community very seriously. However, we are deeply concerned about the disparity between our wages and the rising cost of living. County Executive Lamont McClure acknowledged in the March 2024 edition of the NorCo newsletter that stagnant wages are making it increasingly difficult for middle to lower income workers to afford housing in our region. This issue affects our current workforce and our department's ability to retain qualified staff and fill double digit vacancies, exacerbating caseloads and workload issues. Staff turnover has become a consistent problem across multiple county agencies. For residents of NorCo, this could result in difficulty accessing services, inadequate outreach, inadequate protection of our most vulnerable populations and overwhelmed caseworkers."

NorCo Council Ponders, and Dismisses, Limits on Public Comment

Last September, after listening to three hours of public comment, Northampton County Council member Lori Vargo Heffner tried unsuccessfully to put the brakes on the public's right to speak. She got nowhere, and for good reason. The First Amendment specifically provides that the "people" have the "right" "to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."  And under the Sunshine Act, either residents or taxpayers must be afforded a "reasonable opportunity" "to comment on matters of concern." Anyone who buys a gallon of gas or cup of coffee in the county is a taxpayer.  Whether "the matters of concern" are agenda items is irrelevant. That's why they're there. It's their job to listen, and the rest of County Council was wary of muzzling the public. I thought that was the end of it, but she's at it again. At the April 18 Governance Commitee that she happens to chair, Vargo-Heffner once again has suggested some gags on the public's right to speak. 

Vargo-Heffner claimed to be worried about what has happened in Bethlehem and Easton, where pro-Palestinian sympathizers were demanding that both city councils adopt cease-fire resolutions. Things did get out of hand in Bethlehem, but that's only because Council both misled these sympathizers and President Michael Colon was completely unable to control the meeting. They never reached that point in Easton despite Council member Taiba Sultana's efforts to wind everyone up. That's because Mayor Sal Panto was able to let people speak while maintaining control. 

Current policy limits public speakers to five minutes, and Vargo-Heffner suggested more restrictions. 

Council member Jeff Warren, who previously served on both Easton City Council and as a Hanover Tp Supervisor, was less than enthusiastic at limiting the public's right to speak. "I personally like how loose it is right now. ... I honestly don't see there being a problem. ... I want folks to be heard."

Council members Ron Heckman and Kelly Keegan both said they'd approve a change that postponed public comment on nonagenda items until the end of a meeting. 

Council member John Goffredo was leery of making any changes. "We're very open, whoever wants to speak on any topic and I think it should remain the same. I don't think I'm in favor of adding another public comments section at the end of the meeting just because then you're almost inviting people to come and speak about things that are off topic." He, like Jeff Warren, believes that Council should have the latitude to let members of the public speak longer than five minutes. 

Given the lack of enthusiasm for any change, Vargo-Heffner put her muzzle away. 

NorCo Has a Problem-Free Election

Winners are certainly happy after yesterday's election in NorCo, but the person with the best night's sleep is someone whose name is not even on the ballot. Executive Lamont McClure has to be relieved that this primary election, in a presidential year, went so smoothly. But that was just a tune-up for November, when the real fun starts. 

Mackenzie Poised For Victory in Pa. 7 GOP Primary

With a projected 43% of the vote, it appears that Republicans have elected Ryan Mackenzie as their nominee in the race against Susan Wild for the Pa. 7 Congressional seat. Kevin Dellicker snagged 33% of the tally, and Maria Montero finished last with just 25%. 

Though arguably the best candidate to face Wild in November, Montero raised far too little money and ran a disorganized campaign. Despite being able to raise money, Dellicker lost Republican support when he failed to endorse Lisa Scheller, who defeated him in the last Congressional race. 

DePasquale Leads Democrats in State AG Race

Eugene DePasquale, a former two-term state auditor general, appears to be firmly in the lead of the five-way Democratic race for state attorney general. Despite having less money to spend that Joe Khan or Jack Stollsteimer, he is the only candidate with western Pa roots. The other four are from the Philadelphia area and appear to have canceled each other out. 

Though my vote went for Jack Stollsteimer, I was very impressed by DePasquale when he was auditor general. He was willing to blow the whistle on the state's failure to answer one of five calls for suspected child abuse or neglect even though it made him unpopular with then Governor Wolf. 

Unofficial: Freeman Wins 77.5% Landslide Against Challenger Taiba Sultana

With all precincts in and reported, it appears that voters have decided to send State Rep. Bob Freeman back to Harrisburg for another two years to represent the 136th legislative district. He defeated Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana with 77.5% of the vote (3,985 to 1,152). That's a slightly larger margin than the 76% that Easton Mayor Sal Panto garnered when Sultana ran against him in 2019. 

Sultana's bid for the state house was hampered by what Ray Lahoud's Pa Citizens PAC called a crazy, chaotic and criminal campaign. As if to prove him correct, two of her children were nabbed by Pennsylvania State Police on election eve as they defaced Lahoud's signs. A third has been charged with corrupting the morals of minors. 

Sultana lost in every precinct but Easton 3-3, which she won by one vote. 

No Republican is running. Barring a successful undependent challenge, Freeman's re-election is assured.

Share Your Election Experience and Last-Minute Pitches Here

During the last election, numerous readers who voted in person alerted the rest of us that there was a serious problem with the Express Vote XL. Thanks to what I call participatory journalism, this blog knew before news ever broke that the machines were malfunctioning in the judicial retention races. So I'd appreciate it if you could take a minute to share your experience here. How is turnout? Where did you vote? (I expect it to be light.) Did you have any issues? Also, if you wish to make any last-minute pitches, feel free. Polls are open until 8 pm. 

If you have a Mail-in-Ballot, it must be returned today. Putting it in the mail will not count. It has to be received by the elections office today. If you never received your Mail-in-Ballot, you can cast what is known as a provisional vote at your voting precinct. During the official canvass, election officials will make sure you did not vote by mail, and then can count your provisional ballot so long as it is filled out properly. 

NorCo Officials Present Preliminary Plans For New Parking Garage and Office Building at Easton Campus

On April 17, Northampton County Public Works Director Michael Emili and Executive Lamont McClure provided County Council with preliminary plans for a new parking garage and office building at the Easton campus. 

McClure stated that the county has spent millions on its parking garage and "it's still falling apart." It has a useful life of about three years. He said it needs to be replaced as a matter of safety. "I do not want anybody to be injured in there." 

The parking deck was built in 1975 and was estimated to have a service life of 35-40 years. There are 298 parking spots, including the parking lot on Washington Street. Massive repairs to the deck were conducted in 2010, 2016 and 2023. Pieces of concrete are still falling and water seeps through joints and cracks, picking up minerals and staining cars parked there. 

In addition to a new parking garage, McClure believes a new county building is necessary for various departments that need more space. Chief among these is the elections offices, which essentially runs three elections twice a year. Expanding that office will increase transparency and enable more people to see official canvassing as it occurs. 

"Human services has outgrown its building," McClure said of the facility located at Emrick Boulevard. We wants to move the Department of Community and Economic Development as well as the Juvenile Probation from the Human Services building to the Easton campus. The Controller's office is out of date and not ADA compliant. The DA's office is bursting at the seams. 

McClure wants a solution that will solve the county's space needs for the rest of this century. 

The new office building would be a three-story, 31,000 sq ft facility. The new parking deck (346 spaces) would be directly behind it.  The first floor of this new building would be dedicated solely to elections. 

The second floor would be dedicated to the entire Fiscal Affairs Department. 

The second floor of the existing courthouse building would be used to use the DA and Controller. 

The third floor of the new building would house the Exec,, Human Resources, Solicitor and Community and Economic Development. 

McClure stated that he would need to discuss the proposal with the DA, Courts and Controller. 

No cost estimate was provided. 

DA Baratta Announces Treatment Initiative For Substance Use Disorder

On April 17, DA Attorney Steve Baratta advised NorCo Council that the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI), first started by Josh Shapiro when he was Attorney General, is making its way to Courtroom #1 on May 29, 1 pm. Baratta said that law enforcement is involved, but it's really more of a social services program designed to encourage police officers to refer people who commit petty offenses to immediate treatment. If the person can remain sober or clean, police would then decline to prosecute. It enables an addicted person to focus on recovery instead of criminal charges. "That kind of program is designed to make the community safer, not by arresting and incarcerating, but by healing people with substance use disorders," he said. He emphasized that the program is not for more serious offenses. "It's not a panacea, but there's nothing we can do that's going to solve everything."

The program costs nothing. "I can tell you it's going to help some people, and that's a good thing." 

Lori Vargo Heffner, Who Are You Calling Monkeys?

Northampton County Council has four new members, so Executive Lamont McClure is once again advocated the voluntary employee health center he promoted last year. Last year, this initiative failed in a narrow 5-4 vote. Three of the new Council members - Ken Kraft, Jeff Warren and Kelly Keegan - all supported the health care center when they ran for office. The fourth, Jeff Corpora, was appointed by President Judge Craig Dally precisely because the controversial health center made it impossible for Council to agree on an appointment. He is a tabula rosa, and it makes sense that the county administration would want to provide him with as much information as possible, including the arguments against it made by Council President Lori Vargo Heffner. That way he can make an informed decision.  That's what happened at Council's April 17 Personnel and Finance Committee, although it appear that some effort was made to prevent it. 

Council member Tom Giovanni, who chairs the Personnel Committee, said he had no idea the employee health center would be a topic until the day prior to the meeting. Fiscal Affairs Director told Giovanni that he did ask the Council Clerk to list the matter on April 8.

Hmmm. Who would tell the Council Clerk to slow walk the health center? Perhaps the same person that the Council Clerk speaks to when she needs to leave early or wants a vacation day. That would be Council President Lori Vartgo Heffner, who opposes the health center. 

Barron explained that the county has been attempting to cut health care costs since Exec Lamont McClure tool office in 2018, Through the use of Teledoc, Health Savings Accounts and a reduction in pharmacy costs negotiated with Blue Cross, the county has saved about $6.5 million in healthcare costs. But it's not enough. They are still rising. In the first quarter of 2023, for example, healthcare costs were up 29.1%. This matters a lot to a county that is self-insured, 

Barron was followed by HR Director Mary Lou Kaboly and Human Services Director Sue Wandalowski, both of whom explained the details of a voluntary and exclusive employee health center. Batting clean-up was Doug Forrester, chairman of Integrity Health, 

Corpora asked Forrester to explain the benchmarks that would determine cost savings. Forrester explained using the health care center for what otherwise would be a costly emergency room visit would save the county and employee money, and this would be replicated with other services like routine lab tests, physical therapy and X-rays. The return on investment is realized through lower claims costs that would otherwise be charged. In addition, the health center would act as an advocate for an employee if there are disputes about the plan and what it covers. He also noted that public sector employees tend to stay, and this gives a health center more of an opportunity to identify cases in which early intervention can be far more helpful. 

Vargo-Heffner suggested that Integrity is the sole provider of health care in Lycoming County, even functioning as a Blue Cross. Forrester told her that is inaccurate and identified the network as Aetna and the claim processor is Luminaire. 

Council member Ron Heckman, who voted for the health center last year, had questions. But he said he's wait until Forrester played a four-minute video presentation. "I've been at this circus before, so I think it's mainly the new people ..." he said

"The same monkeys," stage whispered Vargo-Heffner. 

There are four new Council members, none of whom have heard a presentation. Vargo-Heffner's remark was hopefully not meant for them. More likely, it was meant for the count administration and Integrity Health. '

It is one thing to be oppose this initiative. Reasonable people of good will can have different opinions. It's why we have two parties and should probably have more. It is quite another to try to prevent incoming Council members from hearing the details of this proposal or to make snide remarks about those presenting it. I have asked Vargo-Heffner to explain what she meant, but she has failed to respond. This tells me all I need to know.

It was a disservice to the new Council members, to the administration, to Integrity and a violation of the Civility Code that she seemingly wants to weaponize. 

Tomorrow, I'll be telling you about the county's plans for the parking deck and a new building on its Easton campus. 

NorCo Juvenile Justice Center Has Hired Private Contractor for Staffing

 A statewide staffing crisis at juvenile justice centers has certainly impacted Northampton County. At this time last year, 33 of 57 youth care workers positions were vacant, mostly because of the low pay pay and educational requirements. At the request of Court Administrator Jermaine Greene, Council created 13 assistant supervisory positions and eliminated 15 youth care worker positions. But should these supervisory positions be union or career service?  After some initial resistance, the courts are now willing to make these positions union jobs. Greene explained at a Council meeting on April 17 that he really just needs the bodies, at a good rate of pay, whether they are union or not. Those positions will start at about $51,000, with an increase to $53,000 in 2025. 

At this time, there are still 22 vacancies. Greene also obtained a waiver of the requirement that youth care workers have 60 college credits. They still must have one year of experience and are vetted by the Department of Welfare before they can be hired. 

Greene told Council that the youth care workers are now being paid about $18 an hour. "It's helping, but we gotta' pay them more," said Greene. "That's the bottom line." 

Greene has also brought in a private contractor, Corporate Protective Services, for 10 staff members. 

The JJC has 32 beds in detention, of which 16 are filled. Seven of these are occupied by out-of-county juveniles. There are 48 beds for treatment, 13 of which are for sex offenders. Six of these are filled, with one from outside the county. 

The county is reimbursed for housing out-of-county residents. In January the county received $24,000 from other counties. In February, that sum was $62,000. In March, it was $84,000. Greene stressed that the JJC is not intended to make a profit, but out-of-county residents do reduce the county contribution. 

After noting that the JJC has a number of detractors from inside the county, Greene invited each member of Council to tour the facility at any time. "You have a center to be proud of," he told them. 

District Attorney Steve Baratta, who was at County Council for another matter, said that the problem at JJC is financial. He believes there is no longer any debt on the building. "It's pretty simple math to figure out what we make when we have our JJC open and at capacity - which we can because there's more than enough kids who need that all around - and then figure out how much money we need to keep it open at capacity. I think you'll find it's not going to be a big number, as far as keeping the entire place open." 

Baratta also suggested that the federal government be pressured to come up with more money. He stressed that he didn't want to step on anyone's toes. 

Sultana's 19 YO Daughter Charged With Corrupting Morals of Minors

Yesterday, I told you that Pennsylvania State Police caught two of Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana's minor children in the act of vandalizing a campaign sign at a busy intersection that opposes her bid for the state house. As I noted at the time, there was a third person waiting for these children in a nearby car but was unsure whether she was an adult. It turns out that she is yet another of Sultana's children and is 19 years old. According to a news release from District Attorney Steve Baratta, she's been charged with corrupting the morals of minors. Her name is Imman Malik.

Sultana told The Morning Call that her children were in their way home from school when they saw the signs. Deeply upset, they vandalized them. I suppose a spontaneous reaction like that from children is understandable. But as several of my readers noted, who the hell carries black spray paint in their school back packs? This was obviously planned. 

We have yet to hear whether any action will be taken in response to a complaint from Easton resident Frank Graziano. He spotted Sultana's adult son at the 25th Street and Freemansburg Avenue intersection at 4:30 pm on the very same day as this adult child removed anti-Sultana signs and threw them in the back of his Honda Civic. That actually occurred in Wilson Borough so another shoe may be dropping soon.  

The signs stolen and vandalized were purchased by PaCitizensPAC, an independent committee formed by immigration attorney Ray Lahoud. His signs began disappearing or were spray-painted within hours after they were planted. 

In the meantime, Sultana is continuing a divisive campaign and is doing her best to incite the worst in all of us. A black voter showed me this text from Sultana: "Hey. I need your vote. ... We have to win against the old white network."

NorCo Council: Ken Kraft Tells Lori Vargo Heffner "You're the Queen and We're Just Your Servants"

I've been so caught up with the Sultana saga that I'm unable to bring you up to date about what has been going on in Northampton County over the past several days After Jeff Corpora was appointed by President Judge Craig Dally to fill the Council vacancy created by Tara Zrinski's resignation, it appeared the acrimony might dissipate. Wrong! Tensions were still bubbling under the surface, and there've been several minor earthquakes in Council chambers this past week. I'll be filling you in far more detail next week. For now, I want to tell you about the Council Clerk vacancy, which involved several ugly exchanges about a story from this very blog. 

On Monday, I told you that 22 people have applied for the $107,482 a year Council Clerk position. I noted that only two people who actually work for the county applied. The rest are outsiders. Aside from Deputy Clerk Aline Shafnisky, I did not identify any of these people. But I could have because the public has every right to know who seeks public employment. Those are our tax dollars and we have a right to know how they are spent. 

If I wanted to do so, I could file a Right-to-Know request today, seeking the names of every person who has sought county employment this year. There is nothing privileged or confidential about that information. The application itself is confidential unless the applicant is eventually hired, but the names of people seeking employment would have to be divulged. 

My story apparently threw some Council members for a loop. That's because Council President Lori Vargo Heffner refused to share the information with anyone, even the members of the committee tasked with going through the applications. She claims to be concerned with protecting the privacy of applicants, but that concern betrays a complete misunderstanding of the Open Records law and the need to be as transparent as possible in government. 

As Judge Damon J. Keith once warned, “[d]emocracies die behind closed doors….When government begins closing doors, it selectively controls information rightfully belonging to the people. Selective information is misinformation.”

Vargo-Heffner should certainly have disclosed the identity of all 22 applicants to her fellow Council members and was wrong to keep this to herself or get worked up in a lather because a member of the public had it. 

Ron Heckman seemed to also think that the identity of public job applicants is some sort of state secret. "It's a personnel issue," he protests. The identity of an applicant or proposed salary is no personnel issue. It is a matter of public record. 

They're both simply wrong, which is kind of scary because they both should know the importance of transparency in government, even when it comes to the hiring process. 

Knowing who is in the running for one of the highest paid positions in the county might trigger some red flags. 

Council member Ken Kraft was bothered that Vargo-Heffner decided how to seek applicants without getting Council members to vote on it. He was especially irate that she unilaterally changed the job description without the approval of five members of Council. Kraft said he probably would have voted for the procedure used or the change in job description, but Vargo Heffner never gave Council the opportunity. 

"Last I looked, we didn't elect a Queen," he snarked. She insisted that the Clerk position is a "private personnel matter," but there is nothing private about a Council Clerk. Her disciplinary record might be confidential, but who her identity is absolutely public. 

At one point, the duo began talking over each other and Vargo-Heffner began to silence Kraft. 

 "I have the floor, I took the floor, thank you. 

"Oh you took it. Ok, 

"I did.

"Because you're the Queen and we're just your servants. Is that what it is?" 

At that point, two Swiss guards removed Kraft and beheaded him. 

NorCo Dem Party Boss Survives Coup Attempt

Last month, I told you that NorCo Dem Exec Committee voted that it has no confidence on party chair Matt Munsey. It did so on the basis of the following: (1) Undercutting elected incumbents Sal Panto, Susan Wild and Bob Freeman . (He's been accused of circulating petitions for challengers and texting talking points during the Easton Mayoral debate); (2) Participating in a GOP effort to undermine public confidence in our voting system to a State Senate Committee whose real goal is to disenfranchise voters; (3) He refuses to conduct regular party meetings; and (4) He has ignored party bylaws requiring a separate treasurer; and (5) has denied party resources to area committees. But at a meeting on Tuesday night, Munsey survived an attempt to remove him as chair. 

The same group that supported the vote of no confidence presented some grievances and wanted to remove Munsey as chair. By a vote of 26-6, the Executive Committee determined that the charges had not been sufficiently proven or investigated, and by a similar vote of 26-6, the Executive Committee voted to dismiss any further action with regards to the Chair until after the November election.

UPDATED: Pa. State Police Nab Taiba Sultana's Children As They Vandalize Campaign Signs

As I told you on Monday, Pa Citizens PAC is an independent political action committee formed by immigration attorney Ray Lahoud purely to oppose Taiba Sultana's candidacy for the state house seat held by Bob Freeman. Lahoud seeded it with $45,000 of his own money so he could actively campaign against her and reported his spending as required by our campaign finance laws. Part of his spending included the purchase of signs like the one you see with this story. They began appearing throughout the 136th district early this week. Yesterday morning, they started to disappear. Many were also vandalized with black spray paint. 

Usually, these crimes are committed in the middle of the night, away from prying eyes. But the idiots engaged in this criminal mischief were doing so in broad daylight. Yesterday afternoon, Pennsylvania State Police nabbed two minors at the busy 13th and Bushkill Streets intersection as they were spray-painting the anti-Sultana signs. Waiting for them in a car was a third person who may be an adult or minor. All three happen to be Taiba Sultana's children. 

Pennsylvania State Police notified Easton police, and at least two of these children were taken into custody. 

Pa. Citizens PAC has released the following statement:

This afternoon, PA Citizens PAC was contacted by the Easton Police Department. According to arresting officers, Pennsylvania State Police observed two individuals spray painting and defacing PA Citizens PAC's signs opposing Taiba Sultana's candidacy for the Pennsylvania State House.

PA Citizens PAC was informed that the two individuals were children of Easton City Council Member Taiba Sultana (and candidate for the PA State House), apparently at the request of their mother. PA State Police observed the two defacing the political signs and, upon approach, found each with cans of black spray paint. The two were taken into custody.

PA Citizens PAC believes in the right of all to speak freely and has respected Taiba Sultana's whenever she exercised the same. Unfortunately, while Ms. Sultana proclaims her support for the rights enshrined in the United States Constitution and protests for others across the world to enjoy those rights, Ms. Sultana has, time and again, demonstrated a complete lack of respect for others who wish to exercise those very same rights.

PA Citizens PAC urges Ms. Sultana to take time to immediately resign as a member of Easton's City Council and end her candidacy for PA House District 136.

Amazingly, Easton resident Frank Graziano spotted Sultana's adult son at the 25th Street and Freemansburg Avenue intersection yesterday afternoon at 4:30 pm as he removed anti-Sultana signs and threw them in the back of his Honda Civic, Frank called Easton police, so it should be no surprise if charges are filed against this person. 

Vandalizing a campaign sign is usually just a summary offense but can be a misdemeanor depending on the amount of damage caused. Stealing a campaign sign is a third-degree misdemeanor. If Sultana encouraged her children to vandalize and steal campaign signs, she could be charged with solicitation, conspiracy or corrupting the morals of minors. I'd like to know if the minor children were in school yesterday.  I sometimes wonder whether Sultana is a female version of Dickens' Fagin. 

No matter how much you might dislike them, campaign signs are core political speech fundamental to American democracy. 

Sultana has previously claimed that she is a victim of political retaliation by Mayor Sal Panto. She said so after she was charged last summer with assaulting her adult son. She has also accused Hizzoner of racism and just about every other 'ism there is. But her children were initially caught by Pa State Police, not Easton Police, so it's getting harder for her to claim that she's a Panto victim. But she will. Right now, her Facebook pages are strangely on radio silence. 

I should end this by noting that Bob Freeman had nothing to do with Lahoud's campaign signs. Freeman's campaign insists he has never been associated with those kinds of tactics. Lahoud, in contrast, loves rolling around in the gutter and especially likes to be compared to either Soros or the Koch brothers. He's very naughty. But he followed the law. Sultana's family, and perhaps Sultana herself, broke it. 

UPDATED 12:30 PM: Sultana Plays Victim Card, Yet Again! - In Morning Call coverage of the campaign sign vandalism, Sultana admits the tampering by two of her underage children, but for the 1,678.456th time, claims she's been targeted because she's progressive and a minority.