I Stand With Ukraine

NorCo Exec Lamont McClure to Run For Pa.7 Congressional Seat

It's official. Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure announced late yesterday afternoon that he's seeking the Democratic nomination to Congress' Pa. 7th District, currently held by Republican Ryan Mackenzie. He did so in an after-hours announcement from the courthouse rotunda before a crowd of at least 100 supporters, including a Who's Who of local Democratic leaders, county staffers and an alphabet soup of trade union leaders. 

Up until this point, McClure has served in county government both as a Council member and as Executive.  He was initially appointed to a County Council vacancy in 2006 and thereafter won and held the seat for two terms. He was elected County Executive in 2017 and is in the final year of his second term. He previously announced he would not be seeking a third term. Now we know why.

As Executive, McClure steered the county through a pandemic and a statewide shutdown. He insisted that county offices remain open and found a way to funnel $25 million to small businesses in the county that were hanging by a thread. He's never proposed a tax increase and actually cut taxes in 2022 while simultaneously reducing the size of county government by nearly a third. He restored medical benefits to employees after they had been cut by the pervious Executive. 

As a member of county council, he was at the forefront of the battle to save the county's nursing home, which he has always called "a moral obligation." As Executive, he made sure it is now also county operated instead of through a private administrator. He has also persuaded Council to start a daycare at the nursing home for the children of employees.

He has had failures, too. Most notably, there were problems in the 2019 and 2023 elections. Though the county purchased the best voting machine available - the ExpressVote XL- the vendor failed to align about a third of the machines before the 2019 election and botched the coding of the machines prior to the 2023 election.  He has also had to deal with a County Council that, unlike many legislative bodies, has been flexing its biceps in a much-needed demonstration that there are actually three, and not one, branch of government. Most of them were no-shows at yesterday's announcement. 

Before Mackenzie's 1% victory last year, the seat had been held by Susan Wild. Whether she herself is running is unclear, but I'm told that she has been beating the bushes to find a woman with a STEM background to take on Mackenzie. She was MIA at yesterday's announcement.

Susan Lawless, who chairs Hanover Township's Board of Supervisors and was one of the introductory speakers, cited McClure's accomplishments but said there was one overriding reason to support him. "He can win," she declared. 

McClure condemned "the chaos that Trump and Elon Musk are causing in Washington, D.C. today. It's completely unnecessary." He said he was able to cut taxes and reduce the growth of county government by 31% over 7 years "without creating chaos. We don't need a bully like Elon Musk to come into the courthouse and fire people. We did this in a sensible manner. And not only did we do it in a sensible manner, we did it without cutting core services. In fact, we expanded core services."

He also discussed what he called Ryan Mackenzie's "values." "Mackenzie has shown us a little bit about what he values ... Let's take his focus on Medicare repeal. That's a value, right? Let's take his vote on Medicaid repeal. That's a value. He's showing his values. His assault on Americans' health care, he's demonstrating his values."

"What has he said to condemn the pardon of the January 6 insurrectionists?" McClure asked. "He's always lecturing me about support of law enforcement. By the way, I support law enforcement. Since I've been county executive, we have funded the police and fire and EMS to the tune of $2 million despite the fact that that is not part of our core responsibilities. So we support law enforcement, but Ryan Mackenzie did not criticize President Trump when he pardoned those insurrectionists. That demonstrates his values.

He also asked why Mackenzie has failed to criticize "Putin's aggressive invasion of Ukraine. I have not. Have you heard him say 'I stand with Ukraine' onto victory. I have not. But I stand with Ukraine onto victory. These are my core values."

McClure said he learned his values from his late father, a former director of Carbon County Housing Authority, "who lives on in my heart every day." From his father, he learned that "one of the most dignifying things in life was to be able to provide a roof over your family's head."  

It's on. 

$80,000 in Overtime Abuse By Top Clerical Staff Suspected in NorCo DA's office.

Three of Northampton County DA Steve Baratta's top clerical staff are currently on paid administrative leave. Human Resources is investigating whether the $80,000 in overtime they claimed over the last year was inflated in what amounts to possible theft by deception. If this is substantiated, the Attorney General will be notified. All because of a simple right-to-know request. 

Early this year, one of the local dailies filed a right-to-know request, seeking the salaries of every county employee. It's a good space filler. In the past, I've been critical of LehighValleyLive, which likes to publish what local government workers are paid, by name and wages. I've argued that just because you can file a right-to-know for this kind of information does not mean you should. Sure, I'd support publication of the highest salaries paid but consider publication of how little money is paid to most public employees is a bit intrusive. I was wrong. It is precisely because of such an inquiry that county officials discovered that top clerical officials in the NorCo DA's office may have been receiving overtime to which they had no right. 

One of these top clerks authorized the OT paid to two others. Her own overtime must be approved by the DA or First Assistant, but she may have disguised what she was seeking. The amount paid to her in 2024 was nearly as much as her own salary. 

She also claimed about $8,000 in OT in 2023, but administration officials concluded this extra work might have been necessary as the result of a transition from former DA Terry Houck to current DA Steve Baratta. 

I happen to know and respect all three of these clerks. If these allegations are true, it is very disappointing, especially in an office charged with the responsibility of enforcing criminal law. 

Because this is a personnel matter, there is no point in asking Executive Lamont McClure or District Attorney Steve Baratta exactly what is happening. But I've substantiated this story from current and former employees whose names must remain confidential. 

It is important to note that these are county employees but are under the direct supervision and control of the District Attorney, an independently elected office. 

McClure to Make "Major" Announcement Tomorrow. Is He Running For Congress?

NorCo Exec Lamont McClure is expected to make a "major" announcement tomorrow afternoon, 5 pm, at the courthouse in Easton.  I believe he intends to announce he is running for Congress.

Late last year, McClure decided against seeking a third term. He claimed then that he was bothered that doing so would defy the will of the people as recently expressed in a referendum limiting the county executive to two terms. Under this new Charter provision, McClure could have still legally could sought a third term.

I believe he intends to announce he's running for Congress, which is an open secret at the courthouse. 

First, the email notifying me of McClure's announcement comes from a Madison Plamer, who was spent her young career after graduating from the University of Iowa as a professional campaign worker for Democratic Congressional candidates Will Rollins (California), Katie Hobbs (Arizona) and Cora Neumann (Montana).  

Second, McClure was snubbed by former Congress member Susan Wild at a recent MLK celebration in Easton. Wild has denied this and has suggested that I defamed her, but I stand by what I wrote. I'm told by people who know her that she's furious that any Democrat but her would run for the seat she just lost to Ryan Mackenzie.  

Third, Mackenzie has been critical of the way NorCo handles illegal immigrants who are incarcerated. They always notify ICE and tell them when the inmate will be released and even will hold the inmate an extra 48 hours beyond that time. After that time, a warrant is required. This is consistent with both federal law and the Constitution's requirement of due process, which despite what Trumpers may think, is still the law of the land. Mackenzie is vocal about this matter because he perceives McClure as a threat. Otherwise, he wouldn't care. 

Wild insulted Carbon County, but McClure is one of them. His father Lamont was the Executive Director of Carbon County Housing Authority for nearly 40 years. 

I personally believe it's too soon for McClure to announce. By waiting a bit longer, he would be more effective as Executive. But I laud him for deciding against seeking a third term. Although Pa has no "Resign to Run" law, it would be very difficult for him to simultaneously be a Congressional candidate and the county's top administrator.  

Upper Mount Bethel Tp's Acting IT Director States 53% of Email to Tp Was Blocked in 2024

I've just finished watching Upper Mount Bethel Tp's (UMBT) latest Supervisors' meeting, a three-hour affair on Monday night, which is actually conducted in a garage. I sometimes wonder whether carbon monoxide affects the thinking of both the board and the large number of people who are always there. I heard complaints from neighbors about Mikey Stine, whose stump farm is burning all kinds of things, from vinyl siding to insulation in violation of a township ordinance that the fire chief has no authority to enforce. I thought it might be the fumes of a Ron Angle cigar, but he told me he stays away from plastic these days. Concerns were raised about PLANSlateBelt, a multi-municipal comprehensive plan that might stick Upper Mount Bethel with most of the least desired uses. And something besides Stine's burn farm really stinks. A park foundation seeded with township money as well as contributions from private donors has failed to appear at a Parks and Rec Board meeting for eight years straight but somehow is $30,000 in debt.  These are all stories, but I thought I'd start with an easy one brought up by Stavros Barbounis, who chairs the Parks and Rec Board and is also the Township's acting IT Director. 

Barbounis addressed rumors that the Parks and Recreation Board is corrupt and controls the emails coming into the township. He called this rumor "wildly inaccurate," noting that the township uses a third party cloud-based threat intelligence system to screen emails. 

In 2024, 53% of all emails sent to UMBT - 48,003 emails - were blacked as "inappropriate." "Those are confirmed threats," he said. He also explained that when an email is blocked, the recipient is notified nd can release the black to read it anyway. 

This sounds to me as though the third-party screener probably is identifying a lot of what you and I would call spam, not threats. That has a more ominous tone. 

I also think that if 53% of the email is blocked, the spam filter is set too high. This actually hinders a local government from being responsive to the citizens it is supposed to be serving. UMBT Chair John Bermingham calls himself  "The Voice for the People" on Facebook. Until the Township relaxes the filter on its email screens, he's really only the Voice for 47% of the People.

Stan Margle Suggests He Was Framed at Wilson Borough Meeting in Which Helps Violate Pa Constitution

Last week, I told you that prominent Easton area attorney Stan Margle, age 67, has been charged with possession of both controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.  These are misdemeanor charges and were lodged on Tuesday by Edward Fox, a detective in the Northampton County DA's office. At Monday  night's meeting of Wilson Borough Council, according to WFMZ-TV69, Margle publicly addressed the charges. 

According to law enforcement, Margle appeared in Juvenile Court earlier this month, and when he departed, he left his satchel behind. In an attempt to determine the owner, Sheriff Deputies opened the bag and discovered that it belonged to Margle. They also discovered what was later determined to be cocaine, along with the paraphernalia facilitating its use. There was also video surveillance showing Margle bringing a satchel into Juvenile Court and then leaving without it. He later returned for the bag, only to discover it had been turned over to county detectives. 

At Monday night's meeting, Margle said he had told a Council member he knew nothing about the matter at first. That assertion stretches credulity inasmuch as Margle had been told that the bag had been turned in for county detectives to inspect. He knew something was up.

Although he expressed embarrassment, he also hinted that he had been framed. 

"It doesn't matter whether the allegations are true at this point because the damage is done, and the person behind it has won," he reported said. This is a suggestion that the illicit drug was planted. It's hardly a remorseful comment or a sign that he seeks help. 

Wilson Borough Council, the very same crew who recently voted unanimously to give the Dixie Cup developer a massive tax break for apartments that no one in the Lehigh Valley can afford, of course decided to keep Margle as their legal advisor. 

And then they promptly violated the Pennsylvania Constitution by removing a Council member who has missed 15 meetings, thanks to bad advice provided by Margle. 

The Pa Constitution specifically provides that an elected official, from Borough Council members to State Senators, can only be removed (1) on conviction for misbehavior in office; (2) on conviction of an infamous crime; or (3) by the Governor, after impeachment by the House and conviction in the Senate. (Article VI, Section 7). 

Wilson Borough Council has no authority to remove a council member notwithstanding the Borough Code. 

Panto's Remarks About Illegal Immigrants Taken Out of Context

At their February 12 meeting, Easton City Council took up a proposed welcoming city ordinance that was recently adopted in Allentown but rejected in Bethlehem. While the proposed ordinance still requires the city to comply with state and federal law, it bans the use of local personnel to assist in federal immigration enforcement. It does require a certifying city to shell out $12,000 to a nonprofit. Frankly, it strikes me as just the latest, and rather tone-deaf attempt at virtue signaling during a time in which voters have just elected a President who has vowed to deport undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. 

Easton Police Chief Carl Scalzo warned against this proposal. While he said he was empathetic to the cause of helping people who have come to this country in search of a better life. His worry is that with these law-abiding immigrants, "there are also individuals who come here without that good intent." He suggested some would be here to commit crimes and hurt others, including citizens and law enforcement. He worries that "welcoming city" legislation would be used by criminal aliens who "fly under the radar." "Legislation like that can be a beacon for those individuals to come here."  He also observed that his officers could face legal consequences if the ordinance were unintentionally violated. 

Chief Scalzo went on to say that Easton has a long history of supporting immigrants and that Mayor Sal Panto himself just spoke last year in support of DREAMERs. Panto also promoted a city resolution calling on the state to provide driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. 

In response to questions from Council member Taiba Sultana, who said that a welcoming city just embraces diversity, he maintained that there are individuals who "will see that and ... They're going to go to those places where they feel like they can fly under the radar and then our officers are the ones left dealing with those individuals." Chief Scalzo conceded that most immigrants are law-abiding, but "we are seeing in our communities ... the Tren de Aragua gang and those types of elements get mixed into all of this. For sure that they do and they're looking for places where they can fly under that radar."

That was all Mayor Panto, who has used the mantra "clean and safe" since he was first elected to office, needed to hear. "I can't stand that we're here trying to do an ordinance to protect illegals. These people commit crimes. We don't want crime in our city. If you vote for this ordinance you are voting to have crime in your city."

That was that. 

Except it wasn't. Sultana used Panto's remarks to complain, in a letter to The Morning Call, that Panto's remarks about immigrants were hurtful and xenophobic. Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen, a Wilson Borough activist, said Panto's reaction was "blatantly racist" in a Morning Call op-ed. 

While I'll agree that Panto was inartful in the way he expressed himself (he was angry), he was taken out of context by both Sultana and Moritz-Chapelliquen. When he said he was opposed to illegals, it was in response to Chief Scalzo's warning about illegals who commit crimes. He has a good record of supporting immigrants who may have come here illegally but are otherwise productive members of society. 

Local government should focus on local government, not the flavor of the day. 

Will Philadelphia Eagles Visit White House?

The heads of MAGA world are exploding. "GO F YOURSELVES EAGLES,” proclaims right wing podcaster Megyn Kelly. supposedly in response to an Eagles snub of a White House invitation. Here's what I know.

Only one source, The Sun, has made this claim, citing just one anonymous source. I am unable to locate the story and am unsure whether it it's still there. Nevertheless, in the very fast world of 15-minute news cycles, this rumor is now all over the net and mainstream. 

I have no idea whether the Eagles have been invited. Trump disinvited the team in 2018 after several players said they would boycott. So I have no idea whether he's even invited the team for a visit. 

I do know that following the AFC championship, Trump congratulated both the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills but had nothing to say concerning the NFC championship game played early that day between the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders. Trump is petty like that, a small man, but this could simply have been an oversight.

I do know that Trump rooted for Kansas City in the Super Bowl, and lavished praise on QB Patrick Mahomes before the game. But after the game, he acknowledged that the Eagles played "flawless football."

I do know that Eagles OT Lane Johnson said it would be an "honor," to be invited, but added these are team decisions. 

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts said Trump was free to do what he wants when asked about Trump attending the Super Bowl, but I believe that is just his way of blocking out the noise before a big game. I would not conclude animus based on one guarded remark by a QB known for a stoic approach. 

Eagles' owner Jeff Lurie contributed to Hillary Clinton in 2016, and his ex-wife is a Democratic donor. He has contributed to both parties. 

My conclusions? 1) We have no idea whether the Eagles have been invited to visit Trump. 2) We do not know for certain that the Eagles have voted to snub a visit if an invitation has been extended. 3) Trump rooted for the wrong team in the Super Bowl. I previously stated a President should stay neutral. ... Unless he's rooting for the Eagles. 

NorCo Council Approves Four Contracts, Applaud Eagles

At its February 20 meeting, Northampton County Council approved four contracts.

First, it approved a $422,522 contract with Computer Technologies LLC to provide managed cybersecurity at the 911 centers in Northampton and Lehigh County. This is a joint project involving both counties. The funding comes directly from the state in the form of a grant, with NorCo acting as a fiduciary for both counties. This was approved by a 8-0 vote, with Council member Lori Vargo Heffner being absent during this vote. 

Second, it approved a $167,442.36 contract with TuWay Communications to maintain NorCo's 911 network. This is also being funded completely by a state grant. This was adopted by all nine Council members (Lori Vargo Heffner, Ron Heckman and Ken Kraft participated by phone).  

Third, it approved a three-year contract with Tyler Technologies for $1,025,599.85 for the assessment software used for the county's 125,000 properties. Tyler also does the billing, collection and annual flyovers. This is a state contract. It was approved by all nine Council members, with Lori Vargo Heffner, Ron Heckman and Ken Kraft participating by phone. 

Fourth, it approved a commercial use agreement with Twin Rivers Tubing for the limited use of county property (Frost Hollow Overlook launching area) along the Delaware River between May and September at a weekly rate of $250. There has been a commercial use agreement since 2021, which has resulted in employment and increased business for merchants in downtown Easton. The agreement includes an indemnity and hold harmless clause in the event of a liability claim. It was approved by all nine Council members, with Lori Vargo Heffner, Ron Heckman and Ken Kraft participating by phone. 

At the conclusion of this unusually collegial meeting, Council member Jeff Warren congratulated the Philadelphia Eagles on their Super Bowl victory, noting that Nazareth and Whitehall furnished wide receiver Jahan Dotson and record-breaking running back Saquon Barkley. Council member John Goffredo was quick to join in the accolade and even attended the parade. 

NorCo Council Upgrades Chief Public Defender to Full-Time Position

Last night, Northampton County Council voted that the position of part-time Chief Public Defender be upgraded to make it a full-time position. This vote followed a meeting yesterday in which Chief Public Defender Nuria DiLuzio justified the upgrade. 

As a part-time Chief Public Defender, Di Luzio is paid an annual $78,188 salary. As a full-time employee, she will be paid $107,482 a year. 

The position is "exempt," meaning that she serves at the pleasure of the Executive and can be replaced as Executives change. 

The upgrade was adopted by a vote of 7-1. It was supported by Council members John Goffredo, Tom Giovanni, Jeff Warren, Jeff Corpora, Kelly Keegan, Ken Kraft (by phone) and Ron Heckman (by phone). It was opposed by Council member John Brown with no explanation. 

Council President Lori Vargo Heffner was absent from this part of the meeting but participated by phone later. 

John Goffredo, Council's VP, chaired his first meeting, and kept it down to 27 minutes. 

NorCo Council Briefed on Bird Flu Outbreak That Has Killed 163 Million Poultry

Northampton County Council was briefed on the nationwide avian flu outbreak yesterday by Hope Kossube, an animal welfare expert from Penn State Extension. This is spread primarily by direct bird-to-bird contact, including wild birds, as well as through contaminated materials. The virus could be airborne as well. If a bird is infected with what is known as high path avian flu, no treatment is available.

The current outbreak started in February 2022, infecting 163 million birds in 754 commercial and 828 backyard flocks. In the past 30 days, the virus has infected 23.33 million birds in 102 commercial and 49 backyard flocks. 

In Pennsylvania, four counties - Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster and Lebanon - are under active control by the state Department of Agriculture. It has affected 2 million commercial poultry. (Lehigh County was in active control as well but has since been removed). A control zone is the infected farm and anything within a 6.2 mile radius. 

When bird flu is suspected, the farm is quarantined, and the birds are tested. If infected, they are "depopulated."

Is there a concern that this can be spread to humans?. According to Kossube, the risk of transmission is low. Nationwide, 69 people have been infected by avian flu. Most of them worked with poultry or dairy cows. One person did die but was suffering from autoimmune deficiency. There is no detected instance of one human infecting another. 

To avoid contagion, Kossube recommends that all eggs be cooked to at least 160 degrees and that we should only drink pasteurized milk. This would kill the virus. 

Kossube predicted that the outbreak should ease during the hotter months of the year.

Obviously, bird flu is the reason for soaring egg prices, not Trump or Biden. 

Bethlehem Mayor Willie Reynolds to Seek Re-Election

Blogger's Note:  Bethlehem Mayor Willie Reynolds announced his plan to seek re-election last night at the Boyd. Below is his announcement, which includes an enviable record of 50 accomplishments over his first four years. 

BETHLEHEM, PA – J. William Reynolds has announced that he will be seeking re-election to another term as Mayor of Bethlehem. “Four years ago, I laid out a vision for our city’s future as I announced I was kicking off a campaign to earn your support to be our next Mayor. You placed your faith in that vision, and I am so grateful and proud of all that we have accomplished as a city since that day. I am humbly asking the people of Bethlehem for their support for a second term to continue the important progress we have made in creating an even more thriving, vibrant city – where neighborhoods are safe and filled with activity and possibility, where residents have economic opportunity and a sense of belonging, and where City Hall plans for the future and promotes sustainability, from its finances to its climate action initiatives. ”

Reynolds stated that he is proud of everything that his administration has accomplished over the past three years including

• Consistently being named as one of the best places to live in America

• Ranking as the safest city in Pennsylvania

• Receiving international recognition as the 26^th World Heritage Site in America

• Holding the strongest overall financial position in City history

• Making record levels of public investment in parks, trails, and streets

• Implementation of Bethlehem’s award-winning Climate Action Plan

• Maintaining a commitment to increasing opportunities for all residents

If re-elected, Reynolds stated that his priorities would include continuing to invest in Bethlehem’s public safety departments and building financial stability within City Hall as well as

• Working to increase housing attainability and affordability within Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley

• Implementing Bethlehem’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan

• Building a South Bethlehem Community Center

• Making streets safer by executing major roadway improvements and implementing a Complete Streets and bike infrastructure strategy

• Continuing to implement and execute Bethlehem’s climate action plan

• Continuing to build cooperative strategies with the Bethlehem Area School District

Reynolds Administration Accomplishments 2022-2024

City Finances:

1. City of Bethlehem focuses on economic sustainability

Source: The Morning Call

2. City of Bethlehem cuts debt by almost 50 percent since 2015

Source: City of Bethlehem Budget Address 2025

3. City of Bethlehem’s bond rating ranked #1 in Pennsylvania among most populated cities

Source: City of Bethlehem Budget Address 2025

4. City of Bethlehem maintains lowest Earned Income Tax percentage in Pennsylvania among most populated cities

Source: City of Bethlehem Budget Address 2025

5. City of Bethlehem saves millions by avoiding capital borrowings

Source: City of Bethlehem Budget Address 2024

6. City passes one billion in private investment since 2021

Source: WFMZ

Parks, Trails, and Street Infrastructure:

7. City of Bethlehem rebuilds Fairview Park

Source: Lehigh Valley News

Source: Youtube Video Summary

8. City of Bethlehem to rebuild Friendship Park in $1.5 million overhaul

Source: Lehigh Valley News

Source: Project Website

9. City of Bethlehem acquires last section of South Bethlehem Greenway to close critical regional trail gap

Source: WFMZ

10. City of Bethlehem awarded nearly $10 million to make major safety and pedestrian improvements to Broad Street

Source: WFMZ

11. City of Bethlehem increases street paving by nearly 50 percent in two years

Source: City of Bethlehem Budget Address 2025

12. City of Bethlehem opens Monocacy Way Trail connection

Source: Lehigh Valley Live

13. City of Bethlehem improves Saucon Park in south Bethlehem

Source: WFMZ

Public Safety:

14. City of Bethlehem Fire Department works with International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 735 to fill vacancies quicker

Source: Lehigh Valley News

15. City of Bethlehem purchases new fire engines to update fleet

Source: City of Bethlehem Budget Address 2024

16. City of Bethlehem spends millions to update Bethlehem Police Department vehicle fleet

Source: City of Bethlehem Budget Address 2025

17. City of Bethlehem adds new paramedics for the first time since 2007

Source: WFMZ

18. City of Bethlehem expands Community Connections initiative that partners Bethlehem Police with Health Bureau employees

Source: Lehigh Valley News

19. City of Bethlehem partners with State of Pennsylvania to offer recruiting bonuses to new police officers

Source: Lehigh Valley News

Housing:

20. City of Bethlehem partners with Lehigh Valley Industrial Park to launch Gateway on 4th mixed-income housing development

Source: Lehigh Valley News

21. City of Bethlehem and Bethlehem Housing Authority partner on planned transformation of Pembroke neighborhood

Source: Pembroke Choice Website

Source: Lehigh Valley News

22. City of Bethlehem releases Opening Doors - a comprehensive housing attainability and affordability strategy

Source: City of Bethlehem Website

23. City of Bethlehem partners with Lehigh Conference of Churches to create new housing

Source: City of Bethlehem City Council Memo

Community Development:

24. Patillas, Puerto Rico announced as City of Bethlehem’s sixth sister city

Source: WFMZ

Source: City of Bethlehem Video

25. City of Bethlehem becomes 26th American World Heritage Site

Source: Lehigh Valley News

26. Bethlehem named top 100 place to live in America three years in a row

Source: Livability.com

27. Bethlehem named one of the top 15 Christmas destinations in the world

Source: CNN

Sustainability:

28. City of Bethlehem launches Bethlehem Climate Challenge

Source: WFMZ

Source: City of Bethlehem Video

29. City of Bethlehem hires first Sustainability Manager

Source: Lehigh Valley News

30. City of Bethlehem implements Climate Action Plan

Source: Lehigh Valley News

Source: Event Video

31. City of Bethlehem and Bethlehem Parking Authority partner to bring bike culture downtown with new Coalition for Appropriate Transportation retail space in Walnut Street Garage

Source: WFMZ

Source: City of Bethlehem Video

32. City of Bethlehem announces 2025 Bike Master Plan and Complete Streets Plan to make roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists

Source: City of Bethlehem Budget Address 2025

Neighborhood Investment:

33. Northside Alive neighborhood revitalization initiative

Source: Project Website

34. SouthSide Tomorrow - a neighborhood investment partnership between Community Action Development Bethlehem and the City of Bethlehem

Source: Project Website

35. City completes South Bethlehem Community Center feasibility study

Source: Lehigh Valley News

36. City of Bethlehem launches We Build Bethlehem, a community investment strategy

Source: Project Website

37. City of Bethlehem establishes Community Recovery Fund to assist non-profits following Covid

Source: The Morning Call

38. City of Bethlehem launches Live in the Garden concert series

Source: Lehigh Valley Live

39. City of Bethlehem reopens Westside Pool

Source: The Morning Call

40. City of Bethlehem eyes Linden Street two way conversion to improve safety and cohesion of neighborhood

Source: WFMZ

Other Accomplishments:

41. City of Bethlehem hires first Director of Equity and Inclusion

Source: Lehigh Valley Live

42. Bethlehem joins Allentown and Easton to partner with Lehigh Valley Health Network on Blue Zones initiative

Source: Lehigh Valley Business

43. City of Bethlehem joins Three City Coalition with Allentown and Easton to tackle regional issues

Source: The Morning Call

44. City of Bethlehem modernizes special event permit process, shortens approval time

Source: City of Bethlehem Website

45. City of Bethlehem launches citywide equity plan

Source: Lehigh Valley News

46. City of Bethlehem brings back St. Patrick’s Day Parade in conjunction with Celtic Cultural Alliance

Source: The Morning Call

47. City of Bethlehem works with Artsquest to bring Musikfest back to Payrow Plaza in City Hall Complex

Source: Lehigh Valley Live

48. City of Bethlehem launches The Bethlehem Corner to tell community leaders’ stories

Source: City Of Bethlehem YouTube Channel

49. City of Bethlehem debuts new health van to provide neighborhood services

Source: The Morning Call

50. City of Bethlehem launches “Better Blocks for Bethlehem," a cross-departmental program to promote violence and injury prevention at the neighborhood level.

Source: WFMZ

Willie Reynolds To Announce Re-Election Bid Tonight

It's been a tough start of 2025 for Bethlehem Mayor Willie Reynolds. It started with a barrage of President Trump's Executive orders, some of which impacted the city. Then there was a federal freeze, which was unfrozen but followed by a declaration that it's still in place. All of this prevented Reynolds from announcing his intentions concerning his job as Mayor. Then he came down with the flu. 

Now that he's recovered, Reynolds is expected to announce his plans to seek re-election tonight at the Boyd in Bethlehem between 5 and 7 pm. He will be introduced by his predecessor, former Mayor Bob Donchez. 

Grace Crampsie Smith, a member of Bethlehem City Council, has also announced that she is running. 

Both are Democrats. 

Chief Public Defender Argues Her Position Should Be Full-Time

Northampton County's Chief Public Defender, Nuria DiLuzio, told Northampton County Council yesterday that her office, which is appointed by the Executive as an exempt position, should be converted from part-time to full-time. 

DiLuzio, whose first job as a lawyer was as a full-time assistant public defender, argued that the criminal justice system has changed since she first started in 1998, and with it so have the demands on her office. Its workload consists of 1200-1600 adult cases and 400-500 juvenile delinquency cases a year. In addition, her office also handles bail, protection from abuse contempts, appeals to higher courts and probation hearings. Finally, her office is involved with problem solving courts. 

She noted that NorCo is the only third class county without a full-time chief public defender. "This is a full-time job," she asserted, and one that needs "strong leadership."

DiLuzio's office has three full-time and one 15 part-time assistants, along with three employees who are support staff. She also intends to hire a social worker, dependent on receipt of grant money. 

She has the support of Council member Ron Heckman, who said he supported her request after listening to her argument. 

Her request will be taken up by the entire County Council tonight. 

McClure Suggests a Ballot By Demand Station in South Bethlehem, Preferably at Lehigh U

At a meeting of the NorCo Elections Commission on Tuesday, Executive Lamont McClure suggested an on-demand voting office for Bethlehem's south side, starting with the 2025 general election. His suggestion is in response to long lines at the Banana Factory voting precinct in last November's presidential, in which Lehigh University students waited in long lines to be able to vote. 

Contrary to what some Lehigh U students had been led to believe, they can vote by mail or at an on-demand voting station so long as they are registered voters. 

Currently, ballot-by-demand voting is possible only at the elections office, located in the bowels of the county courthouse. Even there, voters waited in line for several hours before being able to vote. 

McClure is hopeful that Lehigh U will make part of its campus available as a voting precent as well as a ballot-by-demand voting station.

In other business, Elections Comm'n Solicitor Michael Vargo said that litigation concerning the date requirement on mail-in ballots has finally been resolved. Federal courts have determined that the statutory requirement that mail-in ballots be dated is constitutional. 

Elections Registrar Chris Commini informed the Commission that 69,000 letters have been sent to those wishing to vote by mail, including an application for a mail-in ballot. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is May 13, 5 pm. 

Candidates who wish to appear on the ballot were able to start circulating on February 18, with all nomination petitions due on March 11. The seats up for election are located here. 

Prominent Area Attorney Stan Margle Charged With Possession of Controlled Substances and Drug Paraphernalia

Stan Margle, age 67, a prominent Easton area attorney, has been charged with possession of both controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.  These are misdemeanor charges and were lodged on Tuesday by Edward Fox, a detective in the Northampton County DA's office. 

Margle was charged with drug offenses on Tuesday after an appearance in juvenile court. He left without his briefcase. It is unclear to me whether he left the briefcase open, In an attempt to discover the owner's identity, that's when the controlled substance and drug paraphernalia were found.  

In 2019, deputy sheriffs discovered a small glassine envelope that was later determined to be methamphetamine in the well of Courtroom No. 1, near the jury box, following arraignments that day. The only people allowed to sit there are lawyers and an occasional probation officer. 

The drug was destroyed because video was unable to pinpoint anything. 

I believe there are suspects and they consist of every lawyer who was in the well of the court that day, particularly those who were in the jury box. I was even told that some lawyers could name the lawyer who dropped his meth bag.

That lawyer was Stanley Margle. 

On his professional webpage, Margle states that he "concentrates his practice in the areas of Divorce, Domestic Relations, and Real Estate Municipal Law. He has practiced since 1983 representing clients in every aspect of Family Law. Attorney Margle has extensive experience in large asset-high income Divorce cases and complex Custody litigation. Some of the more complex cases have been argued before the Superior Court in Philadelphia.

"Attorney Margle is a member of the Pennsylvania and Northampton County Bar Associations. He was a Council Member of the PA Family Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association from 2001 – 2004. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of the Northampton County Bar from 1989 – 1992. He is admitted to practice before the Federal Courts U.S. Eastern District Supreme Court of the United States. Prior to beginning private practice, Attorney Margle was a Law Clerk to President Judge Alfred T. Williams, Jr., 'President Judge of the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas'."

He lists the following clients: Township of Bethlehem (Assistant Township Solicitor); Wilson Borough (Solicitor); Bangor Borough Authority (Solicitor); The Goddard School of Bethlehem; Selvaggio Enterprises, Inc.; Pallet Express, Inc.; Brown Daub Ford Lincoln Mercury, Inc.; Prologis Development Corp.; Michelman Steel; Muschlitz Excavating, Inc.; Anthony Transportation Group; CMC Development Corporation; Nordel LP; RPM Recycling; Premier Abstract Co., Ltd.; Jay Miller Construction, Inc., and Computer Management and Marketing Associates.

He also claims to represent Northampton County as an assistant county solicitor, but that is untrue. Executive Lamont McClure actually relieved him when he took office in 2018. 

A preliminary hearing has been tentatively scheduled for March 25 before Magisterial District Judge Daniel Corpora. 

In 2024, Margle was involved in a civil forfeiture action after a Range Rover owned by him was seized because it contained drugs. It is unclear how or if that matter has been resolved.  

Margle was a $1,000 campaign contributor to DA Steve Baratta. 

As a first offender, Margle is likely eligible for ARD. 

Developing Story: Lawyer Allegedly Brought Drugs into NorCo Juvenile Court

Samuel Culper is the alias that Adam Woodhull used when he spied for George Washington. Late last night, I received an email from this spy informing me that a prominent local lawyer was charged with drug offenses on Tuesday after an appearance in juvenile court. He left without his briefcase, which was opened later to determine who had left it behind, and that's when drugs were discovered. When I can confirm that this story is accurate, I'll let you know. 

In 2019, deputy sheriffs discovered a small glassine envelope that was later determined to be methamphetamine in the well of Courtroom No. 1, near the jury box, following arraignments that day. The only people allowed to sit there are lawyers and an occasional probation officer. 

The drug was destroyed because video was unable to pinpoint anything. 

I believe there are suspects and they consist of every lawyer who was in the well of the court that day, particularly those who were in the jury box. I was even told that some lawyers could name the lawyer who dropped his meth bag.

The lawyer who was allegedly charged yesterday is that very same lawyer.

I will decline publishing comments identifying this attorney until I am certain the information I received is accurate. 

Sultana's Re-Election Bid Gets Dim Reception on Easton's South Side Social Facebook Page

Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana announced that she is seeking re-election to her seat representing the south side yesterday and bragged that she already has 100 signatures even though candidates were unable to seek signatures before yesterday. I wonder if she got Lisa Boscola to sign again. 

Her announcement was greeted far less enthusiastically at Easton's South Side Social Facebook page. 

NO, NO, NO, NO THANK YOU!!! This person has done nothing for South Side, nothing!! It's her agenda to lie in your face! NO TO TAIBA SULTANA!

Vote for Susan Hartranft-Bittinger who actually cares and is a lifelong resident!

Sultana was absent when Easton's most recent budget was adopted and even missed the meeting the previous evening at which budget amendments were considered. Given that this is the most important function of a city council, her absence for a vacation in Pakistan is inexcusable. 

Just last year, she mounted an ill-advised primary challenge to State Rep. Bob Freeman. I'd agree it's time for him to step aside, but not for her. Voters agreed. Freeman won by an unheard of 77.5% landslide. 

In that campaign, her own children were nabbed by Pa. State police for defacing campaign signs critical of her campaign. Her adult daughter was charged with corrupting the morals of minors. 

She's divisive. At one meeting she actually did attend, she claimed to be the only person there who cares about the black and brown community even though city council member "downtown" Kenny Brown is himself black and is named Brown. 

Sultana fails to mention another petition. This one was filed by 250 Easton residents, asking her to resign. Here's what it says:

"In the two years that Mrs. Sultana 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 ..."

Are You a Victim in Bethlehem Fraud Scheme?

Bethlehem police have arrested three area residents - Francisco Rodriguez-Ayala, Melissa Ramos and Giovanni Guridy - in what appears to be a massive fraud scheme that involves 130 identified victims and over $275,000 in stolen checks. All are in jail because of inability to post $500,000 bail, which a preliminary hearing tentatively set for Friday.

A search warrant revealed this trio in possession of counterfeiting devices as well as a notebook withe the names and social security numbers of numerous individuals, from which false identities were created to set up fraudulent accounts and make purchases. They also discovered items that had been stolen from area vehicles.

If you believe you might be a victim of this identity theft scheme, Northampton County DA's office is recommending that you call Bethlehem police at 610-997-7682. 

Safe Harbor VP Seeks West Ward Seat on Easton City Council

From Juli Zando-Denis' campaign Easton, PA - [Date] - Julie Zando-Dennis, a dedicated community advocate and long-time resident of the West Ward in Easton, is excited to announce her candidacy for the Easton City Council in the upcoming election. Julie seeks to represent District 2, which encompasses Wards 5, 6, 7, 8E, and 8W in the West Ward.

With a strong background in community organizing, Julie has been an active participant in local initiatives and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents. Julie will be an advocate for affordable housing, healthcare, quality education, and employment opportunities. Her campaign will focus on key issues such as food security, community safety, and quality of life issues like parking, noise, speeding, and hazardous sidewalks.

"I am running for City Council because I believe in the potential of our community and the power of collective action," said Julie Zando-Dennis. "Together, we can create a more engaged community to address systemic issues and build resilience within the community. I am committed to listening to the voices of our residents and working tirelessly to address their concerns and aspirations."

Julie Zando-Dennis has a proven track record of working with residents, local businesses, and nonprofits who have a vested interest in the West Ward. She currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Safe Harbor Easton, which fosters lifelong success and stability in homeless men and women by addressing the root causes of their homelessness. She also supports community revitalization activities as a volunteer for local organizations and as a member of the Steering Committee of the West Ward Community Initiative. She plans to bring this same dedication and passion to the City Council, ensuring that the West Ward is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

To maintain impartiality and ensure that her decisions are solely in the best interest of the community, she will self-fund her campaign and will not accept any contributions from individuals or corporations. This approach will allow Julie to remain unbiased and fully dedicated to serving the residents of the West Ward.

About Julie Zando-Dennis

Julie Zando-Dennis graduated from law school in 2005 and currently works as a construction professional and pollution claims examiner. She and her wife Ghen have lived in the West Ward for 17 years and have three dogs.

Blogger's Note: According to her LinkedIn page, Zando Denis is a graduate of the University of Buffalo (M.A.H), McGill University (B.A.), Bard College (M.F.A) and Cardozo School of Law. She is licensed to practice in both Pa and NJ and is currently employed as a Senior Claims Examiner at AVP in New York as a construction specialist. 

Sharbel Koorie to Run For Easton City Council's West Ward Seat

From Sharbel Koorie: I am Sharbel Koorie and today I am announcing my candidacy for Easton City Council – District 2, which is comprised of Wards 5, 6, 7, 8 West and 8 East in Easton.

As a lifelong resident of Easton, I have seen the challenges and opportunities our community faces. Today, I am excited to announce that I am running for City Council to represent District 2, a neighborhood I have called home for 55 years. With your support, I hope to bring a fresh perspective and practical solutions to the issues that matter most to our families and businesses.

I believe in the potential of Easton. For over four decades, I’ve worked here in various capacities—from co-owning Daddy’s Place, a popular local restaurant, to running a successful Disc Jockey business. For the past 25 years, I have also served the City of Easton in several roles, including laborer, heavy equipment operator, building inspector, and code administrator. These roles have given me a deep understanding of how our city functions and what works well and needs to be changed.

As a proud resident of South 9th Street, married to my wonderful wife Lena, and a father of four and a grandfather of six, I care deeply about the future of Easton, especially in the West Ward, where I have spent my life. The issues here are personal to me.

As your City Council representative, I will prioritize being accessible, listening to your concerns, and working tirelessly to ensure that we create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Easton for everyone. It will be my goal to make Easton a city we’re all proud to call home.

I humbly ask for your support in this campaign. Together, we can make Easton better, stronger, and more connected than ever before.

Blogger's Note: I know Sharbel and have visited his excellent restaurant many times more than I should. He and his family are good people. But can a Republican get elected in a heavily Democratic District? Can a former code enforcement officer get elected an any district? We'll see.