Easton's "Democracy" March Consists of Walking in Circles

Though it's still a bit chilly and windy for a longish bike ride, I decided to ride to Easton's Circle on Sunday to watch and listen to an anti-Trump rally thinly disguised as a pro-democracy rally. Despite the gloomy weather, the opposite of just the day before, there was a decent crowd of about 150-200 people, many of whom were festooned in home-made anti-Trump signs. After listening to a group of mostly uninspired and forgettable speakers, they simply walked around in circles and pretended it was a march. That's exactly what most Trump opponents are doing these days. Walking in circles instead of taking meaningful actions that address where we Democrats went wrong and what really ails our democratic-ish government

I did like Lady Liberty on stilts. She even painted her face green. I thought her presence, by itself, meant more than what anyone had to say. I also appreciated like the idea of collecting food for people in need. That was thoughtful. I even got a free coffee at Dunkin' from the nice young ladies at the counter. I was dressed in my nicest velo gear, but no matter what I do, I tend to look like a homeless person. 

Speakers consisted of colonial re-enactor Christopher Black, former US Congressperson Susan Wild, State Rep. Bob Freeman, former TV journalist Melba Tolliver and local community activist Baron Vanderburg. 

Without question, our polity (we are a rule by the many, not a strict democracy) is in big trouble. One of its biggest weaknesses is the pernicious influence of money in politics. So guess who spoke the longest? Former Congress member and glorified telemarketer Susan Wild. Over $38 million was spent in her losing bid to remain in Washington last year. That's just obscene. She spent much of her time on the stage Sunday displaying her schadenfreude at Elsie Stefanik. That NY Congress member recently had to abandon her quest to become UN Ambassador so that the GOP could maintain its razor thin majority. Wild was just delighted. But she spent no time at all criticizing how millions of dollars injected into campaigns results in corrupt government officials. You could see that in Wild herself. She, like most members of Congress, spent most of her time on the phone, speaking to deep pockets. As a result, her office had terrible constituent services. 

Danny "Dog Park" Cohen

A second of the biggest problems in our polity is the lack of term limits for many elected offices, especially in state and federal government. Our politicians tend to get in office and stay there forever. Or until they look like a deer in the headlights during a Presidential debate. One Congress member from Texas actually lives in an assisted-living facility. So who addresses this problem with our democracy? Not Easton Mayor Sal Panto, who is now in his sixth term. Nor did State Representative Bob Freeman, who will be in office for 40 frickin' years at the end of his term in 2026.  Our elected leaders tend to be disproportionately old, white and male. They stay in office because they know how to cater to special interests instead of hard-working people. That's who spoke on behalf of more democracy? 

A former TV anchor, who got her big break by crossing a picket line during a strike by broadcasters and writers, also spoke. She's a scab. What better way for Democrats or Democratic Socialists or whatever we call ourselves these days to show our solidarity with the working class. But because she refused to cover her head with a scarf when Tricia Nixon was married, her sins are all forgiven, I guess. 

Baron Vanderburg spent his time discussing the five stages of grief he endured after Republicans and Trump prevailed. I'm not exactly sure what that has to do with democracy. 

Final, there was a colonial re-enactor, sporting his tri-corner hat and 1776 regalia, harkening us back to the time when only the landed male gentry could vote, and slaves were only 3/5 of a person. I'd rather not be reminded. 

Wild went on forever, and Panto shouted his remarks. I'm not quite sure why. I decided walk a few blocks back so my eardrums would remain intact, perilously close to a tempting bakery. A passerby was laughing as Panto shrieked. "Now he's talking about the beaches of Normandy," he shook his head. 

Were there Trump disruptors? Sure. One fellow kept shouting "Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump" as speakers delivered their obloquies. Another fellow, carrying a Mackenzie sign that he defiantly displayed from time to time, spoke of powerful American women like Aunt Jemima. Stupid comes in all flavors. 

Without question, this country is riven and our democracy is slowly but inexorably headed into a dictatorship, much like happened to the Roman Republic. But it's also indisputable that nearly all elected leaders on both sides of the aisle care very little about anything but their own ambition. Instead of walking around in circles or carrying "Impeach Trump" signs, we need to reform what is wrong in our government, including office holders who stay well beyond their expiration date and the corrupting influence of money. That would be a little more meaningful.

How is the NorCo Parking Garage Project at Courthouse Campus Going?

Last April, nearly a year ago, 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. Emili has brought a few in from time to time to show to Council. He also produced a photo of a county-owned car damaged by falling concrete. In addition, water seeps through joints and cracks, picking up minerals and staining cars parked there. 

The need for a new parking deck has actually become a matter of public safety. Yet because McClure wanted to include a new county building in a bond ordinance, County Council demurred. It was not until February 6 that Council finally approved a $35 million bond to fund a new garage. 

The garage itself costs $21 million, but the bond would also finance the purchase of energy conservation assets as well as a P25 radio system for first responders. Council members John Goffredo and John Brown still opposed the project. "We're cutting a bland check and don't know what we're getting," complained Goffredo. Brown argued that the county could use existing funds without borrowing. 

Public Works Director Emili updated County Council about the project on March 19. 

Emili told Council that the county issued a Request for Proposals for architectural design and project management in mid-February, after the bond was approved. Proposals were received March 18 (10 for architectural and engineering design and 4 for construction management). A selection committee that includes a member of Council will review and rate the proposals. 

Emili stated that the footprint of the new garage will be similar to what exists now, but capacity will increase to about 350. He contemplates that a three-tier structure will remain. 

The county expects to break ground on the new parking deck about a year from now. 

PJ Craig Dally Decides 13 Challenges to Nomination Petitions for Municipal Primary Ballot

Below are President Judge Craig Dally's decisions in 13 challenges to the nomination petitions filed by 12 candidates for this year's municipal primary. I posted Judge Dally's decisions yesterday at 5:01 pm and am updating this story now with my observations. Although I missed the hearings as a result of allergies, my brother was present for a few of them and shared some of his observations with me.

1) Failure to File a Timely Statement of Financial Interests with the Governing Body is Usually a Fatal Error. - Five of the 13 challenges considered by the court involved allegations that a candidate failed to file a timely Statement of Financial Interests, also called an Ethics Statement, with the governing body of the municipality in which election is being sought. It never ceases to amaze me how many candidates make this mistake.

When a nomination petition is filed in the elections office, a SFI is attached. But Pa. law requires that the SFI must also be filed with the governing body, and within the same time frame that nomination petitions themselves are due. The legislature has expressly stated that failure to file this statement is a "fatal defect to a petition to appear on the ballot," and that is how courts have interpreted it. In Northampton County, Executive candidate George Ginople was rejected from the ballot for this error, and in 1997, Judge Jack Panella tossed Jack Bradt from the NorCo Council ballot for the same infraction. 

Patti Bruno, running for a seat on County Council, has managed several campaigns. It is simply astonishing to me that she would make this kind of mistake. But she did. Now Democrats have just five candidates for County Council, and it's an incredibly weak field. Nadeem Qayyum, at a recent Democratic breakfast, promised to raise the minimum wage, something over which county government has no control. 

Bruno can appeal this decision or try to stage a write-in campaign. But that would require work, which is not her strong suit. 

Bruno's petition was challenged by Ed Nelson, who was Upper Mount Tp Manager and was a strong advocate for Lou Pektor's Riverpointe, which has been controversial because it is being taxpayer subsidized and could include warehouses. Be that as it may, Amazon wants to build a data center, not a warehouse, at that site. That means lots of jobs in a municipality starving for real estate tax revenue. It could be that Bruno was viewed as an obstacle.

2) The Objector Must Belong to the Same Party as the Candidate Being Challenged. - Richard Cantwell in Stockertown challenged a candidate for Borough Council but belongs to another party.  He had no standing. 

3) An Elector Signing a Nomination Petition Can Use His Mailing Address Instead of the Precise Municipality. -  Three Lower Saucon Council candidates were challenged by David Boulin because some electors wrote "Hellertown/LST" instead of listing the proper municipality. Judge Dally pointed out that a voter who signs a nomination petition can use his mailing address (so long as it's in the same district) or list the actual municipality. Many Lower Saucon Tp residents have Hellertown mailing addresses, and Boulin used this to invalidate ballot access to three candidates. During the hearing, my brother told me that Judge Dally advised Boulin that once he has dug himself a hole, he should stop. He didn't. 

4) Lance Wheeler Denied Ballot Access for Easton City Council West Ward. - Once it became apparent that Wheeler failed to get the required 100 signatures, my brother reports he decided to withdraw and would instead mount a write-in campaign. According to several sources, he acted unprofessionally in a court where he once served as King Tipstaff, and in the hallway outside, made nasty remarks to Susan Eagle, who had challenged his petition. Her attorney had to escort her to her car. 

Two years ago, Lance used a candidates' night on the south side to attack Mayor Sal Panto and told the voters he didn't care whether he got elected. He apparently still does not care. 

NorCo Election Challenge Decisions by BernieOHare on Scribd

Lehiigh Valley Live: Clerks Accused of Abusing OT in DA's Office Have Been Fired

Late last month, I told you that three of the top clerks in Northampton County's DA office were being investigated for overtime abuse, which was discovered by Human Resources officials when they were preparing a response to a right-to-know request for staff salaries from one of the local dailies. It appears that the county investigation is over. Lehigh Valley Live is reporting that the three clerks in question have been fired. 

According to the article, one of them earned $44,475 on top of her base salary of $58,366 in 2024. Another was paid $30,946 in addition to her $50,941 salary. A third picked up $15,572 added on to her salary of $61,490. 

This money will certainly be deducted from their pensions so that taxpayers are made whole. The state AG's office declines to say whether this trio is under criminal investigation. 

At last week's meeting of County Council, Controller Tara Zrinski let it slip that her office is conducting an audit at DA Steve Baratta's request. 

These employees have a right to file grievances and dispute whether they were abusing overtime. 

One of these alleged abusers - in fact the one who pulled down the biggest amount of overtime, injected herself into the DA's race between Terry Houck and Steve Baratta with claims of racism, and Baratta used these accusations to muddy up Houck during the campaign. 

In my original story, I received numerous comments from at least one member of this triumvirate, claiming "a political WITCH HUNT!! The DA should use his common sense! It appears more of a political attack on the DA office so it can cripple and get rid of his hard working dedicated public service working employees! The chain of command to claim they were not aware of signing OT is utter nonsense! How is OT payroll sign off going through so many channels? These women are victims of poor incompetent leadership oversight and being persecuted!" 

Now, these Clerks were attacking the man they helped elect. 

I received a different perspective from another clerk in that office, who tells me "[t]hey would berate people in front of everyone and played people against each other so that many of the young girls left. She would scream at me and others. ... She [top OT abuser] would come into the office, sit in her office and pray and sing so that everyone could hear her. The DA's race -  isn't that funny how they went around and lied about Terry [Houck] also he was kind enough to give her a shot at being the manager." 

My Brother Thinks NorCo's Tipstaffs Are Awesome

I suffer from allergies at this time of year, and as I've grown older, they get worse. I missed the ballot challenge hearings on Friday because, quite frankly, I was coughing a bit too much and thought it would be rude to other people. I was MIA, but my evil Republican brother was there. He had filed a challenge himself, and though the nice lady he attacked so unfairly decided to withdraw, elections officials suggested he be there because you never know. While he was there, he sat in on a few of the hearings. What impressed him? It was not the lawyers, not the deputy sheriffs or even Judge Dally. Of all things, it was the frickin' tipstaffs.

He was gushing about them as he spoke to me last night. He told me they are by far the most important people in the courtroom. They show you where to stand, where to sit and keep the cases moving while being nice to everyone. 

As he as leaving, he complimented them. "You're awesome!" he said to one of Judge Dally's two tipstaffs. 

She looked at him quizzically, then said, "Well, I wish you'd tell your brother because he thinks all we do is run around and get coffee for the judges.!"

"You really should try to be nicer," he implored me.

"Are you sure you're an O'Hare?" I responded. "It's bad enough that you've come out as an R, but since when have O'Hares ever been nice? We're as mean as catshit! If Dad were still alive, he'd disown you!" 

I am truly disgusted. I have spent my adult life making sure that the public equates the name O'Hare with miserable bastard. And my brother ruins everything by going to church all the time and being nice to people. 

By the way, I never once said that all tipstaffs do is run around and get judges their coffee. That is a damn lie. It was my buddy Ron Angle who said that. I said they are glorified butlers. And that was back in 2010. 

So get it right! 

(UPDATED) Ellen Kingsley Remains on Ballot For Wind Gap Magisterial District Judge

Ellen Kingsley, a highly regarded local attorney, will remain on the ballot for Magisterial District Judge in the Wind Gap area. Matt Flower, who wants the job himself, withdrew challenges that he and his father had filed to remove her from the ballot. She has an interesting story on her campaign page to explain exactly what happened. Here's what she says happened, at least from her perspective:

Matt Flower, one of my opponents, proved today that he is not up to the job.

The story is a bit long, even though the hearing was not. I hope you'll stick with me through it.

He and his father challenged my nomination petitions, asking the court to, in effect, oust me from the race entirely. The basis for their claim was that I had materially altered my nomination petitions after filing them. The hearing was set for today.

Before the hearing, Flower also provided the court with a lengthy emergency appeal to the Commonwealth Court that he had just filed. Apparently, he had asked for a continuance (delay) of today's hearing because he didn't get official notice of it and didn't have time to prepare. Judge Dally had denied the continuance and Flower launched his emergency appeal. Remember HE filed the petitions to have me ousted. Shouldn't he be aware of next steps, or at least find out? Flower also failed to give me timely notice of the hearing, but, having learned about it through other means, I WAS prepared, and did not require a continuance.

Literally, two minutes before our hearing was to begin, he hired an attorney, who had just finished representing a client in the challenge case ahead of us. I guess Flower no longer felt capable of making his case without counsel.

I made various motions to dismiss: failure to serve me, and also that his father (who was challenging my Democratic nomination - only a Democrat can challenge a Democratic nomination; only a Republican can challenge a Republican nomination) didn't even bother to appear for the hearing.

The judge did not immediately rule on my motions and allowed Flower's new attorney to proceed on his challenge.

His barely informed attorney called me to the stand as his first witness. He had me identify my Republican nomination petition. I did. He then asked me what Magisterial District (MD) I was running for. I said it was MD 3-03-02. He then pointed out where the numbers '03' had been altered on the nominating petitions and asked if I had done that. I said yes, but it required (the following) explanation:

When I filed my petitions, the clerk at the Elections office had a checklist the office uses to make sure everything is in order. When he was looking at the MD number he seemed a bit confused. I looked at what he was looking at, and the number for the MD on his sheet did not seem to match what I had on my petitions. The '03' looked like an 'O2'. I said "Oh, did I get it wrong?", even though I had checked twice before circulating the petitions. I asked if I should change it. He said yes, and so I did. About 7 hours later, the Registrar of Elections called me and apologized; said that I had it right in the first place and I shouldn't have been told to change it. He asked me to come back and switch it back to the correct '03'. The next morning, still prior to the filing deadline, I did just that.

After my explanation, the attorney asked me if I am aware that a "material" change after filing was a reason to invalidate the petitions. I said yes, but that I was also aware of a PA Supreme Court case where a candidate CIRCULATED a petition with the wrong district number and after circulation made the change to the correct district number, and the Court ruled that it was not a "material" change. His attorney then asked me if I had that case with me. I said, "I do..... It's on counsel table". He asked me if he could look at it. I said, "Of course". He looked at it, consulted with Flower, and a few moments later announced that Flower was withdrawing his challenge. The lawyer also said he would be entering his appearance for Matt's absent father and withdrawing that challenge as well.

Even though, according to our legislature, MDJs do not need to be attorneys, isn't it better to have one that knows the law and can apply it fairly and correctly?

(I'll also note that the cases Flower relied on in his and his father's pleadings were not applicable and were wholly distinguishable, from the case he *thought* he had against me.)

I disagree with the argument that only a lawyer should be able to become a magisterial district judge. I know several nonlawyers who have been excellent and know at least one lawyer-turned magisterial district judge who never should have graduated from high school. Besides, the legislature has had ample opportunity to make a law degree a prerequisite yet declines to do so.

Having said that, Kingsley has been an excellent lawyer over the years and is admired and respected by her fellow lawyers.

Flower responds:

Here is my response to the intentionally misleading and hypocritical narrative of Ellen Kingsley. I would appreciate it if you would print this within the original article, as opposed to just a comment (i did already submit this) If you want further information, I am happy to discuss.

"Recent public statements and social media posts concerning the Wind Gap Magisterial District Judge race have presented a highly misleading version of events and deserve a direct response — not for political drama, but for the sake of accuracy, fairness, and respect for the judicial process.

Let’s set the record straight: the issue of improper or insufficient notice was not a fabrication, nor was it unique to me. Ms. Kingsley herself raised the same concern in court, as did other participants involved in proceedings that same day. The official court record will reflect this. These were not isolated complaints, but evidence of wider procedural breakdowns that could potentially impact fairness for all involved.

Out of respect for the Constitutional right to due process, I filed an emergency appeal with the Commonwealth Court. That appeal was timely, legally sound, and submitted to ensure the integrity of the process. My actions reflected a commitment to the rule of law — not avoidance, as has been suggested.

In light of this, Ms. Kingsley’s recent commentary — especially on Facebook — is both disingenuous and deeply concerning. By knowingly misrepresenting events in a public forum, she raises serious questions not only about her intent, but also about her understanding of the ethical standards that apply to judicial candidates. The Code of Judicial Conduct prohibits judicial candidates from making false or misleading statements, and from engaging in behavior that may call their impartiality into question.

This race is not about theatrics or personal attacks. It’s about who can be trusted to serve the public with fairness, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the law. I will continue to campaign on truth, transparency, and respect for the judiciary — because the people of our community deserve nothing less.

Allentown's Noose Story Turns Out to Be Just That - a Story

On Monday, both The Lehigh Valley News and Morning Call dutifully reported that LaTarsha Brown, a City of Allentown employee and Allentown school board director, has been charged with filing false reports in connection with her claim that someone planted a noose atop her computer at City Hall.  I am surprised by how many of you remember my January story about her claim of racism, in which I suggested it was a set-up to make her many claims of racial discrimination seem credible. Here's what I said then:

According to both The Morning Call and LehighValleyNews, Allentown employee LaTarsha Brown found what appeared to be a small noose on her computer when she reported to work on Friday morning. She just happens to be the very employee who has made multiple accusations of racism and harassment at City Hall. City Council member Ce-Ce (from DC) Gerlach was quick to call the incident a "hate crime." An investigation by Allentown police isn't good enough for outraged activists, who want to involve the FBI in tracking down the bigot who supposedly placed this symbol of racial hatred.  In addition to investigating a possible hate crime, I'd suggest that police or FBI or INTERPOL look into another possibility as well. - false reports. 

While possible, I find it hard to believe that someone would place a noose on the computer of a city employee who has repeatedly claimed that she and others are victims of racism. It's equally possible that it was placed there in an attempt to make the allegations of bigotry seem more credible. Another reason for the hangman's noose is to strangle Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk's quest for re-election. Several members of City Council would be pleased by that outcome. 

Here's what neither news account has revealed. This was reported to authorities by a City Council member who just happened to be at City Hall on a Friday morning at 6:30 am. Though Council's meeting room is on the first floor, and city council offices are on the fifth floor, this City Council member was on the third floor, where this employee's office is located and where there are no cameras. What the hell was this person doing there? If there in response to a tip, who did that come from? 

Elected officials and city employees are issued ID cards and can enter City Hall at any time, but there is a record of it. And there are cameras on the first floor and entrances. 

I'm unwilling to identify this City Council member at this time, but this person is no friend of Tuerk or his re-election efforts. It will come out with the wash. For now, I'll leave you hanging. 

Blogger;s Note: Michael Molovinsky has a related story about the politics of racism.

Brown's claim fueled outrage by people who were quick to assume that perhaps the most woke City Hall in Pennsylvania is a hotbed of racism. The City actually conducted segregated "healing sessions" in response to what certainly appears to have been a lie. 

What's unfortunate about Brown's alleged false report is that there really are victims of racial discrimination, but Brown has just diminished them just as much as when a white woman mendaciously accuses an innocent black person of pulling a gun on her or raping her. 

NorCo Primary Election Update

At Northampton County Council's March 20 election integrity meeting, Voting Registrar Chris Commini provided the following update concerning the upcoming May 20 primary election:

1) Because there are no referendum questions, you must be registered as a Republican or Democrat to vote. Independents and members of minor parties are unable to vote. 

2) May 5 is the last day to register or switch parties. 

3) There are no reported statewide challenges, so county officials will be able to prepare a ballot once county challenges to nomination petitions have been resolved. 

4) Approximately 66,000 letters have been sent to people who wish to vote by mail, and thus far, 17,600 applications for mail-in ballots have been processed. 

5) The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is May 13. 

Where Did Gracedale's $5 Million in Retention Bonuses Go? (A Partial Answer)

I left you last week with a question. Where did $5 million in retention bonuses for Gracedale workers go?  More importantly County Council left us with that question and wants Controller Tara Zrinski to find out. I have a partial answer. 

The $5 million in retention bonuses are part of a $15.5 million spending plan at Gracedale, approved in 2022 by County Council. It was at the specific request of Executive Lamont McClure. The only Council member to vote against them was John Brown. 

McClure had told Council that the administration would pay all employees at Gracedale an annual $2,500 bonus over a period of four years. He also said that hiring and retention bonuses would bring in 54-60 additional nursing staff and enable the nursing home to provide the required nursing care needed at the facility. 

This was his plan, a bonus plan that should have continued through 2026.

So what happened? I can give you a partial answer. 

Gracedale has both union and nonunion (career service) employees. The CNAs and LPNs are represented by AFSCME. Last year, the administration and AFSCME negotiated a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under which steps and salaries were adjusted upward. The starting rate for a new CNA grew from $14.28 to $16.61 an hour. For LPNs, it increased from $21.35 to $23.69 an hour. This agreement would also enable the county to pay more to nurses with prior experience. At the time of this written understanding, retention bonuses for LPNs and CNAs may have been eliminated, although the contract itself is silent on this point. Executive Lamont McClure explained these changes to Council at a Human Services Committe on June 6, 2024.

Council member Tom Giovanni asked about the retention bonuses. 

Giovanni: "The retention bonuses, those still ...."

McClure: "They're done. They're finished."

I doubt whether this exchange told Council much of anything. My interpretation at the time was that they had expired and had only lasted two years. I had forgotten that the resolution proposed by McClure and adopted by Council provided that they last four years.  

I suspect many Council members thought the bonuses had expired as well and that McClure was trying something new as their own performance review suggested. 

Later that day, at a meeting of the full Council, the MOU was approved by all nine members without discussion. In the words of a reader who sounds exactly like Council member Ken Kraft, "Those dopes voted for canceling the bonuses and the contract!"

But did they? 

Notwithstanding McClure's representation to Giovanni, nothing in the MOU even addresses the retention bonuses or their elimination. But the MOU does declare, "The provisions of this Agreement set forth the entire agreement among the Parties. The Parties acknowledge that they have not relied upon any representation or statement, written or oral, not set forth in this Agreement. This Agreement may be amended only by a subsequent written agreement signed by all Parties." 

McClure no doubt intended to tell Council that he had rescinded the bonuses. I think he failed to make that clear. Even worse, his MOU also fails to accomplish that feat because it is never addressed in a contract that claims to represent the entire agreement. 

Labor lawyers screwed that one up. They should have addressed the retention bonuses

Arguably, AFSCME can now file a grievance claiming its workers are entitled to those bonuses, especially since County Council was never asked to end them.

So who's the dope, Ken? 

I've told you about the CNAs and LPNs. But what about the RNs? So far as I know, there is no similar MOU between the Steelworkers' Union, which represents RNs, and the county. Hopefully, the audit will reveal that they are still receiving their bonuses. If they are not, that is a big problem. 

What about the career service workers? 

They were informed by a county administrator, in an email dated January 16, that they'd be getting no bonuses. They were informed that these were "temporary", and that the money would instead be used to care for residents. 

This action was taken without expressly informing Council, although they did approve a budget that in effect authorizes the changes. Council was never asked to modify the 2022 retention bonus resolution. 

Though McClure prides himself on transparency, and generally is, the way he handled the elimination of retention bonuses is certainly less than forthcoming with a Council that already is wary of him. It is also extremely unfair to career service workers who no doubt were counting on this money. Instead of retaining people, a stunt like this drives them away. It's true that some of them were abusing overtime, but that only happens if their employer allows it. 

Although County Council is seeking an audit from the Controller, it also has the right to seek periodic reports from The Executive. Since Council would like to know what has happened, it can request that the Executive provide an answer as well and should probably do so unless McClure provides a report on his own, detailing what has happened. Council deserves this, but the people who work at Gracedale deserve it even more. 

Harry Truman once stated that we all are entitled to a "fair deal" from our government. Promising an annual $2,500 bonus over four years and then taking it away is hardly a fair deal.   

McClure Blasts Election Security Cuts

NorCo Exec Lamont McClure usually speaks extemporaneously. But at last week's Election Integrity hearing of Northampton County Council, he delivered a prepared speech to complain about $10 million in federal cuts to cybersecurity initiatives intended to reduce foreign election meddling by providing cyber threat intelligence, cyber incident response. McClure calls these cuts "nothing short of catastrophic for state and local election officials and poses a significant threat to our democratic processes."

McClure's concerns have been echoed by Pa. Sec'y of State Al Schmidt, who explained these cybersecurity initiatives have alerted county election offices to bomb threats, fake videos of ballots being destroyed and interception of envelopes containing a white powder. 

McClure said these cuts are "another glaring example of an Administration that acts impulsively, disregarding the potential fallout of its actions. In the midst of daily chaos, it seems that the needs of our everyday citizens are being overlooked, with no regard for the impact these decisions will have on their lives. The consequences of these decisions will be felt across our communities and will only serve to undermine the trust that is essential to a functioning democracy.

With respect to McClure's claims about election security, Council member John Goffredo expressed some concerns of his own in an exchange with Voting Registrar Chris Commini:

Goffredo: "If I mail out a ballot and then that ballot comes back marked, how do I know who filled out that ballot?"

Commini: "When we get a ballot back, it has a barcode on it, and that barcode is attached to a correspondence number that pertains to that voter. "

Goffredo: "How do we know that voter filled out that ballot? We didn't see it. How do we know?"

Commini later responded, "If you want to commit voter fraud, good luck to you if you get caught. That's the simplest way to put it."

In addition, Goffredo complained about plans to establish a satellite office in Bethlehem for Lehigh University voters who wish to exercise ballot by demand, saying it creates an unfair advantage. Commino rereponded that he is uninvolved in those decisions. 

Ondilla Seeks Spot on Nazareth's School Board

(FROM THE CANDIDATE) [Nazareth, PA]-March 18, 2025 – Today, Bushkill Township resident, Samantha Ondilla officially announced her candidacy for Nazareth Area School District School Director in Region 1. Region 1 is comprised of Bushkill Township, Tatamy, and an area in Palmer Township near 248. She has recently begun to unveil her vision for the future of Nazareth Area School District via her Facebook page and website. She is hoping to focus on fiscal responsibility, supporting public education for all, and keeping education free of political indoctrination.

In a brief statement, Ms. Ondilla stated, “Public education should not be a right or left leaning institution. A great education should be for all, and I believe everyone can agree on wanting the most well rounded and thorough education for our children. If education must have a direction, it should be to move students forward and prepare them to be successful in all aspects of their futures,”

Key priorities in Ondilla’s Campaign include:

• Fiscal Responsibility – Nazareth is currently in the process of needing to build a new elementary school due to population growth and will also need to expand the high school in the near future. She is committed to finding the best ways to make sure that the school budget is being put to good use for the betterment of the students, teachers, and community and not used to further political or personal agendas. She understands that tax increases are planned and believes that the previous expansions were not adequate upon completion and that smaller tax increases over the past few years could have helped alleviate the new proposed tax plan. She also would like to make sure that all residents who qualify for the tax rebates are aware so that they can take advantage of the programs in place for qualified individuals.

• Transparency & Communication – The community should always be made aware of what is happening in the school district and how to access the information that they may need. Community members deserve to have more timely responses regarding questions, concerns, and issues that may arise. Accountability matters.

• Teacher & Parent Cooperation – Teachers need to be supported and able to do the job that they are hired to do. Nazareth School District is one of the best in the Lehigh Valley area and can continue to get even better if we allow the teachers, staff, and administration to properly do their jobs. Parents should always be their child’s biggest advocate, and they should want to be involved in the educational process. They can do this by attending school board meetings, joining the PTA/PTO, volunteering for youth activities and sports, attending parent/teacher conferences, and so much more. It comes down to teamwork. We need parents and the community to support the teachers and the district, and we need the district to help ensure that the children receive the best possible education.

• Collaboration with Local Government – Work with the local townships on shared goals and addressing important issues such as population growth more thoroughly. This would also lead to stronger relationships between the schools, community, and local government which could lead to future opportunities and even joint committees or task forces for specific issues, such as school safety, community development, recreational facilities, and more.

Ondilla has a nine-year-old son currently attending Kenneth N. Butz Elementary School. She credits him for her reason for running for the school board.

“My son is my world, or at least the very best part of it,” she commented, “I want to make sure that I am doing everything I can to make sure that he is receiving a great education and gains an appreciation and love for learning. I feel that he has that in Nazareth and I hope that continues. Education should be a lifelong journey for everyone, and we should encourage our kids to expand their minds with knowledge and form their own informed opinions throughout their lives,”

Ms. Ondilla is committed to doing her best to ensure that Nazareth Area School District remains a top school in the area and continues to thrive and improve. She wants to take care of the great teachers and staff in the district and make it a place that attracts the very best talent. She believes public education is extremely important and that all kids should be able to feel safe and accepted at school. Political agendas should not be in a public school’s curriculum.

If you are interested in learning more, please Like and Follow “Samantha Ondilla for Nazareth Area School Board” on Facebook and be on the lookout for the launch of her website!

(About Samantha Ondilla:

Samantha is a dedicated wife and mom. She works full-time as a Global Marketing Director with a focus on UV filters, anti-microbials, and antioxidants. She feels that her career experience helps her to be very open minded and understand that people can have different 

opinions, experiences, and ways of doing things, but also work together for the best possible outcome for all through communication and compromise. She also is proficient with budgeting, financial strategy, and establishing corporate policies and regulations.

Samantha volunteers her time with the KBES PTA and heads STEAM Night and the Holiday Shop. She has had her company donate to provide ice cream for STEAM Night and also to help ensure that all kids can participate in events regardless of financial circumstances. Samantha also volunteers with the Nazareth Area Science Project and helps with local youth sports organizations.

(UPDATED) Where Did $5 Million in Gracedale Retention Bonuses Go?

By an 8-1 vote, Northampton County Council last night adopted a resolution seeking an audit from Controller Tara Zrinski of all monies set aside and spent for $5 million worth of retention bonuses at Gracedale. Council wants to know exactly who received these bonuses and how the money was disbursed. It also wants to know how much is left.  The sole dissenter was Council member John Brown. He had argued that what basically amounts to three separate audits was needed in the next 20 days, and was the sole vote against an amendment to the resolution that would give Zrinski until the end of May to complete this project. 

Zrinski's top priority at this time of the year is completion of audit work needed by the external auditor for its annual analysis of county finances. At a committee meeting on Wednesday, she explained that her office spends 1,710 hours to complete this work. She said completing three Council-ordered audits within the next 20 days is unfeasible. In addition to that work, her office conducts numerous other audits of magistrate offices, hotel taxes, P-Card use and other county programs. That requires an additional 4,500 hours. She also interestingly pointed out that she is in the process of performing an audit of the DA's office. "I don't have any problem doing an audit for this Council but do think the time constraint of 20 days is not all feasible," she said. She also defended her staff when Council suggested that her staff of six or seven work overtime. They have personal lives. 

Zrinski was stating nothing unusual. Council has asked some of her predecessors to perform audits, and they (Steve Barron and John Schimmel) would insist on a reasonable amount of time, coupled with agreed upon procedures so that everyone is on the same page. 

Brown disagreed. "You have a schedule, but we also have a schedule." 

Council's request for these audits apparently arises from concerns noted by Brown and Council member John Goffredo that $5 million set aside for retention bonuses has been diverted. An email from Gracedale administrators to career service employees, dated January 16, advised career service workers that these bonuses were "temporary," and that "the remainder has been used for caring for our residents." 

This directly contravenes a 2022 County Council resolution directing the administration "to spend $5 million of the American Rescue Plan Act funds at Gracedale on Retention Bonuses to be given to all employees ... ."

County Council is rightly concerned about just what is going on.

It's true that a county council resolution is nonbinding and the Executive may view it as a mere suggestion. It's also true that County Council has since that time approved a budget for 2025 that authorizes the money to be spent elsewhere. But it obviously did so unknowingly. Perhaps the Executive wanted to redirect these retention bonuses for resident care. He may have needed the money to pay out-of-control overtime to career service workers, some of whom were earning $40k in overtime. In hindsight, he probably should have asked Council to approve another resolution authorizing this diversion or told them what he was doing.  

This is a problem with Executive branches in all levels of government, from local to national levels. The Executive branch is simply too powerful. For all of its flaws, and it has a few, Northampton County Council has done its best to be a check on Executive overreach.  

Last night's resolution seeks to learn whether this $5 million has, in fact, been diverted from retention bonuses for some other purpose. 

But that resolution also has a problem. Under the county's Home Rule Charter, any member of County Council has the power to introduce a resolution. But it has to come from an actual member. Brown refused to say that the resolution was introduced by him, even though it's pretty clear that it was. This could be from a laudable desire to protect confidential information provided by an employee. Or it could be that he's just too damn secretive. He should know that County Council is very much unlike this blog. People may comment here anonymously and make all kinds of suggestions. But there is no such thing as an anonymous County Council resolution.

Until last night. 

Though John Goffredo did not introduce the resolution, he did state last night that he would take ownership of it if it matters. It does. When a resolution is introduced, the Council member proposing it must be identified.  

Council member Jeff Warren suggested that the resolution smacks of "silly season." It definitely could impact both this year's county races and next year's Congressional race. But even he agreed that Council needs to know how $5 million in retention bonuses at Gracedale is being spent. 

The $5 million in retention bonuses at Gracedale is part of a $15.5 million spending plan at Gracedale, passed in 2022 by County Council. The only Council member to vote against bonuses was John Brown. 

McClure had told Council that the administration would pay all employees at Gracedale an annual $2,500 bonus over a period of four years. He also said that hiring and retention bonuses would bring in 54-60 additional nursing staff and enable the nursing home to provide the required nursing care needed at the facility.

"If you're a CNA [certified nurse's aid] within the sound of my voice, it would be a really good time to come to Gracedale," he said at the time, and repeated it several times. 

NorCo Council Candidate Juan Martinez Defends Trump Exec Order Making English Our "Official Language"

President Donald Trump recently signed an Executive Order proclaiming that English is the official language of the U.S. A White House Fact sheet outlines the reasoning for this policy in a country where 350 languages are already spoken. 

Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana, a Pakistani immigrant, calls the order "significant threat"  to first generation immigrants like herself.  But Dominican immigrant Juan Martinez, a successful local restaurant owner who is running against Sultana's husband for a seat on NorCo Council, had this to say in reaction to one of the many Sultana Facebook posts in which she plays victim.

As an immigrant, I believe it is our duty to respect and embrace American culture and its primary language: English. I am forever grateful for the opportunities this great nation has given me. America 🇺🇸 is a land of freedom, hard work, and endless possibility, and I refuse to be the kind of person who takes advantage of all that while ignoring the values and traditions that make this country exceptional.

I will never forget where I come from, but I chose to come to America, and with that choice comes responsibility. If I am here to pursue the American dream, then the least I can do is honor the American way of life and that starts with respecting the English language. Assimilation is not about losing your identity, it’s about showing gratitude, contributing to society, and uniting under the values that make this nation strong. That’s how we keep America great.

I think Trump's Exec Order is just a tad divisive, but it makes sense in many ways. For example, I expect drivers to understand traffic signals and to be able to follow them no matter what language they speak. I love hearing people speak in different languages and often try to converse with them. I don't really think there's any need for an Order declaring English as our official language. I do think there should be uniformity in vital communications. On the other hand, I think too few Americans limit themselves by speaking English only.  Persons who are bilingual tend to enhance their cognitive abilities. That's why, if I were King of the World, I'd want all schoolchildren taught languages and at the earliest age possible. It opens our minfs. 

Ballot Access For 11 NorCo Candidates Challenged in Court

In Pennsylvania, when someone is running for office, he must first circulate and file a nomination petition signed by voters who are registered with the party whose nomination is sought. For some offices, as few as 10 signatures are needed. Other offices, like County Council, require a candidate to seek 250 signatures from voters who belong to the party whose nomination he is seeking. Democrats are prohibited from signing a Republican nomination petition, and Republicans are barred from signing for a Democratic nomination. If a candidate fails to get the required number of signatures, the nomination can be challenged in court. If a judge agrees, the candidate will be denied ballot access. But there are very tight time limits on filing such a challenge to prevent an election from being delayed. Tuesday was the last day on which such challenges could be filed. In Northampton County, 11 putative candidates have been challenged. These objections will be heard in court on Friday morning. Who has been challenged and why? Let me fill you in. 

Northampton County Council: The nomination petition filed by Democrat Patti Bruno has been challenged by Ed Nelson, a former Upper Mount Bethel Tp Supervisor and Township Manager. Papers filed by Attorney Ray Lahoud contend that Bruno failed to file her Statement of Financial Interests, known as her Ethics statement, with the Clerk of County Council. If proven true, this is usually a fatal defect because the statute makes this mandatory. 

If she is stricken, there still will be five Democratic candidates for County Council whose nomination petitions are unchallenged.  They will square off against five Republican nominees. 

Easton City Council (west ward): The nomination petition filed by Lance Wheeler has been challenged by Susan C Eagle, who is represented by Att'y Leo K Howell II. Wheeler was required to obtain the signatures of 100 Democratic voters who reside in his district. According to Att'y Howell, there are only 88 valid signatures. Hard as this might be to believe in Easton, some are not Democrats and others reside outside the district. 

If this challenge is sustained, Julie Zando-Dennis will run unopposed for the Democratic nod, and will face Sharbel Koorie in the Fall. 

Magisterial District Judge (Wind Gap):  Judges and school board candidates are permitted to cross-file, i.e. seek the nominations from both parties. That's what Democrat Ellen Kingsley did. But both the Democratic and Republican nomination petitions she filed are under siege by Matt Flower (Republican) and Garry Flower (Democrat).   

The Flowers maintain that after she filed her nomination petition, Kingsley was allowed to alter it with unspecified handwritten changes. Under the Election Code, a nomination petition must be stricken if it contains "material alterations made after signing without the consent of the signers."

But are these handwritten changes, if they were made, material? That will be answered by a judge.

If successful, the battle for Magisterial District Judge in Wind Gap will be between Matt Flower and Robert Kemmerer, both of whom are Republicans. 

Forks Tp Supervisor: Four Republicans and two Democrats are running for two seats. Jennifer Parziale, represented by Att'y Rich Santee, has objected to the nomination petition filed by Republican Orlando Ortiz.  

Santee argues that Ortiz failed to file his Statement of Financial Interests with Forks Tp, which as I've told you, is usually considered a fatal defect. He also contends that Ortiz failed to live in Forks Tp for one year prior to the election, which is required under state law. 

If successful, there will still be three Republican candidates. They include Gene Parziale, Jennifer's husband. 

Lower Saucon Tp Council: Five Republicans and three Democrats are running for two seats. Three Republicans - Curt Balch, Kathy Pichel-McGovern and Mark Dzimek - have been judicially disputed in papers filed by David ME Boulin. He contends these candidates failed to obtain the requisite number of good signatures because of bad addresses, wrong party, etc. 

If successful, only Republicans Mark Ozimek and Donna Louder will remain on the ballot. 

Stockertown Borough Council: Richard Wagner, a Democratic candidate, has challenged the nomination petition filed by Republican Renee Cantwell on the basis that she failed to file the required Statement of Financial Interests with Stockertown Borough Council. 

I've told you this failure is ordinarily fatal. But objections to a nomination petition must be filed by a person who belongs to the party in which nomination is being sought. So this complaint is questionable. 

Stockertown Borough Mayor: Two Republicans and one Democrat are running. Candidate Peter C Dewey is objecting to the nomination petition filed by fellow Republican Herbert Koenig for failure to file the required Statement of Financial Interests with Stockertown. 

If successful, Dewey will square off against Democrat Rosemarie Wenzelberger in November. 

West Easton Mayor: Dan DePaul wants to knock fellow Democrat Asim J Quareshi off the ballot for filing what he called the worst nomination petition he's ever seen. But his challenge is pretty bad as well, and it's hard to make heads or tails of exactly what he is saying. Calling signatures "suspicious," without more, is a no-starter. But I do agree the petition, circulated at least in part by Mohammed Nadeem Qayyum, is pathetic-looking. But this time, Qayyum did not get the signature of State Senator Lisa Boscola

Bethlehem Area School Board:  Silagh White, who has a good Irish name, cross-filed for both the Democratic and Republican nomination to a thankless and unpaid job that I consider a mark of insanity. 

Unfortunately, her Republican petition had a few too many Democrats. So my bastard brother Mike, being the prick that he is, decided to challenge her. 

"She can't get away with this!" he exclaimed as he stumbled over his Trump signs to draw up a complaint, which I told him to file in Monroe County.

He ignored me and was very proud of himself after consulting with blackguard Republican lawyers. They took a break from evicting people, to help him screw a Democrat by showing him how to prepare a petition. 

His joy was short-lived. In the course of serving his challenge, he could not believe how nice a person White is and felt just a little guilty.  

"I think I'd be tempted to vote for her," he told me in a moment of remorse. 

She withdrew her Republican petition, but Mike, you can switch sides and vote for her in the Fall. 

I won't tell anyone.  

(UPDATED) Easton South Side Civic Ass'n Hosts Candidates' Night For County, City and School Board Candidates

As a result of a conflict, I was unable to attend Easton South Side's candidates' night for county, city and EASD races this year.  Thanks to Patsy Hitzel, you and I are both able to view a Facebook Live for those who are seeking office this year. 

All three judicial candidates - Jeremy Clark, Bob Eyer and James Fuller - were there and responded to several questions posed by a panel who gathered them from the audience. In his opening remarks, Fuller said he approached his former soccer coach and asked him to sign his petition, only to learn that the coach had already signed one for Jeremy Clark.

"I played soccer for you for two years!" complained Fuller. The coach did give him a consolation prize - Fuller can put a sign in the coach's yard. 

All three Executive candidates - Tara Zrinski, Tom Giovanni and Amy Cozze - were also there. They were asked to respond to questions about poor employee morale. Zrinski said that problem, does not exist in her office because she makes sure they are appreciated and know it. She got each of them a step increase. Cozze said county employees need higher salaries and more resources. Giovanni said morale is low and that needs to change. "Without them [the county staff], the work does not get done," said the Quiet Man. All agreed that Gracedale, the county nursing home, needs to remain county-owned.  

There were several no-shows among County Council candidates. Patti Bruno was there, but left after being served with a petition challenge seeking to remove her from the ballot for failing to file her Statement of Financial Interests with the Clerk of County Council. That is a fatal defect. "Well, I guess I don't need to be here," she said after being served according to several people who were there. 

Nadeem Qayyum, who is married to polarizing City Council member Taiba Sultana, was absent without explanation. 

The other no-shows - Jason Boulette, Terri Fadem and Sam Elias - had conflicts. Boulette had a conflicting Wind Gap Borough Council meeting, so his wife stood in for him. Fadem had a conflicting Hellertown Borough Council meeting. Elias is a Bethlehem police officer, and Maria Montero spoke on his behalf. 

The remaining candidates - John Brown, John Goffredo, Dave Holland, Juan Martinez, Daniel Campo and Lori Vargo Heffner - were there in person. 

Four years ago, Republican Northampton County Council candidates eschewed Democratic strongholds like Easton as well as this blog. Their jejune attitude has changed, and it was nice to see. 

Brown told the audience that, notwithstanding what pundits might say, "local government has the greatest impact on your life." 

It was my first chance to hear from Campo, a Venezuelan immigrant and cargo pilot who also serves as a volunteer firefighter, said he has perspective from three different countries, and knows that "government doesn't always work as efficiently as it should." 

Goffredo, who is probably Council's most unabashed conservative, acknowledged that he sometimes "says things that are not popular to say," and pledged to keep it up. 

Dave Holland, believe it or not, is a Southsider who grew up on Williams Street. He is currently a nursing professor, but voters should probably know that he also served as an administrator at Gracedale. 

Juan Martinez is a successful restauranteur throughout the Lehigh Valley and wants to give back to the community.

Lori Vargo Heffner is a practicing psychotherapist, and if one is needed anywhere, it's at Northampton County Council. "We are the check and balance function of government," she stated, and that attitude has made life difficult for her as a Council member who has sometimes disagreed with the Executive. "We're not here to just give somebody what they want, we're here to work together and represent you and your interests." 

Easton City Council West Ward. - Sharbel Koorie, a former Easton code inspector, owns the very popular Daddy's Place and "has a lot of love for the city."  Julie Zando-Dennis recited her background. Lance Wheeler was a no-show. I am informed his nomination petition has been challenged, which I will confirm tomorrow when I check on challenges. 

Easton City Council South Side - Susan Hartranft Bittenger is a lifetime south side resident who lives un the home where she grew up. She is finishing her second term as a school board member and is an insurance investigator. "I would do anything for them [south side residents] and would always be a good advocate."  Taiba Sultana, like her husband, was a no-show. 

Easton City Council District One - Frank Graziano is a lifelong Easton resident and serves on both the Planning Commission and Block Watch. Roger Ruggles was a no-show. 

Interestingly, Sultana and Qayyum skipped this south side candidates' night to attend the general monthly meeting of the Lehigh Valley Democratic Socialists of America. According to her Facebook page she was there. "It's a privilege to speak at the Lehigh Valley DSA meeting, where we're building a movement that embodies the values of justice, equity, and solidarity. I'm excited to be part of this momentum and look forward to continuing our push for meaningful change."

Updated 8:19 am. 

Updated 2:20 pm

Easton's South Side Civic Ass'n To Host County and City Candidates Tonight

I attended a candidates' night hosted by the couth side civic ass'n two years ago. I left with a wealth of knowledge about each candidate. Unfortunately, very few people attend these events other than those who are working for the campaigns. That's sad because you learn a lot by being there. I wish I could go but have a conflict I'm unable to break. If there is a Facebook Live, I will watch and link. 

What: Meet and Greet Candidates for Easton City Council, NorCo Judge NorCo Exec, NorCo Council and EASD school board (both parties welcome) 

When: Tonight, 6:30 pm.

Where: Shiloh Enrichment Center, 548 Canal St, Easton, Pa.

Brad Osborne's "Good Morning Lehigh Valley" Has Interviewed Both Democratic NorCo Exec Candidates

Brad Osborne, a former Lehigh County and South Whitehall Tp Comm'r, has considerable experience in local government. He also hosts a weekly radio show focused on Lehigh Valley issues.  It's called Good Morning Lehigh Valley and airs weekly at 9 am on WGPA 1100 AM. 

On March 12, he interviewed NorCo Exec candidate Amy Cozze. On February 19, he sat down with her Democratic opponent, Tara Zrinski. 

If you are looking for details about these candidates and who might be worthy of your vote, you can check out these interviews. 

The winner of the Zrinski-Cozze race will face Republican Tom Giovanni in the Fall. 

I hope to host separate debates for the Exec, Council and judicial candidates in the late summer, before mail-in ballots are sent. Last time, in the DA's race, the response was overwhelming. I used the community room at Oliver Border House, but that venue might be unavailable because it is undergoing renovations.  I am unwilling to use Northampton Community College because too people are willing to go there. If you know of a good location, let me know in the comments. 

We Need to Remember The Atlantic Charter

In the late summer of 1941, America was a bastion of isolationism. It had been that way for most of its history. After all, it was protected on the east and west by large oceans and had friendly neighbors to the north and south. In the face of Nazi aggression and Japanese imperialism, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt knew that could never last, but he also knew that Americans had to be persuaded first. That's the way a republican democracy works. At that time, he barely had the votes to extend the peacetime draft, which passed by only one vote in the House. So when he decided to meet Prime Minister Winston Churchill, he employed a bit of subterfuge. He went on the Presidential yacht for a fishing trip along the Potomac and then skirted away on an American warship to meet Churchill in Plancentia Bay, off the coast of Newfoundland. Churchill had a longer and more dangerous voyage past German wolfpacks in the Prince of Wales, which would be sunk a few short months later by the Japanese. 

Churchill thought that the US was finally ready to enter the war. Roosevelt had no such intention. He instead insisted that the US and UK agree on a set of principles by which these two great nations would treat other sovereigns after the war was over. It was a big ask of Churchill because it would mean the eventual elimination of its colonies. But Churchill agreed to what became known as The Atlantic Charter. 

This document was far from an America First screed. It was instead an enunciation of the principles that have made western democracy, and America in particular, shine out as a beacon of hope. In short, it makes us the good guys. The ones in the white hats. It promises no territorial aggrandizement; no territorial changes against the wishes of the people; restoration of self-government; reduction of trade restrictions; global cooperation to enhance economies and social conditions for all; freedom from fear and want; freedom of the seas; abandonment of force; and disarmament of aggressor nations. 

Now we have a President who openly taunts Canada as the 51st state and who amazingly claimed in a State of the Union address that we're going to get Greenland "one way or the other."

Perhaps he and his VP should read it. 

Trump's Economy: What the Data Say So Far

President Donald Trump has told Congress that "the Golden Age of America has only just begun." So let me give you the present the most recent updates out there on inflation, labor, economy and stock market. I am going to inject no opinion in this piece. Just the facts. 

Inflation: During the Presidential campaign, Trump promised "to end inflation on Day One and make America affordable again." In February, the inflation rate eased to 2.8%, which 0.1% better than analysts predicted. It was 3.0% in January. 

Jobs: The US added 151,000 new jobs in February, which is weaker than the 170,000 predicted by Dow Jones. 

Unemployment: Unemployment rose from 4.0% in January to 4.1% in February. Although it has risen slightly, Barron's observes that this is still considered "full employment." 

GDP: For the 4th quarter of 2024, when President Joe Biden was still in office, GDP rose 2.3%.  The Fed's NowCast (estimate based on available economic data) projects a negative GDP of -2.4% for the first quarter of 2025. Trump said in a recent Fox News interview that there would be a "period of transition."

Stock Market: It closed on Friday with its worst week since March 2023. Both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite are down over 10% from February highs, which means the market is in correction.

These are the facts. I think it's still too early to say whether Trump's economic policies are failing or succeeding. The data will tell us. 

Pintabone: Marijuana Decriminalization Will Be Considered Again on March 26

During a Facebook Live last night, Easton City Council member Frank Pintabone said that his proposal to decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana will be placed on City Council's agenda again on March 26. In a strange meeting on Wednesday night, Council member Taiba Sultana and Mayor Sal Panto refused to vote for the ordinance, despite previous promises to do so. Because Pintabone's proposal only had the support of Pintabone and Council members Crystal Rose and Jim Edinger, it failed to get the four votes needed. 

On Wednesday night, Sultana wanted to table the matter. With what she claimed was a "heavy heart," she made that motion because she said a matter had been brought to her attention concerning an unnamed official that needed to be addressed. 

She clarified what she meant on her official Facebook page on Thursday: "One of the council members is allegedly, directly or indirectly, involved in delivering marijuana. I asked to table the bill because I didn't have all the facts. I vote with my full conscious. I would address these allegations transparently and thoroughly before proceeding with any legislative action." She asserted that a sitting Council member was involved in the distribution of marijuana. Although she said the matter needed to be addressed "transparently," she still failed to name this Council member, but she was referring to Pintabone. 

I say this because, in her failed bid for State Representative, she told many constituents that Pintabone is a drug dealer. They in turn promptly told Pintabone what she had said.  

He has thick skin, and let it go. 

When she was circulating her nomination petition for re-election, she once again told constituents that Pintabone is a drug dealer. They in turn promptly notified Pintabone.

He let it go. 

On Monday, she reached out to Easton Police Chief Carl Scalzo, and said she had been informed that while Pintabone was in Washington with the Mayor to seek finding for city programs, two of his employees had been arrested over the weekend with marijuana in Pintabone's work truck. She was told that was untrue, and the only marijuana arrest over the weekend involved four kids in a Honda Civic with Jersey plates. Despite what she had been told, she later told another Council member that Pintabone was involved in marijuana distribution. 

He adamantly denied any involvement with marijuana, at least not since he was a kid. He added that he does not drink, is a nonsmoker and dislikes the smell of marijuana. "You can't hide who you are if you're running for politics in the city of Easton.” He explained that everybody knows everybody. 

He received a text message from Sultana yesterday after he went on her official Facebook page to set the record straight: "I am so sorry what you heard. It is frustrating to me as well which could not be true but I do not have all the facts. I will be happy to meet you to have a conversation and stand beside you as we have more in common than opposite." 

Wisely, Pintabone declined to respond. I'm no psychologist, but it's pretty clear to me that Sultana suffers from narcissistic personality disorder, from an exaggerated sense of self-importance to her envy of others. She resents Pintabone and what he has accomplished in one short year on City Council, so she decided to muddy him up with libel. 

Is she wishes to apologize, she should do so publicly. In the meantime, Pintabone has retained prominent Easton lawyer Gary Asteak. He, like Pintabone, grew up on south side. 

On the merits, I understand and respect those who think decriminalization should be done by the state. But don't try to claim that a city ordinance providing a less draconian alternative means you are violating your oath to uphold laws, as Rogger Ruggles disingenuously argued. 

Pintabone Proposal to Decriminalize Marijuana in Easton Goes Up in Smoke

During what can only be described as a bizarre meeting, Easton City Council voted 4-3 last night to end Council member Frank Pintabone's proposal to decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana. Voting No were Mayor Sal Panto and Council members Taiba Sultana (she actually abstained, effectively a No), Roger Ruggles and Kenny Brown. Voting Yes were Pintabone, joined by Council members Crystal Rose and Jim Edinger. 

At the onset, Lehigh Valley Justice Institute Executive Director Joe Welsh, who happens to be a resident of Easton's west ward, told Council that one of six cases filed in court involve marijuana charges, clogging the courts and diverting resources from real crime. More troubling, a person is 6.4 times more likely to be charged with a marijuana offense if he happens to be black. He was echoed by Julie Zando-Dennis and Susan Hartranft Bittenger, both of whom are running for city council. A local downtown business owner joined the chorus of support. 

No one from the public spoke against the proposal. 

During a committee hearing just a few weeks before, Sultana said, "This is something that should have been done years ago." She went on to claim marijuana "is not a drug" and suggested there should be no fine at all. Mayor Panto spoke in support of the ordinance but said the fine should be high to deter people from smoking in public. 

That was then. 

Last night, both of them suddenly switched. 

Sultana kicked things off with a "heavy heart," saying that the ordinance needed to be tabled because she had heard "allegations" against an unnamed "official" and needed to investigate them first. Hmmm. While going door to door seeking signatures for her latest nomination petition, Sultana actually accused one unnamed (and elected) official of being a drug dealer. This unnamed and elected official knows about this libel because the very people that Sultana solicited immediately called this person.

Despite this baseless smear, Sal Panto seconded the motion to table. The very ordinance he supported on February 25 was now suddenly objectionable because he now feels that decriminalization should come from the state, even though 17 municipalities have already decriminalized marijuana. 

Once a motion to table is made and seconded, Robert's Rules clearly provide that discussion ends and the matter is supposed to be voted on immediately. But the discussion continued, and even Solicitor Joel Scheer joined in the discussion instead of instructing them that they need to vote.

After several unnecessary minutes of discussion, a vote on the motion to table was taken and failed in a 4-3 vote. Panto, Ruggles and Sultana voted Yes while Edinger, Brown, Pintabone and Rose voted No.

On the merits, Ruggles said that this was a matter for the state, not Easton. He said that anyone who supported decriminalization would be violating an oath to uphold state law. He added that police officers take the same oath and would face a dilemma whether to enforce state or city law.

This argument is illogical. City Council members and even police officers take no oath that requires them to enforce every statute on the books. City Council members legislate and play no role in enforcement. And police officers who do enforce laws have what is known as prosecutorial discretion. If they charged every violation, things could get out of hand very quickly because we have same pretty strange laws, including a law that requires a child's bedroom to be within 200' of a bathroom. Under Ruggles' interpretation, every driver who goes 26 mph in a 25 mph zone should be ticketed. That's absurd. 

Pintabone countered that the state has never argued that its laws concerning marijuana pre-empt the decriminalization in 17 municipalities that have voted to do so. 

In fact, the state has actually encouraged civil instead of criminal remedies for some vehicle violations. I personally think that a driver who passes a school bus with flashing lights should pay the heaviest fine possible and be assessed points. But guess what? Under the AlertBus school safety program, which operates in Easton, it's a mere civil fine. Money trumps the safety of children, I guess. 

Once again, Solicitor Joel Scheer piped up and injected his personal views instead of advising on the law. 

In fairness, Ruggles has consistently held the view that decriminalization of marijuana is the province of the state legislature. So has Ken Brown. But Panto and Sultana did about-faces. Sultana is just trying to smear someone. Panto has always had a tendency to say one thing and do another. 

Sultana Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign By Giving Neighbor the Finger

Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana is currently suing a political action committee that posted signs calling her "CRAZY, CHAOTIC, CRIMINAL." Based on this photo of her, taken today or yesterday, I'd agree with the campaign rhetoric. After all, truth is a defense. 

Sultana has a brood with a penchant for getting into trouble. We all know that three of them were nabbed by state police in the act of defacing anti-Sultana campaign signs. But some of these little darlings have long been accused of destroying mailboxes at the Easton development where Sultana resides,

One neighbor whose mailbox has been destroyed by little urchins thinks it's them and recently called police to complain. I don't know whether she has photographic or video evidence, but police followed up. 

Sultana's response? She went to the home of this elderly lady, rang the doorbell and gave her the finger. 

This is the second time she has done so. (The picture you see is from the first time). 

What a wonderful way for her to start her quixotic quest for a second term! 

Who's Running in NorCo? Elections Office Has "Unofficial" List

Yesterday, all nomination petitions for elected office were due in our elections office. If someone is still knocking on your door today, you might want to tell him he's too late. 

In NorCo, the Elections office has posted an unofficial list of primary candidates. You can see it yourself here. It's unofficial because there could be challenges to these petitions. 

Below are the most relevant races:

NorCo Judge - Bob Eyer and Jeremy Clark have cross-filed with the Department of State. James Fuller is only seeking the Republican nomination. 

NorCo Exec. - Democrats Amy Cozze or Tara Zrinski will face Republican Tom Giovanni. A news release from the Zrinski campaign claims she obtained 1,453 signatures, well beyond the required 259 needed. Cozze has reported the endorsement of former US Senator Bob Casey, her former boss. Tom Giovanni reports having 800 signatures. 

NorCo Council - Five at-large seats up for grabs. Running on the Republican side are John Brown (inc.), John Goffredo (inc.), Juan E. Martinez, Sam Elias and Daniel Campo. Running on the Democrat side are Lori Vargo Heffner (inc.), Jason Boulette, Nadeen Qayyum, David Holland, Theresa Fadem, and Patti Bruno. Bruno, who still uses a photo that looks nothing like her, claims to have obtained 577 signatures. 

Magisterial District Judge (Wind Gap area) - Democrat Ellen Kingsley and Republicans Robert Kemmerer and Matt Flower have cross-filed. 

Bethlehem Mayor - Willie Reynolds (inc.) faces a primary challenge from Grace Crampsie Smith. No Republican is running. 

Bethlehem City Council (four seats) - Democrats Rachel Leon (inc.), Justin Amann, Tina Cantelmi, Hillary Kwiatek (inc.), Celeste Dee and Jo Daniels seek their party's nod. Only one Republican, Joseph Poplawski, is running. 

Easton City Council (College Hill) - Democrat Roger Ruggles (inc.) faces a primary challenge from Frank Graziano III. No Republican has filed. 

Easton City Council (south side) - Democrat Taiba Sultana (inc.) is being primaried by Susan Hartranft Bittenger. No Republican has filed. Although Sultana has alienated just about everyone on the south side, she claims 350 signatures. My guess is that she plans to run for Congress after she gets crushed. 

Easton City Council (west ward) - Democrats Lance Wheeler and Julie Zando-Dennis are running against each other. Republican Sharbel Koorie will face the winner of that race in November.