Team Trump Tags Lehigh and NorCo as "Sanctuary" Counties

Late yesterday, Homeland Security listed over 500 counties, cities and states it considers "sanctuary" jurisdictions. Among the 11 Pa. counties included are NorCo and Lehigh. Five Pa cities (Gettysburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, State College and York) are also included. 

A memo that accompanies this listing includes the following explanation: 

Executive Order 14287: Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens requires that a list of states and local jurisdictions that obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws (sanctuary jurisdictions) be published. Sanctuary jurisdictions including cities, counties, and states that are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities. Sanctuary cities protect dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in peril.

The list below was created to identify sanctuary jurisdictions, which are determined by factors like compliance with federal law enforcement, information restrictions, and legal protections for illegal aliens.

Each jurisdiction listed will receive formal notification of its non-compliance with Federal statutes. DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens.

Note that the list can be reviewed and changed at any time and will be updated regularly. No one should act on this information without conducting their own evaluation of the information.

U.S. Rep Ryan Mackenzie (Pa.-7), at a Homeland Security Committee hearing on May 14, said that sanctuary counties, which presumably includes two of the counties he represents, "are more focused on defending these violent criminals from deportation than they are in protecting American citizens in our local communities." He criticized NorCo Executive Lamont McClure's executive order, "which bans ICE from arresting illegal immigrants when they're going through processing for a separate crime. And what this means in practice is that when ICE wants to go arrest a violent member of Tren de Agua or a domestic abuser who is going through the processing in our local community, they cannot go inside that courthouse and actually arrest that person. They have to stake out the courthouse, outside, taking up hours of resources from law enforcement, potentially leaving our community more vulnerable if that person were to go out a different exit of the courthouse and escape into our local community, they would be free to reign terror all across our beautiful Lehigh Valley."

Mackenzie's characterization of Northampton County's policy, enacted after an ICE officer arrested an undocumented immigrant walking out of a courtroom in 2020, is completely disingenuous. (You can read it here). Call this person an illegal alien if that makes you feel better. What happened is that an out-of uniform ICE officer, clad in jeans and a "Pro God Pro Gun Protected" T-shirt, conducted a warrantless arrest of an undocumented immigrant inside the courthouse. It made no difference that this person was married to an American citizen, gainfully employed and a licensed driver who has paid his taxes for the past 10 years. It made no difference that he was just inches away from getting his green card. He was carted away in handcuffs, destination unknown. 

The Executive Order that McClure issued in no way bans ICE from entering the courthouse. That's sheer nonsense. What his order does provide is that, after a judge relinquishes jurisdiction, the county will hold an alleged illegal for up to 48 hours if a detainer has been issued. During that time, ICE can seek a warrant from a federal judge, which is fairly easy to obtain. 

The reason for seeking a warrant is because that's what's Lehigh County found out the hard way. Galzara, a US citizen, was improperly held in Lehigh's jail because of an immigration detainer that ICE had incorrectly lodged. The Third Circuit (one stop below the Supremes) ruled that "immigration detainers do not and cannot compel a state or local law enforcement agency to detain suspected aliens subject to removal." An ICE detainer is nothing more than a "request." Northampton County will honor an ICE detainer by holding a suspected illegal for 48 hours, but wants to see a warrant before handing him over to ICE, 

Mackenzie talks about protecting American citizens but fails to point out that this includes protecting taxpayers from paying out huge settlements. ICE does tend to have a large number of cowboys who have been detaining US citizens simply because they speak Spanish. Why should NorCo or Lehigh County taxpayers pay for ICE stupidity?

Now ICE can refuse to get a warrant and just hang around the jail when an undocumented immigrant is released. But that's because ICE is wasting manpower, not the county. All ICE has to do is obtain a warrant from a neutral judge who will make sure they are actually arresting someone who is here illegally and not because he speaks another language. 

Mackenzie also complains that a defendant released from a jail can slip out a side exit. It's a jail, Ryan. There's only one way out. Sorry. 

Lehigh County denies it is a sanctuary county: 

"Lehigh County respects the dignity and basic humanity of every person within our borders, however, we strongly disagree with the position of some entities that our policies make us a sanctuary county. We do not shelter undocumented immigrants, nor do we interfere with any law enforcement agency or its efforts to identify and remove people who may be here unlawfully.

"Lehigh County cooperates with US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the fullest extent legally possible, in compliance with the Third Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in Galarza v. Szalczyk, 745 F.3d 634 (2014). We notify ICE, if possible, any time an undocumented person is detained in the jail by other authorities, so that ICE may pursue the necessary steps to take the person into custody when the detainer is dissolved."

NorCo Exec Lamont McClure provided this response to seeing his county named as a sanctuary: 

"Northampton County acknowledges the Federal Government’s important responsibility to enforce our Nation’s Immigration laws. That is why we fully cooperate with I.C.E. consistent with the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions. We cooperate as we agree that undocumented persons who commit crimes should be deported. We honor I.C.E. Immigration detainers for up to 48 hours. (Well in excess of what most jurisdictions do.) 

"While I.C.E. is aware our policy requires a court order to remand an undocumented person into their custody, who has been otherwise freed by a judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Northampton County, they routinely refuse to obtain constitutionally guaranteed process. Even so, we will inform I.C.E. of the date and time of the release of the undocumented person. We will even work with I.C.E. to release the undocumented person at its convenience. We do this even though it is clear that the law does not require local governments to assist the Federal Government in enforcing immigration laws. Northampton County’s inclusion on this list is nothing more than naked MAGA politics."

My Name Has Been Taken in Vain in Former Custody Master's Lawsuit Against NorCo Judges

For some time, I've been wondering what the hell is going on in a federal lawsuit filed by Northampton County's former custody master, Lisa Tresslar, against the judges. I've previously told you about what she calls her constructive termination by county judges and court administrator Jermaine Greene. They failed to have the case tossed because federal Judge John Gallagher does find merit in her claim that she is the victim of judicial retaliation. The matter is currently in discovery. 

I was unaware that I've actually been the focus of some of the back-and-forth between judges and Tresslar. They're convinced that she has been feeding me confidential information and even asked the court to block her from seeing any discovery they produce that is marked "Attorney's Eyes Only." 

In letters to Judge Gallagher, NorCo's bench has apparently claimed that they can prove she provided privileged information to me. I wish that were true. I'd love to know and share how some of those custody cases have been handled. In her lawsuit, Lisa complains that she had voiced concerns over new procedures in custody cases that would shield judges from hearing evidence of child abuse. Her contention is that the courts did this to insulate themselves from public rancor in the event that a child was abused after a custody order is entered. It was after she voiced her concerns that the courts basically stripped her of most of her duties, reducing her to a glorified clerk instead of a Harvard-educated attorney. 

I know this mostly from what I've seen on Pacer, a website open to the public for viewing federal cases I also know a little based on what some attorneys have told me. But like Tresslar, they've been unwilling to share privileged information. I understand why. They are ethical, and it's highly insulting to suggest anything different. Not to me, but to Northampton County lawyers. I would think the judges would know better. 

After first saying that they could prove that Tresslar had a hotline to me, they now say they "have no way to verify any of [Tresslar’s] allegations on this topic, especially since she does not appear to have produced all communications with this blogger to date, despite Defendants request." In effect, they now accuse her of hiding her communications with me. 

Judges, allow me to share what I know. At no time has Lisa Tresslar ever shared any privileged information with me. She has even refused to provide case names or details that might help me to substantiate or debunk her lawsuit. Believe me, I've tried. I am, after all, a bottom-feeder. 

I've tried to get your side, too. I reached out to Jermaine Greene after the suit was filed, and he told me pretty much the same thing Lisa told me. 

Neither side wants their case tried on this blog. Thus, I can only report what I see on the record. 

Before she filed her federal lawsuit, Tresslar made clear to me that she was actually cutting me off precisely because she had no desire to try her case on the blog. If we see each other in the hallway, we say Hi. I always ask her how on earth a Harvard Law graduate could ever support Donald Trump, and I have often told her that she belongs on the bench herself. I have immense respect for her as a lawyer and as a person. I've felt that way for some time because she, along with then President Judge Steve Baratta, completely changed custody hearings to make them better for the children who are very much impacted by them. 

I do know she named one of her cats after me. I have no idea why because I am more of a parakeet person myself. 

Jermaine Greene has named no cats after me. 

Maybe a rat. 

After considering the competing concerns, Judge Gallagher has spurned the attempt by NorCo's judges to prevent Tresslar from actually seeing the discovery they produce. 

"Upon consideration of the parties’ letters to the Court regarding their dispute as to what confidentiality order to enter in this case and whether certain documents should be designated as “Attorney’s Eyes Only,” the Court will enter the Confidentiality Order proposed by Plaintiff. See ECF No. 59. The Court finds that Plaintiff will be prejudiced in the prosecution of her claims without access to the discovery materials. Moreover, Defendants, at this point, have not made any formal claims of privilege. The potential for prejudice to Plaintiff outweighs Defendants’ speculative concerns regarding breaches of this Order.

"However, the Court cautions that this Confidentiality Order is to be strictly adhered to. Any transgression of this Order may result in sanctions or even referrals to the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania."

Counties Released From Class Action Lawsuit Alleging False Claims of Child Abuse

About 18 months ago, Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley was parading families before both Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners and Northampton County Council. Though Pinsley has no medical degrees, he nevertheless maintained that numerous Lehigh Valley families were the victims of unfounded claims of child abuse. At the very least, he insisted that county child protection agencies should seek second opinions before attempting to separate a child from his family. He even alleged that he, too, was a victim of threatened staffing cuts over a report he was releasing. 

At the time, Pinsley was running for state auditor general. Once he lost that race, his concerns about misdiagnosed child abuse mysteriously vanished. 

While he may have ridden off into the sunset, looking for the next issue he can find to propel himself into higher office, the families he once championed filed a class action lawsuit against Lehigh Valley Health Network ... in Philadelphia County. The grass there may not be greener, but the jury verdicts are. 

Lehigh Valley Health Network, in turn, has attempted to join the Children and Youth Agencies of Montgomery, Lackawanna, Monroe, Lehigh, Pike and Northampton Counties. After an importunate five tries, the Court has said, "Enough Already!" (I'm paraphrasing). Judge Gwen Bright has dismissed the attempted joinder with prejudice, meaning no more swings will be permitted.

Judge Bright issued no opinion, but the counties argued they are immune. 

The class action suit against Lehigh Valley Health Network and a cavalcade of doctors continues, with no end in sight. 

UMBT Government is cRaZy: Supervisor Flips Off Audience After Vote

Upper Mount Bethel Township (UMBT), located at the northeastern tip of Northampton County, is arguably its most beautiful municipality. It still has much of the rural charm that has long since faded from the rest of the Lehigh Valley. And though Bethlehem and Easton tout its history, UMBT has been around a bit longer. It's existed since at least 1730, when Scottish-Irish settlers built a Presbyterian church that now operates as the Slate Belt Museum. Unfortunately, its government is nuts. While it might be a bit more sane than Lower Saucon, it includes one Supervisor - David Friedman - who thinks nothing of giving the finger - twice - to township residents who disagree with him. Let me fill you in. 

David Friedman certainly was and may still be a member of a loose-knit group calling itself Concerned Citizens of UMBT. It was formed to oppose an industrial park called River Pointe Commerce Park. A previous board of supervisors supported this project for a variety of reasons, but mainly because UMBT has so much exempt real estate (state game lands, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area) that it continually raises taxes just to provide the most basic services. It has no police force and relies primarily on volunteer firefighters. 

In addition to this dearth of a tax base, there are few jobs left in the slate belt, especially in communities like Bangor and Pen Argyl. Once kids grow up, most leave. Others fall into bad habits. River Pointe offered a glimmer of hope, but not to the Concerned Citizens. They mobilized and Friedman got himself elected to the Board based on his opposition. 

Before his election, Friedman was part of a group that sued to stop the industrial park. Though the lawsuit was dismissed, Concerned Citizens appealed. Thus, after Friedman was elected to the Board of Supervisors,  he was in the strange position of being both plaintiff and defendant. 

That matter was resolved when Concerned Citizens dropped its appeal. But lSupervisors considered a motion to seek attorney fees incurred in fighting the lawsuit. That lawsuit would include Friedman as a Defendant. Not only did Friedman participate in discussions, but he also cast the deciding No vote to take no action.

In doing so, Friedman used his public office to advance his own pecuniary interest. In short, he acted unethically.

Don't take my word for it. The state Ethics Comm'n itself ruled that Friedman had violated the state Ethics Act. He appealed and vowed to resign if the Commonwealth Court upheld the ruling. 

Guess what? The Commonwealth Court also concluded that Friedman had acted unethically. 

Despite his earlier promise, Friedman refused to resign.

That's about what I'd expect from someone who acted unethically. 

In the meantime, River Pointe filed its own lawsuit (2024-3571) against UMBT Supervisors, including Friedman, over their interference in its attempt to develop the property.  Among other problems, River Pointe lost an Amazon data center at this site, which could have provided numerous high-paying jobs for the slate belt. This e-commerce giant would need massive amounts of water and power, and Supervisors actually voted to dissolve a municipal authority set up to provide these resources. 

Now, UMBT's Supervisors have decided they now like data centers. At their May 12 meeting, they voted unanimously to advise River Pointe that they like them a lot. Friedman wanted to make support conditional on River Pointe's withdrawal of litigation against Supervisors, but Supervisor Cori Eckman argued "one step at a time." 

Right after the vote, for some inexplicable reason, Friedman decided to flip off audience members who were critical of him. This included His Eminence, Ron Angle. In case anyone missed it, friedman did it a second time. 

So Friedman has (1) violated state ethics law; (2) refused to resign after promising to do so if an appeal determined he was unethical; and (3) is now flipping off members of the audience. 

Friedman's disrespectful action has resulted in a storm of protests, including a letter from Stavros Barbounis, who actually films UMBT meetings. 

Friday, May 16, 2025

Mr. Friedman,

At the most recent Upper Mount Bethel Township Board of Supervisors' meeting, your attempt to demand that RPL drop all lawsuits in exchange for a letter of support for datacenters was both short-sighted and highly inappropriate.

If that was not enough, you 'flipped the bird' to a member of the public, a taxpayer, a resident, a previous supervisor, and county council member, among others. What you really did is flip off the Township as a whole. You demonstrated in that one moment that you could care less about this Township, its residents or how your actions affect us.

Upper Mount Bethel Township would not be dealing with lawsuits if it were not for the deliberate actions of certain BoS members, including yourself. Your request to drop lawsuits primarily benefits you and the BoS, and I would argue that the context your request was made in would constitute another ethical violation. It is my understanding that you are also being sued personally. Your demand to drop the lawsuits would, in fact, benefit you financially.

The Township residents are not to blame for the lawsuits or the loss of Amazon. We did not cause the lawsuits; you did. We are, however, the ones paying the price for YOUR actions.

The failure to leverage assistance from individuals on Township boards, commissions, or councils; of whom have direct industry, business, financial or logistics knowledge and experience, further demonstrates a lack of reason and deliberate intent to delay the development of much-needed industry within the township.

Considering all the things happening in our community today, one would expect our Township officials to bring clarity, unity and focus to the issues we face. The elected Supervisors of Upper Mount Bethel Township are to represent the best interests of UMBT and that should be the sole focus, not their own personal agenda. They should conduct themselves in a manner that both provides and demands respect.

It is my belief that YOU were a key factor to the outcome of the Amazon deal that fell through.

It is my belief that YOU are not acting in the best interests of the Township.

It is my belief that YOU are unfit to represent the Township and its residents.

It is my request that you do not take part in any future negotiations, planning, discussions, decisions or otherwise as it pertains to the potential RPL development opportunities, especially as it pertains

to datacenters.

Sincerely,

Stavros Barbounis

Some citizens have complained on Chair John Bermingham's Facebook page. He responded with this bizarre self-portrait.

He has since removed this strange portrait. See why I say UMBT government is downright nuts?

Memorial Day: Remember the Young Dead Soldiers

We're a strange bunch. We look forward to Memorial Day as an extra day off from work, a time for picnics and the start of summer. Vice President Kamala Harris tweeted, "Enjoy the long weekend!" Before you bast away at her, she is far from alone. We say "Happy Memorial Day" to each other from the Jersey shore. Few of us take the time to think of, to say nothing of honoring, those who have offered their lives for a freedom we take for granted.

It's always been that way. Even during the Revolutionary War, which started with the Boston Massacre, there was little public regard for those who put themselves in harm's way and lost their lives.

“Good God, are the Americans all asleep and tamely giving up their Liberties?” asked Benedict Arnold, who ultimately sold out himself in bitterness as much as greed.

The very first American to give his life in the cause of liberty was Crispus Attucks. His father was an African-American slave. His mother was a Natick, who were called the "Praying Indians." Little is known about Crispus. Unfortunately, many have followed him. Their lives are summed up in the immortal words of Archibald MacLeish.

The young dead soldiers do not speak.

Nevertheless, they are heard in the still houses:
who has not heard them?

They have a silence that speaks for them at night
and when the clock counts.

They say: We were young. We have died.
Remember us.

They say: We have done what we could
but until it is finished it is not done.

They say: We have given our lives but until it is finished
no one can know what our lives gave.

They say: Our deaths are not ours: they are yours,
they will mean what you make them.

They say: Whether our lives and our deaths were for
peace and a new hope or for nothing we cannot say,
it is you who must say this.

We leave you our deaths. Give them their meaning.
We were young, they say. We have died; remember us.

First published Memorial Day, 2016

Blogger's Addition: I am also touched by the elegant prose that Franklin Delano Roosevelt offered to the families of soldiers who died fighting fascism and genocide during WWII. Each received a certificate that includes these stirring words: "He stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live, and grow, and increase its blessings. Freedom lives, and through it, he lives - in a way that humbles the undertakings of most men."

Is Trump's "Big, Beautiful Bill" A Good or Bad Thing?

President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill", designed to implement his domestic agenda, has made it through the House by a single vote. Whether it makes it through the Senate is another matter. It is highly doubtful that it will survive in its current form, especially since some Republican senators find it unacceptable in its current form for differing reasons. 

Locally, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie voted for the House version, saying it provides "commonsense solutions that people across the Lehigh Valley are counting on."

The house version includes (1) a $4 trillion tax cut which does include lower marginal income rates, an increase in the standard deduction, no taxes on tips and no taxes on social security; (2) Medicaid recipients without disabilities will have to work, which could reduce federal spending by $800 billion; (3) changes in Obamacare designed to make it more expensive, with reduced subsidies; (4) an end to most tax breaks, for clean energy, excepting nuclear energy; (5) An end to food stamps (SNAP) for people between 18 and 64 with no job, and a shifting to the states of some of the cost; (6) major increases in defense spending, including a Golden Dome similar to what Israel employs; (7) reductions in student loans; and (5) a $4 trillion increase in the national debt.

Mackenzie has two Democratic opponents in next year's Congressional race. Here's how they reacted.

Carol Obando-Derstine: "While working families slept, Ryan Mackenzie voted for Trump’s billionaire tax breaks and backed a bill that will rip healthcare from nearly 24,000 people in our district, threaten SNAP for 25,000 more, and keep driving up prices at our expense. It’s a cruel betrayal. While Mackenzie helps billionaires like Elon Musk and leaves our district behind, I’ve spent my career fighting for the families hit hardest by these cuts. I’m running for Congress to deliver real solutions and put working families first."

Lamont McClure: "In the dead of night, Ryan Mackenzie cast the deciding vote to stab working families in the back—supporting the largest Medicaid cuts in history. Ripping away healthcare from millions of Americans, all so his billionaire buddies get another tax break. It’s cowardly. It’s cruel. And I’m running for Congress to make damn sure he never gets to do it again."

MIBs Have Failed to Increase Turnout in Municipal Primaries

Some of you love to stand in line on election day, not just to vote, but to talk to your neighbors. I saw this quite a bit when I worked elections and agree it's a good chance to catch up with people you know and like. If you have a sweet tooth, it's even better because there are numerous bake sales. Sometimes, you get a chance to meet candidates or other elected officials who are supporting them. I hate standing in line. I'm pretty much a miserable bastard and the only people who smile at me are those who don't know me. I like the convenience of mail-in ballots (MIBs). I'm far from alone. In this year's municipal primary, 18,426 people voted by mail in NorCo. That's almost half of the total 40,342 votes cast. But has the MIB option really helped turnout? Has it made elections more inclusive?  If you look at this year's anemic turnout, I'd say no.

This year, we had contested primaries for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, County Executive, Magisterial District Judge, Bethlehem Mayor, Bethlehem City Council and Easton City Council. Total turnout was an embarrassing 17.7%, even though these elected officials have much more of an impact on our daily lives than the President. You can't call Trump if your street has not been plowed. 

It was just as bad in the municipal primary four years ago. Turnout in that race was 20.87%, just slightly higher than on Tuesday. In the '23 municipal primary, it was just 19.23%.

I've seen the argument that MIBs increase voter turnout, and that may be true in Presidential and Congressional races. But in municipal races, it has failed to make a difference. 

I believe the main reason for this apathy is that most voters simply are unfamiliar with the candidates because local news media is pretty much a thing of the past. While there are noble ventures by public media, Victor Martinez' La Mega 101.7 FM (gives local news and insights to Spanish-speaking listeners) and sources like Armchair Lehigh Valley Molovinsky on Allentown or even me, but we reach far too few people. 

My uninformed opinion has always been that people who need to work two or three jobs have enough trouble putting food on the table than worry about who represents them. As a result, nobody does. 

What's your take? 

NorCo Election: Zrinski Trounces Cozze (and McClure Beats Wild in Proxy War)

Northampton County Controller Tara Zrinski has trounced Amy Cozze in the county's Democratic primary for County Executive. With 156 of 157 precincts reporting, Zrinski had 13,449 votes (56.78%) to 10,194 (43.04%) for Cozze in the unofficial count. Around 10:15 pm, a tearful Zrinski claimed victory. Cozze, who had planned a watch party in Easton, canceled out. Her campaign stated it would release a statement once the results were completely tallied.

It was a nasty race. Zrinski was branded as an opportunist who runs for every office available. But Cozze's actions as elections registrar hurt her bid. She tendered a resignation to take effect just 12 days before an election because she wanted more money, effectively putting her own interests in front of the county. She also unartfully referred the county's commitment to open space as "lazy policy" during a debate. 

This race was also something of a proxy war between outgoing Exec Lamont McClure and former Congress member Susan Wild. Wild, who lost her seat to Ryan Mackenzie last year, was apparently miffed that McClure decided to run without seeking her permission. So Wild embraced Cozze, funneled donations to her campaign and spent election day visiting the polls with Cozze. McClure not only funded Zrinski with $10,000 of his campaign treasury but made sure she had a lot of financial support from the trade unions. 

So while Zrinski convincingly beat Cozze at the polls, and by a higher margin than I expected, McClure demonstrated to Wild that her reach in Northampton County is quite limited. 

Despite the influx of 18,426 mail-in ballots, turnout was an anemic 17.7%. 

Zrinski will face Republican Tom Giovanni in November. 

In the judicial race, Jeremy Clark (12,132 votes - 52.69%) edged out Bob Eyer (10,851 votes - 47.13%) for the Democratic nomination. But James Fuller, a Monroe County prosecutor, won the Republican nod. This race will be decided in the general election. 

In the only contested magisterial contest, Rob Kemmerer won the Republican nomination with 67.21% of the GOP vote, while Ellen Kingsley captured the Democratic nod with 46.77% of the votes cast. That race will therefore be decided in November. 

In the NorCo Council races, the five candidates on the Dem Ballot and GOP ballot all won. The top Democratic vote getter was David Holland, a psychiatric nurse and former administrator at Gracedale. The top Republican was Sam Elias, a Bethlehem police officer. 

Patti Bruno had hoped to mount a successful Democratic write-in campaign, but the 1,000 or so write-ins cast are far below what would be needed to topple a Dem on the ballot. 

In Bethlehem, Mayor Willie Reynolds scored a near landslide (64.96%) against Grace Crampsie Smith in his bid for re-election.  It also appears that incumbents Rachel Leon and Hillary Kwiatek will keep their seats. They'll be joined by Justin Amann and Jo Daniels in the general. 

In Easton, incumbents fared more poorly. Roger Ruggles and Taiba Sultana have lost their seats to Frank Graziano and Susan Hartranft-Bittinger, respectively. 

Cozze Receives Late Contribution From Warehouse Developer

According to 24-hour reporting, NorCo Exec candidate Amy Cozze has added $1,000 to her coffers in the form of a donation from Jack Muschlitz. In addition to being an excavator, Muschlitz is planning two industrial warehouses in Moore Tp. 

Although Moore Tp's zoners rejected Muschlitz' appeal for relief from the zoning ordinance, the Commonwealth Court has ordered an evidentiary hearing. 

Cozze has also accepted $4,000 from the Pektor family, which has built numerous warehouses in the county. He also took in $1,000 from a luxury apartment developer. 

In a debate, Cozze scoffed that "conserving open space as a way to combat warehouse development is just lazy policy."

Feel Free to Make Your Last-Minute Pitches Here

If you'd like to make a last-minute argument for a candidate, please feel free to do so in the comments. I will periodically load them throughout the day. 

Please Share Tour Experience at the Polls

Every election day, several readers like to share their experiences at the polling place, and I enjoy reading them. Please feel free to share (1) where you voted; (2) what turnout was like; and (3) if you experienced any problems. 

Two years ago, when the Express Vote XL went haywire, it was you who first began noting it here. Hopefully, that issue has been put to rest. Some of you have witnessed officious or partisan elections workers inside the polling place. If that is so, please let us know. 

If you are voting in person in NorCo, be sure to check your voter verifiable paper ballot before officially casting your ballot. If you want to change your mind, you can spoil your ballot either two or three times (I forget the exact number) and try again.

UPDATED: Three Candidates Running for Wind Gap Magisterial Seat

Magisterial district judges, sometimes called the peoples' courts, are the frontline of our state's justice system. They handle the lion's share of cases, from neighborhood squabbles to landlord and tenant disputes to parking tickets. A magisterial district judge must be 21 and a state resident who has lived in the magisterial district for at least one year before assuming office. Terms last for six years, and nothing prevents other employment, though that is becoming less common. A minor court jurist can an attorney, but can be a nonlawyer as well, so long as he he can complete the training to be certified by the Administrative Office of Pa. Courts. Salary is $113,713 and is tied to the cost-of-living index, so it goes up each year. This year there is one open magisterial district in Northampton County, and three people are in the hunt. The three candidates running are Ellen Kingsley, an assistant District Attorney; Rob Kemmerer, former Director of Northampton County's Pretrial Services Department (he actually resigned that position to run); and Matt Flower, This district covers Bath, Chapman, Stockertown, Wind Gap, Bushkill Township, Moore Township - Phillips and Eastern Districts and Plainfield Township - Plainfield Church District. The purpose of this post is to describe the three candidates and where they are getting their money. 

Ellen Kingsley. - A 1999 graduate of Widener School of Law, she has primarily practiced family law. She is also an Assistant District Attorney, where she serves as Chief of the Domestic Violence Unit. District Attorney Steve Baratta told County Council last week, "If she is fortunate enough to win, it will be a big loss [to his office]." 

Here's her campaign as she summarizes it herself:

"In order to serve as Magisterial District Judge, you either need to be an attorney and member of the bar of the PA Supreme Court or be "certified" by the Minor Judiciary Education Board. To get certified candidates who aren't lawyers need to attend a 4-week course in Harrisburg. It is not required of attorneys since they have a law degree and, usually, experience. My three-year law degree, 26 years of experience in both civil and criminal law, including litigation in front of MDJs, and in ruling on and handling appeals from the Magisterial Districts make me the most qualified candidate."

Her nomination petition was challenged in court by Flower but he lost. Those two then engaged in an online battle in which neither looks particularly judicial. 

Her campaign finance records reveal that she is largely self-funded. Aside from a $2,500 contribution from Jake Olsson, an employee of ScrbeAmerica, most of the money in her $3,525 Pre-Primary Finance report and 24-hour reporting comes from herself. She appears to have spent $3,286.37 on her campaign. 

Matt Flower - On his campaign page, he states he holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and is currently employed by UPS, where he also serves as a Teamsters' union steward. He vows he would approach "each case with impartiality, integrity, and a focus on upholding the rights of all parties involved." On his campaign literature, he claims to have the "full endorsement" of the Republican party. He was endorsed by the county executive committee, not the entire party. Slate Belt Republicans tell me they make no endorsements in contested primaries. 

Flower has a checkered past  with a string of arrests in multiple counties going back to 2002. Everything from harassment to driving without a license. He's also been involved as Plaintiff or Defendant in numerous Protection from Abuse Act matters. He also admits to "peacefully demonstrating" at the capitol insurrection on January 6, when domestic terrorists or freedom-lovers (take your pick)  ransacked the halls of Congress. He denies participating in any violence. and claims he's been "cleared" by the FBI. "I am not afraid of arrest, prison or rogue judges," he adds.

During one 2014 incident in which he allegedly tackled and strangled

Flower in blue shade

his then wife, she was pregnant. A Facebook page, No Way to Matthew L Flower, contains what purports to be text exchanges between Flower and his then wife that are pretty disgusting. He did pay a price for them in court and even he acknowledges his statements were "inappropriate." 

A sample is on the left. 

A judge has to keep his cool. He didn't. 

As a constable candidate, he pledged to refuse to enforce PFA orders. 

More recently, he was caught up in a Republican county committee kerfuffle after members discovered that his current wife was posting videos of their sexual trysts online for profit. 

Campaign finance records show that he has received $3,125, including a $1.225 loan to himself. 

Rob Kemmerer. - A graduate of East Stroudsburg University, Kemmerer has worked as a NorCo probation officer and was Director of its Pretrial Services Division. He resigned to run for this open seat. His department is responsible for making bail recommendations to magisterial district judges when a defendant is preliminarily arraigned. He is highly regarded by both the bench and bar. A prominent criminal defense lawyer told me Friday that Kemmerer could be called day and night for help in setting bail. 

He's been endorsed by the Northampton County Republican Women’s Committee, former State Representative Marcia Hahn, and former Northampton County Council President Peg Ferraro.

Campaign finance records show that he chose to self-fund his campaign instead of forming a committee and seeking contributions. He has spent $11,800.04 for the usual campaign expenses, including a consult.  

UPDATED 5/19/25, 12:30 am Originally published 5/17/25, 6:08 pm

UPDATED: Something Stinks in Plainfield Tp

Jonathan Itterly was an appointed (not elected) Plainfield Tp. Supervisor whose term expires at the end of 2025. Now he's going to have to win an election. He's running for both a two-year and six-year term against fellow Republicans Jane Mellert and Ken Fairchild, who is yet another appointed Supervisor.  

Mellert has filed a PrePrimary report to acknowledge that she has spent $348.17. But neither Itterly nor Fairchild have filed anything. So what?, would be my first reaction. After all, Plainfield Tp is small enough that I would think most candidates would have no need to raise a lot of money. 

But Itterly has not one, but two electronic billboards advertising his candidacy. They are located near MacDonalds. He also has a large number of campaign signs. No disclaimers on the billboards.  

It is my understanding that a candidate who wants to advertise on that billboard must pay about $1,100.

So does Fairchild, although they might be left over from his last campaign. 

This is beginning to smell very much like the landfill, and for good reason. The landfill in Plainfield Township wants to expand, but to do so it will need to have some property rezoned. To make things easier, Township Supervisors have already disbanded their Environmental Advisory Commission. That way they can avoid some complaints They've also ignored their own Planning Commission, which has advised against rezoning. Instead, they voted in April to hire a third-party consultant - Strategic Solutions - to tell them what they and the landfill want to hear. 

The public has a right to know who is paying for Itterly's billboard and campaign signs. His refusal to follow the law evinces a lack of regard for the public he ostensibly wishes to serve. I suspect his true master is the landfill. 

The lack of a disclaimer is one thing, but it's clear that Itterly is breaking basic campaign law. The DA's office needs to review what has happened here. 

UPDATED 2 PM: This story requires a bit of an explanation and an apology.  I wrote it and posted without first discussing the matter with Itterly. That was wrong. I spoke with him today. He acknowledged he has filed no expense report because he does not really know what the expense is and will do so when he receives a bill. He followed advice from the elections office, so he acted in good faith and violated no law. 

Campaign finance law (25 PS 3246 (B) (5)) does require a report for all unpaid debts and obligations, and I believe it should have been reported with the amount left blank, as I see some candidates do. But I could be interpreting the law too strictly.

Itterly also tells me that his sign does include a disclaimer and that the EAC was disbanded due to lack of interest. Finally, he said that "putting garbage in the ground is the worst thing in the world." 

NorCo Exec Race Wrap Up

In the event you are a Democrat and trying to decide who deserves your vote in the Exec race, below are links to several previous stories about this race. Feel free to make your own observations. 

Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Cozze Campaign Complains Zrinski Not Gay Enough

Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Amy Cozze's Claim that NorCo Left Federal $ On the Table is False

Lehigh Valley Ramblings: How NorCo Exec Candidate Amy Cozze Blackmailed the County She Wants to Lead

Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Amy Cozze Attempts to Justify Blackmailing the County She Wants to Lead

Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Cozze and Zrinski Trade Blows in Fiery NorCo Exec Debate

Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Keegan Did Zrinski No Favor in NorCo Exec Race

Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Keegan Did Zrinski No Favor in NorCo Exec Race - Part II

Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Following the Money: Who is Backing the NorCo Exec Candidates?

Lehigh Valley Ramblings: The Most Effective Argument I've Heard For Zrinski as NorCo Exec

Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Following the Money: Last Minute $ Pours into NorCo Exec Race

UPDATED: NorCo's Three Judicial Candidates to Succeed Judge Tony Beltrami

Bob Eyer

Three lawyers - Jeremy Clark, Bob Eyer and James Fuller - are running for the judicial seat that Judge Anthony Beltrami is leaving at the end of the year. It's known as Common Pleas Court, a court of original jurisdiction, established under Pa.'s Constitution. These judges handle it all, from slip-and-falls to first degree murder. Unlike most elected public offices. judges serve for 10 years because their first obligation is to the constitution and the law as opposed to mob rule. If they want to stay another 10, they can simply seek retention. Once elected, a judge in most instances will be on the bench until he goes tets up or turns 75. There is no overhead, and the salary in NorCo is $229,393 this year. It's tied to the cost of living, and goes up automatically every year. Judges get excellent benefits, including health care and a defined benefit pension that vests in just 10 years. 

Of the three candidates in this hunt, Clark and Eyer have cross-filed. Fuller is seeking only the Republican nomination.

Bob Eyer

I am reluctant to give him the kiss of death, as I am often correctly accused of doing, but I'm going with Eyer. Over the past 33 years, he's been an assistant DA, served under former GOP Exec John Brown as Chief Public Defender, and currently is the First Assistant DA. He clerked for Judge Jim Hogan fresh out of law school and also clerked for Bob Freedberg when he was a Superior Court judge. He also has been in private practice, and once successfully represented one of my customers after I blew a title search. He was and might still be a runner, and I sometimes ran in raced with him. I'll never forget how he'd stop periodically to light up a cigarette. 

Last week, DA Steve Baratta was before NorCo Council to seek several upgrades to his staff. He told Council he's still five attorneys short, and that if Eyer wins, he'll have to replace him too. 

Baratta, who has endorsed Eyer, said his top assistant "is an animal when it comes to moving inventory and doing work. He is in my office virtually every day of the week, including Saturday and Sunday." 

Eyers' PrePrimary campaign finance report reveals that he has raised $108,975 between January 1 and May 5. This includes $62.775.80 he lent to his campaign. I should note that in addition to filing the required report with the Department of State, Eyer has filed a courtesy copy with the county elections office. This demonstrates transparency to the public. 

Of Eyer's smaller ($250 or less) contributors, 23 are from Northampton or Lehigh County.  

His only PAC donation is $250 from former Mayor Bob Donchez. 

Of his 46 larger ($250 or more) donors, less than half (21) are from attorneys who might appear before him. 

A 24-hour report also reveals that he lent his campaign an additional $12,000.

Jeremy Clark

Jeremy Clark

I like Clark, too. He's a combat veteran who served in the 82d Airborne, which happens to be the unit in which my daughter served. I've seen him at Easton City meetings and have also watched him represent clients seeking plan approvals and zoning relief. He has been campaigning hard and has hot a lot of doors. I know that he does most of the research when Easton City Council has a legal question.

He's working hard on his campaign as well. He has been knocking on doors throughout the county, and I see his signs in numerous yards. 

One local lawyer tells me he wishes Eyer and Clark could take turns serving six months on and off. 

Clark's Pre-Primary report is filed but fails to appear as a courtesy copy on the county website or with the department of state. He tells me this is because it failed to include a notarial seal. His report is considered timely but is unavailable to the public at this time. In addition, he failed to include his April expenses and will need to amend what he filed.

He did send media sources his report, but I would prefer to see it out there for everyone to see, especially since readers often pick up on things that reporters miss. 'm unable to do that in this instance because his Preprimary report only loads on my iPhone. On my PC, it is blank. 

Clark reports having received $94,222,12, which includes a $70,000 loan to himself. There are no PAC contributions. His warchest includes $4,003.87 in 26 contributions of $250 or less, and $90,130.26 in contributions over $250. 

Of his 26 smaller contributions, 13 are local. Of his 21 contributions over $250, only 10 come from attorneys who would be expected to appear before him.

Some attorneys gave the same sum to both candidates. 

He has spent $63,480.71. His biggest expense is $12,500 paid to Easton City Council member Franks Pintabone and another $12,500 to Baron Vanderburg to manage his campaign. He also spent over $8,200 for signs and $4,500 for a poll. (Report below)

James Fuller

I'm unable to vote for James Fuller unless he gets the GOP nod. Although he is personable and has plenty of experience as a criminal defense attorney and prosecutor, it's in Monroe County. I would prefer a judge who has experience in this county, not somewhere else. 

Fuller reports that he neither raised nor spent any money. I'm told he has campaign signs everywhere, but I've seen none.  

Jeremy Clark AMENDED-campaign Finance Report 2nd Friday Pre-primary by BernieOHare on Scribd

Following the Money: What's Left to Cover

I plan to review the finance reports filed by NorCo's judicial candidates and the only contested magisterial race in NorCo. I had hoped to get it to you today, but I had several other commitments yesterday that made it impossible for me to spend the necessary time demanded to review and write about campaign finance. I will try to get to it over the weekend.  

Following the Money: Last Minute $ Pours into NorCo Exec Race

Under Pa. campaign finance law, contributions or pledges of $500 or more that are made between the date of the PrePrimary campaign finance report (May 4) and election day (May 20) must be reported. 

In the NorCo Exec race, Tara Zrinski reports having received $5,000 from Exec Lamont McClure. This is in addition to $5,000 he previously gave her. She also received $2,000 from Lehigh County Exec candidate Josh Siegel. Finally, she accepted $1,000 total from Michael and Don Corriere. Michael is an assistant county solicitor. She also raked in $5,000 from IUOE. 

Amy Cozze took in $1,000 from a D.C. - based PAC calling itself "We invest in Lives and Dreams."  According to Open Secrets, that PAC is associated with Susan Wild.  She also accepted $500 from Bethlehem Attorney John Fruend, $500 from Liz Kelly (NorCo's former Humans Resources Director) and $1,000 from Wild supporter Murat Guzel

NorCo Council Tables Ordinance That Would Ban Leafletting Windshields on County Property

I'm sure we've all experienced leaflets on our windshields while shopping or attending some event. Most are innocuous advertisements for some new business. I live close to a Catholic church, and at one time, I used to get anti-abortion leaflets as well. Do people have a first amendment right to leaflet your windshield if you're parked on county property?  That was a question before NorCo Council at last night's meeting.

They chose to duck it, probably wisely. 

At the request of Council member Ken Kraft, NorCo Council voted 6-1 night to table an ordinance that would make it illegal to "[p]lace, discard or abandon leaflets, or paper materials of any kind, upon any vehicle parked on County Real Estate." Kraft was joined by Council members Kelly Keegan, Jeff Warren, Jeff Corpora, Lori Vargo Heffner and Tom Giovanni. Council member John Brown voted against tabling. Council members John Goffredo and Ron Heckman were absent.

Kraft was concerned that this ban on leafleting windshields on county property runs afoul of the first amendment. He said his experience as a union representative who picketed public and even private property made him concerned. Addressing Ass't Solicitor Dave Ceraul, Kraft said, " So you're trying to restrict people's first amendment rights to leaflet whether [they] like it or not - Don't shake your head, that's what you're doing - and it's on public property. 

County Council Solicitor had no advice because he said he was just made aware of Kraft's concern. 

He and Assistant Solicitor Ceraul will meet and discuss the ordinance and report back.  

In other business, County Council voted 6-1 to purchase 43.36 acres in Stockertown for $1.43 million. This is based on fair market value. This property is known as part of the Bushkill Creek Greenway and is vital to any eventual connection of the Tatamy and Plainfield Tp trails. If that connection is ever made, it will be possible to cycle from Pen Argyl to the D&L trail which leads to Bristol, Trenton, Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, Northampton, Lehighton, Jim Thorpe and White Haven.

It will also be used as a nature preserve and environmentally sensitive area into the County's real estate holdings in the County parks and conservation area system. It will provide agriculture, conservation, passive recreation, trails, afloodplain and will be a site for ecological restoration and environmental education.

The only No vote, and without explanation, came from John Brown. 

What Is NorCo DA Steve Baratta Doing to Combat Crime?

NorCo DA Steve Baratta made the case for several upgrades in his office during NorCo's Personnel Committee yesterday attended by three Council members Tom Giovanni, Lori Vargo Heffner and Jeff Warren. I'll get into that, but he also briefed Council on just what his office is doing to combat crime.

He's starting an auto theft task force and has grant money that will help pay for it. The money actually comes from our auto insurance premiums. There are about five or six active task forces at this time in Philly, Allegheny, Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery and possibly Chester. "This is getting to be a more active area of law enforcement," he explained. He's already spent $90,000 in drug task force funds for license plate readers throughout the county, which he said exist on nearly every street in Allentown. He posits this will lead to the recovery of more stolen cars.  He plans to meet with Warren and Monroe Counties to collaborate in joint operations. A full time DA and a county detective will be assigned to this task force.   

He mentioned a recent raid at smoke shops selling contraband to children. "We're going to be caught up in that and further investigating that for a while." He indicated his office was receiving complaints from schools about kids getting sick because they were vaping controlled substances above the legal limit for THC. He added there are "other funny chemicals" in products being sold at these smoke shops. "It got to be a real problem," especially because "a lot of these shops are located near schools."

He has started a central court for DUI, and the result is that these cases are moving through the criminal justice system more quickly. He said most of those cases are resolved then and there.

He wants to be more involved in community engagement and is working toward that goal. He wants to send "role models" to area schools to encourage students to avoid criminal activity. He indicated that juveniles who offend also tend to continue when they are adults. "We need to get to those kids and we need to try to help them become productive." 

What are the upgrades he seeks? 

First, he wants to upgrade five (5) FT Assistant District Attorney 1 positions. - Baratta explained these employees have done a "ton of work," as a result of which his office is now current. He said he'd like to reward them with a raise. He said most cases that come through the DA's office, excepting complex crime, are resolved within a year from date of arraignment. He noted this he is still five Assistant DAs short. He conceded that, compared to other counties, his staffing is "rather lean, but that's OK."

Second, Baratta wants to eliminate two  FT Clerical Technician 3 Positions and replace them with one  FT Case Management Assistant Administrator/Data Analyst Position and one FT Paralegal/Clerical Specialist Position. - A clerical tech in his office recently graduated as a paralegal and he plans to make her more active with file management, discovery and the use of power point in a courtroom, a mystery to many older lawyers. Another clerical tech is actually designing software upgrades that will save the county hundreds of thousands of dollars. She will maintain and continue to upgrade. "We're gonna' make out like bandits," said Baratta, who should know a thing or two about bandits/

Third, the DA wants to upgrade one FT Office Supervisor Position and one FT Administrative Assistant Position. 

Fourth, upgrade one FT Child Abuse Coordinator/Victim Advocate Position. He said the previous occupant of that position is one of the three who were caught up in an overtime "debacle" and is "gone." Funds for this are fully paid through a grant. 

The salaries paid for these upgrades were not really discussed, and we'll see what the new salaries are at Council's meeting tonight

The Most Effective Argument I've Heard For Zrinski as NorCo Exec

I've received the mailers, text messages and have watched the debate and a candidates' night.  But honestly, the most effective case for Tara Zrinski's election was recently made in an anonymous comment posted to this blog. Let me share it with you. 

Bernie, glad to see that you have finally come to the realization that Tara Zrinski has a lot to offer as a public servant, a fact that the voters of Northampton County have known for a long time. Ms. Zrinski's finance report suggests exactly the kind of grass roots support that has been the hallmark of her political career.
Her work as a champion of the environment, first as an organizer and then county commissioner include the following accomplishments:
• She led the fight against Corporate Eminent Domain in opposing PennEast Pipeline taking farmland and historically significant land.
• She was instrumental in leading Northampton County to enter litigation against landfill expansion
• She voted for energy efficiency upgrades, solar panels on the new forensic center and hydropower generation.
• She voted for farmland preservation saving appox. 3600 acres for 50 farms
• Formed a coalition of environmental groups, water protectors and municipal governments to end the dewatering events in Bushkill Creek by holding Buzzi Unicem accountable.
She has real conversations with county residents and listens to their concerns, including care for the elderly and infirm and her leadership and voting record prove that. Ms. Zrinski has consistently voted for preserving the county's ownership of Gracedale and she has proposed measures that would help to attract and retain staff, including bonuses, a daycare, and a County Healthcare Center, which was voted down by a majority of the council. She also met with the residents of the Oliver C. Border apartments (one bedroom apartments for persons 62 or older and/or disabled of any age) and took their concerns to council resulting in a change in management.
Residents of our county noticed her dedication and when it came time to re-elect Ms. Zrinski to County Council in 2021, she received more votes than any other candidate, Republican or Democrat, by a margin of 1,272 votes! When she ran for County Controller, after once again running an effective grassroots campaign, the voters elected her in both the primary and general electionsand she defeated her fellow commissioner by 5,728 votes.
In order to get on the ballot for County Executive, each candidate is required to obtain a total of 250 signatures from registered voters of their party, Once again, Ms, Zrinski's grassroots support came into play, garnering her a total of 1,453 signatures, beating former Executive Glenn Reibman's record of 1,200. (Cozze received 607 and Giovanni received 864) What's even more impressive is the fact that 68 volunteers gathered these signatures because they believe that Ms. Zrinski has the knowledge, intelligence, leadership skills and empathy to be a great County Executive.
So when I look at Ms. Zrinski's campaign finance report, I am not surprised to see that she is supported by LOCAL small donors, workers and County executives who have previously held the job and know that Ms. Zrinski can do the job. Perhaps the reason she has the support of county employees is because they have noticed how she treats her own staff and would like that kind of consideration from the County Executive.
P.S. You missed Gabe Solms (employed by Pektor's Ashley Development), $2000 contribution to Ms.Cozze's campaign.

UPDATED: Following the Money: Five Republicans and Five Democrats Vie For Five Open Seats on NorCo Council.

Northampton County Council, established in the county's 1978 Home Rule Charter, is arguably its most powerful branch of government. In addition to "exercising the legislative power of the county," it sets the salaries of all employees, levies taxes, adopts the budget and confirms executive appointments. It also exercises the county's "residual powers." It consists of nine part-time members who are paid an annual salary of $12,500, with the President getting an extra $500. They serve for four-year terms and may serve no more than three consecutive terms. Four members are elected from districts consisting of the Bethlehem, Easton, Nazareth and Slate Belt areas. The remaining five member are elected at large, meaning they are elected by the entire county. The five at-large seats are up for election this year. 

Republicans have five candidates for five seats, meaning that the GOP nominations of John Brown (inc), John Goffredo (inc.), Juan Martinez, Sam Elias and Daniel Campo. They are running together as a united front. Who is backing these candidates?

John Brown (inc). - I'm unable to find a committee for him. He reports having neither raised nor spent any money between 1/1/25 and 5/4/25. 

John Goffredo (inc.) - Between 1/1/25 and 5/4/25, Goffredo raised no money, but instead donated $1,000 to Tom Giovanni's Executive campaign. Goffredo has $1,133.88 in his treasury. 

Juan Martinez - Between 1/1/25 and 5/4/25, Martinez raised $4,075, including a $1,600 loan to his campaign. He spent $3,996.92, leaving him with $78.08.

Two things stand out. First, he reports a $500 contribution from Lehigh Financial Group's Jeff Barber. Barber referred to minority-owned businesses on Allentown's Hamilton Street as a "cancer." Given that Martinez himself is a minority business owner, he may want to rethink having Barber as a supporter. Second, he failed to itemize his expenditures. He needs to amend his report. 

Sam Elias. - Between 1/1/25 and 5/4/25, Elias raised $1.885. His contributions were all $250 or less, except for one $500 contribution from Rachel Haddad. He also lent his campaign $100. 

Daniel Campo. - Between 1/1/25 and 5/4/25, Campo raised $2,025 and spent $253. He has $1,747 left. His main contributor is himself ($2,000). 

Democrats also only have five candidates on the ballot. They are Lori Vargo Heffner (inc), Theresa Fadem, David Holland, Jason Boulette and Nadeem Qayyum. In addition to the five on the ballot, Patti Bruno is waging a write-in campaign after her nomination petition was rejected for the fatal error of failing to file her financials with the county council clerk.  Because she is not on the ballot, campaign finance reporting law is inapplicable to her. 

Lori Vargo Heffner (inc.) - She told me her report is boring and she's right. She raised $145, but had a treasury of $1,748.69 as a result of monies left over from her previous election. She spent $426.24.

Theresa Fadem - I have seen no report for this candidate, wither individually or from a committee. She may have filed an affidavit indicating she will be spending under $250. If she thinks she can be elected without raising or spending money, Democrats have already ceded one seat. 

David Holland. - Has raised $3,060, which comes from a donation to himself. He has spent $3,996.92, of which $2,000 went to Michael Laws to help him with a website and media. 

Jason Boulette. - Has a warchest of $16,083.81, which includes contributions of $9,137 between 1/1/25 and 5/4/25. Council members Jeff Warren and Kelly Keegan have contributed to his campaign. So has Tara Zrinski, who is running for Executive. He also picked up $2,000 from trade unions and $500 from former Exec. Glenn Reibman. 

Nadeem Qayyum. - has filed no committee report. His individual report reports a $300 in-kind contribution for a voter builder but fails to state where the in-kind contribution came from. He needs to amend. He reports expenditures of $1,1019.22 for voter builder and "printing/stickers."

Updated 3:28 pm. Fadem's report was filed yesterday, and she has been fined. She reports spending $2,234.76 for campaign signs, Thank You cards, fundraiser expenses (she received no contributions) 

Following the Money: Who is Behind Reynolds and Smith in Bethlehem's Mayoral Contest?

Bethlehem has two Mayoral candidates seeking the Democratic nomination - incumbent Mayor Willie Reynolds and Council member Grace Crampsie Smith. No Republican has declared, and it's unlikely that either candidate is seeking a write-in nomination from Republicans the way Ed Zucal is doing in Allentown. Both are staunch Democrats, and both made that clear during their debate. So who is backing these candidates? Both filed timely finance reports on Friday. 

Willie Reynolds (see report here) - For some reason, he now refers to himself more formally as J. William Reynolds. But I still like to refer to him as Willie, and not in a pejorative way. It's just how I know him. 

Willie reports a warchest of $123,379.80, including $29,905 raised between the beginning of the year and May 4.  He started the year with $93,384.80 as he obviously was preparing for his re-election. Thus, to give you a better understanding of his supporters, it's necessary to also examine his annual report for 2024. (see report here).

The small donations. - Looking at both reports combined, you can see that his smaller donations ($250 or less) amount to $11,740, about 10% of the total he raised from 1/1/24 to 5/4/25. Of these 71 smaller donations, 63 come from Bethlehem residents, which demonstrates that he has grass roots support. These donations, incidentally, include a $200 donation from Amy Cozze, who is now running for NorCo Exec. 

The PACs. - His donations from political action committees (PACs) amount to a whopping $26,300 over 2024 and the first four months of this year. The largest, by far, is the $15,500 Reynolds received from the Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors, which has also endorsed Reynolds with this reasoning:

As REALTORS®, it is important to recommend candidates who support private property rights and issues important to the real estate industry. There is a growing list of candidates in this election who are pushing for radical housing policies, like increasing the deed/real estate transfer tax, rent control, rent stabilization, and mandatory annual landlord training programs. Local elections have a huge impact on our industry, and we are excited to support candidates we believe will help infuse common sense into our local governments.

The reference to "common sense," incidentally, is a term that Trump administrators and acolytes regularly use. 

Reynold also received donations from KTMC, a teacher's PAC ($5,000); the Eric Evans PAC (Evans is employed by Reynolds - $500); the Lisa Boscola PAC (Her husband is employed by Reynolds - $500); former Mayor Bob Donchez ($2,500); and Moving Pa Forward ($500). 

The Big Spenders. - In 2024 and the first four months of this year, Willie accumulated $84,600 in donations from what I call the big spenders, i.e. those who give for than $250.

There's a tie for the biggest of these donations. Richard Masters, whose company manufactures picture frames and home decor, donated $5,000. He has been a reliable Democratic contributor. Matthew Bieber, a software consultant, also gave $5000. The remaining contributors of $1,000 or more are Randy Galliostto (owner of Alloy5 architectural firm - $4,500); Jack and Marian Spirk - $3,000 (Spirk is City Solicitor); Murat Guzal - $2,500 (Turkish businessman who is both a philanthropist and Democratic donor); Jim Broughal - $2,000 (Bethlehem lawyer specializing in municipal law); luxury apartment builder Plamenta Ayazou - $2,000 (Monocacy Builders); Diana Morganelli - $2,500 (Judge Morganelli's wife); King Spry - $1,500 (Bethlehem law firm); Borko Milosev - $1,000 (property manager); Kevin Kinross - $1,000 (Democratic strategist and business leader from Pittsburgh); Charles Marcon - $1,000  (construction); Placido Corpora - $1,000 (Bethlehem businessman); Steve Thompson - $1,000 (principal of minority owned Delane Consulting; and Ari Frazil - $1,000 (an engineer) . 

Reynolds also lent $45,000 to his campaign in 2024 but has since paid back $40,000. 

Grace Crampsie Smith (see report here) - Grace reports contributions of $43,350 over the first four months of this year. But she also reports a treasury of $73,945.29 because she started the year with $30.415.29. Like Willie, she started her campaign early. As a result, it is necessary to review her 2024 report (see it here) together with the pre-primary report she timely filed on Friday. 

The small donations. - Looking at both reports combined, you can see that $11,480 of 80 donations of $250 or less amount to about 17% of the total of $66,530 raised. Of these small donations, 50 come from Bethlehem residents. So like Willie, she has grass roots support. Just not as much. These small donations, incidentally, include $75 from Kelly Keegan and $150 from Greg Zebrowski, the Polish Prince. Both are Zrinski supporters. 

The PACs. - Grace relied heavily on PAC contributions. They make up $37,850 (56%) of the $67,160 she raised in 2024 and the first four months of this year. These are mostly from trade unions, with IUOE (Jim Reilly) donating a whopping $20,000 to her Mayoral quest. Other trade union contributions include IBEW ($11,000), Plumbers ($2,500), IUPAT ($2,500) and Laborers' Local ($1,000).

That's a lot of trade union support. This could be because she championed a responsible contractor ordinance for city-owned projects. This ultimately failed because city administrators argued it would increase costs for the city. My brother, an evil Republican who picks his nose and eats it, was highly critical of Grace's "silly argument" in a letter to the editor:

Just because the proposed ordinance doesn’t have the word “union” does not mean that it is not biased toward unions, which it clearly is. At a recent Bethlehem council hearing, over 30, mostly out-of-town union workers attended to support the ordinance.

The Big Spenders. -  Her biggest contributor is Rocco Damato, who gave her $5,000. A NYC transplant, he roasts nuts here in the Lehigh Valley, but not the human nuts. Other $1000-plus donors include commercial lawyer Donald Kaas ($2,000); former congressional candidate Ed O'Brien ($1,500); Frank Boyer, senior VP at Dugan and Marcom construction ($1,000); Kelly Ronalds of Hotel Bethlehem ($1,000); and consultant John Blankstein ($1,500). 

Blogger's Note: I spent most of the day yesterday preparing this story. But as I said in my post concerning the NorCo Exec candidates, I welcome your own analysis. You may see things I have totally missed and that the public needs to know. But I'd appreciate it if you could avoid just making the usual attacks and actually point out what you like or dislike in a campaign finance report. 

Following the Money: Who is Backing the NorCo Exec Candidates?

The pre-primary campaign finance reports for all three NorCo Exec candidates are in. Tom Giovanni and Tara Zrinski filed timely reports, which shows they are trying to be transparent. Cozze's report was late and is marked as late. She will be fined. Who is financially supporting these candidates? Let's go over each report.

Tom Giovanni, Republican. (report here) - He's running unopposed and hence has no need to raise money now. But he's managed to raise $7,450, which enables him to purchase campaign signs and increase his name recognition. 

Nearly half of his money ($3.054.67) comes in the form of small contributions ($250 or less) from local Republicans who live in the slate belt, evincing his grass roots support in the northern tier.

He received another $1,750 from political action committees. These include $1500 from Council member John Goffredo's campaign, $250 from former Council candidate Annamarie Robertone and $500 from the McNees PAC. That is a law firm that supports mostly Republican candidates. 

His larger contributions are from Nat Hyman ($500) and Lou Pektor ($1,000). Ironically, Hyman opposes government handouts for commercial development like Dixie while Pektor supports them for a project in Upper Mount Bethel Tp. 

Amy Cozze, Democrat. (report here) - Between the beginning of the year and May 4, Cozze reports having received $59,766 and spending $48,245.97, leaving her with $11,520.03 to spend before the election. She actually has $1,000 more, thanks to a last-minute contribution from Murat Guzel. 

About a quarter of her treasury ($15,810) is in the form of 103 small contributions under $250. But only 30 of them are actually from the county. The rest are from all over, from California to Colorado to D.C. to Myrtle Beach.  I suspect most of these nonlocal donors would not know Cozze if they tripped over her.   

She reports $9,000 in PAC money, the largest being a $5,000 contribution from the Sheetmetal Workers.

She also raked in $33,525 in donations over $250. 

Her biggest contributor is herself. She sunk $7,000 of her own money into the campaign. The biggest donor, outside of herself, is Murat Guzel. He's a Turkish businessman who imports products like figs and sells them here. If you include his $1,000 last-minute contribution, he has donated $5,000 to her. This is no doubt the result of influence from former US Congress member Susan Wild, who has brought him to several SOTU addresses. The Wild influence is also manifested in contributions from State Reps. Mike Schlossberg and Pete Schweyer, each of whom gave $500. 

The most disturbing donations are those from the Pektor empire. Lou Pektor has contributed $3,000 and daughter Lisa followed that up with another $1,000. That's a small price to pay for warehouses in Upper Mount Bethel Tp. She also accepted $1,000 from Plaune Ayazov, CEO of Monocacy Builders. His outfit builds luxury apartments, not exactly affordable housing. 

Given her affinity for these developers, it should come as no surprise that Cozze stated in her debate with Tara Zrinski that "conserving open space as a way to combat warehouse development is just lazy policy."  

It's safe to conclude that her commitment to open space, which has been very important in Northampton County, is very suspect. 

Tara Zrinski, Democrat (report here) - From the beginning of the year through May 4, Zrinski raised $68,088.29. Of this sum, $13.075, or about 19% of her total, is in the form of 76 donations of $250 or less. But unlike Cozze and like Tom Giovanni, these donations are mostly from within the county and from people who know her. Sixty-four of her small donors live here. Many are long-time environmentalists like Zrinski.

She reports far more in PAC money - $32,300.29 - than either Giovanni or Cozze. Most of them are from trade unions. IBEW Local #375 gave her $10,000, and she also received contributions from Laborers Local ($1,000), Plumbers ($2,500), IUPAT ($1,000), Operating Engineers ($5,000) and IBEW Voluntary Fund ($500). 

In Cozze's report, Murat Guzal's contributions, combined with those coming from the Bobbsey twins known as Mike Schlossberg and Pete Schweyer, betray the influence of former Congress member Susan Wild. 

In Zrinski's case, the massive trade union donations reveal the influence of Executive Lamont McClure, a Congressional hopeful, in what appears to be something of a proxy war between these two. 

McClure donated himself as well. He contributed $5,000 from his own warchest to Zrinski. So did two other former county executives. Glenn Reibman kicked in $1,000 and Gerald E "Jerry" Seyfried added $600 from his own pocket. They did more than endorse. They also parted with their own money. 

Zrinski also received a number of donations from county employees. most of them cabinet members. While they have a first amendment right to do so, I get concerned when I see these donations because it looks like these employees are buying their job or might even be victims of macing. So, in that respect, I dislike her report. 

Blogger's Note: I invite you to check out these finance reports yourselves because you may see things I've missed or might have a different interpretation. I consider the review of finance reports an exercise in participatory journalism. Tomorrow, I will get to the Bethlehem Mayoral and NorCo Council races.