On Friday, I told you that Zach Cole-Borghi, an elected Lehigh County Commissioner and Bethlehem City's Right to Know Officer, had been arrested at City Hall on Thursday on drug-related charges. Quite obviously, when a public official is accused of criminal activity, the public should know Solicitor. But Stephane Steward, Bethlehem's City Council Solicitor, would prefer to keep you in the dark. She has instructed Council members that if they receive any inquiries, they are to respond with "no comment."
I would like to know the basis for this "legal" advice. She does not represent Cole-Borghi. She does not even represent Bethlehem. She represents City Council. Individually, they have as much right as you or I do to slam or defend Cole-Borgi, who worked for the City and not for them.
What I suspect is that Council President Michael Colon, who is afraid of his own shadow and has the backbone of a jellyfish, wants to circle the wagons and Steward has dutifully attempted to muzzle them.
Here's her email.
Hello Council members,
I just read of the arrest of Zach Cole-Borghi on the WFMZ website, and I wanted to reach out to offer guidance and to answer any questions you may have regarding comments by Council members. Insofar as Bryan and Grace were contacted and offered the limited comments that they did in the article I read, brief and general comments like theirs, acknowledging the arrest or calling it unfortunate, are fine. That said, if any of you are contacted further, I recommend that if you respond, you do so with 'no comment'. This is the best course of action when faced with a pending criminal matter. My guidance is the same regardless of the forum and would extend to Council meetings and any other opportunities or requests for comment.
I hope you all have an enjoyable Labor Day weekend, and I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening.
Thank you,
Stephanie