NorCo Conducts Naturalization Ceremony at Jacobnsburg

From Pa Courts: Northampton County and the Northampton County Bar Association held a Naturalization Ceremony Thursday at Jacobsburg State Park Environmental Education Center, 400 Belfast Road, Nazareth.

 The ceremony was held outdoors, directly across the street from the Environmental Education Center at Jacobsburg State Park.

 

Northampton County President Judge Craig A. Dally presided over the ceremony, during which 29 individuals took the Oath of Allegiance and officially became United States citizens.

 

“Today we celebrated one of the most meaningful responsibilities of the court,” President Judge Craig A. Dally said. “Welcoming new citizens is a powerful reminder of the values that unite us and the opportunities that citizenship provides.”

 

“This ceremony is a hallmark not only for the new citizens, but for our entire community,” said Michael A. Santanasto, president of the Northampton County Bar Association. “We are proud to support and recognize this important milestone.”

 

A reception sponsored by the Northampton County Bar Association was held immediately following the ceremony under the pavilion for all attendees.

Blogger's Note: Naturalization ceremonies are among the most positive experiences I've ever had inside a courtroom. They are happy occasions, usually involving entire families from so many different cultures. There is usually music before the event and refreshments later. 

 

A Prescient Message From Jefferson

Years before the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson penned an essay he called A Summary View of the Rights of British America. He did so while eating fresh cucumbers and lettuce. After finishing, he was on his way to deliver it in Williamsburg, but those cukes got to him and he had to suspend his trip and spend most of the next day or so in the loo. But his essay continued its trip and once it arrived, it became the equivalent of what today would be called a viral tweet. No less a person than George Washington spent 3 shillings for several copies. Though I care little for Jefferson the man, his words are another story. They ring just as true today as they did ion 1774. 

Let those flatter who fear; it is not an American art. To give praise which is not due might be well from the venal, but would ill beseem those who are asserting the rights of human nature. They know, and will therefore say, that kings are the servants, not the proprietors of the people. ... The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest. Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail. 

A good leader surrounds himself with those willing to speak truth to power, not lemmings.  

Ron Beitler Proposes "Resign to Run" Law in Lehigh County

I often tell my evil Republican brother that the term "thinking conservative" is an oxymoron. But Lehigh County Commissioner Ron Beitler, a conservative-leaning independent, has proven me wrong. He has proposed a referendum under which voters could decide whether a county official who decides to run for office should first be required to resign. 

Here's what Beitler said on his Facebook page:

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲: 𝗶𝗳 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝘅𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁.

First, NO ONE is forcing anyone to run for higher office. It's a choice. Public office should not become a taxpayer-funded campaign platform for a career in politics. (staff time, communications, facilities etc)

I also don’t think politicians should be the ones deciding this question. Whether you support or not... 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀. 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀. And this legislation allows that. Voters, through referendum, would decide what their expectations are for elected County officials whose salaries and benefits they pay.

According to WFMZTV-69, Beitler's proposal is opposed by Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley, who is running for the state senate. He argued that such a requirement would mean that only the wealthy would be able to run for office and added that voters who dislike the practice of elected officials running for another office could simply refuse to vote for the candidate. 

Resign-to-run laws exist in one form or another in six states. I find the practice of running for two incompatible offices simultaneously to be particularly offensive. This often happens when a State Rep. decides to run for a state row office or the state senate and his current job at the same time. I do refuse to vote for such candidates. 

On a county level, such a law makes sense if the office seeker holds a full-time county position like Executive, Controller, Coroner, etc. Running a campaign for another office might result in an official neglecting the job he is paid to perform. I personally have no issue with a part-time elected official like a Commissioner who decides to run for something else.   

Rahm Emanuel Two Word Description of Dems - Weak and Woke

When Rahm Emanuel first began working for Bill Clinton, he claims he was 6'2". By the time he was done working for both Clinton and Barqack Obama, he said his height had dropped to 5'8". That's because he refused to be the sycophant that usually surround those in power. Anyone with executive authority needs someone to tell him when he's full of shit. Emanuel was that person, and he has a message for Democrats if any of us is listening, There is little doubt that we will win big in the midterms. But that's primarily because Trump has been so bad, not that we've been much better. We can still be dismissed with two words - weak and woke. That's no recipe for long-term success. 

A few days ago, Emmanuel sat down for an interview with Katie Couric's Next Question podcast. He repeated nearly every criticism of Democrats that he leveled when he sat down with Bari Weiss nearly a year ago. While he concedes that it's unlikely he'll emerge as a Presidential front-runner, he hopes that he can move Democrats in a direction that focuses on pragmatism and centrism. 

While Trump is focused on putting his mug on a $250 bill and is using his office to enrich himself and his family, 50% of our students are unable to read at grade level. He will leave office $4 billion richer than he was when he went in. So he's convinced that voters will hold Trump and the GOP accountable in November. But, and this is a big BUT, the worst thing Democrats could do is hold days of impeachment hearings that eventually go nowhere and enable Trump to play victim. Instead of that, Democrats need to return to issues that matter:

We did things that were really ridiculous. We let a border get out of control. When it came to public safety, we talked about defunding the police. When it came to an ethnic group, we called them Latinx and nobody else in that group ever identified themselves that way. And then rather than worry about classroom excellence, we were worried about bathroom and locker room access. So [voters] were angry. And look at all the polling that's out there. Look at all the focus groups out there. Democrats tell you, "Stop talking about these cultural issues, conveying that these are priority issues when we should be talking about raising the minimum wage, expanding healthcare uh opportunities and health care and cost control, making sure people have money for their retirement." I mean, the other day as an education, I said two things. 

One, if you do two years of national service, we'll give them money for a down payment on a home. I believe if you give something back to the country, we're going to start you off on the journey of the American dream. Amy [his wife] and I have we're empty nesters with a second home. I'm getting a mortgage deduction. It's crazy. And you have families that can't get a mortgage. They can't get a down payment. That's not how this is supposed to work. 

Second, people are going into the poor house to give their kids a college education. So I said allow them to get a three-year degree, not a four-year degree. Cambridge and Oxford do it. You make less than $200,000, tuition is free. Tuition doesn't go up higher than inflation by the year. Stop putting the family behind the eightball and all they get is an invoice. 

The whole premise of the American dream, the home, retirement, education, healthcare, every one of those pieces is broken. And our party should spend every day laser focused on restoring not only the access, but the confidence in the premise that you and I grew up with, which is when you and I said get ahead, we're getting ahead of our parents. We're going to leave mom and dad in the dust. Now you're lucky if you get out of their basement.

Emanuel believes Democrats got occupied by the college faculty lounge. He gave as an example a college professor who said health care workers are part of the "caring economy," and this expression was then coopted by Biden, but not the actual healthcare workers. 

Now, some professor at some university came up with this term and a bunch of knuckleheads in Washington adopted it and were popularizing it. And I and nobody, like the term "Latinx" ever ever in America used it. Nobody except for two non-tenured professors working at getting tenured. The caring kind of no, it's called a nurse. It's called a home healthcare worker. But we were using terms that didn't refer to anybody. I'll give you a classic out of Joe Biden's last state of the union. He got up there and somewhere in the speech when he went off the text used the term illegal immigrant. He got barked at by a bunch of Washington interest groups and the next day he said I misspoke. I should have said undocumented. I don't know. People understood what he meant. 35:2135 minutes, 21 seconds. And we had the, as I said, the cultural police arrested you without your Miranda rights even being read to you.

Of all the Democratic presidential hopefuls, my own thinking aligns most closely with that of Emanuel. So obviously, he has no chance. 

All About Easton's Safe Harbor

Easton's Safe Harbor is both a drop-in center and homeless shelter for adults who've fallen on hard times. If you think that its clients consist solely of drug addicts or alcoholics, think again. Sarah Stehlin, Director of Development at the shelter, told NorCo Council last week that five of its current residents are seniors who lost everything as a result of online scam artists. She mentioned that while providing an overview of the facility. 

Safe Harbor is actually the product of Lafayette students and local church leaders concerned about the homeless problem. Back in the '80s, students were actually letting them stay in fraternity basements until the school caught wind of what was happening. Students then staged a camp-in at Easton's circle, and Easton decided to establish the building at 536 Bushkill Street for shelter use. A meal center was first, in 1990, followed by the shelter in 1992. 

Currently, there's a 50-bed shelter, 28 of which are set aside for women. The meal-center operates five days a week. There are also plans (and funds) in place for a renovation that will include apartments. 

In 2016, Safe Harbor noted that it had a lot of repeat clients In response, the Arise program was started to address the root cause of whatever it was the caused a person to become homeless. Individuals are assigned case managers and a curriculum of 66 foundational life skills covering things like budgeting. good tenant skills and healthy relationships. They are also required to perform community service. 

After doing this for 10 years, Stehling told County Council that individuals who complete the Arise program are 81% less likely to re-enter a shelter program.

NorCo Dems Dump Matt Munsey in Favor of the Black Baron

Matt Munsey first became Chair of Northampton County Dems in a 76-63 putsch against Walt Garvin. Since that time, his focus has often been on the more extreme elements of the party while ignoring more traditional and moderate candidates. He undercut candidates like Sal Panto and was accused of texting talking points to his challenger in a Mayoral contest.  He collaborated with the GOP to undermine public confidence in voting equipment. He has actually even "forgotten" to email endorsement meeting notices to candidates seeking office. In contravention of party rules, he operated without a treasurer for at least three years. In short, he has played games and has often been more of a hindrance than a helpful hand. Yet he has somehow survived votes of No Confidence, criticism from elected officials like Lamont McClure and attempts to force him out of office.

Last night, his luck ran out. By a 78-53 vote, Matt Musey lost his seat as Chair to Baron Vanderburg.

I first met Baron at a candidates' night hosted by the NAACP on Easton's south side. I drank too much coffee and really had to go to the bathroom badly. He was kind enough to escort me through all the caverns and tunnels to a place where I could finally use the facilities.

I had no idea I was being helped by none other than the Black Baron. 

Vanderburg made history when he was sworn in as Palmer Tp's first ever black supervisor. He has also served as an Easton School Board Director. 

Zrinski Keeps NorCo Council Informed About Specific Departments

At last week's meeting of NorCo Council, Executive Tara Zrinski continued the trend she started of delivering detailed reports about what specifically is happening in various departments. I already advised you what she had to say about the election as well as her responses to questions about the parking deck replacement. Here's a summary of what she had to say. 

Parking Deck. - Zrinski, who walked the Washington Street hill last week, acknowledged, "It wasn't easy." I've previously told you about a contract for a lease at Shiloh Baptist Church on Easton's south side and shuttle service to and from the courthouse. I've also told you that the county is negotiating a lease for additional parking at St. Anthony. In addition to what she reported last week, she told me yesterday that the county was in discussions for parking with Easton, but "the closest parking garage would be totally cost prohibitive, costing thousands of dollars per employee, per month. A gravel lot on Lehigh Drive was proposed, but the City was unable to guarantee 150 spots. 

Human Relations Comm'n. - Members have been selected and nominations will be presented at the next County Council Personnel Committee meeting. 

Gracedale. - Zrinski will present her "continuum of care" concept at the next Human Services committee meeting. 

GLP-1. - This latest weight loss medication has increased health care costs to the county by $1 million. 

Hotel Tax Grant applications. - will open 7/10 for eligible applicants. 

Human Services. - has reduced out-of-home juvenile placements to 156, which is half what it was 5 years ago. Instead, diversionary services are prioritized. "It's kind of nice to "make sure that children are staying within their family, and that they're getting the help that they need to keep that family intact."

Parks Department. - has planted over 800 trees. Renovations are near completion at Wy Hit Tuk Park in Williams Tp. 

Corrections. - Has been placing inmates in crisis in inpatient facilities that focus on treatment, which has saved the county $500,000 this year. 

Fiscal Affairs Director. - Will be announced in late June

State of the County Address. - Zrinski's first "State of the County" address will be on June 24, 4:30 pm at the National Industrial Museum of History. 

Zrinski Pledges No Cage Match at Courthouse Campus For Nation's 250th Birthday Bash

'Let the games begin!'

In line with the most hedonistic traditions of ancient Rome, President Donald Trump is planning a UFC cage match on the White House south lawn for June 14, which is both Flag Day and his 80th birthday. 

"We who are about to die salute you!" 

In ancient Rome, the unwashed masses at least were able to attend gladiatorial events for free at a stadium that seated 100,000 people. But if you want a ringside seat at this tacky spectacle, it will cost you between $1 and $1.5 million. The rest of you can watch via Paramount. 

NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski herself alluded to this at Thursday night's County Council meeting. America 250 is "really not about, you know, concerts at the White House or, you know, boxing rings or whatever they're called. What is that, in an MA thing? Yeah. We're not putting one of those on our lawn."

NorCo Council Approves Alternative Parking Arrangements After Some Tough Questions

At their Thursday night meeting, Northampton County Council voted 7-0 (Ken Kraft and Dave Holland were absent) to approve a $1,250 per month license agreement with Shiloh Baptist Church for 150 parking spaces during the 18 months it will take to raze and build a new parking deck at the courthouse campus. This parking deck is on Easton's south side, so a shuttle will also be needed to ferry employees and jurors from there to the courthouse. They did so after some tough questions from Council member Nadeem Qayyum. 

Public Works Director Mike Emili told Qayyum that the monthly rate was based on what the county had paid to St. Anthony's in the past for parking at their lot, which is located just two blocks away. He acknowledged that a lease agreement is being finalized there as well. 

Qayyum wanted to know whether the county explored the possibility of renting out space at Easton's 3rd Street parking deck, which is only about a half mile from the courthouse but all uphill. He indicated the price at Shiloh is 166% higher than getting a permit in Easton. 

Emili said that there is insufficient space at Easton's parking deck, but that deck is pretty much empty during the day. Its use is heaviest in the evening, according to city officials. They will let me know how much space they have available on a daily basis sometime next week. 

Emili said a shuttle would run every 15 minutes between Shiloh and the courthouse. On jury days, a bus will be used. 

Executive Tara Zrinski said, "We are also looking at the work from home policy to modify that to reduce the number of individuals, and we believe that, uh, these two strategies (alternative parking and remote work) together will get the people who need to work on premise here, and the people who can work from home occasionally will be able to do so."

Zrinski Addresses NorCo Primary Election Failures

On Wednesday, I posted a story about NorCo Elections Comm'n meeting the previous day during which nine people (Republicans and elections workers) expressed dissatisfaction with the way the county handled May's primary. Before that meeting ever happened, there were already indications that some things were amiss. Elections Registrar Chirs Commini honestly admitted that some voters who requested mail-in ballots received them, but for the wrong party. He also acknowledged that, just like the last election cycle, some voters received the wrong ballots. 

At the post-election meeting, it became clear that redistricting created issues in which some people running for state committee no longer lived in the voting district while others who did inexplicably never appeared on the ballot. There was an even more serious problem when it was discovered that epollbooks (used to check in voters) were never updated. This means that voters who had voted by mail could also cast a vote in person. Thankfully, nobody tried, but an important safeguard designed to ensure that each person votes only once, was missing. This hardly inspires public confidence. Finally, there were the usual training errors that, to be honest, are bound to happen no matter how hard you try to prevent them. Some people who work elections only two days a year are just going to make mistakes even though former Elections Registrar Amy Cozze prepared a thick binder for elections judges with the "dos" and "don'ts" on election day. Unfortunately, thanks to 30-second videos on Tik Tok and Youtube, we now have the attention spans of a housefly. 

These problems, as I told you, prompted Republican Elections Comm'rs to move to suspend pop-up elections for the remainder of 2026 on the theory that we are simply tasking elections officials with too much. They are statutorily required to run three elections (Mail-in ballots, ballot-on demand and in-person). Before shackling them with a fourth election, why not wait until they can pull off an election without any major issues like one in which voters could easily have voted twice? Democrats disagreed, and they outnumbered the Republicans. 

Administrator Mark Aurand told the Elections Comm'rs that there was no proof that conducting four pop-up elections or that sending two people to man a satellite office for four weeks to get a measly two votes directly caused the problems that occurred. That's true, but it's certainly a fair inference.  

Executive Tara Zrinski had previously told County Council it was a "smooth" election. To her credit, she has now acknowledged the process problems at last night's meeting of NorCo Council. Though she at one point minimized them as "very few and minor hiccups," she did indicate that her office would be conducting an after-action review to determine what went right and what went wrong. 

This year, we redistricted and changed several polling locations. And although party chairs were informed, as we proceeded with the approval from the state, the Northampton Republican Party chose to sue over the registering, and therefore delayed the process. ... And the Commonwealth Court approved our districts in February, February 4th, to be exact. So I want to emphasize that redistricting in a non-residential cycle when turnout is expected to be low in a non-contentious primary. Are the optimal conditions to troubleshoot and work out income kings.

This was not the way the Elections Commission saw, the very few and minor hiccups that occurred on the 19th. An elections commission meeting was held earlier this week, and complaints were brought to the commission regarding the recent primary elections, and they will be addressed. ... 

No votes were counted twice, even if cast, because of the safeguards placed, or in place to ensure that everyone only gets one vote. Nonetheless, the commission is expected to certify the election results next week.

And for the administration, again, I want to emphasize that the primary election was conducted in a manner that was free, fair, secure and accurate. And while there were concerns raised, as there always are, in a large scale public process, we take those seriously and we continue to refine our procedures. Our elections office is already focused on improvements for fall. Over the next few months, priorities of the election office will include re-examining procedures to add quality assurance steps.

Re-evaluating several of the new polling places, getting the new electronic poll books up and running, and the office also plans to hold a post event analysis of the primary election. De collections success days that went well and basically not go well.

And the goal will be to enhance procedures for the general election in the fall.

It's true that nobody voted twice, which would be a felony. But this would not have been caught until after the election and unofficial votes were tabulated. Safeguards need to prevent that from happening at all. It is, however, encouraging that Zrinski has listened to what these people had to say and will tryo to minimize future errors. 

Whether she knows it or not, however, she made one announcement that betrays a complete misunderstanding of the Elections Commission's role. It exists to administer elections, both under the express language of the Home Rule Charter and the Elections Code. Yet the administration has taken it upon itself to purchase new epollbooks without bothering to ask the Elections Comm'n first. 

In Northampton County, the Elections Comm'n has been relegated to a perfunctory body whose sole purpose is to simply certify elections. That needs to change. 

It's understandable that things have gone in this direction. Though the elections commission is required to administer elections, it is not a salary board and has no authority to set salaries. It lacks the power of the purse, which should be jealously guarded by county council. Moreover, these officials are unelected and, though they deserve our respect and gratitude for the time they spend, they should have no say in how we spend our money. 

That is why Northampton County's Elections Commission, like the Board of Elections in counties that operate under the county code. should consist of County Council members and the Executive. During years in which the at-large members and Executive are running for election, they should be replaced by the four district Council members and a voter selected by the court to insure minority representation. If the at-large Council members and Exec all belong to the same party, the courts can pick a representative from a minority party. 

I believe this approach will fulfill both the spirit and letter of the Elections Code. It will require a change to the Home Rule Charter. I will come up with a proposal next week, and will also tell you what elese happened during a brief but interesting meeting.

NorCo Seeking Parking Alternatives For Employees While New Parking Deck Is Under Construction

At tonight's meeting, Northampton County Council will consider a $1,250 license agreement with Shiloh Baptist Church for 150 parking spaces during the 18 months it will take to raze and build a new parking deck at the courthouse campus. This parking deck is on Easton's south side, so a shuttle will also be needed to ferry employees and jurors from there to the courthouse. 

The county has also requested Easton to expand the maximum time for metered spots around he courthouse from three to 10 hours. 

When the parking deck was repaired in the past, the county rented a parking lot from nearby St Anthony's Church, which is only about two blocks away and would require no shuttle. It would make sense to consider entering into a lease agreement with St. Anthony. In addition, this shuttle should also stop at the Easton parking garages, which are never full on weekdays. The county should probably also consider a lease arrangement with Easton for some parking spots. 

NorCo Elections Comm'n Votes 3-2 To Continue Pop-Up Voting Despite Elections Failures

At Northampton County Council's May 21 meeting, Executive Tara Zrinski reported that the Spring Primary went "smoothly," In reality, there were a number of problems. Before the election, some voters received ballots for the wrong party while others actually received duplicate ballots. As a result of redistricting, some party committee members were incorrectly listed in the wrong district while others were completely omitted. And on election day, epollbooks showed that voters were eligible to vote in person even though they had previously sent in mail-in-ballots (MIBs). These kinds of errors undermine public confidence in the elections process and need to be addressed. Northampton County's Elections Comm'n, however, is going to continue doing exactly what is causing this problem by requiring elections workers to do too much. 

The Elections office is already statutorily tasked with conducting what amounts to three elections every cycle.  There's in-person voting at the polling place, mail-in ballots and ballot-by demand. Last year, the county also decided to add a satellite office on Bethlehem's south side for four weeks so that people could either apply for MIBs or vote ballot by demand. Two people had been diverted from their usual duties to make it easier for people to vote. "That was not well attended," admitted Voter Registrar Chris Commini.

In addition to the satellite office, the county decided this year to stage "pop up" elections at Lafayette College (31 votes) Northampton Community College (3 votes), Upper Mt Bethel Tp Municipal Building (handful) and Lower Saucon (handful. To run these four pop-up events, elections workers had to be diverted from their usual duties. 

I understand and fully appreciate the importance of engaging as many voters as possible. But before conducting pop-ip elections or establishing satellite offices, county officials should be able to demonstrate that they con conduct the elections they are statutorily required to conduct with ease. Based on the past few elections, it's pretty clear that they need to focus on what they are required by law to do before branching out. 

At yesterday's meeting of the elections commission, nine people (elections judges and Republican party members voiced their concerns. What they had to say was summed up best by Matt Flower, who said that the elections failures fell into three categories - redistricting failures, training failures, and election system failures.

Redistricting failures. "Election registrar Chris Commini testified 4 times that no elected office would be impacted by redistricting.After the petition circulation period had already begun, they issued an email acknowledging that elected offices had in fact been affected. The consequences were real.In Upper Nazareth Township and Forks Township, both municipalities affected by redistricting, candidates appeared on the ballot in precincts, where they did not reside and were omitted from precincts, where they were legally eligible to hold office. In other cases, elected officials had their positions extinguished with no individualized notice.

Training failures. "In Wind Gap, poll workers were observed allowing voters to choose either party's primary ballot regardless of voter registration status. This procedural defect allows members of opposing parties to influence each other's primary elections. In Bath, the judge of elections was observed instructing that individuals who already voted would not be permitted back into the voting area, and that it did not matter whether they possessed valid poll watcher credentials. A clear violation of election law.

Election system failures. "Electronic poll books were not updated before the polls opened to identify voters who had already cast mail-in ballots. As a result, voters who already voted by mail could still appear eligible to vote at the polls, and the primary safeguard against duplicate voting was not functioning for a substantial portion of the election day.

These are not isolated mistakes. They are part of a pattern. Election integrity is measured by execution. Accurate ballots, accurate poll books, properly trained election workers. These are the core functions of election administration. When election administration failures become recurring events as they have in Northampton County, public confidence begins to erode. ... The voters of Northampton County are not asking for perfection. We are asking for competence.

Based on these issues, GOP Comm'n members Scott Hough and Shawn Welch suggested that the county suspend any pop-up elections in November. But they were outvoted by Democratic Commission members Sharon Gavin-Levy, Richard Groff and Becky Bartlett. Groff said the county could simply hire more people to help run elections, but the reality is that it takes several cycles for a temp or even a full-time worker to understand the system. 

I understand why the Democrats voted as they did. But I believe the county should focus on doing what the law mandates before getting into things that would be nice to see. In November, when turnout is going to be much higher, these mistakes are going to grow. 

Our Mental Health Crisis

When Governor Ed Rendell decided it was a good idea to shutter most of our state hospitals in 2010, he unwittingly unleashed a Mongol horde of seriously ill people into the Lehigh Valley and rest of the state.  State funding was set aside to house some, but not enough, of them. As a result, homeless encampments have exploded for some. Others have found homes in our jails. Still more have ended up at Gracedale. In the meantime, Northampton County has just 13 beds at Wernersville State Hospital for the sickest of the sick. So what is county government doing to deal with those who suffer from mental illness? Cathy Kromer, Deputy Administrator of NorCo Mental Health Division, told County Council last month that her department is doing what it can, even though it may seem like little more than a finger in the dike to stop a flood of seriously mentally ill people from cascading into our community. 

Kromer started by noting a distinction between those with general mental health concerns (we're all a little nuts) and those with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder. She indicated that approximately one in five people have a diagnosable mental illness, but funding limitations requires Northampton County Mental Health to focus on those with serious mental illness and those requiring intensive support.

She explained that most health services are funded through Medical Assistance (Medicaid). County mental health funding primarily supports the uninsured, underinsured, intensive services, residential treatment programs, psychosocial rehabilitation programs, drop-in centers and advocacy organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness. (NAMI)

She highlighted the importance of Community Hospital Integration Project (CHIP) funding, clarifying that this is not the children's health insurance program. Rather, CHIP funding was established when Pennsylvania began closing state hospital beds. The state's commitment was that funding saved from institutional care would be redirected to counties to support individuals transitioning into community-based treatment settings.

Despite operating with an annual budget of approximately $13 million, Northampton County Mental Health serves thousands of residents annually and receives a constant flow of referrals.

In Fiscal Year 23-4, her department did an intake 0f 1,341 individuals, 80% of whom have serious mental illness. In Fiscal Year 24-25, the intake was 1,078 people. From July through December of 2025, her department did an intake for 985 people. 

Council member Lori Vargo Heffner asked Kromer to provide a list of funding gaps that resulted from last year's state budget impasse and to provide an idea of what cuts are expected this year. 

I'll say this, based on both my own experience as well as studies. I know a number of seriously mentally ill people. This includes a lady who decides to start shouting a cursing around 11 pm every night. While she might be a tad annoying, she's harmless. Mental illness only accounts for 3-5% of violent crime. Those who suffer from mental illness are far more likely to be victims of violent crime.  

Having said that, it was a mistake to close most state hospitals. 

Zrinski "Continuum of Care" Department Hints at Using Gracedale Campus For Assisted Living

In a close, 5-4 vote at NorCo Council's May 7 meeting, Executive Tara Zrinski's request for a completely brand new county department was granted. Supporting her were Council President Ken Kraft, joined by members Kelly Keegan, Jeff Warren, Theresa Fadem and Jason Boulette. Opposed were Lori Vargo Heffner, Dave Holland Nadeem Qayyum and Tom Giovanni.  Though a two-man Continuum of Care Department was created, which will costing $250,000 a year in salaries alone, a resolution approving the two positions was tabled. 

Zrinski argued that a separate department is needed to manage am 1,300-person workforce. More importantly, and in an opaque hint at her long-range plan, Zrinski said a separate department is needed "to coordinate the full continuum - nursing care, supportive living, and a future campus-based development reflecting the needs of the continuum of care across these 364 acres upon which Gracedale occupies." This suggests, at least to me, that the county is considering using some of its vast Gracedale campus to provide housing for seniors across the entire continuum of care spectrum.

This is certainly a much better idea than giving an out-of-town developer a tax break for luxury apartments. It would provide affordable housing to some of the county's most vulnerable residents. The county already owns the land but would need to borrow to build more housing. Like the county has done in the past for both open space and even keeping Gracedale, a question like this could be put to the voters.

So even though this creates a new layer of bureaucracy, I support the establishment of this new department. What I dislike about the positions, however, is that they are what the county calls "exempt" positions. This means that they are political hires who come and go with the Executive. 

For the first five months of this year, Zrinski has been unable to find a Director of Fiscal Affairs, a position sorely needed in a county with financial challenges. She has attributed this to a rather low salary, although she claims to have found one. I think the real challenge is that it's hard to attract a financial professional who is willing to tie his employment to the political winds.  

This department, like Emergency Management, should be completely apolitical so that it attracts people who have the right expertise and who are willing to make it a career. 

Pa PUC Vice Chair Kim Barrow States Proposed Data Centers Should Bring Their Own Energy Generation

I recently attended a presentation concerning a proposal to build a data center campus in Lower Mount Bethel Tp. Every member of the public who spoke were opposed to the idea While we all rely on data centers to store our Amazon orders or our Facebook pictures, we'd rather not see them. 

Now Northampton County has nothing to do with data centers. But Council member Jeff Warren would very much like to be State Rep. Jeff Warren. He can see which way the wind (hope it's renewable energy) is blowing. So he invited Kim Barrow, Vice Chair of the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) to make a presentation last week. She went on for 30 minutes before Council President Ken Kraft asked her to wrap it up. She went through a lengthy recent history of energy use in Pennsylvania. Her basic message is that any proposed data center should bring its own energy generation. 

Barrow said that Pennsylvania’s electric system is undergoing a dramatic transformation focused on reliability concerns, rising demand forecasts, aging infrastructure, and the pressure being created by extremely large data center projects tied to artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

She began by explaining that Pennsylvania is part of the PJM Interconnection, a 14-state regional transmission organization responsible for coordinating electric supply and reliability throughout much of the eastern United States. Pennsylvania historically has been one of the strongest electricity-producing states in the region, exporting roughly 25% of the electricity it generates.

For many years, Pennsylvania enjoyed relatively flat or declining electricity demand while maintaining a highly diverse energy portfolio that included natural gas, nuclear, coal, hydropower, oil generation, and renewable energy. Because of this diversity and excess generating capacity, Barrow stated she long believed Pennsylvania had excellent “resource adequacy” and strong reliability.

However, she explained that several developments have converged to create what she described as a “perfect storm” of challenges.

Among the major issues discussed were increasingly severe weather events, aging infrastructure, power plant retirements, supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, cybersecurity threats, and the electrification of transportation and other sectors. She noted that stronger storms are becoming increasingly costly for utilities and more difficult to recover from operationally.

A major turning point in her concerns came during Winter Storm Elliott in December 2022. Barrow described the storm as a near-catastrophic event for the eastern electric grid. During the storm, PJM reportedly lost approximately 47,000 megawatts of generating capacity due to failures across multiple energy sources, including coal, natural gas, and renewable systems.

Coal piles froze, gas compressors malfunctioned in extreme cold, and renewable output declined due to weather conditions. She emphasized that the failures were not isolated to one type of generation resource but occurred across nearly the entire fleet.

According to Barrow, the region came within less than 1,000 megawatts of potentially severe cascading outages. She called it “a miracle” that widespread long-term blackouts did not occur.

One of her strongest messages was the importance of maintaining a balanced energy portfolio. While supportive of renewable energy growth, Barrow stressed that reliability requires maintaining all available resources, including nuclear, natural gas, coal, hydropower, and renewables, particularly during periods of extreme weather stress.

The second major portion of her presentation focused on the rapid rise of hyperscale data centers. Barrow explained that traditional data centers historically consumed between 50 and 200 megawatts of electricity. However, the newest AI-driven facilities are now requesting 1,000 to 2,000 megawatts each — amounts comparable to the output of entire nuclear power plants.

She specifically referenced the restart of Three-Mile Island through agreements tied to Microsoft and discussed Amazon Web Services’ arrangements involving the Susquehanna nuclear facility.

Barrow expressed concern that these enormous new electricity demands are arriving much faster than new generation and transmission infrastructure can be constructed. She warned that if data center growth proceeds unchecked, the grid could face serious reliability risks during future extreme weather events.

She cited PJM capacity auctions as evidence of growing stress within the system. Capacity prices reportedly jumped from approximately $35 per megawatt-day to over $300 per megawatt-day within a short period, creating an estimated $13 billion impact on ratepayers across the PJM region.

Barrow stated that these increases are being driven largely by forecasts of future electricity demand, especially from data centers, and not solely by current consumption levels.

A central theme of her remarks involved protecting residential customers, small businesses, and traditional commercial users from subsidizing the infrastructure costs associated with massive new industrial electricity consumers. She repeatedly stated that hyperscale data centers should “bring their own generation” by financing or constructing additional power sources rather than relying entirely on existing grid capacity.

She explained that the PUC recently issued a “large load model tariff” intended to ensure that large new electric users pay the true costs associated with serving their facilities and do not shift expenses onto ordinary ratepayers.

Allentown City Council Pays Tribute to Recently Deceased Controller Jeff Glazier

Blogger's Note: This site has been a safe haven for those of you who want to rip elected officials or wannabes of every stripe and persuasion. Don't get me wrong. I do it myself all the time. It's great sport. We have nicknames like Lamont McClueless, Pee Wee Tuerk, Crooksy Brooks, Bullhorn Zrinski, Me-Me Gerlach and, my personal favorite, "Fed Ed" Pawlowski. But many if not most of the local officials I know actually try very hard to make their communities better and serve the people who live there. 

Glazier, you may recall, became Allentown City Controller because his predecessor resigned after being charged with a conspiracy to deprive the good people of Allentown of honest services. As a member of City Council, he was a reliable Fed Ed ally. But that's only a part of his story. In a well-written news release, City Council Public Affairs Officer Genesis Ortega presents a far different picture of Glazier than the one I drew. 

I like her version better.

May 27, 2026 — Allentown City Council is mourning the passing of City Controller Jeff Glazier, whose decades of service helped shape the city he loved so deeply.

Jeff dedicated much of his life to public service in Allentown, serving on the School Board, City Council, and as City Controller — but to many who knew him, he was more than a public official. He was also a steady and familiar presence in the community.

He believed in public service, and he carried that belief without pretense. Jeff held firmly to the idea that government should be honest, careful, and accountable, even when the work was difficult or went unseen. That conviction shaped the way he served and the way he led throughout his career.

As City Controller, Jeff was responsible for overseeing the city’s finances and ensuring transparency and accountability in government operations. He approached that role with care and discipline, earning respect across city government for the seriousness with which he treated the public trust.

Those who worked in City Hall will also remember the small, everyday moments of his presence, including his dog, Artemis, who was a constant companion. She was often by his side in his office or walking through the building, familiar to many who worked there. Jeff also brought warmth and personality into the workplace through his love of music. Colleagues also knew his office for the sound system and endless music collection he kept there and was always eager to share.

Beyond his official duties, Jeff’s kindness showed itself in quieter ways. He spent years helping provide beds and furniture to children and families in need across Allentown. Much of that work was rooted in his family’s furniture business, and he never made a point of talking about it; he simply believed it mattered and did something about it.

Council President Santo Napoli said, “Jeff Glazier loved this city and served it with a level of integrity and humility that set a standard for all of us. He cared deeply about the people of Allentown, and his absence will be felt across this community in ways that are both public and deeply personal.”

“I worked alongside Jeff for over a decade, during that time he became both a trusted colleague and a friend,” Vice President Cynthia Mota shared. “He carried himself with kindness and thoughtfulness in every setting, and he never lost sight of the people he was serving. His passing is deeply personal to me and to many of us who knew him well. May his memory be a blessing.”

Councilwoman Candida Affa said, “There are some people whose presence becomes woven into the life of a city itself. Jeff Glazier was one of those people. His fingerprints are on decades of public service, but his true legacy is something deeper: trust earned, lives touched, and a community strengthened by his goodness.”

In honor of Jeff’s memory, and to allow members of Council and staff time to grieve, tonight’s scheduled Council meetings will be rescheduled.

All the members of Allentown City Council extend their deepest condolences to Jeff’s family, his friends, and all who are mourning him across the city.

Allentown is better because Jeff Glazier chose to serve.

SNAP Enrollment Down 7.5% in Pa, Down in Every State

One result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is a reduction in the number of people receiving SNAP benefits, sometimes known as food stamps. According to Governing, there's been a 7.5% decrease in participation between July '25 and Jan '26. 

This Act imposed work requirements because, at least in the eyes of the Trump administration, there was too much fraud. OBBBA expanded a work requirement to formerly exempt veterans, the homeless, people who’ve aged out of the foster care system, caregivers of children ages 14 or older, immigrants who are human trafficking victims and adults ages 55-64.

Has there been a concomitant 7.5% drop in unemployment claims? Not in Pa. Unemployment here has actually increased from 4.3% to 4.4%.  

Why Did McClure Finish Third in Pa.07 Congressional Race?

On his Facebook page, Lamont McClure wonders how he could have lost the Pa.07 Congressional race in the face of a poll right before the election showing that he had the highest net favorable by about 5%. His favorables are actually much lower than those of John Morganelli when he ran for Congress a few years ago, and he lost as well. The polling might be wrong, but I believe that there are three reasons why McClure fared so poorly. First, Brooks' portrayal of himself as an Everyman resonated. Second, though McClure likely had nothing to do with the negative campaigning by LeanLeft against Brooks and Croswell, it probably backfired. Third, McClure himself made unnecessary enemies during his eight years as NorCo Exec. 

Results are still unofficial, but the combined four county result shows that McClure actually finished 3rd of 4 candidates. Brooks (28,078); Crosswell (14,528), McClure (13,724) and Obando-Derstine (12,136).

A Morning Call account claims McClure lost every district in NorCo, his home county. That is inaccurate. He certainly was blown out in Bethlehem and Easton, but did manage to pick up some voting districts in Bethlehem Tp (where he lives), E Bangor, Lower Saucon, Plainfield, Upper Mt Bethel, Upper Nazareth, Washington and Williams Tp. He lost Wilson Borough, where he was an ardent advocate for the Dixie tax break. His showing was certainly disappointing, but his message reached some voters. Perhaps he should have done better in his home county, but that is Brooks' home county as well. 

Where he really got hammered was in Lehigh County.  Ryan Crosswell, who just moved to the Lehigh Valley in January, beat McClure by 804 votes. McClure was even beaten by Obando-Derstine, and finished 4th in the county that matters most. 

McClure and Crosswell are both attorneys. Their polished style ordinarily would help them, but voters were looking for someone with whom they could identify. Rightly or wrongly, and I believe wrongly, that found that person in Bob Brooks. He had the right message for this race, to say nothing of money and endorsements. 

This campaign was marred by a slurry of negative attacks from a PAC calling itself "LeanLeft". They were aimed at Brooks and Crosswell and attempted to prop up McClure. This group is thought to have been a Republican front, although hard proof is yet to be found. While negative campaigning usually works, it appears to have backfired. I think many voters may have been turned off by the over-the-top attacks as well as the portrayal of McClure as the "progressive."

Finally, McClure has been his own worst enemy. In his eight years as county executive, he made many enemies he never needed to make. He actively worked against the re-election of Lori Vargo Heffner, who as NorCo Council President, voted with him 90% of the time. His frosty style with people who do not know him alienated many county employees, and yes, some of them vote. And I don't know what he was thinking, but it was amazingly stupid for him to call the boss of a county council member just weeks before his election in an attempt to pressure that person to vote for a tax break to facilitate the building of luxury apartments. 

This was McClure's race to lose, and he did.  

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."

Blogger's Note: This was first published in 2025. A reader suggested last week that I create a post paying tribute to those who served and serve. I would, but Memorial Day is for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Zrinski: NorCo Budget Shortchanges Retirees and Gracedale - State Budget Shortchanges Seniors

I told you that NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski was a big hit at the recent retirees' luncheon. She talked about it during her report to County Council at last night's meeting. What's more, she spoke about how recent county budgets have shortchanged both retirees and Gracedale, She added that the state budget is having an increasingly adverse impact on seniors. 

Here's the bad news for retirees: "Retirees are very concerned that a contribution was not budgeted, in part of 2025, falling behind by $4 million in all of 2026, neglecting a payment of $11.6 million. Each year, in October, we receive a recommendation from our actuaries called the actuarily determined contribution. Or ADC. Now, that doesn't mean we're $16 million at a deficit. If we make the ADC this year, we believe we'll be back on track. We are currently at a 90% funded rate. Thank you to the fine investment by PFM that they have made on behalf of our county and our retirees. But we know that the sum that we are going to have to contribute is several million dollars, and that was not in the 2026 budget. Thus, when we say the 2026 budget is working as it was designed, we are saying it was designed to not fund the pension in 2026. That trend cannot and will not continue."

The actuarily determined contribution for the pension fund in 2025 was $12.8 million, but the Lamont McClure administration only kicked in $8.2 million. In 2026, the actuarily determined contribution was $11.6 million, but McClure's budget opted to pay nothing. 

The county also maintains a retiree healthcare fund to cover the medical expenses of retirees entitled to them. In 2025, the actuarily determined contribution for this fund was $2.6 million. McClure shortchanged it by a million. In 2026, the actuarily determined contribution for retiree healthcare was $2.2 million. McClure paid nothing.

Here's the bad news about Gracedale, which already received a $7 million county contribution this year to fill in last year's deficit: "[T]here will be some county contribution to Gradceale. That will most likely be several million dollars that was also not budgeted in the 2026 budget."

Say what? When former Exec Lamont McClure proposed the 2026 budget from Gracedale's chapel, he stated that Gracedale would need no county contribution. The Administrator, Michelle Morton, told County Council her budget was balanced. Both of these statements are apparently untrue. 

Finally, there's bad news for seniors. Zrinski has previously said the Area Agency of Aging was getting shortchanged $400,000 this year, which has resulted in the closure of two senior centers. But last night, she warned of more cuts. "[T]he state has informed us that in our 2027 budget allocation, the area agency on aging should be, the allocation should be estimated at the 2018 2019 levels." She would like to continue offering the same services to seniors as they currently receive. "I would like to offer more services, or at least the ones that we're currently offering to seniors at the level that our seniors need to maintain their health, their quality of life, and well being."

Zrinski went on to say that a 1991 County Council resolution prevents the county from paying more for  for human services beyond the match it receives from the state, and she suggested that be repealed. 

There's no need if it is only a resolution. A County Council binds neither the Executive nor future Councils. That would require an ordinance. 

I will have lots more about County Council and its committees next week. 

Boulette Responds to Criticism of Human Relations Ordinance

I recently told you that Northampton County is looking for applicants to the newly created Human Relations Commission. I consider that in and of itself a good sign. It's a sign of transparency. As an old fart who lives with other seniors as well as the disabled, I'd apply except that it would compromise my independence as a bottom-feeding blogger. This detailed and well-written ordinance was authored by Council member Jason Boulette.  It's obvious he put a lot of work into it.  My sole concern was whether we were creating another bureaucracy that would just eat up tax dollars while being otherwise meaningless. But during the public hearing before this ordinance was unanimously adopted, that concern was put to rest by Liz Bradberry of Lehigh County's Human Relations Commission. They've spent $136 over two years. 

Some of you had other concerns. Boulette took the time to respond to concerns and criticisms in my story about this, and I want to share what he said:

Some replies to a few of the comments here.

"This is nothing but the latest scheme to undermine our judicial system."

This doesn't really qualify as a "latest scheme." The local commission is authorized under the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act of 1955, which created the state's Human Relations Commission and specifically empowered lower level governments to create their own. Aside from being on the books for 71 years, this law has been repeatedly updated and affirmed by the state legislature and the governors on a bipartisan basis.

"Isn’t a courtroom with an impartial judge or jury the proper place to resolve such claims?"

The Human Relations Commission doesn't foreclose anyone's rights to an impartial judge or jury. If someone feels aggrieved by the actions or inactions of the Commission, the Court of Common Pleas is still available as a recourse.

"Instead, they are setting up a commission of seven people with an agenda do determine guilt or innocence."

It's not really about guilt or innocence. In the other counties that have implemented commissions in recent years, they've yet to actually level penalties against anyone -- each case has been able to be resolved through mediation. And I'm hopeful that's the outcome we'll get here in Northampton County.

"Since this will be a quasi-judicial bodyI’ll presume it will be banned by law from recording and being televised, so if you want watch this disaster, you’ll have to travel to the courthouse at watch it person. Another way to limit people from really knowing whats going on."

The meetings are required to conform to the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act. The ordinance authorizes virtual meetings, and the Commission will be encouraged to meet virtually (with open access to the general public) precisely because it's easier for people to attend. It is not, in fact, banned by law from being recorded or televised. On the contrary, it is required to maintain minutes of meetings and recordings of any hearing.

"I like Jason's approach to his office-thoughtful and considered. But this seems like a solution in search of a problem"

I appreciate the kind words. I don't expect the caseload for the Commission to be massive, but I do think this ordinance is needed. Further, the past two years have seen similar ordinances passed in Lehigh, Montgomery, and Delaware Counties. So I don't see any reason for Northampton not to join their ranks in prohibiting discrimination.

"Who will perform investigations for the Commission? Do they need volunteers for that function too?"

The members of the Commission can serve as investigators with limited (and discretionary) assistance from county personnel.

"You are absolutely right, this is just Jason trying to make a name for himself for his next office run."

I have a full time job I'm happy with and I'm not looking any further ahead than the office I was elected to.

Will You Vote for Brooks in the General?

I told you yesterday that I have no intention of voting for Bob Brooks in the Congressional election this year. I will also decline to vote for incumbent Ryan Mackenzie. This happened two years ago. When I learned that Congress member Susan Wild was parking in handicapped spots, she lost my vote. I opted to vote for Lew Shupe instead. But I am far less partisan than some Democrats. I refuse to vote for a person just because he's a member of my tribe. Wha about more partisan Democrats who actually worked Congressional races and helped run campaigns? 

Rich Wilkins is such a person. This is what he says on his Apocalypse Vibes blog:

"The guy is a racist, let’s face it, you can’t find a famous black guy he likes (hello Barack Obama and Colin Kaepernick). I want no part in electing this guy. If that costs us the House, maybe the Democratic Party should be better. I’ve said for a long time that I’m not a “vote blue no matter who” type. Well, that’s going to be put to the test here. I broke down and voted for Fetterman at the 11th hour in 2022. I’ve regretted it ever since."

UPDATED: Brooks Wins Pa. 07 Congressional Race

Over the past few weeks, you could feel the momentum moving towards Bob Brooks in the four-way race for the Democratic nomination to the Pa. 07's Congressional District. While the dust is still settling as I write this, it's clear that he is going to be the Democratic nominee against incumbent Republican Ryan Mackenzie. 

Brooks, who branded himself as an Everyman, easily defeated three other contenders. He had help. Lots of money. Lots of endorsements, including the Governor and the DCCC. Stories about his MAGA social posts and his refusal to pay a judgment obtained by his mother-in-law for the home in which he lives, did manage to make numerous mainstream news outlets. They weren't enough to overcome the momentum. 

At the same time, former NorCo Exec Lamont McClure was unable to gather the funds he needed to be competitive. He lent his campaign $200,000, but that was far from enough. He could usually rely on lots of money from the trade unions, but some of that money went to Brooks, who is President of the Pa. Firefighters' Association. His decision to force Administrator Charles Dertinger to resign over a botched election, hurt him. Dertinger could usually be counted on to raise money for McClure, but I doubt there there was much desire to help in this race. McClure burned a lot of bridges as Executive and was extremely unpopular with county employees. That alone probably cost him about 5,000 votes, to say nothing of 1,600 retirees.  Just recently, he called a County Council member's boss in an attempt to encourage her to vote for a tax break to a developer who wanted to build luxury apartments. Though he adamantly denies pressuring this Council member through her boss, he exhibited very poor judgment. 

McClure actually came in 4th in Lehigh and Monroe County

Had this race gone on a bit longer (thankfully it did not), I believe Crosseell would have won. He had a terrific ground game and came across as both knowledgeable and sincere to voters suspicious of a former Republican who moved here to run. 

Carol Obando-Derstine, the sole woman in the race, should have garnered 17% of the vote simply because she's a woman, and she did. There are some Democrats who are very much into identity politics. According to WFMZ-TV69, she finished with 17% of the vote. In Lehigh County, thanks mostly to Victor Martinez and his Spanish-speaking radio station, she finished with 21.85% of the vote. She even finished second in Monroe County, though the number of voters there was small. 

Brooks will go on to face Ryan Mackenzie in November. While I certainly have no intention of voting for Mackenzie, I will NOT be voting for Brooks. 

In another closely watched primary for State Rep in Allentown's 22d Legislative District, Ce-Ce Gerlach easily defeated Ana Tiburcio. All the King's horses and all the King's men, from Mike Schlossberg to Peter Schweyer, were unable to overcome Gerlach's campaign hustle. 

Northampton County, as usual, had problems. This time, some voters who had received mail-in ballots were incorrectly listed as eligible to vote in e-pollbooks. Perhaps NorCo needs to focus less on pop-up elections and satellite offices and more on ensuring that it can actually do what it is statutorily required to do. 

UPDATED 11:00 AM: Incumbent Ryan Mackenzie had this reaction to Brooks' nomination to Pa. 07:

Allentown, PA — The Mackenzie for Congress campaign issued the following statement in response to Democrats nominating Bob Brooks in PA-07.

“Tonight, after spending millions of dollars in dark money on his behalf, the Democratic establishment got their hand-picked candidate: con-man and fraudster Bob Brooks. These groups steamrolled local Democrats and hijacked the democratic process in order to nominate a corrupt political insider, a wealthy lobbyist with a vast stock portfolio, and someone who has a record of stealing from his own family. The establishment Democrat machine has done this for one reason: they know that Bob Brooks will follow orders from his political bosses, just like he did as a union boss. The people of the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos will reject this dumpster fire of a candidate," said Mackenzie for Congress spokesman Arnaud Armstrong. 

“As a result of Brooks’ history of scams and schemes that we heard about throughout the primary, the Mackenzie for Congress campaign is also announcing the launch of the Bob Brooks Hotline. Residents of the community who have been ripped off or targeted by conman and fraudster Bob Brooks - or have other information about his checkered past - can report their experiences by calling (484) 272-4215.”

Check the Facts:

• Bob Brooks takes orders from Shapiro on union endorsements
• Registered lobbyist
• “Working-class” millionaire and stock trader
• Democrat machine runs interference for Brooks
• National Democrats steamroll local activists
• Scamming his in-laws