Takeaways From Trump's Longest-Ever SOTU

I made it through President Donald Trump's SOTU last night. I need more time to consider what he had to say, but I'll share my takeaways and welcome yours. 

First, it was too long. Trump shattered the record for longest SOTU, a record that he himself set last year. As a result, it was boring at times.

Second, Democrats who opted to boycott the speech are childish and guilty of the very partisan behavior that Trump himself exhibited during his address. Like it or not, he is the President. I do not respect the person but do respect the office. 

Third, most of Trump's partisan rants at Democrats are just as childish. At a time when we need to be talking to each other, we tend to talk at each other. 

Fourth, his call to end insider trading was one of the few instances that resulted in bipartisan applause, but it's unclear to me whether Congress will act.

Fifth, the Trump accounts for kids (he claims he did not come up with the name), which will be seeded with $1,000 from the federal government, is an excellent idea and a way to help our children build a nest egg they can collect when they turn 18. He also deserves credit for eliminating taxes on tips (up to a point) and on overtime. 

Sixth, his claim that tariffs could result in the elimination of income tax is sheer nonsense and would be regressive, hurting the poor. 

Seventh, his claim to have stopped illegal immigration appears to be accurate.

Eighth, his claim that the economy is doing well is one with which most Americans disagree. 

Ninth, his foreign policy is simply chaotic, but he avoided addressing many of the problems he himself has created, like alienating most of our allies. 

Instead of Sending a Hospital Boat to Greenland, Why Not Here?

Last week, President Donald Trump announced a hospital ship was "on its way" to Greenland "to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there.” In doing so, what Trump actually did is demonstrate yet again that he is completely out of touch with our healthcare system, which is essentially unavailable to all but the very rich or the very poor.  

In Greenland, unlike here in the United States, healthcare is free. So is college. So the people who live there have to be amused by Trump's latest Greenland gambit. 

By the way, nobody in the federal government has a clue that any hospital ship is on its way anywhere.

If Trump really wanted to help "the many people who are sick and not being taken care of," he could send it here. After all, he likes to chant "America First." 

Dixie TIF Makes Housing Less Affordable, Is Not Needed

Last year, NorCo Council denied a tax break known as a TIF to Skyline Enterprises, the developer of plan to convert the vacant Wilson Borough Dixie Cup factory into 405 luxury apartments. The TIF would enable Skyline to float a bond to pay for the cost of construction, payable from future increases in assessment. But as I told you yesterday, Skyline plans to try again in March. 

Skyline was at a NorCo Council committee meeting last week to seek County Council's approval of its application for a $500,000 state RACP grant. "You're doing a fantastic job!" gushed Council member Jeff Warren to Skyline managing partner Brian Bartee. He noted that Bartee has spent his own money to prepare the site. That's a bit misleading. Bartee has or will be receiving at least $1,383,257 from the state alone, to say nothing of the TIF and federal tax credits. 

Warren also claimed that the Lehigh Valley needs 10,000 housing units and "This is needed to make housing more attainable." This is the same argument that former Exec Lamont McClure made. They are both wrong. This will actually make housing less attainable. Let me explain why. 

If the Lehigh Valley were a bubble into which no one could move and no one could leave, 405 luxury apartment units would make housing more attainable. But as we all know, the Lehigh Valley is no bubble into which no one can move or leave. The addition of 405 luxury apartments will only attract people from outside of the Lehigh Valley who can afford to pay the high rent as they commute to their jobs in NYC or Jersey. And guess what? The Lehigh Valley will still need 10,000 housing units. 

If Skyline was building workforce housing, this would probably alleviate the housing crisis. But it's not. It is building luxury apartments and a luxury hotel, not a place for a weary corrections officer to rest between shifts. 

In reality, this will exacerbate the housing crisis. When nearby landlords see the rents being charged by Skyline, they will increase their monthly rents as well, making housing less affordable. During the hearings in advance of the TIF that failed last year, a well-known local landlord argued in favor of the TIF for the obvious reason that he could then charge higher monthly rents. 

In addition to actually exacerbating our housing crisis, Skyline does not really need a TIF from the county. Council member Jason Boulette queried Bartee on that topic. "It really means a lot to us to have the county support and buy-in as well." answered Bartee. But when pressed he acknowledged that "[t]here are other ways to have the project move forward." 

Given that this project will actually worsen the housing crisis and can move ahead without shackling the county taxpayer, there is no need for the county to give this nonlocal developer any tax break. The county is looking down the barrel of a tax hike next year for Gracedale and better wages and should probably think twice before investing taxpayers' hard-earned money into this boondoggle. 

Skyline Gets NorCo Council to Support $500,000 State Grant For Luxury Hotel in Wilson Boro, Next to Dixie Cup

Local governments Wilson Borough and Wilson Area School District have been falling all over themselves to help the for-profit private equity firm (Skyline Investment Group) build both luxury apartments and a high-end hotel in Wilson Borough. In addition to seeking a $29 million tax break to redevelop the vacant Dixie Cup factory, it already has received $838,257 in state grants. At Thursday night's meeting, Northampton County Council endorsed another $500,000 in state RACP grants. Skyline still another $9 million from the state. Without the local tax break known as a TIF, which amounts to about $29 million, it is seeking $124,338.257 in the form of outright grants or tax credits. 

Skyline principal Brian Bartee was introduced by DCED Director Tina Smith, who told Council that the Zrinski administration supports this project. But what exactly is the project? 

We all know that Skyline wants a $29 million TIF to turn Wilson Borough's vacant Dixie Cup factory, into luxury apartments that few can afford. That proposal failed last year. But with a new County Council, Bartee plans to get the county to join the borough and school district in awarding his project a TIF and apparently plans to seek county approval again sometime next month. 

But does County Council even know there's much more? There was little discussion during the meeting as Council members told each other they were merely voting on a "pass through" grant. It's still the public's money, but Council member Lori Vargo Heffner was the sole NO vote. 

Here's what County Council does not know but could have discovered if they looked at the actual application. It includes more than the Dixie Cup. It also includes what Skyline calls its "New Life," project, a plan to convert the 3-acre former LA Fitness site into a "premier hotel" known as The Wilson. According to Skyline, "130 hotel suites with 250 multifamily residences are planned that will feature 1920s-inspired art elegantly paired with modern amenities and exceptional service. Along with the introduction of approximately 163 permanent jobs, The Wilson will feature EV charging stations, a high staff-to-room ratio, and a suite of premium services.

Guests will enjoy the personalized attention of a dedicated butler, doorman, concierge, chauffeur, and valet parking, all provided by a team of highly trained professionals committed to the highest standards of hospitality".

Do you think it's wise to spend public tax dollars for luxury apartments and a premier hotel that includes butlers and chauffeurs? 

The grant application describes the site as a "brownfield," but that is completely untrue of the LA Fitness site.  

Skyline has already been awarded $500,000 from an RACP application in 2024. It also received $163,257 from a DCED Multimodal Transportation Funding Grant and a $175,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreational Program grant. It is seeking even more grant money from PennDOT, DCED Mixed Use Housing Development, another DCED Greenways grant, another DCED multimodal transportation grant, and Pa Historic tax credits

It also wants $28.5 million in federal tax equity credits.

 

Dixie Cup Rcap Application 2025 by BernieOHare

LC Exec Josh Siegel Wants to Expand His Office at Expense of Cedarbrook and Jail

Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel wants to expansion his office at the expense of Cedarbrook (Lehigh County's nursing home) and the jail. 

He wants to add four positions "to strengthen leadership capacity, enhance communications, and improve intergovernmental coordination while maintaining overall fiscal responsibility." These four positions are a multimedia specialist, a communications manager, a chief of staff and a community and intergovernmental liaison. His supporting memo claims these will cost $386,566, although it's unclear to me whether this figure is just salary or salary plus benefits. 

He will pay for these positions by eliminating eight existing positions at Cedarbrook and the county jail. These are 2 LPNs, 3 CNAs, 2 corrections officers and 1 treatment case manager. who are budgeted at $417,656, including salary and benefits. These positions are currently unfilled. 

This will save taxpayers $31,100, but is it really in the best interests of Lehigh County to eliminate positions that take care of our elderly and who protect us from people the courts have decided to confine behind bars?

Commissioner Ron Beitler noted that the Chief of Staff position was actually eliminated in 2014 because it was considered both an unnecessary cost and too political in nature. 

Beitler opposes Siegel's changes. "In passing former Executive Armstrong's 2026 budget, our Board of Commissioners paid for Nurses, Caseworkers and Corrections Officers, not a Chief of Staff to do the Executive's job or a Multimedia Specialist to create County TikTok videos," he said.

Siegel's proposal requires at least one Commissioner sponsor before it can be considered by the Board. But he's already filled two of the positions at least temporarily. He's hired Hillary Kleinz, his long-time campaign manager, as his $92,000 Chief of Staff. And Dan Sheehan, a former reporter with both The Morning Call and Express Times, is his pick for communications. 

Siegel responded to Beitler's concerns by calling him a "partisan obstructionist" though Beitler is actually registered Independent. He told WFMZ-TV69 that previous Lehigh County administrations (Phil Armstrong, Tom Muller, Don Cunningham) "were caretaker administrations that had no energy, no ideas, no vision for the county."

He hopes all nine Commissioners support his power grab. He'll find out Wednesday.

NorCo Council Approves Budget Amendment Allocating $7 Million in County Funds to Gracedale

At last night's meeting of Northampton County Council, all nine members voted for a Budget Amendment that allocates $7 million from the county to Gracedale. 

In a message to Council, Executive Tara Zrinski explained that the county transfer was needed so that the nursing home's 2025 expenditures are covered. 

"We carefully reviewed each departmental budget to identify unspent funds, including savings from vacancies, deferred purchases and other unused allocations, and we're able to reallocate approximately 7 million to fully cover Graysdale's 2025 expenditures."

"The remaining deficit reflects timing differences between when expenses are incurred and when reimbursements are received."

"Approving these amendments will allow us to balance the 2025 budget as required by law and fulfill our shared responsibility for sound fiscal management.

NorCo's Former Custody Master Appeals Dismissal of Her Civil Rights Case Against the Court

Earlier this month, Federal District Court Judge John Gallagher dismissed a civil rights action brought by NorCo's former custody master, Lisa Tresslar, against the Northampton County bench. She claimed she was the victim of retaliation when he objected to changes in custody guidelines promulgated by the court. According to Judge Gallagher, no jury could reasonably conclude that her objections were made in her capacity as a private citizen. She also failed to establish that the court even knew of her more public complaints. Judge Gallagher's dismissal was "with prejudice," meaning that Tresslar was unable to amend her claim.

Tresslar has appealed judge Gallagher's decision to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, which is the second highest court in the nation. Her Notice was filed yesterday. 

LC Elections Registrar and Hairy Guy Tim Benyo is Resigning March 20

 In Lehigh County, Tim Benyo is known as the Director of Elections. It's a position he's held for the past 16 years. But in Jim Thorpe, he's better known as an owner of the Hairy Guys Brewery. As his interest in craft beers appears to eclipse those daily commutes to Allentown, Benyo has decided to step down as Lehigh's Elections Registrar, effective March 20.

He won't leave Lehigh County in the lurch and has offered to lend his assistance as needed. I've always found Tim to be an accessible and transparent elections director, and his steady hand guided the county through some drastic changes in our elections process over the past few years. He will be missed. 

I hope to see him on the D&L Trail this summer. 

Keegan Blames Negative Public Perception of Gracedale on Unfounded Complaints and ... Me

Although I ramble, my favorite topic has always been Northampton County government. That includes the county-owned nursing home, Gracedale. When there's been good news about the home, like a zero-deficiency survey from the state Department of Health (DOH), I've reported it. When it achieved a four-star (above average) rating, as it did at this time just one year ago, I let you know. But when it dropped to just a one-star (much below average) rating, was red-flagged for abuse and was issued a provisional license, I've told you that as well. Moreover, based on an analysis of the DOH surveys for all 14 county-owned nursing homes throughout the state in 10 different counties*, Gracedale has the lowest nursing care rating, It is the only county-owned home with a one-star rating. It had the highest number of deficiencies in 2025. Objectively, it was the worst county-owned home in the state in 2025 and kicked off the new year with yet another deficiency for inadequate staffing.   

Unfortunately, there's been more bad than good news, but that's the way it is. If we have a moral obligation to care for those who are unable to care for themselves, and are spending public money for that purpose, then the public should know when we are falling short so we can rectify the situation. That's why the DOH surveys and Medicare star-ratings are public. That's why people can complain anonymously to the state DOH if they feel something is wrong even if it turns out that they are themselves incorrect.

Public scrutiny of a public nursing home is something that NorCo Council member Kelly Keegan dislikes. At last night's human services committee meeting, she actually wanted to know whether the county has a policy against whistleblowers who dare to report perceived violations at the home. Fortunately, Administrator Michelle Morton answered that whistleblowers are actually protected and could very well be sincere when they call in with a complaint.

Keegan was still unsatisfied. "That's cutting your nose off to spite your face," she suggested. "And it's like, their livelihood, so why would they want to do that?" 

Maybe because they care about the residents and want the home to improve.

It's true that Gracedale does get complaints of deficiencies that turn out to be unfounded. But based on my analysis of the 14 county-owned nursing homes in 10 different counties, this happens at all nursing homes, not just Gracedale. Employees, families or residents themselves can complain. The state DOH would rather investigate an unfounded complaint than ignore a concern that is real. 

Later in the meeting, Keegan objected to bringing in a consultant with recommendations on improving the home, arguing that we should refrain from spending money on a third party only to learn that our "fantastic administration" is telling the truth. "Don't we believe them?"

She added that any poor public perception of Gracedale is due solely to "one person that continues to trash Gracedale on a continuous basis, and I would put a lot of blame on that person. I think we all know who he is. Every single day, constantly writing about Gracedale, and if that one person would stop doing those things, and we could believe the administration, and what they're telling us, why would I pay somebody - a third party - to tell me that they're telling the truth?" 

How about because Gracedale is a one-star home, is red-flagged for abuse, has a provisional license and had the lowest nursing care of all county-owned nursing homes in 2025. I believe the administration is trying, but I also believe the DOH. 

During last night's meeting, NorCo Council member Dave Holland had two suggestions. 

First, he suggested downsizing the home by eliminating a 30-bed unit. Exec Tara Zrinski is not ready to downsize at this point but agrees that reliance on agency nurses needs to be reduced. She worried that downsizing might result in the discharge of some residents, although that's not what Holland intimated. 

I believe this topic will be revisited in the near future. 

Holland's second suggestion was to bring in a third-party consultant to validate what's right and make suggestions to correct what is wrong. This is apparently also opposed by the administration. Although Council members like Theresa Fadem and Lori Vargo Heffner support this idea, Keegan is opposed, as I noted above. Council member Jeff Warren said we should first give Zrinski a chance. He suggested things might be different by the end of April. 

Holland has no problem with waiting but cautioned that Council needs to monitor what is happening because a provisional license can eventually result in a denial of payments. 

____

*) NorCo Council member Kelly Keegan and Gracedale Administrator Michelle Morton stated last night that there are only seven county-owned homes in the state. According to the state DOH's nursing home facility locator, there are 14 county-owned nursing homes in 10 different counties.  

Wandalowski on NorCo's Human Services Vacancies

Not all that long ago, Human Services Director Sue Wandalowski said that vacancies in Human Services existed because the county was stuck in a cumbersome state civil service program. Well, the county has been unshackled from state civil service and the vacancy problem should be an unhappy memory of the recent past, right? Wrong. Last night, Wandalowski reported that there are "around" 30 vacancies in Children and Youth. She indicated there are vacancies in the Department of Aging but failed to specify how many. I'll have more about this tomorrow.