tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post4199646625714032940..comments2024-03-28T19:03:28.661-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Nazareth Police Ripping Off TaxpayersBernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-46778349333229281162010-01-21T21:42:26.581-05:002010-01-21T21:42:26.581-05:00Listen I'm 17 and even I know if there where n...Listen I'm 17 and even I know if there where no police Nazareth would not be the great town it is. Police keep this country in line. Skateboarders are notorious for being vandals, and that assumption won't change. I just have a question for all you police haters; Who do you call when you need help? You may think police are corrupt and spend tax dollars, but, all that helps keep you safe.Firefighternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-62493406995571388482007-08-21T12:08:00.000-04:002007-08-21T12:08:00.000-04:00I was wondering Bernie, do you think that anonymou...I was wondering Bernie, do you think that anonymous feeble minded people can hinder the advancement of a civilization or society?<BR/><BR/>Will I guess they really can't, they can however be like nats at a picnic.<BR/><BR/>I hope I was able to get my point across, if not I will use caps next time, that should do it.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04196418241029302665noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-73071555827604186482007-07-16T16:26:00.000-04:002007-07-16T16:26:00.000-04:00I couldn't agree more.I couldn't agree more.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-88217586020231277222007-07-16T16:23:00.000-04:002007-07-16T16:23:00.000-04:00unfortunately, the rude, disrespectful ones give o...<EM>unfortunately, the rude, disrespectful ones give others a bad name.</EM><BR/><BR/>You are sooo right, whether it involves skateboarders ... or cops.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-63290426838017279022007-07-16T16:19:00.000-04:002007-07-16T16:19:00.000-04:00sorry, kid, but you are wrong. I'm not a cop, just...sorry, kid, but you are wrong. I'm not a cop, just a citizen. I have no problem with skateboarding, just some of the rude kids that participate in it. Not all are rude, but unfortunately, the rude, disrespectful ones give others a bad name. Skateboarding is a true show of athletic ability and is a real test of skill and coordination. It's pretty cool to watch. By the way, you seem pretty sure that I'm an old dude- boy, would you be surprised if you really knew the facts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-13594837493730043522007-07-16T11:20:00.000-04:002007-07-16T11:20:00.000-04:00this anonymous "commenteer" im sure hes a cop, and...this anonymous "commenteer" im sure hes a cop, and if not hes got cops for best friends. I am a skateboarder, and i have been since the age of 9. Ive been kicked out of places hundreds of times but, cops always were polite, kind, and understanding. We all would leave and cooperate with the cops... no problem. <BR/>After seeing the videos of the completely "ego tripped" fuzz balls on www.yourdailymedia.com and on your website i began to relize that there are more crooked cops, closer than we relize. Now im not saying all cops are crooked but man that guy is nutz... and a complete meglomaniac if youd ask me.<BR/>All of your facts, Bernie, are closes enough to fact for me to belive. <BR/>This anonymous is probably blowing out this ass with money, has no clue about the true enjoyment of skateboarding, progression, speed, true friendship and everything else that has to do with skateboarding. He probably does just about nothing. Ive met many people like him before. They just are ignorant to the sheer fact that they are THE OLD GENERATION and they just are too damn selfish to accept that we are the NEW GENERATION and this is just one thing we love to do.<BR/><BR/>he should watch fuel tv or turn on some skateboarding videos so he maybe could understand! <BR/>Im glad i read your entire posts on the nazareth police. But i also am commenting to say the this new skatepark is going to kick some major tail fethers!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-3524012883244614442007-07-15T11:40:00.000-04:002007-07-15T11:40:00.000-04:00Anon 11:15, OK, we agree then that every professio...Anon 11:15, <BR/><BR/>OK, we agree then that every profession has some bad apples. I happen to be one of the bad apples who was weeded out of the legal profession, and it was because I had no control when I drink. It was the right thing to do. <BR/><BR/>And so it should be with a police force. We both agree there are bad apples. You may wish to defend Officer Cruz, and I certainly never suggested for a moment that she had acted criminally. I mentioned that as being inconsistent with an "I'm here to help" attitude. She might or might not be a good officer, but I have seen first hand how recklessly and fast she drove before that accident.<BR/><BR/>I honeslty don't know why Officer Hummer is even on that force. One officer like that can pollute an entire department. <BR/><BR/>There is a very bad attitude in a segment of that department. I don't wish to see the good officers on that force sullied by that attitude. I think it is important to point it out so that it does not get worse. <BR/><BR/>Just as it is irresponsible to label all skateboarders as a "bunch of rampant hoodlums," it is equally illogical to make the same conclusion about cops. But I know many folks who now have that attitude. In fact, they've had that attitude for some time, and I've only recently discovered it. <BR/><BR/>Now, as you say that some skateboarders are irresponsible, I say that sdome cops are irresposnible. Between the two, irresponsible cops are a much bigger problem and can do far more damage.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-17479986208513070962007-07-15T11:15:00.000-04:002007-07-15T11:15:00.000-04:00Look, Bernie, I can agree with you (miraculously) ...Look, Bernie, I can agree with you (miraculously) that every profession has it's bad apples, even yours I'm sure. But to label an entire dept. as basically a bunch of rampant hoodlums, is unreasonable. I disagree with your assessment of Officer Cruz. I'm sure that her rear ending someone lacked criminal or malicious intent. Accidents do happen. Police are not infallible in their jobs. We all make mistakes in our own professions. However, I'm not defending officers who blatantly show disrespect for the law. I agree they should be held to same standards as other citizens. As far as the unauthorized "stuff" as a citizen of Nazareth, I can't say that coats and gloves (a requirement of their jobs) is a big to-do. Gimme a break!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-77406996184938532632007-07-14T23:44:00.000-04:002007-07-14T23:44:00.000-04:00Anon 10:39,1) I am informed that only $200 of the ...Anon 10:39,<BR/><BR/>1) I am informed that only $200 of the $1300 bill recently submittred by Nazareth police was for items the boro had agreed to pay under its contract w/ police, i.e. batons. The remaining items were not permitted and included items likes coats and gloves for two full-timers. I also understand that items must be now cleared in advance before a purchase is made. That's an example of an $1100 ripoff. Cops who negotiated thios contract claimed they didn't know. It's ironic because they seem to think a skateboarder should know that he is not allowed to skateboard on a basketball court. <BR/><BR/>2) I don't address your comments re skateboarders because that really is not the issue - it's an out of control police force. Whether you like it or not, that <B>is</B> the common perception in my neck of the woods. But if you want me to address your comments, let me say that my experience has not been your experience. Most kids here are pretty good kids, and that includes the skateboarders. They're no different than the other kids. I don't defend any person who vandalizes someone's property. But that does not authorize cops to arrest a kid for skateboarding on a basketball court, especially where there is no sign prohibiting their use. That's not vandalism now, is it? It's just harassment. <BR/><BR/>3) I'm very dubious about your claim that someone becomes a police officer because he wants to "help people." Many of the young officers I see, with their skin head hair cuts and racing gloves, look more like they want to bust some heads. Just a few days ago, we had a young Forks officer arrested for falsifying information in a DUI arrest. That's not helping people. Nazareth's own Officer Hummer, who also works in Forks, was involved in an accident in May. Drinking was involved. The officer who refused to cite him had to leave the force. Is that helping people? Officer Hummer, a few weeks ago, was ejected from Flurer's after being in a fight. Again, booze was involved. Is that helping people? The older officers all seem much better, but there's something off with the new crew. How about Vanessa, the full-timer involved in an accident involving injuries. She actually rear-ended someone. Is that helping people? <BR/><BR/>Now I realize you're probably a cop or the mayor or someone closely connected to them, so this may not work for you. But if you're not, do yourself a favor sometime and wave at a Nazareth cop. The younger ones will not even acknowledge you. That's the only police force around here in which I see that attitude. Is that helping people? No, something is seriously amiss. I actually feel sorry for the cops who have been around for awhile and who make Nazareth their home. They don't deserve to be sullied by the attitude of these other officers. Now I could keep my mouth shut and wait for something really big to blow up and watch all the officers get excoriated, ecen the good ones. Or I could open my mouth now, and say things are off. I choose to do the latter because I actually do care and want the cops that do help people to stay on the force. We should encourage those officers, and discourage others who curse at kids and get in barroom brawls. You say "let's put the blame where it belongs" and I agree completely. We don't need cops who have a bad attitude. They are lawsuits waiting to happen. That's why I opened my mouth. Detest me all you want. <BR/><BR/>4) I am sure that some of the 67% increase is entirely legit, and think the 1261% increase in OT for part-timers might also have some legitimate explanations. But I am also certain that much of it is illegitimate. There simply in no excuse for allowing officers to set their own schedules, especially when some of them have other businesses. That's just asking for trouble now, isn't it?<BR/>The mayor, who likes to call himself the admin chief of police, had assured borough council the acting chief was doing that job. He wasn't. And really, he shouldn't be put in that position. The mayor, who has an obligation to the citizens of Nazareth, should be doing that himself until a new chief is on board. Then you'll see those costs go down. <BR/><BR/>5) Just so you know, I spend a lot of time blogging, and have made practically no money doing so. My motivation is not political, but an abiding interest in transparent and accountable government. If I had political aspirations, the last thing I would do is blog. My goal is to improve our government. If what I say about the Nazareth PD opens some eyes, I will have served my purpose. If it does not, there will be more reports because I continue to hear stories.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-3130930558595815072007-07-14T22:39:00.000-04:002007-07-14T22:39:00.000-04:00what unauthorized stuff? You mean the equipment ne...what unauthorized stuff? You mean the equipment needed by new part- timers to perform their duties? Please provide a list. Also, you keep avoiding my comments regarding the inappropriate behaviors of many (not all) of the skateboarders towards people in the community. Let's put the blame where it belongs. Also, could the 67% increase in the past 5 years be due to Nazareth increasing the size of the police force. I notice that now there is more than one officer on patrol at a time, unlike in the past. And no, people are not drafted to become police officers, which is my point. Most officers choose their jobs because they WANT to help people, not because they have to.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-13008961823541795312007-07-14T22:15:00.000-04:002007-07-14T22:15:00.000-04:00Anon 10:08,Correct me if I'm wrong, but people don...Anon 10:08,<BR/><BR/>Correct me if I'm wrong, but people don't get drafted to become police officers. That's the life they choose. And no, they do not deserve a 67% increase in salaries over the past 5 years and should not be cursing at children or getting thrown out of bars. They should not be sticking the boro w/ a $1,300 bill for unauthorized stuff. <BR/><BR/>I have great respect for what they do, but that does not give them a license to pillage the boro. And they are not above the law.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-22224567169164811952007-07-14T22:08:00.001-04:002007-07-14T22:08:00.001-04:00Anon 9:44, 9:05,1) Hate to disappoint, but I never...Anon 9:44, 9:05,<BR/><BR/>1) Hate to disappoint, but I never entertained any political ambition.I do like to write, and I thiank you for your interest. Do me a favor and pass the word along to a few of your frineds. <BR/><BR/>2) I don't decide what to do or write based on whether people will "like me." So frankly, I don't give a shit what others think. I'm more interested in being right than being popular with the good 'ol boys. And in this instance, my facts are right. That's what's really bothering you. <BR/><BR/>3) Your mentality is very much like that which existed in Nazi Germany. You defend cops who think they can curse at kids and charge inncoent people, and who rip off taxpayers. It's that attitude which leads to totalitarianism. Having said that, I agree that the analogy to Nazi Germany is inappropriate for all the reasons you say, and I apologize for that reference. <BR/><BR/>4) Actually, many people gave me the info from which I wrote this post. These are not the idle rantings of one or two persons. I guess they must all be detested, too. I had plenty more than one source. When I write about Nazareth, I have to because there is a very dark and nasty authoritarian undercurrent that will always viciously attack me.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-42513520656487640732007-07-14T22:08:00.000-04:002007-07-14T22:08:00.000-04:00HOW NAZARETH P.D. SERVES AND PROTECTS: LISTEN UP- ...HOW NAZARETH P.D. SERVES AND PROTECTS: LISTEN UP- 1. They are always available 24/7, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, every holiday, weekend, every time of day and night 2. They mostly deal with undesirable people, e.g. scum of the earth such as druggies, DUI offenders, child molesters,batterers, etc. Hey, anyone want to apply? 3. They leave their families EVERY DAY to protect people they don't even know, and never know if they will return to their own families every night. Damn right these guys should get a good salary, if that was indeed the case. Hell, Bernie, you probably make more money and all you do is sit on your ass all day with your face jammed into a computer (and give people grief). Want to switch careers since you seem to have the answers to everything?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-1896089041287886362007-07-14T21:44:00.000-04:002007-07-14T21:44:00.000-04:00Just wanted to say im sorry about your failed poli...Just wanted to say im sorry about your failed political career. Its obvious this blog was the next best thing for you. But dont worry look at the bright side, seems to me nobody in Nazareth can stand you. Therefore you are just like a politician.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-91918084506813358462007-07-14T21:05:00.000-04:002007-07-14T21:05:00.000-04:00Skateboarders don't learn respect from the police ...Skateboarders don't learn respect from the police force- they learn it at home, first. If they weren't riding in front of cars, yelling at motorists, or skateboarding on private property, then there wouldn't be an issue in the first place. Any logical parent with a brain in their head wouldn't allow their children to do these things in the first place- it would simply be a non-issue for the police to even be involved. To say the police don't respect Nazareth is a load of crap. The "inside" person you received your "accurate" information from obviously is one who is anti- police and I think that most citizens of Nazareth already know who that is. Also, to liken the police force to Nazi Germany is in really poor taste and just outright disgusting. To compare the heinous acts of the Nazis against millions of innocent people to Nazareth P.D. is sick- but then again I guess we should consider the source.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-61156258424301544762007-07-14T20:36:00.000-04:002007-07-14T20:36:00.000-04:00Anon 4:48,I stand by every word I wrote in my post...Anon 4:48,<BR/><BR/>I stand by every word I wrote in my post. Sadly it is information from the inside. Supplies are missing. They have had to lock things, including a new color copier. Wages have gone up 67% over the past 5 years but not bc of the contract. It is becauise officers are allowed to write their own schedules. There is overtime for part-time opfficers, and that is up 1261% over last year. This is bc officers are writing their own scheduules and two of them have landscapaing businesses. I stand by every word I wrote about Chief Ruch and his funeral. Yes, he was respected, but the officers do not respect Nazareth. As far as skateboarders go, you don't teach kids anything by cursing at them or by arresting them when they've committed no crime. <BR/><BR/>No clue as to what I'm talking about? Sorry, dude, it is all too true.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-47991834506835138732007-07-14T16:48:00.000-04:002007-07-14T16:48:00.000-04:00i can't help but comment on the many, and I do mea...i can't help but comment on the many, and I do mean many, inaccurate "facts" you are poisoning the community with in regards to the police dept. First of all, a borough secretary denies any knowledge of supplies being stolen and there is NOTHING being locked up to prevent what you say is happening. <BR/>also, in regards to the skateboarding on private property- ANY MORON THAT HAS HALF A BRAIN AND CAN READ should know that their dumb asses are not wanted on that property, mostly because there is a big unwanted liability by the property owner. If that property owner requests that the police enforce their posting, then to me it is common sense that the police are doing what they have an obligation to do. Also, what are the parents of these skateboarders teaching their kids by allowing them to trespass where they don't belong? In regards to the supposed 67% in salary, if this is the case then obviously this had to be approved by the borough and is in the police contract. How are the police responsible for "ripping off" the taxpayers? Not to mention, since when do part timers get overtime? You obviously have no clue as to what you are talking about. In conclusion, this brings me to Chief Ruch. I know, for a fact that he was well respected and well liked by all the officers. He also has a great family, too. Those officers attended Chief Ruch"s services because they genuinely cared about him and his family- not to make a profit and overtime as you are accusing them of doing. P.S. What does a guy supporting his son's athletic accomplishments have to do with the kind of police officer he is? Maybe the skateboarders' parents should take a hint and learn a thing or two about the correct way to support their children and their accomplishments instead of supporting behavior unacceptable to the community.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-4805085490744936072007-07-13T22:38:00.000-04:002007-07-13T22:38:00.000-04:001) I know exactly what those "police officers" are...1) I know exactly what those "police officers" are doing and so do many others in town. <BR/><BR/>2) The skatepark was paid from impact fees assessed to developers. If not used it would have to go back to them. Noit a dime of taxes paid for this. <BR/><BR/>3) No, those cops can't speak any way they want. This happens to be the US, not Nazi Germany. <BR/><BR/>4) You don't teach kids to r-e-s-p-e-c-t yuou by cursing at them.<BR/><BR/>5) 1261% increase in OT for part-timers is OK? It is, if you're a cop. <BR/><BR/>6) 67% increase in police salaries over 5 years is ok? I guess, if you're a cop.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-60480427615886570882007-07-13T22:32:00.000-04:002007-07-13T22:32:00.000-04:00I just read your crap about the poor skateboarders...I just read your crap about the poor skateboarders. You really have no idea what the community of Nazareth puts up with when it comes to these monsters. They have no manners and are not taught any respect. As far as I'm concerned the police department can talk to them any way needed. These kids swear at drivers, won't move for drivers and have normal kids scared to be near them. Maybe their parents ought to start teaching them a little respect and then the police department won't have to be the parent for them. You talk about our police force raising our taxes, what do you think that skate park is doing to our taxes? At least our police force is worth the money. Police officers protect and serve, they have a very important job and should get a good pay.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-28944027166221612612007-07-11T23:12:00.000-04:002007-07-11T23:12:00.000-04:00Devon, My day is not complete without a compliment...Devon, <BR/><BR/>My day is not complete without a compliment like that. I'm glad you like my blog. Be sure to tell your friends. Some of them must know how to read. If they can't, I try and include some nice pictures.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-34428194086886100692007-07-11T13:36:00.000-04:002007-07-11T13:36:00.000-04:00They don't like me there, either.They don't like me there, either.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-9199196639998582612007-07-11T12:16:00.000-04:002007-07-11T12:16:00.000-04:00Bernie, If I had friends like you,I'd move to M...Bernie,<BR/> If I had friends like you,I'd move to Mexico.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-45837181489172686432007-07-10T22:57:00.000-04:002007-07-10T22:57:00.000-04:00Makin' friends all over...Makin' friends all over...Blah Societyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13140454713775283491noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-56659270268056954582007-07-10T21:41:00.000-04:002007-07-10T21:41:00.000-04:00Not to worry, LVDem. There;s a long list of people...Not to worry, LVDem. There;s a long list of people who'd love to do me a favor. Lamont McClure, Joe Long, Jolly Joe Timmer, Sam Bennett, Bernie Kieklak, Lisa Boscola, the editors of both papers, every single Northampton County judge, the state supremes and a host of others would rush to my defense. <BR/><BR/>In the meantime, I'm parking where they'll never find me -- in the skatepark!Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-39687208074134196042007-07-10T21:31:00.000-04:002007-07-10T21:31:00.000-04:00Hey Bernie, do you plan on driving through town an...Hey Bernie, do you plan on driving through town any time soon? I only ask b/c you are a traffic ticket waiting to happen. What's that, broken tail-light? Time to get that fixed. <BR/><BR/>And don't even think about busting out the bike. They'll find a way to get you there too.<BR/><BR/>Let us know if you need bailing out.LVDemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07359661408192860813noreply@blogger.com