tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post4417534932491909001..comments2024-03-28T20:55:25.057-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: The "A" Team Visits NorCo CouncilBernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-11762310969013090342014-09-13T00:29:57.684-04:002014-09-13T00:29:57.684-04:00"He's hooked on Hitler"
I'm sur..."He's hooked on Hitler"<br /><br />I'm sure he is, look who he hangs out with.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-28559639931140530152014-09-07T19:38:27.222-04:002014-09-07T19:38:27.222-04:00And your name is? You are quick to condemn others ...And your name is? You are quick to condemn others but don't think we should notice you don't ID yourself. Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-61446617337171897782014-09-07T19:34:16.001-04:002014-09-07T19:34:16.001-04:00The problem with Ron Angle is he has treated so ma...The problem with Ron Angle is he has treated so many people so badly for so long. No one really thinks much of him or his opinions. Due to his money and vindictive behavior most will not confront him. He has always been a mean spirited and vindictive man. Much of the feelings about Stoffa came form his very close collaboration with Angle.<br /><br />Stoffa was always quick to complain about the words and deeds of people but gave Angle a pass because it suited him politically.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-55837954221518619052014-09-07T10:39:14.745-04:002014-09-07T10:39:14.745-04:00What the fuck are you talking about? Angle at most...What the fuck are you talking about? Angle at most has one pension worth about three cents per month. Stoffa has two and deserves two for the time he spent at two counties. Are you suggesting that people have be pensions? You can condemn defined benefit, but not the people who are entitled to some kind of retirement benefit.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-7159484718704745392014-09-07T04:04:37.092-04:002014-09-07T04:04:37.092-04:00He certainly devoted his life to numerous public ...He certainly devoted his life to numerous public pensions, that for sure.<br /><br />Highest paid cabinet heads of any county executive, yet he demanded givebacks by some employees.<br /><br />His motto was, ":God helps those who help themselves to public money".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-58247279330313098692014-09-06T23:50:49.191-04:002014-09-06T23:50:49.191-04:00Self-aggrandizing pricks who can back up what they...Self-aggrandizing pricks who can back up what they say, have may reSpect, whether it is the Seahawks' Sherman or Angle. You, on the other hand, are reduced to anonymous comments on a Saturday night at 9 pm. I hate to break it to you, but nobody gives a shit what anonymous cowards think. Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-88627707028288721402014-09-06T21:06:17.586-04:002014-09-06T21:06:17.586-04:00I liked Bill Whites article. I also like that Bill...I liked Bill Whites article. I also like that Bill still has Angle's number and calls him out for the self agrandizi8ng prick that he is.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-58004974428704325102014-09-06T12:54:23.005-04:002014-09-06T12:54:23.005-04:00Make fun of Lamont McClure all you want but he wil...Make fun of Lamont McClure all you want but he will probably be the next county executive. Even if Brown can clean up the Stoffa mess, Brown is a one termer.<br /><br />Also Brown will not raise taxes to cover the butts of Stoffa and Angle. How dare they. When did Angle ever vote to raise taxes?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-63719193108759977762014-09-06T11:19:26.875-04:002014-09-06T11:19:26.875-04:00Saw Bill White's column. He described the A-ho...Saw Bill White's column. He described the A-hole team pretty effectively.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-63405330583409419902014-09-06T03:10:09.463-04:002014-09-06T03:10:09.463-04:00More like the "A"(hole) tram.More like the "A"(hole) tram.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-39678930076537213092014-09-05T19:11:16.202-04:002014-09-05T19:11:16.202-04:00The persons who pissed that away are Lamont McClur...The persons who pissed that away are Lamont McClure and Steve Barron, Cheech and Chong. It is those two who called it a "slush find" and McClure penned an op-ed about it. Angle was voted out of office,but fought against depleting what he called the seed corn. Though Stoffa agreed with Angle, he was unable to find five Council members willing to ignore Cheech and Chong.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-39874113119500256892014-09-05T18:59:23.324-04:002014-09-05T18:59:23.324-04:00Stoffa and Angle pissed away a $60 million surplu...Stoffa and Angle pissed away a $60 million surplus and they are giving advice. Now that is rich.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-56710832222794888512014-09-05T18:09:59.106-04:002014-09-05T18:09:59.106-04:00LOL at the micromanaging comment. That is what ALL...LOL at the micromanaging comment. That is what ALL elected Boards do and try to do even though they claim to not. The old saying of "Don't piss down my back and tell me its raining" comes to mind whenever dealing with ANY politician!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-82155684044054226812014-09-05T17:59:02.075-04:002014-09-05T17:59:02.075-04:00In the original Admin Code, Council had oversight ...In the original Admin Code, Council had oversight over contracts that exceeded $1 million. That was reduced to $100,000 in 2005 after a Controller's audit noted inconsistencies. When we drop it down to $10,000, that's micro-managing. <br /><br />http://articles.mcall.com/2005-05-20/news/3604857_1_contracts-bond-money-new-law<br /><br />Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-87493368948252747402014-09-05T17:50:54.629-04:002014-09-05T17:50:54.629-04:00"If you're doing a good job, you don'...<br />"If you're doing a good job, you don't need a public relations specialist. Let the people decide whether he's doing a good job."<br /><br />Agree.<br /><br />Re, lowering the $100,000 threshold to $10,000, was the 100k figure in the original 1978 admin code or by latter amendment? While I think the Sahl contract is a waste of money by Brown, is lowering it to 10k overkill in micromanaging? What would 100k--10k for that matter--in 1978 dollars be today?Lighthousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05346747286241817118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-54218969783834797052014-09-05T15:53:17.703-04:002014-09-05T15:53:17.703-04:00It is not a consultant but a private manager, and ...It is not a consultant but a private manager, and council has already ignored most of his recommendations. We will soon be paying $10 million per year of our $85 million in tax revenue to keep a nursing home afloat. Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-81860794544274043262014-09-05T15:45:49.351-04:002014-09-05T15:45:49.351-04:00Angle and Stoffa were not only flawed messengers t...Angle and Stoffa were not only flawed messengers they were flawed leaders. Their family can post all the fawning reviews they want. Gracedale always had a contribution. Also they worked to run it into the ground to make their point. If the county follows the advice of the consultant and gets it to the right size Gracedale will be just fine.<br /><br />Still a sham playing to the hatred of caring for people. Angle and Stoffa have no class and love to play "I told you so" even when they were wrong.<br /><br />To bad their ego's won't allow them to stay away.<br /><br />Two angry old men who are not missed.<br /><br />Shame on Angle for making fun of Mr. Barron's weight. This from a confirmed anti-Semite and bigot.<br /><br />They are finally gone and you still do puff pieces about them. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-46533863875652422152014-09-05T14:52:49.479-04:002014-09-05T14:52:49.479-04:00Whether the turnout was low or high is of no impor...Whether the turnout was low or high is of no import. The voters spoke. I believe in majority rule.<br /><br />My observations of Gracedale workers are undeniably anecdotal. But the $2.5 million in benefits that AFSCME gave back is a reality. So is the current four-star rating on quality of care. There are few nursing homes that can make that claim. <br /><br />As for the mistreatment of John Stoffa, that was not AFSCME. That was a small band I call the Gracedale Goons. People like Jack D'Alessandro, MaryAnn Schmoyer and a few others. Had we waited and given people time to see through their lies, we would have picked up more votes. But Gracedale is near and dear to many people's hearts. They want it to stay county-owned, and are willing to pick up the tab. I respect their sentiments, and the County is trying hard to make it work. It will always be a drain on finances, but in some minds, is worth it. Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-34897771139228444992014-09-05T14:40:45.882-04:002014-09-05T14:40:45.882-04:00I respect the Gracedale vote. But I also understa...I respect the Gracedale vote. But I also understand it came amid nearly historic low turnout in an off-off year primary election. Gracedale's ratings are consistently below private entities. Your anecdotal observations don't square with years of consistently poor ratings amid consistently higher ones for private homes where patients are better treated. And AFSCME's vicious treatment of the honorable John Stoffa was unmitigated evil. They'll need to give back a lot more to offset the cruel burden they've placed upon the 99% of county seniors who aren't in Gracedale and are struggling to pay for AFSCME. I don't expect Gracedale will be sold anytime soon. The county will continue to ignore a host of other necessities because of Gracedale's financial drag. Gracedale and AFSCME are why the county can't have nice things.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-16987476783599756862014-09-05T13:39:55.859-04:002014-09-05T13:39:55.859-04:00First, the people have spoken. A majority of North...First, the people have spoken. A majority of Northampto County voters decided against selling Gracedael. I respect majority rule. Second, your statement about the quality of care at Gracedale is simply untrue. I saw myself how much the employees care for the residents. The evil AFSCME made big concessions in an attempt to make the facility work. Also, the feds have upped the rating for quality of care to four stars. Very few nursing homes, public or private, can boast that rating.<br /><br />Let me add that if you think Gracedale needs to be sold, you need to do a little more than posting inaccurate comments anonymously on a blog. Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-91011492812203911132014-09-05T11:30:03.221-04:002014-09-05T11:30:03.221-04:00AFSCME would sell their grannies into slavery if t...AFSCME would sell their grannies into slavery if they could grab a few more bucks. AFSCME sees the elderly as a bargaining chip. Gracedale will continue to provide far worse care than private homes and it will cost taxpayers increasing tens of millions in the years to come. The county isn't running a nursing home. It's running a budget-busting, subsidized union jobs program for people who provide consistently poor care to our county's elderly. Most of the county's elderly are on fixed incomes; trying to pay their taxes, and don't reside at Gracedale. AFSCME is pure evil.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-71529722078686142912014-09-05T11:21:30.624-04:002014-09-05T11:21:30.624-04:00" Unfortunately the were flawed messengers an...<em>" Unfortunately the were flawed messengers and were outfoxed by AFSCME."</em><br /><br />Yes, in hindsight, those of us who advocated the sale should have given people more time to learn about it and dispel all the rumors being spread. We rushed, but that was because that was a good climate for a sale. That climate does not exist now. The county will never get that kind of offer ever again. Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-60363220470162676862014-09-05T11:14:43.025-04:002014-09-05T11:14:43.025-04:00ron angle knows what he's talking about and in...ron angle knows what he's talking about and in my view has a love for the county like no one else I've ever met ... he has my respect !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-38224334447492120572014-09-05T11:09:52.098-04:002014-09-05T11:09:52.098-04:00Barron is a buffoon and a toadie for McClueless an...Barron is a buffoon and a toadie for McClueless and Kraft. His appearance is laughingly rehearsed. It is like calling Charlie Brown off the bench to fall over when Lucy pulls the football away. He usually makes a fool of himself. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-48708870482051259842014-09-05T11:03:31.382-04:002014-09-05T11:03:31.382-04:00McClure and Barron hate these guys because Stoffa ...McClure and Barron hate these guys because Stoffa and Angle see through them. By now, Brown sees through those two as well. McClure always uses Barron as his "expert" on whatever point he wants to make, although Barron is so dumb he sometimes screws it up, as he did last night. He as called to claim, as an expert on health care plans - he's an expert on lots of things - that the health care plan offered to county employees is not a Cadillac plan. But after answering a fw questions from Geissinger, he was saying it might be a Cadillac plan. I'm sure he got a tongue lashing when he met McClure and Kraft at the Blue for their post-meeting cocktail. <br /><br />Anyone, as Barro n made his way to the podium, Angle said, "There they go, Cheech and Chong."Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.com