tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post9042129720499553287..comments2024-03-29T06:25:49.797-04:00Comments on Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Tony Phillips & Marc Grammes: Let Lou Speak!Bernie O'Harehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-20911013950213246122009-03-26T11:02:00.000-04:002009-03-26T11:02:00.000-04:00" something seems fishy when the state legislature..." something seems fishy when the state legislature will force a law on municipalities and not on itself."<BR/><BR/>It's done all the time at state and federal congressional levels. labor laws, anti-discrimination laws and all so many more are enacted to the exclusion of congress. That's their standard operating procedure. Does that make government at the state a federal level responsive to the wishes of the people.. no?<BR/><BR/>So I suppose people are a bit more tenacious to try and hang on to what little they may have left at the local level. I'm sure many of us at one time or another tried to contact a federal congressman and got stuck with their staff's lack of responsiveness. Hence most of us are quite discouraged and sensitive to the lack of input.<BR/><BR/>I for one... am still waiting (4 years) for Specter's office efforts (after numerous calls) in attempt to settle my mother-in-law's estate through State Banking commission violations (by a local bank) that they are required by law to respond to in 60 days!<BR/><BR/>Further... Years ago I read Hillary's entire Healthcare proposal. Sent my email specific objections to the Clinton Whitehouse. In return I got a thank you for your support in machined email... WTF!!!<BR/><BR/>So you see we all have in some way in some time or another been ignored. So I suppose this pushes a hot button for many of us. In-so-much of the fact when government even smells of being none responsive. Perhaps we're all beating up on one guy... but there's a whole lot of frustration out here.LVCIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09034343739402945565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-64380942385157226562009-03-26T00:28:00.000-04:002009-03-26T00:28:00.000-04:00ISOLATE, PERSONALIZE, ATTACKSol Alinsky or whateve...ISOLATE, PERSONALIZE, ATTACK<BR/><BR/>Sol Alinsky or whatever his stupid name is.<BR/><BR/>Got me a copy of the playbook, too, now. So does everybody else.<BR/><BR/>OBAMA KNOWS ALL ABOUT IT AND SO DO HIS DISCIPLES (whoops, I meant stupid disciples)<BR/><BR/>DONOVAN = WANNABE OBAMA on the local level<BR/><BR/>Isn't that right councilman?IRONPIGPENhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02365978849801514233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-90531218070261881952009-03-25T21:24:00.000-04:002009-03-25T21:24:00.000-04:00Michael, I don't think I or anyone else called you...Michael, I don't think I or anyone else called you a <EM>"monster in disguise."</EM> I did say your use of the term "Councilor" in referring to yourself is a tad ostentatious here in the LV. I also claimed I've lost all my respect for you on council, but am glad that does not bother you. I was worried. <BR/><BR/>The reality is that, despite your protests, you are not the person you presented yourself to be. You can't have civility w/o respect and you clearly have no respect for people who wish to be heard. You have no respect for city workers bc you endorse some cabal of unelected campaign contributors to meet in secvret and review their jobs. Only you know whether you're really a phony, but that's the impression I'm getting. <BR/><BR/>As far as enjoying the criticism is concerned, I'm deligthed to hear that.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-55248299356071586652009-03-25T21:13:00.000-04:002009-03-25T21:13:00.000-04:00To all:I stand by my opinion. I really do not car...To all:<BR/><BR/>I stand by my opinion. I really do not care whether Mr. O'Hare has lost respect for me, and quite frankly, something seems fishy when the state legislature will force a law on municipalities and not on itself. Doesn't that seem strange? Certainly, not in the tradition of the New England town meeting, is it?<BR/><BR/>From what I understand, it is not the first time laws are forced on municipalities and not on the legislature.<BR/><BR/>Also, I have good, consistent reasons for saying candidates, all candidates, should not speak on anything except what specifically is on the agenda. Some people may not agree, but so be it. My reasoning is my own. I can say that because when I was told that I could not speak during my candidacy, I thought that was a reasonable rule and accepted it. I did not change because of "political pressure."<BR/><BR/>And, this evening at the Budget and Finance Committee, we had an agenda item on strategy for the committee to consider. Mr. Hershman spoke (I am chair). I had no qualms about him speaking because it was an agenda item. I would have allowed any candidate to speak. Mr. Hershman offered a very good idea that Mr. D'Amore, Mr. Phillips, and myself thought should be pursued.<BR/><BR/>AND, I did not allow him speak because Mr. O'Hare lost respect for me. It was an agenda item on which to speak.<BR/><BR/>FINALLY, I really don't care if people think that somehow I am a monster in disguise. I know who I am, what I stand for, and how I reason out difficult issues. <BR/><BR/>If people do not want to vote for me next time, that is their choice. I still will do the best possible job for as many people as possible, while still in office. I especially focus on what is best for the people of Allentown, not those beyond the borders of Allentown, unless they own property here.<BR/><BR/>Best regards, and shoot away, folks, especially you, Bernie. I enjoy it.<BR/><BR/>Michael Donovan <BR/><BR/>ps...such fun.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-4425406927570287332009-03-25T20:50:00.000-04:002009-03-25T20:50:00.000-04:00WhetherVain,Very well put, and with a tad more com...WhetherVain,<BR/><BR/>Very well put, and with a tad more compassion than I can muster at the moment. But you are right to put it exactly as you did. I am extremely disappointed in Donovan because I feel it is completely contrary to the way he represented himself. Frankly, I am learning more from people outside of government than he seems willing to share, as will be clear tomorrow.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-69367512146821620012009-03-25T20:40:00.000-04:002009-03-25T20:40:00.000-04:00Awww, geez.(Directed at Mr. Donovan)I met you (cha...Awww, geez.<BR/><BR/>(Directed at Mr. Donovan)<BR/><BR/>I met you (chased after you, really, after you rang my doorbell and I initially missed you) back when you were taking your solo walks through various neighborhoods as you sought this council position. We chatted a bit and after we parted, you appeared to be just a guy who was trying to make a difference as a public servant. I thought, GOOD FOR YOU and wished you well.<BR/><BR/>After reading this whole thing here, methinks you just probably got caught up in (and relied upon) some impressions/influences that might have rubbed off on you from contact within the political arena (i.e. <I>that Hershman guy is a known heva-hava, ignore him</I>, etc. etc. etc.) You may have succumbed to this influence which has caused this false step bruhaha you find yourself in now.<BR/><BR/>My advice: own up to this incident (in that it really wasn't your best call) and lessen the fallout. After all that's been presented here and your stated desire for good & open government, you can learn from this and redeem yourself.<BR/><BR/>If you're the sincere fella I met who came off as someone who just wants to do his part in helping our fair city, then "repent" <I>and sin no more</I>.<BR/><BR/>I'm rootin' for ya, Mike. We need good folks on council and I still think you have it in you to do what you set out to do...leave our city in better shape than you found it...while respecting everyone's right to be heard.WhetherVainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15591437786942071192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-53307181633673032702009-03-25T18:19:00.000-04:002009-03-25T18:19:00.000-04:00MM -Realize this - he seems "responsive", but he i...MM -<BR/><BR/>Realize this - he seems "responsive", but he is a fake. <BR/><BR/>He wants to APPEAR concerned and open-minded. In reality, he is notAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-64865510642188328362009-03-25T14:11:00.000-04:002009-03-25T14:11:00.000-04:00I forgot to mention the 'concerned citizens' are t...I forgot to mention the 'concerned citizens' are the conservative group behind "Hillary, the movie'Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-41390368434259786312009-03-25T13:27:00.000-04:002009-03-25T13:27:00.000-04:00CatsGawtmwyTwongue, Yeah, and it's for our own goo...CatsGawtmwyTwongue, <BR/><BR/>Yeah, and it's for our own good, too.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-2495100465961808712009-03-25T13:26:00.000-04:002009-03-25T13:26:00.000-04:00Anon 1:00, Does it make you feel good to launch an...Anon 1:00, Does it make you feel good to launch an anonymous attack like that? The topic here is the gag rule, not your political disdain.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-10516328097121551752009-03-25T13:24:00.000-04:002009-03-25T13:24:00.000-04:00MM, Fair enough. He is open enough to tell us he b...MM, Fair enough. He is open enough to tell us he believes in exclusion.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-33825784880009260912009-03-25T13:22:00.000-04:002009-03-25T13:22:00.000-04:00imagine that.. freedom of speach being limited by ...imagine that.. freedom of speach being limited by Gov't... no bias here eeh?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-73637902311772205362009-03-25T13:11:00.000-04:002009-03-25T13:11:00.000-04:00in fairness to michael donovan, as a long time obs...in fairness to michael donovan, as a long time observer of allentown city council, he ranks right up there with the most accessible and responsive council members we have had, from either party.michael molovinskyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12581039755319742687noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-89796876301736016322009-03-25T13:00:00.000-04:002009-03-25T13:00:00.000-04:00Hershman can't risk campaigning. Once people meet ...Hershman can't risk campaigning. Once people meet him, they are repelled by him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-51447354182245944622009-03-25T11:48:00.000-04:002009-03-25T11:48:00.000-04:00"As an aside on your campaign contributions posts ...<EM>"As an aside on your campaign contributions posts - I heard on NPR that a group called Concerned Citizens are trying to show that the McCain-Feingold law is unconstitutional, so candidates would NOT have to reveal their donors."</EM><BR/><BR/>That's interesting. I can't think of anything more important than actual disclosure. Most of those who oppose limits on contributions will still readily concede that it is important that people know who is funding this political speech.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-76492792905251827642009-03-25T11:18:00.000-04:002009-03-25T11:18:00.000-04:00Thank you Bernie.Thank you Bernie.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-5274021341844245222009-03-25T10:37:00.000-04:002009-03-25T10:37:00.000-04:00Anon 9:54,I will mention this next time I speak to...Anon 9:54,<BR/><BR/>I will mention this next time I speak to Tony or Ken. I am not part of his campaign, but think contact info is a good idea.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-16004769302388631072009-03-25T10:20:00.000-04:002009-03-25T10:20:00.000-04:00You can be interested in Governmentand find out wh...You can be interested in Government<BR/>and find out what went on at the meetings without attending. I'm not saying he doesn't have a vaild complaint, he does. It's ridiculous that they didn't let him speak. However if I were the candidate I would be out campaigning. It's just a more intelligent use of his time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-59213886258151705652009-03-25T09:54:00.001-04:002009-03-25T09:54:00.001-04:00Bernie,If you see Tony Phillips, maybe you would ...Bernie,<BR/>If you see Tony Phillips, maybe you would suggest he put a contact phone no. and mailing address on his candidacy<BR/>website so residents may reach him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-46617373786063620632009-03-25T09:54:00.000-04:002009-03-25T09:54:00.000-04:00"I'm sure Donovan will be driven to perform hari-k...<EM>"I'm sure Donovan will be driven to perform hari-kari now that you have pulled another of your great switcheroos and lost respect for him."</EM><BR/><BR/>I haven't pulled anything. One of my driving philosophies is OPEN & ACCOUNTABLE government. Donovan claimed he was interested in that, too. He's not. He stands for the status quo but just uses terms like "ethical relativism" and "consequentialism" to snow people. I have lost my respect for him. I'm sure that means nothing to him, but it means something to me.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-48906349171357152982009-03-25T09:51:00.000-04:002009-03-25T09:51:00.000-04:00"hershman is wasting his time going to the meeting...<EM>"hershman is wasting his time going to the meeting instead of campaigning."</EM><BR/><BR/>Depends. If Hershman is actually interested in government, he should attend the meetings. <BR/><BR/><EM>"He needs to stop whining"</EM><BR/><BR/>Insisting on a right of public participation is not considered whining unless you're sitting on the dais, looking at your watch.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-51462119833236747342009-03-25T09:25:00.000-04:002009-03-25T09:25:00.000-04:00I'm sure Donovan will be driven to perform hari-ka...I'm sure Donovan will be driven to perform hari-kari now that you have pulled another of your great switcheroos and lost respect for him. He might even be on the roof of City hall at this moment, contemplating ending his life, now that you have abandoned him, O lord of the blogs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-12545069118348965312009-03-25T09:23:00.000-04:002009-03-25T09:23:00.000-04:00As I said yesterday hershman is wasting his time g...As I said yesterday hershman is wasting his time going to the meeting instead of campaigning. If he doesn't know what the issues are after all these years in government he doesn't deserve to be elected. He needs to stop whining and work on getting elected.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-52110008900775827992009-03-25T08:58:00.000-04:002009-03-25T08:58:00.000-04:00The Sunshine Act permits a body to place time limi...The Sunshine Act permits a body to place time limits on speakers. I have no problem with that. I do have a problem with denying the rioght to speak at all, which is what A-town city counciul has done. <BR/><BR/>I thank Dennis Pearson for providing some of the historical context. If he is right, then this rule was politically motivated from its inception. <BR/><BR/>I have also lost most of my respect for Donovan, even though he is not the chair. His ridiculous defense is insulting and belittles the public right to speak. It is contrary to the very "inclusion" he pretends to espouse. This, combined with his seal of approval on an unelected group of campaign contributors who will meet behind closed doors to decide which city workers to lay off, is the antithesis of transparent government.Bernie O'Harehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13756311150988957401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9299655.post-23451944853927857912009-03-25T08:41:00.000-04:002009-03-25T08:41:00.000-04:00In regards to the 3 minute rule - have you been to...In regards to the 3 minute rule - have you been to any public meetings? True, it forces major distillation of points, but if you let people have unlimited time they will ramble and meander and waste a ton of time. I would think a 5-7 minute limit might be more flexible. <BR/><BR/>As an aside on your campaign contributions posts - I heard on NPR that a group called Concerned Citizens are trying to show that the McCain-Feingold law is unconstitutional, so candidates would NOT have to reveal their donors.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com