No Glass Ceiling in Bethlehem Tp, Sez Female Manager

Santa Wright

Jackie Gilligan is the new Director at Bethlehem Township Community Center. I ran into her early Friday evening, when I was assigned to photograph kids making gingerbread houses. She was getting all the goodies ready, and I complained inappropriately that I got "stuck" with this gig.

"Stuck? Oh that's right. You cover politics and other boring stuff."

When she's right, she's right. I actually did have fun, but not as much as the kids and their parents participating in this annual tradition.

Well, Jackie will be happy to know that her name came up at the December 5 Commissioners' meeting, which involves politics and other boring stuff.

After a hiatus of about a year, feisty Santa Wright was there. She noted that the salary for the Director at the Community Center last year was $81,679, but now it's only $66,950.

"I know that the person who was the Director at the Community Center was a guy, and now it's a lady -

"That has nothing to do with where you're going," interrupted Mike Hudak,who happens to be a male, with a laugh.

"Let me finish my question," continued Wright. "It's 81% of the salary of a man who had the same job. It's a legitimate question. So I'd like to know why that is."

Manager Melissa Shafer, who happens to be a female, fielded this question. She said she did the interviews and that the salary is commensurate with Jackie's experience. She indicated that the person that Jackie replaced, Floyd Shaffer, had 30 years of experience running community centers and nonprofit agencies. This is a new role for Jackie. Shafer also indicated that Jackie lobbied for raises for the full-time employees at the time of her promotion.

I don't think Santa bought it. If Jackie's salary is still $66,950 after five years, I'll agree. Not now. But I love that she raised the question.

Bethlehem Tp Engineer To Survey Brodhead Rd Repairs

It's easy to tell where Hanover Tp ends and Bethlehem Tp begins on Broadhead Road. The Hanover Tp portions is nicely surfaced, but once you hit Bethlehem Tp where Brodhead Road intersects with Township Line Road, it becomes a lunar landscape for approximately 9,000 feet until it intersects with Route 191. At their March 21 meeting, Commissioners authorized Engineer Brian Dillman to complete a $30,000 survey on what he estimates to be a $3.1 million project, without any grants. He told the Board the road is in "deplorable condition."

This paving project will include curbing and 72 ADA ramps. He eliminated ornamental street lights and signalized pedestrian crossings,sidewalks and landscaping. Depending on weather and traffic, Dillman estimates the survey will be complete within two to three weeks.

Nolan noted there's money for the survey in the budget. It's unclear whether there is any money for actual construction.

Bethlehem Tp Comm'rs to Let the Public Speak

At their April 20 meeting, Bethlehem Township Commissioners unanimously decided against enacting a public comment policy that would have limited the right to speak to a five-minute time limit. It would also have restricted the public soapbox, called courtesy of the floor, to the beginning of a meeting or during a public hearing.

The public right to speak during municipal meetings is guaranteed by Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act, which is designed to make local government more transparent. That law specifically provides that open meetings are "vital to the enhancement and proper functioning of the democratic process." As stated by Judge Damon Keith, "Democracy dies behind closed doors."

Though the public has the right to speak, numerous boards throughout the Lehigh Valley impose time limits on speakers in order to keep meetings moving. Bethlehem Township Commissioners tabled a discussion on this limitation in September, but resurrected the issue recently after two meetings in which PennEast Pipeline opponents, most of them nonresidents, made lengthy and redundant presentations.

After a meeting in which ten residents spoke, Commissioners again decided to table the adoption of any public comment policy. It is a topic that was recently brought up at a debate.

"This is where we get our frustration out on you!" joked Martin Comer, himself a former Commissioner and a regular at every meeting. His thoughts were echoed by Bill Berry, another former Commissioner. "There's an issue of transparency in the Township," he warned. He added that, as a regular at meetings, he's seen no reason for a formal policy.

Micahel Hudak, a proponent of the policy, agreed with other Commissioners to table the matter, especially with an election less than a month away. But he defended the policy as a "fire extinguisher" that the President of the Board would invoke only when needed.

"Nobody's trying to stifle anybody," he assured everyone.

Tom Nolan, who previously spoke out against a formal public comment policy, stated it would "have more than a negative impact on our meetings."

BT Comm'rs To Review Green Pond Sketch Plans Tonight

Last month, before a packed house, Bethlehem Township's Planning Commission reviewed Tradition of America's (TOA) sketch plans for a senior housing development along Green Pond Road, next to a golf course. TOA was only seeking feedback, not approval. Planners and over 100 people obliged. They expressed concerns about traffic along back roads, stormwaters, emergency vehicle access along narrow roads in the community itself, and the ponding that occurs frequently along along the roadways separating the pond from a marshy area of wetlands that serves as a stopping point for numerous species of migratory birds. "We owe it to our kids to protect areas like that," noted prominent ornithologist Rick Wiltraut. Tonight, TOA will present its sketch plans again to the Board of Commissioners. But it appears that instead of talking, battle lines are being drawn.

No Trespassing Signs. - Green Pond owners have now posted their property with "no trespassing" signs, which will make it harder for bird photographers who sometimes don waders and go right into the wetlands. Owners are apparently angry about an engineering study performed some months ago under the direction of Jack Glagola. His property straddles both the pond and marsh, and he likes the birds more than TOA. According to Glagola, that analysis concludes that the wetlands area is acres larger than the 27,000 sq. ft. actually designated. Though TOA has proposed conserving 18 acres, Glagola argues that the wetlands extend into the lands planned for a senior living community. Instead of responding to these concerns, the place is plastered with signs.

Meeting Denied. - Glagola had sought a meeting with Township staff to discuss his study. Township staffers initially agreed, but that meeting was abruptly canceled. In fairness this could be because TOA and Green Pond should be included. I learned this information over the weekend, and had no chance to determine exactly why the meeting was canceled. Glagola has been told to make his concerns known during the public speaking portion of the meeting.

Public's Right to Be Heard. - Everyone, even nonresidents, have a right to be heard on any plan that could, if done wrong, result in an eco-disaster. But at the first meeting this month, President Marty Zawarski warned the public about addressing matters outside of courtesy of the floor, and even hinted that time limits might be imposed. Commissioner Michael Hudak, whose disdain for non-residents was made clear during the debates about Housenick Park, actually stated, "Open debate, commenting on other commenters, is counterproductive."

Open debate is kinda' the whole point in any democratic form of government.

Bulldogs Blitz Bethlehem Tp Comm'rs

The Bulldogs show their game faces. 

Not long ago, Commissioner Michael Hudak said it's time for the Bethlehem Township (BTAA) Bulldogs to "pay to play." They get $40,000 every year from the Township, which also spends $30,000 per year to mow the grass. In addition, $20,140 in field rental fees are provided at no charge. As a matter of fairness, he said it's time that the Bulldogs start paying for field use.

Tom Nolan

As might be expected, this lone Commissioner's comment attracted about 80 Bulldogs to the July 21 Commissioners' meeting. Their President, Jon Nicholas presented a petition signed by 79 residents in opposition to field rental. Nicholas explained that, if forced to pay for field use, the Athletic Ass'n would have to raise enrollment fees, cut programs or simply cease to exist.

Nicholas reminded Commissioners that the BTAA (Bethlehem Township Athletic Ass'n), first formed in 1968, serves over 1,500 children. Mindful  of the "economic diversity"within the Township, their goal is to make room for every child who wants to participate in their various programs, from softball to football. In addition to providing camaraderie and building life experiences, Nicholas argued that the Bulldogs are a "nucleus for the community to get together and get to know one another."

Vincent Spina, a former BTAA President, echoed Nicholas. He reminded Commissioners that, a few years ago, they reduced their annual contribution from $55,000 to $40,000. He said a field use fee "would be devastating for our organization."

Barry Roth

Jim Bailey, a gentle giant from Wagner Farms, confessed he loves to watch the kids play. He sees no bullying, but does see good sportsmanship. "Our money is well invested in support of programs like this," he reasoned noting that the $40,000 annual contribution amounts to just 0.0245% of the Township's $16 million budget.  

Hudak did find support for an increase from Recreation Board member Barry Roth. He said that, over the past 20 years, he's seen the Township provide an office for BTAA records. Commissioners spent $280,000 for athletic fields that were supposed to be a band shell, and then spent $300,000 for lights that are sometimes left on until 6 am. "These are little costs, but add up in the long run," he noted. He pointed to a Boy Scout and Girl Scout troop that lost a meeting place when the Township decided to rent the building to the County for a DUI center. "Start sharing," he recommended.

After everyone had spoken, Hudak stated that he doesn't make decisions to get elected. "I represent the majority of the people," he them declared, and added he's been inundated with calls from people who agree with him. "I don't think it's too much to ask to pay for field rental," he insisted.

But to fellow Commissioner Tom Nolan, it is. Noting that he's been a resident of the Township for 37 years and has been involved with the Bulldogs himself, he stressed that the BTAA "serves the residents and especially the children." He assured the audience this is no "done deal," and that he would oppose any fee increase. "I do not want to dismiss that program based on the dollar sign," he concluded.

Then Hudak backtracked a bit, saying he really just wants to get "an official policy in place for using the fields" but he would oppose any participation in formulating that policy from the BTAA. "That's our job," he asserted.

While Commissioner Phil Barnard never addressed the field use issue, he made a point at the end of the meeting to thank the members of the BTAA who came, praising the organization for its work.

Atiyehtown Candidate Files Late Disclosure

Bethlehem Tp today, tomorrow, the world. 

Mickey Thompson, a Bethlehem Township Commissioner candidate, filed his pre-election report late Friday afternoon, one week after it was due. Thompson is Abe Atiyeh's COO, and it's no secret that Atiyeh is trying to take over in Bethlehem Township. Abe already controls Commissioner Marty Zawarski, and has business relationships with him even though Atiyeh is in litigation against the Township. Atiyeh is also backing the Democrat and Republican candidates for incumbent Paul Weiss' seat.

Why would Thompson file a week late?

Atiyeh is fully funding the Thompson campaign. Mickey reports $4,987.17, with every penny coming from the developer who wants to rule in Bethlehem Township. There's no grass roots support from anyone else. Thompson's opponent, incumbent Michael Hudak, is no Prince Charming. But even he is preferable to one-man rule.

In addition to working for Atiyeh, Thompson also happens to be an attorney. He knows the law. Moreover, he follows politics closely. He claims he forgot to report publicly that his entire campaign is being funded by one person. Thompson has always been honest with me, but I'm having a tough time with that one.

His report was filed too late for the weekend papers. I suspect it's too late for an election day story, too. The lack of media scrutiny would be worth the $100 fine that was imposed on Thompson.

I only know about this because I happened to be in the elections office at the time, looking at 24-hour reports.

BT Comm'r Candidate Breslin Has Sordid Political Past

Paul Weiss, President of Bethlehem Township's Board of Commissioners, was bounced off the ballot in May's primary. Democrats selected Raymond Russin, while Republicans backed pat Breslin. Both are supported by developer Abe Atuiyeh, presenting a question whether they'll be representing him or the people.

Breslin, who once lived in Hellertown, was in 1996 an assistant treasurer on Bob Kilbanks' then Congressional race against Bethlehem Mayor Ken Smith and Easton attorneys Ed Smith (now a judge) and Jim Brose. This member of the Christian Coalition, was caught, red-handed, stealing campaign signs along Hwy 378 in the daytime. A Catholic priest - the late Father Jim Torpey - dimed him.

Though he denied it, Breslin was dismissed from Kilbanks' campaign.

Weiss is being urged to mount a write-in campaign.