NorCo Council: Wallace Concedes to O'Donnell

Bill Wallace

On Tuesday, I told you that Tom O'Donnell squeaked by Bill Wallace in the race for fifth place for five Democratic nominations to at-large seats on Northampton County Council. The official tally has O'Donnell ahead by 21 votes.

Rather than seek a re-count, Wallace has conceded. "I will be redoubling my efforts with the Northampton County Democrats and helping to elect the entire slate – John Callahan for County Executive, Deb Hunter, Ron Heckman, Jerry Seyfried, Christen Borso and Tom O’Donnell for County Council. I also look forward to winning a full term on the Wilson Area School Board."

Wallace, a partisan Democrat, won the Republican nomination to Wilson School Board. He'll be opposed by John Cusick, a partisan Republican, who won the Democratic nomination.

Only in Northampton County.

Let me add here that O'Donnell is a terrible choice. He is misinformed, sees bogeymen everywhere and gave a rambling speech at the last Council meeting that nobody understood. A former Chairman of the Lower Nazareth Supervisors, he likes to tell everyone he's a certified fraud examiner. But he never mentions he was fired as a state auditor in 1988 for conducting Township business on the state's dime. He appealed that ruling, and it's unclear to me how that matter ended. O'Donnell was an unsuccessful County Council candidate in 2001.

Nobody interested in good government can in good conscience vote for that guy.

Bill Wallace: Government is Good

Bill Wallace (R) with State Rep Steve Samuelsen at Bethlehem's Labor Day parade 

Pennridge School District teacher Bill Wallace has failed in two previous bids for Northampton County Council. In 2008, he also lost out to Jerry Seyfried on an appointment to a Council vacancy. He then ran for the state senate in 2010, and was handily defeated by Bob Mensch. He did briefly serve on the Wilson School Board as an appointee. He's now trying, for the third time, for a seat on County Council. He is one of
eight Democrats seeking the nomination to one of five at-large seats. Seven Republicans, including incumbent Peg Ferraro, are also running.

At a recent speech to Easton area Democrats (VIDEO HERE), Wallace points out that he is a "life long Democrat who has served the Democratic Party at many levels," including a stint as Chair of the Upper Bucks County Democratic Committee.

Wallace claimed that he is a candidate who will stand up to the onslaught of tea party extremists, who frankly scare even Republican mainstreamers.

"We need a candidate ... who's going to stand up and deliver a message that government is good; that services are important; that we value everybody in our society, not just an elite few."

But good or not, Wallace hesitated when former Council member Ladd Siftar asked him whether he would be willing to revisit a bi-county health department. "We need to get out own house in order," said Wallace, claiming that the revitalization of Easton has more priority to him.

Wallace is also a frequent attendee of Council meetings.

William Wallace to Take Third Swing at NorCo Council Seat

Bill Wallace (right) poses with State Rep. Steve Samuelson
before Bethlehem Labor Day parade

Bill Wallace won't be getting Edward Longshank's vote. Wallace is not the same dude who fought for Scottish freedom so many years ago. He looks nothing like Mel Gibson, either. But I'm certain the name alone would be enough to rouse Edward I from his dusty crypt and dispatch a few longbows. So don't say anything about this in England. Wallace, a Fine Arts teacher in the Pennridge School District, is making his third bid for Northampton County Council. He's hoping the third time is the charm.

Unlike Braveheart, who fought so dirty he used the Irish, Wallace has run clean campaigns in his previous tries for public office. Maybe that's his problem.

Here's the Easton resident's announcement:

With the support of my family, friends and Democrats across Northampton County, I am officially declaring my candidacy for Northampton County Council.

We have seen great changes in the last few years in Northampton County politics. One of the most remarkable is the increased cooperation and effectiveness on the part of the Council and the Executive. However, as this election year progresses, the people of Northampton County will be making significant decisions as to which direction we will move in. I would like to be a part of this momentous change.

We are on the brink of renewed vigor in our economy. Already, there are plans in action to rebuild and revitalize the cities of Bethlehem and Easton. There are plans for key developments in boroughs and townships across the County that will add thousands of jobs in our region. I support the revitalization and improvement of county infrastructure that will address and accommodate the effect these changes will have on the people of Northampton County. Timely, cost effective and improved solutions for our deteriorating Human Services facilities need to be addressed.

At the same time, County Council must be aware of the changes that will be coming and do our best to anticipate the growth coming to our county. We should be continuing to support the fine work of our District Attorney, keep our courthouse and offices safe and secure, and insure our employees have up to date technology and facilities. We must accept the leadership and vision of our county executive now and in the future, yet at the same time; I will provide the people of this county my own insight and perspective.

I believe that we should give our DA and law enforcement across the county the advantage over violent criminals with modern technology and information. I want to ensure the safety of our County Sheriffs and local officers while on duty through ongoing updates and revisions in information sharing, and further limiting access to illegal guns.

As our society changes, so must our laws and policies. Northampton County needs to be inclusive in recognizing modern families and address the needs of our employees. I will introduce and support equality legislation and policies in Northampton County. I will work to support gender equality in pay and in representation in senior levels of county government.

I support prevailing wage laws and all the economic benefits that result from them. I will support extending them to cover as many projects as possible. This will ensure that our most competent, skilled workers and their employers are able to compete fairly.

I believe that we now have the opportunity to address, in a dignified way, the root causes of crime and criminal behavior. Creating the Drug and Alcohol incarceration facility was a great first step. Not until we admit that chemical dependency is a medical issue can we improve the lives of everyone affected – families, friends and neighbors.

That’s why I am asking for your vote on May 21, and again in November. I look forward to running a open and honest campaign and serving the people. That’s why I am running for Northampton County Council.