Judge Dally Announces Formation of NorCo Drug Court

Judge Craig Dally

It's rare to hear a judge admit that, once the black robes are stripped away, he is as fallible as the rest of us. Yet that's precisely what Judge Craig Dally did yesterday. He provided Northampton County Council with an overview of problem-solving courts throughout Pennsylvania, including Northampton County. "We can do a better job than what we're doing today," he admitted.

Dally announced the establishment of a Drug Court in Northampton County, starting April 2. It's just in time, too because County Council voted to defund its treatment program at the jail this year. This will be a problem-solving court, very much like the Mental Health Court announced by District Attorney John Morganelli late last year. But there's a key difference. A Mental Health Court is a diversionary court in which charges can be dismissed without a conviction. The Drug Court, however, will apply to people who have already been convicted.

The Drug Court

Pennsylvania currently has 101 problem solving courts , with 17 in the planning stages. They cover domestic violence, veterans' issues, mental health, drugs prostitution and drunk driving. Their focus is something Judge Dally calls "restorative justice." Instead of focusing on the crime, the emphasis is placed on individual outcomes. The ultimate goal is to protect public health and safety, reduce the prison population and rate of re-entry, resulting in a more efficient use of tax dollars. It is limited to non-violent offenders who suffer from addiction.

Initially, participants in this program will be in court every week. During these periodic and nonadversarial reinforcement hearings, a judge might hand out a gift certificate to a restaurant instead of a jail sentence.

How does this help the county? According to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, the rate of re-entry, or recidivism, is only 27% for someone who has been graduated from a Drug Court. That compares to an average of between 60-80%. Based on an average sentence of six months, the County will save $16,200 per participant.

Judge Dally anticipates 25 participants at the onset, but the Court should become much larger. Court Administrator Jill Cicero stated that most of the parole and probation violators in jail are there because of drugs. Judge Dally added that many people with offenses like forgery or theft are committing those crimes because "their underlying issue is still drug addiction." Those offenders will be eligible for participation.

Hayden Phillips asked why this Court is unavailable for pre-conviction offenders. "You'll have to ask the District Attorney," responded Judge Dally, who indicated that the courts are open to participation by pre-conviction drug offenders. "We'll see how this goes," Judge Dally stated. "Perhaps the District Attorney will have a change of heart.

"This could mushroom very, very quickly," worried Glenn Geissinger. "We could be the victims of our own success," agreed Judge Dally. But he added that the Courts, as the gatekeepers of the program, can control the size.

Mental Health Court

Unlike the Drug Court, the Mental Health Court is similar to ARD, the program for first-time offenders who have charges dismissed after successful completion of a period of probation. The Mental Health Court requires that there be a direct correlation between a diagnosed mental illness and the criminal activity. According to Judge Dally, there is just one person in this program at this time.

Judge dally explained that both of these problem solving courts will exist only for those who seek it. "You can't be successfully treated unless you want to be treated," concluded Judge Dally.

Judge Dally Sides With DA in Spat With Stoffa

Judge Dally Decision on DA's Independent Authority

Marcia Hahn Poised to Win Two Elections for Dally's Seat

If you see former State Rep. Craig Dally, be sure to call him "Your Honor." He's been elevated to the judicial heavens, and sometimes I can see him, floating by from atop a cloud. He always waves at me.

"Hi Bernie."

"Hi Craig, I mean, Your Honor." At that point a thunderbolt flies up my ass.

Meanwhile, back on earth, ordinary mortals were confused about filling his seat. They decided on two, completely different, elections for the same seat. At the same time.

First, there's the special election. What makes it special is that voters elect someone only to serve out Craig's unexpired term. That only lasts until the end of the year. Party bosses, instead of the unwashed masses, get to pick the candidates for the special.

Second, there's a completely separate election for the next two year term. We still get a say in that one. There's a primary and general election and independents can get on the ballot and everything.

Still with me?

In the special race for Craig's seat, Dem party bosses picked Cory Miller, an unknown college student as their sacrificial lamb in a Republican district. The GOP elite liked Marcia Hahn, a seasoned state house staffer who worked both for Craig Dally and Len Gruppo. Naturally, she trounced hapless Miller with 76.2% in the special.

But that's only 'till the end of the year. What about the election for the two year term beginning in January? Hahn easily defeated Nick Sabatine (2768 - 1094) in the Republican primary. Her margin of victory is something of a surprise to me for two reasons: (1) GOP rank-and-file were upset at how she was selected as the Republican choice for the special election, against the wishes of a majority of the committee people in her district; and (2) she was a no-show at a candidates' night with Nick Sabatine.

OK, so Marcia has won the Republican side of the ticket, but what about the Democrats? Believe it or not, Democrat Cory Miller failed to garner enough valid signatures to get on the Democratic ballot. But Democrats did cast 662 write-in votes, so I figured he just got on the ballot that way.

I figured wrong. They're doing the official count over at the elections office. I've been informed confidentially that, with two or three precincts to go, the official count shows that Hahn has already captured over 400 Democratic write-ins.

She has apparently already won both elections. Isn't that special?

The Northampton Nine

The Northampton Nine.

That's the phrase Bethlehem Attorney Tom Maloney coined on Friday to describe Northampton County's new bench of nine judges. Maloney was one of the speakers at Craig Dally's formal induction as a judge in historic Courtroom #1, under the watchful eyes of about 350 people.

Everyone loved the baseball metaphor, including President Judge Kim McFadden. "I think we're gonna' run with that," she somberly declared. I don't know whether she plans fielding her team against the IronPigs, but if she does, those robes gotta' go.

Judge Emil Giordano, the bench's sole jock, had an observation of his own. "We're now five- four. Think about that!," the evil Republican said, before he began to laugh maniacally.

Afterwards, one of the judges told me that Giordano has it wrong. "It's actually four-four and one switch hitter."

Update: I've been contacted back channel by a former Lafayette football player who insists Judge Baratta is a jock, too, because he once played basketball for Lafayette and works out and everything. "I guess you missed the superb basketball game this past Saturday when Lafayette hung in there with Lehigh at Stabler until the final 5 minutes. You must have had your head somewhere where you could not see it on TV or the sunshine, for that matter." I did miss that game, but watched Notre Dame's 4th graders beat Lafayette on Friday.

Craig Dally: Here Comes da Judge

At 5 PM last night, my grandson was racing up and down a basketball court under the careful supervision of Judge Emil Giordano, who sacrifices countless hours coaching basketball and baseball. As I watched Giordano, I couldn't help thinking that he missed his calling. The kids obviously love the guy, and he seems to have a lot of fun with them.

Don't get me wrong. I'm glad he's a judge. His election was something of a surprise, but time has proved the voters right. His patience and compassion are rare qualities.

Last night, the voters made another good choice, electing Craig Dally to the bench. I've known him for years, and he has always displayed those rare qualities. He could even put up with me! Last night, I was one of about two hundred people in a bipartisan crowd that celebrated Craig Dally's victory at Nazareth's Holy Family Club. Even Judge Zito, who was just elected himself, dropped by to welcome a new member to Northampton County's bench.

This election was important to Criag, who actually began to tear up when he thanked everyone for their help. He told us that many years ago, he ran for Mayor in Pen Argyl, and lost by 74 votes. "Thank God I lost. I'd probably still be mayor of Pen Argyl."

Over the summer, he knocked on over 1,000 doors. And in the last two weeks, he personally called 2,300 Democratic households. That strategy seems to have paid off because some voters leaving the polls said that Dally's call is what persuaded them to give him their vote.

Craig promised "honesty and integrity." "It's what the people expect. It's what they deserve."

And in a veiled reference to State Senator Lisa Boscola's intrusion in this judicial race, where she posed for pictures with candidate Barb Hollenbach, Craig said this: "It's not who you stand next to, it's ehat you stand for."

Did Deegan and Dally Solve State Budget Crisis?

Last month, Express Times editor Jim Deegan slammed local legislators for their failure to do do anything about the annual state budget impasse.

"The legislators will hunch their shoulders, point fingers at the power-brokers and yammer about how they told the governor this or warned their caucus about that. Then they'll lament about how they're just as frustrated as you with the logjam in government."

When Deegan speaks, LV legislators listen. Last week, I told you about recent efforts to break the state budget logjam, being spearheaded by State Rep. Craig Dally. He is proposing that all 253 members of the state house meet and remain in continuous session, as a committee of the whole, giving the rank-and-file an opportunity where leaders have failed. In just one day, there were already 65 co-sponsors from both parties, including LV legislators Joe Brennan, Rich Grucela, Karen Beyer, Gary Day, Julie Harhart and Dough Reichley.

Craig tells The Tribune-Democrat that constituents are disgusted by this impasse, which hurts people who need help the most. "[T]hey expect us to have a say in the process." Joe Brennan has experienced much the same reaction from his District in Fountain Hill and South Bethlehem. "When I cut my grass on Sunday night, people ask me 'Why aren't you at work?'"

If Dally is able to get 102 co-sponsors, the House will be forced to take action. But amazingly, just one day after Dally's proposal, three of the legislature's four caucuses have agreed on a compromise $28 billion budget. Of course, the drama still unfolds. Governor Rendell is threatening a veto because it spends too little. House Republicans may refuse to override that veto because the deal spends too much.

Did Dally's threat spur this compromise? I suspect leaders are very aware that the rank-and-file is ready to revolt. But what really got them off their asses was Deegan's blog.

Dally Attempts to Break State Budget Bottleneck

Pennsylvania has the dubious distinction of being the only state in the nation with no budget. If you're a rank and file state representative with no leadership position, what can you do? Rep. Craig Dally answered that question today. He's proposing that the House meet daily and remain in continuous session, as a committee of the whole, until we finally have an appropriations bill.

Dally told me early this evening that he has over sixty co-sponsors from both parties, and is working to get to that magic number of 102, which will force the Speaker to take action. These included Lehigh Valley legislators like Joe Brennan, Rich Grucela, Karen Beyer, Gary Day, Julie Harhart and Dough Reichley. But legislators like Jenn Mann, Bob Freeman and Steve Samuelson had not yet signed on. I hope that changes tomorrow, and that people like Mann and Freeman are more interested their constituents than they are in keeping leadership positions.

In a news conference late this afternoon, which you can see on Dally's web page, Craig and numerous other state representatives explain their thinking.

“Once convened, the first order of business will be to resolve the House into a Committee of the Whole to prepare a bill to be enacted as the General Appropriations Act of 2009,” Dally said. “As elected members of the House of Representatives, we have the responsibility to our constituents to take the necessary action to pass a budget bill without further delay, and a Committee of the Whole is the best way to do that.

“Not only is the lack of a state budget an embarrassment to the Commonwealth, the stalemate is having an adverse effect on many children, families and taxpayers across the state,” Dally said.

Procedurally, there are a number of differences between the Committee of the Whole and regular House Session. The motions are restricted to limiting debate and to recommend and to rise. The Committee of the Whole cannot take any final action, and its power is limited to making a recommendation to the House, the same as any other committee.

Dally said a Committee of the Whole will give every House member the opportunity to step forward and express their frustration with the process and offer their solutions. It gives each member a voice.

“Under the temporary rule I am proposing, only the General Appropriations Act of 2009 can be considered. Votes on various budget proposals can be taken, but no record will be retained of the individual yeas and nays. When a budget proposal receives a majority vote, the full committee of the whole must 'rise and report' its work to the House. The House will then convene in regular session and vote on the General Appropriations Act of 2009, which is the work product generated by the Committee of the Whole.

“With Pennsylvania’s budget now late by more than 70 days, lawmakers are asked every day by the people who elected us: ‘What are you doing to get a state budget passed?’” Dally said.

“We recognize that the conference committee members have been using their best efforts in reaching a resolution, and their work is in no way impeded by this process. It allows a parallel process to be engaged with the ultimate goal being a General Fund budget.

“Passage of this resolution will allow rank-and-file members to be actively engaged in bringing this budget drama to an end,” said Dally.

Though unable to attend this afternoon's news conference, Rich Grucela claimed we need to "use every tool at our disposal to enact a budget.”

The failure to adopt a budget over the last 72 days is an indictment of the leadership of both houses of the legislature, as well as Governor Rendell. If they are unwilling to lead, or are too busy raising funds or golfing, perhaps the Committee of the Whole can recommend new leaders who are willing to do the job.

At the end of today's news conference, about ten state representatives asked reporters if they had questions. There was only one. When the camera panned to the reporter pool, I expected to see a crowd, but there was just one reporter.

Blogger's Note: The Resolution is called HR 460.

Here Comes Da Judge!

Northampton County judicial candidate Craig Dally dropped in on Congressman Charlie Dent's Nazareth town hall today. When Craig walked in, about an hour into the program, Charlie suddenly stopped and said, "All rise."

Dally Draws Some Democratic Support

To the Long Dems, it is a capital offense to so much as whisper a word of encouragement to one of them thar' dirty Republicans. John Stoffa, for example, was excommunicated because he dared appoint some Republicans to cabinet level positions. It makes no difference that Fiscal Affairs Director Vic Mazziotti has come up with ways to save Northampton County nearly $10 million annually. It matters not that Director of Administration John Conklin has implemented programs that save lives, like reverse 911 and pictometry (enables 911 dispatchers to tell people how to escape a burning building). They are evil Republicans, and Stoffa must be evil because he hired them. So Long Dems drum up someone to run against Stoffa and even give that person the local machine's endorsement.

It takes some moxie to go against the machine. But that's exactly what state rep. Joe Brennan and Bethlehem City Councilman Bob Donchez have done. These two Democrats are willing to support Craig Dally, a Republican, for judge. This certainly says something about Craig's unique qualifications for the bench. But it speaks volumes about Joe and Bob, both of whom are risking party wrath to do the right thing.

Update: My own state rep., Rich Grucela, has just informed me that he is yet another Democrat who endorses Republican Craig Dally for judge. He's participated in a mailer and has even taped robo calls for Craig. He also supports Judge Zito, a recent Republican convert, and Jim Narlesky.

Former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan Endorses Craig Dally For Northampton County Bench

On Friday, Northampton County judicial hopeful Craig Dally received the endorsement of former U.S. Attorney Pat Meehan, who himself is reportedly mulling over a bid for Ed Rendell's job. I actually met Pat, who was very nice to me even though my sneakers had holes. I was fortunately wearing my Penn State shirt, which saved the day.

Outside the courthouse steps, Meehan made very clear why integrity is needed on Northampton County's bench. "All we have to do is look a little farther up north, to Luzerne County, to see what can happen when people begin to lose faith in the institutions. We need to have people on our courts who are known for their judgment, for their temperament and for their ability to understand the communities that they represent."

Blogger John Micek's headline for this encounter, "Republican Endorses Another Republican," closes with "And then they hugged." Actually, it was the secret Republican handshake. Dally was going to show it to Micek, but I talked him out of it.

Craig Dally: Time to End "Pay to Play" Politics in Pennsylvania

Pay to play is so prevalent in the Keystone State that our abbreviation should be changed to PAY. You know things are pretty bad when state senator Vince Fumo's five-month public corruption trial takes a back seat to predatory Luzerne County judges. Modern day Fagins, they sent young Artful Dodgers into juvenile detention facilities and received hefty kickbacks for their trouble. Former state house Democratic whip Mike Veon is under indictment for Bonusgate, and current state house Democratic whip and payjacker Bill DeWeese likely will soon be Defendant DeWeese.

Like living near Chrin landfill, we eventually get used to the smell. Ann McHale wanted to infect Northampton County Council with Christian Perrucci, a Bethlehem attorney and playa' who has padded the campaign coffers (defense funds?) of both Veon ($4,000) and DeWeese ($1,000). I hear he's a nice guy. McHale failed. Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, who actually collects business cards from city vendors so he can later solicit campaign contributions from them, bristles at the suggestion of any ethical improptiety.

After all, he went to bible college.

This goes on at the gubernatorial level, too, except boatloads more money is involved. Get this. A Houston law firm just happens to cough up $91,100 for the Guv's coffers, and Rendell manages to find some way to award a no-bid contract to that very firm for some lawsuit against some drug manufacturer. At least Rendell makes no hypocritical bible college claim. He hopes the firm gets millions.

State Rep. Craig Dally (R-Northampton), a reformer, has had enough. His office issued a news release on Friday, and I am publishing it here in its entirety.


"A recent Wall Street Journal editorial, 'The State Lawsuit Racket -- A case study in the politician-trial lawyer partnership,' was especially troubling because the case occurred right here in Pennsylvania.

"The Journal described a motion by Janssen Pharmaceutical, a defendant in a torts case, that was seeking to invalidate a contingency fee contract signed by the Rendell administration. Janssen’s argument was based on the grounds that the contract was obtained by the law firm through corrupt means.

"The Philadelphia Inquirer also reported on the story detailing the relationship between the Texas law firm of Bailey, Perrin, Bailey and the Rendell administration.

"The editorial described the timing of more than $90,000 in campaign contributions to Gov. Ed Rendell’s 2006 re-election effort from F. Kenneth Bailey, founder of the law firm, as well as what can best be described as a sweetheart deal that the law firm secured from the state for its services in the case.

"The Bailey case is the most dramatic incident of what some might call 'pay-to-play' in Pennsylvania. During his six years in office, Rendell has taken advantage of a weak state law in order to give preferential consideration to campaign contributors and associates in his former law firm.

"Earlier this session, concerned about the appearance of a 'pay-to-play' system in Pennsylvania, I joined a group of House members in sponsoring legislation to reform state contracting procedures for all three branches of government. Now, more than ever, I believe the measures are essential to protect Pennsylvanians’ tax dollars.

"The bills we introduced aim to effectively end pay-to-play politics in Pennsylvania.

"The measure I sponsored, House Bill 384, would prevent exactly what happened in the Jansen case. It prohibits law firms from receiving more than $500,000 in state legal services contracts in any single year without open and competitive bidding. The law also forbids the Commonwealth and any of its agencies from entering into any contract with a law firm that allows for the payment to the firm to be based upon a contingent fee arrangement. This is the third session that I introduced the bill.

"Other bills in the package would:

"1) Ban any contract from being awarded to a person, partnership or corporation that donated to the campaign of a candidate for statewide or local office within one year of the date a contract is posted for public bidding. This includes contracts at the state, municipal, county or school district levels and any officeholder with discretionary control over contracts.
"2) Remove “legal services” from the definition of contracts that can be awarded by the governor under the emergency provisions of the Procurement Code. This should be restricted to natural disasters or extraordinary events.

"3) Require any extension of an existing state contract for services to be posted on the Department of General Services’ Web site for 10 business days before the contract is submitted to the attorney general for review of form and content in an effort to allow competitor bidders to indicate interest.

"4) Require any contract to be let by the executive branch or any legislative caucus with an initial value more than $100,000 to be subject to the Procurement Code and undergo competitive bidding and requires the awarding of contracts only to firms on an approved list of contractors.

"If the governor is serious about restoring the public’s trust in state government, he should come out in support of my efforts and others who have been trying to reform Harrisburg for years."

Blogger's Note: Dally's bill is in the state government committee. He has attracted twenty-two co-sponsors.

State Rep. Lamont McClure?

Popular State Rep. Craig Dally is an odds on favorite for one of three Northampton County judicial vacancies. If he wins, his house seat will be open. Though most of Craig's district consists of slate belt communities, a small portion is located in Bethlehem Township. Lamont McClure, a Northampton County Council member, just happens to live inside that tiny sliver.

I'm told McClure is already eyeing the land of midnight payraises.

Judge Dally's Campaign Kickoff a Big Success

Because I was at the circus (Northampton County Council) last night, I missed State Rep. Craig Dally's campaign kickoff for one of three Northampton County judicial vacancies. Fortunately for me, a lot of people who went later showed up at the circus, and they tell me the club was packed with several hundred supporters.

Craig was introduced by several people, including my own state representative, Rich Grucela. I am very proud to be represented by someone who places his personal beliefs above party loyalty. If all elected officials were like Rich, Craig and state representative Joe Brennan, things would actually be happening in the land of midnight payraises.

What qualifies Craig as a judge? After graduating from Villanova Law School, Dally has practiced law in Nazareth for 20 years, where he's a partner at Pierce & Dally, LLP. Before his election to the state house in 1996, Dally was the solicitor for the Borough of Pen Argyl, solicitor for the Zoning Hearing Boards of Wind Gap, Tatamy and Upper Nazareth Township and an Assistant Northampton County Solicitor. I can remember one time when I searched a title, plotted the description and was certain it was all wrong. Dally, who represented the owner, told me I was mistaken. Craig was right. Turns out he can plot a legal description, too, a rarity among attorneys.

In the community, Dally serves on the Board of Directors of the Nazareth YMCA, Moravian Hall Square Retirement Community, Two Rivers Health & Wellness Foundation and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

Why is he doing this? According to Craig, "The core function of government is personal and public safety and our court system is our last defense to preserving this right. You have my promise that as Judge, I will defend that right with every fiber of my being. As Judge, I will carry out my duties in the public interest with the same level of honesty, integrity and intensity that have been the hallmark of my public and private life.”

Craig Dally To Announce Judicial Bid in Nazareth Tonight

Back in December, I reported a rumor that popular State Rep. Craig Dally was considering one of three Northampton County judicial vacancies. Tonight, it will be official. He will kick off his campaign at the Holy Family Club, 515 Mauch Chunk Street, Nazareth, PA, 6:15 PM. He will be joined by friends, family and supporters. Everyone is welcome.

LVR Readers have rated Craig, who is also a Nazareth attorney, our fifth most effective local leader.

Once Craig announces, there will effectively be only one open seat. Dally and Judge Leonard Zito will easily win the other two. Candidates in contention for that one remaining seat include Northampton County Solicitor Karl Longenbach, Attorneys Sam Murray, Barb Hollenbach, and Candy Barr Heimbach. In addition, two mini-judges, Magistrates Jim Narlesky and Michael Koury, are both taking their third swing at becoming big boy judges.

Craig Dally to Announce Judicial Quest in Early March

Back in December, I reported a rumor that State Rep. Craig Dally was considering trading in his state house seat to don a black robe at the Northampton County Courthouse. It's now more than a rumor. Dally is circulating petitions and will announce his judicial quest for one of three vacancies in early March. He'll do it at Holy Family Social Club in Nazareth.

LVR Readers have rated Craig, who is also a Nazareth attorney, our fifth most effective local leader.

Once Craig announces, there will really be only one open seat. Dally and Zito will easily win the other two. Candidates in contention for that one remaining seat include Attorneys Sam Murray, Barb Hollenbach and Candy Barr Heimbach. Jim Narlesky, who had been courting Republicans until DA John Morganelli decided against running, is in the hunt for a third time. Magistrate Michael Koury may also be taking his third swing.

State Rep. Craig Dally Eyeing Northampton County Judgeship?

Republican State Rep. Craig Dally had no opponent last November when he asked voters to return him to his slate belt district. It was the same story two years before that. To be honest, I can't remember the last time anyone tried to run against this popular and extremely pleasant state house member, first elected in 1996. LVR Readers have rated Craig, who is also a Nazareth attorney, our fifth most effective local leader.

Inside sources tell me Dally has shifted his gaze from the land of midnight payraises to the People's Republic of Northampton County, where he is eyeing one of the three judicial openings that will be available next year.

If true, this race is over before it ever got started. Other attorneys thinking about a judgeship(and many of them are highly qualified), should hold off on buying black robes. The only real question: who will be top vote getter after John Morganelli - Lenny Zito or Craig Dally?

Dally, Grucela To Donate Pay Increase to Northampton County's Children

Capitol Ideas' John Micek is right. Today, state reps. Craig Dally (R-Northampton) and Richard Grucela (D-Northampton), announce their decision to contribute their 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to the Northampton County Children Youth and Families Division. Here's part of the news release.

“Rep. Dally and I agreed that at a time when many residents of Pennsylvania and Northampton County are facing unemployment or reduced employment it would not be proper to take the cost of living increase,” Grucela said.

Neither by law nor by Commonwealth Supreme Court ruling are lawmakers allowed to refuse the COLA. The legislators will, instead, write checks to the county children and youth office. The COLA is approximately $1,500 for each member.

“It is our opinion that these funds can be put to better use taking care of the children in Northampton County rather than returned to the state General Fund and spent at the governor’s discretion.” Dally said.

The funds will go into a special account to purchase counseling services for children and families. This area of purchased services has been particularly hard hit by the recent budget cutbacks.

“The Children, Youth and Families Division is very appreciative of the donation of funds from Representatives Dally and Grucela,” said Division Director Kevin E. Dolan. “These funds are vital during what are lean budget times. The goal of the counseling services is to keep children safe in their homes.”

The state’s current revenues are far below projections and cuts to state programs and services are likely in the current fiscal year.

Gov. Ed Rendell announced a wage freeze for more than 13,600 non-union employees and directed 51 cabinet and executive officials to donate back, after state and federal taxes, the net amount of a 2.8 percent cost-of-living increase mandated by a 1995 law.

Philly's Foreclosure Diversion Program Explained to State Reps Dally & Brennan

Last Monday, Northampton County Council member Lamont McClure conducted an informative meeting concerning the local impact of the nation's home foreclosure crisis. Interestingly, state house members Craig Dally and Joe Brennan met the very next day with Judge Annette Rizzo, who supervises Philly's Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Pilot Program.

Dally has been kind enough to send me some information that he and Joe obtained from Judge Rizzo, and I'll share it with you.

Here's how it works. When a foreclosure action is filed, the bank must indicate whether an owner-occupied property is involved, and if so, obtain a case management order scheduling a conciliation conference. Both the complaint and the conciliation order, scheduling a conference within sixty to ninety days, are then served on the homeowner. Before the conference, the homeowner meets with a housing counselor, who prepares a proposal for the lender.

Using this procedure, 1,540 cases have been scheduled for a conciliation conference. More than half of the eligible homeowners, 63%, participated. Of the 973 owners who have completed conciliation conferences, nearly half (490) have been able to save their homes.

Philly is using a large reservoir of pro bono attorneys to keep costs down.

State Rep. Dally to PPL: We Don't Need No Steenkin' Power Line

Rep. Craig Dally (R-Northampton) is a legislator whose gerrymandered district includes Bushkill and Moore Townships. Those two townships are in one of three possible paths being considered by PPL for a new, 150 mile long, high voltage power line extending from Berwick, PA to Roseland, NJ. Dally has told PPL to keep this power line out of the Lehigh Valley.

Here's part of Craig's letter.

PPL has identified three possible routes for this project. Route A begins at the PPL Electric Utilities switching station near Berwick and travels northeast through Luzerne and Lackawanna counties on a path of an existing 230-kV power line. The line then travels east through Lackawanna and Wayne counties primarily on the path of existing power lines before heading east-southeast through Pike County.

Route B begins at the PPL Electric Utilities switching station near Berwick and travels through Luzerne, Lackawanna and Wayne counties on the same power line rights of way as Route A. Route B separates from Route A at a point northeast of Lake Wallenpaupack and travels south through the Delaware State Forest on the path of an existing 230-kV power line.

Route C begins at the PPL Electric Utilities switching station near Berwick and travels south primarily on an existing future-use right of way through Luzerne and Schuylkill counties. The line then travels east primarily on future-use or existing transmission power line routes in Schuylkill and Lehigh counties. The line then moves east-northeast through Northampton County on the path of an existing power line.

As the State Representative for the 138th House District, I am writing to formally oppose proposed Route C. After reviewing the information concerning this Route, 1 believe that another option would be best in order to achieve the stated goals of PPL to improve electric service reliability and ensure that existing infrastructure is not overloaded. I believe that planning such an expansive project on "future-use right of ways" or "future-use transmission power line routes'' unnecessarily burdens the citizens of the 13 8th District while other options use existing power line rights of way.

Further, I have heard from many constituents who received PPL's notice concerning the Susquehanna-Roseland Power Line and they have encouraged me to express opposition to Route C based on potential environmental impacts, impacts on scenic and historical sites, existing land use, and plant and wildlife habitats. I believe that during the public comment period, these views will be echoed by many individuals.

I appreciate the need for PPL Electric Utilities to address the growing infrastructure needs of Pennsylvania's power network. I take you at your word when you say, "We understand that this kind of work can cause concerns for nearby residents. We are being extremely careful to balance the need to build this project with our responsibility to care for the environment and to minimize the impact on nearby residents." I believe that after the series of public input meetings concerning Route C, PPL will come to the same conclusion that I am advocating here - that Route C is not the best option for this project.

Five Lehigh Valley Legislators Demand Civil Discourse in Harrisburg

On Wednesday, June 27, I emailed thirteen members of the LV delegation to the state house and senate with one simple request. I asked them to condemn sexist and misogynistic comments made on this blog by state senator Lisa Boscola's chief of staff, Bernie Kieklak. Email went to senators Pat Browne, Jim Rhoades, Rob Wonderling, and representatives Karen Beyer, Jenn Mann, Joe Brennan, Doug Reichley, Steve Samuelson, Bob Freeman, Rich Grucela, Craig Dally, Julie Harhart and Carl Mantz. I was careful to send a copy of each email to Boscola. The text of my message is here.

This is budget season, which undoubtedly explains the severe weather and other strange occurrences as state legislators vainly try to solve our annual fiscal dilemma before darkness envelops us all. It's probably the worst time of the year to ask our Harrisburg team about anything else.

But amazingly, five of our state legislators have come through. They've found time to share their displeasure with Kieklak's comments. They also disagree strongly with Express Times Editor Joe Owens' assertion that Kieklak's brayings are typical of "what is said at every Harrisburg, Trenton and D.C. saloon within walking distance of bureaucratic fatcats." I thank them for being leaders and having the courage to speak out.

1) State representative Doug Reichley:

Thanks for your e-mail. As you probably saw, I was quoted in the Morning Call as stating the purported dismissal of Kieklak was warranted and "good riddance." However, I am unaware of what this Joe Owens person wrote or what he was trying to imply about how the legislators in Harrisburg talk amongst ourselves. I can tell you if he is trying to compare to what Kieklak wrote to how we speak, he is dead wrong.

I will talk to other Republican House members about a public response, but I did note last week in speaking with Charlie Dent that if Kieklak's comments were anti-African American or anti-Semitic, I don't think Sen. Boscola could have weathered the storm this easily. For some reason, there seems to be a double standard in place.

2) State representative Karen Beyer

Thank you for emailing me. I wanted you to know that I believe the comments made by Sen. Boscola's Chief of Staff were outrageous and disgusting. Additionally, you should know that I believe those kinds of comments should never be tolerated under any circumstances.

3) State representative Jenn Mann:

I am surprised that you would even think anyone would find those comments appropriate or acceptable, regardless of their profession. I don’t see this particular occurrence having anything to do with the rest of our delegation, but if your confidence in elected officials is confirmed by me saying so, I don’t, nor would members of my staff be comfortable or find those comments acceptable or appropriate.

Feel free to call me next time.

4) State representative Joe Brennan:

Needless to say, I have been extremely busy with our budget process and negotiations. I wanted to take a moment to reply to your correspondence about the unfortunate and repugnant comments made by Bernie Kieklak. While I don’t agree with you that what he said reflects poorly on the Lehigh Valley Delegation, I want to be clear that I do not agree with, nor would I condone vicious verbal attacks by my staff. Each of us fortunate to be entrusted by our respective electorate to represent their interest in Harrisburg is responsible for their own votes as well as their staffing decisions. Many times I’ve seen elected officials take credit for situations that they had little or nothing to do with. Likewise, I’ve seen many shoulder the blame for situations that are out of their control.

I also do not agree with Joe Owens that it is the norm for those kinds of statements to be common occurrences in and around Harrisburg, Trenton or DC. I would challenge Joe or anyone else who covers government to cite specific examples. The discussions that I have been involved in Harrisburg, 11 years as a staffer and 6 months as a Representative, have been very civil and policy oriented.

5) State representative Craig Dally: Craig responded to my email with a telephone call last night. As far as Bernie Kieklak's remarks are concerned, Craig tells me, "I couldn't even dream up comments like that." He also claims Joe Owens assertion about state legislators is "absolutely as far from the truth as you can get." And he gives me a good reason. The Lehigh Valley's ten house members consist of five Dems and five Republicans. They have to work together because that's what the people expect and because otherwise, the Lehigh Valley will be shortchanged in Harrisburg. For that reasons, members are civil with each other even when there are honest disagreements.