Hansell Vetoes $5 Million Jobs Cut in Lehigh County

LC Exec Bill Hansell

Despite the lack of power, Lehigh County Executive Bill Hansell convened a news conference on November 1 to announce his veto of a budget amendment approved by a divided, 5-4, Board of Commissioners late last month. Their amendment slashed $5 million from the budget by reducing compensation to the County's workforce. Hansell blasted this jobs cut as "an unnecessary threat made against a work force that is already well under the number of employees that Lehigh County had twenty years ago." He added this cut "serves only to demoralize our staff with threats of furloughs, layoffs and terminations."

In addition to the veto, Hansell reduced non-personnel expenses by $3.5 million from what was contained in his original budget, which he called a compromise to a budget amendment that proposed $5 million.

Supporting Hansell at this news conference were Lehigh County Commissioners Percy Dougherty, David Jones, Dan McCarthy and Brad Osborne. With this support, it appears unlikely that Commissioners will be able to muster the six votes needed to override Hansell.

Also joining Hansell were numerous County officials, from Republican DA Jim Martin to Democratic Sheriff Ron Rossi.

Commissioner Lisa Scheller, part of the five-member coalition who supported a $5 million reduction in employee compensation, filmed part of the news conference and walked out, shaking her head.

District Attorney Jim Martin noted that last month's budget amendment instilled fear of layoffs or pay cuts in the approximately 45 employees under his supervision. "I can tell you that none of them deserve that," he remarked. "They work very diligently and hard on behalf of all of the citizens. He called the $5 million jobs cut, which translates to 100 employees, as unnecessary. "It was not a thoughtful approach," he argued. "If we can't prosecute cases, we can't fulfill our obligations." He commended the "political courage" of the four Commissioners who stood with Hansell

One of these, Dr. Percy Dougherty, a Republican, stated he is now a "marked man," referring to next year's election. A geologist by education, Dr. Dougherty described the budget process in lyrical terms. "The dark clouds that we saw on the horizon weren't the hurricane coming. It was budget season, and it hit us with a flurry, probably more so than the hurricane," he waxed.

Daugherty explained that he supported Hansell's veto because it includes $3.5 million in cuts to non-personnel expenditures. This will still guarantee a $44 reduction to each taxpayer, as was contained in the budget amendment approved by five Commissioners as well as the original budget proposed by Hansell.

Fellow Republican Brad Osborne, who chairs the Board, agreed that the $3.5 million in non-personnel cuts "begins the process of closing the structural imbalance between revenue and expenses in a sustainable way."

Democrat Dan McCarthy, like Dr. Dougherty, also referred to the recent storm. "When you have catastrophes like this, people want government," he stated. "It does have a valid role to play in our society." He complained that the $5 million jobs cut would rob Lehigh County residents of the very people needed to react to crises like Hurricane Sandy. Fellow Democrat David Jones called the indiscriminate jobs cut too much of a "blunt approach."

Commissioners are scheduled to vote on overriding the veto at their November 14 meeting.

The Commissioners who support the $5 million jobs cut are Vic Mazziotti, Scott Ott, Michael Schware, Tom Creighton and Lisa Scheller. Executive Hansell claimed that only Creighton honored his multiple requests for a meeting, although this was disputed by other Commissioners who complained they were not invited to the news conference.

Will Dan McCarthy Take Cunningham's Job?

Dan McCarthy

Now that Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham has been tapped to head up the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC), who will take over the reins in Lehigh County? Under that County's Home Rule Charter, Cunningham's successor must be, like him, a Democrat. Commissioners get first shot at making the appointment. But if they fail, it goes to the courts.

It's certainly possible that a Republican Commissioner like Scott Ott, who ran for the job and was narrowly defeated, could switch parties. But it's also highly unlikely.

I've been told that Commissioner Dan McCarthy, a Democrat, is interested in serving on an interim basis. I have been unable to speak to Dan so I don't know if this is true.

Who should Commissioners pick?

Grammes' Family Supports McCarthy For Judge

Former Lehigh County Comm'r Marc Grammes, and his family, will be voting for Dan McCarthy for judge on Tuesday. Here's why.

Dear friends,

If you drive by our house, you will see a Dan McCarthy for Judge sign. Please allow me tell you a little bit about Dan and why our family is supporting him. Dan is a FAIR and HONEST man of HIGH INTEGRITY who is the ONLY candidate rated WELL QUALIFIED by the Bar Association of Lehigh County to serve as Judge, people who know Dan AND his opponent. As a veteran and a father of a decorated combat hospital corpsman in the war in Afghanistan, I support Dan in his efforts to establish a Veterans' court to deal with the special situations that our veterans face. Dan has built a sterling reputation as an accomplished attorney and an involved citizen and community volunteer. His deep understanding of the law has helped countless families, small businesses and community causes. HE SHARES OUR VALUES! In addition to being a practicing lawyer, Dan is now in his 10th year serving the people of Lehigh County as a County Commissioner. We spent countless hours together trying to find ways to create a better Lehigh County. He was selected to oversee our Board as Vice Chairman. In a climate of political partisanship, Dan's mature judgment was and is a breath of fresh air. He has over 35 years as a successful local attorney building his reputation for fairness RIGHT HERE in Lehigh County..NOT Harrisburg. Please join my family and I next Tuesday in our support of Dan and vote for DAN McCARTHY for Lehigh County Judge of Common Pleas.

Sincerely,
Marc, Liz, Tim, John, Joe, and Laura Grammes

Dan McCarthy Believes His Experience Makes the Difference

I asked Lehigh County Commissioner Dan McCarthy, who's running for judge, why voters should choose him over Doug Reichley.

Well, it goes down to experience, Bernie. Essentially, I've been a practicing attorney for more than 35 years. I've had a lot of clients. I've had a lot of cases, and I represent a lot of causes.

The experience I have is very broad - civil, criminal, orphans' court, municipal, all areas of the law. It is that kind of experience, that I have, that I believe distinguishes me from my opponent, who's been a full-time legislator for 9 years.

He's been well-known in his District. Many of the people in his District, though, are our good friends and neighbors from Berks County. My constituency has been Lehigh County.

I'm working part-time for the citizens of Lehigh County now. I'd like to ask my employers to permit me to work for them full-time and be a judge, a good judge, a fair judge, and take my experience and knowledge of the community and do a good job there.

Why Marc Grammes Supports Dan McCarthy

Former Lehigh County Commissioner Marc Grammes, a Republican, explains why he is supporting Dan McCarthy, the sole Democrat in a four-way Lehigh County judicial race.

"As many of you know, tomorrow is an election day here in Lehigh County. We are all busy, and the weather will probably be less than pleasant. In fact our mailboxes and answering machines are filled to the brim with various communications from candidates urging us to vote for them for this office or that. I am amazed at the amount of money people are spending to win our vote. I would much rather have someone come up to me and shake my hand, and tell me a little about themselves. It's a lasting impression that most of us would take to the voting booth, in sharp contrast to the mail items which I guess are supposed to get us angry enough to vote against someone.

"One man on the ballot tomorrow is different. His name is Dan McCarthy. He is a friend of mine, and he is running for Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas Judge. Dan is the type of man who would humbly shake your hand and ask you for the honor of your vote. He won't blast his opponents with negatives. Instead, he he is the type of man who would be honored to earn your vote.

"The qualities we look for in a judge are simple. We want someone who is experienced, qualified, fair , honest, and hardworking. Dan McCarthy fits this bill on all counts. During his 35 years of practicing law, Dan has experience in civil, criminal and family law.He has tried and won cases in the Supreme Court fo the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. He has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He is indeed the most experienced and uniquely qualified of all the candidates.

"Dan has earned the respect of his colleagues, constituents, Judges, Democrats , Republicans...and me. He has been rated "Well Qualified" to be a Judge by the Bar Association of Lehigh County. In fact, he is President Elect of the Bar Association.

"Dan has served honorably as a Lehigh County Commissioner since 2002. When many of you elected me to serve as a Commissioner back in 2003, Dan was one of the first to lend me a hand and show me the ropes. He was ALWAYS a voice of reason I could turn to in troubled times. He was a staunch supporter of the efforts to restore Leaser Lake, create the Asher Boyer Eagle Trail, save the Lehigh Valley Zoo, and fund the Northern Lehigh Community Center. He was there for us all the way.

"Another thing which sets Dan apart from his opponents is his ability to recognize a need in the community. Recognizing the many difficulties and unique situations which our veterans encounter upon return from military service, dan seeks to establish a Veteran's Court. My son Tim is a veteran of the War in Afghanistan. Many of his friends are still serving over there. The difficulties are many. Leave it to Dan to support such a worthy cause. Things like this make me proud to know this man.

"Well, I've talked enough. I only hope that you come out and vote for Dan McCarthy tomorrow. The polls are open for 7AM to *PM. He is on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. A veterans court...you have a chance to make that happen. You have a chance to make a difference. Please join me and come out to vote for Dan McCarthy tomorrow, Tuesday ,May 17th. Feel free and please do pass this on to you friends. You can visit his website at DanMcCarthyforJudge.com . Please join me and my family in support of Dan."

Three Law Enforcement Groups Back Reichley Judicial Bid

Lehigh County judicial candidate Doug Reichley, a former assistant DA in Lehigh County and Philadelphia, has garnered the endorsement of three law enorcement organizations.

Harry R. Dannehower, III, President, FOP Lodge 40, Joseph J. Haggerty Memorial Lodge: "We are confident Doug Reichley will continue to work to ensure the safety and well-being of those who live and work in the Lehigh Valley. We offer our support and voice as he seeks to become a Judge in Lehigh County. We are proud to announce the endorsement of Doug Reichley.”

Bruce A. Edwards, President, PA State Troopers Association: “Your experience as an Assistant District Attorney in Lehigh and Philadelphia counties, your years of service in the Pennsylvania House of Representative as a leading advocate for criminal justice legislation and your strong work ethic are qualities important to our members. I am privileged to inform you that our members have unanimously endorsed your candidacy for election as judge … .”

Gene Hatcher, President, Le-Hampton FOP Lodge 35. “Doug’s past and present contribution to our community, as a former Assistant District Attorney and current Legislator, have served the citizens of Lehigh County well. Therefore, FOP Lodge 35 FOP strongly recommends Doug Reichley for Judge.”

Reichley, of course, is “extremely proud to have earned the support of these respected law enforcement organizations, and am happy to have worked with our police to serve and protect the people of Lehigh County.”

Reichley is running for the seat being vacated by Judge William Platt. Lehigh County Commissioner Dan McCarthy, Assistant DA A. Renee Smith and Melissa Pavlack are seeking that judgeship as well. All four candidates have cross-filed.

Reichley Gets BiPartisan Support of House Judiciary Co-Chairs

“In our many years of working together as chairs of the House Judiciary Committee, we have had the privilege of working with some of the sharpest legal minds in our Commonwealth. Few have the legal acumen Doug possesses, and we believe his vast knowledge of the law, gained over many years, renders him uniquely qualified for the bench.”

Those are the words of Pennsylvania State House Judiciary Committee Republican Chairman Ron Marsico (R-105) and Democratic Chairman Thomas R. Caltagirone (D-127), who have just endorsed Doug Reichley's bid for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Lehigh County.

When Reichley sent me this bi-partisan endorsement, I teased that maybe they're just trying to get rid of him. But the truth is that Reichley is an experienced and accomplished attorney for nearly twenty years.

As a Lehigh County Assistant District Attorney for 11 years, he earned a reputation as a tough but fair prosecutor. He argued nearly seventy jury trials to verdict, including more than eight homicide cases, placing numerous dangerous criminals behind bars for life.

So if you think that Reichley is unqualified for this position because he is a State Rep who has little time for the courtroom, think again.

Reichley has some serious competition from Commissioner Dan McCarthy, Assistant DA A. Renee Smith and Melissa Pavlack. All four candidates have cross-filed.

Dean Browning, Dan McCarthy to Lead Lehigh County Comm'rs

At the very start of last night's reorganization of Lehigh County Comm'rs, Chairman Percy Dougherty made clear he's "had enough." He's ably served as Chair for the past four years, and much of the collegiality and good humor is a direct result of his influence. It's the finest legislative body I've ever seen. But Dougherty noted that "the time has come" for a new Chairman.

Ironically, the person he nominated - Dean Browning - is a reluctant volunteer. Back in November, Browning stated the Board needs a "Chairman who has substantially more time to devote to the position than I do. As a result, I’m not interested in the position of Chair for 2010." That was then, when there was still hope that Dougherty would rule the roost.

Given Dean's perfect attendance record at Commissioner and committee meetings, as well as his even disposition, he's a natural successor. But Andy Roman, whose attendance record at committee hearings is just 56%, felt he could be a better check and balance, at least when he's there. So he got Davey Jones, who has a 47% attendance record to nominate him.

And that's where the support ended.

Browning garnered support from the other six Commissioners, largely because they know he'll work. Gloria Hamm, in her own delicate way, pointedly noted, "The two candidates have very different attendance records."

After Browning's election, Hamm nominated Democrat Dan McCarthy as Vice Chair while Glenn Eckhart proposed Andy Roman again. But it was not Roman's night.

McCarthy captured six votes, including republican Dean Browning and Percy Dougherty. Browning argued that Barack Obama had forgotten his promise to transcend political parties once he was elected. Lehigh County republicans could do that, too. They could say, "We won, it's going to be our way, but that will not serve the citizens of Lehigh County. A bipartisan approach is needed to solve problems. We have not done that the last two years. It's time for a different approach."

McCarthy, incidentally, has an attendance record that rivals Browning. In this instance, the workhorses beat the showhorses.

Republican Comm'rs Vulnerable in Lehigh County

Lehigh County's nine-member Board of Commissioners is its legislative branch, empowered by Lehigh County's Home Rule Charter to enact the county equivalent of laws. They also hold the purse strings. With a five to four Republican edge, a swing of just one seat could change the balance of power. Four legislators are elected "at large," i.e. countywide. The rest, elected from a specific geographic area, are called "District Commissioners." This year, voters in each district will decide whether to keep or dump its five district representatives.

Sterling H. Raber (R, District 1). - This is the only real open seat. Lehigh County's quiet man, Raber is one of the most well-respected government officials in the Lehigh Valley. But after twenty-seven years, this New Tripoli pig farmer is packing it in. Another dignified former commissioner, Marc Grammes, is reportedly interested. I am unaware of any Democratic interest in this seat, which would be an uphill battle.

Percy H. Dougherty (R, District 2). - Dr. Dougherty has ably chaired Lehigh County's Board at least six times and is a very large part of the reason why the Commissioners work so well together. His bipartisan approach to government and quirky sense of humor are a refreshing change of pace. I'm used to having Northampton County Council members like Dertinger scream at me during or after meetings, so it's very unusual for me to attend a meeting in which elected officials actually try to get along and in which the chair is very interested in public input.

Incredibly, Dr. Dougherty may be facing a primary challenge from a Republican who thinks Daugherty is just too damn accommodating. Youthful East Penn School Director Mark Prinzinger, incensed that Commissioners actually adopted a budget, has hopefully come to his senses.

David S. Jones Sr. (D, appt.; District 3). - When Kurt Derr suddenly resigned last year, Rev. Jones was appointed in March to replace him. He is the Lehigh Valley's first county-level legislator. Lehigh County's Republican-dominated commissioners selected a strong Democrat who will be hard to beat, and that was their intention. Republican Robert E. Smith, Jr., President of Allentown's school board, is supposedly interested in playing the role of Don Quixote.

Daniel K. McCarthy (D, District 4). - Solicitor to Allentown Parking Authority and regular Pawlowski contributor, McCarthy is finishing his second term in a heavily Democratic district. Mike Welsch is reportedly interested in going after this "pay to play" pol. Last Fall, Welsch embarrassed state rep. Jenn Mann in a televised debate over Allentown's crime problem. He also bluntly but accurately told The Morning Call there was no point in meeting its editorial board for an endorsement. Voters did not hear his message. I doubt they'll hear it now.

Glenn Eckhart (R, District 5). - When Lehigh County Commissioners threw up a temporary roadblock to Don Cunningham's community policing proposal, the normally affable exec was steamed, not over the defeat, but because he felt that Eckhart had gone back on his word. Then Eckhart petulantly mixed it up with Allentown City Council Prez Mike D'Amore, resulting in an Eckhart pledge to boycott all Allentown businesses.

Eckhart, whose district now has a 9% Democratic edge, is in trouble. His seat is vulnerable, and with it the balance of power in Lehigh County.