Pa CD-7: Both GOP Candidates Pledge Allegiance to Flag ... and Trump

Marty Nothstein (L) and Dean Browning (R)

Last night, Republicans Dean Browning and Marty Nothstein participated in their one and only debate at Palmer Tp's Brown and Lynch American Legion before about 100 angry Republicans fueled by free meatballs and soft drinks (booze was available, but these are Republicans) First, they all solemnly participated in a heartfelt prayer from Bob Kilbanks, who really whipped himself into a frenzy. After that, the mood was still somber as the Pledge of Allegiance was piously recited by outdoorsman Teg Hughes, who humanely traps and removes skunks and other vermin for businesses and schools. (He never got me).  A 21-gun salute had also been planned, but had to be canceled when it dawned on organizers that the audience might mistake it as an attack from Mexico and respond by blasting away with the guns that each and every one of them was secretly carrying.What followed was a night in which both Browning and Nothstein took turns repeating another kind of Pledge of Allegiance, except this one was to Donald Trump.

Sharbell Koorie (Daddy's Place) was the DJ

My impression is that Browning was more polished and prepared than Nothstein. For example, Nothstein was unable to say what legislative initiatives he'd propose if he won, explaining that he's concentrating on getting elected first  It's bizarre that someone would run for the legislature and have no idea what measures he'd like to promote when he gets there. But Nothstein won the debate. He was better at going for the throat than Browning and had better one-liners.

Believe it or not, stark differences between these two candidates emerged during a lightning round conducted by GOP Chair Lee Snover. I suspect this is an idea she stole from the NextGen America debate conducted a few weeks earlier by the Democrats. Asked to name country music stars, Nothstein rattled off a few names. Browning was stumped. This drew some gasps. That's almost as bad as taking the knee during the national anthem. This continued when Nothstein said he went to Emmaus High School, while Browning mentioned one in Ohio. What really did Browning in was where he gets his coffee. Nothstein said wherever he could, while Browning answered Starbucks. Brown and Lynch nearly lynched Browning after that response. Nothstein got Ron Angle's vote and a few laughs when he said his favorite talk show host is Ron Angle.

His Eminence, Ron Angle, was my
bodyguard (photo stolen from Ed White) 

Nothstein's competitive fire erupted at times during the debate. Right off the bat, he corrected a moderator who mispronounced his name, in a touch of arrogance  That hurt him a little. But he nailed Browning later, when candidates were permitted to question each other.

Browning, in negative mailers, has repeatedly associated Nothstein with Wayne Woodman. Wayne is a gazillionaire and a Republican who has low regard  for Donald Trump and never supported him. Browning noted that 20% of Nothstein's money comes from Woodman family members. He asked why Nothstein would take this money from someone who despises The Donald.

Nothstein answered that he and Woodman have many differences, and Trump is one of them. But, as he explained, "You're running against me, not Wayne Woodman."  He called attempts to tie him to Woodman "guilt by association." "My opponent has Wayne on the brain," he said to laughter.

Browning and Woodman have been enemies for years, and I suspect this colored Browning's judgment. He really does have Wayne on the brain.

The meatballs flowed freely

When it was Nothstein's turn to question Browning, he hammered him. He noted that Browning has contributed significant sums to moderate Republicans over the years. People like John Boehner, John McCain, Mitch McConnell and Charlie Dent. "How can you say you're going to drain the swamp when you feed the swamp?" he asked.

"I haven't given to Dent in some time," answered Browning.

"2016?" Nothstein continued, noting that Dent has received $20,000 from Browning over the years.

All Browning could say at this point was that he is "extremely disappointed" in Dent.

Browning also fell flat at another point in the debate, when he accused Nothstein of  "going around in circles, like in a bicycle race." 

Nobody laughed.

Instead, Nothstein dismissed Browning's shot by saying he'd race him.

Both candidates insisted they were early Trump supporters, but both admitted that they initially supported Ted Cruz. Nothstein said he could "be trusted" to vote with Trump while Browning called the orange Wonder "our last best chance."

LWV debate - Candidates were questioned about the League of Women Voters debate, scheduled for tonight, that Nothstein decided to boycott. "I oppose blatant gerrymandering," he explained, but said the lawsuit should have been filed sooner. He added that the LWV supports too many liberal issues. "It would not be a fair debate," he concluded.

Browning called the new districts a blatant overreach by the Supreme Court But he said that the republican candidate has to draw some independent and Democratic votes to win. "We do not serve ourselves well by preaching to the choir," he argued.

Speaker of the House. - "I can tell you who I don't want to be Speaker of the House, and that's Nancy Pelosi," said Browning, which resulted in the largest cheers he received.

DACA.- Both oppose DACA until a wall is in place and sanctuary cities are abolished. Even then, Browning would refuse to grant citizenship. Nothstein would grant it.

$20 trillion debt.- Congress has been "kicking the can down the road" with increased spending, said Nothstein. "America does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem," he concluded.Browning said "[w]e need to stop spending more than we take in revenue." His solution is zero-based budgeting and a reform of social security disability, which he claims has tripled.

Border Security. - Nothstein argues that weak borders have led to increased drugs and human trafficking. Browning explained that enhanced security could be attained by freezing the funding  to sanctuary cities.

Special interests. - Both candidates  said the best way to avoid the influence of  special interests is by getting in and getting out. Browning pledged to serve no more than three terms. Nothstein said he would not be around for long.

Comey. - Both said the former FBI Director should be prosecuted and jailed.

Rising Student Debt. - "Nothing is free in this life," said Browning. He'd resolve the problem by removing the federal guarantee. Nothstein said he'd push for lower loan rates. He said many people should consider a trade as opposed to a college education. "We need more welders and not philosophy majors," he observed.

Abortion. - Neither candidate supports Planned Parenthood. Browning is opposed to abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Nothstein appears to be absolutely opposed. "I will fight for unborn children every single day," he vowed.

School shootings. - Both are opposed to increased gun control, except Nothstein would support a ban on bumpstocks. Both agree the real problem is mental health, and Browning said federal law should be relaxed to permit more accurate background checks. Both oppose raising the age to own forearms to 21. Nothstein asked, "You can fight for us, but can't go to Dick's Sporting Goods to buy a firearm?" Both oppose bans on assault style rifles.

Obamacare. - Both support a full repeal.

Both Republican candidates appear to be very conservative and well organized. Unfortunately, Democrats are spending their money fighting each other.

A Better Photograph of Dean Browning

Yesterday, I published what I that was a photograph of Lehigh County's new GOP chair, Jessica Banotai, with Vice Chair Dean Browning. An irate Browning contacted me and accused me of attempting to portray him in an unfavorable delight. He demanded that I run a better picture, which he provided.

He still looks like he needs a shave.

Bowning Takes Balanced Budget Proposal to NorCo Council

Browning pitches balanced budget

Former Lehigh County Commissioner Dean Browning made an unlikely trip west east of Route 33 on August 19. He was invited to Northampton County's Finance Committee to explain his proposal for a balanced budget amendment to the Home Rule Charter. Browning made a similar presentation to Lehigh County Commissioners earlier this year, and was politely ignored. The Republican majority blames him for everything, including gypsy moths and the flu. His reception in Northampton County was much warmer.

In both counties, spending almost always exceeds revenue, so they dip into cash reserves to make up the difference. "That's the path of least resistance and works extremely well until you run out of reserves," noted Browning. That's what Ron Angle likes to call the seed corn. Eventually, you run out of it. Over the past dozen years, Lehigh County has had two unpopular tax increases. Northampton County has had three.

"Families don't budget that way, at least not if they want to stay out of bankruptcy," observed Browning earlier this year. "Businesses don't budget that way, at least not successful ones."

Northampton County's Home Rule Charter considers the budget balanced so long as the proposed expenditures do not exceed the amount of funds available. [Section 703(b)]. Similarly, Lehigh County's Home Rule Charter allows the "balancing" to be accomplished by using "the total of estimated income AND cash reserves."

Brown insists this has to change. He is suggesting a "balanced budget amendment" to the Home Rule Charter in Lehigh "that would prohibit the use of cash reserves as a means to balance the budget." There would be exceptions for emergencies or to give a credit to taxpayers when the underlying budget is still balanced, but that would need six votes.

"Everybody buys into the theory, the problem is with the mechanics," noted Hayden Phillips.He suggested that they all need to "noodle" this idea a bit more.

Browning: How to Stop Deficit Spending in County Government

Pick a county. Any county. Most of them engage in the same deficit spending that we see in Washington. But unlike the Beltway Boyz, they can't print money. Eventually, they run out of it and have to impose a tax increase. That builds up the fund balance, opening up the door to more deficit spending. This has happened in both Lehigh and Northampton County in what can only be regarded as a bipartisan failure. It makes no difference who's in charge. It's just too tempting to spend down reserves instead of imposing a modest tax hike when it is needed. Dean Browning, a former Lehigh County Commissioner who is running again, has a plan to put both counties back on a firm financial footing - a true balanced budget amendment to both Home Rule Charters.

Though both counties require a balanced budget, what is created is a fiction. The spending is almost always greater than the revenues, so counties use cash reserves to plug the gap.

Over the past dozen years, lehigh County has had two tax increases. Northampton County has had three. Browning explained his proposals to Lehigh County Commissioners at the March 11 meeting.

"[B]udget deficits are caused by elected officials approving budgets that put in place a plan to overspend. Approving budgets where you plan to spend more than you take in and then hoping for the best is not sound fiscal policy.

"Families don't budget that way, at least not if they want to stay out of bankruptcy. Businesses don't budget that way, at least not successful ones. And Lehigh County shouldn't budget that way. Otherwise we are no better fiscal stewards than those in Washington - and In Lehigh County taxpayers deserve better."

Northampton County's Home Rule Charter considers the budget balanced so long as the proposed expenditures do not exceed the amount of funds available. [Section 703(b)]. Similarly, Lehigh County's Home Rule Charter allows the "balancing" to be accomplished by using "the total of estimated income AND cash reserves."

Brown insists this has to change. He is suggesting a "balanced budget amendment" to the Home Rule Charter in Lehigh "that would prohibit the use of cash reserves as a means to balance the budget." There would be exceptions for emergencies or to give a credit to taxpayers when the underlying budget is still balanced, but that would need six votes.

Of course, Browning was politely ignored. But people might start paying attention of he gets the Republican nomination. He's running against a group of four other candidates - Amanda Holt Vic Mazziotti, Brad Osborne and Marty Nothstein - who have already run disappointing robo calls attacking Browning. He'll have to respond, and the result will be an ugly slog in which no one, least of all the people, benefit.

Browning's balanced budget amendment is a good idea, and he should be given the opportunity to implement it. Someone should pick up on this idea in the People's Republic of Northampton County, too.

Carr: Lehigh County's Latest Gang of Four Smear Dean Browning

Everette Carr is nothing like me. For one thing, he's much nicer. I never even knew about his blog, Kiddycar, until yesterday. Instead of writing about his usual topics, choo-choo trains and the velodrome, he chose politics. And he rips out the four sanctimonious sombitch Commish candidates who smugly call themselves the results team. Four years ago, they were the reform team. They're really the Gang of Four.

Four years ago, part of the reform meant savaging Commissioner Dean Browning. Two years ago, it meant attacking Browning. And so it is again.

For that reason alone, Republicans should vote for Dean.

Here's how Carr, a Republican, puts it: "I abhor when candidates for office use nasty tactics to tear down the opponent, particularly when it's four against one!"

Personally, I love it.

But I'm Irish.

Shanty Irish, too.

Who Will Replace Ott?

Dean Browning

I told you yesterday that Scott Ott is resigning his seat on Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners. He's goin' where the stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas. But who will replace him on Lehigh County's Board where his successor, like he, must be a Republican. Three names have already surfaced.

Norma Cusick. - This Salisbury Township resident is reputedly being sponsored by Percy Dougherty. She's run before, in 2011 and 2013. She lost both races, but has served as a Salisbury Township Commissioner and on the Salisbury School Board. She is the mother of former Northampton County Council President John Cusick. Her husband, Dr. Richard Cusick, once ran for Congress as a Democrat.

Nathan Brown. - This Emmaus Borough Council member ran against Mike Schware in last year's primary, but lost. He believes Lehigh County is headed in the wrong direction under the so-called Reform Team formerly led by Scott Ott. Commissioner Brad Osborne is reputedly promoting this candidate.

Dean Browning. - A former Commissioner, Browning stood against a push by Ott, Wayne Woodman and others to force then Executive Don Cunningham to rework a budget that proposed a 16% tax hike. They did so knowing it was impossible and having done nothing themselves to cut costs. Dean, who met weekly with Cunningham to present the leanest budget possible that did not sacrifice services, refused to play along with the political panderers. It cost him his seat, but he kept his conscience.

If the man with a conscience seeks this seat, he should get the appointment.

Commissioner Vic Mazziotti is a great admirer of St. Thomas More. Dean Browning, not so much,.

But there are similarities. Thomas More was beheaded for following his conscience. Dean's head is still firmly planted on his shoulders, but his refusal to play politics certainly damaged, if not killed, his political career. Browning refused to "pin my soul to another man’s back, not even the best man that I know this day living: for I know not where he may hap to carry it.”

Dean refused to pin his soul to the Wayne Woodman and Scott Ott political machine. Now Ott is gone, and from what I hear, Woodman will resign as party boss.

Lehigh County could do far worse than to select a man with a conscience.

Ott blames Loss on Himself

Failed Executive candidate Scott Ott has taken the blame for his loss. "[T]here is one person who I know is responsible for my loss in Tuesday's election. His name is Scott Ott." I agree completely.

Scott Ott, along with Wayne Woodman, cost his party and its supporters about $300,000 in his primary and general election contests. If his party had gone with Main Street Republican Dean Browning instead of a tea party nut, it would have prevailed in the general election.

Just as Callahan never really reached out to his primary foes, Ott never reached out to Browning and continued to treat him as the enemy. This continued even after Browning contributed to Ott's campaign and financially supported the man who beat him.

Ott, the God Candidate

Whether it is the Fake Rev or a devout Muslim, I'm very leery of people who claim God is on their side. But it happens all the time. During the Civil War, just about every general except Grant claimed God was on his side. Abraham Lincoln finally set one of them straight. “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.” Too bad Lincoln never had a chat with Scott Ott, Lehigh County Exec candidate.

Four years ago, he very nearly propelled himself into office by leaning heavily on the evangelical Christians he got to know as a preacher. He made sure that the Epistle of Ott, also known as "Don Cunningham Attacks Lehigh County Churches," was delivered to churches throughout the Lehigh Valley. Never mind that Cunningham was only concerned about one church, the one that was violating its nonprofit status with Ott.

Dean Browning is a pretty religious guy, too. He actually goes to Church on Sundays, and I believe that he's an evangelical Christian himself. Last Sunday, volunteer Ben Long invited Dean to worship with him and his parents at Faith Church. Dean went. He was there to pray, to be on God's side. So he wore no campaign buttons and made no effort to play politics. He had no hand outs, and made no remarks. He was just going to church.

Later that day, Ben [he's also been a volunteer for Charlie Dent and Ryan Mackenzi] received an anonymous text message from 610-[redacted]. Ben was told to pray about who he's supporting. "I know who God is supporting," the text claims. As it turns out, 610-[redacted] also happens to be the number of Ann Marie Slavick. She's the Vice Chair of the Lehigh County Republican Committee.

Looks like Ott is trying to present himself as the Messiah again.

I called Tim Benyo. He told me God can't vote in Lehigh County because He lives in Northampton, and is registered independent.

Updated 5/22, 8:50 PM: At the request of Ms. Slavick, the reference to her cell phone number has been deleted.

DA Jim Martin Endorses Dean Browning For LC Exec

Dear Lehigh County Republicans:

I'm voting for conservative businessman Dean Browning in the Republican Primary for Lehigh County Executive on Tuesday and I hope you will join me.

Dean has the executive experience necessary to manage the county effectively, and I know he'll work with me to provide local law enforcement with the tools they need to keep our neighborhoods and schools safe. That's why I'm endorsing Dean Browning for County Executive.

Please don't forget to vote. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jim Martin

Kim Beitler: Why I Support Dean Browning

Kim Beitler was a part-time clerk in the Lehigh County GOP. But her position was eliminated so that the party could pay Scott Ott to be its "Executive Director." She's supporting Dean Browning for Lehigh County Exec, and here's why:

Back in 2009, I can honestly say I voted for Scott Ott when he first ran for Lehigh County Executive against Democrat Don Cunningham. Scott seemed witty, even charming. I somehow thought that his words made a connection with his actions. Unfortunately, I have since learned that not to be the case. Mr. Ott seems to get by on platitudes and not much substance. I have learned much about the character of the man who uses the campaign motto “Live the Freedom”.

Mr. Ott was my supervisor for a time of a local organization of which we both were employed. Scott did “live the freedom”. He had a job that was newly created just for him, without needing to produce much work (in fact, I am still confused as to what he did produce while there) for his salary or his health benefits; which were never before given to anyone employed there. Seemingly, the only thing Scott Ott did was the live the freedom to put this organization further down into a financial hole while benefiting financially himself. Scott didn’t do anything to aid in making that committee solvent or to prosper. And, in the interim, worked diligently along with others to try to ruin the integrity of a hard working, intelligent man, Dean Browning; then a Lehigh County Commissioner. I cannot, now, or ever again, support Scott Ott for anything in which he may choose to run. When a person shows you their true character, as Scott has to me, I would be a fool to not pay attention. I will be voting for Dean Browning for Lehigh County Executive. I really do wish others who know my character and know the conduct of my work would take heed when I say that Scott is not all that he appears to be.

Browning Raises Nearly Twice as Much as Ott in LC Exec Race

Scott Ott

Lehigh County Exec candidate Dean Browning has raised nearly twice as much money as his opponent, Scott Ott, in their race for the GOP nomination to Lehigh County Executive. This is according to the primary pre-election reports that are now both amazingly online at the Lehigh County Voter Registration office.

Before I go on to discuss these reports, I want to acknowledge the hard work of Tim Benyo and his staff. I honestly don't know how they got these online so fast, but it is a great public service.

Now, back to the insults.

Browning's report reveals that he put $19,500 of his own money into this race, before seeking any contributions. I counted 61 individual contributors. Most of them appear to be business associates and family. Most of the usual Republican contributors appear to be sitting this one out, although there are exceptions like Sean Boyle, Anthony Salvaggio, former Allentown Mayor Bill Heydt, John Hinkle, Stuart Smith. There's some interesting minor contributions, too, from CACLV's Alan Jennings and former Allentown Council member Tom Burke.

Dean Browning

Dean's biggest expense has been a $20,498 payment for cable TV ads.

Ott raised $63,111.85. Of that sum, $10,000 comes from Ott's "My Lehigh County PaC." Since that is a Harrisburg PAC, and was not filed electronically, we won't know who provided that #$10,000 for Ott until after the election.

So much for Ott's so-called "reform" team.

Lisa Sceller, a fellow Commissioner and fellow "reform" tam member, provided Ott with $20,000, about 1/3 of his total.

I am by no mean troubled by Lisa's desire and willingness to support someone who thinks like she does. But I am bothered that a sitting Commissioner is making such a large contribution to an Executive candidate. Those are supposed to be two different branches of government, independent of each other. It bothered me four years ago when then Executive Don Cunningham contributed so much money to Democratic Commissioner candidate, and it bothers me now when an incumbent Commissioner is giving so much money to an Executiv candidate.

This is not what I mean by "reform."

Most of Ott's money has gone to Cold Spark Media, which appears to have been enough for at least four mailers.

Browning Challenges Opponents to Disclose Campaign Donors Now

From Dean Browning's Campaign – Saying that Lehigh County residents deserve a campaign free from interference by shadowy Super PACs and secret donors, County Executive candidate Dean Browning today said he will refuse any Super PAC contributions and pledged to disclose all contributions to his campaign within 24 hours, while challenging his two opponents, Scott Ott and Tom Muller, to abide by the same rules.

“This campaign should focus on the issues and be decided by voters in Lehigh County who are free from the undue influence of shadowy, special interest PAC’s run by party bosses and connected insiders looking for a quid pro quo,” said Browning, who earned a reputation as a reformer during his time as County Commissioner, in part, by requiring the online posting of campaign finance reports and making County Commissioner meetings available on the internet. “I refuse to accept one penny from these Super PAC’s and I pledge to disclose every contribution my campaign receives within 24 hours. I respectfully challenge Commissioner Ott and Mr. Muller to do the same. Together we can set a higher standard for how campaigns should be run in Lehigh County.”

Although not required, Browning said that he will file a Sixth Tuesday Pre-Primary report to show all donations received through the April 1st cutoff date for that report and that he will disclose all contributions received after that date on his campaign web site within 24 hours.

Browning Wants to Debate Ott

Dean Browning and Scott Ott, the two Republican candidates for Lehigh County Exec, will tape a WFMZ’s “Business Matters” program with Tony Iannelli today. That half hourt show will air April 1 on Channel 69. But Browning would like a few more bites at the apple, and has challenged Ott to four additional debates over the remaining eight-plus weeks of their primary campaign..

“Serving as Lehigh County Executive is an important job and the decisions made by the next County Executive will have a direct impact on the lives of every resident who calls our county home,” said Browning. “I am eager to compare my qualifications as a businessman with more than thirty years of private sector business and financial experience versus Commissioner Ott’s background as an author and online media personality. There is no doubt that Scott is a talented political pundit, but I am confident that my qualifications are far better suited to manage and reform a county with 2,000 employees and a $360 million budget. County Executive should not be a position for on-the-job-training.”

Browning suggested the two campaigns sit down and hammer out a schedule for the debates that included agreement on formats, moderators, locations and dates. Browning also said his campaign was willing to split the cost with Ott’s for promoting the debates to voters.

“I hope Commissioner Ott will accept this challenge and spare Lehigh County voters from a campaign of empty rhetoric and bumper sticker-ready slogans that won’t solve the economic and fiscal challenges facing Lehigh County,” said Browning. “Since Commissioner Ott took office the 16% property tax cut that was the basis of his 2011 campaign has never materialized; he pushed through an ill-timed reassessment that is about to jack up local, county and school taxes on tens of thousands of residents and small businesses; and our county deficit is on the rise again with no plan in place to balance the county budget without raising taxes. I look forward to a spirited series of debates on these issues and more and am I hopeful Commissioner Ott will work with me to make them happen.”

Browning: Integrity and Good Government Over Politics

When Dean Browning served as Lehigh County Commissioner, he took a lot of heat for refusing to end a proposed budget back to Executive Don Cunningham, with instructions to eliminate a planned tax hike. Scott Armstrong was at that time part of what he calls the "inner circle" of party apparatchiks, and this is how it went own, in his own words:

"I was there. I was lobbied as the then chair of the Allentown Committee to pressure Dean the support the send back vote. Being a team player I tried to convince him it was the right thing to do. The only problem was that Dean was much more expert on the subject than me. Seeing this I attempted to get Dean to do it as a team player. Dean said he couldn’t support a team effort that was just politics and not based on good government principles.

"I respect Dean Browning for having the backbone and integrity to stand for principle and put politics in the back seat. That is the exact quality we need in elective office. However, he paid a price for bucking the local committee. They used the last primary as a demonstrator of what happens to those who won’t obey. When I witnessed a good man and excellent conservative commissioner impugned and smeared over a single vote I resigned from the committee. I won’t be a part of that.

"One can disagree and do so respectfully but as you can see here some Lehigh County Republicans won’t abide a single expression of independence. Perhaps they have bought the committee’s leadership message that Dean Browning is a heretic and no amount of insight and thoughtful, informed commentary will convince them otherwise. That is unfortunate and counterproductive to the cause of limited government here in Lehigh County and beyond. While I have nothing but praise for Scott Ott his primary opponent Dean Browning has demonstrated by his actions and words he is a man of real integrity, he has run the gauntlet of slander and unfair accusations and come out stronger. He is exactly the right person to be our next Lehigh County Exec."

Browning Tags Ott Over Endorsement

Lehigh County Exec candidate Scott Ott recently accepted an endorsement form a group calling itself "Citizens Against Higher Taxes." That sounds harmless enough, and to an extremist conservative like Ott, he must have loved seeing all the local tea parties who have signed on as members of this coalition. But there's a problem with this organization, and another Lehigh County Exec candidate, Dean Browning, is driving the point home. This group wants to eliminate higher taxes by increasing income and sales taxes.

State income tax would go up 41%, from 3.07% to 4.34%. State sales tax would not just increase from 6% to 7%, but would cover items that are currently exempt, like clothing purchases.

“This is a massive shell game that won’t lower taxes," predicts Dean Browning. "Commissioner Ott should know that it is a fool’s errand to trust politicians in Harrisburg who say they will lower one tax by raising other taxes.”

Browning said the only way to truly cut taxes and spark economic growth is to reduce county spending and balance the budget. He pointed to his record on that front.

As Commissioner, Browning did spearhead a pay freeze and reformed the county compensation and pension system. This has saved taxpayers $6.7 million annually, most will agree. “I implemented real spending reforms that helped reduce the deficit by 65% over four years," notes Browning. "I also worked to change state law to empower Lehigh County voters to reject future debt for capital projects at the polls. I am proud to put that record up against anyone on either side of the aisle.”

Browning To Take on Ott: BiPartisanship Not a Dirty Word

That didn't take long. Conservative and tea party darling Scott Ott announced his bid for Lehigh County Executive on Thursday. But another Republican, Dean Browning, has just announced that he's running, too.

Citing over three decades as a private sector, business executive in Lehigh County and his legislative experience as former Chairman of the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, Browning states he is the candidate best prepared to manage and reform Lehigh County’s $360 million budget and 2,000 plus employees.

"I don’t believe compromise and bipartisanship are dirty words,” said Browning, a resident of South Whitehall Township for 26 years, a Lehigh County taxpayer and homeowner for over 30 years, and former Chairman of the Lehigh County Republican Committee.

Browning states that although the role of County Executive requires a candidate who is principled, he shouldn’t view every decision through the narrow lens of their own partisan political ideology.

“Lehigh County is home to 350,000 diverse citizens, who hold different political affiliations and beliefs. The one thing that unites us is that we’re all striving for a more prosperous life for our families and ourselves,” says Browning. “I’m running for Lehigh County Executive with a plan to reform county government so we can balance our budget, foster local job creation and reduce the tax burden, while still providing valuable services for our seniors and support for families that have children with special needs, keeping our neighborhoods and schools safe, and maintaining the local parks, ball fields, open space and bridges that enhance our quality of life and make Lehigh County a great place to live and work.”

In a statement, he outlines four goals.

1. Balance the Budget

Dean will enact spending reforms that balance the county budget, while pursuing responsible tax cuts that don’t add to the deficit, like was done this year.

Browning will link county spending and wages directly to the rate of economic growth in the county, and end the practice of letting spending exceed revenue.

2. Rein in Spending the Right Way

In contrast to taking a battle axe and hacking away $5 million set aside for personnel, Dean will instead implement the findings of a 2011 comprehensive review of county government 2011 that he co-directed, which identifies specific programs and services mandated by the state and those that can be improved, reduced, eliminated or privatized.

Browning will empower Lehigh County taxpayers and voters to approve or reject new county borrowing for large capital projects.

3. Make Lehigh County an Economic Leader

Dean will establish a roundtable of county business leaders and educators to develop and implement a sorely needed strategic vision and plan that develops a skilled workforce and makes Lehigh County a destination for job creators.

Browning will make science and technology and work force development an educational priority so county students are prepared to compete for the jobs of the 21st century, while actively engaging companies and entrepreneurs around the country looking for a place to settle and create jobs and sell them on the benefits of Lehigh County.

4. Enact Term Limits for all County Politicians

Dean is greatly disappointed that the current Board of Commissioners refuses to give county residents the right to enact term limits for all county politicians, despite widespread support for such measures nationally.

Browning will resurrect a plan to put a referendum on the ballot giving voters the ability to limit county politicians to just two, 4-year terms.

Browning also directly confronted the controversial budget showdown that led to his primary defeat two years ago, and said while he hopes for a debate about Lehigh County’s future in the campaign ahead, he expects his primary opponent to dredge up the same misleading attacks again.

“The facts are clear: I never voted for a budget that increased property taxes – and that statement is beyond dispute,” said Browning. “What I did do was vote to reject a Washington, DC-style budget gimmick that even its supporters admitted was all about partisan politics. Unlike them, I just don’t believe it’s ‘conservative’ to call for spending cuts without having the courage to identify what you would actually cut; and I don’t believe it’s ‘conservative’ to pay for tax cuts by driving up the deficit.”

Dean Browning Leaves LC Comm'rs the Way He Came, With Class

Christmas interrupted me from giving you the parting remarks of all five Lehigh County Commissioners who said goodbye Wednesday night. I saved Dean Browning, the Board's chair for the last two years, for last. Dean, as must of you know, was defeated in the primary after supporting a Don Cunningham budget that included a 16% tax hike.

First, Dean commended the "excellent set of employees at the top," which according to the outgoing Chair, filters down to all levels of County government. He specifically mentioned Assistant County Solicitors like Catherine Roseberry and Eman Jarrah, who provide advice at every meeting, as well as Clerk Dave Barilla. "Without them, we could not do the jobs we do as Commissioners."

Second, he complimented fellow Commissioners who, divided by party, have nevertheless tried to work together and govern effectively, with minimal cost to the taxpayer.

Third, Dean thanked the public for giving him an opportunity to serve, especially those who have taken time out of their evenings to provide input, both good or bad.

I think Dean's thank you meant something to Catherine Roseberry, pictured below. Sitting next to her is Lehigh County's backbone, Dave Barilla.

Angle & Browning: You Won't Have Us to Kick Around Anymore

If you're expecting bitterness and sour grapes, there was little evidence of it yesterday, when two losers - Ron Angle and Dean Browning - appeared as guests on Tony Iannelli's Business Matters. They were there to answer this question - What the Hell do voters want, anyway?

Apparently, not Angle or Browning.

Angle, a 12-year veteran of Northampton County Council, was its President in 2010. Browning has chaired the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners for the last two years. Both were defeated at the polls.

Dean's defeat comes from those who want less government and less spending. His conservative credentials were called into question. This is because he refused to go along with a kooky scheme to send a budget back to the Executive, after he had spent most of a year working with Cunningham on the finances with no help from other Commissioners. Dean then bucked his own party and voted for a 16% tax hike, never a popular thing to do in the best of circumstances.

Never mind that he voted his conscience.

Angle's defeat is a bit more complicated. There were many factors, some of which were his own doing. But a major factor in his loss is that he was the Poster Boy of the Sell Gracedale movement. His defeat comes at the hands of those who want more government and more spending.

Never mind that he voted his conscience.

They were both smiling yesterday, in pretty good spirits despite stinging defeats. "The Emperor has been dethroned," joked Angle. "I'm in consultation with the military and we seize control the 1st of the year. There will be hell to pay." Off the air, he told me I'm the only guy he's ever seen who has a head like a condom, and wondered whether I was there to do a Trojan commercial.

This is my friend.

A little more reflective, Dean Browning has a pretty good explanation for what happened. He noted most voters have very little interaction with County government. They have little need to dial 911, use Human Services or sit in a courtroom. Those things all cost money, yet there is little room to cut. "People want less taxes, less spending and they want all that without a reduction in services," he noted. "If they [the new Commissioners] can do that, we ought to send them to Washington." Angle calls this the "Gimmes."

Paraphrasing Henry Clay, Dean added, "I'd rather be right than be County Commissioner."

In his four years as a Commissioner, Dean made government more transparent and accountable. Thanks to him, campaign finance reports are now on Lehigh's web page. He also spearheaded the movement to videotape Commissioner meetings. He also pushed through legislation that required unions to make concessions. He will be missed.

Then Dean started asking me why my head looks like a condom, and ruined it all.

The show airs on December 12. I made a cameo, which will drive away half the audience.

Dean Browning - The Blog

Dean Browning may chair Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners, but has come to learn that the real action is here in the blogosphere. He's tired of seeing money fall out of my pockets while the babes of the Northampton County Courthouse hang on my arms. So he's sallying forth with a blog of his own on Patch, called "Awareness."

Since October 10, he's had two entries on Lehigh County's 2012 Budget and its redistricting plans.

Dean, you'll have to do better than that if you want to roll in the dough like me.

Cunningham at the Plate

Cunningham at the plate

At high noon in Coca Cola Park yesterday, with the Iron Pigs preparing to play Scranton later that day in their quest for a wildcard berth, LC Exec Don Cunningham was at the plate.

Last year, his budget enacted a 16% tax hike in the middle of a recession, causing many Lehigh County Republicans to flee to Canada and become lumberjacks.

Strike One.

Early this year, those same Republicans returned after learning Canadians smoke weed and have socialized medicine. They got back just in time to reject Chairman Dean Browning at the polls. Ironically, they rid the Board of Commissioners of a financial wizard who was instrumental in helping Cunningham keep that 16% tax hike from becoming a 36% tax hike. They hated the fact that a Republican would work with a Democrat. Especially one who smiles.

Strike Two.

What Cunningham did, when he finally had a chance to speak about what the hell has been going on, was hit the ball out of the park.

Now it's no surprise that Cunningham is a gifted speaker. Even his political foes will grudgingly admit that. But what really impressed me about the Exec's speech yesterday was not his delivery or easy style. Not even the small tax cut, which will save homeowners an average of $30 next year. I was impressed most by his defense of the embattled public employee, his response to the criticism he took last year for finishing with a $5.4 million surplus and his comments about divided government, which I'd call bipartisanship.

Defense of the Public Employee

All of us, me included, have a tendency to generalize when it comes to public sector workers, and point to their generous wage and benefit packages. But yesterday, Cunningham called that a myth. "For those who say all government workers have overly-generous taxpayer-funded wages and benefits, send them to Lehigh County," he said, laying out the facts in Lehigh County.

* Next year's workforce will be as small as it has been since 1990.

* Generous pensions? The average County retiree gets less than $900 per month.

* County workers kick in 5% of their pay for their pension.

* All employees, both union and nonunion, pay for around 20% of their health care costs, and are actually paying $2.1 million more than they did in 2006.

Surpluses lead to tax cuts

We've all seen what happens when local government finishes a year in the red. Three years of $8.5 million in red ink pretty much destroyed Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan's Congressional aspirations, to say nothing of the suspicion with which he is now regarded by members of City Council and the public. Cunningham finished 2010 with a $5.4 million surplus, which should have been cause for joy. It's called "beating the budget," something Cunningham has done every year since being elected as County Exec. But in the crazy world of Joe Hilliard Republicans, finishing the year with a surplus is a bad thing, too. Who knew?

Commissioner candidate Scott Ott and Joe Hilliard, who was then King of the Tea Party, published news releases and sent emails insisting this surplus was proof positive that Cunningham, as well as Chairman Dean Browning, had failed to "fight for taxpayers."

Dean Browning explained this was nonsense, using all kinds of numbers that went right over everyone's head. He's more accountant than politician.

Cunningham yesterday explained it in terms we can all understand.

"In 2010, our managers held the line on spending and beat our budget by $5 million. By some, we were criticized for this. That could be rectified quite easily - and I suppose i could look like a genius for getting the budget exactly right - by spending every last nickel in a line item. I won't do that. I learned early in politics that there are very few good deeds that go unpunished."

Beating the budget in 2010 is what has enabled Cunningham to propose his modest tax cut.

"Saving that money in 2010 allowed us not to spend the $4.3 million in Tax Relief Fund money that was budgeted as part of this year's budget. Therefore, in 2012, we propose to eliminate the Tax Relief Fund and give the full remaining $4.37 million back to the taxpayers in the form of a one-time credit."

BiPartisanship Works

Read Don's speech, which is below, and forget for a moment that he wrote it or that he's the Exec. Now imagine LV Congressman Charlie Dent is County Executive and that is his speech. I frankly believe that, except for some differences in style, the message would be petty much the same.

Cunningham hints at that himself, noting that there has been divided government in Lehigh County since he's been in office. Like me, like Dent, like most of us, Cunningham thinks people can be from different parties and still work together. And he singled out two Commissioners who have always been willing to reach out across the aisle.

"Commissioner Browning, a Republican, and Commissioner [Bill] Hansell, a Democrat, have epitomized the thoughtfulness, toughness and knowledge of County government and public finance that have made Lehigh County great. They have both put their public service above their politics and delivered results by putting hard work, a commitment to their ideals and cooperation above grandstanding - and Dean paid a dear price for it this year. We all owe both of them a debt of gratitude. I will miss them both."

People like Browning get it and understand the need to work together. Many of the items in Cunningham's 2012 budget, especially the employee contributions, are the result of his steady advocacy since his early days as a candidate.

Tom Muller

But Browning is an anomaly. Not one Commissioner candidate, Democrat or Republican, responded to a request from Director of Administration Tom Muller, dated June 1, asking for specific suggestions and recommendations.

And jokers like Joe Hilliard, who conned the local tea party into giving him money for an audit of Lehigh County that is now nearly two years overdue, has resigned without keeping his promise.

Cunningham said it better than I could, and his speech is below.

Don Cunningham's Budget Message for 2012