Dennis Pearson Honored For Decades of Service to Allentown

Dennis after recent lecture at Trinity College

Dennis Pearson and I were both exposed to merciless ridicule a few years ago when Morning Call columnist Bill White included us in his modern-day ducking stool known as the Hall of Fame. I was so upset I tried jumping off a bridge. True, it was only three feet high, but it's the thought that counts. Dennis Pearson was equally depressed and has since implored White on several occasions to release him from his agony. Prick that he is, White refuses. It's a life sentence with no parole. Well, the so-called journalist might have to reconsider now. Pearson was honored earlier this week by Mayor Ray O'Connell and City Council with a Proclamation extolling Dennis for decades of service to the community. This is almost as good as a Presidential Pardon. White needs to come to his senses and withdraw his mean-spirited inclusion of Dennis in a club that is meant for real assholes like His Eminence, Ron Angle (bow heads, please) and yours truly. 

As some of you know, Dennis recently wed a very nice lady, and the lovebirds have left Allentown for the Lehighton area. But he was back for the award.

"I only received recognition for my service to the area after I moved from the City," complained Pearson.

"You noticed that!" responded Council Prez Roger MacLean.

Over the years, Pearson has applied numerous times for vacancies in Allentown and Lehigh County. He's also run unsuccessfully for several offices. He's always come up a little short. At times, he's complained about it, too.

He's a man ahead of his times. Shallow people have had a tough time grasping Pearson's sheer intellect.

Allentown and Lehigh County will miss him.

LC Comm'r Race: Candidate Chicken Lady Cries Fowl

Amy Zanelli is the establishment candidate for Lehigh County Commissioner in District Three, which includes west Bethlehem and Allentown's east side. Incumbent Tom Muller endorsed her on the very night that he decided against seeking re-election himself. Two other Democrats, opportunist Basilio Bonilla and longtime citizen activist Dennis Pearson, were also running. Muller shoved them aside without doing his homework. Had he done so, he would have learned she was fired in 2012 for failing to show up at her job as a caseworker for child protective services in New Jersey.  He would have known that she was fired from a similar position in Northampton County in 2015. Muller told the crowd that Zanelli had been an announcer with the Lehigh Valley Roller Girls, but this is what Lehigh Valley Roller Girl Michelle Torte MessaHess said on her Facebook page: "DO NOT VOTE FOR THIS WOMAN. I care too much for Lehigh County and its residents. She is mentally unfit, financially irresponsible, and devoid of familial accountability. She has caused tyranny in several, local non-profit organizations within Lehigh and surrounding counties. DO WHAT'S RIGHT. SHARE THIS POST AND VOTE NO TO AMY ZANELLI."

Muller failed to mention that Zanelli is Hanover Township's chicken lady. Before she got canned by Northampton County, she lived in Hanover Township.She showed up at a Supervisors' meeting one night, asking them to do something about the Township's ban on backyard chickens She received permission to make a presentation at the following meeting, but never showed.

I spoke with Zanelli about these allegations, which she said were dismissed by the newspaper and WFMZ-TV69. She told me her termination in New Jersey was the result of discrimination. In Northampton, it was a misunderstanding about her hours. My own view of the information I had is that there are too many red flags for her. So after some thought, I posted a story entitled, "Why You Need to Vote for Dennis Pearson for LC Comm'r."

Zanelli published this comment, I wish to share it with you.

Greetings Mr. O’Hare and friends. My apologies for being late to the game here, but I didn’t realize this piece ran until I received a message from Dennis this morning. I will be the first to tell you that I have the utmost respect for Dennis and have no qualms about your endorsement of his candidacy. However, I think it’s important to note that the allegations regarding my raising chickens and my former places of employment are unfounded. For the record, I did not need to show up to the next township meeting. I was granted permission to raise my chickens into adulthood and re-home them for the sake of the children who were helping to care for them. And I did. In addition, the controversy surrounding my previous employment is untrue. In fact, it was at the hands of my competition that several news sources in the area received this false information and this was the only website where it appeared. Several days ago, I spoke to Mr. O’Hare and offered to meet with him to show him proof that in both instances, I was exonerated of all false claims. He refused. Neither case involved FMLA and since leaving Northampton County, they have since sent correspondence offering me two similar positions of employment, both at higher levels and pay grades. I have proof of those as well. I do not know who made a post on my behalf last night, but for that I am grateful. I can assure you it was not myself and my camp is too busy working to get me elected to spend their valuable time entertaining false accusations and fake news. With that said, this would not be the first time in history that an intelligent, well-spoken, beautiful woman has intimidated a man who then feels the need to spread rumors and lies in an attempt to tear her down. But as my grandmother used to say, if you have a target on your back it’s only because you’re so far ahead that it’s all they can see of you. See you all at the polls.

Unfounded claims.- Nothing I wrote is "unfounded." She was terminated in 2012 from a child protective services agency in New Jersey at a time when  staffing shortages and increased complaints had reached crisis levels. She appealed her Jersey termination and an arbitrator ruled against her. I have a copy of the lengthy decision. She simply refused to work, letting our most vulnerable element, our children, go without protection.

While refusing to come to work, she was being treated for a mental illness of some kind and was both receiving medication and undergoing therapy. Though too sick to work, she was still selling Avon products and brought them in for other workers.

The same thing happened in Northampton County, where she was terminated before her probation was up because of a disagreement over the number of hours she would work.Once again, she let down the most vulnerable element of our society.

Newspaper coverage.-  With limited exceptions, newspapers run for the hills from election stories. While there is always the danger that they are being played, failure to report at all is in my view irresponsible.I believe voters have a right to know that Zanelli was terminated from two positions and that some people take a very dim view of her role in ventures like the Lehigh Valley Roller Girls.

The chickens.- Zanelli now claims she had no reason to return to the Supervisors because the Township made special accommodations for her. She had50 people sign a petition for her and then let them all down because she was given whatever she wanted. Are you beginning to see a pattern?

Refusal to meet her.-  She did offer to meet with me concerning this matter, but she answered my questions so I saw no point. She may have concluded that I refused to meet her, but why would I call her if I didn't want her side? She gave it to me, and those flags were still there. I certainly would have met her if that is what she wanted.  

Sexism. - Zanelli finished by asserting that she is "an intelligent, well-spoken, beautiful woman" who "has intimidated a man who then feels the need to spread rumors and lies in an attempt to tear her down." Actually Amy, what you look like is irrelevant to me, as is your sex. There were no lies. No rumors. Just facts.

Dennis Pearson and Bob Smith are both head and shoulders above these other candidates They have integrity something missing from Zanelli and Bonilla. They have their roots here,and do not move every three seconds.

Why You Need to Vote For Dennis Pearson For LC Comm'r

Dennis Pearson

Never say never. At age 70, Dennis Pearson is finally a married man. I also believe the time has come for the people of Lehigh County to elect him as a District Commissioner representing West Bethlehem and Allentown's east side. He has been a tireless advocate for neighborhoods, and has taken a keen interest in local government for decades.  While his delivery has always raised eyebrows and snickers, his dedication and knowledge are beyond dispute.

Dennis has two Democratic rivals.One of them is Basilio Bonilla, a former Bethlehem School Director who , when he bothered showing up, managed to piss everyone off. A grandstander, he was yanked from every committee post after Bethlehem's School Board had to apologize for a second time to Allentown's School Board after he attempted to interfere in their business. Some say he's matured. I'd prefer to see him spend more time serving his community instead of being a professional candidate.

Then there's Amy Zanelli, the supposed establishment candidate. I remember her as the chicken lady.

In 2015, Zanelli lived in Hanover Township, Northampton County and appeared at a Supervisors' meeting to complain about the Township's ban on chickens in residential areas. She told Supervisors she was a caseworker in Children and Youth. Flashing her badge,she accused Manager Jay Finnigan of fowl play for refusing to allow her to own backyard chickens. She asked Supervisors if she could make a presentation at their next meeting, and they agreed, but she never showed up.

That was the last I saw of the chicken lady until early this year, when Tom Muller announced he had decided against running for re-election as Lehigh County Executive Muller singled the chicken lady out as his preferred candidate in that district. She was identified as a Rutgers grad who worked in child protective services in New Jersey and now is a realtor.

What Muller failed to mention is that the chicken lady had been fired.

Zanelli had been employed as an intake worker in Somerset County, but was terminated in 2012 because she refused to return to work after receiving a number of leaves of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Though she refused to work, she dropped in on her office one day to deliver Avon products to co-workers.

Zanelli appealed her termination and lost.

She told me she was a victim of discrimination.

Zanelli worked in Northampton County Children and Youth as a caseworker between  March and October 2015. She was terminated there as well, and during her probationary period.

She told me this was because her hours had been expanded beyond the time she had agreed to give.

Dennis is far superior to both of these candidates.    

Congrats to Dennis Pearson on His Wedding

Steelworker. Teacher. Historian. Umpire. Block Watch President. Astronaut. Bill White Hall of Famer. Lehigh County Commissioner candidate. And now, at age 70, a married man. Congratulations to Eleanor Mae Hinkle and Dennis Pearson, who exchanged wedding vows yesterday at Lehigh's Packer Chapel. This is Dennis' first marriage. Eleanor is a widow, with two (grown) children, four grandchildren and two cats.

Dennis is running for Comm's in District Three, where Rev. David Jones has ruled the roost through two terms. But David is now running for Allentown Mayor, and apparently has decided against running for two offices simultaneously. Very classy on his part.

Another District 3 candidate is former Bethlehem School Director Basilio Bonilla. He has no job, no experience and was divisive and unprepared during his tenure in Bethlehem. In contrast to Bonilla,, you'll never find a better prepared person that Dennis. I'd love to see the public recognize all the efforts he has made on their behalf over decades.  He's a Democrat with a nonpartisan view of local government. Just don't ask him a question unless you have three hours to listen to his answer.

Dennis really is a very good guy. As a wedding present, The Morning Call's Bill White should remove him from his Hall of Fame.

I sent a cub reporter to cover this ceremony. Churches are off limits to me unless I've been to confession. recently. I've already had enough thunderbolts going up my ass. Unfortunately, only one priest is willing to hear my confession, Father Alex. But after the last time, he had himself transferred hundreds of miles away and is not answering his phone.

Cynthia Mota Sworn in By Man She Replaces

Allentown' first ever Latina Council person, Cynthia Mota, was sworn into office last night by the man she replaces on the board. Former Council Prez Michael D'Amore resigned once he himself was sworn in as a District Judge.

D'Amore forgot to wear his black dress for the occasion, which probably invalidates everything.

Dennis Pearson, who complained yesterday about being passed over, was among the first persons at the podium to offer his congratulations.

Dennis Pearson: Always a Bridesmaid

Poor Dennis Pearson! Always the bridesmaid. Despite his rather unusual way of expressing himself, there are few people more knowledgeable about City and County government than he. But as expected, he was unsuccessful tonight in his bid for appointment to Allentown City Council.

A vacancy existed because Michael D'Amore, its former President and one-time possible Mayoral prospect, ascended to the judicial heavens. He was elected District Judge in November, and now gets to wear a black dress. He may be a mini-judge, but still wears XXXL.

The job goes to Cindy Mota. According to Dennis, "[S]he now has the opportunity to serve which I never had and perhaps never will ... I am qualified but I can't get off the bus ... I am mad as Rosa Parks was."

Dennis would have voted NO on both the NIZ Board and the new Authority.

He adds that East Side Allentown now has no representation on City Council.

Meet LC Comm'r Candidate Dennis Pearson

Dennis Pearson, LC Comm'r candidate, a person I love to pick on all the time. Dennis. where's your baseball umpire uniform [He is a PIAA umpire].

Dennis: "At home."

You're not umping any games today in this beautiful weather?

Dennis: "Nope."

And why are you rinning for Comm'r?

Dennis: "Because I feel I'm qualified to run. The position is open and I feel I have the qualifications to run, simply stated like that. I mean Herman Cain said that the job of President is, he's running for President because there is a job of President, so I'm running for County Commissioner because the job of County Commissioner.

"Serving 35 years as my neighborhood president, that certainly gave me the qualifications, and I believe it's time to try again."

Are there any meetings you don't attend in Lehigh County? You go to just about every County Comm'r meeting, just about every City Council meeting. Are there any meetings you don't attend?

You even spot tornadoes. I remember that on East Side. You were even like playing journalist for awhile there with a report about a tornado -

Dennis: "I attend a lot of - "

And you were right!

Dennis: "I attend a lot of meetings. It's something that I do as a representative of my neighborhood. I even go outside of Allentown to attend meetings because of my public interest."

Who on earth taught you how to write?

Dennis: "I give that thanks to Gordon Sharpe."

Well, you oughta' sue him for malpractice. You oughta' sue him for malpractice. Geez! So many run on sentences, whatever. Bill White makes fun of your writing. What do you say to that? You're not running to be a writer?

Dennis: "No, I think my writing is OK. Of course, I have my own style."

Should Lehigh County Sell Its Nursing Home?

As most of you know, I was and remain an avid supporter of the sale of Northampton County's nursing home, Gracedale. County governments throughout the state are shedding their nursing homes because they are costly and inefficient. Because a County has other obligations, like fixing bridges or running a prison, they will often give those matters more priority than the capital needs of a nursing home. What happens is what you see at Gracedale, where $20 million in long-neglected improvements are needed. In the end, the person who suffers the most is the resident.

To make matters worse, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements are actually higher at privately-owned nursing homes. So the County, which should not be forced to provide services that are being supplied by the private sector, must do so for less money.

I hope they prove me wrong, but I believe Gracedale will continue to lose money under the private management of Premier Healthcare Resources.

You might think that because I support Gracedale's sale, I think Lehigh County should sell its nursing home, too. Think again.

Cedarbrook, unlike Gracedale, has had private management for several years now. Lehigh County administrators will deny it's losing money, but it is, at least according to some financial experts who have looked at the records. But the loss is small.

Cedarbrook, unlike Gracedale, would be more difficult to sell. There are essentially two different locations, and only one license. That's a problem.

Cedarbrook, unlike Gracedale, is rated very high by Medicare and Medicaid. Four stars. They provide quality care to residents, which should be the primary concern.

Dennis Pearson is a candidate for Lehigh County Commissioner. Although I like to tease him, especially for his writing, I was very impressed by his argument for keeping Cedarbrook. I disagree with his assertion that nursing home services are a core function of County government, but wish to compliment him for coming out and taking a position, and actually making some excellent points.

Here's his essay, which I edited slightly.

In Northampton County this Spring, the call for the sale and privatization of Gracedale, the Northampton County Nursing Home, resulted in an uproar and referendum that blocked the sale of the County Home, which according to Northampton County Officials has a shortfall debt of $6 million... But that referendum did not prevent the County from hiring Premier Healthcare Resources, a professional management team, to run the County Home on behalf of the County.

We learn, not only will a private company run Gracedale nursing home, but a private company, PPL subsidiary McClure Co., will also manage $13 million in capital improvements to the aging county-owned facility.

While this is going on in Northampton County, my Republican opponents have hinted in their primary presentations and talk that they would approve the sale of Lehigh County's Cedar Brook Senior Citizen nursing home .... Which would provide only a one-time additional bulge to the County's Treasury only to be used up over time .

This is the wrong thing to do .. As it is, L W Consulting. Lehigh County's professional management team,  is already doing a bang up job running Cedar Brook ... In fact, Cedar Brook does not constitute a drain on the County Budget ... So I ask, why put Cedar Brook up for sale? ... As indicated before, such a sale would only provide a short-time benefit to the County Treasury. But the need to provide nursing home care for the aged, the sick, and disabled, will continue to exist and in the long term. Who knows what the County must do to provide for this need?

I said this at the Wescosville meeting in the Spring ... I said this before the Lehigh Valley Labor Council, I said this at Van Bittner Hall before the Tri-Locals in the Spring, I said this before the Bethlehem City Democratic Committee and I said this at the Lehigh County Democratic Committee Picnic. And I continue to say that now. But as of yet there has not been a word in the printed or electronic media that I said it.


I do not favor the privatization of Cedar Brook ...The reason for Cedar Brook's success and Gracedale's financial woes is a matter of occupancy. Responsible officials at Cedar Brook work hard to keep beds full, while responsible officials at Gracedale have too many empty beds at present .. Perhaps, If they also have success in filling the beds, their financial outlook might be better... And I see no reason why they can't fill the beds.

On another issue, Commissioner [Glenn] Eckhart proposed that Lehigh County lay off employees at the Court House and at Cedar Brook who perform janitorial and lawn maintenance services and replace them with work-release prisoners from the Lehigh County Jail... Eckhart's idea is irresponsible... For one, it would cause the layoff of good people who had to pass a police security check before they could even be hired to their present jobs ... A security check that one would think the work-release prisoners could not pass ... Second --- it is ridiculous to think that we are taking jobs from law-abiding citizens in favor of those who broke the law and haven't as yet paid their debt to society...And this horrible thought comes to mind --- Would they be able to gain access to sensitive medical and Court records? And third --- Using work-release labor at Cedar Brook could become a cause of financial instability for our nursing homes in that family members might seek the transfer of their loved ones to other facilities in the event work-release prisoners are used at Cedar Brook ... And as I said, Cedar Brook currently is not a drain of the County Budget because of its success in maintaining high occupancy ... We don't want to do anything that would change this status quo.

And lastly, concerning this status quo, I am not one who whom will act like a bear or bull in a china shop carelessly rambling about and destroying the contents of the shop at will ... A role that some of my fellow campaigners may be willing to fulfill ...Yes, I have been a neighborhood activist, and have confronted politicians in the past about important neighborhood, municipal and regional issues .. But my intent is not to change the status quo unless the status quo is indeed the problem.

If Lehigh County indeed has a problem with its nursing homes, we should not tear down any bridges, or take unsupportive drastic actions, unless a better long-term solution both for the nursing home residents and long-term County interests is found... Until then, I strongly support the continued operations of the Lehigh County nursing services. 

In my mind, County Nursing Home services remains a one of the core functions of County government.

Dennis Pearson, Pooh Bear ... Or Pole Dancer?

“Those who are clever, who have a Brain, never understand anything.” - Winnie the Pooh

When I called Lehigh County Commissioner candidate Dennis Pearson yesterday, it was about his possible use of a nonprofit for political purposes. But he had a much better story involving booze, strip clubs and intimidation of neighborhood residents. So I'll tell you about that, too.

First, the boring stuff.

Dennis administers the webpage for the East Allentown Rittersville Neighborhood Association, which is registered with the Department of State as a nonprofit corporation. It's a Dennis original, loaded with a hoakie MIDI Mash theme song, a picture of Winne the Pooh and Tigger too and, of course, a link to "Space, the Final Frontier."

So what's wrong with Winnie the Pooh? Nothing, but there's also a link to Dennis' Lehigh County Commissioner race, which should be a No No for a nonporfit. It's not that big of a deal because this is one nonprofit of very little money. But it's still wrong. Snotnose that I am, I confronted Pearson.

"Pooh," said Rabbit [O'hare] kindly, "you haven't any brain."

"I know," said Pooh [Dennis] humbly.

Dennis said he'd remove the link as soon as he could.

That's pretty good for a bear of very little brain.

Now, are you ready for the sexy stuff?

When you read this blog, Dennis will be sitting in some courtroom in Lehigh County, under subpoena, in a zoning war over what most of you know as Erv's BYOB, a "gentlemen's" club at the Airport Shopping Center.

Erv recently sold this strip club, along with a liquor license he harvested from Federal Bar and Grille, to Platinum Plus. That outfit operates a chain of this type of thing down South. A Memphis operator was tagged by the feds in 2008 for racketeering after conducting live sex shows featuring two women.

Not long after the hammer came down in Memphis, a South Carolina Assistant DA was caught ... in a cemetery ... at midday ... taking an 18 year-old girl to Space Mountain. After showing his badge, the prosecutor was free to go. The 18 year old girl? An employee of the local Platinum Plus Gentlemen's Club.

Maybe we should have let South Carolina secede after all.

The DA's name, by the way, was Corning. It's not better than Anthony Weiner, but still ... .

Well, Dennis's East Allentown Neighborhood Association and a bunch of other prudes raised a stink about Platinum Plus, especially since it would be selling booze after midnight. "It could cause all kinds of trouble," claims Dennis, a candidate of very little brain.

Attorney Bill Malkames, one of the best zoning lawyers in the Lehigh Valley, took up the cross and the Crusade began.

But who's paying Malkames?

Not Dennis, according to Dennis. Not the East Allentown Rittersville Neighborhood Association, according to Dennis. Not even the neighbors opposed to a strip club.

Attorneys representing Platinum Plus think the person pulling the strings is none other than Erv Featherman himself, the person who did operate Erv's BYOB. Maybe he's worried about competition with his strip club in Bath. Maybe he's not paying anyone.

Now here's where things get even stranger. Dennis tells me that he's been accused of being a patsy for Erv, with accusations that Erv is funding his political campaign and neighborhood newsletters.

Untrue, states Dennis. But then he states Erv did do some printing for him. Dennis paid for it. "I have the receipts," he tells me.

Dennis adds that, so far as he knows, Erv is no Lehigh County resident. "I think he lives in Bath," he speculates.

Did it ever cross Dennis' mind to wonder just why Erv would help his political campaign?

At the rate things are going, poor Dennis will be a pole dancer in another week.

Dennis the Pooh would say, "Always watch where you are going. Otherwise, you may step on a piece of the Forest that was left out by mistake."

In the meantime, neighbors who feel they've been "intimidated" by Platinum Plus lawyers are dropping out of the case, one-by-one. Dennis's East Allentown Rittersville Neighborhood Association has pulled the plug, too. But poor Dennis still has to be in Court today.

I just hope he's not wearing his Chippendale attire.

Wednesday Evening Update: Part of my story refers to a Platinum Plus in Memphis, which specialized in sex shows. I've been asked to clarify that this Platinum Plus has no connection to the Platinum Plus coming to Allentown. ... Or to the credit card.

Dennis Pearson: A Lifetime of Preparation Ready to Serve You.

If you attend Allentown's City Council meetings, you've seen East Side activist Dennis Pearson. If you instead attend Lehigh County's Board of Comm'rs, you'll likely see Dennis there, too. He really does care and he really does know what is going on. A former steelworker, he became a teacher. He's even a PIAA baseball ref, sometimes calling balls and strikes at local high school games.

On the East Side, Dennis is the go-to guy for the East Allentown Rittersville Neighborhood Association (EARN), regualarly producing monthly reports about what is going on in his neck of the woods. He has drawn public attention to the mounting traffic fatalities along Hanover Avenue. He is one of the very few people who realized that Allentown State Hospital would close its doors.

He's got Tiger Blood. As he himself has said, "I too am an infinite being and as an infinite being I have an infinite purpose in life."

Dennis is now a candidate for Lehigh County Commissioner, one of eight persons vying for four seats. When Executive Don Cunningham released his budget last week, Dennis is one of two people - the other being Geoff Brace - who actually had constructive suggestions.

But Dennis is his own worse enemy. A bit quirky, he seems to think he's running for all four open seats, and is unwilling to give any other candidate credit for anything. Yesterday, miffed that I cast a public spotlight on his fellow Democrat, candidate Geoff Brace, he let me have it.

"Did you see Brace at Don Cunningham's Budget --- The answer is no ... I was there ... Before you go hog wild about Brace .. Where was he all week when the Great Allentown Fair was on ... He apparently spent not one minute at the Democratic stand ,,,Yet he wanted his sign displayed ... Tim Waitkus or Gloria Hamm never showed up either ... I was there every day of the fair run ...

"I am always meet my commitments and never shirk any duties ..And should I be elected to the Commissioners I won't shirk amy duties there or try to take advantage of people either.

"Cunningham by the way said that he did not support a across the board plan to cut the budget across the board by percentage ... There appears to be separation between Brace and Cunningham on that...

"Dennis Pearson for Lehigh County Commissioner ... A Lifetime of Preparation Ready to Serve Lehigh County"

Alrighty then.

Dennis does have a sense of humor. He sent me the picture accompanying this blog. I think he was joking.

President Dennis Pearson??

I know Dennis Pearson is running for Lehigh County Commissioner. He's been waging an intense campaign from Facebook, even though he was unopposed in the primary. In fact, right after the election, Dennis apparently went on a fact-finding mission to Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, Alabama, New Orleans.

He may be gone longer than I thought. Last night, he sent me this picture. Now I know Jesus is mad at Obama and everything, but is Dennis really ready for the Oval Office?

Was there a coup or something?

Dennis Pearson, Infinite Being

OK, so we all know that Martin Charlie Sheen has Tiger Blood flowing through his veins. But did you know that LC Comm'r candidate Dennis Pearson is an infinite being? That sounds way more cool and downright metaphysical, don't you think?

Here's Dennis' latest mass epistle.

"As you may know only 4 Democrats filed petitions for Lehigh county Commissioners ...Which means my name will appear on the General Election Ballot ... Which means that my uncle and my cousins and their children and my pastor and many church members will be able to vote for me if they wish ... Which means the primary election for Democratic Commissioners only has significance to determine ballot position in the fall .... Friday I heard Dr Bernhard Harris Junior, a former Schuttle and Mir Space Station Astronaut say that he grew up in the subsurbs of Houston believing that he was an infinite being with a infinite purpose .... I too am an infinite being and as an infinite being I have an infinite purpose in life ... With God's guidance I will stay focused for the purposed - driven task I must do ..."

Dennis is a very bright and well-informed citizen activist whom you'll almost always find at Lehigh County or Allentown City meetings, but he should stay off the computer on Saturday nights.

Forgive me, Dennis, but this is what I do. As a bottom feeding blogger, I've got skunk blood flowin' in my veins.

Brennan to Gen'l Srvcs: Keep Pearson in the Loop

On Monday, I published East Allentown activist Dennis Pearson's remarks to DPW concerning the closure of Allentown State Hospital, which should occur by year's end. I doubt anyone at yesterday's hearing paid very much attention, but Dennis' remarks drew a lot of interest here.

State rep. Joe Brennan is paying attention, too. When Joe first ran for the state house, one of his primary opponents was Dennis. But a few weeks ago, in a letter to General Services Secretary James Creedon, Brennan specifically asked that Pearson be kept in the loop.

"I respectfully request that Dennis Pearson, President of the East Allentown Rittersville Neighborhood Association, be included in any and all correspondence pertaining to the use of this property."

I Once Picked on Dennis Pearson, Too

"What are you trying to do to him destroy his life for seeking to serve the public[?]"

"Leave the guy alone. He just wants to serve and represent the people of his district. He seems to be a little quirky and appears disheveled, who cares? He is generally a good guy."

Those are some of the responses I received when I slammed Dennis Pearson nearly two years ago. He had applied for a vacancy on Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners. When I saw Dennis pictured in his space suit on his web page (which incidentally plays the theme music from Masterpiece Theatre), I was unable to resist a few zingers.

Blogger Michael Molovinsky correctly took me to task.

Now it's Morning Call Columnist Bill White's turn. Miffed at Dennis' Facebook criticism that White regularly snubs East Allentown from his Christmas lights tour, Dennis is getting batted around like a piñata. White likens himself to Popeye, who can't stands no more. Does this mean Dennis Pearson is Bluto?

That's sure a stretch.

More like Wimpy than Bluto, Dennis is actually a gentle soul, an easy target. He reminds me of the kid who gets bullied after class every day, mainly because he's different. Bill devotes an entire column to showcasing those oddities, so that we can all laugh and feel good about ourselves, knowing we're no hoofty like Dennis.

As upset as I've been at Bill White's recent criticism of Northampton County Council President Ron Angle, at least he's an elected public official. And like Bluto, the Bulldog can bite back. But Dennis, who certainly is no glib writer, is pretty much defenseless.

What I find most offensive about Bill's recent column is that its effect is to discourage any private citizen from taking an interest in local government. As newspapermen like Bill become less numerous, the Dennis Pearsons of this world will often be the only people left to keep an eye on local government excesses.

Ironically, it appears that Person's criticism may actually be somewhat accurate, although I admittedly have no interest in this holiday extravaganza. White concedes he did omit an East Allentown display from his Christmas Lights tour because "[i]t wasn't worth having people drive 15 minutes to see it." That's certainly no ringing endorsement of east side.

Bill White Dumps on Citizen Activist Dennis Pearson

Dennis Pearson: "Sounding Forth the Trumpet That Shall Never Sound Retreat"

Michael Molovinsky likes Dennis Pearson. He also likes me.

Need I say more?

After being defeated by popular and reform-minded Joe Brennan in a four-way race for the 133rd legislative district, Dennis spent little time licking his wounds. He jumped right from politics into the Lehigh Valley Space Alliance, and is hard at work fighting for our right to shoot ourselves to Neptune from home made rockets. He also thinks it's high time we start mining asteroids and move our manufacturing facilities to the moon.

Meanwhile, back on Earth, Pearson is one of five applicants to fill a vacancy on Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners, caused by Kurt Derr's sudden resignation as District Three's representative. Yesterday, I posted their introductory letters. Pearson expresses great interest in Allentown's east side, so I asked why he never ran for county office. (At that time, I had no idea Dennis is actually much more interested in intergalactic affairs). Someone anonymously suggested, in a comment, that Pearson may lack social skills.

This poster is probably unaware that Dennis speaks fluent Klingon.

My question and that comment resulted in a response from Dennis - in English. I noticed a few spelling and grammatical errors and offered to edit it, but Dennis told me he would edit it himself. "That was only a first drat only."

A few hours later, I received Dennis' final response, which incidentally is identical to his first draft. As Dennis likes to say on his web page, his reply sounds "forth the trumpet that shall never sound retreat." I'll say this much. He is courageous.

To answer your question : Why I didn't run for City Council or the County Commissioners in 2007? First, my Aunt Dorothy , my father's only sister, died in the beginning of the year and I had to take care of the Estate. Her health condition deteriorated in June 2006 just after my State Representative campaign had ended and I needed to sale her home to help fund her care at a lng-term Assistance living facility. During my State Representative Campaign I developed a case of Singles that proved bothersome and the linking effects of Neuralgia from Shingles still was very painful through spring 2007 and still is not completely over with now... . When the Democratic Party announced their candidates for City Council and County Commissioner for the Spring primary, I just decided to concentrate on my umpiring, my substitute teaching, and my work with the neighborhood and Steelworkers Archives. To run for City Council and County Commissioner would have required a great amount of time and energy from my part and more money then I was accustomed or willing to spend on my campaigns. What I needed was a Committee to assist and complement my personal efforts.I was not going to go into debt or spend wholesale the money I ireceived from the sale of a longtime family Homestead occupied by my uncle on my Mother's side who died in 2003 The settlement for this property did not occur until the issues involving a complicated family agreement for lifetime occupancy by the Uncle and the provisions of his will wass ironed out. Therefore Settlement between the sellers ( the Estate of the Uncle) and the buyers did not occur until July 2006.

Sadly, some people's effort in campaigning for office can compromise their ability to serve once in office.

Those who send their best regards in regard my social skills should realize that I ran for State Representative without a Committee. Indeed I fell far short in votes in many sections of the district. But do these same people realize that in Districts 15-1 and 14-2 , also heavily canvassed by Joe Brennen and Rosado in person and Rybak by mail I beat them all. And how many people realize that in a race that voters could only vote for 1 individual, if they had a second choice I received word from many that I was indeed their second choice. I ran that race with honor and kept by honor,

In 1991 I ran for County Commissioner again without a Committee but amazed a total of 32,000 votes . In a race that four people could win I came in 5th. I don't believe I am wrong, but I think I amazed up to then the most votes ever registered by a defeated candidate until then and that still stands until now,

I don't care what my detractors say about me because they don't wish me to succeed. They want me to fail. Perhaps they are afraid that in such office I would really work for the people interests, do my homework about their interest, and the people's business in a most honest way.

As far as I am concerned the people who refuse to put their moniker on their opinions are not creditable. They shied their destruictive and deceitful words behind cover

I hope they realize that my personality is such that I don't take myself seriously ...I can laugh at myself and still dream. If that is weird so be it. I thank God that he has granted me some wisdom. intelligence and most importantly, common sense to carry the tasks I seek to do.

I ask, do these people address the fact that I substitute teach, which also requires a set of social skills. Or do these same people advocate or propose that I refrain from making a living in that occupation as well.

Teddy Roosevelt once commented on the fact that he would always refrain from drinking in public. Well this individual makes it a rule not to drink alcohol in public and at home too. Neither do I smoke. But I do take medicine for Type # 2 Diabetic Problem. Certainly these individuals when they talk about my social skills are stretching the truth.

Despite what these detractors say, and God would want me to forgive them, I am qualified to serve in public office and may be considered the most qualified individual for the present vacant Commissioner seat.. Indeed these amateur psychologists or sociologists will have their say whether it is correct analysis or not, but I will state the truth as I know it, but perhaps they are blind and do not see, and deaf and do not hear, and are close-minded enough that they do not comprehend.that this is the case.

I can't conceive that I must give up my place in line for every new individual that seeks to get in that line .... Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in that Montgomery Alabama bus many years ago. I believe that this seat on the Commissioners ought to be awarded to Dennis L. Pearson.

Update: At 3:57 AM, Pearson took a break from his astronaut training to admonish me for emphasizing his space program over his many other achievements. He even sent copies of his email to Sam Bennett, Allentown Mayor Pawlowski and state senator Lisa Boscola, people whom I have often thought of as space cadets. Dennis does have an impressive biography, including a coat of arms and everything, and I should have linked to that as well. But Dennis' extraterrestrial training is his home page, so the emphasis is his.