I Welcome Immigrants But Not Taiba Sultana

At last week's meeting of Easton City Council, there was quite the argy-bargy over Council member Taiba Sultana's latest attempt to make immigrants feel at home in Easton. Her earlier attempt at an ordinance failed. Her latest effort - a nonbinding resolution - was tabled so that the language can be cleaned up

During the chaos that seems to follow her wherever she goes, Sultana accused Council member Frank Pintabone of raising questions "because immigrants can't vote for you and you want to make sure you have votes of all the racists, all the white people."

She's continued to bray away on her Facebook page at Pintabone, while weighing in about every five minutes about how bad it is in the US

She's entitled to her opinions. She can claim white people who disagree with her are racist. This is America. She can even criticize the way we responded to the 9-11 attack on Twin Towers, as she actually did on September 11, a day that most Americans remember as the worst thing to happen here since Pearl Harbor. 

Here's what she said.

"On this day 24 years ago, 2,977 people lost their lives. In their names, the U.S. launched a "War on Terror" that created terror by spending $8 trillion of public money, our taxes, killing more than 900,000 humans across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan. We were told it was for justice; it was for oil, arms deals, and imperial control. Honoring the fallen means condemning the lies that sent so many more to their graves.

I SAID WHAT I SAID!!!"

She's certainly entitled to claim we are all about imperial control. But my question is - why is she here? If she hates the United States so much, why did she leave Pakistan and move here? Shouldn't she return there or to one of the many countries that endorses her hatred of the US?

I know there's a lot of xenophobia out there, but she herself is full of hate. 

She claims Easton, obtained by the Penns as a result of an admittedly shaky deal known as the walking purchase, is on Lenape land. If she believes that, why would she want to be a member of Easton City Council?

Are Wrong Mail-in Ballots Being Sent in Easton City Council Race?

I've been an ardent advocate of mail-in ballots (MIBs). They make it easier for people to vote and should increase turnout. They are a great convenience to those with mobility issues or many people who work two or three jobs to make ends meet. Though possible, I see no more fraud than exists in other forms of voting. But I presume that elections officials are actually sending the correct ballots. Unfortunately, in one Easton City Council race, it is certainly possible that the wrong ballots have been sent to several voters.

According to Sharbel Koorie, who is running for Easton City Council District 2, has been contacted by a voter in his district who received a MIB for a City Council race in another district. The elections office conceded the error and explained that an elections worker made the mistake of placing the wrong ballot in the envelope intended for a District 2 voter. They minimized the possibility that others have received the wrong ballot by saying they received no calls. 

Frankly, that does nothing to reassure me. Many voters in local races have little understanding of who is running in what district and would likely just assume everything is as it should be. In reality, this kind of error could very well disenfranchise several voters in that district race. It could hurt Koorie. It could also hurt his opponent, Julie Zando-Dennis, even more. She's a Democrat, and Democrats tend to like MIBs. 

There is no way of knowing for sure unless those ballots are segregated with the return envelopes and opened separately to ensure that the ballots are correct. It's questionable whether this can be done without violating Pa law providing that ballots are private.

Here's the email I received from Koorie: 

A voter in the 8th Ward East area of the City of Easton received a mail in a ballot with the correct envelope label but the wrong ballot for district 2. The ballot he received was for district 3 and had Susan Hartranft-Bittinger's name on it, not my name or my opponent's name. This was explained to me at the voters office as a human error. They told me the process of how they are mailed and received. They said that when they mail these out they do one ward at a time in a bin, they print the labels, adhere them to the envelopes and then stuff the coordinating ballots. Sometimes while doing this they said they could run out of ballots and the person would go back to the room and get more ballots. They believe someone grabbed the wrong ballot by accident and mailed it. My concern is we don't know how many people may have received the wrong ballot, this person's last name started with an "S" does that mean everyone after "S" received the wrong ballot or did they run out of ballots at the letter "L" and everyone after received the wrong ballot. They claim that if there were more people they would have already called by now.

I happened to see the woman who lives across the street from the person who received the wrong ballot and she claimed she voted for me already. I asked her if she remembered how many names were on the ballot for Easton city council she believed only one, I explained that was incorrect there should have been two, she followed up and said she can't remember 100% it was a week ago that she filled it out but believes it was one.

We are running in a small district which had around 365 votes in the primary and this fall we could have 6-700 votes total. A few wrong ballots could sway the election one way or another. This particular voter went to the county courthouse while I was there and they verified he received the wrong ballot and gave him a new ballot and yellow envelope. I just feel this is wrong. I have been knocking on doors for 12 weeks working hard to meet all the voters and was feeling real good about my chances of winning. I'm going to continue working hard until election day. Am I overreacting or could this be an issue.

I informed my opponent so that she was also aware. I also reached out to the Republican party officials to let them know as well. Should the county put something out on their site since they actually verified the wrong ballot was mailed just in case there are others? My number again is [redacted] if you have any questions. I know you have the pulse of the county and would know what should be done to make sure everything was fair.

I appreciate you reading this long rant.

Sincerely,

Sharbel Koorie candidate for Easton City Council representing District 2

Panto Proposes 2026 Budget For Easton - No Property Tax Hike

For the 19th year in a row, Easton Mayor Sal Panto has proposed a budget for next year that includes no increase in property taxes. But there will be fee increases.

Trash collection will go up $2 per month on residential. Parking meter charges in "prime" areas will go up to $3 an hour and $2.75 an hour elsewhere. The parking garage will cost $2.50 per hour. 

Parking permits will go up with a charge of $175 per year for downtown residents with one car, $225 for a second car and $275 for three or more cars.  

City Council will conduct at least four budget hearings to review Panto's spending plan. 

According to Lehigh Valley News, Panto plans to borrow to keep the pension fund in the green while awaiting an actual state budget. 

Following the Money: Despite Her Flyers and Palm Cards, Taiba Sultana Claims She Neither Raised Nor Spent $ in Easton City Council Race.

Last year, Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana ran an unsuccessful campaign for state representative against Bob Freeman. Her final report for the period ending 12/31/24 indicates she had unpaid debts of $6,350.97 as well as a negative cash balance of $598.89. This includes a $636 payment to NGP Van, which provides tech support to Democratic campaigns, on 10/18/24. 

Now she's seeking re-election to Easton City Council, and her Pre-Primary Finance report reveals there's been no changes since the end of last year. She's received no donations and is claiming no expenditures. 

She has, however been handing out flyers that attack her opponent, Susan Hartranft-Bitting, as a "disastrous school board member." These handouts claim to have been paid for by Friends of Taiba Sultana. There is no union bug on the handout, and they were hand-delivered, not mailed.  She also has been handing out palm cards.

My conclusion is that she used NGP Van software she purchased last October to create her flyers and printed them out herself.

Although it's hard to believe she spent no money in her re-election bid, it's hard to prove otherwise. It's easy to believe no one contributed to her.  

Easton's South Side Civic Ass'n To Host County and City Candidates Tonight

I attended a candidates' night hosted by the couth side civic ass'n two years ago. I left with a wealth of knowledge about each candidate. Unfortunately, very few people attend these events other than those who are working for the campaigns. That's sad because you learn a lot by being there. I wish I could go but have a conflict I'm unable to break. If there is a Facebook Live, I will watch and link. 

What: Meet and Greet Candidates for Easton City Council, NorCo Judge NorCo Exec, NorCo Council and EASD school board (both parties welcome) 

When: Tonight, 6:30 pm.

Where: Shiloh Enrichment Center, 548 Canal St, Easton, Pa.

Pintabone: Marijuana Decriminalization Will Be Considered Again on March 26

During a Facebook Live last night, Easton City Council member Frank Pintabone said that his proposal to decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana will be placed on City Council's agenda again on March 26. In a strange meeting on Wednesday night, Council member Taiba Sultana and Mayor Sal Panto refused to vote for the ordinance, despite previous promises to do so. Because Pintabone's proposal only had the support of Pintabone and Council members Crystal Rose and Jim Edinger, it failed to get the four votes needed. 

On Wednesday night, Sultana wanted to table the matter. With what she claimed was a "heavy heart," she made that motion because she said a matter had been brought to her attention concerning an unnamed official that needed to be addressed. 

She clarified what she meant on her official Facebook page on Thursday: "One of the council members is allegedly, directly or indirectly, involved in delivering marijuana. I asked to table the bill because I didn't have all the facts. I vote with my full conscious. I would address these allegations transparently and thoroughly before proceeding with any legislative action." She asserted that a sitting Council member was involved in the distribution of marijuana. Although she said the matter needed to be addressed "transparently," she still failed to name this Council member, but she was referring to Pintabone. 

I say this because, in her failed bid for State Representative, she told many constituents that Pintabone is a drug dealer. They in turn promptly told Pintabone what she had said.  

He has thick skin, and let it go. 

When she was circulating her nomination petition for re-election, she once again told constituents that Pintabone is a drug dealer. They in turn promptly notified Pintabone.

He let it go. 

On Monday, she reached out to Easton Police Chief Carl Scalzo, and said she had been informed that while Pintabone was in Washington with the Mayor to seek finding for city programs, two of his employees had been arrested over the weekend with marijuana in Pintabone's work truck. She was told that was untrue, and the only marijuana arrest over the weekend involved four kids in a Honda Civic with Jersey plates. Despite what she had been told, she later told another Council member that Pintabone was involved in marijuana distribution. 

He adamantly denied any involvement with marijuana, at least not since he was a kid. He added that he does not drink, is a nonsmoker and dislikes the smell of marijuana. "You can't hide who you are if you're running for politics in the city of Easton.” He explained that everybody knows everybody. 

He received a text message from Sultana yesterday after he went on her official Facebook page to set the record straight: "I am so sorry what you heard. It is frustrating to me as well which could not be true but I do not have all the facts. I will be happy to meet you to have a conversation and stand beside you as we have more in common than opposite." 

Wisely, Pintabone declined to respond. I'm no psychologist, but it's pretty clear to me that Sultana suffers from narcissistic personality disorder, from an exaggerated sense of self-importance to her envy of others. She resents Pintabone and what he has accomplished in one short year on City Council, so she decided to muddy him up with libel. 

Is she wishes to apologize, she should do so publicly. In the meantime, Pintabone has retained prominent Easton lawyer Gary Asteak. He, like Pintabone, grew up on south side. 

On the merits, I understand and respect those who think decriminalization should be done by the state. But don't try to claim that a city ordinance providing a less draconian alternative means you are violating your oath to uphold laws, as Rogger Ruggles disingenuously argued. 

Pintabone Proposal to Decriminalize Marijuana in Easton Goes Up in Smoke

During what can only be described as a bizarre meeting, Easton City Council voted 4-3 last night to end Council member Frank Pintabone's proposal to decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana. Voting No were Mayor Sal Panto and Council members Taiba Sultana (she actually abstained, effectively a No), Roger Ruggles and Kenny Brown. Voting Yes were Pintabone, joined by Council members Crystal Rose and Jim Edinger. 

At the onset, Lehigh Valley Justice Institute Executive Director Joe Welsh, who happens to be a resident of Easton's west ward, told Council that one of six cases filed in court involve marijuana charges, clogging the courts and diverting resources from real crime. More troubling, a person is 6.4 times more likely to be charged with a marijuana offense if he happens to be black. He was echoed by Julie Zando-Dennis and Susan Hartranft Bittenger, both of whom are running for city council. A local downtown business owner joined the chorus of support. 

No one from the public spoke against the proposal. 

During a committee hearing just a few weeks before, Sultana said, "This is something that should have been done years ago." She went on to claim marijuana "is not a drug" and suggested there should be no fine at all. Mayor Panto spoke in support of the ordinance but said the fine should be high to deter people from smoking in public. 

That was then. 

Last night, both of them suddenly switched. 

Sultana kicked things off with a "heavy heart," saying that the ordinance needed to be tabled because she had heard "allegations" against an unnamed "official" and needed to investigate them first. Hmmm. While going door to door seeking signatures for her latest nomination petition, Sultana actually accused one unnamed (and elected) official of being a drug dealer. This unnamed and elected official knows about this libel because the very people that Sultana solicited immediately called this person.

Despite this baseless smear, Sal Panto seconded the motion to table. The very ordinance he supported on February 25 was now suddenly objectionable because he now feels that decriminalization should come from the state, even though 17 municipalities have already decriminalized marijuana. 

Once a motion to table is made and seconded, Robert's Rules clearly provide that discussion ends and the matter is supposed to be voted on immediately. But the discussion continued, and even Solicitor Joel Scheer joined in the discussion instead of instructing them that they need to vote.

After several unnecessary minutes of discussion, a vote on the motion to table was taken and failed in a 4-3 vote. Panto, Ruggles and Sultana voted Yes while Edinger, Brown, Pintabone and Rose voted No.

On the merits, Ruggles said that this was a matter for the state, not Easton. He said that anyone who supported decriminalization would be violating an oath to uphold state law. He added that police officers take the same oath and would face a dilemma whether to enforce state or city law.

This argument is illogical. City Council members and even police officers take no oath that requires them to enforce every statute on the books. City Council members legislate and play no role in enforcement. And police officers who do enforce laws have what is known as prosecutorial discretion. If they charged every violation, things could get out of hand very quickly because we have same pretty strange laws, including a law that requires a child's bedroom to be within 200' of a bathroom. Under Ruggles' interpretation, every driver who goes 26 mph in a 25 mph zone should be ticketed. That's absurd. 

Pintabone countered that the state has never argued that its laws concerning marijuana pre-empt the decriminalization in 17 municipalities that have voted to do so. 

In fact, the state has actually encouraged civil instead of criminal remedies for some vehicle violations. I personally think that a driver who passes a school bus with flashing lights should pay the heaviest fine possible and be assessed points. But guess what? Under the AlertBus school safety program, which operates in Easton, it's a mere civil fine. Money trumps the safety of children, I guess. 

Once again, Solicitor Joel Scheer piped up and injected his personal views instead of advising on the law. 

In fairness, Ruggles has consistently held the view that decriminalization of marijuana is the province of the state legislature. So has Ken Brown. But Panto and Sultana did about-faces. Sultana is just trying to smear someone. Panto has always had a tendency to say one thing and do another. 

Easton's South Side Civic Ass'n to Host Candidates' Forum on March 18

Easton's South Side Civic Ass'n will host a candidates' forum for both Republican and Democratic candidates on Tuesday, March 18, 6:30 pm at the Enrichment Center, 548 W Canal Street, Easton Pa.

I believe the forum is open to all candidates for office in Easton or Northampton County. Unfortunately, I have a previously scheduled engagement at that time and am unable to attend. If there is a Facebook Live, I'll link to it. 

I attended this forum two years ago, and it was quite interesting

Frank Pintabone Proposes Decriminalization of Small Amount of Marijuana Possession in Easton

During a committee meeting on February 25, Easton City Council member proposed a new policy in Easton that would decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana. He started by saying that neither he nor anyone in his family uses this controlled substance. He himself hates the smell. But his proposal is based on equality. He made the following points:

1) A person who is charged with and pleads to possession of a small amount of marijuana is usually just fined $25, but it will still be listed as a drug conviction on his or her criminal record.

2) Throughout the state, 17 municipalities have reduced the offense from misdemeanor to summary offense, the equivalent of a parking ticket. This includes Allentown and Bethlehem. It's still on your record but won't hinder you if you try to get a job, a rental or a license. 

3) National statistics show there is just a two percent difference in marijuana usage between white persons and persons of color. But people of color are four times more likely to be charged with marijuana-related infractions.

4) Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational purposes, arguing that there would be legal sales of $530 million per year.  

5) In a recent poll, 63% of those surveyed support legalization in Pa. (85% Democrats, 62% Independents, 53% Republicans). 

6) Easton's median income is $10,000 below the state average, meaning it is largely a lower middle-class population. Easton's population is 43% black or Hispanic. They are thus more likely to face prosecution for simple possession of a small amount if marijuana. 

7) Easton borders New Jersey, where marijuana has been legalized both medicinally and recreationally since 2021. Half of NJ's sales are to Pa. residents. 

8) There has been speculation that decriminalization would turn festivals like Baconfest into weed fest. But Bethlehem City Council member Rachel Leon has seen adverse effect on Bethlehem's festivals. 

Under Pintabone's proposal, possession of a small amount would be a summary offense with the following fines: $90 for first offense; $180 for second offense: and $270 for third offense. 

Chief Carl Scalzo voiced some concerns, including administration of the law. He'd prefer to see it done on a state level. He is also fearful that this could offer a beacon to those who might think Easton is a "weed friendly" city that bear a relation to violent crime often associated with drugs. 

Council member Crystal Rose agrees that giving someone a criminal record for possession of a joint is "antiquated." But she thinks the fines should be reduced. 

Council member Roger Ruggles suggested that this could be pre-empted by state law, but Solicitor Jeremy Clark opined that is unlikely. 

Mayor Sal Panto had no problem with a $90 fine. "You pay that for a carton of cigarettes," he observed. He argued that fines need to be stiff to prevent people from smoking in public. 

Administrator Luis Campos suggested that this could lead to a proliferation of people smoking downtown in public. 

What do you think of this proposal?

Panto's Remarks About Illegal Immigrants Taken Out of Context

At their February 12 meeting, Easton City Council took up a proposed welcoming city ordinance that was recently adopted in Allentown but rejected in Bethlehem. While the proposed ordinance still requires the city to comply with state and federal law, it bans the use of local personnel to assist in federal immigration enforcement. It does require a certifying city to shell out $12,000 to a nonprofit. Frankly, it strikes me as just the latest, and rather tone-deaf attempt at virtue signaling during a time in which voters have just elected a President who has vowed to deport undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. 

Easton Police Chief Carl Scalzo warned against this proposal. While he said he was empathetic to the cause of helping people who have come to this country in search of a better life. His worry is that with these law-abiding immigrants, "there are also individuals who come here without that good intent." He suggested some would be here to commit crimes and hurt others, including citizens and law enforcement. He worries that "welcoming city" legislation would be used by criminal aliens who "fly under the radar." "Legislation like that can be a beacon for those individuals to come here."  He also observed that his officers could face legal consequences if the ordinance were unintentionally violated. 

Chief Scalzo went on to say that Easton has a long history of supporting immigrants and that Mayor Sal Panto himself just spoke last year in support of DREAMERs. Panto also promoted a city resolution calling on the state to provide driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants. 

In response to questions from Council member Taiba Sultana, who said that a welcoming city just embraces diversity, he maintained that there are individuals who "will see that and ... They're going to go to those places where they feel like they can fly under the radar and then our officers are the ones left dealing with those individuals." Chief Scalzo conceded that most immigrants are law-abiding, but "we are seeing in our communities ... the Tren de Aragua gang and those types of elements get mixed into all of this. For sure that they do and they're looking for places where they can fly under that radar."

That was all Mayor Panto, who has used the mantra "clean and safe" since he was first elected to office, needed to hear. "I can't stand that we're here trying to do an ordinance to protect illegals. These people commit crimes. We don't want crime in our city. If you vote for this ordinance you are voting to have crime in your city."

That was that. 

Except it wasn't. Sultana used Panto's remarks to complain, in a letter to The Morning Call, that Panto's remarks about immigrants were hurtful and xenophobic. Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen, a Wilson Borough activist, said Panto's reaction was "blatantly racist" in a Morning Call op-ed. 

While I'll agree that Panto was inartful in the way he expressed himself (he was angry), he was taken out of context by both Sultana and Moritz-Chapelliquen. When he said he was opposed to illegals, it was in response to Chief Scalzo's warning about illegals who commit crimes. He has a good record of supporting immigrants who may have come here illegally but are otherwise productive members of society. 

Local government should focus on local government, not the flavor of the day. 

Sharbel Koorie to Run For Easton City Council's West Ward Seat

From Sharbel Koorie: I am Sharbel Koorie and today I am announcing my candidacy for Easton City Council – District 2, which is comprised of Wards 5, 6, 7, 8 West and 8 East in Easton.

As a lifelong resident of Easton, I have seen the challenges and opportunities our community faces. Today, I am excited to announce that I am running for City Council to represent District 2, a neighborhood I have called home for 55 years. With your support, I hope to bring a fresh perspective and practical solutions to the issues that matter most to our families and businesses.

I believe in the potential of Easton. For over four decades, I’ve worked here in various capacities—from co-owning Daddy’s Place, a popular local restaurant, to running a successful Disc Jockey business. For the past 25 years, I have also served the City of Easton in several roles, including laborer, heavy equipment operator, building inspector, and code administrator. These roles have given me a deep understanding of how our city functions and what works well and needs to be changed.

As a proud resident of South 9th Street, married to my wonderful wife Lena, and a father of four and a grandfather of six, I care deeply about the future of Easton, especially in the West Ward, where I have spent my life. The issues here are personal to me.

As your City Council representative, I will prioritize being accessible, listening to your concerns, and working tirelessly to ensure that we create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant Easton for everyone. It will be my goal to make Easton a city we’re all proud to call home.

I humbly ask for your support in this campaign. Together, we can make Easton better, stronger, and more connected than ever before.

Blogger's Note: I know Sharbel and have visited his excellent restaurant many times more than I should. He and his family are good people. But can a Republican get elected in a heavily Democratic District? Can a former code enforcement officer get elected an any district? We'll see. 

Easton City Council Member Defuses Potential Violence at President's Day Protest

According to LehighValleyLive, about 125 people gathered in Easton's center circle yesterday at noon for a President's Day protest aimed at Donald Trump's ambitious agenda. As it began to wind down around 1 pm, a self-proclaimed veteran in skinny jeans that might have restricted the blood flow to his brain decided to accost the crowd.

"You got a permit? You got a permit?" he asked several times, telling one of them to "Shut up!" and "Hit me, old man." 

At one point he ripped off half of the vest he was wearing in what seemed like a rather poor imitation of a Chippendale. "When you bleed for the flag, let me f---in' know," he added. 

Things appeared primed to take a turn for the worse when Easton City Council member Frank Pintabone, who happened to be driving through the circle on his way to City Hall, stopped his truck and intervened. Frank, whose girth rivals that of the entire Philadelphia Eagles offensive line, put himself between the wannabe edge rusher and those who were there to protest Trump. He backed the guy off as effectively as Mekhi Becton did for Jalen Hurts.  

Unfortunately for bottom feeders like me, Pintabone defused what could have turned into a physical altercation. 

Free speech is a beautiful thing so long as it remains nonviolent. 

The Eagke could probably use another offensive lineman, Frank.

Easton Eliminates Commuter Tax In Latest No-Tax-Hike Budget

For the 18th year in a row under Mayor Sal Panto, Easton on Wednesday evening adopted a no-tax-hike $71 million budget for next year. And Northampton County employees who work in Easton but live elsewhere will be happy to learn that this budget eliminates a controversial 1.95% commuter tax. The budget was adopted in a 6-0 vote following five budget hearings. Easton is no longer moderately distressed and thus was unable to impose a commuter tax. The property tax rate remains 24.95 mills. City residents still pay an earned income tax. 

Voting to support the budget were Mayor Sal Panto (who is actually a voting member of City Council under their Home Rule Charter, Ken Brown, James Edinger, Frank Pintabone, Crystal Rose and Roger Ruggles. 

Council member Taiba Sultana was absent for the adoption of the budget as well as a meeting the previous evening at which amendments were considered. She participated in two hearings by phone and was physically present for two of the five total budget hearings. She managed to attend a fundraiser for herself on Saturday night.

Easton School Director to Seek Southside Seat on Easton City Council

Susan Hartranft-Bittinger, an Easton Area School Director since December 2017, has decided to run for Easton City Council southside regional seat currently held by Taiba Sultana.

Bittinger's second term as a school director ends at the end of next year. She graduated from Easton Area High School and is a Certified Insurance Service Representative. She has been employed by HMK Insurance for over 21 years and is currently a senior claims administrator.  

Sisan is a lifelong resident of the southside, and lives in the same home her parents bought over 60 years ago. She has two sons and three grandchildren. She states, "Southside Easton deserves to have a representative that will work for them with no other agenda than making our part of this City the best it has ever been. I am a Southside Girl born and raised and I am truly committed to my City."

It's unclear whether incumbent City Council member Taiba Sultana plans to seek re-election. In fact, it's unclear whether she still lives on Easton's southside. 

Twilight Criterium Proves Easton Becoming a Destination Town

The start and finish line on Northampton Street, just below 
the circle, packed with enthusiasts. 

Easton is one of many river towns that dot both sides of the Delaware. According to the New York Times, it is undergoing a transformation as a "refuge" for double-platers from NY and NJ escaping higher home prices and taxes. So is the entire Lehigh Valley and that's no reason for celebration because they drive up prices and taxes here. But there's something more going on in what was once called Fishtown. I was there for Saturday night's packed Twilight Criterium, a series of events throughout the afternoon and evening eclipsed by a criterium for professional male and female cyclists. The place was packed, not just with cycling fans like myself, but with people just out to enjoy a pleasant evening. There was high energy and lots of smiles, especially since the booze was flowing freely. Moreover, the shops and restaurants along Northampton and Third Streets might actually be nicer than those you'll find at Lambertville or New Hope, and with a lot less snobbery than you'll find at other high-end locations. Easton has arrived. 

What the hell is a criterium, you might ask. Most cycling races are for long distances on roads from one city to another, usually lasting for several days. The Giro d'Italia, for example, was a 19-stage race on  roads, cobblestones, mountains and gravel. Fans along the route get to see the riders once as they go by in a blur. In contrast, a crit is a short race along city streets with numerous turns and multiple laps. Fans can see the riders every time they lap the course. 

Though the crits were the main event, the day was packed with events for everyone. There was a free fun ride along the course, a foot race for runners with cash prizes and even a wheelie competition 

US Crit Champion Coryn Labecki

The winner of the Women's Pro Criterium, EF Education - Cannondale's Coryn Labecki, had just won the USA National Crit in West Virginia. In her two decades of racing (she started at age 11), she has garnered 74 national titles on the road, time trials or at crits. She may be only 4'11' but is a cycling heavyweight. She would go on to win the Tour of Somerville yesterday. 

Unfortunately, I had to leave before the men's race, which started with some rain. If you were there, feel free to share what you thought. 

Taiba Sultana Is Cause of Yet Another Chaotic Easton City Council Meeting

She's done it again. Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana managed to create chaos at Wednesday night's meeting. This is because she has a habit of springing items on City Council members with no advance notice. Like when she proposed a $100,000 emergency relief fund without explaining what constitutes an emergency or where the money was coming from. Or when she spung a highly controversial Gaza cease-fire resolution at the last minute. Items to be considered at a meeting must be submitted the City Clerk no later than the Thursday prior to a meeting, but Sultana appears to be incapable of following that directive. At the same time, she has alienated fellow Council members at meetings with remarks like "They [Council] think the black and brown community is criminal and dangerous ... ."

On Wednesday, it was over a natter that should have been completely innocuous. May is American Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and she decided it would be a nice gesture to honor a number of Asian small businesses. No argument there. She invited a number of them to attend Wednesday night's City Council meeting. She also prepared certificates of appreciation that she apparently found on Google. For some reason, she inserted Administrator Luis Campos' name on the award, although he is part of the Executive branch. She never let anyone on Council know what she was doing, nor did she circulate her proposed citations to other Council members. They never saw them. Nor did Campos, who apparently was the bestower of this honor. 

When she mentioned her intent to bestow these certificates, Mayor Sal Panto asked if they were coming from her or City Council. "Council," she replied. 

Then, before they could do anything, like vote on it, she was off the dais and calling out names. Three businesses were there. When Campos saw his name on the certificates, he told Sultana he did not know anything about it. Sultana responded, "Lewis, we'll talk later."

At least she did not forge his signature, like someone who forged State Senator Lisa Boscola's signature on a Sultana's nomination petition for the state house. That petition was circulated by her husband.  

Easton City Council applauded the recipients of these awards, but at the end of the meeting, Sultana was taken to task. She said Council should be tanking these small businesses instead of attacking her. Council member Frank Pintabone then did just that. He thanked the small businesses, but added, "Unfortunately, none of us had any idea what award you were getting or for what. You didn't get an award today from City Council. You got one that Councilwoman Taiba Sultana made up and she put the Administrator's [name] on it without his knowledge." He concluded that they deserve a legitimate city certificate with the city seal. 

An indignant Sultana was shouting, as usual, and interrupting everyone in the middle of sentences. Council member Crystal Rose tried to explain that the certificates were never provided to Council members in advance of the meeting, but Sultana continually talked over her. Eventually, all I heard from Rose was the word "Ridiculous!"

Sultana then noted that she is the first Asian American member of City Council and implied at points that others may not care about this. She even told a recipient, "We talked about this." She later said, "They are recognized by me and nobody - if they want to recognize or not - but they're definitely recognized by me. And you know, as the first elected Asian American - ..."

At this point, Mayor Sal Panto had enough. "Oh, you know what? I'm tired of hearing that. That is so stupid. I'm the first Italian Mayor. Does that make me any better than you? No. Cheezit crackers, we're all Americans." 

Then Ken Brown, who has valiantly tried to play the role of peacemaker, decided he had enough as well. "Ms. Sultana, I've served this City for almost 27 years in various capacities, and in all of my years, I've not ever dealt with what I've dealt with over the last two years. It's to the point right now where I, Ken Brown, have no more confidence in you."

"Me neither," responded Sultana. 

Easton's Twilight Criterium This Saturday

Tomorrow, Easton will host its 4th annual Twilight Criterium, a lapped bicycle race on a closed circuit set in cities. Easton's race will be on a 0.71 mile course in the downtown with six turn.  

There are actually 11 different events, starting with a community ride (free) at 1:15 pm and ending with a race for the pros at 7:20 pm (women) (25-miles) and 8:40 pm (men) (35-miles).   

I had hoped to participate in the community ride, but I had cataract surgery on Tuesday and am unable to ride outdoors for a week. (I may do it anyway). 

I am looking forward to watching the pros in action. At Wednesday's City Council meeting, Mayor Sal Panto said it's "like the Grand Prix, but on bicycles." 

Municipal Lien Filed Against Easton City Council Member Taiba Sultana

Her list of transgressions continues to grow. Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana has the distinction of being the only Council member who was charged with code violations at her own home. She was placed on ARD after being accused in the domestic assault of her adult son. She has accused Easton City Council members and Mayor Sal Panto of both racism and misogyny while simultaneously blasting older people. Her own adult daughter has been accused of corrupting the morals of minors after she and two of her minor siblings were nabbed by state police in the process of damaging anti-Sultana campaign signs. A judgment has been entered against her in a dispute with a landlord. Her car was booted for failure to pay parking tickets. And now, a $922 municipal lien has been filed against her for failure to pay real estate taxes on her Vista Drive property. 

These taxes are what pay her salary. 

Over 250 Easton Residents File Petition Seeking Resignation of Easton City Council Member Taiba Sultana

Sultana cuffed by Easton police after
alleged assault of adult son

Easton City Council met Wednesday night at the Easton Area Community Center in the west ward. It generally meets once a year in the neighborhoods instead of city hall.  Thugh there is no YouTube video of the meeting, Patsy Hitzel of South Side Civic Ass'n recorded most of the meeting on Facebook. (You can see it here). During this West Ward summit, Council was presented with a petition seeking the immediate resignation of controversial Council member Taiba Sultans. This request, presented by Christine Phillips, was signed by over 250 City residents. Ironically, it included the names of many of the black and brown people whom Sultana claims to champion. 

Here's what Phillips stated, as best as I can transcribe it:

"In the two years that Mrs. Sultan has held her seat in office, she has done very little for the people of the city that she was entrusted to do when she was elected. 

"Since 2022, Mrs. Sultana had shown very little interest in the citizens of this city ... . In 2022, she has missed out of four budget meetings. In December 2023, she missed committee meetings to protest the Menorah lighting in Bethlehem. In January 2024, she missed committee meetings to have her State Rep announcement party. In March 2024, she had her children at the dais during the Council meeting while her husband and adult child were present and were able to sit with them, then proceeded to use the footage of that meeting as a political mudsling opportunity to again disrespect her constituents. On March 27, 2024, she did not appear in person when topics such as the parking issue on Davis Street in Southside was discussed, In April 2024, she did not attend the committee meetings to discuss the quality-of-life issues of parking in the downtown.

"At the end of 2023, South Side residents came to planning to fight three pieces of development that the residents of South Side did not want in the community. She did not attend and of [those meetings] while other Council members showed and addressed the concerns we had ... ."

"She has brought more division in the City and has continuously been combative with her constituents. ... She seems more interested in making headlines addressing national and international business as a priority. 

"Many issues have been raised in South Side Easton and Mrs. Sultana was involved in none of these issues by supporting the residents in finding a solution or attending meetings to object to projects. The many times you've seen Mrs. Sultana on South Side is for her benefit, Seven town homes on Coal Street taking away all green space on an already small lot; a smoke shop less than 215' from another location; selling the same items, wanting to sell synthetic opioids; and a garbage issue in your neighborhood that we reached out for your help. South Side Civisc Ass'n reached out to you about getting benches and tables for the field house about a year ago, and you came back in October to say there was no money in the budget, yet they were notified that they were already ordered and actually [are] waiting in storage to be installed.

"Mrs. Sultana has made false, derogatory statements about the City of Easton police department twice in less than a year by calling them unprofessional, racist [and] politically motivated, and yet again now with a political ad. Her unprofessional behavior and lack of respect, shown multiple times for other members of both Council and public officials, are an indication to all that she does not have the people of Easton's best interests in mind.

"Being an elected official, you are to lead by example 24/7, 365 days a year. Unfortunately, many people who agree with this petition wouldn't sign it for fear of retaliation by [Sultana]. 

"Again, we are demanding that Mrs. Sultana resign as a City of Easton Council member, effective immediately. This should not be a hard decision.to make since she has no respect for the city that pays her ... You've done nothing but pretty much bash everyone who disagrees with you ..."

Earlier that evening, Sultana proved that at least some concerns raised by Phillips are correct. She read into the record a lengthy letter from ACLU objecting to the suspension of licenses to landlords who allow criminal activity in homes they rent Once she finished, Council member Roger Ruggles advised her that legislation has been withdrawn. "She wasn't here," observed Mayor Sal Panto. "It was withdrawn," continued Ruggles. "You read all of that for nothing because it's not in existence any more."

Council member Frank Pintabone said that the legislation would only affect people whose homes are raided for drug sales, illegal weapons, child pornography or human trafficking. It would have no application to women who call police to report abuse "We got to get the criminals out of the neighborhoods," added Mayor Panto. "That's the primary crux of the resolution. ... We're not looking to kick any good people out, we're looking to kick criminals out of the neighborhoods, and as a City Council member, you should be concerned about the crime that's in our neighborhoods."

Sukltana then complained that she wished someone had told her the bill was withdrawn.

After these remarks were made, Sultana asked Council to consider religious holidays when scheduling future meetings and noted that she had to leave a family gathering in Philly to be present. She chose against responding to the petition at the meeting, but later told LehighValleyLive that the petition is politically motivated, part of a smear campaign and "unfounded propaganda." 

She is a candidate for State House. 

Easton LERTA Expansion Explained

Last week, I told you that Easton is seeking approval from Northampton County for a real estate tax break for nine different tax parcels. Under this tax incentive, the owner continues to pay real estate taxes on the property. But once there is an increase in assessment as a result of improvements made, the additional tax due is phased in over a period of 10 years. This has already been approved by Easton and its school district.  County Council will vote on this proposal at their next meeting.

I am philosophically opposed to most tax incentives, event modest breaks that come about from a LERTA. Even I would support one aimed at redeveloping a brownfield or improving blighted property in our urban core. Executive Lamont McClure said the LERTA  has "110% support" from the county administration. Easton Director of Community and Economic Development John Kingsley described the nine tracts as follows:

1-6 Center Square: This blighted property will be redeveloped into a seven-story hotel with a conference facility and two restaurants at a cost of $25 million on a parcel currently assessed at $200,000. It is expected to create at least 30 FTE jobs. Construction would be complete by December 2025. 

8 Center Square: This is the former National Bank building and has been vacant over five years. It will be redeveloped into a five-story building with two restaurants and seven apartments at a cost of $3.4 million for a parcel currently assessed at $98,100. The restaurants will create 15 new jobs.

508 West Canal Street (Southside): This is the old Paradise Club, and was acquired by Shiloh Baptist Church for 60 units of affordable housing for tenants between 20-80% of area median housing. The tract is currently assessed at $76,500. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 and will take 18 months. 

130-134 Phillips Street and Charles Street (Southside): These properties are in the process of being acquired by Greater Shiloh Church for eight owner-occupied affordable housing units. Each will be three-bedroom homes. he project will cost $2.5 million for property assessed at $81,300. The county has already awarded a $100,000 grant for this project. Eligible owners will be at or below 80% area median income. 

653-671 Bushkill Street (West Ward): These properties (former Circle Systems) will be redeveloped into office and manufacturing micro-enterprises. The tract is assessed at $115,000, and $1.5 million in construction is contemplated. The ground floor will include 3-D printing, metal shop, laser cutting and loading docks. This is expected to be ready by Fall 2025. 

Kingsley projects that real estate taxes will increase by a factor of 10 once the LERTA expires. He indicated that both the areas inside the city and the proposed uses make these projects attractive.