Glenn Reibman Proposed For Airport Authority

Executive Lamont McClure has nominated one of his predecessors, Glenn Reibman, to serve on the airport authority. Reibman was NorCo Executive for two terms. If confirmed by Council, he will serve for the next five years. He will replace Anne Baum, a Capital Blue Cross exec and one of the Lehigh Valley's most prominent women in business. 

Reibman's Borough Strategy

During the Northampton County Executive race, Glenn Reibman's strategy was to appeal to the County's borough officials, meeting them at numerous diners throughout the County. He joked that he had no idea there were so many diners.

Well, we know his strategy failed, but he did win in some of these boroughs. Reibman won in East Bangor (by 4 votes), Portland (by 4 votes), Stockertown (by 1 vote) and West Easton (by 3 votes).

Glenn Reibman at Hanover Tp Armed Services Park

Glenn Reibman

I did not recognize him at first in his Lafayette College regalia, but County Executive candidate Glenn Reibman was at Hanover Township's Armed Services Park this morning for their annual remembrance ceremony. He promised that, though I support John Callahan, he'll still talk to me.

Reibman and I have had numerous differences over many years, far too numerous to mention here. But to his credit, he has always been a gentleman to me.

You might see Reibman at one of these events. You might see Callahan. You'll never see Lamont McClure.

Callahan Files "Shock and Awe" Finance Report

In the military, "shock and awe" is the term used to describe overwhelming military force, one so large that a putative enemy withers away. That's the impression I had when reviewing Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan Pre-Primary Campaign Finance report.

During the period between January 1 and May 6, Callahan raised a whopping $198,503.11. To give you some perspective, that's more than three times the amounts raised by his opponents ... combined. As I told you earlier today, Glenn Reibman raised just $39,203, mostly from Pawlowski donors, while Lamont McClure, supposed voice of the people, only raked in $18,450. In fact, McClure had to kick in $16,000 of his own money because his supposed grass roots supporters are nonexistent.

Speaking of grass roots, Callahan listed 320 individual donors, big and small.

Don't tell Mayor Pawlowski, but many of these are the same people who contributed to Reibman. They just gave more ... a lot more ... to Callahan.

Callahan's campaign manager, Eric Nagy, said this finance report is proof that "John Callahan’s record of job creation and fiscal responsibility is resonating with voters.”

It's been a good week for Callahan. He started off with an Express Times endorsement, did very well in last night's debate, has over 40 local endorsements, and still has $130,000 plus to spend in the final days of the campaign. Reibman has barely $6,000, while McClure is in the hole.

McClure's biggest contributor, Abe Atiyeh, made an in-kind contribution worth $10,000 for that billboard on Route 22, the one annoying Palmer Township residents. I'm sure they'll think of Lamont when they vote. I'm sure Bethlehem residents will be thinking of Lamont, too, once they learn that his biggest backer is Abe.

Pawlowski Contributors Dominate Reibman's Finance Report

NorCo Exec candidate Glenn Reibman's pre-primary finance report has been filed, and the story it tells is that he is getting major financial support from the same people who contribute to Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski. Many feel that Pawlowski was incensed by Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan's tepid criticism of Allentown's controversial Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ), and that the Reibman candidacy is a payback.

Reibman started the reporting period (1/1/13 - 5/6/13) with $39,008.46. He raised $39,203.00, and spent $72,268.23. He's left with $5,943.23 for the final days of his campaign.

Other than one $5,000 donation from Laborer's Local, he has virtually no union support. The lion's share of his major contributions comes from Pawlowski supporters.This includes Allentown auto dealer Robert Bennett ($2,500) , the Duane Morris law firm ($1,000), Allentown developer Pennrose Properties' Race Street PAC ($10,000) and Allentown City Council Prez Julio Guridy ($1,000). There's even a $1,500 contribution from the Greater Reading PAC, where Reibman campaign consultant Mike Fleck also does work for Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer.

Closer to home, Reibman did snag $5,000 contributions from Charles Chrin ($5,000) and Jim Edinger ($5,000).

Reibman has spent  over $26,000 on television ads, and has paid out $10,000 to his political consultant, Mike Fleck.

NorCo Exec Candidates Mix It Up In Lively LWV Debate

John Callahan

As Northampton Community College's women went after each other in a lacrosse game, three County Executive candidates beat each other with verbal sticks on May 9 during a lively debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters (LWV). Though these hopefuls are by no means as attractive as that group of college co-eds, well over seventy people still enthusiastically watched as verbal blows landed and missed in the third of four scheduled forums. Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, former NorCo Executive Glenn Reibman and County Council member Lamont McClure, each of whom seeks the Democratic nomination on May 21, left it all on the field, just like the lacrosse players.

Lamont McClure

McClure, as he's done throughout his campaign, stressed his fight to save Gracedale, the County's nursing home, and a pledge not to raise taxes, at least not during his first term in office. He noted that during the Great Recession, he authored a mortgage foreclosure diversion program that allowed 40% of its participants to stay in their homes. He also claimed to have voted to preserve more farmland than any other member of County Council.

Unlike Reibman and McClure, Callahan has no County experience. But he played that as a strength, claiming that he represents change and that voters are yearning for that change. Pointing to over 5,000 jobs in Bethlehem over his ten years as Mayor, he added that the Christmas City has been named one of the "100 best places in America to Live, 100 best places in America to launch a business, and 100 best places in America to raise a family."

Glenn Reibman

Reibman claims he wants to "finish the job" he started during two previous terms as Executive. He referred to a five-point plan that includes job creation and economic development, fiscal responsibility, investments in the criminal justice system, upgraded human services and government transparency.

Moderator John Kincaid, a Government Professor at Lafayette College, posed questions prepared in advance by the LWV as well a queries from the floor.


Gracedale

All candidates agreed that Gracedale should remain county-owned. Reibman insisted the nursing home was profitable when he was Executive, and he would attempt to take on Monroe County's nursing home, Callahan called it the "jewel of the County," and reminded the audience that he announced his candidacy at the nursing home. But McClure countered that Callahan had previously told Gracedale supporters it wasn't his problem, and scoffed at Reibman's suggestion.

"Mr. Reibman has been out of government a long time now," observed McClure, in a refrain he repeated throughout the evening. He said that the County is actually trying to sell 37 bed licenses to put it on a sounder  economic footing.

Taxes

Of the three candidates, only McClure has never voted to raise property taxes, a theme McClure mentioned repeatedly. At one point, McClure asked Callahan to join him in a pledge not to raise taxes. Callahan demurred, calling the suggestion "irresponsible and pandering." Callahan argued that a tax hike is "always a last resort," but "if we want to provide services for residents, we have to pay taxes to do so.

Although Reibman raised taxes 64% during his second term as Executive, he argued that his foresight has saved the County from another tax hike for ten years running. "I have a very good record," he insisted.

Swaption

When the topic turned to the swaption, which had been proposed by Reibman when he was Executive, strange UFO music began playing in the background. That did not help Reibman when he denied responsibility for the $27 million it cost the County.

McClure argued that the County should never have entered into it in the first place, while Callahan noted he rejected several similar financing schemes as Mayor. "That's $27 million into the ether," he complained. "Imagine what we could have done with that!"

Callahan also criticized McClure for dragging his feet on ending it. "He refused to step up with leadership to get out of it," Callahan remarked.

Infrastructure 

Reibman noted that a transportation bill is under consideration in Harrisburg, which could open the door to more funding for roads as well as repairs to the County's 117 bridges. He wants to revisit the "train study," and has suggested an Interchange at Routes 378 and 78.

McClure stated that commercial rail might be more realistic right now than passenger rail, and stated he favored addressing bridge issues "year to year" instead of floating a bind to pay for this infrastructure.

Callahan said bridge repairs are needed now. "We don't have time for 'pay as you go,' he insisted. He believes these kinds of capital improvements should be financed by a bond because payments can be spread out over time."You got to show a little leadership, bite the bullet and get it done," he chastised McClure.

Public Health

McClure explained that, though he supports the concept, he was unwilling to support the bi-county public health proposal because hospitals were unwilling to contribute. Callahan called public health "critically important. Disease knows no boundaries," he observed. But he doubts that Lehigh County has the "political will" for a a regional public health department.

Reibman called the current situation "unacceptable." He claimed the County could form it own public health department or partner with Lehigh County, Monroe County or both of them.

Council Relations   

Fights between Council and the Executive made Northampton County the laughing stock of the Lehigh Valley when Reibman was County Executive, according to Callahan, who noted that Bethlehem has a "long history" of a good working relation between the Mayor and its City Council. Callahan also criticized McClure's style as a Council member. "He wants to sit back and snipe," the Mayor asserted.

McClure, who noted that he "speaks truth to power," pointed out that he authored a Code of Civility. And Reibman blamed the rancorous Council meetings on one person, i.e Ron Angle. "Fortunately, the voters turned him out to pasture," noted Reibman, as a room full of Democrat burst into applause.

Economic Development

Reibman argued that he created the County Department of Community Development, a General Purpose Authority, invested in "all four corners of the County" in a "stimulus before stimulus became popular" and created thousands of jobs. He would like to enlist local schools to begin job training. Calling economic development the "key to the future of Northampton County", Callahan would use every economic development tool in the County's arsenal, from tax incentives to bonds. McClure argued that his no tax-hike pledge is what would attract business to Northampton County. Unlike Reibman and Callahan, McClure would not borrow money and is leery of tax incentives.

McClure Asks Callahan for no tax hike pledge

Candidate Questions 

In addition to being challenged to make a no-tax-hike pledge by McClure, Reibman questioned whether Callahan really created 5,000 jobs in Bethlehem, relying on Labor and Industry data.

"I guess we know who's winning," joked Callahan after being challenged by both of his opponents.

In answer to Reibman's question, Callahan stated that the Sands alone created 2,400 jobs, and another 2,400 jobs were created from new companies coming into LVIP VII.  

Callahan asked McClure about his claim to have voted to preserve more open space than any other Council member when he voted against the tax hike that funded the program. McClure responded that he had a way to pay for it without a tax hike.

After ninety minutes, LWVs Joan Dean called it a night. "Democracy works when everyone participates," she concluded, thanking both the candidates and the audience.

How Many Reibman Endorsements Are Real?

Bangor Borough Council member Dave Houser, though a Democrat, supports Republican John Brown for NorCo Executive. He even has a campaign sign for Brown in his front yard, he tells me. But since he's a Democrat, he also tells me he'll be supporting Glenn Reibman in the primary. Now I think there's some flawed logic there somewhere. But hey, that's voting. It's never logical. I certainly could respect Dave's distinction between a primary and general endorsement ... I think.

But a Reibman news release released yesterday quotes Dave as saying, "I fully support Glenn Reibman as the next Northampton County Executive.” That's simply untrue. If he supports John Brown, how can he fully support Glenn Reibman as the next County Executive? Either Dave Houser, Glenn Reibman or both of them are misleading voters.

I am really beginning to wonder how many of these supposed Reibman endorsements are real. Last week, one local official who Reibman has listed as an endorsement, told me he hasn't endorsed anyone.

Callahan Snags ET Endorsement

Despite some bumps in the road a few years ago, The Express Times concludes that John Callahan is the best Democrat seeking the NorCo Executive slot this year. "[T]he pivotal issue in this primary race comes down to this: If you need someone to run a big bureaucracy, look for someone who not only has experience in public management, but has instituted changes of efficiency on behalf of the taxpayer — and shown that he can take the heat."

Why Callahan Leads the NorCo Exec Race

Callahan asks young Bethlehem citizen to recite Pledge of Allegiance. 

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, asbestos lawyer Lamont McClure and Toll Bridge retiree Glenn Reibman would all like to be the next Northampton County Executive. I have no access to polls, but he's going to win. I make this prediction because of the campaign mailers.

Both Reibman and McClure are spending their money attacking him. Today alone, I received two corny attack mailers aimed at Callahan from Lamont McClure. Last week, it was Glenn Reibman who even used a Callahan look-alike to deceive voters.

But while these guys are down in the gutter, trying to drag Callahan down, he's knocking on doors.

This race is over. McClure and Reibman just don't know it yet. But on Saturday, Reibman will host a Kentucky Derby party. It only costs $100 a pop.

Gross Family Endorses Reibman

In the latest announcement from the Glenn Reibman camp, he has added endorsements for Executive from several local officials. These include Bangor Area School Board Director Frank Addessi, N. Catasauqua Council member Cherie D. Gebhardt and West Easton Mayor Gerald Gross and Council Prez Kelly Gross. His local endorsements now stand at 25.

“It’s inconsequential to me how big or how small these communities are, " claims Reibman. "They are proud communities and they all are part of Northampton County, and they all play a role in what makes this County strong, productive, and a great place to live, work, and play.”

Reibman Uses Drunk Callahan Look Alike

Political guru Mike Fleck, Edwin Pawlowski's campaign manager, was the person behind the attempt to kill the Kim Velez candidacy in Allentown. That effort failed, largely because Steve Barron's Solicitor, Tim Brennan, engaged in bully tactics. A Lehigh County judge corrected that error. I did not really fault Fleck for Brennan's stupidity. But Fleck, who also is running Glenn Reibman's Northampton County Exec race, has sunk to a new low.

The flyer, which I decline to reproduce here, includes a photograph of an obviously drunk John Callahan. For those of you on Planet Krypton, Callahan is one of Reibman's two opponents in the Northampton County Exec race.

But it's a look-alike, not the real Callahan.

This deceit is no surprise from Reibman. After all, he's the Executive who scandalized his office when a top aid was sentenced to federal prison for taking kickbacks on County contracts. Reibman spent more time in fornt of grand juries than he did in his office during his first term. And Mike Fleck is a guy who falsely claimed to be a college graduate when he himself ran for Mayor.

Neither Fleck nor Glenn Reibman is interested in being honest with you.

Glenn Reibman Wants Callahan Investigated, Damn It!

In a news release issued by his campaign yesterday afternoon, NorCo Exec candidate Glenn Reibman said that he "intends to notify the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to further investigate Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan’s unlawful use of Federal Grant money to balance his City Budgets in 2010 and 2011."  He claims he was disturbed by Callahan's remarks at a recent debate in which he said he did what he needed to do to keep the lights on and meet payroll, and would do it again.

“HUD warned him in a letter that this is a misappropriation of funds,” said Reibman. “Mayor Callahan is doubling down on this unlawful act. Because he thought it was politically expedient to his purposes, John Callahan used this money to balance the City’s budget. This is CDBG money that is supposed to go to those struggling small business owners that need it the most. He claims that he wants to create jobs, yet he jeopardized the federal money meant to do just that in the neighborhoods that need it the most. If you willfully take CDBG money and misappropriate it, you can go to jail. This simply is an example of failed leadership.”

Reibman should be an expert on going to jail. After all, two members of his campaign team spent time in Club Fed for what amounts to bribery. They weren't borrowing CDBG money so they could pay the bills. They were stealing. Another Reibman cabinet member resigned in disgrace when he was caught wife-swapping on the County dime. Yet another was forced to resign after his sexual harassment of female employees became intolerable.

But they legacy left by Reibman was still being felt by the County last year. That's when the County had to pay $25 million to get out of a ridiculous swaption he promoted in 2004.

But Reibman is obviously behind in the polls, so he's starting to get dirty, and even has Callahan going to jail.

“What’s far worse than John Callahan going to jail, is that the community could lose its CBGD funding and other federal grant funding. What he did for a short-term fix and political expediency was putting the financial well-being of the City in jeopardy. We can’t have this in the Northampton County Executive’s office. We need a leader with the experience, vision and results to lead Northampton County,” Reibman concluded.

Reibman Snags Laborers Local Endorsement

Laborers Local 1174 announced its endorsement of Glenn Reibman for Northampton County Executive yesterday. “Glenn Reibman has a proven record of a strong commitment to project labor agreements and working families,” said Business Manager James Hartman. “His past record and future dedication are the reasons why Laborers Local 1174 is proud to endorse Glenn Reibman for Northampton County Executive.”

“I appreciate the support of local labor,” said Reibman. “The Laborers recognize the thousands of jobs that I brought to the County, and the number of family-sustaining jobs that my Capital Projects produced. They know that I will continue to support local labor and working families as County Executive.”

Callahan, McClure and Reibman Deliver Big BM

                      On Alan Jennings' radio show, they played nice. In fact, it was hard even for me to listen the full hour to the Democratic Northampton County Executive candidates, as they hit away at softball after softball. Tony Iannelli's Business Matters (BM) slugfest was a lot different.

Lots of BMs.

Iannelli, who doesn't have a mean bone in his body, still has an uncanny ability to bring out the worst in people. It's a gift. Don't believe me? Ron Angle and I were fun-lovin' guys until we hooked up with Tony.

And that's what I saw in Monday night's free-for-all. John Callahan and Lamont McClure took shots at each other, and Iannelli tells me a referree came in at the end of the broadcast to eject both of them. They called an undertaker for Glenn Reibman, who appeared to be dead for most of the show and was dropped off by a hearse.

McClure was portraying himself as the Savior of Gracedale. All he needed was a frickin; robe and a halo. At the same time, he branded Callahan an infidel who didn't care enough about the County's nursing home.

Finally, the heathen shot back.

"Gracedale sits up there today needing about $13 million worth of improvements. When we had Hurricane Sandy, the generator that was in place there lasted a day and a half, and then those folks up there, our elderly that are up there struggling, [were] without power. That's unconscionable.

"Everybody knew that it needed to be replaced, but there wasn't the will to tackle the problem. So while Lamont talks about being the Champion of Gracedale in 2010, when it came time to show that will, to put up ... make the vote to make those improvements up there, he didn't do it. So consequently, those folks sat up there, post Sandy, in the dark."

McClure: "It's fine if John wants to attempt to blame me for a generator failure at Gracedale."

Callahan: "Everybody knew it didn't work. It needed to be fixed. It needed to be replaced."

McClure got in a dig, too, over a controversial practice in Bethlehem to "borrow" money from certain City accounts to meet payroll and other expenses, instead of borrowing from a bank.

"Can you explain to us, why in 2010 and 2011, you borrowed money fro federal funds that were not lawfully allowed to be applied to general fund operating expenses. Can you tell us why you did that, and what happened?

Callahan: "You were saying earlier that the County has too much money in the way of a surplus and you wanted to spend that down and increase the structural deficit, which would put the County in fiscal peril. We in the City of Bethlehem have not had a cash balance up until the last couple of years when we've been running surpluses. Rather than go out and borrow that money from a bank to make those certain payments that we needed to make, we moved money from one fund to another fund to meet payroll and pay the bills that we needed to pay. And I'd do it again if I needed to. You learn, and maybe some day you'll learn this, Lamont, that as an Executive, you've got to make some difficult decisions. And at some point, you gotta' keep the lights on, you gotta' make payroll and you've got to keep the City moving forward."

McClure: "If the leadership lesson that you want to teach me is that, during your time in City government, property taxes have risen 43%, and you can't pay your bills and you have to unlawfully take federal funds, that's a lesson I'm not gonna' learn."

Who won?

McClure, who was on the attack most of the thirty minutes and hogged as much time as he could, probably thinks he won. But there's a reason he does so poorly at the polls. He makes points, but also comes across as a panderer. He was also condescending. Reibman has already declared himself the winner in emails to his fans, but that's because nobody really noticed he was there Not even him. He kept referring to himself in the third person, too.

Callahan was wounded by McClure's dig about robbing Peter to pay Paul, but had a surprising amount of knowledge about the County. On substance, he's the only one who really offered any ideas.

The Callahan, McClure and Reibman Show

Last Thursday, WDIY’s weekly public affairs program, Lehigh Valley Discourse, invited the Democratic Northampton County Exec candidates for an hour-long conversation concerning their campaigns. This show was hosted by CACLV's Alan Jennings, who laments that too few are making the call for too many. In addition to Thursday's production, Jennings will host the Lehigh County GOP Executive candidates on May 2 and Bethlehem Mayoral candidates on May 9. In my view, there were no clear winners.

Why would you want to be an elected official today?

John Callahan - He would like an opportunity to make things better. As a beneficiary of his community, he's like an opportunity to give something back. He would like to take what he has learned as Mayor and apply as Exec.

Lamont McClure - He's been on Northampton County Council for 7 years, and during much of that time he sparred with Ron Angle. He claims that he was "fortunate enough" to defeat Angle, although I thought it was Scott Parsons. "It's in my blood," McClure claims of public service. McClure can take the slings and arrows. He claims he led the fight to save Gracedale, the jewel of NC. He led the coalition that defeated the attempt to sell Gracedale, and is the leader of the Coalition of Alzheimer Families

Glenn Reibman - He claims that when born into the Reibman family, the first thing that happens is you are registered as a Dem and then you are told you must do public service. Reibman claims that his aunt Jeanette, a prominent but sadly deceased former state senator, "set the example for us."  "I want to finish the job I started," he claims, noting he has the experience and has been elected county wide four times.

The fulcrum is on the right, and keeps going farther right. What makes you a Democrat?

McClure.  - He was "born" a Democrat. He claims he got a great education, a law degree, and studied the issues. So he understands the Democratic Party is the right place for him. He notes that the Democrats are still a broad coalition with room to disagree. "But at our core, we realize that folks need a place to go where they can be cared for with a high degree of care ..., a .safety net. Gracedale is a safety net."

Reibman.  He wants to help people, create jobs and enhance the tax base. He notes that Senator Toomey has recently come to the middle on gun control, and ctes that as proof that "we're doing the right thing."

Callahan. - All anyone wants is a fair shot. All ought to have an opportunity or a shot at success. "That's why we're Democrats."  Government is not the answer, but it can have a positive and meaningful role in making people's life better, more efficient and more effective.

Will You Be a Trustee or a Delegate?.

Reibman. - would be an "aggressive county executive"  interested in economic development in all four corners of the county. A leader. "You're elected to make decisions."

McClure. Sometimes you're a delegate; sometimes you're a trustee; sometimes you have no idea what you're going to be. He claims he had no idea that the sale of Gracedale would be so unpopular.  He voted to preserve more open space than any other member of Council..

Callahan. It depends on the issue. An executive governs mostly as a trustee. You're elected to understand . You can't lead by committee. But when something is  is clear, you have to honor the will of the people, even if you don't agree.

Have any of you been a beneficiary of government programs?

Callahan. -  He's been there. His father was an alcoholic. He was a Head Start Kid, one of five children in his family, and he suffered from a speech impediment. He is grateful for that "assistance at the front end. When you get through that door, don't slam it behind you." People want a shot, he claims  A hand up, not a hand out. This is what counties do. It is the softer side of government.

Reibman. - He is very fortunate, and never needed help. But he has always been in a position to help others as a teacher and coach.

McClure. - He has been helped by the government. He had student loans guaranteed by federal government.

How can a County Executive Create Jobs? 

McClure. - Wrote the law for the mortgage foreclosure diversion program., which he claims saved 45% of those who entered the program. (Blogger's Note: I believe McClure's claim here is exaggerated, and will look into this boast). 

The Stoffa Administration decided against a DCED Director. "It's the first appointment I'm gonna' make, he promised. In a veiled criticism of LVEDC, he notes that regionalism can be unbalanced, and complains that Northampton County is not getting the quality jobs.

Reibman. - He created the DCED. He claims he created thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic development. He had to replace a lot of lost jobs at Bethlehem Steel, Mack Truck and  Ingersoll Rand. "You see now the fruits of the labor," he boasts.
'
He created DCED.

Callahan. Has had a decade of success in Bethlehem with 5,500 new jobs, $2.2 billion in investment. technology, an $18 MM expansion of a business incubator. He opened up a post incubator tech center in S Beth at old Cantelmi hardware. Government can create the right environment for the private sector to do well.

Callahan agrees that economic development  has been relegated to the back burner in Northampton County. He will fill the position of DCED Director. He complained that the department is located in the "bowels of courthouse," where business prospects have to walk by prisoners. "It sends exactly the wrong kind of message."

How can the County level the playing field so that there is not so much poverty in the cities and older borough?

Reibman. - Encourage more regionalization with boroughs and townships. He points to the Colonial Regional Police Force as a prime example. He also advocates mergers, saying we must eventually merge into one community. "38 is too many municipalities. We need to merge."

McClure. - Would provide the services those folks need. Gracedale and state mandated human services.

Callahan. - Notes there are too many vacant storefronts in the boroughs, and proposes a "critical mass" on the County level, a network that boroughs in need can tap. But he stresses that it all hinges around public safety. People have to feel safe. He wants to create a good environment around public safety and states the county can play a much more aggressive role in these boroughs. He claims Bethlehem's biggest successes are those small storefronts.

Will you ever raise taxes? 

McClure. Pledges there will be no property tax hikes in first term. He notes Reibman's 64% tax hike and Stoffa's 2007 tax hike of 1/2 mil "sold as open space." He claims that will raise $83 million and it will be used for other things. He claims higher taxes makes it harder for seniors to stay in their homes. He has never voted for a tax increase.

Callahan. - will raise taxes as absolute last resort. The County has an obligation to provide certain critical services. Must be efficient and effective as possible,. He notes that in Bethlehem, he has reduced debt by $90 MM and has had two years of surpluses with the least amount of employees since that record has been maintained. But if you've done all the things you can do and still have a deficit, you have to raise taxes.

He points to his Continuous Improvement program in Bethlehem, which empowers employees to do their job better. He claims that has resulted in $14 MM in savings over 6 years on a City level, and could yield more on a County level.

Reibman. - While on Council, he never voted to raise taxes. He claimed that the tax hikes in 2003-4 were the result of the "biggest turndown in the economy since the Great Depression," and were approved by a bipartisan Council.

What makes most proud?.

McClure. -Gracedale still county owned, but Q/C and appearance is high. A public well served by employees and employees who are happy.

Reibman. - The Reibman administration was not a caretaker government. Reibman actually read the speech he gave 8 years ago, when he stepped down.

Callahan.  - Little skirmishes and battles most folks never know about.  Standing up to a bully. Wants to leave the place better than when he got there. Grow the tax base, preserve open space, produce jobs and strengthen the urban core and boroughs.

Reibman Picks Up Critical Constable Endorsement

Constable Gilmore

Looks like the NorCo Executive race is over. True, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan managed to snag endorsements from Congressman Matt Cartwright and Governor Ed Rendell.  But let's be honest. Everyone was waiting to hear from Pen Argyl Constable Paul Gilmore. Would he follow suit, or would he go with opponents Glenn Reibman or Lamont McClure? Late yesterday afternoon, the word finally came down from the Mike Fleck campaign consultant mountain. Gilmore's nod has gone to Glenn Reibman.

As expected, a torrent of Reibman endorsements has quickly followed. Roseto Mayor Desiree De Nicola, Glendon Mayor Charles Seip, Forks Supervisor Robert Egolf and Easton Vice Mayor Ken Brown have fallen in line pretty quickly.

"I’m proud to have the support of local officials who recognize my record of accomplishments throughout Northampton County and share my vision of making Northampton County a better place to live, work and play,” claims Reibman.

“I have the experience, vision and results to be the next Northampton County Executive, and I want to finish the job I started,” said Reibman in a prepared statement. That's what scares the Hell out of most of us. The job he started ended with two guys going to Club Fed and another two cabinet members resigning in disgrace after engaging in wife swapping and sexual harassment on the public dime. Then there's that $25 million swaption.

“I am honored to receive the endorsements of so many local elected officials," insists Reibman, in the wake of the Constable's endorsement. "I’ve earned these endorsements based on the results I achieved as County Executive and these officials know that I will continue to fight for more jobs, more economic development and a better quality of life for all of the people in Northampton County. They recognize that I will not let them down, and that together we will build a better Northampton County,” he concluded.

LV political pundit Buddy Christ tells me that the Constable, or as he likes to call himself, Happy Gilmore, is a bellwether in local political races. "He's right a lot, man!" says the Redeemer. "I'm pretty sure Gilmore predicted Angle was going to lose, too. Even I didn't see that one coming, and I'm the Son of Man!"

I tried contacting Constable Gilmore, but he won't speak to me. "I don't speak to bottom feeding bloggers," he said. "Get thee gone, Satan!"

Reibman was a bit more talkative.

Does this improve your chances, Glenn?

"I’m proud to have the support of local officials who recognize my record of accomplishments throughout Northampton County and share my vision of making Northampton County a better place to live, work and play,” he said.

I see. Hey Glenn, do you think it was such a great idea to rip down a state-of-the-art archives building?

"I’m proud to have the support of local officials who recognize my record of accomplishments throughout Northampton County and share my vision of making Northampton County a better place to live, work and play,” he said.

Reibman shorted out with my third question, and campaign consultant Michael Fleck has thrown him up on the lift. He's blowin' oil again.

Needless to say, Callahan and McClure are devastated about the happy Gilmore endorsement. McClure is worried that he'll have to continue practicing asbestos law. He's considering having Baron von Footinmouth endorse him again. For his part, Callahan has been looking at brochures for professional referee schools.

Rendell Stumping For Callahan, Not Reibman

In his campaign literature, Northampton County Exec candidate Glenn Reibman includes a forty or fifty year old picture of him with former two-term Governor Ed Rendell. He quotes Rendell as having said, "Glenn Reibman's vision and leadership in economic development is unmatched by anyone." Looks like Rendell has found a match. He's coming to the Lehigh Valley to stump for Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan.

That's what happens when you quote someone in your campaign literature without getting his approval first.

Rendell will campaign in Bethlehem Township in support of Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan’s bid for Northampton County Executive. The former Governor will headline a rally for Callahan on Tuesday, March 26 at 6PM at The Event Center at Blue (4431 Easton Ave, Bethlehem, Pa.  18020).

Everyone is welcome. Even the press. Even the pseudo press. Even bottom-feeding bloggers.

“As a former fellow Mayor, Ed Rendell understood the unique challenges that the city of Bethlehem faced," claims Callahan. "I always knew Bethlehem had a friend in Harrisburg when Ed Rendell was Governor and I’m honored to have his support.”

While Governor Rendell was in office, Mayor Callahan served for two years as the President of the Pennsylvania Municipal League and was appointed to the statewide Ben Franklin Technology Board, which created the first keystone innovation zone in south Bethlehem, helping to build a neighborhood with high tech jobs for the 21st century.

The Callahan Campaign is asking those who can afford it to for a $25 contribution at the door.

If you want to avoid seeing me, it will be $1,000.

Glenn Reibman Wants to Finish What He Started

... and that should scare the hell out of all of us. I don't know how many more $25 million swaptions the County can endure. Or cabinet members jailed for bribery. Or resigning in disgrace for wife-swapping on County time. Or resigning after sexually harassing female County employees. Or 70% tax hikes. Or a re-election plan disguised as a $111 million megabond. Or layoffs and wage freezes that last three years in the middle of a good economy, driving employees into the willing arms of eleven different unions.

That, boys and girls, is Glenn Reibman's record in two terms as Northampton County Executive. It was so pitiful that he lost a primary to John Stoffa, whose idea of campaigning was promising a half mill tax increase and then going to the movies on election night because it only cost $2.

"They elected me anyway," complains Stoffa.

After this upset, Reibman pulled strings to get himself a job on the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Comm'n, which is basically a rest home for elected officials.

Now, he wants to return to the job he lost eight years ago. Last night, at the Grover Cleveland Democratic Club, he announced his candidacy, claiming he was running at the urging of "citizens of all walks of life and all political persuasions."

I wonder if one of these citizens is Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski.

Everyone denies this, but it's no secret that King Edwin was very upset that Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan refused to drink the kool-aid alike Alan Jennings did and embrace a special tax zone for Allentown. Never mind that its location, a stone's throw from Bethlehem, would hurt the Christmas City. Next thing you know, Glenn Reibman is running for County Exec against Callahan. And Pawlowski's Chief of Staff, Ismael Arcelay, is running for Council. And his campaign manager Mike Fleck, just happens to be running Reibman's campaign.

But this is all a coincidence, I'm told.

They never even spoke, I' m told.

My picture of Reibman is negative. But I'm telling you all of this as one of Glenn's old adversaries. We've tangled for over a decade.

What I don't tell you often enough is that, believe it or not, I always respected Reibman. He is and has always been a gentleman. In his own way, he has as much integrity as John Stoffa. His governing and political style, however, are wanting.

Of the three campaign announcements by Executive candidates, his was clearly the best and most well-attended. Instead of freezing my ass off at Gracedale, as I did in sub-arctic temperatures when John Callahan announced, there was a spread fit for a King Edwin. Instead of a religious revival with all kinds of  "Amens", as happened at McClure's announcement, Charlie Brown's Notorious Groove provided the entertainment.

I was feeling so good I nearly danced with Julio Guridy.

He is kinda' cute.

Although I detected no union presence with my union meters, they went off the chart every time I got near former Council member Greg Zebrowski.

Reibman was introduced by Easton Vice Mayor Ken Brown, whom I see everywhere. Pretty soon he'll accuse me of stalking him, too.

Greg Zebrowski, Glenn Reibman and Mike Corriere

Mike Corriere, a former Council member and the current Public Defender, dropped by. He, Zebrowski and Reibman, who all served together, posed for a picture. Zebrowski used to call me all kinds of polite names during the megabond debates. Instead of "asshole," it would be "nattering nabob." Ron Heckman, Reibman's former Director of Human Services and a close Reibman friend, was there. So were Allentown City Council Prez Julio Guridy and Pawlowski Chief of Staff Ismael Arcelay.

Strangely enough, GOP Northampton County Council candidate Tricia Mezzacappa, who is also simultaneously running for West Easton Borough Council, was there, too. So I'll probably get sued for stalking her again.

Mezzacappa gives legal pointers to Chris Spadoni

Above, you can see and hear Glenn Reibman tell you what he'll do in a third term.

Reibman has a website. I do not see one for John Callahan or Lamont McClure.

Why I Won't Be Going to Glenn Reibman's Campaign KickOff

Glenn Reibman is kicking off his race for County Executive tonight. I won't be there. Lamont McClure and John Callahan, the other two Democrats in this race, made their announcements in public settings. Anyone could come. I, a Callahan supporter, crashed McClure's announcement. McClure supporters crashed Callahan's announcement.

But Reibman is charging a fee. If you want to hear his pearls or droppings, it'll cost you $25.

I'll pass.

That alone should tell us all we need to know about Glenn Reibman.

Updated 9:00 PM: Bottom-Feeding Bloggers, Welcome After All! - It turns out that in very, very, very fine print, the bottom of the Glenn Reibman invitation reads, "Bottom feeding bloggers welcome free of charge." 

Reibman campaign manager Mike Fleck called me and read it. So I went. And ran smack dab into Republican County and Borough Council candidate Tricia "God Hates Fags" Mezzacappa. Now I know why Fleck wanted me to come.

Bastard!

I'll probably be sued again tomorrow.

Anyhoo, I'll have a report in a few.

Reibman Paying Fleck $5,000 Per Month

Northampton County Exec hopeful Glenn Reibman is paying political consultant Mike Fleck $5,000 per month, according to the annual campaign finance report he filed last week. Although he raised just $390 last year, he started with a $61,050.00 warchest.

Reibman has spent $22,431.54, leaving him with $39,008.46.

He spent $10,000 on Pawlowski campaign manager Fleck, with $5,000 monthly payments in December and January.

He also gave $1,000 donations to Allentown City Council member and Pawlowski bobblehead Julio "I speak 3 languages" Guridy; NorCo Council hopeful Ron Heckman; and Bethlehem Mayoral candidate J. Willie Reynolds. Bob Donchez, who is also running for Bethlehem Mayor, got $500, too.