Schlener's Reaction to Firefighter Decision

Schlener auditions for Chippendales

On Friday, I told you that Lehigh Valley Labor Council VP James Schlener, former Chair of the Bethlehem Democratic Party, has lost his bid for reinstatement as a City firefighter. He was terminated after calling in sick so he could go out drinking. His own shift had to pull his Jeep from a utility pole. His blood alcohol was three times the legal limit, according to police.

Schlener also has a history of domestic violence in 2004 and 2010.

I'm an alkie. So were my father, grandfather and several aunts and uncles. I think I missed a few, but I know what it's like. Before Jim can get better, he has to at least admit he has a problem. But he's in denial. Evidence? How about a public picture of a PFA Defendant wrapped around a stripper pole, with a buddy holding a bottle of booze?

No? Then how about public statements like these on his Facebook Page?

James Schlener: "As I see it. It's just started. Bring it on all you haters. Lets see who will be left standing!"

James Schlener: "For the haters you may think you have won. Guess again you just made me a stronger person and Karma is a bitch."

Dude, nobody hates you. I just think you need to stop what we drunks call "stinken' thinkin'."

Instead of getting good advice, Schlener is being enabled by another LV Labor Council VP, Jim Gregory. He's got his own problems. 

Jim Gregory to Schlener: "There are very few people on this planet with a bigger heart and a stronger drive then you. Relax. I stopped drinking, knowing if I didn't I'd probably strangle Bernie at a Council meeting..If anything is worth the fines and costs and a criminal record, that would be, lol. Now, if I could only cut down on the Gambling, lol..Let me think, fun and gorgeous waitresses..Na, not anytime soon, lol"

Is this what should expect from public sector unions?

DUI Firefighter Loses Bid For Reinstatement

Last August, Bethlehem firefighter James Schlener was charged drunk driving after his Jeep struck a utility pole on Eighth Avenue. Police charged that his blood alcohol was 0.256, more than three times the legal limit. Schlener, a former union official, was at the time Chairman of the Bethlehem City Democratic Committee. He was supposed to be working at the time of his accident, but had called off and was out drinking at the time he was supposedly too ill to work. His own shift responded to his accident.

Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan fired Schlener, whose base salary was $63,072.

Schlener, who has a history of spousal abuse in 2004 and 2010, sought an arbitration on the termination. Unions rarely lose those. In addition, he worked against Callahan's bid for Northampton County Executive, even to the point of following him around.

Callahan won that election. And in a ruling that come down this afternoon, Schlener  lost his bid to get his job back. I will attempt to get a copy of the ruling next week.

Neither Schlener nor Jim Gregory appear to be good role models as Democrats or as public sector union members.