Remember John Callahan?

I saw John Callahan last night at a meeting of Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board. The bastard looked as relaxed as I've ever seen him. He was there with the Perrucci law firm, which successfully pitched an apartment building.

Had this man been elected County Executive, there would have been a Budget that actually makes sense, and it would have included the tax hike that should have been imposed two years ago. Instead of hiring consultants to tell him what to do, he would have relied on the people who actually work for the County to come up with ideas.

I saw him speaking, one on one, with some of the twenty or so people who came to complain about this project. And though they still complained, it was not as loud. Though they still had concerns, they were willing to listen.

That's what a leader can do.

During a break, I couldn't help but speak to him. I was ready to talk politics, but he talked about his son, who played outside linebacker and wide receiver this year for Freedom High School.  The Patriots were 11-0 until being bitten by Easton's Red Rovers.

One Last Callahan Post-Mortem

Since Tuesday's upset victory by Bangor Mayor John Brown in the Northampton County Executive race against favorite John Callahan, I've noted several factors that might have added up to a loss. A poor Democratic turnout; the lack of any real difference between the two candidates on the issues; the contrasting personalities; the possible involvement of Charlie Dent; the damage done to Democrats by Obamacare; the failure of the County party; Callahan's endorsement of J. Willie Reynolds over Bob Donchez in a hot Bethlehem Mayoral race; and finally, a lousy ground game. Today, I want to focus on Callahan's campaign team in my final autopsy.

Blogger Jonathan Geeting, in one of his typically uninformed and mean-spirited essays, blames everything on Callahan's campaign manager, Eric Nagy. That's nonsense. If you want to lay the blame at any one person's doorstep, that person would be John Callahan. He was the candidate, not Eric Nagy. Callahan would blame himself, I am sure. Besides, how can a person who ran such a brilliant primary campaign, in which Callahan got a majority in a three-way race, suddenly be so terrible? That makes no sense to me.

If there is any one person who is free of blame, it is Nagy. He never lost that sense of urgency in this race and was working 24/7, even over the Summer months. But others did.

Congressman Charlie Dent, who to my knowledge has never lost an election, has often said, "There's only two ways to run - hard or unopposed." John Callahan ran hard in the primary. He was in every municipality in the County and had numerous public events that created an air of inevitability about his race. But after the primary was over, Callahan stopped running hard. He ran as though he were unopposed. And lost.

Callahan has an inner core of advisers who met with him every Monday during the primary race. They left nothing to chance. Every proposal made by Nagy was reviewed and, sometimes, overruled. But those weekly meetings topped after the primary was over. There no longer was a sense of urgency. The race was in the bag, so there was no reason to run hard. No news conferences about County issues.

Nobody told Callahan's opponent, John Brown. He thought he was in a race.

Callahan's field director, the general of his ground game, was let go after the primary and never replaced. So when Callahan decided to go to Israel for a month week or more at Israel's expense, there was no one hounding him about the need to knock on doors in Chapman.

Some of Callahan's advisers wanted a mail drop that included pictures of Callahan with his primary opponents, Glenn Reibman and asbestos lawyer Lamont McClure. They wanted a drop directed to Bethlehem residents, showing Callahan with Bethlehem Mayor-elect Bob Donchez. But that never happened. Because there were no weekly meetings, there was no one to question this failure. There was also no one to question why mailers skipped people under 40, or why there was no mail addressed to Republicans.

Callahan's message also changed. In the primary, Callahan made a point of telling voters that he would be Executive of the entire county, not just Bethlehem, and would be interested in what they wanted. He proved it with public appearances in Easton, Nazareth and the Slate Belt. But in the general election, Callahan's focus was a long goodbye to Bethlehem. He would wistfully tell voters how great things are in the Christmas City, even in his literature.

That's nice, but the people in Stockertown don't want to be Bethlehem. They are proud of their own community. Callahan's message was off. But his advisers, most of whom work for or live in Bethlehem, never noticed. With no weekly meeting, nobody was there to remind him he was running to represent the entire community.

Nobody insisted on a return to the ground game that was so effective in the primary. Sure, there were 30,000 robo-calls made in the last two days, but that just pisses people off. When Brown was trudging in the July heat, up and down the streets of North Bethlehem, Callahan was getting no votes in Israel.

Had someone been invested in the field, Callahan would have learned he had a problem in Easton. Since Obama's election in 2008, Easton Democrats have been a force. But that fell apart this Summer. On election day, just one person was calling voters.

Nagy has been taken to task for going into the final days of the campaign with $118,000 in the bank. It's a good thing he had that money. Brown had been sand-bagging Callahan, luring him into complacency, and then suddenly had $40,000 in last-minute contributions for TV ads and mailers. Because Nagy held on to that money, he was able to counter these TV ads with ads of his own, along with mailers.

The fault lies not with Eric Nagy, though I am sure he is beating himself up and makes a convenient scapegoat. The fault lies with Callahan for not taking the race seriously. I didn't take it seriously, either.

Charlie Dent is right. There are only two ways to run - hard or unopposed.

Willie Reynolds Endorsement Hurt Callahan

On Tuesday night, while Bethlehem Mayor-elect Bob Donchez was celebrating his victory at Hotel Bethlehem with supporters, Channel 69 announced that the Christmas City incumbent Mayor, John Callahan, had just conceded defeat in his bid to become next Northampton County Executive.

The room, which included about 200 Bethlehem Democrats who had voted, burst into applause.

That's the price John Callahan paid for endorsing Donchez's opponent, J. Willie Reynolds, during the May primary.

After the race was over, Callahan did patch things up during a lunch with Donchez, who understands how politics works. But he never after that asked Donchez to appear with him at any event, leaving Donchez supporters free to believe what they wanted.

The same is true of Glenn Reibman, who had a strong core of supporters.

During the primary, Callahan made a point of reaching out to local officials. That stopped after he became the nominee.

Callahan's endorsement of Willie was honest and showed leadership. But it did hurt him politically.

Can You Say Northampton County Exec Callahan?

John Callahan

Compared to the stark contrasts between Executive candidates in Lehigh County, the Northampton County top contenders are like the Bobbsey twins. They largely agree on County issues, are both Mayors and even share the same first name. So Jimmy Stocklas predicted some time ago that the next Executive will be John. Mayor John.

It will be Mayor John Callahan. He has better name recognition, comes from a bigger area, has been around longer and is the only Lehigh Valley Mayor I know who has negotiated lower pensions for new hires. he has helped attract $2 billion in investment, has created 5,500 new jobs and has reduced Bethlehem's workforce without sacrificing public safety. He has also paid off long-term debt.

John Brown has been Mayor of Bangor for less than one term. His only real job as Mayor in borough government is to supervise the Chief of Police. He fired him. A 9-man force dropped to a 6-man force. He refused to investigate one officer on workers compensation, though he is regularly spotted deer hunting.

He also took seven times his annual salary for a supposed training seminar at his Alma Mater, Notre Dame.

The only real arguments I've heard in this race concerns John Callahan's margin of victory. It will be closer than many think, but John Callahan will be the next Northampton County Executive.

Brown Gets $38,000 in Mysterious Last-Minute Contributions

John Brown

Yesterday, I asked how Northampton County Executive candidate John Brown could send out four county-wide mailers when he only has $6,800 left in the till. This morning, a negative TV ad began airing on Channel 69, too, which had me scratching my head.

The answer to my question came today, in the form of a late contributions report his campaign filed. Under our state law, candidates must disclose contributions of $500 or more that are given after their pre-election report is filed, by notifying the elections office with what is called a "24 hour report."

According to the report file by Brown's campaign, the following donations to his campaign were just made yesterday:

Charles Chrin - $1,000 (He gave Callahan $5,000 and is covering his bets).

L. Anderson Daub - $2,500 (Daub is a loyal Republican)

Elmer Gates - $1,000 (Gates is hardcore GOP, but even he is turned off by the Wizard of Ott, and gave his money in Lehigh County to Muller)

Mario Scavello - $1,000 (This State Senator Wannabe has made other contributions to Brown and Council candidates)

Olav Sandnes - $2,500 (This Slate Belt Swede is a close friend of Ron Angle and has given heavily to all Republican candidates)

Albert Jinks - $1,000 (Jinks is a retired Easton area realtor sued earlier this year for hidden costs associated with sales of mobile homes)

Republican Party of Pa - $30,322.55 (in kind)

With this, brown had enough funds for the four mailers as well as the Channel 69 spots. I am told they only cost him $6,000.

Why is the State party giving brown so much money? The State Committee does not just throw money into a local campaign unless one of two things are evident. The first possibility is a poll showing that the Republican receiving the money has a shot. I don't see that myself. The second, and more likely, possibility is that the state party is acting as a pass through agency for donations from a large local donor who does not wish to have his name on Brown's list.

My guess is that J.B. Reilly, Joe Topper or others who are invested in Allentown's NIZ are getting even with Callahan for refusing to wave pom poms over a plan to steal the EIT of surrounding municipalities to fund his hotels and office buildings.

Unfortunately, the dust won't settle on this matter until after the race is over. I'll find out who made the donation, but by then the election will be over and nobody will care.

This is completely legal, but betrays a lack of transparency. Just as the Wizard of Ott uses a state PAC to hide the money he gets from GOP party boss Wayne Woodman and Lisa Scheller, Brown is funneling money from unknown sources into his campaign via the state party.

Both parties do this, so I don't really want to single out Brown as the bad guy. Four years ago, Don Cunningham funneled contributions to Commissioner candidates via the state party.

It's completely legal, but lacks transparency.

State Republicans Pouring Money Into Brown Campaign

In his pre-election campaign finance report, Northampton County Exec candidate John Brown reported he only had $6,800 left in his cash register. But since that time, he's managed to send out four glossy mailers, each of way has to have cost $12,000, even with the reduced postage rate. Is he able to make money out of the thin air?

If he could do that, I'd vote for him myself. But he's got a not-so-secret donor, the state Republican party. Each of the mailers contain disclaimers indicating they're footing the bill. Brown has filed no 24-hour report to list these contributions, but the state party probably has not formally notified him of the in-kind yet. But the fact that the state party is pouring $48,000 into the Brown campaign leads to two conclusions.

First, Brown is one of the boys. Throughout this campaign, he's distanced himself from the Republican brand, but it turns out that he's bought and paid for by the state party.

Second, Callahan scares statewide Republicans.  

ET: It's Callahan!

Since The Express Times actually participated in and prepared most of the questions for last week's debate between Northampton County Executive hopefuls John Callahan and John Brown, I was looking forward to their assessment. It came today, with a Callahan endorsement. Editors did have high praise for Brown. That makes sense because both candidates have almost identical views on every issue. The difference is that Callahan has played a large part in turning Bethlehem around.

Callahan Raises $500,000 in NorCo Exec Race

In what appears to be a fundraising record for County Executive races in Northampton and Lehigh County, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan has raised over a half million dollars in his bid to become Northampton County's Executive. In a campaign finance report filed late Friday afternoon, Callahan disclosed contributions of $161,983 between the primary and October 21. This brings his total to $513,456 from nearly 600 individual contributors.

Callahan's Republican opponent, Bangor Mayor John Brown, raised $11,000 over the same time period.

Going into the final days of the campaign, Callahan has a 17 to 1 cash advantage over Brown. Callahan has $118,540 cash on hand compared to Brown’s $6,817.

Callahan campaign manager Eric Nagy, however, is concentrating on grassroots appeal, claiming 25,000 voter contacts since July. "John has been knocking doors and feels very encouraged by the positive response from voters," noted Nagy.

The Brown campaign is also relying on grassroots appeal, with Brown focused on direct voter contact.

Brown has also received a little help from the state republican party, which spent $10,882.49 for campaign literature and postage on his behalf.

Winning the money race is no guarantee of victory. Just four years ago, when Northampton County Executive John Stoffa sought re-election, he refused to take money from anyone.

I'll have more to say about these reports next week.

NorCo Exec Debate Draws "New Generation" of Leaders and Followers

The New Generation: John Callahan v. John Brown

Northampton County Executive candidates John Callahan, Bethlehem's Democratic Mayor, and John Brown, Bangor's Republican Mayor, squared off in a well-attended debate at Northampton Community College on October 22. The Express Times and League of Women Voters grilled the hopefuls before an audience of over 120 people. In addition to the usual camp followers, there were many newer and fresher faces in the crowd. College students, some of whom will be casting their first vote in November, were in the house. This seemed to thrill LWV spokesperson Beverly Hernandez. In addition to thanking the candidates and the media for their interest, she thanked the audience. "This election is about you," she stated. "Please vote."

In addition to new voters, Callahan and Brown are themselves new to County government, unlike most previous Executives. Callahan stated that it's time for a "new generation of leadership" in Northampton County.

Both candidates seem to be on the same page on most County issues. There were no serious differences until the end of the debate, when they were able to question each other's records.

ET Editor Jim Deegan

Is it Time For a Tax Hike?

Callahan noted that Northampton County's fund balance was at one time $60 million, but could be as low as $14 million in next year's budget. "We can't keep kicking that can down the road," he said. But a tax hike is a last resort. He would first focus on creating efficiencies through a program called Continuous Improvement, in which employees find ways to provide the same service at a lower cost. Callahan claims this saved $14 million in Bethlehem's $75 million budget. "Imagine what it could do with a $340 million budget?" he asked.

Brown echoed many of Callahan's remarks, saying he'd manage more efficiently, line item by line item. He has identified some departments where cuts can be made. Like Callahan, he would partner with the County workforce to find cuts.

Selling Braden Airpark

Brown believes it's important to "keep airports vibrant," and would "support a subsidy on a short-term basis" to keep Braden Airpark afloat. He is opposed to selling the Airpark to help pay off a judgment incurred by the Airport Authority, but believes the Authority board needs to be reviewed.

Callahan said the Airport Authority's financial malaise is a "complicated issue" with many moving parts, from a decrease in air traffic after 9/11 to airline consolidation, and added that Northampton County only appoints six of the 13 board members. Although he doesn't believe a decision on Braden should be made "in a vacuum," he noted that the Airpark was able to work before Moyer Aviation was forced out. He said he would want to partner with local pilots an community leaders on the best course of action.

LWV Beverly Henrandez

The County's Crumbling Infrastructure, From Bridges to Its Own Buildings

"I think it's terrible what's going on with County facilities," noted Callahan, who claimed to have invested millions into Bethlehem's City buildings. He criticized a lack of political will, as well as poor planning. Brown agreed, noting that the County's infrastructure "just has not been a priority." He said the County needs a five year and 10-year plan. "The challenge is how do we pay for it," he asked.

The County's Cadillac Health Plan Could Prove Costly to Taxpayers 

Brown would reach out to the employees and "come up with a solution that is a win win." Callahan stated that the notion of sticking County workers with increased health care costs was both "ill advised" and "jumping the gun." Noting that experts are still divided on the impact of Obamacare, he said it is "too early" to make big changes. He criticized executive John Stoffa's decision to increase healthcare costs to County workers, stating that "you just don't drop a bomb like that on the employees.

Stoffa did reverse himself, so this will be next Executive's problem.

Gracedale Privatization

Neither candidate favors selling Gracedale, the County-owned nursing home. Noting that he signed a pledge to keep Gracedale in County hands on the day he announced his campaign, Callahan suggested that County Council needs to listen more to the recommendations made by Premier, the nursing home's administrator. "We may never break even," he conceded, but said Gracedale is "an obligation we have to the seniors of the County."  Calling the nursing home a "vibrant facility," Brown noted that the home has changed markedly from what it was like many years ago, but the County needs to do a better job of "getting the message out".

Reassessment Not Done Since '95

"Now is not the time," stated Brown, noting the cost would be $8-10 million. Callahan stated it's overdue, but "more stability" is needed in the housing market before taking on a process that will create winners and losers.

NCC President Mark Erickson

Economic Development

"We have not pursued it," complained Brown. "We have to get away from Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, and focus on the rest of the community," argued the Bangor Mayor.

Unlike many County officials, Callahan believes that the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation "is headed in the right direction under Don Cunningham." But the County is not. Noting that the economic development office is located "in the bowels of Northampton County," next to the jail's bullpen, he wondered how that is supposed to attract investment.

He pointed to his own record of economic development in Bethlehem, stating there has been $2 billion invested, resulting in 5,500 jobs.

Do We Need a $6 Million Morgue?

Callahan complained that, no sooner was the ink dry on the bond documents for bridges, that the Coroner announced he needed a $6 million morgue. "It's a case of not having a five year plan," he complained. But he cautioned that a "Taj Mahal of a morgue" may not be needed. Brown called the current morgue "abysmal" and "completely inadequate." He agreed with Callahan that the County needs to have more vision, but stated that it's important to have an appropriate setting for what is "one of the most painful and critical times" for surviving family members.

Regionalism

Callahan supports regionalism, from bi-county health to work release. He called the possibility of sharing work release facilities with Lehigh County a "missed opportunity." Concerning regional public health, Callahan stated that "disease doesn't know municipal boundaries."  Brown supports looking at a bi-county health department, but notes that the health industry has changed and there are clinics everywhere.

Candidates Grill Each Other

After fielding questions from the panel, the leashes were removed and candidates could go after each other.

And they did.

Brown tagged Callahan for ignoring Bethlehem's 12,000 seniors and raising taxes in Bethlehem while giving himself a payraise. Callahan retorted that he made Bethlehem the safest City in the state, produced a surplus for two years in a row and erased the deficit while reducing the City's debt by $100 million.

Brown claimed that Callahan borrowed $17.8 million from the Sewer Authority, forcing people outside Bethlehem to pay for the City's poor fiscal leadership. But Callahan answered that  under his fiscal leadership, the City's credit rating has gone from "neutral" to "positive."

Finally, Brown slammed Callahan over his decision to settle a civil rights case for $7.89 million, but Callahan said it was necessary because the case had become a "huge distraction to our police department" during a "very dark period of time in our history." Noting that Bethlehem is the safest City in the state and one of the top 100 places to live, he argued that "time has shown the wisdom of that decision."

Then Callahan fired back.

Brown was taken to task for allowing a 79-acre brownfield, to be sold to an out-of-state developer, who did a stint in jail for illegal dumping. Brown claimed he opposed the developer.

The Bangor Mayor was also taken to task for accepting $7,650, seven times his annual salary, for a "junket" to Notre Dame "to become a better mayor at a job you never intended to keep." Brown responded that he learned ethics and leadership at the training seminar, and was grateful to Bangor Borough Council for sending him there.

Finally, Callahan hit Brown for public safety failures. Brown fired the police chief in Bangor, never replaced him, and Bangor was excluded from a regional force in the slate belt, according to Callahan. Brown responded that the police department needed a makeover, and the officers there are much happier now and have every other weekend off.

NorCo Exec Debate on Tuesday

Northampton County Executive candidates John Callahan and John Brown will square off in a debate on Tuesday night, 7 pm, at Northampton Community College's David A. Reed Community Room (in the College Center). Set up by the Lehigh Valley LWV and The Express Times, this is the only time that the voters will have to see the person who ultimately will hold the highest office in Northampton County.

Brown, a Republican, is Bangor's Mayor. He ran unopposed in the primary.

Callahan, a Democrat, is Bethlehem's Mayor. He obtained a majority of the vote in a three-way primary against former Executive Glenn Reibman and Council member Lamont McClure.

This race is beginning to heat up. Finally. A Brown mailer attacking Callahan's "alarming fiscal record as Mayor of Bethlehem" was delivered to my estate on Saturday morning. That tells me Brown is behind.

NorCo Democrats Unite Behind Senior Job Fairs

John Callahan proposes return to Senior Fairs

Yesterday, one of my readers contacted me about a long-time friend of his, a veteran who needs help with mental health issues. I told him to call the County's Human Services, but don't really know what Department is best. Today, another friend told me about an 86 year old organist at his church. She has no family and no income aside from the $5,500 she gets from her church every year. She never even applied for social security. Once again, I know she needs help, but don't know exactly where.

These are the people who can be helped by a return to something Northampton County used to do in years past - Senior Fair Expos. Today, that's exactly what Northampton County Executive candidate John Callahan proposed. He did so standing outside Gracedale Nursing Home, the very place from which he launched his campaign on a cold Winter day. This time, he was joined by the entire slate of Democratic County Council candidates.He was introduced by a Dean of Northampton County Democrats, former State Rep. and NorCo Council member Rich Grucela. Incumbent Council member Bob Werner, who was at Gracedale on County business, joined Callahan. Even AFSCME union boss Justus James, who supported a Callahan opponent in the primary, was there.

Council candidates Ron Heckman and Jerry Seyfried

The second-term Bethlehem Mayor believes in a government that delivers "essential services at higher quality and greater efficiency." Noting that seniors rely on county government for protection from elder abuse, prescription drugs and the increasing confusion about health care. And he reasoned that since many seniors are reluctant to use the Internet, these senior fairs are a good way to make people aware of the resources available to help them.

"It's also a chance for us to learn from them," observed Callahan, noting that the information exchange is a two-way street.

Council candidates Christen Borso, Tom O'Donnell and Deb Hunter

He plans to have these fairs at least once every year, and in different areas of the County. He will plan to have all levels of government - local, state and federal - available to help seniors. He will invite local hospitals, assisted living centers and nursing homes to be sponsors in order to defray cost. He even discussed the possibility of using campaign funds if that is considered a legal use.

When they opened the floor up for questions, I had one.

"Do you have any credentials? asked Callahan.

"None at all," I answered.

Then Council candidate Jerry Seyfried had a question for me.

"As an outsider, what do you think of the human race, Bernie?"

These are the people I support.

Bob Werner, Ron Heckman, Jerry Seyfried, John Callahan, Rich Grucela, Christen Borso, Tom O'Donnell, Deb Hunter

Bethlehem Soccer Dynasty to Be Recognized Today

The Bethlehem Steel Football Club, which played from 1911 to 1930, is one of the most successful teams in American soccer history. They won 20 titles, including five U.S. Open Cups. A 1914 article from the New York Times points to Steel President Charles Schwab who “spared no expense to get together a team which promises to surpass any soccer team in this country.”

In honor of that team, Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union will sport a replica jersey during an exhibition match tonight against England's Stoke City Football Club, and during other games this season.

For the Steel-inspired jersey, the Union replicated Steel’s black and white color scheme with a bold, white B for Bethlehem. The club’s emblem and active years are also included on the jersey.

Until a referee ejects him, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan will be at tonight's game.

“For nearly 100 years, Bethlehem meant steel to the rest of the world,” Callahan said. “We cherish our history and it’s an honor to have it recognized by an organization like the Union.”

Brown Conducts Fundraiser in Callahan Country

Bangor Mayor John Brown is Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan's opponent in this November's race to determine who will follow John Stoffa as Northampton County Executive. Callahan is already way ahead in the money race. He reported having $90,001 in his post-primary election report, nearly 13 times as much as Brown's $7,003. But that race probably got a little closer after a Brown fundraiser last night at Hotel Bethlehem. Headliners included Congressman Charlie Dent, former Bethlehem Mayor Ken Smith and Notre Dame All-American football player, Ned Bolcar.

I was not there, though I'm told there was a nice crowd. Admission was $100, and that's enough to scare away bottom-feeding bloggers.

But not enough to scare away pistol-packin' mommas. West Easton's Tricia Mezzacappa was in the house, sportin' a holster. Nothing was in it. But that was enough for a "pat down" before being admitted.

That's a good thing because the Diega Dynamite of Northampton County was in a bad mood. Earlier in the day, she was lambasting the DA's office for refusing to make copies of the subpoenas she got for her PFA case against me. She thought copies should be made for her, free of charge, because she's special.

Callahan Has 13:1 $ Advantage Over Brown

From Team Callahan:  Democratic nominee for Northampton County Executive John Callahan once again displayed his impressive fundraising prowess, reporting having raised $41,230 from May 7 to June 10. In the 30 Day Post-Primary Campaign Finance report, Callahan significantly out-raised the Republican nominee, John Brown, who reported raising no money. More importantly, this leaves Callahan with $90,001 cash on hand compared to Brown’s $7,003.

Since the beginning of the election cycle, Callahan has raised an unprecedented $438,415 from more than 500 individual contributors.

“This puts us in the driver’s seat heading into the summer months,” said Callahan’s campaign manager, Eric Nagy. “With the primary behind us, we are committed to running a serious campaign and we will have the resources to communicate with voters from every corner of Northampton County.”

Nagy concluded, “While sheer dollars are important, we are running a strong grassroots campaign, with over 500 individual donors to thank. Clearly, John Callahan’s record of job creation and fiscal responsibility is continuing to resonate with voters.”

Callahan, endorsed by The Express-Times and over 40 Democratic officials in the primary, won the nomination in a three-way contest by securing over 50% of the vote.

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).

The Evolution of John Callahan

Callahan and Dent together at Pulaski Park

One of Lincoln's most endearing qualities would probably get him branded a flip-flopper today. He was one of those rare people who could learn from his mistakes; who was willing to listen and actually change his position if he was persuaded he was wrong. His thinking, both about slavery and religion, evolved for the better as time marched on. Very few people possess that quality. Believe it or not, Johnny Casino, sometimes referred to as the frat boy Mayor of Bethlehem, is one such person. He is the wild and rambunctious Prince Hal who evolved into Henry V. And this is thanks, in no small part, to his failed Congressional race against Charlie Dent. The lessons he took from that stinging defeat made John Callahan a better Mayor. It made him a better person. It transformed me from one of his harshest critics into one of his many fans.

Back in 2010, when Callahan first announced for Congress, he played it safe, ducking issues. He even refused to take a position on Obamacare until it was adopted by Congress. Now, he leads from the front. He pushed for a single hauler trash proposal in Bethlehem, knowing that it is unpopular in certain quarters and could hurt him in the Executive race. He owes the voters his best judgment, and gave it to them.

Washington handlers, three years ago, kept Callahan under wraps. He failed to respond to emails or phone calls from bottom-feeding bloggers because the DCCC had scripted his race in advance, with absolutely no regard for transparency. That made me suspicious and led to RTK requests and numerous other headaches for Bethlehem officials. Now, Callahan's office sends out news releases as a matter of routine, and the Mayor was even willing to sit down on several occasions and explain his stewardship of Bethlehem in great detail.

When Callahan ran against Dent, the City was still reeling from the Great Recession, and city finances suffered. His finance guys engaged in a decades-old practice of juggling funds between different city accounts, This was done to eliminate the need to borrow, but City Council often had no idea it was happening. Now, that practice has been eliminated, and City Council is fully apprised of interfund transfers.

At the worst possible time in the Congressional race, an independent audit revealed a serious deficit and numerous other internal control problems. Not only did the City address those internal controls, but it finished the last two years in the black.

While all this was going on, Callahan managed to eliminate $90 million in long-term debt, helped create 5,500 jobs and managed to get the City's S and P bond rating increased from "neutral" to "positive." He also implemented a Continuous Improvement  (CI) program, which encourages workers to find better and more efficient ways of doing thins. A restaurant permit that used to take 42 days now takes 14.

Callahan is a much better Mayor in 2013 than he was in 2010, primarily because he is one of those rare individuals who is capable of  implementing continuous improvement to himself, not just his City.

That's my assessment, but the real test of Callahan's success is what Bethlehem voters think. In 2010, when he ran for Congress, Congressman Charlie Dent took six Bethlehem wards from Mayor John Callahan on his way to a 56-38-6 victory in a three-person race that also included independent Jake Towne.

Three years later, in a three-way primary, Callahan won all but one Bethlehem precinct. He walked away with 1,886 votes, 53.4%.

Bethlehem voters have obviously noticed that Prince Hal has become Henry V.  Below is the Bethlehem tally.

precinct	callahan	mcclure	reibman
1n	25	5	18
1s	19	9	12
2	25	5	8
3	18	11	13
4	29	13	26
5	48	19	33
6	92	26	24
7	92	26	24
8	84	21	34
9-1	35	16	20
9-2	48	17	20
9-3	96	45	51
14-1	125	41	49
14-2	156	61	77
14-3	125	58	67
14-4	70	36	42
14-5	93	52	71
14-6	95	64	59
14-7	144	39	35
14-8	105	48	42
15-1	101	32	37
15-2	139	62	73
15-3	76	55	46
16	28	6	12
17-2	3	0	8
17-4	18	5	7
total	1886	731	909

Updated 11:30 AM: Callahan won every Bethlehem precinct! - As explained in a comment, "Callahan won all the precincts in Bethlehem. The 17th Ward is counted in two parts, but is one precinct. Part of the 17th ward in in the 17th Congressional District, part in the 15th."

Let me add that Blogger Jonathan Geeting, who is an expert on ... everything, has called this a "remedial" political analysis because I am comparing a Democratic primary in a local race with a general election in a Congressional race. That's certainly true.

But unlike Geeting, I took the time yesterday to tally the Callahan vote in each Bethlehem precinct and share it with my readers, especially since I heard all kinds of claims that he is unpopular in Bethlehem. Also, I do think there are similarities. In both races, Callahan's character was the chief issue. It appears that Bethlehem voters, who know him best, have a higher opinion of him now than they did in 2010. Also, since there are so few Republicans, their primaries really are the general election.

"We, The People" Say Callahan!

The Fake Rev likes to refer to himself as "We, the People." But last night, the real people spoke. Overwhelmingly, Democrats said they want John Callahan to be their next County Executive. According to the "unofficial" Northampton County tally, he has 50.45% of the vote (5,182) to Glenn Reibman's 28.5% (2,928) and Lamont McClure's even more distant 20.92% (2,149).

Callahan beat McClure 2.4 votes to 1.

Callahan overcame a campaign of smears from his opponents, who double-teamed him. Unable to find any really bad photos of Callahan, Reibman used a look-alike to try to present Callahan as a drunk. It even reached the point, last weekend, in which goofy paparazzi followed Callahan wherever he went, trying unsuccessfully to catch him in a compromising position.

McClure was even worse, with goofy and completely unsubstantiated accusations that he made through Fake Rev Mario Martinez on his barely legible hate blog. Martinez lurked around McClure's campaign HQs last night, trying his best to make sure the TV camera caught him.

While his opponents engaged in smears and pandering, Callahan conducted an impressive grassroots campaign in all corners of the County. He spent weekends knocking on doors in Easton, Wind Gap, Bangor, just about everywhere.

It paid off.

McClure's pathetic performance is an indication that Gracedale is no longer on the front burner with most voters. That issue was decided. It's time to move on into the many other aspects of County government, from protecting abused and neglected children, to making sure our bridges are safe.

This election is also a rejection of the demagoguery displayed by the Fake Rev and other Gracedale sympathizers who lost focus and became far too personal in their attacks.

Callahan's daughter cast her first vote today, accompanied by her Dad. I think she voted for Reibman.

Callahan, Samuelson Endorse Willie Reynolds in Bethlehem

Before a small, but very enthusiastic crowd of about seventy supporters, Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan endorsed Willie Reynolds in the Bethlehem Mayoral race yesterday afternoon at Payrow Plaza. Callahan was joined by State Rep. Steve Samuelson, who also endorsed Reynolds.

Both Callahan and Samuelson condemned the negative campaign mounted by Reynolds' opponent, Bob Donchez. In fact, Callahan criticized himself for not speaking out sooner. "I chose not to get involved because I have my own race to run," he explained, adding that he had intended to remain neutral.

Getting involved will hurt Callahan among some Donchez supporters who might have considered voting for Callahan. He's already being criticized by opponent Lamont McClure. "The mayor now wants to instruct you on who the next mayor of Bethlehem should be," huffs the asbestos lawyer. But it's also honest and shows leadership, two qualities I find lacking in McClure.

Reynolds, who walked to this little shindig from his home near Liberty High School, said he intends to keep pushing until Tuesday. Reynolds was also joined by Bethlehem City Councilman and Bethlehem City Democratic Committee Chairman Michael Recchiuti; Council member Karen Dolan; BASD President Mike Faccinetto; BASD Directors Shannon Patrick, Aurea Ortiz and Basilio Bonilla; and former Chairman of the Bethlehem City Democratic Committee, Jack Burke.

The 40 Democratic Officials Who Endorse Callahan

FROM THE CALLAHAN CAMP – Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan has been endorsed for County Executive by over 40 Democratic officials, past and present throughout Northampton County – and beyond in the case of Congressman Matt Cartwright and Former Governor Ed Rendell. From treasurers, to school board members, to four mayors, Callahan has received an impressive level of support.

“We are running a grassroots campaign and I couldn’t be prouder to be endorsed by over 40 fellow public officials from every corner of Northampton County,” said Callahan. “Having worked closely with many of the people who have endorsed me, I am honored to receive such enthusiastic support.”

Callahan continued, “When this campaign started, I made it a point to collect petition signatures from all 38 municipalities in Northampton County, and I believe these endorsements reflect my commitment to the entire County.”

“My friend, John Callahan, has done a tremendous job as Mayor of Bethlehem,” said Easton Mayor Sal Panto. “Because of his record on job creation and fiscal responsibility, the entire region has benefited greatly from his leadership, and I look forward to working with John as our next County Executive.”

“John Callahan is committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe for families, making schools strong for our children, and protecting seniors by keeping Gracedale County-owned,” said Palmer Township Supervisor, Anne Marie Panella. “That is the kind of leadership we can expect from John’s administration.”

“When I’m elected County Executive, I will work with officials like Sal Panto and Anne Marie Panella to make sure we keep moving Northampton County forward,” Callahan concluded.

This announcement comes on the heels of Callahan posting a significant fundraising advantage over his opponents, having raised over $400,000 since he first decided to run for County Executive, including over $210,000 raised from 342 individual donors just this year alone. On May 3, Callahan was also endorsed by The Express-Times.

Democratic officials for John Callahan:

1. Ed Rendell, Former Governor of Pennsylvania
2. Matt Cartwright, United States Congressman (PA-17)
3. Sal Panto Jr., Mayor of Easton
4. Jerry Seyfried, Former Northampton County Executive
5. Steve Samuelson, Pennsylvania State Representative 135
6. Rich Grucela, Former Pennsylvania State Representative 137
7. T.J. Rooney, Former Pennsylvania State Representative 133
8. Bob Werner, Northampton County Council
9. David Perusso, Mayor of Wilson Borough
10. Richard Fluck, Mayor of Hellertown Borough
11. William Molchany, Mayor of North Catasauqua
12. Tony Bassil, Easton City Controller
13. Elinor Warner, Easton City Council
14. Roger Ruggles, Easton City Council
15. Jeff Warren, Easton City Council
16. Frank Pintabone, Easton Area School Board
17. Baron Vanderburg, Easton Area School Board
18. Jim Smith, Freemansburg Borough Council
19. Justin Labar, Freemansburg Borough Council
20. Michael Romano, Roseto Borough Council President
21. David DePalma , Pen Argyl Borough Council
22. Jack Herbst, Nazareth Borough Council
23. John Yanek, North Catasuaqua Borough Council
24. David Stankovic, Walnuport Borough Council
25. James McGowan, Wilson Borough Council
26. Janis Krieger, Wilson Area School Board
27. William Holmes, Allen Township Supervisor
28. David Willard, Lower Saucon Township Supervisor
29. Ann Marie Panella, Palmer Township Supervisor
30. Michael Mitchell, Palmer Township Supervisor
31. Michael Recchiuti, Bethlehem City Council/Chair of the Bethlehem City Democratic Committee
32. Eric Evans, Bethlehem City Council President
33. Karen Dolan, Bethlehem City Council
34. Jack Burke, Former Chair of the Bethlehem City Democratic Committee
35. Joe Long, Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party Northeast Caucus
36. Aurea Ortiz, Bethlehem Area School Board
37. Shannon Patrick, Bethlehem Area School Board
38. Basilio Bonilla, Bethlehem Area School Board
39. Sudantha Vidanage, Bethlehem Area School Board
40. Michael Faccinetto, Bethlehem Area School Board
41. Kaija Farber, Bethlehem City Treasurer

McClure and Unemployment

Lamont McClure

Out of money, NorCo Exec candidate Lamont McClure has been reduced to sending emails to potential supporters. He is now blaming Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, apparently, for the Great Recession.

From his most recent missive: "Our opponent in a recent debate touted his job record in Bethlehem. The one important thing he failed to mention is that unemployment in his city is over 10%. That is a 57% increase in unemployment since he took office 10 years ago."

Let's look at McClure's record in Northampton County, using the same data, shall we?

When McClure took office in 2006, unemployment was 4.5% throughout the County, and now is 8.5%. That's a 53% 89% increase since McClure took office.

But Callahan won't do that. Unlike McClure, he doesn't think you're stupid enough to believe that either of them is responsible for the Great Recession.