In Bethlehem, Patricia Romig-Passaro Deserves Her Day in the Sun

Bethlehem's magisterial race in the Marvine-Pembroke area includes Patricia Romig-Passaro, daughter of retired District Judge Liz Romig, social services worker Juan Cruz and Attorney Gil Negrete. I think this is a no-brainer for anyone with any knowledge of the area.

For decades, Liz Romig kept the peace in volatile northeast Bethlehem. Along the way, she earned the respect of judges and lawyers, most of whom considered her Northampton County's finest district judge.

I have no doubt that Johnny Cruz and Gil Negrete would be fair-minded and good magistrates. But a Liz Romig only appears once every generation. Pat Passaro, who cut her teeth in her mother's courtroom, deserves a shot at following in her mother's footsteps. She is certified for the position.

Bethlehem Magisterial Candidate Cruz Violates Campaign Finance Laws

Juan "Johnny" Cruz, a social services worker from South Bethlehem, is running for the district judge seat that vacated by Elizabeth Romig after thirty years on the bench. But his campaign finance report reveals he can't follow the law.

Pennsylvania campaign finance law is wide open. There's no limit on contributions, whether individual or from a political action committee. But one type of donation is strictly forbidden - those from corporations.

Johnny, however, raked in $200 from Allentown corporation NAM Investments, Inc. on March 20. I'm sure this violation is unintentional. But if Cruz can't follow the law, how can he be expected to uphold it?

Update: Rob Hopkins at Keystone Politics has called to say that he has known Cruz for many years and considers him a fine candidate. At Johnny's request, he reviewed the finance report filed last Friday. Hopkins agrees this corporate contribution is illegal, and Cruz will return it.