Commonwealth Court Schedules Hearing on Objections to Taiba Sultana's Nomination Petition For State Senate

Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Court scheduled a March 25 hearing on objections to the nomination petition filed by Taiba Sultana for the state senate. She hopes to face incumbent State Senator Lisa Boscola in this year's primary. 

Representing objectors Patti Hitzel, Pam Panto, Patti Bruno and Cleste Dee is Allentown Attorney Ray Lahoud, who grew up on Easton's south side. In addition to is challenges to specific signatures, Lahoud has raised the novel argument that Sultana has deceptively claimed to be "self-employed" without explaining precisely what she does as a self-employed person.

The Pa Supreme Court has in the past stricken a nomination petition filed by a law school graduate who held himself out as a lawyer while awaiting bar exam results. So I could see a court ruling against Sultana on this basis alone. 

Sultana Is Definitely Challenging Boscola in Pa. Senate Primary

Earlier this month, I suggested both here and here, that former Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana would primary State Senator Lisa Boscola. Rich Wilkins was the first to make that prediction and he's right. Sultana sent a weekend email exploiting the homicide of Alex Pretti less than 24 hours after his death to dun supporters. Thursday, she sent another mass email for funds, announcing that she's running for state senate. 

The header of this email would lead you to believe that she is running for the state house again. 

 

She's apparently unaware that the Pa. House and Pa. Senate are two different bodies of a bicameral legislature. She does make clear, however, that she's running for the state senate.

She claims to need money because she's finalizing a campaign finance report due within the next 48 hours. Her year-end report is due on February 2, not within 48 hours. Also, that report would include contributions made through the end of the year, not donations made now. So her fundraising letter is deceptive, as is the case with most email requests for money from candidates.

My sole question is whether Boscola can defeat Sultana by a wider margin than State Rep. Freeman did when Sultana promaried him with an ugly race full of negative attacks. Freeman got 77.4% of the vote in that primary. Boscola should win by a similar margin.

Scott Janney Seeking GOP Nod for LV's State Senate Seat Held By Boscola

I've already told you that State Senator Lisa Boscola is seeking re-election in Pa.'s 18th Senatorial District, which includes parts of Northampton and Lehigh Counties. On Friday, I speculated that Taiba Sultana, a former Easton City Council member would primary her. At the time, to told you that no GOP candidate had announced, but I was wrong. Scott Janney announced his candidacy on WAEB-AM 790 on November 7, the day after a blue wave swept a large number of Democrats into municipal office. He also followed up with an announcement later that evening at the local tea party.

I had spoken to Janney prior to November's election, and he told me he planned to announce his candidacy. I never received anything and thus concluded he was having second thoughts. I saw nothing in any of the local news sources, either. 

When he appeared on WAEB on November 7, radio host Bobby Gunther Walsh drilled home a point that, when John Merhottein ran for Boscola's seat four years ago, nobody knew him. He failed to make himself known by appearing on programs like his or using news sources or social media to get his message out there. 

I disagree with that assessment. Merhottein did make the rounds and did use social media but had no money to spend against a very popular and formidable foe. Well, I think Janney has made a bigger mistake. Other than a right-wing radio show and tea party, I've seen nothing from more mainstream outlets like local new organizations or blogs. 

Boscola's State Senate district includes a lot of voters who would rather die before listening to WAEB or going to a tea party meeting. It also includes more centrist voters who are looking for a change from Boscola. But how can they be persuaded to vote for him if they don't even know he's in the hunt?   

According to his webpage, Janney raises money for a 12-state region of the Salvation Army, perhaps one of the best and altruistic charities in existence. He touts a great deal of success as a fundraiser and told radio host Walsh that he would use those skills to raise money in his own race. But Janney was also involved in the local county races and even spoke at several county council meetings. The fundraising of those candidates was anemic, to put it mildly. It's one thing to raise money for a worthwhile charity, but quite another to raise money for a party that supports the invasion of Greenland, Venezuela, Canada, Iran, Mexico and Cuba while refusing to do a damn thing to help millions of people who need help paying for healthcare. 

Janney outlines his positions here. I suspect he's going to have problems. I don't like Boscola myself, but I dislike his stances on issues more. 

Taiba Sultana to Primary Lisa Boscola?

Sultana door-to-door

In a recent story on his Apocalypse Now blog, Rich Wilkins suggests that former Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana is planning to primary popular State Senator Lisa Boscola this year. Last year, she was pummeled when she primaried popular Bob Freeman for the State House. Since the definition of cRaZy is doing the same thing over and expecting a different result, and since we all know that Taiba is a wackadoodle, I am expecting an announcement from her soon.

As Wilkins reports Sultana savaged Boscola recently because she supports enforcement of our immigration laws, just like former President Barack Obama. Contrary to what some of you believe, there are many Democrats who believe that illegals or undocumenteds (take your pick) should be deported if they have committed serious crimes. I happen to be one of them. But like most Democrats and many Republicans, I don't think ICE should be shooting American citizens in the face in the course of performing their duties. I don't think they should use chokeholds or carotid restraints. And they should be focusing on grabbing real criminals, not some poor dishwasher in the back of a restaurant. 

I've noticed a few posts from Sultana is recent days in which she lobs a grenade or two at Boscola. I've also noticed that, on Facebook, she's now "Taiba Sultana for Working Families," even though she herself does not work.

On Instagram, she's @taiba_sultana26. This is another hint that she's running. She also has set up an ActBlue account for donations. Yet another hint. 

She'll lose, of course. I have been highly critical of Boscola, who has held office forever. But she's highly popular precisely because her office provides excellent constituent service and she has become one of the State Senate's most powerful members. Sultana, on the other hand, failed to get re-elected in her own South Side Easton district. Running against Boscola in a Democratic primary is a fool's errand. But by now, we all know that's what Sultana is. 

Maybe Sultana can get her husband to circulate another nomination petition signed by Boscola, something he actually did when Sultana was running for the state house. 

Could a Republican run against her? Sure. Before last year's election, a local Republican told me he would be announcing right after election night. Well, when five Democrats were sept into county council office, he probably changed his mind. 

Lisa Boscola To Seek Re-Election as State Senator

State Senator Lisa Boscola has been serving in that capacity since 1998. Prior to that, she was a State Rep. for four years. I've received a news release indicating she plans to seek yet another term in the State Senate. 

BETHLEHEM, PA — January 7, 2026— Pennsylvania State Senator Lisa Boscola today announced her bid for re-election to represent the 18th Senatorial District.

Recently, identified as one of Pennsylvania’s most active and effective Senators, she is a champion of efforts to expand voter access, promote economic growth, and deliver commonsense results for families, seniors, and communities in every corner of the district.

“During my time in Harrisburg, I’ve worked tirelessly to put people over politics and to keep our taxes low – all while helping those in need,” said Boscola. “Growing our economy, investing in our neighborhoods, and expanding opportunity for everyone is how you build a better tomorrow,” continued Senator Boscola. “I’m running for re-election because there is more work to do — to strengthen our schools without crushing our homeowners, address energy affordability with an all of the above approach to generation and make government more efficient.”

Throughout her legislative career, Senator Boscola has been a leader with proven results:

• Recent legislative success. She was the prime sponsor of the bill that brought no-excuse mail-in voting to Pennsylvania. She led the charge to move Pennsylvania into several medical compacts to make it easier for health professionals to practice here. Her persistence on pushing for harsher penalties on individuals who fail to remove snow and ice from their cars and trucks is the only reason the law was changed.

• Supporting meaningful reforms to government and the legislative process, including championing constitutional amendments to create an independent redistricting commission, allow for direct ballot initiative, shrink the size of the legislature and eliminate school property taxes, among others.

• Fighting for our school’s fair share of funding, along with common-sense Cyber Charter reforms that save school districts and taxpayers money.

• Securing $140,336,770 million in critical resources for local projects that support infrastructure, job creation, public safety, affordable housing projects and community development throughout the Lehigh Valley.

• Legislation addressing energy affordability and data centers. Incentivizing solar on warehouses, reforming ACT 129 to help homeowners with energy efficiency projects, updating Chapter 14 to help individuals struggling with high electric bills and making sure data centers pay for needed upgrades, not residential consumers.

Senator Boscola’s commitment to bipartisan solutions — delivering practical results for her constituents — underscores her reputation as a representative who puts her community’s needs first.

“I will continue to work across the aisle to find common-sense solutions that improve the lives of those I represent,” Boscola added. “We may not always agree on everything, but we can always agree that our government should respond to the needs of the people.”

Senator Boscola resides in Bethlehem Township with her husband and remains deeply engaged with community leaders, local businesses, and families throughout the district.

Boscola Wants to Reduce Size of State House and Senate

Pa. State Senator Lisa Boscola (D - Lehigh/Northampton) wants to trim the state house membership from 203 to 101, and the state senate from 50 to 38. Though no Bill has been formally submitted, she has circulated this memo to seek cosponsors:

Soon, I will be introducing legislation to reduce the size of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Under this proposal, the House of Representatives would decrease from 203 members to 101 members, and the Senate would decrease from 50 members to 38 members. 

Pennsylvania currently has the largest full-time state legislature in the nation. While the importance of strong constituent representation cannot be overstated, the size and cost of our legislature have become unsustainable and outdated for the needs of a modern and efficient government.

 This proposal is about responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Fewer legislators will reduce the overall cost of government by lowering expenses related to salaries, benefits, staffing, and daily operational costs. It will also allow us to modernize how we serve our constituents, taking full advantage of technological tools that make it easier than ever for elected officials to stay connected to the people they represent, even within larger districts.

Beyond the fiscal and procedural benefits, this reform is a direct response to what we continue to hear from voters across the Commonwealth. Pennsylvanians have repeatedly expressed their desire for a smaller, more efficient, and more accountable legislature. This legislation offers a real opportunity to deliver on that expectation.

I urge you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.

She has also suggested that the state should go on a two-year budget cycle, which would certainly be helpful to county and other municipal governments. 

Unfortunatley, similar efforts in the past have failed. 

Will NorCo Exec Lamont McClure Seek Third Term?

Early in his second term, NorCo Exec Lamont McClure dropped numerous hints on social media that he would be seeking a third term. This is something no NorCo Exec has done. By this time, I would have expected an announcement, as he tends to kick off his campaigns early. In fact, I expected an announcement of a team of county council candidates as well who have his stamp of approval. But I'm hearing the opposite. Numerous rumors are wafting through the courthouse hallways from people who say he's going to step down when his term expires. McClure himself has thus far declined to state his intentions. 

Is he afraid he'd lose? I doubt it. His most recent campaign finance report, filed Friday, reveals he's sitting on a $166,454 warchest. Council President Lori Vargo Heffner has been rumored as a potential primary opponent, which might explain some of the fractious relations between County Council and the Exec. But it is highly unlikely that could raise the kind of money she'd need to wage a successful primary contest. How about the general? In the last cycle, Republicans chose a divisive and poorly informed candidate who was unable to get out if his own way. There are good Republicans who could make for an interesting race, but few are willing to spend the time and effort to run a half billion-dollar operation for a meager $85,000 a year salary. While NorCo swung to the right in the 2024 Presidential race, the voters who vote in those races generally skip municipal elections. Aside from his inability to get along with County Council, McClure probably has the best record of accomplishments of any Exec since the Home Rule Charter was adopted. I particularly like the proactive approach to emergencies, from the pandemic to the Blue Mountain wildfire to a train derailment in Lower Saucon Tp. His response to the fentanyl crisis has actually resulted in a reduction of overdose deaths. On top of all this, he's never raised taxes and even cut them in one of his years in office. 

So why drop out? In 2023, Northampton County voters, and by a 82.8% margin, approved a change to the Home Rule Charter limiting the Executive to two consecutive terms. Legally, that has no application to McClure because it applies prospectively. But I know that this plebiscite has had an impact on his thinking. He worries that seeking a third term might defy the express will of the voters. Plus, quite frankly, it's a grueling and thankless job. The longer you are in, the fewer friends you have. 

Another rumor floating around is that State Senator Lisa Boscola might seek the county's top spot. That might explain why her Chief of Staff, Joe Kelly, has decided against seeking a judgeship. I have heard this rumor for the past 10 years, so it's unclear to me whether Boscola is serious. 

Boscola: Why Women Should Vote For John Morganelli

State Senator Lisa Boscola endorsed Northampton County DA John Morganelli for Congress yesterday. That's no surprise. They've been friends for years. What is surprising is why. John has been painted as anti-woman by the Nancy Pelosi types, but Boscola draws a more accurate picture.

"District Attorney John Morganelli has a progressive record when it comes to empowering women. He increased the number of female prosecutors from less than 5% on his first day in office to over 50%. He appointed the first woman ever to serve as First Deputy DA, and he created the county's first Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Units to address crimes against women. John Morganelli has taken on the tough fights in law enforcement his entire career. As a congressman, John will fight for affordable health care, equal pay for women, new laws to protect pregnant women in the work place and to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, children and the mentally ill."

As Morganelli himself observes, Senator Boscola is the most prominent and highest-ranking female elected official in the LV. Her support matters.

Does Lisa Boscola Want to Become Next NorCo Court Administrator?

We've all heard rumors that State Senator Lisa Boscola intends to run for Northampton County Executive next year. If that were to happen, she would win and would ensure that five Democrats are elected to the at-large County Council seats. But Mat Benol should wait a little while before finding some other wall to hang his Ten Commandments plaque and shove his religion down our throats. Lisa Boscola may actually be eyeing up another office. Northampton County Court Administrator.

Last week, I told you that Jill Cicero, the County's popular and well-respected Court Administrator, had resigned. Her sudden departure led to all sorts of anonymous speculation. That only ended when Jill herself said, "My reasons for retiring and my leave are personal and known only to my family and close friends. I choose not to share them on any public forum. I have had a great 35+ year run with the Court and believe that I have served the Court, County, Commonwealth, and their constituents well."

I'm more than willing to drop this and wait for the courts to select a new court administrator. But over the weekend, I heard the Boscola rumor from two highly placed sources. It makes sense.

What many people don't know is that Boscola got her start as a NorCo Deputy Court Administrator after graduating from Villanova with a Bachelor's and Master's degree. She left the County in 1994 after being elected as State Representative.

According to these highly placed sources, Boscola recently made her interest known to the courts, and may have done so before Jill's resignation. She has also made her wishes known to a few local elected officials. One of these local officials has confirmed that Boscola spoke to him, but is unwilling to be identified until Boscola makes her interests known herself.

I have sent her an email asking her to confirm or deny the rumor. I am unable to file a Right-to-Know with the courts because their communications are exempt from public disclosure.

Boscola is a Democrat and Northampton County's bench is 5-4 Democratic. And though judges are supposed to divorce themselves from politics once they are elected, they remain very political. It's in their blood. They may even have mini party caucuses.

Whether Democrat or Republican, the judges do owe her.

Northampton County went from a six-judge to a nine-judge bench, thanks almost entirely to her. It is Boscola, the former Deputy Court Administrator, who rammed this though the state legislature, even though there are some who never thought we needed more than six judges. Boscola also played a huge role in getting Judge Leonard Zito appointed, and then clearing the field so that his daughter Alicia could be appointed Magisterial District Judge. She was also instrumental in seeking an increase in the mandatory retirement age for judges.

The pay is nice, too. Boscola would earn over $120,000 a year as Court Administrator, far more than the $85,000 she gets as a State Senator. This will increase her state pension because the court administrator is a state employee. If Boscola were to run for Exec, she'd only make $85,000 and would be unable to use that salary to jack up her state pension.

But will the Court hire her? Won't it look like more of the political cronyism that is so rampant everywhere? At a time when judges are being told to refrain from hiring relatives, is this any better? The reputation of the courts is in shreds, thanks to kids-for-cash and a Supreme Court Justice who was convicted of using employees to carry on her re-election campaign. Under these circumstances, it would be a mistake to play the political back-scratching game and hire Boscola.

It is also completely contrary to the high ethical standards that President Judge Stephen Baratta has set. So my guess is that if Lisa wants to come back to Northampton County, it will have to be as County Executive.

Boscola Endorses Morganelli For AG

State Senator Lisa Boscola endoesed NorCo DA John Morganelli in the Attorney General race yesterday. First elected to the State House in 1994, Boscola is currently representing the 18th Senatorial District. Since 2011, she has been Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee.

Boscola states, "John Morganelli is presently Pennsylvania's longest serving district attorney. He is the only candidate with hands on prosecutorial experience personally obtaining convictions in over 20 first degree murder cases involving some of Pennsylvania's most dangerous criminals. John also has been a leader in criminal justice issues that protect Pennsylvanians, and has been in the forefront on issues important to women including establishing a domestic violence unit and hiring women in important positions in law enforcement."

Morganelli replied, "Lisa is an advocate for the regular folks, and has never been afraid to stand up for what is right. Her support is very much valued."

Morganelli also picked up the endorsement of noted Allentown civil rights lawyer Rick Orloski.

Today, Morganelli will participate in an AG debate at the Philadelphia Bar Association. His Democratic opponents, Josh Shapiro and Steve Zappala, will be joined for the first time by Republican John Rafferty. In the first debate at the progressive Summit, the issues of political corruption and Kathleen Kane were nearly buried. My guess is that Rafferty will hold them all accountable.

Local Leaders Decry Contractor Fraud; Endorse Mike Stack For Lt. Guv'

(From L to R: Kevin Lott, John Morganelli, Ken Kraft, Lisa Boscola, Mike Stack)

Pennsylvania has a strange-sounding law that most of you probably never hear called the "Construction Workplace Misclassification Act." The latest version, effective for the past three years, is designed to prevent unethical contractors from claiming that their employees are "independent contractors," or just letting them work "off the books". This deprives the government of tax revenue and hurts businesses who play by the rules. Most importantly, it hurts the worker, who is denied the protection of employment and labor laws. Though Governor Corbett pledged to abide by this law, enforcement has been nonexistent. That's the reason for a news conference in the Northampton County Courthouse lobby yesterday, featuring several officials and labor leaders. One of them,State Senator Mike Stack, would like to be the next Lieutenant Governor. He picked up some big endorsements.

Stack shares a laugh with Lisa Boscola 

One of these big endorsements came from Northampton County DA John Morganelli. He claimed that Governor Corbett has been "asleep at the wheel" while the law has been ignored. Another endorsement come from State Senator Lisa Boscola, who said that this lack of enforcement has created an "uneven playing field" in which we all pay for out-of-state contractors who thumb their noses at the law.

Both Morganelli and Boscola scoffed at the Department of Labor and Industry's lack of enforcement. Though the law gives the state the authority to impose administrative fines of up to $2,500 per violation and to issue stop work orders, they complained about lax enforcement.

Boscola disturbed by Labor's nonenforcement

The Labor webpage indicates that 29 complaints were received in 2011, but fails to state how those matters were resolved or identify the construction companies involved.  There is no information listed at all in 2012 and 2013.

Senator Stack, who thanked Morganelli and Boscola for their endorsement, stated he called the Labor Department several weeks ago to learn what happened in 2012 and 2013. "I'm a State Senator and I don't know. The silence has been deafening"

He complimented Morganelli for investigating a recent complaint on his own, although Morganelli stated his office has no authority to issue stop work orders.

Stack would like to amend the law to reimburse District Attorneys who undertake their own investigations, calling Morganelli "a true defender of justice" who is "trying to find a way up and out for people."

Kevin Lott, a Business Agent with the Carpenters Union, pointed to a recent study of a similar law in new York.Last year alone, New York's Department of Labor identified 24,000 instances of employees being improperly classified as independent contractors. This translates to $330 million in unreported wages and $12.2 million in unemployment insurance.

"It's a fairness issue," noted Lott, who pointed out that poor enforcement has caused three problems in Pennsylvania. First, the contractors who are cheating have an unfair advantage over those who play by the rules. Second, these cheating contractors are hurting workers, many of them already vulnerable, from important protections. Finally, the state is losing an important source of revenue.

State Senator Boscola Accused of Drunken Assault at Harrisburg Bar

I have attempted to contact Benuck and Senator Boscola without success. A manager at Brickhaus tells me she was not working last night, and will inquire with the owner. But she also told me he probably won't call back because it could affect his business.

A few hours after this blog posted, The Inky's Commonwealth Confidential ran with it after speaking to Boscola. The Senator admits she was at the bar, which apparently is a Republican hangout, admits she was tossed, but denies hitting anyone. She declines to say whether she was drinking, although that seems highly likely.

There are also accounts at PolitcsPa and The Express Times.

Boscola had statements for everyone but the person who broke the story.

Updated 9:25 pm

Local Officials Condemn District Judge Gerrymander

Hanover Tp Manager Jay Finnigan

Northampton County's Magisterial District Judges Association have proposed an alternative to one already approved by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in June. The plan already approved consolidates two districts in the northwestern corner of the County, which will force two incumbent District Judges to face each other in an election contest. The alternative proposed by District Judges keeps those districts intact, and instead abolishes Joseph Barner's district, which serves Bethlehem Township. Because Barner plans to retire, this is the most convenient solution for District Judges. But according to Hanover Township Manager Jay Finnigan and State Senator Lisa Boscola, some judges are trying to save their jobs at they expense of the public they serve. They have both spoken against the proposed redistricting in letters to president Judge Stephen Baratta.

Hanover Tp Manager Jay Finnigan: "In the political world this would be labeled gerrymandering. The proposed alignment attempts to establish an advantage for a group (two DJs) by manipulating the boundaries in order to avoid the elimination of one District magistrate in Northampton County in 2016.

"The proposal is a disservice to the residents and businesses of Hanover Township, the code enforcement officials of the Township and the Colonial Regional Police. Requiring the Colonial Regional Police to process paperwork and prosecute offenses for Hanover in the Borough if Northampton increases expenses (fuel and wear and tear on vehicles), delays the processing of warrants, and increases the amount of time an officer is out of service while attending a hearing. Combining all these factors, police protection decreases in the Township and puts public health, safety and welfare at a greater risk."

State Senator Lisa Boscola: "As a Senator and resident of Bethlehem Township, it is my belief that the elimination of [District Judge Barner's District] would have a negative impact on law enforcement and the public safety for the residents of Bethlehem Township. It would require Bethlehem Township police officers to travel seven or eleven miles if the Township is split under the new proposal."

Boscola: NIZ a "Pilot Project" That Can Be Modified

Late Saturday night. I was throwing hatchets into a wall, one of my usual weekend past times. Then my computer "binged," alerting me to an email. Instead of the usual Saturday night troll, it was an email from State Senator Lisa Boscola, who must put in late hours. She was writing to be about Allentown's NIZ.

Allentown's controversial NIZ is contained in Act 50 of 2009, amended by Act 26 of 2011. Both include language enabling an authority to "borrow" EIT owed to other municipalities to finance the arena and other improvements in the NIZ, essentially interrupting the revenue flow to other municipalities.

Boscola opposed the 2009 bill, but supported the 2011 legislation. I asked Lisa why she supported the 2011 Bill, and whether she would support a repeal of the EIT diversion. Below is her frank response.

Bernie, you are correct in your assumption that both bills were budget vehicles, enacting the state’s fiscal code. The fiscal code is the bill that implements the state budgets for those given years. As a result, both bills contained a number of provisions in addition to the NIZ language.

Regarding Act 50 of 2009 (HB 1614), I opposed this bill for a number of reasons. Most notably, the bill included a new tax on “little cigars” that had a negative impact on a major company in the Lehigh Valley, Cigars International. The legislation also raided the MCARE and Tobacco Settlement Funds to the tune of nearly $800 million in order to balance the budget. The transfer established a one-time funding source, which in turn led to a structural budget deficit in the next fiscal year. Finally, this bill implemented language that was detrimental to libraries and community colleges.

As to Act 26 of 2011 (SB 907), I supported this bill again for a number of reasons. First, the legislation included a long overdue transfer of surplus funds that had been in the hands of legislative leadership. This money should have been transferred back into the General Fund and not kept in the discretionary hands of legislative leaders. Also, as you know, I have been a long-time advocate of reforming our current property tax system to bring about property tax relief. A specific section of the Gaming Control Board’s budget added to this bill allows the Board to levy a surcharge on casinos immediately should there be insufficient funds in the reserve fund used to provide property tax relief.

This bill also transferred funding from PennVEST to fully fund Pennsylvania’s H2O program. This transfer allowed for important water and sewer projects to move forward, including a much needed grant to the Borough of Portland for a sewer facility upgrade. In Portland, the sewer upgrade led to Borough residents having the highest sewer rates in the entire Commonwealth. Thanks to this grant, ratepayers saw a substantial reduction in their monthly rates.

Finally, to answer your question about if I would support a repeal of the section of the NIZ law that allocates Earned Income Tax revenue from non-residents of the City of Allentown to pay off the bonds to finance the arena’s construction, it is critical for us in the General Assembly to see the impact this section has on local governments throughout the Lehigh Valley. I believe we need to look at economic development from a regional perspective. I have always believed this. That is why I advocated for the splitting of local share revenue for Bethlehem’s casino among several area municipalities. Economic development initiatives must be approached in a regional sense. However, the full fiscal impact of the NIZ on local communities is yet to be determined. As with any pilot project, modifications can be made to the current structure once we have all the information.

Although I appreciate Boscola's honest reply, this is a regional project concocted in Allentown, blessed in Harrisburg and provided life in Harrisburg. It provides a mechanism to take taxes from other regional entities without ever bothering to have told them what the Hell was going on.

It is much different from Casino "revenue sharing." Bethlehem and Northampton County share host fee revenue with Allentown, Easton (table games only) and Lehigh County. The arena and the NIZ will share no revenue with their neighbors. On the contrary, they are asking their neighbors to share in the expense, and the risk, via their EIT grab.

Connolly v. Boscola, Tax Cheat v. Marijuana Dreamer

Northampton County Council's Star Chamber is always a great place for a fight. In fact, Executive John Stoffa is considering renting it out to the Wild Samoans on weekends. But last night, instead of sparring Council members, the Northampton County League of Women Voters sponsored an exhibition match between Pa. State Senatorial candidates Matt "Tax Cheat" Connolly and Lisa "Marijuana Dreamer" Boscola. Although they both took their shots, it was a surprisingly good and congenial debate. In the picture on the left, the candidates are joking as they wag their fingers at each other. ... I think. Lafayette Professor John Kincaid, who acted as moderator, posed excellent questions. The only disappointment was the small crowd, which consisted almost exclusively of the inner circle of each candidate.

Acting as cutman, Glenn "Commissioner No" Eckhart squirted water into Connolly's mouth between questions. In Lisa's corner sat the Imperious Ann McHale, who kept murmuring, "I should be County Executive."

Below are the fight highlights, with a few explanatory comments.

Is Matt Connolly a Tax Cheat?

Boscola: "I want to continue my fight for property tax relief, even though he [Connolly] has a tendency not to pay his. I took a shot because you took a shot at me."

Connolly: "I was late on a tax bill twice on real estate. That's not a crime.

Boscola: "Three years in a row."

Blogger's Note: Connolly owns two real estate parcels with his wife and has never been delinquent with his taxes. His business, Matt Connolly Motor Sports, LLC, owns another three parcels, and the real estate taxes owed on those parcels are delinquent. No judgment or lien has ever been filed against Connolly or his business, so he's no tax cheat, as Boscola alleged in a radio interview.

Boscola Dreams About Medical Marijuana?

Boscola: "I was thinking about it the other day. I was dreaming about it. I do that a lot."

Has Boscola Ever Voted For a Tax Hike?

In her opening, Boscola stated she has never voted for a tax hike. Connolly produced a bill in which she voted for an extension and increase of a corporate tax. "That's just a spin," answered Boscola.

Connolly Challenges Boscola on Pledge to Eliminate Property Taxes

Connolly: "In business, if you had been on the job for 12 years, and had not accomplished what you said you were going to do, you'd be fired. in politics, you tend to lose your position."

Boscola: "Anybody with common sense knows that one individual, one senator alone, can't eliminate property taxes."

Pledge to Eliminate Property Taxes an Election Ploy

Connolly: "I appreciate the fight for eliminating property taxes, but I prefer you win the fight for elimination of property taxes instead of using it as ---. It's been your election ploy for the past 12 years."

Blogger's Note: The Morning Call article Connolly refers to is located here.

Should legislators Be Banned From Consulting Gigs?

Boscola: "Absolutely. This is a full-time job. I work at it 24/7, and I have no respect for those that are doing outside consulting work."

Connolly: "There's too much potential for a conflict of interest."

Blogger's Note: State Rep. Jennifer Mann is a consultant for Vitetta.

Should we reduce the size of our state legislature?

Connolly: "Pennsylvania, per capita, is one of the most over-represented states in the Union. We have 50 senators, 203 representatives; they each have a staff that averages about 11 people, they get state cars, all of this I think is quite excessive." He'd reduce the state legislature to 25 senators and 2 representatives from each senatorial district or shrink the pay and staff to equal that budget.

Boscola: "One of the very fist bills I introduced was to reduce the size of the state legislature. ... It wasn't sexy twenty, fifteen years ago to talk about it. But I was on bard way back then and I continue to be on board."

Marcellus Shale: Should there be a moratorium on the extraction of natural gas?

Boscola: "I am very much in favr of a moratorium right now because this extraction of natural gas - we have one chance to do this right. One chance. We have to learn the lessons of coal, when we were mining coal, and the acid mine drains that we are still dealing with environmentally. ... But the debate in Harrisburg is not directed that way. It's directed towards a tax on the drilling of Marcellus Shale. ... If they're going to tax it, I believe all that money should be going towards environmental protection and the local communities who are going to have to suffer through it. ... If that Little Lehigh River is polluted because of Marcellus Shale, yu know I'll be out there, fighting constantly, to make sure the drillers pay."

Connolly: "I do not support a moratorium on Marcellus gas production. I'm very interested in this. i was in the heating business for many years and knew quite a bit about it. I interviewed a driller and an executive who does fracking. It can be done very safely. Marcellus Shale ... is 9,000 feet under ground. It can be done very safely. It can be done with an absolutely minimal impact. We cannot blame the gas and our need for the gas for some of the problems that have been caused by irresponsible drillers. I am all for, as part of the permit fees, having the gas companies and the gas producers, pay for independent, third party monitoring, have very stiff fines for any breaches in any environmental regulations or any pollution. We need to become a net energy exporter in this state. We cannot keep taking our oil from people who don't like us."

Severence Tax, Anyone?

Boscola claims we can impose this tax because "they [gas producers] are going nowhere." Connolly worries that is exactly what will happen.

The Looming Pension Crisis

Connolly: "We are staring down the barrel of a debt gun that's gonna' kill us."

Boscola: "We are making changes that matter to people." [She describes some changes for new hires].

Health Care Costs

Boscola: "We have to go after the insurance companies. That's how you drive down costs, and that's how you cover more people."

Job Creation

Connolly: "The only place in the world more hostile to job creation is Japan."

Gun Control: Both candidates oppose gun control.

Abortion: Boscola opposes after first trimester. Connolly opposes except in case of rape or incest.

Gay Marriage: Both oppose but support civil unions.

Illegal Immigration: Connolly support deportation. Boscola supports cracking down on employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers.

Unfunded Mandates: Both support ending practice. Neither supports a Constitutional amendment to that effect.

Boscola v. Connolly Tomorrow

Northampton County's LWV will host a tête-à-tête tomorrow night between incumbent State Senator Lisa Boscola and challenger Matt Connolly. In a recent radio interview (you can hear it here), Boscola called Connolly a "tax cheat." "I'm going to win this election, and I'm going to win it soundly because people get it, Bobby. They're not gonna' pay for a tax beat and somebody that puts out rhetoric out there and can't even back it up."

The forum will take place at 6:45 PM at the Northampton County Courthouse, 3rd floor meeting room.

I'll be selling popcorn.

Boscola: Connolly a "Tax Cheat"

State Senator Lisa Boscola's recent appearance on WAEB with Bobby Gunther Walsh got pretty heated. He probed her about the legislature's inability to enact eaningful property tax reform, h eventually suggesting,"At what point should you step aside because you're no longer effective?You haven't got it done."

Lisa exploded with a slam at her opponent, Matt Connolly. "He's talking to me about property taxes? He didn't pay his. Who are you gonna' vote for, somebody who doesn't pay his taxes? That's not personal responsibility or accountability for your actions? That's what drives me crazy, when these people come and attack you for things you're trying to do, but his version of property tax is not to pay his. Is that what somebody wants in the Senate? I don't think so."

Of all people, it is Connolly who sent me Boscola's audio, along with this explanation. "I would like to proactively address this with you and anyone who cares to listen. I bought a property in 2006 that is now my shop. It needed a lot of work and money has always been tight. in 2008 and 2009 I chose to cover other expenses, like paying my employees, instead of paying the taxes on the due date. Of course I did pay them, but they were late. The state made out since I had to pay interest and penalties. I felt it was better to not disrupt the lives and families of the guys who help me make a living instead of paying the property taxes at the time. I would probably make the same choice in the future, although I would prefer to make more money and not have the choice at all!"

Should Senator Boscola's Office Enroll in 12-Step Program?

Not all that long ago, Senator Lisa Boscola's chief of staff, Bernie Kieklak, was a regular on this blog. He often had insightful and generally funny things to say, but had a tendency to go overboard, especially if he commented late at night. For example, he made this remark about then Congressional candidate Sam Bennett. "Sammy Bennett is a phony political whore who gives good head and makes cheap, blatant political opportunists look like Mother Fucking Teresa. Even her pussy is made of plastic." Turned out he had a drinking problem. Neither Kieklak nor his boss apologized to the numerous women he insulted. In fact, she eventually gave him a raise. Now it looks like her chief legislative aide, Jeff Warren, has a drinking problem, too. What's disturbing about his drunk driving prosecution is his failure to come forward, or to admit he had a prior.

Warren, who is also an Easton City Council member, has disgraced his office and should resign. It is not the drinking that bothers me. I am an alcoholic myself and, if truth be told, should have been arrested a few times for DUI. I'm a bad enough driver sober. What bothers me about Warren is (1) his failure to come forward and admit his problem; and (2) his unwillingness to divulge that this was his second arrest.

What bothers me even more is that State Senator Lisa Boscola, who claims to be a reformed drinker, surrounds herself with people who are not. It makes me wonder what she learned in rehab. At the very least, she's an enabler.

They must have one helluva' Christmas party.

Connolly Slams Boscola Mailers

Yesterday, I told you about Matt Connolly and his state senate campaign against Lisa Boscola. He's made an issue out of the mailers that all incumbents, including LV Congressman Charlie Dent, routinely send at taxpayer expense.

Legislators justify this as a way of communicating with and informing constituents. But they are often criticized, especially by challengers, as blatant self-promotion. During his news conference yesterday, Connolly released this statement:

"Pennsylvania right now is undergoing yet another budget shortfall. Our elected officials look high and low to find waste in programs and departments, but never seem to look at themselves. One such area of spending that serves no one other than the official in question is taxpayer funded newsletters and self-promotion pieces. My opponent, Sen. Lisa Boscola (D), has been printing and sending multi page, 4 color mailers since she entered the senate 11 years ago. Add to that the many birthday cards and other items sent on the taxpayer dime and it all adds up to a greater deficit. Our officials must use their own money for things that promote themselves and are of little or no value to their constituents. As your senator, I will introduce legislation that will limit the total budget for communication mailings within a district. Simple black ink on white newsprint will suffice. The glossy mailers may be printed on recycled paper, but are not recyclable, like magazines. They just add to the landfill. Many of them are quite extravagant – not done by some in house staffer but a real professional. What does that cost us? In her last 6-page mailer, there were 8 pictures of Mrs. Boscola yet less than one third of it had any real information that would help taxpayers. Our officials need to remember that they work for us and have to spend our money in a way that we approve, not that makes them look the best.

"I respectfully ask Sen. Boscola to refund to the taxpayers from her large re-election fund the cost of the entire amount of last term's mailing and other non-citizen communication to the general fund. The commonwealth needs it and with $177,000 in her campaign war chest she can certainly afford it. The taxpayers must come first."

Race Car Driver Matt Connolly Taking on Boscola

His name is Matt Connolly, and up 'till now, he's used to racing with GTOs and Porsches at Matt Connolly Motorsports.

Now he's in a completely different kind of race against the Porsche of Lehigh Valley politicians, state senator Lisa Boscola. Today, he's hosting a news conference at The Bethlehem Rose Garden to complain about Boscola's frequent constituent mailers, paid for at taxpayer expense. He'll be introducing legislation to ban them.

Connolly claims he was inspired to run while volunteering for Charlie Dent's 2008 re-election.

Matt might be surprised to learn that Congressman Dent sends out informational mailers, too. Here's what he said when I asked him about it in 2008:

"Well, if I could have the media publish this information, that would be great. but they don't. A lot of my press releases are ignored, so this is one of the few ways left that I can communicate. By the way, we keep limitations on how much franked mail we send out. I have returned $200,000 in federal funds from my MRA. I run a frugal office. We don't spend a lot of money on a lot of frills. But we do feel that, from time to time, it is necessary to send out an informational mailer."

Boscola could easily make the same argument. Unfortunately, I will miss his news conference and am unable to ask him whether he ever raised this issue with Dent.

Connolly's campaign is being managed by Lehigh County Comm'r Glenn Eckhart.