Same Sex Benefits Pitched to Northampton County Council

EqualityPA's Adrian Shanker pitched same sex benefits for employees of Northampton County during Thursday night's Council meeting. He argued that the economic impact is minimal, in most cases being no more than 1% of the budget.

What budget? The budget for salaries or overall budget? 1% of Northampton County's annual budget would be $3.6 million, about a half mill of real estate tax. 1% of the County's personnel budget would me a more manageable $1.4 million. 1% of the money that the County brings in and spends on its own, would be $0.8 million.

I believe it's worth studying. But it would have to be done independently. At a time when we are spending $5 million plus of limited real estate tax revenue ($87 million) to pay for Gracedale, $3.6 million is too much to spend for same sex benefits. $0.8 million might be more manageable.

Petition Challenge Filed Against Bethlehem City Council Candidate

As the clock inched closer and closer to 4:30 PM yesterday, reporters descended upon the Prothonotary's office like the salmon of Capistrano. They were there to check on nomination petition challenges, an annual Spring rite had to be filed yesterday.

Apparently, election law lawyers are an endangered species. There were practically no challenges at all. No County Council candidates were challenged. Nothing in the District Judge races in Wilson Borough and Wind Gap, either, despite claims that something was on the way. But there was a challenge against Republican Charlie Tommor, who is one of four Republicans running for three seats on Bethlehem City Council.

The Express Times Sarah "Sassy" Cassi beat everyone to the Tommor challenge, filed by Attorney Brian Monahan. I tried peeking over her shoulder, and all I can say is she has one helluva' back kick. I tried complaining to the ladies in the Prothy's office, but they just laughed at me.

I was already in a real pissy mood, especially after reading that the Council Prez had called me dishonest all over the front pages of The Morning Call. I warned everyone that I'm a miserable bastard and was in no mood for their taunts, and they laughed at me even more.

Time to pull out the voodoo dolls again.

Between Cassi's kicks, I tried to look at Monahan's challenge. I think Tommor had his petitions signed by Democrats and aliens from Nebula, but you're going to have to check out her report.

There was also a challenge in the Easton School Board race, but I don't do school boards.