Inspector General: Zach Mako Violated DOD Directives in State House Race

Wanna' know why State House candidate Zach Mako refuses to face Phillips Armstrong in the race for Julie Harhart's seat? In addition to being completely uninformed, Mako has violated military directives in his race for the state house.

According to the Office of Inspector General for the US Army, Mako improperly disclosed "future mission information" during a tea party-sponsored debate. he disclosed he would be heading to Europe, and that NATO generals would be getting advice from him.

In addition, Mako improperly played upon his military background in the primary.

Any adverse action against Mako will be taken by the Commander of his aviation brigade.

If there were a medal for stupidity, Mako would have several by now.

His Campaign theme? Make America Stupid Again.

The letter from the Inspector General is below.

Inspector General: Zach Mako Violated DOD Policy by BernieOHare on Scribd

Zach Mako's Locker Room Banter

I've written several times before about Zach Mako, a Republican running in the convoluted 183rd State House District. The current incumbent is Julie Harhart, but she's stepping down at the end of the year after 1,000 years in office. Mako is her anointed successor. But he's got some competition. Democrat Phillips Armstrong, a Whitehall Township Commissioner and former educator at the high school, is also seeking the job. In my view, he's the best candidate Democrats have in the Lehigh Valley. So Mako has avoided a debate with Armstrong. It's already too late for one at PBS, but he recently told the LWV that he's free in early November, right before the election. I have no details yet, but will pass them along when I do.

Having seen Mako debate twice during the primary, I can understand his reluctance. He's terrible. He's uninformed and a bit slow on his feet, to put it mildly.

Since those debates, we also know he was bankrolled with money from Harhart and back benchers Joe Emrick and Marcia Hahn. They laundered contribution through State Senator Mark Mustio. It's what I'd expect from State Representatives who are unwilling to stop the gerrymander. Mustio's contribution, and the shady way it was obtained, is fair game. It's evidence that he represents more of the same instead of reform. .
But there may be other reasons why Mako, who is just 27 or 28,  would like to stay out of the limelight. His Facebook entries. They show him as a bible thumper who likes to bang "drunk bitches."

To his mommy, Mako posts this message.

‎Zach Mako‎ to Eva Mako

August 16, 2013 · 

Proverbs 31 is what we were talking about today. Once again the Bible is full of truth, I know it isn't mother's day. lol

But to one of his Army buddies overseas, he posts this.

‎Zach Mako‎ to [redacted]

April 29, 2009 · 

What are you new? of course lol just alittle but you jumped over the puddle to man. How have you been? What's new? your in country now correct? like my military lingo. It makes me cool roger. give me a shout I'll look for your sign homes. fuck any drunk bitches yet? don't talk to me if you haven't lol. miss you be good be safe.

Comments

[redacted] How nice.

April 29, 2009 at 8:55pm

Like I said, Mako appears to be a bit on the slow side. He failed to make these private messages. He also failed to consider the impact his message to a friend might have on that person's girlfriend.

Locker room banter?  Or someone who seems to be encouraging date rape?

In fairness to Mako, these posts were written when he was around 20 and presumably less mature than he is now.   But I am disturbed by other messages in which he refers to female acquaintances as "hoes."

Republicans already have enough sexists and misogynists in office. Let's not add one more to the mix.

Zach Mako, Harhart's Anointed Heir

In case she wasn't clear enough during the primary, State Rep. Julie Harhart has blessed Zach Mako again as her heir apparent. Harhart has been useful to the Harrisburg power structure as someone who does as she's told. Even now, on her way out of government, she's too timid to cosponsor legislation to end gerrymandering. Mako can be counted on to continue that tradition of subservience.

Mako has given the worst debate performances I've ever seen. It goes beyond style and raises questions about his basic competence. He clearly has no grasp of statewide issues.

He has been ducking a debate request from the League of Women Voters and passed on an opportunity to appear on television with opponent Phillips Armstrong. But on Friday, he finally said he'd be available right before the election.

As I get details bout this debate, I will share them.

183rd Update: Mako Hiding From Armstrong

Armstrong has long history at Whitehall

This week, I've written about three contested state house races here in the Lehigh Valley. Though I am a Democrat and would love to side with the home team, I would never do so at the expense of good government. So yes, I'd pick Republican Ben Long in a heartbeat over Mike "Darth Voter" Schlossberg. Yes, I'll take Republican Justin Simmons, whom I consider an effective and responsive legislator, over Joanne Jackson  I even have to give the nod to Republican Joe Emrick over Dave Mattei, who simply is a trainwreck. Fortunately, one Democrat is running whom I consider far superior to most entrenched incumbents of either political persuasion. His name is Phillips Armstrong, and he's running for Julie Harhart's seat in the 183rd state house district. She's retiring, but has hand-picked a replacement who has absolutely no knowledge or understanding of state government, or anything else, for that matter. So naturally, anointed heir Zach Mako is trying his best to avoid debating Armstrong.

Phillips is retired after 40 years as a social studies teacher at Whitehall High School. He also has a master's degree. While teaching, he was also a tour bus driver for 38 years "I totally enjoyed that," he has said. After retiring, he decided to continue public service in local government. He is currently the President of Whitehall Township's Board of Commissioners. He also is involved in CTC (Community that Cares). He wants to go to Harrisburg "to make a difference." "I don't want a job,. I don't want a career," he said. His campaign finance reveals heavy union support. The root of all evil in state government, according to him, is gerrymandering. "We don't vote for our representatives. They vote for themselves. We can't do that anymore."

Armstrong really distinguished himself in a primary debate, which you can see here. Mako looked like a deer in the headlights. It goes beyond poor debating skills. He claims to be a helicopter pilot, but I'd never get in one with him.

Mako's campaign is being funded by the power structure seeking another back bencher who will do as he's told. And right now, his marching orders are to avoid a debate at all costs.

Mako sidestepped a candidate forum arranged by PBS 39 the week of September 13th He is also refusing to respond to the Northampton and Lehigh County League of Women Voters. Armstrong, in contrast, is ready any date between now and the election.

“The public deserves the chance to make an educated decision about who will best represent them in Harrisburg for the next two years,"he stated. "They have the right to examine candidate qualifications and the candidates’ abilities to find solutions to the problems faced by the people of the district.”

Like Armstrong, I strongly believes in public accountability and transparency. I find it disrespectful and contemptuous of the voters to refuse to debate on the issues and trust the voters to make the best decision in choosing their next State Representative.

Even The Donald debates.

Armstrong Shines in State House Debate

Long time State Rep. Julie Harhart has decided to retire at the end of her term this year in the gerrymandered 183rd, which twists and turns from part of South Whitehall to Northampton and Slatington and over to Lehigh Township and points east.

The LV Tea Party has already hosted one debate featuring Republicans Cindy Miller and Zach Mako. Unfortunately, Democrat Phillips Armstrong was unable to attend that debate because of a family emergency. But he was free for a second debate at Fellowship Hall last week. You can watch the video above and reach your own conclusions. I consider Armstrong a very impressive candidate, the best I've seen in some time.

A little bit about each candidate.

Mako is a helicopter mechanic turned pilot after making it through two years of flight training. He claimed that Julie Harhart "has been helping me out, keeping me motivated along the way.". A candidate who accepted money from other Republican State Reps, laundered through State Rep. mark Mustio, claimed he would be an "independent voice."

Miller, who claims to have spent 98% of her career in the private sector. She took credit for many of the satellite facilities that Lehigh Valley Hospital plants like dandelions.She has been a Lehigh Township Supervisor for five years, has been a Planning Commissioner there for 14 years and also works for and has accepted contributions from State Senator Mario Scavello. Miller has a Master's degree from Wilkes in health care and is a certified paralegal.

Phillips is retired after 40 years as a social studies teacher at Whitehall High School. He also has a master's degree. While teaching, he was also a tour bus driver for 38 years "I totally enjoyed that," he said. After retiring, he decided to continue public service in local government. He is currently the President of Whitehall Township's Board of Commissioners. He also is involved in CTC (Community that Cares). He wants to go to Harrisburg "to make a difference." "I don't want a job,. I don't want a career," he said. His campaign finance reveals heavy union support. The root of all evil in state government, according to him, is gerrymandering. "We don't vote for our representatives. They vote for themselves. We can't do that anymore.

State Police Funding Shortfall.- Mako was stumped by the very first question of the debate, demonstrating for a second time that he really is clueless. You can make your own call. Miller said it's time for municipalities with no local police coverage to be assessed. Phillips called for more regional police departments, which he claimed would solve the financial dilemma of state police while allowing for a greater "police presence."

Medical Marijuana. - Miller is opposed, claiming it would be difficult for those who need to be drug tested for jobs or for police who stop drivers suspected of impaired driving. Armstrong disagreed noting that the bill passed into law already contains "numerous regulations." He doubts that people will be able to get it for recreational use. He suggested we should look "at all the children and all the people suffering from diseases who will be helped by this." Mako agreed with Armstrong, noting that the benefits and revenue outweigh Miller's concerns.

Privatization of state liquor stores. - Phillips would support privatization if Prohibition were just ending now, but he said that solution is impractical st this time. It would lead to one-time revenue as licenses are sold, not the steady stream received from state stores. He pointed to the possibility of some 18 year-old clerk selling hard liquor to her underage friends. He argued that the state generally has lower prices because it purchases in bulk. "Just like Wal Mart, the more you buy, the cheaper you can sell."

Mako was unable to pronounce the word "privatization," but said it would be beneficial for the state. "That is all," he said as he handed the mike to Miller. She expressed concerns about auctioning off licenses, which would lead to a few chain stores ruining small businesses. But she supports privatization anyway.

Bipartisanship.- Mako claimed the state legislature is already bi-partisan, but the Governor has been an obstacle. Miller added that the Governor has retaliated against Democrats who compromised. But she agreed there should be more cooperation on pension reform, privatization and education reform.

Armstrong blames this lack of dialogue on gerrymandering. He noted that if a legislative district is made up of all kinds of people, state representatives would have to represent everybody. He noted that, fortunately, the 183rd is one of the few split districts left.

"This country was formed on compromise," he said. "Something that I think the legislature has forgotten, and maybe even the Governor. We have to be able to compromise. Some of the biggest decisions in American history came because two sides differed, but were statesmen, not politicians."

Term limits.- All three candidates agreed there should be term limits.

183rd Update: Fellowship Manor To Host Forum With Phillips Armstrong Today

I've written pretty extensively about Cindy Miller and Zach Mako, the two Republicans seeking their party's nomination in next week's election. A Democrat, Phillips Armstrong, is also running. He is the current President of Whitehall Township Commissioners and will participate this afternoon in a question and answer forum for the residents of Fellowship Manor and the general public about issues affecting the residents of the 183rd Legislative District. He is a retired educator from the Whitehall School District.

183rd legislative district. Whitehall Township, part of South Whitehall Township, Slatington, and Washington Township in Lehigh County, and Allen Township, Lehigh Township, North Catasauqua, Northampton Borough and Walnutport in Northampton County.

WHAT: Question and Answer Forum hosted by Whitehall Manor
WHEN: Thursday, April 20, 2016
TIME: 3:00pm
WHERE: Fellowship Manor, 3000 Fellowship Drive, Whitehall, PA 18052

Who Should Succeed Harhart?

Cindy Miller

Republican Julie Harhart, State Representative for the 183rd legislative district, has decided to call it quits this year after eleven terms in office. Her successor will represent a hodge podge of the northern Lehigh Valley. It includes parts of Whitehall and even South Whitehall Townships, extends north through Northampton and Catasauqua to Slatington and Walnutport, and then east to Moore Township. The race for this seat is one of just three competitive primaries within the Lehigh Valley, and was one of the contests featured in a packed debate hosted by the Lehigh Valley Tea Party on April 7 at the Se-Wy-Co Banquet Hall in Lower Saucon Township

Though represented by a Republican, Democrats have a registration edge in this District, and a competitive race can be expected.

Five candidates - two Democrats and three Republicans - submitted nomination papers for this seat. But as a result of successful challenges, only three candidates - two Republicans and one Democrat - remain on the ballot. Republicans include Cindy Miller, Lehigh Township Supervisor and field representative to State Senator Mario Scavello; and Zach Mako, a combat veteran and helicopter pilot in the National Guard. The sole Democrat is Phillips Armstrong, a Whitehall Township Commissioner who spent 40 years as an educator and coach in the Whitehall-Coplay School District.

All three candidates were invited to the tea party debate, but Armstrong sent his regrets as a result of an unexpected family emergency.

Mako, dressed in a suit that obviously made him feel uncomfortable, carried an assortment of index cards that he consulted regularly, even during his opening statement. At one point, he drew some laughter when he was stumped by a question and began looking over Miller's shoulder to see what she was writing. "As you can tell, I am not a politician and this is not my bag," he explained. He said he would be an "independent" voice who would "stand up to special interests and career politicians." He vowed he would oppose the "radical tax and spend policy"of Governor Tom Wolf.

Miller told the audience she grew up in Walnutport and attended Slatington High School before it became Northern Lehigh. She said her background - "98% of which is in the private sector" - is business and health care.

In stark contrast to the debate between Coyle and Simmons, in which candidates used every second of their time, Miller and Mako kept their answers short.

Reducing size of state legislature. - Both agreed on reducing the size of the state legislature. "It is way too big," said Miller. "My only concern is constituent services," said Mako. "As long as that is not diminished, I'd be absolutely fo shrinking the size of the legislature."

Will they take pension? - Mako said he thinks he is required to take it but would turn it down if he could. "I actually like that 401k that they're planning, and think that would be great, especially for a young guy like myself," he said. "I might not stay in government." Miller would not take the pension, but admitted she is participating in one as a member of Senator Scavello's staff. "It needs to start in the House," she said.

Per diems. Neither candidate would accept per diems ($165 per day), but would instead turn in receipts for actual expenses.

Zach Mako

Term limits - Mako believes the term limit is at the ballot box. "If you're doing a good job and people like what you're doing, you stay in. If not, you're gone," he explained. Miller disagrees. "We have too many legislators who've been in too long," she argued. "We say that we leave it up to the people to make the decision, and a lot of times the uneducated choices are being made at the poll." She would like to lengthen terms of office to four years "because you're running every year for office and you're not dedicating your time to constituents or in your legislative duties."

Mandatory retirement age for judges. - Both favor keeping the age at 70. "Anything over 70 is just increasing the pension crisis in Pennsylvania," said Miller.

HB 76 and Property Tax Elimination. - In over 1,600 phone calls Mako has made over the past two weeks, the predominate concern he has heard is the need for property tax relief. Miller stated that, in Lehigh Township, she has been able to stave off a tax hike. "I looked at our budget, we reformed out budget; I was instrumental in implementing a capital improvement plan; we renegotiated our contracts, especially pensions."

Second Amendment rights. - "I can tell you I fully believe in the protection of the Second Amendment and I actually have my license to carry, so now you know I'm not a liberal in nay way," said Miller. "I also have a concealed carry permit and have a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard that I carry every day," added Mako.

Pension Reform. - Miller found that in Lehigh Township, taxpayers were paying more for pensions than the employees who benefit from them. She claims the union now matches what the Township pays in. She would replace the current pension system with 401ks, "I feel that is something that should be able to be done immediately," she said. "I don't see why it should just be for new employees." Mako added that pensions have gone away in the business world, and should be abolished in the public sector as well.

Sharia law. - Both candidates would support a ban on the use of Sharia law, an Islamic legal framework used in some Arabic countries. "I have seen what that does," said Mako. "I've been in places where it's running rampant."

Economic development. - Miller stated that, in Lehigh Township, "We have developers that have found us." She said that as a result of expanding commercial zoning, "We have a developer coming in who is going to take care of one of our worst intersections." She also spoke of developer David Jaindl's plans to convert a 285-acre seminary into a "mixed use zone." She agreed about a lack of development in Slatington. "The problem wth Slatington, unfortunately, is that there's no infrastructure, there's no parking, there's no nothing. That all has to get addressed if you want businesses."

Mako called small business "the backbone of America" and said leaders should be more "proactive."

Paycheck protection. - Mako was unfamiliar with a "payback protection" bill, which would prevent government from deducting union dues from wages and transmitting the funds directly to labor organizations. Miller supports the bill, stating she has friends and family in education who resent seeking their dues collected out of their paychecks.