LC Exec Josh Siegel Wants to Expand His Office at Expense of Cedarbrook and Jail

Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel wants to expansion his office at the expense of Cedarbrook (Lehigh County's nursing home) and the jail. 

He wants to add four positions "to strengthen leadership capacity, enhance communications, and improve intergovernmental coordination while maintaining overall fiscal responsibility." These four positions are a multimedia specialist, a communications manager, a chief of staff and a community and intergovernmental liaison. His supporting memo claims these will cost $386,566, although it's unclear to me whether this figure is just salary or salary plus benefits. 

He will pay for these positions by eliminating eight existing positions at Cedarbrook and the county jail. These are 2 LPNs, 3 CNAs, 2 corrections officers and 1 treatment case manager. who are budgeted at $417,656, including salary and benefits. These positions are currently unfilled. 

This will save taxpayers $31,100, but is it really in the best interests of Lehigh County to eliminate positions that take care of our elderly and who protect us from people the courts have decided to confine behind bars?

Commissioner Ron Beitler noted that the Chief of Staff position was actually eliminated in 2014 because it was considered both an unnecessary cost and too political in nature. 

Beitler opposes Siegel's changes. "In passing former Executive Armstrong's 2026 budget, our Board of Commissioners paid for Nurses, Caseworkers and Corrections Officers, not a Chief of Staff to do the Executive's job or a Multimedia Specialist to create County TikTok videos," he said.

Siegel's proposal requires at least one Commissioner sponsor before it can be considered by the Board. But he's already filled two of the positions at least temporarily. He's hired Hillary Kleinz, his long-time campaign manager, as his $92,000 Chief of Staff. And Dan Sheehan, a former reporter with both The Morning Call and Express Times, is his pick for communications. 

Siegel responded to Beitler's concerns by calling him a "partisan obstructionist" though Beitler is actually registered Independent. He told WFMZ-TV69 that previous Lehigh County administrations (Phil Armstrong, Tom Muller, Don Cunningham) "were caretaker administrations that had no energy, no ideas, no vision for the county."

He hopes all nine Commissioners support his power grab. He'll find out Wednesday.

Beitler on ICE: Two Things Can Be True

When seeking truth, two things can be true at the same time.

Yes, folks can and should have real concerns about how U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operates in American cities right now. And yes, it can still be a mistake to cut off a successful relationship between county government and federal law enforcement that helped combat human trafficking and other serious crimes in Lehigh County.

I share concerns about due process, reduced training and recruitment standards, and a sense that enforcement is not focused on those with serious criminal records. Recent reporting shows training for new Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers has been shortened, with recruits completing less instruction than in the past and many struggling with basic standards or being placed into field roles before full training was finished. Law enforcement training experts outside the agency have raised questions about preparedness and use of force protocols. I think most agree law enforcement should be held to the highest standards. These issues deserve serious discussion and stronger policies to protect civil rights, including the rights of American citizens who could be falsely accused. But turning a lease decision into a claim that all cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security harmfully oversimplifies a complex picture.

What also is true is that intergovernmental partnerships with DHS have helped our local community confront the brutal reality of human trafficking, a serious and ongoing problem in our region that preys on vulnerable people and destroys lives. Our geography makes us particularly vulnerable. The question should be about local realities. Reality is, there is no local evidence that HSI here has operated outside its criminal investigative function from this county office. What got lost in the politics is the real work happening here at home. The human trafficking task force in Lehigh County, created under an agreement unanimously approved by a bipartisan board, brought together local law enforcement, medical professionals, social service providers and federal investigators to target traffickers while supporting survivors. After a very political press event led to a rushed decision to evict the investigators, I heard directly from survivors, nurses, advocates and local law enforcement about how critical the partnership has been. Real cases and real lives were protected because agencies worked together.

Counties are not immigration policy makers. We are service providers. Our job is to protect residents, support victims and keep our communities safe. That means setting clear local boundaries on how county resources are used, being transparent with the public and, when needed, holding partners accountable. It does not mean dismantling partnerships that work because national politics are heated. When we shift into politics over objectivity we weaken our ability to focus on the core responsibilities our residents rely on us to deliver.

It’s important to understand. DHS includes many different functions. For example, airport security through TSA. We would certainly not suggest evicting TSA from LVIA over immigration policy disputes. The same principle of distinguishing roles should apply to all federal partnerships. Put yourself in the shoes of a victim of trafficking and ask what makes you safer, political theater or maintaining real investigative resources?

Leadership should not make unilateral decisions without engaging stakeholders. Unfortunately, I believe that happened here. Conversely, I’ve learned through conversations with local service providers that victims do not report crimes directly to federal agencies. They come through hospitals, shelters, advocates and local police first. Federal partners are brought in later when cases require broader investigative tools that local agencies alone do not have. My perspective comes from listening to the people who work closest to victims and who see the consequences of hasty decisions in real time. The consistent theme I heard was not about politics, but about making sure survivors continue to have safe entry points and that frontline workers have access to the tools needed to stop traffickers. Claims that victims will not seek help because of federal perception overlook how victims actually enter the system and how investigations work in practice.

To the survivors who have reached out, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, nonprofit leaders I’ve spoken with, and others now working with one less important tool, I am sincerely sorry that county leadership has failed you.

Two things can be true at once. Effective local governance should not be about headlines or national political battles. Here at home? It should be about objectivity. Yes, we can and should demand accountability, insist on due process and set firm local guardrails. But we can do this without weakening known partnerships that protect victims of trafficking and other serious crimes. We should set limits without breaking the tools that protect the most vulnerable. We should talk to stakeholders before holding press conferences. Ending this partnership does not change federal immigration policy, but it does change whether local investigators, medical providers and survivor advocates have access to the tools they were using to go after traffickers. That is what responsible local government looks like, and it requires an independent, nonpartisan, fact driven perspective focused on outcomes, not party lines.

Ron Beitler is an Independent Lehigh County Commissioner.

Ron Beitler Seeking Re-Election as LC Comm'r

From Ron Beitler's campaign: Lehigh County Commissioner Ron W. Beitler has announced his candidacy for re-election. Beitler represents District 2, which includes Lower & Upper Macungie, Upper & Lower Milford Townships, as well as the Boroughs of Alburtis & Macungie.

Beitler is completing his first term on the County Board of Commissioners after previously serving 2 terms as a Lower Macungie Commissioner, including time as Board President. He also currently serves as Chair of the County Farmland Preservation Board.

Over 12 years of public service, Beitler has prioritized farmland and open space preservation, noting that Lehigh County recently surpassed the milestone of 28,000 acres of preserved farmland across more than 400 farms. "Over the past three years, we've achieved historic success in preserving farmland and open space, and I remain committed to leading this effort for the future," Beitler said. Lehigh County now ranks among the top five counties in Pennsylvania for both the total number of farms and the acreage of preserved farmland.

Beitler applies lessons from successfully building and running multiple businesses to his approach in government. 'Financial solvency is the foundation of long-term prosperity,' Beitler said. 'I’ve built businesses with that principle in mind, and I bring the same approach to decisions in government.'

Additionally, Beitler remains committed to reducing the burden of government on the economy including small businesses that drive the local economy. "I know the challenges entrepreneurs face. Too often, government becomes a barrier rather than a partner in helping businesses grow and thrive" Beitler said.

During his tenure in Lower Macungie, Beitler led an innovative effort to implement a homestead exemption, significantly reducing or eliminating residential property taxes for most homeowners in the township. Today he highlights that Lehigh County has not raised taxes during his time on the board. 'In a time of economic uncertainty, rising costs of living, and surging home prices, keeping government spending in check remains a top priority,' Beitler said." Beitler also co-sponsored a successful countywide tax rebate for volunteer firefighters.

Additional priorities for a 2nd term include re-focusing Lehigh County Government on core, everyday quality of life and kitchen-table issues such as infrastructure, housing costs, parks and public safety including police, firefighters and EMS.

Beitler, 46, is a 4th generation Lehigh County resident, girl dad and small business owner. "If District 2 residents give me the opportunity to continue serving, I'll continue to work to ensure Lehigh County remains a place where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and government is efficient, responsive, and accountable to the people.”

Beitler to run for State House

One of my favorite elected officials is Lower Mac Comm'r Ron Beitler. Like Matt Dees in West Easton, he uses his blog (Lower Mac News) to keep residents well-informed about their community. I have learned that Ron intends to run for the state house seat currently occupied by Ryan MacKenzie.

Beitler is a graduate of Emmaus High School and Slippery Rock University. He owns and operates Bar None, an event services planner.

“By now, it’s no secret that Harrisburg is a mess. What has been a well-kept secret is that the problems can be fixed by honesty, integrity, and common sense,” Beitler said.

He has promised to term limit himself to a total of eight years in office.

“If you can’t get the job done in that time, then you shouldn’t be there.” Beitler said.

He also has signed a pledge to reject a government pension stating, “service is a calling, not a career path - my small business is my career, and when I get the job done in Harrisburg I’ll come home to that.”

Beitler claims to have reduced spending, opposed debt, lowered tax bills and worked to block waste while serving in Lower Macungie. He said he will support a State Constitutional amendment limiting spending increases.

“Government needs to live within the same constraints that we do,” he said.

He resides in Lower Macungie with his wife, Amanda, their nine-month-old daughter, Cecilia Adeline and their family dog Ellie Mae.

Ron Beitler, A Thinking Conservative, Self-Limits Campaign Contributions to $75

Some of you may think that the term "thinking conservative" is an oxymoron, but the Lehigh Valley has a large number of these. Ron Beitler is certainly at their forefront. He's running for re-election a Lower Macungie Commissioner. I disgaree with his Township's refusal to pay for its own police coverage, but find he is one of those rare public servants who is transparent and accountable. His informative blog belies a passion for his community and is itself a public service. At the risk of giving him the kiss of death, I'd vote for him in a heartbeat if I could.

Local campaign finance reform is currently in vogue. Beitler has decided to enact it on himself:    

"I decided to limit donations to 75 dollars or less per person, PAC or entity. I knew this would make raising the 1750-2000 needed to run an informative campaign in our large township more difficult - but, it's the right thing to do. Money in politics and even the perception of money in politics is one of the major problems we have at all levels of government. By self capping the amount of donations we eliminate that perception.

***
"As soon as I raise the amount I need to fund this campaign - I stop. Note: I don't believe elected officials should carry large campaign balances, you should raise the money for the election in front of you and that's it. If you get elected then you focus on the position you have. Not endless fundraising for another position."

On my blog, he recently posted this interesting comment about Trumpism.

"I'm really glad the theme of actually being or significantly influenced by conservative VALUES/PRINCIPLES vs. being a "click bait anti liberal" is catching on in the conservative press. (As in the actual conservative press not the click bait propaganda machine)

"This is an important distinction as it defines the trump era. Many conservatives disdain trump but held nose and supported him because of SCOTUS or some "lesser of two evils" argument. (Which to his credit trump delivered a shockingly excellent SCOTUS choice in Judge Gorsuch - Now, more so a credit to the conservative judicial watchdog groups that drafted the original lists and Trump sticking to those lists than trumps actual judgment.)

"Folks did this because they stand for something they believe is important. They often are but are not always 'movement conservatives.'

"The 'alt right - click bait - anti left' in contrast really isn't anchored by discernible principles or values at all. It's the trumpian populist movement that trump masterfully cultivated. These folks are mostly driven by a team sports or mob mentality where anything "anti left/anti liberal" be it real or too often completely made up is inherently good. They do what they do (obsessively) out being against something not often enough ever being FOR something.

"The team sports analogy is perfect. So I'm an Eagles fan of the bleed green variety. We pride ourselves in rooting for the team thick or thin. Perfectly appropriate attitude for a sports team. But not for politics. The "click bait anti left" is far too willing to blindly ignore Trumps many many severe flaws. And Trump masterfully gives them fodder to ignore the problems with his "fake news" fantasy. I contend that trump populism actually hurts movement conservatism. Conservatives should be winning hearts and minds with our ideas. Not by engaging in the very same kind of identity politics that the alt left does.

"These are, and will remain.... interesting times. Trump is a bull in a China shop".

Examples of this team sports or mob mentality are now abundant in the comments section of the Molovinsly Tabernacle Choir  People like Scott Armstrong, who I one time thought of as at least a thinker, is a perfect example of Beitler's team sports analogy.

If you'd like to contribute to Ron, checks can be made out and mailed to:
Elect Ron Beiter (must be made out to this specifically)
5540 Lower Macungie Rd.
Macungie, PA
18062

Eichenwald Joins Mazziotti's Pay-to-Play Push Back

Jeanette Eichenwald and Vic Mazziotti

Earlier this week, I told you that Commissioner Vic Mazziotti is introducing a pay-to-play ban in Lehigh County. He introduced his legislation on Wednesday night, and is "confident" that it will pass. With some luck, it might even spread. Jeanette Eichenwald, an Allentown City Council member whom I like to call the Iron Lady because of her firm resolve, read over Mazziotti's outline, liked what she saw and intends to introduce it in Allentown. She was in Lehigh County's audience on Wednesday when Mazziotti made his pitch. And Vic will be sitting with the unwashed masses when Eichenwald presents this ban to Pawlowski's Puppets next week.

Democrat Eichenwald and Republican Mazziotti stood together yesterday outside the Lehigh County government center, to discuss their proposal. From a few floors above, I was sure Executive Tom Muller might drop a few water balloons, especially since I was there. But he spared us. For all I know, he might even agree with this proposal.

Mazziotti stated that, in reaction to what appears to be an intensive federal pay-to-play practices, he has been approached by many members of the public who are "sick," "amazed" and "distraught." He explained that they "look for elected officials to respond. They're tired of hearing crickets." Hence his legislation.

For her part, Eichenwald stated she is "honored" to be part of a solution "that transcends party affiliation." Se called it a Win, Win, Win. Vendors would win because they no longer will fell obligated to make contributions as a cost of doing business. Citizens will win because they will see better goods and services. Elected officials will win because they can concentrate on good government.

Of course, this law can be avoided by funneling money to a few PACs and letting them make the contributions. Mazziotti agreed, but added, "There's a way around just about every law out there."

Both Eichenwald and Mazziotti would like to see a statewide solution, but Mazziotti stated that people want action now. Eichenwald stressed that the ban being proposed survived a court challenge in the Pennsylvania Supreme Court  They both argued that doing nothing is no longer an option.

Mazziotti, a sometimes fire-breathing conservative, quoted from John F. Kennedy. "The hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who in time of moral crisis preserve their neutrality." Kennedy was referring to Dante's Inferno, in which Dante passes by a group of dead souls meandering outside the gates of Hell. They are barred from entering either heaven or Hell because they never chose sides, making them distasteful to both God and Satan.

Mike Schware, a Lehigh County Commissioner like Mazziotti, appears to have taken a side.

Ron Beitler, a Lower Macungie Commissioner who I finally had the privilege to meet, was also at the news conference. He is considering similar legislation in his Township.

This legislation has also made its east of Route 33 and is being considered by several members of NorCo Council. There are even some members of the business community who are considering a pledge to curtail the amounts of money currently being poured into political coffers.

But some refuse to take sides. Despite an invitation from Eichenwald, no other member of Allentown City Council attended the news conference. Are they the lost souls mentioned by Virgil?

And he to me: "This miserable way
is taken by the sorry souls of those
who lived without disgrace and without praise.
They now commingle with the coward angels,
the company of those who were not rebels
nor faithful to their God, but stood apart.
The heavens, that their beauty not be lessened,
have cast them out, nor will deep Hell receive them -
even the wicked cannot glory in them."

Updated 10 am: Hozza also takes aim at pay to play, as reported in The Whitehall-Coplay Press. The Morning Call reports what could only be called tepid support from Pawlowski's Puppets. One member, Daryl Hendricks, ridiculously suggests it could interfere with the federal investigation.

Ron Beitler Calls Own Party Boss For Cheap Shot

This morning, Lehigh County GOP Chairman Wayne Woodman sent a lengthy missive to the party faithful, which was designed to rebuild confidence after Scott Ott's loss in the Executive race. He also thanked some of the volunteers who helped in their recent races. But along the way, he managed to piss off a newly elected Lower Commissioner.

Here's what Woodman wrote about that race.

In Lower Macungie Township, two gentlemen who had previously been registered as Democrats, changed their registration to Republican because they knew they could not win running as Democrats in the township. They both secured victories on Election Night. We are certainly looking to draw individuals to the Republican Party, but we want them to come because they agree with our rationale and principles, not because they view it as a way to win a municipal election.

in effect, Woodman is calling these dudes RINOs, or Republicans of convenience.

One of these Republicans, Ron Beitler, is unhappy at the slur. He sent his own lengthy missive to Woodman, with copies to numerous others.

Chairman Woodman,

This morning seeing your email in writing I felt your words came off a little more harsh than I expected regarding Brian Higgins and myself based on our conversation last night. Problem is, as I see it my character was called out publicly. Because of that I feel a response is warranted. An entire paragraph of your email was devoted to insinuating Brian Higgins and I mis-represented ourselves to "win an election".

I can assure you and other esteemed members of the committee that "Strategy" played no part in decision making about my political identity. My party affiliation over the last 15 years has been a personal decision. I came to it organically over time. On the national level I believe President Obama’s ACA circumvents the 10th amendment and related federalism principles. Philosophically I am a staunch supporter of states rights and bottom up Government. I have written about and spoke to these concerns in public for years. While it was my take on ACA that solidified my conversion to the Republican party around 2008 the change was the culmination of a much lengthier realization that began around 2005 after graduating from College.

While in College the the early 2000's yes, I was a Democrat but even than I associated with the Blue Dog coalition identifying as a fiscally Conservative Democrat. In summary, I can assure you I wasn't thinking about the Lower Macungie Township Commissioner race in 2008-09 and certainly not when coming to grips with my personal political identity more than a decade ago.

Also I wanted to bring to the attention of the Committee what I see as a flaw in your reasoning. Specifically that I changed registration "because I viewed it as a way to win a municipal election." Here is a fact. In 2011 a fairly weak candidate who put in very little work Bob Sharpe (D) lost to Doug Brown (R) by a very slim margin here in LMT.

This is germane to this conversation because when I said (as I have consistently for over a year) that I could have won as a Democrat in Lower Macungie I believe it. I know my township inside and out right down to the individual neighborhoods and voting precincts. No one knows this township better than me and no one was going to out-work me in this campaign. I would have been competitive either party.

This is important because were I in the business of misrepresenting myself to voters I would have [run] as a Democrat.

Why? Because one school of though is it would have been the path of least resistance. Obviously I predicted "party switcher" would be used against me. And of course it was ad nauseam. Both by all 3 of our opponents and the LC Republican party in a well funded campaign based on that premise. Because I chose not to mis-represent myself and run as a Republican since those are the values that line up with my own I set myself up for criticism. I did this knowingly.

Lastly, no single candidate in the entire Lehigh Valley wrote publicly more about the issues surrounding their particular race than I have. As I said to you last night, I challenge anyone to find an issue where I am ideologically apart from the Republican party. www.ronbeitler.com

This is my single response. In short, I’m uninterested in engaging in a debate about this. I've copied those in the party whose contact information I have. I felt compelled to respond since in my eyes the email came off as an attack on my character. I would be remiss if I didn't defend myself.

I believe that when campaigns are over, it's then time to govern effectively. And that's what I plan to do. I look forward to joining what will now be on average one of the youngest Republican controlled municipal boards in the Lehigh Valley. I think that is reason to be excited about Lower Macungie.

I felt the paragraph about Brian and I was unnecessary, counter productive and distracting. Moving on I look forward to doing what is right for the residents of Lower Macungie Township who elected me in both the primary and general.

I am never shy about talking about any issue. I welcome any emails with any concerns about anything I've written about on my blog over the last two years.

Respectfully,
Ron Beitler