Scomillio Still Won't Concede

Though Sam Murray won by a fairly comfortable margin in the judicial race, opponent Vic Scomillio still refuses to concede. He's waiting for the official results, which might come as early as today.

Now maybe he thinks that four or five military ballots will push him over the top. Or maybe he's waiting for Sam to concede. I don't know.But his refusal to recognize the obvious is just more proof that he currently lacks the temperament to be a judge.

Plus, it's tacky.

Murray Won Judicial Race In Bethlehem

Joe Welsh (left) and Judge-elect Sam Murray

Political consultant and civil rights attorney Joe Welsh is being touted as the mastermind between Sam Murray's election as Northampton County's newest judge last week. But Welsh is having none of it. "It wasn't about politics, it was about Sam," he said, noting that Murray had a small army of 160 election workers at the polls for him on election day. Some were the parents of players on teams he coached, leading one of them to the doorstep of the Little League World Series. Others were clients or life long friends. "They were there for Sam."

Unofficial results give Murray, an Easton attorney who lives in Hanover Township, a 19,959 to 18,115 edge over Bethlehem attorney Vic Scomillio, who resides in Palmer Township. That's what appears to be an unassailable lead of 1,844 votes. The elections office began its own canvass of the votes on Friday, and should complete its work in about a week, after receiving what it predicts will be a handful of military ballots.

Welsh's strategy was to win big in Bethlehem, Easton and traditional Democratic boroughs, and to "keep it close" in the municipalities around  Bethlehem's urban core. He believed Murray would win in a very close election if at least 35,800 people voted. But with the "added benefit" of 72 degree weather, 38,082 people voted in the judicial race.

Murray won big in Bethlehem. He captured every precinct and 66% of the 5,213 votes cast, far beyond his county-wide percentage of 52%. Though Easton is much smaller than Bethlehem, he got 72% of the 2,258 votes cast in the judicial race.

He also did well in what Welsh calls the cap communities around Bethlehem and Easton. He won in Bethlehem Township (1832-1472), a Republican Township that has suddenly turned blue by electing two Democratic Commissioners. Scomillio lost Palmer Township (1543-1483), where he lives, and Murray won a close victory on his home turf in Hanover Township (1130-1093). Murray even won in Williams Township (561-454), which is considered a Republican stronghold.

Murray also won in Freemansburg (139-64), Glendon (24-6), Hellertown (417-258), Lower Mt. Bethel (226-162), Nazareth (427-345), Northampton (617-445), Stockertown (98-78), West Easton (117-58), and Wilson Boro (434-198).

Scomillio won in Allen (331-323) Bangor (295-247), Bath (150-115), Bushkill (640-410), Chapman (20-9), E Allen (400-321), E Bangor (75-38), Forks (1052-973), Lehigh (826-575), Lower Nazareth (488-427), Lower Saucon (1237-922), Moore (908-662), N. Catty (224-204), Pen Argyl (310-204), Plainfield (652-436), Portland (48-24), Roseto (175-105), Tatamy (110-66), Upper Mt Bethel (617-395), Upper Nazareth (398-370), Walnutport (94-86), Washington (364-268) and Wind Gap (170-160).

Bethlehem gave Murray a 1,649 edge. Since he won by 1,844 votes, he clearly won this race in the Christmas City, where he once took Lehigh Little League to the World Series. .

Research: 

Scomillio wins Allen (331-323) Bangor (295-247), Bath (150-115), Bushkill (640-410), Chapman (20-9), E Allen (400-321), E Bangor (75-38), Forks (1052-973), Lehigh (826-575), Lower Nazareth (488-427), Lower Saucon (1237-922), Moore (908-662), N. Catty (224-204), Pen Argyl (310-204), Plainfield (652-436), Portland (48-24), Roseto (175-105), Tatamy (110-66), Upper Mt Bethel (617-395), Upper Nazareth (398-370), Walnutport (94-86), Washington (364-268), Wind Gap (170-160)

Scomillio loses Bethlehem Township: 1-1 181-165; 1-2 156-224; 1-3 80-81; 2-1 78-162; 2-2 82-155; 2-3 71-102; 3-1 128-155; 3-2 99-94; 3-3 44-63; 3-4 106-131; 4-1 192-198; 4-2 155-169; 4-3 100-133.
1472 to 1832 in favor of Murray. Vote total 3304. Murray percentage of victory. - 55.4%

Murray win in Bethlehem 1 (73-20), 1S (50-19), 2 (56-13), 3 (46-13), 4 (69-15), 5 (91-27), 6 (136-64), 7 (180-50), 8 (133-45), 9-1 (65-18), 9-2 (38-19), 9-3 (175-65), 14-1 (198-118), 14-2 (280-234), 14-3 (233-166), 14-4 (152-98), 14-5 (204-110), 14-6 (209-129), 14-7 (198-177), 14-8 (174-82), 15-1 (171-71), 15-2 (246-131), 15-3 (133-38), 16 (71-51), 17-2 (34-5), 17-1 (16-4) 3431 to 1,782 in favor of Murray. 5,213 votes. Murray percentage of victory. - 66%

Murray win in Easton.  2 (74-29), 3-2 (271-157), 3-3 (56-28), 3-4 (156-62), 4 (98-46), 5 (60-9), 6 (73-16), 7 (75-23), 8E (88-18), 8W (87-56), 9 (242-62), 10E (53-21), 10W (100-48), 11 (121-39), 12 (69-21) 1,623 to 635 in support of Murray. 2258 votes total. Murray percentage of victory -  72%

Murray wins Freemansburg (139-64), Glendon (24-6), Hanover (1130-1093), Hellertown (417-258), Lower Mt. Bethel (226-162), Nazareth (427-345), Northampton (617-445), Palmer Tp (1543-1483), Stockertown (98-78), West Easton (117-58), Williams (561-454), Wilson Boro (434-198).

Congrats to Judge Sam Murray

Both Vic Scomillio and Sam Murray supporters could agree on at least one thing - this was going to be a close race.But I am gratified to see that the people of Northampton County have chosen Sam Murray for a seat on Northampton County's bench by a comfortable margin of 1,700 votes. They have answered the question whether experience matters. Though Vic was hit hard on his ties to Executive John Brown, I think he lost this race because people can still do math.Sam had twice as much experience.

In the upcoming days, I will do an analysis to see where Sam won this race.

Though Vic came up short, he should be congratulated on handling himself with integrity. Though I think Samwas a better choice, I do believe Vic would make an excellent judge. ... Just not now.  

Differences Showcased in Judicial Debate Between Murray and Scomillio

Ten minutes before thee show, meeting room nearly at capacity

Judicial candidates Sam Murray (Democrat) and Vic Scomillio (Republican) exchanged views last night in the one and only debate they will have before voters decide on Tuesday which one of them is best suited to be a Northampton County Court of Common Pleas judge. This forum took place before a standing room only crowd of over 100 at the Northampton County courthouse. This candidates' night took place thanks to the Northampton County League of Women Voters (LWV). Lafayette College's David Woglom played the straight man, acting as moderator and posing questions prepared in advance by the LWV, as well as questions from the audience, submitted on index cards.

Woglom goes over debate procedures with candidates

This is the most important local race this election cycle. Judges of the Courts of Common Pleas are the trial judges and have jurisdiction over most civil and criminal matters. Murray and Scomillio are running for the vacancy created when Judge Edward Smith was inducted as a united States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. At full strength, there are nine judges and one senior judge. The salary is $178,111, and judges are elected for a ten-year term. At the end of that time, they can simply seek retention.

If the audience is any indication of who will be voting on election day, Sam Murray will win. At least 70 of the people there were wearing Murray buttons and T-shirts.

Having a largely friendly crowd seemed to relax Sam. He was himself throughout the debate, and appeared very much like the kind of guy you'd be sitting next to at a diner or McDonald's. In fact, when asked about his greatest weakness, it was McDonald's. Vic appeared stiff and wooden, very much like the kind of guy you'd see in a board room. He claimed his greatest weakness was that he would spend too much time on cases because he cares so much. That answer seemed a tad artificial.

For the most part, they agreed or had only minor differences to the tepid questions posed by the LWV, which was operating under the misunderstanding that they can only ask judge candidates about their qualifications and experience. So yes, neither will legislate from the bench. Both would impose the sentences required for hate crimes. Defendants are entitled to bail, something that many hardliners forget is specifically mentioned in the Constitution they claim to literally follow. They both think local judges should be elected. They both favor individual calendars to move cases along, which is contrary to current Northampton County practice. They both support problem solving courts.

But there were differences.

L to R: Sam Murray, LWV Bev Hernandez, Meyner Center Dave Woglom and Vic Scomillio

Experience Matters

The biggest of these is experience. "Experience matters" is the mantra that Sam repeated at least four times during the debate. He has been a practicing attorney for 32 years, has tried every kind of case, and was selected by the Court as both a Custody andJuvenile hearing Master. Vic has only half the experience, yet has circulated campaign literature claiming essentially to be the mist experienced person in the world.

This perplexed Sam so much that he called Vic out on it. Aside from himself, Sam told Vic there are lawyers and judges with 40 years of experience. How could he claim to be the most qualified?

"My experience speaks for itself," was his rather hollow answer.

Scomillio Violates Employee's Due Process Rights

This inexperience is apparent in the way he handled the termination of Jill Mancini, a former Assistant County Solicitor he fired two days before Christmas, before he was even in office himself as County Solicitor. He did it by cell phone from his car, in a conversation that kept fading in and out.

That was a terrible way to treat somebody. He also failed to accord Mancini with something that should be basic in any judge. Due process. He provided no notice or opportunity to be heard.

Mancini, who was in the audience last night, sued and won. Taxpayers are now on the hook for nearly $300,000 in lost wages and attorney fees.

Candidates were asked last night whether those costs will go up, especially since the County has appealed the ruling. Scomillio argued that any costs from that defeat would be more than offset by efficiencies he created in his one year as Solicitor. In incredulous Murray called Vic's explanation "nonsense" and predicted this fundamental deprivation of constitutional rights will cost taxpayers at least $500,000.

Working Poor's Access to the Courts

Scomillio claimed that there are safeguards in place to serve the legal needs of those with limited or no income. He pointed to North Penn Legal Services, which is funded by lawyers. Vic noted he himself has done pro bono (free) work for clients in need.

But Sam said that's not enough. "There are a lot of people who cannot afford the legal services that the people in this room can afford," he said. He noted that the budget at North Penn Legal Services has been reduced and it no longer accepts cases from victims of domestic violence or landlord tenant matters.

Police

Vic portrayed police officers as victims of violence and argued more needs to be done to help them do their jobs. While Sam agreed that the vast majority of police officers are dedicated, profiling does occur outside of Northampton County. "If I were black, i would not want to drive at night," he said.

What's sad about this debate is that not one media outlet, save for this blog, bothered to cover it. I think that, once again, they are failing in their mission to keep the people informed. If you were there, and have observations to share, please add them. I took copious notes, but I'm worse than the newspapers. I left my notebook at the courthouse. This report is based solely on my own faulty memory.

Updated 10:20 am: Notebook Retrieved. - My Notebook has been retrieved. The Council Clerk has just sent me an email, advising me, "We will lock it up until you're able to stop by to pick it up." My response. "You don't have to lock it. It is not the Ten Commandments."

Why Did Scomillio Give NorCo GOP $26,000?

Vic Scomillio is the Republican nominee in the race for Northampton County judge. He faces Democrat Sam Murray in what should be a very close race. Sam will win in Bethlehem and Easton, but Vic will win the northern tier in an election cycle with few contested seats. Turn out is expected to be very low. In these kinds of races, Republicans generally tend to win. I can think of few races more important. Judges are elected for ten-year terms, unlike other elected officials. Once they succeed, they never really stand for election again, Voters are simply asked to retain them in a position that pays $161,850 per year.

All candidates, even judicial, must file periodic reports enabling voters to see who is contributing to their campaigns and how that money is being spent. One of the most important of these is the report called the Pre-Election report, filed the second Friday before every race.

Scomillio's Pre-Election Report shows he has raised $75,457.06 on top of $24.811.55 that he already had. He contributed $46,465.06 of his own money to the race. His major contributors are
.
Citizens for Urban Renewal (J.B. Reilly) $1,000 6/11/15.
Nolan Perin $1,000
S. Graham Simmons $1,000 (Norris, McLaughlin firm)
Steve Hoffman $500 (Norris McLaughlin firm)
Charles Chrin $2,500
L.Anderson Daub $2,500
Menelaos Valianatos $2,250
John Malloy $1,000 (Victaulic)

The $1,000 from Citizens for Urban Renewal, a donation that was made on 6/11/15, is actually a donation from the NIZ Twins, J.B. Reilly and Joe Topper. They formed this PAC to help perpetuate their urban growth regime into Northampton County and Whitehall Township. They failed in Whitehall, but managed to get John Brown elected in Northampton County with a $50,000 contribution laundered through the state Republican party.

This donation was made before news of the federal investigation into hanky panky in Allentown. Though presumed innocent, J.B. Reilly is one of the names on which feds have expressed interest. Wouldn't a judicial candidate return this tainted money to remove any appearance of impropriety?  Look at Sam Murray as an example. He demonstrated his good judgment by severing all ties with Mike Fleck three months before feds raided Allentown. Scomillio should return the donation he received from Reilly.

What also troubles me about this donation is I am unable to find a record of it in the finance reports filed by Citizens for Urban Renewal. I guess when you're used to throwing around sums like $50,000, this seems like chump change. Still, it's a violation of election reporting requirements.

I am also bothered by Scomillio's $26,000 contribution to the NorCo GOP, made on October . Though he technically is the Republican candidate, this really is a nonpartisan race. The lawyers and Democrats who contribute to Scomillio are right to expect to see that money used to help him get elected, not one of the Republican Council candidates. It is also possible that Scomillio has given this money to County Republicans so they can run a hit piece on Sam Murray.

Much of Vic's support, about $12,000, comes in the form of contributions of $250 or less.

I have a separate report about Sam Murray's finances below. .

Murray Raises $60,000 in Judicial Quest

John Stoffa for Sam Murray

Sam Murray is the Democratic nominee in the race for Northampton County judge. According to his pre-Election report, he raised only $60,000 to the $75,000 by his GOP opponent. But that's so only because Murray spent less of his own money.He spent $35,000 of his won money, while Republican Vic Scomillio threw in $46,000 of his own money.

His major contributors?

Trade unions - $2,750

Herb Litvin (Easton attorney) - $700

Lenny Mellon (Easton attorney and close friend) - $950

Ray Lahood (Easton attorney who got his start with Sam) - $850

Bob Nitchkey (Easton attorney  and close friend) - $600

Much of Murray's money - $10,125 - comes in the form of contributions of $250 or less. A lot of contributors are members of the local bar, who often give to both candidates, and that certainly is so here.  

By way of full disclosure, I contributed $75 to Sam's campaign.  

NorCo Judicial Debate on October 29

When you elect a judge, the term of office is ten years. If an incumbent judge wants to remain on the bench, there's a retention election. o essentially, one he or she sis elected, we're stuck. That's why a judicial race is so important. Attorneys Sam Murray and Vic Scomillio will cross swords on Thursday October 29, 7 pm, at the Northampton County Courthouse, in what will be their first and only judicial debate. I'll be interested in hearing Vic explain how he expects to be elected judge after costing the County $300,000 for violating the constitutional rights of a County worker. I'd like to know how he can claim to be compassionate when he fires someone by phone, and just two days before Christmas. I'd like to know his role in some of the ridiculous legal decisions made by Executive John Brown, which include trying to balance a budget with an illegal $20 million line of credit and hiring a public relations consultant on the taxpayer dime. Should be fun!

Norco Judicial Debate

Sam Murray Kicks Off Judicial Quest

(From left to right: Marge Murray, Stephen J Barron Jr, Lisa M. Boscola, Sam Murray, Nuria DiLuzio, Bob Donchez, Melissa Rudas and Mark Diluzio). 

This weekend, in the midst of splendid weather and a bevy of beauties, Easton Attorney Sam Murray kicked off his race to be elected Northampton County's next judge. He did so from Missy Rudas' back yard, in a speech that told voters that they have a very clear choice. One is a man who has practiced law for 32 years, including ten as a Juvenile Hearing Officer. The other is a man whose rash judgment has cost Northampton County taxpayers nearly $300,000. One believes in due process, the most important quality in a judge. The other has been found to violate this basic right. One of them follows the Home Rule Charter. The other defended the Exec's decision to hire a public relations consultant and even advised him to go ahead and borrow $20 million to balance the budget.

Controller Steve Barron, who is seeking re-election was there. So were State Senator Lisa Boscola, Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez. and Bethlehem Police Chief Mark DiLuzio.

Murray came out swinging. Though most judicial contests are sleepers, this one promises to be quite interesting. He spoke out quite forcefully about how Jill Mancini, a former Assistant NorCo Solicitor, was fired by Murray's opponent, Vic Scomillio, just two days before Christmas.

Though Scomillio was not yet in office as County Solicitor, he fired her anyway. By cellphone. From a car. In a call that kept fading in and out. He even sent a Deputy Sheriff up to collect her card key at the end of the day. A federal jury would later determine that in doing so, Scomillio violated this person's rights to due process. He failed to provide this person with notice or an opportunity to be heard, instead acting precipitously.

That's why a judge exists. He is there to provide notice and an opportunity to be heard.

Scomillio's error will cost taxpayers at least $300,000.

When finally sworn in, Scomillio would go on to argue that it was perfectly legal for Executive John Brown to have taxpayers pay for a public relations consultant to shovel propaganda at us. He even advised brown he could borrow $20 million to balance the budget, in clear violation of the Home Rule Charter.

People need to know these stark differences before they decide on who they want to elect as a judge to ensure their own due process rights.

You can see my pictures from this event here. As a matter of full disclosure I support Murray for judge and have contributed to his campaign. I will attempt to be fair to Scomillio, but his violation of due process disqualifies him in my mind.

A Ron Angle Controller Race Would Help Elect Sam Murray

Although the official tally is not expected until later this week, WFMZ-TV69 has gone out on a limb and reported that Ron Angle has attracted enough write-in votes to get on the Republican ballot in the Controller's race against Steve Barron. I'll go out a little farther and report that Angle has over 550 write-ins, well in excess of the 250 votes required. A few votes went to RAT candidate Anthony Catino, who wanted to twerk his way into office. There was even a write-in vote for the "Mediterranean Manslab" in Bethlehem's eighth ward. But Angle, who spent no money and did no campaigning, really kicked ass. Nobody will be more grateful than Sam Murray, if Ron really runs. And that is a Big If.  

If the judicial race between Democrat Sam Murray and Republican Vic Scomillio were held today, Sam would lose. He would go down even though there are more Democrats than Republicans.The reason for this is that Republicans vote in municipal races while Democrats watch John Stewart. This is why John Brown, who was widely unknown, was able to beat John Callahan in 2013.

Republicans are pretty smart in these races. Look at Bethlehem and Easton. You'll see there are no Republicans on the ballot. Even in the County Council races, Republicans offered no challenger in Bethlehem or Easton. As a result, Democrats stay home in the urban centers. They think they have no real reason to vote. And the Republicans crush everywhere else, especially in county races. So despite having the Brown anchor around his neck, I believe Scomillio is currently the odds on favorite for judge and that Sam is going to have to do everything he can to bring out the vote if he expects to win.

In the old days when there were real party bosses like Justin Jirolanio, Democrats were a real machine on election day. They spent immense amounts of money to drive voters to the polls and make sure as many Democrats as possible voted (and some would add as many times as possible).

Over the years, as unions and party structures have weakened, that real get out the vote effort has been replaced by political consultants who send mailers to the wrong addresses or conduct bogus polls. Candidates with no money get stuck with zealots like Gloria McVeigh, who scare normal Democrats away.

Republicans need no one to drive them to the polls. They will come in on walkers and wheelchairs. You have to respect them for their willingness to be engaged. I wish more Democrats were like that, but they only get fired up in presidential races.

If Ron runs for Controller, things change. Sam's chances of getting elected as Northampton County next judge improve considerably. Ron will bring out the Democrats. In fact, he'll probably bring out more Republicans than might otherwise vote. He is a master at drawing attention to himself, and has already done it in this race. The Express Times was unwilling to do a profile on the judicial race before the primary becauseit  might interfere with their prom coverage. But the paper published a story about Angle's write-in campaign, even though he was not even a candidate. He sells papers.

Now WFMZ is reporting on the barbs being exchanged between Steve Barron and Ron, in what sounds more like the trash talk before a professional wrestling bout than anything else.

Good stuff.

As most of you know, I think Barron is a much better Controller now than he was before John Brown took office. He has matured, and Brown has also managed to make him look pretty good. But as most of you also know, I consider Ron Angle one of my closest friends. In my mind, no one would be a better fiscal watchdog than the man I dubbed the Northampton County Bulldog.

But is Ron really serious?

I think he was running solely to prevent Barron from waging his own write-in campaign, or even worse, seeing the nomination going to a wingnut  like Catino. I doubt he really wants the job. He is simply too busy to be tied down to an office every day. If Ron Angle turns down the nomination, party bosses can select someone else to take his place. That's what I expect to see happen.

But not right away.

He's having too much fun.

Tea Party Extremists Aid in Kassis Deception

Our local tea party fear-mongering

The Lehigh Valley Tea Party Facebook is apoplectic about a mailer that links judicial candidate Abe Kassis, a Democrat, to them at a tea party meeting on February 18. Chair Ronnie DelBacco denies there was a meeting that date or that Kassis "personally sought out the signatures of Tea Party leadership." He goes on to accuse judicial candidate Sam Murray, another Democrat, of "outright lies."

Here are the facts.

A faction of the Lehigh Valley Tea Party, calling itself the Republican Action Team (RAT), has been established. They call themselves the RATS, and include the local tea party leadership. Ronnie DelBacco (organized protest against foreign children at KidsPeace), Tom Campione (fighting for guns in parks), Tom Carroll (failed mayoral and judicial candidate) and Bryan Eichfeld (wants "true science" taught at Saucon Valley) are tea party leaders who are members of this faction. It's very difficult to maintain that there's any real difference between the tea party and the RATS.

The RATS had a petition-signing party on February 18 at Frank's Pizza in Bethlehem. "Please help us out and share this event with your friends and family who are registered Republicans!" is what their Facebook notice stated.

Kassis attended this meeting of the most extreme members of the tea party and personally circulated the petition obtaining their signatures. He then allowed tea party extremist Tom Carroll to circulate on his behalf and obtain signatures from even more tea party members.

He spent so much time with the tea party that he was late to a meeting with Easton Democrats that evening. He apologized that he had been at "another meeting," but failed to tell these Democrats where he was or what he had been doing.

This is something undecided Democrats need to know before they cast their vote.

Abe Kassis and His False Advertising

Sam Murray with his real daughter

Abe Kassis is one of three candidates running to be Northampton County's next common pleas judge. He wants it badly, and is outspending everyone two to one. But there's a danger in wanting something too badly. It makes you do stupid things. In Abe's case, he's trying to be all things to all people Along the way, he has been deceptive.

At the onset of the campaign, Kassis actively sought out support from the most vitriolic extremists within the tea party. People like Ronnie DelBacco and Tom Campione, who give ordinary Republicans the willies. He has another one of these extremists circulate in his behalf. At the same time, Kassis was telling Easton Democrats that he's one of theirs.

Then the campaign ads started, one of which includes a picture of a group of cute kids sitting on Abe's lap The rent-a-kids picture was used to counter the reality that both of Abe's opponents - Sam Murray and Vic Scomillio - are family men. Abe is not.

Then came the preprimary report, revealing that Abe had paid political consultant Tom Severson $37,600. For those of you who don't know who Severson is, he was convicted of filing deceptive campaign expense reports in 2010. That explains the rent-a-kids deception.

The dishonesty continues. A recent campaign mailer starts like this:,

ABE KASSIS is
the Only Democrat for Judge:

If you go beyond the colon, you see the qualifiers. But if you don't, and just glance at the ad like 90% of us do, you might start thinking Abe Kassis is the only Democrat in the race. He's not. He's the only Democrat who sought out support from the right wing fringe. But there's another Democrat running.

Sam Murray.

Son of a steelworker and seamstress, Murray does not have the money to outspend his opponents two to one. He has to put his children through school, and is unable to kick $25,000 of his own money into his campaign because he wants to do right by his children. But to his credit, Sam has made no false claims about who he is or what he brings to the bench.

He prefers to tell you the truth.

That's the kind of judge we need.

Abe Kassis Spends $37,600 for Convicted Campaign Consultant

Abe Kassis

Abe Kassis is hungry for a Northampton County judgeship. He poured $25,000 of his own money into his campaign. That's something we can all respect.  But he's so hungry that he's doing other things, too. One of them was to consort with tea party extremists while circulating his nomination petition. He himself solicited support from its most radical members, like Ronnie Del Bacco, on the same night that he was making one of his speeches to Easton Democrats. He's so hungry that he later appeared on a right wing talk radio show hosted by a man being sued by the Lehigh County DA for defamation. He then sent out what I call his integrity  mailer, posing with a woman and three children, creating the false impression that she is his wife and they are his children. It's misleading and somewhat insulting to candidates Sam Murray and Vic Scomillio, who actually have real families of their own. Now this veteran prosecutor, who has claimed he will be tough, has filed a campaign finance report revealing that he has given more than half of the money he's raised to a consultant who was convicted in 2010 of filing fraudulent campaign expense reports.

Sam Murray

Kassis' pre-election report, filed in Harrisburg with no courtesy copy provided to the Northampton County elections office, reveals he's raised $66,906 in his judicial quest. In addition to the $25,000 coming from his own pocket, he's received considerable support from the Lebanese community, including his own affluent family.

The sum Kassis reports is nearly twice the $36,873.10 raised by Sam Murray and considerably more than the $44,480.80 donated to  Vic Scomillio. Together, all three judicial hopefuls have raked in $148,000, according to papers filed with the Department of State. That's no surprise. What amazes me is that Kassis, who holds himself out as tough on crime, has spent $37,600 for political consultant Tom Severson.

He was fined $14,000 and placed on three years of probation after a guilty plea in 2010 to filing fraudulent campaign expense expense reports, as well as tampering with public records.  Now, a few short years later, a judicial candidate is paying him for the same kind of work that resulted in a criminal conviction.

Vic Scomillio

Severson has actually received more money from Kassis than Sam Murray was able to raise.

Seversoin was also convicted in 2009 of misdemeanor harassment after a strange outburst during a funeral mass.

Why would a judicial candidate pay such a huge sum to a disgraced (and convicted) political consultant?

Maybe he thinks Severson has paid for his mistake.

In 1994, before he was a judge, Emil Giordano accused Severson of "sleazeball politics," calling him the "leader of the pack."  For a judicial candidate to use Severson, and pay him so much money, is an insult to the voters, most of whom will never know that a "tough" prosecutor is using a convicted criminal to garner a judgeship. This poor decision is also an insult to many fine Lebanese families who put their faith in Kassis.

Vic Scomillio has raised $44,480.80, with the largest sum coming in the form of a $5,000 check from L Anderson Daub. His law partners have helped with generous $2,000 contributions. He even picked up a $500 check from Wilson Police Chief Steve Parkansky.

Scomillio has spent $27,541.31, including $5,000 for polling. He has sent out at least two mailers, and has $16,939.57 left in the closing days of the campaign.

Scomillion has also lent $7,275 to his campaign.

Sam Murray raised $36,873.10, including $5,000 out of his own pocket. He has spent $33,319.54, leaving him with $3,553.46 in the closing days of the campaign. In contrast to Scomillio and Kassis, Murray has relied on numerous small contributors who were able to give between $50 and $250. That's where he got $13,000 of his warchest. The Palmeri family has been generous, and so have several attorneys with whom Murray has worked closely over the years.

Murray has received in-kind donations from Abe Atiyeh (billboard) and developer Gary Strausser (opening announcement). He is employing H Street Strategies and Joe Welsh for campaign consulting. So far, he has sent out three mailers.

Stoffa Sez: Get Off the Sofa and Vote For Murray

John Stoffa at his farm

Do you remember when we had a Northampton County Executive who was actually respected by the employees, even when they were mad at him? A man who financed his second term campaign completely out of his own pocket, refusing to take a dime from anyone? A man who stood for honesty and fairness? A man who actually believed in transparency?. A man who though people matter just a little more than numbers? A man who always had a corny joke?. That man, John Stoffa, was Northampton County's Executive for eight years. His integrity was and remains beyond reproach. Sadly, men like him are rare. And he is making a rare endorsement. John Stoffa wants you to get off the sofa and vote for Murray in May.

Stoffa is the second former NorCo Executive to ask you to support Sam. Jerry Seyfried, who gave Sam a job when he was County Executive, did that last week.

Like any good man, both Stoffa and Seyfried have detractors. Some are the usual anonymous trolls. Others are those who resented the fairness of these true public servants. They made this little corner of the world a better place. They think Sam can do so, too.

Sam's Spaghetti DInner Big Success!

Much as I like the ambiance at places like the Hotel Bethlehem or Sun Inn, I feel a lot more comfortable at more down-to-earth places like the Safety First Fire Co. in West Easton. I was there yesterday for a spaghetti dinner in honor of Northampton County judicial candidate Sam Murray. I stayed a little more than an hour, and at least 100 people had come and gone in that time. There is no truth to the rumor that I was thrown out for sneaking a fourth helping.

I invited West Easton Borough Councilman Tom Nodoline. He and his lovely wife sat next to me, but I feel a but embarrassed because Tom can no longer eat pasta. He's lost 175 pounds and is on a very strict diet. Because I did not want the food to go to waste, I ate his pasta, too. I also decided to eat the spaghetti plate set up for Tom's wife. I felt I owed it to her, knowing she'd want to sit there unable to eat, in solidarity with her husband.

Let me tell you, it was good spaghetti. Pat Sportelli made it, and I proposed to her about three times before I left.

It was nice to meet Freedom High School's head football coach, Jason Roeder, who was there with his wife and kids.

"You're not going to stay coach of the year for long if you keep eating like that," I told him, and ate his spaghetti. I ate his wife's, too, although I left her salad. I also left one meatball for their three children.

Environmentalist Isidore Mineo was there, too.

"Izzy, I'm pretty sure that cow was loaded up with antibiotics and God knows what else before he was turned into a meatball," I told him. I also described, in grisly detail, exactly what goes on at a meat plant. Once he lost his appetite, I ate his spaghetti.

Then I walked into the kitchen and told them I needed plates for Judges Beltrami and Roscioli.

"But they told us they couldn't make it!" said Sportelli.

"They'll be here. They just can't stay long."

I ate their spaghetti, too.  

Easton City Council member Ken Brown, who is running a race of his own, came with his wife to support his long-time friend from Easton's west ward. "I am proud to be here," he remarked.

Sam spoke of their childhood together in the West Ward, and mentioned that some of children there now need food assistance before and after school from the Easton Community Center at 9th and Washington. Sam grew up just three blocks away, on 9th and Ferry.

Judicial Candidate Sam Murray: "I Want to Make a Difference"

When I was younger, I used to visit The Moravian Sun Inn, located on Bethlehem's historic Main Street, to purchase Advent stars. I never got past the counter. I finally had an opportunity to do that yesterday. Most of the rooms are roped off, but I did sneak up into the attic, where there is supposed to be a ghost of a little girl. I thought I heard a faint voice whisper, "No more pepperoni for you, fattie." My real reason for being there was to attend a get together for Northampton County judicial candidate Sam Murray, hosted by Bethlehem Attorney Michael Santanasto. I simply took Easton Mayor Sal Panto's name tag, and nobody was any the wiser. I even ticketed a few cars before leavin the Christmas City.

Santanasto, who went to high school with my son, is a member of Sun Inn's board. He gave us all a history lesson. Many famous people have been there as guests of the Moravians. George Washington, John Adams, Ben Franklin. Those are hard acts to follow, but now it's Sam Murray's turn.

Santanasto stole Judge Emiil Giordano's line. "Give me ten," is what Judge Giordano likes to say. He's not referring to money or pushups, but votes. Michael asked each person present to get ten friends to vote for Sam and Judge Giordano.

Nearly 100 people were crowded into the second floor, to wish Sam luck. They included famous attorneys like Gary Asteak, Bill Murphy, Joe Piperato, Lenny Mellon, Stanly Vasiliadis, Herb Litvin and Dave Backenstoe. Judge Paula Roscioli, who is seeking a well-deserved retention, was there, and I was finally able to photograph her. Numerous elected officials came, too. Controller Steve Barron, Easton Controller Tony Bassil, former Magisterial District judge jimmy "the Judge" Stocklas, Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez and Easton City Council member Ken Brown, a childhood friend of Sam's.



Judge Emil Giordano, who is criss-crossing the state, was supposed to come, but was still on the road at the time I had to leave for a meeting. It turns out that I had no meeting to cover, and I could have stayed and finished all the pepperoni.

Former NorCo Executive Jerry Seyfried introduced Sam, who he appointed to the PD's staff in the 90s. Seyfried called Murray a "rising star" at that time. He should know. Several of the lawyers who worked for him have gone on to become judges, including President Judge Steve Baratta and Superior Court jurist Jack Panella.

His daughters helped sign everyone in, and his wife Marge is very much like her husband, unpretentious. Their dignity comes from the way they act, not the airs they assume.

In a brief speech, Sam gave his background as a lawyer. He has also been a Custody Master and Juvenile Court Hearing Officer, making him the only candidate among three fine people who has judicial experience. Sam also discussed, too briefly, his role in Little League baseball, where he accomplished the rare feat of taking a little-known Bethlehem team and marching it right into the World Series.

Why does he want to be a judge? "I want to make a difference," answered Sam.

If you'd like to meet Sam, he's having a spaghetti dinner this Sunday from 12:30 - 4 pm at the Safety First Volunteer Company, 307 6th Street West Easton, PA 18042. It costs $10.00 per person, and Pat Sportelli is doing the cooking. Please contact Margie at 610-392-9249 for tickets.

Abe Kassis, the Tea Party's Candidate for Judge?

Tea Party rally last summer

Easton Attorney Sam Murray has won the signature battle in the three-way race for Northampton County Judge. He has filed 1527 signatures (about 1,000 Dems and 500 Republicans) in support of his nomination. Assistant DA Abe Kassis  followed with 1,127 signatures, and former Northampton County Solicitor Vic Scomilio filed 1075. All three candidates are challenge proof and will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballot. But this is actually a three-party race. With some notable exceptions, the tea party appears to be backing Abe Kassis.

On February 18, Easton Area Democrats hosted a candidates' night. Sam Murray spoke, and Abe Kassis arrived just as the meeting was ending. He did say that he was late because he was at another meeting. What he failed to say is that the other meeting that night was with the tea party.

Abe spoke there as well, and managed to get signatures from tea party hard-liners that include its Chairman, Ronnie Del Bacco. Last Summer, DelBacco staged a protest at KidsPeace, aimed at undocumented and unaccompanied children who, through no fault of their own, ended up in this country. At one point, he decided to lead everyone in prayer. He forgot that Someone once said, "Suffer the little children to come unto me."

Kassis also received the endorsement of Tom Campione, who is currently threatening to sue municipalities who don't allow gun nuts to prance through parks with a six-pack in one hand, and a six-shooter in the other.

Tea party hardliners like Bethlehem Tp Comm'r Pat Breslin, who voted against a no-tax hike budget because it included a slight increase in wages for non-union employees, flocked to the Kassis banner.

Saucon Valley School Director Bryan Eichfeld, who recently advocated replacing what he calls propaganda about global warming with "true science," is on the Kassis bandwagon. Eichfeld also objected to the formation of a UNICEF club at the Saucon Valley School district.

The tea party likes Abe so much that Tom Carroll, one of its leaders, began circulating for Abe himself. Carroll is a former judicial candidate himself, but was crushed by Jennifer Sletvold. I believe Carroll and other tea party hardliners blame Scomilio for this defeat.

When you solicit the support of extremists, I have to wonder about your own views, particularly when you're running for judge.

Sam Murray: "He Deserves to Be a Judge"

Sam Murray asks security to remove me from his campaign announcement. 

Unlike real reporters, I hate writing under pressure. But I'm under a lot right now. Tammy warned me last night that I better do a good job with this write-up. I usually laugh with scorn when someone says something like that to me. But Tammy is no politico. She's Sam Murray's legal secretary. I have no fear of politicians. But you don't piss off a legal secretary. or there will be hell to pay. So I hope this is acceptable, Tammy.

It was a Who's Who of lawyers, elected officials and family friends, both Republican and Democrat, who descended upon Riverview Country Club last night. A throng of at least 170 heard Easton attorney Sam Murray announce his candidacy for the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. I was there, too. I crashed it.

I told the receptionist that my name is Jerry Seyfried..

"He's already here, sir,"

"Did I say Seyfried? I meant Stoffa. John Stoffa. I have dyslexia."

She gave me the look most people reserve for craZies, but let me pass.

I was in.

I've known Sam since he first started practicing law in 1983. Like many lawyers, he's smart and is unafraid of work. But what sets him apart, both a lawyer and as a person, is that he always has the time to listen, and I mean really listen, to people. He will hear what you say. This is what will set him apart as a judge, too. Good judges, I have noticed, are excellent listeners.

Audience applauds when Wheeler tases me. 

Sam's a product of Easton. His father was a steelworker and mom a sewing machine operator. A blue collar family. He grew up with troublemakers like Easton City Council member Ken Brown and fellow Attorney Bib Nitschke. He's a graduate of Moravian College and Seton Hall University School of Law. He has spent the past thirty years helping people. Some of his clients have been wealthy. Others have been poor. But I personally have seen him give the same attention to therm all.

The courts saw something they like. In 2003, Sam was appointed a Child Custody Master and Juvenile Court Judicial Hearing Officer. For those of you who are outside the legal arena, Masters and hearing officers stand in the place of a judge, and their recommendations are nearly always accepted.

So Sam already knows what it is like to make a tough call.

"I will always protect and defend the Constitution," Murray stated last night. He added that the most important right in a courtroom is due process.

The reception room was decorated with pretty blondes and Murray yard signs

Though Sam stopped there, let me connect the dots. The Brown administration and Solicitor Vic Scomillio, who is also running for judge, have done a poor job protecting the constitutional right to due process, i.e. notice and an opportunity to be heard.  Vic fired a County employee without affording her due process. And just this week, the Brown administration's failure to prepare criminal trial notices very nearly resulted in the cancellation of criminal court.

Nobody disputes Vic's personal integrity or his legal acumen. But his stint with Brown has killed any hope he has to be a judge, at least for now. His chariot is driving headlong into the Red Sea, but a wall of water is collapsing around his judicial race.

Sam will be resigning his seat as a Juvenile Court Hearing Officer. The Courts require this from any judicial employee. Murray not only agrees with this principle, but adds that any County employee who runs for judge should resign. Let me connect the dots again. Sam is referring to Abe Kassis, an Assistant District Attorney who is also running for judge and who has kept his County job.

Sam has always believed in community service. He has coached girls' basketball, and managed the 2002 Lehigh Little League team that won a state championship and participated in the World Series.

My grandson was in awe when he met Sam and his son Joseph one Sunday.

At the reception, I sat with the bad crowd. Constables Charles Hentz and Lance Wheeler, along with former Chief Probation Officer Mark Mazziotti, kept wary eyes on me. They know I'm slippery. I still managed to eat all of the hummus, mushrooms and bruschetta. When they finally kicked me out, I left for a County Council meeting with a garlic breath so strong that they were forced to go into Executive Session.

There was no shortage of local heavyweights at this shindig, from former NorCo Executive Jerry Seyfried to former State Rep. Rich Grucela. Prominent Republicans like Ray DeRaymond and Bill Murphy were there. Bethlehem and Easton Mayors Bob Donchez and Sal Panto offered statements of support.

But the person who put it best was Mark Mazziotti. "He's the first guy I ever met who actually deserved to be a judge," stated the former Probation Officer. He should know.

RumorMill: Scomillio to Resign as NorCo Solicitor

At Northampton County Executive John Brown's Christmas party last year, Solicitor Vic Scomillio reportedly told guests that he would be resigning his job with the County. I have asked him to confirm or deny this rumor, and will let you know when I know.

A Scomillio resignation might be an attempt to distance himself from Brown's disastrous first year in office. There have been mass retirements, brought on by unnecessary staffing shortages and Brown's unilateral decision to reduce health benefits. Scomillio defended sole-bid consultant contracts of questionable legality, and went along with budget for this year that is balanced by an illegal $20 million line of credit.

Scomillio's decision to fire an Assistant County Solicitor, over the phone from his car and just two days before Christmas, has just resulted in a $94,000 verdict against the County. A jury determined this employee's constitutional rights were violated. This has to hurt Scomillio's chances in a judicial race, at least among those who believe in following the Constitution.

Democrat Abe Kassis, an Assistant District Attorney, has already announced his intention to run. Another Democrat, Juvenile Court Master Sam Murray, is reportedly weighing his options as well.  

Why Sam Murray Is Best of Eight Great Judicial Candidates

All eight candidates seeking the three vacancies on Northampton County's bench would make great judges. One of them, Lenny Zito, has already proved his worth as a valuable addition to the bench. The remaining seven candidates have all avoided the barbs and arrows so common in the political arena, a testament to their maturity. They've all run positive campaigns. But on Tuesday, my first choice for judge will be Sam Murray.

Other candidates have their strengths, to be sure. Zito is rated most qualified of all candidates by local lawyers. Karl Longenbach undoubtedly has the best judicial temperament and most logical mind. Craig Dally is by far the most personable. Narlesky has the most experience as prosecutor, defense attorney and sitting magistrate. Heimbach has a wealth of civil trial experience in complicated medical malpractice litigation. No one can touch Hollenbach's knowledge of workers' compensation. Koury has refused to accept any contributions from local lawyers.

Murray has all these qualities. He has Zito's work ethic, and is rated the second most qualified candidate by his peers. Like Karl Longenbach, you never see Sam lose his cool. Like Narlesky and Heimbach, Sam has considerable civil and criminal trial experience. Like Koury and Narlesky, he has served in a judiciary capacity, serving as a master in custody, dependency and delinquency hearings. His support has been grass roots, consisting of many modest contributions.

But there is one final quality that really sets Sam apart. He constantly strives to make himself better. As a Master, I'd often see him pull out little pieces of paper with one word like "compassion" written on them. They are his own personal reminders of qualities he'd like to improve in himself. It's a sign of his own recognition that he is, like you and me, an imperfect human being. It's humility, a rare virtue in a judge.

That's why he's the best of a very good group.

Follow the Money: Northampton County Judicial Race

Unlike other candidates for local office, judicial candidates file their campaign finance reports with the Department of State in Harrisburg. And the apparatchiks who work there post them online so that the public can follow the money.

Eventually.

The whole purpose of these disclosure laws is so we can learn who is supports a candidate before casting a vote. But in the land of midnight payraises, the public's right to know gets little priority. The 2d Friday Pre-Primary campaign finance reports timely filed by Craig Dally, Candy Barr Heimbach, Barb Hollenbach and Jim Narlesky are still unavailable. If time permits, I will get copies and post them here over the weekend so you can follow the money for yourself.

But reports are available for four out of eight contestants. Let me tell you about them.

Koury has accepted no contributions from attorneys.

Michael Koury has told Express Times reporter Sarah Cassi he would decline any contributions from local attorneys. His 2d Friday Pre-Primary Campaign Finance Reports, available online, reveal that he has kept his word.

I was concerned he might funnel money from lawyers into his campaign through some sort of PAC, but his individual and committee reports reveal he is largely self-funded. He has accepted contributions from family and friends. He's also accepted $1,000 from Abe Atiyeh and another $1,000 from Atiyeh's business partner, Ramzi Haddad.

Karl Longenbach Likes El Torero

Karl Longenbach actually has four separate campaign finance reports online, which reveal that he's raised around $21,000 and spent most of it, too. He has dug into his own pocket for at least half of his expenses. Friends, fellow attorneys and co-workers have also made mostly small donations.

If you've driven along Route 22 on the way to Easton from Bethlehem, you've seen a big billboard featuring Karl. I practically drove into a ditch the first time I saw that.

That has cost Karl $6,000.

He's also spent another $1,000 for advertising at El Torero, a Spanish language newspaper very popular in Allentown. But Karl's not running in Allentown.

Sam Murray Getting Grass Roots Support

If campaign finance reports are any indication, Sam Murray is getting lots of grass roots support. His disclosure, available online, reveals that $2,000 of his warchest comes from people making modest contributions under $50. Another $17,775 comes from people contributing less than $250. Sam has also kicked $15,000 of his own money. He's raised nearly $44,000 so far.

Frontrunners Flock to Zito

My grandson is a frontrunner. He likes whatever team happens to be winning. Lenny Zito is the frontrunner. Everyone, including fellow candidates, knows that Lenny Zito will be elected on both ballots to one of the three judicial vacancies on May 19. So it's no great shock to learn that Lenny has been able to raise $80,290. Frontrunner Chrin, who usually waits until after someone is elected before donating, has already kicked in $500. But Lenny's biggest donors are the Perins - Lords of the Slate Belt - who contributed $13,300.