Comm'r defends "Catholic" Vote Against Same Sex Benefits

The first time that Lehigh County Commissioner Vic Mazziotti voted against same sex benefits, it was supposedly because Pennsylvania law does not yet recognize same sex marriages. Not only does it increasingly appear that Mazziotti will be proven wrong on that point, but same sex benefits and same sex marriage are two different animals. I suspected then that what really prompted Mazziotti was intolerance.

That suspicion was confirmed the second time Mazziotti voted against same sex benefits. This time, he was supposedly prompted by his religious beliefs. "I'm a Catholic, and in the Catholic Church individual members of the church aren't permitted to determine what is appropriate and not appropriate. ... The church's position on same-sex marriage is clear. They do not support it. Were I to vote for this, I would be cooperating with behavior that my church does not condone. … No faithful Catholic could vote for this amendment." That's bullshit, too. Mazziotti was now hiding behind the black robes of his pastor to justify intolerance.

A bit thin skinned when he's criticized, Mazziotti has decided to let me have it at my Lehigh Valley Discource blog entry. He thinks I'm calling him names. I think he's intolerant and a bit hypocritical to discuss same sex benefits with his pastor without bothering to discuss other important issues like feeding the hungry and sheltering the homeless. Under his thinking, admission at Cedarbrook should be denied to every gay resident. His logic would require that benefits be denied to any couple who has experienced infidelity. After all, that's a sin, too.

The Allentown Diocese has already staked out a position on this matter, and did so during the debate leading up to the Human Relations Commission in Bethlehem. It is only concerned about laws that directly affect religious institutions.

Here's part of our exchange:

Mazziotti: "Bernie: I discussed this issue with my pastor before I voted. My vote reflects the Catholic position. To say that it does not reflect the Catholic position is not the truth. Vic Mazziotti"

O'Hare: "The pope reflects the Catholic position, not you. While homosexuality is regarded as a sin [if practiced], the Church would never [back] a governmental decision that [doesn't treat] all of us the same. In fact, the church treats all of us the same. You are a sinner. Under your logic, you should be denying benefits to anyone who is in a state of sin. That's just sheer nonsense. What you are really promoting is intolerance, and are invoking religion to justify it."

Mazziotti: "Bernie: as I said, I talked to my pastor before I voted. What is your source for your comment that my vote did not represent the Catholic position? Did you ever consider doing some research before you started calling people names? Or would that be sheer nonsense too? Vic Mazziotti"

O'Hare: "Vic, I don't believe I called you any name. If you want me to do so, I can, but I did not. I pointed out that you never mentioned any religious dissent the first time you voted against this. I also add that someone so concerned about religion, as you now pretend to be, would be so willing to support a man [Scott Ott] who was more than willing to cut off funding for our impoverished elderly. Did you discuss that with your pastor? Therein lies your hypocrisy.

I said you are wrong, that your Pastor is wrong (if he really said what you claim he said) and your thinking is intolerant. Finally, it is logically inconsistent.

The source I am relying on is Pope Francis, as well as the New Testamant. Even the Catholic Conference of Bishops has begun to relax in response to Pope Francis. And if the New Testament teaches anything, it is that love trumps sin. You may hate the sin, but you love the sinner.

It is one thing to say that a person who engages in homosexual acts is committing a sin. I understand that. I also understand that a Catholic Church should not be forced into taking positions in its own workplace or at its schools that will allow that sin.

This secular proposal does nothing of the sort. The same sex benefits principle simply means we are all equal in the eyes of the law. Just as in the eyes of the Catholic Church, we are all equal.

Under your thinking, the County would have to look at whether the benefits plan in question violates your tender Catholic sensibilities. If a man cheats on his wife, then she must be denied benefits under your thinking. After all, that goes against the Catholic grain. It is a slippery slope, and you are riding it to logico ad absurdum.

So let me summarize. Your argument is anti-Catholic. It is intolerant. You are using your faith to hide your intolerance. Your thinking is contrary to the sentiments of the Pope and New Testament. For someone who prides himself on logical thinking, it is incredibly illogical.

How interesting that you would hide behind your pastor's black robes to justify intolerance. But you don't bother speaking to the Church when it comes to cutting off food to the needy.

This is not Catholic thinking. It is not Thomas More. I am disappointed in your thinking and in you as a person.

On top of everything else, you have now opened the doors to those who hate Catholics.

Well done.

Last time you spoke to me, you told me to go to Hell and that you did not want to talk to me anymore. So why are you even here?

Mazziotti: "You hate to deal with facts, don't you Bernie. Saying that I am hiding behind my pastor, and suggesting that I made it up, is typical Bernie low class behavior. So, let's see who is telling the truth. I suggest that we go see my pastor and you can ask him if the position I took reflects the position of the Catholic Church. If he tells you I am wrong, I will write a check to Meals on Wheels for $500. But, if he tells you I am right, you write a check to Meals on Wheels for $500. Deal? Put your money where you mouth is Bernie! Or are you all talk? Vic Mazziotti 

O'Hare: "I am not saying that you are hiding behind your pastor. That is objectively what you have done. The first time you voted against this measure, you hid behind the law, though it increasingly is apparent that you are wrong on that point. The second time you voted against this measure, you hid behind your religion and your pastor. In both votes, what really motivated you is obviously intolerance. The law and religion are just convenient excuses.

I do not deny that you spoke to your Pastor. I do question what he told you, or whether you made clear what you were asking him. In any event, he is not the elected representative of Lehigh county. You are. You used religion as a cover.

I do not dispute that you spoke to your Pastor, so why would I bet you on that point? I do dispute what you told him, and what he told you. I dispute this because you are wrong to claim that an across the board denial of same sex benefits by a public employer is contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church. It is actually your vote, which does not treat us all as children of God, that is contrary to Catholic thinking.

Did you ask your pastor whether you should deprive Meals on Wheels? Is the Allentown Diocese ready to actually do its job and feed the hungry? Or are you too busy ferreting out queers?

Vic Mazziotti Slams Osborne Over Hansell Veto

He's one of what I originally called the "Gang of Four." More politely, he's a member of the so-called "Reform Team" intent on downsizing Lehigh County government. But he's no fire-breathing dragon. Quiet and unassuming, Lehigh County Commissioner Vic Mazziotti has always been reasonable in my dealings with him.  As Northampton County's Fiscal Affairs Director, he really did save the County millions of dollars annually. But he's finding it's a lot tougher on the other side of the dais. He's no politician. He says things, quietly, that read like a Declaration of War in print.

On Thursday, Lehigh County Executive Bill Hansell vetoed budget amendments that Vic had supported. Vic, along with four other Commissioners, slashed $5 million from the budget with the stoke of the pen. And where they did it left me scratching my head. They cut the money out of employee compensation, creating a major jobs cut.

I know what Vic was doing. I'll lay odds it was even his idea. He told me many times, when he was in Northampton County, that it is always possible to cut 10% from a budget, and that it's done in the private sector all the time. But jobs?

 On Friday, when I caught up with Vic, he told me that Commissioners stated repeatedly that they just selected a major line item to make the cut, and had no intention ever of seeing anyone lose their jobs. They wanted the Exec to come back with $5 million in cuts in other areas.

In Hansell's veto, he did come back with $3.5 million in non-personnel cuts, calling it a compromise. He has the support of four Commissioners, so you'd think this crisis is over. But it might just be beginning.

Quietly, at times almost inaudible, Mazziotti blasted Hansell, claiming he would fire him if he were a County Manager and not the Executive. Vic denied that he had turned down multiple requests for a meeting, as Hansell had claimed in his Budget Veto message.

But that was mild, compared to his harangue against Brad Osborne, Chairman of the Commissioners. Osborne supported Hansell's veto and appeared at the news conference.

"When he was running, Osborne claimed he was fiercely independent," said Mazziotti. "What I've found is that he is fiercely indecisive, and that is one of his better points."

Mazziotti went on to charge that Osborne, who is not only Chairman of the Board but a fellow Republican, never contacted Vic or any of the four remaining Commissioners who supported the jobs cut. "I find this extremely disloyal to the Republican majority," stated Mazziotti. ""He did not inform the majority. He hasn't called since. Maybe he's planning on changing parties."

Ominously, Mazziotti stated, "This may not get resolved until the next election." He also agreed with Commissioner Percy Dougherty's assessment that he is a "marked man." Percy Dougherty, like Osborne, supported Hansell's veto.

If this is ever resolved, it will be without Mazziotti. He's not running again. He tells me one term is "more than enough." He adds that Osborne had claimed that power issues made it impossible to reach out and contact him, but apparently is having trouble believing it.

I will catch up with Brad Osborne and get his side of the story as soon as I can.

Parsons, Mazziotti to Appear on Jennings' Radio Show

Scott Parsons 

CACLV's Alan Jennings is the occasional host of WDIY's Lehigh Valley Discourse, which airs every Thursday, 6 PM, at 88.1 PM. It's a great show, devoid of the partisan rants and name-calling that has become standard fare in political dialogue today.

This week, his guests are Northampton County Council member Scott Parsons and Lehigh County Commissioner Vic Mazziotti. Both are newcomers elected last November. Vic is a conservative Republican who shocked the established order by suggesting, perhaps not so seriously, that federal CDBG grants be returned. Scott is a blue-collar union Democrat who still opposed Allentown's NIZ.

Vic and Scott replaced two of the Lehigh Valley's best county legislators, Dean Browning and Ron Angle. But both Parsons and Vic are their own men. I wish all four could serve.

Reassessment. Regional Health Department. Act 111 Arbitration reform. Decreases in human services. An inevitable tax hike. Gracedale and Cedarbrook. These are just some of the issues facing our County government. I'll be tuned in.

Vic Mazziotti Named Luzerne's Interim Budget Chief

He told me he'd like to wake up in the morning and decide to go fishing. Or take his grandson to a game. Retired life must be too boring for Northampton County's former finance maven, Vic Mazziotti. Mike Buffer at Citizens Voice is reporting that Vic is temporarily taking over the finance reins in Luzerne County.  His job there is expected to last three to six months. The he'll go fishing.

Vic, as most of you know, is a Lehigh County Commissioner. His initiatives, during his five years at Northampton County, saved taxpayers $10.1 million annually.

But he's a lousy fisherman.

Mazziotti Wanted Swaption Resolved Last Year

When he was running for County Comm'r in Lehigh, Vic Mazziotti was subjected to a scurrilous, last-minute, robocall, blaming him for Northampton County's out-of-control swaption. Due in October of next year, the most recent price tag on that financial misadventure is $24.5 million.

The truth is that the swaption was adopted in 2004, long before Mazziotti was even a County employee. It was then Executive Glenn Reibman's folly, and was supported by both Republicans and Democrats on Council. A bi-partisan failure.

In response to an unrelated RTK request, I discovered that in January, 2011, when the swaption was only $12.7 million, Fiscal Affairs Director Vic Mazziotti was imploring Council to pull the trigger.

If you received one of these robocalls, you were mislead.

Vic Mazziotti: A Man For All Seasons

She had been after him for weeks to have lunch together, and he finally agreed. When the bill came, she grabbed it, insisting she was going to pay.

"You can pay the bill if you never want to do business in Northampton County."

That's how John Stoffa's amiable Finance Director, Vic Mazziotti, handles lunch with prospective County vendors. He's proud to be a member of what Morning Call columnist Bill White has called Stoffa's "meatloaf" cabinet. "Meatloaf is pretty good stuff," he confides. But after 42 years of full-time employment in both the public and private sector, Vic is stepping down as Director of Fiscal Affairs in March, telling me he'd like to get up one day and go fishing, or just take his grandsons to a game.

A portrait of St. Thomas More, incidentally, adorns one of the walls in his office. Patron saint of politicians and lawyers, More lost his head - literally - when he refused to join Henry VIII's quarrel with the Catholic Church. His final words. "The king's good servant, but God's first."

"I hope it never has to go that far here," deadpans Mazziotti, noting "I've got a couple more Council meetings."

Based on his outstanding performance as Stoffa's money maven, Vic has nothing to worry about. His initiatives have saved taxpayers $10.1 million annually. In the past five years, he's changed health care administrators ($7 million per year); made telephone services changes ($250,000 per year); negotiated a new IT contract ($800,000 per year plus 12 additional employees); replaced the County's Payroll/HR system ($250,000 per year); reorganized Assessment Division procedures ($1 million per year); implemented remote deposit capabilities in the Revenue Division; established an OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Trust to reduce the required annual contribution for retiree health care by over $500,000 per year; and implemented a new recording fee ($300,000 per year).

That's nearly 1 1/2 mills in property tax that Mazziotti quietly managed to save Northampton County residents.

Mazziotti stressed that "I'm not going away mad." He called John Stoffa "the best public servant in the Lehigh Valley." And Northampton County workers "as good if not better than anyone I've ever worked with."

What's in store for Mazziotti? Although he refuses to discuss future plans, Lehigh County Commissioner nomination petitions are currently being circulated on his behalf.

The Vic Mazziotti Ripple Effect

In a move that will have far-reaching consequences in both Northampton and Lehigh County, Vic Mazziotti is resigning as Northampton County's Fiscal Affairs Director, effective March 18. "Vic has saved this County millions of dollars. I hate to see him go," Executive John Stoffa reported at last night's Council meeting. His comments were echoed by the Bulldog, Ron Angle. "In all my years of being around government, Victor is one of the shining lights."

"You'll hear from him again," hinted Stoffa, with a wry smile on his face.

Yes, we shall. Mazziotti is by far the most effective Fiscal Affairs Director I've ever seen. On top of that, he's one of the most genuinely decent and interesting persons I've ever met. He can discuss complicated financial statements and quote Summa Theologica and Thomas More. But he's even happier when he talks about his grandchildren, whom he and his wife adore.

In a future post, I'll detail just some of Vic's many accomplishments. He really has saved the County millions during his tenure. But right now, I think it's more important to take note of the ripples left by his departure.

Although Mazziotti has been uncharacteristically coy with me about his future intentions, he's running for office. He has to resign because he's bound by the Hatch Act.

As an Allentown resident, he could run for City Controller and would certainly be the most qualified candidate. But Vic is a Republican, and they fare poorly in the Queen City. Even Charlie Dent has trouble winning there.

But being a Republican in a Lehigh County-wide race is a plus, and he cold run for Controller or Commissioner.

To me, the logical choice for someone with Vic's background is Controller. He has all the right skills. But I'm told he'll instead join an already crowded Commissioners' race. Incumbents Dean Browning, Gloria Hamm and Andy Roman are going to have plenty of company in four at-large seats up this year. Scott Ott, Dawn Berrigan, Bob Smith, Brent Labenberg and Norma Cusick are names I previously mentioned. I've since heard that attorney and fellow blogger Dave Najarian has decided to run.

Once Vic's name is added to the mix, some of these Republicans might change their minds.

Of course, there's that other party. They're called Democrats. I'll be telling you about their hottest prospect next week.

Vic's departure is sending ripples among possible Commissioner candidates in Lehigh County. But in Northampton County, a tsunami warning is in effect.

Who will replace Vic?

Think about that. Who in Northampton County has distinguished himself with his knowledge of finance? Who has an easy-going personality shared by Stoffa cabinet members?

That's Bruce Gilbert. I believe he's already being groomed as Mazziotti's successor. Now I've asked Stoffa all about this, batting my eyes and everything, and all the bastard does is smile at me. I've asked Gilbert, too, and he just asked me if something was stuck in my eye.

The ripples do not stop here. If Bruce Gilbert is tapped as Mazziotti's successor, the next question is who will succeed him on Council?

Gilbert has been an Angle ally, but will Peg Ferraro, John Cusick, Tom Dietrich and the Democrats team up and work out another deal?

Vic's departure is bad news for Stoffa and Northampton County residents. But it's also bad news for incumbent Lehigh County Commissioners, who have to be looking over the shoulder. Finally, it's bad news for Ron Angle, who will lose an important ally on Council.

How John Stoffa's Money Maven Has Saved Taxpayers $9.8 Million Annually

Let's say you live in a Northampton County home assessed at $100,000. Your yearly county tax bill, based on a 10.8 mil rate, would be $1,080. But if someone beside John Stoffa were county executive, that bill would be $1,215 or higher.

I know this as a result of a discussion yesterday with Stoffa's amiable Finance Director, Vic Mazziotti. A portrait of St. Thomas More, incidentally, adorns one of his walls. Patron saint of politicians and lawyers, More lost his head - literally - when he refused to go join Henry VIII's quarrel with the Catholic Church. His final words. "The king's good servant, but God's first."

"I hope it never has to go that far here," deadpans Mazziotti.

Based on his outstanding performance as Stoffa's money maven, Vic has nothing to worry about. His initiatives have saved taxpayers $9.8 million annually. That translates to 1.35 mils in lower taxes. He has no gigantic building to show for his efforts. He just saves your money. Here's a rundown.

1. Review and analysis of County's health care services resulting in a change of administrators, saving the county over $7 million per year. - This issue is largely believe to be the primary reason why John Stoffa initially decided to run for County Executive. Former Executive Glenn Reibman, who was receiving campaign contributions from the previous administrator, refused to make changes. Stoffa formed a committee, spearheaded by Mazziotti, which resulted in changes and major savings.

2. Telephone services changes have saved over $250,000 per year. - Noting that bills were "outrageously high," Mazziotti hired a consultant with a good track record, and service charges have dropped dramatically.

3. Renegotiated IT outsourcing contract, resulting in annual savings of over $800,000 per year as well as an increase in the number of onsite staff from 13 to 23 employees. - Noting a contract that had been originally executed many years ago in "different times," Mazziotti was surprised to learn that nothing forced the IT vendor to keep a designated staff available. No penalties were assessed for a failure to meet goals.

4. Replacement of the County's Payroll/HR system, resulting in a more integrated set of applications, with a number of new web based modules and a savings of over $2.5 million over a 10 year period. - This is new software, scheduled to go live on January 1, 2010.

5. Reorganized and revised Assessment Division procedures, resulting in an increase in tax revenue of over $1 million in annual revenue. - When Mazziotti first came on board, he noted that many properties, including major corporate ventures like banks, were going lengthy periods without being assessed, resulting in a loss of revenue. Vic initiated daily field reports until the backlog was eliminated.

6. Implemented remote deposit capabilities in the Revenue Division, enabling large payments to be deposited more quickly. - This prevents the county from losing a day's interest on a large deposit.

7. Implemented online credit card tax payment procedure as convenience to taxpayers. The party providing this service charges a small fee to the user, and the County receives the full amount of the tax payment. - Many taxpayers who previously would find themselves delinquent are able to make their payments. This results in no savings to the county, but is a convenience to a property owner.

8. eRecording of Deeds. This increases both efficiency and effectiveness of the office and improves service to their clients.

9. Implemented Pictometry in the GIS Division. Pictometry improves public safety by providing 911 dispatchers with oblique angle pictures of building, thereby showing doors, windows and other exit/entry points to building. - "This will not save money, but it might save lives, " explains Mazziotti who worked on this project with Director of Administration John Conklin. Let's say there's a fire in some building. A dispatcher with pictometry might be able to tell someone how to get out.

10. Establishing OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Trust to reduce the required annual contribution for retiree health care by over $500,000 per year. (This is not yet completed. Awaiting the development of the trust by the Solicitors Office.) - You can fund a retiree's healthcare while the person is still employed or can adopt a PAYGO system, in which you wait until the employee retires. Funding future health care now, just like retirement pay, is actually cheaper in the long run.

John Stoffa's Meatloaf Cabinet

For a guy who's saved Northampton County so much money, he's really modest, almost shy. Every time I see him, he just starts running away. On Monday, he literally dropped his lunch when he saw me and ran for an elevator. He must be one of those guys with an irrational fear of people.

I speak of Vic Mazziotti, Northampton County's Director of Fiscal Affairs, professional bean counter. He saved the county a half mil soon after he came on board over its IT contract. He advised the county to rebid a second IT contract, which saved another $1.8 million.

He's at it again. Yesterday, he told county council's operations committee about a phone study he recently had performed. The net result is a savings of $22 thousand per month for exactly the same service currently enjoyed by the county. In addition, the county is eligible for $47 thousand credit for over billed service. If his plan (which consists of three separate contracts) is approved by the full county council, it will save Northampton County $311 thousand over the course of one year.

Vic Mazziotti, all by himself, is worth about one mil in county taxes. That's about how much he has saved taxpayers since his arrival each year. But no trumpet has heralded that simple fact.

In fact, Morning Call columnist extraordinaire Bill White claims John Stoffa's cabinet is "as glitzy as meatloaf, and largely invisible." And get this? They actually loved that name. Really! That's pretty much how they view their jobs.

Instead of the Machiavellian interest you usually find in local politicos, Stoffa's cabinet is more interested in doing its job. Every cabinet member attends every council meeting, a sign of respect not often reciprocated by council members, especially Charles Dertinger. Fiscal Affairs Director Mazziotti saves money while actually increasing services. Director of Administration John Conklin, against all odds, was able to have a very thorough examination of voting machines conducted within a span of days. Bill Hillanbrand has quietly restored confidence in an office rocked by an embezzlement scandal. Steve DeSalva cut cost overruns in half and finally eliminated courthouse dust. Karl Longenbach, the county's solicitor, should really be on the bench. He has kept his client out of court as much as humanly possible, the best evidence of a good lawyer.

Right now, meatloaf is just what the county needs.

Meatloaf is always better the second day.

Northampton County Council Makes a $1.5 Million Boo Boo

Last Friday, Northampton County Fiscal Affairs boss Vic Mazziotti spent much of his day wandering aimlessly through the halls, mouth ajar. Every now and then, he'd mumble, "I just don't believe it."

Vic was in shock, and understandably so, over what had happened during the previous night's council meeting. So was Al Jordan, the county's contracted computer guru, and direct beneficiary of a $1.5 million county council blunder.

Let me tell you the story.

ACS is the county's "information technology" vendor. That's where Al Jordan works. They keep the computers up and running. But this outside contract is up at the end of the year, so the county sought new proposals from ACS and two other qualified vendors, CAI and CMC. Here's how the bids come down:
ACS - $10,002,873;
CMC - $8,747,686; and
CAI - $8,503,100.
ACS was high bidder by $1.5 million.

Low bidders CAI and CMC had some minor errors with their proposals. CAI failed to acknowledge two addendums. CMC forgot to sign its proposal. But county lawyers ruled these were serious enough to require rejection of those bids. Mazziotti was also told he was unable legally to negotiate with the only successful bidder, ACS, for a reduced cost.

So the county could either award a new IT contract to ACS for $10 million, or reject all bids and start all over. OurAdministrative Code allows county council to do that when "it is in the best interest of the County."

Now here's where things get really goofy. At last Thursday's council meeting, Vic asked council to kill the bid. He explained that, now that every one knows each other's numbers, the new bids would be lower. That would benefit taxpayers. He even assured council the three bidders were willing to try again. No nasty lawsuits.

But council was having none of it. Why are so many bids being rejected? Why do we make things so hard for those poor little vendors?

Lamont McClure: "Is there anyone here who's dissatisfied with ACS?" (That's not the point, Lamont. It's time for a new contract, and the county has to get the best bang for its buck).

Charles Dertinger: "I'm very familiar with the bidding process and know how it feels to do everything right and be rejected." (Is there anything at which Charles Dertinger is not an expert?)

Ann McHale: "I just feel this is unfair to bidders, who get penalized when they do everything right." (Uh, Ann, you represent the taxpayers, not bidders. What about them?)

By a shocking seven to one vote, county council refused to reject ACS's lone $10 million bid, knowing damn well they just blew off at least a $1.5 million savings to the taxpayer. Now, rejected bidders are considering filing formal protests, which will only cost the county even more.

The lone member of county council with the sense to start the bidding over? Mike "God Loves business" Dowd? Nope. John "no new taxes" Cusick? Nah.

It was Council Prez Wayne Grube, standing alone. Now he knows how Angle feels. The rest must think they work for ACS. They don't. They work for the taxpayers of Northampton County.

And where was Ron Angle, who would have scremed about this $1.5 million boo boo? Currently in talk radio rehab, Ron missed last Thursday's council meeting. I broke the news to Ron in his padded cell. He's now undergoing electroshock therapy, and his stay has been extended by therapist Jolly Joe Timmer for another week.

Things could be worse. Angle could be a county employee, watching council flush $1.5 million down the drain. That money could help pay their salaries or keep taxes down.

Update - Angle Threatens to Sue! I told you Angle went ballistic when I broke the news last night about council's refusal to reject the bids. Although he was on vacation, he had asked to participate in the meeting via speakerphone. That didn't happen. He's furious that council would throw away $1.5 million, and believes they both abused their discretion, violated their fiduciary responsibilty to taxpayers, and deprived slate belt citizens of representation on council. He intends to sue unless the Stoffa administration re-submits the resolution to reject all bids and starts the process over.