I had a chance to say Hi to a reader who often comments here, Peter Cochran. I accused him of seeking constable work, but he told me he's been retired for the past three years.
Unfortunately, I had to leave before saying Hi to The Judge, Jimmy Stocklas, who issued numerous arrest warrants against me for unpaid parking tickets over the years. I wanted to tell him I went to parking ticket rehab and have been clean for over a year.
The judge, you may recall, won $191 million in the lottery, and then amazingly split it up with his brother and a friend because they usually play the lottery with him. I'm sure we'd all do the same thing. Like most lottery winners, he's making lousy choices with his windfall. Instead of spending it on booze, drugs and women, he's wasting it on his family.
Very sad.
The judge is retired so he can attend these functions, not that he gives a shit.
Before I left, Vivian gave me the Cliff Notes version of her speech. She's experienced, has integrity and the proper temperament to be a judge. Having known her for many years, I agree completely. I'd add that she is very down-to-earth and is willing to laugh at herself. Or me.
As I was going out the door, I was stopped by Vivian's uncle, Nick Zumas.
"Where are you going?" he asked.
I told him I was late for a meeting of Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board and was concerned that the Chair, Gus Loupos, would call my editor and get me canned.
"Why isn't Gus here?" he asked.
I explained Gus isn't really Greek, but Irish, and only pretends he's Greek so he can get discounts at diners.
Vivian is running to succeed Jim Narlesky, an excellent magisterial district judge who has dedicated most of his life to public service. He tried many cases against my father, and I recall a few that he tried against me.
(I'll fill you in on the Zoning meeting on Friday. Did you know solar panels can be a hazard for firefighters? I'll tell you about it then.)
