Att'y Jeff Dimmich: North Whitehall Should Provide Copies of Wal-Mart Plan

Chris Casey has posted a link to a video of Attorney Jeff Dimmich's complaints to North Whitehall Township Supervisors concerning the Wal-Mart proposal and their supervisors' refusal to allow citizens to inspect and copy the proposed Wal-Mart plan. I've embedded the video.

Dems Find Someone to Run Against Angle in Northampton County

Slate Belt Concerned Citizens, an unregistered group partially funded by retail unions, was a vocal opponent of the Wal-Mart and Lowes proposed in Wind Gap. One of its organizers, spokesperson John F Maher, is a tireless worker who poured his own money into the effort as well.

Northampton County had unbelievably donated $3 million from its $111 million megabond to develop a road for this project. It had resisted numerous efforts by Ron Angle to kill the project. Last June, Maher's group had enough. It sued.

Just a few weeks ago, Wal-Mart's developer, National Realty and Development Corporation, packed up its tent and returned to New York. It was a terrific and rare victory for the little guy. Maher withdrew the lawsuit, quitting while he was ahead, something that never stopped me.

Today, Maher told me he intends to run for county council. "Yep Bernie, I'm running as a Democrat for the 4th district of Northampton County Council. I 1st need to win the primary, then I'll oppose Ron!"

I admire John, but wish he were running for an at large seat instead of facing Angle. Maher would easily defeat Tony Branco. Branco is an appointed councilman who has failed to distinguish himself, to put it charitably.

It's one thing to go after Wal-Mart. But going after Ron Angle in his own district? That's just nuts.

Wal-Mart's Plans For Slate Belt Super Center Are Dead

Slate Belt Concerned Citizens are "very happy," according to a press release circulated today by John F. Maher. Their long battle with Wal-Mart is over.

Chalk one up for the good guys.

The suits have withdrawn plans to develop sixty acres in the slate belt with a Wal-Mart Supercenter, Lowes and twelve other retail shops.

Northampton County had set aside $3 million in bond money for an access road to this monstrosity. Until now, Northampton County Council has resisted repeated attempts by Ron Angle to revoke this public funding of private enterprise.

Now that the project is dead, Angle has already asked executive John Stoffa to direct officials to return the money to the county. It is badly needed for $3 million in cost overruns for the courthouse and a prison expansion that is already overcrowded.

But who knows? A casino would be nice up there.