Bill Wallace: NonPartisan Democrat?

I've seen Bill Wallace's tattered briefcase at Northampton County Council meetings, decorated with all kinds of Democratic bumper stickers. But he pleasantly surprised me at the Pen Argyl Area Concerned Citizens debate by taking a bipartisan tone. He proudly describes his losing effort to Republican Mike Dowd.

"I'm proud of that campaign. Mike and I ran a very clean, a very upstanding, campaign. I consider Mike a very, very astute member of Council and I look forward to serving with him.

"I listen to voters. I think that's an important issue that I need to make clear. It isn't a home team, visitor team. We're all on the same team. I'd like to be part of this team because you can vote for me, I'm gonna' listen to you, I'll respond to your concerns, I will judge and make a decision just like a referee does and come to the right conclusion. Hopefully, we have a consensus and move this county forward."

Who is Bill Wallace?

William Wallace has been trying to get on Northampton County Council for two years. In 2007, he challenged popular Mike Dowd, a UCC pastor and then Chamber of Commerce VP. Dowd defeated Bill 5027 to 4082, but Wallace refused to participate in the smear campaigns being waged by other Democrats. He ran a clean campaign focused on bringing passenger rail to the Lehigh Valley. Ironically, Rev. Dowd is the council member who later introduced a rail transportation study.

Wallace, a schoolteacher, is trying again, this time for an at-large seat. In addition to the video above, you can read about him in detail at The Express Times Voter Guide.

Video credit: Jeff Stoffa.

Longshanks' Nemesis on Northampton County Council?

William Wallace is the stubborn Scotsman who gave Edward Longshanks fits over revolutionary ideas like independence. But Wallace lost his head - literally. The William Wallace seeking an appointment to Northampton County Council teaches middle school, so he's probably seen his share of battles, too. And like his namesake, his letter to Northampton County Council demonstrates chivalry. "Please understand, that if it is the wish of Council to also consider Patricia Grube, widow of councilman Grube, that my submission be rescinded, due to the immense regard that I have for her and her possible intentions to carry on Wayne's legacy."

Very classy. Wallace also refrained from the divisive politics encouraged by Branco and Maher last year, instead running a clean campaign focused on bringing passenger rail to the Lehigh Valley. Mike Dowd, who defeated Bill 5027 to 4082, is ironically the council member who introduced the rail transportation study.

Wallace, if appointed, intends to run for the seat next year.

For Easton's Rep on Norco Council, There's Only One Choice - Dowd

District two includes the Easton area.

Express Times: "Democratic newcomer William Wallace has some appealing ideas, including restoring passenger rail service. But voters in the Easton-Palmer-Forks area should choose Republican incumbent J. Michael Dowd because of his business savvy, knowledge of human services and his ability to restore calm during heated debates."

Morning Call: "Keep Republican J. Michael Dowd. Mr. Dowd has a strong challenger in Democratic school teacher William E. Wallace II, but Mr. Dowd's grasp of the issues is commanding. In his years on council, including service as council president, he has strived to be a voice of conciliation and reason. Council needs more people with his style and perspective."

I agree with both endorsements. Mike Dowd, a UCC pastor and Chamber of Commerce VP, is a class act in a classless council. A quiet man who listens. A conciliator, yet a very effective advocate for Easton's interests. He'll work very well with Mayor Panto.

Dowd's opponent, William Wallace, has an interesting passenger rail proposal, which you can read here. I've got two problems with it. First, it has nothing to do with Northampton County Council or core county functions. Second, it is oriented towards passenger, instead of light rail, service. That's a convenience to commuters, but this pipe dream may actually draw more people into this area, making it more congested than it is now.