How Local Government Can Help the Affordability Problem

Governing has an interesting article about three ways in which local government can make our communities more affordable. First, it suggests ways that zoning can be used to make housing less expensive. Second, it proposes ways of making mass transit or alternative transportation more attractive. Third, it argues that utility costs can be reduced through efficiency-enhanced technology. While all three of these paths are worth pursuing, I'd like to focus on transportation. 

We spend a lot of money on transportation. In 2023, U.S. households spent an average $13,174 for transportation, making it the second-largest per annum household expenditure after housing. Unfortunately, the state legislature refused to go along with Governor Josh Shapiro's request to increase the amount of money spent on mass transit. But this is where local governments can step in to reduce the amount of money we spend to drive. Reducing that amount by 25% would save families $3,200 a year. 

First, county government should continue its investment in trail infrastructure. Though most people use these trails for fitness or pleasure, they are also commuting routes. I use trails as part of my commute to the courthouse when weather permits and see plenty of others who do so as well. 

Second, county and municipal government should focus on remote work opportunities for public servants who do not interact personally with the public. Human Services workers, for example, should be trained and encouraged to work at least part of their time from home. 

Third, county and municipal government should offer a bonus to workers who are unable to work remotely but reside within 10 miles of their workplace. 

Fourth, county and municipal government should implement bike share programs where you can rent a bike or an ebike at a reasonable fee and then return after use to any of strategically place hubs. Philly uses Indego at a cost of $4 a month, with ebikes costing 7 cents a minute more. During the cold months, you can drive. But during the eight months of the year that you can regularly ride, this can save a lot of money for groceries or a home. 

Finally, county and local government should invest more in mass transit. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to bus people, but the best way to change that is to start using it. Where I live, the buses come by less frequently than in Bethlehem or Easton. But I can drive or cycle to Walmart, and from there can pretty much go wherever I want. I am sure we all could make better use of mass transit and should be encouraged to do so. 

Why Municipality Should Care About Walkability

I see this all the time. A developer will come in with a massive residential or commercial project that develops every square inch possible. Nothing's wrong with that, but then the developer will seek a waiver or deferral on sidewalks. They will note, and quite correctly, that none of the properties bounding them have sidewalks. That's most likely because those older developers were granted waivers or deferrals. Municipal officials almost always go along with these requests, but should think twice. That's because last year was the deadliest for pedestrians since 1990.

According to The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), there were 6,227 U.S. pedestrian deaths in 2018. Pedestrian deaths are rising while, ironically, other traffic fatalities have decreased.

Pennsylvania has the eighth highest number of pedestrian deaths among all 50 states. According to the report, most fatalities occur along local roads.

The spike is blamed on SUVs, smartphones, more people driving etc.

I would add poor walkability plans in our local communities.

So if you think that it's odd that Dr. Paige Van Wirt has made walkability an issue, think again. and this is not a "liberal" issue. Conservatives like Ron Beitler in Lower Macungie Tp are very concerned about pedestrian safety, too.

Drones to the Rescue!

If you've noticed that it's taking a lot longer to get from Point A to Point B here in the Lehigh Valley, it's not your imagination. Lehigh Valley Planning Director Becky Bradley predicted this would happen back in 2015. A booming economy, Panama Canal expansion and a gigantic Fed Ex in Allen Township have all played a role. Municipalities can deter gigantic trucks from some rural communities by refusing to widen roads and bridges as PennDOT insists. But there will still be a lot more people on the road. Fortunately, one recent invention, the simple drone, might help combat this traffic overload. Though still viewed mostly as a novelty or toy, unmanned aerial vehicles have actually been in existence for centuries.  In the current form, there are already some positive applications, with more on the way.

Firefighting - Not only have they been effective for wildfires, but they are also assisting urban fire departments. The use of a drone can determine where a fire has originated in a burning structure, and can also check for occupants.

Replanting forests - Drones are being used to re-seed mountainsides and other open space that have been timbered.

Protect endangered wildlife - Drones are being used in Africa to protect elephants and keep an eye out for poachers. 

Delivery drones - Amazon, Google and UPS are all experimenting with the possible use of drones to deliver smaller packages, which would reduce truck traffic.While I'm no engineer, I think this will be easier in rural communities where utility lines are underground.

Medical emergencies - Drones are in development right now that can respond to medical emergencies with defibrillators and other supplies.     

Disaster relief - Drones can operate in conditions that are unsuitable for manned aircraft, providing valuable data about conditions on the ground. They can also be used to transport supplies to an area that is hit by a natural disaster.

Agriculture -  Uses include planting, spraying, irrigation and sophisticated soil and field analysis.

I could drone on, but I'll stop.

Alternative Transportation Advocate Steve Schmitt is Dead

Dear CAT Community,

It is with great sense of loss to inform you that CAT {Coalition for Alternate Transportation] Director, Steve Schmitt has been recycled into the great universal pool of wisdom and spirit yesterday morning.

I know that many of you are at a distance, either because of life circumstances, or Steve's polarizing way of challenging people. Steve made us think, feel and act with our consciences. He will be missed.

We hope you may honor Steve, today, by going for a walk, a bike/bus ride or picking up some trash in your neighborhood.
Peace to you all in your own ways of processing this loss of our brother and father of CAT. Peace to Steve's family. Peace to all people who have or will benefit from Steve's vision in our community.

Regards and Respect,
Scott
___________________________________________________
Scott Slingerland
Bike Smart Easton

Blogger's Note: Schmitt and I quarreled often, and he nearly killed me when he gave me a course on bike safety and rode me right into the Lehigh River. He once stole Joe DeRaymond's car keys during a meeting in Allentown, forcing him to walk ten miles home to Freemansburg.  But we also saw eye to eye on many things, and he was a very forceful voice for alternative transportation and improving conditions for pedestrians.

Those bike racks on LANTA buses?  That was Steve's doing. Right now he's probably telling God to get out of the SUV and walk a little.

Zoners Share Broad Street With Bicycling Advocate

CAT member Barrett Ladd

Bethlehem zoners voted unanimously, at their April 25 hearing, to allow the Coalition for Appropriate Transportation (CAT) to open a satellite office at 1935 W Broad Street for the City's West side. This decision followed nearly two hours of neighbor complaints that it would make it more difficult for them to find a place to park. Ironically, CAT is an educational charity that actually encourages car-free activities, from walking to biking to using mass transit.

Barrett Ladd, a member of CAT and the building's owner since 2003, told zoners that the building has always housed a business. Recently, it was the home of Jackie's Ceramics. But she has since retired. Converting it into a residence would be too costly, Ladd explained, so he'd like to lease it to CAT as an office, for light bicycle maintenance as well as some small classes on bicycle repair and safety.

Steve Schmitt, CAT's director, testified that a West end location would be a convenience to people in that area, who might have trouble making it to his main facility. He described it as a "support facility" for people who bicycle. He explained that, in addition to learning how to fix a flat, CAT staffers would help members find appropriate routes to use a bicycle as a mode of transportation.

He explained membership costs $75, but there is a "barter" program in which someone could join after performing a community service like picking up garbage in the neighborhood.

Ladd was represented by Center Street Attorney Sarah Andrew, who argued that the building's use for light bicycle repairs would be "no more intensive" than its use as a ceramic shop.

But six neighbors disagreed.

"Where are we supposed to park?" asked Debbie Peipher. "We are taxpaying citizens!"

Ben Bartolett, who referred to himself as a "blockheaded Dutchman," warned, "Kids are going to stand there and smoke and cause trouble."

Schmitt and Ladd both tried to allay these concerns, noting that most people visiting the facility will be on bicycles, not driving cars. Attorney Andrew, for that reason, described CAT as an "ideal tenant." "Even its solvents are soy-based," she added.

Peipher and Rosanne Minarovic, another neighbor, described some of the businesses that have operated at the location. In addition to the ceramic shop, there has been a lunch counter, shoe repair shop, hair salon and even a motorcycle repair business.

They added there might have been one or two shootings during its motorcycle era.

After this testimony, zoners bought Attorney Andrew's argument that a bicycle repair shop using soy-based solvents is probably a little less intrusive.

Ladd and Director Steve Schmitt promote car-free lifestyle.

Topton Mom Explains How Bicycle Helmet Saved Her Life

RenewLV To Host Brown Bag About Bicycling

RenewLV will host a brown-bag session this Friday, 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. in the Community Room of Allentown Center Square, 15 North 7th Street, Allentown (entrance faces corner of 7th St and Hamilton St). It's all about bicycling.

Steve Schmitt, who heads up the Coalition for Appropriate Transportation (CAT), will be one of the panelists. He'll be joined by John Schubert, Pennsylvania Pedalcycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and John Sharpe, Bike Allentown.

I remember the last time Schmitt conducted a panel about "appropriate transportation" in Allentown. Local activist Joe DeRaymond decided to go, got into a shouting match with Schmitt, and Schmitt stole Joe's car keys. He ended up walking 7 miles home. At night. In the rain.

If you would like additional information, or have any questions about the event, feel free to contact Steve Bliss at sbliss@renewlv.org or 484-893-1060. Bring money for a cab or a bus. And check the weather forecast.

Will Marin's Departure Kill LV Passenger Rail?

Rumor has it that Paul Marin once wowed his house guests by donning a matador's costume. But in many ways, he has been very much like those flamboyant showmen, considered both artists and athletes, who are willing to face the bull alone.

Marin has faced some LV bulls. He was willing to answer some tough questions from me about passenger rail, and stared down both Lehigh and Northampton County for a $150,000 rail study. As a LANTA board member, he again faced the bulls on Northampton County Council. He publicly pitched the appointment of controversial alternative transportation advocate Steve Schmitt, a bicycle enthusiast, to the board of a transit company.

Does Marin's departure for Madrid sound a death knell to LV passenger rail?

Dennis Lieb: LANTA Despises Anyone Low Enough to Ride the Bus

On Thursday night, Northampton County Council rejected abrasive alternative transportation advocate Steve Schmitt as a LANTA board member. My rendition attracted many interesting comments, including a few posted ny West Ward activist Dennis Lieb.

In addition to lobbying for Steve, as he did during the Council meeting, Dennis makes some interesting abservations about LANTA. He claims that Southmont Shopping Center is designed to keep buses away. Second, LANTA is adding bus service to the Sands Casino while simultaneously cutting back service to Easton south side seniors at Shiloh Manor.

Stoffa's pro-rail, pedestrian and bicycle advocacy choice was Steve Schmitt. The guy he would have replaced on the board [Tim Brady] was a member of the Bethlehem Township Commission. In any event, [Tim Brady] worked closely with PennDOT in the design of the Southmont Shopping Center - the one at Rt 33 and Freemansburg Avenue. It was deliberately designed to keep LANTA buses off the property. People must now load and unload out on Freemansburg Avenue in the snow of winter, mud of spring and fall and blinding heat of summer and walk the quarter mile into the place, dodging maniac drivers, because the suburban mall owners don't want bus riff-raff encouraged to use the facility. This is the same guy that county council wants appointed to LANTA because of his "vast construction background"?
Last LANTA board meeting it was discussed that Shiloh Manor; a Southside Easton senior community would have its service cut from four to two trips a day. If you know the area it is isolated from most of town, steeply sloped and borders Canal Street...a long way from services for anyone less than fully-abled. At the same time, LANTA is adding two new buses and two additional drivers to service the Sands Casino so that middle class people can be shuttled in and piss away their kids’ college funds at the slot machines. Steve Schmitt alerted me to this situation because LANTA likes to hold its meetings at the headquarters in Allentown at noon during work days. I couldn’t make it either. Who knows what happened.

Point is that transparency, public input and rail advocacy are anathema to the LANTA board. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear they were actually trying to run the company out of business on purpose. Sort of like GM, Firestone and Standard Oil did with the trolleys in the thirties and forties. There is probably an angle under which that scenario could be plausibly put forth but I don’t have time to write it.

Steve Schmitt got bushwhacked last night. It may be that the Joe Long/Dem. machine hacks like McHale want to make a statement to the county exec, but more likely it is her despising of anyone low enough to ride the bus that drives her voting against Steve...an advocate for the rider. She has been asked many times, in her role as LANTA board member to participate in Try Transit Day and has refused. She won’t even pose for a picture in front of the bus. Ask her why that is. LANTA takes bus ads from JD Byrider - the loan sharks masquerading as car dealers - ads that actually insinuate that losers ride the bus and buying a car from them at usery interest rates will get you off of it. Why would LANTA take an ad that discourages transit use? Ask her about that.

Last night’s vote was a combination of two things: First, the anti-rail Republicans on council do not want a pro-rail advocate on the board. They want to protect the old boy network of highway expansionists, mega-warehouse builders, car dealers and PennDOT bureaucrats that want to preserve a dying way of life...as James Howard Kunstler puts it, the American automobile slum. Second, people like McHale hate anyone who tries to preserve an open dialogue between the public that LANTA serves and the organizational structure that tries to exclude them at every turn.

Schmitt Unfit for LANTA

They threw him under the bus!

By a 6 to 3 vote, Northampton County Council last night derailed alternative transportation advocate Steve Schmitt's appointment to LANTA's board. They did so despite pleas from LANTA board member Paul Marin, community activist Dennis Lieb and Schmitt himself.

Board member Fred Williams, in a very rare appearance, had several objections. He noted that Schmitt's Coalition for Alternative Transportation actually competes against LANTA for limited grant funds. "We are in direct competition with the Coalition for Alternative Transportation.(CAT)" He also claimed that Schmitt tried to enlist new members for CAT during transit meetings. Schmitt denies both accusations.

Schmitt was nominated to replace Tim Brady, a former Bethlehem Township Commissioner who "was in charge of the facilities and construction at Northampton County Community College for many years." Williams believes Brady would be more useful to LANTA during an upcoming maintenance expansion.

Ironically, passenger rail foe Ron Angle was passenger rail advocate Schmitt's biggest supporter. "The board should have a wide range of people who don't always think the same. Nobody has said he is anti-LANTA."

Reluctantly given a second opportunity to speak, Schmitt said "[t]he idea that I'm doing anything but trying to promote LANTA and trying to make LANTA better for the people that ride the bus, that's all I'm trying to do."

Lamont McClure noted Williams' extensive background as a 25 year LANTA board member and retired chief financial officer for the Diocese of Allentown, where he managed finances for the Diocese, 153 parishes, 58 elementary schools and 9 high schools.

McClure: "I didn't hear you say his service on the board compromised LANTA."

Williams: "I believe he did and I believe he compromised LANTA. I served as Director of the Personnel Committee and during sensitive negotiations, and he was privy to that executive session, and I was informed by a driver of what Mr. Schmitt had told him, and told the driver exactly what had happened during our executive session in a very sensitive negotiation and I went to Ann McHale immediately ... ."

McClure: "What was the negotiation about?"

Williams: "Our labor contracts."

Peg Ferraro: "Have you ever spoken out in your 25 years, have you ever spoken out against an appointment?"

Williams: "Never. I have never spoken out and I weighed this very heavily. I take it to heart. Believe me, I worked for the Church, the Catholic Church, and I take this very seriously."

Ferraro: "We have two people, the one who is serving and the one who is the nominee. I think there's two entirely different skill sets being brought here to the table. I think it's important that we look closely at the skill sets in light of what's coming down the road for LANTA."

Angle: "Under that scenario, there's no room for someone who thinks a little differently. there's no room for someone who doesn't have a certain level of skills. I don't think that's what America is about. Nobody has yet showed me where this man has done anything to undermine or destroy LANTA. He is a cheerleader for LANTA, the best I can see here. The Mayor of Bethlehem sent a letter over. That's a pretty high ranking official."

J. Michael Dowd: "I have never seen so many phone calls and so many comments about anyone appointed to an authority, a commission or anything else. I've received phone calls on a virtual daily basis and it's kind of interesting because there's people on both sides for whom I have an enormous amount of respect. I would ask the County Executive what he saw in Mr. Schmitt that led him to not reappoint someone who has expertise in construction and so on and to appoint Mr. Schmitt. "

Stoffa: "This was a tough call for me. But I spent some time with Mr. Schmitt because last time I did not reappoint him under certain circumstances. But the more time I spend with him, he's a different thinker. To me, LANTA is not just a bus company, it's a transit company, and it needs to think differently about what it does. I think he brings that to the forefront. When I saw buses go by with bike racks on, I understand he was the one responsible for that. I think any organization needs new, different thinking, and that's why I nominated him."

McClure: "You did not reappoint him because of certain circumstances. What were those circumstances?"

Stoffa: "Well, they were what I had heard about some bus routes in Allentown. When I sat down with Steve a number of times for a couple of hours, the man is a wealth of knowledge about different things. And that to me pales under what he offers. Nobody's perfect in what they do and I don't even know if what they said about him was accurate."

It was accurate. In the Fall of 2007, Schmitt did sneer at mostly minority merchants, like the House of Chen, along Allentown's Hamilton Street when bus routing changes caused a big decrease in foot traffic. "They wanted something to complain about, basically. ... I find it hard to believe. ... I'd like to see the books." He also ignored several emails from me about what was happening. Several of these businesses are now gone. His smug dismissal of the plight of hard-working people is cause for concern in any public official. Even those who like to wear tights.

In response to a question from Council member Joe Capozzolo, Schmitt denied ever interfering with bus drivers. "I don't think that's fair. That's sorta' like beating up your janitor."

When they voted, only Angle, Capozzolo and Dowd supported Schmitt's appointment.

Did Council make the right call? I honestly don't know. I do not think their rejection was intended as a snub to Stoffa, and I don't think some council members made up their mind until they heard from everyone. Schmitt is nearly as obnoxious as me, but is also the region's most dedicated and passionate alternative transportation advocate. I suspect their concern goes way beyond Schmitt's people skills. I'm unable to avoid the impression that there's more to this story, but no one is willing to say so publicly.

Will Controversial Cyclist Get LANTA Appointment?

As a LANTA board member, Steve Schmitt smugly dismissed the plight of the mostly minority-owned businesses along Allentown's Hamilton Street. Bus routing changes resulted in a decrease in foot traffic, hurting their bottom line. "They wanted something to complain about, basically. ... I find it hard to believe. ... I'd like to see the books." Several of these businesses are now gone. When Schmitt's term as board member expired, so was he. Northampton County Executive John Stoffa replaced Schmitt over a year ago with Cordelia Miller, who adds some much needed diversity at LANTA.

But Stoffa has had a change of heart. Thanks to Steve Schmitt and his Coalition for Alternative Transportation, our buses come equipped with bike racks. He is also an anti-car advocate who actually takes a bus or bicycle everywhere. He has refused to drive a car for many years. For whatever reason, Stoffa has nominated Schmitt to a LANTA board vacancy.

But this is one controversial cyclist. LANTA Chairman Fred A. Williams actually visited a County Council Personell Comittee meeting to claim this bike rack lover is "divisive." Ann McHale, also a board member, read portions of my previous blogs about Schmitt. But LANTA Treasurer Paul Marin came to another Council meeting, with Schmitt, to sing his praises.

According to Easton blogger Noel Jones, there's now an "ACTION ALERT" for Thursday night's council meeting to make sure that nomination is finally approved. Steve apparently supports "rails and trollies."

"WE MUST COME OUT IN NUMBERS TO ENSURE HE IS APPOINTED!!!

"If you want to see the future of LANTA include rail or trolleys-- Please come out and support one of the most progressive transportation advocates in the State!

"Steve Schmitt needs our voices to be heard by Northampton County Council, that his appointment should not be blocked because certain Board members are fearful of change."

Green Vehicles Displayed in Macungie on Sunday

Ordinary gas cars and trucks - converted into quiet, non-polluting, "green" vehicles - will be displayed by their owners at Macungie Memorial Park (Rte 100 & Poplar St) on Sunday, May 3, 10 AM - 4 PM.

Owners will also explain "How and Why I Converted My Car to Electric." State Representative Douglas Reichley (134th District) will kick things off.

The End of Oil - What the Lehigh Valley Can Do

(Blogger's Note: This is one of the first essays published here, way back on 6/26/06, when most of us were convinced our oil supply was endless. It bears repeating.)

It's coming. While we play at the beaches, Peak Oil has already reared its ugly head. We don't notice. Most of us have never experienced "meatless Tuesday," gas rationing, or suffered through a great depression. We live in a dream world of tax cuts, upscale malls and shiny credit cards. And it's hard to think about anything when we're sloppin' down at the Texas Roadhouse.

But it's coming. When it hits, Peak Oil will turn our dream world into Nightmare on Elm Street. High pump prices will be the least of our troubles. Our food consumption depends heavily on our oil-dependent economy. How do you think we get those grapes from Chile? In addition to food, cheap oil is the driving force behind modern medicine, our water distribution and our high tech industry.

You might quibble about when, but it's coming. And we're not ready on any level - national, state or local.

In the Lehigh Valley, we are currently driving our 65 mph SUVs right over a cliff that will hurl us into worldwide depression. Local leaders refuse to face reality. The LVPC and Lehigh Valley Partnership clamor to widen Route 22, which will simply invite more driving. Instead of encouraging us to conserve fuel (and increase safety) by reducing our speed, limits are increased to 65 mph along Route 33. In the meantime, developers gobble up what little farmland is left, thanks to poor municipal planning in our fragmented municipalities. According to Lehigh County Redneck [this blog is deceased], traffic is so bad in Lower Macungie's "pedestrian community" that she must load her kids' bikes into a car and drive to a park if they want to ride.

It's coming, so what can we in the Lehigh Valley do? I'm no expert, but here's a few suggestions.

1. Elect leaders who recognize we have a problem, and are willing to do something about it. That's why I asked Dent and Dertinger to take a pledge against Big Oil money in their Congressional race. Northampton County Exec John Stoffa has proposed a world-class regional energy center that would explore needed alternative energy sources. Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham has spoken of the need for "smart growth". Stoffa, Cunningham, and Allentown Mayor Ed Powlowski have all stressed the importance of regionalization. State Rep. Rich Grucela has proposed educational impact fees in new subdivisions, and State Rep. Bob Freeman has long advocated light rail in the Lehigh Valley.

2. Stop building and widening all those damn roads. In addition to the LVPC and Lehigh Valley Partnership, Northampton County Council in 2001 adopted a $111 bond that, in part, finances infrastructure in the county's suburbs. It has refused to rescind this financing even after a developer changed his project from industrial development to a Walmart. But County Council had no problem rescinding a $1 million grant for park preservation in Allen Township. Brilliant!

3. Support the Coalition for Alternative Transportation, an educational charity, that works to improve mobility for everyone by improving walking, bicycling and transit conditions in the Lehigh Valley. Its funding has recently been cut by our local leaders. Brilliant!

4. Promote our downtowns. Our West End Neighborhood [inactive]and Old Fairgrounds Blog [deceased] demonstrate daily that Allentown is still very much a vibrant community.

5. Consider our mass transit. Most of us turn up our noses at the thought of riding a bus. Only 1% of the Lehigh Valley's population take advantage of LANTA. But for just $2, you can ride the bus all day. And on Red Ozone days, the bus is free.

6. Consider LVBO's light rail petition. When it rejected light rail, LVPC never considered Peak Oil. Pratima Agrawal, a light rail advocate, has offered the following argument: "If planned in conjunction with other non-driving methods (company carpool, bike, walking incentives, increased bus service), local light rail connection to our three major towns would not only reduce congestion, it would help revitalize our downtowns and serve as a draw for visitors. If connected to our suburbs with park-n-rides, it would not deprive anyone of the benefits and would raise property values."

These are only a few ideas. Like I said, I'm no expert. But I've read enough to be certain of this - it's coming. And we're not ready.

Try Transit Day

Try Transit Day is the last Friday of every month. With fuel prices now creeping over that magical $4 amount, many more of us will be doing just that.

Bennett's Post-Oil World

Lehigh Valley Congressional candidate Sam Bennett details her plans for the inevitable post-oil world by stating, on her web page, that she will push to "enact a crash program of alternative energy development and commercialization, including wind, biomass, hydrogen, solar, and water power. These programs will help us become masters of own destiny and create hundreds of thousands of well-paying jobs, many right here at home."

Question: What is your take on America's energy situation? What would you like to see as our goals? As oil and our economy are so intertwined, how can government prod the private sector? Do you support domestic oil drilling? What about mass transit possibilities? Did you ever sign onto the LV passenger rail petition? Will you endorse plans like the Bush Cheney's Energy Bill, which provides corporate welfare to Big Oil even though it already makes $Billions of profit per quarter?

"This is where Congress has been myopic and short-sighted. Congressman Dent has been uniquely myopic and short-sighted. We should position ourselves as leaders of green technology. Why can't SUNOCO become a leader in wind technology? Why not PPL in solar energy? We need to enter into a post-Sputnik technology. This is a very proper role for federal government. Incentivize! Invest!"

Question: How about domestic oil drilling?

"I'm against oil drilling in environmentally sensitive areas. We should instead be readying ourselves for alternative energy."

Question: How about the movement for rail service in the Lehigh Valley? Or widening Route 22?

"I am in favor of light rail. Widening Route 22 bears further discussion, but studies have shown that widening highways results in more traffic."

Question: What's you stance on nuclear energy? Don't we NEED to be a leader like France? (France has 59 nuclear plants in their country that provide nearly 80% of their total power. As a result, electricity costs in France are among the lowest in Europe. At the same time, France’s carbon emissions are less than 1/10 of neighboring Germany.)

"Nuclear energy has to be looked at. It represents a solution that existed a decade ago. But we are an ingenious and calculating people! We should always be at the leading edge of the next thing. This will also create a steady stream of jobs. Let other nations follow us. Lobbyists with vested interests have taken over Washington. The Bush administration has even put them in key positions."

Wegmans Hates Those Dirty Bus People, Too!

Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski should really start hitting up Wegmans' execs for campaign contributions. He already soaks everyone else, but there's a more compelling reason. He and Wegmans are already kindred spirits - they both got that elitism thing going and both hate bus people.

Pawlowski will deny this, but he's done pretty much everything in his power to screw LANTA bus passengers as well as the mostly minority merchants who serve them along Hamilton Street. After all, it interferes with his "Renaissance Square" concept to see so many poor people.

Well, guess what? Wegmans hates those dirty bus people, too. According to Kevin Easterling's LVBN,

All Wegmans' stores have a corporate policy against allowing public transportation onto their property and none of the three Wegmans stores in the Lehigh Valley enjoy public transportation into their store parking lots. In addition, it is difficult for employees and shoppers to get from the bus to the Wegmans stores because of unsafe pedestrian access to and from the closest bus stop. In contrast, Giant has ten stores in the two county region and all enjoy excellent access by public transportation, so we know it can be done with a little consideration and thought.

Who you gonna' believe, some black blog or Wegmans and Mayor Ed? Besides, I'm sure they cleared this with Jesus.

Update: According to today's Morning Call, the state LCB has awarded "restaurant" licenses to two Wegman locations (Hanover and Lower Nazareth) within the Lehigh Valley.

LVDC to Sponsor Climate Action Day

The Lehigh Valley Democratic Coalition is one of many sponsors inviting everyone, left and right, Green and Libertarian, to attend a climate action day this Saturday in south side Bethlehem. I've been asked to post this message.

YOU ARE INVITED TO CLIMATE ACTION DAY!

SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2007, is the National Day of Action on Climate Change. On April 14, citizens across the country will hold more than 1,000 rallies to demand strong action on climate change. Thousands of people will come together with the message that we need to act on climate change now: Step It Up Congress! Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions 80% by 2050!

LEHIGH VALLEY RESIDENTS will come together on the southside of Bethlehem at 1 pm. Please Join us on the southside of Bethlehem! We will have a bandshell in the parking lot by 3rd and New streets. We have plenty of activities planned to raise awareness of the climate change issue while having fun. The schedule:

1 pm to 5 pm
* Create messages to let our elected officials know we need to act on climate change
* Talk to more than 15 organizations and get ideas of positive things YOU can do to make a difference on climate change
* See demonstrations including a car that runs on biofuels
* Ask the expert! Get your climate change questions answered

1 pm to 2 pm
Music: Singer Songwriter Prem Siri Kaur 2 pm to 2:30 pm
Speakers:
Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan (confirmed)
Northampton County John Stoffa (invited)
Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham (invited)
State Representative Steve Samuelson (confirmed)
Staff of U.S. Representative Charlie Dent (invited)

2:30 pm to 2:40 pm
Pictures! Group picture in front of banner (to be sent to Step It Up and local elected officials)

2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Music: The Paul Thiessen Band

3:30 pm to 4 pm
Speakers: From Lehigh Valley organizations (to be determined)

4 pm to 5 pm
Music: The Octave Below

CAN YOU JOIN US and spread the word?If you can, let us know you are coming. Then, please spread the word about April 14 by forwarding this message. The more people, the more effective our voice will be.

NEED MORE INFORMATION? Visit Step it Up to learn more about the day's events, both in the Lehigh Valley and nationally. Or, contact Clothesline Organics at 610-691-0111.

THANK YOU! We will see you and your friends April 14 at 1 pm on the southside of Bethlehem for a day of actions, community-building, and fun!

Sponsoring Organizations: Clothesline Organics * Home & Planet * Alliance for Sustainable Communities - Lehigh Valley * Bethlehem Freecycle * Circle Of Stones Ritual Theatre Ensemble * Coalition for Appropriate Transportation * Comfort & Joy * Edge of the Woods Nursery * Green Valley Coalition * The Heat Shed * The Illick's Mill Project * Joanne Kostecky Garden Design * Joyce Moore Financial Services * Lehigh Valley Biodiesel Cooperative * Lehigh Valley Beyond Oil * LEPOCO * Lehigh Valley Democratic Coalition * Lehigh Valley Green Builders Forum * Lehigh Valley Vegetarians * MidAtlantic Renewable Energy Association * Quiet Creek Farm * Sierra Club - Lehigh Valley Chapter * Students for Sustainable Development - Lehigh University * Sustainable Business Network of the Lehigh Valley * Wadsworth & Co. * Wildlands Conservancy

Bus Trip From Pittsburgh to Chicago For Just $1, Thanks to the Internet

Publicly subsidized LANTA will soon raise bus fares in the Lehigh Valley to $2 for a one-way trip. At the same time, private carrier Megabus is offering rides from Pittsburgh to Chicago for as little as $1. Based on a similar system in Britain, these low fares are awarded to someone who plans ahead. CEO Dale Moser explains why fares are so low.

"I don't have a terminal, so I don't have bricks-and-mortar ... I don't have the staff that maintains it. Everything's back room -- it's all computer sales. I have nobody handling cash. I have nobody handling any kind of transactions at the bus. The bus driver is focused on taking care of the customers and driving safely."

Yeah, and they're probably fueled by peat moss stolen from the Irish. (My thanks to Jason Slipp at LVBO for telling me about Megabus.)

Pay No Attention to Lehigh Valley Earthquakes - It's Just Fat Man on a Bike

Just two years ago, I rode my bike to the courthouse nearly every day. Contrary to what you may think, most drivers were nice. They'd laugh when they saw me. I loved it. It helped me stay fit. One less car.

Then it happened. One morning, I woke up with terrible pain in my shoulder blade. My cycling and running days were at an end. I couldn't even turn my head. I'm an old fart. One more car.

That was seventy pounds ago. Yesterday, I started again. I rode my bike to work. I'll only be able to do this twice a week until I get in better shape. I walked hills. People still laugh. But other cyclists don't. They're in their own little zen world, listening to their breathing or the noise of a car coming behind them. It felt good to be out. One less car.

I have a heavy duty bike with racks, fenders, headlights, reflectors and Kevlar tires. I call it my BUV. Don't need to gas it up. The only fuel I need is water. One less car.

At the courthouse, where parking is at a premium and people drive for a half hour to fight over a spot, I parked right by the rotunda and chained my bike to a railing. No bike racks. A wind-sensitive fountain at our $45 million judicial palace, but no one thought of a bike rack. I washed off in the men's room, even though it offends prudish council members like asbestos lawyer Lamont McClure. He wants me barred from changing in a frickin' men's room. It might violate his Code of Civility. I can only sit on the crapper. Hey, hairballs have rights, too! That's OK. In a few weeks, when I'm fit enough to drive every day, I'll strap a Lamont McClure sign on my back, and give every driver I see the finger. One less Lamont McClure.

After work, I took an empty LANTA bus part of the way home. Thanks to visionary people like Steve Schmitt and his Coalition for Alternative Transportation, our buses come equipped with bike racks. I rode the last few miles. I was a real sore ass, but there was one less car.

I'm baaaaack. Lance Armstrong, look out! I may never race at the Velodrome, but I'll be one less car.

The Lehigh Valley Has a Mass Transit Crisis

Yesterday, in Easton's City Council Chambers, LANTA conducted the first of three public hearings before it raises fares and cuts our bus service. It's simply amazing. Just a few weeks ago, at least 170 of the Lehigh Valley's movers and shakers nibbled on brie and sipped chardonnay as the Brookings' Robert Puentes talked about rail. He made clear that no form of transportation, including buses, should be ignored.

Our local Congressman, Charlie Dent, is a co-founder of the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, and actually wants to convert Route 78 into a hydrogen highway. Even the prez wants us to reduce gasoline consumption, and is proposing, for the first time in twenty years, that we improve mileage standards for our cars, SUVs and trucks.

In addition to this increasing interest in alternative transportation, LANTA's bus ridership is up 60% since '97. Alternative transportation is finally in, bippy.

And this is where the land of midnight payraises enters this story. Incredibly, the state legislature has no solution for a transportation funding crisis. LANTA may have to raise fares and cut service while Harrisburg drones on about property tax reform for another year.

Public hearings on LANTA's proposal will be held again today at Noon at the Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown, and tomorrow at Noon in Bethlehem's City Hall. If you can't attend a noon meeting like most of us, you can let LANTA know how you feel on its website.

Steve Schmitt, the local director of our coalition for alternative transportation, claims he can't write. But he summed things up nicely in an email being circulated everywhere. "This is a crisis. If our region can find the money to rebuild a $12 million dollar bridge on Route 33 that falls into a sinkhole; if we can find the tens of millions of dollars it is going to take to redo the surface of Route 78 that needs unusual repair right now, if we can find $1.5 million to run a constant emergency service on Route 22 for people that run out of gas, if we can find the $750,000 to replace the lights on cemetery curve, then we can find the $1.6 million to prevent a deficit at LANTA."

And how about a bike rack at the judges' $46 (and climbing) million Taj Mahal in Easton!