J Spike Rogan: Easton Strongman?

If you read this blog often enough, you're bound to read some of the Budweiser-inspired philosophy of J. Spike Rogan, former candidate for appointment to Easton City Council. Who the hell names their kid Spike? Seriously. That name, combined with his commentary, makes me wonder whether he's had his rabies and distemper shots. In his blogging days, he once posted posted Saddam's execution in "full clear," whatever that means. Basically, he's my kind of guy, if only because he makes me look normal.

Spike, not surprisingly, is a strongman. He recently finished second in the tractor pull at Plainfield Farmers' Fair. He just sent me the video.

Spike has a lot of experience pulling dead weight. Last year, he pulled Easton mayoral candidate Mike Fleck all over the place. Fleck finished second, too.

Panto Makes His Wife an Easton Issue

When he was interviewed by Easton Undressed the day after his election, Mayor-to-be Panto insisted his wife's quest for appointment to city council would never be an issue. But that's precisely what's happening. As Hera plagued Zeus, so Pam has plagued Sal.

J. Spike Rogan withdrew his own application on Monday and urged council members to appoint Roger Ruggles over Pam Panto. A "visibly annoyed" Sal Panto insisted on trashing him, according to a Morning Call account. He would question Rogan, and then interrupt him before he could answer. Why are you "visibly annoyed," Sal? Because she's your wife, and that's the problem.

Obviously, Panto has a conflict. According to the city solicitor, he's unable to vote for her because her position carries a salary and he's her husband. If that's so, then he shouldn't be trying to make the case for her appointment, either. What he instead needs to do, according to the state Ethics Act, is "publicly announce and disclose the nature of his interest as a public record in a written memorandum" to the clerk of city council, and abstain.

Shouldn't the voters decide whether they want to invest that much power in the hands of one family? Does he really want to start his administration of a financially troubled city with ethical questions? Does he really think he will carry as much clout with county and state officials if they start whispering about back room deals to appoint his wife? And they will, Sal. Don't kid yourself. If she wanted the job so badly, why the hell didn't she run?

Today's Express Times says it best. "Pamela Panto serving on the same city council is bad form if not bad government. In fact, it runs counter to the fresh start that voters chose in approving a new charter."

J. Spike Rogan's Dirty Little Secret

Yesterday, an anonymous commenter tipped me off about J. Spike Rogan. This Easton city council wannabe is actually John Kruk's long lost son. Although he may lack his dad's baseball talents, Spike apparently inherited his father's fondness for hot dogs.

Can Easton Handle J. Spike Rogan on City Council?

Earlier today, I told you six people are seeking appointments to two vacant seats on Easton's city council, including the mayor elect's wife. All but one - J. Spike Rogan - have held or sought public office before. This post is about Spike, whose comments you can read here and at Easton Undressed.

Spike is a frequent visitor to Easton city council, and once attended a council meeting against his doctor's orders. He stayed out of this year's city council race so he would not draw votes from El Warner, who won. "I am 28 years old and can bring youthful energy and interest ... It is my generation that soon must take over the reigns and make Easton a great place for centuries to come."

I have just one question for Mr. Rogan - Are you out of your frickin' mind? Do you know of any councilman, anywhere, on this planet, whose name is Spike? That name makes me think about rabies shots, not government service. And dude, do you honestly think a city council will appoint a blogger, especially someone who decides to post Saddam's execution in "full clear?" I'm still having nightmares over that, thank you very much.

To his credit, Spike did answer a series of ten questions posed to candidates by Easton Undressed, and you can read his responses here.

Is Easton ready for J Spike Rogan on city council?

I know I'm not.