Warren's Campaign Spent $73.03 Per Vote in Pa. State House Race

A week ago today, there were a large number of upsets nationwide, with Democrats beating Republicans even in more conservative districts. I nevertheless expected that incumbent Republican Joe Emrick would defeat Democratic challenger Jeff Warren in a close race. I reached this conclusion on the unscientific basis that I saw far more Emrick campaign signs in people's yards than I did for Warren. I was unable to get Emrick's pre-election campaign finance report until yesterday but assumed that both candidates had spent roughly the same amount of money. I had around 50 mailers (yes, 50) from both candidates, and there were only slightly more from Warren. 

Unofficial results show that Warren defeated Emrick with 54.09% of the vote. Aside from general disgust with Trump and the GOP agenda, I'd say that the amount of money raised by Warren certainly helped. 

According to Warren's campaign finance reports, he raised $1,217,911.91 in actual and in-kind contributions. In contrast, Emrick only had $333,904.47 to spend. 

Warren spent $73.03 for each of the 16,677 votes he received. Emrick spent $24.14 for each of his 13,832 votes. 

Either the state Republicans thought Emrick was safe or were willing to lose him. 

Nomination Petitions Filed in Lehigh Valley State House Races (UPDATED)

Yesterday was the final day for state house candidates to file their nomination petitions in Harrisburg. You can view actual nominating petitions at the Dep't of State webpage.  Below is a listing of those who've filed in the Lehigh Valley's state house districts. In five of the 11 legislative districts, the incumbent is running unopposed. 

Pa House 22: (parts of Allentown and Salisbury Tp). - Joshua M Siegel (incumbent Democrat) is running unopposed for a second term

Pa House 131: (parts of Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton Counties). - Journalist Meriam M Sabih (Upper Saucon) and Paralegal Jayharon Santos (Lower Saucon) seek the Democratic nod. Milou MacKenzie (Lower Saucon (incumbent Republican) seeks her party's nod. 

Pa House 132: (S Whitehall Tp and parts of Allentown and Upper Macungie).  -  Michael Schossberg (incumbent Democrat) is running unopposed. He's been there 10 years. 

Pa House 133: (Lehigh County portion of Bethlehem, Catasauqua, Coplay, Fountain Hill, Hanover Tp (Lehigh) and Whitehall Tp) -  Jeanne McNeall (incumbent Democrat) is running unopposed.  She has been in office since 2018. 

Pa House 134: (Emmaus and parts of Allentown and Salisbury Tp) - Peter Schweyer (incumbent Democrat) is running unopposed. He's been in office since 2014. 

Pa House 135: (NorCo portion of Bethlehem and part of Hanover Tp) - Steve Samuelson (incumbent Democrat) is running unopposed. He was first elected in 1998. 

Pa House 136: (Easton, West Easton, Glendon, Freemansburg, Hellertown, Wilson Borough, Williams Tp, parts of Palmer and Lower Saucon Tps) . -  Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana and incumbent Bob Freeman both seek the Democratic nomination. No Republican has filed.  Freeman is seeking a 20th or 21st term. 

Pa. House 137: (Bethlehem and Lower Nazareth and Upper Nazareth Tps, parts of Palmer and Hanover Tps, Nazareth, Tatamy, - Anna Thomas seeks the Democratic nomination to take on incumbent Republican Joe Emrick. This is Thomas' second campaign against Emrick. 

Pa. House 138: (Bangor, Chapman, East Bangor, Pen Argyl, Portland, Roseto, Stockertown and Wind Gap Boroughs; Bushkill, Forks, Lower Mount Bethel, Plainfield, Upper Mount Bethel and Washington Tps; part of Moore Tp) -  Jared Peter Bitting, a teacher in Berks County, seeks the Democratic nod to challenge incumbent Republican Ann Flood. She's been in office since 2021. 

Pa House 183:  (Slatington, Lowhill and N Whitehall in Lehigh County; Bath, Northampton, North Catasauqua and Walnutport Boroughs, Allen, East Allen and Lehigh Tps, parts of Moore Tp, in NorCo. Incumbent Zack Mako, who has held office since 2016, is being challenged by fellow Republican Zachari Halkias, who is a 19 yo member of Slatington Borough Council. Seeking the Democratic nomination is Joseph Lenzi, a sales manager for Coopersburg Kenworth, . 

Pa. House 187:  (Alburtis and Macungie Boroughs; Heidelberg, Lower Macungie, Lynn, Washington and Weisenberg Tps as well as a portion of Upper Macungie Tp) - Democrat Stephanie Rafes, a physician's assistant, will challenge Republican Gary Day,

Sultana To Seek State House Seat

Two weeks ago, I told you that Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana was looking for a political consultant to help her take on popular incumbent Bob Freeman, a State Representative for  the 136th state house district. Freeman has already announced plans to seek a 20th term. 

In my view, 20 terms as a State Rep is about 15 terms too long. But I'd support him for 40 terms over a divisive character like Sultana. 

Sultana currently faces assault charges over a domestic incident with her adult son over the summer. Her criminal case is currently scheduled for April 29, although Attorney Ettore "Ed" Angelo said at her preliminary hearing that he was applying for a special program for first offenders called ARD. 

In her time on Council, she has sparred with Council members Israel's invasion of Gaza, and has asserted several times that she is a victim of their racism and sexism.   

The 137th District includes Easton, West Easton, Glendon, Freemansburg, Hellertown and portions of Palmer, Williams and Lower Saucon Tps.  

Donaher Opposes Plainfield's Proposed Sludge Plant

Donaher with Senator Casey

Dean M. Donaher, who is running for State Representative in the 138th Legislative District, has come out against the proposed sewage processing plant to be developed in Plainfield Township by Synagro Technologies Inc.

“If this sludge plant is developed, it’s going to adversely affect the Slate Belt’s natural environment, plain and simple,” Donaher said. “State leaders should be rising up against this facility, which unfortunately hasn’t happened. We need leaders who will fight for their local communities and natural environment every step of the way, which is why I wholeheartedly oppose the development of this plant” he said.

For years, Synagro Technologies has been attempting to obtain the necessary permitting to develop this plant. Donaher has attended at least three of these meetings, and is concerned about its negative impact on a high-quality stream. Our waterways are also being damaged by irresponsible development, he observed. "I looked at them today and they are chocolate brown from all the sediment being washed in."

"Nobody's minding the store [in Harrisburg]," he complained.

“I’ve spoken with too many Plainfield Township residents on their front porches about how this plant will alter the natural environment in such a beautiful area in Northampton County. We shouldn’t gamble away our natural environment just so corporate profits dramatically increase for these large companies. Let’s do the right thing and oppose this unnecessary sludge plant,” he concluded.

Just this year, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection found Synagro irresponsibly violated state rules by dumping sludge over a farmer’s field. There is also great concern that this plan will have a negative impact on high-quality streams.

In late January, Synagro was cited by the state DEP for spreading Class B sludge on a farmer's field in Lower Mount Bethel. No fine was imposed because the company addressed the issue.

Donaher, a retired educator, is challenging incumbent Marcia Hahn. Her Facebook page is devoid of comments on this issue.

Dean Donaher Will Reject State Rep. Pension

Dean Donaher

The annual salary for a rank-and-file State Representative is $87,180. It goes up every year with the Consumer Price Index. In addition, legislators who live 50 miles away can charge taxpayers for meals and living expenses while in the land of midnight payraises. Finally, they get a pension for all their hard work as back-benchers, doing as they're told. But if you send Dean Donaher to Harrisburg, he's made clear he'll take no pension.

Dean M. Donaher of Hanover Township, Northampton County is the Democratic nominee for State Representative in the 138th Legislative District. His opponent is incumbent Marcia Hahn, who has been sleeping there since 2010. Prior to that, she was a secretary in that office. She has no education beyond a high school diploma. She is used to doing what she's told. Her former boss, Craig Dally, took a bipartisan approach. Not Marcia. She does what the Republican leadership tells her to do.

She has forgotten or more likely has never realized that her real bosses are the people who live and vote in her district. That's why, unlike many of the Republican peers, she refused to sponsor a bill to reform the gerrymander.

Donahaer announced yesterday that he has no interest in a pension and will reject it. “As someone who already receives a pension, there’s no need for me to ‘double dip,’ he said. "I’m running for State Representative to make a significant and positive difference in my community, not to receive another pension check.”

Donaher wants to do his part to ensure that the Commonwealth’s taxes are being directed to initiatives that matter in our local communities: job creation programs and educating our youth.

Three State House Primaries in Lehigh Valley

I've given you a blow-by-blow account of the Congressional race herein the Lehigh Valley. But in the process, I've had little to say about contested primaries in the state house. There are three contested primaries this year, all of them involving Republicans.

Pennsylvania's House of Representatives is the lower house of the General Assembly. There are 203 members, including 11 members (6 Republicans and 5 Democrats) who represent different portions of the Lehigh Valley. The salary this year is $87,180, and it goes up automatically with an annual cost of living adjustment. They are also entitled to per diems. Though it is a full-time legislature, there is no proscription on outside employment. There are no term limits, and many House members just stay there in safe seats, thanks to gerrymandering. The Pa. Supreme Court has addressed and corrected gerrymandered Congressional districts, but not the territories drown up for state senators and state representatives.

Bev Plosa Bowser

131st Legislative District: Bev Plosa-Bowser v. Justin Simmons (inc.) - This District is split up among Lehigh, Northampton and Montgomery Counties. It is a conservative district made more so as a result of gerrymandering. It is basically southeast Lehigh County.

In my view, this race is a no-brainer. Plosa-Bowser, a retired Air Force Colonel with combat experience and a bronze star, also has two Master's degrees. She is the most qualified of any of the candidates running, including incumbents with no challenger. Simmons, in sharp contrast, has never served a day in the military. Of course, he still distorted her military record in a radio interview.

That's what I find most troubling about this guy. All his campaigns are ugly. It always devolves into personal attacks, mostly anonymous. In his last race, I had to shut down comments on my blog because they were just so venomous.

Hopefully, we've seen the last of Justin Simmons. He broke his promise to voters that he'd only serve three terms. He turned on the most noble person I know in government, Charlie Dent. He did this after taking Charlie's money. Then there's 500 missed votes.

He claims it's because he's cRaZy.

I agree.

Do I think Justin Simmons is evil? No. He's just immature and needs to grow up.

Democrat Andy Lee will face whomever Republicans elect as their nominee. He runs Braveheart Pub, the only British restaurant in the history of mankind that has ever been successful. Let's be honest. Who the hell wants to eat sheep shit, otherwise known as haggis? I swear all British food was invented as a dare. .

Ron Beitler

134th Legislative District: Ron Beitler v. Ryan MacKenzie (inc.)  - (This District has been divided between two counties to give Republicans an edge. Lehigh County: Lower Macungie: Salisbury wards 4, 5; South Whitehall districts 3, 4; Alburtis and Macungie. Berks County: Hereford, Longswamp, Richmond, Rockland and Topton.) - Lower Mac Comm'r Ron Beitler is one of my favorite elected officials. Through Lower Mac News, his own publication,  he keep residents well-informed about their community. I have learned that Ron intends to run for the state house seat currently occupied by Ryan MacKenzie.

Beitler, a graduate of Emmaus High School and Slippery Rock University, owns and operates Bar None, an event services planner.

“By now, it’s no secret that Harrisburg is a mess. What has been a well-kept secret is that the problems can be fixed by honesty, integrity, and common sense,” Beitler said.

He has promised to term limit himself to a total of eight years in office.

“If you can’t get the job done in that time, then you shouldn’t be there.” Beitler said.

He also has signed a pledge to reject a government pension stating, “service is a calling, not a career path - my small business is my career, and when I get the job done in Harrisburg I’ll come home to that.”

Beitler claims to have reduced spending, opposed debt, lowered tax bills and worked to block waste while serving in Lower Macungie. He said he will support a State Constitutional amendment limiting spending increases.

“Government needs to live within the same constraints that we do,” he said.

When Beitler made this announcement, incumbent Ryan MacKenzie had already announced that he was a candidate for Congress. Like Simmons, he's another opportunist. But he at least had the grace to wait for Congressman Charlie Dent to announce he was hanging it up. MacKenzie said he'd only be running for Congress,just like Simmons. The duo tried to out-Trump each other. Simmons dropped out when he was exposed for missing 500 votes. MacKenzie lasted a little longer, but he pulled out, too. He claimed it was because of redistricting. We all know it's because he'd never win.   

Figuring he had a comfortable lead, MacKenzie avoided any debates with Beitler. But when he dodged a debate hosted by Concerned East Penn Taxpayers Association, he got caught pulling a fast one. He had told the group he was stuck in Harrisburg. They discovered he easily could have made the debate. They also learned that Mackenzie had attended and spoke at a candidate forum in Berks County for those with no opponent, and never clarified that Ron Beitler was also seeking his seat.

Though Beitler could easily have gone on the attack at this point, and justifiably so, he refused.

Though I consider this a tactical mistake, it may have been the right move.It appears that MacKenzie is concerned he might lose this race.he recently sent out a mailer attacking Beitler for raising taxes and even for some sort of playground fee. Both charges were labeled outright false or "without important context" in a Morning Call. analysis. Beitler voted No to a fee for home playgrounds. His work as a Lower Mac Commissioner actually reduced taxes for all but wealth and commercial landowners.

A thinking conservative, Beitler deserves a shot. MacKenzie had his. He has refused to sponsor legislation aimed at ending the gerrymander.

Democrat Tom Applebach is also running for this seat, unopposed.

183rd Legislative District: Cindy Miller v. Zach Mako (inc.) - This district is also carved out of both Lehigh and Northampton Counties, and includes South Whitehall districts 5, 6, 8; Washington; Whitehall districts 7, 10, 11; Slatington; Allen; Lehigh; Moore districts Beersville and Klecknersville; North Catasauqua; Northampton and Walnutport.

Two years ago, Zach Mako defeated Cindy Miller in the primary and Phillips Armstrong in the general to become the state representative to succeed Julie Harhart. Two years ago,  I considered him the least qualified of the candidates. He proved he has the intelligence of a box turtle at two debates. He was at a ribbon-cutting for one of the P3 bridges, and is still trying to find his way home. I bumped into him at the elections office last year, at which time he swore to me that he would sponsor the gerrymandering bill. He never did.

His opponent, Cindy Miller, is more intelligent than a box turtle, but is as mean as a snapping turtle. Being nasty is expected of bloggers, but not politicians.

Fortunately, a Democrat, Jason Ruff of Slatington, is also running.

MacKenzie's Debate Dodge Draws Ire of Taxpayer

Ron Beitler

Pennsylvania's 134th legislative district is split between western Lehigh County and eastern Berks County. Incumbent Ryan MacKenzie was being groomed as Charlie Dent's successor in Congress and had announced his candidacy. But he had second thoughts when it finally dawned on him that no one outside his district knows who the Hell he is. Gerrymandering, which serves as an incumbent insurance policy for both parties, would keep his state house seat safe. He likes a system in which legislators decide who vote for them, instead of the other way around. He has run from a bipartisan attempt to reform this bad government. So it's no surprise that he would duck a debate, even though it was in front of a group that should embrace his conservative ideals.

Concerned East Penn Taxpayers Association, which is hardly what I'd call a progressive or liberal group, hosted a debate that was supposed to be between Mackenzie and Republican opponent Ron Beitler, a Lower Macungie Commissioner. MacKenzie sent campaign flunkie Gary Birks to explain that MacKenzie was held up in Harrisburg. He claimed he was called into caucus that day at 4:45 pm. He read a brief statement and took off before anyone could ask a question.

Below is an email that CEPTA member Otto Slozer sent in response.

Ryan MacKenzie

As most of you know, CEPTA scheduled a debate between Ryan Mackenzie and Ron Beitler--candidates for the State House 134th District. Mr.Mackenzie told us intitally that it would be difficult for him to attend because this week was a legislative session in Harrisburg. We offered to keep the spot open for Mackenzie in case he could make it. Leading into the week before, we also offered Mackenzie the opportunity to send a proxy speaker. This he did not respond to and we did not know if the debate was going to happen or not. In fact, Mackenzie sent a man to deliver a short speech for him in which he hit us (CEPTA) for scheduling the debate on a day that Harrisburg had a legislative session.

WE (CEPTA) under stand the commitments of the legislature. However, history shows us that the "legislative session" need not be a problem. We note that when Doug Reichley was our state representative he almost always made our meetings when he was to be the speaker (including Legislative session days). Furthermore, we told Mackenzie that if he made it late we would still give him the time to speak. Mackenzie never told us his intentions leaving the organizer guessing as to what to expect.

FACTS DON'T LIE!

Check out the video of the event found on the LVC E-paper at www.lvcommentator.com Early in the event I took to the microphone to announce FACTS THAT WE JUST LEARNED THROUGH A HARRISBURG CONTACT. They were as follows; the LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDED JUST AFTER 4:30pm. The CAUCUS that Mackenzie's proxy speaker spoke of ended in 10 minutes and EVERYONE WAS GONE BY 5:00 PM. This left Mackenzie two and a half hours to make the trip to Emmaus.

Thursday, April 19th, Mackenzie was at the Berks County Patriots candidates event by 6pm. Thursday was also a "legislative session day" according to Mackenzie. Furthermore, Mackenzie spoke at the Berks event during the segment for those who have no opponent!

Mackenzie HAS AN OPPONENT NAMED RON BEITLER.

It appears that Ryan Mackenzie cannot be trusted to be an honest public servant. IT ALSO APPEARS THAT Mackenzie IS DUCKING ANY DEBATE WITH HIS ELECTION OPPONENT. Seeing Ron Beitler in action at the CEPTAevent and how competent Beitler is on many subjects it looks like Ryan Mackenzie is afraid to face his opponent.

Democrat Tom Applebach, Director of Veteran Affairs in Lehigh County, is also running for this seat.

Nazareth Baker Seeks State House Seat

Nazareth may be a small town, but it has no shortage of bakeries. Just in Nazareth proper, there are three. Schubert's is where everyone goes for Moravian sugar cake. The Pie Shop (now on Main St)  has the best pasties in the Lehigh Valley. And then there's Cozze Cakes. It's a shop that specializes in elegant wedding and birthday cakes. Marie Antoinette would say, "Let them eat cake."  Owner Amy Cozze would say, "Let everyone eat cake," but she knows someone has to bake it. She wants to take her baking skills to Harrisburg, and is announcing today that she is a candidate for the State House.

She's running in the 137th Pa legislative district, which was gerrymandered to keep Democrat Rich Grucela out of office. It includes parts of Palmer Township and several slate belt communities.But it also includes Forks Tp, Upper Nazareth and Nazareth. It's designed precisely for someone like Joe Emrick. He is one of the few Lehigh Valley legislators who has refused to endorse any legislative attempt to slay the gerrymander.

What does a baker know about politics? Hopefully, nothing. Cozze is a University of Pittsburgh grad who majored in psychology and minored in business. After several years in the business sector, she opened up a business of her own in 2012. While 90% of startups fail, she has thrived in a community that obviously likes to eat. She understands small business.She'd like to be their advocate in Harrisburg. She'd also like to see positive changes related to healthcare, education and the environment.

Cozze has been a member of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber for the past five years, and a board member of the Nazareth Business Council for the last two years. Most recently, she was appointed as liaison for the Chamber’s Public Policy Committee.

She told The Morning Call that state legislators have "catered to the larger corporations and conglomerates and it’s put them out of touch with Main Street America. They don’t seem to have the interests of the middle class in mind any more.”

Why should someone like Joe Emrick care about the middle class? In 2016, he raised $108,000 in cash and in-kind contributions against a weak candidate. He doesn't have to bake cakes. But in case he hasn't noticed, a blue wave is rising in Pennsylvania. It started in last year's municipal races, and has been helped along by Authoritarian Donald Trump.

Cozze knows a good cake starts with good ingredients. So should a state legislature.

On a personal note, she is a wife, mother to two wonderful boys and a breast cancer survivor. She's also Lehigh Valley native.

For more information on where Amy Cozze stands on the issues for Pennsylvania’s 137th District or to support her race, please go to www.amycozzeforstaterep.com.

Beitler to run for State House

One of my favorite elected officials is Lower Mac Comm'r Ron Beitler. Like Matt Dees in West Easton, he uses his blog (Lower Mac News) to keep residents well-informed about their community. I have learned that Ron intends to run for the state house seat currently occupied by Ryan MacKenzie.

Beitler is a graduate of Emmaus High School and Slippery Rock University. He owns and operates Bar None, an event services planner.

“By now, it’s no secret that Harrisburg is a mess. What has been a well-kept secret is that the problems can be fixed by honesty, integrity, and common sense,” Beitler said.

He has promised to term limit himself to a total of eight years in office.

“If you can’t get the job done in that time, then you shouldn’t be there.” Beitler said.

He also has signed a pledge to reject a government pension stating, “service is a calling, not a career path - my small business is my career, and when I get the job done in Harrisburg I’ll come home to that.”

Beitler claims to have reduced spending, opposed debt, lowered tax bills and worked to block waste while serving in Lower Macungie. He said he will support a State Constitutional amendment limiting spending increases.

“Government needs to live within the same constraints that we do,” he said.

He resides in Lower Macungie with his wife, Amanda, their nine-month-old daughter, Cecilia Adeline and their family dog Ellie Mae.

Jeanne McNeill To Seek Husband's Seat in Special Election

Jeanne McNeill, widow of State Rep.Daniel McNeill, has been named as the Democratic Party nominee in a special election to succeed her late husband in Harrisburg. This will be held on December 5, 2017.

I got to know Jeanne McNeill when she ran for Lehigh County commissioner in 2009. She came out on the wrong end in an unexpectedly contentious fight. I helped make it that way with several blog posts that were critical of then Executive Don Cunningham's attempt to buy the seat. But she remained very classy to me, and even called me after she lost. She was an impressive candidate who did her homework.

She'd be an outstanding State Rep.

The 133rd Legislative District consists of Coplay, Catasauqua, Bethlehem (Lehigh County) Fountain Hill, Hanover Township (Lehigh County) portions of Salisbury Township and most of Whitehall Township.

On Wednesday, 5 pm, she will formally accept the Democratic nod at her Westgate campaign HQs.

I do not know whether Dave Molony is running again. He's run for this office a few times.

Incidentally, he was among those who paid his respects at Dan McNeill's viewing.

LWV to Host Meet 'n Greet With Local Candidates on Thursday

I will be covering NorCo Council and am unable to attend. At the last one of these, a few stidents popped in for refreshments, but there was no real audience.

Is Simmons Break-In Attempt Politically Motivated?

The glass door has been boarded.

About a week ago, US Senator Pat Toomey's Zionsville neighborhood was vandalized with anti-GOP graffiti. Instead of hitting his home, two homes across the street from him. In what could be a coincidence, someone attempted a break-in at State Rep. Justin Simmons' Coopersburg office late last week.

Though this could be a druggie, Simmons seems to be suspicious that it is coming from political opponents.

From his Facebook page:

"I'm extremely saddened to report that this campaign season continues to deteriorate as one of the worst. Last night, someone tried to break into my Coopersburg legislative office. This behavior is unacceptable and I have to say I have never seen anything like this (on the campaign side as well) until this election. The way to get your message across is to win at the ballot box, not engage in scare tactics. Obviously, the other side doesn't think they can win."

He has reason to be suspicious. Campaigns against him have all been ugly.

On her Facebook page, challenger Joanne Jackson condemned the attempted break-in. "I am so upset at the vandalism perpetrated towards the incumbent," she said.

Darth Voter Schlossberg Misses 13 Votes to See Kaine

State Representative Mike "Darth Voter" Schlossberg missed 13 votes on Wednesday evening, including votes on the opioid crisis and to help veterans find job. He did this so he could campaign with VP candidate Tim Kaine at Muhlenberg College.

Ben Long, who is opposing Schlossberg, properly took him to task. “Mike Schlossberg is a paid employee of the taxpayers of Pennsylvania," he said. "He is supposed to work at their discretion and put their needs and wants before his own political interests. This is an attitude that has unfortunately shown to be the norm with Mike Schlossberg and in Allentown recently. He has consistently surrounded himself with people who could further his political career but have plead guilty to various crimes from extortion to conspiracy to commit bribery. The people of the 132nd District deserve better. As the state Representative I will represent the people, not special interests. Mike is not interested in working for his constituents. His actions, like those last night, show that clearly. He needs to go. It is time to bring trust and integrity back to our community.”

After attending a political rally at Muhlenberg College, Schlossberg drove back to Harrisburg to resume his work. Long hopes he has not charged taxpayers mileage or used a taxpayer paid car for his trip.

Schlossberg is a New Jersey transplant who stuck around after college. Ben Long is a fifth-generation resident of Allentown. Born and educated here, he learned to swim at the Jewish Community Center and spent "countless hours" (his words) at places like the Allentown Farmers Market and the Civic Theatre which helped build his passion for our community.

He is a recent graduate of DeSales University and works for his family’s small business which has taught him the value of hard work, integrity and the importance of creating quality family sustaining jobs. Ben’s grandfather was a proud UAW (United Auto Workers) Union leader at the old Exide battery plant on Lehigh Street.

Long has knocked on 13,000 doors while Darth Voter is relying on money.

Inspector General: Zach Mako Violated DOD Directives in State House Race

Wanna' know why State House candidate Zach Mako refuses to face Phillips Armstrong in the race for Julie Harhart's seat? In addition to being completely uninformed, Mako has violated military directives in his race for the state house.

According to the Office of Inspector General for the US Army, Mako improperly disclosed "future mission information" during a tea party-sponsored debate. he disclosed he would be heading to Europe, and that NATO generals would be getting advice from him.

In addition, Mako improperly played upon his military background in the primary.

Any adverse action against Mako will be taken by the Commander of his aviation brigade.

If there were a medal for stupidity, Mako would have several by now.

His Campaign theme? Make America Stupid Again.

The letter from the Inspector General is below.

Inspector General: Zach Mako Violated DOD Policy by BernieOHare on Scribd

King Allentown Makes Surprise Bid for State House

I was hoping to interview King Allentown at this year's Sportsfest, but he was pretty busy. Between playing hockey and signing autographs, he had little time for the pseudo press, as I am sometimes called. He did wave at me once, so I have that going for me. But I wish I had that interview now because the King has just announced he's taking on Peter Schweyer (he calls him Schwoyer) in the State House (the Kingster thinks it's the State Senate) race this November.

The former porn star, legend, icon, musician, food bank regular and athlete, made his announcement from a home that appears to be posted with eviction notices. He makes this compelling argument:

"My opponent, Peter Schwoyer, I never heard of you. If I haven't heard of you, you know what that means. What's your resume? What qualifications do you have, Peter Schmoyer?

"I've slept with 100 women, so I know the female demographic very intimately. I haven't lost a fight in five years of beer league hockey. ... I'm also undefeated on Judge Judy.

"How do you plan to protect Allentown? Do you even have guns, dude? Do you have guns like this, Peter Schmoyer [referring to the King's massive biceps]? I don't think so, Jack.

"I got one more question for ya', Pete Schmoyer. What you gonna' do on November 8, Pete Schmoyer, when King Allentown and all the Kingamaniacs run wild on you, Dude?"

King Allentown's announcement comes after it is too late for Schweyer, aka Schwoyer, aka Schmoyer, to withdraw. But I understand Schweyer has already conceded and plans to vote King Allentown.

Zach Mako's Locker Room Banter

I've written several times before about Zach Mako, a Republican running in the convoluted 183rd State House District. The current incumbent is Julie Harhart, but she's stepping down at the end of the year after 1,000 years in office. Mako is her anointed successor. But he's got some competition. Democrat Phillips Armstrong, a Whitehall Township Commissioner and former educator at the high school, is also seeking the job. In my view, he's the best candidate Democrats have in the Lehigh Valley. So Mako has avoided a debate with Armstrong. It's already too late for one at PBS, but he recently told the LWV that he's free in early November, right before the election. I have no details yet, but will pass them along when I do.

Having seen Mako debate twice during the primary, I can understand his reluctance. He's terrible. He's uninformed and a bit slow on his feet, to put it mildly.

Since those debates, we also know he was bankrolled with money from Harhart and back benchers Joe Emrick and Marcia Hahn. They laundered contribution through State Senator Mark Mustio. It's what I'd expect from State Representatives who are unwilling to stop the gerrymander. Mustio's contribution, and the shady way it was obtained, is fair game. It's evidence that he represents more of the same instead of reform. .
But there may be other reasons why Mako, who is just 27 or 28,  would like to stay out of the limelight. His Facebook entries. They show him as a bible thumper who likes to bang "drunk bitches."

To his mommy, Mako posts this message.

‎Zach Mako‎ to Eva Mako

August 16, 2013 · 

Proverbs 31 is what we were talking about today. Once again the Bible is full of truth, I know it isn't mother's day. lol

But to one of his Army buddies overseas, he posts this.

‎Zach Mako‎ to [redacted]

April 29, 2009 · 

What are you new? of course lol just alittle but you jumped over the puddle to man. How have you been? What's new? your in country now correct? like my military lingo. It makes me cool roger. give me a shout I'll look for your sign homes. fuck any drunk bitches yet? don't talk to me if you haven't lol. miss you be good be safe.

Comments

[redacted] How nice.

April 29, 2009 at 8:55pm

Like I said, Mako appears to be a bit on the slow side. He failed to make these private messages. He also failed to consider the impact his message to a friend might have on that person's girlfriend.

Locker room banter?  Or someone who seems to be encouraging date rape?

In fairness to Mako, these posts were written when he was around 20 and presumably less mature than he is now.   But I am disturbed by other messages in which he refers to female acquaintances as "hoes."

Republicans already have enough sexists and misogynists in office. Let's not add one more to the mix.

Zach Mako, Harhart's Anointed Heir

In case she wasn't clear enough during the primary, State Rep. Julie Harhart has blessed Zach Mako again as her heir apparent. Harhart has been useful to the Harrisburg power structure as someone who does as she's told. Even now, on her way out of government, she's too timid to cosponsor legislation to end gerrymandering. Mako can be counted on to continue that tradition of subservience.

Mako has given the worst debate performances I've ever seen. It goes beyond style and raises questions about his basic competence. He clearly has no grasp of statewide issues.

He has been ducking a debate request from the League of Women Voters and passed on an opportunity to appear on television with opponent Phillips Armstrong. But on Friday, he finally said he'd be available right before the election.

As I get details bout this debate, I will share them.

Dave Mattei? No Way!

Mattei at a picnic

Earlier this year, State Rep. Joe Emrick was well on his way to another two years in the 137th state house district. For a second time, Democrats had failed to field someone to run against a hardcore conservative Republican with a lifetime 90% rating from the American Conservative Union. It's a district that does include conservative pockets in Palmer and the Slate Belt. But it also includes Democratic boroughs and increasingly Democratic Forks Township. Democrat Rich Grucela managed to keep the seat for ten years, so why no one wanted to challenge Emrick was a mystery. People like myself, who are unhappy with Emrick, were delighted when insurance salesman Dave Mattei stepped forward, out of nowhere, to run as a write-in candidate. We were conned.

For one thing, Mattei has never voted as a Democrat. He registered as an independent in 1997 and, over the next 19 years, has only voted sporadically. He didn't vote at all in 2014 or 2015. This year, he was unable to vote in the very primary in which Democrats happily wrote in his name because he was still registered as a Independent. So far as I can tell, he still is.

In addition to being an independent with a shaky voting record, Mattei has no real roots in this area. He is originally from Jersey, and moved into the Lehigh Valley some time in 1997. At first, he lived in Easton and Washington Township, then moved to Lehigh Tp for 14 years. He has only been in the Nazareth area for four years or less.

Why did he move to Pennsylvania from Jersey? It appears that he was fleeing debt. According to New Jersey Courts public access, actions were brought against him at F002217-92, F003270-93, F005758-96 and F008490-96.

Mattei getting chickens

While living in Easton, in what appears to be its West Ward, he worked at Home Depot in Whitehall, a rather strange occupation for a retired New Jersey state trooper. It was during this time that his emancipated daughter sought and obtained a Protection From Abuse Act Order against him. What set him off is unknown, but the incident included allegations of throwing his own flesh and blood across a room and dragging her down the steps by the ankles.

Mattei never contested the PFA.

In 2000, Mattei left Easton for the greener pastures of Lehigh Tp. He bought a home, and over the next 14 years, managed to rack up nine mortgages. According to Northampton County's civil index, Northampton Area School District also ended up filing two municipal liens (2007-ML-6826 and 2008-ML-8846) against him because he failed to pay his school tax bill. Unable to keep up with his mortgages, he gave his Lehigh Township home back to the bank. He also filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy (15-12857-ref) and, on 8/20/15, was granted a discharge.

That's how he ended up in Nazareth, just up the street from me.

Anyone can go through a bad stretch financially. But for Mattei, bad financial decisions appear to be way of life. It sure looks like that's what caused him to flee Jersey. Ringing up nine mortgages on one property in 14 years is also pretty stupid.

If he's unable to manage his own finances, how can he be expected to manage ours?

What would prompt a bankrupt Independent who only votes sporadically to want to be the Democratic champion? He certainly has no burning interest in issues. But he sure does like to eat.

He just filed a 6th Tuesday pre-election report for the period between 5/17/16 and 9/19/16, even though state house candidates have no such obligation. (You can see it here). In it, he claims to have raised $15,836.00 and has already spent $13,901.70,  a lot of it on dinners and lunches.

The Easton Area Democratic Committee gave an independent outside of the Easton area $3,000. He also collected $3,000 from the trade unions. He suckered Martin Guitar owner Christian Martin into giving him $500, and sucked money from poor Glenn Reibman, Rich Grucela and the Bobbsey twins, Pete Schweyer and Mike Schlossberg.

Mattei gets cake for intern

What has he done with this money?

Eat.

A lot.

He's a hungry guy and, in his defense, did have a family BBQ this summer. He must have really been famished on June 13. He was at Subway, the Trolley Shoppes Restaurant and the Leaf Cigar Bar, all in one day.

I'd say the Leaf and Mickey D's are his two favorites. He's been to each five times.

Mattei has also been to Nazareth Diner four times, Pizza Joe, Villa Grande Pizzeria, Pies to Die For, Dunkin' Donuts, China Wok, Pita Pit, Blendlife Smoothie and Juice Bar, Fairways Cafe, Rice 'n Beans, Little Corner Cafe, Xpresso Cafe, Diner 248, Baby Harry Coffee, Wok Box, Chestnuthill Diner, McDonald's, WaWa, Sam's Club for groceries, Tuscana Pizza and Whitetail Golf Club.

He even charged a meal in New Jersey at DeLucia's. He has also picked up between meal snacks at the gas station across the street from his office. And let's not forget the booze from the liquor store.

All told, he has spent $1,662.95 in campaign contributions on food, cigars and booze. Over 10 per cent of the money he raised is in his stomach.

This has to be some sort of record.

He must be loading up for the winter.

He did give $1,000 to Controller Steve Barron for robo calls and another $300 to Rich Wilkins for consulting. Barron won't say whether his deal includes an "all you can eat" clause.

So we Democrats have really done well. We have an independent with a spotty voting record and an even more shaky financial history to run against an entrenched, well-financed incumbent. He is using campaign finances to play big shot. He has no chance of winning. My chief concern is that Mattei might explode before the election.

Why Joanne Jackson Will Lose to Justin Simmons

Justin Simmons is a hard-core conservative Republican representing people from three different counties who have been thrown together in the 131st District. Since he first upset Karen Beyer in 2011, he has been targeted by Democrats and Republicans alike. He has always come out on top, and I expect to see him pull a repeat performance again this year. That's pretty much because his opponent, write-in Joanne Jackson, is waging the same kind of dark campaign that has repeatedly blown up in the faces of other candidates.

I probably agree with Justin about five percent of the time. But he is one of the legislators who helped to remove the EIT tax grab from the NIZ legislation. He is a cosponsor to bipartisan gerrymander reform legislation proposed by State Senator Lisa Boscola and State Rep. Dave Parker. He is also one of the best debaters I've ever seen. He responds to every phone call and email and answers every question I have, even when we disagree. Transparency and accountability are very important to me, so I have supported him, and will continue to do so.

His Democratic opponent, Joanne Jackson, entered this race as a write-in candidate, and only because she claimed to be worried that Simmons' GOP opponent was going to ask Dems to vote for him. She found herself the nominee, and decided to give it a go.

She has been elected as an Allentown School Director, so she knows how to run a race. But she will lose.

She will raise far less money that Justin, but that's not why she'll lose.

She's in a Republican District, but that's not why she'll lose.

She'll lose because she's making the same mistake as Justin's previous opponents.

A few weeks ago, she was actually knocking on the doors of Justin's GOP supporters and telling them to remove yard signs they had planted at their homes. She apparently was unaware that the First Amendment trumps any attempt by local government to curb political speech. In fact, it is Democrats who filed a federal lawsuit over these unconstitutional ordinances several years ago.

I can understand Jackson being confused about free speech. But it takes a lot of nerve to knock on a homeowner's door and tell him to take down a sign. Especially when you're wrong. News like that gets around pretty fast, so my guess is that she lost a lot of ground with that mistake.

But that's not why she'll lose, either.

A few days ago, I received an invitation from Jackson to like an amateurish site called "Justin Simmons' Horror Stories". It depicts Justin as some sort of Dracula and is resurrected before every race. It's full of all kinds of hokey, personal attacks. I was offended.

That's why she's going to lose. Simmons is a fierce campaigner who subscribes to the Charlie Dent admonition that there's only two ways to run - hard or unopposed.

She should ask Simmons' previous opponents how their negative campaigns worked out for them.

Justin can be beaten, but not this way.

He wins in November.

Ben Long: "The People Deserve Better"

Ben Long, who is running against incumbent Mike Schlossberg in the 132d state house district, was interviewed on WAEB yesterday. He's a Republican running in a gerrymandered district designed to keep Democrats in office. On top of that, he's way too young and has no real life experience. But then again, Schlossberg was too young and had no real life experience when he was first elected without opposition. .

"The people deserve better," he said, after ticking off some of his beefs against Schlossberg. Chief among these is Schlossberg's ghost vote in a crucial budget vote that passed by only one vote. When asked to explain, Schlossberg claimed it was "much ado about nothing" and blamed tea party extremists for his moral lapse.

Long had a different view, noting that Schlossberg "undermined democracy." He stated that Schlossberg's cavalier attitude "says a lot about his lack of integrity" and he asks, "If that's acceptable to him, what's not?"

He also took the incumbent to task for forming a PAC with Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski, who is the obvious target of a federal political corruption investigation in which six people have already entered guilty pleas.

He is running on a reform slate that includes campaign finance and gerrymandering. But as a Republican, he believes in  "empowering the private sector, not growing government."
 
Just 23 years old, Long is a product of Parkland School District, where his Dad sits on the board. He graduated from DeSales in May with a degree in political science. He works part-time for his father's business and spends the rest of his time knocking on doors, even on Sixth Street. His grandfather was an UAW union leader and is probably spinning in his grave.

Though he's obviously a sacrificial lamb in a heavily Democratic district, he claims he's "all in" and is apparently learning from residents as he knocks on doors.

"When you actually look people in the eye who are struggling to pay their school bill, it puts things in perspective," he said. He mentioned a widow he met who has a dilemma between paying her school tax bill or buying medication.

Long was also questioned, in a shot from Lehigh County Comm'r Michael Schware, about his resignation as a committeeman several years ago to support Tom Muller over Scott Ott for Lehigh County Executive. Schware, who is something of a snake, was probably upset when his name was mentioned. His question did exactly what irked him about Long. He's upset that Long supported a Democrat, but Schware is supporting one by trying (unsuccessfully) to attack Long. As far as I'm concerned, Long's support of Tom Muller demonstrates that he is not a blind partisan like Schlossberg. ... Or Schware.

Though he has no prayer, I found Ben Long to be very impressive and hope he stays interested.