"Northampton Four" To Face Court on Reduced Charges

Steve Lynch

Magisterial District Judge Jackie Taschner decided Friday that four Republican State Committee members (they call themselves the "Northampton Four") must face criminal court on charges of conspiracy to commit harassment as well as harassment at the June 8, 2023 meeting of the county Republican executive committee last summer. But she bounced six other disorderly conduct-related charges brought against this quartet. The surviving charges are third degree misdemeanors, which carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail and/or a fine up to $2500. Her ruling was made after a day of testimony at the Northampton County Courthouse. 

Who are the Northampton Four? GOP State Committee members Steve Lynch, Debra Biro, Melanie Heilman and Richard Morea. They ran together for state committee as a slate and have been openly hostile with county party chair Glenn Geissinger at executive committee meetings. After the June 2023 meeting, they were banned from attending future meetings. 

Interestingly, the charges were brought by party chair Glenn Geissinger as a private prosecution. They were approved by District Attorney Steve Baratta. Police declined prosecution, but they were considering other matters.

The hearing attracted quite the crowd. Most were there to support two opposing factions within the county party. 

There's what I'd call the Q-Anon Lynch mob, which is a bit on the looney (and violent) side. Lynch, for example, threatened to bring 20 strong men to forcibly remove Northampton School Directors over, of all things, a face mask mandate designed to protect everyone. His followers like to talk about exercising their 2A rights against critics, and Lynch has a penchant for wanting to fight people who contradict him. He once reacted to criticism from me by challenging me to a boxing match, as though a trial by combat would resolve a difference between opposing ideologies.

On the other side are the tea party Republicans, who are a bit less virulent than the Lynch mob but can be just as cRaZy. They had been trying to take over the county Republican party for many years before finally succeeding two years ago. Some of their confrontations before finally taking over were at wild county meetings during which police had to be called. 

There was a third faction led by Gloria Lee Snover, which at one time was a bit more mainstream Republican and was outraged by the fanaticism of both the Lynch mob and tea party. Most of them have drifted into the embrace of the Lynch mob, at least temporarily. 

All are MAGAs as the Republican party has grown more polarized. Take Beverly Hernandez, for example. At one time was a decent worker bee for the party. She had conservative values but could work within the League of Women Voters. She has been replaced by a Beverly Hernandez who just threatened a County Council with the curses of Leviticus and Old Testament fury. 

There were also people like myself or Dem party boss Matt Munsey at this hearing. We were like rubber neckers at a car accident, perhaps experiencing a bit too much schadenfreude at seeing county Republicans in such obvious disarray. One of my readers contends Republicans are now more united than ever. The facts on the ground say otherwise.

I stayed for the first two witnesses, Glenn Geissinger and Andrew Azan, both of whom testified to what happened at the June 8 '23 meeting. That took up the entire morning. I did not return after lunch because it seemed clear that at least some of the charges would have to move forward, and frankly, I was tired from a long meeting the previous evening followed by too little rest. So, I'll give you my take on the first two witnesses. 

Glenn Geissinger, the private complainant, was the top of the order for special prosecutor Robert Goldman, who has a strange penchant for holding one hand up in the air as he fires questions.

Goldman must have had second thoughts about taking on this case because Geissinger was a terrible witness. Glenn, a very nice person one-on-one, becomes very different in public or more formal settings. He could be pompous, arrogant and condescending when he was a member of County Council. Unfortunately, he was that way on the witness stand as well. I can't begin to tell you the number of times Judge Taschner had to direct him to answer questions, sometimes even when they were posed by his own lawyer. He also seemed a bit flippant with Judge Jackie, who takes no nonsense from anyone. She even once told a former Nazareth Police Chief to "Suck it up, cupcake!" when he complained about stickers calling for his termination. 

Even if he had been a good witness, there were very few arrows in his quiver. He did establish that the meeting became raucous at times with interruptions from all four defendants. If that's criminal, then a very large percentage of citizens who attend and participate in local government could be rounded up and hauled off to the nearest gulag. He also testified that, as soon as the meeting had adjourned, Steve Lynch and Rick Morea came up to the table behind which he was standing and shoved an email in his face containing pictures of two executive committee members engaged in sex. They had apparently posted pictures and videos on the Porhub website, hoping to profit. 

Lynch and Morea wanted the committee to take action against these members that very evening because it's not a good look for Republicans to be profiting on Pornhub for their sexual encounters. 

The accused members denied involvement, but it was learned nearly a year later that the female member had, in fact, been lying. She posted the porn herself. 

Geissinger had been sent an email earlier in the day apprising him of this discovery. But he was unaware of it at the time of the meeting. He was called a liar and the four defendants were demanding that he remove the accused members at that time, even though Geissinger tried to explain they had due process rights. Though Lynch and Morea were yelling just inches from Geissinger's face, there was no profanity or physical contact.

Andy the Clown

Andy Azan, the party's vice chair, was a much better witness. He's also known, incidentally, as Andy the Clown. He didn't wear his clown costume or anything like that to the preliminary hearing but was everything that Glenn was not. He was quiet, unassuming, listened to the judge carefully, and answered questions as they were asked. He had a sad look to his face, almost as if he was constipated. 

Defense lawyer Andrew Teitelman absolutely destroyed Geissinger during his cross. But as my friend Ron Angle observed, Teitelman lost ground during his cross of Azan. He kept digging a hole for defendants Lynch and Morea. The longer he had Azan on the stand, the deeper that hole got. 

Azan corroborated Geissinger's account of the meeting, including the assertion that defendants Lynch and Morea accosted him right after the meeting. Azan was standing next to Geissinger, and an elderly female Secretary was standing next to Azan. He was concerned about her safety as half of the Northampton Four bellowed in Geissinger's face. He described the scene as "very vocal, very belligerent." Geissinger was told, "You need to see this pornography right now." He added that Morea grabbed Geissinger's gavel and began pounding it until it broke. "They looked like they wanted to start a fight," he said.

Azan described "constant chatter" throughout the meeting, and said many members left, telling him, "I don't feel safe here."

Azan asked Lynch why he always tries to intimidate people. Lynch responded, "We can take it outside and you can throw the first punch."

Azan eventually did go outside, but not to fight Lynch. Apparently, there was an altercation between Brian McCulloch and another member that Andy the Clown broke up.  

While testifying, Azan twice whispered to a female deputy standing in the well of the court that he'd like a drink of water. Both times, she acted as though what he was seeking was a major imposition. She was relieved shortly before noon and said, "This sucks!" to the person replacing her in a tone of voice loud enough to be heard from where I was seated. This is highly inappropriate behavior. Whether she likes it or not, she works for Azan. He does not work for her. 

I failed to return for the afternoon session as my internal battery was near zero. But Tom Shortell of Lehigh Valley News has an excellent account. According to Shortell, at least one witness testified that Geissinger broke the gavel himself as he tried to restore order. 

An audio tape of a portion of the meeting was introduced by Northampton Area School Director Brian McCulloch. It appears to me as though it corroborated the prosecution, not the defense. 

Defense attorney Chris Shipman said the meeting was unruly, but no more so than many meetings of Congress or local municipalities. He characterized what happened as free speech. It can be ugly, but it's pretty basic to American democracy. 

He's right. That's why I consider this a weak case. Perhaps the harassment count against Lynch should survive. He clearly was attempting by physical menace to put Azan in fear of bodily injury. Technically, he could even be charged with assault for this kind of toxic masculinity. 

Judge Taschner maintained firm control of the courtroom. She explained at the onset that her role is quite limited. She does not determine guilt or innocence. Her sole function is to determine whether there's enough evidence to show that a crime occurred and that the Defendants were somehow involved. She is unable to engage in credibility determinations and must accept as true the evidence offered by the prosecution. Even with all these limitations, she dismissed six of the eight charges. 

Defendants will be arraigned on September 5, 9 am, in Courtroom 1. That's when Taiba Sultana's daughter is also being arraigned for encouraging her minor siblings to deface campaign signs opposing her mother. 

LWV to Host Candidate Workshop on Saturday

LWV Brochure Running for Office by BernieOHare on Scribd

If you're running for local office for the first time, there are lots of landmines that can ruin your campaign before it even gets off the ground. You better be sure that you have twice the number of signatures that you need because, all too often, people will sign nomination petitions without paying much attention to political party or whether they are even registered. The second most important requirement is to make sure you provide a copy of your Statement of Financial Interests with the Clerk of your municipality. That's in addition to attaching it to the nomination petition you file with the elections office. Every municipal cycle, several candidates bounced for this simple mistake. 

Fortunately, a candidate workshop is being conducted this weekend by the League of Women Voters. It takes place Saturday, January 21, from 8:30 am until noon at Penn State Lehigh Valley, Room 135, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, PA  18034. 

You can sleep through most of it. There's no need to listen to local party bosses. If you think they will help you, you're nuts. You need your own team. You can also snooze through Bill White's lecture on working with the press. In a local race, there's basically no press. You'll be lucky to see one story about your race, 

The time to pay attention is when Tim Benyo, Lehigh County's Elections Register, speaks. That's where the real landmines are located. 

Lynch Facing Opposition in GOP Chair Quest

For someone who's deluded himself into thinking that Facebook interferes with his LIVE videos. Republican politician Steve "1 in 20" Lynch is certainly using it as often as he can. Even from a lake retreat with practically no reception, he's unable to stay away. On Saturday, he informed his cult following (you can see his Live here) that he's got some competition in his current quest for GOP county chair. He states he's opposed by Beverly Hernandez, a retired Gracedale employee, and former NorCo Council member Glenn Geissinger. That decision will be made June 25 at some location that is yet to be determined. 

In his Facebook Live, Lynch is already accusing his opponents of spreading "nothing but lies" about me." He concludes by calling them "vile." He has a habit of accusing everyone he dislikes of being a liar. Then the man who slams everyone, including fellow Republicans, stated he'd unite people. A few minutes later, he said "We know who you are" of those opposed to him.  Not long after that, he said he'd "divide out" those people who are useless to him and "they'll just kind of go by the wayside." 

Hmm. Steve contradicted himself twice in the span of about five minutes. By my book, that makes him the liar.   

Steve the uniter attacked party chair Lee Snover, amazingly calling her establishment. Now Lee is many things, but establishment is not one of them. For one thing, she has alienated nearly as many people as Lynch has. It was her efforts that turned the tide for Trump in 2016 in NorCo. She mobilized a great grass roots campaign. But she's also the reason why Republican elected officials are leery of the county party and are holding back on donations.  She attended the January 6 insurrection, just like Lynch did. When Lynch had his head up his ass in some gym, she was calling out Charlie Dent, whose criticism of Donald Trump made him a pariah. She's been nearly as divisive as Lynch, and has never been a country club Republican. 

Lynch the uniter smeared Cindy Miller, a Republican Lehigh Tp Supervisor who recently ran for State Senate. He took a dig at Dr. Oz, who, like it or not, is the GOP nominee for the US Senate. He snarked County Council member John Brown as someone "who likes to run for every office under the sun because I guess he thinks he's God's gift to politics."

Maybe you should look in a mirror, Steve.  

Lynch said he'd excel at fundraising. His own campaign finance reveals that's total horeseshit. He raised practically nothing in the Exec race. And he was so inept as a candidate that the one and only mailer he could afford arrived in most mailboxes the day after the election. 

Brilliant. 

Although Lynch claimed he and his mob have been organized for the past six months, he still had no Vice Chair candidate as of Saturday.   

Oh yeah, he also promised lawsuits once elected. He made that promise when he lost the election, too, but the man who insists he keeps his word never followed through. 

He's predicting a landslide in his favor. He has spreadsheets.

I sure hope he wins. Steve Lynch as NorCo GOP chair would be an early Christmas present for Democrats. 

I have confirmed with Beverly Hernandez that she is,, in fact, running against Lynch. She is a retired Gracedale employee and, though I disagree with her on just about everything, she's far from the "vile" person that Lynch claims she is. She's a grandmother who cares about Republican values and her country.   

Hernandez is running on a plank with Margie Mandell as candidate for Vice Chair. She responded to Lynch's Facebook rant with her own Live, which I will summarize. 

I will produce the supposedly terrible letters that Hernandez and Mandell have sent to Republican committee members below. I see no lies. 

I will confirm whether Glenn Geissinger is running as soon as I can. I am sure this former Mormon Bishop will be surprised to learn he is a liar and a "snake."

Hernandez letter to Republican Committee members:

Dear Committee Member,

I would like to introduce myself for the role of Republican Committee Chair.

My three sons were raised in Palmer Township and attended the Easton Area School District. I now have two grandchildren.

I have served in administrative roles in the Palmer PTA, the American Association of Women, the League of Women Voters, the Lehigh Valley Tea Party and the NCRC. During my 12 years in the League, I developed my love of the political process.

I met my husband, a PP&L engineer from Colombia, at Penn State University Park. Bilingual in Spanish, I can open the Hispanic community to our Republican values.

I want to represent the Republican Party and continue our conservative values, specifically in Northampton County. I have a proven track record in organizing and motivating people, and we will win elections!

Terrible, eh?

Mandell's letter to fellow Republicans: 

Dear Committee member,

I'd like to introduce myself to you for the position of Northampton County Republican committee vice-chair.

I am a campaign manager, mother of five, social network administrator, and protest/rally organizer. I attended Regent University for Criminal Psychology, and am well acquainted with the Northampton County Courthouse and legal proceedings. I am strong in my beliefs yet always and consistently open to listening and learning from those around me. Life is a constant source of education, and one of my goals is to soak in as much wisdom and knowledge as I can as vice-chair.

I believe it is time for the next generation to fill the shoes in our Northampton County Republican Committee. It is essential for our party that we convert younger citizens into reliable Republican voters, and I believe I have the networking ability and connections to do just that. I currently admin an extremely active township page with 3,000+ members and have created dozens of social networking pages for candidates and companies. I have successfully set up fundraisers and events, and plan on bringing my talent and experience into the position as vice-chair.

Between my past experience as an executive chef of a high-end restaurant, raising five children, and running campaigns, I have developed managing skills needed to ensure success in our committee.

Finally, I am capable of disregarding personal grudges and working together to unite the Republicans of Northampton County. There are too many “teams” working against each other. We can not win against the Democrats until we realize, in the end, we are all on the same side. It is my goal, whether I get elected or not, to strengthen the party with unity.

Let's make this the best two years the Republicans of this county have ever seen.

Sincerely,

Margie Mandell

Mandell, incidentally, is the author of two children's books.

Mandell's Facebook Live Response to Lynch

(I am quoting portions, but you can see the video in its entirety)

"Steve is not my enemy. I'm not looking to call committee members and tell them how horrible Steve is or whatever he claims I was gonna' do. ... When someone straight up lies about my character and my intent, I suddenly find myself needing to respond. 

"I'm running personally because I want to use my tools - my networking abilities and my creativity - to help turn this county red.  I want to create a bridge between the opposing cliques within the party and try to bring everybody together in unity because that's how we're gonna' win.

"Steve Lynch is my friend. I support and value his political beliefs. Actually,most of our political beliefs are very much in alignment. 

"However,his latest rant from yesterday was not only wrong but borderline dangerous. When you tell your viewers that everything your opponent is about to say to you is all lies, that's not just a form of tyrannical bullying, but that's a typical campaigning method of a crooked politician.. 

"I'm over here trying to bridge the gap and create some unity while Steve goes on a galloping rant against literally everyone who isn't him. The paranoia is actually concerning at this point. "

*    *    *

LV LWV Voter Guide Contains Serious Error

(You can actually vote for two)

Twice a year, in advance of the primary and general election, the Lehigh Valley League of Women Voters produces a Voter Guide. The latest edition appeared in The Morning Call on October 24. It includes a serious error concerning Northampton County's judicial race.

Three candidates - Abe Kassis, John Morganelli and Vic Scomillio - are vying for one of two open seats. The guide (page 10) mistakenly instructs voters they can only select one of the candidates. Voters actually have two choices.

Although the League of Women Voters does a great service to the Lehigh Valley, I think the organization has an obligation to inform voters of their error, especially on their own website. I am unaware whether The Morning Call has noted and corrected this error. If it has not done so, now would be a good time to remind NorCo voters they can vote for two of the three candidates. 

According to NorCo GOP Chair Lee Snover, several of the down-ballot Republicans received no questionnaires. My guess is this is also the case with several Democrats. "I don't think the League is dependable anymore," she states, and with some justification.

This year, the League failed to host a single candidates' night for county candidates. In fairness, this is a collection of volunteers.

Four Forums Remain for LV Congressional Candidates.

The three Congressional candidates for Pa-7 (Lehigh Valley) are Republican Marty Nothstein, Democrat Susan Wild and Libertarian Tim Silfies. I have seen them together at WDIY and a CACLV luncheon. There are four forums left.

Today: WFMZ's Business Matters Program
Coordinate Health, 3435 Winchester Rd., Allentown, PA 18104
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
This is a closed taping, but the program will air Oct 15th and Oct 22, 7:30 PM

Thursday, Oct 18: Lehigh Valley Economic Development Forum
Coca-Cola Park (club level) 1050 Iron Pigs Way, Allentown, PA 18109
4 - 5:30 PM
Live, tickets may be reserved
https://lehighvalley.org/events/congressional-forum-on-economic-development/

Tuesday, Oct. 23rd: PBS 39 Debate
Northampton Community College (Lipkin theater), 3835 Green Pond Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020
7 - 8 PM
Live, tickets may be reserved
https://www.wlvt.org/television/pennsylvania-7th-congressional-district-debate/

Thursday, Oct. 25th: League of Women Voters Debate
Gracedale Senior Living Facility (Chapel), 2 Gracedale Ave, Nazareth, PA 18064
6:30-8 PM
No reserved seating

Anti-Gerrymander Bill Clears Senate, Despite Hissy Fit by "Good" Government Groups

Those of us following along at home knows that time is of the essence for legislation to end the currently flawed system under which legislative and congressional districts are created. It has to clear both the Senate and House for two years in a row before it can go to the voters. Next year will be too late. FairDistrictPa, the League of Women Voters, Committee of Seventy and other good government groups should be ecstatic that the Senate voted yesterday to approve an anti-gerrymander bill that will call on an independent commission to set these boundaries. Instead, they are furious. They are taking their marbles and going home. In doing so, they have diminished themselves and betray a partisanship they tried to deny.

About two summers ago, on a hot Friday night inside a crowded Bethlehem church, I received an education concerning the fundamental threat to democracy posed by gerrymandering. Thanks to advances in technology, a system has arisen in Pennsylvania in which your legislators pick you, and not the other way around. The change proposed was the creation of an independent election commission, which would establish fair boundaries instead of an incumbent insurance program.

I am proud to say that the Gerrymander Slayers in the Pa Senate have been our own State Senators, Lisa Boscola and Mario Scavello. In the House, the driving force was Bethlehem's Steve Samuelson.

Partisan Republicans were afraid of this reform. Backbenchers Marcia Hahn, Joe Emrick, Ryan MacKenzie and Zach Mako put on their blinders and ran from reform, while GOP apparatchiks adopted the short-sighted view that they could use this to water down Democratic votes.

That thinking changed when a Democratic Supreme Court struck down the unconstitutional gerrymander, and imposed a congressional map of their own when state Republicans refused to act. A light bulb went off in the small minds of at least some of these partisans, who realized they had gone too far and given a Democratic Supreme Court just the excuse it needed to negate decades of gerrymandering.

Worried that Democrats could do what they've been doing, they suddenly developed an interest in correcting a flawed redistricting process.

A Senate Committee decided to endorse the gerrymander bill after watering it down a little. Then on Tuesday, State Sen. Ryan Aument added a new wrinkle - the creation of judicial districts for the election of appellate judges. You'd think the sky has fallen. All the supposed good government groups withdrew their support of the gerrymander bill, and all but two Democrats joined them in voting No on a bill that would finally end the gerrymander.

Boscola, who still voted for the Senate bill, explained that she would have preferred a more "pristine version," but even with these amendments, the bill is a "vast improvement" over the current system

Like Boscola, I would have preferred to see a separate bill to create judicial districts. But I actually like the Aument amendment. Currently, he vast majority of appellate judges are from Pittsburgh (conservative) and Philly (liberal). It is extremely difficult fora qualified judge from he Lehigh Valley to get elected. Sure, it happens, but is rare. Most people will just pull a lever. With judicial districts, voters will have a much better chance to learn about the candidates. They in turn will not have to spend $10 million to be heard. This way of selecting judges is much more democratic than the current statewide system.

The reason these good government groups are so opposed is because it could mean that more conservative judges will be elected. Too bad. The price of democracy is that the people, and not some reform group, makes the call.

It's probably true that some of the inspiration for this legislation is anger at the Supreme Court over its gerrymander decision. That's OK by me because it means that the gerrymander bill will attract more Republican support in the House, where it is badly needed.

The fact that these so-called reform groups are blowin' oil over a measure that will actually allow voters to make informed choices tells me these groups are more partisan than they pretend.

On cue, Democratic State Senate candidate Mark Pinsley - who announced his candidacy before he was even sworn into office in South Whitehall - proclaimed that the "anti-democratic movement is at it again." How? By enabling people to vote for people they actually know. He slams Pat Browne "because when it matters, he gets in line and votes for whatever his party wants, not his constituents." The reality is that Pinsley is standing in line, screaming what his party wants him to scream, while real Democrats like Lisa Boscola are trying to govern.

By the way, Pinsley wants you to send him money so he can end corruption.

Like Fed Ed.

LWV Debate

L to far R: Greg Edwards, Rick Dougherty and Dean Browning

The Lehigh Valley League of Women Voters last night hosted what I think was the final debate for Congressional candidates seeking the seat being vacated by Charlie Dent. It was attended by all six Democratic candidates as well as Republican Dean Browning. The other Republican, Marty Nothstein, boycotted the event primarily because the League filed a lawsuit that ended the gerrymander for Congressional districts. It was standing room only for about 130 people who listened to softballs thrown by Lafayette College's Dr. John Kincaid as well as PBS39's Monica Evans. Because candidates only had 60 seconds to answer each question, there was little time for more than platitudes. I've already provided in-depth coverage of several debates. There's no reason to do that again. What I can do is tell you I've learned from attending numerous debates and then writing about them here. What I've learned is that we are more than a nation divided, but are fractured within this congressional district as well.

People at the NextGen America debate in downtown Allentown were darker, younger and much poorer than the mostly white, mostly middle class people at the Republican debate in suburban Palmer Tp. If these groups have anything in common, it's anger. And they are angry with each other.

I see it here and on Facebook, too. People at one time loved posting here anonymously because they knew they could cheap shot someone and no one could blame them. Now they do it on Facebook even though everyone knows who they are. Civility is out the window.

Last night, when Dean Browning argued his conservative views, the audience moaned and gasped, while some Democratic candidates cringed.

This intolerance exists on the left and the right. Until it ends, nothing will get done.

John Morganelli likes to quote from John F Kennedy, and did so again last night. "Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future."

I agree. This is why I supported Charlie Dent. This is why I support John Morganelli.

LWV to Nothstein - We Are Nonpartisan

Last week I told you that Lehigh Valley Congressional candidate Marty Nothstein, a Republican, refuses to participate in a primary debate with opponent Dean Browning. He's blowin' oil because the League of Women Voters is a "partisan, liberal organization allied with the interests of the Democratic party." He's particularly irritated at the stance this good government group has taken against the gerrymander. Up until that moment, I thought Nothstein was running a pretty good campaign in which he cast himself as an outsider. But we know now that he's really one of the good ol' boys.

Last week, State Rep. Daryl Committee convened a half-hour hearing on the gerrymander bill with virtually no notice and gutted it. He refused to allow the meeting to be livestreamed and threatened to clear the room when his transparency was challenged.

This divisive and polarizing behavior, we now know, is what to expect from Nothstein.

Beverly Hernandez, Vice President of the Northampton County League of Women Voters, said there is "no partisan agenda. Our purpose is to educate and inform the voter. There ARE Republicans in the League. ... The debates must include both ( or all) parties or we won't hold the debate. Nonpartisan."

In addition to Beverly Hernandez, I'd like to share a comment from Irish Mare:

I am shocked that a campaign manager for Marty Nothstein would allow him to go after an institution like the League of Women Voters. Not only is he hugely misinformed and completely wrong; but he has insulted people who work tirelessly year round to educate, inform and protect the voting rights of all citizens from all parties. And these people (men and women ) have been doing this for years for us, the voting population of the Lehigh Valley from all parties!

Perhaps he should: join the League, attend some meetings, help interview legislators from both parties, organize the Voter's Guides, voter registration efforts, hold candidates forums and debates, research voter reforms and redistricting reforms and help organize the yearly Government Directory that I am sure he has used often. Then I challenge him to make those same claims...

If he wants to go after someone, perhaps he should go after those who were originally responsible for drawing an unconstitutional, partisan gerrymandered map in the first place, in 2011. Who might that be, Mr. Nothstein? I can guarantee it was not the League of Women Voters. This will hurt his campaign going after such a well-respected institution with facts that are erroneous and false. Maybe have a nice long talk with his campaign manager about acting like a grownup and having your facts straight! And maybe he will join the League. He has divulged a side of himself that is very spiteful and nasty and boy oh boy, I believe everyone would agree we don't need anymore of that in Washington, DC! And maybe, just maybe he will be man enough to apologize!

Nothstein Accuses LWV of Meddling, Sez No To Debate

Marty Nothstein is one of two candidates, along with Dean Browning, seeking the Republican nod for Congress here in the Lehigh Valley. He has been avoiding primary debates, which tells me he considers himself the front runner. He has released a statement, along with a Pittsburgh contact number, refusing to participate in the League of Women Voters debate next month. The reason he gives for dodging it tells me that he will be running from behind in the general election. . He has accused this good government group of "meddling in Congressional politics."

He's angry that the League of Women Voters has not just fought against gerrymandering dragon for years, but has managed to slay it. Our state court has ended an undemocratic system in which your legislators pick you, instead of the other way around.

Gerrymandering has been a wrecking ball to good government in Pa. It is both an incumbent insurance program and a magnet for ideologues rather than people who are willing to work together. It is also a two-headed monster. Democrats are just as capable of gerrymandering districts as Republicans. They have done so in other states.

The effort to end this disgraceful system has been bipartisan. Numerous Republicans in the state house and state Senate, including Lisa Boscola, Pat Browne and Mario Scavello, have endorsed an end to a system in which the majority party draws the boundary lines for legislative and Congressional districts.

The League of Women Voters and Common Cause spearheaded the effort here in Pennsylvania. The League of Women Voters exists primarily to make sure that your vote matters. It has historically opposed poll taxes, racial gerrymandering and efforts at voter suppression. It has supported attempts to educate voters, which is why this group always tries to host debates.

Nothstein has derided this group as a "partisan, liberal organization allied with the interests of the Democratic party." If his attack were really true, the League would have lost its tax exempt status decades ago. It's false.

Nothstein is skipping a debate designed to educate you about his positions. Instead of being honest and just admitting that he is in the lead and does not want to give any exposure to Dean Browning, he embraces a system that is wrong and that has actually led to the very partisanship he now decries.

The proof of Nothstein's hypocrisy  is his willingness to participate in a League of Women Voter debate in the general election, where he claims to be "open to an invitation." If he really felt that the League was just a tool of the Democrats, he would boycott them completely.

In one news release, Nothstein has demonstrated that he stands for bad government, is intellectually dishonest and just a tad arrogant. He has just assured his own defeat in the general election.

Dean Browning told me, incidentally, that he is "willing to debate anybody, anytime, anywhere."

John Morganelli told me he is willing to debate Nothstein, too, but draws the line at bicycle races.

The League of Women Voters debate, for all candidates, Democrat and Republican, is on May 2, 7 pm, at Northampton Community College's Alumni Hall.

Nothstein news release:

 he is

Norco Council, LWV, Take Aim at Gerrymandering

Jeffrey Fox

The Bethlehem Press recently ran a series about gerrymandering and the bipartisan redistricting reform bills sponsored by State Senator Lisa Boscola and State Rep. David Parker. One long-time advocate of this kind of reform is NorCo Council member Peg Ferraro, a Republican. She was in the audience at a recent forum concerning the gerrymander at Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethlehem. She and Democrat Ken Kraft agreed to cosponsor a resolution calling on the state legislature to enact changes in the redistricting process that will prevent legislators from picking their voters.

Resolutions supporting the Boscola-Parker proposal have already been approved in Pittsburgh, Cumberland County, West Hanover Township, ​East Pennsboro Township, Upper Allen Township, Lower Paxton Township, Highspire Borough Council and Capital Region Council of Governments.

Northampton County will consider this resolution, thanks to a request from Slate Belt resident Jeffrey Fox reside. "Northampton County has always been a leader," he said. "You can be a leader in this effort as well by passing a resolution ... that puts the redistricting process back in the hands of the citizens."

In the meantime, the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania has asked all candidates to state whether they support redistricting reform:

Pennsylvania is home to some of the most gerrymandered districts in the US. Unfairly drawn districts disenfranchise voters and make it more difficult for legislators to effectively represent all of their constituents. Would you support redistricting reform through removing elected officials from the process and instituting an independent citizens’ commission to draw the maps, changing where prisoners are counted, and/or implementing stricter methods of statistical verification? Please explain your answer.

Locally, most Lehigh Valley legislatros champion gerrymanding reform. All three state senators who represent the Lehigh Valley are on board, including newly elected Mario Scavello. The only state legislators who have failed to cosponsor gerrymander reform are Joe Emrick, Marcia Hahn, lame duck Julie Harhart, Gary Day and Ryan MacKenzie. Hahn has ignored several emails from at least two people on this topic. That's because she thinks she can pick the voters and not the other way around.

So far she has been right.

183rd Update: Mako Hiding From Armstrong

Armstrong has long history at Whitehall

This week, I've written about three contested state house races here in the Lehigh Valley. Though I am a Democrat and would love to side with the home team, I would never do so at the expense of good government. So yes, I'd pick Republican Ben Long in a heartbeat over Mike "Darth Voter" Schlossberg. Yes, I'll take Republican Justin Simmons, whom I consider an effective and responsive legislator, over Joanne Jackson  I even have to give the nod to Republican Joe Emrick over Dave Mattei, who simply is a trainwreck. Fortunately, one Democrat is running whom I consider far superior to most entrenched incumbents of either political persuasion. His name is Phillips Armstrong, and he's running for Julie Harhart's seat in the 183rd state house district. She's retiring, but has hand-picked a replacement who has absolutely no knowledge or understanding of state government, or anything else, for that matter. So naturally, anointed heir Zach Mako is trying his best to avoid debating Armstrong.

Phillips is retired after 40 years as a social studies teacher at Whitehall High School. He also has a master's degree. While teaching, he was also a tour bus driver for 38 years "I totally enjoyed that," he has said. After retiring, he decided to continue public service in local government. He is currently the President of Whitehall Township's Board of Commissioners. He also is involved in CTC (Community that Cares). He wants to go to Harrisburg "to make a difference." "I don't want a job,. I don't want a career," he said. His campaign finance reveals heavy union support. The root of all evil in state government, according to him, is gerrymandering. "We don't vote for our representatives. They vote for themselves. We can't do that anymore."

Armstrong really distinguished himself in a primary debate, which you can see here. Mako looked like a deer in the headlights. It goes beyond poor debating skills. He claims to be a helicopter pilot, but I'd never get in one with him.

Mako's campaign is being funded by the power structure seeking another back bencher who will do as he's told. And right now, his marching orders are to avoid a debate at all costs.

Mako sidestepped a candidate forum arranged by PBS 39 the week of September 13th He is also refusing to respond to the Northampton and Lehigh County League of Women Voters. Armstrong, in contrast, is ready any date between now and the election.

“The public deserves the chance to make an educated decision about who will best represent them in Harrisburg for the next two years,"he stated. "They have the right to examine candidate qualifications and the candidates’ abilities to find solutions to the problems faced by the people of the district.”

Like Armstrong, I strongly believes in public accountability and transparency. I find it disrespectful and contemptuous of the voters to refuse to debate on the issues and trust the voters to make the best decision in choosing their next State Representative.

Even The Donald debates.

My Election Picks: Who Gets My Kiss of Death?

Below are my picks for candidates I consider best suited to the job. Who wins is a different matter. I am often reminded of my fallibility after elections, and this year will be no exception. I'm no Buddy Christ. I just think I am.

You can read more about some of these races in my campaign pages, on the left sidebar, and at the Lehigh Valley League of Women Voters. .

Northampton County Council District Three

John Cusick (R candidate)

✓ Mickey Thompson (R candidate)

Though Cusick has County experience, Thompson's knowledge of nursing homes could prove invaluable in turning Gracedale around. Cusick and Executive John Brown, whose leadership has been a disaster, were overheard disparaging Thompson. That's why I would recommend Mickey over John.

Northampton County Council District Four

✓Lorin Bradley (Republican)

Matthew Dietz (Republican)

Bradley;'s specialty is human relations, an area in which Executive John Brown has failed miserably. So despite his ridiculous support for a public paid public relations consultant, I believe he could help turn around poor morale. I also admire his transparency. Dietz impressed me as well, despite his appearance on tea party radio.But it's hardto dispute Bradley's impressive credentials.

Northampton County Judge

Abe Kassis

✓Sam Murray

Vic Scomillio

Sam Murray has the most experience of the three, has served as a Master and a Juvenile Hearing Officer for the courts, and is the only man in recent history I know to march a little known Little League team from Bethlehem right into the World Series. I think Abe tried too hard, and as a result became deceptive in his mailers and with his support base. Scomillio has been tainted by his association with Executive John Brown, and i especially don't like the idea that he fured someone just before Christmas, while driving somewhere.

Bethlehem City Council four year seats (three)

✓ Mike Recchiuti (i)

✓Willie Reynolds (i)

Michael Colon

✓Shawn Martell

Bethlehem City Council two year seat (one)

✓Jeff Kocsis (two year)

Matt McKernan  (two year)

Olga Negron (two year)

While I think there should be term limits on Bethlehem City Council seats to keep developers from pouring money down their throats, I believe Reynolds and Recchuiti have been effective on Council, and have worked with Mayor Bob Donchez. Martell impressed me just a little more than Colon. For the two year seat, I had a very difficult time between Kocsis and McKernan. I went with Kocsis only because I've heard that McKernan intends to run again in two years if he loses. He should. I even ended up being favorably impressed by Negron's refusal to take money from developers, but not by her ties to Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski.

1st Ward

✓Tom Nolan, an engineer at Lehigh Heavy Forge, is a voice of reason in an often unreasonable Board. Yet he has two Republican opponents. One of them is former Commissioner Art Murphy, who works for Selvaggio and Son. The other, Wayne Buller, is definitely a tea party and RAT favorite. Regulars like Ben Hedrick, Andy Azan and Melissa Miller (significant other of NorCo Council member Seth Vaughn) are behind this campaign. At a debate, Murphy slammed Housenick Park Committee, and often spoke out against funding the library.

3rd Ward

✓ Phil Barnard, Manager at Bay Insulation, has been another moderating influence on the Board. Well-spoken and thoughtful, he really listens to residents and tries very hard to be transparent. He's precisely the kind of guy who Republicans should be embracing and grooming for higher office. I could see him as County Executive or in the State Senate.

Phil two opponents, Republican Fran Blatz and Democrat Kim Jenkins. Blatz, whom I believe to be the tea-party candidate, is listed as the Pro-life leader at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Jenkins is the Secretary of the Bethlehem Township Athletic Association, which Barnard has steadfastly supported during his four years as a Commissioner. .

Phil deserves re-election.

At Large

✓ Incumbent Marty Zawarski is being challenged by two former Republican. They include Paul Weiss and the tea party sponsored candidate, Bob Birk.

To his credit, Zawarski is running hard. That, or unopposed, is the only way to go. Weiss, a good man, is running out of bitterness and not for the right reasons. Birk, whose ethics statement lists his occupation as "unemployed" and has posted yard signs calling the office "comissioner," would make the Township Board a laughing stock.

Zawarski is clearly the best choice among the three Republicans.

Lehigh County Commissioner. - On the R side, the only two candidates worthy of any support are ✓ Dean Browning and ✓Vic Mazziotti. Though they despise each other, they both have commanding knowledge of public finance and both are men of conscience. They'd do better working with each other than against each other. The other candidates include a Commissioner with no backbone (Brad Osborne), a home-schooled music teacher who lives with her mommy and daddy (Amanda Holt) and an arrogant bicyclist who wears bug suits (Marty Nothstein).

There are also four Democrats who are unopposed in their primary.

Whitehall Mayor. - If you believe in democracy, ✓ Ed Hozza, Jr. should be your choice. If you believe in an urban growth regime in which only the monied are heard and are willing to cede over control to Allentown, just write in Pawlowski. Or megalomaniac. Same thing.

Bethlehem Township Mini-Judge. - Three Assistant DAs are seeking the seat being vacated by Magisterial District Judge Joe Barner. Though all three are well-suited, my first choice is ✓ Pat Broscius. As an Assistant District Attorney, she was a powerful voice for children who are sadly neglected and abused, often in the most horrendous ways. It is easy for a person who sees those tragedies every day become bitter, but that never happened to Pat. Like Magisterial District Judge Jackie Taschner one said to me when she was still a DA, "I'm a prosecutor, not a persecutor." It is very possible that Sandy McClure will prevail on the Democratic side. Bill Blake is another very capable person.

Hellertown-Lower Saucon Mini-Judge. - I expect to see ✓ David Tidd easily re-elected on both sides of the ballot. He is simply the best candidate. Repyneck ran an ugly campaign, and made too many wild and reckless allegations to be taken seriously. Amanda Kurecian acted with honor and should be commended.

Bethlehem Mini-Judge. - ✓ Roy Manwaring has spent next to no money for re-election, and most of it comes from his own pocket. Her deserves another term. I never really understood why paul Bender challenged him.

Supreme Court. - My two top picks are Democrat ✓Kevin Dougherty and Republican ✓Corry Stevens.

Superior Court. - Lehigh Valley favorite son ✓ Emil Giordano.

Commonwealth Court. - Coalcracker ✓ Todd Eagen.

LWV to Host "Running For Local Office Workshop" in February

Thinking of running for local office this year? Circulating a petition to get on the ballot begins Tuesday, February 17. 

To many, running for local office can be a daunting task. In order to assist the candidate through this complex process, the League of Women Voters of Lehigh and Northampton Counties will be conducting their 8^th biennial “Running for Local Office Workshop”.

It is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2015, from 8 AM to 12:30 PM at the Gates Center, Alumni Hall Building, at Northampton Community College, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

This workshop is designed to give someone thinking of running for local office, or working on a campaign, an understanding of how to qualify and run. Lehigh Valley Offices up for election in 2015 are:

·         County Office

·         Mayor (Easton and Whitehall)

·         City Council

·         Borough Council

·         Township Supervisor

·         Township Commissioner

·         School Director

·         Magisterial District Judge

This “How To” workshop will give individuals an opportunity to learn:

·         How to Start, organize, and manage a campaign

·         How to Do the legal paperwork

·         How to Work with a committee

·         How to Work with the press

·         What techniques have worked successfully for others

·         A whole lot more.

Come take advantage of our experts, and this unique opportunity to start your campaign off on the right foot.

Essential information, designed specifically for candidates in the Lehigh Valley, will be included in a workbook that you will take home with you. A fee of $45 will be charged to cover the cost of materials.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote political responsibility through active and informed participation of citizens.

Additional information and the application form are included on the Workshop flier attached, and can be obtained at the League website http://www.lwvlv.org/, or by contacting Ken Mohr at 610-282-1921 or KMohr@MohrMR.com.

Molovinsky Shines in State House Debate (Updated)

This past Saturday morning, while most of you were doing your weekend chores and a lucky few got to sleep in, three candidates for the 183rd state house seat - a statewide office - were at a largely empty middle school in South Whitehall Township, debating before a small group of camp followers. It's a gerrymandered distict that includes municipalities like parts of South Whitehall and North Catty, which have little in common, in two different counties. This is the only chance voters had to see long-time incumbent Julie Harhart, a Republican who has been in office since 1995, defend her record against Democrat Terri Powell, a title agent hoping to ride gubernatorial candidate Tom Wolf's coattails into office. It was the only opportunity for Independent Michael Molovinsky, a long-time community activist, to tell Powell and Harhart that both of their messages are wrong. Did they waste their time? In a democracy, the answer has to be No. And in this case, the candidates are lucky because, though the debate itself was sparsely attended, there was quite a bit of media coverage. The Morning Call, the weekly Press papers and hyper-local South Whitehall Observer were all present, along with yours truly. It was a fast hour.

Before telling you about the debate itself, I have to acknowledge the dedication of the Lehigh Valley League of Women Voters, I love to make fun of them, but without people like Beverly Hernandez or Joan Dean, there'd be no attempt to inform the voters at all. Newspapers are so concerned about being "objective" that they run from elections, only to return after it's all over to tell everyone how shitty their choices were. This lack of scrutiny is how we end up with people like Karen Dolan. It's also why people who have no ties to special interests, and who are unwilling or unable to spend the fortune required to tell their story, will never get elected.

It's why Michael Molovinsky has no shot. He has refused to curry favor with either of the major parties. He won't spend the money for the seven mailers he'd need to expect to have any hope at all. But to anyone who attended the debate, Michael Molovinsky was head and shoulders the best of the bunch.

He's by no means the nicest. That honor would have to go to the incumbent, Julie Harhart, whose basic decency stood out.during the debate. It's no mystery why she's been in office for ten terms.

Nor was he the best prepared. That distinction goes to Terri Powell, a powerful and confident candidate who came with reams of talking points and papers and recited bill numbers with the certainty of a Bingo caller. By contrast, Molovinsky even forgot his reading glasses.

But Molovinsky, combining his laconic style with a biting wit, was the best orator. His brief "Harriisburg is broken" opening, in which he states that no amount of money is "ever enough for Harrisburg", was still resonating after the other two gave longer openings that largely said nothing.

Charter Schools

Powell is neither for or against them, but stated they should be held to the same standard as public schools. Harhart stated that reform legislation has recently been enacted that will improve them. Molovinsky said they result in de facto segregation, especially in larger cities, and scoffed at schools financed by real estate developers who hire public relations experts to ram them through.

Special Interests, Transparency

Harhart points to Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, stating there are "no secrets". Powell pledged to decline large contributions from corporations. Molovinsky stated term limits would discourage a legislator from developing a rapport with special interests. He noted Harhart had pledged to seek only two or three terms, and now is on her tenth. He added she gets a lot of money from the medical industry. "That's because I chair the professional licensure committee," Harhart later explained. "I don't find that answer very reassuring," responded Molovisnky.

Crumbling Infrastructure

Powell noted Pennsylvania's infrastructure is ranked 49th in the nation, and she'd fix that problem by imposing a tax on Marcellus Shale and closing the Delaware loophole. Harhart stated that the recently enacted Transportation Bill, which she conceded she voted against, would bring in seven billion dollars for infrastructure improvements over the next five years. Molovinsky claimed this is a "political football" brought about by mismanagement by both parties. "One need only look at the Turnpike Commission" he observed, wondering what exactly they do.

Taxes on Seniors

Powell stated property taxes continue to rise because Republicans cut education funding, a point sharply disputed by Harhart. "We never cut education funding," she insisted, noting that schools did receive two years of stimulus funding from the federal government and were warned not to spend it on programs. Molovinsky continued to insist there are already enough taxes and revenue. He noted there are 73,000 state employees, and if they have the time to be sending porn emails to each other, perhaps there are too many of them.

Fracking Tax

Harhart supports an impact fee that goes to the municipalities that are impacted by fracking. Powel supports an 11% tax, the same as imposed in every other state that allows fracking. She noted that would raise $1 billion in revenue every year. "We are leaving billions of dollars on the table," she complained. Molovinsky, who supports a tax, noted impact fees only bring in $225 million per year, calling that a "drop in the bucket." He complained that a pipeline coming through the Lehigh Valley is going to degrade this area and we need a revenue tax to protect us from companies that "have more or less gone wild." He also is wary of the DEP and its ability to actually protect the community.

Clean Air, Water

Noting Allentown's recently abandoned plans to convert refuse into energy, Molovinsky noted the project had the blessing of the DEP. "What a Frankenstein mix!" he lamented, "So much for the DEP watching over fracking or anything else. We need to improve the process." He believes more oversight is needed. Powell agreed we have a right to clean air and water, as well as tourism and farming.

Harhart noted that the DEP has received funding to hire more people to provide oversight. She also pointed to recent studies showing that fracking has caused no water pollution.

Municipal bans on guns

Powell went off on a question about municipal bans on guns by stating there should be better checks on mentally unstable people. Noting the state legislation that prevents municipalities from banning guns in parks, she complained that even the KKK will be able to sue.

Harhart brought the argument back to earth, noting that the state law preempts municipalities from most gun issues/. This is because differing municipalities could contradict each other. They could , make the same conduct that is innocent in one municipality,criminal in the next.

Molovinsky stated these are "wedge" issues designed to appeal to panderers and emotion, and faulted both the NRA and gun control advocates for sensationalizing the issue.

Affordable Higher Education

Powell complained she is still paying her student loans and that the "system is a mess" and "we need to do something." Harhart noted there are numerous loans and grants available, "I don't have much interest in the question," noted Molovisnky, who pointed out that people who take these loans agree to pay them. He later noted that paying off a loan itself is educational.

Illegal Immigration

"We need reform," announced Powell, but Harhart noted this is really a federal issue. Molovinsky added that the last time he checked, Pa. is not a border state and wonders what people really mean. "Are we talking about immigration or expressing prejudice?" he asked.

Minimum Wage

All candidates support a hike in the minimum wage, but Harhart would do it incrementally. "You have to be very careful or it could be detrimental to the people you're trying to help," she warned.

When it was all over, LWV member Joan Dean gave this warning: "Your vote is your ticket that brings you to the table; because if you're not at the table, you're probably on the menu."  

Blogger's Note: Michael Molovinsky and I are friends ... I think.  He is also a fellow blogger. I am obviously rooting for him, and wish I could vote for him. Having said that, I do think the other two candidates should be proud of their performances and each had their strong points.

Updated 9:05 pm: The Morning Call's account of the debate notes Molovinsky's strong performance as well.

NorCo Exec Debate Draws "New Generation" of Leaders and Followers

The New Generation: John Callahan v. John Brown

Northampton County Executive candidates John Callahan, Bethlehem's Democratic Mayor, and John Brown, Bangor's Republican Mayor, squared off in a well-attended debate at Northampton Community College on October 22. The Express Times and League of Women Voters grilled the hopefuls before an audience of over 120 people. In addition to the usual camp followers, there were many newer and fresher faces in the crowd. College students, some of whom will be casting their first vote in November, were in the house. This seemed to thrill LWV spokesperson Beverly Hernandez. In addition to thanking the candidates and the media for their interest, she thanked the audience. "This election is about you," she stated. "Please vote."

In addition to new voters, Callahan and Brown are themselves new to County government, unlike most previous Executives. Callahan stated that it's time for a "new generation of leadership" in Northampton County.

Both candidates seem to be on the same page on most County issues. There were no serious differences until the end of the debate, when they were able to question each other's records.

ET Editor Jim Deegan

Is it Time For a Tax Hike?

Callahan noted that Northampton County's fund balance was at one time $60 million, but could be as low as $14 million in next year's budget. "We can't keep kicking that can down the road," he said. But a tax hike is a last resort. He would first focus on creating efficiencies through a program called Continuous Improvement, in which employees find ways to provide the same service at a lower cost. Callahan claims this saved $14 million in Bethlehem's $75 million budget. "Imagine what it could do with a $340 million budget?" he asked.

Brown echoed many of Callahan's remarks, saying he'd manage more efficiently, line item by line item. He has identified some departments where cuts can be made. Like Callahan, he would partner with the County workforce to find cuts.

Selling Braden Airpark

Brown believes it's important to "keep airports vibrant," and would "support a subsidy on a short-term basis" to keep Braden Airpark afloat. He is opposed to selling the Airpark to help pay off a judgment incurred by the Airport Authority, but believes the Authority board needs to be reviewed.

Callahan said the Airport Authority's financial malaise is a "complicated issue" with many moving parts, from a decrease in air traffic after 9/11 to airline consolidation, and added that Northampton County only appoints six of the 13 board members. Although he doesn't believe a decision on Braden should be made "in a vacuum," he noted that the Airpark was able to work before Moyer Aviation was forced out. He said he would want to partner with local pilots an community leaders on the best course of action.

LWV Beverly Henrandez

The County's Crumbling Infrastructure, From Bridges to Its Own Buildings

"I think it's terrible what's going on with County facilities," noted Callahan, who claimed to have invested millions into Bethlehem's City buildings. He criticized a lack of political will, as well as poor planning. Brown agreed, noting that the County's infrastructure "just has not been a priority." He said the County needs a five year and 10-year plan. "The challenge is how do we pay for it," he asked.

The County's Cadillac Health Plan Could Prove Costly to Taxpayers 

Brown would reach out to the employees and "come up with a solution that is a win win." Callahan stated that the notion of sticking County workers with increased health care costs was both "ill advised" and "jumping the gun." Noting that experts are still divided on the impact of Obamacare, he said it is "too early" to make big changes. He criticized executive John Stoffa's decision to increase healthcare costs to County workers, stating that "you just don't drop a bomb like that on the employees.

Stoffa did reverse himself, so this will be next Executive's problem.

Gracedale Privatization

Neither candidate favors selling Gracedale, the County-owned nursing home. Noting that he signed a pledge to keep Gracedale in County hands on the day he announced his campaign, Callahan suggested that County Council needs to listen more to the recommendations made by Premier, the nursing home's administrator. "We may never break even," he conceded, but said Gracedale is "an obligation we have to the seniors of the County."  Calling the nursing home a "vibrant facility," Brown noted that the home has changed markedly from what it was like many years ago, but the County needs to do a better job of "getting the message out".

Reassessment Not Done Since '95

"Now is not the time," stated Brown, noting the cost would be $8-10 million. Callahan stated it's overdue, but "more stability" is needed in the housing market before taking on a process that will create winners and losers.

NCC President Mark Erickson

Economic Development

"We have not pursued it," complained Brown. "We have to get away from Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, and focus on the rest of the community," argued the Bangor Mayor.

Unlike many County officials, Callahan believes that the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation "is headed in the right direction under Don Cunningham." But the County is not. Noting that the economic development office is located "in the bowels of Northampton County," next to the jail's bullpen, he wondered how that is supposed to attract investment.

He pointed to his own record of economic development in Bethlehem, stating there has been $2 billion invested, resulting in 5,500 jobs.

Do We Need a $6 Million Morgue?

Callahan complained that, no sooner was the ink dry on the bond documents for bridges, that the Coroner announced he needed a $6 million morgue. "It's a case of not having a five year plan," he complained. But he cautioned that a "Taj Mahal of a morgue" may not be needed. Brown called the current morgue "abysmal" and "completely inadequate." He agreed with Callahan that the County needs to have more vision, but stated that it's important to have an appropriate setting for what is "one of the most painful and critical times" for surviving family members.

Regionalism

Callahan supports regionalism, from bi-county health to work release. He called the possibility of sharing work release facilities with Lehigh County a "missed opportunity." Concerning regional public health, Callahan stated that "disease doesn't know municipal boundaries."  Brown supports looking at a bi-county health department, but notes that the health industry has changed and there are clinics everywhere.

Candidates Grill Each Other

After fielding questions from the panel, the leashes were removed and candidates could go after each other.

And they did.

Brown tagged Callahan for ignoring Bethlehem's 12,000 seniors and raising taxes in Bethlehem while giving himself a payraise. Callahan retorted that he made Bethlehem the safest City in the state, produced a surplus for two years in a row and erased the deficit while reducing the City's debt by $100 million.

Brown claimed that Callahan borrowed $17.8 million from the Sewer Authority, forcing people outside Bethlehem to pay for the City's poor fiscal leadership. But Callahan answered that  under his fiscal leadership, the City's credit rating has gone from "neutral" to "positive."

Finally, Brown slammed Callahan over his decision to settle a civil rights case for $7.89 million, but Callahan said it was necessary because the case had become a "huge distraction to our police department" during a "very dark period of time in our history." Noting that Bethlehem is the safest City in the state and one of the top 100 places to live, he argued that "time has shown the wisdom of that decision."

Then Callahan fired back.

Brown was taken to task for allowing a 79-acre brownfield, to be sold to an out-of-state developer, who did a stint in jail for illegal dumping. Brown claimed he opposed the developer.

The Bangor Mayor was also taken to task for accepting $7,650, seven times his annual salary, for a "junket" to Notre Dame "to become a better mayor at a job you never intended to keep." Brown responded that he learned ethics and leadership at the training seminar, and was grateful to Bangor Borough Council for sending him there.

Finally, Callahan hit Brown for public safety failures. Brown fired the police chief in Bangor, never replaced him, and Bangor was excluded from a regional force in the slate belt, according to Callahan. Brown responded that the police department needed a makeover, and the officers there are much happier now and have every other weekend off.

NorCo Council Candidates Will Debate Next Monday

Although it's unclear whether all ten Northampton County Council candidates can make it, Northampton Community College is hosting a debate on Monday, October 28, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the College Center, Room 146. Students and faculty did a great job putting it together, along with the Lehigh Valley LWV.

Angel Diaz, NCC's President of Student Government, will introduce Beverly Hernandez, President of the League of Women Voters of Northampton County.

Dr. John Kincaid, Professor of Government, at Lafayette, will be the moderator.

Clare Polanki, LWV, and Wes Smith, student at NCC, will be the official timekeepers.

NorCo Exec Candidates Mix It Up In Lively LWV Debate

John Callahan

As Northampton Community College's women went after each other in a lacrosse game, three County Executive candidates beat each other with verbal sticks on May 9 during a lively debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters (LWV). Though these hopefuls are by no means as attractive as that group of college co-eds, well over seventy people still enthusiastically watched as verbal blows landed and missed in the third of four scheduled forums. Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan, former NorCo Executive Glenn Reibman and County Council member Lamont McClure, each of whom seeks the Democratic nomination on May 21, left it all on the field, just like the lacrosse players.

Lamont McClure

McClure, as he's done throughout his campaign, stressed his fight to save Gracedale, the County's nursing home, and a pledge not to raise taxes, at least not during his first term in office. He noted that during the Great Recession, he authored a mortgage foreclosure diversion program that allowed 40% of its participants to stay in their homes. He also claimed to have voted to preserve more farmland than any other member of County Council.

Unlike Reibman and McClure, Callahan has no County experience. But he played that as a strength, claiming that he represents change and that voters are yearning for that change. Pointing to over 5,000 jobs in Bethlehem over his ten years as Mayor, he added that the Christmas City has been named one of the "100 best places in America to Live, 100 best places in America to launch a business, and 100 best places in America to raise a family."

Glenn Reibman

Reibman claims he wants to "finish the job" he started during two previous terms as Executive. He referred to a five-point plan that includes job creation and economic development, fiscal responsibility, investments in the criminal justice system, upgraded human services and government transparency.

Moderator John Kincaid, a Government Professor at Lafayette College, posed questions prepared in advance by the LWV as well a queries from the floor.


Gracedale

All candidates agreed that Gracedale should remain county-owned. Reibman insisted the nursing home was profitable when he was Executive, and he would attempt to take on Monroe County's nursing home, Callahan called it the "jewel of the County," and reminded the audience that he announced his candidacy at the nursing home. But McClure countered that Callahan had previously told Gracedale supporters it wasn't his problem, and scoffed at Reibman's suggestion.

"Mr. Reibman has been out of government a long time now," observed McClure, in a refrain he repeated throughout the evening. He said that the County is actually trying to sell 37 bed licenses to put it on a sounder  economic footing.

Taxes

Of the three candidates, only McClure has never voted to raise property taxes, a theme McClure mentioned repeatedly. At one point, McClure asked Callahan to join him in a pledge not to raise taxes. Callahan demurred, calling the suggestion "irresponsible and pandering." Callahan argued that a tax hike is "always a last resort," but "if we want to provide services for residents, we have to pay taxes to do so.

Although Reibman raised taxes 64% during his second term as Executive, he argued that his foresight has saved the County from another tax hike for ten years running. "I have a very good record," he insisted.

Swaption

When the topic turned to the swaption, which had been proposed by Reibman when he was Executive, strange UFO music began playing in the background. That did not help Reibman when he denied responsibility for the $27 million it cost the County.

McClure argued that the County should never have entered into it in the first place, while Callahan noted he rejected several similar financing schemes as Mayor. "That's $27 million into the ether," he complained. "Imagine what we could have done with that!"

Callahan also criticized McClure for dragging his feet on ending it. "He refused to step up with leadership to get out of it," Callahan remarked.

Infrastructure 

Reibman noted that a transportation bill is under consideration in Harrisburg, which could open the door to more funding for roads as well as repairs to the County's 117 bridges. He wants to revisit the "train study," and has suggested an Interchange at Routes 378 and 78.

McClure stated that commercial rail might be more realistic right now than passenger rail, and stated he favored addressing bridge issues "year to year" instead of floating a bind to pay for this infrastructure.

Callahan said bridge repairs are needed now. "We don't have time for 'pay as you go,' he insisted. He believes these kinds of capital improvements should be financed by a bond because payments can be spread out over time."You got to show a little leadership, bite the bullet and get it done," he chastised McClure.

Public Health

McClure explained that, though he supports the concept, he was unwilling to support the bi-county public health proposal because hospitals were unwilling to contribute. Callahan called public health "critically important. Disease knows no boundaries," he observed. But he doubts that Lehigh County has the "political will" for a a regional public health department.

Reibman called the current situation "unacceptable." He claimed the County could form it own public health department or partner with Lehigh County, Monroe County or both of them.

Council Relations   

Fights between Council and the Executive made Northampton County the laughing stock of the Lehigh Valley when Reibman was County Executive, according to Callahan, who noted that Bethlehem has a "long history" of a good working relation between the Mayor and its City Council. Callahan also criticized McClure's style as a Council member. "He wants to sit back and snipe," the Mayor asserted.

McClure, who noted that he "speaks truth to power," pointed out that he authored a Code of Civility. And Reibman blamed the rancorous Council meetings on one person, i.e Ron Angle. "Fortunately, the voters turned him out to pasture," noted Reibman, as a room full of Democrat burst into applause.

Economic Development

Reibman argued that he created the County Department of Community Development, a General Purpose Authority, invested in "all four corners of the County" in a "stimulus before stimulus became popular" and created thousands of jobs. He would like to enlist local schools to begin job training. Calling economic development the "key to the future of Northampton County", Callahan would use every economic development tool in the County's arsenal, from tax incentives to bonds. McClure argued that his no tax-hike pledge is what would attract business to Northampton County. Unlike Reibman and Callahan, McClure would not borrow money and is leery of tax incentives.

McClure Asks Callahan for no tax hike pledge

Candidate Questions 

In addition to being challenged to make a no-tax-hike pledge by McClure, Reibman questioned whether Callahan really created 5,000 jobs in Bethlehem, relying on Labor and Industry data.

"I guess we know who's winning," joked Callahan after being challenged by both of his opponents.

In answer to Reibman's question, Callahan stated that the Sands alone created 2,400 jobs, and another 2,400 jobs were created from new companies coming into LVIP VII.  

Callahan asked McClure about his claim to have voted to preserve more open space than any other Council member when he voted against the tax hike that funded the program. McClure responded that he had a way to pay for it without a tax hike.

After ninety minutes, LWVs Joan Dean called it a night. "Democracy works when everyone participates," she concluded, thanking both the candidates and the audience.