Lehigh County Considers Adding Independent to Elections Board

Every Pennsylvania county has a board of elections or elections commission, whose job is to administer elections each year. In NorCo, the elections commission consists of three members of the majority party and two members of the minority party. In Lehigh, the elections board consists of the county executive or his designee, one member of the majority party and one member of the minority party. If he is up for re-election or running for another office, the President Judge appoints someone to replace him, but that person must be from the same party as the executive. 

In both counties, the elections board is designed to give the majority party the deciding vote. This bothered Sarah Fevig, a newly elected Lehigh County Commissioner. So she went to work, drafting and researching a proposed change to Lehigh County's Home Rule Charter that will add an independent voter to the board. That way, the ability of the major parties to politicize the elections process will be minimized. A measure like this, which requires the assent of voters in a county-wide referendum, could also help restore faith in the integrity of our elections.  

Fevig gave a detailed explanation of her rationale at a committee meeting on Wednesday. She proposes  modernizing the county’s election governance structure to better reflect current demographic, political, and institutional realities. Lehigh's Home Rule Charter, established in 1978 and last updated in 1986, provides for a three-member board: the county executive and one representative from each major political party. She believes this results in a partisan majority and presents potential conflicts of interest, particularly when the executive must recuse himself as a candidate.

She added that there's been significant changes over time—including substantial population growth, an increase in independent voters, and evolving national concerns about election integrity. She suggests that her proposal establishes a more balanced and representative system.

Under her proposal, the election board would expand from three to five members. It would include two representatives from each of the two largest political parties, but importantly, would add one representative from the third-largest affiliation. Currently, this would result in two Democrats, two Republicans, and one independent member. It would eliminate any single-party majority and introduce a broader range of perspectives.

The independent member would have to be someone who has been registered as an independent for two years.

Current elected officials and candidates would be unable to serve on the board, aiming to reduce political influence and conflicts of interest. Political parties could still nominate candidates, but residents would also be able to apply and participate in interviews for board positions.

The Board of Commissioners to remove members for cause if they fail to properly fulfill their duties. Furthermore, the county executive (or designee) would continue to participate as a non-voting, ex officio member, ensuring coordination between the election board and the county administration without exerting direct control.

Lehigh County is indisputably blue, so as a political matter, why would Democrats support this change? Fevig, several Democratic Commissioners like Dan Hartzell and Geoff Brace, offered their support. It was even supported by Exec Josh Siegel. They argue this reform will strengthen public trust in elections by ensuring fairness, transparency, and shared responsibility across political lines. Particular attention was given to the growing number of independent voters and the importance of including their representation in election oversight.

The next step is to present this proposal as a ballot measure for voters to consider in November, allowing the public to directly decide whether to adopt the new system.

This is perhaps the best piece of legislation I've seen in county government in recent years. Northampton County should consider a similar measure. 

LC Exec Josh Siegel Wants to Expand His Office at Expense of Cedarbrook and Jail

Lehigh County Executive Josh Siegel wants to expansion his office at the expense of Cedarbrook (Lehigh County's nursing home) and the jail. 

He wants to add four positions "to strengthen leadership capacity, enhance communications, and improve intergovernmental coordination while maintaining overall fiscal responsibility." These four positions are a multimedia specialist, a communications manager, a chief of staff and a community and intergovernmental liaison. His supporting memo claims these will cost $386,566, although it's unclear to me whether this figure is just salary or salary plus benefits. 

He will pay for these positions by eliminating eight existing positions at Cedarbrook and the county jail. These are 2 LPNs, 3 CNAs, 2 corrections officers and 1 treatment case manager. who are budgeted at $417,656, including salary and benefits. These positions are currently unfilled. 

This will save taxpayers $31,100, but is it really in the best interests of Lehigh County to eliminate positions that take care of our elderly and who protect us from people the courts have decided to confine behind bars?

Commissioner Ron Beitler noted that the Chief of Staff position was actually eliminated in 2014 because it was considered both an unnecessary cost and too political in nature. 

Beitler opposes Siegel's changes. "In passing former Executive Armstrong's 2026 budget, our Board of Commissioners paid for Nurses, Caseworkers and Corrections Officers, not a Chief of Staff to do the Executive's job or a Multimedia Specialist to create County TikTok videos," he said.

Siegel's proposal requires at least one Commissioner sponsor before it can be considered by the Board. But he's already filled two of the positions at least temporarily. He's hired Hillary Kleinz, his long-time campaign manager, as his $92,000 Chief of Staff. And Dan Sheehan, a former reporter with both The Morning Call and Express Times, is his pick for communications. 

Siegel responded to Beitler's concerns by calling him a "partisan obstructionist" though Beitler is actually registered Independent. He told WFMZ-TV69 that previous Lehigh County administrations (Phil Armstrong, Tom Muller, Don Cunningham) "were caretaker administrations that had no energy, no ideas, no vision for the county."

He hopes all nine Commissioners support his power grab. He'll find out Wednesday.

LC Exec Josh Siegel: Republicans "Maniacally Evil and Cruel"

Recently, both NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski and LehCo Exec Josh Siegel have requested local developers to decline selling any space to the federal government for immigration detention centers. I share the sentiment. But there's a difference in the way these two Execs went about this. Zrinski shared an open letter and asked people to sign on to it. Siegel, on the other hand, stupidly recruited the very elected officials who might need to weigh in on zoning matters and hopelessly compromised them.  And now, another difference. Zrinski has actually opened the County's Facebook page even though it means she will be trolled by partisan Republicans. She recognizes that she represents everyone, even thos  who oppose her. Siegel, on the other hand, has missed that lesson. Just as Donald Trump bashes Democrats as evil in his attempt to ruin democracy, Siegel is doing the same to Republicans.

On his County Exec Facebook page, Siegel posted this: "The Republican Party is an anti-democratic, authoritarian party that relies on racism, zero sum politics and divide and conquer strategies to win power. It thoroughly rejects free and fair elections, corrupts the judicial system and uses the levers of government to enrich the Epstein class at our expense. They’re cutting healthcare, public education, food stamps, funding for seniors and veterans. They’re manically evil and cruel."

I completely disagree with the Trump's brand of Republicanism, and suspect many Republicans are just as tired as I am of him. But to call Republicans "manically evil and cruel" is itself manically evil and cruel. What Siegel fails to see is that he is an anti-democratic authoritarian himself. 

I have Republican neighbors, Republican friends and even a Republican brother. Most of them are actually better persons than I am. Even my brother. He admitted to me last night that he really is "maniacally evil and cruel," and he is, but he's still nicer than me. 

In addition to disparaging Republican, Siegel at Wednesday night's meeting of Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners promoted some goofy resolution that can be boiled down to three words '"We hate Trump." It had nothing to do with county business but eventually passed in a 5-4 vote. 

My evil Republican brother, who has somehow duped Chair Geoff Brace into thinking he is a reincarnation of Bobby Kennedy, offered this argument against the resolution: 

Our county commissioners are all well aware of the core functions of county government - operating the jail, delivering public health initiatives, maintaining county roads and bridges and utilities, record keeping, elections, administration, land use and planning, the 911 center, tax collections, unfortunately, for all of us.

Many or most of these functions are administered by the executive branch, headed right now by Mr. Siegel. 

The recently passed capital plan identifies problems and projects, such as $15 million in needed Cedarbook renovations; $10 million needed for roads and bridges; $9 million for critical maintenance and security upgrades at the county jail ; $12 million needed for parks and trails and much, much more in that plan.

We heard tonight that the county is facing critical staffing shortages in its 911 center and the jail.

I read that the county has an F in air quality and increased pollution going into the Lehigh River, mostly due to, they think, warehousing.

There are over 50 farms on the waiting list for farmland preservation.

Recently, last week, I read the county was sued for a wrongful death at the Leigh County Prison.

Supposedly, as a result of inferior health care delivery.

Somehow, there was an unpaid bill for office space (DHS) that went unnoticed for three years. Amounting to over $100,000. Until the controller very zealously, piously, but mostly politically, brought it to our attention.

I also know that there's a crisis at the seed farm, but I'm not really, I really don't know what that means, but I've heard and read about it.

All this to do, and our executive seems to have time to interfere with other jurisdictions, telling them who and who they should not support and be selling to, seems to have time to gather signatures from other elected officials about ideology.

Recently, two days ago, the Lehigh County Executive Facebook page from February 8th, refers to members of the Republican Party as maniacally evil and cruel, among other things. He calls Republicans, racists, anti-democratic, and other things that seem totally detached from reality.

Yet the one Lehigh platform of candidate Siegel, calls for an "everybody together, no one left out" strategy.

What is it?

Can a leopard change its spots?

It's time for an executive to decide whether he wants to be a candidate for the next office, an activist standing on the streets of downtown, yelling, F the police, or do the job he was elected to do for all the citizens of Lehigh County.

I appreciate all of you.

I'm praying for all of us, and I hope the best for everybody in Leigh County.

Commissioner Ron Beitler, who used to be a maniacally evil Republican but now is an Independent, said the next day that "[e]ach Commissioner can and should use individual platforms to speak on issues outside county government as we see fit. ... But our collective platform? We should focus on the things residents elect us to do. We have 15 elected officials in county government. Some of the more sober roles on the administrative front line. We're service providers. Often for our most vulnerable. We're not playactors staging ideological theater in a distant chamber like so many career politicians. "

We're doing that. Before you go on, your voice for the last 30 seconds struck me like Bobby Kennedy. I don't know why, but you had some kind of Bobby Kennedy cadence going on. Continue! I don't know if that's good or bad.

I was to tell my dad.

All right, our county commissioners are all… they're well aware of the core functions of county government.

Operating the jail, delivering public health initiatives, maintaining county roads and bridges and utilities, record keeping, elections administration, land use and planning, the 911 center.

tax collections, unfortunately, for all of us. Many or most of these are administered by… these functions are administered by the executive branch, headed right now by Mr. Siegel.

We're doing that. Before you go on, your voice for the last 30 seconds struck me like Bobby Kennedy. I don't know why, but you had some kind of Bobby Kennedy cadence going on. Continue! I don't know if that's good or bad.

I was to tell my dad.

All right, our county commissioners are all… they're well aware of the core functions of county government.

Operating the jail, delivering public health initiatives, maintaining county roads and bridges and utilities, record keeping, elections administration, land use and planning, the 911 center.

tax collections, unfortunately, for all of us. Many or most of these are administered by… these functions are administered by the executive branch, headed right now by Mr. Siegel.

We're doing that. Before you go on, your voice for the last 30 seconds struck me like Bobby Kennedy. I don't know why, but you had some kind of Bobby Kennedy cadence going on. Continue! I don't know if that's good or bad.

I was to tell my dad.

All right, our county commissioners are all… they're well aware of the core functions of county government.

Operating the jail, delivering public health initiatives, maintaining county roads and bridges and utilities, record keeping, elections administration, land use and planning, the 911 center.

tax collections, unfortunately, for all of us. Many or most of these are administered by… these functions are administered by the executive branch, headed right now by Mr. Siegel.

We're doing that. Before you go on, your voice for the last 30 seconds struck me like Bobby Kennedy. I don't know why, but you had some kind of Bobby Kennedy cadence going on. Continue! I don't know if that's good or bad.

I was to tell my dad.

All right, our county commissioners are all… they're well aware of the core functions of county government.

Operating the jail, delivering public health initiatives, maintaining county roads and bridges and utilities, record keeping, elections administration, land use and planning, the 911 center.

tax collections, unfortunately, for all of us. Many or most of these are administered by… these functions are administered by the executive branch, headed right now by Mr. Siegel.

Does LC's New Exec, Aided by Controller and Congressional Wannabe, Really Want to End Human Trafficking Taskforce?

When he was running for Lehigh County Exec, Josh Siegel attempted to portray himself as a moderate who has matured and who no longer participates in "Fuck the Police" rallies and who no longer doxes mayors. Now that he's in office, he's dropped the charade. He and his Bobbsey twin, Lehigh County Controller and Congressional candidate Mark Pinsley, called a press conference to announce that they were evicting ICE from office space in a Lehigh County building. Siegel said he was evicting them and "would not accept their blood money." Pinsley crowed, "We're going to deport ICE." Sounds good. I don't like ICE myself. Except what these two maroons are really doing is putting an end to a task force that investigates human trafficking out of those county offices. 

These are the same two dumbasses who wanted to give you both an increased sales tax and a county income tax.    

Commissioner Ron Beitler, unlike either Siegel or his sidekick, offers this insight into what really is going on.

Lehigh County was in the news today following a hastily assembled press event by the County Controller. Commissioners were notified only shortly before it occurred.

Before I get into what happened, I want to be clear about where I am coming from. I consider myself politically independent. I do not operate with a team mentality and I believe that shows in my posts. I try to start with 2 things. First, a factual foundation for decision making. Second, advocacy for what I believe is in the best interest of Lehigh County. Period. That approach does not always fit neatly into partisan boxes.

Today, the Controller and County Executive called for the immediate eviction of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from county owned office space in Allentown, asserting that a federal agency has occupied the space for years without a fully executed lease or rent payments.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺. 𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by Homeland Security Investigations on October 31, 2022. It was passed unanimously by a Democrat majority and signed into law by a Democrat executive. This was before the current political environment surrounding immigration enforcement.

The intent was for the office to work closely with the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement, particularly on investigations involving human trafficking and other serious crimes. Much of this productive collaboration has been driven by our world class County Regional Intelligence Center.

Today, nothing has changed with the scope of work occurring in that office space. It remains a human trafficking task force. Critically important work. 𝗜𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗜𝗖𝗘.

How do I know this? I picked up the phone and called the District Attorney and asked. Apparently neither the Controller nor the County Executive took the time to do the same. That is disappointing. Our District Attorney, who is well respected across the aisle, confirmed that the original intent of the agreement is being fulfilled and that the work being done there is exactly what it is supposed to be.

𝗦𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲?

There is a legitimate issue that needs to be addressed. The lease and payment process stalled due to unresolved signature authority issues on the DHS side, which caused the MOU and subsequent lease to languish in the County Department of Law. That happens. Anyone who has dealt with intergovernmental agreements knows these issues can take time to resolve. This was a bureaucratic issue stemming on the fed side. DHS has indicated an intent to pay outstanding amounts once a fully executed agreement is in place. 𝗜 𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘀𝗼.

𝗪𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵.

This situation is being framed as something it is not. What we are dealing with is a federal bureaucratic failure and a stalled lease process, NOT an ICE operation in a county building and NOT a change in the work being done in that space. Conflating the two misleads residents and undermines trust in county government.

We deserve better than press release driven opportunism. We owe residents facts, coordination among elected officials, and decisions rooted in those facts rather than political theater. In today’s environment, careless implications about what is happening inside county facilities, especially when untrue, can inflame tensions and put people at risk.

Furthermore evicting the DHS from this county building is NOT evicting ICE (they aren't operating out of the building). It is evicting a critically important human trafficking task force. To think politicians would put that relationship at risk to score political points is.... well sad. I can't think of another way to put it. This whole thing is sad.

I don't do theater. Above is my understanding of this issue.

What questions do you have? I will do my best to answer them.

***𝘛𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘕𝘖𝘛 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘐𝘊𝘌. 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘶𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭***

Readers of this blog know I think ICE is totally out of control. Just today, I viewed a news account about off-duty police officers who are American citizens being targeted by ICE in the Minneapolis area simply because of their skin color. 

But leave it to Siegel and Pinsley to make ICE look good.  

UPDATED: Following the Money - Sam Elias Has More Grassroots Support than Anyone in NorCo Races

I've written about the campaign finances of the five Democrats running for NorCo Council. Five Republicans are in the hunt, too. What about their campaign finance reports? I'll start with Sam Elias, a Bethlehem police officer seeking office for the first time. His job alone makes him popular. So does his Lebanese heritage. There are only about 700 Lebanese families in the county, but they are very vocal and very persuasive.  Sam's report (you can see it here) reveals that he's raised more money, not counting in-kinds, than any of the other County Council candidates. Moreover, he's received more of the smaller ($250 or less) donations than any of the candidates running, including Tara Zrinski. Does this mean he's going to win? No, but it is a very positive sign.

According to his report, Elias started with $2432.52 in June and raised $17,775.00 through June 20, giving him a total warchest of $20,207.52. He's kept $12,164.26 for the final push, which makes sense because many Republicans and independents wait to vote until election day. 

He received $2,000 in donations of $50 or less, and $9,825 in 73 individual contributions of $250 or less. That's two more than Tara Zrinski, who's leading the charge for county Dems as the Exec candidate. 

Elias was the top vote getter in the Republican primary, and I think it is highly likely he wins a seat on Council.  

Updated 9:35 am: In my original version, I reported some large contributions that actually went to another candidate, not Elias. He actually rejected a contribution from the realtors because of their affiliation with and endorsement of Josh Siegel, whose anti-police rhetoric was a staple of his agenda as a member of Allentown City Council. 

Josh Siegel Should Think Twice Before Attacking Allentown's Former Top Cop

Lehigh County Exec candidate Joshua Siegel likes to tell anyone who will listen that he's outgrown his immaturity and has learned from previous mistakes that include participating in night rallies that chant, "F--- the Police!" They also include voting No to grants for Allentown's police. But one of his more recent ads indicates that Siegel has learned nothing. The man who wants to "F--- the police" and who wanted to burden you with both a sales and county income tax is claiming that his opponent, Roger MacLean, "failed to keep us safe" as Allentown's top cop back in 2010. 

Back then, Siegel was still living in Jersey and attending Phillipsburg High School. So there is no "us." 

If Siegel wants to know who has failed to keep Allentonians safe, all he needs to do is look in a mirror.

Allentown Truth, Molovinsky, Siegel and Eddie "Cares" Aviles

I'm ashamed to say that I completely missed the existence of an Allentown-specific blog until this past weekend, when it was brought to my attention by Attorney Nathan Thurm. The blog? Allentown Truth. The blogger? He's anonymous but calls himself Honest Abe. I have linked to him and want to draw attention to one of his recent stories. 

Let me give you the background.

Recently, LC Exec candidate Josh Siegel blasted both his GOP opponent, Roger MacLean. and LV Congressman Ryan Mackenzie because they recently posed in a group photo that included a fellow named Eddie (Eduardo) Aviles. He was apparently canvassing neighborhoods with them.  It's unclear to me whether MacLean or Mackenzie know anything about him. 

Frankly, from what I've seen of him on his Eddie Cares Aviles Facebook page, he's different. I've seen unhinged Facebook lives from him bashing Promise Neighborhoods, an Allentown nonprofit that feeds off white guilt for funds that have done nothing to improve the lives of anyone, excepting two-time convicted felon Hasshan Batts. I can no longer locate those emotional Lives, but WFMZ-TV69 did cover his mini-war against Batts. He fancies himself a champion of the tired, the poor, the homeless, the unwashed, the huddled masses, the refuse of society. Kinda' like an Allentown Statue of Liberty. But I don't know enough about him to reach any conclusion other than that he's failing. That's no dig at him. It happens with everyone, whether it is some well-funded nonprofit, a local government throwing cash this way and that, or even the well-meaning members of a church. 

But Eddie Cares Aviles has a tendency to let his emotions take over and gets in trouble as a result. Charges include disorderly conduct, fighting, accusations of terroristic threats (always dismissed) and possession of a small amount of marijuana. Siegel cited these in a Facebook post. He also linked to a WFMZ-TV69 news article published back in 2013, when he allegedly punched his girlfriend. Interestingly, this charge no longer appears on the state website for criminal cases, so those charges may have been expunged. 

The day after this group photo, Aviles was arrested again and charged by Allentown's constabulary with terroristic threats, disorderly conduct (fighting) and, of all things, jaywalking. Bail was set at $10,000 (10%), but Eddie was sprung by a professional bondsman. A preliminary hearing is pending. 

This was all red meat to Josh Siegel, who thought nothing of marching with convicted felon Hasshan Batts in Allentown Streets and even doxed Allentown's Mayor for the amusement of thugs who called and threatened to burn down his house. 

According to Siegel, "this isn’t new — Aviles has a violent history, is deeply unstable, and even harassed the Mayor of Allentown into needing security.

Yet MacLean and Mackenzie still chose to walk beside him.

They knew who he was.

They still showed up with him.

Because this is who they are:

✅ The GOP wants control over women’s bodies.

✅ They protect abusers and predators.

✅ And now, they walk door-to-door with a man who has a violent past and a fresh arrest.

Enough is enough.

So sayeth the man who walked the streets of Allentown in the middle of the night with abusers and predators to chants of "Fuck the Police."

Needless to say, both Honest Abe and Michael Molovinsky take a dim view of Siegel's slurs. Molovinsky writes, Eddie now gets into what John Lewis used to call good trouble. Standing up for the homeless won't lose votes with most people.

Of course, a GoFundMe has been started for Edie Cares, calling him "a hero who protects us all." According to the GoFundMe, "While peacefully advocating for housing justice, Eddie was arrested and now faces legal charges — nuisance, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct, and jaywalking. Some of the tents and supplies meant for unhoused people were discarded in the process. Eddie cannot carry the resulting legal expenses alone." It has raised $50.

Following the Money: Last Minute $ Pours into NorCo Exec Race

Under Pa. campaign finance law, contributions or pledges of $500 or more that are made between the date of the PrePrimary campaign finance report (May 4) and election day (May 20) must be reported. 

In the NorCo Exec race, Tara Zrinski reports having received $5,000 from Exec Lamont McClure. This is in addition to $5,000 he previously gave her. She also received $2,000 from Lehigh County Exec candidate Josh Siegel. Finally, she accepted $1,000 total from Michael and Don Corriere. Michael is an assistant county solicitor. She also raked in $5,000 from IUOE. 

Amy Cozze took in $1,000 from a D.C. - based PAC calling itself "We invest in Lives and Dreams."  According to Open Secrets, that PAC is associated with Susan Wild.  She also accepted $500 from Bethlehem Attorney John Fruend, $500 from Liz Kelly (NorCo's former Humans Resources Director) and $1,000 from Wild supporter Murat Guzel

Josh Siegel - Lehigh County's Disgraceful Yet Unopposed Democratic Candidate for Executive

It's no surprise that Josh Siegel, who has referred to himself as both "visionary" and a "life coach," would want to be Lehigh County's next Executive. What is surprising, however, is that he faces no opposition from within his own party. And unless Republicans get their shit together, he'll be elected hands down in an increasingly blue county. 

Here's a reminder of how he behaved as a member of Allentown City Council:

On July 11, 2020 an incident involving Edward Borrero, Jr. and members of the Allentown Police took place outside St.Luke's Hospital Sacred Heart Campus. As a result of a 23 second video surrounding the incident taken by a passerby, a mob protested that very night. It included Councilperson Joshua Siegel, who made baseless allegations of police brutality aimed at Allentown Police and demanded defunding of the police. 

Councilperson Siegel not only participated in the protests, but also engaged in blocking streets on July 11-12, causing motorists to make illegal U-turns, causing drivers to drive the wrong direction on roadways; placing them at risk of striking other vehicles and innocent pedestrians.

During mob protests that occurred on July 11-12, Councilperson Joshua Siegel provided the Mayor’s personal cell phone number to an already angry mob. As a result, Mayor Ray O'Connell was deluged with numerous calls over a period of several days. Moreover, Mayor O'Connell was exposed to potential violence. One unidentified person told Mayor O'Connell, “I know where you live and I like flames.” 

Councilperson Joshua Siegel's willingness to dox the Mayor, combined with his demand for the names of the officers involved in the July 11 incident, results in a greater likelihood of ambush-style attacks on Allentown police.

During the mob protests that occurred July 11-12, Councilperson Joshua Siegel was heard by several people shouting “F--- the police;” although he denies this accusation. 

In an effort to be transparent, Allentown Police Chief Glenn Granitz conducted an internal review of the July 11 interaction and also requested District Attorney Jim Martin to conduct his own independent investigation; and

On July13, Chief Glenn Granitz publicly released a nine-minute video of the July 11 incident involving Edward Borrero, Jr. and members of the Allentown Police that took place outside St.Luke's Hospital Sacred Heart Campus. It showed Borrero vomiting multiple times, dropping his cellphone and staggering on the street, presenting a danger to himself and others. It shows two police officers at the hospital on an unrelated matter placing a spit mask on Borrero for the safety of medical personnel.

On July 15, 2020 a Regular Scheduled City Council Meeting was held virtually, inside Allentown City Council Chambers. During the meeting, protesters gathered in a courtyard located between the Allentown Police Department and City Hall. During the entire meeting, protesters banged on windows and used a megaphone in an attempt to disrupt the meeting. After the meeting, Councilperson Joshua Siegel joined the group in the courtyard and participated in a bow to Edward Borrero, Jr. who was arrested by the Allentown Police on charges of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Disorderly Conduct – Engaging Fighting and Public Drunkenness, Councilperson Siegel publicly apologized to Mr. Borerro, undermining the Allentown Police Department.

On July 17, after investigation, both District Attorney Jim Martin and Chief Granitz concluded separately that there was no basis for believing that criminal action or disciplinary measures were warranted against the officers involved with Borrero.

At a July 29 meeting of Allentown City Council, Councilperson Joshua Siegeal admitted to publicly releasing Mayor O'Connell's private contact information to an angry mob. “I f---ed up,” he vulgarly acknowledged.

At that very meeting, Councilperson Joshua Siegel told his colleagues, "I am not a hypocrite. ... I respect you as my colleagues. I respect you as professionals who I will work with. ... I want to be your friend." 

Just three days later, in an online meeting on August 1 with “allies” of the Black Lives Matter movement, Councilperson Joshua Siegel publicly disparaged other members of City Council by stating they “clearly don't either have a conscience or frankly don't care and they're fine with continuing to have police officers put their knees on the necks of Allentown citizens. They're fine with continuing to maintain an institution of policing that at its very core is designed to oppress people of poverty and people of color and keep them silenced and on the streets and keep them from speaking their minds.“ 

If Lehigh County voters have any sense at all, and they increasingly prove they don't, they will hold their noses and vote for the GOP nominee in November. 

Before You Vote, It Might Help to Watch Some Debates

Lehigh Valley News has already hosted a debate between Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk and his Democratic rival, City Council member Ed Zucal.  Tuerk was obviously the more polished of the two, and I suspect that Zucal has already conceded his loss in the primary and is hoping to get enough write-in votes on the GOP side so he can take the race into November. While that might be a good strategy in some of the more purple municipalities, Allentown is by far the most Democratic-heavy jurisdiction in the Lehigh Valley. Zucal has already lost this race. 

Fortunately, there will be more debates in the coming days:

April 28: Bethlehem Mayoral primary debate between incumbent Mayor Willie Reynolds and City Council member Grace Crampsie Smith. 

April 30: NorCo Executive primary debate between Controller Tara Zrinski and Amy Cozze. The winner of this race will face Republican Tom Giovanni in November. 

May 7: Lehigh County Exec primary debate between Mike Welsh and Roger MacLean. The winner of that race will square off against Democrat Josh Siegel in November.  

If the past is any indication, what is going on nationally is going to have a huge impact on the general election. 

The debates will be posted at Lehigh Valley News' Facebook page as well as PBS39 Youtube channel. 

Lehigh County GOP Exec Candidates to Debate Thursday Night

Brad Osborne is a radio host who formerly served as a Lehigh County Comm'r and was once the GOP standard bearer in the Executive race. So it's safe to say he understands county government. He'll be hosting a debate Thursday night for GOP Exec candidates Roger MacLean and Mike Welsh. The debate is open to the public and will run about an hour, starting at 7 pm. 

It will take place at Lehigh Valley Active Life, 1633 Elm Street, Allentown, Pa. 

The winner of this race will face Josh Siegel, who is running unopposed on the Democratic side. 

Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley Hosts Political Rally Disguised as Educational Town Hall

Lehigh County Controller Mrk Pinsley has never failed to use his office for political purposes. He did it when he waded into Lehigh County's jail system with misleading information about the money charged for phone calls. He did it again when he and Exec wannabe Josh Siegel suggested a sales and county income tax double whammy to fund the "creative economy," whatever that is. And yet again when, like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, he marched parents into both counties to claim they are victims of wrongful child abuse claims.  He's learned nothing from his misjudgment. Yesterday, he hosted what was supposed to be a town hall at Lehigh County's meeting room to discuss the possible impacts of federal spending cuts, even though no one knows what the hell they are. What was billed as an educational town hall was actually a political rally. That's according to my brother Mike O'Hare, an evil Republican, who happened to attend. I dislike Trump and his policies just about as much as Pinsley, but believe government resources should be used for government, not politics. 

Here's my brother's report: 

Lehigh County controller Mark Pinsley held a "Town Hall" yesterday to discuss the effects of Federal Government budget negotiations on Medicaid-at the County level.

After 45 minutes of Trump/Mackenzie bashing, he publicly admitted that he had no real or concrete information about any budget cuts. 

Mr Pinsley did have some good and interesting information about county operations, but his presentation was more of a campaign rally than a town hall. It was clearly partisan. 

Even worse was the clearly biased presentation by Mr. Dwayne J Heisler from Penn Policy. He spent time talking about the 2017 "tax scam" and handing out flyers about "Trump's giveaway to corporations and the ultra-rich". 

There would certainly be no problem with this event if it was held in a non government location, but this was held on a workday in the public hearing room of the Lehigh County Government Center. Wrong!

There were handouts, room setup/ teardown, and A/V support all provided at county expense. Very Wrong!  Maybe the controller should investigate himself. 

Does the County executive know what's going on in the government center? Seems like he's AWOL. 

Mr. Pinsley, controller, promised more "town halls". If so, he should stop all the partisan rhetoric or move them to a non government location. 

Former Top Cop Roger MacLean Announces Candidacy For Lehigh County Executive

(From Roger MacLean's Campaign) ALLENTOWN, PA — Former Allentown Police Chief and City Council President Roger MacLean, a lifelong Allentown resident and dedicated public servant, announced his candidacy for Lehigh County Executive, seeking the Republican nomination.

"Serving Allentown has provided me with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our county," said MacLean. "As Lehigh County Executive, I will leverage this experience to ensure effective governance and uphold the values that make our community strong." MacLean served 39 years with the Allentown Police Department, where he rose through the ranks from cadet to chief, managing a staff of over 200 officers and a $30 million budget. Following his retirement from the police force, he worked for the District Attorney’s Office at the James B. Martin Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center for ten years and served four years on Allentown City Council, including two as President. A proven fiscal conservative, MacLean has consistently fought to protect taxpayers. As a City Council member, he voted against a 26% tax increase and opposed the establishment of a stormwater fee.

MacLean is a staunch advocate for farmland preservation, recognizing the critical role agriculture plays in the county’s heritage and economy. He is committed to protecting farmland from overdevelopment and opposes the proliferation of unnecessary warehouses, noting the large, vacant facilities already sitting unused. Instead, MacLean supports thoughtful, strategic development aligned with the county’s long-term needs. “Lehigh County is at a pivotal moment,” MacLean added. “We must balance growth with preserving our community’s character and values. I’ve done that throughout my career, and I’ll continue that mission as County Executive.”

MacLean holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice from DeSales University. A proud grandfather of two, with a third grandchild on the way, he attends Bethany United Methodist Church in Wescosville and remains deeply connected to the community.

"I am seeking the Republican nomination because I believe in time-tested conservative principles: responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, personal accountability, and common-sense solutions that foster growth while preserving our community’s unique character," said MacLean. "I’m ready to lead with integrity, transparency, and a deep respect for the values that unite and strengthen Lehigh County."

Roger MacLean’s decades of public service, deep understanding of governance, and unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility make him uniquely qualified to serve as Lehigh County Executive. He invites the community to join his campaign to build a stronger, more prosperous county for generations to come.

Blogger's Note: MacLean joins Justin Simmons and Mike Welsh in seeking the Republican nod for Lehigh County Exec. The winner of that race will face Democrat Josh Siegel in November.

Republican Mike Welsh to Run for LC Exec

FROM MIKE WELSH CAMPAIGN (Allentown, PA) Today, Mike Welsh, a longtime Lehigh County resident and small business owner announced his candidacy for Lehigh County Executive.

“It’s an honor to step up to represent the County that I have had the privilege of calling home,” said Welsh. “Lehigh County has given me incredible opportunities — it’s where I’ve raised my family, run a small business, and served my community both in and out of office. Now, as our county grapples with new challenges and faces an uncertain future, it’s time for a steady hand and strong leadership.

“I know how to fight on behalf of residents and taxpayers. When I served as one of the few conservatives on the Allentown School Board, I fought against tax increases and wasteful spending while also working with both sides to get things done for students. And as a small business owner, I know the challenges that taxpayers and working families are facing in our county. I’m looking forward to fighting tax increases, supporting our local law enforcement, ending our status as a sanctuary county, and restoring common sense to the Lehigh County government.”

Welsh also highlighted another critical factor in this race: keeping Lehigh County out of the hands of out-of-touch, left-wing radicals.

“Make no mistake, Josh Siegel is an extremist, an opportunist, and a danger to the people of Lehigh County,” said Welsh. “This career politician has run for five offices in seven years, only ever completing a single two-year term in the process. In between running for office, he’s amassed a record of supporting a myriad of far left positions. He has supported over $100,000,000 million in new taxes on Lehigh County residents, sending social workers to respond to 911 calls, ‘decolonizing the education system,’ and defunding the police. Josh Siegel has no business running the government of Lehigh County.

Mike Welsh is originally from Paoli, Pennsylvania and is a 1985 graduate of DeSales University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management. Welsh has had a near 40 year career in insurance 21 years with Liberty Mutual Insurance in Allentown and for the last 11 years as owner of AC Thompson Insurance in Allentown.

Welsh is a former Allentown School Board Director with a proven record of fighting for fiscal responsibility with a focus on providing the best outcomes for ASD Students. Welsh is the past board president of the Liberty Bell Shrine Museum and the Allentown Flag Day Association. Welsh has been active in the DeSales University Alumni for many years and is a member of the St Catharine of Siena Cathedral Choir in Allentown for over 30 years. Welsh resides in Allentown with his wife Nancy, also a 1985 graduate of DeSales University. They have 3 children and are proud to call Allentown home.

Blogger's Note: Welsh has a primary opponent, Justin Simmons. Now that Welsh has announced, Simmons should back out of this race.

Former State Rep. Justin Simmons to Run For Lehigh County Exec

Former State Rep. Justin Simmons announced yesterday that he is seeking the Republican nomination for Lehigh County Exec. He probably will have company. Former Allentown City Council member Roger MacLean is reportedly also seeking the GOP nod. 

The winner of that race will take on State Rep. Joshua Siegel, who has previously announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination. 

“I have a proven pro-taxpayer record of fighting for common-sense ideas and needed government reforms that I will bring to Lehigh County’s government.” Simmons explains.  “I’m a common-sense person.  I think County Government can do more with less.  This I can promise you…As your County Executive, I will never sign a budget that increases taxes, I will always support our law enforcement, and I will keep local zoning decisions where they belong…. with locally elected municipal officials.” 

After spending 5 years in the private sector and successfully overcoming health issues that his previous opponents used as political fodder against him because he missed some time to seek treatment for his health, Simmons is now determined more than ever to give Lehigh County residents a new pro-taxpayer voice they deserve.  

Expect County Exec Announcements This Week

Earlier this month, I told you of rumors wafting through Northampton County Courthouse halls that County Exec Lamont McClure had decided against seeking a third term. This would be contrary to what he told radio host Brad Osborne when he appeared on his radio show on December 11. But that was then. Since that time, he has declined to declare his intentions. I believe his silence will come to an end this week, possibly on Wednesday. 

There is little doubt in my mind that he's stepping aside. As I explained a few weeks ago, a citizen plebiscite limiting an executive to two terms weighs on his mind even though it has no application to him. If nothing else, it would be a ready-made issue for his opponents. His future intentions are unknown. He has reactivated his law license, so he might just want to return to the practice of law. 

So who will be running, if not him?

State Senator Lisa Boscola was rumored to be running. She often likes to tell people that she wants to run and has been doing that for at least the past decade. This time around, she seemed more serious as she made several calls to local politicos. I'll believe it when I see it. As a State Senator, she lives a fairly carefree life. She can be at the country club pool by noon most days. Moreover, she gets no scrutiny from Harrisburg reporters. I can guarantee that would change if she decided to run for Executive. She would be under a magnifying glass, as she should be. If she decided to get drunk and put on an embarrassing display at Larry Holmes' recent birthday bash, I would be reporting it. I doubt she wants the kind of scrutiny she deserves.

So if not her, who? 

Democrats apparently have talked Tara Zrinski, the Kenny Pickett of NorCo Dems, into running and against her own will. She is doing a fine job as Controller and would have liked to have avoided the rat race of another campaign just one year after being elected. She knows she will be painted as an opportunist who runs for every job that comes along.  She would do better to follow her own instincts than listen to other politicos like McClure and Boscola, who assure her she can win. 

If that's what they think, they should put their money where their mouths are and give her sizable campaign donations so she can mount a campaign. That has historically been her major weakness. 

If Tara decides this really is bad for her own political future, which it is, then who?

There's the Tanner McKee of NorCo Dems, Steve Barron. He has thrown no passes for a few years, so he could actually be more like Carson Wentz. I think Steve is quite happy where he is. 

What about Republicans? Do they have a candidate? I am told they do and that I should expect an announcement on Wednesday. 

What about Lehigh County? We know that State Rep. Josh "Fuck the Police" Siegel is running on the Dem side and is amazingly unopposed. On the GOP side, I expect either or both former State Rep. Justin Simmons and former Allentown City Council member Roger MacLean to announce. 

Siegel Definitely Running For LeHi Co Exec

Earlier this month, I told you that State Rep. Josh Siegel intended to run for county exec in Lehigh. He's relying heavily on support (and lots of money) from the trade unions, but you'll see nothing from firefighters or police, whom he alienated during his brief tenure as a member of Allentown City Council. According to Lehigh Valley News, he's now made it official. That's no surprise, but I am disappointed to see that he already has the backing of incumbent Phil Armstrong. He knows better. Siegel is a carbon copy of Controller Mark Pinsley, who stands for partisanship and divisiveness. 

Lehigh County at one time was more Republican than NorCo, but that has changed. Unless a decent Democrat or a viable Republican announces, he's going to win on a platform of walkability and amenities. Translation: build, build, build. 

LC Comm'r Ron Beitler Seeks Good Executive Candidates in Lehigh

Lehigh County Exec Phil "Grandpa'" Armstrong is hanging it up after his term expires at the end of next year. That's unfortunate because he has been a good and bipartisan Exec who has worked with both parties to get things done. What's really sad is that the only announced candidate to succeed him is the opposite. 

That would be Josh Siegel, a former Allentown City Council member now serving as a State Rep. in what should be a Latino district. A New Jersey transplant, Siegel is an opportunist.

As a member of Allentown City Council, Siegel voted No to grants for the Allentown police department. He voted No to filling the depleted ranks of police officers. He participated in marches with felons like Hashann Batts, where "F--- the Police1" was the battle cry. He doxed then Mayor Ray O'Connell by handing out the Mayor's phone number to angry protestors. O'Connell thereafter received threats and calls for days. 

Wait, there's more. He and Controller  Mark Pinsley a fellow opportunist, promoted foisting two new taxes on the already impoverished citizens of Allentown. First, he wanted to enact a 1% increase in Lehigh County's sales tax. Any economist could tell you that a sales tax is regressive tax and is disproportionately felt by those with limited means. 

In addition to this sales tax hike, he and Pinsley wanted to enact a county-wide income tax to create districts that promote the arts. Yes, people who are already struggling in Allentown to put food on the table would have to work harder to help fund the artsy-fartsys.  

Like Pinsley, Josh has a track record of jumping between positions. Pinsley frequently focuses his attention on things that only tangentially if at all had anything to do with the duties of the office of the controller, as he did when he paraded a coterie of parents accused of child abuse before Northampton County Council . He did so to draw attention to himself and an ill-fated bid for State Senate. In some cases things that were outside the scope of what the county is responsible for. Most local politicians do have an interest in serving the common good. But there is also a type of politician constantly thinking about the next jump and looks to garner headlines accordingly. Josh and Pinsley are those types. 

Through the grapevine, I hear Siegel pushed LC Comm'r and Chair Geoff Brace out of the race with threats of leveraging his six-figure campaign war chest. Brace is well liked across the aisle for his ethical leadership, common sense pragmatism and bipartisan cooperation. These are qualities that NorCo Council Pres Lori Vargo Heffner tries to embrace, but she pays a price among more partisan Democrats. 

Siegel’s approach would bring divisiveness, similar to what we've seen out of the Lehigh County Controller’s office.

On the Republican side, there really are no viable candidates. Ss much as I like Glenn Eckhart or Dean Browning, they are retreads at a time when fresh faces are needed. Justin Simmons' name has been mentioned, but I'm unsure his record (or lack thereof) in the state house would help him. 

Sheriff Joe Hanna would be excellent but is committed to his role as Sheriff, where he’s widely respected statewide. Comm'r Ron Betler is another new face but is only in his first term and has a new business demanding his full time attention. 

Interestingly, Beitler has appealed for Exec candidates online, and I thought I'd share what he has to say: 

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱: 𝗟𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

County government is often overlooked. As 1 of 9 Commissioners, we work with the Executive to manage the county. We pass budgets, ordinances and resolutions. We typically deal with non-partisan areas like health and human services, the jail, courts, farmland preservation, Cedarbrook, emergency services and county parks.

Our current group has largely avoided political squabbling and gridlock common in other government levels. In my time on the board, we’ve only had a few fundamentally ideological disagreements. Current Commissioners under the bi-partisan leadership team of Chair Geoff Brace and Vice Chair Jeffrey Dutt and Executive Phil Armstrong have mostly worked together effectively. With Phil term-limited, a new Executive will be elected next year.

The Executive oversees administration of services, drafts a (LARGE) budget, supervises departments, appoints officials, and holds the power to veto.

Currently, there’s only 1 announced candidate with a less than impressive resume. We deserve more options. We need several more qualified folks to step forward so voters have choices.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲?

An Executive should excel in budgeting while recognizing taxpayers aren’t an unlimited funding source. They need to make data-driven decisions, oversee diverse departments and be strong communicators. They must collaborate with local, state and federal officials. (Phil excels at this!) Most importantly, they must build consensus while remaining transparent.

Often, the best Executives come with a business background, bringing skills like strategic planning, efficiency and financial planning. Leadership, problem-solving, and negotiation skills are crucial. Career politicians often have not cultivated these real world skillsets.

This role should be largely free from partisanship, as there isn’t a Republican or Democrat way to for example: administer programs or preserve farmland. 𝗔 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗻.

𝗡𝘂𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝘁𝘀:

This is a full-time, paid position with salary and county benefits. Terms are 4 years. Unlike many political positions, the Executive is expected to be a WORKING administrator.

Want to make a difference? Do you care about people, particularly our most vulnerable? Do you have business experience? It doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican, Democrat or Independent. We need several more qualified candidates for this position.

As Executive, you’ll have the chance to shape policies and manage our community. This is a unique opportunity to lead and work with dedicated professionals and residents. If you’re interested in this challenge, I and others want to hear from you!

You can reach Ron at ronbeitler@gmail.com