Severson Guilty in Mixed Verdict

A Northampton County jury has just returned a mixed verdict against political consultant Tom "Scissorhands" Severson. While exonerating him of terroristic threats and simple assault, the jury found the campaign maven guilty of harassment as a misdemeanor. Chester County Senior Judge Charles Smith also convicted Severson of summary disorderly conduct.

Correction: When I originally posted this report, I mixed up the harassment and disorderly charges. I have fixed my error and will wear a woolsack for the next day as my penance.

Requiem For Scissorhands Severson

Last time I heard people toss around "Fuck you" this much, I was sitting in a Northampton County Council meeting room. Senior Deputy Attorney General E. Marc Constanzo and barrister George Heitczman clearly relished an excuse to throw that phrase around quite a bit yesterday. Except they got to do it inside a courtroom, flanked by stern deputy sheriffs who would gun down anyone who might take exception. Sure beats "res ipsa loquitor" for dramatic effect.

As you may have guessed, when people start shouting "Fuck you," even in a courtroom, Ron Angle is nearby. And so it was yesterday, as a jury trial got underway against political consultant Tom "Scissorhands" Severson. It was a little tough picking a jury because at least eight potential jurors claimed they could not be fair to Ron. "That's about average," quipped Ron.

Severson's repeated "Fuck yous" was all the rage yesterday. Instead of using that phrase in a bar or even a courtroom, the King of Sleazeball Politics was shouting that phrase during the middle of a Requiem Mass.

"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them."

Scissorhands Response: "Fuck you."

"Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant them rest, eternal."

Scissorhands Response: "Fuck you."

While Severson's wife was reading Scripture in front of the congregation, Scissorhands was menacing Angle, the Northampton County Bulldog, in the sinners' section at the back of the church. Ron's big mistake? He had attended Gemma Turtzo's funeral mass. She and her husband were forty-year friends. He was paying his respects. How dare he!

Seated next to Ron was prissy former Northampton County Council member Mary Ensslin, who adamantly told the jury Ron is "not a friend." As Ensslin tells it, Severson walked into the church after the mass had already started, grabbed a pew in front of them, and sat down. He then turned around and apparently recognized Angle. He got up, turned around, made an aggressive arm gesture and told Angle, "We're going to settle this."

Angle, who has never even met Severson, told Ensslin "Must be a happy constituent."

Later, Severson stood up again, turned around to Angle and said, "I'm going to stick this in you. We're going to end this." He put his hand in his pocket, suggesting he had a knife.

Angle asked Ensslin, "Who is that guy?"

"That's Mr. Severson."

Ensslin went on to claim that, as the mass was ending, Angle decided to leave the church early to avoid a confrontation. When Severson realized what had happened, he actually lunged at Ensslin, screaming "If you ever run for office again, I'll destroy you." Terrified, she escaped into the arms of Judge Leonard Zito, who was also attending the mass.

Pen Argyl Officer Jonathan Hoadley and Special Agent Michael Fuller told the jury that Severson actually admitted (1) giving Angle the finger, (2) multiple "Fuck yous"; and (3) telling Angle he "would get his." Severson even intimidated an elderly gentleman, Ed Mugavero, who had asked him to knock it off, especially after Severson took a cell phone call from his daughter in the middle of the Requiem.

Angle, when he took the stand, corroborated much of what Ensslin had said. Unlike Ensslin, he thought he saw a knife in Severson's pocket. He explained that when he left the church for his truck, he could see Severson from his rear view mirror "like a wild man flailing his hands" in the parking lot. Defense attorney George Heitczman tried to suggest that Angle had somehow provoked Severson by nodding "Hello" to him in the church. Angle explained that, as an elected official, he often says "Hello" to people he does not know. "If I see someone, I say 'hello.' It's the courteous thing to do."

After Angle was finished, so was Deputy AG Constanzo, who kept his case short and sweet. This was a surprise to defense attorney Heitczman, who had to scramble to get his witnesses together. He called two elderly gentleman and a pleasant older woman who could not even hear the oath as it was being administered to them. Obviously deaf, they heard nothing and actually sat in the front of the church.

The defense also called the funeral director, who acknowledged some sort of ruckus. He "heard two men speaking loudly - could hear it while a reading was going on." Not exactly helpful to the defense.

Severson's wife also testified. Naturally, she heard nothing.

Then Heitczman made the mistake of putting Severson on the stand, and Constanzo was like a kid in a candy shop, asking all sorts of questions about Severson's business practices. You see, Constanzo knows all about Severson's work for Tony Ryback when he ran against Joe Brennan for the state house. Uh oh. He knows all about Severson's work for the Northampton County Dems last fall. Severson insists he's been paid, but the most recent finance report shows he's still owed $7,000. Uh oh. Constanzo knows all about the California corporation Severson set up to keep his work for Democrats on the "down low." Severson claims he owns the company, but California records show a different name and the corporation is listed as "suspended." Uh oh. Constanzo even knows about the $9,000 that Senate Republicans pay Severson monthly. Uh oh.

If a Senior Deputy AG knew this much about me, I'd be wearing Depends right now.

When Constanzo returned to the case, Severson did nothing to help himself. He was forced to admit that (1) he actually makes knives as a hobby; (2) told Angle he was going to get him; (3) had given Ron the bird inside a church; (4) had tossed out "Fuck yous" repeatedly; (5) had intimidated an elderly gentleman in front of him; and (6) had approached Ensslin and promised to destroy her politically.

All inside a church.

During a funeral mass.

Why did he do this? He was provoked. Angle said "Hello" to him. Of course, Severson now claims he only intended to "get" Ron in a political, and not physical, sense.

Just like during the Requiem, Severson could not keep his mouth shut.

This case is being heard by a Chester County Senior Judge Charles Smith because, at one time or another, Severson has worked for half the court. Like Pontius Pilate, Judge Smith has a habit of rubbing his hands together with lotion throughout the trial, as though the whole thing is one dirty mess.

And it is. The case will wrap up today. No matter what the outcome may be, Scissorhands Severson's legal troubles appear to be just beginning.

Update: You can read about yesterday's trial in both The Express Times and Morning Call. The Express Times has a second account concerning the possible impact on a statewide grand jury investigating Severson.

Political Consultant's Trial Scheduled Today

Campaign guru Tom "Scissorhands" Severson, who political consulting firms have collected at least $9.9 million from candidates seeking state office between 2000 and 2007, is scheduled to face a jury today.

In December '07, Severson went totally ballistic at a funeral mass in Pen Argyl when he spied Ron Angle in the congregation, threatening him and chasing him into the parking lot. He hinted he might posses a knife. Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett filed charges that include terroristic threats, assault and disorderly conduct.

And get this. Thanks to Bossman Joe Long, Scissorhands Severson is the poster boy of Northampton County machine Dems. They've used him for smear campaigns and still owe $7,000.

Bossman Long's True Identity Revealed

He didn't look very well at Thursday night's fundraiser for judicial candidate Karl Longenbach. Instead of working the room, he just stood in a corner, looking very lonely. And now I know why. He misses home. As this photo reveals, Bossman Joe Long - leader of the Northampton County Dems - is on his way back to planet Nebula.

Before he left, he touched my heart and said, "I'll be right here."

Thanks, Joe.

IronPigs Lead League in Statistic That Matters

I had good intentions. I wanted to give you a full report of Sunday's clash between the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. I watched just two innings of an ugly 14-4 loss, before heading out. Swirling winds and frosty temperatures were too much for me, although I did get to meet one of my readers.

"Are you Michael Molovinsky the blogger?"

"Why yes, I am."

I hightailed it out of Coca Cola Park, but IronPigPen reports that in the one statistic that matters - attendance - the Porkers lead the league.

"After the first weekend, the IronPigs LEAD the league in BOTH total and average attendance

8,028.25 avg - 32,113 total for Lehigh Valley IronPigs

8,020.67 avg - 24,062 total for Louisville Bats

7,529.50 avg - 15,059 total for Rochester Red Wings

7,409.67 avg - 22,229 total for Durham Bulls and star pitcher David Price

7,051.75 avg - 28,207 total for Buffalo Bisons at Coca-Cola Field (original, say)

5,721.00 avg - 11,442 total for Syracuse Chiefs

4,881.00 avg - 19,524 total for Charlotte Knights

4,850.25 avg - 19,401 total for Indianapolis Indians

The IronPigs were collectively stomped 39-13 in losing all four games to open this season in less than hospitable weather for baseball, to be polite.

In case anyone is curious, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs drew 30,037 fans to the first four games EVER at Coca-Cola Park last year.

This year, the IronPigs drew 32,113 fans to the first four ball games."

Craig Dally: Time to End "Pay to Play" Politics in Pennsylvania

Pay to play is so prevalent in the Keystone State that our abbreviation should be changed to PAY. You know things are pretty bad when state senator Vince Fumo's five-month public corruption trial takes a back seat to predatory Luzerne County judges. Modern day Fagins, they sent young Artful Dodgers into juvenile detention facilities and received hefty kickbacks for their trouble. Former state house Democratic whip Mike Veon is under indictment for Bonusgate, and current state house Democratic whip and payjacker Bill DeWeese likely will soon be Defendant DeWeese.

Like living near Chrin landfill, we eventually get used to the smell. Ann McHale wanted to infect Northampton County Council with Christian Perrucci, a Bethlehem attorney and playa' who has padded the campaign coffers (defense funds?) of both Veon ($4,000) and DeWeese ($1,000). I hear he's a nice guy. McHale failed. Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, who actually collects business cards from city vendors so he can later solicit campaign contributions from them, bristles at the suggestion of any ethical improptiety.

After all, he went to bible college.

This goes on at the gubernatorial level, too, except boatloads more money is involved. Get this. A Houston law firm just happens to cough up $91,100 for the Guv's coffers, and Rendell manages to find some way to award a no-bid contract to that very firm for some lawsuit against some drug manufacturer. At least Rendell makes no hypocritical bible college claim. He hopes the firm gets millions.

State Rep. Craig Dally (R-Northampton), a reformer, has had enough. His office issued a news release on Friday, and I am publishing it here in its entirety.


"A recent Wall Street Journal editorial, 'The State Lawsuit Racket -- A case study in the politician-trial lawyer partnership,' was especially troubling because the case occurred right here in Pennsylvania.

"The Journal described a motion by Janssen Pharmaceutical, a defendant in a torts case, that was seeking to invalidate a contingency fee contract signed by the Rendell administration. Janssen’s argument was based on the grounds that the contract was obtained by the law firm through corrupt means.

"The Philadelphia Inquirer also reported on the story detailing the relationship between the Texas law firm of Bailey, Perrin, Bailey and the Rendell administration.

"The editorial described the timing of more than $90,000 in campaign contributions to Gov. Ed Rendell’s 2006 re-election effort from F. Kenneth Bailey, founder of the law firm, as well as what can best be described as a sweetheart deal that the law firm secured from the state for its services in the case.

"The Bailey case is the most dramatic incident of what some might call 'pay-to-play' in Pennsylvania. During his six years in office, Rendell has taken advantage of a weak state law in order to give preferential consideration to campaign contributors and associates in his former law firm.

"Earlier this session, concerned about the appearance of a 'pay-to-play' system in Pennsylvania, I joined a group of House members in sponsoring legislation to reform state contracting procedures for all three branches of government. Now, more than ever, I believe the measures are essential to protect Pennsylvanians’ tax dollars.

"The bills we introduced aim to effectively end pay-to-play politics in Pennsylvania.

"The measure I sponsored, House Bill 384, would prevent exactly what happened in the Jansen case. It prohibits law firms from receiving more than $500,000 in state legal services contracts in any single year without open and competitive bidding. The law also forbids the Commonwealth and any of its agencies from entering into any contract with a law firm that allows for the payment to the firm to be based upon a contingent fee arrangement. This is the third session that I introduced the bill.

"Other bills in the package would:

"1) Ban any contract from being awarded to a person, partnership or corporation that donated to the campaign of a candidate for statewide or local office within one year of the date a contract is posted for public bidding. This includes contracts at the state, municipal, county or school district levels and any officeholder with discretionary control over contracts.
"2) Remove “legal services” from the definition of contracts that can be awarded by the governor under the emergency provisions of the Procurement Code. This should be restricted to natural disasters or extraordinary events.

"3) Require any extension of an existing state contract for services to be posted on the Department of General Services’ Web site for 10 business days before the contract is submitted to the attorney general for review of form and content in an effort to allow competitor bidders to indicate interest.

"4) Require any contract to be let by the executive branch or any legislative caucus with an initial value more than $100,000 to be subject to the Procurement Code and undergo competitive bidding and requires the awarding of contracts only to firms on an approved list of contractors.

"If the governor is serious about restoring the public’s trust in state government, he should come out in support of my efforts and others who have been trying to reform Harrisburg for years."

Blogger's Note: Dally's bill is in the state government committee. He has attracted twenty-two co-sponsors.

I Now Own a John Stoffa Birdhouse

Last week, I told you Northampton County Exec John Stoffa likes to build birdhouses and give them away. You can watch his video here, in which John explains how that matches each home to the person. Ron Angle's roof, for example, is red, to remind him of his temper. He swears a bald eagle just bought it.

Well, I now have my very own John Stoffa birdhouse. It's gigantic, big enough for a dodo bird. All the screws are loose, too.

Is he trying to tell me something?

Update: Jeff Stoffa, John's son, tells us how his dad lost two fingers at John Stoffa for Northampton County Executive.

Best Wishes For Michael Donovan

My grandson lives near Bucky Boyle Park, which is along the Lehigh River. I sometimes take him and other neighborhood kids there so they can hit fly balls. It is a last resort because the baseball fields are in terrible condition. Four-wheelers leave gashes in the field, and kids concentrating on a baseball can easily twist ankles.

I can understand why Allentown City Council member Michael Donovan confronted some kids using the park as a go-cart trail. They ruin it for everyone. I am horrified and saddened to learn one of them punched him in the face.

Ironically, I saluted Michael and his son, Ned, earlier this week. I hope he makes a speedy and complete recovery. I am relieved to see he has posted a blog telling us he is fine.

Allentown - The No Free Speech Zone

In a small victory for free speech, Allentown City Council last week allowed Lou Hershman to address them even though he is a candidate for city office. But at the same time, Allentown officials have now made it impossible for activists to protest high taxes with an April 15 "tea party."

Queen City Daily's Scott Kraus tells us "activists" found city officials "too difficult to work with what with all its demands for $1 million in liability insurance and the cost of paying for police coverage." They're also required to request permission three months in advance.

In the original 1773 Boston Tea Party, protesters dressed like Indians dumped tea into Boston harbor rather than pay taxes imposed by the British. They had no liability insurance. They refused to get a permit three months in advance. But in King Edwin's Renaissance Square, things are much different. Demonstraters carrying tea bags will meekly go somewhere else lest they offend the Crown.

There's something wrong with that attitude.

Because of those 1773 tax protesters, we now have a First Amendment that specifically provides for "the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." True, Allentown is named after a Tory, but free speech is supposed to apply in the Queen City, too. It includes a little more than the annual St. Paddy's Day Parade.

Clearly, the requirements being imposed by the Crown are excessive.

They are also arbitrary. I can think of several anti-war rallies in Allentown in which no liability insurance was purchased. I can think of a recent rally against Israel, complaining of incidents that had occurred only days before. There is no way anyone could have asked for a permit three months in advance.

If I drink any tea on April 15, it will be in Allentown.

Northampton County Judicial Race: Who Do You Like?

“Da court’s in session, da court’s in session, now here come de judge, here come de judge...”

Let's have some fun. Even though there are eight candidates running for three judicial vacancies in Northampton County next year, many of you seem to know at least some of them. So let me ask you, who do you like?

I've created a poll on the left sidebar, listing candidates in alphabetical order. If the election were held today, which three candidates would get your vote? If you're undecided, you can come back later and cast your ballot. If you already know who you like, you can post a comment below to explain the reason for your picks.

This poll, run through PollDaddy, is set up to block repeat voters by cookies and IP address. This should deter, but not eliminate, the possibility that someone will cheat. As a matter of full disclosure, I should tell you I can cheat, too. I can "reset" results. I have no intention of doing that because it will spoil the fun, but you should not take this too seriously.

Congressman Dent to Host Foreclsure Seminar in Allentown

LV Congressman Charlie Dent will host “Weathering the Foreclosure Storm,” a housing foreclosure seminar, on Wednesday, April 15th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Community Room at the Allentown Public Library, 1210 W. Hamilton Street in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The April 15th event is the third in a series of housing programs Congressman Dent has held throughout the Lehigh Valley. A team of experts from organizations like the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley will address issues relating to the downturn in the housing market and outline resources that are available to homeowners in need of mortgage assistance. At the conclusion of the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with panelists during a question and answer session.

Interested attendees should RSVP to Megan Everett in Congressman Dent’s Bethlehem office at (610) 861-9734 or Kristin Dini in his Washington, DC office at (202) 225-6411 by Tuesday, April 14th. Attendees can also respond via email to DentRSVP@mail.house.gov.

How John Stoffa's Money Maven Has Saved Taxpayers $9.8 Million Annually

Let's say you live in a Northampton County home assessed at $100,000. Your yearly county tax bill, based on a 10.8 mil rate, would be $1,080. But if someone beside John Stoffa were county executive, that bill would be $1,215 or higher.

I know this as a result of a discussion yesterday with Stoffa's amiable Finance Director, Vic Mazziotti. A portrait of St. Thomas More, incidentally, adorns one of his walls. Patron saint of politicians and lawyers, More lost his head - literally - when he refused to go join Henry VIII's quarrel with the Catholic Church. His final words. "The king's good servant, but God's first."

"I hope it never has to go that far here," deadpans Mazziotti.

Based on his outstanding performance as Stoffa's money maven, Vic has nothing to worry about. His initiatives have saved taxpayers $9.8 million annually. That translates to 1.35 mils in lower taxes. He has no gigantic building to show for his efforts. He just saves your money. Here's a rundown.

1. Review and analysis of County's health care services resulting in a change of administrators, saving the county over $7 million per year. - This issue is largely believe to be the primary reason why John Stoffa initially decided to run for County Executive. Former Executive Glenn Reibman, who was receiving campaign contributions from the previous administrator, refused to make changes. Stoffa formed a committee, spearheaded by Mazziotti, which resulted in changes and major savings.

2. Telephone services changes have saved over $250,000 per year. - Noting that bills were "outrageously high," Mazziotti hired a consultant with a good track record, and service charges have dropped dramatically.

3. Renegotiated IT outsourcing contract, resulting in annual savings of over $800,000 per year as well as an increase in the number of onsite staff from 13 to 23 employees. - Noting a contract that had been originally executed many years ago in "different times," Mazziotti was surprised to learn that nothing forced the IT vendor to keep a designated staff available. No penalties were assessed for a failure to meet goals.

4. Replacement of the County's Payroll/HR system, resulting in a more integrated set of applications, with a number of new web based modules and a savings of over $2.5 million over a 10 year period. - This is new software, scheduled to go live on January 1, 2010.

5. Reorganized and revised Assessment Division procedures, resulting in an increase in tax revenue of over $1 million in annual revenue. - When Mazziotti first came on board, he noted that many properties, including major corporate ventures like banks, were going lengthy periods without being assessed, resulting in a loss of revenue. Vic initiated daily field reports until the backlog was eliminated.

6. Implemented remote deposit capabilities in the Revenue Division, enabling large payments to be deposited more quickly. - This prevents the county from losing a day's interest on a large deposit.

7. Implemented online credit card tax payment procedure as convenience to taxpayers. The party providing this service charges a small fee to the user, and the County receives the full amount of the tax payment. - Many taxpayers who previously would find themselves delinquent are able to make their payments. This results in no savings to the county, but is a convenience to a property owner.

8. eRecording of Deeds. This increases both efficiency and effectiveness of the office and improves service to their clients.

9. Implemented Pictometry in the GIS Division. Pictometry improves public safety by providing 911 dispatchers with oblique angle pictures of building, thereby showing doors, windows and other exit/entry points to building. - "This will not save money, but it might save lives, " explains Mazziotti who worked on this project with Director of Administration John Conklin. Let's say there's a fire in some building. A dispatcher with pictometry might be able to tell someone how to get out.

10. Establishing OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Trust to reduce the required annual contribution for retiree health care by over $500,000 per year. (This is not yet completed. Awaiting the development of the trust by the Solicitors Office.) - You can fund a retiree's healthcare while the person is still employed or can adopt a PAYGO system, in which you wait until the employee retires. Funding future health care now, just like retirement pay, is actually cheaper in the long run.

Northampton County Sheriff Easter Egg Hunt A Big Success

On Saturday, Northampton County employees, together with families and friends, braved cold and windy April weather for an Easter Egg hunt put on by the Sheriff's Department at Louise Moore Park.

Deputies served up hot dogs and sodas while kids scoured the park for eggs. If a gold coin was inside, they'd get an extra prize.

Thankfully, no politicians could be found. The Easter Bunny was the star of this party, and arrived in a procession of sheriff cruisers with lights on and sirens blaring.

Kids were treated to coloring contests and pics with The Easter Bunny, too. County Council kicked in $500 for this extravaganza, and Just Born Candy Co. donated Peeps, but the deputies who worked so hard to put this project together deserve all the credit.

Jessica Shoup, who works with the Deputies, asked me if I would say something nice about them for once.

"How the hell am I gonna' slam an Easter egg hunt?"

"If you do, I'll slam you into the nearest locker."

Isn't that police brutality? All kidding aside, the smiles on the kids in that picture say it all.

Express Times Tags McHale, Dertinger & McClure for "Political Grandstanding"

On Friday, I told you that Northampton County Council Prez Ann McHale's vote against a treatment center/work release facility in Bethlehem Township was nothing more than a cynical ploy for votes. She denied knowing that the facility would be a work release center even though the project has always been represented that way.

In a Monday editorial, The Express Times correctly condemns the No vote that McHale, joined by Councilmen Charles Dertinger and Lamont McClure, cast against this project. McHale wants to be county exec. Dertinger is up for reelection. McClure lives in that District and would like to run for state representative. Their opposition is nothing more than an appeal to NIMBY voters.

"Despite political grandstanding from the opposition, Northampton County Council also supported the project last week by a 6-3 vote.
* * *
"It's time to try something different. It's time to build this center and offer these inmates -- inmates who come from all geographical points on the map, including Bethlehem Township -- the help they need."

In addition to helping inmates, a successful rehabilitation program will reduce the 65 cents coming from every county tax dollar to pay for the back end of crime.

Photo credit: Express Times (hard copy).

King Phillips?

For the past year or so, I've often referred to Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski as King Edwin of Renaissance Square, a dig at his silly name for a portion of the Queen City as well as his own autocratic antics.

Now, thanks to Queen City Daily, I've learned that Allentown Mayoral hopeful Tony Phillips has an outfit called King Phillips Enterprises. Before you start thinking that Tony has delusions of grandeur, too, let me tell you it's a lawn cutting service.

Now all we need is someone to play Prince Albert in the can.

Northampton County Bar To Evaluate Judicial Candidates

Forty years ago, when Al Williams ran against Mike Franciosa for judge, the Northampton County Bar Association gave Williams a higher rating. Williams ended up winning the race, and Franciosa had to wait a few years before donning that black robe.

As you might imagine, this decision led to some soul-searching by Easton (Franciosa) and Bethlehem (Williams) lawyers. Was it just a popularity contest? Although Judges Franciosa and Williams certainly worked well together, the local bar shied away from judicial evaluations.

Until now.

After years of prodding, the local bar has finally decided to do these evaluations again. That decision was made months ago, when most of the hopefuls were unknown. Questionnaires have been sent to the bar's 500 members so they can rate the eight judicial candidates jockeying for three open seats next year. They're due back on April 16, and bar association officials are placing them unopened in a separate envelope for review by an accountant.

I'm unable to confirm whether candidates were really asked to engage in a swimsuit competition.

Judicial candidates will be rated as unqualified, qualified or highly qualified. When results are announced, the bar association will make clear that these are the opinions of those who responded to the questionnaire. If only 60 lawyers respond, that will be made clear.

The danger of these evaluations is they can be used to ruin one candidate that lawyers simply dislike or don't know, even if he's qualified. One of the eight candidates may come back "qualified" while the remainder are "highly qualified."

For local races, these evaluations are too easily abused as a popularity contest. Judicial hopefuls include Judge Lenny Zito, Magistrate Jim Narlesky and Michael Koury, Northampton County Solicitor Karl Longenbach, attorneys Sam Murray, Barb Hollenbach and Candy Barr Heimbach and State Rep. Craig Dally.

The Original Northampton County Bulldog - Jim Hemstreet

"He was always someone who stood up for what he believed. He always called it the way he saw it, despite what other people around were saying or thinking or doing. He was a good example for a lot of people to follow."

"He was a champion of Northampton County. I'm just saddened to hear of his death. It's a loss to a lot of people. It's a loss to Northampton County."

Northampton County Executive John Stoffa

"He was just an independent thinker and got people frustrated sometimes. He was a smart man who thought for himself."

Council member Peg Ferraro

"Jim always liked to discuss the public's business in public."

Council Clerk Frank Flisser

"Northampton County has lost a legend in its politics."

Former County Executive Glenn Reibman.

The Express Times and Morning Call both have touching accounts of the original who passed away on Sunday at age 86.

A Salute to Two Donovans

Over the past two weeks, I've been pretty tough on Allentown City Council member Michael "Muzzles" Donovan. We had a pretty serious disagreement on a fairly important issue - citizen participation in local government. Allentown City Council Prez Mike D'Amore, following a clearly illegal rule, refused to permit Lou Hershman address them because he is a candidate for council.

Last week, Allentown City Council overruled D'Amore. Morning Call reporter Jarrett Renshaw, at Queen City Daily, has posted a video montage of the initial bum's rush, my objection, a discussion and vote by council members and Lou's eventual speech. (Boy, that camera sure makes me look fat!)

At one point in our debate here in Blogistan, I mentioned that Donovan had abandoned the very "inclusiveness" he promised when he first assumed office. But if truth be told, I doubt that this public and sometimes tense exchange between elected official and citizen would have occurred with anyone else. For that reason alone, Donovan deserves some credit. I was wrong to say he had lost my support, for whatever that is worth.

Donovan's arguments actually persuaded a friend, an Express Times reporter no less. I snared Donovan's son, Ned, a student at Ithaca College. He publishes an interesting essay to note there were actually two debates taking place. The first was the exchange between Donovan and me. It certainly became heated but we remained respectful. The second dialogue was with a group of "political knee-breakers plain and simple," people who attack the person instead of what is being said.

Ned has this piece of advice for the political hacks, and you know who you are. "If you find it necessary to berate someone based on their beliefs. The most important thing to remember is don’t. No one will take you seriously later."

Michael, you have a pretty smart son. He must get that from his mom.

John Stoffa Starts a Campaign Blog

Northampton County Executive John Stoffa has started his very own campaign blog, with a little help from his son, Jeff, and wife, Barbara. As Jeff explains in his opening post, it's designed to do a little more than tell you how Stoffa stands on different issues. He's hoping to give readers some insight into John Stoffa the man.

Did you know that John is missing two fingers? Ever wonder why?

How did John and Barbara meet?

Why does he build birdhouses for county council members?

What do the neighbors think?

Over time, you'll get answers to all these questions and more, thanks to the work being done by Jeff. Want a Stoffa sign for your lawn? Contact Jeff at JeffStoffa@gmail.com, and you'll get one hand-delivered.

Decorated in that Stoffa green, John Stoffa For Northampton County Executive also tells you where he stands on different issues.

"1) Accountability: I have avoided the temptation to spend money we don't have for things we don't need. There have been no tax increases except for the 1/2 mil open space tax I promised when you elected me.

"2) Nonpartisan: There is no need for partisan politics on a local level. I will hire Republicans as easily as Democrats because what a person can do should be more important than his political label.

"3) Open Space: In my first year in office, I delivered on a "pay as you go" open space plan, which will generate $82 million over twenty years to preserve farms, develop parks and buy environmentally sensitive land.

"4) Open Government: I have opened the doors of government by forming administrative committees that met publicly to consider important issues like our elections process, gambling impacts and records retention.

"5) Independence: I have refused contributions from county vendors or anyone who works for the county.

"6) Improved County Services: I have developed a regional approach to all the emergencies that face us, combining emergency management with our 911 services. An epidemic or hurricane knows no borders. We can now notify 5,000 people in 15 minutes if there is a crisis. We have already used this for water supply problems and an overturned chemical truck.

"7) Long Range Planning: Instead of a band-aid approach to governments in which we erect Archives buildings that we later knock down, the County needs more long-range planning that will meet our needs for the next century.

"8) Reducing Prison Population: Sixty-five cents of every tax dollar pays for the back end of crime, our courts and the jail. Yet our prisoners have a 69% recidivism rate. For that reason, I have proposed rehabilitation programs and classes that have been proven and will actually reduce our biggest cost. In addition, it is the humane thing to do."

Jeff hopes to have several video interviews posted by election day.

You're in for a treat.

(Blogger's Note: Photo, supplied by Jeff Stoffa, shows Stoffa performing a wedding ceremony.)

Who Wants Four IronPigs Tickets?

Seen the IronPigs yet? If you've never been to a game, now's your lucky chance.

IronPigPen is giving away four tickets to Sunday's 1:35 PM game against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. There will be a postgame Easter egg hunt and an appearance by the Easter Bunny, so these tickets are great for kids.

Write to this email address: roeler@goimageworks.com.