LV's Congressman: From Blacksmiths to Bluebloods

This group has included blacksmiths, bankers, lawyers, plantation tutors, derivatives salesmen and professional politicians. Many served in seemingly modest offices like Northampton County Recorder of Deeds. One became our Governor. Another, a U.S. Senator.

No convicted felons for some reason.

I'm referring to Lehigh Valley citizens who have served in the U.S. House of Representatives, from Samuel Sitgreaves, the first person to have that honor, to incumbent Charlie Dent. Steve Barron has an interesting history at his blog, Roadside Americana. Joe DeRaymond, who recently passed away, has another short history, strictly limited to the 15th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, at Counterpunch.

The scariest of these creatures, hands down, is Democrat Francis "Tad" Walter, elected during FDR's second term. He chaired the powerful House Committee on Un-American Activities. Along with senatorial counterpart Joe McCarthy, Walter presided over a star chamber that blacklisted and ruined the lives of many Americans in an anti-Communist witch hunt.

During one such 1960 hearing in San Francisco, where police fire hosed and dragged student protesters away, Sovietologist William Mandel was asked the usual "Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?" His eloquent reply?

"Honorable beaters of children, sadists, uniformed and in plain clothes, distinguished Dixiecrat wearing the clothing of a gentleman, eminent Republican who opposes an accommodation with the one country with which we must live at peace in order for us and all our children to survive. My boy of fifteen left this room a few minutes ago in sound health and not jailed, solely because I asked him to be in here to learn something about the procedures of the United States government and one of its committees. Had he been outside where a son of a friend of mine had his head split by these goons operating under your orders, my boy today might have paid the penalty of permanent injury or a police record for desiring to come here and hear how this committee operates. If you think that I am going to cooperate with this collection of Judases, of men who sit there in violation of the United States Constitution, if you think I will cooperate with you in any way, you are insane!"

OK, so Walter was the scariest, but who took the most abuse? We are in the midst of another Congressional race, and things are already getting heated. But imagine how one-time plantation tutor Phillip Johnson must have felt, when rushed by an Easton mob during the Civil War. Here's an excerpt from an Evening Express account: "At an early hour in the evening, a party of men, many of them returned volunteers, proceeded to the residence, in Centre Square, of Hon. Philip Johnson, member of Congress from this District, and elevating an effigy of Mr. J., they set fire to and burned it, in the presence of Mr Johnson, who sat upon his front step with one or two friends. After the burn­ing of the effigy the crowd made a rush in the direction of Mr. J., who fled into the house on their approach, and escaped."

A Christmas Lights Display Missed by Bill White

We in the blogosphere can write about pretty Christmas lights, too. Above is a display that The Morning Call's Bill White somehow missed.
(Confession: I stole this from an email sent by Donald F).

Northampton County Council Passes No Tax Hike Budget

When the Northampton County taxman cometh in January, you'll be surprised to see that your bill is no larger than it was last year. Despite all the dire warnings of an impending 9.3% tax increase in recent weeks, Council and the Stoffa administration came up with an amended budget that gives non-union workers a 2 1/4% salary increase and even restores funding for LANTA and LVPC. Only Council members Ron Angle and Joe Capozzolo voted No.

How did they do it?

First, they changed the actuarial method used to compute the County's contribution to the retirement fund. Eschewing recent legislative changes that would lessen the burden even more, the County's actuary recommended this new method, which even received the endorsement of Finance Director Vic Mazziotti. Council member Lamont McClure spearheaded that initiative,

Second, Council member John Cusick persuaded colleagues to eliminate $1.6 million slated for "environmentally sensitive" land. Cusick and Angle had disparaged these as worthless swamps while Dertinger protested they are actually "vernal pools."

Third, the Stoffa administration reduced its proposed funding for Wayne Grube Memorial Park and farmland preservation by $1 million.

Finally, to close the $1 million or so outstanding gap between spending and revenue, Stoffa agreed to take it out of the fund balance. "Will that still give us two months of expenses in reserve," Angle asked. "I can't guarantee that," answered Budget Administrator Doran Hamann.

The decision to reduce, but not eliminate, open space funding, had its share of critics. In a nonbinding referendum in 2003, voters overwhelmingly authorized the County to borrow up to $37 million for open space. John Stoffa was elected on the promise that he would actually raise taxes a half mill for open space. McClure called this reduction and reversal the "death knell. It's over. I don't think you'll ever be able to argue to the next council or the council after that, 'Oh, we preserved that money.' "

Jerry Seyfried, serving in his last meeting on Council, had some sage advice. "If you tell the taxpayers of this County something, and then you do something entirely different, you're no better than the federal government. Marty Bechtel [the County's first Exec] used to say, 'Tell the people, be honest with them, tell the people exactly what you're gonna' do, but follow through and do it.' You told the people of this County you were going to use a half mill taxes for your open space program and the whole bit. I support that. I support that. And you should put the money back in and the main reason is that next year you're going to go through the same thing again. The sixteen years - twelve that I sat here and four as County Executive - every year you have problems with the budget. No time is ever a right time to do these things. ... Don't go back on your word to the people. You promised the people this is what you were gonna' do with that half mill of tax, and if you don't do it, you're just like those people in Washington."

So did Stoffa and County Council screw the people who overwhelmingly support open space? Not exactly, but they sure fondled them.

A petulant Ron Angle complained to County Exec John Stoffa, "You broke your word to the taxpayers and shot me with rusty bullets." Stoffa shrugged, "I need a budget."

With the budget out of the way and everyone breathing a sigh of relief, departing Council members Charles Dertinger, Joe Capozzolo and Jerry Seyfried were awarded plaques the size of postage stamps. Dertinger choked back a few tears and thanked everyone. Joe Cap actually started singing, "I did it my way," which set off the smoke alarms. Then Jerry, impersonating Louis Armstrong, began singing "Hello Dolly." That brought sheriffs into Council chambers with guns drawn.

Seyfried has vowed to have his dog-eared copy of the Home Rule Charter framed and presented to Angle.

Seyfried and Capozzolo had a very positive impact on this Council, something noted both by Lamont McClure and Ron Angle. They will be missed, but not by me. Things got pretty bad for a blog that thrives on chaos. I had to go to Allentown.

Dent's "Bethlehem Deserves a Break" Campaign

Blogging buddy Rylock gets very upset whenever I write about Pelosicare, LV Congressman Charlie Dent, Congressional wannabe John Callahan, Moveon pep rallies or boy scouts. Yesterday's post about Callahan political trickster Jonathan Shall was the final straw. He ominously warned me, "I might just organize people to donate to Callahan's campaign every time you post a mud-slinging article towards his campaign or a blind-following talking-point post for Dent. Also, I'm going to write an op-ed to the local papers about a different terrible thing that Dent has done to the Lehigh Valley with every one of these posts."

All he wants from me is silence, and damn little of that.

Well, there's only one way to respond to a serious threat like that - with a real, honest-to-goodness, Charlie Dent talking point! I got one from Team Dent yesterday, and am posting it verbatim.

John Callahan touts his record as Mayor as the reason that people should elect him to Congress. He speaks about balancing budgets and keeping taxes low.

It’s a good story, but ultimately it’s a story that facts are undercutting.

Fact: 34% Increase in Government Spending

Between Callahan’s first budget as Mayor in 2005 and his 2010 budget he has either increased or proposed to increase spending by 34%.

Fact: 12% Government Spending Increase in 2010 Budget

In the middle of a recession, while people are trying their best to make their own family budgets work, John Callahan wants to increase spending by 12% in his proposed budget.

Fact: Callahan is a Serial Property Tax Increaser

√ As a Councilman, Callahan voted to increase the property tax by 5.5% (2002)

√ He voted for the 2004 budget that included another tax increase of 2.2% and which increased the sewer rate and recycling fees.

√ As Mayor, Callahan’s first budget (2005) increased taxes by 6.4% -- the highest property tax increase in a decade.

√ Callahan then raised property taxes an additional 13.4% in the 2006 budget.

Fact: Callahan Opposed a 22% Property Tax Cut

When a Bethlehem City Councilman offered a legislative proposal that would have used casino host fees to cut property taxes by 22% and hire 20 new police officers, John Callahan would not support the ordinance.

Fact: Callahan Fought to Impose a 16% Increase in the Sales Tax

In the middle of a recession, when the goal is to stimulate the economy, John Callahan supported an increase in the sales tax. The result would have been less consumer spending. Worse, he would have raised the sales tax with about one half of the money going for new spending.

“For years, John Callahan has been raising property taxes in Bethlehem,” said Shawn Millan, campaign manager for Charlie Dent. “At the same time, he’s been tantalizing Bethlehem citizens with the idea of tax relief because of casino money. It’s time for John Callahan to ante up,” Millan noted.

Millan announced that the campaign would begin a program of voter contact called “Bethlehem Deserves a Break Today” on Thursday. Citizens will be offered the opportunity to be connected to Mayor Callahan’s office to let him know if they would like to see immediate property tax relief.
“We hope that the people in Bethlehem who receive this call will take the opportunity to let Mayor Callahan know that they 'Deserve a Break' in their property tax rates. The casino host fees should be used to provide tax relief to Bethlehem’s property taxpayers – it’s not John Callahan’s walking around money. John Callahan says look at my record as Mayor. It’s a record of debt, tax increases, spending increases and fee increases.

About the only thing John Callahan’s mayoral record decreases are his chances of being elected to Congress,” Millan concluded.

Update: According to the AP, Mayor Callahan's office was flooded with calls from Bethlehem residents yesterday, demanding to know his position on city spending and tax hikes. Business manager Dennis Reichard complained these calls interfered with city business, but Dent spokesperson Shawn Millan retorted that city hall should be prepared to accept feedback from its own citizens.

LCCC Prez Donald Snyder: The Versatile, Nimble, Efficient & Practical Community College

As President Barack Obama kicked off a national listening tour about the economy last week in the Lehigh Valley, the setting of his keynote speech communicated volumes about the very institutions that are poised to fuel our country’s recovery.

Lehigh Carbon Community College was honored to host President Obama. His continued message of hope and opportunity – tempered with a dose of reality – was welcome inspiration for individuals and businesses facing economic hardships.

President Obama believes in the importance of community colleges. In fact, he has proposed the most significant support for community colleges since the Truman era, when two-thirds of the nation’s community colleges were created.

The President’s “American Graduation Initiative” is intended to strengthen our nation’s community colleges, giving them the resources that students and schools need -- and the results workers and businesses demand. The plan aims to help an additional 5 million Americans earn degrees and certificates in the next decade. He wants the United States to have the highest college graduation rate of any nation in the world. Ambitious? Certainly. Possible? Yes, but only with the involvement of community colleges.

Furthermore, a 2009 report from the Council of Economic Advisers described a shift towards jobs that require greater analytical and interactive skills, and the benefits of higher education. It is expected that jobs requiring at least an associate’s degree will grow twice as fast as jobs requiring only a high school education. In essence, the associate’s degree will soon be the new high school diploma.

As the first decade of a new millennium closes, community colleges stand on the verge of unprecedented magnitude to society. Increasingly, they are being viewed as catalysts for recovery, as engines for prosperity. While none of this is surprising to community college educators, administrators and students, the general public has a newfound appreciation for the unsung educational institutions in today’s challenging economic environment.

Community colleges are versatile. Their curricula reflect an evolving marketplace. It’s likely that community colleges will handle much of the front-line training for President Obama’s initiatives on green energy and infrastructure. They provide instruction on nextgeneration industries such as nanotechnology, robotics and geographic information systems. They offer much of the job retraining that helps the unemployed transfer their job skills to market sectors with more growth potential. For instance, with the reauthorization of the federal Workforce Investment Act, LCCC’s partnership with the Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board in providing training for high-priority jobs will be an example of the model that the country needs for utilizing the 1200 community colleges to create a national workforce development structure.

Community colleges are nimble. They can expand rapidly to meet demand. Lehigh Carbon Community College has seen its enrollment double in the past 10 years. Other community colleges have seen similar increases. They were among the first to embrace distance learning to make education convenient for working families. Simply put, they find a way to meet the needs of their community.

Community colleges are efficient. They cost a fraction of traditional four-year colleges, making education more accessible for more Americans. And community colleges have a high return on investment – every $1 of investment yields a $3 net return.

Community colleges are practical. Educators usually have recent industry experience that they can impart to students. Community colleges frequently partner with local companies to ensure a steady supply of talented employees. For example, H1N1 vaccine manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur funded two biotechnology laboratories for LCCC, provides scholarships for students, and assisted in the development of the College’s Biotechnology Program.

That’s not to say that our country’s traditional four-year colleges and universities are obsolete or ineffective. Hardly. They will remain global cornerstones of research and innovation. In fact, nearly half of students at LCCC plan to transfer to a four-year institution with the intent of obtaining a bachelor’s degree – or more. For them, community college is an affordable beginning to their post-secondary education. And thanks to partnerships with local school districts, a distinct higher-education pathway has been established for high school and even middle school students to better prepare them for success in higher education and achievement of their desired career choice.

In a June 2009 speech announcing his American Graduation Initiative, President Obama drew comparisons to the bill creating land grant colleges in the mid-1800s and the GI Bill in the mid-1900s. “Time and again, when we placed our bet for the future on education, we have prospered as a result -- by tapping the incredible innovative and generative potential of a skilled American workforce,” he said.

That’s exactly what community colleges are all about – helping Americans reach their potential as individuals. And helping America reach its potential as a country.

There are no better institutions than our nation’s community colleges to help the United States rebound and emerge from the recession smarter, stronger and more competitive. Now more than ever, our nation’s community colleges are at the picenter of our economy.

We call on our federal and state legislators to continue their crucial support of community colleges. Millions of American workers – not to mention the entire American economy – are relying on it.

Blogger's Note: This essay was written by Donald W. Snyder, President,
Lehigh Carbon Community College.

No tax increase budget passes in northampton county. Details to follow.

Callahan's Hired Gun, Justin Schall

Is it fair to judge a Congressional candidate by his campaign manager? Probably not. But that's me!

What I've learned about John Callahan campaign manager Justin Schall is very revealing. He's a hired gun. Instead of using local talent, Callahan has apparently allowed the DCCC to send a journeyman completely unfamiliar with the LV. What's more, this mercenary has a reputation for playing dirty.

In 2004, Schall was Howard Dean's Advance Director in Iowa. Remember The Howard Dean Primordial Scream?

Fast forward two years, and you'll find Jonathan in San Jose, where he ran Cindy Chavez' mayoral campaign. (She lost). While there, he tossed the press out of an election night party. "This may go down as one of the only cases in local election history that a working member of the local press was unceremoniously plucked from a media event filled with TV cameras because the publication failed to write nice things about a campaign that refused to talk."

Sound familiar?

What's really fascinating about that campaign is that Schall was involved, at least peripherally, in setting up a now defunct hate blog called "San Jose Revealed." This anonymous blog actually posted maps to the residences of its targets, including a deputy district attorney. In one instance, it resulted in vandalism and swastika graffiti. Schall and Phillip Bump, the actual blog administrator, were tagged as the "dynamic duo of political dirty tricks." The blog was apparently funded by unions.

Someone purporting to be Schall denied this accusation, even though the blog's registration went right back to his then Florida fax number. We find these very mature remarks, ostensibly from him. "Bahahaha…i find this entire thing sooooo funny i am actually choosing to post for the second time on this silly site. I haven’t read this site since 06 and i forgot how humorous it was….RICO…bahahahaha. ok. laughing too hard to type now. bye bye san jose inside. thanks for the chuckles.
oh yeah. ps. i have never had any invovlement in ANY blog. losers. "

After striking out in San Jose, Schall surfaced two years later in Corning, N.Y., where he actually ran Eric Massa's successful congressional race in Corning, NY. He had bragged that a Massa loss would be a "statistical improbability," but then watched this supposedly insurmountable lead vanish on election night. Massa squeaked by 129,775-125,709.

Last Spring, Schall signed on as the campaign manager for Steve Israel's U.S. Senate campaign against Kirsten Gillibrand. But Israel pulled out, so Schall instead managed Eric Goia's campaign against Mark Green and others for NYC Public Advocate. Not surprisingly, that race turned nasty. The Goia camp accused Green of hiding his wealth. Despite raising more money then any of his opponents, Goia finished third with 18.40% of the vote

Before being hired by Callahan, Schall was rejected as a campaign manager by NY Governor David Patterson in September.

Maybe Patterson googled Schall. That's probably something Callahan should have done, too.

Now I'll wait for a new blog, "Lehigh Valley Revealed," that posts maps to all of my secret estates.

Say It Isn't So, Percy!

Percy Dougherty is the chair of Lehigh County's highly regarded Board of Commissioners, arguably the best legislative body in the Lehigh Valley. A big reason for that is him. His affable style of bipartisan leadership makes Lehigh County as efficient as Northampton County Council is dysfunctional.

I had assumed that, with a Republican majority ensured and the admiration of Democratic colleagues, Dr. Dougherty would soldier on for another year. But I've received inside word late yesterday that Percy is tired of all the duties entailed, and may pass the baton on to someone else. I hope this is untrue or that he changes his mind. Nobody serving can equal him as facilitator. Percy recently emailed fellow commissioners with a job description, adding "I can tell you from experience that this is a time consuming position."

1. Chair the County Commissioners meetings twice a month in a fair and impartial manner.

2. Attend all committee meetings-the Chair is a member of all committees.

3. Serve on the Lehigh County Pension Board.
(a) Ordinance requires the Chair and one other Commissioner serve on the Board.
(b) Quarterly meetings (2/11, 5/13, 8/12 and 10/10), 8-11 AM.
(c) Periodic meetings to interview companies for inclusion in portfolio.

4. Perform staff evaluations.

5. Assign Commissioners to committees.

6. Assign Commissioners to non-profit boards.

7. Attend leadership meetings with the Administration twice monthly, or as required.

8. Chair the Bi-county Health Commission for 2010 (alternates between the two counties)
(a) Organizational meeting on second Monday of January.
(b) Meetings and interviews of candidates for Treasurer.
(c) Organizational meetings with Northampton County in summer.

9. Serve on the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation.
(a) Can only be the Chairperson and no alternate.
(b) Monthly Executive Committee Meetings, 7:30-10:00 AM on second Thursday of month.
(c) Serve on the Board and attend quarterly meetings
(d) Attend spring and fall Legislative Meetings.
(e) Other optional meetings, including Nomination Committee.

10. Serve on the Board of the Allentown Economic Development Corporation.
(a) Meets monthly on the third Thursday.
(b) Special meetings with the Mayor and site visits.

11. Serve on the Criminal Justice Advisory Board.
(a) Monthly meeting with the President Judge and officials of the judiciary
(b) Commissioner Raber represents the Chair this year.

12. Member, Lehigh County Affordable Housing Committee, Ordinance stipulates the Chair and one other Commissioner serve.

13. Member, Quality of Life Committee, Ordinance stipulates the Chair and two commissioners serve.

14. Be the point of contact between the Commissioners Office and:
(a) Municipal, State, and Federal governments,
(b) Administration, Judiciary and Row offices,
(c) County vendors
(d) The Public.

15. Be the point of contact between Lehigh County and other agencies through phone calls, emails, and correspondence, e.g.:
(a) County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.
(b) National Association of Counties.
(c) Grant agencies.
(d) Federal and State agency review of programs.

16. Be available as the official representative of the County at public events.

17. Be available to answer questions from the press.

18. Prepare the annual Commissioners Office budget in consultation with the Clerk.

19. Review and complete paper work for expenditures, travel, training and special services in the Commissioners Office.

Some Light Reading: DA Morganelli's Complaint Against Angle

Below you will find the Complaint DA John Morganelli has filed, seeking Ron Angle's ouster from Northampton County Counil.

Morganelli Complaint

Will Callahan Give Bethlehem a Break?

Since Congressional wannabe and Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan is so reluctant to talk about federal issues, dismissing them as hypothetical questions, the Charlie Dent campaign has decided to ask Hizzoner about his Bethlehem stewardship.

The Christmas City will reel at least $7.5 million from the Sands Casino next year, but the people who bear the burden of paying property taxes will not receive one dime in property tax relief.

They can thank Mayor John Callahan for that. Here's how the Evil Shawn Millan, Dent's campaign manager, puts it.

“For too long, John Callahan has been selling the snake oil that he’s done an exemplary job with the city finances. He promised a property tax cut in exchange for Bethlehem hosting a casino. See Callahan’s State of the City Address 2007 where he stated: '[W]e need to give a direct financial return to all of our taxpayers in the form of a tax cut.'

"There’s a single, simple question that needs to be answered: Since Callahan has piled up a mountain of debt for the City of Bethlehem is that why the casino host fees are not being used to provide property tax relief to its residents, now?”

From what I understand, calls are going out to Bethlehem residents, asking them whether they deserve a break.

How Much Is Public Health Worth?

Despite warnings of bad weather ahead, about twenty-five people took their chances and attended last night's LV Health Department community forum at Bangor's Washington Elementary School. RenewLV and the League of Women Voters (Northampton County) hosted a panel who spoke in mostly general terms about the benefits of public health. State taxes collected from LV residents, estimated at somewhere between $4 and $5 million, are funding health departments elsewhere. Apparently, that's still not enough money to fund a LV Health Department. Dr. David Lyon, who chairs the Board of Health, conceded last night that it's going to cost money, and at a time when both counties are already facing tax increases. He wants to have the Health Department up and running by July or August.

This was billed as an "[i]nformal forum, free and open to the public, to promote discourse and consideration of a Lehigh Valley Health Department. Brief presentations from each of the panelists will be followed by plenty of time for questions and discussion." That's not how it worked out.

What is up with the LWV and those damn index cards? Instead of just asking our questions, we have to write them on index cards and then they decide whether the question is appropriate. If there were 500 people in this crowd, I could see the need. But 25 people?

The Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle, refused to fill out any cards, but insisted on asking questions about the disparity in services that would be offered to downtown Allentown and slate belt residents. Dr. Lyon indicated services would be different because the needs are different. "That's a wonderful play on words," snapped Angle. "Are the needs for flu shots different?"

Angle then noted the small, mostly nonlocal crowd, and asked, "If the masses wanted this, why isn't this place packed?"

That brought several geriatrics, including former LWV President Ida Belle Hahn, to their feet. They demanded that Angle shut up. One very nice old lady was ready to brain Angle with her cane, Ida Belle gave Ron hell, and one older gentleman began to yell until his false teeth nearly fell out. John Reinhart, a board member who was once principal at Washington Elementary, finally gave Ron a detention.

RenewLV's Steve Bliss made sure Angle was able to ask his questions, and an interesting dialogue ensued. Reinhart noted that, as Superintendent of the Bangor School District, he was given 4000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine to distribute. He had to find a place to store it, and then had to scramble to find people who could administer it. What if this were a serious epidemic, he asked. "We are at risk in the Lehigh Valley because we don't have the organizational structure to make it happen. ... It's up to us. No one is going to help us."

Last night's meeting was attended by Northampton County Council members Peg Ferraro and Mike Dowd, in addition to Angle. Mary Ensslin, who proposed this idea as a member of Council, was there, too. Human Services Director Ross Marcus was also in the house.

RenewLV 's Steve Bliss and Beata Bujalska really deserve some recognition for their efforts. Whether you support or oppose public health or rail, I have found both of them more than willing to engage in the give and take of public debate. Bliss indicated that, as the plan becomes more refined, there will be more meetings. At this juncture, I doubt the votes are there.

But how much is a child's life worth? There are statistics showing that infant mortality rates are higher here than in other areas of the state. So are the death rates for diseases like melanoma. According to these dedicated professionals, public health will change that dynamic. If this is true, it will be worth every penny we spend.

DA Morganelli: We Don't Need No Steenkin' Angle

Last week, Northampton County Council and Bangor School Board member Ron Angle fired off a letter to the LV delegation to the state legislature. He asked them to review our antiquated School Code, adopted before Home Rule governments like Northampton or Lehigh County even existed. The law is obviously unclear. In the last election cycle alone, four different elected officials in these counties ere either school board members running for county commissioner, or other municipal officials running for school board. Angle wants our state legislators to clarify the law, and has agreed he will abide by their decision. After sending this letter, he called DA John Morganelli, and suggested he do the same thing, thus sparing taxpayers the expense of litigating this matter.

Morganelli's answer was filed yesterday, in the form of a quo warranto complaint. That's usually the form of action chosen by wingnuts who claim Obama was born on Jupiter or something, and that's the form our chief law enforcement officer has chosen to rid the County of Ron Angle. I think he should have filed a nuisance action, but that's me.

In his news release, John Morganelli goes to great lengths to insist there are no "personal reasons" for this "honest dispute," but he's still going to ask the Court to "expedite the resolution of this matter."

That's nice.

Before he does that, he's going to have to explain his own bias. You see, Angle believes Morganelli's motives are both personal and political. Ron intends to file papers to have Morganelli himself removed. Kinda' like a quo warranto to a quo warranto. He will ask that the matter be transferred to the Attorney General, the only office that can be trusted to be fair.

This is no "honest dispute." Morganelli is abusing his powers as District Attorney to pursue a political and/or personal vendetta against Angle. To put it in Angle's words, "Something stinks." Here's why I say Morganelli is conflicted, and these facts will be established during an evidentiary hearing.

1) In 2006, when Hellertown Borough Council President Tony Branco was appointed to County Council, Morganelli had no objection to a Democrat serving in dual offices. In fact, the DA later made robo calls for him.

2) In 2008, when Bangor Mayor Joe Capozzolo was appointed to succeed the late, great Wayne Grube, Morganelli voiced no concerns over yet another Democrat.

3) Political consultant Tom "Scissorhands" Severson is a close Morganelli friend, so close that John refused to lift a finger during eighteen years of complaints about dirty campaign tricks, claiming it would be a conflict. Once the Attorney General took over, Scissorhands was finally convicted early this year for his bizarre and threatening behavior towards Ron Angle. Amazingly, Severson went ballistic during a funeral mass. DA John Morganelli assumed the role of defense counsel, minimizing what had happened with the press. He actually told me that Angle had committed perjury. He also had some choice words for the prosecution team as they were left the courthouse. Morganelli obviously holds Angle responsible for his friend's criminal conviction, and displayed biased behavior after the jury reached its verdict.

4) Severson's troubles are by no means over. He's now facing much more serious charges filed by the Attorney General, this time for deceptive campaign practices. Ron Angle is one of Severson's victims. Since Morganelli is coflicted in trying Severson, he is necessarily conflicted in pursuing a quo warranto action against Angle. He has already demonstrated his bias and personal animosity as a result of a minor case. Now that more serious charges have been filed, has Morganelli suddenly become less biased?

5) Angle's most bitter opponent on Northampton County Council is Lamont McClure, who would love nothing better than seeing Angle removed from office or taken out of contention as Council prez. McClure was Morganelli's campaign manager in one of his AG races. John helped McClure get his job at the Angelos law firm. McClure's wife works for Morganelli as an assistant DA. Morganelli is even The Godfather to one of McClure's children. Given this close relationship and the animosity that exists between Angle and McClure, it would be an appearance of improprity for Morganelli to pursue this quo warranto. He is carrying McClure's water. Morganelli and McClure both know that other Council members have no desire to see Angle removed.

If this really were just some "honest dispute," why wouldn't Morganelli agree to let the legislature clarify the law, conditioned on Angle's willingness to aide by their decision? That puts the politics where it belongs, and removes any question of impropriety.

This is a lawsuit that could have been avoided. Courts tend to get annoyed by that sort of thing. Instead of damaging Angle, Morganelli may find that he has squandered some of his political good will.

Wouldn't he rather be chasing a few illegal aliens?

I'm kicking Morganelli around, but he was kind enough to give me a copy of his complaint. I'll post it sometime today or tomorrow.

Who's the Mayor?

I know you recognize the Mayor on the right. But how many of you recognize the Mayor on the left? Hint: He likes to tell me he's Italian.

First right answer gets lunch on me. Raimen noodles.

Moveon, SEIU to Hold Health Care Pep Rally Today

I've received a news release from Washington telling me that today, at 5 PM, "local residents," i.e. Moveon and SEIU, will hold a pep rally outside Bethlehem City Hall to demand health care reform with a public option.

No word on whether the SEIU plans to roll a few boy scouts, or whether Bethlehem Mayor and Congressional wannabe John Callahan will bravely join this gaggle and do his famous chickendance. He might sneak out from the basement.

Angle On Bangor School Board; Sky Does Not Fall

I'm told Ron Angle's election to Bangor School Board is very controversial. But you wouldn't think that had you attended last night's swearing-in ceremony, which occurred during an unusually lengthy reorganization meeting.

Sure, Angle's political enemies have wasted no time in condemning him for daring to think he could simultaneously serve on a school board and county council. According to The Express Times, DA John Morganelli may sue to remove Angle as early as today. He's got no money for extraditions, but can waste prosecutorial resources to reverse the peole's will on the basis of unsettled law. Ironically, there were no protesters as Ron took the oath. The school board's solicitor had no objection, and just sat there chewing gum and looking at her nails.

They're very nice.

Yes, the meeting room was packed. There were reporters and photographers. Channel 69 (WFMZ-69) had the cameras rolling as Magistrate Todd Strohe administered the oath. But the reporters had trouble finding anyone willing to do a "man on the street" interview. The only members of the public who came were me, Ron's barber and Bangor Mayor Joe Capozzolo, who also sits on Northampton County Council.

"Where are all the protesters?" Joe kept asking me. He sat in the peanut gallery with me, wearing a loud orange hunter's cap. The women wouldn't take their eyes off him.

Of course, Ron being Ron, he bluntly told the board that their priorities are all wrong; that they obsess on minutiae like field trips while ignoring the biggies - "finances and the quality of eduction." He bristled when school board Prez Joe Boyle, himself a Jersey teacher, asked Ron whether he understood a technical educational term. Ironically, most school board members agree that the board needs to refocus on how they conduct meetings. Only one of them, Pam Colton, rolled her eyes.

She has nice nails, too. Cherry red.

Now this was just a reorganization meeting, but it had been raging for two hours when I got up and decided to leave. There were extensive discussions about SAT classes and the relative merits of everyday math, which board member Bruce Cameron, yet another teacher, claims is inadequate. Somebody started talking about ADD, but I wasn't paying attention. I left wondering why anyone, especially a nonteacher like Angle, would want to sit on a school board. These are special people. I'd rather go through root canal.

Angle is getting sued for his interest.

LV Health Forum in Bangor Tonight!

RenewLV and the League of Women Voters (Northampton County) will host a community forum tonight in an effort to build public support for the controversial Lehigh Valley Health Department and the benefits of public health services. It should be one helluva' show because Northampton County Bulldog, a bitter opponent of this proposal, plans to attend. I'm sure he'll have lots of questions and even more opinions. I'll be there, too. I hope the ambulances are on standby.

Who: Session Panel:

· Alberto Cardelle, PhD, MPH - East Stroudsburg University

· John Reinhart, M.Ed. - Bangor Area School District, Superintendent, Member of the Lehigh Valley Board of Health

· David Lyon, MD, MPH - Easton Hospital, Chair, Lehigh Valley Board of Health

· Gerald Barron, MPH - Center for Public Health Practice at University of Pittsburgh, Public Health Consultant to the Lehigh Valley Board of Health

What: Informal forum, free and open to the public, to promote discourse and consideration of a Lehigh Valley Health Department. Brief presentations from each of the panelists will be followed by plenty of time for questions and discussion. Topic discussed will include discussion on how the H1N1 situation has highlighted the need for a regional public health department. Light refreshments will be provided.

When: Tuesday, December 8th, 2009, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Where: Washington Elementary School, 381 Washington Blvd. (Rt. 191), Bangor, PA

Do You Want to Run Over Fred B. Rooney?

Back in the day, when men were men and Democrats were still Democrats, Fred B. Rooney was the Lehigh Valley's Congressman. He served from 1963 to 1979. A friend of my father, he'd often drop by, after which my father and he would simply vanish. My mother would collect them several hours later and, under the glare of our kitchen's noisy fluorescent lights, would pour coffee down their throats while my father smoked unfiltered Pall Malls and Rooney puffed on big cigars.

During those interrogation sessions under the bright lights of my mother's kitchen, I got my introductory lessons in politics. First, I learned there really was an Irish Mafia in those days, at least in the sense that Celts tended to look out for each other. Second, I learned all about the enemy, Republican blue bloods at Bethlehem Steel who begrudged paying a decent wage for honest work. Rooney called them WASPs.

"What's a WASP?" I asked.

"A White Anglo Saxon Prick," he'd sardonically reply.

Despite my mother's lectures, I enjoyed listening to the two of them whenever they got together to sober up. I felt like a Junior Molly Maguire, listening as they'd plot and solve all the world's problems in clouds of tobacco smoke and buckets of caffeine.

Rooney, incidentally, was a great practical joker. Need proof? He got me my first summer job as a college student, working for Dan Rostenkowski. Later, when I got married, Rooney stopped by and gave me a $100 bill, the most money I had ever seen.

In honor of this iconic man, who really did look out for the little guy, the state legislature recently passed H.B. 1468, which renames a portion of Route 378 from Route 22 to the Hill Bridge as The Fred B. Rooney Highway. It is largely through Rooney's efforts that this highway runs through Bethlehem.

State Rep. Joe Brennan, D-Lehigh/Northampton, another good Irishman with Rooney's sense of humor, will host the official unveiling of the Fred B. Rooney Highway at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11. Now all the WASPs can run him over every day.

Jack Wagner Disagrees With Obama's Afghanistan Surge

Auditor General Jack Wagner, running for the Democratic nomination in the Pennsylvania Governor's race, told a Camp Hill crowd on Saturday night that he opposes President Obama’s recent decision to send an additional 30,000 U.S. troops to Afghanistan. Wagner is a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran of the Vietnam War.

“I disagree with the President's decision to substantially expand the number of American military personnel in Afghanistan. The previous administration squandered numerous opportunities in Afghanistan, but those mistakes should not be compounded by another.”

Wagner is also concerned about the war’s horrific impact on U.S. soldiers and their families, noting that more than 5,100 military personnel have been killed and more than 32,000 wounded in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I fear that this is another mistake that will fall most heavily on the soldiers and their families who will bear the burden of this dangerous deployment,” said Wagner. “No matter where you stand on the political aspects of the war, we must keep our troops and military families in our thoughts and prayers for their ultimate sacrifice in protecting our freedom.”

I disagree with Wagner, but am gratified to see a candidate willing to take a position and lead from the front. Wagner may be running for a state office, but is willing to risk losing a few votes by saying what he thinks.

John Callahan, who is running for Congress, is still hiding in his city hall office, trying to figure out which way the wind is blowing.

Concrete Charlie: Great Christmas Gift

Bethlehem luminary Larry Kisslinger has sent out one of his famous mass emails, asking his numerous friends and acquaintances to buy Concrete Charlie, the latest reminiscences of Eagles legend Chuck Bednarik. As hard as the steel then produced in Bethlehem, Liberty High grad Bednarik is a rare breed - the last of the iron men who could and did play both offense and defense in NFL football. But before doing this, he was an Air Force gunner in thirty combat missions over Germany during WWII. After the war, he played college ball at the University of Pennsylvania, not Penn State. Professionally, he played 58 minutes during the 1960 title game, the last title ever claimed by the Birds. According to Governor Ed Rendell, "He was the consummate hard hitter. He was a force that gripped the town."

If you believe what former Morning Call reporter Mike Sielski writes, Bednarik is also a bigot. During a 2003 interview in this legend's living room, "Bednarik began to rant, for five to 10 minutes, about the "n—--r bull—-t" in present-day pro football. Deion Sanders, end-zone dances, guys who weren't tough enough to play both ways — he took a blowtorch to all of them."

Sielski waited five years, apparently 'till he was selling his own book, before publishing a word of this supposed rant. "For one thing, it wasn't relevant to the primary thrust of the piece: Bednarik's dispute with the Eagles. For another, I felt sorry for him. Here was an old man trapped in his sad, antiquated way of looking at the world, and I didn't want to embarrass him more than he already had embarrassed himself. One terrible sound bite can drown out the music of a man's life."

Wonderfully considerate of Sielski, don't you think? So did Bednarik get younger in the last five years? Why would Sielski try to drown out the music now? Personally, I prefer sportswriter Ray Didinger's assessment. "When people retell things, the legends tend to get exaggerated. Chuck Bednarik is one of the very few cases where the accomplishments were greater than the legend. What’s been lost is not just that he played two ways, but how great he played."

I'll be buying Bednarik's book.

Nazareth Likes Artsy Fartsys, Too!

In addition to pizza, we got art, baby!

Just around the corner from Insomniak Theatre, the fledgling Nazareth Arts Center (30 Belivdere Street) will have its grand opening next Friday night. I have offered to put on a beret and publicly read a few blog posts, but haven't heard back from the artsy-fartsys. (They probably lost my email).

This new arts center will be featured tonight on WDIY 88.1’s Lehigh Valley Arts Salon show, beginning at 6:00 p.m. That should be fascinating. Tune in if you have insomnia.

Blogger Ross Nunamaker, who publishes News Over Coffee, has created their web page. He wears a beret all the time.