Lack of Hospital Support Kills LV Health Board

Despite over four hours of emergency medical treatment from the Lehigh Valley's best and brightest physicians and nurses, the Lehigh Valley Health Department died a slow and agonizing death last night in Northampton County's star chamber. Quoting FDR, JFK, Thomas Jefferson and even Ben Franklin proved to be of no use. Time of death? 10:38 PM. Cause? Lack of hospital support.

Before last night's vote by the combined legislatures of Lehigh and Northampton County, enough hot air was generated by public health and personal responsibility advocates to heat the County for the next five years. Twenty-nine people spoke to a standing-room only crowd, and twenty-two of them supported the measure.

Public Health Advocates v. Personal Responsibility Advocates

"It's time for a change," said dietitian Jane Ziegler, wearing her white lab coat for effect. Retired surgeon Michael Sinclair called the proposal "creative" and "brilliant." "Good bargains are hard to find," he said. Auto dealer Andy Daub tried to close the sale, calling a bi-county health department an "investment" that will somehow decrease the cost of health care. "We've got to compete with Bucks County or we're not going to get the jobs. ... They're gonna' walk right by us."

But the high local cost of Bucks County's health department, estimated at somewhere between $4 and $6 million, was used by personal responsibility advocates to argue against a bi-county health department. Former LV Congressional candidate Mat Benol told Lehigh and Northampton County legislators that "no amount of money is going to make people stop going to McDonalds."

Scrappleface, aka former LC Exec candidate Scott Ott, scoffed at the notion that a bi-County health department would be cost efficient. "You have to ask yourself, if two counties are good, why isn't four counties better? If four counties would be better, why not a twelve-county coalition? If a twelve-county coalition makes sense, how about a sixty-seven county coalition? Because certainly, the higher we roll this up and the more regional coordination we have, the better the care would get, or so you've been led to believe. So why not have Governor Rendell coordinate everything from Harrisburg, or President Obama coordinate it from Washington, D.C." He later said, "You don't have to rescue us. ... You cannot solve every problem."

We're Too Fat and Our Babies are Too Skinny

After hearing from the unwashed masses, the next people up were LV Health Board members.

Dr. Eric Gertner explained why we need public health. For one thing, we're too fat. In Northampton County, 30% of us are obese, and Lehigh County is only slightly skinnier, at 26%. If Northampton County were a state, the only ones that would be fatter than us would be Mississippi, Alabamy, West Virginy and Tennessee. It's like we're in Deliverance country. The truth is that Northampton County's obesity rate would go down ten points if I just moved.

While we're too fat, our babies are too skinny. 8.3% of Northampton's babies have a low birth rate, while Lehigh County is even worse, at 8.7%. Even Mongolia does better than us. But don't Mongols have anger issues?

John Reinhart, another Board of Health member, explained the nightmare he went through when he had to distribute H1N1 vaccines at the Bangor School District. "There seems to be a comfortable belief that we in the LV will be taken care of by some agency or some group, and that agency or group will not permit us to be vulnerable during a public health crisis. I personally believe that's clearly a misconception. ... We reached out last Fall during H1N1, and with the exception of Allentown and Bethlehem, there really wasn't another person on the end of the line for the rest of us."

Health Board member Ilene Prokup told legislators of plans for 5 clinics in Allentown, Slatington, Bethlehem, Easton and Bangor. She also said the staff would grow from 66 to 106 in the first year.

Lehigh and Northampton County legislators had several objections.

Bruce Gilbert (North.) was doubtful about the 3% projected annual growth, believing the figure will be much higher as a regional health board competes for grants with Philly and Pittsburgh. "I don't see that as a realistic figure as to what our cost increase will be. I'm not sure we're getting an accurate picture ... ."

Glenn Eckhart (Leh.) noted that 66 public health workers currently serve 175,000 people in Allentown and Bethlehem, and was very doubtful that an additional 50 workers could serve 600,000 residents in the LV. "Will this health department give equal coverage to the other 400,000? Until that happens, I can't support it."

The Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle, was in a foul mood. Chairman Percy Dougherty had started the meeting by saying any attempts to table the LV Health Department would be out of order, and he reached that conclusion on the basis of discussions with attorneys from both Counties. Angle asked County Council Solicitor Phil Lauer whether that was true, and Phil responded, "This is the first I've heard of it." Dougherty got his signals crossed somewhere.

Angle's chief objection (he had a few) is that Allentown and Bethlehem are guaranteed they will receive the same services from a Bi-County Health department that residents there currently enjoy. "This is a two-tiered service. If we vote against increases, Allentown and Bethlehem will still get the same service and everyone else will suffer." He also ridiculed the numbers in the proposal, calling them "pitiful."

Lamont McClure (North.) delivered the most damaging assessment. He had previously boycotted all meetings concerning the establishment of a Bi-County Health Department, and noted that "we've been lectured about our responsibilities", "our failure to provide for public health." Then he delivered a lecture of his own, telling health board members that the County's source of revenue is real estate taxes. "There is a crisis in Pennsylvania, but it is of people trying to stay in their homes." He noted many good people are just "one pink slip away from foreclosure," and read minutes from previous presentations establishing that local hospitals want public health so they can get people out of their emergency rooms.

McClure wanted to know if hospitals were willing to fund the County share for the next five years. Board member David Beckwith conceded that, although hospitals were more than willing to provide in-kind services, they will make no cash contributions.

This seemed to set off the normally affable Dean Browning (Leh.), who agreed with McClure that "we have been somewhat lectured to tonight." Of the hospitals' refusal to commit any cash, he stated, "They damn well should support us because they are not paying any property taxes." Browning noted that, in Lehigh County, hospitals are exempt from $8.1 million in real estate taxes. "If they want a Bi-County Health Department, they should put their money where their mouth is and fund it."

Mike Dowd (North.) noted that satellite offices would be established "when deemed appropriate," and questioned why that was not already determined. He shared Angle's concern about funding for Allentown and Bethlehem leading to shortfalls elsewhere. Finally, he'd like to see proof of the "salubrious benefit" of public health to students in Allentown and Bethlehem. (Mike talks like that. He reads books).

In addition to all these objections, there were other legislators who argued in support of funding a Bi-County Health Board.

Andy Roman (Leh.) trotted out the "Be afraid, be very afraid" argument, pointing to 9/11, bio-terrorism and our drinking supply. He also noted "we are already paying for services that we're not receiving from a system that is fragmented and has no local control. Conservatives should support this."

Gloria Hamm (Leh.), who had oxygen going up her nose the entire meeting, must have had her supply cut off by Angle at points. She was hopelessly confused before every vote cast, but dismissed the personal responsibility argument as some kind of red herring. She also noted that if one grant is denied, the health board can simply apply for another one somewhere else. I see.

David Jones (Leh.), who actually showed up for once, claimed he was no politician, but was a preacher. He condemned the "rhetoric" and "grandstanding" that had gone on "from both sides" and then delivered a sermon of his own. Arguments against the health board were "strawmans" [sic]. Those opposed are guilty of "unreasoned fear." Then he quoted from FDR, Martin Luther King and Adam Sandler.

According to Bill Hansell (Leh.), funding is imperative. "Listening to the opposition, I'm wondering what country we're in." Then he started quoting Jefferson, who incidentally helped Hansell draft the Declaration of Independence. By the way, I hate to break this to you, but according to Hansell, the health board report claims "we have cancer." Better see your doctor. He also insisted public health should be our #1 priority, more important than open space, bridges or even jails.

Percy Dougherty (Leh.) promises, "we're not going to saddle the taxpayers" with the cost of a health board, and claims he could transfer funds from "other programs." But he never identifies those programs.

Ann McHale (North.) had the usual trite comments. "Now is the time to make the tough choice. ... It's the right thing to do. ... It takes courage to do the right thing ... blah, blah, blah." I'm sure her Overlords at the Lehigh Valley Partnership were very happy.

Despite Dougherty's admonition earlier that evening, Angle moved to table the resolution for two weeks, pending receipt of a report on the County's nursing home. He was seconded by Dowd, who expressed concern about Northampton County's $16 million hole. But that motion failed. An attempt to offer amendments to the Resolution also fell short. That left the Resolution itself, which authorized funding, approved a budget and authorized establishment of a Board of Health. In order to pass, this resolution needed the support of five members of both Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners as well as Northampton County Council.

When the dust had settled, it passed in Lehigh County, 6-3. Only Browning, Tom Creighton and Eckhart were opposed. But it failed in Northampton County, 2-6. Only McHale and Peg Ferraro voted yes, with Tom Dietrich being the only member MIA from both legislative bodies.

What killed this proposal, in addition to poor advocacy and a condescending attitude from public health advocates, was the unwillingness of local hospitals to provide any kind of financial support for a program that benefits them at least as much as the public.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by David Jones' Life Church.

More Layoffs at Morning Call?

NorCo Slammer: A Nice Place to Visit

Last week, a 5'2", 160-pound, female resident at Chez Northampton was somehow able to escape police custody when taken to a magistrate's office in Wilson Borough for arraignment on felony theft. Despite her fashionable blue prison wear and shackles, she still managed to slip right out the back door. So it's a hell of a lot easier to escape than I thought.

Maybe she wanted to try the table games.

As easy as it may be to get out, it's a lot harder to get in. When I tried breaking in last week, I was caught red-handed. Let me tell you what happened.

One of my best friends, a fellow title searcher, is spending the dog days of Summer in the slammer. He's seventy-five years old, gets dizzy spells, has a bad heart and is cooking away over there with no air conditioning. It's probably my fault. I spoke up for him at his sentencing. Instead of probation, he's doing six months in the hoosegow.

He's allowed 8 visitors, and I'm one of them. So I called over there to make arrangements to see him.

"You're not approved," I was told.

I was given someone's name to call the next day, between 9 AM and noon only, so I did. "She's not here today," I was told.

And so on. This bureaucratic bullshit for about two weeks until I finally said enough is enough.

Time to break in.

Here's our break-in plan. I have a lawyer friend, and we both went over there. The jail has to allow inmates to see their lawyers, right? Sixth Amendment and all that. I was playing the role of paralegal and even had a legal pad.

We walked over to the pokey, and the guard (a very nice fellow, by the way) asked the lawyer for his ID. No problem. He produced his bar card and even had a driver's license.

"Who's your friend? the guard asked.

"He's my paralegal," the lawyer deadpanned.

I tried to look intelligent.

"Sign in," the guard ordered, and the heavy metal gates screeched wide open. We were in. I made sure to scribble my name so nobody could possibly know who I was.

We were then asked to take seats in an adjoining room while the guard called for this or that person. All of them were loaded with what was either tobacco juice or skidmarks. No Brazilian wood here, baby. Unable to find an unstained chair on which to plop our asses, we remained standing. The attorney read the sports section of a three-day old Express Times while I pretended to be taking notes.

After about ten minutes, another guard came down to see us. But he was plainclothes. We were being denied access after all. You see, the inmate's attorney of record must sign off on all visits by other lawyers. Job security.

After explaining everything, this jailer turned to me.

"Mr. O'Hare, under no circumstances are you coming in. And don't bother checking with the Warden because I already did."

Holy shit! How the hell did they know I was staging a break-in?

"Jesus Christ, you won't let my friend out and you won't let me in," is the only thing I could say.

So our break-in failed.

On a bright note, I've finally been approved as a visitor. But it's for Friday nights at 7 PM. What the hell do they think I am, his girlfriend?

Time for another break-in. This time, I'm looking for a priest. We can go over for religious counseling, and I'll be the altar boy.

Norco Worker Has Some Cost Cutting Ideas

While I understand Northampton and Lehigh County are both bleeding money, is a 5% pay cut the answer? For those who are making $50,000 plus, it might mean some minor belt-tightening. But what about those making between $8 and $13 per hour? Some of them are working second jobs, if they can find them. One of them commented here this weekend. No ideological rant. Just nuts and bolts observations, which I'll share it with you.

"Clerical employees earn $8.00 to $13.00 an hour. I would rather have Mr. Angle and Mr. Stoffa layoff personnel in the Sheriff's Department. They have way too many employees. Also, they have too many people for security at all the entrances. When you figure the cost for wages and benefits, its enormous. When the County constructed a new courtroom for Judge McFadden the tab was over $800,000.00. Now that courtroom houses the cafeteria, a total rehab at a cost of $200,000-$300,000.00. Soup and salad please. Why should the County reduce salaries on the backs of people who earn very little to begin with, when they have lavishly and foolishly spent tax dollars. The public should see the bills for the courthouse expansion, especially for the Brazilian wood and the lunch table for the judges. I find it appalling to reduce the salaries of hard working people, when the court, current and past administrations have squandered money over the years. Another example of waste is the current domestic relations building on Union Street, cost about 5 million to build, there's a total of 58 parking spaces, but there's 53 employees for the department. I think the County should rethink how they continue to waste taxpayer dollars and not take it out on the employees, after all we didn't beg you to spend 45 million on the courthouse expansion."

Roman: $1,500 Raise Good For Me, But Not Row Offices

Thanks to another David Jones absence on Thursday night, Lehigh County Commissioners were unable to get the five votes needed for a modest boost in salaries paid to the Sheriff, Clerk of Judicial Records, Controller and Coroner. Instead of blaming MIA Jones, one of you has focused on the No votes cast by four of the Commissioners' five Republicans.

"Regarding the Lehigh County Commissioners, I see some voted against what equates to an annual 1 percent increase for row offices. This means they will go without a raise for eight years.

"While the cost of living increases 3 to 4 percent each year, these folks are taking a pay cut to serve the public.

"Will Dougherty, Creighton, Roman and Eckert [sic], stand for their principles and forgo any pay increase for the next 8? Whether the consumers cannot afford to give you an increase. The consumer pays for your increases. In the case of Creighton, the taxpayers pay for his increase too."

My own view is that Jones is responsible for this defeat. But I think I should disspell the suggestion that Dougherty, Creighton and Eckhart are enjoying the bounty they've denied to row officers.

In 2006, Commissioners voted to increase the Commissioner’s salary from $5,500 per year to $7,000 per year. Because Lehigh's Home Rule Charter forbids changes in salaries for elected officials currently in office, the increases approved in 2006 were to take effect in 2008 for those Commissioners (at-large seats) elected in 2007. They would take effect in 2010 for those Commissioners (district seats) elected in 2009.

When Dean Browning was a running for office in 2007, he said he would refuse any increase because he felt freezes or reductions in pay would soon to avoid a tax increase. This weekend, he told me, "I didn’t think it was right to take a 27% increase if we as Commissioners would be asking others to make a sacrifice in how they were compensated."

Sure enough, when he took office in 2008, he kept his word and has now gone three years at the lower ($5,500) rate. He even refused the additional stipend this year ($500) that goes with the position of Chairman.

What about the other Republicans?

During last year’s campaign for the district seats, all of the Republican candidates pledged to forego the $1,500 increase if elected. So upon taking office this year, Tom Creighton, Percy Dougherty and Glenn Eckhart all refused the increase and are working for the old salary of $5,500.

The sole Republican Commissioner who has accepted his $1,500 raise is Andy Roman. In fact, in 2008, he fought off a Browning attempt to roll back the increase, stating he felt this would "devalue" his work.

Browning voted for the wage hike. Eckhart, Dougherty and Creighton voted NO, but refused to take a similar hike for themselves, so they really are standing for their principles.

That leaves Andy Roman. The $1,500 increase in a Commissioner's salary that Andy voted for, took and insisted on keeping, just by coincidence happens to be the same amount that he voted against giving to the row officers 2 1/2 years from now.

Warning! Do Not Read This Blog

So I'm minding my own business, doing my tour de blog thing, when I stumble across this. God, somebody is always complaining about me. Lehigh Valley Independent's Jon Geeting has decreed I'm to be avoided on all national issues, whether it's our economy or health care or Sri Lankan surnames.

I'm too dumb.

So where can you find out all about Evil Charlie Dent or how wonderful everythig is? Why, from Geeting, of course. "I read probably about 200 articles and blog posts a day," he tells us. Wow! That's certainly a lot more than me. I'm just in this for the babes.

Funny thing. Not long ago, Geeting and I placed a $200 bet on Charlie Dent's voting record, and he lost. But since his nonprofit pay must be pretty low, I let him off the hook.

I really am dumb.

Norco Council Sickened By Public Health Proposal

In early June, the LV Health Bureau released its proposed budget to the Lehigh Valley Partnership, an unelected and secretive millionaires' club. But the elected legislatures of Lehigh and Northampton County, the ones who actually spend your money, were kept in the dark until Wednesday. That's when they learned that each County is expected to contribute $250,000 for a regional health department next year, followed by $500,000 in 2012, and $550,000 in 2013-15. With just five days notice, they are being told to vote for this on Monday.

Naturally, this dominated conversation at Thursday night's Northampton County Council meeting.

"If you'd want to buy stock based on this proposal, I'm not available for any shares," noted Council Prez Ron Angle.

Council member Lamont McClure, a public health opponent who previously has boycotted all meetings of the LV Health Comm'n, said he'll be there Monday. "We have never been able to pin them down on what they'd actually do," he complained, insisting it is time to reject the proposal.

But County Executive John Stoffa had a different view. "If I were the King, I would mothball the project. I wouldn't vote on it. I would out it aside. I would not negate all the work that's been done, but I think I would wait a year or so to see if the economy changes."

Council members Michael Dowd and Peg Ferraro, who formerly advocated a Bi-County Health Department, accepted Stoffa's argument. "I'm not prepared to vote yes based on what I've seen. But once you say no, it tends to be no forever," said Dowd.

Northampton County Council and Lehigh County Commissioners will decide the future of a regional health department on Monday, 6:30 PM, in Northampton County Council's meeting room.

Stoffa Listens to Concerns From Gracedale Staff

In just twelve days, she'll be retired. Nothing that happens at Gracedale, Northampton County's nursing home, can possibly affect her. But Judy Pezzuto, a charge nurse in a Gracedale Alzheimer's unit with 25 years of experience, was nevertheless at County Council's June 15 meeting, waiting to see if an $18,000 study of the nursing home was complete.

Like many in the nursing profession, she cares. She worries that "residents' health and welfare will deteriorate." She believes we should be "taking care of our elderly, who gave so much to this community." Pezzutto was joined by several other nurses and even a laundry worker.

Pezzutto claims "morale is lowest in all the years I've worked at Gracedale." Part of the problem is the result of unfilled vacancies brought about by a County hiring freeze. But even worse is a nursing home administration that is "out of touch" with what is going on. "When the administration changed, everything changed," she said.

As an example of the problem, Pezzutto notes there are only 16 R.N. charge nurses on the floors, yet there are 22 R.N.s in management positions. When floor nurses have questions, administrators are either in meetings or have no answers.

Called the County's crown jewel by its defenders, Gracedale lost $6.29 million last year. And according to Executive John Stoffa, who approached and spoke to these workers after the meeting, the County is well on a way to losing a similar sum this year.

Pat Repsher, an LPN, echoed Pezzutto's concerns, but agreed there's lots of waste. "I see 17 people from parks, cutting brown grass and wasting gas. I see 82 housekeepers. What do you need 82 housekeepers for?" she asked.

Stoffa told these workers that he had just received a draft of the report and recommendations of consultant Complete Care, and it will be ready for the public in a week.

Each of these workers supported selling Gracedale to a private outfit that can manage it more efficiently, provided that it offers the same level of service to residents and is willing to accept County workers at their current compensation levels.

"That would be great," said Repsher.

Pay-to-Play Perrucci Tapped For Lehigh County Chief PD

About eighteen months ago, back when he was still regularly attending Council meetings, Lamont McClure tried his best to have Bethlehem attorney Christian Perrucci appointed as Northampton County Council's Solicitor. McClure actually went so far as to take it upon himself to fire Council's then Solicitor, and over the Christmas holiday, with absolutely no authority from other Council members.

For that little stunt, McClure was awarded a coveted Express Times turkey. But Perrucci remained first choice of Northampton County machine Democrats. Lame duck council member Diane Neiper asked council members to appoint Perrucci. So did then Council Prez Ann McHale. They needed five votes, but could only get four. So sad.

Why were they so hot for Perrucci? Is he a municipal law expert? Home rule scholar? Nah. Much better than that, he's a pay-to-play specialist.

Pennsylvania campaign finance records place Perrucci very solidly in the "pay to play" camp. In just three years, this young lawyer has already contributed $14,550 to state office candidates. This includes $4,000 to convicted state house Democratic whip Mike Veon, who was sentenced last month to 6-14 years in prison for his involvement in Bonusgate. Another $1,000 found its way to former state house Democratic whip and payjacker Bill DeWeese, who has also been charged.

Did I mention that Perruccis just love Don Cunningham? In the last two years, he's picked up $7,800 from John and Christian. To be fair, Christian also gave $1,000 to Pay to Play Pawlowski. I'm sure King Edwin will remember this loyal vassal.

Perruccis like John Callahan, too. Christine Perrucci has already maxed out, with $4,800 for Callahan's Congressional bid against Charlie Dent.

Perrucci is part of a "pay to play" family. He practices law in a firm started by his father, Phillipsburg attorney Michael Perrucci, and former NJ Guv' Jim Florio. Like his son, Michael is very generous to Democratic candidates for state office, and has contributed at least $25,730 over the years to Governer Rendell, John Morganelli and others. His law firm represents the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Authority, rest home for political hacks. As a Director of ClearPoint Business Resources in 2007, his total compensation was a paltry $54 million.

Who knows just how much money Christian has given to local candidates? I do know that Christian's sister, Bonnie, has contributed $200 to Lamont McClure. But it's harder to follow the money in local races.

Yesterday, Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham finally rewarded Perrucci for all those contributions with an appointment as Lehigh County’s Chief Public Defender, a part-time job that pays $53,288. Benefits, too!! Perrucci will replace current Chief Public Defender Chuck Smith, who is stepping down today.

According to a County news release, Perrucci "has extensive experience in litigation and criminal law." Really? I spoke to one of the Lehigh Valley's best criminal defense attorneys, who tells me he's never seen him in a courtroom. Now according to his biography, Christian does have some experience in Alpha, N.J., prosecuting speeders and jaywalkers, so he's got that going for him. But I have to wonder what the hell he'll be advising indigent defendants. That they should learn to pay peoplwe off like he does?

Perrucci’s nomination now goes to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners Intergovernmental Committee for confirmation on July 28.

Maybe he should write out a few checks for them, too.

Public Health to Combat Dirty Bombs?

The numbers are finally in, and they're not good. They were presented to the Lehigh Valley Partnership (LVP), our unelected aristocracy, weeks ago. But the leaders we actually elect, the ones sitting on Northampton County Council and the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners, were never presented with any actual numbers until yesterday. They're the ones who actually make the decisions about spending our money, but were clueless. On Monday, they'll be asked to approve a three-year budget for the Bi-County Health Bureau that calls for huge infusions of cash from each County, especially during the second year. I do not have the exact figures, but will pass them along when I get them.

I don't know about you, but I find it insulting that the Bi-County Health Bureau would present its budget to the bluebloods at the secretive LVP before letting the rest of us in. That says something about their real Overlords, and it's not us.

Will it pass?

Doubtful. On Northampton County Council, I can only see Peg Ferraro and Mike Dowd supporting it. In Lehigh County, it's a different story. Only Dean Browning, Glenn Eckhart and Tom Creighton are definite Nos. Unless it passes in both counties, it's dead.

Browning is taking it on the chin for supporting some modest salary increases to row officers. But on a big ticket item like this, conservative Andy Roman is a big cheerleader. He actually thinks a Bi-County Health Bureau will help us if we are hit with a "dirty bomb" or bio-terrorism. I admire his independence and passion, but he is confusing a public health department with emergency management.

After the bi-county health department dies, he might want to look into the emergency management coordinated between Lehigh and Northampton County. Not long ago, Lehigh County members saved lives in Northampton County with their quick reaction to a chemical truck spill on Route 33.

Update (10:00 AM): I have the hard numbers, and they call for each County to kick in $250,000 next year, follwed by another $500,000 in Year 2, and $550,000 in Years 3, 4 & 5. This is backed up by a report in The Morning Call.

Angle Proposes 5%, Across the Board, Paycut

Take a 5% paycut or face layoffs.

That's the option Council Prez Ron Angle is giving County workers, complaining that he's not making enough headway to eliminate a possible twenty per cent tax hike next year. "If everybody agrees to a five percent pay cut, we'll agree to no layoffs," Angle stated.

That brought Director of Administration John Conklin to his feet. He just finished negotiating a deal for corrections officers, providing for modest increases (2.25%, 5%, 2.5%) over the next three years. Council, including Angle, just voted for that a few weeks ago. Conklin is using that as a basis for his negotiations with other unions, and he told Angle unions won't respond to efforts to renegotiate contracts.

Angle responded that's because senior union members are more interested in protecting their pensions and salaries than in saving the jobs of junior workers. "A job with 95% of what you make and a guarantee. That's not bad," said Angle.

In a recent CNBC poll, three out of four workers said they'd accept a pay cut to save their jobs. Half would accept salary reductions of up to 9%. But would they accept less if they were saving someone else's job instead of their own? Five per cent might be just enough to push some County workers, especially those in clerical positions, into poverty. Many of them work second jobs now.

The Express Times' Sarah Cassi has a more detailed report.

Angle: "Our Bridges are in Horrible Condition"

"I've been on Council eleven years. How long have I been complaining about bridges?"

"Eleven years."

That's an exchange between Northampton County Council Prez Ron Angle and Budget Administrator Doran Hammon during yesterday's Finance Committee meeting. It is an annual refrain.

Northampton County owns around 115 bridges, and repairs to one of them are being considered. Angle explained that Counties got into the bridge business because they have deeper pockets than many of the small municipalities. "The average bridge lasts 50-60 years. We must replace or repair two bridges every year or we'e going to end up having to do thirty at one time. Our bridges are in horrible condition, but nobody pays attention to bridges. Bridges don't vote."

Fortunately, one of those bridges, located in Lehigh Township, is being replaced this year. Liquid fuel tax funds can be used for bridge repairs, but only if they are 20' or longer. This bridge, which is less than 20', is being funded by bond money.

Exec John Stoffa noted that a bridge study is completed bi-annually. Stoffa and his Lehigh County counterpart, Don Cunningham, have made bridges a priority.

Norco Workers Comp Claims Rise $1.1 Million

If you work in the mines or on a firetruck or setting up firing ranges, you'll see lots of workers comp claims. That's to be expected. But in a county workforce? A whopping thirty per cent of Northampton County's staffers have filed claims within the last year. That's three times the 10-12% average among county workers. It certainly explains why workers compensation costs have skyrocketed from $1.8 to $2.9 million over the last two years. Because the County has been self-insured since 1986, that's money out of your pocket.

This is unacceptable, according to PMA's Scott Bogdan. Yesterday, the Finance Committee recommended replacing Alliant, the current third party administrator of the County's self-insured workers compensation program, with PMA.

Under Alliant, the County was continuing to pay benefits after cases were over or abandoned, leading to high costs. PMA is the low bidder of four administrators requested to submit proposals.

County Council will decide whether to approve PMA tonight.

The Cookie Monster

A few weeks ago, I caught all kinds of hell when I wrote about a Norco GOP picnic. In a moment of weakness, the Northampton County Bulldog had invited me, a duly elected Democratic committeeman, to watch Republicans eat pork. Naturally, I made fun of everyone. It's what I do.

What really got me in trouble was a comment about Ron Shegda, who is trying to set a record for most number of races run without actually winning anything. I wrote this: "Ron Shegda (running against Bob Freeman) spoke about gas while his sister kept filling plates with cookies and cupcakes and taking them out to their car. I'll bet they had one hell of a bake sale."

People were outraged. How dare I take such a "cheap shot against an obviously disabled woman. You're a real class act, OHare."

My response? "I try. Her brother is obviously disabled, too."

This little exchange was plastered on bulletin boards all over Courthouse. Perhaps that would chasten and embarrass me. Right?

Wrong! I'm here to tell you that the cookie monster has struck again.

Yesterday, Shegda's sister was at Charlie Roberts' viewing. There was one hell of a spread at the luncheon. I was gone by then, but Ron Angle tells me there were mountains of the most delicious-looking cookies he's ever seen. And there was Shegda's sister, scarfing them all up, loading them into her purse, pockets and napkins, then running out to the car. At one point, Angle told her the kitchen probably had aluminum foil, and she ran in for some of that, too.

Shegda actually had to pop open his trunk so they could load up all the goodies. And off they went.

If you go to a Ron Shegda campaign event, you should probably pass on the cookies.

Roman v. Browning on Pay Hikes For Row Offices

Lehigh County Commissioners are currently considering a payhike for row officers. Chairman Dean Browning may be the only Republican supporting this raise. Andy Roman, although willing to spend County money for a bi-county health department, opposes spending any more money for row officers. Here are the two competing views, stated civilly.

Dean Browning (responding to a constituent):

Thank you very much for taking the time to write to us and express your concern. The salaries for the row officers (Clerk of Judicial Records, Controller, Coroner, and Sheriff) are set by the Board of Commissioners and must be established a minimum of 365 days before they take office. The last change in their salary was approved in 2006 setting their pay at $62,500 each beginning in 2008. Their pay has remained at that level since then and will stay at there though 2011. The bill currently under consideration keeps their salary at $62,500 through 2012 and then calls for a $1,500 increase in 2013, 2014 and 2015. If this is approved, those position will have gone five years without an increase and then receive subsequent increases that mirror the expected growth in the County’s revenue at a constant millage rate. In other words, the increase in their salary scheduled for 2013 would be covered without requiring an increase in property taxes to pay for it. In the alternative, if we don’t take action this year then their salaries would remain at the current though 2015, a period of eight years without any increase. Given the importance of the positions in question, I believe the fiscally responsible approach is to provide adequately compensation for these positions so that competent, qualified individuals are interested in seeking them. To me, it is being “penny wise and pound foolish” to do otherwise. For example, does it really benefit the county to save $1,500 three years from now if that discourages a qualified individual from running for controller and in turn that results in a future failure to uncover potential fraud? I would think the recent experience in Lower Macungie would indicate that this type of frugality is often self defeating.

Thanks again for writing and expressing your view.

Andy Roman (from an email to Commissioners):

I will vote "NO" because now is not the time to be giving pay raises.

It sends a bad message and complicates union negotiations at a critical time.

Plus, we have no merit system or evaluation criteria to justify giving pay increases even if we had the money.

A Few Words About Charlie Roberts

I've known Charlie Roberts since I was a kid. He lived across the street from our brood in Hellertown's Mountainview. My Dad was a diehard Democrat, and Charlie was just as devoted to the GOP banner. They were both heavily involved in local politics. You might think this would make them mortal enemies. But they had alcohol in common, so naturally, they became fast friends.

Back in those days, his little daughter Kathy and my sister Ellen looked alike - both dizzy blondes, and around the same age. According to one story, a pickled Charlie once drove my sister home from school before realizing he had the wrong daughter. In another version of this story, my Dad is the villian.

I may have known Charlie Roberts, but never really got to know him until I protested Northampton County's $111 million megabond in 2000. By that time, he was living the healthy life. He even quit smoking.

Despite our deep ideological differences, he always encouraged me to fight for my beliefs, and he was always a happy warrior for his own beliefs. He had come to believe in transparent and accountable government, even if it meant supporting a Democrat like John Stoffa. No silk stocking Republican, he was most comfortable with guys like Angle. He was one of the first to speak publicly against the mudslinging tactics being used by Scissorhands Severson.

His obituary lists some of his achievements: Lehigh grad, B-29 pilot, State department, Toll Bridge Commission and GOP party chair. But I'm sure Charlie himself would agree that his two masterpieces are his daughters, Kathy and Nancy. Kathy has an encyclopedic knowledge of local politics, more detailed than any person I know. Her sister Nancy is a mom and has a career of her own, but is enough like her old man that she was one of my co-plaintiffs in the bond litigation.

Last Winter, daughters Kathy and Nancy invited me to Charlie's home for a good dinner. Decorating the walls of his home were all kinds of pictures of Charlie with prominent national and state leaders. Nobody looking for votes came to Northampton County without seeing Charlie Roberts.

Photo: Legacy.com

Are IronPigs' Fireworks a Bad Thing?

Walt Garvin's Pledge to Unite Norco Dems

He even cracked a joke with me after his election. We'll see.

Charlie Roberts, Heart of Norco GOP, is Dead

I will have more to say about Charlie tomorrow. I will miss him.

Our Busy State House

According to Harrisburg Online, the PA House of Representatives will be really busy the rest of this year. They'll meet for nine days in September, three in October, and five in November. A total of seventeen days.

Maybe they should vote themselves another raise.