Three Bethlehem Tp Comm'rs Change Course on Perrucci Plan

When developer Michael Perrucci appeared before Bethlehem Township Commissioners at their May 16 meeting, he received a chilly reception. He'd like to build a 420-unit luxury apartment complex and commercial buildings in one of the last remaining rural areas of the township. Located right next to Housenick Memorial Park, and close to County-owned park land, Perrucci wants three-story highrises in a conservation area that is zoned rural residential. His plan would require both zoning changes and modifications to a 2004 comprehensive plan.

Perrucci was back before Township Commissioners at their September 19 meeting. Despite the absence of any intervening public meetings concerning this project, three Commissioners suddenly seemed much more receptive than they were in May. Before the night was over, Commissioner Michael Hudak was openly advocated the plans and sparring with the two Commissioners who still had reservations.

Accompanying Perrucci was his General Counsel, Steve Santola, who spoke about other Woodmont developments in the area. He indicated a trend towards apartment living by people who do so as a matter of choice. To prove his point, he stated that 54% of his Bethlehem units have an average household income of $70,000, and 30% have an average household income of $90,000. He spoke of amenities attracting young professionals that include a pool, fitness center and club.

Perrucci told Commissioners he'd install walking paths from his apartment complex to the park, a 55-acre tract off of Christian Spring Road, which includes a mansion that was once home to Bethlehem's first Mayor, Archibald Johnston. The late Janet Johnston Housenick devised the property to the Township.

She also donated an adjoining 36 acres to Northampton County as a conservation area, and concerns over the proposed development brought Northampton County Council member Ron Angle down from the Slate Belt. "I would think this would be a bad move," Angle said. "Your citizens need a place to go, where they can walk along that magnificent creek." Speaking of Janet Johnston Housenick, whose Will gave the Township that land as a "natural area," Angle doubted whether "she was thinking you'd want to change your zoning next door and put in another 400 units."

On May 19, Hudak had told Perrucci that a consensus at Housenick Park meetings was to keep the area "low impact." But on September 19, Hudak stated there were "natural buffers" to shield the park from the apartment complex, and that development is inevitable. His only request was that the buildings have a "rustic look."

Unlike Hudak, Commissioner Jerry Batcha is adamantly opposed to the high-density development. Waiving the Township's 2004 Comprehensive Plan, he noted that the tract is zoned rural residential, which would only allow for limited development. Batcha added that the area is also in a conservation overlay district, which was designed to conserve the quality of Monocacy Creek and protect environmentally sensitive habitats. He added that traffic in that area would present public safety concerns.

"It's almost hypocritical when communities or people say, 'We're going to preserve open space,' until there's money to be made from it by somebody down the road. Is this going to be a conservation district or not?" asked Batcha.

Agreeing with Batcha, Commissioner Thomas Nolan noted there is "great concern" among those planning Housenick Park, and added he still regards a nearby high-density development "very negatively."

Although agreeing with Hudak that development is inevitable, Commissioner Paul Weiss stated he is still a "little bit concerned" about the traffic a 420-unit apartment complex would unleash on Rte 191. "That's a lot of traffic," he said.

President Arthur Murphy, noting that the Moravian Church is the current owner of the land that Perrucci would like to develop, stated they have a "God-given right to do whatever they want with it." Like Hudak and Weiss, Murphy believes the land will eventually be developed anyway.

Tim Brady, a member of the Housenick Advisory Committee, Housenick Estate trustee, member of the Moravian Church and a former Commissioner, suggested that the Township open its comprehensive plan, but require Perrucci to foot the bill. He added that the Deed to the Moravian Church contains no restrictions. But he also noted that seven months before her death, Janet Johnston Housenick opposed an attempt by her sister to have an area of Bethlehem rezoned to permit more dense development.

Commissioners took no action on Perrucci's plan, but three out of five indicated they view it favorably. Perrucci indicated that he would be willing to submit a less dense plan, was looking for a "middle ground," and wants to work with the community.

Photo: Steve Santola explains the advantages of apartment life, as developer Mike Perrucci listens.

House GOP To Meet Guv' Today Over Electoral Plan

With the exception of Maine and Nebraska, every other state follows a "winner-takes-all" system of computing electoral college votes in the Presidential race. A presidential contender with 50% plus one popular vote will get all of the electoral college votes.

Pa. Senate Majority leader Dominic Pileggi wants to scrap that in favor of awarding electoral college votes, congressional district by congressional district. He claims it "would more precisely conform the electoral college to the popular vote." True, and by the way, it would also make it more likely for the Republican candidate, who traditionally has fared poorly in the Keystone State, to walk away with at least some electoral college votes.

But there's an equally likely possibility that the whole plan will backfire on Republicans. Specifically, in suburban Pennsylvania, there is a real concern among GOP Congressman that the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Democratic machine will concentrate resources there.

House GOP members will meet with Governor Tom Corbett today to make these concerns known.

"What were you thinking?" is one question they might be tempted to ask.

"It's a mixed bag," explained one politico, who said the plan would make much more sense if several states simultaneously decided to change current practice.

EACC To Offer Flu Shots

Easton Area Community Center, which you might remember as St. Anthony's, provides a home for 300 at-risk children between 3 and 7 pm, when they are most likely to commit a crime. It also makes sure they are fed, providing a "knap sack buddy" for kids in need, filled with food and other necessaries. You can read about this terrific group here.

If you like to golf, this is a chance for you to have some fun while helping those who really need it.
Golfing For the Kids

LVEDC Needs New Pitch in Northampton County

Every year, LVEDC CEO Phil Mitman takes time out from his busy schedule to tell Lehigh County Commissioners and Northampton County Council members how great things are going. Never mind that little thing called a recession. Unemployment? You won't even find the word listed on LVEDC's webpage, even though the BLS places both counties around 9%. Mitman claims things are just wonderful. Lehigh County is always led to believe it's doing a little better than Northampton County, and vice versa.

For a long time, Mitman has been treated like a visiting celebrity here in the People's Republic of Northampton County. After all, he is a Bixler. I don't think his family came over on the Mayflower, but it was the proud owner of America's oldest jewelry store on Easton's centre square, which is round. I bought my engagement ring there in 1788. The Easton store closed its doors in 2009, after Mitman had sold it.

Mitman's colonial pedigree, and his engaging personality, likely meant a lot to the puppet masters at the Lehigh Valley Partnership, our unelected aristocracy, when they selected him to lead the Lehigh Valley's economic development nonprofit. Though funded in large part by hotel tax from both counties, as well as other public monies, LVEDC has historically been shrouded in secrecy. It started catching lots of heat after unsuccessfully attempting to gag a number of local luminaries, including Express Times publisher Martin Till.

It's never a good idea to aggravate someone who buys his ink by the drum.

Enter Phil Mitman. He was going to change all that with a "climate of collaboration."  Then $100,000 went down the toilet for a passenger rail study that told us what we already knew - it costs too much. Then they all nearly fell for an ill-fated attempt by Mayor Ed Pawlowski to relocate to downtown Allentown. Despite 7 AM meetings, another attempt to muzzle public officials and cheer leading by Lee Butz, whose building was designated as LVEDC's new home, the public spotlight ruined everything. Word kept leaking out, despite an insistence on goofy secrecy pledges.

So much for collaboration.

Then came the tweet heard round the world. In an attempt to reach out to the Twitterati, LVEDC actually hired a social networker who one Friday posted this:

"We start summer hours today. That means most of the staff leave at noon, many to hit the links. Do you observe summer hours? What do you do?"

Oh, I don't know. Some of us are standing in unemployment lines. Others are actually having trouble putting food on the table.

When I reposted that tweet here, LVEDC's initial reaction was to slam me. Their Propaganda Minister, Steve Althouse, delivered a missive to various news outlets and totally played goofy Jonathan Geeting, who holds himself out as an expert on ... well ... everything.

Althouse was careful to exclude me.

Unlike Geeting, The Morning Call's Scott Kraus painted an accurate picture of what had happened, which included the termination of the tweeter and some incredibly goofy explanations by Phil "Fore!" Mitman. Columnist Bill White followed that with a "Step Away From the Smartphone" parody.

Needless to say, LVEDC has pretty much stopped tweeting.

I'm concerned about the money. Their online financial statements fail to tell me how much their employees are getting paid. But according to Guidestar, which has LVEDC's 2009 and 2008 reports to the IRS, I know that Mitman was paid $134,366 in 2009. This is about 14% more than his $117,788 2008 salary. In the midst of a recession, total employee expenses amounted to $1,280,937 in 2009. In addition, $80,263 was spent for conferences and conventions, and another $15,993 for travel.

I asked LVEDC's CFO, Jean Mateff, to provide details about those travel expenses. She said she'd get back to me.

That was in June.

Summer hours, I guess.

With all this in the background, a dapper Phil Mitman stood before Northampton County Council on Thursday night, with VP Pete Reinke standing by his side. When he did this two years ago, only the Northampton County Bulldog - Ron Angle - questioned him. Last year, it was pretty much Angle again, all by his lonesome. But on Thursday night, everyone had questions. Mitman was unable to make lemonade out of lemons.

He attempted to state that the LVEDC created 1,743 new jobs in the Lehigh Valley during the first six months of 2011. But the usually quiet Mike Dowd wasn't buying the bullshit. After noting that many of the jobs created were really just retained jobs, Dowd pointed out that there were 809 new jobs in Lehigh County, but only 223 in Northampton County.

Why the disparity?

Mitman will get back to us on that.

Lamont McClure wanted to know whether the reason for this disparity is because, comparatively speaking, Northampton County delivers a smaller share (34%) of the hotel tax than Lehigh. Mitman denied that has anything to do with it, but was unable to really explain the disparity.

Mitman was asked what his outfit does to help mom-and-pop small businesses, the backbone of our economy. He sends them to CACLV's Rising Tide Loans.

Mitman's backup, Pete Reinke, explained there are four "prospects:" (1) "Project Gravity," a 5,000 sq ft warehouse that might hire 220 employees; (2) a controversial alternative fuel company coming to Plainfield Tp, which will convert 16' high grass called "miscanthus gigantus" to fuel, bringing 50 jobs; (3) a biofarm chemical producer in the Slate Belt, which will bring 55 to 250 jobs in 3 years; and (4) an electric connectors company bringing 54 to 125 jobs.

Then later, Phil Mitman stated there were 17 prospects.

Which is it?

Council Prez John Cusick asked about Euclidean University, a proposal in East Allen Township that you first heard about on this very blog. Reinke told Cusick that LVEDC is not working with Michael Parlamis, who's been called a "pillar of the community" by The New York Times. Then he went on to snark the whole idea and attack Parlamis' integrity, suggesting that he was trying to do the same thing with a tract owned by Chester, New York. Had Reinke really done his homework, as Mitman claimed, he would know that the New York municipality decided to sell the property to someone else.

If LVEDC's intention was to portray itself as a job creator, it failed. Badly. But whether LVEDC can be dismantled, as Angle would like, is a much more complicated question that would likely involve the state senate, which enacted the hotel tax legislation. The puppet masters at The Lehigh Valley Partnership have friends there.

State Supremes Clear Way to Moravian Village Expansion

In a one sentence ruling, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has upheld a Bethlehem Zoning Hearing Board decision allowing Moravian Village to expand its retirement community along Stefko Boulevard in Bethlehem. Developer Abe Atiyeh, who had been trying to market his own assisted living facility at the intersection of Center Street and Dewberry Avenue, lost previous appeals before Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano and the Commonwealth Court. He has also given up on the idea of an assisted living center at Dewberry and Center, and is now proposing a psychiatric hospital at that site. On August 19, Bethlehem Planners nixed that idea.

Gracedale Census Down to 585

At last night's Northampton County Council meeting, Executive John Stoffa stated that Gracedale's census is down to 585, "as low as I've seen in its history." He also announced that Premier Healthcare Resources, a private management company hired to administer the County-owned nursing home, will start on September 26. David Holland, ironically an Easton resident, will serve as interim Administrator.

In other business, Council unanimously approved a Stoffa proposal to hire McClure Company, a PPL subsidiary, for a guaranteed energy savings plan at Gracedale that will save taxpayers $16.2 million over the next ten years. Over the next year, McClure will install a new sanitary sewer system, grease interceptor, natural-gas friendly boilers and replace 17 air handling units that are between 40-60 years old.

Ironically, the low census will enable McClure to make improvements with a minimum of disruption in the daily lives of residents.

West Easton DUI Center Held Up By $150

West Easton Borough Council has given a green light to a 100-bed DUI facility, but Northampton County Council members and Executive John Stoffa are still hung up on a $150 "temporary resident fee" for every person who lives there. Stoffa had a meeting scheduled with Borough officials, but had to cancel as a result of illness. "The only question is the $150 fee," he stated.

Although Ron Angle questioned the constitutionality of this provision in West Easton's ordinance, Solicitor Karl Longenbach told Angle that the fee serves a "rational purpose." Lamont McClure, whose day job is as an asbestos attorney, questioned that conclusion. "I can't imagine a court would impose a sentence that is held up by what is essentially an occupancy permit," he argued.

Angle and An McHale suggested it would make more sense to impose an annual fee based on each bed.

"Why are we hung up on this?" asked Angle.

The paperwork involved in assessing a fee for each resident would create a bureaucratic nightmare. Stoffa is hopeful that West Easton officials will agree to some other kind of impact fee.

Tenges Gaming Authority Appointment Smells Fishy

Timm (that's mm, damn it!) Tenges is the Lower Nazareth Township manager who, under the name FULibs, said this: "Any half baked liberal can sit on the sidelines, write half truths on websites and spread doom and gloom from left wing intelectually [sic] dishonest scientists." He was angry at the time with another bottom feeding blogger.

You can't blame Tiny Timm (that's mm, damn it) for hating bloggers. We make reporters look good! But you sure can question his judgment in going on a fishing trip with Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan and developer Lou Pektor, especially since Tenges shepherded zoning changes for a 320-home Lou Pektor development in Lower Nazareth. Although Tenges claims he paid his own way, this should have been a career-ending escapade.

Instead, Tenges is going to be doling out gaming grants. Last night, Northampton County Council appointed him to the Gaming Authority. Before that happened, Republican Council members received an email giving them their marching orders from the local committee.

Ann McHale tried to table the appointment because there was no letter from the Nazareth COG, endorsing Tenges. But County Executive John Stoffa produced the letter, which he had just received. And the vote was 8-1 in Tenges' favor, with McHale casting the sole No vote. In fact, Angle called Tenges a "man of distinction."

I agree with the stinky part.

Local parties, whether they are Democrat or Republican, really have no business telling Council members how to vote. But this is good news for Tenges. Imagine the fishing trips he can go on now!

Energy Savings Plan at Gracedale Detailed

Gracedale may have a declining census, but the cost of utilities at the County nursing home has skyrocketed. Last year alone, the cost was $2.5 million, which includes 550,000 gallons of fuel oil. Executive John Stoffa was presented with a list of $20 million in serious capital deficiencies, is hoping to use energy savings to pay for them.

McClure Company, a PPL subsidiary, has come up with a guaranteed energy plan that will save Northampton County $16.2 million in energy costs over the next ten years. Those savings will be used to finance $12.9 of the $20 million in improvements needed, at no cost to the taxpayer. If savings falls short, McClure will have to make up the difference.

That's what was presented at Council's Finance Committee yesterday. Colin McEvoy has an excellent description of this complicated shuffling of money in The Express Times. The purpose of this blog post is to explain exactly what needs to be done.

1) Sanitary Sewer System - It needs to be upgraded. Right now, the County is facing a $1,000 per day fine from the Nazareth Borough Municipal Authority. This requires immediate action to avoid penalties, but the permitting process alone will take from 6 to 9 months.

2) Grease Interceptor. - The county is required to upgrade the existing grease interceptor with a 20,000 gallon underground tank.

3) Steam Boiler Plant. - The current boilers are between 40-50 years old, use only fuel oil and are grossly oversized. This causes erratic and inefficient operation. McClure will replace them with properly-sized boilers that can operate on both gas and fuel oil. McClure wants to convert to natural gas before Winter to avoid a dependency on fuel oil during the 2012 fuel season. This action alone will result in an immediate savings of $80,000 per month.

4) Air Handling Units. - 17 air handling units on the roof, between 40-60 years old, are extremely inefficient and present ongoing comfort and maintenance issues. They will be replaced with more efficient, variable speed units. In addition to being cheaper, they will make Gracedale more comfortable for residents. Replacement will require detailed coordination with staff and residents. There is more flexibility now because the census is low.

5) Tower roof. - It needs to be replaced.

6) Tower and main building. - The main electrical switchgear needs to be replaced.

7) Water tank. - A 500,000 gallon water tank is 10 years overdue for reconditioning.

8) Hot water. - Temperatures are inconsistent. In some cases, too hot. In others, to cold. This is a DOH violation.

If County Council approves the McClure Compny energy plan tonight, final engineering will be complete in November and December. Work will start work in January and be done by year's end. Stoffa told Council it would take the County at least five years before a shovel hit the ground because of all the bidding and other requirements placed on government.

Celtic Classic Gets Technical, But Will Still Serve Haggis

It's a lot smaller than Musikfest, and lasts only three days. But if you like the smell of haggis in the morning, or the strains of bagpipes in the afternoon, Celtic Classic is the place for you. This year's event, which will run at the bottom of Main Street from September 23 to 25, 2011, features something new - a free iPad and iPhone application.

"This is our gift to Celtic Fest and the Bethlehem community," explained Doug Pelletier, President of Trifecta Technologies, at a September 14 news conference. It will include all the vendors, bands, video clips, a map and updated schedules. It can be downloaded either from the iTunes app store or by scanning QR codes that will be located throughout the festival.

Fest organizers will incorporate Twitter and Facebook contests. "All of these new social media features are designed to keep our guests informed with up-to-the minute festival happenings," explained Executive Director Jayne Recker.

"How do you fit the iPad in a kilt?" asked one reporter. "The Ipad's a little hard to fit in a kilt, but the iPhone is not so bad," answered Pelletier. He added, "The Irish are pretty smart. They'll figure out a way to do it."

Pearson, East Side Residents, Duped in Strip Club Challenge

Yesterday, Dennis Pearson was among those in Judge J. Brian Johnson's courtroom in a zoning dispute over the strip club that Platinum Plus purchased from Erv's BYOB. Dennis and other East Side residents are aganst the idea of an expanded "gentleman's" club at the Airport Road Shopping Center, especially since it has a liquor license and intends to stay open past midnight.

After failing to dissuade zoners from granting relief, a Knight in Shining Armor came to Dennis' aid. Bill Malkames, perhaps the Lehigh Valley's best zoning attorney, took on the cause. And he would do this at no cost at all to Dennis or other East Side residents.

But who's paying the legal tab? Attorneys thought it might be Erv himself, especially since he has another strip club in Bath.

Yesterday, everyone found out the truth. Malkames is being paid by Brian Segel, an Allentown realtor who claimed he was doing this for the community.

But testimony revealed that Segel is the Realtor who closed the deal when another strip club, Scarlett's Grand International was sold in June for $800,000. Josh Kessler and a silent business partner from Harrisburg's Savannah's on Hanna, will soon open a new strip club on the Lehigh Street property. Obviously, Platinum Plus would cut into their own platinum.

Malkames provided Judge Johnson with case law stating there is nothing improper about being paid by a third party. But Pearson has a different view. After it was all over, he told me that neither he nor other East Side neighbors would have agreed to this arrangement had they known the facts. He was victimized.

I still think he'd look good doing a pole dance, but he denies that he intends to audition as a Chippendale.  

Judge Johnson chided Segel, but the real question he must decide is whether the Platinum Plus expansion is lawful and a new use.

Hanover Township 2012 Budget Will Be Ready in October

Hanover 's Volunteers 

At their September 13 meeting, Hanover Township Manager Jay Finnigan told Supervisors that he will present a draft budget during the October 11 meeting. He declined to state whether it will include a tax hike.

According to Finnigan, there will be increases in the annual payment to the Bethlehem Area Public Library, as a result of an increased population. U.S. Census figures show that the number of residents has increased 13.6%, from 9,563 in 2000 to 10,866 in 2010.

Finnigan stated that the budget will also depend on the cost of the police protection provided by Colonial Regional Police.

Other than The Bethlehem Press, nobody from the public was at this meeting.

"Did you open the door, Vince?" Finnigan asked Public Works Director Vince Milite.

"Yes, I did. How do you think he [referring to the reporter] got in here?" answered Milite.

Dennis Pearson, Pooh Bear ... Or Pole Dancer?

“Those who are clever, who have a Brain, never understand anything.” - Winnie the Pooh

When I called Lehigh County Commissioner candidate Dennis Pearson yesterday, it was about his possible use of a nonprofit for political purposes. But he had a much better story involving booze, strip clubs and intimidation of neighborhood residents. So I'll tell you about that, too.

First, the boring stuff.

Dennis administers the webpage for the East Allentown Rittersville Neighborhood Association, which is registered with the Department of State as a nonprofit corporation. It's a Dennis original, loaded with a hoakie MIDI Mash theme song, a picture of Winne the Pooh and Tigger too and, of course, a link to "Space, the Final Frontier."

So what's wrong with Winnie the Pooh? Nothing, but there's also a link to Dennis' Lehigh County Commissioner race, which should be a No No for a nonporfit. It's not that big of a deal because this is one nonprofit of very little money. But it's still wrong. Snotnose that I am, I confronted Pearson.

"Pooh," said Rabbit [O'hare] kindly, "you haven't any brain."

"I know," said Pooh [Dennis] humbly.

Dennis said he'd remove the link as soon as he could.

That's pretty good for a bear of very little brain.

Now, are you ready for the sexy stuff?

When you read this blog, Dennis will be sitting in some courtroom in Lehigh County, under subpoena, in a zoning war over what most of you know as Erv's BYOB, a "gentlemen's" club at the Airport Shopping Center.

Erv recently sold this strip club, along with a liquor license he harvested from Federal Bar and Grille, to Platinum Plus. That outfit operates a chain of this type of thing down South. A Memphis operator was tagged by the feds in 2008 for racketeering after conducting live sex shows featuring two women.

Not long after the hammer came down in Memphis, a South Carolina Assistant DA was caught ... in a cemetery ... at midday ... taking an 18 year-old girl to Space Mountain. After showing his badge, the prosecutor was free to go. The 18 year old girl? An employee of the local Platinum Plus Gentlemen's Club.

Maybe we should have let South Carolina secede after all.

The DA's name, by the way, was Corning. It's not better than Anthony Weiner, but still ... .

Well, Dennis's East Allentown Neighborhood Association and a bunch of other prudes raised a stink about Platinum Plus, especially since it would be selling booze after midnight. "It could cause all kinds of trouble," claims Dennis, a candidate of very little brain.

Attorney Bill Malkames, one of the best zoning lawyers in the Lehigh Valley, took up the cross and the Crusade began.

But who's paying Malkames?

Not Dennis, according to Dennis. Not the East Allentown Rittersville Neighborhood Association, according to Dennis. Not even the neighbors opposed to a strip club.

Attorneys representing Platinum Plus think the person pulling the strings is none other than Erv Featherman himself, the person who did operate Erv's BYOB. Maybe he's worried about competition with his strip club in Bath. Maybe he's not paying anyone.

Now here's where things get even stranger. Dennis tells me that he's been accused of being a patsy for Erv, with accusations that Erv is funding his political campaign and neighborhood newsletters.

Untrue, states Dennis. But then he states Erv did do some printing for him. Dennis paid for it. "I have the receipts," he tells me.

Dennis adds that, so far as he knows, Erv is no Lehigh County resident. "I think he lives in Bath," he speculates.

Did it ever cross Dennis' mind to wonder just why Erv would help his political campaign?

At the rate things are going, poor Dennis will be a pole dancer in another week.

Dennis the Pooh would say, "Always watch where you are going. Otherwise, you may step on a piece of the Forest that was left out by mistake."

In the meantime, neighbors who feel they've been "intimidated" by Platinum Plus lawyers are dropping out of the case, one-by-one. Dennis's East Allentown Rittersville Neighborhood Association has pulled the plug, too. But poor Dennis still has to be in Court today.

I just hope he's not wearing his Chippendale attire.

Wednesday Evening Update: Part of my story refers to a Platinum Plus in Memphis, which specialized in sex shows. I've been asked to clarify that this Platinum Plus has no connection to the Platinum Plus coming to Allentown. ... Or to the credit card.

Why Private Management Will Fail at Gracedale

Sarah Cassi at The Express Times first told you this story in June, when the lawsuit was filed. I saw the case today when looking at the Otter's appeal in the Gracedale saga, and decided to pull it. Wow! If nothing else, this discrimination case demonstrates that public sector unions are out of control at Gracedale. The inmates are running the asylum.

Bernadette McRae-Elliot is a nurse attendant, i.e. nurse's aide, at the County owned nursing home. She was first hired in December 2006. Now she's filed suit because she claims she's a victim of racial discrimination, but this is what her own complaint reveals:

* In February 2009, she was fired for "excessive absenteeism."

* In March 2009, she was re-instated.

* In April 2009, she received a two-day suspension for patient abuse. She had been accused of trying to strangle a resident.

* In May 2009, she received a three-week suspension for intimidating a resident.

* In January 2010, she was stopped from providing "care" to three residents because of complaints about her behavior.

* She complains that the residents, and their families, called her "nigger," "black bitch" and other nasty names. She also claims that white employees can get away with time off.

Here are two facts that blow my mind. First, In spite of her obvious absences and disagreeable attitude, she's still one of the people who supposedly provides "excellent care" at Gracedale. She still works there. Second, between December '06 and June '11, when she filed her complaint her salary shot up from $10.25/hr to $14.51/hr. Her hourly wages have gone up 42% in 5 1/2 years, despite being a lousy worker.

How can this happen?

One word.

Unions.

Once a public employee makes it through probation, it is virtually impossible to fire her. Not only has this woman been able to get away with working when she feels like it, but she has kept her job in spite of resident abuse. She's seen her salary go up, and now, she's sueing, hoping to dig a little deeper into the pockets of County taxpayers.

Have you seen your wages go up 42% over the last 5 1/2 years. Do you get 70% of your salary in County benefits?

Although this woman is by no means representative of your typical Gracedale employee, there is a full-time "incident" nurse working there who spends her entire day checking out complaints about the staff.

The people have spoken, but Gracedale needed to be sold. If you think private management is going to change a culture of entitlement on the part of staff, at the expense of everyone else, think again. Sure, Premier will introduce efficiencies and will tinker with reimbursement rates, but they can't do a damn thing about the unions.

Cunnigham: IronPigs Day This Thursday!

Lehigh County Executive Donald T. Cunningham, Jr., yesterday presented a proclamation to IronPigs officials, encouraging public support as the Triple-A minor league baseball team enters its first-ever championship series.

On Thursday, anyone not wearing a pig nose will be shot on sight.

You've been warned.

Ella May's Southern Cuisine Comes to Easton's West Ward

Ella May’s Southern Cuisine, 1029 Butler St., Easton, PA 18042, is now officially open for business. It's a mother (Wanda Alleyne) and daughter (Tyiesha Hinton) team, and the restaurant is named in honor of grandmother Ella May. It specializes in homemade fried chicken, pork chops, fish, and southern style desserts at affordable prices.

According to Wanda, “We are so proud and thrilled to have opened a southern cuisine establishment in the West Ward neighborhood of Easton. The potential here (in Easton) was obvious to our family the moment we saw the location. We are here to stay, and we thank everyone for their continued support in making Ella May’s the place to enjoy hearty southern cuisine. Our recipes have been passed from generation to generation.”

Everything You Wanted to Know About "ObamaCare" This Saturday

The irrepressible Donna Rovito is the founder of the Lehigh Valley COALITION for Health Care Reform, a local grassroots coalition of health care professionals and concerned citizens. This Saturday, her group will host some of the nation's most outspoken experts on health care practice and policy in a free educational workshop at DeSales University. It will go from 1 to 5 p.m. at Gerald White Pavilion of the University Center. Here's part of the news release I received.

In addition to a dozen expert presentations, the event will include short breakout sessions with individual speakers, exhibits, and a panel discussion with questions and answers from participants and the Internet. The event will also be available on live streaming video.


"We are proud to me a member of the impressive coalition participating in this event. It is imperative to educate patients and doctors that the law signed by the President last year rehashes the same failed top-down schemes that created our problems in the first place," says Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) Executive Director, Jane Orient, M.D. AAPS, a national organization representing physicians in all specialties, was founded in 1943 to defend the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship, is one of the event's primary sponsors. AAPS President-Elect Alieta Eck, M.D. will speak about alternatives to the PPACA in her presentation entitled "What Would Be Better Than ObamaCare."


Richard Armstrong, M.D.,Chief Operating Officer of Docs 4 Patient Care, a nationwide physician advocacy organization which supports quality of care, affordable access and patients' freedom of choice, another event sponsor, agrees: “It is time that this administration began to tell the American public the truth about health care reform, without the spin. We do have to read this massive law to find out what is really in it," he says. Dr. Armstrong, a general surgeon and former Navy doctor from Michigan, will represent Docs 4 Patient Care as a keynote speaker on how "ObamaCare" affects doctors, patients, access to care, and medical innovation.
Both nationwide physicians' organizations are committed to educating the public about the provisions of the PPACA, as well as repealing and replacing the PPACA with reforms that embrace individual choice and the doctor-patient relationship. That's why the Lehigh Valley COALITION for Health Care Reform approached both groups to sponsor the September 17th event, according to Coalition Chair Donna Baver Rovito, who will also serve as MC for the workshop.


Former Arizona Congressman John Shadegg, who represents event sponsor and respected health policy think tank The Galen Institute, is also committed to repealing and replacing the PPACA. "I think I'll do anything in the health-care field that they want, including work for the repeal of 'Obamacare' and for the creation of a viable alternative," Shadegg told an Arizona newspaper after retiring from Congress. "I personally believe that Obamacare will bankrupt the nation, but I also don't think that Republicans can repeal Obamacare unless they can come up with a viable alternative." Shadegg will talk about the Constitutional challenges against the law, as well as federal efforts to defund, repeal and replace it.


The four hour workshop will kick off with a quick look at the nuts and bolts and implementation timeline of the PPACA, says Rovito, a longtime local advocate for liability reform and quality health care. PA State Representative Doug Reichley will touch on the Constitutionality question, how "ObamaCare" affects Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania's participation in the legal challenges against the law. Following Reichley, two Pennsylvania physicians who have recently formed a Pennsylvania chapter of Docs 4 Patient Care, Harrisburg Opthalmologist Elena R. Farrell, D.O. and York Orthopaedic Surgeon Nick Pandelides, M.D., will speak about how "ObamaCare" affects families, seniors, personal liberty, taxpayers, medicare, medicaid, and the deficit.


Government Affairs Director for the PA Chamber of Business and Industry Sam Denisco will speak on the law's effects on businesses, workers, job creation and the economy, while Pennsylvania-based grassroots activists Terrence O'Connor, Esq., William Taylor Reil and John Morningstar will talk about three grassroots efforts to eliminate the PPACA in PA - the Health Care Freedom Act, Nullification, and Health Care Compacts. Area businessman and Tax Limitation Committee Chair John Brinson will talk about separate reforms he believes should replace "ObamaCare."


Dr. Eck will wrap up the presentations with proposed solutions. "Government cannot provide health care," says Dr. Eck, who along with her husband operates a private internal medicine practice in Piscataway, NJ. "It can only meddle, restrict, coerce and underpay for services it promises to provide, all while taxing taxpayers beyond their ability to pay." Dr. Eck, who co-founded a free clinic for the poor and uninsured, will speak about effective solutions and "What Would Be Better Than ObamaCare." Dr. Eck is a frequent guest on news programs and in the pages of national publications, and has testified before Congress about better ways to deliver health care. "ObamaCare was presented to us as a solution to the wrong problem. The problem is not lack of health insurance for the poor-- it is lack of a timely, efficient way for the poor to access medical care without wasting taxpayer dollars," according to Dr. Eck.


The quality of national, regional and local sponsors is a testament to the importance of the health care reform issue, says Rovito, who along with a coalition of about 20 concerned citizens decided to sponsor an educational event about the PPACA several months ago. "We were thrilled with the immediate and enthusiastic response we received from the physicians' groups and the Galen Institute, whose president Grace-Marie Turner is one of the authors of the new book Why ObamaCare is Wrong for America." Turner is one of the nation's foremost authorities on the negative effects of the federal health care reform law, says Rovito, and copies of the book will be available at the event.


The Black Ribbon Project, which advocates for health care freedom and the sanctity of the doctor patient relationship, is also an event sponsor, under the direction of columnist Dr. Beth Haynes, who asks: "Which kind of doctor is more likely to be willing to rely on his own judgment in service of your individual best interests? One steeped in the ethics of social justice, beholden to a third-party for payment? Or a physician whose livelihood is directly related to and primarily dependent upon the quality of care he provides to you, the patient?" Also sponsoring the event in support of personal choice in health care is the Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights, which will be represented by Jonathan Cargan, M.D.


The Pennsylvania chapters of two of the nation's largest grassroots advocacy organizations - Heritage Action and Americans for Prosperity - are also event sponsors. AFP-PA is under the director of former PA Rep. Sam Rohrer who says, "Contrary to what many people think, the attack on our healthcare freedom continues. ObamaCare is not dead nor does it sleep. Its advance must be stopped and select tools used to eliminate any vestige from state and nation. I encourage all who can to attend the Constitution Day event at Desales and learn about what’s happening and what you can do. Being informed is the best preparation to defending our freedom."


The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Commercial Action Network (PA-CAN) have sponsored the event in support of businesses in Pennsylvania, along with physician magazine MD News, New World Aviation, and VSAS Orthopaedics.


There is no charge to attend Everything You Wanted to Know about "ObamaCare" (but didn't know who to ask). Additional information and free registration can be found at www.Meetup.com/Lehigh-Valley-COALITION-for-Health-Care-Reform or by calling 1-888-698-4111. Advance registration is encouraged due to limited seating. Details about the event can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, or by emailing ObamaCareEvent@aol.com.

Hanover Township Remembers 9/11

A large and diverse crowd of nearly 200 people attended Hanover Township's Patriot Day Remembrance and Flag Retirement Ceremony at the Community Center on September 11, 2011. From 'Canes slugger Sammy Kraihanzel, age 12, to Walt Whitman Lane resident Irene Recor, age 85, they remembered.

Instead of speaking, politicians like State Rep. Marcia Hahn listened as Port Authority worker Michael Mayurnik described what it was like to be on the 69th floor of the World Trade Center when its 97th floor was hit by an airliner. After looking out a window and seeing paper and other debris flying everywhere, one of his co-workers said, "Let's get the Hell out."

And so they did. As they and other lucky ones were leaving, New York firefighters were making their way in, some to never return.

After this remembrance, the crowd shuffled outside the Community Center for a moving flag retirement ceremony performed by Notre Dame Boy Scout Troop 352, assisted by Scoutmaster Michael Caffrey. The Stars and Stripes was presented to scouts by Bethlehem's Mounted Police Unit, which had slowly winded its way through the Township park in what seemed like a funereal procession.

During this ceremony, the colors were separated as Liberty High School bagpipers Victor Neumann and Krysden Schantz played "Going Home." One scout held the blue field with 50 stars, as others cut away each of the thirteeen red and white stripes of Old Glory. Master of Ceremonies Joshua Soares called our American flag, "the silent sentinel of freedom." Then that flag, and about fifty others, were placed into two barrels.

As flames and billowing smoke climbed climbed from these twin pyres into the evening sky, it was yet another reminder of the conflagration at the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.

Congressman Dent on Patriot Day

“Ten years ago, a small group of men changed the world as we knew it.


“Motivated by their fear of the American way of life - including its rights and freedoms - these few dastardly individuals took the lives of thousands of innocent men, women and children in the deadliest terror attack in American history.

“Ten years later, it is with heavy hearts that we remember those who perished in World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in a quiet, grassy field in rural Pennsylvania.


“We remember the thousands of Americans who left for work that morning never to return home to their families. We remember the countless first responders who scarified their own lives working to save the lives of others. And we remember a collection of brave airline passengers and crew members who overpowered the hijackers on their flight to prevent further loss of life on the ground.


“While many people were directly affected by the attacks, including residents of our community, 9/11 unquestionably impacted and continues to shape the lives of every American.


“By exposing our vulnerability, 9/11 shattered the notion of “fortress America” and helped the American people realize that modern terrorism knows no borders. Following the attacks, leaders in Washington quickly worked to enhance our domestic security capabilities by establishing the Department of Homeland Security. Since its creation in 2003, the Department has directed a dramatic improvement in our ability to prevent terrorist attacks and respond to crises. Additionally, Congress and the administrations of President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama have implemented numerous recommendations of the 9/11 Commission.


“As a former member of the Committee on Homeland Security and current member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, I have seen these improvements develop over time and remain confident in the abilities of our intelligence community, law enforcement agencies, and first responders. In fact, I am most proud that the bipartisan U.S. counter-terrorism architecture remains largely in place ten years after 9/11 – Patriot Act, military tribunals/commissions, GITMO, as well as many other less contentious programs and policies.


“Today, our nation is safer and more secure than it was in 2001, but we are still not safe. Last week’s announcement of a specific, credible threat of a potential Al Qaeda attack reminds us of the continuing threat. However, the U.S. military and intelligence community are now sharing vital information that helps thwart potential attacks and disrupt terrorist networks across the globe. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the mastermind of 9/11, today resides in GITMO after being apprehended in Pakistan in 2003. Earlier this year, Osama bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist group responsible for the attacks, was killed by American Special Forces while attempting to avoid detection in Pakistan. And reports from our military in central Asia indicate Al Qaeda has been greatly diminished, but is still plotting, operational and lethal. Nevertheless, these important accomplishments have been achieved through the collaborative efforts of our determined military, intelligence personnel and law enforcement.


“Beyond intelligence sharing, enhanced aviation screening technology and procedures - put in place following 9/11 - have made flying in the United States safer than ever before. Understanding our nation’s critical infrastructure, including nuclear plants, chemical facilities, water treatment sites and bridges may be an appealing target to terrorists, we have also worked to make certain each are better protected and hardened. While areas along our borders are of serious concern, the Department of Homeland Security continues to improve our abilities to prevent illegal border crossings that could threaten our security. And perhaps our greatest vulnerability of all – cyber security – remains a work in progress.


“Though important steps have been taken to improve homeland security, Americans must remain alert, vigilant and adaptable to prevent future attacks. As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11, remember its victims, and honor its survivors, we must reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a small group of men, motivated by an evil ideology that is anti-modern, anti-Western and anti-Zionist, will never again have the capability to claim the lives of so many innocent Americans.”

On Patriot Day, Semper Fidelis

This picture of our national symbol, at a national cemetery in Minneapolis, first appeared last June in The Minneapolis Star/Tribune. A bald eagle, seemingly standing guard, drives the message home that Semper Fidelis means "always faithful."

Or maybe he's just looking for a bathroom.

South Whitehall will have a brief ceremony at its municipal building at 8:30 AM. Former Congressman Paul McHale will speak at Nazareth High School at 2 PM. And at 6:15, there will be a flag retirement ceremony in Hanover Tp. These are just a few of the ways that local residents will reflect on the tragic events ten years ago. I'll try to be at them all.