Did Jay Leeson Buy His Judicial Nomination?

In a recent letter to the editor, Northampton County's former Fiscal Director Charles L "Pete" Houck asks readers to check the "money trail" in Attorney Jay Leeson's contributions to Senator Bob Casey. His point apparently is that Leeson has bought his nomination to the federal bench. He adds that Leeson is unqualified because he's never been a judge.

I checked.

Between 2006 and the present, Leeson has made a grand total of 12 donations to Senator Casey, totaling $12,000. That's $1,500 a year. No U.S. Senator is going to sell a judicial nomination for that paltry sum. Even a lowly member of the House of Representatives must raise $2 million every election cycle.

NIZ twins Joe Topper and JB Reilly gave a combined $50,000 to NorCo Executive John Brown's race, where far less money is needed. That's how you buy someone.

Houck's other point is sheer nonsense. Federal judges are selected from both the bench and bar. Wearing a black robe is no prerequisite.

Is the Sticker Gang in The Hamptons?

Most of you know about Nazareth's dangerous Sticker gang. They're the trio accused of placing tiny FT "Fire Trachta" stickers throughout the borough, seeking the ouster of police chief Thomas Trachta. When the Chief nabbed them, he had them chained, shackled and paraded in front of the newspapers. They've been charged with just about everything in the Crimes Code, and are required to undergo urine tests every 15 minutes until their preliminary hearing next month.

Well, guess what? There's another Sticker Gang in the Hamptons, plastering the town with anti-Kardashian stickers. Apparently, two of these sisters are filming some sort of reality show there, to the dismay of some of the Hamptons Townies.

It's a different Sticker Gang. I cornered all three of the Nazareth evil-doers at last night's block party, and they apparently dig the Kardashians.

Dent: Downed Malaysia Flight "Horrific Crime"

Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent has released a statement concerning the Malaysia Airlines flight shot down by pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, a matter that President Obama has called "an outrage of unspeakable proportions".

Dent: "The entire world is reeling in shock and sadness at the sight of a civilian airliner reduced to a field of smoking debris because it had been downed by a missile, likely fired by Russian-backed separatists.

"Citizens from at least nine countries lost their lives in this tragedy, making this attack a horrific crime not against any one country or people, but against the World.

"Americans join the people of the nations affected by this crime in mourning the loss of their citizens. Our hearts reach out to the family members and friends of those who perished.

"This attack should open the World’s eyes to the dangers posed by President Putin’s territorial ambitions and unwanted adventurism. America and Europe should speak with one voice and sanction Putin’s Russia for the role it has played in this attack."

Tea Party To Rally Against KidsPeace!

Break out the pitchforks!

Ronnie DelBacco, Dear Leader of the local tea party, has sent an "URGENT MESSAGE !!" to his fellow patriots and anyone else living in the Lehigh Valley demanding immediate action against KidsPeace.

We have learned that the Kids Peace facility at Fountain Hill may be receiving a bus or van full of "illegal Immigrant children" this weekend from the South West border area in cooperation with the federal government's plan to ship them all over the country. Though KidsPeace will not confirm this or give us ANY information, they did indicate that they do have staff in charge of this program. My call to the supervisor has gone unreturned. The group in Maryland who recently stopped their illegals there also could not confirm their information. Regardless, we do know that KidsPeace IS identified as a participant in this program and they actually started preparing for this infiltration program over a year ago as reported in the local press.

An "infiltration" of children! Oh my!

Del Whacko goes on to claim we don't want those damn children "rewarded" for "breaking our laws while We The People are stuck with the bill."

He does not say what he proposes to do, but I'm sure that this innovative thinker, who has advocated book bans in the past, can come up with a Final Solution.

Protesters will descend on Kids Peace in Fountain Hill on Sunday at 11 am. Ronnie wants everyone to bring flags.

Hope they are not American flags, because what he proposes has nothing to do with the princioles upon which this country was founded.

Matthew 19:13-15 - Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." After laying His hands on them, He departed from there.

Brown Gets Some Help On Top

(L to R: Sheriff David Dalrymple, Director of Finance Jim Hunter, Executive John Brown and Director of Administration Luis Campos)

Practice makes perfect. Although Northampton County Executive John Brown stumbled in some of his initial cabinet appointments, he may have hit a home run with his three most recent choices. On a beautiful July evening, while most people watered flowers or went for walks, the Council chambers was packed with vocal supporters from the Latino, law endorsement and banking industries. They were there to ask Council to confirm Louis Campos as Director of Administration, Jim Hunter as Director of Fiscal Affairs and David Dalrymple as Sheriff.

Wilson Borough Police Chief Steven Parkansky. He was there for Dalrymple, a retired Major from the New Jersey State police. "The County Executive could not have picked a better man than this one," declared this cop, who worked with Dalrymple on several cases. Thomas Fisher, Dalrymple's basketball coach at Phillipsburg High School, spoke on behalf of his former player. Noting that Dalrymple's father and sister were also New Jersey state troopers, he "can't imagine a more qualified person."

Jim Hunter had lots of support from fellow bankers. Rocco Del Vecchio, the President and COO of Lafayette Ambassador Bank, praised Hunter's work ethic. Upper Mount Bethel Township manager Bob Cartwright drove 25 miles to urge Council to confirm Hunter, pledging that he'll give 150%, not 100%. He credited Hunter with finding the financing for a local food pantry that feeds 400 people.

Maria Montero, the Executive Director of the PA Commission for Women as well as The Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, addressing Council with both English and Spanish salutations, spoke glowingly of Campos as an important addition for the Latino community. She was echoed by Allentown City Council President Julio Guridy, who told Council he first met Campos when the nominee was studying for his master's degree at Lehigh. "I am proud to call him my friend and peer," he remarked.

Aside from a few jabs at Hunter's golf game, there were no negative remarks about any of the nominees.

Some questions were raised about Dalrymple's ability to follow Pennsylvania's firearms laws, which are for less restrictive than those in New Jersey. Second Amendment advocate Ed Reagan remarked that a Sheriff should not be appointed by an Executive and council but elected.

Northampton and Luzerne County are the only two counties in the state that appoint, rather than elect, their Sheriff.

During his confirmation hearing, Dalrympke had stated, "It's not my job to interpret or make laws. It's to follow laws."

Council member Scott Parsons asked Executive Brown whether state law required a Sheriff to reside within the state and was assured there is no such requirement.

Brown was also asked whether the courts agreed with his selection, and he answered that they both interviewed Dalrymple together, and believes he was President Judge Baratta's first choice as well. Council president Peg Ferraro stated she spoke to Judge Baratta and he was "fully in favor of his appointment.

Council member Mat Benol, who grew up near Dalrymple and delivered newspapers to him in Phillipsburg, told those concerned about his residency in New Jersey that Phillipsburg and Easton are basically the same town, separated by a river.

The Hunter and Campos nominations passed by an 8-0 vote. Sheriff Dalrymple was confirmed by a 7-1 vote with Lamont McClure voting No by phone. He did not elaborate on the reasons for his vote, but is an advocate of an elected Sheriff.

Council member Ken Kraft, another advocate of an elected Sheriff, was absent as a result of a business conflict.

Both Hunter and Campos will receive an annual salary of $87,838, while Dalrymple will start slightly higher, at $91,422.

After the meeting, a relieved John Brown called an unusual news conference to express his appreciation to his new cabinet members and their supporters. He explained he took his time "to ensure we had the best candidates for the positions, and i look forward to working closely with them. The citizens of Northampton County can be confident in the leadership of these individuals."

(L to R: Jim Hunter, Dave Dalrymple and Luis Compos).

A-Town Throwdown Starts at Cedar Beach

Because I was covering Northampton County Council, I missed last night's opener in the A-Town Throwdown at Cedar Beach Park, the second big basketball tournament of the Summer. That was, in hindsight, a mistake.

My grandson, an incoming freshman, started for Becahi's varsity in its matchup against P-burg. He got to play with legends like Freddie Simmons, and was even featured in the Channel 69 sports highlights. Beca won 55-56.

I've been on television, but only when someone is suing me.

If you ever get a chance, watch Freddie Simmons play basketball sometime. He's there to have fun, and is a joy to watch.

Right after the P-burg game, Dat played with the JVs against Souderton. Beca won that game, too, 35-32.

This is a much better start for Beca than last week's Stellar Tournament. And I missed it.

They'll play again Saturday. I won't miss those games.

President Judge Baratta, Blogger

(President Judge Steve Baratta (L) speaks during John Brown's swearing-in ceremony in January. From left to right next to Judge Baratta are Judges Anthony Beltrami, Michael Koury and Jennifer Sletvold.)

I'm in the deep end of the pool now. I had a pretty damn distinguished visitor yesterday. President Judge Steve Baratta. He could sentence me to 20 years in the electric chair, and would have no difficulty finding any number of people who are all too willing to throw the switch. Not only did he visit this blog, but he commented. Not only did he comment, but he disagreed. Not only did he disagree, but he accused me of mischaracterizing his views on a county issue.

Actually, it was not me who posted yesterday's "Shut Up and Take the Money!" It was my evil twin.

Don't believe me? I don't think Judge Baratta will either.

He might buy insanity.

My story was about NorCo Register of Wills Gina Gibbs' proposal to raise fees, which could bring in an extra $100,000 every year. She asked President Judge Stephen Baratta, apparently several times, to wave his magic wand and approve these increases. He declined for two reasons, according to my interpretation of an Express Times account. First, he believes - and he's a judge so he oughta' know - that these increases are the province of the Executive and Council, not the courts. Second, he adds that "even if I did have the authority, I am not willing to raise fees at (Gibbs') request." He goes on to state there's no "need to increase fees, which I view as an indirect tax on families who require the services of Orphans' Court." He finally points out that the office revenue has exceeded expenses by $452,000 over the last three years.

Now when Judge Baratta or any other judge is speaking as a judge, what they say demands our respect and attention. So I have no quarrel with his first argument and said so. But when Judge Baratta or any other judge speaks out on county issues, I have a right to take him to task, and I did. I also ripped Council member Mat Benol and The Express Times editorial board because that's what I do.

I'm as mean as cat shit.

Right now, the County needs every penny it can get. Its unrestricted reserve, which independent auditors say should be between $33 and $66 million, is going in the wrong direction. We spent $14 million more than we took in last year, leaving that unrestricted reserve (or rainy day fund) at a precarious $11.1 million at the end of the year. Since we spend between $9-10 million per month, that's a very bad place to be.

To make matters worse, seven union contracts need to be negotiated. I doubt they'll be asking for less money.

I honestly don't know how a tax hike can be avoided next year.

Governor Corbett, just last week, inked a bill increasing the cost for recording a deed. Immediately. That's an indirect tax on families that require the services of the Recorder of Deeds. Just two years ago, County Council added a $10 fee for parcel ID checks, which is another indirect tax that has resulted in about $300,000 per year in the county coffers. Former Recorder of Deeds Ann Achatz, who had recommended that increase, was praised.

Judge Baratta believes these fees should be increased only when there's a need within that office. I believe you need to look at the entire County. So I do think the Orphans Court fees should be looked at as a way to counter the deficit. In my view, Judge Baratta in effect made an argument that each office must be revenue neutral. He disagrees

While he is not speaking here as a judge, I need to point out that he was an Assistant County Solicitor and First Assistant District Attorney. Also, in private practice, he spent quite a bit of time conveyancing at the courthouse, when real estate was more popular than it is today. He knows almost all the searchers and knows what is going on in the courthouse. For example, he knows there's a manpower shortage in the Civil Division.  So he might understand county operations a tad bit better than a bottom-feeding blogger.

I thought I should make his comment, posted late yesterday, into a separate post. .

Mr. O’Hare,

Generally I would chose to remain quiet with regard to political discussion, but because your comments raise important matters of governance, the role of the Court and the separation of powers (and perhaps of equal importance to me, because this discussion has mischaracterized my position), I think that it might be appropriate to weigh in.

First, please know that my letter was directed to the County Solicitor’s Office in response to an Assistant Solicitor who rendered an opinion that the President Judge had the authority to consider Ms. Gibb’s request to raise fees in Orphan’s Court. I disagreed with that conclusion based upon the Home Rule Charter and Pennsylvania case law.

Second, I did not recommend against action by Mr. Brown to raise fees. Issues related to the generation of revenue should be the province of the executive and legislative branches of county government. The Court has no business interfering with such authority.

However, I did state that I would not support the request to raise fees because it was not my decision to make. I also stated that if I was incorrect as to my authority, I saw no need to raise fees, as Orphan’s Court was consistently generating excess revenue from its operation. Thus, the Court has no need to raise fees to cover court operations.

I think that we can both agree that even if I had the authority to raise Orphan’s Court fees, raising court fees to cover the County’s general fund deficit is improper action for the Court. Raising fees in Orphan’s Court for the purpose of stabilizing the general fund is an indirect tax placed upon those who must access the court system to negotiate or resolve issues which impact fundamental family matters, such as decedent estates, adoptions, marriages, and guardianships for minors, the elderly and incompetent persons.

The Court should not be in the business of taxing citizens or deciding how the County should raise revenue. It should be a decision made by the County Executive in conjunction with County Council’s approval.

In conclusion, I made no argument for "revenue neutrality." I see this as a matter of governance and not for the Court. If Orphan’s Court fees are raised by the Executive and/or County Council, it will be met with silence by the Court.

Stephen Baratta

Your Honor, Can I have the weekend before reporting to jail? I promised to watch my grandson's dog.

Shut Up and Take the Money!

According to Northampton County Executive John Brown, the County spent $13 million more than it took in last year. This year looks much the same. Seven of the eleven unions are working without a contract, and they are understandably going to want more, not less, money. What's an Executive to do?

You get money from every place you can. I'd even consider charging the public to park.

In the Recorder of Deeds, an increase in recording fees has been in place about a week, with no advance notice to the public at all. The Governor needs the money. We're getting nickeled and dimed, but have been spared an income tax hike. There've been grumbles, but nobody has really complained.

So when I hear that Register of Wills Gina Gibbs wants to raise fees in her office and collect an additional $100,000 per year, I'm all for it. That money would pay for two jobs without raising real estate taxes. But President Judge Steven Baratta, who has been asked to approve the fee increase, is opposed.

He argues he lacks the power. In addition, he claims it's unnecessary because that office already makes money.

I have no quarrel with his first reason, which limits the power of the courts in favor of the other two branches of government. He is a judge. I am a bottom-feeding blogger. I certainly wouldn't want to pick a fight with him on that point. I'd lose. A fee increase can simply be adopted by ordinance.

But the argument that makes no sense at all is his policy argument - the claim that the office already generates a profit.

Excuse me?

There is absolutely no legal requirement that any row office be revenue neutral. In fact, the goal should be to make a few bucks wherever we can to defray the costs of all the other money-losing offices in the Human Services arena.

If the goal is to break even, as PJ Baratta seems to suggest, then it's time for him to eliminate all fines on criminal Defendants because the Criminal Division is making a killing. The Recorder of Deeds should reduce fees. Civil Divisions should send rebates to all attorneys filing complaints.

It's a silly argument.

So naturally, the Express Times editorial board and Council member Mat Benol adopted it.

In a County that is in the hole, you take your money wherever you can. It would be fiscally irresponsible to avoid this revenue stream. If the fee hike were unconscionable, I'd see the point. But even where fees are doubled, they go from $5 to $10. Come on! At budget time, watch how fast council members grab this money source.

NorCo Must Spend $21k For Bog Turtle Study

baby bog turtle

For years, critics of environmental regulation have liked to joke about construction projects being put on hold because someone saw a bog turtle. It's no longer a joke in Northampton County. The Rasleytown Road bridge project in Plainfield Township has been put on hold because the area has been identified as a potential bog turtle habitat. Some even claim to have seen one or two of these tiny turtles, which have been on the threatened species list since 1997.

In addition to delaying the bridge work, the state DEP is requiring a new study to determine whether the bridge work could adversely impact Pennsylvania's smallest turtle. It will cost the County $21,000, according to Public Works Director Richard Young.

Yesterday's Finance Committee unanimously agreed to foot the bill - they have no choice - but not without a few turtle jokes.

Hayden Phillips drew the biggest laugh.

"They're going to take pictures of individual turtles as they find them. I don't know if they have a yearbook. That's the EPA."

According to Pennsylvania's Fish and Boat Commission, bog turtles live about 20-30 years, but spend half that time in a dormant state, buried in mud.

Kinda' like a blogger.

They only grow four inches long  Their shells are too soft to protect themselves from predators, so they dive into the mud.

Brown's Three Cabinet Picks Go To Council Tonight

Luis Campos

Three cabinet appointments from Northampton County Executive John Brown sailed through Council's Personnel Committee yesterday, and are on their way to a quick and possibly unanimous confirmation tonight. Under the County's Home Rule Charter, they must be confirmed by a majority vote.

These appointments were first announced late on Thursday, July 10. Brown selected Luis E. Campos as Director of Administration (salary $87,838); James W. Hunter as Director of Fiscal Affairs (salary $87,838); and David Dalrymple as Sheriff (salary $91.422).

Prior to that, Brown had been criticized at several Council meetings for waiting so long. On July 2, Council member Scott Parsons told Brown "the process is taking too long." Fellow Democrat Lamont McClure agreed, and added that Brown had failed to provide "the blocking and tackling of county government."

James Hunter

Ironically, the same Council member who told Republican Brown that he as taking too long yesterday complained, "You didn't give us that much time." Democrat Bob Werner agreed, condemning the "last minute notice" on a Friday afternoon at 4:30 pm, though the appointments were actually announced on a Thursday,."I just think we need a little more time to review things," he lamented, calling it a "professional courtesy."

Part of their ire was undoubtedly the result of the absence of Democrat Ken Kraft, the Chair of the Personnel Committee. He was unable to make the meeting as a result of a work conflict, and Council President Peg Ferraro elected to run the meeting without him instead of postponing the matter.

Lamont McClure, the fourth Democrat, was absent.

David Dalrymple

Hayden Phillips told complaining Council members that he had "zero difficulty" reaching the conclusion that these are excellent appointments, and suggested a google search would tell them everything they need to know.

All three nominees attended yesterday's confirmation hearing.

Phillips asked Luis Campos to list the highest budget he's ever worked on. He answered that when he worked for Governor Rendell, he worked on budgets of about $8.9 billion. In the private sector, he's managing a $20 million budget.

Fiscal Affairs nominee James Hunter told Council he's "very excited and very honored to work for the County where I live." He is a Slate Belt banker.

Sheriff nominee David Dalrymple, a retired Major in the New Jersey State Police, was grilled by Phillips over the differences between Pennsylvania and New Jersey law regarding licenses to carry firearms. Pennsylvania is a "shall issue" state, meaning that most applications must be granted. New Jersey is much more restrictive.

"It's not my job to interpret or make laws," answered the former cop. "It's to follow laws."

Though Parsons conceded that Dalrymple is more than qualified and intends to vote for him, he believes the Sheriff's position should be filled by a County resident.

"That's something we should look at changing," he said.

Bill White Weighs In on The Piano Player

On Monday, I took Lehigh County Commissioners to task for their decision to select Amanda Holt, a 32 year old home-schooled piano teacher with no formal education, as a Lehigh County Comm'r. They picked someone who still lives with her parents, over contenders that certainly appear to have a lot more financial acumen and experience.  The Benedict Arnold who made this possible is Brad Osborne, who wants to be the next County Executive, and would like Wayne Woodman's support and money

In his most recent column, The Morning Call's Bill White is also astonished by Osborne's latest move. After assuring fellow Commissioners he'd hang tough and not vote for any of the so-called reform team candidates, he betrayed them. If Osborne thinks this will help him, he's nuts. He's cemented his position in Lehigh County politics as a person whose word means nothing

Moderate or establishment Republicans know he can't be trusted. The so-called reform team already knew what Osborne is like. In November 2012, it was Osborne as Chair who engineered some sort of budget move that infuriated the conservative bloc, and then conducted a news conference about it without bothering to inform any of them.

"I find this extremely disloyal to the Republican majority," stated Comm'r Vic Mazziotti at the time. "He did not inform the majority. He hasn't called since. Maybe he's planning on changing parties."

In January 2013, Osborne was ousted as Chair by the very people he now thinks will help him.

One other point. I pointed to Amanda Holt's shortcomings as a candidate, at least on paper. She may turn out to be the best Commissioner Lehigh County has ever had. Some of my more conservative friends have said I should give her a chance, and they're right.

You never know.

I certainly don't. I used to think brad Osborne was a decent guy.

Tom Bachik: Don't Cry For Me Northampton County

Over the weekend, I bumped into Tom Bachik at the Stellar basketball tournament. His son plays on Nazareth's JV team. He was like a different man than when he was working for the County. I hope he doesn't mind me telling you.

Bachik is a former Deputy Sheriff, and was always Exhibit "A" to every argument I had about what is wrong with public sector unions. I was the least of his problems, Over the years, he managed to piss off the Executive, the Sheriff, and finally, the courts. That's the 11th Commandment. "Do Not Piss Off the Courts." I've broken it many times, which explains why I'm going to Hell.

He should have been a blogger.

Anyhoo, what finally did him in was you-know-who's leaked firearms application. Though he was at most a bit player in that little saga, he was forced to resign. I felt a little bad at the time because he was always a good sport about my criticisms here. He was always able to laugh at himself.

Don't feel sorry for him. He's happy. He's sporting a little beard, and tells me he feels so much more relaxed now that he is away from the County, working in the private sector. "No more stress," he claimed. That got me thinking. Deputy Sheriffs do have jobs that may seem monotonous, but suddenly can become very stressful. I think he's much better off in his new job, and has enough time in to collect a pension when it's time to retire.

Yesterday, on the way to the courthouse, I saw him on a lunch walk with two other workers. I beeped hello, and he flashed me the finger.

OK, he's happy, not in bliss.

Strouse Campaign's Dunning Emails

I don't know how this happened. I'm sure things like this happen to everyone. I somehow ended up on Kevin Strouse's mailing list. He's running for Congress in Montgomery against Republican Mike Fitzpatrick. That never bothered me until today, when I got an email from him that made it sound as though he was a creditor after me for an unpaid bill. Or that someone is suing me again.

Uh oh.


The heading was "[!] Bernie O'hare ➡ ACTION PENDING "

When I clicked open the email, it was a request from the Strouse campaign. They want me to fill out a "one minute" survey that would probably last all morning and end up asking me to sign over all my assets, which would take one minute.

Here's the thing. If you're running for office, about the most stupid thing you can do is send an email with a heading like the one above. It pissed me off enough to demand his campaign to take me off their stupid list and to write this blog. I imagine it annoyed the hell out of some Montgomery County Dems, too, although most of them have their servants open their email.

Delayed Drowning Case in Federal Judge's Hands

At this time of year, children sometimes encounter difficulties in local pools and swallow large amounts of chlorinated water. There was a recent scare in Bangor. But did you know that after they are rescued, about 1-2% of them are still at risk of drowning? It's called delayed or dry drowning, It happens when someone, while thrashing in the water, swallows large amounts of water. This can cause air passages to spasm and the lungs to fill up with fluid, suffocating the victim. It's what happened to Juanya Spady, a 15 year old Liberty High School sophomore who experts say drowned about an hour after he was out of the school pool. The Bethlehem School District denies it's at fault, but a federal judge will make the call in a case filed by Attorneys Rick Orloski and Stephen Ameche.

Spady, a recent transfer to Liberty and a non-swimmer, attended a P.E. class in which swimming was the activity of the day. He was told to go with the other non-swimmers to the shallow end of the pool while a gym teacher instructed the rest of the class on swimming moves from a deck. Because grades depend on class participation, Spady decided to do some "gutter grabbing," i.e. make his way around the perimeter of the pool by using his hands to keep him afloat. Occasionally, he'd let go, sink to the bottom and bounce back up.

His fun ended when he bumped into a group of swimmers and lost his grip. He was down a long time, but finally made his way back to the surface. Spady told his gym teacher he was feeling ill, and was told to take a break. According to his teacher, he told Spady to spend the rest of the class out of the water, unless he felt better. But one student states that Spady was ordered back into the pool. Several students noticed that Spady was not himself.

After PE, Spady went to English class. But ten minutes in, his head hit the desk behind him, his eyes rolled into the back of his head, and a pink, frothy substance began coming from his nose and mouth. His teacher sent students to get help, and a nurse and police officer arrived a few minutes later. CPR was tried. Mouth to mouth. An AED was used. Oxygen was administered. No pulse. Though he was administered a total of 17 shocks, he died.

Dr. Isadore Mihalikis, who performed the autopsy, called it an unexplained seizure. But flamboyant forensic pathologist Dr. Cyril Wecht concluded this was a case of dry drowning caused by a toxic reaction to the swimming pool chlorine. In addition to the pink and frothy discharge, Dr. Wecht noted a high glucose level and epinephrine, which accompanies these delayed drownings.

Dr. Alison Osinski, an aquatics expert, agrees. She also adds that it was negligent for the school district to enroll Spady in a swim class without any regard to his skill level, just as stupid as forcing a student to take calculus without first going through pre-algebra. She states the teacher should have been in swimming gear and the student lifeguard on hand should not have been lying on the bleachers. Finally, she advises there should have been a "buddy system" in place, and that non-swimmers should be equipped with floatation devices.

Blogger's Notes:

1. Attorney Steve Ameche is related to legendary Don Ameche,
2. Pete hall has a good account of this story in The Morning Call.
3. Signs of dry drowning to look for in children: persistent coughing; a recent water rescue or trashing; amnesia; behavior change; vomiting.

Why I'm Not an Astronaut

My ex sent me this. Was she trying to tell me something???? Nah.

Cathy Allen Resigns Seat On Bangor Borough Council

Cathy Allen is probably best known for her unconvincing "There's nothing to see here" interview on WFMZ-TV69 about a near drowning at Bangor Memorial Park Pool. Her account was markedly different from those who were actually there. They claim that a young drowning girl was rescued by an adult, while she insisted it was a lifeguard. They claim lifeguards were nowhere to be found. She insisted they were changing their posts.

What Allen failed to disclose is that her own son was one of those lifeguards.

Allen was Northampton County Executive John Brown's first choice as Director of Administration, but her nomination was rejected in a 6-3 vote by County Council.

Now, as I first told you here on July 1, she's resigned her seat on Bangor Borough Council, where she served as President. Her one-sentence resignation was accepted unanimously by Borough Council last night.

Tales of Trachta: We Don't Need No Steenkin' Grants

Fountain Hill PD recognized for traffic safety enforcement

One of the most important things a police chief does, especially in a small department, is secure grants. That reduces  That reduces the bottom line at budget time. It also leads to increased patrols and better equipment, improving public safety. Yet Nazareth Police Chief Thomas Trachta ignores them. It's pretty amazing behavior in a department that Mayor Carl Stryle recently commended.

Chief Trachta had no problem calling the press so he could parade littering suspects before them, chaied and shackled, in what is called a perp walk. But he seems to have a big problem in seeking grants that would actually help his department combat real crime.

In the current round of COPS grants awarded by the Department of Justice, Nazareth is missing. COPs grants have funded 3,611 police officers in Pennsylvania, but not in Nazareth. Over $14 million has been awarded for school resource officers, but not in Nazareth. $63 million hads been awarded from crime-fighting technology, but not in Nazareth. Bangor, Bushkill, Colonial Regional, Plainfield, Bethlehem, Easton, Forks, Northampton and even North Catasauqua are just some of the local municipalities who got money from the feds for better police protection. But not Nazareth.

Grants from the feds are getting tougher. But on a state level, the Pennsylvania Traffic Safety Enforcement Center awards grants for aggressive driving, seat belt safety and DUI sweeps. Last month, Lehigh County DA Jim Martin recognized several Northampton County police officers and departments for their participation in these programs. But Nazareth failed to participate.

This lapse has only occured since Trachta became Chief. Prior to that, Nazareth did qualify and obtain some grant funding from these state-funded programs.

These grants are what enable a small department like Nazareth to fund an extra police officer on Friday or Saturday nights. But Chief Trachta has refused to participate or obtain any grants on his own. As a result, Nazareth taxpayers are funding other departments, while their own has regular lapses in police coverage.

Donchez To Conduct Town Hall on West Side Next Week

On July 22, at 6 pm, Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez will take the show on the road to the City's west side. He'll convene a town hall at the Church of the Manger, located at 1401 Greenview Drive. Prior to that, he'll be walking along Spring Street and within the Kaywin community. He brings his entire cabinet to these town halls as part of his effort to bring city government to the people.

In addition to regular town halls, Donchez has open office hours every second Monday. His office (610-865-7100) and home (610-868-4680) telephone numbers are out there for those who need to speak to him.

ZHB Chair Gus Loupos lives in that area, and I suggested code enforcement should really take a close look at his home. I think he disconnected his smoke detectors.

Updated 9:40, to correct date.

Three LV Jewish Leaders Go To Israel

As Hamas rocket fire continues to rain down on Israel, three Lehigh Valley Jewish community leaders are seeing firsthand what happens when the sirens sound, according to a statement from the LV Jewish Federation.

Iris Epstein, 2015 Annual Campaign chairperson, Judy Diamondstein, assistant executive director, and Vicki Glaser arrived in Israel Saturday morning and spent two days on a kibbutz in the Yoav region. The Lehigh Valley enjoys a special relationship with Yoav, located in south central Israel and well within the reach of Hamas missiles.

“It was a bit surreal hearing the sirens the first time,” Epstein said after having to rush to an underground shelter. “It helped me remain calm seeing how calm everyone else was. It really is a way of life here.” Epstein, Diamondstein and Glaser have had their visit interrupted several times with “Red Alert” sirens warning everyone to immediately take shelter.

The trio will spend the next week traveling across Israel. .

Meanwhile, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, in partnership with all local synagogues, has opened the Israel Emergency Campaign to raise money for emergency needs emanating from Israel being under attack. 100 percent of the money donated goes directly to emergency needs.

The money will provide care for homebound elderly and disabled adults during this time of terror, respite for tens of thousands of children fleeing rocket attacks and crisis counseling for Israelis who are overwhelmed by anxiety and in need of relief.

The #StoptheSirens campaign is being conducted in conjunction with Jewish communities across North America.

Already, the money raised is doing good. Tomorrow, 540 children from Yoav will spend the day outside of the frequent rocket zone for a day of respite programming. Their day camps and summer programs have been cancelled due to the incessant missile attacks.

To learn more about the campaign and Israel travelers, visit www.jewishlehighvalley.org.

The Piano Player

Last week, the remnants of Scott Ott’s so-called reform team bloc appointed Amanda Holt to replace him on the Board, while he runs off to Texas in his latest of many moves.. Who is she? A 32 year old home schooled piano teacher with no college whatsoever. Her claim to fame is that she redrew a redistricting map prepared by the legislature. The real reason she was picked, although it took a possible Sunshine Act violation to do it, is because she has been a loyal foot solder for Ott and Lehigh County Kingmaker Wayne Woodman. The former GOP party boss, Woodman was texting Commissioners left and right before and apparently during the meeting. He reputedly texted someone that he had just secured the 5th vote for Holt while the supposed reformers were thumbing their nose at the Sunshine Act and meeting behind closed doors. This is great news for Wayne Woodman. For Lehigh County and anyone interested in good government, not so much.

The swing vote came from so-called establishment moderate Brad Osborne. You see, he'd like to be the next Lehigh County Exec. He put his naked political ambition ahead of good government. He chose ideologues over competency and real results.

The "Reform" Team's False Promises

In 2012, Scott Ott and his bloc took office saying they represented the future of the Republican Party in Lehigh County. Through campaign mailers, radio ads and numerous appearances on Bobby Gunther Walsh’s show, Ott and his gang claimed they would “reform” County government and promised to do the following:

1. Reverse the 16% tax increase that went into effect in 2011. During their campaign for office, they said the 16% increase was totally unnecessary and that they had a plan to completely eliminate it.

2. Balance the County’s budget and refuse to approve any budget that had a structural deficit.

3. Stop using the County’s reserves as a piggy back to be spent down covering the deficit.

4. Reduce spending, not slow the growth of spending or “cut” proposed spending, but actually reduce spending on a year over year basis.

After taking office, Ott and his bloc appointed Mike Schware to the Board. This gave them a working majority of five to do what they promised voters they would do. Yet rather than working to implement their plan, they decided to focus on ideological battles over such things as pass through grants for Meals on Wheels. As a result, less than two and a half years after taking office, none of their promises has been fulfilled. And to top it off, Ott decided to renege on his commitment to Lehigh County voters and left before his term was over, running off to Texas.

The Lehigh County Reality

Voters eventually smelled the Scott Ott bullshit and rejected him as an Executive in favor of a man, Tom Muller who tells the truth. It's an unpleasant truth.

1. County reserves are down to $17 million from $25 million when Ott and his bloc took office which is below the $20 million they have set as the minimum.

2. The structural deficit has increased by over 60% to $7.7 million from 4.7 million before Ott and his bloc took office.

3. County spending (covered by property taxes) has increased to $110.9 million from $109.3 million before Ott's "reform" team took office. In spite of claims that they really “cut spending”, all they have done is reduce the spending proposed in the budget. Spending has actually increased by $1.6 million since they have been in office.

4. The millage rate was decreased by 2.75% (from Ott’s campaign mailer last year) and not by the 16% that was promised. Moreover, by not continuing the tax credits given in 2012 and 2013 (Ott called them gimmicks), every taxpayer in Lehigh County will pay more in taxes in 2014 than they did in 2013. And the average taxpayer (accounting for the revenue neutral reassessment) will pay more in 2014 than they did in the 2012 budget passed before Ott took office.

So after two and a half years of Ott’s leadership, taxpayers are paying more than when he came into office. Lehigh County is left with spending that is on an upward trajectory, a sizable structural deficit and insufficient reserves.

Let's Cut $8-12 Million

The inability of Ott and his bloc to deliver on any of their promises has set the stage for a tax increase in the budget for next year. This seems to have dawned on them, so they passed a resolution earlier this year calling for a budget that eliminated the deficit, increased reserves and accomplished both of these feats without increasing taxes. This passed unanimously, too, with both Democrats and Republicans waving their magic wands.

But this is not Hogsmeade, despite what you see at the trough. It's Lehigh County. The only way to work this magic is through spending cuts of $8 - $12 million (or 10% to 14%) from the County’s controllable spending. That's highly unlikely.

I have yet to hear a single Commissioner propose a spending plan that would avoid a big tax hike next year.

Fortunately, some serious candidates were willing to dive into the deep end of the pool. They included

• three former County Commissioners
• three former Township Commissioners
• an attorney and former School Board Director
• a current Borough Council member
• a current School Board member
• an accomplished businessman and veteran

Commissioners went with the piano player.

Instead of playing the violin as Rome burns, Holt can play the piano.