McClure First Pa. Elected Official To Endorse Kamala Harris

NorCo Exec Lamont McClure has endorsed Kamala Harris for President. He did so on Friday, in the wake of a strong debate performance by Harris in Miami.

"Kamala Harris is best positioned to lead our country into the future without fear,” said McClure. “Kamala understands the fate of this great nation, relies upon a strong, vibrant, well funded universal public education system, and she's making it a top priority. Her time as an assistant district attorney, District Attorney and Attorney General of our largest state gives me the confidence that she has the executive experience to reclaim our global leadership, and her record as a Senator assures me she will not neglect the middle class.”

I believe she did a great job, but remain undecided at this juncture. My favorites are Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren (believe it or not) and Harris.

I will say this. Every single one of the candidates claimed to want to help working families. Yet every single one of them raised their hands when asked of health care should be available to everyone, including immigrants who sneak into this country. That's a recipe to re-elect Trump.

Guest Post: More Monkey Business in DA Race

Hi there!

Jacko the Monkey here. Remember me?

Not long ago, I escaped from my dark closet at the Northampton County Courthouse to complain to you. I was being dragged into the dirty world of Northampton County politics by none other than that bottom-feeding blogger, Bernie O'Hare. He really is "a disgusting, gruesome creature," as West Easton Borough Constable and Tom Carroll for DA supporter Tricia Mezzacappa recently told Bethlehem City Council.

Look, my idea of a good time is throwing poop, swinging on trees, eating bananas and playing the accordion. I hate politics. But O'Hare was going to use me to make a monkey's uncle out of DA wannabe Tom Carroll.

Now The Morning Call has grabbed this story and there's a big expose on Carroll.

Though the paper's reporters interviewed about 10,000 people, they never got me. I stayed hidden in my closet.

Until now.

I've escaped and am throwing shit everywhere.

In June 2007, Carroll was an Assistant DA in Northampton County. When he bought me at the Dollar Store, I thought my organ-grinding days were finally over. Little did I know he would use me to play a cruel joke on another Assistant DA who happened to be African American and female. He plopped me on her desk one day so that I would be the first thing she saw when she came in.

I may only be a stuffed monkey, but even I know that's wrong. Lots of racists were using monkeys at that time to smear Michelle Obama. They still do. This prosecutor, when she saw me, became very upset even though I am kinda' cute. She saw no humor in it.

The following Monday, I was brought into the office of the District Attorney himself. I tried explaining that I had nothing to do with this, but was unable to talk at that time. Carroll was summoned. I remember Morganelli had his head in his hands and said to Carroll, "Help me, Tom. How is this a joke?"

After a long silence, Carroll said, "I'll just resign."

And he did.

But what about me? I've been sitting in a frickin' closet for the past 11 years. I didn't get to throw shit, eat bananas or swing on anything.

But I have passed the bar. I'm suing everyone for violating my monkey rights.

After his incident was over, Carroll made pretty clear that no joke was intended. In addition to insulting this female prosecutor with a vulgar sexual term, he took to wearing monkey ties every time he came to the courthouse. He always made sure this prosecutor saw him.

Now this vindictive man wants to be the county's chief prosecutor. He's a cheeky monkey. He'll get the racist vote,. But not the monkeys.

PSP Charge West Easton Constable With False Statements

Mezzacappa in happier times

On June 18, West Easton Constable Tricia Mezzacappa was among those who visited a Bethlehem City Council to slam an ill-considered ordinance suppressing free speech. "Bernie O'Hare is a piece of shit," she declaimed. "He's a disgusting, gruesome creature." In that vein, I think it's time for me to be disgusting and gruesome and let you in on what she failed to say. She's been charged with making false statements to the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).

The charges stem from an incident back in February, when she called PSP to complain about a neighbor. From what I've been able to gather, she told authorities she had been forced to fire her weapon. If you ever want police to arrive at your home quickly, say something like that. When troopers arrived, however, they discovered she had lied to them. Her pea-shooter was confiscated, presumably to conduct tests. Charges were filed in late May, and she failed to accept a summons until June 19, the day after her diatribe.

This is by no means the first time Mezzacappa has been taken to task for dishonesty. In 2014, Judge Michael Koury ordered her to pay $67,000 for defaming a "disgusting, gruesome creature."

Making false statements to the police is a third degree misdemeanor, with a penalty of up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

She is represented by prominent Allentown Attorney John Waldron.

Her preliminary hearing is scheduled July 22, 9:30 AM, before Magisterial District Judge Richard Yetter.

Updated Sunday, 6/30, 2:40 pm: An online petition started by Linda Bank seeks Mezzacappa's removal from her elected office of Constable. It is virtually impossible to remove an elected official from office, but conviction of an infamous crime is one way to do it.

Will Pa Finally Allow Open Primaries?

Will Pennsylvania join 16 other states in finally allowing open primaries? The Senate voted Yes to this proposal by a 42-8 vote. Senator Lisa Boscola is quoted as having argued, “Frankly, our democracy doesn’t work if our citizens can’t participate.”

If this measure is adopted, it should stop extremist candidates from gaining traction in both parties. It will be a win for the center.

Moderators Lose Second Dem Debate

Kamala Harris in second grade

Wednesday night, in the first of two debates among Democrats vying for the presidency, I was deeply disappointed by their pandering and lack of inspiration. Last night, I was disappointed in the inability by moderators to control a second crop of candidates. They talked over and interrupted each other incessantly during the first hour. In the second hour, none of them could answer questions within the allotted time. All moderators had to do is cute the mikes, but they allowed it to continue. So I would call them the biggest losers.

Kamala Harris totally destroyed Joe Biden in a tense exchange concerning busing. She told him she does not consider him a racist, but then slammed him for not only working with segregationist, but working with them to prevent school busing. beating back tears, she told him his actions were "hurtful" to her.

"There was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools, and she was bused to school every day, and that little girl was me,” she said.

Instead of apologizing and saying that his views had changed, he still supported the argument that local government should make these decisions.

At that moment, he was toast.

As he argued school busing should be a local matter, Harris nailed him on the need for the federal government to step in on race issues. "That's where the federal government must step in. That's why we have the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act, that's why we need to poss the Equality Act and the ERA. There are moments in history where states fail to preserve the civil rights of others."

This hurt.

Harris was also the person to say something about the constant interruptions, most of which were coming from Kirsten Gillebrand.

"America does not want to witness a food fight," said Harris. "They want to know how we're going to put food on their table."

Harris also got a good shot at Trump over his views on climate change, saying he "embraces science fiction over science fact."

Finally, she called Donald Trump thegraeatest national security threat to tthe United States.

Bernie Sanders has promised to raise taxes on the middle class to help pay for free everything. Even though he called Trump a "phony," "pathological liar," and "racist," I doubt people will be inclined to vote for someone who promises to raise their taxes.

Without question, Harris won this debate, and rather impressively.

What's your take?

Who Won Last Night's Presidential Debate?

Ancient China was once ruled by emperors who would establish dynasties lasting hundreds of years. Around 200 AD, the Han dynasty came crashing down after 500 years. A corrupt group of bureaucrats called the Ten Eunuchs controlled everything, including the emperor. They were the swamp. A brutal general named  Dong Zhuo vowed to drain the swamp, and he did. But he was a monster who raped, looted and killed innocent people with impunity. Heroes were needed, and they came  My impression of 10 Democratic hopefuls who debated last night is that the Ten Eunuchs want to replace America's Dong Zhuo.

There were too many with too little time to provide meaningful answers. Three of them, and even a moderator, occasionally pandered in Spanish. Bill DeBlasio bragged about his black son. They all claimed to support the working man, but most are the very elitists they condemn. Eunuchs. Cory Booker must have mentioned 1,000 times that he lives in a low-income minority neighborhood, prompting me to conclude he moved there just so he could brag about it. I was hoping Elizabeth Warren would impress. She failed. She blames corporations for everything, which is both short-sighted and wrong. Beto O'Rourke is a phony. Amy Klobuchar condescended when she spoke, with a smirk. Some people liked Julian Castro, but I thought he was just another eunuch. The candidate with the most appeal, at least to me, was Tulsi Gabbard.

What's your take?

Vandalism Prompts A’town to Close Park Restrooms

From Allentown: Effective Saturday, June 29, the City of Allentown Department of Parks & Recreation will be closing several park restroom facilities due to a heightened level of vandalism incidents over the past several weeks.

 

The damage assessment includes broken toilet fixtures; paper towel and soap dispensers ripped off walls; electrical outlets destroyed; trash cans emptied; locked doors pried open and graffiti sprayed throughout the facilities.

 

Restroom facilities at Canal, Jordan, Keck, Percy Ruhe, Roosevelt, and Trout Creek West parks will be locked to the public unless a permitted usage is scheduled.

 

To assist in addressing vandalism issues, park users who witness acts of vandalism in progress are encouraged to report them by calling the Allentown Police Department Non -Emergency number at 610-437-7751 or using the Allentown 311 Quick Reporter App. The Allentown 311 Quick Reporter App allows park users to submit the location, description and pictures of vandalism that has occurred. This information is key to assisting the city track trends and proactively address issues as needed.

Pa. GOP Chair Succumbs to Sexting Scandal

You've probably heard by now that Pa. GOP Chair Val DiGiorgio has resigned as state party boss over a sexting scandal that include sexually charged messages between him and a Philly City Council candidate, as well as the obligatory penis pic. After the candidate finished dead last, she dimed him.

I have little regard for either of these predators. One used his position; the other her looks. The reason he became state party boss boils down to two state committee members from NorCo. Glenn Geissinger and Peg Ferraro voted for him. Peg was always going to vote for him, but Geissinger switched. Here's what I wrote two years ago, when it happened

Geissinger Betrays NorCo GOP  (2/6/17)

Val DiGiorgio, a registered lobbyist for Comcast and French insurance company AXA, is the Pennsylvania Republican Party's new Fearless Leader, replacing outgoing chair Rob Gleason. He defeated respected Philadelphia attorney Lawrence Tabas in a close, 173-171 vote, on Saturday at Hershey. .

The money boys and power brokers liked DiGiorgio. Others preferred Tabas, who volunteered most of his time to the GOP.  Tabas always visited NorCo at different GOP functions, and represented the county party at no charge when AG Kane's Klowns executed what turned out to be a baseless search warrant on GOP finances

In late January, Northampton County's GOP met and voted to support Tabas. They had reasons to do so. Mary Barket, a member of the state committee, was recently widowed and needs a job. Tabas said he'd hire her. In addition, he wanted to install county GOP Chair Lee Snover in a leadership position within the state party ranks  Considering that Snover mobilized the party base and managed to turn NorCo red,  Snover is due for some recognition.

NorCo's representatives on the GOP state committee are Snover, Barket, Ron Angle, Peg Ferraro, Bob Kilbanks and Glenn Geissinger. All but Peg were expected to vote for Tabas,and all but Peg agreed to do so.

Peg Ferraro was asked to support DiGiorgio by Bob Asher, a long-time friend who always contributes to her campaigns. Everyone understood she would go her own way, but Snover expected to deliver the rest of the vote to Tabas. .

According to Snover, Geissinger promised he would vote for Tabas. Had he done so, the vote would be a 172-172 tie, and Gleason would have broken that tie with a vote for Tabas.

This was going to be a close vote, so Senator Pat Toomey dialed up the pressure for DiGiorgio. He promised two federal judgeships in undecided counties. Then, on Saturday, several State Senators came in and sat with committee members for the vote. Some committee people claim they were threatened with loss of employment unless they voted for DiGiorgio. .

In order to prevent this kind of retaliation, there was a push for a secret ballot, but that was shoved aside.

Before the vote, Geissinger played the room, visiting committee members from Luzerne and Lackawanna County. He appeared to be laying the groundwork for another congressional run. He ignored his own county.

With the exception of Blake Marles and Bob Daday, the Lehigh County delegation voted for the money man. This includes Glenn Eckhart, who went against the tea party he claims to support. .

When it was time for NorCo to vote, Snover and NorCo Republicans were betrayed by Geissinger.

"You heard the will of the people, you need to do what the people want," Snover reminded Geissinger.

"I know what I'm doing," snapped Geissinger. "I'm a legislator."

Geissinger's vote put DiGiorgio over the top. After leading the county to believe he would follow their wishes, he betrayed them. He voted a widow out of a job. He voted NorCo out of a position in real party leadership.

"What's the big deal?" he asked when it was all over.

As a NorCo Council member with a 54% attendance record last year, he should find out soon.

A "Who Dat" Report

Over the years, I've spent a lot of time bragging to you about my grandson Dat. It's shameless on my part. Still, you'd be surprised at the number of people who have followed him for years and always ask about him. So let me tell you. He no longer plays AAU or summer league because he graduated from Allentown Central Catholic. He does play basketball for DeSales, which he loves. He spent most of his first year there on the bench, watching more experienced players. I'm pretty sure he set one team record. He fouled out of one game in under two minutes. As the season came to an end, he was coming into his own. I imagine that will continue. Those of you who know him know he is both determined and dedicated. Nothing comes easy to him. But whether it is schoolwork or sports, he never gives up. I've learned a lot more from him than he has from me.

He lifts several days a week, as you can see. His real secret is push-ups. He is almost as ripped as me.

His team is going to France in August, where they will do a bike tour and play three games.

This concludes my "Who Dat" report.

No Gift Cards For NorCo Employees

Elizabeth Kelly, Esq.

When John Brown was Norco Executive and Amy Trapp his HR Director, she started the practice of buying gift cards to give to county workers as incentives. This was condemned by then Controller Steve Barron during a performance audit in which Trapp was unable to account for some of the cards that she and her staff bought. Brown and Trapp are now gone, and NorCo's current HR Director has made clear that gift cards are no longer being purchased for employees.

With gift cards, there's no accountability. There's no assurance they are actually being used to reward worthy employees. The potential for fraud exists. Sooner or later, someone in Human Resources will use these gift cards as his or her personal piggy bank. 

There's even some evidence that rewarding employees with gift cards can backfire. According to one article in Forbes, they can actually demotivate workers who would prefer to see their hard work rewarded the way it should be - with a fair wage. Some will also feel that favorites are being rewarded.

Finally, gift cards are taxable income. The County derives its revenue with property taxes, yet was handing out cash equivalents to employees that it never reported.

Elizabeth Kelly, Norco's current HR Director, recently advised the Controller's office that she has no intention of purchasing gift cards.

"Although I initially agreed to draft a policy regarding the subject of gift cards, it now occurs to me that such a policy may not be needed, as the purchase of gift cards appears does not appear to be widespread; but rather, it was something done by the former Director of Human Resources for reasons perhaps best known to her. I have no intention of purchasing any gift cards to use as employee incentives or for any other purpose. If it is important that I make this commitment in writing, it may be more expeditious if I drafted a letter to the County Executive and other Directors to inform them that the purchase of gift cards is disfavored and I will not be purchasing any gift cards with any County funds."

Howling Dogs?

Complainers of Bethlehem is a disgusting Facebook group in which members moan about everything, from some dude who parks 3 centimeters over the striped line to people using the drive-thru lane at McDonalds. Naturally, I belong to it.

Yesterday, I saw this post.

Here's my response.

Nepotism, Bethlehem Style!

I was disappointed when Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez kicked off 2018 by appointing City Council member Eric Evans as Business Administrator. Though he has finance degrees, he has spent most of his adult career as a history teacher. I was disgusted that Evans, who I thought was an educator, would abandon his students in the middle of a school year.

Donchez kicked off 2019 buy appointing Evans wife Jodi as he City's new recreation director. She abandoned her students in the middle of a school year, too. At the time of this hire, Donchez insisted there was no nepotism involved. No siree! She just happened to be the most qualified applicant because she was a lifeguard. Why she was even more qualified than the Assistant Director, who quit in disgust after being passed over.

Everyone knows this, so why I am I talking about it now? Because there's even more nepotism.

Get this. The nephew of retiring Recreation Director Jane Persa has been hired to replace the Assistant Director, who was rightly disenchanted by what had happened.

This new hire must have been a lifeguard, too.

Initially, this fellow turned down the job. Then he decided to take it if the City would pay him what the departing Assistant Rec Director was getting at the time he quit. Amazingly, the City agreed.

Unfortunately, there's even more to this story. Someone had to be brought in to train the new Assistant Director. Guess who it is? Jane Persa, the dude's aunt and Director who already retired.

Allentown Dem Operative Ed DeGrace Charged With Harassment

Ed DisGrace

Allentown Democratic operative Ed "DisGrace" DeGrace has been charged with summary harassment over a punch he threw a few weeks ago. Amazingly, the victim is another Democrat.

Tom Osborne, who is as blue as they come, while sitting in his car with his grandson, told police that DisGrace popped him. They declined to fie charges because DeGrace denied anything had happened. The Lehigh County DA, however, approved a private complaint for summary harassment when several witnesses claimed that DeGrace had bragged about it.

The penalty for summary harassment is usually a small fine of up to $300.

Ed "Disgrace" DeGrace is a goon who used threats, intimidation and profanity to silence anyone who dares criticize Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski. He has the distinction of being the first anonymous troll I ever outed, way back in 2008. That has made no difference in his behavior. He's also the man behind a $8,000 illegal contribution to Fed Ed's first mayoral run in 2005. He chaired the PAC which donated this money, but has never filed a report indicating where he got his money.

He tried to intimidate me at a campaign rally for now Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty and during the summary trial of a teacher who convinced Allentown students to boycott class. On both occasions, he made a fool out of himself.

Despite his sordid reputation, Ce-Ce Gerlach was only too happy to use him in her Allentown City Council race, and even complimented him on Facebook.

His summary trial is scheduled for July 9, 2:30 pm, before Magisterial District Judge Ronald S Manescu.

I'll be there.

Cusick Bashes Harrisburg Over Refusal to Fund Voting Machines

John Cusick

John Cusick, who represents District Three on Northampton County Council, is a Republican. He nevertheless bashed Pennsylvania's Republican-controlled state legislature at last night's meeting of County Council over their reluctance to commit any funds to help counties purchase new voting machines. "The most critical thing we do is preserve our democracy," he argued. "Voting machines are part of that."

Last year, in response to a lawsuit, Pennsylvania's Department of State directed all 67 counties to select new voting systems that include a voter verifiable paper trail, making post-election audits more accurate. They must be in place before the 2020 primary. Though the statewide cost of his change is estimated at $125 million to $150 million, the state has yet to provide any of the funding. The federal government has provided a $342,000 grant to Northampton County.

In May, Northampton County Council approved the $2.9 million purchase of a new touchscreen voting system with a voter-verified paper trail. County officials expect to have it in place for November's election.

Governor Tom Wolf has proposed giving counties $15 million a year for the next five years to help them make this purchase. Republicans in the land of midnight payraises, however, claim this is Wolf's problem, not theirs.

"This was a crisis that the governor created, and he needs to resolve it," said Senate Majority leader Jake Corman (R-Centre) in an interview with WITF. "I feel bad for the counties, because he put a huge unfunded mandate on the counties, but that's his responsibility."

In order to stick it to Wolf, Republicans in Harrisburg are perfectly willing to stick it to counties.

"We've acted in good faith, it's time for the legislature to do the same," said the Williams Township algebra teacher.

Retired NorCo Deputy Seeks Elected Sheriff

Mike Mohn

Mike Mohn recently retired from Northampton County after 29 years of service. Last night, as a civilian, he asked County Council to consider changing the Home Rule Charter to require that the position of Sheriff be elected.

Mohn's a big guy, about 7'6." I also see him tossing heavy weights like tootsie rolls at my gym. So when he said, "Be nice to me," I better comply.

Actually, he was one of our best. In addition to his physical prowess, Mohn has a degree in criminal justice from Kutztown University. He is also a past President of the Pennsylvania Deputy Sheriffs' Ass'n. In the years I've known him, he's always been very passionate about his role.

Mohn had a handout for everyone, but his argument is simple. "The Sheriff of the County should be accountable to the people, not the County Executive," he said. He clarified that he was making no attack on Executive Lamont McClure, but believes the will of the people should trump the desire of any county executive.

He points out that 99% of the nation's Sheriffs are elected.All but two Sheriffs in Pennsylvania are elected.  He asked County Council to put the question to the voters in a referendum.

One county official told me he believes the voters would quickly agree.

The voters already decided when they adopted our Home Rule Charter in 1977. They want appointed row officers, including the Sheriff.

In many cases, a Home Rule Charter can be amended by referendum. But when it involves a change in the form of government, there must first be a government study commission. Changing an appointed Sheriff to elected is almost certainly a change in the form of government.

Our Supreme Court actually considered this issue in 2013. Lackawanna County, a home rule charter county, wanted to abolish the elected position of sheriff and replace it with an appointed sheriff. The state high court ruled that this is a change in the form of government and requires the election of a government study commission.

If changing an elected sheriff to an appointed position is a change in the form of government, it necessarily follows that the reverse is true.

Allentown: 10 People Shot, 7 Cops Added

As you may have heard, 10 people were shot and injured early Thursday outside the Deja Vu nightclub in Allentown. This is a sure indication that summer has arrived. Fortunately, no one was killed in what is being called the worst mass shooting in Queen City history. There will be those who will use this incident to clamor for more gun control despite knowing nothing about this shooting. State Representatives Pete Schweyer and his Bobbsy Twin, Mike Schlossberg, have already beat their chests and pointed to a need for more anti-violence programs. Do we really all need to learn it's wrong to shoot each other? Of course, everyone's hearts go out to the poor victims. Everyone except me. They refuse to cooperate and could end up being tomorrow's shooters.

No one has a magic wand he can wave to solve this problem. I do know this. The more cops there are, the less shootings. On the very morning of this shooting, Allentown swore in seven new police officers.

There are now 216 police officers.

McClure: No Parking Spots For Former Judges

A few days ago, former Judge Leonard Zito learned what it means to be a former judge. His reserved. parking spot is gone! 

Northampton County currently has three former judges who work at private law firms, including Judge Zito All three still assist the courts by conducting settlement conferences in civil matters. But that's no reason to give them reserved parking spots.

When Judge Zito gave up his black robe, he also gave up his parking spot.

As I understand it, Executive Lamont McClure thinks it's bad policy to set aside premium parking spots for  former judges who might be at the courthouse once or twice a month.

I feel bad for Judge Zito because he was perhaps the hardest working judge Northampton County has ever seen and he is well respected. But McClure is right.

NorCo Council To Decide Demo Contract For Milides Bldg Tonight

Northampton County Council is poised tonight to approve a $72,500 deal for the demolition of the Milides Building, which is located across the street from the courthouse at 654 Wolf Avenue in Easton. If approved, a contract will be awarded to Paul Giroux, Inc., a firm located locally in Wind Gap. Once permits are in place, the building will be down in a month.

"It's no Martin Tower," said County Administrator Charles Dertinger

The Milides building was built by prominent Easton attorney Gus Milides. In addition to its convenient location, it includes a 40-space parking lot. In 2007, a divided NorCo Council voted to buy the building for $1.5 million, with Ann McHale ad Ron Angle voting No. McHale believed the price was too high while Angle said part of the property would have to be razed.

As it happens, Angle was correct. Both the former law office and its parking lot are slowly falling off a cliff. This is mostly because it was built on fill that had never been properly packed down. Stormwaters add to the erosion.

The plan is to demolish the building and place an underground tank beneath the parking lot to drain rainwater. After the property is shored up properly, a new parking lot for 104 vehicles is planned. This will include eight handicapped spaces, six of which will be van accessible.

This project has already been bid in its entirety twice, but without success. Dertinger said contractors have been reluctant to assume responsibility for shoring up the cliff because they are on the hook if there's a problem. So bids were sought from three local firms. Paul Giroux, Inc. was the lowest.

First Amendment Still Applies in Bethlehem

I was quite intrigued by Bethlehem's proposed ordinance repealing the First Amendment. I considered going to last night's Council meeting, but was having dinner with my grandson and a friend to celebrate my 39th birthday. I did watch the video, which strangely stopped after only 13 minutes. It was enough. Mayor Bob Donchez requested Council for an indefinite postponement, and all seven members were only too happy to agree. So happy that they did so without hearing from the public, in violation of the State Sunshine Act.  But hey, if you're hellbent on ignoring the Constitution, what's a measly state law?

This was a terrible idea. Bethlehem government at one time did the bidding of steel execs, but now it's the artsy-fartsys (sp?) from Artsquest. It's OK to go to Musikfest and get tanked or high. But these artistes get very uncomfortable when groups assemble, not for the chicken dance, but to take aim at hot-button topics like abortion, immigrants or Donald Trump. So just as Bethlehem Steel lawyers used to write ordinances for the City, Artsquest had its own lawyer draft a proposal.

Until we start electing Artsquest leaders, I'd prefer to see the City do its own damn homework.

Although I was unable to see or hear the meeting, I was contacted by several people to tell me about one person who was there to exercise her First Amendment rights.

It was none other than the Wicked Witch of West Easton, Tricia Mezzacappa.

"Bernie O'Hare is a piece of shit," is what she reportedly told everyone during her five minutes.

I always wondered why I smell.

Medical Marijuana Dispensary Pitched in Bethlehem Tp

Abbe Kruger wants marijuana dispensary
at Bethlehem Village Shoppes

A medical marijuana dispensary, to be located at Bethlehem Village Shoppes on Route 191, was pitched to Bethlehem Township Commissioners last night during what is known as a "conditional use" hearing. Attorney Stanley Margle, representing Hayden Gateway, elicited testimony from Abbe Kruger, a principal in that firm. Testimony will resume once engineers put the finishing touched on a site plan.

Kruger's firm is one of 300 that sought a permit from the state Department of Health for a medical marijuana dispensary. Her license was approved last year in Edwardsville, located in Luzerne County. Under the terms of her certificate, she can operate two additional dispensaries. In addition to the site in Bethlehem Township, she plans to open a third dispensary in Dickson City, located near Scranton. She added that there have been no issues at the Edwardsville venue.

Should Commissioners approve this application, it will be the fourth medical marijuana dispensary in the Lehigh Valley. Two are located in Allentown, with a third on Stefko Boulevard in Bethlehem.

Federal law still proscribes the possession and distribution of marijuana, although a 2013 memo from the Department of Justice indicates it will defer to the states unless minors are involved or a dispensary is a pretext for dealing in other drugs. Thirty-two states permit the sale of some form of marijuana.

In Pennsylvania, medical marijuana is available to patients who have one of 21 serious medical conditions, from glaucoma to a terminal illness. A qualifying person must visit an approved medical practitioner, of which there are 18 in Northampton County and 40 in Lehigh County. If a physician is convinced that a patient qualifies, he issues a "certification," as opposed to a prescription, which is used to obtain a medical marijuana ID card. That must be presented at the dispensary.

According to the State Department of Health, chronic pain is cited as the reason for about half of the applicants. Those suffering from PTSD account for another 14%.

The marijuana itself comes in various forms, but not as a plant to be smoked. It could be a pill, tincture, cream, liquid, vape cartridge or oil. Prices can be as low as $10 or as high as $150. Kruger said most patients opt for a vape cartridge. State law prohibits dispensing any more than a 30-day supply. It is provided in a sealed container and bagged, along with a warning to use the product at home. The product itself is secured. Employees are provided with silent and audible alarms as well.

Kruger said that the dispensary, which incidentally is located next to a magisterial district judge's chambers, will include an approved pharmacist who has received training. In addition, there will be a minimum of three patient care advocates and a security person. There will also be security cameras trained on the inside and exterior of the dispensary. Tapes must be kept for two years, and must be made available on request to law enforcement personnel.

Based on her experience in Edwardsville, Kruger estimates that around 800 patients will visit the dispensary every week. It will closed Sundays with a 10AM-6PM schedule on weekdays, with the exception of one night a week, when it will close at 7 pm. It will close on Saturdays at 5 PM.

Deliveries will be as often as five or six days a week, from an unmarked van that must call when it is an hour away and five minutes away. The van parks in an enclosed garage.

Commissioner John Gallagher asked what would stop a patient from opening a package in the parking lot. Kruger responded that warnings are given to use the product at home, and likened someone who uses the product in his car to driving with an open container. Attorney Margle added that it's impossible to prevent someone intent on breaking the law from doing so. Board President Michael Hudak suggested that a person who purchases at a dispensary is no different than someone who visits a state store to purchase alcohol for consumption at home.

One person opposed the conditional use. Shirley Frey, who resides across the street from the dispensary on Christian Springs Road, asked Kruger if she lived next to the dispensary in Edwardsville. "I'm expected to live next to this," complained Frey, who went on to say that she's "never heard a good report" about marijuana dispensaries. "Drugs are a major problem," she noted, adding she has been victimized by five attempted break-ins at her home.

Township Solicitor Jim Broughal said the hearing will continue at a date to be determined. In 2017, Commissioners approved a medical marijuana dispensary in an industrial park, but plans fell through.