Steve Lynch - Too Dangerous for Northampton County

Reynolds Calls Grubb Liar in Endorsement Row

Willie Reynolds and Dana Grubb both seek the Dem nomination for Bethlehem Mayor. LV4All (who agree with them) hosted an endorsement meeting last night. Willie accused Dana of seeking endorsements from local elected officials. Dana responded he had not, and Willie called him a liar. 

Bethlehem politics is always ugly, but it usually manifests itself in whisper campaigns or anonymous comments. It never comes from candidates themselves. 

Willie's remark is both false and displays poor temperament.  He apparently disliked being held accountable for perpetual tax hikes, the elimination of four firefighters and the imposition of a new stormwater fee. 

All in the middle of a pandemic.

At this juncture, Reynolds' remark is unavailable on LV4All's Facebook page. 

NorCo Elections Office Answers Questions For May 18 Primary

While the Presidential election is what attracts the most voters, municipal primaries are what attract the most candidates. In Northampton County, there are 482. Whomever is elected will have more impact on your day-to-life than Donald Trump or Joe Biden. It is the local officials who decide whether your street gets plowed or that pothole gets filled. These are the "servants" who will nickle and dime you with annual tax hike (if you live in Bethlehem) or stormwater fees enacted with only minimal notice.

The elections office and NorCo spokesperson Becky Bartlett have come up with answers to frequently asked questions:

What will be on the ballot?

County-wide offices, candidates for municipal offices, state judges, magisterial judgeships, a County-wide Home Rule Charter amendment and four stateside ballot measures: Equal Rights Regardless of Race or Ethnicity Amendment, Emergency Declarations Amendment, Legislative Resolution to Extend or Terminate Emergency Declaration Amendment and Making Municipal Fire and Emergency Medical Services Companies Eligible for Loans.

 

Who can vote in the Primary Election?

Registered Democrats and Republicans can vote for candidates running on their party’s ticket. All registered voters can vote on the County-wide Home Rule Charter amendment, stateside ballot measures or referendum questions.

Can I vote by mail?

Yes. Act 77, which was passed in 2019, allows for no excuse mail-in voting. Applications for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must be received by May 11^th and are available in the Election’s Office or online at VotesPA.com or NorthamptonVotes.com

How do I know my application has been accepted or if my ballot has been received?

Citizens who sign up on VotesPA.com will receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters who applied on paper can track the status of their ballot at VotesPA.com once the state makes that tool available.

Why did I get an email saying my application for a mail-in ballot has been declined?

It’s likely that a duplicate application was filed or the application lacked a signature or a verifiable ID. Contact the Elections Office for assistance at 610-829-6260 or elections@northamptoncounty.org 

When will ballots go out in the mail?

Ballots will start being mailed out in April. Voters can check the status of their ballot on-line at VotesPA.com

I’m worried about getting my mail-in ballot back to the Elections Office on time.

To be counted, ballots must be returned to the Election’s Office by 8:00PM on May 18^th. The return envelope must be signed and dated and the ballot must enclosed in a sealed privacy envelope. We recommend voters return their ballot as soon as possible or at least get it in the mail by May 5^th.

What kind of stamp should I use to mail my ballot back?

Return envelopes require a first-class stamp or postage if they are mailed back to the Elections Office.

Do I have to return my ballot by mail?

No. Ballots can be returned directly to the Election’s Office at the Government Center at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042 or at one of the secure ballot drop boxes stationed around the County. (Boxes will be installed when ballots become available.)

Can someone else deliver my ballot to the Elections Office?

No. PA State Law states that voters may only drop off their own ballot. If you come into the office, you may be asked for your ID. If you drop off someone else’s ballot because they are physically unable to do so, you will be asked for a signed “Certification of Designated Agent” form. A copy of the form can be downloaded at VotesPA.com

Can I vote using Ballot on Demand?

Yes, Ballot on Demand will be available in the Election Office at the Government Center when ballots become available until 4:30PM on May 11^th. You need to bring an ID with you to the office.

I requested a mail-in ballot but now I want to vote in-person at the polls.

Voters who prefer to use the machines can bring their mail-in ballot and the return envelope to the polls. The Judge of Election will spoil the ballot and ask the voter to complete a “Declaration to Surrender Ballot” form before allowing them vote on the ExpressVote XL machine.

Will the polls be open on May 18^th?

Yes. As of right now, the Election’s Office plans on staffing all 156 precincts with 315 voting machines.

Have the ExpressVote XL machines been tested?

 Yes. The machines will undergo testing before the Primary on May 18^th. The machines performed very well for both elections in 2020.

Have any polling locations changed?

Easton 3^rd Ward 3^rd District has been moved to the Kirby Sports Center 700 W Pierce Street, Easton

 

Hanover Township District #1 has been moved to Brith Sholom at 1190 W. Macada Road.

Do I have to wear a mask at the polls? What about the poll workers?

All poll workers are required to wear masks. We strongly request that voters wear masks out of respect to the people who volunteer in our elections.

Who should voters call if they have problems or questions either before or on Election Day?

The Northampton County Elections Office: 610-829-6260 or elections@northamptoncounty.org 

Our democracy increases in strength the more we all participate. If you, or someone you know, has an interest in taking a more active role, please consider becoming a poll worker. Poll workers are paid for their training time and work on Election Day. https://www.northamptoncounty.org/CTYADMN/ELECTNS/Pages/PollWorkers.aspx

I Accept the Challange

 I've told you before that I'm doing the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail virtually. I started January 17. Any distance based exercise counts. This includes walking, running, cycling, canoeing, elliptical or arc trainer, rowing, etc.. 

One friend started earlier than me and has logged in 1,174.6 miles since November 8. 

I will beat him, of course. 

Another friend (a hotshot lawyer whose name I can't mention unless I pay him) started on March 20, and only has 109 miles in. I'm over 500 ahead of him. 

But get this. He has bet me a steak dinner he will beat me. The only thing he's got going for him is he's young. He's obviously unaware he has just challenged a highly-conditioned, well-trained endurance athlete. He should ask his father, with whom I raced. 

Of course it won't be easy. Nothing worthwhile ever is. That is why I have always failed where others have succeeded. To me, the greater the odds, the greater the challange. And as always, I accept the challange.  

Philanthropist Murat Guzel Donating Face Masks to First Responders

Murat Guzel came to this country from Turkey with next to nothing. Today, he is the owner of the very successful Natural Food Source, a Whitehall Tp. wholesaler to many chain groceries.  But when he first came to this country, he lived frugally and did what so many immigrants to this country do - worked his ass off. He prospered, but remembers what it was like to struggle. 

You may know him as a Democratic donor, although he contributed to Charlie Dent when he was in Congress. That's how I knew him. I saw his name on campaign finance reports from both counties. 

What I did not know is that Guzel is an philanthropist. He's heavily involved in the "She" program to empower young girls in underserved communities. He's arranged trips so they can visit colleges, Broadway shows. He does this with little or no fanfare. 

Unfortunately, Guzel was stricken with Covid-19 and hospitalized. Fortunately, he has recovered and wants to help the first responders who help all of us.  

Today, he will be distributing thousands of masks to them, including coveted N95 masks. 

Guzel, incidentally, makes a great cup of Turkish coffee. Maybe he switched to tea. I personally think think that concoction is the best way toward off any disease. Better than Vitamin D! 

Osborne: Intrigue in South Whitehall

Brad Osborne

I have no horse in this race, but this sounds strange to me . . .

Two media outlets reported on Friday, April 2 that South Whitehall Township Commissioner Matthew Mobilio resigned abruptly after just 15 months into his 4-year term. Supposedly, Matthew Mobilio was frustrated with what he called “unprecedented obstruction” of a “citizen-focused agenda.” But the bare truth is, Matthew Mobilio was in the majority of every 3-2 vote, so there is nothing he and Commissioners Morgan and Setton couldn’t accomplish together!

Despite this fact, board president Tori Morgan quickly came to his defense saying she will “support him in his future focus.” Really? His future focus, in his words, is to “dedicate my energies to ensuring those same individuals (“current, former and prospective commissioners”) will be denied election and/or re-election.”

As reported by the Morning Call, “In a statement responding to Mobilio’s resignation letter, (Commissioners) Wolk and Kelly said the notion that Mobilio’s agenda faced “unprecedented obstruction” is “misleading and ironic,” seeing as he is often part of the majority in those successful votes. Kelly and Wolk “often provided their differing, fact-based opinions, but have been constantly ridiculed and outnumbered 3-2.” Most notably, they wrote, “Differences of opinion are not a form of obstruction. They are essential for good government and fair representation of the change South Whitehall citizens voted for in 2019.”

Did Matthew Mobilio, the self-aggrandizing attorney who has gone on a high-profile offense in the media against the Lehigh County District Attorney and filed a federal lawsuit against local police departments, resign from an elected position because he was frustrated with discussions about South Whitehall’s withdrawal of financial support for porta-potties for youth sports and details about meeting minutes? Does this seem like a plausible reason? Would he quit after serving less than a third of his term just to help his friend get re-elected after she has served on the board for the last 13 years??

I suspect there is more to this than meets the eye. What do you think?

Blogger's Note: I thank Brad for his perspective. He and blogger Michael Molovinsky both hail from South Whitehall.  Molovinsky notes that Mad Matty Mobilio gave an "overly long resignation speech" in which he blamed everyone and everything but himself. 

Allentown Providing Covid Vaccines to Homebound Residents: 610-260-0360

From Allentown:  City of Allentown Paramedics and the Allentown Health Bureau are partnering to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to homebound residents in Allentown.

“We fully understand that a portion of the population wants to be vaccinated, but health conditions prevent them from reaching a city or other vaccine clinic,” said Mayor Ray O’Connell.  “We want to provide that opportunity to our residents who may need it the most.”

Allentown EMS Chief of Operations Eric Gratz said, “This partnership leverages strengths from both EMS and our Health Bureau to reach citizens who may not otherwise get vaccinated.  Our paramedics are excited to go above and beyond their daily mission to help accomplish this!”

“The Allentown Health Bureau is ready immediately to partner with Allentown EMS to make sure that our citizens with mobility issues and those who need highly specialized transportation can be vaccinated in the comfort of their homes,” said AHB Director Vicky Kistler. 

To qualify for an in-home vaccination:

• YOU MUST BE A CITY OF ALLENTOWN RESIDENT and
• YOU MUST HAVE A HEALTH CONDITION THAT MAKES LEAVING THE HOUSE VERY DIFFICULT. 

If you (or a family member/client) meet these conditions, please call our Homebound Vaccine Hotline at 610-260-0360, and leave a clear message with your NAME, PHONE NUMBER, and ADDRESS (please provide your contact information if scheduling on behalf of someone).

Prompts on the Homebound Vaccine Hotline are in English and Spanish.

It may take several days to receive a return call due to the volume of requests and time of your call.  All qualifying residents will be scheduled based on the supply of vaccine.

Blogger's Note: Kudos to Allentown for thinking out of the box. 

Fishers at Saucon Park

According to a 2017 report in Philly Voice, fishers were nonexistent in Northampton County. These members of the weasel family, which apparently will eat anything but fish, have returned. Holly Alston, who lives near Saucon Park, is unhappy. "The screaming they do at night, it's like something you hear in a horror movie," she notes on the popular Complainers of Bethlehem Facebook page. 

They are pretty bad ass. Adult males can grow up to 4' in length. They are carnivores and will even eat each other. This might explain why Alston's turkey is missing. But unprovoked attacks on humans are rare. We must taste lousy. 

Need Help? Call 610-252-9060

Holidays can be stressful for many people. Northampton County has a hotline for anyone feeling overwhelmed. Call 610-252-9060 if you're having trouble. That's why we have a human services department. It could be eviction, food insecurity, trouble paying bills, substance abuse or any other problem. 

NorBath Trail Resurfacing Will Be Completed This Week

I've told you before about the Lehigh Valley's best kept secret, a 10-mile trail extending from Cementon to Slatington. Comments from readers tell me there's some great fishing spots along the way, and that you can continue from Slatington all the way up to the Black Diamond Trailhead. That's about 15 miles shy of Wilkes-Barre. Michael Drabenstott, who chairs the Delaware and Lehigh Trail Board, tells me his group is working hard to get there. He's also working at connecting Northampton to Allentown along both sides of the river.

"The entire trail is a hidden diamond that many are just discovering because of the coronavirus," says Pathfinder, an avid cyclist.

This story is about another trail, a 5.9-mile stretch extending from Bath (at Jacksonville Park) to Clear Springs Drive in Northampton. From there, you can dart through Northampton's streets and hook up to the D and L Trail. This connecting trail is called The NorBath Trail. It's named after the Northampton and Bath Railroad, which once operated there.

Northampton County purchased this trail from the railroad when it ceased operations. I've been on it many times, and used to do some of my long runs there when I trained for marathons. No river runs alongside this trail, but there are picturesque farmlands along both sides. As I ramble along, I can hear the cracks of bats and eventually see kids playing baseball and softball at Bicentennial Park. I often paused to watch for an inning. It seems there are tournaments every weekend. It's also a great spot for basketball, and is frequented by many high school and college athletes whom I regularly defeat. In my dreams.

Part of that trail, starting at Clear Springs Drive in Northampton, is being resurfaced by Grace Industries. That $600,000 project will be completed this week, by April 9. 

Just in time for bike riding! 

Gracedale To Offer $500 Sign-on Bonuses

As a result of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AFSCME, Gracedale plans to start offering sign-on bonuses for new hires at the nursing home. AFSCME is the bargaining unit representing most Gracedale workers. 

Sign-on bonuses of $500 will be provided to new hires in dietary as well as CNAs and LPNs. The money will be payable in two $250 installments at the end of three and six months. Employees who are disciplined during this time period will be ineligible.  

This sign-on bonus is set to expire in June. 

RNs are represented by the Steelworkers' Union. It's unclear whether there are negotiations for a sign-on bonus. 

NorCo Council ratified this MOU in a 7-1 vote, with Council member John Cusick voting No. He voted No because he believes the bonus should be higher. Council member Peg Ferraro was absent. 

In other Gracedale news, Director of Nursing Dawn Tuersfeldman advised NorCo Council on April 1 that she has conducted a review of 220 open positions at the nursing home.  She is recommending the elimination of 135. She explained these positions were created at a time when the nursing home had 801 licensed beds. Now the max is 635 688. 

In her report, Gracedale Administrator Jennifer Stewart King reported that census dipped in January and February because of the nationwide surge in new Covid cases. She said that the number of residents at the home returned to normal in March and currently stands at 503. 

She is hopeful that visitations can begin begin in May. 

A Civil War Lesson

President Joe Biden has said it's "time top heal" after four years of vitriol and hate from both sides of the political spectrum. He has missed a few opportunities to bring us together, but I believe he's sincere. I certainly hope so. Many of my closest friends are die-hard Trump supporters. Although I'm unable to understand what seems to me like a cultish obsession, these are good people. It is my fervent desire that we come together and recognize we are all Americans. That's why I thought I'd share with you a bloody example from our Civil War - the Battle of Sailor's Creek. 

It was April 6, 1865. The once proud Army of Northern Virginia was starving and battered. No longer able to defend Petersburg and Richmond, General Robert E Lee was making a desperate attempt to move his shattered soldiers west. It was his hope to hook up with General Joseph Johnston and the Army of Tennessee. Nipping at his heels were several union armies, who cut off most of Lee's escape routes. He was forced to use slow secondary roads with bridges that collapsed as his wagon trains attempted to cross. 

At Sailor's Creek, much of what was left of his army was destroyed over 1.5 hours of bloody fighting at the end of the day. Over 7,700 Confederate soldiers were captured and 800 more were wounded or killed. Lee lost nearly all his artillery pieces as well as his wagon train. 

In the vanguard of union soldiers slashing away at rebel forces was none other than General George Armstrong Custer. After the surrender in battle, Custer insisted on feeding and housing nine Confederate officers in his tent that night. He dispatched his own doctor to treat one Confederate general suffering from malaria.

Other union soldiers followed Custer's example. After an hour and a half of brutality, the very cavalrymen who had pursued and dogged the rebels for several days, treated their foes with decency and honor. They did everything they could to feed their Confederate counterparts. They'd empty their haversacks and would even go without food themselves. 

Rebels disliked Pa. Germans and considered them the most brutal of all union soldiers. One rebel was surprised when a "big Dutchman" emptied his haversack and gave all his food to them. "I'll get more," he promised, and did. 

One rebel reports that, in the height of the fight, his gun jammed. He discarded it and jumped into the creek for a drink. When he got out a union cavalryman was there. "Are you hungry, Johnny?" The union cavalryman was carrying a small ham and cut off a slice for Johnny, then rode off. 

The next morning, as Custer rode off in pursuit of Lee, he and his staff bowed to the Confederate officers. The remaining rebel prisoners erupted in delight as Custer had his band play a southern tune. 

The day after such a brutal battle, these former foes were able to treat each other as Americans. We can do that, too. 

I'm Still As Mean As Cat Shit

Blogger Michael Molovinsky reports that yesterday, a "well worn blogger" received his first Covid vaccine. I thought he must be referring to the Gadfly, who is about 7,000 years old. But as I read on, I discovered he was talking about me. He states I experienced an unusual side effect and had to be hospitalized because it turned into a nice guy.  I have to set the record straight.

It's true I was hospitalized. I'm unsure exactly why although I'm informed that's a precautionary measure they take with all bloggers ever since Molovisnky got his vaccine. Not to worry. I escaped and am back in my secret underground lair.  

The vaccine had no effect on me whatsoever. In September, I received a pneumonia and flu vaccine at the same time. That knocked me for a loop for about a week. But I felt noting from the Moderna vaccine. The nurse who administered it was so good that I never even felt the injection. 

I was as mean as cat shit going in, and remain just as ornery now. In fact, on the way out, I knocked over several cones and rearranged others to lead cars in the wrong direction. 

All kidding aside, the set up at Dorney Park was amazing. I was in and out in about 30 minutes, and that includes a 15-minute wait after the injection. 

Kudos To LVHN. 

Michael also takes issue with some of the numerous ridiculous claims being made by former columnist Bill White. Bill insists, erroneously, that The Morning Call is still a good newspaper. The paper is operating with a skeleton crew and is a mere shadow of itself. I'd say more, but have been taught against speaking ill of the dead. 

Updated 9:50 am: I did have one positive side effect. I usually sleep six or seven hours. I slept 9.5 hours last night. I usually am up once or twice during the night. Not last night. I awoke feeling completely refreshed. 

My Virtual Appalachian Trail Journey

On January 17, I  started my virtual Appalachian Trail hike. Any distance based exercise counts. This includes walking, running, cycling, canoeing, elliptical or arc trainer, rowing, etc.  As of the end of March, I have clocked 600.2 miles. The goal is to finish in a year. The trail is 2,190 miles long.    

Two  friends are doing this, too. They are both ahead of me. ... For now. 

What Is Long Covid?

I'm sure you've heard stories of people who've had Covid-19 but who continue to have symptoms. Unfortunately, we still know very little about Covid-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While most people who suffer from Covid-19 experience symptoms for up to four weeks, there is increasing evidence that some people experience these symptoms much longer. Nature calls this post-acute Covid-19. We call it long Covid or long-haul Covid. These continuing symptoms are likely to include fatigue, difficulty breathing, chest pain, brain fog and joint pain.

You might be tempted to say these symptoms are psychosomatic. But Nature notes that survivors of other coronavirus infections have also suffered from persistent symptoms. 

Three studies have been conducted in the U.S., Europe and China. 

The US study was a telephone survey of 1,250 patients from 38 hospitals in Michigan. Nearly a third reported persistent symptoms 60 days after discharge. 

The most detailed study comes from Wuhan, which conducted an in-person evaluation of 1,733 patients at six months after discharge. Seventy-six per cent were demonstrating at least one symptom. The most common complaint was fatigue or overall weakness. 

You can read more about long covid in Medical News Today. 

Interestingly, some suffering from long covid report recovering fully after being vaccinated. 

NorCo Elections Comm'n Gears Up For Primary

Northampton County's Elections Commission met yesterday. The Board consists of Republicans Maudenia Hornick and Frank L DeVito, as well as Democrats Dr. Alan Brau, Daniel Lopresti and Gail W Preuninger. Maude Hornick, formerly the Commission Chair, was replaced by Preuninger. Dr. Brau remains Vice Chair.

Changes in Election Law

Richard Santee, Solicitor to the Commission, reported on new changes to the election process as a result of case law. Although the state legislature is considering changes, Santee advised they will come after the primary, if at all.

First, the voter must sign and date the declaration on a mail-in ballot envelope in order for it to count. There is no need to fill in the address because it is already stamped on the envelope.

Second, the secrecy envelope must be sealed. (This is a non-precedential decision from one judge of the Commonwealth Court).

Third, a provisional ballot declaration must be signed twice according to a three-judge non-precedential decision of the Commonwealth Court. The voter must sign both the voter declaration and the provisional envelope.

Fourth, if a voter's mail-in ballot is rejected, a three-judge panel of the Commonwealth Court has ruled his provisional ballot must be discounted. This is a non-precedential decision.

Fifth, political parties have no standing to appeal a decision by the Elections Commission to reject a vote. That right belongs solely to the voter, who is the only aggrieved party.

Sixth, the Pa Supreme Court has ruled that reasonable restrictions on the observation of the canvass process are acceptable.

There is law that if a voter makes an error as the result of bad advice from an election worker, the error will be forgiven.

Registrar's Report

Voting Registrar Amy Cozze reported there are currently 218,499 registered voters (Democrats - 98,156, Republicans - 78,526; Other - 41,817). She has received over 15,000 mail-in ballot requests thus far. There are 482 candidates on the ballot, as well as five referendum questions.

Independents may vote on referendum questions.

Two locations have changed. Hanover1 has moved back to Brith Shalom. Easton 3-3 will vote at Kirby Athletic Center.

Preneinger suggested that an instruction sheet be provided to voters who cast provisional ballots. 

 

Did We Miss the Boat on a Bi-County Health Department?

About ten years ago, both Lehigh and Northampton Counties considered, but ultimately rejected, a bi-county health department. Former NorCo Exec John Stoffa argued for this regionalism, noting that a contagious disease knows no boundaries. There were numerous fierce advocates, including NorCo Council member Peg Ferraro and LC Comm'r Percy Dougherty. But the price tag, lack of financial assistance from wealthy area hospitals and added layer of government bureaucracy doomed it. In hindsight, was this the right call?

"Why create a health department when we can't afford the level of government we have now?" asked then Council member Ron Angle. "Why lead people on such a trip if you don't have the ability to buy a car?" 

At the time it was under consideration, it would have cost both counties about $500,000 per year and would have absorbed separate health departments within the cities. 

Dr. David Lyon, who headed the now defunct health department, explained some of the difficulties encountered: "Everybody wants someone else to make the commitment first. Allentown wants to know what Bethlehem's prepared to do. The County wants to know what the cities are prepared to do. The hospitals want to know what government's prepared to do."

There were also questions whether a regional department would have been beneficial to anyone outside the cities. Would someone in Portland or Slatington really be helped the same way as someone living in the heart of the Lehigh Valley's cities? Proponents thought so, but I was dubious. 

This was a rare instance in which Angle and Lamont McClure were on the same page. They both opposed the idea. So did I. 

After a year of Covid-19, did we miss an opportunity? 

My personal opinion is No. Counties that have active health departments seemed to have done no better in responding to this public health crisis,and may have actually done worse than we did. 

What do you think? 

Bethlehem's FOP Endorses Van Scott, Tony Rybak in Magisterial District Judge Races

Bethlehem Police Department's FOP (Star Lodge #20) requires a 2/3 majority vote from its voting members before it will endorse a candidate seeking elective office. Two magisterial district judge candidates - Tony Rybak and Van Scott - have jumped this hurdle and attained a rather coveted enforcement. 

Rybak

Tony Rybak is a full-time Northampton County Assistant Public Defender seeking the Democratic nomination in South Bethlehem. He's the son of the late Bill Rybak, a former state representative who maintained a south side law practice for five decades. Tony himself has been a lawyer for 20 years. 

Rybak's opponent, Jordan Knisley, is seeking the nomination of both parties. She is a part-time assistant public defender who also works as an associate in the Nazareth office of Harry DeWalt. He's her uncle. She's been a lawyer for five years. 

Referring to Rybak as a "courageous public defender," the FOP credits him with a "thorough knowledge of criminal and civil procedure." It also recognizes his "lifelong commitment," claiming this is what makes him the most qualified candidate. 

Scott

Van Scott is a retired Bethlehem police officer who currently teaches criminal justice. He has cross-filed in his quest for a Magisterial District Judgeship in West Bethlehem and Fountain Hill. A lifelong Bethlehemite, he has shown his commitment to the community by his volunteerism with noble endeavors like the Boys' and Girls' Club and Habitat for Humanity. 

Scott's opponent, Amy Zannelli, is a Jersey transplant and Lehigh County Commissioner. She has claimed she could remain in office for 30 years if she wanted, but it's time for to become a judge. Her volunteerism consists solely of political organizations like LV4All and the Democratic party. 

Noting that Scott has devoted his life to Bethlehem, the FOP is endorsing him because of his "commitment to judicial neutrality." 

Lynch Warns of Satanists and Demonic Entities in Our Midst

I was going to make a gazillion dollars by selling 666 pairs of "Satan shoes" that each contain a drop of human blood. Unfortunately, some little rapper beat me to it. I'm a little pissed about this, but not as much as NorCo's GOP Exec candidate, Steve Lynch. On Facebook, we warns that "corrupt leaders have been setting the stage for decades for satanists and demonic entities to bring their powers into the mainstream." Incidentally, he's wearing "the armor of God," so he's got that going for him.  

As a bottom-feeding blogger myself, I am in regular contact with Satan. He's really pissed about the whole situation, and is threatening to sue. "If Trump can threaten the RNC not to use his name without his permission, you can be damn sure no queer little rapper is going to get away with this," he vowed. 

He's already hired Sydney Powell. 

"And what's with the drop of human blood? Do I look like a frickin' vampire to you? I and don't understand how the Lebanese can handle kibbeh without hurling. Yet I'm the Evil One." 

"Whenever some idiot gets a goofy idea, why is it always my fault? I want people's souls, not their soles." 

"I don't know what the fuck is wrong with Lynch," continued Mephistopheles. "I hate face masks just as much as he does, especially down here. And guess what, my bars are open! I even let my customers smoke!" 

"I let everyone open carry down here."

He complained he's getting tired of all the "fake news" about him. "Read the frickin' Bible. I'm the Morning Star, dude." 

ACCHS Boys Basketball Wins State Championship!

Allentown Central Catholic High School boys' basketball team just won the 4a State Championship. They defeated Hickory by just one point to claim the crown. The Morning Call's Keith Groller, the best sports writer I know, has the details. 

He credits the win to"stingy defense," a hallmark of any team coached by Dennis Csensits. The 18 points scored by Liam Joyce no doubt helped as well. 

I am so proud of the boys. I look forward to seeing them play at Cedar Beach this summer. 

Allentown basketball is back,baby!