Valley Youth House CEO Had $335,036 Pay Package in 2019

Valley Youth House, where Allentown Mayor candidate Cecelia Gerlach is employed, has a mission of empowering and strengthening the lives of children, youth and families through inclusive programming. Based on Gerlach's decision to drop a 16 yo boy off at a tent city and the nonprofit's failure to address this matter, I'd say it's a mission failure. But its President and CEO, Thomas Harrington, is certainly collecting a nice salary. According to this nonprofit's 2019 tax return, Harrington's compensation in 2019 was $335,036.  His salary was $302,069. CFO Thomas Brown was paid $170,745 in salary and benefits. This compensation package is approved by a rather unwieldy board consisting of 17 members. 

The bulk of Valley Youth House's funding comes from government contracts.

Harrington is married to Kathy Harrington, Queen of Lehigh Valley For All Some, a far-left Democratic organization. Interestingly, Lehigh Valley For All Some endorsed employee Gerlach for Allentown Mayor after an endorsement meeting in which Gerlach was the only Mayoral candidate invited. 

Harrington's son David is a Lehigh County Commissioner. 

Constable Candidate in Moore Tp Has Checkered Past

You may think bulletproof vest-wearing, flag-waving "patriot" Steve Lynch is too dangerous for Northampton County. You'd be right, too. If he were Executive, his anti-mask and anti-vaccine views would have no doubt wiped out the entire population at Gracedale. Unfortunately, other loons are running for office, too. This story is about Matt Flower, a Republican running for Constable in Moore Tp.

Flower has actually one-upped Lynch. Like Lynch, he likes to don bulletproof vests, open carries and digs those black gloves. But  he also likes to ride a horse in his tactical gear. 

The very strange office of Constable seems to be a magnet for wingnuts like West Easton Constable Tricia Mezzacappa, who was convicted in March of lying to Pennsylvania State Police in an attempt to frame a black neighbor. 

Flower has her beat.  

In 2014, he was charged with simple assault and terroristic threats. His wife confronted him about his drinking, and he allegedly responded by tackling and choking her. He copped a plea to disorderly and got off with probation. 

That's just the tip of the iceberg. A court summary of criminal cases filed against Flower shows numerous charges filed against him since 2002 in Montgomery, Lehigh and Northampton Counties. These include harassment, possession of drug parapharnelia, false reports, theft, contempt of a PFA Order and even driving with suspended license.  

No wonder he's on a horse! 

He's been jailed as recently as 2019. 

In addition to the criminal cases, he's been involved as a plaintiff or defendant in nine different Protection From Abuse cases since 2014. I think even his horse has filed. 

According to his nomination petition, he has no sources of income and is "retired." 

At age 39. 

Like Lynch, he states in a podcast on his Facebook page that he has "first hand" knowledge of the insurrection on January 6.

NorCo to Receive First Installment of Covid Relief This Month

Northampton County announced today that it expects to receive the first half of $61 million from the federal government sometime this month. The second half of this money will  follow in a year. 

This money is thanks to the American Rescue Plan adopted by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden. Eligible uses include supporting public health expenditures, addressing negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency, replacing lost public sector revenue, providing premium pay for essential workers and investments in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure.

This money will come directly from the feds to the county. There will be no short stop by the state. 

South Whitehall: When is a Development Waiver Appropriate?

Blogger's Note: Brad Osborne asks South Whitehall Township candidates today about waivers typically sought by developers. A waiver or deferral (technically called a modification) can be granted "if the literal enforcement [of the SALDO] will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land in question, provided that such modification will not be contrary to the public interest and that the purpose and intent of the SALDO is observed.

A township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) protects against poor or undesired planning by assuring the placement of public improvements. These include roads, sidewalks, utilities, storm water controls and accessibility for fire and police services in the best interest of the community.

Two recent projects, Ridge Farms and KRE Springview have come under citizen attack because of safety concerns. Both requested a waiver from the modest 800-ft driveway-to-intersection requirement, and both were approved by a 3-2 vote of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioners Morgan, Setton and Mobilio accommodated the developers. In the case of Ridge Farms, these commissioners rejected the unanimous recommendation of their own Public Safety Commission to deny the request.

Today’s Candidate Question: What criteria would you use in approving or denying a developer request for a waiver from the township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) requirements?

Christina “Tori” Morgan (R): No response.

Joe Setton (D): No response.

David Kennedy (R): Safety first is most important, then reasonable input from the zoning, planning, public safety, parks and recs commissions. The individuals who make up these commissions, in many cases, have more knowledge about the issues than the BOC. We need to utilize the expertise and training of the commission members on matters that affect subdivision and land development in SWT. (SALDO requirements)

Monica Hodges (R): Waivers should be granted only if they do not jeopardize public safety, and if they benefit the township and its citizens. It would be the developer’s responsibility to demonstrate how a waiver would be beneficial. I believe that we can have positive, mutually respectable relationships with developers without granting every single waiver that is requested.

Thomas J. Johns (D): Any request for a waiver from the township’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance requirements must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The request must be made following resort by the developer to Lehigh County Planning Board, South Whitehall Planning and Zoning Boards, and Township Engineers.

Lynch Files Late Pre-Primary Campaign Finance Report

Northampton County Executive hopeful Steve Lynch finally got around to filing his pre-primary campaign finance report on Tuesday. Filed two days, his report is incomplete. It fails to allow voters to follow the money, the very reason they are required by law. 

Lynch reports having received $15,318.24, and $11,000 of that sum comes from himself. Most of the contributions fail to include the address ore employer of the donor. One of them just includes the first name of some lady. It was obviously put together in a hurry and with little regard for the public's right to know. 

So much for transparency. 

Allentown City Council: Don't Syrians Finally Deserve a Voice?

Local 302 Allentown International Association of Firefighters have made their picks in Allentown's municipal election, which will be held one week from today. These are the guys who keep you safe. They put their lives on the line for you every day. So what they think about who's best equipped to keep you alive matters. They've endorsed persons of color running for the Court of Common Pleas (Maraleen Shields), Commonwealth Court (Judge Lori Dumas) and Superior Court (Judge Timika Lane). They endorsed five women, including Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen for Lehigh County Courts. Their picks for Allentown City offices make sense as well. 

Mayor Ray O'Connell has weathered several public safety storms during his years in office, and has ensured that finally, the fire department has the equipment it needs. Daryl Hendricks and Ed Zucal are both retired police officers who know more than a bit about public safety. Zucal routinely tossed me from Allen basketball games, which likely saved countless lives.  

Tino Babayan is representative of a segment of the community that has been overlooked for far too long. Allentown is home to what may very well be the largest Syrian community in the United States. It has never had representation on City Council. Tino is a Syrian immigrant who has prospered in this country, and he has taken an active interest in city government for many years. 

Santo Napoli, son of Sicilian immigrants, is a small business owner who has had two urban wear shops on Hamilton Street. He also rents out a few properties. He understands the plight of mom-and -pop shops and is naturally concerned about public safety. 

Convicted felon Hasshan Batts, who led a mob with cries of "Fuck the Police!" last summer, is perturbed that firefighters failed to pick any of the persons of color who are running. That's because they're lousy candidates. 

Justan Parker Fields, who led a mob that banged on the doors and windows of City Council during meetings last summer, is currently on ARD for having made false reports. Patrick Palmer has falsely proclaimed he belongs on several city boards. Cynthia Mota failed to disclose that she worked for Batts when repeatedly trying to get him appointed as Mayor.  Erik Rodriguez, Natalie Santos and Justan Parker Fields have all failed to file pre-primary campaign finance reports, which are required by law unless there is a waiver. 

Gerlach, who dropped a minor at a tent city, is in no position to claim she cares about public safety. She also Voted No to needed police officers and to grants for the police department. 

Blogger's Update, 8:08 am: The version of the mailer above is a draft. I have been sent the actual mailer, which also endorses Zac Cohen and Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen for Judge. I am having some technical difficulty uploading the actual mailer.  

(Originally published 12:00 am)

Still No Campaign Finance Report From GOP Exec Candidate Steve Lynch

Steve Lynch, the GOP Executive candidate in Northampton County, was required by law to file his pre-primary campaign finance report on Friday. Instead of doing that, he was frolicking in Ocean City Maryland. He also failed to file a report (he had promised quarterly reports) on Monday. Instead he cut a video imploring Democrats to vote for him, even though he regularly portrays Democrats as the party of Satan. 

His campaign treasurer, Bruce Gilbert, is a former Council member  who presumably knows this is required. 

So much for transparency and accountability. 

What Role Should S Whitehall Comm'rs Play in Union Negotiations?

Blogger's Note: Former S Whitehall Tp and Lehigh County Comm'r Brad Osborne asks the candidates about union negotiations in South Whitehall Township. 

Earlier this year, South Whitehall Township Public Works employees went on strike. The reason? The administration was dead set on contracting out what has always been the work of the employees. They wouldn’t budge in their position. Where were the commissioners in this process? Well, two commissioners were very vocal about being blocked out in setting the guidelines prior to the negotiations. They were drowned out by three commissioners who insisted the board should have no role in the process. In other words, whatever happens, happens. And so it did. The first employee strike in South Whitehall in over thirty years, and the ill-will that comes with it.

Today’s Candidate Question: Should the Board of Commissioners set the guidelines for union contract negotiations?

Christina “Tori” Morgan (R): No response.

Joe Setton (D): No response.

David Kennedy (R): Yes, to the extent that it is supported by the budget. The BOC should have 1 or 2 seats at the table. The negotiating solicitor is speaking on behalf of the BOC while taking direction from the entire BOC. It is the BOC who votes on the final contract and no one else; they speak for the residents.

Monica Hodges (R): Yes. The BOC has final responsibility for approving all union contracts so they must set the guidelines as to what the goals are, and how the negotiations should be managed.

Thomas J. Johns (D): The Board of Commissioners should have the opportunity to participate in union contract negotiations. This responsibility can be vested in a committee of the Board prior to the expiration of the current contractual term. For example, negotiations must be based upon comprehensive knowledge of budgetary constraints and personnel needs. Experiences negotiators well versed in Labor Law would become more effective with this knowledge.

Lehigh County DA Investigating Ce-Ce Gerlach Allegations

Ce-Ce Gerlach

Last week, this blog published an investigative report concerning Ce-Ce Gerlach, aka Cecelia E. Gerlach. She is a member of Allentown City Council and a Mayoral candidate. She is also employed by Valley Youth House.  Gerlach met up with a 16 yo boy who had run away from home. Instead of taking this child to Valley Youth's own shelter or even the police department, Gerlach dumped him off at a tent city. The boy was allegedly abused for two nights straight until he was rescued by a community activist. When confronted, Gerlach admitted she dropped this boy off at a homeless enclave, although she denied she knew the boy was a minor. "[S]o if people want to beat me up over that, they can,” she told blogger James Whitney. She refused to say more, and Valley Youth House actually hung up on Whitney when he called them for their side of the story. Perhaps the Lehigh County District Attorney's office will have more success. Prosecutors are looking into this matter. I know this because a county detective contacted me about it on Friday. 

Gerlach is running for public office under a cloud of suspicion, very much like former Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski. That cloud keeps getting darker, thanks to Allentown bullhorn blower Justan Parker Fields. He attempted to blow his bullhorn for her last week, but it blew up in his face. 

Gerlach Defender Justan (not Justin) Parker Fields 

Justan Parker Fields

Remember Justan Parker Fields? Last summer, he was the bullhorn-toting demagogue who jumped to the wrong conclusion when Allentown police were forced to deal with a puking and staggering drug addict and drunk outside Sacred Heart St. Luke's in July. A video shot by a passerby was blown out of proportion by Parker and other loudmouths. Parker Fields organized a mob that began banging on the doors and windows of Allentown City Council, interrupting their meetings.  They were local insurrectionists. He is at the front of the "Defund the Police" movement, and has participated in, if not led, chants of "Fuck the Police" and "Get Down or Lay Down."

Justan Parker Fields is also a criminal Defendant. In March 2020, he was driving with his son in the car with him as a passenger. Parker was stopped by police and gave a false name in a lame effort to fool them about his license being suspended. He failed, and was cited for both driving under suspension and false reports. 

Of course, Parker has an explanation  "Yes, I drove with a suspended license to pick up my son for our first weekend visit, post covid, in months. Yes, I provided another name to the officer who pulled me over (you guessed it, because I was afraid) I wouldn't expect you to understand or relate to that last part."

I understand completely. Parker was never scared. He lied about his identity to avoid being charged with driving under suspension. Now he is lying to all of us about being scared. He wants to lie his way into public office. He's been placed on ARD and now is running for City Council. He's been endorsed by all the woke groups because he tosses out words like "colorism" and "BIPOC."

No newspaper or radio station has dared mention the criminal case against him for lying to police. If they told you the truth, they might be called racists, too.  

Parker's Gerlach Defense Backfires

Victor Martinez

Last week, he invited Victor Martinez, a recently appointed Valley Youth House board member, for a Facebook Live interview. Victor is also the President and CEO of the popular LaMega radio station. 

Fields took umbrage at the Gerlach blog article, not for inaccuracy, but because "it targeted the only BIPOC female candidate running for mayor of Allentown." He went on to accuse me of running a "racist blog." I guess he expected Martinez to back him up. 

The opposite happened. 

They did agree on one thing - I really am a racist. Thanks a lot, Victor, lol.  But "the story is still the story," said Martinez.  

"Everything changed for me when the people from the blog reached out to Ce-Ce and asked her if she dropped off the child - a minor - on tent city and she said, 'Yes.' That's when everything changed and that's why this becomes important because now we have an admission of something she did."

Martinez stated that, in addition to being a "talking head on the radio," he is also an experienced journalist who understands what makes a story a story. What makes this a story is Gerlach's own admission. 

"I don't care if you're 16 or 30, where is it OK to drop any human being that needs help at tent city? We all know what's going on out there. The drugs, the alcohol, the people with mental issues. ... I've been to tent city."

Martinez adds that Gerlach did this as a paid worker of Valley Youth House. "She's still employed by Youth House."

Parker then went on to suggest Allentown is a City of second, third and fourth chances and people should be entitled to "redemption."  Martinez agreed but added there must also be consequences, and there have been none for Gerlach. 

Parker asked why Valley Youth House is not being held accountable.  Martinez said he has reached out, and by email. "As a board member, I expect them to investigate and I expect them to put out a statement and do their due diligence because this damage affects the image of Youth House."

He said if you take politics out of the equation, any employee who did what Ce-Ce did "needed to be fired on the spot, right away." He wonders how Gerlach has retained her job. "Everybody knew about this, and nobody did a damn thing."

Parker then tried playing the race card and the fact that Gerlach is a female. "This has nothing to do with her being a woman. This has nothing to do with her being bi-racial. This has to do with a minor that was left for two days ..."

Parker then claimed that Gerlach, the only "bi-POC" woman in the race, is "being silenced."

"How is she being silenced?" asked Martinez, and then Parker began interrupting him repeatedly, trying to silence him. Once allowed to speak, Martinez pointed out that Gerlach "lit up the fire" herself when she admitted what she had done. 

Parker pointed out this incident occurred last summer but only broke two weeks before the election, suggesting a political motive. This  story was broken as soon as the facts were known. Had I known about it sooner, I can assure you it would have broken sooner. Parker knew about it last summer, and said nothing about it. He covered for Ce-Ce at the expense of an abused child. 

Nice guy. 

But very woke. 

He fails to explain his own silence.

Parker ultimately switched the subject. 

What bullhorn-blowers like Parker needs to do is care a little less about using woke expressions or the Ce-Ce Gerlach campaign. He needs to care a little more about children (many of them are "BIPOC") being cast aside by an uncaring system. 

Not all that long ago, a little girl named Grace Packer was raped, murdered and dismembered by the very people charged with protecting her. I covered that story, and still have nightmares about it. 

This should never happen again. This has EVERYTHING to do with child abuse and NOTHING to do with a frickin' election.

Updated 5/10/21, 12:01 am: Justan Parker Fields Claims Bringing Up His Past is Racist - On his Facebook page Justan Parker Fields has responded to this post. "I am an open book and ... bringing up anything in my past is just a means to discredit me and criminalize my skin color," he states. I agree that his recent use of a false name certainly does discredit him. I disagree that there's been any attempt to criminalize his skin color. His dishonesty has nothing to do with the color of his skin and everything to do with basic character. Being black entitles neither Ce-Ce Gerlach nor Justan with immunity from criticism. You can't claim out of one side of your mouth that you're an open book while simultaneously maintaining that all criticism is racist. 

I'll respond to Justan Parker Fields more specific complaints below. 

Yes, I am a Racist

Most people get quite upset if they are accused of being racist. I don't. I know it's true. I'm racist, anti-Semitic and a bit homophobic. So when Justan Parker Fields and the people from inside his very small bubble of like-minded individuals want to call me any of those things, I'll be the first to agree. You got me.

My parents are innocent. You could blame my father, but he hated everyone equally. My mother was way ahead of her times when it comes to tolerance. She had to put up with my father. Worse yet, she had to deal with me. But Hellertown in the '50s was pretty much an all-white enclave in which I was an Irish minority in a sea of Slovaks with a sprinkling of Pa. Dutch and an Italian here and there. It was common to disparage just about everyone who was different from us. Blacks smelled funny in the summer. That's why they were banned from the pool. Jews had big noses and were notoriously cheap. Puerto Ricans were dirty. The Catholic nuns in grade school taught me that even Protestants were all doomed to hell. 

There was nothing to rebut these grotesque stereotypes because there was no diversity.   

During one grade school recess, I remember joking that one of the nuns had a nose as big as a Jew.  Having never met a Jew, I was in no position to make a comparison, but did so anyway. One of the girls dimed me. The sister I disparaged beat the shit out of me. Was she was not knocking me around for being anti-Semitic? Nope. "My nose is not as big as a Jew's," she yelled between whacks. 

I began to awaken in high school, where I was taught by a different order of nuns and brothers who were actually educated. My personal evolution continued throughout high school, college, law school, in the army and beyond. I am by no means perfect. My subconscious still sends me negative messages at times, so I consider myself a work in progress.  

I am very hopeful for our future. Practically none of the prejudice ingrained in me during my youth exists today. Moreover, there is more diversity here in the Lehigh Valley.  

While I certainly am a racist, my criticism of Allentown City Council candidate Jonathan Parker and Mayoral candidate Ce-Ce Gerlach is based on facts, not color. There is no racism, either overt or implied. I am pretty much an equal opportunity offender when it comes to pointing out the shortcomings of a political candidate. When I criticize a woman, I am called a sexist. When I attack a Republican, I am a Communist. When I attack a Democrat, I am a tea party member.  Though I certainly have shortcomings as a person, my criticism of political candidates and elected officials is always based in fact. 

Justan Parker Fields states any criticism of his past is an attempt to criminalize his skin color. He has also suggested that Ce-Ce Gerlach should be immune from criticism because she is the only woman of color running for office. We all should reject these arguments. The color of someone's skin should never be a basis for refusing to report on a person's shortcomings.  They are relevant when someone runs for office. Refusing to report these shortcomings because someone is a person of color is itself racist

Fields has made some other, more specific, claims of racism on my part. 

He notes I called him a thug. That term is entirely appropriate for the domestic terrorists who invaded the Halls of Congress on January 6. I called them thugs, too. They were mostly white. That term is also entirely appropriate for the mob who pounded on the doors and windows of Allentown City Council for weeks in an attempt to disrupt them. It applies to the members of the Allentown mob who chanted "Fuck the Police."  It applies to convicted felon Hasshan Batts, who led the mob with this chant. This word "thug" has nothing to do with the color of someone's skin and everything to do with the actions of a mostly white mob. 

Fields complains that I accused him of prancing around with a bullhorn in an attempt to demean his sexual orientation. He identified himself as gay. Frankly,I had no idea what his sexual orientation was and never gave the matter much thought. Since he had children, I assumed he was a heterosexual. Although I was demeaning his demagoguery, I would never demean his sexual orientation. 

Finally, Fields states I called him a bad father. What I said is that he displayed very poor judgment by driving with his son in the car as a passenger when his own license is suspended. I stand by that criticism. That has nothing to do with his race. 

The people within Justan's echo chamber have suggested protesting outside my estate in an attempt to silence me. That will only embolden me. 

Yes, I am a racist and have a host of prejudices that I work on daily. What Justan Parker Fields and the people within his echo chamber need to consider is that they themselves are overt racists. 

Blacks can be bigots, too.

How Should Vacancies Be Filled in South Whitehall?

Blogger's Note: This is the fourth installment of Brad Osborne's questionnaire to South Whitehall Tp Comm'r  candidates. 

November 20, 2019. There was no advertisement. There were no interviews of any kind, The published agenda failed to include the appointment of a vacant Commissioner's seat. Yet as the midnight hour approached, that's precisely what happened. South Whitehall Board of Commissioners rejected the voters’ fourth choice for three available positions in favor of Joe Setton to fill a vacancy. The Morning Call headline read “Catcalling, lack of transparency, mistrust: South Whitehall residents lash out at commissioners over appointment”.

This sleight of hand has since resulted in several consequential and permanent pro-development decisions in 3-2 votes, and has angered many residents.

Today’s Candidate Question: Should vacancies on the Board of Commissioners and volunteer boards/commissions be advertised and interviews conducted in a public setting before an appointment is made?

Christina “Tori” Morgan (R): No response.

Joe Setton (D): No response.

David Kennedy (R): Yes, all positions and vacancies should be advertised. There are many SWT residents who are highly qualified and capable; full transparency is a must. This process should always be “in the sunshine.”

Monica Hodges (R): Yes. The vacancy should be announced in a timely fashion; the description and responsibilities of the position as well as the application deadline and term expiration should be clear; the advertisement of the vacancy should be rigorous; and the public should be able to watch the interviews, know what questions were asked, know the responses, and have a clear idea as to why the final appointee was chosen.

Thomas J. Johns (D): Yes. In addition to allowing transparency in the appointment process, the advertisements of the vacancies may alert other residents who are unaware of the opportunity to serve their community.

Transparency? Accountability? Lynch Misses Deadline for Campaign Finance Report

Steve Lynch, the unopposed GOP candidate for Northampton County Executive, has promised to provide transparency and accountability to local government. He even vowed to provide quarterly reports of his campaign finance, enabling you to follow the money. But guess what? There's been no quarterly report. More importantly, he just missed the filing deadline for the pre-primary campaign finance report required by law. It was due on Friday. Instead of providing the accountability and transparency promised and required by law, he was in Ocean City, MD.  

Incumbent Executive Lamont McClure filed his preprimary report early last week and ahead of schedule. His money comes mostly from unions and people who owe their jobs to him.  To me, the real story was the $180,000 warchest, something I've never seen in the beginning stages of an executive race.  

You can criticize McClure for accepting these funds, but he's told you who they are. He's been accountable and transparent. Lynch has already broken the law and prefers to keep you in the dark.

He will be fined, and on a daily basis, until he files his report. Moreover, he must pay this fine from his own pocket. 

Civility in South Whitehall Township

Blogger's Note: This is the third installment of Brad Osborne's questions to South Whitehall Tp Comm'r candidates.  

The South Whitehall Board of Commissioners has historically been known to conduct themselves with professionalism and respect. Just the opposite in the last 16 months, though. Even citizens and business people are now experiencing vitriol being directed at them by board members. 

Today’s question asks the candidates how they would address this acerbic behavior.

Today’s Candidate Question: How would you bring civility and respect back to the Board of Commissioners?

Christina “Tori” Morgan (R): No response.

Joe Setton (D): No response.

David Kennedy (R): This has already started with the resignation of a commissioner who, no matter what the topic, always had something to say to the minority in a derogatory manner. I would allow all commissioners to be heard and respect their opinions. I may not agree with them, but I would hear them out and be respectful of their thoughts and ideas. We need to encourage discussion, not attacks. The President of the BOC should not tell the BOC what to do; the President should facilitate open conversation so that all BOC members are heard.

Monica Hodges (R): I would treat fellow commissioners, staff, citizens and all who come before the board with respect, courtesy, and kindness. I would find ways to work together, even when we have honest disagreements. Good people can disagree and still have respectful discussions. I would actively listen and encourage feedback and inclusivity. I would request follow-ups to citizens’ concerns. As a community, we must elect people who have the citizens’ best interests in mind and who are willing to compromise to come up with solutions that best serve our citizens in a vital, collaborative effort.

Thomas J. Johns (D): My goal for bringing civility and respect to the Board is first and utmost, to be civil and respectful myself. I recognize that differing opinions exist in any governing body.

Negative Ad in Bethlehem Mayoral Race Backfires

Whether he likes it or not, City Council member Willie Reynolds has a race on his hands to become Bethlehem's next Mayor. Democrat Dana Grubb and Republican John Kachmar are also running. Though he has Mayor Bob Donchez and the more woke members of City Council flocking to his banner, he's got a a problem. You see, you can only enact so many tax hikes before people start getting fed up. If you shove a tax hike down the throats of taxpayers in the middle of a pandemic, they're gonna' notice. When you couple that with the elimination of four firefighters, they start to worry about their own security. When you top it all off with a stormwater fee that could have waited a year or two, people get angry. Rightfully so. The City's so-called leaders were more than willing to give great salary increases to department heads, including the wife of the City's Business Manager. The unwashed masses can pay for this, say the elites. Willie never considered that Bethlehem's ordinary people would consider backing someone else. Rather than doing everything he can to roll back his own mistakes, Willie has made another. He launched a dirty campaign mailer against Dana Grubb, likening him to Donald Trump. This tactic appears to have backfired. Lehigh Valley for All Some, bastion of Democratic elites, has publicly called on Reynolds to apologize.

NorCo DA Gets Second Conviction Against Law Enforcement Since Taking Office

Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck is a career prosecutor who worked in both Bucks and Lehigh County before coming here. Many people are unaware that Terry was a cop himself, patrolling the streets of Philadelphia while going to night school at Temple Law. You might think he'd be inclined to look the other way when a police officer or someone in law enforcement commits a criminal offense. You'd be wrong. His office has taken a Washington Township police officer and West Easton constable to trial over criminal matters and has obtained convictions. His office is currently prosecuting a Lower Saucon Tp police officer as well. 

Houck explained that his job is to "follow the evidence and nothing else." He's disagrees strongly with the "rush to judgment" that a mob pursued last summer against an Allentown police officer who did nothing wrong. But he made clear that no one is above the law. "Everybody who comes in here is going to be treated the same," he pledged.  

Late Tuesday, a jury returned a verdict of guilty to terroristic threats charges brought against Mark Gwozdz, a Washington Township police officer who also has been Chief in both Roseto and East Bangor. He allegedly threatened wife #3 "to kill you before I give you anything." He also said that he wished he had put a bullet in the head of one of his previous wives. He's been on paid administrative leave since the charges were filed in October 2019. He even went to Hawaii, although his girlfriend complains they really had to rough it. 

Assistant DA Judy Gabrielle Chaverri prosecuted Gwozdz, who was represented by Matt Goodrich. The case was tried before Judge Stephen Baratta, who will sentence Gwozdz on June 16. He faces a maximum sentence of five years. 

In March, West Easton Constable Tricia Mezzacappa was convicted of making false reports to the Pennsylvania State Police in an effort to frame a black male neighbor with pointing a gun at her head. Judge Baratta sentenced her to six months of probation with numerous conditions, including a ban on contacting the victim. She almost immediately violated the no-contact ban and informed officials she had no intention of complying with probation. She was picked up in Berks County and is currently waiting for a bail revocation hearing with Judge Baratta. It's scheduled for 10 am today.  

Shock and Awe: McClure Has a $180k Warchest

Pre-primary campaign finance reports are due Friday. This is the opportunity voters have to follow the money. It's also an indication whether someone should be taken seriously. Based on Executive Lamont McClure's "shock and awe" report, he's in this to win this. He reports a current warchest of $180,492.41. I've never seen a county executive with this much money so early in a campaign. 

Since he's unopposed in the primary, I see no reason for going into who is funding him or how he's spending his money. That will become relevant during the general election.

As a matter of full disclosure, I did contribute $100 myself after seeing a video about Steve Lynch. 

Osborne on South Whitehall: Why No Audit for 10 Years?

Blogger's Note: This entry is thanks to Brad Osborne, a former South Whitehall and Lehigh County Comm'r. 

It was learned earlier this year that South Whitehall has not completed a financial audit for 10 years. Township officials blame this lapse on a decade old embezzlement, software issues and employee turnover.

Public trust has been eroded. In addition, taxpayers are paying thousands of dollars more each month on a fixed General Obligation Note of 3.5% on the $9M building renovation. A much lower bond market rate would have been possible if these audits were completed.

Today’s Candidate Question: It is a PA statutory requirement that financial audits be completed annually; however, South Whitehall has not completed an audit for the last 10 years. What would you do to ensure audits are completed on schedule every year?

Christina “Tori” Morgan (R): No response.

Joe Setton (D): No response.

David Kennedy (R): I would hold all responsible employees accountable, so that it is completed in a timely manner, along with the auditors; these are the requirements. If they are unable to do the job correctly and on time, they should not be in these positions. This would-be part of their “job description.” Do your job or find employment elsewhere.

Monica Hodges (R): I would make it the #1 priority of the Township Finance Director and our accounting firm, and if they cannot complete them by the end of the year, I would propose hiring professionals who will get it done. No money should be spent on new projects until the audits are complete.

Thomas J. Johns (D): Although the Township did engage services of a forensic accounting firm following the prosecution of embezzlement in 2013, in appears from this question and a recent newspaper article that the audit has not been completed to date. To ensure audits are completed in a timely manner, I would review procedures to formulate checks and balances to meet deadlines. Externally, the accounting form that is responsible for completing the audit should detail exactly what data they need and when they need it to assure that the audit will be finished in compliance with the statutory requirements. Internally, the director of finance in conjunction with the township manager should be provided critical data prior to the scheduled audit. 

Patrick Palmer is a Puffer

According to his LinkedIn page, Allentown City Council candidate Patrick Palmer chairs the City's Human Relations Commission.  He's also a board (not bored) member of Allentown Commercial and Industrial Development Authority. He repeats these claims in information he supplied for the Voter's Guide prepared by the League of Women Voters. He adds that he's a "co-legislator" of Youth Council. On his campaign webpage (interestingly called Run for Something), he portrays himself as a "mentor" and "teacher." He fails to state exactly who he mentors or teaches. He's running as a supposed "progressive" who opposes "consistent policing." If you want inconsistent policing, he's your man. But if you want someone who is more accurate about himself, think again. 

Palmer is a Puffer. His claims about himself are an attempt to pad his resume. . 

The members of Allentown's Human Relations Commission are listed here. Palmer's name is missing. City records show he was appointed to the Board in 2018. He may have even chaired it. But his term expired on January 1, 2020. His contention that he is both a member and the Board's current Chair is misinformation. 

Allentown's Commercial and Industrial Development Authority five members are listed here. Palmer's name is missing. City records indicate he was appointed to that board in 2018, with a term expiring on January 1, 2023. But he was replaced by Linda A Rosenfeld on January 6, 2021. His claim of membership on that Board is false. 

Finally, he claims to be a "co-Legislator" at Youth Council. That group has no co-legislators.

Maybe he can post a video about his boasts and claim he was joking, like he was supposedly joking in a mean-spirited video he published on Facebook, demeaning Allentown's struggling small businesses. 

But he does support "inconsistent policing." 

Bill Scheirer: Why I'm Voting For Dana Grubb

Bill Scheirer is one of Bethlehem's wise men (and women), a group that pre-Covid was at nearly every meeting conducted in Bethlehem. The people standing before the dais and in the peanut gallery are unusually thoughtful and intelligent, and over the years, have had a profound impact on the city's governance. Bill supports Dana Grubb for Mayor, and this is why:

"I support Dana Grubb for Mayor of Bethlehem, which is in danger of losing its special quality, because of developments that overwhelm neighborhoods by being too big and/or too tall. Mr. Grubb is more sensitive to this danger. He is not accepting campaign contributions from major developers. Dana was a member of a committee of citizens that crafted a 30-page ethics ordinance that was introduced into the city council by Councilmembers Negron and Colon. It was never acted on by the council, not even to pass certain parts. Mr. Grubb's opponent preferred two rather innocuous ordinances passed by council. One authorized training on the quite weak state ethics law. The other was a gift ban that didn't go much beyond existing law. Left untouched were all other considerations, such as campaign contributions, which can create an apparent conflict of interest. Unlike his opponent, Mr. Grubb has specific plans including reintroducing a comprehensive ethics ordinance to increase public confidence that elected officials are transparent and ethical. I have known Dana for 18 years. He is quite possibly the most ethical person I have ever met, and I am 83 years old."

Osborne: Is South Whitehall Tp Headed in the Right Direction?

Brad Osborne: Over the next week or so, I will share the responses from the South Whitehall Township Commissioner candidates for eight questions generated by the citizens on this blog. Admittedly, I had to sift through some of the “spicier” suggestions, and those specific to an individual candidate, but overall there was a lot of honest, productive, probing questions designed to help voters make an informed decision as Election Day approaches. I chose eight questions that cover the important and current topics in South Whitehall today. I hope you find them pertinent as well. 

Three candidates took the time to respond and are working hard to earn your trust and your vote. Disappointedly, the two incumbents chose not to respond. Why would they not answer this first overarching question? They are directly involved in setting the tone and direction of the township, so this would have been their chance to share their vision.

After reading the candidates’ answers, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Today’s Candidate Question: Is South Whitehall headed in the right direction?  Why or why not?  If “yes”, what would you do to continue in this direction?  If “no”, what would you do to change the direction? 

Christina “Tori” Morgan (R): No response.

Joe Setton (D): No response.

David Kennedy (R): The current leadership of the Board of Commissioners has failed to put the residents of SWT first.  It is NOT going in the right direction, but that can be corrected with new BOC leadership and commissioners.  It’s “time for change” now.  

Monica Hodges (R): No.  Although South Whitehall is a desirable place to live, with proposed large, dense developments like Ridge Farm and Parkview Inn, multiple new warehouses, and no effective farmland preservation, the character of our township is changing, and not for the better.  Massive development puts a strain on our roads, infrastructure and schools, overwhelms our first responders, and negatively impacts traffic and citizen safety.  The fiscal health of the township is unclear as audits have not been completed for ten years. The above, along with the lack of transparency in how commissioner and advisory board vacancies have been filled, are concerns which need to be addressed. Many citizens have lost faith and trust in their local government.

To change this direction, zoning changes need to be made to minimize massive, dense developments and encourage developments which are rich in green space and more consistent with the character of South Whitehall and its current residential neighborhoods. Vacant buildings and lots need to be repurposed and beautified. Agricultural zoning needs to be added to our zoning map—we currently have none-- and a plan for farmland preservation needs to be implemented. Audits—required yearly by PA state statute-- need to be completed immediately, with no more excuses, and interviews for all township boards, after rigorous advertisement, should be open for the public to observe. Faith and trust in local government needs to be restored through transparent, compassionate leadership, respect, easily accessible information on the township website, and inclusion of citizens’ input and participation. 

Thomas J. Johns (D): No. I believe South Whitehall is not headed in the right direction especially regarding the issue of communication with the residents. I would increase the number of issues of the publication currently in use.