Drop Boxes Become More Relevant in Wake of Mail Slowdown

It happened right before the Presidential election. It's happening again. The mail is slowing down. Louis DeJoy, the Trump-installed Postmaster General, is slowing mail delivery to what it was like in the '70s. It now can take as long as five days to deliver a piece of first class mail. 

So  f you're voting by mail, the best way to ensure that your ballot reaches the elections office is by dropping it off at a drop-off box.

In Northampton County, these drop boxes are at the following locations:

Rotunda of the Government Center – 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042

o  Monday – Friday from 8:30AM – 8:00PM

 

Human Services Building – 2801 Emrick Blvd. Bethlehem, PA 18020

o  Monday – Friday from 8:30AM – 7:00PM

 

Northampton County 911 Center – 100 Gracedale Ave. Nazareth, PA 18064

o  Monday – Friday from 8:30AM – 8:00PM

 

Bethlehem City Hall – 10 E. Church Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018

o  Monday – Friday from 8:00AM – 4:00PM

In Lehigh County, drop boxes are at the following locations:

District#1 North Whitehall Township Building ·         3256 Levans Road, Coplay, PA 18037 ·         610-799-3411 ·         M-F 7:30AM- 4PM	District #2 Lehigh County Authority (LCA) Lobby ·         1053 Spruce Road, Allentown, PA 18106 ·         610-398-2503 ·         M-F 8:15AM- 4:45PM	District #3 Fountain Hill Borough  Building ·         941 Long Street, Fountain Hill, PA 18015 ·         610-867-0301 ·         M-F 8:30AM- 4:30PM
District #4 Lehigh County Government Center ·         17 South 7th Street, Allentown, PA 18101 ·         610 782-3194 ·         24/7 Drop Box Main Entrance	District #5 Emmaus Borough Office ·         28 South 4th Street, Emmaus, PA 18049 ·         610-965-9292 ·         M-F 8AM-4PM

 

Voters may only drop off their own ballots. Third party return of ballots is prohibited unless the person returning the ballot is rendering assistance to a disabled voter or emergency absentee voter and has a signed “Certification of Designated Agent” form. A copy of these forms can be downloaded at vote.pa.gov

Is It Time to Start Paying More to NorCo Employees?

Blogger's Note: This is the second of a five-part series posing questions to the 10 County Council candidates seeking five at-large seats. All Democrats responded. Republicans ignored the questionnaire. 

Just about every Democratic NorCo Council member supports an increased minimum wage. They have often spoken of the need to pay people a living wage. They could start with the county's own  employees. Many of them still earn make less than $15 an hour. I know many in supervisory roles who work second and third jobs just to put food on the table, while others must receive food assistance. This needs to stop. The best way to determine an appropriate wage is through a salary study, but the county has shied away from one.  A study of nonunion workers was done in 2009, but was so controversial  that no action was taken. 

Northampton County has had no salary study done for decades, leading to salary compression between newcomers and long-time county employees. Would you budget for and insist on a salary study?

Ron Heckman, - Salary compression is certainly a concern. I am open to budgeting money for a possible pay study. It is important to discuss what that would entail. We need to examine the cost of doing such a study and the scope of the study should be clearly defined. Only then would I consider supporting a study.

Tara Zrinski. - I do believe a salary study would be in the best interest of the county employees, especially in light of the post-COVID reality where wages and salaries as well as the cost of living, seems to have been so dramatically impacted, I would want the County employees to be fairly and justly compensated for their work. 

Lori Vargo-Heffner. - I would not support an overall salary study, but I would support a mechanism for creating a timetable to review departments in a sequence every five years. Each union and department has unique responsibilities which may need to be considered, so I would endorse a smaller, steady approach which could become the standard operating procedure.

Bill McGee. - As former chairman of county council’s personnel committee, I understand how employee pay needs to fair, equitable, yet reflect their responsibilities,and work load. I am aware that they did a HAY Study in 2009 but no changes were made following the results.  I would be opened minded to a salary study in the future.

Patti Bruno. - Yes. 

John Brown. - No response.

John Goffredo. - No response.

Nicole Romanishin. - No response.

Kristin Lorah Soldridge. - No response.

Annamarie Robertone. - No response.  

McClure's 2022 Budget Includes BOTH Tax Cut AND Step Increase (4.5%) for Nonunion Workers

Since taking office as Northampton County Executive, Lamont McClure has proposed three budgets, ultimately adopted, that hold the line on real estate taxes. His most recent budget proposal, however, includes something never seen before in Northampton County government. A tax cut. His $528 million spending plan for next year was introduced today in County Council Chambers, which was livestreamed both on the County’s YouTube Channel and Facebook.. It reduces the tax rate from 11.8 mills, where it's been for the past seven years, to 10.8 mills. This means a home assessed at $75,000 will receive a tax bill next year that drops from $885 to $810. The budget is also balanced. 

This budget will be reviewed by County Council in a series of five budget hearings, starting on Wednesday. Council can accept the budget as proposed, make changes or reject it. In an oddity of the county's home rule charter, a thumbs down would mean the spending plan as proposed would go into effect automatically. 

1. One Mill Tax Cut ($8.6 million in savings to all Northampton County Taxpayers)

2. Fund Balance:  Emergency Stabilization $17.4 Million (9.3% of General Fund) & $21.4 Million Unassigned for a total of approximately $39 million in reserve.

3. $12.2 Million in Operational Cuts or a (12.8% reduction in spending identified through improved management countywide).

4. A one step increase for all nonunion county employees (4.5%)

5. Fully funding pension, unemployment and OPEB obligations.

6. Meeting all matching requirements from the state and federal government for pass through funding for COVID relief and Human Services provided by Northampton County.

McClure's spending plan continues a continued commitment to fund open space preservation at $3 million every year. This is accomplished by purchasing conservation easements under which farmers agree to never develop their land. In addition, the county purchases environmentally sensitive land and both creates and maintains parks. In his budget message, McClure states his object is to both preserve green space and limit warehouse proliferation. 

McClure stated his budget will continue the pandemic relief and assistance to county residents. This includes $25 million in relief to small businesses. 

NorCo GOP Council Candidates Spurn Questionnaire

Although I'm a registered Democrat, that's mostly so I can vote in primaries. If we had open primaries, I'd vote as an Independent. Over the years, at least until very recently, I've voted for nearly as many Republicans as Democrats. I have two main tests. Is the candidate transparent? Is he accountable? If a person passes that test, I will often vote for him (or her) even if I disagree with most of his (or her) positions. In this election cycle, all the Democratic Council candidates have been transparent and accountable. The Republican candidates have failed that test, and have, in fact, turned their noses up at a relatively simple questionnaire designed to educate all of us about their positions on key county issues. I had hoped to provide you with their answers right around the time that many of you are getting your mail-in ballots or voting early at the courthouse. The Republican candidates chose to ignore you. Thus I suggest you should ignore them when you cast your vote. 

Over the past four years, I've been highly critical of the four Democratic incumbents on NorCo Council seeking re-election. They've noticed, too. They've even disparaged me during Council meetings. I'm not exactly their pal. But they all responded to a questionnaire with just seven days notice.  This is because they are being transparent and accountable.  

One Republican Council candidate told me he had been warned to stay away from me. He was willing to sit down and talk, but not for a Q&A interview.  That defeats the purpose. Another candidate, former Exec John Brown, ignored emails from both me and even more reputable members of the media. He had secret plans to move the jail to Gracedale and paid an outside lawyer over $700,000 without County Council approval.  

You may disagree with where Democratic Council candidates stand, but at least you will know their positions. Unfortunately, the GOP candidates would rather keep you in the dark. 

Over the next few days, I will provide their answers to five questions. The Democratic candidates have been transparent and accountable, while the Republican candidates continue to be divisive. Considering that their standard bearer is an insurrectionist who even suggested overthrowing a democratically elected school board, that's no surprise.   

Does Northampton County's Home Rule Charter Need an Enema?

Northampton County operates under a home rule charter, which went into effect in 1978. Instead of being governed by three Commissioners like most counties, the voters opted for one full-time County Exec and nine part-time County Council members. Over its 43-year history, the Charter has been amended 18 times. In addition, it  has been the subject of several lawsuits between the different branches of government. It's still confusing, too. Some think it's time to return to the Commissioner form of government, which guarantees a minority voice. . Others, myself included, like the charter but think it needs a major overhaul. Council was poised to let you weigh in on a home rule charter study commission in 2017, but their measure was vetoed by former Executive John Brown, who proved in one term of office that he was no champion of good government. 

My first question to prospective Council members probably sounds like inside baseball. But the form of county government is about as basic as it gets.  

Northampton County is a home rule charter government. There are some who’d like to return to a commissioner for of government, while there are others who think the charter needs a major overhaul. Would you vote to authorize a referendum asking voters to approve and elect a home rule charter study commission?

Ron Heckman. - Yes. It has been almost fifty years since the Home Rule Charter was written. There are sections of the Charter that are less than precise and, in fact, have conflicted with state law. I support the Home Rule Charter form of government and feel an open and honest review of the charter can only be beneficial for the county government.

Tara Zrinski. - I have not had anyone directly come to me and request a home rule study. I do remember Councilwoman Peg Ferraro putting that on her departure wish list at a Council meeting. If this would be an issue that gained more traction, certainly, in a representative democracy, I would represent the will and best interests of the people.

Lori Vargo-Heffner. -   I would support a Home Rule Charter study. I don't believe we need to change the form of government, but much has changed in the years since its adoption. It's time to review and revise where necessary to keep current and provide the best methods and practices for governing. Communication methods have changed and are not reflected in current charter. If citizens see fit to alter the structure overall or only make smaller amendments, it is certainly the time to do so.

Bill McGee. -    During the last four years on council I have heard many times that the home rule charter may need to be updated. In 1978 the voters decided to create the home rule charter. In 2004 council tried to  do a study and it failed, and again in 2016, that also never made it to the voters. In our current form of  government when issues arise concerning the charter it can be amended  by voter referendum. I understand that a study may cost more than 500,000. At this time I would need more discussion, and convincing to vote for a study. During my time on council I haven’t encountered any situation that we were not able to work through with our current form of government.

Patti Bruno. - I am not opposed.

John Brown. - No response.

John Goffredo. - No response.

Nicole Romanishin. - No response.

Kristin Lorah Soldridge. - No response.

Annamarie Robertone. - No response.  

Does NorCo's Proposed Budget Include a Tax Cut?

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure will be releasing his budget for next year at 11:30 am. Does it include a tax cut? He posted a flier on Facebook today that certainly hints at it. After noting that he's introduced three budgets in a row that has held the line on taxes, he claims he is now "fighting to cut taxes."

We'll know late this morning. 

Whitney: Car Bombing in Allentown Early Sunday AM

From James Whitney: An explosion rocked the 800 block of West Walnut St in downtown Allentown early Sunday morning. Police and Fire investigated the blast that damaged one vehicle but thankfully caused no injuries. One official on the scene suspected that the blast may have been a targeted attack and perhaps an act of intimidation. 

Neighbors described being jolted awake at roughly 6:45 am, but none reported seeing the person or persons responsible for the explosion. By 9:30am police had left the scene, while a member of the Allentown bomb squad and a fire department official were still collecting evidence and working to locate the owner of the damaged vehicle. A similar incident occurred in Bethlehem earlier this month. There, police suspect that commercially-bought fireworks were placed underneath a parked car, in an event that sent shockwaves through the 600 block of 5th Ave in the early morning of September 12th. 

It's unclear at this time if the two incidents are related. 

Blogger's Note: James Whitney has previously reported on City Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach's decision to drop an underage runaway at a tent city.   

Beware of Unsolicited Ballot Applications

Every election cycle, third parties send annoying mailers to voters. In some of them, their voter history is listed in an attempt to shame them into voting. In others, applications for Mail-in Ballots (MIBs) are including, along with envelopes listing the county voter registration office as the return addressee. These third parties might think they are increasing turnout, but what they are really doing is sowing seeds of distrust in our election system. 

Though these third party solicitations have finally been banned in some states, the Voter Participation Center (VPC) confusing and annoying Lehigh County voters with unsolicited MIB applications. This outfit is in no waqy affiliated with either Lehigh or Northampton County.  

Your local elections office is the best agency equipped for accurate voter registration information,.

Lehigh County - 610-782-3194.

Northampton County - 610-550-3055.

NorCo County Council Questionnaire To Be Published Next Week

I have begun receiving answers to the questions I posed to Northampton County Council candidates next week. I asked for a reply within a week because mail-in ballots will be sent to many of you very soon. I'm sure you'd like to know where candidates stand before you vote. 

I will note candidates who fail to respond as well. 

NorCo GOP Exec Candidate Steve Lynch Blowin' Oil Over Accurate Mailer

Up until now, Northampton County Exec Lamont McClure has been a good boy in his re-election bid. He has sent out a few mailers highlighting his accomplishments during his first term in office. But now he's telling you about the pathetic excuse the Republicans have put up to challenge him.  It's Steve "20 strong men" Lynch, who participated in the January 6 attempted coup at the US Capitol. He wore a bulletproof vest to this insurrection, and was visited by a curious FBI after he returned home. McClure just thought you should know. 

I imagine you'll soon be informed that Lynch also wanted to storm the Northampton Area School Board with "20 strong men" over, of all things, a face mask. 

He also wants to prosecute Governor Tom Wolf for murder, although I was unaware that a county exec had law enforcement powers. 

Lynch was really upset at McClure's accurate portrayal. He hopped on Facebook Live on Tuesday, blowin' oil, in a bizarre attempt to counter the "McCounty Coward," as he calls McClure. 

Lynch claims that McClure lied when he stated that Lynch was visited by the FBI over his role in the January 6 insurrection  

"If I'm an insurrectionist and I was interviewed by the FBI, why am I not in jail?" he asks. "Wanna' explain that one to me?" 

The answer is simple. You did participate in the insurrection, but there is just no evidence that you trespassed or were one of the guys smearing shit in the halls of Congress. ... Yet. 

Lynch goes on to claim that McClure slandered him when he stated that Lynch was visited by the FBI.

Let me give you a lesson in defamation law. First, it's called libel, not slander. Second, truth is an absolute defense.  The proof that you were visited by the FBI comes from your own daily Facebook Live videos, in which you repeatedly hang yourself. You have stated, at least twice, that you were visited by the FBI over your role in the January 6 insurrection. You can see an example above.

There most definitely is a liar, Steve, but it's you.   

Steve, everything you say can and will be used against you. And you've said a lot of goofy and dangerous things.

McClure to Release NorCo's 2022 Spending Plan on Monday

Northampton County Exec  Lamont McClure will introduce next year's budget at 11:30 AM on Monday, October 4, 2021 in Council Chambers at the Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042. The Budget Address will also be livestreamed on the County’s YouTube Channel and on Facebook.

Will it include a tax hike? My guess is that, for the fourth year in a row, McClure will present a budget that is both balanced and without a tax increase. 

Biden and Trump Both Botched Afghan Withdrawal

When news first broke that our withdrawal from Afghanistan had been a disaster, some of you slammed me for failing to speak out. I had my opinion, but wanted to wait until it was more certain what actually had happened. Now that the nation's top generals, including Joint Chiefs Chair Mark Milley have testified before a Senate panel, we know that Donald Trump and Joe Biden both betrayed our counterparts and left without leaving a stable and humane government in their wake. Their foolish withdrawal means that roughly 2,500 American soldiers died for no reason. We also flushed $2 trillion down the toilet. 

Our military adventurism in the Middle East was spawned by the 9/11 attacks. In the days following that terrorism, a rage militaire, as the French call it, dominated our thinking. We had to attack someone, anyone, preferably Muslim,. So we hit Iraq, even though it had nothing to do with  the airline hijackings. Of course, everyone slapped each other on the back and waved flags. Iraq was not enough. We had to go into Afghanistan to get Osama bin Laden. We all cheered and waved flags again. Congress was nearly unanimous in its support. 

At that time, I was guest hosting a local radio show and was one of the few voices who spoke out against military involvement. The very people who now condemn the "forever wars" were ready to string me up. I was called unAmerican, etc, 

Before the "shock and awe" started, you might recall that then Secretary of State Colin Powell warned President George W Bush of the pottery barn rule. Once you invade a country and muck things up, you have an obligation to fix it before you leave. Anything less makes your initial actions meaningless and reduces you in the eyes of your allies. 

You break it, you fix it. 

We broke it.  

Time went on and the rage militaire waned, as it always does. The very people who were prancing around and saluting each other now decided it was time to pull out. Never mind that the region was still unstable. Or that we would creating a power vacuum that will be filled by China, Russia, Iran or yet another terrorist group. Or that we are signalling our allies that we are unworthy of their trust. 

This is what happened during the Civil War. Though the Union had vastly more resources than the Confederacy, Robert E Lee knew he could win if he destroyed the political will of the North.  George McClellan ran against Abraham Lincoln on a platform that included a negotiated peace with the South, a peace under which slavery would continue. Lincoln was immensely unpopular because a war that was supposed to last 90 days had gone on for years. A decisive blow in the North would ruin Lincoln politically, Lee hypothesized. 

Lee was correct. But then he lost at Gettysburg while William Tecumseh Sherman ran wild in the South, traipsing all the way to Atlanta without a supply line. 

Unfortunately, there are no William Tecumseh Shermans or Ulysses S. Grants in Afghanistan or Syria. And no Lincoln in the White House. It was hard to justify a war to end something as horrible as slavery in our own country. It's been next to impossible to justify a war to ensure stability (and basic human rights) on foreign soil. 

In February 2020, dealmaker Donald Trump agreed to pull out of Afghanistan by May 2021, freed 5,000 Taliban prisoners, and reduced troop strength from 13,000 to a scant 2,500. Never mind that Taliban attacks continued.       

Now the very patriots who were waving flags and slapping each other on the back when we went into these countries, were waving flags and slapping each other on the back when we decided to pull out. 

Trump's new policy certainly is the view of most Americans. I know mine is a minority view. We expect things to happen in five minutes, and lack the patience of older civilizations like the Chinese, who can wait for centuries. Trump ignored the advice he received from the military, although they will be the first to admit that civilian authority is paramount. 

Biden may disagree with Trump on many things, but he like Trump knows those "forever wars" are unpopular. So he followed through, and as we now know, he also ignored military advice that some troops needed to stay in place to keep the government from collapsing and to guarantee that those who wanted to leave could leave. He may have even lied by denying such advice was given to him. 

No one will ever confuse Biden or Trump with Honest Abe.

So basically, I believe both Trump and Biden botched our withdrawal and have weakened us in the eyes of our allies. If we were really interested in global security, we'd still be there.  

NorCo Sample Ballots Now Available

Many residents of Northampton County are Jersey transplants who like to complain at the polls about the county's failure to send them a sample ballot to review before the election. NorCo's Elections Office does, however, have a sample ballot on the county webpage. So have at it. 

Judge Narlesky Cleared For Return to Magisterial District Court

The recent death of Magisterial District Judge Pat Broscius has presented something of a manpower problem among magisterial district judges. Not to worry,. According to the Administrative Office of Pa Courts, retired Magisterial District Judge Jim Narlesky has been cleared to return to the bench. He recently a week-long course in Harrisburg and has been recertified.   

Broscius' term was set to expire this year. Her spot on the Democratic ballot has been filled by Sandra McClure, a former Assistant DA selected by Democratic committeemen in that area. She will square off against Republican Andrew Tupone. 

AMTRAK Derailment in Middle of Nowhere Should Make Enthusiasts Hesitate

AMTRAK would like  to extend its service into the Lehigh Valley with passenger rail from Allentown into the Big Apple. I've told you I have mixed feelings about it. I think before it expands anywhere, it needs to do a better job of managing its website and answering its phone. Try to book a ticket anywhere and you'll see what I mean. It's next to impossible to book on the website, and the phone just rings and rings. This is no fluke. I have experienced this issue several times now. This is what you'd expect from yet another government-subsidized operation. I loved taking the AMTRAK from DC to Pittsburgh, but would hate it if I had to commute that way.  

In addition, I am more than a bit concerned about its fatal weekend derailment in Montana, which appears to have been caused by a faulty switch or bent rail. Switches, in particular, should be inspected daily. A train company unable to answer its phone or manage its webpage 

Should Medicare Include Dental?

According to the U.S. House's 2,465-page (and growing) reconciliation bill, dental coverage will finally be included in Medicare. But not 'till 2028. Isn't dental care health care?

Hokie Joe Wisdom

"Although Covid-19 does spread via the mouth and nose, doctors and scientists now conclude that the greatest risk comes from ASSHOLES." - Hokie Joe

This is, unfortunately, an apt observation. One pulmonologist has told the media states that 100 of his Covid patients have died, and 90% of them were unvaccinated. 

NorCo Controller Tony Bassil Has Passed Away

NorCo Controller Tony Bassil passed away on September 24, losing a long battle with cancer. 

Previously, he served as Easton's Controller. 

He arrived in this country from Lebanon with pennies in his pocket and became a successful businessman.  He his wife, owned and operated The Carmelcorn Shop, an institution in Downtown Easton, since 1996. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children and two grandchildren.

Five Questions for 10 NorCo Council Candidates

Last night, I sent five questions to the 10 NorCo Council candidates seeking five seats. I asked for a reply within seven days because I'd like to get their answers out there before you cast your vote. 

Northampton County is a home rule charter government. There are some who'd like to return to a Comm'r form of government, while there are others who think charter needs a major overhaul. Would you vote to authorize a referendum asking voters to approve and elect a home rule charter study commission?

Northampton County has had no salary study done for decades, leading to salary compression between newcomers and long-time county employees. Would you budget for and insist on a salary study?

Northampton County's role in the pandemic was limited, but it made federal funds available to small businesses, renters facing eviction, set up testing and vaccination sites and provided assistance to local municipalities and nonprofits. What is your assessment at how the county responded to this health crisis and what would you do differently? 

Are you confident that elections in Northampton County are fair, accurate and legal? Explain. 

Steve Lynch, the Republican candidate for Executive, attended an attempted coup of Congress on January 6. He has claimed, falsely, that Covid-19 vaccines alter DNA. Steve Lynch promised an angry crowd to get rid of them.  At an August 29 Harrisburg rally, he vowed to physically remove Northampton Area School Directors over a mask mandate. "Forget going onto these school boards with freakin' data. You go into these school boards to remove them. I'm going in with 20 strong men and I'm gonna' give them an option - they can leave or they can be removed."  Do you support Lynch?  

John Kachmar on Why He's Running For Bethlehem Mayor

From John Kachmar's Mayoral Campaign - John Kachmar spent his life serving his country – first, as a Marine and then as a professional city and county government manager. Today, he sees his hometown in crisis with annual tax and fee increases, the streets in poor condition and basic city services and safety in jeopardy. After nearly 30 years in municipal management, he is concerned about the future of Bethlehem.

“Bethlehem is deeply in debt and has $60+ million in unfunded pension liabilities while planning more spending on elitist projects that don’t advance basic city services. We have an $80 million budget and 800 full- and part-time employees, and we have enough resources to efficiently run our city. But with tax increases three out of the last four years during a pandemic, we are headed for trouble. I am not a professional politician. I am a professional city and county manager. With my many years of executive management of bipartisan city and county administrations, I know that we need transparent and efficient city government to stop this trouble in its tracks.” John said.

Born on Hayes Street on the Southside and raised on Washington Avenue on the Northside, John has roots in Bethlehem and a strong understanding of the needs of the city. John can utilize national best practices in city management, and he has creative solutions to vexing problems. Currently, our city government is engaged in massive, irresponsible spending which will only worsen each year unless it is addressed head-on with efficient practices and less politics. John can bring back fiscal responsibility to city government while considering all the peoples’ needs as it makes decisions to put Bethlehem on a solid footing into the future.

With early voting starting this week, John asks for your vote for Mayor of Bethlehem this year.

To learn more about John, visit www.johnkachmarformayor.com.

About John Kachmar

John is a Bethlehem native who graduated from Notre Dame High School, wounded and decorated combat Vietnam Veteran USMC, and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Moravian College. He was a city manager and county administrator in several municipalities throughout the United States. During that time, he produced 28 budgets with one tax increase, five tax decreases and the remainder with no tax increases.

Blogger's Note: John is one of two candidates seeking election as Bethlehem's Mayor. His opponent is Willie Reynolds, a teacher who also serves on City Council. If Willie sends any news releases my way, I will publish them as well.