Why John Stoffa Builds Birdhouses

 

Why did Northampton County Exec John Stoffa build birdhouses? Check out this video, which Jeff Stoffa shot and posted.. "One night, Charles Dertinger said, 'This administration couldn't build a birdhouse.'" It's an interesting insight into John Stoffa's wonderfully different way of looking at things.

John was my favorite person.  He was a liberal Democrat, yet one of his closest friends was conservative Republican Ron Angle. They worked well together.  Now it's all tribal warfare. There are even factions within the tribes. 

Stoffa appealed to our better selves. He was nobody but himself in a world intent on making us like everybody else. 

NorCo Exec Lamont McClure has ordered the county flag lowered to half staff until the conclusion of John's funeral.

Here's McClure's statement: 

“John Stoffa lived and breathed county government. He served as Human Services Director in both Northampton and Lehigh counties during his career. If there is a more demanding job in county government, I haven’t seen it. His positive legacy as Northampton County Executive can be found all over Northampton County in our parks, in our open and green spaces, in our centralized Human Services Building in Bethlehem Township and in our Work Release facility in West Easton. His hard work on the behalf of the people of Northampton County will endure long past today’s sadness and, on behalf of the people he and I have served, we say to Mrs. Stoffa and their sons how deeply sorry we are for their loss.”

The John Stoffa Legacy

Barbara Stoffa will get her husband back after eight years

Blogger's Note: John Stoffa died yesterday at age 82.  He was one of my favorite people. He never took himself seriously and loved to laugh. He was cheap, like all county executives, but he really cared about people. I considered this great man. a good friend  Below is a story I wrote when he left office. 

He's pulled his last weed.

As an 8 year old farm boy, John Stoffa was assigned the task of pulling ragweed from his father's cornfield. One was particularly troublesome, but the boy persisted and it finally came out.

That farm boy would go on to become Northampton County Executive. On December 12, he attended his last Council meeting as the County's highest elected official, finishing eight years in office. It was the first time he was accompanied by his wife, Barbara. "He would never let me come before," she explained.

Normally laconic during meetings, Stoffa itemized some of his accomplishments during his two terms in office. "Northampton County is a wonderful place to live," he explained. "Our job is to keep it that way." Stoffa, who provided an office to incoming Executive John Brown to help with the transition, wished his successor luck over the next four years. But Stoffa cautioned everyone against treating government like a business. He said good government occurs when people work together, like during an Amish barnraising.  "They can do in one weekend what takes government a year," he said.

What did Stoffa do over the last eight years?

Basic maintenance. - Courthouse elevators that broke down nearly every day now operate flawlessly. Nursing home windows that had been leaking since the '70s, are now working properly. He fixed the cupola over the courthouse, and restored the building. At county nursing home Gracedale, where one oil tanker was needed every three days, Stoffa converted those furnaces to gas.

The Milides Building Purchase. - Located across the street from the courthouse, this purchase gave the County 60 additional parking spots. It is also home to the Elections Office and Controller.

Recycling. - When Stoffa first assumed office in 2006, the County did not recycle paper. Now there is single stream recycling as well as two annual events for the community.

John Stoffa seems to recognize that guy.

Open Space. - John Stoffa was elected on a pledge to raise taxes a half mill to preserve open space. Preserved farmland has gone from 6,700 acres to 13,007 acres. His program has enabled the County to purchase land next to Housenick Park, which Stoffa calls the "Central Park of the Lehigh Valley." It funded Wayne Grube Park in East Allen Township. Though the County will lose 500 acres of farmland to developer Charles Chrin for a Route 33 Interchange at Tatamy, it will get than land back. Stoffa praised former Councilman Ron Angle for brokering a $2 million donation from Chrin that will enable the County to preserve another 500 acres of farmland.

Archives. - Under a previous administration, the County demolished its state-of-the art archives building for a prison expansion. It was paying $100,00 per year to house its historical records in another County. But in April, a new archives building was dedicated in Forks Township, including climate-controlled high-density shelving and a public reading room.

New Corrections Policy. - "Build programs, not cells," said Stoffa, noting the increased use of treatment to stop the jail from becoming a revolving door. The recidivism rate, i.e. the rate at which offenders return to the County jail, hovered around 69% when Stoffa assumed office. That rate is now down to 35.9% at the jail, according to Corrections Supervisor Arnie Matos. That lower rate translates to saved county tax dollars. Stoffa noted over 400 people volunteer their time at the jail, now considered one of the best in the state.

West Easton Treatment Center. - This work release facility, which can house up to 100 inmates, is used as both a work release and treatment facility for low level drunk drivers.

Bridges. - Thanks to a $19.6 million bond floated by Council in July, the County can begin repairs on 16 of its most critical bridges over the next three years.

Stoffa portrait includes courthouse cupola in background

Centralized Human Services Building. - In March, Northampton County will open a new, centralized human services building along Emrick Road in Bethlehem Township. Human services had been divided between the Governor Wolf Building in Easton and the Bechtel Building in Bethlehem. Thise buildins have been sold. "This was never just about a building," noted Stoffa. "It was about the people," he said referring to 18,000 consumers of human services county wide. "There will be one number you can call to get help," he added.

Retirement Fund. - The fund for County retirees has exploded from a low of $160 million to$328 million. Last year, it earned 17% in interest. Northampton County is also the first in the state to establish a separate trust for other post-employment benefits, called OPEB. That fund is at $24 million and generated 18.6% in interest last year.

Tax Hikes. - Aside from the half mill tax hike he promised before being elected in 2006, Stoffa proposed no tax increases during his eight years in office. But he believes they are a fact of life. "Raising taxes in small amounts is not the end of the world," he said.

Stoffa's Regrets. - Stoffa regretted not moving earlier on the swaption, a complicated financial deal he inherited from a previous administration that ended up costing the County $25 million. He called it a "cancerous sale." He never mentioned his failed sale of Gracedale, but in a speech to a statewide association of county commissioners earlier in the month, he said he rushed things.

After the meeting was over, his cabinet took him to see a portrait prepared by local artist Tom Burke. Stoffa initially refused to have a portrait done, then agreed if it could be done like a Picasso. He finally relented when a local artist was selected.

Stoffa now will resume his quest of building 500 birdhouses. He's at 282.

Lynch Mob Removes Offending Post, But No Apology

Yesterday, I reported that the cult followers of far-right Republican Steve Lynch threatened a fellow Republican - state committee candidate Margie Mandell - simply because she supports Kevin Dellicker in the congressional race. It made no difference that she herself was a Lynch supporter. She was excommunicated by Lynch, who banned her from his Facebook page. When she asked him about it, he exploded. But that wasn't enough. Benjamin Jacques posted a threat on Facebook, warning Mandell to watch her back.  Wally Oswald (hopefully no relation to Lee Harvey), Matthew Walter and Jamie M Lichner took things to the next level, with discussions of  ".308 problems" and taking people out. Todd Wallach advised they should be ready to "kill anyone."

These threats were obviously intended to scare Mandell. I have recommended that Mandell take the post to her local police department, which will investigate and report to the District Attorney.   

Sometime yesterday, Jacques removed this post. He issued no apology, something he'd do if he were a real man. Instead, he joined his master Steve Lynch in blocking me on Facebook.  Mandell has screen shots of these threats. If Jacques intended to hide the evidence, he failed. 

Last night, Lynch also posted a video addressing the Mandell interaction. It was up for about 15 minutes. He removed it after being made aware of the threats his own cult made against Mandell.  

Under Investigation, Stockertown Mayor Resigns

Stockertown Mayor Ken Zemencsik is now former Mayor Ken Zemencsik.  He resigned at last night's borough council meeting.  Back in November, I told you he had a criminal past.  Of the 17 borough mayors in NorCo, he was the only one with a criminal history.

I'll agree it's ancient history.  In 1998, he was accused of being part of a crime ring stealing stereo equipment from cars in Nazareth, Bethlehem and Upper Nazareth. He  was charged with a multitude of crimes in both counties for theft, conspiracy and receiving stolen goods.    

The cases against him lingered until 2003, when he entered a guilty plea to receiving stolen goods as a third degree misdemeanor instead of as a felony.   

A felony conviction would prevent him from holding office. 

In a Borough government, the Mayor is pretty much a poster boy. But he does have one power that should concern us all when he has a criminal past. A borough mayor runs the police department. 

I tried reaching out to Zemencsik a few times to get his side of the story when I first wrote about this. He chose to ignore me. 

But Stockertown Borough Council decided an internal investigation was necessary. As a result of that investigation, he's stepping down.   

It's unclear to me whether he's also resigning his position in public works. 

Lynch Mob Targets Independent Female Running For State Committee

Last week, there was a meeting of the Northampton County GOP. Steve Lynch was there along with numerous of the candidates running for the state GOP Committee. This includes Margie Mandell. a mother of five who has written two books aimed at younger people. She's not among those running as a slate with Lee Snover. Nor is she teamed up with Lynch. She's her own person. According to several sources who were at that meeting, she was accosted by Lynch and his supporters. What's worse, the Lynch mob has openly discussed harming her. Lynch has stated toxic masculinity is back, and his cult is expressing this in a disgusting way. 

From what I've been able to discern, Mandell was originally a Steve Lynch supporter. She's handed out palm cards for him and other GOP candidates at the polls.  

After he lost the election, several people have noticed a change in Lynch's behavior. He's been angry and bitter at county meetings, blaming party volunteers for his loss. Their meetings have become stressful.

Perhaps he should look in a mirror. You don't campaign for NorCo Exec by giving speeches in Harrisburg.  Or sending a mailer that arrives the day after the election. Threatening to bring 20 strong men to remove Northampton School Directors did little to help him. 

Many Lynch supporters have began to distance themselves. Republican activist (and state committee candidate) Beverly Hernandez was at Lynch's campaign opening on a freezing January afternoon at the county courthouse. But his conduct has turned her off. She has referred to him on Facebook as a man "aggressively targeting anyone who stands in his march toward power." She has had to ask people not to "like" her comments about him on Facebook or Lynch will block them. 

As people distance themselves, Lynch has become even more apoplectic. 

His bizarre rant at me on Saturday afternoon, replete with invective and an actual invitation to fight him, demonstrates that he lacks the temperament for any position in which he must represent those whose core beliefs differ from his. More disturbing is that he called upon the Lynch mob to "blast" and "obliterate" me. 

Has he asked his minions to blast and obliterate Margie Mandell as well? It sure looks that way. Let me give you the down low on the Lynch Mob. 

The Lynch Mob (L to R): Mark Wagner, Wally Oswald, Benjamin Jacques
and Matthew Walter 

Lynch supports Lisa Scheller in the Republican Congressional primary for Pa.-07. She's running against Kevin Dellicker. Scheller should win this race, rather easily, but Dellicker is liked by many as well.  Lynch has repeatedly derided Dellicker as a liar, without explaining why. He has childishly poked fun at Dellicker's size. He is also ostracizing anyone who supports Dellicker, even if they are conservatives. 

This is what happened to Mandell. She is impressed by Dellicker.  When Lynch found out, he banned her from his Facebook page. When she asked him about it after last week's Republican meeting, my sources say he went into a tirade. "You're out of control," Mandell is reported to have said to him after he started blowin' oil. "You're turning your friends into enemies."

Lynch appeals to our dark side. The Lynch mob follows him everywhere and even imitates him. Here's an example. Lynch likes to do Facebook Lives while driving, and so they've all started doing it, too. Sooner or later, one of them is going to have a serious accident. 

This mob likes to carry, too, especially at outdoor rallies along the sides of roads   

One of these lemmings is Nazareth resident Benjamin "Bengy" Jacques. He was at last week's meeting with Lynch and was present went Lynch exploded at Mandell.  After the meeting and altercation with Mandell, he posted this on Facebook: "Watch your back when you create enemies out of those you once called friends."

Then the intimidation, blasting, obliterating and bullying started. 

"Who we taking out?"asked Wally Oswald. "And who's [sic] car we taking?" Oswold is from Northampton and part of the Lynch mob. 

Melanie Heilman, a rabid Lynch supporter from Bethlehem Tp, refers to Mandell, not by her name, but as a "b...." "That's the one problem."

Then Jamie M Lichner joins in. He may not even have been at the meeting, but was offering a final solution. "[A]re they little problems or big problems, meaning are the 5.56 problems or .308 problems or,…. Do we have .50BMG to problems, You got problems, I’ll solve it, check out the beat while my DJ revolves it."

"What do you recommend for unicorns?" asks Matthew Walter. Mandell has purple hair, and Walker was joking about it.  

Walter was also at that meeting. Before it started, he was broadcasting a Facebook Live from his car, just like his hero. He spotted a Republican he identified as "JB". He called JB, probably John Brown, one of the biggest RINOs there is.  

Todd Wallach (from Nazareth) writes, "Be kind to everyone, but be ready to kill anyone."  I'm sure James Mattis would be disgusted to see his quote perverted to terrorize someone.

So basically, what we have here is a collection of toxic males who like to prance around with guns, terrorizing a woman with hints of violence because of her political beliefs. She is not a "demon Democrat," but a conservative. 

So much for the First Amendment.

Unlike Lynch's cult followers, Margie Mandell refuses to drink the kool-aid. So they will intimidate and bully her and show off their toxic masculinity and affinity for guns.That's what their master wants. 

That's Lynch and his mob in a nutshell.

And I mean nutshell. 

When I spoke to Mandell, she directed me to this message on her Facebook page:

Let's talk about unison within our Republican Party, that as of late, has become rather shredded and torn. Where should the band-aids be placed within our Grand Old Party, to fix what has become so wholeheartedly broken?

The heinous corruption of our American government does not start at the president's desk. It starts within the state, within the counties, and lastly, within the hearts of the members who choose to support and vote for the Republican Party.

It starts with you.

It starts the minute someone decides to run for a position.

It starts when someone else runs against them.

It starts when a friend turns his back because you don't agree with his political opinion.

It starts when the "us vs. them" mentality takes over.

Within our very own party... hatred seeps through steadily like a slow, low rolling fog. Evil corruption thriving in the breeding grounds of hate and pride.

My point is, if you are running for office to conquer the corruption, then take a good look within yourself first. Make sure your intent is not fueled by evil and the seeds you sow now are sewn out of patriotic love, honesty and a pure desire to be a servant to the people. Make sure you, as an individual, is not one of the pieces of the problem.

Remember who the real enemy is.

-Margie Mandell for State Committee

These grown men should know that terroristic threats and harassment are crimes. Although Jacques uttered no specific threat, he was telling Mandell to watch her back. He allowed the mob to be more specific on his Facebook page. This is pure bullying.  If Jacques were a real man, he'd apologize. So would the thugs who hinted at violence,

Steve Lynch Challenges Me to a Duel

Steve Lynch lost last year's NorCo Exec race by 8,500 votes. Two  Republicans won countywide races, but he was soundly defeated. He is beaten but is unbowed. He's now running for GOP state committee and party chair.  On Friday, I endorsed him. "I sincerely hope he gets it, " I said. "He's worked hard for it, and I think his position as party boss would have a big impact on county Republicans." For some reason, Lynch has come completely undone by my kind words. In one of those unhinged Facebook Live videos that he seems to broadcast every time he gets into his car, he calls on his myrmidons to "obliterate" and "blast" me. He was so angry that, at times, it looked as though he was frothing at the mouth. He even started laughing to himself at one point during his bizarre rant. Because he's unable to use reason, he now wants to fight me. He's challenged me to a duel, a two-round boxing match. 

You can see his video here. 

I'm referred to as the "demon Ramblings guy," a "punk," "scumbag," "Mr. Demon," "subhuman," a "complete loser" and my favorite, "child of Satan." He states that the only reason I have the courage to write what I write is that I am protected by our "tainted legal system." You know, the system that makes little things like murder and assault criminal. 

He even claims I've been "validated" by The Morning Call, which should be news to that paper. 

So he wants to fight me, a 70 yo man, in a two round charity boxing match, claiming God is on his side. He's even offered to tie one arm behind his back. He said my charity would most likely be the Church of Satan or "something along Epstein's route," while he would pick something wholesome. He predicts I'd probably die from exhaustion after six minutes. 

He claims he's a leader because cowards like myself have "reverent fear" of just what he might do. "Toxic masculinity is making a comeback," he asserts. 

"Reverent fear," incidentally, is a term used in connection with God, not Steve Lynch. 

Lynch could have asked for a debate. He could have suggested IQ tests. Instead, he wants to fight. That's just an admission on his part that he's incapable of actually discussing things with people who disagree.  

I accept his challenge, but on my terms. According to the Code Duello, I have the choice of weapons, not Lynch. I reject boxing gloves. My weapon is the bicycle, and the duel will be a 100-mile bike race along the D&L. I'm ready any time he is. I would insist on neutral observers at various checkpoints along this route because, based on inconsistencies I've noticed in numerous of his rants, his fidelity to truth is suspect. 

I will not insist that he handicap himself by taping an arm behind his back, but he should wear a helmet to protect what little is going on inside his head.  I understand he's antivax, so I won't insist that he show me a vaccine card. But I would appreciate a rabies card.  

So how about it. Mr. Toxic Masculinity?  You want to talk about cardio? My prediction is that you'd get a big, fat DNF (did not finish).

I'll wait to hear from your second. I won't hold my breath. 

Also, I am very leery of those who claim God is on their side. I think you should be a bit more worried about being on His side  

Incidentally, his rant drew the attention of Northampton County prosecutors. They fielded a death threat leveled at me last year. They have asked that, if I do get murdered, to "have the decency to do it in another county." They say the list of suspects would tie up detectives for weeks. 

Lehigh County DA Has a Warning For Ballot Harvesters

Don't do it or you'll be prosecuted. That's my summary of a warning Lehigh County DA Jim Martin issued to ballot harvesters yesterday.

Until recently, the only way would you could vote was in person, at your designated polling pl;ace, on election day. There were exceptions for voters who were ill or outside the precinct. They could vote by absentee ballot. That was pretty much it. 

This all changed in 2019. State lawmakers, who incidentally had a Republican majority, changed the Election Code to vastly expand voting opportunities. In addition to the traditional in-person vote, they permitted no-excuse mail-in ballots. They also provided for early voting at the elections office. They even authorized satellite offices, which the state supreme court interpreted to embrace unmanned drop boxes. 

These changes have made it easier to vote. It's too soon to say whether more people will actually vote, but that certainly seems to be the case so far. 

It's logical to conclude that, when you expand voting opportunities, you also increase the potential for mischief. So far, despite the claims of conspiracy theorists, there's been no evidence of widespread voting fraud. But there has been evidence of numerous instances of voters who are dropping off more than one ballot at drop boxes. While this is likely someone dropping off the votes of a family member, there is a potential for ballot harvesting. 

While the law permits mail-in ballots and provides for drop boxes, you may only drop off your own ballot. There is an exception if you have a disability. You can authorize someone in writing to drop off your ballot for you.. . 

At the request of Lehigh County's Elections Board, DA Martin assigned detectives to perform the laborious task of reviewing the video of the five drop box location to see if there was any evidence of people dropping off multiple ballots. 

There was. 

Martin's detectives watched the video of 4,026 voters who dropped off ballots, and determined that at least 288 (7.1%) deposited more than one ballot. Very few could be identified. 

Martin's investigation revealed that there were 14,833 mail-in ballots deposited in the mail, not drop boxes. There is no video surveillance at most mailboxes. 

In a report to Lehigh County's Elections Board in early April, DA  Martin concluded that there were multiple violations of the Election Code's proscription against dropping off ballots for other voters, even a spouse. He notes that the best way to prevent this from happening is to have an elections official at the drop box location to receive the vote. Frankly, I believe that was the intention of the law as written because it refers to these as satellite offices. I believe there's a presumption that an office is manned.

Martin declined to prosecute the few voters whom detectives could identify because it would be unfair and unjust. In most cases, only two ballots were dropped off, indicating a spouse or household member. Moreover, there was no surveillance of mail boxes, where it's logical to conclude that multiple ballots were mailed. He noted that Governor Wolf's wife dropped off his ballot, and she was never prosecuted. He also noted that detectives found no "smoking gun", i.e. a party apparatchik dropping off numerous ballots. 

But if you're thinking you can drop off someone else's ballot without facing the consequences, think again. 

In a news release issued yesterday, Martin stated he will assign detectives to monitor the video at drop boxes during the primary. If anyone drops off ore than one ballot, he warns that person could be prosecuted for violating the Election Code. This could result in jail time of two years and/or a $2500 fine. 

Martin is also recommending that elections officials have better warnings at drop boxes and that they reduce the hours of operation. 

Martin's position on drop boxes is supported by his counterpart in Northampton County, District Attorney Terry Houck. "If there is a complaint or suspicion of voter fraud, it must be investigated," he states. He adds, however, that proving that a violation occurred would be very difficult based solely on video.  "If there is evidence of criminal conduct, I will be all over it," he says, but warns against injecting politics into prosecutorial decisions.

The standard of proof in a criminal case is beyond a reasonable doubt. 

The District Attorney;s Office traditionally gets involved in allegations of criminality in elections when there is a referral from the elections board. In the past, Martin has prosecuted an election judge who altered ballots and Houck has prosecuted a candidate over nomination petitions.  

(Updated 6;36 am)

Steve Lynch For NorCo GOP Chair

Steve Lynch has blocked me from his Facebook page, but thanks to a friend, I was able to take a deep dive down his rabbit hole yesterday. As of 10 pm, he had already posted three Facebook live videos. All of them were shot while he's driving. But yesterday was a big day for him. You see, he was on his way to the a Northampton County Republican Committee meeting, where he's running to become Chair. And I sincerely hope he gets it. He's worked hard for it, and I think his position as party boss would have a big impact on county Republicans. 

Among the things I learned from him yesterday are the following: (1) the vaccine is a poison. (2) The federal government is spraying something in the sky, so there's no such thing as climate change. (3) Democrats believe in infanticide. "They believe in murdering children." (4) The pandemic was planned by the government so it can control us. It was a medical scam. The evidence is there and you're an idiot if you don't accept this as gospel. (5) Pa-7 Congressional candidate Kevin Dellicker is a liar. (6) Mail-in voting is unconstitutional, and he will fix the system as party chair. (7) The Democratic party is progressive Communists (8) Facebook is interfering with his live videos and making him sound like Robocop. (9)  The January 6 attempted coup at the capitol was staged, a "plansurrection." "You're a fool if you still want to hold on to your jaded view of what really took place. A desperate fool."

He's got quite a following. One of them is fired Gracedale employee Stacy Soldo, who would like to hang me by my balls for some reason. 

After spending most of the day listening to his videos, followed by a shower, my conclusion is that Lynch is just the man to lead county Republicans for the foreseeable future.   

You Can Be a Hypermiler, Too!

Steve Thode has been the Lehigh Valley's COVID-19 analyst for this blog. He kept track of the data, and his only commentary related to the quality of the data being provided by the state. He did a far better job than I saw at any news source. That's no surprise. I intend no insult to reporters, but Steve is by training a numbers cruncher. He takes that same analytic approach to driving as well. 

For as long as they've existed, Americans have had a love affair with their cars. So yesterday, when I suggested that we should make an effort to stay out of them one day a week to reduce demand for fuel, I got a lot of negative feedback.  Steve, however, sent me his own tips on fuel economy, and I thougfht I'd share them with you.   

Now you are in my wheelhouse. More than one person besides my wife accuses me of being a "hypermiler" - someone who tries to squeeze as many miles out of a gallon of gas as possible. I drive a mid-sized hybrid SUV that weighs more than 5,000 pounds with two adult occupants. Overall, I'm getting about 36 MPG by following a few simple rules. You can check it out here:

https://www.fuelly.com/car/lexus/rx450h/2021/docrock/1067838

Here are some tips for improving fuel economy:

1) Slow Down!

Judging from our many highway trips to visit family in Virginia, Harrisburg and Delaware, it would appear that most drivers in this region of the country are QAnon global warming deniers. Although the posted speed limits on limited-access highways are generally 55 MPH most places (some Interstates like I-78 are 65 MPH for some, but not all, stretches; the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike is posted at 70 MPH), drivers speeding at well over the posted limit are the rule rather than the exception. Driving at a high speed severely reduces fuel economy. Driving at a constant 55 MPH will yield an MPG 15-25% higher than driving 65 or 75. Sadly, in PA (thanks to our enlightened elected representatives) speeding tickets are seldom issued to a driver unless they are driving at more than 10 MPH over the posted limit - even in construction zones. That's why drivers on 22 can happily zip along at 65 MPH with no fear of a citation;

2) Combine Trips

Short trips are a real killer for mileage since it takes time for the engine to reach operating temperature. Make a list of errands you will run during a given week and combine as many you can into one or two trips. Also, run errands when traffic is likely to be lighter;

3) Don't Race From Stoplight to Stoplight

Zooming from stoplight (or stop sign) to the next reduces fuel economy and is harder on your brakes. If you are approaching a stoplight or stop sign, let up on the gas and coast until it is necessary to apply the brakes. In many cases, that red light will have turned green by the time you get to it;

4) Accelerate Appropriately

If you are merging onto a heavily traveled highway, of course you want to accelerate to the speed limit as soon as possible. However, when highway traffic is light, or on city streets, accelerate more gradually. If you can keep the engine from revving above 2,000 RPMs, your mileage will be much better;

5) Get Rid of Excess Weight

Not talking about going on a diet, although that will help a little. Empty unnecessary stuff from your trunk and back seats;

6) Make Sure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated

There is a sticker on the driver's door frame that indicates the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. Make sure your tires are inflated to that pressure. Underinflated tires reduce mileage and will cause premature wear of your tires;

7) Avoid Aggressive Driving

Don't be a dick. Weaving in and out of lanes to get a car or two ahead and tailgating lower fuel economy significantly. And, are the cause of many accidents. Chill out and you are much more likely to get to your destination in one piece. With better MPG!

Steve

Footnote:

You and I well remember the oil embargo of 1973-74 and the resulting long lines at gas stations. We also remember Congress passing the "Double-Nickel" law lowering the posted speed limit on all Interstates to 55 MPH. That went into effect in March 1974.

Here's my story. I arrived at my permanent duty station (Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson) shortly before Christmas 1973. After in-processing, I was told to report for training the Monday after Christmas. That gave me a week to spend with my parents in Las Cruces, NM, and without taking leave!

Davis-Monthan to my parents' house was about 280 miles - practically all of it on I-10. I had a small car at the time, but it also had a small gas tank (about 12 gallons). Driving at my customary 65-70 MPH, I got around 20-22 MPG.

That was a problem since I would not be able to make it all the way back to Tucson on a single tank of gas. And, I would be driving back on a Sunday when (due to the embargo) virtually all gas stations were closed. So, I purchased a 2.5 gallon gas can, and filled my car's tank and the gas can on the Saturday before I was leaving. I also made the painful decision to keep my speed at 55 MPH even though the "Double Nickel" was not yet the law.

Painful because that 280 mile stretch of I-10 is mainly straight, level and desolate. There are only five towns between Las Cruces and Tucson (Deming and Lordsburg, NM; and, Bowie, Willcox and Benson, AZ). It's a really boring drive at 65 or 70. Really, really boring at 55.

However, I soldiered on at 55 MPH the entire way. Much to my surprise, I arrived back at Davis-Monthan with almost a quarter of a tank of gas remaining. And, the 2.5 gallon gas can still full. I figure I got about 28 MPG.

I've never forgotten that trip, or, how much better my mileage was at 55 instead of 65 or 70. 

How to Reduce Gas Prices

Pennsylvania already has the highest gas tax in the nation. This is regressive as it hits those with low incomes much harder than the more affluent. As bad as that has been, prices at the pump have skyrocketed since Biden assumed office. The Ukraine war has made things worse. Republican pundits finger Biden.  Democratic pundits blame Putin. I blame us. We're the ones who insist on driving everywhere, even if it's three feet away. I am amazed by the daily line of cars waiting on Rte 191 every morning, guzzling gas and spewing carbon while waiting for an injection of caffeine and fat. I listened politely a few months ago when one of these patrons, who works at the courthouse, complained. I think he blamed that on Biden, too. Wonder how he'd feel if he was spending his nights underground, like many Ukranians.  

Face it, we're a nation full of entitled, selfish people. Our so-called leaders, whom we incidentally elect, are clowns. I voted yesterday, but it was pretty much a blank ballot. Ironically, in Ukraine, the clown (a former comedian) has turned out to be a leader who shames everyone. 

Here's what I'd suggest. Americans should be asked to forego driving, except for essential business, one day a week. If you have to commute to get to work, fine. If you need to see a doctor, fine. If you want to attend church, fine. This would be strictly voluntary. We could easily reduce our reliance on foreign and even domestic oil by periodically walking, taking a bus, riding an ebike. 

Suggestions? 

If we reduce demand, prices will drop. 

UPDATED: Early Voting Has Begun

If you are leery of a mail-in ballot but have no desire to stand in a line at your precinct, there's a third option - early voting. It began in Northampton County on Monday. In Lehigh County, it starts May 2. I decided to try this option yesterday. You simply go to your elections office and tell them you want to vote. I was told that I'm either the fifth or sixth person to have voted so far. 

While I was there, Acting Registrar Amy Hess tried to get away, but I cornered her. She told me that the ballots just arrived from the printer on Thursday, thanks to several state lawsuits concerning redistricting that had to be resolved. Mail-in ballots are going out this week. This means you'll have very little time to fill them out and mail them in.

I've come to the conclusion that drop boxes are usually overkill. But given the delay in getting ballots from the printer, they are probably a good idea in this election. Drop box locations are as follows:

Northampton County: 

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

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

When dropping off a ballot, voters can park for free in the loading-and-unloading zone on Washington Street in front of the courthouse or use the new parking lot at the intersection of Wolf Avenue and Washington Street.

 

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 

Lehigh County: 

• District#1

Whitehall Township Municipal Building

• 3219 MacArthur Road, Whitehall, PA 18052
• 610-437-5524
• M-F 8:00AM- 4:00PM

• 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
o County Government Center
o 17 South 7th Street, Allentown, PA 18101
o 610 782-3194
o 24/7 at the Lehigh County Voter Registration Office

• District #5

Macungie Borough Building

• 21 Locust Street, Macungie, PA 18062
• 610-966-2503
• M-F 8AM-4PM

You can only drop off your own ballot. 

UPDATED 11 AM: In the original version of this story, I posted incorrect locations for Lehigh County drop boxes. I apologize for my error. 

A Tale of Two Housing Authorities

Last summer, several residents complained to Northampton County Council about conditions at the Oliver Border House in Nazareth. That's a four story building with 75 1-BR apartments for persons who are over 62 yo or who are disabled. It's in a quiet corner of a quiet borough, just a stone's throw from Holy Family Church. There's a bus stop right outside the door. There's even a cemetery right across the street so that when the end comes, you don't have far to go. But there's a problem. Northampton County does have a housing authority, but it is an independent agency. Moreover, the home was being managed by the Lehigh County Housing Authority (LCHA).   

In 2014, Northampton County Housing Authority (NCHA) ceded management of its senior housing program to its counterpart in Lehigh County as a result of federal cuts. Its unclear why these federal cuts had no impact on Lehigh's operation.  Northampton County Housing Authority would continue to exist, but Lehigh would run the show. 

In response to these complaints, Northampton County Council invited LCHA to respond to resident accusations of mismanagement. Executive Lamont McClure also stated that it was time to reassert control over its public housing. 

LCHA apparently considers itself above criticism. Executive Director Christina Feiertag did respond to Northampton County Council, but refused to appear in person. In a letter, she reminded everyone that NCHA was under severe financial pressure and had solicited proposals from other housing authorities. Lehigh was selected and resolved NCHA'a fiscal woes. She stated Lehigh is "passionate about its mission and is proud of what it has accomplished."

While claiming it is passionate, LCHA suddenly decided to end its agreement with Northampton, and before Northampton could restore own management. LCHA did so on August 2 with no warning or discussion with anyone in Northampton County. According to NCHA board member Becky Bartlett, this was an indication that the transition would be bumpy. She only received a copy of the termination letter on August 31, and this was after being forced to formally request a copy. 

NCHA was only able to start planning for the transition on September 27, but Lehigh has been uncooperative. Despite HUD's recommendation that someone from Lehigh should serve on the transition committee, Feirtag waited until November 15 to do so. She appointed a Clerk Typist II. 

Despite her so-called passion, Feirtag has refused to cooperate in any way with the transition. 

Frustrated, Bartlett has now resigned from NCHA. She adised NorCo Council of her decision last week. Executive Lamont McClure recommended Scott Parsons to replace her, and he was confirmed by County Council.

In the meantime, the clock is ticking and there soon will be no management at all at Oliver Border House.

So much for passion.    

Wanted: One NorCo Elections Registrar

In response to questions from Council member John Cusick, Executive Lamont McClure acknowledged  that Northampton County has thus far failed to find an elections registrar to fill the slot left vacant by Amy Cozze's resignation.  Chief Deputy Amy Hess has assumed the role of Acting Registrar until the county is able to find a suitable candidate. He added that Hess will administer the May primary.

McClure indicated that he's gone through several rounds of interviews, but wants to be "deliberate" about this appointment. He indicated he's interested in finding someone who has unimpeachable character and who has some tangential relation to elections. "We're finding that to be a bit of a challenge," he admitted. 

Of course, the ideal appointment would be Amy Hess, but she has no interest. 

Perhaps McClure should reconsider an employee who applied from inside the elections office. This person has an associates degree in computer science and several years of experience in the elections office. He also has managerial experience in the private sector. He's also completely nonpartisan.

NorCo Wraps Up Small Business Grant Program

Last night, Northampton County approved the final set of grants to small businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixty Northampton County businesses (you can see them here) were awarded $715,370.25 in grants of up to $15,000. The vote was 8-0, with Council member Ron Heckman absent.

This round of grants marks the end of the small business grant program initiated by Northampton County with money received under both the CARES and American Rescue Plan Acts. Executive Lamont McClure advised Council that, "absent some sea change that I don't foresee," he will ask them to devote remaining federal funds of about $30 million to other projects. This includes a major investment in Gracedale, enhanced 911, and affordable housing projects. 

This small business grant program was administered by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, which kicked in $200,000 of its own funds. All told, the program benefited 1,943 Northampton County businesses with a total of $25,564,931.78. 

Some of these business owners appeared at recent Council meetings to express their appreciation in person.  They also sent emails and letters thanking the County, and McClure read some of them, They called it a "business lifesaver," and a "Godsend,"  Though rarely emotional, McClure was clearly moved by those letters and emails. 

McClure also ticked off how much money was received by businesses in each of the county's 37 municipalities. It went to businesses in blue, purple and red bastions.

McClure also expressed his deep appreciation to Tony Iannelli, the CEO at the Chamber. He credited the Chamber and its staff with making sure that businesses were able to apply. Only 45% of these grants went to Chamber businesses. 

"Lamont took my whole speech," cracked Iannelli. "It was Lamont's idea." He went on to say that the Chamber also provided small grants totaling $250,000 before Northampton County got involved.  

"You made a lot of people happy and saved a lot of families and businesses." 

NorCo Council Oblivious to Low Wages Paid to Workforce

A few weeks ago, Court Administrator Jermaine Greene asked Northampton County Council to approve the creation of a few PT youth care workers at the Juvenile Justice Center in the hope he could get some help. But as he himself acknowledged, the real problem there is the low starting salary. 

Last night, County Council's Personnel Committee was asked to approve the elimination of some PT clerks and the creation of a clerk's position with a starting salary at a whopping $14.34 an hour. The full Council will vote on this proposal tonight. 

At a time when you can make more money flipping burgers, it's ridiculous to expect people to work for this pittance. 

County Council adopted a responsible contractor ordinance to ensure that the trades unions have good paying jobs. It insists on living wages at all projects built with county dollars. Its own Clerk is making over $100,000 a  year. In her state senate bid, Council member Tara Zrinski is calling for both a $15 minimum wage and no co-pay health insurance. 

What these politicians preach and what they practice are two different things.    

Executive Lamont McClure wants to spend $15 million at Gracedale to beef up the salaries there after repeatedly insisting that the low wages paid are not part of the problem. That money should be used to beef up the wages everywhere. 

Lincoln in Paradise

If there is such a thing as Paradise, Abraham Lincoln is no doubt one of its inhabitants. I can also say with certainty that, during his lifetime, the poet president paid a visit.

It was 1861, and Lincoln was on his way from Illinois to the nation's capitol for his inauguration. Along the way, there had been credible threats that rebel sympathizers would assassinate him in Baltimore. His train nevertheless made numerous stops in Pennsylvania at major cities like Philly and Harrisburg. He also stopped at places like Downingtown and Haverford College so that his train could take on water. 

One of these four-minute water stops was in Paradise. He may have received only a plurality of votes, but he was quite popular in the Keystone State. A throng of well-wishers was waiting. 

Lincoln came to the rear platform and told the crowd he was too unwell to give a speech, but thought he'd come out so the people could see him and he could see them. He said he "had the best of the bargain." 

The crowd laughed and called for his wife. She came out and Lincoln said that here was the "long and short of it. He's 6'4", she's 5'3".

In Philly, Lincoln spoke of the principle of liberty, embodied in the Declaration of Independence signed at the hall from which he spoke. "If this country cannot be saved without giving up that principle - I was about to say I would rather be assassinated on this spot than to surrender it." 

Lincoln constantly appealed to what he called the "better angels of our nature." In contrast, many of today's politicians play on our fears and prejudices. 

(Source: The Lincoln Trail in Pa, Bradley R Hoch)

McClure Considering a NorCo Health Department

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure's State of the County address, delivered Monday at PBS-39, was hosted by Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC) and the Workforce Board. You can view his short address at LVEDC's Facebook page. 

McClure first discussed his administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has afflicted 79,000 people in NorCo over the past two years. The county, which has no health department, set up a drive-thru testing clinic in Bethlehem Tp. When vaccines became available, they were offered as well.  It also closed both nursing home and jail to visitors and volunteers. 

He complimented the staff at Gracedale and the jail for following state and CDC  guidelines. He glossed over the vaccine hesitancy at both places, which led to numerous terminations at the nursing home. He indicated that both facilities are slowly resuming visitations and treatment programs.

Along with COVID, McClure noted there's been a sure in drug overdoses. He said there's been a 4.54% increase in opioid deaths across the state over the past year, He indicated that much of this is the result of the introduction of fentanyl, which he claimed is 80-100 times more powerful than heroin. This is often mixed in with other drugs, which has led to a dramatic increase in overdose deaths, In the county, overdose deaths have increased from 33 in 2014 to 84 last year,

He noted that NorCo has received $11 million in a settlement of litigation against pharmaceutical companies.  That money will be earmarked to raise awareness of opioid addiction and increase services to those in recovery. This includes $300,000 in scholarship funds for newly sober individuals. 

McClure indicated the County is also considering the establishment of a health bureau. He noted that these departments do far more than battle COVID, There are other infectious diseases, like HIV and tuberculosis. They also educate the public on health issues like heart disease and diabetes. 

He indicated that a health department would serve rural communities just as much as it does the inner cities, He failed to state how. 

After introducing a possible health department, McClure note that the county provided $2.8 million to 63 first responder organizations over the past year to help them keep the public safe. This was part of the money the county received from the federal government. 

Despite the ravages of inflation, McClure insists that the county is attracting business. Over the past five years, $1.6 billion has been invested in 75 projects. This has led to 9,000 jobs created or retained. 

This business expansion has resulted in farmland disappearance, along with increased traffic and home prices.. McClure said that the county, combined with state and municipal contributions, has invested $51 million in open space projects since 1993. The county is on the cusp of preserving its 250th farm and is nearing 20,000 acres preserved. 

Since 2018, the county has purchased three new parks and has purchased land to link trails. 

McClure also discussed the importance of small businesses, which was hit hard by Governor Tom Wolf's lockdown. The county has this far provided $25 million in grants from federal relief funds to nearly 1,900 small business.

This year, the County plans to spend $15 million in federal relief funds at Gracedale, where there has been an employee drain thanks to low salaries. He indicated the biggest problem there is finding employees.

McClure Delivers State of (Northampton) County

Northampton County Exec Lamont McClure delivered his annual State of the County address yesterday at PBS-TV39. It will be available on the county's YouTube channel sometime today. I will link to it when it becomes available, and give you my own take. The county, like the country, is in bad shape. What he's really addressing is the state of county government. 

Steve Lynch Running For GOP State Committee and County Chair

Failed NorCo Exec candidate Steve Lynch has blocked me from viewing his Facebook rants, but there are several people who keep me posted about his constant attention grabbing.  He's now running both for the GOP State Committee and county party chair. 

He's slamming current party boss Gloria "General Lee" Snover even more than I have. I guess it's her fault that his one and only campaign mailer arrived the day after the election. I thought he was suing the Post Office for his failure, but it appears that no lawyer is willing to take the case. 

Tonight he's conducting a "BIG" meeting at the Nazareth Diner to lay out his strategy to get elected to head the county GOP. 

All Democrats should send him some money to ensure his election as party boss. 

It will be the last time a Republican is elected in NorCo, even in a year that should be shitty for Democrats. 

I hate to break it to you "Patriots," but it is thanks to people like you that Democrats will also win the open US Senate seat and Governorship 

Welfare Checks With the Angel of Death

As I mentioned in my first post today, there are two people who always invite me to hook up with them on holidays. One is Ron Angle. He can be scary to some, but is a pussycat next to the person I visited on Easter. He's none other than the Angel of Death, Malakh ha-Mavet, aka Mar Mavet, aka Malach Ahzari, the most dreaded of all numinous beings.  

Malakh has refrained from reaping me solely because of my prowess as a Hearts player. I was supposed to have been put out of my misery five years ago, but he likes a good game of cards. So I'm on borrowed time. 

I actually accompanied Malakh on Sunday afternoon for a few of what he called welfare checks. As we tooled along in his Chevy Blazer, I wondered why someone with his seniority had to work on Easter Sunday. 

"No rest for the weary," he replied. With Covid and Ukraine, he's been real busy. I understand he's paid less than $15 an hour, too. I urged him to go on strike, or consider a transfer to being God's messenger. Something a little less stressful. But he won't hear of it.

Now he may be able to walk through walls and doors, but he was very civilized on Easter. He used the doorbell. 

"Can you play Hearts?" was the sole question he asked each person who answered. 

Unfortunately for the people we visited, no one could play Hearts. Now they have an eternity to learn. He did give an extension to a Spades player. 

When finished with his afternoon run, we returned to his home. Inasmuch as we had no third for Hearts, he insisted on building a great fire, and constantly reminded me I'll soon be able to enjoy that on a more permanent basis. That's when I suggested chess.

I let him win the first two games to pump his ego, then laid the hammer down in the third game, totally destroying him.  This should keep me alive a few more weeks. In fact, he was so happy he gave me a rocking chair. 

I now have two rocking chairs so I'll never be off my rocker.