Barron, Angle & Ferraro Shine in Debate at the Slate

Nearly fifty people braved cold and wet weather last night for what is fast becoming the Lehigh Valley's most widely informative and entertaining debate for political hopefuls. You see, no one watches TV in the slate belt. They instead spend their evenings shooting at each other, going to meetings and talking politics. So the Pen Argyl Area Concerned Citizens decided a few years ago to just invite the candidates up for a night of give and take. And the result has been a smashing success, not just for the candidates, but for the rest of us as well.

The format is terrific. Each candidate makes a brief opening statement. After that, a three member panel poses tough questions, followed by even tougher inquiries from the public. After we all have our say, candidates cross-examine each other.

Several luminaries attended the festivities, including fellow bloggers Chris Casey, WindGapper & RadRalph. And although he started his day with a 7:30 AM speech, Northampton County Exec John Stoffa was there, too, giving me dirty looks. Maybe his wife is mad at him and he was afraid to go home.

Let me give you the play by play.

County Controller candidates: Steve Barron (D) v. John Schimmel (R). - Barron Pulls an Upset.

When I first told you about last night's debate, I told you the main event would be Ron Angle, who even wore a suit. But the biggest surprise is relative newcomer Steve Barron, who did so well against twelve year controller John Schimmel. I didn't see that one coming. I don't think Steve did either. I shook hands with him before the debate, and he was very nervous. He needn't have been.

Bethlehemite Barron was in Schimmel country last night. Schimmel has lived in the slate belt for thirty-eight years, and noted this almost as soon as he started speaking. But by the time the dust had settled, Barron had won the crowd.

Although not a public accountant like Schimmel, Barron is certainly qualified. He currently manages 28-32 employees and a $100 million budget. And while attending law school, he performed audits for the state of Delaware. But what impressed most was Barron's insistence that the controller job be full-time. "You cannot manage a $340 million budget if you do it part-time." Asked how he could survive on a $39,000 salary, Barron claimed that would actually be a payraise for him. Schimmel smirked, and people noticed. At first, Schimmel claimed his office was only 0.8 miles from the courthouse, but by the end of the evening, he said he'd commit himself full-time if the county charter is changed.

Schimmel was very defensive about the embezzlement that Northampton County suffered last year, mentioning it several times, even though Barron himself did not make it an issue. Schimmel even tried blaming county council audit requests. "It tied us up quite a bit," and then started questioning Barron's auditing experience before he was permitted to question him.

One thing bothers me about Barron, and that's his close ties to many of the Democrats on council. Would he let them use him as a political tool? Amazingly, someone asked Barron about that, and he responded very convincingly. He claimed his best friend is actually a Republican, but would stop being his best friend if he stole from the county. He also made clear that he has no role to play in county policy. "This office cannot be political."

Barron's final point pretty much says it all. "Look at what experience has gotten you. It's got offices that have gone unaudited for decades."

Plainfield Township Supervisor candidates: Randy Heard (D) v. Glenn Borger (R). Heard Wins Because He's a Dentist.

These guys should flip a coin or something. Pretty much all I heard was "I agree with Randy" and "I agree with Glenn." There were no discernible differences. But Heard is a dentist and they scare the shit out of me, so I'll call him the winner. Actually, Heard has a keen interest in local government and has been attending meetings for years. They were both likable and both would benefit Plainfield Township.

County Council at large candidates: Peg Ferraro (R) v. Tony Branco (D). Ferraro Wins.

Peg has thirty years of government service, and twelve of them have been on Northampton County Council. She's won some races and has lost a few, too. That prompted a question about why she would want to do it again, especially since she'll have to run again in two years.

"It's a genetic defect," she answered. After we stopped laughing, she explained that she grew up with it and enjoys it.

Her biggest concern is our out of control prison population. And last night, she embraced Stoffa's proposal that we start adopting programs for inmates that combat recidivism. She also spoke favorably about the very controversial bicounty health bureau, giving it some cautious support.

That's not the Peg I know. In years past, she has always been reluctant to take positions until absolutely necessary. But she's become very relaxed and really opened up last night. I liked what I saw.

Like Peg, Tony Branco is very personable and charming. And he sounded more like a councilman last night than he has on council. But Tony is also one of the council members who strangely rejected a routine Stoffa request to rebid a county contract. He was concerned that doing so would penalize a bidder who did everything right. But he forgets his allegiance is to taxpayers, not county vendors. Stoffa ultimately ignored council and rebid the contract, saving taxpayers $1.8 million over the amount that was originally bid by that same vendor. Branco had no explanation for his actions last night, or for his refusal to listen to the advice given by council's own lawyer.

County Council District 4 candidates: Ron Angle (R) v. John Maher (D)

Let me tell you the difference between these two guys. Ron Angle started things off by noting, "I see a few ringers in the crowd." And there were, too! He stood up, brash as ever, and flatly told the crowd, "This race isn't about me. It isn't about the guy next to me. It's about good government. We have an exec who believes in good government, so I'll support him. It doesn't matter if he's in my party." By contrast, Maher read from a script in which he at one point called Angle an "antagonistic life long politician." At this, Angle smiled and shrugged.

After slamming Angle, Maher proceeded to claim that he's from the "corporate culture" and is one of those "consensus builders" who believes that the majority should decide and that government must be conducted openly.

I asked Maher to reconcile that claim with his participation in the local party machine. Twenty Democratic committeemen, mostly from Bethlehem, chose him as the slate belt endorsed candidate in some dark Nazareth bar. All he could say was that he went to the party. At another point, he claimed he's "come up through the ranks of the party system." He even said the party should "close ranks." He's clearly a machine pol.

Maher, relying on his experience in the "corporate culture," even tried to defend council's goofy decision to try and award a bid to a high bidder. I believe Maher should continue his experience in the corporate world and leave governing to officials who will look out for the taxpayers.

Angle, by contrast, claimed it is time for the county to get back to the basics - courts and prisons, row offices and human services. He pointed out that, when he was first elected to county council eight years ago, Northampton County was a corrupt government. Two people ended up in jail. He admitted he can be divisive, but also pointed out, "I know the difference between right and wrong. Four people want to go back to the wrong, and he [Maher] wants to join them."

(Photos courtesy of Wind Gapper)

Update: The Morning Call has a well-written report of last night's debate.

LANTA's Employees Report Trouble at the Top

Yesterday, I told you a group of LANTA workers has emailed me. They assure me "there are many good people working for the Authority, hundreds of employees – bus drivers, bus mechanics, customer service agents, accountants, dispatchers, supervisors, and service technicians that work tirelessly day in and day out to ensure some quality of service for those who rely on LANTA every day. However, LANTA riders and employees, as well as taxpayers of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties deserve new leadership at LANTA."

They detail the following problems.

1) In LANTA’s fiscal year 2006-2007, LANTA’s maintenance department submitted an inventory $45,000 short of expected accounting figures. After a few weeks of recounting it was determined that there were in fact many missing parts, but perhaps not to the extent of $45,000. Fearful of board action, maintenance wrote the difference off and dropped the issue as being “close enough.”

2) At the end of each month for LANTA’s Metro Plus service, the agency collects trip counts and bills the appropriate agencies – including the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be reimbursed for trips provided. LANTA has not submitted bills to any agency since July 31, 2007 (currently LANTA is three full months behind). Furthermore the bills that were sent to agencies in July (agencies were sent bills for the months of March, April, May and June all at the same time) were only estimates and not accurate. When the Governor Ed Rendell’s office threatened to not pay LANTA for trips provided if bills were not received by July 31, 2007 – LANTA simply estimated how much they were owed and billed accordingly.

3) LANTA’s Accounting Department has virtually no inventory of any computer equipment, furniture, or office equipment aside from vehicles and parts used to repair buses. The inventory is extremely outdated and very inaccurate, and many new purchases are not submitted to the department to be added to inventory. This has resulted in huge amounts of fraud and pilfering of material.

4) LANTA has suffered multiple major network failures, including data loss. The most severe occurred over the summer when LANTA’s database, including the social security numbers and other private and privileged information, was exposed to the public. To date LANTA has refused to publicly acknowledge this security breach, much less provide credit monitoring services for those affected.

5) Carbon County contracts LANTA to provide transportation services – both fixed route and door-to-door service within the county each year. With the new funding package approved by the General Assembly this past July, the majority of agencies received additional funding to improve their services based on past performance. Carbon County was the only transportation system to not receive any additional funds. With Carbon under LANTA management, LANTA failed to secure additional funding for Carbon County while every other transit agency did.

Bethlehem Voters Have Tough Choice in Controller Race

Republican Meg Holland (CPA/ABV, CVA, CIA) is opposing David DiGiacinto (DEM) in Bethlehem's controller race. Holland is clearly the more qualified candidate, and her daughter made a nice pitch for her here.

But is she independent?

As a Republican, you'd think she'd be the ideal person to look over the books in Bethlehem, whose Mayor and council are Democratic. But since Holland has the quiet support of Mayor Callahan, some suggest she is actually be less independent than Democrat DiGiacinto.

Today's Morning Call reports that Bethlehem has been dipping into its escrow account over the last three years to cover expenses. Is this a good financial practice? Yesterday, I tried contacting both candidates. Unfortunately, I only was able to reach Meg Holland, and was surprised to learn that she was conducting a press conference about that issue later in the day. Here's what she has to say about dipping into an account with funds earmarked for specific projects.

[T]he city’s actual operations in 2006 required additional cash which the city borrowed from various funds at year end and repaid the funds in March 2007. The liability was properly recorded on the balance sheet at year end. The Auditor/CPA at the finance committee meeting stated she audits four other municipalities and they all have borrowed from other funds to cover short falls.

Holland is not so disturbed about borrowing money from an escrow account. But before you conclude she's just a Callahan rubber stamp, she also stated there are two areas that need investigation: 1. Departmental Earnings – revenue was over $447,000 less than anticipated.
2. General Expenses – expenses were more than $476,000 than anticipated.

I also compared the accrual based financials to the budgeted financials and I noted that departmental earnings reported on the accrual basis were over $2 million dollars higher than the cash basis budgeted financials.

I learned through my conversation with the Business Department of the city, that the major variance in departmental earnings is due to the fact that the city’s ambulance receipts collection are delayed. The billing and collections of ambulance services are performed by St. Luke's Hospital for the city. According to my inquiries the receipt delay is primarily due to claim processing problems. As the Controller, I would perform an operational audit of the entire process in order to expedite receipt of the over $2 million in ambulance fees.

The actual general expenses were in excess of the budgeted by $476,000 and is due to delay in medical reimbursements. Apparently even though the city has catastrophic insurance, the city must first pay all medical expenses and then the claim administrator files for reimbursement from the insurance company for the city for all medical expense payments made in excess of $100,000. I was told that the reimbursement checks were finally received by the city in 2007 for 2006. As Controller I would perform an operational audit of the insurance contract and claims processing to determine any inefficiencies.

Lastly, the second management comment is regarding the fact that all purchases are not acquired with approved purchase orders. This management comment has appeared on the city’s audited financial statements for several years because Wally DeCrosta (former Controller) wanted the purchase orders to match the invoices exactly. Therefore, purchase orders were not recorded in the accounting system until invoices were received. Approved purchases orders should absolutely be required and recorded in the system before any purchase is made, by any city employee. This control is to make sure that a purchase by city employees has been approved, budgeted and is necessary. By not requiring this, purchases can occur for purposes not for the city and in excess of budgeted amounts. I would first notify all city vendors that they cannot except an order without an approved purchase order and any invoices received which did not have authorized purchase orders will not be paid. Then I would obtain a listing of past paid invoices for the last five years on these accounts and investigate them for fraudulent activity.

Now, if you can understand what the hell she said, you're better than me. Clearly, she's in another league. And obviously, she's independent. Mayor Callahan surely didn't write that for her. She'd be an asset to Bethlehem.

Allentown Spinmeisters: All is Well. Really!

Spin:

There are some neat businesses downtown that aren't hurting, and they don't necessarily cater to the elitist. How about the pizza place across the street from the community college? Great pizza, great sandwiches, always busy? Mish Mash seems to be surviving. Freeman's endures. Spooner's is great. The Loop did a great business until its owner stopped paying his bills. Solomon's is still worth the visit.

What do these businesses have in common? They work at it. They don't whine. And people come to them.

Truth:

I interviewed the shop owner-manager [at the pizza shop] and they are hurting.

Today, upon noticing the meeting flyer [at Mish Mash], I inquired as to her opinion. She, as all merchants have been severely impacted by these bus stop changes. Bus riders, the working poor, conducted their shopping on Hamilton Street; not only are the merchants losing their customer base, the passengers have lost their shopping choices.

While spinmeisters pretend all is well except for a few crybabies, Allentown blogger Michael Molovinsky reports that Allentown and/or LANTA officials have removed the covered bus stops just off of Hamilton St., on both north and south 8th St.

Hamilton Street Merchants and Riders Have Unlikely Ally - Transit Workers

On Tuesday, I emailed Armando Greco, executive director at LANTA. I'm concerned about his bus company's role in the shabby treatment of Allentown's Hamilton Street riders and merchants. I'm still waiting for Armando's reply.

But I've received another email that's much better. A group of LANTA employees has sided with Hamilton Street merchants and bus passengers. These transit workers are actually "happy to see that people have come together to stand up to LANTA and its administration."

But these workers also report some very specific, and serious, concerns about the "ethics of the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority." I'll tell you about that on Friday.

Why I'll Vote to Retain Bonnie Leadbetter on the Commonwealth Court

In November, voters will decide whether to retain three of the Commonwealth Court's judges - Bonnie B. Leadbetter, Bernard L. McGinley and Doris A Smith-Ribner. Not surprisingly, the rubber stamps at the Pennsylvania Bar has recommended all three for retention. Today's post focuses on President Judge Bonnie Leadbetter, who is probably the Commonwealth Court's most brilliant member.

What is the Commonwealth Court?

The Commonwealth Court, created in 1970, is one of Pennsylvania's two appellate level courts. It was designed to take some of the workload from the state superior court. It includes nine judges, paid $165,342 annually. President Judge Bonnie Leadbetter, elected to a five-year term in December, is paid $170,442. She and her fellow jurists hear appeals from the final orders of state agencies and even serve as a trial court for suits against state officials. This is the court that decides Sunshine Act and open records appeals, and that reviews driver suspensions and zoning matters.

Who is Bonnie Leadbetter?

When she attended law school at the University of Pittsburgh, she was the law review's managing editor. She has been married to Gary Leadbetter, a Montgomery County attorney, for thirty-six years. They have two daughters and three grandchildren.

Fresh out of law school, she worked for five years in the demanding trial world of a Philly prosecutor. From there, she spent another five years in the even more exacting federal arena as an Assistant US Attorney. After that, she gained experience in private practice as a civil litigator. She was appointed to the Commonwealth Court in 1996, and elected the following year.
Technically a Republican, it's really hard to read a political philosophy from her opinions. I personally dealt with Judge Leadbetter during some pro se litigation against the county. She treated me with the same respect and courtesy she showed to county lawyers. Moreover, she was obviously very familiar with the pleadings and positions on both sides. But I could never read her. As she explains, "A judge should evaluate each case solely on the facts and law applicable to that case, without regard to partisan politics, personal or professional friendships or whether a decision will be popular or unpopular."

Leadbetter can't be pegged

Leadbetter has published 336 written opinions online, which easily sets her apart as a judge who works.

She is the judge who, in a minority opinion, concluded that Easton should be able to fire an water treatment plan worker who was billing both Easton and another employer for work performed at the same time and on the same day. "Averring entitlement to two salaries for working in two places at the same time is dishonesty directed to both employers , and I believe either or both can fire him for willful misconduct."

From the Easton decision, you might get the impression that she's tough on public employees. But she ruled in favor of a Bethlehem police officer who claimed a disability pension as a result of mental stress suffered on the job. She even ruled in favor of a Lehigh County corrections officer accused of having a sexual tryst with a prison inmate.

The reason for these different rulings is because she really does "evaluate each case solely on the facts and law applicable to that case."

Leadbetter's most controversial decision is her judicial abolishment of "common law marriage" in Pennsylvania. Insurance companies and pension fund administrators were having a difficult time deciding who was and wasn't a common law spouse. But Leadbetter's ruling is actually based in this common law principle, first stated by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. - "The life of the law has not been logic: it has been experience." The reasons for common law marriage -- potential unavailability of a preacher and female dependence on men -- simply no longer exist.

Conclusion

On her web site, Leadbetter makes one request. She asks voters to judge her "on what I have done and not on what others may have done." I'll be voting to retain her.

Impoverished Bethlehem Blogger Selling a Guitar

Fellow blogger AJ Cordi is a struggling teacher in training. He's selling a nifty-looking black Gibson Sebring SB-10 Electric Guitar, and has all the details on his blog.

Allentown's Gentrification Plan Takes Away Both Buses and Parking

When I told you about the discriminatory gentrification going on in Allentown yesterday, I mentioned that the bus routing changes along Hamilton are actually the third strike against Hamilton's struggling, minority-owned businesses.

First, parking meter rates were doubled in 2005. Second, a public parking lot near these businesses was made exclusive to Allentown Brew Works' [ABW] patrons. Now that buses don't stop between 7th and 10th, that section of Hamilton Street has become empty. Only a few can park there, and pedestrian traffic has been eliminated.

My blog provoked this reaction.

I have been to ABW several times. I do not know of any parking lot that is exclusive for this establishment, aside from a tiny lot on the ABW property. There is a large public parking lot across the street; I have used it many times when doing business downtown, there was no indication that this lot is for ABW at all.

Bernie, I really think you need to spend some quality time in Allentown to understand the great things that are happening there.

Late yesterday, I spent some of that quality time in Allentown. I stopped at a business, En Vogue, located right next to this nonexistent parking lot.

Jimmie and Evie, who own and operate En Vogue on 12 South 8th Street, tell me there was a public and metered parking lot for at least thirty cars located next to their shop. That was a convenience to customers shopping at En Vogue and other stores along Hamilton Street.

But after ABW opened, the meters were removed. The lot suddenly became a private lot for ABW management, chefs and VIPs. When Jimmie tried parking there, he was warned his car would be towed unless moved. I took a picture of this lot yesterday around 6 PM. As you can see, the lot is only about one third full. Couldn't ABW share a few spots with the public?

In addition to removing this public parking lot, Allentown also removed two metered parking places in front of ABW along Hamilton Street. You can see a picture of that open space on the right side of this blog.

When all is said and done, about thirty-two public parking places have been removed. This accommodates one publicly funded business in a KOZ at the expenses of thirty-eight hard-working, and mostly minority, merchants.

If this is not discriminatory gentrification, then what is it?

Before leaving Allentown, I also dropped in on Bibi Hazra, who operates the Loco Dollar Store. She has yet to hear a word from anyone in the city or at LANTA. It was the end of the day and she was running her register. Her gross sales yesterday amounted to $250. With a profit margin around 10%, that's not a good day for her.

Pen Argyl Concerned Citizens' Candidates Night This Thursday

The motto of Pen Argyl Area Concerned Citizens? "Democracy is not a spectator support." That group hosted the Lehigh Valley's finest series of debates last year. The're doing it again, and will host a candidates' night on Thursday from 7:00 to 9:30 PM at Pen Argyl Borough Hall (Lookout Fire Hall).

It's a great format. Each candidate is permitted to make a brief opening statement. After that, a three member panel poses challenging questions, followed by inquiries from the public. After we all have our say, candidates are allowed to cross-examine each other.

Here's the fight card.

Plainfield Township Supervisor : Randy Heard & Glenn Borger will tussle over an open seat.

County Controller: Newcomer Stephen Barron & John Schimmel will debate whether the county needs a new set of eyes looking at the books, and a set of eyes that pledges to be there full-time.

County Council at large: Peg Ferraro, an icon in county politics, will face nice guy Tony Branco, who has to defend both a lousy work record on committees as well as a goofy vote that would have cost the county $1.8 million but for a Stoffa veto.

And for the main event, John (I love Joe Long) Maher will face the Beast from the East, Ron Angle, in the battle over County Council Region 4. I'm sure Ron might have one or two questions about the push polling that Maher is having Severson do at, of all places, Angle's own home. I hope Maher brings some extra pampers. He's going to need them.

I will try to get a front row seat. I have a few questions of my own.

Blog Action Day for the Environment on Monday

Blue Coyote tells us about Blog Action Day this coming Monday. Bloggers around the world will unite to discuss our environment. I'll be among them.

ABA: Pa.'s Death Penalty System is Flawed

The American Bar Association this morning released a bleak assessment of Pennsylvania's death penalty. There are "substantial" flaws that put potentially innocent death row inmates at risk for execution.

Despite the best efforts of the many principled and thoughtful actors who play roles in the criminal justice process in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, our research establishes that, at this point in time, Pennsylvania cannot ensure that fairness and accuracy are the hallmark of every case in which the death penalty is sought or imposed. Basic notions of fairness require that all participants in the criminal justice system ensure that the ultimate penalty of death is reserved for only the very worst offenses and defendants.

Bill Hall's Congressional Kick Off This Friday at Easton Circle

Easton's center city circle is where the third reading of the Declaration of Indpendence occurred on July 8, 1776. In our nation's founding document, we make clear that our leaders derive "their just powers from the consent of the governed." Be they English monarchs or party bosses, the few don't decide for the many.

Instead of making decisions in some dark and dank smoke-filled bar like Northampton County Dems did last Spring, Bill Hall will announce his congressional candidacy at the same place where the Declaration of Independence was read - Easton's centre circle. He'll be there on Friday at noon, and the public is welcome. No one has to ask party boss Joe Long for permission. Even bloggers are allowed.

He explained why he's running to Capital Cahir.

Right now, I believe, that the people who run local politics, or federal politics, they don't really represent the people. They go ahead and they pick the candidates they want and they take those candidates and they promote them. They funnel money to them. They get them publicity. And then they endorse them. And I don't think that's right. I think it should be up to the people.

Hamilton Street Merchants Being Thrown Under the Bus

"He's our father. He's the father of our house. He's supposed to take care of us. If he doesn't take care of his children, who can he take care of?"

Those are the words used Friday night by Bibi Hazra, who operates the Loco Dollar Store in downtown Allentown. Her words were directed at Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski. He won't lift a finger to help minority-owned businesses, yet fawns all over chain restaurants. Bibi has been in Allentown the last seven years, and speaks with pride about the nominations her store has received for three years running, as one of the best stores in Allentown.

Bibi is one of many local businesses that are suffering, thanks to the decision to remove bus service along Hamilton Street, between 7th and 10th. About seven of these Hamilton Street businesses made their concerns known last Friday at a meeting of Congregations United for Neighborhood Action (CUNA), conducted at nearby St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Most of these entrepreneurs have been in Allentown for the past fifteen to thirty years. Business losses vary. One sneaker store owner told me his sales had dropped thirty per cent, while the owner of a ladies' wear boutique tells me that losses are at sixty-five percent. Businesses have also been forced to lay people off. Some are looking for second jobs.

LANTA's refusal to stop anywhere between 7th and 10th is actually the third strike against these merchants. First, parking meter rates were doubled in 2005. Second, a public parking lot near these businesses was made exclusive to Allentown Brew Works' patrons. Now that buses don't stop between 7th and 10th, that section of Hamilton Street has become empty. Only a few can park there, and pedestrian traffic has been eliminated.

In addition to these merchants, the LANTA changes have affected elderly riders on fixed incomes, who simply cannot carry the large bags from their many small purchases. BiBi spoke of many of her elderly customers, who will make many small purchases one day every month at her store. Now they can't carry their bags of toothpaste and soap to the bus.

As bad as things are, what is worse is that bus passengers and merchants alike were blind-sided. Many stood at stops waiting for buses that never came. Many of the thirty-eight complaining small businesses knew nothing until benches at bus stops were being removed.

Although no notice of these changes was given to the people most drastically affected, Allentown is telling everyone about its "Dancing in the Streets" celebration this Friday on the 800 block of Hamilton. "We are celebrating to welcome the Allentown Brew Works, PennDOT and all the other new businesses that are in downtown Allentown." Guess what? There will be free parking for everyone after 5 PM.

Whoopee!

German and ethnic foods and booze will be supplied by Allentown Brew Works, Franklin Hill Vineyard, Spooner’s, Zion United Church of Christ and many other Allentown restaurants. But festgoers won't be served any ethnic foods from the House of Chen. Although only a half block away, they were snubbed.

A minority owner of a nearby store started to complain on Friday night, "The rich get richer and the poor -," and then he suddenly stopped mid sentence, as if sadly realizing for the first time that he is now referring to himself.

Mike Schware, Allentown controller candidate, quietly listened to everyone, but eventually had to speak out. "These are viable businesses. These are the people who stuck it out over the tough years and now they're being thrown under the bus."

Pastor Dick Bauman, who facilitated the meeting, noted that "we're experiencing the very opposite of what people are expecting with the rebuilding of Allentown. . . . This is working against the dream of a better community."

The next meeting to discuss what only can be called a discriminatory gentrification will be held on Thursday, October 18, 7 PM, at Faith Baptist Church, 219 N. 12 St.(between Turner and Chew Sts.) City and county council candidates are being invited, and will be asked what they can do to help.

Congrats to the Williams Township Rams!

I spent most of Sunday at Williams Township's "Treetop Stadium," located off Gaffney Hill Road, where the Williams Township Rams hosted Allentown's East Side Huskies at the junior pee wee, pee wee and midget levels. The Rams are having a tough year, but their juniors managed to stun East Side with aggressive hitting on offense and defense.

It was unusually hot, but what a crowd! There must have been several thousand fans, and all of them were sharing the same ten square feet of shade.

The difference in demographic make up between Allentown and Williams Township is very apparent. But on Sunday, everyone was unusually united on both sides of the field. Williams Township residents and East siders talked about their kids and congratulated each other during the day. One of Williams' coaches actually came over to the Huskies' side of the field with cup cakes. When kids would finish their organized game, they managed to find each other and started playing pick up games that seemed a lot more fun than the ones in which refs and coaches were involved.

It was a nice thing to see. Williams Township is teaching its kids about more than sports.

Bill Hall to Challenge Sam Bennett for Democratic Congressional Nod in LV

Most Democrats I speak with are upset at the notion of party bosses deciding primary candidates. It's undemocratic. Yet that's precisely what happens here in the Lehigh Valley. The best example of that is congressional candidate Sam Bennett.

In early February, Northampton County party boss Joe Long was already calling around on her behalf, trying to "clear the field" for a congressional challenge to incumbent Charlie Dent. At the time, LVDem noted, "I have a problem with a county chair making calls to other potential candidates in the hopes of keeping those other candidates out of the primary. It's a primary!"

Bennett has been tagged with two failed mayoral campaigns, a drunken concession speech (preserved on videotape), a lackluster performance at Mayfair, a botched financial disclosure, an excessive salary at her nonprofit, and the embarrassment of losing a $10,000 grant from Lehigh County. Yet party bosses insist on shoving her down our throats. Lehigh County Dem chair Rich Daugherty claims she"articulates issues well." But Bennett goes and proves him wrong by stating, in a video interview, that she's inside the beltway to talk to "special interests."

Upper Mount Bethel Township resident Bill Hall believes the people, and not party bosses, should decide party nominees. He has requested the necessary paperwork from the FEC, and will announce his challenge within the next week.

Hall's political career

Part of the anti-incumbency movement that rose in angry reaction to a midnight legislative payraise in 2005, Bill is one of four Democrats who challenged Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll in 2006. Although a relative unknown among five candidates, Bill still captured 12.41% of the vote, spending only $981 in the process. He actually won in Northampton County.

After doing so well in a statewide race, Bill decided to seek a seat on Northampton County Council this past spring. But that's when he experienced the local Democratic machine. You see, Bossman Joe Long had someone else in mind. Long lectured Hall for 1 1/2 hours that the party had already picked its candidate, and tried to talk him out of running. During this eye-opening session, Long also spent at least fifteen minutes bashing Democratic county exec John Stoffa. Long complained he got Stoffa elected, but that Stoffa was refusing to follow party machine orders.

Over Long's objection, Hall decided to run anyway. He tells me, "The politicians are supposed to serve the people, and the people should be the ones who elect them."

But that's not the way things happen in the People's Republic of Northampton County. At a local party meeting in late March, a handful of just twenty Democratic committeemen, mostly from Bethlehem, endorsed Hall's opponent. They did so over the objections of one of Northampton County's most popular elected officials - state rep. Rich Grucela. After that, Hall was snubbed nearly everywhere he went. At a labor council banquet, Long just ignored him.

Hall lost the primary election 2 to 1.

And now he sees it again. A few are making the decisions for the many. We fought a revolutionary war over that. And that's why Hall is running.

Some biographical information

Bill graduated from Paul Smith College in 1970 with a degree in Applied Science. After graduation, he worked as a journeyman carpenter on numerous commercial construction projects. In 1982, he founded Bayside Builders in Naples, FL. He supervised 100 million dollars in construction projects. He moved to Pennsylvania in 1997, working as a construction supervisor and contractor.

On the personal side, Bill is 57 years old. He and his wife, Marion, have a blended family of six children. He has a keen interest in nature and fully supports the preservation of our environment. His hobbies include hiking, fishing and reading United States History and the biographies of our Presidents. His favorite President is Theodore Roosevelt.

Bill considers himself an average American who has built his career through hard work, intelligence and honesty, as millions of other Americans have done.

Bill's goal in entering politics is to represent the people, not the party machine. He believes we need thorough and honest reform in our government institutions. He feels that integrity, independence and courage should be the qualifications of a candidate; and that party methods should be something more than a means used to reward recruited candidates.

Most importantly, he's not Sam Bennett.

Bennett's Reaction

Whatever she may tell the press, Bennett is spitting nails. From what I'm told, she tongue-lashed and then hung up on another blogger who broke the bad news.

Who'd Have Guessed? Morganelli Claims He's Close

In a goofy push poll that inexplicably fails to include candidate Jim Eisenhower, sleazeball consultant Tom Severson claims Northampton County DA John Morganelli is in a "statistical tie" in the race to become AG Dem nominee. This poll is posted at PoliticsPa.

Morganelli is simply delighted. "Ed Rendell was behind 35% against Bob Casey, Jr. in the 2002 Primary for Governor when he started out and went on to win a landslide. We are neck and neck.”

John is a friend of mine. He's no Ed Rendell.

Bertsch & Warren Embarrassed at Easton Candidates' Forum

Because I was at county council I missed last night's town hall among Easton's city council candidates. At this event, Easton mayoral candidate Gary Bertsch demonstrated pretty clearly that he does not know the local area. Here's what The Morning Call reports:

Bertsch mentioned that, after the forum, he was driving to Palmer Township to hear plans about a proposed 3,000-unit housing development called Kings Mill. [Sal] Panto quickly pointed out the meeting wouldn't be in Palmer.

"Mr. Bertsch, you better go to Forks Township because that's where the meeting is," Panto said.

The question I like best is the one Terrance Hand (Easton Undressed) had for all city council candidates. He wanted to know how many city council meetings each had attended. Candidate Jeff Warren, who could take bubble baths in the money that developers have handed him, had this helpful reply.

Warren said he attended one meeting, but believed the question was too personal.

"I would like to talk about public policy," he said.

"I wasn't trying to be personal," Hand said. "If you are going to run for council with your current schedule, will you be able to make time if elected?"

In the primary, Ken Brown spent 8 cents for each of his votes. Jeff Warren paisd $14.90 per vote.

Dean Browning: Box Seats to Iron Pigs Baseball for Straight A Students

On Monday, I told you about Linda, a courageous single mother who's struggling financially to send her kids to private schools. She does this because Allentown's public schools are themselves a failure. What I liked about that post were the informative comments that came from several former teachers, including Dottie, Aphrodite's daughter and a gentleman (?) who simply refers to himself as retired ASD teacher.

They care.

Lehigh County Commissioner candidate Dean Browning has an idea that might give Allentown schools a much needed boost. Yesterday, he submitted a proposal to the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners today asking them to adopt an innovative plan that would provide an incentive for Lehigh County students to boost their classroom achievement. Browning calls his program the “Lehigh County Straight-A All-Stars.”

“A major plank in my campaign platform is to refocus government’s spending priorities on things that matter most to the residents of Lehigh County. In my conversation with voters, it is clear that they place a very high priority on the education of our county’s children,” said Browning. “My program would reward deserving 7th and 8th graders in Lehigh County who earn straight A’s for the last semester of the school year by giving them two box seat tickets to selected Iron Pigs baseball games starting in 2008.”

Browning estimates the program would cost the County approximately $16,800 per year, and proposes paying for it through eliminating Commissioners' pay increase ($6,000 savings) and transferring $10,800 from the “Other Special Services” line item which serves as a seldom used catchall fund in the Commissioners' portion of Lehigh County’s budget.

“I have been steadfast in my opposition to the Commissioners' decision to increase taxes on local businesses and to use the County’s borrowing capacity to build a $51 million stadium for wealthy team owners. However, the simple fact is that the project was approved and the stadium will soon be completed so we should make the best of it,” said Browning. “I think my Straight-A All-Stars program is a perfect opportunity for the County Commissioners to make lemonade from the lemons they created.”

Browning said he will also seek to partner with Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley where he previously worked as Financial Manager and with Gracie Baseball to incorporate free soft drinks and concessions for the young scholars to enjoy while at the game.

“Encouraging scholastic achievement, helping to draw fans to the Iron Pigs, and spending the County’s money more effectively all in one fell swoop,” said Browning. “It’s a triple play for the people of Lehigh County.”

Next week, I'll tell you about a lengthy and tough interview I had with Browning last week. I disagree with some of his positions. I also have a major problem with one of his PAC contributors. I'll spell that out in detail, with my objection and his response.

Notwithstanding our differences, he is a welcome breath of fresh air in Lehigh County. I wish he could run in both counties.

Bethlehem Controller Candidate David T. DiGiacinto

BethlehemDem has an interesting and well-researched portrait of Bethlehem City Controller candidate David T. DiGiacinto. DiGiacinto is a protege of city council prez J. Michael Schweder. Meg Holland may be getting some quiet support from Mayor John Callahan.

Women Behind Bars in Northampton County

"When I was raped for the first time by my uncle at the age of eleven, my aunt told me to smoke a joint to feel better."

That's the story of one Northampton County female inmate. She never had a chance.

Sadly, she's not alone. Lafayette College's Dr. Bonnie Winfield told Northampton County Council last night that seventy-five per cent of female inmates are themselves the victims of domestic abuse. Eight-five per cent become addicted to drugs.

Contrary to what we commonly think, few programs are available to women behind bars, at least on a county level. As Dr. Winfield explained, most have nothing when they leave. As a volunteer, Dr. Winfield has initiated a women's program, designed to create what she calls "circles of caring" on the outside. She believes efforts like hers might reduce the recidivism rate.

According to county exec Stoffa, the recidivism rate is 69% across the state. This certainly explains, at least in part, why Northampton County's prison population increases by about 100 every six months. But in Pike County, which has initiated programs like those being implemented by Dr. Winfield, recidivism is only 10%.

Northampton County Exec John Stoffa's new budget proposes a building with anti-recidivism programs for low-risk prisoners.

Norco Council Contributes $13,500 For Families Who Lose a Child

John Szabo is a friendly, dedicated and long-time Northampton County employee. He's even nice to me! Active in the union, he attends nearly every county council meeting. But tonight, John approached council on behalf of his son, who passed away eight years ago this month.

John is a leader of The Compassionate Friends, a group that supports families who lose a child. In a quavering voice, he asked council to give his group $13,500 for a memorial garden, where families could go to remember lost loved ones. Bethlehem Township has already donated a portion of a park for this garden, and Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech has agreed to do the planning and construction.

In John's words, "The centerpiece of this garden will be an enlargement of the logo of our organization to a twenty-foot diameter paved area. Surrounding this area will be various walls and planting boxes where the stones could be removed and replaced with ones on which a child's name could be engraved. My dream is that any family who would want their child memorialized here could do so without spending any money: they have paid too great a price already."

Unanimously, council awarded Szabo $13,500.

Allentown's Shame: Gentrification at Expense of Minority-Owned Business

In a report published yesterday by The Morning Call's fearless road warrior, Dan Hartzell, LANTA makes clear it has no intention of restoring eliminated bus stops along Hamilton Street. Board member Steve Schmitt insensitively scoffs at merchants who have lost business. "They wanted something to complain about, basically." Board member-Jenn Mann employee-city council wannabe Pete Schweyer disingenuously claims that business has picked up at the 100 block of Seventh. Finally, Mayor Ed Pawlowski keeps repeating the same "It's not a city issue" mantra his administration has been chanting at me and Lázaro Fuentes.

All three statements are demonstrably false. Merchants have suffered. There is no business increase at the 100 block of Seventh Street. And the removal of these stops is very much a city issue - it's part of a discriminatory gentrification aimed at keeping the riff raff away from the coveted Butz Corporate Center, PPL Building and Plaza and Allentown Brew Works. All three buildings just happen to be located between Seventh and Tenth Streets, exactly where the buses no longer run.

It is a city issue.

The concept of a new transportation hub in downtown Allentown extends back to 2001, and went into design phase in early 2005. In October 2005, when Governor Rendell forked over $1.25 million for the intermodal project, it was "to help revitalize the downtown, making it more attractive to private businesses investment and boosting the quality of life for residents." In October 2006, as this new center was being built, Mayor Pawlowski bragged that it was an "important link in efforts to revitalize the Allentown downtown area."

From Pawlowski himself, we know this is a city issue. These changes were made to help renew Allentown. And according to an anonymous comment by a person who claims to be a Butz Corporate Center tenant, a leasing agent told him in October 2006 that all the "riff raff" will be off Hamilton. "Indeed, it is part of the deal to capitulate to the big biz folks being lobbied to move into the downtown. No taxes for years. Christmas lights in front of their building, exclusively."

Further evidence that Allentown is currying favor with the business bigwigs can be found in this year's "Dancing in the Streets Octoberfest," a Friday afternoon block party along the 800 block of Hamilton Street, at the front door stop of downtown Allentown's corporate giants. People will eat German food and dance under the noses of thirty-eight suffering Malaysian, Korean, Indian, Arab and Guyanese merchants.

They may as well be dancing on their graves.

But business has picked up elsewhere, hasn't it?

One of LANTA's board members, Peter Schweyer, wears a number of other hats. He's also a legislative aide to state rep. Jenn Mann. Remember her? She's the sweetheart who miraculously secured a $10,000 grant for Parkland's ice hockey program, a real worthy cause. And guess what? Peter is running for Allentown city council. He must be very busy, too, because he just hates waiting in the "intense volume of traffic on Hamilton Street." Naturally, he loves the elimination of bus stops on and near Hamilton Street. If that results in "loss of business suffered by a few companies located between 7th and 8th Streets," that's fine with him. Besides, according to Schweyer, business has really picked up on the 100 block of Seventh Street.

That's my point. The intention is to steer the smaller, and minority-owned businesses, away from the aristocrats on Hamilton. Moreover, you don't justify the destruction of existing minority-owned businesses, by claiming that some business somewhere else will profit. Finally, Schweyer's claim is simply unbelievable. According to Michael Molovinsky, "There is only 1 store in that block, one half block away and on the other side, on the far corner of Turner st. That block is the worst in Allentown, 95% vacant."

In an email late last night, Schweyer tells me, "Your argument that LANTA and the City of Allentown are somehow advocating the destruction of minority owned businesses is not only spurious, but laughable and frankly quite bizarre."

I'm not laughing. Regardless of intent, that's certainly what has happened. I don't see how any other conclusion is possible. And it may very well be intentional. Elimination of these stops will certainly remove the "riff raff" near the Butz Corporate Center, PPL Building and Plaza and Allentown Brew Works.

Minority-owned businesses just like to complain.

The prize for most insensitive statement concerning this discriminatory gentrification, clearly goes to LANTA board member Steve Schmitt. He claims people like Jenny Lim are just looking for a reason to complain.

He should talk to her. I did. She speaks in a soft, unassuming and accented voice. But don't let that fool you. She is also coldly logical, knows she's been wronged and is trying desperately to save her business.

Jenny Chen Lim, manager of the House of Chen restaurant at 732 W. Hamilton, is the driving force behind the thirty-eight merchants who have petitioned Allentown and LANTA to reconsider their removal of bus stops between 7th and 10th Streets. A second, and similar, petition, has been signed by 1,800 bus passengers. She tells me her business is down about 30%. Could be worse. The Dollar Store next to her has lost 75% of its customers. It can't last much longer.

In addition to these businesses, Lim stressed that many elderly and low-income passengers have been hurt by this change. "An elderly woman just can't carry bags that far."

When I spoke to Jenny yesterday. I wanted to know how Allentown and LANTA have reacted to her petitions, which were presented on September 27. No one has contacted her. She called LANTA's operations manager, but he's ignored her. So has the city. In fact, the city has told Bibi Hazra, who operates the Loco Dollar Store to quit calling. They don't want to hear it, and keep telling her it's a transportation issue.

A Ray of Hope on Friday

Lim, despite her courage and determination, is no activist. She's just a restaurant manager, trying to make an honest living. Fortunately, Congregations United for Neighborhood Action (CUNA) has offered to help. There will be a meeting on Friday, 6 PM, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 36 South Eighth Street, Allentown, PA. I intend to be there. These folks have many ways to get the attention of LANTA and the city. City council candidates like Schweyer, who spout off without even meeting these people, should pay the price in November. In fact, all council candidates should be polled for their position on this issue.

Pawlowski Thumbs Nose at Allentown's Minority Population

Yesterday, I told you that Lázaro Fuentes, who chairs the Lehigh Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, has expressed his concern to Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski over the discriminatory impact of LANTA's bus stop relocation. "Your help in this matter would be appreciated."

Here's Mayor Pawlowski's helpful reply, in its entirety. "I don’t have any control over buses or routes. You need to talk to LANTA and the two counties who appoint people to the LANTA board."

Amazingly, Allentown's mayor is now claiming he has no control over what LANTA buses do in his own city. That is simply unbelievable. Pawlowski clearly ducked Mr. Fuentes' request for help, and actually tried to divert some of the blame to Northampton and Lehigh Counties.

Lázaro has just expressed his appreciation to Mayor Ed. "Thanks Ed. I was simply looking for your support on this given that it affects the residents and businesses in your city. But I am sure that you have other, more important, things to busy yourself with. Thanks anyway."

Nearly a quarter of Allentown's population is Hispanic or Latino. Allentown's minority businesses are obviously incensed by the discriminatory bus stop relocation. Others, justified or not, are angry at the decision to fine a police officer $25 for an accident that tragically killed a five year old minority child.

The way Pawlowski has shrugged his shoulders at this problem demonstrates, quite clearly, that he has little regard for Allentown's already large, and growing, minority population.

This attitude is shared with Allentown city council candidate Pete Schweyer, another phony progressive who actually encourages this discriminatory gentrification. I'll tell you about him tomorrow.

Does Bethlehem Need a Watchdog?

It's called cooking the books.

Bethlehem has done it the past two years. It has an account, called its treasurer's escrow account, where money earmarked for special projects is deposited. Grant money from the state and county is sent there. For the past two years, Bethlehem has dipped into that fund around this time every year. It has borrowed millions to meet payrolls as its money well runs dry.

Although city council adopted an ordinance in May to give them some oversight, the only thing that has saved Bethlehem from dipping into that account this year was a $1.7 million windfall, in the form of a sewer hook-up fee from the Sands BethWorks casino. But since that money is earmarked for sewer projects, does it go in the escrow account or general fund?

This is why Bethlehem needs a qualified controller. The CPA is a little more impressive than the DEM.

Bethlehem Controller Race: A Pitch for Meg Holland From Her Daughter

This November, Bethlehem voters will choose either Meg Holland (CPA/ABV, CVA, CIA) or the less qualified David DiGiacinto as their next controller. Although Meg is clearly the better candidate, she's missing three very important letters from the litany of initials that follow her name - DEM. In the Christmas city, that's going to hurt her.

Yesterday, one of Meg's twin daughters, Maureen Holland Schaeffer, made a pitch for her mom. It's pretty good, and I want it with the rest of you.

It will be a shame if someone with Meg Holland's qualifications and experience does not get elected in the City of Bethlehem even though she is a republican... she is in the city's best interest.

Note Meg Holland's Website (www.hollandforcontroller.com):- You’re a registered Republican, how do you expect to get elected in the Democrat dominated City of Bethlehem?

It is my understanding that the ratio today is more than 2 to 1 Democrats to Republicans. People can look at me as a Republican-Democrat. I was a registered Democrat for over 25 years and my parents (Bob and Marie Holland) were active Democrats. My father was very involved in Congressman Fred B. Rooney’s campaign and President John F. Kennedy’s campaign. I remember wearing the JFK campaign hat during the late night election results with my brothers and sisters in 1960. I changed parties six years ago to support my brother-in-law, David Donio, who is Republican. He was running for State Representative and I was his Campaign Finance Chair.

Since I always vote for the candidate who is most qualified for the position, I did not see a need for a particular party alliance. As I said before, the Controller position should be non-partisan, a “watchdog” of the finances for the taxpayers. Actually, with a Democratic Mayor and a majority Democratic Council a Republican Controller would be a more appropriate watchdog.

Easton Candidates' Night on Thursday

On Thursday night, between 6 and 8 PM, the Easton branch of the NAACP will host a candidates' night at Open Bible Evangelical Church of God in Christ, 1412 Lehigh Street, Easton, PA.

NAACP Candidates’ Night Itinerary
Thursday, October 4, 2007

Opening welcome and remarks: David Rose (6:00 to 6:05)
Introduction of Moderator: Joy Hopson
Moderator: Merrill Fennell
Forum Guidelines
Candidate Introductions

Magistrate Candidates (6:05 to 6:25) (5 minute intro 10 minutes Q&A)

Brian Monahan (District Justice R)
Dan Corpora (District Justice D)


Controller Candidates (6:25 to 6:45) (5 minute intro 10 minutes Q&A)

Vicky M. Davis (Controller D)
Tony Bassil (Controller R)

City Council Candidates (6:45 to 7:30) (3 minute intro 30 minutes Q&A)

Ken Brown (Council D)
Elinore Warner (Council D)
Jeff Warren (Council D)
Roger Ruggles (Council R)
Peter G. Melan (Council R)
Bill E. Timmann (Council R)

Mayoral Candidates (7:30 to 8:30) (5 minute intro remaining time Q&A)

Sal Panto, Jr. (Mayoral D)
Gary Bertsch (Mayoral R)

Closing Remarks David Rose

No Tax Hike For Northampton County This Year

. . . but Northampton County Exec John Stoffa is proposing a $20 MM bond for a juvenile detention center expansion, a new archives building and a new building for low-risk offenders. We need all three, and capital projects are usually financed by bond.

LV Hispanic Businesses Ask Allentown Mayor to Correct LANTA's "Insensitive Oversight"

Lázaro Fuentes chairs the Lehigh Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania's largest Hispanic organization. It includes 318 businesses that employ over 2,550 people with over 12,500 family and extended family members right here in the Lehigh Valley.

Today's post concerning Allentown's "head in the sand" response to the apparent discriminatory impact of LANTA's bus stop relocation, has spurred Mr. Fuentes to contact Mayor Pawlowski.

Dear Mayor,
The transportation item described below in today’s “Lehigh Valley Rambling Blog” is of grave concern to us. I truly hope that there is thought being given to correcting this insensitive oversight. Your help in this matter would be appreciated. Thank you and
Regards,
Lázaro Fuentes
Chairman,
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of the Lehigh Valley

A-town Official: Discriminatory Gentrification Just a "Transportation Issue"

"It's a transportation issue." That appears to be the party line. That was the stock answer I got to nearly every question I asked yesterday.

I had called Mike Moore, Allentown's communications director, about LANTA's elimination of three bus stops along Hamilton Street. Downtown merchants, many of whom are minority-owned businesses, have suffered. Allentown's gentrification plan seems like little more than a civilized ethnic cleansing. A petition signed by 1,800 bus passengers and merchants asks LANTA and Allentown to restore the eliminated stops. House of Chen manager Jenny Lim explains. "[A] lot of merchants are hurting, sales have been dropped and especially some of the people have been laid off from a couple of the stores already."

So I have some questions for Allentown.

1) Are Allentown officials aware that this bus stop change has had a dramatic effect on small, locally owned, businesses? - "It's a transportation issue. Nothing was done to affect the businesses. We're trying to improve transportation."

2) Are you telling me that Allentown and LANTA would plan the elimination of three bus stops and a new transportation center without considering the impact it would have on local businesses? - "It's a transportation issue. Nothing was done to affect the businesses. We're trying to improve transportation."

3) Are you doing anything right now to help the businesses that have been hurt by this move? - "It's a transportation issue. Nothing was done to affect the businesses. We're trying to improve transportation."

And so on.

At one point, Moore told me bus passengers won't have to stand in the cold anymore to wait for their bus.

Whoopee!

Now they can walk six blocks.

Finally, Moore just admitted he doesn't know what the hell the city is doing, if anything, to help the people it screwed. After all, it's just a transportation issue.

State Rep. Brennan Seeks Hearings On Future Voting Options

This Fall's general election will be conducted with "Ol' Faithful," our 267 lever machines. We do have fancy new electronic voting machines supplied by Advanced Voting Solutions (AVS). But we can't use them. The Department of State has suspended the AVS voting system because the vendor simply refuses to complete federal certification in time for the election.

We're lucky. County exec John Stoffa held on to those lever machines, knowing that the legality of the controversial AVS system is still being litigated. Voting rights activist Alan Brau, during meetings of the citizens' advisory panel studying our elections, made those problems very clear.

Two other counties with AVS contracts, Wayne and Lackawanna, have already scrapped their older lever machines. Wayne has been forced to lease optical scanning machines, and it appears Lackawanna is leaning in that direction, too.

Justifiably concerned about future elections, state rep. Joe Brennan has asked for hearings. "In order to ensure a fair and equal election to my constituents of my legislative district, I respectfully request the State Government Committee to arrange a public hearing to review testimony and evidence about electronic voting, the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), and our future voting options."

Allentown's Discriminatory Gentrification Attempt

Last week, after I told you the truth about Allentown's crime rate, blogger Damien Brown dropped his pom poms for a moment to email this request. "I am politely asking you to stop engaging in, and entertaining, the anti-Allentown rhetoric against my city and neighborhood that has appeared on your blog in recent hours. This kind of non-sense has proven to be more damaging to our city than any violent crime, fiscal policy, or lack of leadership that Allentown has experienced in the past."

Looks like this "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" cheerleader is going to have to send an email to The Morning Call, too. That paper just published a letter to the editor from the House of Chen, one of the businesses that has suffered, thanks to the removal of Allentown bus stops along Hamilton.

Our livelihoods are threatened by the financial losses that to date have reached 15 percent to 30 percent, and it worsens with each passing day. Many of our patrons are non-white, and some have suggested that the route changes discriminate against both seller and buyer. We are cognizant of the city's apparent plans to gentrify its center. However, we await a routing adjustment that will restore convenience to all of us who are the lifeblood of the city.

Allentown's Failing Public Schools: One Woman's Experience

Her name is Linda. She's definitely one of the have nots, a struggling single mother with three children. She works six days a week to keep them fed and clothed. She's also one of those Latinos, often called "animals," or worse, at the enlightened Morning Call forum. I wish some of the loving people there could meet her. I've seen her without noticing her, like so many other moms and dads who drop their kids off at football practice.

On Sunday, her day off, she was among hundreds of parents who groaned or cheered as Easton's Li'l Rovers ran all over the junior pee wees at Allentown's East Side. I had purchased one of those loud $5 fog horns, and was hoping to blast away after every Huskie score. The fog horn, like the rest of us of the Li'l Huskie crowd, was mute in the face of a very impressive Easton victory.

After the game was over, as Linda's son and my grandson took turns chasing each other with water bottles, I spoke to this courageous mother for the first time. I want to share her thoughts with you.

She's one of those moms who refuses to let her kids play videogames - she buys them books. I'll bet they love that. But she places a high priority on her children's education. She told me all three of her kids now go to Catholic schools. It's killing her financially, even with a reduced tuition. But her experience with Allentown's public schools gives her no choice.

Her oldest son is a gifted student who was first enrolled at Harrison Morton Middle School. Classified as an "honor student," school officials actively discouraged him from fraternizing with anyone outside his group. Now I suppose the reason for this might be to keep bright kids away from bad influences. But this is so impractical. Many of the kids he had to shun were in his own neighborhood. For this quiet young man, it was pure hell. You see, in addition to being smart, he's also a gifted athlete. Jealous kids in his neighborhood began to get the idea that this boy was getting just a little too uppity. So one day after school, thirty of them decided to jump him. Amazingly, the school officials who demanded this segregation in the first place, were nowhere to be found. The boy was rescued by his mother.

Now he goes to Catholic school.

Her youngest son is another bright boy, and a very fast running back. I listened today as he convincingly laid out all the problems with East Side's football program, and how they could be fixed. I told him he should shed his pads and start coaching. This young athlete completed his first two grades at Ritter Elementary, and was just starting his third. He had just one teensy problem. He couldn't read. Indifferent school officials pushed him through anyway.

Amazingly, four months after starting Catholic school, he could read.

Linda is just one person. And I know plenty of good people teaching in the Allentown School District. My nephew was one of them, but the last time I spoke to him, he was also very frustrated by what he saw. After hearing Linda tell me much the same thing, I know Allentown School District has a problem. It appears to be more interested in warehousing kids than educating them.