Ron Angle Makes Friends & Influences People

"Why are you shaking your head?"

"I'm not. I've got a crick in my neck."

That was the exchange yesterday between Northampton County Executive John Stoffa and Council member Charles Dertinger. In his laconic way, Stoffa was telling seven members of Northampton County Council (Dowd and McClure were absent) how he felt about Council member Cusick's idea of floating a $26 million bond next year for an ambitious list of capital projects. Stoffa prefers a smaller, $8 million bond, mostly to cover the cost of a new juvenile justice center. As he explains it, "We're trying to pay as you go rather than borrowing. It's not the time to be borrowing."

While Stoffa spoke, Dertinger was shaking his head. But he gave that grade school excuse about a crick in his neck for one and only one reason - The Eye of Mordor was in the house! That's right, folks. Morning Call columnist Bill White, whose name strikes fear in the hearts of local pols, was at a Northampton County Council budget hearing.

Maybe he has trouble sleeping.

The second I saw Bill, I plopped my fat ass right next to him, blocking his quick exit. He's actually a very nice guy, just like me. But council members were still on their very best behavior, nervously glancing at Bill from time to time, especially when he would pull out his official notepad. They were really trying to avoid the constant outbursts and petty behavior that have made them the most dysfunctional legislative body on the planet. They don't want to end up in the Hall of Fame like Angle.

But Angle could care less. You see, he's still really miffed at Bill's blog slamming him for being "utterly ineffective" when it comes to "forging coalitions and getting things done." Bill knows it, too. Right before attending yesterday's budget hearing, he said, "I’m off to be publically berated by Ron Angle."

Publically? Is that the opposite of privateally?

Angle actually ignored Bill, but pretty much proved Bill's point. Angle is clearly exasperated. Like Stoffa, he opposes a $26 million bond in this economic climate. "It's the wrong time to be floating big bonds." But aside from Peg Ferraro, council is pretty much oblivious to financial concerns. Dertinger, for example, insists that council should be doing all sorts of things. "At one point or another, we've got to do something."

Why? Does he want his name on a plaque?

Council members whittled things down to a $13 million bond to include a new parking lot at Gracedale, even though Director of Administration John Conklin had just told them the county won't be doing that project for another year. Upper Nazareth Township zoning officials want things done their way, and that will take time. So if this bond is ever floated, we'll be paying debt service on proceeds that are just sitting in the till, collecting dust.

Frustrated by a council hellbent on spending money, Angle eventually took his papers and chucked them into a nearby waste basket. "I'm wasting my time here," he said. Off he went. I think he jumped off the courthouse roof.

Angle missed Diane Neiper's amazing proposal. After advocating spending money we don't have for things we don't need, Neiper proposed sticking $2.7 million of operating expenses in council's slush fund, politely called a contingency fund. When a department wants a new copy machine or rolls of toilet paper, it can come up and request it from council. She wants to do this to "send a message" to county employees. What message is that? That you're nuts? I think they already got that message.

As the meeting ended, with a whimper, my cell phone was ringing. Ron Angle, who survived his jump from the courthouse roof, had a message for Bill White. "Tell him he works for a bankrupt paper."

Update: Ron takes a few swings at Bill White in today's Morning Call, and blogger Michael Molovinsky states anyone who can do that while simultaneously defending Emma Tropiano is OK with him.

A Not So Wile E Coyote

Excavators are tearing up all the farmland and some woodlands around the Northampton Crossings shopping megacenter, which despite the name is actually located in Lower Nazareth Township. Warehouses, a new Target and hotels will decorate the new, much wider, roads.

Naturally, this screws up all the wildlife. So some stupid coyote walks into Sears, looking for an Acme Rocket Sled or an Acme Self-Guided Aerial Bomb or something. First, he gets shot with a tranquilizer gun and is driven off in a pickup truck. Then, some Wildlife Officer figures this mutt might have rabies, so they chop off his frickin' head.

Lehigh Valley With Love says it best. "Rest in two pieces buddy."

Ferraro: Do We Really Need Another Authority?

That was the question considered by Peg Ferraro's Northampton County Intergovernmental Committee yesterday. The meeting was attended by Council members Charles Dertinger, Diane Neiper and John Cusick. They listened to an informative presentation by Bethlehem resident Bob Pfenning, who has served for the past two years on a gambling impact committee. He told council that gambling revenue must be distributed to five surrounding municipalities by some kind of authority.

Under state gambling law, the five municipalities surrounding the Sands Casino in Bethlehem are each entitled to a piece of the pie, and council member Lamont McClure has proposed a brand, spankin' new layer of government bureaucracy to dole out the dough, currently projected at $2.8 million per year. He calls it the Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Development Authority.

The problem with McClure's proposal, as noted by Peg Ferraro yesterday, is that the state gambling law makes no provision for funding it. She thinks the county should instead use the existing General Purpose Authority (GPA), which is independently funded by other revenue streams. "We don't need another layer of bureaucracy."

Council member Charles Dertinger noted that the GPA currently includes no members from the affected municipalities, but Ferraro quickly suggested that the GPA be expanded. "We're going to have two economic development groups competing against each other."

"You're creating a gambling authority, which is against the law."

Neiper, Dertinger and Cusick support McClure's proposal. Council Prez McHale, in remarks to The Morning Call, appears to like the idea, too.

Instead of doling out equal shares on a per capita or per municipality basis, McClure wants a grants process, which will invite political considerations. Council is struggling to find the most expensive and political way to distribute uncertain gambling revenue.

Update: In a comment to this post, Council member Lamont McClure makes a brief, yet admittedly persuasive, argument in support of a new gaming authority.

LV State Legislators Skip the Cola

Lehigh Valley Democrats and Republicans are both skipping the cola this year. I'm not talking about that caffeine-enriched health food loved by one and all, but the annual cost of living adjustment paid to state legislators as regularly as night follows day.

State Democratic leaders were the first to forego this 2.8% automatic payraise. They claimed to be "leading by example," just like they did with Bonusgate. Republicans, miffed that they didn't think of this first, at first called this maneuver a "political ploy," which seems accurate to me. Then they figured out a way to make themselves look good, too. Not only would they reject COLAs, but they'd even introduce legislation to suspend them completely. If this continues, legislators will soon be entirely dependent on lobbyists.

How about the folks in the pits? Specifically, how about that Lehigh Valley delegation to the state house and senate? Well, thanks to Capitol Ideas' John "Is today Friday?" Micek, who had his hounds chase down 19 of twenty legislators in an 8-county region, we know they'll all be sippin' on root beer instead of cola.

This includes Karen Beyer, R-Lehigh; Joe Brennan, D-Northampton; Craig Dally, R-Northampton; Bob Freeman, D-Northampton; Rich Grucela, D-Northampton; Julie Harhart, R-Lehigh; Jennifer Mann, D-Lehigh; Douglas Reichley, R-Lehigh; Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton; Lisa Boscola, D-Northampton; Pat Browne, R-Lehigh; and Robert C. Wonderling, R-Northampton & Montgomery.

Some legislators will contribute their COLA increases to financially-strapped human services in Lehigh and Northampton County. Throughout the state, counties have been shortchanged this year. Not a good year for Children & Youth.

Ho. Ho. Ho.

Norco Controller Steve Barron has a Blog . . .

. . . but it's not about politics or audits. Called Roadside Americana, Steve's blog focuses on bits and pieces of local folklore and history. He even threatens to tell a few ghost stories.

He claims Easton's Cemetery is the most historic 99 acres in the whole dang country. Why? Because you can find:

• The grave and monument to a signer of the Declaration of Independence
• Several Veterans from every US Armed Conflict to Date
• The Uncle of Mary Todd Lincoln
• The 1st Governor of the Kansas Territory
• The most photographed actress from the 1890’s
• A ghost that has an award show named after him
• A US Commissioner under John Adams once charged to draft the Constitution for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• A few former US Senators; and
• The Father of Band (Marching Band that is) Music

Right now, he's describing a few "modern ruins." I wonder if that includes my jeep.

Spaz - RIP

Charlie Spaziani was my dad's opponent for Northampton County DA in '68. My dad was still in the middle of a police corruption investigation, so he decided he better run for a second term, something unheard of in those days. Spaz' campaign pitch was that no DA should be in office more than one term. The people bought it, too. On election night, a radio station called for a live interview. My dad's magnanimous words?

"The people have spoken. Fuck 'em."

Charlie would probably have said the same thing had he lost. When Spaz ran for his second term, my dad supported him. Soon after that, they were both members of a convicted murderer's wedding party. At various points in their careers, they had both prosecuted and defended this guy. I guess he was like family. They chipped in to get him a nice wedding suit and President Judge Palmer officiated at the ceremony in Courtroom 1.

Lots of people have law degrees, but there are very few lawyers. Charlie Spaziani was a lawyer, one of the best.

Apologies For Comment Moderation

My apologies. I enabled comment moderation for about an hour today, something I hated to do. Bill Villa had posted the same pair of comments about thirty-five times. As quickly as I could delete them, he would put them back up. It was impossible to write, so I enabled moderation briefly.

Villa regularly hijacks blog threads to make off topic remarks or to attack people on his growing enemies' list. He uses his name, but also posts anonymously and uses sock puppets like Hogan, Broadway Jim, Joshua T, foo foo, etc. What's even worse is that he misappropriates the names of others who post here. Lately, he's assumed the identity of a Catholic priest. He posted as a cleric on his wife's blog and at The Morning Call readers' forum.

None of this is really worth a post here. I'm telling you about it anyway because of something else - a startling accusation Villa made tonight on his wife's blog, Lehigh Valley Somebody. (A link is at the left sidebar). Villa's daughter, Sheena, was tragically killed two years ago while riding as a passenger in a car driven by a person who was drunk. Villa accuses three bloggers, including me, of impersonating his deceased daughter. Here's the claim, in all its glory.

O'Hare is a sellout of the lowest order.

And a muzzler of opinions that threaten his ambitions.

That's why O'Hare and Molovinsky and Najarian moderate comments at their blogs.

To muzzle people in advance.

We moderate comments here to block these 3 stooges from commenting anonymously as my deceased daughter Sheena "writing from hell."

Big Difference..

This is sad. Of course, it's false and disgustingly reckless. I might add that I've never seen a comment anywhere that purported to be from Sheena Villa. I also know Michael Molovinsky and Dave Najarian Najarian well enough to know they would never even think such a thing. Reading that vile statement really upsets me, and I have to deny Villa's claim publicly.

Now let me tell you the real reason Villa enabled comment moderation. He did so in in August. It had nothing to do with his daughter. When he was in the middle of hijacking this blog, I decided to take his OT comments and put them back on his wife's blog. Villa was forced to delete his own comments and moderate ... himself.

Villa currently faces a criminal harassment prosecution.

Lehigh Valley ... With Love?

Lehigh Valley With Love, published anonymously, is a quirky take on local news. For example, after the news broke last week that Jolly Joe Timmer may just be a senior Brad Pitt in suspenders, LVWL muses, "I hope he wasn’t goosing the Chicken Lady!"

This dude also scans obits for some goofy reason. "I was searching for some deaths in Easton today, since it’s a Wednesday and that’s usually a good day for dead people in Easton, but alas! No one!"

The author is obviously out of his mind. Hence, a blogger. He's also funny as hell. Hence, worth reading.

There's another new blog I want to tell you about, but have to wait until the author gets it "just right."

Morning Call Parent Contemplating Bankruptcy

A few weeks ago, I met a former Morning Call editor for lunch. He teaches at a local college and let me sit in one one of his journalism classes. He's still in his prime and his students really enjoy him. But he is is one of the 25 to 30 newsroom staffers victimized by last July's Black Friday. He's actually one of the lucky ones who retired early. Some had to sit by the phone on a Sunday night, waiting to learn whether they still had a job.

Of course, the paper continues to go to Zell-hell. Meetings go uncovered. Allentown's budget, for example, was adopted at a meeting covered by a stringer. Not long before that, Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners rejected a grant for trees during a meeting in which there was no coverage at all, not even from a freelancer. Morale is obviously bad. Reporters are clearly stressed. Unfortunately, it's going to get worse before it gets better.

Media mogul Sam Zell, who cobbled together this disaster for The Tribune, dismisses claims of weakening news coverage as "journalistic arrogance." To make sure he's understood, he adds a "Fuck you" at the end of his remarks to a bunch of Zellions who actually applaud this idiot.

And he is an idiot. Both The New York Times and Wall Street Journal are reporting that Morning Call parent Tribune is considering filing for bankruptcy.

The Tribune has rid itself of its most valuable asset - reporters. It's already established that it's morally bankrupt - the rest is just paperwork.

Update: Tribune directors have approved a decision to seek Chapter 11 protection.

Potty-Training Men

I admit it. In addition to leaving the toilet seat up, I often completely miss the bowl when I take a whizz. I'm a lousy shot.

In some public urinals, engineers paid gazillions of dollars have come up with the idea of etching a big but realistic fly design on the porcelain. Our hunter instincts take over and we instinctively aim at the imagined fly, reducing misses by 80%.

Part of the finishing touches to the $43 bazillion courthouse renovations include the installation of new, similarly designed, urinals.

They've gone too far.

Morning Call Sends Stringer To Allentown's Budget Hearing

Prior to Wednesday night's adoption of Allentown's $80 million budget, city council member Michael Donovan published a series of thoughtful and very informative blogs at Inclusion. He then proposed a number of budget amendments, designed to increase the number of police officers in a crime-ridden city. They were shot down. Michael also posted a recap that details some serious concerns over transparency with a regal mayor who clearly regards council as little more than his personal rubber stamp. What's even more disturbing is that The Morning Call seems to agree.

For Wednesday's important budget hearing, The Morning Call sent a stringer. Hello? You'd think that when the Lehigh Valley's largest city adopts or rejects its budget, a newspaper would pay a real reporter to cover the event. This is an inexcusable insult to those who rely on the paper for news and, in my view, is why less people are reading. It also insults the professionalism of its full-time staff. I learned more from a single paragraph on Channel 69's webpage than in the freelancer's account. Rather than report any of Donovan's motions or the concerns of other council members doing the spade work, she fawned over King Edwin. Maybe she thinks city council is a rubber stamp, too.

Kim, a regular at Scott Armstrong's Allentown Commentator, attended Wednesday night's meeting. She's no reporter. Not even a freelancer. But her account, though unpolished, tells a story.

I don't know how many were aware that there was discussion about increasing the water and sewer rates this year. It was advised by our controller, Mike Hoffman, that a 13.6% increase would be recommended to be prepared for a depleting water/ sewer fund. While I realize that we, as taxpayers, could not depend upon our water/sewer fund balance to last indefinitely, I was always happy to have a nice cushion. I couldn't help but ask myself how the water/sewer fund got so low so quickly. I know we lost accounts, but still it seemed odd to me. I asked these questions last night of the council - surprisingly no one on council knew. My first question was - This year we initiated a new fund called the National Security Fund which allowed us to transfer funds - (forgive me I don't remember the amount - maybe a million) out of the Water/Sewer fund and put it into this new National Security Fund for primary use to the Police and Fire Department. I asked what the use of that money was. Was there increased or concentrated patrol or security of our plant? Basically what were we getting for that money being taken from the water/sewer? No one knew or no one really cared. I don't know which.

My second question was - Back under Afflerbach we transferred money from the water/sewer fund to pay for health insurance benefits and some payroll. We did it not once but two or three times over a period of some months. This money was to be a loan to the general fund. It was to be paid off in a predetermined amount of time. Michael D'Amore, President of Council, referred my question to the Administration where Mr Pawlowski replied, "I have no idea what she is talking about!" Which I presumed was to make me appear as if I had three heads and was talking in tongues. Mr Hilliard, our finance director, then interjected yes they have been paid down quite some time ago. Okay, story over.

Then Mr. Hershman, past councilman and city controller, got up to speak and said that that 1.3 million has never been paid back. Now, I have little problem with needing to make concessions when departments are in need but I do have a problem with even the discussion of increasing fees when the council nor the administration seems equipped to manage the monies that are there. I don't blame the water/sewer department. I think they do an excellent job. I blame the administration for funneling the money from fund to fund and I blame Council for not keeping a more watchful eye on our money.

The water/sewer fund budget passed. The water/sewer rate passed without an increase... for now. But, I would hope that our council, which is generally "New" would pursue looking at the account fund balances on a regular basis - perhaps monthly. I honestly don't know that they do. If I were them I would request those sheets.

What puzzles me is how willing people are to pay more money. To keep throwing good money after bad over and over again while always thinking government knows best how to spend our hard earned dollars. It would do us all a great service if we starting demanding accountability from our governments.

Update: Michael Donovan, on his blog Inclusion, has already provided an answer to Kim's concern. "Nothing that I have seen so far suggests that there is an outstanding payment. However, I will pursue some additional avenues of information to see what else I can learn."
Update #2: I have been reliably informed that my take on the MC coverage is irresponsible because I did not take the time to check things out. The reporter normally assigned to cover the meeting had an unexpected emergency and his back-up was assigned elsewhere, I'm told. But this explanation just proves my point. As a result of deep staffing cuts, this Allentown newspaper was unable to send a full-time reporter to cover an extremely important budget meeting of the Lehigh Valley's largest city. My criticism is not directed at the reporters, but at the managers of a paper who has stripped it of its most valuable asset - journalists.

Mean Joe Greene Gets Slammed in Lower Nazareth Township

Mean Joe Greene publishes Lower Nazareth Tp Citizens' Forum, a place "to share opinions and comments" about the warehousing district between Nazareth and Bethlehem. Like NewsOverCoffee: Nazareth News, this is a hyper-local blog. Joe actually attends meetings and provides independent reports. He loaded Lower Nazareth Township's proposed budget, not generally available, on his blog. That work alone is a public service. Naturally, township officials are very angry with him.

At a recent supervisor's meeting, Township Manager Tim Tenges spent most of the evening complaining about Mean Joe Greene. According to Tenges, Joe the Blogger engages in "conjecture and innuendo." He even "twists things."

Tenges admits plastering Greene anonymously. A township manager, posing as FULibs, posted this comment at NewsOverCoffee: "If Joe Green is doing such a good job of keeping a eye on things in Lower Nazareth, he should have enough b###s to run for Supervisor. Any half baked liberal can sit on the sidelines, write half truths on websites and spread doom and gloom from left wing intelectually [sic] dishonest scientists."

Well, Tiny Tim, imagine what a fully baked liberal can do! Maybe I should join Joe the Blogger at their next meeting. Sounds like fun. I'd love to know why Lower Nazareth Township has become the warehousing capital of the universe.

What I love most about this story is that some local potentates are perturbed by a Nazareth area blogger, and it isn't me.

Update: NewsOverCoffee has a kinder, gentler account about Timmy's temper tantrum with Joe the Blogger.

It's Unanimous! Patti Grube Appointed to Northampton County Council

Just last week, Morning Call columnist and blogger Bill White was irritated by Ron Angle's threat to quit Northampton County Council. "When it comes to forging coalitions and getting things done, he’s utterly ineffective." Last night's unanimous appointment of Patti Grube to her husband's unexpired term on Northampton County Council, however, proves Bill wrong. You see, this was an Angle initiative all the way.

I really thought this one was heading to the courts. Northampton County Council is already a dysfunctional mess, and Wayne Grube's death left an evenly divided council who can't even make it through courtesy of the floor without a few earthquakes.

But Ron Angle is the council member who suggested Patti Grube. Peg Ferraro, who knows her, quickly agreed. So did the editorial boards of both local papers. Council's four Democrats were still trying to forge a coalition to appoint fighter pilot David Haines, and may have lured Cusick into their web. After Tuesday's budget hearing, he confessed to fellow Republicans he might support Haines.

Angle then went to work on Democrats, pointing out that no one knew Wayne better than his own wife. McHale vainly tried to claim Grube had eliminated herself by not submitting a formal application. But Angle quickly and correctly called that position "an excuse for people to explain why they won't vote for her.'' By Wednesday night, every Democrat had called Grube to offer their support.

As soon as last night's meeting got started, Diane Neiper offered a resolution naming Grube, trying to make things sound like it was their idea. Angle quickly seconded the motion, but simultaneously scolded council members for claiming they needed to have an interview process. Grube was appointed unanimously. The last person to vote was Cusick. He waited a few seconds, doing a slow burn, knowing he had been stabbed in the back.

In the meantime, Peg Ferraro apologized to applicants who had travelled to the star chamber for interviews that never occurred. "I heartily apologize to the people brought in here for an interview." A disgusted John Cusick added, "Absolutely. It's a disgrace." But Queen of Hearts Ann McHale imperiously told them, "You'll all consider running."

Although there was no judge around to swear Grube in, Angle wanted Grube to take office immediately, suggesting that the county council solicitor do the honors. Anthony Martino, council's legal eagle, politely declined.

When she finally had a chance to speak, Patti Grube apologized "for the trouble I've caused. I know [Wayne] would want me to fulfill his term. I hope you all run next year. If there is anything you need from me, I'll be glad to help out." Patti also had a warning for her council colleagues. "I will think for myself. ... I have a mind of my own."

When she ascended the dais, the peanut gallery gave her a standing ovation. The first person to rise was one of the applicants, Republican Mark Schwartz.

Patti Grube Appointed to Fill Her Husband's Unexpired Term on Norco Council

Following the recommendations of both The Express Times and Morning Call, Northampton County Council has appointed Patti Grube to serve the remaining year left on her husband's unexpired term.

Several candidates had already made clear they only wished to be considered as a second choice to Mrs. Grube.

Details will follow.

Howie Erney To Step Down as Acting Voter Registrar

Interim Voting Registrar Howie Erney told the Northampton County Elections Commission today he's had enough. He is stepping down, and will return to his previous job as voting machine supervisor. "I will not take the job as registrar. I'm going back to my warehouse - back to where I want to be." In his announcement, Erney told commissioners to "stop using this office as a springboard" for political games. "If there's a problem with the administration, have it with them. This office works hard. ... If there is a problem between Council and administration or elections commission and administration, have it there."

After a relatively problem-free presidential election, considering the huge turnout, Northampton County council member Charles Dertinger had complained, loudly, about nonexistent problems. Erney acknowledged the long lines, but noted that problem existed everywhere.

Instead of thanking Erney for his service, Elections Chair Kenneth Kraft immediately began complaining. "We're not gonna' get anybody for this job by next election. We're gonna' be screwed."

Very professional.

Assistant County Solicitor Chris Spadoni had the class to thank Erney. Spadoni noted that Erney had been able to answer districting questions that seven other attorneys had completely missed. Director of Administration John Conklin joined Spadoni, noting that Erney had done "a lot of good work in a historical election."

But council member Charles Dertinger mostly thanked himself, claiming he has "tried to be an advocate for the office." He again pointed his finger at the Stoffa administration. "To have left the office shortstaffed is unforgivable." Dertinger also was telling the elections commission how to do its job, telling this supposedly independent body when to file motions and vote on finding a replacement.

Toxic Toys For Tots!

Wanna' poison a few kids this Holiday season? Name your poison. We've got lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. No extra charge. One-third of fifteen hundred toys tested this year by Ecology Center have "medium" or "high" levels of these chemicals.

Look at the bright side. Your tot will be easier to find in the dark because she'll be glowing.

Children's jewelry is the item most likely to be contaminated. You can find a complete listing here. A Hannah Montana necklace contains 406,510 ppm. That's just a tad above the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended ceiling of 40 ppm of lead in children's products.

Controller Steve Barron: Hay Study Flawed

There's something wrong when a salary study, conducted under the supervision of the leading experts in the field, recommends freezing the wages of the most valuable employees. But that's exactly what has happened in The People's Republic of Northampton County.

Two years ago, Northampton County Executive John Stoffa made clear it's time that county workers be paid a living wage. He promised that the county's antiquated salary structure would get a much-needed overhaul.

The prestigious Hay Group, hired to do this study, sewed the initial seeds of distrust when it suggested that a committee of county employees be used to do much of its spade work. That led to charges of favoritism, and two committee members dropped out.

What's left of this committee then met secretly with the Personnel Commission on Tuesday in a blatant violation of both Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act and John Stoffa's open government policy. Now, Controller Steve Barron has determined that this salary analysis is full of gaping holes.

I have participated in the meetings on this matter, listened to the results of this study (as presented by Ron Seifert) and have further reviewed the methodology employed in this study. However, rather than resolving my concerns this has only raised a number of new questions.

***Please note that this is not questioning the application of the standards by the committee, but the creation of the tools you used given to you by the Hay Group.

We need to look at whether this study was conducted in a reasonable fashion for industry standards and whether the county received a realistic assessment. To that end, I am requesting a statement of the methodology employed, the statistics used to create the "measuring stick", and the correspondences discussing these matters in order to audit the work the Hay Group provided.

I do not have concerns about the study passing at this point. However, in order to insure that applicable standards have been applied, to further insure the efficient and effective use of county funds and as the elected steward of such funds I must further review the services provided.

I stated some of my concerns at the last meeting, but I have some additional concerns to raise:

The Column (Northampton Ave. Pay) is really the actual salary for an individual in that position. The true average for the current range for audit manager is $75,761.00. Based on information gathered from Lehigh County the CCAP numbers are correct. However, using the standard Hay used to calculate the average pay, Lehigh's Average pay is $86.00 per year less than that for the Northampton County Audit Manager Average pay. The schedules used by Hay compares two different numbers, and it is presented to be a $9,746 difference. This is just plain untrue.

Per PSACC (The County Controller's Association), the counties of Carbon, Dauphin, Luzerne, and Monroe do not list a position that is an equivalent to an audit manager. Further, the counties of Carbon, Dauphin, and Monroe do not even list any auditors on staff. Nonetheless, Hay lists audit manager salaries for all of these counties.

Ironically, if the salaries for the counties of Carbon, Dauphin, Luzerne, and Monroe are removed from the calculation the average "average salary" would be $73,453, which is a $2,308 difference from the current average salary of the Northampton County range of pay for this position.

Finally, on page 6 of the executive summary under compensation philosophy, I have to question the reason these counties were selected. Carbon and Monroe are 6th and 5th class counties respectively so they are not even a relative comparison. Also all 3rd class counties are to be included in the study, but there is no mention of Lackawanna County which has been a 3rd class county since 1976. If you look at lists easily available to any person or the County Code this is clear. However, it is missing from a study for which we paid big bucks.

This is just one position where I actually had access to some information and it only took me a few hours to discover. Imagine if we devoted more man hours to it.

I do want to see county employees having a better standard of living. We all would like to see the employees doing a little bit better. Happier employees leads to better services for the tax payers. I think that is a good investment. Not all of this study is a bad thing, but when it is based on poor data how can we trust it.

I am disappointed (not just as the controller), but as a taxpayer that we have a study presented for review with so many glaring flaws. Flaws that any person with an elementary understanding of the issues could look at and know there were an issue.

McHale: Slash Norco Council Slush Fund in Half

Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners maintains a operations account with about $30,000. It has never used it. The money is there in case they ever need to hire their own lawyer.

Unlike Lehigh, Northampton County Council has its very own solicitor. So it really needs no special account for itself. But for as long as I can remember, it has maintained what it calls a "contingency fund." At this moment, over $650,000 is in that till, burning a hole in council members' pockets.

They have used this fund to pamper themselves (not the public) with over $650,000 in "renovations" to its still dark and dreary star chamber. Although promising they would include cameras to livestream meetings and sophisticated microphones so that the public could finally hear them, we still have neither. But they did spend $10,294.57 of your money for laptops that are so essential I've yet to see one at a meeting. Just last month, they dropped $10,000 on a YMCA that is not even located in Northampton County. Another $75,000 in tax revenue also went out the window for a rail transportation study. I don't doubt the integrity of the people making these requests, but no safeguards were imposed to ensure the money is actually spent as appropriated.

Increasingly, county council's contingency fund has really been a slush fund used to finance projects by politically connected people. There's no application process, just money walking out the door. It's an incumbent protection policy.

Next year, $500,000 is budgeted for the contingency fund. On Tuesday, Council Prez Ann McHale proposed cutting that fund in half. I'd eliminate it entirely, but this is a move in the right direction. The county already has two months of expenses in its unrestricted cash reserve, an ample sum to cover any unforeseen emergency.

Northampton County Growing Outside Legal Costs

During a Tuesday budget hearing, Ron Angle told fellow Northampton County Council members that the cost of outside legal services are spiralling out of control. Over the course of three years (11/05 to 11/08), the county has paid $566,351.18 to just one law firm - Tallman, Hudders & Sorrentino.

Since this firm has been hired to negotiate with eleven different labor unions, that bill actually appears reasonable. But Angle has suggested the county could save money by hiring one labor law specialist to work on the county payroll. The county already employs one full-time and six part-time attorneys.

Daily News Steals Empire State Building

The Daily News proudly announces that it just stole The Empire State Building, using fake deeds and notaries.

The massive ripoff illustrates a gaping loophole in the city's system for recording deeds, mortgages and other transactions.

The loophole: The system - run by the office of the city register - doesn't require clerks to verify the information.

Um, that "loophole" exists everywhere. I can't think of a Recorder of Deeds office in the country that requires clerks to verify what is presented. Doing so would result in recording delays, making even more fraud possible. (My thanks to Glenn for tipping me to this interesting story).

NorCo Personnel Comm'n Conducts Secret Meeting

While strolling down a courthouse hall on my way to lunch yesterday afternoon, I saw smoke wafting from the pens where the fourth estate is usually caged. I rushed in, but the only thing on fire was Express Times reporter Sarah Cassi. She had just been ejected from a meeting of Northampton County's brand spankin' new Personnel Commission, and steam was coming out of her ears.

This agency is reviewing the controversial Hay Group salary study, which applies to its 350 nonunion employees, but I thought they were meeting later in the day, when it would be easier for county workers to attend. Silly me. I decided to go up myself and saw the three member commission huddled with human resources workers and Assistant County Solicitor Jill Mancini. I was politely asked to leave, and was told the public meeting would start later in the day.

At 2:30 PM, the time I was given, I walked in again. Sarah Cassi followed closely behind, and smoldered as the Personnel Commission spent a good ten minutes talking with Human Resources boss Connie Sutton Falk about different steps in the Hay Study salary scale. When the "public" meeting finally got underway, the only county worker there, aside from human resources staff, was Human Services Director Ross Marcus.

I had two questions. First, why did the Personnel Commission (which consists of Marna Hayden, Joyce Lang and Deborah Patterson) violate Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act? Second, why were they meeting in the middle of the day, when county workers affected by their decisions were working and unable to attend?

Sunshine Act Violation

Assistant County Solicitor Mancini said she really isn't sure the Personnel Commission is an "agency" as that term is defined in the Act. Well, let's see. That term includes "any board, council, authority or commission of ... any political subdivision of the Commonwealth." Unless Northampton County has seceded from Pennsylvania, it's pretty clear that the Personnel Commission, whose members are appointed by the Executive and confirmed by county council, is an "agency."

I suggested to Mancini that since she is unsure, why not err in favor of the public's right to know? Instead, she said something about erring "on the side of caution."

Mancini also claimed that the closed meeting was for "administrative action," defined as the "execution of policies relating to persons or things as previously authorized or required by official action of the agency adopted at an open meeting of the agency. The term does not, however, include the deliberation of agency business."

There are two problems with her argument. First, the Personnel Commission never authorized any such meeting. Second, as Sarah Cassi pointed out when she got going, the Commission was conducting "agency business" behind closed doors. They had pre-decided Marna Hayden's appointment as chair. Moreover, they were deliberating aspects of the Hay Study, right under my very big schnozz, before the public meeting ever got under way.

According to the very language of the Sunshine Act, "[S]ecrecy in public affairs undermines the faith of the public in government and the public's effectiveness in fulfilling its role in a democratic society." That's precisely what happened yesterday. How can county workers or taxpayers trust a body that excludes them?

Mid-Afternoon Time

Yesterday's 2:30 PM meeting time was certainly convenient to Human Resources staffers and Personnel Commission members, but made it impossible for most county workers, as well as the public, to attend. In fact, I can find no evidence the meeting was even advertised, a Sunshine Act requirement.

As the meeting went on, County Exec John Stoffa dropped by, as well as Solicitor Karl Longenbach. But those most dramatically impacted by the Hay Study were doing their jobs. After the meeting, I spoke to Sheriff Jeff Hawbecker and Controller Steve Barron, both of whom had spoken eloquently at the Personnel Commission's inaugural meeting. Jeff was in Reading and Steve was unaware of the meeting. Human Resources Director Connie Sutton Falk claimed everyone could have attended, but did they know about the meeting? She ended up restating the positions of county workers. They really should be permitted to speak for themselves.

Commission Chair Marna Hayden explained they had no control over the meeting time yesterday, but will ensure that future meetings are scheduled at times when both workforce and public can attend.

Stoffa Addresses Commission

Northampton County Exec John Stoffa, unaware that the Commission had met behind closed doors, gave them a little advice. "Have all your meetings open," he said, noting that secrecy just "causes suspicion among the employees."

Red-Circled Workers

The Hay Study recommends that 22 workers be "red-circled," i.e. denied additional raises or cost of living adjustments. Controller Steve Barron previously told the Commission that these are "the best of the best that work for the county." Stoffa acknowledged that it bothers him as well. "There's a value to someone who walks around with a lot of history in his head. He can come up with an answer in 30 seconds that takes others 3 or 4 hours."

The Commission will meet again, hopefully in public and at a time when affected county workers can attend. Chair Marna Hayden wants to see if adjustments can be made for red-circled workers.

"I don't know that we will be trusted at this point," says Hayden.

Not when you meet in the shadows.

Ho Ho Ho, My Name Is Jolly Joe

Hoe! Hoe! Hoe!

My name is Jolly Joe.

Hoe! Hoe! Hoe!

I make the dollies glow.

The Express Times reports that Ron Angle has sued Jolly Joe Timmer, his 974 year-old former boss at WGPA Sunny 1100 AM radio. He claims the real reason the polka king dumped him is because Angle had threatened to narc him over his antics with female employees.

Now I know why he's so damn Jolly. But let's face it - what woman isn't turned on by by polka music? I know I am. He can't help being so damn sexy. Maybe it's that vest. If I were Timmer, I'd admit it all and start doing hip hop. His record sales would go through the roof.

Five Republicans and Five Democrats Seek Grube's Empty Seat

Ten Northampton County residents have applied to serve the remaining year in Wayne Grube's term as a county council member. In chronological order, the applicants are Mike Fleck (11/13), Dave Haines (11/18), Joe Zarecky (11/19), Chris Hess (11/20), Mark Schwartz (11/20), Bill Wallace (11/21), Bob Birk (11/24), John Breidinger (11/28), Joe Capozzolo (11/28) and Geoff Roche (11/28). Two of them, Schwartz and Wallace, were unsuccessful candidates last November. Fleck's resume and letter of interest were submitted four days before Grube had even been buried.

Wayne Grube's widow, Patti, has also expressed an interest in serving out her husband's term. But she insists all eight council members must ask for her.

The county's home rule charter requires council to fill the vacancy by December 11, or it goes to the judges. Although Wayne Grube was a Democrat, his successor can belong to any policial party. Breidinger, Capozzolo, Birk, Schwartz and Zarecky are Republicans.

One advantage that blogs have over the MSM is that we can provide mind-numbing detail for which newspapers simply lack the space. In the posts below, I will provide details about each of the ten candidates. In some cases, I will include part of their letters of interest or resumes.

Update: The Morning Call reports that Queen of Hearts Ann McHale is already trying to brush Patti Grube out of the way. Grube has made her intentions known, but McHale points to Grube's refusal to send in some goofy resume. "I would think that would eliminate her.'' At a council meeting not too long ago, McHale imperiously declared, "Nice guys finish last." Looks like nice women finish last, too.

Longshanks' Nemesis on Northampton County Council?

William Wallace is the stubborn Scotsman who gave Edward Longshanks fits over revolutionary ideas like independence. But Wallace lost his head - literally. The William Wallace seeking an appointment to Northampton County Council teaches middle school, so he's probably seen his share of battles, too. And like his namesake, his letter to Northampton County Council demonstrates chivalry. "Please understand, that if it is the wish of Council to also consider Patricia Grube, widow of councilman Grube, that my submission be rescinded, due to the immense regard that I have for her and her possible intentions to carry on Wayne's legacy."

Very classy. Wallace also refrained from the divisive politics encouraged by Branco and Maher last year, instead running a clean campaign focused on bringing passenger rail to the Lehigh Valley. Mike Dowd, who defeated Bill 5027 to 4082, is ironically the council member who introduced the rail transportation study.

Wallace, if appointed, intends to run for the seat next year.

Can Northampton County Council Handle a Third Member From Slate Belt?

The two most controversial and contentious Northampton County Council members are Ron Angle and Charles Dertinger, both of whom live in the slate belt. There's only 3 TVs, so the folks up there live, eat and breathe local politics. Can we really handle a third member from that neck of the woods? Bangor Mayor Joe Capozzolo thinks so, and submits this curriculum vitae.

1981- Graduate Pius X High School, Bangor, Pa
1981-1983 Attended Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pa.
1983-1990 Universal Sportswear, Bangor Pa. Manager
1990-present Windjammer Inc. Bangor, Pa. Vice-President
2002-present Mayor of Bangor Borough
2003-present PUC- Consumer Advisory Council, Harrisburg, Pa.
2003-present Slate Belt Veterans Association, Bangor, Pa. Current VP

Does Northampton County Council Need a Salesman?

It needs something, and a thirty-year veteran of aluminum sales has offered his services. Because he's a salesman, I'll let Republican John Breidinger speak for himself.

"I am submitting this letter to declare my interest in appointment to the vacancy on the Northampton County Council. I do this with great humility and understanding that J will never replace Wayne Grube as a public servant Coach Grube was a one in a million person of integrity, perseverance, and grit, and no one will do the job as he did. I could only try to emulate his sense of duty and his giving nature to serve the people of Northampton County.


"My credentials for the job include ten years on the Easton Area School Board, member of the board of directors of the Nazareth YMCA, Varsity E Club, Visiting Nurse Association of Easton, Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at Lafayette College, and the Wilson Area Partners in Education Foundation. I also coached midget football and baseball in Texas, Palmer, and Forks during the 1 970s and 1 990s. I have lived in Northampton County for 45 of my 53 years. My family and I lived in Kentucky and Texas for eight years from 1977 through 1984, during which time we gained an appreciation of our home area as well as a perspective of how other parts of the country function and govern themselves.

"Starting with the Easton Area School Board, 1 learned quickly how to get things done in a public setting while efficiently and effectively serving the taxpayers of the Easton Area School District. While a registered Republican, I operated on the school board in a non partisan way. I would operate on the County Council in the same way. (My main advisors when running for the board and while on the board included Democrats such as the late Walter Peters of Nazareth, Representative Richard Grucela, and former District attorney Charles Spaziani). My goals were always to serve the taxpayers, the students, and the employees of the district. I was determined to represent my constituents^ regardless of region, and to be an advocate of parents with children in school (at the time only one of the eight members of the board had children in school.) I also was determined to show taxpayers what they were paying for as well as the value they were getting for their tax money. Also in this capacity I worked in negotiations with the teacher's unions of the district as well as the Career Institute of Technology. I was involved in employee grievances and student expulsions, as well as major decisions regarding policy, budget, and relationships with the other districts in the county in addition to other educational j entities., including the Northampton Community College, the Intermediate Unit, and the Easton Public Library.

"As a Director on the boards of the Y, VNA, Varsity E, and Wilson foundation, I was involved in the budgeting and personnel process as well as fund raising and public relations aspects. As a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house association, I worked with the students, faculty, and administration of Lafayette College, getting a much better understanding of the college I attended as an undergraduate. This experience was very helpful while I was on the school board, as Lafayette has a major impact on the school district tax base as well as the traditional Thanksgiving Day football game with Phillipsburg. In sending two student athletes to Lehigh, I also was exposed to the "other side" and all its positive attributes.

"My family has also broadened its horizons over the last four years. In 2004 we moved from Palmer Township to Bethlehem Township after my children graduated from Lehigh (of all places). Since moving, my wife and I have discovered the wonders of Bethlehem and this part of the county. While I have not taken an active role, I have attended meetings of the Bethlehem Township commissioners as well as the Bethlehem Area School Board. I was pleased to learn that we all have some of the same issues and have dedicated people who are constantly try to solve them. As a county councilperson I would be pleased to expand that knowledge base while drawing on my past relationships with taxpayers in the Palmer and Easton area.

"My career as a sales manager selling aluminum foil allows me to manage my schedule to attend meetings and visit county sites. I would welcome the opportunity to serve the people of Northampton County. However, should Mrs. Grube be appointed and accept the position of her late husband, I would withdraw my application."

Robert Birk Offers Municipal Experience to Norco Council

Republican Robert Birk, who has worked in the hotel/restaurant industry over the last twenty years, offers his extensive municipal experience in Bethlehem Township as the main reason why Northampton County Council should select him.

* Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners - Treasurer, 2006 - 09
* Liaison to Parks, Recreation and Administrative Offices
* Serve on Bethlehem Township Police Pension Board, 2006 - 09
* Bethlehem Township Board President, 2000 - 01
* Bethlehem Township Board - Vice President, 1998 - 99
* Bethlehem Township Board Commissioner- 1991, 1995, 1999
* Lehigh Valley Planning Commission - 1994 - 97
* Former Candidate for Northampton County Council

Roche: My Party Does Not Identify Who I AM

A five-year Northampton County resident, Geoffrey Roche, acknowledges having worked for three different Democratic legislators (Kanjorski, Siptroth and Boscola) But he denies he's a partisan. Here's his pitch.

"Prior to moving to Northampton County in the summer of 2004, I was fortunate to serve as Auditor and a member of the Open Space Committee in Ross Township, Pennsylvania. In these roles, I gained an understanding of local government and worked diligently on issues facing the community. In addition, I learned how to conduct legislative research, address constituent issues, and build government and community relationships through my experiences serving as a Legislative Staff member to both State Senator Lisa M. Boscola and State Representative John J. Siptroth. If I should have the honor and privilege to serve as a member of the Northampton County Council, I understand and recognize that I will face challenging issues such as dealing with the Fiscal Year 2009 budget. However, I believe my experiences as well as my passion to help others will aid me in making informed decisions while working closely with all of you.

"I understand that the current make-up of the Northampton County Council is four democrats and four republicans. Although, I am a registered democrat, my party does not identify who I am. What identifies me is my ability to help and serve others, my passion to advocate and speak up for those who are unable to, and my dedication to study issues carefully prior to making an informed decision. If you should put your trust and confidence in me, I will proudly serve the remainder of this term and would agree not to run in the upcoming election. I believe there are significant issues facing our community and I would be proud to work on those matters you during the next year."

Mark Schwartz Tries Again

Republican Mark Schwartz lost last year to Northampton County Council member Lamont McClure by a scant 91 votes. He was endorsed by both local papers. Amazingly, he spent no money. He had no time. He was working five different jobs - East Allen Township supervisor (third term), state police dispatcher, an EMT with two different ambulance corps, and a corpsman in the Navy Reserve.

He's already declared he's running again next year and has submitted a letter and resume expressing an interest in Wayne Grube's vacancy. It looks like his Navy Reserve enlistment has expired and he has dropped one ambulance corps, so he should have a little more time on his hands.

Someone has anonymously suggested that Schwartz' candidacy might constitute a violation of the Hatch Act, but that's ridiculous. That federal act does bar state employees from seeking election, but only those who are principally employed in connection with programs financed by loans or grants made by the United States or a federal agency. Last time I checked, state police dispatchers are paid out of the state coffers.

WGPA's Financial Controller on Northampton County Council?

In the course of guest-hosting on WGPA for Ron Angle before not-so Jolly Joe Timmer gave him the boot, I had the privilege of meeting Joe Zareczky. He was always there during the easrly morning hours, always listened to the shows, and definitely had his own opinions. Here's what he told Northampton County Council.

"I am a retired senior citizen applying for county council appointment to the unexpired term of the late Wayne Grube.

"I am a graduate of Moravian College with a BS degree in Economics and Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting and a MBA from Lehigh University.

"My work experience prior to retirement was 30 plus years as a Financial Controller in manufacturing at ITT Electron Tube, in Roanoke, VA and Easton, PA; Everson Electric in Bethlehem and Landis Technical Systems in Quakertown. At present, I work part-time as a Financial Controller for WGPA Radio Station and an Accountant for Valley Graphic Services in Fountain Hill."

Criminal Justice Maven Seeks Northampton County Council Seat

A 1999 criminal justice grad of Kutztown University, Easton resident Christopher M. Hess is the son of a 24-year verteran of Easton's finest. Chris is currently employed as a security officer with the Easton Area School District. His interesting resume includes work as a freelance reporter, adult probation officer and acting assistant township manager. Here's what he tells Northampton County Council.

"I have been actively involved in government and public relations for the last 10 years. In 1989, I had the honor of being a legislative page to the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. From 1990 thru 2002, I had the pleasure of serving Pennsylvania State Representatives Robert L. Freeman and Richard T. Grucela as well as Pennsylvania State Senator Lisa Boscola as a constituent relation aide. From 1999 until 2002, I served as a public relations specialist for the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) in Washington, DC, as well as for the Pennsylvania State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police Associates in Rhode Island. Tn these positions, I wrote press releases and news briefs in support of legislation and issues relating to law enforcement in the United States. In addition, I wrote numerous articles and position papers that "were published in national media and trade publications, and assisted in the research, preparation, and writing of Amicus Curiae briefs filed with me United States Supreme Court. I also lobbied both members of the United States Congress as well as members of the Pennsylvania State Legislature on behalf of my organizations. I attended lobbying events in Washington, DC and Harrisburg as well as congressional committee hearings to assist members of my organizations as they testified before Congress.

"Additionally, I have been involved in Government on the local level here in Pennsylvania, From 2001-2002,1 served as Acting Assistant to the Township Manager in Palmer. In this position, I assisted the Township Manager in all aspects of municipal government, including supervision of administration, grant development, planning, purchasing, finances, public works, general services, and public relations. I met daily with Township Supervisors on departmental problems, answered questions, and provided necessary information. In addition, I served as a member of the Palmer Township Planning Commission. Our commission serves as advisors to the Township Board of Supervisors on any land use items and issues. We discussed changes to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance of the township and made recommendations to the Board of Supervisors relating to any changes. Also, "we reviewed plans of developer request for land use and developed Palmer Township's comprehensive 10-year growth plan.

"I am a lifelong resident of Northampton County with a vested interest in her future. From its rich past and friendly citizens to its natural beauty and many recreational opportunities, Northampton County is a symbol of what makes America great. I would be honored to be able to serve her citizens in this capacity."

David Haines: A Fighter Pilot on Norco Council?

Imagine the dogfights with Northampton County's Bulldog, Ron Angle, if council appoints this former fighter pilot. Northampton area resident David Haines is a Naval Academy grad who later flew for Delta. He's also an at-large Dem delegate in East Allen Township who promises he will not seek the position in 2010. This gentleman has been a volunteer at the Northampton Food Bank, an assistant soccer coach at Northampton High School and a Deacon at St. John's UCC in Howertown.

Unfortunately, after reciting these impressive credentials, Haines blows everything by stating that his "skill sets" are perfect if "the duty of government is to serve its citizens effectively and honorably." What I've noticed is a council intent on doing quite the opposite.

Mike Fleck Can Only Make Two Promises

In his letter to Northampton County Council, Mike Fleck states, "I can only make two promises, One, because of my experience in local government I will be able to work from day one for the residents of Northampton County. The second promise is that I will not seek election to a fall term on County Council. I view this as a stewardship of the seat and will work hard for the residents, but don't believe an appointment to then seek election next year would be appropriate."

Fleck intends to use Wayne Grube's seat on Northampton County Council as a springboard from which he will launch his next city council race. His resume notes he received a "general degree" from Notre Dame High School. I didn't know high schools awarded degrees. Times must have changed. Currently, he sells furniture at Boscov's. As references, he lists Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski and Easton city council member Sandy Vulcano.

Resident to Lower Saucon Township: "Don't Fence Me In!"

Lower Saucon Township resident Richard Jacobs has challenged the township's decision to create a municipally subsidized gated community. Without bothering to conduct a traffic study, the township has gated off Stover Road from his subdivision.

Blocking off the road makes it much more difficult for people using the main drag, Route 412, to access his neighborhood, the Arden subdivision. Residents of this wealthy quarter, including a township supervisor, are all for this obstruction. You see, they don't like the idea of unwanted guests barrelling through their green zone. They might be poor people, damn it!

Jacobs had previously warned township officials that blocking this road creates a public safety hazard. And soon after the gate was installed, Jacobs had the unhappy fortune to be proved correct. His wife had a nasty fall and he called for assistance. Had that road been open, an ambulance would have been at his wife's side at least five minutes earlier.

This gate, installed at township expense, does more than keep the poor people out. It also screws handicapped people, making it impossible for a person on a wheel chair to get around.

Ten years ago, there were at least thirty thousand gated communities across America, and anywhere between 4 and 8 million people had "forted up." By contrast, Canada has about 300. They're more relaxed ... and less snobby.

Undeniably, gated communities present challenges for emergency vehicles. They exclude our new "untouchables," like the "bus people" I occasionally see derided on this and other blogs. According to at least one study, non-whites make up only a tiny portion of gated community residents. Hmmm. Heavy Trash, another blog, notes that "gated communities do not increase people’s trust in each other or the overall quality of life. They may in fact do harm to both.”

The Great Wall of China never succeeded in keeping out invaders. The Berlin Wall was a bad idea, too. The Stover Road gate will likely be opened by Jacobs' litigation. For those of you who'd like more detail, his complaint is below.

NOW COMES THE PLAINTIFF upon a cause of action of which the following are statements:

1. Plaintiff is an adult individual residing at XXXX Arden Lane, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County.

2. Defendant is a Second Class Municipal Township with a business address at 3700 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County.

3. Plaintiff resides in the Arden Subdivision, at the corner of Arden Lane and Stover Road.

4. Stover Road is located on the approved plans of the Arden Subdivision and is a public road.

5. Stover Road is also a proposed public road on the Meadows Subdivision which is an approved subdivision located immediately to the north of Plaintiff’s property and will connect to that portion of Stover Road located on the Arden Subdivision. That portion of Stover Road located on the Arden Subdivision has been dedicated to the Defendant, however, that portion of Stover Road located on the Meadows Subdivision is still not fully constructed and has not yet been accepted by the Defendant.

6. The Meadows Subdivision was approved by the Defendant on September 7, 2005, and the plan was recorded on October 26, 2005, and is recorded in the Northampton County Deeds Office in Vol. 2005-5, page 631, et seq.

7. Appearing on the recorded plan of the Meadows is the following notation relative to a possible gate located on Stover Road at the point where the Meadows Subdivision and the Arden Subdivision meet. “The location and type of gate will be determined by the Lower Saucon Township Council if deemed necessary after Stover Road is constructed.”

8. The gate as set forth in paragraph number seven would prevent the free flow of traffic along Stover Road from the Arden Subdivision to the Meadows Subdivision and points north and east.

9. Prior to the adoption of the Meadows Subdivision Stover Road was always planned as an open, unobstructed roadway along its entire length.

10. Prior to the approval of the Meadows Subdivision certain residents located in the Arden Subdivision desired to have their Subdivision gated off from the Meadows Subdivision and requested Lower Saucon Planning Commission to recommend a gate be placed in the center of Stover Road to prevent the free flow of traffic from the Arden Subdivision to the Meadows Subdivision and points north and east.

11. The Lower Sacuon Township Planning Commission considered the requests of the residents and on March 13, 2000 voted to grant preliminary approval of the Meadows Subdivision and specifically voted “to recommend a through road connecting Stover Road without an emergency access gate”.

12. In September 2008 The Lower Sacuon Township Council voted to require a gate be placed in the center of Stover Road preventing the free flow of traffic along its entire length.

13. The placing of the gate in the center of Stover Road was contrary to the specific recommendations and desires of fire, medical and other first responders of emergencies that may be required to travel along Stover Road to access the Arden Subdivision and the residents who live to the south and west of the gate. The Defendant was warned of possible adverse consequences to the public if the Stover Road was blocked by such a gate in a letter dated February 1, 2000, a copy is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

14. The placing of the gate in the center of Stover road will prevent police vehicles responding to emergencies in a timely fashion if they are required to use Stover Road.

15. The residents on the Arden Subdivision and other residents who live to the south of the gate on Stover Road will have only one method of egress and ingress to their homes if Stover Road is blocked by the proposed gate.

16. The placing of the gate in the center of Stover Road is a clear danger to the health, safety and welfare of the public.

17. The placing of the gate in the center of Stover Road is contrary to the Lower Saucon Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

18. Defendant has not adopted any regulations or standards as part of its Municipal Code to determine the placing of, use of, or construction of gates placed on public roads or streets such as the one on Stover Road and is done on an ad hoc basis.

19. By placing a gate in the center of Stover Road prior to the completion of construction of Stover Road, Plaintiff will be and is unable to complete a traffic study by counting the cars which will traverse Stover Road and its connecting road, Old Mill Road, to adequately assess the impact on any increase in traffic if Stover Road was unobstructed.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays that This Honorable Court grant the following relief:

A. Preventing and enjoining Defendant from placing a gate in the center of Stover Road as set forth above,
B. Preventing and enjoining Defendant from placing a gate in the center of Stover Road as set forth above until the completion of Stov er Road,
C. Preventing and enjoining Defendant from approving and or installing any further gates blocking public roads,
D. Preventing and enjoining Defendant from approving and or installing any further gates which would block public roads until standards and regulations have been promulgated and adopted by Defendant,
E. Preventing and enjoining Defendant from approving and or installing any further gates which would block public roads until standards and regulations have been promulgated and adopted by Defendant following public hearings,
F. Immediately ordering the Defendant to conduct a car count on Old Mill Road prior to the completion of Stover Road , or with Stover Road blocked by the gate, to determine the actual use of Old Mill Road so it can be compared to the use of Stover Road when it is unobstructed,
G. Ordering the Defendant to conduct a car count on vehicles actually traversing Stover Road and Old Mill Road after Stover Road is completed and unobstructed with any barriers.
H. Ordering an independent traffic study from a source unaffiliated from the Defendant relative to the proposed gate on Stover Road,
I. Grant such other relief which would be appropriate to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Philly's Foreclosure Diversion Program Explained to State Reps Dally & Brennan

Last Monday, Northampton County Council member Lamont McClure conducted an informative meeting concerning the local impact of the nation's home foreclosure crisis. Interestingly, state house members Craig Dally and Joe Brennan met the very next day with Judge Annette Rizzo, who supervises Philly's Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Pilot Program.

Dally has been kind enough to send me some information that he and Joe obtained from Judge Rizzo, and I'll share it with you.

Here's how it works. When a foreclosure action is filed, the bank must indicate whether an owner-occupied property is involved, and if so, obtain a case management order scheduling a conciliation conference. Both the complaint and the conciliation order, scheduling a conference within sixty to ninety days, are then served on the homeowner. Before the conference, the homeowner meets with a housing counselor, who prepares a proposal for the lender.

Using this procedure, 1,540 cases have been scheduled for a conciliation conference. More than half of the eligible homeowners, 63%, participated. Of the 973 owners who have completed conciliation conferences, nearly half (490) have been able to save their homes.

Philly is using a large reservoir of pro bono attorneys to keep costs down.