Toomey, Dent Blast Health Care Overhaul

Of course, the recently enacted federal health care overhaul was a hot topic at Friday's candidates' night, hosted by the local tea party.

Republican Senatorial candidate Pat Toomey: (See his video here.)

"It's over $2 trillion in spending of money that we clearly don't have and can't afford. It's going to increase our deficits and debt, and destroy jobs. And it's over a half a trillion dollars in new taxes, taxes on pharmaceuticals, on medical devices, taxes on employers, taxes on workers. Taxes on jobs! Imagine! With the unemployment rate nearly ten per cent, we pass a bill that taxes job creation. This makes absolutely no sense at all.

"One of the things that's as disturbing as all of that to me is the fact that it's really designed to expand dependency, make people more dependent on government, and less able and less willing to have an independent access and control to health care.

"So what we should have done is and we still can do when we repeal this thing is - and the day will come when we can repeal this thing - is we can have the kind of reforms that will make health care more affordable, more accessible. I have long argued that we ought to give individuals the same tax deductions that workers' employers get. Employers get to deduct the cost of health insurance when they buy it for their workers, that's fine. Individuals ought to get the same opportunity. That would immediately make it more affordable for individuals who have to go out and buy health insurance on their own.

"Speaking of insurance, I can buy car insurance from a little green lizard but I can't get health insurance from a guy in New Jersey. This makes no sense to me at all. We ought to force the insurance companies to compete for our business. That is a big source of the problem. Some of the Democrats say they think the only answer is the government. How about some competition? That would make such a big difference.

"I think we need medical malpractice reform as well.

"The goal should be repealing this bill and replacing it with the kind of reforms I've advocated. But let's be clear. President Obama's not gonna' sign a repeal bill, and he's going to be President for at least a couple more years.

Congressman Charlie Dent: (See his video here).

"One of the big fears I had is that, once the Congress enacts a law like this, it's very hard to take it back. It's very hard. So what do we do?

"We're going to have to find ways to defund this. That's one of the most effective things we can try to do in the short term.

"In the intermediate term, we're going to have to try and repeal the major provisions. We have to get rid of the mandates, the employer mandates, the individual mandates, the tax law increases, the Medicare cuts. They didn't cut Medicare to save Medicare. They didn't try to fix it. They cut Medicare to create a new entitlement program. You can't do that, you can't do it.

"So what else are we gonna' do? Defund it, repeal where we can, s best we can, but let's be honest. In the short term, between now and November, the people who just voted for that law aren't going to vote to repeal it. And should we get it through to the President, he won't sign a bill to repeal it. So what we have to do right now in order to stop this damage that they've just done, is we need to elect a new Congress. We're going to need a new President. That's what we're gonna' do. That's probably the best thing we could do.

"Now during this health care debate, I went before the House Rules Committee. That's where they were going to try the 'deem and pass,' you know, Congressman Slaughter, the Slaughterhouse rule and all that sort of thing. I go up into the Rules Committee and offer amendments to the Bill on medical liability reform and to strike the medical device tax. Alcee Hastings, presiding, from Florida, impeached judge, now a member of Congress, he basically didn't like my amendments and basically, two hours before I got the colloquy with him, said, 'We make up the rules here as we go along.'

"We need to replace the people on that Committee. We need to replace them. It is an outrage.

"And that's what we're fighting against right now in Washington. That kind of arrogance, and a Speaker of the House who can stand up and say 'we need to pass this Bill so you can find out what's in it.' Please.

"And now we are finding out what's in it. We're finding out how retirees are at risk of losing their prescription drug benefits because of one change they made, and that's Medicare Part D. Now Henry Waxman is waxing indignant, waxing indignant because people are reporting a loss that's going to occur, and he's going to scold them next week."

Congressman Charlie Dent: Pelosi's Agenda is Frightening

At Friday night's LV Tea Party candidates' night, LV Congressman Charlie Dent echoed Pat Toomey's concerns about just where we're headed.

"Nancy Pelosi and her partisans have taken this country off track in a very serious way and in a direction that many of us find alarming. I have fought against so many of the bad ideas of this agenda coming out of the U.S. House: stimulus; cap-and-trade; card check; to the recently passed health care. The agenda is just simply frightening. And because of the enactment of the health care bill, more is about to come down the pike.

"Because I've stood up and led the fight against so much of this wrong agenda, we've been visited by Nancy Pelosi's top lieutenant, Steny Hoyer. He's coming in here because he wants me out.

"We're going to have Joe Biden come here and visit us on April 15th. Tax day. Tax day. How appropriate! He and John Callahan will have lots to celebrate."

You can see the video here.

Mat Benol, Dent's amiable Republican opponent, had a similar view. Democratic challenger John Callahan, like most Democratic candidates, avoided the event.

Toomey: We Are Being Turned Into a European-Style Welfare State

At Friday night's candidates' night, hosted by the LV Tea Party, Republican senatorial candidate Pat Toomey wasted no time condemning the Obama / Reid / Pelosi troika.

"Their mission is to fundamentally redesign the American polity, to turn us into a European-style welfare state where a vast government controls the economy, redistributes wealth and forces the kind of social and economic outcomes that their Mandarins want to impose on the rest of us. And what's so encouraging to me is the way the American people are rising up, and saying very clearly and unambiguously, as we're saying today, 'we will have none of this.'

"I think the people of Pennsylvania and, I suspect, beyond that, they understand that the source of the greatness of our society is never government. The greatness of America is the American people."

(You can see the video here.)

Toomey was certainly "preaching to the choir,"as noted at LVPoliblog. At the only other tea party meeting I attended, the general consensus was that we are well along the path of socialism, and have been ever since Teddy Roosevelt was President.

But is this view accurate? According to Common Dreams' Nine Myths About Socialism in the US, no.

Name That Thug

Over the past week, I've been highly critical of the Lehigh Valley Tea Party. But I was really impressed by the huge turnout of at least 500 people at tonight's candidate's forum for senatorial, congressional and gubernatorial candidates.

Both daily papers sent their elite reporters to cover this event, so I expect you'll find informative stories about the candidates. But this story is about what happened during the debate, just as LV Congressman Charlie Dent and challenger Mat Benol began exchanging views.

As the audience listened to the candidates, two people - a man and a woman - began going up and down the aisles, passing out a flier that smeared Dent as he was speaking. Captioned "Top Ten Reasons Charlie Dent is not a TRUE Conservative!!!", it contained no disclosure. Most of the audience were put off by the intrinsic unfairness of this smear tactic.

As the male passed out fliers on my side of the room, Tea Party organizer Tom McFadden approached him, and asked him to leave. At the conclusion of the debate, Tom apologized for the disruption, called these smear tactics "rude", and asked the audience to discard the fliers.

Mr. McFadden also spoke to me (you can see that interview here) and made it very clear he was very upset by what had happened.

I captured this thug on video as he made his way out of the building. He tried ignoring me and also tried to hide his face, but I got him briefly.

Does anyone out there know this slimeball? Who is he working for? You can post his name here anonymously.

Morganelli, Two Other DAs, Endorse Jack Wagner

"I am privileged to endorse my friend, Jack Wagner, for Governor, as well as join him in support of his proposal to reform state government. Jack is uniquely qualified to make good government reforms a reality. I have seen his work as Auditor General in rooting out corruption and advocating measures that will ensure honest government. He has a track record of integrity and proven results, and will be a reform Governor capable of overhauling bad systems to reduce bad outcomes."

Those are the words of Northampton County DA John Morganelli, who today endorsed Auditor General Jack Wagner for Governor. Morganelli is still waiting for the campaign contributions that that gubernatorial hopeful Dan Onorato promised to send Morganelli in his AG race against Tom Corbett last year.

They're in the mail.

Two other DAs, Westmoreland County's John Peck and Schuylkill County's Jim Goodman, have also endorsed Wagner.

"I am honored to have the support of these individuals who aggressively prosecute people who violate the law and steal public funds," said Wagner. "I have worked with many of them throughout my career and look forward to continuing our partnership if I am fortunate to be elected Governor."

As Auditor General, Wagner works with federal, state, and local prosecutors to uncover waste, fraud, and abuse of tax dollars. The prosecutors have secured convictions as a result of this information.

For example, the Crawford County District Attorney asked for the Department of the Auditor General's assistance in a case involving the administrator of a personal care home. Together, they were able to prove that she stole $850,000 from the home and its residents, which led to her conviction of embezzlement and her sentence to 10 to 25 years in state prison.

Recently, the Delaware County District Attorney charged the treasurer of a volunteer firefighters' relief association with stealing $12,000, based on the work of Wagner's auditors and investigators.

In June 2009, based in part on information uncovered by the Department of the Auditor General, the Philadelphia District Attorney charged 18 people – including 16 city and state employees - with stealing more than $500,000 of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds and related crimes.

NorCo Council Supports AG Corbett's Health Care Challenge

In an otherwise uneventful meeting, Northampton County Council last night adopted a nonbinding resolution, 5 to 3, condemning the recent Federal health care overhaul as unconstitutional, and calling on AG Tom Corbett "to protect the citizens of Northampton County from any and all effects of the Federal Health Care Reform Act." It's based on a similar proposal under consideration in Lehigh Township, where a final vote will take place on Tuesday night.

Lehigh Township Supervisors' Chair Darryl Snover, who drafted the proposal under consideration, debated it with several Council members last night.

John Cusick: "I understand your concerns, but I'm just not seeing where it's a township or even a county issue."

Snover: "If not us, then who?"

Cusick: "The 435 people elected to Congress are the ones who should be dealing with this. I don't agree with what they did, but I don't think it's an issue that we should be addressing here or at the township level."

Snover: "I respectfully disagree. It is our job to represent the people in our districts, and this is the only way their voices can officially be moved up through the ranks of our government."

Lamont McClure: "Some of the provisions in the Bill include allowing children to stay on their parents' health insurance until they're 26 years of age. Do you agree with that provision of the law?"

Snover: "Honestly, whether or not I agree with any particular aspect of the law, I simply believe that it is beyond the scope of the powers that are designated to belong to Congress and the United States federal government. Clearly, the Constitution sets forth that it is a responsibility or a right of the people or to the state, and I believe that at this point, short of a Constitutional amendment authorizing the Congress to act on something like this, it simply isn't lawful."

McClure: "If I ask you about different provisions of the bill, you'll tell me the same thing?"

Snover: "Essentially, yes, sir."

McClure: "OK, so you won't answer my questions about specific provisions of the bill. You just have a general opposition to it on the Constitutional grounds."

Snover: "I would have no objection if the State of Pennsylvania chose to enact some sort of health care reform because that clearly is a power that has been designated to them. I simply believe at this tie, that short of a Constitutional amendment, and I can argue this on a variety of fronts that the federal government has enacted, that they simply do not have the authority, and 'We the people' have allowed them to usurp the Constitution."

McClure: "So your entire basis for that is the Tenth Amendment."

Snover: "Essentially, yes, and the founding fathers' intent. There is no such thing as charity in the Constitution. It simply is not there."

The last time John Cusick voted "present," it took three weeks for Home Rule Charter scholars to determine what the hell it meant. (A resolution that everyone thought had passed, actually failed). Cusick swore, "This is the only time you'll ever hear me say present." But last night, he did it again.

Because she's in the insurance business, Council member Ann McHale concluded she's somehow conflicted, and abstained. Council member Peg Ferraro, who is recuperating from surgery, missed the meeting.

McClure was the sole "No" vote.

That meant that the remaining five Council members ALL had to support the resolution, and they did, and it passed.

Snover told me he expects his proposal to pass unanimously at next Tuesday's 7 PM supervisors' meeting, which will be held at their municipal building, located at 1069 Municipal Road, Walnutport, PA 18088-9719. He's invited AG Corbett to the meeting, but told me "he's a busy man."

Ninteeen states have challenged the constitutionality of the federal health care overhaul. Northampton County appears to be the first municipal government to support AG Corbett's lawsuit.

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa (10:45 AM): Chairman Snover has posted a comment here, noting two factual errors in my post. First, although he inspired Angle's resolution, he did not write it. Second, my quotation is actually from the Lehigh Township ordinance. I failed to get a copy of the Northampton County resolution, which I ASSumed was identical.
Update (11:00 AM): Michael Duck's blog includes comments made by Council members Bruce Gilbert and Ron Angle. Duck also speculates that Cusick's "present" vote may have been intended as an "extremely subtle" jab at President Obama, who cast 129 "present" votes in the Illinois legislature.

Should Justice Joan Orie Melvin Step Down?

Now that two of the Orie sisters - Senator Jane and Janine - are under indictment for using the senator's state office to elect a third sister to the state's highest Court, should Justice Joan Orie Melvin step down?

Pa Clean Sweep activist Gene Stilp, claiming she'd have to be "deaf, dumb and blind not to know what was going on in her campaign" last year, has filed a complaint with the Judicial Conduct Board. He'd like her to resign.

Back in October, I posted The Orie Story. After yesterday's indictment, I decided it republish it below.

Joan Orie Melvin, a Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge, would very much like to be one of the seven Supremes sitting on our state's highest court. So for the second time in six years, she's running for an open seat, billing herself as a "strict constructionist." Together with sister Jane, a powerful and partisan state senator, the Ories are creating a family dynasty that blurs the separation of power that should exist between the legislative and judicial branch.

Sister Jane just happens to be a member of the judiciary committee. When another powerful state senator, Joe "special election" Scarnetti guaranteed he would personally raise $1.7 million for Melvin, she became in instant hit with the millionaires' club sometimes called the Republican State Committee. As Northampton County Bulldog Ron Angle, himself a state committeeman, puts it, "If anything rings a bell with those Republicans, it's money." She was hand-picked to run by the blue bloods. They turned their noses up at the alternative, Superior Court Judge Cheryl Allen. Allen could give them a black candidate, but the state committee prefers green.

Now, sisters Joan and Jane are steamrolling their way to election this November, even getting The Teamsters to make people understand the Orie Story. Only one person stands in their way - the son of a carpet roller. He's the Lehigh Valley's very own Jack Panella, himself a Superior Court Judge. Now I could fill this blog with all kinds of nice stories about Panella, but that's not the reason for this post. I want to tell you the Orie Story. I've written about her before, when she had no opponent, recommending against her retention on the Superior Court. I don't believe she longs on the bench at all, to say nothing of the Supreme Court.

Politically Ambitious

A Pittsburgh native, Melvin first managed to get herself appointed as a judge in 1990, filling a vacancy. At that time, she had only been practicing law nine years. The following year, as an incumbent, she was elected to a full term as a common pleas judge. But she never served that term. A mere seven years later, she was on the campaign warpath again, this time winning her current seat on the superior court.

During the time she spent traipsing across the state, picking up votes, she pretty much ignored her responsibilities as a common pleas judge. An investigative report by a team of eleven reporters at the Post-Gazette, cast a very public spotlight on a very unresponsive Melvin, a person who obviously considers her personal ambition more important than her work as a judge.
Melvin thumbed her nose at a six-week trial term because a pesky little jury trial might interfere with her quest to become an appellate judge. Her courtroom was "virtually shut down . . . for several weeks" while she "spent numerous weekdays out of town campaigning."

After stewing for a few years on this intermediate court, she decided to take a stab for a seat with the supremes in 2003. She and Democrat Max Baer engaged in a money war, spending an obscene $3.34 million over one seat on the state high court. This exceeds the total amount spent in all judicial races during the previous two years. Forty-three per cent of this money came from lawyers, a drastic increase from the ten percent total in the 2001 race.

Although the Code of Judicial Conduct clearly permits judicial candidates to speak out on issues, Melvin still refused to do so. Max Baer, who eventually beat her, said this during a televised debate. "I think you have a right to know what I feel, what I believe in, who I am." And he chastised Melvin for hiding her personal views during a televised debate with him, but expressing her views on tort reform and abortion in comments to Melvin-friendly audiences.

As I've mentioned, Melvin and her state senate sister, Jane Orie, are trying to create some sort of family dynasty. According to The Insider, these two sisters have a "well-known long-standing political feud" with fellow Republican Melissa Hart. "If Hart came out for light, the Ories would back dark."

Judges like Melvin prove Norco DA John Morganelli's point - "judges are probably the most political animals in the political and legal jungle."

Thin-Skinned

In addition to being a political animal, Melvin is fairly thin-skinned. She proved that through five years of quixotic litigation in two separate states over anonymous comments posted on a Pittsburgh-based political gossip site. An anonymous Allegheny County employee called "Grant Street 99" had criticized her "misconduct" in asking Governor Ridge to appoint someone she knew to a judgeship. I'm not sure how that even constitutes defamation, but I guess it must be per se defamation to criticize a superior court judge.

First, she sued in Virginia, trying to learn the identity of the anonymous cretin who had sullied her sparkling reputation. She got nowhere.

She had a little more success on her home field when she filed a second lawsuit in Allegheny County. But America Online branded Melvin's attempt at intimidation "an illegitimate use of the courts to silence and retaliate against speakers." And Witold Walczak, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh ACLU, noted the important role of anonymous speech in a democracy. "Not only did The Federalist Papers and Thomas Paine's Common Sense, both printed pseudonymously, change the course of American history, but evidence today suggests that anonymous Internet speech played a role in the collapse of the Soviet Union."

The state supreme court eventually agreed, and ruled Melvin had to prove financial loss before demanding the identity of her critic. "[G]enerally, the constitutional right to anonymous free speech is deeply rooted in public policy that goes beyond this particular litigation, and ... it falls within the class of rights that are too important to be denied review."

Thankfully, Melvin abandoned her legal bullying. Never admitting she had been wrong, her attorney claimed it would have taken too many years.

Incidentally, the anonymous critic lost his county job and an unlawful termination lawsuit.

Melvin Practices Government by Litigation

Now with her defamation suit out of the way, Melvin took politics by litigation to a new level by suing to demand that the state pay her less money. She lost that suit, too. Here's what one of those dastardly anonymous cyber-critics said. "[F]or a sitting judge to seek a court order barring the payment to her of a pay raise--a raise the Pennsylvania Supreme Court had already ruled could not constitutionally be repealed--is an abuse of the very judicial system she purportedly represents. I will certainly vote 'no' on her retention."

Gee, I hope she doesn't sue me.

Her Mean-Spirited Record From the Bench

Two years ago, Melvin had 139 written opinions online, 31 of which are concurring or dissenting opinions. These opinions, quite frankly, reveal a mean-spirited person who should not be sitting in judgment of anyone. In her little world, even juvenile adjudications would count as criminal convictions under the "three strikes" act. The fourth amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure would be meaningless. An insurance company contractually required to pay for a building in disrepair would not be required to do so unless that building collapsed. A father who disciplines his daughter would be subjected to a PFA order. On appeal, she would make her own credibility determinations on witnesses she never saw or heard, forbidden territory for an appellate judge.

Conclusion

Melvin might be a gifted politician, but she's not a gifted judge. Her attempt at legal intimidation could be expected from a major corporation, but a slapsuit from a sitting judge is bizarre. And her second suit over the payraise is pure grandstanding. Her contrarian opinions reveal an utter lack of compassion. I'll have more about her campaign, hopefully later this week, assuming she does not have me arrested.

PBS39 To Host Democratic Gubernatorial Debate Tonight

More than 70% of Pennsylvania's Democrats have no idea who the hell they'll be voting for in the Governor's race this November. Believe it or not, PBS 39 is actually hosting a debate for the four Democrats: Joe Hoeffel, Dan Onorato, Jack Wagner and Anthony Williams. The show airs tonight at 7 PM.

Imagine that! Our local public television station is trying to inform the voters. No word on whether the station will host a similar program for Republicans Tom Corbett and Sam Rohrer.

A-Town: What We've Got Here is a Failure to Communicate

During last night's Allentown City Council meeting, the importance of good communication became the theme. Here are just some of the areas where the City needs to improve:

* Landlords and tenants had no idea that landlord licensing fees would skyrocket this year;

* Allentown last year actually published the wrong Cedar Creek Park plans, and the administration classified revised plans as top secret while claiming everyone was misinformed;

* King Edwin routinely hides city finances from Council, leading to wild speculation that the city is filing for bankruptcy or Act 47 relief;

* The Morning Call's Jarret Renshaw will soon be awarded a law degree for all the Right to Know claims he is winning;

* King Edwin may peep into the Council meeting room, but avoids actual meetings unless Council threatens to send a constable.

In an effort to avoid all the miscommunication that's become all too commonplace, Council VP Michael Donovan proposed an amendment to a resolution approving the city's latest park plans, requiring that major changes be approved first. But other council members soon began tinkering with it, and that lasted a good 90 minutes. Frankly, I have no idea what the hell they finally decided. At one point, they were thinking about requiring $100,000 changes to be approved, then it was $40,000, then it was just a recommendation.

Last night, thirty-one citizens cared enough about their City to come to a meeting, but the Mayor himself was MIA. If you want to know why there's such a communication problem in the Queen City, just look at Pawlowski's empty chair.

10 AM Update: More detailed coverage of last night's meeting can be found in The Morning Call, Remember and Molovisnky.

A-town Ciy Council Prez Mike D'Amore a Big Mac Daddy

Before last night's Allentown City Council meeting, I always thought there was some tension between Council prez Mike D'Amore and Watchdog Lou Hershman. But when he approached the podium during courtesy of the floor last night, the first thing Lou did was congratulate Mike on being the proud father of twins.

Lou: "I hope they're going to register Republican."

D'Amore: "One of them is named Lou and that's as close as you're gonna' get."

The other one is named Tony.

Is This Principled Enough?

Last year, Allentown School Board member Bob Smith challenged David Jones for Lehigh County Comm'r. Running in a heavily Democratic district, Bob never had much of a chance. When the NAACP scheduled a debate in downtown Allentown, Bob never even got word until the event was well underway. He got there, but too late to be allowed to speak.

Jones, the eventual victor, has a habit of ignoring constituents and missing meetings. But Smith is a person who shows up and never lets someone down.

It was very sad to read a Morning Call account that Smith was seriously injured yesterday at Mount Trexler Manor, when he was pulled from the third story roof by a suicide jumper. She landed on top of Smith, suffering only minor injuries. But Smith has suffered broken arms, a serious gash to the forehead, but fortunately, no brain injuries.

I am reposting a very video from his campaign last year, in which he claims it's "so aggravating to be an Allentonian."

This is one of the "unprincipled Republicans" derided by our local tea party.

Judges Recuse in Angle Will Controversy One Day After Refusal in Council Dispute

Only yesterday, Senior Judge Michael V. Franciosa refused to recuse himself from a dispute between DA John Morganelli and the Northampton County Bulldog over Ron Angle's claim that he can simultaneously serve on a school board and County Council. But today, Northampton County judges have distanced themselves in the controversy over Angle's will, leaving him scratching his head. They want a judge from some other County.

Back in 2000, when Angle's dual office controversy first boiled over into a courtroom, Northampton County judges did recuse themselves. In fact, the DA refused to get mixed up in what is obviously political litigation.

But that was then.

While Judge Franciosa's refusal to recuse himself yesterday was still ringing in his ears, Angle was informed that in his father's will dispute, the courts have just decided to step aside and seek an out-of-county judge.

In a personal matter that has nothing to do with County Council, judges are gravely concerned about a possible conflict. But in a case that deals specifically with Angle's position on Northampton County, they refuse to recuse.

Does that make sense?

A fuming Angle has complained, "They're yanking my chain. They're covering their tracks and recusing themselves in a case where I don't need it."

Blogger's Note: I have a copy of Angle's Motion Seeking Franciosa's recusal, as well as his Brief Opposing the DA's Complaint against Angle, and will load and link to them by tomorrow.

Instead of Sports, KU Proposes Cutting Academics

Orie-Gate

Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie-Melvin is untouched ... so far.

Has Judge Koury Reneged On Campaign Pledge?

"A judge should avoid even the appearance of impropriety on the bench. ... I would ask to be disqualified from any case in which any contributor to my campaign appears before me as a party. I have made these pledges because I believe it is important that campaign contributions do not influence, or even have the appearance of influencing, a judge’s decisions."

Pretty impressive, eh? That's the solemn promise Michael Koury made during last year's Northampton County judicial race. He made the same pledge in his 2001 and 2003 races. The third time must have been the charm, and Michael was elected. But just three months after being sworn in, Judge Koury may have already gone back on his word.

That's what Bethlehem resident Al Bernotas told Bethlehem City Council last night. He's part of the newly-formed Bethlehem Neighborhood Association, "a group of residents fighting for their residential character." He's currently embroiled in a court battle against a ZHB decision allowing Elias Farmers Market, located on Linden Street, to expand in an RR residential zoning district.

A zoning appeal is scheduled for May, but Bernatos wanted to open the record now. You see, Bethlehem Zoning law does permit a business expansion, but for no more than 50% of its square footage in 1970. Bernatos has evidence, from the Zoning Office itself, that the Elias expansion will be over four times its original size in 1970, when it was just a roadside stand.

That's a lotta' bananas.

Instead of being allowed to open the record, Judge Koury chastised Bernatos during a hearing two weeks ago, for failing to bring a lawyer. He also admonished City Council, which has joined the appeal, asking why they failed to send someone to the Zoning Hearing Board hearing. Bernatos asked City Council last night, "What is the Zoning Hearing Board for? Do they represent the City, or the appellants?"

Bernatos told City Council he has since learned that Judge Koury has social, family and political ties to Joseph and Naziha Elias, who own Elias Farmers' Market. "After the hearing, I looked up public records and sure enough, the Elias family were political contributors. Does that mean the judge made an error in his decision? I don't know, I can't tell you whether he made a good or bad decision, ... but I just saw an undercurrent of favoritism or bias and you can't even measure bias. You don't know what's in someone's head."

State campaign finance records confirm that Joseph and Naziha Elias did contribute $1000 to Koury's judicial campaigns in 2001 and 2003, but not in 2009.

City Council Solicitor Christopher Spadoni, who was in Court with Bernatos in March, acknowledged it was"a fair rendition of what occurred."

Earlier that evening, Glenn Taggart was unanimously reappointed to Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board.

Now this is only $1,000. But even if it is just $1, shouldn't Koury have recused himself if he was interested in keeping his word? Will he claim contributions made in 2001 and 2003 don't count? Will this jurist, who graduated in the top 5% of his law school class, claim he just forgot?

I know one thing. No Josie's Deli for me. His mom will give me the "special", seven-year old tuna salad.

Update (around 9 AM): Contacted this morning, Judge Koury tells me that he was provided a docket showing that the case involved a Ghassan G. Elias, dba Elias Market. Ghassan had never contributed to any of his campaigns, so he felt he could hear the case. He also told me I'm still welcome at Josie's Deli.

Bethlehem City Council: Shiny Happy People

I rarely go to Bethlehem City Council meetings. For one thing, I'm usually the worst-dressed person in the room, unless someone like Bethlehem activist Peter Crownfield shows up. But the real reason I stay away is they're too damn nice. I just can't handle it.

Last night is a perfect example. After sitting there about twenty minutes, I could feel something that felt like a bug, crawling down my back, and inside my shirt. I was ready to rip my shirt off and run for the bathroom, but tried to be casual. I got up, tripped, and nearly slammed into the door. Then I stepped outside.

No sooner had I stepped into the hall, looking for some bathroom, than I was accosted by Tony Hanna, Bethlehem's DCED Director, and Jack Spirk, the City Solicitor.

"Are you leaving already, Bernie?" they smiled. "The best part is just about to start."

That's a really low blow. I can take scowls and snotty remarks, but never know how to respond when people are nice to me.

It's an excellent and well-prepared City Council, presided over by President Bob Donchez. Mayor John Callahan has enough respect for them to attend their meetings. In fact, most of his department heads were there, too. In addition to the suits, I counted 22 citizens who are very interested in their government, and almost every one of them has something to say.

They're nice, too.

The big issue last night was the goofy electronic billboard on the Hill to Hill bridge, which was called a "weapon of mass distraction." But they were all so damn nice about it. The only outburst came from diminutive Betty Mary Pongracz, who was very upset that the City scheduled a historic preservation task force meeting on Holy Thursday.

"How dare you plan that meeting on Holy Thursday! How dare you!"

She was praying for her immortal soul that day and had to skip the meeting. She was very upset, and everyone in the room looked embarrassed and hung their heads in shame. I thought some of them might start crying.

Then I farted.

When I got home I insulted a few people on my blog and then I felt better.

Judge Franciosa Refuses to Recuse Himself From Angle Controversy

I missed the fireworks, but The Express Times' Sarah Cassi has a well-written account. Senior Judge Franciosa has refused to recuse himself, claiming he's deciding no facts. But if he's biased, would that really matter?

Angle is convinced he'll be executed sometime next week.

Joe Hilliard: Specter Slayer, Topples County Gov't With a Slice of Pizza

Over the past few days, I've told you all about unelected LV Tea Party leader Kim Schmidtner. But I've been unfair because I left out the man behind the woman, unelected LV Tea Party leader Joe Hilliard.

Who the hell is Joe Hilliard? Let me tell you a little story. Not long ago, Charlie Dent sponsored the first ever Lehigh Valley Republican Convention at the Northampton Community Center, footing the bill and inviting ALL Republicans. Despite being invited as a registered Republican and committeeman, Joe just had to organize a protest rally against Charlie Dent at the event.

That's how Joe rolls. But enough from me. Let's hear about Joe from Joe himself, with his characteristic modesty:

"I have been blessed to network with thousands of people in a fairly effective coalition. I have had the privilege to help start about 20 limited government groups. It is always amazing when people I don't even know call or email me for advice. I am networked with many, many more groups across the state and even in other states. Senator Specter switched party because of the "censure movement" strategically initiated by a very small group. We have had an impact on the floor of the Pennsylvania legislature. We have implemented a number of initiatives and mechanisms that will have a big impact in politics. This includes legislative initiatives, legal strategies, media outlets, etc. More will be implemented this year. Some, surprisingly, have even been my suggestions and strategy ideas.

"More and more people acknowledge that raising money and handing out literature for candidates is not a solution to our problems.

"We are having impacts at the local government level which include defeating illegal bond issues and exposing fiscal 'smoke and mirrors'. In fact, such an effort led to a total collapse of one county government in our state - and exposed a huge nest of corruption which has led to many indictments including a few sitting judges. It is amazing what can be accomplished by following a few simple principles and pulling back the curtain to expose politicians and the games they play. I was there at the beginning of that effort. In fact, it all started with a meeting with myself and one county resident over a couple of slices of pizza. This turned into a two year battle with a coalition. And, because principled Republicans stepped forward who refused to play the game, there were even some electoral successes in this heavily Democrat county. There will be more such efforts coming in the future.

"I could continue, but my efforts do not need to be detailed as some sort of resume, because I seek no compensation nor recognition."

Then Joe continues anyway:

"We must continue doing what we have been, because we are having a big impact on politics. And, as I keep reminding people, we haven't even done that much yet! Our precinct organizing plan is the foundation for us to increase our effectiveness. Running for committee spots is one piece of that foundation. Our meeting will cover ALL of the aspects of what we hope to accomplish in the near future - which is changing the rules of the game because the political game has failed all of us."

Imagine that! In addition to being the Specter Slayer, he was able to topple a County government somewhere, armed with only a slice of pizza.

Unfortunately, LC Comm'rs Chair Dean Browning, a Republican, is in Joe's cross-hairs. You see, Dean proposed giving the Vice Chairmanship to that dirty, no-good Democrat, Dan McCarthy. It made no difference to Joe that Dan received a pretty good rating from the Tea Party. Unelected leader Joe delivered this ominous threat, ex cathedra, to Browning:

"I can only warn, as I have done consistently for the last several years, about this rapidly growing sentiment which, frankly, has shocked even me with the speed of its growth and strength. Those who get on board will be okay. Those who don’t…. well time will tell. And it won’t only be during an election cycle. Constant HUMILIATION over a four year term will take its toll on those who are a problem. We will use our rapidly growing email lists and hand out thousands of flyers about such “Republicans” for the sole purpose to inform the voters about those who truly represent taxpayers and those who sell out to the Democrats and Big Government groups who feed at the government trough at the expense of taxpayers. And no, we won’t be coming to meetings before a vote to wage this battle at the podium. This battle will be fought before hand to some extent, but ESPECIALLY after such votes are cast."

In Joe's world, none of this is political activity. The IRS has a slightly different view:

"Under the Internal Revenue Code, all section 501(c)(3) organizations are absolutely prohibited from directly or indirectly participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. Contributions to political campaign funds or public statements of position (verbal or written) made on behalf of the organization in favor of or in opposition to any candidate for public office clearly violate the prohibition against political campaign activity. Violating this prohibition may result in denial or revocation of tax-exempt status and the imposition of certain excise taxes. "

NorCo's March Deed Transfers Show Modest Gain, But Still Below Average

Over the past five years, Northampton County's real estate transfers have declined forty-six per cent. February was particularly bad, the worst month on record since 1983.

But in March, there was a modest gain of real estate transfers, 10% more than in 2009. Before breaking out the party favors, this is still 22% below the average March over the past 14 years.

Are we heading in the right direction? Tune in next month.

Below are March's deed transfers over the last 14 years.

2010 - 513 deeds; 2009 - 466 deeds; 2008 -544 deeds; 2007 - 667 deeds; 2006 - 877 deeds; 2005 - 860 deeds; 2004 - 778 deeds; 2003 - 681 deeds; 2002 - 670 deeds; 2001 - 639 deeds; 2000 - 645 deeds; 1999- 717 deeds; 1998 - 673 deeds; 1997 - 498 deeds.

The Taxman Cometh

As that April 15 tax deadline draws closer and closer, it's time to do those taxes again.

If your household income is $49,000 or higher, go to someone like Lou Hershman & Associates, (521 5th St, Whitehall, PA 18052, Phone 610.821.0191). I have several friends who use him, and they swear by the guy. He's reasonable, fast and does it right the first time. He does not try to lend you your refund and charge exorbitant interest.

What if your annual household income is at or below $49,000? Then you are eligible for free tax preparation and e-filing through the Money in Your Pocket campaign. This free service is offered by CACLV spinoff Community Action Financial Services, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service.

Call (484) 893-1040 now to make your appointment.

Depending on family size and income, you could be eligible for a refund of up to $5,657 with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Last year, CACLV filed 1,218 tax returns for low- to moderate-income taxpayers, who received a total of $1,702,967 in refunds (an increase of more than 16% over the previous year) and saved more than $243,600 by avoiding commercial tax preparers and the high-cost refund anticipation loans they offer (assuming the average taxpayer would have spent an average of $200 for these services).

This year, tax preparation locations are in Allentown (Former WIC Office, 824 Hamilton Street; T & W 3-7 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm), Bethlehem (CACLV Community Room, 1337 East Fifth St.; M 2-7 pm, Sat. 10 am-2 pm), Easton (Easton Area Public Library, 515 Church Street; T 3-7 pm, Sat. 9:30 am-1:30 p.m.), and Mt. Bethel (Rep. Rich Grucela’s Office, 5 Mt. Bethel Plaza; Th. 1-5 pm).

Community Action Financial Services (CAFS), a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency-certified counseling agency, aims to increase self-sufficiency, financial literacy, and asset-building among low-income people. In addition to our Money in Your Pocket free tax preparation and e-filing (VITA) program, CAFS provides education, counseling, and assistance on home ownership, predatory lending, mortgage foreclosure, individual development accounts, and tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities.

Why I Drive Stick Shift

It's cheaper, too.

Can Scranton City Council Amend Mayor's Budget?

This question, which is being decided in a Lackawanna County Court, has repercussions to any Home Rule Charter municipality.

Most Dems, Including Callahan, To Boycott LV Tea Party Candidate Forum

Have you ever been to a candidates' forum? Chances are, you haven't. These are poorly attended affairs, with office-seekers usually outnumbering the audience. If truth be told, most of these events are wasted evenings. Wannabes dance around softballs from officious moderators, who are more interested in looking important than asking real questions.

Most of us would rather watch TV.

The Pen Argyl Area Concerned Citizens, which sponsors an annual candidates' night, is a notable exception to this general rule. Their questions are painstakingly prepared, and you can quickly separate those who are knowledgeable and informed, from those who are unprepared. Unfortunately, attendance at even this event is really minimal, rarely going much above 30 people.

In vast contrast to the norm, there will be a huge crowd at the Lehigh Valley Tea Party candidates' forum, which include LV Congressional, senatorial and gubernatorial hopefuls. It's scheduled for Friday night, 6PM, at Palmer Township's Chrin Community Center. When I went to last month's meeting, to listen to a relatively boring speaker, there were 320 people packed into a room. So far, 147 people have said they'll attend the Friday night fights. I suspect the actual number will be much larger.

As an added draw, populist but right-wing leaning Bobby Gunther Walsh will be hosting the event. On his radio show, he's currently conducting a poll asking, "Is the Media attention on Christian militias an effort to put Christianity on the same level as radical Muslins?"

I'm sure he'll be fair.

Despite an unusually large crowd and the presence of Bobby Gunther Walsh, you won't see Congressional wannabe John Callahan on Friday night. In fact, you won't see any Democrat at all, except for little-known senatorial candidate Joseph Vodvarka. His tea-partyish views should be very welcome.

Callahan, in particular, is a great dodgeball player. He refused to take any stand on the health care overhaul until the day after it passed. Experts claim this "day late and dollar short" stategy is just smart politics, but most people I talk to consider it an insulting and cynical disregard of the voter. But I'm in complete agreement with his decision to duck Friday's forum. I think he has every right to be concerned by recent tea party threats and violence directed at Democratic members of Congress. Moreover, it is clear that few Democrats can expect fair treatment from the LV Tea Party.

Locally, this supposed "grass roots" movement has been hijacked by unelected leaders who are pursuing a personal agenda aimed at the elimination all incumbents. Last year, Northampton County Exec John Stoffa, who had no Republican opposition and is a fiscal conservative interested in transparency and accountability, participated in their program and even completed their questionnaire. He received a rating of 14 out of 68, the lowest score of any candidates in either Northampton or Lehigh County.

Stoffa and incumbent Peg Ferraro were tagged for their "soft budget discipline." Despite this condemnation, Stoffa and Ferraro were the highest vote getters in Northampton County.

Incumbents Don Cunningham, David Jones, John Cusick and Charles Dertinger were called "insensitive," apparently for failing to fill out their lengthy questionnaires about Barack Obama's citizenship.

The only thing worse than being an incumbent is being a Democrat. In fact, Democratic county council candidates Deb Hunter and Bill Wallace were rated downright "antagonistic" to the
9-12/Tea Party Movement, apparently for exercising their First Amendments rights and questioning this group and its real motives.

So who's coming on Friday night?

Governor: Sam Rohrer (R) and a surrogate for Tom Corbett (R).

Senate: Peg Luksik (R), Joe Vodvarka (D), and Pat Toomey (R).

Congress: LV Congressman Charlie Dent and his Republican opponent, Mat Benol. (Independent Jake Towne is not invited because he is not on the ballot).

Democrats John Callahan, Arlen Specter, Jack Wagner, Dan Onorato and Joe Hoeffel will stay away from a group that is driving everyone to the right. LV Congressman Charlie Dent will dive into the belly of the beast, hoping to draw some rank and file members away from its unelected "anybody but Dent" leadership.

Guess Who Had Lunch With Me on Saturday?

Les belle filles et moi. Next time, it will be a larger group. Pam and Kathy made me promise. I also had to close my eyes and count to 100 when they left for some reason.

Dent Triple-Teamed by Benol, Towne and the Queen of the Tea Party

If you visit blogs like LV Dependent or Just Read It, you're bound to get the impression that at least some Democrats believe Charlie Dent's days as LV Congressman are numbered. Dent is dismissed as an empty suit who serves whatever special interest is unpopular at the moment, while Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan is regarded as their Savior, even though he's avoided every major issue in this campaign.

Since Dent is such an evil conservative, you'd think they'd all be rallying to his banner. But at Friday night's Lehigh Valley Conservative Voice lovefest for April Fools, he was attacked on three fronts by congressional wannabes Mat Benol and Jake Towne, as well as unelected LV Tea Party Queen Kim Schmidtner. Dent was denied the opportunity to respond to these attacks, and there was no time for questions from the little people.

Mat Benol a little short on specifics.

Mat's actually the most likable person who spoke on Friday night. In a soft-spoken voice, he talked about his two daughters, who are obviously his world. He told a story about how the two of them were flicking a TV remote at each other just the other day, which resulted in a call from the wife and a trip home to take one of them to the hospital. Those of us who are parents have been there, and he connected with the crowd right away. He mentioned what it's like to be called into the office and told he has to accept a 10% pay cut to avoid layoffs. Those of us who work know what that's like, too.

Benol also made an other important point, one that escaped Towne and Schmidtner. He stressed it is possible to like your opponent, and flatly admitted he likes Dent. So why is he running? He claims his goal is to bring the Republican party back to the conservative side.

Benol is a LV Tea Party member, and up until his announcement, he was one of their unelected leaders. On his web page, he indicates that they may not be able to endorse him, but he endorses them.

As likable as he may be, his discussion of issues is rather banal. In talking about our debt crisis, he just says we need to "stop spending." OK, where? His foreign policy plank tells us we need to "stop apologizing for America." That's nice, now how about some specific proposals?

A demonstration of Benol's weakness on the issues is illustrated most clearly by the "limited government resolution" that he and other tea party members unanimously approved in March. I've duplicated it here, and it basically contains these provisions.

1) DECREASE taxes, no tax hikes or new taxes.
2) NO operating deficits, government should spend equal to or less than what it brings in.
3) REDUCE public debt.
4) REDUCE government power and authority, stop increasing it every year.

With less than 50 days until the primary, isn't it time to hear some details about how a Congressman Benol would implement this? In FY 2010, the Federal Government will take in $2.2 trillion in revenue and spend $3.7 trillion, leaving a deficit of $1.5 trillion, just for that year. If Benol were in Congress, he would have to cut spending 42% to comply with that limited government resolution. It's completely unworkable. Even if Benol eliminated every single government program other than defense, social security, Medicare, veteran’s benefits, employee retirement and interest, he would still have failed to balance the budget.

So enough of the “we need to spend less than we take in.” It is time for Benol as a Congressional candidate (and Joe Hilliard as his campaign manager) to start giving some specifics.

Independent / Libertarian Jake Towne Needs to Relax.

I have to wonder what the hell happened to Jake Towne in mainland China, where he spent a few years before rushing back here to run for Congress. That's a post for another day. When he started speaking Friday night, he was very angry and had a wild look in his eyes that made me wonder. In addition to his anger, he has absolutely no sense of humor. His only joke - a comparison of the major parties to arsenic and cyanide - has been repeated since the days of Ralph Nader.

Towne would eliminate the US Department of Education, abolish the income tax, eliminate military bases overseas, cut defense spending, bring troops home from Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany and Italy.

He also hates being searched at airports.

To thunderous applause, he railed against the "mob rule by that gang in Washington." Gee, I thought they were our democratically elected officials.

As he shouted and waved his hands wildly, with his hair going in forty different direction, I was tempted to blurt out a few "Seig Heils." But I was afraid others might join me.

Queen of The LV Tea Party, Kim Schmidtner.

As if the two announced candidates were not enough, the unelected Queen of the LV Tea Party had a few shots of her own. She likened incumbent Republicans like Charlie Dent to cancer.

"While I agree that the 2010 mid-term elections are critical, I vehemently disagree that voters must accept yet another compromise. What this says is that we should accept a small does of poison instead of a large one. In the end it will still kill us, it will just take us a little longer to die.

"Returning to the cancer analogy, that's like a surgeon taking out only 85% of a tumor, but leaving the remaining 15% there to continue to metastasize. How many of you would go to that surgeon?

"The definition off insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It is time to break out of this insanity and undergo the treatments necessary to rid the nation of the disease of progressivism, or it will kill us. And this year, voters have the first opportunity to do that in the upcoming May primary. The primaries are the constitutional, democratic battleground, where the people can rid the party of progressives and those who compromise with them, and put the best candidates forward to the general election in November.

"It is absolutely critical and is indeed your civic duty to be suspect of the party endorsement process and conduct your own research on all candidates that appear on the ballot, by attending events like this one this evening."

I see. Events that exclude Charlie Dent. The Queen of Mean might want to reconsider her cancer analogy. Congressman Dent's father-in-law died of cancer just a year ago, and it killed his brother-in-law just last month.

It amazes me that Schmidtner, who has a pretty spotty voting record, would lecture others on their civic duty.

Schmidtner also spoke of the completely unworkable limited government resolution.

"We will hold all elected officials, no matter the party affiliation, accountable to these principles, and will measure each and every vote they make or have made against these standards."

Holding them accountable? So much for a nonprofit that engages in no political activity.

Like Closed Libraries and Hungry Kids? Then Vote Justin Simmons

Justin Simmons, Karen Beyer's Republican opponent in the moderate 131st legislative district, repeatedly blasted her with the P word at Friday night's LV Conservative Voice candidates' night. That's P for progressive, and is now being associated with socialism, communism and overall poor personal hygiene.

Incredibly, Simmons complains that it's largely because of her that the state has a budget. She is one of just two House Republicans who voted to break the gridlock. What a terrible person she must be!

Simmons' life experience consists basically of school, student council and working briefly for state senators. He has no clue what it's like to lose a job, or to juggle things around so you can buy shoes for your kids. His youthful insensitivity to the very real problems caused by that gridlock should be embarrassing. During that impasse, school districts were denied about $1.3 billion in state funding, and non-profits providing vital human services waited for another $114 million.

As reported by CNN, day care centers closed, food banks had to cut back, literacy classes were canceled and the south branch of the Allentown Public library had to be closed.

At the time, then LC Comm'r Chair Percy Dougherty complained, "[T]hey are asking us to pay their bills while they argue over the budget." Allentown school board member Bob Smith, himself a conservative Republican, at that time noted that "what may have started out as a legitimate battle of ideas on how to move our Commonwealth forward has turned into a sad sideshow that underscores why people don't like and don't trust politicians."

That impasse caused real problems, including hungry kids. How anyone can suggest it should have continued, is beyond me. Simmons, a single guy with no kids of his own, might be singing a different tune if it were his kids who were suffering.

No rebuttal time for state Rep. Karen Beyer, and no time for questions.

On my way out at the end of the night, Simmons had blocked the only way out of the room, but refused to acknowledge me as I left.

I might have had a question. Or two.

Dent, Beyer & Corbett Snubbed by LV Conservative Voice

LV Congressman Charlie Dent, Pennsylvania AG Tom Corbett and State Rep. Karen Beyer were all snubbed at Friday night's Lehigh Valley Conservative Voice's candidates' night, appropriately conducted on April Fool's Day. I was told this was a night for outsiders, but gubernatorial candidate Sam Rohrer (R), an 18-year veteran of the state house, was the headline speaker. So there goes that theory.

In reality, it was a night to shun the more moderate, i.e. reasonable, members of the Republican Party.

Unelected Tea Party leader Joe Hilliard was very importantly getting up every three seconds to adjust his debtclock power point, which was completely unreadable but looked very impressive. And the Queen of the LV Tea Party, Kim Schmidtner, was allowed to give a speech excoriating Republicans who are willing to work with Democrats as a "cancer."

Rank and file Republicans pretty much ignored this event, as they should. Attendance was only around 70-80, less than half the number that came to the last open event.

No time for questions.

I'll tell you about the speakers tomorrow.

Ironically, the person who impressed me most isn't running for anything. Retired LC Controller Peter Shaffer spoke quietly, yet very effectively, about the importance of educating voters. He explained this PAC was initially set up to fund conservative candidates, but after seeing only $1.47 in the till a few months ago, they decided to focus on education.

"That's how we roll at Conservative Voice."

Peter, when you snub some candidates while promoting others, you fail to educate voters.

Why The Morning Call Should Think Twice Before The Next Layoff

Tea Parties More Trusted Than Congress

I can't say I share that view of our local tea party's unelected leadership or its blatant political activity.

MC Publisher Loses Job One Week After Labeling News Trouble Claims A Myth

One week after claiming that it is an "exciting time" to be in the news biz, Morning Call Publisher Tim Kennedy has himself become a victim of an apparent budget-cutting axe. Kennedy presided over the largest number of layoffs in Morning Call history, but recently insisted that the notion that newspapers are dead or dying, is a myth.

He's the only publisher at that paper who ever returned one of my calls.

Update: The Express Times has a copy of Kennedy's parting memo, which you can read here.

Felton Force Inspires Grass Roots Democracy

When affable Walter Felton narrowly lost his race against Ron Manescu for District Judge in November, a lot of his inner-city campaign workers were disappointed. Most of them have felt disenfranchised their entire life, and rallied around Walter, who grew up in the projects himself.

Felton told them, "Get involved! Become part of the process."

That's exactly what has happened. In addition to seventeen Democratic state committee candidates, Felton told me today that there are forty-two county committee candidates from Allentown alone. At least twenty of these are people who Walter encouraged to file nomination petitions.

"People in government are always asking for diversity, so I brought it to them," laughed Walter.

These are newcomers, people who have never participated in party politics before. Some of the state committee candidates have faced already petition challenges. Walter said, "We're learning. If they don't fill out their paperwork right or get enough signatures, I told them they have to go to Harrisburg and take their medicine."

One person who's very impressed by Walter's efforts is, surprisingly enough, Republican City Chair Bob Romancheck. "I think it's remarkable," Bob tells me. "Anything that gets people involved is good for democracy."

Felton has encouraged these committee candidates to circulate petitions and get on the ballot instead of going the write-in route. That way, the people who signed their petitions are more likely to vote and actually inform themselves.

"Once they get a taste of it and see what it is, it's gonna' be like wildfire to the community, " Walter predicts.

How 'bout that? Instead of dragging people from homeless shelters and paying them $100 to knock on doors like Mayor Pawlowski did in November, Walter is trying something different called grass roots democracy, trying to give the voiceless a voice.

Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative, you have to love that.

LV Conservative Voice's April Fool's Prank

Last time I attended a meeting of Lehigh Valley Conservative Voice, I won a fruit basket. But after my latest post about our LV Tea Party, I'll probably be pelted with tomatoes. If you see me, pretend you don't know me.

They're hosting a candidates' night tonight (6 PM) at the Scottish Rite Center (1544 Hamilton Street in Allentown). Here's a breakdown of tonight's illuminati:

Sam Rohrer-candidate for governor: This is a a Bob Jones University grad who actually told a Chester County judge that nobody needs a license to drive unless he's a commercial truck driver. That's precisely the same argument used by The Posse Comitatus, which believes no legitimate form of government exists above the county level; and the sovereign citizen movement, which argues citizens are only subject to common or constitutional law.

Mat Benol - Congressional wannabe: Mat has recently filed a Petition with the Supreme Court, demanding them to lay the smackdown on the federal government for exceeding the 17 specific powers they are granted. He also argues that any aid to "illegal immigrants constitutes harboring a fugitive and is a criminal act." So look out, Emergency Room nurses! You're going to the hoosegow. You'll never believe this, but the Supremes returned Mat's petition. He overruled them and refiled it.

Jake Towne - another Congressional wannabe: I wonder how all the vets in the audience will feel when Jake tells them that we are bogged down in an "unconstitutional war of aggression" in Afghanistan or that we are a "military empire" with "imperial" tendencies. He predicts our defeat in Afghanistan. Maybe he'll forget.

Kim Schmidtner - Queen of the LV Tea Party: She holds her current position by Divine Right but is nevertheless one of tonight's featured speakers, and in her capacity as Queen of the Tea Party. This is no nonpartisan gathering. You won't see Joe Brennan or John Callahan dropping by or even the more centrist Republicans. Her public appearance with this PAC is a tacit endorsement of conservatives and rejection of everyone else. That's political activity.

I'll say this much for Lehigh Valley Conservative Voice. They sure knew who to invite on April Fools' Day. These are the people who force centrist Republicans to the right, just as Moveon forces centrist Democrats to the left. The net result is more extremism, instead of people who are willing to work together.

Browning Commends Cunningham's Linden St Bridge

When I told you that Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham would formally re-open the Linden Street bridge on Wednesday, I also mentioned that Scott Ott, Don's opponent for County Exec last year, would be on hand to display his bungee jumping skills. Scott, worried that "the rope Mr. Cunningham purchased for me was bought with money he saved on the Courthouse project," politely declined. But never fear, the Chairman of Lehigh County's Board of Comm'rs, Dean Browning, joined Cunningham. He did no bungee jumping, but this fiscal conservative commended Cunningham for pushing ahead with the Linden Street bridge.

What's the big deal with one dinky little bridge, anyway?

It's what County governments do. They own many of the bridges we travel over every day. As we tool in to work each morning, juggling cell phones in one hand and swilling coffee with the other, most of us take them for granted. We're oblivious to the reality that thirty per cent of Pennsylvania's bridges are structurally deficient. Allentown alone has forty-seven bridges, and guess what? According to NationalBridges.com, 23 of them are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

At the rate Allentown is going, it might have to change its current motto from "City Without Limits" to "City Without Bridges."

Before Lehigh County began to rebuild the Linden Street bridge, it rated poorly. Nationalbridges.com notes that the scour, i.e erosion of stream bed or bank material from bridge foundations, was "critical" and e foundations had actually become unstable. Their conclusion: "basically intolerable requiring high priority of corrective action."

Cunningham took County dollars "trimmed from a bloated Lehigh County Courthouse expansion," and went to work on crumbling bridges. $6.5 million was sunk into the Linden Street bridge alone. Here's how he explains it.

"The use of county dollars helped fast-track the $6.5 million Linden Street Bridge project, allowing us to go from engineering to completion in just two short years and seven months. Engineering of this bridge began in June of 2007, and construction began in fall of ’08.

"Had we waded through the red tape of PennDOT, construction would not have started until 2012 – if we were lucky. In addition, it’s doubtful a project of this magnitude would have gotten off the ground in today’s economy. "

Lehigh County will replace four bridges and have major repairs completed or underway on 17 others by the end of this year. Another four are in design and engineering for imminent replacement.

"That’s more than half of the county’s 47 bridges,” Cunningham notes.

Dean Browning noted that they could have waited to participate in the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), under which 95% of the capital cost is covered by the state. County Commissioners voted 5-4 in 2008 to finance the replacement itself.

Browning, who voted to fund this bridge at the county level, gives this explanation.

"I can say that my vote was based two things. First, I ran for office saying the county needed to focus on its basic responsibilities and the maintenance and repair of our bridges certainly falls into that category. And, secondly, in 2007 the County Executive and the Board had committed to the Mayor and to the residents of Allentown that this bridge would be repaired in a timely fashion. The fact that we are standing here in 2010 instead of 2012 or 2107 with a competed bridge is proof that we keep our word."

"Don mentioned that if we had gone the TIP route it wouldn’t have been until 2012 before construction would have begun.

"I know Don likes to say he is really a conservative at heart, but in this case I think he was being overly optimistic and that a more realistic date if we had gone the TIP route was 2017.

"To me, this delay in fulfilling one of the County’s basis responsibilities for such an important part of the County’s infrastructure is not acceptable and Don should be commended for pushing ahead with the repair."

Some of you might call this crazy spending, and I'm sure the Lehigh Valley Tea Party would vote to let bridges collapse, if they ever conducted votes. After all, that is limited government. I could hear them now. "If God had meant us to cross rivers and streams, he'd part the waters."

I call it good government.

On my blog, Michael Molovinsky has snidely posted an "open note to donny cunningham; donny the 8th st. bridge in allentown needs work." This refers to the famous Alburtis Meyer Bridge over 8th Street, and according to NationalBridges, it's structurally deficient, too. What Molovinsky neglects to note is that it's owned by PennDot, not the County.