Will Mezzacappa Open Carry at Bethlehem City Council?

My Bethlehem Press colleague, Dana Grubb, is a great photographer. I've had an opportunity to work with him twice now, at high school graduations and am always amazed at his work. He's really an artist, much like blogger Michael Molovinsky or some of the people who take pictures for The Morning Call and Express Times. They are a special breed whose work at a public event might tell you more than the most carefully crafted story. But they keep no secrets, and are always willing to help out someone like me. For all his kindness, I have repaid Dana by getting him on Tricia Mezzacappa's hit list. Let me tell you the story.

On July 4, Tricia Mezzacappa took a break from bashing Jim Gregory's ex-girlfriend and came armed to Christmas City. She was there for a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Payrow Plaza. Hey, we all know how dangerous it is in that part of town. Although there were plenty of Republicans there, a library and church is in the vicinity. She could run into those damn Moravians, and they might invite her to one of their so-called love feasts. So she came prepared.

Dana was at this event, too, taking pictures for The Bethlehem Press. I was home, having overslept Nazareth's kazoo parade for the second year straight. I received three phone calls and texts from people at Payrow Plaza.

One of them sent me pictures.

When Mezzacappa later saw those pictures posted on my blog, she put two and two together and came up with five. She assumed Dana must have taken those pictures, even though I actually have a picture that includes both her and him. Next thing I know, she is attacking both Dana and some dude who reeked of weed.

That dude was actually Towelie.

Mezzacappa complains,

"I was unlawfully accosted and illegally detained by some punk in a yellow shirt and long hair [Towelie], standing next to that ghoulish wacko Dana Grube who was taking photos for the Bethlehem Press. In the presence of Grube , who was there to harass me, the punk said that I was unlawfully carrying a firearm without a license.

"Tempted, (but kept my mouth shut and left) I had a fleeing [sic] thought to show this ass what unlawful is, in regard to a firearm, like pistol whipping his face bloody and unrecognizable. ... "

After this, Mezzacappa sent my editor an email, complaining about Grubb, suggesting that he dump us both. Morning Call terrorist columnist Bill White has a copy, which he probably got from Obama or Kelly Gross.

According to White, Grube denies having ever met Mezzacappa or having interaction with her. But not being an award-winning broadcast journalist like me, White never spoke to Towelie. He tells me he was at the event, "helpin' people out with towel safety and proper towel use. It's important!"

"Wanna' get high?"

He can't remember what he said to Mezzacappa. In fact, he can't remember what he had for breakfast.

"Wanna get high?"

Mezzacappa, who is currently suing the District Attorney to force him to file charges against one of her admitted personal enemies, intends to be at Bethlehem City Council tonight.

"Stalking is legal for the untouchables, and Mr. Dana Grubb ( one of them) and Officer Peacock ( a lazy gun hating loser) will be the subject of courtesy of the floor at the next City of Bethlehem Council meeting."

In addition to Dana Grubb and Towelie, Mezzacappa also intends to complain about a Bethlehem police officer.

Will she come to the meeting armed? Will she be driving Jim Gregory's red camaro?

Stay tuned.

Citizens Arrest, Citizens Arrest!

Northampton County wingnut Tricia Mezzacappa, who is seeking court approval of a prosecution already declined by the District Attorney, is going to have to move over. There's a new wackadoodle in town, Michael P. Holmes. He wants a citizens' arrest warrant for two or three judges, two District Attorneys and a police officer. He thinks he'll have it it sometime next month.

Good for him.

Although his Northampton County web page is supposedly anonymous, he's identified as the domain owner and even identifies himself in videos he posts at the web page. He's pretty lousy at being anonymous.

He also wants some Deputy Sheriff arrested for assaulting him at the courthouse.

Holmes, incidentally, is being prosecuted for harassment as a result of his misuse of some web page to terrorize someone. That's why he was at the courthouse getting assaulted.

Sound familiar?

He's representing himself.

Sound familiar?

He's also filed a motion to admit evidence various offensive sites, presumably to make a First Amendment argument. This includes the Knights of Ku Klux Klan, Anarchist Cookbook, some webpage about killing judges to the most offensive of them all ... Lehigh Valley Ramblings.

By the way, he thinks Easton is a mess.

He proclaims, "CENSORSHIP OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH WILL NOT BE TOLERATED FROM ANYONE WITHIN THE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY ADMINISTRATION!" If you'd like to question him, he says his phone number is 1-800=EAT-SHIT.

I wonder if he drives a Camaro, too.

Is Lehigh County this nutty? Give it to me straight.

Is the Zimmerman Verdict Fair?

NAACP leader Esther Lee, who certainly seems to hate white people, naturally thinks the Zimmerman verdict is unfair. No surprise there. She apparently wanted a lynch mob, precisely the sort of thing that happened to blacks with great frequency not all that long ago.

Here's my take. Unless you sat through the trial, it's really hard to know whether justice was done. From my very limited perspective as an outsider, it seems to me that the system worked as intended.  

Four of Five NorCo Council Winners Seem Clear

This November, voters get to decide on five of the nine Northampton County Council seats. But for four of these seats, I believe the decision is already clear.

These are "at large" seats, meaning that these are county-wide races. Only one incumbent, popular Peg Ferraro, is seeking re-election. That seems very likely. She is a Republican who is willing to side with the Democrats, as just as the venerable Jim Hemstreet was known to do.

Two other seats are being sought by Jerry Seyfried and Ron Heckman, both of whom have served on Council before and have held administrative positions. Heckman spent 8 years at the helm of Human Services. Jerry is a former County Executive, and some say he's the best we've ever had. They will win easily.

The only question in my mind is whether Seyfried, Ferraro or Heckman comes out on top.

These a good thing. The new Exec, whether it is Republican John Brown or Democrat John Callahan, will be a newcomer to County government and need all the help he can get.

Who comes in fourth? I expect Deb Hunter, who narrowly missed election in the last race, to win easily. I'll let you in on a little secret about her. She's smart. I sent a questionnaire to Council candidates last week, and she was able to alert me that I had missed one of the candidates.

In my opinion, there really is only one open seat in this race. Republicans Mat Benol, Glenn Geissinger, Hayden Phillips, Seth Vaughn and Democrats Christen Borso and Tom O'Donnell will be in a fight for fifth. My guess right now is that Hayden Phillips has an edge.

Two candidates scare me, Democrat Tom O'Donnell and Republican Hayden Phillips. I am hoping that their answers to questions posed by me (with the help of my readers) will alleviate my concerns.

LV Coffee Party Sinks to New Low

You might think the Lehigh Valley Tea Party is nuts, but they have standards. The proof of that is that they tried to drum me out of their little club about two years ago. I had no idea I was even a member, but being a miserable bastard, fought their excommunication and won by a direct appeal to the membership. They are nice people, but as you can plainly see, they have lousy judgment.

The Lehigh Valley Coffee party must be even worse. Instead of excommunicating me, they've invited me for an Internet TV show today at Terra Café in Easton. It starts at 2 PM

My guess is we'll be talking about local politics.

Since it's TV, I have to take a shower.

Gregory Lied To Judge Zito

In the contempt proceedings Friday, one of the defenses offered by Gregory is that he could not possibly have posted the Facebook and other comments attributed to him because police had confiscated all of his electronic devices. He claimed the remarks were made by either his nephew Sean or Tricia Mezzacappa. Judge Zito did not believe him.

Writing as Jim Gregory, the now jailed woman beater made these statements at The Express Times last week, following the first contempt finding:

Jim Gregory

I was under the impression that wed be coming back to continue the hearing, now I read otherwise. The judge was in such a hurry to get to lunch, he left everyone hanging. As far as the alleged sex tape charges, the police cane up with nothing. Absolutely nothing. They were bogus from the beginning and I have a witness to prove this. So now what, Mr. District Attorney. Time to call the attorney general to look into your office.

Last Week

· Reply

Jim Gregory

Of course all the above comments do not include the name of the author. I had 4 witnesses there to rebut the false testimony of the complainant. They were never allowed to testify. I was never allowed to present my side of the testimony. The judge deemed someone competant who lied constantly to his face. He never allowed us to present testimony. It was a sad joke. I always respected judge zito and prayed that he be allowed to go beyond 70.
However, I seriously question now his ability to continue
its sad.

Last Week

· Reply

So it's pretty clear he lied to a judge under oath. An absence of goofy posts from him, his supposed nephew, "Jimmania," "Tomfoolery" and numerous other pseudonyms under which he wrote, is the icing on the cake.

The Jim Gregory Contempt Fund

This is incredible. After her antics helped land Jim Gregory in jail for six months, Tricia Mezzacappa wants donations so he can continue violating the PFA Order by making phone calls and blogging from jail. She also slams Gregory's sister, another victim of physical abuse. Here's her plea. Maybe he should sell his Camaro before hitting up others for money.

If anyone is interested in setting up an inmate account for Jim Gregory please dial 1-888-949-3303. I just posted $50 for his phone calls. It runs out fast. my account number is 6103306943. I think (I hope) anyone can put money on it. We are both broke. Please help us.

We will be talking daily, and Jim will be blogging live from the jail. Stay tuned. I may post things on his facebook account also. His voice will still be heard. My hands will do the typing.

His sinister sister is a dirtball , and because of her Jim is in a 1 room cell. I just talked with him. He got 3 free calls. He is doing fine and is prepared to serve the 6 month sentence.

I told him that a 1 room private cell sounds like maximim security. Not sure where he is. I dont think I will be posting where he is, once I find out which block he is in. Right now he is in intake. I have permission to use the camaro until he gets out. I will keep is polished and clean, and safe!!

Malala: An Appeal To What Is Good in Us

Gregory PFA Leads to Six Months in Jail

Photo credit: Daniel T. Ruth

If Jim Gregory is still serious about being Bethlehem's next mayor, he'll have to campaign from jail. He might be spending the next six months there, after a second PFA contempt finding in as many weeks. Judge Leonard Zito, who imposed the sentence, also ordered a psychological evaluation, hinting he might release human services worker on parole once he starts getting help for an obvious mental illness.

Zito also imposed a $300 fine.

This contempt finding, like the one last week, is based on attempts that Gregory made to contact his ex-girlfriend after being served with a temporary Protection From Abuse Act order (PFA). Those orders typically bar all contact, directly or indirectly, even through the Internet.

This indirect contempt conviction relates solely to the events of June 17, when Gregory texted his ex photographs that were taken from what was once their bedroom.On that date, he also sent her two messages via Facebook, through third parties, suggesting that they met up at the Transbridge Quakertown bus stop to the Tropicana casino, to talk.

Gregory denied that he was the person who sent those messages, and it could be anybody. He stated a nephew and Tricia Mezzacappa both have access to his Facebook account, and that one of them did it. He stated he had asked Mezzacappa to stop.

Gregory's ex had earlier stated that only Gregory and she would know about some of the things he was discussing.

Mezzacappa, who missed the earlier PFA entered against Gregory that day, was in and out of the courtroom during the contempt case.

Gregor's ex, a soft-spoken woman, was clearly upset and confused during her testimony, as Gregory repeatedly interrupted with questions. But one of the persons who was asked to transmit his messages to his ex testified. She was not confused at all, and her testimony buried the almost Mensa.

As Judge Zito was imposing his sentence, Deputy Sheriffs wasted no time in slapping cuffs on him for the pep walk to the jail.  

The only person in the room who seemed surprised was Gregory. The night before, he had bragged that his chance of going to jail was "nonexistent," and had predicted his ex might end up there.

As he was marched from the Courtroom, he could not resist violating the PFA one last time."Is this what you wanted" he asked his ex.

"You did it to yourself," she said, breaking down in tears

Judge Zito, who bent over backwards to be fair to Gregory, has himself been the subject of vicious accusations from Gregory and Mezzacappa. She missed Gregory being carted away, but was poised outside of Judge Zito's chambers after it was all over, hoping for a shot at an ex parte communication.

Several Bethlehem police officers, who attended the hearing escorted Gregory's ex and her mother out of the building.

Second PFA Entered Against Gregory

Following a 45-minute haring, Judge Leonard Zito has entered a seconf Protection From Abuse Act order (PFA) against Bethlehem Mayoral candidate Jim Gregory, ordering him to stay away from his sister, mother and their Bethlehem residence for the next three years.Gregory shook his head in disbelief, uttering "Amazing" as he walked to the rear of the courtroom.

Represented by Bethlehem Attorney Michael Deschler, Gregory's sister testified to an incident in May, when he pushed her to the floor, knocking her back three feet, cursing at her and then gloating as she lay on the floor. He did so knowing that she had five previous back surgeries. After being banned from the home, he returned earlier this week and began pounding on the door. He eventually let him in the back door, and tried to grab the phone out of his sister's hand as she dialed 911.

Gregory's defense? He was there in July to retrieve a firearm he might have accidentally left there. He also disputed his sister's account of the May incident, suggesting that she was under the innfluence of prescription drugs.

"Perception and reality are two different things," he said.

As his sister walked awaty from the well of the court, Gregory's sister was holding her right arm in the air, in obcious discomfort. But the pain in her face existed before the hearing and was obviously caused by her brother.

She and Gregory's ex-girlfriend, his other victim, hugged each other before Judge Zito began hearing the contempt case she filed against him.

Instead of flip flops, Gregory was attired in a suit and tie. His sidekick, Tricia Mezzacappa, was absent.

Testimony on Gregory's contempt case will continue after lunch. Gregory is claiming that nobody can prove that he is the person who is actually leaving Facebook and other messages for his ex.

Two Hours Before Contempt Hearing ...

... and Jim Gregory is still leaving Internet messages for his ex. "We love you [redacted] !!! We have faith that you'll do the right thing today. Remember love conquers all, Especially hate And Haters like OHare who almost kicked an animal to death, it was witnessed by two beings. Well , three. Thrish and us. Is this the kind of trash you'll let convince you? All of you that look at that sick, twisted. Mans blog are doomed to ignorance, stupidity and eventually death."

LV Arts Charter School Approved For South Side Bethlehem

It was a kinder, gentler Bethlehem Planning Commission. Just one month earlier, they sidelined plans for a brand new Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts for want of a traffic study. It made no difference that school officials had already agreed to perform one and implement all recommendations, or that even a month's delay could affect financing for a $27 million project. But at their July 11 meeting, when presented with a detailed study and forty arts advocates packed into Town Hall, Commissioners quickly voted 3-0 to approve the project.

Traffic Engineer Walter Lublanecki, who prepared the study, assured Commissioners that the impact of school traffic on the rest of the community will be minimal. primarily because its peak hours will be different than those of area businesses. There will be no morning bus stacking, and afternoon stacking will clear out in a matter of ten minutes. Twenty-five buses of various sizes will serve the school.

Andrew Twiggar, who wanted the project delayed last month, said he is ""very satisfied by what I've seen." His own waterfront plans in Allentown received preliminary approval earlier in the week, despite a lack of traffic studies.

"Perhaps we helped you," said Planning Chair James Fiorentino, in an attempt to explain the delay.

Located at 321 E. Third Street in the heart of a growing arts and entertainment district, the three-story, 85,428 sq ft high school, will have room for up to 600 students and 54 faculty. The school bells are expected to ring there next year.

Blue Grillhouse a Mezzacappa-Free Zone

Other than political fundraisers, I've only ever been to the Blue once. I nearly had a heart attack the one time I was there. It was not the food, which is great, but the prices. $7 for a garden salad? $7 for a frickin' baked potato? That's a lot for a spud. So I impress the ladies by taking them to Wendy's, for the 99 menu. Who doesn't love a Frosty?  But I'm about to make a return to the Blue, and intend to become a regular. You see, the Blue has become a Mezzacappa-free zone, making it a little slice of heaven on earth.

How did this happen?

Mezzacappa tried to make reservations there for her birthday, but had a fit when she was told show won't be able to prance up and down the place with her pea-shooter in a holster. So now, she wants everyone to stay away, and has threatened to start a monthly protest.

While she brays about her statutory right to open carry, she ignores the constitutional right of private business owners to do what they think will make their businesses safe for their employees and customers. In addition, they have the right to create their own ambiance. That need not be dictated by Tricia Gregacappa.

Her license to carry a concealed firearm has been revoked, and she has no right to transport a gun, loaded or unloaded, in a vehicle. So how the Hell would she get the gun there without breaking the law?

Maybe by broomstick.

Governor Corbett: No Mensa

orbett, I have one word - Gingko.

Mezzacappa Has Another Death Fantasy

I remember when she was happy with just putting hollow point bullets through my skull. She now claims, that, in a life and death situation, she would like to be armed with something that would actually blow my head off.

His head would be blown off instantly, ricocheting at least 400 feet into the air, and landing in one piece, at least 400 ft from his body.

The greatest scenario of all would be if this happenned by chance on the Norco/ Lehigh county border. His fat ass lands in Norco, but his head is found somewhere in the Bethlehem area of Lehigh County. Now we have two prosecutors dueling for a capital murder case. Who gets it??? Its based upon where the death occurred.

Answer, death occurred in Northampton county, because thats where the heart stopped beating, even though his "empty" head was found in Lehigh County. Martin loses out to Morg, and its a defense lawyers dream.

She also claims that on Heritage Day, Attorney Michael Snover "ran down Northampton street like a 40 pound fag because he saw me open carrying my gun."

Mike exercised what is known as common sense. Gotta' love the "fag" comment.

Will Arts Charter School Get Green Light Today?

Andrew Twiggar and Olga Negron

Last month, Bethlehem's Planning Commission put the brakes on a new Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, to be located at 321 E. Third Street, in the heart of a growing arts and entertainment district. Andrew Twiggar wanted to see a traffic study before approving plans for a three-story school. It made no difference that the school's engineer had already promised to conduct one and implement all recommendations. It mattered not that Traffic Coordinator Tiffany Geklinsky was unconcerned whether that study was done before or after approval. Pleas that this could affect financing for a $27 million project were summarily dismissed.

Today, at 4 PM, the Charter School will be back before Bethlehem's Planning Commission. This is just a few days after Allentown's Planning Commission rubber-stamped Twiggar's own plans for a $250 waterfront development.

They gave their blessing despite some lingering traffic concerns - pretty big ones, it appears.

Twiggar hypocritically thinks traffic studies should apply to everyone else, just not to him and his partners.

Though he has been very generous to Bethlehem, donating the space for a sub police station, he is still a walking conflict of interest. He's a major developer who has every reason to steer development to his waterfront project in Allentown and away from Bethlehem. He himself stated he is looking for tenants.

Ramadan Tent Dinner in Christmas City?

For two days next week, the Turkish American community is inviting you to share dinner, in the hope that "by breaking bread together we will have a stronger dialogue and better understanding of each others values, faith and ethnicity."

These dinners will be on July 17 and 18, 8:30 PM, at Payrow Plaza in Bethlehem. They're free and open to all, though you are asked to call or email in advance. They come courtesy of Lehigh Dialogue Center, Turkish Cultural Center Pennsylvania and the City of Bethlehem.

What is Ramadan? According to the Lehigh Dialogue Center, "Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, in which Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk. Every year we ask our friends and neighbors to participate in a life experience in the month of Ramadan. We organize Ramadan dinners at our centers, our ember's homes, churches, synagogues and colleges to portray and experience the Ramadan's role in sharing, feeding and helping the poor."

Jim Gregory Defends Geniuses

The wisdom of Jim Gregory:

"OHare is on his blog daily mocking Gregory's Mensa IQ. Gregory laughs about it and could care less.

"However, it should be pointed out that there are actually way more gays, God bless them, out there then Geniuses. That makes one with a genius IQ. A distinct minority. People with the IQ of a toad, like OHare and Bill White, love to mock people like Gregory because it makes them feel superior. They aren't, they are pathetic , pathetic bullies just as those losers who pick on gays and other minorities It's sad and they are depraved individuals. Many people see a high IQ. As a blessing but once it's out there and you are " outed". As Gregory. Has been , you are equally mocked with derision by those who feel threatened, just as any minority. That is why Mensa was formed. It wasn't to say we are great and we are special. It was formed for self protection. I'm sure Gregory is seeing why. What he sees through his lens on life is different than what others see. Many brilliant men , and especially women, are and have been prosecuted and persecuted for seeing beyond what others do."

Nearly 30,000 Lehigh Valley Children Are Hungry

It's been a tough year for me physically. A troublesome Achilles tendon forced a 2-month layoff this Winter. After building myself back to where I was able to ride my bike to work, for just one week, I pulled my back installing a new air conditioner. Another six weeks off. Now that it is 10,000 degrees outside, I can finally return to "training," which at this time of year mostly consists of short walks, late at night or early in the morning.

Yesterday, while hoofing it up Main Street at around 7:30 AM, I was shocked by the number of people lined up at the Nazareth Food Bank, waiting for it to open. At least thirty people were patiently waiting. As I continued up the hill, three more people made their way down with little food carts.

One of them is my next door neighbor.

Lehigh County Exec candidate Scott Ott complained last year about spending federal grant money to feed 85 year old women. Although I respect his desire to reduce the federal deficit, he's not the one starving to death.

In my post about that topic, several readers accused me of hyperbole, although that is pretty much what Ott said. But others among you flatly deny that hunger is a problem.

If that were true, there would be no line at the Nazareth Food Bank.

Now I don't really give a shit about the urbanistas who want little City gardens for their Summer salads. But I do care about people who are hungry. I imagine that even Scott Ott cares, too. According to a 2011  FeedAmerica report, "food insecurity" affected 34,670 people in Northampton County and 45,190 people in Lehigh County. Nearly 30,000 of these were children.

If you would like to find a food bank in your area, you can enter your zip code in the Second Harvest webpage. 

PFA Obtained by Gregory's Sister, Mother

Things keep getting weirder and weirder in As The Gregory Turns. In addition to his ex-girlfriend, Jim Gregory's sister and mother now have a Protection from Abuse Order against him, too. It's a temporary order, obtained yesterday from Judge Edward Smith. A final hearing is set for Friday at 11. That's when the Court will also consider two contempt citations filed by his ex.

According to the latest complaint, this round of abuse actually started back in May, when he dropped in at the family ranch in Bethlehem. He began cursing at his sister and then "pushed me really hard," knocking her to the floor. Though Gregory is aware that his sister has had five back operations, he screamed that she was "milking it," called her a "fat pig," and kept telling her to get up. She was afraid to move. When he left, she wanted to call the police, but her mother asked her to give him another chance.

So now she has a herniated disc in her neck, thanks to her gentle brother.

Gregory's mother told him not to return to the family home, but he ignored her and came back yesterday. He began banging on the door and they refused to let him in. But they had forgotten to lock the back door, and he eventually slipped into the house. He is, after all, an almost Mensa. Afraid, his sister called 911. He tried to grab the phone from her, but failed. He cursed her up and down until police arrived. He then lied, according to his sister, and told police that his mother never told him he is unwelcome.

Police escorted him from the house.

When Gregory's ex was successful in getting a 3-year PFA Order and contempt citation against him last week, he and Tricia Mezzacappa shreiked that he is actually the victim and she the aggressor. Mezzacappa had all kinds of vulgar and childish insults for this poor woman. Gregory even called the woman he supposedly loves a prostitute, while simultaneously trying to woo her back.

What kind of harassment and intimidation will be directed at his own mother and sister?

You might think that, now that he's facing two PFA hearings, one of them for contempt, he'd tone it down. After all, he is on six months supervised probation. But he's much too clever for that. He's an almost Mensa.  Last night, after being served with the PFA filed by his sister and mother, Gregory continued posting messages for his ex. Posing as "Harvey", a mythical pooka who can only be seen by an Irishman, he's incredibly asking her to leave him alone.

She's been trying, Jim.

Jim Gregory Gets a Birthday Card ... From Judge Zito

Gregory gives Lamont McClure some advice

Bethlehem Mayoral hopeful. Northampton County Human Services caseworker. Public sector union activist. Political consultant. Poker tournament winner. Pig lover. Lounge singer.  Self-proclaimed genius. Convicted criminal. And soon, Jim Gregory might be able to call himself a jailbird. Yesterday was Gregory's birthday. In honor of the 60+ years he's spent on Planet Earth (he's originally from the Planet Mensa), Judge Leonard Zito has sent him a nice little card containing a Court Order. The Judge has scheduled a contempt hearing in Gregory's Protection From Abuse (PFA) case for this Friday at 11 AM.

After a hearing last Wednesday, Judge Zito entered a PFA against Gregory, ordering him to stay away from his ex-girlfriend (I'll call her Miss X) for three years. He also found him in contempt of a previous temporary PFA. This is because Gregory, despite his high IQ, managed to convict himself. He admitted that he had asked someone on Facebook to contact Miss X. Gregory was fined $300 and placed on 6 months supervised probation. Two additional contempt citations would be heard sometime in the future.

In other words, never.

All Gregory had to do was shut up already. Instead, he thumbed his nose at the one person who can put him away - Judge Zito. He has also continued his sad attempts to alternatively intimidate and contact Miss X. He has even enlisted the common scold of the Lehigh Valley, pistol-packin' Tricia Mezzacappa, as an ally. She attended last week's hearing, where she also attempted to join him into the well of the court as his star witness. Never mind that she only became involved with him after his relationship with Miss X fell apart. She could be the center of attention.

Both have used Mezzacappa's blog for grade school attacks at everyone. That includes Judge Zito, not the brightest move by an almost Mensa. The jurist is referred to repeatedly as Ziti and Chessey Cheese Zito. He's accused of throwing the case. He is told he should have stepped aside because two of Gregory's supposed witnesses are sons of a Zito second cousin. He is called a judge in disguise.

Then there's DA John Morganelli. His office does not even handle PFAs. But that does not prevent Gregory and Mezzacappa from claiming that Gregory is being unjustly persecuted because of his Mayoral ambitions.

Miss X's lawyer, prominent Allentown Attorney Leighton Cohen, is called "proboner."

Zito, Morganelli and Cohen are big boys. I doubt they are crying in their pillows. But what's really disturbing are the vicious attacks at the victim of abuse, Miss X. They come mostly from Mezzacappa, combined with Gregory's continued attempts at contact. I mentioned some of these in yesterday's post.

They've continued.

Mezzacappa identifies Miss X by name. She has several caricatures of Miss X, including one in which her face is inserted in Jumbo the Elephant, with the caption "pray this devil back to hell before she dupes another judge."  In increasingly disgusting language, Mezzacappa calls Miss X various names. I apologize, but you need to know the language being used. Miss X is called a liar, adulteress, whore, cunt, playboy centerfold wannabe, Lolita (spelled Lollita), tiny titless freak, and a homeless and 70-pound party girl. Mezzacappa also claims that Miss X has been paid by me, Mayor John Callahan, Bethlehem police and assorted others.

Mezzacappa's language is obviously designed to harass, annoy and alarm Miss X, and deter her from pursuing a summary charge against Gregory.

If Gregory ever really cared about Miss X, why would he ever allow Mezzacappa to talk this way?  Instead, he's accusing Miss X of having sex with just about everyone, even Mayor John Callahan.

God, Callahan is always getting accused of having sex.

After these vicious attacks, Gregory incredibly still continues his efforts at contact.

Pepe Jr.(that's his name for his penis) said...
Miss you boo, Trop isn't the same without ya

If I were Gregory, I'd be packing both rubber underwear and soap-on-a-rope.

Deegan: NorCo Council A Tad Too Generous

The Express Times' Jim Deegan claims that, if you need money, forget the Payday loan and head straight to Northampton County Council

Gregory Thumbs Nose at Zito's PFA Order

Last Wednesday, Judge Leonard Zito entered a final Protection From Abuse Act Order (PFA) against Bethlehem politico Jim Gregory, and found him in contempt for violating a temporary PFA. After fining Gregory $200 and placing him on six months of supervised probation, he made clear that Jimbo is to have no contact, directly or indirectly, with his ex-girlfriend. Not on Facebook. Not on blogs. Nowhere.

I gave him a week before he violated it.

Another courthouse observer predicted, more accurately, that Gregory would never make it through the weekend. Not only has he continued to violate the PFA, but he's getting help from pistol-packin' Tricia Mezzacappa. She's allowing Gregory to use her blog to pass along messages.

Despite the entry of a PFA and a contempt finding, Gregory incredibly invited his ex to join him today, 10 AM, at the Quakertown bus stop. You see, every Monday, he takes that $5 ride to the Tropicano casino. He repeatedly invites his ex to join him, as those of you who follow his Facebook postings already know.

"Up to U. QTown 10. 7/8", he says cryptically. Later, he adds, "Good night. 10/8. Love 7/8."

He also warns her:

"[Redacted]. Give it up, you and all your new found friends are toast if you keep pushing him. Just stop already. Geez"

"[Redacted], Harvey is God. He wanted you out of the house, sorry. Bill Maher, Harvey said, " truck you too

"He doesn't think you exist either, lol."

"Now. , Ill tell you about Trisha. She is freaking great. Harvey loves her! She carries guns because she has been under assault for two years since Bernie Ohare allegedly drugged and tried to rape her, So , [redacted], if you are hanging with that pervert , don't leave your drink. Unsupervised. He's bad news . He Was seen kicking Earl time and time again. That pig, Earl, not Bernie the pig, is wonderful. You gotta meet him!! Trisha and I are just friends. But although I say that lightly, if you can have a friend as loyal as her just once in your life, consider yourself blessed. Most are out to just use you. ... ."

"Sorry about all this [Redacted]. Trisha is just being a loyal friend. She'll eat your heart out and serve it up on a platter. Gary " The Hammer Asteak". Is next. Do you want that? Tony talked me out of that because he hates Gary. And likes you, or liked you. Like Proboner and the rest, they love your legs and butt. Can't blame them , for that. I fell for you because of your eyes and heart. The legs were a bonus, lol. If you want to keep fighting, no matter who is on your side, They'll get crushed and they'll leave you faster than Jen [Sletvold] and Ron [Heckman] left me. Up to you."

Mezzacappa has named the ex-girlfriend, has ridiculed her physical appearance, called her a liar and has made other unflattering accusations. She also blames DA John Morganelli, whose office has nothing to do with PFAs. She claims Judge Zito's decision is just another example of  "horrible corrupt behavior in Northampton County politics."

She also claims that I am ghost-writing for Morning Call terrorist columnist Bill White while he gets his "palms greased" by Chicago-style pols who double as DAs and County Execs.

I'm sure that's what everyone thinks.

Behind it all, claims Mezzacappa, is Satan, "creating a landscape of turbulence for both Gregory and Mezzacappa, spinning stories that do not exist, creating false impressions, making up outright lies, and conning the judicial system as well."

I reached Satan last night, who denied knowing anything about Northampton County. "Geez, I get blamed for everything," said the Evil One, who tells me he's been spending most of his time perfecting the art of ballroom dancing.

In London. He's an English prick.

"Wanna' tango?" he asked. Below you can see him, hard at work.

Scott Ott's Hunger Games

You might think that Vic Mazziotti, a Lehigh County Commissioner on Scott Ott's supposed reform team, breathes fire and farts atomic bombs. He's actually a fairly mellow guy who knows how to save money. As John Stoffa's Fiscal Affairs Director in Northampton County, his initiatives saved $10.1 million annually. He did it quietly, with no fanfare. He didn't even mind when Morning Call columnist Bill White called him part of Stoffa's "meatloaf" cabinet. "Meatloaf is pretty good stuff," he told me. He's a fiscal conservative who voted for the CDBG funding in Lehigh County last year.

It feeds people.

CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding has been around since 1974, and was enacted with bipartisan support. Liberals liked the goals of reducing poverty and eliminating blight. Conservatives liked placing money in the hands of private investors, and reducing the role of the federal government in what at that time was a labyrinth of federal grants.

But that has changed. According to a 2009 report prepared by the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank, a lot of the money is eaten up by excessive bureaucracy at the federal (5%), state (8%) and local (17%) levels. So if Cato is right, only 70% of the money spent by the federal government actually hits its intended target - the poor.

In addition to high administrative costs, the program has sometimes strayed from its goal of helping low-income families. According to the conservative Heritage Foundation, CDBG funds have been used for the Mark Twain House and Museum, Salvador Dali Museum and Helen Keller Birthplace Foundation. They've even been used for a shooting range in South Dakota (the feds caught that one).

"When you get the federal government involved in a sinkhole in Whitehall, you've created a tremendous amount of inefficiency along the way," notes Vic Mazziotti, and he's right. Most CDBG advocates concede that point.  But, unwilling to cut off his nose to spite his face, Vic voted to take the money.

"If we don't spend this money, it will be spent for another community," he observed realistically.

Scott Ott, who wants to be Lehigh County's next County Executive, is an extremist who would send it back if he had his way. He abstained rather than dirty his hands voting for the CDBG money. From his comments at the time, he appears to have had three reasons.

1. Charities should feed the hungry, not the government. - This came through clearly in his his dialogue with Meals on Wheels, where he at one time volunteered as a driver. "Have they no family? Have they no church connections, no neighbors that love them?" Ott asked a Meals on Wheels advocate. "Maybe your agencies will get mentioned in a local news source," he said in what I could only call a condescending remark.

In short, he would allow old people to starve.

2. The Federal government has too much debt, so we can't use federal funds to feed the hungry. Claiming that Lehigh Commissioners are "the last line of defense for the taxpayer," Ott complains that the "Chinese communist government is fronting us money to feed 85 year old women in Lehigh County." So it's up to patriots like him to "exercise some restraint that the federal government seems incapable of exercising."

In short, he would allow old people to starve.

3. CDBG funding does not address federal problems. According to Ott, the "federal government is sending us money to do things that are of no national import."  I was under the impression that poverty, hunger and affordable housing are federal problems.

In short, he would allow old people to starve.

Ott has an opponent in this race. Republican-turned-Democrat Tom Muller, a businessman about as comfortable in the world of politics as I would be in a state store. Tom has stated, "I think the job of County Executive is to serve everybody in the County, to work for you, to bring as much of our money that we send to Washington back here rather than to say, 'No thank you, I don't want it because you've got a national debt problem.'"

In fairness to Scott Ott, I have invited him to come onto enemy territory under a flag of truce and respond to this critical piece.

Northampton County Plans $1.76 Million in CDBG Grants

Last year, Lehigh County's so-called reform Commissioners were reluctant to take $1.4 million in federal CDBG funding at because we owe China money and have a federal deficit. Rather than dirty his hands, Scott Ott abstained from voting on the matter because it's not "morally acceptable" to borrow money from out grandchildren to feed old people. If Ott wants to make that argument, he should run for Congress.

Northampton County Council, in stark contrast to Lehigh County, has no moral qualms at all about feeding the poor. During Tuesday's CDBG presentation, Bob Werner's only wish was that more money could be directed at people instead of roads.

As explained by Community Development Administrator Lori Sywensky, who is among the best public servants you'll ever see, funding for FY 2013 is set at $1,760,000.00. This is for all Northampton County communities except Easton and Bethlehem, which have their own programs.

Where does this money go?

"Lester," who lives in Wind Gap, is one example. He's an 85 year-old vet with an 84 year-old wife whose multiple illnesses prevent her from eating solid food. Lester would go without food to pay for his wife's medicine. After never missing a rent or utility payment at his home, he fell behind so his wife could continue receiving treatment. Thanks to CDBG funding and Northampton County human services, he's now caught up with his monthly bills and is able to stay in his own home.

Sywensky is one of the people who make that happen. Quietly. You will not see her name in the paper too often, but I have personally witnessed her go the extra mile to secure housing for an alcoholic vet just released from jail with no place to stay. It would never have happened without her efforts and without CDBG funding. That vet is graduating from college this year.

This year, Sywensky proposes three funding priorities:

(1) "area benefit" resources to Bangor, Roseto, East bangor, Wind Gap, Walnutport, Northampton, Bath, Wilson, West Easton and Hellertown Boroughs. Each of these nione boroughs his a high prevalence of poverty and taxes there are already above the national median.

(2) Promote affordable housing opportunities.

(3) Improve services to residents by innovation and elimination of duplication.

Mezzacappa Alert: Pistol Packin' Momma in Downtown Bethlehem

Attention-seeker Tricia Mezzacappa has been spotted in downtown Bethlehem, open carrying a firearm. I've already received two calls.

Updated Friday, 1:30 AM: Mezzacappa was confronted by some poor soul at this event. Here's how she explains it.

I was unlawfully accosted and illegally detained by some punk in a yellow shirt and long hair, standing next to that ghoulish wacko Dana Grube who was taking photos for the Bethlehem Press. In the presence of Grube , who was there to harass me, the punk said that I was unlawfully carrying a firearm without a license.

Tempted, (but kept my mouth shut and left) I had a fleeing [sic] thought to show this ass what unlawful is, in regard to a firearm, like pistol whipping his face bloody and unrecognizable . Just the type of activity that people like rapist and animal abuser Bernie O'Hare so desperately want, so that I will never be able to own or carry one again.

I hope the fat fuck pops an anneurism [sic]and drops dead in that one room Nazareth hovel

Her criticism of Dana Grubb (not Grube) tells me she thinks he is the one who snapped her picture and sent it to me. He's not. The picture below, which includes her with Dana in front of her, taking pictures, should make that clear.

Mezzacappa does have the right to open carry. But a license is required for "carrying a firearm concealed on or about one's person or in a vehicle throughout this Commonwealth." It makes no difference whether it is loaded. There are some common-sense exceptions to this rule, like hunting or going to a gun show. But there's no hunting, firing ranges or gun shows at Payrow Plaza. She broke the law.

Unhappy Zoning Litigant Charged With Harassment

Six days after Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board refused to allow Richard Smith to continue leasing a basement apartment at 311 E. Fourth Street, he's been charged by Bethlehem police with harassment. He's accused of grabbing or pushing a building inspector on July 2, after being informed that the property has been condemned.

Independence Day ... For Some

NAACP Presidents Dan Basket (Allentown), Esther Lee (Bethlehem) & Verna Howard (Easton)

It may have been Independence Eve, but the Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton NAACPs planned no celebrations. "Enjoy yourselves tomorrow, as they celebrate their holiday," Bethlehem NAACP President Esther Lee told a group of fifteen civil rights leaders. They met at Bethlehem's Payrow Plaza to protest a recent 5-4 Supreme Court decision that gutted key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Designed to ensure ballot access and combat racial gerrymandering, the Voting Rights Act requires mostly Southern states to get clearance from the Justice Department before making even minor changes, like moving a polling place. But Chief Justice John Roberts complained that the latest version of the Act, adopted in 2006, is "based on 40-year-old facts having no logical relationship to the present day.”

Contending that the Voting Rights Act is designed to protect the rights of all people, Lee claimed, "This is not a partisan issue, it is an American issue." Allentown NAACP President Dan Basket and his Easton counterpart, Verna Howard, echoed Lee.

There was some mild disagreement over the Voter ID Law. Basket called it a disenfranchisement of the minority vote, while Howard has no issue with producing an ID.

One onlooker, on his way out of the nearby library, told these leaders, "If you want to vote, please get an ID."

"Identify yourself!", demanded Lee. He did, but left immediately.

"It's almost like they don't consider us human beings," lamented Lee. "We're still slaves in their eyes."

Gregory Cyberbullying Leads to Contempt

Following a one-hour hearing in a crowded courtroom, Judge Leonard Zito has put an end to a one-month Internet campaign of intimidation and bullying from Bethlehem Mayoral hopeful Jim Gregory. Judge Zito entered a Protection of Abuse Order (PFA) against Gregory, ordering him to stay away from his ex-girlfriend for the next three years. In addition, Gregory was found guilty of indirect criminal contempt on the first of three citations that have been filed against him since entry of a previous temporary PFA. He was sentenced to a fine of $300, as well as six months of supervised probation. Zito deferred taking evidence on the second and third citations for contempt.

Gregory was festooned in flip flops and a shirt that could be described as pink, mauve or burnt orange. He was accompanied by femme fatale Tricia Mezzacappa, who attempted to have me ejected. Gregory signalled her to stand at his side, but deputies would not permit her in the well.

Represented by prominent Allentown Attorney Leighton Cohen, Gregory's ex testified to an assault on May 15, the entry of a temporary PFA, and subsequent contacts she received from Gregory, both by texts and on Facebook. Her testimony was corroborated by a mutual friend, who also described visible injuries.

Gregory had no witnesses. He was provided subpoenas yesterday, but never served them. Steelworkers union boss Jerry Green did come to the hearing, but was never called as a witness.

There were between five and six deputies in the courtroom, a pretty good indication that Gregory's conduct has concerned County officials.

"What am I gonna' tell my boys," Gregory was heard saying in the hallway, after the case was over. He can tell his boys that he is now a confirmed cyber bully who beats up women. He can now brag that he has a criminal record because indirect criminal contempt is considered a misdemeanor. He can even brag that his record will never be expunged.

Did he learn anything?

I doubt it. My guess is that he will violate probation and Judge Zito will hear the second and thr\ird counts of criminal contempt hanging over Gregory's head. One courthouse observer claims he won't make it through the weekend. My prediction is one week.

The Over/Under on a Probation Violation, Updated 10:15 PM: I'm giving it a week. Another friend says ten days. But a third courthouse observer, who claims Gregory won't make it through the weekend, appears to be headed to a free cup of coffee from my personal stash.

After a few hours of silence, Gregory has started up again, this time in response to The Express Times story about his hearing. He's apparently lost all respect for Judge Zito and wants the DA's office investigated, even though it has nothing to do with the PFA. His attention-seeking pal, Tricia Mezzacappa, claims Hizzoner "needs to be dumped into a convalescent home for past prime lawyers and judges" and that Greogry is being "unjustly persecuted" because of his Bethlehem Mayoral bid.

NorCo Council Puts Brakes on $500,000 SkatePlaze Grant

After visiting Bethlehem's popular SkatePlaza earlier this year, Council members John Cusick and Scott Parsons were blown away by all the Godzilla Flips and Ollies at what really is a sport. So they decided to kick in $500,000 of hotel tax from the same pile of money that is already funding two separate $1 million grants for ArtsQuest and PBS. They'd still get their money, but not as quickly. Last night, by a 6-1 vote, Cusick and Parsons were two of the majority who decided to table the matter. The single No vote came from Peg Ferraro, who wanted to kill it.

Council members Lamont McClure and Tom Dietrich were absent.

As it developed, nobody in Bethlehem had even asked for this money. Mayor John Callahan told Cusick that the City is currently doing a feasibility study for a convention center, and the money might be better spent for something like that,down the road.

Disgusted, Peg Ferraro reminded Council members they have an obligation to fund ArtsQuest and PBS first. "We made a commitment and we're going back on our word," she argued.

While pretending to have no interest in this policy decision, Controller Steve Barron took advantage of this proposed grant to cast aspersions at ArtsQuests' Executive Director Jeff Parks. Like he did last year. Apparently, Parks had told Council, in a letter, that he and PBS are relying on that money to honor commitments, and noted that the revenue is either flat or waning.

Not true, claimed Barron, who claimed hotel tax revenues have increased from $1.2 million in 2008 to $1.9 million last year.

But Council member Brice Gilbert pointed out that these increases have been more than offset by overhead, leading to an actual decline in "purchasing power." Barron began to quarrel, demonstrating that he really was injecting himself into a policy consideration after all. Then he remembered and shut up.

About this time last year, Barron was trashing ArtsQuest and Parks over the exempt status of two properties, claiming to be an expert who would give assessors an "independent" opinion. You see, Barron knows lots of people are jealous of Parks' salary or have some pet peeve with Musikfest. Von Footinmouth hopes that an appeal to our worst instincts will translate into votes for him.

But they won't. As an artsy fartsy, Parks is an alien in what is essentially still a blue collar community whose idea of culture is a night at the Carmike with caramel popcorn. So that makes him an easy target for a bottom-feeding bloggers like me. And I have picked on him from time to time because I appeal to your worst instincts, too. It's what I do.

But people like Jeff Parks appeal to our better selves. His vision has led to SteelStack, with hundreds of free concerts each year. It has led to kids' programming like the Ps and Qs program at SteelStacks. When he steps down soon, he will be missed.

The only persons who will miss Barron von Footinmouth are public sector union bosses.

Christians Losing Heads in Syria ... Literally

In disturbing news for the Lehigh Valley's large Lebanese and Syrian Christian communities, the Vatican has confirmed that a Catholic priest and another Christian in Syria have been beheaded by an extremist rebel sect calling itself Jabhat al-Nusra.

With a kitchen knife.

Now that we're supplying rebels with weapons, they'll use better knives.

But look on the bright side.

They could be Jews.  

The Missing Council Member

Once again, Northampton County Council member Lamont McClure skipped out on a Committee meeting yesterday. He blew off a Council meeting, too. Controller Steve Barron told the audience that McClure is in Ocean City. I don't begrudge him some time off, but I have yet to see him put some time in.

Despite his appalling 14.7% attendance record at Committees over a 6 year period, McClure actually ran for County Executive this Spring. His 21.55% performance at the polls is a pretty good indication what voters think about his attendance.

Shaky Market Delays Bridge Bond

A fluctuating bond market has forced Northampton County officials to delay, at least temporarily, an $21.5 million bond for bridge repairs and capital improvements at Gracedale, the County-owned nursing home. A bond auction that had been scheduled for today has been delayed until July 18.

A few weeks ago, Fed Chair Ben Bernanke announced plans to end a federal bond buyback program, and financial markets went nutz.

They do that every time he farts.

Noting that "there are times when you should step aside," Financial adviser Robert Fuller believes the market is stabilizing. If that does not happen, and interest rates continue to climb, County officials will scrap the refinancing portion of the bridge bond. But they still intend to bond $11.4 million for the bridge repairs and generators at Gracedale.

"These projects have to be done," noted Council member Scott Parsons. The County has identified 18 bridges in serious need of repair, and Hurricane Sandy last year left the nursing home without power after generators failed.

$500,000 For Bethlehem's Skate Park?

That's what Northampton County Council is gearing up to do, and Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan hasn't even been elected yet! In fact, this might be Republican John Cusick's idea.

In 2007, Northampton County Council pledged a cool million to ArtsyFartsyQuest. Another million is going to PBS-39, which after all televises debates for most of the local offices.

Wait a tic, that stopped years ago. Too boring, compared to Charlie Rose.

This money comes from a portion of the hotel tax designed to promote tourism. Given the explosion of arts and entertainment  from SteelStacks and PBS' new broadcast studio, it does seems like a great investment.

Now another $500,000 is being proposed for Bethlehem's SkatePlaza, a 750' long, 43,000 sq ft complex located at the eastern end of the City's Greenway.  "We are attempting to fill a void that other communities shy away from," explains Parks Director Ralph Karp in a documentary. It is a tourist attraction. First, skate parks are conspicuously absent in most communities. Second, it does attract visitors from the tri-state area.

Northampton County Council will vote on this tonight.

A $300,000 "Green" Solution For Monocacy Creek Stormwater

This swale needs to be replaced. 

At their July 1 meeting, Bethlehem Township Commissioners went with a green solution to stormwater drainage problem whose source is the Bethlehem Square Shopping Center. This environmental approach will require even more green of a different sort - $300,000. But most of this could be coming from the state. By a 4-0 vote, T and M Associates' Gregory Duncan was given a green light to seek a Watershed and Protection Grant, with the Township providing a 15% match.

From the busy shopping center, stormwater collects and ultimately passes under Route 191 and into what's left of a concrete lined swale, which has fallen into serious disrepair. From there, the waters, sometimes mixed with road salt and gravel, cascade into a Class A wild trout stream.

Duncan wants to replace the broken-up concrete liner with articulated concrete blocks connected by steel cable. This will promote proper drainage, provide erosion control and even allow for natural vegetative growth. Articulated concrete blocks will also handle heavy velocities. State Senator Lisa Boscola has already provided her support for this project, and Duncan is currently seeking approval from State Representatives Bob Freeman, Marcia Hahn and Joe Emrick.

Though the Township must provide a 15% match, it can be in the form of soft costs, such as labor or administrative processing.

Resident Barry Roth asked whether Bethlehem Square will also be asked to contribute. "Not at this time," answered manager Howard Kutzler. "If we don't get the grant, I'm not sure we can afford this," he added.

In other business, Commissioners approved a Coordinated Health proposal for a 3-story, 49,000 sq ft medical facility next to Outback Steakhouse, on Emrick Boulevard, with 217 parking spaces. Attorney Tom Stitt, representing the Outback, had urged planners in March, "Don't just rush this through." But three months later, neither Stitt nor anyone else voiced any concerns.

Finally, Chetwin Terrace resident Wayne Kresge complained about stormwaters coming from William Penn Highway, across the bike path and onto his property. Township engineer Ronald Gawlick advised the Board that he visited the site and is preparing a report to address the matter.

Because he was occupied by other Township business, Commissioner Tom Nolan was absent.

Commissioners will meet again on Monday, July 15, 7 PM, at 4225 Easton Avenue.

Another Woman Complains About Jim Gregory

Police have received complaints about Bethlehem Mayoral write-in candidate Jim Gregory from yet another woman, a waitress at the Sands. Previously, he bragged about giving her a necklace. Now, in an message to his ex, made in violation of a pre-existing PFA Order, Gregory complains,

That bitch waitress at the sands who is running for Miss Pa. Took your diamond and gold cross that Jim bought for you plus hundreds he gave her towards the pageant and told the cops to have him stay away. Her name is XXXX.

Go to the Sands, find that bitch, and get your diamond necklace back. He got it for you to say he was sorry for the past few months of craziness before his event.

Gregory has been cited for contempt of the PFA. ... Twice. He warns his ex that if the hearing goes on as scheduled on Wednesday, she will likely be arrested. Claiming that he has more patience than God, he will smite the three Johns - Morganelli, Callahan and Stoffa.

He's issuing no subpoenas. But he's "asking" his friends to come, claiming that he expects loyalty. He also complains about a presumptive Judge for reasons the elude me. Finally, he calls me a sick and depraved pig kicker and rapist. ... And a pedophile, too.

Gregory is doing his best to intimidate his ex.

PayDay Lending: A NIZ By-Product

Like dandelions, Cash America offices at one time littered the Lehigh Valley, offering short-term, high-interest payday loans to those who can least afford them. People needing quick cash could borrow money and secure their loan with either a post-dated check or a pre-authorized withdrawal. Annual interest rate? Just 368%. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court put a stop to this practice in 2008, and Cash America cashed out.

It's about to make a comeback.

Last year, the state house adpoted legislation that will authorize a 419% APR on a two-week loan passed earlier this month, in a 102-90 vote.

It was opposed by Democrats Joe Brennan, Bob Freeman and Steve Samuelson, as well as Republicans Marcia Hahn and Joe Emrick. Under incredible pressure by party leadership, Hahn called Jennings from the house floor three times before deciding to vote against the legislation.

But Democrat Jenn Mann supported the bill. Why?

Sounding very Republican, she told The Morning Call that government "can't control an individual's finances."

In the Senate, former payday loan opponent Pat Browne is now a payday loan proponent.

Mann and Browne, as you know, are the architects of the NIZ, a special district we now know is only available to the rich developers like gazillionaire J.B. Reilly, not mom-and-pops. To get the support they needed to help out their rich pals, Mann and Browne agreed to support Payday lending.

Browne is now sponsoring a gentler, kinder payday loan bill in the Senate. The APR is only 300%.

He calls it a "micro loan."

CACLV Executive Director Alana Jennings likens that it to stabbing someone in the back and calling it surgery.

Never mind that, from AARP to United Way, payday loans are condemned as just another stepping stone in the march to delinquency on other bills, bank account closures and bankruptcy.

Will this pass? Locally, State senator Lisa Boscola voted No. But since this screws the consumer, just like the NIZ, my bet is it passes.

No Cash Advance offices will be permitted in the NIZ district. But I'm sure they'll be allowed everywhere else.

McNeill: State Budget Needs More Education $

FROM McNEILL,  June 30 – State Rep. Daniel McNeill D-Lehigh/Northampton, said the fiscal year 2013-14 budget that passed the House of Representatives today fails to restore adequate funding to education, hurting Pennsylvania students and their families and leaving homeowners with higher property taxes.

“This budget severely underfunds school districts in the Lehigh Valley, further harming our children and their families,” McNeill said. “This lack of funding has already forced schools to lay off teachers and staff and increase property taxes. For example, Allentown School District recently announced it will cut 151 jobs, while calling for a 8.2 percent property tax increase.”

Over the last two Corbett budgets, school districts have seen an over $1 billion cut in state funding for education, and McNeill said that this year’s state budget replaces a small amount of that funding [$123 million] but not enough to have an impact.

“Obviously, education funding is not a priority of the Corbett administration, and unfortunately, the burden of educating our children has fallen to local taxpayers, who will continue to see increased property taxes,” McNeill said.

McNeill urged House Republicans and Corbett to include an expansion of Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act in the final budget agreement to provide health insurance to at least 500,000 Pennsylvanians.

“Besides making health care accessible to half a million Pennsylvanians, expanding Medicaid would provide a $3 billion boost to the state economy and at least 35,000 jobs statewide,” McNeill said.

NBC Casts Spotlight on Rock Church

Rock Church properties next to State Theatre

About this time last year, I posted a series of stories about Northampton County Prison Padre Chris Santos, whose Rock Church was getting paid $1,000 per month for his spiritual counseling to guests of the jail. Those payments stopped when it was discovered that Santos was not paying real estate taxes. Now Santos is a volunteer, and why not? His Jesus gig supplies a steady stream of tenants and workers for a string of flophouses that he and his Church own. Never mind that the homes are health hazards. Nobody cares about the lower rungs of society. If an inmate asks too many questions or complains, Santos can just pull a few strings and have the inmate sent back to the slammer.

Now NBC10 has cast a public spotlight on the Santos operation. Easton is apparently concerned that one of the buildings might collapse, and is waiting for yet another repair plan.

David Lea can tell you what things are like with Santos. An Air Force veteran, his real battle has been with alcohol, and his habitual offenses earned him a stint in our hoosegaw. He was recruited as a tenant by Santos. But he deeply resented the religious indoctrination, the two a day Bible studies, the 10% tithe on top of rent, the refusal to allow attendance at alternative religious services and the physical labor demanded at buildings nearing condemnation.

When Lea made those concerns known, Santos tried to get his probation violated. That's the hammer. What Santos did not know is that some other County officials, who learned of Lea's situation, found him housing somewhere else.

Even more troubling is that, despite his claims, Santos offers no real recovery plan for inmates. As Lea tells me, The leverage Santos has found is that you can take a man out of jail and put him in Cuba and they would call it community service as long as the city does not have to help the men reintegrate. There is no recovery operation there. If you want support for that claim just look into the overdose last year of Daniel Houser who almost died at Easton hospital. From there look into the explosion and fire of the meth lab in Bethlehem, courtesy of Jeff Caufield and Danial Houser a few months back. After that you can go to Express Times 2/25/2011 and read about the robberies committed by Elias Amaro and Phillip Trout. All products of the "recovery program" provided by Santos.

In the meantime, Northampton County Council unanimously re-appointed Santos to the Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board last week.

More tenants!

I did not speak out against this because it caught me by surprise, and I suspect most Council members had forgotten about him.

Blogger's Note: My previous Rock Church stories

There's Money in Jesus at Northampton County Jail

A Santos Success Story

A Real Journalist's Take on Santos' Sinners Program

NorCo Suspends Payments to Jail's Chaplain