Birkenstocks Violate IRS Ban on Political Activity at Lehigh

I've told you before about Lehigh's very own Communist fiefdom - the ill-named "South Side Initiative." I call them the Birkenstocks  They're the group that got all lathered up when Bethlehem decided two years ago to sell a not so aMazing  "Maze Garden" to developer Dennis Benner. After numerous consultations over herbal tea, they broke out the Birkenstocks to invade City Hall. and stop that damn capitalist.

They failed, but undaunted, they were back before Council a few months later to decry - gasp! - proposed development on the South Side.

Traffic!

Noise!

Time to oppose the "power structure."

University Professors Matter!

The nutty professors - Al Wurth and Breena Holland - have skipped a few nights of Thai at the Promenade to condemn anything that might actually revitalize South Bethlehem.

Even a much-needed parking garage that most South Side merchants want But they're not university professors. .

So far, academia has managed to fail at every step along the way. But now, South Side Initiative is going to use the electoral process to get someone in the Senate who will listen to them and do as he's told. This coming Friday, the Birkenstocks want you to meet Comrade John Fetterman, a U.S.. Senate candidate, and have sent out the following invitation under the imprimatur of Lehigh University.

Friends of the SSI: For those of you who have not heard of John Fetterman, he is the Mayor of Braddock, PA, who is currently running for a seat in the U.S. Senate. John has made a name for himself as someone who embraces creative ideas and innovative solutions to address problems of poverty and violence in one of Pennsylvania's most struggling run-down steel towns. He has charted a new path for Braddock, opening a community center, creating urban gardens, and bringing in new businesses to revive this community. John's story is compelling and Braddock's story should resonate with the people of the Lehigh Valley. You can learn more about John and his accomplishments at:  https://johnfetterman.com/  There will be two opportunities for residents to meet with John Fetterman on April 15th: * 12:00-2:00: Deja Brew, 101 W. 4th St, South Bethlehem *  5:00-7:00: Brew Works, 569 Main St, Bethlehem We hope to see you there, The SSI Team

This, of course, is a tacit endorsement of Fetterman's candidacy under a Lehigh University letterhead. Lehigh University is a non-profit. Inviting Fetterman, with no similar invitation to other candidates, is a violation of Lehigh's tax exempt status. I have advised Lehigh's General Counsel.

Geissinger, Connolly Both Claim They Can Beat Cartwright

Matt Connolly

If asked who represents the Lehigh Valley in Congress, most will answer Charlie Dent. And he does, at least in Lehigh County. But at least half of the Northampton County portion of his District was taken away as a result of the state re-apportionment done every ten years. He lost a small part of Bethlehem, Easton, and the northern portion of Northampton County. Dent even lost Nazareth, which he made a point of visiting every July 4 when he represented the entire Lehigh Valley.

Half of Northampton County is now represented by Matt Cartwright, a prominent attorney from the Scranton area. A Democrat, he can rely on heavy support from urban centers like Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Easton and the one Bethlehem precinct that he now represents.

Cartwright was successful two years ago in a re-election bid in which he was challenged by David "Doc" Moylan, a physician and Schuylkill County coroner who billed himself as "the cure for Congress." In Northampton County, Cartwright walked away with 52% of the vote.

Can a Republican beat him? Matt Connolly and Glenn Geissinger think so. Both are running for the Republican nomination. They were the headline event at a debate hosted by the Lehigh Valley Tea Party at a packed Se-Wy-Co Banquet Hall in Lower Saucon Township on April 7. .

Connolly, a retired race car driver who is now in the auto repair business, is no stranger to politics. Since 2010, he's run unsuccessfully for the state senate and Northampton County Council. He also ran for this seat two years ago, but was defeated in the primary by Doc Moylan. He lives in Bethlehem Township with his daughter and is on the Bethlehem Township Athletic Association's board.

Connolly claimed he's been involved in the tea party since 2009, and "it's been wonderful." He said this country is "under the thumb or boot of this Obama guy." He charged that President Obama was able to get Obamacare through Congress because he had a big SuperPAC behind him - "the mainstream media."

Geissinger was elected to Northampton County Council two years in a Republican sweep of all at-large seats  Though he grew up in Whitehall, he now lives in Plainfield Township with his wife and two children. He
runs his own advertising business and served as a captain in a combat unit with the 82nd Airborne. He is also a Republican State Committee member.

According to Geissinger, government's primary role is to provide security. "People need to know they are safe," he said. He advocates rolling back government regulation that he claims is "absolutely killing us." He portrayed himself as a Congressman who will be "accountable to you."

Glenn Geissinger

Can a Republican Beat Cartwright? - Both candidates dismissed concerns over the $2 million or so needed to run a competitive Congressional race. "We already have twice as much money as Doc Moylan had," said Geissinger, referring to Cartwright's last Republican opponent. Noting that he won a Council seat in a County that is only 33% Republican, he said he could win in a Congressional district that is only 31% Republican "with Democrats and Independents voting for me because of the things I stand on and believe in. Those are conservative principles, and they will be able to work in the 17th District."

Connolly referred to several fundraisers and said he will have the money needed because he will "inspire voters."  He slammed Cartwirght. "He is not pro life. He is not pro Second Amendment. He claims to be pro family and pro worker, yet he is for Obama's amnesty. This is not a guy who inspires anyone."

Term Limits. Geissinger vowed he would serve no more than five terms. Connolly signed a pledge to "cosponsor and vote" for a U.S. Term Limits Amendment limiting a Congressman to three terms and Senator to two. But he is "not going to term limit myself," and until something that applies to everyone is adopted, refuses to bind himself individually.

Repeal 17th Amendment. - The 17th Amendment was adopted to ensure that U.S. Senators are elected by popular vote instead of by state legislatures. This proposal to repeal it has the support of  Presidential candidate Ted Cruz and the Utah State Senate.

According to Connolly, one of the reasons this Amendment was adopted is because "the wannabe senators were bribing the state legislators in order to elect them." But he said Senators today "bribe every voter out there. And they do it with promises they can't keep, and they know they can't keep, and they buy votes by spending our grandchildren's money." He said that having state legislators pick U.S. Senators would bring back "another level of accountability to the people."

Geissinger agreed, saying that the 17th Amendment "destroyed the balance."

Joanne Jackson (former Allentown School Board) and her husband

Unaccountable Congressman? - Connolly claimed that Cartwright "wants the power and title of being a Congressman, but "doesn't want to do the work to address the issues." He "has a wonderful set of form letters for virtually every question you could ask, and they're all very general, and they all tell you how much he cares." Charging that Cartwright ducks issues, Connolly claims, "The guy doesn't have a spine, and it's getting real obvious."

Geissinger noted that elected local officials like himself "cannot escape your constituents. You go to the store with them. You go to soccer with them. You are everywhere with them because they are the people who voted for you, they are the people who are with you 24 hours a day." Geissinger said he'd be responsive because "I'm going to be in the district." He said he'd be "looking people in the eye and answering the hard questions."

Getting rid of Obamacare. - Geissinger noted that the repeal of Obamacare has already passed in the House, and that conservative Republicans are now fashioning a replacement bill. "I would be behind that in a heartbeat," said Geissinger. House Speaker Paul Ryan has yet to release the details of his alternative plan.

"You don't replace it with anything," complained Connolly. "You replace it with the free market principles that allow competition to eliminate the government overreach." He condemned any law "from the same federal government that was part of the problem in the first place."

The only thing that works is the government out of our health care, we need the government out of the relationship between the patient and the doctor. We need tort reform to lower the cost of health care, to lower the cost of drugs ... Healthcare, education and marriage are three words never mentioned in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights and we need to keep it that way."

According to Connolly, the genesis of our health care problem is wage caps imposed during WWII, to which employers responded by offering benefits to make jobs more attractive. "That became the norm," he claimed, and the health insurance resulted in lawsuits by lawyers looking for insurance money.

Pro life stances. - Both candidates are solidly pro-life.

"I believe the child is innocent, regardless of the sins of the father or the irresponsibility of the mother," said Connolly  His position with Project VoteSmart is that abortion should only be considered "when the women did not consent or if the mother's life is in danger." At the debate, he said that "I have yet to see a true medical situation where the baby must be aborted to save the life of the mother. If it exists, that's not going to be part of the legal system. That's going to be part of the medical system. That life issue will soon become the lifestyle of the mother."

Connolly added he won't allow his personal philosophy to be swayed. He claimed the true test for him will come when

"my party's leadership puts their arm around me and says, 'Matt, I know you probably don't want to vote for this because you're one of those conservative tea party guys, but this is how we get things done. You gotta' go along to get along.' No. I'm not going to work as hard as I've worked to get elected to become one of those guys who goes along to get along. I'm not going to be comfortable. I'm not even going to be popular. I don't even want to be popular with those people. I want my country and I want to get my country back."

Geissinger said he spent five years of his life as an unpaid member of the clergy for his church. Both of his children were adopted as a result of teen pregnancies. "I-get-the-issue," he announced. But unlike Connolly, he does make exceptions because 64,000 women annually suffer from ectopic pregnancy  "There are issues in which the life of the mother is in danger" He also pointed to pregnancies that result from rape. "Are you going to ask a 13 year-old girl who's been raped by her uncle to take the child to full term? Are you gonna' do that? I can't do that responsibly as a legislator."

Geissinger Defends NorCo Tax Hike

Prior to the debate, the audience was cautioned to ask only questions that both candidates could answer and avoid questions that single out any one candidate. But that's precisely what one person, festooned in a Donald Trump sweatshirt and a very tiny pistol, did.  She disguised her question as a concern over the federal deficit, but then slammed Geissinger "for voting for a tax hike in your first year as a County councilman to beef up the surplus." She wondered whether there would be "more of the same" in Washington.

Geissinger had an answer.

"Here's what happened. We came in with a $19 million structural deficit. We only had $20 million in the bank. We had a choice. Violate an ordinance and not vote for the tax increase and get in the back with the Democrats and say, 'We hope it works out.' Or, get together with other good tea party members like Hayden Phillips and come up with a bill that put that money in a lock box. We asked each family in Northampton County to contribute, on the average, $1 per week to solidify our financial position, to save our credit rating and to give us time that we needed to turn things around. We did it. We turned things around. Thirty-seven million dollars returned to the general fund in two years, and the second year, I voted against the tax increase. We needed to find a way to cut expenses, and that's what I did here and that's what I'll do there."

Balancing the Budget. - Connolly said he'd start by nixing the automatic increases in programs that go on year after year. Geissinger added that a family is unable to last long if it spends $50,000 every year but only takes in $40,000, and must look to cut expenses He pointed to Lou Barletta, who in Congress has pressured the General Services Administration to negotiate leases that potentially could save billions over the long term. For example, people with 1500 sq ft would see that space reduced to 150 sq ft.

Cutting Federal Agencies - Geissinger said he'd reform the Veterans Administration, which employs 270,000 people.Connolly would eliminate the Department of Education and slammed the EPA as a collection of "unelected bureaucrats with no accountability."

Who Should Succeed Harhart?

Cindy Miller

Republican Julie Harhart, State Representative for the 183rd legislative district, has decided to call it quits this year after eleven terms in office. Her successor will represent a hodge podge of the northern Lehigh Valley. It includes parts of Whitehall and even South Whitehall Townships, extends north through Northampton and Catasauqua to Slatington and Walnutport, and then east to Moore Township. The race for this seat is one of just three competitive primaries within the Lehigh Valley, and was one of the contests featured in a packed debate hosted by the Lehigh Valley Tea Party on April 7 at the Se-Wy-Co Banquet Hall in Lower Saucon Township

Though represented by a Republican, Democrats have a registration edge in this District, and a competitive race can be expected.

Five candidates - two Democrats and three Republicans - submitted nomination papers for this seat. But as a result of successful challenges, only three candidates - two Republicans and one Democrat - remain on the ballot. Republicans include Cindy Miller, Lehigh Township Supervisor and field representative to State Senator Mario Scavello; and Zach Mako, a combat veteran and helicopter pilot in the National Guard. The sole Democrat is Phillips Armstrong, a Whitehall Township Commissioner who spent 40 years as an educator and coach in the Whitehall-Coplay School District.

All three candidates were invited to the tea party debate, but Armstrong sent his regrets as a result of an unexpected family emergency.

Mako, dressed in a suit that obviously made him feel uncomfortable, carried an assortment of index cards that he consulted regularly, even during his opening statement. At one point, he drew some laughter when he was stumped by a question and began looking over Miller's shoulder to see what she was writing. "As you can tell, I am not a politician and this is not my bag," he explained. He said he would be an "independent" voice who would "stand up to special interests and career politicians." He vowed he would oppose the "radical tax and spend policy"of Governor Tom Wolf.

Miller told the audience she grew up in Walnutport and attended Slatington High School before it became Northern Lehigh. She said her background - "98% of which is in the private sector" - is business and health care.

In stark contrast to the debate between Coyle and Simmons, in which candidates used every second of their time, Miller and Mako kept their answers short.

Reducing size of state legislature. - Both agreed on reducing the size of the state legislature. "It is way too big," said Miller. "My only concern is constituent services," said Mako. "As long as that is not diminished, I'd be absolutely fo shrinking the size of the legislature."

Will they take pension? - Mako said he thinks he is required to take it but would turn it down if he could. "I actually like that 401k that they're planning, and think that would be great, especially for a young guy like myself," he said. "I might not stay in government." Miller would not take the pension, but admitted she is participating in one as a member of Senator Scavello's staff. "It needs to start in the House," she said.

Per diems. Neither candidate would accept per diems ($165 per day), but would instead turn in receipts for actual expenses.

Zach Mako

Term limits - Mako believes the term limit is at the ballot box. "If you're doing a good job and people like what you're doing, you stay in. If not, you're gone," he explained. Miller disagrees. "We have too many legislators who've been in too long," she argued. "We say that we leave it up to the people to make the decision, and a lot of times the uneducated choices are being made at the poll." She would like to lengthen terms of office to four years "because you're running every year for office and you're not dedicating your time to constituents or in your legislative duties."

Mandatory retirement age for judges. - Both favor keeping the age at 70. "Anything over 70 is just increasing the pension crisis in Pennsylvania," said Miller.

HB 76 and Property Tax Elimination. - In over 1,600 phone calls Mako has made over the past two weeks, the predominate concern he has heard is the need for property tax relief. Miller stated that, in Lehigh Township, she has been able to stave off a tax hike. "I looked at our budget, we reformed out budget; I was instrumental in implementing a capital improvement plan; we renegotiated our contracts, especially pensions."

Second Amendment rights. - "I can tell you I fully believe in the protection of the Second Amendment and I actually have my license to carry, so now you know I'm not a liberal in nay way," said Miller. "I also have a concealed carry permit and have a Smith and Wesson Bodyguard that I carry every day," added Mako.

Pension Reform. - Miller found that in Lehigh Township, taxpayers were paying more for pensions than the employees who benefit from them. She claims the union now matches what the Township pays in. She would replace the current pension system with 401ks, "I feel that is something that should be able to be done immediately," she said. "I don't see why it should just be for new employees." Mako added that pensions have gone away in the business world, and should be abolished in the public sector as well.

Sharia law. - Both candidates would support a ban on the use of Sharia law, an Islamic legal framework used in some Arabic countries. "I have seen what that does," said Mako. "I've been in places where it's running rampant."

Economic development. - Miller stated that, in Lehigh Township, "We have developers that have found us." She said that as a result of expanding commercial zoning, "We have a developer coming in who is going to take care of one of our worst intersections." She also spoke of developer David Jaindl's plans to convert a 285-acre seminary into a "mixed use zone." She agreed about a lack of development in Slatington. "The problem wth Slatington, unfortunately, is that there's no infrastructure, there's no parking, there's no nothing. That all has to get addressed if you want businesses."

Mako called small business "the backbone of America" and said leaders should be more "proactive."

Paycheck protection. - Mako was unfamiliar with a "payback protection" bill, which would prevent government from deducting union dues from wages and transmitting the funds directly to labor organizations. Miller supports the bill, stating she has friends and family in education who resent seeking their dues collected out of their paychecks.

NBC10 AG Debate For Democratic Candidates

On Thursday, NBC10 broadcast a debate among the three candidates seeking

Opinions Online, 4/9/16

Blogger's Note:Opinions Online is a regular Saturday feature. If you'd like to express your opinion on any topic, click on the Opinions Online button on my left sidebar. You can also call 385-325-2564. In addition to these submissions, I sometimes highlight comments from throughout the week and re-publish them here.

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Between eight and 14 .40 caliber bullet holes found at 112 N. Eighth St. in Allentown today. This is less than 50 yards from the arena.

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I actually laughed at your recent blog concerning the City of Bethlehem council meeting...and the south side parking deck proposal. As my friends know, I have comments about the issues I find important to me. Congrat's on your ability to sum up briefly, the content of the meetings. I love the humor!! - Krisann Albanese

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Presidential candidate John Kasich told a Republican crowd in Philly yesterday that "teachers are the most underpaid profession in the nation". - Scott Armstrong

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Yesterday presidential candidate John Kasich told a Republican crowd in Philly that "teachers are the most underpaid profession in the nation".

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Bishop Barres asks Catholics to oppose legislation which would remove the statute of limitations on lawsuits involving predator priests because of the potential financial damage to the Diocese. Hmmm

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Bernie: I have not given up my R label. You and Morganelli can be written in, but the older I the less I cross.

Thank you for Thinking of Mary.- G. John Bryant, Jr.

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Associated Press |
HARRISON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — A veteran newsman who served as the publisher and executive editor of a southern New Jersey newspaper will be leaving at month's end.

The South Jersey Times says both of Joseph Owens' positions were eliminated as part of a restructuring this month. He'd held the posts since May 2013.

Owens has worked as an editor and reporter for more than 30 years, winning numerous awards.

He previously was editor and vice president of content at The Express-Times in Easton, Pennsylvania, where he helped lead the launch of its website. Before that, he served in various positions at the Times Herald in Norristown, Pennsylvania, including managing editor, reporter, sports editor and columnist.

A Philadelphia native, Owens started his newspaper career in 1978 as a 15-year-old copy boy at the now-defunct Philadelphia Bulletin.

(Blogger's Note: The first time I met Joe Owens, he and I got into a shouting match. That should prove he's a good judge of character. Over time, I grew to respect and admire him. We had a hate-hate relationship. I loved his irreverent writing style, his passion and believe he really cared for the people who worked for him. They were willing to endure a lot, and had a lot of very justifiable pride. When people like Joe or so many other good journalists at both dailies are sacrificed at the corporate altar, we all lose. This is how major political corruption gets started).

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Someone needs to speak with a resident of Big Run Borough. I was terminated 3.21.16 No write ups, no discriplinary notices, nothing. They didn't like the fact that I kept reminding them of the Sunshine Act and they decreased their Council to 5 from 7, no written record. Ck with Jefferson Co. Voting Board!!

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I think it is unethical that 17th district PA congressional candidate Glen Geissinger is having a debate in Bethlehem April 7. This is the same day/time as Northampton County Council meets. He is a paid council member and will be absent to run for another office? Sad!

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Please watch this STUNNING 7 min. video as shown on Channel 4 New York. It demonstrates the practice of electronic voting using the new Diebold machines .

https://www.facebook.com/TGNetworknews/videos/502351556638391/

As we've known for many years, slot machines can be rigged for certain outcomes. Why not these units, too?

I found it interesting. How about you?

Fred Windish

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The Bethlehem Area School District does not have a budget problem, it has a "spending" problem. I'm sick and tired of the rhetoric from administration and board members that it's coming from Harrisburg yet the local so called leaders are the one spending tax dollars that they don't have and are making it difficult for senior citizens to stay in their homes.

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Simmons: Pension Reform or Bankruptcy

Justin Simmons

The first of three debates hosted by the Lehigh Valley Tea Party last night was the most raucous. Pennsylvania's 131st legislative district consists of the southern portion of Lehigh County, a tiny sliver of Montgomery County and part of Lower Saucon Township in Northampton County.  It has been represented by Justin Simmons for the last four years after he pulled off an amazing upset of Karen Beyer in 2010. make no mistake about it, Justin Simmons is a hard-core conservative. he has been the republican Democrats love to hate in the western part of the Lehigh Valley.  In the last two elections, Simmons has faced stiff competition in vicious campaigns that included teacher union advocate Kevin Deely and Republican-turned Democrat Michael Beyer.

All this adversity has made Simmons very effective during debates. He's a skilled orator and was clearly the most polished of all the candidates in three debates last night.  A few times, even opponent Bill Coyle joined in the applause after an answer, only to catch himself and look in amazement as his own hands would betray him. Coyle also had to admit and even apologize for a mistake in supporting the Manchin-Toomey gun proposal that would require background checks on the sales of firearms at gun shows and in Internet sales.

Three Term Pledge

To his credit, Coyle conceded his weakness. ""I may not be the best debater, I may not be as up on the issues as someone who's versed in it, but I've had success in my career, and I think I can translate that to our district." A wholesale furniture salesman, Coyle claimed he was running because Simmons has broken the three-term pledge limit that he made when he first ran for office.

And he has.

But Simmons had an answer.

"The people of my district have asked me to run for a third term because I'm actually one of the people who have gone into government and done what I said I'm going to do,"he explained. "I fought for conservative principles. ...  We've just got a victory from this Governor and have passed a budget that does not increase taxes."

Who's the Real Conservative?

Bill Coyle

It was a debate in which both Simmons and Coyle maintained that each was the real conservative.

Simmons painted Coyle as a liberal in conservatives clothing.

"Mr. Coyle has been backed by teacher union presidents, has been associated with Jennifer Mann, a former liberal Democrat, and with Karen Beyer, my liberal predecessor," he said. "I don't believe his intentions are really on the term limit pledge. I believe his intentions are a liberal Republican that wants to take a conservative out."

Coyle claimed he was the real conservative because he'd close one of the district offices. Simmons scoffed at that idea, noting those offices exist to serve constituents. Then he returned to Coyle's ties to the teachers' union.

"When the president of the teachers' union at East Penn School District says, 'Bill Coyle will represent our interests in Harrisburg," - someone that opposes paycheck protection, opposes pension reform, opposes everything that conservatives stand for - and two other teacher union people - I have the photo right here, saying 'Bill Coyle is the moderate alternative to Justin Simmons,.' Bill Coyle is not a conservative."

Simmons also pointed to Joanne Jackson, a Democrat sitting in the audience, and claimed that she had just told him that Democrats plan to mount a write-in campaign for Coyle. Jackson was so incensed that she has decided to mount her own write-in campaign.

Reducing the size of the state legislature (203 state reps, 50 state senators, 2d largest in country)

Both candidates said they'd like to reduce the size of the state legislature."Any time you can cut expenses, I think that's a good thing," said Coyle. "I'm a little concerned that it would give too much power to Philadelphia."

Simmons claimed a constitutional amendment will soon be in the hands of the voters.

"I've always been an advocate of reducing the size of the legislature,"" he claimed. "Texas, a state double the size of Pennsylvania, has a legislature, half the size. ... We need to reduce the size of the legislature and move to a part-time legislature here in Pa. ...It's going to be a constitutional amendment so we have to get it through the next session as well and then it will go to the ballot for people to vote on the issue. ... My opponent has said it will never happen. We're very close to this happening."

Pensions and per diems for state reps

Noting that Pa. has a $54 billion unfunded liability for pensions. Simmons signed a pension declination form. "I will not accept the pension," he observed. .

He lambasted per diems as "a ridiculous system" in which a "legislator can go out to Harrisburg and get $165 blank check to spend money however they want. No direct expense. It's wrong. I've been on every bill to eliminate the per diem system, I do not take per diems. I do direct expense because my expenses, when I have to spend the night in Harrisburg, come in about half the $165 per diem. The per diems have got to go."

Coyle agreed, but added he would eliminate pensions completely from the legislative branch.

"My opponent ridiculed me for that, but I think we should eliminate [pensions] from the legislative branch."

Differing views on term limits. 

Coyle stated he supported term limits for state representatives They should run for four-year terms and be limited to two terms.  Under the current system, state representatives are always campaigning, which he called a "full-time job."

Simmons claims to have "evolved" on the issue. "The voters decide at the ballot box," he argued  He also noted the irony of being attacked on term limit pledge by an opponent "who will not take the term limit pledge because he said he didn't know how long it would take to get things done."

Is It Time for HB76 Or Some Alternative to Eliminate Property Tax?

Coyle said he supports HB 76, which replaces a property tax with increases in the sales tax. It's hard not to support that bill," he said. But he admitted a "little bit of fear" about the impact of a consumption tax on clothing. Noting the outlets in Tannersville, he predicted that there "will be an impact in having a tax on previously untaxed articles of clothing. It's hard not to support that bill."

This fear about a tax on clothing was disputed by Simmons. "HB76 still does exempt clothing. You gotta' read the bill,  Bill. Sorry."

Simmons claimed to have voted for HB76 each time it has come up. Noting that the bill has 91 co-sponsors, but got 50 votes, Simmons claimed one of those votes came from him.

Simmons also disputed whether Coyle is really for property tax elimination. "When you are endorsed by teacher union bosses in the district, when you are trying to get written in by Democrats, you can't be for property tax elimination," he charged. "You can say that to a tea party crowd, but you're obviously not saying that to the Democrats."

Second Amendment and HB503, which will require that all firearms be registered with the state police and that there be an annual $10 gun tax.

"I'm pro Second Amendment," said Simmons.."I'm always endorsed by the NRA. I'm going to be endorsed by the NRA in this primary. I supported the castle doctrine. I was a co-sponsor of the castle doctrine because I believe you should be able to protect yourself in your own home. ... I have to do a contrast between my opponent and I. My opponent, on Bobby Gunther Walsh, says he supports Toomey-Manchin, the Toomey- Manchin federal law that is more into gun control. I don't support Toomey-Manchin. I think law-abiding citizens that own guns aren't the problem. ... I am pro-Second Amendment. I will oppose HB503, and I will continue to fight for your second amendment rights as I always have done."

Coyle, who stated he is also pro second amendment,acknowledged that "I did make a mistake on Bobby Gunther Walsh and didn't do my research on a national issue. I thought it would be more state specific and I wan't up to speed on it. And I apologize for that, and have since amended my position on it.

Coyle not only opposes HB 503 and its $10 annual assessment on each firearm. He also thinks "it's insane that we have fishing licenses." He complained about "government trying to extend their tentacles around all of us."

Take Your Pick, Pension Reform or Bankruptcy

Putting aside debate styles, Simmons also made a scary prediction. He believes Pennsylvania faces bankruptcy, probably within the next five years, unless it enacts pension reform.

"Here's the thing we gotta' do. The first step. We gotta' put all new hires into a new defined contribution 401k system, like 95% of the private sector has. We have to take taxpayers off the risk of what the pension system has caused. We have a $54 billion unfunded liability here in pa. It's not sustainable. And here's the thing if we don't do something about this. ... If we don't legislatively enact pension reform, the state's going to go bankrupt. Thirty dollars of every $100 right now goes to the pension system. That will be $50 of every $100 of the state budget within five years. The state will go bankrupt and the federal government will have to come in and allow states to go into bankruptcy protection. A lot of you remember what happened to the Bethlehem Steel and the retirees there. If we don't fix it now, that's what's going to happen herein Pa.

Noting that pensions were created to make jobs that no one wanted more attractive, Coyle said, "We shouldn't fund other people's retirements. We should fund our own."

(Blogger's Note: I will have reports on the other two debates on Monday).

LV Tea Party Hosts Debate in Contested State and U.S. House Races.

Tom Carroll acted as moderator

Though every State and U.S. House seat is up this election cycle, only three of them are being contested in the Lehigh Valley in the primary. They are the 131st Pa. Legislative District, currently represented by Justin Simmons; the 183rd Legislative District, being vacated by Julie Harhart; and the 17th Pa. Congressional District, which is served by Matt Cartwright. Last night, the Lehigh Valley Tea Party hosted a debate for the candidates at the Se-Wy-Co Banquet Hall in Lower Saucon Township before a packed and very attentive audience of over 100 people. I've often been critical of the LV Tea Party over the years, but they provided an important public service with this candidates' night, which was moderated by Bethlehem Attorney Tom Carroll.

Over the years, I've attended numerous debates. Usually, the audience consists of the candidates and their campaign volunteers. Very few people come just because they are interested. But the opposite is true with these tea party functions. Though largely conservative or libertarian, most of them are there because they take democracy seriously.

I got there a little early so I had a chance to listen to people talk as patriotic videos were streamed by Tom Campione.

"I'm all about America and Donald Trump is the best bet," I heard one fellow say.

"The question is not whether he's a real Republican but a real conservative," said another.

Though I am regarded as something of a pariah in nearly every political circle, a few people do come up and speak to me. Arlene Klocek talked to me of a friend going through a rough time, and how much she and her group of friends are praying for her

And she is.

She likes Cruz.

So does Dean Browning, who is running for Delegate in the GOP convention.

When the show finally started, Tom Carroll himself noted the energy in the room. "We're a little but angry, but we're engaged," he said.

I'd agree.

In the next few posts, I will give you a blow-by-blow account of the debate, starting with the 131st Simmons Smackdown and ending with the Congressional Clash.

As much as I slam them, the LV Tea party deserves some recognition for hosting these events. More Democrats need to attend their candidates' nights in the Fall.

NorCo Personnel Appeals Board Loses Member, Lawyer

Northampton County's Personnel Appeals Board, which handles disputes between the County and non-union workers, is down once again to just four members. To make matter's worse, its long-time solicitor has submitted his resignation.

Ralph Stampone, who had served on the Board for ten years, finally had enough of meetings that are scheduled and then re-scheduled ad infinitum. The final star for him came late last year when he arrived tat the courthouse to hear a case that the County decided to settle about thirty minutes prior to the hearing.

I really enjoyed doing it, but I had this feeling we were just spinning our wheels," said Stampone, who owns Ralph's Radiator and Repair Shop in Stocketown. He began to get the feeling that "the County was going to do what it was going to do anyway. Last minute deals with people? Why do you have an Appeals Board?"

He also sensed that the County is being unfair to nonunion workers. "They don't want anyone in there they can't control."

Ralph Stampone, who had served on the Board for ten years, finally had enough of meetings that are scheduled and then re-scheduled ad infinitum. The final star for him came late last year when he arrived tat the courthouse to hear a case that the County decided to settle about thirty minutes prior to the hearing.

I really enjoyed doing it, but I had this feeling we were just spinning our wheels," said Stampone, who owns Ralph's Radiator and Repair Shop in Stocketown. He began to get the feeling that "the County was going to do what it was going to do anyway. Last minute deals with people? Why do you have an Appeals Board?"

He also sensed that the County is being unfair to nonunion workers. "They don't want anyone in there they can't control."

In addition to Stampone, Bethlehem Attorney Christian Perrucci recently submitted his resignation as the Board's Solicitor. It's a position he held for over 12 years. He said he had "worked with great board members who were extremely dedicated to reaching an equitable decision to each case. It was truly a pleasure working with Dave Sanders, John Dally, Bill Alexander and Mr. Stampone."

According to Perrucci, "This was completely a voluntary decision on my part to resign as solicitor as I knew I could not dedicate the appropriate time to serve as solicitor given my very busy private practice." He denied that partisan politics were at play.

The remaining four members are are Bill Alexander, himself a retired corrections officer; Dave "Lump" Sanders, owner of Bethlehem's revered Table of Knowledge at Lump's Deli; Pen Argyl's John Dally, who also sits on the Gaming Board; and Pat Siemiontkowski, who retired recently as Northampton County's own HR Director.

They are the capstone of a merit personnel system designed to ensure that nonunion employees are rewarded and paid on the basis of what they know, as opposed to who. There have been some amazing success stories. At Gracedale, for example, a lowly nurse's aid was able to work herself up through the ranks, go to school and become either the Director or Assistant Director of Nursing. But there have been failures, too, as evidenced by 11 different unions representing most of the workers. One of the biggest reasons for this failure is the Personnel Appeals Board, which has been criticized for years over infrequent meetings.

One nonunion worker recently reported that she filed two appeals last year. One was completely ignored and Human Resources never scheduled a hearing for her second appeal.

Individually, Board members themselves have complained about the length of time between hearings.

For this reason, Council member Ken Kraft has urged that there be regular monthly meetings of the Personnel Appeals Board. If there is no business, they simply don't meet.

NorCo Council Meetings Tonight Canceled

For the second time this year, a power outage has intruded on scheduled NorCo Council meetings. The first time, Council went ahead anyway, only to learn that many members of the public had been turned away. This time, council is erring on the side of caution, and the meetings scheduled for today will be conducted on the 13th.

We seem to have become a third world nation in which power outages are the norm. But we are paying first world power rates.

11 pm update: I have been reminded that Council met in January after a bomb scare, not a power outage, so I need to correct this post. I apologize for the factual error, but the fact is that the courthouse experiences power outages on an increasingly frequent basis.   

Geissinger to Skip Council Meeting For Debate

Northampton County Council member Glenn Geissinger is still in his first term, but is nevertheless running for Congress. He attends most meetings by phone. Tonight, he will ditch Council completely to participate in a Congressional debate.

This is inexcusable.

His obligation to the citizens of Northampton County should trump his personal ambitions.

How Much Did State Spend on LV Schools?

Though I avoid covering school districts if I can, I'll be the first to agree it's where most public money is spent. In the state Budget that has finally been adopted for 2015/2016, all Lehigh Valley Schools saw increases, which you can see on the Department of Education website.

The funding below is just for basic, and not special, education. As you can see,all Lehigh Valley school districts received small increases, excepting Bethlehem. The increase in funding for Bethlehem was 6.9%, and really stands out in comparison to other school districts. The smallest increase - 1.6% - went to Northwestern Lehigh.

State subsidies to school districts have dropped from over 50% in the 1970's to just 35%.

Northampton

Bangor - from $9,457,706 to $9,723,681. 2.0% increase
Bethlehem - from $29,326,976 to $31,357,385. 6.9% increase
Easton - from $20,016,858 to $20,662,708. 3.2% increase
Nazareth - from $8,687,012 to $8,865,486. 2.1% increase
Northampton - from $13,394,465 to $13,864,989. 3.5% increase
Pen Argyl - from $4,749,299 to $4,896,869. 3.1% increase
Saucon Valley - from $2,949,230 to $3,022,603. 2.5% increase
Wilson - from $5,393,334 to $5,580,981. 3.5% increase

Lehigh

Allentown - from $100,898,826 to $103,531,954. 2.6% increase
Catasauqua - from $4,068,869 to $4,162,157. 2.3% increase
East Penn - from $11,209,456 to $11,552,729. 3.1% increase
Northern Lehigh - from $6,948,973 to $7,147,259. 2.9% increase
Northwestern Lehigh - from $5,597,871 to $5,685,419. 1.6% increase
Parkland - from $7,066,468 to $7,260,292. 2.7% increase
Salisbury - from $2,260,802 to $2,325,184. 2.8% increase
Southern Lehigh - from $4,368,501 to $4,461,447. 2.1% increase
Whitehall- from $7,405,210 to $7,563,722. 2.1% increase

Allentown Hires Six New Police Officers

Allentown City Council voted unanimously at their April 6 meeting to hire an additional six police officers. This will bring the police force to 216 officers. The City's full complement is 222. One officer is already certified, butthe other five will need to go through the police academy.

"We're getting there," said Council Prez Ray O'Connell.

"I think this is the highest amount we've had for ten years," remarked Juio Guridy. He was pleased to see that one of the new hires is from Allentown and mentioned that looking at the names tells him the City is trying to more accurately reflect demographics.

Sentencing For Fed Ed's Men Delayed

Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski seems to have forgotten about the federal investigation swirling around him, and has even discussed seeking another term as Mayor. But while he remains in denial and his attorneys tap into his campaign warchest, the four people who have already pleaded guilty to bid rigging and bribery have had their sentencing hearings delayed. Ordinarily, a cooperating defendant is not sentenced until the prosecution against the target is complete.

Entrepreneur Ramzi Haddad's was set to be sentenced on April 14. That's been pushed back to July 28, 2016. The same is true of three former City officials who have admitted to depriving the citizens of Allentown to their right to honest services

Mary Ellen Koval, a Controller who had to resign before she was sworn in for her second term, has had  her sentencing postponed from April 19 to July 26, 2016.

Dale Wiles, a former Assistant City Solicitor who now sells vitamins and searches titles, has had his sentencing delayed from March 2 to June 6, 2016.

Garrett Strathearn, the City';s former finance director who now has a public defender, is now scheduled for sentencing on July 27, 2016, instead of the April 14 date originally set.

Dep't of Aging Listens to LV Seniors

Teresa Osborne

On April 5, at the Steelworkers' Hall in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne conducted the third of seven "listening" forums planned across the state to gather ideas for the 2016-20 State Plan on Aging. About 30 people attended this discussion, and the big surprise was about just how little older Pennsylvanians know about what services are available to them.

Established in 1979, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging advocates for the needs of 2.9 million state residents over the age of 60. through 52 Area Agencies on Aging. By the year 2020, that population is expected to reach nearly 3.5 million. Most of the Department of Aging's funding - 78% - comes from the state lottery. Its annual budget is $800 million, and includes a wide variety of programs, far more than the home-delivered meals.

The APPRISE program received high marks from local seniors. APPRISE uses trained volunteers and staff to help answer questions about Medicare, Medicaid and other health insurance benefits.

Aside from a high tax bill, the problem that bothers Lehigh Valley seniors the most is transportation to and from doctor's offices. Though transit and para transit is free, those who use public transportation are often late for doctors' visits. They are forced to reschedule, and then have to wait for an hour or more for a ride home. "Receptionists are well-trained to say No," complained one senior. A Bangor woman told about four-hour trips from Bangor to Allentown, and a para transit driver who left her stranded.

Senior Hotlines

Lehigh County Office of Aging - (610)-782-3034
Northampton County Area Agency on Aging - (800)-322-9269
Senior Abuse - (800)-490-8505
SeniorLaw Helpline - (877)-727-7529
Nursing Home Complaints - (800)-254-5164
Alzheimer's Helpline - (800)-272-3900
APPRISE - (800)-783-7067

DA John Morganelli's Campaign Video.

This ad is running in the Philly area this week, and clser to the election, in al markets.

Bob Grim: Allentown Arena Makes Tickets Tough For Elton John Fans

"I’m a long time reader of your blog and wanted to vent about what I consider an unbelievable injustice perpetrated by the Arena on those of who paid for this boondoggle. Was also going to copy Mike Molovinsky but couldn’t find an e-mail address.

"I did a google search to find the number to call this coming Friday at noon to purchase Elton John tickets for his September show. The Arena is showing prices of: $154, $79, $39.
(copied from their website).

"Lo and behold, during my search I found several sites already selling the same tickets that are “going on sale Friday at noon”. (There isn’t even a pre sale to season ticket holders). The secondary market is already selling tickets at a LOW starting price of: $184 with a high price of $1068!!

"Apparently the unwashed masses who want to buy the few tickets that may not have already been sold can stand in line for hours and hope that there may be tickets available or hang on a phone getting busy signals for untold hours.

"I won’t do either.

"I’d write a letter to the editor but we know that won’t see the light of day.

"Bob Grim"

Bethlehem Tp Spends $222k and Seeks $273k in 30 Minutes

Boy Scouts from Troop 317 pack meeting,
under supervision of Chaplain Barry Webb

Bethlehem's Board of Commissioners met on April 4, and in the course of about a half hour, unanimously voted to spend $222,000 dollars and seek $273,611 in grants. But before you pass out, you should know that the money spent was included in this year's budget.

Spending

$116,474 to Recon Construction for cold in place asphalt recycling to rehabilitate Township roads. This was the lowest of two bids,and according to Township Manager Melissa Shafer, is $30,000 less than what was budgeted.

$68,000 to the Township's athletic associations. Bethlehem Township Athletic Ass'n, also known as the Bulldogs, received $40,000. The Freemansburg-Bethlehem Township Athletic Association, which runs the baseball program, only received $28,000. That's because the Township paid for the cost of lights, and the baseball association agreed to take $12,000 less each year for the next ten years.

Most of the other items are smaller expenditures, but they include a $5,000 contribution to The Miracle League of Northampton County.

Grants

$213,611 for Housenick Trails project. Thanks to the state's failure to adopt a timely budget, the Township has been forced to reapply. There is a matching grant from Northampton County's open space program.  the time and materials

$60,000 from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for clean-up costs associated with Superstorm Jonas. "We met the thresholds so that we can get reimbursement," stated Shafer

Bishop Barres Uses Pulpit to Go Easy on Child Predators

I missed Mass this past Sunday, and with it, the latest missive from the Most Reverend John O. Barres, Bishop of the Allentown Diocese, to his brothers and sisters in Christ. I'll have to miss Mass more often, especially after reading what his Majesty has to say.

Reader John is a better Catholic than I. He went to Mass, and provided me with a copy of the Bishop Barres' Bulletin. We're on a Crusade again, folks, so watch out!

We're not going after Islam because Trump is taking care of them. Nor are we going after the Jews because most of Europe is once again stoking the flames of anti-Semitism. We're going after innocent children.

The Holy Order is to urge state legislators to oppose any legislation that would eliminate the statute of limitations for child predators, many of whom wear that Roman collar like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Reason? It might cost money. Holy Mother Church might have to melt down a few golden candlestick holders.

John, who is a sinner like I, is dismayed.

"I found it notable that Bishop Barres would use his authority to send a letter like this, essentially urging parishioners to protect the church from civil lawsuits over past sexual abuse. I found it distasteful that he would put up as a defense that such lawsuits would take away funding from ministries that "feed the hungry and serve those in need". This seems particularly manipulative especially considering that the letter is silent about what the findings of past abuse investigations have turned up.

"As a long-time parishioner, I'd also note that I can hardly remember the last time that the Bishop took the time to send a two page letter urging the faithful to contact our representatives about numerous other important political and social issues."

When I was a kid, we had a summer place down the street from the Bishop's summer retreat at Beach Haven. My Dad, an irreverent and insensitive bastard of the first degree, would rise early in the morning and take Duke for a walk. He was our German Shepherd and a Lutheran who would shit all over the beach right in front of the Bishop's house, to the dismay of nuns and friars, and in violation of numerous laws and ordinances. (My Dad was very bad and is probably burning in Hell right now). His Excellency at that time was Joseph McShea. He caught my Dad one morning, and threatened us all with excommunication.

"Ah, go tend your flock," was my Father's reply.

That's what Barres should do, instead of making the Catholic Church look worse than it already does.

Allentown Bishop Opposes S/L Elimination For Child Predators

How About a Green Wall for the Greenway?

Developer Dennis Benner's six-story office building, proposed at the intersection of Third and South New, is also called the Greenway Development.That is due to it proximity to the greenway, a popular pedestrian thoroughfare between Third and Fourth Streets.He's sinking $20 million into the project, and has secured two tenants, St. Luke's and Lehigh University Next door, the Bethlehem Parking Authority has proposed a $17.75 million parking garage, to be backed by taxpayers in the event that revenues are insufficient. This will be connected to Benner's building by a pedestrian walkway to accommodate pre-and post-operative patients visiting St. Luke's.

Those who oppose this project have said (1) it is too big for needs in that area; (2) Benner should shoulder a portion of the cost; (3) it will disrupt traffic patterns in an already congested area; (4) it will present safety concerns to residents; and (5) the aesthetics are all wrong.

According to a Desman Design parking study of just that area of the South Side, there is a need for 850 additional parking spaces. Benner's greenway building will supply part of the demand (300 spaces), but other developments being planned in that area include student housing (335 beds), restaurants  (140 spaces) and retail (30 spaces). Desman reports that "the location of the proposed development means that only a few of the existing public parking facilities and on-street parking spaces can be viewed as viable parking options to satisfy the demand generated by the development."

Should Benner shoulder a portion of the cost? He already is.His tenants will be paying between $57 and $65 for 300 parking spots. That will amount to over $6 million of the cost.

Traffic patterns will clearly be disrupted, and the City has addressed some changes to address the situation.

Concerns about crime are legitimate, but a police substation is moving into the ground floor.

Aesthetics can be enhanced  John Noble's archotecural rendering of apartment buildings proposed next to the Wilbur Mansion, which he calls :"Frank Lloyd Wright West with a touch of South Bethlehem," has been a home run to most City residents. Instead of the usual monolithic garage, a green wall like you see above would be a perfect invitation to the greenway.. That will add to cost, but also make a statement.  

Bath's George Wolf Elementary Vandalism Includes Bomb Threat

Over the weekend, George Wolf Elementary in Bath was vandalized with a large number of vulgarities.The school has decided against informing parents, claiming that all of the graffiti has been buffed out. According to one of my sources, however, they were still present on Sunday afternoon, and he sent pictures.

The one I find most disturbing announces, "I am gonna bomb this school next year 2017."

I am informed that Colonial Regional Police are investigating.

South Bethlehem's Historic District Zoning Snobs

Bethlehem's South Side Historic District

Bethlehem has three historic districts. Ostensibly, they exist so that a community can preserve its historic integrity. I get it, and there's certainly good reason to preserve Bethlehem's rich Moravian heritage on the north side. But why the south and west sides?  All too often, these supposed Gardens of Eden amount to little more than snob zoning with onerous requirements that actually encourage blight instead of eliminating it. It's snob zoning in which residents can't fart without first obtaining a "Certificate of Appropriateness" from some goofy review board and City Council.

The absurdity of the South Side historic district came to light last week, during City Council discussions about a 626-car parking deck proposed by the Parking Authority. which will connect to developer Dennis Benner's 6-story Greenway Park Building, located at the intersection of Third and South New.

The argument advanced by the Parking Authority, essentially, is "If we build it, they will come." Opponents dispute this, and one of them is William Seixas, a New York transplant who lives on South Graham and will be directly impacted by the development.

His wife, Mary Lou, said she was unable to fix a broken window and broken garage door at her property because of ridiculous requirements imposed by the Historic Commission. "I'm sitting with my window still broken six years later because I can't afford a thousand-some window." While the Historic Commission has thrown up roadblocks for her, it has given a green light to a six-story building across the street. "I feel like I don't matter because I don't have the million dollar wallet to change my window," she observes.

William Seixas provided a little more detail. A week after buying his home, he learned it was "historic" and that the Historic Commission would have to sign off on repairs to his garage door and window.

According to Seixas, who is himself an artist, the Historic Commission told him he needed an architect. So he hired Artefact, a Bethlehem architectural firm, which told him he needed before and after renderings. He claims they charged him $8,000 "and took all my money for renderings the City 'was supposed to have' of my house."

After Artefact allegedly took his money, Seixas decided to do his own renderings for the replacement of one of his three garage doors. The middle door is metal, and the other two are plywood, not even 3/4" inches thick. In its infinite wisdom, the Historic Commission told Seixas he'd have to replace the only secure door he had, the metal one, with wood.

"They don't care about the residents, but are giving Mr. Benner the ability to build this massive building on the corner of my block."

In fairness to the Bethlehem Historic Commission and Artefact, they were not at this meeting and might have something to say in response to Seixas. But Olga Negron-Dipini, who lives on the South Side, was upset by the way ordinary citizens are treated.

"To hear somebody say I couldn't even change my window because I wanted to follow the ordinance and don't have the money to change it, and we're going to allow somebody to break half of them? I find that disrespectful, to be honest. ... We might as well eliminate the ordinances. What are they there for? ... We talk about residents who own homes and can't change the window because of the ordinance? That's disrespectful."

Of course it is. But Dennis Benner did not deny the Seixas' their right to fix their window or garage door.

That would be the Historic Commission.

What Seixas claims happened to his family in Bethlehem has also happened to a local business. In December, Third Street Tae Kwon Do school owner Lee Arnold locked horns with the South Side's Historic Commission over an angled sign he placed in front of his business to attract attention. Arnold claimed his business was being frustrated by a group of unelected officials, and the meeting deteriorated into a shouting match.

This have also gone on in Easton, where Barber Shop Plus owner Linda Coghlan was told she'd have to shell out $10,000 to replace the door to her business. At some point, it becomes ridiculous.

Windows and doors are a matter of public safety, especially in an urban environment. Snob zoners should have no say in those decisions. Let them confine themselves to aluminum siding.

What I find most disturbing about Seixas story, which he relayed to a Committee meeting of City Council, is the involvement of Artefact.

Christime Ussler, wo founded Artefact, is the City's Preservation Officer for the South Side Historical District. If her firm accepted money from Seixas, that would be a conflict of interest.

Also, City Council can grant a Certificate of Appropriateness after it has been denied by the Historic Commission. They are a recommending body only. But do Seixas or other property owners know this?

Opinions Online, 4/2/16

Blogger's Note:Opinions Online is a regular Saturday feature. If you'd like to express your opinion on any topic, click on the Opinions Online button on my left sidebar. You can also call 385-325-2564. In addition to these submissions, I sometimes highlight comments from throughout the week and re-publish them here.

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Way to go Bernie on your press awards. Keep up the good work.

G. John Bryant, Jr.

(Blogger's Reply: Thanks, John, and I hope Mary is doing well).

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allentown state hospital shood be converted into affordable senior housing With baby-boomers now at that age we have a shortage of low income senior housing Many cant wait for the 2yr waiting list!

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Holy Smokes, Upper Macungie has gone bat sh*t crazy.... now they want to build a community center that breaks even cash wise? good luck with that... why not put that construction cost and million dollars in expenses on a ballot referendum like the parkland library tried a couple of years ago, bet that it would get defeated just like the library was told to go pound sand for their "starbucks library"

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Ron Beitler: Question for Trump supporters:

More alarming than constant flip flops and seemingly endless changing of stances on many issues sometimes daily is Trumps basic lack of understanding when it comes to what it means to be conservative.

If you consider yourself Conservative and a Trump supporter how do you feel about Trump saying that 2 of the 3 core functions of Federal Gov't are healthcare & education?

If you are conservative isn't it generally accepted that the federal gov't should have LESS of a role in those two areas? Not more?

So, do you just ignore this? Do you agree? If so, how do you reconcile that with identifying as a Conservative? Is not rolling back the role of the Federal gov't out of these two specific areas sort of what we're all about?

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Bernie: Amen on Morganelli

G. John Bryant, Jr.

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Chrin Sole Donor in Brown's Auditor General Race

Northampton County Exec John Brown, a Republican, is running against Eugene DePasquale, a Democrat, in the race for state auditor general. DePasquale is the incumbent.

Brown's fifth Tuesday pre-election report, available online, reveals he has only one donor. Landfill owner and entrepreneur Charles Chrin gave Brown $25,000 on January 28. Brown has spent nearly $13,000 for campaign consultants and to repay a loan he made to is campaign.

DePasquale has raised nearly $68,000 in the same time, and is currently sitting on a $194,000 warchest. $40,000 of his money comes from PACs, especially unions. His largest donor is the McNees PAC, which gave him $10,000. McNees is a lawfirm.

Bethlehem's New Parking Deck

I was looking forward to relaxing a bit on Thursday night after three days of meetings in a row. But sometime yesterday afternoon, I got a call.

"You're going to the meeting in Bethlehem tonight, aren't you?"

"Wasn't planning on it."

I was coaxed into going, especially when this friend told me he had a super secret study that shows that the world as we know it will end if a parking deck goes up next to Dennis Benner's approved building at Third and New.

"Send me the study."

"You got it. It's on its way."

It never came.

"Send me the frickin' study."

"Rightyo. It's on its way."

It never came.

I decided to go to the meeting, mostly because I bought a digital voice recorder and wanted to try it out. A reporter I admire very much uses one, and I'm a copycat.

I walked in at town hall at 7 pm, and the meeting was already well underway. My friend had given me the wrong frickin' time.

Because I was late, no one could run from me, and I sat my fat ass right next to Alicia Miller Karner. She's in charge of the City's economic development and I like her very much.To be honest, I am a little bit afraid of her. But it seems that every time I write a story about Bethlehem, she gets in trouble. So I tried to make amends last night.

"Do you come here often?" I asked.

"Shut up, Bernie."

The Berkenstocks were there, too, in all their glory. The Marxist from South Side Initiative, Breena Holland,and Al Wurth, who reminded everyone about 15 times that he's a college professor.

They're in "the sky is falling" camp, along with most everyone else.

I'm in the "You better hope this plan succeeds or it will be a long time before there's any development in the South Side" camp. By myself.

I've already sat in on two meetings in which this project as discussed to death. At the Planning Commission, my little head finally exploded. I'm not a college professor, but a bottom-feeding blogger. But before that happened, I distinctly remember St. Luke's explaining that there had to be a parking deck next to the Benner building and there had to be an elevated walkway as well. This is because they would be seeing pre- and post-operative patients who are not exactly ready to run a marathon.

In spite of what was clearly said, Al Wurth and Breena Holland's solution is to shuttle everyone in from parking lots located 14 miles away. They must want to set up some sort of gurney express.

My head exploded again.

Incidentally, the super secret parking study was available as a handout. I picked up a copy. I'll be reading that over the weekend, and will give you a serious report on this matter on Monday.

But I was mostly screwing with my voice recorder.

The Council member who dominated discussion the most?

Shawn Martell. 19 minutes. He beat Bryan Callahan by four minutes. But Shawn can be forgiven because he ran a very good meeting. If someone went over the five minutes by thirty seconds or so, he did not freak out. Also, both Callahan and Willie Reynolds engaged members of the public from time to time, so people did not feel like they were talking to a wall.

One resident made some terrific points about these goofy Historic Commissions that seem to be like Big Brother in so many communities. I'll be writing about that, too.

Morganelli Seeks Ethics Investigation for Shapiro

Nearly two weeks ago, standing at the steps of the Montgomery County Courthouse, NorCo DA John Morganelli provided a fairly extensive list of Josh Shapiro campaign contributors who ended up with deals in Montgomery County, where he is a County Commissioner.

Yesterday, from Harrisburg, he called for the State Ethics Commission to commence an investigation based on more recent discoveries. According to Morganelli, Shapiro "has used his position as a County Commissioner to not only reward his campaign contributors with lucrative county contracts, but he has also, in at least 2 county contracts, failed to disclose that he is using his position to steer lucrative county contracts to his own clients - vendors who are clients of his law firm- Stradley Ronon."

Morganelli claims that Shapiro may have engaged in a "conflict of interest," in violation of the state Ethics Act, because he voted to award to award lucrative contracts to PECO and Exelon, who happened to be his clients.

Here is an excerpt of Morganelli's remarks:

Josh Shapiro likes to lecture everyone about ethics and integrity. He brags about his so-called "integrity agenda " for Pennsylvania. He says that he will adopt a gift ban that will forbid an official from accepting even a free cup of coffee so as not to be influenced with respect to his public duties. He says he will lead by example. Yet, his rhetoric does not match his conduct. He runs around with ethics and integrity on his sleeve, but where is that when it comes to his own conduct? Shapiro wants to ban state officials from accepting a free cup of coffee, but at the same time, in Montgomery County, Josh Shapiro has no problem at all soliciting campaign contributions from special interests who he then awards lucrative county contracts, including the clients of his own law firm.

Blogger's Disclosure: I support John Morganelli in the AG race and have contributed to his campaign.

Updated 10 am: Common Cause of Pa Exec Director Barry Kauffman has told Pittburgh Tribune that Shapiro or any other elected official whose law firm benefits from a vote needs to make complete disclosure

Brown Clamps Down on Parking Abuse

On Wednesday, I told you that a few Northampton County workers are parking their cars in six "30 minute parking" places at the parking deck next to the courthouse. These have been set aside for members of the public with small errands like paying a tax bill or buying a dog license. County workers from Gracedale or Human Services might use it, too, for small deliveries. It was never intended as a reserved parking spot for county employees who are too lazy to either get to the courthouse earlier or find a spot somewhere else. In addition to my story, I also sent an email to Executive John Brown and County Council, complaining about the situation.

On Wednesday morning, I received an email from Brown, telling me he would address the matter. By Wednesday afternoon, the practise had largely stopped.

Sheriffs are now monitoring these spots and anyone who is there too long gets a call.

Unfortunately, I've been able to confirm that some people were also parking in handicapped spots. Two of the offenders were honest and actually admitted it to me, once they knew I had no intention of shaming them. The justification given was that "there was no other place to park."

Of course, that's nonsense.

After publishing this story on Wednesday, I figured I'd be in hot water with county workers. When I went to lunch in the cafeteria, one of them summoned me to her table, and I was sure she was going to let me have it. She is quick to tell me when I'm wrong, so I braced myself.

Instead, she told me she was glad I wrote the story, and other workers have said much the same thing.

As I said before, I have no desire to shame the offenders. I just want them to do the right thing.

PFA Details of Terminated Corrections Officer

Last week, I told you that Northampton County has asked a judge to reverse an arbitrator's decision to reinstate a corrections officer who engaged in domestic violence. In addition to two PFAs that his wife ultimately dropped, I pointed to criminal charges that had been filed against him in 2004 and 2006. Agent 99, who was pulled his PFA file in Lehigh County, also stumbled upon criminal charges filed against Hoffert in 2001. Those charges have been expunged, but Agent 99 found a civil file for the court costs.

Agent 99 pulled Hoffert's PFA in response to several anonymous comments that attempted to minimize what had happened. I've decided against publishing the file in its entirety because it would reveal the home addresses and personal cellphone numbers of both Hoffert and his wife. But I am reproducing the claims his wife made in her 2014 petition, right after the assault.

I was sent to the hospital after several open hand hits by Shawn Hoffert on my face. He continued. He slapped my face back and forth from one side to another. He punched me in the eye, causing several stitches, swelling, neck pain, etc. With his two hands he put them around my neck and was choking me. He was banging my head on the floor. he did this 2-3 times. I was gasping for air. While he was doing this, he either said "I'll kill you" or "I can kill you."

McNeill Hosts Second Town Hall on Heroin Epidemic

Dan McNeill hosts Second Town Hall about heroin epidemic

I caught half of State Rep. Dan McNeill's Town Hall at Coplay's American Club Pavilion last night concerning the current heroin and opioid addiction epidemic.  There were about forty people in the audience including a few parents, teachers and high school students. McNeill did practically none of the talking. Instead, we heard from three parents whose children died as a result of heroin addiction. In addition, two young ladies who are in the very early stages of recovery spoke. One has been clean for just 76 days, and spent much of the meeting shaking The other has only been sober for two months.

A Drug Overdose Parent

Sharon Stauffer, a mother from Emmaus, had the most poignant advice. "If you're gut's telling you there's something wrong, there's something wrong." She lost her son Ryan to a heroin overdose in 2010. He dide with two needles stuck in his arm and eight empty bags of heroin at his side.

He started his drug use in 2001, smoking marijuana. Now most people don't progress from that to marijuana, bit he did because he is an addict. He had battled his addiction fro years, in and out of rehabs.

Three months before his death, friends noticed needle marks in his arms and he began crying. "I can't stop," he told them.

Before he overdosed, he made an appointment to see a counselor. She couldn't see him for a few days because one of her other clients had just overdosed and had died.

"I could be doing a lot better," he told her.

"A least you're not dead," said the counselor.

Three days later, he was.

Alone.

Sarah McCann, 76 days clean

Sarah McCann

Sarah McCann, age 24, is a cutie from New York's finger lakes. Literally, she's a farmer's daughter. And a heroin addict. She's still in a very fragile condition, and was shaking as she waited her turn to speak.

She began dating early, at 14, and began abusing heroin with her boyfriend.

In May of last year, she discovered that she had become pregnant. But doctors told her she would lose the baby, and she did. Depressed, she abused heroin even more. Then her grandmother, with whom she was very close, passed away. That made he rmore depressed, and the drug abuse continued.

Forty bags a day.

Things came to a screeching halt when her boyfriend of ten years died as a result of a heroin overdose.His parents blamed her and refused to allow her to attend the viewing. She was accused of supplying the fatal dose. "I wish I had been the one who gave it to him," she said. "Maybe it wouldn't have killed him.

The good thing about Sarah's story is that she's only 23 and has a long life ahead of her.

Heroin Caucus. 

State Rep. McNeil, said he and another State Rep will be forming what he calls a "heroin caucus" to find ways to combat this epidemic. According to everyone there, this is going to be a banner year.

Parent Support Group

If you have a teenage child suffering from addiction or alcoholism, .this is a place for support and encouragement. This group meets every Thursday, 7 pm, at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 3231 Tilghman St, Allentown, PA 18104.  For more information, contact Donna Jacobsen at DonnaJacobsen657@gmail.com

I will tell you about other support groups in upcoming posts.