Another Kanofsky Property Declared Blighted

At a brief meeting of Bethlehem's five-person Planning Commission on October 13, they voted unanimously to declare blighted a vacant and unpaved lot at 32 East Third Street. The property is owned by Dr. Alvin Kanofsky, and is located next to the former Goodman Furniture building, which is also owned by Dr. Kanofsky. That tract is in such a state of disrepair that the City is stabilizing the property itself, at a cost of $135,000.

Aside from the press and City staff, the only person present was Dr. Kanofsky.

Tony Hanna, Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority, was pinch-hitting for building inspector Craig Hynes, who was unavailable. Prior to the hearing, Hanna exchanged pleasantries with the 77 year-old physics professor, who was recently fined $30,700 and sentenced to five days in jail over continuing code violations at the Goodman building. "I'll fix it," Kanofsky said. "Don't put me in jail." Then, turning to a member of the press, Dr.Kanofsy said, "I must have 500 violations."

Once the hearing got underway, Hanna explained that, under the provisions of the Urban Redevelopment Law, this vacant tract can be considered blighted because:

(1) it's a public nuisance because the City constantly has to notify Kanofsky of garbage and weeds; (2) it's an attractive nuisance because people who see garbage there will be inclined to dump there as well; (3) it's a vacant or unimproved lot in a predominantly built-up-neighborhood, which by reason of neglect or lack of maintenance has become a place for accumulation of trash and debris, or a haven for rodents or other vermin; (4) it's been tax delinquent for more than two years; and (5) The liens against the property exceed its fair market value.

"It took me all of two hours to clean up what little it of trash is there," said Kanofsky. "I'm 77 and cleared the lot." He said he was unaware he had let his taxes go so long, and told the Commission he's in no positiontopay some of these liensbecause he wasjust fired by Lehigh University "after 50 years of devoted service."

Though the City has barricaded this area while it attempts to stabilize the building next door, Dr. Kanofsky put his finger to his lips to make a "Shhh" sound and said he broke into the barricade with his weed whacker.

Kanofsky smiled as he said this, but not Hanna. "The fence and signs are there for a reason," Hanna told Kanofsky. "That wall is dangerous."

The professor then said that Lehigh and other developers want his property, hinting this might be the real reason why Bethlehem is seeking a blighted designation. But Hanna responded that a blighted designation is just the first step in a long process that could lead to seizure. "Just fix it," said Hanna. "Pay your taxes. we're giving you an opportunity to do this. The last thing we want to do is seize your property."

"I swear I will do better," vowed Kanofsky.

NorCo Recorder: E-Recording Just as Time Consuming

Though technology is supposed to make things easier and more efficient, it seems everyone is doing more. It's certainly working out that way in the Northampton County Recorder of Deeds Office. It's an 11-person office with three vacancies. But thanks in part to technological advances that may not be advances at all, Executive John Brown's proposed budget will eliminate two of these three open positions. Fiscal Affairs Director Jim Hunter said he'll take the money saved from cutting these jobs to hire another accountant. Hunter also explained that the real estate market is in the tank.  No one questioned Hunter's logic. A Deputy Recorder was there, so I assumed that the people in that department agree with him. I found out differently when I spoke to the clerks in that office.

"We need those positions," one of the clerks told me. She and several others pointed out that, though the real state market is no longer going gangbusters, like it was doing in 2006, things are busy. My own review of recordings over the past four years indicate an average of about 37,000 documents recorded per year. Though residential sales are down, the industrial market is hot.

Hunter's claim that e-recording has made life easier for clerks is also false. It's certainly true that this option has reduced foot traffic into the Recorder's Office. Title companies can simply email recordings. So it is a great convenience to them and participating attorneys and banks. But the convenience ends there. It is actually a little more time consuming to process an e-recording,clerks tell me.

Jim Hunter could learn this if he ever dropped into the office. I've never seen him there, and believe me, he's hard to miss. Almost as hard to miss as I am.

The real estate market fluctuates. Instead of the complete elimination of these positions, I'd suggest funding two of the slots at $0, so that the positions are there in case the need to fill them arises. Otherwise, County Council will have to adopt a resolution, and that is time-consuming. Also, Jim should visit the office and speak to the people who work there, and take a closer look at filling the positions.

If he did that, I'd offer to buy him lunch.

But that would be a bribe.

Judge Sanchez: Seizure of Fed Ed Campaign Funds Proper

Judge Juan Sanchez has denied Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski's motion to have his federal campaign's bank accounts released from a seizure. "This Court has not ordered forfeiture of Fleck’s property and therefore will not consider Petitioner’s alleged interest in the property," he ruled. That's because the bank accounts were seized administratively, and only after notice had been provided.

As of July 15, Fed Ed had just $1,589.39 left in what at one time was a $427,000 war chest.

But he has a state campaign fund,too. At the beginning of the year, he had about $83,000 in his state PAC to pay lawyers. He spent $80,000 from that fund to pay lawyers in 2015.

In the first half of this year, he reports having lent his federal fund $21,608 to pay lawyers, both for himself and his wife.

His October quarterly is due tomorrow.

Updated from 12:50 pm

Bethlehem Girl Bitten By Rabid Bat

From City of Bethlehem: On October 10, 2016, a young girl was bitten by a bat in Monocacy Park, Bethlehem. Fortunately, the bat was available for testing and did test positive for rabies. The girl is receiving post exposure prophylaxis vaccine to prevent her from contracting the rabies virus. The Bethlehem Health Bureau is urging citizens to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from exposures to and injuries from wild and domesticated animals. 

It is recommended that citizens never attempt to handle a wild or domesticated animal that is not their own.  All sick or injured animals should be reported to the local police department or animal control officer.  When interacting with a domesticated animal, such as a dog or cat, always ask the pet owner’s permission first and approach the animal cautiously.  Infants and children should never be left unattended with an animal.  

Pet owners are encouraged to keep dogs and cats up to date on rabies vaccine-per Pennsylvania law, all domesticated dogs and cats over three months of age must be vaccinated against rabies.In addition, individuals should not feed wildlife, stray or feral cats, or stray dogs.  

Anyone who is bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to an animal should seek prompt medical care. By law, all medical care providers must report these cases to the local health department for investigation.  

To report an actual or potential exposure to a wild or domesticated animal, please call the Bethlehem Health Bureau 610-865-7083.

Budget Hearing: No Reassessment for At Least 18 months

John Brown

I was eating raw fish and being debriefed by Agent #7 yesterday, but was forced to leave just as things were getting good. Yesterday was the first of what will be about a gazillion budget hearings that Northampton County Council will conducts before they enact Executive John Brown's proposed 2017 Budget, pretty much as he has already laid it out. There's now way that part-time elected officials are going to mess much with a $379 million spending plan that lays no one off and raises no taxes, but they have to make it look good. Besides, it's a great opportunity for Council members to meet the people who actually make the wheels of government turn.  They always have insights about their departments. Here are a few brief highlights:

* Brown's spending plan requires him to use $8.1 million left over from last year. This is deficit spending, which I've seen from every Executive. But to Brown's credit, it's about $1 million less than the deficit spending done the previous year. He is heading in the right direction.

* Last year, Brown began setting aside a mill  in taxes every year ($7.9 million) so the County can really plan its long term needs realistically. He continues this practise this year. This fund will be used to purchase the centralized human services building at the end of its five-year lease. It will pay for the P3 (bridge repair) project and for capital improvements at Gracedale, all without floating a bond. It will make money available to renovate or relocate the jail.

* Reassessment, which will cost between $3.5 and $8 million, is at east 18 months away, according to Brown.  

* In a reflection of both a depressed real estate market as well as the success of e-recording, the budget eliminates two of three positions that are vacant in the Recorder of Deeds office. Fiscal Affairs Director Jim Hunter told Council they are no longer needed

* The County has still seen no money for farmland preservation from the Chrin TIF in Northern Palmer Township, where a new interchange was created for Route 33 at Tatamy to allow easy access by trucks. Chrin has committed to paying the County $2 million, which will make up for destroying nearly 1,000 acres of farmland. Though warehouses are sprouting where cornstalks once grew, the boast that this development would create 5,000 jobs or more now seems somewhat hollow.

* To Council President John Cusick's chagrin, the County is setting aside $422,000 to purchase "environmentally sensitive" land even though no projects have been identified. Gee, that's funny. I know of two, and both are in Williams township, where Cusick lives. The land preservation board there is up to its tricks again, and want the county pay to "preserve" cliffs surrounding their estates.

* The Conservation District is so overwhelmed with permits for industrial development that District Manager Sharon Pletchan is asking for another field inspector. She said she has 1,000 permits needing attention. She also told Council that Conservation does run a dirt road and low volume road program, but needs to make more township managers aware of what the County can do.

* The Lehigh Valley Planning Commission is slated to receive $525,000 this year, the same amount as last year. But what Northampton County provides will be dictated by what Lehigh County gives this planning agency. The county contributions mist match, and Lehigh County adopts its budget before Northampton.

* LANTA, the Lehigh Valley's transit service, is slated to get $510,100, about 3.3% more than last year. Unless this increase is awarded, LANTA will get far less money from the state and feds. Lehigh County must provide the same sum.

Though many of the County's centurions were at yesterday's budget hearing, Seth Vaughn was absent, even though he works from home.

I took no pictures during the meeting. Assessment Manager Cheryl Johnson warned me that if I snapped just one, she'd break my fingers. Now I have no problem standing up to pols, but I know my limits.

Hanover Township To Zone For Medical Marijuana

From L to R: Mike Prendeville, Mark Tanczos, John Diacogiannis,
Steve Salvesen, Jack Nagle and Solicitor Jim Broughal

Hanover Township Supervisors voted unanimously at their October 11 meeting to establish zones regulating medical marijuana facilities. But hold off on those brownie recipes. Though Supervisors will zone for it, that's a far cry from it happening anytime soon.

Steve Salvesen asked why the Township is zoning for something prohibited by federal law. Solicitor Jim Broughal said the federal government has taken no action against states that now permit medical marijuana or, for that matter, recreational marijuana.

Recreational marijuana is currently legal in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington. On election day, citizens will decide whether to legalize recreational use in Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada. Medical marijuana is permitted in 24 states.

Pennsylvania is one of the 24 states permitting medical marijuana. Broughal advised Supervisors that zoning gives them control over where medical marijuana facilities will be permitted. "You don't have to pass the ordinance," he advised. "But tomorrow, somebody's going to walk into your township, and in a residential district, they're going to put in a dispensary. And you can't stop them because the law in the state of Pennsylvania provides for these uses, and you need to provide for these uses, or else you're going to be found to be exclusionary in zoning. And they will challenge your ordinance and they will win."

Under Pennsylvania law, if a municipality fails to zone for a use permitted by state law, a person can establish that use wherever he wants. Broughal said he wants the Township to "get out ahead of this," and establish zones for medical marijuana facilities where they belong. "Your choice would be where to put it."

Though Salvesen told Broughal he understood and voted to advertise an ordinance, he was unhappy about being stuck with the "blowby" because "somebody has a problem with Aunt Sally or Joe or something else."

Less controversial was an open burning ordinance, which was adopted unanimously. This ordinance continues the general rule prohibiting open burning within the township, but has exceptions for back yard firepits.

Supervisors also conducted a conditional use hearing for Chesterbrook Academy Preschool, which wants to relocate from 1550 Valley Center Parkway to a larger, 11,000 sq ft facility at 3355 High Point Boulvard. Located on about two acres, the facility will include 37 paring spaces and a fenced-in playground. Engineer Michael Gable said the daycare has a 172-child capacity and will be manned by 20 employees. Nobody opposed the application, and Supervisors are expected to make a decision at their October 25 meeting.

Supervisors also honored Scoutmasters Mark W Firth, Richard L Kanaskie, Michael P Caffrey and Stephen P Dashe for years of service at Boy Scout Troop 352, which is headquartered at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church. Those scouts participate in an annual flag retirement ceremony.

Jack Nagle, the Township's liaison with Bethlehem Area Public Library, had some good news. A tentative budget for next year reveals that there will be no increase in the per capita share currently split among Bethlehem City, Bethlehem Township, Fountain Hill and Hanover Township. Nagle added that he will be at the Bookmobile at the Community Center on Halloween, wearing a costume.

"Is a clown?" deadpanned Chair John N. Diacogiannis. "That would be too creepy," answered Nagle. "I will be a mad scientist."

"Trump Free Zone" Signs Taking Root in Easton's West Ward

This morning, long before I made it to the courthouse, I received a text containing a picture of a "Trump-Free Zone" sign. It was located smack dab outside the courthouse, right below a "No Parking" sign, and was emblazoned with the words "No Hate! No Bigotry!"

"Did you do this?" I was asked.

I lack the energy.

As the day went on, I learned that similar signs are all over the West Ward. A friend I work with, a Trump supporter whose office is right across the street from the courthouse, was fuming over a "Trump-Free Zone" sign taped onto a telephone pole taped onto a telephone pole. He was particularly pissed that the sign was too high for him to rip it down. He was told I put it there.

I called him and admitted it. I laughed as he exploded. "Be very careful when you start your car," he joked. ... I think.

Because there are no secrets at the Northampton County Courthouse, I was able to discover the real culprit behind the "Trump-Free Zone" signs by the end of the day.

It's Easton civil rights attorney Joe Welsh, the very bastard who represents Nazareth's infamous Sticker Gang. They were chained, shackled and perp-walked for exercising their First Amendment rights.

I called Joe, and he not only admitted it, but directed my attention to a video of him in action at 10th and Spruce.

"This guy is a local hero," said someone in West Ward filming him as a lady approached him to ask for a sign.

Joe told me his signs all have a union bug and a disclaimer indicating he paid for them.

"I take full responsibility," he said.

In the meantime,the local tea party is planning another flashmob today for Donald Trump at the intersection of Route 33 and William Penn Highway in Bethlehem Township from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Tea Party chairman Tom Campione has emailed the tea party faithful to advise that a Morning Call reporter might cover the event. "We know the reporter who will be there and are comfortable with him," he states. "But, I am concerned with the editorial staff as they lean Left, of course." He issues very specific instructions and talking points.

"Please avoid any negative conversation about Mr. Trump if leading questions should be asked. We encourage you to express dissatisfaction with the establishment GOP, but please keep the tone pleasant. You might suggest that people like Dent and Toomey need to support our nominee or tell us why we should support them when they don't."

Updated 10:26 am: Unfortunately, my Trump-supporting buddy could no longer take the "Trump Free" Zone outside his window. He shimmied up the pole and cut it down. I hope he doesn't mind the "Vote Hillary" bumper sticker on the back of his gas guzzling SUV.

Zach Mako's Locker Room Banter

I've written several times before about Zach Mako, a Republican running in the convoluted 183rd State House District. The current incumbent is Julie Harhart, but she's stepping down at the end of the year after 1,000 years in office. Mako is her anointed successor. But he's got some competition. Democrat Phillips Armstrong, a Whitehall Township Commissioner and former educator at the high school, is also seeking the job. In my view, he's the best candidate Democrats have in the Lehigh Valley. So Mako has avoided a debate with Armstrong. It's already too late for one at PBS, but he recently told the LWV that he's free in early November, right before the election. I have no details yet, but will pass them along when I do.

Having seen Mako debate twice during the primary, I can understand his reluctance. He's terrible. He's uninformed and a bit slow on his feet, to put it mildly.

Since those debates, we also know he was bankrolled with money from Harhart and back benchers Joe Emrick and Marcia Hahn. They laundered contribution through State Senator Mark Mustio. It's what I'd expect from State Representatives who are unwilling to stop the gerrymander. Mustio's contribution, and the shady way it was obtained, is fair game. It's evidence that he represents more of the same instead of reform. .
But there may be other reasons why Mako, who is just 27 or 28,  would like to stay out of the limelight. His Facebook entries. They show him as a bible thumper who likes to bang "drunk bitches."

To his mommy, Mako posts this message.

‎Zach Mako‎ to Eva Mako

August 16, 2013 · 

Proverbs 31 is what we were talking about today. Once again the Bible is full of truth, I know it isn't mother's day. lol

But to one of his Army buddies overseas, he posts this.

‎Zach Mako‎ to [redacted]

April 29, 2009 · 

What are you new? of course lol just alittle but you jumped over the puddle to man. How have you been? What's new? your in country now correct? like my military lingo. It makes me cool roger. give me a shout I'll look for your sign homes. fuck any drunk bitches yet? don't talk to me if you haven't lol. miss you be good be safe.

Comments

[redacted] How nice.

April 29, 2009 at 8:55pm

Like I said, Mako appears to be a bit on the slow side. He failed to make these private messages. He also failed to consider the impact his message to a friend might have on that person's girlfriend.

Locker room banter?  Or someone who seems to be encouraging date rape?

In fairness to Mako, these posts were written when he was around 20 and presumably less mature than he is now.   But I am disturbed by other messages in which he refers to female acquaintances as "hoes."

Republicans already have enough sexists and misogynists in office. Let's not add one more to the mix.

Judges Warn That Sexual Violence on College Campuses Is Very Real

Two of my favorite jurists, Superior Court Judges Jack Panella (left) and Correale Stevens, recently presented a lecture to Philadelphia judges and lawyers at the annual Philadelphia Bar Association Bench-Bar Conference. The lecture, “Challenges of Adult Victim Sexual Assault Cases,” focuses on the targeting of young women on college campuses.

Judge Panella cites a 2014 DOJ study concluding that as many as 90% of sexual assaults reported by college women are perpetrated by someone known to them. “Acquaintance rape on college campuses is an increasing danger,” Panella noted. “And there are false stereotypes that lead to wrongfully blaming the woman victim. For example, jurors need to understand there may be a delay in reporting because the victim is ashamed or fearful.”

Stevens quoted a jury member who said “there is no assault unless a woman fights to the death”, reported in Jon Krakauer’s book Missoula about the culture protecting members of the football team who are charged with sexual assault. “Unfortunately, many people automatically blame the young woman.”

The judges emphasized the connection between the culture of sexual assault and the role of alcohol. “Alcohol flows freely at weekend parties, and upperclassmen target the young women and groom them well-ahead of the planned sexual assault,” Stevens added. “Some fraternities even set aside rooms the night of the parties, for the assault, after the young woman has been incapacitated by spiked punch or other drinks.”

Studies have shown as many as 70% of campus sexual assaults are not reported, according to Panella and Stevens.

The judges concluded there has to be more awareness of the false stereotypes and allegations investigated thoroughly, following through with criminal charges where appropriate.

This is the fifth time Judges Panella and Stevens have given a presentation on this important topic. November 2nd they will address the Delaware County Bar Association in Media, PA.

Reminder: Voter Registration Deadline Is Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the last day you can register to vote if you plan to vote in November. Even if you are disgusted by the presidential choices, there's many other races like Attorney General and State House. There are also some important ballot questions. Do you want to reduce the size of our legislature? Raise the mandatory retirement age for judges? If you want your voice heard, you need to register. You can do so online.

You can also mail your voter registration, but since it must be received tomorrow, that's a bad idea. If you want to register and don't trust the online method, you can drop your form odd to your friendly elections office. They're a little busy right now, but both offices are very helpful.

Lehigh County

Lehigh County Government Center
17 South Seventh Street
Allentown, PA 18101-2400
Phone 610-782-3194
Fax 610-770-3845
(8 am to 4 pm)

Northampton County

Northampton County Election Office
670 Wolf Ave
Easton PA 18042-4343
(610) 829-6260
Fax (610) 559-3736
(8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

Norco Council, LWV, Take Aim at Gerrymandering

Jeffrey Fox

The Bethlehem Press recently ran a series about gerrymandering and the bipartisan redistricting reform bills sponsored by State Senator Lisa Boscola and State Rep. David Parker. One long-time advocate of this kind of reform is NorCo Council member Peg Ferraro, a Republican. She was in the audience at a recent forum concerning the gerrymander at Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethlehem. She and Democrat Ken Kraft agreed to cosponsor a resolution calling on the state legislature to enact changes in the redistricting process that will prevent legislators from picking their voters.

Resolutions supporting the Boscola-Parker proposal have already been approved in Pittsburgh, Cumberland County, West Hanover Township, ​East Pennsboro Township, Upper Allen Township, Lower Paxton Township, Highspire Borough Council and Capital Region Council of Governments.

Northampton County will consider this resolution, thanks to a request from Slate Belt resident Jeffrey Fox reside. "Northampton County has always been a leader," he said. "You can be a leader in this effort as well by passing a resolution ... that puts the redistricting process back in the hands of the citizens."

In the meantime, the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania has asked all candidates to state whether they support redistricting reform:

Pennsylvania is home to some of the most gerrymandered districts in the US. Unfairly drawn districts disenfranchise voters and make it more difficult for legislators to effectively represent all of their constituents. Would you support redistricting reform through removing elected officials from the process and instituting an independent citizens’ commission to draw the maps, changing where prisoners are counted, and/or implementing stricter methods of statistical verification? Please explain your answer.

Locally, most Lehigh Valley legislatros champion gerrymanding reform. All three state senators who represent the Lehigh Valley are on board, including newly elected Mario Scavello. The only state legislators who have failed to cosponsor gerrymander reform are Joe Emrick, Marcia Hahn, lame duck Julie Harhart, Gary Day and Ryan MacKenzie. Hahn has ignored several emails from at least two people on this topic. That's because she thinks she can pick the voters and not the other way around.

So far she has been right.

Second Debate Does Little to Inspire Undecided Voters

On Friday, a 2005 videotape was released in which Donald Trump actually brags, in the most vulgar terms, of forcing himself on women just four months after his marriage to wife number three. While it seems highly unlikely that he can recover, his debate performance tonight appears to be strong enough to keep his base from jumping ship.

While Clinton gave very unsatisfactory answers about 33,000 deleted emails, and seems clueless how much this has damaged her in the eyes of the public, Trump reinforced the perception of him as a bully. He interrupted Clinton repeatedly and complained to moderators throughout the debate. But the strangest thing about his behavior was how he prowled and stalked while Clinton was speaking, sometimes interjecting himself into the camera shot. Pretty strange behavior from someone who is trying to dispel a negative image of him.

Trump said Clinton belongs in jail, and as President, he would see that Clinton is prosecuted. He even referred to her as the "devil" who has "hate in her heart." As much as I am sure Trumpions will love this, it will really hurt him among moderates.

When it comes to foreign policy, I am beginning to see the outlines of a new and much tougher Clinton than is commonly thought. She would arm the Kurds, something that should have been done when George H.W. Bush was President. Trump, for all his bluster, is weaker, and would let Russia and Syria wipe out moderate rebels while turning a blind eye to the war crimes.

It does appear to me that Clinton did a much more effective job of connecting with people in the town hall. But in the end, it was an ugly night giving one little reason to be optimistic. I am so disappointed that in a nation over 300 people strong, these are our two top choices.

Updated: Opinions Online, 10/8/16

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. I prefer local topics, especially concerning topics I miss, as opposed to talking points. 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. Please keep your comments brief, if possible. Anonymous personal attacks will be deleted, especially when aimed at other readers. I refuse to publish anything I consider possibly defamatory.

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Strye stole 800K over the years? Is that possibly true?

Blogger's Reply: It's hard to say how much he really skimmed, but it was certanly more than $8,000.

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Bernie: You are truly amazing, & to get out of bed an to report on Nor - Council the gun fights in down Bethlehem & their gun fighhts.

G. John Bryant, Jr.

Blogger's Reply: Thanks for the kind words, John. Others have a much different view.

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I wonder how many 30 something soccer moms that Hillary Clinton is counting on, learned about Oral Sex from Bill Clinton when they were teenagers 20 years ago ?

Blogger's Reply: The sins of the husband shall not be visited on the wife. I can't believe how stupid you are to post this, knowing that news just broke of The Donald caught on a hot mike in 2005, making very vulgar comments about women that almost suggests he can grope them nonconsensually at will because he is a star. He made these comments just four months after his marriage to wife number three. I really don't want to talk about this crap, which he says is just locker room banter. But I find it interesting that he tried to have that married woman fired. You just lit a firecracker that exploded in your face. Congrats! You're the idiot of the week!



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What's with the Bethlehem cop jerking off in the parking lot of the Target store at the new Hamilton Crossings shopping center in Lower Macungie Township?

Blogger's Reply: He's not a star.

Updated Saturday Night! Republicans Jumping Off Trump Train!

The Hill reports that, in the wake of reports that Donald Trump's vulgar comments about the nonconsensual groping of women, the following Republicans have withdrawn their endorsement or support: Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.); Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley; Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), House Oversight Committee chairman; Utah Gov. Gary Herbert; Rep. Frank Lo Biondo (R-N.J.); Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) (former Republican Presidential nominee and distinguished military veteran); Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Ak.); and Rep. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.).

The Hill also reports that 20 additional Republicans have called on Trump to withdraw. Congressman Charlie Dent, who decided in August that Trump is unfit, is asking the Republican Party to withdraw its financial support. Senator Pat Toomey has called Trump's conduct "outrageous and unacceptable." He never endorsed Trump, either.

John McCain's Statement:

“In addition to my well known differences with Donald Trump on public policy issues, I have raised questions about his character after his comments on Prisoners of War, the Khan Gold Star family, Judge Curiel and earlier inappropriate comments about women. Just this week, he made outrageous statements about the innocent men in the Central Park Five case.

“As I said yesterday, there are no excuses for Donald Trump’s offensive and demeaning comments in the just released video; no woman should ever be victimized by this kind of inappropriate behavior. He alone bears the burden of his conduct and alone should suffer the consequences.

“I have wanted to support the candidate our party nominated. He was not my choice, but as a past nominee, I thought it important I respect the fact that Donald Trump won a majority of the delegates by the rules our party set. I thought I owed his supporters that deference.

“But Donald Trump’s behavior this week, concluding with the disclosure of his demeaning comments about women and his boasts about sexual assaults, make it impossible to continue to offer even conditional support for his candidacy. Cindy, with her strong background in human rights and respect for women fully agrees with me in this.

“Cindy and I will not vote for Donald Trump. I have never voted for a Democratic presidential candidate and we will not vote for Hillary Clinton. We will write in the name of some good conservative Republican who is qualified to be President.”

NorCo Council Paves Way For Innovative Bridge Bundling Project.

John Lushis defends Kriger selection

Though Northampton County owns no public roads, it does own and maintain 115 bridges. According to a two-year old study by Keystone Crossroads, 25% of these county-owned bridges are "structurally deficient," meaning they need repairs or replacement. Three have been closed. Bridge repairs are costly. The County budgets about $780,000 a year for bridge maintenance. In 2013, then Executive John Stoffa persuaded Northampton County Council to float a $7.1 million bond that would only fix nine bridges. Three years later, Executive John Brown and Council are pushing an innovative proposal that might, in time, permit the County to fix all of its bridges at a much cheaper cost. It's called bridge bundling or P3, and is based on what PennDot is already doing with state-owned bridges.

Council member Bob Werner was an early promoter of bridge bundling, arguing that it is both cheaper and more efficient. But county officials were unsuccessful with PennDot. So John Brown decided to use the state law, called P3, to enable the county to take this project on itself. Basically, the County will convey 33 bridges in need of replacement or repair to the General Purpose Authority (GPA). That agency has already sought bids on the project, and is ready to award the $34 million deal to Kriger Construction, which is located in Dickson City.

Ken Kraft had numerous questions

An unsuccessful bidder, Clearwater Construction, sued over the award. It claimed that Kriger lacks the required PennDot pre-qualifications and that there was improper influence. But Judge Craig Dally ruled that Clearwater, as a disappointed bidder, has no standing. His decision has been appealed, but Brown decided to move forward with the project. At their October 6 meeting, Council voted 7-0, with Ken Kraft abstaining, to adopt a resolution approving the bridge bundling project with GPA. They also introduced an ordinance formalizing the arrangement

Kraft abstained because one of the union companies he represents does the painting for Kriger.

Shawn Langan, who chairs the GPA, told Council that PennDot was engaged in the selection process.

But did Kriger low-ball the County, i.e. give an artificially low bid to get the work and then have cost overruns? Its bid is $36 million, about half of what Clearwater wanted.

Brown stated that is unlikely because he hired an independent engineering firm, Alfred Benesch and Company, to vet any requests for additional money. John Lushis, GPA's Solicitor, said he went through "painstaking" efforts to insure that cost overruns will be minimized.

Lushis also answered questions about Kriger's qualifications. "Kriger is known as PennDot approved prime contractor," he said, noting that he spoke twice with PennDot and was assured that Kriger is qualified.

In addition to being qualified, Lushis told Council that Kriger had better financing plans. Clearwater proposed financing its deal by having the county issue "certificates of participation" sold to the public, which leads to higher interest rates and a greater financial burden on the county. Kriger is using conventional financing. "[Clearwater] brought in a Lamborghini financing proposal when, essentially, a Buick would have been sufficient," he said. "They overfinanced it to death."

Glenn Geissinger pointed out that the Kriger proposal is $1 million per bridge cheaper than Clearwater.

Brown told Council this is only the beginning. "We're addressing 33 bridges, but we have 99 to repair," he said. He said that once this work is complete, the county should move forward with another bridge bundling project every five years until all bridges are repaired.

Ken Kraft noted that, under the proposed contract with Kriger, the County would have to pay for moving any utility that might have lines on a bridge. Lushis responded that no contractor would agree to bear that cost.

Kraft also raised questions about Kriger's bank, FNCB,claiming that Solicitor Ryan Durkin's father works there. Durkin responded that his father was a consultant there many years ago and was never employed by that bank. Kraft also asked, "Who owns FNCB? Louis DeNaples?"

Brown answered that he had no list of its stockholders.

In 2012, the Federal Reserve ordered DeNaples to resign as Chair of the FNCB because of perjury charges that were later dropped. In 2013, a federal appeals court ordered that he be reinstated, calling the Federal Reserve's decision "bizarre," "untenable" and "scatter-shot" enforcement of the law.

Council President John Cusick, a teacher, was absent from the meeting because he was meeting with parents of his students.

NorCo Council Meets at PBS-39, Goes Into 45-Minute Exec Session

For their October 6 meeting, Northampton County Council took the show on the road. They met at PBS-39's studio, located at the Steelstacks in South Bethlehem. Presumably, the goal was to be more transparent. A television studio equipped to videotape and broadcast the meeting is perfect for that purpose. But three minutes after the meeting started, Executive John Brown asked for an executive session. As a result, the public was excluded for the first 45 minutes.

Northampton County Council is required to conduct its meetings in public. There are exceptions for some matters that may be discussed behind closed doors, One of these exceptions is to discuss litigation, and Council voted to go behind closed doors to discuss litigation over the objections of Council members Ken Kraft and Bob Werner. But when General Purpose Authority officials attempted to join the private conversation, Controller Steve Barron loudly complained. Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act does permit lawyers and other professional advisers to attend executive sessions concerning litigation, but no one was taking any chances. General Purpose Authority officials returned to their seats.

Starting a meeting at a new venue with a 45-minute executive session does little to demonstrate transparency

If the goal was to attract Bethlehem-area residents, the plan also failed. The only member of the public there was Slate Belt resident Jeffrey Fox, who described Pen Argyl as the "hub of the universe."

If you've ever been to Steelstacks, you know the parking is a hike away from ArtsQuest and PBS.That's something I ordinarily can do pretty easily, but not with sciatica,even if it is slowly getting better. Right outside PBS, I ran into three guys who were doing pushups,situps and lifting weights. They told me they were the Lehigh Valley GymGuys.

"Do you think you could help me?" I asked.

"There's only so much we can do," they told me.

I also got a shot of five Chinese guys who were passing the time while waiting for a bus to take them from the casino and back to New York City. Nobody was bothering them and they weren't bothering anyone either.

See You on Friday

From time to time, I suffer from sciatica. This makes it hard to get dressed, to say nothing of walking, writing or driving. These flare-ups last three or four weeks, and I'm getting better. But now I have another problem. I've been on a garlic kick lately, and overdid it. I have been deathly ill and slept the entire day.

See you Friday.

Reminder: Auditor General Forum Tonight!

A candidates' forum for the state auditor general race will be held tonight at Northampton Community College, College Center Building, Room 220. The forum, starting at 7 pm, will be preceded by a 6:30 pm Meet 'n Greet.

The four candidates include Democrat Eugene DePasquale (incumbent), Republican John Brown (NorCo County Exec), Green Party John Sweeney (Wyoming County) and Libertarian Roy Minet.

The auditor general is the state's chief fiscal officer and performs about 6,000 audits every year of state agencies, municipal governments, school districts, public sector pensions and entities that receive state funding support. The office also does some performance audits.

The salary is currently $158,764.

Constable cRaZy

I've avoided writing about West Easton's Tricia Mezzacappa for some time. Yes, I've finally collected in my defamation suit against her, but this story has nothing to do with me. It's about her most recent antics as Constable cRaZy.

Last November, Mezzacappa was running for West Easton Borough Council, a seat she had to know she'd never win. But she had a back-up plan. She and nine of her friends wrote her in as Constable. According to the Pa. Comm'n on Crime and Delinquency, she's certified, too, but thankfully, not to carry a firearm.

Constables serve papers for the minor judiciary and also maintain security at the polling place. But aside from working the polls in West Easton, I doubt any magisterial district judge in his right mind would give her any work.

In May, she was in front of West Easton Borough Council, and basically offered her services in having cars towed during snowstorms and handing out tickets. This is not what constables do, and West Easton passed, especially since she's suing them again.

Undeterred, she went out and got herself a uniform and even bought handcuffs.

Now she is taking it upon herself to scare the shit out of her neighbors.

Years ago, she was unhappy when Easton police refused to arrest a cabbie who beeped his horn while waiting for one of her neighbors> That neighbor also had the misfortune of being black. Both the neighbor and the cabbie told a police officer that Mezzacappa had used the word "nigger" in describing her neighbors. Mezzacappa told the police to do something, or she'd have Easton police removed once she got elected to Council.

Easton police no longer cover West Easton. Now Mezzacappa thinks she can enforce the law herself. After all, she's a constable.

As you can see below, she recently issued a warning to some poor bastard who was supposedly playing his car radio too loudly. Noting that she has the power to arrest for breaches of the peace, she warns that any further infractions "will result in actions being taken against those persons who fail to abide by this warning."

Mezzacappa also provided a copy of this warning to West Easton.

This is a perversion of a constable's role, as Mezzacappa will soon learn.

The guy should have told her he's a Trump supporter. As you might have guessed, she's a huge fan of The Donald, and led the Trump train in Pen Argyl's Labor Day parade, as you can see above.

Constable Tricia Mezzacappa Issues Warning by BernieOHare on Scribd

What's Your Take on the VEEP Debate?

I confess that I fell asleep and missed most of the VEEP debate between Mike Pence and Tim Kaine. From what little I saw on the 'net, it looked to me as though Kaine came on too strong. This was their one and only get-together. My nephew calls this "the political equivalent of 'My dad could totally beat your dad up' but with stupid power ties."

Trump Flash Mob at 248/33 Rush Hour Tomight

If you live in the Nazareth area, you should exercise a little extra caution driving home tonight. That's because the Lehigh Valley Tea Party and NorCo GOP will be hosting another flash mob, or honk-and-drive. This one is along Route 248 at Northampton Crossings. They will be near the Route 33 exit, starting at 4:30 pm, surrounded by a WalMart, Wegmans and Target.

This group was last at this location on Sunday. Wegmans called police several times because Trump supporters were using their parking lot on that store's busiest day. "Since the assistant manager at that Wegman's kept calling the police on us and threatened to have our cars towed ...we're going to be there again on Wednesday!" declares The Republican Action Team.

This time Trumpions are being instructed to park across the street at WalMart, PNC Bank or anywhere but Wegmans.

When Northampton Crossings was laid out, it was in a fashion that is very unfriendly to pedestrians. There are few sidewalks, and the crossing at lights can be very treacherous. These Trump supporters will be there at the busiest time of day, when people in hurry to get home can be very foolish.

I understand the desire to stick it to Wegmans. But pedestrian safety should Trump other concerns. Though I detest the Trump campaign, I know several of the people who participate in those flash mobs. I'd hate to see them get hurt by a careless driver or because they themselves are negligent.

I doubt police will interfere because this is core speech and is protected.

I have seen no movements like this for Hillary. Trump energizes people, but it's a strange demographic that usually is more cynical about politics. Presidential elections usually galvanize younger voters. Trump's campaign resonates strongly with an older and whiter crowd.

Trump Slams Vets - Is He Trying to Lose?

Though Rudy Giuliani might call The Donald a genius for losing a billion dollars in one year, the word I'm hearing from fellow vets is that he's a dickhead. Yesterday, in a room full of friendly vets, he actually said soldiers develop mental health issues because they are not "strong" and "can't handle it." Though his campaign quickly claimed that his words were taken out of context and I tend to agree (see video clip), he did once slam war hero John McCain for being stupid enough to get captured.

Here's how one fellow vet responded to Trump's remarks: "In light of the fact that this ass hat is a draft-dodger who sought multiple deferments, he either has a complete lack of self-awareness, or is simply the biggest dickhead to seek the Presidency since Andrew Jackson."

There goes one vet vote. To be fair, this guy served in the Navy and thus is less intelligent than those of us who served in the Army. But he is correct when he notes that Trump sought five deferments during the Vietnam War. Four were for college and one was for sniffles bad feet.

That's because he's a genius.

Post-Debate Polls Give Clinton the Lead

Following last week's debate, local blogger Michael Molovinsky published a story entitled, "Trump Wins Debate" despite all evidence to the contrary. He went on to declare that "[w]ho won is who moves up and down in the polls. I believe that the upward move will be by Trump."

I agree that the debate win goes to the person who went up in the polls, but that person is Clinton.

According to Nate Silver's 538,

Hillary Clinton is leading in the race for president, and she’s made meaningful gains since last week’s presidential debate. Clinton is currently a 72 percent favorite in our polls-only forecast, up from 55 percent just before the debate. That corresponds to a roughly 4-percentage-point national lead for Clinton, about where the race was as of Labor Day — before a series of mishaps for her in mid-September. Our polls-plus model, which blends polls with an economic index and generally produces a more conservative forecast, has Clinton with a 69 percent chance instead.

To be clear, Silver states she has a 72% chance of winning, not that 72% of voters support her. He adjusts those numbers daily as more polls come in. Trump's numbers will continue to slide as news of his tax returns became more widely known and he himself spirals out of control, as he has done several times.

Silver waited for polls that were conducted after the debate, even though it was frustrating to wait six days.

Team Trump will continue to savage Clinton. Today, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is scheduled to release the mother of all October surprises, enough to get her indicted.

Funny how Assange never criticizes Russia ... or Putin.

I suspect that whatever Assange has will just be more bullshit, but the Trumpions will seize on it, and Hillary's numbers will go down.

In the final analysis, the only poll that matters is the one on election day.

Dally: Disappointed Bidder Lacks Standing to Complain About Bridge Bundling Project

A lawsuit challenging Northampton County's innovative bridge bundling project has been rejected in an Opinion handed down today by Judge Craig Dally. He ruled that the suing Plaintiffs, Clearwater Construction and Northampton County Bridge Partners, LLC, lacked standing. As a result, they failed to even make it to first base.

This lawsuit involves the county's use of a "private-public partnership" contract, called P3, to repair or replace 33 structurally deficient bridges, all in one shot. The bridges were conveyed to the county's General Purpose Authority, which then sought bids from one set of experts for the entire $40 million project. This is expected to both save money and create efficiencies.

The contract had been awarded to Kriger Construction, although approval from Northampton County Council was needed. This was on the agenda for September 15, but was pulled.

In the Complaint, Clearwater and NorCo Bridge Partners contend that Kriger failed to satisfy the prerequisite requirements for a responsible bidder, and lacks bridge experience. In addition, they claim that the General Purpose Authority and department of Community and Economic Development gave undue weight to Kriger. They claimed that there had been improper influence, which they contended they could prove through discovery.

Under Pennsylvania law, a disappointed bidder ordinarily holds no property interest in a lost contract. Judge Dally was asked to interpret the Public-Private Transportation Partnership Act in the context of the bidding process for a contract with the county, which is a matter of first impression. Judge Dally concluded that, if the Plaintiffs were a "development entity" or the Defendants a Commonwealth agency, there would be statutory standing. But he concluded that no such conclusion is warranted.

Because this is a matter of first impression, an appeal appears to be likely.

Blogger's Note: Originally published 10/3 at 2:40 pm.

Brodhead Road Repairs Might Start Next Year

By a 4-1 vote, Bethlehem Township Commissioners voted at their October 3 meeting to move ahead with the engineering and permits for the costly $3.9 million Brodhead Road re-paving project. Michael Hudak, the sole No vote, gave no explanation for his opposition. But in August, Commissioners voted to table this matter. They never voted to remove the matter from the table

In August, when the Broadhead Road project was tabled,  Commissioners had no idea how it would be financed. A $2.7 million grant request to the Commonwealth Financing Agency was passed over in July, though State Senator Lisa Boscola informed the Township that the state would come up with $200,000,

The design costs alone are projected at $48,000, according to Township Engineer Brian Dillman.

Dillman stated that the best and most cost-effective way to proceed is with a complete reconstruction of the 8,500' road, which extends from Route 191 in a westerly direction to the Hanover Township boundary at Township Line Road. He added that the project could be done all at once or in three phases.

"I am sure it is going to be a budget issue," warned Tom Nolan. But he added it is a township road "that we must address."

Dillman told Commissioners that, at the quickest,the road project would start in 2017. Before that, handicapped ramps would have to be installed. Norfolk-Southern, which has a railroad crossing near Route 191, would also get an opportunity to make improvements.

"I've been after that road for ten years," said Public Works Director Richard Grube. Noting that the ground underneath the pavement is clay, he agrees that a complete replacement is needed.   .

In other business, Commissioners approved some engineering changed to the community center rehab project that Entech Engineer Ryan Kennedy predicted would reduce the cost to the Township by $126,000.

They also voted unanimously to support Kim Jenkins' motion to request the state legislature to correct deficiencies in the state gaming law that have been ruled unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court. The Township relies on the casino for the funding of numerous public safety items, including police cruisers and fire-fighting equipment.

Should Mandatory Retirement Age of Judges Be Upped to 75?

This question is actually on the ballot in two states this November. In addition to Pennsylvania, voters in Alabama are being asked to increase the retirement age. Oregon voters will consider eliminating it entirely.

In Federalist No. 79, Publius (Alexander Hamilton) argues that independent judges should serve for life. I agreed and voted to increase the retirement age during the primary. But in nine of 11 state referenda on this topic since 1995, the measure has failed.

NorCo Council member Hayden Phillips sums up his opposition on Facebook:

I am not in favor of raising the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75 years old. It is not based on my opinion of the mental capacity of 71 year old jurists. It is based on my belief in term limits. Raising the retirement age will add 5 more years before mandatory change can take place and I don't think that is a good thing.

With Friends Like These ...

I liked Rudy Giuliani as New York City Mayor. Though he was an abrasive authoritarian, his competence really turned Gotham around. I'm beginning to think that it's time for him to enjoy his retirement. He is out-Trumping Trump, saying things that I think would even make The Donald himself wince. On Sunday, he told ABC that Trump would do better as President "than a woman." While slamming Hillary Clinton for her husband's infidelity, he justifies cheating by males with an "Everybody does it" excuse on NBC. He is also calling The Donald a "genius" for what might be two decades of tax evasion.

Zach Mako, Harhart's Anointed Heir

In case she wasn't clear enough during the primary, State Rep. Julie Harhart has blessed Zach Mako again as her heir apparent. Harhart has been useful to the Harrisburg power structure as someone who does as she's told. Even now, on her way out of government, she's too timid to cosponsor legislation to end gerrymandering. Mako can be counted on to continue that tradition of subservience.

Mako has given the worst debate performances I've ever seen. It goes beyond style and raises questions about his basic competence. He clearly has no grasp of statewide issues.

He has been ducking a debate request from the League of Women Voters and passed on an opportunity to appear on television with opponent Phillips Armstrong. But on Friday, he finally said he'd be available right before the election.

As I get details bout this debate, I will share them.

NorCo's 2017 Proposed No Tax Hike Budget

Northampton County Executive John Brown released a $359 million spending plan for next year late Friday. It should be posted on the county's web page today or tomorrow, but you can also see it here. As previously predicted, it proposes no tax hike. Thus, if your home is assessed at $100,000, your tax bill will be $1,180.

The budget will be balanced by dipping into reserves to the tune of $8.2 million. This is deficit spending, the practice that ultimately leads to tax hikes. Eventually, you run out of money and need a mega tax hike. For all of Brown's claims to be someone different, he is following the playbook of past Executives, Democrat and Republican.

If Brown really wanted a balanced budget, he'd cut $8.2 million from spending or raise taxes a mill. But either of these options would be political solution, so he's playing it safe while pretending to be Mr. Efficient.

I had to laugh at his county organization (page vi), which places voters at the top. If he really felt that way, he would release his proposed budget to the people first, or at least at the same time that he makes it available to Council.

But his proposal to set aside a mill for capital improvements is a good one.

Trump in Manheim Highlights

For my Republican friends, above are excerpts from Donald Trump's October 1 speech in Manheim. I especially loved the part where he mocked Hillary Clinton's bout with pneumonia. That actually happened.

Opinions Online, 10/1/16

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. I prefer local topics, especially concerning topics I miss, as opposed to talking points. 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. Please keep your comments brief, if possible. Anonymous personal attacks will be deleted, especially when aimed at other readers. I refuse to publish anything I consider possibly defamatory.

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When will someone submit a RTK request for the salaries of Lehigh Valley Planning Commission employees that we all in Lehigh and Northampton counties pay for???

Remember a few years back when the Express Times did a RTK gauntlet of municipalities in the 2 counties... seems like a good time for an update.

Its our tax monies, we deserve to see where and how much of it is spent!

I bet Becky A. Bradley is making a solid 6 figures promoting herself and demeaning her employees.

If anyone wants a good view of the salaries from a couple of years ago google Express Times Database Lehigh Valley, Warren County public employee salaries

Blogger's Reply: Why don't you file a RTK if it is so damn important to you?

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Great day @ the blog Bernie.

from G. John Bryant, jr

Blogger's Reply: Thanks, John.

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Why did you take down your blog roll call on your sidebar list?

Blogger's Reply: I didn't. It just disappeared, but I am reconstructing it this weekend. hanks for letting me know it was gone.

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MSM, (USA Today, Gannett Newspapers, NYT. et al; ) have all had tingles running down their legs in multiple orgasms over the Hillbillary team as they are well aware that their importance and influence will be sidetracked if the Trump Train rumbles past them on the Mainline track to Make America Great Again..

Blogger's Reply: This vulgar comment is an apparent reaction to USA Today's decision, a first in its 34-year history, to weigh in on a Presidential contest. It comes down against Donald Trump.

From the day he declared his candidacy 15 months ago through this week’s first presidential debate, Trump has demonstrated repeatedly that he lacks the temperament, knowledge, steadiness and honesty that America needs from its presidents.

Whether through indifference or ignorance, Trump has betrayed fundamental commitments made by all presidents since the end of World War II. These commitments include unwavering support for NATO allies, steadfast opposition to Russian aggression, and the absolute certainty that the United States will make good on its debts. He has expressed troubling admiration for authoritarian leaders and scant regard for constitutional protections.

It's what I'd expect. No responsible media source could support a Presidential candidate who tweets, in a 3am tirade, to "check out the sex tape" of a Miss Universe who dared criticize him, even though no such tape exists. Believe me, I checked. The closest I could find was some goofy reality show that is not even XXX. I was very disappointed.

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When will NDGP finally get the respect ot deserves? Put the Red Rovers on the Crusaders schedule this year. The Red Rovers have been ducking NDGP for the past 3 seasons. Keep Coach Shiffert!!#