Steve Samuelson Assaulted at MLK Breakfast

I'm no morning person and neither is my car. We both groaned as we bounced along icy roads early yesterday morning for something of a Bethlehem tradition. Approximately 130 people braved the icy cold weather for the annual Martin Luther King breakfast at the stately Cathedral Church of the Nativity. Civil rights leader Esther Lee usually leads these things, but she was actually in the kitchen, cooking up free breakfasts. Cordelia Miller, Bethlehem NAACP VP, introduced guests that included United States Senator Pat Toomey. It was a very nice event until poor Steve Samuelson got assaulted. I'll be writing a separate story for The Bethlehem Press that omits these significant details, but thought I should clue you in on what really happened.

Five speakers were featured. That's pretty many, especially considering that there was also a panel discussion after breakfast. In addition, there were several songs. So Cordelia Miller asked speakers to keep it brief. Two minutes tops.

Nobody listened except for DA John Morganelli. He wasn't there at all. He was laid up at home, in bed with a cold. When Cordelia announced John's absence, the room burst into applause.

Not quite sure how John should take that.

Anyway, one of the first names Cordelia called was State Representative Steve Samuelson. He was missing, too.

But after two or three speakers, he showed up and marched up to deliver a keynote address. He actually had a book with him and read passages from it. He certainly was knowledgeable. Passionate, too.

Then he made his mistake. When he was done, he plopped down right next to NorCo Council person Tara Zrinski.

Steve, you may recall, recently hand-delivered a shitload of diapers to the Salvation Army. They were bought with other people's money. He issued not one, not two, but three news releases concerning this important event. He had a staffer photograph him as he carried the poopie pants in to this worthy charity. He also had video taken and had that posted on a state website.

But these diapers are single-use plastic. They're worse than plastic straws.

Zrinski throttled poor Steve as he sat down.

"You bastard!" she shouted. "Don't you know that disposable diapers take 500 years to decompose in a landfill? Did you even think about the greenhouse gases that come from baby shit?" she exclaimed as she wrested him to the ground.

"Down with the patriarchy!" Zrinski shouted as police hauled her away. "Get your hands off me, you old white men."

Samuelson was released from the hospital late last night.

High-End Gas Station Pitched at Former Leiser's Rental Tract

Jack Muschlitz (L) and Arif Fazil (R)

Two new "sketch plans" were considered by Bethlehem Tp Commissioners at their Jan 21 meeting - a high-end gas station on Nazareth Pike and a senior living facility along Freemansburg Avenue. These are basically informal presentations in which developers can determine whether to move ahead or go back to the drawing board. No action is taken.

High End Gas Station - WaWa, Sheetz or Top Star?

Arif Fazil, President of D'Huy Engineering and a respected professional engineer, has decades of experience representing developers before local government boards. This time, he represented himself. He and Jack Muschlitz, VP of Muschlitz Excavating, are pitching a project of their own. They want to convert the old Leiser Rental business, located at 3608 Nazareth Pike, into a high-end gas station.

This is a 3.8 acre tract located along the northeast corner of Oakland Road and Nazareth Pike. It is next to commercial properties like Dunkin' Donuts and Josh Early Candies. It is also close to residential neighborhoods. The property has been vacant since Leiser's Rental moved two miles south to 3464 Linden Street.

A sketch plan proposes a 7,600 sq ft convenience store, gasoline pump bay with canopy, parking for 97 vehicles and a stormwater management basin that will filter water across the street and into Monocacy Creek.

Both Nazareth Pike and Oakland Road are state highways, so highway occupancy permits will be needed from PennDOT for access. In addition, the state Department of Environmental Protection will have to issue what are called NPDES permits for the stormwater discharge.

Fazil, who lives nearby, pointed out that the combo gas station and convenience store is more than a permitted use. "There's definitely a need for a gas station in this area," he argued. "The site was really made for this use."

"I agree it's needed," responded President Mike Hudak, who suggested that Fasil's real problems will be with PennDOT and the discharge of stormwater into a high-quality trout stream Resident Tom Keifer was a bit more blunt. "You're going to pollute the hell out of the Monocacy," he charged.

Fazil disputed this after his presentation. "We're going to have less impervious coverage than is there now," he noted. He added that the water will be filtered before it ever hits a stream, and believes he can get the permits. 

The engineer-turned developer himself acknowledges that residential neighborhoods are close, and is proposing a buffer to protect neighbors. He was unable to say for sure whether the facility will be open for 24 hours because an end user is yet to be determined.

Commissioner John Gallagher warned that people going from Oakland Road to Nazareth Pike will use the gas station as a shortcut to avoid waiting at the light.

Fazil and Muschlitz were unable to say when this project would start or the end cost, noting that would depend on the plan review as well as the ultimate end user.

Solebury Senior Living

Prominent local Attorney Joe Bubba pitched Solebury Senior Living, a 7.8 acre parcel located along the south side of Freemansburg Avenue, between Wagner Drive and Farmersville Road. Heritage Senior Living is proposing a 70,000 sq ft facility with 120-beds. There will be parking for 65 passenger vehicles, stormwater management areas and walking paths It has been called both a nursing home and life care center, both of which are permitted as "special exceptions" under the Township's zoning laws. Township Engineer Brian Dillman is recommending that access from Freemansburg Avenue be limited to emergency vehicles.

Township Vehicle Policy

Based on multiple complaints from resident Barry Roth, Commissioners adopted a motor vehicle use policy for township-owned vehicles. Under this new policy, only three employees will be able to take township vehicles home. They are the Chief of Police, Fire Marshal and K-9 officer.

Roth agreed about the K-9 officer, noting that a dog might "lose the scent" if police wait too long to unleash the hounds on a runaway suspect. But he said there was no justification for allowing the police chief or fire marshal to drive township vehicles home.

Commissioner Jack Gallagher was the sole vote against the policy. He wanted these employees to fill out mileage logs, but Commissioner Malissa Davis countered that would be insulting to two police officers.

It was a lengthy and substantive meeting, and I will have a second story for you tomorrow about (1) plans to refinance Township debt and save some money; and (2) critical township road projects being pitched for major federal funding.

Are Pa Schools Testing Lead in Drinking Water?

Last year, a group of concerned and angry parents crowded into Northampton County Council to demand that elections in Bushkill Tp be moved from an elementary school to a nearby volunteer fire company. They were unmoved by an elections law that requires voting to take place in a public facility if possible. They were concerned about the safety of their children, who might be exposed to child molesters, mass murderers or even worse, Democrats. The popular thing would have been to just move the polling place, but the County refused during a crazy session in which the Elections Commission Chair actually cursed at these parents, many of whom had brought their children for a lesson in government.

They got one.

Conducting an election at a school while class is in session is a traffic hazard. Super voters are mostly old farts like me. We are bad drivers, as evidenced by a fatality in Forks Tp. last election cycle. The other concerns are remote.

Though unpopular, county officials are right to say No. The elections code requires that voting take place in a public facility if at all possible, and specifically mentions schools. The right thing to do is close schools on election day. Moving one polling place away from a school might open the flood gates and embolden parents everywhere else to demand the same, which would make elections more expensive and more unsafe for voters.

This refusal has already prompted one of these Bushkill Tp residents - Korry Franke - to declare his candidacy, as a Republican, for County Council.

It is perfectly understandable that parents would worry about their children. While raising dangers that are practically nonexistent, these parents should be concerned about what their children are drinking. Pennsylvania has no real protections in place to test the water school children drink for lead.

A law just enacted last year requires schools to test for lead in the drinking water or discuss the issue in a public meeting once a year. Schools with unsafe lead levels must be listed on the Department of Education webpage.  I see no schools listed.

My Weight Loss Goal

A friend - yes I do have friends - is a fitness fanatic. Like me, he's a former Chippendale. He has been encouraging me for years to make more healthy choices.

I have always found it relatively easy to lose weight, once I get started. I have never been successful in keeping it off. My weight just goes up and down like a yo yo, which is more unhealthy than just being fat.

Anyway, he texted me most recently to ask, in cell phone language, "what's ur goal?"

I plan to become invisible.

Two things persuaded me to start again. First, fellow fat man Frank Pintabone challenged me. Second, and the big reason, is Suki.

Suki is a girl but she's not human. She's my grandson's dog, although she thinks she's human.

I watched her for a few days over the summer. When I have her, she knows she is going to go for lots of walks. But this past summer, I could only go about ten minutes before having to sit down. At one point, she turned and looked at me with utter disgust.

"How could you let yourself go, you fat fuck?" she said to me in dog language.

She refused to eat anything I got her, in protest over my inability to keep up with her.

"I bet you feel a lot better!" is what people say to me now.

I do when I'm done exercising for the day.

I am still unable to walk or run as I used to do all the time. I am fine for a few weeks, and then sciatica grounds me. But the arc trainer at the gym is great. Aside from having a sore ass, I am doing alright. But I miss being outside. Whether it's hot or cold, I love being outdoors. In the gym, you have to contend with people who insist in slamming weights so everyone knows how strong they are, as well as some people who are really loud.

The other day, some woman was literally shouting and yelling the entire time I spent exercising. All five minutes. It was so annoying that, when I was done, I decided to track her down and let her know that all I want from her is silence, and damn little of that.

I found her pretty easily, as you might imagine, and then realized she is mentally challenged.

I'm an asshole.

So as I said, my goal is to disappear.

Mayor O'Connell to Deliver "State of the City" Today!

Late yesterday, I received notice that Allentown Mayor Ray O'Connell will be delivering a "State of the City" Address today at noon at The Palace Center, 623 Hanover Avenue. This is being hosted by the Greater LV Chamber of Commerce. It's sold out too. It costs $39 for members and $69 for non-members.

Given a 27% tax hike, the state of the city should be pretty clear. 

Online Petition To Save Allentown State Hospital.

An online petition opposing the demolition of Allentown State Hospital has garnered 3,100 signatures thus far. When the state decided to close the hospital, it was insane. Now it is going to spend $15 million to demolish the buildings so it can sell the property to a tax cheat for $2.57 million. It has brushed aside the biggest and most "serious" developer in Allentown, next to JB Reilly. 

By the by, I'll have more about Jenn Mann soon.   

Alberta Scarfaro Announces MDJ Candidacy in Whitehall

(Blogger's Note: I had hoped to attend Alberta's announcement, but gave an excuse she would understand. My grandson had a basketball game last night.  I know she is a great Whitehall fan and have seen her at plenty of games over the years. In addition to being a great mother who overcame many obstacles, she has a great quality - common sense.  Below is her announcement:)    

WHITEHALL, PA: To a full house at Maza Middle Eastern Cuisine in Whitehall, Alberta Scarfaro announced her candidacy for Magisterial District Judge in Whitehall’s District 31-1-07.

Scarfaro discussed her family’s history in the Lehigh Valley and emphasized the role that the Whitehall community has played in her life and in the life of her family.

“This campaign isn’t about winning an election; it is about serving a community, our community.  I look forward to earning your support, not to win an office, but to serve our community.  I look forward to serve as judge, not to advance my own career, but to provide justice and compassion in service to our community.”

Scarfaro didn’t shy away from her personal story, including the passing of her husband nearly fifteen years ago and the challenges of raising two children as a single mom.  She beamed when she discussed her children’s accomplishments, both graduates of Whitehall High School.

Scarfaro also hinted at what kind of judge she would be:

“I know both the just and compassionate side of the law and I am ready to work hard and to dedicate my time to delivering that justice and compassion.”

She added, “I understand the needs of our community and I recognize the utmost importance of everyone’s right to equal and just due process.  I will protect our citizens by serving in this office with integrity and as a fair and impartial judge.

Pointing to her education—Scarfaro holds a Master of Public Administration, in addition to degrees in paralegal studies and political science—and her life experiences, Scarfaro emphasized her desire to serve the Whitehall-Coplay community.

“I say all this today to punctuate one point that I hope you’re remember: This is about community. Our Community. The community that helped me raise my kids. And the community to which I want to give back.”

About Alberta Scarfaro

Alberta Scarfaro is a resident of Whitehall Township, where she has raised her two beautiful children.  Raised in the Lehigh Valley herself, Scarfaro is an active figure in the community, serving on the Whitehall Zoning Board, including two terms as Chairwoman, and as a member of the local Rotary.  She previously served as President of Football Booster Club for the Whitehall High School football team.

Scarfaro is a graduate of Kutztown University, where she studied political science and also holds a Master of Public Administration.  She is certified by the Minor Judiciary Education Board of Pennsylvania.

Allentown State Hospital Tract Being Sold to Tax Cheat

Let's say that you wanted to buy property from someone. You're willing to pay $2.57 million. Let's say the Seller is amenable but tells you it must first spend $15 million to knock down all the buildings located there. What's more, the Seller is going to give you three years to get a few investors to join you. During that time, it is spending $2.2 million a year to maintain the buildings it wants to knock down. You'd say that Seller is nuts and belongs in a state hospital. That Seller, unfortunately, is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The property in question is the Allentown State Hospital, which is where our glorious legislators belong. Without question, its deal to sell the 200-acre campus for $2.2 million to a private party is fiscally irresponsible. It's actually borderline lunacy until you learn who's involved.  Then it really begins to smell.

In their infinite wisdom, state officials decided some years ago to close down the state hospitals. The argument was that residents there would do better in community mental health programs. But that's bullshit. Funding for community mental health has been cut. The result is that some severely mentally ill people are on the streets. They have been flooding our jails, too. In Northampton County, 72% of the jail population is mentally ill. Twenty-three percent suffer from serious mental illness, with acute symptoms.

After this monumental error, state officials had to decide what to do with what had become a ghost town. Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski wanted it, and told state officials that he would seek requests for proposals from developers, entrepreneurs and nonprofits. You know, the same people that lined his campaign coffers. Fortunately, at that time, it was known that he was under federal investigation  for political corruption.

So the state began negotiations for a direct conveyance. No requests for proposals. No advertising the property. Nope, someone from Doylestown mysteriously appeared and is negotiating to buy the property. A direct conveyance to an outfit called TCA Properties was unanimously approved in the land of midnight payraises in 2017. There's a three-year period until the sale actually occurs.

Like fish, any deal that lasts that long begins to stink.

How did the state line up TCA Properties, who State Representative Mike Schlossberg referred to as a "serious developer." What makes him a "serious developer" is the fact that he is represented by former State Rep. Jennifer Mann, now a lobbyist and a wheeler-dealer with a real estate license.

Though Mann is a registered lobbyist, she has failed to list her work on behalf of TCA. How did TCA get lined up with the state?  Mann is currently lobbying to get a special tax break for TCA from the county, Allentown and the school board. State law fails to compel lobbyists to register for dealings with local government.

We all know how that worked out for Mike Fleck.

Mann is not doing this for Allentown. She is doing it for herself and a very nice commission (as a realtor) on the sale.

Now let's take a closer look at this "serious developer," shall we? The principal of TCA Properties is David Ali, who operates both TCA Properties and another one-man outfit called Impala Builders. He runs both businesses out of his house in Doylestown.

Bucks County records show the following liens against this "serious developer":
  
2018-73860. Pa Dept of Revenue v. David J Ali and Maria L, filed 8/8/18 for $10,107.77
2011-74202. Pa Dept of Revenue v. David J Ali and Maria L, filed 11/30/11, for $5,710.83
2008-72320. Pa Dept of Revenue v. David Ali, filed 7/29/08, for $6,721.37
2007-70914. Pa Dept of Revenue v. David J Ali and Maria L, filed 4/9/07, for $$6,049.49
2010-21825. IRS v. David J Ali & Maria L, filed 10/4/10, for $4,789.88
2004-04444. EARTHSTAR BANK v. David J Ali & Maria L, foreclosure complaint filed 7/8/2004. Terminated 10/12/06.
2005-20094. IRS v. David J Ali, filed 2/8/05 for $ $87,270.01.
2011-07439. AMERICAN FAST FREIGHT INC v. IMPALA BUILDERS LLC, filed 8/18/11, for $8820.14.

This is a "serious developer"?

State Senator Pat Browne campaigned against opponent Mark Pinsley, listing nonexistent liens. These liens are very real. No government, state or local, should do business with someone who collects tax liens like candy.

In case you're wondering whether anyone aside from me has noticed that TCA is far from the "serious developer" that State Rep. Mike Schlossberg pretends it is, let's look at what The Morning Call itself said about TCA and David Ali back in 2017:

Ali’s companies, TCA and Impala, also are named in a March 10, 2015, report by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. The report raises questions about how Ali’s companies handled the purchase and sale of property in Fayetteville, N.C.. The property was owned by the family of a Veterans Affairs employee, leading to the finding that she had “an appearance of conflict of interest” by participating in the evaluation and sale of land used as a VA health care facility, according to the report.

This is a "serious developer"?

Sign me up. I can make deals from my estate atop the Nazareth Army Navy store, sitting in my underwear.

Over the weekend, Nat Hyman contacted the very state legislators who want to sell this property to a tax deadbeat. His interest was reported in a Morning Call story that originally was very positive. Then reporter Emily Opilo got State Rep. Mike Schlossberg to trash Hyman, which seems to be a hobby for local Allentown officials. His remarks were so vitriolic that the newspaper decided to tone it down and remove some of them.

I guess it can only handle one libel suit at a time.

Why are Schlossberg and even Browne so willing to trash Hyman? Simple. Jenn Mann represents TCA, not Hyman.

Just a few days ago, Schlossberg sent a missive to The Parkland Press, saying "In a perfect world, the Allentown State Hospital buildings would be preserved and re-purposed to create jobs and grow our economy, but we have to face the facts."

Now he has a "responsible developer" who wants to preserve the buildings and create jobs. He is seeking no TIF. But he lacks a connection to Jenn Mann.

Nat Hyman is no Ghandi. He's in this to make money. I do not mean to suggest that he should get the sweetheart deal intended for the tax cheat from Doylestown. It is clear that TCA lacks the resources to do the demolition. Instead of wasting more money, the state should seek proposals from interested developers and do what is right for the Lehigh Valley.

Not Jenn Mann or her minions.

DiLuzio Announces DA Candidacy

Last night, before a throng of about 120 supporters at the Blue Grillhouse in Bethlehem Township, Nuria DiLuzio announced her candidacy for District Attorney in Northampton County. DiLuzio is a graduate of Temple Law School, which she attended at night in her desire to become a lawyer. Daughter of an Albanian immigrant who fled Communist tyranny, DiLuzio said she would "enforce the law fairly and completely,with regard to the rights of all involved."

She has spent most of her two-decade career as a defense lawyer, and is Northampton County's first female Chief Public Defender. Though she has no prosecutorial experience, she pointed out that neither did John Morganelli when he took office a quarter century ago, and he leaves behind a legacy of which all can be proud.

She said the office of District Attorney "is not about power, but service." She pledged to lead an "exceptional" team of prosecutors and law enforcement to protect and serve us all. She also promised "new and creative ways" to deal with crime. "I will work with county government and all concerned citizens to protect our most vulnerable, like our children and seniors. I am prepared to do the hard work as your next DA."

Based on those attending DiLuzio's announcement, she already appears to be the person to beat.

NorCo and LeCo Sheriffs Rich Johnston and Joe Hanna

She was introduced by Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez. He both endorsed her and read a letter of support from State Senator Lisa Boscola.

The biggest plug came from Bethlehem Police Chief Mark DiLuzio. He referred to Nuria, not just as his wife, but as "the woman I love."

Both Northampton County Sheriff Rich Johnston and Lehigh County Sheriff Joe Hanna, who is running for re-election, were there. So were a rather large number of law enforcement people. The bastards were having my car towed while I snapped pictures.

Northampton County Council members Ron Heckman, Kevin Lott and Bill McGee were there. Former NorCo Council President Ken Kraft timed the speeches to make sure no one went over five minutes. I also saw Bethlehem City Council member Bryan Callahan and several Bethlehem cabinet officials.

There were also several trades union reps on hand.

Several prominent attorneys also came, including NorCo Solicitor Missy Rudas, Palmer Solicitor Chuck Bruno and Dwight Danser.

Civil Rights leader Esther Lee was also on hand.

Where was John Morganelli? As an announced candidate for judge, he has to be Switzerland when it comes to politics.

McClure Concerned About Federal Shutdown

Northampton County Exec Lamont McClure is growing uneasy about the potential long-term effects of the federal government shutdown. “With tax bills scheduled to go out later in January, there is no anticipated problem with cash flow,” he said. But he cautions that "several federal grants have been delayed and this may affect services to County residents.”

Money from Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will soon be affected, he claims. HUD funds subsidize housing for low-income residents. Northampton County’s Housing Authority has obligated funding through next month. Payments to landlords can be made in January and February, but not be beyond that.

The County expects to receive vouchers for lead paint from residential housing next week. Lead poisoning is a serious issue for children and can cause problems with brain development. Plans to remove the paint are currently on hold.

Federal offices in Washington and Philadelphia are closed. This means no help will be available if problems arise with particular County programs. Some litigation in federal courts has been postponed.

The Department of Corrections is waiting for funds from a State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) to help house undocumented immigrants.

“People are hungry for competent, transparent and civil government,” says Lamont McClure. “That’s what we deliver here in Northampton County, and that’s what has to happen on the national level—now.”

Nuria DiLuzio to Run For NorCo DA

Bethlehem Attorney Nuria DiLuzio will announce her candidacy for Northampton County District Attorney tonight, 5:30 PM, at the Blue Grillhouse in Bethlehem Tp. She has served as both a full-time and part-time public defender, and is currently Chief Public Defender. She has also maintained a private practice since 2001, focusing on criminal defense and family law. She is married to Bethlehem Police Chief Mark DiLuzio. She is a Democrat.

The only other candidate to announce so far is Republican Tom Carroll, who announced his candidacy in Lehigh County.

Why is DiLuzio running? She'll explain tonight.

Lisa Pawlowski For Mayor?

Is Lisa Pawlowski, wife of the imprisoned former Mayor, running for the job herself. That's the political gossip coming my way from a Democratic party activist who shall remain anonymous. According to this source, Phoebe Harris and Jessica Ortiz working for her. The strategy is to cobble a plurality in a multi-horse field. This is precisely the same strategy her husband used. According to my source, Lady Lisa has been visible at different community events.

Lisa would attract her husband's hard core supporters, and as a woman, would benefit from a surge in sometimes irrational support for people whose only distinguishing characteristic is that they have no penis.

According to her LinkedIn page, Pawlowski is a "group facilitator" with the Center for Humanistic Change. The focus of that nonprofit is drug and alcohol abuse prevention through the development of life skills. It is aimed primarily at schools.

I have not reached out to Ms. Pawlowski. She and I are on pretty bad terms. She has publicly told people that I am paid on the basis of the number of people reading this blog. She has urged a boycott. The truth is that I am paid nothing.

Incumbent Mayor Ray O'Connell has already announced he's running. Businessman Nat Hyman might run, too.

Updated 9 am: I just received a call from Phoebe Harris, who denies she is working for Pawlowski. She asked me how many sources I had before I went ahead with this. Just one. This story is not double-sourced. It is not real journalism. It is just political gossip. Naturally, if I were disclosing something sinister about these people, I'd be more careful. The rumor is probably untrue, but it's fun to speculate on the "what if."

Bethlehem's Popular Zoning Officer Forced to Resign

Suzanne Borzak

While the rest of us were enjoying the holidays, Bethlehem Zoning Officer Suzanne Borzak was hard at work, as usual. Last Friday, after lunch and with no prior notice, she was summoned to a meeting with the Human Resources Director. When she arrived, Planning Director Darlene Heller and Department pf Community and Economic Development Director Alicia Karner were sitting there, waiting for her. They essentially fired her. What a wonderful gift from the Christmas City for a 55 year-old person! Borzak was told to resign or the City would fight her on unemployment. The reason for her termination? Stealing? Nah. Chronic absenteeism? No way. The City is moving in a different direction, Borzak was told.

Well, it's the wrong direction. Planning Director Darlene Heller likes to stonewall and has a completely unhelpful attitude with the public. Heller clearly resented Borzak and felt threatened by her. Borzak is adored by everyone except for Hotel Bethlehem Principal Bruce Haines. Bruce hates everyone, so he doesn't count.

Let me explain how I know Suzanne. Until I became mesmerized by high school and college hoops, I routinely covered Bethlehem's Zoning Hearing Board. I first saw Suzanne during one of those hearings way back in 2011. At that time, she was a Housing Inspector. She testified against a south side landlord who wanted to convert a single detached home into a two-family home. She destroyed him. First, the owner failed to have the property inspected when he purchased it. Second, he had already been using the property a multi-family home and had been hit with "cease-and-desist" orders several times. Third, there was no heat for at least one of the tenants. Fourth, Borzak visited the property and learned he had actually crammed three families in there. Fifth, it was uninhabitable. She took pictures showing rat feces, exposed wires, inoperable sinks and loose floorboards.

The landlord's petition for relief was denied. In fact, I believe his conduct was tantamount to recklessly endangering the lives of others.

Borzak is very tough. But she is also very fair. When this guy recognized that he had been out of line and made a substantial investment in his property to make it safe for he people who loved there, she worked with him.

Not long after this, Borzak was appointed Bethlehem's Zoning Officer. At this point in her career,she already had 17 years of experience in planning, zoning and code enforcement. Her coal region roots - she's from Schuylkill County - give her a strong work ethic.

I watched her operate as Bethlehem's Zoning Officer for several years. She always had everything organized and ready for the Board, right down to bottles of water. She also made sure agendas were out there for the public. She knew every case being considered inside out, and could perform mathematical questions concerning square footage in her head while everyone else looked at the calculators on their smartphones and iPads.

I believe she was probably Bethlehem's best employee. Certainly in the top ten with people like Mark Spivak.

I have not heard about this from Suzanne directly. I have instead spoken to friends who were with her on the day this happened. I did reach out to Mayor Bob Donchez, who is aware what had happened. As he made very clear to me, it is improper for him to discuss personnel matters. I respect this.

Bob's father was a city police officer who was retaliated against because he exposed police corruption. He worked with a District Attorney named Bernie O'Hare. Detective Donchez was demoted for doing the right thing. But one day, then Mayor Payrow approached Detective Donchez and apologized for what had happened. He said he had listened to the wrong people.

I believe Mayor Donchez is making the same mistake. He is listening to Darlene Heller and Alicia Karner without even bothering to talk to Suzanne. He is hearing one side of the story. He may be listening to the wrong people, just as Payrow did. I find it very hard to believe that someone as professional as Borzak did anything to warrant her separation. Findamental fairness demands that he hear her side of the story, just as Mayor Payrow should have talked to Detective Donchez.

Steve Samuelson and Diapers

I received not one, not two, but three news releases that State Rep. Steve Samuelson was delivering over 3,000 diapers to the Salvation Army yesterday. There is even video of the event. Now mind you, he did not donate the poopie pants himself. He instead leaned on his constituents in an effort to make himself look very generous.

It's unclear how much money the state wasted in publicizing this event, photographing and even filming this long-time public official as he delivered other people's donations. It's really nothing more than an attempt to make himself look good at other people's expense.

Samuelson has been in office now since 1999. That's been his entire career. Twenty years of delivering other people's donated diapers. I am unaware of anything else he has accomplished other than giving speeches to which no one pays attention.

Samuelson is apparently very aware that diapers need to be changed often. As we all know, so do politicians.

Easton's Former Finance Director Running for Controller

Easton's former finance director, Chris Heagele, announced his candidacy for Easton Controller late yesterday afternoon. He is running for the seat currently held by Tony Bassil. Tony is giving that up to run for NorCo Controller.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend yesterday's announcement. I was on my way to a DeSales basketball doubleheader (men and women teams both won!). Heagele was kind enough to send me some information about himself.

Heagele, an Easton resident since 2002, was appointed Easton Finance Director in 2008, and served in that capacity until 2015. During his tenure, the City has had an operating surplus each year. In 2014, Lehigh Valley Business Journal named Heagele one of the Lehigh Valley Chief Financial Officers of the Year as well as Best Turnaround Specialist or his work at the City of Easton.

Heagele is currently the School Business Administrator at North Warren Regional School District in Blairstown, NJ where he is responsible for an $18 Million budget. Prior to joining the City of Easton in 2008, Mr. Heagele was a Vice-President at the Bear Stearns Companies, Inc.

Heagele also does have a very impressive education background. He's a 2001 grad of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he earned his Master of Public Policy. He's also a 1994 magna cum laude grad of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned two degrees: a Bachelor of Economics with concentrations in Finance and Accounting from the Wharton School of Business; and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Science.

That's highly unusual.

Heagele is also active in the Easton community as both a Scout leader and as an Elder at his church. He's an Eagle Scout himself.

He resides on College Hill with wife Donna and sons Zachariah and Alexander.

According to his statement,

"Mr. Heagele pledges to become the City watchdog in the area of fiscal responsibility. Mr. Heagele not only plans to build on the successes of the current City Controller, but also raise the exposure of the City Controller position, which is clearly important to good government, but is often underneath the radar. Mr. Heagele intends to implement a communications strategy which will elevate the position via periodic reports to City Council and periodic meetings of the Audit Committee. Easton’s future is very bright; Mr. Heagele looks forward to the opportunity to make it just a little bit brighter by providing more transparency after he is elected City Controller."

I am unaware of anyone else seeking this position.

Who Killed Holly Branagan?

I received this email over the holidays.

I am a 33 year old Bethlehem resident who has been reading your blog for about three years now. Checking your blog is part of my morning routine along with changing diapers, making coffee, and checking the mcall and express times.

Lately, I have been intrigued with the Holly Brannigan case. I can’t stop researching it. I am just baffled as to why no one was ever charged. Since we are approaching the 40th anniversary (March) I was wondering if you might be able to do a posting on it. I am not sure if you have previously posted anything related to this case, but thought I’d drop you a line to request it.

Happy New Year! Keep up the good work!

Like the writer and many other people I know, the March 1979 murder of Holly Branagan has always mystified me. Holly was a high school student who lived with her father and brother. Her mother had previously died from cancer. Holly was stabbed in the back, quite literally, inside her home with a 10-inch kitchen knife. There were 18 wounds, 15 of which were fatal. The knife was still in her back when her body was discovered the next day by her brother and a friend. It had been wiped clean.

Her brother had spent that night at the home of a friend. In addition, Holly's father was out of town on business. She had made arrangements to go for pizza that night with a girlfriend.

Distraught by the lack of progress, brother Sean started to spread a rumor that he and the Bethlehem police knew who had killed his sister, and that police were getting ready to make an arrest. Sean was warned by his father that spreading this rumor would make him a target, but he continued. He wanted to flush out the murderer.

Maybe he did.

The next year, he was fatally injured in an explosion at a gas station while using a power washer. He lived a short time, and police visited him in the hospital to see if he killed Holly or knew the killer. He shook his head No to both questions.

The death was ruled accidental.

I spoke with District Attorney John Morganelli about the case. He told me this case is still the subject of a grand jury investigation. He noted that fingerprints were found, but did not match up with anyone who might be involved. He indicated a Bethlehem police detective continued to work the case after he retired. While Bethlehem police identified a suspect, this detective had a different theory.  According to Morganelli, these theories lack one thing - evidence.

Below are two interesting podcasts about this case from True Crime Garage.







Holly Branagan murder

Gracedale Finally Has Generators!

Remember Superstorm Sandy? from 2012 I do. Most of the Lehigh Valley was without power for several days or longer as utility workers tangled with downed wires and trees. Gracedale nursing home was without power for six days. To make matters worse, the permanent backup generator failed. Thanks to the National Guard, partial power was restored. The county decided, then and there, that it needed new generators. Believe it or not, it has taken until now to get the job done. That's six years, folks.

Everyone agreed on the importance of generators. Executive John Stoffa appropriated the money in 2013. Executive John Brown pushed for them, too. But when Executive Lamont McClure took office in 2018, there still were no generators, and guess what happened? That's right. Winter storm Riley knocked the power out for 27 hours. 

This was unacceptable to McClure, who led the fight to save Gracedale. It was also unacceptable to former Council member Scott Parsons, who now works in Pubic Works. From the moment he began to work for the county, that was his top priority.

Parsons had an ace up his sleeve, too.

Gracedale's generators

During one of many meetings with engineers who would complain this can't be done or that can't be done, Parsons brought with him a seemingly unassuming fellow saying "Good Day!" to everyone and wearing a bowtie. When the engineers began yet another snow job about ohms and ground fault circuits, this person understood and countered them. That's because this person, despite the bowtie, is himself an electrician who managed projects like Madison Square Garden. This proper bastard is none other than Charles Dertinger.

Dertinger was astonished that, in all the years this project has been underway, no one bothered to get the necessary PPL approvals and right-of-way agreements.

As the contractors from Wind Gap Electric looked on and smiles, Charles inspired the engineers. Parsons made sure they stayed inspired.

Gracedale now has three generators. Any one of them can power all of Gracedale, just by itself, for eight days before running out of diesel fuel. The three combined can keep the home going a month.

Dertinger said that if a storm knocks power out now, residents will not even notice because the switch will be automatic.

Now I know where to go next time the power company screws me just because I've neglected my bill for six months.

Celtic Hymn Night January 19

Celtic Cultural Alliance is sponsoring a free Celtic Hymn night on January 19, 2019. Local musicians will be performing, and the history of the music will be explained. It will be at Life in Christ Church, 51 E. Hillmond St., Bethlehem PA 18018 from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m.

"The great Gaels of Ireland are the men that God made mad,

For all their wars are merry, and all their songs are sad."

-G.K. Chesterton

70 Voters Petition for Review Allentown's 27% Tax Hike

Allentown City Council in Action. Candida Affa and Cynthia Mota perilously
close to Roger MacLean's lap.  

Allentown's Home Rule Charter allows a group of at least 35 voters to petition City Council to place an item on the agenda of a regular City Council meeting. After a two day review period, the City Council President must list the matter. That's what just happened in Allentown. The item up for review is the 27% tax hike that went into effect only as a result of a midnight veto by Mayor Ray O'Connell.

Former Allentown Controller and City Council member Lou Hershman spearheaded this petition drive. He submitted a petition signed by 70 voters yesterday. It is being reviewed by City Clerk Mike Hanlon. 

City Council has no power on its own to open the budget. But it could urge the Mayor to do so, especially since they supported a less onerous budget.

Hershman questions why so many supervisors are still on the City payroll, and why they are being paid so much money. He believes the tax hike can be reduced or eliminated.

Is it too late? No. According to Hershman, tax bills go out in February, so there is still time to roll back the increase.

If just 35 signatures are valid, City Council will be forced to consider this matter at their January 16 meeting.

Ron Heckman Will Lead NorCo Council in 2019

Ron Heckman was unanimously elected President at Northampton County Council's Jan 6 meeting. He was the only person nominated. A social worker, Heckman previously served two terms on County Council. He spent another eight years under former Executive Glenn Reibman as Director of Human Services. He also worked in Lehigh County's administration. 

The usually loquacious Council member was characteristically laconic after his election, when most Presidents deliver inaugural addresses. "I will work hard to earn your confidence," he said to fellow Council members.

Lori Vargo Heffner, who has just one year of experience, was also unanimously elected Vice President. She is a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey. Republican John Cusick tried to nominate Bill McGee, but he declined.

Heffner made no friends on the court last year, when she objected to a position at the Juvenile Justice Center. She torpedoed the appointment of an Allentown Diocese Assistant Superintendent to the county's Drug and Alcohol Board. She also was a proponent of a county grant for the restoration of a church steeple at Easton's United Church of Christ. That grant failed.

County Council also voted unanimously to appoint Bethlehem Attorney Chris Spadoni to serve as their Solicitor this year.   

Easton NAACP Officers Sworn in by Lamont McClure

Easton's NAACP officers visited Northampton County Council during their first meeting of the year on Jan 7. Executive Lamont McClure administered the oath to the officers. They include the following: Lance Wheeler, President; Suzanne Fredericks, Treasurer; David Rose, Secretary; John Robinson, Labor and Industry; Lillian Robinson, Press and Publicity; Charles Dickerson, Finance; Marvin Boyer, Political Action; Kendra Durrah, Youth Advisor; and Teresa Wright-Johnson, Health Chair.

The NAACP branches in the Lehigh Valley's three cities are attempting to attract younger members. Ironically, much of the work done by President Lance Wheeler has been to address instances of overt discrimination at area high schools. In addition, Kendra Durrah has been active with a youth chapter.

Easton's NAACP has also been successful in registering new voters, and is actively courting employers to hire more young persons of color.

Election Reforms To Consider in Lehigh Valley

Amber McReynolds, Denver's former Election Registrar, has been named by Governing as one of 2018's "Public Officials of the Year." Although some of what she did during her 13 years in Denver would require changes in state law here, some of her actions could be implemented now. Her focus has been the voters, as opposed to political parties.

eSign. Candidates and petitioners collect electronic signatures on tablets and get instant verifications of the signatures’ validity. In Pa., an app could be prepared to enable candidates to determine whether the signatures they get actually come from registered voters. This would minimize nomination petition challenges, which force judges to decide elections instead of voters.

Ballot TRACE. This enables voters who mail in their ballot to determine if it was actually received. This has reduced calls to the elections office, and would work here.

New voting system. This uses scanners, printers and touchscreen tablets more familiar to voters and at 1/10th the cost of voting machines. This would need state certification in Pa.

Ballots mailed. - This is routine in some states, but not here. There is nothing preventing the elections office here from mailing a sample ballot to all registered voters before the election. The only downside I see is cost.

Same Day Voting. - Here, you must register 30 days before an election.

Do these ideas work? They do in Denver, where turnout was 72% in 2016, and cost went down. If you want people to vote, these ideas should be considered.

Lehigh County DA Jim Martin Seeks Sixth Term

District Attorney James B. (Jim) Martin announced Friday that he is seeking a sixth term as Lehigh County District Attorney. It's a post he has held since January 1998. He is the longest serving District Attorney in the Lehigh County history, and for good reason. His office has compiled an outstanding record, while he has taken a proactive approach to crime.

According to a statement from his campaign, his office has handled over 100,000 adult criminal cases during his 19 years as DA. His conviction rate is 96%. During the same time period, over 25,000 juvenile cases have been prosecuted. Yet the criminal caseload in Lehigh County is current. Of 261 defendants charged with criminal homicide since 1998, 255 have been convicted, a conviction rate of better than 97%. For those murder cases that went to trial, the conviction rate is 93% (80 of 86 cases).

I had a pretty good conviction rate myself. Unfortunately, it was as a criminal defense lawyer.

We've been blessed to have John Morganelli and Jim Martin as the Lehigh Valley's District Attorneys. Despite being from different parties and having different styles, they have both worked together to make this area safer.

Morganelli is a street fighter who is deceptively tough. He had no problem personally trying 25 criminal homicides himself. Instead of litigating, Martin has been the driving force behind just about every technological advance in Lehigh Valley crime fighting over the past 20 years. It is Jim Martin who established the Regional Crime Center, which uses data from police incident reports and even prison logs to track down criminals and detect trends. He also helped establish a forensic center at DeSales University to expedite matters that simply take too long at state police labs. Both have very capable professional prosecutors as opposed to the cronyism often seen elsewhere.

To be sure, they both have enemies. Most are behind bars.

Support for Martin is bipartisan. In 2015, he received over 1,700 write-in votes from Democrats during the primary, and ran unopposed.

"It has been an honor and privilege to have served the citizens of Lehigh County as District Attorney for 2l years," said Martin. "I believe that my leadership of this important office has been effective and that the citizens of Lehigh County, who have placed their trust in me, have been well served. The record compiled by our office has been outstanding, and I am quite comfortable running on my record for a sixth elected term of office. When the record of the District Attorney's Office under my leadership is scrutinized, as it should be, I believe the voters will be satisfied that the Office of District Attorney has been and is in good hands under my leadership, and that I deserve the opportunity to continue as District Attorney."

I am unaware whether anyone plans to oppose Martin.

Tony Bassil Seeks NorCo Controller Position

Tony adores his grandchildren

Easton City Controller Tony Bassil announced his candidacy for Northampton County Controller yesterday.  His background certainly makes him a top tier candidate for a job that only pays $65,000 a year.

Bassil is a 1982 graduate of the American University in Beirut,where he earned his degree in Business and Finance.  He then began as an accountant at TransNet Corporation, where he worked his way up through the ranks to be promoted to Controller of the company in 1998. He served in that capacity until 2012, when he was lured  away by Lancer Systems to be their Controller. He finally said good-bye to the private sector in July 2017.

While still employed in the private sector, Bassil became interested in local government finance. He served as Treasurer on Easton's Home Rule Charter study, and was also entrusted as treasurer of Easton's Pension Board. He is also President of Easton's Audit Committee.

When Tony was appointed Easton Controller in 2006, the City was on the verge of falling under Act 47, the Financially Distressed Municipalities Act, which is the municipal equivalent of bankruptcy. Its Standard and Poor’s credit rating was just BBB+. Over his three terms served, that credit rating has jumped to A+.

Bassil accomplished this by restructuring city debt multiple times, saving taxpayers nearly $2 Million Dollars in interest charges. He also prompted the City to implement other cost initiatives This includes an insistence on a balanced budget. This has given Easton a surplus while Bethlehem and Allentown routinely engage in deficit spending. Since assuming office, Bassil points to an overall increase in the fund balance of $4 million.

The financial success of the City during Tony’s tenure is seen every day by its residents and surrounding community members, as they take in the urban renaissance that Easton has recently enjoyed, which is grounded in the financial foundation that is not often discussed, but which has become an expectation as the City’s growth and prosperity continues.

Tony and his wife, Sia, have owned and operated The Carmelcorn Shop, an institution in Downtown Easton, since 1996. They have three children and two grandchildren.

Mezzacappa Against Morganelli

This ugly post comes from Tricia Mezzacappa's Constable page on Facebook. And constables wonder why no one considers them real cops. In case you missed her initial message, she adds these two comments:

West Easton Borough Constable I will spend every last nickel and breath of air making sure this ugly fucking faggot is defeated

1

Manage

Like

 · Reply · 11h

West Easton Borough Constable Almost unlimited funding to anyone worthy of defeating this corrupted political machine dick eating asshole. PM me.

Tom Carroll: GOP Gift to NorCo Dems

From the 2014 Kidspeace protest

Several top tier lawyers may decide to run for District Attorney this year. These include Terry Houck, John's top prosecutor; Chief Public Defender Nuria DiLuzio; war crimes prosecutor Arthur Traldi; and Senior Judge Leonard Zito. Each would be a formidable candidate and excellent District Attorney.  Then there's Tom Carroll. He announced his candidacy yesterday, but excluded me from his distribution list. He's a terrible candidate who will hurt other Republicans seeking countywide office. He'll be announcing officially from somewhere in Allentown today. Yep. He'll be announcing his candidacy for Northampton County DA in another county. 

If Senior Judge Zito decides to run, Carroll should be eliminated rather quickly in a primary contest. But if not, Carroll has a very good chance of becoming the Republican nominee.

Why is Carroll so toxic? He's divisive. He was part of a cabal that attempted to mount a coup within the county GOP. When that failed, he took his marbles and went away. He is currently chair of both the Lehigh Valley Tea Party and Republican Action Team, and has a following among the alt-right. A Trump supporter all the way, he was among those who protested against undocumented children at Kidspeace in 2014. Among their concerns? They might be infected with leprosy or scabies. 

Carroll graduated in 1988 from Catholic University's Columbus Law School, and landed a job in Montgomery County as a prosecutor. John Morganelli hired him in 2005, but he only lasted there for two years. Why? Rumors abound.

With the Disciplinary Board and online, Carroll reports an "office" at 248 E Union Boulevard in Bethlehem That property, which he owns with long-time companion and fellow Tea Partier Tony Simao, is zoned residential. So he really (a) has no practice in Northampton County or (b) is in violation of Bethlehem's zoning laws, which require approval for a home office.

Carroll also apparently does some work for the Montgomery County PD's office. Previously, he's run for Bethlehem City Council ... and lost after embarrassing revelations about his running mate. He also ran for judge against Jennifer Sletvold... and lost despite an ugly whisper campaign against her. 

John Morganelli's Judicial Announcement

John Morganelli

Two months ago, I announced that I would not seek another term as Northampton County district attorney. I felt at that time that I had achieved all the goals that I set out to achieve, and after 27 years, it was time for me to consider some new challenges.

I have wanted to be a lawyer since I was 12 years old. My dad had a 6th grade education. My mom had a 11th grade education. As a kid growing up in South Bethlehem in a low income neighborhood, I dreamed of one day becoming a lawyer and representing average folks like my parents. Getting into law school, opening up my own law practice and serving my clients for 16 years was that dream come true. Being elected district attorney, the chief law enforcement officer of the county, and prosecuting cases in the courtroom on behalf of the citizens of Northampton County, was even more than I dreamed. What I realize is that I have had a love affair with the law for 50 years. The law is what makes all of us equal, or at least should. The law brings order to our society, and protects us. Rich or poor, young or old, highly educated or uneducated, regardless of our race, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity, we are all equal under the law.

As I thought about where I go from here, and talked with many of our citizens who approached me after my announcement that I would not seek another term as DA, my love for the law and what it stands for, and means to all of us, came front and center again. I asked myself how I can continue to serve my community, immerse myself in the law and our legal system, and do meaningful work utilizing my years of experience.

This year, Northampton County citizens will elect a new judge to fill the vacancy left open by the retirement of Judge Emil Giordano. After much thought, and despite the opportunity to join a distinguished law firm, I am announcing today that I will run for the currently open judgeship in Northampton County. As is customary in judicial elections, I will cross-file on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.

I believe that I am one of the most qualified and experienced lawyers in Northampton County to serve as a trial judge. During my tenure as district attorney, I personally and successfully prosecuted 25 first degree murder cases before juries in Northampton County. I have supervised the grand jury, and I have practiced in and appeared before, on numerous occasions, all of the appellate courts of Pennsylvania as well as all of the federal courts. Prior to my years as DA, I had a diverse law practice and legal career. While in private practice for 16 years, I handled just about every kind of case. I personally tried numerous civil cases before juries and judges, including but not limited, to medical malpractice, auto accidents and slips and falls. I represented small businesses, wrote wills and represented many clients in divorce and custody matters. I served as a municipal solicitor for a number of municipalities in Northampton County and served 4 years as a public defender. I also taught law courses for over 10 years at Moravian College. Quite frankly, there is probably no area of the law in which I do not have some experience.

I believe that a judge at the common pleas level can have a positive impact on our community. Fairly and equally applying the law in all cases, without bias is, of course, the first obligation. Beyond that, however, a judge can also positively impact our legal system. Working to assure equal access to our courts for all of citizens regardless of income, advocating for reforms that results in the efficient use of public resources in our justice system, implementing court programs to help rehabilitate non violent offenders, and keeping our communities safe from violent predators would be my priorities. I look forward to discussing these issues in the course of this campaign.

Allentown Citizens Push to Re-Open Budget

King Allentown may demand a tax cut. 

A group of citizens would like Allentown City Council to re-open the budget that went into effect on December 15. Lou Hershman, himself a former City Controller and City Council member, is leading a petition drive to place the budget back on the front burner. Under the City's Home Rule Charter, any group of 35 qualified voters can demand that an item to be placed on the agenda for consideration by City Council.

Mayor Ray O'Connell's budget went into effect as he proposed it. He waited until seconds before midnight on December 15 to veto an amended budget that would have taken away some of the pain. Council was unable to override his veto because the clock ticked away.

According to Hershman, the 27% tax hike, which follows fast on the heels on a water and sewer increase, is going to devastate low income property owners.It will hurt tenants, too, because landlords will raise rents.

The 2019 budget fails to make any meaningful attempt to eliminate waste in Allentown. In the Mayor's Office alone, there is a special assistant who does nothing and a press spokesperson who should be part time. Also, in a strong Mayor form of government, there should be no need for a Managing Director.

Rank-and-file workers tell me the City has been top heavy for some time.

City Council can amend the budget to eliminate some of this waste. It's unlikely it can roll back the 27% tax hike.