West Easton Boro Constable Arrested, Spends Night in LC Jail

Mezzacappa mug shot 

Last week, West Easton Boro Constable Tricia Mezzacappa was scheduled for trial on charges of false reports filed by the Pennsylvania State Police. In February 2019, she called state police to report that she had fired her own gun at a black neighbor whom she said had pointed his own gun at her. What really happened is that her neighbor's car exhaust bothered her. She characteristically went ballistic and began pounding on her neighbor's door. The neighbor's girlfriend was so terrified she called police. Then Tricia concocted the lie about her neighbor, assuming state police would believe her because she is, after all, white. Unfortunately for her, they didn't. They knew her weapon had not been fired and no neighbors had heard anything. There were no 911 calls and no spent rounds or shells. In addition, she had been drinking. So instead of seeing her neighbor charged, she was, with false reports. After 20 months of delay, she failed to appear for her trial. Her lawyer, distinguished defense lawyer John Waldron, told the Court he had instructed her to be there. Waldron has since filed a motion to withdraw as Mezzacappa's lawyer. President Judge Michael J Koury, Jr., also issued a bench warrant. After spending a night at Lehigh County's jail, she has learned the hard way that when a judge orders you to appear, you better be there.

West Easton blogger Matt Dees and I both wrote about her failure to appear and the bench warrant. This is how she responded, in CAPSLOCK:

 "TO THE LYING , RACE BAITING PATHOLOGICAL STALKERS OHARE AND SIDEKICK DEES WHO HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING ME AROUND FOR 10 YEARS AND INCESSENTLY [sic] LYING AND DEFAMING ME AND MY FAMILY...IF YOU SPENT 10% OF YOUR TIME WORRYING ABOUT YOUR OWN PATHETIC LONLEY [sic] SELVES , AND TRYING TO IMPROVE YOUR NON-EXISTENT LIVES, YOU WOULDN'T BE WORRYING ABOUT MINE! 10 PLUS YEARS AND COUNTING AND THE TWO OF YOU STILL CANT FIGURE OUT WHY THERE ISNT A SINGLE SOLITARY WOMAN ALIVE (DEAF OR BLIND) ON EARTH THAT WANTS ANYTHING TO DO WITH EITHER ONE OF YOU...TAKE A LONG HARD LOOK IN THE MIRROR TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, OR BET YET (IT WILL SHATTER) , GO BURY YOUR UGLY FACES IN A BLANKET AND CRY. YOU WERE PAID BY MY FAMILY TO HIT THE ROAD AND GET A LIFE, BUT YOU HAVE NONE! EVERYWHERE YOU GO THERE YOU ARE. !! PRIVATE CRIMINALS FILED TODAY AGAINST BOTH YOU ASSHOLES!!!!! LET THE FUN BEGIN!! ... WE'LL SEE WHO WINDS UP IN JAIL, AND ITS NOT GOING TO BE ME, SO STUFF IT BITCHES!"

Looks like she wound up in jail. She was picked up Tuesday night, at or near Lehigh Valley Mall. She spent the night as a guest of Lehigh County's five star jail, and was transported Wednesday morning to face Judge Paula Roscioli in Motions Court. 

I have no idea what half-assed explanation she gave. Judge Roscioli set bail at $1,000,conditioned on posting 10% cash.  In other words, $100. Mezzacappa, now a guest at Northampton County's Jail in Tower A, had to wait a few hours for her wallet and belongings before posting bail.

She received a well-deserved attitude adjustment. Her trial is now scheduled for November 30. 

Incidentally, according to the Pa. Crimes Code, "A person set at liberty by court order, with or without bail, upon condition that he will subsequently appear at a specified time and place, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree if, without lawful excuse, he ails to appear at that time and place."

The crime of false reports is only a third degree misdemeanor, just one step above a summary. She could now also be charged with failure to appear. This carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a fine of $5,000. 

NorCo's Handling of Employee Called "Comedy of Errors" By Outside Judge

Northampton County's Court of Common Pleas is what is known as a court of record.  Every word uttered is taken down by a stenographer, who usually uses both a machine and a recorder to get it right. Transcripts, once prepared, are then reviewed and approved by the courts. These stenographers are called court reporters, and Jean Genova has been one of the best. Unfortunately, in what Judge Emanuel Birtin called a "comedy of errors" by Northampton County, she was very nearly excluded from obtaining lifetime health benefits when she retires. The Judge even found, in an exhaustive 63-page opinion, that the County "stonewalled" her requests about her retirement package. What the County failed to realize is that court reporters become very familiar with good lawyers. Genova retained Steve Goudsouzian, one of the best. She's also a fighter herself, given that her late father was the one and only Charlie Spaziani, former District Attorney and counselor to none other than the Easton Assassin himself, heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. After a four-day trial in front of Judge Birtin, he's issued an order declaring she is entitled to lifetime health benefits when she retires. He's even pondering a sanction of attorney fees against the county for its bad faith in this matter. 

Judge Birtin is a Senior Judge from Montgomery County, and was brought in to handle this matter because the Northampton County bench is obviously conflicted. 

Attorney Brian Taylor did his best for the County, but you can't shine shit. 

Genova first started working for the County as a court reporter in 1981, at the young age of 21. In 1990, she left full-time employment with the county so she could raise her baby girl. For the next 18 years, she worked part-time with the county and also was an independent contractor for depositions and zoning hearings. She was happy and making more money than if she had continued as a full-time employee.

In the meantime, the courts were experiencing a shortage of court reporters, and even had to cancel some proceedings. Because Genova was known to be "very competent, efficient,professional and well-liked," the courts began tempting her to return.

She agreed to return, but only if she was extended the same lifetime health benefits as a retiree that she would be entitled to if she had never left. Then Court Administrator James Onembo told her he would see what he could do. He later told her "It's a go" after speaking to the County's Benefits Administrator. 

Genova and her husband met with the Benefits Administrator as well, and were assured she would be extended the same lifetime health benefits she would have had she remained with the County since 1981.   

All was well until Genova reached retirement age and began making inquiries. According to Judge Birwin, she was "stonewalled." He notes the "County did not respond to inquiries, gave inaccurate or conflicting direction and ignored prior actions." 

A perfect example of this is when Human Resources Director Elizabeth Kelly told Genova to get some documentation to back up her claim. She did. She sought and obtained a letter from the former Court Administrator.  Then she was told the documentation was insufficient. 

Kelly told Genova to take the matter up with the Retirement Board. But when she tried to do so, she was rebuffed. County Solicitor Melissa Rudas responded that since Genova was not yet retired, she could not go before the Retirement Board.

After this, someone from the County placed her matter on the agenda of the Retirement Board anyway. No one bothered to notify Genova or her attorney.  Then Executive Lamont McClure directed that the matter be taken off the agenda. 

Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron got mixed up in this morass as well. He actually told the court he was the "decision maker" on Genova's denial. But when he was deposed, he had yet to review her file. Even at trial, he said he had yet to look at her file. In fact, the only time he was present at the trial was when he testified.

The Court was miffed that, "during the whole trial, no one was present for the County other than their own Solicitor.  While Genova was fighting for the benefits she had earned, the County did not even have a representative at the trial."  It was even more miffed that, throughout the course of a four-day trial, the County offered no real justification for reneging on its agreement with Genova. She justifiably relied on the apparent authority of the Court Administrator and Benefits Administrator. And she has been forced to continue working because she is unwilling to accept anything less than what her contract requires.   

Executive Lamont McClure called the ruling "clearly erroneous and contrary to the weight of the admissible evidence and controlling statutory and case law." But he softened his tone by adding that "Ms. Genova had no idea that Jim Onembo [the Court Administrator] had absolutely no authority to grant her these benefits."

McClure went on to say these "special arrangements are very bad government. Since taking office we have not entertained any such arrangements and we will continue to resist them at every turn."

I agree, but that's no justification for rejecting a binding contract made before he got here. And it's abundantly clear that the County utterly failed in the way it handled the concerns of a loyal and long-time employee.  So clear that the County is now facing possible sanctions. 

NorCo "Comedy of Error... by BernieOHare

Democrats Should Drop Barrett Opposition

All Democrats are doing by raging against the nomination of Amy Barrett is demonstrating their own partisanship and making their calls for unity a lie. Barrett is certainly a strict constructionist, but is also considered "well qualified" by the ABA.  Of course it's "unfair" that she is going to be confirmed prior to the election, but that's politics. It's an ugly game. 

As for packing the court as a response, I would expand the court only if the Supreme Court felt it was necessary. 

My only caveat would be that she recuse herself from any case involving the Presidential election. 

Another Superspreader: Are These People Nutz?

On Monday, I told you about the superspreader recently hosted by NorCo GOP Chair Lee Snover in Lower Saucon Tp. Practically none of the true believers, many of whom were old farts like me, practiced social distancing or wore a mask. Neither did Snover or her husband, even though they both appear to be at-risk. This kind of irresponsible behavior mighty be part of the explanation for a recent spike in Covid-19 cases in the Lehigh Valley. In NorCo, this includes 43 cases on October 4; 46 on October 7; and a whopping 83 positives on October 10. While an increase in testing and open schools are probably the biggest reasons fore the surge, these superspreader events are the result of selfish people who have little regard for their fellow man, Unfortunately, they can look to the bad example being set by the Pied Piper of Covid-19, Donald Trump.

Yesterday, he was the star at a rally in Sanford, Fl. As you can see in a picture from the event, his mankurts are squeezed next to each other and without masks, even though most already look like they're ready to go tets up. 

The Mongols turned prisoners into mankurts by exposing them in the hot sun and wrapping their heads in camel skin. This basically fried their brains. Those MAGA hats must be doing the same thing. 

7 am update: No less an authority than Dr. Anthony Fauci himself has warned of the danger in these super spreader rallies. "“We know that that is asking for trouble when you do that. We’ve seen that when you have situations of congregant settings where there are a lot of people without masks, the data speak for themselves.”

Election Reminders

The information below is on my left sidebar, but I am listing it here for those of you who use a smartphone to read this blog. It's pretty much everything you need to know.

10/19/20 - Last Day to Register

*Must be citizen, 18 and Pa. resident for 30 days before election.
* Can register online here.

10/27/20 - Last Day to Apply for Mail-in or Absentee Ballot
* Must be received in County office by 5 pm 10/27/20.

* Ballot Application must be returned to County by 11/3/20, 8 pm (S Ct has granted three-day extension to 11/6/20, 5 pm so long as ballot mailed by 11/3/20, 8 pm)

* Ballot request application available here.

General Election FAQs

Track Your Mail-in Ballot Application Here

Ballot By Demand (Early Voting)

How to Complete Mail-in Ballot

Drop Box Locations (NorCo)

Drop Box Locations (Lehigh) 

Allentown's Firefighter of the Year and Other Commendations

Blogger's Note: Regular readers of this blog know I have immense respect for Allentown's firefighters, who put their lives on the line every day. Periodically, they are recognized by the city, and I wanted to share these commendations with you.  

From Allentown City: Allentown firefighter Jonathon Hammel is being honored as the 2020 Allentown Fire Fighter of the Year.  He was recognized this morning at the Allentown Fire Department’s annual memorial and awards service at Mack South Fire Station.

Hammel joined the Allentown Fire Department in 2010 after having served eight years with Allentown EMS.

 

According to Allentown Fire Chief Jim Wehr, Hammel has excelled as a member of the Technical Rescue Team.  “When he took over as the training officer for the Technical Rescue team, he made vast improvements to the team’s monthly training events and led the efforts to get all team members certified at the Pro board level in rope rescue.  He has taken upon himself to conduct numerous training evolutions for the members of his platoon ensuring that they have the latest knowledge in using and implementing new equipment and techniques.  Firefighter Hammel has proven himself as an effective advisor on technical rescue events to assure the best possible outcome.”

 

The Alfred W. Fischl Fire Service Award was presented to Firefighter Philip Lathrop for his consistent and dedicated work ethic throughout his career. This award is presented to a fire department individual who has served at least 20 years and has exemplified himself with consistent and dedicated work habits.

 

Lathrop began his career in 1997 as a reserve on the 1^st platoon.  He served as a battalion chief driver and pipeman of trucks 1&2. He has been a member of the Scott and the Technical Rescue teams, where his mechanical knowledge is a great asset.  Lathrop willingly assists with training new firefighters about the city, apparatus, tools and even Fire Dept history and tradition.

 

During Fire Prevention Week, the department recognizes firefighters for their actions over the past 12 months.  In addition to Firefighter of the Year and the Alfred W. Fischl Award; Certificates of Heroism, Bravery and Merit, a Chief’s Award, Years of Service awards and Unit Citations are presented.

 

Mayor Ray O’Connell told those in attendance, “Without hesitation, you put on your gear and enter burning buildings to protect lives and property. Everyone else is running out!  You are running in! We are fortunate to have tremendously well-trained, talented and dedicated firefighters here in Allentown.”

 

The Chief’s Award, which goes to individuals who go above and beyond in fostering the department’s image through activities and events they attend and facilitate outside their normal working hours, was presented to Lieutenant Robert Xander.

 

Lieutenant Xander has been an integral part of the success of the Fire House Friday program with ensuring that the paperwork and snacks are ready for the community children that visit the fire station after school on Fridays. In addition, he has donated his time at the Syrian Arab American Cultural Association of Allentown often serving as the point of contact helping organize manpower to pack and distribute food boxes to families in Allentown.   

 

A 35-year service award was presented to Fire Marshal Michael Taylor. A 30-year service award was presented to Firefighter James F Wescoe Jr. Twenty-five-year service awards were presented to Assistant Chief Michael Barron, battalion chiefs Philip Atiyeh and Jeffrey Hess, Fire Marshal Michael Zellin, and firefighters Robert Brett and Christopher Mokris.  Twenty-year service awards were bestowed upon Captain Sean O’Neill, Lieutenant Michael Smith, and firefighters Leroy R Bachert Jr and Jody Mongilutz.  

 

Seven firefighters, lieutenants Paul Heckenberger III and Mark Trumbore and firefighters Jeremy Bellois, Theodore Dale, Kevin Jefferson, Adam Perreault and Daniel Werkheiser were cited for heroism for their role in February 2020 fire at 19 Sycamore Street. 

 

Firefighters arrived to find the structure fully involved. There were electrical wires down with heavy fire impinging multiple electric lines. The closest fire hydrant was directly in from of the fire building and flames had to be forced back for access to the hydrant. Holes on the second floor made movement very difficult.

 

Unit Citations were awarded to the seven, plus Assistant Chief Matthew Eharth; battalion chiefs Hess and William Held; captains John Christopher, Mark Kresge Sr and Bryce Thompsen; lieutenants Jack E Bryant Jr, Christopher Groller, Charles Haydt Jr, William Henry II, Peter Lenig, Jaime Miranda, Keith Pierce and Jeremy Warmkessel; fire marshals Taylor, Zellin and Jeffrey Tomczak; and firefighters Mokris, Mongilutz, Andrew Bausher, Steven Costa, Austin Deutsch, Andrew Drake, William Gauntner, Nicholas Koedyker, Michael Kostick, Michael Matchette, Michael Milkovitz, Jonathon Steed, Jason Tatum, Paul Taus and Samuel Vassallo.  

 

Lieutenants Warmkessel and Vincent Kidd and firefighter Ronald W Conway Jr, Thomas King, Zachary Shepard and Todd Weisel were recognized for bravery and given unit citations in a July 2020 deadly three alarm fire in the 700 block of N. Fair Street.  The firefighters worked bravely on different floors to reach two victims from the fire, but tragically neither survived.

 

Shepard was also awarded a merit citation.

 

Unit citations were also bestowed upon assistant chiefs Barron and Eharth; battalion chiefs Atiyeh and Hess; captains O’Neill and Thompsen; lieutenants Groller, Haydt Jr, Heckenberger III, Henry II, Pierce, David Arner and James W Saylor Jr; fire marshals Taylor and Tomczak; and firefighters Bachert Jr, Dale, Gauntner, Milkovitz, Mokris, Smith, Tatum, Wescoe Jr, Wadih Atiyeh, Trevor Beers, Sean Boland, Timothy Bruce, John Burkhart, Jake Bykerk, Ryder Clemmo, Henry Cochran, Paul Dannecker, Matthew Dunfee, Steven Foulke, Joseph Kemmerer, Chad Krause, Tyler Mastria, Christopher McAbee, James McGuire, Robert Petrusky, Anthony Rosanio, Eric Sommers, Brandon Wentz, Michael Wilbert and Christopher Williams.

 

Seventeen-year-old Amari Thornton, who suffered burns in the fire, rescued two of his younger sisters from the burning home and jumped from a second-floor window breaking both of his legs.  He has been honored with a Civilian Certificate of Commendation and a Civilian Meritorious Award.

 

Firefighters Shepard and Weisel were awarded certificates of heroism and unit citations for a July 30 three alarm fire in the 900 block of Washington Street.  The fire displaced more than 40 persons.  Three homes were damaged in the fire and three more sustained smoke and water damage.

 

Assistant chiefs Barron and Eharth; battalion chiefs Atiyeh, Hess and Christian Williams; Captain O’Neill; lieutenants Arner, Bryant Jr, Heckenberger III, Henry II, Craig A McGinnis, Michael Pychinka III and William W Warren Jr; fire marshals Taylor and Michael Achey; and firefighters Atiyeh, Beers, Bruce, Burkhart, Conway Jr, Costa, Dale, Dannecker, Drake, Jefferson, King, Koedyker, Kostick, Mokris, Smith, Sommers, Tatum, Williams, Kevin Hodgskin, Jason Janis, Chad Long, Steven Munsch, Nicholas Murray and Roger Scheirer received unit citations.

 

Firefighters Steed and Chad Ege were awarded certificates of heroism and unit citations for their rescue of an occupant of a second-floor bedroom from a fire at 219 N Cloud Street last February.

 

Unit citations were award to Captain Kevin Baer, lieutenants Groller, Pierce and Pychinka III; Fire Marshal Tomczak; and firefighters Costa, Drake, Scheirer, Michael Evans, Dustin Grow, Nathan Krajcirik, Arthur Scott, James Soccodato and Dennis Walton.

 

Thirty-four firefighters received a unit citation for battling an October 2019 fire that destroyed ten row homes in the 700 block of Fountain Street.  They are: Retired Assistant Chief Christopher Kiskeravage; battalion chiefs Atiyeh and Held; captains Baer, Kresge Sr and Thompsen; lieutenants Groller, Lenig, McGinnis, Trumbore, Warmkessel, Christopher Gerencher and Theodore Maguire, fire marshal Taylor and firefighters Backert Jr, Bellois, Beers, Conway Jr, Ege, Jefferson, Krause, Matchette, Mokris, Munsch, Perreault, Scheirer, Soccodato, Tatum, Rodney Bolton, Kevin Cannon, Robert Dobrick, David Fuica, Brennen Harding and Jeremy Nyemscek.

 

Forty-two firefighters were awarded unit citations for their attack on the June 2020 three alarm fire at Sacred Heart School.  They are: assistant chiefs Barron and Eharth; battalion chiefs Atiyeh and Hess; captains Kresge Sr and Thompsen; lieutenants Bryant Jr, Gerencher, Groller, Haydt Jr, Heckenberger III, Henry II, Kidd, Lenig, Pierce, Saylor Jr and Jason Custer; fire marshals Achey and Zellin; and firefighters Bausher, Bellois, Bolton, Brett, Dannecker, Deutsch, Dunfee, Foulke, Gauntner, Hammel, Hodgskin, Jefferson, Kemmerer, Milkovitz, Mokris, Munsch, Perreault, Soccodato, Tatum, Werkheiser, Williams, Adam Arndt and Mark Kennedy.

 

Forty-five members of the department were awarded unit citations for a September 2020 blaze that damaged three out of four homes in a row in the 400 block of Harrison Street.  In all, firefighters spent seven hours on the scene to contain and extinguish the blaze.  Unit citations went to assistant chiefs Barron and Eharth; battalion chiefs Atiyeh, Held and Williams; captains O’Neill and Thompsen; lieutenants Groller, Heckenberger III, Henry II, Kidd, Lenig; McGinnis, Pierce, Warren Jr and Jonas Gostonyi; fire marshals Achey and Taylor; and firefighters Beers, Bellois, Bruce, Clemmo, Cochran, Conway Jr, Costa, Deutsch, Dunfee, Hammel, Kemmerer, Kostick, Lathrop, Mastria, Matchette, Mokris, Shepard, Tatum, Vassallo, Wentz, James Alpha, Christopher Dutko, Devin Grow, Todd Heffner, Peter McAllister, Aaron Pychinka and Joseph Zimmerman Jr.

 

The department presented 23 certificates of appreciation to members of other fire departments for their assistance at the Harrison Street fire.

 

Members of the department’s Bomb Squad; Assistant Chief Eharth and firefighters Beers, Ege, McAllister and Lloyd W Evans II received certificates of merit for assisting with an investigation following a deadly fireworks explosion in Lower Milford Township, Lehigh County. 

 

The department also recognized citizens for helping-out the department in emergencies.

 

Nine-year-old Gabriel Eduardo Rodriguez was awarded a Civilian Certificate of Appreciation for calling 911 for a family member with a medical episode. Gabriel gave detailed information to the 911 operator and assisted AFD in locating the fall victim. He also took care of two other children in the home while AEMS and AFD assisted the patient.

 

Michael R Humes Jr received a certificate for assisting the department during a motor vehicle accident at 19^th & Allen streets. Henry Wilt was recognized for extinguishing a microwave fire at Phoebe Home and Erik Monk and Roger Haas were honored for assisting in putting out a fire in the 1500 block of Sage Street both prior to the department’s arrival.

 

The department awarded certificates of merit to Lieutenant Pierce for acquiring PPE supplies during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and to Firefighter Matchette for his dedication and advancement of the Haz-Mat Team.

 

The following members of the department received Good Samaritan Awards for their selfless work at Syrian Arab American Charity Association during Covid-19: lieutenants Custer, Groller, Heckenberger III, Pierce and Xander; and firefighters Bachert Jr, Bruce, Gauntner, Hammel, Tatum and Peter Zondlo.     

 

Appreciation was also extended to those people and organizations who graciously donated hand sanitizer and PPE to the department, including Eight Oaks Distillery, War Dogs Distillery, Whitehall Pharmacy, Valley Discount Pharmacy, the Labor Council, Home Depot, Mallory Henry and Mask Force Sewing Committee.

 

Wegman’s, Weis Market, Coca-Cola, Josh Early Candies, King & Spry LLC, Front Line Appreciation Group, Retreat Behavioral Health and Suzann Young and Glenn Henritzy donated food, water and other beverages to the department.

 

The department also credited Horwith Quarry, where the dive unit trains; Edward Costa, who created an AFD photo collage; and the Syrian Arab American Charity Association for its assistance to the department and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Trump's True Believers in NorCo

Jason Banonis

In June, a local Black Lives Matter group arranged a protest in Pen Argyl to draw attention to the murder of George Floyd. Nearly everyone, white or black, Republican or Democrat, was horrified by the way a Minnesota police officer slowly squeezed the life out of a black man. But not Northampton County GOP Chair Gloria Lee Snover. She organized a dueling counter-protest. Her Vice  Chair, Frank Freidel, Jr., resigned. But believe me, Trump has plenty of true believers in the county of "mercy" and justice."  You can see them in action at numerous flag rallies throughout the Lehigh Valley. You can see their yard signs. A Trump supporter will usually have two or three, the bigger the better. His worshipers will blindly support everything he does, no matter how absurdly ridiculous. They were out in full force in Lower Saucon at Town Hall Park on September 17. They might call it a rally. I'll call it what it was - a superspreader.  This was made possible by Lower Saucon Tp Council member Jason Banonis. Until very recently, he was the Vice Chair of the NorCo GOP party. 

Lower Saucon Township, you may recall, hosted a recent Northampton County GOP's rally in honor of accused felons Mark and Patricia McCloskey. They are the St. Louis couple who allegedly pointed guns at protesters outside their home, and then altered the handgun brandished by Patricia so they could claim it was inoperable. 

This event was originally scheduled for Palmer Township's Fairview Park, but was rejected because the crowd size would be too large. Banonis obviously used his influence on Council to get a permit. Lower Saucon made a pavilion at Town Hall Park available for this gathering. When point-blank asked at Council's October 7 meeting,whether he threw his weight around, he answered with "I have no comment on that."

NorCo GOP boss Lee Snover applied for and received a permit to rent the pavilion at Town Hall Park. Had she wanted to rent the entire park, she could have applied for an event permit. In her application, she estimated the crowd size at 100, knowing full well that the event would be much larger. In a revised application, the estimate was increased to 150. A township rule bans the "[p]osting or displaying [of] any sign, banner, or advertisement of a political or commercial nature." Snover assured officials, in writing, that "[w]e will only display our organization banner and American flag. No trump [sic] flags or candidate signs will be displayed." 

Snover broke her promises. On the day of this superspreader, the true believers took over the entire park even though they had only rented the pavilion.  They parked everywhere, including grass and walking trails. They ripped tables out of the pavilion so people could sit at them. CDC guidelines concerning masks and social distancing were ignored. And of course, there were Trump signs everywhere.

Banonis' jeep

Banonis refused to confirm whether he was at this shindig. "What I do in my personal time is really no business of Council," he snarked at Council's October 7 meeting. Unfortunately for him, Saucon Shenanigans has a photo of him making his way to the rally.  I have also been sent a picture of his bad-ass black Jeep, parked right in the middle of the walking trail.

Fuck the walkers.   

In addition to taking over the entire park, the true believers also attempted to ban the press from covering their superspreader. "This is a closed-to-press event," announced a McCloskey handler from the Trump campaign. "This is not for the media." 

No sooner did he make this announcement that the true believers spun around and began shouting "Go! Go!" and "Hit the road!" to the reporters who were there. One of them purposely coughed in the face of a reporter. Others made a point of waving Trump flags or standing directly in front of anyone attempting to videotape the event, including at least one member of the public. (Her video is here.)  

Lower Saucon Tp taxpayers are on the hook for $1,939.02 for police coverage and $1,068.06 in cleanup costs. 

At Lower Saucon Tp's October 7 meeting, Banonis demonstrated his own disdain for both the press and even members of the public speaking at courtesy of the floor. He tried  to prevent PBS reporter Ben Stemrich from speaking. He interrupted members of the public and condescended or mansplained to Council members Priscilla deLeon and Kristen Stauffer. Though he supposedly represents the Lower Saucon taxpayer, he did his best to torpedo any effort to collect these expenses. 

Banonis stridently defended this illegal gathering. By the way, he at the time happened to be the Vice Chair of the NorCo GOP. 

According to the rumor mill, this Allentown civil defense lawyer, defender of big insurance money everywhere, may have recently given up his Republican post. Given his didain for both the public and press, he has ignored my email to him on this topic. I'm told his resignation was prompted by Lee Snover's recent, and very public, complaint that Trump has refused to visit Northampton County. She apparently thinks Northampton County will be the deciding factor in whether Trump is re-elected. 

West Easton Borough Constable's Bail Revoked

I told you earlier this week that West Easton Borough Constable Tricia Mezzacappa was a no-show on Tuesday morning for her trial on making false reports to the Pennsylvania State Police. Her lawyer, respected criminal defense barrister John Waldron, advised the Court that he had instructed her to be present. He later filed a motion to withdraw as her attorney, citing "irreconcilable differences."

If a jury panel was brought in, and she failed to show as a result of her usual irrational piques, then she inconvenienced many people, to say nothing of the cost to the county. 

Whether she made any attempt to explain herself to the courts is unknown to me, but I think it unlikely. I say this because President Judge Michael J Koury, Jr. has revoked her bail. 

According to sources in West Easton, she's hiding. Her house is dark except for a light in the back. She has stashed her silver Cadillac on some side street. Tricia, they know.  

If you see her or know where she is, contact the Sheriff's tip line at (610) 829-6527. 

Gerlach & Siegel Vote No To 11 New Allentown Police Officers

Me-Me Gerlach

On Wednesday evening, Allentown City Council was asked to approve 11 new police officers. This would put the department at full strength, but not for long. In December, as many as 30 officers will be eligible to retire. 

Of the 11 new officers, four are woman. One is not only Latin, but fluent in Spanish. Another understands sign language. It's a diverse bunch.

Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach, of course, had a few questions. She wanted to know whether these new hires has been vetted to determine if they belong to any hate groups or are white supremacists. She was assured they were thoroughly investigated. Then she asked whether any of the new hires had backgrounds as teachers or in social services. She was told a number of them have college degrees and were in other fields before becoming police officers.

Then she voted No. Council member Josh Siegel also voted No, and without explanation, to a measure at the very core of what a city government does. Its primary function is to protect the people who live there.

Fuck the police. 

Gerlach and Siegel, both of whom want to be Allentown's nest Mayor voted No in an obvious attempt to pander to felons like Hasshan "Fuck the Police" Batts as well as misguided circus clowns like Black Lives Matter's Justan PBarker. If a few people die because a cop's not around, so be it. 

As I've mentioned some time ago, Allentown business owner Nat Hyman, who actually has lived in the Queen City his entire life, is seriously weighing a run for Mayor himself. I asked him what he thought of these No votes, which might be the first time any Lehigh Valley municipal official has said No to giving a police department the manpower it needs. Here's what Nat told me:

"It is terribly disconcerting  when an elected official puts politics or the own agenda ahead of the safety of the citizens they have been elected to represent. At a prior City Council meeting, Gerlach and Siegel likewise voted to not accept $110,000 from the federal government for our police department, which came with absolutely no strings attached.  They are making political statements with the tax payers’ money and, in the process, showing a wanton disregard for the best interests of our City, the safety of our citizens and common sense governance."

I'll end this with a little story about Ce-Ce. When the pandemic first hit, and there were shortages of just about everything, she called Nat Hyman and asked if he could get her a few bottles of hand sanitizer for the homeless.  He got her a pallet. She never said thank you, and later refused to sign a commendation praising Hyman for his Allentown sign. 

That's why I call Ce-Ce Me-Me.

Happy National Pierogi Day

 

Incidentally, the plural of pierogi is pierogi. 

Mike Pence: Lord of Flies!

 

Bullshit draws flies, so it's no surprise that at least one of them spent a good few minutes walking around on Mike Pence's perfectly coiffured hair during last night's Vice Presidential debate with Kamala Harris at The University of Utah's Kingsbury Hall. I think he eventually swallowed it. The Lord of Flies offered a pale imitation of Donald Trump's by repeatedly interrupting Harris and talking way beyond his allotted time. Harris ducked a question about packing the Supreme Court by asserting that Trump has been loading the courts with incompetent ideologues. Pence also evaded questions about pre-existing conditions and the Rose Garden superspreader, choosing instead to flail away at points made by Harris. 

I entered into this debate being less than thrilled with Kamala Harris. That changed last night. She was engaged and deftly copied Biden's tactic of looking directly into the camera to address the viewers. 

Moderator Susan Page was terrible. She allowed Pence to interrupt all too frequently and failed to insist he answer the questions posed. 

Harris delivered some great lines.

When Pence insisted that the  Trump administration's response has been effective, she countered with "You respond to the American people when you tell them the truth."   

Harris pointed out that both Trump and Pence were aware on January 28 of the severity of the pandemic, but failed to warn the public.

She later pointed out, "There was a time when our country believed in science.

She also effectively established that, while Trump claims he will have some still imaginary health coverage for pre-existing conditions, he is in  the Supreme Court right now trying to gut them.

"If you have a preexisting condition—heart disease, diabetes, breast cancer—they’re coming for you. If you love someone who has a preexisting condition, they’re coming for you. If you are under the age of 26 on your parents’ coverage, they’re coming for you.”    

On foreign policy, she noted that Trump "has betrayed our friends and has embraced dictators over the world." She later added, "He doesn't understand what it means to keep his word."

For his part, Pence drew flies. 

Legislators Seek Impeachment of Pa. Supreme Court Justice

Pennsylvania State Rep. Frank Ryan from Lebanon County plans a resolution to impeachment Pa. Supreme Court Justice David Wecht. (Read his memo here). So what did Wecht do? Did he take a bribe? Abuse lawyers arguing cases? Act intemperately? Boozehound? Nah, none of those things. Justice Wecht's impeachable penned opinions with which Ryan disagrees. What I find offensive is that, in addition to Ryan, there are over 30 co-sponsors to this nonsense. This included the Lehigh Valley's

Ryan MacKenzie. Usually, the judiciary ignores this partisan noise. Not this time. Several jursists have responded, including the evil Justice Wecht. 

  Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Thomas G. Saylor: “An independent judiciary is a cornerstone of our constitutional democracy. Threats of removal directed against judges based upon their decisions in selected cases are an affront to judicial independence.” 

Middle District of Pennsylvania Chief Judge John E. Jones III: “This effort by some members of the Pennsylvania legislature is just the latest bid in what seems like a national trend -- threatening to impeach judges because of disagreement with their decisions.  This challenge, like the others, is a direct threat to a bedrock of our constitutional democracy -- an independent judiciary.  Judges need to decide cases based on their understanding of what the law requires, without worrying that they might be removed from office if political actors don’t like their decisions.    “The good news is that impeachment as retribution for decisions is almost never successful.  Ever since the failed attempt to remove Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase in 1805, we have operated under a norm that judicial decisions should not be a basis for legislatures to remove judges from the bench.  I hope that the General Assembly as a whole appreciates the grave harm that would result from ignoring that norm.”  

Justice David N. Wecht: “In the United States of America, we do not impeach judges with whose opinions we disagree.  We are a nation of laws, not a nation of mobs.  When anyone, including legislators, attempts to intimidate our judges, they threaten our liberties and the rule of law.  It is ironic that here in Pennsylvania, the cradle of our nation’s liberty, some would forget our history and the tradition of judicial independence that has safeguarded our people’s freedoms.” 

Constable CrayCray on the Lam?

West Easton Borough Constable Tricia Mezzacappa was scheduled to face the music yesterday on a charge that she gave a false report to the Pennsylvania State Police. But when her case was called, she was nowhere to be found. She is represented by respected criminal defense lawyer John Waldron, Esq., but he's apparently had enough. He told the Court this morning that he was filing a motion to withdraw as her lawyer, and added he had advised her to be in court.

Mezzacappa has a long history of refusing to appear in court and missing deadlines.

The false report charge relates to an incident from on February 11, 2019. She called state police to report that a black man with a gun had assaulted her as she parked her vehicle outside her home. She claimed to have responded by pulling out her own gun and firing at this guy as he darted in and out of a nearby house. State police responded in force, but were unable to find any evidence she had fired her weapon at anyone. What they did learn is that, earlier that night, she went ballistic at that nearby neighbor because his car's exhaust system was too loud.

This was her way of getting even. She must have figured that since her neighbor is black, police would believe her. But investigation revealed that her weapon had not been recently fired and no neighbor could remember hearing a shot. There was no call about a shot being fired. Police were unable to find any shells or spent rounds. Her gun was sent for expert analysis, and the conclusion was that she had not fired it.

Her report took four or five troopers away from their duties in a rather large patrol area.

A few years ago, I sued her successfully for defamation. It appears she has learned nothing.

According to the District Attorney's office, a bench warrant has been issued for her. I do not see that in the online docket, but that usually takes one or two days. If she showed up later in the day with some half-assed explanation, I doubt the court would imprison her. But if she just thumbed her nose at a court appearance, she will be getting an attitude adjustment.

Mezzacappa, incidentally, is an avid Trump supporter who organized all kinds of flag rallies and reportedly brandished a knife at a bunch of high school kids at one of some dueling protest this summer. She refers to Democrats as the "crime party."

Perhaps she should look in a mirror.

Isn't It a Bit Early To Start Running For Allentown Mayor?

Right now, we are in the middle of an important election cycle that might very well be the battle for the soul of a nation,. Incumbent Donald Trump, who is infected with the very disease he downplayed, is waging his typically ugly and mean-spirited campaign to retain power. In addition, we have a local Congressional race between Susan Wild and Lisa Scheller, to say nothing of several state house seats. Common sense would dictate that those considering local office next year would keep their powder dry until we at least know who won the current races. But that's not the way Matt Tuerk, an economic development guy rolls. He announced on Facebook yesterday that he's running for Mayor, and has Charlie Thiel as his campaign guru.

I heard Thiel's name mentioned quite a bit during the trial of disgraced Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski.

The last thing Allentown needs is a transplant from another area who promises to rejuvenate the city with someone who promises to create a city "truly open for business, creating jobs and bringing prosperity to every corner ... ."

Turek spent the past eight years with the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. In that time, he could have helped create a city "truly open for business, creating jobs and bringing prosperity to every corner ... ." If he failed to do it when his sole job was economic development, he certainly will fail as a Mayor with considerably more to do.

Like digging Allentown out of the financial mess it's in.

No doubt there will be a plethora of pretenders and contenders. Only one of them can read a budget. Only one can put the Queen City back on a sound financial footing. Only one understands that Allentown has already had too many economic development types at the helm. Only one has created affordable housing without asking for a LERTA, TIF, KOZ, NIZ, CRIZ or any of the alphabet soup of handouts that government falls all over itself to provide to rich guys.

That person is Nat Hyman.

And he's actually from the City.

Expect an announcement. But expect it after the current election, so everyone can catch their breath.

Is NorCo GOP the Real Crime Party?

Accused felons pose with NorCo GOP Chair

Übermensch Donald Trump likes to refer to the Democratic party as the crime party, but that's certainly untrue here in Northampton County. One of his fiercest cheerleaders, Tricia Mezzacappa, failed to appear in court yesterday on false report charges. Another of his myrmidons, GOP Party boss Gloria Lee Snover, actually organized a rally to honor a St. Louis couple who brandished firearms at protesters who marched past their home in the wake of the George Floyd killing. That couple, who were also featured speakers at the Republican National Convention, has been charged by a St. Louis Grand Jury with brandishing their semi-automatic weapons and tampering with evidence. These are felonies.

These weapons were pointed at the protesters, and Mrs. McCloskey had her finger on the trigger. The McCloskeys insist these protesters were trespassers who threatened them, but the prosecuting attorney found they were peaceful and unarmed protesters.

Updated: Trump Undermines Covid-19 Response

I was genuinely sorry when I learned that President Donald Trump contracted Covid-19. I wished him well as he entered a hospital. Then, on Sunday night, he paraded in a black Chevy SUV in front of his worshipers, This endangered the lives of Secret Service agents who have since been ordered to quarantine themselves.  Upon his release from the hospital on Monday night, he defiantly ripped off his mask and marched into the White House, exposing everyone around him.

His cavalier attitude towards a pandemic that has now killed 210,000 plus Americans is simply appalling. 

Update: Trump has even begun making flu analogies again. At 8:03 am, he tweets this: "Flu season is coming up! Many people every year, sometimes over 100,000, and despite the Vaccine, die from the Flu. Are we going to close down our Country? No, we have learned to live with it, just like we are learning to live with Covid, in most populations far less lethal!!!"

Blogger's Note: Originally published at 12:00 am.

Easton's West Ward Shootings To Be Discussed at Community Park on Wednesday

I've told you before that Easton's west ward, which incidentally includes the courthouse, has been subjected this summer to an unusually large number of shootings. According to DA Terry Houck, this is NOT the product of gang activity. He has instead called these shooters "thugs and punks" out to settle scores. "What is ultimately going to happen here is a child is going to be killed in the cross-fire," he warned.

What is happening in the West Ward appears to be part of a nationwide trend in US cities. At last week's debate, President Donald Trump blamed "Democrat cities." It's certainly true that Democrats tend to run city governments. But according to The New York Times, violent crime has been increasing in Republican strongholds as well.

On Wednesday, at 4:45 pm, there will be a community event concerning these shootings at Centennial Park, located at 1216 Ferry Street. Elected officials will pontificate. Nothing will happen.

This happens to be precisely where a friend of mine named Thich Huynh was shot four years ago. He was out for an early evening walk, and was shot when a group of four teens ran through the park, blasting away. Only one of these four was ever apprehended. Huynh never received notice when this punk pleaded to some bargained down offense. Huynh was never compensated in any way. To this day, he is afraid to walk in Easton.

Four years ago, Lance Wheeler, a long-time West Ward activist and local constable, asked why there were no cameras in the park.

"The Mayor wants to ban guns in parks. How about installing cameras? If there were cameras, police would already have the shooters."

Noting that the City recently received a grant from the County for things like landlord training, Wheeler thinks a better use of that money would have been for cameras.

"They have cameras everywhere downtown. Why not the West Ward?"

Four years later, are there any cameras? Of course not. But there will be plenty of hot air. Mayor Sal Panto is listed as one of the speakers. He probably thinks West Ward is in Bethlehem.

Grandpa Armstrong Gives LC Voters a Tour of Mail-in Ballots

Fellow blogger LVCI beat me on Grandpa Armstrong's latest update, but I have to post about it anyway. This time, he actually put on a tour director's hat as he gave a tour of the voting process. Mayor Tommy Shanks would be proud. Here's a brief summary of Grandpa's tour:

* 63,000 people have so far requested mail-in ballots. Mailing started on Monday.

* Be sure to place your ballot inside a secrecy envelope, and then place that envelope inside a postage paid envelope. You must sign and date the voter's declaration.

* You can vote now at the Lehigh County Government Center.

* Lehigh County will have five drop boxes throughout the county, as noted by LVCI.

Toomey To End Political Career?

Just yesterday, I told several people that US Senator Pat Toomey would be running for Governor instead of seeking re-election. According to several news sources, it will be neither. We can hear from Toomey himself at 10 AM.

McClure Introduces Third No-Tax Hike Budget in a Row

For the third time since taking office as Northampton County Executive, Lamont McClure has proposed a budget that holds the line on real estate taxes. His $440 million spending plan for next year, which he introduced on October 2, is 11% lower than this year's budget. It keeps the tax rate at 11.8 mills, where it's been for the past seven years. A home assessed at $75,000 will receive a tax bill next year for $885. The budget is also balanced.

This budget will be reviewed by County Council in a series of five budget hearings. Council can accept the budget as proposed, make changes or reject it. In an oddity of the county's home rule charter, a thumbs down would mean the spending plan as proposed would go into effect automatically.

The biggest impact on the current year's spending plan is something no one even considered when it was adopted. That was the Covid-19 pandemic. Northampton County suddenly found itself the custodian of $27.6 million in CARES Act money to distribute to other municipalities, nonprofits, school districts and small businesses hit hard by an economic shutdown. Over the past few months, Northampton County has distributed most of this money, which includes $8.6 million to nearly 700 small businesses in the form of $15,000 grants. Whether the County is tasked again with distributing more relief depends on Congress.

McClure's spending plan includes a $3 million commitment to fund open space. This is accomplished by purchasing conservation easements under which farmers agree to never develop their land. In addition, the county purchases environmentally sensitive land and both creates and maintains parks. In his budget message, McClure states his object is to both preserve green space and limit warehouse proliferation.

In past years, Gracedale has often required a county contribution to stay afloat. The county's nursing home is the largest in the state. But no county contribution is needed this year and none is projected for 2021. McClure said his budget will continue with technology and automation improvements at the home designed to counter the impact of Covid-19.

The proposed budget also calls for a crosswalk to a newly constructed parking lot across the street from the courthouse; finishing touches to a state-of the-art forensic center in Upper Nazareth Tp; and funding for recent election changes mandated by the state.

Best Wishes for President and Melania Trump

Both President Donald Trump and the First Lady,  Melania, have tested positive for Covid-19. The President is reportedly experiencing mild symptoms. While readers of this blog know I detest him as President, I hope he and his wife recover quickly.

We can keep professional basketball players safe inside a bubble, but that's impossible for a President seeking re-election. 

If Trump becomes seriously ill, he or the cabinet can designate VP Pence as Acting President under the 25th Amendment to the US Constitution. Pence has tested negative.

The line of succession would be Pence (VP), Pelosi (Speaker), Pompeo (Sec'y of State), Mnuchin (Sec'y of Treasury).

NorCo Exec Proposes No-Tax Hike 2021 Budget

I will update this post once Executive Lamont McClure finishes his budget address.

NorCo Council Approves Additional $2.4 MM in Covid-19 Relief

This warning against ballot harvesting is at
every drop box. 

At their October 1 meeting Northampton County Council voted to spend $2.4 million on a wide variety of projects aimed at mitigating the damage done by Covid-19 as well as the corresponding state shutdown. This includes $684,185 in Covid-related grants to ten municipalities; a $648,256 grant to prevent homelessness; $800,000 to Northampton County's four colleges; and $279,500 in grants to 22 small businesses. This money is part of $27.6 million in CARES Act funding. It must be out the door by year's end. According to Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron, the Council still has about $1.5 million left to spend.

In addition to this spending, Council also decided to reinstate hazard pay at Gracedale. This money also comes form the CARES Act, but is part of a separate funding stream. All nursing home employees will get a 20% payhike, retroactive to September 20. Employees in units with two or more Covid-19 patients will get 25%, and those working in the isolation ward will be paid 30%.

Department of Community and Economic Development Director Tina Smith reported that the Council's previous decision to award $800,000 in CARES Act funding for internet vouchers at area school districts will have to be limited to whatever can be spent this calendar year.

In other business, Executive Lamont McClure advised Council that Human Resources Director Elizabeth Kelly has resigned. "I relied on her mightily," he said. He has named Kelly's Deputy, Kathleen Wedge, as Acting Director. There are 2,200 county employees.

Drop-box at NorCo rotunda

In addition to the switch on Human Resources, there's been a change in the Office of Veterans Affairs. Alex Carrillo, a US Army veteran who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, will take over for recently departed Freddie Ramirez, Jr. Carrillo is already a county employee working in Children, Youth and Families.

In preparation for the upcoming Presidential election, McClure advised Council that 62,561 applications for mail-in ballots have now been received, and 52,000 have been mailed. He added that, thus far, there have been 303 early voters.

"You've got no excuse to not vote in Northampton County," he added.

Council member John Cusick expressed some concern about ballot harvesting, a practice under which one person collects and files ballots on behalf of several people. "It will be a crime to do that," remarked McClure, who added that notices are posted at drop-boxes indicating that only the person who voted may deposit a ballot unless he fills out a form authorizing someone else to do so. He noted cameras are trained on every drop-box. "It'll be on a camera so you're gonna' go to jail," he warned would-be law breakers.

MC/Muhlenberg Poll Shows Trump Has Three-Point Lead in NorCo

A Muhlenberg College Morning Call poll released today shows incumbent Susan Wild with a substantial (52-39) lead in the Pa. 7th Congressional District. This comes as no surprise, given its overall Democratic population. What I find disturbing about this poll, which cautions it has a 5.5% margin of error, is that it gives President Donald Trump a 49-46 lead over former Vice President Joe Biden in Northampton County. I have repeatedly warned that Northampton County is poised to vote for him again.

The poll was conducted among a sampling of 412 "likely voters" between September 21-24. Likely voters are newly registered voters or those who have actually voted in one of the last four general elections, and who say they are likely to vote on November 3.

In Lehigh County, Biden has a 56-39 lead. He's ahead in Monroe County, too, at 50-48.

Low-Income Seniors and Vets Might Be Eligible for Free Internet

From Northampton County: Internet vouchers are now available in Northampton County to low-income veterans and seniors. Recipients must meet HUD income guidelines to be eligible for twelve months of free basic internet services. The vouchers can only be used for new and Internet First (federally subsidized program for RCN or Service Electric) customers. Internet service must begin by November 30, 2020.

To apply for an internet voucher, call Northampton County:

· Seniors can call Area Agency on Aging at 610-829-4540

· Veterans can call Information, Referral, Emergency Services at 610-829-4800

In July, Northampton County Council approved $175,000 to purchase Wi-Fi annual vouchers and electronic equipment for underserved senior citizens and veterans within the county.

NorCo Has had 215 "Early Voters" as of September 30

This area is set aside for voters to complete ballots. 

There are three ways to vote in Northampton County. First, you can vote at your polling precinct on election day. Second, you can apply for a ballot and vote by mail. If you distrust the mail-in ballot option yet hate standing in line. there is a third way to vote. It's called early voting or ballot-by-demand.

If you'd like to vote this way, you can do so at the courthouse (669 Washington St, Easton, Pa)  anytime between 8:30 am and 8 pm on weekdays, or between 8 am and noon on Saturday. 

As of 2 pm on September 30, 215 people have exercised this third option. I imagine there will be many more as election day approaches. 

New "Hands Free" Temp Check at NorCo

If you want to get inside the Northampton County Courthouse, you must wear a mask, submit to a temp check and go through a metal detector. While I understand that these precautions are necessary, I must say I've been tired of getting thermometers stuck up my ass, especially when they break. So I was delighted yesterday to see a brand new, noninvasive temperature sensor. You line your head up with a silhouette on the scanner and get a reading.

The device announced "normal" and "normal" as the two people in front of me lined up their heads with the outline. For me, it said "empty."

These scanners were purchased with money the county received under the CARES Act.

Trump Supporters: Please Vote, But Do Not Interfere at Polling Places

One of the most inspiring things I see as an election day poll worker is the sight of people on crutches and walkers who make their way into my polling place to exercise their suffrage. Even before mail-in ballots, most of these people would have every right to seek an absentee ballot. They insist on voting in person even though it must be a painful struggle for some. I have the utmost respect for these real patriots, no matter how they vote. I also see young couples who bring their children with them right into the voting booth. These kids are thrilled when they get an "I voted" sticker. Don't tell the county, but sometimes I slip them two. My job as an elections judge is to make sure that every registered voter is able to cast a ballot free from interference or intimidation. Outside the polling station, voters usually must pass through a gauntlet of campaign workers, making last-minute pitches for their candidates. That's democracy. These politicos know, however, to stay outside. If unaware, they are educated. Politics and exhortations must end once inside the voting sanctum sanctorum. That's why I was particularly distressed by some of the comments Donald Trump made on Tuesday's debate. He is imploring his unthinking minions to invade the polling stations and watch people as they vote. Unless you are certified by the party or candidate as a poll watcher, this is illegal. As an election judge, I will bar anyone inside the polling station unless certified as a watcher.

"I'm urging my supporters to go into the polls and watch very carefully," Trump responded when asked whether he would urge his supporters to stay calm. He clearly wants his supporters to come into the polling place to intimidate other voters.

He previously has said, "We're going to have sheriffs, and we're going to have law enforcement, and we're going to have, hopefully, US attorneys, and we're going to have everybody and attorney generals (sic)." This is illegal, too. Police officers, whether uniformed or not, must stay at least 100' away unless they are there to vote or are requested by the election judge.

Under Pennsylvania's Election Code, each party may designate three watchers per precinct and each candidate can name two people. They must be certified as watchers by the Registrar. If they want to come inside the polling place they are welcome so long as they present their credentials. They serve a useful role. They ensure transparency and can let the elections judge know if they wish to challenge a voter on the basis of identity or eligibility. But the law also limits the number of people allowed inside at any one time, and an uncertified poll watcher who is there simply because he or she supports Trump or Biden will be requested to leave.

It should be a very busy day. A bevy of uncertified watchers will booth intimidate voters and make the job of elections workers even more difficult.