NorCo Council Awards $1.3 M to 93 Small Businesses

On December 10, at their last meeting of the year, Northampton County Council voted 8-0 to award $1.3 million in pandemic relief grants to 93 small businesses. Most of these awards were for $15,000, with no restrictions on how the money is spent. Altogether, Northampton County has awarded approximately $10.1 million to 766 county-owned businesses.  

This money is part of $27.6 million the county received under the CARES Act, with instructions to spend by year's end. Executive Lamont McClure established and Council approved a "pandemic protection program"  for small business grants; tourism; municipal and community assistance; mental health and addiction projects; nonprofit assistance; and broadband development at area schools. 

The small business grants were marketed by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and without regard to whether the business was a member. County Council approved the awards in four separate rounds in which businesses were considered on a first come,first served basis. 

The Chamber was entitled to a fee for its assistance, but poured that money back into the small business grant program. 

McClure felt it was important to get the money out as soon as possible. "“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy” he said at one point.  “They provide jobs and deliver needed services to our residents."

To qualify, a business had to be (1) located in Northampton County, (2) have fewer than 100 employees and (3) missed out on previous awards. 

Council member Peg Ferraro was absent. 

The latest awards coincide with a new Covid-19 mitigation measures imposed Governor Tom Wolf, which in part force local restaurants and bars to suspend indoor dining for three weeks. 

Donchez Endorses McClure in Exec Race

From Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez: Today I am proud to announce that I am endorsing and strongly supporting Lamont McClure for a second term as Northampton County Executive. 

During the past 4 years, Executive McClure has demonstrated leadership in dealing with the pandemic, preserving open space, fiscal responsibility in County Government and providing CARES funding to small businesses throughout Northampton County. 

As Mayor of the City of Bethlehem, I have worked closely with him in the consolidation of Bethlehem’s 911 system into the County 911 system, distributing $100,000 to the Bethlehem Area School District for internet access for our students, and distributing $1.8 million in CARES funding to Bethlehem businesses who are facing serious challenges. 

Despite these challenging times, Executive McClure has been fiscally responsible by presenting a no tax increase budget to County Council every year since becoming Executive. His leadership, his commitment to small business, expanding the preservation of open space and providing funding to school districts for internet access are reasons why I am supporting and endorsing him for a second term.

Will Wolf's Latest Edict Cause Mistrial in Holmes Case?

Jacob Holmes

Late yesterday afternoon, Governor Tom Wolf responded to a spike in Covid-19 cases by imposing a new set of restrictions. Among them is a ban on indoor gatherings of more than 10 people, scheduled to go into effect on Saturday at midnight. Will this latest order result in a mistrial in the Jacob Holmes murder trial, which is expected to continue into next week? That's just the latest headache for President Judge Michael J Koury, Jr. and everyone involved. But it seems unlikely. 

As I explained yesterday, the court has already taken extensive precautions to prevent the courtroom from being a superspreader. Everyone is spread out and masked. 

In his Order, Governor Wolf explains.  

Classroom instruction by school entities is not a “gathering” or “event” for purposes of this Order.  Nor is a meeting of electors, including any preparation, to perform the duties enjoined upon them by the Constitution and the laws of the Commonwealth and of the United States a “gathering” or “event” for purposes of this Order. 

If classroom instruction or elections can continue, it would make sense that a jury trial already in progress should be allowed to reach its conclusion. 

Two more days of testimony are expected. 

Jacob Holmes is currently on trial in the execution-style slaying of Miguel Aponte at Easton Cafe on March 30, 2009. 

If convicted, he could be sentenced to death. 

Yesterday, the jury heard from Melvin Bryson, Jr,, currently serving a sentence in prison in an unrelated matter. Bryson is also in quarantine after having been exposed to Covid-19, and is awaiting test results. That's why he testified remotely. 

Bryson, known as Junior, told the jury that Miguel was like a son to him, and worked with him detailing cars not far from Easton Cafe. They'd go there for lunch or for a few drinks after work. They were there on March 30, 2009. Bryson and "JP" played the poker machine, while Miguel Aponte was seated at the bar. 

At some point, he said that Frankie Barndt (see yesterday's story) called and stopped by, but was not there very long. 

Later, while he was at the poker machine, he heard a bang at the door. The bartender went over to answer "and that's when everything went crazy." He heard "Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!" and dropped to the floor. He could see the shooter, but only partially. He was wearing a hoodie and his face was mostly covered.  

After the shooting, Bryson went over to Miguel. "He's someone I loved dearly and there was nothing I could do to help him. He just had a baby and was trying to make things better."

Bryson went outside and the shooter was still there. "Get the fuck back in the bar!" commanded the shooter. Bryson said he only part of the assailant's face but knew he was black because "his voice sounded like a black man."   

Bryson himself is black. 

He went out of the bar a second time to chase after the shooter, but was stopped by police and briefly detained as they made sure he and his friends were unarmed. 

On cross, Bryson was asked by Attorney Brian Monahan if the shooter might be Barndt. He denied it was him. "The shooter was not Frank. I know Frank's voice and know everything about him."

Maraleen Shields to Seek One of Three LC Judgeships

Maraleen Shields, Esq. 

There will be three judicial vacancies in Lehigh County last year. Maraleen Shields is seeking one of them.

Shields is originally from North Braddock in Allegheny County. She unfortunately lost her father when she was just seven years old, and was raised by her mother, Doris. She attended Woodland Hills High School, a school created as the result of a 1981 court-ordered desegregation merger. There, she discovered her interest in the law by participating in high school mock trial competitions. 

After graduating from Kenyon College, Shields earned her law degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, graduating magna cum laude. She also participated in the school's Law Review, an honor reserved for top students. 

After law school, Maraleen began her career in Philadelphia handling commercial and mass tort defense litigation at Saul Ewing and Reed Smith. She went on to practice at Post & Schell and Stevens & Lee, handling complex medical malpractice litigation throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. In 2014, Maraleen joined Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, P.C. (FL&B) becoming a member of both the Health Care as well as the Litigation and Trial Practice groups. In 2017, she became the first person of color to become a shareholder of the firm. She serves on FL&B’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Marketing, and Summer Associate Committees. She joins her colleagues in many volunteer efforts such as Habitat for Humanity’s She Nailed It! Fundraising social and competition.

In 2006, Maraleen and her husband, a Lehigh Valley native, decided to make the Lehigh Valley their home. Over the last nearly fifteen years, Maraleen has developed deep connections to the Lehigh Valley. She currently resides in South Whitehall Township with her husband of 14 years, Kevin Law Orloski, Esq., and their two children, Cole (age 10) and Sage (age 4).

She was the President of the Parents’ Association of Cetronia Elementary School, where her son is in the fifth grade. She was a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Hillside School; a member of the Board of Directors of Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers; and a Member of the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council of Lehigh Valley Inter-regional Networking & Connecting (LINC). She was recently invited to participate in Parkland School District’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, which will guide the district in developing a sustainable pathway towards equity, inclusion, cultural relevance/responsiveness, and social emotional learning.

She is active in the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA), serving as Chair of the Minority Bar Committee’s Rising Star Program Subcommittee, Co-Chair of the Women in the Profession Commission’s Diversity Committee, and Co-Chair of the Health Care Committee. In 2016, she was invited to serve on the PBA’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Membership Engagement which focused on engagement of mothers, millennials, and minorities. For this work, she was honored with the PBA President’s Award in 2018.

Maraleen was invited to join the PBA’s Joint Task Force on Continuity of Legal Services, which is currently focused on creating recommendations to ensure continuity and consistency of legal services from one jurisdiction to another in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier this year she was honored to receive the prestigious Lynette Norton Award. This award recognizes a female attorney who excels in litigation and is devoted to the mentorship of women in the profession. Maraleen is especially proud to be the first woman of color to receive this award. 

She has been named to the PA Rising Stars list 2008, 2010, 2012-2018. She received Lehigh Valley Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 Award and Lehigh Valley Magazine’s Legal Leader Award. She is a frequent speaker on diversity, equity, and inclusion, health care, and litigation matters.

Asked why she is seeking a seat on the court, Maraleen said, “I believe my experience and deep respect for the law will be a valuable asset to the people of Lehigh County. Being a good judge is about more than knowing the law, it is also about compassion and communicating effectively with people. The judicial system is, by its very nature, adversarial. When people arrive in the courtroom, it is because something has gone wrong and the parties have not been able to resolve their differences. In my life and practice, I treat people with a baseline level of kindness, decency, and respect. If given the opportunity, I intend to continue in this vein and judge cases without being judgmental of the participants.”

For more information please go to shieldsforlcjudge.com to connect with the campaign.

All I can say is Wow!

Hyman Will Support O'Connell For Mayor

For the past several years, Allentown businessman Nat Hyman and Mayor Ray O'Connell have been political rivals. But they're now allied against Mayoral candidate Ce-Ce Gerlach. Hyman is prepared to give his full-throated support if Ray can be coaxed into seeking re-election. O'Connell will make that decision today. 

In contrast to what The Morning Call has written, their objection to Gerlach has nothing to do with her progressive views. In fact, Hyman and O'Connell are themselves progressive.  Their problem with this unemployed opportunist is that she would ruin Allentown. Here's what Hyman said, just a few short days ago. 

I have spent several hours with Ms. Gerlach and it is all too apparent that she has neither the intellectual capacity, nor the experience, education or ability to run a $110,000,000 city with 800 employees. More importantly, I do not believe she has the moral or ethical fiber to be Mayor of this City. Remember, this is the same woman who said “f*** the police” and then LIED about it. She rejected $110,000 in free money from the federal government for our police, purely to make a political statement. She filmed a poor soul committing suicide, posted it on Facebook for her own political aspirations before his family even knew about it and then LIED about it. She apologized to some rioters, not having the life experience to understand that, in so doing, she exposed our City to litigation which could very well cost our taxpayers money. She was only a few months into her term on City Council before deciding to run for Mayor, betraying the trust of those who voted for her. She presided over a School Board that repeatedly ran the school district into financial devastation, and she will do the same thing to this City. And, unbeknownst to most, she is presently looking for a job (in addition to Mayor) on linkedin.com and LYING on her resume! On it, she implies that she has a BA degree in business administration from Muhlenberg College. That is a LIE! She only took a few courses there in 2017. I urge you to go on that page, although, given her past history, she probably removed it or revised it upon reading this article (I took a screen shot of it for posterity).  If she were to do that in any company, she would be fired immediately. She should be fired from City Council for it.

None of this has anything to do with being a progressive. It also has nothing to do with her sex or race. It has everything to do with her dishonesty, poor judgment, divisiveness and poor financial knowledge. . 

McClure Makes It Official - He's Running

As expected, Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure today announced he will seek a second term as Executive. He did so outside the courthouse rotunda before a small and masked crowd of supporters. He refrained from inviting County Council to limit the size of the gathering. His announcement is below: 

In 2017, we saw the struggles our senior citizens were having fighting to stay in their homes. The crushing burden of ever-increasing real estate property taxes making continuing home ownership less and less tenable every year. With those seniors in the forefront of our minds, we promised we would not raise their county property taxes over the next 4 years. We have proposed and passed, through County Council, three straight no tax increase budgets and in the coming year we will propose and pass a 4th. We have done this through making wise financial transactions and by cutting the budget by 17% over the last 2 years alone.

In 2017, we heard our citizens talk about sitting in traffic for far too long on 22 with big rigs all around them. Likewise, we heard the stories of being on 78, knuckles white from gripping the steering wheel, praying to just make it home safely. We promised we would battle the uncontrolled growth of warehouses and the multiplying truck traffic by preserving farmland, environmentally sensitive land, and more open space than ever before. We have done just that. We have invested millions in preserving farmland, protecting environmentally sensitive land, and expanding and updating County and municipal parks. The millions we have invested has allowed us to leverage millions more. Northampton County’s future is green."

In 2017, mindful of the history that there were those who sought to sell Gracedale or turn it into a corporation, we pledged that Gracedale would continue to be county owned. We did so as it is our moral obligation to provide a safe and secure home for folks who are unfortunately afflicted with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Folks who have no means to afford high quality care. Through this first term, with competence, compassion, and courage we have worked to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.

As I prepare to seek a second term as your County Executive, it is important to state from the outset that, it has been the most difficult test, and greatest honor of my lifetime, to be leading Northampton County through its most turbulent times in over 100 years. The failure of the Federal Government to confront the Covid-19 pandemic immediately and with the full might of the American Government caused a medical and economic devastation that state and local leaders were left to their own devices to confront. But we did not do it alone. In fact, the people of Northampton County lead the fight against Covid-19. They were disciplined and they stayed home. They wore their masks, washed their hands and stayed 6 feet apart. They got tested when they did not feel well, and they did their best to stay away from other people to stop the spread. While our citizens were disciplined and looked out for each other, those on the front line of this pandemic are the true heroes. Nurses, doctors, corrections officers, EMS professionals, folks who work in grocery stores, warehouses and pharmacies took care of us at great personal risk to themselves. Without them, the devastation would be much, much worse.

We confronted the Coronavirus head on. With competence and courage, we have charted a course with you on our minds every day. We swung into action creating our Pandemic Protection Plan that held the twin goals of protecting the public health and helping our small businesses survive and laying the foundation for them to thrive on the other side of the catastrophe. In fact, we have helped more than 750 businesses with over 10 million dollars by throwing them this lifeline. We lead by requiring universal masking and temperature screening in all County facilities. We lead for you by forming Covid-19 testing collaborations, first with Easton Hospital, and now with Coordinated Health. This increased our testing and tracing capacity in Northampton County. This is one of the reasons, despite being affected by 3 of world’s Covid-19 hotspots, Northampton County continues to hold its own against the virus. The pandemic has not passed us yet, and we will continue to fight it for you with all the resources we can bring to bear against it.

Over these next 4 years we will continue to lead for you with the competence and compassion you have come to expect from us. We will continue fighting for a green future and against ever increasing truck traffic by investing millions more in green space preservation, renewable energy projects and energy efficient construction. Northampton County’s future is green.

We will continue to accomplish important work like the completion of the new Forensic Center – more than 30 years in the making. We brought this long overdue project in on time and under budget. We are not perfect, but when we make mistakes, we learn from them. For you, we adapt, we grow. And that is why Northampton County put on the best Presidential Election in the entire Commonwealth – both Primary and General Elections. We did that and we did it during the worst health and economic situation seen since 1918.

Today I am formally announcing my candidacy for a second term as your Northampton County Executive. Mindful of where we have been, and the tragedies and triumphs we have seen together, I will bring all we have learned together into a second term so that we can keep Northampton County moving forward into the future.

Wolf Imposes New Restrictions

 At a news conference late this afternoon, Gov. Tom Wolf announced new Covid-19 restrictions to take effect on Saturday at 12:01 am until Monday, January 4 at 8 am. 

No indoor dining.

Casinos, bowling alleys, theaters and gyms closed.

No high school sports.

No spectators at pro or college sports.  

50% occupancy at every business.   

Indoor gatherings limited to 10 people. 

Northampton County is currently in the middle of a capital jury trial. Testimony in that case is supposed to continue on Monday. Will these new restrictions necessitate a mistrial? I believe that case must be permitted to conclude. 

Houck Trying First Capital Case as DA

 

Last week, Northampton County DA Terry Houck was dragged in front of Northampton County Council on two separate evenings when they attempted unsuccessfully to defund half of his $100,000 request for Lehigh County's Regional Intelligence and Investigations Center (RIIC). If he looks a little tired, it's because he's in the middle of a murder trial. Like his predecessor John Morganelli, Houck is personally trying some of the higher profile cases. Right now, he's in the middle of a capital case against Jacob Holmes, who has been charged in the execution-style murder of Miguel Apointe at Easton Cafe on March 30, 2009. Houck believes this is the first capital case being tried in the Commonwealth since Covid reared its ugly head. Curious about how the courts are handling jury trials in the middle of a pandemic, I sat in on part of the trial yesterday. As luck would have it, I caught the testimony of Franklin Barndt, who admitted to conspiring with Holmes to set up the murder. 

Houck is being assisted in this trial by Deputy DA Tatum Wilson. Brian Monahan and Matt Goodrich represent Holmes. President Judge Michael J Koury, Jr. is trying the case. 

What accommodations have been made for Covid? 

First, courtroom occupancy is limited to 25. Overflow rooms have been set up in the jury lounge and court administrator's office for members of the public, who mostly consist of family members for Jacob Holmes. 

Second, everything is spread out. The jury is scattered throughout the courtroom instead of being squeezed into a jury box. From time to time, Judge Koury will ask if any of them has trouble seeing or hearing what is being said. 

Third, everyone entering the courtroom is provided with a clear face mask. This is presumably so that jurors can see the facial expressions on the trial's participants. 

Barndt's Testimony

Clad in a grey and white prison jumpsuit and orange slippers, Franklin Barndt admits that he initially denied that Holmes was involved in the shooting. But after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit criminal homicide, he fingered Holmes as the shooter. He admits to calling Holmes, providing the illegal handgun used and showing him a back door to get into the bar. He also showed Holmes how to convert a T-Shirt into a Ninja mask. He acknowledges that, after the shooting, he tossed the gun into the Delaware River at Wy-Hit-Tuk Park in Williams Tp. 

It was a revenge shooting. Miguel Aponte was believed to have been involved in the shooting of Holmes at another bar in 2006, and this was payback. 

Houck went through a video that seemed to corroborate the basic details of Barndt's testimony. 

On cross, Brian Monahan had no trouble getting Barndt to admit that he had changed his story on multiple occasions between 2009 and 2013 and that he himself had an extensive criminal record.

Barndt denied he had made any deals with anyone and is serving a maximum sentence of 16-42 years for his role in the shooting. He said that even if the DA sent a letter to the parole board seeking clemency, he would still be incarcerated until at least 2029. Barndt at one time had threatened DA Tatum Wilson, and pleaded guilty to terroristic threats. 

What's Next?

Houck provided the names of several witnesses who will testify tomorrow and Friday. Apparently, every criminal in the Lehigh Valley worked at one time or another for a tree cutting service (I won't mention the name). Barndt testified that he had removed a tree at Judge Koury's mother's house, and Holmes added a few unsolicited details himself. A deputy sheriff told me that he pulled into his ex-wife's home one day, and numerous of the criminals his office was looking for were at her home, cutting down yet another tree. 

Philly Judge Seeks Seat on Pa. Super. Court

Judge Timika Lane

Philadelphia Common Please Judge Timika Lane has announced her candidacy for the Pennsylvania Superior Court. She was elected judge in 2013, but as extensive experience as a public-school teacher, child advocate and trial attorney. She explains. “By pursuing a seat on the Pennsylvania Superior Court, my work ethic and driving values of justice and integrity combined with my extensive legal experience will allow me to help ensure that all who come before the court receive equitable due process and have their voices heard.” 

Lane was elected in 2013 to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas and immediately assigned to one of the busiest trial divisions in Pennsylvania. Since her winning election, Judge Lane has presided over thousands of jury and bench trials and authored over 100 judicial opinions.

Lane is currently assigned to the Major Trials program in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas’ Criminal Division, where she is the sole judge handling human trafficking cases. Additionally, she presides over serious felony criminal matters, including but not limited to, domestic and family violence, sexual assault, attempted murder, aggravated assault, arson, robbery and burglary, fall under Lane’s purview.  Lane also handles Investigative Grand Jury matters and oversees the Uplift, Fast Track and Branching Up (formerly Roots to Re-entry) programs. 

She's a graduate of West Philadelphia Catholic High School and Howard University in Washington D.C. She started her career as a 7th grade social studies teacher, but earned her law degree from Rutgers University’s School of Law.

Lane received a “Highly Recommended” rating from the Pennsylvania Bar Association for a seat on the Superior Court in 2019. As part of the recommendation, the panel cited Lane’s “commitment to public service and her extensive community involvement” as reasons why she would “serve with distinction as a Superior Court judge.”

State Representative Joanna McClinton, who was recently elected Pennsylvania House Democratic Leader, echoed the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s sentiments, expressing the utmost confidence that Lane would serve well as a member of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. 

Judge Lane has an extensive list of early support from throughout the state, including House and Senate Leadership, organized labor, regional elected officials and community leaders. The complete list of endorsements and additional information about her candidacy and background can be found at www.judgelane.com. You can also follow her on social media at Judge Lane for Superior Court (Facebook), @JudgeTimikaLane (Twitter) and @laneforsuperiorcourt (Instagram).

Tony Rybak Running For MDJ in Bethlehem

Tony Rybak, a full-time assistant public defender, is running for Magisterial District Judge in South Bethlehem. He hopes to succeed retiring Nancy Matos Gonzalez.  

After attending both Northampton Community College and Penn State University, Ryak received his BA (Criminal Justice) from Central Washington University in 1995 and his J.D. from Hamline University School of Law in Minnesota in 1999.

Rybak notes that his family's roots in South Bethlehem go back 100 years. His father Bill grew up in Northampton Heights and practiced law there for 50 years. He was also a State Representative for 16 years. That was back when the office was only part-time. 

Rybak's father and my dad were great friends. I have no idea why. My Dad was mercilessly cruel to Bill. I'll share one story here.

Bill Rybak was missing an arm and a leg. I'm not sure why, but the story is that when he was a young boy, he was hit by a train. Instead of having sympathy for this handicap, my Dad would instead torment Bill. 

One chilly day, Bill stopped the house to see my Dad. A fire was roaring in the living room, and Bill was invited to warm up by the crackling flames. For some strange reason, my father was uncharacteristically solicitous. I think he got Bill some hot tea or coffee (or perhaps something a bit stronger) and acted as though whatever Bill was saying was coming from a font of wisdom.

Bill relaxed and began holding forth more and more while my father feigned deep interest. 

What Bill failed to realize until it was too late is that my father had been pushing his crutch closer and closer to the flames until it caught on fire.

The crutch was pretty much useless but Bill pulled it out and left the house in disgust, as smoke wafted up and down his burning buttress.    

To make up for my father's sins, I have to support Tony. 

This will be Tony's fourth try at elected office. He's lost in two Bethlehem Mayoral races and one state house race. You could say he's due. 

He has a sense of humor. He was unable to supply me a headshot because he needs to get a haircut. But a few years ago, he allowed me to photograph his driver's license. He told me pics like that are surefire ways to avoid speeding tickets. But they might get you committed.  

His unusual style has at times bothered some judges. That's actually a good thing. He claims to be a Democrat, but I'm pretty certain he was an avid Trump fan back in 2016. 

Though he's a lawyer, I happen to think Tony has a better understanding than most of what it's like to be on the short end of the stick. He's a good choice for South Bethlehem.  

New Faces Coming to Lehigh County

Antonio Pineda

In Northampton County next year, five at-large County Council seats will be up for grabs. The fate of those who run may very well be tied up with what is going on nationally. If Biden is doing poorly as President, expect to see Democrat seats filled by Republicans.  In Lehigh County, however, it's a different story. Instead of at-large seats, voters will be asked to fill district seats. This is where a person can chart his own course among people who know him and vote for him, not his party. 

Though he's only 62, Lehigh County Comm'r Marc Grammes is calling it quits as Commissioner in District One. That district includes most of the northern half of the county. 

Announcing his candidacy to succeed Grammes is Antonio Pineda. 

An environmental engineer, Pineda is a like-long Lehigh Valley resident who earned his B.S. from Columbia University in 2013.  He currently works for Buzzi Unicem. 

As might be expected from an environmental engineer, he is an avid supporter of open space and farmland preservation, where Lehigh County has excelled. As might be expected from a Republican, he wants to keep taxes low and wants to keep the community safe by supporting law enforcement and DA Jim Martin. 

Pineda has run for office before, both in Whitehall Tp and for an at-large seat. Unfortunately for him, he's been more of a pinata than a Pineda in those contests. Perhaps the third time is the charm. 

What I like about this guy is that he served as an Assistant Football Coach at Dieruff High School over the past four years. I like his commitment to our urban youth, and am sure that experience has given him insights into the Lehigh Valley that few of us have.

Incidentally, Percy Dougherty in District Two is also stepping down That will be a great loss for Lehigh County.I know few people with his institutional knowledge. 

I'm also told that District Three Commissioner Amy Zannelli is stepping down and running for Magisterial District Judge. I'll keep my fingers crossed on that one. 

If you have a campaign announcement, please forward and I will alert my readers. BOHare5948@aol.com

Say NO to Prima Donnas on NorCo Council

This coming year, there will be plenty of municipal races on the menu, including county races. This post is about the county races for legislative body. In Northampton County, they are called County Council. But they apparently hate being called mere Council members. This Spring, they are asking you to change their name to Commissioner like Lehigh County in a county-wide referendum.   

It sounds oh-so-much-more-important.

In the height of a pandemic in which people here are actually dying, it's hard to believe NorCo Council members could be so vain. That's exactly what it is. 

The driving force behind this measure, of course, is Lori Vargo-Heffner. She's the same prima donna who objected to meeting minutes that failed to hyphenate her dual surnames. She's the same criminologist who wanted to jeopardize your personal safety by reducing the District Attorney's request for funding of the Regional Intelligence and Investigations Center. She also demeans a Council member she dislikes as "the thin one."    

Frankly, with all the tragedy that has struck this county over the past year, I am appalled they would waste public money on a referendum to glorify their titles. It is a slap across your face. 

Not only should you vote No, but you should vote against every at-large Council member seeking re-election unless they withdraw their support. They need to know that they are your servants, not your overlords. The people up for re-election include Vargo-Heffner, Bill McGee and Tara Zrinski.*

They will have opponents who are just fine with being called Council members. 

______________________

* Peg Ferraro is not running so she escapes my wrath. I am unsure whether Ron Heckman is running. 

Nazareth Times: Nazareth Boro Passes 2021 Budget With No Tax Hike

Coach Andy Weaver at Nazareth Times reports that, for the second year in a row, there will be no property tax hike in Nazareth. 

McClure to Announce Re-Election Plans on Thursday

Lamont McClure

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure is expected to announce he'll be seeking re-election next year.  He's scheduled a news conference on Thursday, 2 pm, at the Northampton County Courthouse rotunda. Those who attend this announcement will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. 

McClure, whose interest in Northampton County government goes back for two decades, is originally from coal cracker country. He graduated from Wilkes and Duquesne and had a great thing going with the distinguished Post and Schell law firm. Then he met John Morganelli. McClure worked on Morganelli's state AG race, forming a great friendship that lasts to this day. McClure liked it here, stuck around and began the private practice of law in Bethlehem. 

I first met him many years ago. I listened to him announce his candidacy for county council, during which he bashed the bastard who dared sue the county over its $110 million megabond. That bastard was me. So after his presser, I introduced myself. 

McClure served on County Council for ten years. During that time, he stood out as a tireless advocate for Gracedale, the county's nursing home. At a time when people like myself were advocating that it be sold, he argued we had a "moral obligation" to keep it.

He was right. I came around after seeing how much Gracedale employees really do care about the residents. 

McClure came into his own when former Executive John Brown made severe cuts to the medical benefits for county workers. He, along with then Controller Steve Barron, fought every inch that Brown tried to take away from workers. When Brown paid exorbitant raises to some of his favorites without getting permission from Council, Barron and McClure exposed him. 

McClure also discovered that former Executive Brown had secret plans to relocate the jail at Gracedale. He exposed them, forcing Brown to retreat. 

After a rather convincing election, he brought in a nearly all-female cabinet and worked hard to re-establish county transparency, something that was missing under Brown. He restored medical benefits for employees and then went to work on capital solutions in a way that would require no tax hike. 

He managed to buy the Human Services Center, but through some nifty financing suggested by Barron, he managed a deal under which the state is still paying the lion's share of the cost. With the money he saved in this deal, he was able to build a state of the art forensic center near Gracedale. This has been on the county's wish list since Northampton County was a county, but McClure did it. He has eased the parking problems at the courthouse by purchasing the Milides building across the street and converting it into a much needed parking lot. 

His construction projects have been successful because he recruited Charles Dertinger, a project manager for numerous major projects in NYC, as his Administrator. Dertinger wears a bow tie, says "Good Day!" and drinks weak tea. Don't let that fool you. He's a proper bastard. Like it or not, every county needs one. 

He steered the county through a state mandate to purchase new voting machines with voter verified paper trails. When the first election with this new system was a disaster, he threw everything he had into it. The result is that the last two elections under an energetic elections office, have been major successes. Registrar Amy Cozze made sure NorCo was the first in the state to report its results. 

When the pandemic hit, McClure was one of the last Executives to close the county's doors and among the first to reopen them. He was the driving force behind bringing the National Guard to Gracedale and was at the forefront of universal testing at the jail and nursing home. He also established a grant program for small businesses. The County has awarded $8.779 million in CARES Act grants to 673 small businesses over three rounds of applications, and is working on a fourth round to go out by the end of the year.  

Oh, by the way, his three budgets have reduced spending and called for no tax hikes while fully funding open space. 

It's an enviable record, setting him apart as one of the best Executives since the inception of home rule.

Is it perfect? No. He's been a vocal critic of some bicounty agencies, and has advocate unsuccessfully thus far for more investment in Northampton County. But it's his job to advocate for his county.   

I doubt he will face a primary opponent. In the general, he may face a rematch against Brown (he hopes) or someone who passes Lee Snover's Trump litmus test. With a $161,000 warchest, the power of the incumbency and a good record, he'll be hard to beat.  

McClure, a resident  of Bethlehem Tp, is married to Deputy DA Sandra McClure. They have a son, Luke, who is a Varsity swimmer at Freedom High School. 

Hyman and O'Connell to Discuss Mayoral Race

Nat Hyman

Allentown Mayor Ray O'Connell and businessman Nat Hyman both confirm that they plan to meet and discuss next year's Mayoral race. They have both fallen victim to what happens when a large number of candidates enter the fray.  As things stand right now, Ce-Ce Gerlach will be Allentown's next Mayor. 

Hyman has sent me an email outlining his concerns, which he has given me permission to share.

I recently had an extensive poll conducted to gauge the likely results of the upcoming Allentown Democratic Mayoral primary. I found the results very disturbing.

It is abundantly clear that only one of three people will win this upcoming primary and, as a result, likely be Allentown’s next Mayor..... Ce Ce Gerlach, Ray O’Connell or me. All of those who have declared their candidacy or have been rumored to be considering running were included in the poll and polled at less than 5% and have no real possibility of winning.

The disturbing aspect is that there is a scenario under which Ray O’Connell and I could split the same voter base, allowing  Ce Ce to win. I believe that would be catastrophic for Allentown! Far more important to me than my being Mayor is ensuring that Ce Ce Gerlach is NOT the Mayor.

As a result, Mr. O’Connell and I have agreed to meet next week to try to come to an agreement as to only one of us running and which one of us that will be, while vocally supporting the other’s candidacy.

To be clear, my only interest has been, and is, to see Allentown prosper and blossom like every one of our neighboring cities and towns, ensure that every citizen is safe, every child has a quality education and a bright future and to take good care of the neediest among us. Accordingly, I am more than willing to stand aside and support Ray for Mayor if we both determine that is the best course. I still believe it is possible to return Allentown to those qualities and values which made it an All American City, the wholesome city I remember from my youth. But we need the right leadership to do that.....and Ce Ce definitely is NOT it!

I believe there is no elected position which affects people’s day to day lives more than Mayor. While Ms. Gerlach did her fair share of damage as a member of the School Board and City Council (in less than one year!), she would destroy this city as Mayor. Being Mayor may not be exactly like running a large multi-faceted business with many constituencies, but it is very similar. It requires a deep knowledge of finance, business management skills, prioritizing the needs of the citizens (not your needs, wants or agenda) and experience in making tough decisions. None of the 3 declared candidates have any of these.

Ray O'Connell

I have spent several hours with Ms. Gerlach and it is all too apparent that she has neither the intellectual capacity, nor the experience, education or ability to run a $110,000,000 city with 800 employees. More importantly, I do not believe she has the moral or ethical fiber to be Mayor of this City. Remember, this is the same woman who said “f*** the police” and then LIED about it. She rejected $110,000 in free money from the federal government for our police, purely to make a political statement. She filmed a poor soul committing suicide, posted it on Facebook for her own political aspirations before his family even knew about it and then LIED about it. She apologized to some rioters, not having the life experience to understand that, in so doing, she exposed our City to litigation which could very well cost our taxpayers money. She was only a few months into her term on City Council before deciding to run for Mayor, betraying the trust of those who voted for her. She presided over a School Board that repeatedly ran the school district into financial devastation, and she will do the same thing to this City. And, unbeknownst to most, she is presently looking for a job (in addition to Mayor) on linkedin.com and LYING on her resume! On it, she implies that she has a BA degree in business administration from Muhlenberg College. That is a LIE! She only took a few courses there in 2017. I urge you to go on that page, although, given her past history, she probably removed it or revised it upon reading this article (I took a screen shot of it for posterity).  If she were to do that in any company, she would be fired immediately. She should be fired from City Council for it.

Regrettably, The Morning Call has long ago relinquished its role as the fourth estate. Accordingly, it will be up to the candidate running against her to inform the public about the true Ce Ce Gerlach and that will take money, a lot of it. That will involve television ads, radio blitzes, mailers and robo calls.

Ce-Ce Gerlach

Ms. Gerlach has iterated only one political position, which is to help the homeless and improve affordable housing in Allentown. Both laudable objectives but that is 1% of the job of being Mayor. She is silent when it comes to addressing our finances and the overwhelming $45m deficit headed straight for us, reducing crime, cleaning our streets, eliminating blight, lowering the tax burden on our poor and elderly, improving education, restoring our parks.....on and on.  She is silent because she has absolutely no knowledge of, or plan for, any of those issues.

Can you imagine Ce Ce Gerlach sitting down with Goldman Sachs or JP Morgan and discussing the securitization of our debt, bond offerings, interest rate swaps, CDO’s, collars or our Moody’s ratings ?! It would be a joke if not so critically important.

Some people who run for Mayor of our City seem to have a fundamental disrespect for Allentown. This is the third largest city in Pennsylvania. Many who run for Mayor of our City, including Ms. Gerlach, would never dream of running for Mayor of Philadelphia or Pittsburgh because they know it would be absurd. If they submitted their resume for the CEO position of a $110,000,000 company with 800 employees, they would be laughed out of the room. Ex: A 26 year old boy named Josh Siegel is already running for a SECOND time with absolutely no experience or background necessary to do the job. Matt Tuerk, whose only experience has been working for The Allentown Economic Development Council, and we see how well he did at that, also has absolutely no business, management or leadership experience. Yet, they think so little of Allentown that they run for Mayor knowing full well that they are wholly unqualified in aforementioned areas, yet hoping the citizens are foolish enough to vote them in.

I know that some people will say that you can’t trust polls and point to Trump. First, I think Trump is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to polls. Second, I used one of the most highly respected firms which ensured that the people polled reflected precisely the demographics and percentages of Allentown democratic primary voters in age, area of the city, religion, education, etc. Finally, ask yourself one question.... what if the poll is correct and Ce Ce Gerlach is Allentown’s next Mayor?

"A Date Which Will Live in Infamy"

Remember when we had Presidents who could speak eloquently and act with dignity? Remember when we had a Congress united in its resolve? Remember when a President would ask Congress that a state of war exists?

Thode: Covid-19 Continues to Kill Elderly

Blogger's Note: Thanks to numbers cruncher Steve Thode for his latest report on Covid-19. I wish he had better news.

A total of 11,113 deaths attributed to COVID. That's an increase of 2,138 deaths since the November 6 report.

Interestingly, the largest percentage increase was among folks between the ages of 60 and 80. They accounted for 37.1% of new deaths; four weeks ago, this age group accounted for 32.7% of new deaths. Only one new death was recorded among those under the age of 25; and, only four new deaths among those under the age of 30. For comparison, three Pennsylvanians over the age of 105 died from COVID during this period.

997 deaths over the past 28 days were among long-term care facility (LTCF) residents. That's slightly less than 47% of total new deaths. The last four weeks was the first time more elderly not living in LTCFs have died than elderly who are in LTCFs. Nonetheless, COVID-19 has killed more than one in twelve LTCF residents."

So, COVID is continuing to strike down the elderly at an even higher rate, and an increasing percentage of elderly not in LTFCs."

Nor-Bath Trail Improvements Start December 7

NorCo Council Adopts 2021 Budget With No Tax Hike

Northampton County Council last night unanimously approved a no-tax-hike budget for 2021. The $440 million spending plan for next year, which Executive Lamont McClure first introduced on October 2, is 11% lower than this year's budget. It comes at the end of over 20 hours of budget hearings. 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.

"Well Council, you can pat yourself on the back. You just passed a budget," observed Council President Ron Heckman.

The only bone of contention was DA Terry Houck's $100,000 request for participation in Lehigh County's Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center (RIIC). On Tuesday, Northampton County Council, at the request of Council member Lori Vargo-Heffner, voted to reduce that contribution by $50,000. But last night, Vargo-Heffner was the only Council member still willing to reduce Houck's request. The remaining Council members voted to restore the funding. 

Houck made clear that the $100,000 requested is the "amount of funding that I feel is important to  keep us safe. ... That's really what this is all about." 

Council members John Cusick and Kevin Lott suggested that Houck use the drug forfeiture fund to pay for the RIIC, but that is arguably illegal. Under state law, a District Attorney "shall not anticipate future forfeitures or proceeds therefrom in in adoption and approval of the budget for the district attorney." Council member Peg Farraro made this point during the discussion. 

Vargo-Heffner, who is up for re-election next year, denied she was cutting Houck's budget. "I'm not telling you how to fight crime," she snarked. "I'm not trying to be bat girl."

Perhaps not, but perhaps batty girl. Since the inception of the Home Rule Charter, County Council has never rejected a budget request made by a District Attorney.  Council has always deferred to the county's chief law enforcement officer.  

Houck disputed Vargo-Heffner's denial that she wanted to cut his budget, "I asked for $100,000, and that is not in my budget." 

This is the third budget in a row that Executive McClure has proposed that calls for no tax hike while fully funding open space. No county contribution was needed at Gracedale.

For First Time in 800 Years, the Christmas Star Is Coming

In what is called the Great Conjunction of 2020, you can see the Christmas Star on December 21 for the first time in 800 years. It's not really a star at all, but it is what you see when Jupiter and Saturn align very closely on December 21, as seen from anywhere on Earth. In fact, can can see the two planets now as they draw closer to each other every night. A star twinkles, but a planet appears like a bright, steady light. 

This Star of Bethlehem is a symbol of hope when we need it most. 

State "Strike Force" Provides Symptom-Free Covid testing Thru Sunday

In response to the sharp rise in Covid-19 cases, Governor Wolf has established a testing "strike force" that will administer free testing through Sunday in five different counties, including Northampton.  There is no need to show symptoms. 

It's a drive-thru/indoor walk-in testing clinic, available from 9:00AM – 6:00PM, at the William Penn Highway Park & Ride at Emrick Blvd, Easton, PA 18045. Northampton County Emergency Management Services will be on site to assist with coordination and logistics. 

According to Executive Lamont McClure, this team used up its daily allotment on Wednesday by 4 pm. He said he's grateful for the assistance from the Department of Health.  Currently, 10% of the more reliable PCR tests are coming up positive. 

Mid-nasal passage swab PCR tests are being performed at this site. Testing is on a first-come, first-serve basis and, as stated, is completely free to all patients. Patients must be ages three and older and are not required to show symptoms of COVID-19 in order to be tested. No appointment is necessary. Patients are encouraged to bring a photo-ID or insurance card. Registration will also be completed on-site. The turnaround time for testing results is two to seven days after testing.  If you come back negative, you'll get an email. If you come back positive, you'll get a call. 

In the meantime, Northampton County has set a new record for Covid-19 cases. On December 2, just six days after Thanksgiving, it reported 245 new cases. It's pretty clear that some people refused to keep their gatherings small. 

NorCo Council - Defund the DA!

Lori Vargo-Heffner

Nobody donned an Antifa black mask during last night's final budget hearing of Northampton County Council. There were no cries of "Defund the Police!" But they certainly shackled law enforcement as well as Seattle City Council or the unruly mob that marched up and down Hamilton Street in Allentown this past summer.  In an astonishing bipartisan blunder, they voted to cut $50,000 of $100,000 that DA Terry Houck wants next year for the Regional  Intelligence and Investigation Center (RIIC). Supporting this mistake were Democrats Lori Vargo-Heffner, Kevin Lott and Bill McGee and Republicans John Cusick and Tom Giovanni. Opposed were Democrats Ron Heckman, Kerry Myers and Tara Zrinski. 

The author of this budget cut is Council VP Lori Vargo-Heffner. She's concerned with "continuing bi-county ventures" and noted the county just built a "beautiful forensic center." She complained that municipalities who take advantage of the RIIC make no contributions. Kevin Lott added that he'd like to see the increase justified, and John Cusick suggested the DA could pay for it out of the drug forfeiture fund. 

The RIIC has an annual budget of about $1.6 million, and Houck noted Lehigh County already pays the "lion's share" of the expense. 

The RIIC is primarily a source of intelligence. It is a mega data base from which investigators can review incident reports, investigations and data from numerous local, state and federal agencies. It uses this intelligence to solve crimes. 

The newly constructed forensic center performs a completely different role than the RIIC. In addition to being a place to store human remains, it has the capacity to perform digital forensic tests that can help solve crime. It plays no role in gathering or disseminating intelligence.  

DA Terry Houck

Houck noted that our dependence on technology and the related intelligence that comes with it, grows daily. "People walk around with their life in their front pocket," he said, in obvious reference to cell phones. This daily increase in information justifies the increased contribution. Houck dismissed the possibility of using drug forfeiture funds to pay for this venture, noting that state law requires that the money must be related to drugs. He added this is no bi-county venture because ongoing criminal activity knows no boundaries. He noted it's unrealistic to expect a tiny borough like Roseto to help pay for a RIIC, but its police force benefits from it every day. 

Kerry Myers, who sponsored several forums on police community relations, said that the RIIC is needed especially for impoverished communities who feel the impact of crime more severely than those who live in more well-to-do areas. "He needs this to fight crime in my community," noted Myers. "They may not all be property owners, but they're innocent people."   

Though Houck explained that increased technology justifies the increased contribution, Lott continued to complain about the increased cost.

"How much money is a life worth?" asked Kerry Myers.

For five members of County Council, the answer appears to be $50,000.  

Council has one last chance to visit this on Thursday night. If they make this cut, they are opting to be woke at the expense of making you less safe. You see, this is certainly bad government. But it's also incredibly stupid politics in a county that Biden barely won. Vargo-Heffner and McGee are up for re-election, and can explain to you next year why they bailed out on your safety.   

McGee was even tempted to deny Houck's request for an additional investigator, something in which Council really has no say. The District Attorney is an independently elected official, and has the right to hire as he sees fit. That's a principle that Houck's predecessor, John Morganelli, successfully established in Court.

NorCo's Covid-19 Death Toll is At Least 344

If you count 64 NorCo residents who died in Lehigh, the death toll from Covid-19 stands at 344 as of November 12. I'd certainly like to see a more current date, but Lehigh County's coroner is unable to provide more timely updates. 

In municipalities with nursing homes, the count is pretty high. Upper Nazareth, where Gracedale is located, reports 84 deaths. Their average age is 83 in NorCo and 76 in Lehigh.  

According to Executive Lamont McClure, 20 county residents died in November alone. He, like other public officials, recommends social distancing, masks and handwashing. 

Interestingly, many slate belt communities have been spared. Upper Mount Bethel? Zip. Portland? Nada. East Bangor? Nothing. Lower Mount Bethel? Goose egg. 

Why is this? Some of you might say it's because many people who live there tend to spend more time outdoors. Personally, I think the virus is scared of the cRaZy bastards who live there. 

Armstrong to Seek Re-Election, McClure Announcement Expected

Phil Armstrong is both Lehigh County's Executive and the star of several Youtube productions in which his folksy charm shines. At a virtual zoom meeting on December 3, he'll announce his plan to seek re-election next year. Controller Mark Pinsley, who'd like to impose an increased sales and earned income tax on unsuspecting Lehigh County residents, is pondering a primary challenge. I can't imagine anyone supporting him other than his employee, Josh Siegel. On the Republican side. Dean Browning was considering taking yet another stab at elected office, but that was before he came out as a gay black guy. 

Lamont McClure is Northampton County's Executive. He's a Facebook guy, and has suddenly become interested in nature. He takes pics of streams and rocks and weeds and shit and everyone gushes. He's running for re-election, too, but has been too busy taking pics of corn husks and rabbits to make an announcement. He has dropped a few not-so-subtle hints. Dem party boss Matt Munsey would like to primary McClure with a transgender illegal immigrant anarchist from Somalia, but is having trouble finding someone. GOP party boss Lee Snover, on the other hand, is trying her best to recruit QAnon conspiracy theorists like herself. She'll have more luck. A few of the Trumpists out there are batshit crazy. John Brown might want a rematch, which McClure would love.  

We Should Be Tracking More Than Just New Covid Cases

We keep daily track of the number of new Covid-19 cases that are exploding throughout this country. In Northampton County, 236 new cases were reported on November 28. If most families ignored the  admonitions about large family gatherings on Thanksgiving, as I suspect, you can expect another spike in a few days. I understand the importance of tracking this pandemic, but we are doing a shitty job of tracking similar problems - drug overdoses and suicide - that go hand-in-hand. 

In Philly, there's been a spike in overdose deaths among restaurant workers, many of whom are laid off as a result of the pandemic. But how big is this problem throughout the state and country? No one really has current data.

The same problem exists with suicide. Japan, one of the countries that has had an excellent response to Covid-19, is one of the few countries that track suicides. It reports 2,153 deaths by suicide in October. That one month tally exceeds all the deaths caused by Covid-19 in that nation. It is believed these suicides are mostly from people who have lost their jobs as a result of what has happened. 

Unfortunately, the latest suicide figures in the US are from 2018. 

We should be tracking both Covid-19 and the drug overdose deaths and suicides caused by the corresponding economic downturn.  

Moving Into New Underground Lair

As a result of frequent death threats, most of which come from my friends, my security staff has recommended that I move my estate to a new secret underground lair. I have been slowly but surely moving over the past few weeks. Though I am under strict orders to keep my new location a secret, I'll still be somewhere in Nazareth. 

I mention this because I will be offline for a few hours as wires are extended through a few bombproof tunnels and caverns.   

I consider myself a minimalist, but am amazed at how much garbage I've accumulated 

NorCo Council to Go Zoom Again

Despite recently agreeing to buy 10 robots, technology has never been NorCo Council's strong suit. Tara Zrinski is great with a bullhorn outside a Bethlehem post office, but still regularly fails to use her microphone at Council meetings. They all seem technically challenged. But we're all in for a treat. They're going back to Zoom meetings again. 

According to an email from Council's Deputy Clerk, they will start zooming again this week. Though no reason is given, this is presumably the result of rising number of Covid cases.

Frankly, no meeting conducted by Council Prez Ron Heckman can in any way be called zoom. It's more like a snail. 

If you want to participate in the Zoom doom, you'll have to check the Council webpage for the not-so-secret password. 

Mezzacappa Facing Trial ... Again

West Easton Borough Constable Tricia Mezzacappa is scheduled to face a jury on Tuesday on charges that she lied to Pennsylvania State Police in an attempt to frame a black neighbor. She told troopers she had been forced to fire at him after he pulled a gun on her. Examination of her firearm, however, revealed it had not been fired. Moreover, none of her neighbors heard a gunshot and police were unable to locate a spent shell or bullet. 

Mezzacappa was previously scheduled to face the music in October, but failed to appear. President Judge Michael J Koury, Jr. issued a bench warrant, and Mezzacappa was picked up at or near Lehigh Valley Mall. After a night in the hoosegow, Judge Paula Roscioli released her on $1000 bail, conditioned on posting $100. Attorney Joseph P Maher, who currently is on sabbatical from the legal profession, posted bail for her at the request of a mutual friend.

Mezzacappa had been represented by prominent defense lawyer John Waldron, but Judge Steven Baratta granted Waldron's motion to withdraw after a hearing in which he stated there were "irreconcilable differences" with her. Mezzacappa was outside the courtroom during this hearing, but for some reason never came in to be heard. 

After this, Mezzacappa applied for a public defender, but was rejected on October 28. So she filed a motion asking Judge Baratta to appoint a lawyer for her. 

He declined, at least for now. "We cannot entertain [Mezzacappa's] motion to require the taxpayers of Northampton County to provide court funded counsel without any indicia that [she] qualifies for a taxpayer funded counsel, or, in the alternative, that there are factors at play which suggest that the interests of justice requires such an appointment."

At this point, Mezzacappa can be charged with failure to appear, a second degree misdemeanor, in addition to false reports.  

I doubt the court will permit her to go to trial without a lawyer. She probably belongs in a mental health treatment court, but that would require her to admit she has a problem. She instead seems to think everyone else is the problem. 

Thanksgiving For Most, Mourning For Others

Today is Thanksgiving, my favorite of all holidays. This has nothing to do with giving thanks or seeing family. It has everything to do with food. It's the one day of the year I can eat like a glutton with no guilt. But this year's Thanksgiving meal will be relatively modest. I passed up a few invitations because I have no desire to pass my germs on to anyone else. I'm spending it instead with my favorite person - me.

Today is also National Day of Mourning for native Americans. This originated in 1970 when former pilgrims wanted to commemorate their arrival and asked a native American to deliver a speech. They refused to let him give it when they saw an advance copy, So he started his own day of mourning. Here's his speech.

Trump Might Attend Pa. Senate GOP Hearing Hosting Giuliani

The Pa. Senate Majority Policy Committee (GOP) plans to conduct a hearing in Gettysburg today for the purpose of exposing "irregularities" in the Presidential election. According to both CNN and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Rudy Giuliani will be there to continue spewing claims of fraud, something he failed to do in court. Both news sources report he might be joined by President Donald Trump. This hearing will be conducted at a hotel in Gettysburg, not the state capital.  

NorCo: Biden Beat Trump, but GOP Had Higher Turnout Percentage

In Northampton County's 2016 Presidential contest, voter turnout was a record 70%. This year we broke that record when 75.68% of the county's registered voters cast a ballot, either in person or by mail.  We all know that Joe Biden won, but Republicans did a better job of showing up.

Going into the election, there were 102,478 registered Democrats and 81,400 registered Republicans. Of the Democrats, 76,856 voted. That's a 75% turnout. Of the Republicans, 65,440 voted. That's 80.4%. 

There may be fewer of them, but Republicans will crawl over broken glass to cast their vote. 

Biden won the county with 85,087 votes. Assuming that every Democrat voted for him, which we know is not so, this means he picked about 9,000 votes from Republicans and independents.  

It's Official! Biden Wins NorCo By 1,233

Northampton County's Elections Commission has certified the November 3 Presidential election, handing Joe Biden a 1,233-vote victory in a county that Trump won four years ago. The Board consists of Republicans Maudenia Hornick and Frank L DeVito, as well as Democrats Dr. Alan Brau, Daniel Lopresti and Gail W Preuninger. Maude Hornick, chair of the Commission, is the sole member who refused to certify. She is the sister of county GOP boss Gloria Lee Snover.

NorCo certified its results in the afternoon. Earlier that day, Lehigh County also certified its results. According to The Morning Call, Lehigh's vote was unanimous. 

Having participated as a pollworker in numerous elections over too many years, I've never seen an error-free election. This one looked like trouble. In addition to numerous significant and very recent changes to the Elections Code, this Presidential election had a record  75.68% turnout. To make matters even more interesting, it was conducted in the middle of a pandemic and with poll watchers glaring at us, looking for problems. Yet it is the best and most error-free election I've ever worked. I attribute this to the excellent training provided by the elections staff, a point I made at the hearing.

GOP Chair Snover and Elections Chair Hornick disagree, and both used the word "chaotic" to describe the election. In addition, one of their poll watchers claimed she had been "intimidated" by pollworkers at a precinct in South Bethlehem. She never called the elections office.

Snover listed a litany of complaints from Republicans unable to vote by mail and even said several were unable to vote because someone had already done so, using their name. 

While it's always disturbing to hear that any voter has been disenfranchised, bare allegations are an insufficient basis for setting aside valid votes under the Voting Rights Act. 

Seated next to Snover was her husband, Michael Snover. He sued (and lost) when elections officials released the names and addresses of voters whose ballots had been rejected. If the Snovers truly believed that mischief was afoot, as Lee contended in a recent radio broadcast, they could have sued to stop certification. They never did. So it's difficult to give much credence to her anecdotes.

I suspect she's looking for excuses to justify how Trump lost a county he won four years ago. This might be because people were turned off by Snover's decision to conduct counter-protests when children protested the killing of George Floyd. It could be that some were incensed by her decision to invite accused felons to participate at a superspreader in Lower Saucon Tp.  But mostly, I think it's because the people of Northampton County know Trump much better now than they did four years ago.

The Snovers complain of a "chaotic" election day. America has experienced a "chaotic" four years with Trump at the helm. His failure to deal with Covid-19, the only crisis not of his own making, showed him for what he is.    

Snover also complained about the Express Vote XL voting machines, a system she herself once embraced. She ticked off a list of breakdowns at numerous precincts, adding that some were down the entire day. When asked about this complaint, Voter Registrar Amy Cozze noted she had technicians with extra machines on the road to replace any machine that malfunctioned. But she had no breakdowns.

"It's just not true," Cozze said of Snover's complaint. 

Cozze's report was much briefer than the polemics delivered by the Snovers.  "It was a very long and arduous year. I'm glad it's over. That concludes my report."

NorCo, Lehigh U Team Up to Help Small Businesses Recover From Pandemic

Northampton County and Lehigh University's Small Business Development Center are teaming up to provide training for small businesses on how to rebound from the pandemic.  Here's what the programming involves, according to a county news release:

·        High-Performance Teamwork: Communicating and Collaborating for Results

·        Strategic Decision-Making and Leadership in a Crisis

·        Value Creation

·        Creating and Executing Strategy: The Business Model Canvas

·        Building a Resilient Organization: Surviving in an Era of Rapid Change and Disruption

If you'd like to sign up, you can do so here.

The program is free.