Geoff Brace Seeks Re-Election in Lehigh County

Geoff Brace, who incidentally is the Lehigh Valley's first ever blogger, is seeking re-election to his seat on Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners. He represents District Four, which consists of portions of both center city and the west end. 

I have very high regard for Geoff, who has attempted to approach governing in a nonpartisan manner. Although he's a card-carrying member of the Jenn Mann Mob (Schlossberg, Schweyer, Thiel, Tuerk, Robinson), he has managed to maintain his personal integrity. 

Here's part of his announcement: 

“The year 2020 was an earthquake that shook our nation,” said Brace. “In a dramatic way, it exposed the inequities and injustices we need to acknowledge and face.” 

Throughout 2020, Brace introduced legislation to deliver aid to small businesses and community groups throughout Lehigh County slammed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  As a result, millions of dollars of relief found their way into the hands of people directly affected by the largest public health crisis in more than a century.  Additionally, Brace led efforts to advance criminal justice reform in Lehigh County by redirecting nearly $500,000 to bolster youth violence prevention efforts, re-entry services, homelessness prevention programs and make more resources available to the public defender's office.  This was all done without raising property taxes or laying off any county employees during an economic crisis. 

“The year 2021 is the year we begin to rebuild our communities, stronger than they ever were before,” Brace remarked. “We need to do so equitably. We need to do it responsibly. We need to do it with an eye on what Lehigh County will be in in the year 2121, a century from today. None of us will be here then, but the decisions we make now can build a legacy that our grandchildren and great-great grandchildren will enjoy.”

First elected in 2013, Brace is currently in his second term.  He was unanimously elected Chair of the Board of Commissioners at the January 4, 2021 reorganization meeting.  In 2020, he was Chair of the Development & Planning Committee and Vice Chair of the Governance Committee.  In 2018, he served as Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners.  When taking office in 2014, Brace was one of two Democrats on a Republican-dominated board.  Since then, he has worked tirelessly to build a stronger progressive majority, grounded in common sense, independent of special interests and focused on serving the best interests of Lehigh County. 

Since taking office, Brace’s legislative efforts have included efforts to protect Lehigh County’s environment through a sustainable energy investment program for businesses and clean water through the Lehigh County Conservation District.  He has focused on strengthening the safety net that provides for seniors at Cedarbrook nursing home, human services for children and youth, mental health, intellectual disabilities and the homeless.  He worked with other Commissioners to eliminate pay-to-play politics and supports campaign fiancé reform which ends the influence of big campaign dollars and special interests. 

“I am eager to tackle the challenges we face and hope the voters of District 4 will be too,” Brace added.  “I look forward to fulfilling the mission of rebuilding our region in a way that reflects our shared values, where Liberty and Justice for All are more than the concluding part of the pledge we say at the beginning of our meetings. By focusing on a strong economic recovery, strong democracy and safe environment, we can achieve this mission in Lehigh County.”

Brace lives in Center City Allentown with his wife Sara, who is the Administrative Director at the Volunteers of America Children’s Center and their son Isaac, who attends the Allentown School District.  His brother Doug is also a Center City resident.  His parents, Dale and Maria, live on Allentown’s West End. 

In the community, Geoff has been active as a volunteer on the Allentown Zoning Hearing Board, Old Allentown Preservation Association, Board of Governors at St. Luke’s Hospital Allentown, Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce (Downtown Allentown Business Alliance).  He is an ordained Deacon at the Zion Liberty Bell UCC in Allentown where he was instrumental in starting a homeless breakfast ministry.

Brace is currently Legislative Assistant to State Representative Mike Schlossberg, where he oversees legislation, policy and communication for the 132nd legislative district. Geoff has developed extensive experience in community and economic development, having worked for the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Kutztown Community Partnership, Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and the West Chester Business Improvement District. He uses these experiences to benefit Lehigh County and promote vibrant communities.

Zane Rice Charges Dishonest, Corruption and Poor Administration in Palmer Tp

Zane Rice

Political newcomer Zane Rice hopes to unseat incumbents Dale Colver (24 years) or Robert Smith (18 years) in this year's Palmer Tp Supervisors' race. He charges them with dishonesty, corruption and poor administration. He is a Democrat. 

Rice,a security guard with Allied Universal Security Services, is a graduate of Duquesne University (Political Science and History) and George Washington  University (Master's degree in Public Policy). His mother's family, the Sottosanti's, have lived on the same land in Palmer Township for over a century. His father's family is from Bangor. He grew up in Palmer.  

He's running to address the "poor administration of the Township as well as its "dishonesty and outright corruption." As an example of what he considers corruption, he cites the use of eminent domain against residents.  "I take personal issue with the abuses of power and spending the current board is undertaking, and I hope to change that and convince people in Palmer to become more involved."  

He might start with himself. According to township regulars, Rice has only ever attended one meeting. 

I contacted Colver, who is a bit puzzled at being called a crook. He told me he does no work for the township for which he is paid. Dave Colver, incidentally, was the unpaid construction manager for the Miracle League baseball diamond. I have seen him there multiple times as a volunteer.  

In 2016, I listed Colver as one of the top five people I'd want to see running my municipality.  

I like to see a young person take interest. But if I were Zane, I'd be a little more careful about baselessly smearing someone. 

Most Gracedale Residents Vaccinated for Covid-19

Jennifer Stewart King

Gracedale Administrator Jennifer Stewart King advised Northampton County Council on Thursday that most residents have received at least the first of two Covid-19 vaccines. She indicated 270 residents have received their first vaccine, while 170 now have both. The average daily census at the facility was 535 in December. 

A news release after the meeting indicated that 369 Gracedale personnel (this includes staff from outside agencies) have been vaccinated at least once. 

There currently are approximately 230 vacancies at the facility, but the census is also about 150 lower than it has been in the past. 

Stewart King notes this is because one tower has been closed completely as a Covid-19 precaution, while the census at another is used strictly as for "transition" residents, i.e those in isolation 

There were 18 new hires in December. 

Stewart King thanked her staff for rising to the challenge presented by last Sunday's snowstorm, which dumped 33" on the nursing home. She indicated that some of her staff stayed from Sunday until Wednesday evening.   

Drug or Alcohol Problem? Call 610-829-HELP

Beth Miller, Administrator of NorCo's Drug and Alcohol program, told County Council's virtual meeting on Thursday night that most people are unaware they exist. For that reason, the County program is being advertised at a billboard on Rte 22. People who think they or a loved one needs help can call 610-829-HELP for a free evaluation. 

Drug and Alcohol has received a $452,027 grant to help those suffering from opioid addiction. This money can be used to provide housing assistance, including emergency utility bills. 

A separate grant (Police Assisting in Recovery) enables police to refer persons who are sufferibng from addiction. Miller said police are "very enthusiastic" about the program. Police cab even bring a drug and alcohol counselor to the home of an overdose survivor to discuss treatment options. 

Annual Campaign Finance Reports Trickle In

 Annual campaign finance reports were due on Monday, but the NorCo courthouse was closed. It was closed Tuesday, too, as a result of the snowstorm. So reports from Northampton County candidates were not due until Wednesday. Though a few people like Easton City Council candidate and Easton Mayor Sal Panto are late, most of the reports are in. Below are the warchests reported by possible candidates:

Northampton County

Lamont McClure - $164,551.07 (with a $4,587.78 debt to himself)

John Brown - $145.98 (with a $6,500 debt to himself)

Glenn Geissinger - $17,765.12

Tom Giovanni - $3,177.62

Ron Heckman - $1,629.67 (with a $6,200 debt to himself)

Terry Houck - $4,009.91 (with a $94,100 debt to himself)

Kevin Lott - $10,221.94

Bill McGee - $10,611.16

John Morganelli - $119,667.51

Kerry Myers - $601.29

Lori Vargo-Heffner - $3,155.00

Tara Zrinski - $8,041.66 

Bethlehem

Bryan Callahan - $19,461.36

Michael Colon - $28.59

Grace Crampsie Smith - $2,993.54

Bob Donchez - $107,486.44

Eric Evans - $2,108.01

Dana Grubb - $2,772.05

Willie Reynolds - $21,303.01

Adam Waldron - $0

Homicide Charges Filed In Burning Body Found Three Years Ago at Parkhurst Aptmts

Alkiohn Dunkins

On April 24, 2018 at about 2:30 am, Bethlehem police responded to what they thought might be a burning mannequin at the Parkhurst Apartments complex in Bethlehem. Unfortunately, it was actually a human being later identified as Tyrell Michael Holmes, age 18. Coroner Zach Lysek concluded that  Holmes died from a combination of smoke inhalation, thermal injuries and multiple stab wounds. Nearly three years have passed. Yesterday, police charged the mastermind of a three-person conspiracy to kill Holmes. 

District Attorney Terry Houck, flanked by Chief Deputy DA Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen and Bethlehem Police Detective SGT Blake Kuntz, announced homicide and related charges against Alkiohn Dunkins, age 22. Dunkins is already incarcerated at Lehigh County jail, and without bail. 

Dunkins' co-conspirators, Yzire Jenkins Rowe, 22, and Miles Harper, 21, were already charged with the homicide and related offenses in September. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case against them. They have also been charged by Lehigh County prosecutors as members of a corrupt organization called Money Rules Everything (MRE).This gang, which originated in the Marvine and Pembroke housing developments, engaged in a crime spree of shootings and robbery. 

L to R: Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen, Terry Houck
and Det SGT Blake Kuntz

Holmes was alive when set ablaze. An autopsy revealed the presence of smoke in his lungs, according to Det SGT Blake's Affidavit of Probable Cause. It adds that that Holmes "could be heard screaming at a high pitch," and witnesses could see movement while he was engulfed in flames. 

Holmes actually lived on East Raspberry Street with two members of the trio accused of killing him. In the days leading up to his murder, he told family members that he was scared for his life. MRE suspected he was stealing from the gang. Moreover, Holmes had botched a robbery attempt, and this resulted in threats to Dunkins.  

In the hours before his death, Holmes told a friend he believed people were trying to kill him. He texted this message: "Alkiohn Dunkins, Yzire Jenkins-Rowe and Zahmire Welcome. Save those names. If something  happens to me know those 3."

Something happened. 

Witnesses who lived near Dunkins' apartment could hear "brutal pounding" as well as a "loud shriek and a loud crash on the floor" about an hour prior to the murder. 

The identity of the witnesses who assisted police is being kept confidential for their own protection.  

Surveillance cameras in the vicinity of E Raspberry Street reveal that, minutes before the murder, a person resembling Yzire Jenkins-Rowe could be seen entering a Nissan Maxima and parking it on the sidewalk and in front of the apartment building for approximately six minutes. After that, video shows the vehicle travel west along E Raspberry Street to Long Street and then north along Long Street toward E North Street.  This is part of the route from the E Raspberry Street apartment to Parkhurst Apartments. 

The Nissan Maxima returned to the E Raspberry Street apartment minutes after the murder. 

Hours before the murder, Dunkins had told his co-conspirators it was time to address Holmes' transgressions. He directed them to leave their cell phones behind so that police would be unable to track their movements. Dunkins confronted Holmes outside Parkhurst apartments. At this time he was stabbed. Dunkins directed his co-conspirators to douse Holmes with gasoline and set him afire. Co-conspirator Miles Harper did so, using gasoline from a can the trio kept to fuel their dirt bikes.    

In announcing the charges against Dunkins yesterday, DA Terry Houck noted that this was a homicide involving torture. He intends to seek the death penalty. 

If there is any bright spot to this story, it's that MRE is now effectively out of business. 

Dunkins had a promising life in front of him. He was a gifted defensive back at Freedom High School. He went on to Moravian College where, as a Freshman, he played in 10 games and started in seven. His major was business. 

Prosecutors believe he's now out of business. 

NorCo DA Terry Houck Has a Spokesperson

When he was District Attorney, John Morganelli did a very effective job of handling the press himself. He enjoyed it, too. He'd walk into a room and saying, "The press is here. Hide everything!" Or "I'd like to thank members of the press for coming. You, too, Bernie." Terry Houck, who has succeeded John as DA, is much kinder to me. But like most of the busier District Attorneys, he's decided he needs a point person to deal with us. This is actually a wise decision. Prosecutors are often accused, sometimes rightly, of  poisoning potential juries with inflammatory statements. A professional spokesperson can prevent that from happening.

DA Hock has hired Davin Jurgensen as his spokesperson. A graduate of Rowan University (2015), Jurgensen has worked as a freelancer and reporter at The Evening Sun. Since 2017, she's been employed as a web producer and assignment editor at WFMZ-TV69.  As a producer, she'd write 15-20 short stories every day, which is excellent training for her current role. 

Equal Access to Education Means Equal Access to the Internet

According to NorCo Exec Lamont McClure, "Equal access to education means equal access to the Internet." Northampton County has used $650,000 in CARES Act to make that possible at area schools. 

Bethlehem Area School District purchased 500 T-Mobile hotspots with their funding, supporting 495 students who would otherwise not be able to participate in online learning. Easton Area School District has also purchased hotspots for home internet access for students, online enrollment software to remove the need for in-person registration and Logitech Crayons for teachers to use during remote instruction.

NorCo Courthouse Employees Finally Have a Safe Crosswalk

For several years and throughout several administrations, Northampton County Courthouse employees and visitors had to take their lives into their hands when visiting or leaving the courthouse. Many had to cross a very busy Washington Street. Drivers coming up the hill are often surprised to see pedestrians crossing.  Over the years, several people have been injured at the crosswalk. Many more have had close misses. Finally, a system has been installed to alert drivers to the foot traffic. 

When he was Executive, John Brown actually painted over the crosswalk. This made a dangerous condition even worse. 

Executive Lamont McClure has taken a different approach. The crosswalk has been striped again, and flashing lights on both sides of Washington Street warn drivers that pedestrians are crossing. 

This is a small thing, but it will save lives. Possibly your own. 

How's Snow Removal Going In Your Area?

I'd say snow removal is pretty good in Nazareth. I walked (did not drive) outside yesterday, and it appears that roads are clear. I've seen some pictures on Facebook from people in Allentown and Easton who were still waiting early this morning for the overworked plow trucks. How about you? 

Bethlehem's City Bird? How About a Vulture?

Bethlehem is obsessing lately on naming the chimney swift as the official city bird. Gadfly has several thousand posts on the topic. If the Christmas City wanted to be honest, its city bird would be a vulture. Bethlehem thought nothing of raising taxes in the middle of a pandemic. It hired the wife of one cabinet official to be another cabinet official, and then gave her a sweet raise. And it eliminated four firefighter positions. 

Bethlehem has been picking at the carcass of its citizens for years, so a vulture is the obvious choice.

Not a turkey vulture. It has to be a black vulture. Bethlehem is very woke, you know.  

Infrastructure Relief Might Matter More Than Pandemic Relief

At the moment, we're all salivating at the prospect of another stimulus check. I'm using mine to buy a bidet. But what we really need is a federal bill that addresses our crumbling infrastructure. That was something Donald Trump promised to do four years ago, but it never happened. Our roads and bridges are following apart, to say nothing of our power grid. President Biden is expected to propose a $2 trillion  infrastructure package later this month. It's inadequate. We needed at least $4.6 trillion, just for roads and bridges, back in 2017. 

As noted in Governing, however, the best way to finance is by insisting on a 25-30% match from local and state government. Without that, it becomes an invitation for government waste,. 

New Blog Spotlights Nazareth Extremist

Benjy

A new blog, Community Research Opposing Hate, has been created to spotlight the antics of local far right extremist. One of them, Benjamin "Benjy" Jacques, is a Nazareth resident who brags he was "on the front line" during the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capital. It's unclear whether he went past the barriers, but he does complain on Facebook that he was tear gassed and subjected to flash bombs filled with rubber pellets. 

He's participated in three far-right rallies in D.C.over the span of the last three months. Though he himself is a Latino, he poses with Proud Boys displaying the "white power ok"sign. 

Maybe he's just an idiot. 

What interests me even more than Benjy is  his connection to a fellow named Steve Lynch. He's from Northampton and was also at the January 6 insurrection. 

Lynch and Benjy both refer to themselves as patriots. I'd disagree. In my view, those who threaten the Vice President or House Speaker are domestic terrorists. Those who attempted to interfere with the work of Congress, as Benjy admits, are insurrectionists. 

Lynch has confirmed with me that he expects to be announce his candidacy for county office soon, possibly Executive. He has suggested we meet, and I will tell you about him after doing so.  

NorCo Dem Edge Continues Decline, But R Voters Three Times More Likely to Switch

Prior to the Presidential election, I reported that Republicans had made gains in over where they stood in 2016.

Total registration was 227,315, compared to 211,593 in 2016. Democrats made up 45.0% of this total at 102,436. Republicans accounted for 35.8% with 81,345. 

Since the election, registration has dropped. Weekly records are published online by the Department of State. They show that, as of January 25, registration has dropped to 218,089. Democrats make up 44.9% of this total with 97,958 registered voters. Republicans now make up 36% of the total with 78,609. 

It would appear that Republicans are continuing to cut into the Democratic edge, but I noticed something else that may prove significant down the road.

Since the beginning of the year, 103 previously registered Republicans and 12 independents have become Democrats. At the same time, 37 Democrats and 22 independents have switched to the Republicans party.

It's too soon to reach any conclusion. But at this snapshot in time, it appears that Republicans are three times more likely to switch party than Democrats.  

   

Lisa Spitale Also Seeking Judge Taschner's Seat

Lisa Spitale

On Friday, I told you about Assistant Public Defender Susie Hutnik's candidacy for the magisterial district judgeship currently being held by retiring Judge Jackie Taschner. Later that day, I learned that another candidate is running as well. Her name is Lisa Spitale. 

Spitale is a graduate of Penn State University (undergrad) and University of Miami School of Law. She first went to work for Charles Gordon for 10 years, and is currently a partner at Spitale, Vargo, Madsen & Blair in Easton. She has practiced law for 16 years.

In addition to her work in private practice, Spiale has been a volunteer attorney at North Penn Legal Services since 2005, where she has assisted indigent clients with family matters and foreclosures. Like Hutnik, Spitale is a recipient of the Bar Association's pro bono award. She also served as the Bar's President. 

Lisa also participates in the Book Buddies Program, which encourages reading by sending volunteer attorneys into elementary schools to read to students and give away free books.

Spitale lives in Forks Tp with her husband, Attorney Michael Vargo. They have an 11 year old son. 

Spitale views a judgeship as a logical extension of her service as a lawyer. ""My legal career has offered me a great opportunity to serve my community," she states in her announcement. "Every day I work tirelessly for the equal treatment of working families, the poor, the indigent, and the alleged incapacitated."

Nazareth Police Seek Information in Rare Saturday Night Shooting

Naseer Gray

Nazareth Police are seeking information concerning a rare Saturday night shooting. At approximately 7 pm, police were called to the 100 block of South Cedar Street, and found Naseer Gray, age 26, with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to St. Luke's Hospital and is currently in intensive care, although his condition is stable.

Anyone who has information concerning this shooting is being asked to call Det. SGT Pompei at 610-759-9575. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can call the anonymous tip line at 610-759-3216. 

Gray, incidentally, has a criminal history for theft and drugs. 

Susie Hutnik to Seek Judge Taschner's Vacant Seat

Susie Hutnik

I cannot begin to tell you how much I respect Magisterial District Judge Jackie Taschner. Before she ascended into the judicial heavens (lower ring), she was a front-line prosecutor in the Northampton County DA's office. I spoke to her once about a man who had been accused of beating his wife. There was a group picketing outside the courthouse, demanding that he be hung, drawn and quartered. I asked her what she intended to do. "I'm a prosecutor, not a persecutor," was her laconic reply. She followed the law, not a lynch mob. 

She brought that attitude with her when she became a Magisterial District Judge in Palmer Tp. Tough, but fair. I was really sorry to learn recently that she intends to retire. She will be sorely missed.  

Fortunately for us, there's an excellent candidate waiting in the wings to succeed her. Susie Hutnik. 

Hutnik is a lifelong resident of the Easton area. She's a graduate of Easton Area High School, after which she earned a B.A. at Syracuse and her law degree at Seton Hall. After serving a clerkship for Judge Jim Hogan, she began her career in private practice. This made her familiar with landlord and tenant disputes and the types of civil matters considered by a magisterial district judge. 

For the past 23 years, she's been a full-time public defender. She has represented hundreds of criminal defendants, including those facing the death penalty.  In addition, she is a recipient of the bar association's pro bono award for her work in representing people of limited financial means. 

I can personally attest to her work ethic over the years. She cares about the people she represents. She has even garnered the respect of law enforcement, the District Attorney’s Office and the County Judges. In fact, Richard Pepper, First Assistant District Attorney for Northampton County remarks: “As a veteran litigator, appearing regularly before our magistrate judges and our trial judges, Susan Hutnik understands our Courts and the cases that come before our Judges. I am confident and the voters can trust that Susan will serve them with the highest standards of integrity and competency.”

Even though Pepper said it, it's true. He's occasionally right. 

She's married to Bob Patterson, and together they are raising two amazing boys. Perhaps I should call them young men.  She has faithfully chronicled their antics on Facebook over the years, and one of my guilty pleasures has been watching them grow up. 

She's a great lawyer, a great mom and will be a great judge.  

Van Scott, a Former CO and Cop, Seeks Judge Maura's Vacant Seat

We were all saddened by the unexpected death of Magisterial District Judge Wayne Maura in November. Amy Zanelli, who has yet to complete one term as a Lehigh County Commissioner, was quick to announce her candidacy for the open seat. Fortunately, there's another option. This one is an Army veteran, a former corrections officer and a former Bethlehem City police officer. His name is Van Scott. 

A life-long resident of Bethlehem, Scott has a degree in criminology from DeSales and a Master's from St. Joe's. 

As a Bethlehem cop, Scott rose through the ranks to become a Detective Sergeant. He served as a school resource officer at both Liberty High  School and at East Hills Middle School. He was also the drug elimination officer at the Bethlehem Housing Authority. 

Scott currently teaches at both DeSales and the Career Institute of Technology. He also volunteers at Northeast Ministries, Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club, Lehigh Valley Habitat for Humanity, Pennsylvania State Police Troop M Cadet Camp, City of Bethlehem Junior Police Academy and the City of Bethlehem Citizens Academy.

Scott vowed to bring a principle that is often missing from courtrooms manned by opportunistic politicians and lawyers - common sense. 

Scott, a Democrat, will cross-file. 

Allentown's Warming Station Expanded

For those of us living from gig to gig, or paycheck to paycheck, the prospect of homelessness is very real. At this time of the year, when temperatures plummet and winds soar, it's also very dangerous. So Allentown's Warming Station, run by the local YMCA, is quite literally a life saver. 

This year, the Warming Station has been expanded inside of a small gym so that social distancing can be practiced. There is still room for 70 beds. 

In addition to the Warming Station, the Y offers meals to its guests from Tuesdays through Friday. 

The Station will be open this year until April 30. 

Funds for this project come from several sponsors.  They include City Center Investment Corp.'s J.B. Reilly. His NIZ project might be controversial, but his willingness to help provide shelter to those with no means should be lauded. His corporation has committed $50,000 over five years to this station as part of its "Building Community" initiative. Instead of patting himself on the back, as he really has every right to do, Reilly thanked the Greater LV YMCA for its commitment to the least among us. 

Reilly, incidentally, is an avid basketball fan. He can often be spotted in the stands at local high schools. I'm sure it breaks his heart to see a beautiful basketball gym taken out of use. But this is for the best of reasons. 

By the way, we all could be J.B. Reilly. The Y has a Warming Station’s Amazon Wish List at gvymca.org/community.

I think I'll set up one of those for me as I  write from my underground lair. 

Blogger's Note: The photos were supplied by the Y, but come courtesy of City Center Investment Corp. LLC. 

Updated: Ass't Public Defender to Seek Magistrate's Spot in South Bethlehem

Attorney and Assistant Public Defender Jordan A. Knisley has announced her candidacy for Magisterial District Judge Nancy Matos Gonzalez' seat in South Bethlehem. Judge Gonzalez has previously announced she's stepping down. Another Assistant Public Defender, Tony Rybak,is also running. 

Born and raised in Southside Bethlehem, Knisley attended Fountain Hill Elementary School, Broughal Middle School and Liberty High School. She graduated from the University of Delaware in 2012 and obtained her law degree Villanova University School of Law in 2015. After graduation she returned to Bethlehem and continues to live on the Southside.

While in law school, Jordan worked as a certified legal intern for the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office, preparing legal briefs, conducting hearings and interviewing crime victims. Upon earning her law degree, she served as a judicial law clerk in Northampton County for the Honorable Emil Giordano for two years. During her tenure as a judicial law clerk, she assisted the judge with trial duties in numerous complex civil trials and multiple felony jury trials, including a capital homicide. In this role, Jordan helped write numerous judicial opinions. 

In July 2017, Jordan joined the part-time staff of the Northampton County Public Defenders’ Office. She is also the Managing Attorney of Northampton County’s Recovery Court, a program which redirects non‐violent offenders from incarceration to treatment and education. Participants in the program are required to abstain from substance use and to be accountable for their behavior while fulfilling their legal obligations. 

In addition to these  responsibilities, Jordan has been an Associate at the Law Offices of Harold J.J. DeWalt, Jr. in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, since August, 2017. In her private practice Jordan represents criminal defendants, custody and divorce litigants, plaintiffs and defendants in contract and landlord-tenant disputes, and victims of personal injury accidents, such as motor vehicle collisions and slips and falls. 

Knisley believes her Southside Bethlehem roots, her broad legal knowledge and experience and her dedication to equal justice for all, are what make her the logical choice as Judge Gonzalez' successor. 

(Blogger's Note: Updated 6:45 pm to include a photo.) 

Looking For a Covid-19 Vaccine?

Just yesterday, I complained about the spotty information out there concerning a Covid-19 vaccine. A Facebook page, Lehigh Valley COVID Vaccine Info, is attempting to fill the void with information on different places. 

Bill McGee to Seek Re-Election to NorCo Council

Northampton County Council member Bill McGee is the first of Council's four at-large Democrats to formally announce he's seeking re-election. Elected in 2016, he's finishing his first term and is Council's Vice President.

There are five at-large seats on Northampton County Council, meaning these officials are elected country-wide. One seat is held by Republican Peg Ferraro, who is in her last year as an elected official. The remaining four seats are held by McGee and fellow Democrats Ron Heckman, Lori Vargo-Heffner and Tara Zrinski. 

It is believed all four of the incumbent Democrats will seek re-election. Ron Heckman informally announced on Facebook yesterday, and Zrinski has asked her Facebook friends for suggestions on a campaign logo. Vargo-Heffner has said nothing yet, but it is clear that she wanted to become President to raise her visibility. 

McGee is the business manager for the asbestos union. He introduced a responsible contractor ordinance in his first term, and it withstood a legal challenge in federal court. 

He's made a few mistakes, such as when he attempted to punish a group of career service probation officers by trying to deny them a payhike after they decertified a union. But there have been no tax hikes during his tenure, and I expect to see all incumbents benefit from the CARES Act grants to small businesses, even though no county money was involved.  

Though Northampton County is increasingly becoming Republican, I expect McGee to win if only because he is willing to spend the money it takes. That was his recipe for success in the last race.     

Is There a Bluebird in Your Heart?

Northampton County Parks & Recreation and Friends of Minsi Lake are seeking volunteers to help monitor nesting boxes along the Bluebird Trail in the Minsi Lake Greenway. 

As a Bluebird Nest Box Monitors will visit nesting boxes once a week between March and August, complete a brief survey form at each one and remove unwanted occupants like paper wasps and mouse nests. I don't know this job requires you to sit on any eggs. 

If there's a bluebird in your heart, contact Jim Wilson, Recreation Specialist at jwilson@northamptoncounty.org or by phone at 610.829.6404. Please leave your name and contact info.

"There's a bluebird in my heart

that wants to get out but I'm too tough

I say: 'Stay in there

I'm not going to let anyone see.'" - Charles Bukowski

Mezzacappa to Give Up Constable Job

In a major blow to law and order devotees everywhere, Constable (and criminal defendant) Tricia Mezzacappa has decided against seeking re-election to a post she won in an overwhelming landslide of 11 write-in votes four years ago.  Although no judge would hire her to serve papers, she did keep herself busy threatening to arrest residents. 

Here's how she, in CAPS LOCK, explains her decision: 

"PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: TO ALL WEST EASTON RESIDENTS , I HAVE DECIDED NOT TO SEEK RE-ELECTION AS BOROUGH CONSTABLE. EVEN THOUGH I CONTINUE TO BELIEVE OUR VERY SMALL BOROUGH IS BEST SERVED BY ELECTED CONSTABLES TO HANDLE THE MANY CIVIL DISPUTES AND ISSUES, I HAVE BEEN RELENTLESSLY AND HARMFULLY EMBATTLED, BATTERED (VIOLENTLY AND VERBALLY...YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE) , AND ADDITIONALLY........., DEFAMED, LIBELED, SLANDERED , STALKED AND RIDICULED BY THE TWO MOST DISGUSTING BOROUGH COUNCIL LEADERS WEST EASTON HAS EVER ELECTED. (DEPAUL AND DEES) THEY WOULD RATHER BANKRUPT THE CITIZENS WITH ITS (NOW DEFUNDED) POLICE DEPARTMENT , THAN ACCEPT FREE SERVICES FROM ME. I ALSO OFFERED TO APPOINT OTHER DEPUTY CONSTABLES TO SERVE , SO THE BOROUGH COULD SAVE MONEY AND STOP PAYING ITS ENGINEER TO ANSWER CIVIL COMPLAINTS, BUT ONCE AGAIN IT FELL ON DEAF EARS. WE NEED TO VOTE OUT BOTH OF THESE CLOWNS WHEN THEY ARE SURE TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION. NEITHER ONE CARES ABOUT ANY CITIZEN, BUT ARE ELECTED FOR THEIR OWN SELF DEALING, SELF AGGRANDIZING , NARCISSISTIC AND INCOMPETENT REPRESENTATION. THEY BELONG IN JAIL."

Maybe she should write her memoirs.

In Search of Covid-19 Vaccine

While Pennsylvania has done a remarkable job of shutting down businesses and enforcing its closures, it has pretty much sucked in every other response it has made to the pandemic. The state has made no coordinated effort to vaccinate the right people. It instead is relying on local hospitals and drug stores. As a result, people who should not be vaccinated at this point are getting their injections and bragging about them. People who should be vaccinated are unable to even get an appointment. I know because I happen to be one of them.  

I would think that Governor Wolf would spend at least as much effort in making sure people are vaccinated as he did in enforcing his lockdowns. 

LWV to Host Workshop for Local Candidates

On February 16, those who plan to run for local office can begin circulating nomination petitions. There's very little time to do so. They must be returned to the elections office no later than March 9, even though both Winter and a pandemic still rage. What's more, candidates are required to complete something known as a Statement of Financial Interests. This must be included with the nomination petition, but must also be filed with the Clerk of the municipality in which office is sought. This technicality has been the death knell to many local candidates over the years. That's why those among you who are interested in running for office would benefit immensely from the League of Women Voter's "Running for Local Office" Workshop on Saturday, January 30, 2021 between 8:30 AM-12:30 PM

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In years past, these events always required political hopefuls to haul ass out of bed at an ungodly hour on a Saturday morning, only to get lost at the community collegfe. But inone small consolation provided by Covid-19, this year's workshop will be virtual. It will be conducted on Zoom.

TYhe only downside to this event is that LWV is charging $45. That's chump change to many politicians, but it also is as deterrent to people with very limited finances. This workship should be free, with a donation requested.

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You can register here.

McClure Enters Exec Race With $164,000 Cash On Hand

 

Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, who is seeking re-election, is entering the campaign with a formidable campaign warchest. According to his latest campaign finance report, he enters the contest with $164,551.00. I am unaware of any Executive candidate who has entered an election cycle with that amount of money on hand. 

I'd agree completely with those who say money is evil. Unfortunately, it's a necessary evil. You're unable to win a contest for most offices for most offices without it. 

This report, filed early, is in itself a message to anyone considering a challenge, whether in the primary or general election.

McClure has the means to inform the public why they should retain him. He also has the means to expose the weaknesses in any would-be challenger.   

The Tweeter Who Would Be LC Exec

For many years, I had a very high opinion of Dean Browning. He was a level-headed conservative. It is he who suggested that Chair and Vice Cair of Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners should be from both parties. He has been portrayed as a profile in courage when, as a Lehigh County Commissioner, he bucked his party to vote for a 16% tax hike. After that unpopular vote, he lost his seat. Since then, he's lost two Congressional bids, a race for Lehigh County Exec and an attempt to reclaim his seat as a Comm'r. And something has snapped inside of him. A man who has always been careful by nature has thrown caution to the wind in what increasingly appears to be a quixotic quest for public office. Now he appears to live on Twitter, where he tweets about once every five minutes. He's rumored to be interested in running (again) for Lehigh County Executive against Phil Grandpa" Armstrong. What he fails to realize is that he's been his own worst enemy. His tweets have done him in. 

Back in November, he tweeted that he is a "black gay guy" in some twitter tiff over the relative merits of Trump and Obama. He later claimed that he was quoting some black gay guy, but it sure looks like he got caught using a sock puppet to buttress an argument he was making under his own name. This does raise questions about his honesty. 

As bad as that his, his tweet about Stacey Abrams, who lost a close race for Georgia Governor in 2018, is far more disturbing. Abrams is black and appears to be overweight. So in December, Dean tweets this: 

Stacey Abrams will be at the Waffle House today.

She’s not registering people to vote.

Just eating some waffles.

My own take is that Browning was making a racist Aunt Jermima comparison. Maybe not, but he was certainly poking at her weight. 

Now he's in some sort of twitter storm with none other than actor and comedian Seth Rogen. After incorrectly claiming Rogen resides in Canada ( he lives here and is a US Citizen), he just devolved into petty name-calling with someone all-too-willing to roll around in the gutter. 

Dean thinks he can insult his way into Lehigh County's top spot. 

That trick worked once. I doubt it will work again. 

This Year's Election Dates

 First day to circulate and file nomination petitions … ..............................................February 16 

Last day to circulate and file nomination petitions ...................................................March 9 

First day to circulate and file nomination papers.......................................................March 10 

Last day to file objections to nomination petitions…………………………………March 16 

Last day for withdrawal by candidates who filed nomination petitions....................March 24 

Last day to REGISTER before the primary...............................................................May 3 

Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot.........................................May 11 

Last day for County Board of Elections to receive voted mail-in and civilian absentee ballots (must be received by 8:00 P.M.) .....................................................May 18 

MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ..........................................................................................May 18 

First day to REGISTER after primary .......................................................................May 19 

Last day for County Board of Elections to receive voted military and overseas absentee ballots (submitted for delivery no later than 11:59 P.M. on May 17).......................................................................May 25 

Last day to circulate and file nomination papers.......................................................August 2 

Last day to file objections to nomination papers……………………………………August 9 

Last day for withdrawal by candidates nominated by nomination papers.................August 9

Last day for withdrawal by candidates nominated at the primary .............................August 9 

Last day to REGISTER before the November election.............................................October 18 

Last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot.........................................October 26 

Last day for County Boards of Elections to receive voted mail-in and civilian absentee ballots (must be received by 8:00 P.M.) .....................................................November 2 

MUNICIPAL ELECTION......................................................................................November 2 

First day to REGISTER after November election .....................................................November 3 

Last day for County Board of Elections to receive voted military and overseas absentee ballots (submitted for delivery no later than 11:59 P.M. on November 1) .............................November 9

Would You Like to Do Some Blogging?

This year's municipal races will attract far fewer attention (and votes) than the Presidential election we just endured. But it is arguably far more important. What your local elected officials do in office has much more of an impact on your daily lives than whatever Congress and the President do. Are the roads being maintained? Do 911 dispatchers answer your emergency calls? Are police or firefighters around when you need them? Are you being taxed to death? Is anyone out there doing any thing about warehouse proliferation or the increased truck traffic?  These issues matter. Yet turnout in municipal races drop dramatically after a Presidential race.  The result is elected officials, often bad, who have received insufficient scrutiny. Compounding that problem is a local press that no longer has the manpower to pay attention to local races. 

In my blog coverage, I usually focus only on a few races where I have an adequate  understanding of the issues and candidates. These would primarily be in Northampton County, Bethlehem and Allentown.  That leaves numerous races uncovered. Also, I write from my own perspective on things. Though I always try to be factually accurate, I am biased. It would be refreshing to both my readers and myself to see stories, especially about upcoming elections, from others. 

If you have such an interest, please email me at BOHare5948@aol.com. 

I want persons who can provide their identity and who can blog about specific races or communities with honesty and clarity. I'm especially interested in those who find my views insufferable.  

I am aware we have a few local bloggers besides myself who certainly have their own perspective. At a time when local news is becoming extinct, we need more.  

Easton State's Theatre Muddling Through Pandemic

Easton State Theatre's Shelly Brown was at Northampton County Council last night to thank them and numerous other public and private sponsors who have helped them stay afloat since the pandemic first hit. The facility has been closed since March. Brown is hopeful that shows can resume in June. She explained the theatre is essentially a "road house" for touring artists, who generally need months to prepare. She indicated it was necessary to furlough staff members, which for her was a first. 

Council also heard from Easton resident Linda Smith, who lives near the jail on South 6th Street. She complained she received no notice when the county recently demolished two vacant homes for a parking lot near the jail. She expressed concern that the county is looking to expand. 

Executive Lamont McClure responded that the jail is at half capacity and there are no plans to expand. He explained that no notifications are needed when no zoning changes are sought , but apologized and vowed to do a better job communicating with the jail's neighbors.

In his report, McClure noted that the county just acquired the land for its 20th park, and now has 3.451 acres in parks and open space. He indicated his focus is on parks acquisition, as opposed to develop. He reasons this is the best way the county can combat warehouse proliferation. 

In other good news, he noted the county just received $9.1 million from the federal government to help struggling homeowners and tenants. In addition, it is distributing tablets to senior centers for 90-day loans. 

In bad news, he noted there are now 477 Covid-related deaths in Northampton County. a"Our worst days are ahead of us," he predicts. His estimation is based on the 20.3% positivity rate at the county's testing center, compared to 3% when it first opened. 

Hopefully, McClure is wrong. According to numbers cruncher Steve Thode,the 7-Day New COVID Case Rate in the Lehigh Valley has dropped to its lowest level since December 3. Moreover, after a slow sart, the number of people receiving vaccines is steadily increasing.

Fear-Mongering From the Left

One of the things I most despised about Donald Trump was his fear-mongering. Now his opponents are doing it, too. Unspecified fears of a supposed bloody revolution turned the nation's capital, democracy's front door, into a war zone for Joe Biden's inauguration as President yesterday. Though I'm unaware of any plans by the bugaloos to invade Northampton County Courthouse, the seat of county government is on full alert all week. In addition to conducting administrative searches of everyone who enters, barriers have been mounted along the Washington Street side, where the handicapped and old farts usually park. This strikes me as overkill, but I have no issue with temporary measures designed to assure everyone's safety. What I do have a problem with is dehumanizing people whose views might differ from mine, even if those views are repugnant. 

Bill Leiner is a former Lehigh County Comm'r who's also a far-left partisan Democrast. He apparently considers himself the King of Coplay. He sent out this "safety tip" to his subjects yesterday:

You have been seeing in the major and local news outlets the terms "Insurrection and Sedition."

Insurrection is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "an act or instance of revolting against civil authority or an established government."

Sedition is defined, by the same source, as "conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of the state."

An example of Insurrection are the events that occurred at our nation's capital 1/6/21. An example of sedition is the rally that occurred just prior to the Insurrection that immediately followed the rally.

This behavior is not confined to Washington DC.

If you are aware of anyone engaging in sedition toward insurrection please contact your police, mayor, and county district attorney's office.

It is important that we all support our democracy, and stamp out authoritarianism, and fascism.

First, the elements of federal crimes like those Leiner describes are contained in the United States Code, not Merriam-Webster. Second, he is fear-mongering. He is attempting to scare people into ratting out neighbors and friends who have no intention of doing anything. At a time when President Biden is calling for unity, he is sowing seeds of distrust and division. 

Fear-mongering comes from both sides, the right and the left. It needs to stop. 

Dana Grubb to Run For Bethlehem Mayor

Dana Grubb, a lifelong Bethlehem resident and former City administrator, is running for Mayor. He will announce his candidacy on Wednesday, January 27, 11 AM, at the Steel Ice Center, 320 East First Street on the South Side. All persons at the event must be masked; social distancing will be required.

I first met Dana about 20 years ago. For reasons I'm unable to explain, he liked me. So he's obviously a poor judge of character.

If you've ever attended a City Council meeting, you've probably seen him. He's something of a regular speaker. Like many who sit in the peanut gallery with him, he usually makes more sense than the persons behind the dais. He cares about the City deeply.

Grubb served as the city’s Grants Administrator and Deputy Director of Community Development. He was canned by Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan after a shoving match with another staffer. Because of that, he is routinely smeared on this blog. My own impression is that he is one of the most calm and tolerant persons I've ever encountered.

Dana still works quite hard as an events photographer at Wind Creek and for The Bethlehem Press, where I sometimes freelance. From numerous conversation I've had with him over the years, I believe he's motivated by what he thinks is best for Bethlehem, not himself. This would be the capstone to his career, not a springboard for something else.

At his announcement, he is expected to "lay out the key tenets of his candidacy and reveal some of the principles by which he intends to govern."

I hope so. I know for a fact that he thinks it was ridiculous to raise taxes in the middle of a pandemic. As bad as that is, he thinks it was even more absurd to dump four firefighters.

Willie Reynolds, who sits on City Council, has announced. Bryan Callahan is being cagy. Joe Kelly is supposedly considering a bid, but he's too lazy. Nancy Matos-Gonzales might give it a go, according to some comments I received here. If she does, she must step down as a mini-judge before she announces.

Sadly, no Republican is running. Bethlehem, though Democratic, has been known to vote several Republicans into office as mayor. This is a missed opportunity.

NoCo Courthouse Takes Precautions Against Rebellion

Although I'm unaware of any plan to storm NorCo Courthouse by the boogaloos, everyone who enters the building is being searched all week, including employees. I've also noticed that parking has been banned along S 7th Street. 

I understand it's better to be safe than sorry, but a police state threatens democracy a lot more than Donald Trump. 

These unannounced security measures are temporary. My only concern is that temporary deprivations of freedom have a nasty habit of becoming permanent. 

Trump's Last Full Day Includes Stinging Rebuke from GOP Majority Leader Mitch McConnell

Tuesday was Donald Trump's last full day as President of the United States. On that day, his average approval rating stood at 38.5%. Among past presidents going back to Harry Truman, only Jimmy Carter left office in less regard. According to Gallup, a majority of Americans think he will be remembered as a "poor" or "below average" president. While it's far too early to make that kind of assessment, what floored me is the stinging rebuke Trump received yesterday (you can see it above) from one of his top lieutenants, delivered from the floor of the U.S. Senate.

GOP Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who has always been blunt, laid Trump out about the violence at the Capital last week. "The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the President and other powerful people. They tried to use fear and violence to stop a specific proceeding proceeding of the first branch of the federal government which they did not like. But we pressed on. We stood together and said an angry mob would not get veto power over the rule of law in our nation, not even for one night."

Democrats will say this reprimand is too little, too late. Trump's supporters are already accusing McConnell of treason. 

Personally, I am grateful for his remarks. As he himself observes, "Our marching orders for the American people are clear. We're to have a robust discussion and seek common ground. We are to pursue bipartisan agreement everywhere we can, and check and balance one another respectfully where we must. And through all of this, we must always keep in mind that we're all Americans, we all love this country and we're all in this together."

McConnell's conciliatory remarks starkly differ from those he made when Barack Obama was in office. My hope is that he means it. 

President Joe Biden takes office today facing numerous crises. Now is a good time to come together and ignore the extremists, whether they are Lauren Bobert on the right or AOC on the left. 

Jaywalking While Black

From Governing " Studies in a number of states have shown that when a pedestrian does get a ticket for crossing in the wrong place, it is disproportionately likely to be a person of color. This is not a small disproportion. A study in 2019 in New York City found that Blacks and Hispanics had been getting 90 percent of the tickets for "illegal or unsafe" crossing, even though they comprised just a bare majority of the city's population. Earlier research in Florida reported that minorities in Jacksonville received three times as many pedestrian tickets as white people did."

This is just more evidence of the subtle bias that exists against persons of color. 

Only 13 Black Republicans in State Legislatures

Pennsylvania's General Assembly consists of 253 members, including 50 senators and 203 state representatives. Of that number, 25 are black. Pennsylvania's population is about 12% black, meaning that blacks are slightly underrepresented in the state legislature. Interestingly, all 25 black legislators are Democrats. Nationwide, only 13 black state legislators are Republican. 

Thode: 75% of Pa.'s LTCF Residents Have Contracted Covid-19

I want to take a moment to thank Steve Thode, who has been tracking the pandemic numbers, bad and good, since the inception of this public health crisis. Here's his latest observation. 

"As of today, there have been 10,022 deaths among residents of Long-Term Care Facilities in PA. And, there have been almost 60,000 positive cases among LTCF [long term care facility] residents.

"Based on an estimated Pre-COVID LTCF resident population of 80,000, that means almost 3 in 4 LTCF residents has tested positive, and, more than 1 in 6 LTCF residents who have tested positive have died."

Pardon Me?

The President's authority to grant pardons is specifically set forth in the U.S. Constitution as follows: "[H]e shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment." It has been construed broadly, applying even to cases in which no charges have been filed. The most notable example, of course, is President Gerald Ford's pardon of Richard Nixon. Whether a President may pardon himself for his own crimes is unclear. Also, the pardon power, by its own language, has no application to state offences. Unfortunately, Donald Trump has made a mockery of even this admittedly broad power.  He has granted far fewer pardons (94) than Barack Obama (1,927) before him. But Trump has used his power to reward political allies, including corrupt politicians. He has ignored Department of Justice policy, opening the door to influence peddlers who are collecting large fees. 

In one instance, a Rudy Giuliani associate is alleged to have demanded a $2 million fee for securing a pardon, although Giuliani has denied this claim. 

On Wednesday, Trump is expected to release his final list of pardons. It could extend to Steve Bannon, who is among those who promoted the often debunked notion that Trump lost the Presidential election as a result of voter fraud. It could also include Rudy Giuliani, his children and himself.  

So much for draining the swamp. 

Grandpa Armstrong at Lehigh Valley Zoo

Nationally and statewide, we've been going to hell in a handbag in recent days. At such a depressing time, it was nice to see Lehigh County Exec Phil "Grandpa" Armstrong's latest update. In the aftermath of an assault on our democracy incited by no less a figure than President Donald Trump himself, Armstrong took a trip to the Lehigh Valley Zoo. He introduced us to two giraffes who live at the zoo. 

Right now, they're inside because of the cold weather. You can visit them from Wednesday thru Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. Grandpa also suggested people might want to roam the 2,000-acre preserve as well. 

It will also be open today for MLK Day. 

Armstrong vows to return with more Lehigh County attractions. 

Here in NorCo, the closest thing we have to a zoo is the courthouse. There are no giraffes, but many unusual species visit. These include an endangered species known as the bottom-feeding blogger (L. imo blogger-pascens)

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81% of Gracedale's Residents Vaccinated

According to NorCo Executive Lamont McClure, 81% of Gracedale's residents have now been vaccinated for Covid-19. Unfortunately, and despite a $750 cash incentive, only 42% of the nursing home workforce has been inoculated. The vaccine only has emergency use authorization, and county lawyers have advised that no one should be forced to immunize.

Below is the CDC guidance on the benefits of a vaccine:

All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines.

All COVID-19 vaccines that are in development are being carefully evaluated in clinical trials and will be authorized or approved only if they make it substantially less likely you’ll get COVID-19. Learn more about how federal partners are ensuring COVID-19 vaccines work.

Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19.

Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Experts continue to conduct more studies about the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on severity of illness from COVID-19, as well as its ability to keep people from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished

As most of you know, I'm a miserable bastard. Mean as cat shit. When I walk into a room, people walk out. As well they should. I had a momentary lapse of kindness yesterday. Now I am paying a price. 

I was on my way to the bank to deposit money I didn't deserve. I spotted an man, flat on his back, in the parking lot at Patient First. He was flopping like a fish out of water with a cane next to him, and appeared to have trouble getting up. 

"Are you OK?" I shouted, half expecting he would tell me to mind my own business. His reply, however, was unintelligible. 

I pulled into the parking lot, got out and approached. This fellow was able to speak English, but barely. Turned out he had fallen and was unable to get up. He had been with his nephew at Patient First but his nephew had to leave because he was late for work. 

I helped this guy to his feet. After all, I'm a highly conditioned, well-trained athlete. 

But not as much as I thought. Just as I got this guy up, he began twisting. This in turn caused me to pull my lower back. The old fart went down again and this time I went down with him. 

I got back on my feet and, fortunately, was able to enlist help from a visitor at Patient First to get this guy on his feet. We walked him a few feet to some concrete wall, where he said he'd wait for a cab. He asked me to call. 

I called the cab company, which wondered how they'd get this guy into a cab. I had no idea. I told them I'd call them back when done at the bank. 

I did my banking and returned to Patient First. The elderly guy was gone. I called the cab company. They did not have him. My guess is that someone from his family must have come for him. 

As for me, I could barely walk the rest of the day. I was being punished for acting out of character. But I just insulted a few readers and am starting to feel better. 

Trump Impeachment Most BiPartisan in US History

Ten Republican members of the House voted to impeach Donald Trump yesterday. Given that there are 211 Republicans, that's less than 5%. But it is still the most bipartisan impeachment of a U.S. President in history. 

Trump Unequivocally Condemns Mob Violence and Vandalism in His Movement

It's an excellent speech, delivered about a week later than it should have been. Better late than never. I hope it deters any violence in the protests planned this weekend and next week. Hopefully, it means the next few days will be peaceful.

NorCo GOP Needs to Remove Snover

Not long ago, NorCo GOP boss Gloria Lee Snover left Facebook for Parler, where death threats are treated like jokes.  So much so that Apple and Google both refused to permit downloads of the app. As a result, Parler has gone dark. That might be permanent, too. 

Snover attended last week's attempted coup at the capitol. I have no idea whether she participated in storming past the barriers, or whether she was among those smearing her feces on the walls or taking down the American flag to replace it with one of Trump. I doubt she'd do that, but the crowd she was with did.  I do know that in a radio interview with WLVR, she attempted to minimize what had happened (it includes the murder of a police officer) while adding she had as much right to be inside the halls of Congress as VP Mike Pence. 

Before Parler went dark, I was following her. She's not just angry about Trump. She's also angry that outfits like Twitter and Facebook no longer tolerate incitements to violence. "maybe satellites need to come down," she suggests. She also hates most of the Republicans in her own party for failing to ray at his aqltar like she does.

Until her party denounces and removes her, I see no reason why anyone should support a Northampton County Republican. 

The Absurdity of Metal Detectors Aimed at Congress Members

In reaction to the atrocities that occurred exactly one week ago, when a rabble breached both houses of Congress, it makes sense that security would be ramped up. But one of the most idiotic responses has been metal detectors aimed at members of the House of Representatives themselves.  

I doubt this has anything to do with security. How do metal detectors for House members prevent Proud Boys from storming the capitol? This is understandable for the public, but not House members. There is little doubt in my mind that this is really is intended as a partisan slap across the faces of a few GOP Congress members who insist on carrying guns everywhere like a blankie. I personally think that's silly, but have no issue with those who want their blankie. This kind of partisan slap is the kind of thing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi does, and is completely contrary to Joe Biden's desire to bring us together.  

One change that does make sense is the mask requirement. House members who fail to don a mask when entering the floor are subject to a $500 fine. During last week's lockdown, House members who refuse to wear masks were sharing confined space with those who do.  Three House members have since tested positive for Covid-19. 

Mini-Manwaring Thumbs Nose at Controller

Roy Manwaring is a Magisterial District Judge in Bethlehem. I wrote about two years ago. after he improperly assessed court costs against a Defendant he had just found "not guilty" of overtime parking.  Guess he never heard of the presumption of innocence.  He actually refused to let his prey escape from his mini-courtroom until those costs were paid. Unfortunately for the mini-judge,  the big one found out. President Judge Michael Koury ordered Manwaring to return the money and he did. He even apologized. So he's not a complete asshole. But Mini-Manwaring is regressing. This time, instead of arguing with innocent Defendants, he's fighting with the Northampton County Controller's office. Let me fill you in. 

Northampton County's Controller's Office, currently headed by Tony Bassil, is pretty busy. It audits every department in the county that handles money. This includes mini-judges. After all, they (and the people who work for them) can steal, too. They handle a lot of cash payments. I've never seen even a hint of dishonesty in all those offices, but if there was, an audit would eventually catch it. 

In addition to ruling out theft, these audits take a look at ongoing practices that might invite fraud.  In auditese, these are called "internal controls." 

Late last year, the Controller's office audited Mini-Manwaring. Staff Auditor Stacy Duke discovered that constables had key access into the secretarial area, which could give them unsupervised access to cash, financial records. She added this weakness existed in a previous auidit, and violates an internal control memo issued by Deputy Court Administrator on November 11, 2012. That memo bans constables, police officers and members of the public from the secretarial area. This is to deter access to cash records, cash and financial records. 

You might think Mini-Manwaring would be thankful for this observation. Nope. He disagerees. He thinks constables "constables should have 'key access' to the secretarial area."

"I believe this issue rests within the sound discretion of the Magisterial District Judge who was elected to manage and run the court," he continues. I see. He's the plaintiff and judge in his own casuse. Maybe you won't be elected next time. People get queasy about a combination of arrogance and financial foolhardiness. Manwaring is thumbinmg his nose at the Controller and even the Deputy Court Administrator. Whether he likes it ornot, he is required to follow directives from the Court Administrator. But a judge who assesses costs against innocent people obviously has liilte regard for trivial details.

Would You Vote to Impeach Trump?

Below is the text of the Congressional resolution to impeach Donald Trump, which will be introduced Wednesday. It's unlikely the Senate will be able to act on it before Joe Biden is sworn in as President. Although Trump's conduct leading up to the attempted Congressional coup last week clearly demonstrates he is unfit for office, won't this matter be moot by the time it reaches the Senate? Doesn't it make more sense for the House to do all it can now to ensure that what happened last week never happens again? Shouldn't we first ensure the capitol is safe when Joe Biden is inaugurated? If Trump broke the law, as I believe he did, shouldn't Congress allow federal prosecutors to conduct a thorough investigation and file the correct charges? Sure, he can pardon himself, but I doubt that will hold because he is unable to be a judge in his own case. What do you think and why?

Impeachment Resolution by BernieOHare

Jimmy the Badass

Dent: Instead of Chaos, GOP Should Represent Decency and Freedom

Congressman Charlie Dent is one of Trump's numerous casualties and is especially reviled by the more extreme elements within his own party. But in my view, he is perhaps the most effective leader I've ever covered. He warned us all about Trump and was ignored. Now, in an op-ed published in The Financial Times, he reminds Republicans that now is the time to reach across the aisle for the good of the nation.  

"Mr Trump cost the GOP the White House, the House of Representatives and now the Senate. Democrats control the levers of power by the slimmest of majorities. This represents an opportunity for the Republican party to not just block ill-considered Democratic policies but to engage in good faith bipartisan negotiations to reach agreements on cyber security, infrastructure, China and more. Incremental progress can be made in a closely-divided Congress."

"It is time to begin again if only to honour Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan and the Bushes. These Republican leaders left a legacy of decency and a commitment to the advancement of freedom. Let’s not squander that inheritance. The US needs a healthy GOP more than ever. Time to get to work."

Democrats in the House might wish to impeach Trump again, and perhaps they should. But I'm more interested in seeing this nation restore its good name abroad while working with Republicans to make needed changes to our tax system, healthcare and improve our decaying infrastucture. 

I'm also very concerned that Biden's inauguration is secure and that the Republicans who wish to hang Pence or trample ore disrupt our communications satellites, as GOP Chair Lee Snover has suggested on Parler, are kept at bay. 

Syrian Immigrant Seeks Seat on Allentown City Council

Allentown businessman Tino Babayan is a Syrian immigrant who has prospered in the Queen City. I've spoken to him at a few City Council meetings. I'm delighted to report he's decided to run for City Council. His daughter Jaylin explains, "[M]y dad's been someone for YEARS volunteering in the community and someone who has always been a helping hand for whoever needed it......he’s someone who will literally give you his own shirt off his back and be there for you every step of the way."

I know that in addition to his business interests, he has been active in youth sports. He has previously supported an increase in police foot patrols and rehabilitating vacant properties to provide affordable housing.

His Facebook page is here.  

Moments Before Insurrection, Trump Family Celebrating

DC Metro Seeks Your Help Identifying Insurrectionists

 Although Capital Police practically ushered in the insurrectionists at the Capital yesterday, DC Metro has been active. On Wednesday night, they arrested and processed 736 individuals for curfew violations, riot-related burglary, and other riot-related events. Of these, 26 were juveniles. More importantly, they are seeking the public's help in identifying persons of interest who engaged in the failed coup attempt. You can see some of the persons they are looking for here.

If you see someone you know, you can contact DC Metro at (202) 727-9099 or text your tip to the Department's TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. There's a reward of up to $1,000 for infdormation leading to the arrest of those involve.

Here's someone I recognize:

His words incited the very mob violence he now hypocritically condemns ...  after the damage is done.  

According to the Northampton County GOP Facebook page, several buses of Lehigh Valley residents descended on the capital on Wednesday. You may recognize someone. Party boss Lee Snover was there, and claimed she had as much right to be on the floors of Congress as VP Mike Pence. If she went past the barriers, she should be prosecuted.  

Covid-19 Vaccinations Under Way at Gracedale

Jennifer Stewart-King

Executive Lamont McClure told Northampton County Council at their January 7 meeting that vaccinations have begun at Gracedale. Thus far 144, of about 650 employees have been inoculated. McClure said he's concerned that only 22% of those who are eligible have participated. The County is paying $750 to every Gracedale worker who agrees to the injection. 

McClure added that the vaccine is being offered to residents, too. So far, 145 of about 530 residents have been vaccinated. There has been very little resistance from those who live at the home. 

Hazard pay for Gracedale workers terminated on December 31, and Council agreed to extend it. Thirty per cent will be paid to employees at Tower 10, where Covid-19 residents are located. Remaining employees will get 20% if they work extra shifts. 

Council member John Cusick said he supports hazard pay, but argued it should be time-limited. "Making this open-ended will put us in a bad spot," he observed. He suggested that hazard pay should expire on June 1. 

Council member Tara Zrinski asked whether the union was consulted, and Administrator Jennifer Stewart-King responded that this is a "management prerogative" and no consultation is needed. She added that there is $4 million in CARES Act  money available for "infection control," and this is how the hazard pay is funded. 

By a vote of 8-0, Council approved the hazard pay extension.

Council member Peg Ferraro was absent and participated in no votes. 

In other business, Council voted 8-0 to approve the appointment of Kathleen Wedge as Director of Human Resources, and at a salary of $96,094. 

Finally, Council voted 8-0 to approve a two-year contract extension with corrections officers. They will receive 2 1/2% in Year 1 and a step (about 5%) in Year 2. 

There is no separate source of funding for corrections officers or Juvenile Justice workers.