Toxic Toys For Tots!

Wanna' poison a few kids this Holiday season? Name your poison. We've got lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. No extra charge. One-third of fifteen hundred toys tested this year by Ecology Center have "medium" or "high" levels of these chemicals.

Look at the bright side. Your tot will be easier to find in the dark because she'll be glowing.

Children's jewelry is the item most likely to be contaminated. You can find a complete listing here. A Hannah Montana necklace contains 406,510 ppm. That's just a tad above the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended ceiling of 40 ppm of lead in children's products.

Controller Steve Barron: Hay Study Flawed

There's something wrong when a salary study, conducted under the supervision of the leading experts in the field, recommends freezing the wages of the most valuable employees. But that's exactly what has happened in The People's Republic of Northampton County.

Two years ago, Northampton County Executive John Stoffa made clear it's time that county workers be paid a living wage. He promised that the county's antiquated salary structure would get a much-needed overhaul.

The prestigious Hay Group, hired to do this study, sewed the initial seeds of distrust when it suggested that a committee of county employees be used to do much of its spade work. That led to charges of favoritism, and two committee members dropped out.

What's left of this committee then met secretly with the Personnel Commission on Tuesday in a blatant violation of both Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act and John Stoffa's open government policy. Now, Controller Steve Barron has determined that this salary analysis is full of gaping holes.

I have participated in the meetings on this matter, listened to the results of this study (as presented by Ron Seifert) and have further reviewed the methodology employed in this study. However, rather than resolving my concerns this has only raised a number of new questions.

***Please note that this is not questioning the application of the standards by the committee, but the creation of the tools you used given to you by the Hay Group.

We need to look at whether this study was conducted in a reasonable fashion for industry standards and whether the county received a realistic assessment. To that end, I am requesting a statement of the methodology employed, the statistics used to create the "measuring stick", and the correspondences discussing these matters in order to audit the work the Hay Group provided.

I do not have concerns about the study passing at this point. However, in order to insure that applicable standards have been applied, to further insure the efficient and effective use of county funds and as the elected steward of such funds I must further review the services provided.

I stated some of my concerns at the last meeting, but I have some additional concerns to raise:

The Column (Northampton Ave. Pay) is really the actual salary for an individual in that position. The true average for the current range for audit manager is $75,761.00. Based on information gathered from Lehigh County the CCAP numbers are correct. However, using the standard Hay used to calculate the average pay, Lehigh's Average pay is $86.00 per year less than that for the Northampton County Audit Manager Average pay. The schedules used by Hay compares two different numbers, and it is presented to be a $9,746 difference. This is just plain untrue.

Per PSACC (The County Controller's Association), the counties of Carbon, Dauphin, Luzerne, and Monroe do not list a position that is an equivalent to an audit manager. Further, the counties of Carbon, Dauphin, and Monroe do not even list any auditors on staff. Nonetheless, Hay lists audit manager salaries for all of these counties.

Ironically, if the salaries for the counties of Carbon, Dauphin, Luzerne, and Monroe are removed from the calculation the average "average salary" would be $73,453, which is a $2,308 difference from the current average salary of the Northampton County range of pay for this position.

Finally, on page 6 of the executive summary under compensation philosophy, I have to question the reason these counties were selected. Carbon and Monroe are 6th and 5th class counties respectively so they are not even a relative comparison. Also all 3rd class counties are to be included in the study, but there is no mention of Lackawanna County which has been a 3rd class county since 1976. If you look at lists easily available to any person or the County Code this is clear. However, it is missing from a study for which we paid big bucks.

This is just one position where I actually had access to some information and it only took me a few hours to discover. Imagine if we devoted more man hours to it.

I do want to see county employees having a better standard of living. We all would like to see the employees doing a little bit better. Happier employees leads to better services for the tax payers. I think that is a good investment. Not all of this study is a bad thing, but when it is based on poor data how can we trust it.

I am disappointed (not just as the controller), but as a taxpayer that we have a study presented for review with so many glaring flaws. Flaws that any person with an elementary understanding of the issues could look at and know there were an issue.

McHale: Slash Norco Council Slush Fund in Half

Lehigh County's Board of Commissioners maintains a operations account with about $30,000. It has never used it. The money is there in case they ever need to hire their own lawyer.

Unlike Lehigh, Northampton County Council has its very own solicitor. So it really needs no special account for itself. But for as long as I can remember, it has maintained what it calls a "contingency fund." At this moment, over $650,000 is in that till, burning a hole in council members' pockets.

They have used this fund to pamper themselves (not the public) with over $650,000 in "renovations" to its still dark and dreary star chamber. Although promising they would include cameras to livestream meetings and sophisticated microphones so that the public could finally hear them, we still have neither. But they did spend $10,294.57 of your money for laptops that are so essential I've yet to see one at a meeting. Just last month, they dropped $10,000 on a YMCA that is not even located in Northampton County. Another $75,000 in tax revenue also went out the window for a rail transportation study. I don't doubt the integrity of the people making these requests, but no safeguards were imposed to ensure the money is actually spent as appropriated.

Increasingly, county council's contingency fund has really been a slush fund used to finance projects by politically connected people. There's no application process, just money walking out the door. It's an incumbent protection policy.

Next year, $500,000 is budgeted for the contingency fund. On Tuesday, Council Prez Ann McHale proposed cutting that fund in half. I'd eliminate it entirely, but this is a move in the right direction. The county already has two months of expenses in its unrestricted cash reserve, an ample sum to cover any unforeseen emergency.

Northampton County Growing Outside Legal Costs

During a Tuesday budget hearing, Ron Angle told fellow Northampton County Council members that the cost of outside legal services are spiralling out of control. Over the course of three years (11/05 to 11/08), the county has paid $566,351.18 to just one law firm - Tallman, Hudders & Sorrentino.

Since this firm has been hired to negotiate with eleven different labor unions, that bill actually appears reasonable. But Angle has suggested the county could save money by hiring one labor law specialist to work on the county payroll. The county already employs one full-time and six part-time attorneys.

Daily News Steals Empire State Building

The Daily News proudly announces that it just stole The Empire State Building, using fake deeds and notaries.

The massive ripoff illustrates a gaping loophole in the city's system for recording deeds, mortgages and other transactions.

The loophole: The system - run by the office of the city register - doesn't require clerks to verify the information.

Um, that "loophole" exists everywhere. I can't think of a Recorder of Deeds office in the country that requires clerks to verify what is presented. Doing so would result in recording delays, making even more fraud possible. (My thanks to Glenn for tipping me to this interesting story).

NorCo Personnel Comm'n Conducts Secret Meeting

While strolling down a courthouse hall on my way to lunch yesterday afternoon, I saw smoke wafting from the pens where the fourth estate is usually caged. I rushed in, but the only thing on fire was Express Times reporter Sarah Cassi. She had just been ejected from a meeting of Northampton County's brand spankin' new Personnel Commission, and steam was coming out of her ears.

This agency is reviewing the controversial Hay Group salary study, which applies to its 350 nonunion employees, but I thought they were meeting later in the day, when it would be easier for county workers to attend. Silly me. I decided to go up myself and saw the three member commission huddled with human resources workers and Assistant County Solicitor Jill Mancini. I was politely asked to leave, and was told the public meeting would start later in the day.

At 2:30 PM, the time I was given, I walked in again. Sarah Cassi followed closely behind, and smoldered as the Personnel Commission spent a good ten minutes talking with Human Resources boss Connie Sutton Falk about different steps in the Hay Study salary scale. When the "public" meeting finally got underway, the only county worker there, aside from human resources staff, was Human Services Director Ross Marcus.

I had two questions. First, why did the Personnel Commission (which consists of Marna Hayden, Joyce Lang and Deborah Patterson) violate Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act? Second, why were they meeting in the middle of the day, when county workers affected by their decisions were working and unable to attend?

Sunshine Act Violation

Assistant County Solicitor Mancini said she really isn't sure the Personnel Commission is an "agency" as that term is defined in the Act. Well, let's see. That term includes "any board, council, authority or commission of ... any political subdivision of the Commonwealth." Unless Northampton County has seceded from Pennsylvania, it's pretty clear that the Personnel Commission, whose members are appointed by the Executive and confirmed by county council, is an "agency."

I suggested to Mancini that since she is unsure, why not err in favor of the public's right to know? Instead, she said something about erring "on the side of caution."

Mancini also claimed that the closed meeting was for "administrative action," defined as the "execution of policies relating to persons or things as previously authorized or required by official action of the agency adopted at an open meeting of the agency. The term does not, however, include the deliberation of agency business."

There are two problems with her argument. First, the Personnel Commission never authorized any such meeting. Second, as Sarah Cassi pointed out when she got going, the Commission was conducting "agency business" behind closed doors. They had pre-decided Marna Hayden's appointment as chair. Moreover, they were deliberating aspects of the Hay Study, right under my very big schnozz, before the public meeting ever got under way.

According to the very language of the Sunshine Act, "[S]ecrecy in public affairs undermines the faith of the public in government and the public's effectiveness in fulfilling its role in a democratic society." That's precisely what happened yesterday. How can county workers or taxpayers trust a body that excludes them?

Mid-Afternoon Time

Yesterday's 2:30 PM meeting time was certainly convenient to Human Resources staffers and Personnel Commission members, but made it impossible for most county workers, as well as the public, to attend. In fact, I can find no evidence the meeting was even advertised, a Sunshine Act requirement.

As the meeting went on, County Exec John Stoffa dropped by, as well as Solicitor Karl Longenbach. But those most dramatically impacted by the Hay Study were doing their jobs. After the meeting, I spoke to Sheriff Jeff Hawbecker and Controller Steve Barron, both of whom had spoken eloquently at the Personnel Commission's inaugural meeting. Jeff was in Reading and Steve was unaware of the meeting. Human Resources Director Connie Sutton Falk claimed everyone could have attended, but did they know about the meeting? She ended up restating the positions of county workers. They really should be permitted to speak for themselves.

Commission Chair Marna Hayden explained they had no control over the meeting time yesterday, but will ensure that future meetings are scheduled at times when both workforce and public can attend.

Stoffa Addresses Commission

Northampton County Exec John Stoffa, unaware that the Commission had met behind closed doors, gave them a little advice. "Have all your meetings open," he said, noting that secrecy just "causes suspicion among the employees."

Red-Circled Workers

The Hay Study recommends that 22 workers be "red-circled," i.e. denied additional raises or cost of living adjustments. Controller Steve Barron previously told the Commission that these are "the best of the best that work for the county." Stoffa acknowledged that it bothers him as well. "There's a value to someone who walks around with a lot of history in his head. He can come up with an answer in 30 seconds that takes others 3 or 4 hours."

The Commission will meet again, hopefully in public and at a time when affected county workers can attend. Chair Marna Hayden wants to see if adjustments can be made for red-circled workers.

"I don't know that we will be trusted at this point," says Hayden.

Not when you meet in the shadows.

Ho Ho Ho, My Name Is Jolly Joe

Hoe! Hoe! Hoe!

My name is Jolly Joe.

Hoe! Hoe! Hoe!

I make the dollies glow.

The Express Times reports that Ron Angle has sued Jolly Joe Timmer, his 974 year-old former boss at WGPA Sunny 1100 AM radio. He claims the real reason the polka king dumped him is because Angle had threatened to narc him over his antics with female employees.

Now I know why he's so damn Jolly. But let's face it - what woman isn't turned on by by polka music? I know I am. He can't help being so damn sexy. Maybe it's that vest. If I were Timmer, I'd admit it all and start doing hip hop. His record sales would go through the roof.

Five Republicans and Five Democrats Seek Grube's Empty Seat

Ten Northampton County residents have applied to serve the remaining year in Wayne Grube's term as a county council member. In chronological order, the applicants are Mike Fleck (11/13), Dave Haines (11/18), Joe Zarecky (11/19), Chris Hess (11/20), Mark Schwartz (11/20), Bill Wallace (11/21), Bob Birk (11/24), John Breidinger (11/28), Joe Capozzolo (11/28) and Geoff Roche (11/28). Two of them, Schwartz and Wallace, were unsuccessful candidates last November. Fleck's resume and letter of interest were submitted four days before Grube had even been buried.

Wayne Grube's widow, Patti, has also expressed an interest in serving out her husband's term. But she insists all eight council members must ask for her.

The county's home rule charter requires council to fill the vacancy by December 11, or it goes to the judges. Although Wayne Grube was a Democrat, his successor can belong to any policial party. Breidinger, Capozzolo, Birk, Schwartz and Zarecky are Republicans.

One advantage that blogs have over the MSM is that we can provide mind-numbing detail for which newspapers simply lack the space. In the posts below, I will provide details about each of the ten candidates. In some cases, I will include part of their letters of interest or resumes.

Update: The Morning Call reports that Queen of Hearts Ann McHale is already trying to brush Patti Grube out of the way. Grube has made her intentions known, but McHale points to Grube's refusal to send in some goofy resume. "I would think that would eliminate her.'' At a council meeting not too long ago, McHale imperiously declared, "Nice guys finish last." Looks like nice women finish last, too.

Longshanks' Nemesis on Northampton County Council?

William Wallace is the stubborn Scotsman who gave Edward Longshanks fits over revolutionary ideas like independence. But Wallace lost his head - literally. The William Wallace seeking an appointment to Northampton County Council teaches middle school, so he's probably seen his share of battles, too. And like his namesake, his letter to Northampton County Council demonstrates chivalry. "Please understand, that if it is the wish of Council to also consider Patricia Grube, widow of councilman Grube, that my submission be rescinded, due to the immense regard that I have for her and her possible intentions to carry on Wayne's legacy."

Very classy. Wallace also refrained from the divisive politics encouraged by Branco and Maher last year, instead running a clean campaign focused on bringing passenger rail to the Lehigh Valley. Mike Dowd, who defeated Bill 5027 to 4082, is ironically the council member who introduced the rail transportation study.

Wallace, if appointed, intends to run for the seat next year.

Can Northampton County Council Handle a Third Member From Slate Belt?

The two most controversial and contentious Northampton County Council members are Ron Angle and Charles Dertinger, both of whom live in the slate belt. There's only 3 TVs, so the folks up there live, eat and breathe local politics. Can we really handle a third member from that neck of the woods? Bangor Mayor Joe Capozzolo thinks so, and submits this curriculum vitae.

1981- Graduate Pius X High School, Bangor, Pa
1981-1983 Attended Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pa.
1983-1990 Universal Sportswear, Bangor Pa. Manager
1990-present Windjammer Inc. Bangor, Pa. Vice-President
2002-present Mayor of Bangor Borough
2003-present PUC- Consumer Advisory Council, Harrisburg, Pa.
2003-present Slate Belt Veterans Association, Bangor, Pa. Current VP

Does Northampton County Council Need a Salesman?

It needs something, and a thirty-year veteran of aluminum sales has offered his services. Because he's a salesman, I'll let Republican John Breidinger speak for himself.

"I am submitting this letter to declare my interest in appointment to the vacancy on the Northampton County Council. I do this with great humility and understanding that J will never replace Wayne Grube as a public servant Coach Grube was a one in a million person of integrity, perseverance, and grit, and no one will do the job as he did. I could only try to emulate his sense of duty and his giving nature to serve the people of Northampton County.


"My credentials for the job include ten years on the Easton Area School Board, member of the board of directors of the Nazareth YMCA, Varsity E Club, Visiting Nurse Association of Easton, Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at Lafayette College, and the Wilson Area Partners in Education Foundation. I also coached midget football and baseball in Texas, Palmer, and Forks during the 1 970s and 1 990s. I have lived in Northampton County for 45 of my 53 years. My family and I lived in Kentucky and Texas for eight years from 1977 through 1984, during which time we gained an appreciation of our home area as well as a perspective of how other parts of the country function and govern themselves.

"Starting with the Easton Area School Board, 1 learned quickly how to get things done in a public setting while efficiently and effectively serving the taxpayers of the Easton Area School District. While a registered Republican, I operated on the school board in a non partisan way. I would operate on the County Council in the same way. (My main advisors when running for the board and while on the board included Democrats such as the late Walter Peters of Nazareth, Representative Richard Grucela, and former District attorney Charles Spaziani). My goals were always to serve the taxpayers, the students, and the employees of the district. I was determined to represent my constituents^ regardless of region, and to be an advocate of parents with children in school (at the time only one of the eight members of the board had children in school.) I also was determined to show taxpayers what they were paying for as well as the value they were getting for their tax money. Also in this capacity I worked in negotiations with the teacher's unions of the district as well as the Career Institute of Technology. I was involved in employee grievances and student expulsions, as well as major decisions regarding policy, budget, and relationships with the other districts in the county in addition to other educational j entities., including the Northampton Community College, the Intermediate Unit, and the Easton Public Library.

"As a Director on the boards of the Y, VNA, Varsity E, and Wilson foundation, I was involved in the budgeting and personnel process as well as fund raising and public relations aspects. As a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house association, I worked with the students, faculty, and administration of Lafayette College, getting a much better understanding of the college I attended as an undergraduate. This experience was very helpful while I was on the school board, as Lafayette has a major impact on the school district tax base as well as the traditional Thanksgiving Day football game with Phillipsburg. In sending two student athletes to Lehigh, I also was exposed to the "other side" and all its positive attributes.

"My family has also broadened its horizons over the last four years. In 2004 we moved from Palmer Township to Bethlehem Township after my children graduated from Lehigh (of all places). Since moving, my wife and I have discovered the wonders of Bethlehem and this part of the county. While I have not taken an active role, I have attended meetings of the Bethlehem Township commissioners as well as the Bethlehem Area School Board. I was pleased to learn that we all have some of the same issues and have dedicated people who are constantly try to solve them. As a county councilperson I would be pleased to expand that knowledge base while drawing on my past relationships with taxpayers in the Palmer and Easton area.

"My career as a sales manager selling aluminum foil allows me to manage my schedule to attend meetings and visit county sites. I would welcome the opportunity to serve the people of Northampton County. However, should Mrs. Grube be appointed and accept the position of her late husband, I would withdraw my application."

Robert Birk Offers Municipal Experience to Norco Council

Republican Robert Birk, who has worked in the hotel/restaurant industry over the last twenty years, offers his extensive municipal experience in Bethlehem Township as the main reason why Northampton County Council should select him.

* Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners - Treasurer, 2006 - 09
* Liaison to Parks, Recreation and Administrative Offices
* Serve on Bethlehem Township Police Pension Board, 2006 - 09
* Bethlehem Township Board President, 2000 - 01
* Bethlehem Township Board - Vice President, 1998 - 99
* Bethlehem Township Board Commissioner- 1991, 1995, 1999
* Lehigh Valley Planning Commission - 1994 - 97
* Former Candidate for Northampton County Council

Roche: My Party Does Not Identify Who I AM

A five-year Northampton County resident, Geoffrey Roche, acknowledges having worked for three different Democratic legislators (Kanjorski, Siptroth and Boscola) But he denies he's a partisan. Here's his pitch.

"Prior to moving to Northampton County in the summer of 2004, I was fortunate to serve as Auditor and a member of the Open Space Committee in Ross Township, Pennsylvania. In these roles, I gained an understanding of local government and worked diligently on issues facing the community. In addition, I learned how to conduct legislative research, address constituent issues, and build government and community relationships through my experiences serving as a Legislative Staff member to both State Senator Lisa M. Boscola and State Representative John J. Siptroth. If I should have the honor and privilege to serve as a member of the Northampton County Council, I understand and recognize that I will face challenging issues such as dealing with the Fiscal Year 2009 budget. However, I believe my experiences as well as my passion to help others will aid me in making informed decisions while working closely with all of you.

"I understand that the current make-up of the Northampton County Council is four democrats and four republicans. Although, I am a registered democrat, my party does not identify who I am. What identifies me is my ability to help and serve others, my passion to advocate and speak up for those who are unable to, and my dedication to study issues carefully prior to making an informed decision. If you should put your trust and confidence in me, I will proudly serve the remainder of this term and would agree not to run in the upcoming election. I believe there are significant issues facing our community and I would be proud to work on those matters you during the next year."

Mark Schwartz Tries Again

Republican Mark Schwartz lost last year to Northampton County Council member Lamont McClure by a scant 91 votes. He was endorsed by both local papers. Amazingly, he spent no money. He had no time. He was working five different jobs - East Allen Township supervisor (third term), state police dispatcher, an EMT with two different ambulance corps, and a corpsman in the Navy Reserve.

He's already declared he's running again next year and has submitted a letter and resume expressing an interest in Wayne Grube's vacancy. It looks like his Navy Reserve enlistment has expired and he has dropped one ambulance corps, so he should have a little more time on his hands.

Someone has anonymously suggested that Schwartz' candidacy might constitute a violation of the Hatch Act, but that's ridiculous. That federal act does bar state employees from seeking election, but only those who are principally employed in connection with programs financed by loans or grants made by the United States or a federal agency. Last time I checked, state police dispatchers are paid out of the state coffers.

WGPA's Financial Controller on Northampton County Council?

In the course of guest-hosting on WGPA for Ron Angle before not-so Jolly Joe Timmer gave him the boot, I had the privilege of meeting Joe Zareczky. He was always there during the easrly morning hours, always listened to the shows, and definitely had his own opinions. Here's what he told Northampton County Council.

"I am a retired senior citizen applying for county council appointment to the unexpired term of the late Wayne Grube.

"I am a graduate of Moravian College with a BS degree in Economics and Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting and a MBA from Lehigh University.

"My work experience prior to retirement was 30 plus years as a Financial Controller in manufacturing at ITT Electron Tube, in Roanoke, VA and Easton, PA; Everson Electric in Bethlehem and Landis Technical Systems in Quakertown. At present, I work part-time as a Financial Controller for WGPA Radio Station and an Accountant for Valley Graphic Services in Fountain Hill."

Criminal Justice Maven Seeks Northampton County Council Seat

A 1999 criminal justice grad of Kutztown University, Easton resident Christopher M. Hess is the son of a 24-year verteran of Easton's finest. Chris is currently employed as a security officer with the Easton Area School District. His interesting resume includes work as a freelance reporter, adult probation officer and acting assistant township manager. Here's what he tells Northampton County Council.

"I have been actively involved in government and public relations for the last 10 years. In 1989, I had the honor of being a legislative page to the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives. From 1990 thru 2002, I had the pleasure of serving Pennsylvania State Representatives Robert L. Freeman and Richard T. Grucela as well as Pennsylvania State Senator Lisa Boscola as a constituent relation aide. From 1999 until 2002, I served as a public relations specialist for the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) in Washington, DC, as well as for the Pennsylvania State Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police Associates in Rhode Island. Tn these positions, I wrote press releases and news briefs in support of legislation and issues relating to law enforcement in the United States. In addition, I wrote numerous articles and position papers that "were published in national media and trade publications, and assisted in the research, preparation, and writing of Amicus Curiae briefs filed with me United States Supreme Court. I also lobbied both members of the United States Congress as well as members of the Pennsylvania State Legislature on behalf of my organizations. I attended lobbying events in Washington, DC and Harrisburg as well as congressional committee hearings to assist members of my organizations as they testified before Congress.

"Additionally, I have been involved in Government on the local level here in Pennsylvania, From 2001-2002,1 served as Acting Assistant to the Township Manager in Palmer. In this position, I assisted the Township Manager in all aspects of municipal government, including supervision of administration, grant development, planning, purchasing, finances, public works, general services, and public relations. I met daily with Township Supervisors on departmental problems, answered questions, and provided necessary information. In addition, I served as a member of the Palmer Township Planning Commission. Our commission serves as advisors to the Township Board of Supervisors on any land use items and issues. We discussed changes to the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance of the township and made recommendations to the Board of Supervisors relating to any changes. Also, "we reviewed plans of developer request for land use and developed Palmer Township's comprehensive 10-year growth plan.

"I am a lifelong resident of Northampton County with a vested interest in her future. From its rich past and friendly citizens to its natural beauty and many recreational opportunities, Northampton County is a symbol of what makes America great. I would be honored to be able to serve her citizens in this capacity."

David Haines: A Fighter Pilot on Norco Council?

Imagine the dogfights with Northampton County's Bulldog, Ron Angle, if council appoints this former fighter pilot. Northampton area resident David Haines is a Naval Academy grad who later flew for Delta. He's also an at-large Dem delegate in East Allen Township who promises he will not seek the position in 2010. This gentleman has been a volunteer at the Northampton Food Bank, an assistant soccer coach at Northampton High School and a Deacon at St. John's UCC in Howertown.

Unfortunately, after reciting these impressive credentials, Haines blows everything by stating that his "skill sets" are perfect if "the duty of government is to serve its citizens effectively and honorably." What I've noticed is a council intent on doing quite the opposite.

Mike Fleck Can Only Make Two Promises

In his letter to Northampton County Council, Mike Fleck states, "I can only make two promises, One, because of my experience in local government I will be able to work from day one for the residents of Northampton County. The second promise is that I will not seek election to a fall term on County Council. I view this as a stewardship of the seat and will work hard for the residents, but don't believe an appointment to then seek election next year would be appropriate."

Fleck intends to use Wayne Grube's seat on Northampton County Council as a springboard from which he will launch his next city council race. His resume notes he received a "general degree" from Notre Dame High School. I didn't know high schools awarded degrees. Times must have changed. Currently, he sells furniture at Boscov's. As references, he lists Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski and Easton city council member Sandy Vulcano.

Resident to Lower Saucon Township: "Don't Fence Me In!"

Lower Saucon Township resident Richard Jacobs has challenged the township's decision to create a municipally subsidized gated community. Without bothering to conduct a traffic study, the township has gated off Stover Road from his subdivision.

Blocking off the road makes it much more difficult for people using the main drag, Route 412, to access his neighborhood, the Arden subdivision. Residents of this wealthy quarter, including a township supervisor, are all for this obstruction. You see, they don't like the idea of unwanted guests barrelling through their green zone. They might be poor people, damn it!

Jacobs had previously warned township officials that blocking this road creates a public safety hazard. And soon after the gate was installed, Jacobs had the unhappy fortune to be proved correct. His wife had a nasty fall and he called for assistance. Had that road been open, an ambulance would have been at his wife's side at least five minutes earlier.

This gate, installed at township expense, does more than keep the poor people out. It also screws handicapped people, making it impossible for a person on a wheel chair to get around.

Ten years ago, there were at least thirty thousand gated communities across America, and anywhere between 4 and 8 million people had "forted up." By contrast, Canada has about 300. They're more relaxed ... and less snobby.

Undeniably, gated communities present challenges for emergency vehicles. They exclude our new "untouchables," like the "bus people" I occasionally see derided on this and other blogs. According to at least one study, non-whites make up only a tiny portion of gated community residents. Hmmm. Heavy Trash, another blog, notes that "gated communities do not increase people’s trust in each other or the overall quality of life. They may in fact do harm to both.”

The Great Wall of China never succeeded in keeping out invaders. The Berlin Wall was a bad idea, too. The Stover Road gate will likely be opened by Jacobs' litigation. For those of you who'd like more detail, his complaint is below.

NOW COMES THE PLAINTIFF upon a cause of action of which the following are statements:

1. Plaintiff is an adult individual residing at XXXX Arden Lane, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County.

2. Defendant is a Second Class Municipal Township with a business address at 3700 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County.

3. Plaintiff resides in the Arden Subdivision, at the corner of Arden Lane and Stover Road.

4. Stover Road is located on the approved plans of the Arden Subdivision and is a public road.

5. Stover Road is also a proposed public road on the Meadows Subdivision which is an approved subdivision located immediately to the north of Plaintiff’s property and will connect to that portion of Stover Road located on the Arden Subdivision. That portion of Stover Road located on the Arden Subdivision has been dedicated to the Defendant, however, that portion of Stover Road located on the Meadows Subdivision is still not fully constructed and has not yet been accepted by the Defendant.

6. The Meadows Subdivision was approved by the Defendant on September 7, 2005, and the plan was recorded on October 26, 2005, and is recorded in the Northampton County Deeds Office in Vol. 2005-5, page 631, et seq.

7. Appearing on the recorded plan of the Meadows is the following notation relative to a possible gate located on Stover Road at the point where the Meadows Subdivision and the Arden Subdivision meet. “The location and type of gate will be determined by the Lower Saucon Township Council if deemed necessary after Stover Road is constructed.”

8. The gate as set forth in paragraph number seven would prevent the free flow of traffic along Stover Road from the Arden Subdivision to the Meadows Subdivision and points north and east.

9. Prior to the adoption of the Meadows Subdivision Stover Road was always planned as an open, unobstructed roadway along its entire length.

10. Prior to the approval of the Meadows Subdivision certain residents located in the Arden Subdivision desired to have their Subdivision gated off from the Meadows Subdivision and requested Lower Saucon Planning Commission to recommend a gate be placed in the center of Stover Road to prevent the free flow of traffic from the Arden Subdivision to the Meadows Subdivision and points north and east.

11. The Lower Sacuon Township Planning Commission considered the requests of the residents and on March 13, 2000 voted to grant preliminary approval of the Meadows Subdivision and specifically voted “to recommend a through road connecting Stover Road without an emergency access gate”.

12. In September 2008 The Lower Sacuon Township Council voted to require a gate be placed in the center of Stover Road preventing the free flow of traffic along its entire length.

13. The placing of the gate in the center of Stover Road was contrary to the specific recommendations and desires of fire, medical and other first responders of emergencies that may be required to travel along Stover Road to access the Arden Subdivision and the residents who live to the south and west of the gate. The Defendant was warned of possible adverse consequences to the public if the Stover Road was blocked by such a gate in a letter dated February 1, 2000, a copy is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

14. The placing of the gate in the center of Stover road will prevent police vehicles responding to emergencies in a timely fashion if they are required to use Stover Road.

15. The residents on the Arden Subdivision and other residents who live to the south of the gate on Stover Road will have only one method of egress and ingress to their homes if Stover Road is blocked by the proposed gate.

16. The placing of the gate in the center of Stover Road is a clear danger to the health, safety and welfare of the public.

17. The placing of the gate in the center of Stover Road is contrary to the Lower Saucon Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance.

18. Defendant has not adopted any regulations or standards as part of its Municipal Code to determine the placing of, use of, or construction of gates placed on public roads or streets such as the one on Stover Road and is done on an ad hoc basis.

19. By placing a gate in the center of Stover Road prior to the completion of construction of Stover Road, Plaintiff will be and is unable to complete a traffic study by counting the cars which will traverse Stover Road and its connecting road, Old Mill Road, to adequately assess the impact on any increase in traffic if Stover Road was unobstructed.

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays that This Honorable Court grant the following relief:

A. Preventing and enjoining Defendant from placing a gate in the center of Stover Road as set forth above,
B. Preventing and enjoining Defendant from placing a gate in the center of Stover Road as set forth above until the completion of Stov er Road,
C. Preventing and enjoining Defendant from approving and or installing any further gates blocking public roads,
D. Preventing and enjoining Defendant from approving and or installing any further gates which would block public roads until standards and regulations have been promulgated and adopted by Defendant,
E. Preventing and enjoining Defendant from approving and or installing any further gates which would block public roads until standards and regulations have been promulgated and adopted by Defendant following public hearings,
F. Immediately ordering the Defendant to conduct a car count on Old Mill Road prior to the completion of Stover Road , or with Stover Road blocked by the gate, to determine the actual use of Old Mill Road so it can be compared to the use of Stover Road when it is unobstructed,
G. Ordering the Defendant to conduct a car count on vehicles actually traversing Stover Road and Old Mill Road after Stover Road is completed and unobstructed with any barriers.
H. Ordering an independent traffic study from a source unaffiliated from the Defendant relative to the proposed gate on Stover Road,
I. Grant such other relief which would be appropriate to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Philly's Foreclosure Diversion Program Explained to State Reps Dally & Brennan

Last Monday, Northampton County Council member Lamont McClure conducted an informative meeting concerning the local impact of the nation's home foreclosure crisis. Interestingly, state house members Craig Dally and Joe Brennan met the very next day with Judge Annette Rizzo, who supervises Philly's Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Pilot Program.

Dally has been kind enough to send me some information that he and Joe obtained from Judge Rizzo, and I'll share it with you.

Here's how it works. When a foreclosure action is filed, the bank must indicate whether an owner-occupied property is involved, and if so, obtain a case management order scheduling a conciliation conference. Both the complaint and the conciliation order, scheduling a conference within sixty to ninety days, are then served on the homeowner. Before the conference, the homeowner meets with a housing counselor, who prepares a proposal for the lender.

Using this procedure, 1,540 cases have been scheduled for a conciliation conference. More than half of the eligible homeowners, 63%, participated. Of the 973 owners who have completed conciliation conferences, nearly half (490) have been able to save their homes.

Philly is using a large reservoir of pro bono attorneys to keep costs down.