Judge's Arrest Should Be a Wake Up Call to Karen Dolan

A former Philadelphia judge was arrested and charged today with both theft and conflict of interest for his use of a judicial secretary to manage his rental properties. This should serve as a wake-up call to Bethlehem City Council member Karen Dolan. Contrary to what she might think, the conflict of interest provision in the Ethics Act has served as the basis for criminal prosecutions.

Here's what we know:

* Dolan voted for last year's City Budget, which included $5,000 in free heating oil at her non-profit.
* Dolan voted for the 2013 City Budget, which included $6,000 in free heating oil at her non-profit.
* Since August of 2011, Dolan has wanted to be a paid Executive Director at her non-profit.
* Sometime in 2011, the City stopped charging for utilities at her nonprofit.
* Sometime in 2012, City officials wrote off $128,000 in debt owed to the City.
* Dolan was a paid Executive Director this year, and may have been paid a small sum last year.
* Dolan, as Parks Chair, proposed easing park alcohol rules, which would make it easier for her to conduct wedding receptions at her nonprofit.
* Dolan threatened to use her powers on Council to prevent a new lease, and that required utility payments, from being considered by Council.

Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act states, "No public official or public employee shall engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest." The Act defines "conflict of interest" as the "[u]se by a public official or public employee of the authority of his office or employment or any confidential information received through his holding public office or employment for the private pecuniary benefit of himself, a member of his immediate family or a business with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated."

It's pretty clear, just from what I know, that Dolan engaged in repeated conflicts of interest. I'll concede that she did great work in getting the Mill up and running, and that it does good work for children. But that is no justification for breaking the law.

She needs to resign from Council.

BASD Never Promised You a Rose Garden

As hinted by Mayor Bob Donchez last night, the BASD has dropped plans to use a portion of Bethlehem's Rose Garden as a temporary parking lot for teachers during a two-year construction of a new Nitchmann Middle School. The schooldistrict is doing so, according to a Morning Call news account, in response to the public outcry from neighbors.

It is unclear what plans, if any, will be made for teacher-parking during construction. Neighbors may not want to see a portion of the Rose Garden temporarily converted, but they might be bothered to see teachers parking on front to their houses every day.

One City resident, Chuck Nyul, told City Council the new school could be completely housed at The Martin Tower, located less than a mile away, without inconveniencing anyone. But he also told them to knock down the steel stacks.

City Council Has Sudden Change of Heart About Morganelli

Diana Morganelli (center) has female crowd on her side

Five weeks ago, Mayor Bob Donchez' appointment of Diana Morganelli to the Bethlehem Parking Authority was rejected by all three members of its Waterboarding Committee after 50 minutes on the rack. A magna cum laude accounting graduate of Moravian College, who had spent years at Air Products, was told that stay-at-home moms need not apply. But after weeks of public condemnation, the entire city Council reversed course at their meeting last night. They unanimously approved her. "There's a very common word for this practice," noted watchdog Stephen Antalics. "It starts with an H. It's called hypocrisy.

Five weeks ago, Cathy Reuscher told Morganelli she had been out of the "financial arena" for too long to be of much value. Adam Waldon referred to the Parking Authority as a "hornet's nest," and said it might be too much for her. Karen Dolan lectured that accounting principles have changed a lot in the past thirty years. What all three of them were saying is that stay-at-home moms need not apply. They did not use those precise words, but that's certainly what they meant.

They also were looking for a way to stick it to Mayor Donchez. His best friend happens to be DA John Morganelli, whose wife Diana is the nominee. What better way to send a message than by rejecting her appointment to an unpaid, voluntary position?

In the weeks that followed, public condemnation of this poor decision was swift and harsh. The common reaction is exemplified by Anne Evans, who told Council that the actions of this three-person junta were "demeaning and sexist, not just to [Diana], but to all the women of Bethlehem."

So after the drums began a-beatin', the Morganelli phone began a-ringin'.

Bryan Callahan told everyone he called her on Mother's Day weekend. He had her on the phone, I'm told, for fifty minutes. This is on top of the fifty minutes she had already been grilled. Then came a call from Adam Waldron. He called after learning that there were now four votes for Morganelli, and he was suddenly in the minority. He droned on for another forty minutes. Finally came a call from Cathy Reuscher. I have no idea whether Morganelli took my advice and pretended to be a tree. I do know that she spent over four hours, both in a committee and on the phone, answering their questions.

I'd rather go through root canal.

Before the unanimous vote in favor of Morganelli last night, Karen Dolan's passive aggressive behavior was on full display. In an appointment to another Board, Dolan made a point of noting she supported it even though the nominee had been a stay-at-home mom. She later complained that their decision had been "mischaracterized," and that the phrase "stay-at-home" mom had never been used. Then, beating back crocodile tears, Dolan told Morganelli, "I never wanted to do anything that would hurt you." Dolan called the whole thing an "incredible learning process for me."

If I were Morganelli, I'd buy a flak jacket. When Dolan turns on the water works, she's on the attack. It's clear to me that she feels she was right to reject Morganelli and that the decision was misrepresented because it wasn't reported the way she wanted it reported. She went so far as to suggest that, perhaps, they should have tabled the appointment.

Adam Waldron, who insulted not just Morganelli but the entire Parking Authority, discussed the numerous emails he received, one of which was from me. He promised to do a "better job", but I doubt it. He never responded to my email, indicating to me that he changed course simply because he realizes his poor judgment in this matter might cost him his seat.

Reuscher, who also ignored an email from me, said next to nothing, other than that Morganelli will be a "great asset to the City."  She did as she was told. Again.

The truth is that City Council would have happily rejected Morganelli if there had not been such a public outcry. The proof of this is Bryan Callahan, who whined at the end of the meeting.

"It's not a healthy thing," he complained to the Mayor, repeating that phrase nine times in the course of a rambling speech. He complained that just because they rejected Morganelli, there were accusations of "over reaching" and "power grabbing." He also pointed out that Donchez himself turned down a Mayoral appointment.

Mayor Donchez agreed, pointing out that he did vote against a nomination once in 18 years on Council. He added that he has reached out repeatedly to members of Council, having breakfast with three of them in the last week alone. "I don't know what more I could do," he added.

He defied Callahan to come up with one instance in which he accused them of "over-reaching" or "power-grabbing." "I think you're totally inaccurate," he added.

Neither Callahan nor Dolan really understand that you simply don't have the right to abuse a volunteer for an appointed, unpaid post. Whether she's the DA's wife or not. That's not over-reaching, it's just disrespectful. For a Council that prides itself on its faux civility, the way it handled this matter was pure politics. But they chose to dance with the wrong person.

District Attorney John Morganelli did not attend the meeting. He was getting ready for today's Investigating Grand Jury.

Dent Condemns VA's Secret Waiting Lists

Congressman Charlie Dent is among those who co-sponsored and voted (390-33) for House legislation that will make it easier to fire or demote a VA official guilty of mismanagement. This comes in the wake of claims that dozens of veterans have died while waiting for treatment,

“All Americans were appalled and angered by the recent reports about veterans losing their lives while being placed on secret ‘wait lists’ for care at VA facilities. The fact that these were not isolated incidences but instead seem to be common protocol is despicable,” said Dent.

“This bill gives Secretary Shinseki the authority to make sure that the people reporting to him know that they will face harsh consequences for failing our veterans. We’re giving him the ability to muck out those individuals who allowed this perversion to become policy,” said Dent. “He better use it.”

Obama has taken swift action - a speech.

Angle Installed Atop Bill White's Mount Rushmore

Morning Call columnist Bill White was at tonight's meeting of Bethlehem City Council. Normally, he's a fairly reserved guy who keeps to himself. But he sought me out after the meeting to tell me that his Mount Rushmore of Hall of Famers is complete, and that graphic artist Ann Elizabeth Schlegel worked up a terrific design. He was quite excited about it.

The only living member of White's Mount Rushmore is Ron Angle. Most of us would shudder, but I am sure he will be pleased. He gets a kick out of this sort of thing. He still thinks he did me a great favor by nominating me last year.

Bastard.

Now I'm stuck in it for eternity with Tricia MezzacRaZy. Thanks, Ron. Thanks a lot.

I have not seen the graphic for this Rushmore, and hope it is in tomorrow's print edition. I wonder if it includes a big Angle cigar.

Other inductees include Allentown's Emma Tropiano as well as the Cipko Brothers.

NorCo Republicans Reject Extremists in Their Midst

The rats within the Northampton County COP (they use that weird themselves) have been defeated in their latest attempt to wrest control of the party from more moderate voices. They mounted a slate of state committee candidates to take out more mainstream Republicans.  These mainstreamers, as I call them, are actually hard core conservatives, for the most part. But they were not pure enough for the slate assembled by Bethlehem City Council loser Tony Simao.

Ron Angle was assailed in a web page and vicious mailers. Peg Ferraro was attached in a robo call and mailer.

The people have made their decision.

The three successful male state committee candidates are Bob Kilbanks, Glenn Geissinger and Ron Angle.

The three successful women are Lee Snover, Peg Ferraro and Mary Barket.

Guess What I Did?

I love to pitch about elections officials and poll workers, but on Tuesday, I was one of them. Between 6:30 am and nearly 9 pm, I worked at a Palmer Township poll. It gave me new found respect for what these people do, year after year. I'll have a more detailed story tomorrow. For now, I want to crash.

I am delighted to see that Tom Wolf has the gubernatorial nod among Democrats and that Mike Stack is their choice for Lt. Governor. I am disappointed that Scott Parsons lost, but was afraid that would happen in a three-way.

One Vote Joe Sinks Parsons State Senate Quest

Scavello nearly impossible to beat

Joe "Won by One" Capozzollo ended Scott Parsons's race for the state senate on Tuesday. In fact, he has all but assured Republican Mario Scavello of a victory this Fall.  That's because One Vote Joe insisted on running in a race that he had to know he would lose. But he siphoned off just enough votes from blue collar Scott Parsons to guarantee a primary victory to Allentown Attorney Mark Aurand. Republican Mario Scavello would have had a rough time against Parsons, a fairly conservative, common-sense Democrat. He'll have a field day with Organizing for America Mark Aurand, who will be defined as a left wing lunatic.

According to the latest from WFMZ, Aurand was pulling away at 11 pm with 41% to Parsons' 36% and One Vote Joe's anemic 23%

Some say that Aurand supporters encouraged Capozzolo to run, flattering him and appealing to his ego. By any logical analysis, he had no business running. Just two years ago, he was crushed by an arrogant and cocky state rep. He raised no money. Did he honestly think he'd do better against a Republican moderate who is actually admired? So did he run this race, knowing he'd lose and that he was playing the spoiler, because someone promised him something?

One Vote Joe has demonstrated a lack of integrity. In 2003, he pleaded "no contest" to vandalizing a school board candidate's signs. He's never won any race outside Bangor, and his one vote margin there is laughable.

Had One Vote Joe stayed out of this race, Parsons would be the victor tonight. Scott would have had a fighting chance against Scavello. I admire Aurand's honesty and intelligence, bit he will have a much harder time against Scavello. In fact, I think the race is already over.

Why? He's been running for two years. He has lots of money to spend. His positions are fairly moderate on most issues. He's not some whack job that can be defined as an extremist. He has run successfully for may years in a district that was 63% Democratic. Most importantly, he works his ass off, taking nothing for granted.

On Saturday, this Monroe County resident found the time to attend Hanover Township's Armed Forces Day Program. At 10 am, it was his third stop that morning, I later learned.

Updated 10:30 am: In Northampton County, Parsons won the race. He attracted 2205 votes, which put him ahead of Aurand (1927) and Capozzolo (1210). He lost in Monroe. Aurand finished there with 2185 to Parson's 1443 and Capozzolo's 1054. Capozzolo tapped into Parsons' base.

Join The Wolf Pack

Northampton County DA John Morganelli is forced to deal with lots of low-lifes on a daily basis. I'm not talking about criminals, but bottom-feeding bloggers like me. He can hide in his office, but eventually, he has to leave. That's when I nail him.

He's about to have one friend who looks like he's headed to high places.

Tom Wolf will almost certainly be the Democratic nominee for Governor tomorrow. The Lehigh Valley politician has been encouraging him to run since 2012?  Northampton County DA John Morganelli. In fact, he was the ONLY Lehigh Valley politician to jump on the Wolf Bandwagon early, when he was at 0%.

Over the protests of many, Morganelli convinced Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez to join him in endorsing Wolf. Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski, who wanted to be Governor himself, eventually went with Rob McCord, along with most of LV Labor. Easton Mayor Sal Panto is dancing with McCord and turned down an invite to join Morganelli and Donchez to endorse Wolf.

Morganelli also raised $10,000 for Wold during an April fundraiser at his home.

Tonight, Morganelli and Donchez have been invited to Wolf's HQs in York, where he will await the election tally.

Freemansburg Ave Widening To Start September

CPL Stephen Malitzki, Jr, and family

The best-laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley, says poet Robert Burns. He must have been familiar with PennDOT. A two-year widening project along Freemansburg Avenue is scheduled to start in September. Bethlehem Township Commissioners approved a host of motions and resolutions related to the project at their May 19 meeting. The good news is that St. Luke's Hospital and Madison Farms developers will be picking up the tab, which includes a new bridge over Route 33. The bad news is that it is scheduled to take over two years.

This comes at a time when residents Roy and Barry Roth are complaining about congestion along William Penn Highway, the other east-west corridor in the Township. They both noted that, in addition to rush hours, they have even seen it on Saturday mornings. He asked Township officials to meet with PennDOT about re-timing the traffic light coming from Emrick Boulevard.

Commissioners also heard again from Chetwin Terrace resident Wayne Kresge, who has been a regular at meetings for the past year. He has been plagued by stormwaters that come from William Penn Highway, across the bike path and flood onto his property. He told Commissioners that there was 4" of rainwater on the bike path after a recent downpour. "If some child is out there, he'll be swept away," he warned.

Township manager Melissa Shafer told Kresge that Public Works will be out there within a month, and promised to visit the property herself after the next heavy rainfall.

Shafer also updated Commissioners on improvements at Housenick Park. She noted that work on a driveway and parking lot is under way and that she is working on securing a permanent easement. She also toured the Archibald Johnston Mansion, and reported there is no leakage. She said the chimneys need work, especially since a tree is growing in one of them.

Commissioner Michael Hudak, who previously asked Kunsman Roofing to examine the roof, also clarified that the roof repair projection was not a technical "estimate," and that if the roof were being repaired, the matter would be put out to bid.

Kunsman Roofing has been making bi-annual inspections and repairs at the mansion.

Finally, Officer Officer Stephen Malitzki, Jr., was sworn in as a Corporal in the Township Police Department by President Marty Zawarski. Corporal Malitizi was joined by his wife, Jennifer, and sons Tyler and Jaden.

NorCo Gaming Board Sets Criteria For Municipal Grants

Northampton County's nine-member Gaming Authority could award up to $1.6 million in slots revenue this year. Last month, the Board awarded approximately $940,000 in restricted "impact" grants. These are limited to Bethlehem and the five municipalities surrounding Bethlehem, where the Sands Casino is located. At their May 16 meeting, the Authority established criteria by which other municipalities may apply for "uncommitted" funds.

First, the application process will be open to every municipality, even those entitled to impact grants. Authority member Tony Pristash, who also serves on Northampton Borough Council, proposed excluding the impact communities from uncommitted funds, but Solicitor Graham Simmons cautioned against excluding any municipality. "You're going down a road where you could expose yourself," he cautioned.

Second, all applicants can apply for up to $50,000. Suggestions that the sum be smaller, or that there be matching grants, were deferred. Authority member Gerald Yob, who is also Freemansburg's Mayor, pointed out that many small municipalities like his would simply lack the funds for matching grants. "If it wouldn't be for gaming, we'd have nothing," he pointed out.

Third, there is a one application per municipality limit.

Finally, the grants can be used for infrastructure, human services, public safety or emergency management.

Now that the criteria are established, Executive Director Karen Collis will host two informational sessions on June 9, at 2 pm and 6 pm, for interested municipalities. Grant applications must be in by August 6, 2014, and will be awarded at an Authority meeting on September 22, 2014.

Northampton County's Gaming Board only has authority over slots revenue. Northampton County has also budgeted $1 million in anticipated revenue from table games this year. The County is also sitting on $1.375 million in unspent table games revenue identified in the approved 2014 Budget as "future grants". This is a total of $2.375 million, with no grant process in place to ensure proper distribution.

Stay-at-Home Mom Has At Least Five Votes

Diana Morganelli, the stay-at-home mom whose nomination to the Parking Authority was panned by all three members of the Human Relations committee, appears to have five votes. This includes Adam Waldron, chair of the very committee that rejected her. By the time Wednesday night rolls around, it could be unanimous.

Other Council members who have committed to vote for Morganelli are Council President J. Willie Reynolds, Eric Evans, Bryan Callahan and Mike Recchiuti.

There is no question that Morganelli is qualified for this unpaid, volunteer position. She knows how to park a car.

This became a mess for two reasons. First, two of the three members of the committee that interviewed Morganelli,Adam Waldron and Cathy Reuscher, are new to Council. Second, they made the mistake of listening to Karen Dolan. Though she is the most senior member of Council, she is also the most erratic.

The only two members of council opposed to stay-at-home moms, are the two women on Council.

Morganelli can undoubtedly snag Cathy Ruescher's vote by pretending to be a tree. Dolan, who should know how to count votes despite her inability to file nonprofit tax returns and pay City debt, can pretend she supported Morganelli all along.

Five of seven votes is 71.4%. That's better than you, John!

Dems: Be Careful What You Wish For

Michael Beyer has been tossed by the state Supremes as a Democratic candidate in Justin Simmons District. They think he has a little problem telling the truth. That was apparent to me simply because he switched parties the day before you started circulating his nomination petition. A long time Republican just suddenly became a Democrat. The reason, quite obviously, is because he could never win as a Republican. 

Beyer is the son of former state rep Karen Beyer. She's been telling her old Republican and lobbyist friends in Harrisburg that Michael will switch back to Republican if he wins in November since the 131st is now a Republican leaning district.  They think they only have a shot this year to win this district because of Corbett.  Also she will be his Chief of Staff so she can direct him.

So Bar Johnston, is this what you really want?

My Election Day Picks: The Kiss of Death

Just because I've blown a few election predictions, I've developed this reputation for cursing politicians to the political graveyard by simply saying I like them. Obviously, that's just nonsense. So let me tell you now who is going to win in the upcoming primary races.

Governor - I'm guessing Allyson Schwartz. I'm sure no one will mind that she not only supports abortion, but actually ran a clinic.

Lt. Gov. - Harrisburg City Councilman Brad Koplinski. Because why should Harrisburg be the only place that goes broke?

State Senator - Sign-bashing Joe "Won by One" Capozzolo, who slaughtered his competition for Bangor Mayor by one vote. Two years ago, he was crushed by Joe Emrick, a member of the Asshole Party. For some reason, he thinks he'll do better against a Republican who actually is a nice guy and has a $400,000 warchest.

State Rep. - Joe Emrick, proud member of the Asshole party, is running unopposed. So I'm picking him.

Congress: - Matt Cartwright has no Democratic opponent. On the R side, I'm goin' with Matt Dietz. Any friend of Tony Simao is a pal of mine.

(Here's a little secret. Don't tell anyone. I already voted because I'm working the polls on Tuesday. I went with Tom Wolf, Mike Stack and Scott Parsons, but I don't want to jinx them. I like Mark Aurand, but Scavello will crush him in the General. I think Scott could win, if Joe Cap hasn't taken away too many votes).

Silly Republicans

They're in firm control in Northampton County, so they're doing something right. But I still have to laugh at the County's GOP. They're fighting like cats and dogs over state committee seats, with mailers that contain no disclosures. There are even campaign signs. In the meantime, several elected offices have no Republican challenging the Democratic incumbent.

Who is behind this? The same sore losers who've done pretty poorly among fellow Republicans, to say nothing of Democrats. Unsuccessful Bethlehem City Council candidate Tony Simao. Failed Easton School District candidate Ronnie Del Bacco. Tom Carroll, who lost both a City Council race and Judge contest.

It's all Ron Angle's fault.

It's all Peg Ferraro's fault.

So now they have a slate running for state committee. They are the pure Republicans. That's OK, but the Simao crew has also formed a webpage that is extremely critical of Angle and mainstream Republicans. They claim it is paid for by some PAC that does not exist. They've also sent out two mailers attacking Angle and others. In violation of state campaign finance laws, they refuse to name who paid for these ads.

Maybe Judge (some day, he hopes) Carroll told them it's OK.

Here's their problem. Their webpage, which is supposed to trash Angle, has one of the best pictures of him I've ever seen. He's also identified with a group of fairly classy people instead of Mr. Hankey the Christmas poo, or me.

In an attempt to trash him, they made him look good.

Their mailers are hateful and desperate. Speaking of hateful and desperate, Tricia Mezzacappa is part of this crew, too. She will likely be elected to the County Committee on Tuesday, although I believe it is illegal to certify her because she owes at least $1,000 in unpaid fines for late campaign finance reports.

Anyhoo, in response to the webpage and vicious mailers, there's been an anti-Simao mailer, too. No attribution on this one, either. "Say No to the Tony Simao slate," it warns.

I asked Angle to fess up. he wouldn't answer his phone, so I drove to his estate, where he was skeet shooting some of his disobedient cows.

"Pull!" he barked at a servant, and a cow went flying through the air.

Angle missed. "Look, asshole, I don't really give a shit whether I'm elected," he snarled. "Why don't you ask John Brown?" he said, and then started laughing.

I could see Democrats sending these unsigned mailers to the Republicans, but we're just  too damn stupid.

I'm thinking Mr. Hankey.

Camel's Hump Farm Has Open House

Archibald Johnston, Bethlehem's first Mayor and one-time President of Bethlehem Steel, retired in 1927 to what he called "Camel's Hump". It's a large tract along the Monocacy Creek between Santee Road in Bethlehem and Route 22. Part of that land, which includes a three-story mansion and 55 acres, has been preserved as Housenick Park. But there is much more. Fundraising efforts are under way to preserve lands next to the park, 44 acres once owned by Johnston, for a nature school, environmental center and community farm. If the open house on May 17 is any indication, there is a great deal of public support for the proposal.

There is no shortage of public interest in preserving this farm. 

The proof of that is the packed parking lot at the the First Baptist Church on Linden Street. That was the rendezvous place for farm visitors, who were picked up and returned by trolley. On a winding return trip, visitors even passed the site of the first-ever lynching in Pennsylvania, near Monocacy Creek. 

In February, the Friends of Johnston, kicked off a $2 million campaign  to complete the purchase of what the Sierra Club's Bob Adams has called "a breath of life that will come to Bethlehem." Northampton County has already contributed $657,000, and a matching grant is expected from the state.

At the farm, there was music, farm animals and food, along with an opportunity to walk the grounds.

One of those visitors was Gene Smith, a former Easton High School coach and phys ed teacher who spent 17 years on Bethlehem Township's Recreation Board. "It's nice, but it could be combined with Housenick Park," he suggested. "Make it the way it was."

A calf, sitting close to Smith, declined comment.

For more information about this historic are, visit http://www.friendsofjohnston.org/.

Hanover Tp's Armed Forces Day Draws Over 100

Armed Services Park

Fewer and fewer municipalities celebrate Armed Forces Day, which honors those serving in all military branches. Hanover Township has been reversing that trend, and with growing crowds. It celebrated its third Annual Armed Forces Day Program on May 17 at Armed Services Park before a crowd of over 100 people.

Brig. Gen. Stephen Ressler (US Army Ret.) 

In addition to all Hanover Supervisors, the ceremony was attended by State Representatives Marcia Hahn and Mario Scavello.  The Nitschmann Middle School Marching Band, which provided musical entertainment, played the national Anthem despite having only one day to practice. The Honor Guard was made up of members of American Legion Post 379, located in Bethlehem.

Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Ressler (US Army Ret.), who was the Keynote Speaker, spent 34 years in the Army Corps of Engineers before moving to Bethlehem. "I wish I had known that before we designed this park, " wisecracked Township Manager Jay Finnigan.

General Kessler spoke of the wild variations in the way the public perceives the military. Treated with open hostility in the '70s, they became heroes after 9/11. Today, he described the treatment as "benign neglect," and lamented that "my beloved Army" is currently being reduced to its lowest levels since WWII.

He noted this attitude is universal, and quoted Rudyard Kipling's "Tommy," dedicated to the British soldier.

"For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' 'Chuck him out, the brute!'
But it's 'Saviour of 'is country' when the guns begin to shoot."

At a time when some VA administrators are under investigation for hiding waiting lists, General Kessler said we have a "moral obligation" to support the men and women who served. "Hire a vet," he suggested. "Look him in the eye, shake his hand and thank him for his service."

Americam Legion Post 379 provided Honor Guard

The Nitschmann Middle School Marching Band provided musical entertainment. 

WWII Vet LeRohn "Dan" Dreysher has now played "taps" nearly 2,900 times.

In his third stop by 10 AM on the Saturday before election day, State Rep. Mario Scavello attended this Hanover  Tp tradition. 

State Rep. Marcia Hahn attended as well, and has been to all three of these commemorations. 

Becahi Girls' B-Ball Coach: Failure is Part of Success

Megan Dellegrotti

When she was in the 7th Grade, Megan Dellegrotti experienced her first big disappointment when she was passed over for a basketball team on which all her friends were playing. Crushed, she was ready to pack it in. But her father gave her a dose of reality. Unlike her friends, she had been playing for only a year.  "When you're not practicing, someone out there is," he told her. It's a message she took to heart and one that led her to become Berwick High School's all-time leading scorer. It led to where she is today, head girls basketball coach at Becahi. She shared her story at Notre Dame of Bethlehem's 45th Annual CYO Banquet on May 16.

Dellegrotti told the grade school student athletes that she's no natural, either in sports or academics. But though she's only 5'4", she played Division I basketball at the University of Delaware. Team captain for two years, she was selected to the NCAA East Regional Team. But she's most proud of her academic achievements. "My commitment to academics made everything possible," she said, explaining that she learned to prioritize her time. Those days started with 6:30 am workouts to compete with athletes who were faster and taller.

Those days ended with the books. "Being smart is sexy," she insisted.

Before coming to Becahi, Dellegrotti coached at Southern Lehigh for five seasons, leading them to three Colonial League Championships and a 104-28 record.

But instead of claiming that winning is everything, or the only thing, she told sto make udents the most important lesson is learning to fail. "Failure is part of success," she teaches.

Dellegrotti's speech, not the typical fare expected from a coach, was greeted with a standing ovation.

Notre Dame's CYO then went on to make its annual awards. The biggest honor, the 2014 CYO Christian Spirit Award, went to 8th Grader Grant Hershman, a three-sport athlete who has maintained high honors. When it was announced, his grandfather Lou brushed a tear from his eye. He tried to hide it, but is very proud of his grandson, and rightfully so.

Lou Hersham with his grandson, Christian Spirit Award winner Grant Hershman

Lou's other grandson, Cole, was awarded MVP an the Biddy Boys Basketball Team. He is going to be a terror on the court.

Lou Hershman with grandson Cole

Lou calls his grandsons General Grant and Colonel Cole.

On the varsity boys basketball team, there were two winners.

Though he's only in seventh grade, Caden Giordano (pictured right), won every tip-off and was deadly under the boards. He took MIP. Single-handedly, he turned a playoff game around. My grandson, Dat Lambert (pictured left), was awarded MVP. He is a very deceptive point guard whose quick moves on the court has actually caused opposing players run into each other. He's also a thief, good for stealing the ball several times a game.

The person who taught him how to steal? A judge, of course. Judge Emil Giordano, who led another CYO basketball team to an undefeated season, coached Dat when he first started playing basketball, and encouraged these felonies.

Caden has a year to go, but Grant and Dat are on their way to Becahi next year. Grant will be playing baseball and hoops. Dat will play football and basketball.

Many of you more regular readers have watched Dat grow up on this blog. Thanks for putting up with my bragging. The person who has been behind him every step of the way is his mother, Tuyet.

Dat has also been supported by numerous other selfless coaches, from Rodney Robinson to Craig Golden to Chuck Rockmore and Duane Schmoyer.

ET Reporter Wants to Suppress Bethlehem Whistle Blowers?

Lynn Olanoff is a reporter who covers Bethlehem for The Express Times. She's apparently had enough of my bottom-feeding. She has yet to tell her readers that Bethlehem City Council member Karen Dolan failed to file her nonprofit tax returns for three years in a row. She doesn't think you need to know that Dolan's nonprofit status at Illick's Mill was revoked for at least a year. She'd rather not discuss the $128,000 bill that Dolan ran up with the City, or her conflicts of interest in using her public office to get preferential treatment at a nonprofit where she was the paid Executive Director. She's downplayed that Investigating Grand Jury. She'll decide what you need to know. She's the gatekeeper, damn it! Time to put me in my place.

My report about Dolan's removal from the Parks Committee seems to have been the final straw. I got that out there before the dailies. This is not a knock on them. I have no editor and 5,000 editors. You are my editors. It's a blessing and a curse.

Earlier this week, Olanoff chilled rank-and-file City workers from whispering into the ears of bottom-feeders like me. No deep throats in Bethlehem. She did this by filing a Right-to-Know request with the City, demanding copies of all emails sent by City workers to me. She also wants to know what they're telling District Attorney John Morganelli. As I understand it, the Right-to-Know was sent to somewhere between 50-150 City workers.

Interestingly, this Right-to-Know also comes at a time when Karen Dolan is trying to find out who is leaking all that negative information about her to me.

Now I know I'm just a bottom-feeder, but what possible reason could a real reporter have in discouraging City employees from talking to news sources, even if it's not her?  She actually wants to scare people away from revealing information instead of encouraging it. She is also interfering with another reporter, although I suppose that I don't count.

I called and emailed her. I did not get the courtesy of an answer. It must be beneath her. I did get a reply from her editor, who told me he still loves me and that I am way off base.

Really? What possible reason could Olanoff have for this request other than to find out who is leaking information about Dolan? What possible impact can it have other than to scare City workers, who have enough problems?

How would she feel if I filed a Right-to-Know request, seeking emails sent by City workers to her and Karen Dolan?

Incidentally, what this reporter and Dolan will discover with this Right-to-Know is that I get lots of emails. They're called news releases, along with notices of zoning and planning meetings.

A real smoking gun there.

But I want to thank her. She has unwittingly identified me as the go-to guy for information about government corruption. My email address is BOHare5948@aol.com. Send all dirt my way. Just don't email me from a government account.

Accounting Manager Promoted Despite Nepotism Claim

Lamont McClure

Is it a blessing or a curse to be the child of a highly-placed elected official? That relationship might make it easier to secure a position or a raise. But the person involved could be exposed to all kinds of scrutiny that would never occur if no relationship existed. Mary Allice Einfalt, Northampton County's Accounting Manager, could probably weigh in on this topic. By a 5-2 vote of County Council at their May 15 meeting, she was reclassified as part of a fiscal overhaul to give her additional oversight over many operations. She was also awarded a major salary hike, from $66,504 to $87,307. To some, this promotion and reorganization were long overdue. To others, it was nepotism. Einfalt is the daughter of Council president Peg Ferraro.

Einfalt's reclassification is part of a plan to require accountants to report to accountants, instead of program directors. This problem, along with a lack of tighter fiscal control at Gracedale, has been identified by external auditors as a "material weakness" in internal controls for the past two years. It has also cost the County money. With the exception of Controller Steve Barron, nobody has voiced any serious objection to this reorganization, which also reduces the responsibilities of an accountant at Gracedale and creates a new fiscal administrator for human services. Barron's objection was that the County was putting the "cart in front of the horse." He pointed to outdated fiscal policies and procedures, which go back to 1988, and suggested they be revised first.

Scott Parsons was the swing vote

Nobody challenged Einfalt's qualifications. A CPA, she's been employed by the County since 2010. In that time, she's assumed responsibility for numerous financial statements, initiated paperless pay, eliminated OT in Payroll by 97%, and has taken some Human Resources tracking from there to Payroll. She has identified and eliminated internal control weaknesses missed by the outside auditor and Controller. One glaring example of this is eliminating a practice in which the accounts payable department was permitted to create new vendors. She is a cross-training advocate and also a disciple of Continuous Improvement (CI), which ironically was championed by John Brown's opponent, John Callahan.

But some Council members, particularly Lamont McClure,  had concerns that have also been voiced by County workers.

McClure was put off by the size of the salary hike, a point he mentioned repeatedly at a Council and Personnel Committee hearing

"When was the last time this County gave anyone a 30% pay hike?" he asked Executive John Brown, who was unable to cite an example.

"Unprecedented", "historic" and "massive" are words he used to describe the pay increase.

McClure and Ken Kraft also raised questions whether career service regulations were being followed. When a new position is created, career service regulations require the job to be posted so that others within the County can apply. But Executive Brown told them this was no new position. Einfalt was and remains the Accounting Manager. As a result of a desk audit, her position has been re-classified to add additional responsibilities and give her a larger salary.

Then McClure raised the nepotism issue. It had been raised the previous day by Council member Hayden Phillips, but after speaking to Einfalt, he became "enthused." "I have to tell you, I'm a big fan," he had said at a Committee meeting.

McClure, to put it mildly, was unenthused.

"No one else in this County is getting this kind of raise. Our employees are still shell-shocked over the Easton commuter taxes. ... I'm very concerned that, in order to get this kind of consideration, you need to be politically connected, and I'm just very concerned about that. It's unfortunate."

"That's very uncalled for," retorted Peg Ferraro. .

"What's uncalled for? What I think is uncalled for is that people who are interested in the issue - you, Madame President, making phone calls to our fellow Council colleagues regarding this issue, in advance of the issue, when you should have, in my view, not been involved in any conduct whatever advancing this issue."

After the meeting, Ferraro acknowledged that she did call Council members, as Council President, to advise them that this matter would be considered. She denied lobbying for her daughter, took no real part in the discussion at Council and in Committee and recused herself from the vote.

McClure, who accused Ferraro of nepotism, bristled during last year's budget debates when a Council member suggested that he was unable to vote for raises to professional employees like his wife, who is employed as an Assistant District Attorney. He pointed out, correctly, that she is part of a class receiving the raise and there was no conflict.

After the nepotism accusation, the vote was quickly taken. Ken Kraft and McClure opposed the promotion, Ferraro recused herself, and the five remaining Council members, including Democrat Scott Parsons, supported the reclassification. Bob Werner was absent as a result of a death in the family.

The other proposals, which reduced the responsibility of Gracedale's Fiscal Administrator and created a new position for fiscal management of human services, passed 8-0.