Remember former NorCo Exec John Brown? I know about 2,200 employees there who'd like to forget. Earlier this year, he formed John Brown Leadership Solutions Llc. It appears he is bringing that leadership to Palmer Tp. I am informed he is one of the applicants for the vacant Township Manager job there, which pays more than the salary of a county exec. Go figure.
I am unable to confirm this with Palmer Tp Supervisors. Confidential, you know.
Palmer's former Township Manager, Chris Christman, has landed in Derry Township.
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Lori Vargo Heffner: 2019 Workhorse of the Year
This year, all but one Council member get an "A." This is my annual report card, something I have done since 2006.
In 2017, it was a tie. Former Council member Hayden Phillips and current Council member John Cusick both had perfect attendance records. This year, the workhorse award goes to new Council member Lori Vargo Heffner. She had a perfect attendance record in 2018. She was at every Council meeting, budget hearing and committee meeting.
Each Council member is expected to attend 25 regular meetings and 5 budget hearings. Each is also encouraged to attend all of the committee hearings, regardless whether he or she is a voting member. That is where the heavy lifting is done. Altogether, there were 67 meetings last year.
I grade each council member based on attendance at all 67 meetings. If participation is by phone, I count it since the member can vote. If a Council member is present for only part of a meeting, or participates in a combined meeting of two committees, I count him or her as present at both. I am an easy grader.
In fairness, some Council members with lousy attendance may have work conflicts they are unable to avoid. My experience over the years tells me most are very conscientious and try to be present. Wayne Grube insisted on being present, even when he was very ill. Jerry Seyfried would call off from work to attend a meeting.
Council committees met as follows:
Capital Projects - five
Parks and Open Space - six
Economic Development - seven
Human Services - eight
Combined Personnel and Finance - 12
The busiest committee is combined Personnel and Finance, but Human Services is increasingly important. This will become more so now that the County is once again administering Gracedale.
The attendance grade of each Council member is as follows:
Lori Vargo Heffner - 100% (67/67) - A
John Cusick - 99% (66/67) - A
Ron Hechman - 97% (65/67)- A
Bill McGee - 97% (65/67) - A
Bob Werner - 97% (65/67) - A
Matt Dietz - 94% (63/67) - A
Tara Zrinski - 90% (60/67) - A
Peg Ferraro - 64% (43/67) - D
I excluded Ken Kraft, who resigned, and Kevin Lott, his replacement because they obviously were Council members for only part of the year.
I have never handed out this many "A"s. The only bad grade goes to Peg Ferraro, who spent much of last year traveling. Normally, this is where I trash the offender. But I am giving Peg a pass. She has spent decades in public service, is tired of politics and appears to be nearing the end of her political career.
Though I can still pick on Council members for everything else, I have to compliment their diligence.
Hanover Holds Line on Taxes For 10th Straight Year
Dour and misguided blogger Michael Molovinsky has been letting me have it lately. He's been criticizing me for criticizing others, something he apparently thinks only he may do. So I stopped at his house, where I would repeatedly ring his doorbell and then hide in the bushes.
His doorbell, by the way, plays a great rendition of the Israeli National Anthem. After the third or fourth time, he started yelling, "I know it's you, O'Hare! I'm calling the cops." Remembering that the police there can be a little trigger happy with minorities, I skedaddled.
I'm black Irish, you know.
Next, I visited Allentown to watch the DeSales Bulldogs take on the Muhlenberg Mules in college hoops. Both Men's and Women's teams played. DeSales won both games. Ironically, while at Muhlenberg, I bumped into old friends from the courthouse in Easton. I told them I still have at least four years of eligibility and could play if they need me. A former friend responded that the team would have to be renamed the DeSales Bullshit. Another friend is a Muhlenberg grad who regaled me with tales of his mischief as a student. This included ringing people's doorbells and hiding in the bushes. I reported him today, and the college is revoking his diploma.
Merry Christmas, Frank!
As for Hanover Tp, Supervisors voted unanimously to hold the line for the 10th straight year. Township Manager Jay Finnigan also cut spending by $200,000, and has no plans to borrow money for anything.
The Township currently has zero debt. It has had zero debt for at least three years now.
The millage rate, which has remained the same since 2008 and includes a fire tax of 0.5 mills, will remain 3.90 mills.
"How the hell do you do this?" I asked Finnigan.
"Magic."
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Who's Running in NorCo Next Year?
NorCo Judge: District Attorney John Morganelli is mum on his plans next year. But expect him to announce his candidacy for judge. He'll be running for the open seat created by the unfortunate resignation of Judge Emil Giordano. I am unaware of anyone willing to challenge him. He is widely admired and respected by Democrats and Republicans alike. I doubt Republicans want a candidate because this would force Morganelli to mount a campaign, which would increase Democratic turnout and seal the GOP's doom in other races.
A judicial race is nonpartisan, and I expect to see John nominated by both parties. His race will be over in May,so there will be no Trump effect.
District Attorney: Terry Houck, the top Assistant DA on Morganelli's team, and Chief Public Defender Nuria DiLuzio are both expected to announce their candidacy as Democrats. This should be an interesting primary. Houck is a professional prosecutor who has distinguished himself both her and in Bucks County. Before that, he was a Philly cop. DiLuzio is less experienced, but is a very good lawyer. Some Democrats, especially those in the "Down with the Patriarchy" movement, will vote for her simply because she is a woman.
A third Democrat, an Easton lawyer (I do not yet have his name) who claims to have prosecuted war crimes in the Hague, is reportedly interested. If he runs, I expect that he and Terry Houck will cancel each other out, and Nuria will be the Dem nominee.
On the Republican side, Senior Judge Leonard Zito is rumored as interested. But he is unable to discuss his intentions unless he resigns as a judge. If he does, he would be hard to beat. Tom Carroll, who chairs the LV Tea Party, intends to run. He could be the Republican nominee if Judge Zito stays put. If that happens, the Trump effect will be in play in that race. While his alt-right views have a small following, a Carroll candidacy will hurt mainstream Republicans seeking other county seats.
County Council: The four council seats up for grabs are district, and not at-large, seats. Council members represent portions of the county, and have ample opportunity to make themselves known in their community. Party affiliation is less important if the person is well known and highly regarded So the Trump effect should be less significant in this kind of race.
District 1 includes Bethlehem, Hellertown, Freemansburg and Hanover Tp. It was represented by Ken Kraft, but he resigned to become the jail's public safety director. Kevin Lott was appointed to succeed him.I expect Kevin Lott, a Hellertown boy, will seek this seat and win. He's very personable and is a Democrat in a heavily Democratic district. I am unaware of any Republican interested in this seat.
District 2 is known as the Easton district and is currently represented by Bob Werner, a Democrat. It includes, Easton, Forks, Glendon, Palmer, Stockertown, Tatamy, West Easton and Wilson Borough. Werner, who has served two terms, is stepping down. His wife, Sandy O'Brien, a former teacher, may be running. Former EASD President Frank Pintabone is interested as well. Both have deep Easton roots. I am unaware of any Republicans who are interested.
District 3, known as the Nazareth district, is a bit confusing. It does include Nazareth, but also includes Lower Saucon, Williams, Allen, East Allen, Bethlehem Tp, Northampton, N Catasauqua and Lower Nazareth. It is currently represented by John Cusick, a Republican and former Williams Tp Supervisor who has served in this district before. I expect him to seek re-election. His region is more conservative than District 1 or 2, but a Democrat who is well known in this area could win. I am unaware of any Democrat seeking this position.
District 4, known as the Slate Belt or northern tier, consists of the remaining municipalities in the northern portion of the county, along the Blue Mountain. Matt Dietz is stepping down after one term so he can spend more time with his family. Pilot Korry Franke, a Republican, will be running in this conservative district. I am unaware of any Democrat who is interested.
Controller: It's unfortunate that Richard "Bucky" Szulborski is only serving as an interim controller. He has received kudos for his impartiality. Republican Hayden Phillips might run for the seat. As a County Council member, he was both diligent and honest. I have yet to hear from any Democrats.
Updated 9 am: In the DA's race, the Easton attorney in question is Arthur Traldi. His LinkedIn page indicates he is a "Courtroom litigator with extensive experience prosecuting some of the most serious crimes in recent history. Specialties include legal services, domestic and international criminal law, litigation, trial practice and advocacy, transitional justice, rule of law, and human rights. Certified to practice law before the state courts of Pennsylvania, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, and the United States Supreme Court."
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
There's a Reason Steve Barron Handles NorCo's Money
I called him over the weekend about six union contracts approved by NorCo Council Thursday night, trying to make sure my story was accurate. I heard back from him late Sunday. He told me that he had taken his family to see Hamilton on Broadway. Those are $1,000 tickets, so I demanded an explanation. His youngest daughter, who is going to be an actress when she grows up, really wanted to go. He checked repeatedly for sales and was able to get four tickets at a price that even I could afford.
Today, he let me in on another secret. There's also a daily online lottery that opens up the first four rows for just $10. The only drawback is that it is for a next day performance.
I've already applied.
Bethlehem Tp Votes For 9% Tax Hike, Including Fire Tax
This decision follows three budget hearings. The proposed spending plan was available on the township website and could also be physically inspected at the municipal building over the past 30 days.
At the current real estate tax of 7.09 mills, the annual tax bill is $647 for the average taxpayer. With an increase in millage to 7.74 mills, taxes will increase to $705 for the average homeowner next year.
In addition to real estate taxes, the Township imposes an earned income tax (0.5%). The average annual earned income tax payment per household is $415, and will remain unchanged. .
For the first time, the Township has imposed a fire tax set at 0.15 mills. Under state law, money collected through a fire tax must be set aside in a separate account and may be used only for the township's two volunteer fire departments.
In a detailed budget message, Manager Doug Bruce's cites several reasons. Under negotiated union contracts, wages have increased between two and three per cent. Health insurance costs have risen 8.7%. Debt service next year on four loans over the past nine years will be over $2 million. The cost of the pension funds have increased $100,000. Workers compensation insurance has skyrocketed 27%. Unfunded stormwater mandates will cost $250,000- 750,000 per year. Also, the Township can no longer count an any casino grants, upon which it relied for $250,000 per year.. Bruce describes the Township a "mature, nearly built-out municipality where annual revenues have not quite been keeping up with annual expenses for the better part of a decade."
There was no discussion before the budget vote from any of the Commissioners or the public.
In nearby Hanover Tp (NC), which is poised to adopt its 10th straight no-tax-hike budget tonight, Manager Jay Finnigan has credited their 0.50 mill fire tax as one of the main reasons. It enables the Township to plan ahead for major capital purchases without incurring debt. As a result, the Township has been debt free for the past three years.
"We're $17 million in debt, we have some fire trucks we need to purchase, hence my Yes vote," explained Commissioner John Merhotten. "I'd love to go through the budget with anybody and explain what we're not paying for."
The audience included NorCo GOP Chair Lee Snover, who left the meeting soon after the vote.
Hudak called the fire tax a "feel good" measure that won't really accomplish anything.
In other business, Township Treasurer Rosalia Italiano and a Wells Fargo Bank representative presented plans to relax the investment policy for three of the Township's five pensions. The police pension board has already taken that step with the $17.4 million police pension, but the remaining four pensions need the approval of Commissioners. As explained in a memo from Manager Doug Bruce, "The changes allow for a slightly less conservative investment policy – moving the maximum percentage investment in equities (stocks) from 40 percent to 60 percent (most likely it will actually be 50 percent to start)." The new policy would still ban commodity trading, short selling or option trading. There is no specific ban on hedge fund investments, which are risky investments designed to outperform the market.
According to Italiano, the Township pensions are shooting for a seven per cent return.
Commissioners are taking two weeks to consider the proposal. "If this thing goes South, the Township taxpayer has to make up the difference," complained resident Ben Hedrick. "I'm very uneasy about it."
They also voted unanimously to support an agreement with Bethlehem Area Public Library for a satellite library at the Coolidge Building, to be open three days a week. Commissioner John Merhotten, who is spearheading this effort, hopes it will be open at the end of April.
Commissioners heard complaints from resident Barry Roth about the Township Marshal, who takes a township vehicle home every night. He stated a resolution adopted years ago bans all employees from taking vehicles home, excepting the K-9 officer.
Roth also complained about a $8,800 bill for repairs to a Ford Explorer that was flooded out in heavy rains. Manager Bruce said the damages are covered by insurance, but Roth went on anyway, saying that everyone knows what areas are inundated by heavy rains.
"You just piss money away and nobody gets held accountable for it," he muttered as he returned to his seat.
Beware Of Scam Calls From Fake NorCo Deputy Sheriff
The Northampton County Sheriff’s Department has received numerous inquiries about a male identifying himself as Lieutenant Jones from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Department—Civil Division. He is contacting residents by phone concerning missing jury duty. He then requests money be wired to cover a fine in lieu of arrest.
The Northampton County Sheriff’s Department will never request anyone to wire money or post bond in lieu of arrest. Also, it is the jury clerk, and not the Sheriff, who contacts people who miss jury service.
Please report any solicitations to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office at 800 441 2555 or email them at scams@attorneygeneral.gov. The Northampton County Jury Clerk can be reached at 610 829 6730.
I received a scam email today. It was supposedly an email from former Congressional Candidate David Clark.
Hello,I figured he was running for office again and asked, "What is it?"
How are you doing today?
Please can you do me a favor?
Dave
I am sorry for bothering you with this mail, I need to get an iTunes gift card for my Niece, Its her birthday but i can't do this now because I'm currently traveling and i tried purchasing online but unfortunately no luck with that. Can you get it from any store around you? I'll pay back as soon as i am back. Kindly let me know if you can handle this.I'm pretty sure someone was running a con.
Await your soonest response.
Dave
I also get scam emails that are purportedly from blogger Michael Molovinsky all the time, suggesting weight loss products. Those may really be coming from him. I ignore them in what I consider a profile in courage on my part.
At Least Allentown's Dogs Get $2,500
Of course, if you want to use the dog park, your human must register in person at the Parks and Recreation Office at 3000 Parkway Blvd Allentown PA 18104 Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Proof of residency via photo ID, proof of valid dog licenses and vaccinations and completed application are required in order to receive a dog park key fob.
Construction on the dog park, which cost $125,000, was paid for by grants from the Friends of the Allentown Parks and the Pet Safe's Bark for Your Park program, as well as about $90,000 from Allentown.
A dog park in Nazareth cost $0. Another in Easton cost $12,000,of which $5,000 was donated.
Monday, December 17, 2018
Midnight Madness, Allentown Style
Had City Council really been interested in avoiding the crisis they themselves created, they simply could have approved an amended budget sooner than they did. They had ample time. As for Ray O'Connell, he seems to have forgotten a lot of things. One of them is that he is an appointed Mayor. He has no mandate from the voters, who rejected him as Mayor twice. Yet he has taken it upon himself to veto the will of five elected City Council members. He should have accepted the compromise budget.
While paying 27% more in taxes, many city residents actually have to hire someone to plow their streets after a snowstorm. I learned that on Friday night. It takes city trucks three days to arrive in some neighborhoods, especially on the east side. One east side resident is still waiting for the city to pick up leaves. So yes, Ray O'Connell should lose when he seeks what he calls "re-election" to a job he was never elected to in the first place.
O'Connell has done none of the things he said he would do. Nothing to cut waste in the City. Nothing to improve Allentown schools. He has kept most of Fed Ed's players.
But this is Allentown. Ray appears to have made a deal with the Jenn Mann mob. Her puppet, Charlie Thiel, will support Ray. Then, in two years, Ray will support Thiel.
By the way, if you think this is the last of the massive tax hikes, think again. Ray's life experience is in the public, not private, sector. The only way he knows how to balance the budget is by raising taxes on those who can least afford it - seniors, the working poor and younger people. .
Why Mayor Donchez Got Into Politics
Last week, fellow troublemaker Steve Antalics sent me the news clipping you see above from the now extinct Bethlehem Globe Times, relating to the prosecution of Bethlehem's three top cops back in the '60s. What I failed to tell you is that a Bethlehem officer who assisted in that prosecution paid a heavy price. His name was Detective John J. Donchez. His son would later go into government as a result of what happened to his father. That son is Mayor Bob Donchez.
It's hard to be a good cop. It's even harder to be a good cop when surrounded by bad cops. Detective John Joseph Donchez, known as "JJ," was a good cop. I was still in high school at the time of these prosecutions, but remember fielding many calls from Donchez as well as John Yerk, who would later become Commissioner.
Donchez took this case and his work very seriously. He brought his son Bob to watch the trial and subsequent convictions. He would be demoted as a result of his work and insistence on doing the right thing. This bothered him so much he had a heart attack. A second heart attack, right around Christmas, would kill him and leave Bob without a father.
My father paid a price, too, although he had no heart and had no reason to worry about a cardiac arrest. My Dad needed Bethlehem to win a tough re-election bid against Charlie Spaziani. He didn't get it. Spaz, to his credit, continued the prosecution after being elected. The convictions of Director of Public Safety Irvin L Good and Vice Squad Chief Detective Louis Maio were ultimately affirmed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
These charges infuriated Mayor H Gordon Payrow. After an all-night meeting with Bethlehem Republican leaders, he claimed my Dad, a Democrat, would be charged with false arrest. He also implied that the reason for these charges was because Payrow had snubbed my father's request for a job at Bethlehem Steel. "Why did word get back to me several weeks ago - get me a legal job at the Bethlehem Steel Corp. after Jan. 1 and I will take the heat off."
My father denied the accusation or any political motive.
"I have what? My God. This just leaves me speechless. I thought that Mayor Payrow's remarks up to now have been unfettered, but I never dreamed this man would stoop as low as this.No charges were ever filed against my father. Payrow was apparently unaware that the Steel already had, on several occasions, offered my Dad a job. He repeatedly said No. He was never a company man.
"This is absolutely untrue. It is a lie. He is sick, absolutely sick. This is absolutely disgusting. A man of his position getting involved in tactics of this kind is absolutely sickening."
I never saw this exchange until Steve Antalics sent me these clippings. But I already despised Payrow for a different reason. When he was in office, Payrow invited a senior from Liberty and Freedom High School to be Mayor for a Day, while snubbing Bethlehem Catholic. I thought this was subtle prejudice. This was the subject of my first ever letter to the editor. I had no idea until late last week that there already was bad blood between my father and Payrow.
I've painted an ugly picture of Payrow, perhaps unfairly. Mayor Donchez tells me that one day, after this was over, Payrow came to the Donchez home and apologized. He claimed he had been listening to the wrong people. He begged Det. Donchez to take the Sergeant's exam again. He did and got his rank back. Payrow would later ask Det. Sgt Donchez to take the Captain's exam. Unfortunately, Donchez passed away.
Mayor Donchez told me that what happened to his father is what led to his interest in both government and politics. It's why he is basically a boy scout in comparison to other elected officials. He and another young fellow named John Morganelli got involved. John has always had a passion for politics. In Bob's case, he wanted to restore his father's good name.
Mission accomplished, Bob.
Friday, December 14, 2018
NorCo Council Unanimously Approves Six New Union Contracts
Four of these contracts are with the Court-Related Non-professional, Court-Appointed Non-professional, Residual Non-professional and Youth Detention Center bargaining units. All are a part of AFSCME and those contracts expired at the end of last year. Under new, three-year contracts, these four unions are each receiving what is known as a "step" increase for 2018. This is a 4 1/2% payhike and is retroactive until the beginning of 2018. In 2019 and 2020, there will be two per cent raises. Employees already at the top step will get a cash payout of $1750 for 2018.
Fiscal Affairs Director Steve Barron said the retroactive payhike will likely take place in 2019.
The Gracedale Union, which consists of all union employees except for Registered Nurses, expires at the end of this year. In 2019, Gracedale workers will see a step increase, followed by two per cent raises in 2020 and 2021.
Several years ago, Gracedale workers gave up their paid lunches to help keep the then struggling nursing home afloat. Under the new contract, Gracedale workers will get them back. Human Resources Director Elizabeth Kelly said that the union gave up three benefits in return. One perk is a sick leave bonus paid to part-time workers, even though they have no sick days. Another is something known as "99" days. This enables employees to take up to five unpaid personal days every year. Some employees were taking more, which established a practice. Under the new contract, employees who abuse the "99" day perk will be disciplined. Finally,changes have been made to Friday shift differentials.
The final union contract is with the Human Services PSSU Union, which is part of SEIU. Employees there are getting a retroactive step increase in 2018, followed by two per cent raises in 2019 and 2020. Because a step increase in Human Services is only about 2.25% compared to the 4.5% with the other unions,the county is also agreeing to make up the difference with cash.
In addition to the pay increases, Executive Lamont McClure noted that the new contracts eliminate the gap insurance employees were being forced to pay. In addition, two new health plans are being offered. Both are "Preferred Provider Organization" (PPO) plans. These are allow participants to visit in-network physician or healthcare provider without first obtaining a referral from a primary care physician. According to HR Director Kelly, they provide more favorable prices and better coverage than other plans.
The first of these, called PPO400, is described by Kelly as a "traditional" PPO plan with a $400 deductible for single members and a $800 deductible for family coverage. The second PPO has higher deductibles ($2,000 for single, $4,000 for family), but enables employees to establish Health Savings Accounts. Single employees can contribute up to $3,500 per year, while those with family coverage can pay in $7,000 per year. The County is also willing to fund these accounts to $1,250 for single coverage HSAs, and $2,500 for family.
Kelly pointed out that HSAs are portable, meaning that if an employee leaves to work somewhere else, he can take the HSA with him.
After these contracts were approved by County Council, Executive McClure thanked them for "unanimously validating the dignity of the worker."
These new contracts mean that the county's payroll will increase $848,048 this year, and $2.6 million in 2020.
In other business, the appointment of a Director of Treatment at the Juvenile Justice center was finally approved by unanimous vote. Council member Lori Vargo Heffner, who was imposing all kinds of roadblocks as recently as Monday, is suddenly now "comfortable' with the appointment. Judge Stephen Baratta's letter to her certainly had something to do with making her comfortable.
Also, despite claiming she had the votes and rallying her troops, Tara Zrinski has now decided that the planet will survive if her plastic straw ban resolution waits until next year. But some of her troops were there, including misandrist Becky Wamsley, Kathy Fox and Dr. Breena Holland The latter two spoke in support of the ban.
Finally, at the request of Council member John Cusick, Council approved $5,000 grants from their contingency fund to The Center for Animal Health and Welfare and the Saucon Valley Community Center. Both are nonprofits.
Council member Kevin Lott spoke highly of both organizations.
Citizens Complain of Human Services Abuses
Three people complained to Northampton County Council last night over what they claim are serious human services abuses in both Northampton County and nationwide. They all went over their allotted time, but Council VP Ron Heckman let them speak. Since these people feel no one has heard them, he made the right call. Whether what they claim is true is another story
Ron Shegda is an excitable former tea party politician who at one time hosted a blog that tried to imitate mine. His Pa Political Polka video by itself is reason to have him and everyone around him committed. After watching it, I need to commit myself. He once referred to me at a courthouse rally about human services abuses as Satan.
He was the first to speak. His sister, who suffers from Down's syndrome, was taken away from him about seven years ago. He complained of "chronic cruelty and intense abuse" by Northampton County Human Services and the agencies it employees. "They will lie about vulnerable people and their families for their 30 pieces of silver," he said, claiming that Human Services should be called Human Disservices or Inhuman Services. He spoke of his sister being dragged out of the house by Attorney Deborah DeNardo, who is often employed as a Guardian.
He didn't mention his video.
Arlene Dabrow, who refers to herself at LinkedIn as the Chair of Pennsylvanians Against Government Abuse, pointed out that there are three branches of government. "We are not supposed to have a branch called the bureaucrats, but that is what we have." She complained about "negligence and abuse, covered up by fraud." It appeared that most of her complaints were directed at Lehigh and Northampton County for refusing to hire her.
The final speaker, Tamar Dick, is a disabled artist who said NorCo human services workers mocked her when she filed for disability. She claims to be a victim of capitation fraud. "This is a human rights issue," she argued.
My first impulse on hearing these stories is to dismiss them. But what if they are right?
Executive Lamont McClure told County Council that there's very little he can say in public when accusations like these are made. But he suggested that Council's Human Services Committee could review these allegations, and if thought to be meritorious, refer the matter to the District Attorney.
He also defended the Human Services department, giving it his "strongest endorsement," and calling it one of the finest in the state. "We're not perfect," he admitted. "We do make mistakes." But he added, "We care."
Instead of condemning or dismissing this trio, he commended them for having the courage to address Council.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Judge Panella To Preside Over Pennsylvania Superior Court
Jack Panella is a well-regarded former Northampton County jurist who served as Northampton County Solicitor under former Executive Gerald E. "Jerry" Seyfied. He now is the President Judge of the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
The Superior Court, easily the state's busiest court, handled 8,019 cases in 2017. It is an intermediate appeals court, hearing appeals from the county courts. It also entertains wiretap applications.
I will be contacting Judge Panella for more details soon.
The Superior Court, easily the state's busiest court, handled 8,019 cases in 2017. It is an intermediate appeals court, hearing appeals from the county courts. It also entertains wiretap applications.
I will be contacting Judge Panella for more details soon.
And You Think I'm a Bastard
I can be tough on public officials, as some of my more recent stories make clear. But as I often tell people, the real bastard was my father. Whether it was a judge or Bethlehem's three top cops, he took no prisoners. I'm the nice O'Hare.
(My thanks to fellow troublemaker Steve Antalics for sending me that clipping. My dad took a lot of heat when he went after the three highest ranking police officers in Bethlehem. He didn't give a shit. He got them, too.)
Zrinski Needs to Correct Incomplete Ethics Statement
Her most recent "Statement of Financial Interests" was filed 3/1/18, and covers calendar year 2017. According to the State Ethics Commission, "THIS FORM IS CONSIDERED DEFICIENT IF ANY BLOCK IS NOT COMPLETED."
Block 10 requires her to list direct and indirect sources of income. The instructions explain that you must list the name and address of each source of $1,300 or more of gross income. If there is no income, you are supposed to check "None."
Zrinski left it blank. She even failed to list the money she is paid by Northampton County.
Block 13 requires her to list the name and address of any business at which she is an employee "in any capacity whatsoever as to any business entity." Zrinski checked "None," indicating she was employed nowhere in 2017. Yet her LinkedIn page claims that she was an adjunct professor at both Northampton Community College and Lehigh Carbon Community College in 2017. It also boasts that she was a Tesla Energy Advisor from June 2017.
Zrinski checked "None." She even fails to list her own business selling her book, "All Ducks are Birds", for $30.99 and offering classroom visits for $50 plus travel.
Now I understand that people often make mistakes filling out forms. I am assuming that Zrinski's failure here is simply an oversight. But these ethics statements are what enable the public to keep an eye on public servants. So I have sent Zrinski an email, asking her to amend her report within seven days. If she does, fine.If she refuses, I will do what I have to do.
Updated 2:12 pm: Zrinski to Amend Ethics Statement. - Tara Zrinski has emailed me to say she will amend her ethics statement at her earliest convenience.
NorCo Controller Blasts Law Firm, Former Exec, in Devastating Audit
 |
| John Lushis |
 |
| John Briwn |
Thy both eventually stepped down. McClure has refused to pay Lushis any moremoney,and he rejectedbills that were also submitted by Langen.
Slowly, Lamont McClure has appointed new members, and the GPA is now a better and more responsive agency. In the meantime, the Controller was asked to audit GPA over the billing and how it is that Lushis was able to get away with charging so much money. That audit was released December 10. Lead auditor Anthony Sabino pretty much confirms that Lushis overbilled and that former Executive Brown was using Lushis as some sort of secret solicitor with no oversight from Council.
According to the audit, Lushis overbilled the county on the P3 bridge project to the tune of $55,069. Even worse, John Brown paid him $153,343.50 for work related to a new jail even though that work was never authorized by Council.
"[W]e , we believe NMM was acting as a Professional Service vendor of the County and that all restrictions included in Article XIII of the County’s Administrative Code (Procurement and Disposition of County Property) are applicable as to their retention for workrelated to the Jail Reconstruction Project. The only procedural difference was that invoices were addressed to the NCGPA but they were paid directly to NMM by the County."
The audit goes on to point out six violations of the county's procurement code. In addition, the GPA violated its own by-laws when hiring vendors.
You can read the audit in its entirety below.
NorCo Controller's Audit of GPA by BernieOHare on Scribd
McClure to Seek Approval of Six Union Contracts Tonight
The proposed contracts are with the following bargaining units:
Court-Related Non-professional
Court-Appointed Non-professional
Gracedale Union
Residual Non-professional
Youth Detention Center
Human Services PSSU
All of these unions, with the exception of Gracedale, have contracts that expired at the end of last year. Gracedale's contract expires at the end of this year, but began negotiations early. These are all AFSCME-affiliated unions. Gracedale's contract has no application to Registered Nurses, who are represented by the Steelworkers.
McClure is currently negotiating with the following unions:
Corrections officers union
Deputy Sheriff Association.
About 70% of Northampton County's workforce is represented by a union.
On Friday, I will provide the details, assuming the contracts are approved.
In addition, Council VP Ron Heckman has directed that a resolution approving a Director of Treatment at the Juvenile Justice Center be placed on the agenda despite the myriad of picayune objections from Heffner, aka Super Shrink.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Pilot Seeking Slate Belt Seat on NorCo Council
Dietz is respected by Democrats and Republicans alike for his integrity and complete transparency. He has been a model public servant, but is stepping down so he can watch his family grow up. He will be missed.. He was one of the few there still willing to talk to me.
Like Dietz, Franke is a pilot and works for one of the airlines.
In his informal Facebook announcement, Franke mentions the failed effort of Bushkill Tp parents in persuading the county to move voting from Butz Elementary School in Bushkill Tp to a nearby firehall. "If the county isn't willing to advocate for reasonable citizen requests like theirs, then our community needs someone who will. Franke points out that parents were actually shouted down at the county level. That is unfortunately true. Elections Comm's Chair George Treisner bullied about 50 parents and children who came to a meeting in March. Executive Lamont McClure subsequently apologized for Treisner's behavior.
Franke said he wants "Northampton County to find its true north again."
Northampton County Council is a nine-person body. Five seats are at-large seats,meaning that the members are elected by the entire county. The remaining four seats are district seats consisting of (1) Bethlehem and surrounding areas; (2) Easton and surrounding areas; (3) Nazareth and surrounding areas; and (4) the slate belt or northern tier. The district seats are up for election in 2019.
County council members are part-time and paid a salary of $9,500. They receive no benefits, although they may participate in the pension.
Franke's district is largely Republican, so if he gets the GOP nod, he will likely win the seat.
An Unusual Will
From a recent Will probated in Northampton County:
"I direct that my remains be buried immediately. I don’t want to be embalmed or cut open for religious reasons. I don’t want no autopsy done. I just want to be buried and for a priest to pray over my body and soul to ask God to forgive me for my sins and for him to ask and pray for God to take my soul into heaven. Just make sure I have no pulse and that I’ve been dead for awhile, then bury me right away. I don’t want my body to be touched by Lehigh Valley hospitals, St. Luke’s hospitals, Sacred Heart hospital or anyone that works for or are affiliated with those hospitals. I want to be laid to rest in peace and quickly. I authorize my Executor to carry out these directions and wishes, particularly those for the disposition of my remains."
"I direct that my remains be buried immediately. I don’t want to be embalmed or cut open for religious reasons. I don’t want no autopsy done. I just want to be buried and for a priest to pray over my body and soul to ask God to forgive me for my sins and for him to ask and pray for God to take my soul into heaven. Just make sure I have no pulse and that I’ve been dead for awhile, then bury me right away. I don’t want my body to be touched by Lehigh Valley hospitals, St. Luke’s hospitals, Sacred Heart hospital or anyone that works for or are affiliated with those hospitals. I want to be laid to rest in peace and quickly. I authorize my Executor to carry out these directions and wishes, particularly those for the disposition of my remains."
Judge Baratta Shrinks Super Shrink
 |
| Judge Stephen Baratta |
Copies of Judge Baratta's four-page response went to Greene, President Judge Michael Koury, Ron Heckman, County Council and their lawyer, Chris Spadoni. Someone on Council leaked it to me. Below are excerpts:
Greene: "Your reaction does not comport with my understanding of Mr. Greene's general demeanor. Please know that he is a valued employee of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts - the Administrative arm of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He is well respected throughout this Commonwealth, and especially here in Northampton County, for his skill and professionalism. ... [H]is professionalism and his work product have never been questioned before I saw your email."
 |
| Lori Vargo Heffner |
Site survey demand: "[S]tate and federal regulations governing our facility do not permit you, as a county office holder, to have access to our files, as all juvenile records are protected by very stringent confidentiality restrictions."
Must Director of Treatment be licensed social worker: "Please know that we have consulted with the Department of Public Welfare and the Office of Children and Youth about this position, the agencies responsible for auditing JJC operations. Both are comfortable with the job description. No licensure is required to manage and coordinate treatment, as the position is purely administrative. I would also remind you that the position of the Deputy Warden in Northampton County Prison overseeing the prison's treatment services does not require any licensure."
Appointment is Fiscally Prudent: "Frankly, I do not understand your interest in controlling the Court's job description for an administrative position in the JJC. By creating this position, we were able to eliminate a higher paying (Deputy) position, saving the county money and we consolidated services by reorganizing staff. I would think, from an efficiency and fiscal savings standpoint, that this request would be unopposed by Council."
Time to vote: "I do not understand why your intention to examine our clinical operations and programming is relevant to Council's consideration of the request to consolidate various existing JJC administrative duties into this new position. I am told that Council has already been provided with all the forms and other necessary documentation to create this position. You need no other documentation to vote on this request."
Any meeting with Super Shrink will be formal: "I will endeavor to assist you in your efforts to inquire into our clinical programming. I only request, given the tenor of your email, that we do so formally, with the involvement of the entire Council and your Solicitor ... ."
Super Shrink Interfering with Courts: "[W]hat authority does County Council have to interfere with the Court's management of its employees and our desire to reclassify positions when we reorganize our administrative operations, so long as our requests are fiscally prudent and do not infringe upon the duties and responsibilities of the County Executive or County Council Administrative?"
This has gone on long enough. Single-handedly, Super Shrink is destroying the good working relationship that the Courts have with Council and the Executive. It is time for VP Ron Heckman to put a stop to the nonsense and just conduct a vote on the tabled resolution.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)