Taiba Sultana to Primary Lisa Boscola?

Sultana door-to-door

In a recent story on his Apocalypse Now blog, Rich Wilkins suggests that former Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana is planning to primary popular State Senator Lisa Boscola this year. Last year, she was pummeled when she primaried popular Bob Freeman for the State House. Since the definition of cRaZy is doing the same thing over and expecting a different result, and since we all know that Taiba is a wackadoodle, I am expecting an announcement from her soon.

As Wilkins reports Sultana savaged Boscola recently because she supports enforcement of our immigration laws, just like former President Barack Obama. Contrary to what some of you believe, there are many Democrats who believe that illegals or undocumenteds (take your pick) should be deported if they have committed serious crimes. I happen to be one of them. But like most Democrats and many Republicans, I don't think ICE should be shooting American citizens in the face in the course of performing their duties. I don't think they should use chokeholds or carotid restraints. And they should be focusing on grabbing real criminals, not some poor dishwasher in the back of a restaurant. 

I've noticed a few posts from Sultana is recent days in which she lobs a grenade or two at Boscola. I've also noticed that, on Facebook, she's now "Taiba Sultana for Working Families," even though she herself does not work.

On Instagram, she's @taiba_sultana26. This is another hint that she's running. She also has set up an ActBlue account for donations. Yet another hint. 

She'll lose, of course. I have been highly critical of Boscola, who has held office forever. But she's highly popular precisely because her office provides excellent constituent service and she has become one of the State Senate's most powerful members. Sultana, on the other hand, failed to get re-elected in her own South Side Easton district. Running against Boscola in a Democratic primary is a fool's errand. But by now, we all know that's what Sultana is. 

Maybe Sultana can get her husband to circulate another nomination petition signed by Boscola, something he actually did when Sultana was running for the state house. 

Could a Republican run against her? Sure. Before last year's election, a local Republican told me he would be announcing right after election night. Well, when five Democrats were sept into county council office, he probably changed his mind. 

Grace Crampsie Smith Says Goodbye to Bethlehem City Council

When Grace Crampsie Smith decided to run in the Bethlehem Mayoral primary against Willie Reynolds, she chose against simultaneously running for her City Council seat. That alone sets her apart from the usual politico. It is very common to see State Reps. run for re-election to that seat while trying to get elected to the state senate or a state row office. It is also common to see local politicians run for two-year and four-year terms simultaneously. Cramsie Smith had a little more respect for the people who put her in office. On her way out the door in her final meeting as a Bethlehem City Council member, she delivered a statement on the importance of separate but equal branches of government.  

As my term comes to an end, I just want to give my thoughts, as well as my wishes, for my city's council and administration moving forward.And again, you know, I want to give some quotes just on what I think is really important about government at every level, the local and state and federal level.

And, you know, again, not everything is relevant to everyone on council and administration, but some things that I say are, first of all, healthy disdain of one man rule was the basis of our Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of our great country. And the essence of good government is to be an independent thinker and voice, and the work to ensure all levels of government are recognized, powerful and strive for high quality of life for all of our residents.

If one level of government suffocates another level, the cause of the people and our Constitution suffers.

It's unfortunate that while there has been certainly good times and recent months and years, I felt the need to defend myself against attacks on my professional experience and my personal character by certain council members as well as certain administrative individuals, just because I really was trying to do what I thought was best for the community. And that's unfortunate, and I really feel that's not the way government should work.

My hope is that moving forward, all of city council will be objective in thought and action, tolerant of the beliefs opposite of their own and recognize and exercise their power as an equal, separate, and significant level of government within our city.

My hope is that destructive mannerisms, both non verbal and otherwise, toward others; desist, desist, and decorum is maintained, maintained, fitting of elected officials.

Many people have commented to me about their perceived lack of decorum and negative mannerisms among certain council members and administrations while attending meetings.

And this has been truly disheartening to me and a disservice to our community and those we serve. I think it's important that we all remember, it is an honor and a privilege to serve our community at both the administrative and legislative level. It is neither a crown nor a sword.

Being on the right side of history matters more than being uncomfortable. That's what it's all about.

Thank you very much.

Zrinski To Announce Her Cabinet on Friday

Northampton County Executive Tara Zrinski plans to announce her cabinet on Friday at 10 am from the Northampton County Courthouse rotunda.

ICE Out of Control

ProPublica, a Pulitzer-prize winning online investigative journalism news site, has published a report documenting 40 separate instances during which ICE agents using chokeholds, carotid restraints, kneeling on necks, outright choking and strangleholds. It's the type of excessive force that would get any local police officer fired. There have been no repercussions to ICE officers even though chokeholds and carotid restraints are banned by the Department of Homeland Security.

This report comes in the wake of the homicide of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Right after putting three bullets into her face, either Ross or another ICE agent called her a "Fucking bitch." Rather than investigating Ross for the possible excessive use of force, the DOJ is instead focusing on his victim's ties to groups opposing ICE 's aggressive enforcement tactics. This in turn has led to the resignation of four federal prosecutors.  

As tragic as this homicide is, ProPublica starts its report by stating, "Immigration agents have put civilians’ lives at risk using more than their guns." It reviewed video footage with 8n former law enforcement officers who conclude "this is what bad policing looks like."

One person put in a chokehold was a 16 yo American citizen whose undocumented father was driving him to school. 

A husband with an undocumented wife and a 1 yo child was told by ICE agents to give her up or he would be arrested and his child sent to foster care. He chose his family and was subjected to a carotid hold. This blocks 70% of blood flow to the brain and can be fatal. He went into convulsions and his eyes rolled into the back of his head. ICE later claimed he was faking it. He was denied medical assistance. 

Since the beginning of 2025, there have been 24 shootings by immigration agents. Six people have died. ICE agents have shot at moving civilian vehicles 13 times, a practice banned by most police departments because it is simply too easy to hit an innocent civilian. 

Without question, a majority of the American public thought that immigration was out of control under former President Joe Biden. That's why Trump was elected. But now it is ICE that is out of control. 

Pa. Senator Amanda Cappelletti has proposed legislation that would ban ICE arrests within 1000' of any state-owned or leased property without a judicial warrant. In my view, this does not go far eneough. ICE agents should also be banned from carrying out any activities within 1000' of any school. Moreover, it is time to reinstate the common law principle that prevents authorities from arresting a party or witnesses attending court. If a person knows he might be detained, he'll be less likely to appear. This is in derogation of the Pa Constitutional provision that "[a]ll courts shall be open; and every man for an injury done him in his lands, goods, person or reputation shall have remedy by due course of law, and right and justice administered without sale, denial or delay."

Right-Wing British News Site Slams Pa Governor Shapiro

If you want proof that Pa Governor Josh Shapiro is eyeing a run at the Presidency, look at who's attacking him. A right-leaning British news site called UnHerd, which masquerades as a challenge to think again, is pretty much parroting whatever Trump trashes or extols at any given moment. Along with telling us that fossil fuels are still king and that Trump will get his hands on Greenland, it has now run a story bashing Shapiro. The problem with this story is that it is fairly unpersuasive, with the exception of taxpayer-funded expenses at his private home. 

The story makes light of the dramatic action he took in 2023, when a heavily traveled portion of Interstate 95 collapsed. In 12 days, Shapiro had the highway back in action, much to the relief of Philly commuters. But what about Harrisburg?, complains author Ryan Zickgraf, who actually hails from the Chicago area. You see, his ebike and car were stolen last year.  And a cRaZy lady stole his cat. And porch pirates steal Amazon packages, too. 

Well Ryan, let me clue you in. Shapiro is the Governor of Pennsylvania, not Harrisburg's Mayor or its City Council. Unlike Donald Trump. he recognizes that his powers are limited. 

Zickgraf does make one valid observation. Renovations to his private residence outside of Philly included security upgrades, which even Zickgraf concedes are understandable at a time when nutjobs are intent on killing public officials. But they also include $290,000 for landscaping and groundskeeping. I'd agree that this should be explained, and I'll bet they were made necessary by the security upgrades. But it could be a lot worse. He could be accepting the unconditional donation of a $400l million luxury jet from Qatar. 

I think this attempt to muddy Shapiro only makes him look pretty good. Having said that, he's certainly not my top choice as our next President. 

Gracedale Cited Seven Times Since March 2025

I have previously told you of six separate substantiated complaints brought against NorCo nursing home Gracedale during the time that Michelle Morton was its Administrator. I'm unsure whether she has quit her job as she had indicated. but I can tell you that the home was hit with another citation on November 18, 2025, for failure to have "a minimum of 1 nurse aide per 10 residents during the day, 1 nurse aide per 11 residents during the evening, and 1 nurse aide per 15 residents overnight."

According to the state Department of Health, Gracedale failed to meet these minimum staffing requirements in 7 of 21 days reviewed. 

For its part, Gracedale promised to be in compliance by the beginning of this year and added this legal gobbledygook: "The corrections set forth in this document do not constitute admission or agreement by the provider of the truth or facts alleged or the conclusions set forth in the statement of deficiencies. The Plan of Correction is prepared and executed solely because it is required by provisions of the Federal and State Law."

The current CMS rating for Gracedale is just one star (much below average) because of both health inspections and quality control. Moreover, the home has been red flagged for potential issues related to abuse. 

This could explain why the census is below what the budget has projected.  

We All Make Mistakes - Amy Zannelli Endorsements For MDJ in 2021

Zanelli was charges last week with judicial misconduct in her role as a Magisterial District Judge. You can read the details here.

Lewis Shupe is Seventh Democrat to Announce Candidacy For Pa. 07 Congress

I've known Lewis (Lou) Shupe a long time. He and Robert Trotner are the founders of The Lehigh Valley Coffee Party, which I believe was formed in response to the Lehigh Valley Tea Party. I've always like Lou, who is affable and down-to-earth. I even voted for him (write-in) when he ran for Congress in 2024. But he was never a "qualified" candidate. He failed to obtain the 1,000 signatures needed to run. He also failed to raise or spend $5,000, which is how the FEC determines if someone is qualified. He failed as a Congressional candidate in 2018, too, but never made it on the ballot. Most recently, the Democratic party refused to select him as their candidate in the special election for the Pa. House-22 race. I expect his candidacy this time around, like the last two times, to have absolutely zero impact on this year's primary. 

Lou did send me his announcement on Friday, and I'll post it below.

ALLENTOWN, PA — 1-9-26— Lewis Shupe, a renegade Democrat and longtime local activist, today announced his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District.

“I am running for Congress because our democracy has been steadily weakened by moneyed interests, constitutional erosion, and a political class that no longer answers to voters,” said Shupe. “The people of PA-07 deserve representation that puts democratic power back where it belongs—with the registered voter.”

Shupe is campaigning on a platform centered on systemic reform and civil liberties, including:

• Publicly funded elections to end the dominance of special interests

• Reversing the trends of constitutional infringements and restoring civil liberties

• Single-payer, universal healthcare as a human right

• Restoration of the Fairness Doctrine to promote accountability in broadcast media

• Harnessing the power of registered voters to strengthen democratic participation and oversight

A retired and disabled professional with more than 35 years of experience in information technology, Shupe brings a systems-level perspective to public policy. Over his career, he wore many hats—problem-solver, analyst, and advocate—developing a deep understanding of how large, complex systems succeed or fail.

“Congress is broken not only because Americans are divided by all manner of foreign interference, but because the system has been engineered to ignore them,” Shupe added. “This campaign is about structural reform, restoring trust, and building a government that works for everyone—not just those who can afford to buy access.”

Additional policy positions and campaign information can be found at http://www.shupeforcongress.com.

MDJ Zanelli Accused of Keeping "Book of Grudges," Hostile Work Environment, Numerous Absences

Amy Zanelli is the Magisterial District Judge in West Bethlehem and Fountain Hill. But her days as a jurist may soon be over. The Judicial Conduct Board has finally taken action against her for numerous infractions of the Code of Judicial Conduct.  Before I get into that, I have to tell you that I have been warning you about her since 2015. Her are links to numerous stories about her.

Finnigan Henpecked Over Hanover Fowl Ban (She appeared before Hanover's Board of Supervisors, seeking a change in a ban on backyard chickens. There's nothing unusual about that, but what was totally bizarre to me was that she insisted on flashing her badge as a NorCo Human Services caseworker..)

Why You Need to Vote For Dennis Pearson For LC Comm'r (In this story about her primary campaign for LC Comm're, I tell you that she was once employed in NJ's Child Protective Services, but was fired in 2012 because she refused to return to work after receiving a number of leaves of absence under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Though she refused to work, she dropped in on her office one day to deliver Avon products to co-workers. Zanelli appealed her termination and lost. She told me she was a victim of discrimination.)

LC Comm'r Race: Candidate Chicken Lady Cries Fowl (In an email to me, before blocking me, Zanelli claimed she had been "exonerated" In Jersey. That is pure horse shit).

Judicial Candidate Amy Zanelli Supports Looting, Lies About Being Fired (When running for MDJ, Zanelli actually stated that looting was an appropriate response to slavery. Say what? And she also took me to task for pointing out her termination in Jersey and later, in NorCo.  She called them "false accusations and fake news. With that said, this would not be the first time in history that an intelligent, well-spoken, beautiful woman has intimidated a man who then feels the need to spread rumors and lies in an attempt to tear her down."  The problem with her denial is that her own lawyer actually admitted that she was terminated in Jersey, appealed, and lost her appeal. She was also terminated in NorCo, as per her own lawyer in a custody dispute.)

Zanelli Embellished Her Social Work in Jersey (When running for MDJ, she told a fawning Josh Popichak that her "ability to see things others didn't led me to go into investigative work on a state level for the State of New Jersey. ,,, I specialized in sex crimes and homicides and abuse and neglect for children ... ." She was a caseworker, not Phillip Marlowe. She also claimed she had to move her because she had been targeted by the bad guys).

Amy Zanelli's Nonjudicial Behavior in Custody Trial (While running for MDJ, Zanelli was in the middle of a custody battle. This is how then President Judge Michael J Koury, Jr., characterized her demeanor: "Mother's demeanor varied from happy to openly hostile. ... Mother repeatedly referred to the custody trial as a 'circus.' ... Mother accused opposing counsel of  'play[ing] semantics and stated that her questioning was 'crap.'")

MDJ Candidate Amy Zanelli Kicked Out of Fountain Hill Pool (While running for MDJ, she was ejected from Fountain Hill's Pool for interjecting herself when a manager admonished some unruly teens).

Zanelli Neglected Children in Jersey, But Wants to Be a Judge (Here I append a New Jersey rejection of her appeal from her termination as a caseworker. Incidentally, The Morning Call had this information as well, but refused to publish it. I guess the paper lacked the desire to do its job, which is to cast a glaring spotlight on public officials)

Amy "Karen" Zanelli Detests Three-on-Three Hoops (In August 2019, she summoned police over a group of minors playing three-on-three hoops, with Latin music playing. Police took no action).

Why was Amy Zanelli Fired in Northampton County (She was a probationary caseworker who did not want to work.)

Magisterial District Judge Amy Zanelli Under Investigation By Judicial Conduct Board (This is when I told you, in September '24, that she was under investigation.)

Despite clear evidence that she's a wackadoodle, she was pushed by LC Exec Tom Muller when she ran for County Comm'r. And that board actually made her their Chair. Then, when she ran for MDJ, she was pushed by outfits like LV4ALL (who agree with us) because she checked the right boxes as a gay woman who supports progressive causes. The dying news media either ignored information handed to them (Morning Call) or drooled over her (Saucon Source). 

Her backyard chickens have come home to roost. In the Complaint filed by the Judicial Conduct Board, she is accused of the following: 

(1) Maintaining a "Book of Grudges" about individuals who appeared before her, including a lawyer she referred to as "Just a Dick." 

(2) Maintaining a desk calendar with explicit sexual messages like "Bedroom Pants He'll Have to Slide Through If He Wants That Pussy."

(3) Denying a Defendant his Constitutional right to hear the evidence against him or to cross-examine the victim.

(4) Rude behavior to a county employee: "I am the judge, and you are just the fucking secretary." She also used profanity such as "cuntrageous" in courtroom settings.

(5) Numerous late arrivals and absences, which obviously denies litigants the right to a prompt disposition.

(6) Conducting Zoom hearings without authorization. 

Here's the Complaint.

 

Complaint Against Magisterial District Judge Amy L. Zanelli, 1 JD 2026 by BernieOHare

Videos Contradict Trump Administration Account of ICE Shooting in Minnea...

This is pure evil! A physician was denied the ability to render aid, and the Ice cowboy who shot and killed this woman just left the scene.

Holland Cautions That Gracedale Might Need County Contribution This Year

Dave Holland is a newly elected member of Northampton County Council. We're lucky to have him because he was once a Gracedale Administrator when Premier managed the home and turned it around. He attended a meeting at Gracedale this week and cautioned fellow members of Council last night that a county contribution to the home might be needed this year. 

The home is budgeted to require no county contribution, but that's based on the assumption that census will be 520 or greater. As of yesterday, census was only 500.

Holland went on to explain that Gracedale relies on what he calls "supplemental non-operating revenue" as opposed to the revenue received from the residents. This includes the IGT and has in the past included COVID funding. "Those funds are probably not gonna be as available moving forward. ... it's important for you to know that, and I think it's important for the public to know that that may be coming down the road based on some of the unknowns of that non-operating supplemental income."

Zrinski To Name Cabinet Officials ... Tentatively ... On Tuesday, January 13

In her first report as NorCo Executive, Tara Zrinski told County Council last night that she will be announcing ... tentatively ... her new cabinet on January 13. She wants the suspense to build. Any new cabinet official will need to be confirmed by Council.

At least one of those appointments might be known. Mark Aurand, who served as Zrinski's Deputy Controller, is her interim Administrator. He explained the county's liability policy to members last night. 

Interestingly, Council never even mentioned that they need to appoint a Controller to replace Zrinski. 

Lisa Boscola To Seek Re-Election as State Senator

State Senator Lisa Boscola has been serving in that capacity since 1998. Prior to that, she was a State Rep. for four years. I've received a news release indicating she plans to seek yet another term in the State Senate. 

BETHLEHEM, PA — January 7, 2026— Pennsylvania State Senator Lisa Boscola today announced her bid for re-election to represent the 18th Senatorial District.

Recently, identified as one of Pennsylvania’s most active and effective Senators, she is a champion of efforts to expand voter access, promote economic growth, and deliver commonsense results for families, seniors, and communities in every corner of the district.

“During my time in Harrisburg, I’ve worked tirelessly to put people over politics and to keep our taxes low – all while helping those in need,” said Boscola. “Growing our economy, investing in our neighborhoods, and expanding opportunity for everyone is how you build a better tomorrow,” continued Senator Boscola. “I’m running for re-election because there is more work to do — to strengthen our schools without crushing our homeowners, address energy affordability with an all of the above approach to generation and make government more efficient.”

Throughout her legislative career, Senator Boscola has been a leader with proven results:

• Recent legislative success. She was the prime sponsor of the bill that brought no-excuse mail-in voting to Pennsylvania. She led the charge to move Pennsylvania into several medical compacts to make it easier for health professionals to practice here. Her persistence on pushing for harsher penalties on individuals who fail to remove snow and ice from their cars and trucks is the only reason the law was changed.

• Supporting meaningful reforms to government and the legislative process, including championing constitutional amendments to create an independent redistricting commission, allow for direct ballot initiative, shrink the size of the legislature and eliminate school property taxes, among others.

• Fighting for our school’s fair share of funding, along with common-sense Cyber Charter reforms that save school districts and taxpayers money.

• Securing $140,336,770 million in critical resources for local projects that support infrastructure, job creation, public safety, affordable housing projects and community development throughout the Lehigh Valley.

• Legislation addressing energy affordability and data centers. Incentivizing solar on warehouses, reforming ACT 129 to help homeowners with energy efficiency projects, updating Chapter 14 to help individuals struggling with high electric bills and making sure data centers pay for needed upgrades, not residential consumers.

Senator Boscola’s commitment to bipartisan solutions — delivering practical results for her constituents — underscores her reputation as a representative who puts her community’s needs first.

“I will continue to work across the aisle to find common-sense solutions that improve the lives of those I represent,” Boscola added. “We may not always agree on everything, but we can always agree that our government should respond to the needs of the people.”

Senator Boscola resides in Bethlehem Township with her husband and remains deeply engaged with community leaders, local businesses, and families throughout the district.

How Much Are Pa. 7's Congressional Candidates Worth?

As I told you yesterday, six Democrats want to be their party's candidate to take on Ryan Mackenzie in November's Pa.7 Congressional election. Candidates who intend to raise or spend more than $5,000 must file a financial disclosure with the Clerk of the US House within 30 days of raising or spending that amount. These disclosures are unrelated to the funds raised or spent on a campaign. They instead identify the assets and income. 

At this point, the "qualified" candidates on the Dem side are Robert Brooks, Ryan Crosswell, Lamont McClure, Carol Obando-Derstine and Mark Pinsley. All of these candidates have filed financial disclosure reports, although Pinsley was late with his required report and will be fined. 

What the reports reveal is that all of the candidates, with the exception of Crosswell, participate in mutual funds.

Robert Brooks. -  reports assets and unearned income of at least $963,000. This includes a residential rental property valued at between $250,000 and $500,000 and the stocks in multiple mutual funds.  He reports salaries of $20,000 from Bethlehem and $50,000 from the Pa Professional Firefighter's Ass'n, as well as business income of $15,000 from his lawn care business. 

He reports debt of between $380,000 and $850,000 based on a residential mortgage, an investment property mortgage, and outstanding debt to Darrell and Linda Crook. He failed to list a $130,000 judgment owed to Carol Wiley, his former mother-in-law, since 2022. 

A title search of Northampton County records reveal that Brooks owns no real estate under his own name, nor is there any recorded mortgage in which he is listed. 

Something is very fishy about Brooks' disclosure.

Ryan Croswell. - reports having no assets or unearned income. He apparently participates in no mutual funds or the stock market. He reports a salary of $47,104.62 before he resigned from the Department of Justice. He also has received $13,542.12 from the Department of Defense and has received 1099s from the Singleton Schreiber law firm for $4,394.50. That law firm has no offices in this part of the country. He also lists the Antonin Scalia School of Law as a potential source of wages.  

Crosswell owes between $10,000-50,000 for a car loan. 

Lamont McClure. - reports assets and unearned income of at least $343,000 through his participation in various mutual funds. His income was his $85,000 salary as NorCo Exec. He also lists his wife's salary and pension. 

McClure's debt is between $90,000 and $215,000 for his mortgage, a loan to replace his roof, a third loan to fix his fireplace so Santa could come down and an auto loan. 

Carol Obando-Derstine. - reports assets and unearned income of at least $500,000 through her participation in mutual funds. Her income was a $44,410 salary from PPL. Like McClure, she also lists her spouse's salary. She lists no debts to anyone. 

Mark Pinsley. - His report was just filed on January 5, and though he lists his participation in numerous mutual funds and stocks, I have been unable to do the math at this point. He lists a salary of $79,000 as Lehigh County's Controller. He also lists his wife's salary. 

His debt is between $325,000 and $665,000 for a business loan and lines of credit from three credit card companies. 

What about incumbent Republican Ryan Mackenzie? I have a report from him for 2025 and am looking to see if there is something more recent. 

Pa 07 Congressional Race Attracts Two New Candidates

Two new candidates - Aiden Alexander Gonzales and Michael Ramon Granados, Jr., - have filed Statements of Candidacy in the crowded race for Pa. 7's Congressional seat. That district includes Lehigh, Northampton and a portion of Carbon County. 

Gonzales is a Democrat while Granados is an independent. 

Incumbent Ryan Mackenzie, a Republican, has no primary challengers. But the number of Democrats who want to go to Washington now stands at six. Other Democrats are Ryan Croswell, Lamont McClure, Carol Obando-Derstine, Robert Brooks and Mark Pinsley. 

Gonzalez already has a website that sticks to bread-and-butter issues like jobs, the economy, housing and healthcare. He supports the American Health Act, which places all US citizens in a single-payer system. He also wants to incentivize real estate development (can you say tax breaks) and make it more difficult for foreign buyers to purchase real estate. 

According to their Statements of Candidacy, Gonzales lives in Bethlehem's Woodmont Mews Apartment complex while Granados lives in the Stata West apartments in downtown Allentown. 

Kraft Elected NorCo Council President; Jeff Warren Elected VP

At a brief reorganizational meeting of Northampton County Council late yesterday afternoon, Ken Kraft was elected County Council President and Jeff Warren is the VP. Both votes were 6-3. Kraft, Warren, Kelly Keegan, Dave Holland, Nadeem Qayyum and Jason Boulette voted for the winners. Lori Vargo Heffner and Tom Giovanni were nominated President and VP, but only attracted votes from themselves and Theresa Fadem. 

Chris Spadoni will stay on as Solicitor until County Council can find someone who actually can read the Home Rule Charter. Kelly Keegan nominated former Exec Lamont McClure, who knows the Charter inside out, but that motion failed because McClure has already been tapped to become a part-time Assistant County Solicitor. 

Earlier that day, it was standing room only in historic Courtroom 1 during the swearing-in ceremony for numerous elected officials. I apologize but I generally avoid these events. I understand that Exec Tara Zrinski gave a pretty good speech and that Qayyum raised his left hand when he was sworn in, lol. He had no interpreter, which was something of a concern over the past week.

Trump's Desire to "Run" Venezuela is Rank Imperialism

Other than Chavistas, I doubt anyone is shedding a tear over the rendition of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro on Saturday. I have heard that the War Powers Act and UN Charter were violated. That's a hard sell. Under the War Powers Act, the President must notify Congress within 48 hours of being engaged in hostilities, and he has done so. And the Charter does allow one nation to attack another if it is doing so to defend itself, as the US could claim after being inundated with illegal drugs. So I have no problem with grabbing Maduro, who is under indictment. His real crime is what he has done to his own people, who suffer from malnutrition, widespread violent crime and brutal repression. He should answer for that as well.  

But that's not why Trump has taken such action. It's not about illegal drugs flooding into this country. It's not about Maduro's refusal to honor an election in which he lost. It's not about his brutal regime. Those are mere pretext for what Trump really wants. He was pretty open about it and mentioned it at least 20 times in a rambling news conference in which he announced what happened. It's about the oil. In his own words, he wants to "run" the country, just like he wants to "run" Canada and Greenland. He wants the natural resources. 

I believe that Bernie Sanders put it best:

"Trump's attack on Venezuela will not make the United States and the world safer. Quite the contrary. This brazen violation of international law gives a green light to any nation on earth that may wish to attack another country to seize their resources or change their governments.

"This is the horrific logic of force that Putin used to justify his brutal attack on Ukraine.

"Trump and his administration have made it clear that they want to revive the Monroe Doctrine, the belief that the United States has the right to dominate the affairs of the hemisphere. They have spoken openly about controlling Venezuela's oil reserves, the largest in the world. Let’s not hesitate to call this policy out for what it is. This is rank imperialism. It recalls the darkest chapters of U.S. interventions in Latin America, which have left a terrible legacy. It will and should be condemned by the democratic world." 

Under Trump's logic, Putin's attack on Ukraine is entirely justified, and China would have every right to grab Taiwan. 

Aside from the blatant resource grab, we should all know by now that occupying forces are never welcome in another country. 

Tara Zrinski To Be Sworn In as NorCo Exec Today

It will be official at 3 pm. Tara Zrinski will be sworn in as NorCo's new Executive today. In addition, incoming County Council members Dave Holland, Jason Boulette, Theresa Fadem and Nadeem Qayyum will also take the oath. Judge Jeremy Clark and Magisterial District Judge Robert Kemmerer will also be installed.

After the ceremony, NorCo Council will convene for its annual reorganization meeting, during which a President, VP and Council Solicitor will be elected. 

NorCo Ends 2025 By Announcing $2.5 Million in Grants

 As 2025 draws to a close, Northampton County has issued news releases detailing $1.7 million in grants this year for public safety, affordable housing, local planning, infrastructure, economic development, quality of life initiatives and tourism. No county real estate tax revenue is used for these grants. Instead, monies from hotel taxes and gaming are the basis of these awards. All of these grants are publiclyapproved by County Council after internal review.

The first set of awards, the Grow NorCo grants, is a competitive program designed to help local municipalities and nonprofits move forward with projects that might otherwise be delayed or eliminated. A list of the recipientsm, and amount received by each, is located here. The highest awrd amounts are $40,000. No grants were awarded to any for-profit ventures.

The second set of awards are $400,000 in affordable housing grants to 18 different non-profits, and you can view them here. All of these were approved by County Council. No money was given to any for-profit venture.

A third set of grants are $600,000 to "support local police, fire, and emergency medical service organizations with critical projects that enhance public safety throughout the county." They include P25 radio upgrades, license plate readers and vehicles used by first responders. You can see the awards here. They were all approved by County Council and no money was directed at any for-profit venture.

The final set of grants is $710,000 from hotel taxes to promote tourism in the local area. The recipients, as well as the amounts awarded to each, atre located here. All recipients are non-profits or municipalities and all awards were approved by County Council.

Wilson Boro's Dixie Cup Project Wants $124 Million in Grants, Tax Breaks and Tax Credits

Yesterday, I shared Lehigh Valley News Brief's story about the DaVinci Science Center boondoggle, and told you about its hopefully dead plans to build a 500,000 gallon salt water aquarium in downtown Easton, complete with a 100' tall Vitruvian man straddling it. Believe it or not, Northampton County Council wasted $300,000 on this project before common sense prevailed. Jeff Ward, who publishes Lehigh Valley News Briefs, believes we "need more skepticism in local government, particularly when it comes to dispensing taxpayers’ dollars." At least DaVinci is a nonprofit with a noble mission. But guess what? Local government is falling all over itself to help a for-profit private equity firm (Skyline Investment Group) build both luxury apartments and a high-end hotel in Wilson Borough. In addition to seeking a $29 million tax break to redevelop the vacant Dixie Cup factory, it already has received $838,257 in state grants. What's more, it wants another $9.5 million from the state. Without the local tax break known as a TIF, which amounts to about $29 million, it is seeking $124,338.257 in the form of outright grants or tax credits. 

I know this because of a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Grant Program (RACP) filed with the state this year for a $9.5 million grant, which you can see for yourself below. 

Technically, the applicant is NorCo Exec Lamont McClure. This in itself is odd. County Council was never informed of this grant request, nor was its approval sought. County Council is usually asked to endorse grant applications to the state, and I question whether the Executive has the authority to seek a state grant without the assent of the governing body. The grant writer is in fact a county employee in the Department of Community and Economic Development, meaning that the county has devoted its own manpower to this project. 

Under the county's Home Rule Charter, the Executive has the authority to represent the county in obtaining federal or state assistance to local governments (Section 303(6)), but has no power to seek grant assistance on behalf of a for-profit corporation. 

The grant application includes the Wilson Borough Dixie Cup factory, which is slated for luxury apartments that few can afford. It also includes its "New Life," project, a plan to convert the 3-acre former LA Fitness site into a "premier hotel" known as The Wilson. According to Skyline, "130 hotel suites with 250 multifamily residences are planned that will feature 1920s-inspired art elegantly paired with modern amenities and exceptional service. Along with the introduction of approximately 163 permanent jobs, The Wilson will feature EV charging stations, a high staff-to-room ratio, and a suite of premium services. Guests will enjoy the personalized attention of a dedicated butler, doorman, concierge, chauffeur, and valet parking, all provided by a team of highly trained professionals committed to the highest standards of hospitality".

Do you think it's wise to spend public tax dollars for luxury apartments and a premier hotel that includes butlers and chauffeurs? 

The grant application describes the site as a "brownfield," but that is completely untrue of the LA Fitness site.  

What you see below indicates that Skyline has already been awarded $500,000 from an RACP application in 2024. It also received $163,257 from a DCED Multimodal Transportation Funding Grant and a $175,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreational Program grant .It is seeking even more grant money from PennDOT, DCED Mixed Use Housing Development, another DCED Greenways grant, another DCED multimodal transportation grant, and Pa Historic tax credits

It also wants $28.5 million in federal tax equity credits.

 

Dixie Cup Rcap Application 2025 by BernieOHare