Pa. Taxpayers Cyber Coaltion Urges "No" Vote on Act 1 Referendum

The Pa. Taxpayers Cyber Coaltion (PTCC) and Lower Nazareth Township Citizens Forum both have an interesting series on the Act 1 referendum scheduled tomorrow. Quality education costs money. There's no way around it. But this proposal increasingly appears to be one that just replaces one unfair system with another. We can do better.

Fleck Campaign Signs Litter Easton ... and Violate State Law

I hacked my way through Easton's Mike Fleck signs Saturday night. After a brief rain, more of them seemed to pop up.

Jim Deegan, Express Times managing editor, has a terrific blog about those signs. "Someone even told me he spotted one attached to a shad reeled in near the free bridge."

Norco Council Solicitor Rules Against Lamont McMud

Lamont McClure's a nasty man. In a ruthless quest for public office, he's happily smearing Will Power with lies and half-truths about his deceased brother, provoking painful memories. And just a few days ago, he was slinging mud at Ron Angle's refusal to recuse himself from a nonbinding resolution over Portland sewers. You see, Angle owns a few properties in Portland.

At the time, I told you it's no conflict. McClure was just playing politics. And Solicitor Lenny Zito agrees. A public official who benefits or suffers only in the same way other members of the community, has no conflict as a matter of law. If the law were any different, no municiplaity could ever adopt a budget.

This was just McClure McMud. But he's no James Carville. Truth be told, Lamont's no legal whiz, either. He's violated the Sunshine Act ... twice. He's proposed invading the budgetary reserve, a Home Rule Charter violation. And now he'll probably try to get Lenny Zito dumped for following settled law.

While piously condemning Angle, McClure votes on matters involving the DA's office, where his wife is employed. When challenged, he denies it.

On Tuesday, Lamont McMud will be the Democratic nominee. Aren't we lucky?

So much for his so-called Code of Civility.
Update: "If you are voting on something that will affect you one way or another, you should recuse yourself, period." That's what Charles Dertinger told Morning Call reporter Joe Nixon. Under this compelling logic, Dertinger must now disqualify himself from voting on every budget, which will affect his taxes.

State Senator Lisa Boscola Rips County Council Candidate

"I'm very upset and disappointed that someone would resort to using my deceased, quadriplegic brother to falsely portray my brother Will in such a nasty, negative way."

Those are the words of state senator Lisa Boscola, and they are directed at lies and half-truth's in Lamont McClure's smear campaign for Northampton County Council. McClure's opponent is Lisa's brother, Will Power.

Bernie Kieklak, Lisa's brilliant chief of staff and frequent contributor here, has a few interesting observations about McClure's McMud.

1) You NEVER attack your opponent unless you are behind. (Unless you are a spineless shitbag like Charlie Dent and panic at the mere thought of having any opponent, because you know full well how shitty your polling numbers really are.)

2) A well-funded incumbent should NEVER acknowledge that he or she EVEN HAS an opponent--especially an opponent with no money, no record of accomplishments to run on, and no political base.

3) You NEVER burn money in the Primary unless it's absolutely necessary for you to survive and advance, because it will always come back to bite you big time in the General Election in the fall;

4) You NEVER level a personal attack against a family member of a 3-term, sitting, senior State Senator who was just re-elected with 73% of the vote unless you have such a serious, irrational death wish that you WANT to commit political suicide; and

5) 3 negative campaign mailings right before the election cannot win more hearts, minds, and votes than a solid record of hard work, a passionate commitment to stand up for over-burdened taxpayers, and the ability to fight every single day for what is best for the people you represent, without a shred of hesitation or fear.

Bethlehem Area School District Candidates

You might see Jason Slipp any day of the week riding his bike through Bethlehem. He takes peak oil seriously, and is a founding member of Lehigh Valley Beyond Oil.

Jason is concerned about Tuesday's school board election in Bethlehem. "If anyone has been following the Broughal Debacle, you will know that most of the current school board members do not care about sustainability, energy scarcity, or public input."

He's circulating an email from Judy Dexter, school board member, about the candidates. I'll share her informative comments with you.

Some have asked for descriptions of the candidates. I have included the new candidates, except for Ricardo Orench, who declined to provide a description of himself. Loretta Leeson's summary is also included because as you know (if you follow the news) Loretta and I are of similar mindset on some major issues. Both of us want the district administrators to include the public more in decision making, to be more responsive to the parents, and to focus more on our academic issues than on building and peripheral issues. We also agree that there are some areas in the budget which can be cut (excessive spending can be cut in some areas, so updated textbooks can be provided to students.) The candidates below generally agree that new programs should be developed only after there is clear identification of the goals, and a pre-determined way to measure or evaluate the outcomes.

Pass this along to anyone who may be interested in school board elections.

Vote for five people for the four year positions, and one person for the two year position. Incumbents running are Joe Craig, Rosario "Rosie" Amato, Diane Rowe, and Loretta Leeson. Mr. Amato is the Board member who has verbally threatened me, and he is the one who has consistently told members of the public that we do not need to hear from them on several issues.

Loretta Leeson is running for her third term as a Director of the Bethlehem Area School Board. She has 5 children ranging in age from 13 to 21. Some of her children attend public schools, and others attend parochial schools. She serves on the Bethlehem Area Vo-Tech Joint Operating Committee and is the past president. She also serves on The Bethlehem Recreation Commission. She believes the role of a board is to set standards and then hold the administration accountable for progress toward those standards. She is and will continue to strive for the best possible education for our students at the most reasonable cost for the taxpayer.

Michele Cann is an attorney who is now a stay at home mom of three Bethlehem Area School District students. She has lots of experience, energy, and interest and is sharp minded and fun. Her kids are at Hanover and Liberty HS and she is active in her church, Notre Dame. She has many other activities and if you'd like some more information, will mail you her handout (which truly says something about her). Michele's current mothering experiences put her in touch with many parents across the district as her boys are all athletic and involved in other activities. This is a real help because most Board Members don't have children at home, and it does make a difference in perspective. She thinks we need BOTH active parents and retired people.

Irene Follweiler is an experienced business woman with 23 years in procurement. She is employed by a leading electronics firm in New Jersey and will bring to the board strong analytical and negotiation skills. She is articulate, engaging, and is not afraid to speak out. Irene is a graduate of Freedom High School and Elizabethtown College, holding a BS degree in Business. She is involved with her church, the Bethlehem YMCA, as well as other community and charitable activities. Irene vows to demand accountability from the administration and treat all taxpayers with respect. Irene is one of two candidates seeking election to the two-year term; she opposes Diane Rowe, and incumbent, on the ballot. All other candidates are seeking four year terms.

Eugene McKeon is a resident of Bethlehem Township, married with two adult children who both graduated from Freedom High School. His daughter now attends college, and his son was a special needs student. Eugene McKeon is an accountant for an environmental remediation company, and has been employed in accounting, purchasing, and logistics for many years. He is a PIAA basketball official, and ASA softball official. For the past 12 years, he has served on the Bethlehem Township Recreation Commission. He has attended meetings in the BASD for three years, and would like to work towards improving administrative accountability within the school district.

Gilbert Garcia-Rodriquez is from Puerto Rico, where he graduated from public schools. He has a B.A. in Social Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Theology. He is married, and is the father of an elementary school student who attends Moravian Academy. He has been a pastor for more than 20 years, and is currently serving on the south side as pastor of the First United Church of Christ. He has been a volunteer within many community organizations. He believes that the BASD needs to diversify the Board, and he intends to represent those sectors of the community that are not now represented. He would like to see BASD expand after school programs to help provide positive ways for students to spend their free time.

Norco's Three Mini-Judge Races: Follow the Money

After spending most of the last two days discussing the mudslinging in Easton's mini-judge contest, you might think that's the only race. Actually, Northampton County will be electing three new mini-judges this Fall in Nazareth, Bethlehem and Easton. In this post, I'll lay out the finances for each candidate so you can follow the money.

What is a mini-judge? I've talked about this before, but it's worth repeating. "District Justices have jurisdiction over minor criminal offenses, traffic offenses, landlord/tenant matters and other civil actions where the amount claimed does not exceed $8000.00. In misdemeanor and felony cases, District Justices have jurisdiction to issue arrest and search warrants, hold preliminary arraignments and preliminary hearings and set bail. They also have authority to perform marriages, handle protection from abuse matters and issue subpoenas. They also may impose summary punishments for criminal contempt." I have the record for most overtime parking tickets in Nazareth, so I know the office very well. Although the annual salary for this position is $74,566, most magistrates consider themselves part-time workers.

Easton. This seat consists of Williams Township, Glendon Borough and Easton's south side. Brian Monahan, a lawyer; Cindy Greene, a designer; and Dan Corpora, Easton councilman, are the contestants.

Monahan. - Between March 1 and April 30, Brian raised $14,500 and spent about $5,700. There are no small under $50 contributions, and his list of contributors is a who's who of local lawyers. I counted twenty-seven, from all over the area. These lawyers could be trying to buy influence. I believe it's a mistake for judicial candidates to accept money from attorneys who may appear before them. Others will argue this just indicates Monahan has the respect of his fellow attorneys. I report. You decide.

Corpora. - Between January 1 and April 30, Corpora raised only $550. With what he already had in his treasury, his warchest was barely $1,600. Most of his money comes from small contributions of $50 0r less. Corpora has not been certified for the position of district judge.

Greene. - On Monday, when I checked finance reports, Greens's reports had not yet been filed. She told me yesterday that has since filed her report late and that she had raised about $1,900, most of which is self-funded. Like Corpora, she is uncertified. Of the three candidates, she is the only one unable to follow finance campaign laws, but she is also a relative newcomer.

Bethlehem. Like Easton, this race over the Marvine-Pembroke area of Bethlehem is a three-way dogfight. Patricia Romig-Passaro, daughter of retired District Judge Liz Romig, faces social services worker Juan Cruz and Attorney Gil Negrete.

Romig-Passaro. - Between January 29 and April 27, Romig-Passaro raised $8,055, and spent $7,482. Nearly $5,500 of her money comes from small contributions of $50 or less. Three Bethlehem lawyers have contributed to her campaign. Romig is certified for the district judge position.

Juan "Johnny" Cruz. - Between January 28 and April 30, Cruz raised $3,030 and spent $2,503.72. Over one-third of his money comes from small contributions of $50 or less. He did inadvertently accept a corporate contribution, a violation of campaign finance laws. This money has been returned. I'm unaware whether Cruz is certified, and will update this post if anyone can tell me.

Gil Negrete. - Gil raised $3,500 and kicked in another $7,500 out of his own pocket. Like Monahan, he relies heavily on contributions from lawyers who are likely to appear before him. You can decide for yourself whether these attorneys are trying to buy influence or are trying to improve the judicial system.

Nazareth. Five mini-judge wannabes are eyeing Nazareth's magisterial district, which includes Nazareth, Bath and Stockertown boroughs, as well as Upper Nazareth and East Allen Townships. The contestants? Bangor lawyer Yvonne Falcone, Colonial Region police detective Gary Hammer, Norco prison boss Todd Buskirk, Upper Nazareth top cop Alan Siegfried and deputy sheriff John Capobianco.

Falcone. - Between January 1 and April 30, Falcone raised just $1,200 but spent $8,665.39. She's in the hole. Surprisingly, there were only a few contributions from attorneys. Falcone had previously told me she did not want to accept money from attorneys who appear before her regularly, and she appears to have kept her word. She did purchase an address list of the local bar, but appears to be content without accepting lawyers' money.

Hammer. - In a simple and honest report, Gary tells us he raised no money and spent $1,085 out of his own pocket for signs and handouts. Unfortunately, Hammer is the only candidate uncertified for the position of district judge in the Nazareth race.

Buskirk. - Between February 13 and April 30, Todd raised $6,690 and spent $4,568. Nazareth landlord Ray Orwig and his family have kicked in $480, but Buskirk previously told me Orwig's landlord cases won't be heard in his court. Twelve local attorneys contributed to his campaign, but they appear to be mostly attorneys who worked with Buskirk at the county.

Capobianco. - Between January 24 and April 30, Cap raised $10,631.05, and spent $9,484. Half of this money comes from his own pocket. His sister also gave him $1,000. He also raised $1,125 in small contributions of $50 or less.

Siegfried. - Chief Siegfried told me his integrity is very important to him. I now believe him. The $5,472 reported in his campaign treasury came right out of his own pocket.

Update:Juan "Johnny" Cruz, a Bethlehem magisterial candidate, has been certified once. He needs to be recertified.

Easton Mayoral Hopeful Mike Fleck: He Took the Money and Ran!

This time last year, Easton Mayor candidate Mike Fleck was running Archie Follweiler's state house campaign. About $21,000 was paid to Fleck in just eleven weeks. Overall, he was paid $22,843.55 between March 6 and June 1.

Lehigh County Democrats inside Follweiler's campaign are now telling me Fleck actually walked off the job shortly after he conned Follweiler into giving him a $4,500 lump payment on May 21. He literally took the money and ran!

Here's the kicker. Fleck had been paid in advance for lawn signs, but failed to produce them. When pressured for repayment of the lawn sign money, Fleck actually conned John Karoly into making a $1500 contribution to make restitution for the signs.

Since the finance reports confirm these accusations, I believe them. If he can't be trusted with lawn sign money, how on earth can he be trusted with Easton's financially distressed assets?

Congressman Charlie Dent Stands Up to W

Flip flopper. Spineless. These are just some of the nice words many local Dems use when they speak of Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent.

No more!

House Republican moderates, in a remarkably blunt White House meeting, warned President Bush this week that his pursuit of the war in Iraq is risking the future of the Republican Party and that he cannot count on GOP support for many more months...The meeting, organized by Rep. Charlie Dent (Pa.), one of the co-chairs of the moderate "Tuesday Group," included Reps. Thomas M. Davis III (Va.), Michael N. Castle (Del.), Todd R. Platts (Pa.), Jim Ramstad (Minn.) and Jo Ann Emerson (Mo.).

Norco Councilman Lamont McClure Bullies A Little Guy

He looked shell-shocked.

Early this afternoon, I visited the dark and dank halls of the Governor Wolf building because Will Power , candidate for Northampton County Council, was having a press conference. Reason? To refute countless accusations, some of them twenty years old, hurled by his mean-spirited opponent, Lamont McClure.

Will knew this was coming. John Morganelli warned him. So did I. Even the oracle, BTNP, had predicted McClure would launch a nuclear strike against Power. But Will still seemed unprepared for the vicious nature of these attacks. He quietly called it an "all time low, at least in 2007."

Power has spent no money to deliver his message. But McClure, between January 1 and the end of April, has raked in a cool $16,500. And as he's done in his previous losing bids, he's relied mostly on special interests - big city lawyers, the DA's office (where his wife works), and an alphabet soup of unions. Very little of his money is local.

And McClure has spent this money to pummel a little guy - a bridge guard, father, and husband - into submission. It's been ugly. But whether he realizes it or not, McClure's negative campaign has accomplished what Power himself was unable to do - establish some name recognition.

At the end of a lonely hall, Power set up his briefcase, boom box and a laptop computer with a picture of his baby son as a screen saver. And waited. And waited. For the mainstream press -last refuge of little people bullied by the powerful.

Reporters Joe Nixon and Sarah Cassi answered Power's request and attended his press conference. They listened sympathetically as Power defended himself. "He tells only half the story at best." Whatever they write, which depends on other stories and limited space, will be Power's sole campaign ad. And it won't be enough. He'll lose Tuesday.

The saddest thing, at least for me, was a video broadcast, now seven years old. Among the many stones cast by McClure, Power supposedly assaulted his own disabled brother. Unfortunately, he has passed away a few years ago, so we listened to a surreal voice from the past on the laptop. "My brother never struck me or did anything to hurt me. I apologize for what I did. I love 'ya, brother." At times, he would use pet names I don't quite get. It was very moving, yet so very sad.

McClure would have easily defeated Power without a negative message. But that wasn't enough. He had to kick Power while he was down. Make sure he doesn't take your lunch money. Tuesday, McClure will be the Democratic nominee for Northampton County Council.

Makes you proud, doesn't it?

Update: Sarah Cassi's account of McClure's McMud tells us something new. State Senator Lisa Boscola, Power's sister, claims her brother is falsely portrayed. But District Attorney John Morganelli, who never prosecuted Power, says otherwise. "I did Power a favor at that time." Now, John is doing favors for Lamont. He employs Lamont's wife. And McClure's campaign finance report reveals a $1,000 favor from John.

Mudslinging at Monahan Engineered by Someone Who Knows Politics

They can't sentence you to the electric chair for twenty years or have you flogged. But it still must be a trip to be a mini-judge, or district judge. You get to wear cool black robes and everyone has to call you, "Your Honor." Mini-judges handle the small claims - minor criminal cases and civil actions under $8,000. But the annual salary is $74,566, not bad for a position most magistrates consider a part-time job.

Unfortunately, the race for Easton's magisterial district of Williams Township, Glendon Borough and Easton's south side, has turned ugly. Smear tactics, or guerrilla politics, have victimized Brian Monahan, a Republican lawyer in a three-way battle with designer Cindy Greene, another Republican, and Easton councilman Dan Corpora, a Democrat. Both Corpora and Greene convincingly deny being involved in dirty politics, but someone is trying hard to trash Monahan. And it's someone who knows how campaigns work.

It all started with campaign signs. Every candidate moans about campaign signs disappearing. Mother Nature and landscapers often have more to do with removing them than anyone else. But in Monahan's case, someone pulls them out hours after they are posted, rips them in half, and dumps them in Monahan's yard. The person who tells me this? Cindy Greene.

Then we have the anonymous mailers. Two have gone out, one for Dems and one for Rs. They are vicious distortions of Monahan's career as a defense attorney. It is impossible to defend against them without violating attorney-client privilege. Monahan is falsely accused of preventing "the prosecution of a heinous double murder." "We deserve an ethical judge who will be tough on crime - NOT Brian Monahan!"

Neither of these mailers is signed, and that violates The Elections Code. A person who pays for a direct mailing designed to influence an election must "clearly and conspicuously" identify himself. That's the rule, bippy. No anonymous comments. And any person who spends more than $100 to advocate the defeat of a clearly identified candidate, is subject to the same reporting requirements as any candidate or committee. Violating these laws is a misdemeanor that can get you two years in Northampton County's overcrowded slammer, and District Attorney John Morganelli has full authority to prosecute.

So who's behind this smear campaign? Corpora? Greene? Vulcano? Easton Dems acting without Corpora's knowledge? All but Greene have ready access to Vulcano's bulk mail Permit #172. Vulcano could find no record that Greene had ever used it. So Greene is in the clear.

I spoke with both Corpora and Vulcano at length, and these guys have never operated this way. They both have a history of clean campaigns. Why would they go dark now? I believe their denials.

That leaves Easton Dems. They're partisans so it must be them, right? Wrong. And let me explain why. It's all in the label. I might recognize someone from a distance because of the way she "wiggles when she walks." Labels are distinctive, too, and each outfit does it a little differently. One person I know has already identified the sender. This conclusion is based solely on the distinctive label.

Now I'm not about to identify anyone based solely on one piece of circumstantial evidence. I might lose my jeep in a libel suit. But here's a little more. This person, a political consultant, happens to hate Monahan. A few years ago, Monahan sued this suspect and had the temerity to win.

Getting warmer? Yep, but that's not enough, either. After all, who the hell likes Monahan? But here's a little more. This consultant is on friendly terms with Vulcano and has used his bulk mail permit for dems and items he doesn't want to come back to him.

So we've got motive, opportunity and means. Only a very small and elite group have the skill and dough to pull off a smear campaign. Book 'em, Danno!

I'm really suspicious, but can't be positive about this sender without more. There's no smoking gun. But I can get that by having the post office produce the check that paid for each mailer. Postal authorities might resist a Freedom of Information Act request from me, but I don't think they'll turn away the DA.

Today, I'll turn this flier over to the DA. After all, this really is a criminal matter. Unfortunately, it's unlikely we'll learn who's responsible until after the election. It's unfair to all three candidates. They're all tarnished when this happens.

The truth always has a way of coming out. Secrets are hard to hide in Northampton County.

This just in! I've just been told that this political consultant, who has never run for for office, did much the same thing in a local race not long ago, misappropriating a bulk mail permit to launch a smear campaign.

Cindy Greene Condemns Sleaze Politics in Williams Township

Mini-judge hopeful Cindy Greene has joined her opponent, Dan Corpora, in condemning the mudslinging directed at Brian Monahan in two anonymous mailers. I'll have more to say about this campaign tomorrow, but want to post Cindy's comment as a separate blog.

My husband also received the negative mailer about Brian Monahan. Researching permit #172, it is not only Pat Vulcano's but a Democratic user permit number. I am a Republican and Pat Vulcano can attest that I did not request to use this permit or anyone associated with me.

Having met both candidates at the two "meet the candidate nights", both Corpora and Monahan seem to be very nice individuals. When I ran for Supervisor in Williams township two years ago, I also did not engage in negative campaign tactics. I also agree with Dan Corpora and do not promote negative campaign tactics nor do I bad mouth either candidate. I am busy going door to door working on my own campaign in a positive manner.

What's most important is that voters get out to vote on May 15th for the candidate they feel will serve and better our community for the future.

Dan Corpora Condemns Sleaze Campaign Targeting His Foe

I've just told you that mini-judge wannabe Brian Monahan has been slammed in an anonymous mailer. He can defend himself only by violating attorney-client privilege.

Monahan has a defender. It's one of his opponents!

Here's what Dan Corpora has to say.

I have just been made aware that a second mailer was delivered today, this one is also an anti-Monahan piece. I have had no knowledge of either of these mailers, and would NEVER approve of this type of campaign.

Four years ago, I was unsuccessful in a bid for Easton's Mayor, losing by only a few votes. Many people have told me that I would have won if I had aggressively "gone after" my opponent. I would not do it then, and certainly would not do it now. That type of politics is what turns voters off from the whole process.

I respect my two opponents in this race, and hope the voters decide who they want to serve them as District Judge, not on these mailers, but on our experience, background, and commitment to our community.

A class act! Very refreshing!
Update: Thanks to Lehigh Valley Housewife, I have a copy of one of these mailers. It's stamped with bulk mail permit #172, and that's registered to Pat Vulcano. Many items from different campaign have been mailed using that bulk mail permit. But Vulcano would have to authorize someone to send the flier in question, even if he never saw it. I've called Vulcano, and will tell you what he tells me.
Update #2: I don't know if any of you have ever spoken with the loquacious Pat Vulcano, but he was very helpful. He explained permit #172 is actually registered to him, his wife, the Northampton County Democratic party, and the Easton City Democratic committee. He told me Bethlehem Dems have used it and it may have been used in the last municipal race in Williams Township. Although it only happens rarely, some Republicans have used his bulk mail permit. He has no idea who sent out the negative mailers, and never authorized its use. He was never sent a receipt from the post office to indicate the number of items mailed, the cost and when they were sent. I'll have more to say tomorrow.

Brian Monahan, Easton Mini-Judge Candidate, Victim of Slime Campaign

Easton's magisterial seat consists of Williams Township, Glendon Borough and Easton's south side. Brian Monahan, a Republican lawyer who has served on the state committee and as solicitor to a Republican county council, is in a three-way battle with designer Cindy Greene and former Easton councilman Dan Corpora.

Monahan represented me when I sued the county, so you might think we're pals. We're not. I don't like him. We had a falling out several years ago. Lawyers are usually lousy district judges. No common sense.

But something is going on in the dark corners of Williams Township, and it needs to stop. Monahan is being slimed. A vicious anonymous mailer is being sent to voters. Here's what Lehigh Valley Housewife tells me.

I received a mailer that said, "WARNING - Important information regarding: Brian Monahan Candidate for Magisterial District Judge" in large black and white letters on one side. On the other side the mailer said, "Brian Monahan prevented the prosecution of a heinous double murder - JUDGE FOR YOURSELF." Then it has an EXCERPT (although the reader won't know this since it's not labeled as such):

"The Morning Call - December 10, 1995 - 'Dorney, 18, said he met with Monahan in July to discuss what he knew about the June 29 shootings of his girlfriend, Mary Orlando, 15, and her best friend Jennifer Grider, 17. Dorney maintains Monahan believed he was a 'prime suspect' and told him to 'keep everything to myself.'''

"I don't have a problem with a lawyer explaining options," said Edward Ohlbaum, a former Philadelphia Public Defender and a professor at Temple University School of Law. "I do have a (personal) problem with a lawyer advising a client not to come forward."

"Bethlehem Police Commissioner John Yerk on Friday said that because of Dorney's delay in coming forward with the information, it took investigators more than five months to charge Christopher Bissey, 18, of Salisbury Township with the shooting the girls at the Lookout on Bethlehem's South Side. Police charged Bissey with criminal homicide early Thursday, two days after Dorney met with detectives."

Ironically, at the bottom of the mailer it says, "We deserve an ethical judge who will be tough on crime - NOT Brian Monahan!"

Yes, it's quite ethical to send out a mailer slamming your opponent without identifying WHO is sending the mailer. I am not necessarily a pro-Monahan person (I may vote for Corpora), but this really bothered me for obvious reasons: we have a person who wants to be a JUDGE who is employing an unethical campaign! The voters have the right to know who is putting out this garbage! I call it garbage because the article was taken out of context. Furthermore, the person has to know that Monahan can't defend himself against this because of attorney/client privilege.

Brian Monahan is a quiet guy, and sometimes may give the impression that he's not the sharpest tool in the shed (although he graduated cum laude from Villanova Law, so I'd say that looks can be deceiving). Sharp or not, Brian IS a person who conducts himself in an ethical manner and he does not deserve to have this mailing sent out slamming him.

As far as who did it . . . Well, Corpora has run for office before and didn't rely on negative campaigning. On the other hand, the other candidate, Cindy Greene, has been bad-mouthing Monahan and Corpora during her entire campaign (including these allegations about Monahan), so if I were a betting woman, my bet would be placed on her.

It's extremely disheartening to me to see such dirty tactics being used at a low-level campaign. It's even further troubling to know that it's being used for the position of district magistrate! How can we expect that person to be a good magistrate if she can't even follow the rules of disclosure?

I'm pointing no fingers, but this is about as low as someone can go.

WFMZ-TV Online Election Central Has Bogus Election Results Six Days Before Election!

Someone is smoking funny stuff at WFMZ-TV Online Election Central. The election won't occur for another six days, but last night it posted voter results. In some cases, it has even projected winners!

Dean Browning, come on down! You've won your primary for Lehigh County commissioner without a vote being cast! That's what happens when you start commenting on this blog!

36% Browning, Dean 23,526
28% Reis, Roger 18,276
17% Halper, Barry 11,031
15% Labenberg, Brent 9,775
5% Roman, Andy 3,433

Will Power blows out Lamont McClure with 69% of the vote for Norco Council, District 3. Geez, that's almost as good as Will's sister! Too bad, Lamont. That's what you get for sliming your opponent. It blows up in your face!

69% Power, Will - 28,410
31% McClure Jr, Lamont - 12,473

Sal Panto edges out Mike Fleck! Mike will have to return to the lucrative world of political consulting.

57% Panto, Sal - 27,330
43% Fleck, Michael - 20,807

Chris Casey gets 78% of the Dem vote in his Upper Macungie. Now he can finally go on a diet.

78% Casey, Chris - 29,475
22% Deprill, Chuck - 8,290

Ron Angle is stunned by heavy write-in vote for Jolly Joe Timmer in Norco Council, District 4.

OK. I made that one up.

Big Spender Jeff Warren only in second place in Easton city council race. Ashley developers demand their money back.

41% Warner, Elinor - 27,576
39% Warren, Jeff - 26,195
13% Brown, Ken - 9,124
7% Loane, Nadine - 5,013

Wayne Grube, although he's not running for anything, is lead vote getter for all offices. OK. I made that one up, too. If WFMZ can create bogus results, so can I!

Call me crazy, but it's kooky for a news organization, even TV news, to post results and project winners nearly a week in advance of an election. In fact, it's downright misleading unless WFMZ has obtained the results from voting machine manufacturers.
Update: WFMZ has now replaced its unofficial "election results" with a disclaimer telling us, "Every effort is being expended to make this page an accurate source of information. However, the Internet is both volatile and diverse." If WFMZ meant what it said, it would never have run artificial results or projected winners six days in advance of the election. What it did is both inaccurate and created volatility that did not need to be there.

Lehigh County: Hydrogen the Fuel of the Future

"Hydrogen is arguably the most dangerous gas in a lab. If you don't take every precaution there will be an explosion, and it doesn't take a lot of H2 to cause a big bang. Of course when it does combust, it is much cleaner than gasoline, so when an entire station goes up, it's true, it will at least be a clean burn."

Those are my son's words. He's some kind of chemist or something. What the hell does a chemist know about hydrogen?

Local Congressman Charlie Dent is a co-founder of the House Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus. He even wants to convert Route 78 into a hydrogen highway. Dent's congressional website tell us "Interstate 78 is uniquely situated and suited to be a gateway to the hydrogen economy - the Hydrogen Highway East." A hydrogen network will (1) decrease our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels; (2) protect our citizens and preserve our environment from the harmful effects of vehicle emissions; and (3) mitigate traffic and congestion.

Now Lehigh County appears to be jumping on the H2 express.

County Commissioner Percy Dougherty said he sees the Lehigh Valley as taking a leading role globally in the use and production of hydrogen, in part because of Air Products and Chemicals' work on the element. "It in my opinion is going to be the fuel of the future," said Dougherty.

Bethlehem Magisterial Candidate Cruz Violates Campaign Finance Laws

Juan "Johnny" Cruz, a social services worker from South Bethlehem, is running for the district judge seat that vacated by Elizabeth Romig after thirty years on the bench. But his campaign finance report reveals he can't follow the law.

Pennsylvania campaign finance law is wide open. There's no limit on contributions, whether individual or from a political action committee. But one type of donation is strictly forbidden - those from corporations.

Johnny, however, raked in $200 from Allentown corporation NAM Investments, Inc. on March 20. I'm sure this violation is unintentional. But if Cruz can't follow the law, how can he be expected to uphold it?

Update: Rob Hopkins at Keystone Politics has called to say that he has known Cruz for many years and considers him a fine candidate. At Johnny's request, he reviewed the finance report filed last Friday. Hopkins agrees this corporate contribution is illegal, and Cruz will return it.

Jeff Warren, Easton's Magnet for Special Interests

On Friday, I told you about expense reports filed by Easton's three mayoral hopefuls - Republican Gary Bertsch and Democrats Sal Panto and Mike Fleck. But there's a candidate in Easton who makes them look like pikers. He's Jeff Warren, and he's running for Easton city council.

Jeff, who currently serves as State Senator Lisa Boscola's chief legislative assistant, has been very responsive whenever I've had a question. When I first heard he was running for city council, I thought he'd be a shot in the arm. And his initiative to eliminate health care and pension benefits for city council members is long overdue for a financially distressed city.

But when I spoke to a long-time Easton observer about Jeff, she picked him to finish either last or second last of the Dem candidates. After paging through Warren's expense reports and finally listening to his interview at Easton Undressed, I hope she's right.

Warren's interview reveals he likes to use the words "plethora" and "proactive," but has the same answers for all of Easton's problems. Community police is one answer. The other is cutting healthcare and pension benefits for city council. He's unfamiliar with Act 47, the Municipal Financial Recovery Act, and was unable to name three blighted properties. But he wants to do all he can to help businesses relocate to Easton. After reading his campaign finance report, I know why.

Jeff raised $12,385 between the beginning of the year and the end of April. That's a lot more than mayoral candidates Fleck($8,424) or Panto($7,365). He picked up $3,300 from representatives of Ashley Development, and another $2,000 from other developers. He reports $4,450 in donations between $50 and $250, but only $300 of this sum actually comes from Easton residents. Outsiders and developers just don't give this kind of money unless they're looking for something.

Other Easton city council candidates have been much more grass roots oriented. Incumbent Ken Brown only raised $75. Peter Melan has raised $5,760, but $3,225 of that amount comes from small contributions of $50 or less.

I'm sorry, but a vote for Jeff is nothing more than a vote for the Pennsylvania Builders Association. His candidacy is a magnet for special interests.

Update: The Express Times has a thorough account of Warren's campaign warchest. Warren calls his report a testament to the support friends, family and colleagues have shown for him and his platform. Yep, Friends like Ashley Development must be very nice. But not so many Easton friends.

Lehigh County Bar Rates Two Judicial Candidates "Unqualified"

Eight attorneys are in the hunt for three judicial vacancies in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas. Today, Lehigh's County Bar Association has announced the results of its judicial selection committee's evaluations.

This committee reviewed candidate responses to a confidential questionnaire, comment from bar association members and interviewed each candidate. Its evaluations are a measure of a candidate's ability to serve as judge, and not a personal assessment.

Amazingly, the bar association has declared two candidates, Lee M. Koch and Joseph P. Maher as "Not Qualified." Koch's webpage reveals he is a very capable attorney, but his practice appears to be oriented towards Montgomery County. Joe Maher has practiced law for twenty-eight years, but his own divorce testimony claimed he only earned $26,000 per year from his law practice.

Tommaso V. Lonardo and Michele A. Varricchio are considered "Qualified." But only four lawyers get the "Well Qualified" rating. These are Jim Anthony (currently serving in Iraq), Glenn Clark (a former Assistant DA), Maria Dantos (First Assistant DA) and Dan McCarthy (a current Lehigh County Commissioner).

A link to these ratings can be found here.

Update: The Morning Call's account of these ratings, sheds light on why two attorneys have been rated as unqualified. As suggested in one of the comments to this post, Maher has been married three times and has had to defend against both mortgage foreclosures and protection-from-abuse petitions. Koch appears to be a talented attorney, but practices mainly in Montgomery County. Some commenters think that's an asset.

Magic in Nazareth!

He ran out of the building and into the night, screaming and waving his arms! This was the reaction of one Nazareth News Agency customer on Friday night.

No, it was not another candidates' night. No, I was not playing my violin again. This time, the performer was local mage and mentalist Odes Odhner. If you're a magician, that's a pretty good reaction, so long as the guest has already paid.

Odner improbably claims to be a direct descendant of Norse god Odin. If he's right, I know why the Vikings left Scandinavia. But in the garish night lights at the news agency, Odhner is a mysterious presence. His long hair, triangular earrings and ominous stories, immediately set the audience on edge. You won't hear him say, "Hey Rocky, watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat!"

On April 23, a certified letter was sent to the Nazareth News Agency. Inside that envelope was a number of smaller envelopes containing predictions. The prediction that blew my mind was a prediction of Morning Call headlines for May 4. That's right, bippy. I don't know how he pulled that one off, but I'll soon be asking him for his election predictions.

Nazareth Borough Councilman Jack Herbst was asked to pick a foreign coin, and he picked an English 50 cent piece. Odhner predicted that he would make that choice in his April 23 letter!

After the show, he read tarot cards for those who dared. Recently, a little known state law was invoked to shut down Philly psychics and astrologers. City officials there must be worried about a possible loss of gambling or massage revenue. Nazareth has just begun following the Sunshine Act, so I don't think their officials will stumble upon that blue law against magicians for about another two hundred years. Odes, son of a god, played it safe and refused to charge. He also let Jack Herbst keep that 50 cent piece as a memento.

Hey Jack, isn't that bribery??? Jack tells me he'll use it for the skate park.

Update: The mage will appear again at the Nazareth News Agency on Saturday evening, June 16.

What the Hell is Going on in Berks County?

One blog is not enough for John Morgan. In addition to Pennsylvania Progressive, he also owns Berks Democrats. The latter blog, which focuses on county government, is one of my faves. But it's beginning to scare the hell out of me.

Northampton County has a well-deserved reputation as the most dysfunctional county government within a 1,000 mile radius. Now Berks County is mounting a serious threat. Get a load of these comments about different row offices.

1. Domestic Violence. - Essentially the protection from abuse office is set up totally for the convenience of the employees and judges, not those seeking help. Their goal seems to be to make the process as difficult as possible. This entire direction is wrong and misguided. Their sole purpose is helping those who feel they are being threatened and in danger. It isn't working in this case and something is fatally flawed, maybe literally.

2. Prothonotary's Office. - They are also charged with sending notifications of hearings, dismissals, etc., handling all the civil court's communications with the parties to lawsuits. Unfortunately this office cannot seem to do any of this. I've been there several times requesting to examine public records and been refused. I've seen them mail legal papers requiring a thirty day response halfway through that period. Many other times they NEVER get the paperwork sent. Trying to get anything done through this office is enough to challenge any one's patience. They are thoroughly incompetent. If Marianne Sutton spent half the time managing her people instead of decorating things might improve. Maybe not.

3. Family Court. - The family court system in Berks County is broken and scandalous and the Prothonotary's office is also part of the problem. Litigants aren't being notified of hearings (a common problem), transcripts aren't being made available and paperwork continues being delayed. These have all been persistent problems in this office.

4. Sheriff. - Sheriff Barry Jozwiak, who opposes all gun control legislation, used a list of county gun owners to send campaign fundraising letters. After being sued, he posted the names of all 25,000 gun owners on his county website. With ALL of their personal information.

5. Recorder of Deeds. - The recorder's staff would find insignificant or nonexistent errors on documents and refuse to accept them in order to screw the companies she didn't like (those that weren't renting space from her.)

John has been fearlessly reporting every detail. I hope he's current on his life insurance premiums.