Allentown's Incredible Disappearing Republicans

Are there any Republicans left in Allentown? That's a question I must ask after looking at Mayor Ed Pawlowski's 2008 contributions from prominent local Republicans. Most are small, but reflect a party in such poor health that popular Congressman Charlie Dent was defeated in the Queen City last November by a lightweight.

Former Republican county exec Jane Ervin, Allentown real estate owner Aris Harris, and former Republican County Commish Cindy Lambert, each made modest donations to Pawlowski.

Quintessential "cover my bets" developer, J.B. Reilly, is part of a private "king-making" group of Republicans. So is Sam Saxton, owner of an Airport Road cemetery; and Roland Sigal, who owns the Tech Bldg. at 11th & Hamilton. Each is part of the "Republican" hierarchy. Each donated to Pawlowski.

Ideologically the biggest surprise is Charlie Thiel, a very conservative R who ran twice for city council, and has been touted as a future mayoral candidate. I'm sure his donation has nothing to do with the fact that his company is the one with the city contract for all those blinking blue surveillance cameras.

Pay to Play Pawlowski Raises $101k in 2008 From City Vendors, Lawyers and Contractors

In 2006 and 2007, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski raised a whopping $108,588, mostly from city workers, developers, contractors, consultants and lawyers who do business with the city. Along the way, Pawlowski has thumbed his nose at election laws requiring public disclosure of his "pay to play" pals. He has filed reports late and has illegally tried to use campaign funds to pay late fines. Recently, he falsely claimed, in a sworn statement, that he had received no contributions at all between January and October of last year.

Lehigh County Voting Registrar Stacy Sterner, made aware that Pawlowski's report was false, ordered him to re-file. He finally did so late Wednesday. Instead of the goose egg originally claimed, Pawlowski actually raised $101,599 in just the first ten months of 2008, nearly as much money as in 2006 and 2007 combined.

Principals at Nic Zawarski & Sons have kicked in $3,850 in addition to the $13,350 paid between 2005 and 2007. Attorneys at Gross, McKinley, LaBarre Eaton tacked $3,400 onto the $5,600 contributed between 2005 and 2007. And so it goes.

Not too long ago, then managing director Francis Dougherty urged city workers to cut through the red tape for some big wig who wanted an inground swimming pool. He flatly stated that quick action "means money from air products later." Last year alone, Pawlowski's campaign raked in $1,500 from Air Products.

It's called pay to play.

Below is an itemized list of contributors, arranged in alphabetical order. What do you think?

Air Products PA Political Alliance
PO Box 441, Trexlertown PA 18087
Date: 09/02/2008
Amount: $1,000.00

John McGlade
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 08/28/2008
Amount: $500.00
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Air Products, 7201 Hamilton Blvd, Allentown PA 18195
Occupation: Executive

Michael Adams
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $105.00

Gerald Alfano
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 10/15/2008
Amount: $250.00

Rudy Amelio, Jr.
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/30/2008
Amount: $75.00

Karen & Antonio Angello
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/27/2008
Amount: $100.00
(Karen is Allentown School District Superintendent)

Ismael Arcelay
Bethlehem PA 18017
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00
(works in Mayor's office, would like a seat on Northampton County Council)

Ernest Atiyeh
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 05/10/2008
Amount: $25.00

Mark and Susan Bahnick
Nazareth PA 18064
Date: 10/21/2008
Amount: $250.00

Ibolya Balog
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00

Frank Banko
Quakertown PA 18951
Date: 10/03/2008
Amount: $500.00
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Banko Real Estate
915 W. Broad Street, Bethlehem PA 18018 5064
Occupation: Realtor

Jeffrey & Gina Barber
Slatington PA 18080
Date: 01/29/2008
Amount: $50.00

Hank Barnette
Bethlehem PA 18018
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $250.00
Date: 09/28/2008
Amount: $250.00
(Barnette is retired chairman of Bethlehem Steel)

Bennett 2008
PO Box 9195
Allentown PA 18105
Date: 01/22/2008
Amount: $75.00

Martin and Siobhan Bennett
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 05/10/2008
Amount: $100.00
(Siobhan Bennett is former mayoral and congressional candidate Sam Bennett)

Robert J. Bennett
Allentown PA 18104
Employer Name and Mailing Address
J. H. Bennett, Inc.
4800 W. Tilghman St., Allentown PA 18104
Date: 10/13/2008
Occupation: Auto Dealer
Amount: $1,500.00

Stephen Blaschak
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $150.00
Date: 04/23/2008
Amount: $50.00 (wife joins in this donation)

Leonard and Beverly Bloch
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 10/08/2008
Amount: $100.00

Paul and Carol Bouis
Bethlehem PA 18020
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $150.00

Brennan for State Representative
Fountain Hill PA 18015
Employer Name and Mailing Address
PA House of Representatives, 7 West 4th Street, Bethlehem PA 18015
Date: 01/26/2008, 02/01/2008, 10/14/2008
Occupation: PA State Representative
Amount: $75.00, $100.00, $250.00

Ed Brill
BVI Capital 600 S. 10th Street, Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/22/2008
Amount: $1,000.00
Occupation: Investments

Ed Brill
Lower Gwynedd PA 19002
Date: 09/02/2008
Amount: $1,000.00
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Allentown Metal Works, 600 S. 10th Street, Allentown PA 18103
Occupation: Businessman

Marie & Donald Burns
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 05/11/2008
Amount: $50.00

Greg Butz
Orefield PA 18069
Date: 08/27/2008
Amount: $1,000.00
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Alvin H. Butz Inc., 840 Hamilton Street, Allentown PA 18101
Occupation: President & CEO

Thomas M. Caffrey
Whitehall PA 18052
Date: 10/15/2008
Amount: $250.00

Robert Cawley
Macungie PA 18062
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Richard & Diana Celmer
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $100.00

Cement Masons Local 592 Political Action Committee
2511 Snyder Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19145
Date: 08/13/2008
Amount: $1,500.00

Ed Charles
Whitehall PA 18052
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $50.00
Date: 09/29/2008
Amount: $100.00

CHH PAC
Philadelphia, PA
Date: 01/22/2008
Amount: $1,000.00

Robert Ciccone
Bath PA 18014
Date: 10/10/2008
Amount: $1,000.00
Occupation: Contractor

LaShawn Clark
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $150.00

David and Amy Coleman
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 10/14/2008
Amount: $250.00

Ron Coleman
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Cozen O'Connor State and Local PAC
1900 Market St., Philadelphia PA 19002
Date: 09/04/2008
Amount: $2,500.00

John Curcio
Dataw SC 29920
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Mack Truck
2100 Mack Blvd.
Allentown PA 18105
Date: 01/28/2008
Occupation: Retired
Amount: $1,075.00

Robert P. Daday
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Date: 08/14/2008
Amount: $100.00

Sydney Lynn Davis
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 10/23/2008
Amount: $25.00

Maxwell Davison
Allentown PA 18104
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Davison & McCarthy PL
2015 Hamilton Street, Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $1,000.00
Date: 09/02/2008
Amount: $1,000.00
Occupation: Attorney

Dennis M. McCarthy
Allentown PA 18103
Davison & McCarthy P.C., 2015 W. Hamilton Street, Allentown PA 18104
Date: 08/23/2008
Occupation: Attorney
Amount: $1,000.00

Democracy Fund
PO Box 12090 Harrisburg PA 17108
Date: 09/19/2008
Amount: $5,000.00

Nelson Diaz
Emmaus PA 18049
Employer Name and Mailing Address
self, 4413 Newton Circle
Emmaus PA 18049
Date: 01/31/2008, 10/05/2008
Occupation: Real Estate Investor
Amount: $100.00, $250.00

Nick DeRose
Furlong PA 18925
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $150.00

Joyce Dougherty
Bethlehem PA 180186014
Employer Name and Mailing Address
The Program for Women & Families 10 W. Walnut Street, Allentown PA 18018 Occupation: Executive Director
Date: 1/26/08, 10/5/08
Amounts: $75.00, $250.00

Jason Engelhardt and Susan Monaco Engelhardt
Flemington NJ 8822
Date: 10/15/2008
Amount: $250.00

John Englesson
Center Valley PA 18034
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Solar Technology Inc., 7620 Cetronia Road, Allentown PA 18106
Date: 01/24/2008
Amount: $1,000.00
Occupation: Communications-Long Dist. & Telecom

William A. Erdman
Orefield PA 18069
Date: 08/27/2008
Amount: $100.00

Jane and Eugene Ervin
Emmaus PA 18049
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $100.00

Paul and Kym Farr
Center Valley PA 18034
Date: 01/31/2008, 10/01/2008
Amount(s): $150.00, $100.00

Paul Felder and Peggy Palmer
Easton PA 18042
Date: 09/28/2008
Amount: $100.00

Frederick & Nanci Fenselau
Bethlehem PA 18018
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $150.00

Joseph A. Fitzpatrick
Bethlehem PA 18015
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Fitzpatrick Lentz & Bubba, 4001 Schoolhouse Lane, Center Valley PA 18034
Date: 01/31/2008, 10/22/2008
Occupation: Attorney
Amount: $150.00, $1,000.00

Oldrich Foucek
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 08/26/2008
Amount: $500.00
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Tallman Rudders & Sorrentino, 1611 Pond Road Suite 200, Allentown PA 18104
Occupation: Attorney

Marlene & Beall Fowler
Bethlehem PA 18018
Employer Name and Mailing Address
self, 443 Center Street, Bethlehem PA 18018
Date: 08/15/2008
Occupation: Stained Glass Artist
Amount: $1,000.00

Fox Rothschild LLP
2000 Market Street 10th Floor, Philadelphia PA 19103 3291
Date: 01/23/2008, 09/02/2008
Amounts: $1,000.00, $2,500.00
Occupation: Law Firm

Jerome B Frank
Emmaus PA 18049
Employer Name and Mailing Address
King Spry Herman Freund & Faul LLC, 110 N. 6th Street, Allentown PA 18101
Date: 08/21/2008
Amount: $1,000.00
Date: 01/22/2008
Amount: $150.00
Occupation: Attorney

Eugene Freed
Chalfont PA 18914
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Gran Turk Equipment, Co.
1 Schuylkill Pkwy, Bridgeport PA 1940S 1078
Date: 01/25/2008, 10/23/2008
Occupation: Sales Rep
Amount: $150.00, $250.00

Hugh Gallagher
Allentown PA 18101
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00

Daniel G. Gambet
Center Valley PA 18034
Date: 08/15/2008
Amount: $50.00

Sara Gammon
Bethlehem PA 18015
Date: 10/07/2008
Amount: $250.00

Tony Ganguzza
Allentown PA
Date: 10/14/2008
Amount: $250.00

David Gilgoff
Breinigsville PA 18031
Date: 10/02/2008
Amount: $50.00

Joel & Molly Gilley
Coopersburg PA 18036
Date: 01/29/2008
Amount: $225.00

Emmanuel Glykas
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $150.00
Date: 10/17/2008
Amount: $250.00

Goldsmith Kahn Associates
The Wannamaker Building
100 Penn Square East
Philadelphia PA 19107
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $225.00
(This is a Philadelphia public policy firm registered as a limited liability corporation. Pennsylvania slections law prohibits corporate contributions.)

Donald Goodman
Allentown PA 18103
Employer Name and Mailing Address
American Atelier Inc., 301 N. Front Street, Allentown PA 18102
Date: 08/25/2008
Occupation: CEO
Amount: $1,000.00

Howard & Lea Graeffe
Emmaus PA 18049
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Gross McGinley, LaBarre & Eaton
Malcolm Gross
Allentown PA 18104
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Gross McGinley, LaBarre & Eaton
33 S. 7th Street, Allentown PA 18101
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $1,000.00
Date: 09/03/2008
Amount: $2,000.00
Occupation: Attorney

John Servis
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $200.00
Date: 08/22/2008
Amount: $200.00
Gross,McGinley,LaBarre,Eaton/Attorney

Julio Guridy
1029 N. 14th St
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $55.00
(Allentown City Council)

Ramzi A. Haddad
Whitehall PA 18052
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00
(Abe Atiyeh business partner)

Thomas and Helen Hahn
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 01/31/2008, 04/05/2008
Amount: $150.00, $50.00
(IS Manager, Sacred Heart Heath Systems)

Barbara and Doug Hamilton
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 04/12/2008
Amount: $50.00

Lorraine and Gregory Harper
Allentown PA 18104 6106
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Date: 10/25/2008
Occupation: Volunteer
Amount: $500.00
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $150.00 (Lorraine only)

Aris Harris
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $100.00

Graysha K. Harris
Tunkhannock PA 18657
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Self, 452 Schoolhouse Road, Tunkhannock PA 18657
Date: 10/07/2008
Occupation: Consultant
Amount: $500.00
Date: 01/22/2008
Amount: $150.00

Myron Haydt
Allentown PA 18103
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Myron Haydt Development, 3005 Barrington Lane, Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/31/2008
Occupation: Developer
Amount: $1,000.00

Marissa Hazzard
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $150.00

Jan Heller
Bethlehem PA 18015
Date: 10/16/2008
Amount: $250.00

Mervin Heller, Jr.
Wyomissing PA 19610
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Carla & James Hickey
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 01/25/2008
Amount: $150.00

Rick Hildenbrandt
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $150.00

Larry Hilliard
Allentown PA 18104
Employer Name and Mailing Address
City of Allentown
435 Hamilton Street, Allentown PA 18101
Date: 01/18/2008
Occupation: Finance Director
Amount: $300.00
Date: 08/20/2008
Amount: $250.00

HNTB Corporation Political Action Committee
715 Kirk Drive, Kansas City MO 64105
Date: 08/26/2008
Amount: $1,000.00

Jerry Holliday
Rosemont NJ 8556
Date: 01/24/2008
Amount: $75.00

John and Karen Hoy
Lower Gwynedd PA 19002
Date: 11/04/2008
Amount: $200.00

Edward Hozza
Whitehall PA 18052
Date: 01/22/2008
Amount: $75.00

HRG PAC
369 East Park Drive
Harrisburg PA 17111
Date: 09/29/2008
Amount: $250.00

IUOE Local 542 Political Action Fund
1375 Virginia Drive, Suite 100, Fort Washington PA 19034
Date: 01/15/2008 08/19/2008
Amount: $450.00, $1,000.00

Friends of David Jones
1942 W. Chew Street
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $150.00

Robert Kearns
Scranton PA 18509
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00

Stacy Kerr
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 04/28/2008
Amount: $25.00

Yasin and Elizabeth Khan
Allentown PA 18104
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Westfield Hospital, 4825 Tilghman Street, Allentown PA 18104
Date: 11/07/2008
Occupation: Physician
Amount: $2,000.00

Dr. Indru Khubchandani
Allentown PA 18103
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Khubchandani surgery
1275 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/28/2008
Occupation: Surgeon
Amount: $300.00

Thomas Kleinman
Philadelphia PA 19103
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Philadelphia Force
255 S. 17th Street, 607, Philadelphia PA 19103
Date: 01/28/2008
Occupation: Owner Softball Team
Amount: $300.00

Nathan Kline
Macungie PA 18062
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00
Date: 09/04/2008
Amount: $245.00
(member of AEDC)

Mary Ann Kohn
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 04/24/2008
Amount: $10.00

James Kostecky
Bethlehem PA 18015
Date: 01/22/2008
Amount: $75.00

Guy & Suzanne Kratzer
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/26/2008
Amount: $75.00

Linda Krisko
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $150.00

Sam Kucia
Norristown PA 19401
Date: 10/16/2008
Amount: $225.00

Laborers Local 1174 PAC Fund
465 Allentown Drive
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $2,500.00
Date: 10/23/2008
Amount: $500.00

Cynthia Lambert
West Macungie PA 18062
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00
Date: 10/01/2008
Amount: $50.00

Richard Larish
Hellertown PA 18055
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $200.00

Todd Larmer
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Michael & Carol Leahy
Garden City NJ 11530
Date: 01/25/2008
Amount: $100.00

Alan B. Leahy
Allentown PA 18106
Date: 10/24/2008
Amount: $250.00

Lehigh Valley Assoc. of Realtors
10 South Commerce Way
Bethlehem PA 18017
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $150.00

Buddy Lesavoy
Allentown PA 18195
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00

Local 32BJ PA American Dream Fund
101 Ave. of the Americas, 18th Fl, New York NY 10013
10/30/2008 $500.00

Bruce Loch
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $150.00
(Loch is a developer)

Tommaso & Audrey Lonardo
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $150.00

Joyce Marin
Allentown PA 18101
Employer Name and Mailing Address
City of Allentown
Date: 01/18/2008, 08/15/2008
Amount: $150.00, $1,000.00
Occupation: Director of Community & Economic Dev.

Roger and Mary Maclean
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00
(Allentown police chief)

Charles Mackenzie
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00

Charles Marcon
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 09/09/2008
Amount: $1,000.00
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Marcon & Boyer Inc., 3400 High Point Blvd., Bethlehem PA 18017
Occupation: Executive

Daniel & Christine McCarthy
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00
(Allentown lawyer)

Joe & Yvonne McDermott
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

David McGuire
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/26/2008
Amount: $50.00

John F. McKiernan
Emmaus PA 18049
Date: 10/25/2008
Amount: $100.00

Friends of Tom McMahon
PO Box 12373
Reading PA 19612
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00
(Reading mayor)

Linda Merkel
Bethlehem PA 18017
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00

Gary Millenbruch
Bethlehem PA 18015
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Harry Miller
Bryn Mawr PA 19010
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Miller Brothers
2939 Felton Road #2, Norristown PA 19401
Date: 01/28/2008
Occupation: Electrical Contractors
Amount: $2,500.00

Clair D. Miller
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 09/29/2008
Amount: $250.00

Kathleen Miller
Emmaus PA 18049
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00

Ken Mohr
Coopersberg PA 18036
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00
Date: 10/17/2008
Amount: $250.00 (with Dorothy, too)

Jennifer Morrison
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00
Date: 10/10/2008
Amount: $250.00

Jamie Musselman and James Edwards
Bethlehem PA 18015
Date: 10/08/2008
Amount: $250.00

James and Bertie Musselman
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 09/25/2008
Amount: $250.00

James Musselman
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 08/29/2008
Amount: $100.00

(Blogger's Note: Musselamn is an Allentown attorney and GM stockholder who advocated that GM demand wage concessions from the unions.)

Ruth O'Connell
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 04/28/2008
Amount: $25.00

James O'Hara
Allentown PA 18103
Employer Name and Mailing Address
USI, Tilghman Street, Allentown PA 18104
Date(s): 01/25/2008
Occupation: Insurance Brokr:
Amount: $1,000.00

Judy O'Hara
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $25.00

David Olson
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00

Robert A. Oster
Bethlehem PA 18017
Date: 10/06/2008
Amount: $250.00

Jeffrey and Joni Ott
Emmaus, PA 18049
Date: 10/22/2008
Amount: $125.00

James and Nina Pauloski
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 10/18/2008
Amount: $25.00

Ed Pawlowski
Allentown PA 18101
Employer Name and Mailing Address
City of Allentown
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown PA 18101
Date: 03/10/2008
Occupation: Mayor
Amount: $270.00

(Blogger's Note: This payment was made after Mayor Pawlowski tried unsuccessfully to have his campaign pay a $270 fine for late filing.)

Pennoni Associates PAC
One Drexel Plaza
3001 Market Street
Philadelphia PA 19104 2800
Date: 10/15/2008
Amount: $250.00

Gloria Perils
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/24/2008
Amount: $25.00

Christian M Perrucci
Bethlehem PA 18017
Date: 10/22/2008
Amount: $1,000.00
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Florio Perruccii Steinhardt & Fader
60 West Broad St., Bethlehem PA 18018
Occupation: Attorney

James G Petrucci
Far Hills NJ
Date: 10/28/2008
Amount: $2,000.00
Employer Name and Mailing Address
J. G. Petrucci Co., 171 Route 173, Suite 201, Asbury NJ 8802
Occupation: Real Estate

Armond and Elaine Piehl
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 04/23/2008
Amount: $50.00

Scott Plavner
Penn Valley PA 19072
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Jefferson Pooley
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00
(Pooley's wife is Director of Allentown's Redevelopment Authority)

Rose Ann M. Posch
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 05/04/2008
Amount: $25.00

PPL People for Good Govt
Two North 9th Street, Allentown PA 18101
Date: 09/05/2008
Amount: $1,000.00

Bert Daday
Allentown PA 18101
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00
(Daday is retired from PPL but is Secretary to the Lehigh Valley Partnership)

Robert J. Grey
Allentown PA 18104
Employer Name and Mailing Address
PPL Corporation, 2 North 9th Street, Allentown PA 18101
Date: 09/03/2008
Occupation: Sr. V.P. General Counsel
Amount: $500.00

Race Street Pac c/o Pennrose Mgt Co.
1301 N. 31st Street, Philadelphia PA 19121
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $5,000.00

Patricia Downing Rasich
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 04/24/2008
Amount: $50.00

J.B. Reilly
Bethlehem PA 18015
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Landmark Communities
1 Saucon View Drive, Bethlehem PA 18015
Date: 10/15/2008
Occupation: CEO
Amount: $500.00
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00

Rev. Jimmie Rivera
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

James Robbins
Allentown PA 18101
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $200.00

Heather Rodale
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 10/16/2008
Amount: $100.00

Stuart Rogers
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00

Gregory and Kristi Rogerson
New Hope PA 18938 9221
Employer Name and Mailing Address
J.G. Petrucci Co.
171 Route 173 Suite 201, Asbury NJ 8802
Date: 10/01/2008
Occupation: Real Estate Developer
Amount: $1,000.00

Stephen Rohrbach
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/25/2008
Amount: $75.00

Lewis D. Ronca
Nazareth PA 18064
Date: 10/06/2008
Amount: $250.00
Date: 10/22/2008
Amount: $250.00

Jeffrey T. Russell
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 10/09/2008
Amount: $250.00

Jerold Rutberg
Newton MA 2458
Date: 10/22/2008
Amount: $250.00

Susan E. Rutt
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Samuel B. Saxton
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 08/22/2008
Amount: $200.00

Anthony Scaicia, Jr.
Bethlehem PA 18015
Date: 01/22/2008
Amount: $75.00

John E. Schneider
Hellertown PA 18055
Date: 10/22/2008
Amount: $500.00
Employer Name and Mailing Address
E. Schneider & Sons, 616 Sumner Ave. #656, Allentown PA 18103
Occupation: Executive

Sherry & Erich Schock
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Thomas & Rita Schweyer
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 04/06/2008
Amount: $25.00

Stephen Scipione
Fairfield NJ 7004
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $150.00

Donald Senderowitz
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00

Stephen P. Shaak
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 10/13/2008
Amount: $150.00
(former Dem. political consultant)

D. Gregory Shamp
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00

Tom Shaughnessy
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/30/2008
Amount: $75.00

Sht Mtl Wrkrs' Local No. 19 League for Political Ed
1301 South Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia PA 19147
Date: 10/08/2008
Amount: $500.00

Roland and Doris Sigal
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 10/08/2008
Amount: $250.00

Richard & Jennifer Simonek
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 04/17/2008
Amount: $50.00

Chris Snyder
Bethlehem PA 18015
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00

Diane E. Snyder
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 09/01/2008
Amount: $500.00
Date: 1/28/2008
Amount: $250.00
Occupation: Retired

Kim W. and Linda Snyder
Coopersburg PA 18036
Date: 10/04/2008
Amount: $250.00

Frank & Valerie Sparandero
Neshanic Station NJ 8853
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $225.00

Jeffrey & Tina Spotts
Bethlehem PA 18015
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $150.00

Steamfitters' Local 420 Committee on Political Education
14400 Townsend Road, Philadelphia PA 19154
Amount: $1,500.00

Richard and Alyce Stein
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 04/30/2008
Amount: $50.00

Anthony Stellar
Schnecksville PA 18078
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Stellar Construction
Rt. 309 and Lowhill Rd., Schnecksville PA 18078
Date: 01/18/2008, 03/31/2008
Occupation: Construction
Amount: $1,000.00, $5,000.00

Clark and Marilyn Sterner
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 04/22/2008
Amount: $10.00

Joseph Stolfi
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount:$75.00

Elliot Sussman
Bethlehem PA 18018
Date: 01/18/2008
Amount: $75.00
Date: 09/30/2008
Amount: $250.00

Candida Svirzovsky
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Charles Thiel
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $150.00

Alan Tjeltveit
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $150.00

Seymour and Susan Traub
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 10/07/2008
Amount: $250.00

Karen Tuerk
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Andrew and Bridget Twiggar
Bethlehem PA 18017
Date: 10/11/2008
Amount: $500.00
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Dunn Twiggar Co LLC, 1665 Valley Center Parkway, Suite 110, Bethlehem PA 18017 Occupation: Developer

R. Scott Unger
Allentown PA 18102
Date: 10/22/2008
Amount: $250.00
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00

Miguel and Maria Valle
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 04/21/2008
Amount: $50.00

Wachovia PA Employes Good Govt Fund
301 South College Street, Charlotte NC 28288
Date: 09/29/2008
Amount: $1,000.00

Friends of Jack Wagner
2756 W. Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh PA 15216
Date: 10/01/2008
Amount: $250.00

George Waters
Allentown PA 19050
Date: 10/23/2008
Amount: $200.00

Thomas Wallitsch
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $75.00
(Attorney)

Jeff Wenk
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 08/26/2008
Amount: $200.00

Richard and Tracy Werner
Elkins PA 19027
Date: 10/15/2008
Amount: $200.00

Donald E. Wieand
Fogelsville PA 18051
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Stevens & Lee
190 Broadhead Road, Suite 200 PO Box 20830, Lehigh Valley PA 18002 830
Date: 01/18/2008, 10/08/2008
Occupation: Attorney
Amount: $1,000.00, $250.00

Lori & Joel Wiener
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00
(Allentown attorney)

Eric and Patricia Wilburn
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 04/22/2008
Amount: $25.00

Richard Wilburn
Allentown PA 18109
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $150.00
Date: 05/10/2008
Amount: $150.00 (wife Sandra joins in this contribution)

Susan Ellis Wild & Kerry Acker
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $125.00

Gladys and Dale Wiles
Allentown PA 18109
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Self, 7731 Main St., Fogelsville PA 18109
Date(s): 01/31/2008, 04/25/2008
Occupation: Attorney
Amount: $150.00, $200.00

Raymond Wolf
unknown PA
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $75.00

Robert & Ilene Wood
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 01/28/2008
Amount: $150.00

Thomas E. Young
Allentown PA 18104
Date: 09/30/2008
Amount: $250.00

John and Helena Yurconic
Allentown PA 18103
Date: 10/14/2008
Amount: $250.00

Martin Zawarski
Easton PA 18045
Date: 01/31/2008
Amount: $100.00

John Zawarski
Easton PA 18045
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Nic Zawarski and Sons, 1441 Linden Street, Bethlehem PA 18018
Date: 01/31/2008, 04/25/2008, 08/27/2008
Occupation: Real Estate Developer
Amount: $250.00, $500.00, $1,500.00
Date: 09/29/2008
Amount: $250.00

Taras Zawarski
Easton PA 18045
Employer Name and Mailing Address
Nic Zawarski and Sons, 1441 Linden Street, Bethlehem PA 18018
Date: 01/31/2008, 08/27/2008
Occupation: Real Estate
Amount: $250.00, $1,000.00

Update: I have incorrectly identified Musselman as an attorney. He is actually a retired art teacher and advertising agent.

Joe the Mayor Appointed to Northampton County Council

Whenever the Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle, calls, it's almost always at the crack of dawn. I'm usually in the middle of a good dream and yesterday morning was no exception. Just as I was about to take a ride to space mountain with Angelina Jolie, the phone rang.

"So, who do you think is going to get the appointment?"

"Nobody. This one's going to the courts, Ron."

"That's where you're wrong. Joe Capozzolo will get the appointment. I'm about to run a play like you've never seen."

Before the night was over, Democratic Bangor Mayor Joe Capozzolo (you can read about him here) was appointed to council. It was a surreal vote that occurred after almost all the candidates had left and reporters were in the hallway, speaking to a few disappointed candidates. Here's the play by play.

Round 1. Democrat Marilyn Lieberman or Republican Bruce Gilbert. Deadlock.

"I know this was going to happen," laments Council Prez Ann McHale.

Round 2. Democrat Bill Wallace or Republican Esther Lee. Deadlock.

Round 3. Democrats Joe Cappozola, Marilyn Lieberman or Republican Karen Clarkson. Deadlock.

Round 4. Democrat Marilyn Lieberman or Republican Larry Kisslinger. Deadlock.

Round 5. Democrat Bill Wallace or Republican Mark Schwartz. Deadlock.

"Are we ready to let the courts decide on this?" pleads Council Prez Ann McHale.

Charles Dertinger is "at a loss" to understand why Lieberman has not been appointed and Lamont McClure accuses Republicans of partisanship. Angle protests that Republicans nominated two people of color (Lee and Gilbert) as well as a Democrat (Capozzolo).

McHale: "This is not about race, Mr. Angle."

Angle: "We're willing to give you a Democrat, but does it have to be your Democrat? You people still believe you have a seven person majority. You don't."

Peg Ferraro: "Bruce Gilbert has an MBA and is an expert in finance. he brings a fresh perspective to that area."

Dertinger: "What you are trying to do is steal the balance of power or play the race card."

Ferraro (angry): "Do you not ever do that! Do you not ever do that!"

Round 6: Ask the courts to appoint a council member. Deadlock.

McClure: "I'm willing to sit here all night and into tomorrow . This is a complete abdication of our responsibility. It is defeatism in the extreme. It is the worst possible result. This is our responsibility. It is not the court's responsibility."

Angle: "We have offered you compromise three times. You're stuck on Marilyn Lieberman. She would be your person."

Round 7: Democratic strongman Rodney Applegate, who has not even applied, is nominated by McClure. Diane Neiper seconds the nomination with a "Good man!" Angle nominates Dick Cheney and Ferraro nominates Bruce Gilbert. Deadlock.

Round 8: Angle nominates retired Judge Jim Hogan, who happens to be a Democrat. McClure nominates Marilyn Lieberman. The Democrats all ignore a retired Democratic judge. Deadlock.

Angle: "It's not the Republicans, folks"

Round 9: Angle nominates Pope Benedict. No second.

Ferraro to Democrats: "Why wouldn't you vote for Hogan?"

Dertinger to Republicans: "Why wouldn't you vote for Lieberman?"

John Cusick: "I could not support Marilyn Lieberman because of her support of the 2001 bond."

Angle: "She's a loyal follower of Glenn Reibman."

Round 10: Democrat Bill Wallace and Democrat Joe Capozzolo. Deadlock.

Round 11: Angle nominates Morning Call columnist and non-county resident Bill White. Nobody seconds. Sorry, Bill.

Round 12: Ask the courts to decide. Motion passes, with only McClure and Dertinger voting No.

After spinning their wheels and going nowhere, council sputtered through the seven remaining items on the agenda. As they moved onto the last item, Lamont McClure got up and whispered into Ann McHale's ear.

Before long, McClure was speaking instead of whispering. Correctly characterizing council's inability to appoint a council member as an "abject partisan failure," he nominated Bangor Mayor Joe Capozzolo. This time, the vote was unanimous. When he voted, Angle said, "I really wanted Marilyn Lieberman but I'm willing to take you."

Ascending to the dais, a stunned Joe Cappozzolo said, "I guess waiting around after everyone left paid off. Eighty per cent of success is showing up."

Fighter Pilot Runs From Northampton County Council

When he applied to fill the vacancy on Northampton County Council created as the result of Wayne Grube's sad death, former fighter pilot and Annapolis grad David Haines stood out. After Patti Grube, he was my favorite. I found myself daydreaming about this Democrat in dogfight with the Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle. Because Grube's seat became available again as a result of the sudden resignation of his widow, I hoped to see Dave's name surface again.

But he stalled. In a scathing letter to Council, which must have been written on asbestos, he crashes and burns. Haines withdrew his application on Wednesday.

"This letter is written to extend a courtesy not previously afforded by the Northampton County Council.

"After personally experiencing the arbitrary manner in which the council conducts business at the December 4, 2008 meeting, and closely watching press reports of council business over the past six weeks, it has become obvious that council would appear to be a body, currently more interested in political theatre than in effectively serving the citizens of Northampton County.

"It has also become clear that no 'new member' will be able to materially change the tenor of council in the short time leading to the 2009 election. Fulfilling a tragic or comedic role was never what I envisioned when making initial application to county council, therefore, please remove my name from further consideration at this time.

"Best of luck in the selection process and the coming year."

Allentown's Systematic Inspections Being Conducted in Entire Weed 'n Seed Area

If you live in Allentown's designated Weed & Seed Community, expect a "systematic" home inspection. Where is this community? It's a a "48 square block area which stretches North to South from Tilghman Street to Hamilton Street and East to West from the Lehigh River to 8th Street. It makes up a large portion of what is known as the 1st Ward and the 4C's community."

With the goal of achieving a "totally rehabilitated neighborhood," Allentown intends to inspect every owner-occupied home in those 48 square blocks. So far, 516 owner-occupied homes have been inspected so far in the 1st and 8th wards.

I spoke with someone in Allentown's vast home inspection bureaucracy on Tuesday. I won't use his name because it might get him in trouble and, to be honest, I forgot to ask him.

He did his best to justify this supposedly systematic home inspection, which is really targeted at a certain area of the city. He told me that the financial officers who accompany housing inspectors are city employees, not some loan officer looking for a commission. That's a relief. But when a financial officer is accompanying the inspector, isn't that a pretty good indication that the inspector intends to find problems?

He told me Bethlehem and Easton do this, too. But when I mentioned that housing inspectors there denied conducting systematic inspections, he acknowledged those cities only inspect when homes are sold.

This apparatchik also told me his inspectors have helped many people and may have even prevented some disasters, and I believe him. But even he had to acknowledge that if the city tried to do this anywhere else, it would be on the wrong side of a lawsuit faster than Mayor Pawlowski can run away without leaving a tip. It's unfair to force homeowners to undergo an indignity that the city is afraid to try anywhere else. It's also an invasion of privacy.

On top of all that, isn't there some potential for mischief? Won't a city inspector who moonlights for an electrical or roofing contractor be tempted to find a problem? Why is someone who uses city approved contractors given more favorable treatment than a homeowner who hires his own people? I have a list of the city-approved contractors, and you can peruse them yourself to see if you can find anything unusual. I'm told that if a homeowner elects to borrow money or apply for a grant through the city, it will seek "open bids" from those approved contractors.

I think systematic home inspections should be voluntary, but a different mindset prevails among many bureaucrats and housing non-profits. The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, for example, recently lobbied for and got draconian changes in housing law to have a conservator appointed and actually take over a home when an owner fails to keep it up to code. Now they condescendingly talk about "training" judges on enforcement.

Did I mention that Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski is President of the Board for the Housing Alliance of Pa?

Allentown's "Approved Contractors" List

Below you will see a listing of "approved contractors" maintained by Allentown's Bureau of Building Standards and Safety. If deficiencies are found, and the homeowner elects to work with the city and apply for grants and loans, the city will seek open bids from this pool.

CITY OF ALLENTOWN Bureau of Building Standards and Safety

BIDDER LIST OF PRIVATE CONTRACTORS

LEAD ABATEMENT/GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Lead Supervisor License
Wayne B. Transue
396 Fairview Street
Emmaus, Pa 18049
Wayne 610-967-5251

Kentom General Construction
511 N. 8th Street
Allentown, PA 18102-2803
Ken Maurer
Cell-610-390-8662
Cell-610-657-5009

Advance Building Maintenance
PO Box 173
Allentown Pa 18105-0173
Carroll Moorhead 610-432-8289

Sherer Building Contracting
3654 Tannery Road
New Tripoli, PA 18066
Rick 610-285-2194 or 484-357-5430 (cell)

Do All Construction
958 Little Cedar Court
Allentown PA 18104
Kon P. Park
610-704-1509

Property Enhancements
1726 Main Street
Bethlehem PA 18018
Michael Pasco
610-554-5434

C & C Construction
1012 E. 3rd Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Cecilio Gonzalez III 484-357-6103

LEAD WORKERS LICENSE
Sam's Construction
137 Allen Street Allentown, Pa 18102-5149
Sam Zaghitti
610-434-8911

Hanna Home Improvement
410 North Irving Street
Allentown PA 18109
Rudolf 610-772-6178

B&E CONSTRUCTION
410 Irving Street
Allentown PA 18109
Elie Hanna 610-433-8105

BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION
142 S. 5™ STREET ALLENTOWN PA 18101
Ellwood Elliott
610-433-3009

DAVID & DAVID BUILDERS
946 Evans Street
Bethlehem PA 18015
David Gonzalez
610-721-5208

No Lead Licenses

Helping Hands
119 Camp Street
Emmaus PA 18049
Stephen Gross
484-645-4176

Equity Builders Home Improvements
3295 Valley View Road
Bethlehem Pa 18020
Victor Khoury 610-882-1368 or 610-248-4963 (Cell)

Demeter's Climate Control
PO Box 9130
Allentown Pa 18105
Terry 610-791-9990

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

Bealer Electric
48 Mertz Lane
Allentown, PA 18104-5933
619-797-4301 or 610-395-8631

Estate Protection Service
819 East Paoli Street Allentown, PA 18103
Craig Laubach 610-791-4655

Jeffrey H. Wirth
6945 Helsinki Square
Bethlehem, PA 18017-9388
Jeff 610-837-6595

G.C. Electric Co., Inc.
705 E. Rock Road
Allentown, Pa 18103-7547
Michael Gross 610-797-3500

MASONRY AND CONCRETE CONTRACTORS

Frank Cseve
911 North Emery Street
ANentown Pa 18102-1603
610-433-8332

Jack B. Weiss General Contractor
2328 South Filbert Street
Allentown Pa 18103-5936
610-791-9619

Lee M. Machemer & Son
1431 South 4th Street
Allentown Pa 18102-3455
610-797-4778

Pittston Concrete Construction
2790 Carole Lane
Allentown Pa 18104
Richard Frederick 610-398-3700

S.C. Yocum Brickpointing
1030 Wiley Street
Bethlehem Pa 18015-4505
610-867-5324

MISCELLANEOUS CONTRACTORS

Bachman Iron Works
1645 North 9th Street
Reading Pa 19604
Gary Bachman 610-373-2084

J.C. Ehrlich Company
1400 North Irving Street
Allentown Pa 18103-9548
610-433-2231

NASH Welding
1919 Main Boulevard
Allentown Pa 18104-1542
Dick Nash 610-437-1042

Girls at Work
177 Mickley Road
Whitehall PA 18052
Linda, Carol and Nancy 610-821-8934

PLUMBING AND HEATING CONTRACTORS

Modern Plumbing & Heating
333 Union Street
Allentown Pa 18101-5401
Richard Cernok 610-435-2081

Schuler Service, Inc.
1314 Tilghman Street Allentown Pa 18102-2195
Ed or Jim 610-434-7103

Dan Guinther Plumbing & Heating
1106 Delaware Avenue
Allentown Pa 18103
610-791-9380

Broc Mechanical Inc.
1215 North 13th Street
Whitehall PA 18052
Chris Romig 610-433-4444

ROOFING CONTRACTORS

Able Roofing & Siding
401 North Front Street - Rear
Allentown Pa 18102
George Simpkins 610-432-8842

Polizzotto Roofing Company
921 Washington Street
Allentown Pa 18102
Joe 610-434-7202

Whitaker Roofing
1715 W. Green Street
Allentown Pa 18104
Lewis Whitaker Jr. 610-437-0668

John R. Novak & Son Inc.
2121 Ritter Avenue
Bethlehem PA 18020
John R. Novak 610-868-6090

Machemer Contractor
1431 South 4th Street
Allentown PA 18103
Jay

Alan Kunsman Roofing & Siding, Inc.
203 Washington Street
Freemansburg, PA 18017

Congressman Dent Votes to Extend SCHIP

All you Sam Bennett supporters out there, both of you, pay attention to his. U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent has just voted for H.R. 2, a bill to extend and improve the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). This bill was created on the federal level in 1997 and modeled after Pennsylvania’s successful Children’s Health Insurance Program.

The legislation passed reauthorizes SCHIP for another four and a half years and invest an additional $35 billion over the next five years to provide for 11 million low-income children, including four million kids who are currently eligible but not enrolled.

Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program provides health insurance to 184,000 children, including approximately 10,000 kids right here in the Lehigh Valley. I kow because my grandson is one of them.

Through the program, parents who meet certain income eligibility requirements are able to purchase affordable and comprehensive health insurance for their kids. SCHIP ensures that all children in Pennsylvania have access to important care such as routine check-ups, immunizations and prescription drugs. My grandson has epilepsy, and thanks to SCHIP, he gets the medical attention he needs to keep seizures at a minimum. As all parents know, it is vital for our nation’s future that we remain committed to the health and welfare of our children.

Nationwide, nearly 9.4 million children under the age of 19 are uninsured. Although the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance estimates that more than 95 percent of children in the Commonwealth are insured, there are still 138,560 that do not have health insurance coverage.

“As the fourth state to establish a CHIP initiative in 1992, Pennsylvania has always been on the front lines in helping working families secure health coverage for their children,” Congressman Dent said. “Pennsylvania’s program has been extremely successful and I have been proud to support it both on the state and federal level. The bill we considered today will allow Pennsylvania to continue striving to ensure that every child has health insurance. Particularly at a time when many people have lost their jobs and their healthcare coverage, this legislation is critical to making sure that all children have access to quality health care.”

Throughout the 110th Congress, the House and Senate worked to develop a comprehensive reauthorization of SCHIP that would improve the program by reaching more of the core-targeted population of low-income children. Despite strong bipartisan support, the efforts to enact a long-term reauthorization were unsuccessful.

H.R. 2, the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, passed the House with Congressman Dent's support by a vote of 289 to 139. The Senate will consider their version of the SCHIP Reauthorization as early as next week. President-Elect Obama has expressed his desire to sign an SCHIP Reauthorization bill into law shortly after he takes office next week.

When my grandson meets Congrssman Dent, he's going to thank him.

Pa Bar Gives Big Thumbs Up to Jack Panella for State Supremes

Superior Court Judge Jack Panella has made no formal announcement of his intention to seek a seat with the state supremes. But thanks to John Micek's Capitol Ideas, we now know that Panella already has a "highly recommended" evaluation from the state bar association. That's the highest rating they can give. In layerese, that means he "possesses the highest combination of legal ability, experience, integrity and temperament and would be capable of outstanding performance as a judge or justice of the court for which he/she is a candidate."

How does the PBA know Panella is running without an official announcement? Way back in September, Express Times Reporter Michael Buck reported Panella's interest. And in November, super blogger John Morgan, of Pa Progressive, stated Jack would be seeking a seat on the state high court.

Allentown Homeowner Details a Systematic Inspection

Last week, I told you Allentown is targeting low-income downtown residents with "systematic" home inspections, sharing the story of one resident who will lose a day's pay so she can be present when city workers invade her home and privacy later this month.

Allentown is the only LV municipality willing to subject its residents, and only downtown, to this indignity. Larry Heckman shares his experience.

"I received the inspection letter. The inspections are being done under the disguise of the Weed and Seed program area. The inspections are not voluntary. They will be enforced through court if necessary. The program is intended to correct code violations. I could find code violations in a brand new home. If they made this program voluntary i would back it 100 %. They have funds available for various loan programs. The request for income statements etc. is only necessary if you are asking for the loan money. They are NOT required for the inspection. If they find violations they will give you up to one year to correct them. Now for the clincher is they will give you a list of contractors who will give you estimates. I would bet they all have contributed to campaign accounts but I have not seen the full list yet to investigate it. There are two programs being offered. Up to $5,000 for facade improvements which includes anything needed on the front of the property. A second program is up to $15,000 for correcting code violations and improvements to the interior. The loans would be forgiven over a 5 year period if the home owner stays there. It is reduced by 20% every year of occupation by the homeowner. They did a similar inspection on my property in the early 1990's. They get you for everything. A crack in a window or wall or foundation is a violation. You must have a light at the top of the steps controlled from the first and second floor. Ground fault outlets in all kitchens and bathrooms.If you have a tear in the vinyl flooring or missing tile it is a violation. There are many houses with half baths that just have a toilet on the first floor. Code requires a sink with hot and cold water in the same room. Many more things they can cite you on. Make the program VOLUNTARY."

After making a Right to Know request, city officials were kind enough to supply a seven-page list of approved contractors. I'll share that with you tomorrow, along with what I've learned in the last week.

Smile! You're on Candid Camera!

As surveillance cameras proliferate throughout the Lehigh Valley, civil liberty activists are becoming increasingly concerned. An ACLU web page, You are Being Watched, tracks Big Brother "hot spots." has chronicled the use of these high tech spycams to watch a couple make love on a rooftop, monitor kissing by gay high school students, and film middle school students undressing in locker rooms.

What's even worse is that they are ineffective. "Studies have shown that cameras are less useful than adding more police officers to neighborhoods, improving lighting conditions in parking lots, or holding meetings among officers and citizens to increase public education about how individuals can protect themselves."

Jack Panella Weighing Bid For State Supreme Court

From time to time, there's a crop of lawyers who represent the very best in that profession. The harvest that produced John Morganelli (Northampton County DA), Jay Leeson (Bethlehem City Council), Phil Hof and Jack Panella (Superior Court Judge), must have been a good one. After spending the summer driving the same shitty car to Philly every day to study for the bar, scarfing hot dogs for lunch if they had money, they were all admitted to Northampton County's Bar together.

They all excelled, but Superior Court Judge Jack Panella is in a class by himself. He is the youngest person ever named to serve as County Solicitor and is the second youngest person to serve as a judge, having first been appointed in 1991. Popular and smart, Panella could have stayed there forever. But Panella, who is actually a legal scholar, bucked the odds and ran for Superior Court in 2003. Although western Pennsylvania has a lock on most appellate judgeships, Jack won.

These judges literally ride the circuit. They spend one week each month in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg or Philly, sitting in three-judge panels to listen as lawyers argue that some lower court committed a legal error. His heavy workload requires him to write at least one opinion every day.

Last March, when Judge Panella dropped by the courthouse for lunch, the place erupted. People would stop what they were doing, walk over and hug him. Deputy sheriffs, defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, maintenance staff and even lowly title searchers were thrilled to see him, and he repaid their warmth with his own. As word circulated that Panella is in the house, the cafeteria became very crowded.

Guess what? Next week, I'll be having lunch with him at the courthouse cafeteria again. It is no secret that Panella is being urged to seek a seat on the state supreme court. I can think of no better person and will be asking Judge Panella his intentions. I hope I'll be giving you some good news.

This Week's Valley Blogosphere

Nearly every Tuesday, the Morning Call links to one or two independent local blogs with a fresh perspective on local issues. In this week's Valley Blogosphere, Pam Varkony advocates closing the Lehigh Valley Zoo. She should think again. This is an election year. If released, every one of those exotic animals will run for local office and probably win.

Michael Molovinsky, who is considering opening a School of Diplomacy, is also featured, with a short essay about Allentown's expected pension shortfall. Mayor Pawlowski, unlike most municipal leaders, is hoping that problem just goes away.

Just close your eyes and click your heels three times.

Lehigh County Time Capsule Full of Junk

Yesterday was the big day. After discovering a forty-five year-old time capsule buried inside a Lehigh County Courthouse wall last week, County Exec Don Cunningham was sure it contained diamonds and pearls. But as TV cameras whirred, an expectant Cunningham was quickly disappointed.

"I felt like Geraldo opening Al Capone's vault," he told me last night. The capsule contained a few news clippings, pictures, two 1963 pennies and some other crap. "They could at least have put in a slinky. What were they thinking?"

Former Morning Call reporter Dick Cowen was thrilled by the news clippings, but refused Cunningham's pleas to "just take the whole damn thing." It included a broken pair of sunglasses, rubber bands, an old battery and a bubblegum wrapper.

Even the Historical Society refused to accept what they call junk, so the time capsule is currently being stored in the county's recycle bin.

It's the Lehigh Valley Health Board

At last night's first ever combined meeting of Northampton and Lehigh County's legislative bodies, nobody was killed. Charles Dertinger and Lamont McClure, perhaps chastened by a Bill White column and blog excoriating their recent petty behavior, were very quiet. Not the Northampton County Bulldog. Ron Angle was quick to point out that recently deceased council member Wayne Grube would be delighted to see Lehigh coming to Northampton. "But I'm not so sure he would be happy to see you [Lehigh County Commission Chair Percy Dougherty] setting in his seat." At that point, he gave Dougherty a cigar and everyone chuckled. After the meeting, Angle called DA John Morganelli to report that Dougherty has an illegal Cuban with some strange-smelling seeds inside.

I'm not sure if Dr. Dougherty made it past the APB.

Inside Northampton County's star chamber, a dubious Ron Angle also groused about the bi-county health board's official name. Noting that a Morning Call preview had called this body the Joint Lehigh-Northampton County Health Board, he argued it should really be the other way around.

Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham, sitting in the peanut gallery with the rest of us, blurted out, "It's the Lehigh Valley Health Board." That's what this is really about. The Lehigh Valley.

County Execs John Stoffa and Don Cunnigham get it. Cunningham called the combined body a "foundation or building block on which we can do lots of things together - prisons, nursing homes." Combining to address common problems will also result in cost efficiencies. For his part, Stoffa added that disease does not stop at a boundary or river. "This is the only area in the state that has done this. Perhaps the country, we don't know. We have to make sure this thing works."

But will it?

Angle was the sole person to ask, "What's all this going to cost?" That's a question going through everyone's minds, but nobody has an answer. After cost, the next big question is what services will be offered? Bethlehem and Allentown have already made very clear they will kill any health board, no matter what it's called, if it dilutes services already being offered by city health boards to their residents. At the same time, Lehigh County Commission Chair Percy Dougherty wants all Lehigh Valley residents to receive the same health services. "It's about time those of us out in the suburbs get the same coverage as those in the cities." Dougherty believes both Allentown and Bethlehem should be represented on the health board.

Williams Township teacher Lilly Krejewski (sp?) wished the newly-formed health board "good luck," calling it "testimony to what an open mind and open heart can do."

Before last night's combined meeting of Lehigh and Northampton (or should I say Northampton and Lehigh?) County legislators, there was a lengthy, inaugural meeting of the Lehigh Valley Health Board. It appointed Dr. David Lyon as its chair for the next year and also spent some time trying to figure out how to form committees, like finance, that can meet privately. It can't, although it does not seem to know that ... yet. It will be meeting twice monthly and its work will answer the big questions. Northampton County Council member Diane Neiper and Lehigh County Commissioner Gloria Hamm will serve as liaisons, or watchdogs, for both counties.

After the meeting adjourned, RenewLV put on a nice little spread of coffee, assorted cheeses and pastries. Most of the suits there avoided the treats. So Angle filled his pockets and I went for my thermos. Lehigh County Commissioners tried vainly to find an exit out of the building. Most are still there, but Angle left them some food.

Six County Controllers Look For Ways to Reduce Constable Costs

Reading, PA – Six county controllers, including Northampton County Controller Steve Barron, are meeting this afternoon with State Rep. Thomas Caltagirone (Bucks County) to discuss proposed changes to fees charged by Constables. 

Constables are the mini-sheriffs of Pennsylvania's legal system. They have basically the same relation to the local magistracy as sheriffs do to higher courts. Their fees are ordinarily paid by a defendant. For example, when I ignore my parking tickets, and I always do, I end up paying my local constable when he pounds on my door with a warrant. I've put several of his children through college. But when a defendant is unable to pay the constable, the county foots the bill.

Northampton County's recent audit of funds shows a decrease in fees paid by the county between 2007 and 2008 of over $130,000. "It is about oversights," says Barron. "When people know you are watching, they modify their behavior.  Just by looking into this we have saved the taxpayers a significant amount of money."

These controllers believe that increasing oversight statewide could easily result in huge savings.

Daniel Boone's Lehigh Valley Connection

When I was a kid, my favorite TV show was Daniel Boone, starring Fess Parker as the rugged, yet wise, woodsman. Currently, I'm reading Meredith Brown's Frontiersman, whose entertaining biography about Boone actually makes the man more interesting than the myth. I know I usually talk politics, but want to share a few details about this great man.

* He was born and raised until around age 15 very close to the Lehigh Valley, near Reading. This is where he learned his famed hunting skills.

* His parents were Quakers and his mother was designated a "traveling minister."

* He hated coonskin caps.

* Repeatedly robbed by Indians who always waited until he was at the end of one of his "long hunts," Boone spent most of his life broke and was often hounded by creditors.

* A dressed buck skin, his main source of income, was worth $1 and that's why we call that sum a "buck."

* Returning from one of his "long hunts," his feisty wife rewarded him with "Boone's surprise," Jemima, a daughter fathered by someone else. He accepted the situation with pretty good humor.

* He was a teamster during Braddock's defeat, and must have seen a young George Washington in action.

* He is the guide who led Abraham Lincoln's grandfather, also named Abe, into Kentucky. Abe was murdered by an Indian war party.

* Boone was certainly an "Indian Fighter" but was more often than not outwitted by them. In his first Kentucky "long hunt," Indians patiently waited until he was ready to leave and then relieved about 8 months work from him. They left him with this warning. "This is Indians' hunting ground and all the animals, skins and furs are ours; and if you are so foolish as to venture here again, you may be sure the wasps and yellow jackets will sting you severely." Boone was so foolish and tried to steal horses from these very Indians. He was caught again. Instead of eating his heart or boiling him alive, Indians took a bell from a horse and had him prance around. They got a kick out of that, I guess.

Pennsylvania Super Bowl?

Andy Reid's sixth-seed Philadelphia Eagles have defeated the vaunted first-seed NY Giants, 23-11, in a physical, defensive struggle. The Birds will seek the NFC championship for the fifth time under Reid. That's pretty cool, especially since a few short days ago, supposed "experts" confidently pronounced there was no way the mighty Giants could fall twice in their own stadium and that Andy Reid is too fat to coach ... blah ... blah ... blah.

If Pittsburgh knocks off the Chargers (it's half time), a Pennsylvania Super Bowl - and possible civil war - becomes a little more likely. Steeler fans are pretty tough. I met a few over Christmas, and they eat venison, ride snowmobiles and sometimes shit in outhouses. But Philly's gangs probably have more firepower, so I'll remain an Eagles fan or move to Jersey.

Well We're Living Here in Allentown

A powerful contrast of the Lehigh Valley, both when steel was King, and now.

Lehigh Valley's Not So Distant Past

Above is a brief glimpse at the Lehigh Valley, when Steel was King.

ET: Judge Zito Switched Parties in Deal With Republicans

Last Friday, I told you Judge Leonard is now a Republican, having switched sides in early December. Today, The Express Times' Sarah Cassi explains why - it was the price he had to pay top get the Republican support he needed to be confirmed as a judge who could qualify as a senior judge when he turns seventy.

How did Sarah learn this? She asked. Zito and local Republican chair Roy Shuman frankly admit it in a very interesting story revealing that party chairs have more power than commonly thought.