Tea Party With State House & Senate Candidates Tonight!

I've told you that the Lehigh Valley Project 9/12 - Tea Party Group, will host a "Meet the Candidates" forum tonight at the Chrin Community Center in Palmer Township, beginning at 7:00 p.m. (Map here).

Here's an updated list on those who've committed and those who are unable to attend.

Will attend:

Pat Browne (R) – State Senate 16th District
Richard Orloski (D) - State Senate 16th District

Matt Connolloy (R) - State Senate 18th District

Bob Mensch (R) - State Senate 24th District

Justin Simmons (R) – General Assembly 131st District

Dave Molony (R) – General Assembly 133rd District

Joe Emrick (R) - General Assembly 137th District
Charles Dertinger (D) - General Assembly 137th District

Rex D'Agostino (G) - General Assembly 183rd District

Unable to Attend

Bill Wallace (D) - State Senate 24th District

Jennifer Mann (D) - General Assembly 132nd District

Ron Shegda (R) - General Assembly 136th District

Robert Freeman (D) - General Assembly 136th District

Updated 12:50 PM: State Senator Lisa Boscola has now agreed to come tonight, according to t a Tea Party commenter.

Bethlehem Zoners Nix Atiyeh's Luxury Apartments Proposal

Despite a parade of five witnesses and 26 exhibits over two lengthy nights of testimony, Bethlehem zoners on October 20 rejected Abe Atiyeh's request for a 102-unit "luxury" apartment complex on five acres located at the corner of Center Street & Dewberry Avenue. Immediately following a 2-1 vote in Bethlehem Library's Conference Room, an audience of about 25 opponents burst into applause. Allentown Attorney Bill Malkames, who represents Atiyeh, stated that his client will likely appeal.

At one point, Chairman Gus Loupos called for a brief recess, but warned everyone to be back quickly. "It's Mr. Malkames' anniversary, and he has to get home to his wife."

"He created his own hardship," wisecracked Bethlehem resident Greg Zebrowski, a former Northampton County Councilman.

As it turned out, that was the central issue in this zoning appeal. Atiyeh had originally proposed intended to build an assisted living facility at the site, but was unable to spark enough interest to get financing. "I'm extremely embarrassed that this is a failed project," Atiyeh stated during the first night of testimony. His proposed apartment complex, located in an area zoned institutional, requires a use variance.

But numerous neighbors, from Carver House VP Terry Beidleman to Mike Polay, were worried that the increased traffic would ruin their neighborhood. They scoffed at testimony from PE David Hart, who insisted that traffic from this apartment complex would be no greater than the traffic from an assisted living center.

They were worried that Atiyeh, if unsuccessful, would walk away from the project. "We don'twant to be stuck with another slum," warned Frank Kovacs.

Englishman Mark Blomfeld, who has lived in the states for seven years, told zoners Bethlehem is the best of the cities in which he's lived. "I feel very lucky and fortunate and proud to live where I live and to have the neighbors I have. This is not the neighborhood I moved into. ... We're being asked to take it on the chin because a previous business idea isn't quite what [Atiyeh] wants it to be."

Attorney Malkames argued, "Every property has to have a viable use," and a lack of meaningful uses created a hardship that cold only be cured by a variance permitting an apartment complex. Zoners Gus Loupos and Bill Fitzpatrick, voting to reject the variance, disageed. Board member Ken Kraft cast his vote with Atiyeh.

Angle Introduces No-Tax-Hike Budget & Federal Detention Center For Slate Belt

"I'll be honest, I was out of line with what I said to the Executive a couple of weeks ago."

Those are the words of Northampton County Council President Ron Angle, who on October 7 publicly lambasted Executive John Stoffa's "budget of choices" as a "piece of crap" during a County Council meeting, and even told him to "be quiet" when he tried to explain it. Stoffa walked out, and so did the rest of Council. But when the Finance Committee met on October 20, Angle did more than make amends for his outburst. He added that Stoffa is "an honest man, a decent man, a good human being who's trying to do what's right." He then distributed amendments to Stoffa's budget that will eliminate a tax hike next year. He also introduced a firm that just may bring between five to seven hundred jobs to the Lehigh Valley.

No Tax Increase Budget

At a Committee Meeting attended by eight of nine Council members, with only Peg Ferraro absent, Angle explained that he sat down for several hours with Council Clerk Frank Flisser, Fiscal Affairs Director Vic Mazziotti, and Budget Administrator Doran Hammon. Together, they slashed $10.8 million in spending. They also recognized $700,000 in additional revenue from the Deeds office and Bethlehem TIF agreement. Finally, they decided to take $4 million form the fund balance. After hammering out these changes, Angle met with Stoffa, who agrees with most of the recommendations.

Where are the cuts? Angle proposes staffing reductions in the Solicitor's, Sheriff's, Recorder's, Assessment and Court Services Department. He will slash all but $500 thousand in open space funding, but will restore the funding once County nursing home Gracedale is sold. The Court's budget is reduced by $300,000, but lets judges decide specifically where they want to cut. Court Administrator James Onembo, who attended the meeting, stated that judges will try to do more with less. $1 million in renovations to the 1871 jail will be put off another year. Cuts will be made in 911. The rest of the savings presumes Gracedale will be sold in the first six months of 2011.

Unhappy with the process, Council member Ann McHale complained to Stoffa, "You're supposed to do the budget." She also wanted to know why Mazziotti, the County's top finance maven, never signed off on Stoffa's budget, something he did with four previous budgets.

Mazziotti explained that he's decided against signing it because it is a "policy document." His job is to execute and support that policy, but not to make it.

Angle's Bulletproof Vest

McHale also had questions about the 5% reduction in spending for Sheriffs. worrying whether there was enough set aside for uniforms and bulletproof vests. Sheriff Randy Miller, Bethlehem's former Police Commissioner, told McHale that 27 bulletproof vests will have to be replaced next year, but there is currently no problem.

"Maybe I should have a bulletproof vest," wondered Angle.

"We have some expired ones," wisecracked Sheriff Miller.

Federal Detention Center For Illegal Aliens in Slate Belt

In their fiinal item of business, the Finance Committee considered a federal detention center proposed for 2,000 illegal aliens in Upper Mt Bethel Township. This privately run facilty will produce 350 local construction jobs and another 500 detention jobs for 2,200 people facing deportation.

Gloid Shuler, a VP with GEO, told Council that his company is the largest provider of corrections and mental health facilities in the world, employing over 17,000 people. He believes the slate belt is an ideal location for a self-contained detention center because of its proximity to New York, Newark and Philadelphia. He explained that the people hired wold be paid wages comparable to that of a police officer.

Every job created at the detention center would spark 4 to 5 jobs within the community, claimed Shuler. "You're pushing 10% unemployment. I'd like to help you solve that problem."

"Thank God for illegal immigrants," whispered a County lawyer.

Democrat Grucela Praises Republican Gilbert

"Wayne would be proud of you."

It's about the biggest compliment that State Rep. Rich Grucela could give someone. You see, Wayne Grube was more than a great Easton High School football coach, powerful County Council President, or legislative aide to Rich Grucela. He was also his closest friend, and I think Wayne's sudden passing is the real reason why Rich decided to give up his House seat.

But that's the very first thing Democrat Rich Grucela said to Republican Bruce Gilbert yesterday as he approached the podium at the tail end of a 2 1/2 hour County Council budget hearing. Bruce played football for one of Wayne's championship Easton teams. "He was a good student, too," teacher Rich whispered to me later in the meeting.

Grucela was complimenting Gilbert, not because he shares his ideology, but because he respects and admires the work ethic and civility this freshman Council member brings to Northampton County Council.

In a time when partisanship rules, it's refreshing to see this unexpected display of bipartisanship from my state representative.

Rich, it looks like you're still teaching.

Christie Dent 2016?

Hey, it could happen. It might even be Dent Christie.

When I saw the two of them together, and the obvious regard they have for each other, I started thinking these two would make a great Presidential ticket. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, whose tough stance on government spending is sending shockwaves through the nation, insisted about a gazillion times that he has no interest in running for the Presidency in 2012. OK, what about 2016? By that time, the Guv' and then Senator Charlie Dent might be ready.

Affable Chris Christie was in Allentown's Four Points Sheraton yesterday to promote Charlie Dent for Congress. "I am not here by coincidence," he stressed, noting that he only campaigns for a few candidates that he really believes in, and Dent is one of them. He wants to be able to "look you in the eye" when he endorses someone. On November 2, he'll be watching election returns, and won't be happy until he sees that check mark by Dent's name. "Don't make me come back here," he joked with a crowd of nearly 200 Dent supporters.

Dent introduces Christie as a "natural hero," a New Jersey Governor who actually believes it's time that "government live within its means" and who is "accountable to the people."

As New Jersey's U.S. Attorney, Christie went after public corruption, winning pleas or convictions from 130 public officials without losing a single case. He then went after 45 Bloods gang members, and prosecuted 1,500 child pornographers. He also led the team that stopped a terrorist plan to mount an attack at Fort Dix.

Dent noted that the VEEP had been in town to raise money for John Callahan. "He can have Joe Biden, I'll take Chris Christie."

Christie, who looks a lot like an offensive tackle with the NFL, told the crowd he had an Irish father and a Sicilian mother. "This is what gave me my skills at dispute resolution," he joked. He described his dad as happy-go-lucky, but said his mother was the "enforcer."

He learned about fiscal responsibility from her when, as a boy, he'd tell her he wanted something.

"Christopher," she'd say, "Go in the back yard and grab some money from the money tree."

"But we don't have a money tree in the back yard."

"Exactly."

There is no money tree, and it's time that politicians stop pandering to voters. "Treat them like adults," said Christie. "Tell them the truth."

Instead of vilifying Democrats, Christie said the only way to accomplish anything is "in a bi-partisan way." But he claims his entire political philosophy is based on four basic Reagan principles: smaller government; less spending; less regulation; and lower taxes.

He said this might make him unpopular, even within his own party, at times. But he added, "I'm not here to run a charm school."

How did I end up there? Dent Campaign Spokesperson Gregg Bortz caught me with a piece of paper that said "Pull" instead of "Press." Reporters got press passes while bloggers got pull passes. Anyway, Gregg had a special spot all picked out for me and even gave me a National Enquirer. After sitting in the boiler room for a half hour, I realized that Gregg must have been confused and just started wandering around, opening doors, until I found the right spot.

Governor Christie told everyone they should move back to Jersey so they won't have so far to drive when they go to the shore.

Morning Call/PBS Dent -Callahan IV on Youtube

Part 1 here.

Part 2 here.

Who Wanted to Dump Karen Beyer?

In her freshman year, she passed a major piece of legislation, a measure to protect consumers from price gouging after natural disasters. Few legislators can make that claim. But State Rep. Karen Beyer was still defeated in this Spring's Republican primary by Justin Simmons. Without question, he ran a good race. But there were dark forces at work in the form of independent expenditures by two different groups. Amazingly, we have no idea who was funding them. Let me tell you the story.

If you've never talked to Karen, do yourself a favor and watch her stirring farewell address from the House floor. She spoke straight from the heart, and she'll be a tough act to follow. She made it pretty clear that she perceived that her first duty was to the constituents in her district. But what she failed to mention is that she has resisted pressure from a few major water interests to agree to the sale of a large tract of open space in her district. And out of the blue, two groups - Citizens' Alliance of Pa. and Young Conservatives of Pa. - started working against her. This could be a coincidence, or it could be something more nefarious.

Citizens' Alliance of Pennsylvania is run by Pat Toomey's former COS, Joe Sterns. He also chairs the Schuylkill County GOP. For reasons that elude me, his group actively worked against Beyer. Two negative mailers wee sent to Republicans in her district, at a cost of about $7,000 a pop. In addition, about $15,000 worth of radio ads were broadcast on WAEB. Finally, two robo calls, whose cost is $1,400, were financed by Citizens.

Citizens Alliance is listed as a nonprofit, but also has a registered PAC that reports a $400 post-primary contribution to Simmons. But there is no accounting for the two mailers, to robo-calls, and $15,000 worth of radio ads.

Young Conservatives of Pa is another outfit that worked against Beyer, sending out two attack mailers. Like Citizens Alliance, it's listed in state corporation records as a nonprofit. Like Citizens Alliance, there is also a PAC called Young Conservatives of Pennsylvania Political Action. The last report filed by the PAC was in 2008. Like Citizens Alliance, there is no accounting for the smear campaign.

Why are these outfits flying under the radar? Why the hell would the Schuylkill County GOP chair inject himself in a LV Republican primary? Why would these outfits, based in Harrisburg, want to get rid of Beyer? Is it just because she wasn't pure enough, or were some business interests making an investment?

What about Simmons? Was he acting in concert with these outfits? He told me he was very happy when he got their mailers, especially since his campaign consisted of three people. But he had no knowledge of their intentions and nothing was coordinated.

Beyer told me, "The problem with these groups is I can't see who gave them the money?" Exactly. To this day, she has no idea who wanted her out.

The state BCEL has opened up an investigation. In a letter to Beyer, Sherry Messinger states, "At this time, this matter is under investigation, we will notify you of the final disposition of your inquiry."

Horton Plays the Blame Game

"You really should call him. I am sure he would talk to you. You have some duty to try to find out both sides of the story."

That's how one of my readers reacted to my post, Horton: Big Mouth, Fat Wallet & Tax Liens. So yesterday, that's exactly what I did.

I told you that State Representative candidate Michael Horton, who is running against Justin Simmons, has had three tax liens in three different states. In Lehigh County, a Department of Revenue lien for $1,872 was filed in 2005, and paid in 2007. In California, there's a 2001 lien for $4,759 in back taxes. Another $1278 property tax lien was filed in Rhode Island in 2001. This VP of Fortune 500 companies also had a car repossessed in the '90s.

Rhode Island Lien: Horton wasn't ready for this one. He told me he's owned seven homes since 1991, and would never be able to qualify for a loan if his credit history were bad. But until very recently, banks were handing out mortgages to anyone, and judgments in one state could easily be overlooked in another, I countered. He really had no explanation for this lien, and suggested that it must have been his lender's mix-up or the result of a re-assessment. He noted that the address is 82 Wheeler Avenue, but he owned 82-84 Wheeler Avenue. He then scoffed at the $1278 amount. "Do you know how much money I was making at the time?" he asked. I don't, but pointed out that even wealthy people lose their homes if they don't pay their taxes.

California Liens: There are actually three liens in California, but two of them were filed erroneously. Horton insists that all three liens were filed in error and were the result of a rollover on which he paid taxes in Pennsylvania. He claimed to have evidence that all three liens were filed erroneously, and offered to fax the paperwork to me. His explanation seems reasonable.

Pennsylvania Lien: Horton claims this is the result of his divorce. and that everything has been settled for some time. Not quite. Late last year, Horton was cited for contempt when his wife's tax return was intercepted over unpaid federal income tax that they both owed. Horton was ordered to pay his ex-wife $900 per month for the next five months.

Repossessed car: Horton did buy a Lincoln Continental, and granted Air Products Credit Union a security interest in that car, along with an Oldsmobile. When he lost his job at Air Products, his loan was renegotiated, but he was still unable to make payments. As a result, the Lincoln was repossessed, but he was somehow able to sell the Olds without the knowledge or consent of the credit union.

Horton claims the Lincoln was a lemon.

Military Service: Horton is an '85 West Point grad, and did see combat in Central America in 1989. I have no reason to doubt that claim. He left the military a Captain after "6 years, 3 months and 11 days." He went to work for Air Products as a recruiter, and tells me they would never have hired him if he had a checkered military career. But he declined to produce his DD214, which would answer all questions about his military service He tells me he is a life member and "paid for life" member in the VFW and American Legion, and that status is only granted to people with an honorable discharge.

Roots: Horton grew up in Camden, Quakertown and Marlton, NJ.

Debate: Horton acknowledges he came on too strong during his Business Matter debate. He blames host Tony Iannelli, claiming he was encouraged to jump in and mix it up to make the show more interesting.

My conclusion? Horton likes to blame everyone else for his own problems.

In the meantime, House Dems have dropped another $31,000 for cable TV ads. This is on top of $57,000 worth of TV commercials on WFMZ.

Sam Bennett Makes Me Take the Pledge

Yesterday's post, Should Senator Boscola's Office Enroll in 12-Step Program?, sparked a bit of controversy. There were those who objected to my unfair use of a photograph of a beet-red Senator Boscola, standing next to Congressional wannabe John Callahan. I expected that. But what really surprised me was a complaint by Charlie Dent's last opponent, none other than Sam Bennett. She let me have it.

"Bernie, I am deeply disappointed that you would repost this highly sexist, misogynistic quote - AGAIN - on your blog. And to use it to damage a woman State Senator is even more disappointing. Bernie, this type of posts demeans ALL women, and should be taken down immediately. When I ran for U.S. Congress in PA-15 against Charlie Dent in 2008, the sexism that came my way was absolutely breath taking. And it motivated me to make sure no woman running for public office in this country would ever have to go through what I did. The national campaign created to achieve this goal www.NameItChangeIt.org, in my role as CEO/President of WCF, the oldest organization financially supporting women running for office, has had a powerful effect on women's races across the country in the mid-terms -- with partners Women's Media Center and Political Parity. Sadly, my race is now infamous as one of the most sexist this nation has ever seen - Bernie you owe me and State Senator Lisa Boscola an apology for re-posting this unforgivably awful quote. Take down this post, apologize and sign our Equality Pledge at www.nameitchangeit.org. You'll be a better man for it. You are better than this."

Actually, I'm not. But I had an unlikely defender. Capri Roth is one of the female bloggers who was tarnished by Boscola aide Kieklak. She and I have had major disagreements over ... just about everything. She explained my motivation to Sam, far better than I.

"Sam, I appreciate your points, but as neither Senator Boscola or Bernie Kieklak ever offered an apology to you or to me for his comments, I don't think its offensive to remind the readers of this blog that his behavior was not only tolerated, but ultimately rewarded by an elected official.

"Obviously Bernie O. can post or not post whatever he likes and that doesn't always reflect the wishes of his readers, but I personally don't prefer that those comments be forgotten or put in the past. If I were still a political blogger, I'd be posting those comments 7 days a week until Senator Boscola's next election."

Sam, if it is any consolation I did take the equality pledge.

"I vow to adhere to fair journalistic standards that promote truthfulness, accuracy, and objectivity. I will pro-actively work to treat all subjects with respect, regardless of gender, and to create an overall media culture in which sexism and misogyny have no place. I recognize that sexist and misogynistic language and representation do not uphold journalistic integrity and media outlet credibility. I pledge to do my part to prevent all instances of sexist and misogynistic coverage of women candidates, women leaders, and women of all walks of life, and to hold fellow journalists and media outlets accountable to this same standard of conduct."

I do want to make one exception. In the first sentence, the pledge calls for "objectivity." I reject that and believe no journalist or blogger is ever truly objective. I think it's more important to be up front than pretend to have a neutral point of view. But I agree with everything else and I can assure you my readers will tear me to shreds if I break my word.

OK, honey?

Just kidding.

New Blog: Saving Private Gracedale

The best way to save Gracedale is by privatizing it. At today's budget hearing, we learned that the County nursing home will cost taxpayers $6.3 million this year, and another $5.9 million next year. In addition, if the County were to retain the facility, it would need to invest $12 million over the next two years in capitol improvements.

There simply is no money.

But a group of Gracedale advocates, led by a preacher who claims his church is the streets, wants to shackle county taxpayers and force them to continue funding a losing proposition. As they begin their attempt at a referendum, they have started a blog, Saving Private Gracedale. Its ostensible purpose is to "provide information related to the proposed sale of Gracedale," but the very first post demonstrates another goal - The Beginning of the End for the Northampton County Chair.

Naturally, Angle is likened to Hitler. "The people of Northampton County are sick and tired of you Mr. Angle, and of the company you keep. And rest assured that we will no longer allow one elected official, or a governing body like the current one to dictate their will on the very people they were elected to serve."

Ron certainly brings out the best in people. I was unaware that some phony Reverend, who looks and acts an awful lot like an angry Pancho Villa, speaks for the people of Northampton County.

Geez, what is the world coming to when they allow just anyone to blog? Next thing you know, there will be alcoholic, disbarred lawyers joining the fray.

Northampton County Exec John Stoffa, incidentally, will allow the referendum petition to be circulated from a station in Gracedale itself. He does speak for the people of Northampton County.

Who's Coming to the Tea Party?

On Tuesday, I told you that the Lehigh Valley Project 9/12 - Tea Party Group, will host a "Meet the Candidates" evening this Friday at the Chrin Community Center in Palmer Township, beginning at 7:00 p.m. (Map here).

State Senators Pat Browne and Bob Mensch have committed, as have challengers Matt Connolly and Rick Orloski.

State House candidates Rex D'Agostino, Charles Dertinger and Justin Simmons will be there, too, for one-on-one exchanges with voters.

More candidates may commit between now and Friday night. It is very refreshing that Democrats Dertinger and Orloski and Green Party D'Agostino are willing to meet with a group of citizens whose ideology is very different from their own. We all win when people are willing to talk to each other, instead of past each other. I'll be there with my flipcam, hoping somebody gets decked, like the Mad Hatter at any tea party.

Is a Referendum on Gracedale Legal?

Under Northampton County's Home Rule Charter, any 12 registered voters can try to place a proposed ordinance on the ballot. After that they have 90 days to get 10% of the County's registered voters to sign their petition. And according to The Express Times' Sarah Cassi, a group is trying to have the County's proposed sale of Gracedale placed on the ballot. But is it legal?

According to the express terms of the Home Rule Charter, "The power of initiative and referendum shall not extend to the budget or capital program ... ." While I generally support direct participation in government, and even participated in an initiative back in the late '70s, it seems to me that this does interfere with both the budget and a capital program.

Updated 1:50 PM: Attorney Chris Spadoni, an Assistant County Solicitor assigned to the Voter Registrar, has informed her that the sale or lease of Gracedale is a valid referendum question. His opinion is entitled to a little more weight than mine.

Should Senator Boscola's Office Enroll in 12-Step Program?

Not all that long ago, Senator Lisa Boscola's chief of staff, Bernie Kieklak, was a regular on this blog. He often had insightful and generally funny things to say, but had a tendency to go overboard, especially if he commented late at night. For example, he made this remark about then Congressional candidate Sam Bennett. "Sammy Bennett is a phony political whore who gives good head and makes cheap, blatant political opportunists look like Mother Fucking Teresa. Even her pussy is made of plastic." Turned out he had a drinking problem. Neither Kieklak nor his boss apologized to the numerous women he insulted. In fact, she eventually gave him a raise. Now it looks like her chief legislative aide, Jeff Warren, has a drinking problem, too. What's disturbing about his drunk driving prosecution is his failure to come forward, or to admit he had a prior.

Warren, who is also an Easton City Council member, has disgraced his office and should resign. It is not the drinking that bothers me. I am an alcoholic myself and, if truth be told, should have been arrested a few times for DUI. I'm a bad enough driver sober. What bothers me about Warren is (1) his failure to come forward and admit his problem; and (2) his unwillingness to divulge that this was his second arrest.

What bothers me even more is that State Senator Lisa Boscola, who claims to be a reformed drinker, surrounds herself with people who are not. It makes me wonder what she learned in rehab. At the very least, she's an enabler.

They must have one helluva' Christmas party.

DA Morganelli's Proposed Budget is Safe

In his preparation for 2011's budget, Northampton County Executive John Stoffa asked everyone to cut their departments by 5%. But District Attorney John Morganelli has asked for 10.26% more next year than he's received this year. In fact, over the past seven years, spending in his office has gone up 168%. Despite this significant increase, and the hard feelings created when he sued Council Prez Ron Angle over an unpaid school board position, the DA is going to get every nickel he requested. He deserves this increase, too.

Morganelli last year suspended extraditions in all cases but "serious" felonies. His office is currently working on twelve homicides involving twenty victims. He has to set aside $10,000 in expert witness fees. He is prosecuting a quadruple homicide in the Northampton area, perhaps the most brutal mass murder since ten people were murdered during a 1763 Indian uprising in that very area. And that was followed by a double murder a few months later in nearby Lehigh Township.

In addition to these recent cases, Morganelli's cold case unit has recently solved a 25 year-old Northampton murder, in which a 16 year-old prostitute (who later did time for another homicide) shot a john in his Northampton apartment. She's awaiting extradition from Florida, where she was arrested.

Morganelli is justifiably proud of his cold case unit.

"It's really been going well," he told Council in response to a question from John Cusick during a budget hearing last week. "If you'll recall, we brought in a part-time non-benefit employee in the County Detective's Office - Detective Egan - who has been working in the cold case unit with the Grand Jury. Now we just recently announced an indictment on a cold case about two weeks ago of a 25 year-old homicide case. The Grand Jury's been very busy all summer. We expect more indictments coming down on old cases in the next few weeks. He has updated all of our homicide investigations. I expect that at least through 2/11, we want to continue it."

In his budget pitch, Morganelli stated he has asked for no new employees and no capitol expenditures. He stated his budget is up only 2.1%, so there is some discrepancy between his figures and mine.

If Council felt that he should cut his budget, the DA stated he would stop prosecuting bad check cases. "The business community relies on us to prosecute bad check cases, and we have a good program. But I can cut that out."

Morganelli also noted that the state, which is supposed to reimburse 65% of his salary, is just getting around to paying for 2008.

Will Angle slice into Morganelli's budget as payback for the mandamus suit earlier this year?

In a word, No. Angle told me after the hearing that Morganelli always presents a frugal budget and he has no intention of paring it down, even with a proposal that he intends to present himself this week.

Below are the expenditures by the DA's office since 2005.

$4,054,000 in 2011 budget.

$3,950,600 in 2010 budget.

$3,655,700 in 2009 budget.

$3,619,500 in 2008 budget.

$3,311,900 in 2007 budget.

$2,479,600 in 2006 budget.

$2,407,700 in 2005 budget.

Updated 1:15 PM: DA Morganelli advises me that the reason for the spike in hs budget between 2006 and 2007 is that the DUI Center was placed under his supervision. That added an extra $500,000 to his budget, which is still $1 million less than his counterpart in Lehigh County.

LV Tea Party To Host State House & Senate Candidates This Friday

The Lehigh Vlley Project 9/12 - Tea Party Group, which happens to be the largest Tea Party organization in Pennsylvania, will sponsor a "Meet the Candidates" evening this Friday at the Chrin Community Center in Palmer Township, beginning at 7:00 p.m. (Map here).

All LV candidates running for the Pennsylvania State Senate or House in Lehigh or Northampton County have been invited to set up tables, meet and greet voters, listen to their concerns and answer questions one-on-one.

The event is free to the public.

I've asked who's coming, and when I get a list, I'll share it with you..

Who Opposes Police Powers for Sheriffs? The Police

Horton: Big Mouth, Fat Wallet & Tax Liens

"I live in South Allentown, so you have to have a big mouth to be heard over everybody."

That's how Mike Horton, a Democrat running for the State House in the 131st legislative district, described himself at a recent Northampton Community College candidates' forum. I thought he was being self-deprecatory. But after watching him debate and bully Justin Simmons on Business Matters, I agree. He does have a big mouth. I also wonder how someone with a West Point background, and who also claims to have been a VP for "Fortune 500" companies, would end up as a constable. I question the big wallet he's using to buy this seat. And we all should be concerned about Horton's three property tax liens from no less than three different states. Let me fill you in.

Initially, Horton was considered nothing more than a sacrificial lamb, running against a popular incumbent. Then the strangest thing happened. Justin Simmons, a hard-line conservative, came out of nowhere and upset Karen Beyer. Some say it was because Simmons mounted a vigorous door-to-door campaign. Others say Karen was too busy in Harrisburg and took the race for granted. Some, like me, were concerned that Beyer was being smeared. Whatever the reason, Republicans chose a right-winger as their standard bearer in a relatively moderate district.

Democrats, smelling blood, began having second thoughts about Horton. One Allentown Democratic Committeeman asked me, "Where is he?"

Beats me. I'm a bottom-feeding blogger, not Matlock. But nobody sees the guy. He's missed Lower Milford Community Day, Coopersburg Community Day, Upper Saucon Community Day, Latino fest, Sewyco Fire Company's open house, Upper Saucon Fire Company's open house, Lower Milford's carnival, Coopersburg's carnival, Lions Club meetings, Kiwanas Club meetings and every crime watch meeting in Allentown. He even missed Sunday's Halloween Parade in Coopersburg. Now maybe these are poor ways to get a few votes, but that's what most pols do.

Ironically, both of these guys are reputed "outsiders," a point made by Business Matters' Tony Iannelli. If you haven't seen that show and are undecided about this race, I suggest you take a look at it. Horton blusters and repeatedly interrupts Simmons. At one point, Horton snarks, "I was in Central America back when we had our war on drugs, if you remember what that is. And how old were you when I was doing that?"

Horton also defends defined benefit pensions, claiming that objections to them are a "misnomer" and that "people have no idea what it is they're really talking about." Simmons, on the other hand, states that defined benefit pensions are "bankrupting" this country.

You can see the debate below.



For a supposed "outsider," Horton is raising his money in strange ways. House Appropriations Chair Dwight Evans will host a fundraiser in Philadelphia this morning. Tonight, outsiders like LC Exec Don Cunningham and State Rep. Jennifer Mann will try to raise some dough for the constable. Mann can give Horton a few pointers on consulting gigs.

Before either of these fundraisers, Horton has already sent out 8 or 9 mailers. He has also purchased $57,000 worth of TV commercials on WFMZ. I have copies of the orders. The Democratic State Committee is picking up the tab. I can't wait to see this outsider's next campaign finance report.

What's most disturbing are three tax liens. In Lehigh County, a Department of Revenue lien for $1,872 was filed in 2005, and paid in 2007. In California, there's a 2001 lien for $4,759 in back taxes. Another $1278 property tax lien was filed in Rhode Island in 2001. This VP of Fortune 500 companies had a car repossessed in the '90s.

He claims he wants to bring "change" to Harrisburg, but I think it might very well be a change for the worse.

Emmaus Considers Baseball Stadium For Kids, Instead of Millionaires

In a two-part series, Pennsylvania Independent reports that under Republican Governor Tom Ridge and Democratic Governor Ed Rendell, taxpayers have invested over $1 billion in sportscenters like hockey arenas and baseball stadiums, including Coca Cola Park, home to the IronPigs. Without question, this public investment creates a lot of pride and spurs other kinds of economic development, but it's still corporate welfare. They make rich owners like Craig Stein and Joe Finley even richer. But who could possibly oppose publicly funding a baseball stadium for kids? Look no farther than Emmaus.

Yesterday, someone forwarded me this email from Otto Slozer, enshrined in Bill White's notorious Hall of Fame for reasons lost in the mysts of time:

"We are trying to put together a 'Strike Out the Stadium' rally Monday before the Council Meeting. We are going to meet outside Boro Hall at 6:10 until 6:30 then proceed to the Council Meeting Room to be seated. We believe events are about to move forward and the Council needs to see that we ARE STILL ON TOP OF THIS ISSUE!

"In case of rain, skip the rally BUT PLEASE GO TO THE MEETING!"

According to WFMZ, Emmaus' baseball fields are in such bad repair that high school teams have been playing in Lower Macungie over the past dozen years. East Penn School District wants to bring baseball back home, but it costs too much. And that's when somebody, somewhere, decided that the school and borough could work together and rehab one of the diamonds used by the Legion at Community Park.

Built in 1967, the current field has seen no significant improvements, other than the installation of lights, in 43 years. Dugouts are falling apart, the field is uneven and the diamond is starting to
deteriorate. So the idea was to combine resources and kill two birds with one stone. East Penn School District ($300k), Emmaus ($100k) and private sector donors ($50k) would build a stadium for the kids.

Borough Council has been besieged with a petition signed by 900 people, who mostly have no objection to fixing the field, but hate the notion of a stadium. One Emmaus resident even suggests that the Borough forget about baseball and instead build a skate park for the grunges and goths, where they all can do kickflips and nosegrinds.

Sounds good to me.

School Board member Julian Stolz, who voted against the stadium, complains there is no money and no real need. He likens it to "keeping up with the Parklands."

Over the past few years, my grandson has competed against those nasty Emmaus Hornets in baseball, football and basketball. No matter what the sport, those little thugs (most of them are juvenile delinquents) come ready to play. Just a few weeks ago, they clobbered the Bethlehem Steelers in youth football.

Enough already!

So I'm all for depriving these little monsters and screwing with any attempt to improve their high school programs. If they want a stadium so bad, let them do it the old-fashioned way. Become millionaires. Then Rendell will bring over a few cardboard checks faster than you can say Comcast.

Did Stoffa Just Punk Ron Angle?

When Northampton County Council last met, I thought they were going to have to cart Bulldog Ron Angle away on a stretcher. He was blowin' oil over Exec John Stoffa's unusual "budget of choices." Of course, he up getting an Express Times Turkey and the usual Bill White condemnation for his histrionics. Stoffa was nailed, too, for a lack of leadership.

Since that time, Radiator Ralph has thrown Angle on a lift and patched him up, but Ron still insisted on attending Stoffa's budget presentation to business leaders last week where, once again, he complained bitterly. But it just hit me that Angle, nobody's fool, is doing exactly what Stoffa had hoped he'd do. In fact, Stoffa lent Angle his own Director of Fiscal Affairs (Vic Mazziotti) and Budget Administrator (Doran Hamann) to come up with a budget that will very likely sail through Council with little controversy.

I'm beginning to think Angle was punked. It did not hit me until I reviewed the videos today, and noticed that Stoffa had a difficult time keeping a straight face at times. You can see it, too.

When it comes to budgets, Stoffa is pretty much a master at getting what he wants. Years ago, when he oversaw Human Services, he once appeared at a budget hearing wearing a bulletproof vest. That evoked enough laughter to enable Stoffa to get what he wanted. In 2006, he was able to get a half mill tax incease for his pay-as-you-go open space program despite the opposition of a Democratic majority, who wanted to invade the rainy day fund. Now, he has conned Angle into coming up with a budget that delivers on the Exec's key priorities - the sale of Gacedale and a DUI center in West Easton.

Here are some excerpts from Stoffa and Angle at Northampton Community College, along with my own question, followed by Angle's promise to present a budget, exactly as Stoffa has asked.

Angle: "So now the dilemma you have given us is a smart politician, frankly, would vote for your budget because it has no tax increase and has no cuts. It gives everybody in the world what they want. It's typical government.

"But you do know that's not the right answer. You do understand that spending the budgetary reserve - you not only want to eat the seed corn, but you now want to burn up the corn crib in the wood stove."

Stoffa: "Mr. Angle ..."

Angle: "So you want s to now sit down and do the budget for you. That's basically what you're saying. ...:

Stoffa: "Mr. Angle, is it so hard for you to cut something out of the budget?"

Angle: "I could cut that budget all day long. I'll show you that in the next couple of days."

Stoffa: "Then what's the problem? I don't understand what the problem is."

Angle: "The problem is you are a leader. You are the chosen leader. It is your job to lead. As Bernie said, you should have presented a budget like Cunningham done - I'm not a big Cunningham fan, but it said, 'Here is my plan. Here is where I want to lead you. Will you follow me or show me how you want me to go?'

"You said, 'Boof! Here it goes. You come up with it, you be the leader, I'm not going to deal with it.' That's what happened. It's not complicated. I don't feel that's leadership."

I later asked Stoffa about his leadership. "Mr. Stoffa, I was at a meeting in Hanover Township last night, where Township Manager Jay Finnigan talked about the Northampton County budget and said it was multiple choice."

Stoffa: (smiling) "I'm happy he did."

O'Hare: "Bill White, as you are aware, and even I have said that it exhibits a lack of leadership on your part. Can you explain to me and explain to my readers what it is about your budget, why it is leadership?"

Stoffa: "Well, everybody has a different opinion about everything, but I think basically this budget presented a lot of options. I've heard from open space people, I've heard from people who want to keep Gracedale open, and the budget allows all that to happen if you want to do one of two things: if you want to raise taxes by two mills; or if you want to take the money out of fud balance. I don't think anybody is going to raise taxes by two mills. I don't think that's possible. With the sale of Gracedale, as I've called for, would give us $25 to $31 million.

"I disagree that that budget does not represent leadership."

Angle: "There's many, many things that could be cut in that budget. As I said yesterday, I intend to, seeing how you haven't done it, sit down and draw up a real budget."

South Whitehall Suspends Enforcement of Ordinance Restricting Campaign Signs

A few weeks ago, I told you that South Whitehall Township zoning officers were attempting to enforce restrictions on campaign signs ($5 permit, no signs 30 days before election) against state senate candidate Rick Orloski, a Democrat, while turning their heads the other way at Republican beacons. Once Orloski sued, Township officials blinked, and suspended enforcement.

Below is a copy of the stipulation signed by Orloski Attorney Larry Otter and Township Attorney Bill Salzer.

Lawrence M. Otter, Esquire, Counsel for Plaintiff and William T. Salzer, Esquire Counsel for Defendant agree and stipulate as follows:

1. South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, PA and all persons acting under
their direction and control, agrees to defer enforcement of South Whitehall Zoning Ordinance 12.39 (j) (3) as it relates to political campaign signs during the pendency of the 2010 election period, not to exceed April 1, 2011 to allow for a review and evaluation of said ordinance.

2. South Whitehall Township shall not enforce Case No. 20100247 against
plaintiff during the period covered by this Stipulation.

3. The parties request that the Court place this matter into civil suspense through April 4, 2011. The parties shall report to the court by April 4, 2011 as to the status of the dispute including whether the matter may be dismissed by agreement. South Whitehall Township agrees that it will advise plaintiff's counsel as to its position with regard to any amendment of Ordinance 12.39(j) prior to the parties' report to the Court on April 4, 2011.

4. Except as provided herein, this Stipulation does not waive Defendant's rights and defenses as to the legality and enforcement of Ordinance 12.39(j)(3), nor does it waive any of plaintiff's rights with regard to the claims asserted in this civil action.

5. Defendant shall be relieved of filing a response to the Petition for Preliminary Injunction.