Justice For Sale in West Easton

On Thursday night, when Northampton County Council takes up a possible work release and treatment center for 100 inmates, we already know there will be questions about the length of the lease, as well as a controversial $150 fee to be paid to West Easton to every inmate housed there. That fee is part of an Ordinance, and Mayor Gerald Gross has told the Express Times it's the Borough's price for something that is unpopular.

But is it legal? How can West Easton charge these tenants a fee when no similar charge is imposed on others?

On top of that, is West Easton's own financial house in order? In response to a Right-to-Know-Law request filed by a local resident, the 2010 independent audit reveals that "the financial statements above do not present fairly, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the financial position of the Borough as of December 31, 2010, or changes in financial position for the year then ended."

This negative audit, prepared by CPA David Kunsman, basically takes the Borough to task for using the wrong accounting method, as opposed to more serious flaws like a deficit. In fact, the Borough could probably impose a tax moratorium for three years and not miss a beat, thanks to a very healthy sewer fund.

But why, then, does it need to impose a $150 per person fee? Is this fair to people who simply are unable to afford it? This really needs more consideration.

The Man Who Cast a Spotlight on Kids-For-Cash

If you ever meet Lehigh Valley Tea Party blowhard Joe Hilliard, you'll only see one arm. No, he did not lose a limb in Iraq or Afghanistan. In fact, he's never served in the military. He uses the other arm to pat himself on the back repeatedly.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Joe is a "limited government community organizer," and is seeking gigs as a consultant, activist and speaker. He shares no employment history. He did attend Lehigh University for about 1,000 years, but it's unclear whether he ever graduated.

But one thing he has done is prop himself up as the unelected King of the Lehigh Valley Tea Party. And on their forum, from time to time, he shares little nuggets about his past. "It is always amazing when people I don't even know call or email me for advice," he modestly claims.

Joe then modestly takes credit for bringing Luzerne County to its knees, and all over a slice of pizza.

"We are having impacts at the local government level which include defeating illegal bond issues and exposing fiscal 'smoke and mirrors'. In fact, such an effort led to a total collapse of one county government in our state - and exposed a huge nest of corruption which has led to many indictments including a few sitting judges. It is amazing what can be accomplished by following a few simple principles and pulling back the curtain to expose politicians and the games they play. I was there at the beginning of that effort. In fact, it all started with a meeting with myself and one county resident over a couple of slices of pizza."

Yesterday, the Standard Speaker paid tribute to a true Luzerne County watchdog, former Controller Steve Flood. A Democrat, it was Flood, and not Joe Hilliard, who was calling for an investigation into corruption by the local judiciary, and for five years before an indictment was ever returned. He even hired private investigators.

Hilliard is currently embroiled in a debate over the continued existence of the Lehigh Valley Tea party.

And judicial corruption? It's alive and well, as evidenced by a Lancaster County District Judge accused of fixing her own tickets.

Blogger's Note: The photo is a joke ... I think.

Thank Heaven ... For Little Dems

Back in 2009, Lehigh County Dem party boss Rich Daugherty (not Dougherty) was all set to challenge LV Congressman Charlie Dent. Here's what he said then.

"My hope is that a top tier Democratic candidate will run for Congress in the 15th Congressional District. I will work with anyone who has an interest in running. I believe democracy works best when competing ideas are discussed, debated and put before the public. I believe I would be a viable candidate for Congress but right now I have not made any decision about running. I really enjoy the job I have now. And as a former District Administrator for Congressman Paul McHale, fully understand the demands and limitations on running for Congress and being a Member of Congress. My goal has always been to try to contribute to the community, have a job I enjoy, and be able to support my family. I have been very fortunate throughout my career in the Lehigh Valley, and the job I have now allows me to do that."

He was the party's sacrificial lamb back then, but bowed out once Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan stepped forward.

He's baack.

Daugherty has told The Morning Call he's running, regardless what Callahan is doing.

Will he step down from his position as Executive Director at the Lehigh County Senior Center?

Daugherty's willingness to run tells me Callahan is not, or that Daugherty recognizes that Callahan no longer has the star qualities to make him a "top tier" candidate.

Right now, Dent's evil political genius, Shawn Millan, is humming, "Thank Heaven for little Dems ...."

Business Up 20% at No-Kids Restaurant

But that's only over the course of one week, probably the result of publicity generated by his new policy.

11U 'Canes Win ECTB Annual Clash of Champions

In their third straight tournament victory this year, Bethlehem's 11U (11 and under) 'Canes won the 12th Annual ECTB Clash of Champions this weekend. Rostered with players from four different Bethlehem little leagues, this Liberty High School feeder team rose to the top of seven contenders during a sweltering weekend in which the real enemy was the heat.

These are no sugar canes. Behind in two of the four games played, these scrappy kids clawed and fought to win. If one boy had a problem, and every 11 year-old is going to have problems, others would pick him up. They look out for each other. Most of them have played together in different sports for years.

Gabe Albino, from South Side Little League, got a new bat for his birthday this weekend. I'm not really sure whether it's a bat or a cruise missile launcher. He sent two that are currently being tracked by NASA. When the team was down four runs, and we all thought we were going home, Alex Laudenslager blasted a 2-run homer that ignited the bats like Friday night fireworks at the 'Pigs. Dave Bertolati blasted double after double, and when it was needed.

Kyle Picht and Dat Lambert were like acrobats in the outfield, making diving catches, robbing certain runs.

Thanks to an iPad application, I was able to score the game. Not only does it generate stats (which are only about 80% accurate because this was my first real use), but it actually creates separate stories about each game.

Game 1: "Canes drubs Forks Tp Young Gunz, 12-3"

Game 2: "Canes offense too much for Frozen Ropes Elmsford in 10-2 rout"

Game 3: "Offenses dominate as Canes outscores West End Outlaws 15-12"

Game 4: "Bartolati (pictured left) helps Canes down Frozen Ropes Elmsford 11-6"

How cool is that?

It also creates the scoreboard you see above, at the top of this blog.

How cool is that?

Sunday morning, on my way to get my grandson, I bumped into Express Times editor Joe Owens. He was on his way to a Phillies-Mets game. As great as that is, and it's pretty high on the list for me, I'll take these tournaments any day of the week. These kids love it, and frankly, I don't think they care as much about the score as the rest of us. They just like to be out there, even when the rest of us are dropping like flies.

Dent Supports Hydrogen, Obama Supports Hot Air

LV Congressman Charlie Dent  on Friday was among the majority in a 219-196 vote to support the 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, the fifth of 12 annual funding bills to be considered by the House this year,

Although the measure provides $30.6 billion in funding for programs administered by the Department of Energy (DOE), Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation and other federal agencies. Reflecting the need to control excessive federal spending, funding in the bill is still $5.9 billion below President Obama’s request and $1 billion below 2011 levels.

Instead of spending $1 billion on speculative high speed rail projects, the House wants that money to go to Midwest flood relief.

Dent claims this Energy and Water Bill “strikes a sensible balance between our need to reign in excessive federal spending and provide crucial funding for programs that benefit the American people.”

It includes $116 million for the continued development of hydrogen and fuel cell technology. Dent, a founder and co-chair of the House Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Caucus, rejected President Obama’s proposal to advance other alternative and renewable programs at the expense of hydrogen and fuel cells and worked to ensure more reasonable investment in the promising technology.

“I urge the Obama Administration to promote energy diversification rather than choosing winners and losers. I am glad Congress has embraced an all-of-the-above approach that includes alternative and renewable technologies, domestic oil and natural gas, clean coal and enhanced energy efficiency,” said Rep. Dent. “Hydrogen and fuel cells have the capacity to transform global energy production and consumption. Continued support for this cutting-edge technology will help produce cleaner energy while creating jobs across the nation, including here in the 15th District, and ensure the United States remains the global leader in the development of hydrogen and fuel cells.”

All but ten Democrats nixed the Bill, which moves on to the Senate. They have yet to pass a single funding bill this year.

Dent to Host Veterans Resource Expo This Saturday

LV Congressman Charlie Dent will host a Veterans Resource Expo this Saturday for local veterans and their families at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC). The event will educate veterans, especially those recently returning from service in Iraq or Afghanistan, about the benefits -- education, disability, compensation, and other applicable entitlements -- available through government agencies. Representatives from county, state, and federal veterans’ affairs departments will be on hand to explain their agency’s role in the benefit process and describe the various services they provide veterans and their families. Additionally, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will be available to discuss the Patriot Express Loan program. A Mobile Vet Center from the Veterans Administration’s Wilkes-Barre Medical Center will also be on site.

This Expo will take place between 9 AM and 1 PM at the Community Services Center, Rooms 201a, 201b and 203, 4525 Education Park Drive, Schnecksville, PA.

In Money Race, Dent Way Ahead of Potential Rivals

LV Congressman Charlie Dent once told me there are only two ways to run for office - hard, or unopposed. So it's no surprise that he's wasted no time gearing up for his next contender. He's raised $158,290 this quarter, and $277,872.43 over the entire cycle. He was sitting on $139,648.99 at the end of June. Pennsylvania Avenue provides an overview, and the nitty gritty details from the FEC are here.

In sharp contrast to Dent, Johnny "Casino" Callahan must be spending too much time at the Sands. He's raised no money this quarter, and has only picked up $525 the entire election cycle. His campaign treasury is down to a mere $13,973.58. You can see his FEC report here.

As bad as that is, it's still a little better than Jake "the Manchurian candidate" Towne. He's down to $1, but that's probably because he wants to return to the gold standard.

Big Box Warehouse Coming to Commerce Center Boulevard

A 1,350,000 sq. ft. warehouse, sitting on 107 acres at 2785 Commerce Center Boulevard, might very well be the site of the largest warehouse in the U.S., eclipsing the Coleman Distribution Center in Kansas. That's just a paltry 1 million square feet. That possibility took a step closer to reality on July 14 when Bethlehem planners unanimously approved plans for Liberty Trust property.

The Commerce Center Boulevard site is the largest re-use to date on lands formerly owned by Bethlehem Steel. Plans include 406 parking spaces, as well as room for 695 tractor trailers, which Liberty agreed to phase in gradually.

But when they build it, who will come?

Liberty Senior VP Bob Kiel was coy about a tenant. "I can't be specific about anyone occupying the property," he stated, but warned that "we need to get moving."

In other business, real estate developer Domenic Villani was grudgingly given 60 days to come up with revised plans for 2011 Eaton Avenue. Villani had proposed a nine unit townhouse development on a 0.8 acre tract, but never responded to Planning Department concerns, memorialized in a letter sent to him 25 months ago. Stormwater controls, lane widths and emergency vehicle access, all fail to meet City requirements.

Exasperated at a request for a 30-day extension, planner Steve Thode asked Villani, "What's going to happen in the next 30 days that hasn't happened in the last 25 months?"

Claiming he wants to do a "first class job," Villani told planners, "I just need more time because everything is so expensive."

He also agreed to meet with a parade of concerned neighbors, which appeared to mollify planners.

Correction 11:00 AM: I mistakenly called the Villani townhouse development a 22-unit condo. I have corrected that error, thanks to my astute readers, who are smarter than me I. (See what I mean? One of my readers pointed that out, too.)

Bethlehem Planners Approve Condo on Wrong Side of the Tracks

Despite an emotional appeal from nearby neighbors, Bethlehem City Planners unanimously approved plans for a 22-unit condominium at the southwest corner of Elliott and Mount Airy Avenues during their July 14 meeting. "Our hands are tied," lamented Planning Board member Andrew Twiggar. "If a plan is proposed to us that is within the Ordinance of the City, we pretty much have to follow it."

Located on 2.2 wooded acres in west Bethlehem, Elliott Avenue LLC plans to replace a 2 1/2 story brick building with 4 buildings containing between 4 and 6 condo units. But according to 16th Avenue resident Keith German (pictured left), the site is only thirty yards from a major freight railroad line, fill of engines idling as cars are coupled and decoupled, emitting diesel fumes. "You can't breathe there sometimes," he complained. "You're ruining and overcrowding the City."

Echoing German's concerns, Mount Airy Avenue resident Carmella Monaghan claimed that the increased traffic will make life "a little more dangerous" for neighborhood children. "There's a lot of wildlife back there," she added, mentioning deer, foxes, turkeys and hawks. She accused Keystone Consulting Engineer Kevin Horvath of "ruining something that's really nice. I don't know how you sleep at night."

Martha Christine, of Mt. Airy Avenue, told planners that, in addition to the smell, the crashing noises made by coupling train cars is unbearable. "All conversation has to stop," she claimed, noting it shakes her home's foundation.

Questioned about the possibility of a concrete sound buffer, Horvath told planners it would be prohibitively expensive. He added that the condo itself might block railroad sounds as effectively as the wooded lot, and added that there would be a buffer of evergreens and deciduous trees. He also agreed to a traffic study and to pay for any stop signs that are recommended by the City. "It is not in anyone's interest to have a development that's not going to be marketable," he concluded.

Although sympathetic to neighborhood concerns, Planning Chair Jim Fiorentino noted that their concerns are really with the railroad, not the development. "We can't make Mr. Horvath do anything about the railroad."

Garvin Denies Elected Committeeman the Right to Vote

Last month, when Kiki Schock resigned as Vice Chair of the Northampton County Dems, she had a question. "Why, when we claim we are the party that honors democracy, do we as a committee allow one individual to dismiss the rights of the entire committee and of those whom we represent and say nothing?" Parliamentarian George Treisner walked out of the room as Kiki delivered her final words, calling her a "bitch" on his way out the door. Last night, Party Boss Walt Garvin proved Kiki right by displaying the very behavior she lamented. Ironically, it was in an election to determine her successor. Although I am an elected Committee person, I was denied the right to vote. By Garvin.

The vote, as it turns out, was 41 to 36. Lorraine Pasquali, a useful idiot for the Long Dems, was elected Vice Chair of the Northampton County Democratic Party last night, thanks in large part to 12 proxies filled out in advance. Her opponent, April Niver, never had a chance despite her obviously superior qualifications.

A Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and Director of Project Services at ProJeCt Easton, April (pictured on the left) was defeated by a person who had no paying job at all the last time I checked.

When Pasquali ran for County Council last year, she was clearly the weakest candidate, unable to distinguish between defined benefit and defined contribution pensions. But she will do what Joe Long, Walt Garvin and Charles Dertinger tell her to do.

Although it would have made no difference, Walt Garvin took it upon himself to deny me the right to vote. Banging his gavel and yelling loudly, he claimed that my only recourse to his unilateral action was an appeal to the Executive Committee. Several people were yelling at me in unison, hoping they could shout be down. They could not. I told Garvin that I had the right to vote.

Treisner, the same person who had called Kiki Shock a "bitch," attempted to shout me down and some began to demand that I be physically removed.

That would have required a crane.

Or two.

Pasquali was lauded for organizing a group of Democrats and their union buddies to disrupt a recent Town Hall, conducted by Congressman Charlie Dent. They really loved the way he "squirmed." Garvin bragged that Dent had to have four security guards.

After what happened to U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, I am appalled that anyone would take pleasure in intimidating a U.S. Congressman, Democrat or Republican.

That must out me in violation of some by-law, too.

Before the vote, somebody tried to second a second to Pasquali's nomination, making another speech. And when the candidates spoke, kilt-clad Rolf Treisner decided to have a loud cell phone conversation, effectively thumbing his nose at her.

Clearly, it was an election engineered to go Pasquali's way. Just as clearly, Garvin has no regard for the democratic process. It's what I'd expect from someone denying an elected committeeman the basic right to vote.

On their way out, that chicken hawk (the one I told you about below) swooped down from a perch at NCC and carried off a few Democrats.

Should a Policeman or Fireman With a PFA Be Required to Notify His Boss??

Let's say you're separated from your husband. He's already got a drinking problem. Now, he begins texting you 200 times a day, leaving vile messages. Let's say he kicks in your door, and throws something at you, drawing blood. Let's say he throws you around a bit and knocks you unconscious, forcing you to go to the hospital for stitches. Let's say he also has an arsenal of firearms, including four shotguns.

Would you want a person just like him responding when you call emergency personnel to complain?

That's why I think any police officer, fireman or other emergency responder should be required, as a condition of continued employment, to report PFAs that have been filed against them.

At this time last year, a local firefighter was engaged in the very kind of abuse I've just described. A PFA was sought and obtained. No article appeared in any newspaper. So far as I can ascertain, no disciplinary action was instituted. Because this is a year old and the PFA has now expired, I'll keep his name and the municipality where he works to myself, at least for now.

But I wonder whether local municipalities have policies concerning this kind of behavior. I have asked a few, and am waiting for some answers.

What do you think?

Red-Tailed Hawk Visits NCC Orientation

This red-tailed hawk mysteriously appeared just in time for student orientation at Northampton Community College's Bethlehem Township campus last night. He left after learning that no flying classes are being offered. Budget cuts.

Northampton County Dems were meeting at NCC, too, so he may have been hunting for rats. Or bloggers.

Time to Crash the Democrat Party

Once again, the Northampton County Dems are having a party, and they've failed to invite me.

Sure, I support nearly as many Republicans as Democrats, especially on a local level. In fact, instead of pissing $2 million down the drain in another goofy attempt to dump Congressman Charlie Dent, I think Northampton County Dems should either support him or at least turn their head the other way while most of us continue to vote for him.

This is probably a violation of some by-law, but party boss Walt Garvin has yet to give them to me. Walt Garvin himself is in fact featured on the party web page with Not-So-Jolly Joe Timmer, a rabid conservative Republican who ran for Bethlehem City Council about 3,000 years ago and finished dead last. On his radio station, Timmer currently features conservative libertarian Dennis Miller, and before that, hosted Bill O'Reilly. They make Dent look like Jimmy Carter.

Now, just like the tea party, Democrats were supposed to have some trial to eject me as a member. But instead of going to all that trouble and following the by-laws he is trying to use against me, Garvin has decided instead to just ignore me and refuse to send me notices of upcoming meetings.

This just pisses off other Democrats. They may not share my views, but resent a party boss just excluding someone on his own.

So I've received about 20 notices that tonight, at Northampton Community College, Room 190, Main Floor, a new Vice Chair will be elected. According to Garvin, "The election of Vice-Chair will be the only business conducted at this meeting."

I wonder if that will change when I crash the party.

I wonder if Barron von Footinmouth will be wearing his kilt.

Tempest in a Lehigh Valley Teapot

A few days ago, Kim Schmidtner resigned as the LV Tea Party Chair. Her temporary successor, Barbara Walters, stepped down yesterday. So did Secretary Joan Campbell, who quit the Executive Board as well. Campbell cites "continued personal attacks by members of the board." That's not all. One of its most active participants, Donna Baver Rovito, has bailed out as Chair of its Health Care Reform Committee. Rovito notes "animosity, paranoia, and desire for control" from two unnamed members of the Executive Board, but she is obviously referring to King Joe Hilliard and Queen Kim Schmidtner.

This infighting is a dispute over the local party's continued role. Should it be strictly an educational group that meets once every month to listen to some speaker drone on about high taces? Or should it take a more active role in the political process? Exec Board members Joe Hilliard and Kim Schmidtner prefer the lecture circuit, and the result has been a dwindling membership. Some formerly active members, like Chris Miller, left long ago because he was actively discouraged from taking an active role in the political process. Mat Benol, the first elected chair, stepped down in February, amidst accusations that he was too chummy with Congressman Charlie Dent.

During my trial, I learned that the local tea party has yet to file for 501(c)(3) status. So there really is nothing holding them back if they want to be more political, except their own by-laws. Those can be amended.

Although the tea party espouses greater individual freedom in principle, its leadership has operated in the shadows. A mysterious "Executive Board" decides everything without rank-and-file members having a clue, and then refuse to post their minutes online. Mat Benol asks,"Shouldn't the LVTP show the same transparency that we ask in our Government?" In addition, they've posted pronouncements on their web page, but lock the topic to bar further discussion. I am still barred from the site, except as a "guest." That's a direct violation of the decision of rank-and-file members.

The tea party meets monthly at the Chrin Community Center in Palmer Township. But guess what? The agreement is in Benol's name. Hilliard and Schmidtner have been told that they'll need to find a new place to meet because a new group is forming, and they'll be using the Chrin building.

My suspicion is that there will either be a new, politically-focused tea party, or the entire group will disintegrate.

Regionalism a Hard Sell in Upper Mount Bethel

See the tough-looking guy in the picture? That's Ed Nelson, who chairs the Upper Mount Bethel
Township Board of Supervisors. I dropped in on one of their meetings last night, hoping to follow some of the interesting swampland v. farmland debate that's been taking place. On one side, we have the very earnest "Save the salamanders" cartel, led by Judy Henckel. On the other side, we have farmers who are struggling to survive. Should EIT money, collected in Upper Mount Bethel for open space, go to farmers or frogs?

I arrived late, partly because I was at another meeting earlier that never happened, and partly because I was lost. So I missed most of the heated exchanges that took place during the first hour of a three-hour meeting in a crowded room with no air conditioning.

But I thought I'd take some pictures. After my third shot, Nelson looked at me ominously and asked, "Are you a member of the press?"

"I'm a blogger," I answered.

Nelson still seemed unsure until Solicitor Ron Karasek advised, "That's Bernie the Blogger."

The Chair still seemed suspicious until I added, "I'm a bottom feeder, too."

After that, he liked me. Even Judy Henckel give me a little smile.

Upper Mount Bethel has recently learned that there are water "concerns" in three areas - Slateford, Jacoby Creek basin and Martins Creek basin. In fact, supervisors are considering requiring no-fee well-drilling permits to see just how bad the problem really is throughout the 44 square-mile township. In addition, Supervisor Joe Battillo proposed meeting with Portland Borough to discuss possible areas or regional cooperation, like water and sewer.

"Like a peace mission?" asked Nelson, who agreed to join Battillo.

But one person who won't be involved at all is Supervisor Jerry Geake. "Nobody wants to hear what I got to say about them," he grumbled.

From the peanut gallery, Ron Angle reminded Geake that, once before, Portland offered to extend water and sewer into Upper Mount Bethel and the Township turned them down.

"No we did not," blurted out Geake. "They're lying."

At that point, Angle suggested sending President Jimmy Carter.

Regionalism is great in theory, but very difficult in practice.

Later that night, the Township rejected bids for waste hauling, solicited through the Slate Belt COG. Once again, Geake hated the "process" and would prefer to deal with garbage haulers alone.

More Angle Disinformation Refuted

"Ron Angle won't let Bangor inspect his rental properties, so they're taking him to court in September." That's what Lehigh Valley "Independent" gleefully reports. Sounds very bad, doesn't it?

Except it's complete bullshit.

Bangor Borough Zoning Officer Rick Fisher tells me Angle has always permitted inspections of his rental properties, although it's sometimes hard to get together with this whirlwind. No action has been filed, nothing is scheduled for September, and Fisher has not even written to Angle about these inspections. "It's not exactly very high on my list of priorities."

Bangor does require an inspection at rental properties every four years. As Fisher explains it, it usually takes several phone calls before he can inspect, but he's not worried. All of Angle's rental properties have been inspected at least once, and in the last four years.

Blogger Jonathan Geeting should have checked his source, a local hate blog intent on removing every Northampton County Council member with an "R" behind his or her name.  Angle is up for re-election, so he's being muddied up with disinformation. Geeting must know this, but what's a lie here and there if it gets rif of Angle, eh?

David Christian Weighing Senate Bid

From Skip Salvesen: One of the most decorated Vietnam War veterans and youngest Captains of the U.S. Army, David A. Christian of Bucks County, announced his launch of an Exploratory Committee to survey a bid for the 2012 U.S. Senate seat currently held by Bob Casey Jr.


Christian, a veteran’s advocate and Philadelphia businessman, has worked with various federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Labor, under four U.S. Presidential Administrations in Washington D.C. He is especially proud of his work in developing jobs, outreach programs and assisting returning war veterans in transitioning back to civilian life. Christian has consistently demonstrated his commitment to veterans. He was responsible for drafting some of the first Agent Orange legislation and for founding assistance programs which established Pennsylvania as the first and only state in compliance with federal regulations with respect to serving employment needs combat veterans.

Christian now works as a business consultant with clients both in the United States and abroad. He has extensive knowledge in domestic & international affairs with an emphasis on humanitarian and nation-building efforts (Cambodia/Former USSR/Middle East). He also presently serves as executive at a Philadelphia-based manufacturing company with over 50 employees.


“I plan to speak with and listen to Pennsylvanians throughout the state to examine the opportunities available in this possible bid to unseat Senator Bob Casey Jr.,” asserted Christian. “In this tough economic period, people are continuing to lose their homes and their jobs because of failed the policies of President Obama and Senator Casey. Right now we need tested leaders with business experience to unleash the natural talents of our citizens and reignite the American promise of unlimited opportunity for all.” Christian, a former Airborne Ranger and Green Beret, is a graduate of Officer Candidate School. He is also a graduate of Villanova University and the Rutgers University Law School.


David Christian serves as a board member on several organizations including The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors and The Legion of Valor; the nation’s oldest veterans’ organization. He is the recipient of many citations and awards including two recommendations for the Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, as well as numerous other honors for valor. He and his wife, Peggy, reside in Southeastern PA and have four children.

This story is also reported at Pennsylvania Avenue.

Dueling Point Guards

In the dog days of Summer, between swings of the bat, some kids still find time for basketball. Liberty's feeder Canes team, full of 6th graders, waged war on Nazareth on Saturday. Many people were killed.

(My photography is terrible)
.

Say Hi to Bob Werner

Rev. Mike Dowd performed the wedding ceremony for Bob Werner's oldest daughter. Their wives taught together. Werner considers Dowd a friend. But he's running against him for Northampton County Council.

I met Werner on Saturday, as my grandson and I waited in line for 20 hours to go through the 150th Pa. Civil War Roadshow in Easton. That took three minutes, after which we went to the Sigal Museum and refused to pay them $7 a head to tour another Civil War exhibit for another three minutes.

"We're a nonprofit," huffed one of the ladies behind the counter. "Yeah, you're also publicly funded, and your doors should be open for more than blue bloods, at least one frickin' day a year," I retorted as my grandson pretended he did not know me.

Bob missed that. He was working as a volunteer at the road show.

I hope to tell you more about his campaign in the months to come. I believe Mike Dowd is one of the finest members of Council that I've ever seen, but Werner seems like a class act himself.