Bethlehem City Council Advances Meaningless Hiring Freeze

Last night, Bethlehem City Council's Finance Committee voted 2-1 to advance a meaningless hiring freeze to the full Council for a vote in May. It won't make a damn bit of difference to City finances, but that's not the point. In future campaigns, Mike Recchiuti and Bryan Callahan will be able to pretend they are fiscal conservatives who drew the line and crap like that. But other than the political gain, there's no point.

Earlier that night, Director of Community and Economic Development Director Alicia Karner wanted staffing in her department increased by one or two people to handle the workload that will come with the CRIZ. David Brong found a way to make it budget neutral. But Callahan and Recchiuti voted No because the City is in dire financial straights. Eric Evan countered the best way to change that is by increasing revenue with the CRIZ, but their minds were made up.

Amazingly, right after refusing to listen to some pretty powerful arguments for CRIZ staffing, which the City agreed to provide in its application to the state, Callahan claimed City Council would listen to administration pitches for hiring staff.

"I don't think we're going to be hard of hearing," he said, right after listening to the administration point out that these jobs are needed for what is expected to be $538 million in development.

He sounds deaf to me.

As for the hiring freeze, about half the City's workforce is exempt. It doesn't cover fire, police or EMS. They will also make sure it doesn't affect seasonal employees. When all the exemptions are considered, it might affect three positions for two months, a point noted by nonvoting member Adam Waldron.

"It's more like a chill," he observed.

So then what's the point?

Aside from the question whether Council has the right to stick its nose into day-to-day administrative affairs, Business Administrator David Brong told them it simply won't work. Other things will, he noted, like consolidations within departments, the increased use of technology and elimination of non-core functions.

"A Council-imposed hiring freeze takes the reins of leadership away from those who run the City," Brong argued. "Abandon this hiring freeze and let us do our jobs."

Brong called it an "irritant" and "token effort."

"How much mileage are we really going to get out of this?" he asked.

That depends on whether you are interested in government or politics.

Molovinsky Speaks to Sam Bennett

Newspapers generally shy away from coverage of political races especially when they're three years away. Besides, in urban growth regimes like Allentown, democracy is pretty much dead. But Allentown blogger Michael Molovinsky, who prefers opinion pieces, did a fairly balanced interview with possible Allentown mayoral candidate Siobhan Sam Bennett yesterday. He even took notes.

It's very well done, and I recommend anyone from Allentown to give it a read.

Dolan on Thin Ice With Ethics Act

In recent posts, I've told you about Bethlehem City Council member Karen Dolan. She has used the authority of her public office, as well as confidential information received through her holding public office, to benefit a nonprofit at which she's the paid Executive Director. That, according to the state Ethics Act, is a conflict of interest. But it's an admonition she has repeatedly ignored. According to informed sources, she did precisely what the law condemns this past weekend, in an email to the Mayor. She threatened to prevent Council from reviewing a proposed lease for the Illick's Mill. One that would actually require her to pay utilities and rent. Let me tell you the story.

Dolan, a City Council member since 2006, is the paid Executive Director of what is known as the Gertrude B. Fox Environmental Center. That's a nonprofit known to most of us as Illick's Mill. She failed to file nonprofit tax returns (990s) for three years in a row, which ultimately resulted in the revocation of her nonprofit status with the IRS. While working to get it back, she continued accepting grants and public assistance. While her status was revoked, she gave a misleading interview to The Express Times. She touted a $170,000 budget and announced wedding receptions at the site.

Most of her old board members abandoned ship. The ones she has now were not around when the 501c3 status was pulled.

At a recent Parks Committee meeting, where she conveniently happens to be the Chair, she advocated easing up on booze restrictions in City parks, where Illick's Mill hosts wedding receptions. That's an ethical conflict, though she countered that all nonprofits in City parks would benefit.

In the meantime, questions have begun to arise. Why is there no recent record of Illick's Mill paying any utilities? Why did the City suddenly start providing her with free heating oil? Why does she pay no rent? Why was the $127,000 owed to the City just "written off", according to an independent audit of City finances.

When I met with her in February, she told me she had a valid lease and was paying utilities. That was untrue. I have learned recently that she stopped paying utilities several years ago, in 2011, or perhaps even earlier. She has told others that utilities are not being paid until there's a new lease.

As Right to Know requests have descended upon Bethlehem like a plague of locusts, the City decided it's time for a new lease at Illick's Mill. It was on the agenda for Wednesday night's City Council meeting, and you can see it yourself under "back up documents." (Sublease Agreement Illicks Mill).

This proposed lease is pretty much like the old lease, with two major exceptions. This one calls for monthly rent of $300 and requires the nonprofit to pay for utilities.

Even heating oil.

Dolan, who really should have no public role in the finances of an entity that pays her a salary, nevertheless had to weigh in.

Over the weekend, she sent several emails to the Mayor, in which she specifically stated she would prevent the lease from being considered by Council.

Quite clearly, she is in violation of the Ethics Act.

Section 1103(a) of the Ethics Act states, "No public official or public employee shall engage in conduct that constitutes a conflict of interest." The Act defines "conflict of interest" as the "[u]se by a public official or public employee of the authority of his office or employment or any confidential information received through his holding public office or employment for the private pecuniary benefit of himself, a member of his immediate family or a business with which he or a member of his immediate family is associated."

As recently as this weekend, Dolan was using the authority of her public office and confidential information she obtained by virtue of her public office, to threaten to keep the proposed lease from Council.

Dolan is now telling The Express Times that she met with the Mayor concerning a lease earlier this year. That's a violation of the Ethics Act.  She acknowledges that she somehow talked former Mayor John Callahan into waiving utilities completely and to even start supplying heating oil. Of course, that's her third story now. She told me she was paying utilities and told someone else she was waiting for a new lease. Now it's blame Callahan time. It's also another conflict of interest by her. Maybe Callahan was getting hounded. Or maybe there's a fourth story.

One Express Times reader sums things up quite nicely:

"So, let me get this straight. The organization for which a city councilwoman is a paid employee gets a special break on rent and utilities while taxpayers and businesses have to pay their taxes, which she has no doubt voted yes to increase? Something smells about this entire situation. Maybe she personally would be willing to pay my utilities. Sounds like a fair trade to me."

What smells is a conflict of interest.

So who cares about an Ethics Act violation? The Commission will make a ruling ten years after everyone is dead right? Wrong. Whether Dolan knows it or not, that conflict of interest provision in the Ethics Act is exactly what then Attorney General Corbett used to go after state representatives who were using state employees to run their political campaign. The Court noted three elements to the offense: " (1) the defendant was a public official;  (2) the defendant knowingly or intentionally used the authority of his or her office for private pecuniary gain;  and (3) the gain was more than de minimis."

Dolan is a public official. She is knowingly and intentionally using the authority of her office to avoid rent and utilities at a nonprofit that pays her a salary. The gain is certainly more than de minimis.

The ice beneath her is cracking.

According to a Morning Call account, Board Chair Andrew Bollinger is now speaking for Fox Environmental, not Dolan. He and the Mayor have talked. No threats. The Mayor is willing to negotiate terms, but the free ride is over. Bollinger and his Board appear to be tired of the hole Dolan is digging for them.

Someone needs to relay that message to Dolan.

This nature center should continue, thanks to the hard work of many people over the years, not just Dolan. If she cared about its mission, she'd resign. In fact she needs to leave City Council as well.

Cartwright To Host Service Academy Day in Easton

WHAT: Congressman Matt Cartwright will host Service Academy Day.  Representatives from the United States Military Academy at West Point, United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, United States Coast Guard at New London and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point will be on hand to provide interested high school students and their families from the 17th Congressional District, with information on the general requirements and qualifications for the nomination process.

WHEN:

Saturday, April 26, 2014

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

WHERE:

Easton Area High School

801 Bushkill Drive

Easton, PA 18040

HOW:    Event is open to press.  For interviews or additional information please contact Shane Seaver, 202-225-5546, shane.seaver@mail.house.gov

Brown To Hold Town Hall in Bangor

Northampton County Executive John Brown is still spending taxpayer money to make him look good. In what is hopefully the last news release from a publicly funded propaganda, Sahl Communications has announced that Brown will host a "town hall " in what should be familiar territory to him - Bangor. 

It will be on Monday, 6:30 pm, at Bangor Town Hall. The news release also describes the County as a $1 billion economic development engine. 

While I admire Brown's willingness to reach out to the public, I hate the publicly funded puff piece from a propaganda machine. But at least there were no spelling errors. 

Deputy Sheriffs Easter Egg Hunt Big Hit For 9 YOs

Elizabeth Skorochod, center, fills up her basket

Northampton County's Deputy Sheriffs conducted their annual Easter Egg hunt in Saturday at Louise Moore Park, thanks to donations from County Council, Sam's Club and Just Born. Over 200 children participated, but the 9 YOs ruled. They picked up all the eggs in their field, then moved over into a field intended for the older kids and grabbed as many as they could while their bigger brothers and sisters moaned.  

Leading the charge of the younger kids were Nicholas Zieger, brothers Cade and Jack Campbell and Gabe Kuehner (in baseball cap).

This young man easily gathered the most eggs in the two and under contest. His trick was remaining hunched over the entire time.

The Easter Bunny made a guest appearance, too, but Rice Williams wasn't too sure whether to trust a six-foot tall pooka.

It could be Jim Gregory.

Executive John Brown was there, speaking to County workers.

You can see more pictures on my Facebook Page.

DeSalva Out at Northampton County

Steve DeSalva, Director of Public Works under Northampton County Executive John Stoffa, is apparently no longer with the County. Employed with the County for over eight years, DeSalva was responsible for the completion of a controversial courthouse expansion and juvenile detention facility that had started under Glenn Reibman. He was the sole engineer employed, and was often the scapegoat for cost overruns and nightmares at the aging Wolf Building and Gracedale campus. Known for sixty-hour work weeks, nobody ever questioned his work ethic.

DeSalva was replaced as Director of Public Works by Allentown's Richard Young late last month. It was thought that he would remain as a Deputy under Young. But according to highly placed County officials, Steve is gone.I have no additional details.

Crackpot Radio

Bobby Gunther Walsh's WAEB radio show is well-known as a local conservative stronghold. For that reason alone, it is despised and loved. It is a place where Scott Ott, Glenn Eckhart, Hayden Phillips and other right wing officials can get some free advertising. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, I've listened to a few over the years, and sometimes find myself in agreement. But in recent weeks, Gunther has logged interviews with a trifecta of nutbags. People who are so far out there that they ruin whatever conservative or good government message he is trying to convey. Let me give you some of the details.

Heidi Markow. - I first saw her in action outside the Northampton County Courthouse, where she convened a news conference and pep rally to condemn a plea agreement for a wife beater. Along the way, she falsely accused Pennsylvania state troopers of indifference and inaction. As a supposed victim advocate, she substituted her own inexperienced judgment for that of professional prosecutors whose job is to achieve justice, not vengeance.

Ron Shegda. - This dude is so nutty that even the local tea party dumped him. I first became aware of him in 2006, when I saw his "Ron Shegda For Public Office" web page. He has a mentally challenged adult sister who was taken from him, and has lashed out at everyone in Northampton County, from caseworkers to John Stoffa. He also befriended other local whack jobs. When you see all the hate comments directed at Stoffa and former Human Services Director Ross Marcus, you know where some of them are coming from.

The Blog Mentor.- This fellow, whose name can't and won't be mentioned here, believes there's a massive conspiracy against him that includes bloggers, newspapers, TV stations, attorneys, the DA, judges, college professors and a Catholic priest. He actually wishes death on people.

With these three stooges, I have to ask what is wrong with Gunther. What does he have against Human Services and DA Jim Martin? Is he still bitter over his own experience?

What's truly sad is that, despite what Gunther says about being willing to listen to the other side, he knows that Human Services and the DA are unable to discuss cases that are still active. So my conclusion is that he is pursuing a vendetta of his own, just like these guests.

I'm sure it attracts lots of listeners.

But maybe he should get them on Coast to Coast. They'd fit right in with the aliens and anal probes. 

A Tale of Two Nonprofits

One of the Lehigh Valley's more worthwhile nonprofits is New Bethany Ministries, whose simple goal is "to create opportunities for a secure future for the homeless, hungry, poor and mentally ill of the Lehigh Valley." One of their biggest fundraisers is Luminaria Night. Simple votive candles, inside a white bag, light up the Christmas City each December. More importantly, the money raised helps people with nowhere else to turn. You'd think Bethlehem would go out of its way to help this worthy effort. But Bethany, unlike the Fox Environmental Center (Illick's Mill), has no City Council person at the helm.

Last December, while City Council person Karen Dolan basked in a rent-free Mill, warming up with free heating oil supplied by Parks and Public Property Director Ralph Carp, it was freezing inside the pool house a stone's throw away along Illick's Mill Road. New Bethany's Debbie Delgrosso was shoveling the snow, which the City had not done. Eventually, she got help from some people who stopped by for their luminaries.

Carp also charged New Bethany for the use of the pool house to distribute luminaries.

The difference between these two nonprofits is that one of them is run by a City Council member and one is not.

This kind of favoritism is why Dolan should resign from City Council, where she just happens to chair the Parks Committee.

Randy Miller Resigns as Chair of NorCo Police Chiefs

On April 9, former Northampton County Sheriff and Bethlehem Police Commissioner Randy Miller stepped down as Chair of the County Police Chiefs' Association. He did so after hearing that Executive John Brown refuses to work with him or any group in which he's involved. Rather than jeopardize the Police Chiefs' Association, Miller stepped down.

If what Miller heard is true, that is a bush league move. But Miller has reacted with the class and dignity he brought to his office and department.

For the past three years, I have taken great pride in leading this esteemed organization. It has been an honor and a privilege working with each and every one of you, and I feel it is my duty to explain the circumstances of my resignation. On March 14, 2014, I was contacted by a fellow chief and member who had recently met with the current Northampton County Executive, John Brown. This member informed me that Mr. Brown explicitly stated he would not work or meet with any committee that I was a part of, and if I participated in future endeavors it would compromise any involvement Mr. Brown or the county has in rectifying the current precarious situation with the Central Booking Center (CBC). As you know, I have and will continue to always put the safety of our community and fellow law enforcement members above any personal interests or opinions. If Mr. Brown feels that my presence in this association is more detrimental than the current issues that need to be resolved with the CBC, then I am willing to – albeit reluctantly – remove myself as to not hinder any future work or advancements this association is working towards. Despite his abrupt and unfounded act of removing me from the position of Northampton County Sheriff earlier this year, I will continue striving towards the utmost professionalism in all my endeavors. I would have welcomed a meeting to work with Mr. Brown as representative of this association on this issue or any other. However, it is abundantly clear that Mr. Brown does not feel the same. The Northampton County Chiefs Association may not be a county-run organization but I understand, as do all of you, cooperation and collaboration with the county and its representatives is key to our success. While I disagree with his stance, I recognize Mr. Brown as an important stakeholder in achieving this association’s goals. Unfortunately, he feels my role as part of the association will only handicap our working with the county going forward.

After 30 years in law enforcement and 15 years as an active member of this organization, this is not an easy decision for me to make, but I recognize the needs of the association and all our officers and deputies must take precedence over any personal issues.

I whole-heartedly thank you for the honor of being elected as your chairman for the past three years. I wish each and every one of you continued success in all of your endeavors and look forward to once again participating in the association if I obtain a future chief’s position in our county.

Dent Applauds Court's NCAA Ruling

My grandson: one of the last at JoePa's statue

Yesterday, a seven-judge panel of the Commonwealth Court issued a ruling in a dispute involving the Pennsylvania Senate, Penn State and the NCAA. Speaking for the Court, Judge Anne E. Covey was critical of the $60 million fine and other sanctions imposed as a result of the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal. The Court refused to overturn a recently enacted sate law that would require the fine to be spent on child protective services in Pennsylvania.

She blasted NCAA sanctions.

"High school athletes who had no involvement in the criminal acts were prevented from obtaining a free college education. Student-athletes, trainers, coaches and support personnel who were taught and trained to be and do their best were stopped from competing and student-athletes from other colleges and universities were also precluded from competing against them by the prohibition against post-season play. Student-athletes, trainers, coaches, administrators and support personnel who had excelled in their jobs through hard work, practice, commitment, team work, sportsmanship, excellence and perseverance were told none of that mattered."

Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent, who has previously proposed legislation that would require greater transparency and accountability from the NCAA, and has urged the restoration of all PSU scholarships, is quite pleased with the decision.

“I wholeheartedly applaud the decision by the Commonwealth Court. As I have repeatedly said, the $60 million in taxpayer money should remain in the state. All of the money – not just 25% of it – should be used to protect Pennsylvania’s children.

He calls the decision "a great step to benefit Pennsylvania’s kids. What great news!"

Along Came Jones

In February, I told you about the shitstorm that erupted in Upper Mount Bethel when Bangor School Director Toni Lynch pranced into the Mount Bethel Diner and began showing off his new cellphone, which he had programmed to play Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyres." He insisted on playing it in front of local bastard Mark Thatcher, who warned Lynch the Valkyres would soon be riding right into the toilet if he didn't knock it off. Lynch refused to let up, so Thatcher grabbed the cellphone, marched off to the can and drowned the Valkyries. 

Kerplunk!

The second Ron Angle heard something go into the toilet, he went flying in there himself. There might be sludge. He considers that black gold, even with the occasional piece of corn. Angle had some buddies fish the phone out and tried to dry it out in a bowl of rice. But the Valkyries would sing no more. They had gone on their last great ride.

Furious, Lynch marched off to the state police, who promptly charged Thatcher with murdering Lynch's cell phone.

Despite Angle's offer to speak in Thatcher's defense, he wisely pleaded guilty.

Story over, right?

Wrong.

Yesterday, Lynch walked into the Mount Bethel Diner with his new cell phone. He had programmed this one to play, "Along Came Jones", and insisted on playing it repeatedly to fellow School Director Dennis Jones.

Jones apparently hates those damn cell phone songs as much as Thatcher. He grabbed the phone out of Lynch's hand, and threw it against the wall.

There goes Jones.

With the phone shattered in pieces, Angle tells me he's bringing duct tape into the diner tomorrow to fix the phone for Lynch.

State Senator Boscola Accused of Drunken Assault at Harrisburg Bar

I have attempted to contact Benuck and Senator Boscola without success. A manager at Brickhaus tells me she was not working last night, and will inquire with the owner. But she also told me he probably won't call back because it could affect his business.

A few hours after this blog posted, The Inky's Commonwealth Confidential ran with it after speaking to Boscola. The Senator admits she was at the bar, which apparently is a Republican hangout, admits she was tossed, but denies hitting anyone. She declines to say whether she was drinking, although that seems highly likely.

There are also accounts at PolitcsPa and The Express Times.

Boscola had statements for everyone but the person who broke the story.

Updated 9:25 pm

Lehigh Valley Farmland Disappearing

The Northampton County farmer

Lynn Prior, who is with the Greater LV Buy Fresh, Buy Local program, released the findings of an unsettling study concerning the are'a local agricultural industry. This report is based on 2007 census data, so it is a pre-recession report. But the basic conclusion is that not only is farmland disappearing, but so is the farmer.

According to her study, the Lehigh Valley lost 80% of its farms between 1930, when there were 5,032 farms, and 2007, when only 1,002 farms remained. The acres of land devoted to farmland has dropped 53%, from 323,000 acres in 1930 to 153,000 in 2007.

Since Americans require an average of one acre of farmland per person every year, 153,000 acres will only sustain about 25% the Lehigh Valley's population of 647,232.

In addition to the loss of farmland and farmers, the farmer is disappearing as well. The number of farmers under the age of 35 dropped by 37% between 1997 and 2007. Only 17% of farmers actually own the land they farm because land values are prohibitive.

To reverse this process, Prior's organization encourages (1) educating consumers about locally grown foods, including a farm to school program that introduces children to the farmers who grow their food; (2) marketing assistance to local farmers; (3) improving food access in low income neighborhoods; and (4) a Lehigh Valley Food Hub to increase the amount of local food sold in local restaurants and grocers.

Hanover Township is On Target

Add caption

"On target" was the operative phrase when Hanover Township Supervisors met on April 8.

Construction of Village View Park, a 25-acre complex including four playing fields for soccer, lacrosse and field hockey, is well under way. After approving about $132,000 in payments to Livengood Excavating, Chair John Diacogiannis asked Township Engineer Jim Milot how things were progressing.

"On target," answered Township Manager Jay Finnigan.

"I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to him," said the Chair, referring to Milot.

"On target," answered Milot. He added that the $849,000 project will be finished by the end of June.

Open space money from Northampton County, a gaming grant from Monroe County and land donations from the Lehigh Valley International Airport is what made this park possible.

In other business, Supervisors unanimously agreed to appoint Robert Cepin as Recreation Director, with an annual $43,000 salary. Currently the Assistant Director, Cepin was chosen from a field of 80 applicants, 15 of whom were interviewed. Cepin will be assisted by Joshua Aniskecich, who was appointed unanimously with an annual salary of $35,000. Aniskecich was the Recreation Director in Perkasie.

Public Works Director Vince Milite told the Board that he and his crew have started street sweeping, working north to south. He asked residents to check the Township web page to see daily locations. Residents are requested to find other parking than on streets designated for sweeping.

Milite also warned about the potholes that sprout up this time of year. "They are horrible, but we're on 'em as soon as they pop up," he told Supervisors. Until hot asphalt can be used, potholes will continue to open every one to two days. The Township web page warns, "All drivers should drive carefully and be aware of the potholes."

Bethlehem Tp Approves $10 Million Line of Credit For Big Ticket Needs

At their April 7 meeting, Bethlehem Township Commissioners unanimously approved a 5-year line of credit for big ticket items in the upcoming years. These include a $1.2 million aerial fire truck, other fire vehicles and roadway improvements. Finance Director Andrew Freda told Commissioners that the credit line would only be drawn on as needed over the next five years, with a very favorable 2.6% fixed interest rate.

Approximately half of the funding for the new firetruck - $550,000 - is included in a grant application to the Northampton County Gaming Board.

"It's a $10 million line of credit, not a $10 million loan," cautioned Comm'r Michael Hudak. President Tom Nolan agreed, noting that the certification for the fire truck is set to expire. "These are issues that we can't ignore for too long before we get in trouble."

There was no objection or questions from members of the public.

In other business, Commissioners decided against requesting the Parks and Recreation Board to consider relaxing rules to permit dogs at Housenick Park, as well a wine and cheese party that a local State Representative wanted to host.

A big part of the problem, at least in the mind of Comm'r Phil Barnard, is whether they've ever really decided how this park, part of the Archibald Johnston estate, should be used. "I don't know if we truly defined what we're going to do there," he wondered.

Hudak noted that alcohol is permitted by permit in part of the community park, but it's in the open, under supervision and near rest facilities. Housenick, he noted, is a more secluded area.

Comm'r Marty Zawarski thinks the idea is premature. "I'm not in favor of going down that road and allowing alcohol," he reasoned, noting he might change his thinking as the park is developed.

The request to allow dogs into Housenick Park came from Karen Berry, who told Commissioners that many people stay away because they are unable to bring their dogs. She, herself, owns no dog. "I don't have a dog in this race she laughed."

Noting he had been down this road many times before, Hudak gave a detailed explanation why he opposes dogs in Township parks, based on what he sees during walks along the Lehigh River towpath. "There's constantly dog feces there," he complained. "It's not just the solid waste of the dog. It's the liquid waste that's just as destructive," he argued, noting most parents would be disgusted to see their children rolling around on grass where had just urinated.

So for now, dogs, are completely banned at Housenick. State Representatives are OK, but must leave the wine and cheese in Harrisburg.

Allentown's Third Sustain-a-Ball Set For ABW

Allentown's Environmental Advisory Council will host its third Sustain-a-Ball on Saturday, May 6, at the Allentown Brew Works. The Ball starts at 6 pm and will cost you $35. If you're a student, they'll knock it down to $20.  The proceeds are to benefit the Queen City's community garden projects.

I believe Ron Angle will be a featured speaker. His "Shit! It's What's For Dinner" lecture series, about the application of sludge to even community farms, has been drawing raves from environmentalists. I have no doubt they intend to give him a major award.

"Hey, everybody wants fresh, right? Well you can't get fresher than this!" he said, holding raw sewage from the Jordan Creek in his hands.

"This does amazing things to asparagus."

I missed the first two balls primarily because I didn't know about them and had no money anyway. But I might sneak in this time because I've never met Richard Fegley from ABW.

Judge McFadden: Mezzacappa Must Pay For Her Own Lawsuits

Last week, West Easton's Tricia Mezzacappa responded to a $67,140 defamation verdict against her, not with an apology or an ounce of remorse, but a lawsuit. She filed a retaliatory lawsuit against me for libel and other things I still haven't quite figured out. She asked the Court to excuse her from paying filing fees and other court costs because she's broke, and also made the same request in the libel case I already have against her. Essentially, she wanted taxpayers to subsidize the lawsuits she has planned for all her perceived enemies.

Fortunately, a Judge has said No.

This is due in very large part to a blog that Matt Dees wrote at WestEastonPa. It infuriated Mezzacappa so much she called state police. It made her so angry she called Dees to threaten him with libel. It provoked her so much she showed it to Judge F.P. Kimberly McFadden, and demanded that her claims of poverty be sealed from prying eyes.  

Fortunately, the Judge said No.

What Mezzacappa filed is what is known as an “in forma pauperis” petition (IFP). Those are pretty perfunctory, and are granted liberally, and for good reason. Access to the courts is very important, especially for those with little means. In fact, Judge McFadden initially granted Mezzacappa's IFPs. Then she read the Dees blog that Mezzacappa insisted she see, and did a 180. Judge McFadden vacated her Orders, and scheduled a hearing. She even vacated the Order on a third IFP that Mezzacappa had obtained for a Superior Court appeal of her harassment conviction.

Maybe Mezzacappa should have thought twice before presenting a blog that pretty much does her in.

I learned of the Thursday hearing on Tuesday afternoon, at the same time I was told I had been sued again. It was too late to notify Attorney Rick Orloski, so I went to the hearing alone.

Allowing her to proceed IFP would open the floodgates to all kinds of baseless complaints against half the County. Even more troubling, she was pulling a fast one. She's no pauper.

1. Mezzacappa’s Home and Car are Owned Free and Clear of Liens

Mezzacappa owns her West Easton home, valued by Zillow at $73,829, free and clear of all liens. Real estate records in the Recorder’s office reveal that she acquired title to this property on 3/5/99, for $57,000 consideration. She took out a $51,300 mortgage the same date. She paid off that mortgage on 2/13/14, and owns the property free and clear.

Did she do that by offering free massages? Obviously, she had income she was not disclosing to this Court because she wanted to burden taxpayers with the cost of frivolous litigation instead of paying her own way.

At the hearing, Mezzacappa denied she still owned the property, noting she had conveyed it to her mother earlier in the day for no consideration. That's obviously a fraudulent conveyance, and she damaged herself with that obvious attempt to hide an asset.

She also owns a 2008 Toyota RAV, free and clear. That has to be worth at least $15,000, but she can't pay $250 to file a lawsuit and have it served?

How many of us can say that both our home and car are paid off?

II. IFP Petitions Inconsistent with Filed Statement of Financial Interests

In her petition, Mezzaccappa claims her sole source of income is the $200-500 she gets monthly from some outfit in Maine for "insurance defense."

She does not list her massage business, which she advertises online at Mezzacappa.Massage. She performs in-call and out-call massage at $60 per hour. Mezzacappa listed this business last year in the Statement of Financial Interests she filed when she ran for County Council.

She told Judge McFadden that she no longer does massage. But I produced an email Mezzacappa sent to Attorney Orloski, dated late last year, indicating she does massage therapy. She was offering gift certificates to another attorney.

Mezzacappa also failed to list her private duty services as a registered nurse, which she refers to on her web page. "She provides in home nursing services, respite care, temporary and long term cases at reasonable rates, with no minumum [sic] hourly requirement." In her Statement of Financial Interests, she identifies "RN" as a source of income. Mezzacappa is licensed by the Department of State as a Registered Nurse.

She told Judge McFadden she's simply unable to get work. The Judge asked her whether she had applied to different places, and Gracedale is one of the places she mentioned. She told the judge that she never heard from the nursing home.

In fact, and I pointed this out to the Court, Mezzacappa did work at Gracedale, and walked off the job after 1 1/2 days.

In addition, there's the income she gets from the "Estate of Joseph Mezzacappa". She listed that source of income last year in her Statement of Financial Interests. Joseph Mezzacappa is her deceased father, who passed away over a decade ago. She appears to be a trust beneficiary.

Mezzacappa denied that, claimed to have the Will, and insisted she is not even named.

III. IFP Petition Failed to List Previous Jobs

In her IFP, Mezzacappa is required to list previous employers over the past 12 months. She acknowledges that she was receiving unemployment, but lists no employer. She was employed at Kirkland Village last July, but neither made that information known nor listed her income from that facility as required in the IFP. In a blog she wrote on or about July 23, 2013 (which she has since deleted), she states this: "When a responsible and caring RN tries to help the non-medicare paying patient, she is bullied, reprimanded and fired. Get your family member OUT of Kirkland Village. THEY SUCK."

Quite obviously, Mezzacappa is shielding income. She attempted to have her IFP placed under seal. The reason is obvious. It's a bogus attempt by someone to force taxpayers subsidize a private vendetta.

As Judge McFadden began to question, it began to appear that she had at least three to four sources of income that she included in her tax return last year. McFadden asked her if she was amending her petition to reflect this additional income, and Mezzacappa agreed. Whether she knows it or not, that probably purged Meezzacappa of a false statement prosecution.

IV. The Waterworks Defense

After being caught with several dishonest statements by Judge McFadden, Mezzacappa resorted to the waterworks defense. She broke down and started sobbing in court.

"Oh my," said the Judge in sympathy, making sure she had a tissue box.

Then Mezzacappa just as suddenly stopped crying and began blaming everything on me, calling me a maladaptive.

That's an adjective, not a noun, Tricia. Something needs to follow the word maladaptive. That's kinda' like me calling you a very.

Mezzacappa bolted the courtroom, and not long thereafter, Judge McFadden denied the request to have taxpayers fund her lawsuits. So her suits should come a little less frequently now. This is a big conservative Republican who is more than willing to let you pick up the tab for her frivolous suits.

Post-Trial Motions Filed

Despite this setback, Mezzacappa filed post-trial motions in my libel suit against her yesterday, claiming she never got notice of the trial, that I have no damages, and wants Attorney Orloski sanctioned because he "took advantage of Mezzacappa's lack of knowledge in tort law," among other things.

She didn't get notice of the trial because everyone who walked on her porch, slipped on their ass. About 100 people slipped on their ass.

She also claims Orloski and I are both in violation of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Apparently, the mere mention of her name is a violation of the Act, in her twisted view. She's already notified Orloski to "cease and desist" any contact, which is probably a relief to him.

Just to be clear, this blog is no attempt to collect a debt. I'll do that through the courts. This blog is intended to inform the public about a person who, despite criminal convictions and libel verdict, still has political ambition. She's currently running to be a GOP Committee member.

Dolan's NonProfit Status Revoked For Failure to File Tax Returns

Illick's Mill

Many of you have heard about or visited Illick's Mill. One of Bethlehem's treasures, it's an 1856 grist mill that serves as the centerpiece of a park along the Monocacy Creek. This park was established by the FDR administration during the Great Depression. Today, that historic mill is known as the Fox Environmental Center. It's a nonprofit under the direction of Karen Dolan. A member of City Council since 2006, she is also the Parks' Chair. Must be very convenient. Despite using her elected office to gain favorable treatment, her record is one of mismanagement so bad that she lost nonprofit status for a year. Thanks to a Northampton County Grand Jury, we all know about the abuse at nonprofit National Museum of Industrial History. But the Steel Museum never had its nonprofit status revoked, which happened to Dolan. No elected official is involved in conflicts of interest, which is certainly true of her.

Between 2001 and 2009, Dolan worked to restore the old mill. She had a ready supply of labor in the form of Liberty High School students. After all, she was teaching there. Her husband was a teacher at Bethlehem Vo-Tech, and that school soon began helping with the project, too. The City of Bethlehem also provided a lending hand.

According to the nonprofit webpage, over $1.3 million was raised to restore the mill. How much of that is public money is anybody's case. The most recent 990 (that's a nonprofit tax return) is from 2007. It lists at least $121,000 in public funding in that year alone. But what about subsequent years? Guidestar, an online repository for nonprofit financial records, has nothing beyond 2007. Where are those records?

Perhaps even more troubling than the missing 990s is that Dolan's nonprofit owed $127,000 to Bethlehem. It was reported that way in several city audits. Then suddenly, in 2012, it was just written off with no explanation.

I wanted answers, and Dolan met with me in February.

"We're not the National Museum of Industrial History," she told me. "We've done everything by the book always."

I asked her to show them to me. Specifically, I wanted to know why Guidestar had no record of 990s after 2007.

Dolan handed me a bunch of financial statements. When I pointed out those are not 990s, she told me they are just as good. That may be, but I told Dolan I needed to see the 990s themselves. I wanted to know when they had been filed and why they did not appear at Guidestar.

After her initial attempt to mislead me, Dolan fessed up. She admitted that her nonprofit failed to file 990s in 2008, 2009 or 2010. She blamed her accountant, although she is the Executive Director, and the responsibility is hers. But rather than being responsible, she even executed a Power of Attorney to her accountant.

After three years, the IRS had had enough. Her nonprofit status was revoked on 5/15/11. It remained revoked until 5/15/12. (EIN 23-281225).

Dolan assured me that she raised no money during this time period. But just as she tried to mislead me concerning the 990s, she was dishonest with me about being dormant while the nonprofit status was revoked. The proof of that is an August 15, 2011 account in The Express Times.

There's this:

The organization is opening the center for event rentals as a way to fund the nature programs and the historic building’s upkeep, Dolan said. The three-and-a-half story building can comfortably fit 150 people and rents for $100 an hour or $1,200 for a wedding.

And this:

The center has an annual budget of about a $170,000 from a variety of sources, including rentals, grants, programs, fundraisers and memberships. The mill’s $1.3 million renovation was paid for entirely through grants.

Not only was Dolan raising money while her nonprofit status was revoked, she even insisted that she had a $170,000 budget. She also misled The Express Times into believing that she was at the time a nonprofit.

In the meantime, she managed to run up one hell of a tab with Bethlehem. A $127,000 debt was listed in several independent audits. Then suddenly, in the 2012 independent audit, the debt was marked written off.

What the hell happened?

Dolan insisted to me that she paid every penny owed to the City, but then why did auditors use the term "written off"? Dolan then attempted to tell me that's not what the audit says, but it is. After misleading  me twice, I'm unwilling to take her word unless it is backed up.

The independent audit would lead anyone to conclude that the City views the money owed by Dolan's nonprofit as a bad debt.

Bethlehem resident Steve Antalics raised this very question with Bethlehem City Council on March 3. Dolan had no explanation. Nor did any other member of Council. He was answered with silence.

Antalics also questioned using this nonprofit for weddings, especially since alcohol is consumed.

Instead of answering Antalics, Dolan did something else. You see, she chairs the Parks Committee and decided to convene a hearing to eliminate park regulations banning the use of alcohol at most city park venues. Obviously, her involvement in something that directly impacts her organization, particularly serving alcohol to make money within City-owned parks, is a huge conflict of interest.

Dolan, incidentally, denies that the Illicks Mill is part of Monocacy Park, which is kinda' like arguing that Musikfest is in Hellertown. But this lousy argument enables her to pour booze down the throats of paying wedding guests.

Another conflict of interest for Dolan is that she gets her heating oil for free, courtesy of the City. Just like that. This is what she recently told Antalics as well as me. Antalics sought confirmation from Ralph Carp, the City's Parks and Public Works Director. Carp answered with "No comment", according to Antalics

So basically, you have a City Council member who directs a nonprofit on municipal property. Its status was revoked because she failed to file 990s for three years straight. She pays no rent, and is not even paying for snow removal, heating oil and other services that other nonprofits on municipal property pay. The $127,000 she owed to the City suddenly vanished. She somehow gets herself appointed as Chair of the Parks Committee when her own nonprofit is smack dab in the middle of a park, which she claims is not a park. She decides she wants to relax booze rules in the park because Antalics and others have questioned exactly what kind of alcohol is served at Illick's Mill weddings.

At the last budget cycle, she lobbied to have parks workers paid more money. Last Winter, she started getting free oil. Hmmmm.

Dolan is a walking, talking conflict. Her participation on the Parks Committee is an invitation for trouble. There needs to be a compete accounting of the $127,000 her nonprofit owed to Bethlehem, and why that debt was written off. When she lost her nonprofit status, she continued to raise money and misled the media that she was open for business and should be required to pay the fair market value of rental income during that year. If other nonprofits on City-owned property must pay rent, then she should, too.

I was not going to write this story when I saw her in February, since Dolan broke down, and tearfully told me that the public release of this information would "ruin" her. But then I heard that she was telling other people, including reporters, that I investigated this and found there was "no story." That's yet another lie. The kicker was when she decided to relax booze rules in city parks.

She needs to resign from City Council or her nonprofit. Perhaps both.

Habitat For Humanity Takes the Plunge

Lehigh Valley's Habitat For Humanity conducting its second annual "Plunge for a Purpose" on April 5 at Dutch Springs in Lower Nazareth Township. Polar Plungers raised money for the privilege of jumping into a nearly frozen lake. But the proceeds will help build homes, communities, and hope for low-income owners.

JoAnn DiFrancesca of Nazareth, in lime green, had enough after three seconds

A Just Born Peep discovers it's not a duck.

Chuck Pukanecz, of Philadelphia, wears his towel like a cape.