ET Turkey Awarded to Trachta

Nazareth Police Chief "Cupcake" Trachta has been awarded an Express Times turkey for his "over-the-top" reaction to tiny FT (Fire Trachta) stickers plastered throughout the Borough, calling for his ouster. The over-reaction included an arrest, a series of misdemeanor charges (8 counts for each Defendant) that apparently were never approved by the DA, a chained-and-shackled perp walk, subpoenas to seven or eight people, police harassment of the deaf mother of one Defendant, a manufactured victim and a chief caught coaching the prosecuting officer.

Fire Trachta.

Aurand Opens State Senate Campaign Office

Aurand HQs in Nazareth

The old Nazareth Aluminum Supply Company, located at 324 S. Main Street in Nazareth, is now the campaign HQs for Democratic State Senate candidate Mark Aurand. His war room officially opened last night before a crowd of about 40 well-wishers, Aurand, who lives in Lower Nazareth and practices law in Allentown is running against Republican State Representative Mario Scavello, a former businessman who lives in Monroe County. It's a new state senate district that includes nearly all of Monroe as well as the northern half of Northampton County.

Volunteer Ed Del Viscio served as something of an informal MC, giving an opening speech that I thought would still be going on election day.

State Senator Lisa Boscola was more to the point. She told the audience that she wishes she still had Nazareth in her own district, but spoke highly of Aurand. She indicated she could work with Mario Scavello, but complained that "he cares more about himself than the people he represents."

Aurand, with Rich Grucela and Lisa Boscola

Former State Rep. Rich Grucela was also present, and told Aurand supporters that if they care about kids,education and property taxes, they need to pull the Democratic lever. He was on his way to Saint Rocco's Festival in Martins Creek, which started last night. "I have to get there or I won't go to heaven," he joked.

Aurand told the crowd that government can be justifiably accused of interfering with people's lives, but also can protect us. He then ticked off the following issues, where he gives both Governor Corbett and Scavello a failing grade:

* Public Education. - He pointed out that there have been large cuts in public education, voted for by Scavello, the derided at have resulted in larger classrooms, cuts in programs and out-of-control school taxes.

Mark Aurand

* Economy. - He complained that Pa. is 47th in job creation, that Monroe has an unacceptable 7.5% unemployment rate and that new jobs pay too little.

* Women's Issues. - He derided the lack of equal pay for equal work by women, and  complained about intrusive ultrasound examinations supported by many state republicans.

* Environment. - He referred to a recent report by the state auditor general, noting that the EPA is undermanned and is letting violators go uncited. He also complained about the lack of a severance tax, and the natural gas drilling in public parks proposed by the Governor.

* Good Government. - He complained that the Governor is paying for an education advisor who is doing no work. He also accused Scavello of accepting the 2006 midnight pay raise. "He took the money and used it to make himself popular," he charged.

Noting that he expects to be outspent by Scavello, he is calling for volunteers. "We need all hands on deck," he said.

He should be OK in Nazareth so long as his campaign stays away from stickers.

Lawyers Who Stand For Something

(The Legal Dream Team, From L to R: Gary Asteak, Phil Lauer and Mark Minotti) 

District Attorney John Morganelli has confirmed with The Morning Call that even if Nazareth's feared Sticker gang was sent his way by Magisterial District Judge Jackie Taschner, he would have dismissed the charges. He is a First Amendment purist, and has been as long as I've known him. It goes back 20 years, when Morganelli dismissed trespassing charges against Susie Ravitz and other LEPOCO members who were leafleting Palmer Post Office sidewalks with anti-war materials an tax day. Palmer police were furious at this dismissal, which took courage. Morganelli was taking an important stand, one he has maintained through all his years as a prosecutor.

But it takes even more courage for the guys on the other side of the aisle, the defense lawyers. Look at flamboyant criminal defense lawyer Gary Asteak. He represented Daniel Logothetis, a nice young man whose mother had been told by Police Chief Cupcake Trachta that she couldn't even talk to her own son. Though Daniel works, he could never afford to pay Gary's fee. Gary has a Nazareth office, and accepting this case could mean a few more inspections here and there. It could mean that he'll be accused of running a stop sign or red light in town.

But Gary took the case. He was unfazed when Trachta refused to shake his hand. He slammed Trachta for coaching Troxell out of the judge's earshot. He withstood Trachta's dagger stare. He established that Trachta had conned a person into becoming a victim after charges had already been filed. Most importantly, his cross established that nobody was really sure just who placed those stickers anywhere.

What he did took courage. It may not be the kind that gets you a silver star, but it is the kind that tells us all to stand up to bullies, whether they are in a schoolyard or police department.

Gary's fellow Dream Team members, Mark Minotti and Phil Lauer, were standing at Gary's side. They did not have tazers, guns, handcuffs, radios and bulletproof vests. Their weapon was much more powerful - the Constitution.

After it was all over, you'd think they had just won a million dollar verdict. It was better. They fought the good fight, and won.

It actually made me want to be a lawyer again.

Instead of FT (Fire Trachta), Should It Be AT (Arrest Trachta)?

In response to questioning from defense attorneys during yesterday's Stickergate trial, Officer Dan Troxell was adamant that placing a 1 1/2" sticker anywhere is malicious mischief. Littering, too. In response to questioning by Attorney Minotti (the reporter confused Att'y Asteak and Att'y Minotti), this exchange is quoted in The Express Times.

Asteak asked Troxell if the stickers had said "Praise Trachta" or "Trachta for President," would he still have filed charges.

"Yes, it's littering," Troxell said. "It's a crime."

Well, then, it's rime for Officer Troxell to arrest Nazareth Police Chief Cupcake Trachta for malicious mischief or some other dastardly crime.

This blog has been supplied with a picture of the inside of the door to Chief Cupcake's Office. Above the doorknob is a black-and-white sticker saying, "I was ANTI-OBAMA before it was cool".

I guess its OK with Republican Mayor Carl Strye for a police chief to engage in some pretty blatant partisan activity inside the police station, so long as it is aimed at Democrats.

Aside from his use of public resources for political activity, it appears that Chief Cupcake is guilty of the very thing he perp-walked a trio of townies for in late June. By Troxell's standards, it has to be criminal mischief and littering.

There are other pics on the inside of the door of a man who increasingly appears to be a bully. I'll get into those later.

Judge Tells Naz Police Chief, "Suck it Up, Cupcake!"

(The Sticker Gang with their legal Dream Team. From L to R: Dan Logothetis, Attorney Gary Asteak, Trevor Gehret, Attorney Phil Lauer, Jeremy Peters and Attorney Mark Minotti)

After a 3 1/2 hour hearing before Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline Taschner in Palmer Township, all charges have been dismissed against Nazareth's infamous Sticker Gang. Instead of doing a perp walk, Defendants Trevor Gehret, Jeremy Peters and Daniel Logothetis could do an Irish jig as Police Chief Thomas Trachta and Officer Dan Troxell exited the crowded courtroom with their tails between their legs. After hearing an incredibly weak case from seven Commonwealth witnesses, including a police officer who actually testified that placing stickers on parking meters creates a hazardous condition, Judge Taschner reached the only conclusion she possibly could - Not Guilty.

Dan Troxell does his own perp walk

This case is the result of dozens of tiny FT (Fire Trachta) stickers, about 1 1/2" square, that began sprouting in borough downtown in late June, along with the dandelions. Trachta had come under criticism, both on this blog and among townspeople. The FT stickers were spotted by meter officer Lou Skrapits as he made his rounds. That's when Chief Trachta ordered Troxell to begin his investigation.

That led him to Michele Howey, who said that Logothetis and Peters had each placed a sticker on her car late one evening, with her consent, and that she placed a third sticker herself.

"I didn't think it was that big of a deal," she repeated several times.  "It was just a sticker."

But not to Troxell. In addition to having her prepare an unclear written statement in which no one could be certain who admitted to what, he also placed her under subpoena. He even subpoenaed and drove an elderly lady to Judge Taschner's courtroom. She had applied a FT sticker to her walker. He apparently offered her immunity if she'd rat out the gang. Mercifully, she was never called.

Legal Dream Team With Sticker Gang T-Shirt

Troxell also subpoenaed Logothetis' mother, though she knew nothing about Stickergate, to testify about where she lives. He never explained precisely why that matters. When she took the stand and it quickly became apparent that she is completely deaf in one ear and only has partial hearing in another, Judge Taschner exploded.

"You brought this woman here to testify without notifying us so we could have someone here who understands American Sign Language?" she asked. Troxell, who was the investigator, had no idea that one of his witnesses is deaf.

Judge Taschner excused Logothetis' mother.

Chief Trachta had previously warned her she could not even speak to her own son. Before the hearing, though, when she was brought in by Troxell, she gave her son a little smile and a thumbs up in the parking lot.

The Evil Sticker Gang

During the trial, Troxell attempted repeatedly to introduce numerous pictures of the stickers on meters, benches, trees, a car and telephone poles. But he had no training on how to lay a foundation to get them into evidence, and failed. As a result, about 20 pictures never made it into evidence. He just stopped trying. It hurt his head too much.

Troxell also called Public Works Superintended Robert Reimer, who had an invoice of $970.71 for the sticker clean up. But his invoice was prepared after charges had been filed, and with knowledge that he had to be over $500 for a misdemeanor to stick. He admitted that when the Chief first asked him about the clean up costs, he told him he really had no idea.

Eddie Statler, the road crew guy who spent two days cleaning up the stickers, admitted that one full day was actually spent cleaning Nazareth's 200 parking meters, though only three or four of them had stickers. His expensive cleaning supplies consisted mostly of soap and water.

Dream Team discusses strategy

As Troxell would question witnesses, Trachta began coaching him on which questions to ask. But Judge Taschner, despite being on night duty and having had no sleep for more than a day, picked up on this irregularity right away. She told Troxell he is the prosecutor, not Trachta, and that if Trachta continued to interfere, he would be sent to the rear of the courtroom or ejected from the building.

Trachta quietly said, "I'm sorry," the only words he would utter in court

The Sticker Gang was represented by a legal Dream Team of three of the area's most prominent criminal defense attorneys - Phil Lauer, Gary Asteak and Mark Minotti. When they arrived at the courthouse, they introduced themselves to Trachta and tried to shake his hand. He refused. "That's the first time that ever happened to me," noted a baffled Lauer, who has devoted a career to major criminal cases on the federal and state level and is well-respected by law enforcement.

During a brief break in the trial, when Judge Taschner was called out concerning another matter as the night-duty judge, Trachta began coaching Troxell again, despite his previous admonishment. Asteak told Trachta to knock it off or testify himself, and that's when Trachta attempted to stare Asteak down with a menacing look, at least until the judge returned.

It was a grade school staring contest.

Trachta also managed to drum up a victim. In early July, after charges had already been filed, he emailed Joe Korba about a supposed sticker on a Home News distribution box. Korba, who has been plagued by people stealing his coin boxes, was asked to file a complaint. He obliged, though he never actually saw the stickers, and was not even approached until days after they had already been removed.

"We are strong advocates for free speech and the First Amendment," said Korba, as he slowly became aware that he had been duped, thanks to questioning by Attorney Asteak.

As the case developed, there was no real evidence that any of the Sticker Gang members had actually done the dirty deed. But there was evidence that, in addition to manufacturing a victim, Trachta and Troxell tried to get the feds involved. Troxell actually testified that he contacted the United States Attorney's Office for the stickers found on mailboxes, bringing some chuckles from the defense team. Postal Inspectors apparently have better things to do.

The Sticker Gang had been facing misdemeanor criminal mischief charges (eight counts each), as well as disorderly conduct, harassment and eight counts of scattering rubbish.

"Why eight?" asked Attorney Asteak at one point, especially considering the evidence was insufficient for even one count.

Mark Minotti referred Judge Taschner to Superior Court precedent establishing that a prima facie case of criminal mischief was nonexistent. Amazingly, she had already read it and even quoted from it, something that marveled the lawyers after the case was over. Minotti called it a matter of "Our Chief's ego is bruised and we're going to file charges." Echoing Minotti, Asteak told Judge Taschner it is a "political prosecution" representing nothing more than "Trachta's effort to get back at people he views as political foes." Lauer added that there is "no evidence that these people are motivated by anything but their right to free speech." Imposing criminal responsibility on the exercise of free speech is "dangerous," he warned.

"There's nothing here to support the misdemeanor charge," concluded Judge Taschner. "Nothing." She indicated all the evidence from the Commonwealth showed an expression of political belief, not an intent to damage any property.

She then told Chief Trachta that he, like she, is a public figure who has to expect some criticism.

"Suck it up, cupcake!" she advised.

She also tossed the harassment and disorderly conduct charges for much the same reason. That pesky First Amendment kept getting in the way. Mark Minotti, legal scholar for the Dream Team, furnished the judge with another Superior Court decision finding that a person wearing a "Fuck You" T-shirt inside a courtroom is not disorderly, as a matter of law. He noted that disorderly conduct charges cannot be used as a dragnet for all irritations. It is a statute intended to preserve the public peace.

Troxell made a last-ditch effort to get the judge to at least buy a scattering rubbish charge. But he failed there, too. He said he found some stickers in a Valero gas station parking lot, but conceded to Attorney Lauer that he was unable to say how they got there or whether the Sticker Gang was even responsible.

Adopting a clinical approach, Attorney Asteak read the Scattering Rubbish statute, which provides that a person is guilty of an offense if he "causes any waste paper, sweepings, ashes, household waste, glass, metal, refuse or rubbish, or any dangerous or detrimental substance to be deposited into or upon any road, street, highway, alley or railroad right-of-way, or upon the land of another or into the waters of this Commonwealth."

He noted the FT stickers were not waste paper, but pure political speech. He also denied there was any evidence FT stickers were deposited on a road, street, highway, alley or railroad right-of-way, or upon the land of another or into the waters of this Commonwealth.

Quoting from a Thomas Jefferson letter to James Madison, Judge Taschner observed that "a little rebellion now and then is a good thing." Speaking for herself, the night judge added, "We don't grow as a society unless there's disagreement."

Judge Taschner cut off defense lawyers when they got into the arrest. That's a completely different issue. In late June, when the Sticker Gang was first charged, Trachta made sure to conduct a staged perp walk of them, chained and shackled, in front of an obliging press. It's doubtful that he even had the authority to arrest, let alone conduct a staged perp walk. He forced one of this trio to become homeless. Jeremy Peters had shared a home with his brother, but had to leave as a condition of bail. They were also forced to undergo drug testing, though not one of these defendants has ever been arrested for drug possession or distribution. One of them has never been arrested at all.

It was a malicious prosecution brought by a bully. I suspect this matter will now continue in another arena, thanks to the Borough Council's and Mayor's unwillingness to exercise real oversight of an out-of -control police department.

On the bright side, one of my readers informs me there's already a line at Schubert's bakery for their newest creation - the Trachta cupcake. It's got pink frosting with rainbow sprinkles.

Also, at one point, Attorney Asteak did file a motion to have me ejected, since that seems to happen every time I enter a courtroom and he felt obliged to keep the string going. It was nearly granted, too. He also wondered whether there are any XXXXXL T-shirts that will fit me.

Wise ass.

Despite Drive-by Shootings, Easton Crime Has Decreased

Monday's driveby shootings in Easton, which occurred in the middle of the afternoon, have people thinking twice about moving somewhere else, especially those with school-age children. Mayor Sal Panto has been catching a lot of heat for being so caught up with beautifying the downtown and prancing around with developer Mark Mulligan, that he's totally forgotten about the gang-iunfested West Ward. But while he should probably consider a substation and bike patrols, you need to know that crime is actually dropping in the City.

The Pennsylvania State Police has an online Uniform Crime Reporting System. During the first six months this year, 1327 total crimes have been reported, of which 369 involved violence. This is a 2% drop over the same period in 2013, and a 11.5% drop in violent crime.

So it does appear that Easton police are doing something right.

StickerGate Preliminary Hearing Tomorrow, 1:30 pm

The next chapter in Nazareth's infamous Stickergate prosecution will take place tomorrow, 1:30 pm, in Magisterial District Judge Jacqueline Taschner's Palmer Township Courtroom at 3 Weller Place. There will no doubt be circling helicopters, snarling attack dogs and snipers on rooftops, and that's just for me! It is unclear what extra security precautions are being taken against the trio of desperadoes who dare to call themselves the Sticker Gang.

They face charges of littering, disorderly conduct, harassment, criminal mischief and possibly a RICO count for their involvement in a campaign to discredit Nazareth Police Chief Thomas Trachta with tiny FT (Fire Trachta) stickers throughout the borough.

An embarrassed Trachta rounded them up, called the press, and then walked them from the police station to a District Judge's courtroom inside the same building. In a touch of drama, he chained and shackled them before obliging photographers, completely violating their presumption of innocence in the process.

They were arrested and charged for exercising their First Amendment rights, which Trachta believes is against the law in Nazareth, at least when he's the object of derision.

I understand an armada of police cruisers will escort witnesses, who will thereafter enter the witness protection program.  

The hearing is open to the public. But it is a courtroom, and if you plan to attend, don't dress like me.

The Sticker Gang is represented by three of Northampton County's best criminal defense barristers - Phil Lauer, Gary Asteak and Mark Minotti.

Werner: PR Firm Unnecessary

At last week's NorCo Council meeting, Bob Werner argued that Executive John Brown's need for a PR firm, if it ever existed at all, evaporated once he filled his cabinet. Today, he makes that same point in an Express Times LTE.

Yesterday, when the Sheriff was confirmed, PR consultant Kim Plyler was there. She took no pictures. She issued no news releases that were forwarded to me. So why the hell are we paying her?

Updated 2:20 pm: Plyler has contacted me to say (1) she had employees who were taking pictures at this event; and (2) the failure to notify me of the ceremony was an oversight.

Sal Panto's Easton: Clean and Safe

Exit, stage right, at 12th & Washington

After the horse has already left the barn, Easton Mayor Sal Panto is trying to get it back.What's more, he thinks the horse is stupid enough to walk into a burning building. That's how I sum up his attempt to lure senior centers back to Easton. He claims they could be on the South Side or West Ward. But perhaps he sees an opportunity for the County to make Mark Mulligan some money by renting at the Silk Mill. Or maybe he's doing a favor for his former boss, Gary Strausser, who owns one of the buildings being vacated. What Panto has failed to explain is why the County would want seniors in an increasingly unsafe city, in which daytime driveby shootings are now becoming the norm. It's also a city that has refused to respond at all to concerns over parking.

Last Thursday, Northampton County Council voted 6-3 to relocate two Easton senior centers - one downtown and the other on the South Side - to the Forks Township Eagle ballroom, owned by Georges Moussa. According to county officials, there were very serious concerns about parking and crime, which fell on deaf ears in City Hall.

According to Debbie Mertz, Director of the Easton Area Senior Center, Easton has made life increasingly difficult for seniors downtown:
* Requests for handicapped parking spaces in the circle near the center, were repeatedly refused.
* Requests for pick up and drop off spaces in the circle for wheelchair-accessible LANTA vans were denied, again and again.
* The City refused to change the "No Parking" prohibition at the South Side center on street cleaning days.
* Art in the circle for seniors vanished.
* Parking permits for seniors on tight budgets were repeatedly denied.

She claims this has been a gradual process over the past 15 years, though it has included Mayor Panto. Mertz is also concerned about crime. Yesterday's daytime driveby shooting at 12th and Washington appears to have wounded an innocent bystander.

"It's obvious they're trying to move as much out of the city as possible." Panto complains to The Express Times, as though there is some moral obligation to live in Easton. I'd call it constructive eviction. The city has made clear it does not want old farts or it would have made a greater effort to respond to some very legitimate concerns.

The problem is that it might start losing its younger residents, too. My Easton Facebook friends who have school-age children are talking about moving away from the violence. On The Express Times website, "Scottsman" gives Panto this dressing down.

"You pride yourself on that shining city downtown while everything on the outskirts goes to hell.. Maybe it's time you focus on the real problems and stop making excuses...And oh yeah, as I was walking in my back door after work today, I heard a bunch of gunshots ring out... That's okay though...I'm getting used to it."

Instead of responding to these angry concerns, Panto will shout down his critics.

And the violence will get worse, as it already has.

There's a New Sheriff in Town

Exec John Brown gives Sheriff Dalrymple his badge 

David Dalrymple, a former Major in the New Jersey State Police, was sworn in as Northampton County's newest Sheriff in a brief ceremony on Monday before President Judge Stephen Baratta and about 45 supporters. The ceremony included his wife, daughters and a very happy Acting Sheriff Chris Zieger, who will now return to his role as Chief Deputy.

As is the case with anything involving Northampton County, nothing went right. The ceremony was supposed to start at 11:30 am in Courtroom 4, but testimony was still being taken in a domestic dispute. This couple was going to walk into the arms of about 30 very large deputies, until someone realized they'd both keel over. So everything was pushed over to the next courtroom.

Freemansburg Police Chief Todd Pantuso, has worked with Sheriff Dalrymple

President Judge Stephen Baratta, when he was able to make it over, was about as relaxed as I've ever seen him. He asked for the written oath, which the Sheriff would have to sign, but nobody remembered it. No problem. Baratta picked up the phone in the courtroom and called Court Administrators to request one.

Then he asked Dalrymple for his Bible. But being from New Jersey, the closest thing he could come up with was a Bruce Springsteen CD.

PJ Stephen Baratta jokes around with Brown and Dalrymple. 

"You guys don't come prepared for anything, Geez," joked Baratta. "I'll have to get my own bible."

He returned in a minute or two with the Holy Book, which was held by the Sheriffs' daughters as he recited the oath.

The coolest part, at least for me, was when it was all over and Sheriff Dalyrymple got his badge, a seven-pointed star that serves as a symbol of goodness in many religions.

Northampton County is one of just two counties in the state that appoint their Sheriff, instead of electing him. There is a growing sentiment among Council Democrats to return to an elected Sheriff, and legislation introduced on Thursday night will require all future cabinet officials and row officers to be county residents or commit to moving here within one year after appointment.

Lamont McClure, the sole Council member to oppose Dalrymple, has contended that the Sheriff's Office is a "constitutional" office who must stand for election and be a resident. Article IX, Section 4 of the Pa. Constitution does identify the Sheriff as a "county officer", but adds that those provisions have no application to "home rule" municipalities.

Updated 12:05 pm, to identify the Pa. Constitutional provision that does make the Sheriff a constitutional officer.

Nazareth's War on the Townies

The StickerGang's Trevor Gehret is a townie 

Last week, when Nazareth Police Chief Thomas Trachta finally got to fire crossing guard Karen Herbst, in what one of my readers calls the "political equivalent of hitting little girls", I'm sure he was very pleased with himself. After all, this is the wife of the guy whose picture he had hanging in the police station with a knife in the back. Mayor Carl Strye was undoubtedly delighted, too. Jack Herbst, Karen's husband  and former council member, was Hizzoner's opponent in last year's Mayoral race. But it was more than revenge. It's just the latest volley in Nazareth's war against the poor, whom are disparagingly called Townies.

Jack's a Townie. It is Herbst who stood up to ESSROC, as a citizen, and demanded they do something about the cement dust that settles everywhere, helping make the Lehigh Valley one of the air pollution capitals of the United States. The result was an underground tunnel to transport material from one plant to another. Herbst also successfully fought efforts to ruin the Memorial Square Park on Green Street, where kids play baseball day and night. A secretive Council wanted to turn it into a new borough government center and police station. As a Council member, he persuaded colleagues to finally start following the Sunshine Act. He even raised the money for a skate park and dog park, defeating all kinds of opposition.

And ac Chair of the Police Committee, he held them accountable.

He actually represented the people and tried to make their lives better. So naturally, the rest of council hated him. Not one would vote to support his appointment to a vacancy on Council, after he lost his Mayoral election.

In a way, they may have done him a favor. His health has never been good. He's had several close calls in recent years with his heart. It's always been too big for the town in which he lives.

Herbst had no fear of Trachta, despite the files the Chief kept on everyone or the intimidation of Jack's wife by always parking near her while she was on duty. Jack ignored the Chief's petty behavior, and tried to make the community better for everyone. Though he himself was a masterful baseball coach, he embraced the skaters, recognizing before many others that these are athletes every bit as much as someone who can dunk.

In stark contrast to Herbst, we have current Borough Council member Carl Fischl. He told me the one and only time I ever talked to him that he would have voted to destroy the park on Green Street. Now this guy is waging war on the townies.

In addition to practically salivating over the prospect of doubling the fines for parking tickets as a way of taking aim at those unable to afford homes with their own driveways and garages, Fischl persuaded the rest of Council to adopt a rental inspection ordinance so that they can keep track of those dirty renters.

Fischl has also publicly complained that, unlike him, nobody in the downtown has kept their properties as well maintained as he. I see. That may be because, unlike him, most downtown residents have not spent a lifetime sucking on the public teat as a teacher and football coach. They may not have the benefits and pension he was lucky enough to grab.

The difference between a guy like Fischl and a guy like Herbst is night and day. Herbst tried to make government more inclusive, while Fischl believes you must be a member of the landed gentry, like him, to have a say.

Fischl now heads up the Police Committee and apparently had the final call in firing Herbst.

He told her that her job is seasonal and she could be let go at will.

He's full of shit.

The fact is that Karen Herbst has been employed for eight years, having started under Chief Ruch. She only filled out an application once. Were she seasonal, she'd have to do it every year. She actually had a legitimate property interest in that job. And she was fired because, like her husband, she exercises her First Amendment rights. She's a Townie.

So is the Sticker Gang, who have stood up to Trachta.

So am I.

Ring Girl KOed at Sands' Saturday Night Fights

Frank Pintabone with Ron Angle

There were several knockouts at Saturday night's Fight Night, broadcast by NBC Sports at Bethlehem's Sands Event Center. Before a rowdy crowd of about 1,000 fight enthusiasts that included former heavyweight champ Larry Holmes, Vasily "The Professor" Lepikhin from Russia schooled Robert "The Mad Butcher" Berridge from New Zealand, finishing the fight with a TKO in the fifth round. Another New Zealander, 6'4" Joseph Parker, knocked out Alabaman Keith Thompson in the third. But the knock out that worried fans most of all was, believe it or not, was to one of the ring girls.

A petite blond wearing a skimpy outfit that left very little to the imagination, she drew more applause than anyone. She did a header while exiting the ring after one of the fights. The crowd was hushed into silence as she sprawled out on the floor. The ring doctor immediately went to her assistance, abandoning a fighter. But distracted by her alluring apparel, he did a header, too. Both were lying on the floor in a bit of a stupor.

The Easton assassin with a character assassin

That's when the Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle, sprung into action.

"I'm a doctor," he announced, and went to the girl's side, assisted by Easton School Director Frank Pintabone. Frank was at the fights, too. Though Frank has no medical degree, he had been the "cut man" in several corners throughout the night, so that has to count for something.

Angle and Pintabone pronounced the doctor dead and went to work on the girl.

"Look, I'm alright now, you can let me go," said the ring girl.

"This girl obviously has a concussion," announced Angle. "She needs mouth to mouth," he added, as he and Frank dragged her away, kicking and screaming.

Steve Cunningham

Actually, as most of you know, I'm making up the bit about Ron and Pintabone. The girl and even the doc did go down, but she left on her own two legs, with an ice bag on her derriere.

It was a great night at the fights. Frank really did act as the cut man for several of the fighters. In Easton, he is working with several fighters, including his son, Elijah "Boom Boom" Pintabone. He and Ron met each other and tried to explain to me why sane people can be school directors.

It was a night in which Bethlehem boxers Luis Acevedo and Ismael Serrano prevailed in the lightweights. But to me, the fight of the night involved two heavyweights who pounded each other for ten rounds, with neither giving an inch. One was a fighter, the other a boxer. The boxer prevailed.

Vyacheslav Glazkov from Ukraine, known as the Czar, is the boxer. I first saw him in March, when he chipped away at Tomasz Ademek, the world's then #2 ranked heavyweight contender, defeating him in a 12-round match.

Ron Cruz

On Saturday, the Czar faced an opponent disparagingly referred to as a journeyman. New York's Derric Rossy, a former golden gloves champion in NYC and one-time defensive end for Boston College, was no slouch. He was a fighter with the heart of a champion, who grew stronger in each round. Both fighters shook off punches that would have knocked me into the next century. When the bout was over, there was no clear winner. Larry Holmes, who was sitting right in front of Angle and I, said the judges would give it to Glaxkov because of his technical skill, and he was right.

In an alley, I'd take Rossy.

In addition to these heavyweight fights, there was a lot of action in the lighter divisions. Bethlehem's very own Ismael Serrano is now 2-1 after defeating Allentown's Jonathan Williams. Luis Acevedo, another Bethlehemite, was floating on air after defeating fellow featherweight Frankie Garriga, a golden gloves champion from the Bronx..

The night was also punctuated by other boxers among the fans. I met Frank's son, Elijah "Boom Boom" Pintabone, who at 15 is still an amateur. Frank introduced Ron and I to Bethlehem Basher Ronald Cruz as well as USBA heavyweight champ Steve Cunningham, who was there with his wife.

We were in heaven.

I have a story to tell you about Steve Cunningham's nine year-old daughter. I'll do that tomorrow.

Take Your Pick - Bonusgate or Political Witch Hunt?

Controller Steve Barron

UPDATED 11:30 AM: To Democrats on Northampton County Council and Controller Steve Barron, it's Bonusgate all over again. To Republicans, it's a "political witch hunt." To Executive John Brown, it's "an 'opinion' of a minority with an ax to grind." Those are the widely varying conclusions concerning a series of emails between Brown and his public relations consultant, Kim Plyler of Bethlehem-based Sahl Communications. They made for a rancorous County Council meeting on August 8.

Plyler's Sahl Communications  first signed with the County on February 8, 2014 in a controversial no-bid contract. All four Democrats on Council opposed it, and Controller Steve Barron sued to have the contract declared invalid, arguing that the contract should have been bid..

In response to Barron's lawsuit, filed on April 3, Brown relented, ended the contract and decided to seek bids for his public relations work. On July 3, he issued an Executive Order awarding the contract to Sahl again. This time, it is a one-year, $75,500, contract.

Because it's under $100,000, he needs no approval from Council.

Barron sued again. The controversial emails were produced as a result of discovery requests.

Barron presented them during the public comment portion of the meeting, going well beyond the five-minute time limit.

The Emails

The Controller was disturbed by email exchanges between Plyler and Brown, sent to his county email address, concerning "today's fundraising meeting"  Plyler also sent copies of this email to Matt Deibert and Lucy Lennon, two of Brown's political advisors. The email refers to notes from "today's fundraising meeting". Plyler requests an appointment at the courthouse to review those fundraising notes, and Brown sets up a noon meeting in his courthouse office.

"It is clear that Ms. Plyler is engaged in some sort of political fundraising while she's being paid by the County," observed Barron.

In an April 4, 2014 email exchange between Brown and Plyler, the Exec uses his county email address to discuss an upcoming Corbett fundraiser. Plyler jokes about the $500 per person price tag, saying it must be a Republican event. This email exchange occurred after Brown had ended his first contract with Plyler, but he's using his county email address. Plyler's contract had been suspended at that point, but she was paid for this month.

Barron also complained about Brown's fundraising involvement with Matt Deibert. He told Council that Deibert has had "disturbing interactions with county vendors" and "has made it very clear that if certain things are not done there will be consequences." He declined to name any of these vendors.

Bonusgate v. Political Witch Hunt

Council member Lamont McClure, a Democrat, called on Brown to end the Sahl contract that night. "This may be Bonusgate," he warned. "We clearly have evidence that public resources were being utilized for public purposes." He later added, "We don't need to use public money to set up a re-election campaign."

But Council member Mat Benol, a Republican, dismissed Barron's complaint as a "political with hunt" and "smoke and mirrors". He added that Barron himself had last year violated the Home Ruler Charter by teaching several classes in the middle of the day instead of working as a full-time Controller.

Defending himself, Barron stated he would be "derelict in my duty" if he failed to speak out.

"There should be concrete proof," Benol complained.

"You're holding it in your hand," retorted to McClure, referring to a copy of one of the emails.

Brown Calls Allegations Unfounded, Absurd

The usually subdued Brown mounted a vigorous defense of the Sahl contract and challenged the real motives of his accusers. "Sahl Communication has not and is not acting in any political support role on behalf of the Executive Office," he flatly stated, calling the accusations "without merit." He argued he has an obligation as Executive to meet with elected officials on all levels and to reach out to the business community.

Brown then lashed out at Council Democrats, as well as Barron.

He called the Controller's lawsuit a "baseless," "unfounded" and "absurd" waste of tens of thousands of dollars. He criticized Democrats on Council and Barron for promoting personal political agendas, disrupting his own initiatives and distracting the public from a very real financial crisis facing the County.

In Brown's eyes, the real problem is that revenue is only increasing $961,000 per year, while personnel costs alone are increasing by $3.9 million and the reserve fund is dry. In this environment, he insists that communication and understanding are critical.

"It is troubling that allegations are being made, while simultaneously the accusers acknowledge there is no supporting evidence," he maintained.

After he finished speaking, McClure asked Brown to just end the Sahl contract. But Brown responded he already said all he intends to say and would take no questions.

Benol Seeks Barron Emails, Phone Records

Benol has responded to the Barron disclosures about Brown with a "Right-to-Know" request seeking all emails between Barron and any members of Council over the past two years, as well as personal and County cell phone records.

Senior Centers Leave Easton - Blame Parking And Crime

Debbie Mertz

At one time, the Eagles' building along Sullivan Trail in Forks Township was home to wedding receptions and weekend dances. But now, a portion of the property will have a new use as a new community center for Northampton County seniors, replacing two aging facilities in downtown and South Side Easton. By a 6-3 vote at their August 7 meeting, County Council approved a six-year lease with prominent area restaurateur Georges Moussa, with an initial monthly rent of $8,000. Rent will increase three per cent every year.

Council members Mat Benol, Lamont McClure and Bob Werner voted against the proposal without explanation. Some had previously worried that the move would inconvenience Easton seniors. But Debbie Mertz, Director of the Easton Area Senior Center, put those concerns to rest. She argued the move to Forks is necessary because of parking woes and high crime in Easton's downtown.

"When I first started 15 years ago, we had 90 visitors a day," she explained. "It's dropped to 8."

Mertz said that 15 years ago, the City was much more accommodating to senior concerns. There was art in the circle, flea markets, little crime and easy parking. But all that has changed. The Area Agency on Agency has repeatedly tried to get parking permits for seniors visiting the center, without success. Easton refused permission for a space in front of the center so aging seniors could be dropped off, especially in the winter. The City also refused to allow seniors to use six handicapped spots in front of the South Side center on street cleaning days.

"I can't even have a dance," lamented Mertz, noting that Easton enforces parking meters late into the evening and even on Sundays. "If they get a ticket, seniors can't afford it."

She also pointed to a recent holdup at a business just a few doors from the down center.

In contrast, there is "oodles of parking" at the Eagles building, as well as brand new bathrooms and a modern kitchen. Lafayette College has already approached Mertz about gardening plots for seniors, which are being called "Lafarms". Seniors will also be able to use a trail and even a boccie ball court.

Council member Glenn Geissinger, the only member of Council to address the lease proposal, said his concerns were allayed after speaking to the Area Agency on Aging. He added there is no truth to "rumors that we are closing senior centers."

Political Payback Even Hits Crossing Guards In Nazareth

Last week, Nazareth Borough Council Police Committee Chair Craig Fischl warned that there's a serious problem - a crossing guard shortage. He sought and eventually got approval to hire four new guards to replace some folks he said had moved. He never bothered pointing out that one of the crossing guards was fired because she's married to the wrong guy.

Karen Herbst is the wife of Jack Herbst, a former Council member who was unsuccessful candidate for Mayor last year. She's also been a crossing guard for the past thousand years, at least since the days of former Chief Ruch.

She was informed on Thursday, by none other than Chief Thomas Trachta, to turn in her sign and vest. her services will no longer be required. She's been canned, at the request of Trachta and Mayor Carl Strye, who beat Herbst in that Mayoral race.

To the victor belongs the spoils, even crossing guard jobs, I guess.

All that training for nothing.

In 24 Hours, ET Publishes 12 Stories About Shootings Near Musikfest

In the span of just 24 hours, The Express Times has published 12 stories about the shootings near Musikfest.

Center City Bethlehem shooting: Witnesses report hearing several gunshots

Your comments: Musikfest 2014 still fun, despite safety fears raised by a 'few dungheads'

Musikfest: Bethlehem shooting was off grounds, festival still safe

Has violent crime at or near Musikfest grounds made you reconsider going? (poll)

Bethlehem police presence strong, chief says as detainees released in Musikfest shooting that hurt two

Bethlehem mayor says more police will be deployed on Main Street, repeats Musikfest is safe

Bethlehem mayor says violent incidents won't go 'unanswered' but doesn't announce Musikfest policing changes

Bethlehem police on their way to disperse crowd when shooting starts, chief says

Bethlehem police chief 'evaluating' what could change in Musikfest policing in wake of shooting

Two face minor charges during Bethlehem police investigation into recent violence

Northampton County district attorney to talk to Bethlehem police chief about shootings, strategy

What do you think about recent violence in and around Musikfest in Bethlehem?

Over this same period, The Morning Call has had one report about the violence. I think it's safe to say that The Express is needlessly sensationalizing what happened. All too often, newspapers try to brush violent crime under the rug because they are fearful of upsetting the urban growth regime and losing ad revenue. But for some reason, the paper seems intent on scaring people away.

In an editorial criticism disguised as a news story, Lynn Olanoff writes, "Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez said this morning that recent violent incidents in the city won't go 'unanswered' but didn't announce any new Musikfest police staffing plans." When Mayor Bob Donchez did precisely that, just three hours later, she never bothered to update her original story, even though she is the reporter who wrote about the additional staffing.

It's unclear to me whether The Express Times is trying to make the mayor look bad, Musikfest look bad, or scare the shit out of everyone for shits and giggles. But it's more interested in confusing everyone than reporting facts.

Mable they should become bottom-feeding bloggers.

CACLV to Conduct Mobile Food Vending Seminar

You might know this Zen joke.

A Buddhist says to the hot dog vendor, "Make me one with everything," and hands a $5 for a $1.25 dog.

The vendor gives him the dog, but no change.

"Change must come from within," he says

How would you like to be the wise guy making the Buddhist one with everything? Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley is offering a two-part seminar on mobile food vending, whether it's wieners or something more exotic, like Vietnamese spring rolls.

When: August 11 and 18, 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Where: Basement, 702 Hamilton St Bldg, Allentown, Pa. (Park in Wells Fargo lot)

What: Information for those interested in running a mobile food business, with presentations by the City of Allentown, the Philadelphia Mobile Food Association, the Rising Tide Community Loan Fund and CADCA. The Rising Tide Community Loan Fund is offering a special financing program specifically for mobile food vendors.

Register:

DJ Kormanik
Business Development Director
Community Action Development Corporation of Allentown
443 N. 7th Street
Allentown, PA 18102
610-433-5703 x3102
dkormanik@caclv.org

Stockertown Police Decertify Union

Stockertown Borough has one Chief (John Soloe) and seven part-time officers. Pennyslvania's Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) only represents full-time police officers, so these part-timers had been relying on the Teamsters. But not anymore. According to the electronic sign in front of Stockertown's municipal building, the union there has recently been decertified.

29 Cool Things About the Lehigh Valley

Larry Wen of Moveto sent me an essay listing 29 cool things about the Lehigh Valley. It's a puff piece, and I usually detest them. But I liked this one for some reason. Whoever wrote it, even though he or she was almost certainly paid to do so, is one of those true believers.

Anyway, this got me thinking about what you, who are not being paid, think is cool about the Lehigh Valley.

I'll start with three things I like. To me, its best feature is the diversity of trails throughout the Lehigh Valley. Next is Bethlehem's Main Street. Finally, I'd list the numerous colleges.

Donchez: Bethlehem Will Remain a Safe City

(From Bethlehem City Hall, PA—August 6, 2014)-- Mayor Bob Donchez reaffirmed today that Public Safety is his top priority in the City of Bethlehem. “Recent incidents that have occurred in the downtown will not go unanswered. Bethlehem is a very safe City and under my watch it will remain that way!”, expressed Donchez. Mayor Donchez met with Police Chief Mark DiLuzio earlier today to evaluate security throughout the city. Presently the City of Bethlehem has the majority of its officers working MusikFest. This includes top leadership, detectives, bike units, mounted units, car patrols, and special units. These officers are in addition to the regular shift that is patrolling the City. Additionally, Bethlehem Police are joined by the FBI, Northampton County Emergency Management, the Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Unit and the City of Lancaster Mounted Unit providing 10-12 horses to ensure further crowd control. Mayor Donchez was pleased by the quick police response and resolution to the multiple events that occurred this week

But has he called Chief Trachta?