City of Allentown Managing Director Fran Dougherty has submitted his resignation. You can read the news release on Allentown's website.
Here's what I know. Dougherty and Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski have had an increasingly strained relationship. Dougherty began looking for a Township Manager job months ago, and actually had an offer that he turned down. He has no job lined up at the moment, and does not need one because he was awarded $700,000 in a whistle blower suit against the Philadelphia School District
Here's what I believe. He has been a cooperating witness in the investigation into pay-to-play in Allentown, and has already testified against Fed Ed before the federal Grand Jury.
Note: This story originally was published 4/18/16 at 4:13 pm.
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Green Pond Marsh Coffee?
Amy's Coffee Connection
8030 William Penn Highway
Greenmouth Juice Cafe
526 Northampton Street
Easton, PA
Jumbars
1342 Chelsea Avenue
Bethlehem, PA
The Old Library Bookshop
1419 Center Street
Bethlehem, PA
Lil' Miss Organic
Allentown Farmers Market
17th & Chew Street
Allentown, PA
Coffee House Without Limits
707 N 4th Street, Suite 101
Allentown PA
Monocacy Coffee Co. also serves their coffees weekly at Northampton Community College's SlowMarket.
McDonald's Being Rebuilt on Nazareth Pike
The current restaurant is a 4,700 sq ft building, with a ground floor and basement for storage, along with 80 parking places. Boulder Engineer located on approximately 1.9 acres of Bethlehem Plaza. The new restaurant will be smaller, just 4,400 sq ft, and everything will be located on one floor. The building will run parallel to Nazareth Pike to make it easier for vehicular traffic to get in and out. Impervious coverage (macadam) will be reduced by 4,000 sq ft. A storm water basin, located at the north side of the property, will be retained.
Michael Jaitner, an engineer with Boulder Engineering, told Commissioners that McDonald's will also add a significant amount of landscaping, including street trees.
"I hate to say it, but I think I approved the first one," said Tom Nolan of the 35-year old building. His chief concern is the difficulty of making a left hand turn from the McDonald's onto Nazareth Pike. The fast food chain did try to secure a cross easement from Bethlehem Plaza's owner, but was unsuccessful.
Because Nazareth Pike is a state road, PennDOT will have to issue what is known as a Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) for the fast food chain.
Nolan also expressed concerns about the nearby Monocacy Creek, but was assured that two different regulatory agencies will assure that there are no environmental concerns.
Construction will start in the fall, and is expectedto take 90-110 days.
Kim's Hair Salon
In addition to approving a new McDonalds, Commissioners also voted 3-1 to rezone 3120 Easton Avenue from residential to neighborhood commercial so that Kimberly Andrews could operate Kim's Hair Salon.
Nolan was leery of rezoning residential property to commercial, but noted that Andrews' property is located next to land that is already zoned commercial. He warned it may not be so eay for the next person who wants to rezone residential property to commercial.
"Why is this not spot zoning?" asked Solicitor Jim Broughal. Planning Director Nathan Jones answered that the property is next to a credit union and thus would be an extension of a commercial zone.
Kim Jenkins was the sole No vote.
In a Township plagued with stormwater problems, Commissioners voted 4-0 to seek proposals for a stormwater engineer.
"Don't we already have a Township engineer?" shouted Wayne Kresge from the back of the room.
"Yes, we do," answered Hudak. The Pidcock Company is Bethlehem Township's engineer.He added that Pidcock would be able to submit its qualifications as well. Manager Melissa Shafer explained that she regards a stormwater engineer as "very specialized." She noted that Pidcock does the stormwater review on all land development. "That will not change," she said. "This will be stormwater work outside of those responsibilities.".
Resident Barry Roth asked that the matter be expedited. "I don't want to drag this out until the middle of next year," he said. Shafer indicated a stormwater engineer will be appointed by June 2.
He also complained about a new streetsweeper being purchased by the Township to replace one that is 13 years old. "I have issues with this thing being driven around like it's a personal car," he complained
Blogger's Note: This is the first time I ever saw Michael Hudak run a meeting. I have often portrayed him as an ornery bastard, and he is. I know this because I'm a miserable bastard myself. But as a Chair, he is a different Commissioner. He managed to get through a lengthy agenda in about an hour with a relaxed yet no-nonsense approach, making sure everyone was heard. I was impressed. He even knows how to read, which is a step or two above Breslin.
Woodman, Scavello Funding Miller
We know that her opponent, Zach Mako, is being backed by Julie Harhart, Emerick, Hahn and other Republican state representatives. They funneled their money to Mako through a $10,0000 contribution from State Rep. Mark Mustio.
What about Miller?
Her campaign is $8,500 in debt, but $3,000 of the $7,853 she raised came in the form of contriutions from State senator mario Scavello ($1,500) and former lehigh County Comm'r Lisa Scheller ($,1500).
So Mako is a puppet for one faction of Republicans while Miller is a puppet for another.
State Reps Emrick and Hahn Need More Transparency
Zach Mako, who is running against Miler in the 183rd, failed to file a courtesy copy in Northampton County, where he happens to live.
Since he's a newbie and he did file electronically with the state, his rookie error is understandable. The public is still able to follow the money.
That's not the case with State Reps. Marcia Hahn and Joe Emrick, both of whom live in this County. Neither bothered filing electronic reports because they don't want you to know what they're doing .... like backing Mako. They were banking on you finding out after the election.
But guess what? They also failed to file copies of the report in the County office, completely thumbing their noses at the transparency required by The Elections Code.
The only way you could see their reports is by travelling to Harrisburg.
I realize these back benchers are in Harrisburg primarily to build their pensions at collect their per diems, but they should follow the law.
The elections office has been notified of this attempt to keep the public in the dark, and has notified the offending state representatives to start following the laws they impose on everyone else.
Martin Tower Zoning Appeal Quashed
Judge Reichley ruled that the group of residents and merchants who filed this challenge lived too far away from the proposed development and thus lacked standing. Even if they had the right to seek judicial relief, Reichley found their complaint devoid of merit.
The chief argument against the zoning change was that Planning Director Darlene Heller failed to give the Planning Commission enough time to review zoning changes. But the City countered that that Heller is also the Planning Commission Secretary, and that notice to her was timely.
Merchants and residents were represented by prominent zoning attorney Marc Kaplan. The City was represented by its Solicitor, Bill Leeson. He's one of the Lehigh Valley's best attorneys.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Nazareth's Culture of Corruption
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| Strye at Myrtle Beach in March |
He's been ordered to stay away from the Vig, where he did his skimming. But for over a year, he's been spending more and more time at the the Holy Family Social Club, ingratiating himself with another social club that has had its share of gambling problems over the years. If you wanted something done, you could meet Falisify Strye there and buy him a few drinks. Want the cops to intervene in a dispute with your neighbor? I know for a fact that he has intervened in several police matters directly as a result of these visits.
He was holding court there as recently as last night.
"Bingo!" he cried as he managed to win.
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| Strye at Flyers |
On New Year's Eve, Falsfy Strye sat at the head table for that club's year-end celebration. He went to every table and handed each a bottle of champagne. "Compliments of the Borough of Nazareth," he'd say
Let's hope that he was just falsifyin', and that the Borough did not actually buy this booze.
I could ask Interim Secretary and Treasurer Glenn Steckman, but I'm hearing he's already flown the coop and is hoping to get picked up by Reading.
I won't run down whether Nazareth bought this booze, but do know there is a culture of corruption.
Since the beginning of this year, Strye has been on thee trips and to a Flyers' game.
"Thanks Reno for the ticket," he said on January 25 when he was at The Flyers' game. In early March, he flew to Kentucky, where he watched his granddaughter play in a volleyball tournament Later in the month, it was a three-day golf tournament at Myrtle Beach that also included Nazareth Public Works Director Bob Reimer. "Thank you Don B. And Joe Mac!" His latest trip, earlier this month, was to Las Vegas. He claimed that was for business.
Falsify Strye seems to regards the entire Borough of Nazareth as one gigantic social club. I'm surprised he hasn't set up poker machines in the circle. Borough Council is right there with him. Last October, they voted unanimously to apply for a $52,900 gaming grant from Monroe County for improvements at the American Legion. That's where Larry Sroudt, a Council member, works as a bartender. That club is routinely hit with gambling violations. In fact, Stoudt was himself placed on ARD for interfering with a state gambling investigation aimed at social clubs. They effectively voted to subsidize an illegal gambling operation with money from Mount Airy Lodge, a legal operation.
There was no attempt to seek money for its police or fire operations.
Speaking of police, "Commissioner" Randy Miller was brought in to make life miserable for cops who are actually interested in enforcing the law evenly. In July, he pushed for and got retired Bethlehem cop Joseph Gross, who acted as his IA guy in Bethlehem. This is the guy who tickets people at Mass, engages in 70 mph chases through borough streets and fails to respond to back up requests when shots are fired. .
In addition to failing to respond as a back up when someone exercised his second amendment rights against hermit crabs, he also failed to respond when Officer Kyle Stout [no relation to Larry Stoudt] encountered a man who was exercising his second amendment right to throw a M-80 at someone's home. Stout was punched in the jaw and forced to use pepper spray to subdue his assailant. Back up Gross didn't show up until Stout was handcuffing the assailant.
Gross tells other cops that he will be Nazareth's next chief when Randy Miller goes to Emmaus, where he expects to take over
In the meantime, Officer Stout is leaving Nazareth for Wilson Borough. Police Officers who know they have to work with Gross call off.
Gross, incidentally, has applied to join Nazareth's social clubs.
This is just some of what I'd call a culture of corruption in Nazareth. This is without looking at the strange relationship between the borough and its money-making ambulance company or its sewer authority. Those are separate stories.
Harhart Launders $10,000 Contribution to Mako
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| Cindy Miller |
Miller has managed to alienate a lot of people in her quest for the state house. She suffers from a "vaulting ambition which o'erleaps itself." This became evident last year, long before she announced. In Northampton County, Executive John Brown attempted to put her on the Gaming Board, even though to do so he would have to remove Tony Pristash, a Northampton Borough Council member and a Republican who was doing a good job and wanted to remain.
Brown disingenuously told Council he wanted to replace Miller with Pristash to "mix it up," but the reality is he wanted to raise her visibility to assist her election to the state house. Smelling that politics was in the mix, Council refused to confirm this appointment, and Brown was ultimately forced to withdraw Miller's nomination.
As an indication of just how smart I am, I completely missed out on why Brown nominated Miller.But her hubris became more evident when she jumped the gun and announced her candidacy without giving Harhart a chance to announce her retirement.
From there, she went on to file two nomination challenges against the two other Republicans running for this seat, Zach Mako and Marc Grammes. In a news release about her challenge to Grammes, she referred to herself as a "small businesswoman, trusted township supervisor, wife, and mother." But returning a call from me about that news release was apparently beneath her, even though she included a contact number. She succeeded in removing Grammes, which alienated his supporters as well as numerous other Lehigh County Republicans. But she failed to get rid of Mako.
At a debate, Mako was so uninformed about most issues that I question whether he should even be allowed to fly a helicopter. "As you can tell, I am not a politician and this is not my bag," he said at one point. But his pre-election campaign finance report, which is available at the state site, makes pretty clear that he has the support of politicians.
Mako reports $12,000 in contributions, with the biggest contribution by far being $10,000 from State Rep. Marc Mustio on April 8. In addition, retired political consultant Tom Severson provided a $450 in-kind contribution of street lists and robo calls.
Why would Severson get involved? It's no secret that he and Julie Harhart were close friends for many years. He ran many of her campaigns.
Then there's Mustio from Moon Township on the other side of the state. Why would he give Mako $10,000?
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| Zach Mako |
Though Harhart will not come and directly endorse Mako, she and her colleagues in the state house and senate are willing to be sneaky. They laundered contributions to Mako through Mustio. It's safe to say he is her preferred successor.
Harhart, Emrick and Hahn refuse to file electronic campaign finance reports. They file paper reports, and likely hoped that the election would be over long before we were any the wiser. But someone forget to tell Mustio to file a paper report.
How about Miller? She filed a paper report. She'll fit right in.
Basically, the Republicans have one ambitious candidate who has alienated everyone and one clueless candidate who will be controlled.
And Democrat Phillips Armstrong. He filed an electronic report so the public can follow his campaign finance.
Fed Ed's Federal Campaign Fund Down to $18,944
At the end of last year, Fed Ed had another $83,000 in his state campaign treasury. We know from his state report that he had spent $80,000 on lawyers defending him in the criminal investigation. Those payments came out of the state PAC, which receives far less scrutiny than his federal PAC.
At the end of last year, Fed Ed had a combined sum from both PACs of about $183,000 with which to pay lawyers.
The transfer of $75,000 back into his state campaign fund is a signal that he needs the money to pay for his legal defense with prominent Philadelphia defense counsel Jack McMahon.
Since there are no municipal races this year, it's unlikely that he will have to account for his spending until his year-end report is due. That is not until the end of next January.
In March, McMahon gave interviews to local media, trying the case with reporters. This was an expensive interview for Fed Ed.
McMahon vowed he would stay with Fed Ed "until the end." But at least in Northampton County, "the end" for McMahon coincides with bank accounts.
He no longer represents Gregory Graf, who was convicted of killing his step daughter so he could film himself having sex with her dead body. He no longer represents Rene Figueroa, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after s South Bethlehem gun battle.
When the money is gone, so is he.
He is not a public defender.
Based on this $75,000 transfer, I believe that about half of the $183,000 that Fed Ed had left in his combined treasuries is now in McMahon's pocket. .
Fed Ed's pre-primary report also reveals he has received no contributions, not even from defenders who claim we need to build a statue to him. He did get $1,000 from State Rep Mike "Darth Voter" Schlossberg, but he was returning a donation he had previously received from Fed Ed.
At one time, not so long ago, Fed Ed boasted of $423,000 in contributions.
Solid Privacy Fence OK With Hanover's ZHB
Though the zoning ordinance permits only see-through fences, Solicitor Ted Lewis noted that it permits residents to build walls, really big ones (six feet high). He questioned why a wall is permitted, but a solid fence is banned.
The Kutz' fence, which will be 208' long and six feet high, will connect to a neighbor next door who had a fence before the Zoning ordinance took effect.
Kutz explained that, in addition to privacy, the fence will buffer some of the noise from traffic. The fence is inside of landscaping he already has planted.
No one opposed this request.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Delegate Candidate Lee Snover Supports Trump
From Lee Snover:
Why Trump? I have always been known as fiercely independent. 
If you live in the 17th Congressional District I ask for your vote for Delegate. My ballot is #7. LUCKY number 7.
As a life-long conservative, I have served the Republican party faithfully for 25 years, helping conservatives get elected with organized grass roots support, and investing my time, talent and treasure. I currently serve as Vice Chair of the Northampton County Republican Committee, and Chair of the Bethlehem Township Planning Commission. I am a graduate of the Anne Anstine Excellence in Public Service Series. I am COO of an interior construction company doing commercial and residential work in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
What I will do as delegate: I will support Donald Trump.
Having Southern parents who raised me in the Northeast left me with no alternative. America needs a doer, not a talker. It could not be clearer that if there is anything that Donald Trump is going to do, it will be to curb illegal immigration. While Ellis Island stands as a symbol of America’s promise and compassion, the liberal left has joined our foreign enemies to pervert its meaning to advocate for our society’s ultimate demise. If Mr. Trump builds only a wall to prevent illegals, terrorists, drug traffickers, and reduces the welfare rolls to only citizens, his election will be worth it. Immigration does not need to be stopped, it needs to be controlled, and building the wall is the surest way to do it. It will take a strong leader to do it, and I firmly believe Donald Trump is perhaps our last opportunity to get
Brown's 2016 State of Northampton County
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| Brown announces improvements to central booking |
Ordinarily, I'd say this is just another example of Brown's lack of transparency. But as it happens, the County had nothing to do with extending invitations. Since Brown is running for Auditor General, it would be against his own self-interest to snub so many.
I asked Administrative Director Luis Campos to provide a copy of his address, which is below in outline form Brown identifies flat revenues and growing expenses as the County's two chief problems.
The cost of County personnel is increasing $3.9 million per year, but county revenues are only increasing $1 million per year. This in turn leads to deficit spending, with the general fund dropping from a year-end balance of $68.3 million in 2008 to $30.2 million last year.
Brown claims to have reversed a seven-year downward trend, but his own statistics belie that assertion.
His extremely unpopular health care reductions, which led to a record number of retirements, only applies to 1/3 of the workforce. Brown found this out the hard way as a result of adverse union rulings.But he predicts his reductions will cover 87% of the workforce by the end of this year. It's unclear how much this will save. I saw no indication on his outline claiming any real savings.
His two biggest successes are at Gracedale and in central booking. Changes that first started under Executive John Stoffa are beginning to have an impact. The nursing home lost $2.1 million last year instead of the $7.7 million projected. But the nursing home also needs at least $10 million in capital improvements. Central Booking changes get police officers back on patrol as quickly as possible. This may not save any money for the County, but it helps the bottom line of municipal police forces and increases public safety.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Opinions Online, 4/16/16
Blogger's Note: Opinions Online is a regular Saturday feature. If you'd like to express your opinion on any topic, click on the Opinions Online button on my left sidebar. You can also call 385-325-2564. In addition to these submissions, I sometimes highlight comments from throughout the week and re-publish them here. Please keep your comments brief, if possible.
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I guess Nazareth Police were not wrong with their handling of that barricade situation. The lawsuit against them got thrown out.
(Blogger's Note: Judge Leeson dismissed a lawsuit arising out of the death of Timothy Nixon, who shoot himself, when a police officer barged into the apartment building where he was located. He concluded there was "no seizure." Attorneys representing Nixon's estate intend to appeal this adverse ruling, which was a rare victory in a borough plagued with civil rights lawsuits).
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I heard a comment on WFMZ news Friday morning by philosopher and activist Cornel West, (paraphrasing) “I want to redistribute wealth down from the one percent to the people”
The one percent was able to accumulate their wealth because the 99% sent it to them in a fair and voluntary exchange of value; if the 99% received the value they expected, why on earth do they believe they are entitled to some of it back? If they did not receive the value they expected, why did they participate in the voluntary exchange in the first place?
If you don’t like the one percent, stop, for example, lining up at the Apple store and sending your money to those Apple executives every time some new gizmo shows up. But if you really value that new gizmo, take a full dose of STFU.
But, you argue, those creators of value are doing it on the backs of the workers! Why aren’t the workers getting the value instead of the one percent?
I challenge you to ask a worker to drop whatever he’s doing and create a smart phone for you. Give me a call when you have it.
**********
Geissinger, Connolly Both Claim They Can Beat Cartwright.
That is the funniest headline i have ever seen.
**********
Nazareth Mayor should be forced out due to the current situation. He is no long fit for public office! No ARD!
**********
Should be obvious to all now. Both Republican and Democrat party elites are slowly distancing themselves from the effects of citizen voting. They are quietly diminishing us with delegate and convention trickery. They like their little racket just as it is.
How to slow this down?
1. Elect their worst nightmare for President. Either Sanders or Trump.
2. Vote against incumbent members of Congress. They need to be shown WE matter.
Fred Windish
**********
Maybe This Will Tarnish Carl Strye's "Love" For Nazareth
This post should be sent to the NCODA, and no ARD
G. John Bryant, Jr.
**********
for once I agree with you Bernie -- and I love Nazareth too
**********
I am having a really hard time deciding about voting for John Morganelli on election day after reading the news about Nazareth Mayor Carl Strye Jr. My husband and I have been debating back and forth on how he will go after the law breakers in the Commonwealth if he were elected. He summoned the grand jury to decide Mayor Strye's fate and he has not gone any further with charging any one else with corruption or racketeering charges relating to the facts of this case. My husband seems to feel it is an election year and Mr. Morganelli will not want to do anything more, but there is more. A lot more that he could do against the private clubs that use illegal ways to make a profit. How can he say that a crime was committed without going after all of the violators instead of just one. Granted, he had to look at the evidence presented against one man. The problem is behind that one man, there were many more and I guess when you look at the whole picture of the PLCB raids and the confiscating of illegal gambling devices is it fair for the District Attorney to draw the line and say, I did my job? Or should John go one step further and start bringing actions against the people that are committing these crimes? What kind of message is he sending to the voters that want him to be tough on crime. The election is a few weeks. Mayor Strye's hearing is afterwards. How can Mr. Morganelli convince voters in the Commonwealth, if he can't make a difference in his own county.
Blogger Reply. I agree there is more, but as you see, it took over a year just to develop a skimming case. If Morganelli were interested in playing it safe, he'd deep six this or wait until after the election.
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So much for the Bethlehem PD posting the police blotters to their blog again after some recent comments on here back in March. It appeared on April 1, April 5, and that's it.
**********
Charlie Dent would make a better President than any Democrat or Republican currently in the race.
Blogger Reply: I completely agree.
**********
**********
I guess Nazareth Police were not wrong with their handling of that barricade situation. The lawsuit against them got thrown out.
(Blogger's Note: Judge Leeson dismissed a lawsuit arising out of the death of Timothy Nixon, who shoot himself, when a police officer barged into the apartment building where he was located. He concluded there was "no seizure." Attorneys representing Nixon's estate intend to appeal this adverse ruling, which was a rare victory in a borough plagued with civil rights lawsuits).
**********
I heard a comment on WFMZ news Friday morning by philosopher and activist Cornel West, (paraphrasing) “I want to redistribute wealth down from the one percent to the people”
The one percent was able to accumulate their wealth because the 99% sent it to them in a fair and voluntary exchange of value; if the 99% received the value they expected, why on earth do they believe they are entitled to some of it back? If they did not receive the value they expected, why did they participate in the voluntary exchange in the first place?
If you don’t like the one percent, stop, for example, lining up at the Apple store and sending your money to those Apple executives every time some new gizmo shows up. But if you really value that new gizmo, take a full dose of STFU.
But, you argue, those creators of value are doing it on the backs of the workers! Why aren’t the workers getting the value instead of the one percent?
I challenge you to ask a worker to drop whatever he’s doing and create a smart phone for you. Give me a call when you have it.
**********
Geissinger, Connolly Both Claim They Can Beat Cartwright.
That is the funniest headline i have ever seen.
**********
Nazareth Mayor should be forced out due to the current situation. He is no long fit for public office! No ARD!
**********
Should be obvious to all now. Both Republican and Democrat party elites are slowly distancing themselves from the effects of citizen voting. They are quietly diminishing us with delegate and convention trickery. They like their little racket just as it is.
How to slow this down?
1. Elect their worst nightmare for President. Either Sanders or Trump.
2. Vote against incumbent members of Congress. They need to be shown WE matter.
Fred Windish
**********
Maybe This Will Tarnish Carl Strye's "Love" For Nazareth
This post should be sent to the NCODA, and no ARD
G. John Bryant, Jr.
**********
for once I agree with you Bernie -- and I love Nazareth too
**********
I am having a really hard time deciding about voting for John Morganelli on election day after reading the news about Nazareth Mayor Carl Strye Jr. My husband and I have been debating back and forth on how he will go after the law breakers in the Commonwealth if he were elected. He summoned the grand jury to decide Mayor Strye's fate and he has not gone any further with charging any one else with corruption or racketeering charges relating to the facts of this case. My husband seems to feel it is an election year and Mr. Morganelli will not want to do anything more, but there is more. A lot more that he could do against the private clubs that use illegal ways to make a profit. How can he say that a crime was committed without going after all of the violators instead of just one. Granted, he had to look at the evidence presented against one man. The problem is behind that one man, there were many more and I guess when you look at the whole picture of the PLCB raids and the confiscating of illegal gambling devices is it fair for the District Attorney to draw the line and say, I did my job? Or should John go one step further and start bringing actions against the people that are committing these crimes? What kind of message is he sending to the voters that want him to be tough on crime. The election is a few weeks. Mayor Strye's hearing is afterwards. How can Mr. Morganelli convince voters in the Commonwealth, if he can't make a difference in his own county.
Blogger Reply. I agree there is more, but as you see, it took over a year just to develop a skimming case. If Morganelli were interested in playing it safe, he'd deep six this or wait until after the election.
**********
So much for the Bethlehem PD posting the police blotters to their blog again after some recent comments on here back in March. It appeared on April 1, April 5, and that's it.
**********
Charlie Dent would make a better President than any Democrat or Republican currently in the race.
Blogger Reply: I completely agree.
**********
Friday, April 15, 2016
Morganelli, McNeill Take Aim at Heroin Epidemic
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| State rep. Dan McNeill with DA John Morganelli |
Physically, it would be hard to find two people more different than Northampton County DA John Morganelli and State Rep Dan McNeill. Morganelli is small in stature, but is a fearless prosecutor, with 25 successful homicide cases under his belt McNeill is a tough former ironworker who dwarfs a podium.But he's been deeply touched by the heroin epidemic ripping across the Lehigh Valley and the entire state. In recent weeks, he's teamed up with Lehigh County DA Jim Martin to raise public awareness of this crisis with town halls in Whitehall and Coplay. Now he's joining forces Morganelli as well to combat a serious public health problem. They both addressed their efforts following a meeting at the Northampton County Courthouse on April 14.
In recent months, Morganelli has arrested drug dealers who have sold heroin to victims who've overdosed and died. But Morganelli completely agrees with Lehigh County DA Jim Martin's assessment that it's impossible to "prosecute the problem away."
Heroin is now the biggest drug problem in the state. Its abuse is now the leading cause of accidental deaths in the state, surpassing accidental deaths, claims Morganelli. He also referred to statistics showing that accidental overdose deaths have been reported in 30 Lehigh Valley communities in 2014 and 2015.
In McNeill's town halls audiences have been frustrated at police for failing to take dealers off the streets, doctors for prescribing addictive painkillers and our health system for making it so difficult for families to find and then afford treatment for their loved ones.
At one of those town halls, McNeill invited Sharon Stauffer, a mother from Emmaus. She lost her son Ryan to a heroin overdose in 2010. He died with two needles stuck in his arm and eight empty bags of heroin by his side. Her poignant advice? "If your gut's telling you there's something wrong, there's something wrong."
Morganelli, who is one of three Democrats seeking his party's nomination for state Attorney General, said it's time to "change strategy" for accidental overdoses. "We have not been winning the war on drugs," he conceded. He has a three-pronged plan
First, Hit it at its source
He'd stop the flow of heroin into Pennsylvania by focusing on criminal organizations that bring it into the state and have made it cheap.He wants to form a "transnational organized crime unit" for a "full court press" to "crush" criminal enterprises that not only bring in heroin from other countries, but also engage in weapons trafficking, cyber crime and human trafficking. This specialized team would work closely with federal investigators.
Second, An ounce of prevention ...
Morganelli wants to step up preventive measures Every police department in the state would be supplied and trained with naloxone kits, which are used to treat heroin overdoses. He would overhaul a prescription drug monitoring program to make it easier to identify prescription drug abuse and tackle problems "before they get out of hand." He would expand the use of treatment courts and step up education efforts, particularly at schools.
Third, Support Your Local Sheriff
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| Sarah McCann shares story |
Morganelli noted that as bad as heroin abuse is in the Lehigh Valley or in urban centers like Philadelphia, it's even worse in rural counties, where "county prisons have become detox units" and criminal justice resources are understaffed. Local sheriffs could fill that gap, he maintains.
At one of his town halls, McNeill provided an example of rural heroin abuse. Sarah McCann, age 24, is a farmer's daughter. And a heroin addict. She was shaking as she waited her turn to speak in Coplay At her young age, she's already lost a baby she was carrying. Her addicted boyfriend overdosed and died.
McNeill Forming Heroin Caucus, Wants Halfway Houses
Morganelli lauded McNeill for his efforts. For his part, the former trades union agent said he knew nothing about the subject until a few months ago. "What woke me up was when I heard from two parents who had just buried their children the day before," he said. "It blew my mind."
McNeill stated that Morganelli in Northampton County and Martin in Lehigh County have promised to help him in any way they can. Though he's running for re-election against Republican Dave Molony, he denied his interest is motivated by politics. "I have one Republican (Jim Martin) and one Democrat (John Morganelli) backing me, so I feel very good about that."
In Harrisburg, McNeill is setting up a bipartisan heroin caucus, and hopes to have 100 state legislators join him. He claimed the heroin epidemic "has to be stopped," and called it "totally out of control,." noting that there were over 3,000 heroin overdoes deaths last year in Pennsylvania. .
"These kids on heroin are not criminals," he said. "This has become a sickness." He'd like to open up halfway houses specialized to deal with heroin and other opioids.
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| Dan McNeill clowns around with Tim Munsch |
As McNeill made his way out of the courthouse, he stopped to meet some members of Northampton County's Drug Court.
Tim Munsch, Director of Lehigh Valley Drug and Alcohol Intake,said that Lehigh Valley and St.Luke's Hospital should be more involved, and McNeill told him he'd like to use part of the vacant Allentown State Hospital to establish treatment for heroin and opioid addiction.
If You Need Help, There's Hope
Northampton County's Drug and Alcohol Division is sponsoring a presentation about the growing heroin and opioid epidemic. It will be hosted by HOPE (Heroin and Opioid Prevention Education) on Thursday, April 28, at 6:30 pm, at Bethlehem's Town Hall (10 E Church St, Bethlehem)
If you have a teenage child suffering from addiction or alcoholism, a parent support group meets every Thursday, 7 pm, at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 3231 Tilghman St, Allentown, PA 18104. For more information, contact Donna Jacobsen at DonnaJacobsen657@gmail.com
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Maybe This Will Tarnish Carl Strye's "Love" For Nazareth
Dear Carl,
I threw up a little in my mouth when I saw your latest Express Times spin over an admitted theft. "My love for Nazareth will never be tarnished," you claim. You say you have had nothing but support, no one has asked you to resign, and point to your Facebook sycophants as proof that you are swell guy. I am telling you, as a Nazareth resident and voter, that I want you to resign. If you refuse, you should be denied ARD, which is what we all know you are trying to get.
You need to resign because, unfortunately, you are both a thief and a liar. You have completely failed to demonstrate remorse. You even think an accused felon can run a police department. This undermines public confidence in government and taints the integrity of every criminal investigation and prosecution being pursued in Nazareth. Nazareth deserves better. Its police department deserves better. If you really do love Nazareth, step down. If not, you should be denied entry into ARD.
Of the 84 votes cast on my online poll thus far, only six persons think you should stay in office. The Express Times call for your resignation was at 81% when I last checked.
You admitted to a Grand Jury that you stole $8,000 from a very worthwhile nonprofit. In reality, you undoubtedly stole a far greater sum, which explains why you go on trips at the drop of a hat and can afford to attend so many professional sports events.
You are also a liar, which goes hand in had with being a thief. You lied to me. Repeatedly. Let's review.
January 2015 Denial
I first got wind of a possible criminal investigation into skimming in January of last year, and I asked you about it. In an email to me dated January 26, 2015, you said:
"You can believe me or not, I did not skim anything. I wasn't brought up that way. I have a very good paying job as a regional Manager of a very large carwash distributorship. But of course, people will say what they want without proving or investigating anything. They only thing I got from the vendor was baseball, hockey or football tickets. Never any money. I do not know what is happening now, because I distanced myself from that to concentrate on being Mayor."We now know that was a lie. But like an idiot, I believed you.
March 2015 Denial
Over that cold 2015 Winter, amid snow emergencies being declared twice a week, I advised you that I was hearing rumors about a Grand Jury investigation, and asked if you had been subpoenaed. On March 3, 2015, this is what you said: "Berne, I have not been subpoenaed for anything. Do not know anything about it. However, If I were, I would cooperate 100% and let them know the value of these machines and why they are needed in private clubs." I had called you the King of Illegal Poker Machines, and you made this request:
"Can you please stop calling me the Illegal Poker machine person. Everyone in town knows about the poker machines and that the Vigilance had them along with other establishments. You never mention the new president who took over for me. I know I am a target in my position, so I am asking you kindly to stop.You went on to say:
"Man to Man.....Please."
"Does it look bad on my part? somewhat. But I never had any conversations with our local police while I was in or out of office. It was just they way it was. Right or wrong, the police stayed away.Once again, you lied. But like an idiot, I eased up.
"According to Vig. Prez.Troy Keenhold, he is not bringing back the machines. He never dealt with the state police and I think he got scared. That is up to him and the Board of trustees of the Hose. I wish them well.
"Personally, I am not a corrupt person. I also think the other municipal leaders thought the same thing. Never even crossed my mind concerning the machines. However, I do get what you are saying. But I think the press has suppressed the poker machine issue and agreed they need to be legalized. This might have taken a little steam or pressure off of who was involved."
January 2016 Denial
As Winter turned Summer and Fall, I discounted most of the rumors until I began seeing Nazareth firefighters going into the Grand Jury. They were obviously not seeking donations. I heard that you had been subpoenaed and asked you about it. On January 14. 2016, you denied you had been in front of the Grand Jury and added, "I have nothing to hide. I have a very good paying job and can prove my investments. The vigilance hose is not the fleas."
This was another lie. In fact, you had been in front of the Grand Jury just three days before, on January 11, 2016, and had admitted to stealing $8,000. But like an idiot, I still believed you. I even agreed to sit down with you at some future date.
That date never came. Instead, the rumors continued to intensify. On March 16, 2016, I wrote to tell you I had heard you were a target of the Grand Jury.. The DA refused comment, but I told you that a former gas station owner had reported you were entering a plea.
You responded by saying "I have not admitted to anything," followed by "I have no comment."
In fact, you had admitted to stealing two months earlier at a Grand Jury at which you denied being present. Once again, you lied.
But I no longer believed you.
It wasn't until I went through my email exchanges with you that I realized that there is little difference between me and your Facebook sycophants or your "friends" in Nazareth. You spun us all. You are quite the manipulator.
Next time you want to tell some reporter that no one has asked you to resign, remember this email. Resign for the sake of the Borough you claim to love. Stop diminishing the integrity of the police department with your continued presence. If you do not resign, I will ask the DA and the courts to deny your application for ARD. I question whether someone like you, who has displayed no remorse, deserves ARD.
You see, I love Nazareth, too.
NorCo Council Approves Major Reorganization of Human Resources
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| HR Director Amy Trapp |
Trapp told Council, that since Human Relations was first established in 1998, there has been no reorganization of the office while the County's workforce has grown to 2,200 managed by a staff of 13.
As a result of a critical review of her own department, Trapp determined that too many human resource functions are being foisted on department heads, which detracts from their ability to do their own jobs while burdening them with sensitive employee information..
The restructuring approved will re-classify her staff to include two recruitment specialists, two benefit coordinators, one labor relations officer, one leave coordinator and one HR analyst. It will also create an executive secretary and pension and retirement administrator position.
Recruitment specialists ($34,910, pay grade CS-17) will assist with recruitment and testing efforts, as well as employee "onboarding" and employee orientation. Benefits coordinators ($40,083, pay grade CS-20) will administer employee benefit programs, including health, workers comp, life insurance and disability. The leave administrator ($43,948, pay grade CS-22) will coordinate the County's leave programs, whether it is sick leave, military leave or leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).The pension and retirement administrator ($43,948, pay grade CS-22) will perform pension calculations, conduct benefits audits and respond to pension and retiree questions. The human resources analyst ($57,926, pay grade CS-28) will study job rends and identify appropriate employee compensation based on both internal and external salary statistics. The executive secretary ($38,276 , pay grade CS-19) will work in direct support of the Director of Human Resources and will be trusted with highly confidential information.
Trapp indicated there will be cross-training within the department. "You can't survive in this day and age, doing more with less, without having everyone cross-trained," she told Council President John Cusick.
The total cost of these changes to the County will be $156,135, but Trapp indicated that there will be no need for a Budget Amendment because she already has the money for these new positions.She added that the County wold see a "huge return" on this restructuring in soft costs like avoiding EEOC claims that on average cost the County $250,000, regardless of outcome.
Most importantly Trapp believes this will help serve the employee population.
In response to Ken Kraft, Trapp advised that department managers can spend between 60-90 minutes of their day dealing with an FMLA matter, and that takes them away from their job duties, slowing them down, and ultimately costing the taxpayer. It also costs employers $78,000 on average to defend a FMLA lawsuit, regardless of outcome. Decentralized FMLA increases the probability of error. .
Trapp has also eliminated the 4-day a week, 10-hour day in her office. "HR is a customer service focused department," she told Peg Ferraro."My philosophy of service to be provided to employees did not allow for four 10-hour days because we needed to be available when employees needed us."
"When we hired Ms.Trapp last year, this is why we hired her," said Ken Kraft, himself a business agent for the trades unions. "I think this is going to be great."
In other business, County Solicitor Ryan Durkin asked Council to reclassify his Office Administrator, Sharon Lerch, from Executive Secretary to Paralegal,with a modest increase in salary to $47,892 (pay grade CS-21).
Durkin called Lerch "one of the best paralegals I've ever had." He called her "the essential glue that makes the part-time office work," referring to the part-time Solicitors.
Hayden Phillips noted that, in addition to the work experience, she also has a paralegal certificate from Northampton Community College, and was also recommended by DA John Morganelli. "She also has the drive," said Ken Kraft. "I want to keep her."
Her reclassification and raise passed 8-0.
Glenn Geissinger, who is running for Congress, skipped the meeting to attend a fundraiser in Pottsville. Executive John Brown, who is running for state auditor general, opted to attend a candidates' night in Philadelphia.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Should Strye Resignation Be Condition of ARD?
Nazareth Mayor Carl Strye is an admitted thief. The affidavit of probable cause supporting the felony theft charges against him cites Grand Jury testimony in which he admitted pocketing money and falsifying records. He took money from a worthy nonprofit, making him no better than someone who steals from the collection plate.
In Pennsylvania, borough Mayors have very little power. But they do have authority over the police department. So a fox is in the hen house.
I'm not particularly troubled by the fact that he lied to me. I expect that from politicians. But I am frankly appalled by the comments he made to The Express Times, in which he displays absolutely no remorse for his conduct.
He incredibly claims he can still run the police department with a "left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing" bullshit argument. He also complained that he wanted this kept "in house," out of the public eye. There was no apology for letting the community down. No shame.
I expect that Strye will apply for participation in the ARD program, a special program for first offenders in which charges are dismissed after a successful period of probation. Though it;s a bit unusual in felony cases, it happens.
But after reading his complete unwillingness to accept responsibility, he should be denied participation in this program unless he resigns as Mayor. Allowing a person like that to continue in office will completely erode public confidence in government.
I have a poll for this topic on my left sidebar. Let me know what you think.
In Pennsylvania, borough Mayors have very little power. But they do have authority over the police department. So a fox is in the hen house.
I'm not particularly troubled by the fact that he lied to me. I expect that from politicians. But I am frankly appalled by the comments he made to The Express Times, in which he displays absolutely no remorse for his conduct.
He incredibly claims he can still run the police department with a "left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing" bullshit argument. He also complained that he wanted this kept "in house," out of the public eye. There was no apology for letting the community down. No shame.
I expect that Strye will apply for participation in the ARD program, a special program for first offenders in which charges are dismissed after a successful period of probation. Though it;s a bit unusual in felony cases, it happens.
But after reading his complete unwillingness to accept responsibility, he should be denied participation in this program unless he resigns as Mayor. Allowing a person like that to continue in office will completely erode public confidence in government.
I have a poll for this topic on my left sidebar. Let me know what you think.
Hanover Addresses Warehouse Visibility Concerns
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| Hanover Township manager Jay Finnigan |
They got it. Township Manager Jay Finnigan told TOA residents he had looked into their concerns about the visibility of the warehouse from their development. As he explained two weeks before, he indicated the height of this building is actually two feet less than what the plan authorized, but he also noted that two deciduous trees were missing from the approved plan. He indicated that the remaining trees were planted last Fall, that the roots will develop over the Summer, and they should provide some buffering. But he cautioned that these are deciduous trees. For "significant" periods during the year, the trees will be bare, making the industrial business more visible.
Finnigan conducted had several meetings with the developer of the project, who agreed to plant 26 white pine, white spruce and Douglas firs. They will be six feet at planting, and can grow as high as 50'. he provided a plan to Phil Hoffman, who was acting as a spokesperson for TOA residents, showing where the trees will be planted.
In addition to these evergreen,the developer will plant 12 leatherleaf viberniums, an expansive and bushy evergreen that can also grow as high as 50'
The developer has committed to planting this additional landscaping in early May.
Finnigan also produced a plan showing the berm as it exists, and it conforms with the approved plan. Finnigan discussed the possibility of widening the berm and elevating it, but was told it would be impossible. Trees already planted would have to be ripped out and it would erode.
Hoffman said that he still wanted "more relief" because the visibility of the warehouse is "having an impact on our community."
Finnigan also addressed claims made by residents that they had been misled by TOA Realtors that no other development was planned around their senior community. He indicated that each property owner received and signed for a packet of information at the time of their purchase warning that "the land surrounding the site is zoned wither commercial or light industrial and business or other uses as depicted on the zoning map."
Hoffman then went on to say, as he did at the last meeting, "We pay taxes and get nothing for our taxes except advice and help."
Finnigan challenged that assertion. "You get the same services every resident in the Township gets, with the exception that we don't plow your streets , we don't pick up your leaves and we don't pick up your yard waste. You have the our streets, you have the use of our traffic signals, you have the use of our parks, you have the use of our sidewalks, you have the use of police, fire"
Hoffman said police protection is supplied by the County, and Finnigan corrected that, noting that the Township pays $1.7 million per year for police protection.
Former Green Pond President on its Future
My name is Richard R Bilheimer.
I am the son of the late Russel Earl Bilheimer, Jr. former President of Green Pond Country Club and General Supply Lumber Company for more than 25 years. My father held 15% of the shares of Green Pond Country Club, they were divided equally to his three children after his death. I am a graduate of NCACC and East Stroudsburg University, I am currently retired as a Safety Consultant after 30 years.
As a child I have very fond memories of Green Pond Country Club. Cleaning locker rooms, carrying golfer's bags, and playing a few rounds of golf myself. This is where my father taught me how to play golf. What a beautiful course!
My father's vision was to enhance the golf course, bring in tournaments, build the business of the restaurant and banquet facilities. Most of all, he wished for the adjacent land to be used for a planned community of beautiful high end homes that aesthetically included the preservation of the wetlands and nature areas of the golf course property. His foresight told him that the New York and New Jersey citizens would soon be moving into the area with the improvements of the highway infrastructure. What he did NOT want to see were strip malls, hotels, small manufacturing on the land.
Back in the late 60's and 70's, he had an independent real estate appraisal done of the entire property and plans for the development, which looks nothing like the plan of today. Nor does the value. The appraisal back in the 60's and 70's was $20 million! Now these developers, the Toll brothers, Traditions of America and a group of insiders (the boys club names NOT to be mentioned) are considering proposals of $7 million!
I am a proud shareholder of both Green Pond Country Club and General Supply Company (113 years old). Unfortunately my 5% along with my brother's 5% and my sister's 5% is not enough to make a difference to continue to make Green Pond a beautiful landmark and preserve of the Lehigh Valley as my father wished. It is NOW in the voting hands of people looking to make backroom deals and selling for pennies on the dollar. Although I do not live in the Lehigh Valley, I have ties to the Lehigh Valley through nieces, nephews and friends. Many of them golf at Green Pond Country Club.
When visiting the Lehigh Valley I always make it a point to visit Green Pond Country Club and General Supply Lumber company. As far as John Simon owning a $400,000 home, I know him personally. My father would be very proud of him as the person who filled his seat. He is honest, hard-working and dedicated to the company, his employees and the community. Bottom line, times have changed. Keeping nature in mind, development is inevitable and if the price is right and the deals become transparent I would be in favor of diluting my shares, although it was my wish to hand my shares done to my own son. It has been over 30 years since I have lived in the Lehigh Valley, but I STILL call it HOME.
I Love those Yocco Hotdogs.
Biekenstocks Backtrack on Fetterman
On Monday, I told you that Lehigh University's Birkenstocks, who call themselves the South Side Initiative, were improperly using university resources to tacitly endorse John Fetterman's campaign for the US Senate.This is a clear violation of an IRS ban on political activity by 501c3 nonprofits. Given that most of these professors teach political science, they really should know better. But in their defense, they've been busy pretending that they're experts on urban planning
Yesterday, to her credit, Breena Holland apologized for improperly passing on news of Fetterman's Bethlehem visit.
Yesterday, to her credit, Breena Holland apologized for improperly passing on news of Fetterman's Bethlehem visit.
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