Lehigh Valley Ramblings

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Friday, September 16, 2016

A few weeks ago, I accidentally took a great picture of Bethlehem's Unitarian Universalist Church. Dana Grubb, a real photographer, explained to me that at this time of year, streaks of late afternoon sun make a photograph look better.

It looks like the county jail is going to be a topic of discussion, so I decided to snap a few pics of the hoosegaw. But I waited until later in the afternoon, hoping to get a good shot. What you see above is the best I could do. I cut off part of the building and the photo seems more focused on the streetlight.

It sucks, but the fortress-like appearance is there to intimidate. A reader also mentioned the Monroe County facility off of Route 33, surrounded by barbed wire, which looks very depressing.

This is what most people think about when they think of a jail, so it's little wonder that people would be irritated by the prospect of one near them.

But one point NorCo Corrections Director Dan Keen drove home in his presentation yesterday, and one I failed to make clear, is that new jails look nothing like these castles surrounded by moats in which sharks patrol with laser beams attached to their heads They instead look like schools or office buildings.

Also, I really have no idea where the jail is going, if anywhere, but I told Nazareth Borough Solicitor Al Pierced yesterday that it's going in the Nazareth Circle.

"That's too small!" he exclaimed.

"They're going up," I lied, explaining it would be a tower. "It's the latest in prison science."

Pierce walked away mumbling to himself, although I think I made out "asshole."

As I snapped away yesterday, a fellow came out and asked me if I have permission from Keen to photograph the jail. I told him I did not and added I needed no permission to photograph the outside of a public building. Besides, I'm an award-winning broadcast journalist. The fellow was pretty nice about it and told me he'd inform Keen for me.

He obviously had mental health training

Guys, I'll be back today or Saturday because my pics suck. Don't tase me, bro'.

How Much Will Mancini Suit Cost?

Last Friday, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a federal jury verdict awarding $94,232 to former Ass't NorCo Solicitor Jill Mancini. That jury concluded that she was fired by incoming Executive John Brown and Solicitor Vic Scomillio without due process of law. In addition, the Court affirmed an order awarding Allentown Attorney Pat Reilly, who represented Mancini, $186,018.60 in attorney’s fees and costs.

Exactly how much money is the county out-of pocket? Will Brown appeal? Will Reilly seek additional attorney fees? Will Mancini attempt to seek re-instatement?

At Northampton County's September 15 meeting, both Ken Kraft and Hayden Phillips requested Controller Steve Barron to run up a tab. "This Scomillio debacle has cost the County and who's paying for it or should be paying for it?" asked Kraft.

Though Barron agreed to research the matter, Executive John Brown promised Council he would report on exactly how much the Mancini lawsuit has cost the County.

The County is covered by insurance with PCoRP, and has a $50,000 deductible. Brown indicated he is meeting with their attorneys next week.

"When that position was created, I voted against it, and I sit here vindicated," said Council President John Cusick.

Except he doesn't.

The full-time Assistant Solicitor position was created by resolution dated December 7, 2006. All members of Council voted for it, including Cusick. At Council's January 18, 2007 meeting, the resolution authorizing a full-time assistant solicitor had to be voted on a second time because of a mistake in the first resolution. Once again, all members of Council supported it, including Cusick.

Given that he voted to create the position twice, it's a bit odd that Cusick would claim he is "vindicated."

LVPC Concerned About 55+ Communities

Becky Bradley addresses NorCo Council

Becky Bradley, Executive Director at the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC), informed Northampton County Council at their September 15 meeting that her agency reviewed 411 subdivision and land development plans in 2015. It's a seven per cent increase over 2014. Bradley believes it indicates a "slow recovery after the economic downturn." Northampton County had the most commercial development (277 acres), while Lehigh County led in residential development (448 acres).

Nearly half the plans submitted (181) were actually non-development plans for lot line adjustments and deed consolidations. Of the remaining plans, 87 were residential and 143 were for non-residential development.

Bethlehem submitted the most plans (34) followed by Allentown (28), Upper Macungie (27) and Lower Macungie (24). Nine municipalities submitted no plans at all, and all nine were boroughs (Chapman, Fountain Hill, Freemansburg, Glendon, North Catasauqua, Portland, Stockertown, Tatamy and West Easton).

For the second year in a row, apartments (570 units) are ahead of all other housing units, including single family homes (246 units). "This is really a tectonic shift in how housing is being developed in our region," says Bradley. For 60 years before 2014, the single family home was the preferred residential unit. Now it's the apartment. According to Bradley, the demand is across "all age groups and all income strata."

Bradley did express concerns about the number of active senior or 55+ communities. Those are age-restricted housing developments, usually for people aged 55 and older. Traditions of America, which touts itself as the "National 55+ Home Builder of the Year," owns two of the top largest approved residential projects in 2015. In fact, 58% of the residential units proposed last year are age restricted.

Bradley noted that there is definitely a demand for age restricted communities, and baby boomers do make up the largest generation.

But what happens when they're gone? According to Bradley, "We are concerned about the ability to fill those units in the next decade or two because the generation underneath is much, much smaller and has a higher debt to income ratio that won't allow them to afford the high price of many of those 55 and up developments." She notes that many of them are in the $400,000 range, and some sell as high as $700,000.

She indicated that the LVPC has begun monitoring these communities to determine their long-term consequences.

Most of the non-residential development was industrial (3,431,858 sf). The top three include Forks Logistics Center (1.36 million sf Forks), Greenfield Industrial Park (1.25 million sf Lower Nazareth) and Hanover Corporate Center 2 (290,000 sf Hanover).

Bradley noted that warehouses have actually declined over the past three years, but her office just received an application last week for a 1.9 million sf warehouse at Bethlehem Majestic Center. That may be the largest warehouse to date within the Lehigh Valley.

Bradley expects to see retail development decline because of the increases in online shopping. "That drives the warehouse logistics economy, but it doesn't drive storefront activity. We'll be having a conversation going forward on what to do with what they call 'greyfields.' That's a fancy term for strip malls that are no longer viable."

Thursday, September 15, 2016

How to Market a Jail to Nazareth

At yesterday's presentation concerning a new jail, which will almost certainly be located at the Gracedale campus, Bob "Pollyanna" Werner seemed to think Nazareth residents will welcome it with open arms if only it is marketed properly. He hinted officials are already on board. That won't last long. But there are some ways to market it that might work.

First, call it the "Future Mayor Academy."

Second, install poker machines and hire Carl Strye and Larry Stoudt as stewards.

Third, hire Nazareth Ambulance to transport prisoners, since most of them are mentally ill anyway.

Fourth, a CIPP grant for the legion.

Fifth, have all Council members join every club.

Finally, build a wall around Nazareth Borough, and make Lower Nazareth pay for it.

NorCo Corrections Director on Jail: "It's a Beast!"

Corrections Director Dan Keen

Is it time for a new jail? That was the focus of a Council hearing yesterday. Corrections Director Dan Keen pointed to serious shortcomings at what is sometimes jokingly called Chez Northampton County, which is currently home to 732 inmates. "It's a beast!" was his flat assessment. He described a maintenance nightmare that offers only two treatment programs for an unstable inmate population. He complimented professional corrections officers who "come in, day in, day out," despite being subjected to 304 assaults or acts of aggression over the past three years. He made the case for a new jail, ideally on a 60-acre tract, that would be safer for inmates and staff, but without the intimidating, fortress-like style that currently exists. Where it will be located and how will it be funded are concerns that Keen left to Council and Executive John Brown.

Jail population exceeds its functional capacity

A prison study done in 2008 projected that 1,308 beds would be needed by 2015. At that time, there were triple beds and inmates were sleeping in hallways. Then Executive John Stoffa complained, "We treat animals better than we treat our prisoners."

After that study, courts became more willing to sentence offenders to state prison. So there were only 732 inmates at the time of Keen's presentation, but that still exceeds the functional capacity at the jail, which is 605. This presents challenges, according to Keen. He stated that once the jail has more than 605 inmates, it becomes more difficult to keep rival gang members apart. It is harder to segregate juvenile offenders from the adult population, which is required by the Prison Rape Elimination Act.

Female Population

"We're out of room," said Keen. When female inmates are scheduled for court, they must walk through the male housing unit to get to what is called the bull pen. So on a weekly basis, male inmates expose themselves, resulting in complaints that must be investigated.

The current female population is 117, and there's no room for more. Yet Keen is projecting an average increase of 2.7% per year.

This has resulted in added cost. It was at $4.2 million in 2013. Females tend to be sentenced to longer periods than males

Mentally Ill Inmates

Since 1955, Pennsylvania has closed ten state hospitals, including Allentown State Hospital, reducing the number of patients from 41,000 to just 1,500, it’s a 96% drop inspired by the belief that mentally ill people do better in the community. They're ending up in county jails. Keen told Council that 42% of NorCo inmates are on some form of psychotropic medication. He is trying to have eight inmates transferred to a state hospital. For two of them, he has been waiting for nearly a year.

These inmates are housed on the old side of the jail, built in 1871. There is no air conditioning, and even in the winter months, average temperatures inside are 85-90 degrees.

"We're doing more harm than good," said Keen.

The number of mentally ill inmates has increased 48% since 2010. For mentally ill women, commitments have increased 65% in that period. Over half of the commitments each year (52%) are mentally ill.

Corrections officers now undergo crisis intervention and mental health first aid training.

Maintenance costs

Just last week, Keen discovered a 70' long pipe at the jail with a dozen leaks. This unforeseen repair will cost $21,000. At a jail that was first built in 1871, these things happen frequently. Over the past three years, the County has spent $1.9 million on facility repairs. Just last month, Keen was forced to ask Council to approve an additional maintenance employee to deal with several hundred maintenance issues, small and large. He has also just learned that the walls surrounding the jail are corroding from the inside and must be replaced within the next three years.

Officer safety

Uneven slate floors, improperly aligned steps and condensation build ups on floors have resulted in officers falling and injuring themselves while responding to emergencies.

On the older side of the facility, the cells are open bars. This makes it possible for an inmate to grab and injure a corrections officer or hit him with a "feces grenade" (a shampoo bottle containing a mixture of feces and urine). These older cells lack wickets through which food trays can be passed, meaning that the officer has to open the cell door to feed someone.

While Adams County has had one assault in the last 18 months, Northampton County experiences 100 a year.

Result? $1.8 million in workman's compensation claims over the past three years. Because the County is self-insured, taxpayers foot the bill.

"My hat's off to the officers," said Keen, saying they work under stressful conditions.

Poor Design

The current layout of the jail is what Keen calls a linear or "old school" design, making it impossible for corrections officers to see all inmates under their supervision. In one area, cell blocks are arranged in a linear design on an upper level, with a gate that is only at thigh level.

Keen, who is built like an NFL lineman and did play college football, said it is impossible for someone his size to walk through the area without his shoulders rubbing up against the open cells. If he attempt to move away from the cell, there is a risk that he could go over the railing and fall onto the floor below.

State law and liability

Keen indicated that the jail is scheduled for inspection by state corrections. If it falls below the minimum standards set by the state, the County will eventually be forced, at its own expense, to house inmates in other counties.

This combination of increased census, mental health inmates, growing female population, maintenance issues, poor design and officer safety issues makes the county ripe for a civil rights lawsuit. Keen warned that eventually, someone is going to be hurt seriously or fatally. "Then we'll say, 'Why didn't we do something earlier.'"

New Facility

Keen stated that a new facility might surprise some people. Instead of having a fortress-like look, most new jails look like a school or office building. Urban yards would be built inside the walls on a tract between 40 and 60 acres.

Keen said there are three options. First, move everything to a new location. Second, keep female inmates in Easton and the work release facility in West Easton and build a new facility for males. Third, keep the female inmates in Easton and bring the work release inmates back to Easton, but build a new facility for the males.

Keen said that several sites have been studied, though he did not say where. It seems unlikely it would remain in Easton. It would cost $20 million just to tear down the current facility, and at least half the inmates would have to be sent to several locations for two years.

Keen stated no one would be able to walk around in the new facility and would be released from Easton. Bob Werner suggested that it might be possible to market a new jail to another community on the basis of jobs produced. But John Cusick said a jail in another community like the Gracedale campus will be controversial, and recommended that the County retain good zoning counsel for what will obviously be a fight. "It's gonna' take time, effort and political will to move this ahead," he remarked. He added that this is not a Democratic or Republican issue, but is something that needs to be done to accomplish a "core function of county government."

Hayden Phillips stated that where the new jail goes is an administrative decision, but "this is something that needs to be fixed."

Acting Director of Administration Cathy Allen said the County is very serious about a new site, and will be back to Council in 30-60 days once funding sources are identified. She hinted that "some of the people we need to be in our corner will be in our corner." Bob Werner added, "There are people we have met with in the past that have changed. Positions have changed."

Ken Kraft wants to break ground now. "We have a 200 year-old prison and we have a morgue in a barn," he said. "That's Northampton County in a nutshell."

Northampton County's Incarceration Rates

According to Corrections Director Dan Keen, there's a good chance he'll meet one of you soon.

One of 118 county residents will end up in jail
One of 71 male county residents will end up in jail.
One of 335 female county residents will be jailed.
One of 31 county residents between ages 25-29 will be incarcerated.
One of 37 county residents between ages 18-24 will be jailed.

Racism at Allentown Art Museum?

That's the perception of Muhlenberg undergrad Rachel Brudner. She and her class visited Allentown Art Museum recently for a tour about the Latino presence in American art. She was disturbed enough by what the tour guide said that she posted a blog about it at Odyssey.

Though Rachel claims to be upset by the "things that actually came out of the mouth" of her tour guide, she acknowledges she has few direct quotes. She fails to identify the tour guide, who might dispute or add context to some of Rachel's perceptions.

One of the examples of bias she cites is the tour guide's inability to use the words "Latino" and "Hispanic" properly. Gimme a break, Rachel. To preach that this is evidence of bigotry is to display the very kind of political correctness that just drives people nutz. Some just honestly get confused. Trust me on that one, Rachel.

But Rachel cites plenty of other examples that indicate that the Allentown Art Museum's exhibit has failed to awaken this tour guide's sensitivity to those who are different.

In response to Rachel's story, the Allentown Art Museum responds that it "does not condone such sentiment, ideas, or language. We are deeply disturbed that such comments as you described in your post have been associated with this museum. This is neither what we stand for nor what we are willing to tolerate."

But id what Rachel is saying is accurate, then that's precisely what these artsy-fartsies are doing.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Time For a New NorCo Jail ...and in Nazareth

Northampton County's jail was first built in 1871 for $200,000. It's been expanded a few times since then, with the most recent addition coming in 2006 at a $22.8 million cost. But in the old jail in particular, things are a mess. Corrections Director Dan Keen just ticked off a few items at a recent Council meeting, but is expected to give a full report to Council tonight. A Morning Call story that was actually published in advance of the presentation, is an indication that Executive John Brown and Dan Keen are pushing for some big changes.

A new jail is needed. It was needed twenty years ago. But it will be expensive, especially if built on the postage stamp campus in Easton.

It makes most sense in Nazareth, where the County already owns the land. It will be cheaper, and the people who work there will get out from under Sal Panto's onerous commuter tax. There is one isolated area north of Gracedale, almost quarry like, that is already used by police for training. No housing development is nearby. That would be the ideal spot, but would need infrastructure.

It will be unpopular in the Nazareth community. Every few years, "No Jail" signs sprout like dandelions. But Nazareth Borough residents have already demonstrated they're happy with an admitted thief as Mayor. Council member Larry Stoudt works at a club that was and still may be loaded with illegal poker machines. So I'd just tell Nazareth complainers that those inmates are all Mayors in training.

Hanover Tp Still On Target

During a brisk 21-minute on September 13, Hanover Township Supervisors managed to get quite a bit done. It could have been a 20-minute meeting, but was interrupted by a telephone call to John Nagle from his daughter, just as the meeting started.

"My whole family decides to call me every Tuesday at 7 pm," he complained as Manager Jay Finnigan reminded Nagle he could always just turn the phone off.

After appointing Gregory Gray as sewage enforcement officer, Supervisors voted to advertise changes to update the open burning ordinance for back yard fireplaces. It is also conduct hearings fora proposed daycare at 3355 High Point Drive, two doors away from its current location, as well as a solar panel at 2086 Quail Creek Road. Supervisors also granted development approval for Valley Wellness Center, an upscale spa and wellness center at 4145 Airport Road. Dr. Steven Mortazavi will maintain a 52,000 sq ft facility at the site, where he expects to enroll up to 4,000 members.

With land development approved, Dr. Mortazavi can now excavate at the site, which he expects to open next year.

Hanover (Lehigh) and McNeill To Host Heroin, Opioid Addiction Town Hall Tonight!

I will be at a NorCo Council Committee hearing at 6 pm, but as soon as it ends, I'll be heading to this Town Hall at Days Hotel in Allentown at 3400 Airport Road. It starts at 7 pm. Parents and students are welcome to as questions and share their insights.

Among elected officials here in the Lehigh Valley, Dan McNeill has done more than anyone, with the possible exception of the DAs and judges. Unfortunately, they deal with the aftermath. McNeill would like to preventit from getting there.

Bethlehem Looking For A Few Good Christmas Trees

Bethlehem is seeking big trees for this year's Christmas holiday season. They need to be nicely shaped, 40-50 feet in height, must be accessible to the roadway, and within a 10 mile radius of center city. City Electrician Greg Cryder, will inspect the tree for acceptability.

Donation of these trees will be recognized at the annual Christmas City Tree Lighting Ceremony, which will take place on Friday, November 25, 2016, at 4:30PM on Payrow Plaza.

Anyone wishing to donate a tree should call Greg Cryder or Chris Lenhart at 610-865-7108. Please provide a return number and address in your message so the City can find the tree.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Karma at Northampton County's Jail

" He's got a boner 4 me," says Yedlosky
on her Facebook page

Remember Jason Rosati? He was a lieutenant at the NorCo jail who got fired. He ran no contraband ring. No one caught him sneaking in drugs or women. His offense was much more serious. A veteran and admitted hard ass, he insisted that the uniform policy be followed. Even female corrections officers reputed to be snitches for Acting Administrator Cathy Allen. He was escorted out of the jail for enforcing the uniform policy against corrections officer Kim Yedlosky. Well guess what? Today, Kim Yedlosky herself was fired, according to sources at the jail. Rosati had been right.

Rosati appealed his termination, and after one night of testimony, the writing was on the wall. He was poised to get his job back. But after a few months away from the jail, he found he was making a lot more money as a plumber, and was a lot happier cleaning shit out of pipes. I'm surprised I haven't seen him since I load the shit into pipes myself. Anyway, he took a cash payout.

During his testimony, we learned that Rosati is a decorated Navy veteran who served for five years as a Seabee and participated in Desert Storm. He admitted he's a "stickler for details" who holds corrections officers to a "higher standard." He enforces the uniform policy. "It starts there," he explained. "Pride in your uniform. Pride in your job."

Who could possibly think this person
has trouble following rules?

Who is Kim Yedlosky?

In stark contrast to by-the-book Rosati, there's a corrections officer at the jail named Kim Yedlosky. She's more of a free spirit, is excitable and made Secret Service agents very nervous when Vice President Biden visited The Blue in 2010. She even began to taunt them until a fellow tea partier settled her down.

Over the years, Rosati and Yedlosky had a number of confrontations over her disregard for the uniform policy and Rosati's insistence that it be followed. He has written her up several times.

Who is Cathy Allen?

She sat in on Rosati's hearing and is the Acting Administrator. She is a high school grad who ran a two-person office and has no experience in County government. Though she has no supervisory authority there, she asserted herself at the jail, and even moved between 60 and 80 files to the Executive's Office. She began reviewing old discipline reports and actually wanted to discipline some officers a second time for old offenses until then HR Director Pat Siemiontkowski educated her on this little thing called double jeopardy.

Was Yedlosky a Cathy Allen Snitch?

That's what Rosati's attorney, Pat Reilly, argued during his termination hearing. . Operations Manager Alfie Crivellaro (since retired) said that Yedlosky let it be known throughout the jail that she has a relationship with Allen. Though he denied ever hearing her referred to as a snitch, he testified that Yedlosky may believe she is protected.

According to Rosati, other supervisors are afraid of her, and call her Teflon Kim because nothing ever sticks. "She makes it known that Miss Allen supports her. They are afraid."

Rosati also testified that Yedlosky approached corrections officer Troy Frey and threatened that unless he provided her with dirt on Rosati, she was going to see that Frey was fired. She was disciplined after that confrontation, according to both Rosati and Crivellaro

Rosati Disciplines Yedlosky

On January 7, 2015, Yedlosky came to work with her top three shirt buttons left open, exposing a V-neck T-shirt and a choker necklace. Those may not be worn while on duty. Rosati told Yedlosky to button her blouse and she ignored him. When he checked later, her shirt was still unbuttoned. As a result, Rosati wrote up the incident and forwarded the matter to Captain David Collins for approval, and he got it.

He explained his reasoning.

"If she can't be counted on to tie her shoes, how can I count on her when she needs to go into a cell to protect another officer?"

Rosati Fired For Enforcing Uniform Policy

Two days later, Al Crivellaro told Rosati that he was withdrawing the discipline because it is not enforced evenly. Things snowballed and Rosati found himself on the outside, looking in.

Karma

At the time that Rosati was terminated, Corrections Director Dan Keen had just come aboard. HR Director Amy Trapp was still in the private sector. He was visibly stunned and unhappy after Rosati's hearing.

Since that time and the arrival of Amy Trapp, he's run a very tight ship, both with jail administrators and correction officers. He fired a corrections officer I call Madame X, who hid her days as a stripper and druggie at the time of her hire. The jail's investigator is under investigation himself. And yesterday, Kim Yedlosky was fired for the same kind of behavior that resulted in Rosati's attempt to discipline her.

In his letter informing Yedlosky of her termination, Keen makes clear that "it is my intention to maintain the integrity of our code of ethics providing [the jail] and its employees with a means to ensure its efficient and effective operations."

Yedlosky's termination follows what is known as a Loudermill hearing on July 28, in which she was provided with due process. The Loudermill notice indicates that Yedlosky was insubordinate, refused mandatory overtime, refused to render assistance, refused to do assigned work or was insolent about it, engaged in indecent behavior, treated others in a discourteous and unprofessional manner and engaged in gross misconduct.

Go figure.

As an AFSCME union member, Yedlosky can grieve her termination.

Maybe she can ask Jason Rosati to testify for her. Or the officer she allegedly threatened.

Lisa Strye Defends Dad

Last week, in "Strye Sez Bye," I told you that embattled Nazareth Mayor Carl Strye had finally resigned. He really had no choice. Strye admitted to an investigating grand jury that he stole $8,000 in gambling proceeds from the Vigilance Hose. He was charged with felony theft. District Attorney John Morganelli insisted that Strye resign as a condition to participation in ARD, a special program for first offenders in which charges are wiped clean after serving a period of probation. The prosecutor also demanded Strye to return the money he skimmed from an illegal gambling operation in which he evidently participated for many years. Strye, who has yet to display an ounce of remorse and was still running the police department, had to be shocked to discover that no one is above the law, not even Nazareth's mayor. The good ol' boys are blowin' oil. So is Strye's daughter, Lisa.

She came on this blog yesterday after one of my readers claimed that Strye's two kids are "embarrassed." She threatened this reader with defamation, called him one of my puppets and added for good measure that I am disbarred. She also made clear that she dislikes having to "dabble with the likes of your kind."

Lisa is someone I would ordinarily consider a civilian. Off limits. I certainly would never visit the sins of the father on son or daughter.

But she came on this blog, and in the course of threatening someone with libel, she smeared me as well.

So I have a message for you, Lisa.

Your father is not just a thief, but a liar. He lied to me. Twice.

In response to a direct question, he denied he had appeared before the investigating grand jury. His email denial was sent to me on the very day he had been there.

Your father also lied to me when he denied he had ever engaged in any skimming. On January 26, 2015, this is what he told me: "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 [sic] baseball, hockey or football tickets. Never any money." A year later, in Grand Jury testimony and under oath, your father admitted to stealing at least $8,000.

When you come on this blog, it is like coming into my house. I understand that you would dislike me and don't blame you. He's your Dad, and I respect your love for him. But on this blog, you are a guest. As a guest, I assume you've been taught it's impolite to insult the host, especially with lies. And like your father, you have lied.

I have no puppets among my readers, as you call them. I'm not like your dad and do not pack meetings or this blog with people who will back me up. Also, this is a small point, but I was never disbarred. I was suspended, damn it! Get it right. By your own definition of libel, I can now sue and collect everything you have. But don't worry. Your definition is incorrect.

I'm sure that Detective Casciano would like to talk to you concerning your college loans and how they were paid. I'm sure he has lots of questions and would love to get to know you. Why not give him a ring? Maybe you can set him straight.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Gerrymandering Reform Bill Now Has 25 CoSponsors

Before the gerrymandering reform forum at Bethlehem's Unitarian Universalist Church, there were 21 cosponsors for State Rep. Daveparker's bill to slay the gerrymander. There are now 25, with all the new cosponsors coming from the Lehigh Valley. The latest State Rep to add his name is Pete Schweyer.

Locally, the state representatives who have failed to endorse redistricting reform are Marcia Hahn, Joe Emrick, Julie Harhart, Ryan Mackenzie and Gary Day.

Julie Harhart is poised to retire and is still unwilling to buck the establishment.

Clinton's Dishonesty Bothers Me, Not her Pneumonia

Over the past few months, I've been disgusted by Trumpions who have tried their level best to portray Hillary Clinton as someone at death's door. But yesterday, when she swooned after getting "overheated" during a 9/11 ceremony at Ground Zero, it was very evident that something is wrong. After stonewalling reporters throughout the day, her campaign finally admitted late in the day that she is suffering from pneumonia.

Although pneumonia is nothing to take lightly, it's completely understandable that either she or Trump could come down with that illness. I've gone through it twice myself. What I find completely unfathomable is that a presidential candidate whose honesty is very much an issue, would keep the public in the dark, even though she was first diagnosed on Friday.

It's not her pneumonia, but her complete lack of transparency that makes it impossible for me to vote for her.

And Trump is just as nontransparent. He refuses to release his tax returns. He's also two years older than Clinton and has failed to provide the medical records that a much younger Obama did when he ran.

Candidate's Forum Set in State Auditor General Race

A candidates' forum for the state auditor general race will be held Wednesday, October 5, at Northampton Community College, College Center Building, Room 220. The forum, starting at 7 pm, will be preceded by a 6:30 pm Meet 'n Greet.

The four candidates include Democrat Eugene DePasquale (incumbent), Republican John Brown (NorCo County Exec), Green Party John Sweeney (Wyoming County) and Libertarian Roy Minet.

Candidates Forum_Auditor General by BernieOHare on Scribd

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Opinions Online, 9/10/16

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. I prefer local topics, especially concerning topics I miss, as opposed to talking points. 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. Anonymous personal attacks will be deleted, especially when aimed at other readers. I refuse to publish anything I consider possibly defamatory.

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Northampton County elected officials should be embarrassed that expense reports are no longer listed online for candidates running for office throughout the County. The last reports are listed for 2013. Where candidates get their money is often key for decisions they make later. The public should know this information, without having to go to Easton to look for it. Why aren't these reports online?

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Maybe it's time for Shiffert to throw in the towel?

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If somebody isn't going to take the time to become an informed voter, that person just shouldn't vote:

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Voting is probably the most important function the County provides. Yet if one wants to review where a candidates' contributions come from that person must go to Easton to find out and ask to review this at the Voters Office. The last year these reports were on line was 2013. When every one else has these reports on line why doesn't Northampton County? County Council should insist that this be done!

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So, Bernie, now that we're into September is the County's "line" that Court Admin Jill Smith was on a "temporary leave of absense" a crock or what? Somethin' don't smell right down there.

Blogger's reply: I have written several stories explaining what has happened.

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As a life long (30 yrs) resident of Bethlehem Twp, I have never seen a pumpkin patch in the township yet there is the cover of the fall 2016 newsletter, showing a family holding hands and walking through a pumpkin patch? Propaganda you say? What else are township officials painting a rosey picture of?

Friday, September 09, 2016

Third Circuit Agrees NorCo Violated Due Process Rights of Ex-Solicitor

Jill Mancini

No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law. That's pretty basic stuff. It is enshrined in our federal and state Constitution. In a precedential opinion, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals has agreed. In a ruling handed down late today, the Court ruled that the due process rights of a Democratic full-time assistant Northampton County solicitor were violated when she was fired by a newly installed Republican administration. Jill Mancini, who is now in private practice, can look forward to a $94,232 payday. In addition, Allentown Attorney Pat Reilly, who represented her, will collect at least $186,018.60 in attorney’s fees and costs.

Mancini received word that she was being let go on December 23, 2013, just two days before Christmas. Rather than tell her in person, then Solicitor Vic Scomillio dropped this bomb on Mancini from his cell phone, while he was driving.

Mancini had contended all along that hers was a career service position, and that there would need to be "just cause" for her termination. The County countered that her position was never career service because the County failed to follow its own rules in creating this job. The County also argued that, even if she was career service, it could always fire her as a result of a reorganization of the department, even a sham reorganization designed to target her.

Speaking for the Court, Judge Luis Felipe Restrepo rejected these arguments.

"This case requires us to consider whether there is an exception to the ordinary requirements of procedural due process when a government employee with a protected property interest in her job is dismissed as part of a departmental reorganization that results in the elimination of her position. We have not previously considered this so called “reorganization exception.” We hold that a reorganization exception to constitutional procedural due process cannot apply as a matter of law where, as here, there is a genuine factual dispute about whether the reorganization was pretext for an unlawful termination."

Concluding that Mancini was a career service employee, the Court held that she was entitled to a meaningful pretermination hearing.

Judge Restrepo also was also concerned that the reorganization leading to Mancini's dismissal was just a pretext to get her out of the way.

"Evidence of pretext included the following. Scomillio and [Executive John] Brown decided to reorganize the Solicitor’s Office shortly after Brown was elected County Executive in November 2013, even before he took office. Brown testified that when he asked Scomillio to consider a reorganization, Brown did not know what the budget of the Solicitor’s Office was and he did not have any personal knowledge of whether the office was running efficiently. Without any investigation, without asking Human Resources to conduct a desk audit to determine the volume of work, and without looking at solicitors offices in comparable counties, Scomillio recommended, based on his knowledge of who was on the staff of the Solicitor’s Office, that they shift the work of the full-time solicitors to part-time solicitors. Scomillio had experience with the individuals he planned to hire as part-time solicitors and he believed they would work more efficiently than the existing staff."

Solicitor Vic Scomillio would later go on to run for judge ... and lose Executive John Brown, who admitted he wanted to unload Mancini without even looking at the department budget, is currently running for state auditor general.

Colonial Regional Police Wants You

The Colonial Regional Police Department is currently accepting applications for a full-time Records Manager/Police Secretary. Information can be found at www.colonialregionalpd.org.