GPA Continues to Stall RTK Seeking Lawyer Bills

Former NorCo Exec Bill Brackbill once likened government authorities to "runaway trains." They may start off in the right direction, but there is always a danger that they will go off track. That seems to be the case at the Northampton County General Purpose Authority (GPA). It started off the new year with a Sunshine Act violation. It paid an unknown sum (believed to be $60,000-70,000) to the very public relations firm that former Executive John Brown was using to promote himself, oblivious to the public outrage and lawsuits. Last year, without the knowledge or assent of NorCo Council, it voted to pay $200 per hour to Board Chair Shawn Langen so he could review engineering work done for a bridge project. Solicitor John Lushis may have been doing side work for Executive John Brown and passing the bills through the GPA. He wagged his finger in the  face of the County Administrator following a meeting last week. And now, Lushis is dragging his feet on a Right-to-Know request for information from GPA, including Lushis's bills.

I submitted two Right-to-Know requests in January, asking for the Lushis bills, the public relations bills, and all correspondence concerning the jail, especially at Gracedale  After playing some games about my requests, Lushis agreed to respond to me by February 15. That would be this week.

But late Friday, Lushis sent me an email telling me he wanted another extension until April 15 because there were 3,000 documents. This stall tactic is being used in the forlorn hope that I will lose interest. I won't.

I can understand a delay might be needed if the request is more burdensome than I originally thought it would be. But he needs to produce his legal bills. Now.

Below is my response to Lushis:

Mr. Lushis,

I have filed two Right-to-Know requests seeking information from the General Purpose Authority (GPA). In both, I made clear that I would agree to an extension, so long as it was to a date certain. You serve the GPA body as Solicitor and Right-to-Know Officer. You sought such an extension until February 15. This was not fine with me, but I kept my word and posed no objection.

On Friday, February 9, at the end of the day, you wrote to advise me you wanted yet another extension until April 15. This is because you suddenly discovered that over 3,000 documents need review.

I will agree in part to your request, although this is now a second date certain. I have no desire to unduly burden staff .

At this point, when you are ready to release these documents, have someone contact me so I can make an appointment to review them and determine how many copies are needed. Having done this before, I know that there is lots of duplication.

But I agree to no additional extension with respect to your legal invoices. They were approved at numerous meetings as a matter of public record. I have made no request that you disclose any legal advice you may have provided. I simply want and have a right to know how much the taxpayers paid you, and immediately. This is information at your fingertips. Your delay at this point smacks of bad faith.

Why are you hiding what the public pays you?

I expect you to produce your legal invoices on the agreed date of February 15, along with a record of all payments made to you.

Thank you.

Bernie O'Hare

Latest Developments in 15th Congressional District Race

After being rebuffed by the Unites States Supreme Court, the Pennsylvania legislature's top two Republicans - Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Speaker of the House Mike Turzai - have submitted a new map to the Governor. This time, they didn't even bother gettojg a vote. That's alright because the map they presented is almost certainly doomed, as is suggested in The Unionville Times. The new map is little more than an incumbent insurance policy, especially in the southeast. But one district it gets right is the 15th Pa. Congressional district. i suspect that portion of the map will survive with little change. And that bodes well for candidates John Morganelli and Susan Wild.

It bodes well for District Attorney John Morganelli because the Lehigh Valley is blue collar Democrat country. He easily won this area against the more liberal Josh Shapiro in the Attorney General race. It's good news for Allentown Attorney Susan Wild because the new map takes her only female competitor, Laura Quick, out of the picture.

It's bad news for Rev. Greg Edwards, whose condemnation of educational apartheid is likely to offend many Lehigh Valley Democrats despite the money he spends from outside the district. There are better ways of improving education than calling everyone involved a racist. Also, the new 15th has already drawn Rick Daugherty back into the picture. He'll be running for the third or fourth time, and he and Edwards will be taking votes from each other.

It's also good news for Ryan MacKenzie and Marty Nothstein because it takes Mike Pries and Scott Uehlinger out of the race. Though they can run, they no longer would be living in the district. It's bad news for Dean Browning, who was hoping for a more crowded field.

Edward has the endorsement of Bethlehem City Councilmember Olga Negron. Wild has been endorsed by former Lehigh county Exec Tom Muller. On Sunday, received the endorsement of the Lehigh Valley Building Trades Council. The Lehigh Valley Building Trades Council includes the Boilermakers Local 13, The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Local 5, Carpenters Local 167, Cement Masons & Plasters Local 592, Electricians Locals 102 and 375, Elevators Construction Local 84, Glaziers & Architectural Metal Workers Local 252, Heat & Frost Insulators Local 23 and the Ironworkers Local 420 and Operating Engineers.

Their endorsement was unanimous.

Morganelli has a long history with labor, growing up in a labor household. John's father was a member of the Operating Engineers Local #542, the Laborers Union , the Steelworkers, and Teamsters. His mother was a member of the ILGWU. Before becoming the District Attorney, John represented the Bethlehem Corporation Employees Association and is the only district attorney who has fought to enforce the Construction Misclassification Act.

In accepting the endorsement, District Attorney Morganelli said, "In Washington, I will make protecting the middle class, growing wages, and access to health care my priorities. I have spent my career as a Democratic elected official defending the working man, and I pledge to continue that as the next Congressman from the 15th Congressional District."

Blogger's Note: I support john Morganelli for Congress and home you vote for him anyway.

Texas Teacher Dies From Flu, Delayed Getting $116 in Meds

A second grade Texas teacher has died from the flu because she was unable or unwilling to pick up her prescription, which was $116 with copay. Her delay may be because she was frugal, was unable to afford the medication or simply hates taking pills. I fall in all three of those categories myself. Unfortunately, this will continue no matter whether Obamacare, single payer or some other form of health insurance is in place.

Ultimately, staying healthy is a losing battle.

The Pa. Department of Health reports that, as of February 3, flu is widespread throughout the state, with the highest activity in the southeast. Statewide, there have been 91 deaths so far, including one in Northampton County.

Boys Hoops: Playoffs Under Way

Support your favorite team!

Monday: EPC quarter-finals at 7 pm

#8 seed Parkland at #1 seed Becahi.
#5 seed Allen at #4 seed Pocono Mountain West
#6 seed Easton at #3 seed East Stroudsburg South
#7 seed Northampton at #2 seed Allentown Central Catholic

Tuesday: Colonial League playoff games at Catasauqua High School

Southern Lehigh will face #2 seed Moravian Academy at 6 pm.
Wilson High School will face #1 seed Bangor at 7:30 pm. 

Will Fleck Be Called in Fed Ed Trial?

Most of the evidence in the political corruption case against Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski has been pretty solid. It's a bit weaker against Attorney Scott Allinson, but I'm not sure the "My client is a drunk" defense is playing very well with the jury. Sam Ruchlewicz was the one disaster. Defense Attorney Jack McMahon had a field day with him. This may have made the feds reluctant to call the other admitted liar, Mike Fleck, to the stand. The theory is that they can rely on wiretaps and recordings without exposing Fleck to McMahon.

This would be a mistake. First, McMahon can simply call Fleck as a witness himself. Second, McMahon could argue, "Where's Fleck?," as the case continues. Third, Fleck is no Ruchlewicz.

he hinted around about that possibility when Celeste Dee, a former Flack employee who is actually a victim in this matter, was called to testify. In response to questioning by McMahon, Dee said no one was closer to Fed Ed than Fleck.

"So he would be the best one to tell this jury what really happened," suggested McMahon. This statement resulted in objections.

McMahon is laying the foundation to attack the government for failing to present the witnesses against Fed Ed.

Though Fleck can be attacked on the stand for his dishonesty, he has admitted tohis criminal behavior and can tell the jury that, unlike Ruchlewicz, he is payng a price. Alos, despite his shortcomings, fleck is a very likable person who could help win the jury over.

Boys Hoops: Central Finishes Season With Tough Win Over Nazareth

"Who Dat" Lambert and Keeshawn "the
beast" Kellman both had career highs

At this time last year, Allentown Central Catholic was fighting for its life. It had already failed to qualify for the league playoffs, and needed to beat Nazareth at Nazareth to be able to limp into districts. The Vikings managed to win that game, on Nazareth's senior night, by a score of 60-57.

This year, those roles were reversed. Nazareth had failed to qualify for the East Penn Conference tournament. It needed a win against Central on Central's Senior night on Thursday to keep its hopes alive for districts. But despite their best efforts, the Blue Eagles came up short.

It was yet another exciting game at a packed Rockne Hall, where the crowds have grown as the season has progressed. When the final buzzer went off, the Vikings were on top, 67-61. Though I feel bad for Nazareth, who played us very hard in a game earlier this year, it was a great way for Central to finish its season at Rockne Hall.

Dat Lambert, who was introduced to sports as a toddler by kids living in Nazareth and played at the Green Street park, will probably remember this game the rest of his life. He scored a career high 25 points, including 5 from beyond the arc. That's five, people.

Swish!
       Swish!
        Swish!
         Swish!
          Swish!

He was also 4/4 from the free throw line.

Sophomore Nick Filchner will probably exceed that total before his high school playing days are over. He sunk 4 from downtown. That's four, people.
Swish!
       Swish!
        Swish!
         Swish!

Nick ended the night with 14. What was remarkable about Nick's effort is that he only missed one shot. Everything else went in the hole.

The Baryshnikov of Basketball

Keeshawn "the beast" Kellman, who was injured at the start of the season, has become the team's He-Man in the paint. He took over when Kevin Kern, a very tough forward, went down a few weeks ago. He has risen to the occasion, and has become the backbone of this team as he jealously guards from under the boards. From above the rim. he can bring a THUNDEROUS dunk, while blocking the attempts of his opponents.

Then there's Senior Point Guard Jay Vaughan, who glides across the court with the grace of a ballet dancer. The Baryshnikov of Basketball scored 9 points, including a three. What is special about him is his ability to find the person in best position to make the shot. He had 8 assists, which is the norm for him. He also is a formidable defender who can strip a ball and score before his opponent knows his pocket has been picked.

Nazareth's Blue Eagles were just as dangerous as they were earlier this year. Three players - Maihan Ramin, Jahan Dotson and Noah Briggs - finished the night in double digits.

McCrush

Central has finished its season to head into playoffs with 19 wins and 3 losses. Part of the reason for that is its very tough defense, combined with its ability to shoot 3s. Tonight, for example, the team hit 10 of them. But what makes this team special is its chemistry. These guys look out for each other, care about each other and pick each other up. And any one of them can come out of nowhere and light things up. Jordan "McCrush" McChristian, for example, was high scorer in the two previous games. Chad "the X-factor" Kratzer has also bailed the team out in several contests.

Central will host the Easton Red Rovers in the East Penn Conference quarter-finals on Monday night.This will be the first meeting of these two teams. Easton is a well-coached and young team that everyone had counted out. They might have more raw talent than any other team.

Parkland will visit Beca. Yes, the Trojans made it to the playoffs, even though the team is in re-building mode. They keep getting better with every game.

Northampton, which had been ranked #1, has had a series of recent losses and will visit East Stroudsburg South  They may have peaked too soon.

The final quarter final game is between Pocono Mountain West and William Allen. I believe (but am not sure) that Allen will host the game.. According to Keith Groller, Pocono Mountain West will host Allen.

Box Score

ACCHS - 67, Nazareth - 61

Nazareth - 9-23-38-61

Central Catholic -16-26-46-67

Nazareth (61)

Maihan Ramin: 6FGs, 2/3 FTs -14
Anthony Harris: 2FGs - 4
Jahan Dotson: 4 FGs, 1 3FG, 3/4 FTs -14
Nick Clark: 1 FG, 1 3FG - 5
Alex Houchin: 1 FG, 1/2 FTs - 3
Mason Wickmann: 1 FG, 4/4 FTs - 6
Noah Briggs: 2 FG, 3 3FGs - 13
Jarred Bachik: 2/4 FTs - 2

Central Catholic (67)

Jay Vaughan: 1/1 3FG, 3/3 FG, 1 steals, 8 assists - 9
Keeshawn Kellman: 7/11 FGs, 3/4 FTs, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks -17
Jordan McChristian: 1/3 FGs, 0/3 3FGs, 0/1 FTs, 1 assists, 2 rebound, - 2
Dat Lambert: 5/8 3FG, 3/3 FG, 4/4 FTs, 3 assists, 2 steals, 4 rebound - 25
Nick Filchner: 4/5 3FG, 1/2 FG, 4 assists, 2 rebounds.- 14.

Blogger's Note: You can see scores from other local schools on my left sidebar. 

NorCo GPA Board Members Need to Go

GPA Chair Langen poses with Glenn Geissinger,
just days before the election, and you paid for this
lousy picture.  

NorCo General Purpose Authority (GPA) Chair Shawn Langen insisted at Monday's meeting that he is completely apolitical. He made the same claim in a separate meeting with me. But the facts tell a different story. It prostituted itself to help former Executive John Brown in his bid for re-election.  Its Chairman began charging the County for work, something that has never happened before and was never disclosed to Northampton County Council. It has also lost sight of its role as nothing more than a conduit for loans. It instead began taking steps so it could market itself as the place for local governments to come if they want to do a P3 project. It would do nothing for the County. But it might help Solicitor John Lushis line his pockets.Its time to seek resignations from the entire board. Helene Whitaker, whose term already expired at the end of last year, has told current Executive Lamont McClure that she's done. Another board member, Neal Koplin, has resigned. That leaves the Board with five members who need to go.

Last year, the GPA hired Sahl Communications, the very same firm that Executive John Brown had hired at public expense to try and make himself look good. the result was two lawsuits. Despite what happened, GPA hired Sahl at Brown's request and paid this firm was paid between $60,000-70,000 in public funds in a thinkly veiled attempt to get himself re-elected.

Sahl created a completely web page for the GPA, even though one already exists as part of the county web page. Sahl also set up a Facebook page, loaded with pictures of John Brown. They are still there, even though he is no longer the Executive.

Sahl then promoted an October 27 groundbreaking ceremony  for work on the first of 33 bridges being repaired or replaced  Though careful to make sure that I was never informed, Morning Call reporter Tom Shortell was there. He is much nicer than I.

The reason I was kept in the dark is because the groundbreaking ceremony was planned just days before the election. It was obviously political. John Brown, Peg Ferraro and Glenn Geissinger were all seeking re-election, and were hoping to get some free publicity. The Facebook page includes pictures of them all, taken at public expense on election eve.

Shortell, to my knowledge, never ran that story. The Express Times no longer really exists. So the hoped for publicity never came.

A third grader could have done a better job of setting up the Facebook and web page. It was a complete waste of public money.

The five GPA board members who need to go are Mike Dowd, Peg Ferraro, Langen, Mark Schiavone and  Shawn Donahue.

Mike Dowd is a former NorCo Council president, but us the person who actually made the motion to violate the Sunshine Act and go into executive session in January without bothering to explain why. He knows better. Also, he chairs the Airport Authority. One of these shadow governments is enough.


Peg Ferraro was MIA last January, when the Board voted to pay Langen. She may have even been absent when the GPA voted to retain Sahl. She definitely was absent in January, when the Sunshine Act violation occurred. Even at the most recent meeting, she participated by phone from Florida. She clearly lacks the time for this responsibility. In addition, there is caselaw providing that an elected official should not be a part of a board that the elected official helps to appoint. Courts have found this to be contrary to public policy.

I have nothing against Schiavone or Donahue, and perhaps they should be re-appointed. but they should offer their resignations and let McClure decide.

Langen should never have agreed to permit Lushis to work for the GPA and simultaneously work for then Executive John Brown, as some sort of secret P3 Solicitor. This is an inherent conflict of interest. Langen should also have realized that he should never accept a dime without getting approval from NorCo Council, regardless what Lushis might tell him.

The person who really needs to go is board Solicitor John Lushis. He is there to sell P3 projects, not assist what is supposed to be a conduit agency for loans.

NorCo Receives Grant For Drug Court

Judge Craig Dally prefers diplomas to drug court
grads over jail sentences. 

Northampton County has just been awarded a $132,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to expand programming services for the Northampton County Adult Drug Court. The money will fund staff training, client monitoring, and needs based assistance to clients inclusive of housing, transportation, and ancillary needs. The grant also provides sober living activities.

Opioid use, and the fatal overdoses that accompany it, has plagued the nation and the Lehigh Valley. The Drug Court, launched on April 2, 2015, emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment. Participants benefit from a system that addresses their individual needs, keeping them out of jail, and helping them access social services on their path to sobriety. Traditional prison and jail sentences do not always offer drug users treatment for their addictions. The Drug Court combines treatment with strict court oversight. Keeping an individual out of prison saves taxpayers $112.15 per day. To keep someone in a Northampton jail for a full year costs $40,374.

Drug overdose deaths have increased sharply on the Lehigh Valley since 2014, according to records maintained by both the Northampton and Lehigh County Coroners. These fatalities have increased sharply even though drug overdose kits have been widely available and have been used by first responders over the past year.

In Northampton County, drug overdose deaths have tripled since 2014. There were 31 deaths that year. As of October 25, 91 Northampton County residents had succumbed to opiates. In Lehigh County, there were 88 drug overdose deaths in 2014. In 2017, that number has soared to 167 as of October 22. "Unfortunately, we are outperforming Norco," complained then Lehigh County Executive Tom Muller.

NorCo Coroner Zach Lysek has told Council that his staff now collects a decedent's prescription drugs. This year, his team has collected 407 pounds of drugs thus far.

Former Lehigh County Executive Tom Muller said that "as you clamp down on the Rx side, the 'market' tends to shift to the even more dangerous illegal market where fentanyl has become prominent."

Fenatanyl is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. It is sometimes sold as heroin, leading to overdoses.

According to Muller, "This isn’t just an Allentown and minorities issue, as the prejudiced and ignorant mind might suspect."

NorCo's Children Youth and Families Director Kevin Dolan would certainly agree. He has told Council that caseworkers responding to complaints have observed the problem has had a widespread impact on wealthier suburban communities where the parent, and not the child, is addicted.

Since April 2015, the Northampton County Drug Court has provided a pathway for substance addicted individuals involved in the criminal justice system a pathway to sustained recovery. The Court currently has an enrollment of fifty-six (56) participants, and to date, it has had nine (9) successful graduates.

"Apolitical" GPA Tried to Re-elect Brown

I was the first person to ever exercise "courtesy of the floor" and address Northampton County's General Purpose Authority (GPA) at their monthly meeting yesterday. As I pointed out, that might be because they meet at 8:15 am. I was there to discuss their blatant Sunshine Act violation in January, when they ducked into executive session without bothering to say why, either before or after the back room meeting.  I received a less than warm reception. As I suspected, it's beginning to appear that this is becoming a runaway board.

Instead of existing to serve the best interests of Northampton county, the GPA has become a platform from which P3 deals are being marketed so that board solicitor John Lushis, yet another Norris McLaughlin Marcus lawyer, can line his pockets. Board Chair Shawn Langen is now billing the county for his services on P3 projects. The GPA spent between $60,000-70,000 to market not just P3, but former Executive John Brown, right before the election. Lushis is also telling them that they, and not NorCo Council, are the ones who must appoint a replacement for a GPA Board member who recently resigned. In the meantime, Lushis is dragging his feet on three Right-to-Know request that will answer how much money he has been paid.

During yesterday's meeting, Langen hypocritically made a point of stressing that the GPA is completely apolitical. Really? The GPA paid between $60,000-70,000 to Kim Plyler, Brown's ex propaganda machine,  so she could make a splash for the ribbon cutting on Brown's P3 project. This groundbreaking occurred on October 21, right before the election. Plyler made sure to include photos of Brown, Peg Ferraro, and Glenn Geissinger, all of whom were seeking re-election.

So much for apolitical.

Fortunately, Plyler is incompetent. The only publicity was on the GPA Facebook page. I saw nothing in either daily.

Langen stated yesterday that he is willing to donate his salary to charity. He has also told me that the way the P3 law is written, county employees are unable to review the work, and he appears to be qualified from his years of experience at Arcadia as a project manager.

I have no problem with Langen, who appears to be well-intentioned. But he should have realized that Brown was using him to promote his re-election, and spent public funds to do so.

I do have a problem with Lushis.

After the meeting, he approached Administrator Charles Dertinger and began wagging a finger in his face. Dertinger Not a good idea.

Fed Ed - "I'm Actually Terrified"

I played hooky yesterday afternoon to watch the political corruption trial against Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski and Scott Allinson, a former partner at the Norris McLaughlin Marcus law firm. Morning Call coverage has been excellent, but I had to see things for myself. Most of my readers know that I consider Fed Ed completely corrupt. I have felt that way long before this investigation started. But if I had to decide this case based solely on what I saw in court yesterday, I'd vote to acquit. The reason is Sam Ruchlewicz. Fortunately for those of us seeking justice, there's much more to this case than him.

Let me tell you a little about what I saw. I arrived during the lunch break. I noticed that the prosecution side was empty, but there were several defense lawyers on the Fed Ed and Allinson side of the courtroom, looking through files. That's a rough indication to me that the defense thinks it's in trouble.

When he entered the courtroom, Allinson made no eye contact with anyone. He originally sat with his back turned to everyone. Fed Ed also failed to look people in the eye. He did at one point speak to his wife and mother-in-law, but that was it. He mostly sat at the defense table, occasionally pouring himself a glass of water. He made no attempt to instruct his defense lawyer, who never once asked him anything.

Judge Juan Sánchez, a diminutive and smiling man who was born in Puerto Rico and has a slight accent, is presiding. Though he's a former legal aid lawyer as well as a public defender, he has the reputation of being perhaps the most pro-prosecution judge among those in the Eastern District. Throughout the afternoon, he sustained nearly ever objection made by prosecutors, and quietly admonished criminal defense lawyer Jack McMahon a few times.

He runs a tight courtroom. When he called for a five minute recess, he was back in four. He also made a point of looking at his watch as he waited for a straggler.

Though all rise for Judge Sánchez, he and the rest of us remain standing for the jury as they enter the room. They are the ultimate deciders in this case. They were equipped with several monitors so they could view evidence as it is being presented. Though I've been told that they've lost interest during some of McMahon's previous cross-examinations, they listened closely to his extensive cross-examination of Ruchlewicz.

McMahon himself was at the top of his game. I've seen him try cases in Northampton County, and in two of these cases, he was ineffective. But he was a masterful showman in the courtroom yesterday. He was prepared yet theatrical. At one point, while making points in his cross, he stood behind Fed Ed with his hands on his shoulder, humanizing him. When admonished by the court, he'd be very apologetic and then continue to do what he's been doing all along.

Ruchlewicz himself is a terrible person. He's self-absorbed and I am sure he impressed few jurors when he mentioned being "abroad" during his testimony. During breaks in testimony, he was sequestered from everyone by the FBI.

What really did him in for me is a recording (and yes, sometimes there is video) of a meeting that he and Matt McTish had with Fed Ed at the Hamilton. When he saw Fed Ed make his way into the restaurant, he repeatedly disparaged him to McTish. As Pawlowski stopped to talk to people, Ruchleicz called him a "motormouth." He added that Pawlowski was "like a toddler in an ice cream shop." When Ruchlewicz spied former Bethlehem Mayor John Callahan talking to Fed Ed, he said, "Who doesn't like Johnny Casino?"

Fed Ed made his pitch to McTish - he was running for the Senate and needed McTish's help - and then left. McMahon's point was that there was no solicitation by Pawlowski to commit bribery. But Fed Ed's departure was very likely purposeful.

While Ruchlewicz was like the male equivalent of a Mean Girls cast member, Mike Fleck appeared to be a complete goof who was unable to stop laughing in conversations about the acquisition of Eagles tickets for a playoff game. Fed Ed got some from the Pennoni engineering firm as well as another city vendor. Ruchlewicz was tasked with getting a bunch of them from different sources that included the delinquent tax collector.

Shortly before the shit hit the fan, Fed Ed got wise to Ruchlewicz. What frosted him was that Ruchlewicz had sent a text message to Ramzi Haddad, assuring him that Allentown would buy or lease one of Haddad's properties for the City's Public Works. What bothered Fed Ed was not so much that the promise had been made, but that he had done so in writing.

"If Sam keeps this up, we're gonna' be in jail," Fed Ed tells Fleck.

"If any of this ever comes out in writing, we're fucked," agrees Mike Fleck.

"I'm actually terrified," said Fed Ed.

Is Democratic Failure to Applaud Trump Treasonous?

The question itself is absurd, betraying a total misunderstanding of both treason and the First Amendment. Yet that's precisely what Authoritarian Donald Trump claimed in a speech on Monday. He was complaining that Democrats sat on their hands instead of applauding him.

According to NBC, he suggested that failure to cheer him was "treasonous," and then added, "Can we call that treason? Why not? I mean, they certainly didn’t seem to love our country very much."

He is currently trying to discredit the Justice Department so he can remake it in his own image.

Once that happens, he can do what other strong-arm dictators do and round up his opponents. He is a threat to our Constitution and to democracy.

Superbowl Aftermath: Philly Goes Nutz

Lock up your women and children! Eagles' fans are on the loose!

I've done some cRaZy things back in the day. I've gone skinny dipping at 3 AM in a stranger's pool with a bunch of other drunks. I've done many other things that are pretty shameful, as you might expect from a drunk who lost his license to practice law.

But I never punched a police horse.

When the Eagles hosted Minnesota, two fans were arrested for just such an equine assault. One of the assailants calls Whitehall home.

But that's just one of those things, right?

No.

In the aftermath of the Eagles Superbowl victory, joyous fans decided to steal two police horses. Reports that an ostrich was stolen from the zoo turned out to be false, especially since the zoo has no ostriches. But a car was flipped, and for some reason, a Christmas tree was set ablaze. A cop was accidentally run over by a four-wheeler. The Ritz Carlton awning collapsed, and today I heard one radio personality claim he has a piece.

Good fun.

Then some bastard actually started eating horse shit.

In fairness, it might have been a reaction to Justin Timberlake's half-time show.

Boys Hoops: Allentown Central Catholic Picks Up 18th Win Against Stroudsburg

With just one game to go in the regular season, Allentown Central Catholic now has 18 victories and 3 losses. Monday night's win came courtesy of the Stroudsburg Mountaineers (7-13), who are in rebuilding mode this year

It was supposed to be an easy victory, but somebody forgot to tell Stroudsburg. The score was tied at the end of the first quarter, 11-11, and still tied at the half, 21-21.

Vikings had no problem during warm-up, but they only shot 30% in the first half.

That changed as the second half got underway. Central built up a small lead and spent most of the fourth quarter protecting it.

Jordan "McCrush" McChristian was top Viking scorer with 15. Leading the way foir the Mountaineers was Saveon Jackson, with 16.

Central returns to Rockne and will host Nazareth on Wednesday night. Nazareth lost to Emmaus on Monday night, 58-53, and may as a result be denied a spot in the East Penn Conference championship.

Box Score

ACCHS - 55, Stroudsburg - 42

Central Catholic - 11-21-44-55
Stroudsburg - 11-21-35-42

Stroudsburg (42)

Nyshan Sadler: 1FG - 2
Saveon Jackson: 7 FG, 2/3 FT - 16
Marcin Ogrodniczuk: 1 FG - 2
Edwin Ferreras: 1 FG, 2/4 FT - 4
Colin Brady: 5 FG, 4/5 FT - 14
Del'Ron Card: 2/2 FT -2
Na'iln Kettrles: 1 FG -2

Central Catholic (55)

Jay Vaughan: 3/5 FG, 1/3 3FG, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals - p
Keeshawn Kellman: 3/5 FG, 0/1 FT, 4 rebounds, 1 block,
Jordan McChristian: 3/4 3FG, 3/5 FGs, 1/2 FTs, 1 assists, 4 rebound, 1 steal - 15
Dat Lambert: 3/6 FG, 1/3 3FG, 4/4 FTs, 2 steals, 2 assists - 13
Nick Filchner: 2/3 3FG, 1/1 FG, 2 assists, 2 rebounds.- 8.


Blogger's Note: You can see scores from other local schools on my left sidebar.

Fly, Eagles, Fly!

Underdogs to Atlanta. Underdogs to Minnesota. Underdogs to New England.

A team that never gave up on itself, even after its franchise player went down with a season-ending injury. A team that in fact embraced the underdog moniker.

Superbowl champions.

Yes, it's just a game. But the best games are those that inspire hope and confidence in all of us.

Congrats to the Philadelphia Eagles on an amazing season and brilliant Superbowl against a very worthy foe.

Updated 8 am with comment from Chris Casey on Facebook: NBC should be embarrassed by how their announcers called this game. Al [Michaels] and Chris [Collinsworth] seemed very disappointed that the Patriots lost. They questioned the validity of Eagles touchdowns and overlooked an equal number of calls that went the Patriots' way. Dare I say that the Eagles gave a great effort, played well, and won the game because they deserved to?

Meanwhile, in Lehigh County

Lehigh County Exec Phillips Armstrong is calling Bingo on a Friday night at St. Elizabeth's Church in Whitehall. This man is always smiling!

Melissa Shafer: BT's Loss is St.Luke's Gain

Melissa Shafer, who has been Bethlehem Township Manager since March 2014, is leaving the public sector for St. Luke's Hospital. She will be taking Jane George's job in government and community relations.

At St. Luke's, Shafer will be responsible for developing and maintaining positive working relationships with elected officials and their staffs. She will also review legislation and advocate policy positions.

During her tenure at Bethlehem Township, Shafer was an advocate of increased transparency. She started the practice of having everything considered by Township Commissioners made available online. She enhanced the Township website and promoted the use of social media that included Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. She also promoted Nixle, which warns residents about traffic changes or emergency situations. It has been activated three times in recent months for police standoffs.

Shafer is a graduate of Millersville University and has a Master's degree in Public Administration from Villanova University.

Before coming to Bethlehem Township, she was Chalfont Borough Manager for over six years.

ACCHS Vikings Defeat Emmaus 56-44

A balanced offense and stingy defense combined to give Allentown Central Catholic their 16th victory of the season against a young Whitehall (5-13) team on Tuesday night at Rockne Hall. Would that same strategy work inside a loud and angry hornets' nest in Emmaus? Why, Yes! On Friday night, before a packed house at Emmaus' abnormally tiny gym, the Vikings conquered in a low-scoring game, 56-44. It is the second time this season that Central defeated Emmaus.

Jordan McChristian was top scorer for the Vikings with 16 points, including four from downtown. But what won this game was Jay Vaughan's masterful ballet as point guard. With grace, he'd streak across the court with an uncanny ability to spot the open player. He finished the night with 9 assists.

When Emmaus least expected it, the Baryshnikov of Basketball would just stop and shoot.

Swish!

Emmaus would hear that swish 11 times before the night was over. But they are fighters who even wear camouflage warm-up suits. I do think Coach Yoder took things a bit too far tonight when he came out with war paint on his face. Senior forward Zach Sabol, a very pleasant young man who always displays the best sportsmanship, delivered the most stings for the Hornets with 18.

My favorite play of the night was close to the end of the game. Keeshawn "the beast" Kelman, who had 9 rebounds, was fighting for the ball, and come down with it, but landed on his backside. From the floor, he managed to pass the ball to Jordan McChristian. He was waiting conveniently by the rim and tapped it in.

Central's record is 17-3 with two games left.

Central will travel to Stroudsburg on Monday. Emmaus will visit Nazareth, which had a big win stunning Northampton on Friday night, 71-53.

Box Score

ACCHS - 56, Emmaus - 44

Central Catholic - 22-33-42-56
Emmaus - 9-20-30-44

Central Catholic (56)

Jay Vaughan: 3/6 3FG, 1/1 FG, 9 assists, 3 rebounds - 8
Keeshawn Kellman: 3/6 FG, 9 rebounds,1 block, 1 assist
Jordan McChristian: 4/7 3FG, 2/2 FGs, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal - 16
Dat Lambert: 2/5 3FG, 1/5 FG, 4/5 FTs, 2 steals, 2 rebound - 12
Nick Filchner: 2/3 3FG, 1/1 FG, 3/4 FTs, 2 assists.- 11.
Sam Vaughan: 1/2 3FG - 3.

Emmaus (44)

Josh Artis: 4 FG, 1/2 FT - 9.
Bryce Diehl: 2/4 FTs - 2.
Cameron Brooks: 2 3FG - 6.
Mark Swedberg: 1 FG - 2.
Danny Bohman: 1 3FG, 1 FG -5.
Cole Ferguson: 1 FG - 2.
Zach Sabol: 7 FG, 4/7 FTs - 18.

Blogger's Note: You can see scores from other local schools on my left sidebar.

Fed Ed's Cake is Baked

Allentown Mayor Edwin "Fed Ed" Pawlowski claims he's innocent of political corruption, and points his fingers at people he hired. He blames them for what happened. That's actually a lousy defense,especially when the feds can place you in the can, looking under stalls, in the midst of a bribery and extortion scheme.

Though this has not been reported, former managing director Francis Dougherty was asked when he was testifying whether Fed Ed is a liar.

"Lying is part of his DNA," answered Dougherty.

Emily Opilo‏Verified account @emilyopilo

Ruchlewicz describes Mayor Pawlowski as a micromanager and "paranoid." He talks about the bug sweeps and says Pawlowski would only talk candidly in bathrooms when he felt he wasnt being recorded.

McClure on Milides Bldg: I've Got Good News and Bad News

The Milides building is a property that was at one time owned by prominent Easton attorney Gus Milides. It was conveniently located across the street from the courthouse and included a gigantic parking lot. Though it was private property, Gus was easy-going and would let county employees park there. In 2007, a divided NorCo Council voted to buy the building for $1.5 million, with Ann McHale ad Ron Angle voting No. McHale believed the price was too high while Angle said that part of the property would have to be razed.

That was then. It was discovered last year that parts of the parking lot were sliding down a cliff, mostly because it was built on fill that had never been properly packed down. So part of the parking lot has been roped off while the parking lot is shored up.

Last night, McClure had additional news concerning the Milides building.

First the good news. As a result of an anonymous complaint about mold, a crew of code inspectors descended upon the building recently, Fortunately for the people who work here, there is no mold.

Now for the bad news. Though code inspectors found no mold problem, they did discover some electrical deficiencies that require immediate attention. Happily, the county official who accompanied them on their inspection is Administrator Charles Dertinger. He happens to be an electrician himself, was able to come up with a game plan for solving the problem, and Wind Gap Electric is working on the problem on an emergency basis.

The Voter's Office is located inside the Milides building and obviously, there is no room there for electrical failures.

McClure actually thanked Easton's code inspectors, who may have prevented a serious problem with election results. Voters' Registration does have a generator for these power failures, but they have been all too frequent.

After explaining the problem, McClure said is time to move on from Milides.

NorCo Council's Top Priorities in 2018

NorCo Council member John Cusick is an algebra teacher and a bit if a wonk who would probably love to visit Nerd City USA, as described below. He religiously attends meetings about county government and his fingertips are always on the pulse of CCAP. That's the acronym used to describe the County Commissioners' Association of Pa. At his urging, County Council last night unanimously endorsed the top priorities identified by CCAP.

I. Human Services Reform and Funding. - There has been a 91% increase in referrals to the child welfare Agency as a result of 30 new child welfare laws enacted in 2015.

II. Opioid Epidemic. - Drug overdose deaths increase every year, from 72 in 2015, 81 in 2016 and 101 deaths as of November 2017.

III. Shale Gas Impact Fee. - Even if a severance tax is imposed, the impact fee helps counties acquire and preserve open space.

IV. State Hospital Beds. - Currently, there are 250 county inmates across the state, including one in NorCo, waiting for access to just 237 psychiatric or forensic beds at state hospitals.