NorCo Controller Race: Candidate's Wife Falsely Implies Governor Supports Her Husband

NorCo Controller candidate Nadeem Qayuum has claimed several times during this campaign to have endorsements from local celebrities that were never given. Now his wife, Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana is implying on Facebook that Qayuum, her husband, is supported by Governor Josh Shapiro. This is simply dishonest.

The foremost quality in a Controller should be absolute honesty. Qayuum fails, thanks to his wife.

Report Your Experiences at the Polls Here

Polls will be open between 7 am and 8 pm. If you're uncertain where you should vote, you can use this polling place finder.  Please feel free to share your experiences here. Was it crowded? Any problems with the machines? Was any active electioneering going on inside the polling place? Let us know.

___________________________________________________________________________________

7:49 am: Very small turnout at Allentown Fairgrounds polling place at 7:00 am. There's a Lehigh County Commissioner candidate (Jon Irons) greeting voters and handing out palm cards promoting the "People's United Platform" of Gerlach & Bushe for City Council and Irons for County Commissioner paid for by Friends of Ce Ce Gerlach.

8:16 am: Bethlehem - Slower than normal for early birds. Ken Kraft has worker looking for R write in (guess he really doesn't want Bill Rowe on ballot).

For City Council Ricky Butler and write in candidate Jim Follweiler were there.

9:36 am: (Joe) Just voted in Walnutport borough (apx. 9:15 a.m.). The place is a ghost town.

9:49 am: My experience was great. I walked to a post office about a mile away two weeks ago on a sunny day.

I put my ballot in the slot and walked home.

10:19 am No problem voting. Dropped it in the mail last week. Next day, got email that my vote has been received. Remember Democrats, vote early and often and harvest plentiful!

11:58 am: Easton, slower for sure. People at the polls are all friendly getting along. Ken Greene was here, and have seen Sal vols. A Frank vol and Crystal was also here. Wonder if it will pick up after work?

1:15 pm: Anyone looking for write in votes watch what works are telling those who ask for help. Poll 14-2 in Bethlehem, a woman was told to vote then come back and ask how to write in by the poll worker, the judge caught it but was too late for that voter. In 14-3 a D voter was told they couldn't write in a R under D page, that voter made clear to worker, they can write in anyone they choose. Thanks Bernie for this forum.

3:04 pm: I voted at Bushkill. It was totally dead. Not one person in line. Nadeem was there but curiously did not approach me. I must look like a Republican lol.

4:36 pm: One campaigner outside West Easton. Husband of a write-in candidate for Wilson Area School District Board who said his wife wanted to stop Critical Race Theory being taught in schools. I gave the card back. How soon before she would ban books that mention Trail of Tears, slavery, the KKK, and the civil rights movement if she wins?

5:17 pm: Quick in and out to vote in Easton across from Giacomo's on College Hill. Poll workers said it had been pretty slow all day. The number of signs from some candidates outside was obnoxious. Volunteers for Sal Panto and for Ken Greene outside - the Ken Greene volunteers asked if I voted for him as i was leaving and I told them I didn’t. Crystal, Lance and Kurt got my city council votes!

5:55 pm: Voted at 5:30 4th Ward in Easton. Was #111, poll workers said it was average turnout but they were expecting more because of the weather.

6:05 PM: Also, had 3 women outside wearing Sal shirts and Timothy Reillys wife was there asking to write him in.

6:12 pm: Roseto slow. I was 121 at 5:00.

7:08 pm: SS Shiloh - uneventful - Panto, Greene, Brown, Pintabone

23,485 Mail-in Ballots Sent in NorCo, 14,779 Returned By Election Eve

According to Northampton County Elections Registrar Christopher Commini, his office has sent 23,485 mail-in ballots (MIBs). As of election eve, 14,779 ballots have been returned. That's about 63% with one day to go.

Democrats accounted for 18,188 (77%) of the 23,485 MIBs sent to voters. The remaining 5,247 were sent to Republicans. 

Democrats have returned 11,697 (64%) of the 18,188 ballots sent to them. 

Republicans have returned 3,082 (59%) of the 5,247 ballots sent to them.  

In the last municipal primary conducted by Northampton County two years ago, 16,010 mail-in ballots (MIBs) were returned by voters. This year's return is slightly under that amount unless a lot of ballots were received yesterday afternoon and are brought in today. 

If you have a mail-in ballot, but have changed your mind and wish to vote in person, bring your ballot and the pre-addressed outer return envelope to your polling place to be voided. After you surrender your ballot and envelope and sign a declaration, you can then vote a regular ballot. If you lost it, you can still vote by provisional ballot at your polling place. Your county board of elections will then verify that you did not vote by mail before counting your provisional ballot.”

Northampton County Elections Office staff will post the Municipal Primary Election mail-in and absentee ballots results at approximately 8:00 p.m. tonight.16.

 

The unofficial results from the polls will be uploaded to the Northampton County Elections website (Northamptonvotes.com) as they come in. The unofficial results will not include write-in candidates’ results.

 

The process for tabulating write-in votes for the Municipal Primary Election is as follows:

1. Once the polls are closed, the absentee/mail-in ballots and Election Day data will be uploaded to the Northampton County Board of Elections website.
2. The write-in information will first be given as a “total” count by County and then by each individual Precinct. There will ONLY be a count of the total number of write-ins with the Unofficial Results, not a tally by name.
3. The list of write-in votes will be printed by Precinct and presented to the Canvass Board starting Friday, May 19. Members of the Canvass Board (one Democrat & one Republican) at each station will count and tabulate the printed write-in results from each District.
4. The tabulated results will then be checked by the County of Northampton Elections Board. Once complete, the Canvass Board’s unofficial results will be posted on the website.

Disappointed Bidder Claims in Lawsuit that NorCo Council Member Egged Him On

Northampton County is currently undergoing a long overdue pay study. In March, County Council voted 8-0 to award $64,000 contract to Bolton Partners, which specializes in compensation consulting, for nonunion positions. A disappointed bidder, Morganfruh Enterprises, has filed suit against county, seeking $128,348.00. The complaint, filed pro se by Mark Morganfruh, asserts that an unnamed County Council member egged him on. He adds that Council Solicitor Chris Spadoni encouraged him to sue.  

Generally speaking, courts are leery of lawsuits filed by disappointed bidders. NorCo Assistant Solicitor Rich Santee has filed "preliminary objections," which basically is a request to have the case tossed.

Although County Council and Executive Lamont McClure are at loggerheads on many issues, I would hope that no Council member or Spadoni would actually pour gasoline on this fire with disappointed bidders looking for an excuse to sue. This only costs the county money and diverts county lawyers from more productive work. 

Sometimes people hear what they want to hear. I think that's what happened here. In 2019, Morgenfruh lost a federal lawsuit claiming employment discrimination. 

Why Terry Houck Will Win the DA's Race

Terry Houck and staff

Northampton County DA Terry Houck is going to be re-elected on Tuesday.  To be sure, challenger Steve Baratta pulled out all the stops. He raised nearly twice as much money. His campaign heralds a return of big money to local  politics, with $10,000 donations from J.B. Reilly, Joe Topper and Ray Lahoud, to say nothing of the nearly $40,000 in-kinds that Ray poured into the race.  Baratta got the backing of established Morganelli machine politicians Bob Donchez and Lisa Boscola. He sent out six mailers, advertised on TV, radio and in social media. He even took out ads on this blog. He ran an ugly negative campaign to paint Houck, a person who has spent 45 years in law enforcement, as incompetent, racist, ethically challenged and a closet Republican. He's raged at Houck in two debates and several news conferences. Despite Baratta's bluster, Terry's going to win. I'll tell you why. 

One week ago today, there was a debate between Easton Mayor Sal Panto and challenger Pete Melan.  A throng of about 100 Easton voters cascaded into a chapel at Lafayette College for the show. These people were not just voters, but Democratic voters. Before the fireworks started, Terry Houck came and worked the room. He marched up and down the aisles to talk to people and ask for their support. 

I saw that happen repeatedly throughout this election cycle. At the Bethlehem City Council debate, Houck appeared and spoke to people informally after candidates had their say. Baratta was absent. He failed to even appear at the endorsement meeting conducted by Lehigh Valley For All (who agree with them). They ended up endorsing Houck, even though Baratta is more liberal. 

Baratta missed the LV Labor Council's annual dinner, which is sacrilege if you're a Democrat and want to get elected. 

He missed a candidates' forum at Kirkland Village, even though it's so close that he could have fallen out of his bedroom window and would be there. 

Even at events where he did appear, like the candidates' night at Easton's Southside Civic Association, he stayed off in a corner by himself with campaign manager Leo Reilly. There were few voters there, but he could have scored points with numerous candidates by just talking to them. 

I know one Bethlehem voter who will vote for a candidate simply if he or she knocks on his door, regardless of their views. 

People like to be asked. 

For the past 25 years, Baratta has been secluded in a perch on the third floor of the courthouse, isolated from the community. This was not his choice, It's a security measure to protect judges from disgruntled litigants and gang bangers. Though Baratta actually has a great sense of humor, which I've experienced from him a few times during this campaign, he's out of touch. He still talks to people as though he's God and believes his word is final. 

Just as a deep sea diver needs to rise slowly from the murky depths to prevent nitrogen bubbles in the brain, a person who descends from the judicial heavens needs time to adjust to his new role as an  ordinary human being. 

Baratta should have stayed where he was until his term expired. His resignation was actually selfish to the community he claims he wants to serve. The courts have been forced to bring in two senior judges, at taxpayer expense, to assume the duties he should have been performing.

He describes his departure as a selfless move to continue serving the community in a different capacity. He notes he walked away from his state judicial pension before it maxed. He fails to mention that he has a county pension, too. That pension will be based on his three highest years. If elected District Attorney, that county pension will increase dramatically and he will end up with more money than if he had just remained on the bench. 

Baratta also burned bridges. Right off the bat, he sent a complaint to the Disciplinary Board against  three lawyers with spotless records. This turned off a lot of lawyers who might have been tempted to support him. 

He has conducted a negative campaign. Say what you will, negative campaigning usually works. But the person conducting the negative campaign has to appear to be more likable than the person he is attacking. Instead of looking like a reformer, Baratta has been the Captain Queeg of Northampton County. His campaign has been conducting a relentless and increasingly elaborate investigation of Terry Houck in a vain effort to find the missing strawberries. 

In his last news conference, he ended up in a confrontation with an assistant DA who did not like her hard work demeaned. He had previously handed out a paper claiming that she was one of the assistants who quit, but there she was. He handed out a heavily redacted memo that involved a personnel matter. It was almost impossible to decipher and should have remained private. He even started to criticize  fellow judges for a backlog in criminal cases. All to find those missing strawberries.

Captain Queeg was suffering from battle fatigue. Baratta is also showing signs of the toll that 25 years of very hard work as a common pleas judge has taken on him. 

Terry Houck is no politician. His allies are good cops and victims, not real estate moguls or established politicians who dole out campaign funds to each other. But he ran a good campaign, spent money and was everywhere. He asked people for their support in person. 

They like to be asked. He's going to win. 

Campaign Timeline

1/4: Before he even announced, Baratta filed a 65-page complaint with Pennsylvania's Disciplinary Board, attacking the ethics of Houck, his top assistant and a prominent criminal defense lawyer. He never bothered to supply copies of his jeremiad  to the persons he attacked. The state board has taken no action. 

2/21: Baratta attacks Houck and Colonial Regional Police Department for refusing to take sides in what is essentially a civil dispute between two Sikh factions over control of their temple, even though police have responded to every complaint, have filed harassment charges when warranted and are investigating two incidents. 

3/28: Baratta accuses Houck or racism: At a debate in Nazareth, Baratta continues to attack Houck over Sikh temple dispute, and plays race card. He tells Sikhs, " He [Houck] doesn't want to look at that and doesn't care because you guys don't look like him ... ." Houck denies the accusation, states he's met with both Sikh factions, that police have responded to the temple 20 times, and three people who engaged in harassment were charged and convicted. He noted the dispute over control is properly handled in civil court. 

3/28: Baratta attacks Houck over referral fee: Every year, public officials must file a Statement of Financial Interests, reporting all sources of revenue aside from their public appointment. Houck did so, and reported income from the Specter & Kline law firm. Baratta has repeatedly attacked Houck for accepting this money. Hocke explains that about 12 years ago, long before he was DA, he was approached by a friend on a soccer field and asked wht firm his wife should use for a mesothelioma claim. Hock recommended Specter & Kline because he saw their ads on TV. He ne3ver met with the firm and had no idea his friend had even listed him as a referral. When he received a check, he contacted the state Ethics Comm'n, which advised him he could accept the money because whatever he did was done long before he became DA. 

4/13: Baratta accuses Houck of being a closet Republican. - At a PBS debate, Houck acknowledged  that he is seeking write-in votes from Republicans, who have fielded no candidate. This resulted in a Baratta mailer that accused Houck of "siding with the Republican party." Houck responds, "I am a Democrat. I have always been a Democrat and will remain a Democrat regardless of the outcome of this election." 

4/17: Houck snags FOP endorsements - Houck, himself a former cop, is endorsed by Bethlehem FOP Lodge 20 (Bethlehem police) Easton FOP (Easton police), PSTA No. 40 (Northampton County Pa. State Police) and PSTA (statewide Pa, State Troopers).

4/21: Politically inspired lawsuit against DA and police is dismissed. - A politically inspired lawsuit, filed by the lawfirm employing Baratta's biggest financial backer, Ray Lahould, sought the return of money that two warring Sikh  factions entrusted with police in what is essentially a civil dispute. ent Judge Michael Koury, Jr., dismissed it. 

4/28: NorCo GOP distances itself from Democrat Terry Houck. -  In an unrelated news conference, NorCo GOP Chair Glenn Geissinger specifically denied that his party is backing any attempt by Terry Houck to win a Republican write-in. The party has since that time prepared palm cards urging the party faithful against writing in either Houck or Baratta. 

5/4: Baratta Electioneers Aside Drop Box: - He conducted a news conference assailing Houck within 10-20' of a drop box set up for voters. At least one person come in to drop off a ballot during his harangue. He was confronted by an Assistant DA who disliked having her hard work demeaned by him. 

5/8: Baratta's Pre-Primary Report a disturbing return  of big money in local politics. - NIZ developers J.B. Reilly and Joe Topper gave Baratta $10,000 apiece. Norris McLaughlin lawyer Ray Lahoud gave $10,000 and added a whopping $37,900 in in-kinds. The Morganelli machine was revealed as well, with contributions from former Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez ($1,000) and State Senator Lisa Boscola ($5,000). Baratta paid Morganelli son Chris $5,000 for website design. 

Who Do You Support in Tuesday's Election?

Tomorrow is election day, so I thought I should give you all an opportunity to make your final arguments. Here are mine.

Northampton County Judicial race. - Brian Panella and Nancy Aaroe have cross-filed. An overwhelming number of lawyers have contributed to Panella. This tells me he is the best person for this job. Although it's hard to imagine he'd win the Republican nomination, Republican lawyers are backing him. 

Northampton County DA. - I've made my choice clear in the post below.

Northampton County Controller. -  Tara Zrinski and Nadeem Qayuum are two opportunists seeking the Democratic nod, while John Cusick is running unopposed on the Republican side. The Democratic candidates are a disaster. I'll be voting for Cusick in the general. 

Northampton County Council D1 (Bethlehem). - Democrat Ken Kraft is running unopposed. Hellertown's Bill Rowe was ejected from the Republican ballot for a minor, but fatal, error. He is waging a write-in campaign. I'd support Hellertown's Bill Rowe as a breath of fresh air who will work with Executive Lamont McClure. Ken Kraft left this office in the middle of his term for a better opportunity,  The voters he abandoned should reject him. 

Northampton County Council D2 (Easton). - Kelly Keegan is running unopposed on the Democratic side. Based on her quick response to criticism from Forks resident Ed Reagan last week, I'd support her. Council Prez Kerry Myers, who was bounced from the Democratic ballot because he was too lazy to get the signatures he needed to secure a spot, has switched sides and wants Republicans to write him in. 

Northampton County Council D3 (Nazareth). - Democrat Jeffrey Warren and Republican Casey Foreman are both running unopposed. I am bothered by Warren, who seems to move around a lot. But I know nothing about Foreman. That will change. 

Northampton County Council D4 (Slate Belt, Northern Tier): Tom Giovanni is running unopposed on the Republican side. Democrats have fielded no candidate. Giovanni is a proud Republican, but tends to govern without regard to party. I'd vote for him if I could. 

Easton Mayor. - Incumbent Sal Panto and Peter Melan both seek the Democratic nod. There's a rumor that firefighter Tim Reilly has decided to mount a write-in campaign on the Republican side. Panto promised to make Easton "clean and safe," and has largely kept that promise. But he's been in office six terms. Melan describes himself as a listener, which would certainly differentiate him from Panto.  I'm honestly conflicted, but would probably give Panto one last shot if I lived in Easton. 

Easton City Council. -  Seven Democrats and zero Republicans seek three open seats. The candidates are Downtown Kenny Brown (incumbent), former Easton School Prez Frank Pintabone, Constable Lance Wheeler, Dave O'Connell (incumbent), Ken Greene, Crystal Rose and Kurt Carlson. 

I'd go with Ken Brown, whose life story is remarkable. He brings a lot of quiet wisdom to the table. Frank Pintabone is the first person I think of when I think about Easton. Finally, I am touched by Dave O'Connell's sincerity. 

Bethlehem City Council. -  There are three seats available. This race will continue after the primary. Devin Brunges and Tom Ginther are running unopposed on the Republican side of the ticket, and James Follweiler is waging a write-in campaign. 

On the Democratic side, there are five candidates - incumbent Michael Colon, Colleen Laird, Ricky Butler, former Council member Bryan Callahan and Celeste Dee. I started by liking Colon, but was extremely disappointed by his insipid performance during the debate hosted at the steel hall. At the same time, I was extremely impressed by Callahan, who condemned back room meetings and an unresponsive Mayor.. I liked Laird's encyclopedic knowledge of city issues. Ricky Butler is an everyman, the Frank Pintabone of Easton. So I'd go with Callahan, Laird and Butler. 

Allentown City Council (3 seats)  - Police and firefighters have sunk $22,350 into the races being waged by Santo Napoli, Candida Affa and Tino Babayan. Those would be my choices. They are the candidates who understand it's insane to have social workers respond to 9-1-1 calls. Speaking of insane, I am astonished that Ce-Ce Gerlach,, who dumped an underage boy at a tent city and participated in "Fuck the Police!" rallies, is even running. And Rodney Bushe told me he had filed his expense report when he had not. 

Lehigh County Comm'r at-large (4 seats) - Incumbent Danny Hartzell is trying very hard to lose. He raised only $150. Then he gave $300 from his own pocket, not his campaign fund, to two of the candidates running against him. He gave Sheila Alvarado and Michael Blichar $150 each.  So I'd punish Hartzell by voting him in as well as the two candidates he funded.  My fourth pick would befinitely be Victor Martine, who brings both diversity and common sense. 

Following the Money: Lawyers Overwhelmingly Favor Panella for NorCo Judge

Nancy Aaroe and Brian Panella are the two only two candidates running to fill the judicial vacancy created when Steve Baratta unexpectedly resigned in the middle of his term. They have cross-filed, meaning they are seeking both the Democratic and Republican nominations on Tuesday. Their campaign finance reports must be filed with Pennsylvania's Department of State because a judge is actually a state position.  Last week, Aaroe complained about Panella's finances. Her complaint led me to the realization that lawyers, (local and nonlocal, Democrat and Republican) overwhelmingly support Panella over Aaroe, 88-17,

Nancy Aaroe's pre-primary finance report is located here. She raised $51,626.75 and spent $27,922.40, leaving her with $23,704.35 for the closing days. The money raised includes a $29,807.00 loan that she and her husband Paul made to her campaign. Of the money raised, $5,497.33 came in the form of contributions of $250 and under from 38 people. Northampton County. The larger sums came from 23 people. Her family poured in close to $4000. 

She received contributions from 17 different attorneys, 5 of whom maintain a practice in NorCo. Eight of them practice primarily in New Jersey and the Philly area (I have listed them at the end of this story). 

Aaroe's Complaint  - In a news release and on Facebook, Aaroe attacks Panella for accepting $22,000 from lawyers in the Philadelphia area, which she claims is more than half of the $42,000 in individual contributions reported. "While I've been up here with you, he was collecting checks up and down the Main Line. We need a judge focused on the law, not beholden to Philadelphia lawyers and politicians."  

Based on an examination of Panella's Pre-Primary finance report (located here), it's clear that her complaint is actually false. 

The Facts - Panella has raised $96,125, nearly twice as much as Aaroe. This includes $53,800 he lent to his campaign. He has spent $91,448.98, which is 3.3 times more than Aaroe. It's an indication that he is trying to win both sides in the primary. 

Panella raised far more than $42,000 from individual donors. As his own report makes clear, he raised  $9,125 in individual contributions of $250 or under from and $86,000 in individual contributions over $250, including his contribution to himself. There were 124 individual contributions. This amounts to $95,125. . 

Aaroe asserts that $22,000 of Panella's funding is from Philly area lawyers and is more than half of the total in individual contributions received. The amount of money raised from Philly area lawyers (I list them below) is $20,700. That's only about 23%, not even a quarter, of the total raised. 

Panella also raised $33,100 from lawyers outside of the Philadelphia area (I list them below) 

Of the $53,800 Panella raised from lawyers, only 38% are from the Philly area. 

Now I suppose you could ignore the First Amendment to argue, and with some merit, that donations from lawyers should be banned in judicial races. But lawyers would counter that they are in a better position than anyone to know whether a candidate would be a good judge. Moreover, Aaroe has been just as willing as Panella to take their money. 

What's Really Interesting - Based on these finance reports, 88 attorneys (local and nonlocal, Democrat and Republican) think Brian Panella should be elected judge and are willing to support him financially. Only 17 lawyers are willing to support Aaroe with their money.  

This tells me who should be elected. 

The Receipts

Nancy Aaroe's lawyer contributors (location and amount): Tom Sundmaker, Stroudsburg, $200; Phil Lauer, Easton, $103.48; Dave Marra, E Stroudsburg, $103.48; Dave Ritter, Macungie, $100; John Zaiter, Schnecksville, $250; Bradford Day, Delaware NJ, $250; Antonia Grifo, Easton, $257.94; Kevin Marciano, West Chester, $500; Gail Williams, Perkasie, $530; George Parrish, Easton, $500; Robert Brasko, Bethlehem, $1,000; Dennis Winegar, P-burg, $300; Jose Valdez, P-burg, $300; Scott Wilhelm, P-burg, $300; Brian Roemersma P-burg, $300; and Grace Curry, Belvidere, $1,545.14. 

Brian Panella contributions from Philadelphia-area lawyers:  $1,500 donors - Dionysios Rassias, James Beasley, Howell Rosenber; $1,000 donors - Shanin Specter, Tom Kline, John Hare, Joe Messa, Larry Bendesky, Ben Shein, Greg Durlofsky; $700 donors - Robert Rossin; and $500 donors - Ed Nass, Michael Cancelliere, Robert Mongeluzzi, Tracey Hagan, Ryan Stevens, Andrew Trevelise, James Ronca, Daniel Ryan, Kevin O'Brien, Christy Adams, Stewart Eisenberg, Mike Barrett, Bill O'Brien, George Bochetto, Leonard Feldman, Vince Reilly and G Daniel Bruch. This adds up to $20,700, less than the amount alleged by Aaroe.  

Brian Panella contributions from lawyers outside the Philly area: $5,000 donor - Mike Perrucci; $1,500 donors - Roseann Joseph, Ray Lahoud (he's everywhere!) Neil O'Donnell; $1,000 donors - Danny Baurkot, Linda Gardner, Robert Brasko, Charles Bruno, Steve Goudsouzian, Theodore Schick, Theresa Hogan, Gary Brienza $750 donor - Dan Polanski; $500 donors - Jill McComsy, Matt Deschler, Matt Sorrentino, Charles Kannebecker, James Nardone, Mary Jo Rabelo, Erik Conrad, Erin Iocobelli, Dave Ceraul, Tim Brennan, Glenn Reibman, Bob Eyer, Don Spry, Joe Leeson, Harry DeWalt, Brady Edwards, Brian Stevens; $350 donors - Joe Yannuzzi, Isaac Hof, Chris Reed, Phil Hof, Jim Madsen, Mark Minotti, Lauren Sorrentino; $250 donors - Dean Berg, Bob Glazier, Danny Cohen, Marty Cohen, Lisa Spitale, Mark Altemose, Dave Backenstoe, Bruce Thomas; $200 donors - Steve Molder, Bob Nitchkey, Nancy Schneiderman, Tom Stitt; and $100 donors - Alex Karam, Mike Riskin, Rich Shiroff, Lenny Mellon, Mike Corriere, Jerry Knafo, Bo Zelechiwsky, Becky Kulik, Danny Spengler, Vanessa Nenni and Alex Ward. 

UPDATED: Following the Money in Lehigh County Comm'r Race

Seven Democrats and four Republicans are running for four at-large Lehigh County Comm'r seats. The Republican candidates are running unopposed, but Tuesday's election will narrow the Democratic candidates down to four. The purpose of this story is to tell you about the campaign finance reports that candidates are required to file before the election. This way you know who is financing them and how they are spending campaign funds. 

The seven Democrats in this hunt are Sheila Alvarado, 37, a legislative aide to State Rep. Pet Schweyer; Michael Blichar Jr., 28, an administrator at Northampton Community College; incumbent Dan Hartzell, 72, a retired Morning Call reporter and columnist; Jon Irons, 36, data manager at Communities in Schools of Eastern Pa.; Victor VJ Martinez, owner of the popular La Mega radio station;  April Riddick; 55, a community activist and project manager; and realtor Joe Setton, who briefly served as an appointed South Whitehall Township Commissioner. A more detailed biography of all seven Democrats can be found at Pennsylvania Capital Star. 

Sheila Alvarado raised $2,285, all of it was in the form of small contributions of $250 or less. This included a $150 contribution from fellow candidate Danny Hartzell. She did accept an in-kind from her boss, Peter Schweyer for printing expenses. Other than that, she garnered none of the usual PAC contributions that litter campaign finance reports. She spent $915.91, mostly for yard signs. 

Michael Blichar raised $942.19, including an amazing $150 from fellow candidate Dan Hartzell. Like Alavarado, he relied on small contributions He spent $383.19, mostly for yard signs. 

Dan Hartzell  apparently has a distaste for money in politics. He started this race with $1,365.84, and only raised $150 from Lehigh Connty Exec Phil Armstrong ($100) and South Whitehall Tp Comm'r Brad Osborne ($50). As you can see, he gave $150 contributions to two of the candidates running against him. He did not use his PAC, but gave out of his own pocket. 

Hartzell spent $503.50 for palm cards, and has $1,012.34 going into the closing days of the campaign. 

Let's see. This guy gave to people running against him and only raised $150. It's almost like he wants to lose. That's exactly the kind of person you want to keep in office. 

Jon Irons raised $9,702 and in-kind contributions of $2,716.51. Over $4,000 came in the form of small contributions of $250 or less, including donations from Controller Mark Pinsley ($150) and Comm'r Dave Harrington ($100). His larger contributions are from St. Lukes' Dr. Michael Pipestone ($2,500), Elaine Mickel ($1,000, Illinois), Jonetta Irons ($1,000, Illinois), Joseph Irons ($500, Illinois) and Randall Bongarten ($300, NY),  His in-kinds are from Lehigh Valley Stands Up ($1,500, vote builder access) and $1,000 from photographer Adam Hoff for head shots. (He must have a very big head).

Irons spent $7585.20 for three mailers, palm cards and yard signs. 

He has $2,100 going into the closing days of this race. 

Victor Martinez self-funded his campaign with $4,300.  He spent $4,187.80, and most of that went for yard signs and campaign T-shirts.  Victor Martinez  spoke out against a proposal to have social workers, and not cops, respond to 9-1-1 calls. He is also a relentless supporter of diversity in  government. 

April Riddick missed the reporting deadline. She told me she was a little under the weather, has only $100, and it totally slipped her mind. I appreciate her honesty. During the course of our conversation, I learned that she has coached T-ball for the past 30 years. She's an exceptional person, even if her views and mine differ. 

I was unable to locate an expense report for Joe Setton. He has a campaign website and signs, so he obviously has spent money. I called the number listed on his campaign page as well as his realtor office. I also emailed him. I've received no reply. It's possible he filed and his report just never made it to  the county web page. It's also possible that he failed to file.

The four Republican candidates are Jacqueline Rivera, Rita Sisselberger, Gary S. Fedorcha and Paul Moat. They are running unopposed.  I will wait to delve into their backgrounds and finances until the general election. 

Updated 1;10 pm: Setton filed! Joe Setton adevised me this morning that he did, in fact, filedhjis campaign finance report on May 3. I was unable to locate it yesterday but found it now. Setton spent $1310 out of his own pocket. He fails to indicated how the money was spent, butit was obviously on signs and a webpage. 

NorCo Judicial Race Getting Testy

The Northampton County DA race between incumbent Terry Houck and challenger Steve Baratta  has pretty much sucked all the oxygen out of the room in other races. That should change soon, as the judicial contest between Brian Panella and Nancy Aaroe is beginning to get testy. 

Aaroe has complained about Panella's campaign finances. 

Panella's report tells us he raised $96,125, including $30,000 in loans to himself. He raised $42,000 from individual donors, with slightly more than half - $22,000 - coming from lawyers in the Philadelphia area.

Aaroe's campaign manager, Andres Weller complains that “[i]t is very troubling that over half of Panella’s individual fundraised amount is from Philadelphia. His donor list looks like a walk down the Main Line of Philly. ... The people of Northampton County deserve a Judge committed to them, not beholden to the lawyers of Philadelphia.”

Panella's campaign manager, Patti Bruno, responded that "[h]aving support across the Commonwealth does not require a defense - it’s admirable to be viewed as the best choice by peers. ... The Panella campaign is happily supported by attorneys across the Commonwealth because Brian Panella is the best candidate for the vacant seat. The contributions continue to demonstrate the overarching level of support Panella has which I understand is worrisome for the Aaroe campaign."

Bruno had a complaint of her own. " I am much more concerned that Nancy Aaroe has now, twice, publicly - through photographic social media evidence and press conferences, utilized a registered 501(c)(3) to openly advocate for her political campaign which is in direct violation of well established laws and places the organization’s tax exemption status under a microscope. As an attorney - she should have advised them better. As a candidate for judge - she should have never allowed it."

Bruno is apparently referring to the nonprofit B.A.C.K. (Bikers Against Cop Killers), which Aaaroe has used as a backdrop at a news conference and campaiGn appearance.

86,939 Registered LV Voters Will Be Disenfranchised on Tuesday

Below are the voting numbers as of May 8, 20232, for both NorCo and Lehigh, compared to what they were in 2016, when Trump was elected President.  As you can see, the number of independents has increased significantly in both counties. But on Tuesday, all 86,939 of them will be denied the right to vote. The best way to stop the continued polarization of extreme left and extreme right candidates in this country is by opening the primaries to independents. 

Northampton County

Total: 217,606, compared to 211,402 in 2016.

Democrats: 96,772, compared to 99,075 in 2016.  Democrats account for 44.5% of the total registration, compared to 47% in 2016. 

Republicans: 79,916, compared to 73,473 in 2016. Republican registration increased from 34.8% to 36.7% of the total registration.  

Other: 41,918, compared to 38,854 in 2016. Independents increased from 18.4% to 19.3% of the total number of registered voters. 

Lehigh County

Total: 240,332, compared to 236.081 in 2016.

Democrats: 111,968, compared to 115,745 in 2016. Democrats account for 46.6% of the total registration, compared to 49% in 2016.

Republicans: 83,343, compared to 80,623 in 2016. Republicans account for 34.7% of the total registration, compared to 34.2% in 2016.

Other: 45,021, compared to 39,713 in 2016. Independents account for 18.7% of the total registration, compared to 16.8% in 2016.

More Charges Filed Against Stockertown's Former Top Cop

From Northampton County District Attorney's Office: Today, District Attorney Terry Houck announces additional charges against former Stockertown Borough Police Chief Eric Schwab.

Schwab, 44, of Nazareth, is charged with Impersonating a Public Servant, and Visual and Audible Signals on Emergency Vehicles.

On May 5 at approximately 5:15 p.m., a black Ford Explorer with FOP plates pulled out in front of a civilian’s vehicle on Northwood Avenue. According to the civilian driver, the Ford Explorer was driving 10 to 15 miles below the speed limit and made a right onto Van Buren Road. The civilian driver also made a right onto Van Buren Road, following the Explorer. The Ford Explorer then stopped suddenly, and the driver of the civilian vehicle noticed there was a police light bar with flashing red, blue, and white lights on under the rear windshield. The driver then pulled over in front of the Explorer, and observed flashing lights in his rearview mirror. The Explorer then returned to the road and pulled up next to the civilian’s vehicle, stating “You’re following too closely, you’re lucky I’m off duty right now or I would write you a ticket.” The civilian told detectives he recognized the driver as former Stockertown Borough Police Chief Eric Schwab.

Through investigation, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant on Schwab’s vehicle. Detectives located and seized emergency lights and a siren inside the vehicle. Specifically, two LED lights in the front windshield that flashed red and blue, two LED lights that flashed red and blue in the rear tailgate window, and the controller for the lights and siren.

Detectives interviewed Schwab, who related he slammed on his brakes because a vehicle was following him too closely. He further stated he pulled over to the shoulder, and the vehicle passed him and pulled in front of him. He denied activating his red and blue lights and that he told the civilian he was off duty and would write him a ticket. However, Schwab did relay to detectives he had red and blue lights inside the vehicle and is no longer employed as a police officer.

Detectives obtained video surveillance from the intersection of Van Buren Road and Fox Hill Road in Easton where the incident occurred. The video depicts the black Ford Explorer pullingto the shoulder of the road with LED lights flashing red and blue in the rear tailgate window.

Schwab is currently facing additional charges from a separate case including a felony charge of Forgery, Unsworn Falsification to Authorities, and related charges. Bail was set at $15,000 unsecured.

UPDATED: Following the Money: First Responders Sink $22,350 in Allentown City Council Races

Seven candidates, all Democrats, seek three seats on Allentown City Council on May 16. Two of them, Ce-Ce Gerlach and Candida Affa, are incumbents. One Council member seeking election, Santo Napoli, was appointed earlier this year. The other candidates are Luis Acevedo, a manager at RJ Walker Plumbing; Promise Neighborhood's Rodney Bushe; Tino Babayan, who has been interested in Allentown City government for many years; and Sarina Torres, a 2019 graduate of William Allen High School. 

Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach has marched against the police. She has voted against every grant provided to them. She has even voted No to police hires. She wants social workers, not first responders, sent to many 9-1-1 calls. If a citizens' initiative is placed on the ballot, voters will have a chance to answer that question themselves.  Two candidates - Rodney Bushe and Sarina Torres - are tied to Gerlach. 

Police and firefighters have noticed. They've spent $22,350 to bolster the campaigns of Candida Affa, Santo Napoli and Tino Babayan. 

Luis Acevedo raised $21,060, which he spent on campaign material. His biggest contribution was a $5,000 in-kind contributions for radio commercials. He lists VP Broadcasting as the contributor, although corporate contributions are illegal. I believe he meant to identify Victor Martinez, who owns VP Broadcasting and is a fierce advocate of attracting more Latino candidates in a mostly Latino community. 

Candida Affa raised $20,500. Her big contributors are Allentown's FOP ($9,500) Allentown firefighters ($1,000), California resident Cedar Crest College Hall of Famer Claudia Merkle ($2,500), pub owner Don Ringer ($750), Maingate owner Dominic Germano ($1,000), salon owner Jason Roth ($500), successful businessman but absolutely shitty Hearts player Nat Hyman ($500) and Allentown Parking Authority Exec Director John Morgan ($500). 

Her biggest expense was $3,332 to Attorney Craig Neely to defend her against Rodney Bushe's failed attempt to toss her off the ballot. 

Tino Babayan raised $8,330, with his biggest contributions coming from Allentown's FOP ($1,000) and IBEW ($2500). Allentown firefighters also kicked in $350. 

Ce-Ce Gerlach started this race with $11,100.45, thanks in large part to a $5,000 donation from Anthony DeFiore last year. He defines himself as a "Big City, Liberal Democrat w/ a Marciano right." This year, she's raised an additional $10,718.99, which gave her $21,819.44 to spend in this race. Most of the money came from unions: District Council ($1,000); IBEW ($2,500); SEIU ($500); United Steelworkers ($2,500); and Plumbers ($1,000). 

She spent $20,666.09. This included the cost of three mailers, yard signs, $3,655 for paid canvassers and even a $100 translation fee to Enid Santiago. 

Santo Napoli, just appointed to City Council, was able to raise $22,575.00. His biggest contributors were the Greater LV Realtors ($10,000); Allentown FOP ($9,500); and Allentown firefighters ($1,000). 

He spent $4,849.43 for palm cards and two mailers. He has a $900 debt for a social media video. 

He still had $17,725.57 for the closing days of the race.  

Sarina Torres has filed no report, but is instead relying on the Pre-Primary report filed by the United Youth Party. If this is her authorized committee, she is required to sign this report. She failed to do so. 

This committee started with nearly $200, and raised $2,293.96, giving it a total of $2,492.93 to spend. Her committee's biggest contributor is identified as Cash App ($758.48). That's actually a mobile application through which users can transfer money., not a contributor. The report fails to name the people who actually donated.  It also claims to have received $384.51 from Act Blue, but again, this is just a transfer service. The report fails to identify who contributed, thus making it impossible to follow the money.  The biggest contributor, and the only person actually named, is Ian Finestein ($481.27)

Of the $2,388.43 spent, $540 is supposed to have gone to Echo Live Agency (no address). Echo Live might actually be Echo Dead. A google search tells me it's permanently closed. $132 was spent on flyers.

Rodney Bushe unsuccessfully challenged Candida Affa's nomination petition. You'd think he'd be a stickler for the rules, Maybe his is. Maybe not. There is no report listed for him on the City Council website, and Lehigh County forwarded all reports filed by the candidates. Maybe his report was filed and missed. Maybe he filed an affidavit indicating he would spend under $250. I don't know. 

I called him and asked. He said he'd get back to me this morning. I asked him to post a comment, which I'll attach to this story. As of now, I have no information regarding him.  

Noon Update:

At 9:52 this morning, Bushe filed his Pre-Primary report. It was six days late. 

He reports having raised $2,405.His biggest contributions are $1,000 that he kicked in himself and $500 from Dan Bosket. He has spent $1667 with marketing agency Faces International and owes this outfit $3,333. 

Baratta Blowin Oil Over Text That His Own Campaign Could Have Sent

On Wednesday, a text message from the "Republican Friends of Terry Houck" ostensibly went out, asking Republicans to write in Terry Houck because candidate Steve Baratta supports a "far-left, woke agenda." That same day, Terry Houck posted this message on his Facebook page: "I am a Democrat, I have always been a Democrat and I will remain a Democrat, regardless of the outcome of this election."  Baratta is blowin' oil again. Someone better throw him on the lift and see what's wrong. Here's what he wrote: "BREAKING NEWS: Terry Houck lied...AGAIN. In the morning, he sent a text to Democratic voters claiming Democratic values. This afternoon he sent a similar text, this time claiming REPUBLICAN values to REPUBLICAN voters. But the truth is, Terry isn't a Democrat, or even a Republican. Terry is an OPPORTUNIST who lies. He is someone who is willing to say anything to get elected and stay in power. And he's not even from here."

A good District Attorney should look closely at the evidence before calling someone a liar. The claim that Terry sent out a Facebook message claiming to be a Democrat who will remain a Democrat is true. That's straight from his own Facebook campaign page and is something he has said repeatedly. But then Steve goes on to claim that Terry also sent a text that very day wooing Republican voters. Steve is jumping to conclusions there. 

I asked Terry about that text message. He specifically denied having anything to do with it. He added that anything that came from him would either be in his own voice or would say that he paid for it, as election law requires. He told me he does have Republican supporters, but has formed no committee to reach out to them. 

After speaking to Houck, I went to the elections office to see if  "Republican Friends of Terry Houck" exists. It does not. There is no such committee on ether a county or state level. 

I then reached out to a few friends in the Northampton County Republican Party and even the Lehigh Valley Tea Party.  Neither group supports Houck.

So the evidence in hand tells me that neither Houck nor Republicans had anything to do with that text. For all I know it is a dirty trick conjured up by Team Baratta to make Terry look bad among Democrats. I won't accuse Steve himself of that kind of mudslinging, but he should look to his own team to determine where that text message really came from and who really paid for it. 

The way Steve leaps to conclusions without evidence tells me that what he really needs is along rest. He is a good man, but his thinking is clouded.  

Forks Tp Resident Assails NorCo Council Candidate Kelly Keegan

Blogger's Note: As most of you know, I consider NorCo Council President Kerry Myers a terrible public servant. Because he's lazy, he failed to acquire enough valid signatures to be placed on the ballot as a Democrat. After being tossed, he decided to flip parties and seek a Republican write-in. I am perfectly happy to see him replaced by Forks Tp Supervisor Kelly Keegan, who now is running unopposed for the Dem nomination in the Easton County Council district. But Keegan has her critics. Below is an essay submitted by Ed Reagan, a top commenter on the Easton Facebook page, followed by Keegan's response:

Ed Reagan:

On November 18, 2021, at the Forks Township Board of Supervisors meeting Chairman John O'Neil asked Supervisor Kelly Keegan to chair a task force to look into preserving open space in the township and return to the board with options and ideas.

In early March 2023, Supervisor Keegan started posting about open space in the Forks Township Information and Discussion group on Facebook and a newly created Forks Township Open Space Committee Facebook group.

Supervisor Keegan's post advocated for the Board of Supervisors to put a referendum on the ballot to raise the local earned income tax by 25% to pay for an open space program, the only option she presented, even though she was tasked 16 months earlier to return to the Board of Supervisors with options.

When people, including myself, started asking questions about the work and analysis done by Supervisor Keegan and her group, she started blocking the people on Facebook, asking questions, asking for copies of the agendas, meeting minutes, and data compiled by the open space committee.

Since Supervisor Keegan was not forthcoming with her committee's work, I had to file a right-to-know request to access her committee's work over the past 16 months. There were agendas and minutes but no inventory of properties to target for open space preservation, no analysis, and no other options than an EIT tax increase.

When I filed the open records request, I began grabbing screen shots from Facebook in case I needed to appeal with the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.

I realized that Supervisor Keegan was making many social media posts while working at the Easton Area School District, where she is a school nurse and her husband is an elected member of the Board of Education.

One hundred twelve social media posts were made from work violating the district's policy prohibiting using social media on school property.

The school district's policies prohibit employees from posting about alcohol and drugs online where students can read it. Yet, Supervisor Keegan has posted on social media about alcohol and commented on a few newspapers' Facebook posts about marijuana.

The district has a policy prohibiting political activity on school property, but this did stop Supervisor Keegan from engaging on social media related to the business of Forks Township and posting to her Northampton County Council campaign page from work, including announcing her kick-off of collecting nomination petition signatures. She also announced her campaign fundraising event while at work.

When my right-to-know request was returned by Forks Township related to the open space committee, there were 23 emails sent during the work day by Supervisor Keegan while at work in violation of the district's policy prohibiting the use of external email systems.

Is this the type of politician the residents of Northampton County want on the county council?

Unfortunately, Supervisor Keegan's husband challenged the nomination petitions of her opponent in the Democrat Party primary, making her the only candidate on the primary ballot since the Republican Party did not field any candidates.

Current Northampton County Council President Kerry Myers was the candidate challenged off the ballot by Supervisor Keegan's husband. Mr. Myers has recently switched parties to Republican and is mounting a write-in campaign.

Kelly Keegan, as documented above, is not fit to serve any elected positions due to her willful violation of multiple EASD policies, her censoring of opposing voices, and the lack of following through on tasks assigned to her.

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, please write in Kerry Myers for Northampton County Council District 2.

Kelly Keegan's Response:

In 2021 the Board of Supervisors voted to update our 10-year comprehensive plan. To complete the plan we needed resident input and the overall reaction and responses indicated that the residents liked the mix of suburban and rural areas within the Township, they appreciated the availability of green/open space and parks, and generally are fond of the sense of community they feel living in Forks Township. However, they also expressed a concern with uncontrolled development, specifically industrial development and the impact of this on the community, i.e., loss of farmland, increased (truck) traffic, and stormwater issues. There was a general feeling of “rapid growth” occurring in the Township negatively affecting the things residents love about living in Forks. Residents stated that they want to preserve open space and farmland and limit high density residential and industrial development. The township spent approximately $85,000 to update this plan and I felt it was our duty as elected officials to value the data that was collected by the residents, to hear their concerns, and to look into what can be done to make sure that this community remains the place they enjoy and to even possibly improve upon it.

Within the last 10 years warehouse proliferation has been a concern for not only our township, but for the entire Lehigh Valley. The residents stated that they want to preserve open space and farmland and limit high density residential and industrial development. While some people feel that zoning is the answer, it is not. Zoning is one avenue for township planning, but there are others, such as an Open Space Program. Simultaneously while these results came out other townships in the area were approving their Open Space referendums or talking about one. Trying to come up with solutions for our resident’s concerns I suggested an Open Space Program to the BOS and Chairman O’Neil appointed me to investigate this specific topic. NOT all options for preserving open space, but the Open Space Programs that the neighboring townships were voting on at that time.

I contacted experts that work for Northampton County and a supervisor at Bushkill Township who currently has had a successful program. I coordinated two public presentations with experts. The Planning Commission and the BOS were invited and the BOS attended. ONLY an Open Space Program with EIT funding was presented. At the public presentation there were approximately 20 residents who were interested in getting involved and an informal committee was formed. A formal committee was never voted on and approved by the township so formal minutes were never required from the group who supported an Open Space Program with an EIT tax. We met on a monthly basis since January and we discussed how we would initiate public outreach for the residents to become aware of what the program is about so they would be able to make an educated decision and be able to vote whether “they”, the residents, wanted to adopt the program.

My whole point was that the Supervisors paid a lot of money for the 10-year Comprehensive Plan, we asked for resident input, and then when we received the input, I was the only Supervisor that wanted to find a solution for their concerns.

Does the Open Space Program have an increase in the EIT tax? Yes, the increase would go from our current 1% to a 1.25% tax. Did I vote to increase taxes as I have been accused of on Facebook? No, I was in support of the Open Space Program referendum question to be place on the General Election Ballot in Nov. 2023 so the residents could decide whether they wanted it or not.

As for Ed Reagan’s allegations, I have been strongly advised to not engage with him, and at this time I am following that advice.

UPDATED: Following the Money: Bethlehem City Council Races

Five candidates seek the Democratic nomination for three seats on Bethlehem City Council. They all filed the required Pre-Primary campaign finance report at the elections office on Friday. Only one report bothers me. Brian Callahan was impressive in a City Council debate, but will he be representing ordinary Bethlehem citizens or the special interests backing him? 

Callahan came into this race with $3,256.15. He raised $13,200, fare more than the other four Democrats.  This includes $5,000 from trade unions, which is expected. What troubles me are the numerous contributions from developers and lobbyists.  He accepted $500 donations from M. Arif Fazil (D'Huy Engineering) , realtor Doug Kelly, developer Dave Ronca, developer Joe Posh, real estate maven Louis Intile, former police chief Mark DiLuzio and developer Dennis Benner. His largest individual contributor, developer Abe Atiyeh, gave him $1,000. There's also smaller contributions by lobbyist Jenn Mann ($100), hotelier Bruce Haines ($250) and State Senator Lisa Boscola ($250). 

Callahan would certainly be an effective check on an overreaching Mayor, but his coziness with  these special interests are worrisome. 

Callahan told me he is a Kennedy Democrat who believes in economic development along with social awareness. He told me every one of these developers are the same people who helped him get winter coats for impoverished students at middle school. 

Council President Mike Colon raised $3,150. This included a $500 donation from former Mayor Bob Donchez and former NorCo Exec Glenn Reibman. 

Political consultant Celeste Dee, who incidentally is Callahan's campaign treasurer, raised $6,000. She donated $5,000 to her own campaign. 

Communications specialist Colleen Laird raised $3,650, mostly from friends and family. She was favored with a $250 donation from former Mayor Bob Donchez. 

Realtor Ricky Butler formed co committee and spent $1,360 out of his own pocket for palm cards, window signs and campaign material. 

What about the Republicans. Devin Brunges and Tom Ginther are seeking their party's nomination and Jim Follweiler is waging a write-in campaign. They have no need to worry about money until after the primary. Brunges has set aside $120 and Ginther has spent $691.12. As a write-in, Follweiler has no obligation to disclose finances, although he tells meit is under $250. 

Updated 10:06 am

Panto Won a Debate, But May Have Lost Some Votes

I've already told you about the Easton Mayoral debate Monday night between incumbent Sal Panto and challenger Peter Melan. On the stage stage, Panto was better. But he may have lost some votes before it started.  

A throng of about 100 or so people sat in the pews of Colton Chapel, waiting for the show. Among them was Danny Cohen, a well-respected Easton lawyer who probably loves Easton as much as Panto himself. They've worked together on many projects over the years and have supported each other. Everybody loves Danny. 

Except me. I hate everyone. 

Danny and Peter Melan are close friends. Danny opted to support his friend in the Mayoral contest. 

When Panto made his grand entrance, Danny offered his hand to Panto. The Mayor snubbed him, and in the process, might have actually lost a few votes.  The Mayor snubbed me too, and that may have gained him a few votes. Nobody likes bloggers. 

Except me. I think I'm pretty cool.  

Following the Money: Allentown City Council Race and Lehigh County Comm'rs?

So far, I've tried to help you follow the money raised and spent in the Northampton County DA and Controller races, Easton's Mayoral contest as well as the Easton and Bethlehem City Council races. I've provided summaries or the actual reports. I've tried to get these Pre-Primary reports to you as quickly as possible. I'd like to fill you in on the Allentown City Council and Lehigh County Comm'r races. Unfortunately, I see an expense report for only one of the candidates in Allentown's election. I will  try to get those to you tomorrow.   

Pa. Ranked #31 in EV Charging Stations

If you own an electric vehicle, how easy is it to find a charging station? According to a report by CoPilot, with only 20.8 chargers per 100,000 residents. Vermont, which tops the list, has 139.7 chargers per 100,000 residents. 

NorCo DA Charges Ex-Stockertown Police Chief With Forgery

Stockertown's former top cop is in hot water. On Monday, NorCo District Attorney Terry Houck announced that former Stockertown Borough Police Chief Eric Schwab, has been charged in connection with a scheme to obtain a retired law enforcement officer qualification card from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office. This would exempt him from most state and local laws prohibiting the carrying of a concealed firearm. 

Schwab presented his driver’s license, a partially completed retired law enforcement officer qualification card, a retired law enforcement identification card and a $5.00 money order. To obtain this card, officers must be "in good standing" when they retire. Schwab was under investigation for disobedience and conduct unbecoming of an officer at the time he left Stockertown. He supplied the Sheriff with documentation indicating he was in good standing, but an investigation by county detectives determined that Schwab forged it. 

“Forging a document is illegal, but forging a law enforcement officer qualification card is both illegal and disrespectful to those who qualify within the law. This defendant allegedly abused the power he once held with complete disregard to the law, and will certainly face the consequences that follow,” District Attorney Houck said. 

Schwab is out at $15,000 unsecured. bail.  A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for May 22 at 9 a.m.  before Magisterial District Judge Daniel Corpora. 

Schwab is also currently under investigation by Palmer Tp police in an unrelated matter. 

UPDATED: Lower Saucon Landfill Expansion Halted By Judge Abe Kassis

NorCo Judge Abe Kassis has put the brakes on the controversial planned expansion of Bethlehem Landfill in Lower Saucon To.   At a crowded meeting right before Christmas last year  (Dec. 21), Lower Saucon Tp Council voted 3-2 to approve zoning changes that would allow the dump to add 275.7 acres to the dump site. This will more than double the existing 212 acres. 

Council members Jason Banonis, Thomas Carocci and Mark Inglis voted Yes, while Sandra Yerger and Priscila deLeon said No.

This enlargement was panned by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission as contrary to the "health, safety and welfare" of the Lehigh Valley. 

A zoning appeal was filed by prominent Easton Attorney Gary Asteak on behalf of Bruce and Ginger Petrie, Lawrence and Margaret Opthof, Frank Palumbo and Robert and Cynthia McKellin. 

Judge Kassis has declared the ordinance void ab initio (on its face). Lower Saucon Township Council failed to follow proper procedures to enact the ordinance. Lower Saucon can appeal this ruling or just redo the ordinance. 

Attorney Asteak hailed the ruling as a 'huge victory for those who stood up to the landfill." He added that "the Township rushed to judgment under pressure of landfill money."  I also reached out to Lower Saucon Tp Solicitor B. Lincoln Treadwell for his reaction to Judge Kassis' invalidation of the ordinance. "I'll evaluate it, discuss it with my client and we'll take it from there, " he said.  

Updated 3:07 PM

Landfill Ruling by BernieOHare on Scribd