Keystone Politics - Lehigh Valley

Northampton Exec to Party Boss Long: Get Out.

Greg Palmer — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:01:52 -0400

Bernie O’Hare has a letter that Northampton County Exec. John Stoffa wrote to Party Chair Joe Long urging him to step down. From the letter:

Dear Joe;

The time has come for you to resign your post as Chairman of the Northampton County Democratic Party.

Democrats of Northampton County are witnessing: read more »

a steady decline in the quality of candidates

a failure to maintain party unity as seen in crumbling local committees, reduced emphasis on consensus-building activities, declining attendance at the annual County Party picnic, and a lack of significant fundraising events

a lack of a working volunteer recruitment/development program

State House candidate vows to beat cancer, win race

RobHop — Thu, 8 May 2008 08:02:04 -0400

Democratic state House candidate John R. Ritter is undergoing treatment for leukemia but plans to stay in the race for the 187th District seat, his campaign said Wednesday.

Ritter began treatment at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia on Monday. He was diagnosed and received a treatment plan last week, his campaign said.

‘‘John’s doctor anticipates he will recover and be able to serve if elected in November,’‘ Ritter’s wife and campaign manager, Lynn Ritter, said in a written statement. She said Ritter will campaign as treatment allows. ‘‘Getting well will be my husband’s first priority, but John will keep in touch with supporters and constituents.’‘ read more »

Corbett's Deal With College Leaves Students Out

Greg Palmer — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 09:54:20 -0500

The big winners in Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett’s $200,000 settlement with Lehigh Valley College last week were the state and the school’s parent company, Career Education Corp. read more »

Dent Kicks Off Re-Election; Is Bennett Still Around?

Greg Palmer — Sat, 2 Feb 2008 12:13:09 -0500

Making a case that he remains more concerned with the needs of his district than the ‘‘mindless partisan bickering’‘ of Washington, D.C., U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent on Friday formally announced that he is seeking a third term.

‘‘All the time, people tell me Washington is broken,’‘ said Dent, R-15. ‘‘And you know what? They are absolutely right. This first session of the 110th Congress dramatically proved the point. In 2007, Congress accomplished less in more time than any Congress in recent history. It’s sad but true. We have to do better.’‘ read more »

Cunningham Raises Money for Gubernatorial Run

Greg Palmer — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:38:26 -0500

It’s an impressive amount for any Lehigh Valley pol, but it barely gets him in the door for a 2010 bid.

Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham raised nearly a half-million dollars last year as he considers running for governor, but he still trails other potential Democratic candidates.

Cunningham started 2007 with about $800 in his campaign account and raised about $489,000, according to his year-end report filed Wednesday in Harrisburg. He spent about $66,000, leaving a balance of about $423,000.

State Delays Pulling Trigger on Rifle Ban

RobHop — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:23:19 -0500

A widely anticipated ban on the use of deer-hunting rifles in the Lehigh Valley may not happen as soon as expected, a Pennsylvania Game Commission official said Sunday.

A preliminary vote on the rifle ban — which would expand Southeastern Pennsylvania’s shotgun-only area to include virtually all of Lehigh and Northampton counties and a significant portion of Berks County — is scheduled for Tuesday.

But Commissioner Gregory Isabella of Philadelphia, whose district includes the Lehigh Valley, said sportsmen have raised a number of concerns that may require more consideration before the measure moves forward. Additional discussion could take place today during the commission’s work session. read more »

Group sues to block voting machine purchase

RobHop — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:08:32 -0500

Electors already challenging electronic voting machines in Pennsylvania asked Commonwealth Court on Friday to stop Northampton and two other counties from buying a new electronic voting system to replace one decertified last year.

Northampton County already has placed a $1.7 million order for 300 refurbished AVC Advantage machines from Sequoia Voting Systems for use in the April 22 primary. The county has set aside $2 million for the purchase and will be reimbursed up to just over $2 million by the state. read more »

Limits proposed on Bethlehem political donations

RobHop — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:30:18 -0500

Bethlehem Councilman J. Michael Schweder said Thursday that he plans to introduce legislation that will place strict limits on the money individuals and political committees can give to candidates for all city offices.

Candidates for mayor, city council, controller or treasurer would not be allowed to accept more than $1,000 from any person during an election year or $2,500 from any political action committee. During non-election years, the contributing limits would drop to $500 for PACs or people. read more »

Voting machines approved in Northampton County

CindySnyder — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 06:28:27 -0500

A new voting system will greet Northampton County voters when they cast ballots in the April 22 primary.

County Council on Thursday accepted a recommendation made earlier in the day by the county Election Commission to purchase 300 electronic voting machines from Sequoia Voting Systems. The company provides the same machines in Montgomery County. read more »

Easton Appointment Maybe Legally Questionable

Greg Palmer — Wed, 9 Jan 2008 07:35:24 -0500

An Easton city solicitor is investigating whether the city’s new charter prohibits Pam Panto from serving on City Council, and a legal opinion could be issued as early as today.

On Jan. 2, City Council appointed Panto, whose four-year term on council had just ended, to fill the vacancy.

The inquiry stems from a 42-word provision in the new charter involving former council members, city officials said.

‘‘No former council member shall hold any compensated appointive city office or city employment until one year after the expiration of the term,’‘ the provision states. read more »