Lehigh Valley Ramblings

UPDATED: British Newspaper Reports Mackenzie Embellished Work in Private Sector ... Mackenzie Demands Retraction

2026-08-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

Incumbent Lehigh Valley Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (R. Pa.), who represents the Pa, 7th Congressional District is facing allegations that he embellished his work in the private sector. According to The Guardian,, the DCCC has accused him of "fabricating" a career that he never had.

The article cites several sources indicating that Mackenzie claimed on several occasion to have a real estate license (he did have one for two years) and to have worked in real estate.

According to The Guardian, Mackenzie's LinkedIn profile showed him as having experience in real estate sales, but his current profile only lists his experience in the state house and Congress.

The DCCC statement, in part, asserts:

“Ryan Mackenzie was already disgustingly caught lying about his age on his Tinder profile by nearly 10 years. Now it looks like Mackenzie and his allies have embellished his résumé and fabricated a career in real estate that never existed. ... The truth is that Mackenzie is a career politician who has seemingly never worked a day in his life outside of politics and straight up does not understand the challenges that working Pennsylvanians are facing.”

A Mackenzie spokesperson said that references to real estate sales were "passing mentions."

This race is gonna' get ugly.

UPDATED 10:20 AM :

Mackenzie has responded to the Guardian article written by reporter Michael Sainato, and is demanding a retraction. It does appear to me that those who suggested that the Guardian is biased are right, but it also appears that the news outlet got its facts wrong.:

Michael,

I saw your article published today and it revealed something you did not disclose when reaching out to us - that the accusation about Congressman Mackenzie’s early career experience was coming from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), and that it isn’t backed up by anything other than their statements and opinion.

We have all of the documentation to support that Ryan Mackenzie did complete the required real estate coursework at Lehigh Carbon Community College, passed the real estate salesperson exam, carried the proper real estate license in Pennsylvania for 2 years, and entered into a contractual agreement with a broker to provide referrals to them while he worked full-time in two other jobs.

Like so many other young people, the congressman tried out different fields of work, including being a licensed real estate salesperson as a side gig while working full-time. Any accusation from the DCCC is easily refuted with the documentation we have and it is purely politically-motivated on their part.

We request a retraction of the article or update to reflect the factual information.

Mackenzie himself addresses the reporter:

“Your recent article driven by the unfounded accusations of a purely political organization (the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) whose identity you refused to reveal until publishing falls far short of any journalistic standards. and, more importantly, ignores the facts that entirely disprove your writings. As noted in our original conversations with you, those facts are clear: I completed Pennsylvania’s rigorous process to earn a real estate sales license; I signed a contract with a real estate company as a referral agent while holding two other full-time jobs at the beginning of my career; and I successfully referred clients for sale. I have never claimed more or less than those facts. Further, you chose – despite being shown that I was not responsible for their creation – to attempt to credit me with biographies and promotional items written by other organizations.”

"Documentation showing that I held a PA license for real estate sales, my contract with the referral agency, and an example of a completed referral sales contract are attached. Names and addresses have been blacked out to protect the privacy of private citizens. We would request a retraction of the article or update to reflect the factual information and would encourage you, in the future, to not rely upon accusations from a partisan political organization as the basis of your reporting."

Those Data Centers Are Evil ... Sez China

2026-08-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

One of my many guilty pleasures is YouTube. At this time of year, however, it gets annoying. Political ads grow like weeds, and it's often the same one, over and over. Politicos present grainy images of their opponents, who look like mob figures from the '60s. Many have also latched onto the widespread opposition to those evil data centers, which will end the world as we know it. Just a few years ago, warehouses were the enemy. Now, they're OK. It's those damn data centers. Throw in AI, and it's the apocalypse.

According to one recent poll, if polls can still be believed, anywhere from 61% to 75% of Americans oppose them. Whether reliable or not, they influence how politicians think, and this is pretty evident in the political ads. Move over, affordable housing. The backlash against server farms has become a focal point in this year's midterms.

Governor Josh Shapiro, who would like to be President Josh Shapiro, has obviously noticed those polls. The man who once embraced data centers and put them on a "fast track" for development now warns about predatory computer center developers. He's also released ads, complete with those grainy black and white images, portraying Stacy Garrity, his opponent in next year's gubernatorial gauntlet, as the wicked witch of those evil data centers.

All she needs is a broom.

Locally, they are universally unpopular in both counties. A few months ago, I attended a packed house in Lower Mount Bethel for what was supposed to be an informational meeting but nearly turned into a lynch mob. Of nearly 500 people who came, every single person who spoke was opposed to data centers.

I more recently attended a meeting in Upper Mount Bethel, although I got tired of hearing the same nonsense over and over and left after about an hour.

One of the loudest voices opposed to data centers in the slate belt is Tom Gilmour, who last year supposedly was being groomed as a Dem County Council candidate. His wife Courtney, who I'm told is a very nice lady, is the county party vice chair. At both of the meetings I attended, I heard him rail against data centers. In a recent Facebook post, he attacked Supervisors who were willing to at least consider the proposal. You know, be open-minded. He slammed Township Solicitor Ron Karasek for barely looking up from whatever notes he was taking. Gilmour is apparently unaware that the role of a municipal solicitor is to provide legal advice to Supervisors, not dictate policy. Gilmour also attacked Ron Angle, one of two data center supporters, as the "local pariah." Angle has often been willing to go against the current, and more often than not, has been proved right. But as the Good Book says, no prophet is acceptable in his own country.

Speaking of countries, there's one place outside the U.S. where data centers are A-OK. China. While the Gilmour gang is out there with pitchforks and torches at municipal meetings, China is quietly expanding its AI data center push. The Middle Kingdom is pouring $295 billion into them. I imagine that NIMBYs there are few and far in between.

China's data center expansion should worry us. Like it or not, these server farms are critical national infrastructure with (1) military and defense applications that provide the computer power to protect us; (2) provide artificial intelligence and intelligence gathering; and (3) enable us to engage in geopolitical and strategic competition with countries like China, which plans to double its data centers by 2030.

Like it or not, people like Tom Gilmour are unwitting tools of China. According to Open AI, the People's Republic of China has been engaged in covert influence to promote the narrative that data centers are raising electricity prices for average families. I by no means suggest that we would love data centers were it not for China's propaganda. Of course, there have been terrible data centers.

Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick, who recently was a guest on Aaron McLain's excellent School of War Podcast, said that the data center debate has moved dramatically over the past 12 months. He indicated that both China and Russia are trying to influence the debate (like they try to influence elections) because leading in AI requires energy and computing power. He also acknowledged that some of these developers have done a terrible job promoting these computer banks.

He recommends that communities consider a covenant between the developer and the community to (1) protect residents from energy rate hikes, guaranteeing that the hyperscalers will bring more energy than they use; (2) guarantee the use of closed-loop water systems; (3) guarantee tax revenue that makes it possible to reduce property taxes; (4) guarantee that local labor will be used, both to build and work at the center; and (5) a community benefit agreement. As McCormick put it, "What else are you going to do for me? He suggested things like schools, roads, bridges, etc.

When people bray about the data disasters, they neglect to mention Loudon County, Virginia. According to The New York Times,

Over the past two years, Virginia’s Loudoun County unveiled a sleek $102 million recreation center with multiple pools and hydro massage chairs. It spent $22 million to convert the estate of former President James Monroe into a park. And it opened two new schools, with another under construction.
While many communities are in fiscal crisis, Loudoun is flush. The source of its riches: data centers.

Pennsylvania's other Senator, John Fetterman, agrees with McCormick.

"AI supremacy and energy dominance underpins our national security," Fetterman said on X in reaction to an article about the artificial intelligence race between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. "China continues to fuel and benefit from our overreaction. I reject the political pandering and hyperbole over data centers or AI doomsdaying."

I do not think any of these proposals deserve a tax break, but I do think they deserve a fair chance. That's the American way.

Brooks Appears to Dodge Debates with Mackenzie in Pa. 07 Race

2026-08-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

According to Ryan Mackenzie's Congressional Campaign, Democratic nominee Bob Brooks is playing debate dodgeball. Brooks is accused of flat-out refusing to debate Mackenzie until after mail-in voting is done. He's ignored a request for a September debate on BRC 13 (Blue Ridge Cable), and wants to delay a debate at WFMZ-TV69. He is supposed to have agreed to a debate yesterday, but only on condition that the second half air on Election Eve.

Mackenzie has released a statement slamming Brooks for denying then an opportunity to compare and contrast the candidates. “We have offered and agreed to several dates in September, but Bob Brooks has declined or ignored all of them. My opponent’s latest attempt to delay any debate from being broadcast until immediately before the election — when tens of thousands of district residents will have already voted — represents a deliberate effort to hide from voters. It’s time for my opponent to stop playing games, agree to a debate, and answer for his record of fraud and corruption.”

There would be three reasons for Brooks to refuse to debate Mackenzie.

First, he could be so far ahead in the polls that debating Mackenzie would just be helping his race. I do think Brooks is likely ahead, but not by much in a purple district.

Second, Brooks is a lousy debater. I would buy that one from what I've seen. This includes his stumble when the hero of the working class was unable to define it at a Cedar Crest forum.

Third, Brooks has a lot to hide. He's been accused of a fraudulent conveyance in the transfer of real estate to his second wife, and a judge has concluded there's enough detail in the complaint for the matter to move forward. He refuses to pay back $160,000 he took from his family notwithstanding a judgment filed against him. He deliberately refused to list that judgment in his financial disclosures. He called professional firefighters who volunteer in their home communities as "scum" and "scabs."

As I've said many times about Brooks, he's too shady.

Don't get me wrong. I have no intention of voting for Mackenzie, whom I regard as little more than a Trump lemming. Nor will I vote for the not so "Green" candidate, Andrew Tupone.

If we could vote "None of the Above," that would be the hands down winner.

Pa Residents Should Be Able to Take the Education Freedom Tax Credit

2026-08-25T00:00:00.000-04:00

There's little to boast about in the Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress. There's lots of room to complain. One feature that strikes me as fair is the Education Freedom Tax Credit, which allows taxpayers to claim a tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations made eo eligible non-profits that educate kids, which includes most parochial schools. It gives parents additional options in deciding where their kids should be educated. My evil Republican brother recently penned an op-ed on this topic, which was published by a local newspaper over the weekend. Here's what he wrote:

Beginning on January 1, 2027 the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) allows individual taxpayers to receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1700 annually for donations made to eligible non-profits that support elementary and secondary education. A Federal tax credit reduces the amount of income tax owed on a dollar-for-dollar basis. If you donate $100 to an eligible non-profit, your federal tax bill goes down by $100 when you file your IRS tax return.

The Educational Freedom Tax Credit is part of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act signed into law on July 4, 2025. Also known as the Big Beautiful Bill, it includes things like no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on Social Security, and the Trump accounts for newborns.

The EFTC supports education by allowing taxpayers to donate to scholarship organizations. These organizations fund scholarships for tuition, fees, tutoring, special needs services, and even classroom supplies for both public and private schools. The EFTC gives the taxpayer a say in directing their tax dollars while providing needed help. A win-win for everybody and it costs the State nothing.

How does the EFTC work? First, a state must agree to opt-in. In Pennsylvania the decision to opt-in rests with Governor Shapiro. Second, the state provides a list of eligible Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGO’s) to the Federal government. Third, the taxpayer makes a charitable contribution to the SGO. Fourth, during tax season the tax payer claims a dollar-for-dollar credit for tax owed up to $1700 annually.

In the Lehigh Valley potential SGO’s include agencies like the VIA of the Lehigh Valley, the United Way, the Jewish Federation of the LV, the Allentown Art Museum, Lehigh County Community College, the Volunteer Center of the LV, the Hillside School, and others.

Here are some examples of what these Scholarship organizations provide. The Allentown Art Museum uses scholarship funds to provide art education for School Districts in the Lehigh Valley. The Lehigh Community College uses scholarship funds to help high school students earn college credit early. The VIA uses tax credit donations to fund the Lehigh Children’s Academy. All these potential SGO’s provide valuable and needed services for our communities.

So far, 30 states including neighboring Ohio and New York and West Virginia have agreed to participate in the EFTC program. However, In Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro has declined to participate claiming that he needs more Federal guidance

In June the US Treasury department provided the awaited guidance. There is still no decision from the Governor’s office. Crickets.

Also keep in mind that Pa already successfully manages other state level equivalents like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC).

Of note, even if Shapiro declines to participate, taxpayers can still claim the credit, but the contributions will flow across State lines to other non-profits that may not directly benefit our students.

There is a noticeable pattern. Shapiro’s refusal to participate in the Great American Fair, his numerous lawsuits against the Federal Government, and his stall on the EFTC reveal a Governor who is controlled by partisan bias and not the best interests of Pennsylvanians.

In my opinion, the Governor’s flimsy excuses betray his prejudice against anything Trump. His political ambitions and loathing of the president have clouded his judgement about what’s best for Pennsylvania.

He is also too cozy with labor organizations like the Pennsylvania State Education Association which generally oppose educational choice and anything that will loosen their grip on the Public Education system. The Governor’s inaction can lead to real harm for residents of PA.

One of Shapiro’s notable sayings is that he likes to “Get sh__t done”! Will Governor Shapiro “get it done” and opt in to the Education Freedom Tax Credit? Or will he continue to use sham excuses to deny Pennsylvanians a benefit that costs the state nothing, helps taxpayers and benefits our students?

I encourage Democrats, Republicans, and Independents to contact their state representatives and the Governor’s office in support of opting into the Educational Freedom Tax Credit.

Baratta Provides a Primer on NorCo Governance

2026-08-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

As NorCo's top prosecutor, DA Steve Baratta is a busy guy. Though short-staffed, his office is responsible for prosecuting those accused of violations of both the Crimes Code and Vehicle Code. His office has empaneled a Grand Jury to deal with complex crime and cold cases. He handles civil forfeitures and can bring public nuisance actions against bars that routinely engage in criminal activity. His office can also file actions against public officials who are in office unlawfully. Though his plate is full, Baratta was unnecessarily forced to appear before County Council twice last week in an effort to hire a prosecutor at a reasonable salary. Though County Council readily agreed to give him what he wanted, his trips should have been unnecessary. Unfortunately, the Executive (both current and former) has a rather exalted and authoritarian view of its ability to run the county. This flies in the face of the Home Rule Charter and numerous other documents. He's found it necessary to seek judicial assistance in the form of a mandamus action to clip the Executive's wings just a bit and recently filed an excellent and highly informative brief (you can read it yourself below) that outlines the varying roles of District Attorney, County Council and Executive.

Over the past two years, there have been 11 instances in which the Exec has prevented Baratta from onboarding new hires. In the lawsuit filed by Baratta, President Judge Craig Dally has already concluded that there's a "reasonable expectation that the County Executive will continue to attempt to manage the District Attorney's Career Exempt Employees [nonunion] in clear violation of the Northampton County Home Rule Charter, unless a resolution is promulgated by this Court." He has dismissed objections filed to Baratta's lawsuit, but the county has basically filed the same objections all over again.

Baratta's brief should be a primer for anyone interested in county governance. Although reading his brief is the best way of understanding it, here are some of his highlights.

First, NorCo's Home Rule Charter, approved by the voter referendum in 1978, creates a "Strong County Council Form of Governance." This is completely contrary to assertions made by Exec Tara Zrinski at a Council meeting a few weeks ago that the Charter creates a strong executive form of government.

To be sure, she is responsible for the administration of a $500,000,000 million budget. She manages a wide array of county departments, from Public Works to Human Services to Court Services to Corrections. The Charter specifically names County Council as the "governing body" and provides that all residual powers are vested in Council. As Baratta explains, Council has the sole power to legislate and regulate all County business. The Charter also endows Council with perhaps the even more awesome power by granting complete control over county revenue and expenditures, as only County Council can tax our citizens and only County Council can allocate taxpayer funding for county business, It does so by adopting the annual County Budget. As former Council member Ron Heckman was wont to say, Council has the "power of the purse." The Charter even gives County Council veto power of her high-level cabinet picks.

Baratta warns that Zrinski's strained view of the Home Rule Charter has no basis, but "comes out of the playbook for authoritarianism, where governmental power rests with a single person."

This view is dangerous and erodes our democratic form of government. We've seen President after President (not just Trump) rule by Executive Order. We've seen governors shut down entire state economies with emergency powers they were reluctant to give up.

Even County Council, the governing body, operates under a "rule of five," another Ron Heckman expression. No one person is or should be sovereign. We've known this since the days of Roman Republic, where two consuls were elected to rule together, and only for a year.

Second, the District Attorney, like the Controller and even the courts, is an independently elected office with immense power under the Home Rule Charter to hire and fire members of the exempt service. The exempt service includes political hires like the cabinet picks made by the Exec or County Council Clerk, It also includes "permanent, part-time professional employees" like assistant DAs.

Third, the District Attorney recognizes that his authority to hire and pay assistant DAs is limited by the budget appropriated to him and the pay scales set by County Council. "The District Attorney may only spend the monies that are appropriated to him by Council. Each exempt employee may only be paid pursuant to the pay scales approved by Council. As he explains elsewhere in his brief, his guardrails are "the budgetary dictates of County Council, the creation of the position control slots and the pay scales set by County Council for each position control slot."

Recently, County Council shot down the Exec's request to hire a Fiscal Director at a higher point in the pay scale. If the DA can do this, why can't she?

Baratta addresses that situation as well. He notes that "the process for hiring exempt employees for the District Attorney is different from the cabinet level exempt employees hired by the Executive. The Charter places no restriction on the District Attorney's hiring of exempt employees other than the Council's budgetary decisions, which include the pay scales. Whereas the Charter endowed with Council that duty to provide advice and consent to the Executive with regard to exempt appointments, including cabinet level appointments, by the Executive. Therefore, the Executive must submit exempt employee candidates to Council for prior approval before they can be hired. Likely, the difference is Council's over-arching duty to legislate, budget and supervise the County Executive related to the delivery of governmental and social services to the citizens. Whereas the District Attorney's duties are fundamentally different from the duty to govern; instead, the District Attorney's duties are constitutionally based as a separate branch of government charged with prosecuting citizens who violate the Crimes Code."

Fourth, Zrinski complains that Baratta seeks "unfettered authority to cut checks from a checkbook that belongs to the County." But Baratta only seeks to spend money out of what has been allocated to him by County Council in his annual budget and according to Council's pay scales. He "recognizes that the County is currently suffering significant financial stress, apparently related to the inability of the Administration to meet its expenses from the $500,000,000 budget to the Executive by Council. However, poor fiscal management and/or overspending Council's budgetary funding has not been a problem created by the District Attorney. ... Should the Executive have continuing concerns about protecting 'her' money, the District Attorney assures the Executive that it is OK with him if she keeps all her checkbooks and money locked in her desk drawer."

Before leaving this story, I noted that the County used outside Council to litigate this matter. The firm being used is the one that usually deals with union issues. But what is involved in this casee goes far beyond a simple employee matter. It involves important questions about the power of the Executive, County Council and independently elected offices. In a case like this, the Solicitor's office should be taking the lead.

Baratta Brief by BernieOHare

Ortiz Claims She Resigned from Allentown Redevelopment Authority Because of Mismanagement, Conflict of Interest

2026-08-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, I told you that Allentown Redevelopment Authority (ARA) is being sued by Allentown-based developer Nat Hyman. In January, on the motion of then board member Jessica Ortiz, ARA voted to seek proposals (called RFPs) to redevelop the old Allentown Toy Factory, located at 725 10th Street, with an emphasis on affordable or workplace housing. But Ortiz has since resigned from the ARA, claiming she "resigned months ago because I felt there was conflict of interest ( not with me) , miss management [sic] and [s]o much more." At a hearing, Ortiz can be asked to elaborate on this conflict of interest, mismanagement "and so much more."

Hyman proposed buying the property for $10,000 more than it cost the ARA, proposed 20 apartments with all on-site parking and without any financial contingencies.

But after a back-room meeting in which at least two board members participated, ARA went with developer Warren Lim. Under his proposal, ARA would lose between $50,000 -$100,000 over what it cost to acquire the Toy Factory. He proposed either 6 apartments and a daycare, or 12 apartments. His deal is also contingent on his ability to get a $1.39 million loan. There would be no on-site parking.

Why Does Kraft Pressure Zrinski To Deliver Quick Reports?

2026-08-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

When Lamont McClure was NorCo Exec, he often delivered lengthy addresses, although his focus was usually two or perhaps three matters. I heard no complaints from Council member Ken Kraft.

Executive Tara Zrinski has provided lengthy reports as well. But unlike McClure, she goes into detail about what is going on in numerous county departments. They are very informative. But last night, as he has done several times before, Kraft pushed Zrinski to be as quick as possible. In an effort to comply, she began speaking fast. When she was done, Kraft revealed he actually timed her.

I have to wonder why Kraft never complained to McClure during his sometimes-lengthy reports. Could it be because McClure, unlike Zrinski, is a member of the penis club?

Zrinski is the county executive and should be free to take the time she needs to update Council and the public about what is going on in the county. If this is too much for Kraft, he should resign.

After Zrinski was finished, Council member Theresa Fadem thanked her for these informative reports. I like that. It was one woman sticking up for another in what certainly seemed to me like a perfect example of discrimination against Zrinski because she is just a woman.

NorCo Council Opposes Hercules Cement's Desire to Release More Nitrogen Oxide and Volatile Organic Compounds Into Our Air

2026-08-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

Elected officials will dispute this, but they tend to be a lot more responsive to developers and vendors who give them huge chunks of money, than they are to the unwashed masses. But there are rare occasions when one person can make a difference.

Two weeks ago, Upper Nazareth resident Becky Bartlett asked the county to oppose a proposal by Hercules Cement (these days it's called Buzzi Unicem) that will allow what is now an Italian conglomerate to spew more nitrogen oxide and other volatile organic compounds into the air we breathe. Last night, NorCo Council listened. By a 7-0 vote (Council members Lori Vargo Heffner and Jason Boulette were absent), they adopted a resolution to urge the Pa. DEP "to deny Buzzi Unicem's request and require the facility to retain strong NOx and VOE emission controls."

You can see the resolution yourself here. A similar resolution has already been adopted in Upper Nazareth Township.

Interestingly, there is no data on NO releases by Hercules' Stockertown plant. But its TRI release for 2024 indicates that it does release a helluva' lot of volatile (and toxic) organic compounds. It spewed 6,000 pounds, with ammonia being the biggest amount. Ammonia is both corrosive and highly irritating to human tissue. It also releases mercury and lead compounds.

Currently, PennDOT is hard(ly) at work, fixing a Rte 33 bridge near Hercules for the third time. There is little doubt in anyone's mind that work at the quarry causes sinkholes everywhere.

NorCo Jail on Track for $4.5 Million in OT in 2026

2026-08-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

DeeAnn Lawrence, Northampton County's Corrections Director, told County Council in April that there were just 161 corrections officers (COs) in a jail even though there should be 212. Things are going from bad to worse.

Brandon Dunstane, the county's budget administrator, reviewed the county's finances over the first half of this year. We all recognize that the vacancies at the jail create a stressful environment for staffers who can be and are mandated to pull 16-hour shifts. But this also places huge financial burden on the county.

Dunstane told Council Prez Ken Kraft that corrections officers are now down to 135 from what was reported in April. As a result, it has already burned through its $2 million overtime budget for 2026. Dunstane believes the county is on track to spend $4.5 million in OT, more than twice the budget.

The county's second largest financial concern is Gracedale, the county-owned nursing home. Dunstane noted that the county adopted a budget amendment early in 2026 to make a $6.8 million county contribution to the nursing home because it ended 2025 with a $6.8 million deficit.

After this contribution, however, it soon became apparent that Gracedale was not as badly off as originally thought. Some of its Medicaid applications (Gracedale usually has about 100 Medicaid applications outstanding at any given moment), were approved during the first three months of 2026, and this reduced the $6.8 million deficit to just $3.6 million. As a result, Gracedale has a fund balance of $3.2 million which might be large enough to cover this year's deficit.

Dunstance stated that Gracedale's deficit at the end of June was $1.1 million with an average census of 475. This is below the 520 census needed to break even, and it continues to drop and is currently in the 460s. Dunstane predicts the census at year's end may be more than $2.2 million. But if I understand him correctly, a county contribution for 2026 might be unnecessary because of its $3.2 million fund balance.

He also mentioned a few other items of interest.

Dunstane indicated that the cost of the daycare at Gracedale comes out of the Human Resources budget. I believe this more appropriately belongs with Gracedale budget since this perk exists for Gracedale employees.

Durstane indicated that two county sheriff cars were totaled and had to be replaced.

He finally indicated that Executive Tara Zrinski, who can be seen just about everywhere, is blowing through her travel budget for 2026. He will be seeking a small increase for her to continue to attend conferences and lobby for the county.

Allentown's Redevelopment Authority Playing Games With Toy Factory

2026-08-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Back in January, Allentown's Redevelopment Authority (ARA) voted to issue what is known as a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the old toy factory located at 725 10th Street. Amazingly, two then members of this five-person board (Jessica Ortiz and Christopher Raad), just happen to be realtors. No conflict there.

Unlike a sealed bid, a request for proposals gives the selectors a lot of wiggle room. They can actually award a project based on factors other than price, though I'd hope that a governmental entity would at least try to be frugal.

Surprise, surprise! That's not what happened with the Toy Factory. There were two proposals, and the ARA is going with the one that makes the least sense, at least for now. A lawsuit recently filed by Nat Hyman, whose proposal was rejected, has thrown a monkey wrench into things.

Though he actually lives in Allentown and is one of the very few developers who actually has a track record of successful projects inside the Queen City. But he's no ass-kisser and generally refuses to bend the knee to those local governmental officials who can be both supercilious and officious.

Hyman proposed buying the Toy Factory for $410,000, about $10,000 more than it cost the ARA. The stated purpose of the RFP was to create workforce and affordable housing. Hyman proposed 20 affordable apartments and would be able to provide parking on the site with no need for off-street parking.

Hyman has a history of 41 projects creating 1,480 apartments. None of these has ever required any taxpayer assistance, no matter how blighted the property may have been.

What about the other proposal? That came from Warren Lim, another realtor who has done 4 projects with 26 apartments. Unlike Hyman, his deal is contingent upon his ability to obtain financing for $1.39 million. Lim had two alternatives. On both of his options the ARA would lose between $50,000 and $100,000 over what it spent to acquire the toy factory. Option A would provide just 6 apartments, a daycare and no off-street parking. The other would create just 12 apartments with no on-site parking.

It gets better. After both proposals were submitted, Lim was called in for a back room meeting with three of the five authority members, which certainly appears to be a Sunshine Act No No, along with staffers like Vicky Kistler, who reputedly smeared Hyman for daring to insist in an unrelated matter that a homeless encampment was a public safety nuisance.

After that back-room meeting, the ARA decided that Lim, and not Hyman, was the best choice. That's right. They went with the project under which taxpayers will actually lose money. They are backing a project that is contingent on financing. They are backing a project that will result in less affordable housing.

Along the way, Alan Jennings, who participated in that private meeting along with a quorum of the authority, condescended from his self-adulation to instruct Hyman to apologize for telling the authority that they are full of shit. (figuratively, of course).

Hyan sued instead.

By the by, the authority also awarded realtor Lim the project at 540 W Hamilton.

Governing Notes Allentown Mayor's Push For SNAP

2026-08-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Governing, one of my favorite online sources for local government, published a story yesterday about Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk. He is one of about 200 mayors asking the Senate to roll back or delay SNAP benefits.

According to Tuerk, about 6,000 people in the Pa. 7th are among the 4 million people who have lost benefits so far. And this is just the beginning.

Under Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, states will have to assume more of the administrative costs and implement work requirements. If Arizona is any indication, people are in for a rude awakening. In that state, which implemented changes ahead of schedule, half of its food stamp beneficiaries are now off the rolls. This is not the result of fraud elimination but is instead the result of staff shortages and paperwork errors.

Tuerk referred to these during his interview:

"I talked to a woman outside a bodega last week who was on a two-mile walk back from the county assistance office. She had just filed her SNAP benefits renewal paperwork. She's going to have to keep doing that, and at some point, she’s not going to fill out the right form, or something's not going to happen the right way. She’ll lose her benefits."

Tuerk, who grew up using an orange card so he could eat lunch, said his family relied on food stamps to get by. He explains how the loss of this benefit would affect Allentown:

"When people are facing food insecurity, it changes everything. If they were counting on SNAP benefits to offset the cost of food, and now they can't count on that, it exacerbates rent challenges and can contribute to homelessness. People who are food insecure face health challenges that show up for our emergency responders.

"When our chief of police looks at an environment in which people don't have ready access to food stamps, his concern is that there'll be greater instances of retail theft as people do what they have to do to put food on the table."

I've seen those who always have an angle and know how to milk the system. They will sell their food stamps for cash or cigarettes. But I see many more who simply do not get enough.

Jim Martin Made a Difference in Lehigh County

2026-08-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

div>Crimefighters are often called bulldogs. I would not use that term to describe former Lehigh County DA Jim Martin, that county's top prosecutor for 26 years. He was not the flashy matador, but the raging bull. I've seen him angry at Lehigh County Comm'r meetings during budget hearings, with steam billowing from his nose and ears as he looked ready to ram headfirst into the dais that protects Commissioners from the running of the bulls. His life, like all our lives, has ended the same way that every life does. He unfortunately passed away on Saturday. But the way he lived his life sets him apart. He left the world, and Lehigh County, a little bit better than it was before he got here.

Despite his legal acumen and prowess in the courtroom, Martin did not try cases himself. He differed from his contemporary, John Morganelli, that way. He instead adopted a proactive approach that would prevent crime before it happened.

His greatest achievement by far was the establishment of the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center, which creates databases of local and state police reports as well as data collected at jails to enable investigators to solve murders in days instead of years, if at all. When NorCo was too cheap to pay the pittance to participate, he still allowed police departments in NorCo to use the resources.

Martin also started a Child Advocacy Center, Homicide Task Force, Elder Abuse Task Force and the David M. Petzold Digital Forensic Laboratory and the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Center. He also helped create the Veteran’s Mentoring Program, the Central Booking Facility and the county’s first Drug Treatment Court.

He was a contemporary of my father, and I'd say it's a fair bet that they did some bullfighting together, back in the day. I know my Dad thought very highly of him, as did I.

I'll share a story that the late Bill Malkames, a famous zoning lawyer, once told me about Martin. Many years ago, Bill was once representing someone in Allentown who needed zoning approval for some kind of development. Sometimes a zoning appeal can be very controversial, especially when NIMBYs are out there. It doesn't matter that you're right. Well, Bill won his case, as he should have, but the NIMBYs did not like it and began to accost Bill in the lobby outside of the meeting room. Bill was a big guy and in tremendous physical condition at that time in his life, but was no fighter, even though he was originally from Hazelton. Things were getting ugly when suddenly, out of nowhere, the massive frame of none other than Jim Martin interjected himself between Malkames and the mob.

As steam blew out his ears, Martin thundered, "I just want you to know the police are on their way, and any of you who lays a hand on me will be assaulting an assistant District Attorney."

The mob melted.

I'm sure that Malkames and Martin went out for a few Sangrias after that experience/

A Measles Outbreak in Pa.

2026-08-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

In 2024, Pennsylvania reported six cases of measles. In 2025, there were 16. This year, there have been 216 cases through August 10, according to the CDC. (The state places the number at 258). Of these cases, 145 are in Lancaster County. So far, there are 2 cases in Lehigh and 0 in Northampton County.

This outbreak has prompted Governor Josh Shapiro to launch a measles dashboard, which contains data about the ages of those infected and where it has hit hardest.

Surprisingly, those between 18 and 49 have been targeted the most.

People born before 1957 are presumptively immune.

MAHA Warrior RFK,Jr., who has spent most of his adult career disparaging vaccines (including the measles vaccine), is now telling people to have their children vaccinated, noting it is 97% effective (in two doses). In Lancaster County, where Pa.'s outbreak is most severe, RFK, Jr. told 1,500 people at an annual farming fair, warned the Amish about agencies encouraging people to get vaccinated. "[T]hey cannot stand the fact that you're healthy," he said.

Now they're not.

A Guided Tour of Portland

2026-08-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Last night, I was provided a guided tour of Portland and Delaware Water Gap by none other than His Eminence, the Right Rev. Ron Angle. We went pass the Indian head mountain, which I think really does look like an Indian head. We passed stone walls constructing along Route 611 during the depression, and although some have crumbled, large stretches are still in good repair. We drove through the now shuttered businesses of what was once a busy little borough. Many of the older Victorian homes are breathtaking., We also shot through the Delaware Water Gap, where Ron p[rovidided vivid descriptions of each of the businesses, including a Japanese Ramen shop that offers pies and, from time to time, lobster rolls. We finished off the tour at Pho Saigon II in Bartonsville, which has the best pho in a 50-mile radius next to Bethlehem's Pho Bowl.

If you'd like a guided tour, complete with stories of gangsters that used to frequent the foothills of these mountains and other entertaining stories, I'm sure Ron could be persuaded to give a guided tour for the modest fee of $1,000 per person (cash only, nonrefundable). Let me know.

Concerned Dems Want Brooks to Step Aside

2026-08-12T23:08:50.772-04:00

Monday was the last day for party nominees to withdraw their candidacies. Now a court order is required. Some of you were apparently hoping that Bob Brooks, the Dem nominee for Pa. 7's Congressional District, would pull the plug on his race. I think that's highly unlikely.

As you can see above, a group calling itself "Concerned Democrats Against Bob Brooks" formally requested the state committee to request Brooks to withdraw from the campaign., based on (1) pending fraud litigation (which a court recently determined to have merit); 2) His public denigration of volunteer firefighters (who also serve as firefighters in communities with paid fire departments); 3) His alleged violation of a state labor law requiring him to carry workers' comp insurance; and 4) racially charged social media posts that Brooks has since deleted.

These concerned Democrats, whose identities I do not know, claim that Brooks presents "an unacceptable risk of handing this seat and potentially the House Majority to Ryan Mackenzie."

I personally have no intention for voting for any of the three candidates. Blogger Michale Molovinsky succinctly observes that the choice between Mackenzie and Brooks is a "Wizard of Oz choice ... one candidate needs a brain, the other a spine." As for Tupone, whom I suspect will survive the ballot challenges if he hires a lawyer instead of thinking he can represent himself, he's an ethical oil slick.

Pa. 07 Voter Registration Data Shows a Very Purple District

2026-08-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

As of August 10, the Department of State reports the following registration statistics for the Pa. 7 Congressional District: Democrats - 224,184; Republicans - 205,146; Libertarians - 3,137; Greens - 782; Unaffiliated - 92,619; Other - 15,325.

The total number of registered voters is 541,193.

Democrats have a 19,038-voter advantage over Republicans, but the rising number of third party and independent voters makes it difficult to predict anything other than a growing disenchantment with the major parties.

According to PoliticsPa, Democrats have added and Republicans have lost voters since their last check in April. But 46,000 voters throughout the state have abandoned the major parties to become independents.

The Congressional race in Pa. 7 will likely be decided by approximately 96,000 voters who belong to neither of the main parties.

UPDATED: Two Challenges Filed Against Pa. 7 "Green Party" Candidate Andrew Tupone

2026-08-11T08:43:43.484-04:00

Two challenges have been filed against the nomination petition filed by Andrew Tupone as the Green Party candidate in the Pa. 07th Congressional district. Tupone claims to be the choice of 10,000 voters.

The first set of objections comes from the Green party itself. The second comes from Joyce Moore, Louise Dillensnyder and Susan Baranek. I know that Joyce Moore is a fairly active Democrat, but do not know the others.

Tupone has called the challenge an attempt by Democrats to silence his voice, but the Green party has filed objections.

If these challenges succeed, that's very good news for Democratic nominee Bob Brooks.

UPDATED 1:00 PM: The Green Party's objections can be located here. According to the challenge, Tupone was a Republican who switched to Democrat in February and to Green in April. It claims he is not an "authentic" Green party candidate.

The Greens contend that Tupone misled voters into believing he was a Green, even though he has never received that party's endorsement.

UPDATED 4:15 PM: The Commonwealth Court has scheduled a hearing on both challenges, to be heard August 20 at 11 AM in Harrisburg. At this hearing, Objectors will have an opportunity to prove that voters who signed nomination petitions were actually misled. They Green party will also be required to offer legal argument that Tupone's nomination petition is a violation of the free and equal protection clause of the state constitution based on allegations that signatures were obtained as a result of fraud.

Should Allentown Subsidize State Police Coverage in Upper Mount Bethel ... or Lower Macungie ... or Bath?

2026-08-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

Visit Bath ... or Upper Mount Bethel ... or Williams or Lower Macungie ... or any of a number of municipalities in the Lehigh Valley. Some, like Upper Mount Bethel, are very large. Others, like Bath, are small. But they have one thing in common. No local police. They rely on the Pennsylvania State Police to perform the function that would otherwise be performed by local police officers. Pa state law requires every municipality to have a fire department, but no such requirement exists for police. What this means is that taxpayers in economically challenged urban centers like Allentown or Philly are being for cops in the burbs. It also means that people who live in large municipalities like Upper Mount Bethel, second largest in the state, can wait 40 minutes for state police to respond to an emergency call.

According to Spotlight.Pa, there are 4,200 troopers, with a cap of 4,410. The Shapiro administration proposes the elimination of this cap, but that will just make it easier for local municipalities to shed the unpleasant cost of actually protecting their own citizens.

What makes more sense, in my view, is to enact legislation that essentially imposes a death penalty on any municipality that is unable to afford the cost of protecting its own citizens. Regional policing of contiguous local governments, which would provide faster response times and actually provide for the public safety, would be permitted. State police protection would be permitted only with an annual assessment based on the estimated work required.

The Lehigh Valley has been balkanized since its inception with far too many municipalities that lead to very weak local governments that fail to provide basic services. Just last week, I say how one rainstorm turned Messinger Street into a river in Bangor. It apparently happens all the time.

If a local government is unable to serve its own community, it should no longer exist.

Hercules Cement Wants to Hurl More Nitrous Oxide in Our Air

2026-08-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Becky Bartlett worked during Lamont McClure's administration in NorCo as a Deputy Administrator. I think I knew her before then because she volunteered in several state house races here in the Nazareth area. She handled his news releases. I sometimes see her and her husband, walking their dogs, and scared them half to death when I rode by them very early in the morning on a hot summer day.

Becky also is the publisher of Upper Nazareth Meetings hyperlocal blog, where she keeps a very close eye on what is going on there, and with far fewer opinions than I inject into my stories. But she certainly has them and was at Northampton County Council last week to share her concern that Hercules Cement wants to unleash mor nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. Here's what she had to say:

On August 1, 2026, the Hercules Cement Company (Buzzi Unicem), posted a Public Notice in The Morning Call in regard to lowering the control of its emissions of “nitrogen oxides and/or volatile organic compounds” at their plant in Stockertown./p>

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes nitrogen oxides (NO x) as a cause of respiratory irritation, worsened asthma and decreased lung function. Volatile organic compounds (VOC) cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, loss of coordination and damage to the liver. Some VOCs are also classified as suspected carcinogens.

The Lehigh Valley is ranked as having one of the highest concentrations of asthma cases. We are 6th in the nation for asthma-related ER visits. The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America’s “2025 Asthma Capitals Report” ranks Allentown as the 3rd worst location for people with asthma. The American Lung Association’s 2025 “State of the Air” report ranks our area as 50th for particle pollution with Northampton County as the worst county in the region for ground level ozone and short-term particle pollution.

I am requesting that, in the interest of protecting the health of our residents, County Council files a formal objection to Buzzi Unicem’s request to decrease the control of their emissions of nitrogen oxides and/or volatile organic compounds within the 30-day comment period. Written comments may be submitted to Mark Weikszner, Program Manager, Air Quality Program at 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-1915 or meikszner@pa.gov.

Later in the meeting, Exec Tara Zrinski, a committed environmentalist long before she was ever a politician, made clear that she would file formal objections. This is something we all can do.

My friends on the right will complain that government regulations can be burdensome and just add red tape. And in many cases, they are right. But there's a difference between that and what really are protections desgned to protect the health and safety of our loved ones.

Allentown Waterfront Owner Claims Developers John Palumbo and Anthony Maneri Diverted $21 Million

2026-08-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

In 2023, developer John Palumbo was in front of Allentown's City Council, smugly playing hardball over zoning changes he was seeking for two parking lots alomg the massive Allentown Waterfront project on Front Street. But Palumbo, along with fellow developer Anthony Maneri, are now themselves on the wrong end of a massive lawsuit, filed in Lehigh County's Orphans Court, alleging that they both diverted millions for their own benefit.

A good chunk of the Allentown Waterfront, including the former Neuweiler Brewery and American Atelier Building, is owned by Urban Residential Properties. The American Atelier, by the way, recently went up in flames.

Urban Residential Properties is itself mostly owned (89%) by the Irrevocable Ruth Rachel Green Trust established for the benefit of Alex Wright. Green also owns 10% in an individual capacity, with the remaining 1% owned by Wright.

Palumbo was a Trustee but was removed in March. Maneri was brought in Palumbo, ostensibly to help fund the project.

According to a very lengthy Accounting Action filed by the Trust, both Palumbo and Maneri are accused of diverting at least $21 million from an open-ended mortgage for other projects. This includes over $12.5 million from the Neuweiler Lofts, $4.5 million in transfers to some outfit called Wonder Q and $5.4 million in unauthorized loans to Maneri.

In the meantime, the Neuweiler Lofts project was behind schedule, over budget, with shoddy work and stalled construction.

This action has been brought by Kevin T Fogerty, Esq. It certainly has all the earmarks of fraud.

Zrinski Apologizes Over Cancellation of Elections Comm'n Meeting

2026-08-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, I told you that the NorCo Elections Comm'n was forced to postpone a meeting that was scheduled to take place that day because no agenda had been posted on the county webpage 24 hours in advance, which violates the Sunshine Act.

At last night's meeting of NorCo Council, Executive Tara Zrinski acknowledged and apologized for this oversight. "[Elections Registrar] Chris Commini neglected to post the agenda as per the Sunshine Law prior to going to his conference. He neither delegated nor completed the task, but has taken full responsibility for the need to postpone the meeting. The administration apologizes for not seeing this error in enough time to remedy it."

Zrinski: Gracedale on Track to Have Regular License Restored in January 2027

2026-08-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

At last night's meeting of Northampton County Council, Executive Tara Zrinski reported that Gracedale is on track to have its regular license restored by January 2027. She indicated that the state Department of Health visited the facility on July 30, her birthday, and found no deficiencies.

She specifically recognized the staff at T7 I also want to recognize the staff of T7 "for the difference they're making in residents' daily lives."

Referring to a laudatory email from a resident's family, she said that the home was complimented forthe attention given to personal grooming as well as staff encouragement to get out of bed and socialize. "People are noticing," she added.

She also speciafically recognized a Gracedale staffer who recently has been certified a professional by the American Association of Post Acute Care Nursing.

Parking Garage Project Delayed Because Successful Bidder Fails to Comply with Responsible Contractor Ordinance

2026-08-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

On May 21, Northampton County Council approved an $11,525,000 contract with the Mohawk Group to serve as the General Contractor for the replacement of the parking deck at the courthouse complex. Work should have been underway by now, but nothing was happening. Why not?

At last night's meeting of NorCo Council, Executive Tara Zrinski explained that Mohawk failed to provide the necessary documentation to prove that it was complying with the county's responsible contractor ordinance. As a result, the county was forced to reject the bid and go with the second highest bidder, Wilmer R Schultz, Inc. .

County Council was forced to amend its agenda to approve a contract with Wilmer R Schultz. Unfortunately, the amount of this contract was unstated. Council Solicitor Matt Deschler advised that amended agenda must be posted online within one business day, so the amount should be available sometime today.

Zrinski assured County Council that Schultz has the necessary responsible contractor certifications.

Artsquest Seeks "Main Street Matters" Grant

2026-08-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

Main Street Matters is a state program "designed to support our downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming communities. Funding is available to support revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and the increase of safety and security."

ArtsQuest would like some of that dough. It will be making a presentation today before County Council's Economic Development Committee, and a few hours later, Council will be asked to approve a resolution to seek the grant on behalf of the biggest non-profit group in the Lehigh Valley, which hosts innumerable free events every year. This seems like a no-brainer.

Last year, Governor Josph Shapiro's DCED approved a $1 million grant for the "Gateway on Fourth," a 120-unit apartment complex that will actually provide affordable housing. But three members of NorCo Council would rather give tax breaks for luxury apartments.

NorCo Elections Comm'n Cancels Meeting After Failing to Post Agenda

2026-08-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

A meeting of NorCo's Elections Comm'n that was supposed to take place at 3:30 pm had to be canceled because the Zrinski administration, which really runs our elections system, failed to post the agenda on the county's website as required by the Sunshine Act.

This error was brought to the attention of an Elections Comm'r by Matthew Flower, a NorCo GOP committee area chair.

It was canceled just four hours before it was scheduled to start.

On his Facebook page, he rhetorically asks, "If our county administration cannot competently schedule a public meeting, why should we believe they can take on the complexity of additional pop up voting, satellite election offices and expanded drop box use?"

He also set up the nifty little flyer you can see as part of this blog.

And that's the problem. The administration runs elections when that role should fall to the elections commission under both our Home Rule Charter and state law.

Despite the clear language of both state statute and our county constitution, all the elections commission really does is act as a rubber stamp for decisions made by the administration. They do serve one useful purpose. These unelected volunteers are usually the whipping boys (and girls) whom voters can yell at when the count administration screws up an election, which is now becoming something of a routine.

In the county commissioner form of government, the elections board consists of the county commissioners, and this makes sense. It is the county commissioners who both administer the county and pay the bills for election expenses.

It is time to amend the Charter so that the Elections Comm'n actually does the job it is required to do. Its members should consist of Council members who are not seeking election or re-election and the Executive, with one spot reserved for a member of the minority party. If it is an election year for the Exec, her spot should be replaced by a person appointed by the Courts or Council.

Then and only then will the elections commission actually be able to fulfill its statutory role.

And yes, I thin k Council members should weigh in on pop-up elections, which strike me as something far too easy to manipulate by conducting them in areas where you know your preferred party is going to vote. Moreover, given that the county has managed to send out the wrong mail-in ballots in two consecutive elections, it should master that first before branching off into something else. And yes, that decision should come from the Exec AND council, which is, after all, the governing body.