Lehigh Valley Ramblings

LV Tea Party: Abolish IRS, EPA and Dep't of Education

2013-06-11T00:00:00.001-04:00

From the NSA leak to the IRS scandal, it's safe to say that the Obama administration is in a bit of trouble, something that seems to happen to every second-term President. When government employees begin taking the Fifth, instead of drinking it,you know there's a problem.

So naturally, the LV Tea Party has just issued a dissonant rhapsody, calling for the abolition of the IRS, EPA, Department of Education and every frickin' government agency not spelled out in the Constitution.

They claim that they are "We, the People," too, just like the Fake Rev!

An Open Letter to all Congressmen and Senators:

The Lehigh Valley 9-12 Project/Tea Party Group, representing constituents in Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania, echoing Tea Party sentiments across the nation, is writing to you regarding the recent White House scandals that have been highlighted in the press recently. Benghazi, IRS Intimidation, HHS Donation Scandal, Fast and Furious, the Department of Justice Phone Tap and as of today the NSA PRISM scandal. It is unclear how many more wrongdoings will be uncovered. However all the scandals we know about are examples of this administration's abuse of power and blatant failure to accept responsibility for these abuses.

The First Amendment of the Constitution reads Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. In the past six weeks, we have seen every part of this inalienable right trampled and abandoned. This is not a Left or Right issue that can be ignored at will, this is an American problem that defies the American people's basic constitutional rights and it needs to be fixed.

These controversies are the result of lies, cover-ups and gross incompetence. The American people deserve the truth! We the people say No More! We demand that our representatives in Washington stop putting party politics and ideology ahead of public interest. We demand that public investigations be done thoroughly and with due diligence and have justice served swiftly to those involved in these usurpations and atrocities, no matter how high up the chain of command that these violations go.

For too many years, the American people have sat idly by and watched their individual rights and freedoms slowly erode away. To quote Senator Rob Portman of the Senate Finance Committee, The Tea Party was right, the government has overstepped its bounds! We demand a vote of no confidence against any and all public servants that have allowed governmental agencies be used for intimidation.

We respectfully petition you to take steps to eliminate the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Education, the Environmental Protection Agency and every governmental agency that is not constitutionally mandated so that they may never be used to intimidate any American citizen again. We call on you to take steps to eliminate and defund every agency and program that stifles the principles of free enterprise, individual rights and free will and return those powers to the states as outlined in the 9th and 10th Amendment.

We simply ask that you honor your oaths to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

Respectfully Submitted,

The Lehigh Valley Project 9-12/Tea Party Group
Joan Campbell, Chair
chair@lvtp.org

PO Box 91011 Allentown PA 18109
www.lvtp.com

Flag Day in Allentown

2013-06-11T00:00:00.002-04:00

The Allentown Flag Day Association will conduct a Flag raising ceremony & concert featuring the Great Allentown Band in honor of Flag Day this Friday. A concert will follow in the evening.

Date & Time: Friday, June 14th at 12:00 PM

Location: Outside Allentown City Hall 435 Hamilton St Allentown Pa 18101

Veterans and their families are encouraged to attend and join in the raising of our Flag.

Allentown Flag Day Association Concert:

Date & Time: Friday, June 14th at 7:00 PM

Location: West Park Band Shell

Rain Location: In the event of rain, the concert will be held in the William Allen High School Auditorium

The Argument Against Pa. Liquor Privatization

2013-06-11T00:00:00.003-04:00

When I was a kid, I used to spend every Summer at the Jersey shore, on Long Beach Island. We lived pretty close to the Bishop's house. He liked us and bought us ice cream all the time, but he did not care much for my Dad. You see, my father used to take Duke, our German Shepherd, for long walks on the beach every morning. That very well-trained dog would only shit on the Bishop's property. The Most Reverend Joseph McShea, aghast at this disgusting behavior, confronted my father.

"Ahhh, go tend your flock!" my father retorted.

That's just one of many fond memories I have of that time. Another was going to the store to buy punks, or cattails. Too young to smoke, we were allowed to light those and walk around with them to keep mosquitoes and sand flies away. It made no difference to us that they were completely useless because we looked like smokers.

While I bought punks for a penny, another group of bigger kids bought bottles of booze. I became one of them. I learned it was a lot easier to get booze in Jersey than here in Pa.

And to me, that is part of Pennsylvania's charm. Jersey might have the ocean and beach houses with Bishops, but Pennsylvania is a place that made it hard for a kid to get drunk. It is a state that seemed to care more about its residents. It also just happens to be the state with the lowest rate of death by alcohol consumption, although it's true than drunk driving and underage drinking prosecutions are near the national average.

Because I think Pennsylvania has a more responsible approach to alcohol sales than other states, I oppose privatization of wine and liquor sales.

Although that measure has passed the House, its fate in the state senate is far less certain.

LV Labor Council President Gregg Potter, concerned about the loss of union jobs, is sending emails urging people to "Call Senator Boscola!!! and get ten of your friends to call!!" While I do not share his advocacy for public sector unions, especially when they have poster boys like two of his Vice Presidents, Jim Gregory and James Schlener, I believe his arguments on this issue make sense.

Here are his points:

The cost to dismantle the system – unemployment, social costs, criminal justice costs, liquidated assets – is greater then what can be earned through privatization. This will put the taxpayers on the hook for more then $1 billion in transition costs

PA has the nation's lowest rate of deaths related to alcohol diseases in the country, according to the CDC. Why do we need to add to it?

Groups such as MADD, Students against Destructive Decisions, the PA DUI Association, the PA the NAACP and other organizations concerned with excessive and underage alcohol consumption all oppose privatization.

Sen. McIlhinney’s proposal would lead to the eventual elimination of 5,000 family-sustaining, Pennsylvania jobs. This would put an added burden on our tax base as the current jobs would be replaced by minimum wage, part time positions.

Recommend that as part of the modernization, that if retail stores do expand and include Wine & Spirits sales, that they do so with state employees and create appropriate leases with the stores

Privatization would destroy current jobs. Most would not be replaced, and those few that are will be low-wage, no-benefit jobs that do nothing to grow our state's economy. This would put an added burden on our tax base as the current jobs would be replaced by minimum wage, part time positions

Modernization of Pennsylvania's Wine and Spirit stores is a continuing effort that would provide consumers more convenience, generate $75-$100 million more in revenuefor the Commonwealth, and help the PLCB run as a more efficient agency.

A majority of Pennsylvania voters now oppose privatization, according to independent polling. The F&M poll showed privatization of liquor ranked 10^th out of 11 of the list of issues Pennsylvanians care about.

Tea Party Extremists Continue Assault on NorCo GOP

2013-06-11T00:01:00.000-04:00

Former Northampton GOP Party boss Bob Kerr resigned just before the Primary election. But now he wants his job back. He'll make a push tonight at a meeting of the entire Republican Committee. Kerr, you might recall, is the tea party extremist who resigned rather than disavow a GOP candidate with a penchant for death threats. He claimed he was resigning to end the "fractures and personal attacks that factions bring to every meeting." But now he wants to continue ripping the party apart, more intent on concentrating his own power than in getting Republicans elected.

Kerr's candidacy is nothing less than a battle for the heart and soul of the County GOP. Will it be tea party extremists like Kerr, whose litmus test standard for Republicans would exclude party stalwarts like Ron Angle and Peg Ferraro? Or will sanity prevail? That question will be answered at 7 PM, when the Republican Committee meets at the Chrin Center.

Just a little more than a month ago, Kerr came under intense criticism over the way he was handling the party. He got rid of the party backbone, people like Dottie Niklos and Mary Baurket, the ones who would go out on weekends to plant yard signs.

Then, he incredibly invited Tricia Mezzacappa, a racist convicted of making death threats, to lead them all in prayer at one of their monthly meetings. Kerr should have realized something was amiss when Mezzacappa began to stick needles into voodoo dolls, chanting some ancient Mesopotamian curse.

Ron Angle's hair started on fire.

He fired Brian Monahan as the party's solicitor, a position he held for twenty-five years as a volunteer. He fired area chair Teg Hughes, another workhorse. I personally witnessed Kerr refuse to allow members of the party speak at a meeting, though he himself had just finished giving a long, rambling justification for his support for judicial candidate Tom Carroll.

Carroll finished dead last among four candidates.

But what was most appalling was his refusal to allow Peg Ferraro to speak. She's only the County's highest ranking Republican elected official, a state committee member and is herself a former party chair.

"A past Chairman is just that - past," said Kerr, as the crowd gasped.

Kerr is joined by a few people from the Lehigh Valley Tea Party. These include people like Tony Simao, Arlene Klocek, Ronnie delBacco and County Council candidate Hayden Phillips.

"They're as thick as fleas on a dog's back," reports my intern, Ron Angle.

Kerr is opposed by Craig DeFranco, Acting Party Chair. Kerr refused to distance the GOP from Mezzacappa's vitriol, but DeFranco released a statement denouncing her behavior as " inconsistent with the beliefs and standards of the Northampton County Republican Committee."

Mezzacappa has sworn revenge. "We have some spineless people who will be removed from the GOP in the coming months," she told Express Times reporter Tom Shortell. Joining Mezzacappa in condemning DeFranco was failed Easton School Board candidate Ronnie delBacco, whose latest crusade there was an attempt at book banning. But the very same delBacco, in a February email, stated, "[Kerr] has been a disappointment in that he seems to be all about control and not about serving. I think he is in this mess for himself more and more."

Maybe delBacco should try to get his own email banned.

DeFranco should be elected overwhelmingly tonight, but these are Republicans. Who knows?

Updated 2:15 PM: I have amended my headline, at the request of LV Tea Party Joan Campbell, to reflect that the assault on the NorCo GOP comes from extremists within the LV Tea Party, and not the party itself.

LC GOP Committeeman Resigns ... To Support Tom Muller

2013-06-12T00:00:00.002-04:00

Ben Long, a young Lehigh County GOP Committee member, volunteered in Dean Browning's primary race for County Executive. He's now a former Committee member. Yesterday, he resigned, claiming he will support Tom Muller, the Democratic nominee for Executive.

I cannot in good faith support Scott Ott as my candidate for Lehigh County Executive. I feel that I would be doing a disservice to the Republican voters who elected me. Although Scott may be the chairman’s preference, when you do a comparison of the two candidates, Tom Muller is far and away the most qualified. Under our committee rules I cannot support a Democrat, so it is with a heavy heart that I announce my temporary resignation.

Let me be clear, I am not leaving the Republican Party. What I am doing is fighting to take back the Party that I fell in love with. For me to sit back on the committee and say nothing would serve no purpose. I truly believe that Scott Ott’s philosophical viewpoints are far outside most Republican thinking. By my actions I hope to save the Republican Party that has been hijacked by Wayne Woodman and Scott Ott, I will do everything I can to see to it that Scott Ott is not successful in November, so I have decided to help the Democrat Tom Muller.

He claims he is not leaving the Republican Party, but "fighting to take it back".

Sanity Prevails in NorCo GOP: DeFranco Tops Kerr

2013-06-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Lee Snover with Craig DeFranco

Tea party extremist Bob Kerr, who resigned as Northampton County's GOP Chairman in April, failed to get his job back in a special election last night at the Chrin Community Center. By a 66-19 vote, Committee members picked Craig DeFranco as their new Chairman. Lee Snover was elected Vice Chair with no opposition.

In stark contrast to Kerr, who refused to let members speak at the last meeting, DeFranco pledged that he is "going to listen to everyone."

According to my unreliable blogging intern, Ron Angle,"it was a pitiful attempt at a coup that failed." He added that Kerr, Tony Simao and Tom Carroll were "dragged off to the jail in shackles."

Another Republican, who is a little less colorful but a lot more reliable, told me the meeting was actually "very cordial, very civil."

The election was moderated by Solicitor Brian Monahan, the attorney whom Kerr tried to fire.

Since DeFranco is a former cop, I will have to be nice to Republicans.

For awhile.

Max

2013-06-12T00:00:00.001-04:00

Max just finished his sophomore year at Penn State Hazleton. He's on his way to being the first person from his family to complete college. He's a fitness buff and looks like a linebacker. But he's never played in organized sports, preferring instead to play parts in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. He's a bit of an iconoclast, much like his old man, who is one of my best friends. That's how I know Max.

Over the weekend, I noticed on Facebook that Max shaved his head. I laughed, thinking that he was just being a nut like many college kids.

Yesterday, I learned that Max shaved his head because his girlfriend had cancer and lost all her hair. He did it for her. Bald and bold.

She lost her battle on June 4.

Age 19.

An actress and singer at Dorney Park and Wild Water Kingdom, she was a theater major at Northampton Community College.

Her name was Kalee.

Though her young life has ended, what Max did for her gives me hope for us all.

Hanover Township Shows a Little Love to That's Amore

2013-06-12T00:41:00.000-04:00

That's Amore

Following a lengthy hearing last October, Hanover Township's Zoning Hearing Board denied seasonal outdoor seating at That's Amore, a gateway to Hanover Township located on Schoenersville Road. But Supervisors, at their June 11 meeting, decided to show Chef Joseph Jurvinko a little love. They unanimously approved a settlement in the zoning case that will allow patrons to enjoy their favorite Italian dinners next to a decorative gazebo, bocce ball pit, fountain and landscaping. They also imposed 14 conditions. No music, alcohol sales, or TVs will be permitted. Low-wattage lighting will be directed away residences.

Jurvinko began his career at That's Amore as a bus boy at age 15, when the restaurant was known as Pane e Vino. He eventually became the chef at Bethlehem's popular Mama Nina. After going into business for himself, he soon learned that he has lots of competition from local area restaurants that offer outdoor seating. That includes nearby P.J. Whelihan's, Prime Steak House, Gregory's and even Wegmans.

Attorney Mickey Thompson, who represents Jurvinko, declined comment.

After showing a little love to That's Amore, Supervisors reviewed sketch plans for an Abe Atiyeh development. Farmhouse Mews, a 16.35 acre tract located at the intersection of Hanoverville and Airport Roads, had been previously approved for 20 single family detached homes. But Atiyeh's engineer, David Harte, told Supervisors they'd like to instead build 20 townhouse units, concentrated in four buildings. The remainder of the development would be open space, to be maintained by a homeowners' association.

"From a stormwater point of view, there are a lot of advantages to it," said Township Engineer Brian Kocher. Supervisors expressed concern about sewer capacity and a stormwater runoff problem.

Township Manager Jay Finnigan and Public Works Director Vince Milite had a stormwater runoff problem of their own, earlier that day. Finnigan and Milite, who also doubles as the Township's Animal Control Officer, rescued six ducklings stuck in a storm drain on Maria Drive. After removing the grate, they trained the hose so that to flood the drain. But both stood downhill from where thy aimed, so that water and ducklings cascaded them both. In the meantime, mother duck circled above.

Following an executive session, Finnigan jokingly tried to get Milite fired. For his part, Milite not-so-jokingly tried to resign as Animal Control Officer, something he has tried to do before.

Supervisors just laughed.

Pen Argyl Police Officer Honored With Nathan Ogden Award

2013-06-12T23:38:00.001-04:00

Pen Argyl Officer Stephen Horvath, 2013 recipient of Nathan Ogden award, with wife Marsha

In 1771, Northampton County Deputy Sheriff Nathan Ogden was killed while attempting to execute an arrest warrant. He is the first known law enforcement officer to make the ultimate sacrifice for his community in America. Unfortunately, 120 police officers were killed while in the line of duty last year, including 5 from Pennsylvania.

In memory of these fallen peace officers, the Northampton County Chiefs of Police Association annually honors a police officer who distinguishes himself and his profession. This year's award recipient is Pen Argyl police officer Stephen Horvath. This 24-year veteran, after Hurricane Sandy, was invaluable in arranging shelter for residents without power in that tiny Slate Belt Borough. On his own initiative, he began personally checking in with the sick and elderly, where he discovered a man who had fallen the previous night, and who was lying on the floor, disoriented.

Sheriff Randy Miller, Chairman of the Chiefs of Police Association, credited Officer Horvath for "probably saving this man's life."

The presentation has been made annually for the last 12 years. William Hillanbrand, a Northampton County Emergency Management Planner and former Deputy Sheriff, pays for the trophy every year out of his own pocket. His father and grandfather were cops.

Officer Horvath with his proud Chief, David Strawn

"Terrorist Columnist" Bill White Bestows Major Award

2013-06-13T01:30:00.002-04:00

This has been quite the year for major awards. I was named best political blogger by the Morning Call, after another culprit and I gamed the system by voting for my blog every day. I got a plaque. Then I snagged a second place Keystone Press Award in the "continuing news coverage" category for my NIZ stories, most of which I plagiarized. That was in the "ridiculously small weekly newspaper" division. I got another plaque. I also attended a banquet to see one reporter wearing a Drudge hat and another wearing a dress made out of newsprint. Very cool. But this all pales in comparison to the most recent major award bestowed on me. I am now a member of Bill White's illustrious Hall of Fame, right up there with Ron Angle, the late Emma Tropiano, Jim Gregory, Abe Atiyeh, Lou Hershman, Will Power and numerous other luminaries.

Thanks a frickin' lot.

This is no Nathan Ogden award.

Why not just stick my tongue in a socket, Bill?

White is under the impression that I secretly longed for induction because I compared his so-called honor to a colonial era ducking stool. No, Bill, I don't know how much more frickin' clear I could have been. I consider it a public humiliation, almost as bad as getting disbarred. I've already received this thoughtful message. "Welcome to the hall of fame!!! Hahaha!!! You douche bag!"

I'll be getting them all day.

Aside from White, I have two other real assholes to thank. One of them is Ron Angle, who wanted me enshrined with Mezzacappa. This is a woman who has even sued Angle for stalking her, claiming that he's my back up. The other asshole is Executive John Stoffa, who seems to think that he belongs there, too. I have no idea what planet he inhabits, but it's not Earth. .

When Angle and Stoffa told me what they had done, I immediately threatened to jump off a bridge. Angle asked me to wait until he can take out a $1.3 million life insurance policy, and also offered to draw up my Will. Stoffa told me I had to wait 6 months until he's out of office, unless I wanted to take the plunge from a Lehigh County bridge.

These are my friends!

To really rub my nose in it, White has lumped me in there with Dennis Pearson, who says things like, "Sounding Forth the Trumpet That Shall Never Sound Retreat." Dennis, incidentally, is an amateur astronaut who speaks fluent Klingon.

Dennis, I don't know if you want to picket White or sue him or something. If you do, I'm in. This is exactly what I'd expect from someone who's been labeled by the Fake Rev as both a terrorist columnist and a Fabian socialist.

What really annoys me, more than anything, is that I don't even get a plaque.

White has only himself to blame for me. He drew attention to this blog back when I only had about twenty readers a day. After his one post about me, my readership shot up into the gazillions, right up there with Drudge. Well, maybe not, but he did increase my readership.

I appreciate his humor very much, even when I disagree with him politically.That is much rarer than he may think. His grammar police entries give me nightmares of my days in grade school, where I was taught there were 48 states.

Morganelli Ends Gun Permit Leak Investigation

2013-06-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

NorCo DA John Morganelli

Northampton County DA John Morganelli, at a June 12 news conference, has announced the end of an investigation into a the leak of a confidential concealed carry gun permit application. Criminal charges have been filed against one Deputy Sheriff. Two others have voluntarily resigned. No other charges will be filed.

This matter arose in late March, when someone anonymously provided Allentown Attorney Richard Orloski with a copy of the gun permit application, considered a confidential record under state law. This application was prepared by West Easton resident Tricia Mezzacappa, a former Republican County Council candidate who finished last in the May 21 Primary. She listed both Orloski and Executive John Stoffa as references, though she knew that neither would support her application.

When the application was leaked to Attorney Orloski, he objected strongly, as did Stoffa.

Neither listed reference had ever been contacted by the Sheriff's office because of the volume of applications.

A subsequent investigation into the leak revealed that Deputy Sheriff Darin Steward copied the application when he was at the Sheriff's Office for a Sunday morning union meeting in early March. He also showed it to Deputy Sheriffs Tom Bachik and Pat Crivellaro, both of whom were aware that Steward intended to leak the matter. Neither made any effort to stop him. According to Morganelli, their behavior was at a minimum a "malfeasance of public office."

The DA decided not to charge them because both have since resigned.

Steward provided the gun permit application to Kelly Gross, a long-time friend, on March 15. Gross, President of West Easton Borough Council, is no friend to Mezzacappa.. Last November, Mezzacappa was convicted of disorderly conduct after an obscenity-laced tirade at the Borough Hall, during which two witnesses testified that she had threatened to drag Gross to the Delaware River and drown her.

Morganelli called Gross a "civilian" and declined to charge her.

Morganelli acknowledged that there is no conclusive evidence establishing just how the application ended up with Attorney Orloski. Both Steward and Gross deny that they supplied the gun permit application to Orloski.

Finally, Morganelli considered charging Mezzacappa for supplying what might be false information on a gun permit application. But since she is herself a victim, he decided against charging her.

Steward has been charged with disseminating information on a gun permit application, a third degree felony, and obstructing justice, a second degree misdemeanor. He faces fines up to $30,000 and up to nine years in jail. He faces termination as a Deputy Sheriff, and has been suspended as a part-time police officer in Upper Nazareth.

Morgsanelli indicated he is willing to consider some form of nontrial diversion for Deputy Steward, under which charges could be dismissed after a period of probation. "Maybe his intentions were good, but the fact is that he is a Deputy Sheriff," the DA concluded.

Aren't We Jumping to Conclusions?

2013-06-13T12:43:00.003-04:00

I saw this parked outside Northampton County's EMS yesterday. Hey, it's only some rain.

Zito Sides With NorCo Council Over Stoffa "End Run"

2013-06-14T13:43:00.003-04:00

From The Morning Call:

"We do not wish to castigate the county executive for his actions in this case," Zito said. "At loggerheads with County Council, the county executive unquestionably acted in what he believed to be the county's best interests by awarding the Gracedale medical transport contract to a qualified low-cost bidder, Lifestar. Nevertheless, we are constrained to disagree with his assertion of incontrovertible authority to take this unilateral action."

I have not read Judge Zito's Opinion and thus am in no position to agree or quarrel with it. Giving a County Council veto power over competitive sealed bids defeats the purpose of having them. But should this have been a competitive bid?

Tough Choice

2013-06-14T21:44:00.000-04:00

The President's decision to intervene in Syria presents an unsavory choice: allowing a monster to use chemical weapons to terrorize the innocent; or allowing other monsters aligned with al-Qaeda to terrorize the innocent.

What's the right choice?

Planners Put Brakes on Arts High School, Atiyeh Hospital

2013-06-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Signs like these decorate Atiyeh's Dewberry & Center tract

For nearly a year, developer Abe Atiyeh has decorated a 5-acre tract at the southeast intersection of Center Street and Dewberry Avenue with "Hospital Coming Soon" signs. But not yet. Bethlehem's Planning Commission, at their June 13 meeting, put the brakes on his plans for an 80-bed, 29,352 sq ft hospital. Atiyeh engineer David Harte asked for an extension himself after concerns were raised about stormwater infiltration by the City's Chief of Engineering, Matt Dorner.

Dorner reported that the site failed perc tests, but Atiyeh engineer David Harte insisted that permits were issued several years ago, when an assisted living facility was approved at the site. Attorney Blake Marles, representing Atiyeh, told planners those permits are site specific, regardless what is planned.

In addition to stormwater infiltration, planners were bothered by a lack of detail, including the type of hospital planned. Resident Stew Early complained that the hospital could be a methadone clinic or a facility housing felons. Harte responded that the site would meet the requirements to obtain a license for a "general hoispital," which could include a wide range of services.

Marles, who has represented St. Luke's Hospital for its expansion into Bethlehem Township, told planners that hospital uses evolve constantly, as happened at the St. Luke's expansion during its construction. He noted it makes little sense to provide detailed architectural drawings until a plan is actually approved.

But as planners remained skeptical, Harte offered to seek an extension so that some of these missing pieces can be supplied, and consideration of the plan was extended until September.

In addition to putting the brakes on Atiyeh, planners also tabled a new Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts, to be located at 321 E. Third Street. A 3-story, 85,428 sq ft building for 600 students and 54 staffers is proposed at a 0.7175 acre site.

Although school engineer Bryan Ritter indicated that he would perform and implement the recommendations of a traffic study, Planner Andrew Twiggar insisted that the study be performed before the plan is approved. He did so even though Bethlehem Traffic coordinator Tiffany Geklinsky was unconcerned whether the study is done before or after approval. He did so even though Executive Director Diane LaBelle told planners that even a 30-day delay could affect financing for the $27 million project.

LaBelle acknowledged that 23 buses would drop children off daily.

Planners will look at the Charter School again oat their July 11 meeting.

Dueling NorCo GOP Picnics

2013-06-17T00:00:00.003-04:00

There were two Northampton County GOP picnics over the weekend. One of them attracted LV Congressman Charlie Dent, State Rep Mario Scavello, Judge Emil Giordano, Superior Court candidate Vic Stabile, the NorCo Bulldog, NorCo Council candidates Mat Benol, Hayden Phillips and Seth Vaughn, as well as Bethlehem City Council candidate Chris Morales. I'm told it's the biggest shindig, that local Republicans have ever held.

The other party, held at the same time, attracted Tricia Mezzacappa.

She lectured on the appropriate use of the N word and death threats.

Guest speaker was Hitler's Dad, Heath Campbell.

This small band of tea party extremists, unwilling to stain themselves by associating with "liberals" like Ron Angle and Lee Snover, had their own Christian pig roast. They'd rather hang with a racist who threatens to kill people. Besides, she brought lots of white sheets.

You could call this pathetic bunch the sour grapes club. It includes former party chair Bob Kerr, who has just lost a vote to get his job back; failed County and Borough Council candidate Mezzacappa; failed judicial and Bethlehem City Council candidate Tom Carroll; failed Bethlehem City Council candidate Tony Simao; and failed Easton School Board candidate Ronnie DelBacco.

I understand they topped off the afternoon by burning a cross.

Meet Hall of Famer Dennis Pearson

2013-06-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

One of the newest members of Bill White's Hall of Fame, Dennis Pearson, attended the grand opening of Bethlehem's new Visitor Center on Friday. Dennis, an active participant in the preservation of Bethlehem Steel history, proudly showed off a section of the center, devoted to the life of the steelworker.

As White explained to me repeatedly on Thursday, membership in his Hall of Fame is based on good looks and intellectual ability.

NorCo Among Top 5 Counties in 2013 Farmland Preservation

2013-06-17T00:00:00.002-04:00

According to the latest newsletter of the Northampton County Conservation District, Northampton County has set aside nearly five times the amount that Lehigh County will spend on farmland preservation this year. But don't get the idea Lehigh Country doesn't care about farmland preservation. Thanks to former Commissioner Sterling Raber, it has preserved 251 Lehigh County farms covering a total of 20,692 acres. That's more that twice the 124 farms preserved in Northampton County, consisting of 12,412 acres.

In 2013, 20 of 33 applying farms are qualified for preservation. The total fund available is $3,339,024. This includes a county commitment of $1,025,405, a township contribution of $200,000, and state funding of $2,113,619.

Northampton County ranked 5th in terms of county commitments, behind Chester, Lancaster, Bucks and Berks Counties.

The other 52 participating counties committed $350,000 or less to their farmland preservation programs for this year.

Lehigh County has committed approximately $220,000.

Pennsylvania is the nation's nation’s leading farmland preservation program. Over 25 years, the state has preserved 4,385 farms totaling 470,000 acres with $1.1 billion dollars..

New Visitor Center a "Permanent Gift"

2013-06-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

Located at 711 E. 1st St, Bethlehem's $5.5 million Visitor Center is open 10-4 daily.

Bethlehem has a new Visitor Center, next to the towering and rusting blast furnaces at SteelStacks. According to Mayor John Callahan, Master of Ceremonies at the grand opening on June 14, it's a gateway to the entire Lehigh Valley.

kiosks with interactive maps

Nestled next to rusting and towering blast furnaces that at one time produced hot molten iron, the 16,000 sq ft visitor center is an adaptive reuse of the Steel Company's Stock House, built in 1863 to store the iron ore needed for hungry kilns. Contractor Boyle Construction preserved the original fieldstone exterior walls and 30-foot-high arch windows at the Steel Company's oldest remaining building. But a new, two-level interior, includes three computer kiosks with interactive touch-screen maps, a box office for ArtsQuest events, gift shop, restrooms and offices.

The Lehigh Valley's tourism czar, Discover LV's Mike Stershic, lauded Callahan, who promoted the concept when the Stock House was a crumbling structure at a dead steel giant. "Most of us thought he was absolutely nuts," said Stershic. "He willed a lot of this to happen," added Jeff Parks, who himself willed both Musikfest and ArtsQuest. Parks also gave credit to Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority's Executive Director, Tony Hanna, who is using grants and financing tools like a $27 million Tax Increment Financing bond to transform aging and rusting steel buildings into an arts and entertainment district.

Rebecca Hannont and Reba Marblestone man the box office

Parks himself was hailed by Callahan as the Lehigh Valley's "chief visionary officer." Parks explained that this $5.5 million investment in our history might seem expensive, but the Chinese have recently allocated $300 billion for the arts and culture to encourage more creativity. Parks called the SteelStacks campus a "permanent gift ... that will attract the creative workforce that we need to be successful in the future."

Located at 711 E. First St., the Visitor Center will be open from 10 AM to 4 PM daily.

Now silent and still, Bethlehem Steel blast furnaces abut Visitor Center

Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority Exec Director Tony Hanna, with his bride of 40 years, Pat.

The steelworkers are gone, but not forgotten

Contractor Sean Boyle used old Bethlehem Steel drawings

Mayor John Callahan has brought Bethlehem an arts and entertainment district

Jeff Parks heralded as "chief visionary officer" of Lehigh Valley

Jeff Parks video here.

Blogger's Note: This is what I like to call a "puff piece." Having done a few, I've got to tell you I had no idea they were so hard. It takes me about ten times longer to do these than my usual bottom-feeding posts. But there are many more good things and people in the Lehigh Valley than bad. I'd like to slam Boyle for his numerous campaign contributions, but there he was, picking up garbage that people had dropped and putting it in the trash. How do you slam a guy who does that?

I'll figure out a way.

Gregory Moves On to New Heights

2013-06-17T00:00:00.004-04:00

It's been a rough few weeks for Lehigh Valley Labor Council VP Jim Gregory. His girlfriend has left. He's been charged with harassment and served with a Protection from Abuse Act Order (PFA). Then there's a contempt citation for continuing to contact his girlfriend after the PFA. Got a suspension from his job as, believe it or not, a mental health caseworker. Then he announced an independent bid for a Mayoral candidacy in Bethlehem, only to learn that election laws prevent it. His anonymous "lol" comments have earned him the derision of Morning Call columnist Bill White. Like me, White needs eardrum transplants after listening to Gregory's YouTube rendition of "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone." Lesser men would raise the white flag. But that's not Gregory's style. He's instead on the prowl, looking for a new soulmate.

A cocktail waitress from the Sands? Nah, the Mediterranean manslab has gone Asian. His new love interest is a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, who was delighted by the high heels.

As Gregory would say, "LOL."

Jim Gregory, A Creepy Predator

2013-06-18T00:33:00.001-04:00

I was told last week that a search warrant was executed at Jim Gregory's Bethlehem home. I decided against writing about it because I thought it could interfere with a police investigation. But WFMZ-TV69 has now broken the story about last week's police raid at his home. It was prompted by a complaint that he had installed a camera in his bedroom so he could surreptitiously record his girlfriend while they were having sex.

This guy is a creepy predator.

Not only did he admit that he was secretly recording his girlfriend, whom he supposedly thought was stealing from him, but he himself is the person who foolishly informed Channel 69 of the police raid. Secretly recording her is wiretapping. By his own admission, he committed a felony of the third degree.

On Facebook, where he really should stop posting, he admits that the camera was purchased by someone using his name and his computer.

Maybe that's because it was him.

He also states that police missed his safe deposit key, which he calls the "real evidence."

He tells a friend "to warn Callahan" to "have the police get my stuff back soon. And Narlesky is screwed for signing a warrant with hearsay."

So far, he is suing Mayor John Callahan, Judge Jim Narlesky, DA John Morganelli, Bethlehem police,

Gregory is obviously a taker who preys on people. Unfortunately, as a caseworker, he comes into regular contact with older people having mental health concerns. How many of these people have fallen victim to someone who increasingly looks like a Dickensian villain?

I can think of two occasions in which he brought "clients" to Council meetings, using them like props.

But there's more.

Gregory is a constant gambler who apparently thinks his office is the Sands Casino. He uses his "clients" to feed his gambling habit. He has taken and used money cards that are provided for them by the casino. He does have their permission, but is this really voluntary?

Finally, just how did he get the house he owns in Bethlehem? I know. I also know how much he spent for the funeral of the woman who lived there.

He is a taker, a user who takes advantage of people.

And a Lehigh Valley Labor Council VP. Hopefully, not for long.

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Construction Imminent For 832-Unit Madison "Farms"

2013-06-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

KRE Attorney Ed Murphy

Though in the works for the past ten years, the 832-unit Madison Farms development suddenly became a controversial topic in this May's election. Incumbent Commissioner Paul Weiss failed to capture either the Democratic or Republican nomination. But the dust has settled. At Bethlehem Township's June 17 meeting, there was no public hue or outcry when Commissioners considered and unanimously granted both a waiver of traffic impact fees and approved the first phase of this major project, proposed by KRE.

Located along the north side of Freemansburg Avenue, near the Route 33 Interchange, Madison Farms is a sprawling 103.9 acre "green field development of compact, walkable, interconnected neighborhoods." Tree-lined streets with sidewalks will link residents to a 17-acre "retail village, as well as 35 acres of open space, in a "traditional neighborhood design." The residential component will include multi-family flats, townhomes, carriage homes and single family detached dwellings.

The retail village is the first phase of project approved for development. Asked when it will be finished, KRE Attorney Ed Murphy responded he is a bit more worried about getting started. KRE is still waiting for a green light from PennDOT, which must approve improvements on Freemansburg Avenue. That is expected this Summer, after which it will take about twelve months to complete the retail village.

In addition to approving the retail component of Madison Farms, Commissioners waived $729,000 in traffic impact fees because KRE has already agreed to pay about three times that amount.

In other business, Commissioners unanimously adopted a text change to the zoning ordinance, allowing dormitories in institution zoned areas as a conditional use. This will enable Northampton Community College to double student housing to about 600, which was pitched to Commissioners by the college last December.

Resident Barry Roth, a regular at every meeting, questioned whether Northampton Community College would gobble up residential neighborhoods. But that appears unlikely, noted Solicitor Jim Broughal, who pointed out that the 200' setback would alone prevent that from happening.

This dorm proposal had been previously recommended by the Planning Commission.

From the dorms, Commissioners went to the sewers, unanimously endorsing an agreement with the City of Bethlehem over what is called the "annual sewer capital charge." In 2010, Bethlehem Township received a $81,700 bill from the City, which was about four times what it customarily paid. Special Solicitor Stanley Margle credited City and Township officials with establishing a series of protocols that will remove unpleasant surprises.

The City's bill was accurate.

Finally, Attorney Dave Backenstoe asked Commissioners for a "letter of recommendation" to the Zoning Hearing Board for sign variances he is seeking from the Zoning Hearing Board for a new Scheetz gas station on William Penn Highway. "This Board is not known for giving recommendations to the Zoning Hearing Board," noted Commissioner Tom Nolan. Backentstoe was also told he'd have better success with zoners if he asked Commissioners to pan his variance.

Commissioners will next meet on Monday, July 1, 7 PM, at the Municipal Building, located at 4225 Easton Avenue.

Can You Eat on $4.50 a Day?

2013-06-19T00:00:00.001-04:00

LV Congressman Matt Cartwright will find out if he can do that today. It's called the SNAP Challenge, based on the average daily benefit for a food stamps recipient. It comes at a time when Congress is considering reducing this benefit by $20 billion over the next decade.

"As a practicing Catholic, my faith informs this issue," claims Cartwright. "I am guided by a moral vision of how we must treat the most vulnerable members of our society."

Centre County Will Convert Nursing Home to Nonprofit

2013-06-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

By a 2-1 vote, Centre County Commissioners have voted to get out of the nursing home business. Control will go from the County to a non-profit firm. This will allow for a higher Medicaid reimbursement rate than is available to a County-owned home.

"I’ve come to the conclusion that counties really shouldn’t be in the nursing home business," said one Commissioner.

Mayoral Candidate Jim Gregory Faces Second PFA Contempt Citation

2013-06-19T00:02:00.000-04:00

When you lie with the pigs, you get dirty.

Yesterday, Bethlehem Mayoral candidate Jim Gregory failed to appear at a news conference that he himself scheduled at the office of an attorney who does not represent him. While that was not happening, Northampton County Senior Judge Lawrence E. Brenner cited the politico for contempt of a Protection From Abuse Act Order originally filed against him on May 20. This is the second time he has been charged with contempt. A hearing is scheduled for July 3.

Gregory, a Northampton County mental health caseworker, was ordered on May 20 to stay away from his girlfriend, surrender his firearms, and make no attempt to contact her in any way, even through third parties. But the ink was barely dry on the PFA before Gregory was charged with contempt for continuing attempts at contact via phone texts, emails, and through third parties. Yesterday's contempt filing indicates that Gregory has persisted in this behavior.

The contempt petition alleges he emailed his victim's ex-boyfriend, offering to sell him nude pictures of her. In this missive, he brags that he possesses "sex tapes" of her with a police officer, which he claims to watch nightly with his friends.

He has made attempts to contact her through a cousin, instructing her to have the victim meet him for Monday bus trips to a casino. In addition, he makes this threat at a Facebook message to a mutual acquaintance:

You need to tell [Redacted] that it's time to make peace..I realize she isn't the driving force behind this effort to malign me, but the folks who are behind this will be prosecuted. Unless she plans to join them in custody my advise to her would be to get her lawyer to call me ASAP. Everyday that goes by brings more revelations of what she has done. Not good for her.

On June 17, he directly texted the victim with three pictures of his back yard, taken from his bedroom window.

Most damning are his Facebook messages to her:.

Hows it feel to be on channel 69 boo! How's [Redacted] taking this. After convincing you that I was having an affair with my wife, which is hilarious, he has pushed you into all these other mistakes. Except you, [redacted], is the embarrassed one now, not him..More to come, talk to Leighton..Soon

No harm, no foul.. Easy, did you get that [redacted].Time to end all this craziness. I have been drug through the mud already. i dont want you to be anymore. Talk to Leighton. He's a great guy. We speak often. I love him..He 's as funny as hell. Now end this , so we can get on with our lives. I will allow you to do that. leighton and you should both know you absolutely have nothing to fear from me. As far as those who convinced you to do all this, they are toast.

Now, the pictures, the emails, the sworn I witness testimony comes out and you are all toast. I warned you enough

Sorry about the mention of still having that naked picture you sent me that the boyfriend took of you. Bet you didn't tell him about it.Sucks for you. Now are you going to stop lying? Everyone believed all your lies. That brought us here. Now, it is my turn

Judge Benner has scheduled a hearing on this contempt citation for July 3, just in time for the fireworks.

Gregory is currently the subject of a criminal investigation based on allegations that he was secretly filming sexual trysts with his girlfriend. Gregory admitted installing a camera in a wall clock inside his bedroom because he thought his girlfriend was either stealing from him or having an affair.

Gregory's behavior has become increasingly erratic in recent months. In February, he took out a $100,000 line of credit on his Bethlehem home. He appears to be gambling excessively. Then in April, he delivered a rambling speech to Northampton County Council, asking for the heads of his boss, his boss's boss, and Executive John Stoffa.