Lehigh Valley Ramblings

NorCo Seeks Applicants for Newly Formed Human Relations Comm'n

2026-05-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

In March, Northampton County Council unanimously adopted a Human Relations Ordinance intended to resolve claims of discrimination in a timely manner pursuant to the county's police powers. The 34-page document is the handiwork of Council member Jason Boulette.

The purpose of the ordinance is to "declare [the county's intent] to promote the rights and opportunities of all persons to participate in the social, cultural, recreational, and economic life of the County and to assure equal opportunity for all persons concerning employment, housing, education, health care, and use of public accommodations without regard to actual or perceived race, ethnicity, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical marital status, familial status, GED rather than high school diploma, or mental disability, relationship or association with a disabled person, source of income, age, height, weight, veteran status, use of guide or support animals and/or mechanical aids, or domestic or sexual violence victim status."

The Commission envisaged by this ordinance consists of seven members appointed by the Executive, which County Council can confirm or reject. Members will reflect the diversity of protected classes. If the commission finds that a complaint of discrimination is substantiated, it can fine the offender up to $600.

Yesterday, Northampton County Deputy Administrator Jessica Berger issued a call for volunteers who are NorCo residents "with an interest in public service, community engagement, civil rights, human relations, education, advocacy, mediation, or related fields are encouraged to apply for consideration."

If you'd like to be a "Commissioner," send your resume and home address to Berger at JBerger@norcopa.gov. Your application is due May 27.

Any Problems at Polling Places? Last Minute Pitches?

2026-05-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Voting begins at 7 am. How was your experience? Long waiting lines? Turnout? My guess is that this should be an uneventful race for elections workers. Unlike municipal races, there are far fewer elections. I intend to visit a few polling places by bike. If you see me, please don't run me over.

Feel free to make last-minute pitches/

Is Lehigh County Controller's Proposed "Wealth" Tax Even Legal?

2026-05-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley, who's always running for something, always needs to have a cause du jour. In 2024, when he just happened to be running for state auditor general, he was the Pied Piper of dozens of families complaining about the overdiagnosis of medical child abuse. That's why Lehigh County no longer has a child advocacy center. Now he wants the county to impose a "progressive revenue option that he calls a wealth tax.

His proposal, which you can read for yourself here, claims it is "consistent with the Pennsylvania Constitution." He's proposing a 0.4$ tax on stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange traded funds, brokerage investment accounts, partnership owner interests, passive business equity and pretty much everything that's not nailed down or hidden under the mattress. He proposes to exempt primary residences, checking accounts, 401ks, household savings used for normal expenses, small businesses and family-owned farms.

Before this even gets out of the gate, I believe this will fail because it is likely illegal.

In 1831, an intangible "wealth" tax was imposed in Pennsylvania, under which the state collected tax on ontangible property and turned it over to the counties. But the Pennsylvania Supreme Court invalidated this tax to the extent that it ran afoul of the Commerce Clause. By 1988, no counties were levying this controversial tax. The state legislature has since repealed the intangible personal porperty tax and expressly prohibits counties from imposing it. Ryan Mackenzie, then a State Rep. was one of the sponsors of that legislation.

So, like everything else that Pinsley proposes, it is much ado about nothing.

Zrinski a Hit a NorCo Retiree Luncheon

2026-05-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

Tara Zrinski attended her first retiree as NorCo Exec this week. From what I'm told, they really liked what she had to say. She believes it is important to keep the pensions funded in accordance with recommendations of the actuary. She also thinks it's ridiculous to snub retirees out of a COLA at a time when inflation is out of control.

You can see her above with former NorCo Execs Gerald E "Jerry" Seyfried and Glenn Reibman. Former Exec Lamont McClure was not invited because he's running for Congress

Zrinski's upbeat personality has probably been her best asset so far. I have heard more than one county employee say that she's been a breath of fresh air. I've never heard an Executive say until last week that she thinks the jail has a problem keeping corrections officers because the pay is too low.

Next week, I'll discuss her "continuum of care" approach at Gracedale. On the surface, it sounds foolish, especially because the two positions she wants are "exempt" and come and go with the Executive. But she told retirees that she has other plans at Gracedale as well. I need to do some research and will let you know about that on Monday.

Who Do You Favor for the Democratic Nomination in Pa. 07?

2026-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

Of the persons running for the Democratic nomination in the Pa. 07 Congressional race, which candidate do you like best and who do you think will win? I've spent the past several months taking shots at pretty much everyone. I've slammed Brooks the most, arguing that his unpaid judgment to family, his MAGA social posts and his willful refusal to list his debt in his Congressional disclosure, makes him simply too shady. I've labeled Ryan Crosswell a recent Republican who only moved here to run. Lamont McClure, the most experienced of the bunch, has also burned a lot of bridges during his 8 years as County Exec, and most recently by calling a Council member's boss in an obvious attempt to pressure her into voting to hand out a tax break for luxury apartments. Finally, Carol Obando-Derstine, the hand-picked choice of former Congressional member Susan Wild, is running on identity politics.

More objective rundowns of these candidates are in Armchair Lehigh Valley (Obando-Derstine, McClure, Crosswell and Brooks).McClure and Crosswell are both quite knowledgeable about specific issues. Brooks and Obando-Derstine are borderline. Despite his recent defection from the GOP, Crosswell has struck me as the sincerest of the candidates. I believe he tries hardest to be honest. Though I don't know him, Brooks strikes me as the most likable. McClure is the most experienced and importantly understands national issues as they impact the Lehigh Valley. Obando-Derstine may be a little uninformed but is intelligent and would bring the perspective of both a woman and a Latina.

I voted last week and my vote was for McClure. But had I waited, as perhaps I should have, I would probably have voted for Crosswell. What McClure did in calling Hellertown's Borough Manager about a TIF in an attempt to pressure a new Council member really soured me. In my view, all candidates can beat Mackenzie now, but the situation will be different in November. I believe Crosswell, as a former Republican and a combat veteran, is a Democrat who would get Republican votes.

Now it's your turn. Who are you voting for and why?

LVNews Features McClure Call Concerning Dixie TIF

2026-05-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

I told you last week that NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski supported a tax break for 409 luxury apartments at Wilson Borough's vacant Dixie Cup factory. Despite her support, the tax break failed. One of the No votes came from Council member Theresa Fadem, who stated from the dais that part of the reason for her No vote was because she felt pressured by a telephone call that former NorCo Exec Lamont McClure made to Fadem's boss. He was very reluctant to speak about it with me but was a little more forthcoming in a story published by Lehigh Valley News yesterday. Before I get into that, I want to tell you how Zrinski reacted.

During the meeting, and after the TIF had failed, Zrinski was passing out papers to Council members concerning two new positions she was seeking (and later got) at Gracedale. When she approached Fadem, she reported apologized to Fadem. According to another Council member, who was in earshot, Zrinski said she was sorry about what had happened to Fadem and was unaware that McClure had called her boss. Zrinski obviously recognizes that, whatever the intention, the telephone call was highly inappropriate and was designed to pressure Fadem.

Now let's look at what McClure said to Lehigh Valley News.

He claims he decided to call Hellertown, which has nothing to do with any TIF and is miles away from Wilson Borough because Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft would "understand the municipal perspective."

I could see his nose grow an inch or two when he offered this lame excuse. Whether Hartranft would or would not understand has no bearing at all on what Wilson Borough, located 10 miles away, was seeking. It is clear to me that McClure called Hartranft in an attempt to pressure Fadem.

McClure denies knowing that Fadem is employed by Hellertown. That's nonsense as well. McClure knew the background of every candidate who ran for county council last year. You can add another inch to that nose.

Then McClure went on to say that Fadem is a "very close ally" of Council member Lori Vargo Heffner, whom he despises because she only went along with about 90% of what he wanted when he was Exec.

Wait a second. McClure out of one side of his mouth claims that Fadem is a "very close ally" of Vargo Heffner, but out of the other side of his mouth has no idea where she works.

Add another inch to his increasingly prominent proboscis.

Finally, he claims that Vargo Heffner has endorsed Ryan Crosswell, one of his rivals in the Pa. 07 Congressional race.

Add another inch.

Vargo Heffner has endorsed no one. She is President of the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women, which makes no endorsements in contested Democratic primaries. She told me that she thinks it would be improper for her to endorse anyone, not even the sole woman in that race, Carol Obando-Derstine.

It is very clear to me that McClure's call to Hellertown's Borough Manager was designed to pressure Fadem, and this is consistent with his past behavior.

I also want to draw attention to the last sentence of the Lehigh Valley News story, which notes in passing that all three taxing bodies must approve a TIF before it can move forward. That is untue. Two of the taxing bodies can still moving ahead, which is exactly what happened with the Hamilton Crossings project in 2014. The County said No, but the township and school district moved forward without county participation.

NorCo Elections FAQ Regarding May 19 Primary

2026-05-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

[Northampton County, PA] – The Northampton County Elections Office is providing a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Primary Election on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Q: What will be on the ballot?

A: The Elections Office recommends all voters review the ballot before voting. You can view the Primary Election sample ballots for the May 19 election here: www.NorthamptonVotes.com

Q: Who can vote in the Primary Election?

A: Registered Democrat and registered Republican voters in Northampton County can participate in the Primary Election.

Q: How can I check to see if I’m registered to vote?

A: You can check your registration status at www.vote.pa.gov.

Q: Where do I vote in person?

A: To check your polling location, use our "Find Your Polling Place" tool at NorthamptonVotes.com. If you arrive at an incorrect polling location, each precinct will have QR Codes available to help you find the correct polling place.

Q: Can I vote by paper ballot?

A: Voting by paper ballot is already available in Northampton County. If you choose to vote by a paper ballot, you may:

Utilize Ballot-on-Demand in the Election Office at the Government Center (669 Washington Street Easton, PA 18042). Ballot-on-Demand will be available in the Elections Office:
The LAST day for Ballot-on-Demand will be Tuesday, May 12 (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Request a paper mail-in ballot.
You can return mail-in ballots by mail directly to the Northampton County Election’s Office at the Government Center, or at one of the seven secure ballot drop boxes located around the County. The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, May 12, at 5:00 p.m.

Q: Can I vote by mail?

A: Yes. Act 77, which was passed in 2019, allows for no-excuse mail-in voting. Applications for mail-in or civilian absentee ballots are available in the Elections Office or at Mail-in and Absentee Ballot (pa.gov). The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is Tuesday, May 12 at 5:00 p.m.

Q: Why did I get an email saying my application for a mail-in ballot has been declined?

A: There are various reasons this may have happened (i.e., duplicate application, lack of verifiable ID, etc.). If you are concerned about any of these issues or have any questions, please contact the Elections Office at 610-829-6260 or election@norcopa.gov, for someone to assist you.

Q: When will mail-in ballots be sent?

A: The Elections Office began sending mail-in ballots during the last week of April. You can check the status of your ballot online at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (pa.gov). You should review your mail-in ballot to make sure that it is for the proper precinct and party.

Q: I’m worried about getting my mail-in ballot back to the Elections Office on time.

A: In order for your ballot to be counted, all ballots must be returned to the Elections Office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. We recommend voters return their ballot as soon as possible.

Mail-in ballots can be returned:
By mail, no postage stamp is required. If you plan to mail your ballot, we suggest putting it in the mail early. If there is only one week prior to the election, we recommend you return your completed ballot to a drop box or the Election’s Office to make sure it is received in time to be counted.
Directly to the Northampton County Election’s Office at the Government Center: 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA 18042.
At one of the seven secure ballot drop boxes located around the County (see next question). The County’s secure drop boxes were installed on April 28.

Q: Where are secure ballot drop-off boxes located in Northampton County?

A: Accessing any of the below drop-off boxes does not require going through security at any location.

• Washington Township Municipal Building (Interior Hallway):

1021 Washington Blvd., Bangor, PA 18013

Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; Friday 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Election Day: 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

• East Allen Township Municipal Building (Main Lobby):

5344 Nor Bath Blvd., Northampton, PA 18067

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Election Day: 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

• NCC Fowler Family Southside Center (Main Lobby):

511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem, PA 18015

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m., Friday 7:00 a.m.- 8:30 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Election Day: 7:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.

• Northampton County Courthouse (Rotunda):

669 Washington St., Easton, PA 18042

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Election Day: 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

• Northampton County Human Services Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):

2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am - 7:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Election Day: 8:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

• Northampton County 911 Center (Main Entrance Vestibule):

100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, PA 18064

Hours: 24 Hours/7 Days a week

Election Day: Until 8:00 p.m.

• Bethlehem City Hall (Main Lobby):

10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Election Day: 7:00 a.m .- 8:00 p.m.

Q: How can I ensure the ballot drop-off boxes are “secure”?

A: Ballot drop-off boxes provide a safe and convenient way for you to return your mail-in ballots. Each drop-off box is a secure, locked structure that is permanently anchored in place. Northampton County drop-off boxes have been evaluated to specifically ensure they are indoors, ADA compliant, either chained or anchored in place, and under 24-hour camera/surveillance, and allow County Sheriff’s Deputies to collect the contents of the box on a daily basis. All Northampton County drop-off boxes are operated only by election officials and County Sheriff’s Deputies.

Q: What can I do to ensure my mail-in ballot is accepted?

A: The Elections Office reminds you to carefully follow the instructions included with your ballot. Remember to sign and date the outside of the return envelope. “Naked” ballots—those not enclosed in the inner secrecy envelope—will not be counted.

Mail-in ballots will be accepted if:
The ballot is enclosed in the yellow secrecy envelope and sealed.
There are NO identifying marks or symbols on the secrecy envelope.
The return envelope is signed and dated on the back in the appropriate YELLOW boxes.
The ballot is returned to a Drop Box (review the open hours above) or the Elections Office NO LATER THAN 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. USPS postmarks DO NOT count if received after this deadline.

If your returned mail-in ballot has any defects which are discernable without opening the return envelope (for example you failed to sign or date the outside of the return envelope), the Elections Office may contact you and give you the opportunity to come into the Elections Office and “cure” (fix) the defect. If you come into the office for this purpose, you will be asked for your ID (does not have to be a photo ID).

Q: What kind of stamp should I use to mail my ballot back?

A: Northampton County pays for postage on the return envelopes. You do not need to add a stamp.

Q: How do I know if my application has been accepted or my ballot has been received?

A: Voters who sign up online at www.vote.pa.gov will receive emails about their application/ballot status. Voters can track the status of their ballot at Online/Absentee Ballot Tracking (pa.gov)

Q: Can someone else deliver my ballot to the Elections Office?

A: No. Pennsylvania state law states that voters must only drop off their own ballot. If you come into the office, you may be asked for your ID (does not have to be a photo ID).

If a person is physically unable to drop off their own ballot, someone else may drop off their ballot for them and will be asked to complete and sign a “Certification of Designated Agent” form. A copy of this form can be downloaded here Authorize Designated Agent Form (pa.gov).

Q: I requested a mail-in ballot, but now I want to vote in person at the polls.

A: If you requested a mail-in ballot but now wish to vote on a machine, you must bring your mail-in ballot and the return envelope with you to your polling location. The Judge of Elections will spoil your ballot and ask you to complete a “Declaration to Surrender Ballot” form before allowing you to vote on the ExpressVote XL machine. Only then will you be permitted to vote on the machine. If you do not bring your mail-in ballot and return envelope to the polls, you can only vote by provisional ballot. The Elections Board will verify that you did not vote by mail before the provisional ballot can be counted.

Q: What time are the polls open for the Municipal General Election on May 19?

A: Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19. If you’re in line by 8:00 p.m., stay in line, you will be allowed to cast your vote.

Q: Have the ExpressVote XL machines been tested?

A: Our voting machines have undergone extensive logic and accuracy testing.

Q: Have any polling locations changed for this election?

A: Yes. Northampton County Election Division is implementing the redistricting plan recently approved by the Court of Common Pleas in preparation for the Primary Election. Some voters will have new polling locations and/or district names for this election. All voters are encouraged to check their polling place in advance and can do so by using the “Find Your Polling Place” tool at: www.NorthamptonVotes.com.

The below existing polling locations have been changed as follows:

Bethlehem 4 & 5– from St. John Windish Church to Bethlehem Visitor’s Center at Steel Stacks, 711 East 1^st Street, Bethlehem
Bethlehem 9 East– from Salvation Army to Liberty High School, 1115 Linden Street/ E. Fairview Street, Bethlehem
Bethlehem 14-3– from St. Ann School to BASD Education Center, 1516 Sycamore Street, Bethlehem
Bethlehem 15-2– from BASD Education Center to Lincoln Elementary, 1260 Gresham Street, Bethlehem
Easton 2– from First Presbyterian Church to Easton City Hall, 123 S. 3^rd Street, Easton
Freemansburg– from Freemansburg Municipal Bldg, 606 Monroe Street to Freemansburg Elementary, 501 Monroe Street, Easton

Q: Who should voters contact if they have problems or questions before or on Election Day?

A: The Northampton County Elections Office: 610-829-6260 or election@norcopa.gov.

###

UPDATED: Thresa Fadem Displayed a Profile in Courage in Voting No to the Dixie TIF

2026-05-12T00:00:00.001-04:00

Last week, Theresa Fadem was one of the six NorCo Council members who voted against a tax break for the conversion of Wilson Borough's vacant Dixie factory into 409 luxury apartments. She's one of four newbies - all Democrats - elected in November. Before voting No, she shed some light on the incredible pressures that all elected officials endure when facing a controversial issue. In a democratic form of government, that should be expected. But there's a difference between lobbying or argument and coercion or intimidation. Fadem made very clear that she at least felt that she was being intimidated into voting for the tax break. Here's what she said.

I'm glad we're discussing this up here because this is a discussion of a very great scale, and it should take place here on the dais, in full view of the public. All right, our constituents deserve open, honest, dialogue, not private persuasion. Which leads me to feel compelled to address of recent action that I find deeply concerning. The former county executive contacted my current employer in what appears to be an attempt to influence my position on this matter. It's clearly a breach of professional boundaries. My responsibilities as an elected official are independent of my employment. And any attempt to leverage my workplace in an attempt to sway my vote is inappropriate and unacceptable. I was on the fence before, but I'll tell you right now, it's solid now.

Theresa Fadem is employed as Hellertown's zoning and code enforcement officer. Her boss is Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft. The former county executive is Lamont McClure, who was unsuccessful in his attempt to shepherd a tax break through County Council in November.

Based on what Fadem stated at the meeting, former Executive McClure (now a Congressional candidate) called Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft in an attempt to have Hartranft pressure Fadem to vote for the tax break. It's also clear that Hartranft in turn did talk about it with Fadem. She may have intended only to share her opinion and insight as a borough manager that a tax break would be good for another struggling borough. But she forgot that she is Fadem's boss, and anything a boss would say to a subordinate employee would place that person under intense pressure. This is clearly what McClure intended.

If he was only interested in private persuasion, McClure could have called Fadem directly. Instead, he chose to put the squeeze on through Fadem's boss. This is clear intimidation. Another word for it is bullying.

I asked McClure if what Fadem said is true, adding "that would be highly inappropriate if true." McClure first stated that he had no response. He later added, "I deny that I asked anyone to leverage her employment to get her to vote for the project - which is what [Fadem] implied by saying she was 'pressured.'"

Then why did he call the Borough Manager at all? Why wouldn't he just call Fadem directly?

In addition to calling McClure, I called Borough Manager Hartranft. Her voice mail stated she returns every call, but she declined to return my call. She might claim this is a personnel matter, but I disagree. Any attempt to persuade her to vote for or against the TIF it is outside the scope of Fadem's employment with Hellertown. Whether knowing or unknowingly, she did exactly what McClure wanted. Fadem clearly felt threatened.

In fact, I have since learned that Hartranft even sent Fadem a text about the McClure conversation during the course of the meeting.

Finally, I spoke with Fadem. She understandably declined to add anything to what she said at the Council meeting. She's scared.

And she's right to be scared. In the past, I have seen other Council members like Lorei Vargo Heffner and Ron Heckman attacked personally when they refuse to go along with 100% of what McClure wanted as Exec And it has already started with Fadem with some anonymous comments.

The person this damages most is not Fadem, but current County Executive Tara Zrinski. She has worked hard at building bridges with Council, not just the Meadows Bridge. When a Council member is bullied over a vote, that just destroys everything. McClure is no longer county executive. Zrinski is rendered ineffective when he continues to use tactics that have failed in the past. He is now an assistant solicitor and has no business arguing for or against a policy. If anyone should be worried about job security, it should be him.

UPDATED 10:38 AM: After this post published, Hellertown Borough Manager Cathy Hartranft called me. Shje acknowledged that she was, in fact, called by McClure. She indicated that McClure called her to discuss the TIF and the developer's willingness to provide $2 million for affordable housing. She said that immediately after the call, she told Fadem about his call because she wanted to be transparent. She herself had no opinion concerning the TIF. She acknowledged that Fadem's employment was in no way threatened and there was no intent to intimidate or coerce her.

I believe Hartranft. But I also believe that Fadem, who is in a subordinate position to Hartranft, felt threatened. The call went exactly as McClure intended.

Zrinski Has Good News (Gracedale) and Bad News (Jail)

2026-05-11T00:00:00.001-04:00

At Thursday night's NorCo Council meeting, Executive Tara Zrinski provided yet another detailed report about what is happening in the county. Some readers dislike her presentations, but they're pretty much the same people who would attack her if she said nothing at all. "You've got five minutes," Council President Ken Kraft semi-joked before she started, but I appreciate the transparency. She had good things to say about Gracedale, but is very concerned about the plight of corrections officers at the jail.

Gracedale. - Zrinski reported that the county nursing home underwent its annual inspection and only three deficiencies were found. She told Council that the lead surveyor noted progress over the past year but cautioned that the "official" report is still pending. She indicated the home was preparing for National Nursing Home Week (May 10-16) with a food truck festival to which everyone would be welcome. Zrinski stated nurses will be treated to lunch this week.

Aside from one deficiency at the beginning of the year, state Department of Health officials have found no violations in six visits responding to complaints this year.*Unfortunately, some employees have offered starkly different views of the facility. They agree that the survey was good but are unhappy. They state that on Nurse Day, agencies came and gave their people gifts while regular employees got nothing. They cite three elopements since February, none of which were reported because the resident was found on the grounds. They also note that a hunting knife with spikes was found in a resident's room.

Jail. - Zrinski acknowledged that there are 62 vacant correction officer positions. She was at the jail last week and spoke with officers who are being routinely mandated to work 16-hour shifts. While that might be good for their paycheck, anyone who is forced to work a lot of overtime is bound to be a little less attentive, and that can be very dangerous at a jail.

Why so many vacancies? "I can't help but think that's because the starting pay is $42,160 a year, which is about $20 an hour," she said. "This department is not alone, though. Stagnant pay and inter departmental compression issues exist in multiple departments and should be an issue that we remedy in next year's budget."

Closed Senior Centers. - Two of the county's 11 senior centers have been closed as a result of a $400,000 state budget shortfall. "For the seniors impacted by our senior center consolidation, I would welcome you to redirect your anger towards, uh, to your state and federal legislators. It is the state funding that is cut, and it is HR1 that has cut the funding at the highest level. We are consolidating because we recognize that the senior centers provide a valuable part in our community and the lives of seniors within our community. We have nine. We had 11. So, we do with what we have, and if we can get more funding next year, we will try to reopen whatever we can."

EMS/911. - Michael Leonard has been appointed permanent Director.

Fiscal Affairs Director. - Zrinski had a candidate hooked, but he got away. She was forced to reopen interviews and hopes to have someone soon. (Her pick for this position would have to be confirmed by County Council. )

Meadows Road Bridge in Lower Saucon. - She told Council the bridge would be open on Friday, and it was. It had been closed since 2018.

____________

*) Unfortunately, some employees offer starkly different views of the facility. They agree that the survey was good but are still unhappy. They state that on Nurse Day, agencies came and gave their people gifts while regular employees got nothing. They cite three elopements since February, none of which were reported because the resident was found on the grounds. They also note that a hunting knife with spikes was found in a resident's room. They claim they have been instructed against posting to this blog.

Dixie Cup TIF Fails in NorCo for Second Time

2026-05-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

Last night Northampton County Council rejected a massive tax break, known as a TIF, to kickstart the conversion of Wilson Borough's vacant Dixie Cup factory into 405 luxury apartments. This proposal was defeated in November in a close, 5-4 vote. But in January, four new members joined County Council, and the thinking was that they might be more receptive to this incentive. They weren't. By a 6 to 3 vote, the measure failed. Voting against this tax break were Lori Vargao Heffner, Dave Holland, Theresa Fadem, Nadeem Qayyum, Jason Boulette and Tom Giovanni. Voting YES were Ken Kraft, Kelly Keegan and Jeff Warren. They had also voted for it in November.

I explained Tax Increment Financing (TIF) yesterday, but as a result of an error made last night by NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski, I feel compelled to do so again. She had stated, erroneously, that "the county continues to collect incrementally increasing taxes for the next 20 years." This is false. Instead, property taxes are frozen at their current level. Any increase in property taxes, resulting from new development is diverted to subsidize that development. Local public taxing bodies are denied the new revenue they would normally get from new development. Aside from Allentown's NIZ or an outright grant, a TIF is the most generous tax break a municipal government can provide.

Sensing which way the wind was blowing and knowing that the public has woken up to what is going on, an effort was made to delay the matter. Zrinski, in her comments, said that she expected the ordinance would be withdrawn or tabled. And sure enough, a motion to table was made by Jeff Warren and seconded by Kelly Keegan, supposedly at the request of the industrial development authority. The obvious reason is to delay and slip it back onto the agenda when everyone goes back to sleep.

The motion to table, which is undebatable, failed. Ken Kraft and Jason Boulette joined Keegan and Warren in seeking a delay. But Vargo Heffner, Holland, Fadem, Qayyum and Giovanni wanted a vote that night. Even after the motion to table failed, Kraft attempted one last time to push off the vote, but Fadem and Vargo-Heffner insisted on a vote.

During the courtesy of the floor, there were several speakers. I will summarize a speaker from each side.

Wilson Borough resident Armando Moritz-Chapelliquen urged a No vote for the following reasons:

Vote no, because the county, the borough, and the school district need the $26 million over the next 20 years.

Vote no because the developer has already been awarded over $1.3 million in state and county funds.

Vote no because the remediation of the site is not a blessing. It is a basic responsibility of any property owner, one that has been neglected by Wilson Park LTD, the previous owner, for over 40 years.

Vote no because Wilson Borough hired a consultant to evaluate the TIF, and that consultant's report has not yet been publicly disclosed.

Vote no because the borough is on the record saying they'll go ahead with the tip, whether you approve it or not.

Vote no, because it is an outrage to provide a tax benefit for luxury housing in a school district with the third fastest increase in the poverty rate in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Vote no because there will be no affordable housing units on site.

Vote no because the county should not be the business of building housing, or, if you prefer, vote no because the county should be in the business of building housing. But $2 million isn't enough to replace the units that would otherwise go into a redeveloped Dixie.

Vote no, because tax revenue should go towards supporting the most vulnerable among our neighbors.

Vote no because the developer, because a developer who can't make this project pencil out, maybe shouldn't have spent $11 million on a site that was assessed at less than $3 million.

Vote no because the Democratic Socialists of America oppose it.

Vote no, because the Northampton County GOP opposes it.

Vote no, because any Democrat who cares about affordability would never support giving $26 million to a luxury housing development.

Vote no, because economic development and community development are intrinsically connected.

And anyone who tells you otherwise doesn't know what they're talking about.

And finally, vote no because the development of the Dixie Cup site is an inevitability..

Countering Moritz-Chapelliquen, NorCo Exec Tara Zrinski argued that

First, the Dixie Cup project is a brown field development. That means it is more expensive because of the environmental remediation. And that damage happened decades ago. In this case, underground tanks, asbestos, radon, and contaminated soil were removed at the cost to the developer of $35 million. The TIF only offers a fraction of recovery for him.

Once again, I am compelled to correct yet another misstatement. According to the TIF ordinance itself, Exhibit I, the remediation cost is $8 million, not $35 million. Moreover, he would be getting $5.7 million back directly from the TIF. In addition, he has already been awarded $1 million in outright grants for remediation. Instead of listening to a developer, Zrinski should be reading the ordinance.

Zrinski also made an argument for being kind to the rich:

I don't want to gloss over the iniquities within our society. I think we all realize they are real, but that does not mean that any alliance at all to someone with wealth is a betrayal of the working-class families or the poor. This is a false narrative that pits the rich against the poor, driving a wedge between the two further. There is no diametric opposition that is mutually exclusive.

There are a few people in our community who are using the Dixie Cup Project for self-serving purposes, and twisting comments made in this very room. When it comes to housing, we have to say yes to affordable housing. But not to the exclusion of other projects that would not ever come to fruition but through government assistance.

During the meeting, Council members Theresa Fadem and Dave Holland both indicated that they had received "unsettling" pressure to vote for the TIF. I am looking into these allegations, which I consider serious.

I'll have more about this meeting and the committee hearings next week.

The Dixie Cup TIF and the "But For" Standard

2026-05-07T00:00:00.001-04:00

Tonight, Northampton County Council is poised to act on a massive tax break, known as a TIF, to kickstart the conversion of Wilson Borough's vacant Dixie Cup factory into 405 luxury apartments. Though this proposal was defeated in November in a close, 5-4 vote, a new County Council with 4 new members might see things differently. The latest scuttlebutt, however, is that developer Skyline Investments wants to pull its application and go it alone with Wilson Borough and Wilson Area School District.

Aside from Allentown's NIZ or an outright grant, a TIF is the most generous tax break a taxing body can give to a developer. As Good Jobs First explains it, Tax Increment Financing is a geographically targeted economic development tool. It captures the increase in property taxes, and sometimes other taxes, resulting from new development, and diverts that revenue to subsidize that development. That diversion means local public services do not get the new revenue they would normally get from new re/development.

In the case of the Dixie Cup site, a TIF will enable developer Skyline to use $26.5 million or more in anticipated real estate taxes increases to finance the cost of the project and pay it back over 20 years. During this time, participating taxing bodies will be denied the opportunity to collect any increase in real estate taxes to pay for its own operations.

This TIF, by the way, is in addition to outright grants for this venture. Skyline has already been awarded $1,000,000 from an RACP application in 2024 and this year. It has received $163,257 from a DCED Multimodal Transportation Funding Grant and a $175,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreational Program grant. It is seeking even more grant money from PennDOT, DCED Mixed Use Housing Development, another DCED Greenways grant, another DCED multimodal transportation grant, and Pa Historic tax credits. It also wants $28.5 million in federal tax equity credits.

According to the proposed ordinance Exhibit I, the TIF bond will reward Skyline $4 million as a "developer's fee," and his architect will collect $5 million. Another $3.235 million in soft costs is just listed as "fees" with no additional explanation. I have no idea where that money is going.

Nearly two years ago, I pointed out a number of red flags about the bona fides of Skyline, a private equity firm. Not only has this firm never developed anything, but it falsely claimed to have built the "Louix," a nonexistent project.

I have noted on multiple occasions, and as recently as three weeks or so ago, that 405 luxury apartments will actually exacerbate the workforce housing crisis.

But the main reason why a TIF should be denied is because the developer, by his own admission, has said he doesn't need the county's help. In February, he was specifically asked by Council member Jason Boulette whether he needed the county's help. "It really means a lot to us to have the county support and buy-in as well." answered Bartee. But when pressed he acknowledged that "[t]here are other ways to have the project move forward."

If he does not need the TIF, granting it would technically be illegal. Under the Tax Increment Financing Act, a TIF can only be granted when development of the project is economically or physically unfeasible "but for" the tax break. This is a prerequisite for TIF approval. When a developer stands up before a taxing body and asserts that no TIF is needed, as Bartee has done, it really should not be granted.

NorCo Registrar Voting Discusses Upcoming Primary

2026-05-06T00:00:00.002-04:00

At yesterday's meeting of NorCo's Elections Commission, Registrar Chris Commini acknowledged that human error still exists with mail-in ballots (MIBs) resulting in the wrong ballots neing sent to voters. But unlike last year, the elections office caught the error itself. He also reported on a less than stellar turnout at a pop-up voting event at NorCo Community College.

Northampton County's Election Comm'n is charged under both the Home Rule Charter and state law with the administration of elections, but in practice, the Executive has made decisions that should be in their wheelhouse, even to the point of selecting the Voting Registrar. This has led to controversy in the past, but yesterday's meeting was focused on the upcoming primary.

It is a five-member body consisting of three members of the majority and two members of the minority parties. The Democratic members are Chair Sharon Gavin-Levy, Becky <strike>Bradley</strike> Bartlett and Richard Groff. Republican members are Scott Hough and Shawn Welch.

Pop-Up Voting. - Commini told the Board that there were just three voters at the pop-up voting event held at Northampton Community College. Not many popped up. The turnout was better at Lafayette College, where 31 people obtained a ballot-by-demand. Two more pop-up events are scheduled in Upper Mount Bethel (last night) and at Lower Saucon Tp's Municipal Bldg (9am-12pm on Friday).

Ballots on-demand. So far, 44 voters have sought ballots-on demand.

Mail-in Ballots. - 24,494 ballots were mailed on the 1st day. As of yesterday, an additional 1,232 MIBs have been sent.

Elections Office Errors. If something can go wrong, it will. There is no exception to Murphy's Law, even when it comes to elections in an office that is now charged with conducting four elections (MIBs, in-person, ballot-on-demand and pop-up voting)

According to Commini, some voters received an incorrect party ballot. On top of this, some voters received a duplicate ballot package due to labeling. "I just want to point out that the voters have been instructed to destroy one of those packets, and the machine we have in place does not allow them to submit both ballots." Finally, one precinct initially received incorrect ballots. This error was identified and all affected voters were contacted directly and provided with the correct ballot. Commini said he was aware who was responsible for this mistakes and tht the matter is being handled internally.

DCCC Adds LV Congressional Candidate Bob Brooks to its "Red to Blue" Program

2026-05-05T00:00:00.007-04:00

In what is tantamount to an endorsement, the DCCC has added LV Congressional candidate Bob Brooks to its "Red to Blue" program. Three other Democrats are running, but the DCCC and Josh Shapiro have spoken.

Brooks is one of the latest candidates to receive the official blessing of Beltway Dems and is portrayed as an Everyman instead of what he really is - the puppet of elitist power brokers in Harrisburg and D.C.

In California, one of the snubbed Congressional candidates, Randy Villegas, has remarked, "It is undemocratic to see DC elites putting their thumb on the scale in this race.”

It's more than a thumb. It's also money and organization.

Some House Democrats are unhappy, especially with the Brooks decision. ""I think the DCCC owes House Democrats an explanation, and I would not be surprised if a number of members decide to put their DCCC giving on hold," the anonymous lawmaker told Axios. "Some of these decisions ... are very perplexin

I believe the Working Families Party made that "thumb on the scale" analogy a bit more accurate. "[T]he Democratic establishment is again putting its thumb on the scale—not to support the stronger candidate, but the candidate who will bend to party leadership." said spokesman Ravi Mangla.

Lamont McClure, one of the snubees, had this remark for Axios. "When I am our nominee and [GOP Rep. Ryan Mackenzie] is toast, I think the DCCC and all its members will be really happy about that."

LV Congressional Candidate Bob Brooks Smears Biggest Political Supporter, Gov. Josh Shapiro

2026-05-04T00:00:00.001-04:00

Bob Brooks has mailers and even TV ads bragging that he is Governor Josh Shapiro's pick in the four-way race for the Democratic nomination in the Pa. 07 Congressional District. But Shapiro is no doubt scratching his head about that ill-considered endorsement. As the campaign has progressed, news that Brooks has refused to pay a $130,000 judgment against him for the land and home in which he lives, has surfaced. He's been accused, in court of fraudulently conveying that property so he could duck his legal obligation. He even refused to list this matter in his congressional disclosure, which has sparked an ethics complaint. In top of this, some of his since-scrubbed Facebook posts claim that former President Obama "sucks" and embrace far-right positions associated with the three-percenter movement. I've told you he's shady, but he also appears to be a bit dumb. In a recent meeting with Lehigh University students, he actually torpedoed Shapiro, his biggest supporter.

According to an Axios report, Brooks recently told Lehigh students that Shapiro, who would like to be President, secretly helped GOP State Treasurer Stacy Garrity's 2024 re-election race in a vindictive act against Democratic candidate Erin McClelland, who had criticized Shapiro's office over sexual harassment.

At that time, Brooks was president of the state firefighter unions. He was asked why that union endorsed Garrity over McClelland. Brooks told students, and his exact words are recorded here, "That was a request, ironically, from Governor Josh Shapiro. ... And he said, 'I would like you guys to endorse Stacy Garrity.'"

Obviously, news like this hardly helps Shapiro's Presidential ambitions. And since Garrity is now running against him, it even hurts his bid for re-election as Governor.

In a January interview, Katie Couric questioned Shapiro over his loyalty to political allies. "I guess some of your fellow Democrats in the state have not been that flattering when they talk about you. One state official said, 'you don't want to turn your back on him. Loyalty is not his strong suit.' Now I need to add to that, this individual still insisted that you'd be a great president. But I wanted to give you a chance to respond. Why do you think some of your fellow Democrats apparently have some ambivalence about you? Do you think at times your ambition gets the better of you? Because that has been suggested."

Shapiro had no real answer because he does have a tendency to stab political allies in the back.

But then again, so does Brooks, who supported McClure and even appeared at his announcement before deciding to run against him.

Brooks later told Axios that he misspoke, but his exact words are what they are.

In an earlier Axios story, an unnamed Democratic lawmaker is quoted as saying, "Josh would knife his own lifelong best friend in the back if it got him one extra polling point. That is a widely held view in political circles in Pennsylvania."

It seems to me that Shapiro and Brooks were made for each other.

Lehigh Valley's DSA Opposes Tax Break For Luxury Apartments

2026-05-01T00:00:00.010-04:00

Lehigh Valley's Democratic Socialists of America oppose this handout because they think they can squeeze more money out of an unproven and nonlocal developer. I oppose it under any circumstances. A real estate tax benefit totaling about $26 million (not just $20 million) is in addition to other tax breaks.

Skyline has already been awarded $1,000,000 from an RACP application in 2024 and this year. It has received $163,257 from a DCED Multimodal Transportation Funding Grant and a $175,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreational Program grant. It is seeking even more grant money from PennDOT, DCED Mixed Use Housing Development, another DCED Greenways grant, another DCED multimodal transportation grant, and Pa Historic tax credits.

It also wants $28.5 million in federal tax equity credits.

Moreover, this will actually make it more difficult to find affordable housing, especially when other landlords start increasing their rents.

At a time when it's all but certain that a tax hike is looming, this handout sends the wrong message.

"Ballot-on-Demand" Voting Has Started in NorCo

2026-05-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

[From Northampton County Elections, PA] –The Northampton County Elections Office announces that Ballot-on-Demand voting for the Tuesday, May 19 Primary Election started on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Northampton County Elections Office (Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Lower Level, Easton, PA 18042).

Registered Democratic and Republican Party voters in Northampton County can vote in person on the following dates:

o Wednesday, April 29 – Friday, May 1 (8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)

o Saturday, May 2 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

o Monday, May 4 – Friday, May 8 (8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.)

o Saturday, May 9 (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

o Monday, May 11 (8:30 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.)

o The LAST day for Ballot-on-Demand will be Tuesday, May 12 (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

During this time, Northampton County residents who are eligible to vote can come to the Elections Office, register if they still need to, fill out a ballot application, which will be processed immediately, and be handed a ballot over the counter. Voters may fill out the ballot in the office and return it the same day, OR they may take it home and mail it back via USPS (postage prepaid), utilize one of the seven secure ballot drop boxes throughout the County, or utilize the drop box at Voter Services Pop-ups.

You must bring a valid ID with you to the Elections Office to receive a ballot. The County’s seven secure ballot drop-off boxes were installed on April 28, 2026.

Registered voters who have already applied for a mail-in ballot ARE NOT ELIGIBLE for Ballot-on-Demand and must wait to receive their ballot in the mail.

To ensure that your mail-in ballot is accepted:

Your ballot MUST BE enclosed in the YELLOW secrecy envelope and sealed;
Do NOT write anywhere on the YELLOW envelope. There can be NO identifying marks or symbols;
The PURPLE return envelope must be signed, dated on the back in the appropriate YELLOW boxes, and sealed;
The ballot must be returned to the Elections Office or to a County Drop Box NO LATER THAN 8:00 pm on Election night, Tuesday, May 19. USPS postmarks do NOT count if your ballot is received after this deadline.

Zrinski Adding New Benefits For NorCo Employees, Including Cupcakes

2026-04-30T00:00:00.001-04:00

At Northampton County Council's April 16 meeting, she informed Council that she is proposing new policies that will certainly benefit some if not all county employees. I'm a little unclear on whether this proposal applies only to three unions whose contracts are expiring or the entire workforce. At the time I write this, it's a bit too late to hop on the phone, but I will find out for sure either tomorrow, or more likely, Friday.

First, she desires to increase the number of paid holidays by adding five more holidays, including Indigenous People's Day and a "Spring Break" over the Easter weekend.

Second, "Starting January 1, 2027, everybody gets their birthday off," she said with a smile. "When you can't pay people, you gotta' give them days off. That is how we increase morale. That, and cupcakes. I find cupcakes work really well. The pizza thing? Overdone."

I like both of these ideas, but I have to stay away from both cupcakes and pizza.

FBI's Former Director Indicted ... Again

2026-04-29T00:00:00.003-04:00

In the latest bizarre twist of President Donald Trump's use of the Department of "Justice" to go after his perceived enemies, his henchmen have brought yet another indictment (a first one was dismissed) against former FBI Director James Comey for threatening the life of the President and using Instagram to convey his threat. The evidence? An Instagram post featuring seashells arranged so they read "8647."

86 is American slang for getting rid of something. Trump is the 47th President.

According to The Popehat Report, this is what the government must prove: ". To prove a threat against the President in violation of Section 871, the prosecution must offer “(1) the proof of "a true threat" and (2) that the threat is made "knowingly and willfully."“ United States v. Lockhart, 382 F.3d 447, 449-450 (4th Cir. 2004). To prove a threat in interstate commerce in violation of Section 875(c), the government must prove that “(1) that the defendant knowingly transmitted a communication in interstate or foreign commerce; (2) that the defendant subjectively intended the communication as a threat; and (3) that the content of the communication contained a "true threat" to kidnap or injure.” United States v. White, 810 F.3d 212, 220-21 (4th Cir. 2016). For purposes of both statutes, a “true threat” is a statement which an “ordinary, reasonable recipient who is familiar with the context in which the statement is made would interpret it as a serious expression of an intent to do harm.” White, 810 F.3d at 221." There is no way that any reasonable person could conclude that Comey's vulgar post, one he deleted himself, poses a threat. On its face, this indictment is invalid.

NorCo's Seven Drop Box Locations and Hours

2026-04-29T00:00:00.001-04:00

Secure Ballot Drop-off Boxes Installed on April 28, 2026 for the May 2026 Primary Election

[FROM Northampton County, PA] –The Northampton County Elections Office announced that ballot drop-off boxes were installed on April 28, 2026 at the following locations:

Washington Township Municipal Building (Interior Hallway):

1021 Washington Blvd., Bangor, PA 18013

Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; Friday 7:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Election Day: 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

East Allen Township Municipal Building (Main Lobby):

5344 Nor Bath Blvd., Northampton, PA 18067

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

Election Day: 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

NCC Fowler Family Southside Center (Main Lobby):

511 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem, PA 18015

Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m., Friday 7:00 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.,

Saturday 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Election Day: 7:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Northampton County Courthouse (Rotunda): 669 Washington St., Easton, PA 18042

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Election Day: 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m.

Northampton County Human Services Building (Main Entrance Vestibule):

2801 Emrick Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18020

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am - 7:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Election Day: 8:30 a.m.- 7:00 p.m.

Northampton County 911 Center (Main Entrance Vestibule):

100 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, PA 18064

Hours: 24 Hours/7 Days a week

Election Day: Until 8:00 p.m.

Bethlehem City Hall (Main Lobby):

10 E. Church St., Bethlehem, PA 18018

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Election Day: 7:00 a.m .- 8:00 p.m.

All seven drop boxes will be available for Northampton County voters. Accessing drop-off boxes does not require going through security at any location. Applications for mail-in and civilian absentee ballots are available in the Elections Office or at this link: www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/#/OnlineAbsenteeBegin

The last day to apply for a mail-in or civilian absentee ballot is May 12 by 5:00 p.m., both online and in person.

Voters are also able to drop off ballots securely at the Northampton County Elections Office on the Lower Level of Northampton County Courthouse, 669 Washington St., Easton, PA 18042, during the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. from April 29- May 11, 2026. The Elections Office will also be open on Saturday, May 2 and Saturday, May 9 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

How Does Gracedale Stack Up Against Other County-Owned Nursing Homes in 2026?

2026-04-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

Pa's Department of Health (DOH) maintains a nursing home facility locator. You can search for homes by county, zip code, city or do a radius search. You can search just county-owned homes, state-owned home, nonprofiit or for-profit homes. Once you find a home, you can click on patient care surveys and see them for yourself. But as NorCo Council member Dave Holland has observed, there is a 41-day lag between when a deficiency is observed and when it appears on the DOH website.

During 2025, Gracedale was cited for eight deficiencies on 4/16 (bedsores), 6/25 (abuse), 8/11 (staffing), 9/19 (elopement), 9/23 (elopement), 10/2 (elopement), 10/17 (abuse) and 11/18 (staffing). (I have previously detailed these deficiencies both here and here.) How is it doing this year, and how does that stack up against other the 14 county-owned nursing homes? Let's check.

In 2026, Gracedale has been cited just once during 5 visits so far. The one citation is for poor staffing.

Berks Heim (Berks County) has had no visits or citations this year.

Cedarbrook (Lehigh County) was visited once, but no deficiency was substantiated.

Indian Haven (Indiana County) was visited three times, but no deficiency was found.

Fair Acres (Delaware County) was visited twice and cited once. ,

John J Kane (Glen Hazel - Allegheny County) was visited once, and there was no deficiency.

According to the DOH nursing home facility locator, Gracedale remains the only county-owned nursing home with a provisional license. It still provides the lowest amount of nursing care to the residents.

John J Kane (McKeesport - Allegheny County) was visited twice and cited once.

John J Kane (Ross Tp - Allegheny County) was visited three times and with no citations.

John J Kane (Scott Tp - Allegheny County) was visited once and cited.

Neshaminy Manor (Bucks County) was visited and cited once.

Pleasant Ridge Manor-West (Erie County) was visited once with no deficiency found.

Pocopson Nursing Home (Chester County) has received no visits.

Rouse-Warren County Home (Warren County) was visited twice, with no deficiencies noted.

Westmoreland Manor (Westmoreland County) was cited visited once and no deficiencies were found.

UPDATED: McClure Sole Congressional Candidate at LV Workers' Memorial

2026-04-27T00:00:00.003-04:00

Over the weekend, a group of about 30 people attended the annual Lehigh Valley Workers Memorial at Bethlehem's Rose Garden. It was established to commemorate the Lehigh Valley's working men and women who been killed or injured on the job. Lamont McClure, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for Congress in Pa. 07, was there. He's been doing it for over 20 years. None of his Democratic rivals showed, nor incumbent Ryan Mackenzie. Although State Representatives Bob Freeman and Steve Samuelson came, none of Bethlehem's elected officials wished to pay their respects. Their absence is astonishing, especially since Bethlehem's Recycling Center has been named after two employees who were killed on the job.

It was April 16, 2002. Dana Grubb (then a Bethlehem City employee) received a call telling him to get out to the recycling center immediately. In his own words,

"Our police department was already on site investigating. There was a lot of blood in the area were Ray Theis and Lewis Cornfeld had been hit and crushed against a cardboard compactor and building.

"I was back and forth with the City's police communications center as we tried to locate their families.

"Ray had been medivacked to Lehigh Valley Hospital and Lew to St. Luke's Hospital. There was confusion about who had been sent where. I was asked to go to St. Luke's to provide identification. One had died on the way to Lehigh Valley Hospital, the other was still alive, but they weren't sure who was who.

"When I arrived at St. Luke's I was ushered into the emergency room where I was able to ID Lew. I will never ever forget what the trauma of his injuries had done to his appearance. He was hardly recognizable.

"Afterward I was sent into a room where Lew's family was waiting along with a chaplain. When an emergency room doctor arrived, he told them to prepare for the worst. You could feel the heavy emotions in that room. Lew would pass very shortly after.

"I left and went to Town Hall where a City Council meeting was underway and let Mayor Cunningham know the status of the situation. He made an announcement to Council.

"For years each April 16 a brief remembrance is held on/around April 16 to remember these co-workers. Unfortunately, the current management no longer does anything to remember the two men whose names are honored at the Their-Cornfeld Recycling Center. They're just names these days."

Incumbent Ryan Mackenzie might have shipped this event because it attracts mostly union members, but this could be one way he could have demonstrated that he actually does care about workers and their on-the-job safety. Ryan Crosswell, who appears to have lived everywhere in the United States but the Lehigh Valley, probably knew nothing about this annual tribute. That's what I'd expect from someone who moved here to run. Obando-Derstine was until recently was a systems engineer with rate-greedy PPL, has never had any real connection to the working class. But Bob Brooks is a former Bethlehem City firefighter and a union president. His absence tells me what he really thinks about the working class, not his TV ads.

Don't get me wrong. I recently watched the Blue Ridge Cable TV of the Dem Congressional candidates who were sparring in Jim Thorpe. All seemed likable. McClure and Crosswell were easily the most polished speakers, which should be expected because that's how they both made a living. But Brooks and Obando-Derstine were fine.

Of the four candidates, Crosswell is best suited to beat Mackenzie because he might attract GOP votes from disaffected Trump supporters. But the problem with Crosswell is that he will not be representing us, as his finance records reveal. He simply lacks the understanding of local issues and people that McClure has. He's been doing it many years. Along the way, he has made some enemies. But he's been on the frontline, and here in the Lehigh Valley.

10:55 AM UPDATE: I am informed that Congressman Mackenzie was at a ceremony to honor Lehighton's last surviving WWII veteran at its American Legion and attended a Department of Labor Memorial event in DC on Thursday.

NorCo Jail as 161 Guards, Director Says There Should be 212

2026-04-24T00:00:00.001-04:00

DeeAnn Lawrence, Northampton County's new Corrections Director, described what's happening at the jail during a very informative Courts and Corrections Committee hearing last week. Unfortunately, the meeting was coming to a close at the time of her remarks, so it was an abbreviated report. In a nutshell, her job is to provide a safe and secure environment for the inmates, corrections officers and the general public.

Larence told County Council that, in recent weeks, she sat down with staff from each of three shifts covering the jail's 24/7 operation, to identify the "concerns, the needs and wants of the facility." She claims these sitdowns led to " immediate resolution of standing staff grievances, grievances, better communication, and an uplifted morale. This approach will continue to increase the relationship between staff and supervisors, ensuring that staff are not merely workers, but human beings.

Unfortunately, these human beings are often mandated to work 16-hour shifts, which does nothing to make the facility more secure or safe. This is primarily due to a staffing shortage.

Lawrence claimed there are currently just 161 corrections officers (COs) in a jail with a census of 480, and this includes 4 who are in the training pipeline. The jail is budgeted for 180 COs and, according to Lawrence, should have 212.

They still have off every other Saturday, but with mandates, it can be grueling

US House Ethics Complaint Filed Against Pa. 07 Congressional Candidate Bob Brooks

2026-04-23T00:00:00.008-04:00

According to Apocalypse Vibes, an ethics complaint has been filed against Pa. 07 Congressional candidate Robert "Bob" Brooks for his knowing refusal to list a $130,000 judgment filed against him by his former mother-in-law that helped him acquire and build the home in which he now lives. This refusal is something I noted myself when I first reviewed his disclosure. This is something I noted myself when I reviewed his financial disclosure back in January.

His disclosure reports debt of between $380,000 and $850,000 based on a residential mortgage, an investment property mortgage, and outstanding debt to Darrell and Linda Crook. He failed to list a $130,000 judgment owed to Carol Wiley, his former mother-in-law, since 2022.

A title search of Northampton County records reveal that Brooks owns no real estate under his own name, nor is there any recorded mortgage in which he is listed for either a residential or an investment property mortgage

Something is very fishy about Brooks' disclosure.

Review of this complaint requires approval from two members of the Office of Congressional Conduct, who must include a majority and minority member. All investigations are confidential.

Sultana Vows Write-in Campaign, But DSA Investigating Her Treatment of Staff and Volunteers

2026-04-23T00:00:00.006-04:00

Former Easton City Council member Taiba Sultana wanted to primary incumbent State Senator Lisa Boscola, but her nomination petition was rejected by Commonwealth Court Judge Anne Covey. The reason for this rejection is that she failed to tell the public exactly what she does for a living, Judge Covey's decision was affirmed by the Pa. Supreme Court. After being rebuffed by two courts, a normal person would sail off into the sunset. But as we all know, nothing about Sultana is normal. Yesterday, she announced her candidacy as a write-in candidate, and oh yeah, she wants money.

Here's her latest text bomb:

"Bernard, While Seniors and working families are struggling with the cost of living.
The political establishment spent thousands to remove my name from the ballot.
But they can’t take away your vote.
WRITE-IN 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐛𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐚.
It’s time for better wages, tax relief for seniors, healthcare for all, and affordable housing."

When she talks about better wages and helping working families, she probably should start with the people who were working on her campaign. In fact, the local Democratic Socialists of America has asked its members pause any work for her while they investigate allegations involving "her treatment of both paid staff and volunteers while the campaign was active."

Here's what a member sent me yesterday (it is a little unclear unless you expand it).

NorCo's Three Treatment Courts

2026-04-23T00:00:00.004-04:00

At last week's very informative Courts and Corrections Committee hearing for NorCo Council, Judge Jennifer Sletvold provided an overview of the county's three treatment courts She, along with Judges Brian Panella and Jeremy Clark, preside over these courts.

Sletvold expressed great enthusiasm for these programs, describing them as the most meaningful aspect of her judicial role. "I love administering our treatment courts," she said, using a word rarely heard by a judge. These three specialty courts, sometimes called problem-solving courts, include Recovery Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Court. Problem-solving courts were first championed approximately 10 years ago under Judge Craig Dally as a Recovery Court for people suffering from addiction. It was then expanded with the Mental Health Court, Two years ago, Judge Sletvold provided the impetus for Veterans Court, which just had its first graduation.

Noting that she is the wife of a veteran, she told Council that she is "honored to be able to serve our veterans and our community through veterans court." She invited everyone to watch the proceedings, usually conducted on Thursdays, calling it an "uplifting" experience.

Speaking specifically about veterans, she said, "You'll see a veteran start out in prison so low. So just down on their luck, so sad about where they're at, in trouble, addicted, mental health court issues, PTSD, what have you. As they have progressed through this program, we have united veterans with their children. We have gotten them on their feet. We've gotten them housing, we've gotten them functioning, and it's just really wonderful to see. And the feel, the vibe in Veterans Court. Please come see it."

A key theme of the presentation was the transformative impact these courts have on participants. Judge Sledfold highlighted how individuals often enter the program at low points, facing addiction, mental health challenges, or trauma such as PTSD, but gradually progress toward stability. Outcomes frequently include reunification with family, access to housing, and improved functioning within the community. She emphasized that while the courts serve distinct populations, there is substantial overlap among participants, particularly between mental health and substance use disorders.

Judge Sledfold explained important structural differences among the three courts. Mental Health Court operates entirely on a diversion model, meaning participants avoid prosecution if they successfully complete the program. Veterans Court uses a hybrid approach, with approximately half of participants on diversion and others entering through guilty pleas, particularly in DUI cases. Recovery Court differs in that all participants have some form of conviction and are not eligible for full diversion. Despite these differences, all three courts share the same overarching goal: to provide treatment, support, and accountability in order to help individuals reintegrate into society while reducing long-term costs associated with incarceration.

Each treatment court relies on a multidisciplinary team that includes judges, assistant district attorneys, public defenders, probation officers, and treatment specialists. Strong partnerships exist with the county prison, sheriff’s department, mental health agencies, and the Veterans Affairs system. Judge Sledfold highlighted the recent addition of a deputy sheriff as a formal team member, which has enhanced coordination and participant support. She noted that a deputy sheriff provides a perspective from law enforcement, Veterans Court also benefits from volunteer veteran mentors who provide peer support and play a critical role in participant success.

Mental Health Court even has a dog on its team.

Weekly team meetings are held prior to court sessions to review participant progress. Court sessions then involve direct engagement with participants through review hearings. Mental Health Court is capped at 25 participants due to resource constraints, while Recovery Court and Veterans Court currently have no such cap.

She highlighted ongoing efforts to achieve formal accreditation through a national organization that establishes best practices for treatment courts. The county is currently pursuing accreditation for Recovery Court in 2026, which will be followed by Mental Health and Veterans Court.

Participants are provided transportation assistance through community partnerships, and community service initiatives such as a veterans-run garden at Louise Moore Park, where I was evicted a few years ago for keeping a weed-infested garden.. Funding for the courts comes from a combination of county resources, grants, and volunteer contributions.

Housing and access to mental health treatment are the most significant ongoing challenges. But lack of housing is no bar to admission into the program, and securing stable housing is a key component of participant support.

A listing of treatment courts in Pennsylvania can be found here. There are even treatment courts for prostitution in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.