Why Kucinich Voted Against Pelosi Care

Last election cycle, LV Congressman Charlie Dent's detractors claimed he was in the pocket of Big Oil. This time, the refrain is that he is a slave to Big Insurance. Ironically, if that were true, he would have supported the Pelosi care legislation adopted on Saturday.

Few would accuse Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich of pandering to the health insurance industry. He voted NO to Pelosi care, and explains why.

"We have been led to believe that we must make our health care choices only within the current structure of a predatory, for-profit insurance system which makes money not providing health care. We cannot fault the insurance companies for being what they are. But we can fault legislation in which the government incentivizes the perpetuation, indeed the strengthening, of the for-profit health insurance industry, the very source of the problem. When health insurance companies deny care or raise premiums, co-pays and deductibles they are simply trying to make a profit. That is our system."

"Clearly, the insurance companies are the problem, not the solution. They are driving up the cost of health care. Because their massive bureaucracy avoids paying bills so effectively, they force hospitals and doctors to hire their own bureaucracy to fight the insurance companies to avoid getting stuck with an unfair share of the bills. The result is that since 1970, the number of physicians has increased by less than 200% while the number of administrators has increased by 3000%. It is no wonder that 31 cents of every health care dollar goes to administrative costs, not toward providing care. Even those with insurance are at risk. The single biggest cause of bankruptcies in the U.S. is health insurance policies that do not cover you when you get sick."

"But instead of working toward the elimination of for-profit insurance, H.R. 3962 would put the government in the role of accelerating the privatization of health care. In H.R. 3962, the government is requiring at least 21 million Americans to buy private health insurance from the very industry that causes costs to be so high, which will result in at least $70 billion in new annual revenue, much of which is coming from taxpayers. This inevitably will lead to even more costs, more subsidies, and higher profits for insurance companies - a bailout under a blue cross."

"By incurring only a new requirement to cover pre-existing conditions, a weakened public option, and a few other important but limited concessions, the health insurance companies are getting quite a deal. The Center for American Progress' blog, Think Progress, states, 'since the President signaled that he is backing away from the public option, health insurance stocks have been on the rise.' Similarly, healthcare stocks rallied when Senator Max Baucus introduced a bill without a public option. Bloomberg reports that Curtis Lane, a prominent health industry investor, predicted a few weeks ago that 'money will start flowing in again' to health insurance stocks after passage of the legislation. Investors.com last month reported that pharmacy benefit managers share prices are hitting all-time highs, with the only industry worry that the Administration would reverse its decision not to negotiate Medicare Part D drug prices, leaving in place a Bush Administration policy."

"During the debate, when the interests of insurance companies would have been effectively challenged, that challenge was turned back. The 'robust public option' which would have offered a modicum of competition to a monopolistic industry was whittled down from an initial potential enrollment of 129 million Americans to 6 million. An amendment which would have protected the rights of states to pursue single-payer health care was stripped from the bill at the request of the Administration. Looking ahead, we cringe at the prospect of even greater favors for insurance companies."

"Recent rises in unemployment indicate a widening separation between the finance economy and the real economy. The finance economy considers the health of Wall Street, rising corporate profits, and banks' hoarding of cash, much of it from taxpayers, as sign of an economic recovery. However in the real economy - in which most Americans live - the recession is not over. Rising unemployment, business failures, bankruptcies and foreclosures are still hammering Main Street."

"This health care bill continues the redistribution of wealth to Wall Street at the expense of America's manufacturing and service economies which suffer from costs other countries do not have to bear, especially the cost of health care. America continues to stand out among all industrialized nations for its privatized health care system. As a result, we are less competitive in steel, automotive, aerospace and shipping while other countries subsidize their exports in these areas through socializing the cost of health care."

"Notwithstanding the fate of H.R. 3962, America will someday come to recognize the broad social and economic benefits of a not-for-profit, single-payer health care system, which is good for the American people and good for America's businesses, with of course the notable exceptions being insurance and pharmaceuticals."

Dent and Kucinich may disagree on the solution, but they see eye-to-eye on the problem.

Pelosi Care Passes While Callahan Remains Silent

Late Saturday, the U.S. House narrowly adopted health care reform legislation that will provide health care to nearly everyone while simultaneously imposing tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. This measure now heads to the Senate, where survival is no sure thing. It will be paid with $400 billion in Medicaire cuts as well as a tax hike on any person making more than $500 thousand per year.

Locally, Congressman Charlie Dent opposed the measure after getting input from us at 17 town halls all over the Lehigh Valley, as well as numerous Q&A sessions with senior center residents. To be fair, Congressional candidate John Callahan has been getting input, too. This includes $4,000 from Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Dent's vote is no surprise. On Friday, he noted "[w]e’ve gone from a 1,000 page bill that reduces care, increases costs and raises taxes to a 2,000 page bill that reduces care, increases costs and raises taxes.” Whether you agree or disagree, he's been leading from the front. In the meantime, just about the only thing I know about Callahan is that he supports a sales tax increase.

Dent campaign manager Shawn Millan is shaking his head. “Callahan’s silence on the issue was stunning. Health care reform is the pre-eminent domestic issue we are facing in Congress and Callahan wouldn’t tell the people he hopes to represent whether he would support or oppose the bill.”

“Mayor Callahan’s official bio states that he worked for 13 years as a ‘Senior Institutional Healthcare [sic] Consultant’ for a pharmaceutical company, yet for three months now, John Callahan has been afraid to state his position on health care,” said Millan

“If Mayor Callahan can peel himself away from conducting criminal background checks on himself and on the people the City does business with, he might consider taking the short walk from his office across Payrow Plaza to the Bethlehem library to read the bill.

“Voters should know that Callahan received $4,000 from Nancy Pelosi for his Congressional run. She’s definitely got her strings attached to him. But will she let her puppet tell the people where he stands?” asked Millan.

Northampton County Council: How to Keep the Public Away

If you ever visit the judges' new palace in Easton, be prepared for a rude awakening. You'll circle the campus, searching in vain for a place to park. Eventually, you'll just run out of gas and abandon your car. That's when the real problem starts. You see, this modern fortress is perched atop a steep. forbidding hill strewn with the remains of those unlucky souls who have fallen along the way. Every now and then, you'll see the remains of some dead litigant or a lawyer who simply collapsed, still clutching his brief case. You can always tell the lawyers. Their bodies are better preserved than most because the buzzards leave them alone.

Professional courtesy.

Before climbing this Mount Everest, your best bet is to hire an Easton Sherpa, whose base camp is somewhere along the Delaware. They can get you up the hill and keep you safe from the Hoover Crips. They can also get you inside the building. Without them, you'll never find the secret entrance. You'll walk all over the place, trying thousands of locked doors, until you give up or eventually die of exposure after being battered by all those winds.

This secret entrance, as you may have guessed, is located at the inconvenient place possible, the rotunda, at the farthest distance possible from the parking lots. You see, the judges don't want you tracking in mud on their fancy new floors. Once you step inside this Taj Mahal to put out the fire in your lungs, you'll be funneled into a search center. There, as many as eight deputies have the thankless task of looking through your belongings to make sure you haven't come to kill anyone.

Now let's say you'd like to attend a County Council meeting, scheduled at 6:30 PM, long after a judge's usual noon quitting time. Guess what? County officials lock down the usual secret rotunda entrance, and now you have to scurry in to the employee's entrance, located in the bowels of this judicial tomb.

Assuming you can find your way in, the first thing you'll see when you get inside is a pair of deputy sheriffs. Some of them will just wave you ahead, while others insist on a complete search. It seems to depend on their mood.

Now last time I checked, this building is the property of the people, not deputy sheriffs or judges in black robes. While I can understand the need for security while court is actually in session, these intrusive searches and building lockdowns have a chilling effect on a citizen's interest in participating in his own government.

In the last year, I've wandered into public meetings in Nazareth, Bethlehem, Allentown, Bethlehem Township, and Lehigh County. No matter how controversial the issue on a given agenda, no one is searched. Frankly, Northampton County Council members have more to fear from each other than they do from the general public. Yet, they think nothing of subjecting the public to searches, with no legal authority.

Around two years ago, then President Judge Freedberg issued an edict, a court order, regulating how the building would be entered. It was thumb tacked to a few bulletin boards. No public hearing. Our judges are terrified of the commoners. They have reserved parking with a private entrance, closed dining room and their very own judicial potties. Their "chambers" (a classy word for office) are located on a locked floor, guarded by vicious wolves. (OK, I made up the part about wolves). They're isolated and out of touch, a paranoid bunch. Still, I wouldn't call Freedberg's manifesto illegal. They have a right to regulate security in and around their courtrooms.

But judges have no Godlike authority right to determine unilaterally how people enter the building for a County Council meeting. According to the Commonwealth Court, who outrank Northampton County jurists, that should come from Council. "[T]he County Code allows county commissioners to adopt ordinances regulating the affairs of a county. ... [T]he County Code allows county commissioners to prescribe fines and penalties for violations of a 'public safety' ordinance."

In Northampton County, this means county council. They are the body that adopts ordinances, but only after hearing from the public. They are also the residual power in the county and public access to their own meetings should be regulated by them. They are the only body with authority to impose penalties (in an ordinance) for persons who ignore requests to be searched.

Last Thursday, I complained about this denial of public access to County Council. Prez Ann McHale, still bitter over her loss to John Stoffa, responded with a slap aimed at him. "Why don't you take this up with our new Acting Sheriff?"

McHale, who dragged her feet for years about webcasting while simultaneously insisting she was working very hard on it, refuses to understand that Council has the obligation to regulate security at its own meetings. Council security was actually initiated by former Exec Glenn Reibman during controversial bond hearings. The Sheriff did it himself, but over time, it has gone to two deputies. It's a meal ticket for them. The only security they are interested in is job security.

In reality, violence during municipal meetings is rather rare. I think this security is overkill. But council members who disagree should at least conduct a hearing to determine if there is a rational basis for this privacy invasion. If persuaded that there is legitimate reason for concern, they can adopt an ordinance regulating how the people's building is accessed. Until that happens, usual entrances should remain open and no one should be humiliated by a search.

Congressman Dent Reacts to Fort Hood Tragedy

Army psychiatrist Nidal Malik Hasan, scheduled for deployment to Iraq, went on a rampage at a military processing center in Fort Hood opn Thursday, fatally shooting 12 and wounding 31. Lehigh Valley Congressman Charlie Dent has released this statement:

“I share the shock that Americans feel today over the horrific shooting attack at Fort Hood, Texas. My thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers and the families of the victims – people who already sacrifice so much every day.

“Troubling reports have come out in the media about possible motives and activities by the alleged attacker. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I take very seriously any incident that may be inspired or coordinated by foreign terrorist operatives inside our country, and especially within our military. We must be ever vigilant in our determination to find and stop our enemy, which is unyielding in its determination to harm Americans and disrupt our free society. However, until a full investigation by the Army and law enforcement is completed and all facts are known, I urge people to refrain from excessive judgment or worry over what may have motivated this senseless tragedy.

“For now, let’s focus our thoughts on the victims, the families, and the great courage of our men and women in uniform, who risk their lives for our freedom and security at all times and in all places.”

President Barack Obama has asked us not to jump to any conclusions. "We don't know all the answers yet and I would caution against jumping to conclusions until we have all the facts."

Northampton County Inching Towards New Sheriff

Northampton County Exec John Stoffa told County Council last night that the list of Sheriff applicants has been whittled down to five, and he'll be meeting with President Judge Kim McFadden to determine which of these candidates is the best fit for the job.

How Much Did Special Election Cost Northampton County?

When Lt. Governor and Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati insisted on a September 29th special election to fill a vacancy in the 24th Senatorial District, both Lehigh and Northampton County adopted resolutions objecting to the cost and asking that the election be scheduled to occur with November's regularly scheduled elections. Scarnati, of course, blew everyone off.

Last night, Director of Administration John Conklin told County Council that Northampton County's costs for this election, which was conducted in four counties, is $47,805. He hopes the state will reimburse this cost before the end of the year.

Northampton County To Start Webcasts in January

With only Lamont McClure opposed, Northampton County Council last night approved a $16,000 webcasting system for meetings, starting next January. In addition to the livestream, viewers will be able to view portions of a meeting, using the agenda as an index.

IT Director Al Jordan describes the system: "What it's going to entail is two cameras; one camera will focus on the speaker, the other camera will focus on the Council members in general, showing everyone at once. The person that's speaking shall be pictured in a small frame inside the overall picture. ...

"The package also includes all the bells and whistles that we talked about, which includes posting minutes and agendas and those things online, and using the agenda as an index to the video. So if someone just wants to see a portion of the meeting in reference to a certain topic, they can just go ahead and skip to that portion.

"We will be able to stream the meeting live and also maintain an archive of previous meetings."

Is this popular? Will people want to view the webcasts? Council member Michael Dowd, a proponent of webcasting, mentioned the experience of Easton School District. "I can't give you a number, but The Express Times or Morning Call reported on that, and the initial number was kind of startling, far exceeding what I thought it would be." Council member John Cusick, another webcasting advocate, spoke with two counties - Chester and Allegheny - that already produce webcasts. "From their experience, how many people watch it depends on what's on the agenda."

The Northampton County Bulldog, Ron Angle, volunteered to find a few sponsors for the webcast to help pay the bill. "I am convinced I will raise the $16,000."

Lamont McClure, insisting "I'm not camera shy and it's because I'm so pretty," is nevertheless opposed to webcasts because the $19,000 outlay depletes Council's contingency fund. That has been used to support food banks, pre-school at a YMCA and Nazareth's skate park. "We're going to reduce the contingency fund by $16,000, and in a way that doesn't help people."

Cusick disagreed with McClure. "It's not our money. It's taxpayers' money, and I think what we're doing is spending it to give the citizens an opportunity to see their government at work."

Sometime in January, I'll be able to put my flipcam to bed.

Blogger's Note: Sarah Cassi's Express Times report is here.

Why is John Callahan Investigating ... Himself?

The NRCC wonders why Congressional contender John Callahan, who must be re-thinking his bid after Tuesday's election, is so intent on investigating himself. If this investigator comes up with Callahans stand on health care reform - or any other national issue - I hope he shares it with us.

Lehigh County's First SuperClerk Gets Major Award

What is it with Lehigh County and all these major awards? I'm getting notified of at least one every week. The latest one goes to Andrea Naugle, Lehigh County’s first ever Super Clerk.

Northampton County has a Recorder of Deeds, a Clerk of Courts and a Register of Wills. But LC Exec Don Cunningham decided to consolidate all those offices into one SuperClerk.

"Records Deeds faster than a speeding bullet. Collects fines with more power than a locomotive. Able to leap tall bookshelves in a single bound --- 'Look, up in the sky,' 'It's a bird,' 'It's a plane,' 'It's Superclerk....' "

Ironically, Andrea was initially opposed to this idea, and even fought against it, unaware at the time that she possesses super powers. Now, she's been recognized and honored by Lehigh Valley's the Business and Professional Women’s Club with their 2009 Nike Award.

The award, presented by Dr. Lex Luther, is forged from kryptonite.

Morning Call Loses Another Good Reporter

Pennsylvania Ave. blogger and Morning Call reporter Josh Drobnyk is the person who first broke the story about State Senator Lisa Boscola's chief of staff Bernie Kieklak and his penchant for dropping by this blog, late at night, with uncharitable comments about local political figures.

His boss was weighing a Congressional run at the time, so he had no love for Siobhan "Sam" Bennett, a potential rival. "Sammy Bennett is a phony political whore who gives good head and makes cheap, blatant political opportunists look like Mother Fucking Teresa. Even her pussy is made of plastic."

I miss Bernie. I hear he got a raise.

Drobnyk is also the journalist who drew attention to Bennett's comfy $110,000 salary at Properties of Merit, even though its annual budget was only $351,000. That pretty much ended her Congressional hopes before her campaign had even started.

On Monday, he'll be on the other side of the table, starting a new job with Congressman Chris Carney, a Pennsylvania Democrat from the coal regions.

The Morning Call has lost one of its best, but he's working for us now.

Will Ott Seek a Recount?

According to Lehigh County's web page, Don Cunningham has succeeded in his bid for re-election as County Exec, garnering 21,333 to Scott Ott's 20,332. But Scott Ott has yet to concede. Inside sources within the Lehigh County Republican Party tell me Scrappleface may ask for a re-count.

Charles Dertinger, RIP?

With Tuesday's defeat of incumbent Council member Charles Dertinger, is it safe to conclude his political career is over? He has now lost four races in ten years. He's also part of a cabal making regular appearances before a grand jury investigating deceptive campaign practices. Maybe he should consider law school. Here's his political history.

In 1999

Charles Dertinger runs against Ron Angle for the District 4 County Council seat. Dertinger, a union operative, tries to portray himself as a pig farmer. It turns out that Dertinger has slaughtered and eaten the sole pig at his family compound. During this campaign, Angle is savaged by attack ads emblazoned with swastikas. Dertinger denies any involvement. Angle wins.

In 2003

Ron Angle again beats Charles Dertinger for the District 4 County Seat. (6,637 to 5,301). No swastikas or pigs this time.

In 2005

Dertinger runs for a county-wide Council seat, garnering the second highest vote count behind the infamous Wayne Grube. It's a good year to be a Democrat. John Stoffa beats incumbent Glenn Reibman. Change is in the air and it is thick in Northampton County. Charles says "Good Day!" a lot.

Wayne Grube gets 22,988 Votes
Dertinger gets 17,829 Votes

In 2006

Recruited by Dem Party Boss Joe Long, Dertinger wages a congressional campaign against LV Congressman Charlie Dent. He complains during a debate that he was "more or less dragged" into the race. That comment is recorded and becomes the basis of a radio campaign against him. Although Democrats seize control of Congress with a net gain of at least twenty-nine seats, Dertinger loses his home township and even his own precinct. Dent achieves a nearly 20,000 vote margin of victory.

In 2007

Dertinger, exhausted after a failed Congressional campaign, still has two years left to serve on Council. He decides to meddle in the campaigns of other council candidates. He becomes part of an unholy alliance headed by Joe "Bossman" Long and Tom “Scissorhands” Severson. The result is some of the slimiest tactics ever seen in a county where the mud regularly flows thick and deep. This evil consortium also results in a grand jury, and a bunch of misdemeanor and felony charges.

In this climate, Peg Ferraro runs for a two-year County Council at Large seat.

Peg gets 18,354 to Tony Branco's 15,113

In 2009

Taking his next Council victory for granted, Dertinger instead focuses his campaign on State Rep. Rich Grucela's District, laying the groundwork for an eventual run there.

Peg Ferraro gets (unofficially) 19,004 votes to Dertinger's 13,046.

During a debate in October, Peg Ferraro compliments the very Slate Belt residents who worked actively against her in 1997, telling them that is democracy in action. Dertinger has to explain why he broke a pledge made to Wind Gap voters and refuses to explain his grand jury appearances.

Peg has TWICE received MORE votes than Charlie Dertinger's highest vote count.

Dertinger Should Have Been Nicer to the Christmas City

Back in June, Northampton County Council member Charles Dertinger dropped in on a meeting of Bethlehem Democrats to crack the whip. They were growing upset about county endorsements and state mailings made on behalf of some, but not all, candidates. Instead of playing peacemaker, Dertinger alienated everyone, including Bethlehem City Council members Karen Dolan and Willie Reynolds.

Dertinger slammed Dolan for airing her views publicly, especially because she did so on this very blog. He'd prefer that she confine herself to backroom politics like a good little Long Dem. As described by a person who watched in horror, Charles' position was essentially this: "Screw you guys, we're not going to address any of your concerns, we're going to declare you wrong, and you're going to leave here unhappy, AND still, you will be loyal and follow us."

Maybe he should have been a little nicer.

Bethlehem Dems had little reason to vote on Tuesday. There were no contested races, and Dertinger's dismissive attitude sure made it unlikely they would organize a GOTV effort just for him. Voting records show that Bethlehem's total turnout was just 14.99%. In Precinct 3, it was an appalling 4.48%. This had to hurt Democrats.

1 North - 10.61% (136 of 1282)
1 South - 9.67% (122 of 1262)
2 - 5.73% (75 of 1308)
3 - 4.48% (138 of 3081)
4 - 9.01% (132 of 1465
5 - 12.56% (272 of 2166)
6- 24.70% (206 of 834)
7 - 12.83% (202 of 1575)
8 - 11.73% (176 of 1500)
9-1 - 11.81% (92 of 779)
9-2 - 13.81% (111 of 804)
9-3 - 17.91% (260 of 1452)
14-1 - 24.21% (322 of 1330)
14-2 - 27.77% (513 of 1847)
14-3 - 25.02% (344 of 1375)
14-4 - 16.82% (216 of 1284)
14-5 - 22.39% (334 of 1492)
14-6 - 14.70% (308 of 2095)
14-7 - 27.99% (363 of 1297)
14-8 - 26.67% (239 of 896)
15-1 - 18.42% (244 of 1325)
15-2 - 34.63% (697 of 1753)
15-3 - 6.54% (171 of 2615)
16 - 5.33% (80 of 1502)
17- 7.25% (61 of 841)

5379/35878 - 14.99%

Dem Party Boss Joe Long Makes Third Statewide Grand Jury Appearance

For over a year, a statewide grand jury has been probing the deceptive campaign tactics of political consultant Tom "Scissorhands" Severson, who was hired by local Democrats in 2007 for a smear campaign against Northampton County Council members Peg Ferraro and Ron Angle. Senior Deputy Attorney General E. Marc Costanzo, has already charged Severson himself with 55 counts of what The Express Times calls "fraud and deception," as a result of his attempts to hide his identity in filed campaign finance reports. But during a preliminary hearing in this matter, it became apparent that Costanzo is suspicious about Long Dems who helped Severson in what amounts to a conspiracy to keep the public in the dark.

Council members Charles Dertinger and Lamont McClure have already been summoned twice to appear before this grand jury, with the most recent trip having occurred in October. At a debate in Wind Gap, Dertinger refused to say what he was doing there.

I've since learned that Dem Boss Joe Long made his third appearance before that grand jury on Monday. Apparently, Long has given differing explanations about just what was going on, and some of his accounts have been rebutted by other witnesses.

Well over a year ago, County Exec John Stoffa's requested that Long step down, condemning the party boss' "ill-advised use of a political consultant now under investigation by the state Attorney General's office."

Perhaps other prominent Democrats should ask Long to leave too, while there's still a Democratic party left in Northampton County.

Armstrong: Are Allentown Dems Stuck on Stupid?

Northampton County Republicans had a clean sweep in Tuesday's County Council races. Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham, a Democrat, was nearly defeated. It was a bad day for Democrats. Unless you live in Allentown.

Scott Armstrong, who publishes Allentown Commentator, has kindly agreed to permit me to share his frustration with you.

"On Tuesday New Jersey's Democrats displayed enough intelligence not to re-elect their Democrat governor who was by all accounts a proven failure. On the same day Allentown's Democrat voters failed to demonstrate even a modicum of sense by re-electing proven incompetents precisely because they are Democrats. The lesson here is that New Jersey Democrats are clearly brighter than Allentown's.

"How bad is that? New Jersey is the laugh line of jokes. Now the nation's laughing stock looks brilliant compared to the Queen City. The intriguing question now is: do Allentown's Democrats have enough intellectual sophistication to be aware of their own stupidity? As one who lives amongst them I would say the answer is no. They seem to exist in a sort of stupor where the apparent and the everyday fail to effect their thinking or point of view. While these Democrats demonstrate the mental faculties to do a variety of tasks such as drive cars, go to work, and get their children to school they continually fail to understand that they are undermining their own existence every election day.

"Before last Tuesday the word was that if New Jersey Democrats were dumb enough to re-elected Corzine they would get what they deserve. If Allentown's Democrats had any brains they would have done as their New Jersey neighbors and adjusted their voting to accommodate better governance. Perhaps too dull witted to notice that the bell tolls for them, Allentown's Democrats continue to go about their business as usual, still oblivious to the obvious."

Cunningham Power Grab Fails in Lehigh County

Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham currently contends with a 5-4 Republican Board of Commissioners. He hoped to change that this year, pouring at least $70,000 into two District Comm'r races. Most of that money went to negative mailers. Cunningham not only failed, but nearly lost his own seat. According to Morning Call results, he squeaked by challenger Scott Ott, a relative unknown, by only 810 votes.

That's a stinging rebuke from Lehigh County voters.

What does all this mean? Fellow blogger Ken Petrini concludes, "[O]ur elections are not for sale and the power of bloggers like Bernie O'Hare and even yours truly can't be underestimated."

Ken has sacrificed a lot of time and energy informing you about all these Lehigh County races. It's a valuable and appreciated public service. I try, too. But powerful? Ken, if I'm so powerful, how the hell did Lou Hershman lose in that black hole known as Allentown? Maybe Pawlowski cut the Internet.

What I do think is that, thanks to the Internet, we are collectively able to inform the public pretty quickly about what is going on locally. The local blogosphere has become our very own Lehigh Valley Town Hall. More often than not, it is the readers who set the agenda.

How did that happen in lehigh County? We were able to demonstrate Cunningham's financial connection to two Comm'r races, and in far more detail than you could ever find in a newspaper. We were able to post actual copies of the hit jobs directed at Tom Creighton and Glenn Eckhart. And when Cunningham directed a low blow at challenger Scott Ott, questioning his living arrangements and notifying the IRS, we had actual copies of his letter for you to read and judge for yourselves.

In the waning days of a campaign, most newspapers impose a blackout. Ironically, that's when people are most interested. We are at our busiest during these times, trying to quench a deep public thirst by posting dueling news releases, mailers and the latest claims from opposing camps. On Monday alone, this blog 2,800 unique visitors, more than double the number I usually get.

Because we can provide more information, and do it in a timely manner, you can be better informed when you vote. And I think Lehigh County's informed voters gave Don Cunningham three messages. First, they want independent Commissioners, not people bought and paid for by the County Exec. Second, they dislike smear campaigns, no matter how glossy the mailer. Third, Lehigh County voters are offended by a Cunningham letter, threatening the tax-exempt status of a church housing his opponent.

Interestingly, none of this has anything to do with health care reform, the stim package or the cap-and-trade energy bill. All politics truly is local.

Craig Dally: Here Comes da Judge

At 5 PM last night, my grandson was racing up and down a basketball court under the careful supervision of Judge Emil Giordano, who sacrifices countless hours coaching basketball and baseball. As I watched Giordano, I couldn't help thinking that he missed his calling. The kids obviously love the guy, and he seems to have a lot of fun with them.

Don't get me wrong. I'm glad he's a judge. His election was something of a surprise, but time has proved the voters right. His patience and compassion are rare qualities.

Last night, the voters made another good choice, electing Craig Dally to the bench. I've known him for years, and he has always displayed those rare qualities. He could even put up with me! Last night, I was one of about two hundred people in a bipartisan crowd that celebrated Craig Dally's victory at Nazareth's Holy Family Club. Even Judge Zito, who was just elected himself, dropped by to welcome a new member to Northampton County's bench.

This election was important to Criag, who actually began to tear up when he thanked everyone for their help. He told us that many years ago, he ran for Mayor in Pen Argyl, and lost by 74 votes. "Thank God I lost. I'd probably still be mayor of Pen Argyl."

Over the summer, he knocked on over 1,000 doors. And in the last two weeks, he personally called 2,300 Democratic households. That strategy seems to have paid off because some voters leaving the polls said that Dally's call is what persuaded them to give him their vote.

Craig promised "honesty and integrity." "It's what the people expect. It's what they deserve."

And in a veiled reference to State Senator Lisa Boscola's intrusion in this judicial race, where she posed for pictures with candidate Barb Hollenbach, Craig said this: "It's not who you stand next to, it's ehat you stand for."

It's a Clean Sweep for Republicans on Northampton County Council

In a stinging rebuke to Democrat bossman Joe Long and his autocratic, machine-style politics, voters have rejected all five Democratic candidates for Northampton County Council. They even said "No thanks" to another four years of incumbent Charles Dertinger, probably ending his political career. According to WFMZ-TV and Morning Call results, incumbent Peg Ferraro was top vote getter, followed by incumbent John Cusick and newcomers Tom Dietrich, Bruce Gilbert and Barb Thierry.

How the hell did it happen? Republicans voted, while Democrats stayed home. Turn-out in Democratic Bethlehem, which had no contested mayoral or city council races, was as low as 5% in some precincts. There was no contested Executive race. Even the judicial race was largely a sleeper. Those who voted against incumbent Charles Dertinger were obviously upset by his grade school antics, which have been reported here and, more importantly, in the local newspapers. Dertinger, deluding himself that he was an easy winner, targeted his campaign to State Rep. Rich Grucela's district.

Oopsie!

Here's how some jubilant Northampton County Republicans explain their victory.

Northampton County Bulldog Ron Angle: "Obama's a small factor, Stoffa's a big factor. Dertinger, McClure and McHale have been obstructionists while Stoffa has tried to practice good government. The chickens have come home to roost."

County Councilperson-elect Bruce Gilbert: "I think it's a statement. It's a statement that the public wants to have complete transparency in how their money is spent." (Bruce Gilbert is the first African American to be elected in Northampton County, the same day that David Jones is the first African American to be elected in Lehigh County.)

County Councilperson-elect Barb Thierry: "It shoes the mood of the people. The message is the Republicans are coming back, but they're hopefully coming back smarter."

County Councilperson John Cusick: "We put together a good team of candidates that the voters responded to and we seem to have capitalized on a national mood for change. It's also an utter rejection of some of our opponents' actions over the past four years."

Former County Exec Bill Brackbill: "The Republican revolution must start from the grassroots level up and it started today in Northampton County."

In January, Republicans will have a 7-2 edge on County Council. It's their problem now.

Cedarbrook Nursing Home Restricting Visitors

Cedarbrook Nursing Homes in Allentown and Fountain Hill are restricting anyone 18 and under, as well as anyone exhibiting flu symptoms, from visiting residents and the facility until further notice.

Nursing home officials plan to monitor the incidence of H1N1 in the community and the availability of the vaccine daily and will lift the ban when the threat of infection lessens. The safety and well being of residents is of utmost concern and we are optimistic that an outbreak can be avoided and the visiting restriction lifted prior to the holidays.

Steaming Cup of Joe Stands Up For Cameras in Polling Place

I've been told to turn my flip cam off twice now, once during deliberations by Bethlehem Township's Zoning Hearing Board, and another time during a candidates' night at Allentown's NAACP. My reporter friends tell me I'm a gutless wimp who should have stood up for the public's right to know.

This morning, I found out just what happens when some officious judge of elections tries to stop an Express Times photographer from clicking away at a polling place here in the People's Republic of Northampton County. "Steaming Cup of Joe" Owens, who happens to be Editor, started blowing oil the moment he heard of this injustice. He immediately hopped into his batmobile and screamed off to his polling place in Upper Nazareth.

He was clicking away with his camera phone when one of those ninety year old pollworkers confronted him. Joe cocked off, and this old fart started swinging away. President Judge McFadden did send an emergency communication letting everyone know that pictures are OK, but not until Joe lost a few teeth.

Buddy Christ: Lou Hershman. Wow!

Hey, mammas and pappas! Got Christ? It's Me, the Divine who's so fine. Just breezed in from Vegas, where I couldn't lose. Table games, baby. Can't wait until they hit the Christmas City. Closest thing to Heaven here on Earth.

I told you I'd be back to cover your back. Doesn't anyone read the fricking Bible anymore? I know Cunningham doesn't, but couldn't someone at LV Christian High School at least send a newsletter? Do they have to spend all their time deciding who is Godly?

By the way, O'Hare won't be here anytime soon. He's waking up just about now, and is about to discover that Someone has transported his bed right by the targets at the Deputy Sheriffs' firing range. I hope that helps them. While he dances his way out of there, I'll give you My Election Day Picks.

Lehigh County Executive: Listen, there's only one Godly Man, and it's not Scott Ott. The only Dude around here who should be playing the God card is Me. Vote Cunningham, unless you'd like a 400% tax increase next year.

Lehigh County Comm'r: It's Dougherty, McCarthy, Eckhart, Creighton and Jones. All that money will work against Kwitek and McNeill.

Northampton County Council: Just don't vote for Dertinger. He already thinks he's Me.

Allentown Mayor: Oh so some of you are hung up on Tony Phillips because he talked to a woman? Would you be happier if it were a parakeet? Unless you like crime and a debt-riddled city, vote for Tony Phillips. If you can't get over his Facebook interlude, write in Pam Varkony.

Allentown City Council: Vote for the only person who has King Edwin's number, a watchdog over the little lapdogs who think they can solve the Queen City's financial problems by buying less paper clips. Vote Lou Hershman.

Allentown Magistrate: I really liked Walter, but then he was caught with thirteen Pawlowski signs in his yard. Strike One. Then he was caught posing with all the Democratic city candidates. Strike Two. Then he was caught making a $200 contribution to King Edwin. Steerike Three! Vote Manescu.

Easton City Council: Peter Koehler deserves a shot in Easton. So does Dennis Lieb. Vulcano belongs in a wax museum.

Northampton County Judge: Lenny Zito, Craig Dally and Barb Hollenbach look good in black.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court: Let me see, the LV has its own distinguished judge while Western Pa. is touting the thin-skinned sister of a sitting state senator. She pursued libel litigation for 5 years in 2 states against an anonymous blogger ... and still lost. Vote Panella.

Can Northampton County Council Be Saved?

Northampton County's nine-member County Council, widely considered the most dysfunctional legislative branch in the Lehigh Valley, is certainly the worst I've ever seen. The problems actually started four years ago, when John Stoffa, Charles Dertinger and Diane Neiper were first elected.

Stoffa, once elected Executive, immediately got off the sofa and named veteran Council members Michael Corriere, a Democrat, and Mary Ensslin, a Republican, to his cabinet. Corriere was Council's quiet voice of reason, a Democratic Mike Dowd. Nobody could know how deeply his loss would be felt.

In the meantime, newcomers Charles Dertinger and Diane Neiper took office certain they could hit the ground running. They had no idea that, once elections are over, Council has traditionally been nonpartisan, more interested in doing the right thing than pleasing partisans. Dertinger and Neiper changed that dynamic.

As a result of back room meetings with party bosses like Joe Long, they decided to stack Council with Democrats Tony Branco and Lamont McClure, upsetting Republicans. With a 6-3 majority, they then started shooting down any Repulican Stoffa named to his cabinet. When Stoffa resisted their demands for more Democratic appointments, they actively began working against him. Charles Dertinger, who claims to be an open space champion, actually tried to kill Stoffa's "pay as you go" open space plan. At the same time, these partisans encouraged union members to make ridiculous demands in negotiations, encouraged grievances and even attempted to have the Human Resources Director fired during a meeting attended by a lynch mob of unionized county workers. Council member McClure even unilaterally fired the Solicitor, consulting no one, hoping he could install a partisan.

In the midst of all this turmoil, Wayne Grube's health was failing. He had hoped to serve out his term, but it was not to be. This gruff-speaking, but big-hearted, Council member passed away, leaving a gaping vacancy that will take a long time to fill.

Council meetings have often deteriorated into shouting matches and taunts, often involving Dertinger, McClure or Angle. Jerry Seyfried's appointment has been a moderating influence, but he'll be gone in December.

This election is important. Will Council stop being a partisan group of grandstanders? Or will it return to the reflective and classy style I remember in the early days, when council chambers often felt like a church?

It's up to you. You can select up to five from the Democratic (Charles Dertinger, Walt Garvin, Bill Wallace, Deb Hunter and Lorraine Pasquali) and Republican (Peg Ferraro, John Cusick, Bruce Gilbert, Barb Thierry & Tom Dietrich) buffet. Let me give you my take, for what it's worth.

1) Dump Dertinger. - Whatever you do, don't give this faithless politician another four years. He's done enough damage.

2) Vote for Peg Ferraro and John Cusick. - Peg, who has only been on this dysfunctional Council for two years, remembers how that body operated in times past, where she would readily accept advice from Democrats Jerry Seyfried or Carol Cuomo. She is a voice of decency. The same is true of John Cusick, Council's hardest-working member.

3) Lorraine Pasquali and Tom Dietrich are lightweights. - Pasquali is an unemployed political consultant who has attached herself to Dertinger and merely nods agreement to whatever he says. She's never attended a Council meeting and it showed during the slate belt debate, wehre she spent most of the night looking like a deer caught in the headlights. Dietrich is running for the second time. I thought this time around, he'd gain some understanding of county government. He still does not get it, and let's face it, this is not exactly rocket science. He's not going to get it. We should let this stay-at-home dad stay at home.

4) Bruce Gilbert is just too lazy. - Sure, on paper, he's the most qualified of all candidates. In fact, he's the smartest of all council members. But I wonder how many committee hearings he'll just miss. He's the first black person I can remember who ever sought a Council seat, but he failed to show up at the NAACP banquet for candidates. He amazingly has no response to the LWV questionnaire. He was a no show at Pen Argyl's parade. Is he really all that interested?

5) Deb Hunter is independent. - So much so, that Charles Dertinger hates her. That's good enough for me.

6) Bill Wallace will listen. - "I listen to voters. I think that's an important issue that I need to make clear. It isn't a home team, visitor team. We're all on the same team."

7) Walt Garvin, third wheel on the McClure-Dertinger bicycle. - Garvin is closely allied to Bossman Joe Long. His election will result in a perpetuation of the circus we've seen for the last four years.

8) Barb Thierry, Not Ready for Prime Time Player. - I like Barb, who did attend meetings and tried to familiarize with county issues. I am unhappy she allowed herself to be used in a mailer that excluded Peg Ferraro. I doubt she'll make that mistake again.

Jeanne Goes For the Jugular

It's getting ugly in the Lehigh County District 1 Comm'r race between Jeanne McNeill and Tom Creighton. McNeill has allowed the Executive to finance most of her campaign. Her husband is actually employed by the County. And now, in a flyer paid for indirectly by Executive Don Cunningham via the Pa. State Dems, she's accusing Creighton of his own conflict of interest. What's worse, her facts are skewed.

She claims Creightom, a Lynn Township Supervisor, received a $500 contribution from an engineer on the very day his firm made a pitch for business there. It turns out that the contribution came several months after this firm had already made its presentation. Moreover, according to Ken Petrini, the person who originally broke this story, "[T]hey used and abused a story I did to misrepresent facts. I looked into the Tom Creighton contribution from Roy Stewart. I talked to Tom and to Roy. I know them both personally. There was no fire. There was barely smoke. We ran the story and basically let the voters realize for themselves that two very innocent-minded people had been involved in an honest act of friendship and as many people make contributions, Roy Stewart had made one to Creighton."

Lehigh Valley Christian HS: Vote for the Godly One

During the Civil War, Union and Confederate generals would each insist God was on their side. Eventually, Abraham Lincoln was drawn into this controversy, and finally told a commander, “Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.”

Now Lehigh County Exec candidate Scott Ott is playing the God card in his challenge against incumbent Don Cunningham. Ott claims God is on his side. After all, he's a preacher. He's sending Epistles to churches all over the Lehigh Valley, claiming "Cunningham Attacks Lehigh County Churches."

The Word of Scott must have made its way to Lehigh Valley Christian High School, a charitable nonprofit. School Director Bob Brennan, in a November 1 Newsletter, has these admonitions for his flock.

"Tuesday is a significant day is a few other ways as well. First, it is the first Tuesday of the month, which means that we will be having our Mens Prayer Meeting at 7 a.m. here at the school. We will meet up by the Media Center.

"Tuesday is also Election Day. Even though it is an off year, there are some very important local elections happening. I urge every one of you to get out and vote, particularly those of you in Lehigh County who can affect the outcome of the race for County Executive, where there is the potential for a very godly man to replace the incumbent and make a real difference in our county! VOTE!"

Clearly, this tax exempt nonprofit is promoting Ott's candidacy. I decided to call Brennan.

"Are you a nonprofit?"

"Why yes, we are."

"Can you tell me why you're promoting a specific candidate?"

"I did not name anyone. I 'm just asking people to vote."

"No, you're specifically telling people to vote for a "very godly man to replace the incumbent." How much more clear can you get?"

Pause

"You're right. Looks like I made a mistake."

That's alright. I'm sure Cunningham will understand and forgive, but he's not Godly.

Don Cunningham, Infidel

Despicable.

That's how Allentown Republican Scott Armstrong has described Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham's letter (via campaign manager Dan Kelly) complaining about opponent Scott Ott's living arrangements at a Zionsville church, especially since it includes a cc to the IRS. Armstrong was never a Cunningham supporter, but this has made him angry.

Now I support Cunningham, who is perhaps the finest County Executive I've ever seen in both counties. But even I would agree this letter is a mistake. On Saturday night, I was preparing a post to condemn this tactic when I started receiving information that Ott really is using the religious community to further his campaign. Even in the People's Republic of Northampton County, religious groups and home schoolers are getting Epistles from Saint Scott, entitled "Don Cunningham Attacks Lehigh County Churches."

Uh oh. Get the pitchforks.

Ott tells his religious audience that one reporter called Cunningham's letter a "big mistake," but then complains that the very same press is refusing to cover the story. He fails to tell his evangelical readers that most news organization impose a blanket on covering campaigns in their waning days. Moreover, aside from a response to Ken Petrini, he's made no attempt to reach out to the blogosphere.

If Ott is really keeping church separated from state, why is he trying to inflame religious groups as far away as Northampton County?

"Don Cunningham's camp must be rattled after yesterday's debate. In what one reporter calls a 'big mistake,' Don Cunningham has tried to create a side circus so he does not have to deal with the main issue of the campaign: avoiding the 2011 tax increase. Despite the copy list at the bottom of Dan Kelly's letter it is unclear who exactly received this letter. They did not send it to us, for example, despite the implication that they did. We only found out about it when a reporter asked for a response from us. So far only Ken Petrini has covered this story. Even though this could be a valid issue (though the facts, which Cunningham's camp must not have researched very well considering they addressed the letter to an organization that hasn't used that name for over 50 years, show that the allegations are baseless), there is no denying this issue was handled in a very unprofessional and un-executive way. Below you can find the letter and Scott's response to it. Sean

After yesterday's debate (10/29), Don Cunningham's campaign sent the following letter to my former employer (although he apparently doesn't know that the denomination changed its name back in the 1950s). I have included my response below the Cunningham camp's letter. I have also sent it to local reporter Ken Petrini (who first sent me the Cunningham letter), and to Bobby Gunther Walsh at WAEB 790AM, who has mentioned it, and may read it on air this morning. Feel free to circulate. Scott Ott"

I like Scott. I believe him when he says his living arrangements are part of his compensation package and not some sort of hidden political contribution form those damn Mennonites. But by the same token, sending missives to religious groups in Northampton County, entitled "Don Cunningham Attacks Lehigh County Churches," prove Cunningham was right to ask him about his living arrangements. He's clearly using his religious connections.

Update: The letter from the Cunningham camp is located here.

Is it Time For a Republican on Allentown City Council?

Six candidates - Joe Brudnak, Mike D'Amore, Julio Guridy, Lou Hershman, Ray O'Connell and Mike Schlossberg - are duking it out for four open seats on Allentown City Council. On my left sidebar, you will see links to information about each of these candidates, which I have updated throughout the course of this campaign. They include a revealing series of interviews with The Morning Call's Jarrett Renshaw at Valley 610.

The prevailing view is that all four Democrats will sweep, as they did four years ago. But I think Hershman just might knock Guridy off. He's running as a Republican, yet has lots of Democratic friends on Allentown's east side. Even Morning Call columnist Bill White, certainly no Hershman fan, acknowledges Hershman is a better choice than Guridy.

"I will say this for him. All things considered, I would prefer someone like Hershman, who at least has saved the city some money over the years with his dogged, micromanaging attention to detail -- except with the police contract -- to many of the sleepwalkers who have filled council seats over the years, including Guridy."

Pam Varkony, who served on City Council with Lou, knows him better than most. "I will tell you he drove us all insane with his endless complaining and flood of memos. But underneath the mumbling and frenetic stream of consciousness, I believe Lou is honorable and honest, and that he cares deeply for the city. Looking over the field of Council candidates, he is the only hope for a voice in the wilderness to cry out against the abuses of what has become the Pawlowski machine."

In contrast to Hershman, Guridy is described by Bill White as one "of the rubber-stampers who had helped Mayor Roy Afflerbach lead the city to the point of fiscal disaster." He adds that Guridy spent his second term "the same way he had spent the previous four years, providing no check and balance at all."

Guridy, incidentally, is the sole council candidate who amazingly objected to being filmed during a candidates' debate. White has an opinion about that, too. "[I]f I had his record as a toothless watchdog of the executive branch, I might be camera-shy, too."

My second choice is Ray O'Connell. I got to know him during the candidates' nights, where he delighted in teasing me. He exemplifies everything that is right about the Queen City. Like most Allentown people, he's friendly and down-to-earth. He plays down his advanced education, and laughed off my early criticism that he thought he was running for the school board. He is also the only city council candidate who was willing to admit publicly that the anonymous robo call campaign against Lou Hershman was wrong. That took moral courage, something badly needed on Allentown City Council.

I also like Mike Schlossberg. He's been kicked around quite a bit by the old farts, but is smart and energetic. Coming from the nonprofit sector, he already speaks two languages - English and Bureaucrat. He can actually understand what they're saying! I'd give him one term to see whether he is willing to provide independent oversight or whether he views city council as a stepping stone to something else.

It's hard to be enthusiastic about Mike D'Amore. He runs a good meeting and has challenged Pawlowski from time to time, especially if it involves a union issue. But as Council Prez, he has actively tried to supress public comment, both with respect to controversial Cedar Creek park improvements as well as a botched attempt to muzzle Hershman during courtesy of the floor. To make matters worse, he canceled a meeting last month without re-scheduling a second meeting as required by the city's Home Rule Charter. I was ready to suggest he be given a second term, but he has presided over a council that has allowed city finances to deteriorate without any meaningful oversight.

Joe Brudnak has been a breath of fresh air, but definitely needs more seasoning. he told The Morning Call's Jarrett Renshaw ''I am new at running, and I don't know all about the city's finances.'' With Allentown in fiscal crisis, I expect all candidates to have concrete suggestions.

Democrats on Verge of Seizing Control in Lehigh County

Fellow blogger Ken Petrini has posted an outstanding series of interviews with ten candidates fighting over five district Commissioner seats in Lehigh County. Currently, Lehigh County's legislative body holds a 5-4 Republican edge. That may change on Tuesday.

There's two reasons why Dems may seize control. First, Sterling Raber - a popular Republican venerated by both parties - is stepping down after an amazing 32 years. So his seat is up for grabs. Second, Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham is pouring money into two races at an unprecedented pace. He appears to have spent $35 thousand on Hillary Kwiatek's campaign against Glenn Eckhart in District 5. Online campaign finance reports reveal Cunningham is investing a similar sum in Jeanne McNeill's war against Tom Creighton in District 1.

District 1 - Jeanne McNeill v. Tom Creighton. (Ken's interview is here.) McNeill's willingness to allow the Executive to finance most of her campaign raises questions concerning her independence. Those are compounded by her husband's employment with Lehigh County, described by Creighton as a conflict of interest. But McNeill appears to be much more personable than Creighton, as indicated by some comments at LVPoliblog from fellow Republicans who live in his district. This is too close to call. Creighton should win, but Cunningham's money and Creighton's record may hurt him.

District 2 - Marc Basist v. Percy Dougherty. (Ken's interview is here.) According to LVPoliblogger Chrs Casey, Marc has sent one positive mailer tellng us he'll "help Don Cunningham get the job done for us." Unless Cunningham plans on dismantling all county unions, that's somewhat inaccurate. In a conversation with Marc a few weeks ago, it quickly became apparent that Marc is easily the most conservative of all candidates. He would like to dismantle all unions. Marc is a very nice guy, but I've got two words for him - switch parties. This is an easy win for Percy.

District 3 - Bob Smith v. Dave Jones. (Ken's interview is here.) I've spent most of the last week writing about how Executive Don Cunningham has poured money into Districts 1 & 5. But if you look at Jones pre-election report, you'll see he raised no money, in contrast to opponent Bob Smith. Both of these candidates are impressive. Jones gave perhaps one of the best speeches I've ever heard about county government, while Allentown School Board Prez Bob Smith has made $2.8 million in cuts without laying off a soul. All the more reason to keep him there, jokes Jones. Registration edges favor Jones, but this is a district where Smith could score an upset.

District 4 - Mike Welsh v. Dan McCarthy. (Ken's interview is here.) This is solid McCarthy country. Amiable Mike Welsh really should have sought a seat on city council and let someone else play sacrificial lamb here to a very capable Commissioner.

District 5 - Hillary Kwiatek v. Glenn Eckhart (Ken's interview is here.) When Eckhart voted against funding Don Cunningham's community policing initiative, Cunningham felt he had been stabbed in the back by someone who had privately pledged his support. It's no surprise Kwiatek has made this a major campaign issue. Payback's a bitch. But contrary to Kwiatek's campaign propaganda, Eckhart has voted to enhance public safety.

Eckhart voted to increase the Salisbury PD by 40% when he was a Commissioner there, and as a Lehigh County Commissioner, he voted to support a regional crime center as well as a communications system to enable police departments to speak to each other.

Plus Glenn has support among Democrats like former Democratic State Rep. Joe Zeller, who tells Morning Call readers about Glenn's involvement in the Salisbury Youth Association. He spent 13 years coaching kids' basketball, and dug into his own pocket to provide security last year when recreation officials decided to end the program early.

Kwiatek herself is a fierce campaigner, intelligent and willing to work. I never attended a meeting where she was absent. But when the votes are counted, I believe Eckhart will emerge victorious.

Is Dertinger Running For For Norco Council or Grucela's Seat?

If you think Charles Dertinger is running for re-election to Northampton County Council, think again. His sights are set on Harrisburg, land of midnight payraises. Twenty-four hour finance reports, filed late last week, reveal he's given the Pa. Demcratic Party $6,000 for a mailer. It's insufficient to fund a county-wide mailer, but good enough to target voters in a specific geographic area. Charles has also spent $3,334.79 on robo calls.

Believe it or not, I've received Dertinger's factually challenged mailer. Two of his robo calls have wasted minutes on my cell phone, too. Dertinger has told several people, who shall remain nameless, that his campaign is focused on State Rep. Rich Grucela's district. He apparently views himself as Grucela's heir apparent.

Is Dertinger relying on the same rocket scientists who engineered Ann McHale's disaster in Northampton County? I certainly hope so.

Bill White on Dennis Lieb: Fervor, Knowledge & Energy

Morning Call columnist Bill White. learning of Dennis Lieb's write-in candidacy against Michael Fleck for Easton City Council, offers these encouraging words:

"Fleck, Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski’s campaign manager, a former Easton councilman and a former Easton mayoral candidate, is an ambitious political functionary who in the past has not always demonstrated himself to be a person of great truthfulness.

"Lieb is a community activist whose fervor and knowledge have impressed me for years. I think he would bring a lot of energy to the job."

Some folks view write-in campaigns as an impossible task. But as is demonstrated at LVPoliblog, Dennis could win this race. And as Neighbors of Easton blogger Noel Jones makes clear, it's easy.

"Step #1) Find Office on screen...Easton City Council-District Two

"Step #2) Go to far right end of that row and push "Write-In" button.

"Step #3) Use keyboard at bottom of screen to type in name...DENNIS LIEB

"Step #4) Leave space between first and last name using right-facing arrow.

"Erase spelling errors using left facing arrow.

"Step #5) Press ENTER...Done!"

To Hell With Tax Increase, Norco Republicans Will Stop Abortions

Tom Dietrich is one of four Republican Northampton County Council candidates who decided he had to look out for himself instead of attaching himself to popular Peg Ferraro. Never mind that she's the one person from both parties who will clearly win on Tuesday.

Tom and three other Republican Council candidates decided it was really, really important that we all know just how much they hate abortion and how willing these individual rights lovers are to interfere in a woman's right to choose. Never mind that this is an incendiary issue having nothing to do with county government.

Not a peep about the planned tax increase or county spending.

Dietrich is very quick to command women what they may or may not do with their bodies, but is a little more reticent when it comes to disclosing campaign finances. Asked how much he spent for his anti-abortion flyer and where it went, Dietrich told me to wait. "[A]ll my campaign's reportable expenses/contributions are, or will be, in all applicable CFR's, to the best of my ability in a timely manor."

So much for transparency.

I managed to get the information for you anyway, thanks to political consultant Bob Kilbanks, who shared his invoice.
INVOICE - 2009 County Council Candidates Prolife Postcard
What we know is that 2,000 Republican super voters - some of whom may not be socially conservative - have been targeted with a postcard. What we also know is that a political consultant was more willing to share this information than transparent Tom Dietrich, a candidae for elected office.

Cunningham Pouring Last Minute Money Into Kwiatek

According to a Twenty-Four Hour Report filed Friday afternoon by Lehigh County Comm'r hopeful Hillary Kwiatek, County Exec Don Cunningham has just poured another $7,000 into her campaign coffers. She's just picked up another $11,000 from a mysterious "Committee for a Better Lehigh Valley" PAC.

For months, I have heard that Cunningham was forming a separate PAC to obscure is heavy involvement in Commissioner races until after the election, when post-election reports are filed.

Hillary Kwiatek Committee - 2009 Pre-Election 24 Hour[1]

Who is funding this "Better Lehigh Valley" PAC? It's most likely Cunningham, but you won't know that until after you cast your ballot.

Before this 24 hour report, we know that Cunningham had already spent about $17k on behalf of Kwiatek. This latest disclosure of an additional $18k makes it very clear that the Exec is trying to buy a legislative seat.

This unprecedented involvement by the County Executive in a Commissioner race will clearly negate the ability of the supported candidates to act independently. It must be unpleasant to say no to someone who has given you $1k for a $40k race. But it has to be impossible to say no to someone who has given you $35k for a $40k race.

And there will always be times when a Board of Commissioners will need to say no. How many Allentown residents now wish Council had said no to the Mayor when he shoved a police pension contract down their throats?

Would you allow a wolf to buy your sheepdogs? That's exactly what is happening in Lehigh County.

Blogger's Note: Yesteday's post confused Committee for a Better Lehigh Valley with a similarly named PAC, used to fund the anonymous smear campaign against Hershman in May.

Remember the Robocall

Remember the Lusitania!

Remember the Alamo!

These are, of course, are time-honored battle cries. I've got a new one.

Remember the robocalls!

Just a few months ago, on primary weekend, Allentown phones were ringing with anonymous sleaze robocalls, directed at City Council candidate Lou Hershman. He was blamed him for everything, from the city's fiscal woes to swine flu. After the election, we learned that three other City Council wannabes - Michael D'Amore, Michael Schlossberg and Ray O'Connell - paid for this hit. In the background, pulling the strings, even going so far as to pick up some of the money used to finance this smear, was none other than Allentown Mayor Edwin Pawlowski.

Of course, no one will admit that publicly. Kinda' makes you wonder how these three blind mice - D'Amore, Schlossberg & O'Connell - can claim independence or provide any meaningful oversight. Too timid to confront King Edwin over that vicious piece, do you really expect them to confront him over budget deficits or public safety? Of the three, only Ray O'Connell apologized. He told me, "If I could see Lou in public, I would reach my hand out and say, 'Lou, I'm sorry about what I did and it will never happen again."

Although willing to smear Hershman behind a veil of anonymity, King Edwin has run from Hershman's request to debate him. Hershman, the Allentown watchdog, has these questions. "I have to ask these gentlemen, what are you afraid of? Why does a 73-year old senior citizen named Lou Hershman scare you?"

They fear an independent voice.