Talk about service cuts and job cuts...but not about how to resolve the issue. It is quite clear now that Stoffa is the chief culprit destroying our beloved Gracedale.
People of NorCo we voted 3 to 1 in favor of keeping Gracedale, we must now prepare to do what we must do because it is very visible that Stoffa and company are not going to save Gracedale, no...they are scheming to decimate and annihilate her.
We The People gave CC and the Executive a mandate by the power of our vote which evidently they have chosen to ignore. Stoffa publicly told CC that their vote does not matter, now by his actions or lack of actions he is telling us the same.
We The People must take action to correct this corruption. Yes, we're calling it corruption, what else can we call it? If Stoffa and/or CC are incapable of doing their jobs...step out or be forced out. Your BOSS "The People" are informing you that you must use the pot or get off it. We The People will not stand idly by - test our resolve again, We The People will make history again!!!
PLEASE READ:
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/northampton-county/index.ssf/2011/07/northampton_county_preparing_f.html
It looks very much like the Stoffa/Angle plan is to let Gracedale dilapidate, and then try and sell it again as soon as they can.
ReplyDeleteI get the impression that the news outlets, all of them, are reporting different versions of this story. This could be attributed to poor reporting skills, or a vast "Anglewing" conspiracy.
ReplyDeleteCase in point:
Todays Morning Call reported 3.1 mill spent which would leave a 400,000 dollar surplus. I read in another article 3.4 spent 100,000 surplus. The TV channel 69 report yesterday or Wednesday, Wendy Davis reported Stoffa wanted to meet with the union for give backs. The papers quoted Stoffa as saying he wanted the new management team to do that negotiation.
Various stories could be given intentionally. Is that fair and balanced? They report, they decide? hmmmm...Reminds me of something.
I must say reading the Morning Call gave an indication to me that they plan to NOT allow Gracedale to deteriorate. It indicated that the new management would assess the situation and COULD downsize or increase patient population according to a profit/break even standpoint. The article also indicated the desire to increase funding through legislation . That would be a laborious process. I recognize all of your frustrations however, and I say this with caution, we should allow the new management to be established, see what there long range plan is, and then pass judgement. Additionally, and I need to give "some" credit to "some" non-biased reporting on the "Minitrue" site, there was some positive commentary on Gracedale as being a quality facility and being true to its mission. This dispite the lower reimbursements received for Alzheimer patients.
I say there isn't many options at this time sans the initiation of a recall effort, we might want to wait and see what developes.
Of course the timimg needs to be accounted for as far as the recall initiative.
Stay cool...in more ways than one
The most unfortunate thing going on here is that the Administration is lying. It can't be put any kinder than that. Last night Mr. McClure told Stoffa here is the list of things you said are "highest priority", we can move the money now to start the work. Stoffa immediately said no, that "highest priority" really meant to do "more or less" sooner than later. The Director of Human Services Ross Marcus who has shown himself to be nothing but a stooge for Stoffa, just agreed with whatever Angle said. When he was given a fact sheet on Gracedale by Mr. McClure, Marcus was dumbfounded. That is probably because the guy doesn't have a clue what is going on out there.
ReplyDeleteSo you see Winston, here is the dilemma. If the Administration twists the facts. The Director says yes. Any employees who come and try to tell the County council different will disappear. The County council is a rubber stamp because they still want Gracedale gone. Then those are the only "facts" the papers have to print.
By the way did you hear how Stoffa and Attiyah are cutting a secret deal regarding Gracedale, the Wolf Building and the Bechtel bldg. Attiyah told Ann McHale he and Stoffa are working on it. Last night Stoffa played dumb. So how do you trust a crew like this?
You don't.
Trust me. You don't have to wait. They are setting the new management company up to fail. In two years, they will look you dead in the eye and say, "see would told you, you need to sell it." And, then they will sell it.
ReplyDeleteWait, they deficit spent more money in the first 6 months than all of 2010?
ReplyDeleteThis is the biggest and meanest con job in the history of Northampton county. It is sad that we don not have one investigative news outlet to look into the lies and deceit coming from the Stoffa Administration and this county council.
ReplyDeleteThey have engineered failure at Gracedale to sell it in order for Stoffa to close on his mega-million dollar deal with Abe Attiyah.
The saddest chapter in county history.
Dump the politicians!
I detect a necessary reluctance to enlighten me on the details of these accusations, regarding the behind the scene dealings, and other nefarious actions of some council members and the executive.
ReplyDeleteI do understand the reason for you being candid, however, if there is solid evidence of collusion and deal making behind closed doors, it MUST be brought to light.
I am pondering a scenario that would allow for us to meet and discuss what it is you know. Information is a dangerous weapon, when wielded in the correct fashion.
I have a middleman in mind, someone you all know and trust. They could arrange a meeting in person out of the earshot of the "thought police". You do realize this place is monitored by representatives of "Minitrue".
My father once said....."do not forget this Winston, always there will be the intoxication of power, constantly increasing and constantly growing subtler. Always, at every moment, there will be the thrill of victory, the sensation of trampling on an enemy who is helpless. If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face forever."
I really think this applies to those
"no-good-niks"
Mr Smith you call, we hall.
ReplyDeleteJustice ladies and gentlemen consist not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, whereever found, against the wrong.
ReplyDeletelet us always do the right thing, the right way without hesitation.
This is a quote from MCall "Administration estimates show Gracedale needs $20 million in capital improvements, and in six months used $3.1 million of the $3.5 million council had hoped would last all year. Although that appears to leave Gracedale with $400,000, Marcus noted that outstanding state and federal payments could alter the financial picture at any time."
ReplyDeleteNotice that it is said that council had hoped the 3.5 million would last the year. Anyone following Gracedale episode by episode know that they allocated 3.5 million for six months, hence,this is an outright lie either by the paper,or whomever they quoted.
Beware of strangers bearing gifts. Angle/Stoffa have many a person out there wanting to get into the middle of the Guardians.
ReplyDeleteContinue to be very careful whom you confide in.
God Bless the Guardians!
I think the saying is
ReplyDelete"beware of Greeks bearing gifts"
you know the Trojan Horse and all that
or it could be
"beware of gift bearing "geeks" "
I will allay your fears when we meet
until then
The Beatles!!!
"Listen , do you want to know a secret,
do you promise not to tell ....oh oh oh oh
closer ...oo ah oo ...let me whisper in your ear
oo ah oo
tell you things you want to hear"..........
Who might you know who is a HUGE Beatle fan?
Maybe ask around
This 'Winston Smith' is an Angle/Stoffa plant, plying games. That is pretty clear by now. We have learned the devious ways of these folks. Or in other words, we won't be fooled again!
ReplyDeletecome on!!!
ReplyDeleteI excuse you due to the nature of these blogs
You do realize that nitwit Ohare
will read your comment
and be amused and feel superior,
he kicked Winston Smith
out long ago...I fooled him so many times
it was like play acting
the Agony and the Ecstasy
for being so smart he sure is stupid
Hey did you know.....
There is a Beatlemania type
band in Nazareth Park tomorrow
I hear it starts at 6:30
hopefully it doesn't thunderstorm
Maybe Ohare will attend
I heard they play his favorite song
I AM THE WALRUS
BTW
ReplyDeleteIf you go I think you might want
to bring a lawn chair.
They do provide uncomfortable benches
for the brave
As for me I'll be
"sitting on a cornflake"
O'Hare is again posting bullshit about Gracedale and Human Services. He only allows his teabagger friends to post pro-Stoffa/Angle posts. He is deleting the truth.
ReplyDeleteI know no one here is surprised. Lehigh Valley Rambling has become a puff blog for his mancrushes and a hate blog for any who oppose the Angle/Stoffa regime.
We must keep fighting for the seniors at Gracedale. It appears the group has disbanded. We must fight now as hard as we ever fought. It is now evident that Angle/Stoffa want Gracedale to die a slow death, but death just the same. They need cash for their other projects and want to blame Gracedale. Please contact any and all who helped during the petition drive. We cannot back off now.
Only in Northampton County.
ReplyDeleteCouncilmen Ron Angle and Lamont McClure, both of whom face contested elections in November, gave residents further proof that there's no more entertaining place to be every first and third Thursday.
The day after Executive John Stoffa released a list of $20 million in capital repairs he says Gracedale needs, McClure called his colleagues' bluff. Many on council have spoken passionately about the need to reverse years of neglect of the aging Upper Nazareth facility so McClure motioned to use $13 million in county savings for improvements.
"By this vote, you demonstrate to two-thirds of our residents that you're serious about the long-term viability of Gracedale," McClure said, referring to voters who ratified a ballot referendum to keep the nursing home publicly owned.
Most people in the room knew the motion would fail because the administration has explained over and over that it would be unwise to drain the savings account. McClure has maintained there's plenty of cash on hand.
But Angle was willing to play along. Earlier in the night, council had indulged an hour and a half of discussion of a controversial land deal so Angle offered to use another $6.5 million for natural land preservation. "Who will speak for the trees?" he said, poking fun at the conservationists' plight.
Angle told McClure, "You're bold and that's to be admired. If you become good, you may actually be dangerous," and went on to chide him for not attending council committee meetings.
"I'm actually doing something, while you're making things up after being caught on the wrong side of the issue," McClure returned fire, jabbing Angle for supporting a Gracedale sale. "You keep going to meetings and I'll solve problems."
The motion failed 7-2, along party lines.
Jenna Portnoy
Somebody Quote Me.
"Privatization, if there's time for it, is an issue with some interest. But do we have to get it done? I'm not sure it meets that litmus test."
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson, puts the brakes on the latest push to privatize Pennsylvania's state-owned liquor stores.
Copyright © 2011, The Morning Call
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Comments (3)Add / View comments | Discussion FAQ
IFUSAYSO at 12:50 PM July 24, 2011
Hey Gov. Tom Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett
I have great names for the pups---> DUMB AND DUMBER, runs in the family!!
amazed8 at 9:03 AM July 24, 2011
TEA & Party
gfmiller at 2:07 AM July 24, 2011
Republican and Democrat REP & DEM
Could it be that Sir Stoffa wants to have Marcus close yet another wing at Gracedale because he has a good reason? When Stoffa sells the Wolf and Becthel Buildings in exchange for a 20 year lease agreement for the DUI Lounge in West Easton Stoffa can move the employees to Gracedale! How's that for thinking ahead?
ReplyDeleteI am disappointed no one took me up on my candid offer to attend the Beatle concert last night. It was quite entertaining viewing from my almost front row seat beside the park benches.
ReplyDeleteI had the mutual party I spoke of attend with me as well. A person you all know and trust.
I wanted to reveal my identity to you so we can put this nonsense of me being a agent from "Minitrue" to rest.
I'll think of another option.
In the meantime I guess that previous post answered my initial question as to the secret.
Thank you poster.
Winston,
ReplyDeleteI was away on vacation or I would have attended to meet you. Perhaps you could specify another time and date for some to meet you? I am not affiliated with the COAF, but would consider myself an ally for many reasons. I work behind the scenes, unknown to most folks, and I am a representative of the silent majority. I post here often.
What is August 18.
ReplyDelete14 days to the 18th.
ReplyDeleteNow we have the infamous Chris Miller talking about the GOONS and the UNIONS.
ReplyDeleteThis is the same man who is a retired school teacher who belonged to the Union whether he liked it or not.
And if he were able to get out of the UNION, could it be that he is REFUSING to take the taxpayers' portion of his pension,health care, sick days, personal days, and whatever other type of benefits that the teachers'unions could bleed from the PEOPLE?
So, here he is on the bottom feeder's blog taking this strong stand about the same thing he is receiving.
Crediblity or phoney?
If he is returning our money each month in all of those money areas, then I stand corrected.
The trouble with Chris Miller is he does not now that Gracedale did not lose $1,000,000. It received 3 1/2 increse from last year.
ReplyDeleteUnless he can show otherwise, he still remains in my mind one who complains about taxes and still wants his FREE share of the pie.
ReplyDeleteHe just cannot wait to keep others from their fair share.
Let all of us see his portion of his union benefits returned to the taxpayer.
Four days to the 18th of Aug.
ReplyDeleteSorry 10 Days and a wake up to the 18th of Aug
ReplyDelete8/18/11:
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to see by which manner or defense Stoffa's lawyer can hide the truth from the public.
If the truth doesn't surface there, perhaps the citizens of NORCO can be given an opportunity to READ exactly what was said and done by the TRIO plus a couple more folks.
As the previous witer said,10 days until the truth surfaces.
Sleep well and good luck.
To get a copy of the bills from Eckerd Seamans Law Firm, file a Right to Know Request with Jill Mancini, Northampton County Courthouse. Office of the Solicitor, Easton PA. The bills run from 10-22-10 to 4-19-11, good reading.
ReplyDeleteTo see the meetings live I type in ACS Public Access Northampton County. Do not look for Angle he is in the last seat he moves the chair all the way back so you can not see his movements. The next counsel meeting is the day of their court date, meeting is at 6:30 PM. Aug 18 2011.
ReplyDeleteHas Council been sued? What is all this chatter about August 18?
ReplyDeleteNo counsel has not been sued. Four to five people have to tell the judge why they used taxpayers money to fight the question whether Gracedale should be sold, or kept for 5 years. Hope to see you on the 18th.
ReplyDeleteFile a right to know for the bills for Eckerd Seaman they tell part of the story. The bills are day by day, good reading.
ReplyDeleteO'Hare is ripping Lamont McClure for telling the truth about the lies of the Angle/Stoffa
ReplyDeleteAdministration. Lamont stated he believes Stoffa sabotaged Gracedale and still is doing so. We know this to be so since people out there have been hindered in their jobs.
You folks know from first hand experience that John Stoffa is the most untrustworthy and dishonest official in local government today. Maybe even more so than Angle. It is probably a tie but they are darn close. I thank Lamont for telling the truth about Gracedale. The crime is the Press lets the Stoffa nonsense slide.
O'Hare is once again deleted most comments other than his teabagger buddies like Chris Miller. Trish/brenda and the other nuts.
It seems as though if BO is ripping you then you are on the right track. I haven't gone there in while and don't miss it.
ReplyDeleteHow much was the Eckert Siemens bill...$250,000 or something like that? Tax payer money wasted...so much for being a fiscal watchdog Mr. Angle. I don't know how the voting public isn't infuriated with this.
ReplyDeleteThe Eckert Siemens bill for selling Gracedale and fighting the COAF and the public was 186,431.03. The county still has Eckert Siemens on the books, why? The county will not say why. Ask stoffa. Rember that is taxpayers money they used. It is all in the bills,day by day. Hope to see you on the 18th. Eight days and a wake up.
ReplyDeleteIf you want some super reading ask Jill Mancini for the brief from Larry Otter on this last filling. Pay attention to the E mails, I know you will love the under handed play. In one bo tells Mark Steward {Att for Eckerd Seaman} Great Job, ME and Att Angle will ger right on it. Read the bills and the brief from OTTER see for your self.
ReplyDeleteWho is BO going to delete on AUG 18? BO you wamt to play with the BULL you have to expect the horns.
ReplyDeleteWhy am I not surprised by Ross Marcus' latest ignorant comment quoted in ET. He referred to the "HOOPLA" caused by the referendum issue being responable for the decrease in admissions to Gracedale. Since when is exercising your democratic right to weigh in on an important issue "HOOPLA"? Why don't Stoffa, Angle,Marcus just focus on doing the right thing and listen to the voters !!!!! Stop stalling and making excuses. Fix it already~!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteRegardless of what happens on 8/18 in Court, go and get the info being used for this case-under the right to know law- and read/learn for yourself what Angle,Stoffa and O'Hare did and said with the legal firm they hired from Harrisburg.Angle and O;Hare filed suit as regular taxpayers and claimed that they had NO HELP FROM THE OUT OF TOWN LEGAL FIRM.
ReplyDeleteRead the e-mails for yourself and judge for yourself.
The second question which you as a proud citizen should want to have answered is,Why does this O'Hare guy have so much influence with our County Government?
He is just like you and me, but he can receive free legal advice being paid by the taxpayers.
Why then doesn't the County allow all of us to benefit from the same service?
READ THE E-MAILS.
How can this be possible when O'Hare cannot legally practice law in the state of PA?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip. I will file to read these papers for myself.
I am no longer surprised as to the length that some of our political reps will go!
The county staff have gotten the word. They must do what O'Hare wants or face the consequences. Angle and Stoffa have made sure the word got out amongst the staff.
ReplyDeleteOne day we will finally be rid of those curses.
Please go to O'Hare's hate blog and defend Lamont McClure. He is the only one in the county telling the truth.
ReplyDeleteI applaud Mr. McClure for speaking the truth about Gracedale he has it there in black and white what more do the need.Don't forget about Mr. Barron he has spoke out on Gracedale with the truth also. Two out standing men in the county. There should be more like them.
ReplyDeletePrivate citizen BO has enought to do with the court case. MAYBE HE IS TRYING TO GET THE HEAT OFF HIM. BO world is closing in on him, is Angle going to throw BO under the bus to save his tail? We will know as the date moves closer. BO and Angle do not have Att.
ReplyDeleteA mailer about Angle using county taxpayer money to try and close Gracedale with O'Hare will be sent to voters!
ReplyDeleteSarah Cassi has not a clue as to what really is going on at Gracedale.
ReplyDeleteShe has a great scoop right at her finger tips and doesn't know how to sniff it out.
She says that she has read the records.The answer is not totally there.
No one is going to tell her the real story.She still remains close to her OFFICIAL sources.
Does she really believe that they are going to spill the beans?
She speaks of the Director.......
Even the DAILY PLANET could figure this one out.
Sarah Cassi is less than a reporter than Lois Lane. You could give her facts that could win her awards and she'd bury them because of Angle and Owens. She doesnt have what it takes to be an investigative reporter. Her super heros will turn on her just like they did on Gilbert and Barron. Sarah is a very nice person but will never realize her full potential as long as she continues to misplace her trust and closes her eyes to the truth.
ReplyDeleteHello People, hey BO six days and a wake up. Are you ready? Come to the court house and see for your self, see you on the 18th.
ReplyDeleteIT is bad when Angle is conserned about Sarah Cassi leaving counsel meeting early, more than what is going on at the meeting. I guess the press comes first.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Sarah is a beautiful human being, but I do not think that she is able to think past Angle, Stoffa, O'Hare,Owens, and her office space.
ReplyDeleteShe really ought to take a peek. She might be able to see the truth and go get it.
JENNA SEEMS TO HAVE A BETTER NOSE FOR THIS TYPE OF THING,I THINK.
Hi every one I hope Mr Stoffa does not forget to show up THURSDAY 18th, every one will be looking for you. People do come and see your tax dollars at work. You paid for the first four court hearings. It is nice when you can challleng private citizens and have your legal bills paid by the county. 4 free rides. Come and enjoy the horse and ponie show no charge.
ReplyDeleteMs. Cassi still does not get it. On the Express blog, she has answered one person by giving her numbers and e-mail.
ReplyDeleteInvestigative????
I don't think so.
The person who commented could not be more clear. Has she been intimidated, or is she just content PRETENDING to care by giving out her phone numbers instead of HER REACHING OUT to the source who might give her a route number to the truth.
She thinks that she knows the TRUTH because she has been told or shown the records.
She really ought to do her job and investigate instead of writing what the perpetrators tell her about.
When the truth finally comes out,she will wonder how the taxpayers knew what the scoop was before the newspaper.
Anonymous (Aug. 11 10:32 PM),
ReplyDeleteI posted my phone number and e-mail on the Express-Times blog with the same intent that I have by providing it in this comment - to reach out to families who have tried to place someone at Gracedale and problems they may face. So I will repeat my offer here: if there is anyone who would like to speak with me about difficulties placing a family member at Gracedale, or about any other issues related to Gracedale, please call me at 610-258-7171 ext. 3456 or via e-mail at scassi@express-times.com.
The only thing I can offer is to listen. Despite what is written here and on other blogs about my intentions and abilities, I never make a guarantee to anyone that I will write an article.
In fairness to Sara, she is doing her job. I don't think people should be attacking her. Owens and Till call the shots and they have always been very protective of their boy Stoffa. The Paper was practically an in-kind contributor to his campaigns.
ReplyDelete