Agenda?

What agenda???

The Coalition of Alzheimer's Families shares no agenda, vendetta, or anything else the disbarred attorney may want to call it. Against anyone, for any reason.

Consider that when Bernie decided to break the rules. The rules took away his privileges to practice his trade. 

He received (although lenient) just punishment! That's exactly what should happen whenever anyone mounts themselves above the rules.



Stop signs mean STOP! Then proceed with caution. And everyone
who wants to keep their drivers licence must obey, or risk losing  their driving privileges, period.

Bernie would probably present the argument that exceptions are obvious all the time for emergency authorities, such as for police, fire, or ambulance. We, on the other hand would defend the rules. 

We would argue that the rules are clear. Only authorized emergency vehicles may go through stop signs or red lights. And only during emergencies can they do so. However, we would also point out, that is a rule, not an exception.

Ross Marcus understood very well we're sure. That his time with John Stoffa, and the rest of Stoffa's cronies would eventually run out. Well, the time is almost here. Earlier this year he tried to lure a position in Luzerne County, and failed because they discovered he came with baggage. Baggage they didn't need or want. So they rejected him. Now we understand that McDonald's won't hire him either. So, out of desperation he breaks the rules. And sadly, and regrettably, both Stoffa and Council condoned it.

Yes, a Lame-Duck is a lame duck!

Once Again...

...County Council disappoints the county taxpayers.

And yes, it appears that John Stoffa and Ross Marcus are above the rules and the law.

I don't see anything...
when I look the other way!

During the September 5, 2013 County Council meeting, Ross Marcus was given a pass to take an employment position with CACLV. The rules say he can't, but his actions (condoned) say he could. Ross Marcus asked John Stoffa to turn his head, and he did. John stoffa asked County Council to turn their heads, and they did. 

Quite clearly, the "Administrative Code" is in place to control the actions of some, not all. If that's so, then we must ask: does the administrative code serve an honest purpose? In our opinion, the answer of course, is NO!

Rules, by whatever name, are to apply to all under the umbrella. That's not so in Nor-Co. In Northampton County, the law of the land applies only to those John Stoffa wants them to apply to. The rest, he turns a blind eye. So who exactly is the rest? Well, Ross Marcus is one of Stoffa's rest for sure. Kathleen Kelly is another. Ilisa Sacknoff (we know from experience) is yet another.

Yes...I can!

Under Ross Marcus, the Department of Human services falls short of serving the very people it is designed and intended to serve. We would say: ask the employees of the Human Services Department. However, the question is: will they talk? We don't believe they will publicly. And we understand why not. Some would say they are in fear of retribution from their supervisors. Hence, they are better off remaining silent. And their despair is not only about losing their jobs. They also fear the brutal attacks made to sully their reputations, should they decide to talk. In addition, they fear the manipulation that may cast them over the edge, as has happen to some in recent history. So they regrettably remain silent!

So, what about County Council? 

We know it's wrong...but we wish you well.

Well, if you watch the meeting (2 hrs 15 min and 30 secs in). You will see and hear firsthand that they chose to turn a blind eye too. They chose to (once again) disappoint the electors who trusted them to do right.

Mr. Parson spoke with some regret in his voice about the situation. And Mr. McClure expressed that this specific matter should not be seen as setting a precedence. However, that's just what they did! From that point on. Any county employee desiring to violate, or better said: break the rules, will simply take council to task, citing this Marcus-action.

Council should have understood that exceptions in these types of matters usually lead to unnecessary litigation. Especially when your own solicitor tells you it is wrong. They all danced around in turn to say good-by to the less than honorable (in the peoples eyes) Ross Marcus. They just had to extend their best-wishes. Yet, no one stood up and said what solicitor Lauer advised them...IT IS WRONG!

Well, it's clear now that a Lame-Duck is always lame.

Breaking The Rules...

Rules?  What rules?

...AGAIN!!!

This is exactly what John Stoffa and Ross Marcus continuously do. The rules, supposed to apply to all. And which we all play by, are not applicable to them.

Yup, it say's right here...
...he must wait a year!

It turns out folks, according to County Council Solicitor Phil Lauer. Under county code, vendors working with the county must wait a year before hiring a former county employee (like Ross Marcus will be on Sept  6, or 16, 2013). Marcus award contracts to the organization doing the hiring. In this case, that would be the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV).

The Express Times has reported that Solicitor Lauer has: 

"advised County Council it would be improper to provided Marcus an exemption". 

And "We The People" agree. We have to ask: How can anyone see this action as anything less than what it is - A conflict of interest?

Are the rules really for all?

The ET also reports: "County Council President John Cusick expressed concern that by allowing Marcus to take the position with CACLV without reprimand, the county would be opening itself up to litigation. While He expressed no interest in filing a lawsuit himself, county contracts specifically forbid this situation from moving forward." According to ET, Cusick also said: "these rules are in place for a reason."

Forget the rules, I want profits!

As clear-cut as this violation of the rules is. We have to ask: Why would any member of council agree to allow it? Is Ross Marcus above the rules? If the rules are in place for a reason, as Cusick stated. Then reason dictates that County Council must deny Marcus the privileged of an illicit opportunity elsewhere. One which is clearly a conflict of interest, and well within the reach of his office.

The answer may be that Macus, denied an employment oppertunity in Luzerne County last October, is now trying to secure for himself another position elsewhere. The position is certainly within the reach of his current position. This is clearly corruption if it happens!

C'mon John - Give me a break!

We wouldn't want to see Marcus unemployed after Stoffa leaves office in January either. However, we don't want to see him in a position where he can hurt the very people he is to help. We hear McDonald's  right down the street from the courthouse, is hiring. We're sure he can impress them highly with his resume.

I can't give him a Break?
Why Not?

Unfortunately for Northampton County, County Executive John Stoffa and Ross Marcus always believe they are above the rules, and the law. Surely, they are not! Now, Morning Call reporter Samantha Marcus reports that Marcus's departure is dependent on getting a pass from County Council. Getting a pass?

This is certainly a tangled web being weaved. Ross Marcuss should be asked: When it's all said and done Ross, how much pension are you going to receive from the county? Just don't expect an answer!

Read Articles:
ET - Breach of Contract
MCall - Getting a Pass