Northampton County Council At It's Finest!

To watch Northampton County Council work today, leaves one breathless to say the least.

Keeping in mind the debacles of past governing bodies over the last decade or so.  It is refreshing today, to see and hear a governing county council, which is clearly working as it should for the people. And We, The People want to let them know that for the first time in well over five years, we are proud of you! No! - We are very proud of you.

Gone are the days of disorderly behavior by our elected officials. No more swearing, no more yelling. Arrived have the days of civil tranquility that is clearly resulting in what the county needs most, forward progress leading to envisioned goals.

The terminology has certainly changed. Instead of the blasphemy once tolerated, and people told to sit down and shut up - thank you, please, I respectfully ask, apology extended, have become the normal terms accepted today. This is awesome!

Many in the county were once skeptical about the possibility that we would ever see this day. We on the other hand were confident that if we elected the right statesmen's using our POWERFUL vote, we could make a change, and a difference.  Many in the county are no longer skeptical because the day has arrived...and we  all welcome it!

All off you folks out there who believe that your vote doesn't matter, please think again...it does! 

The civil order witness today during the council meeting is exactly what we worked to accomplish when we began the process of cleaning house. Today the house is nice and neat, and clean...all we have to do is keep it that way.

We applaud you...keep up the good work!

Brick & Mortar...

...Is all that the physical exterior structure of Gracedale consist of. The interior however, well, that's another story.

On the inside, Gracedale consist of many meaningful components. There are two however, which give Gracedale it's true purpose. The heart of Gracedale of course, are the residents who give the facility its life. The employees on the other hand, are the ones who help sustain the life gifted to Gracedale.

On Saturday, April 11, 2015, I was privileged to attend a small rally at Gracedale, intended to honor our veterans, as well as bring awareness to the employees of Gracedale, just how important their vote is.

Most of the speakers, which included: County Council President Margaret (Peg) Ferraro, who voiced the importance of a vote, regardless of which side receives it. And Councilman Lamont McClure, who called Gracedale "sacred ground". In addition, Controller Stephen Barron, who urged the small crowd to get everyone they know registered. And Councilman Mat Benol, who expounded on the significance a vote has. And, he also made the crowd aware that he doesn't know a council person currently serving the County, who is in favor of selling Gracedale.

Councilman Hayden Phillips was also in attendance. When respectfully asked by union representative Justus James (who hosted the rally), if he wanted to say a few words, Mr. Phillips interestingly said, "no, that's okay. I didn't come to speak, I came to listen."

Also in attendance was Abe Kassis, who is running for Judge. I was really pleased to meet him formally for the first time. Mr. Kassis expressed to me just how important all the Gracedale's of the state are. His voice did not tremble, it was sincere, so I promised him my vote. He will get it!

In contrast to previous governing bodies in NorCo, all on this day seemed to speak with one unified voice. It was very refreshing to hear the voice say: whatever you do, get out and vote. The integrated voice clearly highlighted the importance of every single vote. The voice also spoke to all of our "Honored Veterans," whom, in many cases paid the ultimate price to give us the rights we enjoy in America today.

As a Marine myself, I echo their sentiments, while going a step further and saying: don't let their sacrifice be in vain. No, I was not asked to speak, but, like Mr. Phillips, I didn't go there to speak either. I also attended to listen. And, while I understand and believe Mr. Benol, I also understand the world of NorCo politics. It can at times be very deceitful and dirty.

What I would say to all the residents and employees of Gracedale, I will say here on this blog today. You are very meaningful and indispensable to the County. So please, pay close attention to what our servants are saying. And perhaps more importantly, pay closer attention what they are doing. And then, go out on election day and be the VOTING BLOCK that you are!

Mr. Brown was given a trusted privilege to serve the interest of his Masters. His actions however, clearly demonstrate he has elected instead to serve his own interest. Mr. Angle, if you remember him, was hired by our votes. And then, when he chose to go against the will of his constituents, he was fired by the mighty power of our votes...so too may be the fate of Mr. Browns, should he continue to threaten Gracedale.


Where's the fake bone?

Lastly, I was not surprised to see my Brother in Christ in attendance, or, depending on your point of view, my arch-enemy. I considered going over as I have done in the past and extending my hand to him. However, I really didn't want to hear despicable words come out of his mouth again, so I decided not to. Nor was I surprised that he would take a stab at me on his blog, once again calling me a Fake Rev. How childish?

Jesus commands me to love him - even as my enemy. And so, I'm sorry to have to be the one to tell him...I prevailed - you failed. If you really want to talk about fake...just take a look in the mirror buddy! ;)

Rev. Mario Martinez

Just Blame Gracedale!

Sadly - a Germanwings plane crashed into the French Alps this past week, not because an unfit co-pilot flew it into the Alps, but because Gracedale had something to do with it. You know...it's Gracedale's fault.

Also this past week, a person was killed in Oklahoma, not because Mother Nature sent them a tornado, but, because Gracedale had something to do with it too - it was Gracedale's fault.

On March 13, Cyclone Pam, a powerful cat-5 storm, devastated Vanuatu. Again, not an act of God, no...let us blame Gracedale!

If you notice folks, Northampton County has, from year to year, a budget ranging from 133 million dollars to 155 million dollars. While it was reported that Gracedale was under budget for 2014, some are now pretending that Gracedale will cost 12 million dollars by 2018. While we don't believe that information is true or accurate (as in the past, we believe it is misinformation intended to deceive), lets assume, for the sake of making our point, however, that it is true. On the low end, if Gracedale did cost 12 million dollars in 2018, that would represent about 8 percent of the budget.  On the high end, if the budget was 155 million dollars,  it would represent about 6 percent of the budget.

Our question of course, has to be: where is the other 92-94 percent of the budget going?

County Executive John Brown, his administration, as well as some others who were defeated by the Gracedale Referendum, would like us all to believe that Gracedale is at fault for all of Northampton County's problems. The bridges need repairs - Gracedale's fault. Human Services cost too much - Gracedale's fault. Employee positions aren't being filled - Gracedale's fault. John Brown is spending too much on consultants - Gracedale's Fault.

Mr. Brown stated during his so called - State of the County Address "their are no sacred cows, although a lot of departments believe they are." We feel he made a good point. We follow up that point with our own: There are no sacred politicians, although a lot believe they are.

We elected, and will continue to do so, a balanced County Council, with the intent that they will balance the powers to be.

Make no mistake about it Mr. Brown. The same taxpaying/voting train that hit and then ran over Ron Angle and his crew of deceivers, will run over you too.

We warned Mr. Angle then, however, in his overflowing arrogance he failed to pay attention. The result? It cost him his presidency, and his Council seat. We are now warning you too sir. Don't make the same mistake Ron did, or you are destined to suffer the same fate he did. Trust us - we keep our promises. Just ask Mr. Angle.

 

 

State of What?

 

Here we go again! How is it that on February 5, 2015, Gracedale is given a standing ovation by County Council and Executive Brown, and yesterday Mr. Brown is positioning Gracedale as a major culprit in his budget?

We know that on January 26, 2015 Matt Assad of the Morning Call reported that Gracedale came in under budget for the year 2014.

So why does Mr. Brown continue to project such ridiculous numbers? Numbers that we all know are skewed to make Gracedale out to look like some kind of money hungry facility. Perhaps because he has a hidden agenda to try and sell Gracedale.

Mr. Brown needs to look back at what the voters said when they voted to keep Gracedale in county hands - they clearly said:

LEAVE GRACEDALE ALONE!!!

Mr. Brown also needs to understand, and not forget, that by an almost 3-1 margin the taxpayers of the Northampton County also said: We are willing to pay for Gracedale.

If by chance our Executive is not wise enough to understand that mandate, then we suggest he speak to Ron Angle, who also cooked the numbers. And because he was exposed, his untouchable status went from untouchable, to very touchable, simply because he thought Gracedale was an easy target.

Our current County Executive has made many errors in his first year, and we have remained silent. This foreseeable mistake however, should he decide to make it, will, instead of having him looking towards another term as Executive, will have him looking elsewhere for another job.

If he thinks we're kidding, he should consult with John Stoffa, Michael Dowd, Bruce Gilbert, John Cussick, to name a few, who were also removed from office for messing with Gracedale. Asked them how it all worked out for them.

You may think the bear is asleep Mr. Brown. Notice however, if you will, that the bear has one eye open. If foolishly you awaken the bear, your future as County Executive Mr. Brown, will certainly be uncertain.

You can take that to the bank!

WFMZ69's View - Gracedales Clean Bill of Health

As most of you know by now, Gracedale and her supporters are rejoicing in a historical moment of triumph.

As a direct result of "We, The People's" perseverance, Gracedale today has proven her worth.

Please follow the link: http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-lehighvalley/gracedale-gets-clean-bill-from-department-of-health/31123590

The Truth Is Once Again Truth!

We knew it was possible!

Today, Ron Angle and John Stoffa, as well as others who desired to destroy Gracedale know, not only that it is possible for Gracedale to sustain herself, but before their very eyes it materialized. It is not magic folks, and it's not a miracle! It is simple evidence of what humanity can do when it puts it's best foot forward.

Today, a reality that no one can deny is, Gracedale can, and Gracedale will continue to sustain herself, as long as she is allowed to run the way she was intended to run. And, she will continue to serve all those she was designed and intended to serve, and to care for.

It can be said that John Brown has taken a beating in his first year as County Executive. For what, some ask? For various reasons. The verbal punishment he has endured has come from other blogs and the one-sided media in Northampton County. We're not saying it's wrong or right. We will say however, we told Mr. Brown that if Gracedale was given the opportunity, and is operated professionally and properly, she would prevail against all odds. She has done just that! As some would say: the proof is in the pudding. On this blog however, we decided to sit back and watch. Make no noise, just watch vigilantly. We can tell you from our observation, with a high degree of certainty, that Executive Brown did what he told us he would do. He gave Gracedale the opportunity to prove herself. On February 3, 2015, Mr. Brown reportedly said he was proud of Gracedale's accomplishments. In his words: "The administration has been committed to stabilizing Gracedale's operations while continuing to provide the highest levels of quality care." The previous administration (Stoffa) did not want Gracedale stable. They could not justify the sale of a stable Gracedale. Instead they did all they could to destabilize her. Mr. Brown went on to say, "We are proud with the results."

According to other blogs and the media, Mr. Brown may be doing many things wrong. According to this blog, Mr. Brown is certainly doing one thing right...Gracedale!

To the electors, the taxpayers, and all residents of Northampton County we say: Don't ever again let anyone tell you Gracedale can't, because today, without a doubt you know she can! We said the tax increase threats going back to 2010 were nothing more than scare tactics. Today, you know that's just what they were, tactics of deception intended to steer us like cattle in the direction they wanted us to go. However, for five years since, there have been no tax increases. Why not? Because they were not necessary then. Yes, a tax increase is looming in 2015, but today Mr. Brown will be the first to tell you - it's not because of Gracedale. And while it is true that the reserve funds have dwindled, as a community we can thank Mr. Stoffa for that. If you recall, he refused to pull the Swap-option trigger when it was under 10 million dollars. His failure cost the taxpayers 27+ million dollars. Had he done his job professionally and properly, we would possibly have an additional 17 million dollars in our reserves today.  Gracedale didn't make that mistake, John Stoffa did. We hope he is enjoying his retirement mandated by the electors.

 In loving memory of our friend Peggy, who is rejoicing with our loved ones in heaven over this great and exciting news.

Lastly, we extend a warm congratulation to D. Freeman, Gracedale Administrator, for helping us prove our case, and for providing an honest effort to turn things around. Job well done! Thank you. 

We Understood This Was Possible!

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Department of Health Finds Zero Deficiencies at Gracedale Nursing Home First time in the history of Nursing Home that the Long Term Care Facility Survey receives Unprecedented Results   Easton, PA - February 3, 2015 The Northampton County Administration announces that after a week-long intensive inspection and Audit by the Department of Health (DOH), Gracedale Nursing home has no deficiencies and received a zero deficiencies survey result.   Based on a Medicare/Medicaid Recertification survey, State Licensure survey, and Civil Rights Compliance Survey, completed on  January 30, 2015, at Northampton County Home-Gracedale, it was determined that there were no deficiencies, related to theHealth portion of the survey process, identified under the requirements of 42 CFR Part 483, Subpart B.  Requirements for Long Term Care Facilities and the 28 PA Code, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Long Term Care Licensure Regulations as they relate to the Health portion of the survey process.   "The administration has been committed to stabilizing Gracedale's operations while continuing to provide the highest level of quality care," said John Brown, Northampton County Executive.  "We are proud with the results of the DOH survey. This confirms our cost-effective measures and teamwork are moving us in the right direction."   The DOH Survey is an in-depth week-long process that examines  health care facilities and looks for any possible deficiencies that violate any of the standard regulations set forth by the DOH. Penalties can be as severe as loss of license.   In the past Gracedale has received an average of five to eight DOH Survey deficiencies per year. Additionally, Gracedale has received an average of eight independent DOH complaint  inspections;  Gracedale has not received any such complaint visits since April 2014.     "We are very pleased with the success of our efforts. These outstanding results from the DOH Survey are a true testament to the hard work and care given by our team here at Gracedale," said D. Freeman, Gracedale Administrator.