It is now quite evident that there has been some wrong doing relating to misused tax funds...the question is to what extent?
In order to express the truth as we know it, we have decided to post this email from our "People Serving" County Controller Stephen Barron to Mark Stuart of Eckard Seamans requesting financial information which he has yet to receive.
We suspect that the records requested by Mr. Barron will prove the wrong doing.
_______________________________________________________
"Dear Mark,
Thank you for your response. I would have responded back sooner, but I wanted to speak directly to Bo Koltnow about your conversation. While he acknowledges that you did direct him to the billing department you also stated that Bernie O' Hare was never a client, but you did bill for advising him.
That said, who directed you to do this?
I understand you and the administration will argue this action was covered by the council resolution to pursue options to sell the home and secure that outcome. While this ballot initiative was out of the blue and was never anticipated by anyone (including me), how on earth could the argument be made that the council anticipated this? Even in your letter with the January bill (dated February 24) you state, "The ballot initiative efforts, which were not envisioned in the original projections, have front loaded some of the project costs."
Let's take a hypothetical... Assume I hired a lawyer to help me sort through what my office could do to help push the referendum and make sure the initiative was voted on by the citizens of the county (just like your firm was hired by the administration). While pursuing those ends I realized I had no standing in the matter. However, there was this group of citizens who were willing to do the same thing who did have standing (like the COAF). I direct my lawyer (hired with money entrusted to me to run my office... taxpayer money) to help and assist this group to make sure the referendum made it to the ballot. Would that be appropriate? Let's even say council passed a budget amendment or resolution providing the funds to my budget to hire this firm. The only difference in my scenario and the facts as I see them in this case is that you did not assist a group of people. It was only two private citizens.
To date I have identified over $31,000 in expenses that could be attributed to the private petition challenge, and over $10,000 of that time was just used in reviewing the petitions for defective signatures. The key part of the O'Hare/Angle litigation, I might add.
I have also reviewed the contract, request for service, the bid response and the resolution and fail to find any authority to advise in the private litigation.
As I am sure you are aware I have authority to audit under the contract you signed with the county.
At this time I am requesting all correspondences (including e-mail or electronic correspondences) with Mr. O' Hare and Mr. Angle. I would like to also review all notes, memos, documents and other items that went into the petition review and to the parties in the petition challenge litigation. If these documents are able to be scanned and sent to me in digital format that would be wonderful, but I am willing do what is most convenient to your firm.
If you are not the person who would handle this request please let me know who at your law firm I should direct the inquiry to.
I am disappointed with the evolution of this situation. When I brought this up in March there was much done to discredit my statements, and now you have acknowledged that you did bill for services provided to the private litigants and that it was somehow "authorized" by council resolution. If you did believe that in the first place why was this not the argument asserted in March?
While I understand there was a lot of emotion on both sides attached to the Gracedale issue, when one takes a step back and looks at this situation it is clear council would never give authority of this kind and would never allow a person who is not a government employee or even affiliated with Northampton County's operations to have access to legal advice and help paid for with county money (which is also taxpayer money).
I would be happy with a resolution that reimburses the taxpayers for money spent to advise in the private litigation, and would be happy to go over the billing with you, members of the administration and anyone else in your firm line by line, if necessary, to correct this issue and move forward. I don't care the source of the reimbursement, just that all funds that went to support the private litigation be refunded.
Thank you for your time. I await your response and your suggestions as to the steps you wish to take help bring this issue to a close.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Barron, Jr.
Northampton County Controller
(O) 610-559-3185
(C) 484-221-1103"
_________________________________________________________
The email was sent approximately a week ago with no response to date.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
WHAAAT?
Unbelievable! That a response to: "How are you doing Bernie?" would be "F*%@ YOU".
Yes ladies and gentlemen of NorCo, that was the result our spokesperson Rev. Mario Martinez received from Bernard O'Hare during a brief passing in the parking deck just prior to the County Council meeting. Not certain he heard correctly, our spokesperson said "excuse me?" - O'Hare turned to face our spokesperson and used the same profanity in a manner that could not be misunderstood...humbly, our spokesperson replied: "you have a great day too" and went on his way to the meeting.
After the meeting, Mr. Stoffa went into his office appearing disgruntled with COAF members who politely wished him a good evening. Seconds after, O'Hare comes out of chambers and runs directly into Mr. Stoffas office almost running into our spokesperson, (in our opinion intentional) however, there was no contact this time, and we say that sincerely because we REPORT THE TRUTH.
Why are they so upset? - well, during the courtesy of the floor, Jack DeLesandro once again provided council members with more damaging information relating to tax dollars authorized by Mr. Stoffa...for use to assist two private citizens - namely Ron Angle and Bernard O'hare III who sued the the taxpayers assisted by Mark Stuart of Eckard Seamans, who without question - billed the county for for assisting in the PRIVATE LITIGATION. Our spokesperson given the opportunity, first commended the new civil and professional format of the meeting, giving full credit to all members of council, then enlighten the council body that although he did not plan on addressing council this evening, a concerning email had compelled him to do so. He proceeded to reveal that part of the content of the email indicated that more than $31,000.00 may have been used to fund the PRIVATE LITIGATION.
When question by the Council President Mr. Cusick regarding whether or not the County Controller Steven Baron was going to provide council a report, the Controller who was in the audience came to the podium and presented some very interesting information - which made for a visibly uncomfortable Mr. Stoffa. We will go into more details tomorrow...stay tuned.
NICE STORY - WFMZ
http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-lehighvalley/County-controller-wants-documents-emails-in-Gracedale-petition-challenge/-/132502/13459880/-/pm9mx4z/-/index.html
Is It All About The Money?
No...absolutely not.
While $31,000.00 is a significant amount of money, the pending issue relating to taxpayer funds used to pay for private litigation is more than just a money matter. It has everything to do with right and wrong, which is certainly more important to We The People - than the money itself.
Was it right or wrong for the County Executive John Stoffa to authorize the use of county resources funded by taxpayer dollars to benefit a private matter? You see...anyone looking at this question has to understand that it is always WRONG to use tax dollars for private use! Mr. Stoffa suggested to a county resident/taxpayer that he did not use tax dollars...but county dollars. Again, we have to ask - what is the difference? And if there is a difference, can someone knowledgeable please define the difference for us, because we don't see a difference.
The act of misusing tax dollars ladies and gentlemen of NorCo, is no different in this case, than the WFMZ report yesterday about former State House Speaker Bill DeWeese, who was convicted of misusing tax dollars - by way of using employees to benefit his own private campaign. http://www.wfmz.com/news/Former-state-House-Speaker-behind-bars/-/121458/13394142/-/h49h77/-/index.html
Mr. DeWeese is today sitting in jail because his act of misusing tax dollars was WRONG! We The People believe that the actions of our County Executive were equivalent to those of Mr. DeWeese, and that's not to say that our desire is that Mr. Stoffa, or anyone else warms a bed in jail...but if one knowingly and intentionally breaks the law...then where do law breakers go - if not jail?
County Council has been tasked by We The People to investigate this matter. Not to address this matter seriously would be considered by We The People a dereliction of duty on their part. Hopefully they will have some answers for us during this evenings County Council meeting.
Stay tuned for new developments.
While $31,000.00 is a significant amount of money, the pending issue relating to taxpayer funds used to pay for private litigation is more than just a money matter. It has everything to do with right and wrong, which is certainly more important to We The People - than the money itself.Was it right or wrong for the County Executive John Stoffa to authorize the use of county resources funded by taxpayer dollars to benefit a private matter? You see...anyone looking at this question has to understand that it is always WRONG to use tax dollars for private use! Mr. Stoffa suggested to a county resident/taxpayer that he did not use tax dollars...but county dollars. Again, we have to ask - what is the difference? And if there is a difference, can someone knowledgeable please define the difference for us, because we don't see a difference.
The act of misusing tax dollars ladies and gentlemen of NorCo, is no different in this case, than the WFMZ report yesterday about former State House Speaker Bill DeWeese, who was convicted of misusing tax dollars - by way of using employees to benefit his own private campaign. http://www.wfmz.com/news/Former-state-House-Speaker-behind-bars/-/121458/13394142/-/h49h77/-/index.htmlMr. DeWeese is today sitting in jail because his act of misusing tax dollars was WRONG! We The People believe that the actions of our County Executive were equivalent to those of Mr. DeWeese, and that's not to say that our desire is that Mr. Stoffa, or anyone else warms a bed in jail...but if one knowingly and intentionally breaks the law...then where do law breakers go - if not jail?
County Council has been tasked by We The People to investigate this matter. Not to address this matter seriously would be considered by We The People a dereliction of duty on their part. Hopefully they will have some answers for us during this evenings County Council meeting.
Stay tuned for new developments.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Happy Mother's Day...
...to you all you wonderful mothers out there.
May God continue to shower you with his blessings.
May God continue to shower you with his blessings.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Silenced!!!
The subject appears so sensitive, that everyone concerned with the matter have clammed up shut...including the media.
People who would talk to hear themselves talk (like the ousted councilman)...speak no more! Why???
We know why...they are hopeful that if they don't say another word about it...it will all go away. How wrong they are. This will not go away because the Coalition will not go away! We will continue to ask, until they have no recourse but to answer us.
They can enjoy the silence for the moment...but not for long. The sound of nothing today...says that something was foul yesterday, and no one wants to talk about it. However, eventually there will be no choice but to call a spade - a spade.
We know that even the notorious
nonsensical ignoramus, who thrives on launching insults with no foundation at anyone whom he disagrees with...has been absolutely silent on this matter since the meeting on May 3rd, 2012.
We know that we have hit a nerve when silence becomes - the loudest scream.
Can you hear us now Mr. Stoffa???
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
What Will Council Do...
...About the unauthorized use of TAX dollars?
Hopefully the right thing. And what is the right thing? Well, while we're not sure what they can do legally, we suspect that at the very minimum, the right thing would be to instruct/order Mr. Stoffa to forward bills of all cost associated with the services rendered by Eckard Seamans to Ron Angle and Bernard O'Hare...and then collect the funds by any means necessary.
Their litigation was a private matter against the TAX-payers. They should except the cost because they enjoyed the service, with the understanding that the only instance where TAX dollars are legally used to benefit private citizens goes by the program name "WELFARE". And the last time We The People looked, neither Angle nor O'Hare qualify for the program. It is only right, and certainly fair, that they pay for the services rendered to them by ES using TAXPAYER dollars.
If in-fact, laws have been broken in the process however, it stands to reason that the appropriate authorities MUST be involved for further review, investigation, and prosecution - if applicable.
No...it is not our desire that anyone end up incarcerated, however, anyone who enters a Walmart, or any place of business for example, with INTENT to steal (knowingly breaks the law) and they in-fact do so, if apprehended, they would in all likelihood be subject to our criminal laws and system. And they should expect consequences for their actions in according to all applicable laws...simply because what they did is wrong. Stealing at Walmart is no different than stealing from the TAX payers, and a consequence should result for either.
You see...using TAX dollars to serve the interest of anyone other than the TAX payer, as we understand it...is illegal, and consequences MUST result for such actions when discovered - and investigated of course to confirm the wrong doing...we must not allow the law breakers to get away with breaking the law - if we do, we can expect anarchy to be the end result.
While most of our elected officials get into politics for the right reasons - there are some who go into politics for there own selfish, usually self-serving motivations which inspire and illusion them to step outside the legal boundaries. We The People believe that to correct the problem we must demonstrate with stern action that this sort of behavior will not be tolerated...upon discovery - there will be a consequence to pay, for anyone...regardless of position - who chooses to step outside the law.
We have to say - especially to those We The People have vote for - and entrusted to lead us...and you know who you are - please do the right thing. Consider that if a public servant such as a Police Officer broke the law - there would be no law...just a fight for survival...
...let that - never be the case in NorCo.
Hopefully the right thing. And what is the right thing? Well, while we're not sure what they can do legally, we suspect that at the very minimum, the right thing would be to instruct/order Mr. Stoffa to forward bills of all cost associated with the services rendered by Eckard Seamans to Ron Angle and Bernard O'Hare...and then collect the funds by any means necessary.
Their litigation was a private matter against the TAX-payers. They should except the cost because they enjoyed the service, with the understanding that the only instance where TAX dollars are legally used to benefit private citizens goes by the program name "WELFARE". And the last time We The People looked, neither Angle nor O'Hare qualify for the program. It is only right, and certainly fair, that they pay for the services rendered to them by ES using TAXPAYER dollars.If in-fact, laws have been broken in the process however, it stands to reason that the appropriate authorities MUST be involved for further review, investigation, and prosecution - if applicable.
No...it is not our desire that anyone end up incarcerated, however, anyone who enters a Walmart, or any place of business for example, with INTENT to steal (knowingly breaks the law) and they in-fact do so, if apprehended, they would in all likelihood be subject to our criminal laws and system. And they should expect consequences for their actions in according to all applicable laws...simply because what they did is wrong. Stealing at Walmart is no different than stealing from the TAX payers, and a consequence should result for either.
You see...using TAX dollars to serve the interest of anyone other than the TAX payer, as we understand it...is illegal, and consequences MUST result for such actions when discovered - and investigated of course to confirm the wrong doing...we must not allow the law breakers to get away with breaking the law - if we do, we can expect anarchy to be the end result.
While most of our elected officials get into politics for the right reasons - there are some who go into politics for there own selfish, usually self-serving motivations which inspire and illusion them to step outside the legal boundaries. We The People believe that to correct the problem we must demonstrate with stern action that this sort of behavior will not be tolerated...upon discovery - there will be a consequence to pay, for anyone...regardless of position - who chooses to step outside the law.We have to say - especially to those We The People have vote for - and entrusted to lead us...and you know who you are - please do the right thing. Consider that if a public servant such as a Police Officer broke the law - there would be no law...just a fight for survival...
...let that - never be the case in NorCo.
Monday, May 7, 2012
How Much Did It Cost The Taxpayers?
A minimum of - A WHOPPING $31,000.00+
That's right NorCo...31+K.
Here are some of the numbers to this point, that we are aware of and can substantiate:
This is money that could have been better spent on Gracedale and/or other legitimate county projects.
We The People beleive the time has come for Mr. Stoffa to step down
What a tangled web they weave.
That's right NorCo...31+K.
Here are some of the numbers to this point, that we are aware of and can substantiate:
| Name of Person Billed | Hours Billed | Total Cost to Tax Payers |
| Mark Stewart | 50 | $12,500.00 |
| Kevin Skjoldal | 4.7 | $1,104.50 |
| Jennifer Skoff | 14.8 | $2,072.00 |
| Edward Lanza | 18.6 | $4,371.00 |
| Leslie Radgman | 8.5 | $1,105.00 |
| Lori Walter | 9.4 | $1,316.00 |
| Sonja Williams | 29 | $4,495.00 |
| Elizabeth McCoy | 19.5 | $4,582.50 |
| Total | 154.5 | $31,546.00 |
This is money that could have been better spent on Gracedale and/or other legitimate county projects.
We The People beleive the time has come for Mr. Stoffa to step down
What a tangled web they weave.
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