Hollowed Amusement...

We received this halloween link, rather amusing!

Enjoy.

http://www.jibjab.com/view/-e5U_EXYTEur7E4BgBkIkQ

Our Choices - And Why...

After much consideration the following candidates receive COAF's endorsement:

County  Executive:

John Callahan

County Council:

Ron Heckman - D

Gerry Seyfried - D

Deb Hunter - D

Peg Ferraro - R

Seth Vaughn - R

Our deliberations over these candidates were extensive. The number one item of concern for us of course was Gracedale. However, we did consider each candidate on the basis of their character and integrity.

We feel consistency in these matters is vital. And while we did not support John Callahan in the primary, we explained during a meeting with him that Lamont McClure deserved our loyalty because he was instrumental in the effort to save Gracedale. Had Mr. McClure not thrown his hat into the ring, perhaps we would have supported Callahan early on. That's the past however, this is now. We collectively decided on Mayor Callahan over Mayor Brown because during our meeting with Mr. Brown, while he seemed competent and qualified, he also seemed reluctant to sign a pledge that he would not consider selling Gracedale. As the entire county is aware, Gracedale is our mission. We harbor no ill feelings for Mr. Brown. We respect his position, however, we require the assurance that Gracedale will not be set up for failure again! We received that assurance from John Callahan.

Our county Council choices were somewhat more involved. However, because we are engaged and informed it was not difficult. We first looked at the ten candidates to identify who actually supported Gracedale during the battle to keep her in our hands. Of the five selected, only one did not - Seth Vaughn. So why would we endorse him? Simple, he met with us prior to the primary seeking our support. This young hopeful said something that we have rarely heard from any sitting servant. He said "I'm sorry I did not support Gracedale during my first run for Council." And then he said something even more meaningful. "I didn't know enough about Gracedale." To us, this young man demonstrated humility on a level not often seen in our local government. He realized he made a mistake, he owned it, and he pledged to work as hard as necessary to keep Gracedale right where she is because now he understands how important Gracedale is to the county residents she serves. And, how equally important Gracedale is to the taxpayers who foot the bill, as well as the electors who hire and fire our public officials through the power of their vote.

On the Democratic side, we extend best wishes to Christen Borso and Tom O'Donnell. They both pledged to do right by Gracedale too. Unfortunately there are only five seats available. If you don't make it this time around, don't hang your heads - persevere.

On the Republican side, we can't say much about Hayden Phillips, Glenn Geissinger, or Mathew Benol because none of them considered us worthy of a meeting. Geissinger did schedule a meeting with us, however, he did not attend. We will certainly wish them all well, but that's it! If we're not worthy of thier consideration now, logic tells us we won't be later. And if we're not worthy of their time now, they're not worthy of our support or vote.

GET OUT AND VOTE!

Who Do We Pick?

As we near the 2013 general election, we have to carefully evaluate the candidates for County Executive, as well as for County Council.

As a bipartisan activist group seeking the well being of a very necessary core function in our local government "Gracedale", the Coalition of Alzheimer's Families desires and seeks to balance the political scale in a manner which fulfills the needs of ALL taxpayers, electors and residents of Northampton County...that we all may have a voice in office.

Sadly, in America today the task of selecting honest and trustworthy statesmen is difficult to say the least. Why so? Because the political waters are murky with deception. Also, like sharks, there are more politicians than statesmen in the waters these days. And yes, there is a difference in the two. Horribly, the difference between the two usually leads to corruption. 

For example, we recently experienced corruption in Nor-Co with the "Ross Marcus and Alan Jennings scandal". Mr. Jennings, quoted by the Express Times on October 23, 2013 says: " I think it's important that we all remain vigilant to make sure that our business is done with honesty and integrity". Yet, he openly acknowledged that he intentionally violated the rules to hire county employee Ross Marcus, who granted Jennings organization (CACLV) at least seven contracts amounting to the sum of $889,000.00. Clearly this is a conflict of interest. So, a good question for Mr. Jennings is: where exactly is the honesty and integrity in your unethical behavior? There is no doubt that CACLV is a worthy organization doing wonderful acts of kindness for the community. However, doing so does not grant them the right to break the rules.

We then have to ask: why did County Executive John Stoffa allow the breach to take place? Well, consider that Mr. Stoffa decided to veto an amendment co-sponsored by Lamont McClure and Ken Kraft, designed specifically to prevent such conflicts of interest from occurring again in the future. What does that tell you? It tells us...he is at the head of the corruption. And in our opinion, you really can't call it anything else. When the servants decide to benefit themselves instead of those they have sworn to serve, you can only call it corruption.

COAF has been carefully considering the candidates. Hence, one of the reasons for our recent silence. No, we're not perfect, and most importantly, we don't pretend to be. What we are is engaged and informed. we are working hard to change the culture of corruption which does exist today in Nor-Co. We can only do so through the power of our votes. So please get out and VOTE.

We will announce our choices tomorrow. Our selections will hopefully bear the county good fruit, as we continue on our journey forward. If for any reason you don't appreciate our choices, then make your own decision. Just please make sure you get out and vote... 

...Be part of the solution!

Poor Performance...

...County Executive John Stoffa is on his way out, for many of us, not soon enough. 

Why would we make such a statement you ask? Because Stoffa turned out to be a big disappointment to the elector's of the county. He decided not to run for re-election when he realized We The People had exposed him to be a self-serving liar. And as such, a snowball would stand a better chance in a furnace than Stoffa has at the polls.

Four out of five County Council members whose seats are up for grab this coming November, also did not serve the county well. John Cusick and Tom Dietrich for example, lost their appeal to their party when they orchestrated the coup that overthrew the renegade Ron Angle. For that we thank them. However, they performed poorly there after, especially dealing with the recent Ross Marcus "conflict of interest" scandal. And so did Bruce Gilbert and Barbara Thierry, who performed poorly their entire terms.

Excluding Peg Ferraro (at one point or another), they all stood with Ron Angle and John Stoffa in their movement to sell Gracedale. They all failed in that endeavor. Excluding Peg Farraro, they must all go!

The Ross Marcus issue sadly highlighted the incompetence of the sitting Council. From our prospective, an honest council would have stood up as our representatives and clearly stated that what Stoffa and Marcus decided to do is simply WRONG! Instead, the majority praised him on his way out, even as he continued to violated the County Constitution (AKA The Home Rule Charter).

Recently, there was a question regarding County Controller Stephen Barron relating to part-time employment. While we support Mr. Barron, we would be the first to say: if he is doing something wrong, it must be corrected. Needless to say, Mr. Baron corrected the matter by resigning his part-time employment. In so doing, he better serves the county. 

John Cusick went on record (according to the express times)  and suggested that: Baron's second job warrants a close examination". Also suggesting (according to ET) that "the potential violation could warrant a forfeiture hearing, a county process similar to impeachment". The question is: why didn't Mr. Cusick say the same thing about John Stoffa and Ross Marcus? Mr. Baron made a correction, while Mr. Marcus did not. And Mr. Marcus was allowed to violate the HRC, while Mr. Baron was not. We advocate following the rules, and that means everyone!

Council needs to do something to correct this misguided direction, which in effect will set a precedence for future corruption. 

This sitting Council still has time to demonstrate (by their actions), that perhaps we're wrong about them. To make no correction is in this matter however, simply confirms our opinion.

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