Christmas in Bethlehem!

Christmas Time in my fair city!



Photo by Discover Lehigh Valley

Well Done You! Mayor Panto & Easton

Good news for my other home town its S & P  bond rating was raised to A+ by the influential credit rating company.


The improved rate allows the city to receive lower insurance fees, borrowing fees and interest rates.  Which comes will come in handy as the city is about to embark on a major building project.

Easton's recent successes can not be attributed to one person or one organization and have been a long time coming but I have to and will give some major credit to the inspired leadership that Mayor Sal Panto brings to the city.


Well done you!  Mayor Panto, Easton City Council and the citizens of the dynamic little city that still owns my heart!

The Sigal Museum in Easton

If you get a chance this week visit The Sigal Museum  in downtown Easton.  The 9-11 memorial flag is currently on display.  It will only be there through the September 20th.  I was invited to installation and have been trying to get back down to see it again.  It is breathtaking and heart breaking at the same time.


It is 22' by 32' and represents all of those who lives were lost on September 11, 2001 attacks.

In fact you should just visit the Sigal Museum.
 

The museum tells the history of Northampton County in a very clever and honest way.  It does not varnish over the fact that people who lived here before the Europeans were forcibly removed from their lands. It tells the story of the two cities, the small boroughs and the rural townships.  It showcases the industry and the agricultural, the arts and the leisure, the extraordinary and the ordinary of this historic county.  It celebrates the contributions the people of Northampton County have made to this country from it's founding right through to today.

I have had the opportunity (through my job) to support some of the programs and exhibits the museum has presented and I still find something new that I did not notice before as I walk through it's permanent collections.

Take a trip to lovely downtown Easton and spend some time at the Sigal it will be time well spent.  When done go across the street grab a cup of coffee from Terra Cafe stroll around downtown, visit the many shops and stop in for a cocktail or more at Mesa.

The Sigal is operated by Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society.
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Bethlehem No Longer has a Race For Mayor

And, then there was one.

Bethlehem now has a one person race for Mayor.  Independent Bob Sigmon has withdrawn from the race citing health concerns.  It is now too late for someone to get ballot access as an independent.  I can't imagine a scenario where Councilman Donchez is not elected Mayor.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/index.ssf/2013/08/bethlehem_independent_candidat.html

Hopefully Mayor Callahan will work extra hard over the next few months to set things in motion that will keep the city moving forward for the next 4 years.

Jim Gregory is apparently still planning to launch a write in campaign.  I am not going to comment on Jim's attempt out of respect for almost 30 years of friendship.

Fab Five Festival - This Saturday

If you're looking for something to do on Saturday why not head to Nazareth Park for Fab Five Festival.

There will be food, craft and service vendors and some really terrific local talent paying tribute to The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

Things kick off at Noon and continue into the evening wrapping up around 8:15.  There is plenty of parking (especially since the pool is closed), there is a lot of seating or bring a blanket or lawn chair.

http://nazarethchamber.com/images/Fab5Fest-July6.pdf

It is a free event  and I'll be there signing autographs for my many fans and supporters.

I Have A Friend

I have a friend but that word does not do him justice but it will do for our purposes.

He is considerably younger than me but he is wise beyond his years.

I provoke him, I challenge him and I make him think about things in a different light and sometimes I'll say something so outrageous that he is not sure how to respond because he does not want to offend the old guy.

He is painfully polite, he is one of the most decent people I will ever know.

He cares deeply about his community and he is loyal, protective and supportive of his friends.

Words I could use to describe him are
Decent
Honest
Funny
Ironic
Sarcastic
Quick
Funny
Compassionate
Loyal

My friend, who is straight attended the Pro Marriage Equality rally in Bethlehem last night because it was important to him to show support for justice, equality and me and my guy.

He is one of the best people I will ever know and I am glad that I do know him.  The weird thing is we first met on Twitter and I thought he was jerk...Until I met him in person.

Eating Bethlehem

Where are you eating next week?

Come to my fair city and check out one or more of our amazing restaurants.  If you need to stay over check out the Hotel Bethlehem or many other nearby places to stay after play

For more information about Restaurant week go here

http://www.downtownbethlehemassociation.com/calendar/winter-restaurant-wee


For more about THE Hotel Bethlehem go here
.http://hotelbethlehem.com/

For more about what is happening in general go here
http://www.downtownbethlehemassociation.com/about-the-dba

Check out the Sigal Museum Tomorrow - I'll be there

If you have not been to the Sigal this is a great opportunity to see this new local treasure.  The building is amazing and the permanent exhibits tell an honest history of Northampton County, and our country.  Their exhibit highlighting local participation in the Civil War was really moving.

Tomorrow they open an exhibit titled "Liberty Called and Northampton County Answered".  Check out the link to see the details.

The folks who run the museum are townies (in the best sense of the word) and their dedication to telling the story of our community is really appreciated.

They asked me to facilitate sponsoring the opening reception and it has been my honor and privilege to do so.


http://sigalmuseum.org/liberty-called-and-northampton-county-answered/

John Callahan, Hope, Willie Reynolds and Me.

I waited a week to review this past local primary because I wanted to be sure I calmly thought things through.  Something I did not always do during the heat of the campaign. 

Part 1

This was the most I allowed myself to be engaged in a campaign since State Rep. Bob Freeman's Campaign for the State Senate in 1994.  I dabbled, I commented, I worked the polling places or did some election day GOTV but I had not jumped in feet first since then.

So, why did I do it this year?
John Callahan
Hope.
And, somehow Willie Reynolds took over.

John Callahan:
If John Callahan would stop running for office I would stop wanting to ensure he was elected.  I can't resist wanting to help the single best politician I have met in years and more importantly one who lives up to his potential and tries with everything he has to make the lives of the people who entrusted him with public office better.

Hope
I have discussed this before - Election day gives me hope and even when the results do not go the way I wanted I never give up in my belief in this great republic.

Willie Reynolds
I was willing to sit back - work for the sure bet (John Callahan) and vote for Willie because he was not the establishment, good ole boy network chosen one.  At first I ended spending more time and thought and effort on Willie's campaign because of the disgusting campaign against him but the more I got to know Councilman Reynolds the more I came to believe he had the vision, the vigor, the stomach and the energy to keep my city moving forward.  I still do.

Councilman Reynolds and a couple of other young guys who wanted to make their communities better lost and I have to say that I am bitterly disappointed.  The voters missed an opportunity to elevate the conversation about the issues facing our area.  Alfonso Todd in Allentown and Frank Hesch in Northampton County were the type of candidates who should run for office and the type of young people who we need to serve in public office.

But, I still believe in a place called hope... As far as Bethlehem is concerned  I believe that there is so much momentum that things will keep moving forward and opportunities for growth will keep happening.

To be continued
Part 2; I love politics but campaigns bring out the best and worst in me.

Something Silly From Bob Donchez

The latest Donchez campaign mailer claiming that J William Reynolds is not a TRUE Democrat and Bob is The Real Democrat is so laughable and may be the silliest campaign flier of the season.

It is yet another example that there is no limit to how low Bob Donchez will go. There is clearly nothing beneath him and mailer smacks of desperation.

Is this really the man we want to be our Mayor as the city moves into a new era?

Is this really the man we want to succeed John Callahan?  Clearly he doesn't think so.

Bethlehem...We can do better - We need to continue moving forward. We need a Mayor who will unite us to face the challenges of the future.

 And, that is not Bob Donchez.

It is Willie Reynolds.

Bethlehem Councilperson Dolan Takes A Stand For Her City

Like many voters in my fair city Ms. Dolan is disgusted with the tone the Bob Donchez for Mayor campaign has taken.

What makes this statement even more significant is that Karen Dolan is running for re-election.  She has the integrity to stand up for her city and stand firm to her convictions even though it may cost her votes from the Morganelli/Leeson/Donchez old boys network wing of the Democratic party.

Bethlehem needs a mayor with vision, it needs a mayor with ideals and it needs a mayor for all the people - Bob Donchez is proving that he is not going to be that mayor.

This is the statement from Councilperson Dolan, few people in the city could have said it better or with greater clarity or from greater experience.

http://www.jwilliamreynolds.net/index.html?entry=city-councilwoman-karen-dolan-reacts

Every time I discuss the mayor's race with someone I hear but "Bob Donchez is such a nice guy".  Is he?

Part Two: Gay Jokes are funny!

Some don't get the point of my last post or think that I was in some way offended personally or had my feelings hurt let me clear some things up. (Note: Responses were not made as comments here but to me personally via other forums)

I do not offend easily and my feeling don't get hurt on a regular basis.  I am old enough and overcame my childhood of being bullied to develop a pretty thick skin.

I can find humor in just about anything - read my twitter feed - very little is sacred.

 This isn't about me it is about the impact of mocking Gay people, it is about causing hurt and damage to a portion of our community.

John Kennedy spoke about "A rising tide lifts all boats".  Gay slurs; especially those told by non gay people under the pretext of humor do just the opposite of the rising tide; they diminishes the entire community.

Making a fudge packer joke doesn't make you witty, clever or terribly funny; it makes you a bigot and a bully.

Double standard alert:  I can make a fudge packer joke - I'm allowed to because well I am or have ... err um - well never mind that. I'm gay so I can.  But, I choose not too.

It has been reported that 71.3% of LGBT students hear a gay slur on a regular if not daily basis. Words are important, words have an impact and words can lift us up or words can bring us down.

Calling something GAY that you think is stupid or lame is very hurtful to the esteem of those people still coming to terms with their true self and it empowers those people who seek to hurt and suppress those very same people.

I think I have beaten this should be dead horse enough.

There is another reason I was provoked to come out of my self imposed blog silence.

Jobs!  yes Jobs.

An entrepreneur, a small business person, a person who has offered up his/her energy, ideas and personal fortune to open a business that will create jobs is being mocked and his/her personal commitment to our community and to our economy is being diminished by the mocking and the slurs.

The person opening this establishment is going to hire electricians, carpenters, plumbers, craft people and general laborers before the business opens.  He/she is going to hire servers cooks, bar staff, cleaning crew, marketing people and of course security people.  His/her efforts should be encouraged and embraced and not mocked.  (The comment on the my previous post defending the blog post I referenced conveniently neglects to mention the writers demeaning suggestions for the name of the new establishment.)

The last time I was at the Stonewall (the most prominent of local gay bars) there were at least 2 uniformed police officers stationed outside the club, they were there to protect the patrons from the very same people who think using gay slurs is acceptable or those people who are emboldened by the people think nothing of using gay slurs.  The  salary for these police is paid for by the owners of the bar.  Money that could have been spent on other things inside the business.  Money diverted from improvements or enhancements, but the owners needed to protect the entrance of the building.   As we left and once we crossed the street we were on our own and as we turned the corner to the parking lot we were sounded by young people all calling us names and asking us disgusting questions.  They used many of the same slurs used in the blog post I mentioned last time and by the comments to that blog.

The owner of this new establishment is going to have to cut costs elsewhere in order to afford enhanced live security and a security system that will have to cover a wider range of issues than if he/she was opening a seafood house.

A new business in this economy should be welcomed it should not be mocked and called hateful and hurtful names.  Words matter.

Marcia Hahn - In PA 138th District

If I lived in the PA 138th State House District I would vote for Republican Marcia Hahn

You may ask why?

1. She is a Republican 
2. I don't agree with much of her voting record

Rep. Hahn has a voting record that is fairly conservative but she is not by any stretch a tea bagger, she is what is now called a moderate Republican.

I attended a luncheon sponsored by the Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce and Rep. Hahn was to speak on Education.  After the talk she came up to me and said "OK Flad let me have it".  I had no reason to let her "have it".  Her positions were well thought out and from my Liberal point of view very moderate and she was open to compromise and to fully discuss and understand the issues before making up here mind on any education reform legislation.  I thought it was interesting that she sought me out to get my opinion; it says a lot about the quality of her character.

At recent community festival my company's booth was placed next to a booth manned by a shrieking Tea Party loon.  The Obama bumper sticker on my car was hard to miss since the car was parked next to my booth. Rep. Hahn came up to tease me and asked if I was OK  and to let me know that if  they bothered me she would be there to protect me.  It was a pretty funny moment.  I think she really was concerned about me and this was her way of letting the wing nut know that I was her friend.

Rep. Marcia Hahn never fails to seek me out at an event, to ask my opinion on a topic, asks about work, my family, tell me some jokes and to engage in some friendly political banter.

Representative Hahn puts politics and partisanship aside when it comes to the bread and butter economic issues that impact the greater Lehigh Valley.  She has a very good relationship with Rep. Bob Freeman who is her polar opposite when it comes to politics  but works with him and the rest of the local delegation for what is best for the area.

I would vote for Marcia Hahn because she is smart, thoughtful, organized, cares a great deal about her community and is very visible around the district.  She works very hard and has surrounded herself with a very capable and qualified staff.

I am proud to call Marcia Hahn my friend and I encourage those of you who can vote for her to do so.

Like Father Like Son

I was with my father in the car on the way to a Lafayette College football game and as is often the case politics came up.

Dad Flad - "I would rather vote for a DOG than that do nothing, empty suit and intellectually lazy Charlie Dent."

Me - "I'm not really a fan of his opponent but I may end of voting for him just because he's not Congressman Dent."

Dad Flad - "Your Mother & I voted absentee this year because I'm not sure she can stand in line very long."

Me - "That's a good idea.  Who did you vote for in the Congressional race?"

Dad Flad - "I voted for the dog"

My dad once said "I will never vote for another Republican as long as New Gingrich is alive"

Me - "How you gonna vote when he does die?"

Dad Flad - He just glared at me

My father was not always this way, I know he has in fact voted for some Republicans but when Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter something transformed him.

So.....I come by it honestly.

Nobody Wanted Her Constitution

"Get your free copy of the constitution, no obligation"

I listened that line non-stop for about 5 hours on Saturday and it was painful.

I participated in the Bath Community Day festival this past Saturday.  Bath, Pa is a quaint little borough in the heart of Northampton County and like many of these small communities it has seen better times but the residence of Bath are fighting back and working hard to improve the quality of life and culture of their little town.

Bath Community Day is one such effort.  It is an opportunity for vendors, merchants and organizations to gather on a Saturday afternoon and showcase their services. The event took place at the Green Street park. The park is just recovering from devastating flooding last year and the highlight of the day was the dedication of the new performing arts stage and pavilion.

One of the community groups participating in the festival was the Lehigh Valley Tea Party.  All day long the shrill woman staffing their booth shouted and berated people passing by.  She would wave a copy of the Tea Party edition of the U.S. Constitution shouting at everyone who passed by; "Get your free copy of the constitution, there is no obligation."  As people walked by and politely turned down her offer she would then scream "It explains where your freedoms come from."

I thought the tea party believed that our freedoms come from G-D not government.  I am confused by her assertion that our freedoms come from a document that sets up the government.  But, then the tea party is not known for their consistency.

As people continued to turn down her offer and they walked further away from  her she would then get even louder and say "What's the matter don't you love your country enough to learn about your freedoms and how they are protected?"  Very few people took the time to speak with her but, then why would anyone want to speak to someone who was questioning their love of country.

By her insults this crazed tea bagger assumed that people did not already know and understand their constitutional freedoms, she assumed that only the tea party had all the answers and exclusive knowledge of the constitution and she assumed that she could insult people into compliance.  She was wrong on all accounts.

I would have loved the opportunity to confront this woman but I was not there representing myself I was there representing my employer so just stayed at my booth and promoted my wares.  A number of my Republican friends came up to me to make sure I was OK and not suffering too much by listening to this diatribe all afternoon.  I assured my friends that I was fine and was really enjoying watching people shake their heads in either disgust or dark humor at this fanatic as they quickly walked out of ear shot.

She did not do her cause any favors on Saturday so in some perverse way I was glad she was there and I left with a sense of satisfaction that her presence had the opposite effect of her intent.


Note - I will continue to use the term Tea Bagger as long as they continue to deny the President is a natural born citizen, call him a Nazi and make racist comments about his wife.

Lunch With Elected Officials

I had lunch with Charlie Dent on Monday.

Well, actually I had lunch a table away from the good Congressman. The reason we were in the same room was the annual Tri-Chamber legislative lunch. Every year members of the three independent Chambers of Commerce gather for lunch and conversation with the area's State Legislatures, County Executive and the Member of Congress.

It’s a mixed crowd of local movers, shakers, small business owners, corporate representatives, lawyers, labor leaders, non-profit organizers and community activists. Each office holder was given about 10-15 minutes to discuss what he/she has been working on. Each speaker was introduced in very glowing terms by a chamber member. I suspect these introductions were written by the biggest ass kissing staff person. I thought I was in the company of the one true savior each time one of these politicians was introduced.

First up was Congressman Charlie Dent. He expressed his disappointment at the failure the Super Committee and hoped that progress could be made and basically blamed all of our fiscal woes on Medicare and the Affordable Health Care Act. He then went off after regulations and their job crushing effects and he all but accused the EPA and the NLRB of having a vendetta against American business interests. These were themes he repeated ad nauseum throughout the question and answer period. He certainly was well prepared, very confident in his rightness and completely on point with the message he wanted to give. He also seemed kind surly, grumpy and lacking humor. When Don Cunningham made a few pithy quips he just stood there and glowered.

To end the afternoon event host Frank De Rosa asked about why things don’t work anymore and if anyone had any ideas as to why our politics is so completely broken. Congressman Dent was about to blame the Democrats, he mentioned that it was tough to get things done when only one side comes to the table with ideas. He then paused as he if he realized that there may be some Democrats in the room; in fact there were the President of the local Labor Council was sitting front and center. He returned to his main talking points of anti-regulation, anti-health care reform and curtailing entitlement programs. He never addressed Mr. De Rosa question.

As they opened the floor to questions a young aide to Congressman Dent who I have gotten to know recently and is none too pleased with some of my comments about her boss looked at me with horror about what I would ask her boss. I assured the eager aide that I am always proper and polite at these types of events. I may not like Congressman Dent’s votes but I have too much respect for his office, the unbelievable pressures he must find himself under and how hard I know he does work.

Sen. Boscola was represented by her very capable District Chief Kurt Derr. Kurt apologized for Lisa not being there and discussed some of the things she and the Senate were focused on. He did a fine job and it is never easy to represent someone else in these types of forums. The attendees wanted to hear from the Senator herself.

Rep. Joe Brennan spoke about regionalism and the expected changes that will come with redistricting. He had a previous engagement so he left early but assured attendees the Rep. Julie Harhart would do a fine job in answering any questions.

The best of the afternoon was Rep. Marcia Hahn. She was organized, focused and informative about the issues she is working on. She mentioned one by one each of the committees she was on and what the most important issue that each committee was dealing with. She discussed all sides of the issues. She was very informative, detailed and we had a better understanding of what Rep. Hahn is spending her time on.

Unfortunately for Rep. Harhart she had to follow Ms. Hahn. She rambled through some of the things going on in Harrisburg it appeared she was not really prepared for her remarks and just leaped from topic to topic.

The one thing that did impress me was that all the State folks mentioned the importance of the Lehigh Valley delegation putting politics aside and working together to represent the needs of the valley and bring home the bacon for the area.

Next up was Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham. He explained the role of counties in our lives and he also brought a more global view based on his variety of governmental experiences. He understands all the various levels of government and how they are all interrelated. He was a Mayor, Cabinet Officer and now County Executive. He was also very funny, self effacing and brutally honest. At one point after hearing all the Republicans talk about not raising taxes he called them on their dishonesty by pointing out that we can’t have police, fireman, bridges, prisons, street light etc without taxes; everyone wants these things and much more but no one seems willing to pay for them. Congressman Dent was clearly put out by Mr. Cunningham’s comments; he crossed his arms and gave his best Mr. Burns on the Simpson’s look.

The final speaker was Northampton County Executive John Stoffa who was his usual low key self. He discussed the Gracedale issues, accepted the will of the people and hinted that he was not sad Ron Angle was leaving County Council. He did say how much respect he has for Mr. Angle’s commitment to the county and how hard he worked as a Councilman. His report mirrored Cunningham’s about the role of counties. He also mentioned that the county has gained 40,000 new residents in the last 10 years which is a huge amount of growth for a largely rural county.

Both Executives discussed the need for regionalism and predicted that in the not too distant future the roles of the small town / township governments would begin to fade; they won’t be able to support the services required. The Executive’s predicted county police, fire and EMT departments.

It was a good afternoon I learned some things and even though I find my views drifting further and further away from Charlie Dent’s I was very impressed with his knowledge, ability to communicate his views and his confidence.

Easton

I am not sure the exact year or the exact bar but sometime in the mid 80’s I was having a few beers at a bar on the South Side of Bethlehem with a neighbor and there were a few hearty Lehigh Students braving an evening in this bar dominated by townies. Being the sociable type I engaged the students in some conversation and banter. One of the students asked where I grew up and I said Easton. “Whoa, that’s a pretty rough place, how tough was it growing up there?” I asked the guy where he grew up and he responded “The Bronx”.

This child grew up in The Bronx, New York City and he was impressed and intimidated by my youth spent in Easton, Pa. What a strange world and what a horrid reputation the City that made me the man I am today had. Such a shame.

I have lived in Bethlehem for the last 28 years and I could not be more proud of my fair city. Bethlehem is a city that keeps moving forward while still respecting all the history brought us to this point. But, a large chunk of my heart will always belong to Easton and one of the joys of my life is watching the re-birth of this really great little city. I may have moved out of Easton but Easton will never leave me. I still get my shirts custom made to account for the Easton chip on my shoulder.

The leaders of Easton have tried everything and followed every urban trend. They destroyed entire neighborhoods in the name of urban renewal. A concept I never quite understood. You have to tear down a community in order to renew it. It makes no sense and thankfully it is now a discredited policy.

They built projects to provide low income housing. It turned out they became dumping grounds for the disenfranchised. Putting all the poverty into one section of town does not really build a community it just separates us.

They sold homes in depressed areas for $1 but forgot to require the new owners live in the homes. Absentee landlords are not as engaged in the well being of a community as are resident home owners. Easton now uses an imaginative program where the city takes over blighted homes and refurbishes them. The city will then sell the homes for the cost of the rehabilitation, the new owners are not only required to live in the home they are required to keep it a single home.

Little Easton, is only 4.5 square miles in size but it is Dallas size in chutzpah and the will to succeed; it never gives up.

When US News & World Report called it a “Seedy Little Industrial Town” it embraced its blue collar down home World Champion Larry Holmes. When its beautiful downtown was full of empty store fronts it embraced the Main Street program, which has been recognized as the finest Main Street program in the Commonwealth. When its population was declining it embraced its diversity, it welcomed the New Yorkers, the gays and the artists.

Easton is on the verge of becoming a college town, Lafayette College is an active stakeholder in the future of Easton. While Lehigh University takes baby steps into the community but seems hesitant about it, Muhlenberg continues to shutter itself away and Moravian stays in the warm embrace of history. The City of Easton called on the Lafayette to become the Leopards of Easton not just the Lafayette Leopards in Easton and in the process the college on the hill has become the hometown school. My Dad and I attend most home football and basketball games and there are often more townies in attendance than students or staff. When I was a teenager and perfecting the fine art of sneaking into Lafayette games this was not the case.

It appears that every few years there is a 100 year flood. So what does Easton do? Host flood watching parties during the flood and then digs in and cleans up.

My old friend Sal Panto is clearly the right Mayor for these times; he is serious and focused on setting Easton up for its future. He is also one hell of cheerleader. You should see him at the basketball games; you would never know he is a Lehigh Alumnus. Easton also has a significant booster in its State Rep. Bob Freeman or as Mayor Panto “Easton’s ATM Machine”. Bob’s seniority and influence is a significant asset in ensuring the city receives it fair share of program funding.

Easton has always been the little city that could and today, Easton is the little city that can.

Not A Leader

In an interview after last week’s State of The Union address our Congressman said he did not think the spending freeze the President called for went far enough in cutting spending. Yet Congressman Dent never offered an alternative. Clearly it is easy for Mr. Dent to criticize but it appears it is difficult for Mr. Dent to lead. A leader, man worthy of election to high office should do more than criticize he should offer alternatives and Charlie Dent has chosen to continue do what he has done his entire career. Play it safe and offer little platitudes to the various constituencies that have kept him in office.

What would you cut Mr. Dent? And please be specific. If you say waste and fraud we will all know that you are not a serious thinker and will never really be a leader.

What programs will you cut? Would the cuts come from education? Would they come from senior citizens programs? Would you touch defense spending? Should medical care be cut back for our returning troops? Would you cut NPR? How will Medicare be affected by your suggestions? Should funding be slashed to medical research projects? Would you cut funding to farmers and after school programs? Should we not spend money to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure?

Mr. Dent only has one vote among the 535 members of House and Senate which is very comfortable for him; he can hide behind everyone else.

The time has come after a very long career as a legislator for Charlie Dent to show some leadership skills.

I have a few books sitting around the house on the topic of leadership and I am more than happy to share them with our Congressman.

Fighting Cancer While Eating Wings and Chili

Q: What are you doing on Sunday, December 19, 2010?

A: Tasting wings & chili, watching the Eagles vs Giants game and fighting cancer.

My friends at the Nazareth Area Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring their;

3rd annual Chili & Wing Cook Off Competition

Hampton Inn on Route 248 - Easton/Nazareth

The event benefits the American Cancer Society

• Doors open at 12:00 and the event goes through out the game.
• $15 per person
• Cash bar
• Raffles
• If you don't like Chili or Wings other restaurants will be providing pizza, snacks and other tasty treats
• Professional massage sessions are available
• You will be able to vote for the best chili and wings
• Wear your best Eagles, Giants or any other sporting team gear
• For last minute holiday gifts a last minute shopping area will be set up

We are still looking for food vendors both for the chili & or wings and for side dishes and snacks. Please contact either myself or the Nazareth Chamber @610-759-9188 or 610-759-5262.

This really is a great time and even my friends who could care less about football come and enjoy the food. We have some great caterers and restaurants participating. I will publish that list once it is finalized.

If you want tickets please contact me or call the numbers listed above.

I hope to see everybody there.

Marcia Hahn

The other night at a Nazareth Chamber of Commerce function I kissed a Republican and quite frankly I liked it.

I have voted for Republicans before. This may be a surprise to some but there comes a time when good government matters more than party. I can’t imagine a time that I would ever vote for a Republican for President but I have voted for Republicans for Governor and I may have voted for John Heinz for the Senate but I am not quite sure my memory serves me correctly.

I never voted for Bob Casey Sr. The year he was elected Governor I voted for Billy Scranton (in the primary I helped lead the Rendell campaign in the area) and when he was re-elected I voted for Barbara Hafer. It did not stop from attending the inauguration parties but I never voted for the man.

I voted for Bob Casey Jr only once but my other choice was Little Ricky Santorum. In all other Bob Casey Jr elections I could not vote for the Republican so I would write in Artquest President Jeff Parks. In 2006 I knew I had to vote against Santorum and did not want to risk the chance that my vote would allow that moron to stay in office so I held my nose and for the first time voted for a Casey. I am glad I did. Bob Casey Jr has turned out to be an admirable Senator and someone I will actively support in 2012.

2009 was an awful year for Northampton County Democrats; we lost control of County Council. Of the contested races I only had 3 winners and two of them were Republicans, Judge Michael Koury was the only Democrat to win. My other winners were County Council Woman Peg Ferraro; who I have been a supporter of for many years and Judge Craig Dally, a former State Representative. Peg is someone who has been able to transcend parties and work for what is best for the county. Craig Dally has been a Republican who thrived and succeeded in a district that should have been represented by a Democrat and when he ran for judge his Democratic State House Colleagues supported him.

Judge Dally was succeeded in the State House by former aide Marcia Hahn. I have gotten to know Rep. Hahn over the past few years and if lived in her district not only would I vote for her but I would be out campaigning for her. I may not agree with her on some of the broader political issues and her Republican philosophies may often oppose my views of the world but I really like her.

Rep. Hahn is committed to constituent services; she is committed to working with her Democratic colleagues for what is best for the region and she is committed to making government more open, more transparent and more about the people.

The State House opens every daily session with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, Rep. Hahn makes a point to attend each opening because she believes it is an important symbol and she believes it is the right message to send. There are times when she finds herself there with few other Representatives but it is important to her to honor the traditions. This helps her to keep focused on the reasons she ran for office in the first place. Locally there have been other staffers who have succeeded their bosses in office and have become imperious and cocky, Marcia Hahn is determined to not allow that to happen to her and I am convinced she will remain accessible and constituent focused no matter how long she chooses to stay in office.

The people of the 138th District are lucky to have Marcia Hahn as their State Representative; she is smart, she has great sense of humor, she is warm and personable, she has a firm grasp of the issues and she really cares about the people she represents. She is the embodiment of what a Representative should be. Charlie Dent should use Marcia Hahn as a role model to find his way back home.

Rep. Hahn has captured both the Republican and Democratic nominations for office and she deserves it. If I lived in the Slate Belt I would be proud and honored to cast a vote for Marcia Hahn.