Is he serious?

Ok, we read, re-read and then read this article for a third time to see if our eyes were deceiving us.

Here is some of our favorite lines by Supervisor 60%, aka Donald "Don" Miller-
------------------------------------------
"In Forks Township, Supervisor Don Miller doesn't object to the idea of employing supervisors. He works as the director of parks and recreation."

>>Duh, he has a nice paid gig ($43,000 plus benefits) so what else would he say?

"It depends on your ability to do the job," Miller said. "(Supervisors) only have one vote. I can't do anything without board approval."

>>Really, can someone please tell us a time when Supervisor 60% voted against Howell and Hoff? Remember the rallying cry? "3 to 2, the 3D's get it through!"

"The board of auditors in each township sets the pay rate for "working" supervisors. But the supervisors themselves are responsible for monitoring the job performance of their colleagues who serve as employees."

>>So this is indeed the roster watching the hen house after all!

"Miller said he never sought a paid position. He's served as a supervisor for 22 years and volunteered with the area's youth basketball program for 36 years."

>>Um Donny, you didn't turn down the opportunity either did you? As for volunteering, so you never were paid for being a building monitor, dances or other such activities?

"I work seven days a week. This is my life," Miller said, pointing to Forks' community center. "I took the job because I loved the kids."

>>Was there a Freudian slip here? He said "I LOVED (as in past tense) the kids. How does he feel about them today? Ok, we will cut him a little slack on that one, but consider this. If the community center is indeed his "life" and he works there 7 days a week, how does he have ANY time to be an effective Board of Supervisor?

Well maybe that is a dumb question on our part as the answer is pretty obvious.....

Will they get 60% too?

In reading this article we can't help but wonder if like Supervisor Donald ("Don") Miller, aka Supervisor 60%, will township employees also get a 60% annual salary increase as well?

With our massive debt we really can't afford it, but as the old saying goes; what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

P.S. The music industry has Rapper "50 Cent" and here in Forks Township we have Supervisor 60%. If by chance you have Photoshop (or similar graphics program) ability and would like to develop and donate a cool image for Supervisor 60% that we can use on future posts, please drop us a line. citizens@residentswhocare.com

90-10 Forks Style

Great article by Joe Nixon of the Morning Call.

Sadly here in Forks, thanks to past Township Supervisors including Tim Merwath, David Kolb and Henning Holmgaard, as well as current Township Supervisors David ("Dave") Hoff, Donald ("Don") Miller (aka Supervisor 60%), John Ackerman and to a lesser degree degree Bonnie Nicholas and C. David Howell, the 90-10 concept is totally reversed here in Forks Township.

Kudos to Lynn and Heidelberg Townships for doing the right thing, and hats off to Lower Mount Bethel for addressing this issue before its too late. Obviously Lower Mount Bethel learned well by the mistakes made in Forks Township. Now, if we could only make them a deal on a 70,000 square foot "big box"/grocery store ;-)

Hoff and Ackerman

Hard to believe that Supervisor John Ackerman and David ("Dave") Hoff are seriously considering running for re-election to the Board of Supervisors. According to this news report Ackerman is definitely in and Hoff will make an announcement next month.

We'll be posting more opinion and information on Supervisor Ackerman in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, ask yourself this question. What major positive accomplishments can he attribute to his service during his first six year term?

As for Supervisor Chairman Hoff, here too we will provide many more details and insights should be decide to run, but while we wait, please ponder this. During his twelve year rein,

1. We have never had a more divisive board.
2. Our roads have never been more crowded and congested.
3. The infrastructure of the township is severely challenged.
4. We went from having a reputation of being an unfriendly town that no developer wanted to deal with to a safe harbor for virtually every developer who has even a half-baked plan for development in Forks Township.
5. Our spending (your tax dollars) has gotten out of control.
6. In the last five years we have gone through two town managers, both of whom received very lucrative severance packages.
7. He has consistently ignored concerns and issues raised by residents at Board of Supervisors meetings.
8. Under his rein as Chairman, no long range plans have been made or initiatives discussed regarding long range planning for our township. Specifically better addressing sink hole issues, setting aside monies for a "rainy day" fund or storm water run-off planning to name just a few.
   

Though we have heard of two other candidates who are tossing their hat in the ring, we have not yet spoken with them. Hopefully more will join the race as clearly we need to start replacing Board members like Hoff and Ackerman as soon as their terms allow us to.

We need a class change!

Wow, can you imagine if we had elected leaders who only served 4 year terms versus six, elected representatives who could NOT hold township paid employee positions (sorry Don Miller, no more 60% pay raises) and the town treasurer would be an elected (sorry C. David Howell) position to watch over your money!

Check our this piece in the Morning Call and this information about First and Second Class Townships on the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors website.

Isn't it about time Forks Township considers making this change before we buy another $3,000 table or get rid of any more township managers who command handsome severance packages?

"oops", "mix up", "oversight", or-

Was it something else?

According to the stories in today's Express-Times (better article) and Morning Call, the disclosure that the traffic study submitted by Weis Markets to the Township in August of 2006, and which was just revealed last night, was totally accidental.

Based on the feedback that we received thus far from people who attended last night's meeting, and those who read the reports in today's papers, the public is very skeptical to say the least.

How is it possible that on a project which has created so much interest and controversy as well as unprecedented action by a citizens group that this information was in a Township drawer and forgotten about for approximately six months?

We are reminded of a quote from the Watergate era that went something like; We are hear to learn what you knew and when you knew it. While we are confident that the documents will be supplied, the public still has a right to know if this was really an honest mistake by Forks Township or was this something else.

Hopefully someone with investigative capabilities and/or authority is listening.

Bombshells and insults

First the “bombshell”. What a surprise it was to learn tonight that Weis Markets submitted a traffic study to Forks Township in August of 2006! This was stunning as we have repeatedly requested this report from the Township on multiple occasions and had been told that it was not yet submitted to the Township as recently as January 12, 2007! This report is a crucial piece of information to us, and should be readily available to every citizen of Forks Township who wishes to review the traffic impact of this project.

Now the insult. When the Board of Supervisors returned from Executive Session regarding this revelation, our attorney requested a 30-day continuance in order for our traffic experts to review the complete report. Supervisor David Hoff instead offered that the Hearing be continued next Wednesday and Supervisor John Ackerman seconded his motion! How in the world could any engineer review such a voluminous report in six days! Keep in mind that as of tonight we still do not have the report! Eventually there was a compromise and the Hearing will be continued on Tuesday, February 6, 2007, 6:30pm at the Forks Municipal Building. We are still left wondering why is the Board rushing this project?

Whatever your position on Weis Markets, EVERY citizen of Forks Township ought be outraged at the way the Board of Supervisors has handled this matter. We can only imagine how irate and disgusted the Zoning Hearing Board must feel knowing that this report has been available for so long yet they had no access to it. Moreover, how in the world must the Planning Commission be feeling knowing that they voted for Weis Markets without the benefit of seeing this traffic study before their vote?

Ladies and gentlemen, you can’t make this stuff up! Tragically, its real life in Forks Township.

Meeting Reminder

Thursday, January 18, 2007, 6:30pm at the Forks Township Municipal Building is where and when the Board of Supervisors (BoS) will be conducting the public hearing concerning the Conditional Use Hearing for Weis Markets.

Some things to keep in mind.

1. Why are they (BoS) proceeding with this hearing as the Zoning Challenge (#298) is still in progress?
2. Why are they (BoS) wasting taxpayer money to hold this proceeding in light of item number one?
3. Will we be privy to traffic studies before approval is sought and given?
4. Why are the Board of Supervisors rushing this process?

As usual more questions than answers. Please try to attend, and don't hesitate to ask these as well as other questions that you may have.

Miller's Money-Part 3

Regarding Donald ("Don") Miller's whopping 60% pay increase, we encourage everyone to scroll down and read our two previous posts about this topic. As far as the specific article that appears in today's Express-Times, please keep a few things in mind.

1. Supervisor Don Miller/Community Center Manager Don Miller could do the right thing and say something like-"listen, until I get this center profitable, I will pass on any salary increases offered to me."
2. Even though its not considered a full-time job, being a Board of Supervisor does, or should require an awful lot of time, especially since we are the second fastest growing community in Pennsylvania. How can Don Miller devote the time needed to make our community center profitable when he is a member of the Board of Supervisors?
3. The Auditors laid out rationale for Don Miller's 60% pay increase. They mainly focused on what other community center managers earn. We wonder if they also considered other factors in these comparisons to justify the increase such as-

a) What is the population difference between our town and those used to compare and justify this huge increase?
b) What are the program differences and what is offered in these other community centers that we do, or do not have? As an example, Bethlehem Township has an indoor and outdoor pool, plus they run many adult oriented programs whereas we do not.
c) Are the other community centers that were used for the comparison run by managers who hold a degree in recreation? To the best of our knowledge, Don Miller has no such degree.

Once again Mr. Miller we call on you to either reject this unbelievable 60% pay increase, or at least resign your seat on the Board of Supervisors so that you can focus 100% of your time and energy on making our community center profitable and one that offers many more programs and services.

Our response to Mr. Leiser

Below is our response to Mr. Leiser which appeared in today's Express-Times, letters to the editor.

Don't confuse facts about supermarkets and zoning

I was a little surprised at the content and tenor of Robert Leiser's Jan. 13 letter ("Competition means better retail service) about the proposed "upscale" Weis Markets store in Forks Township.

While Leiser owns a business in the township, he is not a resident. If I understand him, one of the benefits of this grocery store will be to give residents of Tatamy, Stockertown and Lower Mount Bethel Township a closer big box/grocery store. If this is the case, why not build a store in one of those communities?

Regarding competition for the existing grocery store in the township, does Leiser believe the five or more grocery stores within 5 miles of Forks Township are not competition? Is this not enough choice for him? Why did the supervisors allow the "new" Giant to be built leaving the old Giant property with so many deed restrictions?

Most of the current supervisors were in office then, and we are stuck with a huge empty eyesore in the middle of the township. Why are the supervisors wasting money on a conditional use hearing when the zoning challenge hasn't been decided?

Please do not confuse the facts. Our group's claim is about spot zoning for the convenience of one developer, letting the supervisors know they can't keep ignoring the rules. We believe if this domino falls, zoning in Forks will mean nothing. Perhaps Leiser should ask the supervisors these questions rather than attacking residents who are putting themselves on the line to try to make their community better.

Forks Township belongs to the people, not the supervisors, developers or lawyers. We urge all citizens who want this madness to stop to attend the conditional use hearing at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and tell the board enough is enough! For more information visit our blog, www.residentswhocare.com.

Scott Gingold

Member, Residents Who Care Forks Township

Mr. Leiser's letter

Below is a letter to the Editor submitted by Mr. Robert Leiser, owner of Leisers Rental and Sales in Forks Township.

Wonder if Mr. Leiser will be the new pitchman for Ace Hardware in Forks?

Competition means better retail service

As I stand with my fellow Forks Township shoppers watching unresponsive deli workers chat, the Forks Township Citizens Against Everything is trying to prevent us from having a choice of grocery stores.

A competing store is needed to supplement an overcrowded grocery store and traffic issues in the southern end of the township. A proposed grocery store in the northern end of the township will eliminate traffic congestion and give residents of Tatamy, Stockertown and Lower Mount Bethel Township a closer alternative than driving into Town Center.

The constant argument is traffic created by retail development. The traffic is caused by the residents who live here. A new store is not going to bring large amounts of traffic from out of the area. A competing store and the road improvements the developer will pay for will cut traffic congestion, create jobs and increase tax revenues.

While the Citizens Against Everything spends thousands of dollars to oppose free enterprise, we wait for better customer service and lower prices as a result of competition.

Robert Leiser

Forks Township

Please try to attend....

Even though our challenge to Zoning Ordinance #298 continues on Monday, February 26, 2007, The Board of Supervisors and the applicants are proceeding with a Conditional Use Hearing (see legal notice below) for Weis Markets on Thursday, January 18, 2007 @ 6:30pm.

We need your help!

PLEASE, try to-

1. Attend
2. Spread the word to your friends and neighbors, and urge them to attend
3. Speak out at the Hearing and tell the board that you don't want this traffic, economic and zoning nightmare!
4. Remember, this is OUR Township!

If you have any doubt as to what concerned citizens can do, look no further than Slate Belt. The Slate Belt Concerned Citizens worked hard to defeat a shopping center and according to news reports (see below) they did it!

Morning Call article
and
Express-Times article

If we stand and fight together, we can win!

Hope to see you there.

---------------------------------------------------------------

CONDITIONAL USE HEARING FORKS TOWNSHIP Notice is hereby given that the Forks Township Board of Supervisors will hold a public Conditional Use Hearing on Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 6:30 pm at the Forks Township Municipal Building, 1606 Sullivan Trail, Easton, PA 18040 for the following request: On the application of Weis Market Forks, Inc. to construct and operate a food market in the EC (Employment Center) District. Property is located on the corner of Sullivan Trail and Uhler Road. The proposed construction is a conditional use in this district. Timothy R. Weis Zoning Officer

Published in The Express-Times on 01/10

Citizens CAN make a difference!

Congratulations to the Slate Belt Concerned Citizens on their victory!

According to news reports in both the Morning Call and Express-Times, their involvement, solidarity and commitment regarding a proposed shopping center was a key driver in the project not happening.

Fellow Forks Residents of Forks Township...let's learn from their example and tell the Board of Supervisors that enough is enough!

Two important dates to keep in mind-

1. Thursday, January 18, 2006 at 6:30pm the Board of Supervisors (BoS) will hold a Conditional Use Hearing regarding Weis's application for Sullivan Trail and Uhler Road. This is an opportunity for YOU to tell the BoS NO very loudly!

2. Monday, February 26, 2007 at 7:30pm the Forks Township Zoning Hearing Board will hold round 4 of our challenge to zoning ordinance #298. The Township will present their last witness and closing arguments may come that night.

Please try to attend and encourage your friends and neighbors to as well.

Don Miller-Part 2

GREAT article by Courtney Lomax regarding Supervisor Donald "Don" Miller's 60% annual pay increase.

Here is a recap of some of our favorite lines-

1. "Auditor Elizabeth Casapulla said the board of auditors compared Miller's salary with those of other recreation directors in the area as well as other directors and managers in the township. Auditors also compared the programs offered at other recreation centers with Forks' program, Casapulla said. "We were so low compared to other townships," Casapulla said of Miller's salary.

Hmm, do other towns have the massive amount of debt that we do? Oh by the way Ms. Casapulla, you were appointed by the Board of Supervisors including Mr. Miller, right? Doesn't this kinda sound like the rooster watching over the hen house?

2. Palmer Township's Community Center Director Kemie Heckman's 2007 salary was set at $43,260, according to Palmer Township Manager Robert Anckaitis.

Palmer was smart enough to find a major benefactor (Chrin) to fund their building versus the taxpayers so is it a real surprise that they can afford to pay their director this kind of money?

3. Miller, 65, said he didn't mind volunteering for the recreation department in the past.

So Mr. Miller, you never received ANY compensation (building monitor, youth dances, etc.) for your past work?

4. "I was surprised he got a 60 percent increase at one shot," Ackerman said. "It's a sore subject, that's for sure. That's what I hear, anyway."Ackerman said township residents have called him complaining about the increase.

Well jeez Mr. Ackerman, how about showing some backbone and standing up to the 3-D's at a meeting and decrying this and other issues very loudly? Your soft style approach hasn't worked in over 5 years since you were elected!

5. Nicholas said other community centers make a profit, and Forks' center does not."My concern is if we are paying that kind of money, we should be showing a profit," Nicholas said.

Wow, what a revolutionary concept, compensation tied to actual results! Kudos to Supervisor Nicholas for this great idea, but don't hold your breath that this will happen!

6. Finance Manager Jim Farley said he will recommend supervisors change the 2007 budget to reflect the new salary number. There is enough money in the budget to fund the increase, Farley said. "We have money in the bank," he said. "We're not going to really chew into our savings this year."

Sure, why not! After all why should we let our massive debt load, crumbling infrastructure, lack of planning for future roadways, absence of a plan to better deal with flooding, or a blueprint to attract employers that would offer full-time, well-paying high skilled jobs that would also provide better ratables to the township stand in our way?!?! Besides, the money isn't coming out of Farley's pocket as he doesn't even live in Forks Township, so not sweat off of his back!

Since Ackerman probably won't say it, let us. Dear Supervisor Miller, we call on you to do the right thing and decline this 60% increase. If you won't, at least have the decency to resign your position as township supervisor TODAY so that you can focus 100% of your time and efforts to make the Forks Township Community Center profitable.

Its great to be a Forks Township Supervisor!

As if life wasn't good enough for Forks Township Board of Supervisor Donald ("Don") Miller, it just got better!

Imagine, in addition to your board position, your fellow board members gave you a cushy full-time position overseeing the community center. Good pay, great benefits for you and your family, and hours that won't kill you. Life couldn't be better..or could it?

Turns out, YES IT CAN! Come on down Don Miller, you just won a whopping 60% annual salary increase! That's right, we're giving you an extra $17,000 a year!

Technically the township's internal auditors gave good 'ole Donny the hefty raise, but who appointed the internal auditors who meet once a year? If you guessed the Board of Supervisors, you get extra dessert tonight!

Hey, anybody else remember when Supervisor Bonnie Nicholas warned us last February that his salary would be doubled and no one seemed to care, much less disagreed with her?

One wonders if this huge pay increase will help Supervisor Miller actually turn a profit on the community center like other township run community centers throughout the Lehigh Valley.

So were you like most American workers who typically received a 1-3% annual pay raise, or did you get the 60% variety?

You just can't make this stuff up ladies and gentlemen!

Round 3...WOW

Has anyone who attended last night's meeting yet been able to close their mouths?

Based on the testimony offered, and the answers provided during cross examination, we were all stunned with how ordinance 298 actually came to fruition. Though you had to be there to "get it", both papers reported the story, but clearly the Morning Call piece was more insightful than what the Express-Times offered.

It is more clear than ever to the appellants that this was spot-zoning and that this was done for the convenience of one specific developer.

The only thing more shocking than the revelations of last night is that apparently the Board of Supervisors still intends to proceed with conditional use approval for Weis Markets on January 18, 2007 despite the fact that the challenge resumes on Monday February, 26, 2007.

One wonders why the rush? Why is the Board of Supervisors unwilling to see how this unprecedented challenge by its citizens is decided before taking this next major step? There are many more questions than answers and we suspect there is a lot more to this story than we are aware of as of yet.

Hope to see you at 7:30pm on Monday, February 26, 2007 for round 4 of our challenge.

Passenger Rail Forum - January 16th

Get the Valley on the Right Track with Passenger Rail

Find Out How!

Everyone Welcome

Attend a Community Forum with Robert Puentes, Fellow, Brookings Institution and Senator Rob Wonderling

Have Your Questions Answered and Your Opinions Heard

Tuesday, January 16, 2007, 6:30 - 9:00pm in the Terrace Room, Hotel Bethlehem

Food & Beverages Will Be Served (Doors Open at 5:30pm)

For more information, contact Kevin Conrad at 484.893.1060

Or visit our website: www.renewlv.org or click on this link

Round 3 Reminder

Just a quick reminder that round three of our challenge to zoning ordinance #298 will be held on Monday, January 8, 2007, 7:30pm at the Municipal Building. The defendants will present their witnesses and our attorney will have the opportunity to cross-examine them.

The Municipal Building is located at 1606 Sullivan Trail. The entrance is next to the police station on Route 115/Sullivan Trail. For specific directions please call the township's main switchboard number at 610-252-0785.

Should be an interesting night, and considering that there is no Monday night football, come join your friends and neighbors to see what the "experts" have to say.