Breathe, if you can....

Sad to report that once again we ranked as one of the worst places in America for asthma patients, and those with allergies.

According to the report just released by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, we came in at number 6. Please do not be confused by the "Allentown" reference on the chart. As the in-depth report shows, this covers the metropolitan area. In other words, places like Bethlehem, Easton and yes, Forks Township are included.

Mismanaging your money...again

At the January 7th Board of Supervisors meeting an expenditure of $39,000 was brought up for vote. No explanation was offered, why? Supervisor Bonnie Nicholas was the only member of the board of who voted against it, why?

Karl Kline, who in private practice, according to his website, specializes in Estate Planning, Estate Settlement and other Real Estate matters, was reappointed as Township Solicitor, as was Keystone Engineering and France, Anderson, Basile & Company, P.C. as the Auditors. This was done without seeking competitive bids (i.e. RFP's or RFQ's) from other firms, why? Though this action may indeed be the right of Board of Supervisors, why not seek bids from other qualified firms to make certain that we, the taxpayers, are getting the best deal for our money?

Another Howell FUBAR

Great letter to the editor by Officer James Rowden in response to a story that appeared in the Express-Times on January 11th.

Though Mr. Howell just "assumed" the position of Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, he has been on the Board long enough to know better in making irresponsible comments, which may cost us, the taxpayers, significant money towards a setttlement for Officer Fimiano.

The remarks made by C. David Howell have made it crystal clear that he is no fan of the Forks Township Police Department.

No $$ for Supervisor 60%

In a 2-1 vote, the Forks Township Board of Auditors said NO to granting Supervisor 60%, a.k.a. Donald "Don" Miller a pay increase this year.

The elected Board of Auditors only meets once a year and their only purpose is to set the rate of pay for members of the Board of Supervisors who also hold Township jobs.

We'll defer to them for explanation, but, considering that the Forks Community Center has yet to yield a profit, and unlike other community centers such as Bethlehem Township (click on "programs" and check out adult and senior), the Forks Community Center (click on community center and then programs) mainly caters to those under the age 0f 15 years old.

Kudos to Gretchen Gerstel for taking a stand and doing her part to make certain that the travesty committed by last years Auditors to irrationally and wrongfully reward Mr. Miller was not reenacted this year.

Who needs TV?

For those who bemoan the seemingly never ending television writers strike, they should have attended tonight's Board of Supervisors meeting! Never before has a new chairman given the audience so much fodder to laugh at.

Was their anyone in the audience who didn't giggle and make fun of this guy?

If this is the way he will be running all the meetings, we urge all those who attend to bring a video camera as this is award winning material for America's Funniest Home Video TV show!