In a rambling, incoherent statement yesterday, Northampton County Executive John Stoffa announced that he would appeal the recent decision by Judge Baratta, which allowed the Gracedale issue as a ballot question. Stoffa rambled on about the Constitution, Home Rule Charters, and not permitting 23 thousand executives. There may be nothing more important in our Constitution than the people's right to redress an issue through petition. Although Stoffa had previously indicated to the
Save Gracedale Group that he would honor a successful petition, the turn around, although disappointing, is not surprising. The interplay between council president for life Ron Angle (doesn't know that he's no longer president), Stoffa and their consigliere, Bernie O'Hare, is becoming more transparent. O'Hare continues the second appeal against the signatures, while Stoffa now mumbles about defending representative democracy. The rush to shed a 100 year old county institution without public input is unconscionable.
John Stoffa is no longer acting like a community leader and responsible executive; he is making threats like a dockside bully. Mr. Stoffa has lost all credibility in the Gracedale discussion and has disgraced himself with his latest statements.
He calls the referendum and the signatures obtained on the petitions--an initiative which he himself encouraged upon the Coalition of Alzheimer's Families to pursue--an attempt by the voters to proclaim themselves "23,000 county executives." Mr. Stoffa insults both the voters and the democratic process. The petitioners are exercising their rights by asking that every citizen weigh in, yes or no, about one of the most important issues facing Northampton County. Mr. Stoffa claims that the power to decide is his alone, and that the voters shall have no say in the matter.
Mr. Stoffa has been unable with his allies to achieve this sale as he wants, swiftly, in isolation and without due diligence. Now he wants the voters to believe they have not the right to question or challenge him and his wishes. But Northampton county is not yet a dictatorship. Mr. Stoffa brings shame not on the rest of us, but on himself. Donald Dal Maso,comment at The Express Times
In a rambling, incoherent statement yesterday, Northampton County Executive John Stoffa announced that he would appeal the recent decision by Judge Baratta, which allowed the Gracedale issue as a ballot question. Stoffa rambled on about the Constitution, Home Rule Charters, and not permitting 23 thousand executives. There may be nothing more important in our Constitution than the people's right to redress an issue through petition. Although Stoffa had previously indicated to the Save Gracedale Group that he would honor a successful petition, the turn around, although disappointing, is not surprising. The interplay between council president for life Ron Angle (doesn't know that he's no longer president), Stoffa and their consigliere, Bernie O'Hare, is becoming more transparent. O'Hare continues the second appeal against the signatures, while Stoffa now mumbles about defending representative democracy. The rush to shed a 100 year old county institution without public input is unconscionable.
i now question his compentency to do his job , i am making some calls today to inquire into an investigation. i find his actions a disgrace and utter disregard for the voters and taxpayers of northampton county.
ReplyDeleteI know of no sane local government official that would not want to unload a budget busting relic for the by-gone days of "poor houses." Anon 7:20 don't question one's sanity before one examines the costs in the out years. Socialized medicine, run by union workers, at the county level is the worst investment government could make. The state and feds barely have the resources to do the job!
ReplyDeleteHow about letting the MANY interested taxpayers have their say? These Selfrighteous arrogant cretans don't believe that they have any responsibility to their constituents wishes.
ReplyDelete"Selfrighteous arrogant cretans" ----not that is classy and helpful to the cause.
ReplyDeletei do question his competency , i also think ron angle and his pal ohare have him backed in a corner possibly being pressured , i don't trust this administration at all , john stoffa speaks from both sides of his mouth!!! has reaped the rewards on all these voters and taxpayers backs , what is he so afraid of ? what is is hiding ? many questions need answering here, very concerning his actions . i am hopeful for an investigation to look into all of the nonsense taking place within his administration and his ablity to preform his duties.
ReplyDeletei find it very distasteful that the lawyer for the gracedale buyer's partnership will be representing the county in the appeal. is not the county suppose to represent the people's interest, not that of a private company looking to profit from a county asset?
ReplyDeleteI agree. The fact the buyer's lawyer is now pimping for the county says it all!
ReplyDeleteI stand by my words "Selfrighteous arrogant cretans" and add the Marshfield Rd. debacle as further proof.
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