Steve Baratta must love the bench. Because he's a judge, he doesn't have to seek reelection. His name will just magically appear on the ballot, and you'll be asked to retain him for another ten years. His annual salary? $152,115.00.
Baratta has thumbed his nose at Democracy Rising PA, a grassroots movement seeking integrity and citizen confidence in government. He's ignored their candidate questionnaire.
But he's making the rounds with local lawyers. In fact, he's invited them to a two-hour reception at the end of this month. For just $150, they get to shake his hand or genuflect or something.
Now, if you're a lawyer, and you practice in front of this guy, how do you say no?
F.P Kimberly McFadden is a judge, too. But when she first ran for judge, she refused to have anything to do with raising money for her campaign. She actually instructed her campaign treasurer, in writing, that he was never to disclose the identity of her contributors. She recognized the appearance of impropriety that arises when a judicial candidate actively solicits money from the very people who appear before her.
But not Baratta. You get to hand him your check, and the head tax is $150, bippy. Lawyers who forget should pack a toothbrush and rubber underwear next time they appear before our next president judge.
37 comments:
Bernie -
I noticed on the invitation document that it reads, "Suggested Donation $150" yet on the RSVP document, you're only option - when attending - is $150.
IF that's your invitation, I suggest donating $1 to attend.
"Baratta has thumbed his nose at Democracy Rising PA, a grassroots movement seeking integrity and citizen confidence in government. He's ignored their candidate questionnaire."
Is there a requirement or law that states that any judge respond to this particular questionnaire? What about the Pennsylvania Bar Association questionnaire? How many questionnaires does a judge get from "grassroots movements" across the country? Which one must you or required to respond to, if any?
54 county court candidates are up for retention for another 10 years. Out of those 54, only one returned answers back. Do we condemn the rest too? And why? For refusing to answer a loaded question?
I am not sticking up for any judicial candidate on this particular matter. However Bernie, I am asking you - Are you being fair by requiring Baratta to answer a particular "grassroots" questionnaire? The rest of your blog stands for itself and I have no comment.
No judge should be retained. They should be term-limited. The lame-duck effect will provide the same judicial freedom we attempt to achieve through long terms in office. Baratta is just a festering symptom of the overall affliction of stealth judicial campaigns in PA. Vote no on his, and all retentions, until the system is repaired.
""A.J. Cordi said...
Bernie -
I noticed on the invitation document that it reads, "Suggested Donation $150" yet on the RSVP document, you're only option - when attending - is $150.
IF that's your invitation, I suggest donating $1 to attend.
1:25 AM""""
Can I just bring a covered dish ? :):):):)
From Anonymous 7:22
What about the League of Women Voters questionnaire? Do you see what I mean? Which questionnaire is a candidate required to answer? Just because a candidate answers one and not another, does that disqualify him or her?
What I am saying is, Bernie, you put stock in this particular "grassroots movement" and give that particular questionnaire as the only criteria to credibility. That's not fair.
Anon 7:22,
I see your point. But I think it's a fair criticism and I'll tell you why.
1) DemocracyRisingPa is one of the groups that sprung up after the payraise scandal. Its founder, Tim Potts, has been very active in promoting reform, especially judicial reform. He sent a questionnaire to all judges seeking retention over a year ago. These questions are not designed to solicit views on particular issues like abortion or capital punishment, but are instead designed to reveal judges who are arrogant. It asks questions like this, "Is it right for judges to hire their relatives and friends for important positions in the court system?
2) Northampton County has a real problem. Its judges have grown far too powerful and isolated. They deny access to the floor on which their offices are located, have a private dining room, etc. They walked all over council in their bid for an obscene $43 MM Taj Mahal that was totally unnecessary and designed in such a way that it actually discourages the public from coming. Its judges collectively are arrogant. Individually, I've never had a problem with them. But as a group, they abuse their power.
3) Baratta, if he had a little more humility, would recognize the good intentions behind Democracy Rising and would respond. If he felt ethically constrained from answering, he should have the courtesy to say so, especially since Democracy Rising has even published a LTE about his failure.
4) I agree that a cnadidate should not have to spend his time filling out questionnaires from this group and that. But under the particular circumstances that exist in Northampton County, Judge Baratta would make some effort to distinguish himself from the crew that shoved that $43 MM mess down our throats.
5) Not only has Baratta failed to do that, he seems to have joined in. I heard him on a radio show last year telling people he wished he could take trhem all on a tour. Yeah, well half of them will die from exhauistion before they climb the hill to the main entrance. The other half will be shot as they try to enter his private floor.
On top of all this, we have a judge who has the hubris to impose a head tax on lawyers who appear in front of him. Talk about an appearance of impropriety!
"54 county court candidates are up for retention for another 10 years. Out of those 54, only one returned answers back. Do we condemn the rest too? And why? For refusing to answer a loaded question?"
Actually, these aren't loaded questions. They are pretty much softballs. The collective decision to ignore these questions just supports the argument that these dudes are far too arrogant.
In LC, Steinberg refused to answer the questionnaire. I'd hold it against him, yes, especially since the judges in that county tried to ram their own monstrosity down the throats of LC taxpayers.
But for pure arrogance, you can't beat NC, where the judges think they are also the county exec and county council. If Baratta was interested in just being a judge, he'd do something to distinguish himself. One way would be to answer those questions.
Instead, he schedules a reception and actually assesses lawyers $150 per head.
ten year yes or no vote is a sweet deal! guaranteed 1.5 million, wow!
I had to spend $60.00 for palm cards and campaign to get elected as a BASD board member for 4 years with zero pay.
judges seek your money, yes vote and then can't ever talk to you again while citizens call school board members at midnight with their concerns. also, lawyers (can you say judges) and doctors, those with the most money, I've learned as a former political Party chairman are the cheapest bastards on the planet when it comes to donating to Party coffers! yet they want Party support when running for office or retention!
what's wrong with this picture? larry@kisslinger.com
Larry Kisslinger said:" I had to spend $60.00 for palm cards and campaign to get elected as a BASD board member for 4 years with zero pay."
And that's what they got , ZERO.
Anonymous 4:35 PM said...Larry Kisslinger said:" I had to spend $60.00 for palm cards and campaign to get elected as a BASD board member for 4 years with zero pay."
And that's what they got, ZERO.
Hey anon 4:35 PM, why not identify yourself and explain your public service to all of us? If you had any clue as to what I have done while serving in public office, I don't think, in all humility, that you would come up with a zero. On the other hand, you may just be an anon "zero"! Easy, isn't it, to comment as an anon? Your opinion means shit to me and I hope others, as you hide your identity. "YOU" are living proof that there are more horses asses in the world than horses. Please, if you will, identify yourself so we can evaluate "your" public service to all of us. larry@kisslinger.com
To Larry Kisslinger,
Your obscenity laced comment is disconcerting. I am sure you are more articulate than the anon who was disrespectful. As a twenty three year public servant, I have yet to use those words while in a conversation with a constituent who may have been argumentative. I thought we all learned something from the Bernie K. incident.
(I did not put my name because I am proving my point. It's not who writes the message that counts. It's the message itself. I live by Bernie O'Hare's rules while on his blog. When you do your blog, I'll abide by your rules)
Love ya Larry K!
Another Anon
another anon 9:06 PM To Larry Kisslinger says, "obscenity laced comment. As a twenty three year public servant, I have yet to use those words while in a conversation with a constituent who may have been argumentative."
pardon me but I don't know what you mean by "obscenity laced comment" to "a" (how do I know) constituant". I never did either with 40 years of public service when I "knew" the person who was questioning me! What the hell does my comment have to do with the likes of others who have commented here? I thought my comment was mild, considering an anon calling my services to public as a zero. If I knew who was calling my public service into question, maybe I could have an intelligent discussion...same as with you. luv ya, nonetheless. larry@kisslingere.com
Another Anon,
Yep, I allow people to post anonymously. But as I've often said, people should not use anonymity as a shield behind which to launch a personal attack.
I don't construe the shot at Larry as a personal attack. The comment was directed at Larry's performance on BASD, not to anything personal.
Also, I don't think I'd compare Larry's reaction as anything close to what we read from Bernie K.
I'll say this much - it's an honor to have people like you and larry both commenting here. We all benefit from it. The message is more important than the messenger, as you say, but it's still nice that you and Larry both contribute.
You folks make this blog worth the effort. Thanks.
correction:
it's larry@kisslinger.com in case anyone wishes to exit the closet!
Bernie said: "I don't construe the shot at Larry as a personal attack. The comment was directed at Larry's performance on BASD, not to anything personal."
suggesting my elected 4 year '89-'93 (last year as President) volunteer public service, working my ass off, as a BASD board member might have been a zero effort is not a personal attack?
What am I missing here?
anon's who suggest zero was my contribution can kiss my ass until they can prove they did more for our community. larry@kisslinger.com
"I never did either with 40 years of public service when I "knew" the person who was questioning me! What the hell does my comment have to do with the likes of others who have commented here?"
The point of this particular blog is how public servants (including judges) treat others. As a public servant, we have an obligation, whether we know them or not, to treat them equally with respect and dignity. We should not call them dumb asses, or tell them their opinions mean shit or their not intelligent because they don't wish to use their names.
When public servants look down upon their constituents, as Bernie points out, it is a disservice. The other anon who was disrespectful to your years of service, does not justify a verbal tirade with obscenities. As public servants, we should hold ourselves to a higher standard.
And we can have an intelligent conversation without using names. It's the substance of the message.
Larry,
Your performance was attacked, but not you.
When people say my blog stinks or that I'm a lousy title searcher, it hurts. But it's not a personal attack. I realize it might hurt even more than a personal attack. I don't mind being told I'm ugly, but am hurt when I'm told I do a lousy job, so I understand how it feels.
Thank goodenss I'm not a public servant. I'd have to pull out my tongue.
"Anon's who suggest zero was my contribution can kiss my ass until they can prove they did more for our community."
From Anon 10:21
I guess the above statement points out the difference between Larry and I. As a public servant for twenty three years, I never had to prove myself that I did more for our community. I have had people assault me physically and verbally, urinate and defecate in the back of my car, newspapers write articles about me. Yet, I always tried to handle myself and those I was trying to help with dignity and respect. That's what Bernie was trying to say. That's what judges, BASD members, Democratic Committee Chairs and I should aspire.
Saint 23 year public servant anon.
ok...I'm in! I'm in! I'm in! Now, please tell me "exactly" what about my performance as a school board member, city council member, volunteer member everywhere else you consider zero! Let's assume, without deciding, there was never any "personal" attack intended by you or anyone else! I've also been abused in every way possible as a public figure and I'm no better than any other human being! I fully understand and always did! The big difference between you and me is that I have never been an anon and my phone number has always been in the phone book (still is) during my entire service to community and never an anon anywhere. YOU ARE A "PUBLIC SERVANT" FOR 23 YEARS YET YOU HIDE HERE! Shame on you! Now, tell me what you think I need to do to measure up to your anon standards?
You are an arrogant asshole of the highest order thinking more of yourself than others who may be kissing your anon ass while you may think they like you.
I have "real" friends who support me, knowing who I am, and what I stand for, warts and all. As long as you are anon...you are shit to me as were all others who ever contacted me, midnight or otherwise still to date! As someone once said: it ain't bragging if you can do it! I've done it and YOU have done shit "hiding" for 23 years, is my opinion! larry@kisslinger.com
From Anon 10:44 to Larry
You just proved my point. God bless you and yours. Good night.
From Anon 1:51 AM to Larry, You just proved my point. God bless you and yours. Good night.
wish we knew your medical condition so we could help you! God Bless & good night! larry@kisslinger.com
From Anon 10:44 to Bernie
"Also, I don't think I'd compare Larry's reaction as anything close to what we read from Bernie K."
Care to re-phrase?
There's no reason for Larry to vilify with obscenities. We all lose when we denegrate someone else. You tried to arbitrate with humor. I applaud your diligence.
I was just trying to expand your point regarding respect by public servants including judges. I guess the point is lost on some, but hopefully not on the majority. Thanks for allowing Anons.
From Anon 10:44 to Larry
Yes, I do have a medical condition that keeps me up without much sleep. I appreciate your concern and I am glad we can disagree without being personal.
""" Bernie O'Hare said...
Thank goodenss I'm not a public servant. I'd have to pull out my tongue.
10:23 PM """
Geez Bernie :).. Just think if you were a public servant and had a press conference... why Joe Long might even show up! :):)
Zero Anon... I will bet you ten dollars to a doughnut that when Layyr Kisslinger was on the BASD Board, your taxes were 1/2 or 1/3 of what they are now.
speaking of Judges and Lawyers, anyone have any comments on the ACLU sueing the city of Hazelton for 2.3 million for legal fees about the ILLEGAL immigrants laws that the city had passed?
It was reported that every day of the trial, the ACLU and some other group had 15 lawyers in the courtroom at all times. ACLU is claiming costs for 7500 hours. That comes to $3066 PER HOUR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe this is an abuse on our legal system in the worst sence of the word.
"river said...
Zero Anon... I will bet you ten dollars to a doughnut that when Larry Kisslinger was on the BASD Board, your taxes were 1/2 or 1/3 of what they are now."
Thats if you even live in Bethlehem.. then or now. Also, don't think you are really anonymous. Because Bernie knows who everyone is when their email gets posted. Cheers!
river wrote
"It was reported that every day of the trial, the ACLU and some other group had 15 lawyers in the courtroom at all times. ACLU is claiming costs for 7500 hours. That comes to $3066 PER HOUR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe this is an abuse on our legal system in the worst sence of the word."
Hmm - that's approx 200/hr per attorney. Based oin the legal fees I've seen, that's very much in line - in fact, a little below the going rate,
C'mon guys. Use your calculator. $2,300,000.00 divided by 7,500 hours is $306.66 an hour. That amount is high.
CANAL said....
How is an anonn any different then someone who goes by the moniker of 'River'. So if I go in the phone book I will find you as River. Last name first name? Larry K is Larry K, who is 'River'?
I am not anonn I am 'Canal'.
Hey River!
Of course, when Larry K was on the BASD board taxes were 1/2 to 1/3 lower! Jesus Christ was in the third grade then. Of course taxes were lower.
Just a joke, Larry. Don't get huffy!
" Dem thug said DemHmm - that's approx 200/hr per attorney. Based oin the legal fees I've seen, that's very much in line - in fact, a little below the going rat e" My question is why did they need 15 layers in the court room at all times. If you Dem, were being sued by the city over a $20 parking ticket plus cort costs and you showed up at the magestrate and the city had 15 layers there to defend the Meter Maid, and you were found guilty... then your cost was $20 plus legal fees of $6000, would you call that equal protection under the law?? How about the local Amish farmers who their town councel wanted to fine anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 because they failed to have there home septic tanks pumped out by June or July 1st.
Anonymous said...
CANAL said....
'canal says "How is an anonn any different then someone who goes by the moniker of 'River'. So if I go in the phone book I will find you as River. Last name first name? Larry K is Larry K, who is 'River'?
I am not anonn I am 'Canal'.
4:40 PM "
this was all gone over 4 or so months ago. The same comments like you just made happened then. I suggested people who wanted to be anon put a code word or name at the end of their post so we could all tell who's post we wanted to respond to because with 10 or 20 anon posts it hard to keep a dialog going when you can't tell who from who. Bernie said just go by the time they were posted. Well that works alright if someone visits every day. Then Larry K. suggested that people with monikers like river, and yes canal to please email him their name so we can communicate better without trying to figure out who said what. So I did and Larry is an honorable man and he even sent me an antique post card of Easton, which is where I live. By the way, which canal are you? Delaware Lehigh, or Morris? I love the canals.. I have several books about each. If you need my name Larry K has my permission to give it to you. and Bernie has everyons emails when the blog posts are sent to his site.
also 7500 hours divided by a 40 hour wook week comes to 187 weeks for one lawyer. That is 3 and 1/2 YEARS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 The trial lasted about 2 weeks.
ANON 9:22 SAID ... BASD board taxes were 1/2 to 1/3 lower! Jesus Christ was in the third grade then. Of course taxes were lower.""" And I suppose you stole his lunch money!
Larry fouled me on the BB court at the YMCA in 1988 and I still haven't received my apology.
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