Reality Check

There are serious gaps in the dialogue here but I felt that this should be posted. Incidences like the Pig Shit poured on our drive and the Voodoo Chicken placed on our lawn are recent incidences. I haven't posted the photos of the condemned house of our neighbor who has led the charge in harassing and stalking us for years. Karma is a real thing.

Photo taken outside the Northampton County Council Meeting Room On January 17, 2024

 Recently I posted here about there being an opening on the Northampton County Council here in Pennsylvania. The position was to replace an office holder who was recently elected to another County Office. There were no requirements, so  I sent in my Resume for the position  , it was meant to be filled immediately.

I got an e-mail notification of the hearing where candidates were given an opportunity to state their case.  It showed up in an unusual fashion in my spam folder and I had 5 hours to prepare a statement  to present to the Country Council later in the day.  I arrived early with my spouse  for the  January 17 ,  for the 4 PM meeting. The room was pretty full and they had received 25 application for the open position. I read the room with full knowledge that this was not my Tribe.  We sat through a presentation of the newly elected County  DA who was making a presentation to Council for more Money. I didn't get the impression that there was anyone in charge of the applicants so we sat there and listened.  I thought there would be someone checking off names of registered applicants- we didn't see anyone .We got some attention and looks from Council members because we were new to the game.  I sensed there were some serial applicants among the group. The vibe was very awkward. I had read previously that the pick was already made and this was just a dog and pony show for appearances sake. Often in Government, from my perspective, the pick was made inside the loop and this was just window dressing. I viewed this opportunity to seek assistance from the County Council to assist is getting a copy of the Police Investigation of the Bullet holes in our Property. Bullet holes that are there because we won't stay in our lane.

Years ago, it was suggested that I write the then County Chair for assistance in resolving our challenge and get accountability. The reason I was given to write him was it was a known fact  that the Chair had an Out Gay son. I wrote him and have documentation , several times and never received any acknowledgement or response. I have a policy of writing candidates who request a campaign contribution asking them a few simple questions. One of the questions is "Do you believe it is reasonable  to have concerns that you have bullet holes in your property, reported to the police and the police never do an Investigation of the reported crime" I have never gotten any support for resolve from anyone. The officer, who I was to replace if chosen , was to our  home, she was shown the bullet holes. I believe she got spooked and used the word "Stray" in a correspondence  where I believe she was looking for wiggle room to toss us under the bus. When I asked her where she got that term, "Stray" she got defensive. As I recalled she didn't respond to future mails. The word "STRAY" can only be used after an investigation of the crime was done.

After the first presentation, we left. The vibe wasn't healthy. I later learned there was a list of the 25 , so I didn't know who had the list   in the room . I didn't want to bring any attention to myself when making an inquiry . I never learn my rank on the list.  It was reported on a local blog that I was a No-Show so I corrected them. I corrected them and sent the administrator my copy of my prepared  statement. My spouse took photos of me outside the room as proof I was there in good faith. Also on that blog, a poster recommended my blog as a good read.

As it turned out, the presentation went on for 5.5 HOURS. What was alarming was my spouse and I and 2 county workers were the only ones wearing Mask in a windowless conference room. THAT, I would say was a primary reason, we weighted  the risk, and left. I suspected by the vibe, it was hours of Ax Grinding. Since I am not part of the Political Food Chain, I felt I did my thing. I wrote the Administrator and shared my statement and plan to share my perspective with the entire Council. The salary for the position is $9.500.00 per year and the term is 2 years

Another Day In Paradise

My statement I was prepared to read in the Council Chambers.

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My name is Gerald Kott, Jerry Kott, I am 73 years old. I am an out Gay man, partnered for 52 years, married for 7. I have jointly owned property in Lower Saucon Township for 41 years.  I mow my lawn. I mind my business and I report crimes when I experience them and when I see them.
I keep my ear to the ground. I stay informed locally and nationally and internationally. I was born and raised in Dauphin County by community active parents. My father was Mayor of my small town and he set an example growing up as to how to speaking Truth to Power.  He also was a Reporter for a small town Newspaper. I have a BS in Art Education from Kutztown University

This is not your Grand Parents Northampton county anymore. I am an Outsider on many levels and can bring a fresh perspective with reasonable confidence and reasonable doubt to meet somewhere in the middle 

Professionally, I have played with the big Boys. I moved to NYC as a young man after college and experienced what America use to be. I was pioneering in my chosen professions and received acknowledge for my pioneering vision , nationally and internationally.

 I am in relatively good health. I have been diagnosed with CPTSD and Aspergers Syndrome ( I am high functioning Autistic).

I am not a Game Player but a Team Player when the goals are ethical and clear and the community's best interest in on the table. I am inclusive and understand being excluded  having been an outsider looking in.

I hope to bring a perspective as someone with well developed Courage and integrity. I know the difference between Right and Wrong, Good and Evil and I have a severe allergy to BS.

Thank you

Jerry Kott