Worst Conflict of Interest by an Elected Official... Ever

[JPZenger]

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101210/NEWS/12100356

Middle Smithfield Twp. is a Twp of over 14,000 people in the Poconos. One of the 3 supervisors has been doing everything he can to push through a strip club on his own property. He first changed the zoning to allow strip clubs along several miles of highway, including his bar. Before that vote, he advertised in an adult magazine that his property was available for a strip club. Under State law, he said he was allowed to vote for the ordinance, because it was a tie vote. However, a tie vote only needs to be broken in case of "necessity", which was not the case.

Then, the hearings started on the strip club. There were many opponents, and it looked like it may be defeated. So then the gang of 2 supervisors adopted a new ordinance that removed the few regulations that existed on strip clubs and gave the supervisors the authority to approve the zoning.

Meanwhile, they have fired many long-time Township officials, so they can put the Township's finances under the control of their girlfriends and best buddies.

[T Wolf]

1. I would put up those elected judges who convicted children just so that they could funnel them

into their buddies' for-profit prisons.

That is something with real consequences.

Adding a strip club just does not make my list of things to be concerned about.

[wisteria]

2. Aren't the residents of the town outraged at what is going on?

The Poconos is suppose to be a family winter retreat vacation spot, not an adult adventure spot. It discussed me that a strip club is even being considered. What this official is doing is despicable and what he wants to do to this town is real sleazy.