An Independent View

Less Government Would Give Municipalities More Power

Smaller communities have "very little political leverage when dealing with the state or private interests."

In my column on local government mergers in New Jersey, one of the benefits officials talked about was leverage. Governments that represent larger numbers of people can better compete for state and federal money than smaller governments can.  For instance, Woodbridge Township, N.J. (whose government represents 10 small towns) can afford to employ a full-time grant writer whose entire job is to seek grants from the state and federal governments for local projects.  Because the government of Woodbridge represents a larger number of people, they also have a stronger claim to appropriations. When Northampton County asks Harrisburg for matching funds on a project, it's asking on behalf of almost 300,000 people. When Easton alone asks the state …

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Arthur Joel Katz

12:29 pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Except for the title, I think this is a wonderful column. It states and illustrates the issues clearly. If we took Mr. Geeting seriously, as I think we should, we would support the long discussed possibility of a merger between Hellertown and Lower Saucon. A combined Hellertown-Lower Saucon would have much more weight in Harrisburg than either of them have separately. Certainly there are problems…   more ›

Frugal Family

This week indulge (and save) when shopping, eating or reading!

This week, treat yourself to a tasty meal and a silky cotton shirt, or introduce your children to an author (or two) and celebrate the classic Very Hungry Caterpillar!   1. Braveheart Highland Pub and Restaurant, 430 Main St., Hellertown. Deal:  Two ongoing specials: Good through: Ongoing   2. Barnes and Noble, The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, Center Valley. Deal: Free story times with children's authors. Good through: See above   3. Brooks Brothers, The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley, Center Valley. Deal: $25 off a $100 or more purchase from the Supina Cotton collection. Good through: March 24   4. Billy's Downtown Diner, 10 E. Broad St., Bethlehem. Deal: Many breakfast and lunch specials, including: Good through: March 19   5. …

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Frugal Family

Savings for swimsuit season and beyond.

Renew your New Year's resolution for better health this week with savings from Bee Natural, Queen's Nutrition and Frey's Better Foods. Also check out a special Grand Opening celebration Friday at the Hellertown Pharmacy.   1. Bee Natural – Coopersburg (www.beenaturalhealth.com) Deal: Nordic Naturals products are currently 20 percent off, and New Chapter products are 25 percent off. Good through: Saturday, March 5   2. Queen’s Nutrition – Allentown           Deal: Vitalogic, Lifetime and Herbs of Light products are 25 percent off. Source Naturals products are 35 percent off. Good through: Saturday, March 5   3. Frey’s Better Foods – Hellertown  Deal: Nordic Natural Fish Oil is now 25 percent off. Good through: Saturday, March 5   4. …

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Frugal Family: Feb. 9-15

Pasta is the perfect comfort food to help banish cold weather!

This week's specials feature a bit of bling to chase away the winter blahs, a bit of beer to nurse while waiting for baseball season to begin, and pasta--because what better comfort food exists to banish cold weather? Add in some pretty yarn to knit or crochet a new scarf or sweater for your little one, and a chance to find some end-of-season bargains at Bellini's, and what could be better? 1. Giant Food Store - Hellertown www.giantfoodstores.com Deal: Barilla Pasta 10 for $10 Good Through: Saturday, February 12   2. Link Beverages in Coopersburg www.linkbeverages.com Deal: Yuengling Premium beer, 12 oz cans, $11.97 for a 12-pack Good Through: Saturday, February 12   3. Coldwater Creek at the Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley www.…

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Frugal Family

Stretch your family's dollars by taking advantage of these great local deals!

This week's savings include savings at Saylor's & Co., if you have your most recent copy of the Clipper Magazine, great deals on meals Bethlehem restaurants during Bethlehem Restaurant Week (through Feb. 5) and savings at Pathmark and Giant on food for your Super Bowl party. 1. Saylor’s & Co. (Hellertown) Deal: Using coupons in the latest edition of the Clipper Magazine (mailed to many local households): COUPON 1: Get a free ½ pound of cookies if you buy ½ pound. COUPON 2: Home-smoked ham hocks at .99/lb., limit 10. Good Through: February 28, 2011 or while supplies last, one coupon per visit. * Saylor's & Co. is also offering a variety of specials for Valentine's Day, including Beef Wellington for $16.99/lb.,  seared sea scallops over …

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