Northampton County Council consists of nine members. Four of these represent specific geographic areas of the county. The remaining five are in what are known as at-large seats, meaning they are selected by the entire county. The five current at-large members are Council President Lori Vargo Heffner, VP Ron Heckman, John Brown, John Goffredo and Jeff Corpora. Their terms all expire at the end of next year. Who among these are planning to seek re-election? And who else is running?
Of the current at-large members, I believe Ron Heckman may be planning to step aside when his term expires. Although he drives me nuts with perorations are nearly every topic, he perhaps more than anyone understands that county council is an independent body and has been willing to make that clear to Executive Lamont McClure on a number of occasions. He's his own man and has a deep understanding of county government since he has served both as an administrator and on Council. If he does step down, he will be missed.
Lori Vargo Heffner is often the target of numerous anonymous attacks on this blog because, like Heckman, she has been an independent voice who has opposed many of McClure's proposals. She has also been willing to work with Republican Council members, even appointing some of them to chair different committees. She has stood up to the Executive, even though it may have cost her union support. Most of the arrows aimed at her are misplaced, but she has been her own worst enemy at times. Some of her votes and positions do appear to more obstructionist than well-meaning. It's unclear to me whether she plans to seek re-election. There were early rumors that she planned to primary McClure, but I have no idea what she is planning. I would support her re-election to county council, but not as Exec.
Jeff Corpora was appointed by the court to replace Tara Zrinski after she was elected as Controller. Corpora was appointed by the court because Council was deadlocked over Zrinski's replacement. Corpora is even more quiet than Tom Giovanni, and I have no idea whether he plans to mount a campaign.
Contrary to many of the comments posted here, I doubt John Brown plans to run against McClure. He is neither transparent nor accountable and is known for ignoring media inquiries. His secret plan to move the jail to Gracedale was exposed when he was Executive. Also, a tax increase was passed when he was Executive. So I doubt he'll run for Exec. But it's likely he will seek re-election to County Council because he has high name recognition.
John Goffredo is probably the most vocally conservative member of Council. Philosophically, I disagree with most of his stands. He basically believes the less government, the better. I believe government exists to help people, and that it improves people's lives. Goffredo is a very well-known name in the northern tier, and I believe he would win easily if he decided to seek re-election. But he may be stepping down. This could be because he has two young children, or it could also be because he's going to run for Executive.
So who's running? According to Lehigh Valley News, Nadeem Qayyum has announced. He's already lost two races. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Magisterial District Judge and then lost a race for Controller. He is either married or the life partner to divisive Easton City Council person Taiba Sultana, whose antics turned Easton City Council into a clown show for several months.
Other Democratic names I have heard include Patti Bruno, Leslie Altieri, Wind Gap Borough Council member Jason Boulette and union leader Paul Anthony.
After November's red wave, I suspect there will be several GOP candidates. But thus far, I know of none.
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