I. Briefly tell us about your Experience and Qualifications
I have spent my life fighting for the people of Northampton County—as an advocate, a public servant, and a leader committed to building a better future for all. As your County Controller, I have worked tirelessly to ensure transparency, fiscal responsibility, and efficiency in our government. I modernized financial oversight, strengthened county operations, and hired and advanced staff to make our government work smarter and more effectively for taxpayers.
Throughout my career, I have been a coalition builder—bringing together diverse voices to create meaningful change and ensure that Northampton County remains a place where all residents can thrive.
Beyond public office, I have been deeply engaged in shaping policies that protect our environment, promote social justice, and empower working families. I have served on multiple boards, including:
● Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority
● Lehigh Valley Planning Commission
● Wildlands Conservancy
● Northampton and Lehigh County Conservation Districts
My commitment to advocacy runs deep. As a local coordinator for Food & Water Watch, I fought for clean water, sustainable agriculture, and climate justice. I have been an outspoken speaker and organizer, rallying for women’s rights, workers’ rights, human rights, and environmental justice. Whether standing with labor unions, fighting for fair wages, or protecting our natural resources, I have always stood on the side of the people.
As an educator, activist, and mother, I understand the struggles that working families face every day. I know that strong leadership requires not just policy expertise, but also a deep sense of responsibility and vision for the future. That’s why I’m running for Northampton County Executive—to continue the work of ensuring our county is fiscally responsible, economically strong, and environmentally sustainable for generations to come.
II. Briefly summarize what you plan to do about:
1) Addressing the housing crisis
I support implementing inclusive housing policies that ensure affordable and safe housing for all residents, including immigrants. My plan includes:
● Expanding affordable housing options through public-private partnerships
● Implementing rent control measures to prevent displacement
● Creating a housing trust fund to support low-income residents
● Enforcing fair housing laws to prevent discrimination based on immigration status
2) Ensuring fair funding for public schools
As an educator, I believe in providing quality education for all students, regardless of their immigration status. My education platform, in the limited platform that I would have as County Executive, includes:
● Helping fund English as a Second Language (ESL) programs
● Promoting multicultural curricula that celebrate diversity
● Supporting the DREAM Act to provide a path to citizenship for undocumented students
● Working with local organizations to support and provide educational and extracurricular opportunities for adults and children – YWCA, Easton Children’s Home of Easton, Second Harvest, Blue Zone Activation, etc.
● Working with environmental organizations to provide education for the community and school age children about environmental issues through the PennState Ag Extension, Penn Environmental, Climate Reality at NCC/Lehigh U, etc.
3) Ensuring our immigrant communities are treated fairly
Given the current political climate, it's important to approach immigrant-friendly policies strategically while still working towards creating an inclusive community.
1. Integrate immigrant support into existing initiatives:
○ Expand language access programs within current city services.
○ Incorporate cultural competency training into existing employee development programs.
2. Focus on economic development:
○ Promote immigrant entrepreneurship through small business support programs.
○ Highlight the economic contributions of immigrants to the local economy.
3. Enhance community safety for all:
○ Implement community policing strategies that build trust with all residents.
○ Ensure crime reporting mechanisms are accessible to non-English speakers.
4. Leverage non-governmental partnerships:
○ Collaborate with local non-profits and faith-based organizations to provide services.
○ Support the creation of an immigrant council led by community stakeholders rather than city officials.
5. Improve access to services:
○ Create a multilingual website with resources for all residents, not specifically labeled for immigrants.
○ Establish a general community hotline with language translation services.
6. Frame policies in universal terms:
○ Implement programs that benefit all low-income residents, which may disproportionately help immigrants.
○ Focus on "resident" services rather than "immigrant" services.
7. Utilize existing legal frameworks:
○ Enforce local labor laws to protect all workers, including immigrants.
○ Ensure equal access to city services for all residents, regardless of background.
By implementing these strategies, cities can create a more inclusive environment while avoiding federal scrutiny and protecting immigrant communities.
III. Use the space below to let us know why you are running for this office.
What are your priorities?
Why I’m Running
I love Northampton County. I’ve dedicated my career to serving our community—first as a community organizer and activist, then, on County Council, now as your County Controller. And while I’m proud of the work we’ve done, I know there’s so much more to accomplish. When County Executive Lamont McClure announced he wouldn’t seek reelection, I knew that stepping up to lead was not just an opportunity—it was a responsibility. Northampton County needs a strong leader who understands our local government inside and out. Someone with the experience to manage our budget, the courage to tackle big challenges, and the vision to ensure our county thrives for generations to come.
As your next County Executive, I will:
✅ Build coalitions to solve workforce challenges and attract new businesses
✅ Strengthen cybersecurity to protect county finances, data and bring the county into the 21st century.
✅ Preserve our environment while embracing smart growth and responsible development.
✅ Keep Gracedale county-owned and improve its services.
✅ Expand affordable housing and protect our most vulnerable residents who depend on SNAP, Medicaid and human services.
✅ Ensure fair wages, affordable healthcare, and safe working conditions for county employees.
Issues
Economic Growth & Workforce Development
Northampton County needs a strong, thriving economy. I will work to attract businesses, support small business owners, and create good-paying jobs so families can build their futures right here. That means investing in workforce development, ensuring fair wages, and partnering with local unions to support workers.
Fiscal Responsibility & Government Transparency
As County Controller, I’ve strengthened financial oversight and implemented cost-saving measures. As County Executive, I will modernize government operations, increase efficiency, and make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.
Healthcare & Human Services
We must protect our most vulnerable residents. I will fight to keep Gracedale county-owned, improve services for seniors, and ensure access to healthcare for all families. No one should have to choose between paying for medicine or putting food on the table.
Environmental Protection & Smart Growth
I am committed to preserving our farmland, protecting our water and air, and ensuring Northampton County remains a beautiful and healthy place to live. I will continue investing in land conservation while promoting responsible, sustainable development.
Affordable Housing & Strong Communities
Too many working families struggle to afford housing. I will work to expand affordable housing options and partner with community leaders to ensure Northampton County remains a place where everyone has a home.
36 comments:
Supported BLM. How did that go? What did they do for the black community? Zippo. Spent millions on themselves. Oh and Tara saw another opportunity to run. She left that part out.
A quick question: how could she have been on both conservatiin district boards? Did she live in Lehigh County for sometime; and was she a county Commissioner there, or a public director?
This ridiculous word salad rivals Harris. She is a prime example of
'Democrats walking in Circles for you"; you're telling me the dem elites think this person should manage the county? Her answer sounds like someone wanting to be the Queen of the country. Most of these questions could have honestly been answered by being truthful on what the county can do and what it cannot do. The county doesn't deal with most of this stuff. Where the Hell is she going to get the money to do all this not required stuff at the county? We can't pay people enough to fill jobs now, This sounds like a kid giving a book report on a book they did not read. This is very sad! Democrats have no real-world honest people running for anything.
She lost me at immigrants and diversity. She is 8 up with herself
Nanny Tara will raise your taxes for more woke socialist BS... you have been warned.
BO, having read both of this morning's offerings I have 3 things to say. 1) I am glad I did not eat breakfast before I read them, 2) it appears, once again we are forced to vote for the least of the two evils. Finally, I thank you for printing the articles, keep up the good work.
Allow me to repeat myself, Immigrants, Immigrants, Immigrants. 0 on how to fix how EVERY COUNTY OFFICE IS EXTREMELY SHORT STAFFED. More Immigrants talk in these answers than taking care of the county employees that take care if you
She's pro-illegals. That's all you need to know. We learned yesterday that 2 million illegal border crashers were issued SS numbers. Don't tell me you care about SS when you supported Biden/Harris Democrats who just stole from our seniors. She's pro-illegals. That's all you need to know. Bernie, thanks for putting a spotlight on her view on theft from our hard working seniors.
I thought she was beginning to moderate a bit, but after reading this and the # of progressive buzzwords included, I'm not so sure anymore.
I like TZ, my only concern is her inability to fulfill a term at any position. She makes a ton of promises, but runs for another position after a year, not accomplishing much. She may be a great exec or any other position, we just don’t know because every year she runs for something else and doesn’t fulfill the promises she made in the previous seat.
A 20K raise, a fatter county pension, and to keep Lamont's political patronage hacks on the payroll.
Name one hack.
If you look at what she’s done in a short time as Controller, she has been very effective. She has been accountable. It’s a lot more than can be said for Cozze.
Quite apt that this is published on April 1. Well done, Bernie.
1:51, I can only speculate that Zrinski at one time lived in Lehigh. I do know conservation has been her over-riding passion so this would be no surprise to me. She is an ardent environmentalist. I do know conservatives who are that enthused as well. If you are a hunter, a fisherman or an outdoorsman(women), you care about nature.
She's the absolute worst possible candidate!
An activist who's only in politics for herself- the images with her and the bullhorn, and screaming like a nut, are priceless!
How do you respond to the question "explain briefly what you plan to do about ensuring our immigrant communities are treated fairly" without talking about immigrants?
A competent executive can handle more than one issue at the same time.
I may be missing your point, but in what way is the statement "Biden / Harris Democrats who just stole from our seniors" true or arguable? As a Democrat, I agree that there is an element of signaling to her base by making repeated reference to the issue of immigration, which is most assuredly an area of Federal policy rather than County. Of course R's do the same thing when local candidates opine on trans servicemembers, the XL Pipeline, tarriffs, etc.
Wow! What a pair of horrific candidates.
Looks like AI wrote her a pretty good response! Piecemeal to boot! the formatting screams, AI
Effective? Her staff does all the work!
Shes just a terrible candidate, who marches to McClure's and Bannons orders.
My past observations of and experiences with Tara during her campaigns are that the only voice she wants to hear is her own. I see she's dusted off the bullhorn that she's used in the past and she now uses it to protest Ryan Mackenzie. Hard working people of Northampton County (including retirees) will have no chance under a Zrinski administration. Tom Giovanni may be the "Quiet Man" but he certainly is an intelligent, well qualified candidate to lead this county. You decide, proud people of Northampton County.
TZ is the best candidate of the three.
As a moderate Democrat I can’t vote for her. I need to study Cozze a little more. I may end up with Giovanni as long as he doesn’t prove to be a Trump Republican. I’ll check with my sane Republican friends.
1:48 PM: You stepped in it if you think that's a compliment.
BLM was never a single organization or movement. Some involved did bad things. Most did not.
The broad brush technique is the hallmark of MAGA.
Terra has had the same bamboo straw for over 4 years, she cycles to the grocery store and fills up her NPR tote bags with bulk items in reusable containers with very little plastic involved. Eco Warrior, Gaea Goddess, Forest Defender take your pick they all apply she's like a grown up Greta Thunberg without the kefiyyeh and hot to Boot
Tara has my vote! Amy has no experience and the people who worked under her hated her because she was an awful leader and an awful person. Tara for County Executive
Annon 6:29, employees say that About McClure, sooo. Hey Bernie, in your quest to reform her well-deserved image, you no longer talk about her perjury or how it happened.
I’m sane. I know Tom personally, he’s a good man. His personality is the complete opposite of Trumps. He’s thoughtful and deliberate, not loud and impulsive. Compared to the other two it’s a no brainer.
Bernie, I looked at Lehigh County Conservation District's website on the Wayback Machine. There's no record of her being on their board from the dates available from 2008-2015 or so. She was on Northampton's board as a council representative in 2018 I think. That's a pretty narrow window, it would be good to get some clarity on this.
Tara for executive. Tara has accomplished so much and ready to continue her great run making the county better. Tara has my vote! She has done so much and is leap and bounds more qualified than the other two
April Fools???
I’ll support the candidate whose followers are NOT doing all the juvenile personal attacks and spewing baseless accusations about their opponent.
My goodness, people. GROW UP! The Democrats are losing the confidence of America’s citizens because of all their silly ass ideas being defended by school yard bullies. The worst Democrat offenders of proper decorum need to be the ones shown the door first.
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