Why I Think Wayne Grube Should Step Down as Council Prez

It's not going to happen. We're stuck with him. And it certainly is partially my fault.

I've voted for Wayne Grube as long as I can remember. When I addressed council yesterday, I complimented his service to the county. He is council's hardest-working member.

But anyone who attends Northampton County Council meetings, even sporadically, knows why Grube should step down as county council prez. It has nothing to do with his age or hearing. It has everything to do with his total inability to conduct an orderly meeting. It has everything to do with his willingness to allow himself to be controlled behind the scenes by other council members.

When I addressed council yesterday, I actually stole and read remarks made by one of the contributors to this blog. "Wayne Grube has been a powerful force in Northampton County politics for decades. His legacy is secure - perhaps no other politician has had a stronger and broader influence than he." But this contributor also had this to say. "Step down, please. Let our memories of you and your service be good ones. Nobody will think less of you; in fact, we will respect you even more."

I told Grube his time is over. His council meetings are an embarrassment. I stated publicly what nearly everyone will concede privately.

Lehigh County's Unofficial Motto? "We're not Northampton County." One of LVDem's most recent posts? "Those Crazy Kids in Norco."

In yesterday's brief council meeting, two sets of minutes from earlier meetings needed approval. Grube was at a total loss on how that should be accomplished. When it became apparent that there were objections to one set of minutes, Grube had to be reminded constantly how he should conduct the votes. The person reminding him? Council VP Ann McHale. Her reward? Dismissal.
He doesn't take criticism well, even when it is tactful.

During a typical meeting, Grube is thin-skinned, intolerant, gets involved in regular shouting matches and is rude to the public. He skips over portions of the agenda, and has to be reminded that he missed an item. He will call for votes on ordinances that have just been introduced.

But what really disturbs me is that he is now letting himself be used to subvert both the Sunshine Act and Home Rule Charter. Wayne Grube, for all his flaws, at one time believed in good government. He stood against Michael Solomon, something that is not widely known. His action on council ended the bribery in Northampton County.

But that Wayne Grube is now letting himself be used to decide the public's business behind closed doors. He has been at the heart of Sunshine Act and Home Rule Charter violations. He has worked against the Democratic county executive's agenda, even when it involves open space. He no longer stands for good government. Instead, he is deciding the county's business in the dark, with the help of new council members who don't know a damn thing about the Home Rule Charter. That's why they were all embarrassed a few weeks ago. If they deliberated publicly, they might have learned their plan to invade the cash reserve was contrary to the Home Rule Charter.

And that's why Grube needs to go.

Anyone who thinks otherwise should do himself a favor and sit in on a council meeting.

Who can replace him? Actually, there's not a large field. The only qualified Democrat is the no-nonsense Ann McHale. The only qualified Republican is Rev. J. Michael Dowd, who actually appointed a citizen to his open space committee when he was council prez.

Five Republicans and Five Democrats Seek Grube's Empty Seat

Ten Northampton County residents have applied to serve the remaining year in Wayne Grube's term as a county council member. In chronological order, the applicants are Mike Fleck (11/13), Dave Haines (11/18), Joe Zarecky (11/19), Chris Hess (11/20), Mark Schwartz (11/20), Bill Wallace (11/21), Bob Birk (11/24), John Breidinger (11/28), Joe Capozzolo (11/28) and Geoff Roche (11/28). Two of them, Schwartz and Wallace, were unsuccessful candidates last November. Fleck's resume and letter of interest were submitted four days before Grube had even been buried.

Wayne Grube's widow, Patti, has also expressed an interest in serving out her husband's term. But she insists all eight council members must ask for her.

The county's home rule charter requires council to fill the vacancy by December 11, or it goes to the judges. Although Wayne Grube was a Democrat, his successor can belong to any policial party. Breidinger, Capozzolo, Birk, Schwartz and Zarecky are Republicans.

One advantage that blogs have over the MSM is that we can provide mind-numbing detail for which newspapers simply lack the space. In the posts below, I will provide details about each of the ten candidates. In some cases, I will include part of their letters of interest or resumes.

Update: The Morning Call reports that Queen of Hearts Ann McHale is already trying to brush Patti Grube out of the way. Grube has made her intentions known, but McHale points to Grube's refusal to send in some goofy resume. "I would think that would eliminate her.'' At a council meeting not too long ago, McHale imperiously declared, "Nice guys finish last." Looks like nice women finish last, too.

It's Unanimous! Patti Grube Appointed to Northampton County Council

Just last week, Morning Call columnist and blogger Bill White was irritated by Ron Angle's threat to quit Northampton County Council. "When it comes to forging coalitions and getting things done, he’s utterly ineffective." Last night's unanimous appointment of Patti Grube to her husband's unexpired term on Northampton County Council, however, proves Bill wrong. You see, this was an Angle initiative all the way.

I really thought this one was heading to the courts. Northampton County Council is already a dysfunctional mess, and Wayne Grube's death left an evenly divided council who can't even make it through courtesy of the floor without a few earthquakes.

But Ron Angle is the council member who suggested Patti Grube. Peg Ferraro, who knows her, quickly agreed. So did the editorial boards of both local papers. Council's four Democrats were still trying to forge a coalition to appoint fighter pilot David Haines, and may have lured Cusick into their web. After Tuesday's budget hearing, he confessed to fellow Republicans he might support Haines.

Angle then went to work on Democrats, pointing out that no one knew Wayne better than his own wife. McHale vainly tried to claim Grube had eliminated herself by not submitting a formal application. But Angle quickly and correctly called that position "an excuse for people to explain why they won't vote for her.'' By Wednesday night, every Democrat had called Grube to offer their support.

As soon as last night's meeting got started, Diane Neiper offered a resolution naming Grube, trying to make things sound like it was their idea. Angle quickly seconded the motion, but simultaneously scolded council members for claiming they needed to have an interview process. Grube was appointed unanimously. The last person to vote was Cusick. He waited a few seconds, doing a slow burn, knowing he had been stabbed in the back.

In the meantime, Peg Ferraro apologized to applicants who had travelled to the star chamber for interviews that never occurred. "I heartily apologize to the people brought in here for an interview." A disgusted John Cusick added, "Absolutely. It's a disgrace." But Queen of Hearts Ann McHale imperiously told them, "You'll all consider running."

Although there was no judge around to swear Grube in, Angle wanted Grube to take office immediately, suggesting that the county council solicitor do the honors. Anthony Martino, council's legal eagle, politely declined.

When she finally had a chance to speak, Patti Grube apologized "for the trouble I've caused. I know [Wayne] would want me to fulfill his term. I hope you all run next year. If there is anything you need from me, I'll be glad to help out." Patti also had a warning for her council colleagues. "I will think for myself. ... I have a mind of my own."

When she ascended the dais, the peanut gallery gave her a standing ovation. The first person to rise was one of the applicants, Republican Mark Schwartz.

Larry Kisslinger Applying For Grube Vacancy

Wayne Grube's seat on Northampton County Council, filled by his wife for just five days, is open. According to Julian Stolz, former Bethlehem City council member Larry Kisslinger has applied to fill the vacancy.

"You need someone who knows what is going on as a public servant! I think I can fill that position! Please consider me for filling Wayne Grube vacancy on NC Council position? Folks ask me, almost daily, to consider running for many different political office positions. I am not ever going to run for any political office positions…ever again…(been there, done that) but I would be proud to fill-in for Wayne Grube til end of his term and not run for another….Patti was, and always has been, greatest supporter of Wayne and I understand her position wanting to finish Wayne’s “term” and her reason for changing her mind thereafter. I would be glad to do it for Wayne, Patti and community, is all. My resume’ is included at my website below for your consideration. If I would be considered, I would be honored. Thank you and Merry Christmas to all."
Larry Kisslinger
http://www.Kisslinger.com

I doubt the four Dems on county council will go for this.

Local Press Salutes Wayne Grube

I commend both papers, The Express Times in particular, for their coverage concerning Northampton County Council member Wayne Grube, who passed away on Tuesday.

We had a love-hate relationship. I loved him, and he hated me. Before council meetings, he would often walk back to insult me. Or he'd start shaking his head at me in the middle of a meeting. He even left notes on my Jeep, threatening to have it towed.

He could get really angry at me, but always got over it. He cared deeply about the county. He loved Gracedale, revered the judges and always tried to do the right thing for the county workforce. Until he got ill, he was at the courthouse regularly and knew what was going on from the inside.

Precious Petty wrote a terrific biography, including some great pictures of a young Coach Grube. Sarah Cassi, who covered Grube regularly, gives us touching accounts from those who who worked with and loved Wayne. The editorial board notes Grube led an "energetic, overloaded life." But the most revealing stories are from Michael Blouse, a sportswriter who spoke with former players and fellow coaches.

Over at The Morning Call, Bill White tells us he's shocked, just shocked, to learn that Grube could curse as well as Hickey. Bill will devote a column to Grube today.

Wayne Grube Remembered

"A good friend is hard to find, tough to lose and impossible to forget."

Those are the words of State Rep. Rich Grucela. Former Northampton County Council President Wayne Grube was Rich's colleague and friend for over forty years. When Wayne passed on unexpectedly on November 11, 2008, it hit Rich very hard. Some say that had a lot to do with his decision to step down from the state house.

In February 2009, the state legislature unanimously honored Wayne with a citation that Rich proudly hung on his office wall. But now that he is retiring, he thought it should go to Northampton County Council.

Rich, accompanied by his wife Gina, presented the citation and portrait on December 2. One of the receiving Council members, Bruce Gilbert, was a captain of one of Grube's undefeated football squads from Easton High School

For a moment, Council members forgot about party differences and laughed as they told Wayne Grube stories, remembering a fallen friend.

After leaving Council, Rich was kind enough to say a few words to all of you.

Northampton County Council Kicks Off New Year With Sunshine Act & Charter Violations

It didn't work.

Rev. J. Michael Dowd implored the Heavenly Father to give Northampton County Council "new agendas" and "new priorities." He asked God to give council insight and courage to help do what is right.

But when the dust had settled, council was still mired in back room shenanigans. This time, in addition to a blatant Sunshine Act violation, council thumbed its nose at the Home Rule Charter.

The fix was in, bippy. Yesterday afternoon, they were just going through the motions.

As I told you before the meeting ever started, council had already decided to reelect an increasingly unstable Wayne Grube as council president. No surprise there. But the real shocker was its predecision to replace veteran Ann McHale with newcomer Diane Neiper.

The meeting was actually rescheduled to midafternoon just so Tony Branco could attend. You see, his vote was needed to make sure Neiper was elected.

Before the vote occurred, I approached council to tell them I'm an idiot. You see, I recently withdrew Sunshine Act litigation over its preselection of Lamont McClure and Tony Branco as council members. I actually believed council was seriously interested in open government, and that they were reading a manual prepared by Solicitor Zito concerning the Sunshine Act. Silly me.

I also told council neither Grube nor Neiper should be elected. Grube has been a powerful force in Northampton County and certainly works hard. But he's never been able to control a council meeting. Neiper simply has no experience.

During the short meeting, Council Prez Grube actually admitted the deal. He defiantly told a complaining Ron Angle that what they were doing was "no different than the deal you made with the county executive over open space."

Excuse me?

There's a big difference between a commitment from an individual councilman to a county executive and a closed door arrangement by a quorum of legislators. The latter is governed by the Sunshine Act.

Branco, when confronted with the reality that the cat was out of the bag, could only say he's "sick and tired of Angle talking out of his rear end." He then seconded Dertinger's nomination of Diane Neiper, stating sarcastically he may as well do that because the decision has already been made.

So for yet another year, Wayne Grube is council prez. He explained that 2006 was a fiasco and he wants to get rid of all the divisiveness and return to the days when council got things done. In other words, he likes fifteen minute meetings. He then proceeded to excoriate his critics and bumbled his way through the meeting.

Diane Neiper is now VP, and will get Grube's salary if he is forced to step down. In fact, Neiper laughingly voted for herself, violating the conflict of interest provisions of the county's Home Rule Charter in the process. No council member may consider or approve any matter in which she has a direct or indirect financial interest. Neiper really should read that Home Rule Charter. Unlike Neiper, McHale at least had the class to abstain.

Although McHale has shielded Grube from egregious errors as prez, Neiper says it's her turn now. She claims her 34 years in the classroom and her union work qualify her.

Huh?

At council's budget meeting on December 14, I heard a far different Neiper. That one acknowledged her unfamiliarity with the county's Home Rule Charter, saying she was new and this was her first budget. Boy, she sure has learned a lot in two weeks! Too bad she didn't get to the Home Rule Charter's section on conflicts of interest.

One county employee who witnessed this travesty told me he's "embarrassed" to be part of the county.

"Democracy dies behind closed doors." What a way to start off the year!

Update:Both The Morning Call and Express Times have well-written and objective accounts of yesterday's little sideshow.

Grube Steps Aside, McHale Steps Up & Angle Steps Out!

"You're late!"

Those were the first words ET Editor Joe Owens growled as I stumbled into Northampton County brand new council chambers for its reorganization Monday night. I came in at the tail end of the Pledge of Allegiance, which everyone was mindlessly mumbling. I quickly slapped my hand over my heart as I looked for a chair, hoping no one would shoot me for being irreverent to the flag.

It was Owens' fault that I was late in the first place. I had just learned he's running for president and that I'm on his election committee. Actually, he's not running for anything. It's his blog. If it wins, I get to be an intern or something. Owens was at the meeting to hustle a few votes before today's New Hampshire primary.

Wrong state, Joe. And he calls me a crazie??

Before last night's meeting, someone posted this comment on my blog. "McHale, the Republicans' favorite Dem next to Stoffa, will be the new Council Prez. Grube will be VP. The Republicans cut the deal with her majesty in case Stoffa doesn't run for re-election. They want her as the Dem. candidate. This boosts her Name and cements her support against the new Council Dems."

That's how it went, too. "With extreme disappointment," Grube acknowledged that physically, he can no longer keep up with with the job. "No one outside realizes how much time a president puts in."

At that point, Grube nominated Ann McHale to take his place as council president. Her nomination was seconded by Lamont McClure, and Peg Ferraro seconded the second to be on the safe side. McHale was unanimously elected as Northampton County's first female council president. No discussion. McHale smiled, and said, "I accept this with pride." That's a far cry from last year, when she was ignominiously shoved aside as council VP for rookie Diane Neiper.

After her election, McHale nominated Wayne Grube to serve as council VP. That nomination was seconded by Charles Dertinger, and once again, Peg Ferraro seconded the second to give things a little bipartisan flavor. Like McHale, Grube was unanimously elected. Again, not a peep in the way of discussion. Ferraro did quietly tell Wayne, "It's been an honor working with you."

Unless that anonymous commenter is the Amazing Kreskin, this was a done deal. Northampton County Council started off the New Year like they do every year - by ignoring the Sunshine Act. It's a tradition. Maybe they should call it the Sunshine Suggestion.

From what I've been able to piece together, Team Dertinger (Dertinger, McClure & Neiper) wanted Neiper to ascend to the throne. But they've been weakened by the loss of Tony Branco, and have alienated both McHale and Grube over the past year.

Republicans control four votes. They could have blocked any Democratic president unless Dems agreed to select a Republican VP. To their credit, they did not play partisan politics, or stopped once Grube indicated he'd be willing to serve as VP.

Good government triumphs over partisan politics! You don't see that every day.

With her election as council president, McHale now assumes formally the role she's already been serving, at least during meetings, for the past two years. Even though she was deposed as VP last year, Grube still relied heavily on McHale, not Neiper, to make sure meetings ran smoothly. And McHale, unlike any other member of council, can control Angle. He simply adores her. Even as she sticks a knife in him and twists it all around, he just smiles.

But last night, Ron was a bad boy. Grube had stepped aside. McHale had stepped up. But Ron actually stepped out! Incensed by the $642 thousand cost for renovations to council chambers, Angle stepped off the dais and instead fumed in the press box, plopping down right between reporters Sarah Cassi and Joe Nixon.

And during the courtesy of the floor, guess who spoke? Bingo!

After establishing that McHale was off on the cost of renovations by a mere $240 thousand, Angle started blowing oil. "I believe in living in the real world. It's the same damn room. The seats are of lesser quality. This $642 thousand, one of the main reasons was the girls needed more room. Now they have less room. I was measuring with my tape today. ... I intend to sit out here in the real world. Pitiful. Pitiful. Pitiful."

About every five minutes, Ron would stand up and blow yet another gasket. "You see those lights? You could get better lights at Home Depot. You could get a nice house and fill it with furniture for $642 thousand."

According to The Express Times' Sarah Cassi, Angle plans to relocate permanently to the press box. "No word yet on what will happen to his nameplate."

In 2001, after a contentious five hour bond hearing, someone actually chucked Angle's nameplate down the hopper. I'm not making this stuff up. The felon was never apprehended, but every county administrator failed several lie detector tests. Fortunately for Ron, Grube dove in and rescued it at the Easton sewage treatment facility.

Update: For more objective accounts of last night's meeting from reporters who actually got to sit right next to Ron, both The Morning Call and Express Times oblige.

Grucela on Gracedale: Keep the Jewel in the Crown

1772%.

That's how much pension costs have risen for Gracedale employees between 2008 and 2011. That alone is reason to sell this money pit. Of course, that means nothing to AFSCME, which reached a new low last week. After scaring Gracedale residents half to death into believing they were losing their home, they then carted them off in wheelchairs to complain to County Council. Taxpayers will pay the transportation bill, too.

But there is at least one public official who isn't running for anything, yet believes the County should keep Gracedale. Even in the face of a twenty per cent tax hike. Here's what retiring State Rep. Rich Grucela, himself a former County Council President, told County Council on Thursday night:

Mr. President and members of county council I am here tonight because Wayne Grube and Gene Hartzell can't be and I would have attended your last meeting but I was in another part of the state on legislative business.

If Wayne and Gene could be here I believe they would agree wholeheartedly with what I am about to say regarding your consideration of selling or leasing Gracedale our county nursing home.

Those of you who served with Wayne and all of us who knew him well know how he felt about Gracedale. To Wayne it was the "jewel in the crown " of county government. I have received more thank yous from people Wayne helped on Gracedale issues than any others and my guess is Wayne's wife Patti has a drawer full of those thank yous as well. Wayne himself told me on more than one occasion that if he ever needed that kind of care, Gracedale is where he wanted to go. He almost made it there and I feel the same way.

Gene Hartzell taught me a lot about government in general and county government in particular. I recall one budget year when we needed a tax increase and Gracedale was part of the reason. It was also a re­election year for my council seat. Gene called me into his office and told me never to be afraid to vote for a tax increase for the right reasons. He further told me that budgets are more than numbers of dollars and cents, they're about people and that counties have a moral obligation to provide services for the elderly and the needy that they cannot provide for themselves. I voted for the tax increase and was re-elected.

I and many public officials can tell you a vote for a tax increase for the right reasons can still win re-election. My guess is the same is not true on a vote to sell or lease Gracedale.

On the whole I do not believe in the sale or privatization of government services, but there are a lot of other areas of county government you could sell or privatize rather than Gracedale. Also you don't need to hire any outside consultants to make recommendations, there is enough volunteer expertise in the county, some of it right here in this room. A few months ago I called the county executive and offered to serve on any committee to study Gracedale operations and make recommendations? I never got a callback.

Finally, I believe it is unfair to blame any county financial problems on Gracedale and doubly wrong to place that blame on the Gracedale employees. There's a reason the quality of care is excellent at Gracedale and it's the staff. Do any of you know Bellauh Young? She had a birthday yesterday! she's 110 and possibly the oldest person in Pennsylvania if not the US. She's a resident at Gracedale (been there for 5yrs) and I will be at her birthday party on Saturday and I'll ask her opinion on the issue.

Abraham Lincoln once said "The legitimate objective of government is to do for a community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at all or cannot so well do for themselves..." and a century later Hubert Humphrey said (and I paraphrase) "The true test of government is how it treats those in the dawn of life, our children, those in the twilight of life, our senior citizens and those in the shadows of life, those with special needs."

In memory of Wayne Grube and Gene Hartzell and the hundreds if not thousands of families in this county I respectfully ask you not sell or lease "The Jewel in the Crown." Thank you.

State House Unanimously Honors Grube

The state house unanimously adopted a resolution earlier this month to honor former Northampton County Council member Wayne Grube. He was friend and legislative aide to Rep. Rich Grucela, who introduced the state house document.

Grube passed away on Nov. 11, 2008.

"I am privileged to honor a man today who is widely respected in Northampton County for his dedication to community service and hard work," Grucela said. "Wayne Grube was the first employee hired to work in my district office after I was elected to the House of Representatives in 1998. He spent the last 10 years working as my legislative aide and was a trusted friend, co-worker and confidant for 40 years. I am proud to honor his life with this House resolution."

Grucela added, "A good friend is hard to find, tough to lose and impossible to forget."
Grube was well known for his years as the former football coach at Easton Area and Wilson Area high schools, and for the 19 years he served on Northampton County Council. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Meet Wayne Grube

Though he's no relation, Wayne Grube (pictured above) is named in honor of the late, great Easton High School football coach and Northampton County Council member. Like his namesake, Wayne is very active in youth sports. He coaches for the Bethlehem Steelers, as well as North Central and Northwest Little League organizations.

Grube, along with fellow coaches Bob Hock and Mike Richline, spent Holy Saturday getting a baseball field behind the Steelers' complex ready for baseball. Sons Matthew Grube and Andrew Hock, both pitched in.

Will Grube Continue to Lead Norco Council?

When Northampton County Council met in December to approve this year's budget, one important member was MIA - Council Prez Wayne Grube. That absence continued as recently as Friday, when DA John Morganelli was sworn in for an unprecedented fifth term. He hasn't been seen at the courthouse.

Anyone who knows Grube knows this reliable war horse hates to miss a meeting. Part-time council member or not, he is usually a courthouse fixture.

Next to Ron Angle, Wayne Grube is also council's most vocal member. He's the council member who dared call Charles Dertinger's American Heroes Ordinance a "half baked deal." He was the thorn in side of a council that attempted to force county exec Stoffa to accept an IT contract that was $1.8 million higher than the contract ultimately negotiated. And unlike most pols or people, for that matter, he's actually willing to admit mistakes.

He and I have had a love-hate relationship over the years. I love him, and he hates me. He really has plastered notes on my jeep, calling it an eyesore. He really has tried to have it towed away. For my part, I really did once have him served with a completely bogus subpoena. I thought it was hilarious. He didn't.

Last January, I thought he should step down as council president. But over the past year, he proved me wrong, keeping a tight grip on meetings while ensuring that everyone is heard. In the middle of a meeting, he would occasionally look at me and start shaking his head. Sometimes, he'd step out and whisper to county employees who had items on the agenda, putting them at ease with his gruff, "Dutch uncle," approach. 2007 was actually his finest year as council president.

Today, Northampton County Council reorganizes. Will Wayne be there? Four of council's nine members have less than a term under their belt, and his leadership is sorely needed. I have no guesses or predictions for you. I've avoided discussing this sensitive topic among council members or county workers.

Wayne Grube's Name to Adorn Weaversville Park, Gracedale Lobby

Northampton County Council, perhaps the most dysfunctional local government on the planet, briefly demonstrated some bipartisanship at last night's quick meeting, its third in as many days for most council members.

Council member Charles Dertinger, noting Grube's passionate support for the Weaversville Park, proposed it be named the Weaversville Wayne A. Grube Memorial Park. McClure seconded the motion and Neiper quickly added a third. It passed unanimously.

Council member Ron Angle, noting Grube's passionate support for the county nursing home, proposed that its lobby be named the Wayne A. Grube lobby, complete with photo and plaque. Angle's motion also passed unanimously, a rarity for him.

While supporting both measures, Peg Ferraro cautioned council members they should be sure "we are doing what we need to do."

Asked what he would like when he was gone, Ron Angle mentioned a older slate belt farmer who was angry with him. On Ron's death, he threatened to stick a hambone up Ron's butt and laugh as the dogs pulled his carcass all over.

"So moved," said Charles Dertinger.

Norco Council VP Wayne Grube Has Passed Away

Northampton County's Dutch Uncle is gone.

Council Vice President Wayne A. Grube, one of the few people I've ever met who could ever admit his own mistakes, passed away this morning. In his nineteen years on council, six of them as President, Grube was an independent voice who never failed to speak his mind. He will be missed, especially by the county workers he constantly teased.

An Easton boy, Wayne became a teacher and was Easton High School's head football coach between 1968 and 1979, leading his team to undefeated seasons in 1968 and 1978.

In recent years, Wayne worked as a legislative aide to state rep. Rich Grucela in Nazareth. His gruff exterior masked a tender heart, something he would not like to read here.

He will be sorely missed. Northampton County flags will be lowered for thirty days in his honor.

Update: Sarah Cassi has a touching tribute to Wayne at The Express Times.

Patti Grube for Northampton County Council?

On Sunday afternoon, Northampton County Council member Ron Angle was proposing Express Times Editor Joe Owens and former county execs Jerry Seyfried and Bill Brackbill as replacements for Wayne Grube.

By yesterday afternoon, Angle had another idea. He believes the person best suited to fill Wayne's unexpired term is Grube's widow, Patti. Sarah Cassi, in an Express Times blog, has details. "She's perfect," is what Ron tells me.

But does she want it?

Patti Grube started doing a lot of behind the scenes work when Wayne became ill, and is clearly familiar with county issues and her husband's views. If she wants the job, I can think of no better custodian.

A Moment of Silence for Wayne Grube

This afternoon's Northampton County Council budget hearing was a bit hard to follow because most of the bureaucrats there only speak Governmentese. Amazingly, that language is spoken most frequently in Human Services, where you'd think things would be a little more clear. I had my trusty tape recorder and was prepared to translate what I heard. Like an idiot, I forgot to turn it on. But before everyone started speaking in tongues, something happened that even I understood. Council Prez Ann McHale offered a few words about her colleague, Wayne Grube.

The usually imperious Queen of Hearts, voice quivering, read a statement. It was a moving, yet brief, speech, followed by a moment of silence. I wish I could reproduce it. Summarizing it is an injustice. Peg Ferraro's head was buried in her hands. Ron Angle, believe it or not, wiped tears from his eyes.

Grube's nameplate stood proudly at the front of his vacant seat, draped in black ribbon. Someone will eventually be seated there, but that seat is forever empty.

Northampton County Priorities - Wallpaper & Drapes

Last night's Northampton County Council meeting was a bit longer than the 23 minute meeting held two weeks ago. It took council two hours to go through a light agenda. The reason? Angle was there. Man, that guy questions everything. It annoys the hell out of other council members, but is infinitely preferable to a board of bobbleheads. Those long meetings can be a circus, but they're actually good for government.

Let me give you a small example from last night. Councilperson McHale told fellow members in passing that she was getting bids for a renovation to council chambers, which will probably cost a half mil. All the bobbleheads went up and down except one. Angle was off and running.

Angle: "The windows are leaking all over seniors in Gracedale, the cupola is rotting off the roof, the rotunda where we're going to lay Wayne [Grube] in state is leaking, and we're talking about renovating council chambers? A half million dollars for new drapes and wallpaper? Is this a priority? I just bought a house and that cost only $200,000. I kind of like this the way it is."

Grube: "Well, he [Angle] got in the papers."

Whatever his motivation, Angle is right. The courthouse cupola will probably blow right off the courthouse next time the wind kicks up. Windows at Gracedale do leak all over the place and county still doesn't know why. The brand new rotunda, where Wayne Grube probably will be laid in state after he goes to that big football camp in the sky, does leak whenever it rains. Courthouse employees have seen no raises for nearly four years. Furniture and filing cabinets still clutter hallways. These matters should have a little more priority than wallpapers and drapes for council.

Love him or hate him, he makes his points. And a little thing like that is good government.

Update: Increasing Council Absences - Historically, it is rare for a member of Northampton County to miss more than one or two meetings during the course of a year. That pattern is coming to an end. On September 22, Council squeeked by with a bare quorum, just five of nine members bothered to show up. On October 5, there were two absences at a 23 minute meeting. And last night, Dertinger was a no show.

Charles Dertinger has now missed two of the last three county council meetings. I understand he's running for Congress, but that's no excuse for failing to do the job to which he was elected. Northampton County has a $311 million budget, and needs every one of its nine elected council members. When council members develop a lax attitude towards their responsibilities, the encourage a climate in which mischief can occur.

Northampton County Council Prez Grube is God!

About an hour before tonight's Northampton County Council meeting, there was a huge power failure in the courthouse. Things weren't looking good.

First, a gaggle of tired but angry prison guards filed in. They've been forced to do a lot of mandatory overtime lately because the rocket scientists who demanded a prison expansion never bothered to ask for the additional staff that would be needed. When corrections officers and their union rep saw there were neither lights nor air conditioning, they started getting ugly. (I think some of them had rope).

Then came Bethlehem City and LVIP officials, all wearing very nice suits. Most of them used cell phones and laser teeth whitened smiles to light their way. Bethlehem Mayor Callahan used his highly polished shoes to reflect just enough dim light to find a seat. The suits were there to convince Northampton County Council that, even though the judges' Taj Mahal is at least $3 million over budget, the county should still give Bethlehem an additional $2 million for another road. Makes sense to me.

But neither of these powerful groups could make the lights go on. No matter how much the prison guards growled or the Bethlehem suits smiled, we remained in total darkness, where some bastard picked my pocket. I won't point fingers, but Councilman Ron Angle kept laughing at me.

We were all getting ready to leave when Council President Wayne Grube walked in, raised his arms, and said "Ladies and Gentlemen." Suddenly there was light. Holy cannoli!

Everyone knows Grube thinks he's God, but I never believed it until tonight. I'm in big trouble. I've named him as a Defendant about fifty times in county lawsuits. Now I know why these dudes in long robes pop up everywhere I go. Hey, I thought they were KKK recruiters. Uh oh. It also explains the flat tires on my jeep and bike. That's OK. I'll go to confession this weekend. Two or three Hail Marys and I'll be as pure as Glenn Reibman.

I'll tell you about county council and our new courthouse next week, but don't want the week to end without mentioning Lamont McClure. Remember Lamont? He's the fellow who threatened a libel lawsuit when I had the nerve to point out a Sunshine Act violation. And just two weeks ago, he voted to increase the DA's budget even though his wife works there.

Well, tonight, when prison guards started complaining about the safety issues that can arise when they are forced to work sixteen hours per day for three days in a row, Prez Grube (aka God) didn't want to hear it because these guards are also union members with a union contract. Grube was justifiably concerned that a Council member might say something that could haunt the county in labor negotiations. Fair enough. But corrections officers and any citizen has the right, under our Sunshine Act, to address council on matters of public concern. The guards left in a huff, and probably are burning someone in effigy as I write this piece.

To his credit, McClure asked Grube, "Can't we just listen?" That's exactly what the Sunshine Act requires. It also happens to be the right thing to do, especially when public safety is involved, to say nothing of employee morale. I never thought I'd say this, but you were absolutely right, Lamont. Now excuse me. I think I'm going to be sick.

Who Will Fill Wayne Grube's Shoes?

Nobody. Wayne Grube's death is the end of an era in Northampton County. No one will mount his riderless horse. But talk of his replacement is already in overdrive. The county's constitution, its home rule charter, establishes the procedure for filling Grube's vacancy.

If a vacancy in the office of an elected official occurs during the last two (2) years of the term of office, the County Council within thirty (30) days after the occurrence shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy by resolution. If the County Council fails to appoint an individual to fill the vacancy within thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the vacancy, the Court, upon the petition of any member of the County Council or any five (5) registered voters of the County, shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy within fifteen (15) days after the filing of the petition. The individual appointed to fill the vacancy shall take office immediately upon appointment and shall serve the unexpired term of office of the elected official.

Unlike Lehigh County's Home Rule Charter, which requires that the vacancy be filled by a person who belongs to the same political party as the person who vacated the office, a Northampton County Council vacancy can be filled by a Democrat, Republican, Green Party member or Whig. The only requirement is that the person appointed must have been a county resident for at least a year.

That's a problem. Can an evenly-divided Northampton County Council put aside partisan differences to agree on a replacement? Don't hold your breath. Judges will likely make this appointment. Here's a few of the names I've heard.

John Maher - In his race against Ron Angle last November, Maher disingenuously claimed to be running a positive campaign while simultaneously bad-mouthing Angle in debates and at county council. His monstrous anonymous robo-calls and sleaze mailings infuriated most of the slate belt. Maher went down in flames, 5,583 to 4,495. I'd say the people have spoken.

Tony Branco - Unable to run a positive campaign on a nonexistent record, he instead rolled around in the mud in his race against popular Peg Ferraro, hiding behind the skirts of dirty dealer Tom Severson. This dude was so lazy he failed to answer a LWV questionnaire. Peg crushed him, 18,354 to 15,113.

Bill Wallace - A recent arrival in Northampton County, Wallace refrained from the divisive politics encouraged by Branco and Maher, instead running a clean campaign focused on bringing passenger rail to the Lehigh Valley. Mike Dowd, who defeated Bill 5027 to 4082, is ironically the council member who introduced the rail transportation study. Bill is certainly worth a second look.

Bill Hall - Bill briefly toyed with the idea of running for Congress, but backed off. He is an independent-minded Democrat who detests machine politics. "Right now, I believe, that the people who run local politics, or federal politics, they don't really represent the people. They go ahead and they pick the candidates they want and they take those candidates and they promote them. They funnel money to them. They get them publicity. And then they endorse them. And I don't think that's right. I think it should be up to the people." Looks like another Bill that fits the bill.

Tom Dietrich - Tom had the guts to wage a campaign against Northampton County's Queen of Hearts, Ann McHale. He was hammered, 4,733 to 2,293. In fact, I'm surprised he's still alive. Tom, who still maintains a web page, brings youth, a level head and a much needed breath of fresh air.

Ismael Arcelay - A former AT&T employee, Arcelay served as an appointed Bethlehem City Council member for three years and is now working for Ed Pawlowski in Allentown. According to the Center for Progressive Leadership, he's a party machine guy- a member of the Northampton County Democratic executive committee. He brings much needed diversity, but I I doubt any of the Republicans on Council will support a machine Democrat.

Mark Schwartz - Coming out of nowhere, Schwartz very nearly defeated Lamont McClure in November, losing by a scant 91 votes despite spending no money. Party boss Joe Long has demanded an investigation, so I doubt any Democrats will support his bid for appointment. He has a web page and claims he's running. "We need to keep spending as low as possible to provide quality services to taxpayers without an increase in taxes."

Louis Gallucci - A former Bethlehem Township Commissioner, Gallucci was very impressive when he applied for the vacancy filled by McClure. He clearly understands municipal government.

Do you know anyone who is interested? How about one of you?

Wayne Grube Sticks it to the Man

Twelve years after the fact, The Morning Call now explains how PPL managed to slip in a bill deregulating the entire electric industry. State senator Lisa Boscola piously condemns it. But as Bethlehem Dem reports, Boscola is actually one of the many legislators who voted for it. Between 2001 and 2007, Boscola raked in $4,600 from PPL's PAC. What's even more mind boggling, at least to me, is her bizarre claim that her chief of staff may be leaving so he can work in the "energy industry."

Bethlehem Dem concludes Boscola is an "opportunistic hypocrite who takes opposing sides of the same issue when it is convenient for her." Hopefully, this little ditty will cheer him up.

At last Thursday's county council meeting, a routine easement to PPL was on the agenda. The county was being asked to grant this soon-to-be-deregulated company an easement over county land. Council was assured this easement imposed no burden on the county and that the land itself is worthless.

But council refused to grant the easement, insisting that there be two appraisals first, and that PPL pay for them. When an engineer got up to complain, former council prez Wayne Grube had a very quick answer. "I don't know how in the world we can feel sorry for that utility. Those people have the funds to pay for an appraisal." Even Angle was persuaded.

After the meeting was over, I saw Wayne and told him, "You really stuck it to the man!" He barked, "Yeah, and now when I go home, all my lights will be off."