Cozze Campaign Complains Zrinski Not Gay Enough

Amy Cozze and Tara Zrinski are the two contenders for the Democratic nomination in this year's race for Northampton County Executive. The winner will go on to face Republican Tom Giovanni in November. Though the relatively nonpartisan Giovanni is known as Council's Quiet Man, I suspected he'll be laughing a bit after reading this story. That's because the two Democrats in this race, just like the protestors at Sunday's supposed "democracy" march at Easton's circle, are still walking in circles instead of addressing what matters most to everyday Americans. By the way, it's not menstrual products in men's rooms or trying to outdo each other with the trans and gay community. 

I'd be a bit more concerned about whether 911 dispatchers and county corrections officers have the resources they need to be effective. I'd be very worried whether we have the staff to deal with claims of child or elder abuse and neglect. Those are real county issues and ones that everyday voters care about. My party, however, has been so focused on being woke that the word "Democrat" has become something of a dirty word. How could Donald Trump be more popular now than he was eight years ago? It's because we Democrats have forgotten what we stand for. A tiff yesterday between the Cozze campaign and Tara Zrinski, spread out over the pages of Facebook, proves this point. 

Amy Cozze's "life partner" (she might be her husband) is Anne Wakabayashi, a political consultant for Democrats and progressive causes. Obviously, she's helping in and managing Cozze's race. Yesterday, she used Trans Day of Visibility (which of course had the obligatory flag raising in Easton and Bethlehem) to take a shot at Tara Zrinski. Here's what she said on her Facebook page 

Let me be clear. Trans and Nonbinary people are under attack in this country. Queer folks are under attack in this country. Amy Cozze will never back down from a fight to protect LGBTQ Folks in Northampton County, and that's why LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has endorsed her campaign. Her opponent may have spent the better part of a decade telling us how pro-equality she is without ever pushing forward LGBTQ+ rights in her role as an elected official, but that isn't Amy. Equality isn't a talking point. Protecting Trans Lives isn't a talking point. Protecting LGBQ+ Families

Zrinski pushed back:

Let's be clear, I have definitely worked to protect LGBTQ folks. This is some of the work from 2019 that the administration and County Council did to protect LGBTQIA rights. "It is the policy of Northampton County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetic information, disability, or any other status protected by the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other state, federal or local law.... this is one of the first policies enacted in Northampton County under the McClure Administration. I went on to promote this same policy at the LNAA Board and the Wildland's Conservancy Board and even asked our County Council, on March 7, 2019, to support a resolution supporting this effort which passed 6-0. This is an important issue to me as I have family and friends within the LGBTQIA community. These are human rights and all people are entitled to human dignity. As County Executive, I will continue to fight for and protect the human Rights of all individuals.

That's not good enough for the Cozze campaign, so Wakabayashi takes yet another shot: 

Unfortunately, the half-assed policies you named do not in any way protect me, a citizen of Northampton County. I can still be fired, denied housing, and denied public accommodations in the majority of municipalities in the county. These policies are a nice nod to equality, but have a fairly limited reach in terms of real impact on people's lives. I'm so sick of hearing from elected officials who show up at pride and use equality as a talking point but in office they leave some of the biggest opportunities to actually protect our community on the table. Why - in your 8 years on council, did you never introduce a non-discrimination ordinance? If you knew discrimination in employment was an issue, why d... See more

Wakabayashi is apparently unaware that county government has no authority to legislate these issues. But then again, Zrinski appears to be just as unaware, as she demonstrates in this response:

Anne Wakabayashi also, I did work with Adrian Shankar to write one. If you read the minutes, I didn't just reach out to my "gay friends" for advising—I went to the stakeholders and leaders in the LGBtQ community —Adrian and Corrine Goodwin— for policy advisement. This was on the agenda but was not well received by the other members of council because I was seen as "too progressive". You can spew as much venom as you will and say that I didn't do as much as I possibly could have as a part-time legislator but the reality is, there are many issues that warrant attention and your understanding of anything I did on council and the conditions that existed are woefully ignorant and misinformed. As a County Executive, I will have exponentially more potential to pass the kind o... See more

Unhappy with the answers she's getting from Zrinski, Cozze's campaign manager finishes with the last refuge of someone who is losing an argument - the ad hominem:

Tara M Zrinski What's the benefit of a controller that spends her work hours posting on Facebook instead of finding out what happened to the $10m missing at Gracedale?

As Democratic strategist James Carville himself has noted, people are sick of "woke era" politics.  As a result of voter dissatisfaction, we now have a President whose HHS has just laid off 10,000 workers; has threatened bombing Iran "the likes of which they have never seen before;" who kicked Ukraine's President out of the White House because he refused to bend the knee; and has generally alienated our allies while embracing our foes. 

If Democrats want to be taken seriously, they need to start acting like Democrats. not elitists with a stick up their asses.  

Unless that tune changes, the next NorCo County Exec will be Tom Giovanni. 

Why Tara Zrinski Is Running For NorCo Exec

Blogger's Note: Below is a Statement from Tara Zrinski, posted at Lehigh Valley For All, explaining why she wants to be NorCo's next Executive. 

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.

Why Amy Cozze Wants to Be NorCo Exec

Blogger's Note:  Below is a statement from Amy Cozze, posted at Lehigh Valley For All, explaining what she wants to be NorCo's next Exec.

I. Briefly tell us about your Experience and Qualifications

A proud lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley, I have dedicated my professional career to public service, community advocacy, and leadership. With over 20 years of management expertise, including more than a decade as a successful small business owner in Northampton County, I understand the challenges and opportunities facing our local economy. From 2018 to 2022, I served as a Northampton County employee in administration, court services, and as Chief Registrar of Elections, gaining invaluable insight into the county workforce, including hiring and management of county employees.

As Director of State Outreach and a senior staff member to Senator Bob Casey, I collaborated with county governments and planning commissions across Pennsylvania to tackle real‐world issues and advance policies that empower local communities. I was frequently on the front lines of emergency management situations, serving as the local federal liaison to FEMA, NTSB, OSHA, and others. In addition to working with all levels of government—municipal, county, state, and federal—I oversaw $144 million in funding for community projects across the commonwealth.

Appointed by the Governor to Pennsylvania's Bipartisan Election Law Advisory Board, I worked alongside leaders from across the state to ensure secure and efficient elections. My oversight of four flawless elections in 2020 and 2021 at the county level is a testament to my unwavering commitment to excellence and integrity in the public sector. In 2020, amid a pandemic, I ensured that all 154 polling locations remained open and fully staffed with over 900 well‐trained poll workers. I am the only candidate in the race with election administration experience.

I hold a degree in Psychology and Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as an AA in Human Resources Management. As the mother of two wonderful boys, I believe in leading from the front, setting a strong example, and working tirelessly to ensure Northampton County thrives for future generations.

II. Briefly summarize what you plan to do about:

1) Addressing the housing crisis

One of the most frustrating challenges I faced as the Lehigh Valley Regional Manager for Senator Casey was the lack of engagement from county leadership when I reached out with funding opportunities or offered assistance with grant applications for critical initiatives—particularly for affordable housing. Time and time again, I saw resources go untapped, dollars left on the table that could have been used to improve the lives of Northampton County residents. It was disheartening to witness how much potential progress was lost simply because no one was actively pursuing these opportunities.

As County Executive, I will take a proactive approach to securing funding and ensuring that Northampton County is leveraging every available resource at the state and federal levels. I will strengthen partnerships with municipal governments and nonprofits to invest in affordable housing projects, making sure we are not just increasing our housing stock but making homeownership an achievable reality for working families, seniors, andyoung professionals alike.

Being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars means fighting to bring those dollars back home and reinvesting them where they belong—into our communities. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the need for affordable housing; we must take action, seek out every available opportunity, and work collaboratively to create lasting solutions. Under my leadership, Northampton County will no longer leave money on the table—we will fight for every dollar, every grant, and every investment that can improve the lives of our residents.

2) Ensuring fair funding for public schools

Advocate for Equitable State Financing

Pennsylvania has long struggled with unequal financing for schools, where some districts receive significantly more funding per student than others. As County Executive, I will use my office to advocate for the fair distribution of state education dollars by pushing for reforms that ensure Northampton County schools receive the funding they deserve.

Maximize Investments by Counties for Education

While counties don’t directly control school budgets, they oversee critical programs that impact students, such as workforce development, early childhood education, and social services. I would work to expand county support for:

● Early childhood education programs that give children a strong foundation.

● After‐school and summer programs that support working families.

● Mental health and social services that help students overcome barriers to success.

Strengthen School Infrastructure and Safety Partnerships

As County Executive I can play a key role in securing funding for school infrastructure improvements, ensuring that schools are safe, modern environments for learning. I would:

● Work with state and federal partners to secure grants for facility upgrades.

● Support initiatives that improve school safety, including funding for resource officers and mental health services.

Ensure Equitable Economic Development

Local tax revenues fund our schools, making economic development a crucial factor in education funding. I would:

● Promote policies that attract businesses and jobs to the county, strengthening the tax base.

● Ensure that tax incentives and economic growth strategies do not disproportionately benefit wealthier

districts while leaving others behind.

Collaborate with School Leaders and Community Stakeholders

I would hold regular meetings with parents, teachers, school officials, and community leaders to identify challenges and opportunities for improving school funding. By fostering collaboration, we can develop solutions that benefit all students, not just those in wealthier districts.

Fair school funding isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about ensuring every child, no matter their zip code, has access to a quality education. As County Executive, I will fight for policies and investments that give every Northampton County student an equal opportunity to succeed.

3) Ensuring our immigrant communities are treated fairly

Northampton County is where all individuals—regardless of where you hail from—should feel safe, respected, and supported. Immigrant populations form the fabric of our culture, the backbone of our economy, and the strength of our future. My administration would be committed to building trust, growing resources, and ensuring nobody has to fear for their safety when reaching for aid, medical treatment, or opportunity. We will continue building Northampton County into a home for all by listening and cooperating with local organizations, police, and local leaders.

Law Enforcement and Community Confidence

No one here in Northampton County should never fear dialing the police when they need them. We will strengthen relationships with local police through partnerships for stronger relationships with immigrant populations, fair and equal treatment, and police officer training for cultural competencies. We will work towards the kind of trust where all citizens—immigration status aside—feel safe reporting crime, requesting aid, and being part of the community.

Legal and Social Support

Access to the resources, especially the legal and social services available, should not be beyond the grasp of anyone. That is the reason Northampton County will build upon collaborations with organizations such as North Penn Legal Services and the PA Immigration and Citizenship Coalition to provide immigrant residents access to pro‐bono support and tenant rights. We will also provide increased access to languages through the county office buildings so no one is held back by the inability to communicate.

Economic & Workforce Development

Immigrant‐owned businesses and immigrant workers are a valuable part of the Northampton County economy, especially the cities of Easton and Bethlehem. We will support immigrant entrepreneurs through financing, education, and access to resources for their ongoing prosperity. We also, together with Northampton Community College and local business groups, will provide immigrant laborers with enhanced job training opportunities for them to gain skills and build their careers.

Community Engagement and Cultural Inclusion

The strength of Northampton County is its diversity. We will forge stronger ties with the faith community, non‐profits, and local groups to ensure immigrant voices ring loud and clear in the halls of county government. We will also host community forums and festivals celebrating the richness of the history here while bringing much‐needed resources to those who need them. We will make Northampton County together a friendly and inclusive space for all.

III. Use the space below to let us know why you are running for this office.

What are your priorities?

Working for Senator Casey was the opportunity of a lifetime. I loved my job deeply and would have continued serving as long as I was able. With his loss, I found myself at a crossroads. While the uncertainty was daunting, one thing remained clear—I wanted to continue dedicating my career to public service. It is my life’s passion.

Now more than ever, we need strong, qualified leaders stepping up at the local and county levels. I believe my experience and qualifications make me the leader Northampton County deserves.

I am running to restore trust in our county’s election administration. When mistakes happen, they sow doubt in the integrity of our elections, and that is simply unacceptable. Our county election officials are hardworking professionals who care deeply about their jobs, but without the necessary support and resources from the County Executive, they are set up for failure. I will ensure Northampton County elections once again sets the gold standard in the Commonwealth.

I am also running to uphold our moral obligation to Gracedale and our county employees. Protecting our county nursing home from privatization while maintaining a high standard of care is critical to safeguarding our most vulnerable residents. But we must also support the staff who care for them. Competitive pay and benefits attract and retain talented individuals, not just at Gracedale but across all county departments. A well‐supported workforce is a productive and motivated workforce. Yet, under the current administration, our employees have been neglected. They watched in frustration as politically motivated election‐year tax cuts were proposed—despite many county workers struggling to earn a living wage. As the county’s largest employer, we must do better. I will always stand with working people and labor.

The county is also failing to do enough to address the affordable housing crisis. As Executive, I will prioritize improving residents’ quality of life. By investing in housing projects, we can expand our tax base without relying on massive warehouses and distribution centers that strain our infrastructure and diminish our communities.

Now more than ever, we need fighters. We need leaders who will stand up to bullies and ensure that the dysfunction in Washington does not seep into our local government. I am committed to being on the front lines of this fight.

Finally, I am running because qualifications matter. We have seen, time and again, the consequences of putting unqualified people in leadership roles. Democrats must do better. The resistance must be built from the ground up, and that starts by electing the best candidates for the job. Qualifications aren’t just lines on a resume, they’re the work put in to make their communities better and the real life experience they bring to the table. It’s showing up at disasters to coordinate an emergency response, leading an elections office through an unprecedented pandemic and political environment, and it’s showing up every day to serve the people ‐ even when the cameras are off and there’s no limelight to bask in. Passion matters, but we must also lead with knowledge, hard work, and expertise.

I am ready to bring strong, competent leadership to Northampton County. Let’s get to work.

Easton's "Democracy" March Consists of Walking in Circles

Though it's still a bit chilly and windy for a longish bike ride, I decided to ride to Easton's Circle on Sunday to watch and listen to an anti-Trump rally thinly disguised as a pro-democracy rally. Despite the gloomy weather, the opposite of just the day before, there was a decent crowd of about 150-200 people, many of whom were festooned in home-made anti-Trump signs. After listening to a group of mostly uninspired and forgettable speakers, they simply walked around in circles and pretended it was a march. That's exactly what most Trump opponents are doing these days. Walking in circles instead of taking meaningful actions that address where we Democrats went wrong and what really ails our democratic-ish government

I did like Lady Liberty on stilts. She even painted her face green. I thought her presence, by itself, meant more than what anyone had to say. I also appreciated like the idea of collecting food for people in need. That was thoughtful. I even got a free coffee at Dunkin' from the nice young ladies at the counter. I was dressed in my nicest velo gear, but no matter what I do, I tend to look like a homeless person. 

Speakers consisted of colonial re-enactor Christopher Black, former US Congressperson Susan Wild, State Rep. Bob Freeman, former TV journalist Melba Tolliver and local community activist Baron Vanderburg. 

Without question, our polity (we are a rule by the many, not a strict democracy) is in big trouble. One of its biggest weaknesses is the pernicious influence of money in politics. So guess who spoke the longest? Former Congress member and glorified telemarketer Susan Wild. Over $38 million was spent in her losing bid to remain in Washington last year. That's just obscene. She spent much of her time on the stage Sunday displaying her schadenfreude at Elsie Stefanik. That NY Congress member recently had to abandon her quest to become UN Ambassador so that the GOP could maintain its razor thin majority. Wild was just delighted. But she spent no time at all criticizing how millions of dollars injected into campaigns results in corrupt government officials. You could see that in Wild herself. She, like most members of Congress, spent most of her time on the phone, speaking to deep pockets. As a result, her office had terrible constituent services. 

Danny "Dog Park" Cohen

A second of the biggest problems in our polity is the lack of term limits for many elected offices, especially in state and federal government. Our politicians tend to get in office and stay there forever. Or until they look like a deer in the headlights during a Presidential debate. One Congress member from Texas actually lives in an assisted-living facility. So who addresses this problem with our democracy? Not Easton Mayor Sal Panto, who is now in his sixth term. Nor did State Representative Bob Freeman, who will be in office for 40 frickin' years at the end of his term in 2026.  Our elected leaders tend to be disproportionately old, white and male. They stay in office because they know how to cater to special interests instead of hard-working people. That's who spoke on behalf of more democracy? 

A former TV anchor, who got her big break by crossing a picket line during a strike by broadcasters and writers, also spoke. She's a scab. What better way for Democrats or Democratic Socialists or whatever we call ourselves these days to show our solidarity with the working class. But because she refused to cover her head with a scarf when Tricia Nixon was married, her sins are all forgiven, I guess. 

Baron Vanderburg spent his time discussing the five stages of grief he endured after Republicans and Trump prevailed. I'm not exactly sure what that has to do with democracy. 

Final, there was a colonial re-enactor, sporting his tri-corner hat and 1776 regalia, harkening us back to the time when only the landed male gentry could vote, and slaves were only 3/5 of a person. I'd rather not be reminded. 

Wild went on forever, and Panto shouted his remarks. I'm not quite sure why. I decided walk a few blocks back so my eardrums would remain intact, perilously close to a tempting bakery. A passerby was laughing as Panto shrieked. "Now he's talking about the beaches of Normandy," he shook his head. 

Were there Trump disruptors? Sure. One fellow kept shouting "Trump, Trump, Trump, Trump" as speakers delivered their obloquies. Another fellow, carrying a Mackenzie sign that he defiantly displayed from time to time, spoke of powerful American women like Aunt Jemima. Stupid comes in all flavors. 

Without question, this country is riven and our democracy is slowly but inexorably headed into a dictatorship, much like happened to the Roman Republic. But it's also indisputable that nearly all elected leaders on both sides of the aisle care very little about anything but their own ambition. Instead of walking around in circles or carrying "Impeach Trump" signs, we need to reform what is wrong in our government, including office holders who stay well beyond their expiration date and the corrupting influence of money. That would be a little more meaningful.

How is the NorCo Parking Garage Project at Courthouse Campus Going?

Last April, nearly a year ago, Northampton County Public Works Director Michael Emili and Executive Lamont McClure provided County Council with preliminary plans for a new parking garage and office building at the Easton campus. 

McClure stated that the county has spent millions on its parking garage and "it's still falling apart." It has a useful life of about three years. He said it needs to be replaced as a matter of safety. "I do not want anybody to be injured in there." 

The parking deck was built in 1975 and was estimated to have a service life of 35-40 years. There are 298 parking spots, including the parking lot on Washington Street. Massive repairs to the deck were conducted in 2010, 2016 and 2023. Pieces of concrete are still falling. Emili has brought a few in from time to time to show to Council. He also produced a photo of a county-owned car damaged by falling concrete. In addition, water seeps through joints and cracks, picking up minerals and staining cars parked there. 

The need for a new parking deck has actually become a matter of public safety. Yet because McClure wanted to include a new county building in a bond ordinance, County Council demurred. It was not until February 6 that Council finally approved a $35 million bond to fund a new garage. 

The garage itself costs $21 million, but the bond would also finance the purchase of energy conservation assets as well as a P25 radio system for first responders. Council members John Goffredo and John Brown still opposed the project. "We're cutting a bland check and don't know what we're getting," complained Goffredo. Brown argued that the county could use existing funds without borrowing. 

Public Works Director Emili updated County Council about the project on March 19. 

Emili told Council that the county issued a Request for Proposals for architectural design and project management in mid-February, after the bond was approved. Proposals were received March 18 (10 for architectural and engineering design and 4 for construction management). A selection committee that includes a member of Council will review and rate the proposals. 

Emili stated that the footprint of the new garage will be similar to what exists now, but capacity will increase to about 350. He contemplates that a three-tier structure will remain. 

The county expects to break ground on the new parking deck about a year from now. 

PJ Craig Dally Decides 13 Challenges to Nomination Petitions for Municipal Primary Ballot

Below are President Judge Craig Dally's decisions in 13 challenges to the nomination petitions filed by 12 candidates for this year's municipal primary. I posted Judge Dally's decisions yesterday at 5:01 pm and am updating this story now with my observations. Although I missed the hearings as a result of allergies, my brother was present for a few of them and shared some of his observations with me.

1) Failure to File a Timely Statement of Financial Interests with the Governing Body is Usually a Fatal Error. - Five of the 13 challenges considered by the court involved allegations that a candidate failed to file a timely Statement of Financial Interests, also called an Ethics Statement, with the governing body of the municipality in which election is being sought. It never ceases to amaze me how many candidates make this mistake.

When a nomination petition is filed in the elections office, a SFI is attached. But Pa. law requires that the SFI must also be filed with the governing body, and within the same time frame that nomination petitions themselves are due. The legislature has expressly stated that failure to file this statement is a "fatal defect to a petition to appear on the ballot," and that is how courts have interpreted it. In Northampton County, Executive candidate George Ginople was rejected from the ballot for this error, and in 1997, Judge Jack Panella tossed Jack Bradt from the NorCo Council ballot for the same infraction. 

Patti Bruno, running for a seat on County Council, has managed several campaigns. It is simply astonishing to me that she would make this kind of mistake. But she did. Now Democrats have just five candidates for County Council, and it's an incredibly weak field. Nadeem Qayyum, at a recent Democratic breakfast, promised to raise the minimum wage, something over which county government has no control. 

Bruno can appeal this decision or try to stage a write-in campaign. But that would require work, which is not her strong suit. 

Bruno's petition was challenged by Ed Nelson, who was Upper Mount Tp Manager and was a strong advocate for Lou Pektor's Riverpointe, which has been controversial because it is being taxpayer subsidized and could include warehouses. Be that as it may, Amazon wants to build a data center, not a warehouse, at that site. That means lots of jobs in a municipality starving for real estate tax revenue. It could be that Bruno was viewed as an obstacle.

2) The Objector Must Belong to the Same Party as the Candidate Being Challenged. - Richard Cantwell in Stockertown challenged a candidate for Borough Council but belongs to another party.  He had no standing. 

3) An Elector Signing a Nomination Petition Can Use His Mailing Address Instead of the Precise Municipality. -  Three Lower Saucon Council candidates were challenged by David Boulin because some electors wrote "Hellertown/LST" instead of listing the proper municipality. Judge Dally pointed out that a voter who signs a nomination petition can use his mailing address (so long as it's in the same district) or list the actual municipality. Many Lower Saucon Tp residents have Hellertown mailing addresses, and Boulin used this to invalidate ballot access to three candidates. During the hearing, my brother told me that Judge Dally advised Boulin that once he has dug himself a hole, he should stop. He didn't. 

4) Lance Wheeler Denied Ballot Access for Easton City Council West Ward. - Once it became apparent that Wheeler failed to get the required 100 signatures, my brother reports he decided to withdraw and would instead mount a write-in campaign. According to several sources, he acted unprofessionally in a court where he once served as King Tipstaff, and in the hallway outside, made nasty remarks to Susan Eagle, who had challenged his petition. Her attorney had to escort her to her car. 

Two years ago, Lance used a candidates' night on the south side to attack Mayor Sal Panto and told the voters he didn't care whether he got elected. He apparently still does not care. 

NorCo Election Challenge Decisions by BernieOHare on Scribd

Lehiigh Valley Live: Clerks Accused of Abusing OT in DA's Office Have Been Fired

Late last month, I told you that three of the top clerks in Northampton County's DA office were being investigated for overtime abuse, which was discovered by Human Resources officials when they were preparing a response to a right-to-know request for staff salaries from one of the local dailies. It appears that the county investigation is over. Lehigh Valley Live is reporting that the three clerks in question have been fired. 

According to the article, one of them earned $44,475 on top of her base salary of $58,366 in 2024. Another was paid $30,946 in addition to her $50,941 salary. A third picked up $15,572 added on to her salary of $61,490. 

This money will certainly be deducted from their pensions so that taxpayers are made whole. The state AG's office declines to say whether this trio is under criminal investigation. 

At last week's meeting of County Council, Controller Tara Zrinski let it slip that her office is conducting an audit at DA Steve Baratta's request. 

These employees have a right to file grievances and dispute whether they were abusing overtime. 

One of these alleged abusers - in fact the one who pulled down the biggest amount of overtime, injected herself into the DA's race between Terry Houck and Steve Baratta with claims of racism, and Baratta used these accusations to muddy up Houck during the campaign. 

In my original story, I received numerous comments from at least one member of this triumvirate, claiming "a political WITCH HUNT!! The DA should use his common sense! It appears more of a political attack on the DA office so it can cripple and get rid of his hard working dedicated public service working employees! The chain of command to claim they were not aware of signing OT is utter nonsense! How is OT payroll sign off going through so many channels? These women are victims of poor incompetent leadership oversight and being persecuted!" 

Now, these Clerks were attacking the man they helped elect. 

I received a different perspective from another clerk in that office, who tells me "[t]hey would berate people in front of everyone and played people against each other so that many of the young girls left. She would scream at me and others. ... She [top OT abuser] would come into the office, sit in her office and pray and sing so that everyone could hear her. The DA's race -  isn't that funny how they went around and lied about Terry [Houck] also he was kind enough to give her a shot at being the manager."