NorCo Council Member Jeff Warren Has a Problem With the Word "Oversight"

Northampton County Council member Jeff Warren would like to be the next State Rep. for the Nazareth area and is running against incumbent Republican Joe Emrick. Given the public disenchantment with everything that President Trump has done (and failed to do), he just might win. It's gonna' be a tough year for Republicans. But if Warren's brief stint on County Council is any indication, he will be a disappointment. 

At last week's Council meeting, Warren was among those who voted to establish an oversight committee for Gracedale, but only after a motion to table failed. He explained, "I have a problem with the word 'oversight.'" 

Excuse me? Why does he think Council Committees exist? Is he aware that the Home Rule Charter provides that Council, and not the Executive, is the "governing body"? Does he realize that Council retains all "residual" powers not expressly granted? 

Warren has viewed his role as nothing more than a rubber stamp for the executive branch. 

What oversight will he provide as a State Rep? He doesn't evven like the word. 

So Much For Freedom of Navigation

Iran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz was just another in a long line of complete disregard of international law. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who might be the only sane member of Trump's cabinet, made very clear that the United States is opposed to charging tolls to use an international waterway. "That’s the law. It’s an international waterway. No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway ... . That’s existing international law. That’s the way it is in international waterways all over the world and that’s the way we’ll expect it’ll be here.”

Infortunately, President Donald Trump, who has little regard for any law, national or international, is now imposing his own toll. "The U.S.A. will be, from this point forward, known as ‘THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT,’ but as such, and as a matter of FAIRNESS, will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for any and all costs necessary to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World.”

Actions like this make us no better that Iran.

UPDATED 2:12 PM - In the story you see above, I point out that Trump is violating international law with a proposal to impose a 20% toll on oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. This would also increase our gas prices even more than they've already risen since he attacked Iran, stopped, attacked, stopped, attacked, etc.  I am assured by the Trump cult that "Trump is playing 4-D chess while peasants like Boonie lose to chickens playing tic tac toe at the county ... ." Trump has now reversed himself, something you don't do in chess or even tic tac toe.

Enacted State Budget Shortchanges Counties

The County Comm'rs' Ass'n of Pa, known as CCAP, has issued this statement in response to the enacted state budget for 2026-27

Counties recognize that this year’s budget required difficult decisions, and we appreciate the efforts of those legislators who continue to champion critical county services. While the budget includes important investments such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, crisis stabilization centers, and transportation infrastructure—it fails to address the counties’ two most pressing priorities: increased county mental health funding and sustainable 911 funding.

“Counties are on the front lines of delivering state-mandated services” said Dr. Kyle Kopko, CCAP Executive Director. “We administer elections, operate 911 systems, and provide a wide range of human services. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth continues to expect counties to do more without providing the funding necessary to keep pace with rising costs. This places the financial burden on property taxpayers across Pennsylvania.”

Counties also recognize the importance of responsible spending and continue to face the challenge of doing more with less every year. However, by not adequately investing in the services counties are mandated to provide on behalf of the Commonwealth, this budget will likely force county leaders to make increasingly difficult decisions in the months ahead.

The absence of additional mental health base funding for a second consecutive year is concerning. While counties appreciate the investments made by Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly to date, the need for additional base funding has only intensified. Demand for services continues to rise, provider costs are increasing, and counties are being called upon to expand crisis response and behavioral health services—all without the sustainable, long-term investment necessary to support the community-based system. This gap places continued strain on counties and the residents who rely on these critical services.

The same challenge is true for 911 services. Counties remain focused on investing responsibly in Next Generation 911 technology, cybersecurity, staffing, and system upgrades, but the current surcharge has not kept pace with the true cost of operating these systems. “Every Pennsylvanian expects 911 to work when they call, and counties continue to grapple with the recruitment and retention of this specialized workforce and appropriate technology to meet the needs of our residents” Kopko said.

The budget’s late passage continues a troubling pattern that complicates planning for counties and all levels of government. “These fiscal challenges are not the Commonwealth’s alone—they are shared by counties, local government entities, and the 13 million Pennsylvanians we serve,” said Kopko. “We must work together to ensure that Pennsylvania does not continue to miss budget deadlines and jeopardize critical services for all Pennsylvanians.”

Governor Shapiro Signs $50.8 Billion State Budget For 2026-27

Better late than never. Governor Josh Shapiro on Sunday signed a budget deal that will find state government for the next fiscal year. Like last year, it fails to provide additional funding for mass transit. It fails to increase the minimum wage, which would create additional revenue. But the rainy-day fund has gone untouched. 

This budget includes $920 million more for education, and get this, $125 million in economic development grants. 

It will be very helpful to wealthy developers. For the rest of us, not so much. 

House Majority PAC Poll Has Brooks Ahead of Mackenzie in Pa. 07 Congressional Race

Bob Brooks certainly is a flawed candidate but a House Majority PAC poll, conducted between June 29 and July 2, has the Democratic nominee ahead of incumbent Republican Ryan Mackenzie in the Pa. 07 Congressional race, 47-43%. The same poll gives President Donald Trump a favorability rating of 44% and an unfavourability rating of 51%. 

Dem House Nominee Bob Brooks Ran Lawn Care Business With No Workers's Comp Insurance

The Washington Free Beacon, a right-wing online news source, appears to have Pa. 07's Democratic Congressional nominee Bob Brooks in their gunsights. Last month, it reported that Brooks, a former union firefighter, considers professional firefighters who act as volunteers in their community, are "scabs" and "shitbags." Well, I'm sure Easton appreciated all the volunteer firefighters who responded to a recent fire in Easton. So do Northampton and Lehigh County, which offers small rebates to volunteer firefighters on their property taxes. Now it has a new story, this time about Brooks and his lawn care business. 

Brooks has touted his lawn care business in his Congressional race in an attempt to portray himself as an ordinary guy. But according to the Beacon, he cancelled his worker's comp insurance in 2017 and had no insurance for workers who might get injured for four years. Moreover, during that period, his own son was working for him and managing six-man crews. 

Pa. law requires worker's comp insurance for all employees, part-time or full-time, family or not. 

This is the latest shoe to drop from a flawed candidate who was picked by the national party, not regular voters. 

Brooks' opponent in November is incumbent Ryan Mackenzie.

I will be voting for neither.  

Allentown Seeks Interim City Controller

From Allentown City Council:  Allentown City Council is continuing to accept applications from qualified residents interested in serving as the City's interim Controller. 

Applications will now be accepted through the close of business on Monday, August 17, 2026, providing additional time for interested candidates to apply following the postponement of the previously scheduled July 1 special meeting due to scheduling conflicts affecting quorum.

 

Pursuant to the City's Home Rule Charter, applicants must be qualified voters residing in the City of Allentown and must have been registered members of the Democratic Party for at least 30 days prior to the vacancy, which occurred on May 27, 2026.

 

The Allentown City Controller serves as the City's chief fiscal officer, providing independent financial oversight on behalf of more than 130,000 residents. The Controller is responsible for reviewing City finances independently of the Executive and Legislative branches, conducting financial and performance audits, reviewing the annual budget and providing recommendations to City Council and the Mayor, monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations, assisting with independent audits, overseeing the operations of the Controller's Office, and promoting accountability and transparency in the expenditure of public funds.

 

Individuals with backgrounds in accounting, auditing, finance, budgeting, public administration, government oversight, or related fields are encouraged to apply. Experience managing financial operations, interpreting financial information, conducting audits, or working within governmental or nonprofit organizations is beneficial.

 

Interested individuals should submit:

• A current resume; and
• A statement describing their qualifications, relevant experience, and the value they would bring to the Office of City Controller.

 

Applications may be submitted by mail or email to:

Allentown City Council
Attn: Tawanna Whitehead, Deputy City Clerk
435 Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101

Email: Tawanna.Whitehead@allentownpa.gov

 

Documents submitted as part of this application process will become public records. All applicants will be subject to a background check.

 

Following the close of the application period, Allentown City Council will publicly review all qualified applicants and conduct interviews during a Special City Council meeting in August before voting to appoint an interim City Controller in accordance with the Home Rule Charter.

 

The position of City Controller carries an annual salary of $76,000.

 

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to the Allentown City Council Office at 610-437-7555.

 

Attached is the job description for the position. Per the Home Rule Charter, the responsibilities of the City Controller are to:

A.       Have financial oversight of City finances, independent of the Executive and Legislative branches and shall review all expenditures of the Mayor, City Council and City Boards, Commissions and Agencies;

B.  Review the Annual Budget before approval by City Council, and make nonbinding recommendations to the Mayor and to City Council for consideration, if he or she deems it necessary;

C.       Be present or represented at all Council meetings;

D.   Perform audits, including performance audits, of the City and any City department, office, authority, board or commission. In the performance of such audits, the City Controller, to the fullest extent allowable by law, shall be given access to any and all information and documents reasonably and actually necessary for the completion of such audits. The Controller, in conducting such audits, shall in all respects comply with Section 171.02.B (Confidential Information) of the City Ethics Code and Section 140.17 (Employee Conduct and Work Rules), Part H.12 of the Personnel Code prohibiting the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information in violation of federal, state and local laws. All information and documents made available to the Controller to conduct such audits and any reports resulting therefrom shall be subject to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.

E.   Report, to the Mayor and to City Council, on the progress of the implementation of any recommendations as found in the Annual Audit and Management Letter;

F.        Assist in all audits conducted by independent auditors;

G.       Assure the accurate and timely completion and submittal of audit reports along with appropriate follow-up recommendations;

H.       Furnish to City Council, the Mayor, and others, as appropriate, periodic reports of audits conducted;

I.         Interpret and communicate audit policies and procedures to all City management and staff;

J.         Direct internal financial security and loss investigation activities;

K.       Prepare an annual budget for the office of City Controller and operate the office of City Controller within approved budget limitations; and

L.       Issue any subpoenas in order to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the office of City Controller.

Zrinski Spurns Olive Branch Resolution That Would Give Her Authority to Negotiate Salary for Fiscal Director

At last week's Northampton County Council meeting,Executive Tara Zrinski spurned what I will call an "olive branch" resolution that would give her authority to negotiate an appropriate salary for a Fiscal Director. The county has gone without a Fiscal Director since Zrinski assumed office in January. In June, she nominated Deb Watlington, a CPA with 30 years of accounting experience, as the county's new Fiscal Director. County Council conformed her, but at a lower starting salary - $109,632 - than the $125,108 proposed by Executive Tara Zrinski. As a result, Watlington withdrew.

Zrinski chastised Council, insisting that she, and not Council, has the authority to set the pay. She complained of an "increasingly adversarial dynamic between council and the administration, particularly when it manifests in ways that complicate routine governance functions. It's neither warranted nor productive. Effective government requires mutual respect, adherence to defined roles, and a shared commitment to outcomes over objects."

She went on to argue that negotiating a salary for the Fiscal Director is her role, and her role alone. So she was unwilling to accept an olive branch resolution prepared by Council member Jason Boulette that would have given her the authority to negotiate a salary.

After her lecture, and despite Council President Ken Kraft's attempt to stop him. Council member Dave Holland asked Council Solicitor Matt Deschler whether Council had acted appropriately by setting the salary at a lower rate than that negotiated by Zrinski.

"Council acted appropriately." responded Deschler. "I can expand, but that's my conclusion."

Kraft acknowledged that while Council did have the authority to reduce the salary, "it was a rotten thing to do."

Boulette later withdrew his olive branch resolution. He would have hired Watlington at the salary proposed by Zrinski.

In an email, he explains that his resolution was "a fair compromise. My resolution reaffirmed that County Council is the body with the power and responsibility to set the salaries and wages of employees, but temporarily extended to the Executive the ability to negotiate with potential hires at Step 4 for the Director of Fiscal Affairs position. I believe I could have gotten 5 votes for this resolution.

"I was disappointed the Administration attacked the resolution as strongly as they did. They made it clear that they did not want the temporary authority this resolution would have extended to them, so I pulled it.

"I disagree with the Executive's position that Council can only approve or reject nominees without any say in their salary. The Home Rule Charter clearly gives us this power. My resolution will not be the end of this discussion. We will go into this matter more thoroughly at my Governance Committee meeting on July 15th."

Former NorCo DA and County Council Member Don Corriere Has Passed Away

Don Corriere a former Northampton County DA as well as a former member of County Council, has passed away. He was 87. 

Corriere, with his ever-present cigar, was fixture at the courthouse until recent years. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he served on County Council from 1976-1980 and was President of the governing body during his last two years in office. He was then elected District Attorney in 1980, a position he held for 12 years. 

He is survived by his wife Carol, and children Michael, Julie and Christina. His son Michael has also served on County Council and is currently an Assistant County Solicitor. 

As District Attorney, Corriere went after corruption in Bethlehem Tp government, which resulted in the prosecution and conviction of several township officials, including the township manager. His office also prosecuted and convicted Joseph Henry for the rape and murder of Jeanne Clery, a fellow Lehigh University student. Henry was sentenced to death but dropped appeals in exchange for a sentence of life in prison without parole. 

Physically robust, Corriere was gardening at the time he suddenly passed away. 

I have no information about his arrangements.