Norco Council's $650k Renovations Benefit Them, But Not the Public

Ron Angle's boycott is still going strong.

During Northampton County Council's reorganization earlier this month, he blew a gasket over the amount of money spent on renovations to their chambers and meeting room. Instead of the $482 thousand budgeted, council spent at least fifty per cent more, at least $650 thousand.

Hey, it's only money.

When he learned how much had actually been spent on a project he had opposed, Angle stormed off the dais and squeezed into the press box between Express Times reporter Sarah Cassi and Morning Call news maven Joe Nixon - a thorn between two roses. A bit theatrical? Yes. But The Express Times agrees with Ron's point. It has slammed council for extravagances like a new dais and a goofy, etched glass, county seal behind Prez Ann McHale.

"At least with the new public address system, we'll be able to hear McHale and Co. try to explain why it's unfair to hold them to a lean remodeling budget at a time when many people's homeownership dreams are headed for sheriff's sales."

Actually, we won't.

I slipped into yesterday's combined personnel/finance committee meeting and found a seat in the back, where I belong. This time, the fourth estate pulled out crucifixes when Angle tried to sit with them. He shrunk away, and eventually found a spot on the other side of the room, plopping down right next to Fiscal Affairs Director Vic Mazziotti. Vic looked like he wanted to jump out a window, but there are none. Just padded walls. Must be the Patriot Act or something.

Even in the back of the room, I could hear Angle just fine. In fact, people could hear Angle in Lehigh County, and he wasn't even using the PA system. But when McHale opened her mouth, I thought I was watching a foreign movie. Her lips would move, but the sounds would cut off. Neiper and Cusick came through loud and clear, but I also was unable to make out most of what Council Clerk Frank Flisser had to say.

People who addressed council had to hold a mike in one hand as they spoke, kinda' like karaoke. Let's face it. It's only a matter of time before Wayne Grube starts singing show tunes.

A gazillion dollars or not, that PA system needs some tweaking. Council also replaced theatre-style seats for the public with cheap plastic chairs.

It appears that council members thought a great deal about themselves with these renovations, but very little about the public they supposedly serve.