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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Howie Erney To Step Down as Acting Voter Registrar

Interim Voting Registrar Howie Erney told the Northampton County Elections Commission today he's had enough. He is stepping down, and will return to his previous job as voting machine supervisor. "I will not take the job as registrar. I'm going back to my warehouse - back to where I want to be." In his announcement, Erney told commissioners to "stop using this office as a springboard" for political games. "If there's a problem with the administration, have it with them. This office works hard. ... If there is a problem between Council and administration or elections commission and administration, have it there."

After a relatively problem-free presidential election, considering the huge turnout, Northampton County council member Charles Dertinger had complained, loudly, about nonexistent problems. Erney acknowledged the long lines, but noted that problem existed everywhere.

Instead of thanking Erney for his service, Elections Chair Kenneth Kraft immediately began complaining. "We're not gonna' get anybody for this job by next election. We're gonna' be screwed."

Very professional.

Assistant County Solicitor Chris Spadoni had the class to thank Erney. Spadoni noted that Erney had been able to answer districting questions that seven other attorneys had completely missed. Director of Administration John Conklin joined Spadoni, noting that Erney had done "a lot of good work in a historical election."

But council member Charles Dertinger mostly thanked himself, claiming he has "tried to be an advocate for the office." He again pointed his finger at the Stoffa administration. "To have left the office shortstaffed is unforgivable." Dertinger also was telling the elections commission how to do its job, telling this supposedly independent body when to file motions and vote on finding a replacement.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Howie's leaving as acting registrar is a shame. The voter registration office was a pleasure to deal with during this past election cycle. He and his staff went above and beyond in response to voter issues.

Anonymous said...

You reap what you sow. Erney is a decent guy. Stoffa started all this with his 'special committee' or witchhunt express to railroad Deb DePaul over non-existent problems. Now he has left such a poison in the County, Mr. Erney left. John Stoffa the worst County Executive in history.

Anonymous said...

Howie Erney is a fine individual,a man who works hard is dedicated and got treated with no respect.Howie was good enough to do the job till the election was over.Funny didn't hear any complaining then. Howie is a class act . which is more than i can say for dertinger.

Bernie O'Hare said...

Dertinger is more like a class clown.

Anonymous said...

When do you ever hear anyone get the credit they deserve? You would think that after one of biggest elections and voter turnouts that went off with basically minor problems people would be thanking howie for a job well done. unbelivable!! but not surprising.We lost a good man in howie,such a shame.

Bernie O'Hare said...

He did a magnificent job and made himself sick doing it. Dertinger and kraft, however, were trying to pretend there were major problems, hopin it would make the Stoffa administration look bad.

Kraft's reaction to Erney's announcement was incredibly inappropriate. Without even bothering to thank Erney, he just started whining about the next registrar while constantly looking at Dertinger.

Anonymous said...

ANON 8:19 - blame Dertinger for Erney's decision to leave - not Stoffa.

Nobody was out to railroad DePaul, period and I challenge you to come up with the name of whom you claim was and provide some verifiable proof.

Anonymous said...

and, Anon 8:19,if anybody is responsible for DePaul's decision to leave, it was Debbie DePaul. Nobody on that committee was "out to get her"

Anonymous said...

This is quite a shame! Voter Reg has been finally a pleasure to deal with after a very long time. Sorry, but DePaul was paranoid and difficult. You never knew what you were in for on the other end of the phone. With Erney in the office, you never have to worry about a back story or motivations for actions. Stoffa knew that there were many issues there and did the right thing. The problem is that the voters will probably not hold Dertinger accountable.

Anonymous said...

Really, ask Mr. Reibman which position Stoffa wanted to specifically know if it was at will or career service.
Interesting, since DePaul never mentioned leaving. Then a Stoffa croony witchhunt comm, made up of Stoffa croonnies and contributoers to investigate, what?

Sadly, Mr. Erney is the latest victim of the Stofa incompetence schuffle.

Anonymous said...

Maybe you should ask Stoffa how he was treated by that office when he decided to run. I know how I was treated repeatedly and it wasn't good. When I called one time with a candidacy procedural question, her response was, "Why are you trying to set me up?" After I dealt with that nonsense, I was asked why I would call there to ask about that situation which was a matter of election law. Gee, why would I?

Anonymous said...

She knew the Stoffa friendly republicans had her on their hit list. Given all the support Stoffa got from some high flying R's in the campaign, who could blame her for being paranoid.

Stoffa is well known as the guy who will throw you under a bus.