Local Government TV

Monday, January 03, 2011

Northampton County Bulldog To Remain at Helm in 2011

It's First Monday in January, when many municipal boards reorganize, including Lehigh and Northampton Counties, selecting their leaders for the upcoming year. In Northampton County, Bulldog Ron Angle will remain in control, despite (or perhaps, because of) his willingness to tackle to tackle controversial issues like Gracedale, the County nursing home.

There will be one change in leadership. VP John Cusick is expected to step down, and Rev. Mike Dowd may just have the votes to succeed him. Although Cusick is a dedicated and hard-working member, he apparently feels that the VP slot should be filled by someone who has more time, like Rev. Dowd. Peg Ferraro reportedly has some interest in this position, too. Of all Council members, she is top vote-getter and has consistently proved herself as a voice of decency. But she was hampered by illness last year and attended only 60% of Council's combined Council and committee meetings.

That's still a lot better than Lamont McClure's 43% attendance record, which includes his absence from every committee hearing conducted in 2010. He's incredibly told The Express Times he's running for re-election to his District seat, although that story only appears in the print edition. Angle and Dowd intend to seek re-election, too, but it is unclear whether McHale will run for the seat she's held since 2003.

Democrats will make the privatization of Gracedale their key issue, as party boss Walt Garvin has basically conceded. They'll also launch the usual personal attacks against Angle. But their referendum effort has stalled. They do claim to have obtained 3,000 signatures in a matter of just two days. Somebody's hand must be very sore.

From what I've been able to learn, there are five very good proposals for Gracedale. Should the nursing home be sold, it is likely that a tax increase can be put off yet another year.
Updated 6:25 PM: Blown Call! What's interesting about Northampton County is that, just as soon as I'm certain I've got things right, someone comes along and tips me over. I blew this call, as you can see above.

16 comments:

  1. I am glad that Angle will be President again. It is one more thing to hang around this group of tea bag Republicans when they run for re-election.

    To bad Angle isn't as bi-partisan as Browning or he would nominate McHale or McClure for VP. Of course in his case it is not a negative, it never is.

    Ferrous

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  2. Northampton County is the laughing stock of county governments throughout the state.

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  3. Angle's not a tea party guy. He doesn't believe in much of anything from a political philosophical standpoint. McHale's and McClure's party worked very hard to earn its minority status. They deserve to enjoy it for a while.

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  4. It would surprise if anyone ran against Angle in this election. He should have a walk in the park.

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  5. Let's face it, the only true political body thatis not partisan is Easton City Council. They (6 Democrats) appointed a Republican and the bosy as a whole is well respected for being a team that is helping the mayor in the resurgence happening in Easton. Three seats up this year, should be interesting - plus mayor and controller.

    Iam not from the city but they would be fools to vote anyone else mayor is Panto runs again.

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  6. How's that Angle presidency working out?

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  7. I heard Angle is out and Cusack is in as Prez...

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  8. Angle goes down. Cant wait to hear the spin

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  9. "Ha Ha"-Nelson Muntz
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzSnk3Rbkgk

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  10. It took a year, but the GOP has finally taken control. Well done. Now, we get to see if Ron really behaves or becomes a vindictive troll. Behave, Bulldog. Behave.

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  11. Great inside scoop.

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  12. eating crow and LOVING IT!!! Hahaha BO.....thinking your falling tooooooo!

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  13. Hows that election workin' out for ya?
    He should get used to this outcome.
    Wait until the general public has their say.
    The Gracedale issue
    WILL BE HIS WATERLOO

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  14. Just saw it on WFMZ
    There is a God

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  15. House of cards
    cascade
    downward spiral
    washed up
    it is funny way to repay the guy who brought the budget in without a tax increase
    oh just sell real property
    and layoff hundreds
    easy as pie

    The bust in the NORCO Courthouse Hall will read
    "been there
    ruined that"

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  16. BOH: not the best prognosticator. Just ask President Hillary Clinton.

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