She had been after him for weeks to have lunch together, and he finally agreed. When the bill came, she grabbed it, insisting she was going to pay."You can pay the bill if you never want to do business in Northampton County."
That's how John Stoffa's amiable Finance Director, Vic Mazziotti, handles lunch with prospective County vendors. He's proud to be a member of what Morning Call columnist Bill White has called Stoffa's "meatloaf" cabinet. "Meatloaf is pretty good stuff," he confides. But after 42 years of full-time employment in both the public and private sector, Vic is stepping down as Director of Fiscal Affairs in March, telling me he'd like to get up one day and go fishing, or just take his grandsons to a game.
A portrait of St. Thomas More, incidentally, adorns one of the walls in his office. Patron saint of politicians and lawyers, More lost his head - literally - when he refused to join Henry VIII's quarrel with the Catholic Church. His final words. "The king's good servant, but God's first."
"I hope it never has to go that far here," deadpans Mazziotti, noting "I've got a couple more Council meetings."
Based on his outstanding performance as Stoffa's money maven, Vic has nothing to worry about. His initiatives have saved taxpayers $10.1 million annually. In the past five years, he's changed health care administrators ($7 million per year); made telephone services changes ($250,000 per year); negotiated a new IT contract ($800,000 per year plus 12 additional employees); replaced the County's Payroll/HR system ($250,000 per year); reorganized Assessment Division procedures ($1 million per year); implemented remote deposit capabilities in the Revenue Division; established an OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Trust to reduce the required annual contribution for retiree health care by over $500,000 per year; and implemented a new recording fee ($300,000 per year).
That's nearly 1 1/2 mills in property tax that Mazziotti quietly managed to save Northampton County residents.
Mazziotti stressed that "I'm not going away mad." He called John Stoffa "the best public servant in the Lehigh Valley." And Northampton County workers "as good if not better than anyone I've ever worked with."
What's in store for Mazziotti? Although he refuses to discuss future plans, Lehigh County Commissioner nomination petitions are currently being circulated on his behalf.
22 comments:
More revisionist history. The so called $10 million a year savings has only ever been reported here on the Angle/Stoffa propaganda page.
Facts are no one has pinned down a $1 million a year savings much less $10 million. The health care savings is actually a loss as once they got the contract BC waxed up the county big time in administrative fees. More than the previous vendor charged. As to the pension plan, it is costing the taxpayers more than ever.
So somehow this $10 million a year saving has created a county that must sell its home for the elderly to stay afloat.
Bravo!! Only in the bizarro world of Propaganda Minister O'Hare.
Give Truth a Chance!
maybe he could straighten out bethlum. the mayor, business administrator and council don't seem to be able to.
These are just blatant fabrications by someone who hates Stoffa and everyone he's hired bc he lost his hallwalker job.
This is the guy.. Maziotti.. that has kept this County afloat during the Stoffa/Angle reign. Maybe calling him the man behind the curtain is a good description of him. People should be very, very concerned as to what is going to happen in this County (fiscally) when he leaves. His leadership behind the scenes and knowledge of government finance will be sorely missed. Not sure there is anyone out there locally with his type of experience that would jump ship to work for Northampton County. Lots of Luck County Admin. you are going to need it once Vic is gone.
As a constable in Northampton County I know Vic from the business we do in order to get our invoices approved for payment.
It is going to be a real loss to the county that Vic is leaving.
He along with his assistant Marilyn have streamlined the payment process to constables as well as oversight and ideas into reducing constable expenses to keep things low for the tax payers.
He will be an asset to any employer wherever he may end up. Again I am sorry to see him go.
Good luck Vic.
Fred Schoenenberger
Constable
Wilson Boro Northampton County
To Anon 12:43.As to the pension plan,please do not blame the workers they also contribute to the plan and they also pay county taxes.The reason the county has to contribute to this plan is the fact that the market has crapped out,in good times the county never had to pay into it,so please do some research before you ramble on about the pension plan.Blame the market!!
I don't think anyone blamed the workers they just pointed out the bullshit O'Hare writes about his mancrushes.
this guy is part of the Stoffa incompetents. They inherited millions of dollars and now need to dump Gracedale to balance the books.
So no offense but it is what it is,
Reality Jane
To Anon 12:43, you are absolutely right!! Most county residents think that they're "footing the bill" for county pensions but in reality, we're paid less than private sector, have too endure much more, pay HALF of what is contributed, and on top of all, pay our taxes. So that about breaks us even. Hey, I'm not complaining, but give us a damn break county residents, you're not doing much...
A county gold brick tells taxpayers they're "not doing much." It's typical of most takers' sense of entitlement. Is it any wonder why public service unions are seeing the beginning of their end? Good riddance.
To Anon 6:15
Test those waters at your own peril. Get rid of the unions and pensions and you'll attract as much talent as the Wendy's in 25th street. Typical Northampton County land barron, wanting to pay less tax for more service. You're so original...
Isn't this the guy who is flaunting the Hatch Act?
Has anyone checked?
"Meatloaf cabinet". Sounds about right. 90% filler, 10% meet.
Probably more like dogfood cabinet.
"Isn't this the guy who is flaunting the Hatch Act?"
Just bc you were hatched does not mean you know anything about the Act. Vic did check it out with the feds, as opposed to anonymous cowards who apparently are unable or unwilling to read that this has been discussed.
Vic may have implemented the new recording fee but he CANNOT take credit for it. It was not his idea. But, I'm sure the real person will never get the credit for it. Also, could you please explain the $300,000.00 figure. Who came up with the figure?
Thanks Bern :)
Too bad he can't fun for Controller.
"Vic may have implemented the new recording fee but he CANNOT take credit for it. It was not his idea."
You are right. Credit for that should go to Annie Achatz, our Recorder of Deeds. I think she projected the $300k in additional revenue, too. But she won't get credit bc she is friends with that bottom-feeding blogger, O'Hare.
he is not doing any of those things, but if you think he is, file a complaint.
Bernie:
Thank you for your very kind words.
You are right; Ann did suggest the new recording fee.
In truth, I did not save any money all by myself. I was a member of a team. The team did reduce spending by over $10 million a year over the last 5 years. Health care costs alone went down by $7 million a year from 2006 to 2008. And yes, while administrative fees went up, total health care costs went down by $7 million. Over time, as health care costs have increased, the annual savings has decreased. However, the county paid millions less for health care in 2010 than we paid in 2006.
As to the county pension, it is fully paid for by the taxpayer. Yes, employees are required to pay 5% of their wages into the pension fund each year, but this money is maintained in an account for the employee and it is credited with at least 4% interest each year. When an employee retires they have the option of receiving the balance of this account and receiving a county paid retirement benefit, or keeping the money in the retirement fund and receiving an enhanced retirement benefit. It is a very good plan.
Vic Mazziotti
Revisionist history is the best history
Vic doesn`t lie...you do.
History is history, facts are facts. You may love the guy but the facts don't agree.
Sorry
Anon 2:52 AM:
Bob - I don't see any facts in your post.
Where are they Bob?
Yes Facts, not just attacks!
Put up or shut up!
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