John Stoffa, Doorman

Yesterday, the combined legislatures of Northampton and Lehigh County convened in Easton for a presentation on the need for public health. I had to leave early for another meeting, but there was plenty of press coverage for a meeting at which absolutely nothing would be decided. When I left, several Lehigh County Commissioners were still MIA, probably unaware that Ron Angle had changed all the road signs so they'd end up at a witches' coven on Hexenkopf Road.

"Right around now, they're all being forced to dance nude around a pentagram," he laughed manically.

But one person was waiting for them. In fact, as people came to the Courthouse for last night's meeting, he stood there, opening the door for everyone.

Even Bill White.

Ordinarily, everyone who comes to any Courthouse is searched by a squad or even a platoon of highly trained deputy sheriffs. They go through years of highly advanced training to learn the proper way to stick a finger up your ass.

It's why I've never needed a prostrate exam.

But last night, somebody screwed up and forgot to ask for deputies. So the County Executive, John Stoffa, served as doorman, opening up for every person who came inside the building.

He'd make a lousy Deputy Sheriff. Other than me, he just let everyone inside the building without even wanding them.

Even Bill White.

Stoffa's Director of Human Services, Ross Marcus, came and begged Stoffa to let someone else take over. After all, he is the County Exec. But Stoffa declined. He liked saying Hello to everyone, and they liked saying Hello to him.

When people ask me why I admire John Stoffa so much, this is one reason why. I have never seen such a higly ranked public official act with as much humility.