New NorCo Council Excels in 2012 Attendance

John Cusick - 92%

Since 2006, I've been tracking attendance records for Northampton County Council members. This includes their Committee participation, where most of the real work is done. It's also where the showhorses become no-show horses. Last year, Council was introduced to three new members. They're engaged and interested in good government. As a result, they've produced the best attendance record I've seen to date. With three exceptions, they are all workhorses. Newbie Scott Parsons, a blue collar worker, was worried that he'd miss afternoon meetings. Outside of John Cusick's phenomenal 92% attendance, nobody can match him. He knows that half the battle is showing up.

What I like about this kind of rating is that it is objective. Political party makes no difference. A Council member either shows up, or not.

Northampton County Council met 32 times last year, including its 6 budget hearings.

In addition, its committees met 30 times. Each Council member is encouraged to attend those meetings, regardless whether he or she is a voting member. In addition to individual attendance, the committees that do meet are an indication of what issues concern Council members.

As might be expected, Finance and Personnel head that list. They each met twelve times last year. With smooth sailing far from over at Gracedale, Human Services became a hot Committee, too, meeting ten times. Other committees conducting meetings were Economic Development (7) and Open Space (1).

Despite numerous questions about the Home Rule Charter Lamont McClure's Legal Committee has conducted no meetings since 2009. Peg Ferraro's Intergovernmental failed to meet, too. Its had just one meeting in the past 7 years, missing an opportunity to discuss regionalism for certain services like coroner or regional police
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Below is a table showing attendance at Committee meetings, regular meetings and budget hearings. Once again, John Cusick is the Northampton County Council workhorse. He increased his own attendance over last year by 15%, putting a little more time into the job.

Scott Parsons gives me hairy eyeball

There are three reasons for this - Scott Parsons, Ken Kraft and Bob Werner. New to Council, they are taking the time to familiarize themselves with county government. It's ironic that Scott Parsons, who was worried that he''d miss afternoon meetings, has the second highest attendance record, at 89%.

Veteran Peg Ferraro has picked up her game, too. Her 85% attendance is 18% over 2011

There are, however, three Council members who are letting things slide. Barb Thierry only attended 58% of the meetings in 2012, although she has a perfect record at budget hearings. Bruce Gilbert, who wanted to be Director of Fiscal Affairs, attended no budget hearings at all. His 48% attendance overall is less than in 2011. He's the only Council member whose attendance percentage dropped.

This poor showing by Gilbert and Thierry is an indication they have no plan to seek re-election.

Last, and certainly least, is Lamont McClure. He attended just 2 budget hearings and only went to 4 of the 30 committee hearings held in 2012.  His attendance has been abysmal since he's been on Council. It became a campaign issue in 2010, and even drew the wrath of Morning Call columnist Bill White. McClure is thumbing his nose at the people who elected him, figuring he can just buy his elections. Amazingly, he's being touted as an Executive candidate.

council member	ec. dev 7 mtgs	human services 10 mtgs	open space 1 mtg	personnel and finance 12 mtgs	council 26 mtgs	budget hearings 6 mtgs	2012	2011
john cusick	6	9	1	12	23	6	92%	77%
tom dietrich	3	10		10	25	3	84%	75%
peg ferraro	7	8	1	11	23	4	85%	67%
bruce gilbert				8	22		48%	53%
ken kraft	7	6		12	25	2	84%	n/a
lamont mcclure	1		1	2	23	2	47%	41%
scott parsons	5	9	1	10	25	6	89%	n/a
barb thierry	1	1		7	21	6	58%	55%
bob werner	6	7		9	25	4	82%	n/a

Here are reports from the last six years: 2011, 2010, 2009; 2008; 2007; and 2006.