Today's one-liner: "The shortest way to the distinguishing excellence of any writer is through his hostile critics." Richard LeGallienne
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Tuesday, May 07, 2013
Meet Ron Heckman
Ron Heckman is among the eight Democrats seeking his party's nomination to one of five at-large seats to Northampton County Council. Over the years, he and I have disagreed on numerous County issues, but I support him. I've always respected his viewpoints. More importantly, I think Ron will be a voice for many people living at the edge, one step away from absolute poverty. He demonstrated that quality during his eight years on County Council and another eight years as Human Services Director. When none of Glenn Reibman's cabinet would appear at Council meetings, Heckman was always there, willing to answer questions and listen.
Yesterday, over a neglected bagel at Panera Bread, Heckman told me that he's in the running because he wants to serve, not run for some other office down the road. "I've always loved the County," he told me, claiming that human services are his main concern. He worries about declining state and federal grants, and how that impacts neglected children or disabled seniors.
He is also disgusted by the pervasive influence of money in local races, something he's seen increase over the years.
"I have a sense of perspective. I think I could be a better Councilman today than I was when I was on the first time around. Frankly, I think we could use some experience. A mix of young and old is a good thing. I guess I'm asking to be part of that old, experienced part that could add balance to the Council."
Heckman did admit that he is not quite as handsome as Jerry Seyfried. "It's very hard to run against somebody who looks like Brad Pitt," he complained.
He has an eye doctor appointment tomorrow.
Blogger's Note: With the exception of Christen Borso, I now have posted videos of each of the Democrats seeking a seat on Northampton County Council. I will try to get her on tape, as well as all Republicans, before election day.
17 comments:
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Never understood your fascination with this guy Bernie. He was a C- Human Services` Director. No one ever knew where he was half the time and his job in Lehigh County was non existent. Talk to some old Court House insiders. What did he accomplish while in office ? Big talker no producer. Why didn`t he get those windows repaired in Gracedale? Wasn`t there 111 million dollars borrowed?
ReplyDeleteWhile he was the Director, the new elevators we needed for years were installed at Gracdeale. You are hater who has accomplished nothing, so go on hating and losing.
ReplyDeleteThe Division heads hated him because he called them on there bullshit. As a line staff employee, it was a nice change to have a boss who actually gave a crap what you had to say.
The elevator man , how quaint !
ReplyDeleteRon is a smart and decent guy and it will be good to have him back in county government. he knows his stuff and will bring some sorely needed knowledge to county council.
ReplyDeleteRon Heckman has more knowledge of County issues than than all three County Executive candidates. If he had half of Callahan's money, he'd be the next county executive. He has more Human Service knowledge in his little finger than Mr. Marcus has in his entire head. So that must be alot. The only issue I have with him is that despite all the goings on in Human Services, he's been quiet. He opposed the new building, yet fails to speak out against it. I'm sure he will in the fall once it's built (too late)
ReplyDeleteHe'll crush Ferraro with the information he has. It's a shame since she has been doing a good job as of late. As far as looks go, I dont know about Jerry but Amanda certainly blows him away, lol
What do you call a career hall walker who mostly disappeared in his car on county time?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 7:16 asks "What do you call a career hall walker who mostly disappeared in his car on County time"? You call him a "Gawlick"....remember the little troll who Reibman took care of for six years.
ReplyDeleteExperience, ?? Bullshit, he is so far removed from current issues that he will be an anchor for getting nothing done. Welcome "back to the future" Heckman
ReplyDeleteSo the current county council let the Wolf and Bechtel building fall apart, then with no questions asked approved a multi-million dollar developer owned building taking hundreds of jobs form Easton. The let the Administration buy a warehouse in Forks. They let the Administration try and dump Gracedale, no questions asked. Yeah, give us more of that future.
ReplyDeleteThey sat silent while they were told Human Services money would increase to get the building and then were told Human Service money would decrease so they had to dump programs.
Sounds like even a bit of experience in the county's largest department would be appreciated. Hell, any experience would be appreciated.
I can see why some people don't want the guy on council.
I'm voting for Ron Heckman because he reminds of Stacey Keach. Where is his beard that he was sporting just a few months back? This guy is sexy and I wouldn't mind putting his shoes under my bed.
ReplyDeleteFrank Tiller
anon 1:36, Stacey Keach or Mickey Rourke. I think anon 12:14 has a real hard on for the guy, sounds like an old lover. That or one of the candidates, a few of them are really out there.
ReplyDelete12:54, Every single one of your complaints, and many of them are misplaced, occurred long after Heckman served. But you want to blame him? And incidentally, that new archives in Forks is magnificent. Something is coming to Wolf that will make Easton very happy. And a centralized human services building is needed. So you are pretty much full of shit.
ReplyDeleteHey Bernie, some of the folks on the other campaigns are really bad mouthing Seyfried and Heckman. What the Hell is that about? Do they really think talking trash to other political insiders will win an election?
ReplyDeleteWhich campaigns?
ReplyDeleteI think it is all just trash talk at this point Bernie. Who knows what the Hell will happen.
ReplyDeleteSome screwed up and nasty people out there.
Hey Bernie, do you know if 1:38 "Frank Tiller" is gay or is Frank a woman? He is propositioning Ron. Damn, Ron is so inviting to both sexes. Now he has the woman vote and the gay vote. No one will beat him.
ReplyDeleteRon seems like a decent man who genuinely wants to serve the citizens of Norco. He would be a fine addition to county council.
ReplyDelete