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| Barron making his way to class |
In 2006, Steve Barron was among six candidates seeking an appointment as Bethlehem's Controller. He told City Council he is "very inspiring," "very trustworthy," and would "give 110%". They were uninspired. In fact, Barron didn't receive a single vote. But a year later, he got 16,357 of them, when Northampton County voters elected him Northampton County Controller. They picked him over 12-year incumbent John Schimmel. Making the most of an embarrassing embezzlement in the Criminal Division, Barron pledged he'd be a full-time fiscal watchdog, unlike Schimmel. But Barron appears to have broken his bond with the workers. Worse, he may have violated recently enacted provisions of the Home Rule Charter, requiring him to be full time.
In 2008, the year after Barron's election, voters overwhelmingly approved a change to the Charter. This not only requires the Controller to be full time, but prohibits him from doing anything else. "During his term of office the County Controller shall devote full time to the office, and shall not actively engage in any other business or occupation," commands this new provision, which became effective in 2012.
"I'm for it. I'm very for it. I think it's a good thing," Barron told The Express Times. At that time, he was supplementing his $39,000 salary by teaching at Northampton Community College. But the College's Right-to-Know Officer, Helene Whitaker, revealed that Barron stopped teaching in 2012, when the Controller became full time. Thanks to an ordinance approving a salary increase, Barron was also making $65,000 as the County's fiscal watchdog.
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| Controller's open office with financial records |
As an Adjunct Professor of Political Science, Barron teaches two classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They start at Noon and go until 1:50 pm, with a half hour to meet students before and after each class. This amounts to twelve hours every week, including commuting time, away from the courthouse. Instead of evening classes, they are in the middle of the day, when most employees have access to the county's purse strings.
On Friday, October 4, Barron was confronted in a college hallway as he made his way to his Local and State Government class, dressed in shorts and T-shirt. He was asked to explain why the County's full time Controller is actively engaged in another profession.
"I'm doing this on my lunch hour," he explained.
"A four hour lunch hour?"
"I go to County Council meetings after hours."
Barron never returned to his office after class. The door was wide open, with the County's finances spread out over an unattended desk in an unlocked office. Inquiries to staffers reveal that Barron was not at his office at all on Friday.
According to The Home Rule Charter, an elected official who knowingly and willfully violates any of its provisions, has forfeited his office. That determination would have to be made in quo warranto proceedings.
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Council President John Cusick is part of the Council which recommended the Charter change. He authored the increase in Barron's salary. "I am disappointed to hear these allegations," stated Cusick. "If they are true, I believe that Mr. Barron would be in violation of the charter amendment. My understanding of the language and intent of the amendment when I voted to place it on the ballot and later to increase the salary was that the office holder would be a full time employee. If he is teaching during county business hours, clearly that is not the case."
Bob Werner, who was elected to Council after the Charter amendment and pay hike, has suggested that this warrants an investigation by the appropriate officials.
Executive John Stoffa said that "[i}f these allegations are true, Mr. Barron is double dipping." Calling on Barron to return any funds paid by the college, Stoffa claimed the Controller "owes the public an apology. He broke his oath of office. Amazing that the office he holds is tasked with finding people who transgress the law as apparently he has. How can the public have confidence in him?”
Great role model for the workers in his office.
ReplyDeleteBernie, you are far the better man. When Barron complained about you and Angle, he took it to the newspapers and council jumped all over it and created such a mess, before either you or Angle got to defend yourselves. Council was making all kind of remarks without the smoke even clearing.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to see that when Barron points the finger, he excuses and excludes himself from holding to such a standard. It is nice to see such an individual getting called out, but in a better manner than what he would ever do.
He lacks maturity and needs to grow up. It is too bad that he has to learn his lesson this way. But he should have heeded from the past warnings. Now he is a very big boy. He made his bed. Now let us see if he can sleep.
By the way, would you send your children to a school that lets its professors dress like that when teaching a class?
ReplyDeleteWhere is his respect for the students, his profession, himself, and for the taxpayers?
What the hell goes on at a school that lets its instructors dress as such? And society wonders why the youth of today haven't any respect? I guess this is what the teachers are teaching? Lack of respect.
Sounds like Bethlehem City Hall...Tony Hanna did that for years at Lehigh.
ReplyDeleteI think Tony still teaches there, but there is no provision in Bethlehem's HRC that prohibits him from actively engaging in another profession or occupation, and he is not the fiscal watchdog.
ReplyDeleteStoffa ahs nerve that prick has been triple dipping his entire life. he is always grabbing perks and bene's and then slamming the door on others. He loves to make his asshole pious statements.
ReplyDeletehe hates Barron and wants to get revenge. Stoffa even tried to have Seyfried and Heckman tossed from the ballot. He is a miserable sick old man that has you do his hatchet jobs.
What does this have to do with whether Barron is violating the HRC?
ReplyDeleteWhat qualifies Barron to teach an accredited Political Science class? The guy is a third rate hack who got lucky in an election.
ReplyDeleteDoes he have a Doctorate in Political Science??
Why in the world would the college hire him? I have heard those community college teaching gigs are all about connections but this is ridiculous.
What a clown. Bernie, why not start a recall petition.
ReplyDelete12:53 AM - because it's the truth - something you like to avoid when it doesn't fit your agenda.
ReplyDeleteactually the employees at bethlum city hall were happy that hanna was gone - wished he would teach more classes especially on bankruptcy
Can't wait to hear Barron tell us he puts in a 40 hour work week - just not 9-5. Seems he believes that, by his comment inferring council meetings count as work hours.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he is just trying to get laid. Community Colleges are a great place to pick up chicks.
Toga Party!!!
"Can't wait to hear Barron tell us he puts in a 40 hour work week - just not 9-5. Seems he believes that, by his comment inferring council meetings count as work hours"
ReplyDeletewell, they kinda are work hours. and under different circumstances, I'd likely buy the argument. In THESE circumstances, however,the language in the HRC is pretty darn clear, and I can't think of any argument he has to defend himself with.
Wait a minute. Are you saying he is in plain view cheating his employer, the Northampton County taxpayer? How did he think he'd get away with it? Is that photo accurate? Is it from this semester? How could he arrive to teach college in shorts?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteBy the way, would you send your children to a school that lets its professors dress like that when teaching a class?
Where is his respect for the students, his profession, himself, and for the taxpayers?
What the hell goes on at a school that lets its instructors dress as such? And society wonders why the youth of today haven't any respect? I guess this is what the teachers are teaching? Lack of respect.
12:22 AM
So glad you said this! Thought I was the only one.
The college has a new president. He needs to let this man go and now.
ReplyDeleteThe college now knows about this situation. What they do next will speak volumes.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete"A four hour lunch hour?"
"I go to County Council meetings after hours."
He is elected and a salaried employee. Does the charter stip that he must do all his work during normal work hours? Doe the charter stip that night meetings are not considered part of the normal work week. Some answers are needed before too much judgement is rendered here.
His conduct is questionable.
ReplyDeleteHe is stealing from taxpayers. Period. He should spend more time at the gym than in school. Maybe he could make the moobs and gunt shrink.
ReplyDeleteBVF has done it again! Just when you think his behavior couldn't get any worse he violates the HRC. This clown is our county watch dog? He likes to remind us that he is a CFI - Certified Fraud Investigator. In his case, drop the word "Investigator" and it accurately describes him. His violation of the HRC should be investigated by the DA or even the state Attorney General.
ReplyDeleteThis is not a matter for the District Attorney. The Home Rule Charter Violations "MUST" be investigated by County Council. If found guilty, Council must order the Personnel office to remove his name as Controller, inform finance and payroll that Mr. Barron will no longer recieve a pay check because he was terminated as an employee (in this case elected official) who violated the Charter. The ownus is then on him to go to the Courts and make hisself whole. Council must get some back bone here. As for Stoffa's comment about reimburseing the Community College, he has that backward. It isn't the Community College who was wronged, They got their money's worth. They got what they paid for. Northampton county Taxpayers are getting screwed. They aren't getting the "FULL TIME CONTROLLER". He should reimburse the County not the College.
ReplyDeleteYou have one more problem here. Since the Controller is elected, Does State Law protect him? Does the Charter provide for a procedure to be followed for removal of elected officials from their office for malfeasance or misfeasance in office? Barron would be smart to hire an attorney. His office solicitor will give him free advice. Either way, Barron will forever be viewed as a Controller who lied to the people for his own financial gain. He is innocent till proven guilty, however, He is tarnished forever.
The ball is clearly in Council's court. This is certainly a "GRAY AREA" of Home Rule Law. Now lets see what Council does.
anon 6:45
ReplyDeletesofa is wrong AGAIN
Bernie, How about a contract violation,or Improper disposition of public funding? Waist is already an issue!This office is suppose to keep situations like this from happening.Like auditors that do tax returns on county time with county equipment, that happened in New Jersey! I would think a return of unfulfilled hours to the county and proportion of benefits might be appropriate if he indeed is found negligent or derelict of duty by some authority having venue. Otherwise, anyone may just come and go as he or she wishes and that is the way it going to be.Nothing personal. My opinion is not meant to convict anyone in this case, it's just government and the chips have to fall with ethical conduct first.
ReplyDeleteWhat does the certificate in the upper right hand corner of the office picture say? "Certified Fraud..."
ReplyDeleteCounty Council only meets two nights every month for regular meetings and has variable personnel and budget meetings. The Controller is going to NCC every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This doesn't add up. His retort of going to Council meetings does not add sufficiently to the amount of hours he spends at NCC.
ReplyDeleteWhat qualifies Barron to teach an accredited Political Science class? The guy is a third rate hack who got lucky in an election.
ReplyDeleteDoes he have a Doctorate in Political Science??
Of course not, that's why it's community college and not real college.
One thing he has plenty of is poor judgement.
ReplyDelete"What does the certificate in the upper right hand corner of the office picture say? "Certified Fraud...""
ReplyDeleteYes, he is a certified fraud examiner like that crackerjack, Tom O'Donnell. In other words, he is NOT an accountant.
where do you turn in a fraud examiner who is committing fraud ?
ReplyDelete"This is not a matter for the District Attorney. The Home Rule Charter Violations "MUST" be investigated by County Council. If found guilty, Council must order the Personnel office to remove his name as Controller, inform finance and payroll that Mr. Barron will no longer recieve a pay check because he was terminated as an employee (in this case elected official) who violated the Charter"
ReplyDeleteActually, despite some clear provisions in the HRC, County Council has no authority under the state constitution to remove an elected official. The way to test the authority to hold office is by quo warranto. That can only be filed by the DA, AG, or their designee.
"The college now knows about this situation. What they do next will speak volumes. "
ReplyDeleteI do not hold the college responsible. I hold Barron responsible.
"Is that photo accurate? Is it from this semester? How could he arrive to teach college in shorts? "
ReplyDeleteThe photo is accurate. it was taken on Friday as he made his way to class.
"What a clown. Bernie, why not start a recall petition."
ReplyDeleteBecause it would be illegal. The only way to test the authority to hold office is by quo warranto.
If he ran for re-election today he'd win by a huge margin. This is a blue county filled with blue voters who have laziness in their DNA. Barron is their kinda guy and they love him. Sheep vote like sheep in the party of sheep. Again, he wins re-election easily without even trying. By vote totals, he's one of the most popular local politicians. If he was an R, he'd be lucky to be in office and would be gone soon. As a D, he has a job for life. He identifies with his constituents, and they with him. The same folks don't care about a part-time judiciary and old dodderers like Zito accidentally letting crooks out of jail - then suing to keep his seat until he's shitting in a diaper. There's no story here.
ReplyDeleteObviously, I disagree. You sound like a person with sour grapes. Northampton County is no Allentown. Most Democrats i know are bothered by Barron's antics. This does not help him. But aside from the politics, I am bothered by the lack of ethics and disdain for the Home Rule Charter.
ReplyDeleteYou have no legs to stand on when it comes to ethics .
DeleteThe Beef Barron in shorts. Now that's a sight more nauseating than him in a kilt!
ReplyDeleteYou sweat him . Are you the Twink in disguise?
DeleteWould love to know what was going on in Barron's mind when he saw his foil Bernie O'Hare lurking in the hallway, camera in hand ready to snap a damaging shot. He must have seen you there, turning his head to the side trying to avoid eye contact with the camera tells me he knew he'd been caught red handed!
ReplyDeleteHe saw me, turned his head away, and quickly went into the classroom where I decided not to follow.
ReplyDeleteBernie, any plans on calling BVFM out during the next possible courtesy of the floor? Guarantee he would try and defend himself, get flustered and increase the disgrace he has brought upon the office.
ReplyDeleteAnon 6:45, nice speech. To bad you and O'Hare didn't show the same "moral outrage" when Stoffa hack, Ross Marcus flaunted county law and took a job with one of his largest county contractors. On that deal Stoffa said county council should make an "exception" to the law. Alan Jennings told County council he didn't give a shit what they thought and hired the guy despite the law. County Council did what it has done all along, it rolled over and said thank you for pissing on us!
ReplyDeleteSo you and O'Hare are all fired up about Barron, fine. I hope County council shows some spine. while they are at it. Demand that for a year, every contract that would go to CACLV be put out to bid and demand that county council be kept in the loop so as to ensure no shenanigans occur.
Usual Stoffa/O'Hare selective moral outrage. that is why everyone in the know, knows Stoffa is is a bullshitting moral vacuum.
1:28, I have not given any thought to what I might say to Council, if anything.
ReplyDelete1:30, As I understand your argument, it's that Barron should get a pass bc someone else did. That, of course, is flawed thinking. But let's look at it.
ReplyDelete1) Marcus was hired by CACLV, and Council was informed about it. There was no attempt to keep it away from the public. Barron kept what he is doing under wraps. he already has an entire semester under his belt, with no one being any the wiser until now. So in one case there is transparency; in the other, there is not.
2) Th the Marcus case, it is CACLV that violated the law, not Stoffa or Marcus. In the Barron case, he has violated the law. He has actually violated the HRC.
3) The revolving door ordinance is aimed at county employees who negotiate contracts with vendors and then get jobs with them as a payoff. But that evil does not exist for Marcus. he played no role in CACLV contracts, which pre-exist his tenure. Moreover, his job there is primarily one of public service.he is not enriching himself. So the evil at which the revolving door ordinance is aimed does not exist.
4) In Barron's case, the HRC and salary hike were changed bc the County feels that it needs a FT Controller to prevent fraud. By absenting himself during the middle of the work day, three days per week, Barron is permitting the very evil at which the changes are aimed.
5) NCC is the recipient of county funds. When the County Controller is employed by a grant recipient, that's an inherent conflict of interest.
"his job there is primarily one of public service.he is not enriching himself"
ReplyDeletePeople didn't know Marcus was doing this out of charity for the poor. Most people thought he was getting a nice fat paycheck. What about the Stoffa employees that worked with CACLV to orchestrate this illegal act?
Spin it any way you want O'Hare, this is the double standard that you and Stoffa like to play.
Marcus was the Director of the Department and had "everything" to do with the contracts.
What happened before him is irrelevant, he violate the peoples trust and so did Stoffa asking County Council to ignore the law. County Council could and should exercise remedies to CACLV and its Board of Directors for willfully violating Northampton County Law. At the very least censure the Organization and their Board of Directors, which includes two Stoffa insiders.
You are right on Barron and wrong on Marcus. That is why people don't take your "coverage" of county events serious.
You pick winners and losers base on emotion.
As a hiring manager at a local firm, and given Mr. Barron's teaching position, I shall look with a jaundiced eye at anyone who offers NCC credentials. His instruction invalidates any claim to credits earned for his classes. NCC should be ashamed to employ a time thief on their adjunct faculty.
ReplyDelete2:07, I think I see your emotion, which appears to be driven by disdain for me, as opposed to what I am saying.
ReplyDeleteIn both cases, there is a violation of the law. But not every violation should be pursued. Barron is a football referee on weekends. I am not making an issue about that, but would if he was gone in the middle of the work week. If Barron were teaching at night, it would still be a violation of the HRC. But I would be less likelyt to raise it bc the evil at which the charter change was made, would not be there. I am concerned about the conflict of interest with a controller working for a grant recipient.
5) NCC is the recipient of county funds. When the County Controller is employed by a grant recipient, that's an inherent conflict of interest.
ReplyDeleteVery important point, which probably deserves examination in your further coverage of the issue. Especially if the Controller is responsible for overseeing or auditing any aspect of the grant. Is he?
" I am concerned about the conflict of interest with a controller working for a grant recipient."
ReplyDeleteAs many are for a former County Department head now working for one of his largest contactors.
Spin is spin and both acts are wrong. You and Stoffa condemn one and condone the other. As one of your posters likes to write,
"the law is the law, or it is not!"
How can anyone stick up for Barron? Do they just connect with something about him. Eew....is it his lifestyle, his lack of character, his hiding in the closet, his theft of taxpayer dollars or worse. If it is because he is a democrat and that is just good enough then somehow the other party had better wake up and do their job. Vote....this guy should never have been elected. This is what the democrats now look like. Bloated men who connect with him and females who too often are so liberated they forget what sex they were born into. What a party. And they complain about Republicans. Why because we work, marry. Take care of our children and love the opposite sex. None of us are perfect but at least most of us try. We have no choice we love our children and care how they grow up. Your parents and grandparents were mostly tea party like. At the very least in the tradition sense. Now you hate them too. Then you pass that on to your children. We are awake and we are learning. You won't like it when the table is turned and it will be. Everything comes full circle. Hey how's Obabacare treating you???? Get you higher premiums yet? Some us us are fortunate enough to be able to get around that mess.....
ReplyDeleteDear voters,
ReplyDeleteThis election please take note of the loving and informative e3comments of anon 2:47. A spokesman for the illustrious tea party that now runs the old Republican Party.
Hate is fun. Put hate in office. Christ would have wanted it that way!
Where are all his buddies now? How comes no one from the COAF/Save Gracedale crowd is sticking up for him now? Where is his buddy MAC-Clure now? And his personal solicitor buddy that he gave a job to and deducts political funds from? How comes no one is voicing approval of this one? At least no one is attaching their name to it ... everything is anonymous. For all we know, it could be the Beef Barron himself writing these opins ...
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind this is part of the Angle/Stoffa/O'Hare patented slime machine in operation. they are working overtime to slime the guy because Ron Angle is running for
ReplyDeleteController.
Sad think is as long as people like Angle run against him, Barron can't lose.
2:11 your firm is garbage. Nobody cares.
ReplyDeleteThe guys trying to hustle an extra buck. Unlike bernies baby moms who never worked a day to feed her 15 kids who somebody need to pay for alllll deeees kids!
ReplyDelete@3:06, the C.O.A.F is still an ardent supporter of controller Barron as he has fought to save Gracedale from the evil machinations of team Stoffa/O'Hare/Angle. People always talk about how the children are our future if that's the case then we should be thanking Steve Barron for his efforts to educate the youth for what amounts to be a very small amount of money. Mr. Barron works long after most have called it quits for the day either on his smartphone or at home.
ReplyDeleteAngle's only chance at defeating Barron is to play "gotcha" politics, Stevie's record speaks for itself he will only move up the political ladder.
Bernie got the hatchet order and maybe a new xxxxxxx.
DeleteSumbudy need to pay for all dees Bernie baby kiiids
ReplyDeleteMoronic, unqualified asshole instructors like Barron are why NakYak is better known as 13th grade. The place has really gone down hill.
ReplyDeleteWhat blows me away is how he is dressed. If his story is true and he rushes from work to teach and back, he has no time to change his clothes.
ReplyDeleteIs this how a county controller dresses? What a fine representative of the people. He would be better off wearing his kilty dress. Of course al the young female students would be getting an eyeful of the beef barron.
Why attack the kilt? Are you afraid you might dabble in a little gay if you wore one?
DeleteSteve Barron does not take a "4 hour lunch break." The class he teaches at NCC is only 50 minutes long. I find it admirable that Steve takes time out of his day to teach college students. I have sat in a couple of his classes and Steve teaches with a non bias approach. His students love
ReplyDeleteAlso SHAME ON YOU guys for attacking Steve on his appearance. I hope you all are not Republicans because you are all a disgrace for attacking a man's appearance.
Bernie is protected by John Morganelli who allows his libelous behavior. The state has begun an investigation just in time for the elections
DeleteI'd love to motor boat his moobs and fondle his gunt.
ReplyDeleteWe know you do....You dirty wanker
DeleteAs one of Mr.Barron's students I felt compelled to weigh in on the situation. This is my last semester at NCC before graduating with a degree in early childhood education and I can say without an ounce of doubt that Steve Barron is the finest professor I have ever encountered.
ReplyDeleteHe shows up on time, stays longer if asked to, brings energy to the classroom and finds ways to explore the course content without sticking to the textbook line for line. Concerning his attire I would like to remind you that Plato and Socrates wore togas and sandals most of the time but are considere to be among the greatest teachers of their era.
Regardless of the legal technicalities surrounding Mr. Barron's employment at NCC I would urge those reading this to think of the students who are so well served by his sacrifice and passion for teaching.
If he works for the County, it is a paid lunch break - even for an elected official. I wonder if we requested to see his time sheets, does he submit personal, vacation, or NO TIME for these teaching sessions. Okay, let us give the people the benefit of a doubt that these classes take 50 minutes to teach. You mean to tell us that it takes 5 minutes to get to NCC from the Court House and 5 minutes to get back. Is he traveling in the Governor of NJ's helicopter or in Rendall's bus? He must be Superman, changing from his business attire, to his kilt, to his teaching attire ... Up, UP, and away!!!
ReplyDeleteTogas were acceptable attire in the Greek society. Did you know in some modern societies, if a man wears short pants, it speaks about his sexuality? Plus where else have you taken college level courses? And there is a reason why he doesn't stick to the textbook ... you guessed it!
ReplyDeleteIf he wants to be a teacher, then do so. Give up his day job. He has actually been doing that anyway. No one is holding him back from becoming a full time teacher. That way there is not any sacrifice for the students. He can devote all of his time to the students and teaching.
ReplyDeleteWhat is he sacrificing to serve the students? He doesn't show up to his elected job anyway. You have to give something up, to call it a sacrifice. He never took up his election position to begin with.
ReplyDeleteAnon 6:38 You are obviously a dewy-eyed student who doesn't pay property taxes in Northampton County or else you might be more offended by the "legalities" as you phrase it. You seem to dig his cargo shorts and t-shirt. Sounds like you are headed to a great career at Mickey D's. Anyone who thinks this clown is a great instructor has to be naive or a poor judge of character.
ReplyDelete5:34 PM - do you REALLY think it is appropriate for a college professor to teach class in shorts, a t-shirt and sandals? If so, good luck in finding a job after earning your degree in PoliSci from Nick-Nack.
ReplyDeleteThey do at drexel. Who gives a shit what the teacher wears. Welcome to the 21st century.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteRupert MacIntyre,
ReplyDeleteI will assume you are real and not a put up and say i am glad to see a student weigh in with his thoughts. Let me also compliment you on your well-considered comment. But let me make the following points.
1) Socrates and Plato did not wear togas. Romans wore togas. When they wore anything at all, ancient Greeks wore a different garment whose name escapes me at the moment.
2) Barron's performance as a teacher is not my concern, although I question what someone with his background could teach. It is his performance as a full-time controller that concerns me. According to you, barron is willing to stick around after class. That's good for you, but not so good for the people of Northampton County, who overwhelmingly voted for a full time Controller. They are not paying him to teach you. Sorry.
3) I am thinking of the students. Since 2010, the County has given NCC nearly $400k, and the county's fiscal watchdog is being paid by the college. That's a disservice to the people, and a disservice to you. You should insist that the money given to the college is spent properly.
An investigation should be launched by the county Controller's Office. Oopsie, the fox is in charge of the hen house. Good luck with that!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteStay off this blog, Blog Mentor.
ReplyDeleteExpress Times has picked up the story:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lehighvalleylive.com/northampton-county/index.ssf/2013/10/controller_steve_barron_potent.html#incart_river_default
Morning Call has picked up the story:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mcall.com/news/local/easton/mc-controller-stephen-barron-northampton-county-20131007,0,7040708.story
Well, now the story has blown up in both the ET and MC. McClure is carrying Barron's water by claiming that the "intention" of the HRC amendment that made the Controller's job FT was not to prohibit part time jobs. It appears as though in his opinion, teaching college courses is neither a "business" or "occupation." This parsing from a council member who has a zero attendance record at council committee meetings. HE plays hooky, so what is wrong with his boy Barron skipping out during the middle of the work day? And since when is professional (I assume NCC is crazy enough to pay this tool) teaching NOT an "occupation"? Explain those devoted to the teaching profession. And NCC is a "business" pure and simple. All colleges fit that description. So it is clear that Barron has violated the HRC and should resign from NCC with a public apology or be impeached by council.
ReplyDeleteI have yet another story on this matter, ready to publish at midnight. Let's assume that Barron is not violating the HRC by working in the middle of the day for the community college. It's a ridiculous assumption, but let's make it. He still is in violation of another provision of the HRC. He is getting paid by an entity that does business with the county and whose county fund receipts barron is obligated to audit. Under the HRC, he must disclose this potential conflict of interest to Council so they can determine if it is a conflict of interest.
ReplyDeleteand ross marcus gets a pass ?
ReplyDeleteAsked and answered.
ReplyDeleteIt is outrageous to continue to have Mr. Barron teaching working during his "lunch hour." Actually, it's impossible to do so.
ReplyDeleteUnless we assume he shows up to County work in T-shirt and shorts, is able to drive to the college campus and back, teach a regular length class, meet briefly with students before and after, etc., his time away from the County office is more likely 2-3 hours long.
It's also fair to assume he spends time at his County desk preparing lessons, grading papers, etc.
Stop this nonsense NOW!
Fred Windish
NC taxpayer
What is considered "full time?"
ReplyDeleteMerriam-Webster defines Full-Time as "working the full number of hours considered normal or standard."
So what if Steve Barron is a part time teacher? As long as he isn't neglecting his duties as the county controller, there should be no issue (and there is no evidence of negligence).
At least he isn't out playing Golf during a Government Shutdown like our President is.
BTW I am a taxpayer of NC and I voted against Barron in the past election. This blog is simply a witch hunt and you people seriously need to find better things to do with your time than going on this blog and attacking a man's wardrobe.
"Todd" aka Barron flunkie, What part of ""shall devote full time to the office, and shall not actively engage in any other business or occupation" do you not get? If he is teaching 4 hours per day three days per week, he is actively engaged in another business or occupation. Or do you, like Lamont McClueless, think that teaching is not a profession?
ReplyDeleteBernie,
ReplyDeleteAre we stooping to name calling now? Calling me "Barron flunk" and another person "Lamont McClueless."
According to NCC' HR department, Mr. Barron's classes run from 12 to 12:50 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He also holds office hours a half-hour before and after class, according to the college website. So that's 2 hours of teaching and 1 hour for office hours. 2+1 = 3. So unless my math is wrong, that is 3 hours per day, 3 days per week but I'll give you your "4 hours." So that equals 12 hours per week.
Merriam-Webster defines career as "a job or profession that someone does for a long time."
Merriam-Webster defines occupation as "the work that a person does : a person's job or profession."
So with those definitions, a part-time teaching position does not qualify as a "career" and "occupation" does not apply; and that's what Mr. Barron is. A part-time teacher.
So he did not violate the charter.
And again... there is no evidence of negligence that proves that Mr. Barron neglected his duties as the county controller.
So I will take the high road and not stood to your level with the name calling. If you like to continue this debate, I will be more than happy to read your response.
"Todd" or is it McClueless? I ask this bc you are parsing words just like he tried (and failed) to do yesterday. Barron knows he violated the HRC and so do you. He just proved it by resigning from the college, according to what I've just been told.
ReplyDeleteAgain with the name calling. Now I'm "McClueless?" What are we back in kindergarten?
ReplyDeleteSo he resigned from teaching 6 weeks into the semester. He didn't violate the HRC. He probably resigned to keep his reputation as a hardworking county controller that you were trying to ruin with no evidence of negligence besides that he taught for 12 hours during the week at the local community college.
You must really have a low maturity level. I've read you're other blogs about Mr. Barron. Posting pictures of Austin Powers' Fat Bastard with Mr. Barron's face photo shopped in? And you come up with these lame names for people who disagree with you?
From the looks of it, you are simply a bully. You continue to mock Mr. Barron's appearance and personal life and you now ruined the lives of the students he taught. You have no remorse for your actions. You made a big deal over Mr. Barron teaching for 12 hours during the week. So didn't even think of the repercussions of your actions. Mr. Barron was never going to resign as County Controller. So what did you accomplish besides ruining the lives of the students he taught?
SO CONGRATULATIONS Mr. O'Hara! All you did was punish the students who are now going to be forced to learn from a new teacher half way through the semester. I hope you are happy with yourself!
Thank you, "Todd,"
DeleteI'd say more but I'm getting ready to teach his classes tomorrow.
God help those students.
ReplyDelete