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| Steve Barron |
As explained on the County webpage, "The Controller is elected and is independent of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The Controllers Office conducts financial and performance audits of agencies receiving, disbursing or authorizing the disbursement of County funds, as well as the records of contracted service providers. Office activities and accomplishments are summarized in the Controller's Annual Report to County Council."
It is a full-time position with a salary established by ordinance at $65,000. Some Council members think it's time to return the position to part-time status because it's hard to find accountants willing to work full time for just $65,000.
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| Hayden Phillips |
Barron has had frayed relations with NorCo Council as well. In 2010, he was censured after participating in a pro-union rally outside of the T-Mobile Call Center, and threatened repercussions when company officials refused to meet with him. He also got into hot water when he was caught teaching two classes at Northampton community College in the middle of the work day.
On the other hand, he was a staunch opponent of Gracedale's sale, and sued Brown over using county tax dollars to hire a public relations consultant. In my view, he has matured on the job, and it is beyond dispute that his audits have saved the County millions of dollars.
On his campaign web page, Barron has hammered at Phillips for proposing a two-mill tax hike last year. He also calls Phillips a "rubber stamp" for Brown.
That's untrue. Of all the Republicans on Council, Phillips has been the most willing to challenge Brown and issues like consultants and borrowing $20 million to balance the budget. But that's why he needs to stay where he is. His Capital Improvements Committee has been making great strides in getting runaway maintenance costs under control. He has also been a check on the Executive. If elected to Controller, the remaining Republicans will undoubtedly select someone more malleable.
For that reason, I'll be supporting Barron.
25 comments:
Oh please say it ain't so Joe! Supporting your arch enemy Barron von Footinmouth, aka Little Stevie Blunder? It must be Barron's sporty goatee that has endeared you to that gas bag. Barron's attacks on the Clown administration has given him instant gravitas in your eyes. But beware the fickle, self-serving weasel you are endorsing. He has stabbed more than one CE in the back, especially your bud Stoffa. He is a shill for the unions and looks out for them over county taxpayers.
I believe Barron would be a better check on the Exec than Phillips, and frankly believe he is too valuable on Council.
Good for you Bernie! it's never personal, always business
we get it....your endorsement as always is the kiss of death.....Phillips wins it, and your pal ronnie boy gets the open seat. you must think everyone was born yesterday.
Kiss of death. Thank you Bernie. We'll finally be rid of the dishonest time thief.
8:41, let me get this straight. I am endorsing Barron bc I know that means Phillips will win and that Angle will get his seat? Wow! I endorse Barron bc I consider him the best candidate and would prefer NOT to see Phillips' seat filled with s Brown yes man. I can also guarantee you that Angle would never be appointed to that vacancy. His blood is not blue enough.
In 2 years Brown in all likelihood will not be re-elected county executive. He may have trouble even getting renominated. At that point I would rather have a straight shooter like Phillips as the check on a Dem exec.
You must not think a replacement would be as effective in the leadership. Bernie, I can see Mr. Phillips now--- roll'n down the passageways as he once did in the Marine Corps ,on his way to the S-3 [operations and planning] to get somebody's undivided attention. This is how you fix things before you waist time correcting during damage control .Now to not fix things at the top as they emerge - have a trickle down effect ,and becomes simply rowing the boat backwards. Don't fight -co-operate.
Barron has demonstrated appalling dishonesty. He's what's wrong with politics. Phillips has more integrity in his thumbnail than 100 Barrons. Phillips has demonstrated that he's not afraid to ruffle either party.
Mr. O'Hare -
I'm not sure everyone is aware of it, but you can see the video of all the past County Council meetings at:(http://nccvid.northamptoncounty.org/sirepub/home.aspx).
As most of us are aware, campaign web sites and candidate claims can sometimes wander from strict reporting of the facts. There is, however, no reason to accept anything posted on a campaign web site about a County Council situation, who said what, and why they said it when you can go to the video and see what actually transpired.
This is what I do when I am unable to attend a meeting.
Ben
Phillips sat behind a desk as a military lifer bureaucrat. He is not qualified for the position. Other than those fixated on uniforms. He is just another bureaucrat. Please think about your choices with your grown up brains people.
Mary Hillan
Ben, I have maintained a link to NorCo Council meetings on this blog for years. They also include committees and even the Gaming Board. Like you, I watch the videos of meetings I miss.
Dear Mary, Although I and we appreciate you posting your name, your statement is out of context and NOT TRUE> as nobody hangs out in the Marine Corps.' Desk jobs ' also means they must do all the other stuff marines do ,ASK YOURSELF _COULD YOU- and this is a standard that absolutely no entity in the U.S.Government or County ,state or local government can possibly emulate . Mary We respect your comment but you are clueless.Don't fight -co-operate.
Agreed, Bernie. Phillips can do more good where he is, and I've watched Barron in action and like the job he is doing as well. Phillips has his quirks, but he has been pleasantly surprising for the most part. He's like a wild card - or maybe more accurately a joker.
Mr .Phillips has been 'cleared 'investigated and vetted so many times in his career that not even myself may past muster. Forget his name , just go on his service number so we look at a white board with no frills -- he pasted muster, no screwing some dame ,no passing bad checks, not even a speeding ticket- most likely--I can raise my right hand, on a Bible and swear to the All Mighty that Marine Officers are vetted continuously not once a years -this man is Clean ,Upstanding and Truth full . We can TRUST HIM.That's it. Take it to the bank.
Bernie, I can't believe you allow a woman to be attacked on your blog. I tried to defend her and you would rather protect her attacker.
The man was out of line. Attacking women is too easy today and to allow it and even encourage it is just wrong.
A veteran
There is no such person and you are no veteran. You are likely "Mary Hillan." Go away, troll.
Your blog, your reality.
Facts are facts. I exist and am who I am.
A veteran
The man was out of line. Attacking women is too easy today and to allow it and even encourage it is just wrong.
You're an idiot, male or female. There is no "war on women" here on this blog. Crazy Mezzacappa comes here and claims that because she is using a pistachio for a brain, as well as the Bowel Movement, er Blog Mentor. Readers see right through that nonsense. You're trolling in the wrong pond.
"You're trolling in the wrong pond."
Apparently you are not. I am self-confident enough in my manhood to no t have to attack or patronize a woman about her views. Being in the military is not THE gold standard of holding public office.
You can attack me as often as you want but it does not change the facts.
Military service is no predictor of human behavior. Attacking this woman or any other for expressing that view won't change that.
You or the blog author can call me names to bolster your sense of manhood, it still means nothing.
A stagnant pond for angry white guys, indeed.
You're the woman you impersonated, troll.
Phillips pushed for a tax increase that was not needed. When this budget come out it will be clear. Brown's vacancy rate will cause huge amounts of surplus.
The fact is the tax increase was not needed and Hayden carried the water. "I'm going on the record, We really need a tax increase." Was quoted in the paper. Barron will have that on all his mail and will have it on every piece of literature. With Phillip's base he will not be popular.
Yeah, I read that on Barron's site. I agreed completely with Phillips at the time and still believe that tax hike was necessary, and should have been twice what it was.
Damn Bernie, I think I had a stroke just now! You are supporting Steve?! LMAO, well that's the kiss of Death, isn't it usually? Never a dull moment on LVR!
ANON 9'03 Tell that to Teddy Roosevelt-youngest President of The United States . This is about CHARACTER not sheepskins. People like you are detractors because YOU CAN"T do anything. Now debate me.Harry S Truman would roll's in his grave over characters like you. No period on the 'S' is debatable if you know any history.
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