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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Monday, August 08, 2016

Does Lisa Boscola Want to Become Next NorCo Court Administrator?

We've all heard rumors that State Senator Lisa Boscola intends to run for Northampton County Executive next year. If that were to happen, she would win and would ensure that five Democrats are elected to the at-large County Council seats. But Mat Benol should wait a little while before finding some other wall to hang his Ten Commandments plaque and shove his religion down our throats. Lisa Boscola may actually be eyeing up another office. Northampton County Court Administrator.

Last week, I told you that Jill Cicero, the County's popular and well-respected Court Administrator, had resigned. Her sudden departure led to all sorts of anonymous speculation. That only ended when Jill herself said, "My reasons for retiring and my leave are personal and known only to my family and close friends. I choose not to share them on any public forum. I have had a great 35+ year run with the Court and believe that I have served the Court, County, Commonwealth, and their constituents well."

I'm more than willing to drop this and wait for the courts to select a new court administrator. But over the weekend, I heard the Boscola rumor from two highly placed sources. It makes sense.

What many people don't know is that Boscola got her start as a NorCo Deputy Court Administrator after graduating from Villanova with a Bachelor's and Master's degree. She left the County in 1994 after being elected as State Representative.

According to these highly placed sources, Boscola recently made her interest known to the courts, and may have done so before Jill's resignation. She has also made her wishes known to a few local elected officials. One of these local officials has confirmed that Boscola spoke to him, but is unwilling to be identified until Boscola makes her interests known herself.

I have sent her an email asking her to confirm or deny the rumor. I am unable to file a Right-to-Know with the courts because their communications are exempt from public disclosure.

Boscola is a Democrat and Northampton County's bench is 5-4 Democratic. And though judges are supposed to divorce themselves from politics once they are elected, they remain very political. It's in their blood. They may even have mini party caucuses.

Whether Democrat or Republican, the judges do owe her.

Northampton County went from a six-judge to a nine-judge bench, thanks almost entirely to her. It is Boscola, the former Deputy Court Administrator, who rammed this though the state legislature, even though there are some who never thought we needed more than six judges. Boscola also played a huge role in getting Judge Leonard Zito appointed, and then clearing the field so that his daughter Alicia could be appointed Magisterial District Judge. She was also instrumental in seeking an increase in the mandatory retirement age for judges.

The pay is nice, too. Boscola would earn over $120,000 a year as Court Administrator, far more than the $85,000 she gets as a State Senator. This will increase her state pension because the court administrator is a state employee. If Boscola were to run for Exec, she'd only make $85,000 and would be unable to use that salary to jack up her state pension.

But will the Court hire her? Won't it look like more of the political cronyism that is so rampant everywhere? At a time when judges are being told to refrain from hiring relatives, is this any better? The reputation of the courts is in shreds, thanks to kids-for-cash and a Supreme Court Justice who was convicted of using employees to carry on her re-election campaign. Under these circumstances, it would be a mistake to play the political back-scratching game and hire Boscola.

It is also completely contrary to the high ethical standards that President Judge Stephen Baratta has set. So my guess is that if Lisa wants to come back to Northampton County, it will have to be as County Executive.

44 comments:

Anonymous said...

Makes no sense. Would be a political demotion. Lisa has prestige as a State Senator and a healthy expense account to boot. Court Administrator is a plow horse, underappreciated job. Lisa is a thoroughbred who loves the adoration of her constituents. County Executive maybe. That is an honored position in the county. Court Administrator, not so much.

Anonymous said...

She isn't qualified to be a dog catcher.

Anonymous said...

How about a designated driver.

Anonymous said...

Your sources have some of the story. Lisa herself has mentioned the idea of Court Administrator. The question is does she really want it. You yourself raised some of the reasons not, there is no adoration for a court Administrator. You are the handmaiden of the judges. Boscola has been in the public eye for years and has received the attention you mention. In the role of Court Administrator you better take a low profile or the judges will rid themselves of you.

There is the other wrinkle in the equation. Boscola and Morganelli formed the partnership that placed their mutual friend Bobby D. in the Mayor's seat. Moranelli is influential with the courts and could very well be pushing her for the position. That would leave the county executive position for his pal McClure. Sources have made it clear that the DA is discouraging any serious challenges to McClure. McClure's wife is an employee of Morganrelli, right?

So does Boscola give up the Senate gig and take a subservient all be it well paid role for the courts or does she go for county executive. Personally, I think even at a reduced rate of pay she should go for Executive. She would be the boss and not subservient to anyone. I agree with you if she runs she wins. She would be a far better choice for the Democrats than McClure or even Werner. Since no other prominent names have come up for the Democrats for Executive, she is the best option.

Anonymous said...

dem inbreeding at it's worse

Anonymous said...

Hmmm, no mention at all of her arrest history.

She promising you something, or is this part of the 'drunk code of honor'?

Bernie O'Hare said...

I've written extensively about Boscola's history in numerous articles,and have hardly spared her.

Anonymous said...

"prestige as a state senator". Hardly. And, that is not aimed at her personally. The electorate holds the legislature and senate in contempt. Corrupt. Best that money can buy. There is no fame in holding these offices. The commute takes a personal toll. Being local. Does not.

Anonymous said...

These alleged non-political judges will do what they want. They, along with Lisa, rammed through Zito's daughter for Magistrate; despite the alleged standards of the Baratta court. It is up to Lisa if she wants it. The judges have opened the door and rolled out the carpet!

Anonymous said...

Amen to dog catcher role!! If dems screw up again, Brown wins and we lose!

Anonymous said...

It's really true. There are career politicians.

Anonymous said...

"...Boscola would earn over $120,000 a year as Court Administrator, far more than the $85,000 she gets as a State Senator..."

In Harrisburg, she's a little fish among many. In Northampton County, she can make more money and be a whale in a bathtub in terms of power and influence.

It's quite easy to understand, as I had a similar situation happen to me in my career about 20 years ago. I left a job I enjoyed to take one which I believed would be a step up on my career. When I arrived, I found out that my stature was one among many. Within two years, I was very dissatisfied and I returned to my previous position where I had much more job satisfaction. Also, I much more power and influence in the company.

However, I still use the larger job on my Resume' as an asset due to the prestige of working there.

Anonymous said...

"There is the other wrinkle in the equation. Boscola and Morganelli formed the partnership that placed their mutual friend Bobby D. in the Mayor's seat. Moranelli is influential with the courts and could very well be pushing her for the position. That would leave the county executive position for his pal McClure. Sources have made it clear that the DA is discouraging any serious challenges to McClure. McClure's wife is an employee of Morganrelli, right?"


Awful.

Anonymous said...

Bernie,
No one seems to mention one of the many other wrinkles in this political parasitism or democratical dysfunction at best?! That would be the realestate flipp flopp, as I so pleasently call it chalk and paint to make a taint what it ain't, gender specific?! This and what is mentioned in this national multimalfunctionig tools are just the implimentation that has us were we are today?! The multilisting malfunction meltdown has not even been brug to its BOILing point yet?!

This weekends opinions was a local addition of the national addition of the toilet brigaides advertismentalists bombarding of ones mind with mindlessness shitstorms?! This only works with those that are hypnotised into the silver printing screen and I am elated to say my tinfoil cap is allways blockin the subliminal mind control messages sent via print too?!
RE:publican redd no party affilliation

Anonymous said...

Yet another politician looking to garner another public pension. We don't need the same old bull crap in the county, but some new fresh blood. We don't need more of the "good old boy/girl network". A guess her husband needs to get a few more months on the books to get his pension also , but then again nepotism doesn't count when you are the chief. ?

Anonymous said...

Sad to think that with her reputtation that she would even be considered

Anonymous said...

Just a simple DRUNK

Bernie O'Hare said...

And one who never loses an election.

Anonymous said...

i would support her she always been a fighter for the citizens of the lehigh valley,she human like the rest of us and really dislike when people throw her past at her

Anonymous said...

Oh, how cynical to believe that politicians are only interested in more money and bigger pensions.

Anonymous said...

Bernie writes " And one who never loses an election ". says it all. The state of the people who elect these people speaks volumes on our society today .

Anonymous said...

@10:59 I'm sure Lisa would drink to that.

Anonymous said...

Could it be that she serves as court administrator to increase her state

pension and then goes for county executive for a county pension.

Anonymous said...

Years ago I wrote a letter to the editor that was highly critical of Lisa. A few weeks later a strongly worded letter was sent to my home taking issue with my LOR (from her office and signed by her). This was a gross misuse of voter registration info (or wherever she/her staff sourced my info).

These people play for keeps and indeed must be adored. Their reach goes way beyond conspiracy and easily destroys livelihoods when they are "fighting for the little guy."

No thank you to all of it.

Bernie O'Hare said...

You think you can criticize someone and escape all accountability? You're angry bc she dared respond to you? She has every right to do that.

Ovem Lupo Commitere said...

"We've all heard rumors that State Senator Lisa Boscola intends to run for Northampton County Executive next year. If that were to happen, she would win and would ensure that five Democrats are elected to the at-large County Council seats."

She does have a strong base in COB, and seemingly can't lose there. However, the hubris of the Dems last time around comes to mind with John C and the slate of Council candidates. However, her strength is COB, which often has disappointing turnout for Municipal election years to the detriment of Dem NorCo races. Also, her Senate district only covers lower NorCo and parts of Lehigh Co. I question if she would be the shoo-in with strong coat-tails you portray in a County-wide race. Maybe, but a lot of variables besides the above.... the first election after cycle after a presidential election equals lower voter turnout; whoever wins the national elections this year, and subsequent pres/Congress relations, could further deflate voter interest; NorCo GOP success in winning County races despite a registration deficit, which I think could strengthen with new Chair Snover's boots-on-the-ground style; and finally, what will be the ultimate make-up of the GOP slate compared to the ultimate Dem slate?

Anonymous said...

anon @ 12:02
"Their reach goes way beyond conspiracy and easily destroys livelihoods when they are "fighting for the little guy." "

If you are running against her she has a right to respond to you. If your a constituent she has a right to respond to your concerns as you bring them to public attention.

Making it clear she knows where you live, and can use that beast to find the you? I'm not sure that's really intended to be a response to your public concerns, as much as to send a personal message of intimidation, out of public site.

You've seen the beast, it goes on all the time, R or D, does not matter, they use the same beast, making them indistinguishable from one another.

Unlike you, I have no dog in the hunt, like you, no thanks to all of it.

MOLON LABE said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

You people have got to be out of your ever loving minds. A Court Administrator that goes to Baseball Games and spreads her legs in a drunken stupor for all to view. Arrested for Drunk Driving. Yessireebob, these are qualifications for being a Court Administrator. How smart you people are to let Bernie bring you into his little trap.

Anonymous said...

Respond in the paper by writing an op-Ed, not by accessing voter registration info or having someone run an address lookup. Had I mailed her with a return address that would be different.

I was not and am not angry. The letter sent to me was an attempt at intimidation. Apparently I did a good enough job of making my point and struck a nerve.

Anonymous said...

I've no dog in the hunt either. I have too much to lose in terms of livlihood to swim in the pond with these people. I'm fine with voting and commenting anonymously. I have a family to feed and do not wish to become financially destitute because I criticized a public official openly.

It indeed is the sad state of affairs in which we live. Wait until our current AG gets convicted. The stories will surface and repulse people.

Anonymous said...

She is the Man!

Anonymous said...

Loved when she would dance on tables, right?

Bernie O'Hare said...

"I've no dog in the hunt either. I have too much to lose in terms of livlihood to swim in the pond with these people. I'm fine with voting and commenting anonymously. I have a family to feed and do not wish to become financially destitute because I criticized a public official openly. "

Translation: I am a coward who wants to be able to say ugly and hurtful things about a person without accepting any responsibility. She might find out where I live and send me a "strongly worded" reply.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to see her run and kick the sh** out of Brownie, who doesn't stand a chance of being elected Auditor General. Pleeeeease run for Executive.

Anonymous said...

Yet another politician looking to garner another public pension. We don't need the same old bull crap in the county, but some new fresh blood. We don't need more of the "good old boy/girl network". A guess her husband needs to get a few more months on the books to get his pension also , but then again nepotism doesn't count when you are the chief. ?

So run then, Gomer. Quit yer bitchin'.

Anonymous said...

Years ago I wrote a letter to the editor that was highly critical of Lisa. A few weeks later a strongly worded letter was sent to my home taking issue with my LOR (from her office and signed by her). This was a gross misuse of voter registration info (or wherever she/her staff sourced my info).

These people play for keeps and indeed must be adored. Their reach goes way beyond conspiracy and easily destroys livelihoods when they are "fighting for the little guy."

No thank you to all of it.


You mean her office used Google! How dare they! Maybe if more politicians responded to the jagoffs writing letters to the editor, they might learn something. It's always the least educated idiots showing up in those sections.

Anonymous said...

Unlike you, I have no dog in the hunt, like you, no thanks to all of it.

Yet you find joy writing letters critical of those you disagree with and then don't expect to get a rebuttal.

Anonymous said...

5:17....SHAME on you. Everyone makes mistakes. Lisa has done a splendid job of recovering from that dark period. Who the hell are you to judge another ??

Anonymous said...

Everyone makes mistakes

No, not everyone gets addicted to a drug to the point of endangering others. I'm not defending the idiot at 5:17 but it is a legitimate criticism of any public official. I'm still amazed Pat Browne gets to keep his seat. Addicts using any other drug would be bounced in a minute.

Anonymous said...

Alcohol is a legal drug if you are of age?! This to works on wrinkles and many many underlying issues too?!
RE:publican redd no party affilliation

Anonymous said...

Boom boom!

Anonymous said...

Lisa would be a great court administrator. I hope they hire from outside the present court staff. Check to see who has a DUI on the current staff and is never in his office! Dig,dig,dig Bernie! You will be able to uncover the truth!

Anonymous said...

When "they" try to burn each other, all the matters is the stovepipe through which "they" go up. I would not trust anyone in government that does not have some small thing on their rap sheet.

If these guys are clean, it just means their connection are higher up.