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Nazareth, Pa., United States

Friday, December 02, 2016

Cathy Allen Confirmed as Director of Administration

A divided Northampton County Council voted last night to confirm Cathy Allen as Director of Administration, with a starting salary of $91,790. The vote was 6-3. Hayden Philips, Matt Diet and Bob Werner voted No. The remaining Council members supported her.

Werner noted that Allen has been the recipient of an illegal raise and has improperly charged the County over $1,000 for meals and travel to which she was not entitled. Matt Dietz added that, in a meeting with Allen, he was appalled when she accused several Council members of opposing her because they are sexist. Phillips is concerned about Allen's previously reported tax liens and foreclosure.

Executive John Brown stuck by Allen. "I believe we all have shortcomings, we all have challenges, we all misstep at times, and that's just our human nature," he said in her defense. "Ms. Allen has been and continues to be on a daily basis instrumental in making sure that the objectives of this administration get implemented in a way that moves this county forward." He noted hat Allen attacked the scalding water problem at Gracedale when she was first brought on board and, most recently, administered a well-run presidential election. He claimed that, to many employees, she is a go-to resource.

Mat Benol, who had previously opposed Allen, changed course. "What sticks in my mind is when she came to a prior council with [union agent] Justus James," he said. "That spoke volumes to what her abilities are."

Peg Ferraro said she is "absolutely torn" but decided to give Allen the nod. "Our Executive is doing an excellent job and he has complete faith and trust in this person ... . If he feels the confidence, I guess I will feel the confidence also."

After she was confirmed, one person in the back attempted to applaud, but no one joined him.

Less controversial was the appointment of Tim Herrlinger as Director of Community and Economic Development, at a salary of $83,718. He was confirmed unanimously. "Tim, I think you've done a great job so far," said John Cusick.

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Made a promise to rectify and issue and then just made it worse x3. Not my description of a Director of Administration!

Anonymous said...

council members will pay for this bit of stupidity

Anonymous said...

Why not Kelly Gross?

Anonymous said...

Really disappointed in Kraft and Benol the other four are just rubber stamps but then again maybe these two are also. Again just what are her qualifications. Maybe the courts can attach her wages for her back taxes

Anonymous said...

Those who voted for Allen should be embarrassed as council members. Their suppose to be looking out for taxpayers. Their votes are obliviously politically motivated. Sad ! I will have to reconsider my vote next time their up for re-election. 90 thousand dollar salary for someone who has no education or experience in county government. What a joke this county has become.

Anonymous said...

God help us!

Anonymous said...

A very poor move by council. Maybe the taxpayers should fail to pay their county taxes in 2017. It seems that this is a positive step for all future administrators. From now on, all job descriptions for administrator, manager or supervisor should state: No college degrees needed; no supervisory experience needed; and fail to pay your taxes on a constant basis. County council will support your efforts in future employment if you have these treasured requirements. This just shows us how these nimble minded elected officials think! Remember their names and dump them at election time!

Anonymous said...

Who will she terminate today?

Anonymous said...

wow just wow

Anonymous said...

"Who will she terminate today?"

Fingers crossed!

Anonymous said...

Once again Peg Ferraro furrows her brow looks very serious, sighs and does exactly what a good partisan does. Her act is getting very, very old.

Bernie O'Hare said...

In fairness to Peg, she believes in deferring to the Executive on nominations. She only strayed once, and regretted it.

Anonymous said...

Term limits for council seats appears to be needing addressing...soon.

Bernie O'Hare said...

There are term limits.

Unknown said...

Term limits. It's called voting

Anonymous said...

voting out it will be all who voted for this

Anonymous said...

$91 K for a tax cheat who is totally unqualified for the position??? Norco taxpayers should boycott paying their taxes for this disgraceful appointment.

Anonymous said...

Can someone explain this. A tax cheat paid 91k to run a county budget. Peg would vote for the devil.

Anonymous said...

A total embarrassment. The council members who voted for tax cheat Allen should hang their heads in shame. Norco is a third world country where the dictator can hire whoever he wants, no matter how unqualified or unethical that person is.